Chapter 2: Vengeance Unleashed
Three years had passed since the return from the Deep Roads expedition. Three years of getting used to living life at a higher station, now that Hawke had purchased the Amell Estate and moved her mother and their Mabari in. It was lonely though, with Bethany locked up in the Gallows with the rest of the Circle. Hawke had written her every day, begging for forgiveness, but her sister had just told her time and again that she wasn't to blame, and that life wasn't as bad as it could be. True, she still had Templars to watch out for, but at least there were other mages she could talk to. Varric had kept in contact periodically, both to give her money from the sale of the salvage, and to keep her informed on Bartrand's whereabouts. Aveline had become captain of the guard, but still came around every so often when she needed to talk, or needed Hawke's help solving a problem. Isabella… Well, she was still the same, and whenever Hawke traveled to the Hanged Man, the two would share a round and catch up on things. Not to forget Merrill and Fenris, though those two bothered her a bit in their views of the world. Not that she blamed the former slave for his harsh attitude towards magick, but it made working with Anders all the more troublesome. And of course, there was the subject of her favorite mage. Varric teased her whenever he saw her about the obvious crush she had on the former Grey Warden, but Hawke simply brushed it off. They had seen little of each other in the last few years, what with his clinic always busy. But any time she'd stop by to chat, Anders always seemed to have time for her. "Am I interrupting your thoughts, dear?" Hawke turned away from the fire at the sound of her mother's voice, and saw her standing in the doorway of her room.
"Of course not. Is there something you needed?" Leandra walked in and sat on the bed, looking over her eldest for a moment.
"I've just been thinking about all that's happened in the last few years. I'm grateful that you managed to buy back the estate, dear, but I worry for you. Isn't it time you found a good man to be with?" Hawke felt her cheeks burn a bit, but smiled brightly.
"Trying to marry me off already?" she teased.
"When you're my age, you won't laugh. I just want to make sure you'll be taken
care of if something should ever happen to me-"
"Nothing will happen to you, mother. I made a promise to Father that I would keep everyone safe." Her voice trailed off as she thought of her siblings. Carver, dead from a darkspawn, and Bethany locked away like a criminal. She hadn't really been keeping her promise very well.
"I know you did, dear, and I'm very proud of all that you've accomplished," Leandra replied, standing up and embracing her daughter. "But isn't there anyone you have your eyes on? I've seen you daydreaming every so often."
"Mother…"
"There is, isn't there?"
"I do have interest in someone, yes. But I don't know if he feels the same way."
"Well don't keep me in suspense! Who is this lucky man?" Hawke dropped her head and sighed heavily.
"He's a mage, mother. From Ferelden."
"The one who went on the expedition with you?"
"Yes."
"You certainly do take after me," Leandra said with a sad smile. "I just hope you understand what you're getting involved with."
"You have no idea…"
Hawke stood outside Anders' clinic, willing herself to go in. "He's a friend, it's no big deal. So what if he's handsome, and charming, and… This isn't helping." Steeling her nerves, she pushed open the door and looked around. There were a few patients lying on cots, and off in the corner, Anders was talking to Isabella.
"Magick doesn't mean you shouldn't be cautious," Anders told the pirate as Hawke approached them.
"Then what's the point of having it around? I just like to have fun," the dark-skinned woman replied with a pout.
"Then have your fun. But don't come crying to me when you pick up something really nasty."
"Mages," Isabella scoffed, walking away. She caught Hawke's eyes, smiled and winked, but the warrior just shook her head.
"I'm not going to even ask."
"Hawke, what brings you around today?" Anders sounded suddenly happier, but he was probably just glad to be away from that situation.
"I just decided to take a walk, and it brought me here. How is everything?"
"Can't complain. Well, I can, but I doubt many would care. Between the refugees and the mages, I barely have a moment's peace. And now the Templars have started coming around. It's getting harder to sneak around even Darktown." Hawke's breath hitched in her throat when she heard that bit of news. If the Templars found Anders they would take him away, make him Tranquil, or even…
"You can't stay here anymore. It's too dangerous."
"And where should I go? There's no safe place for an apostate, Hawke. You know that better than anyone, what with Bethany in the Circle."
"That was because I wasn't here to look after her. It would be different-"
"How? Sooner or later, they will find me."
"I don't want that to happen," she whispered, touching his arm. He looked sad for a moment, but then perked up a bit.
