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Free as a Bird	By : Letticiae Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 9737 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Age, nor do I own the characters. I do not make money/profit from writing this fanfiction.

Chapter List
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By the end of Wintermarch all the commissioned furniture had been delivered and Hawke and her mother were finally able to move to their Hightown estate.
Leandra had reclaimed her title and was now being called Lady Leandra Amell. Though it seemed that Kirkwall's nobility had not yet acknowledged that, since she was not getting invitations to the balls and dinner parties at the Viscount's Keep and at the other Hightown estates and mansions.
Eager to take part on the nobles' frivolous routine, Leandra had been unsuccessfully trying to convince Hawke to throw a party of their own and invite all Kirkwall's high society. This way the nobles would remember to invite them as well when they next had any social gathering.
Hawke was about to give in to that horrible idea just to get her mother to stop pestering her, when Bodahn came in and dropped an envelope on her desk. It was an invitation to the traditional Wintersend Banquet at the Viscount's Keep on Guardian 8th.
The rogue let out a relieved sigh. Her mother had gotten what she wanted and they wouldn't have to throw some expensive, stupid party to please some phony nobles.

A week before the banquet Hawke was reading a book in her bedroom when her mother summoned her in the living room.
"Marian, this is Lady Amelie de Montford," Leandra said.
An old woman wearing heavy make-up and a copper-colored velvet gown with many layers of golden frills stood up, beaming.
"I'm pleased to meet you, Lady Amelie," Hawke said politely.
"Oh, dear, the pleasure is mine," she replied. "Your daughter is a lovely young lady, Leandra," the old woman added before sitting back down on the armchair.
"Marian, Lady Amelie helped me choose your gown for the Wintersend Banquet," her mother said.
It must be dreadful, Hawke thought, glancing at Lady Amelie's tacky clothes.
"She was just telling me about her youngest son, Antoine. He's your age and he's single. Maybe you two could go together… What do you think?" Leandra continued.
Hawke was about to open her mouth to come up with some excuse, when Lady Amelie chimed in, "Please, Leandra, do not bother. I'm sure she'll attend with the Knight-Captain."
"The Knight-Captain?" Leandra asked, puzzled.
"Why not? Everybody knows they are dating. He's quite a catch, dear. Congratulations," the older woman said, nodding and smiling.
Shit!
Hawke had been postponing telling her mother about her relationship with Cullen, because that news would certainly lead to a nasty argument. Since they had gotten back the estate, Leandra had been nicer to her daughter and had finally stopped saying the rogue was to blame for Bethany being taken to the Circle. Hawke didn't want to spoil that.
"Marian, could you please come with me to the kitchen so we can get Lady Amelie some tea and apple pie," Leandra uttered, a fake smile on her lips.
Hawke took a deep breath, preparing herself for what was to come, and went after her.
"You are dating the Knight-Captain? The templar that took my baby daughter away from me? That imprisoned her? Why would you do this?" her mother snapped once they were alone.
A two-minute talk in the kitchen wasn't going to be enough for Hawke to explain how she became Cullen's lover, especially if she wanted her mother to ever approve of their relationship.
"I'm sorry, Mother. I should have told you sooner. I… uh… It's a long story. I think it's best if we talk after your guest leaves," Hawke said and hastily headed back to the living room with a slice of pie for Lady Amelie.
The old woman didn't stay much longer, especially because Leandra had suddenly become unresponsive to whatever subject she had come up with. The second she was out of the house, the mother turned to her daughter, glaring. "Explain yourself," she demanded.
Hawke felt like a teenager all over again, having Leandra talk to her like that. "It just happened," she sighed. "I had been meeting him in the Gallows every day to have news on Bethany and… I fell for him."
"Don't tell me you love him, Marian. He took your sister to the Circle. We might never see her again. What would your father say?"
"Mother, I did not plan for this to happen. I wanted to hate him, but I couldn't. Cullen is not like the others. He's a remarkable man and he's so nice to me…"
"Maker's breath! He. Is. A. Templar."
