I do not own rights to Dragon Age, its lore or its characters. All belongs to BioWare. I am just a fan.

The sun was an hour from rising when I woke. Today was the day I would begin my investigation into Denarius for the Archon. My stomach was sour with anxiety as I strapped myself into my favorite leathers. I brushed and braided my hair as I readied myself for my morning ritual.

The house was silent as I made my way downstairs. Halward's carriage was already packed and ready to go. I was as prepared as I could get. The only thing for me to do was work off this nervous energy. I felt like my skin was crawling with it and decided to change up my normal routine. I wanted to be too sore to be nervous when I finally made my way into the snakes den.

As I stepped out of the kitchen door I inhaled deeply. The chilly early morning air was refreshing. It brought a smile to my face as I made my way to the stable. Once I was inside I picked up the heavy steel bar that the horses would be harnessed to once they were tied to the carriage. It weighed 20 or 30 pounds and was a little longer than I was tall.

Bringing it back outside to a soft sanded area, I began to work through the basic quarterstaff drills I knew. "I don't understand why you like to train with the guards Marian. Standing around swinging sticks all day is barbaric." Bethany's voice skittered across my mind like a ghost. I loved the routines. I loved how focused I felt and how quiet my mind was when I practiced. Carver never really understood why I loved it so much either. He practiced all the time to be the best, I practiced all the time to be at peace.

An hour later as the sun rose over the house all of the anxiety and stress that I had built up was gone. I had obtained that soreness I craved. My mind was clear and focused and I was ready to make my way to Castellum Tenebris.

I insisted that Halward and Dorian accompany us in the carriage. Fenris and I followed behind on our mounts. The Pavus men were upset with me since I did not make myself presentable. I might have to pretend I was something I wasn't while I was with Denarius but I wouldn't change the whole of who I am.

I had my reigns in one fist as my free hand fiddled with the blue stone at my neck. I had felt so exposed without it. Halward was unable to refill the stone with magic but he did replace and enchant the chain. If I ever needed him and Dorian to "drop by to check on me" all I had to do was break that chain. I knew that if I needed them to come get me it would probably be too late for me so it was a last resort. The chain was also spelled to muffle my words.

It's a good thing Fenris and I have decided to come up with silent hand gestures to communicate so I don't have to touch him every time we want to have a conversation. I saw how he flinched almost every time someone touched him. I wasn't sure yet if he was uncomfortable with it due to the abuse he's suffered or if the strange markings on him caused him pain when touched. He has not said a word today. I wonder what is going through his mind. Having to come back here must be rough. I looked over at him. He sat bolt straight in the saddle. There was a determination in his shoulders that wasn't there yesterday.

We had made it to the bridge that connected Castellum Tenebris to the main yard. The fortress its self was impressive, built into a solid wall of stone the bridge was its only visible entrance. The only thing keeping us from dropping into the crashing waves a hundred feet below was this bridge. I kept my sights straight ahead ignoring the archers stationed along side us as we passed.

The wind from the sea muffled any noises that came from behind the gate. As we neared someone stepped into our path. "Who arrives to Castellum Tenebris unannounced?" the figure yelled.

"Unannounced?" I yelled back as I kicked my stallion toward the front of the procession. "I believe your Master is expecting me this morning."

"Do you have any proof of your claim?" he shouted back, drawing his weapon. I didn't get a reply out before Fenris ran past, swift as the wind all around us. He had Retribution drawn low as he charged forward. The lyrium of his markings glowed around him making him look like a vengeful spirit.

"If you do not recognize your new Mistress, take it up with Fenris. I'm sure you know him quite well." I yelled as I motioned for the carriage driver to stop. My horse continued forward casually as Fenris approached the man leveling his sword to the man's throat. I didn't want to fight any one on this bridge but I also could not show any weakness.

By the time I was close enough shouting was no longer needed the man had dropped his weapon and raised his open hands above his head. "Do you recognize me now?" I asked with a hiss. He nodded his head. The poor man had lost all color in his face. Sweat dripped down his forehead.

"Forgive me mistress. The Master did not inform us that a mercenary escorted carriage would be arriving today. We expected your arrival to be different." His voice was shaky. "Say the word Mistress." Fenris voice was a quiet snarl. He was tense like a snake ready to strike.

