Author's Note:

Wow. Thank you all for your read/responds, your reviews, those who faved this story, and otherwise. I had no idea it would take off like it did, but I am very happy you all enjoyed it. I love Hawke and Isabela. I think the dynamic between the pair is just electrifying, and I love being able to try to capture that in my own tales.

Thanks again to leogrl19 for her beta work, and for her insights into the story.

For those of you who have been asking, yes, I will try my hands at something from Isabela's point of view. Hopefully soon - I have a few ideas in mind, but really what I'm interested in is seeing if I can truly pull off something chapter length from her perspective. That'll let me know if I will be able to tackle a longer story.

Anyways, here is part 2. Read and enjoy.

Meredith had been furious with the city guard when she learned of Isabela's escape, until Hawke had stepped in and confessed her intent to release the pirate. The Knight-Commander could hardly countermand a decision made by the champion who slew the Arishok. Though not exonerated, Isabela had at least gained a reprieve.

That didn't stop Aveline from ripping into her the second that they'd been behind closed doors. The ensuing fight had been legendary, and it had taken over a month before the friends were on speaking terms again.

Tieran paused outside Aveline's door now, wondering if this was the best time to be bringing Isabela's sudden appearance to the guard captain. Aveline had her hands full trying to keep the Templars from taking over Kirkwall as well as dealing with generalized unrest of the populace. As a result, she had been putting in increasingly longer hours at the Keep. Tieran braced herself and knocked.

"Come in." Hawke stepped into the room, eyes immediately finding the tall redhead who was seated behind a sturdy oak desk. The captain looked vaguely irritated at the intrusion, though her eyes lit up with curiosity when she saw the identity of her guest.

"Expecting someone else?" Tieran ventured, resisting the urge to smile at the scowl that caused Aveline's lower lip to jut out like a petulant child's.

"Nary a day goes by that I don't have to entertain a Templar 'envoy' from the Keep, so to answer your question, yes." Aveline rose to her feet, crossing around to the front of her desk and leaning casually against it. "What brings you here, Hawke?"

"Oh, just checking on my favorite guard captain," Tieran's voice rose cheerfully. "Staring at one's toes gets so dreadfully boring this time of year."

A slender eyebrow slid upwards, and Tieran sighed. Maker, Aveline never let her get away with anything. "Maybe I just swung by to see how you were doing? Maybe I want to join the guard."

"And maybe the Seneschal will sprout wings and decide to spend his life as a cloistered sister," came the dry response. "Out with it."

Tieran sighed again. Apparently there was going to be no way to ease into the conversation, but with Aveline, what else did she expect? "It's Isabela. She's back."

A second eyebrow rose to join the first. "And when did you find this out?"

"This morning," Hawke admitted. "Varric's been keeping an eye out for her."

"Both of them, apparently," Aveline made her way back to her chair, sitting down slowly. "And you bring this to my attention ... why?" She frowned. "You can't possibly be asking my advice on her."

"Maker no!" Hawke shuddered as images from Aveline's near disastrous courtship with Donnic came to mind. She still had nightmares about that. "Does she need to be worried about being arrested?"

Aveline waved a hand in the air dismissively. "My guardsmen have their hands full trying to keep the peace in this city. I don't have the resources to bring her in, and she'd just disappear again, anyways." A pause. "I still owe her a piece of my mind for that incident with the Qunari."

"Should I tell her to swing by?" Tieran quipped. Aveline rolled her eyes, shaking her head. The Champion stood there, shifting from side to side before she resigned herself to the idea that no more answers would be forthcoming. She turned to leave.

"Hawke." Aveline's voice halted her right inside the door. "You should speak with her."

Tieran inhaled sharply as the pain filled her. She nodded to no one in particular before slipping out the door.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

There was comfort in knowing some things just never changed.

Take the Hanged man for instance. It smelled of sour ale and sweat. Drunk patrons crowded around the dilapidated tables, drinking the familiar swill until their stomachs rebelled and they made haste to a corner to vomit. Corff filled dingy mugs full of ale, and the serving wenches scuttled from table to table, slipping past a sea of groping hands and wandering fingers.

