Since we are coming up on Halloween I decided to take a small little break from Bound By Compassion and write this little one shot of Leigh Hawke and Anders. Since I have them sharing a nameday which I call the Hallow in my story. I set if after Leigh has become the Champion and after they go through the Mark of the Assassin mission. I hope you all enjoy and as always I own nothing it is Biowares world and characters I just play in it.
"Maker it is good to be home!" Leigh unceremoniously dropped her cloak and dagger belt by the door to her room followed closely by her armor. Her Mabari hound Tovis hovered close to her while she stripped out of her clothes. She heard him give a soft huff as he left the room telling her the other house resident had entered her room. "Are you just going to stand there and watch or are you going to help me?"
"You know how I love to watch you undress love, but if you would like help I am more than willing to." Leigh let out a short snicker before curling her finger to beckon her lover to come across the room. "I guess I will take that as you want help."
"Just get over here Anders!" He gave her a smirk and crossed the room stopping just short if her.
"I'll help you if you tell me when your Name Day is."
"Please don't start that again, it's not important. I haven't celebrated it since I was seventeen. It is just another day to me."
"Well to me it is isn't, it is the day the Maker gave me the most wonderful woman I would even know. So please just let me show my appreciation for the fact I have you in my life and tell me."
"Your impossible, you know that right?"
"And your stubborn, what a perfect pair we make. Now tell me or I will have to torture you."
"Torture?"
"I am thinking no sex til you tell me and no massages either." Leigh shot him a withering look and he just laughed.
"Your are an evil little apostate. You know you are torturing yourself too right?"
"I am willing to do it just to find out when your Name Day is." Leigh let out a sigh and her shoulders slumped in defeat. As much as she wanted not to tell him when her Name Day was the prospect of having him in her bed, but not being able to be intimate would kill her. She had had enough of that for those long three years that he decided to be an idiot and push her away. She felt his hands on her bare shoulders and she leaned back into him. "So are you going to tell me?"
"Fine, but I swear if you try to throw me a party I will..."
"Tell me to go sleep in the clinic." She turned and saw the mischievous look in his eyes. His lips where on hers before she could speak. She hated when he used his power over her to shut her up, but she did not try to stop him. She finally found her voice and caught her breath enough to speak
"You know I would never do that. This bed gets so cold and lonely without you." She loved the look on Anders face right at this moment. When he smiled the world seemed to brighten. "Don't think I am going to let you win all the time love, this is a one time deal. So you want to know when my Name Day is. Come on I'll show you."
"Can't you just tell me?"
"No, it it better if I show you." Leigh threw on her house robe and padded down the stairs to their library. Anders followed after her and saw her take a book from the shelves. The book looked very old and very well worn. "My father stole this book from the Circle here before he left. It is a book of ancient Thedas holidays. Some of them aren't even truly celebrated anymore. The Hallow is one of them. The Chantry has made it a mockery of what it use to be. It was a night that the Veil was thin and spirits talked to the living."
"So you were born on the Hallow, that...that explains a lot about you."
"And what is that suppose to mean?" Anders put his hands up at her warning look.
"It means you are more in tune to both this world and the Fade. It is rare to be born on the Hallow since it use to be a bad omen if you were, but that is another Chantry lie."
"I guess they did teach you about it in the Tower."
"Some of it, but I knew most of it before I went there. Anders are superstitious people and my father was one of the worst of them. Guess that is why he said I was demon spawn." Anders never really talked about his family much and the look on his face broke Leigh's heart. She placed the book on the desk they shared and wrapped her arms around his waist. "It's alright love, I've dealt with the fact my father hated me."
"Still, why would he think your demon spawn? I know you have a mischievous side, but your never malicious."
"Other than being a mage...well let's just say you and I have much more in common than the fact we are both host to spirits."
"You were born on the Hallow too?"
"Yes, surprised?"
"No, not really. It is said that those born on that day are drawn to others like them. Guess that is why I never let you get away."
"I am glad of that. So now since both of our Name Day is coming up in less than two weeks what should we do?"
"Let's have a party. This book has some old customs that I think we could pull off. Varric can help me get some of these items..."
You said you didn't want a party."
"I didn't, but I remember how much fun we had when I was little dressing up. Pretending to be a dragon or a wolf. And the food was always so rich and sweet." Anders caught a gleaming light shining in her eyes while she talked. He had seen it many times in the children that ran Darktown when they were given candy or a few copper. It was a joy of sorts and he was glad to see it in her again.
"So are we going to go all out and wear costumes too?"
"Sure, why not. After having to endure that damn hunt in Orlais I need to have some fun."
"And seeing you in a sexy costume will definitely help toward you showing your gratitude for me rescuing you from that dungeon."
"Love Tallis got me out of there not you."
"But I was coming to rescue you, Tallis just stole my thunder."
"I know, now let's look this over and start planning. You and I are going to have a Name Day to remember. I wonder if Fenris will let us use his home, since it is much bigger than ours."
"All you can do is ask, I doubt he will have a problem with it."
"Alright love let's get cracking."
