A/N - So...no excuse for not updating for so long...but there is one little one...namely Fallout 4 - then before I knew it - Christmas etc., so my story kind of took a back burner, I can only apologise profusely and hope this update does your appetite justice. Now things are half way back to normal, please find the next chapter awaiting perusal by you, my perfect readers.
I felt that Hawkes Mabari, as he was an additional character, didn't really have much of a back story, and I believe a pet is as much a family member as us mere humans, so in my view he deserves more.
I have tried to research how long Mabari live for but there's not really much info out there, however to me I think they live longer than normal dogs due to their heritage and training.
Plus some downtime with Anders and Natalia, as lets not forget they are good friends, despite all that has gone one before.
Enjoy xo
Anders didn't take too long in arriving at Hawke and Fenris's estate after receiving the message about Blaze, and got to work as soon as it was further explained to him. Kneeling down in front of the prone hound, whose head was cushioned by a soft blanket, he begins unpacking a few small bottles and his medical instruments from his ever present bag.
He glances up at Natalia, who up until his arrival had been pacing up and down, teeth worrying at her thumb nail and her free hand rubbing her stomach nervously. He tries to offer her some comfort with a small smile, but he's not entirely sure if she actually notices, besides Fenris is pacing alongside, his arm wrapped round her, softly whispering into her ear every now and again.
Beckoning the two over to him he informs her "I'm not sure exactly what this is, but the fact that he vomited shortly after means that the majority of whatever he ate probably hasn't been digested, which is better than if he'd still had the entire contents in his stomach. Or it was a poison meant for humans, so it hasn't done as much harm to Blaze other than making him sick perhaps?" Speaking aloud as if almost to himself.
Feeling for the dogs pulse and checking his gums, which were still pink - a good sign. The hounds breathing had settled too.
Glancing up at the pair in front of him he mentions "I'm not a specialist with animals by any means, but a little liquid double-baked Mabari crunch aught to do it. Ah, all I need is some honey and I'll grind some up now." He pauses and gathers a few biscuits from a cloth pouch tied around his belt into a small ceramic bowl and crunches them up with a small mortar.
Bodhan who was watching with a grim look on his face, after having tried to serve some hot tea in the hope it would bring a little comfort, runs into the kitchen, the door swinging madly shut behind him, and a few seconds later offers Anders a tiny jug of honey.
"That's great, thanks. Talia, you had better sit down and try to relax as this should work. He'll probably have to sleep it off, but I don't know how long that will take."
Leaning over, he rubs the too-sweet mixture onto Blaze's gums, he then sits back on his haunches.
Wiping his fingers on a rag, he stands, knees creaking in protest, and walks over to the dining table, picking up a mug of still warm tea, taking a sip he spies the up-market pastry box.
Izzie who had been a silent observer throughout, dark eyes shimmering with unspent anger, was still sitting at the table, legs outstretched and ankles crossed, in a seemingly laid back state.
Twirling a short knife held between her fingers she pipes up "Oh, someone left those at the front door this morning, no note or anything, I guess its lucky that no one else had eaten any before poor Blaze. I dread to think - "
"Yes well, that obviously didn't happen. What we need to know is who sent them. Kaffas! Will a week not pass without something like this happening?" Fenris interrupts her with an angry growl, stopping mid-rant when Natalia strokes her thumb over his wrist gently.
"Hey, I know, I wish this wouldn't happen too, but I think I've pissed off enough idiots in this Maker forsaken city that this is bound to happen every once in a while, but what I hate so much that this affects people I love...my family - " Cutting off as a sob escapes and he pulls her close in comfort.
Chin resting on her head he looks to the pirate with appeal shining in his eyes. "Would you please get rid of those. Ah, can you stay with Talia as I think it may benefit in speaking to Varric right away, check his contacts to see if anyone noticed anything out of the ordinary this morning - perhaps people hanging around. He could also investigate to see if there were any official messengers paid to deliver them - put a trace to find out who actually funded it?"
The Rivaini nods in acceptance, reaches for a stoneware mug she'd half filled with wine and takes a large swig from it, planting it gently back on the table with a soft thud, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand "Sure thing sweeting."
