A/N: Thank you for all the reviews and sticking with my story. You guys are the best!

Act 1

Chapter 5

"Her Duty"

Fenris stood in Danarius's study, patiently waiting for Hawke's return. He tried to anticipate her reaction to the events of this day. Over the time he'd known her, it was clear to Fenris that her heart would be breaking. Although she was strong, it was unclear how she would handle the guilt of what she was forced to do. Fenris had learned to desensitize himself to such actions. He had been forced to kill countless innocents at the order of Danarius. Long ago he buried any inner conflict he harbored, knowing that if he allowed himself to dwell too long on his actions they would consume him. Hawke however would be a different matter.

The sound of footsteps approaching the door caused him to draw his attention there. Hawke slowly approached the room and waited outside the threshold for permission to enter.

"Come, girl," Danarius motioned with his hand as he stood from his desk. Hawke entered the room limping slightly. Her face was still bruised and beginning to swell where she had been slapped and kicked. One of her arms hung lifeless at her side. Fenris couldn't even begin to imagine the pain she must have felt as she put on her armor, and noticed that her shoulder guard was not in place. Why Danarius insisted that they wear such ridiculous armor was beyond him. Perhaps it made them look more menacing and threatening to his foes. His own armor was uniquely handcrafted for him. Hawke's had just recently been commissioned for her. The plated boots she wore came to a sharp tip at her toe, leather buckles ran up her calf to hold the boots in place. Tight black pants hugged her legs. The material was made to be strong, but flexible so she could move swiftly if need be. The black jerkin she wore on top had a similar purpose, but had a light metal breastplate that rested over it protecting her against incoming attacks. One black gauntlet, which could be used for a weapon if need be, armored her left hand. Her right was fitted with a small black fingerless glove that made it easier for her to shoot her bow. The shoulder guard that she was not wearing usually was placed on her left side and matched her gauntlet. He had to admit that she did look intimidating and their armors complimented each other well, making them look even more threatening.

"Tell me," Danarius spoke while he circled Hawke. "How do you feel about what has just transpired?"

"How do I feel, master?" Hawke asked, not fully grasping what the Magister was referring to. The pain? The beating? The death of the two slaves?

"Yes, feel. I need to know that you do not harbor any ill feelings towards me if I am to keep you," he stopped in front of her, bringing his hand to her face and lifting her chin to look at him.

"Of course, Master," she spoke without emotion but her words slightly slurred through her swollen mouth. "My punishment was warranted. I was foolish to let my feelings cloud my judgment."

"I see," Danarius released her face and turned his back to her.

"You have been so generous with me," she continued. "I lost sight of that. I will not make the same mistake again."

"And what of the slaves you executed?" He turned on his heel to look at her. "Do you resent me for that action?"

"Their blood is on my hands, not yours, Master. I hold full responsibility for their fate," she bowed slightly at him.

Fenris was taken aback by her demeanor. The proud, strong woman he respected was now cowering in front of the Magister. Perhaps she has finally realized there is no hope, he thought and felt a little of his own dwindle.

"Hmm…maybe you are not a lost cause after all," Danarius grinned as he walked behind her and began examining the gashes that lingered on her shoulders. As he pulled her jerkin up to inspect further, Hawke hissed through her teeth and jerked at his touch. "You have proven yourself today. Would you like me to heal your remaining wounds?" he asked peering at her over her shoulder.

Fenris watched her face intently. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Yes, Master." As Danarius splayed is hand across her back Hawke shot her eyes open and for only an instant Fenris saw the disgust lingering on her face as the healing magic coursed through her. When finished, the Magister pulled her jerkin back down and moved away from her. Hawke rolled her shoulder and swung her arms back and forth testing for any pain, then brought a hand to her face feeling the swelling still lingering in her jaw. Danarius moved in front of her and placed a hand to her cheek healing that as well. "Thank you, Master," she forced a smile to him and nodded her head before walking to take her place in the study next to Fenris.

