A/N: Big thanks to my followers! And even bigger thanks to Hatsepsut. This might not have ever been posted without your words of encouragement! Thanks you sooo much! This chapter is kinda gruesome, too. Heads up

Act 1

Chapter 4

"The Hero"

As expected Hawke distanced herself more and more from him. Only coming for aid when she direly needed it. It pained him at first, she had called him her friend. Said that she needed him, and what had he done? Turned his back, offered her nothing in return. In truth, she was the closest thing to a friend he had ever known. No other slaves had ever shown concern for him or even attempted conversing with him. Although he imagined, most were probably put off by his appearance and he didn't exactly welcome contact. But from the very beginning something had been different about her. He was drawn to her, longed to see her, hear her speak his name. In the pit of his soul he felt as though he was meant to find her, and it was becoming increasingly more difficult to bury those thoughts.

The memories of that night would be forever etched into his mind. Her body writhing uncontrollably along the table. Her pleas of mercy as Danarius tortured him. Most of his nights had been spent sleepless, unable to banish the images from his mind.

Hawke however seemed unaffected by the entire ordeal. Never a foul word was whispered from her lips to their master, even her concealed eye rolls had decreased drastically. How long had it taken for him to give in? Perhaps this was what she was doing. But his intuition told him otherwise. Periodically, she would disappear for hours on end. He was constantly trying to come up with excuses for her absences. One time 'she was helping the cook move some boxes' another time 'she was cleaning the stables.' Where she actually was wondering off to was anybody's guess. But after Danarius would send for her, she'd come rushing in the room, clearly out of breath, apologizing profusely for her tardiness. So today when his master asked him where she was he had already been trying to come up with excuse, but it was difficult trying to think of one he hadn't used.

"I believe she is…in…the…courtyard." He came up with words as he said it, which he was sure Danarius would see through. "Practicing with her new bow," he quickly added.

"What good is having two bodyguards, if only one is ever here," the Magister's voice was dangerously low. "Fetch her." His arm flung towards the door in rage. "Now!"

Fenris moved quickly. He knew Hawke wasn't in the courtyard, but where she actually was a mystery. Franticly he searched each floor, knowing that if he didn't return soon they both would be punished, and he didn't know if he could deal with that again.

As he reached the first floor there was still no sign of her. In a mad dash he made for the kitchen, praying the he would find her. "Seen Hawke?" He called to the servant girl stirring the soup.

"Yes," she responded. "She was just here a few moments ago." As she continued preparing the evening meal she cut her eyes to him. "You should speak with her. Perhaps she'll listen to you better than me. I know how much she cares for you."

"Speak to her about what?" He raised an eyebrow. Perhaps this girl could provide some insight into her odd behavior.

"They call her their 'hero'. And it is sweet what she is trying to do, but sooner or later the head cook will notice. I can't keep coming up with excuses.'" Now Fenris only felt more confused. Why did she need to give excuses for Hawke?

"Speak clearly, girl," he ordered with a little more authority than he had any right to.

"My name is Orana, Fenris. Since you are neither my master nor over me in the household I would appreciate it if you used it."

A deep sneer spread across his face at her tone, but he needed answers. "Fine. Orana. Speak clearly."

"Thank you," she smiled over at him. "Hawke is trying to teach me to be more assertive. I hope I didn't offend you," her voice quickly became nervous. "I thought that since she spoke so highly of you perhaps I could give it a try. Did it work?"

"I used your name didn't I? Now tell me where she went."

"Out behind the slave quarters. Not a moment before you arrived." Immediately, he started towards the door. "Fenris, tell her to be careful. She is the only friend I have. I would hate to see harm come to her."

A million thoughts were racing through his mind. How had she become some kind of a 'hero?' Why hadn't she trusted him enough to let him in on her plans? It also seemed that perhaps she wasn't nearly as angry with him as he thought. That slave girl, Orana, said that she spoke highly of him. He quickened his pace as he remembered the point to this searching. Danarius wasn't a man you kept waiting.

As he approached the back of the wooden building he saw her, crouching down on her knees in front of that same elven boy that had touched her so deeply on her first day at the estate. She was smiling widely at him then pulled a loaf of bread out of her pack. The boy's face lit up with glee as he took the food and began eating it. Before she stood to her feet she placed a heartfelt kiss to his forehead and then grinned down as she watched him enjoy his extra food.