OoO
Having such a time constraint on planning the party did not stop Anders and Leigh from trying to make this celebration something for the nobles of Kirkwall to talk about if they were to be invited to it. Varric was a Maker send having found some of the more outlandish items. Leigh had the idea of inviting the children of Darktown and their families to join in the festivities. She spent time with the children making masks and decorations then taking them to Fenris' to put them up. Fenris to his credit was a lot less broody when the children were around. He actually smiled a few times when he thought no one was looking at him.
"Thank you again for letting us do this here Fenris. My home is just too small for all these kids to run around in."
"You are welcome Hawke. Varric told me to leave the cobwebs for dramatic effect, whatever that means."
"The Hallow is all about the darker side of things as well as a day to remember our lost loved ones."
"The darker side?"
"Things that scare us, but we can make fun of."
"Why would you want to make fun of what scares you?"
"It is a way to stop being afraid of it."
"I will never understand humans."
"We are hard to understand aren't we?" He just nodded and handed her some decorations to hang over the doorway.
"You are the hardest to understand."
"Oh, why is that?"
"You are a noble now, as well as Champion of Kirkwall and you are still hanging around with the rest of us. You still help out in the Clinic even when you don't have to, why?"
"I love all of you, your my family so I am not going to abandon any of you and as for the Clinic. I enjoy helping people. Most of them down there are my countrymen. I have been blessed and I want to share it."
"You are a wonder Hawke."
"Thanks, I think. Hand me that bunch of streamers."
OoO
"Here you go Hawke this were hard to find, but I found it." Leigh inspected the mask Varric had found for her.
"Varric this perfect. I have the rest of rest of my costume done, but this will put the finishing touch on it."
"Do you know what Blondie is going as?"
"He wouldn't tell me. I'm not even sure where he is keeping his costume. I hate it when he is secretive."
"Well he requested a mask as well, but swore me to secrecy, so don't even give me that look serah."
"Please Varric?"
"No Hawke wait and be surprised."
"He told you why we are doing this didn't he?"
"That you two share a Name Day, yeah he did and I in turn told the others. So if I were you I would get ready to write out a bunch of those fancy thank you notes your mother got for you because you are getting presents."
"Maker I am going to kill that man." Varric smirked as he saw Anders sneak up behind her. His fingers gently pinched her sides and she shrieked.
"Who are you going to kill love."
"You!"
"Aww, what did I do now?"
"You told him!"
"I did about it being my Name Day, Bethany told Varric it was yours, so don't blame me love."
"Varric you..."
"I wanted to see you kick his ass a little. I have nothing to entertain me since we came home from Orlais. Sorry those snobby nobles rubbed off on me." Leigh glared at the dwarf and stalked off toward her room. "How do you deal with her temper Blondie?"
"I have learned to duck and hide. So Varric is my costume ready yet?"
"Ready and waiting. Meet me tonight and you can try it on. I better go before she comes back out and decides to flay me. See you tonight Blondie."
"See you Varric and thanks."
"No problem, she'll have fun you'll see."
"I hope so, she deserves it after all that happened last year."
OoO
The morning of the party was chaotic as Leigh put the final touches on Fenris' home. Orana made sure that the food was delivered by mid day and Bodhan with his son Sandal made sure the children were all set in their costumes. Their families looked around the mansion with mouths agape in awe. Leigh had outdone herself with the decorations. There were streamers over every doorway making it nearly impossible to see into the next room. The children all stood frightened to move til they saw Leigh walk out from behind on set of streamers. She still had yet to put on her costume so the children were not afraid of her.
"Come in, come in!" Leigh saw the apprehensive look on the little children's faces even under their paper masks. She gave them a sweet smile and knelt down to their level. "You know the masks you wear are meant to scare anything away that scares you. Like Liam here is a Mabari strong and proud, they show no fear. Cath your a knight nothing can get past your armor. Tonight is for fun and to be someone else if only for a little while."
"Serah, where is your costume?" Leigh tilted her head at a small girl named Isla and gasped.
"Your right I have forgotten my costume. Whatever will I do? I will need all of you to protect me from the things that go bump in the night." Cath stepped forward drawing his wooden sword and puffed his chest out to look bigger.
"I will protect you my lady. No foul demon will harm you." Leigh pulled out one of her handkerchiefs and handed it to him as a favor of her admiration.
"My hero, will you please escort me into the main room and ward off those dastardly spirits?" He gave a stiff nod and led the way. The rest of the children followed suit, as did their families. "There is plenty to eat and drink so please do not be shy. The other guests should be arriving soon and we will start the games." Leigh stood back and watched the people she had come to know and love from Darktown lose themselves in the fine food and drink. She wished she could give them more than just this one night of revelry, but even her purse had it's limits. All she could do was help Anders take care of them down at the Clinic and use some of her influence as Champion to get the other nobles to donate clothes and blankets. She was so enthralled in watching the families she did not hear Fenris sneak up behind her.
"It seems to be going well." Leigh jumped a bit and placed her hand over her heart.