Her eyes briefly met his as she turned to stand next to him, but that was the only contact she gave. Fenris couldn't help but notice that she was standing a little further away from him than usual. It was probably just a coincidence but when he dared to look at her through the corner of his eye, he noticed that her normal casual and relaxed stance was now harder and more rigid. He quietly stepped closer to her wanting desperately to somehow show her that he understood what she was going through. Danarius was deep in concentration and scribbling away in one of his tomes, completely distracted. Fenris saw this as an opportunity to try and comfort Hawke. He moved his hands from resting behind his back to his sides along hers. He slowly and gently grabbed her fingers and squeezed. As Hawke finally turned to acknowledge him, her eyes began to glass over with moisture from tears that threatened to come, but held her composure and squeezed back. Fenris let go of her hand and moved back to his original spot, disappointed that right now that was the only comfort he could give.

He heard her inhale deeply but when he looked again at her, the hard stance she had previously taken was now reflecting her normal self.

They stood in silence by side for some time, both analyzing the bookshelf across from them. The only sound in the room was their controlled breathing along with Danarius's quill against his paper. What he had that was so important to write for hours on end was beyond Fenris. The arrogant son of a bitch was no doubt writing some auto-biography about his magical conquest or his great feat of searing lyrium into another man's flesh. Fenris felt a snarl building on his face and was glad when a slave entered the room to announce that dinner was being served.

Danarius didn't acknowledge the girl but wrote a few more lines down before rising from his desk and walking towards the door. He and Hawke followed behind him before he turned to address them. "I will be visiting my quarters before dinner. Your escort is not needed for the time being. I will meet you at the bottom of the stairs." Fenris and Hawke nodded and waited for Danarius to retreat to his room. Once his door was closed Hawke moved to walk, stepping in behind her Fenris placed his hand at the small of her back as he led her through the corridors of the mansion. Her head turned to smile weakly back at him. They were rarely given the opportunity to feel like anything other than slaves and although the walk was short he knew she would appreciate the gesture. As they rounded the stairs Fenris kept his hand in place but let it wander to her hip squeezing it gently as they walked down. Just as they were about to take the last flight she turned into him, stopping his movements by placing her hand on his shoulder. Fenris turned to see her downcast eyes shielded from him by a swoop of hair. He let his hand run across her waist before it rested on the opposite side.

"Fenris," she whispered and squeezed his shoulder. Her voice sounded like she was on the verge of tears.

Moving his free hand to brush the locks of hair out her face he answered, "Yes."

"I'm glad I at least have you," she forced a smile. "I can't imagine this life without you."

"You will always have me," he replied, shocked at the truth and sincerity in his voice. Trying to fight his desire to open up to her was useless. Although he had never expressed tenderness to anyone, something about Hawke made him actually want the walls to come down. She was kind, generous, beautiful, talented, inspiring, courageous…to only name of few of her assets. Being without her companionship over the last week had been agonizing, seeing her but not able to reach out. Despite this horrible outcome, today's events had shown him something. He wanted to be there for her, no matter the cost. It was worth it, if only to feel normal for a little while. He leaned his face in closer to hers, closing his hand around her cheek and whispered with conviction, "Always."

Hawke moved her hand to his neck and began playing with the hair just at the base of it, before smiling up at him. Her body reached up on its tiptoes as she began closing the distance between their lips. Fenris felt his body tense and his stomach grow nervous but did not stop her advance. Kissing her would be by far the greatest memory he would have.

But before he could commit it to memory footsteps resounded on the stairs above them. Both of them pushed off each other and jetted down the remaining steps, rushing to land at the bottom before their master arrived.

Standing on opposite sides, facing each other, they waited for his arrival. Hawke smiled across to him. Fenris felt suddenly embarrassed under her gaze and curled his lip up before lowering his head to hide the fluster she was causing.

Danarius approached without a word and walked past them. The two of them followed him into the grand dining room taking their places behind his chair. Fenris was glad that Hadriana was not here tonight, but Hawke was not so lucky. Lucian was visiting again and eyed her every step as she entered the room. Fenris didn't even try to hide his scowl as he passed. Hawke had been through enough today, he couldn't bear to see her have to endure anymore at the hands of this filth.

"So," Lucian asked about midway through dinner. "Has Hawke been adjusting well?" Fenris always hated how they talked about them as if they weren't in the room and sighed under his breath.

"Actually, she is fitting in quite nicely. Just a few minor mishaps, but after today I think she will be much more agreeable. Don't you think so, Hawke?" he turned to look back at her.

"Yes, Master," Hawke answered and bowed her head to him.

