Hawke and his Princess: Chapter 34

A note from the author.

Hey everyone. I really want to thank you all for reaching out and leaving messages. Especially the concern. A lot has been going on but I have not abandoned this story. Hawke and Elayne would never forgive me, especially Hawke, lol.

I already have chapters done, waiting to be submitted, so I promise to continue this story. A lot is happening in the very near future with our couple. In a few chapters, Hawke will finally be unleashing his magical powers. I'll be adding in new characters and a few surprises and twists.

Anyway, I'll let you get on with the story. I just wanted to say thank you for your support and continued reading of Hawke and Elayne.

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The making of a sword

After a restful night, Elayne woke with her mind on Hawke. A wave of relief came over her as she went into their bond and saw him sleeping. Not wanting to disturb him, she got up and made her way downstairs to get something to eat. When she entered the room, a feeling of tension and concern hung in the air, especially from his family when she looked around. Then it dawned on her. She was the only link to Hawke, the only way for them to know how he was doing.

She looked over at Leandra and smiled at her reassuringly. "He's fine and safe. He made it there and is in some kind of camp. He's sleeping, and I didn't want to disturb his rest to find out more." She saw the tension on their faces change to relief.

She looked over at Fergus, "Today is my individual training day. When do you want to fit this in? Hawke and I normally train in the mornings for about four hours, so I'd like to stick with that if we can." She paused, waiting for Fergus's response before she started on her food.

"Morning is fine with me, sis. Father has already been informed about everything, and he's perfectly okay with it," Fergus replied.

"Let me eat first, and then we can begin," she said with a slight nod. She noticed an odd tension still hung in the air, making her feel restless, as she scanned the table. When she looked at everyone, she saw their gazes were fixed on her. Focusing on her food became increasingly difficult under their eyes. Finally, she turned to her mother, "Why are you all staring at me? It's a bit unsettling."

Her mother smiled. "We're proud of you, Elayne. For stepping up and not letting the pain of this distance overwhelm you and sticking with your training. I gather you both resolved your issues from yesterday?"

Heat flooded Elayne's cheeks, "Yes, we had a long talk and came to an understanding." She glanced at her mom and Leandra. "I understand what you both said yesterday and the reasons behind it. It made me think, and I appreciate it." Once she finished eating, she made her way to her training session with Fergus.

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Hawke woke from a restful sleep later that morning, a sense of well being running over him. After seeing that Elayne was busy with her practice session with Fergus through the bond, he stepped outside. The tent felt constricting, especially for someone of his size, so he took a moment to stretch his back before setting out in search of Caleb. He soon spotted him seated with a group of people.

Not wanting to intrude, Hawke found a nearby tree stump to sit on while he enjoyed his spiced porridge. As he observed the camp for the first time, a sense of wonder washed over him as he looked at their dwellings. Hawke recalled reading in books once about the Dalish elves using aravels, as both living spaces and storage units, an ingenious solution for their nomadic lifestyle. When on the move, the caravans were drawn by halla, revered creatures treated with great respect. With the aid of magical powers, the clan Keepers enable the aravels to soar above the treetops, allowing the Dalish to travel the woods on foot. Each aravel have intricate carvings and vivid silk canopies resembling sails, which has led humans to nickname them "landships."

Then his gaze went to the magnificent beasts around the camp. Noble and adorned with impressive horns, hallas are revered magnificent white stags that several Dalish clans use to aid in transporting their aravels or landships. These creatures are more than mere pack animals, though; they are valued companions with whom the Dalish share a deep bond, founded on mutual respect. Rather than coerced into servitude, the halla are welcomed into the clans, a practice that highlights the deep connection the Dalish maintain with them. The relationship between the two reflects the clans' rich culture and their deep reverence for the natural world.

He also recalled when reading about the impressive halla that the value of their horns are highly regarded in the market, often rumored to bring in a small fortune. The Dalish artisans demonstrate their skill by intricately carving the antlers into decorative items, which are particularly coveted in the Tevinter Imperium.

He looked over at Caleb as the group around him started moving away, leaving only Caleb and two others left, and Caleb beckoned Hawke over.

"Let me introduce you to Othanar and Fen," Caleb said. "Othanar is a master bladesmith, and Fen possesses a wealth of historical knowledge. I know you have a remarkable talent for shielding your mind, and I suggest you use that skill here. This will aid you for two reasons: first, you'll be helping Othanar with crafting a unique blade; second, you'll be gaining invaluable knowledge during your time with us."

Confusion clouded Hawke's mind, and Caleb continued when he saw his face. "I have recently become aware of your connection with Elayne. The need for discretion comes from the sensitive nature of what will be revealed here--while those well-versed in the Thedas history may have knowledge of it, some details remain obscure. I ask you to honor this request now."

Hawke nodded and finally complied with the request before he spoke. "Caleb, you owe me some answers. Why am I here? Why me?"

"Certain truths must be revealed to you. As for why you specifically, that eludes me. Perhaps it has something to do with our connection; all I know is that you were the one that's been chosen."

"Chosen? Chosen for what, exactly? And by whom?" Hawke growled in frustration. "And what's this about a sword?"

Fen looked up at Hawke with annoyance. It was then that Hawke realized he was standing up. "Sit down, young man, your pacing is becoming irritating."

Hawke started to turn to confront him, his anger and frustration coming to the surface. Before he could open his mouth, Caleb rose and placed a hand on his shoulder. He spoke with a calming firmness, urging, "Arik, take a breath. I understand this isn't where you'd prefer to be, and it seems like we're not providing the answers you seek. Just sit down; I'll explain a bit of what's happening." Despite Caleb's plea, Hawke remained standing in place, arms crossed with a scowl on his face. Caleb exhaled sharply, and Hawke could hear the exasperation in his voice. "Sit down, Hawke! Right now!"

