A/N: I would like to dedicate this chapter to the wonderful Marianne Bennet, whose reviews always make me smile and updates never disappoint.

Act 1

Chapter 15

"Claudia"

After a small lunch Crucius had wanted to meet privately with Danarius and Leland. Hawke and Fenris followed behind the Magisters as they made their way to his sitting room. Leland kept glancing over his shoulder at Hawke, grinning like an idiot each time he did so.

Occasionally, Hawke would smile back but Fenris felt like the attention he was giving her might be making her a little uncomfortable. When they rounded a corner, their shoulders brushed and neither apologized or pulled away. Feeling bold, Fenris brought his arm behind her and placed it against the small of her back as they followed up the stairs. A part of him was terrified that she would quicken her pace or swat his hand away, but she didn't. She actually slowed her step and leaned towards him. He tried to catch a glimpse of her eyes to see if he could read any intention there, but she kept her face forward. When they reached the top he was forced to reluctantly remove his hand so he wouldn't be seen, but the small touch left his fingertips tingling.

They then followed the Magisters into Crucius' study, but when they entered he turned to address Danarius. "Given the seriousness of this conversation I was hoping we could leave the bodyguards to wait in my sitting room. A show of trust," he smiled.

Danarius cleared his throat and looked towards Leland and Crucius. If there was foul play at work he knew he would be outnumbered. "I would like it if Lucian would be allowed to stay. If that would not offend."

"No, no. Of course," Crucius agreed and motioned for them to take a seat. He and Hawke left the room, closing the door behind them.

They were alone, if only for a moment. He watched as she walked over to the far wall and stared out of the window. After clearing his throat and wiping the sweat off his palms, he gained enough courage to finally speak to her. "You look well, Hawke," his voice carried softly across the room.

She turned over her shoulder and smiled at him. "I feel well. These last few weeks have done much to help put things back into perspective for me."

"That is good," he replied but was completely unsure of what perspective she was talking about.

Hawke began fiddling with her hands. Her breathing changed as she studied them. Without looking directly at him she began speaking. "Fenris, I just…I just want you to know that I have really…"

His heart started racing. She really what? Missed him? Loved him? Never wanted to see him again? Which was it? Before she could continue, the door to the study opened slowly and Leland crept out.

Fenris suppressed his growl as Leland yawned while closing the doors then stretched his arms above his head. "Boring," he laughed then walked over to Hawke. "Just a whole bunch of political jargon that I have no patience for."

Hawke smiled weakly at him then leaned against the windowsill. When Leland propped his arm above her head and grinned down to her, Hawke shuffled her feet back and forth as if she was contemplating removing herself from being so near to him. Ultimately, she decided to stay where she was.

"So," Leland let the word draw out as he leaned further into her. "Are you going to come with me at the week's end? I was really hoping that I would get the chance to show you my father's hunting cabin. You would love it, Hawke. It's nestled right between the mountain and this extraordinary stream. We could stay for a few days if you wanted…" He let the words trail off as he ran his forefinger down the top of her arm.

To her credit she seemed to shy away from his touch, but it still had Fenris fuming. Why was this man touching her at all?

"You know Lucian won't let me go," she answered, not looking him in the eye.

"Let me handle Lucian. Please. I want to take you, Hawke. It would be nice," Leland smiled and moved to grab her hand.

Just as their fingers touched Hawke made eye contact with Fenris. Politely, too politely from Fenris' perspective, she removed her hand from his. "I don't know."

Before they could finish their conversation Crucius burst into the room, fury etched across his face. "Leland! You would be wise to participate in this conversation."

He waved his father off then brought all his attention back to Hawke. Fenris could swear red flames burst from his father's eyes before he continued speaking. "So be it, Leland. You are leaving me no choice. Danarius has asked for Talla's hand in marriage. With his political support and Talla's magical abilities it is in my best interest to place her as my successor. You obviously care not for such things."

Slowly Leland turned to address his father. The tick in his jaw began bouncing rapidly as he tried to withhold his anger. After breathing loudly through his nose he walked towards him. "You would give my birth-right to that snake, all because he and Talla possess magical abilities."

