Cat's eyes fluttered open, even as she gave a large yawn. The sunshine was filling the room, and she groaned inwardly. When she had started with Hawke she had wished that the day would never end, but after being overwhelmed in such a good way for half the day and into the night, she thought it was probably a good idea for a break. And more than the small food break, or finally falling into an exhausted sleep.

Looking down herself, and seeing Hawke's arms wrapped around her, she smiled. At least it wasn't just another dream, she thought. She moved slightly, wondering if she could get out of bed without waking him. She really wanted to get things cleaned up downstairs, hoping that Fen hadn't done it for her. Hawke had been the one to go for food, refusing to let her out of bed or put clothes on, and she was wondering just how bad it was.

She flushed a little at the thought of Fenris and Zevran coming back and seeing their clothes strewn about. Her nose wrinkled as she thought of how they reacted, or where they stayed- probably the Hanged Man? -rather than the nearby rooms.

Though at the same time, she couldn't truly feel bad, not after having Hawke with her for so long. Almost an entire day, and who knows how long I'll get to keep him until someone comes to drag him off, she thought with a smile.

He had opened her eyes in more ways than one, and though he did need rest in between, she could honestly say it was surprising how quickly he seemed to recuperate, especially because she had become accustomed to being intimate perhaps once a month. She had eventually figured that was what was considered normal.

She stretched a little, feeling a little sore but well loved, and her heart went warm as Hawke pulled her in tighter while he continued to sleep. He was spooning her- practically wrapped around her, and she couldn't help but remember the nights she had slept in his bed when the Crows were after her. She had been wishing he would hold her like this, but if he did grab onto her, he quickly let go once he woke and realized it.

This is infinitely better, she thought with a grin. Back then, he had been so worried about her, that he would sleep fitfully at best, and startled awake whenever she moved.

Now, she moved and stretched without fear of disturbing him. He wouldn't necessarily sleep through it, but they needed to get up and moving anyway- though she hoped he wouldn't yet, she was relishing the fact that he seemed to enjoy cuddling as much as she did.

Thinking of turning over to face him, and that kissing him awake could be fun, she started to turn, but couldn't, and realized his grip was tighter than she had thought. She tried to wiggle gently, and rolled her eyes when his arm adjusted. His hold around her had loosened, but his hand moved up to covering her breast.

This is actually kind of nice, she thought, her skin getting heated again. And what am I, suddenly insatiable? she asked herself as she felt her body's reaction to his touch. And here I was telling myself and everyone else that I didn't like sex.

She gave a soft noise at the amusing thought, knowing that that theory was now disproved. Turned out she'd have to admit that she just hadn't liked sex before Hawke.

"Mm, what's the joke?" Garrett mumbled, his mouth near her ear. Her breath caught as he moved his thumb in slow circles around her nipple.

"Me, thinking that I didn't like sex," she answered, already breathless.

"Hmm," he murmured sleepily, but continued his ministrations. "To know if you really like something, you have to keep trying- over and over," he said in a low voice.

"I don't need to," she replied, interrupting herself with a moan as he started nibbling on the lobe of her ear, "to already know it's one of my favorites. And I'm pretty sure that what we've been doing would qualify as over and over. "

She could feel his grin on her neck, and he kissed her wherever he could reach without letting her go. How could something be familiar, and yet so exciting? she wondered.

Her hands moved up and down his arms, trying to turn so she could touch him.

"Easy, Darling," he murmured to her. "There's no rush this time."

She heated as she reminded herself of his words from the previous afternoon, that he hadn't had his fill of her yet, and she thought that she hadn't had nearly enough of him either. "I can't help it," she answered with what she thought sounded like a whine, and winced at her own voice. "I think you've created a monster," she added as she laughed at herself.

He rolled away far enough so that she was on her back, and rolled back so he was above her. After only a moment, as she tried to change his mind about their pace, he grabbed her hands and held them out of reach, wanting not to rush, but to savor. He leaned down to kiss her, but was surprised when she tilted her head away.

"Morning breath," she explained, concerned.

"Now, after spending almost an entire day with me, you're worried about your breath?" he asked with a smirk. "You can't honestly think I care."

She flushed. "Not... exactly, no," she replied. But she dodged him again when he went for her. "But I will care if you taste my morning breath!"

