Title: Questioning Beliefs

Author: Maqeurious

Game: Dragon Age 2

Characters: F!Hawke / Sebastian

Months after the terrible events at Kirkwall, and the destruction of the Chantry and the Circle; Hawke disappeared. Disgusted at herself for killing Anders and on a path of destruction of her own, her only hope for death lies in the hands of her former companion, Sebastian. But Sebastian is a changed man too. With his faith in the Maker shaken and his life in the Chantry over, he is given the chance he has longed for since losing all he had.

Hawke wants death, and it's up to him to deliver.

Continuing their journey, Hawke and Sebastian head to Cumberland. And they're not alone.

Comments and reviews greatly appriciated :D

Requited

Hawke rode in silence.

Her horse kept a consistent canter beneath her as they followed the path back towards the Imperial Highway Bridge. The cool breeze carried the scent of imminent rain that she guessed would be on them in a matter of hours. Behind her, Rin shared the meager space her saddle had to offer. The young girls arms clung securely around Hawke's waist as she nuzzled against her back, dozing in and out of sleep.

Hawke remembered that awkward morning, three days ago now, as she watched the back of the exiled prince on his chocolate colored mare. She had only been able to get a few hours sleep that night as she replayed the events in her head. The memory of Sebastian's lips on hers. The feel of his hands, his warm breath on her face and tongue on her skin. Try as she might, Hawke couldn't shake the thoughts from her mind. Well, she couldn't then. Now however, she had no choice.

Hawke was sure of two things in her life. One, was that she looked divine in an evening dress. Not that she had much reason to wear one. In fact, she'd only been lucky enough to wear such an outfit once, at the party heralding their triumphant return from the Deeproads. The material had been made from a soft, tawny leather that hugged her body like a second skin. It's low cut, strapless bodice and hem that barely reached mid-thigh didn't leave anything to the imagination either. It was on loan from Isabela after all. It was highly inappropriate for a night out in The Hanged Man of course, but even she needed to feel sexy sometimes. Especially since all she wore was stiff, uncomfortable armor.

The second and most important thing was, she always trusted her instincts. It had served her well over the years and was deeply ingrained in her. This was the reason why she was still here, and not on her way to Cumberland alone. She wanted to be, Maker – how she wanted to be, but there was a strange feeling inside of her that just wouldn't let her leave. She felt... something... that she couldn't quite explain, and it had only gotten worse in the last day or so. There was a shadow, or an entity she felt constantly watching her. Sometimes, in her peripheral vision, she could swear she saw someone, or something. But every time she turned her head, the figure would disappear. Whatever it was, it made her incredibly uncomfortable and put her on edge. It didn't feel hostile however, but all the same, she didn't like it. And not wanting to bother her companion with her paranoia, she kept the feeling to herself for now. So, it was against her better judgment that she decided to stay with Sebastian, and continue to travel with him and Rin. After a brief stop in Tantervale to restock their supplies, buy much needed clothing for Rin and a new set of armor for herself, they'd turned back east and set their sights on Cumberland. Sebastian was eager to find Rin's aunt, Leda; and Hawke was more then worried about Isabela. She'd been apart from her pirate companion for a little over a week now and was afraid the rivianian was getting herself into trouble. Which was more then likely.

Hawke felt the faint stirrings of hunger come upon her, and with the coming darkness and impending rain, thought they should find a place to camp for the night and sate their appetites. As they rode, her mind turned briefly to the child wrapped around her. She could hear Rin's soft breathing at her side. The young girl had taken quite a liking to her, which Hawke returned in kind. Rin reminded her of Bethany when she was a child. They both had big, innocent brown eyes and the sweetest smiles, despite all the hardships they'd faced. Hawke felt a motherly connection to her, just as she had for Bethany, and the need to protect her was strong. She was an apostate after all, albeit a young one. Hawke had a soft spot for apostates.

While still lost in her mind, Sebastian turned to her. "The bridge is ahead," he said, pointing out it out on the horizon. "We should cross and set up camp on the other side."

Startled by the sudden statement after such a long silence, Hawke stammered her reply. "Uh... yeah. Sure."

He fixed her with a gaze that sent a shiver up her back, and pulled up his mare to fall in beside her. "Is she asleep again?" he asked. Hawke nodded and turned slightly in her saddle, shaking Rin softly to rouse her. The poor girl stirred and opened her eyes just a crack, only to rub them warily with the back of her hand and snuggle into Hawke again so she could resume her slumber. The sight brought a smile to Hawke's lips, and turning to Sebastian found he was smiling too. She felt her insides squirm. Maker, he had a beautiful smile.

