A/N: A few things: Please excuse all spelling or grammatical errors, as I am the only one who writes and checks this document. Also, comments, questions, and reviews are loved and encouraged! I also realize that my timeline is a bit off, because I began this story long before DA: Inquisition was released. Because of this, the years and events have been adjusted accordingly.

A/W: This chapter will have a bit of sexual content, though not too explicit. You have been advised.

Sharp Little Pinpricks

Chapter 21: Long day's journey, Part 1

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"Tarasyl'an Te'las," Merrill said quietly. "An old, long forgotten place. My friends have whispered of it: that the stone breathes, full of life once again. It would be all so very exciting to see it with my own eyes." The Dalish elf giggled to herself, her eyes darting to and fro in quiet contemplation.

"Your…friends," Hawke said uneasily, "have they told you anything else of it? Varric wasn't too specific on its' location."

"Oh," Merrill waved off, "that's because he knew I'd do the research." She smiled. "Its history is magnificent. The Fortress is old," Merrill continued with excitement, "it was once believed to have been an ancient site of burial or ritual for elves during the height of our civilization. How much of this is true, I don't know, but it was later leveled by Fereldans to make room for the Keep that Varric speaks of. There is talk of the Fortresses' stone being permeated with old magic that now keeps it safe –impenetrable by evil. I would like to study this place," Merrill concluded with a strong nod. "We should make our way back to Fereldan quickly. I know of a long-forgotten passage some ways near Redcliffe. That'll be our best bet to head into the mountains. Pack furs, it's sure to be cold!"

Aveline eyed the elf warily, not pretending that this talk of 'friends' did not bother her. "I agree. We should be off as soon as possible. Screw the Viscount. I say we go straight to Varric. He mentioned Seeker Pentaghast."

"You know her?"

"Of her," Aveline corrected, "yes. She's the right hand of the Divine. We've already met the left."

"Sister Nightingale," Hawke thought aloud. "She was mentioned in Varric's letter as well."

"If this Inquisition is where everyone is to come together, then let us find the answers to our questions there. The Viscount knows ass all about anything—Kirkwall included. He'll be of no use, and I sure as balls don't trust these 3000 Sovereign reward bits tied on to meeting him."

"Right," Hawke nodded. "This Skyhold place is where Varric asked us to go immediately and I trust that his urgency is well placed. Send word to everyone to finish making their preparations. We leave at first light. Tell Anders we'll dock as close to Lake Calenhad as we can. He'll have to contact the Circle there at once so they'll be ready to receive him and Ann. As for us...we'll make towards Redcliffe from the lake. Merrill, you'll take it from there if needed."

Merrill dipped her head nervously. "I can do this. I won't let you down, Hawke. Not again."

"Hey," Hawke motioned, lifting Merrill's gaze to her own. "What happened to Bethany is not your fault. We'll get this sorted out. I need you, Merrill. Stay focused and stay with us."

The Dalish elf sighed heavily and nodded. "I am. I will. It's why I came back. Trust me."

"I always have," the warrior replied, taking Merrill's cut hand into her own. "…but…go easy on your 'research', okay? I understand that all magic has its place. You know I've always agreed with you on that—"

"Hawke," Aveline interrupted, wrinkling her nose in distaste before being quieted down by Hawke's raised hand.

"—but I want you to be careful. You, more than anyone, know the dangers posed by reaching out into the Fade. I know you don't need our approval to use whatever magic you see fit. Magic has run in your culture longer than anyone else's, and you're of your own mind when it comes to its workings, but I ask that you hold true to your boundaries. Don't push further than you need to, and certainly do not hurt yourself anymore." Hawke gently placed an ointment and wrapped the large cut on the hand she was holding. Merrill winced at the contact, visibly saddened by the words, but nodding in acceptance.

"I understand. I do," Merrill said softly. "Thank you, Hawke."

*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*

Sneaking out of Kirkwall with Ann and Anders took longer and was harder than even Aveline anticipated, though in the end they managed to load all people and belongings up on board with no cause for violence. Having been on Ser Braiden's good side proved to have its use. He was less skeptical of the warrior, more open and relaxed to her crew and 'friends', though many of them hooded and withdrawn. Still, the young Templar proved himself to be a decent fellow in the end. Now, time passed slowly on board Isabela's brig. The moon was high and the ocean oddly steady. They had been at sea for three days, each party member completing various helping tasks, or making preparations for docking. Isabela's cabin was dimly lit with candles, the moonlight aiding by pouring through small, circular windows that eyed the dark sea.

The cabin door had been locked as it had every night since setting off to sea. Having finally found each other and recognizing their feelings, Hawke could no longer keep her desires at bay, and she had made sure to make Isabela aware of these desires for the last three nights.

Tonight, it was no different.