He rolled his eyes, but thought it was cute that she was so concerned about her breath when they had spent hours getting to know every part of each other intimately.

"As you wish darling," he conceded, and he tried to smile when she looked at him skeptically. "Of course, this means that I'll have to get what I want another way." He leaned over her again, and when her head moved aside, he started kissing her face, moving down her neck and over her shoulders.

"Garrett…" she said on a sigh, and he smiled as he raised his head to look at her. She had the most amazing reactions to his every touch, and it made him want to touch her even more. Now, her face was slightly flushed, her hair was rumpled around the pillow. Her eyes were mostly closed, as she took in every new sensation.

He couldn't help but want to show her something new every time he reached for her, whether shocking or sweet, demanding or giving. She had a look- as if surprised that there could still be more- and it was one he was happy to bring about.

"Since you refused me, I'm going to taste every inch of you," he told her softly, and he smirked as she shivered at his husky tone. "And only when you're crazed with need will I give you what you want."

She made a noise, though he knew it wasn't of protest exactly. "Oh, believe me, this has been coming, ever since that night you came to me dressed as a templar."

He began kissing her again, moving down her body. "How else was I supposed to get my hands on you again?" she asked. "You were avoiding me, ever since that first time when you apologized afterward."

He stopped as he winced. He tried not to think too much about that- it hadn't been one of his finer moments. Then, he replayed her words. "Wait, what?" he asked, moving back up so that he could look in her eyes.

"What?" she asked, giving him a smirk of her own.

"After… in the kitchen… you… wanted me? You weren't upset?"

"Upset about what?" she asked, confused. "How amazing I felt? How you could make me feel with just a few kisses?" she gave a throaty chuckle, and he felt his own arousal twinge in response to it.

"I was rough with you," he said slowly, as if explaining to a child. "I was like an animal," he said, distraught.

"Umm," she smiled, humming low in her throat as she recalled the feeling. "I remember, I was so angry and frustrated with you, and when you kissed me, in a flash everything changed to wanting you desperately." She opened her eyes again, scorching him with the need in them.

"I…" he began, distracted as she wrapped her leg around his, and rubbed up his calf with her foot. "I thought you were disgusted with me…" he said, his body already responding, though he was trying to keep his mind clear enough to understand.

"Disgusted?" she said, giving him another chuckle. "No… but I do remember feeling… powerful." He was still holding her hands, so she used her leg, moving her thigh up and around his hip, so she could press herself to him.

"Powerful?" he asked, though she could see he was distracted, his eyes going dark as a sign of his desire.

"Mm-hmm," she replied. "Just like now. It makes me feel so amazing… knowing how much you want me." She lowered her voice, and he instinctively moved closer to hear her. "Wanted me so much… that you couldn't… control yourself," she finished on a whisper.

He could remember that night as well, how he lost control in order to get his hands on her. And now, here she was- asking for him to do so again, wanting that side of him that he thought he was ashamed of.

It took less than a moment to decide that his earlier plan could wait. He threw his control away happily, even as she purred in response. He grinned, letting go of her hands, and moving her leg up over his shoulder even as he entered her with one smooth movement.

Her laugh stopped abruptly as she gasped, and he didn't hold back. He gave, and gave, and gave, bringing her to climax, and ruthlessly pushing her up again as soon as she fell. Her hips rose to meet him, stroke after stroke, and she clenched around him, until she crested again, and he fell with her.

Panting, he lifted his head from her, making sure she was all right. Her face was a picture of smug and dazed, and he chuckled to himself at the sight.

He began moving off of her, but she held him in place with a wince.

"Um, give me a moment," she said, sounding pained.

He adjusted, pushing up on his hands so that she wasn't bearing all his weight, and looked in her eyes.

"Love?" he asked in concern. "You all right?"

"Yeah, just feeling a little… um… raw?" she said, ending on a question. "Is too much sex an actual thing?" she asked, seeming impressed.

His expression showed understanding, and he moved slowly, wincing at her pained sound. He knelt over her, and laid his hands low on her belly, his magic flaring.

Cat watched, wondering what he thought was wrong. Did we somehow tear something?! she thought in horror. But, she realized it wasn't a diagnostic scan- but he was healing her, as her discomfort disappeared.

"What was that about?" she asked.