Fenris pulls back as he feels her hiccups recede and gently lifts her chin, using the fingers of his free hand to brush away the tears. His heart lurching at the hurt he sees in her blue eyes, wanting nothing but to replace the sorrow with happiness. "I shall not be long. I will get to the bottom of this, as soon as he wakes I will set off."
Walking her over to a soft seat, he makes sure she is as comfortable as she can be in the current situation, and pours some tea, sweetening it with double the amount of sugar she usually has - which she takes automatically, her eyes remaining fixed on the seemingly small form on the floor, now covered with the blanket for warmth.
Natalia sits in a daze, willing him to wake up so she can look into those soft brown puppy dog eyes once more.
Childhood memories flood her mind and she thinks back to the very day they first met.
It had been around her eleventh year, late Cloudreach and it had been a lovely day, they'd all been in the garden, the twins being schooled in literature, and Natalia half heartedly listening whilst harvesting vegetables. p Malcolm Hawke had been coming home from one of his trips. The first thing she heard was the quiet warble of songbirds being interrupted by his deep voice, as he hummed a tune slightly off key to himself as he walked up the long path towards their small, humble abode, the noise carrying in the otherwise still air.
Dropping the metal bucket she'd been piling potatoes in, not minding that most of them spill back onto the ground, she squeals with delight as she jumps up and runs to meet him, her mothers soft laugh in the background "Watch you don't fall Nat!" Her brother and sister following her quickly, the both of them - at their mothers insistence - placing their books and quills down tidily before running off too.
When her father was away for a short period at a time, either fishing or off trading wares at the nearest market or town, they all felt his absence keenly, missing him from their lessons but mostly missing his solid and safe presence in their daily lives, whether teaching the girls magic or discovering the hidden treasures of the rivers and forests with Carver.
"Good morning little one. Miss me?" He chuckles as she runs full pelt into him with an oof and he picks her up and swings her round, to her giggles of delight.
"Yes Papa, you know I always miss you!" Still chortling as he finishes twirling her about, placing her back on the floor with an arm out to steady her. She feels a little sick, but it was worth it as this was their tradition, although for the last few years he has told her she's getting a little big for him to lift, but he always does it no matter.
Her siblings catch up with her and he does the same to both of them, with Carver protesting that he's getting too old to be handled like a child, a bemused scowl on his features as his father ruffles his unkempt hair, Natalia bends to help carry some of the packages.
She only just notices that he's got a small basket by his side. He usually brings back a few bundles home with him, mostly cloth to repair robes or socks and fresh and dried healing herbs that refuse to grow in the area. Sometimes he brings back small surprises, like books or sweets as a treat for everyone. This time though there was a snuffling, whimpering sound coming from said basket.
"I have a travelling partner today, now he's not as strong as he should be mind. I healed a gentleman from another village, but he couldn't pay me in coin, so he gave me what he could. I didn't ask for anything further. I am not sure what your mother will think, but I couldn't turn him away.
They both kneel "Oh, can I see it?" Clasping her hands with excitement, she looks to him, her blue eyes wide with wonder.
"Yes, but like I taught you with the chicks, you need to be extra careful." Lifting the covering back she gasps as she sees a rather small puppy, just waking up from a nap. Tentatively she reaches out a hand, to which the sweet little pup sniffed and licked, his little tail thumping back and forth. "I think he likes me! Can I take him into the house...please?"
With his daughter gleefully smiling like she was, Natalia remembers her father later explaining to her that he couldn't find it in himself to say anything but yes, promising himself to make it up to Leandra - not yet finding the courage to let them know it was a Mabari hound.
He told her he had known it was going to be difficult enough handling a dog as a lot of time had to be devoted to training more than anything, but he was always one for treating people and animals with a kindness that never waivered in all the time he was alive. Something that she always took to her own heart, hence the fact she picked up many a waif and stray to her mothers consternation.
Carver immediately thought he was destined to be his master, but weeks of tempting the dog with leftovers hadn't worked at all. To his annoyance, the animal had imprinted on Natalia and continued to trot beside his older sister happily, then she actually named him.
