18

1 month later

They settled into a strange new place. Isabela had once heard a saying; Forgive, but don't forget. She had the feeling that Hawke was following that mantra closely. Isabela and Hawke still saw each other frequently, and still had back-arching, sheet-gripping, shoulder-scratching sex, but something had shifted within Hawke.

Isabela knew that Hawke still had feelings for her, she could see it in the younger woman's eyes, feel it in her touch and taste it on her lips, but the mage kept them private, guarding herself closely. Her days of romantic gestures and affection were gone - something for which Isabela thought she would be grateful, but found herself missing.

It was suddenly rare for Hawke to stay more than two minutes post-orgasm, and she often left Isabela feeling bewildered and confused as she sat alone in an empty bed.

Isabela couldn't blame Hawke for keeping her at arm's length. Hawke was the jealous type, and Isabela knew that she had caused her pain. It had been unfortunate, but probably for the best. Hawke had needed a reality check, and Isabela had given it to her, as much as she'd hurt herself in the process of doing it.

6 months later

"Sometimes I wonder about you, Hawke. Willingly walking into the Gallows to serve the templars… it's like you want to get caught."

Hawke shook her head. "Cullen is different, Bela. He knows what I am, and he turns a blind eye. I'm of more use to him free, than locked in the Circle. Plus, I'm not doing this for the templars, I'm doing it for Feynriel."

Isabela rolled her eyes. There was that famous Hawke sense of honour.

Hawke hesitated for a moment. "There's the Knight-Captain. He'll take us through to the chamber where they'll perform the ritual. Are you sure about this, Isabela? I appreciate you offering to help, but a non-mage coming into the Fade while conscious is almost unheard of…"

Isabela gave her a playful push. "Frolicking in dreams? It sounds like an experience. Of course I'm game!"

"It will not be fun. There will be demons in there. They can sense my power, so they usually know better than to try to approach me, but you might give them an indirect route."

"Give me some credit, Hawke, I can handle this. I never give in to temptation."

Hawke shot Isabela her best you-must-be-sodding-joking look, but led the way. They crossed the courtyard and approached a handsome looking templar, with sandy blonde hair and a strong jawline.

"Knight-Captain Cullen, it's nice to see you again!" Hawke greeted the templar with an outstretched hand and the type of smile that she usually reserved exclusively for Isabela.

Cullen took the outstretched hand and raised it to his lips, kissing the back of it. "Well, if it isn't my favourite apostate! You are looking lovely, as usual, Lady Hawke."

Hawke blushed lightly, and Isabela felt her chest tighten and her neck get hot. She eyed the templar off with anger and suspicion.

"Cullen, this is my friend, Isabela," Hawke said as she gestured to Isabela. "She'll be accompanying me into the Fade during the ritual."

Cullen bowed his head in greeting. "Ah, Lady Hawke's constant companion. Your reputation precedes you, Captain Isabela. It's very nice to meet you."

Isabela narrowed her eyes at him, and the words were out of her mouth before she could stop them. "Just so we're clear, she likes women. Rivaini women, especially."

Hawke cocked her head and a small smirk touched her lips as she stared at Isabela, while Cullen paused awkwardly. "Er... so I see. If you'd both like to follow me, I'll lead you to the ritual chamber."

He walked side by side with Hawke, making polite conversation, while Isabela followed a few feet behind, eyeing off the scene. Hawke giggled at one of his comments, and flicked her hand through her hair. He must be at least 30, far too old for her. And a templar, of all things! Isabela mused in angry silence.

They entered the Circle chambers and were ushered down a long corridor and into a large room. There were several mages lining the walls, and a young, blonde haired mage boy, assumedly Feynriel, lying asleep on a bed in the centre. There were two empty beds beside him.

"Lie down, Isabela, get comfortable" Hawke instructed, motioning towards one of the beds.

"You've got a lot of nerve ordering me to bed like that, with your robes still on" Isabela spoke in a low voice.

Hawke smiled involuntarily. "Yes, well, once we're done here, we can stop by my house and I'll rectify that."

Isabela pursed her lips. "Mmm… good. Maybe you can bring your little templar friend along for us to share?"

Hawke frowned. "That won't be happening."

"Oh, by all means. You obviously want to, and I'm always game…" Isabela purred, getting close enough to Hawke that the mage blushed in front of the onlookers.

"How very generous of you. I'll be sure to let you know if I ever change my mind. Now, enough of your misbehaving. Get on your bed, or you'll pay for it later."

Isabela loved it when Hawke was bossy, and her lips curled into a flirty smirk. "Yes, Lady Hawke, immediately."

She took her place on the bed, and Hawke took the one beside her.

"I'll see you in there" Hawke said softly, as a senior mage moved over to Isabela and gently put his hands on her head, while a soft blue light overtook her vision.