"Most women use small healing potions, or so I've been told," he replied, avoiding eye contact, and she was intrigued at the embarrassed look on his face.

"So you've been told?" she asked, her eyebrow raising up.

"Well yes, if she's delicate, or rather… uh… smaller, than the man, it can be unpleasant, especially when they are together often- if the woman has become," he looked back with a smirk, "insatiable."

"It's not my fault," she replied seriously. "It's like I'm under a spell, since I can't seem to get enough of you."

"If I knew such a spell, we would have been here long ago, and we wouldn't be alone," he joked, enjoying that she wasn't denying her feelings, and willingly making herself the butt of the joke.

"Oh?" she asked with a grin. "So I get to choose someone to join us?"

He spluttered, and she laughed, relishing calling his bluff. He moved away from her, unnerved and trying not to show it.

"I love you," she said happily, pulling him back and giving him a kiss on his cheek. "You're more than I even dreamt I could have, in and out of bed."

Mollified, he grabbed on either side of her face, holding her still so she couldn't avoid his lips on hers again. "I love you, Catarina," he replied. He grinned as her stomach made a huge growling noise. "Hungry already?" he asked with a smirk.

Cat rushed to take care of her morning business, as well as brushing her teeth before Hawke came back with food. How he couldn't seem to care to walk through her house naked yet again, had her shaking her head in disbelief.

There could be anyone down there! she thought once more, but she supposed that when you were that confident in yourself, you didn't care what anyone else thought, even about your body.

Not that he anything to be self conscious about… she smirked to herself. She could hardly believe that she had turned the head of a man such as him, but she didn't dwell on it. She just thanked her lucky stars- and a crew of friends that helped make it happen. Even though she knew it wasn't forever, she was determined to enjoy it as long as it lasted.

Walking back into the room, she decided to put actual clothes on this time instead of a robe. She grabbing some basic lounging clothes- a pair of shorts and a oversized shirt, and began putting them on. As she was pulling the shirt over her head, she saw a blur of movement out of the corner of her eye, and before she could blink, she was laying on the bed, with Hawke straddling her, his hands blocking her from pulling the shirt down.

Cat shook her head, feeling as if something was amiss. She glanced up to where Hawke was holding the edge of her shirt, and grinning at her. She turned to see a tray of food sitting on the bureau, and a pile of clothes on the ground that hadn't been there before, and she realized that Hawke had had slowed her movements.

"Did you seriously use your gravity spell on me just now?" she asked, glaring at him.

"How dare you try to undo all my hard work?" he quipped back, smirking at her and pulling the shirt back over her head. "Do you know how long it's taken for me to finally get you naked? And as soon as I turn my back, you go and put clothes on?!"

She laughed, because who else would cast a spell in order to stop her from putting on a shirt. "I'm fairly certain you could get me naked almost every time you tried," she said, somewhat seriously. "And I'm not going to eat naked… again."

"Oh?" he asked, his eyebrow up. He reached over, pulling the tray close enough to grab without moving off her. He put it down on the bed next to them, and started pulling small pieces of bread and cheese, offering some to her where she lay.

"Oh no you don't," she warned, and before she could finish, he popped a bite in her mouth.

"Mawhhe…" she tried to sound disapproving, as she said his name, but with the food in her mouth, it came out as anything but. She groaned in appreciation, as it tasted divine.

"Well, you're right," he teased her. "We shouldn't eat naked. Let's get up and get dressed first-"

"No!" she interrupted him, her stomach growling again, and he grinned at her as he rolled off, letting her up.

"No shirt, or no food," he warned, even as she went to grab it again.

She made a noise of complaint, but put the shirt back down. "Then I'm putting my bra on," she said petulantly.

"I'm nothing if not willing to compromise," he replied grandly.

"Pfft," she disagreed, but they smiled at each other, and he moved to sit against the headboard, and after putting her underwear on, she joined him. Hawke put his arm around her shoulders, bringing her in closer. Cat picked up another smaller piece of cheese, and brought it to his mouth, offering. He opened wide, and tried to grab her fingers as well as the food, causing her to chuckle.

"As much as I enjoy the finer parts of our new relationship?" he asked, and she looked at him in question. "I think too much sex may actually be a real thing," he smirked at her and she chuckled. "But that's not all I want to do with you," he said, getting serious. "I want to talk to you too."