The air in the room was thick with anger. This was quite obviously a private conversation that Fenris and Hawke should not be witnessing, but that did not deter the father and son from arguing further.

"You have left me with no alternative. You have shown no interest in replacing me in the Senate. What would you have me do? I am not a young man, Leland. Everything I have worked so hard to achieve will be lost once I'm gone. I must ensure that someone is left to protect it. Would it be you? Would you protect what I have spent my life slaving for?"

Leland began pacing back and forth across the room. He was balling his hands into fist and the muscles of his forearms were bunching and flexing, veins bulging with each step. Quietly, Hawke walked across the room to stand next to Fenris. She wrapped her hand around his forearm and leaned into him. "Should we leave?" she whispered.

Fenris looked back towards Crucius' study. Lucian and Danarius were still inside. He knew Danarius would prefer if he waited for him to emerge, especially given the hostility that was pouring out of Leland. He placed his hand atop hers and put his mouth directly by her ear. The sweet scent of her skin and hair momentarily stunned him. After taking a quick inhale he gathered his thoughts. "We should not leave Danarius unattended."

Hawke turned to look into his eyes. Their faces were so close, all it would take would be a crane of his neck and his lips could be on hers again. He resisted the temptation and kept his gaze on her eyes, afraid that if he looked at her full lips he would lose his resolve. She stared back at him, and in that moment it seemed like no time had passed at all between the two of them. It was just as it used to be: her leaning on him for guidance and strength and he giving it to her the best way he knew how. As her eyes searched his, Fenris rubbed her fingers that still rested on his arm. She took in a short breath then squeezed his arm. "Okay, Fenris," she said before releasing him. But Fenris saw what her eyes were really saying. "I trust you."

"Don't insult my intelligence, Father," Leland suddenly spat bringing them back into the room. "I know what this is about. What it's always about! I do not possess your precious magical ability, therefore I am nothing and do not deserve to be your successor." He squared off in front of his father, angry tears brimming on his eyes. "Admit it; you do not think I am capable of taking your place."

Crucius sighed and brought his fingers to the bridge of his nose. "Son, I have never and will never say those things. This is an old argument that I have grown tired of having. Danarius has presented me with an option. Unless you can convince me otherwise, he and Talla will take my place once I step down. I am finished discussing it."

With that Crucius left to return to his study, leaving Fenris and Hawke alone in the room with Leland. After taking a moment to compose himself, Leland walked towards Hawke who was still standing behind Fenris.

"I am sorry you had to witness that. Perhaps we should wait to go to the cabin," he addressed her, completely ignoring Fenris' presence. Leland took a deep breath. "Do you have any idea what it's like to know that no one believes in you?"

Fenris knew that sadness in his voice would appeal to Hawke's gentle side, and sure enough she stepped around him and brought a hand to Leland's shoulder. "I believe in you," she whispered. "And your father does as well. Prove to him that you can do this, Leland. He will see how wonderful you are."

Fenris wanted to gag at her sweet words. Leland was about to place a hand at her waist, but before he could Fenris cleared his throat loudly. Quite obnoxiously actually. Hawke looked back towards him then stepped away from Leland with a smile. "You will show him," she said. "Don't let Danarius take what is rightfully yours."

Leland nodded then walked out of the room. They were left alone again.

Hawke felt extremely awkward standing next to Fenris in silence. There was much that probably needed to be said between the two of them, but she didn't have the courage to utter the words. Her time here had brought a great amount of happiness back to her life. A lot of that was Leland's doing. He had been so kind to her since the moment she arrived. Over the last few weeks it had become easy to forget that she was a slave. But seeing Fenris brought all that back.

He was a reminder that no matter how much she tried to pretend she would never be able to have the things that she truly wanted.

In truth, she had done her best to mentally prepare herself for his arrival. She knew that things would be different here. She was different here. The past few nights while she tried to go to sleep she kept telling herself that this couldn't change anything. As soon as the summer was over they would have to go their separate ways and be stuck back at the same place they were a few weeks ago.

