A/N: A kiss is coming...eventually. Not this chapter but soon. Sorry it's taking so long. Thanks to everyone who has let me know what they think of this story. I've said it before, it is so close to my heart and knowing that other people like it, not just me, means a lot. Hatsepsut you are amazing.

Act 1

Chapter 8

"The Invitation Part I"

It had taken several days for Hawke's body to recuperate from the attack from the wolves. Danarius had her in the kitchen helping Orana prepare food while her body healed itself. Which was fine with her. This was far more enjoyable than staring at the wall in his study, but then again she was only able to see Fenris in passing. And he was now making the nightly watch with one of the guards. So there had been no chance to talk with him about their near kiss on the back of the carriage, or that hug from down in the dungeons.

All of this was far too confusing. If she had been in Lothering, it would have been simple. There's a man, she's attracted to him, she flirts, they make out and then see where it goes. But with Fenris she was completely lost. Oh, there's was definitely attraction, and she did try to flirt. But half the time she stuttered and stammered and completely lost her head whenever he talked to her. And it wasn't like they could just sneak off behind the stables and ravish each other. If there was going to be anything physical going on, they would have to be extremely careful. If Danarius or anyone else found out…

She didn't even want to think of the consequences.

"You seem awfully distracted today, Hawke. Are you alright?"

"Huh?" She turned to regard Orana before her question really sank in. "I mean yes. Yes, I'm fine. Just…thinking."

She smirked at her then went back to cutting up potatoes. "Would this have anything to do with Fenris?"

Hawke chuckled and went back to her task. "You are starting to be quite observant. I'm just so confused." She sighed but continued. Orana was really the only other friend she had besides Fenris. And over the course of the time she had been here, they had been through much together. In fact, she made her feel normal. "I don't know if I've ever felt this way about someone. He is incredible. I wish the two of us could leave this place and never look back." Laughing at herself, she realized the ridiculousness of the statement and propped her hands on the cutting table. "Who am I kidding? We are both slaves. That will never happen."

"Everyone deserves love, Hawke. Slave or no. Besides I know that he cares a great deal for you, too." When Hawke looked up Orana was smiling knowingly over at her.

"What do you mean?" The jerk in her stomach at the mere possibility of him caring for her made her weak. "Did he say something to you? How do you know?"

Orana chuckled. "Calm down. I just saw him carrying you when the carriage arrived. I swear he might have been crying. And the way he was cradling you against his chest, whispering things to you. Let's just say it obvious that you mean a lot to him."

While she went back to cutting the vegetables, Hawke felt her face beginning to hurt at how wide her smile was. She did deserve love. And Fenris most certainly did.

Just as she was finished helping Orana a fellow slave came into the room and informed her that Danarius wished to speak with her. Taking in a strangled breath, she made her way to his study. The contact she'd had with her master over the last week had been minimal, and she had been grateful. But her body had been healing well, and she knew it was time to go back to her original duties. As much as it irked her. Protecting a man she hated wasn't exactly an easy thing to do.

Walking into his study she immediately saw Fenris. He was standing in his usual spot and pretending not to notice her. The sight of him made her heart jump. The two had barely spoken a full sentence to each other in what felt like ages. Staring at him probably a little too long, she finally turned towards Danarius. "I was told you had need of me, master," she bowed swallowing her pride.

"Yes," he answered drolly. "I have received word from Magister Clayden." Her heart sank at the mention of him. Standing straight up she waited for him to continue. "He is to be wed and has invited me to attend the festivities. You will be joining us. I trust you have fully recuperated from your injuries?"

Too excited at the very idea of getting to see her family again, if only for a moment in passing had her smiling and grinning like an idiot. "Yes, Master. Good as new!"

Danarius rolled his eyes at her enthusiasm then stood from his desk. "We will leave first thing in the morning. Fenris, I am retiring to my room until dinner. Please inform me when it is served."

Fenris nodded to him then bowed as he walked out of the room. Once Hawke was certain Danarius was gone she turned to him with a huge grin. "Fenris, I'm going to get to see my family again!"

Without moving from his spot he returned her smile. "I am happy for you."

