"You've settled in nicely," Aveline said, taking a look around as she entered the living area.
Hawke was leaning over the balcony of the Estate, lost in thought about Isabela. She didn't even hear the door knock. Last night the pirate had basically tossed her to the side when a better offer came along (if you could call Elegant a better offer). Lana cursed her stupidity for the millionth time. Keeping Isabela at arm's length to protect herself had definitely backfired on her. She had done it to keep from getting hurt, knowing Isabela was a flight risk and knowing she was going to do what she wanted no matter what. How was it then that Isabela was still able to wound her, when she had done her best to keep them apart? Hawke was furious. She shook her head, bringing herself back to her senses and began to make her way down to the Guard Captain below.
"I think I deserve it after all the crap I've went through to get here," Lana joked, descending the stairs, putting Isabela to the back of her mind.
"Indeed," Aveline answered, "Still more coin never hurts, right? Say, if someone wanted to pass some work your way..."
Hawke sighed, "What do you need Aveline?" she asked, "I'm quite busy at the moment...Not to mention this damn dinner party tonight." She walked over to the new mail which Bodhan had left for her, pocketing the numerous coins people had paid her for her help.
"Yes, Leandra invited me. I promised her I would come," Aveline said stiffly. It appeared the Guard Captain was about as fond of these things as Lana was. "Any way, use that tone on him which you've just used on me and get him out of my hair."
Lana turned back to her, giving her a weird look. "What are you talking about?" she asked, confused.
"Remember Emeric, the Templar?" Aveline saw a muscle in Hawke's jaw tense at the 'T' word. Ever since she had killed that young recruit all those years ago when Bethany was taken, Lana had been in the Templars pocket, doing their dirty work, rounding up rogue mages in Kirkwall.
"Yes, I remember him," she said. Emeric seemed like a good man, for a Templar. But Lana still hated them all with a passion. "Why?"
"He wants your help, and some sort of official sanction."
"Official sanction?" Hawke repeated. "For what?"
"For his 'investigation'. Do you remember those murders and disappearances a while back? Ninette and the other women? Well, this Templar is convinced they're all connected...and he won't be quiet."
"So you're asking me to what? Silence the old bugger? You don't think it's worth investigating?" Lana asked, surprised. It wasn't like Aveline to pass up work. Was this not what the guard was put in place for?
"I have," Aveline replied, "He even convinced one of my Lieutenants to raid the Du Puis mansion. There was nothing there of course. You wouldn't believe how much ass I had to kiss after that. The old sod should just spend his declining years building a boat or something, not trying to play investigator."
"What can I do that you can't though?" Lana asked. She was reluctant to do the Guard's dirty work. Doing the Templar's was bad enough. "Don't you think this is a job for some of your men? I'm not in the habit of catching criminals...seeing as I basically am one myself."
"Well, maybe just showing up will calm him down," Aveline said. Lana could tell she felt pestered by the man.
"Is it not possible he has some useful information?" Lana asked. "He could be right about the murders. It should be easy to prove if there are bodies."
"Kirkwall isn't the safest place," Aveline said, sighing, "But that doesn't mean that ever damn murder in the last few years is connected. Just go and see him will you? If it leads somewhere real I'll take it off your plate."
Hawke rolled her eyes. "Alright," she relented, "You'll owe me for this though...and owe me more than my usual price of a pint."
"Anything to shut him up," she said irritated. "Any way... The plans for tonight? I assume its full dress."
Lana chuckled, "Could you imagine my mother organising it any other way?"
"Excited?" Aveline asked, smirking.
"Nauseous," Lana answered. The Guard Captain chuckled.
"I hear Leandra has organised a match for you as well," she said. Lana felt even more nauseous now.
"Thanks for the reminder," she groaned, "My mother must be out of her mind if she thinks I'm going to play the lady all night."
"Give it a chance, Hawke," Aveline admonished, "You haven't even met the man yet."
Lana said nothing. It didn't matter whether she had met him yet or not. It wasn't going to magic her into liking men as soon as she set eyes on him. And there would be so many beautiful women there to! Curses! Of all the days when she needed a quick stress relief to take her mind off Isabela and her mother had arranged a date with a man instead. It was almost cruel. Of course Aveline didn't know that. And neither did her mother.
"What about you and Donnic?" Lana asked then, eager to take the focus off herself. "Is he coming?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact we're...going together," Aveline said, blushing slightly. Hawke wolf whistled, a smirk appearing on her face.
"Woo, has Aveline Vallen finally found her knight in shining armor?" she teased, grinning.
"Oh shut up," Aveline replied, blushing further.
