12

Isabela had convinced herself that if she bedded Hawke, the memory of the kiss would stop plaguing her thoughts. Instead, the afternoon that they'd spent between the sheets had driven Isabela insane. Unbidden thoughts and flashes of memory haunted her. Her flesh prickled unconsciously as phantom finger nails dragged themselves lightly down her back.

Hawke had been a surprise package. She was nervous and inexperienced, but she was a quick learner, and her skills had increased over the course of the afternoon as her confidence grew. Isabela was glad that the servants had been sent away, as the shy young mage turned out to be remarkably vocal. And the things she could do with her magic…

Isabela had fought the urge to go back to Hawke's mansion dozens of times. Isabela's "love them and leave them" policy was strict. She had a reputation to maintain. Going back for a repeat performance would set a dangerous precedent. But if Hawke happens to come here for another lesson, I'll not deny her… she reasoned.

It was early evening, one week later, when she got her wish. She hadn't seen or heard Hawke's approach, as she stood at the bar swapping tales with the young serving man. A pair of hands appeared on her hips and slowly slid their way to the front of Isabela's stomach, while a warm body pressed against her back. Isabela stopped what she was saying mid-sentence, and the barkeep's eyes widened in interest. A familiar, flowery smell, entered her nose, as a set of teeth gently nipped at her earlobe.

"Is-aaaaa-bel-aaaaa…" Hawke singsonged quietly in her ear.

A smile spread to Isabela's lips. "Yes, Hawke? What can I do for you?" she answered innocently.

Hawke pressed her mouth against Isabela's ear. "How about you take me to your room, and let me sail your seven seas?"

Isabela let out a girlish giggle. "A pirate themed pick up line? I like it. Tell me, how long did it take you to come up with that?"

"Oh, I've been working on that one since you left my house. Why else do you think it's taken me a week to get here?"

Isabela laughed. "Well, with lines like that, how could I say no? Follow me…" Isabela took one of Hawke's hands, and led her through the empty tavern and up the stairs, leaving the bartender staring, with his mouth slightly agape.

Once they got into the bedroom, Hawke shut the door and stood behind Isabela. She reached around the front and started unlacing Isabela's tunic, while gently nuzzling her neck. "I can't stop thinking about the other day…" she whispered as she got the last fastener undone, and the tunic fell to the floor.

Isabela stood naked, besides her black undergarments and boots, and let out an involuntary gasp as Hawke's warm lips kissed bare shoulder.

"I have that effect on... ohhh" her words were cut off when Hawke slid her fingers inside Isabela's undergarments and started switching them between hot and cold. Isabela turned her head and met with Hawke's lips, and they kissed passionately as they both moved towards the bed.

When they were done, and Isabela's legs had finally stopped shaking, Hawke sat up gracefully and started to pull on her light blue robes.

Isabela sat up and looped an arm around Hawke's waist. "That was nice. You're a quick learner, Hawke."

Hawke giggled. "I have a good teacher."

"I hope you're talking about me, and there's not some hidden reason that you live so close to the Blooming Rose…" she teased, gently biting Hawke's neck.

"Oh, ha ha. If that were the case, I'm sure you would've seen me in there on one of your many trips…"

"Ooh, touché." She watched the younger woman pull on her black, ankle height boots, and quickly lace them up. "Why are you in such a hurry? Maybe I'm not done with you yet…?"

Hawke laughed softly. "You'd like another go would you? Okay, get on your back…"

Isabela felt the weakness in her legs, and thought it was probably best not to call the 22-year-old's bluff. "Maybe not tonight…" she murmured.

"Well, I won't outstay my welcome. I think I know you well enough to know that cuddles and conversation are not on the agenda."

Isabela paused for a moment. She was starting to despise Hawke's company a lot less. She found herself strangely tempted to spend more time with the girl, but she didn't want to confuse the issue at hand. "Good, well, I'm glad that you know that much about me. It's always awkward when I have to kick someone out."

Hawke leaned over and kissed Isabela lightly on the cheek. "I had fun, Isabela. I hope we can do it again…"

Definitely! Isabela thought, but instead she said, "Hmm… maybe… I haven't decided."

Hawke stood and made her way to the door. "Well, my door is always open for you. Goodnight Isabela. I hope you sleep well." And with that she stepped through the door and into the rowdy tavern, while Isabela drifted off to sleep, with a smile on her face.