"Actually, maybe you can help me with something. I've been getting reports that there are a lot of Tranquil coming out of the Circle recently. And it's not just me being paranoid, either. Someone's taking mages that have even passed their Harrowing, and making them Tranquil." Bethany had written about the Harrowing: It was a sort-of initiation to the Circle. You went into the Fade, resisted a demon's temptation, and were then made a full mage. No one who passed their Harrowing was allowed to be made Tranquil by Chantry Law. Could it be true?
"What did you need my help with?"
"I need to find out how high up the chain this goes. I've been hearing about a Templar named Sir Alrik who seems to be at the forefront of this. But if I can get proof that the Knight Commander authorized him to do it, then the Grand Cleric will have no choice but to step in and see what's going on."
"I doubt this Sir Alrik will just be willing to divulge his plans. So what is your plan to getting what we need?" Anders shrugged and smiled.
"I had planned on sneaking into the Gallows and going through his room while he was on patrol. Are you with me?" Hawke couldn't help but smile back.
"Of course I am, but we might need some help. I'll ask Aveline and Varric to back us up."
"Just as long as the Guard Captain understands why I'm doing this."
"Aveline's a smart person, Anders. She'll understand."
"I still don't understand what you intend to accomplish with stolen property," Aveline said for what must've been the tenth time. The group was making their way through a series of tunnels beneath the Gallows, hoping to go unnoticed until they reached their goal. "Why can't you just bring this up to the Grand Cleric?"
"Without proof?" Anders retorted. "Then I'll look like a paranoid apostate, rather than just a normal one. If there's any truth to the rumors, we need to find solid evidence."
"Keep your robe on, Blondie," Varric said from up ahead. "We're not against you, just trying to see things as you do."
"You're not mages, so there isn't any way you could see things from my point."
"Hawke hasn't complained once on this trip." Anders shook his head at the dwarf.
"Her sister is a mage, so she has a personal stake in this."
"You don't really think the Templars would make Bethany a Tranquil, do you, Hawke?" Aveline's voice held a bit of fear, and hopefully it was just a rumor.
"That's partly why I'm here. No mage should have to be made Tranquil, and if there is something going on, I have to put a stop to it."
"All of you, quiet," Varric said, putting a hand up. "There's people in the next tunnel section." With weapons at the ready, the four of them pressed forward quietly. What they saw sent a jolt up Hawke's spine: There were about seven or so Templars surrounding one terrified young mage. Their leader was a balding man with a pitch to his voice that made her skin crawl.
"…You know what we do to little mage girls who don't toe the line around here?" The girl fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face.
"No, please! I don't want to be made Tranquil!" Beside her, Anders shuddered, and Hawke saw the blue glow fade from his eyes as he shook his head.
"Damnit Justice, not now…" he whispered.
"Once you're Tranquil, you'll have to do everything I tell you to." The way this man talked, Hawke felt dirtier and dirtier. She was not going to let this continue.
"The Chantry has laws against harassing young mages," she stated, stepping into the cavern.
"This does not concern you," the Templar said as he turned around.
"Help me, please!" the frightened girl called out. Hawke was about to make a retort, when she felt a shift in the air. Realizing too late what it was, Hawke shielded her eyes as Justice took over Anders body with more force than she'd seen even when his friend had been made Tranquil.
"You will all die for this!" the spirit shouted, leaping at the nearest Templar.
"Hawke!" Aveline called out, sounding annoyed.
"I know! Just watch yourselves!" Drawing her sword, Hawke leapt into the fray to make sure that Justice didn't get Anders' body killed. The Templars recovered quickly from the initial shock, and fought with everything they had. Justice seemed to be focusing solely on their leader, which left the others to take care of the main crowd. The fight was intense, but soon over. The Templars lay dead, but Justice was still out. Hawke was getting a very bad feeling about the spirit, when he stalked towards the mage girl.
"They will all suffer my wrath!"
"Anders, the Templars are dead. Please back down!" she called, moving closer to him. But the glow didn't fade, and actually seemed to intensify for a moment.
"Get away from me, demon!" the terrified mage shrieked.
"I am no demon. I am Justice. I am Vengeance!"
"Oh, this won't end well," Varric said from across the room.
"I will not rest until every one of them feels my wrath!"
"Anders, it's over. Please calm down," Hawke pleaded.