"Everyone here seems to be really taken with her," he continued. "Isn't that right Fenris?" For a second Fenris thought he may have witnessed something between them but realized it was just an ordinary question and released the tension in his limbs.

"She is quite special, Master," he answered as he cut his eyes to Hawke, who had completely forgotten herself and was actually smiling over at him.

"They seem to have taken to each other nicely," Lucian noticed. The sound of his voice caused Hawke to realize where she was and she bit her lip back darting her head forward again.

"Indeed," Danarius added. "They've haven't truly had an opportunity to work together but I think they complement each other well." Lucian dropped the topic but eyed both of them as he continued to eat.

When they finished the meal Lucian turned to Danarius, "Uncle I have need of Hawke this evening." Both Fenris and Hawke shuffled their feet and darted their eyes to each other.

"What for?" Danarius asked warily. "She is not a toy, Lucian. I will not have you spoiling my new pet."

"I won't spoil her," he eyed her form, licking his lips.

Danarius looked at his nephew then back to them. "Privacy, please," he waved for them to leave.

Hawke and Fenris walked to the edge of the room with their backs to the table. "Fenris," she spoke timidly. "What's going on?"

"Danarius will not let him touch you. He is quite particular with who he gives his 'pets' to," Fenris finished the sentence with a snarl.

"Oh, that makes me feel much better," she whispered. "What kind of Maker forbidden land is Tevinter! Selling your own body is one thing, but selling another's?"

"Would you expect anything else from the mighty Magisters?" he responded with disgust.

"No," she sighed.

"He will ask that he be allowed to have your services tonight," he continued answering her original question.

"What kind of services?" she stuttered.

"Fenris!" Danarius called. "You may return."

"If he tries to touch you, run," he spoke quickly. "I mean it Hawke. Don't try to fight him. Just run. Danarius will not punish you for that. He wants you 'unspoiled.'"

He and Hawke shared a concerned glance before he walked back towards the table. As he approached his usual position behind his master, Danarius whispered to Lucian with a warning under tone. "Once the massage is through you are to send her directly back to her room. Is that clear?"

"I understand Uncle," Lucian smiled and made his way towards Hawke, who was now staring back at him warily. He grabbed her arm and forcefully jerked her out of the room. The only solace Fenris found was that Hawke did not have lyrium burned into her skin. He had given countless massages to Hadriana and then endured the excruciating 'reward' for his efforts as she sent pulses of energy over his body.

"I've lost my appetite," Claudia choked out and threw her napkin on the table before walking briskly out of the room.

Danarius acted unphased by her departure and chopped down a few more bites of food before rising from his chair, not uttering a word as he walked back to his study.

As Lucian approached Hawke the evil sneer spreading across his face made her skin crawl. This was not going to be good. Anything Lucian needed her services for was sure to be disgusting. With a fierce grip to her arm he dragged her into his quarters and pushed her onto one of the arm chairs. Hawke didn't dare say a word. This situation was bad enough, if she antagonized him it would surely only get worse.

"You are to do exactly as I say, without question. Is that understood?" Lucian asked from across the room. Hawke nodded her understanding and stood to her feet awaiting his order, but preparing herself to heed Fenris's words if need be.

Lucian ordered Hawke to run his bath, which she did without question and rejoined him in his main chambers awaiting his next order. With a wicked smile he walked towards her and turned around spreading his arms out wide, signally to her that he desired her to de-robe him. After giving a fierce eye roll she set to the ropes and buckles holding his clothes up. A few times she had to swallow the bile coming up her throat at the sheer disgusting sight of his body. Luckily, Lucian didn't notice her distaste for him and stood proudly completely nude in front of her.

Hawke followed behind him as he made his way to his bath and sunk down in the heated water. A nervous tingle was building in her stomach at the anticipation of his next request.

"Bathe me, Hawke," his wicked voice commanded. Swallowing her pride she knelt beside his tub and grabbed a wash cloth. Once she had a sufficient lather she began working on his body. She had to try extra hard to detach herself from the chore. His pale skin was loose and blotchy with patches of dark wiry hair covering his back and stomach. Each time her hand accidently brushed against it, she had to force back a gag. This man was not only vile, but incredibly disgusting. Purposefully, she refrained from cleaning his more intimate areas not sure if she would be able to refrain from throwing up on him. To her luck, he didn't push the issue and motioned for her to fetch his robe.