Fenris was fuming. Was she an idiot? Stealing straight from under their master's nose. No matter how noble her intentions, this was an act that could end in her death. Before he had time to approach a woman came running out of the building speaking franticly towards her. Hawke nodded and began rushing in his direction. As she flew past him he grabbed her shoulder and pulled her back slamming her against the wall.

The impact jarred her and anger was building on her face until she realized it was him. "Fenris," She smiled trying to look innocent. "Wh-What…what are you doing here?"

Oh, he wasn't going to let her get off that easy. Flashing him a beautiful grin was nearly enough to calm his anger, but not quite. "What are you doing here," he pushed into her shoulder.

"Ouch," she grimaced and moved her hand to push him off of her, but he just pushed down harder. She rolled her eyes but didn't look at him when she spoke. "Clearly, you already know what I am doing here. Orana told you didn't she? "

"Yes, but I want to hear it from you," he let go of her and crossed his arms at his chest.

"They're starving Fenris," her eyes pleaded for understanding. "One loaf of bread won't be missed."

"I'm beginning to think you like being punished, Hawke. Are you crazy? If Danarius finds out…"

She stepped closer to him, putting one hand to his chest and a finger to his lips. "He won't find out. They won't tell anyone." She removed her finger and stared up at him from under her eyelashes, captivating him instantly. "Don't be mad. I know I should have told you, I just didn't want you to get in trouble." He had to give it to her, she knew exactly how to make him putty in her hands. With one look it was like he was the only one who had the power to make her happy again.

"I'm not mad," he sighed and motioned for her to follow him back to the main house. "But you need to be more careful. I'm running out of excuses to tell Danarius. He is starting to suspect I'm sure."

She stopped as she walked past him through the door and placed a hand to his elbow. "Thank you." Her other hand reached for his neck and pulled her face closer to his. Fenris felt his body tense. A suppressed giggle reached out of her throat before she placed a soft kiss to his cheek and then ran to meet their master.

He couldn't stop his lip from curling up as he chased after her. If he was being honest with himself he rather missed her affection. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad every now and then. Maybe if they were careful things could be hidden from Danarius.

His positive thoughts came to a screeching halt as he walked into the Magister's study. A strong back hand went flying across her face. The force of the impact caused her to stumble back a little, but she quickly regained her footing. Fenris noticed a sneer building on her face as she clinched her fists, but in an instant she let them go.

"I am sorry, Master. I am still adjusting to life as a slave and…"

She was quickly cut off by another hand across her opposite cheek. "I am not interested in your excuses. You have been here long enough. You're making me start to wonder if I should just let Lucian have you," he spat at her.

Her body tensed at his nephew's name. Everyone in the room knew what he was implying by the statement. "I understand," her voice shook. "It will not happen again."

Danarius grabbed his staff and made his way out of the room. The two of them followed without pause. "I believe there is something quite interesting that you will like to see, Hawke," he called over his shoulder. She gave Fenris a concerned glance. From experience he knew anything 'interesting' by Danarius's standards was usually foul and evil. While he eyed the red marks staining her cheeks he saw the wheels in her head turning trying to figure it out. An overwhelming desire to reach out and soothe her burning skin swelled through him.

In an unprecedented act he placed a hand to the small of her back as they descended the stairs, letting his fingers gently caress it before pulling back, afraid of being seen. Noticing his gesture she smiled sweetly back to him. It felt nice to give her comfort even in such a small way as this. Before their torture she had sought it from him often, and he honestly missed it. Over time his initial feelings of curiosity had changed to friendship. And now he missed her. It didn't help that his ever increasing attraction and that something else building just below the surface that he wasn't quite willing to admit to were becoming stronger. All he knew was when she smiled at him like that he felt like he could take on the entire Tevinter army. Finding renewed strength and hope in her despite his incessant need to push her away had been the greatest gift the Maker had given him. Even if he was reluctant to tell her, she was the reason he got up every morning and the only reason he ever smiled. Feeling heat rise to his cheeks, he smirked shyly and nervously brushed his hair out of his face as he turned away from her.

As they rounded the steps to the first floor she bumped into him, reactively he wrapped an arm around her waist to steady her. When she smiled brightly up at him and pushed into his body he realized she'd done it on purpose. Slowly he guided his fingers across her back giving her a crooked grin to tell her that he knew exactly what she was doing. Her cheeks somehow reddened more and she turned away from him.

Fenris couldn't believe it. He was flirting with her. And perhaps even more unbelievable was that she was flirting back. And quite stupidly right behind Danarius's back. Perhaps his words of warning hadn't affected her. Well, he wasn't one to talk. With her staring at him like that he wasn't even able to heed his own words.

