**AN** A special thank you and hug goes to FenZevfor the kind words of encouragement to post my first FanFic attempt. Just a note that this is in no way following canon, having fun. Please R&R, I hope you all enjoy. Thanks to Liso66 for going through and helping me find all those pesky grammatical errors, the extra eyes are always welcome.

Dragon Age and its characters belong to Bioware, I'm just altering them to suit my own little warped needs and ideas.

"Master, there is someone here to see you." Without waiting for acknowledgement, the terrified elf rushed on, "She gave her name as Adahlia Hawke." The elf lowered her head waiting for either an acknowledgement or punishment or even both. It was better to be prepared for anything with Magister Danarius, because his moods often seemed to drive his actions. She was also very careful not to look at the Master's bodyguard, because doing so would only add to any punishment.

The Magister paused for a moment, and the elf quickly hid her fear as showing any sort of emotion would be dealt with in a very unpleasant manner. "Adahlia Hawke?" The Magister raised an eyebrow at the name and then said, "Show Lady Hawke into the front salon and offer her refreshment." The elven slave curtsied and acknowledged the order with a, "Yes, Master," leaving the room relieved not to be in there any longer.

~o~o~

Adahlia surveyed her surroundings while waiting for the return of the servant...no, no in Tevinter, it is slave, Adahlia she chastised herself. The opulent mansion was quite imposing and seemed to have many garish displays of art gracing its walls. He probably just wants to show off his wealth regardless of how tasteless or hideous any of that art is she mused to herself. Oh what are you doing here? Of all the things that she ever thought she would do, travelling to Tevinter to seek out a Magister of the Imperium was not one of them.

The tiny blond elf returned quietly. Adahlia thought she was a pretty, petite woman with eyes that promised stories of pain and suffering. Quiet yourself. You cannot afford to offend this man by accusing him of abusing women. She satisfied herself with a gentle, encouraging smile at the petite elf as she began to speak, "Please follow me, Lady Hawke. Magister Danarius has requested that you be shown into the salon." She knew that it was not a request but an order for the little elf, but she followed gracefully...oh, how proud her mother would have been of her at that moment.

She continued to survey her surroundings counting windows, doors, and servants...slaves in an effort so that she could plan her exit, if necessary. She'd have to remember to thank the dwarf for a dress that allowed her to conceal daggers within the skirt of the dress that he had insisted she wear. She wondered if the Magister would insist that she be searched. If he did have her searched, she'd have to hope that the daggers were not found or come up with a brilliant excuse for them. Varric had excellent taste, and somehow seemed to know instinctively what would look good on her and what her size was. Her shoes...well, the lay sister from the Lothering Chantry would be happy with her pretty feet. Personally, she was thankful that Varric and Isabela had managed to find her comfortable shoes that just also happened to be pretty. It was even better that her shoes were currently enchanted with a cooling rune, thanks to Sandal. If her feet remained cool, so would she.

She knew that her petite stature typically lulled people into thinking that she was delicate and in need of protecting, she had relied on that more than once. However, the man she was here to meet was a Magister, he would know that she was a mage, but would not know that she was excellent with blades, and she suspected he might even recognize her, even though they'd never met.

Upon entry to the salon, she noted the imposing portraits on the wall, and the fireplace with marble mantle and hearth. Why a fireplace was needed in Tevinter was a mystery to her. Maybe he has a fireplace fetish or he likes fireplaces to cut down the chill when he casts too many ice elemental spells. From the salon, there was a pair of ornate Orlesian doors that opened out onto what appeared to be a beautiful garden. From her vantage point, she could still see the front gates, so she knew she was still at the front of the mansion, which was some cause for relief.

She had not brought any of her friends or family inside with her on this visit because wanted to gauge the Magister on her own. Carver's sword would be useful if she had to get out of there, but she just could not risk it. It would not do to put the Magister on his guard on their very first meeting. It was better to meet in his territory and be vulnerable on that first meeting than to offend him by bringing her bodyguards inside with her. As it was, she brought her bodyguards and left them outside with the Chevals and carriage. They were not pleased about her going in on her own, but knew that if this were going to work it had to be done with the utmost care.

~o~o~

Danarius frowned when he heard the name his slave had given him. The surname was one he knew quite well, but the first name was not one he was familiar with. He supposed that he could just leave her sitting there and then have one of his slaves make his apologies later, and schedule an appointment at a time that would be more advantageous to him. It would give him time to find out about this Adahlia Hawke before he spoke with her. However, he did not want to give even the slightest hint of weakness or apprehension.

"Fenris, survey the salon and quickly assess this Adahlia Hawke. Do not speak with her. Do not let her see you. Then come back to me." He glared at his bodyguard sharply with a look that promised swift and painful punishment if these commands were not followed exactly.

Fenris nodded, "Yes, Master," and swiftly left the room to comply with the commands he had been given.

~o~o~

Fenris carefully made his way through the halls of the mansion. It would not do to be seen by Hadriana or any of Danarius' other apprentices. IF they managed to see him, they would make sure that Danarius knew, and his master would exact his punishment. He knew that when his master commanded that he not be noticed by one person that he really meant that he should be seen by no one. He was not about to fail at this task.

