Aveline greeted them at the entrance of the Hanged Man. "Hawke. It's important that we speak with you."

"Of course, Aveline." Hawke told her happily, walking through. For once, she wasn't too bothered by the tavern; feeling extremely satisfied and proud of her and her sister's accomplishments, especially that gratifying, superior pride she had to be able to stuff Gamlen's lies right back down his throat. "Who needs killing? Or saving? Mostly killing…"

Aveline didn't say anything as Hawke and Bethany followed her up the back stair into the large rented room Varric had. Hawke looked around and saw Anders and Merrill already sitting at the large table talking rapidly, no doubt about the Circle, the only thing they seemed to agree on. Varric was ordering drinks from the quick-tongued waitress, Norah. Hawke could see Isabela even, the woman never left the bar but there she was, and even more surprising, it who she was taking to, Fenris. She stood still for a minute, in the doorway, blocking Bethany from entering. Isabela's mouth was very close to Fenris's ear, whispering things, looking at him rather longingly, but Hawke could not tell if Fenris was taking it in. He did not look at Isabela as he stood darkly, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, a bit away from the others. She swallowed and sighed softly to herself and wondered vaguely if Fenris was that type of man. Ah well, she said to herself. She felt a shove on her back, and continued forward so Bethany could enter as well.

"Sorry." Hawke said to her while her sister gave her a curious stare, but Hawke didn't bother explaining.

The door closed behind her with a creak, and they continued following Aveline further in, toward a long table Varric had in the room. This place was actually quite cozy. At a distant corner, he had a small private alcove for his bed and other novelty items he had found…or probably pilfered. The largest part of the room held a giant mantle with a fireplace, bookshelves, and numerous amount of objects Hawke couldn't really make out. It also had the long dining table, holding food and drink for the group. Bethany sat over beside Merill and Anders, interested in their conversation, and Aveline chose a seat beside Varric, Hawke decided to stand. Isabela gave Hawke a wink before turning back to Fenris, her chest higher than normally proportioned.

"Varric," Aveline announced, settling down when the ordering had finished. "We're here."

"Ah, Hawke. Good." Varric said, turning to look at her with a smile. He nodded toward Isabela and Fenris. "I managed to convince the elf to join us as well."

Hakwe didn't bother to look but nodded her head, telling him she knew. "Is everything alright, Varric? Aveline was waiting for me."

Varric paused to look at her and squinted his eyes. "Are you alright? You have a giant bruise on your face. Was that from earlier?"

"What?" Hawke asked confused. She gingerly touched her face and felt a massive swelling on her forehead. It hurt. "I'd forgotten about that."

"Hawke." Anders said warningly. He stood and walked around the table to reach her. "Bloody tell me when you're hurt."

"Anders, it's fine." Hawke said with a dismissive wave, sighing when he touched her face. "I'll take care of it when I get home."

"You were just home, sister." Bethany said out loud, "and I know you've been ignoring it, as well as that pain in your neck."

Hawke continued to protest, but Anders held onto her arm with a very firm grip as if she might just run away. He guided her to a stool near where she stood and, practically pushing her down to sit, his hands on her shoulders. With another sigh, Hawke allowed his cool fingers to brush over her forehead and neck as he examined her further. She winced slightly from the pain.

"Stop fidgeting." Anders muttered, pressing his hand to her forehead, feeling a grateful warmth.

Hawke made a face at him, which he chose to ignore, then turned her attention to Varric. "So, what's this about?"

"Well, there's an opportunity for you to make money." Varric said leaning back, giving a nod of thanks to Norah who just came in with the drinks. "There is a rumor going around about a dwarf named Javaris who made a deal with the Qunari."

"The Qunari?" Hawke asked, her eyebrows raised. She felt the pressure on her forehead abating. "That's a bit ill-conceived."

"It is." Aveline cut in, folding her arms and looking annoyed. "They've been Kirkwall for a long time and it's tensing its citizens. Any deal made with them can only lead to disastrous outcomes."

"Javaris isn't smart, just greedy." Varric said chuckling, "He'll need help and is willing to cut a deal to the first who comes to his rescue."

"What's the product?" Hawked asked.

"Couldn't tell you." Varric replied, drinking from his mug. "I think you should look into it."

"I would like to join you, Hawke." Aveline spoke up, her eyebrows furrowing. "Perhaps beat some sense into the idiot. I'd also like to meet the Arishok first-hand."

"I shall join you." A deep voice spoke up, making Hawke jump, Anders made an impatient sound from between his teeth turning his head toward the voice.

Ignoreing Anders, Hawke peered around the mage and saw Fenris looking at her from his dark corner. Isabela must have given up because she looked bored as she sat glumly playing dagger tricks with her hand by the fireplace. Anders forced Hawke to look straight again when he placed another hand on her neck, providing the warmth again.

Hawke stared at the opposite wall and asked, "Any particular reason? Besides my excellent company?"

Fenris replied as walked over to face her. His frown remained as he spoke, "I have knowledge of Qunari philosophies."

"You do?" Aveline said, looking at him suspiciously, "How would an elf know the secrets of the Qunari?"

"I've...lived with them for some time." Fenris said, hesitantly

"All right." Hawke said with a shrug as nonchalantly as possible. Aveline made a noise under her breath, still watching Fenris. "Your in."

"I would like to come as well." Anders suddenly said, staring closely at her, finished with her neck. "Keep you from becoming an even bigger mess." Anders placed his fingers on her jaw, his eyebrows raised expectantly. He didn't drop his hand until she nodded her head in agreement. "Good."