"Get away!" The girl was huddled on the ground, shaking uncontrollably.
"I can feel their hold on you. You are one of them!"
"Anders, she's a mage! She's what you're trying to protect. Don't hurt her." But she saw him rear his arm back, saw the glow of some type of power, and wasn't sure what it would do. Reacting without thought, Hawke dove on the girl, shielding her as best she could. "She's innocent, Anders! Don't do this!" The glow grew for a moment, and then suddenly disappeared completely. Anders stood bowed with his head in his hands.
"Run for the surface!" Aveline told the girl. She got up and took off, Aveline following close at her heels.
"Maker… What did I almost do?" Anders asked softly. "Hawke, if you hadn't said something… I would've… I need to get out of here." Anders ran back the way they had come, and Hawke took a moment to calm her racing heart.
"You were really going to shield the girl?" Varric wondered, coming over.
"It seemed like a good idea at the time." The dwarf shook his head.
"You are either crazy, incredibly brave, or both."
"I'll go with both. Now let's hurry before Aveline stabs Anders just on principle." They two friends raced back towards the surface, and Hawke couldn't help but wonder just what she'd gotten herself into.
Aveline was waiting for them at the entrance to the tunnels, the girl standing with her. "Where's Anders?" Hawke asked, not seeing him.
"Ran right past us and into the clinic. What in the world was he thinking?"
"I don't know."
"Thank you for saving me, serrah. From both the Templars and the demon."
"That wasn't a demon. He's my friend." The girl looked even more confused, but Hawke just sighed. "Aveline, Varric, please make sure she gets back to her family. And then tell them to get out of Kirkwall tonight."
"Much as I hate to admit it, it's the only way," Aveline replied with a nod. "Come on sweetie, let's get you back to your parents."
"What are you going to do?" Varric wondered.
"Find out what that was all about," Hawke shot back, eyes narrowing slightly. When the others had left, she headed straight for the clinic, which was closed and dark. However, she pulled on one of the doors and felt it budge, and slipped inside. Anders was standing at the back, leaning over a table, head bowed.
"What do you want?" he called out.
"I want some answers." She saw him stiffen, but he turned around to face her.
"I had a feeling you would come."
"Anders, what in the world was that back there?"
"Apparently, I was a worse influence on Justice than I thought. He's becoming more and more vengeful, especially for any wrongs done to mages."
"He called himself Vengeance." Anders sighed and sank down on one of the cots, clenching and unclenching his fists.
"I couldn't control it. What they were doing made me so angry, but I almost… I almost killed an innocent."
"But you didn't," Hawke pointed out, walking over to him.
"Only because you were there. You stopped me. I heard your voice, and could feel your sincerity to protect her, and it washed away the anger."
"But you were still able to stop, regardless of why."
"I could've killed you!" he shouted, standing up and beginning to pace.
"I trusted you not to." It was the truth, but she wasn't sure if he would believe her.
"Why? Why would you trust me to keep control when I can't even trust myself."
"Because I care about you." There, she'd said it. The look on Anders face was one of confusion, sadness, and slowly-fading anger.
"And that just makes it worse. I'm barely in control of my emotions around you normally! But when I'm like that…" He trailed off, closing his eyes, and she crossed to room to stand in front of him.
"Anders, what is it that you're so afraid of? Why do you constantly tell me to stay away from you?"
"Weren't you just in the caverns? Didn't you see what I became? What I have allowed myself to become? Even for a mage, I'm not normal. When Justice and I merged, I tried to convince myself that I wasn't- no, couldn't be human any more. That I had to deny and repress every urge I had to maintain control. But I can't do that around you."
"Why not?"
"Because…. Because I…." He tried to turn away, but she caught his arm.
"Anders, please. I'm here for you. Just tell me what's wrong."
"I am still a person; still a man. I have feelings and desires. Being around you makes it harder to hold back." Hawke felt something flutter in her chest for a moment as she considered her words carefully.
"Then don't hold back." She looked up into his eyes for just a moment, and then his hands were on her arms, their bodies pressed together, and his mouth locked onto hers. The kiss deepened for a moment, but then Anders pulled back. Hawke felt like the world had stopped, and couldn't help but pout a little when he released her.
"No… No, I shouldn't do this. You deserve to have a normal life-"
"I don't want a normal life! I never had one. All I want is to keep you safe." He smiled sadly for a moment, then sobered up.
