A/N: I will admit, this idea built up slowly. While my Hawke shops, I sometimes wonder what the rest of the party is doing. Also, it always makes me giggle that no one comments on the changes you do to your character at the Mirror of Transformations. Short-haired, blue-eyed brunette one minute; long, white hair and red eyes a second late, no one says a thing! So this ficlet came from those random thoughts. Enjoy!

~Penguin Regina

Xenon the Antiquarian

"Welcome to the Black Emporium!" The ancient-sounding voice booms in our heads as we enter the twisted bazaar once again. The phlegmy voice makes my skin crawl for ever so many reasons. The flesh statue at the center of the room is another testament to how magic taints everything it touches.

I was curious about the proprietor once and Varric told me how Xenon had sought immortality, but had merely managed to eventually trap himself in his own mummified remains. Despite all the horrible things I saw as Danarius' bodyguard, Xenon's disfigured body and incorporeal voice, still make me shudder.

Hawke comes to the Emporium to buy and sell interesting items. To be sure, the things the Emporium carries are quite exclusive and rare. Today Hawke needs new armor and is perusing all the items in stock. I look around uncertainly. Varric and Merrill also seem ill at ease. Varric is stroking Bianca more than is either usual, or decent. Merrill is looking at the golem, and only, at the golem. It seems to me she is avoiding looking anywhere near Xenon. Maybe it cuts too close to home.

As if sensing our discomfort while Hawke shops, Xenon's dreadful voice starts recounting a tale about some of the items currently displayed. His voice makes me want to wash my brain out with soap.

Hawk chooses the pieces she wants, giving Urchin the money for her purchase. I dare to hope we are leaving and I can't help fidgeting and looking around. However, Hawke's attention falls on the giant mirror tucked away in one the room's alcoves. She stands there for a while, as if she's hypnotized.

I frown at the mirror. It looks familiar, but I can't put my finger on where I've seen one like it. Varric stands nearer to me and we share a long suffering look. I spy Merrill, trying to engage Urchin in conversation, her back decidedly towards the Antiquarian. She reaches out a tentative hand and touches Urchin's shoulder.

Xenon's voice booms at us. "Don't manhandle the urchin! He's not for sale. Find your own!"

Merrill jumps like cat that just had water poured over it. She retreats towards Varric. The dwarf takes her hand in his and pats it comfortingly.

I start to amble towards Hawke when she turns away from the mirror and back to us.

"Okay, I think that's everything. Let's go." She grabs her purchases and starts walking to the exit. I elongate my stride to catch up with her. I'm walking at her side as she turns towards me and bats her eyelashes at me. She looks different somehow. I frown.

"What? Oh, you don't like it." She sighs heavily.

"What did you do? Did you change your hair somehow?" I ask, confused.

Merrill and Varric are quickly catching up as we step out of the Emporium. The sewers are as fragrant and dim as ever, but I can tell that her hair IS longer.

Merrill walks up to Hawke and runs her fingers through Hawke's hair. "Oh! You used the Mirror of Transformation? That's an interesting enchantment. It's similar to the Eluvian. It's really quite a versatile item." She grins as she says this.

Hawke shrugs and possibly blushes. "All I use it for is minor cosmetic reasons. Xenon told me it can completely change a person, but I like myself just fine. But hey, even a sword wielding girl likes to get pretty sometimes."

"Nonsense! You are a beautiful woman without any enchantments Hawke! How could you mess around with wild magic like that for such a foolish reason!" I burst out, amazed and disappointed.

Hawke looks surprised and a bit deflated.

Varric barks a laugh. "Well, the elf seems to have the gist of it. You certainly don't need magical help in the looks department Hawke. I may not be morally opposed to magic like Broody here, but be careful. You've seen how handsome Xenon is. I'd hate for something like that to happen to you."

Hawke smiles tentatively at Varric. "I just really hate that in-between stage when I'm growing out my hair. I promise I'll stay away from it. Really, it's no big deal." She says running her fingers through her hair.

I huff around the rest of the afternoon, not giving anyone much conversation. I keep my eyes on Hawke. As the day progresses I have to admit to myself that it really is an attractive look for her and she seems unharmed by the magic.

I sigh and approach Hawke. "It's very nice. Don't do that again though." I murmur as she looks at me.

Her lips quirk into a half smile. "Okay Fenris. Thanks for the compliments."

I grunt and walk away.