(Welcome to the first chapter. This is a story that I've had in my mind for a long time, but it could never have come to me without a certain story that I have loved for a long time. This is a story about a Hawke coming to care for the Qunari compound and forming various friendships between members, in particular the Arishok. It explores the compound's relationships, especially in regards to the converts. I do hope you enjoy, and I want to link the story that is responsible for this story to exist at all. It is absolutely wonderful and very much worth many reads. Here is the link: s/7512092/1/The-Arrowhead by tinyfierce. Please, give it a read :) And I hope you enjoy this story!)

The wind in her hair felt somewhat familiar, from the first journey to Kirkwall by ship. A lifetime ago. This ship was better cared for than the first; better finish, better crew. There was no crowd below huddling together for warmth and to subside sea sickness, no dread or fear of a Blight destroying their home. Such things had long since passed four years ago.

But just like before, she was unsure what her future would hold.

She glanced back at Kirkwall, watching it slowly fade away in the distance. She was not sure if she would ever see it again.

The question was, did she want to?

The fight ended with the noble's hand underneath Javeen Hawke's foot.

He fell harshly, bouncing off rock and screaming the whole way down. It was a triumphant moment for Javeen, the end of a long journey filled with Tal-Vashoth, Qunari agents, and Orlesian bullshit. It had been mostly irritating. This fight in particular was especially annoying, and dealing with Orlesian nobles. The worst kind of noble there is. But there were certainly parts of it that had been interesting. Meeting an elven qunari agent for one, was something to check off the mental checklist of things that can exist. But at least the noble and wyvern part was over, thank the bloody Maker.

She glanced down at her armoured torso. It was covered in slimy green goo that was shot from the crossbow of the Orlesian. Some sort of weird material that made the wyvern go nuts and attack her more fiercely. She glanced at the now empty cliffside. Well. It was an attempt. Had to give him credit for that.

But as controlled as she seemed to Merrill and Bethany, Javeen was hiding something important. She could feel warm liquid running down her chest that was not the thick green goo at all. It came from a sharp claw of the giant creature she faced, the black leather of her armour hid the blood quite nicely. Javeen wasn't worried, she'd patch herself up like she always did. She wouldn't make a fuss to her sister, who had to deal with going back to the dreaded Circle after experiencing a little bit of freedom and was exhausted from the fight. Javeen couldn't let a damn injury distract Bethany from the last bit of outside she had left until she was locked away in the Gallows again. She worried too much over such things.

Tallis said her goodbyes bittersweetly, and Javeen was actually sorry to see her go. Sure, she had lied to them on more than one occasion, and Javeen was the sort to not forgive so easily. But Tallis was compelling, and she could answer many questions Javeen had about the Qun. But it was clear that Tallis needed some questions answered of her own, and had to mourn the loss she suffered at the hands of the man Javeen just killed. Since the Hawkes didn't make a habit of hiding away lately, perhaps Tallis would visit one day.

As Bethany and Merrill packed up for the journey home, Javeen snuck away to investigate the wound currently bleeding. Taking off her leathers and placing her bow gently on the ground, she winced at the sight of a drenched shirt. She quickly took it off, pressing gentle fingers along the gash. The wound was deeper than she thought, but still, nothing to worry about. She poured water onto a cloth from her canteen, mopping up the blood and the strange green liquid. The goo didn't hurt, and she had extra of the herbs she used to cure a hound from dying from wyvern poisoning, if this was the same thing.

She cleaned herself and the wound thoroughly, wrapped her chest tightly in bandages, and took the medicine, her face scrunching at the taste. She stared at her dark brown shirt, a long cut through the fabric mirroring the gash on her chest. Luckily, the shirt could easily be worn backwards, and her skin colour was only a bit lighter than her shirt.

Her leathers hid everything that she had done, the mages she loved dearly none the wiser.

She spent the voyage back to Kirkwall in pain, but not enough for Javeen to concern herself over it. She had endured worse.

How wrong she was.

