A/N: Thank you, thank you, thank you for your wonderful reviews on my last chapter. They brightened my day, hell my week. And I have now reached over 100 reviews! That is amazing. This is a shorter chapter that basically marks the next story arc of Act 1. Thanks for sticking with me.

Act 1

Chapter 14

"Summer Begins"

Summer was finally here. Even though there wasn't anything particularly special about it, the season always made Hawke think of her childhood. And at this point in her life, happy memories were what helped her get by from one day to the other.

Currently she was practicing with her bow out in Lucian's courtyard. After Orana had brought her back to health, she had been working hard to get back to her former strength. At first she couldn't even hit the target, but with dedication and time her aim was nearly back to its previous precision.

Sometimes she would get lost out here for hours deep in her thoughts. No one bothered her as long as she kept shooting arrows. It gave her time to think and to let her mind wander.

Lucian had been treating her mildly better over the past few months, but only just slightly. The torture he used to inflict on her had stopped altogether, but he still frequently denied her meals and berated her for minuscule errors.

Thank the Maker for Orana. Anyone else would have never known the right things to say to help bring the life back into her. Granted, there was still a large part of her that was dead. Thoughts of freedom and happiness were nearly all washed away. Her hope was that one day those ideals would return to her.

Hawke had become very protective of Orana. She hated the way Lucian watched her, as if the sick wheels in his head were turning, imagining all the things he wanted to do to her. Luckily, there had only been a few times that her friend had come close to punishment and each time Hawke had been able to distract Lucian long enough for him to forget about the other slave.

And then there was Fenris.

Her heart ached just thinking his name. It had been weeks since he had last tried to speak with her, and even then it was only to ask if she needed help loading luggage onto Lucian's carriage.

It pained her to see the hurt in his eyes, and hers no doubt mirrored it. But it was better this way. At least that's what she kept telling herself. Each night she still thought about him and even occasionally dreamed about the two of them in a happier place, free to let their desire for one another grow without the constant pressure of being slaves.

And even though it was easy to force her mind to think of other things, her heart was a different matter. There was a constant pull, an incessant burning, an ever increasing drive to be near him.

But it was too much. It hurt too badly to know that she could never have him like she wanted, that they would be forever in the shadows of the Magisters, hiding their love with the constant fear of being discovered.

"Hawke."

Hearing her name so suddenly, nearly made her slip and miss the bull's-eye. Turning over her shoulder, she saw Orana approaching her, flashing a sweet smile.

"You are getting better," she said.

"Practice," Hawke shrugged. "I'm still not completely satisfied with my aim." She turned to analyze her last shot. It hadn't quite hit the center.

"You're too hard on yourself. You have come far in such a short time."

Hawke smiled at her friend as she approached. Orana was such a kind spirit. It was a shame that the circumstances of her life had been chosen for her.

"I will be leaving soon," Orana added.

"Oh?" Hawke responded as she continued to practice firing her bow, trying her best to not let the sting of the statement be heard in her voice.

"Danarius has requested that I return to his estate. Since you are well he believes that I am no longer needed here."

"Figures," Hawke muttered. "I am sorry to see you go. It's been nice having a friend here," she smiled over to Orana after her next shot was fired.

Orana looked down to her feet and began fiddling with her hands. It was then that Hawke knew this wasn't the worst of the news. "Spill it," she laughed. "I can't see how it could possibly be any worse."

"Well," Orana began timidly. "Lucian would also like me to inform you that the two of you will be traveling to Magister Crucius' home to stay for the remainder of the summer."

"Leland's father?" Hawke stopped what she was doing and let her bow fall to her side. "Why would we be going there?"

Orana shrugged. "I do not know. He only said that Danarius was sent an invitation, but since he will not be able to arrive for another few weeks, he is sending you and Lucian in his place. One does not keep a man like Crucius waiting," she finished with an eye roll.

"I see," Hawke murmured.

"In case I do not see you again, I hope that your summer treats you well, Hawke," Orana grinned.

"And I wish the same for you."

The two friends shared a heartfelt smile before Orana made her way back into Lucian's manor.

Hawke brought the bow back up to begin firing again. They must be leaving soon. She wondered if Leland would be there as well and if his father would be just as awful as all the other Magisters she had met. Perhaps he would be more like his son. Maybe her summer was looking up. A few months away from this hell hole would be welcomed, but then a thought occurred to her, one so distracting that it caused her arm to falter and the arrow she was shooting to land way off target.

