A/N: Sorry for the long delay. My usual beta didn't get a chance to look over this, so my apologies for any mistakes you find within. And thank you so much for your reviews of that last chapter. I haven't started on the next one, so it may be a little while before I update, but there will be some good stuff in it. *wink wink*

Act 1

Chapter 17

"The Games"

Since seeing Fenris in the courtyard that night, Hawke made sure to avoid him at all cost. How dare he accuse her of sleeping with Leland! Not that there was anything wrong with the man, but she hadn't and she wouldn't. And even if she did it was none of Fenris' business.

Well, maybe, he did have a right to be upset with her if she actually had. But she hadn't so his anger was completely ridiculous. If he would have just given her a minute to explain she would have told him that she was only alone with him for twenty minutes at the most.

And yes, that would have been plenty of time to…to do whatever. But they spent the majority of that time discussing Fenris. Leland had been suddenly curious about her counterpart. Hawke had been completely honest. Well, almost. She left out all the intimate bits, but admitted to caring a great deal for him.

Just before she left he had made her feel a little uncomfortable when he began asking her personal questions about her past. But when she asked if she could return to her quarters he didn't even blink before he excused her.

Leland wasn't some hooligan out to get into her pants like Fenris suggested. In all the time they'd known each other he hadn't even tried to kiss her. Once or twice he'd placed chaste kisses on her forehead or hand, but never on the mouth. And he never even seemed liked he wanted to.

Hawke tried not to let that bother her. She didn't like Leland that way anyway. And she was a slave, why would he even want to kiss her? Furthermore, why did she care that he didn't want to kiss her?

Hawke sighed from her spot propped up against the sparring ring at the back end of the estate. Leland was practicing with some of the guards men. He had lost his shirt and was wearing a pair of tight black breeches. The sight of his strong, broad chest sent an involuntary shiver down her spine.

She had to admit that he was attractive. Tan, muscular; his dark hair and piercing blue eyes gave him an angelic beauty that even she couldn't deny. If she was any other woman she would probably be salivating at the mouth to be alone with him.

His torso turned towards her and he smiled big, showing all his perfectly white teeth before wiping the sweat from his brow with the back of his exquisitely muscled forearm. Her eyes followed the thin trail of dark hair that traveled from his belly button to below his waistband. The strong V shape of his lower abs was like a beacon pointing to what laid hidden beneath the cloth of his pants.

No, she wasn't salivating at all.

Still in denial, Hawke quickly swallowed the excess saliva that had formed in her mouth and turned away before her face gave away her inner turmoil.

This was ridiculous. How could she be lusting after this man? Perhaps Fenris had every right to be angry with her. If she knew he was watching some beautiful maiden with nothing but dishonorable intentions, she would no doubt react the same way he had.

Hawke sighed and threw a casual wave in Leland's direction before walking back to the estate to meet Lucian.

Leland was kind, attractive, and incredibly charming, but nothing could compare to Fenris. She knew this. Anything else would always be second best.

Fenris might not be kind, but he was kind to her. And he was definitely charming, the difference was he didn't try to be. He just was by accident. And he might not have the thick muscles and broad shoulders of Leland, but his body was still complete perfection. All tall and lean. The angles of his face could have been sculpted by a God they were so beautiful. Soft full lips, deep green eyes. Rough hands that gentled when they touched her body.

Not to mention he cared deeply about her. When she had no one else, Fenris was there. Helping her, giving her strength, protecting her. He understood the pain she felt more than anyone. In fact, she was fairly certain that he loved her. Though, he'd never spoken the words, his eyes did every time she caught him staring when he thought no one was looking. His fingers told her when they brushed the small of her back as he led her up stairs. His smile told her every time he grinned at one of her stupid jokes.

Leland may like her, but he didn't love her. And even if he did one day, it would be nothing like the love Fenris had for her. To Leland she was just a prize to be won. He would eventually tire of her and cast her aside. But Fenris…if given the chance she knew he would spend the rest of his life protecting and providing for her.

It wasn't a question really. She found Leland attractive and nice but nothing more. Fenris she found hypnotizing, captivating, he made her heart pound, and her breathing slow. He made her legs tremble and her body heat.