Both Isabela and Hawke were tangled in each other, once more, sweat lightly sheening off both their light and sun-kissed bodies. There was a double ended contraption Isabela had purchased from an Orlesian woman in Kirkwall that needed a harness to use, one that Hawke was all too enthusiastic to try for the first time three nights ago; now, the warrior was a goddess with the apparatus, and Isabela gave up trying to hide her screams from the night air.

Hawke rolled the pair over, sitting Isabela up on her pelvis before sitting up herself and kissing between the pirate's breasts, neck and jaw. Isabela groaned, holding onto her warrior goddess in need, pressing Hawke to her as she rode with feverish delight. Hawke hissed, the double ended contraption pumping into her own center with each of Isabela's clenches and thrusts. The leather harness dug into her hips, having caused several cuts and imprints to form around Hawke's hips, but she didn't mind. It was hard to feel anything else but Isabela on top of her, the Rivani's long fingers grasping desperately onto Hawke's shoulders, using them to aid in her frantic pumps.

"Hawk," Isabela whimpered, a rare sound, "I can't…hold it."

"Don't," Hawke growled through clenched teeth, "I want to feel it." Marian reached up to bring Isabela into an impassioned kiss, muting the woman's cries momentarily. Isabela clung to Hawke as if her life depended on the other, her thrusts and body stiffening as she released a long, unashamed moan into the night, burying Hawke's face into her breasts as she rolled through her waves of pleasure. Hawke could feel her center slicken with her own pleasure, her eyes rolling back and closing as she inhaled the scent and sweat of her lover.

"Will you two please just SHUT UP," Aveline yelled, banging loudly on the wall. Perhaps, what with her wanting her own space, having Aveline stay in the small servants' cabin next to Isabela's was not the best of ideas. "Some of us are actually trying to SLEEP. I'm sure even the damned whales in the ocean can't best the howling of you two slatterns!"

Hawke's cheeks darkened as Isabela carefully removed the device from between them before resuming her place on top of her lighter skinned partner. "Come off of it," Isabela shouted back amusedly, "you know our noises go right along with that chapter of FriendFiction you're currently reading in there."

Silence.

"There," Isabela grinned, looking down at Hawke with nothing short of affection. The sight of it always caught the warrior off-guard. It was a look she cherished, but had not come to expect from the Rivaini. "Where was I? Oh, yes. I was about to say well done, sweet-thing. That's been our best night yet."

"I'm happy to satisfy," Hawke joked lazily, laying back and stretching out while Isabela still straddled her. There was slickness where Isabela sat on Hawke, but Hawke couldn't care in the slightest.

"More than satisfy," Isabela continued, her eyebrow lifting in a mischievous manner. "I'd even go so far as to say…sated," she bemused, lowering herself to take Hawke's lips into her own for a brief moment.

"Mm," Hawke managed, smiling into the short kiss. "So…you're happy?"

Isabela leaned back a bit with a questioning gaze. "What do you mean? The sex is fantastic, you goose."

"Not with…just the sex. I meant…with me."

"Am I happy with you?"

"I…yeah, that sounds a bit trite now that I hear it back. Nevermind."

"Wait," Isabela said, stopping Hawke before she was able to turn onto her side. Now or never. "Yes. I am."

Hawke's eyes widened the smallest bit.

"I don't know what that involves," Isabela continued, "but I'm learning not to overthink things when it comes to you. I'm happy. I'm happy when I'm around you and with you, and I'm especially happy when you're bending me over and having your way. So…yes, I'm happy."

"For now," Hawke teased, a large, genuine smile creeping onto her face. It was the sort of smile that always made Isabela's heart beat faster.

"Right," Isabela chuckled deeply, reaching down to gently pinch the warrior on her inner thigh. "For now."

"Sleep?" Hawke questioned, gently moving Isabela to lay down beside herself.

"Maker's balls, yes," Isabela cooed, laying back in bed. "Sleep after a good snogging is –"

A harsh knock on the door interrupted her.

"—not happening," Isabela sighed, annoyed. "Who the shit is it," she called out. "Bodok?"

"Ah—i-it's Anders. Hawke, can we speak?"

Isabela scowled, getting up from her bed instantly to walk to the door. "Cover yourself," she demanded of the warrior while she herself remained in all of her glory.

"Isabela, don't answer it like that—wait—clothes! Put on your clothes be—"

Before a third knock was heard, Isabela had already flung her door open, standing there with a cocked hip, crossed arms and an angered expression. Hawke groaned, sliding under the covers to keep her private parts hidden.

"Do you know what bloody time it is," Isabela spat, glaring at the wide-eyed Mage, whose disheveled look made it obvious that he had been having a very hard time sleeping. "What? What is it!?"