Fenris would be there. It had been months since the two of them had been together for more than a few days.

Her eyes focused on the arrow she had just fired. It was stuck in the ground a few feet from her make-shift target, still slightly shaking from the force of her shot.

The beating of her heart sped as she imagined spending time with him again, but before she could dwell on those lingering feelings she stomped over to the arrow and plucked it from the ground.

She rubbed the soft fletching up and down the pads of her fingers as she tried not to focus on the memories of the deep timbre of his voice, or his astonishing green eyes.

Maker help her, this was going to be a long summer.

As Fenris approached the gates of Magister Crucius' home, his stomach was turning wildly with nerves. Hawke was already here, and had been for a few weeks. He had been trying not to think about them being together at the same place, knowing that it would only get his hopes up. She had already made it quite clear that she wanted nothing to do with him.

But Fenris couldn't help but think about all the free time they would most likely have together. In his experience, their presence wasn't required nearly as often while staying here. Even though he tried not to, his mind had already conjured several reunions the two of them could have while here.

Maker, he was pathetic. Why couldn't he just let her go? Isn't that what she wanted? Why did he insist on making this harder for himself? There would be no reunion. Hawke had no desire to rekindle any dwindling feelings between the two of them.

As he, Danarius, and Claudia exited the carriage, Fenris tried his best to distract himself. He analyzed his surrounding, searching the walls and grounds for weaknesses if someone desired to try and attempt to assassinate Danarius while he was staying here.

When they met up with Lucian, he and Danarius shared a small embrace. "Lucian, I trust all has been going well while you have been here."

"Yes, Uncle," Lucian smiled. "Crucius has been most kind. He has been planning a party for your arrival. I am sure he will be pleased to know that you were finally able to accept his invitation."

"Unfortunately, other things prolonged my absence," Danarius replied. Fenris knew exactly what those "other things" were. Since Talla had returned to her father's home, Danarius had been entertaining quite a few guests. And he was sure that, for his master at least, there was nothing unfortunate about it.

"Well, I am sure he is just happy that you were able to come at all." Lucian clapped his shoulder and began leading them through the estate. "Talla as well. She has been speaking of your arrival for days."

"Of that I'm sure," Danarius spoke through his yawn.

As they walked by one of the open terraces, the high pitched squeal of happy children echoed through the air. At first Danarius continued walking, but when the laughter grew louder he tilted his head to the sound and looked to Lucian for clarification.

"Hawke," his nephew nearly growled. "Since we have been here, she has been very hard to handle. Leland has become quite taken with her and refuses to allow me to punish her."

"Refuses to allow you?" Danarius turned to fully face him. "Lucian, he has no say over what you may or may not do to her."

"I know," his nephew sighed. "But he has become quite…possessive. He treats her as if she is a normal person. I caught him having lunch with her in the gardens one afternoon, and another time he insisted that she be allowed to stay in the house. Can you imagine? A slave with her own room in the home of a Magister? It's ridiculous. Luckily, Hawke was smart enough to refuse his offer."

Danarius crossed his arms over his chest. "Interesting," he whispered. Fenris also noticed Claudia lifting her eyebrows in alarm. He was just glad he wasn't the only one completely taken aback by the news. The last time he had seen Leland and Hawke together it was no secret that the man showed some affection for her.

"Come, let me show you." Lucian led them to the edge of the terrace and motioned down to the courtyard. As inconspicuously as possible, Fenris crept to the edge so he could catch of glimpse of Hawke as well. So much for trying to distract himself.

Immediately, he saw her. Her smile was huge as she and Leland played a game of keep away with the slave children. His stomach flipped as he took in her beauty. It had been so long since he had seen her look this happy. Her loose ponytail was barely keeping her hair in place, and a few strands had escaped and fallen into her eyes. She was laughing freely as she tossed the ball to one of her team mates. The small elven boy was immediately rushed as he tried to find a member of his team through the swarm of children. Hawke called to him and waved her arms frantically. He tossed the ball in her direction, but was clearly off target. Leland and Hawke smiled at one anther as they both raced to catch the free ball. Hawke was closer and just as she caught it and brought it into her chest, Leland picked her up and threw her over his shoulder as he started twirling her around.