As they crossed the bridge, she studied him briefly. Since... that night... Hawke had gone over and over in her mind what she had said to him. She'd told him she hated him, and at the time she really did mean it. She hated how he made her feel, because she had liked it. She hated that she'd lost herself in his arms and in his kiss, because he tasted and felt just as she thought he would. But mostly, she hated that as much as she tried to hold onto it, the memory of Anders faded, if only for a moment. That in itself caused her immense grief. But watching Sebastian stew in his own guilt made her feel worse. She knew she'd have to apologize eventually.

Reaching the other side of the bridge, Sebastian lead them into a nearby clearing. "We'll stop here for the night," he said, climbing down from his horse. "I'll get a fire started if you want to set up the shelter. We should probably wake Rin too and get her something to eat."

Hawke agreed and turned to wake Rin again. Sebastian came to her side and reached up, helping the sleepy child down from her stallion and set her on the ground. She mumbled something about being hungry then tottered off to find Merc who was snuffling around the trees and entertaining himself. After watching her go, Hawke slung her leg around to dismount, surprised to find Sebastian still beside her, extending a hand to help her down. Hesitant at first, she accepted his aid. Her fingers curled around his calloused hand, and a shot of warmth went through her. As she landed, he steadied her and smiled again. He took the reins of her horse and led both the stallion and Pudding towards the river where they could crop the green grass and slake their thirst.

"You really should give him a name, Hawke," Sebastian said as he unsaddled the mounts and brushed away the girth marks with his hand. "We can't keep calling him 'the horse', you know."

Hawke smiled faintly, thankful for his attempt to keep their strained silences from being too uncomfortable. Pulling out the various poles and stakes, she laid out the parts of the tent ready to assemble. "I don't know, I haven't really thought about it."

"You haven't? He's a beautiful horse, he needs an equally beautiful and strong name." Sebastian ran his fingers through the stallions pitch black mane, his words petering out into a mumble. It was a few minutes before he spoke again. "Things have become... difficult... between us, haven't they?"

Hawke felt her stomach flip as her hand tightened around one of the tent pegs. She tried to ignore him, instead focusing all of her attention on affixing the ground sheet like it was the most important task in the world. She felt Sebastian's eyes burning a hole in her back nevertheless.

"How long are we going to act like the other doesn't exist? I'm sick and tired of constantly walking on egg shells, worried I'm going to say something that will get your back up. I'd rather have you at my throat then dealing with these insufferable silences."

Hawke shrugged, "I'm not acting like you don't exist."

He studied her for a moment, then said, "You know what I mean." He ran his hand through his hair, brushing aside the few stands of licks that had come loose around his ears. Something in his voice sounded so wounded and alone, that Hawke found her heart in her throat. She tried fervently to swallow it down. "I don't like this Marian. I don't like it at all."

"Can we not do this right now?" Hawke said in what she hoped was a commanding voice, "I don't want Rin-"

Before she could finish her thought, Sebastian was at her side. "I think Rin already knows that something is up. She might be young, but she's not stupid. She's already asked me why we're not talking to each other. It's childish really, do you not think so?"

"Sebastian, please. I'd rather not."

He shook his head. "It's amazing that you seem to be the one dictating the situation here, when I have every right to want to talk about this. I'm just trying to find an impasse here where we get past this situation and move forward. You might regret what happened, but I do not."

To that, Hawke had to laugh. "I'm not dictating anything, and you know it. I don't know what you're expecting me to say. Do I regret it? Yes Sebastian, I do."

"When you can look me in the eye and say that, I'll be more inclined to believe you."

Letting out a deep and frustrated sigh, Hawke stood and turned toward him with every intention on telling him so. It was a bad idea. As soon as she met his sapphire eyes, the boldness she held fizzled and disappeared. Sebastian was looking at her, pain etched on his face.

Silence hung in the air between them again, as thick and uncomfortable as ever. Hawke wished she was elsewhere. She didn't know how long she could stand these moments anymore. Every time she felt like she had a hold on her emotions, it only took one look at the man before her to make her defenses crumble like they were nothing.

After what seemed like an eternity, Sebastian spoke. "So, are you going to say anything?" he asked.

