Here's a Placeholder of Glory

[avisionofhawke]

For Origins/Awakening

Comments

[cattymage]

On the way down the mountain, the first sign that something was off was the utter dearth of the Dalish camp on the mountain - and of any signs that it had ever even been there.

Not that Anders knew there was something there to be missed.

[avisionofhawke]

Aisling, on the other hand, froze and looked around in utter confusion.

"The- the camp. It's gone. I knew Dalish were supposed to be good at hiding, but this is ridiculous..."

[cattymage]

"...the what?"

Anders blinks, then gets a mildly cross look--

"So, when were you planning on warning me about us walking straight into a Dalish camp?"

[avisionofhawke]

"It's been here for years. It didn't occur to me," she responded absently as she looked around, poking at this and that. "They like me, so it's not a big deal."

[cattymage]

_{"'Least we won't have the chance to test that patience via my fabulous talents at agitation,"} he mumbled, still offput. The Dalish were, well, scary - and fascinating - and scary, did he mention scary?

You didn't exactly go traipsing around the wilderness on the run without having a healthy, fearful respect for the roving, crazy bands of elves waiting to perforate you for making the wrong move in the bounds of their territory, which was, you know, literally impossible to know what was and wasn't.

So, alright, he MAY have had a few arrow scars that were from elves rather than just Templars.

[avisionofhawke]

Hawke continued to poke around for a minute or two before giving up.

"There is literally no sign they were ever here. I'd really like to know what's going on."

[cattymage]

"They could be just really good at hiding. That's kind of their thing. Either way, though..." He gave her a stilted, tired smile, because Sundermount was a lot of mountain. "We may as well forge on ahead, missing elves or no, correct? I seem to recall something about a hot meal being mentioned."

[avisionofhawke]

"Right. A good meal sounds like just the thing. Shall we?"

The Dalish were good at hiding, but... Not this good. Something was terribly wrong here, and Hawke had no idea what, exactly, it was. It was disturbing...

Make it better with a joke.

But what joke? She was at a loss.

[cattymage]

"We can make it fun. Think of it as a dinner date - bring in a few candles, get to know each other better over a few bowls of a hearty stew -- you do like stew, right? I might have to make some sad faces at you if you don't."

Don't worry, Aisling, he's got you covered.

[avisionofhawke]

"Stew... I can definitely do that. And besides, I could never hold out against those sad faces you make," she said with a smirk. "You're just too charming."

[cattymage]

He stops, and it's like a light going on. "Oh - I almost forgot you live there, don't you? A house, and everything." He brightened. "You'll have a kitchen! I haven't gotten to use a proper kitchen in ages."

[avisionofhawke]

Hawke stopped half a step late. "You cook?"

That was new. How long had he known how to cook? Oh, when things were back to normal, she would definitely have to make him display these skills.

Nothing was quite as sexy as a man who knew his way around the kitchen.

[cattymage]

"I'm not some kind of secret culinary genius or anything, but I've picked up some things, now and then, here and there." The look on his face says he can tell Hawke's all abuzz over the very idea, or at least is expectant of that sort of reaction. "A good deal of it is having an even hand and a clear idea of what happens when you make things hot or cold, which also happens to be important skills of potion-making."

[avisionofhawke]

Hawke grinned outright at that. "You're going to have to show me. Also, I hope you like to cook, because you're the one that's going to get to from now on."

She took his arm and leaned up, practically smouldering at him.

"I'll make it worth your while..."

[cattymage]

"I do like to. Though it sounds like I'll learn just how far that like stretches, if a certain vixen has her way." His fingers glide slowly, teasingly off of her arm as he slides out of her grip, so that they can see one another face-to-face.

"Are you trying to lure me into being your manservant, Madam Hawke...?"

He crooks an arm in front of his chest and bows over it, slightly, the angle creating a look nothing short of intense, he looking up at her through half-hooded eyes.

[avisionofhawke]

"Manservant?" she echoed, meeting his eyes seductively. "Oh, perish the thought. No, I had something much more pleasant in mind for the both of us..."

She trailed a finger along the underside of his chin to tilt his head upward. Her lips brushed his lightly before she pulled back with a slight smirk.