"Please no." the man whimpered as the tang of warm urine rose in the air. "Stand down Fenris." He immediately obeyed standing straight but not putting away his blade. The man dropped to his knees with a whoosh of relief. "What is your name?" I asked as I placed my hands on my hips and looked down at him.

"John. My name is John." His voice was starting to tremble. "In the future I wouldn't pull blades on people unless you are ready for a fight. You just wanted to strut around with your chest puffed out didn't you?" He nodded in a hurry. "Since I do not want to start off my engagement insulting my betrothed by killing his guard I will allow you my mercy." Another woosh of air escaped him as he began to mutter his thanks. "I would get used to becoming low man real quick though. I doubt you will keep whatever position you have after Denarius hears about this. Now make yourself scarce. Maybe change out of your piss filled boots." I spun on my heel and climbed back onto my horse.

I looked over to another man who was approaching to help John to his feet. "Open this gate immediately!" I barked at them. Watching them scramble to obey was almost funny. I could feel Fenris gaze on me so I looked down at him. There was the slightest smirk on his lips and mischief in his eyes as he nodded once to me and walked back to his nag.

I must have arrived earlier than was expected because the court yard was filled with people scrambling around. Halward stepped down from the carriage with amusement written in every line of his face. "Looks like our first thing in the morning and theirs are much different." He joked with a chuckle. Dorian laughed as well following his father out. "Dear cousin what happened at the gate?"

I turned to face him. "Prick pulled a blade on me. Fenris made him regret it." I answered with a shrug. "Poor fellow." Dorian grinned as he looked around. People were starting to line up around us. Fenris approached leading both our mounts behind him. "His staff is assembling. He will be the very last to appear." He mumbled in a tone low enough that only I could hear. We were slowly being surrounded by house servants and guards. Whispers came from all directions as they beheld the four of us. I ignored them. I couldn't trust anyone here but the 3 men I arrived with.

Feigning indifference I looked down at my finger nails. I schooled my expression to one of boredom as everyone took their place around me. Halward and Dorian were talking amongst themselves with the same bored expression. They must be used to Denarius theatrics. Oh well. Hopefully the incident on the bridge is the most drama I have to deal with today.

Other than the wind the only other noise to be heard in the court yard was Halward and Dorian's hushed conversation. Even the whispers between the servants had ceased. I saw movement from the corner of my eye as someone walked out of the main doors. She was wearing dark blue robes that were scandalously cut to reveal most of her breasts and her stomach to her navel. Long black hair fluttered around her in the wind. Hadrianna had made her appearance. She walked up to me and wrapped me in an embrace like we were old friends.

"Marian! What a pleasure to see you again." She greeted me with a sweetness in her voice that did not match the forced smile on her face.

I exhaled loudly, rolled my eyes and took a step away from her. "You may address me as Miss Hawke or Mistress. You forget your place again. Do not make that mistake a third time."

She pouted like a child folding her arms over themselves. "I know we got off on the wrong foot. I apologize Mistress. I would do whatever it takes to make Master Denarius happy and would like for us to get along." Her voice was shrill. I saw anger in her eyes.

"Remember your place and act accordingly and we will see what happens won't we?" I sneered at her. I barley knew this woman and already hated her with a passion. The stories of what Fenris had endured at her hands made my stomach sour. I could not stomach rapists regardless of their gender and had not desire to be nice to her.

Behind her Denarius was finally making his appearance. He walked through his front doors like a king. Head high, shoulders back, completely ignoring everyone around him as he zeroed in on me. "Marian what a pleasure to see you." His voice was thick like he was parched. Closer inspection of him made me think our arrival woke him. I smiled at him amused at the thought of making him hurry to rise. Hadrianna stomped away barking orders for slaves to begin to pull my things down from the carriage. Several scrambled to obey her.

"First thing in the morning as promised." I said to him raising a hand in greeting. He took my fingers in his free hand and raised my knuckles to his lips. My back teeth ground together as I forced myself to keep the smile on my face.