"If you truly want this, then know that you will be hunted if we're together. I'm still an apostate, Warden or not. Nowhere will be safe for us. Is that what you want?"
"I want whatever life you're living, Anders. Hunted or not, I cannot deny how I feel about you."
"Then tonight, I'll visit you. If you leave your door open, I'll know you truly want this. But if your door is locked, then at least you took my warning seriously. You should go for now, though." Hawke nodded and slipped out the door, and Anders dropped onto the nearest cot. "Maker, what have I gotten myself into?"
"You wish the front door to remain unlocked?" Bodhain asked again.
"Yes, at least for most of the night. I'm expecting someone, and don't wish to disturb Mother if they come too late." The dwarf merchant smiled, and whether he understood the true reason or not, he left her alone in the sitting room. Hawke had long since changed out of her armor, and into a skirt, shirt, short dressing gown, and boots. Her mind kept going over the scenes in both the caverns, and the clinic. Aveline had stopped by not long ago to tell her the mage girl and her family had safely left Kirkwall aboard a ship. "At least she can start over," Hawke mused.
"Enchantment?" Sandal asked as he wandered into the room.
"No Sandal, but thanks anyway." The young dwarf just grinned broadly and left. Hawke stood staring at the fire, feeling relaxed and warm. She wasn't sure how much time had passed, when she felt someone else enter the room. Turning her head slightly, she couldn't keep the smile off her face when she saw Anders. "You came."
"Sorry I took so long. Justice and I were having an argument… Well, as much as we can argue, I suppose."
"About what?"
"About you, actually. He believes you'll be nothing but a distraction. But I don't care." Hawke walked over to him and took his hand, leading him upstairs to her room.
"If you hadn't come tonight, I would've gone looking for you. I was worried." They reached her room, and Anders paused for a moment at the doorway. But she gently tugged him inside, and then dropped his hand.
"Hawke, you said earlier in the clinic that you care about me. But I've never been able to care about someone. In the Circle, the Templars use emotions against you. Some of them thought of it as a game, to hold over your head something you didn't want to lose. The thought of them taking you from me-"
"They won't, Anders. I'm not going anywhere. Nothing will part us, I swear it." He raised a hand and lightly brushed it against her cheek. She could feel the energy of his magick dance across her skin, and it made her shiver slightly.
"Falling in love was the biggest taboo of them all. And it is the one I have most desired to break." He bent his head and met her lips. The kiss this time was gentle, with no aching need behind it… Or at least, not yet. Hawke stepped back after a moment, and took his hand again. She tugged him onto the bed, gently pulling him on top of her. Anders smiled and kissed her again, and Hawke was lost in the ecstasy of it all.
They lay entwined together, much later that night. Anders ran a hand up her arm, and she shivered again, but the feeling of his energy on her skin was soothing as well. "I love you," he whispered, propping himself up on one arm. "I never thought I'd be able to tell someone that."
"I love you too," she replied, caressing his face.
"This is going to make things more complicated, you know. The Templars could start hunting you down too."
"They can try," Hawke shot back, sitting up and gazing at the dying fire. "I'm just worried about you and Bethany, and the other mages as well. Things do seem to be getting worse."
"Hopefully, we'll be able to change all that. If we can make the Chantry really see what's going on with the Templar Order, maybe they'll finally do something."
"That reminds me. Varric found a set of letters on Ser Alrik's body, detailing what he called "the Tranquil solution". It seems that Knight Commander Meredith denied his plan, and he wasn't happy."
"She… Denied him? Everything I've heard about the Knight Commander would suggest the opposite," Anders said, the surprise clear in his voice.
"Maybe she's not as bad as you thought. But you also wanted to bring this to the Grand Cleric's attention, and we have the proof you needed."
"Hawke… How can I ever thank you? Even when I lost control, you were still thinking." She ducked her head and kissed him softly.
"That just means you'll need to be with me more often." He turned away and sighed heavily, and she frowned. "What's wrong?"
"I don't want to put you in danger," he replied, getting out of the bed and tugging his pants on. Hawke reached for her dressing robe and stood up as well.
"You're not putting me anywhere I don't want to be. I told you before Anders, I just want to keep you safe."
"And how would you do that, exactly?" She walked over to him, looking up into his eyes and taking his hands with a smile.
