Fenris, woken by the ache of his markings, opened his eyes to find the sleeping Hawke's face inches away from his own. The mage had edged closer to Fenris and had moved his arm, which now rested across Fenris's belly, having released his hand. Whether Hawke had done this consciously or while he was asleep was unclear.

Fenris moved slightly, transferring his weight onto his left hip and leg, which meant he turned more toward Hawke; he would have moved onto his right side but didn't like anyone being behind him. He watched the softly-snoring mage for a while, at first wondering if Hawke was feigning sleep as Fenris had done earlier, but it soon became apparent that Hawke was in a deep slumber: his breathing was slow and shallow, and his facial muscles slack. Fenris smiled softly as he noticed a small bead of drool working its way down Hawke's lower lip, which vibrated slightly when he exhaled.

Fenris didn't remember having slept next to, or with, anyone before. Whenever Danarius had come to him at night, he would mercifully leave Fenris's room once he'd finished with him. Danarius had, however, implied that he and Fenris had often spent the night together before the procedure, both sleeping beside each other, as well as…that. Fenris neither remembered nor believed Danarius's claim, nor did he care to remember.

Forcing Danarius out of his mind, he turned his attention back to Hawke, and continued to listen to his breathing, watching the path of the drool as it trickled its way down, stopping when it met Hawke's beard.

Hawke smelled faintly of tansy and musk, which unfortunately did nothing to hide the overpowering stench of garlic that oozed through Fenris's own pores. He moved slightly nearer to Hawke in the hope that he would catch Hawke's smell instead of his own. Hawke was very warm and Fenris found being next to him strangely comforting, particularly now that he was asleep. Fenris didn't feel completely secure unless he was in total control of a situation, and, although he knew by now that Hawke would not harm him, here, he was in control.

The warmth he and Hawke shared made his eyelids grow heavy and he fought to stay awake. A brief thought flitted though his mind of the possible awkwardness the morning would bring, when they both awoke to find they'd moved much closer to each other during the night, and that Hawke had wrapped his arm around Fenris. Fenris suspected, however, that Hawke wouldn't feel awkward about it at all. Would Fenris? He certainly didn't feel awkward now, but would he when Hawke was awake and Fenris was no longer in complete control?

Sleep began to fog his mind, and that thought gradually evanesced along with his ability and desire to stay awake. It was too late to do anything now, and, as Fenris rested his own arm against Hawke's chest and closed his eyes, he decided that he didn't really care.

~o~O~o~

When Hawke awoke, he was surprised to find Fenris next to him, and much nearer to him than he'd been when they'd first gone to sleep. He didn't need to look toward the windows to see if the sun had risen; even with the drapes closed, a pale yellow haze warmed the corners of the room, banishing the shadows. The fire had almost gone out, but Hawke felt no immediate need to rekindle it, finding all the warmth he needed beneath the covers. Fenris would normally have risen long before now, and Hawke wondered if Fenris would be angry with himself for sleeping late, but made no attempt to wake him, wanting to make the most of being so near to him.

Shifting a little, he felt light pressure against his chest, and lifted the covers slightly, beaming as he spotted Fenris's hand resting against him; his nose then wrinkled at the pungent aroma of garlic that moving the covers had released. Fenris mumbled something that Hawke didn't understand, and he feared for a moment that Fenris was dreaming, but a glance at the elf's face revealed a stillness and serenity that made Hawke's heart swell.

With another indistinct utterance, Fenris's eyes slowly opened, and, for a second, Hawke held his gaze before they both looked downwards and Fenris moved away slightly. Hawke discreetly scanned Fenris's face for any signs of discomfort or unease, and found none.

"Good morning," Hawke said softly.

"Good morning, Hawke."

"Did you sleep well?"

Fenris looked over to the windows and frowned. "Apparently so." He moved his hand away from Hawke's chest and sat up straight. Hawke moved his own arm from around Fenris, but they both stayed under the covers, reluctant to leave their warm cocoon.

"The fire's gone out," Hawke observed, his voice thick with sleep, and he cleared his throat.

Fenris shrugged and a sleepy smile danced across his lips. "It's not the end of the world."

