genessia | Video -- More of a Hawke, Really

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Video -- More of a Hawke, Really

[The video opens to what appears to be a rather ordinary man - dark hair, square jaw, and a smudge of something red over his nose. His face is too close to the screen, brow furrowed in concentration. It quickly melds into surprise, then disbelief - and maybe even a hint of amusement.]

And here I was, hoping I'd just landed in the Fade somehow.

[His tone is very light, and he sighs, pulling back from the phone enough that he inadvertently allows the camera to focus better on him.]

I'll have to admit to being at something of a loss. Attempts on my life usually don't come with instruction manuals. It's an interesting change, but I do prefer things a little more straightforward!

Oh. And if you are trying to kill me? I have to admit my head feels a little foggy and I appear to be unarmed, so it's probably a good time. We can talk about this whole thing, maybe get some drinks while you ramble on about your plan?

[There's a beat, Hawke looking around him, head tilted as if listening for an ambush. He shrugs.]

It was worth a try.

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...perhaps.

[Hawke pauses after the answer, taking a breath before correcting himself.]

Yes. But it's a long story that can probably wait until we've got a better idea what's going on here.

Ah.

[He still didn't understand, but Hawke...still seemed to be Hawke, at least for the most part. If he had a mind to share, he would, but only in his time.]

As you wish. From what others have said, we have plenty of time.

Then I suppose we may as well settle in for a nice vacation.

[There was gratitude in his face, as he turned to glance back at Fenris. He probably would have told, if he'd been pressed. Just this once. He wasn't sure it would have been a good idea.]

I believe we're almost there?

[That would be all well and good if Fenris had any idea how to go about taking a vacation. At Hawke's question, the elf turned to look at him, his expression deadpan, though Hawke would probably recognize the joking in his eyes.]

I don't know. You're the one leading.

[Hawke caught that look, and grinned. It was a little funny, how things were both more and less complicated right now.]

What was I thinking?

[It had been a few blocks, he was sure. Presumably the housing for the newly kidnapped would be readily recognizable.]

I mean to say we're just about there.

[That wasn't it to his side now, was it? Probably not. If it was he could lead them around the block once. Delay the inevitable.]

We passed it on the last block.

[His tone was playful, though the comment could have been harsh. It was easy, too easy, in fact to slip into old habits, and he was having to constantly remind himself this was not the Hawke he knew.]

We're taking the long way.

[The lie - or new truth - was easy enough, and he would start them around one of these blocks the next chance he had. Three turns in one direction, then one in the other, and they would be back on track. At least as far as directions went.]

Big place, isn't it? I think I definitely prefer Kirkwall. It's...cozier.

[He regards Hawke with his large emerald eyes for a moment, frowning. Most would take it as further proof all he did was brood, but those who knew him would see the truth. He was just doubtful.]

You're stalling.

You know how I am.

[The reminder was light, mild, accompanied by a shrug, and it would have been the end of it if he'd been speaking to just about anyone else. If the words hadn't hit especially hard in this situation. Hawke sighed, expression falling somewhat.]

I didn't actually miss it on purpose...but I am stalling.

[He did sound apologetic.]

Would you rather we just turn around?

[He crossed his arms, stopping and simply watching him for a moment.]

Say what you wish to say, Hawke.

[Hawke stopped when he did, arms loose at his sides.]

Say? Nothing. When have you ever known me to hold my tongue? I'm just putting off the inevitable. Mind, I'm not entirely sure what that is.

[Fenris allowed his arms to fall to his sides as well. It felt as though they were both dancing around something neither wanted to admit. It was uncomfortable and more than a bit off-putting.

Still, Hawke had a point there, and he smiled slightly, shaking his head.]

Only when you sleep. [He could prod further about this unspoken tension, but he felt it as keenly as Hawke did, he was sure.]

Perhaps we should move on.

[Hawke snaps his fingers, or tries. The sound isn't right but the motion recognizable.]

I knew my brother had to be lying about me talking in my sleep.

[There's a smile, and Hawke turns, jerking his head in the direction they had come from. Towards the commons.]

Come on then.

[Even more curiosity.]

I...never knew your brother. You...said he died, escaping Ferelden.

[What is going on, seriously?]

Yes, lead on.

[Because while Hawke has a terrible sense of direction, that doesn't mean Fenris wouldn't rather he lead.]

No.

[Hawke felt like the air had been pushed from his lungs. He starts walking but slowly, face dark.]

Bethany was the one who... Carver... Had a close call in the Deep Roads, but he's a Grey Warden now.

This is getting ridiculous, isn't it?

[For one the attempt to hide behind lightness sounded absolutely fake.]

And troubling.

[And more and more so the longer they spoke.]

...I wonder if this is common.

I hope not. I can't imagine it does much more than give everyone a headache.

[He sounds sour, a little tired.]

[A headache was certainly right. A headache and...something else; deeper.

As they approached the building, he took a breath, looking up at the towering set of rooms,
then turning to talk.]

The key should refer to a door. I...need to think.

Of course.

[Hawke did his best to act like nothing in the world was bothering him. At the least he had been waiting for this . Far from happily, but waiting all the same.]

I could probably use a lie down. It's been a very strange hour or so. I'm sure I can manage to find mine, and if not I'll wave someone down. Or yell.

Edited 2017-09-28 03:44 (UTC)

[He nodded, heading inside.]

...I'm sorry, Hawke.

Me too.

[Hawke followed him through, the door, one hand digging to find whatever it was he had done with the key.]

But whatever's going on? I am glad you're here.

[He nodded once, swallowing before responding though he was turned toward the stairs leading upward.]

...so am I.

[And yet, there were so many unanswered questions, he didn't know where to start.]

And I mean that, Hawke. [Hesitantly, he gives Hawke his room number.] Come by to see me later. We can...talk more then.

[Thank you, Hawke's expression all but says for him. Even if Fenris isn't looking at him to see it. He mouths the room number gives him, embedding it in his memory.]

I will, you have my word. I'll even knock. Just this once.

[He doesn't move to go anywhere, willing to give Fenris a head start before he tried to find his own temporary quarters. He had to let him out of his sight sometime.]

[He pauses at the stairwell, a smirk on his face.]

You are too kind, Hawke. [He glances down the hall, then back toward the human mage he knows so well, and yet doesn't know at all.] Try not to get lost.

[And he heads into the stairwell before he can get caught again. He does need that time to think, after all.]

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Video -- More of a Hawke, Really

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