That was the cue Hawke was waiting for to play her best card. "I imagine you had an argument just like this with your parents when they learned you were dating a mage."
She should feel bad for saying that. It was a low blow. But she didn't. She was a rogue and rogues never play fair. They have no shame in going for the eyes or hitting below the belt.
Leandra's angry gaze turned into a pained one and she looked down as the memories of her youth flooded her mind. She felt a tightening in her chest with the realization that she was sounding just like her mother as she scolded Marian for not dating a man of her liking.
"We cannot choose who we fall in love with. You of all people should know that," Hawke added, unnecessarily. She had already hit the spot.
Leandra might never be happy about it, but she sure wouldn't object to her daughter's relationship with Cullen. She couldn't, not after all she had gone through to be with a man her parents didn't approve of.
Hawke noticed the tears in her mother's eyes and put a comforting hand on her shoulder, beckoning her to sit on the couch. The rogue sat by her side and they talked for a long time, now in a much more amiable tone.
The daughter told her mother all about Cullen, their relationship and how happy they were together. Then the mother told her daughter about Malcolm, how they had met and fallen in love, her parent's horrible reaction when they found out and the hard decision she had to make to abandon her family so she could marry the man she loved.
Since Carver's death, Hawke and Leandra's relationship had been shaken. This was the first time were actually bonding after that tragedy.

It was the day of the Wintersend Banquet. Hawke put on the long dark green velvet dress her mother and Lady Amelie had chosen for her. It wasn't exactly form-fitting and it had long sleeves and no cleavage at all. She was covered up to her neck. Though it was appropriate for that cold Guardian night it made her feel completely unattractive.
She tied her hair up in a tight bun and put on a little make-up, just to highlight her features. When she looked in the mirror she thought she resembled one of those evil step-mothers on the fairy tale books she used to read as a kid. She turned around only to confirm her suspicions that the gown wasn't flattering from any angle.
It was a shame that the first time Cullen would see her all dressed up it would be in an awful outfit like that. Maybe there was something she could do to make things more interesting…

Cullen and Leandra had been alone in the living room enduring the most awkward of all silences while they waited for Hawke. The rogue couldn't hold back a chuckle when she saw how relieved they both looked to see her coming out of her room ready to go to the banquet.
The Knight-Captain went to meet her on the bottom of the stairs and offered her an arm. She slid hers through and they began walking.
As any good boyfriend would do, he said she looked beautiful.
Hawke snorted. "With this dress? Impossible," she whispered in his ear so her mother wouldn't listen.
The templar on the other hand looked positively gorgeous in black pants and a dark blue long-sleeved tunic, all perfectly fitting.
Once at the Viscount's Keep, Hawke, Cullen and Leandra found their places on a table with Lady Amelie, her husband and their youngest son.
After dinner, Cullen and Hawke joined other couples in the middle of the ballroom to dance. His hand tightened slightly on her waist and they began moving with the music. As the song went on they were getting more comfortable and confident in their steps and were twisting and turning and spinning…
"I know this gown is hideous and it makes me look older, but… hmm… you might like to know I'm not wearing anything underneath it," Hawke murmured and her lips softly brushed his earlobe.
He gasped and his hand slid a little lower on her hips. Maker, he wanted to grab her ass and squeezed it right there and rip that horrible dress off her. He was taking deep breaths and reciting the Chant of Light in his head as he tried to contain his arousal when someone poked his shoulder, making him turn around looking utterly startled as if he had been caught doing something wrong.
"It's good to see you, my friend," Sebastian greeted.
"Brother Sebastian? It's good to see you too. I didn't know you would be here tonight. This is Marian Hawke. Marian, this is –"
"Sebastian Vael, prince of Starkhaven. But Her Grace prefers he introduces himself as a brother in the Chantry," she said playfully mocking the way he had introduced himself when they first met. "How are you?"
The archer chuckled and took her hand raising it to his lips for a polite kiss. "Better after you took down those Flint Company assassins," he replied.