Arriving back home was bittersweet. Mostly bitter. Javeen escorted her sister back to the Gallows (with the "help" of a few Templars), Merrill still at her side. As soon as the ship docked, there were damn Templars waiting to lead them back to that prison, and Javeen did not hide her scowl. She'd never forgive them for taking her sister away.

Merrill made sure the walk wasn't quiet, though she went silent when they went past the Qunari compound. It was quiet at this time of night, with two solemn guards at the front. They watched the group carefully with their dark eyes, ready for anything. Bethany glared at them as she passed them. Their introduction to Qunari had been that lone one that arrived in Lothering years ago, who slaughtered a family that had taken him in. Bethany had been best friends with one of the kids that had been killed, and that wound never really healed.

Javeen could understand that, but she never had a deep-seated hatred for the entire race. They certainly caught her attention, especially the Arishok, but for now they were only high risk residents that she would keep a close eye on, in case they started an all out war. The Viscount all but demanded at least that much.

Javeen stared right back at the two guards as they walked by, not breaking eye contact. She never found them that intimidating, except for the Arishok, but that was perhaps because her stares were similar to theirs. She just wished she knew the reason why they were here at all.

When they reached the Gallows, it was clear the Templars wanted them to leave. Javeen struggled with what to say. Emotional goodbyes were something the elder Hawke was not particularly good at, in fact, having her talk about feelings at all was like pulling teeth. Luckily, Merrill filled in.

"And Hawke will write to you everyday, I'm sure of it," the elf clad in white smiled, "and I'll sneak in some of those lemon candies you like!"

Bethany laughed. "Merrill, you're the one that likes those candies."

Merrill gave Bethany what could only be described as puppy-dog eyes. "Oh, but they are so tasty!"

Bethany's smile weaned, glancing at her shorter, older sister. "It's okay, I don't expect that much in the way of letters and presents. I know it's hard for you. Just-just keep sending me mother's letters and I'll be fine."

"So long as those bastards keep you locked up," Javeen said darkly, well within earshot of their temporary companions, "you will never be fine."

"Am I not allowed to decide if I'm alright now, sister?" Bethany frowned.

Javeen looked up at Bethany, her mouth twisting. "No, that's not what I mean."

Bethany pinched her nose. "I know, but-"

She didn't get to finish that thought, as an arrow whizzed past her cheek, barely missing it by a few inches.

Javeen whirled where she stood in the direction of the arrow, eyes fierce and bow ready. The attackers looked like bandits, which were as common in Kirkwall as rats. Merrill was stuck; she couldn't do any magic while there were Templars nearby. Javeen didn't mind, killing bandits was easy enough. She had already taken one out with a neck shot before Bethany had even casted a retaliation spell.

Javeen easily spotted one bandit attempt to sneak beside her, dagger gleaming in the moonlight, and she moved to get away from the quick slice of the weapon. A feat that would have been normally child's play for her, even when injured. But this time...something was wrong.

She felt a sharp pain in her abdomen and her sight blurred. Falling to one knee, she quickly swung her upper body away from the dagger aimed for her neck, but she had difficulty seeing. Javeen quickly grabbed a dagger of her own, tackling the body in front of her and plunging it into his chest. The strength in her limbs melted into a trembling mess, and she could barely stand up properly. She swore she heard Merrill calling to her, and then...then she felt something lodge into her back.

Javeen stared blankly ahead, the sound of her own heartbeat drumming in her ears. She didn't even process the second arrow piercing her shoulder, stumbling backwards until she collapsed onto her knees. She couldn't see anything, could barely feel anything except the pressure of two arrows inside her. Then, there were two arms wrapped around her, thin like Merrill's.

She was left wondering if it was her, as Javeen's mind faded into black.

The next time she opened her eyes, everything was a blur. She remembered being in Anders' clinic, the sounds and smell of herbs dead giveaways. But as soon as she managed to focus her senses, they quickly depleted, leaving Javeen with blurry sight and dull hearing. Several figures were around her, one hovering over closely and pressing hands on vitals. Probably Anders. Her suspicion was confirmed when she barely made out a blue glow coming from the figure.

