CH 47: Night Out

A couple days had passed and Hawke's cabin fever was getting the best of her. She was so tired of her friends trying to coddle her. Not that she didn't know they were just trying to take care of her but staying home with few trips to the Hanged Man could only entertain her for so long.

With a sigh Hawke looked down at the stacks of messages that have stacked up since her battle with the Arishok. Everyone wanted something from her, please help me, please help was what they all said. She tried to organize them into piles, separating the important needs from the petty complaints. When she was done, she was left staring at the last message. It was an invitation for her and all her friends to an event to be held in her honor. Something to congratulate her on her new found status of the Champion of Kirkwall. It's not that exciting but it would be a change of pace, she thought as she read the invitation over. "WHAT! Tonight!" she screamed, "Shit…" she muttered to herself as she hurried to get ready and make her rounds to her friends and see if they wanted to go.

Normally she wouldn't be interested in such an event, but it was an excuse to be out of the house. She started with Anders, running through her cellar and escaping into Darktown through their secret passage. "Anders~" she called as she walked into the clinic, "Want to go to a gala?" she said with a happy smile. "Free food… free drink? What could be better?" she insisted.

"I thought you hated those kind of things," Anders questioned as he leaned up against his desk.

"I do… but it's something that none of you can stop me from going to. It's an open invite to the Champion of Kirkwall and all her companions! Come on say you'll come… you don't have to worry about the templars… you have a name to hide behind now!" she insisted.

"Clearly you have thought this through… so I can't argue.. I'll meet you at your place later," Anders said wondering what he could put on as he watched Hawke run out the door.

One by one she ran across Kirkwall recruiting each of her friends to come to the gala so they could all have some fun. It was pretty easy until she only had Fenris to ask. She knocked on his door while she remembered the gala they had went to before. Secretly she hoped that maybe they would have another opportunity to dance again. Suddenly, the door opened and Anelle stood in the door way.

"Good morning Mistress Hawke," she said coolly. "I'm afraid Fenris isn't here at the moment you'll have to come another day," she continued when a deep shout came from the back of the estate.

"Oh really, then how do you explain that?" Hawke said with a raised brow as she shoved her way past the elf and made her way to Fenris' quarters. Silently she watched as Fenris practiced his swordplay on a dummy. "Is it dead yet?" Hawke jested as she leaned up against the doorframe.

"Huh?" he said as he turned towards the door, resting his blade on his shoulders. He was a sight to see, the small beads of sweat streaking down his bare chest was enough to drive out all of Hawke's senses. "Hawke? I didn't hear you come in," he said as he lazily rubbed his hand across his bare chest.

"I—uh.." she coughed as she tired to regain her composure, "Of course you wouldn't… Your elfling wasn't going to let me in," she said quietly as she played with the ends of her hair, desperately trying to distract herself from his toned muscles and the swirls of lyrium that covered his flesh. "She was saying you weren't around, and was pretty adamant about it. I don't think she likes me too much," she laughed as she twirled a lock of hair around her finger. Under the circumstances I couldn't blame her, Hawke thought as she looked back up to Fenris, watching as his muscles contracted as he moved his sword leaning it up against the wall.

He grabbed a towel from a nearby basin and started wiping his chest off. She watched as the muscles in his back flexed as he dunked the towel again, ringing the water out over his head. Quietly she took the towel from him, submerging it back into the cold basin. "Maker this water is so cold.. How can you stand it?" she asked as she warmed the basin with her magic.

"It's nothing new," he started to explain until he felt the warm towel on his back as she gently rubbed his back down with slow circles. She tried to keep herself composed as she moved to the small of his back; she could feel the heat building in her cheeks as she blushed. Finally dropping the towel back into the basin, she stood back realizing what she had done… "Oh… Sorry… I just…" she stuttered as she covered her eyes trying to hide the rosy color on her cheeks. She sucked in a silent breath when she peeked through her fingers to see he was blushing too.

Turning around she laughed… "Umm.. I just came by to see if you wanted to go to the gala tonight. Apparently they're holding the event to celebrate my new title… it was an open invitation for all my companions and me… I just thought maybe you'd like to go.. If nothing else it's free drinks and free food," she said shyly, "Oh, and before you say it.. yes I don't like going to noble events… but you all have practically trapped me in my own home. It's something you can't stop me from going to," she explained quickly. "If you want to come, we're all meeting at my place then heading over… I thought it might be fun," she said shyly as she peaked up at him before she turned to walk out.

"Hawke," he shouted to her from the banister watching as she turned back towards him at the bottom of the stairs. "… I'll see you tonight," he said calmly with the hint of a smile on his lips. He watched as he was rewarded with a full smile that made her eyes twinkle before she waved goodbye to him as she left to get ready.

