Cat glanced at the dress, uncertain. It was beautiful, all in all, from the deep royal blue color, to the flowing lines, and bell sleeves.

B... but the neckline! she stammered, even in her own thoughts, looking down again at the gaping vastness of what she couldn't logically call a neckline, since it would end somewhere around her navel.

The neck itself had a high collar, and the dress look fitted, with a cinched waist, and flowing out from there. The color was amazing, and she wondered how much the fabric alone had cost since it felt smooth as silk.

"Come on then," Serine said with a smile. "Let's try it on, shall we?"

"You've outdone yourself," Cat replied. "I can't do justice to it."

"We'll see," Serine said with a smile, and helped Cat into the dress.

The sleeves were fitted as well, until just before her elbows where they belled out, the bottom end of which hung almost to the floor when her arms were lowered. The shoulders had diamond patterned cut outs that were embellished with embroidery in an intricate pattern in the same color as the dress. The embroidery was also along the neckline, spanning out across her chest in swirls of leaves, giving the feeling of opulence rather than wantonness.

"Wow," Cat marveled as she looked down. The dress was so expertly fitted, the opening wasn't nearly what she feared it would be, in fact there was barely an inch of skin showing between the edges of fabric. She looked back up and into the mirror. "This is amazing!" she said with a grin.

Serine was on her knees, pulling up the fabric to mark the hemline, but she looked up at Cat with pride. "One of my finest works, I will admit gladly."

"The question that remains," Cat replied, "is whether you want me to tell everyone that you made it." Serine looked at her in question. "Or should I wait and only tell those that would make good customers?" she added with a grin. "Some of those nobles I am certain you do not want in your shop."

"I'll leave that to your discretion then," she answered, moving around her, marking the line with pins as she went. "I am more glad that Mistress Hawke was able to help us procure the supplies," she continued. "Our fabric choices were quite limited."

"I love your fabrics," Cat said loyally. "This is definitely something that cannot be worn often, and knowing me, it isn't practical at all."

"Just don't put holes in it, and I'll be happy."

Cat laughed, trying to stand still. "I'll do my best," she said.

She couldn't believe that she was heading into the Keep of all places for a banquet. I suppose its only one of a couple buildings that are large enough to have such a party, she thought.

Since it was a surprise for Hawke, the only one she had told ahead of time was Aveline. However, she had waylaid her friends, and they had all helped her get ready for tonight. Now she accompanied Aveline and Donnic through Hightown.

She smiled as she remembered the wishes of good luck she had received from Anders and Merrill, as well as the words of advice from Isabela. Don't worry Issy, I fully intend to, once I get over my nerves.

"Walking slower isn't going to work forever," Aveline said dryly, snapping Cat from her thoughts.

"I'm sorry," Cat apologized again. "I suppose I'm just nervous. You two are lucky, you get to wear your armor." She glanced down again in concern. "Are you certain this dress isn't too much?"

"Donnic?" Aveline asked her husband, whose arm she was on. "Since she won't believe me, perhaps we need a man's perspective?"

Donnic leaned over, looking at Cat, and gave her a smile. "It depends on what you are trying to accomplish," he replied, and at Cat's anguished look, he chuckled. "If you are trying to have Hawke's eyes stay on you the entire evening, then I would have to say, mission successful."

"You see?" Aveline said.

"Of course, if you also want to have all the other women jealous, well that's the dress to make it happen," he continued, and Aveline elbowed him.

"Too much," she muttered.

"Just being honest," he murmured in reply.

"Thank you," Cat said with a tight smile. "I suppose I just want to know that I'm not over dressed."

Aveline gave her an incredulous look. "You know there will be Orlesians here, right?" she asked. "I don't believe I've ever met someone that could out overdress an Orlesian."

Cat joined in their laughter, as they made their way up the stairs. "If I haven't mentioned it yet, I'm really glad I'm not walking in alone."

"There are worse things than being an escort," Aveline replied, her smile softening her words.