Confused at why she was comparing the two men to begin with, Hawke rounded the stairs and came crashing directly into Fenris. She let out a yelp of surprise as he settled her then took a step back and looked down into her eyes, his face giving away no emotion. "Master Danarius wishes you to accompany us to the gardens along with the fellow Magisters," he told her dryly.

"Oh. Okay. Right now?"

"They are in Crucius' study and will be joining us momentarily." He stepped away and began walking down the stairs.

Hawke felt her stomach drop as she processed the coldness in his eyes. She turned to face him and called his name. He paused and looked over his shoulder at her without saying a word. "I…uh…" Miss you. I'm sorry for everything I've put you through. "I'll uh be down in just a minute."

"Do not keep the Magisters waiting, Hawke. I will not be able to cover for your tardiness."

He turned away and made his way out to the courtyard without another word or glance. Hawke sighed. Why was she so stupid? What was she so afraid of? Claudia was right. She deserved to be happy and so did he. Since she didn't really have to go upstairs anyway she raced after him.

Once she was outside she spotted him standing stoically with his hands clasped behind his back as he stared out into the courtyard. Before she lost her nerve she walked to his side. He cut his eyes to her and she noticed a slight shuffle of his limbs before he settled back into his stance. Quietly, she spoke to him as she too looked out into the courtyard.

"Fenris, I want you to know I'm sorry. For everything. I understand why you were angry the other night, and you had every reason to be. I would have reacted the same had I been you. But I want you to know that Leland means nothing to me. I don't want him. Ever."

She chanced a glance in his direction and saw that he was staring intently at her. Taking a deep breath she continued while she held his gaze. "There is only one man who I would ever want to give my heart and body to. And it is not him."

He stared at her for a moment, his face giving away nothing. Several times she thought he was about to say something, but in the end he only thinned his lips and turned forward.

Nice. She just put herself out there and he acted as though she had said nothing. Suddenly, she felt extremely uncomfortable. And for once she was silently begging for the arrival of the Magisters if only to end how incredibly embarrassed she felt.

She heard Fenris clear his throat, and she sliced her eyes to him. He was looking at anything but her, and seemed as if he was trying to say something. "Did he…uh…did he try anything with you?" He asked quietly.

"No," she answered just as softly.

"Did you want him to?"

She couldn't deny the attraction she felt for Leland, but she knew that she would never act on those urges. He didn't feel right. "I told you, Fenris. There is only one that I want."

"Whoever that man is, he is extremely lucky," he responded turning away from her so he couldn't see his face.

Hawke smiled slowly and barely suppressed her giggle. "Yes, he is. I wonder if he knows it."

When Fenris turned forward she noticed his lips fighting against his smile. "Oh, I'm sure he does. But do you think he returns your affection?"

"Well," she sighed dramatically. "He is a man of very few words. Sometimes I wonder."

Fenris shook his head with mirth. "You needn't wonder. He would be a fool not to."

Hawke grinned and looked over her shoulder just in time to see the Magisters filing out of the estate. Crucius, Hadriana, Lucian, Danarius, and lastly Talla.

Her moment of giddiness died as they approached her and Fenris. Both of them fell in behind the mages as they made their way to the gardens. She didn't' understand this weekly tradition. Since she had been at Crucius' estate all of the Mages came together at least once a week and made a walk of his impressive grounds. They never spoke of anything important when the bodyguards or servants were around. And only on a rare occasion were they excused so they could speak privately.

Hawke decided to keep her distance from them and couldn't wait until she was alone with Fenris. She fully intended on officially showing him that she wanted to try again. It might make her selfish, but she didn't care. As long as that man was alive and breathing in the world there would be no one else for her. She should just accept it. She belonged to him. No matter how much she fought, it was going to be inevitable; so she might as well make the most of their stay here. Because as soon as the summer was over and she was forced to return to Lucian's home there was no way for her to know the next time she would be able to see him.

She glanced in his direction and noticed him scowling. Confused by his expression, Hawke tried to find the source of his mood. Leland was smiling widely, freshly washed, and as handsome as ever jogging towards her.

"There you are," he said as he approached. "I was wondering where you ran off to."

Determined not to entice Fenris' anger, Hawke responded amicably but tried not further the conversation. "Danarius wished that I accompany the Magisters. So here I am." She turned away from him and began walking closer to the group of mages.

