The Stories of Avalyn Hawke and Fenris

Spring in The Garden

Spring in The Garden

Spring was in the air. Now that would normally be a good thing, but not in Kirkwall. The winds drove the smells of the harbor and the weapon foundries up into Hightown, causing the Nobels who could to flee the City. But not the Champion. No she was sitting under the shade in her small garden. If it wasn't for Merrill and Orana the garden would be dead. Avalyn Hawke didn't have the time or energy to care for it. So she welcomed the help of her friend and servant.

Smiling, Ava shook her head as her massive Mabari played among the flowers. To her the smell wasn't too bad. After all she did come from Ferelden. Shadow began to roll aroound among the flowers.

Sighing, Ava glanced up at the sky above. At least for the moment, she wasn't needed. No one to rescue or help. No, finally she had a day for herself. Well, if Fenris showed up that plan might change. Leaning back against the lone tree's trunk, Ava closed her eyes. Spring always brought back good and bad memories for her. Playing with the twins among the wild flowers. Running from Templars. Her life had not been easy.

Of course, things were easier at times. This being one of them. She had given her three servants the day off. Even they needed a day for themselves. A light breeze blew past her face. She could almost pretend she was back in Lothering.

"Ava?"

Opening her eyes, Ava smiled. "I was wondering if you come for a visit or not."

Fenris smiled softly at her. "You do not get many days to yourself."

"I try." She sat back up. "So what brings you here?"

Fenris frowned. "Do I require a reason?"

Ava looked at him. "No, but you more than likely do."

Fenris nodded. "I do have a reason for coming.". He moved closer to her. "To see you.". He slowly smiled.

"Why, Serrah? Why would you come to see me? You saw me only last night.". She smiled sweetly at him.

Fenris growled as he moved closer towards her. "Which would have been better if you had not sliped out around dawn."

"I had to get back her to be sure they all took their day off. Orana still requires me to remind her and force her to go." She frowned at him. "I would have loved to have stayed, Fenris."

Sighing, Fenris joined her on the stone bench. "I am sorry. I had hoped that when I woke you would be there."

'I'll make it up to you."

Shadow came barking up to the elf, who petted the massive hound on his head. "I would hope so." A bird began to sing near the top of the tree. "This almost makes me regret not allowing Merrill to tend my garden."

"Orana has helped as well. I haven't had the time to tend it."

Fenris frowned. "Ava, you know I know the other reason."

Oh, yes the other reason. Her mother. The garden had been her mother's joy, since her daughter wasn't in a hurry to marry.

Ava fought back the tears that threatened to fall. "It's not a lie, Fenris."

"I did not say you were not busy. Your mother would be proud."

"Maybe."

Shadow looked up at her.

"I need to get out of the city for a while."

Fenris nodded. "We can always go to the Wounded Coast."

Ava smiled. "It's more of going somewhere different."

"The Wounded Coast is different than the City. Or is this something I do not know?"

"A little of both. It's really just me missing the widwide open fields of Ferelden. It happens every spring."

Shadow whined as he looked up at her.

"I know, Boy." Ava patted him on the head.

She glanced at Fenris, who seemed to be deep in thought. He turned to to face her. "Ava, I think I understand. Being some where open and not so caged in like in the City, must have been wonderful."

Ava nodded vaguely.

Fenris smiled softly as he raised his hand towards her face.

"Maybe one day I can I show you."

"Perhaps." He leaned closer and captured her mouth with his.

The Champion of Kirkwall was finally enjoying the lovely spring day in her small garden.