This was too good to be true. For months on end the agony of not knowing their fate, of being unable to ensure their safety had weighed heavy on her heart. Now in a matter of hours, she would be face to face with them again. "I have to go tell Orana. This is so exciting!" Turning to leave she realized they were finally given a moment of solitude, but her mind was too busy racing with the thoughts of seeing her family again to truly appreciate it. Instead she turned to him and tried to let him see the honesty in her face. "And Fenris. It is really good to see you again. I've missed you."

Closing the distance between them, he reached up and brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. "I am happy to know that you are well." Smiling he let his fingers lightly graze her cheek. "Now go tell Orana your good news."

Taking just a moment longer to stare at him, she finally smiled then made her way back to the kitchen.

Fenris honestly was happy for Hawke. She had missed her family terribly and it was good that she was finally going to be able to see them, but something about the way Danarius had acted when he received the invitation had him on edge. He was plotting something.

He didn't have the heart to tell Hawke he felt like something was amiss. The bright smile on her face had made his heart swell. There was no way he was going to take this from her. Hopefully, it was all nothing and he was just being paranoid.

The remainder of the evening dragged on. Hawke was visibly flustered. Unable to stand still during dinner, fidgeting with her fingers all night. They weren't allowed another chance to speak. And right now he could venture into her room if he desired, but that would be stupid. She was most likely asleep. There was a big day tomorrow. She needed her rest.

Yes, it was stupid for him to go to her. Sitting up in his bed, he threw his legs over the side and propped his elbows against his knees.

On the other hand perhaps she would want to talk about it. Maybe she was too excited for sleep. It wouldn't be a bad idea for him to just peer into her room, see whether or not she was awake. That wouldn't be stupid. What if she wanted to speak with him?

Standing up he reached for his door. Not bothering to put on a shirt, he crept out into the hallway. Tiptoeing down the corridor he moved towards her room, hoping his courage wouldn't falter once he arrived.

As he reached her door he took a deep breath and turned the handle. It creaked slightly when he opened it and he peered through the crack.

"Who's there?" She jumped in her bed. He opened the door a little more to let her see him. "Oh, Fenris. Thank the Maker." Laughing she sat up and pulled her knees to her chest. "You gave me quite a scare. Sneaking around like that," she tsked.

"Forgive me," he stepped in then shut the door behind him. "I was concerned you might not be able to sleep."

"Very intuitive," she laughed before noticing his bare chest. Her eyes grew wide, but she tried to hide it by playing with her hair. "Couldn't sleep either?" He noticed the nervous twitch in her voice and smiled to himself before plopping down at the foot of her bed.

"No. Long trips always have me on edge," he used as an excuse. "It will take us several hours to make it to Clayden's home. Riding in a carriage with Danarius that long can be tedious."

He heard her chuckle then timidly stretch her legs out so her feet were nearly touching his thigh. "I…uh…I haven't seen mother or Bethany is such a long time. I hope they have been treated well. Though if Danarius is any indication, I doubt it."

He sighed, understanding her concern then placed his hand on the side of his thigh. Nearly enough to touch her foot, but not quite. "I suppose you could find some peace in knowing that neither your mother nor sister are slaves. Typically, Magisters reserve their foul treatment for them." He turned his head to look at her and they shared a smile.

She shifted her feet just a fraction closer to him, and his hand twitched. He wanted so badly to just reach out and touch the soft skin. Protected by shoes, her feet were delicate. Dainty even. The thought of anything about Hawke being dainty made him grin. She wiggled her toes. "What's so funny? Are you laughing at my feet? Because I'll have you know Fenris, you are in no position to make-fun. Have you seen the your own lately?" she grinned.

"Actually I was just thinking how cute they were." Fenris coughed as soon as the words left his mouth, completely flabbergasted that he had uttered them out loud.

"Cute? You think my feet are cute?" She smiled then rubbed her toes against his leg. "Thank you."

Grateful that she didn't make him feel like an idiot, he cocked his head at her and grinned. Hesitantly, he reached his hand down and brushed the top of her toes with his fingers. They wiggled back at him. With caution, aware of how this act was making his breath heavy, he let his fingers trail down the top of her foot, brushing its way nearly to her ankle. She didn't flinch or shy away from him, so Fenris repeated the action back down. He heard her sigh then relax into his touch.

Desperate to touch more of her, but thankful for this one gift, he became more bold and trailed his fingers along the inside of her arch.

Immediately, her foot jerked and she suppressed a giggle. "I'm a little ticklish," she confessed.