She had been healed by Anders before. It never felt anything like this.

As soon as the blue glow touched her, a pain so intense spread through her like fire. Every inch of skin felt like it was burning, and a powerful nausea was attempting to make her stomach burst open. Her body twisted and thrashed. She was about to cry out, but the blue glow stopped, and so did the pain. She couldn't handle any more intensity, and she passed out completely.

Her mind shifted in and out of consciousness, only registering a few moments of larger figures hovering above her, and the feeling of being carried. She did not know how much time passed, or what was happening.

When Javeen awoke again, the first thing she noticed was an unfamiliar spice in the air. The ceiling above her was not what she was used to; it was made from canvas. It was also exceptionally bright, the sun up and making the white of the tent glow. She tried moving, but her body felt heavy. There was a lot of padding beneath her, her back feeling oddly numb. That was when it all came back to her.

Javeen tried to sit up quickly, but her body groaned in protest, only managing to move her fingers. She felt a hand intwined in hers, and her eyes moved over to see Merrill sitting next to her. She said something, but Javeen still could not hear it. As Merrill turned to shout something behind them, Javeen shut her eyes tight, breathing deep, gathering herself. And slowly, her hearing came back.

"-awake! Come quickly!"

The last thing Javeen expected walked through the flap of the tent; for a moment she was convinced she was hallucinating. The Arishok himself marched through, standing beside the raised bedroll she was occupying, eyeing her with his usual cold black and gold eyes. He was as intimidating as ever, striking warpaint and long black horns decorated with gold. He was adorned with his usual stern face. It had not been too long ago since they last spoke, during the fiasco of the gaatlok incident. But why he seemed to care about Javeen's condition baffled her. If he didn't care, why was he here?

The next person to walk in was another Qunari, who was no where near as imposing as the Arishok, but still had the familiar kossith muscular structure. His face was much softer than the Arishok, more expressive. Massive scars on one side of his head prevented hair from growing, so it looked like he shaved one half of his head and let the other half grow the typical white-blonde hair many kossith have. But more compelling than that, he seemed capable of smiling, sporting a noticeable curve of the corner of his lips. A trait she was not used to seeing on Qunari. He settled himself beside Merrill, towering over her.

It was a relief to see who was behind the mystery Qunari. Varric and Anders made their way awkwardly into the tent, clearly uncomfortable being wherever this was. Varric gave her a grimaced smile, which she returned with narrowed eyes. It was her default.

"Hawke," the Qunari said simply, "how do you feel?"

Her striking blue eyes focused on him. She felt heavy and sleepy, and her body ached like nothing else she felt before. And she was confused as hell. But she didn't want to worry Merrill. As she usually did, she took great lengths to mask the pain. "Fine," was all she said on the matter. "Where is this?"

"Remember when you said you wanted to see more of the Qunari compound?" Varric asked with a grin, "well, your dreams have come true."

"I never said that," Javeen frowned, though it explained a lot. She must be in a healer's tent. And the unknown Qunari a healer, most likely. "Why am I here?"

"To heal," the healer said, folding his arms across his chest. "This is the best place for you to do so."

"That's debatable," Anders said harshly, though he went ignored by the giants.

"There must be more to it than that," Javeen said, eyeing the Arishok, "you wouldn't take me in for no reason."

"No," the Arishok agreed, "we would not." Everyone fell silent when the Arishok spoke, as his presence demanded. "You aided one of our agents, prevented our people from discovery and death," he continued, "we will pay our debt to you."

"Tallis," Javeen stated, and he nodded. She was not surprised that the Arishok was already aware of what happened, though it was damn quick. It was impressive.

"Your injuries are unique," the healer said, after he knew the Arishok was finished, "your healer lacked the knowledge needed to properly treat you. I am familiar with the process. And you will be safer here."