Hawke cleared her throat, aware of the stares, as Anders left, a small smile on his face. "Varric, where is this exchange taking place?"

Varric was chuckling, looking between them. "Head for the Wounded Coast or Sundermount."

"The Wounded Coast?" Hawke repeated laughing. "I wonder if that's near the Injured Cliffs...or the Limping Hills. Massive Head-Trauma Bay?" She looked around. Varric was shaking his head, and everyone else just stared at her. She sighed. "No one? Just me? Forget I said anything."

"When are we to depart?" Fenris asked, still standing beside her.

Hawke scratched the back of her head. "It takes a few days to get to the mountains, right Varric?" He nodded. She turned to look at Fenris again "This afternoon. We'll make head-way, sleep for the night, than comb the area for Javaris."

Fenris simply inclined his head, then walked out without another word. Hawke stared after him, feeling very curious.

"He's a strange one." Varric said, drinking. He drained it with a satisfying sigh. "Good ale."

"I think he's sexy." Isabela said, looking after him as she settled herself on the table, her eyes twinkling.

"He isn't trustworthy." Anders said, darkly watching the door as if it would suddenly grow legs and attack him.

"Oh, Anders." Isabela started teasingly, looking behind her. "Is that the real reason you're leaving with Hawke today? Have you decided to protect her?"

"Hawke is more than capable of taking care of herself." Anders said turning to Isabela, his eyes hard. "I want to watch him carefully, and know his true intentions."

"No one can mess with Hawke, anyway." Merrill stated smiling in her direction. "I'm sure she'll be just fine.

"I appreciate your enthusiasm, Merrill." Hawke said standing up. She stretched, not really looking forward to the Wounded Coast. "Anyone else interested should also come."

"Hawke," Isabela started, pouting slightly. "I think we all have better things to do than meet with a bunch of Qunari."

"Does this have anything to do with the Hanged Man?" Hawke asked. "Any new victims?"

"Funnily enough is does." Isabela replied with a mischievous grin. "Have you seen the men in here? All ripe for the picking."

Hawke made a face, shook her head, and waved her hands. "I don't want to hear it."

Hawke didn't remember feeling so happy seeing the ocean. It was often she did when she was young. Lothering was far inland and there was no really to leave their small town. She could see the shadowed mountains of Sundermount off in the distance and shuddered as she remembered the cold eyes of the Dalish, but even that did not dampen her spirits. The moon was high up and bright enough to be the sun. She watched silently as she sat on the edge of an over-looking cropping into the water. She enjoyed seeing the glistening currents of the moonlight reflecting off the water, and the deafening roar of the waves crashing into the rocks below. It was perfect, if only a bit cold.

It took quite sometime for Hawke and her companions to make their way to the shore; they seemed to run into bandits at every turn. However, it did not take many of them to long to realize that they had picked the wrong victims. The battles almost seemed like a waste, since after one or two of the bandits perished under a sword or spell, the others fled in fright. Hawke was happy about the notion, it showed how well her friends worked together, and seemed to take a great deal of weight off her chest. Her feet were dangling off the cliffs, trying to patch together her tunic that one of the bandits managed to slice. She also needed to make more bombs.

"Hawke." said a voice behind her.

She turned her head and stared into the green eyes of Aveline. Hawke smiled and patted the ground beside her with a free hand.

"You're awfully quiet." Aveline said, settling down beside her. Hawke had to admit how very different this woman looked without her armor; the muscles in her arms were obvious in her every movement, even in the rather large tunic she wore, but she looked graceful all the same. Extremely loyal and strong, Hawke found value in Aveline's friendship, believing they had a stronger bond than Hawke had with any other. "It's not like you. What's on your mind?"

Hawke said nothing for a moment, trying to sew a particular difficult edge together, then, "Loyalty. Love. Friendship." she looked at Aveline and shrugged her shoulders. "Sitting here by myself and I think all sorts of crazy ideas. Pretty soon, I just might take a chance and jump off this cliff."

Aveline looked out into the waves as well. "Different meanings to different people, yet we are supposed to understand them as children. It's only difficult to fathom them when we're forced to face them. Would this have anything to do with your discovery of the will?"

Hawke nodded, placing her sewing utensils down and peering at her work. "It is amazing how extremely possessive my uncle is. He doesn't have two coins to rub together, yet he spends all his time at the bloody Blooming Rose. My mother is capable of forgiving her brother after what he did to her, only too happy to know her parents didn't hate her. And then," She waved a hand behind her at the camp that had been set up, "this merry band of misfits that I've put together, strangers to each other, but capable of clearing a field of bandits in just a few moments. They do it all so well."

Aveline said nothing for a while as she watched Hawke work, "Maybe it is as simple as that."

"Hawke, Aveline." Anders called to them, he was a few feet away from them, his voice rather stern. "I'd rather not treat you with a never-ending cough or sneeze tomorrow morning because you decided to stay out in the cold." With that he walked away.

"Ugh." Aveline grunted, looking annoyed. "I'd like to treat him to a needle and twine to keep his mouth shut."

Hawke smiled getting to her feet, picking up her things and bundling them in her newly sewed tunic. "Makes you wonder who is talking, don't you?"

Aveline furrowed her eyebrows, following beside her. "He is dangerous, Hawke. You should be careful if you're ever alone with him."

"He won't hurt me, Aveline." Hawke said reassuringly, her arms hugging her bundle. "He has certainly showed me that."

Aveline eyed her beadily. "Has he…?"

Hawke shook her head as they walked back to the camp. "Not so much in physical contact as much as words. He's very much the flirt. Extremely so. It almost makes me think Isabela and him could be made for each other."

