Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Age II or any of the characters mentioned within this FanFiction.
It's been a year since the events that have drawn me to this decision. A year since I, against all odds, sided with the Templars and fought against the mages. It was one of the bloodiest and un-necessary battles I have ever fought within. Kirkwall had still yet to pick itself up from the ashes of the battle, signs of the war still linger everywhere.
I know I no longer belong here, if I ever did in the first place. I know now that try though I had, I only added fuel to the sparking flames of distrust and dis-loyalty. I only tried what I had thought best, but not even I can convince myself of that much longer. Even if I am now the Vicount and the Templars, mages and people of this city looked to me for leadership I can't help. I'm no good unless I'm in a fight making rushed decisions that seem to find a way to kick me later.
I let out a heavy sigh as I walk through the empty dark streets. The slight rain that pattered from the sky seemed to somehow reflect my mood. I've lost track of where I am, I'm only barely looking at the ground directly in front of my feet. I no longer care.
"Hawke." A familiar feminine voice calls to me. My blood begins to boil as I recognise the person behind it. "Look, before you say anything, I'm sorry. I didn't know it would become like this." She muttered quickly.
My head snapped up as I glared harshly at her. "You think sorry can make up for what you did? You're four years to late Isabella." I nearly screamed.
"I know Hawke, trust me I know. If I'd had the courage that you have, I would have come back sooner. But I don't, I'm just a coward Hawke." She replied a touch of sadness lacing her voice.
"Why are you here? What could you possibly want from me now?" I questioned viciously.
"I came to offer you a free ride out of this hell-hole. Well you and anyone else of the gang that's still here." She smiled slightly.
"The gang? I'm the only one that stayed Isabella! Believe me if I was not the Vicount right now, I to would already be gone." My voice hissed flaring with venom.
"It's up to you Hawke, the offer is there. Are you in? Or are you staying here to watch the city inevitably burn itself down?" Isabella questioned me a smirk pulling at the corners of her mouth.
"Why not, there's nothing left for me here anyway." I sighed. "But this is the last chance I will ever give you Isabella. Betray me and it will be the last thing you do, I promise you that." I added with a menacing glare.
"Alright then, the ship is set to leave at first light. Don't be late Hawke." Isabella smiled.
"As if I would." I slightly smirk in return. I turn from Isabella and make my way back towards my empty estate. Bodahn, Sandal and Orana had long since gone. The two dwarves had chosen one of the many boats that had fled the city after the battle. Orana on the other hand had somehow been killed amidst all the battles and confusion of the war. I found her the day after, she apparently had been searching for me; the letter in her cold hands had proven evidence for that.
My heart plummets as I remember the fear forever etched onto her face. There had been no piece for her as she died; I could only hope she was at peace now. The ache in my heart increases as I remember everyone I have lost. Every one of my friends is gone, forced to leave for one reason or another. There really is nothing left for me here, only emptiness.
Thinking back I recall all the people I have seen die or leave right in front of my eyes. It makes me feel so powerless. I don't deserve the title I have now. I only worked towards the estate for mother, and then before she could fully enjoy it she was ripped from this life. Then the Vicount thing just happened; the Templars would not side with Meredith, so they sided with me. Forced me to lead them and be the only voice of possible reason during this hell.
I sigh remembering everything that has happened. Somehow I am still managing to walk back, to the house that I have not considered a home for a while. I think back to how this all began.