Halward was quickly by my side. A cheerful "Good morning Denarius." Spilled from him as he also offered a hand to the other magister. Denarius shook his hand then nodded toward Dorian. He reached out for my hand again and walked me up the steps to over look his staff in the court yard. He made a gesture and magic shimmered in the air in front of his mouth. He raised our joined hands in the air and spoke. "This is your new Mistress, Marian Hawke. She is to be obeyed as thoroughly as if you would obey me." he addressed the crowd and the magic glittered red as it amplified his voice.

"You may greet her and go back to your duties." He waved a hand before his face like he was waiving smoke out of his face. The red glitter disappeared. All at once every single person bowed at the waist and spoke. "Welcome home Mistress." It was eerie.

I took a few steps forward and before I could decide if I would address everyone present or just smile and wave I heard a shout.

"I refuse to bow before an Orlesian bitch!" From the door way behind us charged an old elven man. In his raised fist he gripped a knife. He shoved through Denarius and Halward before I had enough time to pull my blades. A flash of light surrounded me in a bubble. Fenris shoved between me and the attacker. They met like a thunderclap, slamming into each other. It knocked the breath from the assailant but Fenris didn't stop. The smoky blue light that rose from the lyrium branding of Fenris skin looked surreal as his fingers punched through the chest of the other man with a sickening crunch. Within the next second he pulled the mans heart out of his chest.

The body crumpled in a heap and Fenris calmly approached me. He stopped shoulder to shoulder with me and offered me the organ. It took longer for the elf to scream his sentence than it took for him to lose his life. I could not remember the last time I was as genuinely speechless as I was in this moment.

FENRIS

Disgust soured in my stomach as I took my place beside Hawke. I offered her the still warm heart of the man that attacked her without taking my eyes from Denarius. I recognized the smug look on his face and had no doubt in my heart that he planned this. For what reason, I couldn't fathom.

I recognized the old man I had just killed. He was the oldest slave in the estate having been born here while Denarius mother was young. He was her right hand and was known for sharing his Mistress's hate of Orlesian's. I could not remember his name.

The older man pretending to be Hawke's uncle was furious. "What the fuck was that Denarius?" he demanded as he righted his robes and glared. Denarius was undisturbed, "What a beautiful shield you threw up Dorian." He complimented the younger man. Hawke hadn't said a word, hadn't moved a muscle since the attacker died. She just stared at the heart in my hand.

Denarius let out a sigh and poked the corpse at his feet with his staff. "I didn't think he would let his hatred overshadow his loyalty Halward." He responded to the uncle. "Alarand was ancient. He served my mother since she was a young woman." He then stepped over the corpse and walked up to Hawke and I.

"You did well Fenris." He smiled as he laid a hand on my shoulder. All around us the crowd thinned, everyone going back to their business like nothing happened. I nodded my head to him before I replied. "Your final order was to obey and protect." I dropped the heart I was still holding. The blood on my hand was starting to get cold. I shook what I could from my fingers.

I held my breath for a moment. This was the first time I ever dared speak to this man without his permission. I waited for him to strike me. Instead he laughed, nodded his head while muttering "Good. Good" He then turned his back to me and addressed Hawke. I took the opportunity to bow my head again and walk away. I could feel Hawke's eyes on me as I went to retrieve the horses.

"So well trained, isn't he?" Denarius mumbled to me as Fenris walked away. I was still shocked enough that I ignored the arm he wrapped around my waist. "Absolutely. He is a credit to you. I have never seen a warrior like him before." I smiled up at him remembering to slip my mask back on. "Shall we breakfast while my luggage is seen to?"

"Of course my dear. Halward! Dorian! Join us for breakfast won't you?" he motioned for them to follow.

I held back a few steps as Halward began to question Denarius. He was still animated. Dorian approached and held out his elbow. "Thank you for the quick shield cousin." I told him as I accepted the gesture. We followed the magisters slowly keeping distance between us.

"That was one hell of a welcome." Dorian whispered to me.

"Right! Was it just me or did the staff seem kind of culty?" I asked. Dorian chuckled. I looked over my shoulder and saw two men lift the body and carry it away. A third quickly approached with a mop. "It makes one think about how common place things like that are around here that no one flinched when the old chap died." Dorian muttered shaking his head. "I worry for you cousin."

"I'm here now might as well try to make the best of it." I smiled and he rolled his eyes. "Forever the optimist aren't you?" he teased. "Sometimes it is a curse." I joked.

