Hesitation: Chapter two; "I hate parties".
"There's a ghost in my lungs and it sighs in my sleep,
Wraps itself around my tongue, as it softly speaks
then it walks, then it walks with my legs
To fall, to fall, to fall, at your feet."
Three years been since she rebuilt a status in Kirkwall for her family, and certainly all the money and popularity made her Tervinter life more easy. If not, was interesting seeing she had at least three duel request at day. So young and experienced in magic that even some Magisters wanted her as apprentice to raise their status, not vice versa as it should be. Most of the advanced magic knowledge she had was from Anders who patiently instructed her for so much time. Three months in Tervinter and actually she had a nice and small house in the outskirts of the Imperium. No servants, no slaves. Ilsen Hawke was there by her own and just surrounded by books. She didn't like much all the slavery and blood magic, but she was no one to complain about it.
Actually many people came to see her, even though she hated visitors because all they wanted was kick or kiss her ass. At least, they tried.
Hawke brushed her long bangs out of her sight and held them on top of her head when she heard someone knocking at the door. Puffing she got up, brushing her hair back to behind her shoulders, its long was past her hips and the auburn curls bounced with her steps to the door where a young woman stood with a meek look on her face.
-Not interested. -Hawke mumbled closing the door again before the woman could say anything. When she was turning on her heels, the knocks turned more insistent as if pleading and Ilsen couldn't help but turn again and open the door again, leaning on the door's frame with her eyelids dropping in half giving to her face a boring yet attentive look.- Spit it out.
-My name is Hadriana, I came specially to give you this invitation from Magister Danarius. -The black haired apprentice handed her a excellent and fancy invitation.- He asked for your attendance confirmation, Lady Hawke.
-Why would he want me in the party anyway? I don't even know him. -Ilsen patted her forehead with the corner of the invitation giving a stern look to Hadriana who squirmed backwards as if fearing Ilsen would kick her down the entrance stairs.- I'm not very fond with Tervinter's manners but this just sounds plain weird.
-But is a big honor, Lady Hawke! Usually Magisters don't invite...
-People like me, isn't it? -Hawke smirked at Hadriana's blush. It was funny to see how much she could push her before she'd give up. Not every day she got an invitation to some strange party from someone she never met. Hadriana made her think of a weasel, one who would anything to please her Magister.- Sounds fishy, tell me about it.
-There's nothing to be afraid of, Lady Hawke. Imperium parties are just big reunions to knowledge exchanging which would be very handful to advance into politics or as mage. Tervinter has a long history about reunions, which as fancy as it may sound, is more like a chatting with food, drink and some music. Of course etiquette is a must and is a terrible honor to receive such invitation.
Hawke had her doubts, remarking them with a eyebrow slowly moving upwards and her rosy full lips curled into a forced smile. Glancing again the invitation made a long pause where Hadriana started at her intently, expecting her answer. Behind her, Ilsen could see the high towers of The Circle of Magi, the foreshadows of the Juggernauts and the horizon bathing with the intense light of morning the complicated designs of the Imperium capital.
She was thinking to withdraw the offer, in fact she was displeased with the thought of hanging around Magisters. A party full of them didn't sound so good, yet she never been in any kind of party before and simply nodded at Hadriana.
-Okay, I'll just go. -She sneered pulling the door roughly, to slam it into the frame where remained closed. The mage stood still in the same spot she been since the door closed and lowered her head. So she needed a decent etiquette dress? In all the glory of the Maker that dresses weren't really her thing.
Her blue-grayish eyes rolled back and forth and started picking her books, bringing them to her bed where she laid and resumed her lecture laying on her side and using her palm to hold her chin. After all she loved reading and unwrapping the mysteries of magic.
Still with three days ahead to pick a dress for such... wonderful party, Hawke directed her attention to her lecture and training with the staff. Wasn't until the day before when she finally got out of her house and hissed at the sunlight, so many time spent indoors made her eyes accustomed to dark spaces and the soft dim light of the candles.
