I do not own anything Dragon Age. Rights belong to BioWare.
I slept much longer than I usually do and was awoken by a knock. I rushed to dress and make it down to breakfast with everyone. Dorian and Halward even joined us.
I couldn't eat so soon after waking and sat quietly sipping tepid water. Everyone was in high spirits with Isabella's return and I enjoyed the pleasant chatter as they caught her up on everything she missed.
"I wish I could have seen her staring him down!" she exclaimed. "You might soon be able to do just that." Dorian replied. "Father had a few artists in the crowd, he's commissioned one to paint what would have been Denarius' view of her looking down at him." I couldn't fight the blush creeping up my neck.
"Hawke was enchanting. One could even describe her as predatory." Zevran winked at me.
"I can't imagine that display impressed him any. She was openly defying his authority. What changed? How is she getting formal dinner invitations?"
"Do tell." Dorian chimed in. "I really need details from someone who was there. All I got was the second-hand gossip."
I just slid down in my chair hoping to appear smaller. Zevran of course, took this opportunity to tell the story.
"Quick as a flash Hawke had her blades out and was sitting in Denarius lap. One blade against his throat the other hooked up between the thighs of his body guard. She was so fast that the handsome devil didn't even realize it." His smile widened when Isabella fixed me with an incredulous stare.
"Sat in his lap! Hawke you minx." Her laughter was infectious and I found myself grinning at her.
"It was a reaction. I knew I would have to rough Zevran up a little but I wasn't expecting him to lay his hands on him. I couldn't help it. I probably would have cut his throat if it had been you or Varric." I crossed my arms over myself.
"Good thing it wasn't or I would have watched you kill him; the body guard kill you and you kill the body guard in a matter of moments." Zevran actually sounded a little angry. Isabella playfully hit his shoulder. "Awh, sounds like you've got a soft spot for Hawke." She teased. "It still does not explain why he wants to wine and dine you. First you challenged him, then you threatened him and now it's come to my place?"
My face burned again as I cleared my throat. "You explain it to her." I waved a hand at the Crow. He leaned over and whispered in her ear. Varric, Dorian and Halward laughed when her eyes widened and she squealed "The scandal!"
"Scandal indeed." Halward said as he wiped the corners of his mouth. "Which brings us to the invitation its self." From his breast pocket he pulled a letter. "I received it this morning and yesterday's suspicions have been confirmed."
Varric slammed his cup down, cursing in anger. Seeing Varric that angry made me uncomfortable. "Have I done something wrong?" I asked suddenly feeling meek. For the longest moment no one said a word. Even Isabella looked solemn. She reached over and grabbed my hand in hers. "Darling, it looks like Denarius is going to be courting you."
Half an hour later I was in the middle of my morning routine with an uncomfortable knot in my belly. The thought of pretending to be interested in that vile old man made me sick. Beth I am trying to avenge Mother like you would want but, I don't know if I can do this. Frustration made me throw my blades to the ground as I began to hit the wooden practice dummy with closed fists. Carver would be appalled at the very idea. So would Mother. Am I really considering a relationship with that slimy disgusting man? I didn't know how many times I jabbed at the target in front of me. I barley registered the feeling of my knuckles becoming wet. I was determined to remove all my rage, hurt and frustrations from the last few days or fall over from over doing it.
"I think you are doing more harm to yourself than you are to that doll." Varric's voice brought me back into focus. Looking down at my hands I saw just how right he was. I hope I didn't break anything. Maybe Dorian can heal me a bit before my date.
When I didn't reply Varric puffed up his chest and set his fists on his hips. "Spill it kid, what's wrong with you. Isabella told me how upset you were last night when she came in. Why didn't you come to me?" He looks so worried. I sighed. "Varric, you hold your own guilt about taking Bethanny down there in the first place. Not to mention the struggles you had with your brother. Who am I to push my guilt on you?"
"Oh kid." His voice cracked "I wasn't lying when I said that I would always be there for you. You're part of my family now. The only one I have left. Maker knows Bartrand hasn't been the same hasn't been the same since that cursed Idol. And even if he was, fuck him for betraying me." With that he wrapped his arms around me crushing me into a hug. I returned the gesture mindful of keeping blood off his jacket. I may not have my family but thank the Maker I am not alone.
