The Stories of Avalyn Hawke and Fenris

Birthday

Birthday

Avalyn Hawke knew something was up. Isabella was dragging her from the Lowtown Market to the Hightown Market and back looking for some new daggers. Off course, as a fellow rogue, Ava understood, but she knew something was going on.

How could someone be so particular about daggers? There wasn't many places to look at daggers in Kirkwall. Did she really think that the merchants would be getting new merchandise in less than hour?

Sighing, Ava rested her weight on her hip as Isabella looked at the same daggers for the fourth or fifth time that day. Isabella was truly starting to get on her nerves.

Suddenly, she could hear Merrill's voice calling her name from the stairs that lead up towards the Hanged Man. "HAWKE!

Ava almost groaned as Merrill came down the stairs still looking for her. Ava turned towards the stairs and waved. "Over here, Merrill."

Merrill turned her head towards her and smiled. "Ah, there you are." She raced over to them. "I've been looking for you."

Ava sighed. "I've been with Isabella shopping for daggers."

Isabella turned from the merchant, smiling. "Hello, Kitten."

Merrill blushed. "Ah, Varric needs you at the Hanged Man."

Ava groaned. "For what? I was just there yesterday."

Merrill quickly glanced at Isabella. "I ah don't know. He just sent me to find you, since he knew you would no doubt be in the Lowtown Market as it has Isabella's favorite merchants."

Ava glared at Isabella. "Did he now?" She looked at Merrill and sighed. "Fine, I'll go along."

Merrill smiled. "He said to come as soon as possible, Hawke."

Ava nodded at her. "Give a minute here, Merrill."

Isabella laughed. "Don't worry about that, Hawke. Let's go see what Varric wants." Her eyes began to sparkle.

That sparkle had Ava worried. Something was definitely going on, and she wasn't sure she like it.

xxxxxxxxxxxx

Fenris walked into Varric's rooms at the Hanged Man and froze. The main room looked nothing like it had only a short time ago. He still did not understand exactly what it was Varric was planning. The truth was he wasn't sure Ava was going to like it or not.

He still felt a thrill at calling her Ava instead of Hawke, like everyone else. Of course, he only did it when they were alone in his mansion or her estate. Fenris sighed. Hopefully, the others were right, and she would enjoy it.

Turning to the side, Fenris glanced at the pile of gifts. Varric had told him, he had to go and get something for her. He held a small box in his hand. Fenris wasn't too sure he wanted to give it to her with the others present.

Varric walked out from the alcove that held his bed. "Well, what do you think, Broody?"

Fenris looked over at him. "I still do not understand why we are doing this."

Varric sighed. "You know it's Hawke's birthday, right?"

"Yes, Varric." He also knew she didn't really want to celebrate it.

"So we're throwing a party. We just haven't told her. I made sure Rivaini knew to be sure she didn't have her daggers. I don't want to end up with a dagger through the heart or in the back."

Fenris smiled slightly. "She wouldn't kill you over this."

Varric smiled. "Well, how do I know that." He sighed. "She deserves something to make her smile besides you."

Fenris almost frowned, but he knew Varric meant well. Ava was worried about the people of the city. So much so he was worried. Of course, he was one of those people she worried about, but that didn't stop him from worrying about her. He was the one who saw the weight on her shoulders at the end of each day.

Varric looked behind Fenris. "I was wondering if you were going to make it or not, Blondie."

Fenris moved to the side. He truly did not want to be anywhere near Anders at the moment, well in truth never.

The mage gave a fleeting smile. "I can't stay long, but I wasn't going to miss this." He glanced at Fenris.

Fenris stopped the growl that was forming. The mages were what were weighting the most on her. He understood her views as she did his. Even though he would stay by her side. He would not make that mistake again.

Anders moved opposite him as Aveline walked in.

"Don't you two start. Please try to stay civil."

Fenris nodded. "I'm trying, Aveline."

Aveline sighed before looking at Varric. "They're almost here. I saw them before I came in. You know she more than likely knows something is going on."

Varric smiled. "She wouldn't be Hawke if she didn't." He glanced past Aveline. "We better get into position. Won't be much of a surprise if we're all standing out here in the opened." He turned and walked back into the alcove.

The other three followed soon after.

xxxxxxxxxxxx

Ava knew something was definitely up, when they walked into the Hanged Man. Normally at this time of day, the tavern was full of people, but instead it was empty. Corff greeted them with a wave, before going back to wiping down the bar.

She glanced at Merrill and Isabella. What in the Fade was going on?

Merrill smiled as she walked ahead. Isabella stayed beside her.

Ava glanced at Isabella. "What's going on?"

"You'll see. Now be a good girl and follow Merrill."

Sighing, Ava followed after Merrill. Why wouldn't they tell her what was going on? She walked up the stairs to the rooms and headed towards Varric rooms. Merrill stood, just inside the doorway.

She froze at the door way. Oh, no. No. How did she forget?

Suddenly, everyone else came out from the alcove.

"Surprise." Well, it was said mostly by Varric, Aveline, and Anders. Fenris just stood there.

She couldn't cry. No. No more crying. Why would they do this? She hadn't celebrated since...

Fenris quickly moved towards her. Gently, he placed his hand on her shoulder. "Don't."

She fought back the tears. Ava knew they all meant well, but it hurt.

Aveline seemed to realize something wasn't right and moved towards her. "Hawke?"

Ava smiled weakly. "Sorry, guys. It's just ah.."

Varric smiled. "We know, but we also know that you still need to celebrate. Now come in and enjoy yourself. Just forget what exactly what day it is, and think it's just my friends reminding me that they care."

Ava smiled as she wiped a tear away. "Thanks, everyone."

Merrill nodded. "It may be hard, but you are worth celebrating, Hawke."

"All right, let's eat." Ava nodded as she gently placed a hand on Fenris's shoulder.

Merrill cheered. "Yeah!"