The very familiarity of it all should have been a comfort. Instead, Hawke felt like she was going to pass out.

Isabela was there, leaning against the bar, staring quietly at a half-finished mug of whatever ale was on special. Three years without a breathe as to her whereabouts.

And here she was – still as gorgeous as the first day Hawke laid eyes on her.

Tieran swallowed past the lump in her throat, her feet moving of their own volition to the pirate's position. She froze a foot away, taking in the deeply tanned skin, the smell of salt and the sea. Ebony tresses pulled close to her head by a colorful scarf. Maker, to run her hands through that hair...

"I was wondering when you would come see me." The pirate's low, seductive tones still sent Hawke's heart racing, even after all this time.

"I haven't seen you in almost three years," Tieran replied coolly. "You could have written."

Isabela's shoulders tensed, and Hawke instantly regretted her words. "I'm sorry," Hawke added quickly, before the pirate could speak. "That was unfair of me. It is ... good to see you. You look like you haven't aged a day."

The Rivaini slowly turned around, resting her elbows on the corner of the counter. "And you look like you haven't had a good romp in three years. Don't you ever take a day off?"

"Not really," Hawke's lips quirked. "I've been quite popular you know, being the Champion of Kirkwall and all."

A pair of lazy brown eyes skimmed up and down Tieran's body, causing goose bumps to quickly spring up on her flesh. "I bet..." Came the low, sultry drawl. Isabela pushed away from the countertop, approaching the Ferelden with that sultry swagger that caused Hawke's mouth to water. "I bet all the ladies love you."

A flash of pain. Hawke shook her head deliberately at the insinuation. "Not that popular, I'm afraid." The pirate stopped in her tracks, her lips pursing together in a thoughtful frown. "My rough and tumble days are quite over, I'm afraid."

Isabela scowled. "So I suppose that means sex is out? Pity."

Hawke shrugged unapologetically. But she had given her heart before, and it had nearly killed her. Just seeing her former lover was enough to reopen those old wounds. Tieran closed her eyes and swallowed. Strong. She must remain strong.

"Why did you come back to Kirkwall, Isabela?" It took all of her self-control to speak those words without a waver in her voice. "The last time I saw you, you nearly left me unconscious."

The Rivaini scowled, turning abruptly to face the bar. She grasped her mug, gulping several mouthfuls down.

"I had to do that," her tone grew more serious. "Look, people were going to be out for blood. You were the hero of that whole mess. But if they knew you released me …" A pause. "It needed to be believable."

Tieran sighed. Isabela brought up a good point, to be fair, but it still didn't explain her sudden reappearance. Hawke made her way to the counter, resting her weight on her forearm, waiting for the Rivaini to speak. Isabela stared at her ale for a long time, seemingly lost in a tumult of thoughts, before she finally broke the silence.

"I need your help," the pirate said measuredly, as if the very admission was painful. "Castillon is back, and he won't leave me alone until I am lying dead in an alley somewhere."

Unbelievable. Nearly three years without a peep and now she needs a favor. Hawke crossed her arms over her chest, her eyes narrowing as she stared coolly at the pirate.

"Seems like you've been avoiding him fine after all these years. Sounds like you hardly need my help in the matter." A hurt expression flickered over the Rivaini's face, though it was gone as quickly as it came. "Why now?"

"This is all your fault, Hawke." Isabela's eyes narrowed, her internal barriers springing up. "If it wasn't for you, I'd have had the relic to Castillon already and I wouldn't have spent the past three years looking over my shoulder waiting for the knife coming to slit my throat."

"You stole the tome from the Arishok."

"Because Castillon was going to do it."

"Sounds like you brought this all upon yourself."

Isabela's expression hardened. "I can see I made a mistake coming back here." She quickly polished off the remainder of her mug, slamming the wooden vessel on the countertop. When she made to leave, Hawke's arm closed around her bicep.

"Please," Tieran pleaded softly. "Not like this."