Hawke's eyes shifted to Caleb, remembering previous times when Caleb's raised voice had jolted him into clarity amidst his chaotic thoughts. In that moment, warmth surrounded him as he felt Elayne's presence, comforting him. He shut his eyes, allowing her love to wash over him, melting away the anger and frustration that was trying to overcome him. When he finally opened his eyes, a feeling of peace surrounded him, and he returned to his seat on the stump, his mind clearer and focused once more on Caleb.

Caleb watched Hawke with a sense of wonder. Such a dramatic change had only struck him once before, and that was the night before. It wasn't until he looked deeply into Hawke's eyes that the realization dawned on him. Even without seeing her, Caleb sensed Elayne's presence within Hawke's mind. Their bond was undeniable; they were destined to be together. Yet, the nature of their connection baffled Caleb. He struggled to comprehend the depth and significance of the ties that bound them together so tightly.

Caleb continued to watch Hawke, curiosity going across his face. "When did you and Elayne form this connection, and how did it come about?" Fen and Othanar exchanged glances, equally puzzled and interested in the answer.

Hawke looked at him in confusion, "I thought you knew when you sent that note with Elayne's jewelry set. You said that what I had planned was meant to be, and I assumed you were talking about the bond also. But I realized last night I was wrong. Even without your words, though, I knew it was meant to happen. The bond was formed after we said our vows to each other, and we sealed our marriage." Everyone looked at him with confusion on their faces.

Caleb shook his head, "The moment I saw you and Elayne together in a dream, it became apparent that your paths were meant to cross. I had no idea who she was, but a strong connection emanated between you, as if your destinies were intertwined, hinting at something important awaiting the both of you. Although I sensed this bond, the specifics eluded me. Can you, if you're willing, shed some light on it?" Caleb saw him hesitate, "Hawke, please, I promise to answer what I can afterward. I just need to understand some things, like you, we also have questions."

"I'll hold you to that promise," Hawke replied, frustration evident in his posture. His fingers ran through his hair as he stood up and started pacing again. "Just before Elayne was to leave with her family for Redcliffe, we made vows to one another. Her father had granted his blessing for our marriage, but we didn't want to wait for an entire year. That's when I came up with a plan that felt right. When I received your box and read your message, it only confirmed that I was on the correct path."

"Under a starlit sky, illuminated by the soft glow of the moon, Elayne and I stood by the lake and bound ourselves to each other. The moment we exchanged our vows, something unimaginable began to happen. As we came together, an invisible bond formed, entwining our hearts, minds, and souls as if they were connected by delicate threads. Through this connection, we became aware of each other's presence; we could instinctively sense where the other was and share images with each other without saying a single word."

"Curious about this, I carefully explored it one evening. When I went into the connection, I discovered a small mass within and, upon closer inspection, noticed a loose thread. Despite my hesitation at first, I couldn't resist tugging at it just a bit but decided to leave the rest untouched. The next morning, a curious change had occurred--Elayne and I could communicate with each other in a sense. We could feel each other's thoughts and emotions as though we were literally talking with each other."

"Just yesterday morning, as I was preparing to leave, I completely unraveled that mass. So far, we have discovered that I can literally touch her in a sense, I can heal her from a distance, we can share sensations as if we were in the same room, and we can see and hear through each other's eyes and ears. I know there is much more yet to uncover, but my time has been limited to fully explore it."

Stopping his pacing, he turned to Caleb, a question lingering in the air as he sought an answer. "I have shared my story; now, tell me--why am I here?"

With a glance toward Fen and Othanar, Caleb silently sought their approval. After a moment of contemplation, both men nodded in agreement. Putting his attention back to Hawke, he spoke with a sense of urgency, "There's a change about to happen, and you and Elayne are at the heart of it."

Hawke slammed the wall completely down in his mind, stunned, confused, and angry. "What do you mean a change is about to happen? That Elayne and I are at the heart of it? I will not put Elayne in any danger, and I will not allow anyone else to put her there either!" He knew he was shouting by the end, but he didn't care. "When, when is this supposed to happen? What is the change? How do you know this? Who told you?"

"We don't know, but it will happen. Hawke, sit down, please."

Lost in thought, Hawke recalled a conversation he once had with Bryce. It was strange that this memory was surfacing now when he needed clarity the most at the moment. Abruptly, he stopped and turned to face Caleb directly, locking his eyes with his. "Are the rumors of the darkspawn leaking out of the deep roads true? Is this the reason I'm here?"

Caleb looked at Hawke in shock, he heard gasps from the other two, but he kept his eyes on Caleb, "they are and yes it's the reason you're here, but how do you know about them?" He asked with a shaken voice.

Hawke, his mind working quickly, answered absently, still pacing. "A conversation I had with Bryce Cousland. Elayne took me down by the beach one day and showed me a cave she loved exploring. I don't know why I did it, but I used my power to delve into the cave and found that way in the back there was a drop-off that went straight down. With every inch that I explored, a foulness seeped from the depths, and an overwhelming sense of pure evil began to pervade the air. Something sinister was stirring down below, sending tendrils of fear through me. I did the only thing I could, I needed to protect Elayne and keep her safe, so I collapsed the cave. I went to talk to Bryce to see if there were other caves, that's when he told me there were two others and also told me about the rumors. I collapsed the other two tunnels. Nothing more has been said about the rumors."

After a moment of contemplation, he glanced at the others. Questions raced through his mind: "Do you believe an attack is coming, when, where, who else knows?" Shaking his head in an attempt to dispel the confusion, he resumed pacing. Suddenly, a troubling thought struck him. "Cailan knows, that's why he's putting together the competition? But if no one knows when." Frustrated, he shook his head again, trying to regain his focus and looked back over at them. "Is there any sign of an archdemon? This could be nothing, and why aren't there any Grey Wardens?"

Finally, Caleb shouted at Hawke to get his attention. Once Hawke stopped pacing and looked at him, "Hawke, sit down," Caleb demanded. After a few minutes, he finally sat down, but he was still agitated. "It's important that you clear your mind. Step away for a bit, grab something to eat, and take a moment to regroup. I need to have a private discussion with the other two; you've shared insights that none of us were previously aware of."

