I claim to own nothing in regards to Dragon Age, it's lore or its characters. That right belongs to BIOWARE. I am just a fan.
The next morning was busy. Isabella was long gone having left after dinner. Tilly arrived bright and early for final fittings and last-minute alterations. I was very pleased. "Oh, Tilly this is far grander than I even imagined."
She had chosen rich purples and blacks with silver threading. A ruffled long-sleeved shirt was sewed into a purple corset that was covered in fine black lace. The matte black pants looked painted on me but were made with a material that moved with me like it was my own skin. She even accessorized the look with silver bangles and knee high boots that were made of the softest leather I had ever felt. They were dyed a deep purple too.
"This here is my favorite part." She held up what looked like the bottom part of a kitchen apron. It almost looked like she cut a six star in half. She reached her arms around me and tied it to my waist so it gave the appearance of a skirt but still showed my legs in front. The skirt matched the corset in purple and black lace.
"This is absolutely brilliant!" I exclaim in my excitement. "Thank you, my lady, but without your idea I never would have made it. I thought tying it on would be helpful for you to take it off if you needed. The cord should be sturdy enough to tie your scabbards to it but it will also fit nicely under your belt and shouldn't irritate your skin."
"It's everything I wanted and more. I will be back to your shop in the next few days to discuss further orders." She blushed furiously under my praise. "Here take this. For your delivery. You didn't have to come all this way." I drop 10 silvers in her hand. "Did you also bring my mask?" she nods and retrieves the delicate silver plating. It almost looked like lace its self. When I wore it only half my forehead, my left eye and left cheek would be covered by it. I was sure I would look absolutely amazing in this whole set up. I need to ask Sues if she would help with my hair and makeup.
After another half hour of showering Tilly in praises I ordered a carriage to take her home. My next order of business was to go back to sleep. These parties last until the small hours of the morning so I will be well rested and alert for the whole thing. I was starting to feel a little more confident than I had last night after wishing my dearest friend a safe voyage.
In the early afternoon I arose again and took a long bath. I used every product I had Isabella purchase for me. I wanted to be as soft and fragrant as I possibly could. If I pull out all the feminine stops, I would probably be underestimated more deeply than I usually am. And if I could not convince Denarius to become my mentor, I bet turning on the charm will. I had learned enough from the lady pirate that I was sure I could flirt my way into his house.
I made sure my small clothes, pants and boots were on when Sues came knocking. She helped me don my shirt fastening it down the side. I was really thankful Tilly did not decide to make it a regular lace up corset. She made short work of my hair too. Tight twin braids on either side of my scalp and the bulk of my hair on the top of my head in what Sues referred to as a dragon braid. The tail of my hair she twisted into a bubble braid.
"I combined two of the traditional styles of braid from my home clan." She explained as I looked myself over in the mirror. As usual the makeup was the last thing to do. When she was done my eyes were lined in black and there was a slight purple eyeshadow. She painted my lips a bright blood red.
Tying my skirt and finally my sword belt on I was as ready as I was ever going to get.
When I walked into our private sitting room in the main house the chatter stopped. Zevran whistled his approval as Varric and Dorian simply said the word beautiful. I blushed and thanked them.
"Seriously Hawke. You look even more radiant than when Isabella dressed you. I think you have a knack for clothing design." Varric raised his glass in a toast to me as I blushed. He was wearing a smart red and gold trimmed coat that showed off the chest hair he was so proud of. In fact, his current outfit looked almost the same as his usual attire but of a little finer quality. Zevran on the other hand looked like a different man. Clad entirely in black he looked dashing. His clothes weren't too fine since he was playing the role of a servant but one wouldn't tell at first glance. He seemed to ooze confidence out of every pore. He knew he was pleasing to look at.
"Tonight is going to be very fun indeed." He laughed dragging his eyes up and down me.
Pavus made a bit of a power play when he changed up the way introductions worked. I stood on a balcony overlooking the ballroom. One by one the Magisters and noble families were announced.
"Magister Margarette Reneau." A large round woman was announced. She wore her wealth on display. Jewels sparkled in her hair and fine pearls were sewed into the bodice and skirt. She walked to the center of the room flanked by her two servants and curtseyed looking up at me. I bowed at the waist in response and she tittered like an excited school girl.
More names and titles were rattled off one by one. Until finally the one this whole charade was designed for. "Magister Denarius." How does this guy only have one name? I laugh to myself as a tall thin figure makes it to the middle of the floor. He has grey hair and a thick grey beard. His very face looked cruel; his scowl seemed to etched into his features. He wore gaudy expensive robes and carried an ornate golden staff. Even though he was physically looking up toward me he came off as if I were beneath him. "Such a charming man." Varric mumbled next to me.
Thus far every single person introduced to me had bowed or curtsied or acknowledged me respectfully in some way. This man did not. So, in return I also did not. I took two steps forward and held his gaze.
This son of a bitch does NOT intimidate me. I told myself. He is the reason Mother is dead. He wound up that crazy mage and let him loose. Even if he didn't target Mother like he targeted Halward's wife he is responsible for making the monster that did. I stared at him unblinking. He would not win. I have stared unflinching at darkspawn hordes, demented blood mages and demons of every breed. I refused to look away. The entire room fell silent. The seconds stretched until time seemed to stop.
I don't know how long we stood there in unblinking silence but once he saw how firm my resolve was a devilish smile cracked his lips and he bowed his head.
The next few hours of the ball were pretty enjoyable. I accepted a few strategic dances breathing a sigh of relief when I did not make a fool out of myself. I made small talk with anyone who approached me. Word soon spread through the crowd about how polite and charming I was like I intended. I may hate this ridiculous espionage game but even I can't deny how well I play it.
I sat in one of the parlors off the dance floor. Being the center of attention was beginning to grate on my nerves. I think the novelty of my arrival is wearing off. I still haven't been approached by Denarius and after our little power struggle I am NOT about to seek him out.
This whole time Zevran was the perfect example of a good house slave. No wonder Isabella was disappointed to miss this. I mused to myself as he walked up to me in a low bow offering me a goblet. I knew he did not serve me wine because we both knew how important it was to keep my head clear but anyone who happened to look into my cup would think it was wine.
"Now is the perfect time for our performance my Lady." His thick accent muttered loud enough only I could hear. "You'll let me know later if I go too far?" I inquired. His only answer was a smile. I plucked the goblet from his hand and said "You may sit." I pointed to the granite at my feet. He obeyed immediately with a quiet "Yes mistress." I lay my foot in his lap and he began to make a show of checking my boot laces and massaging my calf. "You're a natural you minx." He chuckled. He spoke low enough that only I could hear him.
"Denarius has been asking around about you." I nodded and scanned the room feigning boredom. "Of course he has. I doubt its often someone ever challenges him. I knew what I was doing." I smiled at him.
"Has anyone ever told you that sometimes your smile is as frightening as a hungry wolf's?" his voice was still soft.
I look down at him and held his gaze. "I have always been a predator. I just defend the sheep not prey upon them."
He visibly shivered and I knew I got a little revenge for that uncomfortable dance.
I didn't look away as heard footsteps approach us. There were two strides and I knew in my gut who one of them was.
"Magister Denarius!" I exclaimed "I hope you're enjoying the evening." I poured all the sweetness I could into my voice.
When I turned to look at him the man standing just behind him was the first thing I noticed. He stood tall and proud with strange looking tattoos covering the skin his spiked black armor left exposed. A huge broad sword peaked up from behind his head. Piercing green eyes were almost hidden behind his shaggy snow-white hair. I brought my own long braid of snow-white hair around and stroked it absent mindedly as my heart broke for him.