Using the prompt idea "Virtues"
Particularly, the virtue of caring.
....AGAIN *Twitch*
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(Hawkette's name = Rose)
Rose made haste as she scurried through the bustling street. Even at night it was swarming with flocks of commoners and salesmen. She was pushed into a sweat-laden merchant as he preached his sales. Rose cringed at the stench before hurrying to the tavern where her companions would meet her there. Wisp of blonde hair escaped her braid, dancing around in her face as the wind nipped at her nose. Slender gloved fingers grasped the doornob, twisting it. The aged door creaked open in distress, revealing a surprisingly dead environment. A few ladies of the night slithered through the shadows like serphents, cunning eyes searching for their next prey. The occasional tavern patron nursed on a bubbling mug while others were passed out on the floor. Varric and Isabella were eyeing a waitress, Carver nervously looked around for his sister, while Fenris leaned against the bar with arms crossed and his face locked in a "meh" expression.
Rose jogged up the them, her peony lips parting to reveal a kind smile. "'Ello, mates!" She chirped to the group.
"Aye." Varric saluted half-heartedly.
"Yep." Isabella nodded.
"Finally! I was waiting forever." Carver grumbled sarcastically, using humor to hide his worry.
Fenris stayed silent, giving a curt nod.
"Hello to you, to." Rose jested, playfully punching the elf's shoulder. He flinched, cowering slightly. "Crap, did I hurt you...?" She asked guiltily, hanging her head in slight shame.
"No. Let's talk about something else." He changed the subject in a monotone voice.
"I like ponies." Carver chuckled, trying to lighten up the situation. Rose yawned, rubbing her eyes.
"Right then...Rest tonight, friends. Tommorow we take our leave." Rose informed the party gathered, saluting the team before turning into the basement. She unlatched the door with the key and entered. It was shabby, and rundown, complete with a small bed and a nightstand. She smirked at it's condition and set her things down. Rose undid the tie on her braid, unraveling the plait and letting it morph into long, wavy blonde locks that cascaded down her back and ended at about her navel. She removed her armor and changed into a loose tunic and a pair of trousers. Ready to blow the candle out, a rapping at the door interupted her routine. "Ugh, Carver, leave me be! Tell the woman you're not intrested in what she's selling!" Rose hissed.
"It's Fenris...?" He said through the door.
"Oh, heh heh, can I get you anything?" She groggily answered.
"I wished to talk to you." He stated simply. Rose lumbered to the door, unlatching it and opening it fully. She beckoned the tall Elf into the small chamber. "Mm?" Rose yawned, ready to listen to what he had to say.
"I just wanted to tell you a bit about my past. I thought you should know." Fenris mumbled softly.
"I'm all ears!" Rose urged enthusiastically.
"Funny. Anyway, remember how I said I came from Tevinter?" He paused, and when Rose nodded he went on, "Well I did...But I was a slave. To a Magister. He beat me and experimented on me. I don't remember much of it, but I do know that these 'tattoos' are really scars from the lyrium he burned into me. Sick little a**." Fenris finished his story with clenched fists.
"Fenris, that's terrible! I'm sorry." She consoled in a geniune voice.
"I don't want your pity, Rose. Not one bit of it."
"I don't pity you. I -care- about your wellbeing. Is caring so wrong?" She defended, as if taken back with his assumptions. Rose promptly put a reassuring hand upon the Elf's broad shoulder. He tensed a bit, shuffling his feet before relaxing. He sucked in a breath, unsure of what to say next. "It's just...I've lost so much. And I don't want to lose y-you too." The warrior stammered, his forehead creased. Rose's cheeks flushed a bit red. She indeed did fancy the boy, but tried to keep her girlish whims at bay.
"I-I...I didn't think...I don't fancy losing you." She immiedietly caught what she said and corrected herself, "I don't fancy loosing any of you. Not Varric, Isabella, Carver, or you!" She finished hastily, nervousness riding on her tone.
Fenris' lips quivered as he tried to stifle a laugh. A rare smile managed to escape his barrier.
"I'll sleep better now, with that behind me. Thanks, for everything. And you're right, caring isn't so bad." He smiled, feeling relieved. Rose had broken through the first line of his self-defenses.
Fenris gave her a quick hug, relishing in the moment before exiting the room.
Once the door closed and latched, Fenris took a deep breath.
On the other side of the door, Rose smiled widely, blushing madly.
They both mumbled to the ground, "I love you..."