Ilsen rubbed her eyes, yawning as her step started taking the way to the high town of Tervinter. Tailors, books, weapons, fine armors, potions, ingredients for alchemy, food stands with the finest delicatessen... It made her stomach growl demanding food but she just clenched her teeth and walked into a random tailor. Peeking at the overly long, feminine, lady like dresses she rolled her eyes, perhaps if any of them didn't look like wedding dress for nuns it would awake her interest.
Who said etiquette involved long skirts and turtle neck? It was so demure it looked like a convention of nuns. What was that, the Chantry? Ilsen strolled through the mannequins thinking about how ridicule she'd look with any of those dresses and finally giggled at a pompous pink dress adorned with too many ribbons. Obviously, Orlesian.
Male outfits were way more interesting and cooler. So mixing the upper part of one of the dresses and the lower part of a man's one, the tailor made the arrangements taking her measures to adjust it to her height and small body shape. All she had to think about was a long relaxing bath and what would she do with her long mane. Make up? No, thank you.
It was in the evening when Hawke got out from the tube and proceed to dry herself. Her wet hair was brushed and she glanced at her reflection in the mirror. One night of beauty sleep did miracles. The eye bags were gone so were the dark circles. Then, wearing nothing but the towel she strolled into her room and laid down for a while until felt that her hair stopped dripping so she could now get into her attire. She picked the first undies she saw in the drawer and then pulled the pants up, then the white shirt of baggy elbow sleeves. Over it a dark blue corset matching her eyes, since it had the cordon at the front was quite easy to tie it without any kind of help. Black satin pants, a silk shirt and a high quality leather corset, not to mention the knee length boots made of the same material as the corset. To add a more feminine look she took the Amell's necklace her mother gave to her and smiled at her image on the mirror.
The hair was almost dry but it looked fresh, the wild and beautiful curls of her long mane framed her moon shaped face and her cheeks has a natural rosy tone, with a good sleep her lips looked like fresh strawberries. So red in comparison with her snow white skin. Ilsen forced a smile to the reflection of herself and picked the invitation shoving it in the only pocked of her pants. Conjured her staff invisible and left the house. After all she was going somewhere dangerous and wouldn't let any risks to menace her.
Danarius house wasn't that far, it seemed more like a relaxing mansion outskirts from the city. More like a second residence than actually the house of a Magister. As she got closer to the mansion, two guards stopped her and she showed the invitation. The silver necklace seemed to feel so cold, and the emblem of mother's family for a moment felt heavier.
-L-Lady Hawke? -The auburn mage turned on her heels few steps away from the open doors of the Magister's mansion. The blonde vision of Feynriel made her widen her eyes with surprise. He made a handsome young man and for first time in so long truly smiled at the half elf apprentice.
-Feynriel! I see Imperial life treated you good, huh? You grew taller? -He blushed and scratched the back of his neck embarrassed, Hawke couldn't help but smile widely at that reaction and approached him to pat gently his shoulder.- You did! You cheater! I want your secret!
-Lady Hawke... Please, it's embarrassing.-He blushed even more stepping aside, his eyes neglected hers avoiding looking into them. Saying that and acting like that only made Hawke want to pick on him a little more wondering how much redder he could go.
-It's been so long since I saw you the last time, isn't normal? Let's remember I was in your dreams. That's a pretty intimate relationship ours, isn't it? -Bingo, Feynriel went totally red and made her laugh as her hand moved behind him, patting his back.- Okay, I was kidding, no need to make that face.
-You look really stunning with that outfit, Lady Hawke. -He mumbled nervously, she tilt her head and placed her hands on her hips. Her long curly hair fell over her chest and tickled her knuckles. He was flustered and holding back not to tease him her lips curled into a gentle smirk facing the door again, all he could see now was her back covered with curls.
-Then why don't escort the stunning lady inside, Feynriel? We have so many things to talk about and it would be comforting to be close to a familiar face, don't you think so?