She had been confident that her resolve would hold. But from the moment their eyes locked everything crumbled. She had forgotten how lost she could get in his gaze, how warm just the slightest touch from him made her feel. And now she was standing so close she could smell the oil he used on his armor. The woody scent mixed wonderfully with his natural aroma. Unconsciously she closed her eyes and leaned towards him. Her mouth was beginning to water as she imagined burying her head in his neck while he wrapped his arms around her. She was just about to reach out and touch him, when the door to Crucius' study swung open.

The Magisters filed out still discussing the Leland / Talla situation. Her eyes flew open and she quickly righted herself. "I understand why Leland is having some difficulty with all of this. No decision needs to be made today," Danarius said trying to sound genuine, but Hawke heard the slithering hiss of his words. "And I trust you know that regardless of the outcome, my intentions towards Talla will be the same. She is a wonderful woman."

Crucius nodded then excused himself back into his study. As soon as the doors closed Danarius sneered then headed out of the room. She and Fenris followed close behind. After a moment Lucian turned towards Danarius. "Forgive me Uncle, but I was unaware you affections for Talla were so strong."

Danarius chuckled. "They aren't. She is simply a means to accomplish my goal. Surely, you can see the benefit of this union."

Hawke rolled her eyes, not even hearing Lucian's reply. Was nothing sacred to them? Everything was about power or wealth. Maker, she hoped Leland would be able to convince his father to let him inherit his power. From what she knew of him, he was a good man, with a big heart. He would be able to accomplish much if he was only given the opportunity.

When they arrived at Lucian's quarters he told her that he had no further need of her, so she continued walking along with Danarius in case he needed her assistance.

As he opened his chamber door he turned to Fenris. "You service is not required further. I expect you to escort me to dinner." He began closing the door so Hawke cleared her throat and approached him.

"Master, do you have any further need of me or would you prefer if I returned to the slave quarters as well?"

He eyed her for a moment. "You may leave," he said before closing the door. Her stomach started doing flips as she turned towards Fenris. He looked just as nervous as she did. It was still early in the day and if the Magisters didn't need them until dinner they would have several hours to keep each other company.

Hawke pulled her ponytail over her shoulder and started fiddling with the strands as she started walking towards the slave quarters. Fenris stepped in behind her. Her body began to heat as they passed the various corridors. Hawke knew that there were many closets and empty rooms throughout the mansion that she and Fenris could sneak off to.

She cleared her throat in an attempt to banish those thoughts. She had been quite clear that she didn't desire that type of relationship with him anymore. And just because things were good at the moment, it would be unfair to re-open that door if she would only close it once they returned home.

The slave quarters at Crucius home were much nicer than she was accustomed to. Down a long path, far away from the main estate their building was nestled just at the outer wall. Two large buildings that resembled long stables ran parallel to one another. One housed the females and the other housed the males. A fairly large courtyard separated the two. Inside each building a long hallway ran the length of it, with doors running down the wall that led to private rooms. Most were occupied by two or three slaves, but they were much larger than the ones at Danarius's home. And each person had their own bed. The opening at the top of the wall was the same for every room and let in the much appreciated cool air. But Hawke imagined that when things got colder it would be dreadful to sleep out here.

As they approached, many slaves were mulling around the common area. Children were chasing each other while the men and women were busy with their duties. Some were washing clothes, others chopping wood, and there were even a few just standing around talking. The atmosphere here was much lighter than what she was used to. During her entire stay never once had she seen a slave being beaten or tortured. Why couldn't she have been sold to Crucius instead of Danarius?

But then she would have never met Fenris. The thought made her heart ache. Perhaps it would have been better had she not. Hawke swallowed and took a sharp inhale as her stomach flipped on itself at just the idea.

She peaked over her shoulder at him. He was walking towards one of the benches that rested against the slave house. His natural gait made her knees weak; that strong, confident walk. Her eyes roamed across his shoulders and down his back. Without thinking, she imagined the feel of his bare, lean muscles flexing beneath her fingertips as he made love to her.