"Do you think that would be acceptable?"

[cattymage]

He tilts his head obediently where she guides it, pupils dilating perceptibly.

Aisling could feel a small twinge, the working of his muscles in his jaw as he silently gulps, a restrained urge to crash their lips together when she brushes hers on his - well, she did already know the man had a woefully impressive ability for restraint, when he chose to use it.

"I'm sure I'll be impressed when the time comes. Though, I do warn you... I am possessed of one excellent imagination."

[avisionofhawke]

"Don't go thinking you're the only one," she teased, reaching out to toy with his earring.

Let's see if you get where I'm going with this, the rogue thought, picturing the rings he had elsewhere. She smirked as another thought crossed her mind...

Door knockers.

when you trap two flirty people who are immensely attracted to one another on a mountain . . .

[cattymage]

His arm was getting stiff, still held up between them. Obviously, the only recourse for it was to drop the pose, leaving the last bit of space between them invitingly open as he drew his head away just as she hooked a slim finger into the ring, eliciting a pleasing tug that she was going too softly to give him on her own.

Perhaps he should be more forward, in general, but it was honestly exciting seeing what Aisling did to work with what he gave her - a slow sort of game between them, because Maker knew sometimes it could be more about the lead-up than the pay-off.

Not that he could see the classic 'quick tryst in the corner' being a bad deal with Aisling, necessarily - on the contrary. He had no trouble picturing Aisling enjoying the fervency of it, the harried, sharp breathes that never could get you enough air without being too loud, the occasional clacking of teeth as open-mouthed kisses broke and reformed moment to moment - flushed skin and goosebumps, the prickling shock when one was hurriedly exposed to the cold air or icy fingers.

No, the imagery didn't disagree with what he knew of her one single bit. He gives a pleased shudder, and combined with the utterly scandalous look on his face - not that cheeky, I'm such a rake, aren't I? kind of scandalous he wore as easily as a mantle, either - he didn't even need to say anything, at this point.

You get obviously-not-fade tongue

[avisionofhawke]

Oh, don't think she missed that little shudder there. That, combined with the look on his face... It was enough to send a pleasant jolt right down her spine. She stepped into the space between them without hesitation, her eyes glowing with a warmth and desire that seemed to spark in the air between them.

Anders' expression, though... it practically screamed ravish me, and Aisling was so terribly tempted to oblige. For now, though, she'd just settle for pulling him into a passionate clash of teeth and tongues as her fingertips dragged their way down his back (no nails - not yet, don't want to spoil the fun for later).

And then she'd let go and was smirking at him from a little farther away. That would do until they got to her bedroom... with luck. Oh, but what wonderful things she would do to him as soon as she had him naked on that bed.

;0 this is the part where i say 'or is it' and make wobbly finger motions

[cattymage]

When reality very abruptly began to mirror his thoughts, Anders put up a valiant effort to not just melt right there. Hands cupped at her shoulders for support his knees couldn't entirely give at the moment, and honestly, it was almost embarrassing how sensitive he was to her hands trailing down his back, as if his robe was gossamer-thin when it certainly wasn't.

To say he kissed back enthusiastically may in fact be an understatement. He looked rather bereft when she ended it -- sort of an, aw, it's over already? look, enhanced by the newly husky state of his breathing.

...Composure. Right. He could do composure fast, or at least suspected he might have, once, in the distant past. He planted a stolen kiss, a quick, last-word peck, to Aisling's forehead, then drew back himself. If he went on to lean a bit too heavily on his staff for support, well. Forgive a man for getting weak-kneed.

[avisionofhawke]

Oh, that was... Incredible. And that last peck to the forehead was almost sweet. Aisling led the way, thinking that she wasn't at all sure she could wait until they got to the bed. He was so very-

There wasn't a word to describe how attracted she was to him, really.

So... hurrying. Yes. She cast an alluring look back at him as if to say, The sooner we get there, the sooner the fun can start.

[cattymage]

"Yes, yes," he grumbled in fake irritation. "I'm c... I'm moving. You can't just knock me for a loop like that and not expect a bit of lingering bedazzlement."