As they reached the bottom of the stairs their Master turned swiftly back to them. Both tried rather unsuccessfully to hide the smiles lingering on their faces. "Is something amusing?" he hissed, stepping towards them. Fenris quickly straightened his posture wiping his face of emotion. Hawke however was having a harder time and actually laughed in her throat as she turned away from him. "I'm sure you will find what I have to show you quite amusing, my little Hawke." He gripped her arm and began dragging her out the side doors to the main courtyard at the back of the house.

Fenris followed and saw the look of panic wash over her face as she took in the sight before her. Danarius had five slaves lined up in a row, all with their backs exposed to the whip wielding guard that stood behind them.

"It seems we have some unhappy slaves in our midst," he spoke loudly to the crowd. All of the occupants of the house had now been ushered out to the courtyard by the guards to watch the spectacle. "So much in fact they have found a hero to save them from my cruel ways."

Hawke flinched and inched herself closer to Fenris looking up to him with guilty but pained eyes. He wanted to tell her it would be alright, but knew that was a lie. Instead he moved to stand in front of her, close enough to shield her from the sight and provide the only comfort he could give. He heard her breath choke behind him as she pressed her forehead to his back and then quickly withdrew.

"Tell me who has been stealing from me and I will let you go," Danarius offered to the five slaves.

They all looked to each other for a lead before one finally spoke up. "Master, we don't know who's been stealing from you," he stuttered.

"Lies!" Danarius yelled.

"Honest," another chimed in. "We don't know what you are talking about, Master."

The magister made a disgusted look and then walked towards the two of them. He peered at her over Fenris's shoulder and spoke in a low menacing voice. "Then I guess I will have to beat every slave until one confesses." Hawke shifted behind him and gripped Fenris's elbow as Danarius walked away. "Beginning with you five," he yelled.

"Wait," Hawke whispered. He shut his eyes and tightened his jaw in anticipation for what he knew she was about to do. "Wait!" she yelled louder and stumbled forward. She held her hands up in surrender at Danarius. "It was me. I stole from you."

"I know," he responded rather arrogantly. "Yet no one is willing to give you up. What an effect you have had on my slaves," he stalked towards her. Hawke breath was uneven, nervous as she looked into his eyes. Every fiber in Fenris's being wanted to rip his heart out of his chest. Hawke would now be at the mercy of this filth and he was as always completely powerless to stop it.

"Because of you these five will be beaten along with you, and anyone else who dares to defend you against their Master again," he hissed through his teeth inches from her face. As he moved to walk away Hawke made a fatal mistake.

Grabbing his arm she pulled him back.

Without a word Danarius hit her so hard across the jaw, Fenris was surprised it hadn't been dislocated. The force of the hit flew her back across the ground. After a few moments of being dazed she slowly moved to her knees spitting out blood into the dirt.

"You will never touch me without permission," he yelled then kicked her square in the face sending her flying onto her back with her knees bent under her. Fenris jerked and took one step towards her before Danarius turned to him. He froze in place and turned his eyes away from his Master's like a cowering dog, cursing himself for being so weak.

Hawke gargled something from the ground, diverting Danarius's attention back to her. "Did you say something, slave?"

Though wincing and her face covered in blood Hawke gradually sat up and made her way to her feet. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and looked him in the eyes. "I said, let me take their punishment."

Shut up Hawke! Fenris thought.

"What an excellent idea," he gave a wicked smile. "I am not an unreasonable master," he turned to the rest of the crowd. "She is after all the culprit." Hawke the rose from the ground and followed Danarius to the center of the courtyard.

The guards released the five slaves and positioned Hawke to take their place. Her eyes never left Fenris's as they stripped her of her armored top and bound her hands. A guard placed the rope that held her hands in place on a hook above her head. Fenris could see the terror building in her eyes, though she tried hard to hide it. In an attempt to give her strength he showed no emotion to what was about to happen, though his insides were screaming for him to save her.

Danarius noticed the exchange going between them and looked from Hawke to Fenris several times. "Ah, my little wolf. Come," he motioned for him to stand next to him. "I would hate for you to miss this." Fenris closed his eyes and gritted his teeth together, but did not disobey his master's order. Hawke eyed him the entire time but finally turned her head into her arm as he approached her side.

"How many lashings, Sir?" A guard asked.