Slowly, Hawke shook her head. "Look Sebastian, I can't do this right now." She averted her eyes and focused on the ground between them. "I don't know what to say. I'm not, proud of what happened. But it happened nonetheless. Can we just forget about it, and move on?"

Sebastian dared to reach out to her, cupping her face and brought her gaze back to his to offer her a small smile. "I cannot forget Marian because I haven't felt like this for many many years. In fact, I never thought I'd ever feel this way, considering the choice I'd made to devote my body and soul to Andraste and The Maker. I'll have to answer for my transgressions one day, there's no denying that. But I could never regret what happened, and I don't think you do either. If anything Marian, the only regret I have is that I didn't make love to you properly, like I should have. Like I wanted to." Hawke's knees almost buckled under her. This was not what she wanted to be hearing. Where was all of this coming from?

The sound of a twig snapping surprised them, and Rin came ambling back towards the campsite with Merc playfully running circles around her. Letting the space between them grow, Sebastian returned to tending the horses and Hawke resumed her task with the tent. A couple of things played on her mind then. If she was so adamant in distancing herself from the prince, then why did she long to be near him? Why did she turn to jelly no matter how hard she tried not too? She was a strong woman. She had a firm hold on her emotions, except when it came to him. It was slowly beginning to tire her out. It didn't make any sense to her.

The other concern that weighed on her mind, was that Sebastian was right about one thing. Her horse. The stallion needed a name. She'd have to take that under advisement. At least, for the time being, she could do something about one of her problems.

o.O.o

The marketplace in lower Cumberland was bustling. A mass of people were gathered, milling around the various stalls and brew houses that had set up in the shining mid morning sun. Isabela sat at one of the many stores drinking in the atmosphere, both figuratively and literally. Amidst the throng she'd been fortunate enough to find a stall that sold her favorite antivan brandy, and deciding she needed a break from her searching, thought it a good idea to sit, drink and watch the raucous townsfolk going about with their mundane lives.

It reminded her of Kirkwall in some ways in that it was broken up into different regions and areas. But she found herself drawn to the Drakon Bazaar, just as she had been drawn to Lowtown. The air here was heavy with the smell of street food. In some of the larger stores, suckling pigs and lambs were being roasted over hearth fires, while the smaller stores sold a wide array of fresh vegetables, nuts, berries, rye loaves and ales from various countries. Moreover, the services offered by the local brothel, aptly named The Honey Pot, drew many people, herself included. Sure, Isabela could have found what she needed in many of the other nicer or richer parts of Cumberland, but no one knew the enticement of the underground like she did.

She had arrived here late last night, tired and almost dead on her feet. Finding her way to the Inn had been a chore in itself, but with the help of one of her traveling companions, she had finally found The Sandsea. The young man she'd befriended on her very long trip south showed her the way with such an eagerness, Isabela thought it only fair to repay him in the only way she knew how. He was one of the few men that escaped the destruction of Cadfer, and headed to Cumberland in hopes of finding a job and starting again. As much as his plight had earned him her sympathy, Isabela couldn't help but think the poor man wanted more from her then she was willing to give. If he wanted to forget the horror of losing his family and home for just a few hours, she'd give him all the furious sex he wanted. She loved sex, and was very good at it after all. But if it was more then that he longed for, he was to be sorely disappointed. And as expected, that was exactly what he wanted. She'd awoken early this morning, paid her tab and left the boy while he still slept. She wouldn't be going back there again. Instead, she used some of the coin that Hawke had split with her to haggle a cozy room at The Honey Pot, and even paid an extra few silvers to the Madam to keep her quiet in case he came looking for her.

The man behind the stand offered to pour her another goblet of brandy, but thinking she should get on with the task at hand, graciously declined. Giving him a kind smile, she threw a few bits onto the counter and pushed herself away from the cool shade of the canopy and out into the heat of the day. She'd barely taken a few steps into the bazaar when she felt someone bump into her.

It was usually customary that in such an encounter, who ever was doing the bumping would turn and offer an apology of sorts, whether it was meaningful, an after thought or even if it was accusatory. Whoever it was that bumped into Isabela however, did none of those. In fact, it was done with such a force that she was sure it was a deliberate act, and not an accident at all.

Her hand went to her thigh and dug in the fold of her boot where she kept her coin purse. Sometimes, it would slip down to her knee and she'd spend forever trying to fish it out, but this time that wasn't the case. Her purse was no longer there.