"I'd love that as well," she replied. "Do you have something specific in mind?" she asked.

"Yes and no," he responded, looking forward with a small frown. "I want to know more about, you know, from before we met," he said, keeping his voice light, not wanting to sound demanding. "But, I don't want you to have to relive bad memories."

She smiled, tilting her head into his chest. "It's fine," she answered, "but turn about is fair play, because I want to know all about you too. And about your family."

He looked down at her in question. "You know my family already," he pointed out, feeding her another mouthful.

She shook her head. "Not from your point of view," she countered once she swallowed. "And I don't know much about your father, or your sister." She stayed quiet for a moment, and then added, "But I don't want you to have to relive painful memories either. And I'm definitely not having those conversations without a shirt on."

"Prude," he smirked.

"Yeah, well. Deal with it."

He chuckled, and she narrowed her eyes. "So Garrett…." she asked, her own lips turning into a smirk as she grabbed more of the food, and he held his mouth open. "Exactly how many women have you been with?" she asked, popping the food into her own when his hung open in shock.

She chewed as she looked up at him, watching him splutter and flush, and try to change the subject. She held out for a few moments before she started shaking with laughter.

"You tease!" he roared, pushing the food out of the way, and grabbing her again while she laughed. He kissed her senseless, and then stopped, looking at her face as she caught her breath. "You… don't really want to know, do you?" he asked seriously.

She smiled. "The number?" she asked. "Probably not, though I would be interested to hear about some of your experiences if you're okay with it. But no, I was just messing with you."

"How much did Isabela rub off on you I wonder?" he asked with a smirk.

"I never let Issy rub off on me, no matter how much she offered," she replied, and he chucked.

Hearing a door close loudly and exaggerated footsteps had them looking at each other in disappointment. They heard a few voices calling out from downstairs, and they looked down then back to each other.

"Well, it lasted longer than I thought it would," she said quietly.

"Once more before I let you go," he said with a suggestive look.

"What?" she asked. "What happened to too much?" He gave her a shrug, even as he reached behind her to undo her bra. "We don't have time before they'll come up looking for us," she warned him.

"Oh, we just need to be quick," he said as chanted words that she recognized as a haste spell.

She wouldn't admit to him afterwards that he had been right- they ended up with plenty of time.

Cat picked up the pile of clothes Hawke had brought up, found his and tossed them to him, ignoring as he tried to grab her, then moved out of the room before he could convince her otherwise.

She went down the stairs, running her fingers through her hair to make it look presentable. She looked over to the doorway from the front entryway to the main room where Fenris and Zevran stood watching her with twin smirks. She wondered if they were waiting to see if she would surface at all.

Zevran sauntered over to meet her at the base of the stairs, grabbing her hand and looking her over.

"Ah, Bellissima," he said with a smile. "You are looking more beautiful than usual," he said with a kiss on her hand. "You have a glow about you." Then he leaned in and whispered, "I brought you something, though I admit you don't look like you need it."

He handed her a small healing potion, and she smiled, choosing to ignore the fact that he was thinking about what she had been up to enough to think she would need it. Her eyebrow raised in question.

"You think I have never had such a passionate night before, my dove?" he asked with a grin, guessing her thoughts, and she rolled her eyes.

"I try not to think about your sex life, Zev," she replied.

"You should, perhaps you will think of new ways of pleasing your love," he countered with a smirk.

"You couldn't stay away for another day or two?" Hawke boomed as he swung down the stairs.

"We tried, but we've already had messengers from the Knight Commander asking about the missing mages," Fenris replied.

"Duty calls," Hawke said with a sigh, as he stood next to Cat. He gave Zevran a scrutinizing look, and pulled Cat to him, kissing her passionately.

She didn't mind kissing in front of others, but she knew if she let it continue, they would get out of hand, and Hawke would simply carry her back up the stairs, so she pulled away from him regretfully.

"Yes," she said stepping away to get her head clear. "I think that's a good idea."

Hawke gave her a smirk, since she wasn't making sense, and trying to play it off. He narrowed his eyes at the assassin, wanting the message to be clear.

"I need to go home and change, and then we'll meet in say, an hour?" he smiled and said to Fenris who nodded. "Great. Spread the word, yes? We'll meet at the Hanged Man, anyone that can make it."