Aveline snorted. "That whore. She couldn't go a day without spreading her legs to anyone that so much as glances at her."

"Aveline," Hawke said somewhat amused, "no need to tell her. I'm sure she's aware."

Hawke and Aveline stopped in front of the circle of canvases with a roaring fire burning in the middle. She felt a very tense mood in the air and saw immediately why. Anders and Fenris were facing each other, daggers in their eyes. Anders' staff was held tightly in his fist and Fenris had one glowing hand gripping the hilt of his broadsword.

"Well," Hawke began loudly, her arms across her tunic, "don't let me interrupt."

Anders reacted first and loosened his grip on the staff, turning to face her. "I will not fight on your behalf, but if I am alone with that elf," he pointed accusingly at Fenris. "I might not be able to control my temper."

"Not if I rip your heart out first." Fenris growled dangerously, his anger evident.

"I'd rather not anyone kill anyone else, please." Hawke said, speaking loudly over them. "It's been a long day, rest I think, is what everyone needs."

Aveline gave her a knowing look, then said, "We'll need a first watch."

"I will do it." Fenris spoke up, his face back to the calm unreadable, dark look. He unsheathed his sword and sat in front of the fire, his weapon balanced on his knees.

Hawke looked at he him and Anders warily, then, "Well off to bed, dears, no time for a bedtime story." she said to the others. "I'll take second. Aveline, third?" she nodded and Hawke waited until the others bade her good night before she headed for own tent. "Stay safe, Fenris." she said as she passed him and was about to crawl into her own when she heard him call her name.

"Hawke."

Hawke paused for a moment and exhaled slowly, that curious feeling rising up again. What was wrong with me? She turned to face him and then said as casually as possible, "Yes, Fenris?"

"Is it true?" Fenris said softly not looking at her, staring intently at the fire. "Is he…an abomination?"

Hawke winced, dropping her contents down on her make-shift bed of hay and cloth. "He doesn't look like one, does he? They're usually so much uglier."

Fenris shot her an angry look. "You jest, but do you actually see him as harmless, then? An abomination that would never hurt anyone?"

Hawke didn't really have an answer for him, except, "I trust him."

"How could you?" Fenris hissed. "There is a spirit that can control him at any time. A violent rampage of carnage could be left in his wake if this daemon, Justice, so decides it."

Hawke said nothing but stared at the fire, feeling the blaze of his eyes on her more than the fire itself. She was halfway inside her tent, and wanted nothing more than to sleep. She was worried the two might get up in the middle of the night for a midnight confrontation, not something she would be looking forward to watching, or stopping.

Fenris made a noise of discontent interrupting her thoughts, and said what sounded like a slew of curses she did not understand.

Hawke raised an eyebrow, staring at him, "Sorry, I didn't quite catch that."

Fenris shook his head, and lowered his voice somewhat. "I was not speaking to you, more to myself. I could never find myself in a more sour position."

Hawke narrowed her eyes, feeling slightly offended. "You are more than welcome to leave, Fenris. If you are uncomfortable, then leave." He looked at her, his eyes intense. Even through her anger she felt her skin shoot up like lightning, but stood her ground. "You are a free man, and if you so wish it, will no longer be in my debt." She crossed her arms, waiting for an answer. When he didn't giver one she asked, "Well?"

Fenris then said very clearly and softly, "That is not my wish."

Hawke sighed as she uncrossed her arms. "Well, then. Perhaps, I'll see you in a few hours." She turned around and crawled into her tent, plopping down on her messy bed and sighed. She felt frustrated and angry and so very tired. She closed her eyes trying to figure out that queer feeling she had at the pit of her stomach.

Hawke was having a rather fit-full dream. Much of it involving Fenris, an abomination, and blood, her blood. She suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder shaking her. In one swift motion, she took a dagger from under her pillow and brought it up to the neck of her assailant. Hawke was breathing rather heavily as her eyes focused and realized she had a weapon to Fenris's throat. He had his head back from the entrance of the tent as he watched her, his eyes somewhat concerned.

"Oh, I'm sorry." Hawke said, quickly dropping the knife. She brought a hand to her face and felt how sweaty she was. She tried to remember her dream, but she decided against it, not liking what she saw before she woke up.

"Are you ill?" Fenris said, watching her, carefully.

Hawke looked at him, than shook her head. "Or barking mad. It's my watch, yes?"

Hawke made to move past him, not wanting the attention he was giving her. He moved out of her way and as she stepped out, feeling a breeze cooling her face. She used a sleeve to wii the sweat from her forehead, before moving over to the fire and squatted, rubbing her hands together for warmth. The air was still and quiet, she never did like the quiet as she shuddered slightly. Hawke looked up and saw Fenris by the fire as well, staring deeply into it. She sighed.

"Will you not sleep? It'll be a long day." Hawke finally asked, looking at him.

Fenris looked at her and shook his head. "It is not often I can sleep a full night. If you would like, I can stay for watch and wake Aveline."

"No, you should sleep." Hawke said staring back into the fire; she was wide awake and didn't want to go back to sleep, the dream that was quickly fading the more she thought about it, had fevered her enough to stay awake.

"I slept well the night before." Fenris told her. Then added after a pause. "It is not often I share company with others, perhaps I would be interested, tonight."

Hawke was not expecting that. She squinted at him over the fire wondering if he actually meant that, but it was difficult to decipher through the flames. "I don't know, I can be incredibly boring, tedious even. Are you sure I'm worth listening to?"

Fenris chuckled softly. "We can simply be in each other's silent company."