Anders, whose eyes darted back and forth between the unashamed pirate and ever reddening Hawke could simply not look away. "I—I was hoping to speak to Hawke on—on a matter of most importance—Maker's breathe, Isabela. Do you have to stand there like…that?" Anders held out his hand to block his sight of lady bits.

"Stand here like what? Naked? In my OWN cabin? Anders, you're going to have to sod off with this until morning. It's late, we've just snogged, and I want to sleep. Go."

Anders could feel his teeth clench. "This is important…Hawke," he tried again, trying his best to bypass the body guard. "Could you meet me out by the mast? Please?"

"Anders," Hawke finally managed to voice, "Is it really something that can't wait until morning?"

"It's concerning—"

"—let me guess," Isabela said, rolling her eyes. "It's concerning the future of all mages."

"…well…yes," Anders replied, his hand now falling to meet Isabela's eyes with a scowl of his own. "It's one simple question. I'm sure you can spare your new lover for a moment, yes?"

Isabela scoffed, slamming the door as she turned to move back towards the bed. "Actually, no. Not tonight. Goodnight, Anders," she yelled out, locking her cabin door once more.

Anders sighed, placing his head against the cabin door. "I know this is awkward. And I know speaking now is not the best. But we dock tomorrow afternoon and I'm making preparations for what is to come. I need to know some things before that time comes. Please, Hawke, if you're in there and willing I would like to speak with you only momentarily."

Isabela took her place in bed and covered herself, turning away from Hawke as she lay on her side. "Just go. I know you're wanting to."

Hawke's expression saddened, reaching over to touch Isabela on her shoulder. Isabela shrugged it away. "I'll only be a moment, I swear."

The warrior was quick to wear simple pants and a loose-fitting tunic top before stepping out of the cabin into the cold night air.

"Thank the Maker you have more sense," Anders spoke, wanting to embrace the woman but knowing better.

"Don't say another word unless it's about your business," the warrior spoke firmly. "Out with it, Anders. Isabela is right, it is very late and you are wanting to speak with me at a very undesirable time. Let's hear it."

Anders looked down, understanding that Hawke was now only business. "You're the Champion of Kirkwall, a title that still holds much prestige and sway in most political courts. In short, The Circles have fallen. I intent to rebuild it, only now it will be autonomous and through the workings of some of the most esteemed mages in the lands. I myself will not run the Circle, we both know the problems that in itself would stir. My plans are bold. They're big. I need to know I have your support no matter what."

"No." Hawke said simply, her gaze firmly on the now caught-off-guard mage in from of her.

"No?" She had always said yes before.

"No," she repeated. "I will go along with no other proposal of yours unless I am given plans, details, have spoken with your alliances, mages, etcetera. I agreed to getting you to Fereldan. From that point you are on your own. If our paths cross again and the moment is right, I'll consider action from there depending on all who are involved. But as of now, no. I will not help you in any more endeavors. I have my own path to take."

"I…understand," Anders replied simply, the answer having obviously caught the better of him. It was apparent in this time and place that Hawke would not budge. "I…thank you for your time, Hawke."

Hawke nodded her head and turned to make her way back towards the cabin.

"Hawke?"

The warrior closed her eyes and sighed. She knew that tone. "Yes, Anders?"

"…is she better?"

Hawke turned around, her eyebrow raised. How loud were her and Isabela, exactly? "Better at what?"

Anders, now a light shade of red, repeated himself. "Better."

Hawke kept her eyes firmly locked to his. She paused momentarily, considering if he wanted to know the truth or was hoping for something to stem from this encounter. Hawke thought back to the few moments they were actually intimate together. When Anders allowed Hawke to touch him. When he finally conceded to her pleas of loneliness, even though it took time away from his precious manifesto. The intimacy was brief, often cold. Sometimes, it seemed to benefit Anders more what with him always seeming so focused on his own performance and needs, rather than working with Hawke to achieve their pleasure together. Hawke remembered how hard she would have to work to get him to a place where intercourse was possible, how sore her jaw would be afterwards and how incomplete she felt when he was done. It made her nose wrinkle.

Hawke understood now, finally being able to distance herself from her circumstances and realize how unhealthy the man had been for her. How one-sided and abusive the relationship could be and often was towards the middle and end of their time together.

"Yes," Hawke finally said, allowing the word to fall from her lips with utmost self-assurance. So much so that it almost stung Anders to hear it.

"I see. I'm sorry, Hawke… I didn't know what I was after. Goodnight." It was all he could say before turning quickly to go.

Hawke watched him leave before finding her place back in bed beside Isabela, sure to lock their cabin afterwards. "…are you mad?"

"A bit," Isabela replied, still wide awake and facing away. "It bothers me that no matter what time it is, you're always so willing to jump for him. The moon has been high for a few hours, Hawke. He's already getting what he wants, so what could he possibly need to speak of that couldn't wait until the morning?"