"Hmm…" Danarius rubbed his chin. "Well she has agreed to take on the punishment of six slaves. At fifty a piece that puts her at roughly around 300. Let's just see how long she can last," he smiled wickedly.

Hawke's body straightened on the pole she was attached to. Her forehead pressed into it as her breathing slowed. Her eyes closed tightly before she opened them up and raised her head, ready to receive her punishment.

Danarius nodded to the guard, who without hesitation flung the whip at her back. She jerked slightly and took a sharp inhale but did not scream. But with each lash her body jerked more forcefully, her breaths became more labored. A cry however never left her mouth. A few muffled groans of frustration and pain could be heard, but she would not scream.

By the time she had twenty lashes her back was covered in whelts and gashes; blood beginning to trickle down to her waistband. Even while she was in this state, Fenris couldn't help but admire her. She had a strength and a will he had never encountered in a human, let alone a woman. A part of him wanted to encourage her not to give in. Seeing the look on Danarius's face as she refused to break was satisfying. But another part of him could not stand to see the sight any longer. Her body being beaten and mutilated. If she would only let go this could all be over soon, and she wouldn't have to endure any more pain.

With the 25th lash Hawke angled her head slightly back and hissed through her teeth. All the muscles in her arms flexed as she gripped her binds trying to secure her proud posture. Fenris knew she was beginning to lose the battle. But in a last act of defiance she turned her face towards them and peeked at Fenris from behind her arm. Her eyes were watered and bloodshot from the pain her body fought to ignore. Why did she always have to make him feel so helpless? Every part of him wanted to end this, to rip Danarius's heart from his chest, to gather her in his arms and run as far away from here as he possibly could. But he knew that was impossible. He would barely make it out the gate with her in this weakened state before both of them would be taken down by a guard. As if sensing his confliction she gave him a soft smile that said she understood before looking to Danarius turning the softness into a cocky grin. The Magister stared her down before flicking his wrist at the guard. Another one appeared beside the whipping guard and handed him "the cat." Fenris felt his breath catch in his throat at the sight of the torture device. He had become quite acquainted with it over his years here. The ends of the long whip were split into nine different parts each having a small claw at the end that was intended to catch the flesh and rip it from the body when pulled away. He felt his face redden with anger and tried not to look at Hawke, but knew she saw his change in demeanor and for a brief instance Fenris saw panic spread over her face. Quickly she regained her composure and pressed her forehead against the pole.

The guard gave a menacingly laugh as he rolled his wrist to deliver the first blow. Hawke's back arched widely and a small cry left her lips as the claws connected with her flesh leaving open gashes on her shoulder. The blood had barely started running down her shoulder before the second lash was delivered. The scream from her mouth echoed through the otherwise quiet courtyard. Many of the slaves including Fenris had to turn away. Seeing the strong indomitable Hawke wail and cry as the blood began pouring from her body was torture in itself.

Being too proud she tried to continue to fight through the pain, bracing herself against the pole and keeping her legs planted firmly to the ground. But with each lash her body relied more and more on the suspension of her arms to hold itself up. She let frustrated tears flow from her eyes as her legs slowly began to give. The guard noticed her weakening and moved the whip to his less tired arm throwing one more aggressive swing, ripping it back forcefully. Hawke inhaled sharply then her eyes rolled back in her head before she hung lifeless on the pole.

Danarius raised his hand for the guard to stop. Fenris felt relief that this may finally be over, but he was also panicking. There was so much blood and she wasn't moving.

If his master had killed her, Fenris decided that he could not let him get away with it, he would rip his heart from his chest that instant and not give a second thought to the consequences.

"Pull her down," Danarius ordered.

Two guardsmen lifted Hawke's body up and off the hook that now carried her weight and placed her rather roughly on the ground.

"Does she live?" he asked not sounding at all concerned.

"She does," a guard responded. "But her pulse is weak."

Danarius crossed his arms at his chest and pursed his lips.

Do something, Fenris thought but didn't speak. Openly showing that he cared for Hawke would only give his master reason to let her die. In fact he was sure he would do it just to prove that he held the power over his happiness. Instead he stood very still and watched her body for any sign of life.

After a short time with no response, Danarius pushed his hand out towards her, shooting a red glow over her body. After it had dissipated Hawke sucked in a lung full of air and arched her back, pushing her shoulders to the ground. Finding that the pressure being applied to the raw flesh there was painful she whimpered and tried to sit up; just to have a guard push her back down. She tried to stifle her cries as her body fought through the pain, but steady tears streamed down the sides of her face.