Hawke smiled up at him. He was certainly different than just a few mere hours ago. "Well, if you prefer."

Fenris stood then and walked around the fire toward her, sitting comfortably.

"I would like to know more about the Qunari, if you could." Hawke suddenly said after a moment of silence.

"I can tell you quite a bit." Fenris said staring at her, curiously. Hawke's stomach flipped. She was battling an internal struggle and not one she had to battle in a very long while. She suddenly stood up and headed for her tent, she needed to keep her hands working. "Anything specific you would like to understand?"

"Everything." Hawke replied, turning back toward him, her arms filled with the necessary components to make her bombs. She sat beside him and laid out her tool up cloth. She untied the ribbon around it, and laid out its contents. There were soft clinking as the small glass containers she used for measuring touched. She liked that sound. "At least, anything you can stand to explain."

Fenris inclined his head curiously, watching her work.

"My smoke bombs!" Hawke told him happily, when she noticed his stare. "I need more. I go through them so quickly, I should have done this earlier."

Fenris made no sound and simply leaned on his hands, still watching her.

"Continue, please." Hawke said not looking at him, now opening a pouch and dropping some of its contents into one of the glass containers.

"The Qunari are a honorable people." Fenris started, "They unquestioningly dedicate themselves to the Qun and believe it is their mission to 'educate' those who do not understand what they believe is the true sense of morality. They believe societies who do not know the Qun will live in suffering and depravity."

"Zealots if I've never heard them." Hawke said, her eyebrows raised, looking at him. "And the worst kind."

"Indeed. Everything they do is to conquer what they believe to be as easy opponents in order to add those to the Qun. Even trading is to asses potential enemies. They do not have gods or deities. They only believe in the structure of the moral world."

"What of those who dismiss the Qun?" Hawke asked, suddenly remembering history. Carefully, she poured one glass container into another. A very small cloud formed right before the eyes, telling Hawke it was the right measurement. "What happens to them?"

"The Tal'Vashoth." Fenris giving the rebels a name. "Often seen as mercenaries, but reasons behind their choice to reject the Qun is usually only clear to those who have decided. Perhaps from a lack of duty or purpose that was given to them."

"Given to them?" Hake asked, staring at him.

"All Quanri are given and clearly defined by a social role, a defining part of their true nature. They are educated and evaluated. At twelve years of age, a Qunari child is assigned a title, a role, and is thus understood to fulfill that title until death."

Hawke winced, not liking that. She had a wooden bowl that was wiring with various hues of gray. Hawke to wait a for moments for the contents to solidify. "Who gives these titles?"

"The Tamassrans." Fenris saw Hawke's bemused face and continued. "A female-oriented educational group that is a high influence in Qunari society. When a child is born, they are sent to the Tamassrans to be educated and eventually posted a responsibility."

Hawke let out a noncommittal sound as she registered this information. "They almost sound completely heartless and uncaring."

"Perhaps." Fenris said, sounding thoughtful. "I doubt it, though. They certainly feel love, and happiness; they are alive. However they do not associate such feelings essential to their lives. In the case of mating; they will not associate that to love. If for instance, they have child, it will simply be raised by the Tamassrans and eventually branded. Qunari waste nothing." Fenirs added with a twisted smile.

"What can you tell me about the Arishok?" Hawke asked, examine the bowl. Not quite done yet.

Fenris shifted his weight, moving closer to Hawke. She felt something in her chest, but chose to ignore it, fiddling with the bowl in her hands. She took up a stirring rod and began stirring the contents, hoping to irritate it into solidifying. "He is part of the triumvirate that governs Qunari society, he is 'the body', the Arigena is 'the mind' and Ariqun is 'the soul'. Three political leaders that work together to complete the Qun."

"I supposed you learned all this in Seheron." Hawke said feeling awed, not paying attention to her bowl.

"Yes." Fenris replied shortly, and said no more, staring at the bowl, his eyebrows raised slightly.

"Well, thank you, Fenris." Hawke said with a sigh. "That is most helpful. I'm sure Aveline would have loved to have heard it. Raise her temper a bit."

"'Shok ebasit hissra. Meraad astaarit, meraad itwasit, aban aqun. Maraas shokra. Anaan esaam Qun.'" Fenris said out loud, seeming to recall something.

"What in Andraste's name was that?" Hawke asked bewildered.

"'Struggle is an illusion." Fenris said promptly. "The tide rises, the tide falls, but the sea is changeless. There is nothing to struggle against. Victory is in the Qun.'"

"Well, that sums them up it a neat little package." Hawke said. "I don't think I would like to be in a fight with a Qunari."

"They are efficient warriors and would bode a most difficult fight." Fenris agreed. The he pointed into Hawke hands.

Hawke looked down and noticed the contents of the bowl were starting to rise considerably. She had never seen it do that before, perhaps she stirred it too much? Hawke suddenly dropped it, feeling it burn against her hand. "Damn!" she hissed, trying to wipe off the excess mix. She could feel it starting to sting, and she grimaced, searching around her for something to wash it with.

Fenris had already read her mind as he handed her a small container of his own. She muttered a "thanks" and moved over to the side to wash away the mess, her hand sizzling. The mis was gone, but the sting still lingered. She sucked the air between her teeth as she tried to look at it in the fading moonlight. Appearing in front of her, Fenris handed her a cooling agent that she quickly pressed against her hand.

"Dangerous work?" Fenris asked, sounding amused.

"It wasn't supposed to do that." Hawke said, looking at him sheepishly. "I guess I wasn't paying attention."