Hawke knew when he was being dismissed, but Caleb was right. He needed to clear his head, and he needed Elayne. He put everything that had happened behind its own wall and let down the other one.

The minute the wall was down, he felt her in his arms, "Hawke, are you ok? You scared me when you threw that wall up like that. What happened, baby?"

He imagined wrapping her in his arms, but it wasn't enough. Something deeper tugged at him--he needed her physical presence. An intense wave of urgency washed over him, making it clear that she belonged here by his side. Though he tried to rationalize it as mere longing, the depth of his need only grew, threatening to consume him entirely. Panic began to seep in as he forced himself to speak softly, but was unable to keep his voice trembling with emotion. "Elayne, if I can convince them, will you come here? I can't express this powerful feeling that you belong with me--it's as though something is pushing me to have you here. Please, you must be here with me," he whispered, his voice breaking.

"Hawke, what's going on? What happened? What did they say? Please talk to me, you're scaring me."

"Elayne, I don't care what they said. If they want me to cooperate with them, then they need to give me something in return, and that's you. Elayne, I need you, please." She heard the desperation in his voice. She'd never heard him like this before.

She took a deep breath, "Hawke, are you sure they'll allow it? They said you had to do this alone. What happened, baby?"

Frustration edged his voice as he replied, "I can't give answers just yet." He paused, his gaze intense. "That wasn't my question, though. If they agree, will you come here? Please, Elayne, something deep within me insists that I need you here. Your presence is important."

Her heart went out to him. She could feel his pain deeply; this wasn't the man she usually knew. Through their connection, she sensed his desperation, evident in his trembling voice. Never before had she experienced such an intense feeling from him. It struck her that he truly needed her now more than ever. "I'll be there, Hawke," she responded. "Let me gather a few things, and please update me on what they say. I love you, Arik."

"Thank you, princess, thank you so much. I'll let you know shortly. Elayne," he paused, "I love you too, baby." And he was gone from her mind. She was scared for him, Hawke would never ask this if there wasn't some kind of need. She had to talk to her father and make preparations.

When Hawke found Caleb, he was in a group with Fen and Othanar and others, but Hawke didn't care. He confronted him.

"Caleb, I know you said that I had to come here alone, but I can't be here unless Elayne's with me. If the reason why I'm here is so important and she's part of it, then she needs to be here. You will grant me this one request, or I'm leaving." He saw Caleb hesitate, and Hawke firmed his resolve. "Caleb, in the years we've known each other, have I ever asked you for anything? I need this, Caleb. I need her here with me, please. I can't explain it, but something is demanding that she be here."

"Caleb, let her come. From what you've mentioned, it seems his cooperation is essential, and if bringing her along is the key to achieving that, then make it happen." Though Hawke remained focused on Caleb, he was fully aware of Othanar's words. Something significant was unfolding. If his assistance was what they sought from him, they should be willing to make this compromise for him.

Finally, Caleb nodded, "Fine, Hawke, I will allow this. You were asked here for a reason. You're right about some of the things you said. Bring her Hawke. She needs to be part of this, too. I should have realized that earlier. And I wasn't aware of the bond between you, two. Something tells me you'll be useless until she's here."

Hawke closed his eyes, his heart skipping a beat as he reached out for her. She was immediately there. "Elayne, they said yes. When can you leave?"

Elayne was in the process of trying to explain to her father the change of plans when she felt Hawke back in her head. She looked at her father with tears in her eyes, "Father, I'm leaving shortly. Hawke needs me. He's already been given permission. I know this wasn't the plan, but something has changed, and my husband is reaching out to me, needing me. I ask that you have some men escort me until I get to where I'm going. I'll do this with or without men if I have to, but I'm leaving within the hour." She turned around to leave, but he stopped her.

"Elayne, wait, I can't let you go alone," just then Fergus came in, "Fergus will be joining you, but can't it wait until tomorrow, why now?"

"Because father, you didn't hear what I did. You didn't see or feel what I felt from him, father. He needs me now, as soon as possible. And because if I leave now, we can stay at an Inn tonight and be there tomorrow evening." She looked at Fergus, "I leave within the hour." She left to let her men know, to get provisions ready, and to let their families know. Everyone objected for different reasons, but they weren't there, didn't feel and hear what she did. The only ones that didn't object was Hawke's men, they were eager to be gone, to be were he was so they could protect him if needed. Which made Elayne chuckle to herself despite the objections and turmoil around her.

She was doing this regardless of what anyone else thought or wanted. By the time she was ready and out in the courtyard, there was a total of twelve soldiers, including hers and Hawke's men. Her parents stood among them, pleading for her to reconsider, yet she could sense Hawke's silent call to her. With a gentle pat on Snowball, she urged the horse forward and set off.

By the time they rested for the night, they were already at the Tower. They got rooms at an inn outside of a little town by the Tower. Elayne felt uncomfortable there, but Fergus was right. The horses couldn't be pushed, and they still had a long way to go. After she was in bed, she reached out to Hawke and let him know where she was. In their minds, they lay together in each other's arms, kissing and touching each other, but it wasn't the same. It just made the need, want more desperate. Hawke's need, his desperation for her, was still there, stronger than ever.

He still wouldn't let her know what had happened. She didn't know if he ever would. She had tried going through his memories, but he had that part of his mind shut down. Neither one of them slept very well, and as soon as light hit the sky, Elayne was ready to go. After a quick bite, they were back on the road after she had asked Hawke where they were to meet. He said he'd meet her at the crossroads outside Lothering.

The following morning, Hawke finally understood Caleb's hints regarding the blade he would be assisting Othanar with. It was not just any weapon; this would definitely be a special sword. It was a sword intended for Elayne. His role in its creation would involve channeling his abilities into the forging process. Excitement bubbled within him as he looked forward to the challenge. Othanar told him that he'd be equipped with an array of potions and necessary supplies. Eager to begin, he turned to Othanar and asked, "When can we get started on this?"

