A/N Disclaimer - Starkhaven, as described below (wardrobe choices and all), are my own imagining of a pre-established land.
As the ship approached Starkhaven's docking bay it was clear to see how painstakingly clean the port was. It seemed to sparkle, as did the silver gates hiding the winding paths that led into the city.
"Now that we're here, I must warn you," Sebastian began. "Are any of you allergic to glitterdust?"
Amid everyone shaking their head, Varric responded with: "Let me guess, it's in the drinking water."
"Ooo that's fancy..." Isabella hummed.
"That sounds hard to swallow.." Merrill worried.
"It does." agreed Fenris and Aveline simultaneously.
"It's not in the drinking water...it's on the ground." Sebastian continued. "All paths that aren't connected to the army's threshold, are regularly sprinkled with glitterdust."
Bethany replied. "Why? I'll admit glitterdust is pretty but it's also..."
"Flammable." Sebastian finished. "Yes, that is the point - in the case of an invasion the paths are lit aflame, destroying access to the port and making it nigh impossible to maneuver through the city."
"What of people on the street?" Aveline asked.
"They are given warning in the form of two words - The Phoenix." Sebastian answered.
Varric chuckled slightly. "How poetic.." he mused, before adding "Phoenixes explode into flame before being reborn Elf."
"I knew that." Fenris muttered.
"Oh? So Hawke did get around to reading Alagasta and The Baby Phoenix then?" Varric mused. "How'd you like it?"
"I didn't.." Fenris said shortly.
Lillian smiled softly. "Mostly because he had a hard time saying her name..."
"It was a foolish name for a foolish woman!" Fenris snapped.
"Easy Broody, no one's judging you.." Varric fussed.
"So tell me husband, is there not a risk of fire spreading onto the homes?" Lillian asked, redirecting the conversation.
"All the homes have fences made of special gems immune to fire. The palace itself is made entirely of these gems, in combination of others that are resistant to lightning and frost." Sebastian explained.
"Here I thought Antiva was sparkly..." Isabella mused, trying up the last of the sails as 'The Reaver' eased into the docking bay.
Sebastian unthinkingly added: "Only at night."
Varric's eyebrows flew to his hairline. "You've been to Antiva Choirboy? You?!" he incredulously asked.
Lillian stifled a giggle as she noted: "You almost sound jealous Varric."
"Maker help me..I might be!" Varric replied as Isabella lowered the plank.
"Everyone stay close, it's easy to get lost here." Sebastian advised, causing Merrill's face to blanch.
"You had better hold Hawke's hand then Daisy." Varric suggested.
Sebastian glanced at her as Lillian dutifully grasped Merrill's palm. "While you're at it Lily, keep her away from the starks." he requested.
"What are starks?" Merrill asked timidly.
Varric answered. "Burgundy birds with steely blue beaks and leathery wings able to hold backpacks in. It's commonplace for Starkhavers to own one as pets." Both Lillian and Sebastian turned to gaze at Varric in wonder. "What? I overheard you and Sunshine talking last night Hawke. It was nice to receive some actual intel...Choirboy." Varric said pointedly.
Sebastian rolled his eyes. "Let's go." he tiredly ordered, stepping onto the dock.
As they approached the gate, a small group of guards appeared. They wore copper-toned scalemail with leather reinforcements, such as the chest which featured a stark holding a shield with one of its long legs, and wielding a sword in its curved beak. A guard with beady eyes greeted them: "Halt. What is your business in...?"
Another guard with graying hair interrupted him. "Lord Sebastian?! Maker, forgive us." he quickly knelt, and the others followed his motion. "You usually send word.." he stammered.
"This is true, which is why I take no offense good guardsman." Sebastian replied. "Arise and let it be known that those who follow me are honored guests and should be treated as such." Observing Lillian and the others as they stood, each guard nodded. Sebastian nodded as well and the guards stepped aside, the graying one stepping towards the gate and pulling it open. "Isabella, please do not make me regret counting you amongst the 'honorable'." he said softly.