Eyes the color of a storm lifted, focusing on Hawke with an intensity that nearly undid her. "You already made it clear you won't help me."

"I'll help you." Tieran said, seeing the tiniest flicker behind that cold gaze. That expression was nearly unreadable – but she had seen it before, once. Once – when the pirate thought she was not looking.

"I won't change." Isabela's low voice cautioned.

"I don't want you to." Maker, what am I doing?

The pirate frowned. "I'm not... we're not good for each other, Hawke. I shouldn't have come back. It was a mistake to return the relic. I should have gone to Ostwick."

Tieran squeezed the well-toned bicep gently. "Then why did you return?"

Isabela scowled. "I told you that already."

"Tell me again."

Troubled brown eyes darted to the corner. For a moment, Tieran thought Isabela would ignore the question. But after a long moment, she finally spoke.

"I … you make me feel … unsettled." She admitted softly. "Like this … isn't enough anymore. I don't like feeling that way, Hawke, so out of control. It's not me."

Slender fingers reached out, the backs gently brushing across the Rivaini's cheek. "Remember what I told you when we first…" Tieran's voice trailed off. Not make love. That term was far too intimate to be applied to their situation. Or rather it had been. Now … "It may not be up to you. Or to me. Maybe this is how it's supposed to be."

"I'm not good for you, Hawke." Isabela warned. "This was a mistake. I shouldn't have come back."

"I will not let Castillon hurt you," Tieran repeated, loosening her hold on the Rivaini's arm. "I will protect you."

"Hawke, this is not a good..."

The press of Tieran's lips against the pirate's cut off further conversation. Isabela remained motionless for a moment, finally melting into the kiss, old passions burning brighter than any flame.

She would have taken her there. But the pub floor of the Hanged Man was covered in a layer of grime that even Hawke wasn't sure she could stomach. And she was getting too old to tumble on the hard floor.

"Room. Now." Hawke's voice rose insistently when Isabela's lips found that spot on her neck that made...

Maker.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

"I don't like this." Tieran tugged at the rope that bound the pirate's wrists, making sure they were tight enough to make their show convincing without cutting off circulation.

"This will work, Hawke." Isabela rolled her eyes in exasperation, pulling lightly on the bindings that circled her wrists. Satisfied that they were tight enough, she cast a quick glance over her shoulder. "Besides, this was your idea."

"I wasn't being serious." Tieran muttered, uncorking the vial of pig's blood and applying to the pirate's clothes in strategic locations, thinking back to the moment this insane plan had been hatched.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

"Castillon's in town."

"Oh?" Hawke leaned against her doorframe, watching the play of light from the fireplace dance across the pirate's derrière. "Should we invite him to tea?"

"This is serious," Isabela's eyes reflected genuine worry. "And no, he hates tea. He's more of a rum drinker." The Rivaini shook her head. "But that's beside the point. This is our chance."

"I suppose you have a plan then?" Hawke willed the playfulness out of her voice.

"Get him before he gets me?" Isabela murmured, turning to face the fire, arms crossed in front of her body, fingertips idly rubbing her elbows. "Unfortunately, he's holed up somewhere. I do know where his right hand is."

"Attached to his body?" Hawke quipped, ignoring the pirate's dirty look.

"Velasco has been seen frequenting the Blooming Rose. We just need to get him to tell us where Castillon is," Isabela rubbed her chin thoughtfully.

"Twenty questions?"

"I thought we could challenge him to a riddle game and make 'Where's your boss' one of the riddles." Isabela countered. "But it won't work."

"Why don't we just beat him up then? That usually works for me," Hawke crossed the room to Isabela's side.

"He would enjoy it. Besides, Castillon isn't stupid. Velasco's his right hand for a reason. He's loyal." Isabela frowned, eyes troubled. "We've only got one shot at this, Hawke."

"Then we use you as bait," Tieran rested a hand on Isabela's shoulder, relieved when the other woman didn't pull away. "I deliver you to Velasco, all trussed up, and I'll follow you to Castillon. Spring the trap, and ambush him."