"Is he going to establish his canon and Grey your Warden?"
"I said shut it, Hawke!" Aveline said, getting angry. By The Maker, Hawke was getting as bad as Isabela!
"Just don't talk to him about 'blades for every purpose' again," Lana joked, sniggering. Aveline gave her a stony look, her fists clenched. "I'm kidding," she added for fear of being hit, holding up her hands in surrender. Makers Breath, Aveline really couldn't take a joke!
"Anyway enough about me...what's going on with you and Isabela?" the guardswoman asked sourly. "Merrill told me you both kissed in The Hanged Man a few nights back. Tell me that's not true Hawke."
The smile slipped off Lana's face at once. She turned away and sighed. "Nothing's going on, Aveline," she lied, flicking through her letters once more. The Guardswoman moved closer to her. She could see how flustered Lana was becoming.
"But you want it to..." It wasn't a question. It was a statement. Hawke cursed herself for being so transparent. She shook her head.
"No, I don't want...I mean, I..." Lana's words faltered. She wasn't sure exactly what she wanted anymore. Sure, Isabela was constantly on her mind. Anytime she slept with another woman the pirate popped into her head. But she was furious with the Rivaini about how she had treated her last night. Lana knew she deserved better than that.
"Hawke!" Aveline cautioned, giving her a stern look, "Tell me you took my advice and stayed away from that slattern!"
Lana couldn't deal with the thoughts going around her head. Why was everyone pestering her about this? Why was she pestering herself? It was clear Isabela didn't give a damn about her. There was nothing real between them. Their flirting had just simply got a bit out of hand. The conclusion stuck uncomfortably in her throat.
"Look it's none of your business, Aveline," she snapped. She hated when the Guardswoman told her off like a child. She hadn't forgotten what Aveline had said all those years ago. Not that it mattered. As soon as Isabela gave her that look, as soon as her amber eyes pierced Lana's, her breath caught and all common sense went out the window. It was pathetic how much of a hold the Rivaini had over her now.
"Fine," Aveline said, shrugging, "It's your funeral...I'll see you later then."
The Guardswoman turned on her heel and left the Hawke Estate.
Lana returned home that afternoon, covered in blood and wanted nothing more than a relaxing hot bath and to curl up in bed. The Estate was completely transformed when she arrived, flowers adorning the walls and banisters, a long table going the length of the living area, already equipped with silverware, the bards setting up their instruments in the corner. Bodhan and Sandal were dressed very smartly for the occasion and were busy making final preparations. Lana groaned and swiped a goblet of wine, before making her way upstairs to the water closet. She could certainly see this party far enough. It had been a very long day.
"Darling, you're home," Leandra greeted her at the top of the stairs, "Are you alright?"
"Yes Mother, it's not my blood. I'm fine," Lana answered tiredly. "You look nice." Her mother was already in a full length burgundy ballroom gown, her hair pinned up and a large necklace hanging down her chest. She looked like a woman reborn. Lana had never seen her ever look more formal. She imagined her mother had worn clothes like this before she had met her father, Malcolm. Leandra had given up so much for him.
"Thank you," her mother answered, "I've run you a bath dear, and your dress and shoes are in your bedroom. Be quick, darling. The first guests will be arriving within the hour... And give me that! You can't be drunk before you meet your date!...Or after, Lana!"
To Lana's dismay her mother reached out and took the goblet of wine from her as she tried to take a sip. She groaned.
"Yes Mother."
Stifling a yawn, she closed the door to the water closet behind her as Leandra went to help Bodhan prepare.
Inside, the tub was full of steaming hot water, beckoning Lana's tired, aching muscles. She stripped off her clothes and dipped her toes in carefully, before sliding her long legs into the bottom and easing her body in. As soon as she leaned her back against the tub, she exhaled and closed her eyes. Her mind involuntarily flashed through the numerous dead bodies she had seen today, some killed by her hand, some dead of their own accord. It wasn't exactly the kind of thing you got used to. Over the years it became easier to deal with, but sometimes the faces of the men and women she had killed still haunted her conscience.
After several minutes, the front door knocked downstairs. Lana heard Gamlen and Leandra welcoming in loud voices and realised that the party guests had begun to arrive. Soft music began to drift up from the dinning area as the bards began to play. Reluctantly Hawke lifted herself out of the tub, throwing a towel around her nakedness and picking up her dirty clothes. She made her way through the second door of the water closet, which led straight to her quarters. Lana let the towel fall as soon as she was inside, not caring about the open window nearby. Her jaw dropped in horror as soon as she saw the dress her mother had bought for her hanging from her four-poster bed. It was a floor length, blood-red Antivan dress, made of thin, delicate fabric and complete with a beautifully decorated corset and low-cut front. Lana sighed in defeat and began to put it on.