"Cheater! Cheater!" All the children began chanting at once. Laughing hysterically, Hawke tried to find one of her teammates as Leland continued to spin her in a circle. Finally, she tossed the ball. Fenris felt his stomach drop as Leland slowly placed her on the ground. She grinned up at him and swatted his chest before racing off to continue playing the game. The look on Leland's face as he watched her sprint off made Fenris's blood turn to ice. It seemed much had happened since she had arrived here.

"Disgusting," Lucian grunted. "It is one thing to desire a slave, but the way he carries on with her…It's sickening."

Danarius made an undistinguishable sound next to him. It was hard to know if he agreed with his nephew or had other thoughts. Before Fenris could analyze the noise further, Crucius addressed them from the open doors. "Danarius! So glad that you were able to finally make it."

Danarius bowed low to the Magister, out of respect. "It is an honor that you have allowed us to stay with you."

"The honor is mine," he smiled then walked over to stand next to the two mages, nodding politely at Claudia. "It's amazing how such a small little game of keep-away can make the slaves so happy. That Hawke," Crucius nodded in her direction. "She is yours, yes?"

"Yes. But she is currently staying with Lucian."

"She has been quite the influence on my son. Since she arrived he has become much more involved at the estate." He gave a small smile. "I'm just glad he isn't still wasting all his money at those pubs and brothels."

They stood in silence for just a moment as they continued to watch the game below. "Leland," Crucius finally called out to him. "Come. Our guests have arrived."

Fenris watched as all the slave children whined. "Now, now," Leland held up his hands. "We'll have a rematch again soon. I promise." That seemed to please all the children and Hawke as well. She smiled sweetly at him then turned her gaze up to the terrace.

Her eyes immediately settled on Fenris. Unable to help himself his lip curled up as they stared at one another. Fenris was certain that she blushed before brushing her hair behind her ears, then joined Leland in the walk towards them.

Fenris couldn't take his eyes off her as she came up the steps and moved to stand behind Lucian. Much had changed since she had been here. The sparkle was back. She was smiling, and it wasn't just some automatic response that she was using to hide her true emotions. It was genuine. When she caught him staring, she bit the inside of her lip and quite adorably shied away from his gaze.

While those around him were lost in conversation, Fenris lost himself in her. Seeing her like this made him remember what she used to be like, what they could be like. Everything he'd tried to convince himself of earlier went flying out the window. Now all he could even think about was how wonderful it would be to hear her say his name in that throaty, breathless way she used to utter it when they would sneak off behind the stables.

While the Magisters and Leland conversed, Fenris tried his best to keep from out right ogling Hawke. She noticed him staring, and looked at him out of the corner of her eye. A slow smile spread across her face, before she turned to fully face him. "Hi," she mouthed.

"Hi," he mouthed back. She stared at him for a moment then shied away again. Fenris was certain her cheeks were turning slightly pink as he continued looking at her. When she turned back to him, he grinned. "How are you?" he enunciated with his mouth.

She studied his lips for a moment before understanding what he said. Nearly letting out a giggle she shook her head, and then answered, "Good. I'm good."

The Magisters were still unaware of their silent conversation. Fenris was just about to tell her that she looked amazing, when Lucian interrupted. "Hawke, take Danarius things to his chambers…"

"Don't do that," Leland cut him off.

Fenris swore Lucian growled before shooting his eyes over to his uncle. "It's alright, Leland. I would be happy to be of service," Hawke smiled.

Leland grimaced. "Don't be ridiculous. He can get any of the other slaves to do it."

The tension between the two men was beginning to thicken. Lucian looked as though he wanted to tear Leland's throat out. Luckily, Hawke noticed the animosity building and instead of annoying Lucian further she stepped forward. "Truly, it would be my pleasure Master Danarius. Will you be staying in the East or West Wing?"

"West," Danarius replied.

With a bow Hawke left the men to see to Danarius' things.

After a moment of silence, Leland and Lucian were still visibly fuming. "You know," Leland finally spoke, "her skills would be better served doing something other than retrieving luggage!"

"That is not your concern," Lucian spat.

"Letting a woman of her worth remain a slave is a complete waste. Surely you see that she doesn't belong in this life," Leland snarled, taking a step closer to Lucian.

Danarius cleared his throat, bringing the attention to him. "Leland, she is my property not Lucian's. He is merely caring for her at the moment. Initially, she was intended to be my bodyguard, but Talla is quite put off by her presence. It is easier to let Lucian use her." He narrowed his eyes at the young man. It was obvious to Fenris that his patience was hanging by a thread, and the only reason he was giving him any sort of excuse was because he did not wish to insult his father, Crucius. "Besides, since hostilities toward me are beginning to subside, my need for two bodyguards has dwindled. Fenris is the better choice to protect me."