Hawke returned his smile through a yawn. "It's your turn to make breakfast."

"I wasn't aware we were taking turns," Fenris replied, rubbing his eyes. "Besides, you have medicine to prepare."

"Nice try, Fenris, but if I'm getting up, then so are you," Hawke teased.

"Stercus," muttered Fenris.

"I know what that means!"

"I'm aware of that, Hawke," Fenris said with a warm smile.

"I see you still haven't started breakfast," remarked Hawke, closing his eyes and settling back against the settee.

"Nor have you."

"Let's just stay here, then," Hawke drawled lazily, opening one eye to look at Fenris. "I'm not that hungry, anyway."

"Your stomach is making sounds to the contrary, Hawke."

Hawke groaned, sat up and yawned again. "Smart-mouthed elves get extra garlic, you know."

"I don't think I need any more garlic," Fenris moaned with a tentative sniff at his armpit.

Hawke looked sidelong at the elf. "Well, I didn't want to come out and say it," he mumbled quietly.

"Say what? That I am malodourous?"

"I…wouldn't have put it like that, exactly…"

"And how would you have put it, Hawke?"

Hawke started sniggering, mostly because Fenris's eyebrow had once again shot up, and Fenris had no idea what that expression did to Hawke's insides. "You're right, Fenris; there really is no other way to put it. You stink to high heaven."

"This is entirely your fault," Fenris accused with a mock-scowl, knowing that this would make Hawke laugh; last night, Hawke had been on the verge of tears and Fenris never wanted to see that again.

As expected, Hawke chuckled and scratched his head distractedly. "Sorry about that."

"Are you really?"

"No, not really."

Fenris's eyebrow remained where it was, but the rest of his features softened. "Just as I suspected."

With another yawn, Hawke pushed the cover off his lap and stretched his arms above his head. He glanced down at Fenris's bandaged foot, which poked out from beneath the coverlet. "How…how are you feeling this morning?" he asked cautiously, and Fenris knew that he was not only asking about his foot, but his spirit, too.

"Better, Hawke. Much better, thank you. And…you?"

"Good; I'm good," Hawke mumbled with an exaggerated nod, and stood up, releasing a deep breath. "Well…I'd better get your medicine prepared."

Hawke, in truth, felt far from good, after learning of the torture that Fenris had once endured, but he was loath to raise its spectre again, not wanting Fenris to relive it, although Hawke had no doubt that Fenris did just that, and frequently.

"Hawke…" Fenris moved the covers aside and pushed himself up. "Would you…care to accompany me around the mansion, first?"

"You mean while you conduct your checks?"

Fenris nodded. "Yes. I would welcome your company."

Hawke also nodded. "I'd like that." A small smile brightened his face, and a glow warmed his belly. "After you." He gestured for Fenris to precede him, and, together, they took a leisurely walk around the mansion.

~o~O~o~

After ablutions and breakfast, Hawke examined and re-dressed Fenris's foot, and declared him fit to walk around freely, but advised him to wear his slippers when he went to the barracks. He also recommended he not resume his regular training routine for another couple of days.

"I probably won't see you for the rest of the day," Hawke told him as they left the mansion. "I have to take care of this job with Varric, and later I, erm…I have something else to do."

Fenris locked the door and gave Hawke a curious look, but decided not to pry. They walked together quietly for a short time, when Hawke stopped. "Actually, I'm…Anders and I are going out on the town. He's…been feeling a bit…down."

"There is no need to explain yourself to me," Fenris said.

"We're not going anywhere, you know…I mean…we're just going to the pub. Erm, you're…I would ask you to come along, but…"

"Hawke," Fenris said in a firm voice, but with a smile, "I repeat: you do not need to explain yourself. I hope you have a pleasant evening."

"Er, well, thanks." Hawke cleared his throat, feeling relieved and yet at the same time deflated that Fenris had reacted so reasonably. Did Fenris truly not care that Hawke would be spending the evening with Anders, or was he playing his cards close to his chest? Would Hawke have preferred Fenris to angrily protest against him spending time with the 'abomination'? Would Hawke have capitulated, or would he have defended Anders?

He would have capitulated. Without hesitation.

