The Stories of Avalyn Hawke and Fenris

The Picnic

The Picnic

It was a beautiful day near the base of Sundermount. Avalyn Hawke shook her head at the sight before her. Her Marbari hound, Shadow, was playfully jumping around Fenris, who carried what seemed to be a picnic basket. Now for anyone else that might not seem odd, but Fenris wasn't anyone else. No he was, well Fenris.

It felt odd being outside the City without her daggers, but she wasn't too worried. After all, they were in one of the bags that Fenris carried as well as his massive sword. He still hadn't told her why he was dragging her out her in the middle of summer. Yes, the City was almost unbearable in summer, but that didn't explain why they were trekking near the Mountain. Alone.

After a few more minutes of walking, Fenris finally stopped. Ava walked up to him.

"Are you finally going to tell me why we're out here?"

Fenris frowned. "Would you rather be in the City?"

Ava shook her head. "No." In the recent weeks, she had barely any time for herself. Meredith was calling on her every few days to deal with something. It was almost to the point where the Champion of Kirkwall was going to kill the Knight-Commander.

Fenris nodded. "Then why are you worried?"

Sighing, Ava walked up to him. "I'm not worried per say. I'm just wondering why you brought me out here."

Fenris turned towards her. "You will see." He then continued walking on ward, with Shadow following slightly behind him.

Ava shook her head before following as well.

XXXXX

He did not want to ruin his plan. They had to get out of the City. The City of Chains. He had thought of asking her if she was willing to leave the City, and maybe return to Ferelden. But he doubted she would. He just could no longer stand and watch her waste her energy trying to save a city that didn't really want her.

But Ava wouldn't listen to him. No she would continue to do what little she could to help the People of Kirkwall. Shaking his head slightly, Fenris lead his tiny little group to the place Merrill had mentioned to him.

He could still scarcely believe he had actually asked her for help with something. Normally, he stayed as far from her as he could, but she knew the mountain. He had needed somewhere where he and Ava could hid out for awhile, to escape the City.

Behind him, Fenris could hear Ava muttering under breath. He knew she was tried, but it would be worth it. If they did not return by night fall, it would not be so bad. When the waterfall finally came into view, he smile softly.

"Fenris, we better be getting close to where ever you're planning."

"We have walked farther than this before."

"Maybe, but I don't have the energy today."

Stopping, Fenris turned back towards Ava. "It is not much farther."

Ava frowned. "It better not be, or someone is so sleeping in his own mansion tonight."

Fenris almost smiled at that. She had said it many times but had never followed through with the threat.

"I mean it this time. Damn, Anders had me walking in the sewers of Kirkwall yesterday. I just wanted to relax today, but no, you had to drag me up at dawn to the base of Sundermount."

"I am very aware of what I did this morning. Although, you did not complain when I woke you." He half smiled at her.

She glared at him. "Not funny."

"I was not joking, Ava. I promise it is not much farther."

Sighing, Ava shrugged. "It better be."

Fenris turned back around and continued on his way. Soon the waterfall and pond Merrill had told him about came into view. He stopped just at the top of the small hill he seemed to be on. Ava soon stood beside him.

"Is this what we've been heading to?"

Nodding, Fenris walked down the hill. "It is beautiful is it not?"

Soon he stood just next to the edge of the water. Glancing behind him, he watched Ava walked over to him.

"How did you know about this place?"

"Merrill."

Ava raised an eyebrow. "You actually talked to Merrill?"

"Varric was there. I wanted to get you out of the City. She knew the mountainside."

Ava nodded. "True."

Fenris placed the basket on the ground and then removed the three bags draped over his shoulder, followed by his sword. "Give a few minutes."

He emptied one of the bags and soon a tent was standing near the calm water. Slowly, he stood up and turned to face her.

"So you aren't planning to return tonight?"

Fenris shook his head. "I am planning for us to stay here for a few days. Enough for you regain your strength. Aveline and Varric know where we are if you are really needed."

Ava nodded. "Need me to do anything?"

"No." He pulled a blanket out of one of the bags and laid it on the grass. "Take a seat. We have enough food to last us until we return." He began to rummage trough the basket, while out of the corner of his eye he noticed Ava sitting down.

"You could have told me your plan, Fenris."

Fenris shook his head as he pulled out a loaf of bread and some dried meat. "It was meant to be a surprise, Ava." He moved to sit beside her. Then he placed the bread and dried meat on the blanket. "Well, let's eat and enjoy the view. Hopefully, all will go well, and no one will notice you are not in the City."

Ava smiled. "Me, too."