As she styled her hair in the mirror and applied her mother's make-up, her thoughts fell on Bethany. She hadn't seen her little sister in years. She should have been here too, ready to mingle with the nobles of Kirkwall for the first time. Lana remembered how Bethany used to style her hair for her back in Lothering before she went out on dates. She smiled to herself. Bethany was always good at that sort of thing. Hawke was having trouble already and decided to just loop her hair into a bun, allowing her bangs to curl down the side of her face in shiny, black ringlets. She put on the jewellery her mother had purchased for her and let the thin necklace rest on her chest, the red ruby on the end settling between her cleavage. This whole dinner party would have appealed to Lana a lot more if her sister had of been here to endure it with her.
Leandra poked her head in then.
"Darling, are you ready?"She asked, "The guests are all here and dinner is about to begin."
"Coming, Mother," Lana replied, getting to her feet and straightening her dress out. Her mother stared at her, wide eyed. She gasped.
"You look beautiful, Lana!" she exclaimed, taking in her appearance. Lana felt as though she was someone else. A noblewoman? Well, there was a first for everything. She felt a little silly but knew that everyone else in the party would be wearing the same sort of thing. Leandra reached out and linked her arm around her daughter's and they both left the bedroom and began to descend the stairs together.
The entire Estate below was full of chattering nobles, who all looked up in awe at the beautiful woman Leandra was leading down the stairs. They had no doubt seen Lana running around Hightown in breeches, shirts and armor, normally covered in blood and hanging around with 'undesirable' types (not to mention whoring around). No one had any idea she scrubbed up this well. It was an understatement to say she was the most desirable woman in the room right now. All of the men stared at her in wonder, their mouths watering, as the women tried to conceal their looks of jealousy and stop themselves from turning green with envy.
Leandra sidestepped the other guests and marched Lana up to a handsome young gentleman who was waiting nervously by the fire with which Hawke assumed must be his parents. His brown hair was slicked back and he wore a fine suit which was also of Antivan make. His jaw dropped as he saw Lana approach, unable to believe his luck. Lana felt nauseous once again as the man's eyes poured over her curves, drinking in every bit of magnificence the woman had to offer. Oh, why couldn't she have gotten the balls to tell her mother she liked women and saved herself from this eventual betrothal? Nice going, Lana, you'll never see a naked woman again.
"Darling, this is Emil Reinhardt," Leandra said, giving her daughter a little nudge forwards. Emil reached out a hand and took Lana's. He bowed his head and brushed his full lips against her knuckles, his eyes never leaving hers.
"Serah Hawke," he said in his deep voice, before straightening up again. Lana shivered. What was supposed to do?
"A pleasure," she answered, trying to speak over the lump in her throat. She forced a reluctant smile on her face. Emil smiled back.
"The pleasure is mine," he answered, "Can I get you a goblet of wine?"
"Please," Hawke said gratefully. She was in desperate need of it. Maybe if she got drunk enough it wouldn't be that bad. Leandra introduced her to a couple more guests as Emil walked off to find Bodhan, who was holding a tray of drinks, handing them out to the nobles of Kirkwall. Lana spotted Aveline and Donnic standing in the corner, looking as though they felt they didn't belong. Seeing her chance to escape, Lana excused herself and walked over to them, relieved to see a few familiar faces.
"Maker's Breath!" Aveline exclaimed, taking in the newly, transformed Lana Hawke. The Guard Captain looked fantastic in her emerald-green dress but she was still nothing compared to Lana. Where Aveline's over-worked muscles made her look a little masculine, Hawke's were perfectly formed, showing her strength and fitness, yet still maintaining that feminine shape. And as for the breast department, let's just say Aveline wasn't as lucky as Hawke. Even the Guardswoman found herself glance down at the full chest of her friend and feel a pang of jealousy.
"I could say the same, Av!" Lana replied, scanning the woman's appearance. She turned to Aveline's date. "Guardsman Donnic."
Donnic shook her hand and nodded, "Nice to see you again, Serah Hawke. You look wonderful."
"And you," Lana replied, smiling. She turned back to Aveline. "I take it you already heard what happened today?"
"I'm sorry for putting you in danger, Hawke," Aveline said, "Emeric's death was a big blow."
"Does this mean you've taken up his investigation?"
Aveline hesitated, "We've...started looking into every possibility, not just Gascard Du Puis."
