Author's Notes: I'm gonna try and fall into a schedule of updating this story once a week or so, energy providing. My muse is kind of split in two right now as I write a Harry Potter story along with this one. I go back and forth... :)

Anyway, thank you all for your reviews! I like to make individual notes where possible, so without further ado:

Zeeji: Hopefully you got a chance to read the last chapter! If you did, what did you think of Alistair's reaction?

DeRez: Thank you so much for your review! Really, it's people like you I write for, the ones who get affected by the story just as much as I do. I'm glad you got a chance to read it the whole way through :) Don't hesitate to leave any comments in reviews on things you liked from the other story, I'd be curious to see your take on some things! Also, I was worried about my portrayal of Alistair, so I'm glad you thought it was good! You mentioned Hawke, btw, so...just...wait and see. *cough*

Gatorsnacks: Dark Times mod? I don't play the game on the computer but I'm curious! What's that all about?

Please enjoy the new chapter everyone! Lemme know what you think!

"Does anyone know you're here?"

"No. I told Seneschal Varel that I was leaving on personal business and that no one was to know where I was going."

Alistair worried his lip. "What would you have done? Had you not found me here, I mean."

"I'd have gone back, simple as that."

"And what about Leliana and Zevran? Surely they would have some questions."

Thayer looked away momentarily. "Funny you should mention that. Before I left, Zevran came to tell me he was going back to Antiva."

"Wait, what?"

"He said he needed to do what was best for himself. He's going to kill the Crows one by one so he can claim his freedom fully."

Alistair shook his head. He ran a hand down his face. "That elf. Well, more power to him, I suppose. Hopefully he doesn't get killed in the process."

"Actually, what he said was what prompted me to come here."

"What was that?"

"That we must do what's best for ourselves."

Alistair stared at Thayer for a moment. He turned his head to the side, then smiled faintly. "I'm what's best for you, hm?"

"Whether I like it or not," Thayer said with a smirk.

"You know, one thing has been on my mind since you arrived. How did you know to come here, anyway? Of all the places in Thedas…I could have been anywhere."

Given the negative relationship between Alistair and Anders, Thayer wasn't sure if it was in his best interest to share that information. Alistair had come to Kirkwall because he didn't want to be found, that much was obvious. If he found out Anders given up his location…well, who knew what would happen.

"Rumors, mostly. Word got back to the keep that someone fitting your description was in Kirkwall. I…"

Thayer furrowed his brow. He'd not yet told Alistair the lie he'd spread to help keep the peace about Alistair's disappearance.

"You didn't tell anyone why I really left, did you?"

Thayer remained silent.

"That's what I thought. I'm not surprised; I didn't think you would."

"Are you upset?"

"Depends on what you said."

"I told everyone you left to help Arl Eamon."

Alistair smiled again. "You're quite the piece of work, Amell. I'd have thought you'd raise hell for what I did. I wouldn't have been surprised if you told them I left you to pursue a career in servitude."

"It needed to be realistic for everyone's sake. But it doesn't matter now. We'll come up with what you were doing down there when we go back."

"Going back…" Alistair closed his eyes and dropped his head into his arms atop the wooden table they sat at. He gave a muffled groan.

They hadn't yet spoken about going back to Ferelden, but it was inevitable. Thayer was Warden-Commander and he wouldn't be able to stay away from Amaranthine for long. Even with the threat of the Architect behind him, there were still plenty of things that needed to be done, and things to watch over. On top of that, he doubted Alistair wanted to stay here in Kirkwall given the lifestyle he'd adopted while living in the tavern.

He reached out and gripped his lover's forearm. "I have enough money to support us until we find a good way back."

Alistair lifted his head. "Oh, I'm not concerned about that. I just…what good am I going to be in this state?" He sat up and gestured at himself. "I'm fat and out of shape. I'd probably pass out if I tried to fight like this. Not exactly the best look to have when you're trying to recruit Wardens, you know?"

"Then we stay until you can get shaped up. I never gave the seneschal a timeframe for my return."

"You think the Commander of the Grey can disappear indefinitely without someone coming to find him? Believe me, Varel will send someone eventually."

"All right, mister negative." Thayer folded his arms over his chest. "What do you suggest?"

"Can't we just enjoy the fact that we made up for a little while longer? I've clearly been away from you for too long; you're all business and no pleasure."

Thayer snorted, shaking his head. "Sure. After all, I said I wanted to see more of Thedas, so we should take this opportunity to explore Kirkwall, shouldn't we? You'll have to be my guide."