"No promises Prudence." Isabella retorted, swaggering out of the docks first.
Sebastian exhaled. "I suspected as much...Allow me a favor Varric?" he continued.
"Look at you, acting all noble-like already." Varric noted with a chuckle. "What is it?"
"Please provide Isabella with an alternate nickname for me."
"Sure Celibacitian."
"Clever." Sebastian said dryly, failing to notice a giggle bubbling against his wife's lips.
"What's wrong Hawke?" Merrill asked cluelessly.
Sebastian gazed at his wife. "Lily." he breathed, distraught. Varric's smirk grew wider.
"Yes Celiby? I MEAN SEBBY?" Lillian blurted, bursting into a gigglefit amidst Varric and Isabella's laughter.
"Hawke.." Aveline tutted shaking her head. "There are days I wonder if you married the right archer.."
Walking backwards, Varric replied. "That's not even up for debate Clementine. But as I told you all long ago, I'm already spoken for.."
Perking an eyebrow Sebastian's gaze darted from Varric to Lillian as he asked. "Are you talking about your crossbow again?"
"Of course I am Celiby." Varric jeered.
Sebastian's jaw was tightly clenched. "I'm glad that's sticking..." he said shooting Lillian a devious glare. "Merrill would you mind holding Isabella's hand for a moment?" he said. Merrill released Lillian's palm and shuffled ahead, while Sebastian swooped in behind Lillian. Pressing his mouth against her ear, Sebastian whispered. "Just wait until we have proper lodging." His lips suckled on her earlobe and shivers jumped down her spine.
"And if not," Isabella spoke up. "Find me Sweet Thing, I'll take care of you."
Aghast as he was, Sebastian snapped "I warned you, keep using your rogue ears to meddle like this, and someone's liable to cut them off.."
Varric interrupted with a chuckle. "If only that were true, then I could've been sparred hearing you say 'Maker this', 'Andstrate that' for how many years now? 8 and a half?" he retorted.
"Varric." Bethany scolded.
"I'm sorry Sunshine. I didn't mean to offend your crush." Varric said causing Bethany's face to flush. "I'm actually surprised in you Rivanni." he continued returning his focus on Isbaella. "Here I thought you respected Hawke too much to make such an offer, as tantalizing as it is."
"I do respect her, and her womanly needs..which is more than I can say for Lord Celibacitian back there..." Isabella countered.
Sebastian cleared his throat. "I think that's quite enough." His blue eyes swiveled onto Fenris. "Are you alright? You're moving awfully slowly..it's the glitterdust isn't it?"
"It's a nightmare." Fenris confirmed, raking at his bare feet.
Merrill spoke up. "It feels smoother than sand at least.." she noted, staring at her delicate toes.
"It feels like trekking through The Wounded Coast in winter." Fenris replied, eyeing Lillian with a curt smirk.
A laugh rumbled through Lillian's ribs. "You could've refused to tag along.." she said simply.
"How could I? Our killcounts were tied at the time.."
"Ah yes...I remember when we came to that conclusion - I was thinking 'this is all Aveline's fault.'..."
"Meaning what?" Aveline asked.
Lillian smiled slightly. "Meaning you were always more hesitant than I to strike down whichever foe that crossed our paths." she began.
"Which means I got to kill overtime whenever you were present." Fenris finished.
Aveline scoffed dismissively. "You're both absurd."
"So Choirboy! Where's the nearest tavern?" Varric asked.
Isabella, who was two feet ahead of Sebastian, called back. "Just follow me Vexy, I'll find it...I always do.."
"Our first stop is the tailor." he raised his voice amid the groans issuing from everyone but Bethany and Lillian. "We cannot parade around such as we are." Sebastian continued. "Honored guests must look the part...and we luv," he squeezed Lillian's side, causing their armors to clink against each other. "Do not want to send off the wrong impression."
Bethany asked. "How will we pay?"
Isabella spun around, causing Merrill who was still holding her hand to stumble. "We are NOT selling my new ship." she announced.
Sebastian grinned. "You needn't worry, my word will be as good as coin for now." he answered.