"It's been nice to spend time with you as well, Cat," Donnic replied, giving his wife a nudge.

"If you were here just because of the guard, that might be true," Cat smirked at them. "But since you're also one of the Champions' guests, you're definitely not my escort."

"Then you will be fine walking in on your own," Aveline said, causing her to look back in panic, and both she and Donnic snickered.

"I guess I will," Cat replied, her pride getting in the way of her comfort, her spine straightening. "I'll see you later," she said, moving through the crowd to find Hawke. The sooner she got this over with, the sooner she could get him home where she wanted him.

"Good luck!" Aveline called with a grin.

Cat gave a sassy wave back, and made her way through the crowd, looking for a friendly face. She was stopped a few times, asked about her dress, or her family, or even the Champion, and gave vague answers each time.

"Catarina, what a surprise," she heard and turned toward the voice, even as she dreaded doing so.

"Knight Commander, a pleasure, I'm sure," she replied, masking her sarcasm as best she could.

"I wasn't aware that you had an invitation," Meredith said snidely.

"Oh, are you here for security then?" Cat asked, no longer masking her disdain. "Keeping out those that would crash the party?"

Meredith's glare was harsh, but she kept her voice calm. "We all must be vigilant, with all of our nobles and influential people visiting from other countries, there will undoubtedly be those that cause trouble."

"We have completed our sweep of the area Knight Commander," Cullen spoke as he came near. "No issues at this time."

"Good," Meredith replied, turning away and ignoring Cat. "Start again, and report once you have finished." Having said that, she walked away.

"Must you antagonize her?" Cullen asked Cat with a lopsided smile once Meredith was out of earshot. "It tends to make my life more difficult."

Cat rolled her eyes, and went to reply, but the look on Cullen's face had her stopping, and looking at herself. Looking back up, she asked, "what is it? Is my makeup smudged across my face or something?"

Cullen shook his head, his hand coming up to rub the back of his neck. "No, nothing like that. I suppose it is a bit strange to see you looking like this. Uh, I mean, so nice."

"Thank you?" she said in question, understanding he was trying to compliment her. "I was told I needed to dress up for the occasion."

"Oh, are you here with someone then? Or just to support our new Champion?" he asked.

"Uh, both, I suppose," she said. "Hey, can I ask you a favor?" she said suddenly.

"Of… of course," he replied.

"Well, I know this probably isn't the best time, but I've been meaning to ask if you would consider sparring with me on some of our visits?"

"Sparring?" he asked, surprised.

"Yes," she replied excitedly. "Aveline is the only sword and shield user that I can spar with, and I feel like I'm not getting a well rounded idea of what they are capable of, since she has a specific style and all," she continued. "It would be amazing if I had someone else to help me."

He flushed as she grinned up at him, rubbing his neck unconsciously again.

"We could even go to my house!" she added. "Fenris and I cleared out the large dining room to use for sparring."

Cullen found himself wanting to say yes, but wondering at the same time if those in their lives would even permit him to continue to see her at all.

Cat looked at him in concern, her head tilting slightly. "Cullen?" she asked quietly. "Are you all right?"

He blinked a few times, focusing back in to what she was saying.

"Oh, yes. I am fine."

"Good," she replied, reaching out to place her hand on his arm. "I'm here if you ever need me, okay?"

He smiled down at her, grateful and uncertain as to why he was feeling so emotional. Perhaps it was the memories.

Even as she looked now, she couldn't compare to how beautiful he remembered her being when he first met her. Being tortured first by the mages, then by his own thoughts, she had arrived and broken him free of the cage he was in.

Seeing her again here in Kirkwall, he had felt as though the Maker had blessed him; and while he had misunderstood at the time, he had come to realize what part she would play in his life- or more importantly, his part in hers.

He could never repay what she had done for him, that was a certainty. However, he would continue to try, by giving her everything she wanted, no, deserved in her life, he thought. And if that means the obnoxious Champion… so be it.