"Thanks Varric. You have no idea how much I needed this reassurance. I don't want to be a burden on anyone: that's why I tried to keep my meltdown to myself. I don't think I will ever come to terms with murdering her."
He flinched. "You really think the mercy you granted her was murder? Are you crazy!?" His voice raised slightly. Any further conversation was quieted as I heard my name being yelled across the court yard. It was Isabella she seemed excited as she waved me over. "You have a guest."
"I wonder who this can be. I can't wait till we go back to Kirkwall." I muttered as I trudged toward the house.
I barley made it into the kitchen from the back door when Isabella pounced. "Why didn't you tell me that you had met someone so delicious. Okay, I understand last night was a different conversation but how could you keep this from me?" she kept going on and on as she walked me into the dining room. No one was there.
"If this is one of your silly jokes Bella, I am not really in the mood for it." I sighed sitting down in my usual spot. "I would never joke about such a gorgeous man! Sues is going to be showing him in from the receiving room any minute now. She had her back turned to me watching the door like it was about to disappear. I took the opportunity to wrap my hands in a couple napkins. I really need to get the bleeding to stop. Now that the anger and adrenaline is receding, I am starting to feel it. What the hell is wrong with me? How did I mess my hands up this badly?
I was lost in my own thoughts again when Isabella grabbed my shoulders "I told you I would bring her right in! Sit. It's just about lunch time would you care to join us?" Looking up I watched Fenris walk in Sues right on his heels. I dropped my fists in my lap and straightened in my seat.
"Thank you for showing him in. Would you please see Cook about our lunches? I don't know if Zevran and Varric will be joining us." She bowed. Always so proper no matter how many times I've asked her not to be so uptight. "Also please bring me a large bowl of cold water. Plenty of ice in it if you would." She bowed again and left the room. Fenris sat across from me. Since we sat on the edges of the table Isabella took the spot at the head of the table.
"I wasn't expecting to see you again so soon Fenris. What brings you here today?" I gave him the politest smile I could muster. He cleared his throat and looked at Isabella for a long moment. It was the first time I had ever seen a man look at her and not her cleavage. His expression hardened and he swung his head back to face me.
"I have been in structed to guard you until the event. Denarius has enemies at court and wants to make sure his invitation will not put a target on your back." Sues reappeared setting the requested bowl of ice water in front of me. "Lunch will be served in about 10 minutes My Lady. Is there anything else I can help you with?" I couldn't wait anymore to do something about the pain in my knuckles. They had started to throb. "Yes, please dispose of these for me. Burn them or something." I pulled my hands up from my lap quickly peeled the cloth napkins off and handed them to her. "Of course." And she walked away again. I need to ask her how she learned to walk so softly. I thought as I plunged my hands into the ice.
"My god Hawke what happened?" Isabella's shock screamed in her tone. "Training dummy looked at me funny." I replied as I shrugged.
"Must have been one hell of a look considering you beat it for about 20 minutes before I stepped in." Varric's voice announced his presence before we could actually see him.
"It didn't feel like 20 minutes. Thank you again. Looks like I am 2 of 3 of my friends saving me from myself the last few days. I better shape up before Zevran tries to cheer me up. Maker knows what that would entail." I laughed. Varric and Isabella joined me.
"You've arrived with perfect timing." Isabella told him. "Lunch will be served in about 10 minutes." "Can't. I've got to head out. Got a meeting with a publisher this afternoon. I was just bringing these in for our space case little sister." He held my father's daggers. He laid them both next to me on the table. When his hands were empty, he grabbed one of my wrists and pulled my hand from the water. "I'll send a message to Dorian to come heal you up. What's the Elf doing here?"
"I have been instructed to keep watch over Miss Hawke until the gathering Dwarf." I smiled at the smirk Fenris gave Varric as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Why does your Master think Hawke needs protection?" Varric mirrored Fenris, crossing his arms over his chest. "Simply a precaution. I'm sure you know just how cut throat politics can get in Minrathous." Varric nodded and sighed. "I guess it can't be helped. We can't turn you away without insulting the Magister. I will also let Pavus know about this new development." Varric rested a hand on my shoulder. "I will be back in a few hours; we can finish our conversation then."