FENRIS

I watched her walk through the doors with the younger Pavus. I had heard Denarius offer breakfast to Hawke and her family so I busied myself with bringing the horses to stable.

The stable master Rymus greeted me warmly. "Fenris! I am glad to see you again even if you had to come back here." His voice was raspy, strained from the wet cough that had been plaguing him for years. He hobbled up to me reaching his hand out for the reigns.

"That mare of yours is much healthier looking than when I first saw her. Good on you taking care of her." He smiled. "I will stable her." I allowed him to take Anna into her usual stall. When he returned he looked up at Hawke's war horse with big round eyes.

"Isn't he magnificent!" He exclaimed. "This must be the new Mistress's horse. What a proud sturdy creature." He limped around the stallion looking him over thoroughly. "I am sure you will meet the Mistress eventually. She is fond of this horse and will often take care of him herself." I told him as he stroked the horse. "I look forward to it. I have so many questions."

His enthusiasm put a smile on my face. Rymus was so passionate about horses sometimes I wondered if he were one in disguise. "I hate to just drop them off and run but I have to get back to the Mistress." Guilt tugged at me as I spoke. I don't think he heard me as he continued to study the stallion. "What beautiful blue eyes you have." He muttered to himself as he pulled some sugar cubes from a pocket to offer the animal.

"I will return with the Mistress eventually Rymus. Thank you for caring for the them." I tried again to get his attention. "No need to thank me Fenris boy. If you do what you like you are never truly working." He grinned at me. "Do you know his name?" he jerked a thumb to the stallion. "I never asked." I said shaking my head. "I really must go now." I reached out to squeeze the older mans shoulder. He waved a hand dismissively as he turned back to Hawke's horse. "Come on boy. Let's get you brushed and watered."

I didn't hear much more of what he said to the stallion as I made my way to the door. As I reached out to open it, it swung open. I was suddenly face to face with Hadrianna. She had an odd twinkle in her eye and a smirk across her lips. "It's about time I get to speak with you dog." She began. "I know you missed me." she winked and squeezed one of her breasts.

"Excuse me. My mistress is waiting." I attempted to side step her. Her hand shot out into the center of my chest as she pushed me into the door frame. "She can wait. You are talking with me right now." Her smirk twisted into a sneer. "Now that you are back, you know nothing has changed right?" she licked her lips as she looked me up and down.

"Things have changed Hadrianna." I spit her name at her. "I no longer belong to Denarius. My mistress has promised me that my body is my own. To share as I please." The lie rolled so easily from my tongue. I remembered the fury in Hawke's eyes when I spent the night unburdening my soul to her. I was taking a gamble but finally standing up to this snake was exhilarating. "You are already on her bad side. Do you want to continue to antagonize her? She is Denarius betrothed now I bet that she could easily talk him into finding a new apprentice. Again excuse me." I barley saw her shock as I shoved past her.

"I will get what I want. I always do!" she yelled at my back as I hurried inside.

When Fenris made his way into the dining room he looked angry. He silently took his spot directly behind me along the wall. Denarius, Halward and Dorian were engrossed in a conversation about whatever it was that magisters did. It sounded like gossip to me as they discussed who would inherit what from whom and how so in so was disgraced their title by whatever. I was bored to tears so I ate my food quietly.

"Fenris, have you eaten yet today?" I asked him over my shoulder. "No mistress." Was the reply. His voice was low and hushed. Reaching over I picked up a plate and began filling it with scrambled eggs, grapes and flat breads. I set it back down at the seat next to me and pointed at it. His steps were silent as he approached. With one hand he scooped the plate and turned to walk back to the wall.

"No. Sit." I pointed again at the spot next to me. He hesitated a moment. From the corner of my eye I saw him glance over to where Denarius sat at the head of the table. In the next breath he pulled out the chair and sat.

"My slaves do not sit at the table with me. They eat in their quarter at the end of the day." Denarius voice was loud as he chastised me. I felt the frown bunch my eyebrows together. "Forgive me but last I checked he belonged to me." I replied. "My slaves eat when I do and they eat with me if I will it." Fenris coughed in surprise but kept his head bowed staring down his plate. He ripped a piece of flat bread and scooped a bite of egg onto it.