When he stood from the tub, Hawke was grateful his back was to her, because the sight of his wet nude body made her stick her tongue out in disgust.

After he left the tub, she waited patiently in his room for another order from him, hoping that perhaps this would be the extent of his need of her. But when he splayed his naked body across his bed while lying on his stomach she knew that she wouldn't be so lucky. He then ordered her to massage his aching back.

Now the knots were starting to build, there was really no way she could perform the task without sitting on the bed next to him. Surely this had been his plan all along. Once she sat down she knew it would only make it that much easier for him to take her if he wished.

But after today's events another beating was not something she thought she would be able to stand, so she hesitantly did as told and kneeled next to him while she began kneading his loose flesh.

Hawke gagged at the same moment Lucian moaned in delight, effectively hiding her disgust for him. Again she found herself grateful that he was unable to see the look on her face as she continued to rub her hands across his back. Maker, was this man foul. Every groan that escaped his lips only made her hate him more and more. One day she would relish in seeing him suffer, and unfortunately today would not be that day. She was still at the mercy of her master, but in her heart she knew that would not always be the case. In an attempt to separate her mind from this gross task she closed her eyes and imagined Fenris beneath her. She tried to picture his beautiful lips urging her on with moans of delight. How wonderful it would be to feel the hard, lean muscles of his back flex and give underneath her hands.

It only somewhat lessened the bitter taste in her mouth. No matter how much she tried to picture the handsome elf, Lucian's pasty skin and coarse hair would always pull her back to reality.

As she reached his lower back he let out a deep intense groan of pleasure and rolled over. Hawke immediately stood from the bed and turned her back on him as she saw his erection.

"Finish what you started, slave," Lucian hissed.

"I am sorry," she spoke with sincerity trying not to provoke his anger. "But Danarius would not approve of this action."

"You would be surprised what Danarius allows his slaves to do. Even if you are his 'new pet' I think he will make an exception. After all I'm not technically spoiling you."

"No," she answered more fiercely.

"I am not giving you a choice, bitch. Do it or suffer the consequences."

Hawke turned back to him and for a moment considered doing what he was asking of her, but then Fenris's words echoed through her mind. Just run.

In a flash she bolted towards the door, momentarily fumbling with the lock. Her heart was pounding. If she could get to Fenris he would stop him from doing anything to her.

Finally she was able to open the door and saw him jump of the bed and hastily put on his robe as he charged after her.

Fenris waited patiently by Danarius side while he wrote by candlelight. Although the door was closed, Fenris fought desperately to hear any sound on the other side to signify that Hawke had returned, but was ultimately disappointed.

Danarius finally yawned and put his quill down making his way towards his chambers. As they passed the corridor that held Hawke's quarters, Fenris noticed that her door was still open with no sign that she had been there. Danarius paused only a moment and continued walking to his room. As he reached the door he shut it slowly behind him leaving Fenris alone in the hallway. He entered his quarters quietly, keeping the door ajar so he could hear her approach.

It had been hours. Why isn't she back yet?, he thought. She should be back by now. He tried to lie on his bed, but found that he couldn't find a comfortable position so settled for leaning against the door frame so he could quickly go to her. The house was silent except for the creaks of the old wooden walls. It's been too long. Something is wrong. In another completely unprecedented act, Fenris walked from his room to search the house for her. He knew that Lucian usually stayed in one of the grander guest's rooms downstairs and made his way there.

She certainly had an effect on him. Never before had he concerned himself with the wellbeing of another slave. But Hawke was different. She was neither born into this life nor forced into it. She had chosen it. Chosen it to protect a loved one. For some reason he felt like he could relate to her, understand why she'd done it. There was a kinship building between the two of them, an attraction, if he dared say. He felt bound to her more than he did to his own master. No one in his short life had been able to touch him so and he would be damned if he again sat idly by while she suffered. As he neared the end of the stairs he heard hushed voices, and strained to hear them more clearly.

"You are not my master, Lucian." He immediately recognized the voice as Hawke's. "I will not allow you to use me in this way."

Fenris peered around the wall to see Lucian in his robe. He had pinned Hawke in the corner of the hallway across from his room. Both arms were pressed to the walls on either side of her. To Fenris's relief, Hawke was still fully clothed.