"Thank you Cat," he finally replied. "You are a good friend." She smiled widely at him, and he returned it. "Now, I think we should walk a bit, don't you agree?" he asked, offering her his arm.

"Sure," she replied, lacing hers through his, and he set off in a roundabout way to his goal.

After all, he thought, one look from the Champion will tell me all I need to know.

I need Cullen to teach me how to slip away from those he doesn't want to speak with, Cat thought with amusement. He seemed to speak few words, yet gave the people around them what they wanted to hear, and was off again. Cat hoped the skill would rub off on her eventually.

"Have you seen the statue down by the docks?" she heard someone ask.

"Positively ghastly," another voice replied.

"Not to mention inaccurate," another said. "Why, they put a sword in his hands, I cannot fathom!"

Cat turned to Cullen. "So the statue is completed then?" she asked.

He glanced down at her. "Yes, it is," he answered.

"You've seen it?" she asked.

"Yes," he replied.

"Cullen…" she rolled her eyes at him. "I need details, not one worded answers!"

He chuckled, even as he continued to move her around the room. "I believe the artist brought the clay model here tonight," he said. "The one that was approved by the chantry, and used to make the statue itself."

"Oh, I want to see it," she said excitedly.

"The statue itself, you can see the next time you visit. It is right by the boat that brings you to the Gallows after all."

"That will be great!" she replied, grinning up at him. She leaned in closer, and he leaned in as well, she obviously wanted to say something privately. "So… where are you shepherding me, Cullen?" she asked, and he chuckled.

"Shepherding?" he replied, still leaning near her, so she could hear him. "My lady, I would never." She gave him a look that said she didn't believe him, but he was almost at his destination, so he didn't reply.

Cat stopped speaking as well, having heard a voice that she recognized, and she looked around for Varric. Cullen was leading her right to him, and she was a little confused, because he was still leaning over her a bit. She glanced up at him, but he was looking away, so she focused on hearing what Varric was saying.

"Knight Captain, what a pleasure," she heard a woman say, and she wondered if Cullen would scurry them away as he had before.

"Well I wanted to add my congratulations, for it is well deserved," Cullen replied, and Cat glanced over at him, completely forgetting Varric as she tried to look around him. He had turned his back to her, blocking whoever he was speaking to from view, and she was burning with curiosity.

"That's very kind," the woman said.

"I brought something, hoping to mend the rift between us even if only a little," Cullen said, and Cat was ready to push him aside when he moved of his own accord, and she looked up to see Leandra and Hawke- who was gaping at her.

Hawke saw the Knight Captain approach, and rolled his eyes at Varric, who suddenly had a gleam in his and a smirk on his face. He listened halfheartedly as his mother spoke pleasantries with him, and rolled his eyes again with a scowl at the man's blatant mockery of congratulations.

When he spoke of mending a rift, Hawke wondered what the templar had done to his mother, and turned to face him… and stopped.

He was fairly certain his ears stopped working, for he no longer could hear what the others were saying. He just thanked the Maker that his eyes were still all right, as he drank in the sight of her.

He swallowed hard, wondering why she was here, and with a frown wondered if she came with Cullen. Something was bubbling in his gut, and he surprisingly didn't worry about striking the man down with a spell in front of all these witnesses, when Cullen nudged Cat forward right before him.

A stray thought about mending fences began to wiggle about in his brain, but he shooed it away. He only wanted to think of the vision before him.

He wished he had the words. Eloquent and lovely words to tell her. Words inspired by her hair, which had some sort of intricate braiding to pull back from her face, leaving the rest flowing down behind her.

Words to say how her eyes sparkled, and looked as rare and beautiful as the pools of silvery orichalcum he had seen once before.

His eyes moved down, the deep and yet bright blue of her dress contrasting to the ivory of her skin, which for the most part was covered but for a tantalizing peek down her front. He saw the small, white line of her scar, before his eyes feasted on the small piece of skin he had not seen before.

He felt something shift, and knew. He stepped closer, as his eyes came back to hers.