"And if it's not?" Merrill worried.
"It will be Merrill. Trust me." Sebastian finished.
Entering into a periwinkle structure called Tavia's Tassels & Garb, the first thing Lillian got an eye-full of was the breast of an undeniably gorgeous woman with wavy red hair and dazzling gray eyes. Her freckled face brightened as she cried out. "Sebastian!" before scuttling across the wooden floor in shoes the size of bricks adorned in buckles. She wrapped Sebastian in a snug hug, where he awkwardly placed his hands on the tassels encircling her waist.
Fenris grunted. "There's more familiarity between them than merely his 'word'."
Trying to keep a grasp on the jealousy clawing at her, Lillian breathed. "So it would seem.."
Merrill suggested awkwardly. "Maybe we should go somewhere else?"
"It took us forty minutes to find this place, I'd prefer we didn't." Aveline responded watching as the tailor finally released Sebastian from her grasp. Stepping closer to Lillian she whispered. "You must've expected this Hawke. This was his home when he was a flirtatious youth."
Exhaling Lillian's response was: "...I should've nailed Zevran."
Isabella agreed. "Yes you should've."
Bethany asked oblivious. "Who's Zevran?"
"It has been ages Tavia, but my companions and myself are quite weary." Sebastian was saying, turning his attention to the others.
Glancing at them too, Tavia's gray eyes widened slightly. "Maker - elves! And a swarthy little dwarf too. Kirkwall be praised - what colorful company you keep Seb.." she cooed.
"Speaking of Kirkwall, allow me to introduce my wife, Lillian, the Champion of Kirkwall." Sebastian responded.
"Wife?" Tavia repeated eying Sebastian again. "I thought you were sworn to celibacy."
Sebastian's face was wooden. "It has been a chaste marriage Tavia."
Varric piped up. "Much to our amusement."
"Oh...I see..." Tavia mused, and there was something about the way she looked at Lillian that left a sour taste in her mouth. "Well. My Lady. I will attend to your elven and dwarven friends first, if you don't mind.."
"By all means." Lillian replied tonelessly.
Fenris crossed his arms and remained stationary. "If I am to be your bodyguard, I see no reason to dress as a guest."
Sebastian began to argue. "I must insist, as I said we don't want to send the wrong..."
Lillian interrupted. "I agree Fenris, let your presence be known.."
Sebastian turned his gaze on his wife. "Lily...?"
Lillian exchanged glances with Varric who promptly shrugged out of his jacket. "Here Elf. Fair warning though? - If those markings of yours sear the leather, I'll give you something new to brood about." he said, standing on tiptoe to drape his jacket across Fenris's shoulders. "And keep your elven curiosity to yourself...I'm talking to you Rivanni! If you put so much as a pinky in any of my pockets, I'll know.." Gripping Merrill's wrist, Varric ventured forward and addressed Tavia. "Now m'lady, we are ready for our disguises erm... garbs."
As Varric and Merrill followed Tavia into an joining room, Fenris hesitantly slipped into Varric's jacket, the markings on his arms bulging against the leather as he pulled the jacket taunt against his slender form. "Hm. Fits me quite well actually..." he noted.
Lillian smiled her approval. "It does at that." she said earning a stern frown from Sebastian.
"It does..." Isabella gushed, circling Fenris. "My. We may have to get you a coat like this for keeps.."
Aveline rolled her eyes. "I think I'm going to be sick."
Sebastian asked. "Is something the matter Lil?"
"No, nothing." Lillian answered emotionlessly, pretending to be fascinated by a green dress with white spirals and silver tassels hanging from the collar.
Sebastian looked to Bethany for a response, and with a sigh Bethany said. "She's upset about Tavia. Clearly you and her have a history.."
"...We...do...yes. Butthat was many years ago, I was but a child..." Sebastian responded, slowly moving closer to Lillian. "Lily. I am sworn to you. I love you. We have been through much together. The most Tavia and I have ever endured was a bottle of wine.." Lillian glanced back at him. "I am yours Lillian. Do not be so quick to forget that, regardless of who or what may cross our path..." he finished.