Fenris, noticing that Hawke appeared distracted, tilted his head to one side. "Hawke? Are you all right?"

"Oh, yes…" Hawke blinked and affected an easy smile. "I made some extra medicine up this morning: there's enough for the rest of today in a pan in the kitchen. Just split it three ways."

"I am very grateful," said Fenris with a nod. A slight frown settled over his features, then, and he was silent for a short time, before he glanced up at Hawke, and then back at the ground. "Will you be staying at the mansion tonight, Hawke?" he asked.

Hawke's eyes widened. "Oh, erm…well, it's up to you, Fenris; you're on the mend, now, and…" He paused and thought for a moment. "Mind you, you will need some medicine made fresh in the morning, and, um, just in case you have any problems…I suppose that I should probably stay for at least one more night. If, of course, it's all right with you, Fenris."

"That will be fine," Fenris answered nonchalantly. "I will purchase extra provisions."

"You'll be sick of the sight of me before long," Hawke joked.

"If you do not tire of seeing me, first," Fenris answered, and they shared a quiet laugh.

Reaching the chantry square, both men stopped and shook hands. "Well, I guess this is where we part ways," Hawke said. "I hope you get on well at the barracks."

"Thank you. And I wish you and Varric success with your investigation."

"See you tonight, then." They nodded at each other, and Hawke turned, heading toward Lowtown, before he paused and turned back to Fenris. "I'll call at the mansion at ten bells, or as near to then as I can."

"Hawke, as I have already said…" Fenris began.

"I just thought you'd like to know who was knocking on your door late at night."

A hint of a smile graced Fenris's lips, slowly growing wider, and he glanced at the ground. "Thank you," he said quietly.

"Bye for now," said Hawke.

"Farewell," Fenris replied, and watched Hawke walk away until he disappeared from sight. Standing still in the square, he glanced up at the chantry building, admiring the architecture for a moment. He then looked in the direction of the Keep, where he was meant to be going. With a sigh, he turned and walked toward the chantry, hesitating once or twice before finally entering.

It wasn't long before one of the sisters approached him and asked if he needed assistance.

"Sebastian, please," he asked politely, and was directed over to a pew, where he sat and waited.

After a few minutes, Sebastian appeared at the top of the stairs and walked down them with a bright smile on his face. "Fenris!" he greeted enthusiastically, and the elf rose to his feet. Sebastian arrived next to him and offered his hand, which Fenris shook. "It's good to see you again, Fenris. How is your foot this morning?"

Fenris glanced downwards and then back up at Sebastian. "It has improved; thank you for asking."

"I'm glad to hear it, Fenris," Sebastian said warmly, and the two of them took a slow stroll along the aisle. "I very much enjoyed the game last night; thank you for inviting me, Fenris. We should do it again, soon."

"I also enjoyed it," answered Fenris. "Thank you for coming." He looked around and fiddled with his breastplate. "Well, I should be going."

Sebastian nodded and momentarily glanced at the elf. "Of course; allow me to show you out."

"Thank you."

As they reached the door, Sebastian halted and was quiet for a moment before he asked, "Fenris, was there something in particular you wanted to see me about?"

"No," Fenris answered quickly. "I merely wished to call on you on my way to the barracks."

"Ah, yes; you're going to try out for the Guard, aren't you?" Sebastian exclaimed. "Well, I wish you luck, though I doubt you'll need it."

"You are very gracious," Fenris said diffidently, and turned toward the door, his hand resting on the large handle for a moment as his mind wandered.

"Fenris," Sebastian said quietly, "do you want to talk to me about something?"

Fenris shook his head, looking mildly embarrassed. "No. I will…keep you no longer." He opened the door and stepped outside, but was stopped by Sebastian's hand resting on his arm.

"When I said I was at your disposal, Fenris, I meant it; not only to bear arms at your side, but also as your friend. If ever you want to talk, in confidence, I'm here, day or night."

Fenris took a deep breath, blinked several times, and nodded. "I…" He released his breath and straightened up. "Farewell, Sebastian."

"The Maker walks at your side, Fenris, and will hear you when you speak to Him; remember that, should you ever doubt yourself."