"Stay here, with me. At least then you could sleep knowing you're safe." His eyes widened, and he smiled.
"Do you really mean that? You would be willing to have me here with you? Be willing to have the world see that you love an apostate?"
"Of course I am. I don't care what the Chantry or the Knight Commanders says. I love you, and that's all that matters."
"Ever since the Deep Roads, I have felt something for you. For three years, I tried to hide it, only to have you be the first to confess."
"So I guess nightmares do have their uses?" she teased.
"I just hope this isn't a dream I'm going to wake up from any time soon." He kissed her again, wrapping his arms around her. She hugged him close and kissed back, glad that at least the two of them were in this together.
Much to Hawke's disappointment, Anders didn't move in to the estate with her. He kept saying that people still needed him, and she couldn't deny that. The refugees looked to him for aid in healing them of injuries, or curing their diseases. Sometimes he would come to the house after a long day, and they would sit and talk about what was going on in the city. Sometimes he stayed the night as well, but always left in the morning. She was in her usual stance by the fire, when Leandra came in. "Missing him already?" she asked. Hawke just smiled and nodded.
"I knew we weren't being as quiet as I hoped."
"Well, when you have someone coming and going at all hours, it's hard not to notice. Are you happy, though?" Hawke walked over to her mother and hugged her.
"I'm happy enough, and that's all I need. I can't ask Anders to stop taking care of Darktown just because I want him with me all the time."
"Even if it's for his own good?"
"Even then. But did you just want to talk about my love life?" Hawke grinned mischievously as she stepped back. "Or did you need something?"
"Actually, I came to tell you that I will be going out this evening," Leandra replied as her eyes lit up. "I've found a suitor, and we'll be dining at his estate tonight."
"Mother… I'm happy you've found someone." Hawke was a bit surprised, even though they had discussed the possibility of Leandra finding someone else. Her father had been gone for many years now, and her mother deserved to be happy. "So, who is this mysterious suitor?" Leandra grinned and waved a finger.
"He's remaining mysterious for now. I want to make sure he's the one before I introduce him to you and Bethany."
"Afraid he'll be scared off by us?"
"Sweetheart! I just-" Hawke put her hands on her mother's shoulders.
"I'm only teasing. As long as you're happy, I can live without knowing his name for now."
"I think I knew him from when I lived here," Leandra said. "We met in the market, and he told me I looked very familiar. We've met a couple of times for tea, and to talk. He's very nice, but this will be the first time we'll be alone together."
"Do you trust him?" Leandra smiled and nodded.
"He's been nothing but a perfect gentleman. He even had flowers delivered today to remind me about dinner. I'll let you be so you can start your day now, dear."
"Mother, have fun tonight," Hawke told her.
"I will, don't worry."
"Have you seen your mother?" Gamlen shouted the moment Hawke walked back into the estate with some of her companions.
"What are you talking about, uncle?" she demanded, having no patience left after her day. They'd spent it chasing hints and leads about a murderer that was stalking women in the city. And now, a Templar had been murdered trying to solve the crimes.
"She didn't come over for our daily talk at lunch. Every day she's there by the same time, but this time I waited over an hour, and she didn't show!"
"Well, she did say she was meeting someone tonight. Maybe she was trying to get ready and just forgot." Hawke rubbed her eyes and sighed heavily.
"Leandra has a suitor? Since when?"
"I'm not sure, but she said he was very nice, and they were going to have dinner at his estate."
"He had flowers delivered as well," Bodhain said helpfully, pointing to a vase on a nearby table. Hawke's gaze came to rest on it, and then all the color drained from her face as her insides turned to ice.
"Hawke, what's wrong?" Anders asked, coming up beside her.
"Those flowers… They're-"
"White lilies," Varric finished, shaking his head. Aveline clenched her fist.
"Just like all the others. Hawke, we need to find her." They had been hearing that the murderer would send a bouquet of white lilies to his next victim, making it seem that he was wooing them.
"Uncle, I'm leaving to find mother."
"You think she's in danger?" He sounded genuinely concerned, and Hawke could only nod. "I'll head back to my house. Maybe she'll turn up there."
"Sandal and I will remain here in case she returns."
"Thank you, Bodhain."
"I'll let every guardsman we see know what's going on. Maybe someone saw her," Aveline offered as they left the estate at a jog.