Hawke sat up, looking down at the other woman. "He wanted to know if I'd support his plan to remake the towers in a new fashion."

Isabela sat up quickly, her eyebrows furrowed. "And?"

"I said no," Hawke replied coolly. "We already have much to do, and I'm not about to blindly follow him into another one of his plots and plans. I won't make that mistake twice."

Isabela seemed to relax. "Was that it?"

"Well…" Hawke's cheeks tinged with pink. "Sort of, yes."

"What else did he ask?"

"If you were better. At…you know. Better."

"At fucking?" Isabela scoffed. "He wanted to know who gave it to you better? Are you serious? Hawke, I swear if he thinks he can just walk in here whenever he bloody-well fancies, I will take the hilt of my dagger and shove it so far up his—"

Hawke slowly began to undress herself in front of Isabela, drawing the woman's attention away from anger and frustrations. "Isabela," she said, finally moving to take her place beside the other woman, planting soft, maddening kisses all over the pirate's weakest spots. "don't pay him any mind. I think only of you and want only your mouth and touch. So yes, you are better—in all ways," the warrior whispered, nibbling at Isabela's ear. "Don't get me wrong, I love going out there and beating bastards to a pulp, finding new goodies, and causing well deserved mayhem, but…coming back to a bed with you at the end of the day is…" Hawke moaned, softly, only for Isabela to hear. "…so much better than anything else."

Isabela could feel her stomach flip, causing her to growl and flip the other woman onto her back. "You're maddening, do you know that?"

Hawke felt that mischievous grin slide across her face, that cocky eyebrow arching as she looked up into her favorite pair of honey-colored eyes. "What are you going to do about that, Captain?"

"Maker," Isabela sighed, her own wicked smirk coming out. "I love it when you call me that, you naughty thing…"

"I'M LITERALLY GAGGING," Aveline yelled out, pounding the wall again.

"I swear," Isabela sighed, "at this point I'm fairly sure she purposefully has her ear to the wall."

"Then let's give her something to listen to, hm? You're not too tired, are you?" Hawke brought the tanned woman down into a kiss.

Isabela growled and shook her head eagerly, to which Hawke simply allowed Isabela's animalistic desires to take over. It was, after all, so much better.

*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*

The hours continued to tick away. The sun was high.

"Soon," Isabela exhaled, her eyes steady on the horizon. "The Free Marches are long behind us, Sweet-thing. We'll be on Fereldan soil soon."

"Good," Hawke said, her voice firm. "I'm anxious to get on foot. I love being on the sea, but it's time to move forward."

"Keep steady," Aveline reassured the other warrior, her hand resting on the other's shoulder. "We'll find Bethany, Hawke. We'll get to the bottom of all of this."

"A new adventure," Merrill chirped happily, leaning against Isabela who wrapped her arm around Merrill's shoulder.

"That's right, Kitten."

Anders respired, adjusting the various pouches on his belt before adjusting the pouches on Ann. "We're almost there, Ann. How do you feel?"

The young woman giggled, looking over to Isabela. "Good."

Isabela couldn't return the fond gaze. She found her demeanor saddening, her eyes falling down and out towards the ocean. "You'll take care of her, yes?"

Anders nodded. "She'll be fine."

"That's not what I asked," Isabela tried again.

Anders looked up at the Rivaini woman. "I will take care of her," he said again, more sternly this time. "You don't have to worry."

Isabela bit her tongue.

"LAND-HOOOOO," Bodok called out with his deep, gravely laugh. The Quartermaster pointed towards the direction Isabela's brig was headed. "Fereldan soil, Cap'n! We're heading in fast!"

"Slow her down, Bodok, and slide us into the first, larger channel. See if we can glide her in to where the ocean meets the three rivers. Careful with the shoreline, eh?"

"Ay, Cap'n! Ye heard her, boys! Bring down the full sail! We're gonna glide and stick her in like we do an expensive wench at the Rose! Be treatin' her nice and well, boys! We wanna use her again!"

Aveline curled her lip and shook her head. "Fascinating."

"Lighten up, Big Girl. It's been a long while since these boys have had their fill of anything soft."

"Wish that could have been said for all of us these past several nights."

Mostly everyone stared at both Isabela and Hawke with knowing eyes. Hawke knew better than to meet the gaze of anyone in return lest her cheeks fall off.

"It didn't bother me," Merrill chuckled, patting Hawke on the back consolingly (which only made it worse). "When you all are happy, I'm happy. Only in this case you must have been very happy by the sound of it. Especially when you were saying Don't stop you've almost got it! Goodness," Merrill said concerned, "you must have had a dreadful knot in your back! I'm glad it's all sorted though. Nothing wrong with a good massage now and then. Except for me. I'm not good with strangers touching me. Makes me anxious. I worry." Merrill stopped when she noticed how red Hawke was getting. "Dread wolf! I think you're coming down with a fever! Let me go find you some water."