With a final nod, Fenris turned away and walked down the steps. Sebastian watched him leave, his brow creasing in concern. He then closed the doors and walked up the aisle to the altar, where he dropped to one knee and clasped his hands together.

"Maker, watch over your son, Fenris, for he is uncertain and in need of Your gentle guidance. Guard him with every care, and make his way easy and his labours fruitful. Dry his tears if he weeps; sanctify his joys; raise his courage if he weakens, and his resolve if he hesitates. Restore his hope should he lose heart, his truth should he err, and his repentance should he fail."

~o~O~o~

Fenris found Donnic at the top of the steps leading down to Lowtown, where he was posted for the morning. The guard's smile almost split his face as he strode over to Fenris, nearly crushing his hand when he shook it.

"I saw Hawke earlier on; he was on his way to The Hanged Man," Donnic said, barely able to contain his excitement. "He, um, mentioned that you may be considering my proposal?" he asked hopefully.

"I have considered it," answered Fenris. "However, we should not be premature. There will be tests, no doubt."

"Which you will pass in the blink of an eye," Donnic said encouragingly, and Fenris shrugged his shoulders. "Don't do yourself down, Fenris. You'll have no trouble at all."

Fenris coughed quietly and glanced up at the tall warrior. "Is there an aptitude test?"

"You mean reading and writing? Why, yes; we have paperwork to complete, reports and so on."

Fenris halted and he shook his head, his face hardening.

"Would that be a problem for you, Fenris?" Donnic asked quietly, glancing around.

"I cannot read or write," confessed Fenris. "Hawke is teaching me, but I am nowhere near able to write…reports. I have only just learned my letters."

"I see." Donnic placed his hand on Fenris's back and led him over to a spot where fewer people were around. "Listen, between you and me, I know at least two of the guards who are illiterate; in fact, by knowing your letters, you're already ahead of them. They were employed by Jevens; he didn't bother with the aptitude test, but Aveline goes by the book."

"Then how do they write their reports?" Fenris asked.

"They don't. Their partners do it for them. Aveline has let it go with those two, but she uses the test with any new recruits."

Fenris's shoulders sagged, and he shook his head again. "I apologise for wasting your time. Forgive me."

Donnic started to laugh. "I'm not letting you give up that easily!"

"But…the test…"

"There must be a way round that," said Donnic. "I'll have a talk to Aveline, use my charm on her. What do you think of my 'charming' face?"

Fenris looked up to see Donnic batting his eyelashes with a simpering smile. Fenris hung his head and a deep laugh rumbled through his chest. "She would be forgiven for thinking that you have lost your mind."

"Hm, perhaps you're right," Donnic laughed. "All right, then…this is my 'I mean business' face." He folded his arms, affected a frown and raised a single eyebrow. "Now, look here, Aveline," he practised, and Fenris flashed his teeth as laughter shook his slender frame.

"Well, if it makes her laugh then that'll be a start," chortled Donnic. "Come on; it's quiet around here for the time being. The pickpockets tend to operate after lunch, when the nobles have eaten a heavy meal and their senses are dulled." Donnic waved his arm to attract the attention of his fellow guard, who stood across the square. "I'm going up to the barracks for a bit. I'll be back later," he called over.

"Right you are," his colleague called back.

On their way to the barracks, Donnic continued to buoy Fenris's spirits, and Fenris did his best to ignore the heavy feeling in the pit of his stomach. His friends, particularly Hawke and Donnic, had been so encouraging about his joining the Guard, and, although Fenris would not have considered doing this on his own, he had to admit that the idea appealed to him. But Fenris knew from bitter experience that anything he looked forward to was doomed to failure, and dreaded his friends' disappointment, particularly Hawke's. Hiding the tight ball of anxiety in his belly behind a smile, he continued to converse pleasantly with Donnic until they reached the Keep and entered the barracks.

After waiting for a short while for Aveline to become free, they entered the office, and the guard-captain rose and greeted Fenris.

"Good to see you, Fenris, and…Donnic? Everything all right? Shouldn't you be at the merchant's quarter?"

"Guard-Captain Aveline," Donnic said, gesturing toward Fenris. "I'd like to introduce our latest recruit."

