Sebastian slid an arrow from his quiver, silently bringing it to his longbow. Cloaked in shadow and unmoving, save for the retrieval of his lethal projectile, he knew they would never see him. His majestic blue eyes glowered under the furrow of his brow. He pulled back the string of his bow tight and waited with soft breath, his blood burning in his arms and chest. These maleficarum would not even have the chance to scream before they fell.
He never questioned why there were only two of them, never considered getting them caught rather than bringing them death. His heart was set on protecting Grand Cleric Elthina alone, no matter the price it would cost. Perhaps Elthina would be angry, perhaps she would punish him for his actions, or possibly discharge him even. But, she would be alive and his self proclaimed duty fulfilled. Sebastian deeply felt this was the best thing to do, the right thing.
He let the footfalls draw closer through the entrance hall, tracing their silhouettes. They failed to be very stealthy, though covered in darkness making it impossible to distinguish their features, each step screamed of their presence. If it had been pitch black in the Chantry, he could still accurately aim a shot at them just by listening. He thought it funny the Bloodragers would send such sloppy and incapable assassins, did they think no one would be here to protect the Grand Cleric? Their delusions would cost them their lives.
Finally, as the first of the two was about to cross the threshold of the main room into the moonlight streaming through the high set windows, he loosed his wrath...
Earlier
Scorching Lowtown's streets from above, the sun beamed mercilessiy overhead. It was early afternoon, and even the shadows clung tight to the edges of buildings to escape the heat. Pace slow and exasperated, Hawke led her friends deeper into the busy streets towards the slums district.
Her boy short white hair was plastered to her scalp, soaked by sweat, her liquid silver eyes blinking back flies attracted to them as they watered; her dusky eyeshadow that blended well into her ghostly tattoo all but gone, washed away by the effects of the summer heatwave. Aveline, following close behind her, boasted beads of sweat but trudged on as though immune to the burning light. Sebastian trodded not far behind Aveline, his white armor gleaming in the sun making it painful to look at him from the reflective intensity. He seemed content enough, but was secretly praying for clouds to lace the sky. Bringing up the rear of the group was Fenris, who always looked unhappy for the most part. He offered no complaints, his skin dry, unlike all the others who were drenched in their own perspiration. An impressive feat considering he was dressed in black.
As if to force their minds from the unbearable discomfort, Aveline offered a a distraction.
"So, Fenris, Donnic seems to have 'misplaced' twenty silvers he was supposed to use to purchase a new set of boots..."
Cautiously he replied, "Your point?..."
"This happening on the same evening he visited you to play some Diamondback seems suspicious."
"Again, I disavow all knowledge of gambling occurring in my home."
Sebastian picked up the topic, taking the opportunity to preach.
"Gambling is a dangerous temptation, it can lead you to dark times. Look at Hawke's uncle, whome we are going to see. He has lost so much, all he gains is taken from him to settle debts acquired through his addiction. He struggles to take care of his most basic needs."
Shooting him a glare, Fenris scoffed, "I am nothing like Hawke's uncle,,,,"
Aveline sighed, "Maybe you don't have much to lose. You don't have to pay rent, or constantly repair armor and replace equipment. But as members of the guard, both me and Donnic do. If his coin keeps getting lost, there may be an end to your coveted man time."
"What is it you want me to do? Purposely lose? If he cannot afford to bet what he does, than maybe he should not offer it up."
Placing a fist on her hip, cheeks reddening as they always do when flustered, Aveline began in a very serious tone, "He is usually a very responsible man, it is hard to imagine him being so careless without being subjected to pressure-"
Interjecting, Sebastian came to Fenris's defense, "He has a point Lady Aveline. Perhaps you should be discussing this with Donnic as well, as he also claims part in this. It... Takes two to bet."
She nearly stopped in her tracks and turned to him, preparing to unleash a good scolding, but Allora cut in.
"Let's not waste energy fighting with one another in this heat. Besides, we are coming upon Gamlen's house now."