"Oh, you've got to be kidding me," she groaned, and whirled around on her toes, just in time to catch a quick glimpse of the person who had bumped into her. Moving hastily through the crowd, a small form in a dusty, dark blue cloak bobbed and weaved, trying to put distance between them. "Get back here!" she shouted, and moved instantly in pursuit.

Isabela was fast. She prided herself on her agility. This little bastard however, was testing her in more ways then one. It was everything she could do to keep the thief in sight. He ducked and dodged like a pro, trying to lose himself between people who where going about their business and no more aware of his crime then the fact he was using them to hide amongst. She continued to yell out to the cretin, even going so far as shouting to passersby to stop him, but no one made any move to obstruct the thief. Instead, they either looked around in confusion, unaware they were being asked for aide, or they just shook their heads. She even heard someone say under their breath something to effect of 'welcome to the bazaar' as she sped past them.

The thief led Isabela through a tight alleyway, jumping the numerous boxes and crates that lined it and occasionally kicked one over to impede her advantage. She leapt over one of the barrels and it rolled under her, causing her to stumble and fall. The thief stopped and looked back briefly to investigate the now vulgar language that came erupting from Isabela. They locked eyes for a split second and the thief grinned, showing a set of white teeth beneath his hood, before taking off again. Letting out a strangled cry, Isabela kicked aside the barrel and climbed to her feet. Any other day, she'd usually let the thief go. She knew what it was like to have to steal coin or food just to survive. Living in the slums couldn't be easy. But this bastard had picked the wrong day to mess with her.

She continued to give chase, pushing herself harder to catch up with the thief. He'd darted down to the right, ducking into another alley. Isabela jumped over the crates two at a time, being much more aware of her surroundings, until she was finally within reach of him. Her hand flew out and caught him around the collar of his cape. The thief, while still in motion, tried to untie his bindings and free himself from it so he could keep going. His small fingers fumbled with the knots, and while he tried desperately to get free, Isabela had a chance to take a firm hold of his shoulder and slam into him, knocking them both to the ground.

She struggled furiously with the thief, who was trying to squirm free from her grasp. He was so small and slippery, it was like trying to wrestle a nug. Isabela shoved her arms under the thief's armpits and dragged him to his feet, clamping down hard across his chest. As she did so, the thief's cowl slipped from his head, and she was surprised to find it wasn't a boy at all. It was a girl, and an elf at that. Startled at the realization, she relaxed her guard for half a second. That was all that was needed for the thief to drive her foot into Isabela's shin and bite down hard on her forearm. It knocked Isabela back, and she hit the wall behind her, allowing the elf to wriggle free and make her escape.

Furious and in pain, Isabela drew one of her daggers. All she needed was a precise throw, and she could pin the little elf down. Or, she could just put it through her leg and be done with the bitch. She brought her arm back, calculating the distance and momentum she'd need, when out of the blue, the thief flew backwards and was being pressed up against the alley wall by two arrows that were stuck firmly in the fabric of her cloak. Raising an eyebrow, Isabela moved forward to examine just what had happened.

"Well, this feels all too familiar. Why is it that I always seem to be in the right place at the right time?" Isabela could feel the corners of her lips curl into a smile before the dwarf stepped out of the shadow, twirling a single arrow around his stubby fingers. "You know, I did the same thing for Hawke years ago. I almost feel like I should charge for my heroic services these days."

"What, and force a comely damsel in distress to pay for your aid? How chivalrous of you." She stood before the dwarf and planted her hands on her hips. "I've been looking for you Varric. Where have you been hiding?"

He gave the pirate and sly grin and saluted her with the tip of his arrow, "It's good to see you too Isabela. It's been a while. Keeping out of trouble I hope."

"Of course. It's just that trouble seems to find me all too easily." She motioned to the thief who was now struggling against the arrows that held her. "Hand it over sweet heart," she said, her hand outstretched.

The elf turned away and thrust her chin defiantly in the air. "Give what back?" Her hair, now visible because her hood had been pulled back, was a rich auburn and she sported gray eyes as stormy as rain clouds. Isabela found it hard to believe this girl was the criminal she assumed she was. Even her skin was flawless, and showed no sign of hardship thanks to living on the streets. She also couldn't be more then twelve years of age. Still, it didn't excuse her actions.