"Hold on there, young Hawke," Othanar replied, a knowing smile on his face. "This task will demand a great deal from you, particularly since it is your first time in doing something like this. We can begin tomorrow, but make sure to rest well today. I can see you didn't sleep much last night, though I'd say your spirits are noticeably brighter. That lady must indeed be very special; I'm looking forward to meeting her."

At that moment, they spotted Caleb approaching them. "Now, young man," he said to Hawke, "I believe you have an appointment. I look forward to working alongside you tomorrow."

After a quick meal, Hawke and Caleb set off together. They had a considerable journey ahead to reach the crossroads in time for Elayne's arrival.

It was late afternoon when she spotted the crossroads and saw him sitting on Midnight waiting for her. Her breath caught in her throat, her heart started beating faster, tears started falling down her face as she increased Snowballs pace. "Hawke," she whispered as he pulled her to him onto his horse.

He thought he had never seen such a beautiful sight when his eyes finally landed on her. He immediately pulled her onto his lap, his arms tightly around her and his mouth on hers before her horse came to a complete stop. "I missed you so much, Elayne." he knew his voice was rough, his eyes wet, but he didn't care. He had what he wanted and needed the most in the world in his arms. He lifted his head up from her when he saw Fergus and his men coming towards them.

"Thank you, Fergus, gentlemen, I know this wasn't the plan, but plans change. In time, you'll find out why, but in the meantime, let's go into town. We'll all have something to eat, and with it being late, I'll even pay for your rooms for the night, so you can all start out fresh tomorrow." Hawke led everyone to town, they headed to Dane's, and Danal let them use the private dining room so they could eat in peace.

Once everyone was seated, Caleb finally let down his hood, and Hawke felt and saw the shock on Elayne and Fergus's faces. Hawke grinned and introduced them. "Caleb, I'd like you to meet Fergus Cousland and the most important woman in my life, my beautiful wife, Elayne." Both Elayne and Fergus acknowledged him with a nod. After introductions were made, they started to eat.

The first thing out of Fergus was why the change. "I apologize, Fergus. I can't tell you why right now, I don't have enough information about what's happening. I don't know enough yet, but I have a feeling that by the time we get back, I'll know more than I do now. I know it sounds cryptic, and I apologize again for not being able to tell you more." He looked down at Elayne snuggled up to him, with tears in his eyes, not being able to continue.

Caleb hadn't understood the importance between Hawke and Elayne until Caleb saw them together. At first, he had struggled to grasp the significance of their bond. But the moment he laid eyes on them, a sense of wonder enveloped him. It was as if invisible threads wove their connection, encircling them in a soft aura to his mage eyes.

"She's here because we didn't understand the connection between them. Hawke has an important role to play. They both do. They will need each other more than ever in the days to come. Hawke is right. We don't have enough information right now, but with his help, we hope to know more than we do now."

Hawke felt Elayne in his head, "What did he mean about an important role, Hawke?"

"I don't know yet, angel, but I have a strong feeling we'll find out soon."

After dinner, Caleb said they were going to have to leave before it got too late. After Hawke took care of the rooms for the night and convinced his men that they couldn't come with them after many protests; they could either go back with Fergus or to the farm, but they were free for a while. Hawke with Elayne on Snowball followed Caleb back to the camp. Halfway through the trip, Hawke brought her over on Midnight with him when he saw her nodding off.

She wrapped her arms around him, "It feels good to be back in your arms again, Hawke. I'm glad I'm here with you," she whispered before falling asleep.

She was right. It did feel good. This was where she belonged. Whatever was to come, they would face it together. He rode up beside Caleb, "I want to thank you again. I apologize for earlier. I have no idea what came over me. It's been a long crazy couple of months."

"It sounds like it. I caught wind of an intriguing tale while waiting for you the other day, Hawke. Apparently, you managed to take down a gang of criminals and took on the responsibility of caring for two little girls after learning that their family had been brutally slain by the very same men you brought to justice? Would you mind sharing more about that experience?

After Hawke finished his story and told him almost everything that had happened in the last couple of months, Caleb looked at him. "I see you have been busy. You and I have a lot to talk about, but that can wait. We're here, so I will let you two be. I'll see you in the morning, Hawke."

Hawke looked down at Elayne snuggled in his arms and felt his heart swell. "Elayne, we're here, my love. Why don't you go inside the tent there and get comfortable while I take care of the horses. I'll be in shortly, baby."

After removing Snowball's saddle and brushing both horses down and giving them both a slice of apple, he scratched under Snowball's chin contemplating before he looked over at his own horse. "Midnight, I need you to make sure Snowball doesn't wander off too far. She's not used to the openness like you are, buddy. And Snowball, I need you to stay by Midnight, please. Goodnight, you two."

When Hawke finally made it in the tent, Elayne was already asleep. After making sure they were secure, he got comfortable and laid down beside her, pulling her close to him. "I love you, angel," he whispered, his mind finally at peace as he closed his eyes for the night.

Hawke woke early the next morning before Elayne, thinking about the day ahead of him, wondering how she would adjust to living here for a while. He wondered if he had made a mistake asking her to come out here. She might have a hard time adjusting, but then he remembered the way she had been at the farm. He felt her stirring beside him.

"Hawke quit worrying, I'll adjust just fine, my love. I'm with you, that's all I need."

"Elayne, I need you to understand that I don't think they'll allow you to be with me during the day. There are some things that I need to do on my own with them. I might have to close part of myself off from you."

"Hawke, once again, quit worrying, I understand this isn't a pleasure trip that we're on. I know that you'll be away from me, that you're going to be busy. It will work out. It always does one way or another. Now quit worrying and kiss me, my love."

He chuckled, "As my lady requests, I willingly obey with pleasure. I love you, Elayne."