Much preferring the chill of winter, Allora had little patience to deal with the usual confrontations between her various companions. No matter who's aid she requested with any given job, there was always a touch of friction. Normally, she would let it work itself out, offering little interference. But, today was a special exception as she barely had the energy to walk through the streets. Silently, she thanked the Maker Anders was not here. The arguments between him and Fenris were the worst, both men akin to polar opposites.
Aveline, had backed down, the blush of frustration still evident on her face, but she remained silent. Sebastian looked to Hawke with sympathy towards her unintentional irritability. The brooding expression Fenris always wore had softened with a hint of satisfaction that the conversation had been dropped. All three followed up the stone steps in silence behind Allora, hoping their visit would not be long.
Hawke knocked carefully on the deteriorating wooden slab of a door. Gamlen answered her call relatively quickly, his facial features much gentler at the sight of his niece than they used to be. They were also older, more greyed than before.
"Ah," he expressed relief, "you received my letter."
His arms stretched out towards her, and she graciously accepted their embrace.
"It is good to see you are doing well, my dear." he said into her shoulder before releasing her from his grip.
He turned and offered each accompanying companion his hand, getting a firm shake from Aveline, a gentle one from Sebastian, and only a respectful nod from Fenris. Then he made his way over to the fire, pulling a chair over to them, and retrieving another from the bedroom.
"Please, make yourselves at home,"
Allora Hawke eagerly sank into a chair, thrilled to be off her feet. Fenris propped himself against the wall, one leg bracing him up, the other bending to press his foot against the wood behind him. Promptly, he began fidgeting with the the red cloth tied to his wrist, ensuring the knot had not come loose. sebastian stepped over to lean against the edge of a table, his shining blue eyes attentive to the others. Aveline merely stood straight and regal behind the occupied chair, fixating her gaze on nothing in particular.
When he saw that everyone was settled, he explained why he had requested a visit. Apologizing for all his mistakes, he attempted to close the gap between himself and Allora. They spoke about her mother, everyone's expressions taking on a grave demeanor in remembrance. They talked about the ebb and flow of their lives the past few years. For a while, they merely talked like family. No one offered protest to the hours slipping by despite their hopes, Hawke deserved this.
At long last, she pulled herself from the chair to her feet, signalling the conversation was drawing to a close.
"I imagine you have things to do. You were always a busy woman, always working hard. But, if I may..."
Eyes locked on his in curiosity she waited for him to continue.
"I know your mother was concerned about giving you a proper life. She was searching for suitable bachelors for you to meet."
Fenris stiffened, focusing his leaf green eyes more intensely on the floor. Aveline did not notice this, but she knew this was a sensitive subject and shifted slightly.
"Yes... Mother wanted to see me get married..." Allora's voice was quiet.
"I cant help thinking she was right to do so," Gamlen continued, "You are young and in your prime beauty. I know it is not my place to tell you how to live, but... Perhaps you should think on it. With Bethany in the Circle, you are the only real family I have left. For a long time, I thought the Amell line would end at me, but, I'm glad you've pulled our family heritage out of the grave."
"Uncle..."
"We both know that it is too late for me. There's not much point in me looking for romance at this age and... in my current predicament."
With a sigh his gaze dropped to the floor.
"But, you my dear, you can continue the bloodline. I don't know if there is anyone in your life right now... You know what I mean. But, you deserve to be happy. Don't hesitate to take a chance on love. Leandra found it, I'm sure you will to."
With a softly sad smile, she stepped forward and hugged her uncle.
"I will think on it." she assured him,
"Take care, my dear."
As they all stepped out into the evening air, Fenris tried hard to force the thoughts and memories from his mind. Now was not the time. He would entertain them later, when he was alone. Aveline and Sebastian were already refocused.
"Where are we headed to now?" Aveline looked to Hawke.
"I have been asked to dispose of some raiders along the Wounded Coast. So far they are not a major threat and have only managed petty thievery. According to my information, however, their numbers are growing."
"Why hasn't anyone alerted my Guardsmen?"
Allora laughed a little, "Why do you think I asked you to come along?"
"Hmph..."