Aveline looked around the room, unsure who Donnic was referring to, before her eyes settled on the elf. "You mean…Fenris? You'd like to join the Guard?"

Sensing reluctance on Aveline's part, Fenris glanced at Donnic.

"Well, I don't see anyone else here," Donnic answered.

"Oh," Aveline said. "Well, this is…unexpected. I had no idea that you were interested, Fenris."

"Actually, it was sort of mine and Hawke's idea," Donnic admitted, knowing that Fenris probably wouldn't lie to Aveline over his reasons. "Fenris would be a most able guard, and joining our ranks will afford him protection. You're aware of his situation?"

Aveline's eyes moved to the floor, and her posture stiffened slightly. "Yes, I am. Fenris, would you excuse us for a moment, please?"

His heart sinking, Fenris nodded. "Of course." He left the office, closing the door behind him, and leaned against a wall, inwardly cursing his stupidity for allowing himself to hope. Hadn't he learned by now?

Inside the office, Aveline walked behind her desk and folded her arms. "Are you aware that Fenris is on the run, Donnic? That Hawke was so concerned for his safety that he asked me to post extra guards in Hightown?"

"Yes, of course I'm aware of that," Donnic replied firmly, sensing that his 'charming' face would not avail him. "This is the perfect way for Fenris to remain incognito."

"The Kirkwall Guard is not a refuge for fugitives, Guardsman Hendyr," Aveline reprimanded. "His very presence within the Guard would place all of us in danger. I don't know what you and Hawke were thinking, putting this idea into his head…"

"Fenris is not a fugitive in Kirkwall," Donnic asserted, "and I don't see how he would place any of us in danger. His former master believes that he is holed up in that mansion. If Fenris joined the Guard, that twisted bastard wouldn't have a clue. Do you have any idea what he put Fenris through?"

"Of course I know," retorted Aveline, her eyes flashing. "I have nothing but sympathy and admiration for the man, but I have to consider the safety of every man and woman here. This master of his…"

"Former master."

"Former master, then!" she snapped, irritated at Donnic's belligerent tone. "He's tracked Fenris down several times since his escape. I am neither stupid nor arrogant enough to believe that our ranks are impenetrable. I will not have my guards put at risk. The answer is no."

Donnic took a step forward and placed his palms onto the desk. "I'm surprised at you, Guard-Captain. You'd be quite happy, then, for Danarius to recapture him? That man," he said, pointing to the door, "is intelligent, courageous, moral, and his sword skills are second to none. You were the one moaning the other day that Jevens just recruited anyone off the street. Fenris would be a credit to this regiment, and yet you seem to think that all he's good for is being at the beck and call of a deranged blood mage."

"Don't you put words into my mouth, Donnic!" Aveline took a deep breath. "Guardsman Hendyr."

"Are you aware that Danarius had Fenris chained to his bed at night?"

"What?"

"Oh, didn't you know that?" Donnic asked. "Yes, his arm was always chained to the bed so he couldn't escape. That also meant he couldn't relieve himself, or get up to stretch his legs. The mark of the manacle is still there on his wrist; he showed me last night."

Aveline sighed and sat down, but Donnic didn't relent.

"Are you also not aware that Fenris used to take beatings from Danarius's apprentice…Hadriana, I think her name was, so that some of the other slaves wouldn't have to? Danarius had child slaves, Aveline, and children play up, sometimes. Fenris did what he could to protect them, which meant that he would volunteer to take their punishment for them. This bitch seemed to take some kind of perverse pleasure in beating Fenris, as it proved she'd 'broken' him. He didn't actually want to tell us that, but when he was showing us the markings on his arms we noticed several old scars and we pressed him."

Aveline sighed and rubbed her forehead. "Donnic…all I'm trying to do is…"

"And you're quite happy to send him back to that, are you?" Donnic interrupted.

Aveline shot up out of her chair. "Of course not!"

"Then you'll have no objections."

"This is emotional blackmail, Guardsman Hendyr!"

"Yes, it is."

Aveline turned away, and, for a moment, Donnic thought he'd persuaded her. When she turned back to face him, however, it was clear that her resolve had hardened.