Hawke considered throwing herself over as Merrill went into Isabela's cabin in search of Hawke's water skin.

"Ain't nothing to be ashamed of," Bodok said, swinging down from some high place. "Most men would stab their mum's gullet to get a good tumble with Cap'n over there. Count yourself as lucky, Champion! Wear that badge with pride, aye?"

Aveline rolled her eyes. "You say badge, I say syphilis."

"Eh," Bodok continued, pulling on some rope. "Ye say tomato! I say…tomato!"

"You literally just said it the exact same way twice."

"Aye," Bodok nodded. "I'm glad ye understand!"

"What," Aveline said, her lip curling in confusion. "Nevermind. Just nevermind."

Isabela watched the exchange for several more minutes before directing her crew to ease the brig to a halt, her ship sitting in a beautiful position of being not to close nor far from the shore. "Alright. Bodok, once the girls and I unload, take the boat where you need to go. Restock on supplies and enjoy yourself. The ship is yours until I return, my friend."

Bodok looked into his Captain's eyes and nodded. "We'll be back when you need us. You can count on me and the boys, Cap'n. I promise you this."

"You've been the finest Quartermaster a woman could ask for. Until next time, my friend." Isabela turned towards her crew. "Thank you, boys. Now take your fill of land and women!"

Isabela's crew cheered, raising their fists in the air before the excited chatter commenced. Several wooden row boats were lowered into the water, filled with all of those making their way towards land. Anders could see several horses on the way, accompanied by a darker woman wearing a robe. She waved her hand upon them closing in.

"There's my help," Anders sighed in relief. "She made it."

Upon finally hitting land, everyone graciously took their moment to appreciate the smell of wet earth and grass before separating into their own parties.

"Here," Anders said, taking the reins of four horses and handing them to Aveline to hold. "They agreed to bring extra for helping Ann and I get this far. Thank you for your help, Hawke. Mages everywhere thank you."

The older, darker mage nodded her head to Hawke before smiling warmly at Ann, who seemed to take to her instantly.

"Will she be alright?"

The old mage smiled at Isabela and nodded. "Yes, my child. She'll be just fine. Now come, Ann. I baked some bread and cooked a big, fat chicken for you. Let's get some meat on those bones, child. Afterwards perhaps we can draw a bit together?"

Isabela watched as the pair made their way towards their own set of horses, eager to get on the road towards their own safety. Anders waved at Hawke's party. "Be careful out there. Steer clear of any strange, green rifts you encounter."

"Thank you," Hawke nodded. "Be well on your journey, Anders. Take care of Ann."

"I will. And…Hawke? We've been through our share of events. I truly am sorry for all that's happened, but I want you to know that I regret nothing of our time together. Being with you opened my eyes to so much. I feel that I'm a better person, though still undeserving of you, I understand that now. I love you, Hawke. I always will. I wish you the very best on your new path, and should we ever cross again…I hope we can still be friends."

Hawke nodded her head honestly, though no smile reached her lips. "Goodbye, Anders."

As the group of mages made their way into the distant horizon, Aveline passed out a horse to each party member. "Pack your belongings as needed. It's time to move."

Isabela saluted the red headed woman with a click of her heel before sarcastically marching towards her small daypack. "Yes, Captain!"

Aveline eyed Hawke. "Is it bad of me to wish that one of those green portals would suck her up?"

Hawke grinned, hopping onto her pale brown horse and clicking her tongue to guide it forward. "Come on, we've got quite some ways to go until we reach the outskirts of Redcliffe."

*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*

"How much longer?"

"If we push ourselves, we'll be there when the moon is high."

Hawke eyed their horses, holding their steady pace, but beginning to huff, their coats thick with sweat. "We should rest our mounts. We'll only slow ourselves without them, and you know how I hate treating them improperly."

Isabela leaned over to pat the neck of her white mare. "Agreed, we should stop and set up camp. We'll make it to Redcliffe tomorrow by late morning."

Aveline nodded her head in the direction of the tree-line, turning her mount to follow in that stead. "These roads can be dangerous at night. I say we head into the tree line and find a good place to make a low fire and find some fresh game."

"I'll catch some rabbits," Isabela said. "I need to stretch out my legs."

"Alright," Hawke said. "I'll help Aveline set up camp and make the fire. Be careful."

Isabela removed herself from here steed, taking a medium sized leather bag with her, and passing the reigns to Aveline who led the horse in the direction she mentioned, Hawke moving closely behind the other warrior. Isabela groaned and placed her hands behind her hips, stretching out and popping almost all of her limbs. "Sweet Andraste's ass, everything hurts." The rogue shook out her body before removing both of her daggers from their sheathes and moving slowly into the forest that surrounded the roads.