'Maker, you scared me Fenris." He backed up enough for her to give him a good once over.
"What do you think?" He was dressed as a wolf, but the detail he put into the mask and the costume was impressive.
"Fenris you look...just like a wolf. If you weren't standing on two legs I would have swore you were one."
"Isabela helped me find the furs and Merrill helped with the mask." This information made Leigh grin from ear to ear. Fenris hated mages more than anyone else she knew and for him to have Merrill help him was a huge step forward.
"I am glad they could help you. I can't wait to see what everyone else will be wearing."
"Where is yours?"
"I wanted to wait so I didn't scare the children. They will be leaving a little bit after sundown. The rest of the party is for just our little group."
"Ah, I see. It looks like some of the others have arrived I will stay here and make sure the families have what they need."
'Thank you Fenris and thank you again for letting us do this here. I know you like your solitude."
"It is fun to get out of it every once in a while." Leigh disappeared through the streamers and greeted the newcomers to the party. Only by the ears alone did she recognize Merrill, but the other person with her was a complete surprise. Merrill was dressed as a wood nymph. Her mask a glittery collection of leaves in all the colors of autumn. The woman beside her was dressed in a gown fit for a princess. It was not til she saw Ser Donnic step into the mansion that Leigh knew who was behind the gilded mask.
"Aveline is that you?"
"Yes, Hawke it's me. I must look like a fool."
"No you look...Maker there are no words. You look beautiful and Ser Donnic you are looking quite handsome as a prince."
"Thank you Serah Hawke. Aveline did not believe me when I told her she looked like she belong in a palace somewhere. Hopefully she believes you."
"Donnic..." Aveline turned bright red under her mask and Leigh placed her hand on her oldest friends shoulder.
"Aveline you put the statues of Andraste to shame and you know me I don't mince words."
"Thank you Hawke, we'd better get in there."
"Donnic watch out for some of the knights in there they might try to steal your princess. Cath especially." The older man smiled and led his wife up the stairs to the main party room. Leigh then turned to Merrill who was staring wide eyed at all the decorations.
"You alright Merrill?"
"How did you do all this in such a short time?"
"Wasn't easy, but I had a lot of help. Your costume is amazing. You made this all yourself right?"
"The one good thing about being Dalish is you learn to sew and make things. Where is your costume?"
"I'm waiting til later since I am the host I did not want to scare the little ones."
"You are too good to everyone Lethallan. Where is Anders?"
"Good question. He had a very ill woman he was healing when I went to collect the children. It might take him a while to get here."
"Isn't it his Name Day too?"
"Yes, but you know Anders he will not abandon a patient and if I was a healer neither would I. It is part of the reason I love him so much."
"I can't wait to see your costumes …..." Merrill's eyes went wide with fear and Leigh spun around to see what was a matter. The sight of a Templar made her blood run cold.
"Can I help you?" Her voice was like ice as she stepped in front of Merrill ready to protect her. The Templar let out a laugh and crossed her arms over her chest.
"Yes you can, I was wondering if you could help me find my wayward mage,oh wait there he is." The Templar turned her head to look over her shoulder. The mage she spoke of wasn't a mage at all.
"Cullen what...you're wearing robes?"
"And your sister is wearing Templar armor. We thought it would be fun to switch for a day." Bethany took the heavy helm of her head and shook out her hair. Leigh couldn't help herself and went to hug both her sister and her old love.
"How are you walking in that thing?" Merrill exchanged hugs with Bethany and gave a short bow to Cullen.
"It is light practice armor and if you look really close most of the back plate is gone."
"I'm surprised the Knight Commander let you come."
"Oh, that well she thinks we are going to Starkhaven to help them rebuild their circle. Which we are, but a delay of a day or two is not a bad thing. We couldn't miss this after Varric told us you were throwing a party."
"I am so glad you are both here. Beth I would keep that helmet off until Anders sees it's you just in case Justice..."
"I understand sister. Oh I got you something, since it is your Name Day. Cullen and I found it going through the some old records in the Gallows." Leigh took the small package from her sister's hands and opened it. Inside the small box was a pendant in the shape of a hawk. She turned it over and on the back was carved her father's name and birth date. Her eyes welled up with tears. "We found it with the names of our Grandparents. Cullen has a letter sent to Ferelden to see if they can be found or any other living family member."
"This was father's. Oh thank you both, this is a wonderful gift. Please let me know when you hear back from Ferelden." Cullen nodded and kissed her on the cheek.
"I will. It looks like you have two more guests arriving. A dwarven noble and a sister of the cloth." Bethany almost fell in a fit of giggles seeing Varric and Isabela. Varric had a mask that looked like he had a beard and Isabela was wearing the most clothes Leigh had ever seen her in. Her hair was pulled back into a bun and the half mask she wore was plain.
"Hawke this place looks amazing. You and Fenris really outdid yourselves."
"Isabela you...well you don't look like you at all."
"Isn't that the point kitten, we dress up to be someone different for a night. Well I can't get much different from who I was to this."
"No you can't. Varric so that is what you would look like with a beard. I have to say I like you the other way."