"I'm sorry, Donnic. As Fenris is a citizen of Kirkwall, I'll do my best utmost to protect him, but having him in the Guard is too much of a risk."

"Then you'll have my request for a transfer by the end of the day," Donnic said, heading for the door.

"W-what?"

"I'll not work for someone I don't respect," he said bluntly. "For someone who professes to be an upstanding and decent replacement for Jevens, you're nothing but a coward, not to mention callous. I have family in Ostwick; I'll transfer there as soon as possible."

Aveline's mouth fell open, and she watched as Donnic stomped toward the door. "Wait a minute!"

A glimmer of hope rose inside Donnic, but he kept his expression dour as he turned around. "Yes, Guard-Captain Vallen?"

"You bloody-minded…" Aveline shook her head angrily and folded her hands behind her back, afraid that she would throw something at him if she kept her hands free. "All right! He can have a trial. A trial, do you understand? And you're responsible for him at all times. And, if the trial doesn't work out, he can pay for his bloody armour!"

"Fine with me," said Donnic, turning away from Aveline to hide his grin. "Oh, one more thing," he added as he reached the door. "I wouldn't bother with the aptitude test. He can't read or write."

Donnic quickly exited the office and closed the door, leaving a stunned Aveline behind. Spotting Fenris, he walked over and leaned on the wall next to him, a nervous laugh escaping him as he exhaled heavily.

"Bloody hell, Fenris, I thought that would go ill for a minute, then." He placed a hand on Fenris's shoulder. "Welcome to the Kirkwall Guard, Guardsman Fenris."

Fenris slowly looked up at Donnic. "You were…successful?"

"Eventually, yes," laughed Donnic, pressing his hand against his belly, butterflies dancing within. "What can I say? I'm a gambler. Sometimes bluffs pay off, and sometimes they don't. The Maker was smiling on us today, Fenris. Perhaps He likes a flutter, too."

"You bluffed Aveline?"

Donnic nodded and released another long breath. "Come on, let's get you to the armoury. You need to be measured up, and then you can show the other recruits what you can do with that sword. If you feel up to it, that is," he said with a glance at Fenris's slipper-clad foot.

"I do, Donnic," Fenris said, once again shaking the guardsman's hand, heartened by his friends' faith in him. "I feel more than up to it."

~o~O~o~

Hawke was relieved that Fenris had not accompanied him today, for as soon as he and Varric set foot in the Blooming Rose, he was accosted by a giant of a man, very handsome but almost a foot taller than Hawke, and, by the looks of him, weighing considerably more.

"Where in the Void have you been, Hawke?" asked the man in a surprisingly soft voice, clapping Hawke on the shoulder.

"Angus!" Hawke laughed sheepishly at the astonished look on Varric's face as the dwarf craned his neck upwards. "I've, erm, been busy."

"Oh, you poor love," Angus commiserated, running a huge hand up and down Hawke's arm. "Come to let Angus take some of the weight off those shoulders, I hope?"

"Sorry," Hawke laughed with a shrug, "I'm here on business today."

Angus crossed his arms and pushed out his lower lip. "You never make time for me anymore, Hawke," he teased. "I'm beginning to think you've found someone else."

"Never," Hawke joked. "Another time, perhaps?"

"Hmph," pouted Angus. "I'll believe that when I see it. We're drifting apart, Hawke," he added melodramatically before he was called away by another punter.

"Maker's balls, Hawke! Do you have a death wish or something?" exclaimed Varric. "You actually…with him?"

"Actually what, Varric?" teased Hawke.

"You know very well what I mean."

"No, I don't," Hawke insisted. "I'm not a mind reader, you know. You need to say exactly what you mean."

"You can kiss my ass before I'll do that, Hawke," Varric grumbled.

"Actually, Angus used to…"

"Stop right there!" commanded Varric, holding his hands up, before a mischievous glint came into his eyes. "That guy just seems a little…cumbersome for you, is all. I thought you went for the more petite man."

"I'm sure I have no idea what you're talking about," Hawke claimed. "Like I said, you need to say what you really mean."

"Sure, Hawke. Whatever you say."

After making a few enquiries which cost them a few silver, Hawke and Varric were directed to Jethann, an elf who worked at the brothel. As he opened the door to his room, the elf's eyes lit up as he spotted not one, but two men, and ushered them in.