"It's the venom, Hawke," Merrill said, squeezing her hand. "It's worse than we thought."

"I had the antidote for that."

"Yes," the healer nodded, "however, this is a different venom. Wyvern's venom is one that kills quicker, and is curable through an herbal concoction. The one that has infected you slows the body down, such as the healing process, for example. When you attempted to fight, the venom quickened. The only way to cure you is to purge the venom from your system. We cannot attempt this while you are severely injured."

"And the extent of my injuries?" Javeen asked.

"Several deep arrow wounds, including a broken rib," he replied, "punctured internal organs, and an infection from the older wound. Your fever is being treated now. And magic," he frowned, "does not react well to the venom."

Javeen winced, remembering the agony of when Anders tried to heal her. She was begrudgingly impressed by the Orlesian's resources to even procure such a venom. She made a noise in her throat, a combination of a sigh and a scoff. She had two options. One was to heal out in Kirkwall surrounded by loved ones and possible enemies using her condition as an advantage. Or she could stay here, in the land of strangers, where many did not speak her language and were culturally separate from Kirkwall, potentially enemies in the making.

She did not have to think very hard. "I will accept."

"What," Anders shouted, "you can't be serious, Hawke! What makes you think you'll be-"

Javeen held up one, albeit shaky, hand. "And you should know by now I rarely change my mind."

"She has made her choice," the Arishok stated. "My courtesy ends here. Leave."

Varric nodded at Javeen, then gave Anders a sympathetic pat. "Come on Blondie, let's not annoy the giants any more than we have. You too, Daisy."

Merrill smiled at Javeen warmly, though worry was still etched into her face. "Bye, ma Vhenan. Have fun with the Qunari! I'll visit when I can."

"Fun" was not the word Javeen would use. But she nodded nonetheless, unsure of a proper goodbye. So she said something completely unromantic, as per usual. "Try not to break the chandelier while I'm gone."

Merrill paused, then let out a relieved giggle. Hawke was being normal. "I won't!" She beamed at her lover, her smile making Javeen feel guilty for choosing to stay here. "And don't worry one bit about Bethany while you're here. She wasn't hurt."

Javeen's body tensed at the mention of her sister's name, completely ashamed that she hadn't thought about her the moment she woke up. But she didn't let it show. "She wasn't? Then...that's good. Thank you."

She watched her companions clear out of the tent when the Arishok's expression made it clear he was losing his patience, letting her breathe out the pressure she felt in her stomach. She hated it when the people she cared about saw her in such a state, unable to protect them if needed. Her father had taught her the most important thing in the world was the ability to protect loved ones, and in this situation, she was nothing more than a weak liability. How could they trust her if they saw her so weak?

The Arishok provided her with an opportunity. She could heal behind the walls of the compound, away from the eyes of her companions and family. They didn't have to see her like this. And when she went back to them, she would be her strong self again. This was weakness she could put behind her.

The two Qunari were speaking to each other in their own language, the Arishok ending the conversation with a curt nod, and a hard stare directed at her. "When you are here, you will obey the healer." He then turned to leave.

"Arishok," Javeen called, and he stopped. She paused before speaking, letting his massive head turn, impressive horns decorated with gold flickering in the movement. Javeen was so sure he would be an enemy one day. She didn't want him to be an enemy. But this went above and beyond any courtesy the Qunari would normally provide for a human. She recognized this. And she would not let the Arishok walk away before letting him know she was grateful. "Thank you."

He was silent for a few moments, clearly not used to hearing those words from a human. He said nothing, but nodded once before leaving the tent.

The healer had a broad smile on his face, an expression on a Qunari that still weirded her out, but not in an unpleasant way. "Congratulations, Hawke. It seems you have stepped up from being an interesting nuisance to a polite nuisance."

"Hm," Javeen hummed, also unaccustomed to humour from a Qunari, "I was not aware your people could smile."

The healer snorted. "Stay here, Hawke, and you will learn many things about us you have never imagined."

She could not argue with that.