Hawke bowed her head slightly and smiled.
"So I take it she's the reason you've been missing the 7p.m service lately?" Sebastian teased, making Cullen blush.
Before the templar could say anything, the prince continued, "Serah Hawke, may I have the next dance?" He turned to the Knight-Captain, "If you don't mind, of course."
Cullen nodded in agreement and stepped away. There were about a hundred questions he wanted to ask his girlfriend right now, but he decided it would be best to wait until they were alone.

Sebastian led Hawke with grace and ease through the ballroom.
"I did not expect a Brother to be such a good dancer," she remarked.
"I was not always a Brother," he replied. "But I did not come here to dance. I have been trying to find out who hired the Flint Company."
"Any luck?"
"My family has ruled Starkhaven for six generations. We have enemies, but none who would identify themselves openly. I know some nobles are jealous of us for being royalty when they are mere nobility. I suspect one of them might be behind this."
"All Kirkwall's nobility is here."
"That's why I came, to investigate. I cannot act on suspicions. I have to be sure before I confront anyone."
"And you're telling me this because you want my help," she guessed.
"It was very fortuitous that I ran into you here. It took you only a couple of days to track down and destroy the entire Flint Company. You must have connections. I think I have a better chance to find out who's behind this with your help."
"Sebastian, I'm not su–"
"Please. I have no one else to turn to. I'm the last of my line. I should not do this alone and make myself a target. If you like I can travel with you. I'll help you in whatever quests you need. I'm a fair archer."
Hawke conceded. She had taken on lesser causes. His was really worth pursuing.
Glad to have gathered such a capable ally, Sebastian pulled her closer to him. "Thank you," he whispered in her ear.

From across the ballroom, Cullen had been watching them. He knew the man dancing with Hawke had taken vows, but the way he had his arms around her and was constantly whispering in her ear started bothering him. And then he saw the archer tightening his grip around her waist, pulling her closer to him…
That was his woman. She was at that party with him. She was wearing nothing underneath her gown for him, making it so easy for him to take her anywhere he liked... His. Maker, enough! He wanted her now.
The templar stalked purposefully towards the dancing couple.
"If you are done, friend, I'd like to have her back," he said, trying to sound casual.
Sebastian nodded. "Thank you for this dance, my lady," he said as he let go of her.
She smiled at him and turned to Cullen.
"We're leaving," the templar growled, pulling her to him.
Hawke immediately agreed and they left the Keep in a rush. Seeing her usually constricted templar almost lose his mind only because she was dancing with a Chantry Brother was most arousing.
"What about Mother?" she remembered to ask.
"She already left. Lord Montford was going to escort her home."
"Good. Um… where are we going? I feel like… er… you know," she said, giving him a cheeky smile.
The problem was that she couldn't have a man sleeping over – Leandra would never be okay with that. Templars were not allowed to have guests in their quarters. And it was too late for them to go looking for an inn with a vacant room for them to rent for the night.
He gave her a wicked look. "You better think of something or I might take you up in that dark corner over there," he uttered, pointing to a somewhat secluded spot on the side of the steps, near the bottom of the stairs to the Keep.
"Alright," she replied.
"What?"
"There. Let's do it there," she said, her tone challenging.
Maker help him! He could not keep losing control like that, but that woman was such a temptress. Taken over by lust, his body moved on its own volition and suddenly he had her pressed against the wall of that dark corner and was kissing her roughly, his hands roaming all over her.
As he hiked her dress up to her hips, she reached for his pants and freed his erection. She raised one leg to curl around his waist, opening herself to him. He entered her with two fingers, thrusting them into her, testing her readiness.
With one hand she stroked his cock, while the other snaked around his neck, holding him close and helping steady herself.
He growled as he replaced his fingers with his length in her tight sheath and she moaned wantonly in his mouth. He pulled her other leg up to lock around him as he began pounding relentlessly into her, hitting that perfect spot deep inside of her that never failed to make her cry out his name and clamp her velvety walls around him .