It had taken a while, but eventually Isabela had found the faint trail of a rabbit, making quick work of it with the simple, precise throw of a dagger to the head. She dressed it there, burying the entrails and unwanted bits in the dirt and covering the meat to place in her bag. Isabela covered her hands in dirt to mask the scent of blood before finding and moving to refill her water skin at a nearby creek, washing properly afterwards. "Balls," she said, splashing some water on her face to fight the sudden weariness that washed over her. "I'm much more tired than I thought." She checked the distance of the moon in the sky. "I should get back."

"Let me help you with your bag. We'll go back together."

Isabela spun around, dagger extended. The voice was familiar. "Hawke?"

"It's me," the warrior said, moving closer, her hand extended. "Your bag, let me help you. You look tired, love."

"How did you find me here? You all set up camp some ways away, didn't you?"

"Along this creek," Hawke said with a perfect smile. "We wanted to bathe and refill our skins. Is that okay? It did take me a while to find you."

Isabela raised her brow in question, sheathing her dagger. "It's fine…are you alright?"

"I'm perfect. Especially since I've found you."

"I…" Isabela shook her head, her eyes feeling heavy. "I feel very tired suddenly. I guess I'm not one for long rides after all," she joked, offering the other woman a weary wink.

"Your joke is funny. And I do disagree. You're great."

Isabela's brows fell. "You seem different."

"Do I? How? It's me. Hawke." The warrior got closer still, gently taking the bag from the other woman before caressing her cheek. "I just want to help you, love."

Isabela took a step back. "….thank you. Shall we head back then, Sweet-thing? I think I'd like to rest a bit before the rabbit is cooked."

"Why don't we just stay here a while. Together."

"Hawke," Isabela sighed. "I really do feel tired."

Hawke sat down by the creek, in a soft area made of mostly moss and grass. "It's just for a while. I promise. Won't you join me? I want to…talk."

Isabela felt her stomach churn as she took her seat begrudgingly. "Talk? Hawke," she continued nervously, "is it one of those talks? Because you know I'm not good at them."

"No…I just want to talk," Hawke repeated, trying to lock gazes with the other woman. "What is it that you want, Isabela? Most of all?"

"W-what? We've already done this…I thought we were just doing the day-by-day thing? What do you mean most of all?"

"Look at me," the warrior said, more determinedly.

"I am looking at—" Isabela found her gaze suddenly locked to the other woman, unable to tear her eyes away. Hawke's gaze was intense, her eyes a brighter green than normal. She was…so beautiful, Isabela thought, reaching up to cup the woman's face. "…you. When did you get to be so gorgeous?"

"You're too kind," Hawke replied, leaning in to graze her lips along Isabela's. "Yes," the warrior sighed happily. "Tell me more."

"Hm," Isabela smiled, now leaning a bit closer. "…I used to dream of someone like you," the pirate said dreamily, her mind swimming under this beautiful woman's gaze. "I don't think I deserve you most of the time. I don't know what I've done to get earn this. But I wouldn't change anything—even Anders. All of what has happened to us—to you, me, everyone—it's led here. We've grown so much. I…"

"You what?" the warrior asked, more closely.

"…I love you too."

"ISABELA. MOVE AWAY."

Startled by the scream Isabela jumped to her feet, her daggers raised towards the disembodied voice. It was a pair of warriors and an elf, some bloodied and bruised, their weapons dripping with blackened slime. "…Hawke? What's going on…"

Isabela's head tilted in confusion, quickly turning to the now purple, bald woman sitting by the creek beside her. Dark bone-like matter protruded from her skull, twisting into horns. Her once green eyes faded into dark, purple, sickly looking orbs tinged with a faint aura of pink. It held a woman's figure, perversely dressed, though the fingers and feet were drastically different than any form she recognized as normal. Hawke came rushing to Isabela's side, her shield raised and sword ready to strike. "Get back, demon."

"You've ruined my fun," the desire demon pouted, its voice changing. "I was so close," she sighed sexually, frowning. "But you know…I could still give you what you want, girl. We don't have to pay these visitors any heed…" The demon chuckled, standing to her full six-foot-five form. "I saw what possibilities flashed through that mind of yours. I could make it so if only you'd stay with me…"

Isabela wrinkled her nose, the weariness in her mind still strong. She placed a hand on Hawke, half for support, and half to check if the woman was actually there. "H-Hawke?"

"Stay back," the warrior hissed. "Merrill, help Isabela get back to the horses."

The elf stayed put, her gaze darkening.

"Don't go," the demon cried out, ignoring the threat in front of it. "The ship, a home, land, the red cloth, the ring, the friends, the laughter. I can make them all so, girl! Stay with me?"