"Take a look at your Hero!" Danarius yelled to the crowd. "Her life like all of your hangs in my hands." The magister began summoning a ball of purple energy. He aimed it at Hawke and just before he released the spell a small voice from the crowd cried out.

"Leave Hawke alone!"

Fenris turned and saw the small elven boy, Credos, stepping out from the crowd. A woman was trying to shush him and pull him back, but he was not listening.

"Leave her alone!" he cried again.

Danarius paced to Hawke, who rolled over on her side to look at the boy. Her body was still weak, and with her back more exposed Fenris could see the extent of the damage. Large gashes covered her skin, and were now filled with dirt. Blood still oozed from many of the marks, but most had already begun to clot. As Danarius stepped in front of her, Hawke scowled at him. "Such loyalty you possess. It's a shame you are not a mage. What a mighty Magister you would have made," he smiled wickedly before turning to the boy. "You, come here."

He slowly crept out of the crowd, more than a little scared, but despite his young age, acting quite honorably. Hawke grinded her teeth, but pushed herself up on to her knees, watching Danarius closely, trying to anticipate what he had planned for the child.

"The fate of this boy rests in your hands, Hawke," Danarius whispered to her as he gripped the back of the boys head, dragging him in front of her.

Her eyes grew wide at the realization of what the Magister was planning. Shifting her gaze to Fenris's briefly she cowered in front of Danarius, "What would you have me do, Master?"

"Two of my slaves have lied to protect you. Kill them for their treachery," he waved his fingers at the guards, who grabbed the men and pulled them to the center of the courtyard. The magister gripped the boy more fiercely and flashed Hawke a wicked glance. She struggled to her feet wincing and hissing through her teeth with each move.

"I understand, Master," she looked down not meeting his eyes. Fenris could see the torment in her face. Save a boy by killing two innocent slaves who were only trying to protect her, or hold her ground and let the boy die. No doubt Danarius would kill the two slaves regardless. At least this way she would not have the blood of the boy on her hands as well. This only reminded him that it served no purpose to care for another when you were a slave. Danarius always saw it as a weakness and would exploit it by any means necessary. But he couldn't help but think, Would I save the boy? What if Hawke's life was on the line?

Hawke turned her back to the crowd, revealing the mangled flesh covered with blood and dirt. Danarius shot a quick bolt from his fingers, closing most of her wounds. She jerked at the unexpected sensation, then approached the guards. One of them warily handed her a dagger. With her face and body still covered with her own blood, the top of her body only concealed by her breast binding she moved in front of the slaves. Fenris watched her with pity. He knew this act would surely break her. She would never be able to forgive herself. Her feet paced in front of the slaves as she tried to gain the courage to do the deed. Both men were crying, pleading with her for mercy. Hawke twirled the blade in her hand as she turned to face Fenris. Through the hard demeanor she was trying to convey, Fenris was still able to see the pain behind her eyes. She held is gaze for a moment then turned to face the slaves. "I am sorry," she whispered.

Before the slaves could offer any last words, Hawke quickly slit one's throat then spun around piercing the other through the chest. She pulled the blade out and flicked it into the ground, looking at Danarius expectantly. He pushed the boy out of the way, and Credos cowered away from both of them scooting back towards the crowd.

"Well done, my little Hawke," he began clapping slowly. "Meet me in my study when you have cleaned yourself up."

With that the crowd began to silently disperse going back to their duties, eyeing Hawke with looks of betrayal and anger. Fenris knew what they were thinking. She was one of them, she helped them, and now she'd turned on them. But he knew the guilt, the pain she would face for years to come. Even though his master was retreating back into his mansion, Fenris couldn't help but stare at her. Her breaths were heavy, he could see her chest rise and fall dramatically while she clinched her fists looking down towards the ground. Feeling his gaze on her she slowly lifted her head. Their eyes met for a moment before she let her hands go lax and her body jerked trying to hold back the emotion building behind her eyes. Unable to restrain his desire to comfort her, he walked briskly towards her. As he approached she reached for him, but pulled back when she heard Danarius speak. "Fenris, I believe Hawke can find her way around the mansion without your help. Come, my little wolf."

He dared to stare at her a little longer before responding, "Of course, Master." He saw her jaw clinch as she turned away walking briskly in the direction of the slave's bath house.

Fenris followed Danarius impatiently, looking back to Hawke's back periodically as they walked inside. All the other slaves began shying away from her, nearly cowering as she passed. She does not deserve this life. The guilt of this action will consume her.