Biting his shoulder to muffle her cries of pleasure she came hard on his cock, her whole body shaking. He managed a few more erratic thrusts until he too exploded, coating her insides with his seed and groaning low in her ear.
Panting, he rested his forehead against hers as he slowly pulled out of her and let her down. They heard steps on the stairs, so they quickly straightened their clothes and kissed quietly until the noise was gone and they could leave their secluded corner unnoticed.
As they walked towards her estate, he kept a possessive arm around her.
"I love you," he uttered and it came out so naturally, as if he said it all the time. But he didn't. That was the first time and it made her breath hitch.
"I – I… don't know what to say," she staggered.
"Say that you love me too," he replied softly.
Did she?
She felt his juices trickling down her thighs. She was his. That she knew. Definitely.
Maybe... "I do," she said and leaned her head on his shoulder. "I love you too."

It was the beginning of Cloudreach and the weather was already much warmer. Hawke sent word to her companions to meet her in the Hanged Man for lunch. They all thought she was finally going to bring Cullen and properly introduce him to them as her boyfriend. Instead she came in with Sebastian and Garrus.
The prince took in that odd bunch before him – a beardless dwarf, an elf with unusual tattoos, another elf, a barely dressed woman, the Guard-Captain, a scruffy-looking man… He decided not look a gift horse in the mouth. He needed all allies he could gather if he was going to avenge his family and take back what was rightfully his. Thus, he made acquaintance of those who yet did not know him and told them his story.
When he was done, Hawke told her band they were going to help the archer find out and confront the person who had hired the Flint Company to murder his family.
"So, are you all on board with this? Or is there anything else you would like to ask before we start looking into it?" she asked them.
"Oh, I have something I'd like to ask. When are we going to meet your boyfriend?" Merrill said excitedly, completely changing the subject.
"He's the Knight-Captain, Daisy. Hopefully, you'll never meet him," Varric replied.
Sebastian's gaze fell upon the Dalish elf, his brow furrowed.
Isabela scoffed. "Hawke and Cullen are one of those couples…"
"What do you mean?" Hawke asked, annoyed at how her private affairs always ended up being the main topic of these meetings with her companions.
"Couples who get together and think they don't need anyone else, who disappear from their friends and start doing everything just the two of them," the pirate explained.
Aveline nodded and Garrus barked in agreement with Isabela.
Hawke's eyes widened in shock. "You don't actually think that, do you?"
"It's been over three months since we last saw you," Rivaini said.
"True. It was the night before First Day," Fenris added.
Wow! That long? Hawke really had not noticed. Maybe it was time she brought Cullen to hang out with her friends. She didn't want her so talented and reliable band to fall apart.
"Why are you with him anyway?" Anders asked, sounding almost hostile.
"I don't have to explain myself to you," she retorted, upset with the mage's spiteful tone. "Look, everyone, I'm sorry I haven't been around. How about we meet here tomorrow night for a drink? I'll bring Cullen."
"I'm not coming," the healer huffed.
Hawke took a deep breath, calming herself before replying, "As long as you keep Justice quiet you are in no danger, Anders. Cullen told me he won't bring you in nor tell the other templars about you, because he appreciates what you do for the poor and the refugees in Darktown and also out of respect for the Grey Wardens, since he knows you're one of them."
The mage's mouth fell open. "Is that… true?"
"He's changed since you last saw –"
"Are you an apostate?" Sebastian interrupted.
"Shit!" Varric exclaimed. Just in case, he reached for Bianca.
That bright blue light Hawke hated so much flared in Anders' eyes, so she hastily laid a reassuring hand over his own, hoping it would help him keep that damned spirit at bay.
Then, she turned her gaze to the Brother. "Sebastian, Anders is a healer and a Grey Warden. He's a valuable member of this group. If you want my help, you're going to keep your mouth shut about him. As you probably heard me saying just now, the Knight-Captain himself won't take him to the Circle, because of the charitable work he does in his clinic in Darktown."