When they came out of the tent, Caleb called them over to him, where a young lady was sitting beside him. "Elayne, I'd like to introduce you to Miya. She's my niece, and she has volunteered to show you around the camp and help you with anything you might need." He looked at Hawke, "she'll be in good hands, Arik, eat, and then you have to meet with Othanar."

"I'll be there, sir, and thank you, Caleb." After Hawke finished his meal, he looked down at her, giving her a kiss. "Time for me to work, my love, I'll see you when I can. I will be using my power, so don't be alarmed, please. I love you, baby."

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

"Now, Hawke, do you know the different parts of the blade?" Othanar asked, waiting for his response.

"Of course, when I picked up the blade, I made sure to learn each part." When he pulled out one of his blades, he saw the recognition in Othanar's eyes. "Did you make these blades?"

Othanar looked at Hawke, "may I see it, please?" Hawke ran his hand down the blade, deactivating the enchantment that he had on it. When Othanar looked at him curiously, Hawke explained what he had done. "When Caleb gave me the blades, he told me there were some empty enchantment slots, so I made sure that the only hand that touched it safely was mine until I deactivated the spell."

Othanar grasped the hilt, examining the blade, "Yes, I remember this blade, I wasn't the only one to work on them. Have they treated you well?"

"Very much so, I've only had to really use them recently. I've noticed that they don't need sharpening."

Othanar grinned up at him, "That was one I snuck in there when I was forging it. I can feel the power that's stored in these blades waiting to be released. That's good because you're going to need it. This will not be easy work. While I'm shaping the blade, you're going to be pouring your power into it."

"I'm not complaining, especially since it's for Elayne, but why am I doing this?"

Othanar grinned up at him again, "Because this blade will not be crafted in the usual manner; your power will play a crucial role in its forging. Caleb has told me of the strength of your power, but I need to see it for myself. Start pulling in your power until it starts becoming uncomfortable, then stop."

Hawke did as he asked and started pulling it in. After a few minutes, Othanar looked at him curiously, "Hawke, I told you to stop when it starts to get uncomfortable."

"Yes, and I haven't hit that point yet," When Hawke got to where he was starting to really feel the pull, he looked at Othanar.

"Let it go," Othanar urged, visibly taken aback by the amount of power Hawke was channeling.

Caleb approached them with a smirk. "What, you thought I was exaggerating? You had to witness it yourself, Othanar?" Fixing his gaze on Hawke, his eyes seemed to penetrate deeper, as if searching for something hidden within Hawke, but confusion quickly clouded his expression as he shook his head. "I have a feeling that what you just saw was merely a glimpse of his true strength." Hawke shrugged uncomfortably.

Othanar looked over at Caleb and chuckled. "You're right, I did need to see it for myself, and I'm ashamed for doubting you, Caleb." He looked back at Hawke curiously, "I've only ever seen power like that a few times, and they were one of the best magic users out there. So is Caleb also right when he said you can wield multiple spells at once?"

Hawke looked at the smith, "I don't know what Caleb has told you exactly, but it is true that I can do that. Do you want me to show you?"

"Would you mind," Othanar asked.

"Hawke, don't show off," Elayne said in his head as she read his thoughts. Grinning at her mental reprimand, he scanned the surrounding area, his gaze landing on an ideal spot to unleash his elemental powers. Channeling fire, ice, earth, and wind all at once, he concentrated intensely. Releasing everything but the earth element, he crafted a shimmering shield that enveloped the lake below.

Gasps rippled through the small crowd as they saw what he was doing. Icy layers began to form on the water's surface while a whirlwind danced at its center, flames flickering brightly in the midst. From the lakeside, a bush erupted into life, delicate white roses blossoming forth in a breathtaking display.

After a couple of minutes, he started feeling a slight drain on his power, which prompted him to carefully dispel the fire, ice, and wind over the lake. Yet, he kept his power focused on his connection with the growing rose bush as he approached it, ensuring its survival. Satisfied at last, he plucked one of the white roses, weaving a couple of spells, one a lasting enchantment around it before making his way back to Elayne.

Presenting the flower to her, "A beautiful rose for my beautiful wife," he said as he bowed to her, handing her the rose, his heart swelling as all eyes turned toward her.

Her cheeks turned pink when all the attention went to her. "Thank you, my handsome husband," she replied with a slight curtsy. Raising the purple rose to her nose, she inhaled its sweet fragrance, a smile brightening her face. "I will cherish this forever, my love."

When Hawke turned around and walked back to Caleb and Othanar, Caleb looked at Hawke in irritation. "Wasn't that a little overboard there Hawke, especially with the rose bush? Nothing has grown there except weeds. How did you get a rose bush to grow?"

Hawke grinned at him, "I had the soil and water, I just pictured what I wanted from the earth, and she gave it to me with some coaxing." His gaze drifted back to Elayne, who stood surrounded by the other women, each one captivated by the rose cradled in her hand. When their eyes met, Hawke was met with a warmth that radiated from her smile. "It was well worth it," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

He turned his attention back to Othanar, trying to keep the excitement out of his voice. "When can we get started with the blade?"

Othanar cleared his throat, looking at Hawke with awe in his eyes before snapping out of it. "Yes, well, we can start now if you're not feeling drained or tired."

Caleb snorted, "he's not. I bet you that was child's play. He's ready now."

Hawke shrugged unabashedly while looking at the smith, confirming Caleb's words. "I'm ready now if you want."

"This seems like it will be quicker and simpler for me, though not for you. With that little display of yours, you've made your task more challenging. You will be the one shaping and refining the blade; I'll simply be the one hammering it into form. Are you ready for that?

"Absolutely, especially for Elayne. What type of material are we working with?"

"It's a unique kind of material. Is she aware of what you have planned with me?"

"I haven't mentioned it yet," he replied, feeling her approach.

As she reached them, she placed a hand on Hawke's arm and looked at Othanar. "I'm aware; a few of your people let that slip."