"I do too, but for the night I can pretend to be what I was suppose to be. Shall we go in and mingle my fine friends?"
"You all go on ahead I still have two more due here hopefully they get here soon."
"Do you really think Choir Boy will come after the small tiff you had over the party?"
"His loss if he doesn't. I understand the Chantry banned celebrating the Hallow because of what it represents to them."
"Even that would not keep me from coming to celebrate your Name Day Hawke."
'Sebastian you came!" She marveled at his costume as she greeted him. The feathers on his cloak tickled her skin and the mask he wore was also covered in feathers. "An eagle?"
"Grandfather always called me Eagle Eye, I thought it was fitting to honor him on this day."
"I know he would be proud of you."
"Are you not dressing for the eve?"
"I will later. Go up with the others I will be there shortly. I want to go find Anders since this party is for him too." Varric gave Sebastian a light push and the group headed up the stairs. Leigh grabbed her cloak and headed out the door. She took the quickest way to Darktown and found Anders was still in the Clinic. He was sitting next to a cot staring at the covered over body that lay there. Leigh walked in quietly and placed her hands on his shoulders. He looked up at her with tears in his eyes and Leigh knew he had lost the fight trying to save the older woman from death.
OoO
"It's not your fault love, she waited too long to come for help." Anders just nodded into Leigh's shoulder. He was not sure he could talk without breaking down.
"She told me she lost her husband a year ago and that she was...she was ready to go join him. That's why she didn't come to me when her cough started. She only came here because she didn't want to die alone out there in the cold and the filth."
"And she didn't, she went to the Maker being cared for clean and warm."
"I told her it was my Name Day today. She told me she was sorry she had to die today. Maker it is not like she had a choice. She was luck to last as long as she did. Leigh, I'm...I'm not sure I am up to celebrating to night."
"I understand love. Go home and get some rest. I will see you after the party is done." Leigh stood on her toes and kissed his lips softly. He could see the small flash of disappointment in her eyes, but she covered it quickly. "Here take the key to the basement of the estate. I will take the long way back to Fenris'."
"You shouldn't walk home alone love."
"I have my daggers Anders and I can keep to the shadows. I will be fine. Go rest."
"I love you Leigh."
"And I love you, always." Anders sat back down for a moment to collect himself before leaving for home. He cast a frost spell to keep the body from being attacked by flies and other creatures that would want to eat it down here is Darktown. He would have to have Leigh ask Sebastian to have this woman's body given a proper funeral, but he was too tired tonight and Leigh had her party it would have to keep til morning. He sighed and got to his feet gathering his staff and his bag to head home.
"You are acting a fool young man. You should not abandon that lovely girl to her party alone tonight." Anders spun staff ready and what he saw froze him to the spot. "Love is a precious gift do not waste time mourning the death of a tired old woman such as myself. I am at peace dear boy."
"How...but you...?"
"I died, yes. It was my time lad. I will finally be reunited with my husband. You made the last few hours comfortable and you kept me company something I sorely lacked in this past year."
"I'm sorry I could not do more."
"I know, you have a kind heart healer. I've seen what you have done for the people down here and your lovely woman has done much too. You both are a bright light in Kirkwall. You should be celebrating tonight with her your shared day. You have that costume you showed me, put it on and surprise her."
"Are you really here or am I dreaming?"
"It is the Hallow my dear boy, I am here because you need a small push in the right direction."
"Would not be the first time a spirit gave me a push."
"You should listen when they do for the most part."
"Thank you, I..."
"No need to thank me lad, just go and have a good time." Anders turned to grab his costume from the back room of the Clinic and when he returned the spirit was gone.
"Thank you again Ada, rest in peace by the side of the Maker and with your husband." He ran out of the Clinic to the passage toward home to wash and change. He would surprise Leigh and make this a night to remember.
OoO
Leigh bid the children and their families good bye after hours of games and good food. They left with baskets full of food and toys. Her friends had fun playing the games and interacting with the children. Leigh's favorite to watch was the bobbing for apples. Ser Donnic won that game out of all her friends. Varric with Bianca's help won pin the tail on the halla. The evening was now left to Hawke and her friends. Leigh sighed and went into change into her costume.
"I'll be right back everyone. I left my mask at home."
'Would you like an escort Hawke?"
"It's not that far Sebastian. I'll be alright." It did not take Leigh long to go home and change. She was a bit worried when she saw Anders wasn't back home yet. She knew he probably was still down at the Clinic cleaning up or writing. She quickly changed into the costume and stared at herself in the mirror. The silken cloth hugged her every curve, the boots she bought to go with the costume gave her a good inch or tow more of height. She had to get use to the heels though. She was glad she had good balance. The body suit had a hood for her to hide her hair making her look sleek and smooth. She walked out her front door and stared up at the night sky. The moon was at it's fullest and had a soft orange glow to it. The air was cooler signaling winter would soon be gracing Kirkwall again. The dried leaves crunched under her boots and she felt like a child again. Out of the corner of her eyes she saw a shadow following her. "Is anyone there?" The shadow came into the light showing a older woman. "Can I help you?"
