The Stories of Avalyn Hawke and Fenris

A Week Later

A Week Later

She was really torn about this. Yes, she had promised to teach him how to read, but that was before. Before that night, last week. Sighing, Avalyn Hawke made her past the Chantry and up the stairs towards his mansion.

More than likely he was expecting her. Why would he? After all, he was the one who had left. The one who had run in fear. If only he would have and talked. She had been the silent one before, Listening as he told her what he remembered before coming to Kirkwall. But no. He had walked away.

Now here she was almost to his doorstep, planing to continue with his lessons like nothing had happened the week before. She still couldn't believe she was doing this, but she needed to get away from her mother, even for a little while.

Leandra Amell had gotten it in her mind that her daughter needed to get married. Never mind that her daughter didn't want to. No, she was dealing with the fact that the man, er elf, she loved had walked out on her.

Standing on his doorstep, she shook her head. Would he turn her away? True, he had gone with her to help Aveline with her little problem earlier in the week, but she hadn't brought up his lessons. Glancing up at the dark windows, she frowned. Did she want to continue the lessons? Could she face him alone?

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He could see her just outside his door. She had no idea he was silently watching her. He was always watching. Shadow didn't make a sound if he noticed him anymore, which was good considering what he did last week.

The best night in his life, as far as he could remember, and he ruined it by being scared by memories he couldn't remember. Looking down at her, he sighed. No doubt she was here for his reading lesson. He hadn't really thought about it, since that night.

He did truly wish foe the lessons to continue, but he wasn't sure he could just sit and try to read with her so close and alone. It had not even helped when they had Isabella and that Image with them as they had run the Wounded Coast, while helping Aveline. Just smelling the flowers from her garden brought back the memories of the night, he had thrown away.

Slowly, he made his way from his perch down to the door. He could open it, but she would know he had been watching. No, he would wait. Could he rebuild what he had destroyed? Would she even let him? He could hear her breathing just on the other side. Knock, Ava. Please, just knock.

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Time wasn't helping. The books in her arms were starting to get heavy. Taking a deep breath, Avalyn knocked on the door. It was always best to knock first, with Fenris.

After a few moments, the door swung inward.

"Hello, Hawke."

She hoped she hid the hurt in hearing him call her that. What she wouldn't give to hear him call her Ava again.

Smiling weakly, Avalyn nodded. "Evening, Fenris. Er, ah."

He looked at her. "Come in, I was wondering if you would be willing to continue with the reading lessons."

Hiding her shock, she nodded. "I am, if you are?"

He gave a quick nod. "I would appreciate it.". He moved out of the door way,

Slowly, she walked in and began to make her to the single room he actually used. I will get through this. I won't remember last week. Last week didn't happen.

She heard him shut the door and begin to follow her. Maker, help me get through this.