"Is that so?" he smiled and repeated the action. This time a laugh actually escaped her lips and she jerked her foot away.

"Stop that," she smiled still giggling. "You're going to get us caught."

The idea of Danarius finding them alone in her quarters made his stomach drop. Getting some sense he rose to his feet. "You are right. I just wanted to check on you. I better get back to my room."

The disappointment on her face was clear. "Oh… Ok. Well, thank you, then. I'll see you in the morning," she gave him a sad smile.

His heart swelled. He had missed her so much over the last week. And this stolen time wasn't nearly enough to make up for the loss he felt. Leaning down, he kissed her on the top of her head. Taking a moment, he closed his eyes tight and breathed in her sweet scent. "Till the morning," he whispered and forced himself to pull away from her. Walking towards the door he bid her goodnight then moved down to his lonely room.

The next morning Fenris immediately went to Hawke's room after he awakened. It was clear she had been gone for some time. Unsure where she had disappeared to, he went about his morning as planned, ensuring that Danarius had all he would need ready to go at a moment's notice.

After his master had breakfast, he and Hadriana were ready to depart. Hawke however was still nowhere to be seen. "I'm beginning to lose my patience with Hawke," Danarius snarled. "She is lucky I'm even allowing her to accompany us."

Fenris felt his fist clinch. It was customary for the Magister to belittle Hawke but it was beginning to become too much to bear. Each time he uttered an ill word about her, Fenris had to fight with every muscle in his body against charging at him and ripping through his throat. He was beyond trying to analyze these feelings now. Whatever was happening between him and Hawke was special. He was grateful for it, and trying to decipher every little emotion she had awakened in him was pointless. For some reason she touched him, made him feel things no one else ever had, and he was thankful.

As they approached the stables he bit back his anger and let his fist unclench. Then as they rounded the corner to the carriage a small smile spread across his lips. There Hawke was, eagerly helping the wagon hands ensure everything was ready for their journey. When she saw them approach her face lit up with glee. "Master! Everything is ready. I've made sure to double check each wheel, and each spoke. We won't have another accident like last time," she smiled then reached for his belongings. Without being asked she began loading them onto the back of the carriage, securing them tightly with rope.

Danarius gave the faintest of smiles. "You and Fenris may ride with us in the carriage," he addressed Hawke. "The ride to Clayden's estate is long. Try not to be a nuisance."

Despite, his master thinking he had just given them some amazing gift by allowing them to be in his presence, Fenris felt his stomach drop. He had been looking forward to the solitude the two of them would have by riding on the back. Hawke seemed to understand his mood change and tugged on her ear lobe before securing the last case in place. Fenris felt his stomach jerk then moved to open the carriage door for Hadriana and Danarius to enter.

The ride to Clayden's was indeed long. And being cramped inside a carriage with Danarius and Hadriana was making his insides squirm. It didn't help that Hawke was all fidgety next to him. Periodically, she would let out a low sigh and shift on the seat. Every fiber in his being wanted to place a comforting hand against her knee, which he would have done had they been alone, but in front of Danarius that would be foolish. Instead he nudged her side. Hawke turned to him and barely smiled. He tried to give her encouragement without speaking; she stared into his eyes for a moment. The message was conveyed and she smiled shyly before turning away from him.

When Fenris looked forward, Hadriana was staring at him with an evil smirk. He scowled at her then broke eye contact. Being in Hawke's presence always made him careless. If Hadriana knew the depths of his feelings for her, the repercussions would be dire. He would do well to be more careful in her presence.

"Hawke, you must be so excited to see your family again," Hadriana's evil voice slithered out of her like a serpent, making Fenris cringe.

Hawke adjusted herself on the seat and answered carefully. "I am. It has been far too long since I've seen them."

"Do you think they have missed you as well?" It was clear to Fenris by the tone of her voice that she knew something she wasn't willing to share just yet.

"I believe so," Hawke answered with a sigh.

"I think you would be surprised how easily time can change a person," she responded with a smirk.

"What do you mean?" Hawke narrowed her eyes on her.

"Oh, nothing," Hadriana waved her hand. "Wouldn't want to spoil your little reunion."

Determined not to let the witch get a rise out of her, Hawke huffed then settled back down into her seat. Fenris knew anything that came out of Hadriana's mouth was poison. Again he wished he could place a comforting hand against hers, but looked out the carriage window instead, trying his hardest to focus on the passing trees and not the heat of her body so close to him on the seat.