"No child, but I can help you. You have been told that you were not wanted by your Grandfather and I. At first that was true, but to see what you have become we could not be prouder."
"I'm sorry do I know you?" Leigh voice raised and octave from both surprise and a small amount of fear.
"No and I did not get to know you either child, but you are the image of your mother with your father's eyes and hair. I was such a fool to tell your mother I never wanted to see or hear from her again. Seeing what you have done, all the things you have faced and still have yet to face, I am filled with a great sense of pride and guilt."
"We found the will in the estate leaving everything to my mother. Was that because of your guilt or you really wanted her to come back and reclaim what was hers?"
"A little of both. I love both my children, but Gamlen...he never was meant to be a noble. He lost sight of what that meant long before your mother left here, but you, you know what it means to be noble."
"I just do what is right and fair. I have a comfortable life and I want to give that to my friends and my countrymen as much as I can."
"I have seen that much. Your friends are quite an eclectic group. Slaves, pirates, Dalish and apostates."
"You forgot a dwarf, a captain of the Guard and a prince. I see them as family, they are really all I have left save Bethany in the way of family. I do have Gamlen and his daughter, but it is not the same."
"Build your family however you can. Love freely. I forgot that when I disowned your mother. She was in love and I spit on it. I should have been better to her."
"My father gave her three children and a good life. It was s simple life, but it was good."
"I know dear. I came here to see you and hopefully give you some advise."
"That being?"
"Hold on to what is dear to you. Never let it slip from you no matter how hard it gets to hold on, keep fighting. You are as much an Amell as you are a Hawke. We are a stubborn lot."
"And hard headed. I do not give up easily."
"So I have seen. Just know you are loved Leigh Hawke and take comfort in that."
"I do. Thank...Thank you for coming to me tonight and letting me know we weren't hated. It hurt my mother more than it hurt us, but it is still nice to know just the same." Her grandmother nodded and faded away leaving Leigh alone once more. She tried to ask Pash if what she saw was real, but the spirit was silent and Leigh realized she hadn't heard from the spirit all day. It was unnerving to say the least. She wondered if it had to do with how thin the Veil was in Kirkwall and especially tonight of all nights. "Best get to the party before they come looking for me."
OoO
"Where the devil is Hawke, she should have been back by now?"
"Easy Choir Boy she'll be here. Maybe she met up with Anders and...well, they should be here shortly." Both men turned when the heard the door open hoping it was Leigh.
"Who are you?"
"Nice to see you too Sebastian. What are you two doing down here?"
"Waiting for Hawke. She had to go put on her costume."
"Why didn't she just bring it here?"
"I don't know Blondie, she said she was afraid to scare the kids. Though I can't see how she could with the costume she has. It isn't really scary at all. Sunshine's is much scarier."
"Bethany's here?"
"And Ser Cullen too."
"Wonderful, just what we need another...Holy Maker is he wearing robes?" Varric almost fell over laughing. Anders voice carried to the others and they all turned to look at him. Bethany slid the helmet of her head and smiled at him.
"We thought a little role reversal would be good for us. What do you think?"
"You would have to be the prettiest Templar I have ever seen."
"Thanks Anders. Your costume is superb, where did you find that mask?"
"Varric found it and the clothes. You know me I have a thing for feathers, guess that is why I love a Hawke."
"Leigh is going to flip when she sees you. You know my father had a costume like this when we where younger, he only wore it on the Hallow."
"I saw it in one of his old journal entries. He described it in great detail and even sketched some the mask in the margins."
"I when we moved to Lothering he had to stop wearing it because of the Chantry. He didn't want someone to think he was a blood mage."
"This has nothing to do with blood magic."
"I know, but being that close to the Wilds made the people there jumpy. They saw witches in ever shadow. I think Leigh was the most upset that we had to stop celebrating the Hallow. The Revered Mother told her she had to use the day after as her Name Day." Sebastian took off his mask and had a pained expression on it.
"Why?"
"She told Leigh that anyone born on the Hallow was cursed and it would be better is she never acknowledged that was her Name Day."
"I am a brother in the Chantry and I do not see the harm in this at all. The children had a grand time and so have we."
"The Chantry didn't like the fact that people offered prayers to spirits and lost loved ones Sebastian, that's why it was banned. It was out of fear and ignorance." Leigh stood in the doorway with her arms crossed over her chest. "I'm not saying every Chantry is like that, but Lothering was. It got better when the old mother died and the new one took her place, but it was still hard to celebrate my Name Day without raising some eyebrows."
"I am truly sorry they made the day of your birth so evil. You are a shining light in Kirkwall Hawke."
"Thank you, now...Maker's breath!" She saw Anders finally when she stepped around Sebastian to go into the party. He was wearing the mask of the hawk. It looked identical to the one her father had worn so many years ago. Had she not seen his honey brown eyes she would have sworn it was her father. "Love is that you?"
"Yes, I was sure the feathers would have given it away. I should be asking if that is you under that mask."