"I shall pray to the Maker for guidance and protection." Sebastian offered in high spirits.
"You do that." Fenris retorted as they all approached the city gates.
"Would you like to join me in prayer?" He asked the elf with unfaltering patience.
"No..."
Shooting a quick glance in their direction, Hawke warned Fenris, "He's never going to give up on you."
"So it seems," he grunted "But, I shall not relent either."
Reaching for his bow, the Chantry Brother smirked. "Neither will the Maker."
With a sigh, Aveline stated, "Some things will never change."
As the air was cooling under the waning sun, rather than react as before, Allora actually found a touch of humor in this. She stifled a laugh. Perhaps it was for the best that things remained the way they were. What was left of her family had managed to keep safe, and she had all the companionship she could ever desire. Friends she could trust and count on at all hours of every day. Despite the tension between Templar and Mage, peace still held enough to make Kirkwall a decent place to live. Her home, never empty of life, of at least some of her friends lingering within its walls, was a place to be proud of.
Truly, this was a good life. She doubted her sword would ever be idle. There were too many thugs and criminals slinking through the city to ever run out of work. No matter how many were dealt with, more always came in droves to replace them. Though, with the Champion stalking the streets, the damage they caused was minimal. There was talk of appointing her Viscount, but, so far, only talk. Hawke was content, even if the summer months were far too hot. It showed, she could not keep from beaming with happiness.
Grass had turned to sand, the sea's waves crashing against the staggered cliffs of the coast. Anticipating the oncoming fight with the raiders taking shelter here, one could feel the sudden swell of energy given off by her wayward group. Like they were the harbingers of a thunderstorm, holding back great bolts of lightening until foes forced the storm to give way. What a storm they were, leaving only death in their wake. The first onset of bandits fell quickly, barely a force to be reckoned with.
They charged head on, their leader dropping as an arrow pierced his heart.
"My bow will make short work of them!"
Fenris rushed at them, blade poised for a heavy swing.
"And so it begins."
Allora herself was right on his heels, swinging in between his strokes. She said nothing, only glared each of them down with her sharp, unnatural, colored eyes that could send shivers down even the bravest warrior's spine. Their silver color was near white, rimmed by stone grey, and they shined like the moon in shadowy places.
Aveline held back, ensuring no one got too close to their archer.
A dozen or so sword strikes and five arrows later, the fight was over. Looking down at the bodies, Hawke allowed Fenris to collect their coin purses stating, "Hopefully, it doesn't get much worse than this."
He emptied each purse into one, so the coin was all together and tossed it to her.
"With any luck." Aveline agreed.
Sebastian pulled an arrow from his quiver, at the ready for the next encounter and they continued down the stretch of beach. The sun was setting now, the top of the water aflame with orange and red, the cliffs bleeding under the light's hues. In the distance, cicadas could be heard singing their shrill tune, informing the world of oncoming nightfall. A fair distance away from the first ambush, another began, the same events playing out as before with minor differences. The end result remained unchanging, the corpses being relieved of their stolen coin.
Just as the sun was finishing its descent, they came to the end of the beach. At first, it appeared the second group was the last, and they all turned to go. But, that was when the remaining raiders seized the opportunity to attack. Leaping from the overhanging ledges in the cliffs, they dropped straight down on top of Hawke's team, breaking them apart. Clearly more organized and clever than the previous enemies faced, they did have the advantage of surprise and numbers. But, this was not a tiny caravan, or a small compliment of guards on patrol they faced. It would not be so easy.
Fenris threw back his head in a bellowing roar, his lyrium markings igniting into a blue blaze. Almost as though he were unleashing a beast kept inside his soul. His blade became a sharp whirlwind of fury, hacking and lashing at everything around him. Aveline took a more defensive approach, thrusting her shield in the faces of her opponents, only to strike out with deadly force from her weapon afterward. She would not be moved. Sebastian rapidly fired arrow after arrow in a blur, dodging and weaving away from attacks made by those surrounding him.
"Maker help us!" He cried out into the air.