"Leland!" Hadriana called excitedly. She smiled and waved him over. Hawke fought not to scrunch up her nose. Rarely, had she ever seen the apprentice show positive emotion and it just looked wrong on her. "I'm so glad that you could join us," she continued and placed her evil hand on his arm as she pulled him into their group. "Talla was just telling me about your last trip to Seheron. I would love to hear more about it," she breathed and batted her eyelashes trying to look seductive.

"Some other time," he muttered and politely removed her hand before turning back to Hawke. "I was wondering if you would be interested in accompanying me to The Games. There is one this afternoon, and since you are new to Tevinter I assume you've never seen one. It could be fun."

Hawke didn't answer, unable to find respectful words to deny him without hurting his feelings. Plus, Hadriana was currently daring her to accept, her eyes promising to bring enormous amounts of pain if she did.

Lucian saved her and joined the conversation. "You attend The Games?" he asked. "I have never seen you there before, and I rarely miss them."

"Aw," Leland smiled. "That is because you are no doubt sitting in your balcony on your cushioned top pillow. The real action is down with the crowd, amongst the commoners. The excitement is contagious. There is no better thrill than participating with them."

"So," Lucian regarded him skeptically. "You dress down, dirty yourself up, and sit among the lower class."

"Yes," Leland laughed. "Is that so crazy? You make it sound as if I roll around in the mud with them as well. Think you'd be up for it?"

Lucian brought his hand to his chin and stroked it as he contemplated the offer. "This intrigues me. Yes, I think I would."

Crucius cleared his throat and stepped forward. "Leland, what you suggest is extremely dangerous to a man of your nobility. Even more so with Lucian accompanying you."

Eagerly, Danarius stepped forward, jumping on the chance to suck up to the more powerful Magister. "Please, allow me to offer the services of my bodyguards during the journey. I assure you Fenris and Hawke will keep them well protected."

Crucius considered the offer for a moment then nodded his head reluctantly. "That settles it then," Leland smiled. "Hawke, you and what's his name will be joining us. Be sure to hide your weapons as best as possible so you won't look to suspicious. I prefer to be treated just as anyone else while I am there." Without another word he sauntered off.

Hawke hadn't been able to catch Fenris alone. Both times she ventured to his room the old man who stayed with him was there as well. Not wanting to appear rude, she didn't ask him to leave and finally, unwilling to wait longer, she made her way to the front gate.

Crucius' guards lined the wall, securing them in. She leaned against the tall stone and waited patiently for the men to join her. Her usual daggers and bow were left behind since they drew too much attention. In their place she had two small daggers attached to each of her calves, hidden by her boots. She also decided not to wear her usual armor and was dressed from head to toe in black, from her sleeveless tank, to her tight trousers, and her impressive, at least for a slave, boots that rested just below her knee. Hawke figured that she looked common enough. Perhaps a little menacing, but common.

After a few minutes Leland, Lucian, and Fenris made their way to the gate. Hawke had to suppress her giggle at Fenris' attire. He looked exactly the same. Lucian and Leland at least attempted to dress down. The only thing Fenris lost was his sword. He didn't need it anyway.

"Here," he told her as he approached. "This will cover up your slave mark." He handed her a piece of crimson cloth. At least someone was thinking ahead. That thought hadn't even crossed her mind. Commoners didn't usually possess slaves. If Leland and Lucian were seeking the full experience it wouldn't do for someone to spot her brand and start asking questions.

"Thank you," she muttered as she tied the cloth in a knot at her wrist. "Where did you get this anyway?"

"I thought about it as I was leaving the slave quarters and stopped one of the seamstresses. She had some extra fabric. It was either red or brown. Red looks better on you."

Hawke smiled and looked up at him. She wanted so badly to kiss him, but held back. Instead she reached up on her tiptoes and brought her lips to his ear. "Does this mean that I am forgiven?"

"Hmmm…I don't know. I rather enjoy the idea of you having to make it up to me," he whispered back to her.

"Will you meet me behind the slave houses once everyone has gone to sleep tonight?"

She felt him shiver then turn his head to speak in her ear. "We have an audience, Hawke. Please stop trying to excite me. It is difficult to hide it in these pants."

Biting back her giggle she stepped away from him and noticed Leland glaring at them. "Shall we be off then," he bit out motioning towards the carriage.