"You dare?" Denarius began. "Of course I do." I shot back "You are not my master Denarius. You are my fiancé, and you are only that because I chose it. Do not forget that." I stared him down with my head raised.

"That being said, I am open to compromise as I am a guest in your home. I will not allow Fenris to dine with me if anyone of importance is in attendance. Is that satisfactory?" I picked up a cloth napkin and wiped my lips with it. I did not take my eyes off of my fiancé. Surprise was etched into his features. In an attempt to break the awkwardness that arose Halward laughed loudly, "My niece is very head strong old chum. Looks like you will have your work cut out for you."

I smiled at the older Pavus. Dorian decided to chime in as well. "My dear cousin is stubborn but fair. Father, she knows when to not push her luck. Besides if Judith taught me anything it is that marriage is a series of compromises." Halward choked on the drink he was sipping when Dorian made his verbal jab and I had to clear my throat to keep myself from laughing. I couldn't imagine how I would feel if I were in Dorian's place but I understood his anger and loyalty to his mother.

Fenris finished his food quickly and set the utensils he used in the center of his empty plate before he rose and returned to his spot on the wall behind me. "We have the next three weeks to get used to each other's habits and preferences Denarius. Let's not let my poor attitude dampen the spirits of the day. I apologize if I came off as rude."

"She is right there is plenty of time to get to know each other." Halward chimed in still glairing at Dorian. "I guess I should have known that the woman worthy of me would be a spit fire." Denarius laughed. "Over dinner tonight we will talk about some of the things that should be addressed immediately for your stay here. Tomorrow I will take you around to some of the various holdings I possess and let you choose from them according to the terms of our contract." He looked over at Halward and Dorian. "Once our meal is concluded will you be departing?"

Hours passed as Denarius showed me around the fortress. We lunched in the gardens near those beautiful lilac bushes I inquired about when I was last here. Fenris was my silent shadow the entire time. It was odd having someone follow me around but I was glad for his presence.

As evening fell Denarius escorted me to where I would be staying while I was here. We approached a gilded door at the end of a long hallway. The hallway was in a quiet secluded part of the estate.

"No one has occupied these living quarters since my mother passed." He told me as we approached. "I took the liberty of having everything cleaned." Denarius was holding my arm in his as we approached. I noticed all of my packed things stacked just outside the door. Nothing looked like it had been gone through and I was glad for it.

Denarius pulled a large golden key from a pocket and slid it into the lock. Once the door swung open he offered me the key and motioned for me to enter. It was like a house inside a house. The rooms themselves looked like they had been carved from rock and just smoothed over. We entered into a cozy living room area that was lined with book shelves on one side and a fireplace on the other. Another wall was nothing but glass that overlooked the sea. I liked the place. It was comfortable not built to impress like the rest of what I had toured here.

Denarius entered behind me and pointed down a hall. "That direction is the master bedroom. Down the other are two more rooms. Alarand used to stay in one when he served Mother. Where is that other slave of yours?" he turned to me with an eyebrow raised.

Thinking of a lie on the spot I blurted the first thing that came to mind. "I sent Zevran to Kirkwall to check on my holdings. Don't want anyone there getting lax in their duties."

Behind us Fenris made himself busy bringing in my things. "Fenris choose whatever of the two extra rooms that suits you." I said to him as he worked. I was walking around the front room looking at everything. Denarius watched me like his nose was glued to my forehead.

"What time does your guard staff rise for morning training?" I asked as I approached the massive wall of glass that over looked the sun setting over the ocean. He laughed. "I haven't the faintest idea. John is the head of my guard force. He looks after those details."

"I met John at the gate. He pulled a blade on me." I wrapped one arm around my stomach and my other hand fiddled with the stone at my throat. Anger blazed in Denarius eyes as the words I spoke sunk in. "He did what?" the question came out of clenched teeth. I waved my hand in the air for a moment before returning it to the stone at my throat. "The situation was dealt with. Once he recognized Fenris he knew who I was. Last I thought about it the poor man was changing out of his piss filled boots. Looking back I probably should have communicated what time I was going to be here."

"I am glad you got that straightened out. I will take care of it." The tone Denarius used sent a shiver down my spine. "I told him to get used to being low man." I interjected. "If you don't mind I would like to train with the guards in the morning. Low man is as close as one can get to being a slave. Maybe the ridicule from his fellows will humble him so he will strive to be better." I shrugged.

