Author's Note: I realized I left Hawke's Mabari out. I've named him Apollyon, Latin for The Destroyer.
Rest. Anders had to suppress a laugh at the idea. You don't need rest when you're an abomination, he frowned bitterly. He ducked a low branch as he walked the little circle around the camp, it would be light in another hour or so. At least the night had been uneventful, after his argument with Carver.
The boy needs to watch his mouth.
I wondered when you would show up again, even his thoughts toward Justice were angry. Anders slumped against the nearest tree; he didn't want to have this argument now. That doesn't give you the right to take over and try to attack him.
I don't take over! Justice's laugh echoed through Anders' head. I am your unchained anger. I am what allows you to do what is right. Anders groaned and covered his ears as if to try and block out the sound. He knew it wouldn't do any good but it was the only reflex he had. It's time to leave them. Some of them are becoming a liability.
"I will NOT abandon her!" Anders said aloud, unable to contain his anger at what Justice implied. He quickly whipped around to face the camp, peering into the darkness he checked to make sure no one had heard him. She is as much of a target as we are. We can run from the Chantry's Seekers and Templars together, we've both been running since we were children. Things have been building for a long time; we know how to fight them. But the others will make us too obvious. A dwarf, an elf, a pirate, a Warden and two Apostates we're a bit of an odd group. I have to talk to her alone!
In the moonlight he could just make out Hawke's form lying about fifty feet from him. She was on her side, her face towards Anders. Thank the Maker! She's still asleep. Even in sleep she kept her staff clenched in her right hand. Anders had to force himself to continue walking; Hawke would be mad if the camp were attacked because he was watching her sleep. Picking up his pace he continued to walk around the camp.
Anders' head snapped to the left hearing a soft crack a short distance away. Lighting crackled over his staff as he took cover behind a tree. It didn't sound like an enemy, no whizz of arrows nor did scrape of swords taint the air. Thinking to get the jump on whatever was out there Anders hurled a fireball slightly to the side of where he had heard the noise.
After the fireball had exploded in the forest, Anders heard a low menacing growl. It wasn't the savage noise of a darkspawn. And it was too controlled to be a wolf. Shaking his head, Anders laughed at himself when he realized what was lurking in the trees. "Apollyon," he called softly into the trees. "Here, boy. Come on!"
Hawke's beloved Mabari trotted toward the mage, wagging his tale. The dog dropped a leather pouch at Anders feet. "She'll be glad to see you," he said to the hound as he bent to pick the pouch up. "What did you bring?" Looking closely at the bag Anders saw Hawke's crest branded into the rough leather. A small part of him pricked with curiosity at what was in the bag, but he knew better than to violate Hawke's privacy in such a way. He set the bag back in front of the dog. "You take it to her," Anders said. "Just wait until she wakes up." Apollyon scooped the pouch up into his mouth again and walked away toward where Hawke slept.
The animal may have led Templars this way. They may have followed it.
Anders rolled his eyes. Apollyon is a pure bred Mabari. He would be able to lose are large group Templars and could certainly take down one or two. The truth was Anders was happy and relieved to see the hound. When they had fled Kirkwall Hawke had realized too late her dog had been separated from them. But there was no way they could go back and Hawke had to silently press on. Perhaps he can offer her some comfort.
If her guard dog is back then she doesn't need us anymore then, Justice tried to reason with Anders. She'll be safe enough now. Perhaps she could attempt to join the Wardens with her brother. Then no one will be able to touch her. If she would survive the Joining.
Andraste's ass! I hope she never has to endure that torture. You're just being vindictive. Just the thought of Hawke undertaking the Joining ritual made Anders almost physically ill. An image of Hawke's lips touching the rim of the Joining chalice rushed into his head. The scene continued to play out in Anders' head, much to his dismay. The dark faintly glowing liquid sloshed in the chalice as Hawke took a sip. Her eyes went white as she swallowed; she fell to her knees gagging violently. The chalice rolled from her cold fingers as she collapsed on the stone floor.
"NO!" Anders cried out as the vision cleared from his mind. He was back in the forest, kneeling in the cold dirt, his hands clutched in his hair. "You don't have to show me things like that," he gasped trying to catch his breath. It had seemed so real, what had Justice shown him? Anders' ragged breathing slowly returned to normal as he got to his feet. "That wasn't," he paused unsure if he wanted to ask. "That vision wasn't real, was it?"
No, it was not. It was your imagination. I don't give you visions or glimpses of the future. You should know that by now. Justice spoke calmly, realizing how shaken Anders was. Your concern for Hawke makes you see danger where there is none. You fear losing her, she's more important than our cause.
She is our cause! Anders had finally been able to control himself enough to stop speaking aloud. She shows that Mages can be free and lead normal lives. Not that he would call Hawke's life normal but she had been thrown into circumstances beyond her control. If given the chance Hawke would make a great argument for Mage freedom.
The time for arguments is over. It is time for action. You agreed with me there is no going back now.
I know, Anders sighed. But I won't leave her. I'm going to talk to her, see if she still willing to run with me. He was surprised their other companions were still running with them. He hadn't been surprised when Fenris had remained behind, Aveline on the other hand he thought would have stayed with Hawke. She must really love me if she's willing to give up everything for me.
Love? What's love…
No. Anders cut Justice off, I'm done talking about my feelings for Hawke with you. You've made your opinion quite clear over the past few years. Besides we don't have time for this, it's getting light out and I should wake the others. He turned back toward the camp.
Merrill was rustling around in her pack, trying to stay quiet as not to disturb anyone else, she smiled as Anders passed her. Varric still asleep had Bianca at arm's length. Having just woken up, Isabella was strapping a dagger to her thigh. Carver was sprawled out and snoring loudly. Apollyon lift his head from his paws when Anders knelt next to where Hawke slept. "Wake up, love," Anders said softly and placed his hand on her shoulder.
A smiled formed on Hawke's lips; she reached up and laced her fingers through Anders'. "Why don't you come down here with me?" Hawke murmured, her eyes still closed.
Anders laughed quietly, it was clear Hawke was not completely aware of her surroundings. "We're not in your bedchamber," he kept his voice low so the others wouldn't hear.
"Good morning." Hawke's eyes fluttered open focusing not on Anders face but on the grey patch of sky above them. The events of the past forty-eight hours came rushing back to her in extreme clarity. "We need to get moving." She gently touched Anders face as she stood.
Anders looked sadly at the ground as Hawke walked away from him. The scent of Andraste's Grace lingered in the air. He put his fingers to where her hand has just touched his cheek. It can wait until later. I'll give her a chance to talk to everyone else first.