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

She had meant it as a joke. But as soon as the words slipped her mouth, Isabela's eyes lit up.

"What if he kills you outright?" Hawke grabbed her lover's shoulders, eyeing her with a serious expression.

"Castillon wants me alive." Isabela's eyes were filled with more a hint of amusement. "We just need to get me inside."

"And if you're wrong?" An uneasy feeling had settled into the pit of her stomach. "Isabela, I can't lose you again."

The pirate stepped forward. "You won't lose me." Her features softened, regarding Tieran with a remarkably tender look. "We're going to be fine. I promise."

It was as close as declaration of love as she'd ever gotten, and if she peered close enough, she could see the truth swirling behind those murky growth depths.

"Okay, but when this is over, we need to talk." Maker, I can't believe I'm doing this. Blue eyes met brown, and after a long moment, Isabela dipped her head in acknowledgement.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

The trip to the Blooming Rose passed uneventfully. Aveline kept her guards out of sight, so as not to arouse suspicion. Isabela was barely recognizable – Merrill had done such a good job with her spells that the pirate looked like she had endured a good beating. Varric kept Bianca trained on the Rivaini's back the entire time they were walking to the brothel, while Hawke's white knuckled grip held the rope that bound her hands and neck.

Velasco was in the middle of propositioning a whore when Hawke kicked the door down. He spun around instantly, dagger in hand, eyes flashing dangerously as he regarded his intruders.

"You better have a good reason for coming in here." He looked so agitated that Tieran could barely contain her smirk. Shame we didn't catch him a little later. It would have been so much more amusing. Instead, she turned and regarded the hooker, a pretty elf who looked like far too young to be wearing that much makeup, and jerked her head to the door.

"Out," she ordered, her lip twitching as the young woman fled past her:

"Hey... hey!"' Velasco looked positively livid. "I am going to make you regret the day you were born, whore." He took a single step towards Tieran, whose expression instantly hardened.

"I'm going to pretend you didn't say that, because I'm about to make you a very wealthy man." She gave a good tug on the leash, bringing Isabela into the room with a jerk. A well-placed kick to the backside sent the pirate sprawling onto the ground in front of her. Velasco's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

"A present for Castillon." Tieran sneered, lifting the leash in her hand. "Sorry I didn't wrap it."

"But that's...? How did you...? Where...?" Velasco's hand fell, slack-jawed as his eyes darted between the two women.

"The Hanged Man, of course. Caught her with her pants down." A pause. "Literally."

"I'm going to kill you," Isabela hissed, spitting on Hawke's boots. Tieran backhanded the kneeling woman, forcing herself not to wince as the force of the blow drove the pirate onto her belly. The sound of the slap echoing across the room was a little too close to home. Tieran forced those memories away, praying silently that Isabela would forgive her (though it had been the pirate's idea in the first place, and glared angrily at Varric. "If she moves again, dwarf, shoot her – in her knee, mind you. There was no reward for bringing in a corpse."

Velasco's eye arched impressively. "Well done. I must admit – I am surprised to see you captured this woman so easily. Isabela is not known for her ability to be tamed."

Careful, Tieran. "Perhaps not by any man," Hawke began to cross the room. "But this one is not known for her discriminating taste." Timing was everything here. "And I am very, very good at what I do." Her voice took on a sultry tone, though she made no move to touch Velasco, the way his breathing hitched in his throat let her know he'd received her message quite clearly.

Men are such pigs.

Velasco held out his hand for the leash, and Hawke wagged a finger at him. "Ah ah! Payment first." Isabela had said this part was extremely important. If she just handed the rope over, Velasco for sure would know it was a trap.

"Come, my dear." Now came the charm. "We will pay you. You have my word." The slaver began to reach for the leash.

Hawke's hold on the rope tightened, and she took a step outside of the taller man's range. "Payment first, or I take my prize and leave." A pause, and then her voice lowered dangerously. "Grab for me again, and you'll part ways with a hand."