"I like that you are willing to humiliate others to get your point across."

Once Denarius left I set to work. I helped Fenris bring in the rest of our things. I motioned to him for silence as I dug through every thing looking for the box Halward provided me.

When I found it I opened it and read the letter inside. It described what each item was and how to use it. The first one I pulled out looked like a metal bee. I flipped the switch on its belly and tossed it in the air. Its magic began to glow a soft yellow as it buzzed around. As it searched for spying spells and any other magic in the rooms Fenris approached.

I turned on the muffling spell attached to the stone on my neck and laid a hand on his shoulder. He didn't flinch. "Sorry. I know you don't like being touched but it's the only to cover you with this spell so we can talk without anyone eavesdropping. Are you ok?"

He blinked twice and looked at my hand on his shoulder. "I am fine Hawke. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Well you had to come back to this hell hole for one and for two you basically were forced to kill that old man." The sight of Fenris ripping the heart from the other man's chest crossed my mind.

"The only thing that I am concerned with is Hadrianna. She has already approached me once but since you provided me lodging here it will keep her off my back. It was her preference to visit me in the slave quarters when I was placed there." He shrugged. "I also may have told her that my new Mistress promised that my body was my own to share as I pleased." His cheeks reddened slightly as he spoke. He needed to hear me agree.

"Of course Fenris. Thank you for telling me. I will deal with that bitch while I am here. Don't worry. I have another question though. Do you think Denarius staged that attack?"

He nodded "Of course I do."

"I thought he looked too calm in the middle of that. For a man who was so panicked when those saarebass attacked. It just didn't make sense." The thought had been bothering me all day. After the initial shock of the brutality Fenris inflicted on the man wore off, Denarius's overly calm demeanor made me think twice about what happened.

"Why on earth would Denarius make that happen?" I asked him.

"I've been thinking about it most of the day also," he started. "I think Denarius was testing if or how I would protect you if it came down to it. Alarand lived here longer than Denarius. He was born in the slave quarter and never ventured outside the estate. He was fiercely loyal to the Duchess to the extent that there were rumors that he attempted to throw himself onto her funeral pyre. He turned that loyalty to Denarius just because he is a piece of her."

"That still does not make much sense. If you hadn't been there I would have still defended myself. Granted, I probably would have taken that blade to the shoulder first." His lips tipped up in a smile at my comment. "But I would have only killed him if I absolutely had to." The thought was frustrating.

The tiny bee returned to me. If it had found something it would have stopped above it and make a noise. I removed my hand from Fenris shoulder. "It looks like there are no active spells in this place." I informed him before I turned back to the case of magical items. "Is there any other way in or out other than this door?" I asked pointing a thumb over my shoulder to the door behind me.

"I did not see one. If there is, it is not obvious." He replied. He looked over my shoulder into the case. I placed the little bee back where it belonged and pulled out a folded cloth. Inside was a palm sized disk of glass with bright copper metal lining the edges of it. It looked like a piece of stained glass before it was soldered together. I stood and pushed the glass against the door with one hand at face level. With the fingers of my free hand I turned the copper ring around effectively sticking it to the wood. With this little thing I could look out of the door and down the hallway from inside without no one knowing I was looking through the door at them. There was another that would let me see and hear what was on the other side of whatever wall I set it on.

Finally I dug through everything until I found a rectangular rolled carpet. This I laid down a few steps away from the inside of the door. The rug depicted dwarven paragons standing proudly feet apart holding their hammers over their head. It was woven in reds, greens and browns. This was the carpet Varric told me about when I returned from my shopping trip. Anyone walking over it would somehow magically appear in my mind.

"I want to test this one out. Will you help me?" I asked as I pointed down to the rug. He nodded. "I am going to go into my new bedroom, once I am there walk across this." I instructed.

A couple hours later there was a knock on my door. when I approached I twisted the ring around the glass disk that I attached to the door. Through it I could see a small blonde elven woman. Her hair was pulled back into a tight bun. Her sad green eyes were made darker with the light green make up over her eyelids. It stood out against the bright pink her lips were painted with.

I didn't recognize her so I waved Fenris over to answer the door. I stood behind the door when it opened so I could listen.