[avisionofhawke]

Aisling couldn't help but chuckle at his near-slip. "I dazzled you, did I? Glad to know I haven't lost my touch."

[cattymage]

"If you lost your touch, you'd know. There'd be a mourning procession. Everyone would be wearing black and lamenting. Can you imagine me, in all black? It's not my color in high doses. Makes my hair look too pale."

AND THUS

THE BANTER WENT ON

THE TRUDGING WENT ON

EVENTUALLY.. PROBABLY AFTER THEY KISSED A GODDAMN GAIN...

IS THAT.. HARK, A KIRKWALL!

And one that isn't under siege!

And looks, generally, like it did when Aisling left it!

[avisionofhawke]

Aisling smiled as she saw the city. "Well, looks like Kirkwall is still here, at least. I'd say home sweet home, but given that it's trying its hardest to win the 'Cesspit Lookalike' contest, it doesn't quite apply. At least I live in the less awful part."

Nope, no Kirkwall apologism here. Aisling had always been the type of person to call a duck a duck.

[cattymage]

"Maker, does it always look so... ominous? Tell me there's some wonderful minute of exactly one hour of the day, where the sun strikes down just so, and it doesn't look like doom."

Anders keeps an eye on their destination as they walk on, alternating between that and making sure he's keeping his feet on the uneven trail - then, speaks up again --

"Would you believe I've been trying to get to that city for the better part of -- I can barely believe I'm doing this. It's a little late to turn tail, but, just for the record, the desire is there."

[avisionofhawke]

"Oh, yes, that comes once every age, and Kirkwall bursts into cheers and butterflies swarm the city to coat all the slave statues. Flowers sprout in Darktown, too," Aisling joked. "Most people want away from Kirkwall, so I can certainly understand the desire to do the sensible thing."

[cattymage]

"Excellent. I'm sure it'll be timed to happen exactly as we walk in to welcome our triumphant entrance."

And on they go! Until Anders remembers a thing.

"--Oh, uh, I'm wearing mage robes. And we're going into Kirkwall. As tragic as it is, I think I need to change."

[avisionofhawke]

"Probably wise. Though Kirkwall is particularly vigilant when it comes to mages - Maker only knows why - so we should probably enter through one of the... um... unconventional routes I know of." Aisling stopped as something occurred to her. "You do have something to change into, right? If not, I'm going to have to run off and nick somebody's skivvies."

[cattymage]

He patted his - let's pretend he has a visible way of carrying his inventory. He patted his pack, which I know he mentions in regard to his cat in Awakening, so it must be true. "Always come prepared, that's the apostate's creed!"

So, scanning the environs -- and -- no. No convenient change-behind-this-spots.

Logically, Hawke's already seen a version of him naked. And thanks to the Circle, he wasn't really shy about changing in front of people -- other people in the Circle, at least.

Sigh. Okay. He could do this. Play it cool, and you'll feel more cool about it, Anders.

"Promise only to ogle the naughty bits and I'll give you a show?"

[avisionofhawke]

"Oh, I think you can count on that," she teased. "I do so enjoy a show." The rogue's lyrium blue eyes sparkled with mischief and a healthy amount of desire.

[cattymage]

"Oh, good. Even the spiciest shimmying just isn't worth it without an appreciative audience."

Down on the ground goes the staff, and he makes sure he's standing over grass, because dirt on his robe skirts, no thank you - still psyching himself up, he rubs a hand up the back of his neck, letting it trail up to catch his ponytail and let it sort of... slide over his arm as he brings his hand away, eventually coming to rest on his thigh. And don't forget the trademark charming smirk.

He loosens the ties on the loop of his ... belt-corset thing first with deft fingers, gives him waist a nice stretch as he feels the pressure of it loosen - then, hooks a thumb in one belt to arrange it off its anchoring slant, letting it drop. It's practically just a swipe of the hand to dislodge the other, then -- and the belt-corset thing comes down with it, bringing the outer layer of his skirts to pool at his feet.

He's probably much better at this than I am at describing it, and for that I'm sorry.

