It had been a week, and Isabela hadn't stopped thinking about her encounter with Hawke at the bar. She hadn't taken a lover for the entire week. She'd actively rejected men who'd propositioned her. She knew what she was craving, and it wasn't a man's touch.

It wasn't just the kiss that was playing on her mind. It was what the kiss could lead to. What did Hawke look like under those robes? What did her breasts feel like? Was she a moaner, or a screamer? What else could she do with that mouth?

She'd wanted this, years ago, but she thought those days were done. Now, one moment of silliness had opened up a whole box of repressed desires.

She'd had just enough whiskey to make an afternoon stroll to Hightown seem like a good idea. The thoughts, the curiosity, it was a madness. She'd pulled on her boots and started walking to Hightown, hoping that good sense would prevail, and she'd turn back.

She stood outside the heavy, ornate, front door. The urge to go inside had not waned. I can't believe I'm doing this!

The dwarven butler answered. "Good afternoon, serah. My name is Bodahn, and I currently run the Hawke household. What may I help you with?"

"Is Hawke here?" she demanded.

"May I ask which Hawke you are referring to? Mistress Leandra, or the young Lady Hawke?"

"The young one!" Isabela snapped impatiently.

"At once, serah. Just wait by the fireplace while I announce your arrival."

A few moments later, Hawke appeared at the top of the stairs. She was simply dressed, in a white blouse and a grey pleated skirt. Her hair was pulled back in a braid, and she wasn't wearing any makeup. She looked as beautiful as ever, but younger than usual. "Isabela, I had not thought to see you here. I'm sorry, I'm not really dressed for a guest" she said graciously as she made her way down the stairs.

Don't worry, sweet thing, your clothes aren't going to matter, soon enough, Isabela thought to herself. Instead, she shrugged. "Don't apologise. It's nice to see you out of your formal robes."

Hawke hesitated for a moment, obviously trying to find a hidden insult in those words. Finding none, she continued on in hostess mode. "So, what brings you here, Isabela? Have you come for a tour?"

Isabela chuckled. "Yeah, a tour will do, to start…"

Hawke either ignored Isabela's words, or simply missed their meaning. "Well, the kitchen and servant's quarters are through that door. This is the formal lounge we're standing in, and if you'll follow me through this door, I'll show you the library and study…"

Isabela followed her through a large, dark-wood doorway, and waited until they were just out of earshot of the dwarves. "I was actually hoping you'd indulge me in a thorough tour of your bedroom…" she purred, with her best impish smile.

Hawke turned to her, pausing for a moment. "Why would you want that, Isabela? You've made it quite clear that you hate me."

Isabela sighed. "I don't hate you, Hawke. I just disagree with everything you do and say."

Hawke chuckled. "Oh, well excuse me for confusing the two! But seriously, do you really want to sleep with me?"

"I do not sleep, Hawke. I am here for some girly fun. If you're not interested, then I'll go and get my giggles elsewhere…" Isabela turned to leave, hoping Hawke would call her bluff.

"Isabela, wait," Hawke started, and Isabela turned to face her. "I thought you said that your curiosity was sated?"

Isabela shrugged. "Sated. Piqued. Sometimes one can be confused for the other…"

A small smile touched Hawke's lips. "You've been thinking about the other day, haven't you?"

It's all I think about, Isabela thought, but to Hawke she said "It's popped into my head, once or twice."

Hawke nodded. "It's been on my mind too. I'm not sure Isabela, it might be a mistake." The mage blushed and fixed her eyes on the ground beneath her. "I'm obviously attracted to you, I believe I demonstrated that the other day, but maybe there are some lines that shouldn't be crossed…"

Isabela pushed Hawke against the nearest bookcase, pressing her body against the mage's, and bringing their lips together. Hawke gave no resistance, passionately returning the kiss, and letting her hands wander down to Isabela's lower back. Isabela didn't break away this time, but instead moved her lips from Hawke's mouth, to her soft, white neck, kissing her way down until she got to Hawke's cleavage. She remembered the day on the Wounded Coast when she'd been so close to doing this, and it fuelled her excitement.

"Isabela... Isabela. Stop." Hawke murmured.

Isabela sighed and moved away in frustration.

Hawke leaned in close. "Just give me a moment to dismiss my servants" she whispered, her voice much huskier than usual.

Isabela's pulse quickened with anticipation as Hawke walked into the other room to get rid of the dwarves. She came back a few minutes later, and leaned against the doorway, beckoning Isabela to follow her upstairs.