Rest

Despite that, you find your eyelids heavy, closing without your willing them to, and being damn hard to open again.

You can sleep first, you reason. And when you're fully alert, can have your fun...

-

The next three days pass in an agreeable sort of routine. You wake, go to classes, fuck and eventually go to sleep. Though barring a delightful tryst with Olivia in an empty classroom, you don't see as much of your friends, or the First Enchanter, as you'dve liked.

That all changes when, as you relax alone (Cole had left for a dalliance with two elven women) one evening, you hear a soft rapping at the door, and Catalina walks in.

"Good, you're alone." She smiles.

"Yes, we've got the room to ourselves." You grin back, patting the bed next to you.

The half-Rivaini shakes her head, voluminous curls bouncing a little as she does.

"There'll be time for that later, lover. I've been sent to collect you." Catalina explains. "Lady Vivienne has an errand for the two of us."

"I can think of a few errands I'd like to see you perform for the First Enchanter." You say, giving Catalina a lascivious smile as you rise to your feet.

"And I can think of a few I'd practically kill to perform for her." Catalina responds.

The two of you head to Vivienne's office. You find her enjoying a goblet of wine.

"There he is. My newest favourite. You are a dear for bringing him to me, Katarina." Vivienne smiles. Part of you suspects she's intentionally getting Cat's name wrong just to tease her.

"A pleasure to serve, Lady Vivienne." Catalina says regardless.

"Now, as for your task, the pair of you will be travelling far from here, to the Free Marches. There you will find a mage by the name of Bethany Hawke - yes, that Bethany, and provide any assistance she requires." Vivienne says, taking for granted that you'll accept this lengthy assignment.

"The Free- isn't that-" You stammer.

"It's far from the centre of the war, darling." Vivienne reassures you. "Stay out of trouble and you should have little difficulty."

"And what about Bethany, why would you help a rebel mage?" You ask, since Catalina has gone over all quiet.

"the younger Hawke has established herself as a healer and protector of refugees. Hardly the biggest threat to Thedas. Besides, I deem it advantageous to have one such as her in my good graces. You will understand eventually, darling." Vivienne assures you.

"And when you get back, if you prove successful, I can make you aware of my... appreciation." Vivienne says, pulling you close.

"Now," She says, kissing you goodbye. "I suggest the two of you start packing." Vivienne says, ushering you out.

-

Standing in the hallway outside, you turn to Catalina.

"What are you thinking about?" You want to know.

"If I could pull off a shaved head as well as Lady Vivienne..." Catalina says, stroking a strand of her frizzy hair.