Isabela could feel something in her mind tug and she groaned tiredly, her legs almost buckling. "I…I feel…"

"Enough," Merrill said loudly, her hand extending. The desire demon cried out, grasping its head.

"What is this?" it whimpered. "What are you doing, elf? Wait! I have a deal for you!"

"No more speaking," the Dalish woman hissed, her fingers twisting and forming into a tight, shaking fist. The desire demon shrieked, its voice piercing the night like a dagger twisting into flesh. "You will not take my friend. Remove your darkened tendrils."

"Stop, I beg you! STOP!"

Hawke's eyes widened, her weapons lowering as the demon grabbed at itself, its body decaying and blackening as if it were being burned from the inside out until the demon itself exploded. Hawke raised her shield. The smell of sulfur permeated the air, the cries bellowing out until all that was left was dust and ash. Merrill fell to her knees, exhausted.

"You are safe now," she said.

Hawke, still in shock, wobbled her way to help the elf. "Merrill…what was that?"

"Not blood magic," Merrill replied, showing that both of her hands were uncut. "I promise. Can we just find a safe place to rest?" Her innocent, pleading eyes told Hawke now was not the time for more questions.

"Hawke," Aveline pressed. "That green portal is still open. We have to keep moving. Take both of them towards the road. I'll circle back to get the horses and packs. I'll meet you there in half an hours' time."

"Go," Hawke replied. "Please be safe."

"W-what happened?" Isabela asked wearily. "What the hell is going on? And Maker's saggy sack, why does my head feel like it's been split in half?"

Hawke placed each woman's arm over her shoulders and began helping them to the road. "We were about to start setting up camp when Aveline noticed a faint green glow through the trees. As we went to investigate we encountered aggressive spirits and demons. We beat down the first few easily enough…but the waves just kept coming. We had to flee. That's when we came searching for you. Luckily Merrill caught glimpse of a bright, colored light. We thought it might have been you until the glow turned pink. As we got closer I saw you sitting there by the creek with that…that thing. Are you okay?"

"I…I think so," Isabela said, shaking her head. "It was so strange…It looked like you…even smelled like you. But something was off…I should have known better."

"It's not your fault," Merrill said, finding her strength to walk on her own again. "It was a desire demon. It sucks at your energy until you fall sleep or become possessed. Sometimes both. Usually both. It gives you want you want, lowers your guard, and then infests the host. I felt it starting to creep into your mind. It had to be destroyed, unfortunately. I would have liked to speak with it."

"Merrill," Hawke said with disgust. "It was a demon! It tried to take Isabela!"

"Yes," Merrill said simply. "It was. I stopped it. But even demons possess knowledge of the unknown. It couldn't have hurt me if I knew how to control the situation. I knew what it was. I knew what it would try to do. So, I simply wouldn't let it."

Hawke shook her head, "Merrill you said you wouldn't push yourself to these boundaries. A demon is still a demon, no matter how you try to justify its validity."

"I know that this scares you, Hawke. But I've learned so much in so many unorthodox ways. This isn't something I do on a regular basis. It's just those demons are very difficult to come by."

"So Isabela just so happened to stumble into one," Hawke said with a hard scowl. "Fucking great."

"No," Merrill replied. "She just must want something very badly. The veil is thin in this area, it must have been very easy for the demon to find her."

"Hawke..." Isabela tried. "Can we rest, please? I still don't feel right…"

Merrill looked over to her friend with worry. "It'll pass. You just need a good night's rest."

Hawke looked over to the woman she was supporting and gave her a small kiss on her temple. "Just hold on, okay? We're almost to the road. When Aveline gets here we'll put you on a horse and we'll walk them to Redcliffe."

*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*

Time continued to pass as it always did. Though it was late in the night, there was still a fair share of activity in the city. All vendors had already packed away their wares, but the Inn was still bustling with the late-night folk who preferred the company of other night owls. The ale and mead was flowing steadily, as were the bar wenches with steady plates of hot food and baked goods. Hawke, after putting Isabela down to finally sleep in a warm, comfortable bed, found herself wandering. The environment had been friendly enough, most people making small talk of all the good that the Inquisition had done for them. There were various banners of protections around the town, marking it as a place where this "Inquisition" would defend if need be. Good trading was abundant now that Inquisition soldiers and their aiding mages guarded the main trading routes from demons and aberrations. It had taken a while, but eventually Redcliffe found its way once more. The people there, though looking tired, were well fed and stocked with medical supplies. No homeless were in the streets as the Inquisition had set up a small clinic and sanctuary in the Maker's name, aiding those who were weary.

"You look lost." It was an older voice, deep and gravely, though also sounding kind.

Hawke looked over to see an old man approaching from within the clinic. "I do? I can make my way back to the inn from here."

"You do," he chuckled warmly, "but not in that way. Can't sleep either, hm?"