The bracers went next, along with the gold loops around his upper arms -- then he fiddled with the fastening of his mantle, and shrugged, which was probably the honest high point. Seeing him with a mantle hooked about his elbows before he slid one arm out and let it just sort of, slip down the other -- well, that had always done things to Aisling.

Then, he takes a deep breath, and -- time to pull up and off the last layer of the robes! Look, Ma, no smalls.

He's leaving the boots, because he actually wore sensible boots when he climbed up the mountain.

There's a very notable scar missing from his chest. And the rings he'd told her the backstory of, glittering gold like his earring -- and, oh, yes, that other one she'd noticed. And he's less of a skeleton. That's important.

[avisionofhawke]

Aisling, true to her word, ogled all the naughty bits with a lusty smirk. "You're doing just fine, love," she purred about halfway through.

The extra weight looked good on him, she thought. He looked more healthy, better rested. It was actually sort of a relief to see him like that. The lack of scar, on the other hand, was disconcerting, in a way - she had learned that scar like she knew her own, every contour and every minute detail, and now it was just... not there, and it reminded her painfully that this Anders wasn't her Anders, not really. He didn't remember all they had been through together, and he didn't... He didn't love her.

That, perhaps, was what hurt the worst.

But no, now wasn't the time for those dreary thoughts. There was a delightful physique on display before her, and she fully intended to enjoy it.

[cattymage]

"Get all your looking in while you can," he warned. "Now the dowdy 'don't mind me, I'm a nameless peasant!' clothes are coming on."

He crouches down to open up his pack and pull out aforementioned nobody clothes - the plane of his back is briefly visible.

Still plenty of scars there, even if the match for the one on his chest is missing. Damn, but if the Circle wasn't friendly with the lash.

fuckers gon die if they ever did that shit to bethy

He doesn't make a show of it putting clothes back on - he pulls on a bland tunic, and then stands up though he does look cute with just that on, briefly, where it hangs down over his thighs to pull on trousers, loose enough in the leg to not give him too much trouble getting them on over the boots.

Lastly, lamentably, off goes the earring, and he tugs out the fancy little thing keeping his hair up to tie it back up in a few economical motions with a plainer tie.

"And -- ta-dah. The transformation is complete."

[avisionofhawke]

When he had finished, Hawke's first thought was Andraste's armored bosom, he looks almost like normal. The thought hurt a little as it reminded her that this Anders was different, but she shoved it aside and whistled quietly in approval. "This is the first time I've ever seen someone make the 'invisible peasant' look seem sexy."

[cattymage]

"I know. It's difficult to tone down being this outstandingly gorgeous, so time to be crossing our fingers as to whether this works out."

He collects his things - stows the shed clothes - and eyes his staff, once he's got it safely in hand.

"You think I can pass this big bastard off as a suspiciously expensive looking walking stick?"

[avisionofhawke]

"I think I know ways in that the guards couldn't find with a map and a team of Mabari," she said with a conspiratorial smirk. "Trust me, it won't be an issue."

[cattymage]

THUS REASSURED, THEY CONTINUED ON TO KIRKWALL!

ON TO AISLING'S SECRET ENTRYWAY

ON TO...

"--You know, actually, you hold the staff, it'll be less questionable, you can say 'oh I found a Maleficar and beat him up and now I need to sell this' and then we can go in through somewhere else that doesn't look like a deathtrap tunnel!"

[avisionofhawke]

"This way is the safest, though I do know of some passages that lead in through the Wounded Coast if you'd prefer. Trust me on this... I know how to sneak a mage in and out of the city. I did it with my sister for over a year." There was a sort of sadness behind the determination in her voice. Bethany... Bethany was gone, for all intents and purposes. Mourning wouldn't bring her back, but Hawke missed her all the same.

She never should have gone to the Deep Roads and left her sister vulnerable...

[cattymage]

"Nmmmmmmghheuughhhh."

[avisionofhawke]

And that noise immediately snapped her out of that mood and into a little gigglefit. She tried not to, really, but this was much more resistant than she was used to, and... It was kind of cute, in its way.

[cattymage]

"Think I'm funny, do you? Well -- good. I am. But I also really don't want to go in that tunnel."