19

Isabela had sat at the table for most of the day, waiting for any news on Hawke. She had felt like a coward, scurrying away from the Gallows, but after what Cullen had told her when she regained consciousness, she couldn't stay.

"If the demon manages to trick her, she will become possessed, an abomination. If she resists the demon, but falls in battle, she will become a tranquil." The words were still echoing in her mind. She had felt her blood go cold when he had said them. Hawke had described tranquility as a fate worse than death.

Isabela had betrayed Hawke. When she closed her eyes, she could still hear the demon's voice whispering in her ear, and feel her lover's flesh and bone give way as Isabela brought her blades down on her chest.

It was late afternoon, when Hawke finally walked into the tavern. "Hawke, you're okay!" Isabela announced, relief seeping into her voice.

"We need to talk, Isabela" Hawke said, taking a seat across from her lover.

Isabela dreaded the conversation, and decided to skirt around it. "So… that was the Fade? That felt like a night I spent in Antiva drinking spoiled rum. I don't recommend doing either!"

Hawke laughed softly. "It isn't so bad, once you're used to it."

Isabela took a quick look at Hawke's face. She looked tired, but not angry, and Isabela knew that she would have to broach it eventually. "I'm sorry that I turned on you, Hawke. I don't expect you to forgive me, but I just wanted you to know that. The demon got into my head, and all I could think about was that ship and the open ocean."

Hawke touched Isabela's hand across the table. "It's okay, Bela, I forgive you. I know what it's like to have a demon try to tempt you. Pitting you against a desire demon, of all things. The Maker certainly has a sense of humour…"

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Uh… nothing. It was my fault anyway, I shouldn't have taken you with me. It was too dangerous."

"Dangerous for you, maybe. What were you thinking?! Why didn't you tell me what would happen if you died in there?"

Hawke shrugged. "I've spent a lot of time in the Fade. I know how to handle myself in there. Granted, taking a couple of twin blades to the chest posed an unexpected challenge, but I made it through."

Isabela dropped her gaze again. "I can't believe I did that. I don't know how you're even talking to me now."

Hawke smiled gently. "Don't beat yourself up. I'll take you upstairs and give you a good spanking, that should make us even."

Isabela let a giggle escape her lips. "Oh? You mean, your templar didn't wear you out once all those pesky mages had left the room? Why not? Are you worried that once he's experienced you in bed, he won't refer to you as a lady any more?"

Hawke sat back and crossed her arms with a smug smile on her face. "I'll admit, the world of intimate relationships is not my speciality, but I think I'm detecting a note of jealousy. That can't be right though, can it, Isabela?"

Isabela thought for a moment. She was jealous. Very jealous. And Hawke could never, ever know. "You'd enjoy that, wouldn't you? Is that why you were throwing yourself at him? To try to make me jealous?"

Hawke cocked her head. "Until this moment, I would've thought the Knight-Captain and his entire army could've bent me over the steps of Templar Hall and played "punish the apostate", without making you jealous. But no, that's not what I was doing. Cullen is a good man, and my friend."

Isabela eyed Hawke off. She had the same sincere look on her face that she always had. "Well, I wasn't jealous, so if that was your plan, you failed. I don't care who you screw, as long as you save some of your energy for me."

Hawke rolled her eyes. "Really? That's strange. Apparently, my tastes only extend as far as Rivaini women..."

Isabela wanted to stab herself in the hand for letting that slip out. The jealousy had cropped up so abruptly, she hadn't had time to contain it. "Well, all evidence points to it being true" she muttered defiantly.

Hawke frowned at her, frustrated by the denials. "Maker, you and your games. You're a complete hypocrite, by the way. I hope you know that."

Isabela laughed."Ooh you're angry. Yes, keep it up. I love it when you're angry."

Hawke rubbed her face with both hands, as if trying to wash off the irritation. "Why? Why must you bait me so?"

Isabela stood and walked around the table, standing behind Hawke and putting a hand on either shoulder. "Because you bring so much more… energy… to your performance when you're angry."

Hawke shook her head in disbelief. "You'd rather make me angry than happy? I will never understand you…"

"No, I'd rather make you angry, then happy."

With a sigh, Hawke stood and faced Isabela. "I've had a really draining day. We can go upstairs to kiss and make up, or I can go home to sleep it off…"

Isabela leaned in, bringing her lips to within an inch of Hawke's lips. "Hmm… I vote for the kiss, depending on where you're offering to plant it."

Hawke giggled and blushed. "I think the person who did the stabbing should be the one doing the kissing."

"Oh do you? Well I had something of a more... tandem nature... in mind."

Hawke's blush deepened. "Did you now? You on top?"

Isabela took Hawke's hand and started leading her to the bedroom. "Aren't I always?"

She heard a quiet scoff behind her. "You wish..."