Throughout the devastation of losing their father and eventually their home, the memories of them all being together, growing as a now extended family would forever be nestled in her heart. It also occurred to her shortly after he had died, that perhaps he had wanted Blaze with them as a guardian and protector should anything happen to him or mother.
Blinking back fresh tears, she becomes aware of her surroundings again, fingers gripping her mug tightly.
He doesn't want to leave her until he knows that the hound will be fine, and it seems like an age before Hawke is jerking upright when they all hear the animal whimper and struggle to lift his head from the floor.
Anders is there first, checking his eyes and breathing again, his wide smile letting everyone know all is okay. Natalia is helped to ground level as Blaze begins to wake up fully, his stump of a tail waggling excessively. He struggles to sit up, shoving his head into her wide open arms when he does, nearly knocking her over, if Fenris wasn't by her side she would have been. For awhile, the only sounds in the room are her relieved sighs and sob filled giggles and his loud snuffles and yelps.
"Hey boy, my big beautiful boy. Don't you ever do that to me again, you hear?" Smiling when he huffs in response. As the dog finally quiets, she's helped up and cannot but revel in the fact the canine sticks to her side like glue, probably not wanting to leave because of the scare he's just had.
"That's things back to normal. If he shows signs of any lethargy, just give him these. I need to get back to the clinic, work doesn't seem to stop, sadly." Anders makes to hand a few of the biscuits to Natalia, and gasps in shock as he's suddenly enveloped in a rather tight - well, as tight as it can be with a baby bump involved - hug. He stills for a few seconds, inhaling the lemony scent wrapping round his senses, before patting her on the back softly as she lets go. He can't help the little bright blush that fills his cheeks and coughs, trying to hide his discomfort.
"Thank you so very much, I wouldn't know what I'd do without your help!" Grinning, she moves back a little, patting Blazes head, chuckling as she feels the soft swipe of his tongue. "I guess Blaze thanks you too!" The animal tilts his head to the side and yips as if in thanks too.
Hefting his medical bag in his hand after packing up, they all move towards the entrance hall.
"Um, there's another something I need to speak to you about. Can I walk you to your clinic - Izzie you too, you can walk back with me?" Glancing at Fenris who stiffens at that request, she turns to him and sighs softly, hoping that things don't take a turn for the worst.
Taking a deep breath, she starts "I know you want me to remain at home, but if I stay here, cowering like I'm afraid to set one toe outside, then they've done what they wanted. You need to speak to Varric and I desperately need to get out of this house for awhile. Blaze will be fine here, I'll make sure Orana makes him something nice and Bodhan will keep an eye on him. I hardly get a chance to go outside these days, besides I'll have Anders and Izzie with me, I'll be okay."
He lets out his own heavy sigh, curling and uncurling his fists, dragging a gauntleted hand through his hair, with a gruff "Fine, but I distinctly remember you saying that before. It is just - I would sooner you all be safe and well than in peril."
"Hey, I take that as a rather hefty slight thank you. Listen here - we will not let anything happen to Hawke okay?" Izzie is now standing up with arms folded, willing him to say anything more, but also knowing that Fenris doesn't mean anything by it, as its plain that worry is colouring his words so she'll let it slide.
A split second later he nods in affirmation and moves towards Talia, enfolding her in his arms, to which she willingly goes, he brushes his forehead against hers. Anders and Izzie make their way outside to give them some space, with the healer rolling his eyes and at the pirates smirk and elbow dig mumbles "Seriously, its not as if she's going that far." They both wait near the climbing ivy just outside the door.
"I'll not be too long, if you hurry you can meet us at the clinic." Giving him a quick peck, which he deepens in seconds, heat curling in her belly at each flick of his tongue. His green eyes sparkle with mischief as he suggests "Perhaps we can just stay here?" in between kisses. Sliding her hand up his arm, her fingers skate up across his shoulder and cup his face, love filled eyes meeting his dark gaze.