Lana made a face, "Come on Av! This man gave his life to find out who killed those women. The white lily's they received, all having very few social ties, all being women? And they all traced back to Du Puis. That can't be simple coincidence. He was hiding something, I'm telling you!"
Before the Guardswoman could retort, a loud bell rang, signalling everyone to take their seats. Lana made to sit beside Aveline but was beckoned to the opposite end of the table by her mother, who was standing with Emil. Curses! She sighed and bid her friend goodbye. Emil smiled at her as she approached and held out the chair for her to sit down. She thanked him and flattened her dress beneath her bottom, sitting herself down like a lady would. He placed himself beside her, much to close. She could smell his musky scent, making her nose wrinkle. His eyes twinkled as he handed her a goblet of red wine.
As soon as Lana looked around the table her jaw dropped. If this wasn't already her worst nightmare then it definitely was now. The noblewoman she had stripped naked a few days ago, had meaningless sex with, and then made her climb out of her bedroom window without any clothes on was sitting facing her, eyeing Emil with dislike and staring at Lana intensely.
"Andraste's Ass!" Lana whispered under her breath. What were the chances? She was shitting herself even more now. A cool sweat was breaking out under her dress as she fought against feigning ill and disappearing off to bed to get herself out of this sticky situation. This would definitely be the most awkward dinner of her life.
When everyone had finished eating, the numerous waiters cleared the table away and moved it to the side of the room, making space for the nobles to dance. Lana had been on edge the entire meal, afraid the noblewoman facing her would reveal they had slept together. It wasn't for lack of trying on her part though! Hawke had pounded three goblets of wine out of sheer stress and was now on her fourth. Leandra was in deep conversation with her old friends and didn't seem to notice the young woman licking her lips inappropriately across the table towards her daughter and reaching out unnecessarily to touch her hand every now and then. She kept sliding her bare foot up Lana's leg under the table, with Hawke continuously kicking her away as she tried to focus on her conversation with Emil. Maker it was hard enough to seem interested in a man without a woman trying to bed her at the same time right in the middle of the dinner! This was an absolute disaster.
As the older nobles danced around the room in pairs, the younger ones stood around the edges talking, drinking and laughing. Lana found herself listening to some boring story from Emil before someone collided with her, sending her wine slopping over the edge of her cup.
"Oh sorry, I'm so clumsy!"
It was that damn woman again, Lana noticed as she caught her from falling.
"Are you alright?" Hawke asked, not really caring, as she straightened her up. A mental image flashed through her mind of the woman lying naked on her bed, moaning with pleasure, her sweaty body tensing up under hers. The look of desire the woman was giving her told Lana she was thinking exactly the same thing. And that she was going out of her way to get it again. My skills in bed are coming back to bite me in the ass! Lana thought to herself. The longing in the woman's eyes didn't go unnoticed by Emil.
"Do you two know each other?" he asked, glancing from her to Lana. The woman giggled and nodded.
"We had se-"
"-veral interests!" Lana interrupted quickly, "And her parents know my mother." (Apparently)
The woman smiled slyly up at Hawke. She could tell Lana was trying to keep them a secret. This was becoming a game for her. She was desperate to have sex with her again and that wouldn't happen with this man around. She had to sabotage them.
"How nice," Emile said uncertainly, looking at the woman curiously. She was still holding Lana around the waist and gazing up at her face with desire. Lana was ready to hit her. The woman was clearly a little drunk and was going to give away her secret. Lana cursed herself for ever sleeping with her. It hadn't even been worth it. She'd had better.
"It is," the noblewoman continued, running her hands up Hawke's bare arm. "Hawke is amazing at making people come-"
"-unicate!" Lana interrupted again, throwing the woman a look, trying to get her to shut up. "Communicate." The lady giggled as Hawke shook her head at her, her jaw tightening.
"Communicate?" Emil asked confused, "How so?"
"Well..." Lana began, her heart going a dinger. Say something, Lana! Anything! "I...I like to introduce people and... make new acquaintances..." As Lana continued speaking she realised she sounded like a complete idiot. She wished there was another window nearby to throw the damn noblewoman out of again. The woman was beginning to run her hands through her hair. Lana swatted her away like a fly. "Let's dance!" she blurted to Emil, before he had time to register the bullshit she had just came out with. She hated dancing, and he was a man, but anything that would get her out of this conversation would do.