Bethany was spellbound. "..Oh Maker.." she breathed.
Isabella whined. "Now I'm going to be sick!"
Varric was dressed in a teal garb with black lacing stitched straight down the sleeves and large pockets with golden buttons.
Merrill wore a knee-length dress that was half green, half crimson, with a red-orange laced design encircling her waist.
Isabella ended up in a gown as short as her blouse but the same color as her bandanna.
Aveline's golden dress reached to her ankles, and had glitterdust splashed across her sleeves, with black lace looped around her neckline.
Bethany's dress was purely lavender with powder-blue laced sleeves, an ivory collar and glitterdust sewn into the hem.
Lillian and Sebastian wore a matching attire of blood-red garbs with ivory collars and laced sleeves.
After bidding farewell to Tavia, Sebastian shooed the group into an inn called Phoenix Flames, a large square building that had a giant phoenix painted on its front. Its multi-colored wings spread over the stained glass windows, and the entrance to the inn was nearly concealed by the phoenix's magnificent tail. The sides of the inn were made of fire crystals, as was the roof, which gave any passerby the impression that the inn was aflame. The inside of the inn was a beautiful inferno of red, gold, burgundy, and orange. The innkeeper, a pompous man with long black ringlets of hair, greeted Sebastian fondly. "Lord Vael! You have returned to us at last...and with quite an entourage I see. Does this mean you will force your cousin to yield the throne?" he asked, an ambitious grin stretching across his rugged features.
"I care not for gossip Kelyn. You know this.." Sebastian responded, with a tired smile.
"Of course. I..." Kelyn's brow furrowed as he gazed down at Cessah. "Is that a Maburi?" he asked pointing.
"Indeed. He belongs to my wife." Sebastian answered, wrapping an arm around Lillian's wife. Green eyes popping, Kelyn bowed. "Serah allow me to introduce Lillian Vael, commonly known as Lillian Hawke."
"The Champion of Kirkwall?" Kelyn wheezed. "My word! Allow me to bid you welcome to Starkhaven and my humble abode Phoenix Flames. Tis a pleasure to serve you already."
Isabella stepped forward. "Start by serving us ale. His Lordship promised there was a pub in the cellar?"
"There is indeed madam, I will be more than happy to accompany you.." Kelyn replied.
"I bet.." Isabella mused, eying him over as she swaggered forward.
"It has been a long day and a longer journey still..." Sebastian began, causing Kelyn to pause. "But nor do I wish to overtake your inn..Therefore we will accept 4 deluxe rooms and partner up amongst ourselves."
"That is hardly necessary My Lord.." Kelyn said.
"I believe it is." Sebastian argued, his blue eyes trained on Isabella.
"As you wish. And the Maburi?" Kelyn pressed. "I am unsure if sticking him in the same area as the starks would be wise.."
Sebastian looked at Lillian who in turned eyed Cessah. "...He will remain in the same room as Aveline, to keep tabs on Isabella.." she decided earning a contented grin from her beau.
"Oh come on.." Isabella complained.
"Less worry for me." Aveline replied. "Let's hit the pub, whore. C'mon Cessah.." The maburi barked, wagging his tail as he followed Aveline and Isabella.
Varric gazed up at Lillian. "Would you prefer me with Sunshine or Daisy?" he asked compliantly. "Wait what am I saying? Daisy wouldn't last an hour alone with Broody..." Varric chuckled, hooking his arm through Merrill's. "Let's go watch Rivanni try to drink Aveline under the table eh?.."
Merrill stammered. "But I like this dress..and I'm usually the one who ends up under the table."
"Don't fret Daisy, if it gets muddled I'll clean it myself." Varric promised.
Fenris faced Bethany. "Well?" he pressed.
Bethany blinked. "Well what?"
"Would you rather drink or sleep?"
"...Um...sleep..?"
"As you wish." Fenris said, escorting her down the hall.