She had just finished adjusting her dress and looked herself over when she heard the first of her friends begin to arrive. No… I'm not done she thought as she sat down trying to figure out what to do with her hair. She was busy digging through her drawers when she heard the knock on her door. "Yeah!" she shouted as she tried to hold her hair in place as she dug through her drawer for the decorative comb she wanted, too distracted to hear the door open behind her. For a moment the incomer stood quietly admiring her as she leaned over the dresser.

Effortlessly, nimble fingers slid a thin chain around her neck as she tucked the comb in her hair holding her hair in place. Easily clasping the necklace without any notice. The moment that the chain fell on the back of her neck she shot up, looking into the mirror to see a familiar pendant lying on her chest. Slowly her eyes travelled up to see Fenris standing behind her. "There," he said as he pulled the comb from her hair and watched it fall down her back, "Perfect," he said softly as he looked her over in the mirror.

He watched with a satisfied stare as she brought her hand up, running her fingertips along the edges of the pendant that laid just above the rim of her black strapless dress. The dress fit her perfectly as it hugged her full breasts and waist, then began to softly flow out from her hips. It showed a sliver of her leg through a very high cut slit through the side.

"Fenris…" she whispered quietly as she turned to face him. It took everything she had to not embrace him, forcing her lips on his as she looked up into his emerald eyes. "I…" she started, but was interrupted when his finger pressed against her lips.

"I just wanted to return it," he said quietly, "You look beautiful," he whispered as he watched her cheeks grow pink.

"Thank you, you look rather handsome yourself," she smiled as she slid her foot into a black satin high heel. Clumsily she dropped her other shoe to the floor so that she could slide the dressy shoe on. She outstretched her arms for balance as she righted the shoe on the floor so she could attempt to slide her foot in. Instantly, Fenris was down on his knee, holding her leg and slide her small shoe on as she held onto his shoulder. Once done he turned from her, too embarrassed to reveal his blush as he opened the door for her. "Shall we?" he asked he gave her a polite bow.

"I suppose it is time, it sounds like everyone is here," she said as she walked through the door.

**~Meanwhile in Hawke's study~*

Anders had felt a light bounce to his step as he saw that Fenris was nowhere in sight. Finally, some time that we can be together without that beast hounding her he thought as he heard the sound of the bedroom door creak open. Quickly he stepped out of the study in his dressy navy blue robes. His eyes widened as he drank her in. The way her dress accentuated her every curve was enough to drive him wild, but his feelings of lust were soon quashed as he saw Fenris emerge from her bedroom as well. I knew it was too good to be true, he thought as he realized he had the one thing that Fenris didn't for this event. He was human, therefore acceptable to be associating or dancing with Hawke.

Biting his lip, he decided to bide his time. "Hawke! You look absolutely stunning," he praised as he took her hand and kissed her knuckle, ignoring the scowls from Fenris. "We're all here and ready to go," he said as she looked into the study to see all her friends out of their typical armor.

It didn't take the group long to get to the event. It was being held outside in the courtyard near Fenris' estate. They all talked to one another exchanging jokes and small tales on their short journey around the corner. Hawke could remember the last time it she had felt so warm inside, well she could… but she didn't want to admit that to herself right now. But for now, having all her friends around, happy and safe was more than anything she could have asked for.

The crowd cheered as their group walked in, shouting praises of thanks, and blessings to Hawke and her companions. "Oh look, a group of people who like us!" Hawke joked as she gave a friendly wave. Instantly they were bombarded by nobles and servants asking how everything was going. What was going through their mind as Hawke battled the Arishok. Anything you could think of was asked.

They had all been enjoying some drinks in the company of all the strangers when a noblemen approached Fenris "Elf, there has been a delay, entertain the guests" he ordered as he shoved a violin into Fenris' hands. For a moment Fenris couldn't believe the audacity of the man ordering him around like that. Did he not see how he walked in with Hawke?

Annoyed, Fenris was about to throw the instrument away and head back to his state but he didn't have many excuses to see Hawke anymore. With a quiet growl he followed the man over to where the musicians were supposed to be. "I don't care what you play but try and make it into something decent knife-ear, the hired band will be here soon," the noble said as he took a drink of his wine.

He wanted nothing more than to hit the noble snob in front of him, but he didn't want to do something to hurt Hawke's reputation. He new how hard it must be for her to deal with everything, with everyone now looking at her as a personal servant. Expecting her to help. Quietly he looked to see her, her gown was beautiful. The black fabric shimmered as it clung tightly to her to show off her feminine curves but flowed away in all the right places. It was a simple dress compared to the rest of the nobles, but somehow she looked more elegant than any other woman in their fancy gowns. The soft fabric draped over her lower back. If her hair weren't down everyone would have been able to see the intricate patterns of the markings on her flesh. He watched as she turned to greet another noble somebody giving Fenris a glimpse of her toned legs from the high slit in the dress.