Cat flushed, though not from embarrassment. The look in his eyes was scorching, and her skin was trying to get rid of the heat inside her before she went up in flames. She made a mental note to thank every single person that helped to get her here, and in this dress, just so she could have this moment.

She saw him glance over at Cullen, who stepped back at the look. He returned his focus to her, and she smirked without even meaning to. She could feel it, and could see that he did too, though she didn't feel scared or overwhelmed this time as it growled… hers. He was hers… and she was his.

He stepped forward again, and she marveled at his control, though she could see the desire in his eyes. He took her hand, and brought it up, as if he would kiss it, and she stepped closer still as he spoke in hushed tones.

"I warned you before, I am only a man," he murmured, closing the gap to kiss her hand.

She smiled warmly, feeling brave and free. Remembering his original warning, she replied, "I know what I want, and that is not a priest," feeling powerful as she saw his eyes darken further. He stepped back slightly, looking over her dress again, and she found herself wishing she had surprised him at home, instead of here.

He blinked in surprise, and his hand went to her shoulder. She looked over as his hand moved over the embroidery there. She looked at him in confusion, bewildered by his behavior.

He turned to his mother, smiling slightly, and raising an eyebrow in question. She smiled widely and nodded, even as she stepped forward to greet Cat.

"You look even more lovely than I imagined," she said, and Cat felt tears pricking her eyes.

"Thank you, for giving me a push," she said, reaching out to give her a hug. "It means more than you know," she added in her ear before pulling back.

Leandra patted Cat's hand, and put it back into Garrett's outstretched one, watching as they stepped away, arm in arm.

"Now that is a sight," she heard, and she looked over to see Garrett's friend Varric.

"They're beautiful together," she added with a smile for the dwarf.

"Please tell me you had something to do with this," Varric asked with a gleam in his eye.

"A lady never reveals her secrets master dwarf," Leandra replied with a grin.

"And the Knight Captain?" he asked, and they both turned in time to see the templar turn and walk away, neither missing the wistful expression before it disappeared.

"A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one," she answered.

"Oh the possibilities," Varric said in anticipation, just as the bell sounded, indicating dinner was served. He was suddenly glad they had the serving girl change his seat to be near Hawke's. Hawke had thought he would be bored surrounded by nobles… but now? Varric was reaping the rewards.

"Monsieur Hawke, what a pleasure to finally meet you."

Cat glanced up, as Hawke pushed in her seat and sat in his own. Varric was across from them, and otherwise it appeared they were surrounded by Orlesians. The man that had spoken was taking his chair next to hers, and gave her a small bow.

"And you my lady? Might I have the pleasure of your name?" he asked.

"Catarina," she replied, feeling a sense of recognition, but unable to pinpoint it.

"Well met, my lady. I am Duke Prosper de Montfort," he said grandly, and she smiled a bit at his strutting. He gestured across the table and down a few places. "And there is my wife Amelie, and my son Cyril."

"The pleasure is mine, your grace," Cat replied, knowing her memory would fill in the blanks soon enough.

"Ah, so there is someone here that is familiar with Orlesian courtesies," he replied as he sat. He took her hand from the table and brought it close to his mouth and then returned it. She felt like it was almost a salute or something, rather than anything romantic.

"I must admit I am surprised," Hawke said, as he leaned over toward them. "to have such an austere guest at our little party."

"Oh, we were not far after all," the duke replied. "We have a home here in the free marches, Chateau Haine. It's been in the family since the fourth blight, and provides the most marvellous of hunting grounds."

"I knew your name sounded familiar," Varric added. "Wasn't there a Monfort that slew a high dragon?"

"Ah, so you have heard of me!" the duke exclaimed, laughing merrily. "Those were the days, to be sure. One can never feel as alive as when they stand over such a mighty beast!"

"When you said hunting grounds, I must admit I thought of smaller game, your grace," Hawke said with a sheepish grin.

"Most make the same mistake, have no worry," the duke said. "Though in the western mountains we do not find dragons any longer, we are fortunate to find wyverns."