"Oh! Um. Hello." A sweet voice rang out. "I have been sent to escort the new Mistress to dinner with the Master. Is she ready?"

"She will be shortly." He said then immediately he shut the door in her face. I couldn't stop the giggle that rose at his abruptness. Fenris of course looked at me like I just grew a pair of antlers.

"Guess I should go get dressed." I smiled at him and entered my room. Directly across from the doorway was a large bed with a soft mattress. On the wall above it was a portrait of a severe looking woman. She wasn't ugly but her face was hard and unfeeling. Just looking at it made me feel like the woman was mad at me. This must be the Duchess. I could see the resemblance between her and her son. Suppressing the shudder that threatened I stalked over to the trunk that had what little clothes I brought.

I dressed simply. Soft black trousers under a long purple cotton dress. I cinched the dress with the strings at the side to make it a little less shapeless. It was cotton. Long sleeves cut off at the wrist and it showed just enough cleavage to feel feminine not scandalous. Soft black slippers slid over my feet. I quickly untied my braid and ran a brush through my long hair.

It took longer to brush my hair than it did to get dressed. Once it was tangle free I left it loose and went back to the shared space. "This is as ready as I am going to get. Let's go." While I was changing Fenris had removed his armor. He had also changed his clothes and was in the process of securing the harness attached to Retribution's scabbard. The large green stone peaked out over his head, swaying back and forth as he fastened the buckles over his chest. He left a few of the buttons on the shirt unbuttoned. I couldn't help but look at the blue grey markings that trailed from his chin, down his neck and over his chest. For something born of cruelty the tattoos themselves were beautiful. I had the same thought this morning when I watched Fenris' ferocity. I saw the savage beauty in it and couldn't take my eyes away.

"Is something the matter?" Fenris asked. It wasn't until he spoke that I realized my thoughts had run away and I was staring. Embarrassed I shook my head.

Fenris raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything before he opened the door. On the other side the elf woman waited patiently. She was such a small thing. "Oh wow! Mistress you look beautiful!" she exclaimed in her sweet voice.

"Thank you sweet heart. What is your name?" I asked her hooking my arm through hers as we walked side by side down the hall. Her cheeks turned red at the contact. "My name is Oriana ma'am."

By the time I got to the dining room I saw that Hadrianna was already seated. She and Denarius were engrossed in a quiet conversation. Once Denarius noticed me enter the room he loudly exclaimed my name and stood. He offered me his hand and led me to my seat politely pulling my chair out for me. Fenris was bold enough that he took the chair next to me and sat quietly with his head down.

"Good evening Denarius. Hadrianna." I greeted them both as I unfolded my napkin and set it across my lap. "You look lovely." Hadrianna complimented me. I thanked her as I reached for my goblet. It was filled with a crisp chilled tart juice that was surprisingly refreshing.

"Dinner will be served shortly." Denarius began. He was smiling at me. "I hope you feel welcome and comfortable here. It has been a long time since a Lady walked these halls." His comment made the fake smile plastered across Hadrianna's face fall into a grimace.

"It is truly beautiful. I look forward to integrating myself into the household." I replied. "The salon you provided me is comfortable and cozy. I can't wait to start reading the books in that library."

"I've never met a warrior who liked to read before. Most of them don't. Or can't." Hadrianna said with a pointed look at Fenris. Out of the corner of my eye I watched his head drop forward slightly. So she enjoys tormenting him further than her molestations. I thought to myself as I smiled at her.

"I have learned many things from people who couldn't read or write." I admitted. "In fact I can read but my penmanship…." I shook my head "is absolutely atrocious! A friend of mine was the one who wrote my acceptance to Denarius first invitation to Castellum Tenebris. He didn't want me to embarrass myself!" Laughter shook my shoulders and Hadrianna's mouth fell open in shock.

"What is wrong Hadrianna dear? Surprised I can admit my own faults? Or that my faults do not bother me?" I asked her as I took another drink. Denarius laughed at this. This laugh was genuine and was surprisingly warm. For a fraction of a second I could forget how much I hated the man.