"You are such a tease, I'd like nothing than to spend the entire day in bed, you know that, but we need to do this. As always we can make up for it later." Smugly ghosting her fingers lightly up from his ear lobe to the pointed tip of his ear. He shivers and growls "If you keep doing that I will have to have you here, now."
"Tut tut - try not to keep us waiting, things to do - other than people." Peering round the corner "Phew - the heat in this room. Come on guys snap out of it!" A sultry voice calls to them from the doorway.
Flushing red, they both pull away. "Okay okay, we're coming!" A small silence, followed by a peal of laughter shortly after and "I bet!" and then a loud fed up groan "Andraste's tits, please stop!" As all four of them leave Hightown.
A quiet comfortable silence settled as the two mages and rogue move steadily through the morning throngs in the markets, the majority of them being servants buying the fresh produce on sale. Every now and then a stall holder would shout out in cordial greeting, but no one was really interested in buying anything at that moment.
With no further interruptions, they soon arrive at the dank and dismal entrance to Darktown.
Hawke thankful she has the forethought to bring some ginger along, more so to cope with the stench that greets them, though with the numerous visits its not as bad as their first ever venture in to the undercity. The smell of hundreds of people living above the main sewer system for Kirkwall was at times simply overwhelming for the uninitiated. Never mind the shouts and other sounds that go along with the more pungent aroma's.
At Anders sideways glance, Izzie backs off a little, pretending to be suddenly interested in a new patch of scrawling's on a nearby wall, standing next to a fire which was started in the hope to get rid of some of the near toxic fog that had built up overnight in a place such as this. They'd opened the massive boards covering several windows early though, allowing somewhat fresher air to ventilate the area.
Natalia notices the look between her friends, and is grateful for it, noticing that there's a few barrels directly ahead in a small area clear of people that they could perch on to talk, she motions for him to sit down as she slowly lowers herself onto an upturned one.
Giving a little cough, sitting close enough to him, she manoeuvres herself so that they're facing each other more directly. Still unsure how to approach him about a subject like this, she finds herself unable to voice the questions rattling through her head. "Oh for Makers sake, just spit it out, its going to have to be sorted out soon!" She thinks harshly to herself, especially as he is starting to look slightly exasperated.
Not hesitating in touching his arm before taking a short breath, she blurts it all out "You're the only healer I know with enough experience in...well...in childbirth, so what I wanted to ask you is if you would like to help deliver these two? I don't trust anyone else, I mean Merrill would probably faint or something."
"I would love for you to be the one to do it. Despite the fact that there'll probably be very awkward moments during the birth - but I've never done this before and its so totally scary. Fenris has never done this before either, he's just as bad as me about it all. I mean I know it'll be painful - he so hates me being in any sort of pain, but this can't be avoided. Mother didn't hesitate to tell me how much agony I caused her for hours, especially if I'd done something bad, but you - you've been around this sort of thing before, so you're bound to not be so scared...please say yes?"
Suddenly noticing his grimace, she looks down and drops his hand in alarm as it's turned white with the strength of her grip.
Shaking out his hand and giving a small chuckle, the feeling returning swiftly to his digits, he takes her smaller hand in his own, meeting her bright gaze head on. "I never thought you'd hesitate to ask me something like that. To be honest I thought it obvious that it was only ever going to be me who helps you."
Frowning, he swallows back the tinge of sadness his words causes, a lump gathering in his throat.
Yes he knows he won't ever be the one to make her a mother, but it would take time for his head to get the message across to his bruised heart. Shaking his head, Fenris was a lucky man indeed.
"You don't have to be scared, I will do the very best I can to make this experience as wonderful for you as it can be. Just think in no time at all you're going to have two little miniatures of you and Fenris running about Kirkwall." He feels the need to gather her close as tears are gathering in her eyes.
The stubble on his unshaven chin catch the finer strands as he rests his cheek against her head. Sighing into his neck she asks "That is another scary point, I have no idea if I'm going to be any good at being a parent, how do you know if you're doing a good job?"