"Don't try to bluff a bluffer, kitten. Just hand me my purse and we will be on our way." Isabela took a step towards the elf and looked her over. She saw the tell tale bulge in one of her front pockets and reached in to fish out her purse. The elf tried to kick out, but Isabela was too swift and had stepped back before her foot connected. "Now what should we do with you? Shall we call the city guard and let them deal with you?"

"No!" The elf pleaded, her rebelliousness now replaced with earnest, "I'll do anything. Just please, not the guard."

"Come on Isabela, you know as well as I do that you're not going to do that," Varric said, coming forward to release the elf from the wall. "Besides, doesn't she remind you of a certain elf we had the pleasure of befriending once?"

"Yes, but Merril was just plain naive. She wasn't a thief." Catching the dwarfs eye, she saw the twinkling of mirth there. Sighing and rolling her eyes, she felt herself give in. "Oh, very well." Scooping a finger in her coin purse, she took out three pieces of silver and pushed them into the palm of the young girl. "Take this and go. And if you think of robbing me again, I won't go so easy on you next time."

The elf hesitated, unsure if she was really being allowed to leave and with money of all things. "Wh...why? Is this some kind of trap?" she said, her gaze darting between her two captors.

"It's no trap, buttercup," Varric said, slipping his arrows back into Bianca. "Run along now, and be more careful next time. Count yourself lucky you found Isabela in a good mood." He gave the now frightened girl a soft smile, and stepped aside to let her pass. Without another word, the elf pulled her cloak tight around her and ran, disappearing into one of the many alleys.

Isabela shoved her purse back into her boot. "Thanks for the help, Varric," she said absentmindedly, then added, "and, it's good to see you too."

Varric sheathed his weapon and faced the buxom pirate. His attention went behind her, and then to the other end of the alley. "Is Hawke not with you?" he asked.

"No, she's a few days behind. It's a long story."

"Oh come now Isabela, you know how I love a good story," the dwarf goaded. "You can either tell me all about it, or I'll just make it up. And you know how I tend to exaggerate."

Isabela couldn't help but laugh. "Fine, fine," she said with a charming grin, "buy me a drink and I'll regale you with the story of our champion. But don't blame me if you fall asleep halfway through."

"If I should fall asleep, then that just means you need more practice at recounting a good tale. We can't all be masters of prose, she's a tricky mistress to dominate. Lucky for you, I just happen to be a natural."

Varric led the way to end of the alley and back out into the crowded streets of the bazaar, somewhat disappointed he'd have to wait a little longer to greet Hawke again. He had a few things he wanted to say to the daring rogue, mostly about her abrupt departure from Kirkwall. If it hadn't of been for Isabela's letters every now and then, he wouldn't have even known she were still alive. All of that could wait, however. For now, Varric was content to indulge himself in Isabela's company and hear what she had to report on their illusive champion.

He also didn't feel it was necessary to bother the pirate with the fact that the thief from earlier was still tailing them.

o.O.o

By the time Hawke awoke, the moon had been hanging in the sky for a good few hours. She was sprawled out on a thin blanket beside the roaring fire, sweating slightly because of the heat. Across from her, Sebastian was still asleep. Rin was wrapped up in his arms, her head nuzzled comfortably against his chest. She looked at them from under her frizzled bangs, and smiled. They looked every bit the father and daughter, and it made her wonder for just a brief moment what her life had in store for her next.

Would she forever be on the move like this? Would she ever have the chance to lead a normal life again? Live in a city again? Marry? Have children of her own? Or was all of that out of her reach now? Since Kirkwall, she'd felt so alone, despite the fact the Isabela was constantly at her side. She had no family. She had no one to love, or love her back. That day had ruined everything. And it angered her terribly. So much more then any anger she held for herself. Was this to be her destiny? Had this always been her destiny? Or was this the Maker's idea of some sick and twisted joke? Did He pick her specifically out of everyone in Thedas, just to torment her? To watch her squirm and plea? If He did, then He was doing a bang up job so far. She was bitter, and as much as she hated to be, what else was there for her? After finding the amulet, what was she going to do? Where was she going to go?

Hawke's mind reeled, bombarded with countless questions that she had no answers for. And now that her head was humming so, she felt the last vestiges of sleep dissipate. Begrudgingly, she sat up and brushed the hair from her face. Merc, forever the faithful pup, was still lying beside her. She poked him in the ribs, but he didn't even stir. She wouldn't be getting any attention from him anytime soon.

