Chapter Text
“Be careful Ami,” Vitka said as she followed her brother along the battlements, where he was balancing on the on the guardrail. “If you die up here Papa will be rather cross with me.” At that Amadeus let out a snort and hopped down onto the slightly safer flat of the battlement, bowing with a little flourish. Technically they weren’t allowed up here without supervision, but when Amadeus decides he wants to explore there’s little that can be done to stop him, so Vitka is sure to follow close behind to keep him out of trouble.
They spend time watching people in the courtyard, thinking up little stories for every soldier and refugee. For a while they drop pebbles and stones off the side of the ramparts. Mostly they just wander around, looking into some of the empty towers that still need repairs and enjoying the view. It’s fun, but mostly uneventful for the most part, other than a few moments where they have to quick hide from some scouts. That is until they stumble upon someone else who shouldn’t be there, quite literally.
“Sorry Serah,” Vitka says when she steps back from the solid body she walked face first into, trying not to panic about being caught. “We weren’t paying attention to where we were going. We’ll just…” She trails off, going wide eyed as she realizes who she just ran into.
“No problem little lady,” Hawke says, reaching out to steady her. “You alright.”
“We are so sorry...” she says again, and Ami jabs her with his elbow, and she comes back to herself.
“Hawke? Who’s up here?” A deep voice asks from nearby, and as soon as it’s owner steps into view Amadeus grabs Vitka’s arm and tugs on it excitedly.
“Just some kids, Fen, nothing to worry about,” Hawke says, then turns back to the kids. “Are you supposed to be up here?”
Ami shakes his head no.
“Ami! Uh,” Vitka gives him a little shove and looks up at the champion and his companion and can’t seem to find her voice for a second. She knows they’re just people, but she’s read Tales of the Champion so many times that they started to seem like so much more. Which is a little ridiculous, because she’s friends with Varric, and he’s in that story too, and she’s met Isabela, who’s an agent for the Inquisition now, so this shouldn’t be any different. Right? Ami gives her arm another tug, trying to get her attention.
‘Introduce us!’ He signs at her when she finally stops gawking long enough to look at him.
“Right! I’m Lady Vitka Pavus,” she says with a little curtsy, then motions to Ami. “And this is my brother Amadeus.”
“Pavus?” Fenris asks, raising a brow curiously as he eyes the children, and Vitka swears Ami looks like he might faint under the scrutiny.
“Yes,” she answers in Tevene. “Our Papa is from Tevinter. His father was a Magister, but he isn’t. He’s a good man,” she explains firmly, not wanting Fenris to hate Papa before he even meets him.
“I’m sure he is,” Fenris says, sounding not entirely convinced, but impressed at her fluent Tevene. He switches over to common when he continues. “This is Garrett Hawke, and I am Fenris.”
“We know who you are,” Vitka says excitedly. “We read the book, and Varric is our uncle. Not our real uncle, but he helps take care of us when Papa isn’t here. You’re Ami’s favorite, he wants to marry you when he grows up,” she says the last bit to Fenris and Amadeus gives her a rough shove.
“Looks like I have some competition,” Hawke says with smirk.
“Ami was born a slave before Papa saved him,” Vitka continues and Amadeus hides his face in his hands. “You’re a hero. You’re his hero,” Vitka says to Fenris and Hawke smiles at him.
“I’m not a hero,” Fenris starts but Ami interrupts him, waving his hands until he stops.
‘You are,’ he signs, and Vitka translates. ‘You’re a hero and I want to be like you when I grow up. I want to help people, and save slaves and prove that elves can be heroes too, even in Tevinter.’
“He is a hero,” Hawke agrees, wrapping an arm around Fenris’ shoulders. “He doesn’t realize how amazing he is sometimes, but you’ll help me convince him, right?” He asks and the kids both nod their heads.
“Would you like to have diner with us and our Papa? We were going to eat with Commander Lio- Cullen tonight,” Vitka offers.
“People aren’t really supposed to know we’re here just yet,” Fenris starts.
“Yeah, but imagine Cullen’s face when we show up with his kids,” Hawke cuts off.
“So you’ll come?” Vitka asks.
“Sure thing, my lady,” Hawke says with a little bow, offering his arm for her to take. Amadeus rushes up to take Fenris’ hand, and they lead them to Cullen’s office.