A/N I am really sorry for the late update. This didn't end where I've intended it to be. Don't lose hope on me, though. After I'm done with the paper and finally submit it to the bar association and blah, my slavery days will be over, so I will be able to publish the second part of this chapter (hopefuly in September).

By the way, Kyla's schedule is mixed up. I'm in need of a beta, if someone is interested. PM me if you are, will you?

Fenris

Later in the night, Bethany dozed off with the effects of wine. As expected, he watched her for a while, probably longer than he intended to. With fear her waking up, he slowly picked Bethany up and carried her to her bed while trying not to feel too happy about it. For a human, she weighted nothing in his arms, or his mind was tricking him again about how perfect she was.

When he put the blanket over her, she murmured something to him ending with "ass".

"Excuse me?" he asked, trying to hide his smirk.

Her eyes was still closed, "Hmm…I thought you were an ass at the beginning," she sleeply said, "but I guess I was wrong."

"You are not too bad yourself," he said, "for a mage," his old self added before he mentally kicked himself.

"For a mage," she repeated sadly as she looked to the ceiling. Her agonized expression was what hit him. Like she was sorry for being a mage. Sorry for who she was. Because of him.

He felt he owned her an apology. Before he could say something, she spoke;

"At least, you speak your mind," she slowly turned other side of the bed, "That's something I expect my friends to do."

Speaking his mind. That was what he was doing, wasn't it? If he could truly speak his mind, instead of spilling out this hatred consuming him, he would tell her she was not weak like the others…that she had a gentle heart…that she was beautiful…that he didn't want her to go.

I don't deserve her.

He abruptly rose from bed.

He was leaving the room before he heard her, "Night, Fenris"

"Sleep well, Bethany."

So that I can be at ease.

It was early in the morning, he heard a thud near window. He lunged at his sword yet could not be successful because of the dagger held against his throat.

"Easy, Elf. I don't want to stab your pretty face. "

"Isabela?"

"Are there any second guesses?"

She was straddling him now, a mischievous smile on her lips. Fenris was losing his patience, "Why are you here?"

"Why? To help of course. Since you've locked yourself up with Sweetness and play blind man on what's happening out of the paradise, I had to watch out for both of you."

He chose to ignore her innuendo and asked, "What are you talking about?"

"Templars are searching for a mage in Hightown. I saw the searching warrant. It allows them to enter every house they believe suspicious. And for some reason, I can feel this mansion is at the top of their checking list."

No

Fenris leapt up but again restrained by the pirate.

"I'm not finished yet." Isabela was breathing hardly as if she was using all of her strength, "Remember the slaver Hawke released? Danzig was his name. Somehow he managed to get rid of his employers. I hear, he's looking for you"

He noted to give Hawke his tiger speech again, then asked, "The point?"

"The point?" she repeated incredulously, "the point is, dear Fenris, today she cannot stay in this mansion while you cannot go outside. Therefore, I'm taking her somewhere safe."

This would be the rational thing to do, he thought before he said a simple, "No."

"No to the part I am taking her? Or no to the part you staying in the mansion?" she asked, smiling.

"No to the part I am leaving her side."

"Oh. Isn't this just precious? Never knew you would be the romantic type."

"There is no romantic type," he snarled.

"If you say so," Isabela smirked, "but you'll be exposed to danger out there. And, I don't want to see any drama. So, be careful."

Then, they went to wake Bethany up. She was sleeping so peacefully before Isabela jumped at her. Her scream became a laughter once she realized her visitor's identity.

"Isabela," she said between laughters, "How come you're up, and I am not?"

"It's a long story, Sweetness, but firstly we have to get you out of here."

Isabela didn't wait another second to fill her in. With every word she said, Bethany's frown grew deeper. When Isabela came to the Danzig part, he had to kick her to stop speaking. Unfortunately, Bethany was smarter than that.

"Danzig? Wasn't he the one my brother spared?"

"He is after Fenris," Isabela blurted out, ignoring his warnings.

Then, Bethany finally met his gaze. Disapproval was written all over her face.

She came beside him, "Fenris, I don't like the sound of this."

He shrugged.

"You must stay here."

"No."

Bethany's eyes were burning as he felt paralyzed under their hold.

"Varric will be damn pissed to miss this," he heard Isabela saying.

"I don't know who is Varric, but I already agree," Alfredo said, coming from nowhere.

Isabela bolted from bed, "Zev?" she asked as she slowly drew near Alfredo.

"I'm sorry, I'm not, my dear lady. My mother named me Sergio and my lyrium-shocked friend named me Alfredo. Both name I accept gladly, but a third would do me no good, I'm afraid."

Isabela shushed him impatiently and started to analyze Alfredo, "same eyes, same voice," she mumbled, "hair darker than I remember." Isabela slowly turned him around, "definitely sturdier."

"Are you going to eat him?" Fenris asked.

"Actually…I may," she said, eyes sparkling with excitement.

Being the center of the Isabela's attention, Alfredo seemed intimidated, "Should I be scared?" he whispered to Fenris.

"Absolutely." he answered, chuckling.

He was enjoying the parody when a hand grabbed his wrist and stole his attention.

"Why are you doing this?" Bethany asked as she crossed her arms.

Good question. He swallowed and chose the easiest answer "I gave my word to Hawke to protect you."

"You can be captured by slavers while keeping your word," she said, her anger apparent, "I don't want to be the reason of your enslavement or…worse," her voice cracked at the end.

"I'll be fine," he assured her.

Then, he winced with a loud knocking voice from the hall.

"Well, they are fast," Isabella said, finally releasing Alfredo from her grasp.

He wasn't paying attention to her, though. As all he could see was Bethany's face. Her lovely face looked scared and defeated, already.

"Maybe it'd be better if I give myself in," she whispered, her voice shaking with fear.

Even the thought of it was enough for his blood to be drained.

He realized he was holding her as if he knew what came next.

Fenris slowly lifted her head to face him. His voice was clear when he finally spoke;

"They cannot take you from me."