Climbing to her feet, Hawke took the blanket she had been lying on in hand and crouched over Sebastian, covering both him and Rin. The young apostate stirred, her little nose scrunching up as she hugged closer to the princes chest. Hawke smiled at her, pushing aside a lone strand of hair that toppled over her forehead, and silently hoped that one day, she would have the chance to mother a girl as sweet as her.

"You're beautiful when you smile like that, Marian."

Hawke was so absorbed in Rin, that she hadn't even noticed Sebastian was sitting up now, leaning on his elbow to properly look at her. His sapphire eyes blazed under his heavy lashes as he gazed at her, a warm smile of his own playing on his lips. As he moved, Rin stirred again, and Sebastian gently pried her arms from around his waist so he could set her aside.

"I'm sorry," she said, pulling back to give him room to stand now. "I didn't mean to wake you. I just thought I'd cover you up." She tugged at the blanket nonchalantly. "In case you were cold, you know."

Sebastian straightened, patting out the dust from his pants and then turned to her. "Thank you," he said. "She likes to snuggle, that one."

Hawke laughed at that. Rin certainly did love to snuggle, whether it be with him or her. "You're very good with her, you know. I was just thinking about how much you two look like... family."

Sebastian's smile faded a little, and he looked down at the sleeping girl. "Ever since Madoc found me, he and Rin did become like family. It was only a few months after Lynn, her mother, was captured by the templars. They were hurting, and so was I. In many ways, we healed each other. I owe a lot to her and Madoc. They calmed me down when all I saw was... rage and sorrow."

Hawke nodded. "I'm happy for you, really. I'm glad you had the chance to know... some happiness, at least."

"I'll always be grateful for what they did for me, and I was very happy there. But, I'm also happy right here."

Before Hawke had the chance to react, Sebastian reached out and pulled her towards him, wrapping his arms tightly around her. Taken aback by his brazen attitude, Hawke hesitated at first. He was becoming much more forceful lately when it came to his feelings for her, and it was starting to wear on her. Fighting him was a hard and constant battle, one that she wasn't sure she could win. But she would keep a firm grip on the memory of Anders anyway, like a lifeline.

And then the prince would do something like this. Take her by surprise so she didn't have a chance to object, and enclose her in a hold that was so warm, and affectionate it would make her feel weak and submissive. So even though she hesitated at first, she now found herself melting willingly into his arms. His breath grazed her cheek, and Hawke felt a shiver roll down her back.

"Sebastian, no. Please. You have to stop doing this -" But her protests died as his lips came down on hers and gave her small, chaste kiss. It was simple and soft but showed no less passion then the hungry kisses they'd shared days ago. But desire was a fleeting thing, and once she remembered how dangerous it was to be near him, she tore her mouth from his.

Sebastian's arms slackened and he tilted his head to meet Hawke's gaze. "I think I love you, Marian," he said simply.

What ever emotion Hawke had been showing on her face, disintegrated. His words caught her off guard, and she didn't like that at all. She took a step back in surprise, but he seized her by her arm to stop her from getting away.

"No Marian, don't turn away from me. Did you not hear what I said?"

"Oh, I heard you alright," Hawke almost screamed, "I just don't think you have any idea what you're saying! Are you insane?" She jerked from his grip and pushed him away, almost a little too forcibly. Sebastian stumbled back, only just managing to stop himself from falling.

"Is it though?" he persisted. "Is it really so wrong of me to feel this way? I cannot stop thinking about you. Whenever I'm near you, I cannot help but want to take you in my arms. Kiss your lips. Feel your touch. Do you not feel the same for me?"

"Oh Makers breath, Sebastian! Are you hearing yourself?" Hawke took another few steps back as Sebastian advanced on her. "You don't love me, you're just... infatuated. We had a moment of weakness Sebastian, that's all."

"No-"

"Yes! You're not in love with me!"

"You're wrong Marian." Sebastian found himself upon her again, and turned her in the circle of his arms so his chin rested on her shoulder. "You don't need to be afraid, I would never hurt you. I admit, there are times when you cause such a fury in me. But there are also times when I look at you and I see a future not worth living if you are not at my side."

Hawke tried to stem the tears, but felt them slide effortlessly over her cheeks regardless. "I can't give you what you want, Sebastian. I don't... feel... the same as you do. I can't."

He seemed to think for a moment before answering her. "It's Anders, isn't it?" he asked quietly. "You still love him."