Fenris nodded again, and Hawke turned to Cat, pulling her hand up for a kiss. "My thanks for a satisfying day, my lady," he added. "I hope to have many more like it in the future." He gave her another kiss, that he dwelt over until she finally gave him a push.

He gave a sigh, and turned again toward the foyer. He reached out grabbing Zev around the shoulders, and pulling him with him as he walked to the door.

Fenris tried not to smirk as he heard Hawke thank the elf for his intervention, and subsequently warn him to keep his hands and any other part away from Cat.

He and Cat waited, until the door had closed, and Zevran turned back with a grin. "So?" he asked. "I think everyone would be interested to know how skilled their Champion is."

"No way Zev," Cat answered firmly, handing him back the healing potion. "He, uh, already took care of it," she said, looking away in embarrassment at his questioning look.

"Ah," he responded, his ever present smirk back in place. "I suppose I may end up liking the man after all."

Fenris laughed out loud, causing Cat to grin at him. "You already like him, or you never would have helped him, no matter how Cat felt," Fenris said, even as he moved into the room.

"Oh really?" Cat asked, turning to smirk back at Zev.

"What can I say?" Zev replied, watching Fenris' back as he moved up the stairs. "He thinks he knows me so well," he groused to Cat.

"You've spent quite a bit of time together, and Fen is very observant," she mused.

"Too observant at times," Zev complained, and she laughed.

Fenris came back into the hallway, carrying Cat's robe as well as her soap and a towel.

"What are you doing?" Zevran asked.

"Cat wants a bath," Fenris answered, seeing Zevran look at him in surprise. "What? You thought we heated that water for ourselves?"

"You see?" Zevran turned to Cat as Fenris motioned them up the stairs, and moved toward the bathroom. "Far too observant."

"Yeah, but I love it," she replied as they followed him up.

"Of course, because he dotes on you," he retorted.

"Oh, so you're just jealous?" Cat asked, raising her eyebrows in suggestion.

"Jealous my dove? Never. Simply saddened that you choose not to share, with someone as close as I," he answered.

"Fenris isn't mine sweetie, he does as he pleases," she laughed.

"And who he pleases?" Zev asked curiously, though he watched her expression carefully, seeing her look concerned. "Ah, I see. I will not press the issue."

She reached out for his hand, and pulled him further down the hall, even as Fenris came back to the hallway to see what was keeping them. "I love you guys," she gushed, wanting to spread some of her happiness before her heart exploded from holding it in.

"It appears my little dove has discovered that there is much more to life and love than what she was shown before," Zev commented to Fenris as he leaned against the wall.

"So it would seem," Fenris replied, stopping and studying her face, then giving her a small smile. "I am glad you have found that you were wrong about yourself."

She grinned back at him, reaching out for him to give him a squeeze "So am I!" she exclaimed with a chuckle. "So, so, so delightfully wrong!"

They chuckled along with her, and Fenris handed her her belongings.

"Should we come back for you once we let everyone else know of the meeting?" he asked her.

"If you'd like," she replied. "That way, I won't spend all day in the bath. Thank you for this, by the way."

"I feel I should stay and help wash your back?" Zev offered suggestively, and Cat laughed while Fenris gave him a glare.

"Sorry Zev, but I'm a one-man type of woman," she replied, wondering how shocked he would be if she ever accepted one of his offers.

"It suits you, though I'll never understand it," he replied with a happy smirk. He squeezed her shoulder. "We will return soon," he added.

"Enjoy your bath," Fenris said as he pushed Zevran out ahead of him.

"Fen?" Cat asked, turning as he stopped and looked back.

His brow rose in question, and she continued. "I think, sometime soon, we should talk about what's coming."

He looked surprised, but he simply nodded. "I will find out when, and let you know," he said, and then turned, shutting the door behind him.

Cat sighed, scrubbing a hand over her face as she thought again of what she was going to suggest to the two of them. Hopefully I'm not making things worse… she thought as she slipped off her clothes and moved into the warm water. Giving a sigh of pleasure, and thanks for an amazing friend, she laid back, her thoughts racing again towards the future.

Hawke knew he wouldn't be able to keep the smile from his face. He had had some crazy nights in his youth, most of which he was proud of, but he had never been quite so starved as he had the previous one.