Everything clicked into place for Cat, and she turned to the duke.

"A wyvern?" she asked. "I've never seen such a thing."

The duke's face lit with excitement, and Cat listened to him explain about the creatures. She made sure to ooh and ahh in all the right places, since Hawke didn't seem to care.

As they continued their conversation through dinner, and he told her of the annual hunt, Cat couldn't help but talk up Hawke.

"Our Champion is quite the hunter himself," she said, gaining Hawke and Varric's attention. "Though his prey is usually those that would cause harm to the city, I dare say he always catches what he seeks."

"She flatters me," Hawke replied, as he gave her thigh a gentle squeeze, and left his hand there. Turn about it fair play, she thought as her heart rate incresed, placing her hand on his thigh in return.

His thumb began to make slow circles, and she had a harder time concentrating. "As one of your companions, I have to say I'm merely telling the truth, wouldn't you agree Varric?" she asked the dwarf, who was smirking at the two of them.

"Hawke is quite skilled, it is true," he replied. "He is constantly called on from the Viscount, to the templars to help with their problems."

"Small wonder why he is named the city's Champion then," the duke murmured. "I admit I have wondered how it felt to battle the Qunari."

"Something akin to a dragon, I'd imagine," Hawke replied with a smirk.

"Quite," the duke stated.

"I'm certain the sight of the dragon was much greater to behold," Cat added.

"Though I cannot grant you that, my lady," the duke turned back to her with a smile. "I would love to have you come for the wyvern hunt. We actually have a live wyvern that we have caught, and are trying to tame as a mount."

"Really, your grace?" Cat asked, not having to try too hard to put awe in her voice. "That must be a difficult task!"

"Not too difficult once you understand the animal," the duke preened. He leaned forward slightly. "I absolutely insist you come. Of course the Champion is welcome to join in the hunt, if he feels he is up to the challenge."

"I'll work very hard to convince him," she replied, before Hawke could say anything.

"You need only ask," Hawke said softly, and she chuckled, even as she played her fingers across his arm.

"It sounds fun," she said with a smile, and Hawke stood up, holding his hand out to her.

"My lady? Would you care to view the gardens?" he asked, and she smiled and turned back to the duke in apology.

"Your grace, thank you for the company," she said, turning back to Hawke. "I'd love to."

Hawke was not having an easy time. The food had been excellent, yet did nothing for his hunger. The wine was rich and flowed endlessly, but didn't slake his thirst. Their constant contact kept his tension high, yet he couldn't resist the urge and reached out for her again.

"What is it about the embroidery that has you touching it over and over?" Cat asked with a look of confusion, glancing at her shoulder again.

"Perhaps it is merely the teases of skin that you are showing," he replied, brushing said skin with his fingertip.

"Really?" she asked, scrutinizing his face. "while I'm happy you like it, I feel there is something you aren't telling me."

"Hmm," Hawke mused in jest. "A secret for a secret? Does that sound like a fair deal?" he asked her.

"You first," she immediately replied. "I'd hate to give up a good one if yours turns out to be simple."

Hawke chuckled, enjoying the moment. "One for free then, to show my good intentions," he stated, leading her through the gardens, and away from others. "After all this time, I felt I knew you pretty well, and I do…" he started, and her eyebrow raised in question. "But you continue to impress me with the many sides that you show."

"Oh?" she asked, her face turning into a frown as she thought on his words. "I know I have my moods, but I didn't think they were too unexpected."

He smiled in return, unsurprised that she couldn't see what he was referring to. "It's not your moods darling, it is who you are." He brought his hand up behind her, twirling her hair around his fingers, even as he splayed it over her back to keep her close. "Beautiful and charming, fierce and protective, stubborn, aye, we can both agree on that."

She chuckled. "Like senses like, I suppose."

He nodded and continued. "Then you show me the sides that others do not see. Shy and romantic," he said, his voice getting softer as his face came closer. "Playful and fun." His forehead was resting on hers now. "Alluring and seductive."