"Perfect," Othanar replied, satisfied. "It makes things simpler. I need to assess your skills with the blade--both your strengths and weaknesses. Go fetch your sword; it's time for a test."

When Elayne took off, Hawke turned to him, but before he could say anything, Othanar held up his hand. "Don't worry, Hawke, she'll be fine. This is necessary. When she comes back, put a shield around the blade."

Hawke frowned, "That wasn't my concern. Elayne is still having difficulty with the blade. Her previous instructor fell short in providing proper training. Though she has shown significant progress since I began instructing her, she continues to struggle with certain areas."

When Elayne returned, she handed him the blade. Using his power, he immediately wrapped it in a protective shield before passing it back to her.

"Now, Elayne, I need you to show me what you've got and don't hold back," Othanar said.

Elayne nodded, looking eager but apprehensive as they walked to a clear area. She closed her eyes, clearing her head, "I'm ready."

"Now, show me what you've got, missy."

At first, Elayne was hesitant as she started going through her sword forms, but with a little encouragement from Hawke, her confidence bolstered. She focused intensely as she faced Othanar in their sword practice, her heart racing with excitement and determination. The air felt charged with energy as they exchanged a series of thrusts and parries. Each movement felt like a dance, a fluid blend of offense and defense, as she learned to block his aggressive attacks while looking for openings in his guard. With every clash of their blades, Elayne grew more confident, understanding the balance between striking and protecting herself. The rhythm of their sparring echoed in her ears, a rhythm that spoke of growth and mastery, each session honing her instincts as both a defender and an attacker.

Caleb came to stand by him as they watched Elayne and Othanar sparing. "Some of those maneuvers look familiar," he remarked, a hint of admiration in his voice. "You've been training her, haven't you? She's quite impressive, and you mentioned her skills were lacking just a while ago?"

Hawke nodded but kept his eyes on her. "She knew the basics, but she struggled with them. I've been training her now for almost a month, plus she's been training with her soldiers, and she's got a blade that fits her a lot better than the old one she had, but I'm still not happy with this one."

"How often does she train with you?"

Hawke looked at him curiously, "she trains with her soldiers every other day, and our training is done in between those days."

Caleb frowned, concern etched across his face. "Hawke, practicing this way is going to prolong her training unnecessarily." He gestured toward Elayne, his gaze intense. "She requires daily sessions alongside you and the soldiers to hone her skills and enhance her potential. I understand your reasons, but you're stalling her growth. If she's set on this path, then it's time to challenge her. From what I'm witnessing, the potential is there--waiting to be unleashed.

Caleb looked over at him and gave him a considering look. "I would like your permission to have her train with some of my elves while you guys are here. This would enhance her regular training and, under the elves' rigorous guidance, her skills will improve faster. Yes, it will demand a great deal from her. They will push her boundaries, but in the long run, it will pay off. Do not let her being a female..."

Hawke interrupted him without taking his eyes off of her, "I agree with you, Caleb. I know she would demand that I give my permission. It's what she wants. For some odd reason, my wife is determined to prove to me that she can not only do this, but she can be my equal. And I find myself thrilled with the idea: my little warrior princess." He noticed her falter momentarily, a blush creeping onto her cheeks, but she quickly steadied herself. It was as if a surge of resolve washed over her, fueling her determination as she poured every ounce of energy into her sparring with Othanar. Finally, Hawke shifted his attention to Caleb, who was nodding with approval. "See what I mean, Caleb?" Hawke said, chuckling.

"I'm impressed, Hawke."

With a swift motion, Othanar pressed the cold steel of his blade against her throat, catching her off guard as she struggled to lift her weapon in time. "Enough, I've seen what I wanted to see." His gaze softened briefly as he noticed the exhaustion across her face and the angry welts that marred her skin from their sparring. "Go to your husband," he instructed, his tone shifting to one of concern. "Allow him to see to your wounds."

Even though she didn't need to, she came over to Hawke so she could feel his hands touching her. She felt a warmth and tingle throughout her body as her aches, pains, and fatigue vanished. She reached up, pulling his head down to hers, and kissed him. "Thank you," she whispered as she let him go.

Hawke knew it was for more than the healing he had given her. She turned around looking at Caleb with excitement, "When can I start training with your elves?"

"As soon as you want, Elayne," he chuckled.

"Thank you, sir. I'd like to start today after lunch if that's possible." When Caleb acknowledged her with a nod, she took Hawke's hand in hers. "May I borrow my husband for lunch, please?"

Both Caleb and Othanar looked at her with amusement, "Of course, my lady," Othanar said.

Hawke chuckled as Elayne took him over to grab some food. Instead of them finding a place to sit and eat, she dragged him over to their tent. He had been grateful when Caleb had their tent moved completely away from the others when they went to get Elayne. Not only was it in the trees, but it gave them plenty of privacy.

When Hawke sat down, Elayne made herself comfortable on his lap while they ate. "You're right, Hawke. I do want to prove to you that I can be your equal, I've also come to realize something else. I know you said that after this trip we could start trying for a baby, but I've come to realize that I'd like to wait, at least until after the competition and wedding. That gives me about four months to gain as much knowledge as possible."

For some reason she felt a little nervous as she glanced at him. "I hope you don't mind waiting and don't say you're the one that wanted to wait. I still remember how you looked when we thought I might be pregnant. It was obvious that you want a child just as much as I do."

He pulled her closer to him, "You're right, my love, I was excited. I do want a baby with you. Bringing a child into our lives, a beautiful symbol of our love and commitment, is something I deeply want with you. However, if you want to wait, I am completely with you on that decision. Your happiness means everything to me, Elayne."

She looked up at him shyly, "I love the idea of being your warrior princess, Hawke. Thank you for having me come here with you, I love you, baby." She turned around, straddling him, put her arms around him, and brought her mouth down to his.

When he went back, Othanar brought out a box and opened it. "Do you know what this is, Hawke?"