"I'm sure your mother's fine," Anders said.
"Maker knows I'd never forgive myself if something happened to her, Anders. I've already lost Bethany and Carver. I can't lose my mother too."
"We'll find her Hawke, don't worry," Varric assured her, taking Bianca off his back and readying a bolt.
Hawke's mind wasn't sure it was seeing things correctly. They'd followed a tip from an urchin to a Lowtown Foundry, finding a trap door that had previously been hidden. Making their way through the tunnels had brought them to a cache of furniture, paintings, and dead bodies. And one of the paintings had even looked like Leandra! Now, the group had confronted the man behind all the disappearances: Quentin, a mage who was standing proudly next to his "beloved". But all Hawke saw was her mother's head atop a body that had been stitched together from the corpses of countless women. "I have touched the face of the Maker, and lived!" Quentin told them.
"You monster!" Hawke screamed, pointing her blade at him. "You will not walk away from this!"
"You will not take me from my beloved!" Quentin swore as he called upon demonic reinforcements. Hawke only saw him, and charged forward. She was vaguely aware of her friends calling out to her, the sounds of the battle around her, and even the thought that she needed to remain in control. Was this what happened to Anders when Justice took over? The feeling of just letting her body do what it wanted seemed to be such a good idea, but she knew it wasn't.
"Hawke!" Anders' voice smashed into her thoughts, and she turned to face him. "It's over. He's dead." She turned back to Quentin, who was lying with her sword jammed through his chest, his eyes sightless. She let go of the weapon and looked at her mother, who was trying to walk towards her. But it was a clumsy shuffle at best, and then Leandra collapsed into Hawke's arms.
"Mother! Mother, no…"
"I knew you'd come," Leandra told her softly, her eyes trying to focus.
"If only I'd come sooner! Anders, is there-"
"Hawke… He used blood magick to tie her to that body. It isn't even wholly hers. With him dead, the magick is fading. I can't save her… I'm sorry." She nodded, tears starting to form in her eyes.
"Don't cry, sweetheart," Leandra said, smiling. "I'm going to see Carver and your father again. I'll be with those that I love. Just… Take care of Bethany. Tell her… I'm so proud… Of both of you…" And then, she was gone. Hawke held her body to her chest and sobbed.
Back at the estate, it hadn't been fun trying to explain everything to her uncle. He'd gone from accusing her of being incompetent one moment, to blaming magick, to blaming himself. He had left to tell Bethany the news, and Hawke sat in her room, staring at the fire. Bodhain had left her alone, and was probably keeping Sandal from bothering her as well. Anders walked into the room, but she barely even registered it until he was next to her on the bed. "I'm sorry about what happened, Hawke. You were lucky to have your mother for as long as you did."
"I should've been with her. I should've been able to do something," she whispered, trying to talk past the lump in her throat.
"She wouldn't want you blaming yourself."
"You can't know what she'd want." He sighed and nodded.
"You're right. I never really took the time to talk to your mother. But if she was anything like you, I know she wouldn't want you to feel this way. She'd want you to move on." Hawke dropped her head into her hands as the tears started again.
"I promised my father I would protect everyone! And now Bethany is the only one left, and she's practically a prisoner in the Gallows! Why couldn't it have been me to die the day we fled Lothering?" Anders grabbed her shoulders and hugged her tightly.
"No, don't say that! Think of all the people you've helped over the years! And Bethany still needs you to be there for her now. And I need you…" He whispered the last part, kissing the top of her head and stroking her hair. "I need you with me, to keep me going through the dark times."
"I need you in this dark time," she replied after a few minutes of silence. "Stay with me, Anders. Don't leave me. At least, not tonight." He nodded, and she hugged him tightly, trying to maintain even breathing. "Tell me about your mother."
"I…" He paused, but saw her need to talk about things was greater than his own to keep them hidden. "She was a wonderful woman, very caring. I think that's why I want to heal people, to make her proud…" Hawke listened to him talk about a woman she would never meet, but felt glad to at least know of her. They stayed locked together until Hawke fell asleep. When she awoke the next day, Anders was right beside her, as she'd asked. She smiled and kissed his cheek, and he stirred slightly, but didn't wake up.
"Thank you," she whispered, laying back down beside him and placing an arm across his chest. Anders took hold of her arm in his sleep, and Hawke fell asleep again, safe with her mage once more.
