A/N- This was originally a one shot. In my AN before, I stated I may expand on this idea. I decided that the time has come for me to do exactly that. This first chapter is just telling you what happened to Hawke. The rest is an AU on what would have happened if Varric decided to be... Varric at the end of his interrogation.

Hehe... almost forgot this-

Look! Over there! It's a disclaimer! -runs away-
Ahem:
Bioware owns the world/game/books/puppets/kittens named after (that include you, Ser Pounce-A-Lot)characters of Dragon Age and it's associated content. I am merely expressing my views for possibilities that they have yet to expand on with no chance of gaining any profit (aww, poor Isabela) on any of this or future content within this story. If they should have a problem with me abusing this right that I have to do this, than may David Gaider strike me down as I- *lightening*

Messere Gaider! I didn't know you were a mage!

Now then, let's get on with the story before you lose interest.

A deafening sound rang in her ears. She braced herself for any sudden impact. Up until this point, she believed herself to be alone. The vast field of rocks made no tracks and she could see for miles atop one of the larger ones. Marian Hawke had been in hiding for months now. Meredith was dead. Orisino was dead. Anders was dead. The last one pained her the most. It was her own blade that had taken the life of her "lover". But why did she do it? Who was she saving?Marian had too much time to think. Too much time to relive each memory over and over, it replaying like a demon plagued dream in the fade. She was trapped within her own memories. It was a constant, this wondering. Never once did she fail to ask herself if she made the right decision siding with the Templars against her own personal beliefs. She was a mage herself, after all. A mage that had lost everything she held dear to her. Her father, her brother, her sister, her mother and even her home. And all for what? She had to wonder. To start a war? To save innocent people from something that should have been controlled in the first place? She would gladly give up these Maker forsaken powers if it meant she could have one person in her life that didn't care who she was; that didn't use her for her social standing or her power.

Marian Hawke was alone up until now. Something was heading her way and she could not for the life of her figure out what it was. The screech was unlike anything she had ever heard before and it frightened her. The unknown scared her more than the biggest High Dragon. But it also might be the one thing that will save her.

She trudged on through the dense forest of boulders. Never once since she began traveling did she look back. There was nothing to look back to. The others had gone on their own paths and she did not question where. Marian was no longer their leader. Their lives were now fully up to her companions. She stopped for a moment, sitting on a pile of moss that had formed on one of the rocks. Marian inclined her head, taking a deep breath, and thought back to the last words that each of her companions had spoken to her.

Aveline would not look at her. It was like losing a sister. Donnic had been comforting Aveline since the decision was made to part ways. They would most likely head to Antiva for a little while before possibly head back down to Ferelden where they were welcomed by King Alistair. Aveline shrugged off her husband's hand, asking for a moment alone with Hawke. Marian agreed and they stepped a few feet away from the group, looking off the edge of the cliff and down upon the forest below.

The two women remained silent for a few moments, soaking up the last few minutes with each other. Aveline was no longer in her guard uniform. She had cast that aside when she left Kirkwall. It was even odd to Hawke to see her in a plain tunic and pants, after all these years of knowing her. Finally, Aveline opened her mouth to speak.

"I'm not the one for long goodbyes but you know, Hawke, you can always change your mind and come with us. We will protect you, count on it."

Marian smiled and shook her head while containing a small modest laugh. "No, Aveline. It's a kind offer, but I have to refuse. It's better this way, you will see in time." Marian felt tears stream down her face as her friend turned and embraced her.

Aveline held her for a few moments before releasing her. Her hands still on her shoulders, she looked at her with a sort of softness that Hawke had never seen before. "If you need anything, Hawke, you know where to find me. If you need to have me by your side at any point, I will be there for you no matter the circumstance."

Marian wiped the tears from her eyes as Aveline dropped her hands. "I know it, Aveline. And I'll take you up on that offer. Just be careful or I might have you take down all of Orlais with me."

Aveline laughed lightly and shook her head. "I don't know how you do it, Hawke. Never change. Promise me that." Marian nodded and placed her hand on her old friend's shoulder.

"As long as you don't." Aveline returned the nod and turned towards her husband, bags at the ready. They began heading down the mountain, stopping for a final look at their old friend. Marian fought the urge to cry again as they were out of sight.

She heard the shrieking again. It was a little closer than before. Marian could not tell if this was because she was walking towards it, or it was coming towards her. Either way, it did not matter. She got up from her brief rest and took an apple out of her bag. She smirked at the memory of another friend.