Renewed respect filled Velasco's eyes, his expression hardening. "Very well, my dear." He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small sack of jangling coins, tossing it to Tieran. "It's more than she's worth."

Tieran opened the bag, mentally counting the coins, making a show of pulling out one of the sovereigns and biting it to check for authenticity. She nodded as if satisfied, her eyes meeting Isabela's grimly, before flitting to Velasco's.

"Enjoy." She dipped her head, feigning gratitude, and left the room without a backward glance.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

The lone figure sat slumped in her chair, fingers drumming idly against the well- appointed leather armrest as she stared pensively into the fire.

The teal eyes blinked slowly, shifting into focus after a seeming eternity of staring into dancing flames. In her left hand, she held a crumpled piece of parchment, which had been wrinkled, then smoothed, again and again, until it nearly obscured the original message.

Come see me - Isabela

Three little words, and yet they set her entire body on edge.

It had been like this before. From the moment Velasco left the Blooming Rose with the pirate in tow, Tieran had felt like she was teetering on the edge of sanity. She was getting too old to be sneaking through the streets of Kirkwall at night, throwing herself recklessly into the unknown.

Don't kid yourself, Hawke. You loved every bit of it.

And she had. Throwing herself headlong into an ambush for love's sake – fighting Castillon's men, back-to-back with Isabela. It had been glorious. She had never been so exhilarated, consumed by the rush of battle, the deadly dance of twin daggers flying in the air, the smell of sweat and blood flying through the air. Isabela's sultry laugh as she sent another soul to the Maker.

And when it was all over and Isabela had her ship, when Castillon had been sent scurrying to Antiva with tail tucked between legs, she had seen the first signs of genuine gratitude in the pirate's eyes.

Isabela had her ship. Now, there was nothing tying her to Kirkwall.

Or to you. Hawke's fingers traced over the fine parchment again, memorizing its texture.

Isabela wanted to meet with Tieran in her room at the Hanged Man. She was half surprised that the pirate had not already sailed out, but perhaps raising a crew took a bit longer than anticipated.

Or perhaps this time she intended to say goodbye.

Ignoring the pang in her chest those thoughts brought, Tieran finally rose to her feet. It was a chilly night, so she'd need her cloak, but perhaps she could skip the armor.

Just this once.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

She paused outside the door, frowning, her head tilting to the side, listening for any signs of movement in the room.

There was a fire going... she could hear that much. And the steady staccato rhythm of booted feet pacing along the wooden floorboards. She'd recognize that rhythm anywhere.

Tieran knocked, holding her breath until the familiar voice bade her entrance.

Isabela was standing by the fireplace, the flames reflecting off her magnificent hair like streaks of copper. Her eyes softened perceptibly when she saw the identity of her visitor, though trouble swirled behind their murky depths.

"You ... you're here. Good." Isabela stammered, glancing away briefly into the fire. "I ... wanted to talk to you about something."

"You're still here? I thought for sure you'd be halfway across the Amaranthine by now." Tieran teased, crossing the room to where the pirate was standing. "Besides, you know I can never resist the smell of stale beer and vomit."

The sounds of Isabela's laughter drew a smile to Tieran's heart. "That's what I lo... like about you, Hawke. You're always able to make me laugh." The pirate turned towards her, lifting her gaze to meet the other woman's. "I ... wanted to talk to you about something." she gestured to a small round table in the corner of the room. "Shall we?"

Curiosity piqued, Tieran followed Isabela to the corner, sitting in one of the chairs that had probably not seen use in a long while. She cocked her head, studying the pirate. The Rivaini kept shifting nervously, alternately clasping her hands in front of her body or resting them flat on her legs. Finally, she settled for leaving them on the table, clasped lightly together, resting her weight on her forearms. Hawke took a moment to appreciate the view of cleavage afforded her (she was such a dog) before settling back in her chair.

"I wanted to thank you ... for everything." Isabela's eyes never left her hands.

"You already did. Several times, in fact." Tieran kept her tone light, trying to dispel some of the tension. She shifted, leaning forward in her chair, resting a hand atop the Rivaini's own. She half expected Isabela to pull away, and was shocked when she did not. "Seriously, I am glad I could help you get your boat."