Leland and Lucian sat on one bench while Fenris and Hawke occupied the other. Purposefully, she sat as close to him as she could, letting her entire leg push against him. The few times she resituated and left space between them, Fenris would spread his legs a little wider until they were touching again. Maker, she'd forgotten how much fun this could be. Trying to find the best ways to hide their affection, though anyone who was looking for it would surely notice. It was a thrill. Throughout the entire journey she had to suppress her smile, and completely ignored the two noblemen sitting across from her. All she could concentrate on was the heat of Fenris' long leg.

They arrived at a private side entrance. Leland grasped her hand and helped her down the steps of the carriage. "This will be so much fun," he smiled at her. "The Games are incredibly brutal, but a fighter like yourself will surely appreciate them."

When Lucian and Fenris had joined them they made their way into the stadium. The arena was full to bursting with screaming fans. Rows and rows of people were in a circle with a large fighting area in the middle. Leland led them to the rowdiest section then clapped his hands together. He and Lucian both were smiling from ear to ear as the crowd roared around them.

With all the people, Hawke was beginning to think this was a bad idea. There was no way to protect both Lucian and Leland, and she was constantly get jostled back and forth. Familiar hands gripped her elbows, and then Fenris pulled her into his stomach as he led her through the crowd to stand behind the other two men.

"Overwhelming isn't it," Fenris whispered in her ear.

"Yes," Hawke answered and craned her neck around to look at him. "What are 'The Games', anyhow?"

"Brace yourself," he told her as he rubbed his hands up and down her waist. Luckily, Leland and Lucian were too caught up in the excitement to notice. "This will not be pretty, Hawke."

She grabbed his wrist, suddenly feeling sick to her stomach. "What aren't you telling me?"

Fenris cut his eyes to their charges to ensure they weren't looking in their direction. He looked back to her and placed his lips at her temple, giving her a sweet kiss. "I never would have wanted you to see this." His hands wrapped fully around her waist and gave her a long squeeze before he released her. With a soft hand at the small of her back he guided her to stand directly behind Lucian.

Now she had no idea what to expect and Fenris' words could never had prepared her for what was about to happen.

A loud trumpet sounded then two scrawny elves were forced into the ring. Both of them held poorly made shields and rusty swords. "Fenris," she drew his name out and reached across her body to grab hold of his arm. He wrapped his free arm around her and pulled her into his side.

"Close your eyes," he warned. But she didn't.

Hawke jumped when a large door on the opposite side of the arena creaked open. A massive beast sprang forth and charged the poorly equipped elves. She gripped Fenris' forearm and began grinding her teeth as they attempted to stumble away in different directions.

The crowd continued to cheer. Lucian and Leland pointed and laughed as the smallest of the elves fell to his knees and was attacked from the back. His cries were so terrified they echoed across the stadium even over the cheers of the people. Hawke placed her hands over her ears and felt Fenris circle his arms around her and pull her to him. She buried her head into his chest hoping to escape from this horror.

Just when she thought Tevinter could get no worse, it surprised her with something like this. And Leland, a man she thought was full of goodness was laughing with his friends as two innocents lives were slaughtered for the sick amusement of these people.

She was forced to endure 9 more rounds of the grueling torture, each one different with opponents but the offering of two slaves stayed the same. Eventually, she could take no more and stood behind Fenris shielding herself from the carnage with his body. She wrapped her arms around his middle and pressed her cheek onto his back. He tried to comfort her by running his fingers up and down her forearm, but nothing could drown out the noise of the innocent lives screaming for mercy. Luckily, Leland and Lucian were too caught up in their enjoyment of the events to notice anything the two of them were doing.

Finally, it was over and mindlessly she let Fenris guide her out with a hand on her lower back. She felt his breath at her ear, but she didn't turn to look at him. "I am sorry. I should have warned you, but I didn't know how."

"That was horrible," she whispered.

"I know. Nothing is sacred here. Especially, the lives of slaves," he ground out.

Her eyes finally focused and she noticed Leland and Lucian walking ahead of them discussing theatrically the events that had just transpired. Neither one seemed to be paying much attention to the two of them. "Did Leland see me?" she asked.

"He only glanced back once, but he didn't notice that you were standing behind me. When the crowd starting cheering again he turned back around and never checked on you again."