"Do you like it?"
"I swear you will be the death of me woman, but yes I do like it." He gave her one of his smiles that turned her insides to jelly. She knew what he was thinking and she aimed to please after the party. "We only have a couple of hours til midnight shall we love." He offered her his arm and she took it in kind. Sebastian and Varric followed the lovers up the stairs to the room.
"The party can start now that both the guests of honor are here!" The rest of the evening went off without a hitch. Orana played the lute and sang while Leigh and her guest danced and drank. Anders was even able to partake of some of the wine and mead since Justice was very silent. He knew he would most likely wake with a headache, but this was well worth it. He had not had this much fun since the celebration they threw at Vigil's Keep when they defeated the Mother. He was having such a good time he did not mind Leigh dancing with Sebastian or Fenris. The smile of her face was all he needed to see. He had not seen her this happy in a long time.
"May I have this dance?" Fenris nodded and handed Leigh off to Anders.
"You can dance?"
"One of my many talents you have yet to discover love. I can Waltz, do most of the Remigold and let's not forget Anders' Spicy Shimmy."
"What?"
"Sorry inside joke. That one I think you have already seen, just not in public."
"Mmm, I guess you'll have to remind me of that one later then." Leigh let out a laugh when he twirled her around the room. Orana was playing a particularly fast song and Leigh had a hard time keeping up with Anders . Once the music stopped Leigh leaned into her love and tried to catch her breath. "Damn that Warden stamina, Maker I can't breathe."
"This is revenge for that break your hip crack you made right before the battle with the Arishok. I might be older than you, but I can still run circles around you in certain things love."
"Magic being one of them." She whispered in his ear so the others could not hear her. Other than him and Merrill no one knew she was a mage. She was a rogue to them and she wanted to keep it that way. "I can't wait to give you my gift to you. I think you will like it."
"If it came from you I'm sure I love it. Just when we get home don't you dare take off that costume."
"So you do like it?"
"Woman your dressed like a cat of course I like it. Just don't let Tovis see you or he will chase you up a tree."
"I hope not, the last time I was chased up a tree it was darkspawn doing the chasing. Not fun at all."
"When was this?"
"Ostagar. I was scouting out in the Wilds and my scouting band was attacked. Just two of us survived the attack. I was lucky they never touched me."
"Did they get bored and leave? Normally darkspawn don't give up unless there was some other prey more easily accessed." Anders expression turned dark as he realized he would never had known her if the darkspawn had got their tainted claws on her.
"The Grey Wardens saved me."
"Too bad I can't thank them for saving the love of my life."
"I don't know if they survived or not, Flemeth told us two survived I hope it was one of the four I met."
"What did they look like?"
"One was a knight, the other a thief, a warrior with a Templar shield, but not the armor and a woman with a painted face." Anders head snapped up and he smiled. He knew it was Raven and Alistair who helped save her.
"Well two of them did survive love. The Templar is now king of Ferelden and the woman was my Warden Commander. She saved my life too." Leigh wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply.
"Hey you two time for your gifts." Anders growled at the pirate who was standing in the shadows watching them. "Come on there will plenty of time for fun later." The group gathered around the fireplace and sat down . Anders sat down and Leigh nestled herself down between his legs and leaned back on his chest. She had already received Bethany and Cullen's gift which she was wearing. Aveline was the first to bring up her gifts to the two.
"Donnic and I hope you like these, we got them in Orlais." Leigh took her work knife and cut the twine holding the pretty cloth on the gifts. She found to small figurines one of a mage the other of a rogue. It looked like someone took the time to painstakingly paint them to look like Anders and herself. "Donnic painted them."
"Thank you both so much. How did you get all those little details?"
"Very small brushes and a lot of patience." Next was Merrill and Leigh let Anders open this one. He took the gift and tore the parchment paper off. He found a book under the paper. It was very old and ratty looking, but as he flipped through the pages a smile crept on his face.
"Do you like it? I was afraid it was too old for you to want it, but you are so hard to find a gift for. If you don't like it I could get you something else..."
"Merrill it is perfect." Leigh looked up at him and quirked her eyebrow up in question. "It is a old spell book used by Keepers to help teach Dreamers how to control their power and how to deter demons. I can read it and write to Fenryial to help him out." Merrill winked at Leigh who nodded and smiled. Fenris handed Leigh a bottle wrapped in fabric. Anders snickered knowing it was wine since Fenris liked drinking with Leigh when she was helping him with his reading lessons.
"Thank you Fenris what vintage is it?"
"It is apple cider made this morning. I know Anders does not normally partake in alcohol so I wanted to give you something you both could enjoy."
"I haven't had apple cider in forever, thank you Fenris." Isabela winked and handed hers over to Anders. He gave her a apprehensive look before opening the box. It was a set of clothing for each of them. A well tailored shirt, vest and breeches for him and a silvery dress gown for Leigh. He noticed there were other clothes under the dress clothes, but he left them there hidden."
"I just thought just in case you wanted to take Anders to one of those stuffy noble parties. And the other things are for after, or before, or whenever."