When he sat down on the bench and made eye contact with her, she was sure her mouth was hanging open and her eyes no doubt held a wild, lustful gaze. She shook her head to hide her embarrassment. Fenris leaned his elbows onto his knees and looked over to her under his lashes. She noticed the tiniest smirk playing on his lips and couldn't help but smile back at him.

Just as she was about to take a step towards him, she noticed Claudia walking up to the slave house holding the hand of a small elven girl. Once Danarius' sister was standing next to her she left go of the little girl's hand and waved a farewell to her.

"Poor little thing got lost. Normally, children aren't permitted to wander the grounds without an adult. I thought it would be best if I returned her," Claudia offered as explanation.

Hawke gave her a smile. "That was very kind of you. Thank you, Claudia."

They stood in an awkward silence for a moment, before Claudia turned towards her, putting her back to Fenris. "Leland seems to be quite taken with you. How do you feel about that, Hawke?"

She was a little taken aback by her question. And to be honest she hadn't really let herself dwell on how she felt about it. He was Tevinter Nobility and she was a slave. What was there to think about? "Umm…" she timidly began. "He is very nice and kind to me, and has been a welcomed friend while I am staying here."

Claudia bit her lip as she pondered something. "Just be careful."

Cocking her head to the side in confusion, Hawke stared down at her. She looked so sincere. "I'm afraid I don't understand. What should I be careful of?"

"Don't be silly Hawke," Claudia propped her hands on her hips. "You have seen the way he looks at you. I'm not saying that Leland is a bad man. In fact, he is wonderful. But…" she trailed off with a sigh. "Tevinter changes people. You might start out trying to do good, but in the end power ultimately corrupts everyone here. And with a family like his, Leland is sure to venture down the same path." Hawke didn't want to believe her words, she wanted to have faith that Leland would overcome all that, but deep down she knew Claudia was right. It would only be a matter of time.

"Besides," Claudia smiled and leaned in to whisper, "Why would you want Leland when you have a strong, caring elf waiting for you." She nodded her head slightly in Fenris direction. Hawke peered over her shoulder and saw him trying to pretend like he wasn't watching their exchange. "He is worth fighting for, Hawke."

Shocked by her words, Hawke glanced back and forth between her and Fenris. There had been a time when she would have done anything, suffered any beating, endured any lashing just to have him hold her in his arms. Now…all that seemed lost. Tears were threatening to fill her eyes, but she held them back. "What do we have to offer each other but heartache?" she nearly choked on the words, surprised that she was letting her true emotions fall in Claudia's presence.

Claudia moved to stand further in front of her. "You know, Lucian is my son." Hawke furrowed her brow and shook her head no. It made sense. She was Danarius sister, Lucian was his nephew, but for some reason she had never put the two together. "Have you ever wondered who his father was?" When she didn't respond Claudia continued. "He worked in the stables at Danarius' home a little over thirty years ago. Back then, my brother wasn't nearly as powerful as he is today, but he was still awful," she grimaced. "I hated my life. I hated everyone around me. I could see the beginnings of change happening. Danarius was slowly gaining political power, and doing it by any means necessary. He was away often, leaving me at his estate. I felt so lonely, like I didn't belong there. But what was I going to do? This was the only life I had ever known."

"It was by chance that I ventured out to stables one day and came across the most handsome man I had ever seen. He had the most beautiful bright blue eyes, with dark, dark hair that swooped low over his forehead. He startled me, and I immediately left. But I couldn't get the image of him out of my head. For days I tried to get the courage to return and speak to him."

"Was he a slave?" Hawke asked hanging on every word coming out of Claudia's mouth.

She gave her a shy smile then looked off into the distance as if remembering a happier time. "He was wonderful, slave or no. And eventually I did gain the courage to return to him. The two of us fell deeply in love. I didn't care that he was an elf, or a slave. He could have been an Ogre, I would have still loved him. His heart was so pure. He was so passionate. Unlike any person I had ever met. And he loved me exactly as I was."