Just to make sure the prince understood how serious she was about that, she started toying with one her daggers in her free hand.
"What do you say? Do we have an agreement?" she asked.
He glanced at the once amiable people on the table. They all had stern looks on their faces. Some were menacing, even.
"We do," he asserted.
"Good. And there's one more thing. In case you're wondering, Merrill here is a mage too. Are you going to tell anyone about that?" she asked, still toying with her dagger.
For good measure, Isabela yanked one of her blades out of its sheath.
"No. I- I won't," he said hastily. For the love of Andraste, what had he gotten himself into?

The next night almost all Hawke had feared had happened during her gathering with Cullen and her friends at the Hanged Man. Varric had wiped the man clean in Wicked Grace, Isabela had acted overly lewd the whole time and Aveline had had the most boring talk ever with him about templars interfering with the duties of the guard.
It wasn't a total disaster only because Cullen was happy to see his friend Sebastian and the two of them, along with Fenris, were engaged on a lively conversation for a long time. Also, not wanting to take any chances, Merrill and Anders did not attend, which Hawke thought it was for the best.
"I'm sorry for Isabela's behavior. And Varric's. And Aveline's," Hawke told her templar once they had called it a night and he was walking her home.
"It's fine, baby. I had a good time," he kindly replied. "I wonder why you waited this long before you properly introduced me to your friends…"
"Well, for one, you haven't introduced me to yours."
"I guess you and Brother Sebastian are the only friends I have in Kirkwall. I did not know any of the templars here before I became Knight-Captain. I came in already as their superior. Respect for hierarchy is essential within the Templar Order. They don't take any liberties with me and I don't encourage them to."
They halted at her door.
"Sleep here tonight. With me," she purred.
He looked at her surprised. "Isn't your mother home?"
"She is."
"I thought you said she would never be okay with you having a man over."
"No, she wouldn't. But I've been thinking… this is not the Amell estate anymore, is it? This is the Hawke estate now," she replied with a smug smile. "And Lady Hawke here really wants to sleep with her lover and doesn't give a shit to what people might think or say."
Smiling, he went inside right after her. "We'll get married someday and the fact that we used to sleep together before that will be of no importance whatsoever."
Hawke felt her heart skip a beat. She had never dreamt of being a wife. She had dreamt of being Arthur's wife. When she lost him, marriage never crossed her mind again. Now she had this handsome, devoted, goodhearted man who had managed to break through her defenses with his love and care. Maybe he was the one…
"Baby, are you okay?" he asked.
She looked at him and blinked a few times, only now realizing that, lost in her thoughts, she had stopped in the middle of the entrance hall.
"Never better. Let's go to bed," she said beaming.
When Hawke and Cullen finally got out of her bedroom the following day it was almost noon. They stopped by the kitchen and she tossed him an apple and got one for herself.
"It's too late for breakfast. Want to go to the Hanged Man for lunch?" she asked.
She noticed him shuddering as he raised the fruit to his mouth to take a bite.
"I can't, baby. I'm sorry. I have to go," he replied, his voice oddly quivering.
"You're not going straight to work right now. You're going to have lunch first, right? You might as well eat with me…" she pouted.
He wiped a bead of sweat that was forming on his forehead. "I have a headache, baby. I better go back to the Gallows."
He wasn't fooling her. She could read between the lines. "Okay," she gave up.
As they kissed goodbye she felt his racing heart through his clothes. She had learned by now that eight to ten hours was the longest he could go without lyrium before his body started showing the first withdrawal symptoms. That's how bad his addiction was. And right now he was probably about fifteen hours without it, which meant his symptoms were already spiraling out of control.
He had spoken of marriage the night before and completely blinded by his love and affection she had seen no reason to refuse him if he ever actually proposed. But he was an addict and she couldn't just ignore that. Could she really trust him?
Aveline was married to a templar. Maybe I should go talk to her about it one of these days, Hawke thought.
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Free as a Bird