The Stories of Avalyn Hawke and Fenris

Winter's Night

Winter's Night

Snow fell over the City, covering the dirty streets in an almost pristine blanket of white. Avalyn Hawke couldn't help thinking about the winters in Lothering, chasing the twins as the three of them played in the snow as their father watched on.

Pulling her cloak tighter, Avalyn walked down the almost quiet street. She could hear in the distance the footsteps of one of the guards. The sounds of merry making drifted from the homes of Kirkwall. Things weren't too merry at her home. The dwarves were no doubt celebrating some Dwarven holiday, and Oriana, well, had the day off.

The cold winter night air was harsh against her face as she walked the stairs up towards Fenris's street. Her Marbari whined as they neared his door.

"Don't worry, Boy. Fenris will have something for you. He always does."

The massive dog tilted his head as his mistress opened the door to the rundown mansion.

It wasn't much warmer inside, but at least the wind was no longer biting her skin. She shook some of the snow off of her cloak as her Marbari shook himself to dislodge the snow that had fallen on him.

The sound of bare feet on the stone floor could be heard coming from upstairs.

Avalyn shook her head. Of course, he wouldn't be wearing shoes. He never did.

"Come on, Boy." Avalyn slowly began to head up the staircase.

Light came from the single room he occupied. She still hadn't been able to convince him to just move in with her. It would no doubt be warmer and more comfortable. As she neared the top of the stairs, the door swung open.

"Could you be any louder, Ava?"

She gave him a quick smile. "I know better than catch you unaware."

He gave her a half smile, "I knew you were coming. You told me so yesterday."

"Because someone won't come to the warmer house."

Fenris shook his head. "I said I would think about it."

"It's not much better than being outside, Fenris."

"My room is much warmer than out here." He moved to one side of the door way.

"I really doubt that cause of the massive hole in the roof." She looked up at it as she walked into the room. "Seriously, Fenris, this is not that warmer than outside." To probe her point, she pointed to the pile of melting snow on the floor.

XOXOX

Fenris shook his head slightly. "You have never brought this up before." Yes, she had asked him to move in, but she had never brought up the fact his home was not better than being outside. Had she? He glanced up at the hole. She probably was right. No doubt it shouldn't rain in one's home.

She turned to face him, "Oh, yes I have. I earn offered you a room during the last few winters." Avalyn placed her hands on her hips.

Sighing, he walked up to her. "It is not much, Ava, but it is mine." He hadn't had anything that had been his before really meeting her. Almost everything he had he had gotten because she had given it to him.

"I'm willing to share. The estate is just too big for just me." She frowned at him.

He tilted his head slightly and smiled at her. "You could always move in with me."

"That's so funny I forgot to laugh. Fenris, I'm serious. I'm still surprised you haven't gotten sick from living here."

"I am used to it, Ava." He was. Being a slave had forced him to become used to so much. Extreme heat. Extreme cold. Things he wished he could forget. The cold of a Kirkwall winter was beyond the easiest thing he had ever dealt with.

Avalyn sighed. "Would you please consider it? I can't have my favorite warrior sick."

He couldn't help smiling. "What would Aveline say?"

"She'd agree with me. If you get sick, I'd have to get Anders."

"No." He glared at her. She knew he didn't want that abomination any where near him. If only he could convince her to stop dealing with the mage.

"Sorry, but if you get sick, I'd bring him kicking and screaming."

Sighing, he bent his head head down slightly. He knew she would, too. She couldn't stand to see anyone sick or in pain. She was the one who normally patching him up, since he didn't want the abomination near him. Lifting his head, Fenris walked over to her and kissed her cheek. "You worry too much. I think we should start my lesson for the night."

Shaking her head, Avalyn smiled at him. "You aren't fooling me, but we better get started."

Taking her hand, he lead her close to the warmth of the hearth. "then let us begin."