What am I supposed to play? he thought as he plucked at the strings listening to their tone. With a deep breath he let his mind wander to think how long it had been since he had to perform such tasks. It wasn't something he wasn't accustomed to, Danarius required many things from Fenris… It was just, he hadn't picked up a violin since the last ball Danarius hosted. The simple music had lost its soothing appeal.

Quietly he laid the violin against his shoulder and gently rested his chin against it. He had always wanted to play for her, and now he finally got his chance. Though he regretted that it wasn't just the two of them. It was either now or never he thought as he felt the nerves in his gut begin to grow. He wanted it to be perfect, not the horrible mess he was expecting from the years without practice. He wanted it to be a song that described Hawke in his eyes. Slowly, he held up the bow and began playing a slow melody filling the background air. As much as he wanted her to see him play for her, he couldn't bring himself to look over to see what she was doing so instead he continued to play.

If only he would have opened his eyes, he would have seen how his song entranced her. She had excused herself from her conversation with lord something-or-another and had completely turned away from the crowd. Gravitating towards the music, possessed by the sweet sounds that fluttered into her ears. Beckoning her like a siren's call. For those precious moments, nothing mattered to her. Just the sounds from the violin as she watched Fenris slightly sway with the beat of his song. When the song was almost over he had finally gotten the courage to look for her, he watched as Sebastian, Varric and the rest of them stared at him in disbelief but she was no where to be found. Where is she? With a silent growl he tried to think of a more upbeat song to play. He remembered the ones he was forced to play for Danarius, but he didn't want to bring any thoughts of him to their little gathering.  

Finally after adjusting the strings on his violin he prepared himself to play another song. Looking out into the crowd he had hopped to see her hidden amongst the nobles, somewhere she could enjoy the songs he played. The next song started off much quicker than the previous one's mellow pace. He had only played a few notes when another instrument had joined with him. He was curious as to who would be interested in trying to make up a song in the middle of a noble event. Probably some young servant who doesn't know any better he thought as they continued to play. They were alternating between complementing the notes he played with deeper sounds and competing with him. The nobles all began to turn around and watched as the two played.

He was really surprised with how well they kept up with him and his changes in pace and mood. Fenris began to imagine what the servant would look like. Probably a young girl, too skinny and dirty like most of the servants in Hightown, under paid and neglected, he thought as he continued to play. Listening to how the sounds of the deep instrument would take advantage of the moments it had to step into the light. However, not once did Fenris turn around to see who had begun to entertain the masses along with him. The beat was not suitable for dancing to, but it began to turn heads as the pair played.

The song continued changing beats and styles as the pair had an unspoken competition of skill. Even during the short breaks between the alternation of styles he refused to acknowledge those who watched him as well as the one playing along with him. However, that wasn't the case from the nobles as they watched as the violinist easily played each note then bounced back to watch the strings of the cello as the woman playing it watched Fenris play.

It wasn't until the song was over that he finally gave into curiosity and turned around to see Hawke handing the cello back to its owner saying a quick thank you before she turned and walked back over to Fenris. She gave a shy smile as she curtsied before him and then a quick wave to the nobles who watched the two along with their jaw dropped friends.

"If I wasn't here, I wouldn't believe that just happened," Varric said as he began to applauded his friends.

Hawke went back to her friends and exchanged laughs as they praised her for the song and asked how long the pair had rehearsed that. None of them seemed prepared to accept that neither of them had ever practiced that no matter how much she insisted that it was impromptu. Through the corner of her eye she watched as Fenris handed off the violin to some other elf as he walked from the stage. She had hoped that maybe their song would have given him the courage or just an excuse for him to come over to her, but instead she watched as he found his way to some distant part of the room to hide in.

Slowly Hawke made her way over, "I had no idea you could play like that," she said softly as she held out a wine glass for him, "Though I have to admit… I really liked the first song better," she added quickly offering him a quick smile. After a couple moments of silence she finally faltered, "You know… you don't have to outcast yourself over here in the corner," said as she played with a curl in her hair.

"I know… but the only see me as your servant…" he finally admitted.

"So you act the part? Fenris, you are a free man, it's time you act like one. Be bold, speak to whomever you want, flirt, dance, eat… enjoy your time… you've earned it," she said softly as she watched a noble approaching her.

She turned giving Fenris a quick smile as the noble pulled her away. For a couple more minutes he watched as she played the part, laughing at jokes she didn't think were funny and all the rest.

Finally, the part of the night Hawke had been dreading approached as the music started. She was only interested in dancing with one person, but she hadn't seen him out in the crowds. With a heavy sigh she turned when she felt a heavy hand on her shoulder. Putting on a smile to see Anders standing before her. "Hawke, care to dance?" he asked quietly. Normally she would have said no, but it was expected of her to dance and she couldn't deny the hope in his eyes. With a quick wanting glance she looked over to where Fenris still lingered. She felt her heart sink as she placed her hand in Anders.