-Indeed I do, Lady Hawke.-The blonde half elf said shyly smiling, warping his arm around hers like a gentleman. Even though he was pretty red still, he seemed to enjoy himself as they got inside. Everyone was too busy with their chatting so Hawke peeked around looking for the host of the party but since none came to greet them they just moved away and leaned against a wall chatting about a little bit of everything, pretty afar the actual party yet in the main room like the other guests. Just, chatting the two of them catching up on the recent events.
-I'm glad everything is going that good for you, actually I was a little worried. Your mails seemed to describe this place like a hell hole, but fortunately I avoided the worse parts of Tervinter. But I'll admit it's tough. Also, your mother moved back with the Dalish. She's was still sad the last time I saw her, but that was two years ago.
-Oh yes, I still get some letters from her time to time. I'm studying hard, my Magister is actually a good and stern teacher. -He smiled, softly and gently making his eyes close a little bit. Ilsen was glad that Feynriel found his place and was happy with his new life.- I heard you became quite popular since you came here.
-Hawke always becomes the popular girl, what can I say? The Maker made me so awesome. -She replied mockingly.- Not to mention the looks. I know, I'm so humble.
He didn't know how to laugh about that, resulting in a really awkward laugh. They were still there chatting when a old man wearing Magister tunic's approached them with one of these smiles that freeze you in the spot. Not because it's pretty, just because it's creepy and gave the feel to grab your staff and hit him with it in the head until stops breathing. They glanced at each other, Feynriel quickly feigned a smile and Hawke made to copy that resulting in a well acted polite smile.
Hadriana shadowed him almost invisible at his back, doing her job as mage with no pride. All she seemed to do was flatter him and say how fantastic he was as he introduced himself as Danarius. That didn't help to the fact he was still giving shivers to Hawke and she was thankful no one would notice the simply speech of that man gave her repulsion goose bumps.
-Ilsen Hawke, but you should know that already since you sent your apprentice specially to give me the invitation. Excuse me if I sound rude but, do I know you? -Hawke tilt her head, the long locks slid to her shoulders exposing her clavicles and neck, not to mention the part where the cleavage should be was well buttoned and also there wasn't much to look at, even with a corset her breasts were big, normal or even interesting. They were just there. Enhanced by the corset, making them a little more appealing but still there.
-You don't know me, Messere Hawke. But I heard about you and your... adventures. -He said with that creepy smile again. He was a sinister old man with cruel blue eyes and ashes alike short hair, with a distinguished beard and a good status. His lids relaxed making his eyes half-closed as intended to look more attractive to her.- So I've heard you fought Dark Spawns many times.
-I lost my sister thanks to the Blight and the Dark Spawn. So yes, I fought with these horrible creatures many times. In Lothering and the Deep Roads. It's not something I'm pleased to talk about, Magister. -She brushed her bangs to behind her ears and stepped aside making contact arm to arm with Feynriel who was too busy lowering his head with respect than really paying attention the conversation.
-So I heard you're contingent, the rumors weren't exaggerating. Not even about your beauty.-Hawke's eyes widened and she felt like was a bliss the fact she didn't eat anything because she could throw it out in any moment before such low flattery.- Shall I offer a glass of wine, Messere Hawke?
-Oh, yes. Indeed. A drink would help a lot.
Danarius gestured to somewhere she wasn't really paying attention to exactly where. Feynriel wasn't helping and she could feel Hadriana's glare directed to her, obviously masked with a feigned smile. All that situation felt so wrong and made her shudder internally. Most of Mages in Tervinter were nothing but academics and blood ritual shippers, making them mostly weak in real combats where she was far more experienced at running around and not only rely on magic but actually use the staff to hit and defend herself. Their barriers only could keep them safe for a while but in the meantime they couldn't cast any spell or attack. It was only making the fight last longer. Once they used the barrier Hawke had for sure the fight won.
After few seconds, a tall, well anyone seemed tall in compared to herself, white haired elf approached her. His face was covered by his bangs since his head was lowered and the moment he poured wine into a glass for her his head lift a little making their eyes meet. Dark green hateful eyes which glared her and stabbed deep into her soul making her knees weak. His features were far beyond handsome, his softly tanned skin and the white marks under his chin and descending to where the feathered armor hid them except his arms in complicated yet beautiful designs. Hawke wasn't afraid but fascinated, her face remained indifferent at his glaring which surprised Danarius and Hadriana.