Hawke looked at him curiously before examining the stone. It had a bluish tint and definitely of no material that he was familiar with. Curious, he tapped into his power, probing the essence of the stone in search of its origins. He finally lifted his curious gaze to meet Othanar's.

Othanar's grin widened, a hint of mischief in his expression as he looked up at the sky. "This material is not of this world," he said, revealing an air of mystery that hung between them.

Hawke was taken aback, his mind racing as he recalled fragments of a story he'd once come across--an account of a unique meteor metal ore discovered ages ago, yet shrouded in mystery because no one understood how to manipulate it. He looked back at Othanar, "You plan to forge a sword from this?" he asked curiously. "How did you come by it? I remember hearing about something similar--the smiths were unable to work with it."

"You are correct, Hawke. They had no clue. In fact, this particular ore is the same one from that story. I came across it many, many years ago. The guy who sold it to me thought it was just a piece of junk since no one could figure out what to do with it. And I'm not the one that's going to make a sword from this. You're the one who's going to make a sword for your wife."

Hawke looked at him in disbelief, "You want to make a sword out of an ore that no one knows how to work with? Why would you do that? Why not save it until you know for sure a weapon can be made from it? This is way too valuable and precious."

"Hawke, come sit down, please. What I have to tell you is between us only." Hawke, confused did as he asked. Once both of them were seated, Othanar gave him a questioning look. "Do you remember your first day here when we told you that something important was coming and that you and Elayne were in the heart of it?" Hawke nodded. He also remembered reaching out to Elayne and begging her to come. He had later examined why he had reacted the way he had after that. He was always in control of his emotions except the night his wall came down with the girls, but the day with Elayne, it felt like he was being pushed into having her come there with him.

"What we never told you was that a few of us had dreams of you. Each one of us has had a different dream. Mine was of you; of you and I making a sword, a sword using this ore. After the sword was finished, you gave the sword to Elayne. You were successful, Hawke. But even with the dream, I was still hesitant. The amount of power it would take to manipulate that rock was beyond anything I had ever seen except for a few times long ago. When I had you show me your power today and saw what you did, I knew for a certainty that a sword could be made from it."

Hawke looked at him hesitantly, "Are you sure about this? Maybe it was another stone or material."

"Hawke, I picked that stone up many, many years ago, not understanding why until today." He put the ore on the anvil, "I need you to focus your power on that until you start feeling it yield. Let me know when it starts becoming uncomfortable for you. The last thing we want is you passing out from exhaustion, mana drain, or worse."

Hawke was still hesitant but did as he was asked. He delved into the rock slowly, looking for a way to start working with it. He knew that making a sword involved a forge with extreme heat. So he imagined the amount of heat it would take to start manipulating it. Slowly, he started adding more power and heat until he felt a slight shift in the rock. Not sure if it was his imagination, he searched around, looking for any indication of a change. Not seeing or feeling anything, he proceeded, adding more heat and power. Again, he started feeling it yield under him, but this time, he started spreading it out a little. He heard Othanar giving him instructions on what he needed to do.

Hawke felt resistance once more as he worked. To overcome it, he started adding more heat, but when he heard Othanar's warning: "Be cautious, Hawke. You don't want it too thin." He hesitated, instinctively pulling back, but Othanar's voice urged him forward. "No, don't pull back; you're making progress. Just proceed with caution."

With a renewed determination, Hawke focused on increasing both heat and power. A slight drop in his mana caught his attention, yet he remained fixed on his work. He poured more power into the process until Othanar instructed him to maintain it for manipulation with his hammer. "I need a bit more from you, Hawke." With this request, he felt another decrease in mana, but he remained steady.

Eventually, Othanar directed him to maintain his current output. "Alright, Hawke, this is where things get trickier. Keep it steady; no more or less, and use your mind to shape the sword you envision. Remember to let me know if it becomes overwhelming."

As the afternoon got later, another drop in his mana struck harder, leaving him sweating and trembling. Drawing mana from the swords he had strapped on his back, he focused until the shaking subsided and his mana stabilized. "You're nearing the end of your session, Hawke. Just hold on a bit longer."

As Hawke sensed his mana and energy waning once more, Othanar instructed him to halt, declaring the day's work complete. He was handed a couple of mana and energy potions, which he quickly consumed, feeling rejuvenation wash over him. When he opened his eyes to see the blade's progress, he inhaled sharply in surprise and delight--the unmistakable outline of a sword was taking form. Turning his gaze towards Othanar, awe filled him, "How long do you think it will take to finish this?"

With a broad smile, the smith replied, "Much sooner than I anticipated. You truly possess a remarkable talent, Hawke. The ability to maintain that level of focus for so long while shaping the blade speaks volumes about your power. However, it's important for you to allow your mana and energy to fully recover, as well as give your blades a chance to regain their power, which you nearly depleted. Make sure to nourish yourself and rest well tonight. If you find you need tomorrow off, just let me know. What you achieved here today was truly extraordinary."

Elayne came up to Hawke, looking at him with concern. But before she could say anything, he spoke up. "I'm fine, my love, you can see that for yourself. Some food and rest, and I'll be back to normal. How did practice go? Sorry I wasn't able to check up on you."

Elayne settled next to him, draping an arm over his shoulder. "It went well. Caleb tended to my welts. He wasn't exaggerating when he said they'd push me, but honestly, I found it exhilarating. The challenge exceeds what I've experienced while training with the soldiers. I'd love to keep going if you're okay with that."

"No baby, I don't have a problem. If you feel this is what you need to do, then take advantage of this opportunity. I'm proud of you, Elayne." He stood up, his legs a little wobbly, but with determination, he forced them to cooperate. "Come my little dove, let's get some food." He looked over at Othanar, "I'll let you know tomorrow how I feel, but I should be fine, and my swords should be back to normal by morning."