Slipping quietly unnoticed into the shadows, he made his way to the salon. Upon reaching the room, he noticed that this woman did not bring anyone inside with her. He could not help but feel that she had made a grievous error in judgment for her own safety, but it would definitely make his job of protecting his master easier. She had her back turned to him, so he took a moment to survey the scene. She was a petite woman with hair that some may characterize brown, but upon catching the rays of sun, her hair took on an array of shades of reds and golds. She was slender, but the style of the dress concealed as much as it revealed making it difficult to discern how much of an actual physical threat she may be personally. He knew that just because she was a small woman did not mean that she was weak or even harmless. If she were a mage and judging by the staff that she carefully rested next to her, she was, she could be just as dangerous as Danarius. It would not do to misjudge or underestimate this woman in front of the window at all. He needed to return to Danarius. He did so just as stealthily as he had left him.

~o~o~

Adahlia had known someone had been watching her, but she mastered herself just to stand looking out the window not wanting to give anything away. She caught a reflection in the glass and it appeared to be a somewhat tall elven man with white hair. He seemed to be evaluating her in her surroundings; maybe he was looking for something. She had really wanted to turn around because she wanted to see the eyes. The eyes of a person told her much about them because eyes often say what the mouth is unwilling or unable to.

She wondered just how long the Magister would make her wait in this room, but she was just going to have to still herself. Patience was something she had; she had to have to deal with her siblings and friends. However, she felt that this delay was more of a power game than anything. After all, she had inconvenienced him and had shown up without making an appointment.

Adahlia had just settled into a somewhat comfortable chair when the petite elf returned with a tray holding what appeared to be tea and biscuits. She smiled thanks to the elf, and as quickly as she had appeared the elf was gone again.

Magister Danarius must be a real piece of work for his people to act so fearful all of the time. Well, of course he is, you idiot...they're slaves! This is the Imperium...home of blood magic! They're probably scared he'll use their blood for his magic if they displease him.

She was quite thankful she could effectively converse with herself in her head because she was certain that it would not do for her to voice any of her thoughts openly in this land. Cautiously surveying the teacup provided, she sniffed it carefully trying to discern if was safe to drink or not. She really was thirsty, but she did not want to take the chance that anything had been poisoned either. There is no way that she was going to be wiped out by making a rookie mistake.

~o~o~

Fenris returned to his Master's study and quietly and resumed his normal position until he was acknowledged. "What did you discover, Fenris?" Danarius' tone suggested mild disinterest, however, Fenris knew his Master better than that.

"The young lady is small in stature, Master. She was standing looking outside towards the patio gardens. She carried a staff with her, but her pose was most relaxed almost thoughtful." He almost told his Master not to underestimate the young woman, but figured that would not be a wise decision on his part. Fenris really was not sure what all he was supposed to say but he was absolutely certain that describing the myriad of colors that radiated from the woman's hair in the play of the light was not of any interest to his Master whatsoever.

"So, you would say she appears to be here more for a social visit than a business on, my little wolf?" Danarius glanced at his warrior with a raised eyebrow. He knew Fenris held back, but he was trained to give only the facts. Danarius typically cared little for the opinions of his property, but there seemed to be something that his little wolf was not saying.

"She appears to be here on a social call based upon her appearance, Master. However, please forgive me, Master, when I suggest that it may not be wise to underestimate this woman. As relaxed as she may appear, there seemed to be more to your guest than visible on the surface." Fenris was careful to leave his voice expressionless and keep his head down. Meeting the Master's eyes would be like issuing an order or a challenge and neither would be received well.

"Well, Fenris, that is why I have you," he said with a dangerously soft laugh that, "You are my bodyguard, and while it is not up to you what I may or may not choose to do, you must remember your own words while standing by. If it is not safe for me, you know what you must do." Danarius rose from his position at his desk and headed out the door knowing that his bodyguard followed.

~o~o~

Danarius entered the room and paused. Even without a thorough inspection, there was no mistaking who this woman was. He just did not know why she was here. "Lady Hawke, you have my apologies for making you wait. I trust that my people have made you comfortable?" He raised an eyebrow inquiringly.

Adahlia rose to her feet when she heard her host enter the room. Be sure to smile, look deferent, not defiant, keep your sarcastic tongue in check. Danarius was a Magister and belonged in the Senate, so she made sure that she curtsied appropriately. She armed herself with her most dazzling, yet, apologetic smile and made sure to look him in the eye. "Magister Danarius, I apologize for arriving without a prior appointment. However, I thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with me. Your staff has been very pleasant and welcoming. They are certainly a credit to you."

Fenris stiffened at her tone, she sounded sincere, looked sincere, but experience told him to watch very carefully. People very rarely showed up without a prior appointment, and on the rare occasions when it did occur, they did not apologize for it. The woman had a very pretty and expressive face; he'd give her that. She obviously was not from Tevinter. He would wager that she was from Ferelden judging by her accent, but her tones were cultured and held hints of another accent. He just could not be certain. He looked at his Master and noticed that he appeared curious, yet unconcerned, and definitely not threatened.

"Fenris, leave us, and close the door behind you." Fenris nodded his assent, stepped outside, and closed the door behind him. He did not like leaving his Master in a room with an armed stranger, but orders were orders. He was not about to accept punishment because he had been foolish enough to question a command.

Upon the door closing, Adahlia stepped closer to him with a sealed letter in her hand that he had not noticed before. He made a movement to accept it, and as he did so she said, "Hello, Uncle, it is nice to finally get to meet you."

Danarius' breath caught, well, least she had waited until no one else was in the room he thought to himself. The question he was asking himself is what this woman...niece in front of him wanted.