-Thank you. -She said, softly accepting the glass and that surprised even more the little group including the elf.
-You don't have to thank him, he's a slave.-Hadriana interrupted. Hawke smirked aside and took a sip of her glass.
-I drank rat flavored whisky that tastes better than this.-She said rotating the glass around and looking directly at Hadriana, then advanced towards her and placed her hand on her shoulder with a charming smile her tone lowed to the point only her could hear her.- Do us a favor and shut your trap, nughumper.
-W-what? -The apprentice squealed stepping backwards.
-You are no one to tell me if I should thank anyone or not. You're pissed? Not used to anyone not faking respect towards you? Fuck you, this is what real life is. Not everyone is going to kiss your ass.-Then the auburn haired mage stepped backwards and returned beside her friend, patting Feynriel's shoulder. Using again her normal tone.- I think I'll take my leave here.
-Oh please don't, Messere Hawke. -Danarius quickly placed his hand on Feynriel's other shoulder and smiled. Something on her friend's reaction made Hawke widen her eyes and abruptly turn to look and how ashamed and pitiful the half elf bowed his head not daring to look at her in the eye again.- We would miss her, right Feynriel?
-Y...yes, Magister Danarius.
-You. Child molester, take your hands off him. He doesn't like it. -Danarius arched a eyebrow and politely moved his hand away with a gentle smile as if trying to prove he was innocent.- Thank you.
-Quite fierce, aren't you Messere Hawke?
-Maybe the lack of manners is something normal in the farms of Ferelden.-Scoffed Hadriana finally getting her chance to verbally attack Hawke who just chuckled and leaned against the wall folding her arms adobe her chest.
-I wouldn't like having a mouth that smells like shit permanently due the so much ass kissing. Oh, my apologies, did that sound rude? Let me change to other words... Hm... Rear kissing? Rump licking? Oh wait, butt flattering? So many options!
That seemed to amuse both the elf slave, who didn't say a word and had his head bowed but a imperceptible smile decorated his lips, and Danarius who seemed enjoying himself plenty with Hawke humiliating Hadriana.
-You're ruining any chance of getting forward in Tervinter, Hawke! -Hadriana sneered.
-If I remember properly, you're just an apprentice and the Magister it's your Master. I didn't hear him menacing me. Oh Maker's breath, I'm going deaf! -For the first time in that conversation Feynriel chuckled and looked at her, his lips motioned without making a sound but she could notice he was thanking her. Hawke smiled gently and brushed his blond hair motherly alike out of his eyes. That was enough for him to feel protected again, after all Ilsen sensed in the half elf a child alike behavior. Making her wanting to protect him. He was... quite like Bethany used to be when they were children.
-You sure do remember properly, Messere Hawke.-Danarius said, his cold hand placed now on her shoulder and moved a little too close destroying her comfort zone with that touch. He seemed to enjoy the feeling of her pearly skin, brushing his fingers around her shoulder trying to seductively massage it. He noticed his touch made her muscles tense and she leaned backwards cornering herself against the wall and took a deep breath.
Her voice lowered again.
-I'll chop your balls off, shove them down your throat and force you to swallow them if you don't move your hand away my persona.- The elf tensed looming and his arms quivered ready to punch her or at least attack when Danarius rose his hand smiling, his fingers clenched on her skin hurtfully. She didn't add a word and the Magister didn't move his hand away.
-Lady Hawke... -Feynriel gave her a kicked puppy face and she knew it wasn't a great idea keep her mouth say freely what was in her mind without process first into a more pleasant selection of words.
-I'm not... so fond of people touching me. Please retire your hand, Magister.-The words in her throat seemed like throw out dry spiked material out of her stomach.