He moved back slightly, his gaze going back to her shoulder, his hands coming up to cover each of them, rubbing gently over the delicate embroidery. "The secret isn't very secret, since it appears you may be the only one that didn't recognize the pattern stitched here."

She had a hard time switching focus for a moment, but glanced over to her shoulder again. "What is it?" she asked.

"My family's crest," he replied. "Or close enough, being that it is the Amell family's. My father didn't come from a noble house, so there isn't one for the Hawkes."

Her mouth opened slightly, understanding dawning. His suspicions were proven correct, and his thoughts immediately went to his mother, who else could have done this? Now he only worried how his Cat would react to the news. It had basically declared her his without saying a word… and she hadn't known it was there.

He waited, concerned, as she looked away in thought. She turned back to him with a smile, and he felt his breath that he hadn't realized he was holding whoosh out.

"Really?" she asked. "So the coordinating colors weren't enough to get the point across?"

He just watched her, as she ran her hands up his chest, fixing his vest, or brushing something- real or imaginary he did not know- from his tunic.

"One for free then?" she offered, standing close. "I don't know how you can possibly be more handsome than the last time I saw you, but you continually outdo yourself." He reached for her, but her hands on his arms kept him from getting the hold he wanted.

"And the secret?" she smiled up at him. "I came here tonight for one purpose, and that wasn't to make anything known to others." She leaned forward, and his hands were at her hips as she stretched up to reach his ear. "It was to let you know, that I'm ready for more."

His fingers clenched, his mouth suddenly dry, even as she moved away, and came back on her heels. He looked at her as he swallowed, seductress was right, he told himself. He grabbed her arm, and started whisking her back through the garden.

"Whoa, what?" she said as she was suddenly on the move. "Where are we going?"

"Home," he gritted out. "The rest of the night may provide the time I need for what I have in mind."

She laughed huskily, which did nothing to curb his desire, and he moved with more haste.

"My place is closer," she offered softly, taking a firmer grip on his arm to help keep up with him. "And empty."

He nodded shortly, and steeled himself as they came back to the crowd. He'd need all his wits about him to escape.

It took much longer than he would have liked, and Cat did little to help in that regard, though she eventually took pity on him and enlisted Varric's help. He didn't know how the dwarf did it, but he drew a crowd in, providing the distraction needed for he and Cat to slip away.

Once out of the keep, his pace slowed, though the urge to simply grab her and carry her off was there. Now that he was free of the banquet, he felt he had all the time in the world.

"What a lovely night this has been," she said, and he gathered her closer, wrapping his arm around her.

"You're the reason it was lovely," he said seriously. "I had resigned myself to an evening of boredom and politics."

"No wonder you brought Varric then," she teased. "He was your shield against them."

"Too right," he muttered. "I thought of asking you to accompany me, but I didn't want to make you share my pain."

She laughed again. "I'm sure Varric is glad that he isn't too good to share your pain," she said.

They laughed and spoke of the more colorful people at the banquet as they made their way to her home. Once more, she went to enter, and his stopping pulled her back. She turned to look at him.

"Are you sure about this?" he asked earnestly. "I want it to be right."

She moved over to him, enjoying that the different steps they were on had her with the height advantage this time. She looked down into his face, her hand coming up to play with the hair of his beard.

"It's not as soft," she said quietly. "So it doesn't tickle exactly, but it doesn't hurt either." His eyebrow raised, as he wondered what her point was. "I really like it," she said with a smile. "I wonder what it would feel like…" she took her hand back to her own face, moving down her neck and beyond.

He wasted no time, dragging her to him. He felt he had no control as he seemed to devour her in quick an greedy bites, her hands only urging him on as she pulled him closer.

"Garrett," she murmured, and he gentled without thinking. He had no idea how long he had stood there kissing her. If she stopped thinking when they touched, then he lost all sense of time around them.

"Cat?" he asked in reply.

"Come inside," she offered, reaching behind her to open the door. She held onto his hand and guided him into the house.