"Don't worry about the sword Hawke, what you've accomplished today was more than I could ever dream of. To be honest, I didn't know if you would be able to get this far. I tried doing what you did, and I couldn't even feel a shift before I almost drained myself. Go, young man, get some rest. You both look like you need it."

Hawke chuckled as Elayne guided him toward food. She made sure to pile his plate high before they found a couple of stumps to sit on outside their tent. As she began to pick at her meal, Hawke noticed a distant expression come across her face. "Elayne, are you alright?"

Her gaze lifted to meet his, awareness returning to her eyes. "Yes, I'm fine, Hawke. I was just thinking about what you did today. You've become quite an enigma to the people here. I'm beginning to understand just how powerful you really are. Caleb spoke to me for a while about the caves you destroyed and even asked if I felt what you did." She noticed him tensing, anger flickering within him.

She put her hand on his chest, "Hawke, it's ok. At first, I was annoyed because of the questions, but after he explained why he was asking, then I understood. I wasn't able to tell him much because you had shut that wall on me, but I told him what I remembered, which wasn't much. Then he asked about each cave you collapsed, how you collapsed them. Hawke, the way you obliterated those caves, the level of power you unleashed--it's not normal, is it?"

"Elayne, as I've mentioned before--I lack experience in gauging my power with others. I know that I'm stronger than both my father and sister, but what's considered normal is foreign to me. The only ones who have remarked on my strength are Caleb, my father, and now Othanar. I remember my father instructing me on how to conceal my abilities; I always thought of it as a way to keep my magic hidden from prying eyes. Learning to mask my magic from detection became ingrained in me, something I've instinctively done since childhood."

He hesitated briefly, searching for the right words, but before he could speak, she stood up and confronted him. "Don't even think that thought, Arik Hawke. The power within you is incredible, and I'll never stand in fear of it. Erase that thought from your mind. I never want to see it there again, do you understand?"

He chuckled, his eyes moving up and down her, "Yes, my fierce little warrior. Do you realize how hot and sexy you look, standing there with your fists on your hips and that fierce scowl directed at me?"

Her anger suddenly disappeared, "Hawke," she whispered.

"Come here, my little wildcat," he said gently, extending his hand to her. Without hesitation, she stepped forward, and he wrapped her up in his arms. "Close your eyes, baby," he murmured, leaning in to capture her lips with his own. A wave of his power enveloped her mind as he carried her into the tent. He quickly removed their clothes and laid her down beside him. "Open your eyes, my love," he whispered.

When she opened them, a gasp escaped her lips. "Hawke, how did you create this? It seems so real." They were back by the waterfall once more.

He chuckled softly, "It's merely an illusion, my love. I thought you might enjoy a more scenic view than the cramped interior of a tent. I know I would." He said softly as his hands began to explore her body.

All rational thoughts escaped her mind as his kiss deepened, his fingers finding her breast and teasing her nipple. He trailed his lips down her body, capturing the very spots his hand had been. A gasp escaped her as she arched her back toward him, warmth spreading through her. His hand moved lower, gliding along her belly until he got between her legs. She opened them, eager for his touch. "Hawke," she gasped, her hips rising instinctively as his fingers filled her, sending waves of pleasure coursing through her.

Her hands roamed over his chest, exploring every inch before moving lower, finally finding his shaft. He groaned, matching her rhythm with his hips as he continued to work his fingers inside her, drawing forth another release from her. She lowered her head, but he quickly caught her, rolling onto his back and lifting her bottom over to his mouth. His tongue plunged inside her while she eagerly took him into her mouth, consuming each other with desire.

With a surge of urgency, their movements intensified. He plunged upward, filling her mouth while his tongue explored her depths, each thrust growing more fervent. Waves of warmth from her own release intertwined with the hunger in his actions as he savored every moment. The pace escalated; his powerful strokes in and out became more fervent, while she eagerly matched his rhythm with her own response. She could sense him swell and thicken with each pulse, his grip tightening as he drew her closer. With one final deep thrust, they surrendered to their climax, breaths mingling in their release.

He released his mouth from her, turned her around on him, and grabbed her hips, his heated gaze locked onto hers, filled with an insatiable hunger. He thrust upward, a low growl escaping him as he drove her down hard, filling her completely. The rhythm was relentless; he took her again and again, each time more demanding than the last. She responded in kind, matching his fierce urgency with equal passion.

He flipped her over onto her hands and knees, driving into her with a force that sent shivers through her entire being. The sensation of him swelling and pulsing deep inside her made her gasp. A primal roar escaped his lips as he buried himself even deeper, causing her body to tighten around him in response. She cried out his name, a thrilling echo to his roar as they both surged together into an overwhelming climax, surrendering to each other.

He rolled her over with him, pulling her tight alongside him, still buried inside her, her body shuddering around him. He put his mouth to her ear, "Elayne," he whispered. She moaned as her body shuddered, her rear pushed back against him hard, burying him deeper into her, "my baby's still hungry, would you like me to take care of that hunger again my love." Her body responded, tightening, releasing around him.

He raised her one knee up, his fingers rubbing her clit, his shaft sliding in and out of her, her hips meeting his thrusts. His breath brushed against her ear, and she heard his soft murmur coaxing her. "Come for me, my sweet princess. Scream my name, baby," he urged. A wave of pleasure washed over him as he heard her cry out for him, driving him to quicken his movements, both inside her and with his fingers. "That's it, my love--more, baby. I need more from you."

Her body tightened around him with each thrust, a powerful grip that responded to his every need, offering the release they both desired. With one final, intense push, he met her climax, their bodies intertwined in a moment of surrender.

Once their bodies were relaxed, he turned her head gently towards him, her eyes closing. "Thank you, my sweet sexy angel," he whispered before his mouth took hers. Finally, he lifted his head from hers, letting her finally sleep, "I love you, baby," he whispered one more time by her ear before he laid his head down, pulling her tightly against him, joining her happily and contentedly into sweet dreams of her.

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To be continued...