-Even the wildest beasts can be tamed, Messere Hawke. I enjoy taming creatures like you. So beautiful, charming and fierce turned into submission which is what their true nature wish. -He smiled, his fingers running up her neck disgustingly caressing her skin, brushing softly the end of her ear then following the shape of its shell with the tip of his index causing her to involuntary shiver that made him a pleased smirk.- My, my... Aren't we hungry? We should go to enjoy the feast I prepared for this special occasion. Shall we go?
The other guests gathered blatantly through the corridors to the mansion, decorated with luxurious painting and all the stuff which a Magister mansion would have. In fact she wasn't paying attention at all to the decoration. Danarius hand in her shoulder was bothering her enough, it felt if he was exhibiting a trophy. Which, she wasn't. She was cursing him inside her head, if the circumstances were different his hand would already bloody dropped on the ground but since it would be quite, really, troublesome she had to just keep her mouth shut.
How not, she had her seat beside Danarius, like Hadriana who sat in the opposite side of the Magister smiling cockily and proud of her status while Hawke looked like she was trapped in the Void. And the menacing glare of the elf slave behind her, very still behind Danarius, didn't help her to feel comfortable. At the other side of the table, Feynriel winced probably pitying her fortune.
At least she couldn't complain about the food, even though she ate like a little bird the dishes were so tasty furthermore she didn't leave so much left, usually she would take few bites and resume her study so her body got used to barely have many meals resulting that when she was hungry her stomach didn't allow too much food. Ilsen brushed her bangs behind her ear, maybe it was time to eat a little more from now on but at that moment, she was too full to take a single bite more.
-Did you enjoy the dinner, Messere Hawke? -Danarius asked, moderate and elegantly. Like a real host and even his smile seemed gentler and less creepy.- You haven't ate much.
-It was delicious but I don't eat much anyway. In fact, I'm surprised I ate this much. -She chuckled. Her dishes almost intact. Hadriana snorted scoffing, dissimulating such thing with feigned coughs.- I'm already full.
In fact she'd love to get the food down with a beer in the Hangman. Hawke puffed and leaned on her chair keeping some vapid conversation with random people and waiting until it was okay for her to leave. Abruptly she got up excusing herself, she'd just lock herself into the toilet and make time until the party was over. But, what she didn't expect was that Danarius himself told his slave to escort her.
-It's not like I'm going to steal the toilet paper. -She replied joking and the Magister just replied with a cold smile. Then she followed the white haired elf with a sigh, through the corridors their steps echoed so noisily it almost gave her a headache.- So... You have a name?
-Fenris. -The elf replied. A dry answer with a husky voice it made her knees fail for a moment, lose the trail of her steps and finally fall leaning against one of the walls.
-And that's why I hate heels. -She smiled forcefully getting herself up, yet she stood against the wall taking from her pocket a pipe, it was a long one with a little space for tobacco, small one and lit it taking a drag then crossed her arms adobe her chest, casually exhaling the smoke through her nose.- Can I ask you something?
He didn't reply, just bowed his head as affirmation.
-I'll take that as an affirmative reply. Do you.. like being like this? -She glanced through the window.- Be honest, please.
Again silence.
-Thought so. Would be okay if after the smoke I leave the party? I'm not very fond with Tervinter's manners. -Hawke asked resumed her walk.-
-It wouldn't. You should stay at least until the demonstration of power. -Hawke tilt her head and rose her eyebrows, Fenris didn't need more details to explain what was the power exhibition. Basically the point was that, the Magister itself or the apprentice would show something to demonstrate they were powerful. In that situation, Fenris explained that not always is the Magister, sometimes a property did it while he beholds. Like, artifacts and inventions. Things that would impress the guests.
-Boring.
Fenris stopped in the spot and glanced at her, his forehead crooked into a frown and his face showed her the cruelest hate, she did bet that Danarius told him to be kind of aggressive and show her what would happen if she didn't say as he did. She just gathered her hair with her hands and puffed from the pipe.
-Maybe the Templars were better company than this.-She concluded getting into the toilet, and Fenris tried to get in with her.- Maker, no!