Both of them walked back to the campfire, Hawke looking at her cloth. It now had a giant hole in it, the bowl overturned. She had lost a lot of ingredients because of her lack of focus. She sighed, wondering what she was going to do now.

"Can anything be salvaged?" Fenris said, beside her.

Hawke sighed feeling stupid, "Two, maybe three. I'd hate to be at a time I didn't have these."

"Your friends fight well, I doubt they would leave you in a corner surrounded."

"You would?" Hawke asked, teasing him.

"What? No..I wouldn't…" Fenris said, looking surprised. It took a moment before he noticed she was joking with him.

Hawke sighed then, settling back down and pulling her things together to make whatever bombs she had left. "I need to fix this..."

"Hawke." she heard Fenris say, suddenly.

"Fenris." Hawke replied, looking at him, but turning quickly back to her work.

"I lost my temper and I did not wish to." he said in a bit of a rush. Could he look anymore serious, she thought to herself after she looked at him for his apology. Maybe he always looks like that. Didn't mother always say, make a face long enough, it'll forever stay that way?Hawke shook her head from her thoughts and continued to listen. "You trust him and I should put faith in that. You did help me and even welcomed me. However, I will tell you that if I have to, I cannot and will not stop myself from killing him if I must. I will not allow a blood mage, or an abomination threaten my well-being."

Hawke stopped and looked at him. "I understand, Fenris. Perhaps, not initially about your past, but how much of a danger mages can be to themselves and others, but please realize that I trust Anders. As much as I trust Merill. As much as I trust my sister." Hawke paused and said pointedly, "Especially, my sister."

Fenris squared his jaw, grinding his teeth, then sighed, looking back at the fire. "I must admit your sister is strong and kind. I would like to think she would never be given into temptation."

"I've known her for a long time." Hawke said, smiling. "My father taught her well. She has never dabbled, nor has she even given blood magic the slightest thought."

Fenris grunted at this but said nothing more.

Hawke turned her attention back to the bombs. She had successfully made two full ones, and a smaller one, wondering how much damage that might do. She sighed, hopefully a lot. She looked over at Fenris, his face dark, still facing the fire. She looked away toward the shore and saw the slightest light of the sun. "The sun rises early here, or the night felt a lot shorter. Perhaps we can leave earlier than planned and find this Javaris from himself." She stood up and looked at Fenris. "I will wake Anders. I don't like to see any killing before breakfast."

Fenris stood and nodded. "My intentions are as I have said."

Hawke turned toward Anders's tent only to hear rustling in there already. He poked his head out and smiled when he saw her, but his face turned quite sour when he saw Fenris from the corner of his eye. He opened his mouth to say something but Hawke interrupted him.

"Anders, be civil." Hawke said. "Let's just work together for the time being and leave. You wanted to come with me, and I appreciate it. So please, no shouts, outbursts, or threats, all right?"

Anders was furious but decided not to retort and stepped out, fixing to take down his tent. Hawke sighed rubbing her head; she felt a headache coming on. She turned around for Aveline, but she was already up, armor and all. She nodded in her direction with a quick smile and reached for the fixture on her own tent. In silence, the four of them cleaned up their campsite, ate, and in an hour they were ready to leave.

"We're nearly to Sundermount and there's no sign of this Javaris." Anders said loudly. "Perhaps Varric got his sources wrong."

"How can you say that?" Hawke replied in mock outrage, "Varric is never wrong."

"Then where is he?" Anders said, irritated. "We've been wandering this bloody path for two days now. I need to get back to Darktown."

"To speak privately with your spirit, Justice?" Fenris said cooly. "To continue your plots against the Templars again, Abomination?"

"No." Anders replied tersely. "I have patients and I feel like I'm neglecting them."

Hawke closed her eyes and sighed. Per her request, the outburst from the nights before had not occurred again, but that did not stop them from being malicious with each other. It was difficult to ignore and she could feel her temper rising. Aveline said nothing beside her, but she wished that the woman would beat some sense into them, if not that, then knock them unconscious for a few hours.

"Wait, do you hear that?" Aveline said suddenly.

Everyone stood silently listening. Hawke heard it, too. "Did someone just cry out 'help'?"

Aveline was already running in that direction, and the other not far behind. Indeed, a dwarf and heavily-armed men were standing surrounded by a swarm of giant spiders. Hawke couldn't help but retch at the sight. She rather liked spiders to be smaller, and easier to squash. Beside her, Fenris let out a yell that echoed loudly throughout the entire shore, giving the spiders pause to turn around. It was almost instantaneous when the spiders saw their new assailants and attacked. Quicker than she could describe, Fenris had already slashed into the first spider he saw, making the spiders hesitate again. Hawke couldn't help but admire his graceful movements on the battlefield. Hawke focused her attention to her nearest enemy, making sure she would not be distracted again and began to attack, throwing her daggers in her assailants direction. Soon, spider and human corpses littered the ground, thankfully, none of her companions were among them.

She turned and saw a dwarf, hiding behind a few crates, literally shivering with fear. She knew exactly who this was. "Javaris." She said, smiling at his shock. "Out of your element, dwarf?"

He seemed to gain his composure quickly, now that he was out of danger. "More than my guards that's for sure." He chuckled looking around. "Obviously, they didn't fare that well."

"I hear you've made some sort of trade with the Qunari, Javaris," Hawke said. "you're looking for some sort of hired help."

Javaris clasped his hands together, his face lighting up. He licked his lips greedily and said, "Yeah. I need someone to steal a special potion. The recipe of a bomb to be exact, that the Tal'Vahsoth have."