"Of course," he replied with a smile, taking her hand. The noblewoman watched her go sadly, longing to be the one who had their hand placed on Lana's lower back. Lana allowed Emil to guide her around the room. She could see her mother smiling at her, happy to see her matchmaking had worked out. Little did she know Lana was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. After several minutes twirling around the floor, Emil leaned down to kiss her. Hawke froze as he placed his mouth over hers. His lips were harsh, thicker than a woman's, and rougher. His tongue entered her mouth then, untrained, and a little too far for her liking. After a few uncomfortable seconds, Lana stopped and excused herself, dashing towards the staircase without looking back. As she tried to make her way up, her mother stole her and dragged her into the other room, closing the door behind them.
"Where are you going?" she asked, looking at her with concern. Lana's face was bright red.
"I...I...just need to get something," she stuttered. Leandra placed a hand on her arm.
"You don't need to be frightened, dear," she said, thinking Lana was just panicking over the kiss. Little did she know she was panicking over the fact that he was a he. "Emil is a nice man and he seems to really like you. They're a very eligible family."
"I know," Lana replied, feeling worse. Any chance he's got a hot sister instead?
"Good," Leandra said, smiling at her, "Now don't be long upstairs. It's not polite to keep him waiting."
"Ok."
"By the way, now that I've got you here I need to talk to you about something," Leandra said. Lana looked at her curiously.
"What about?" Please don't tell me she's going to try and give me the 'bird and the bees' talk!
Leandra hesitated, "I...I've been wondering if I should remarry..." she said. Lana's eyes widened.
"I assume you have someone in mind?" she asked. Her mother wouldn't just bring this up out of the blue.
Leandra smiled, "Maybe... I'm just thinking ahead though. How would you feel about that?"
Lana considered this. "Emm...yeah, if that's what you want...What about Father?"
Leandra looked sad then. "Your father's dead, Lana...I can't keep thinking about all that we have lost. Bethany, Carver...It's been driving me insane and I've been taking it out on you. I think it's time for me to move on."
Lana hugged her mother tightly then, "You have my blessing," she said softly. She could tell her mother was lonely. Leandra hugged her back and placed a kiss on her cheek.
"Thank you, darling," she whispered back. "All I have to do now is find you a nice husband and you can start making your own little family."
Lana cringed but still she said nothing. She had never wanted children (or a husband) but now was not the time for that discussion (it never was). She released her mother and they both re-entered the party. Lana raced upstairs as fast as she could before either Emil or the noblewoman could find her again. Maker, she felt like the subject of a slightly perverted, game of tug of war! She entered her bedroom and closed the door tight, lying against it and sliding to the floor, exhaling and closing her eyes. Maker's Breath! What a party!
"Rough night?"
Lana's eyes sprung open and she looked towards the window in shock. There, sitting on the ledge, looking as comfortable as ever, was Isabela. She was grinning at Lana, swinging her leg playfully, her arms crossed under her massive chest. At the sight of her, Hawke felt her heart lighten. Then she remembered last night and she riled up with anger.
"What are you doing here?" she demanded coldly, getting to her feet. "I don't remember sending you an invite."
Isabela's breath caught as the full effect of Hawke's appearance hit her. It wouldn't have taken Lana to be insecure about her body, considering that her every curve was on show and her chest was peeking out over the top of her dress in a classy, yet sexy kind of way. There was a thin layer of sweat, shining along her breasts. The woman was obviously flustered. Isabela felt her self become aroused as her eyes lingered on Hawke's perfectly formed ass as she bent over, ruffling through the drawer of her bedside table. Maker, she's unbelievable! The pirate got to her feet and approached her, resisting the urge to pin the woman down on the nearby bed and have her way with her right in that moment.
"What's the matter?" she asked instead, confused as to why Lana sounded angry.
"Nothing," Lana lied bluntly. She finally found what she was looking for, withdrawing tobacco and placing it in a pipe. Isabela chuckled. Lana was the only woman she knew who smoked a pipe (apart from herself). There was something about both of them always choosing to shy away from social stereotypes. It was part of the reason why Isabela liked Hawke so much. They were similar in that way.
"Stressed?" she asked. Hawke glared at her before walking to the window and leaning over the ledge, lighting the pipe. The pirate could smell a flowery scent waft off her as she passed. She walked over beside her and they stood side by side, a cool breeze coming through the window. Isabela glanced at her out of the corner of the eye, seeing the woman taking a much-needed puff.
"How's the dinner party?" she asked, smirking.
"Disaster," Lana said, blowing out the smoke with a satisfied sigh, "That bloody noblewoman I slept with is out to get me! She's been pestering me the entire night...and Emil, my 'suitor', just kissed me in front of everyone. I almost threw up in his mouth. It was all I could do to get away."