Hawke pulled the door inwards and Fenris outwards, making the scene look like children fighting over a toy. It ended with Fenris getting in and folding his arms adobe his chest, panting. So Hawke was leaning on her knees after losing that stupid fight over if he would keep an eye on her in the toilet too.
-Seriously, I can't do anything if you're looking at me.
-I have orders.
-Fine, I'll just sit, smoke and bother you with never ending chat! Also, I'll piss myself! Sure, dude! That's so lady like, believe me nothing like piss yourself, it's like friendship or some poetic shit like "everyone can see it but only you can feel its warmth".
-And if I turn?
-You'll hear!
The conversation had no point. She had. At least Fenris thought it and bowed his head obediently leaving the toilet to give her some privacy. She came out after a minute, drying her hands with a little piece of red cloth which, assuming, was handkerchief. He noticed in a corner a embroidery with the same trinket as her necklace. His dark eyebrow lift under his bangs and she resumed walking back to the part when she all of sudden stopped turned on her heels to look at him. Her blue-grayish eyes looked so fierce for a moment and quickly softened her expression becoming gentle.
-I don't see people as random furniture objects. Even if in Tervinter it's the usual doing. I... apologize if I offended you, Fenris. -He remained frozen in his spot and Hawke sighed before resume her way into the dinner room with a wide feigned smile.
She approached Feynriel from behind placing her chin on his shoulder. Having to tiptoe to the extreme to do so and she had to arch her neck to do so.
-Here you are. -Danarius said appearing in front of them with that creepy smile again on his wrinkles. She forced herself to smile back at him and placed herself beside the half elf. The handkerchief still in her hand, she used to clench it , twisting her wrist behind her back until the tips of her fingers disappeared among the red fabric probably clawing her own palm.- I hope my little wolf helped you to find it. I wouldn't like you to get lost in this big house.
-His deadly glare was more than welcome, nothing like a "I'm going to kill you" look in some stranger eyes to make you feel like in your own home. -She scoffed, but that look in her eyes could tell it was anything but a joke.
Fenris became a little curious about her behavior. Maybe she was just nice because he's an elf? His role as slave was to bow his head and be obedient as mindless furniture. Just do as commanded but she actually treated him as a human being with the same rights as her. Her voice didn't raise a little, she didn't try to correct him and wanted to have a conversation with... him. She sure was a strange girl.
-You'd be even more welcome into my personal room when the party is over, Messere.- Danarius said with a sharp smile. A drop of blood fell behind her from her hand and she tilt her head smiling to his Master.
-I'm pretty sure I would be welcome, Magister. -Her voice as cold as ice seemed to hold back not to snarl her words which resulted into some angry purr.- But I'm so tired and busy with familiar matters I must reject such proposition. I'll just stay until the show it's over. I'd appreciate if that's soon, because I can barely keep my eyes open.
-How old are you Lady Hawke? -Feynriel scoffed. Drunk. She rolled her eyes and puffed away from her face a curly lock of auburn hair. Danarius seemed interested in her answer and she repeated the action.
-I'm close to nineteen. -She snarled, the Magister seemed surprised as equally pleased.
-But... you look so much younger, you know? When you smile! -Feynriel was too drunk, she took the glass of wine off his hands and preventing him to take a sip more drank the full content with a single gulp.
-Stop drinking if you can't handle alcohol. -She glared the floor and placed her hand on his cheek with a negative sigh, using her handkerchief to clean the sides of his mouth.- Don't serve him more alcohol. He's already intoxicated. Can this go faster? I want to leave as soon as possible.
Danarius seemed bothered, as if her actions were far too affectionate towards Feynriel and she frowned as he gathered the guests around, picked a random slave and then Fenris. She accepted another glass of wine as she watched how they stripped the white haired elf. The white marks glowed with a lyrium alike shine. Of course, it was lyrium burned into his flesh. His hand trespassed the other slave's chest, and there was no blood. She was amazed, yet she looked away with a sad look in her eyes.