"Ship," Isabela corrected gently, a small smile quirking the corners of her lips. "She's a beauty, for sure. I can't wait to explore every inch of her wonderful body. But that's why I'm here."

"You need help with her mast? I would have thought you'd had that one down by now."

Isabela smiled. "I ... It's funny. For the longest time getting a ship was all that mattered." She glanced away for a minute, before lifting her eyes to meet Tieran's. "But now ... I find that I don't want to leave."

Tieran's throat went dry. "Oh?" She managed, giving herself a mental kick. Oh? That's the best you can come up with?

"Look." A hand slipped across the table, slowly coming to rest on Tieran's own. "Everything I care about is here." She hesitated, then, "You're here."

Tieran's breathe halted in her chest. She couldn't possibly be saying what I think she's saying. Isabela's thumb traced idly over her skin, sending jolts of electricity racing up her arm.

The pirate's cheeks darkened. "Look, I don't know what's coming over me. I think I'm ... I'm falling for you." She paused. "I was just wondering if maybe there's still a chance ... for us."

For a long moment there was only silence. So many emotions flickered through her mind. Anger, fear, and hope all mixed up inside her head. They'd known each other for years now, spent more nights together than she could count. But why now? Why after all this time?

"Isabela," Tieran saw the pirate's shoulders fall. "I..." She paused, frowning. Isabela's eyes were closed, her shoulders tensed, as if waiting for a blow.

The past is the past Hawke. Let it go.

"I've waited for you for years." Tieran rested her hands atop the pirates, squeezing gently. "Promise me one thing though. Let me go with you. When you leave Kirkwall. Don't leave me behind again."

The relief in the pirate's eyes was palpable. As was the blush that darkened Isabela's cheeks. Her eyes softened, the uncertainty fading away, the truth of her revelation giving rise to another emotion.

Joy.

Isabela's head dipped a little, her cheeks coloring. "You know... it just so happens I'm in need of a first mate to help me run my ship."

"I see," Tieran's tone grew playful. "Do you have anyone in mind?"

Isabela drew back, pushing to her feet, pacing a few strides towards the fire. "I might." She called over her shoulder, a wry smile on her face. "Are you interested? The position requires a woman's touch."

"Hmm." Tieran slid out of her seat, sidling up behind the pirate, her arms slipping around her waist. "I might." Isabela shuddered as Hawke's lips brushed her ear. "Tell me, what kind of touch might be needed?" Long fingertips brushed against the pirate's stomach, the muscles underneath rippling in response.

"Ah..." The Rivaini gasped as those same fingertips began to unlace her corset. "I might have to show you..." A sharp hiss of breath as fingers darted across bare skin.

"Maybe later." Tieran nibbled on a delicate earlobe. "First... I intend to make love to you."

"I …" Isabela's protests were silenced as Tieran cupped her cheek, drawing her back into a gentle, yet insistent kiss. The Rivaini's demeanor immediately changed, her entire body relaxing into Hawke's embrace, allowing herself to melt into the folded arms, feeling the length of the Ferelden's strong body against her own.

Tieran finished unlacing the corset, hands slipping sensuously up the pirate's body, pulling the linen away from the tanned skin. Isabela groaned as Tieran's fingertips found familiar points, knowing exactly how and where to touch her to send her pulse racing.

"Maybe..." Isabela arched her back as Tieran's fingertips circled rapidly hardening nipples. "Just this once." Her neck fell against Hawke's shoulder when the lips traced a path down her jaw towards the hollow of her throat.

Tieran smiled, grabbing her lover by the hands and guiding her towards the bed.

Isabela backed up until her the back of her knees hit the edge of the mattress, allowing herself to be led in this dance. Her breath hitched as Hawke slowly crawled on top of her. It was quite the shift from their normal roles, and for a brief moment Tieran wondered if Isabela would try to wrest control of the situation. Her lover rarely allowed Hawke to take the lead in these matters, and most of the time Tieran was perfectly happy to oblige.