The rest of the ride was quiet, and by the time they finally arrived at Clayden's estate his backside was sore and his legs ached from being cramped, unable to stretch out. As soon as the carriage came to a stop Hawke was out the door.

Clearly, on edge, she held it open for her master and Hadriana to exit, but scanned the courtyard hoping to see a glimpse of one of her loved ones.

Clayden's servants approached to assist in taking the luggage down and bring it to their rooms. Standing on the other side of the carriage away from the eyes of the mages, Fenris walked up behind Hawke and placed an encouraging hand against her spine. "It will be fine," he whispered.

She smiled nervously at him over her shoulder. "I am just so excited. It feels like it's been ages since I've seen my mother."

He rubbed his fingers up and down her back then smiled. There was a large part of him that understood what she was feeling. Although he had no memory of his mother, if he knew he was about to come face to face with her, he most definitely would be nervous. He just hoped that Hawke wouldn't be disappointed.

"Come, Hawke. Fenris," Danarius called, bringing him out of his thoughts.

The two of them walked behind the Magister and his apprentice and were greeted at the front door by yet another servant. "Please come in, Magister Danarius. Master Clayden has been expecting you."

When they were led into the foyer just next to the grand staircase the servant turned back towards them. "I will inform the Magister of your arrival." With that the man bowed then left the room.

Fenris could practically taste the nervous energy coming off Hawke. She was shaking her legs and rubbing her hands together, scanning the rooms for any movement. With every breath, she swallowed loudly.

Then her eyes became fixed on a spot across the room. They grew large and she took a great inhale. "Mother," she whispered.

Turning his attention to where her eyes had landed, he saw the woman. She was busy talking with one of the other servants, unaware of their presence for the moment. When he looked to Hawke a large smile had spread across her face and she took a step forward, and then looked towards Danarius. Remembering her place she froze, but continued to stare at her mother.

Finally, the woman turned to look in their direction. There wasn't that much of a resemblance. Her eyes were blue, and with her gray hair it was hard to see the connection there, but when her face lit up with a smile at the sight of them, Fenris saw it. The same twinkle, the same sweet curl of lips. Yes, this was definitely Hawke's mother.

"Darling!" She sprinted towards them, and Hawke choked on her breath before she too was rushing to meet her. They embraced in a fierce hug that Hawke seemed reluctant to let go. "Let me look at you," her mother spoke then pulled back to gaze into her face. "Oh, darling, you look beautiful." She stroked some lose strands of hair behind her ear and smiled at her. The beginnings of tears were in Hawke's eyes as she grinned from ear to ear.

"You are well?" Hawke asked but before her mother could even respond she flew off with a stream of questions. "Clayden is treating you nicely? You don't need anything? Have the other servants been kind to you? And Bethany is fine, too?"

Her mother laughed. "Bethany is fine, darling. I am sorry that she isn't here to see you." Fenris noticed the hesitation in her voice. "She is away for the time being. But yes, love. Clayden is treating me well."

Danarius cleared his throat behind them, bringing Hawke back to the present. She laughed nervously. "Forgive me, mother. Where are my manners?" Then as if she completely forgot herself, she reached for Fenris and pulled him forward. 'Mother this is Fenris. He is my counterpart in Danarius's household." Her eyes sparkled as she looked from him then back towards her mother.

Noticing the way her eyes lit up when she looked at him, her mother grabbed his hand. "My name is Leandra, Fenris. I am pleased to meet you."

"You must excuse, Hawke, Madam Amell. She does get so excited," Danarius interjected from behind them then approached extending his hand. "I am Magister Danarius and this is my apprentice Hadriana."

Hadriana bowed to her. "Lady Amell it is my pleasure to finally meet you." Both Hawke and Fenris exchanged nervous glances. Something did not seem right here.

"Please call me, Leandra," her mother responded and shook both of their hands.

Unable to shake her curiosity, Hawke looked towards Leandra. "Mother? What's going on?"

Speaking slowly, Leandra gripped her hand in both of hers. "Darling, I wanted to write to you, but I thought this would better be said in person…"

"Ah, Danarius," Clayden called from the top of the staircase, drawing everyone's attention to him. "I see you have met my stunning new bride." Hawke looked like she had just been hit by a ton of bricks and jerked her hand away from her mother's touch.