"I…no. It's been a long night, but I can't seem to sit still for a moment."

The older gentleman eyed the young woman and all of her gear. Her sword had dried, blackened crusts on its edges. "You must have a lot on your mind. I see you had a run in with a rift. Did you and yours make it out okay? I've seen enough of that goo to last me ages."

"Huh?" Hawke noticed his gaze on her weaponry. "Oh. I forgot to clean—I'm sorry. If it still smells, I can no longer tell."

"It's quite alright. I'm Jon," he said extending his hand. "I help my wife run the clinic here in Redcliffe."

"Marian," Hawke replied, extending her own. "And yes, thank you. We all made it out fine, thank the Maker. Rifts?"

Jon nodded. "Foul things they are. The Inquisitor tries his best to close as many as are reported, but I fear its quite difficult on him. Poor sod. What with him being the only one able to close them."

"He can close them?" Hawke asked, her eyes widening.

"Oh yes," Jon chuckled once more. "Andraste herself blessed him with the tool needed to aid us in our time of need. Where have you been that you haven't heard of the Inquisitor?"

"I've been…at sea for a while. In that time, I've never come across those gaping green tears- these Rifts. Until today."

"Well count yourself as lucky then, young one. Not many have encountered them and lived to tell the tale."

"So, I take it that this Inquisitor is a decent fellow? He seems to have helped this place enormously. I see the banners everywhere…the posts and writs on every other wall."

"Oh yes," Jon nodded in a sage like fashion. "The Inquisitor is a great man. Many of our men and women have followed him up to his Fortress in the mountains to offer their aid in any fashion. Even my ol' woman Nel has offered to aid his wounded up there. But the people here need this clinic more, and so we stay."

Hawke thought for a moment, listening. "Follow him up? Do you know the way to this Fortress?"

"Oh aye," Jon said quickly. "Most villagers do, though you must have the utmost ambition and a guide to reach it. It's a cold trek, and harsh on the bones. But if you have a steed, blankets, and the proper tools, you'll reach it in a few days' time. The folks say the wind is harsh up there on the snowy trail. Take thick spikes to nail down your tents, if that's where you were heading. Aiming to join the Inquisition are ye?"

Marian smiled faintly. "I'm more of a …take it one day at a time kind of girl. If I go in that way, I'll see. Where is this guide?"

"Ah," Jon thought. "Well, he's more of a recruiter. He shows up once every few weeks to see if anyone wants to join from the surrounding area. After an extensive assessment and some paper work, he guides the group—if any make the cut—up the path towards the fortress." The old man thought for a moment. "He should be due here tomorrow, actually. It's about the right time. Maybe another day or two."

"I see," Hawke said, extending her hand once more. "Thank you, Jon. It's late, I should head back to my room."

"Well wishes on your journey, Marian. If you find yourself in need of aid, please stop by our clinic any time."

*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*

Hawke sat on a cushioned seat opposite of the bed where Isabela laid. The Rivaini woman was in her night-clothes, which consisted of an almost sheer, long woven and loose fitting gown. It had a deep neckline, and when the woman turned onto her side, opened up to reveal all that was hidden beneath. Isabela's breathing was steady, though she still had a bit of sweat above her brow from the headache that plagued her earlier. Hawke began to undress herself quietly, watching the other woman as she reached out to grab at empty space.

"H-Hawke?"

"I'm here," the warrior replied, making her way towards the bed and gingerly sliding in. "You should go back to sleep."

"My head feels like its spinning, but at least the headache is gone. I'm not drunk am I," Isabela asked softly, smacking her lips as if she tasted something awful. "Holy balls, I think I need a drink. This feels so much worse than my last hangover."

"Here," Hawke said, reaching over to offer Isabela a water skin. The pirate took a long, cool drink. "Is that better?"

"Mm. Thanks." Isabela drearily blinked up at Hawke. "Did…did you want to talk about anything that happened? You have that look about you."

"Sleep now, okay? If we need to talk, we can do it much later. Right now, I just want you to rest."

Isabela sunk back onto her side of the bed and closed her eyes. They were still very heavy. "…goodnight, Hawke. A quick shag later, hm?"

"Right," Hawke answered, slowly turning and facing away from Isabela, laying quietly on her side.

Don't go, Hawke recalled the demon cry out. The ship, a home, land, the red cloth, the ring, the friends, the laughter. I can make them all so, girl!

Now that Hawke thought back to that moment, it was an interesting thing she heard the demon say, though she didn't exactly think it was to be trusted… but there were much more pressing matters at hand. Tomorrow they would make for Skyhold, the fortress in the sky. This was a talk for a later time. But until that time…rest was to be had.

A/N: Thank you to everyone to who has taken the time to read this lengthy chapter. Reviews and feedback are loved, welcomed, and encouraged.