Not tonight though. Tonight, she wanted to feel Isabela writhe under her touch. She wanted to hear the pirate call her name out in the throes of passion.

To surrender to her willingly.

Shifting her focus to those long, luxurious legs, Tieran unlaced one boot, then the other, her lips following the trail of leather as she slipped them from her body. Isabela had the most glorious skin, the most delectable combination of muscles and softness, and Tieran nibbled on them, tracing the path of soft skin along an inner thigh.

"You have..." Isabela gasped as Hawke's fingertips slipped inside the waistband of her smallclothes (Yes, she did wear them, despite rumors to the contrary), drawing the silken garments over heated flesh. "Too many clothes," the pirate ground out, her belly fluttering as Hawke's lips nibbled at her navel piercing.

Tieran smirked, her lips tracing across a well-toned stomach and down the inside of one her right thigh. "Let me make love to you, Isabela." She whispered softly against heated skin, drawing a low moan from the pirate, who arched into her touch. She wasn't quite playing fair, but damnit, she had waited forever for this.

"I ... oh shit!" Isabela cried out as Hawke's lips brushed her most intimate regions. "Yes... Just don't stop. Please."

Tieran's grin broadened, quickly divesting herself of all her clothes before settling back between the pirate's legs. She hooked an arm around one thigh to keep her lover in place before she dipped her head, focusing her attentions on where Isabela needed her the most.

Isabela's moans grew louder and louder as Hawke continued her ministrations, quickly riding the waves of pleasure before reaching her peak. She hovered there, caught in the delicious throes of agony and ecstasy for a seeming eternity before falling, screaming Hawke's name into the night.

Tieran slipped up her lover's body, moaning at the delicious feel of sweat-soaked skin gliding across each other. Her hand dipped into wet curls, fingers thrusting upwards, and Isabela found herself propelled upwards once more, her hips rocking wildly against Hawke's fingers. Tieran lost herself in the touch, her lips capturing the pirate's hungrily, moaning as the familiar tongue plundered her mouth and a strong thigh pressed upwards, grinding against her own body in a familiar rhythm.

Maker. It was all Tieran could do to keep from losing it all right there. She reluctantly broke the kiss, eyes searching the pirate's as her fingertips curled upwards to find that one spot that would drive her wild.

Isabela's head flung backwards with abandon, her second orgasm even more powerful than the first, but still Tieran did not stop. She continued her motions, her thumb slipping up to circle the small bundle of nerves at the juncture of Isabela's folds. A choked sob tore from the pirate's throat, her hips thrusting wildly against Hawke's hand.

Tieran dropped her lips to the pirate's ears, tracing a tongue along the sensitive skin.

"I love you, Isabela." The pirate's blunted fingernails dug small half-moons into her back as she again succumbed to the pleasure, screaming Tieran's name into the night.

Tieran was dimly aware of the trembling of the woman beneath her, but it wasn't until she felt moisture against her chest that she realized Isabela was actually crying. Worried, she wrapped an arm tenderly around her lover's body, halting her ministrations, cradling the Rivaini as she whispered promises of love into her ears.

In all their previous encounters, Isabela had never remained long, and certainly she had never stayed the night. So Tieran half-expected to be pushed away by the pirate or asked to leave, once the Rivaini regained full control of her senses.

Instead, a hesitant arm slipped around her middle, and as blue eyes glanced down she was shocked to see Isabela looking back at her with a remarkably vulnerable expression.

Hawke pressed her lips against the pirate's forehead, nudging away a sweaty tendril of ebony hair. They remained like that for a long time, Isabela cradled against her side with her head nestled against Tieran's shoulder.

"I …" The pirate's voice wavered slightly, as if by the very admission she was sacrificing something precious. "I love you, too."

Tieran swallowed, brushing her lips against the pirate's forehead, aware of just how precious a gift she'd been granted. She hugged Isabela tightly to her side, feeling the pirate gradually relax into the embrace, allowing her eyes to drift closed.

There would be no more nightmares tonight.