"Fenris?" Lillian called causing the elf to pause. "I want you to safeguard yes, but not to the point where you remind her of..." Lillian paused, her eyes swinging onto Kelyn. "...Cullen..." she finished lamely. Mulling on her words, Fenris put more space between Bethany and himself as they continued towards their room.
There was a rumble of humor to Sebastian's words as he asked Lillian: "And you luv? What's your preference?"
"Well..." Lillian hummed stepping closer to him and wrapping her arms around his neck. "You did promise something naughty in proper lodging.." she whispered.
Sebastian's smile ebbed into a smirk. "I had wondered if you'd remember..."
Releasing her fingers from the silk bedspread, Lillian's eyes combed the cream colored ceiling as she wrung her tongue against her dry mouth. Sebastian's voice rang through her cotton-filled mind. "Lily?" Lillian turned her head downward where her husband perched on the edge of the bed. His brow was furrowed, her moisture still gleaming on his chin. "I asked if you like it here?" he repeated.
Lillian straightened her dress as she sat up. "It's a very charming inn.." she replied with a woozy smile.
"..That's not what I meant.."
"Oh...you want to know if Bethany and I will be happy here."
Sebastian traced the lines in his palm. "It's been a constant worry since we've boarded..." he admitted.
"Starkhaven is glorious Sebastian. Kirkwall pales horribly in comparison without question. And I get the sense Bethany always longed to be elsewhere. It will not take her long to adapt, she's unfussy." Lillian replied.
Sebastian's eyes bore into hers. "And you wife? " he pressed.
"I'm still trying to wrap my mind about ruling it..." Lillian said.
"I remember that feeling well. But now there is no doubt in my mind that I must rule...no thanks to Anders." Sebastian glowered, his hands balling into fists. Shifting herself closer to him, Lillian rested her hand on his and nestled her head against his shoulder. Sebastian inhaled raggedly and released it. "When my parents were murdered and the Circle of Magi was burnt down, I did everything I could to ensure Starkhaven would be safer for all."
"The glitterdust paths?" Lillian guessed, unaware she had interrupted him.
Sebastian nodded. "That, the numerous elemental-provention crystals infused into every structure, reconstructing the safeguarding of the palace... I could not bare the thought of being blindsided again by death and tragedy...then right beneath our noses," Sebastian paused, fury huffing out of his mouth. "Anders breeds an explosive so powerful that it obviated what had been my home for 18 years" Sebastian's voice cracked, sorrow seeped into his tone "and murdering El-El..." As Lillian slowly raised her head, she saw tears sprouting down Sebastian's cheeks. "El-thina.." he woefully finished. Lillian's fingers delicately wiped the tears from Sebastian's face, then cupped her hands around his neck and pulled him closer. Sebastian was still a moment, then crumbled in grief, silent prayers tumbling from his lips between sobs. Cradling her husband, Lillian finally allowed herself to weep for Anders, the murderous fool. She hated how much she missed him.
The following day, the smell of fresh pancakes aroused Lillian from her slumber. Blinking a few times, she noticed Sebastian was still wrapped in her arms, his chin resting on her bosom. Her eyes darted to the corner of the room where Varric and Isabella sat at the table with a breakfast platter between them. "Morning Vaels." Varric greeted with a smirk, and it was only then that Lillian was aware of Sebastian stirring beside her.
Sebastian stammered: "How did you...why did you...?"
Isabella responded with a mischievous grin. "You've slept in quite late, something happen last night?"
Sebastian groaned, rubbing the arches of his eyes. "Oh Maker..do you two ever cease?"
"If you're going to be annoyed at anyone Choirboy, be annoyed at yourself." Varric replied, astutely watching Lillian as her stretching form maneuvered off the bed. "Something did happen, didn't it?" he assessed, freezing Lillian in her tracks.
Sebastian countered. "What business is it of yours?"
Varric continued to study her. "You're blushing.." he announced. Lillian broke eye-contact. "Really? Really. Choirboy! An inn? Where you no doubt pleasured past 'loves'? I'm so disappointed in you."