Good. She hoped that he wouldn't attempt to speak with her. With the way she was feeling at the moment she wasn't sure she would be able to hide the disdain she currently held for him. He was just like all the rest. Just like Danarius, just like Lucian. When the time came he would become just like all the other Magisters.

They emerged from the stadium in an unfamiliar alley. "Shit," Leland muttered. "We exited on the wrong side." He looked back and forth getting his bearings then motioned for them to follow him. Hawke pulled back the scowl she wanted to openly direct at him. Since her mind was focused on the things she had just seen, and Fenris was too concerned for her they didn't notice the group of thugs approaching them until it was too late.

Suddenly, their group of four was surrounded by six dirty looking men. All were wearing tattered clothing and were in desperate need of a bath. The ugliest one stepped forward and eyed Leland. "Lovely day for a walk, isn't it?" he spoke to him.

Some ingrained call to protect Leland and Lucian sprang forth from her and she itched to reach down and palm the daggers in her boots, but knew the action would draw too much attention.

"Let us pass," Leland commanded. "We desire no trouble and have nothing to offer you."

The leader of the group eyed each of them, settling his gaze on Hawke. His eyes traveled up and down her body before he grinned slowly. She clinched her fist, hoping that he would be stupid enough to entice her pint up rage.

Suddenly, Fenris' arm swung around her and he pushed her behind him. "Avert your eyes, filth," he ordered. "Or I will tear them out." Lucian immediately began walking backwards towards the protection of the bodyguards.

"Watch your tongue, knife-ear," one of the thug's cronies threatened.

Still angry at the sickening acts she had just witnessed, Hawke felt her blood boil. "Don't you dare call him that," she gritted out.

The thug smirked then spat on the ground before turning his gaze back to Fenris. "Knife-ear," he taunted. Unable to restrain her emotions Hawke moved to push Fenris aside determined to reach that asshole and strangle him. Unfortunately, Fenris caught her around the waist before she even took three steps.

With one arm wrapped around her middle, and the other hand gripping the top of her arm, he pressed his chest into her back and whispered in her ear. "Easy. We are outnumbered and your weapons are still sheathed." Hawke took a tense breath and felt her arms shake with anger. Fenris rubbed his hand along the top of her arm in an attempt to calm her. "It's nothing I haven't been called before."

It didn't matter. This man would not insult Fenris. "You'll pay for that," she threatened the thug.

"Disgusting," the leader muttered. "A piece like that going to bed with elven trash."

Neither Fenris nor Hawke said a word but he kept his hold on her. Finally, calming down a bit she looked to Lucian and then to Leland to make sure they were both safe. The Magister's son blue eyes bore into hers, and she knew he was scrutinizing the intimate way Fenris was holding her. A muscle ticked in his jaw before he turned back to the leader. "Enough," he spat suddenly incredibly angry. "We are leaving."

He made a move to pass by him, and in the blink of an eye the thug leader drew his sword and bashed Leland against the side of the head. He fell to the ground in a heap of dead weight. Hawke didn't let her mind think, only react.

She bent down and retrieved her daggers from her boots then looked to Lucian. "Shield Leland 'til this is through," she told him.

Surprisingly, without hesitation, Lucian crouched next to Leland and began his mantra to cast a protective spell around the two of them.

Hawke advanced on the thugs quickly. She noticed a flash of blue light out of the corner of her eye, and then heard the crack of bone and ripping of flesh. Fenris definitely had the element of surprise working in his favor. These men were probably scared shitless.

Her small daggers were less efficient than her normal weapons, but they would get the job done. She charged the first man she saw and pierced his stomach before he even had a chance to swing his weapon.

Turning quickly she evaded the sweep of the thug leader's sword then spun to kick him in the back. He crashed to the ground, landing on his stomach. Swiftly, she gripped the back of his head, pulling up to expose his throat, and then slashed the flesh open. She heard the gross gurgling sounds escaping from his neck while she scanned the area.

Fenris had already taken down two men, add that to hers, there were four dead on the ground. Currently, Fenris was attempting to kill another, but without a weapon it was bit harder to counter the moves of the thug's sword.

That left one thug unaccounted for. Squinting her eyes she scanned the alley. Lucian's spell was still holding strong and it looked like Fenris was close to victory.