"What is the meaning of this?" she whispered to her, but loud enough for all to hear.

"Did you not know?" Clayden responded and began descending down the stairs. "Sweetheart, I told you it would be better that she knew before she arrived." He approached Leandra and draped an arm around her shoulders. "We are to be wed, Hawke. I will be your new step-father."

"Bullshit," Hawke spat. "You lie."

"I thought you would be happy for your mother," Clayden looked surprised. "After all she has been so alone these last few years. You should be grateful that she has finally found love again."

"Found or forced into it," Hawke scowled. "I will not let you do this."

"Hawke!" Danarius yelled and pulled her back forcefully by the arm. Bringing his mouth close to her ear his hissed into it. "You will remember your place or spend the next few nights in the dungeon."

A few frustrated tears began to well in her eyes. "Forgive me, Magister Clayden. Thank you for offering to take care of my mother," she spoke between clenched teeth.

"That's better," Danarius smiled evilly then released her arm.

Fenris turned towards Leandra, eager to see how she was reacting to all this. Her eyes were downcast but she was gripping the Magister next to her.

Seemingly unphased by the encounter Clayden smiled smugly and rubbed his hand up and down Leandra's arm. "Who would know that the slave, Hawke, has noble blood in her? When I learned of your mother's heritage I knew I couldn't just keep her as a servant. Despite, their dwindling social status, the Amell's were once a proud and honorable family." He smiled at Hawke then dropped his voice low. "You should be more grateful, Hawke."

Unable to hide her sneer, she looked down to her feet. "Thank you, Magister Clayden for so graciously granting my mother this gift." When she looked up, Fenris immediately noticed the hint of defiance in her eyes. Mentally, he tried to prepare himself for whatever she was about to say or do. "But know this. I am no Amell. I am a Hawke. You are a snake and unworthy of even of wiping off the dirt on my boots."

Leandra gasped. "Darling…"

Before she could finish Danarius had her by her hair and jerked her back. "You will apologize and then you will be beaten."

"That is not necessary, Danarius." Clayden raised his hand to stop him. "We anticipated this reaction. Let her cool down," he smiled down at Leandra who was clearly still upset by her daughter's reaction. "She will come around. You'll see."

Reluctantly, Danarius let her go, but gave her a look that said this would be finished later. The Magisters and Hadriana then walked to the far corner of the room, leaving Hawke and Fenris alone with her mother.

Breathing heavily, Hawke refused to look at her and stepped back towards him.

"Sweetheart, try to understand. I didn't plan for this to happen."

"Have you forgotten what Clayden has done?" Hawke asked through clenched teeth.

"He is a good man. You don't know him like I do," her mother tried to convince her.

"Good man my ass. He sold your eldest child into slavery. Do you have any idea what I have had to endure because of him? Or do you not care?" Fire was burning in Hawke's eyes. Her face was flush with hatred and angry tears welled up in her eyes.

"Darling, of course I care!" Leandra took a step towards her, but Hawke only backed further away, putting Fenris in between them. "Please will you not be happy for me? Clayden is going to take care of me. And he has already done so much for Bethany. Perhaps I could talk with him and see if he and Danarius…"

"Save your breath," Hawke cut her off. "I want nothing to do with this. Father is barely in the ground and you have thrown yourself at the very man responsible for my situation. I will have no part in this new happy family," she snarled and turned her back on her.

"I am sorry I have hurt you. Perhaps with time you will learn to forgive me." Fenris watched as a single tear made its way out of her mother's eye before she quickly walked away, leaving the two of them alone.

The Magisters along with Hadriana still seemed to be lost in conversation across the room, not noticing the altercation that had just transpired between Hawke and her mother. Unsure of what to say, Fenris just stood there. He understood her anger. Since arriving in Tevinter, the Magisters had done nothing but torture and belittled her and now her mother was marrying one. Without thinking of her daughter's feelings she was bringing one into their family.

"How can she do this?" Hawke asked then turned to look at him. "Does she not know what kind of monster he is?"

There were tears in her eyes and quite honestly Fenris had no answer for her. Placing his hand at her back, he gently rubbed up and down her spine. Hawke sighed and he knew she wanted to embrace him, but wouldn't do so openly. Again he was powerless to ease her pain. And the knowledge made the next few days seem like they would last for centuries.