It was as if his body was trying to make up for all the times he had kept himself from her, and he couldn't find fault with it, he just was still having trouble wrapping his head around it.

He knew Cat was different, the very fact that he hadn't moved on to another long ago was proof, yet it was still a little strange to his mind. He also knew he loved her- though he had absolutely no experience in being in love, so he couldn't have explained it to anyone else. To him, it was simply the explanation for all his previous unexplained behavior and emotions.

It was as if he had an unquenchable thirst, and the only thing that helped was being with her. Yet, as soon as he thought he had slaked that thirst, it would rise up again. He had no idea it could be that way, he usually had a tumble- made sure the woman got some pleasure from it as well, and then parted ways- no feelings to bruise, and no regrets.

This… this had been something altogether different, and while his thoughts continued to reel at everything it could mean, he just knew that he felt- eased. And, happy, for what that was worth.

He was somewhat relieved that he didn't run into his mother, as he didn't really want to have the "yes, I love her, but no, we're not getting married," talk just now. He chuckled to himself as he caught himself whistling, though he had no idea what the tune was.

He cleaned himself up, and donned his champion's armor, and headed out toward Lowtown.

He didn't notice the strange looks he received, only waving at people as he caught their eye. The people didn't quite know what to make of their Champion- he was most assuredly acting quite different than what they were used to. Speculation soon became gossip, and the rumors abounded as to what had made their serious minded champion so happy.

As he walked into the tavern, he noted that he wasn't the last to arrive, but Cat, Zevran, and Fenris were the only ones missing. He also noted the looks of shock and disgust on his friends' faces.

"What?" he asked, looking down at himself. "Did I wear clashing colors or something?" he smirked.

"Maker's breath Hawke," Varric said, his frown deepening. "What did you do to yourself? You look like Junior."

Awareness hit him, and he reached up to his face. "Ah, yes… that," he replied. "I may have made a hasty decision."

"The word is terrible, not hasty," Isabela replied, her nose turned up at him. "We're going to lose fights now."

"The beard wasn't the source of his power," Aveline said dryly, and Isabela glanced at her with a grin.

"Maybe not his magic," Isabela mocked, "but most definitely his intimidation. Most won't recognize him, and the others won't care if they do. This is not good."

Sebastian laughed merrily, and Anders looked thoughtful. "So we'd both look more intimidating with beards?" he asked Isabela in jest. She looked the pair of them over, obviously considering the question.

"Well, Sebastian would look much better," she declared. "It would probably help him find some fun. Though I have a feeling it would just make you look even more like a homeless beggar."

Anders glared at her, as the others snickered. "Come on Isabela, he's not homeless," Hawke reprimanded her.

"Just a beggar then?" Anders asked dryly, giving Hawke a roll of his eyes.

"Of course not," Hawke replied quickly. "You and Aveline are the only ones with steady and reliable income after all."

"Hey, that's true," Anders said, perking up, and giving Isabela a look of triumph, to which she shrugged.

"Don't change the subject Blondie," Varric stated, though he was looking down at whatever he was writing. "We're making fun of Hawke's face right now."

"Looks like we showed up just in time then," Cat spoke up as she, Fenris and Zevran joined them. Her eyebrow raised as Zevran shuffled her towards a seat away from Hawke and next to Isabela, he ignored her look as he sat on her opposite side.

Fenris also shook his head, and took the empty place next to Hawke, the corner of his mouth twitching upwards at his friend's disgruntled look.

"I'd be interested in your opinion, Little Dove," Varric added, pleased to note that while the assassin didn't look pleased, he was no longer glaring daggers at him.

"About the same as everyone else I'd suppose," Cat replied, giving Hawke an apologetic look. "Thank goodness it'll grow back?"

The group laughed, and Cat was happy to see Hawke was good-natured about the teasing, rolling his eyes at them.

"Much sooner than yours, I'd say," he shot back at her, and she rolled her own eyes at the oohing from the group.

"Those are fighting words, messere," she said, grinning at the way the others egged her on.

"Anytime, Lady Catarina," he smirked, as they booed him, and Aveline accused him of fighting dirty.

"Andraste's flaming ass," Anders said, looking back and forth to each of them. "You two?" he asked, pointing at them as his face lit up with a smile.