Allora moved without thought, just reacting. Her eyes taking on that edge brought on by the rage she let consume her. A growl rumbled in her throat, her anger being channeled through her chest, down her arm, and straight into her sword. She loosed it on her enemies with brutal force, showing them a berserker in all its glory. Cleaving through them like a butcher's knife through pig fat, she stampeded through them like a bronto on a rampage. Those who were not killed by her charge were left fumbling on the ground.
She stomped through their forces, coming to Sebastian's aid. Flattening those that threatened him, he took the opportunity to run back down the beach a ways to relative safety. No longer impeded, his arrows met more targets, and the tide of battle swiftly turned. The raiders, sensing their inevitable defeat, turned to flee from Hawke's destruction and the arrows raining down upon them. Fenris blocked their path, tattoos still aglow. The survivors looked to him, then back to Allora who was bracing for another assault straight through them. They decided to take their chances with the warrior elf.
He stormed straight into their midst, proving he was just as lethal as her brute force in his lithe fighting style. His blade whipped through them, taking a life with every swing. Arrows continued to fly, leaving nothing to chance. Between his merciless fury and Sebastian's persistent support, there were none who escaped. It was over.
Everyone took a moment to relax, replacing their weapons upon their backs. This time, it was Aveline who collected the coin, while Fenris attempted to brush off the blood painted sand from the soles of his feet. Their designated sniper made his way back to them at a leisurely pace. All the while, Allora let the madness she summed up in combat to fall and seep away.
She made a rather interesting berserker, as she was naturally quite a friendly and diplomatic person. Not someone you would suspect to harbor such violent rage. Before the destruction of Lothering and the death of her brother, that was the case. But, such harrowing losses tend to change a person. It was never something she struggled to control, though, with her ability to express it on the battlefield it increased her control even further. Granting her inspirational tolerance towards things that would make most lose their temper. Even so, when she found she could use it to her benefit, she took up the opportunity and became very good at it.
Throughout the years, other events had added to her confined pool of ferocious anger, making her stronger and stronger as time passed. Still, the deep mastery she held over herself never wavered. That fact was a comfort. Unless her friends accidentally got into her path when she freed its tenacious force on her foes, they were never in danger from it. Something most warriors akin to her could not claim. Still, her companions did warrant a touch of caution when winding down after a difficult battle. They never bothered her while she calmed herself, instead, they waited for her to address them when she was ready.
"That should be the last of them." she spoke, giving the signal.
"Catch." Aveline told her, tossing the looted coin her way.
Hawke caught it and tied it next to the other coin purses on her belt. Looking to Fenris when he grunted with displeasure at his inability to rid his feet of the red soaked sand. Sebastian shook his head.
"I've never understood why you neglect to wear shoes."
Fenris offered him no answer, just hardened his glare.
Aveline took the chance to take over the conversation.
"The moon is rising," she said looking up, "I have to get back to the barracks now. I have a duty to fulfill."
Allora gave her an understanding nod, "We will head back to Kirkwall and collect the bounty for this job. As always, we will divide up all the coin at the tavern. I'll bring you your share tomorrow."
"I figured as much," the Guard Captain smiled, "Thank you."
With that she took off at a brisk pace down the beach, disappearing into the darkening night. Hawke turned to the two men in her company.
"Shall we?"
Fenris stalked past her, eager to wipe his feet on some grass. Sebastian watched him go, shrugging slightly, then turned to her with a warm smile.
"After you."
Suppressing another chortle for the evening, she returned his smile and followed after 'Broody'. Never letting him out of sight so as not to get separated, her pace was much slower, allowing Sebastian to walk side by side with her. The concentrated look in his powerful blue eyes told her he was in silent prayer, as usual. She briefly wondered again if there was ever a time he wasn't in some sort of prayer. Something she tended to ask herself often when he was around her.
She left him to his righteous endeavors in silence, making sure to close the gap between them and Fenris when his feet finally met the grass he was searching for. He sighed, and she couldn't tell if it was an expression of relief from discomfort, or irritation that it took so long to get it. He allowed her to take the lead, following behind rather than at her side. They all made way for the city gates.
