Chapter Two

The next afternoon found Fenris at her door at the appointed time. When he came in, he quickly went to Orana and asked her for something. The sweet maid nodded and bobbed before heading to the kitchen.

"Let's go to the dining room." He said while escorting her there. Not that Fenris was generally flippant like Isabela and Varric, but he seemed more formal than usual. 'Etiquette-mode Fenris' Hawke thought to herself with a small smile.

"Olesians delight in complicating everything, and eating is no exception." Fenris explained as he led her to the table which was elaborately set for two. Orana, apparently also well versed in Orlesian customs (Oh, we prepared Orlesian dinners sometimes, milady.) had set it up on Fenris' command.

Hawke, despite her hatred of the Tevinter magister that had tormented both elves, had to admire how knowledgeable both were on the particulars of fine company. Not for the first time, Hawke felt like an uncouth peasant next to the two graceful elves.

Fenris pulled her seat out for her. 'Definitely not Hanged Man manners here.' She thought with some trepidation as she took her place. He then sat in the seat opposite to her. His place setting mirrored her own.

"I'll go over each course. If we go over a very formal affair, you should then be prepared for any variation thereof" He explained. Hawke was amazed by the change in attitude in the taciturn elf. He was ever so efficient and elegant. It was a side of him she hadn't experienced before. Battle didn't quite lend itself to courtly manners.

Fenris explained the order in which the banquette would likely be served and what she should do at each course. With each simulated course, he would easily demonstrate what was expected. Hawke did her best to mimic Fenris' actions and commit them to memory. She was grateful for her father's memory exercises. They were really taught for Bethany's sake, but Malcolm had put all three of his children through the training. She hoped this crash course would get her through the dinner.

They mimicked a full dinner twice. The constant mention of food, plus the time that had passed made Hawke aware that breakfast had been hours ago. She decided to break for lunch.

"Orana will most likely have cooked some real food by now. Care to join me for lunch Fenris?" Hawke asked, feeling a little shy. This was the longest they had been together outside of a job since their night together. It was nice to simply be with him. She missed him so much sometimes.

Fenris looked a bit apprehensive at first, but he squared his shoulders and nodded.

'Like he's going into battle! Maker!' Hawke thought with amusement. 'Maybe there's still something there…oh, don't go there. Don't torture yourself over this again'

He gave her a sheepish smile that melted her heart. Luckily for her self control, Orana entered the room to ask if they cared to eat then. The awkward moment passed and they ate, chatting inconsequentially about card games at Varric's and missions they had undertaken.

They helped Orana take all the plates and cutlery to the kitchen despite her protestations (Milady! I can manage!) and thanked her for lunch.

Hawke didn't really want Fenris' visit to end so she opened her mouth and heard the following come out "Care to join me in the study? We could have a glass of wine."

'Do I even have wine? Bodhan, I will give you such a bonus if there's good wine in there.' She gestured towards the bi-level room. Fenris seemed to consider it for a moment before nodding and heading there.

She found a bottle of Antivan brandy (close enough) and Hawke served Fenris. He took it and saluted. Then they sat at her table in momentary silence.

"You should come with me" Hawke said to her astonishment. Honestly, it felt like some outside force was directing her words today. "Every bachelor son is going to get tossed my way, if I'm not mistaken. Lots of families would put up with having a low-born Fereldan wife in the family if she happens to be the Champion of Kirkwall. It would be a lot harder for them to do so if I arrive accompanied."

Fenris eyebrows shot upwards in surprise. He took a drink of his brandy before saying anything.

Deliberately, he set his glass down. "Perhaps you should seek someone more appropriate." He said quietly. His eyes were hidden by his hair, but he sounded very serious all of a sudden.

"Pray tell, who would be more appropriate?" she countered.

"Sebastian, for one. He's a prince, he knows most of these people and he is a gentleman." Fenris answered with no trace of humor.

Hawke put her own glass down before answering. "Sebastian is every mother's dream for her daughter, true. But there are several problems with your candidate. First, and foremost, he isn't here. Second, he knows these people, and they know him as either the chantry brother or the womanizer prince, not as a real partner for any woman." As she was expounding her point, she realized she really wanted Fenris there with her. She knew this would mean a hard campaign to convince him. But, Void take it, she was the Champion of Kirkwall! She could do this!

"Who else are you gonna throw out there? Varric?" She couldn't help but grin at the thought. "I'm sure there are still some noble Tetheras somewhere in Orzammar, but he ain't one of them. He'd be a fun date though. I can just imagine." Even Fenris had to concede a half smile at the thought of Varric brazenly hobnobbing with Kirkwall's nobility.

Hawke wasn't done yet. She knew she had to eliminate all other possibilities before he'd accept. "Which leaves us with; Anders, who is an apostate, possessed and hiding from me at the moment." Fenris shook his head with a low growl.

Hawke powered on. "Isabela is the most inappropriate person I know. Aveline would rather poke her eyes out with her sword and Merrill is, well, Merrill. Did I forget anyone?" She felt vindicated in her cause to get him to come.

Fenris shifted in his chair a bit as she watched as his stony expression shifted to one of resignation and then determination. "Alright. I will accompany you to the dinner." He peeked out from under his hair at her with a bit of a smile. "If you are certain, that is what you want."

Her heart ached from just that one look. "Of course it's what I want! Wonderful!" suddenly she felt flustered and girlish, neither a familiar feeling for her. "The dress code is formal, of course. And the event is four nights from now." She felt like she'd battled an army to get to this point.

Fenris nodded and sipped his brandy. Once they were done, he stood and bid her good night.

Once Bodahn had closed the door after him, Hawke went to her room and collapsed. She still couldn't believe it. She had a date with Fenris!