It was cruel, and everyone applauded to it. Even when at the end Fenris got permission to take off the other's heart out his chest and knelt in front of Danarius offering it to him like a dog would offer to its owner a dead animal. Hard to swallow she avoided to look at them as helped Feynriel to walk towards the exit. Once she drop him at his house, few hours after because was almost impossible understand his drunk blabber.
Hawke was on her own and disenchanted the staff holding it tightly on her hand when the image of Fenris bathed on blood in middle of the way made her stop, flex her legs and acquire a guard position ready to throw at him a fireball. He remained there, silently looking at the ground. Hawke stepped aside changing her path. It was so awkward, she thought as noticed he followed her each time getting closer until she turned on her heels and pointed at him with the staff.
-So what is it? -Hawke grunted, actually making Fenris raise his face and giving he a kicked puppy face. Feeling horrible she lowered her hand and relaxed her posture. Fenris lift his hand and showed her the handkerchief she was clinging to in the party. Obviously, surprised she dropped her weapon soundly.- I'm... sorry. Really.
He didn't reply, offering it to her. His dark eyes hiding low as if a token of his obedience.
-Did Danarius sent you?
He nodded slowly.
-But it was hours ago... You been out ever since then?
He shook his head softly.
-So...?
-I was doing bedroom duty after the party. -He replied. Hawke tilt her head and knelt to pick up her staff. It wasn't so hard to get the meaning of that phrase, his voice tone didn't sound as it was a pleasant 'duty' and she couldn't help but sigh deeply.
-He did not even let you clean all the blood. Come in, I bet he won't mind if I let you wash your face. If he says anything tell him I said it myself and that I'd be very deceived if he punishes you.
Fenris didn't say anything but couldn't deny he was intrigued because such gentle words and the way she swung on her hips to resume walking to a small house. The stone walls weren't as detailed and decorated as Danarius' but yet it had a big garden with so many trees even though the house itself was small. Which was more strange is that she didn't have any servant or slave, so she was poor? Such quantity of books made him think he was wrong.
Hawke threw the staff over a couch and smiled brightly picking a hair rubber from a short table, messily gathering her long auburn mane into a loose topknot. She sat on the arm of the couch undoing her boots in silence.
-The bathroom is in that corridor, the second door at left. Take your time, Fenris. -The elf nodded obediently and made his way to the bathroom while she headed to her bedroom and took off the corset and the other clothes putting on her sleeveless, short, white nightgown.
She was fast at it so when she silently tiptoed out, knocked at the bathroom's door and it creaked inwards opening. He didn't close the door and had his face submerged into the sink full of water. Hawke leaned on the frame of the door and smiled gently as he rubbed his face enthusiastically with both hands, sure enjoying himself. Then, like a wild dog shook his head splashing everywhere.
-Oh Maker! -Hawke giggled running in to hand him a towel.- What a mess.
Fenris blushed and knelt on the ground planting his forehead on the marble floor. His shoulders tensed and started to shake for some reason she couldn't understand. Her thoughts slowly formed the idea of what was happening. Fenris expected a punishment. Ilsen puffed kneeling beside his head and gently started to dry his hair. He was shaking still so she held his head placing her snow white hands on his cheeks and made him raise his head to look at her.
-I do that too. -Ilsen smiled brightly.- Now get up and I'll write a note for Danarius. While I'm at it I'll give you some apples, do you like apples? Of course you do, everyone loves apples!
Hawke strolled peacefully into the small kitchen, washed some apples and handed to him before get into her bedroom for fifteen minutes. Fenris stood there looking at the apples and thinking about Danarius orders. He had to spy on her because she was his Master's new prey. Daring to move, he made a circle around the room glancing at the mountain of letters. Leaning to peek of them, since he didn't know how to read Fenris sighed deeply.
He straightened when he heard the door creak open and bit soundly the apple stepping back to his original spot, bowing his head.
-It's all done. -She handed him the letter with a smile, then seemed like she was about to touch him and he tensed but all she did was pick the towel on his head and smile brightly.- It was nice meeting you, Fenris. Still feels strange if you aren't glaring at me.
She giggled as the elf bowed his head lower, turning on his heels and exiting the house.