Isabela chuckled, "I don't blame either of them," she said flirtingly, her eyes scanning Lana's body once more. Oh Maker! "You should wear that dress more often, Hawke. It's making me quiver just looking at you." The pirate moved behind Lana then, slipping her arms around her waist, feeling her body heat from underneath the tight corset. The Rivaini felt herself become wet. Andraste's Ass, I want you under me! She thought longingly. Lana closed her eyes, trying not to give in to Isabela's touch anymore. Last night she had learnt her lesson well. She remained still, smoking the last of her pipe before setting it on the windowsill, giving the woman the cold shoulder.
"Why are you here?" she asked, feeling Isabela hover over her, her breath trickling along her neck.
"Bodhan wouldn't let me in," she said gently in her ear. "He questioned me...but I'm afraid what I had to say was for your ears only. So I climbed in the infamous bedroom window."
"Really?" Hawke asked, feigning interest. She tried to ignore the Rivaini's breasts pressed against her back, the hands which rested along her abdomen. "And what could be so important for you to call to my estate at this time of night?"
Isabela's grin grew wider. "Wouldn't you like to know?" she asked teasingly, spinning Lana around to face her. "So this is where you live?" she continued, looking around with distaste. She turned back to Lana, shaking her head. "This is so not you."
"And you would know?" Lana asked bitterly. Isabela ran her hand through Hawke's dark brown hair which had fallen in front of her face. She tucked it neatly behind her ear. Hawke felt her self shiver at Isabela's touch. The pirate's gaze locked with hers, and she once again became mesmerised by her amber eyes. It was as though Isabela knew the effect they had on her. After several seconds Isabela leaned in slowly to kiss her. Lana flinched. The Rivaini frowned.
"What's with you?" she asked, confused with Lana's actions. Normally she would have played along with her, especially on her own territory. It was the first time Hawke had ever backed away completely, without even putting up some sort of competition. Lana's jaw tightened. She shook her head, staring at Isabela.
"I'm going back to the party," she said coldly, "Show yourself out."
Without another look at the pirate she eased past her and made her way quickly towards the door.
"Oooh..." Isabela exclaimed, walking after her, "You're such a tease!"
"I'm not playing tonight, Bela," Lana called without looking back. She could hear Isabela follow behind her. Just as Hawke reached the door and opened it, Isabela reached out a hand and slammed it shut before she could leave. She touched Lana's waist again, holding her from walking any further. Lana turned to her, her face impassive. Isabela could tell she wasn't herself. She was hiding it well though.
"What? Did the Blooming Rose not have what you were looking for tonight?" Lana asked angrily, no hint of a smile as she joked. Isabela chuckled, her hands still resting on Hawke's waist.
"It hasn't for a while," she replied, caressing her side, "My attention has been drawn...elsewhere..." Her eyes scanned Hawke's assets pointedly. Maker, how she wanted to press herself up against them! Run her hands along them as she had done all those years ago!
"Ah, yes...elsewhere," Hawke replied, pretending to think of where else that might be, "Did you have fun with Elegant last night then?"
Isabela gave her a look, "Jealous, Hawke? I never thought you'd be the type. You know I would have preferred to have you instead."
Hawke's breath caught. She knew she shouldn't have felt a flutter of happiness at Isabela's words but she did. Maker's Breath, this is so not like me, she thought to herself. She was never one to get jealous but a part of her was, no matter how much she wanted to bury that part.
"Is that so?" Hawke asked, her eyes narrowing.
"You already know that," Isabela said firmly, with a smirk, "Or was my kiss last night too subtle for you?"
Hawke groaned in frustration. The pirate couldn't have everything she wanted. "Just leave me alone, Bela!" She pushed Isabela away from her forcefully and re opened the door, rushing to the stairs as fast as she could. Isabela frowned, feeling a little angry herself now. She continued after her and grabbed her arm tightly before she could descend.
"Hawke!"
A few of the nobles below looked up, hearing the pirate shout. They recognised Isabela and Hawke from their behaviour at the market a few days ago no doubt. Lana spun to look at her, her expression furious. Isabela's constant persistence wasn't fair on her and they both knew it. But since when did the pirate care about anyone other than herself?
"What do you want from me?" Hawke demanded through gritted teeth, trying to keep her voice low. The party was still going on below. Her suitor was walking around looking for her and so was the noblewoman she had slept with. And now Isabela was here. She was cracking under the strain of it all. "You're messing with my head, Bela!"
Isabela was a little taken aback. She could see the hurt in Lana's eyes. Maker, what was up with her today? "I think you know what I want..." the Rivaini replied, staring at Hawke's lips, swallowing hard. "I've told you on more than one occasion, Hawke."
"This isn't fair," Lana cried, feeling her resolve crumble once more. The pirate smirked.
