Five years of war had almost tarred Thedas apart. Renegade templars and the mages had been slaughtering each other and may the Maker have mercy to all the innocents caught in the crossfire. Most people didn't know if the templars or the mages posted the greater threat and most had stopped caring. They just wanted the war to be over "Just give the mages what they want. It can't possibly be worse than this" was the argument of most people. Six months ago the war had finally ended. King Alistair of Ferelden had made a bold decision and allied with the mages. The official explanation for this was that the Chantry in Ferelden and lost complete control over its templars. The templars had begun to kill all who they suspected might have magic somewhere in their bloodline. The templars who didn't agree with this approach had joined the mages. With the support of King Alistair's army they had been able to remove the renegade templars from Ferelden. After this success other countries had started to do the same.
There was still tension all over Thedas and this was mostly spurred in the two remaining places where mages where still officially to gain their freedom. Val Royeaux, well most of Orlais really, and Stark Haven. Because of the civil war that occurred in Orlais at the same time as the mage rebellion, Orlais hadn't dealt with the situation and that had resulted in complete anarchy. Most of Orlais was free of templars, but in the capital there was still an order of very vigilant templars led by a man called Jack Leroux. Stark Haven had been reclaimed by Prince Sebastian Vael four years ago. It was said that he had been present during the uprising in Kirkwall. The circle in Stark Haven had been lost over a century ago and instead the prince had made a prison that could compare to Aeonar. Some said that the prince was mad, but others claimed that he was the only one still to be loyal to the Maker and the words of Andreaste. There for a lot of devoted andrastians had migrated to Stark Haven. But now Thedas had to look forward and find a way to reintegrate mages back into society. And what place better to start than where all of this began? Kirkwall.
She walked down from Hightown towards Lowtown. It had been quiet lately. The mages had all, but left Kirkwall. After Anders had blown up the chantry most of the templars had left to join the order in other parts of Thedas or the renegades. Thanks to Varric everyone was aware of the former Knight-commanders insanity and there were even rumours that Anders had destroyed the chantry under her orders. Because of this the war was hardly felt in Kirkwall even though it was where it started. A new chantry had been build with a memorial in front of it and the remaining templars, including Knight-Commander Cullen, where now guarding the chantry and hunting blood mages when necessary. The mages that were left lived in peace. Well, sort of. Mostly the reason that they were free was because people were terrified of antagonizing them further. Though, she had to admit that the mages were beginning to improve Kirkwall. Some were healers, some had opened small shops and some had even joined the guard. The seneschal had not been pleased by this, but they had proved themselves to be trusted and loyal. The noble who had now become Viscount was named Gilgan. He was a distant cousin to the former viscount, but had not been allowed to take over after Dumar's death because of Knight-commander Meredith. Gilgan had joined the noble's rebellion against Meredith and had a sister who was a mage, though he hardly knew her. Because of this he was not interested in hunting down mages and had long ago made it clear, that he wished nothing more for Kirkwall than to leave the Gallows incident in the past. She continued to walk towards the Hanged Man. She looked around at the drunken men and tried to forget the smell as she breathed through her mouth. Twelve years in Kirkwall, twelve years of coming here and the smell still made her nauseous. She looked towards the bar and saw a pirate she hadn't seen for a long time. Isabela looked at her and smiled.
"Man chin! Good to see you."
"Hello whore. When did you get back?"
"Just a couple of weeks ago. If you are here to see Varric he is in his suite with Lea."
Aveline nodded and went up to his suite. He had gotten an extra room three years ago. She went inside and stood in the doorway into the "new" room. It was small, but unlike the rest of the Hanged Man it was clean and even cosy. Varric was sitting on the bed while Lea was lying in bed keenly listening to every word of his story.
"And then the dragon swooped down, took Fenris in its mouth a shook him hard from side to side. Then…"
"Should you really be telling that kind of story to a four year old, Varric?"
"It's a good story and my audience is intrigued."
"I am brave! Dragons don't scare me." Lea jumped up and began to play pretend using a stick as a sword.
"That's enough, Shadow. You should get some sleep. I'll continue the story tomorrow." Varric chuckled.
"Promise?"
"I promise. Goodnight."
"Goodnight Varric. Goodnight Aveline. Please don't shut the door. I don't like the dark."
Varric stood up, tucked in Lea and went into his suite with Aveline. When in the suite Aveline began to speak softly.
"This isn't really the place for a child, Varric."
"It's not that bad. Besides she learns a lot of people skills."
"Not to mention pick pocketing and swearing. Her mouth is almost as dirty as Isabela's."
"Not to mention in a few years she will be beating everyone in this joint at diamond back. Don't know how she has become so good at cards. She certainly didn't inherit that from her father."
"Be serious, Varric."
"Aveline, what will you have me do? I am her guardian. Maker knows I wasn't prepared for it, but both her parents are gone and I have tried my best."
"I know. I'm sorry. She does love you, Varric. I guess that is the most important thing. "
Isabella came in the door, with a bottle of whisky in her hand and smiled.
"Is the kitten asleep?"
At Isabela's voice the door to Lea's room opened and she ran towards Isabela and jumped into her arms. Varric grumbled at Isabela for waking her, but Isabela just laughed and took Lea back to bed. Aveline shook her head when she heard Isabela singing a drinking song as a lullaby. No, this certainly wasn't the best place for a child. When Isabela had assured Lea was asleep she went back into the suite and poured some whisky. Aveline then looked at Varric and asked:
"Has she shown any sign of possessing magic?"
"Not yet, but she is still very young."
"I hope that if she sets fire to the place we will be able to save the liquor." Isabela grinned.
"It isn't funny whore. She needs someone to take care of her who knows what she is up against."
"Aveline, I can't just start going through Lowtown screaming "I have a child who needs mage training"." Varric remarked.
"What about Bethany?"
"Last I heard Sunshine was in Ferelden, but things a far from safe yet. Besides I have used my contacts. I have arranged for a mage friend of mine too visit once a month to see if she is showing any signs."
"Does he know who she is?"
"Great ancestors, no! No one does. It would be signing her death warrant."
They were quiet for awhile.
"You still haven't heard anything from Hawke."
"Not a word. I had hoped that when the rebellion was over she would contact me, but I guess I was wrong. Either she really is dead or…"
"Doesn't want to be found."
Isabela filled all of their glasses and drank to Hawke.