"Don't ask me that because you won't like my answer," she cautioned. "I'm going to ask you this once, and once only. Let me go and stop this foolishness. We will never be together, and the sooner you realize that, the better it will be for the both of us."

"And I'll ask you the same thing I did last night." Sebastian turned her around so he could look into her teary eyes. "If you can look me in the eye and say that to my face, then I will believe you. If you can tell me that you don't feel anything for me at all, then I will forget about this."

"No, you can't make me do that -" She tried to avert her gaze, but he held a firm grip on her.

This can't be happening! He shouldn't be saying such things. Not now! Not when she was too confused to trust herself to say the right thing. Yes, she still loved Anders, but...

"Tell me you don't have feelings for me and I will never speak of this again. I know I'm not... him," he said, cupping her wet cheek in his palm, "I know you still love him. But do you think you could ever share even the smallest piece of your heart with me?

It was all Hawke could do to keep herself from falling apart. The sincerity in Sebastian's voice tore at her soul. "I can't," she cried, her breathing hitched, "I...just can't..."

"Please try, for me." He swept his thumb across her reddened face to wipe the tears from her cheek. "I only want an answer. Please."

But Hawke was shaking her head, the tears coming silently. "That's.. not what I mean. I can't tell you I don't, because I... I do."

As soon as the words left her mouth, Sebastian's hands were cradling her face, and he was kissing her. Deeply. Passionately. But to her surprise, she was kissing him back with the same amount of passion.

Then she felt something. And it almost terrified her.

Her eyes opened, and she drew back from Sebastian's mouth. He moved forward to recapture her, but Hawke shook her head slowly and brought a finger to her lips to shush him. He'd apparently figured something was up, because he froze in place.

"What is it?" he asked under his breath, only to receive another short and sharp shushing.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw Merc move and climb to his feet steadily. He had his hackles raised, the fur on his back bristling and shaking as he swung his craggy head towards the far end of the campsite. A low growl vibrated in his throat, and he stiffened. Hawke followed his gaze to the lining of trees, when from out of the darkness she saw a large set of glowing eyes coming towards her.

In an instant, she was in motion. She scurried towards her bedroll, pulling free her daggers. Merc was growling loudly now, barking and yipping uncontrollably. Sebastian was quickly at her side with his bow in hand, when she turned towards the glowing eyes again and watched with bated breath as a large, shaggy mabari stalked forth from within the darkness.

Strangely, it did nothing but stand there, regarding the party with enormous, deep black eyes. Hawke pointed to the newcomer and ordered Merc into action, when even stranger... her faithful companion, ignored her. Barking another order to him, Merc titled his giant head at her and plopped his heavy rump on the ground, offering nothing but a panting maw.

Hawke wanted to set the mutts stubby tail on fire.

Deciding to teach her friend a very severe lesson later, she turned her attention back to the other mabari and froze. It was gone.

"What the...?" A quick scout around the camp turned up nothing. It was as if the mabari had never been there at all. "Where did it go?"

"I...I don't know." Sebastian did another sweep around the surrounding trees, cursing under his breath went he too came up empty. "It's gone. There's no trace of it anywhere."

"A stray?" She asked, hopeful.

"Maybe, but when have we ever been that lucky?"

Truer words have ne'er been spoken, she thought.

o.O.o

The mabari ambled through the woods, stopping every now and then to paw at the ground and snuffle at some seemingly enticing smell. The force of his nostrils huffing sent wisps of dirt and dust careening in the cool air, spiraling and contorting in every which way.

Above the hound, settled quite comfortably in the crook of a tree branch sat a cloaked and hooded figure, legs dangling loosely and cape flapping precariously in the slight breeze.

"Pallas? Did you find her?" It asked in a quiet voice.

Pallas jerked his dirtied muzzle upwards and came face to face with his master. The hound barked happily, showing a row of sharp, white teeth.

"Good boy," the figure cooed, jumping down from the branch easily to reward the mabari with a scratch behind his ear. "And was the Prince of Starkhaven with her?"

The hound barked happily again, which earned him another excited tickle.

"Excellent work, Pallas. Now that I have their trail and know they're together, it should make things a lot easier. But we still have much work to do." The hooded figure tugged at Pallas, urging him forward and deeper into the thick woods. "Things are going to get rather... interesting, don't you think so?"

Pallas's excited barks and yips resounded in the forest in response, joined only by the lyrically soft laughter of the stranger.

Oh yes, things were going to get interesting indeed.