"You're a little vague on the details, dwarf." Hawke said, her daggers still in her hands. She moved them menacingly as he quivered. "Surely the dwarves can make a bomb. What's so special about this one?"

"You don't need lyrium or magic to start it." Javaris said, with his arms crossed over his chest, eyeing her weapons. "It'll make a big profit, and once I get it for the Qunari, I'll certainly add you in the gold I get."

"Sounds dangerous." Hawke said peering at him. She paused looking at the others. They all silently agreed and Hawke nodded her head, "I'll do it to keep peace, you understand."

"Sure, sure, whatever doesn't get your pants in a twist." Javaris replied waving a dismissive hand and walking away. "Now, just get the substance at the Wounded Coast and find me in Kirkwall."

"What a tit." Aveline finally said to Javaris' back.

It did not take long for the group to find the Tal'Vahsoth when they made their way to the Wounded Coast; their eight-foot-frame was hardly covered by the bushes and trees that dotted the area. They had their weapons at the ready when they met one calling out to him with a warning of attackers. He was telling them how disgusted he was with his fellow Tal'Vashoths because they had lowered their honor by attacking travelers. Hawke heeded the warning but continued all the same; her determination now laid in the prospect of the Deep Roads.

Hawke did not like the idea of being attacked by the Tal'Vahsoth, however she had little choice in the matter when they began to throw massive spears in her groups direction. Aveline stood at the ready, her shield held high to block Hawke's flank, and Fenris had already rushed forward, taking on three Tal'Vashoth at once. Anders was throwing spell after spell in various direction to hit on-coming deserters that were not yet in combat with one of the others. The fight was harder than one she had ever encountered. More than once, she felt she was losing to the massive frames of the former Qunari. But each time, she knew she could trust one of her companions to be there when she needed them, Fenris was right in that matter. However the fight did not stop there, they had to make their way into a cavern that seemed to house the Tal'Vashoth. The long battle continued, one after another, Hawke was beginning to feel worn. When they were finally able to catch their breaths, Hawke sighed, wiping sweat from her head. She had already used one of her bombs. She only had two left.

"Are you alright?" Anders asked kindly, looking her over.

She nodded, giving him a small smile. "We still haven't found this powder. I'm beginning to wonder…"

"Javaris is a greedy bastard, not a fighter." Aveline said, wiping her sword on a dead Tal'Vashoth. "He wants the bomb. I don't think he would lie to us about this."

"Be wary!" Fenris yelled, suddenly. "Another battle is upon us!"

Hawke turned around and saw Tal'Vashoth pouring out of a doorway and cursed under her breath.

"They dishonor us! Kill them all!" said one particularly large individual.

Hawke rushed at them, but was pushed back by an invisible force landing her hard backwards into Fenris. He heard him grunt as she landed on him, but he held his ground, holding her up. He roughly pushed her behind him, bringing up his sword and batted a giant spear rushing toward them.

"What was that?" Hawke asked, breathing fast and wiping sweat from her eyes.

"Saarebas!" Fenris shouted. "A Qunari mage!"

"A quanri mage…?" Hawke started quietly, startled, but she was shoved hard over by Fenris.

"Move!"

Hawke felt an intense heat behind her and saw a massive ball of lightning forming, lighting up the entire cavern, wood splinters splashed everywhere as Hawke and Fenris covered their heads running. She cursed under her breath as did Fenris as they lept for safety.

"The mage. We need to go after it!" Hawke yelled, she ducked with Fenris as the ball finally exploded, puncturing holes into the solid walls, making the cavern shake. "I'll flank!" she called to Fenris who nodded in response.

Hawke hoped that her friends were fine as they dealt with the other Tal'Vashoth, but she had not time to find them. Fenris had already yelled to encourage the Saarebas to focus on him. He did and taking the advantage, Hawke threw a smoke bomb in the direction of the mage disorientating him for a moment. Then Fenris and Hawke stepped in for the attack. She did a backstab, but this did not seem to phase him at all. He turned in her direction, took a massive hand and swept her aside like a ragdoll. She felt herself flying then hitting a massive wooden column. That wasn't going to go away soon, she thought to herself, wincing of the painful prospect in the morning. She felt a shadow on her and looked up. The Saarebas was forming another ball of lightning in her direction. She reached into her pack and cursed in horror; only one smoke bomb. She took it between her fingers and threw it as hard as she could. In her surprise, it made contact with his eye and the Saarebas roared in pain, but it did not falter in pulling out another electric ball between his claws. Preparing for the worst she covered her head and tightly closed her eyes, the hairs on her arms becoming electrified, then nothing. She opened her eyes and removed her arms from her head. There Fenris stood, a smile on his face as he lent her a hand down for support. Hawke took it and stood, noticing a head by his feet.

"Thank you, I suppose that bomb gave you what you needed." she said breathlessly. "You saved me."

"Of course." Fenris said, still holding her hand. "You did the same for me, after all."

"Does that mean our debt is over?" Hawke said, still breathless. She had no idea what came over her, but she felt scared that he might say "yes".

Before he could answer, Anders had rushed over forcing Fenris to the side. "Are you hurt? Can you stand?"

"I'm fine, Anders." she said moving away from him. She suddenly looked around in horror, not finding someone. "Where's Aveline?"

"I'm here, Hawke." Aveline said from a distance. She was behind a make-shift covering, standing over another Tal'Vashoth holding something in her hand. "It's a formula for grenades. This is what Javaris was after."

Hawke nodded her head and looked at the others. Fenris was wrapping cloth on a long gash he held on his arm, Anders had a giant bruise forming on his face, but they looked relatively fine. Aveline walked over to her, grimacing as she limped slightly over, one of her hands on her leg. "Is everyone alright?"