"You will not allow me," Lucian hissed into her face. "You will do exactly as I say," he growled as he took a step closer to her.

Fenris could see her posture shrink under his words before she stuttered out. "What would you have me do?"

Lucian relaxed his position. "Now that's more…" Hawke cut him off with a kick to the groin. Lucian groaned loudly and buckled over from the pain. Hawke took the opportunity to race away from the mage, but was quickly halted by a quick burst from his fingers. She was able to take a few more slowed steps before leaning on a table that rested against the wall in the hallway.

A paralysis spell, Fenris recognized the effects and felt his insides twist as he tried to determine the best way to stop Lucian. Perhaps he should wake Danarius, or simply rip his heart from his chest? Both options seemed unlikely.

Frozen with his indecision he watched as Lucian approached Hawke from behind and twisted his hands into her hair before bending her over the table. "You will do as I say, slave," he gritted through his teeth as his other hand began raking under the waistband of her pants.

On impulse Fenris stalked towards him. "Unhand her," he demanded.

Lucian jerked as he saw him approach but did not relent on abusing Hawke. "This does not concern you," he spoke slowly before turning back to her pushing her head into the table. Fenris heard her whimper and knew that she was actually trying to scream but due to the effects of the spell was unable to do so.

"If you do not let her go I will be forced to…"

"To what slave?" Lucian's voice grew louder and he pulled Hawke into a standing position. Dragging her away from the table he held her head up with a fist full of hair.

"I'm warning you, Lucian," he growled.

"Oh, is she yours? I thought there was something going on between the two of you," the mage smiled menacingly as he pulled her head to the side and licked the length of her neck. Hawke's eyes widened and a single tear rolled slowly down her cheek.

In a flash, Fenris pulled Lucian off of her and pushed him into the wall. He was on the verge of losing his control and gripped Lucian's collar whispering lowly, "Do not ever touch her."

In his moment of emotion his lyrium brands ignited, casting an eerie glow over Lucian's face. With every ounce of his willpower he fought to suppress the urge to phase into him, pulling out his heart. Lucian saw his hesitancy as an opportunity and pulsed magic painfully across his scars, causing him to buckle over in agony.

Although his body could focus on nothing but the pain, his mind knew Hawke was still lying helplessly on the floor next to him. He fought through the agony he was feeling, forcing his body to move towards her. She still lay paralyzed with her head turned towards him. Fenris could see the tears falling from her eyes as she watched him being tortured unable to move from her spot. Her fingers twitched and her hand slowly reached for him.

Fenris growled and pushed with all his strength to go to her, but Lucian shot one more painfully hard burst through his body, causing him to collapse just out of her reach.

"Perhaps I should make you watch," Lucian grinned as he paced to Hawke pulling her up forcefully by the arm.

"Lucian!" A feminine voice resounded from down the hall. "Put her down this instant."

Fenris forced himself up onto his elbows to peer at the figure. Claudia stood at the base of the stairs glaring at Lucian. "But…" Lucian began to protest.

"Enough," she cut him off with a wave of her hand. "You heard what Danarius said. She was to be returned to her room."

Fenris was surprised, he had never seen Claudia be so aggressive, but was nevertheless grateful for her arrival. He crawled up onto his knees and moved towards Lucian and Hawke.

Lucian gave him a glare that told Fenris both of them would pay for this sooner or later. He hissed into Hawke's ear, "This is not done," before releasing her from the paralysis spell and storming back to his room.

Hawke crumbled to the floor, still weak. Forgetting that Claudia was there, Fenris brought her to his chest and cradled her head gently under his neck, trying his best to soothe her as she shook in his arms. "It's over," he gently whispered as he caressed the back of her head. Her grip on his chest tightened and she pushed into him desperately needing him to make her feel safe again.

"Perhaps you should take her to her room, Fenris," Claudia offered from the end of the hall. "I will speak with Danarius tomorrow regarding Lucian's actions. For what's it worth, Hawke I am sorry that I did not arrive sooner."

"Thank you," she choked out in a whisper and pushed herself to her feet. Fenris soon followed and took her hand in his letting her wrap herself around him as he led her back to her quarters in the darkness.