"I might have to except one of those invitations to one of those stuffy parties just to see you in those clothes love."
"Maker help me." Sebastian stepped forward handing Leigh and Anders both a box of their own. "Is this going to explode in my face?" Sebastian just grinned and motioned for Anders to open his gift. Anders blew out a puff of breath and pulled the ribbon holding the box closed. He closed his eyes and opened the the box. When it didn't explode he slowly opened one eye to see what was in it. Inside the velvet lined box was a carved ring of amber just like the color of his eyes. Leigh opened hers and found one made of moonstone.
"They say a person's eyes are the window to their souls. I saw them and thought of both of you."
'Their beautiful Sebastian." Leigh stood up and hugged her rogue friend. "Thank you." He kissed her cheek and whispered.
"Your quite welcome." Varric was last but not least. He handed both of them a piece of parchment and the two lovers looked at each other and then to him.
"Just read them." Leigh and Anders read over the parchments. Leigh covered her mouth and started to cry. "You two are getting two weeks off to be by yourselves to do whatever you want. We will handle Kirkwall for you Hawke and Bethany will be covering the Clinic while Cullen watches over her for Anders."
"But I thought you were going to Starkhaven?"
"I lied so not to ruin the surprise. After what you went through this past year I think you two deserve to have some peace and quiet." Leigh jumped up and hugged her sister and Cullen. Then she went over to Varric and hugged him tightly too. "I just hope I can heal as good as Anders does."
"You will do fine Beth and most of the families down there know you from the help you gave me after I first met you two. I trust you to take care of them all."
"If you need anything Sunshine just let me know and I will get it for you."
"Thank you Varric." The sound of the Chantry bell tolling signaled that midnight had arrived. As much as Leigh did not want the night to end, she knew it was time to head home. Aveline and Donnic took their leave first having patrols in the early morning. Sebastian was next to go followed by Varric and Merrill. Isabela was staying with Fenris for the night. Bethany and Cullen were also staying with the elf at least for the night to give the two lovebirds time alone. Anders and Leigh were the last to leave and head home.
OoO
The night air was so still while they walked home in the moonlight. Leigh was deep in thought about what to do for the two weeks alone with Anders. They had been together for almost six months, but with all that had gone on during those months it was hard to get much time alone. The passion was still hot as ever, but she wanted more than just that. She wanted to know him inside and out and wanted him to know the same about her. She hoped these two weeks would help accomplish this.
"You alright love?" His voice broke her out of her thoughts. She smiled and leaned into him while they walked.
"Just thinking about what I am going to do with you for two weeks."
"Good thoughts I hope."
"Most of them involve our bed love so yes very good thoughts."
"I like how you think." He pulled her hard against him and crushed her lips with his. The kiss went on til they were breathless. "Maker's breath your like a drug."
"I give you the shakes and make you loopy?"
"I can't get enough of you and I ache if I am deprived of your presence for more than a day."
"I feel the same way. Those three years..."
"I know I was such a fool and I will do whatever it takes to make up for my stupidity, starting tonight." He swept Leigh up into his arms and carried her home. He was thankful Bodhan had stayed up long enough to let them in before retiring to bed. Leigh wiggled to get out of Anders' arms so they could walk up the stairs together, but he did not let her out of his arms.
"Love there is no way you can carry me up those stairs."
"Now I have to prove to you I can. I am not some Circle mage who couldn't fight his way out of a wet parchment bag."
"I know that, but..."
"Hush woman and let me do this." Leigh bit her lip and let him take her up the stairs. Anders climb the stairs without any effort at all. Once he crossed the threshold of their room he set her down and locked the door.
"You are always full of surprises love." He took off his mask and gave her a predatory smile before curling his finger to beckon her toward him.
"Here kitty, kitty." Leigh gave him a smirk and stretched her arms over her head so her back arched like that of a cat's.
"Cat's don't come when called love." He growled rushing forward to pin her to the wall. Leigh giggled and tilted her head to the side to give him access to her throat. Her legs felt like jelly like they did every time he got forceful. She enjoyed this side of him every once in a while. She let out a moan as he plucked the soft flesh of her neck with his teeth. "If I knew I would have gotten this reaction I would have dressed up like a cat long before this."
"I am more partial to tabbies, but by the Maker I love the little black cat in front of me right now."
"Me...ow"
"Meow indeed." Leigh felt his fingers run down her spine over the silken fabric. He felt three tie points on the skin tight shirt she was wearing. He knew she was flexible, but not that flexible. "How did you get this on without help?"
"I tied the first two ties and put it on then tied the last one." He smiled against her neck and started untying the knots.
"Not wearing a breast band either. You are such a little minx."
"I know how much you hate obstacles so I thought I would take some away."
"Some?" Leigh just giggled and Anders groaned. He pulled her from the wall to their bed. "Your in trouble now love."
"I like trouble." He smiled and laid her down. Their clothes flew off and bodies entwined. The only sounds that could be heard was the crackling of the fire and soft moans.
