Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Age or any of its characters. This story is purely for entertainment purposes and I do not stand to profit from it.
Chapter 2: A much awaited return
The next day found Carver Hawke in Kirkwall's Gallows searching for the Templar hall. Unlike Lowtown and Darktown, there were very few people who knew him here. It was very early in the morning and the place still seemed to be waking up from a long night's slumber. Most of the shops were empty but he found Solivitus, the formari herbalist just setting up shop. Carver decided to greet him.
The merchant was bent over something when he approached. "Good morning, Solivitus," said Carver.
This startled the merchant at first but he quickly looked over his back, smiled when he recognized Carver and then got up and faced him before stifling a yawn. "Ah Carver Hawke," said Solivitus, "yours is a welcome but completely unexpected face over here, so early in the morning."
Carver smiled and answered his indirect question. "I am here to join the Templar Order, Solivitus."
"Oh… that is… unexpected. Is there any news of your brother?"
"Unfortunately, no. It has been six weeks and we're still waiting."
"That is sad. You and your brother are such fine, young fellows. It is sad to see your family in such a state. That ironbark you got for me is quite exceptional. Ever since you found it, the orders have been flowing in. In fact, this very morning a renowned customer from Orlais will be coming to see my goods crafted from the pure ironbark. That's why I am setting up shop early. I can never thank you enough for finding it for me, Carver."
"Yes, you're welcome, Solivitus. Listen, I need directions to the Templar hall."
"Yes, of course, young Carver."
With Solivitus's directions and a little help from the other residents of Kirkwall Gallows, Carver found himself standing before the massive gates to the Templar hall. After speaking to the gatekeeper, he was allowed to enter and taken directly to the Knight Lieutenant's office.
The Lieutenant was seated behind a wooden desk going over a stack of papers in his hand. When Carver entered, he gestured for the younger man to sit down. After a brief introduction and stating his purpose, Carver waited for him to respond. "My name is Knight Lieutenant Thomas, the name you will address me by once you are recruited into our Order. That of course is yet to be seen and will depend entirely on your performance as a trainee."
He gave Carver a piercing stare before continuing, "Hawke, the name seems… familiar. I do not recall where I have heard it before but that is not too important now. For now, I want you to go and meet the Knight Corporal whose office is just opposite mine. He will give you a formal introduction about the Templar Order, confirm your willingness to join us and also enquire about your basic details including your family background. Once everything is found to be in order, your training will begin. There is a lot of work to be done, Carver Hawke, now march off quickly."
It was evening in Gamlen's house in Lowtown and Leandra Hawke was debating over, whether or not to prepare dinner. She didn't expect Gamlen to come before midnight and decided to leave a portion of whatever she made in the larder for him. He could eat it whenever he felt wanted to at night and it was the least she could do. Especially after the way he always commented on her and her sons, 'free-loading in his house."
Oh where is Carver, she thought, I should have spoken to him last night. He is a rough child but never one to lose his temper that way. His elder brother's absence is affecting him adversely. I have to speak to him.
At that moment, the door creaked open and Carver Hawke stumbled in. "Mother, I have to talk to you."
Leandra's face brightened instantly. "So do I son. Oh, but you look so rough. Do wash your face and hands first. I'm making some stew. It will be ready in a few minutes, piping hot, the way you love and will refresh you in no time."
Carver did as his mother asked and half an hour later, seated at the dining table with his mother's promised, piping-hot stew before him, he felt relaxed, for the first time in months. He took a spoonful of the stew. Hot, but not hot enough to sear his tongue whenever Bethany made it. At the thought of Bethany, the delicious taste of the stew suddenly evaporated from his tongue. The memory of his dead sister brought a sharp pang of sadness.
She had been so unlike him and Issac. Lady-like in her manners and temperament, having been brought up much more strictly by looking to imitate mother in some way. By the time Bethany was fifteen the girl had become a perfect replica of her mother, in looks as well as behavior.
The only thing she had never managed to do was cook the way mother did. Something or the other always went wrong. Their father always praised whatever she made and gobbled up whatever she put before him. But, he and Issac where always teasing her about it.
Ferelden winters being extremely frigid, Fereldan women were excellent in making hot stews and soups. Bethany always managed to burn her's. Her elder brothers could never get enough of teasing her about it. But the gentle, determined girl would never let them get to her and always insisted on making the stew, every time during dinner. Such was his sister, smart and persistent. How he missed her.
Leandra watched her son's tense face and the way he suddenly he put down his spoon. "Oh Carver, is something wrong. Is the soup too hot?"
"No mother."