"Every day can teach someone new things. Curiosity is a mortal condition and I indulge deeply in mine." Denarius said to me. Three elven children approached the table to start serving dinner. They loaded the table with smoked meat, roasted vegetables and a pot of a thick creamy potato soup. Denarius kept talking completely oblivious to the children who were portioning his plate. "In the rare moments I find myself with leisure time I research old texts I have pulled from deep within the bowls of the palace's library. Books like the one that helped me make Fenris so special. Too bad he was the only one that survived. I consider that experiment a failure." He shrugged.

My heart squeezed. Fenris was used in magical experiments?! It took a great amount of self-control to keep my composure. I swallowed the outrage and instead said, "I know nothing of magic. I leave all of that to the experts." I nonchalantly shrugged my shoulder. I looked down to the little girl who had approached to serve me. I smiled down at her and pointed to the pot of soup. She filled me a large bowl and handed me a spoon from her apron pocket. "Thank you." I whispered to her. Her already large eyes widened even more as she exclaimed "You're welcome Mistress. I hope you enjoy momma's soup. I cut all the potatoes for her." I smiled at her again and ruffled her hair.

The room was quiet as the children retreated to the kitchen. "Why waste good manners on slaves?" distain was thick in Hadrianna's question. Shifting my gaze to her I watched as she stabbed one of the colorful vegetables on her plate. Her posture was confident and her facial expression was smug. I silently ate a few spoonfulls before I answered her.

"Slave or not, that was a child. What is there to gain from cruelty to children?" I did not bother looking up from my meal when I answered her. Her opinion was irrelevant. When I did look up I turned my attention to my fiancé. He had watched my exchange with his apprentice in silence. He was at the head of the table; I was to his right and she was to his left. He ate with a fork in his left hand leaving his right hand resting on the table between us.

I rested my hand on his. "We spoke a bit about this earlier but I would like to run your guard force through some of the training I do every morning. Do you mind if I fill my mornings with this task?"

Smiling he tuned his hand over beneath mine and curled his fingers with mine. "Whatever you wish darling." He purred. "After our breakfast," he paused a moment thinking of the right word, "understanding I have thought deeply about what you said. The compromise you provided in regards to Fenris is a fair one. I did, after all, instruct the slaves to obey you as if you were me." his smile widened. "I have a compromise proposal of my own. Per our contract our relationship will not be consummated until after vows are exchanged. I propose that while you are here, we keep our private quarters to ourselves. I will not enter yours without your permission and you will not come in to mine without the same permission. The rest of this place is yours to roam as you please."

I giggled. "Stay out of my room and I will stay out of yours? Deal." I squeezed his fingers gently before I took my hand back.

Hadrianna excused herself before dessert. When she realized that Denarius was more interested in asking me questions about myself and the types of things I enjoyed her mood went from smug to out right anger. If her Master noticed he did not mention it.

At some point during our conversation I excused Fenris to inform the guard of my plans with them the next morning and by the time he returned the meal was concluded. Between how early I rose and the mental exhaustion of keeping up my pretense I found myself yawning.

"Let me escort you to your chambers my sweet." Denarius rose from his chair and offered me his hand. I accepted the gesture. The polite conversation continued as we neared my door. I told him stories of raising my beloved Festus and he seemed amused by them.

"Why isn't the animal with you now?" he asked. The inquiry hitched my step a bit and I stumbled into him. His loss was as deep as each of the rest of my family members. "When the templars started their purge of the mages in Kirkwall I sent him to look after the Grand Cleric. Elthina was a stubborn woman. She would never have abandoned the Chantry. He was caught in the explosion along hundreds of others." The memorial statue that was erected of Elthina was depicted with a mabari standing proud at her side. When her body was recovered for interment my boy's body was over her. He tried to protect her right up the very last second.

"Why not train another?" he looked at me from the corner of his eye. "Mabari can't just be purchased like other types of animals. They choose you. If they imprint on you they will follow and obey their entire lives. Festus imprinted on me when he was just a puppy." I shrugged.

"Unusual name." He commented. I shrugged again. "I was young. Maybe 15. I named him after the breeder who brought him to me."

The chit chat had concluded as we approached the gilded door. Denarius turned to me and grasped both of my hands in his. "This was a lovely day. I look forward to tomorrow. Good night." He leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss onto my forehead.

As he walked away I made a rude gesture to his back before I unlocked the door. Fenris chuckled.