"Are you sure?" Leland smirked. "I have seen Hawke in action. Her skill is quite impressive."

"Yes, I'm sure," Danarius smiled to hide his sneer.

"I can understand you not wanting to upset my sister, but I am certain that Hawke and I could take on Fenris and my father's best guard any day of the week." Leland crossed his arms over his chest and let the challenge hang in the air between him and Danarius.

His master chuckled then rubbed his chin as he pondered. "I think you have vastly underestimated my Fenris' skill. But I will let you find that out for yourself."

When Hawke returned she and Leland made their way to the sparring ring. Fenris and his partner, the captain of Crucius's guard, had already arrived. He watched as his opponents discussed their tactics. Leland kept gesturing to Fenris as if he wanted to take him on himself. Hawke was shaking her head, obviously disagreeing with him. But after a few hushed whispers, she shrugged her shoulders then moved to stand in front of the captain.

So it was to be him against the cocky Leland. Fenris was glad. He wanted nothing more than to put this spoiled brat in his place. He closed his eyes and channeled all his pent up rage.

As soon as Crucius gave the word, he charged Leland. He had to admit, he was good. Quick and precise, but still no match for him. It was too easy to anticipate his every move.

After a few blocks and swings, Fenris was through playing around and let all his aggression free. Why was he so friendly with Hawke? Why did he feel the need to defend her? Had she moved on to him? Did he make her happy? Did Hawke think Leland was better for her? Had he promised her freedom and wealth? The anger at having the only thing he had ever loved taken from him had him seeing red. Before he knew it Leland was on the ground with his hands up in surrender.

"Fenris! I'm done. You took me out ages ago!" Leland rushed out through his labored breaths.

Fenris blinked a few times to clear his thoughts then relaxed and turned to see if Hawke was still standing. He was just in time to see her sweep the guard captain's legs out from under him. With a smile she poked her dagger to his chest eliminating him from the match.

Slowly she turned to him and grinned. "Just you and me it seems," she laughed. "Are you sure you are up to this? I've been training pretty hard since the last time we sparred."

"I guarantee it won't be enough, Hawke. Have you already forgotten the last time?"

They were circling around each other in the middle of the ring, neither advancing on the other. Fenris gripped the handle of his greatsword, as she began twirling her daggers.

With a small chuckle she finally moved on him. Shit, she was quick. He had barely blocked her move before he was forced to turn around and block another. She was bouncing around him, giggling and grinning the entire time. It was infectious. Before he knew it, he was laughing as well.

Every time he tried to land a hit, she would roll or side step away from him. When he finally figured out her rhythm he faked like he was going to swing. Just as she moved to evade him, he lit up his lyrium so he could push his fist through her stomach.

Just before he connected her eyes grew wide. "Fenris, you promised," she whispered. His heart fluttered as he remembered that first night she stayed at the estate and the conversation they had had in the darkness of his small room. With a sigh, he pulled back but quickly swung his sword to sweep her legs out from under her.

When she landed on her back she let out an 'oomph' then rolled away before he had time to let his sword connect with her body. As his sword hit the dirt he looked around to find her.

She had disappeared. He growled and was bringing his sword back up when he was knocked flat on his back.

Before he had time to even process what was happening, Hawke had rolled on top of him. Her legs were straddling his hips, and her dagger was resting at his neck. "Got you," she smiled through her heavy breathing.

They stared at one another for what felt like an eternity. It had been ages since they were this close, and Fenris had to fight not to raise his hands to rest against her hips.

They grinned at one another while their breaths returned to normal. Her face was so close, he could practically taste her lips against his. After a moment, Fenris reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "You have been practicing," he smiled.

Hawke let out a little giggle then leaned further into his face. Just when he was sure that she was going to kiss him, Leland yelled from the edge of the ring, reminding them that they were not alone.

"Way to go, Hawke!" he clapped, then looked to Danarius. "See, I told you she could do it."

Hawke looked back down to him one more time before rolling off and walking over to join the spectators. Fenris propped himself up on his elbows and watched Leland smile at her then wrap his arm around her shoulders.

When he finally got up and started walking over to them, Hawke eyed him the entire time. He returned her gaze, ignoring the talk around him. In his mind it was just the two of them. And that was as it should be. Before the summer ended, he would make her remember that what they had was worth fighting for.