Standing, Sebastian glowered as Varric flipped a coin to Isabella. "Why this fascination with what conspires between my wife and I?" he demanded.
Reclining in her chair, Isabella retorted. "It's amusing Celiby."
"Somehow I doubt it's as simple as that..." Sebastian responded, his gaze locked on Varric as Lillian perched beside him.
"Enough husband." Lillian said. "I'm famished, and I'm sure you are as well. It's been far too long since we've had a proper meal. Come."
Exhaling, Sebastian seated himself between Lillian and Isabella. "What of the others?" he asked.
"Broody and Sunshine are exploring, and I believe Aveline took Daisy to the library." Varric answered.
"And Cessah?" Lillian added.
"Outside your door." Isabella answered. "He really didn't want us to come in...until he saw the food cart."
"Shameless hound." Varric chuckled.
Munching on toast, Lillian rose from her chair, crossed the room to the door and swung it open. Cessah immediately barked in greeting. Lillian gave him a look that made his ears droop and a whimper to issue from his nuzzle. "Go find Bethany you glutton." she ordered with a stern smile. Cessah barked in acknowledgement and took off.
"What do you intend to do while we meet with my cousin?" Sebastian asked as Lillian settled into her chair again.
"I'm sure we'll think of something to amuse ourselves with." Varric responded coyly.
"I'd prefer specifics Varric." Sebastian said.
Isabella's gaze strayed onto Lillian. "You first." she breathed. Sebastian's hands balled into fists, while Lillian choked on her toast.
"She's kidding Choirboy! Hawke..." Varric rapped his palm on her back. "Breathe...hmp...that's an interesting hue of pink.." he noted with a smirk.
"No I'm not...who performed on who?" Isabella pried. "Couldn't have been anything more, you're still wound tighter than a hemlock's face guard.." she mused, her gaze combing over Sebastian.
Clasping his hands together, Sebastian calmly replied. "Has anyone ever called you a devious shrew?"
"Look Choirboy," Isabella began.
"Rivanni don't steal my nicknames." Varric intercepted.
"We're going to have this conversation, whether it's in front of you or behind your back.." Isabella finished.
"No we're not." Lillian laughed.
"Yes. We are." Isabella insisted. Lillian shook her head. "I thought you wanted an end to friend-fiction?" Isabella challenged.
Sebastian grumbled into his broth, shaking his head. Lillian inhaled deeply. "Fine. But not in front of Varric." she submitted.
"What?! Hawke!" Varric protested the same time Isabella said. "But I'm allowed to tell him the recap right?"
Lillian opened her mouth but Sebastian spoke. "Why is that?" he asked curiously, his gaze scurrying into hers. "Why not in front of Varric? The two of you share the closest of bonds after all.."
"Yeah since when do you trust Rivanni more than me?" Varric questioned.
"It isn't a matter of trust.." Lillian responded.
"Than what is it Lavender?" Varric pressed. Lillian leaned away from him.
"Yes Lily, what is it?" Sebastian agreed. Lillian shifted away from her beau too with her shoulders drooping.
"Drop it you swags, I finally get to share some worthwhile girl-talk with her, and I'm not going to let you two spoil it for me." Isabella spoke up.
The corner of Lillian's mouth twitched into an appreciative smile, but when she looked at the men sitting beside her, they shared the same furrowed brows and hurt eyes. "...I don't know how to explain it alright? It would just feel...wrong..." she murmured.
"Wrong?" repeated Sebastian and Varric in varying tones.
From the doorway, Cessah made a whimpering noise, as Bethany hesitantly asked. "Are..we interrupting something?"
"No!" Lillian blurted, gladly whipping around. With her back turned, she didn't see the tense look exchanged between the two as Sebastian dabbed at his lips with a handkerchief and Varric scratched his cheek. "We're going to meet Sebastian's cousin today..." she announced. Glancing at her husband, she added. "What's his name again?"
"Corbinian." Sebastian said gazing at Bethany briefly before his eyes soared to Lillian's. "And this conversation isn't over.." he murmured.
Isabella piped. "You can say that again!"