Over her shoulder she barely heard his footfall hit the dirt, before she felt the sharp twinge of metal and agony pierce her stomach. She looked down and saw the tip of the thug's daggers poking out of her middle. Calmly, she reached down and fingered the blood, before swiftly stepping away then turning to slice his throat with a flick of her wrist. "Bastard," she breathed before she collapses to her knees.

She tasted the tang of copper in her mouth and saw the crimson blood pouring quickly out of her wound and into her hands. Everything around her started to become hazy, like nothing was quite in focus. She searched for Fenris. Through the fuzziness of her vision she saw his white hair charging towards her then felt the heat of his body press against her as he cradled her to his chest.

"You're alright," she heard his whisper. "Hold on."

Hawke tried to reach for him, but her arm felt too heavy. Her body was giving up, she could feel the lethargy of blood loss spread through her limbs. Forcing her head to turn she looked at him. His mouth was moving but the words sounded muffled and far away. A high-pitched ringing reverberated in her ears making her wince, when it finally stopped she was able to hear more clearly. "Don't give up," Fenris growled. "Hang on." She nodded but wasn't sure if she had any say in the matter, her body already felt weightless and cold.

"Lucian!" Fenris barked. "Heal her. Now!"

"I don't have my staff," he actually sounded concerned. "The only way I could do it is through blood magic. And I would need a living host."

Suddenly, Leland came into her line of vision. There was a trickle of blood oozing down the side of his face. "All of the thugs are dead. We can't use them," he informed them. "Oh, Hawke." Leland reached out his hand and ran his fingers down the side of her face. Her body jerked as it fought to take in a strangled breath and she pulled away from Leland and looked back to Fenris. With all the strength she possessed she reached her hand up and grasped his neck. His name came from her lips on a sob.

"Use me," Fenris whispered.

"What?" Lucian asked bewildered.

"Use me," he responded more forcefully.

"It might kill you. I can't do that. Danarius would…"

"Do it!" Fenris yelled.

"No," Hawke choked. "No."

He looked back down at her and caressed her cheek. "I cannot lose you," he whispered.

"Use him," Leland gritted out. "Save her at all cost."

Unable to protest, Hawke gripped Fenris' hand and felt him squeeze back as Lucian began the ritual. He sliced his palm then held it out to them. She felt the evil magic begin to course through her. Slowly, her body grew warm. Gradually, the blood stopped oozing from her stomach. Her heart began to beat in a normal rhythm. But the magic was too much. Even though her body was healing she felt her eyes grow heavy with fatigue. The last thing she felt before darkness claimed her was Fenris' hand going limp inside hers.

He awoke with a start. The room was dark. Too dark. The bed beneath him felt hard and cold. All of his limbs felt like they hadn't moved in days. His mouth felt dry, his tongue sticking to the roof of it. It took all his strength to sit up.

As his eyes adjusted he noticed he must be in one of the guest rooms of Crucius' mansion. Panic overwhelmed him. Where was Hawke? Did the ritual work? He was just about to jump out of bed to find out when Danarius emerged from the shadows.

"Foolish," he spat. Fenris stilled and looked into his master's eyes. They burned with anger. "So very foolish. Your affection for her is beginning to make you stupid as well as weak. You will pay for offering yourself up as sacrifice."

Without another word, Fenris felt his lyrium light up and burn against his skin. He thrashed in the bed then his muscles went taut as Danarius furthered the pain. "You will not do something this stupid again. Are we clear?" The only answer Fenris could give was painful moan. His back arched off the bed and his heels dug into the mattress. "I will not see my investment die. You are too valuable."

The burning intensified and Fenris still couldn't answer. He would have probably said anything to make the pain stop, but that didn't mean he wouldn't sacrifice himself all over again if Hawke needed him to. There was nothing Danarius could do to him that would convince him not to.

Suddenly, the pain stopped and Fenris relaxed back on the bed. "Are we clear?" Danarius asked again.

"Yes, Master," he lied. Danarius spun on his heel and made his way to the door. Before he left Fenris called out to him. "Did it work? Does she live?"

Slowly, Danarius looked over his shoulder and flashed him a wicked grin. "She lives. Leland has been taking excellent care of her," he said before leaving the room.

His parting words were meant to agitate him. But all Fenris felt was extreme elation. She lived. His Hawke lived.