Tipping his head back, he smiles down at her, eyes crinkling in the corners. "Not sure anyone has that answer, I'm good at welcoming them into the world, not bringing them up. I do know that you will make a fantastic mother. Just be yourself, you have a kind heart and know right from wrong, so use that as good a starting point as any I guess. I'm sure Fenris, underneath all that broody anxiety, has some good qualities - hey!" Breaking off as he's poked in the stomach.
"You were doing so well too." Swiping at her eyes with the sleeve of her robe, she leans back from him and starts to get up, but at Anders insistence he pulls her up slowly. At his hesitant smile, Natalia nods and he stretches his hand out and smooth's his palm over her soft rounded belly. "Hard to believe there's two tiny beings in there eh?"
"Yes, well they make themselves known in the early hours of the morning, don't you worry. If I'm this big now it'll take a cart to get me anywhere in the next few weeks." Laughing at his incredulous look. "Don't be silly, you're the perfect size." He blushes and stutters "Well, they're developing really well, I uh - I'd better get back to the clinic - you should come with me because you need a few more potions so what better time to give them to you."
Trying not to notice his discomfort - its something he will have to deal with himself, they both walk the short distance to his clinic, Izzie catching up with them but staying quiet for the most part, humming to herself, perusing the many jars on show when he unlocks one of the doors.
Rummaging around in a small drawer beside one of the cots, he collects a few small bottles and sits them on top of the cabinet, and then continues to hunt through the detritus and hisses "Yes!" when he finds the object he's looking for.
He bundles the potions into a small bag and hands it to her, trying not mumble the next words. "I thought you might like this, it ah, will help protect you from certain types of magic, if you ever need it. I would feel better if you wore this anyway, its stronger than any potion."
She takes it and holds it in her palm for a few moments, its a smooth, pale purple, square shaped pendant at the end of a silver chain. Smiling she looks at Anders and thanks him. "Oh Anders, its lovely, but don't you need it?"
He shakes his head in reply "Don't worry about me, you need to protect yourself and your children as much as possible." Shrugging "Besides, I've got all the help I'll ever need."
"Thank you so much - do you need me to stay and help for a bit?" Looking around as she loops the necklace round her neck, a small crowd had already gathered by the open door. "Na, I'll be okay, believe me this isn't as big a queue as usual - I've got everything I need. Fenris will be wondering where you are by now, we've taken too much time already."
Hugging him again quickly "Don't forget to drop by later this week for a good feed. You look like you've lost weight again. I do worry about you - yes yes, you're a big guy, you can take care of yourself, but you need to eat something healthy now again again. You dare say no and I swear I'll send Fenris round."
Knowing that the look on her face isn't one to argue with he shrugs in mock defeat. "Okay will do, I solemnly promise that I'll be at your estate Friday." Holding up his hand as if pledging an oath, making her laugh out loud "Okay, don't make fun, we all know you have a thing for Orana's suppers. I guess we'll see you later then!"
Izzie links her arm through Natalia's with a big grin on her face as they leave the clinic, both voicing their goodbyes, the small crowd parting to let them through.
"I certainly hope I'm included in that invite missy. Now you've got that out of the way, how about us having a little chat on the way home eh? I mean I know Anders had a thing for you once - I'm not entirely sure he's over you."
Giving her friend a sad lopsided smile and nudging her slightly "Yeah, I'm aware of that, we uh - we did kiss once, when Fenris and I were not together. Don't worry Fenris is aware of what happened. How could I even think of keeping that a secret from him? Anyways, as expected, he was a little mad to say the least. I wasn't really in a good place at the time, so he understood...eventually - that it didn't mean as much to me as it did to Anders. I mean - sorry to get all mushy on you - but I love Fenris will all that I am and can't imagine being with anyone else. Wouldn't want to - don't you roll your eyes at me!" Natalia mocks slaps at her arm, but her smile doesn't waiver.
"Trust you to have two strapping men willing to follow you to the ends of Thedas. Men - I've been there, done that, I guess I'm too picky to settle for one thing...here have a biscuit."
Taking one she hums her pleasure as she bites into the crumbly mixture "Mmmm coconut, one of my favourites. Now lets go home, I'm sure Fenris will meet up with us along the way - and you can tell me all about my dear cousin - nothing too graphic please, she is family after all."