"There's something wrong with the taste then. I know I have never had the time to make it ever since we arrived in Kirkwall and…"
"The soup is wonderful mother. Just like always. It brought back an old memory, that's all."
"Oh. Listen, about what happened yesterday..."
"Mother, before you say anything. I am truly and regretfully sorry for my conduct. Please forgive me."
Leandra's eyes watered up. "You don't need to ask for forgiveness son. We won't discuss that topic anymore. Tell me, where were you the whole day? Did you meet your friends? How are they?"
"Mother, I… I have decided to join the Templars, I was at the Gallows today and…"
He stopped on seeing the look of horror on his mother's face. "The Templars," cried Leandra Hawke, "You're the only child I have left, Carver, once you join the Templars, you will…"
"Yes mother, I will be away from home, undergoing my training. Once that is over, my duties will keep me busy and I won't be able to visit you. But, but I'll write often. Keeping you informed about every single day, I'll…"
Leandra knew there was no point in arguing. She had to prepare herself for a life of loneliness. This wasn't how it was supposed to be. The day she had met Malcom, she knew he was the man she was going to marry. He had promised her a life of adventure and happiness. Three beautiful kids later, her life was complete. She had wanted nothing more. And now, everyone she loved was being taken away from her, one by one.
There was simply, nothing she could do.
"Do as you want son," she said and left the room.
The Kirkwall sunlight felt warm on his face. He welcomed the warmth, basked in it. Embraced it like an old friend. After seven weeks of wandering in the cold, dark deep roads, a man could give up being in the dark altogether. Such was the agony he had endured.
"What do you say now, Hawke. Shall we shake the pants off everyone with our surprise return?"
They were all standing in Hightown, outside the entrance to the Deep roads, in the Merchant's guild square.
Issac Hawke, at 6.5 feet always found it difficult to communicate with his dwarf-friend. He looked over at Varric and said, "You bet. We're rich enough to throw our own, big welcoming party. I can't wait to see the look on Uncle Gamlen's face when I walk into Lowtown with all this gold.
"I, for one don't want any party. I'm simply going to go home, have a long hot bath and sleep off this seven week nightmare till I no longer remember it," mumbled Aveline whose bright red hair had turned the colour of rust and become speckled with dust and dirt, like the rest of her companions.
"Very wise Aveline," agreed Issac Hawke. "That is something I too shall do, the moment I get home. But an idea occurs to me. Since we shall both be doing the same thing at the same time, doing it together might make it more exciting, don't you think."
Aveline gave a halting laugh. "Seven weeks without seeing a pretty young thing seems to have made your head groggy, Hawke."
Issac simply laughed. "A beautiful, strong woman like you is ten times worth hooking up with than a pretty young thing, my lovely Aveline.
Aveline still couldn't comprehend what a handsome young man like Issac, who had the female population, falling all over the place for him would want to flirt with her. He was relentless and although she enjoyed the light-hearted banter and charm-laced compliments, she didn't like the suggestive talk. He was a player through and through, able to effortlessly gain every maiden's heart from a three year old toddler to a snobby-nosed, old noblewoman.
"If you want to share your bath with someone, Hawke, I'm sure there's a feisty young pirate somewhere here in Kirkwall, who would give away her arms and legs for you to do so. Although, I'm not sure how you two would enjoy bathing together without her arms and legs to, ahem, pleasure you."
This was said by none other than Fenris. Aveline laughed, Varric gave a loud chuckle and Issac just frowned.
"Seems like Hawke's head isn't the only head that has become groggy here," said Varric, still recovering from the shock of Fenris having cracked a joke and an adult one at that. He still couldn't believe it. If seven weeks of wandering, fighting and scavenging through ancient, dark tunnels could do this to Fenris, perhaps they should send him back for another year.
Aveline was still smiling and Varric was pondering over how he could incorporate this incident into another one of his regaling tales when Issac cleared his throat and said, "So let's all go home and finish our home chores. We'll meet tomorrow at the Hangman's to discuss our future plans. I'll inform the rest of our party members. Be prepared for a surprise reunion and several questions. We have a lot of work to do."
After a few more minutes of discussion, they all left. Issac quickly made his way towards Lowtown, his dirty robes and filthy appearance attracting the stares of quite a few passersby.
A/N: Well that was another chapter down. What do you think about Issac Hawke? Of course, that was a very brief snippet but the rest of the story is all about him. Please review this and read the next chapter which I'll post within the next three days. It will be mostly about everyone's reactions to Hawke's return, and what happens after the three year time skip.
There will also be a little something for romance enthusiasts in the next chapter. I have decided to create a love-hate relationship between Isabella and Hawke. What do you think? Please tell me in your review.