OoO
Leigh woke up sometime during the night and heard someone moving in the house. She looked over at Anders and saw he was fast asleep. She gently got out of the bed and went to the main room. She saw Tovis standing in front of the main fire place wagging his tail. She wondered what he was looking at since he was facing away from her. He barked and went back to his bed. Leigh saw a apparition move through the room and stop at the stairs looking at her. It began to take shape and Leigh just smiled.
"Happy Name Day my darling little girl."
"I miss you Mama."
"I miss you too. So does your father."
"Tell him I said hello and I love him, Carver too.
"I will, but you can tell Carver yourself when you see him next." Anders walked up behind Leigh and wrapped his arms around her. "You keep your promise to me young man a take care of my daughter."
"If she lets me." Leandra shook her head and laughed. "I will keep my promise Leandra. She is the most important thing in my life. I'd be lost without her."
"And she without you. My time is up. Leigh protect what you hold dear and never give into despair. You are your father's daughter. Anders don't let your hatred rule you and find peace in your life. You have so much to look forward to." With her last words Leandra vanished.
"Mama wait what did you mean I could tell Carver myself?" Her mothers form had disappeared, but her voice echoed through the house.
"You will see dear in time." Leigh looked back at Anders and he shrugged his shoulders. He didn't know what she meant either.
"First my grandmother and now my mother. I guess they are right this is the night for the Veil to be thin. Maybe that is what she meant, my brother might cross the Veil and come talk to me."
"Maybe, at least I wasn't the only one to get ghostly visits. Mine was the woman who died earlier in the day. She told me to get off my ass and get to the party."
"So that's why you were there."
"It was my party too love, it would have been in poor taste not to show up."
"I was so glad you did show. It was nice to have everyone there."
"I have a bone to pick with Sebastian though."
"Maker what now?"
"The rings he gave us, mine is way to small. It doesn't fit any finger but my pinky."
"That is because yours was meant for me and mine was meant for you. It is a way for us to have something to remember each other if we are ever parted for more than a day."
"Now I feel like an ass. It still surprised me though, coming from him. I know he don't like me at all."
"He doesn't have to love, I'm the only one you have to worry about and I love you completely. Justice and all."
"And I love you. Come back to bed love."
"That sounds like a good idea and since neither of us have to do anything important tomorrow I think we should sleep in."
"Who said we were sleeping? You never gave me my gift."
"I thought I did earlier, you know after we got home." Leigh winked at him before nudging him with elbow genlty.
"While that was a wonderful gift I thought you said you had something for me?"
"I do, but it is kind of silly."
"Now you have to show me what it is."
"If you laugh I swear to the Maker I will not cook for you the entire two weeks we are here."
"You are so wicked love. I promise I won't laugh."
"Okay, let me go get it." Anders waited patiently on their bed when Leigh walked back through the door with a odd shaped gift. She handed it to him and stepped back biting her lower lip. He loved when she did that , to him it was the sexiest thing in the world. He unwrapped the gift and had to bit down on his own lip to stop from laughing. "I know you would have preferred a real one, but Tovis would have eaten it."
"You got me a stuffed kitten?"
"Correction, I made you a stuffed kitten." He turned it over and saw the hand stitching underneath and grinned. The kitten was made of strong fabric dyed to look like a orange tabby. It's eyes were made out of polished tigereyes and it's nose was a small pink button. Leigh had also stitched a line of red for the mouth and used small feather quills as whiskers. For once he was struck speechless. "Do you like it?"
"I love it. It looks just like Ser Pounce A Lot. I didn't know you were crafty."
"I lived on a farm most of my life I had to do something to keep boredom away. My mother was always very good at making clothes and toys for us. I learned from her. Not bad for a nobleman's daughter huh?"
"Not bad at all. I should put this up so our dear mutt doesn't think it is a chew toy."
"Good idea, that thing is stuffed with feathers. I really don't want them all over the house or worse." Anders cringed getting her meaning. Dogs eating feathers did not sound pleasant to him. Anders rose from the bed and went to his wardrobe. He returned with a box covered in runes. "You locked it?"
"I live with an Arcane Trickster, don't give me that look, you my dear woman are nosy. So yes I locked it." He waved his hands over the box and the runes faded away. "Happy Name Day love. Leigh opened the box and her eyes lit up. He had fixed her old amulet. The stone that replaced the old one was one she had never seen before.
"What kind of stone is this?"
"It is called Andraste's Tears or opal if you are not Chantry raised. It is to bring those born on the Hallow luck and a long life. Both of which I wish for you love always."
"As long as that long life is with you I will be the luckiest girl in all of Thedas."
"And here I thought I was the lucky one." Leigh threw her arms around his neck and pulled him down into a passionate kiss. "I can see I am going to be very worn out these next two weeks."
"You will enjoy it and you know it."
"You know I do."
Okay this went way longer than I first intended, but here it is. I know it does not fit in the story line, so please forgive me. I just needed a small break from all the fighting and the drama to write something lighthearted. I hope you enjoyed it. Thanks as always for reading. Happy Halloween!
Raven