The others nodded, and she felt relieved. Never again, she told herself. Never again. Bloody Qunari.

Hawke led them out of the cavern and down the sandy hills of Wounded Coast. The afternoon sun was burning on their backs, and they decided to find a nice little clearing for them by the water. "Let's rest here and try to cover as much ground as possible for Kirkwall tomorrow. I think we all need the rest and healing."

The others looked grateful as they plopped down in a circle, Anders moving toward Aveline to look at her leg. The Knight-Captain sustained a rather ugly gash from her knee down to her ankle. Hawke always admired how tough the woman was and smiled to herself as she watched Anders work; his eyes were glowing slightly as he waved his hands around Aveline's leg.

"Damn Qunari." Aveline spat out suddenly, looking at her leg. "Why are they in Kirkwall?"

"To give us adventures!" Hawke replied, excitedly.

"I could kick you, Hawke." Aveline glared.

"Stop moving." Anders said, irritably.

"Not in your condition, Aveline." Hawke responded.

"I should be in Kirkwall, taking care of its people. Maker knows I'm needed." Aveline said with a tired sigh. Hawke knew the Knight-Captian was not angry. Much. Anders had finished his healing and Aveline stood, stretching her leg. "I also know if this wasn't done, there would be another Qunari problem on our hands. If this becomes worst for wear, Hawke, I'm blaming you."

"I know, Aveline." Hawke nodded at her.

The Knight-Captain grunted as she pulled out her weapon and shield and leaned them against a rock that was sitting in the shade. "Let's hope that you do. You're too much trouble."

Hawke gasped, pretending she was hurt. "You don't mean that, do you?"

Aveline stared at her for moment before replying. The she sat in the sun and sighed again. "No."

Hawke smiled and sat beside Aveline in quiet contemplation. She watched as Fenris was sitting on a rock, silently staring at something darkly, absolutely refusing to have his hand healed by Anders. Hawke doubted Anders had put up much of a fight, who had his arms crossed away from Fenris, watching him angrily, his jaw set.

"Who do you think will win in a staring contest?" Hawke asked suddenly.

Aveline made a face. "Those two should both jump off a cliff, but in essence, I can't say neither of them are wrong."

"You mean the mage verses templar argument?"

"There is no such room for compromise in Kirkwall." The Knight-Captain said, looking at Hawke, thoughtfully. "In Ferelden, there was never any trouble, well, before the whole tower became an abomination."

"I'm just happy Bethany was never there." Hawke said, "I can't even imagine..."

"We should move on." Fenris had suddenly appeared, walking over to Hawke and Aveline. "The day grows and I am eager to move forward."

Surprisingly, there was not much incident on their way back home. It was late at night by the time the group reached Kirkwall's walls, two days after their Tal'Vashoth encounter. The group had to stop again for the night. Hawke had gotten them lost and had them wandering aimlessly, trying to find the sea's coast. It was relief when Anders taking over as lead. At this point in time, it was too late to head to the compound, save the Arishok kill them the minute they walk through the gates.

"We'll have to speak to him in the morning, and I'll have Varric send a message to Javaris." Hawke sighed, rubbing her face. "Fenris, Aveline, I'll see you at the compound, bright and early?"

"Of course, Hawke." Aveline said and Fenris nodded silently.

"All right, get a good night rest." she said, feeling her back. "I need to head to the Hanged Man."

"I'll walk with you." Anders announced. "I need to see Varric, anyway."

They bid the others good night and walked to the direction of Lowtown in silence. She didn't remember feeling so tired.

"You're walking strange." Anders commented, staring at her. "It's your back."

"Oh, Anders." Hawke said with a tease. "It's nothing I can't handle. I'll be good as new in the morning."

Anders was not smiling. "I've been watching you for the past few days, ever since that Qunari threw you. You are not fine."

"If it hurts in the morning, I'll call on my favorite healer." Hawke said dismissively. "You have my word."

"You better, or I'll have to force you to lie still."

Hawke heard something strange in his voice. "Are you teasing me, Anders?"

Anders looked at her, than away, his eyebrows furrowed. "You couldn't possibly have no idea how I feel about you."

Hawke didn't say anything. She knew exactly how he felt, but giving into such feelings would keep her from her priorities and right now, she wanted her sister and mother out of Gamlen's house. "Anders…" she began, starting to explain.

"You don't have to say anything." Anders interrupted, but Hawke knew he wanted a response. "I just hope you know, that I will always be here for you. You do know that, don't you?"

Hawke nodded, feeling horrible. "I do."

"Even if…even if you feel nothing for me. All right?" he said sounding hurt.

Hawke swallowed. Damn, she thought. She had no idea how to respond, but swiftly placed a hand on his arm, hopefully a measure of reassurance that she trusted him. He tensed at her touch, but relaxed. She hoped the message got across.

A silence followed them as they found The Hanged Man. She saw Varric, quickly told him of their success, with a promise from him that he will relay the message to Javris. She waved to Anders and Varric (ignoring Anders' gaze), smiled in Isabela's direction and walked home, looking forward to seeing her mother and Bethany.

"Arishokost. Maraas shokra. Anaam esaam Qun."

"Tell me that helped, Fenris?" Hawke asked in a whisper as the four of them (including Javaris) stood silent at the bottom of long steps leading to a throne.

Fenris had just spoken to the Arishok, and a powerful-looking Qunari, whose very voice vibrated the ground beneath Hawke's feet. "A simple greeting."