Merrill did not quite know what to do with the parting. She didn't know where to go or who to go with. She still held the pride of the Dalish, but she knew she could never go back to her clan. Not only did she practice blood magic, cause the death of her Keeper, but she also supported Hawke when she sided against the mages. Against the elven First Enchanter. Merrill skipped around the remaining people, trying to give herself something to do. Hawke watched this for some time until she finally pulled Merrill aside.

"Have you thought of where you might be going?"

Merrill looked around and then focused her attention to her bare feet. "With you, I suppose."

Hawke shook her head at the mage and sighed. "No, Merrill. This is it. I can not allow myself to drag any of you along anymore."

Merrill looked up at Hawke with big dough eyes, tears forming. She launched herself into Hawke's arms and silently sobbed. "B-but I don't know what to do without you! No one wants me anymore. I can't go back to my clan, you won't have me beside you-"

"No, no, no. That's not it at all Merrill. You've been a good friend, but sometimes there comes a time where friends have to part ways. This isn't the end of your journey, it's just the beginning."

Merrill pulled away, the tears still staining her face after leaving a wet spot on Hawke's tunic. "But what shall I do? Where shall I go, Hawke?"

Marian smiled lightly and put her hand on Merrill's cheek. "I think you know where. You just have to look deep inside yourself to find your true calling." Marian turned as she heard her dog barking. "And I know just the one to keep you company." She whistled and her mabari ran towards her, jumping around.

Merrill bent down and stroked the brown fur of the large dog. "You mean?"

Hawke nodded and leaned over to scratch the dog behind his ears. "Yes. Fen'Harel will be going with you. He will protect you should you need it and may also help you in remembering what it was you were so good at doing."

Merrill's eyes widened as it dawned on her what exactly Hawke was implying. "I think I know what you are suggesting." Hawke smiled as she prepared herself for another embrace. This one was lighter this time but there was more compassion behind it. Hawke watched as Merrill packed her things. After a brief 'goodbye' and 'thank you', Merrill took off with her beloved pup. Hawke turned to the rest of a group and before she was able to speak a word, she was tackled once more by the tiny elf. Merrill held out an apple for Hawke to take, saying if she was going to be gone for a long time then she would need proper food. Marian smiled and said a final goodbye to the blood mage.

She took a bite out of the apple. It was not the same as the one her friend had given her months ago. That one would not keep, despite her own protests. Yes, there were points where she would speak to the objects around her, knowing fully that they could not speak back. She almost preferred it this way. The objects could not ask constant favors from her. The objects could not challenge her every action. They could not cause constant headaches with their schemes or… or comfort her when she had too much to drink. The objects could not tell stories to a massive group and enchant them all with their weaving of words. Marian looked around where she was now. An entrance to a cave was on her left and to her right was nothing but more rocks. She was far away from the smell of the salty air and the chiming of the out of tune pirate songs. Marian smiled at the thought of her old pirate friend. Isabela had left after the battle, back to the sea. She didn't get a very long goodbye, in fact, she couldn't even remember saying goodbye. Perhaps there was just too much going on that day for it to be of much significance seeing as the pirate queen had said it on so many occasions.

Marian began walking towards the cave, shivering as a cold wind spun out of the entrance. Another shriek was heard following by a crash. She wondered what witty remark that dwarf would have made about this.

"Always getting yourself into trouble."

Marian turned and smiled at her small companion. Varric approached her, book in hand and sorrow in his eyes. "How much fun would I be if I didn't get into trouble, Varric?"

Varric shook his head and forced a smile on his face. "You know, Hawke, I'm not one for goodbyes-"

"Then don't say goodbye." Marian shrugged, turning her back to the beardless dwarf.

She heard him scoff and walk up next to her. "Then what should I say? 'It's been fun, don't get killed'?"

Marian suppressed the grin that was forming on her face and let out a sigh instead. "How about saying something cheesy like 'I'll always see you in my stories'?"

"Pfft. It wouldn't be the same. My stories don't put me in nearly as much danger as you do."

"You never know, Varric, maybe someone will take them a little too seriously one day."

Varric laughed and ran his hand through his blonde hair. "The day my stories get me in trouble is the day I go to a Merchant's Guild meeting." Hawke laughed lightly and looked down to her old friend. The spark in his eyes was nearly faded. His stubble had began to grow more but he kept it down as much as he could with a dull knife.

"So, you getting out of here?"

"Miss me already?"

"Like Isabela misses the Blooming Rose."