"I know," she replied, getting closer again. "But I don't play fair."
Lana brought a hand to her head, stressed out to the max. She couldn't do this anymore. Isabela took her face in her hands then, about to kiss her once again. Lana stared into her eyes, feeling lost as she so often did. Coming to her senses, she backed away again before Isabela's lips met hers.
"Just stop it, Bela!" she pled, pushing the Rivaini away again.
She ran down the stairs as fast as she could. The nobles nearby watched her as she past, trying to get herself as far away from Isabela as possible. The woman was a torture. As she stormed through the crowd, the annoying noblewoman she had slept with reached out and grabbed her arm, trying to plant her lips on her.
"There you are, Hawke!" she said, breathing in her ear, "I've missed you...missed that tongue of yours..."
"Get off me!" Lana yelled, pulling out of the woman's grip. She didn't even wait for a reply before waling away. As soon as she turned though, she ran headlong into Emil. Andraste's Ass, give me a break!
"There you are!" he said, relieved, "I've been looking everywhere for you. Would you like to dance again?"
Lana grabbed a goblet of wine from a passing tray and downed it in one, feeling like she was about to have a nervous breakdown. She was so flushed.
"Fine," she said forcefully, placing the empty goblet back as the bewildered waiter looked on. Realising this wasn't the proper way to answer she added, "I mean, yes I would love to."
Emil smiled and took her hand, leading her out onto the dance floor and joining the others.
On the balcony above, Isabela leaned over the banister and observed the party below. She watched Lana be led around the room by the young nobleman. He must be the suitor, she thought to herself, Lucky Bastard! She saw how uncomfortable Lana looked with him and knew she was only going through with the whole charade to please her mother. Isabela hated Leandra even more now. She wanted Lana for herself, desired her so much it was starting to hurt. The Rivaini watched after her with longing, wanting to be the one holding her like that. Maker, Hawke can really work that dress! She didn't even notice how many eyes were on her right now. Suddenly Isabela couldn't take it anymore. She wanted a straight answer from Hawke once and for all. This had gone on for too long and the pirate couldn't stand seeing her in another's arms, even if those arms were male. She pushed off the balcony ledge and descended the stairs.
Hawke felt her head go dizzy as the young Emil, led her through the dance, his hand dropping further on her lower back, lingering along the top of her ass. Her mind was still obsessing over Isabela's sudden appearance in her bedroom. Why did Isabela keep coming back for her? She had proved last night that all she wanted was a quick screw...and Lana wasn't going to give it to her. But for some reason the pirate kept trying. Maybe she was just attracted to what she knew she couldn't have. Or maybe she just loved seeing Lana flustered. As Emil held her out and spun her around another hand caught her.
"Sorry," Isabela said, turning to Emil, "Mind if I cut in?"
The pirate didn't wait for and answer before whisking Lana away from the man and continuing the dance. Lana saw the confusion on his face.
"Andraste's Ass, Bela! What do you think you're doing?" she demanded, reluctantly allowing the Rivaini to place her arm around her waist and hold her hand tightly as she lead her around the room to the music with the others.
"Don't tell me you were enjoying that," Isabela said with a smirk. Lana glared at her as she spun her around.
"People are watching us," she hissed. Aveline was giving her a look of warning while Emil and the noblewoman were pining after her. "Why are you doing this to me?"
Isabela stared into her eyes. She pulled her closer, pressing her body against Lana's as she danced, their hips moving together. "I want you, Hawke...right now. I can't wait any longer."
Lana swallowed hard. "No," she said simply.
"Why?" Isabela demanded, "And don't tell me you're not attracted to me. We both know you'd be lying."
"I'm here with Emil," she answered, avoiding the truth.
"Emil?" Isabela repeated, smirking, "But you know he's got a dic-"
"I'm perfectly familiar with male genitalia, Bela!" Lana interrupted. Isabela chuckled. Lana still didn't crack a smile. The Rivaini stopped laughing then and became serious once more.
"Look, I need you to tell me the truth," she continued, "I'm not the type of person who goes running after people."
"So why are you?" Lana asked, "You know my answer already."
"I know the answer you want to believe, Hawke!" Isabela countered, "But I can tell you're lying to yourself...every time you kiss me."
Lana stopped dancing then and removed her hand from the Rivaini's. This wasn't a good place to have this conversation. There were listening ears all around. She shook her head at Isabela and walked through the Estate, entering the room at the side of the hall where she had spoken with her mother earlier. Isabela followed her and closed the door tightly behind them, blocking out the music from the main hall where the other guests were having a good time.