"Uh, it's not a big thing," Cat answered, gaining another gasp and a few shrewd looks.

"That's not what you said last night," Hawke replied with a roguish grin, and those at the table burst into questions and exclamations.

"I knew it!"

"Kitty, tell us everything!"

"Does that mean what I think it does?!"

"What did I miss?"

"And here I thought Hawke would be an idiot forever!"

"What?!"

"Why does Fenris always know ahead of everyone else?!"

Cat and Hawke didn't reply, just smiled at each other. She gave a wave of her hand, as if to say, see what you did? and he just winked at her.

"Alright, alright!" he finally stepped in. "I see that everyone is concerned about Cat here, and not me, but hey, I already knew who the favorite was." Some tried to refuse, but could tell he was teasing them, and just laughed.

"So, I'll let Cat tell you that everything is great…" he paused and she nodded her head.

"It really is," she started, and he interrupted.

"- and now with that done, that's all you're getting about this right now. We have a job to do, so it's time for that."

"First things first," Isabela said, looking at each of them in appraisal. "Hawke, I know we don't have to tell you this, but I'm certain we need to tell Kitty." Cat looked over to her, wondering, and yet cringing as to what would come out of her mouth. "You hurt him, Kitty, and you'll have all of us to deal with."

Cat's smile bloomed, even more so when she looked at Hawke and saw the shocked look on his face. "I think we've each done that to each other enough," she replied softly. "We know that something may happen to pull us apart, but we're determined to be happy with what we have."

"And…" she said, pausing to ensure they were all listening. "Neither of us would have made it to this point without all of you," she finished, laughing as she saw all of them nodding and agreeing with her.

"Well Crow, I feel I must thank you," Varric spoke up, and they looked to him in surprise as he spoke to Zevran. "For keeping them separated this morning, I mean. While I may be happy they are together, it's something better left to the imagination."

"I fear I must disagree," Zevran replied, giving a nod of his head and a smirk. "But it is not for everyone," he grinned at Cat as she gave him a slap on the shoulder. "However, I must correct you, as I am no longer a Crow, and do not wish to be designated as such."

Varric thought a moment and with a nod replied, "then it's Raven," he said. "For you may not be a Crow, but you can still have the characteristics of one."

Cat thought it was one of his better nicknames, since his reasoning was sound, and smiled as even Zevran seemed to accept it.

"Well then," Hawke said, taking back the conversation. "You all remember the job yes?" he asked. "Finding missing mages? It seems that Fenris and Zevran already found one of them, so I'll let them explain. Fenris?"

Fenris nodded, and told of going to take needed mending to the seamstresses in the Alienage, only to find the blood mage there, using a spell on Nyssa. Cat stepped in and explained that he was her husband, and had been taken to the circle not long after they were married, and how Nyssa had stayed in the city, having nowhere else to go.

"But.." Anders spoke up, confused. "He was free. They could have escaped together!"

Cat looked at him in sorrow. "I'm not sure what changed, but he was no longer the man she married. It seems like he wanted to cut the ties that kept him here, or perhaps he blamed her somehow."

"He was hurting her, using her blood for a spell, though I am uncertain what he was trying to accomplish," Fenris stepped back in. "We ordered him to stop, and when he wouldn't, we killed him. We took his body to the templars."

"You did the right thing," Hawke replied, ignoring Anders' look. "While I do not agree with Meredith's tactics, I can agree that mages that will try to lord over others, or harm others with their magic are dangerous and must be stopped. This was obviously not someone that was trying to simply be free, or used his magic to defend himself."

The others nodded, and he continued. "And so, we have two more. A mage named Evelina, who came here from Ferelden. According to the information from the templars, she reported herself to the circle when she got here, and has been active in trying to help the youth that find themselves living in the Undercity.

"The other is a child of a noble family here in the city, Emile DeLauncet. Their reports say that he has been in the circle since childhood, and he has been given special privileges such as family visits due to his family's status and money."

He looked around at his crew. "These are the two we need to find, but remember, we aren't trying to kill them. We need to find out if they are a threat to the city, and decide whether to let them go, or return them to the circle. Death is only a last resort."

He glanced around, seeing them nod. "All right. The templars have already questioned the family and friends of the mages, but I doubt anyone would tell them anything, so we'll start by doing that again. Any other ideas?" he asked.