"Awe, Hawke, you always know just what to say. But yeah, I am heading out. I have a bar tab that is just going to keep gaining interest until I pay it off."

Marian scoffed, still looking out to the horizon. "Heading back to Kirkwall after all this?"

Varric shrugged, "It's where I keep all of my stuff."

"Whatever happened to Sebastian? Did you ever find out before we left?"

"After the battle he headed back to Starkhaven. Apparently you got through to him and he's taking his throne back."

Marian nodded lightly and glanced over to her companion who slung his bag over his back.

"Hey," Varric looked up at Hawke, sighing heavily, "it's been fun Hawke. Don't get killed. I've tried so hard to keep you alive." He turned to leave and Marian called out to the dwarf.

"I thought you said you wouldn't say that!"

Varric waved his hand, not wanting to look back. "After seven years you still believe everything I say? You're too trusting, Hawke. You have to fix that." With that, he was gone down the mountain, leaving Hawke to ponder his words.

Ice. Fire. Lightening. She sensed them all. The screeches grew louder and magic was potent in the air.

She scurried along the pre-made path, gripping onto her staff tightly as she listened closely to the noises around her. Everything was too clear. Normally these moments would be filled with pointless chatter or the slaughter of a Dragonlings or two. This is what made her nervous. It was silent now. The screeches halted and so did the scent of battle. Someone else was here with her and she had no idea when they would pop out and come to get her as well. A light shined in front of Marian, showing the entrance to a larger room. She strode closer to the entrance, her defenses high at anything that could possibly be in there.

Hawke stopped at the entrance, chest heaving with a sudden anxiety. She still had time to turn back. She didn't have to get involved in something that wasn't her affair. She didn't need to know everything. That was not who she was anymore. That was not what she wanted. But she couldn't help it. She shifted around the corner slowly, placing a foot within the entrance.

"Do you regret it?"

Marian jumped, startled by the silent elf that had walked up behind her. "Regret what, Fenris?"

The tattooed elf moved next to the mage and glanced over at her. "What you did back in Kirkwall. Do you regret any of it?"

Hawke thought back to the events that had occurred. The only thing that plagued her mind was the voice of the man that had laid in her bed just the night before his demise. And it was by her own hands. It wasn't that she regretted killing him, it was that she regretted being with him. She convinced herself that it would just take time to love him, to want to be with him for more than a factor of lust. But that wasn't true. The moment that she decided to take his life when she had the chance to save it, she knew.

"Hawke?"

Marian blinked a few times before turning her attention back to Fenris. "Yes?"

He raised his eyebrow curiously at her. "Are you going to answer my question?"

Hawke sighed and placed her face in her hands. "I only regret one thing, and I can't change it now."

"Does it have to do with killing the abomination?" Fenris crossed his arms and looked away towards the sunset.

Marian grunted and placed her hands on her hips. "In a way, I suppose. I just don't know why I feel the way I do about it."

"It's because you had strong feelings for him but don't think you didn't do the right thing, Hawke."

Marian forced out a chuckle and plastered a small grin on her face. "No. I'm not sad over having to kill him. I'm sad that I didn't feel anything once the deed was done."

Fenris scrunched his eyebrows together, not fully understanding what she was speaking about. "I'm not quite sure I follow."

Marian shook her head and turned back to the packed up camp. "Just forget it, alright?" Fenris nodded and trudged in front of her, the red scarf around his wrist mocking Marian as she caught it in the corner of her eye. It was a symbol of the mistake that she had made. It was a symbol of her stubborn attitude, her unwillingness to be alone. A symbol for what could have been.

Fenris grabbed his Sword of Mercy and slung it over his back, along with a small pack of provisions and books. "Well, this is where we finally part, Hawke."

Marian nodded, not saying a word to the former slave. She heard him sigh heavily as he turned away, heading down the path she had seen all her companions go. Marian wanted to run after him. She wanted to tell him how she really felt, how it was all just a mistake. But she let him go. She knew that telling him now would just make an excuse for him to stay, and she wanted him to be free.

"Marian."

Hawke looked over to the elf standing at the edge of the path and she tilted her head curiously. "Fenris?"

"I-I know what you regret. I just wanted you to know before I left that-"

"That what?"

Fenris hesitated, looking back and forth between the path and Marian. "I'll be in Starkhaven if you ever decide to come back and discuss it. Sebastian offered me a job there."