"An elf understanding the Qun. The madness." The Arishok did not seem pleased, but surprised all the same.

Javaris spoke up then. "We did what you asked, Arishok. We have the formula from the Tal'Vishoth who have felled once and for all. Right? Yes? Yes?" He looked at Hawke. "Yup, yup, yes." He cleared his throat after no response. "Shall we open negotiations?"

The Arishok was leaning back in his chair, one hand under his chin, staring at the dwarf. Hawke could see a glowering dislike for the dwarf. He stood up then, making Javaris shiver in fear. "No."

Javaris looked at Hawke and said impatiently. "Help me out here."

"Fenris? Any insight?" Hawke asked him.

"Quanri do not abandon a debt." He furrowed his eyebrows. Then he turned to the Arishok. "I humbly request clarification from the Arishok."

The Qunari frowned at him and said. "I have a growing lack of disgust for you." He turned and slowly sat down again, his arms casually on the arms of his seat. "This dwarf imagined the deal for the gaatlock. He invented a task to prove his worth, when he clearly has none."

Fenris bowed his head and said, "Then we have wrongly inserted ourselves in your affairs. Would you have us kill this dwarf?"

"Wait, what?" Javaris asked, alarmed. Hawke and Aveline turned their eyes to Fenris, just as surprised.

"If you have faced the Tal'Vashoth, he is not worthy of dying to you. As he is not worthy of dying to them." The Arishok paused looking at Hawke. "But you…you keep good company."

Hawke took a chance to look at Fenris, he merely gave her a small nod. She gave a small sigh of relief.

"Let him live." the Arishok continued. "And leave."

"We did his dirty work. He still owes me." Hawke called out, angrily, looking at Javaris.

"Is this true, dwarf?" the Arishok roared looking at Javaris.

Javaris stood his ground. "You said yourself, there was no bargain. I'm not getting a sodding thing out of this."

The Arishok leaned back into the chair. Hawke could practically see a storm cloud forming over the Qunari's head. Other Qunari were standing up, weapons in hand. The Arishok suddenly stood up, his hands in fists. "The human did what you could not-something I did not expect of any outsider. And you have involved me." He paused. "If you have made a bargain with the Tal'Vashoth, that debt will be honored."

There was a pause. "Sod it all!" Jarvis said suddenly, his hands in the air. "Take your coin. Take whatever." He turned muttering curses under his breath.

"You will leave as well, human." the Arishok said, sitting back down sounding disgusted. "There is no more coin for you here."

"A moment of you time, Arishok…" Hawke started.

"Why do you bother me, human? I hire no blades and need no goods." he grunted. "Your kind think selfishness and want are normal. This city, all of it, leaves a bitter taste."

Hawke stared at him. "Fine, you don't want to talk. We won't talk." She made to leave, but he stopped her.

"Since we have arrived," the Arishok began, "I have seen nothing but greed and weakness. Dwarves, humans, elves…all festering. No goal, no order." He looked at her. "You are the only I've met with ability, and yet this too was random. An act of selfishness. How can a mire like this could be justified? How can you stay in this chaos when you ask us to leave?"

Hawke shrugged her shoulders. "I believe your statement. It's a mess, but that's life."

"And this is not a problem? You...like it" he asked, clearly surprised.

"It's opportunity." she said, looking at him. "People are trying to live. For good or ill."

He stood up then and stood straight looking down at her and waved to the other Qunari. "Karasten are soilders. The Qun made it so. They can never vary from that assigned path, nor be other then they are meant to be." he paused. "But they are free to choose within the role. To accept and succeed or deny and die. Glory is clear and defined." He added angrily. "What 'advantage' can be taken out of that?"

"'Free to choose to obey'"? Hawke asked. She felt Fenris shift beside her "A bit of a contradiction, don't you think?"

"It is in the Qun." he watched her carefully. "I am not the one to educate you. I did not intend to land here. But this city…might demand certainty." he turned back to his throne. "We are done, human."

"Kirkwall will not do well under military rule." Hawke continued, ignoring his dismissal.

"We do not rule with the military, only order and discipline. But your limited understanding could not possibly comprehend. I do not wish to discuss this any longer." he paused. "I have yet to decide whether this city needs a new order."

"It is not your place to decide." Hawke said, looking at him furiously. The Arishok said nothing, merely stared, his face as unreadable as Fenris. Hawke decided the change the subject. "You are far from your home. Why have you come?"

"To meet a demand of the Qun." the Arishok said simply.

Hawke waited. When he said nothing she pressed him, "Which is…?"

"It is only for the Qunari to understand and will stay until the demand is met."

Hawke exhaled, clearly he wasn't going to say anything worth information to her. "Farewell, Arishok.

"Panahedan, human."

Hawke quickly left the compound with friends in tow. They made their way to the edge of the docks before Aveline spoke up

"Well, it's obvious he will become a threat on the city."

"We can't do anything about it, now." Hawke looked at Fenris. "Fenris?"

"The Qunnari follow their morals, they do not show weakness. To do so is a symbol of dishonor." He looked at her then Aveline. "I believe all he will be waiting for is an excuse for war."

"What sort of excuse?" Hawke asked, crossing her arms as she looked at their compound. "We've done nothing. They are the ones that decided to take dock here."

Fenris shook his head, not knowing.

"Well we can't do anything about it, now." Aveline replied walking toward Lowtown, but her face said otherwise. "I suggest heading over to the Hanged Man for a drink."

"Sour ale, vomit, and the smell of desperation." Fenris stated, making a face.

"It's early, yet." Hawke said, smiling at him.