Why wouldn't you come? she thought as she followed Anders to the open area. "I didn't know you danced," Hawke said casually.

"Just because I haven't had many opportunities for it doesn't mean I don't enjoy it," he said as he possessively placed his hand around the small of her back as he took her other hand in his. His steps were light as he led her with the beat of the music. Gently twirling her so that her skirt flailed outward like a wave then pulling her back firmly against his chest. "I never would have taken you for a dancer," Anders whispered in her ear as they swayed back and forth.

"Anything can be fun with alcohol involved," she joked, "It's fun… a different form of expression," she added as he tipped her, instinctively her eyes searched for Fenris who still lingered in the corner. The soft tingle on her neck surprised her when she felt Anders place a soft kiss on her lyrium. Anders? she thought as he pulled her back into his embrace as the song ended.

He held her close as he waited for the next song to begin. As they began their first few steps a familiar voice echoed around them. Calm and gentle, bringing relief to her overactive nerves. "May I cut in?" Sebastian asked calmly extending his hand to Hawke. With a small smile she happily accepted Sebastian's request.

Quickly he pulled her into his own embrace, his hands planted heavily on her lower back as he guided her around the small dance square. "What was that about?" Sebastian asked. Obviously he didn't miss how Anders kissed her.

"I don't have a clue," she answered with a blush. "You know he's watching you," Sebastian whispered by her ear before he bringing their arms up in an arch as he twirled her.

"I know… but he won't come over… Why?" she asked with pleading eyes as she returned to his arms. "Even if he didn't wish to be by my side, why should he seclude himself so…" she asked as they continued with their traditional dance. "Sebastian… do you think he'll ever be free of himself?" she asked sadly as she rested her cheek on his shoulder.

"Maybe he will… Maybe he just needs time," Sebastian suggested with a polite bow as the song ended. Casually he found his way back over to Fenris as some random noble wishing to dance with her distracted Hawke.

"That was a beautiful song you played. I can't say that I've ever heard it before," Sebastian said to the stoic elf propped up against a random pillar. "Does it have a name?" he asked quietly, taking a drink of his wine.

"No," the elf replied quickly as his eyes scanned the crowd.

"You made that song for her?" Sebastian surmised as he watched his eyes narrow. "If not, it at least sounds like it could have been created just for her. A story of her troubles and travels, yet comes out the victor... Sounds a lot like our fearless leader right?" Sebastian pushed.

"What do you want Sebastian? To know if I played that for her? Then yes, I played it for her... hoping maybe she would take the time to listen to it.." he admitted bitterly.

"And she did... Did you not see? She cut away from all the nobles talking to her and watched you play, until she saw the cello... And you know where that went," Sebastian explained quickly as he turned his attention to the crowd watching as Isabella and Varric told stories. Anders did his best to keep himself as close to Hawke as possible, and the rest kept themselves occupied how they could. "You know, the event is almost over… If you were hoping to dance with her… you better consider doing it. We both know she's the envy of everyone here. Every noblemen will be lining up for their turn, bombarding her with suitors and the like." Sebastian explained as he leaned up against the pillar next to Fenris. He stood there quietly, waiting to see if Fenris would have anything to say. "And if you're not interested in that you could at least try to join the party… She still worries about you, you know?" he added quietly as he pushed himself from the pillar and joined the nobles in their song and dance.

The night had progressed and Rem had danced with plenty of her friends, Anders, Sebastian, Isabella, Anders, then nobles. Every once in a while she would find her way over to Fenris, bringing him a fresh glass of wine and some food to eat. Finally Fenris decided to leave his claimed spot in the shadow of the corner. A mixture of frustration and jealousy had built up in his chest as he watched Anders shamelessly flirt with Hawke in front of him. Slowly he made his way to her, desperately tying to think of what he would say to her.

"Yes knife-ear, I could use another drink," the nobleman said in front of Hawke, "And it appears she could use a refill as well," he added as he reached for her glass.

With a frown she pulled her glass away, "I have legs of my own thank you, and you would do well to treat your workers with some respect," she said snidely as she turned her head towards the servant to offer a kind smile that soon fell when her jaw dropped. "Fenris?" she said quietly. The noble offered his apologies as he extended his hand, waiting expectantly for Hawke to take it.

The noble grew impatient, as he only felt the night's cool air grasping his fingers, looking up he watched as the tall elf raised up his hand, palm side up as his emerald eyes peered down to her. He desperately hoped for her to accept him. He hated competing with noble for Hawke's attention, and worried that maybe she would do the right thing and choose the noble.

Hawke was lost in his eyes, for a brief moment he had let down his guard and she could see hope behind his eyes. She could drown herself in the rare moments when he wore his emotions on his sleeve. With a soft smile she raised up her hand, placing it in his.