Hawke was in shock. Danarius' sister had been in love with a slave. "What happened to him?"

"We met in secret for over a year before I learned that I was with child. His child. We had planned to run away together and leave this life to let our child grow up in a better place." Claudia closed her eyes and her whole body grew tense. "We never made it. I was too scared to leave without my brother's permission, and thought that if I told Danarius he would understand and let us go willingly. I was so stupid. Once he learned I was with child, he ordered Lucian's father to be executed."

A single tear rolled down her cheek, but she quickly wiped it away. "Lucian was all I had left of him, and Danarius threatened that if I ever told my son of his father he would kill Lucian in front of my eyes. I was so terrified to lose him, so I have kept my secret all these years. Not that it matters now. He is more Danarius' son than he is mine. Everything his father and I wanted to protect him from took him anyway. He is just as awful as my brother. And I am ashamed to have birthed him."

After taking a few calming breaths she looked back into Hawke's eyes. "The point in all this is that I loved his father with all my heart. When you find a love like that, it's important to fight for it. You love Fenris and he loves you. Do not make the same mistake I did. Have the courage that I didn't. He is worth it, Hawke." Claudia gripped her hand. "And so are you," she whispered.

Claudia squeezed her fingers before leaving her and returning to the main estate. For a moment Hawke just stood there processing all that had just been revealed to her. Flashes of all the times Claudia had come to her defense came to mind, the compassionate gazes she would give her after she had been beaten, the knowing smiles she would throw in her direction when she and Fenris would return from one of their secret rendezvous.

But did she possess the strength to continue this secret love affair? Could her heart take it if something were to happen to Fenris just because she was too selfish to stay away from him? She didn't know. Was it worth losing him forever just for a few stolen kisses? There was so much uncertainty revolving around the two of them. And if she was being honest with herself, despite Claudia's inspiring speech, she didn't know if she was strong enough.

Fenris was trying his best not to out right stare at Hawke, but he couldn't help himself from glancing over in her direction every few moments. She was just standing there, looking down at her hands. She seemed deep in thought. He wondered what Claudia could have been talking to her about that would make her so upset.

Finally, she glanced in his direction. For a moment it seemed that she was going to retire to the slave quarters, but then changed her mind. Slowly, she approached his bench and sat down next to him. Her body was close, but not close enough to actually touch him. He desperately longed to reach out and caress her knee, but refrained.

After a moment of silence, Hawke fell back against the wall and sighed. Still leaning on his knees with his fingers resting against his chin Fenris turned over his shoulder to look at her. "Long day?" he asked.

"The longest," she smiled sweetly. "How was your trip?"

"Incredibly boring." Fenris leaned back against the wall with her as they fell into a comfortable silence. There were many things he wanted to say and ask her, but everything seemed to be lodged in his throat. When she shuffled in her seat to cross her legs, her foot brushed against the back of his calf. His whole body tensed at the contact, and when she didn't move it away, Fenris let out a slow breath. It was silly that such an innocent touch could ignite such a quick fire within him. "I have missed you," his mouth rushed out before asking his brain permission. Automatically, his body tensed, afraid of what her response would be.

To his surprise she scooted closer to him and looped her arm around his, then began running her fingers up and down the exposed skin of his forearm. "Me too," she whispered. "I've missed you more than I'd like to admit." Fenris tentatively reached out to her and placed his hand against her thigh. "I'm not ready to go back to the way things were," she spoke softly then nuzzled her head into his shoulder. "But this is nice. I miss this."

"Me too," he agreed and squeezed her leg. He didn't know where things were headed between the two of them, but he couldn't deny how much he truly had missed this.

"Friends?" Hawke asked with a nudge to his ribs.

Fenris faked a grimace and looked down his shoulder at her. "Friends," he grinned, but Maker help him he wanted much more than that. And if he wasn't mistaken the twinkle in her eye told him she wanted that, too.

A/N: Been being a little lax with my writing lately, so the next update may be a while. So thank you for sticking with me.