As they approached her room the glow of the small window she had illuminated her bed. She slowly released him and stepped inside shutting the door behind her. Fenris halted her movements and took a step inside. "Do you need anything?" he stuttered out, unsure of what to really say. With her back still to him, Fenris could see her shoulders begin to shake as she buried her face into her hands. On impulse he reached for her arm turning her around. "Hawke," he said soothingly. She refused to look up at him, inhaling a forced breath before her sobs began. As gently as he could he cradled her in his arms, placing one hand to her waist with the other at the back of her head as he guided it to rest on his shoulder. Although he was slightly uncomfortable with her tears, comforting her came surprisingly easy. He rubbed the back of her head pulling her closer to him. Finally Hawke relented and wrapped her arms completely around him crying desperately into him. Fenris had rarely allowed another to touch him willingly, but this felt right. She made him feel needed for more than just for his skill. She needed his companionship. "I'm here, Hawke. I won't leave you."

"You can't know that," she pushed off of him. "We are slaves, Fenris. You've said it yourself, the Magisters will do with us what they will. Did you see what Lucian nearly did to me? How can you be so sure that Danarius won't separate us?" Wiping the tears from her face she moved to sit on her cot.

"I don't," he confessed and kneeled down in front of her.

She leaned into him, tears threatening to fall again at any moment. "If I didn't have you, I'd be so lost," her words choked as she struggled to find her breath. Her lips puckered into a pout as she reached for his face cupping his cheek. Fenris turned into her hand, relishing the affection. Never before had someone been so open with him, so honest. It felt good to know that she felt the same about him. Before Hawke he was an empty shell, her confidence and strength had fueled his own and for the first time in his life he felt like he needed someone as well.

Snaking his hand up her arm until it rested atop the hand she had on his face, he gripped her fingers and kissed each one on the knuckle before smiling weakly back at her. "I may not be able to say anything to make your situation better, but know that I will always be here for you," truth and conviction were evident on his words. "I cannot stop what Danarius or the others do to us, but I will not abandon you." He kneeled up so his is face was a little higher than her own and placed her hand to his heart. "I will do everything I can to protect you."

He was glad when he noticed her lips tugging up into the beginnings of a smile. "I know you will," she whispered. "It's just sometimes this all gets to be too much," her smile faded. "When they hurt you or others, and I just have to sit back and watch. I can't take it, Fenris."

Seeing her this distraught made him feel so helpless. If only there was some way he could comfort her openly without their master finding out. And then an idea dawned on him.

"What if we came up with some sort of signal to each other," he was surprised at the excitement in his voice, but Hawke clearly didn't understand what he was saying. "Some way to show the other that we care without letting Danarius know."

"Like something secret just between the two of us?" Her eyes lit up when she realized what he was suggesting.

"Exactly," he curled his lip up and squeezed her hand at his heart.

"What about a wink," she suggested and scrunched her left eye at him.

He couldn't help but laugh, "Too obvious."

She bit the inside of her lip and absent mindedly began rubbing his chest as she pondered what their secret signal could be. Fenris's heart swelled, she looked completely adorable so lost in thought. This thing between them, whatever it was, was so unexpected but the most amazing thing to ever happen to him. On its own accord his hand moved to push her hair back behind her ear. Before pulling away he playfully tugged on her ear lobe as he ran his fingers down her neck.

Her eyes shot up at him. "That's it."

"What is?"

"This," she mimicked his previous gesture, tugging on her own ear lobe. "That isn't too noticeable, but it's something we would recognize."

"It might work," he smirked and tried it out on his own ear. "Yes, I think it will do."

They both smiled at each other as they pulled on their own earlobes. "What will it mean?" Hawke asked.

Fenris leaned into her dropping his voice to a serious tone, "That I have not abandoned you. If no one else cares I do. You will always have me, Hawke."

"Thank you," she whispered. "I needed this."

"So did I," he confessed and kissed her on the cheek. "Get some rest. It's late," he breathed into her ear.

Hawke wrapped her arms around his neck and planted an equal kiss to his cheek. "You will always have me, as well," she whispered into his ear before burying her head in his neck. He squeezed her one more time before getting to his feet.

"I will see you in the morning," he nodded to her.

Just as he was about to close the door she called to him. He turned back to see her lightly tug on her ear lobe before wrapping the blanket around her body. He smiled brightly at her and tugged his own before closing the door behind him.