Lana leaned her arms on the table under the window, unable to say what was on her mind. This whole situation was screwed up. She was cracking under the pressure. Isabela pressed her self up against her from behind once more. Lana moaned at her touch. It was driving her insane.
"Hawke..." Isabela said gently, feeling the woman breathe heavily, "Talk to me."
"Why should I?" Lana whispered, her voice full of stress, "What difference will it make?"
Isabela leaned in and placed a kiss on her neck then. Lana swallowed hard, closing her eyes. She fought desperately against every feeling in her body which desired the woman.
"Stop it, Bela," she pleaded. Isabela leaned in to kiss her again then, lingering longer. This time Lana shook her head and walked away from her once more. "I said stop!" she said more firmly now. Isabela sighed in frustration.
"I don't get it, Hawke," she said, staring at her back. Lana still hadn't looked at her. "You tell me to stop but you mean for me to continue...I'm tired of these mixed signals you're giving me. Which is it?"
"Both..." Lana replied hoarsely, realising how stupid that sounded.
"What?" Isabela asked, confused. Lana finally turned to look at her. "It can't be both...Tell me the truth!"
"I can't," she replied.
"Why?" Isabela asked desperately, walking towards her again. Why is torturing me like this? I can't stand it anymore.
She saw that familiar look in Lana's eyes, the desire, the hunger, the need to be close to her...and then that other something which Isabela could never put her finger on. Lana let out a sigh. Isabela didn't wait for a response. She leaned forwards and kissed her deeply, unable to control herself. She pressed Lana back, up against the bookshelf roughly, running her hands along her breasts and down along her curves, feeling the woman respond eagerly to her touch. Both women moaned with impatience, kissing passionately, breathing harshly as their chests pressed together, heaving with desire and longing. This was the only thing that made sense to both of them, the only thing they didn't have to put into words.
Suddenly there was a sound of glass breaking.
"What in Andraste's name is going on!?"
Lana broke off the kiss immediately. Her mother was standing in the doorway, the goblet of wine having fallen from her hand, shocked to her core at the scene she had just walked in on. The other guests were looking over her shoulder, wondering what all the commotion was. They stared at Isabela pressed up against Lana, her hands holding her inappropriately.
"Mother..." Lana breathed, "It's not what-"
"Get out!" Leandra screamed at Isabela, "Get out of my house, you pirate whore!"
"This is Hawke's house, not yours!" Isabela replied bitterly. Maker, she hated her! Leandra looked like she was about to kill her then. Oh balls! Isabela didn't need telling twice. She rushed away, realising the amount of damage she had caused for Hawke. Lana called after her as she pushed through the party guests and walked towards the exit, not caring who was watching.
"Bela wait!" she shouted desperately, running to the ballroom. She could feel the eyes of the nobles on her, Aveline looking at her in disappointment. The music had stopped and everyone watched in silence as Leandra grabbed a hold of daughter. Lana shook out of her mothers grip and pushed past the guests, following the Rivaini out of the Estate and into the night.
The cold air assaulted her lungs as she raced after the pirate.
"Bela stop, please!" she yelled, running as fast as her shoes would allow. Isabela sighed as she heard Hawke's heels on the pavement behind her. She stopped walking then. She wished she hadn't of came after her. The Rivaini turned back.
"I'm sorry," she said, knowing she had just embarrassed Hawke in front of everyone. Not to mention revealed her long kept secret to her mother. It wasn't her intention. Lana shook her head.
"Don't be," she said, smiling slightly, "I've been a coward for too long. It was bound to come out eventually."
Isabela smiled back at her. Hawke couldn't stay angry for long. It wasn't in her nature.
"At least you don't have to worry about icky man sex tonight," the pirate joked. They both laughed.
"Believe me, Emil's tongue wouldn't have been fit for the job either," Lana replied, chuckling.
Isabela reached out to stroke her face. "Tell me the truth, Hawke," she pleaded, "Do you want me or not? I can't wait around for ever."
Lana placed her hand over Bela's on her face. "Yes..." she breathed. Isabela stared deeply into her eyes, her face inches away from Lana's.
"Then why are you running scared?" she whispered, edging closer. "Why can't we just have one passionate, exciting night together?" She could see the tears build in Lana's eyes. She had never seen her cry before. The pirate leaned in to kiss her then. Lana closed her eyes, feeling her soft lips graze against her own just for a second, knowing that what she was about to do would change everything. A single tear fell down her face. "Tell me," Isabela said softly, brushing the tear away with her thumb. Lana pulled back and looked into the Rivaini's searching stare. The game was up. She sighed in defeat.
"Because I'm falling in love with you, Isabela..."