I watched Varric walk away. "I can't believe he's had the time to write a-whole-nother novel" I mused aloud to myself. The throbbing in my hands was starting to feel a bit better as I kept them submerged in the ice water. "I can't believe the woman who was able to get one up on me lost a spar to a wooden doll." I enjoyed the humor in Fenris voice. Isabella laughed with him teasing me. "She's bested every one in this house who knows how to fight. It's about time someone takes her down a peg. Too bad I can't but that dummy a drink to thank it for deflating some of her ego."
"I'm sure you can find plenty of others to buy drinks for." Fenris sneered at Isabella, distain swirling in his voice. Her mouth fell open and I couldn't help but laugh. I swirled the bloody water in front of me as she crossed her arms over her self and huffed. The bleeding had stopped but my poor knuckles were a frightful sight. I reached over to another placement to grab its napkin to dry my hands as Sues walked in with a cart full of food.
I didn't realize how hungry I was until I saw it. It was a delightful simple meal of egg sandwiches and an assortment of nuts and berries. Sues went about her task with quiet sufficiency serving we three and leaving any extras in between us. She also whisked away the bowl I had been cleaning up in and brought a few lengths of bandages to wrap my hands in as I waited on Dorian to come heal me. As quickly as she arrived, she left not speaking a word. I wonder if she likes her job since she does it so well. Maybe I should ask her what she does with her free time. I lost myself in my train of thought enjoying the lunch when I noticed that Fenris wasn't eating with us. He was just staring down at the plate. Again, his expression was hidden behind his snowy hair. "Is this not to your liking?" I asked him.
"It's not that." He shook his head. "What then? You are waiting for permission to eat?" Isabella giggled as she reached over to playfully push his shoulder. I caught the look of pure disgust on his face as he looked back down and nodded a single time. Denarius makes him wait for permission to eat like I taught my mabari back home. I thought to myself as I gently sat my food back on its plate.
"Fenris, look at me." I almost shrank back from the anger in his eyes. "If Denarius makes you wait to start like a trained Mabari he is a disgusting waste of flesh. My friend was teasing you not realizing the gravity of the situation. You may be here under his order but, this is my house, more or less, and here you are a guest. If you are hungry eat, if you would like to bathe, we will point you to the right room, if you want to walk around and stare at the awful paintings my uncle has around the place like this is a museum by all means. As long as you mean no harm to anyone in this household you are not a slave while you are here." I watched the anger leave his eyes but had no idea what emotion it was replaced by as I watched him watch me speak. I stood and picked up a pitcher of juice. Reaching across the table I filled his cup and I said, "Since you technically are here on his orders and I must remember that you are in fact an agent of his will, I warn you now, that if you cause any harm to anyone within my walls you will answer to my wrath."
FENRIS
For the first time in a long time, I felt a grin cross my mouth. I spit out a quick "Of course." And set my focus on the meal before me. Her annoying friend squawked "That was so incredibly sexy Hawke!" As she sat back down and resumed her meal. It was indeed. I silently agreed. Hawke didn't say anything but threw a large blue berry at her friend gesturing for silence. She politely raised a hand in front of her mouth chewing a moment before saying "Geez Isabella I woke up too late for breakfast, let me enjoy this meal in peace."
The meal was surprisingly filling and before I knew it, we had finished. "If you really meant what you said about my being a guest here, I will look around the place. Since I am to guard you, I should know the ins and outs of the building in case you are attacked. Is there anywhere I am not welcome to explore?" I asked as I stood.
She shrugged. "My bedroom? Maybe anyone else's private quarters. Do not go up to the main house." She waved a bandaged hand in indifference. Isabella screeched a lewd "You're more than welcome in my bedroom." That I ignored and began making my rounds.
There are no guards, no obvious magic wards. Everyone seems to enjoy being here. It's almost as if I stepped into another world. As I walked around the perimeter of the building, I reflected on the meal I just had. As far back as I could remember no one had ever taken offence to the way I acted. I behaved the way my master expected me to and had never questioned it before. It was simply my way of life. I knew I loathed it with every fiber of my being but until I had an opportunity to shed the shackles of slavery, I did what I had to in order to survive. If that meant waiting until I was given permission to eat, so be it.
I heard Hawke's voice over and over in my mind "He is a disgusting waste of flesh." I wondered if I had imagined the hatred in her voice when she said that.
Tomorrow is going to be interesting.