Hawke smiled freely. "Thank you, Fenris." He nodded, lightly touching the red scarf around his wrist before he took off down the mountain. She waited for him to turn back, but he never did.

The warm air sent goose bumps down her spine as the drastic change of temperature hit her. In front of her was about thirty dead Shrieks and a type of dragon that she had only seen once before- when she was on Sundermont fulfilling her bargain with the witch. Marian stepped over the bodies almost tripping over all the carnage. In her view, she saw a woman and a man speaking in front of a large mirror.

"We have to get moving. She found us once again and she will be back. It was only chance that I was able to summon enough power to make the eluvian work a second time."

The man kissed the forehead of the woman gently, holding her shoulders. "I agree. We must keep our child safe if he is to-" The man glanced over a Marian. Her face drained as the two noticed her.

The woman waved her towards them. "Come. We were wondering when you would get here. We were just about to leave without you. You have good timing, Marian Hawke."

Marian walked slowly towards the two, noting the staffs on both of their backs. "How do you know my name?"

The man chuckled lightly, releasing his hold on the woman and turned to face Marian. "What sort of cousin would I be if I didn't know your name?"

Marian drew her eyebrows together as she reached the bottom of the short steps leading up to the mirror. "Cousin?"

The man smirked. "Ah, yes. I suppose introductions are in order-"

"We really don't have time for this." The woman scoffed impatiently.

"Shh. Calm down, love. We need to in order for her to trust us. Is this not what you want?"

The woman sighed and turned her back. She waved her hand impatiently at Marian and the man. "Fine fine. Get on with it."

The man smiled lightly and turned his attention back to Marian. "Her name is Morrigan-"

Hawke's eyes widened as it all came together. "As in Flemeth's daughter and the woman who helped the Hero of Ferelden defeat the blight?"

The man placed his hand on his forehead and sighed heavily. "Yes yes. Are we done being shocked now? Good. And I am Daylen Amell. Please. Hold you shock and awe."

Marian stood there stoically, waiting for him to go on.

"What? She gets this huge- Oh never mind."

"You told me to hold my enthusiasm."

Daylen chuckled and shook his head. "We are so family."

Morrigan turned around, her patience thinning. "Yes, this is so touching. Now may we please walk through the portal?"

Hawke eyed the mirror curiously. "I had a friend who had a mirror just like this. A demon was attempting to pass through it-"

"Yes, well this one does not have a demon in it. Now, move along. We're wasting precious time." Morrigan walked towards the mirror and turned, tapping her foot to signal to her lover that time wasn't going to slow down for a family reunion.

"Why must I go through it?"

Daylen held out his hand and his cousin cautiously grasped it. He guided her up the stairs towards the mirror. "You are being hunted. You know this?" Marian nodded her head. "Well, so am I. Until the time is right, we need to stay hidden. The world will have to have someone else do their bidding until then. We played our parts. Now it's time for someone else to continue it."

"What do you mean we 'played our parts'?"

Morrigan touched the mirror lightly, the glass swirled around her fingertips. "Foolish girl. All of this would have happened whether you were there or not. It is fate. We can not control it, only help it along and stand back to allow another to fulfill his destiny. We will train and grow in strength until the day that the Hero of Ferelden and the Champion of Kirkwall are needed once more. And when that day comes, the world will change forever. Whether it likes it or not."

Daylen guided her closer to the mirror. Her reflection was blurred by the magical energy surrounding it. She did not know if this was the right thing to do. She didn't know if she was ready to leave just yet.

"If this is about that elf, girl, do not worry. He will be fine without you for now." Morrigan crossed her arms, awaiting Hawke's decision.

"H-how did you-"

"Morrigan sees many things that can not be explained. You will learn more in the time you spend with us, just as our child is learning. Trust us." Daylen patted Hawke on the back, trying to soothe any remaining worries.

"Make your decision quickly, it will only be open for so long." Morrigan passed through the mirror, the shimmering glass engulfing her form.

Daylen stepped forward, running his fingers along the surface. "Coming?" He inclined his head towards the mirror, hoping she would make the right choice. In an instant, he disappeared like his companion, leaving Hawke to decide for herself.

Marian thought back to her friends, her family. She had left them all knowing that they would be able to take care of themselves. She had nothing left in this world that she could reclaim except for what was waiting for her in Starkhaven. The only person keeping her here and she wasn't even sure he would accept her back.

"Just something for me to look forward to I suppose." Taking a deep breath, Marian Hawke slowly stepped through the portal. The mirror sealed behind her.