"That's what I'm talking about, Hawke," whispered Varric. "I would have thought someone like him would be more up your street."

"Shut it, Dwarf," Hawke whispered back.

After a disappointed Jethann discovered that neither Hawke nor Varric wanted to partake of his services, he reluctantly gave up some information on the missing woman, and directed them to Darktown, and a templar who had also been investigating her disappearance.

Before they met with the templar, Varric and Hawke called on Anders at the clinic to see if he wanted to assist them. Hawke had arranged to meet up with him later anyway, and wanted to do everything he could to make Anders feel included. After treating a few patients, Anders closed the clinic and joined them.

When they found the templar, he was under attack by a group of thugs, and, much to Hawke's surprise, Anders vigorously defended the templar, casting his most powerful spells to ensure that the louts didn't get near to him. Once their assailants were dispatched, Anders ran to the templar's side and gently helped him to his feet.

"Are you hurt?" Anders asked with concern.

"A few bruises, but nothing worse, thanks to you," the templar said gratefully.

Introducing himself as Ser Emeric, he explained to the three men that he had been investigating the disappearances of a number of women, one of them a Circle mage, and shared his findings with them. Hawke listened curiously as Anders vowed to help track them down, and then offered to see Ser Emeric back to The Gallows, which the templar politely declined, before going on his way.

"Anders?" Hawke asked, seeing the unmistakable look of fondness in his Anders's eyes as Emeric walked away. "What was that about?"

"Eh?" Anders blinked and smiled self-consciously at Hawke. "Erm…nothing. He just…reminded me of someone I used to know, that's all."

"Who?" Hawke asked, intrigued.

Anders's smile melted away and he stared into the distance. "Someone from…when I was with the Wardens in Amaranthine. He sort of looked after us all." Anders shook his head softly, and Hawke was dismayed at the sadness in his eyes.

"Did…something happen to him?" Hawke asked gently.

Anders glanced in the direction that Emeric had gone. "Maker, he really looks like him…" His head fell back and he sighed. "He died defending the Keep."

Hawke placed a hand on Anders's arm. "I'm so sorry."

Anders nodded quickly, cleared his throat and unfolded the notes detailing Ser Emeric's evidence. "Well, we need to head to the Foundry District. Are you two free? I'd like to investigate this as soon as possible, and so would Justice."

Varric and Hawke exchanged glances, and both nodded. "This might cut into our drinking time, though," Hawke told Anders with a faint smile.

"I don't mind, Hawke," Anders enthused, glad to be included in Hawke's activities at all. "I'm sure we'll find time for one or two, eh?"

"We'll make time," Hawke promised, and wrapped his arm around Anders's shoulder. "Lead the way."

~o~O~o~

Having spent a very enjoyable morning at the barracks, and, much to Donnic's delight, having put a few cocky recruits in their place with his swordplay, Fenris headed back to the mansion to take his medicine.

Fenris had been made to feel welcome at the barracks, and the news of his trial appointment had spread quickly. Several of the other guards had sought him out to offer their congratulations. He'd left there feeling invincible, but now, as he once again paused outside the chantry on his way to the mansion, the tight knot of anxiety he'd felt earlier that morning had returned with a vengeance.

He stood looking up at the place of worship for what seemed like ages, conflicted by what course of action to take. His choice was made for him, however, when the sister that had greeted him earlier walked past him, recognising him.

"Hello again," she said pleasantly. "Are you back for Sebastian?"

Still unsure of what to do, his words seemed to be torn from him without any conscious thought. "Um, yes," he answered.

"Please, come with me," said the sister, and she escorted him inside, where Sebastian was talking to one of the other sisters.

"Please excuse me," the archer said politely to the sister as he spotted Fenris enter.

"Fenris, you're back," he said, reaching for the elf's hand and shaking it. "What can I do for you?"

Fenris released a sharp breath and his gaze fell to the floor. "Are you…occupied at present?"

"Not at all, Fenris. Would you like to talk?"

Fenris gave no answer, but slowly nodded his head.

"Come," Sebastian said quietly. "There's a private room just through here."