Alistair coughed, a look of discomfort on his face.

"What?"

"I have to admit, I…have spent the majority of my time in Kirkwall here at the Hanged Man."

Thayer didn't press on the reason why. They needed to move forward. He nodded.

"All right, well, we'll explore together."

He was about to say something else, only to be cut off by the sudden gust of wind and loud squeaking sound that came with the tavern door opening. Thayer couldn't help but look at the figures that walked in.

His heart dropped. He'd recognize that tall, blond haired mage anywhere.

To his dismay, so would Alistair. Even worse, it took him but a moment to piece two and two together.

"Anders! He told you! Why didn't I think of that before?"

Anders followed after a tall, dark haired man with a scowl on his face. He appeared worried.

"Hawke, I really don't think it's a good idea to—"

"Anders, right now, I really don't care what's a good idea and what's not."

"I'm just saying—"

"Really, Anders, just stop. I don't need you babying me."

The man named Hawke collapsed atop one of the barstools, waved over the barkeep and ordered himself a drink. Anders stood beside him, rubbing his eyebrows with his fingertips.

Thayer turned to Alistair. Before he could say anything, the warrior grunted and said, "Always butting into business that isn't his. What's wrong with him?"

"We wouldn't be where we are now if he hadn't, so I think he deserves a pass this time, don't you?"

"At least Carver didn't die, Hawke," Anders continued. "Being a Grey Warden isn't the end of the world."

"Being a Grey Warden?" Alistair asked incredulously. "What on Earth is he talking about? Is he putting people through the Joining? Did you—"

"No, I didn't teach him how to perform the Joining. And how dare you think that," Thayer said, furrowing his brow. "I don't know what he's talking about."

"Well, then let's find out."

"Alistair, wait!"

It was too late. The commotion Alistair caused by getting up and out of his chair drew Anders' and Hawke's attention. Thayer and Anders shared a knowing look. This was not going to be a smooth exchange.

"Damn it," Thayer muttered under his breath. He stood, followed Alistair over to Anders and Hawke and said, "Fancy meeting you here."

"He doesn't look as drunk as usual," Anders commented, pointing at Alistair.

"Never mind what I look like," Alistair said flatly. "What are you talking about? Who is this Carver? Why is he a Grey Warden?"

"This Carver is my brother, and he's a Grey Warden because he contracted the Blight while we were down the Deep Roads."

Hawke's voice commanded attention. Thayer eyed him curiously. He had shortly cropped black hair, fair skin and piercing blue eyes. He sported some scruff along his jaw line and chin. Next to Anders and Alistair he looked like the odd one out. Something about him seemed strangely familiar.

"What in the bloody hell were you doing down in the Deep Roads?" Alistair asked.

"Why do you give a damn?" Hawke snapped.

"Gentlemen, this isn't the place," Anders said, holding his hands up. He turned to Alistair. "What we were doing in the Deep Roads is our business, but suffice it to say, it was as much a loss as it was a gain."

Hawke turned back around and downed a gulp of mead. He growled beneath his breath.

"What are you doing here, anyway? You were supposed to be helping Thayer here in Amaranthine. What, did you just abandon him?"

"Alistair, for the Maker's sake, calm down." Thayer reached out and squeezed the other's arm.

"I didn't abandon anyone!"

"Maker's breath, shut the hell up, all of you!"

Hawke slammed his hand down on the wooden bar. Silence fell over the tavern. All eyes turned to the foursome.

Thayer said, "Now isn't the time for this conversation. Hawke here obviously needs some time alone. Anders, will you join us outside?"

"I don't want to lea—"

"Go, Anders."

The blond mage smarted, but gave a nod. "All right, if you insist."

Hawke waved his hand toward the door. "Please."

As Thayer walked out of the Hanged Man with Alistair and Anders, he felt the piercing stares of the other patrons boring into his back. He hated making a spectacle of himself even after all these years, and that was exactly what had happened here.

He was still brimming from the embarrassment while they gathered outside the tavern beside the front door. Anders and Alistair were staring each other down. Without a second thought to it, Thayer clapped his hands together to draw their attention.

"All right, that's it. I know you two don't get along but obviously we have some things to talk about here. One: yes, Anders told me about you being here, Alistair. It's how I found you. Two: yes, he left at the end of the battle at the keep, and he never told me why. Three: yes, I know it's difficult to swallow, but we're all together again, for reasons beyond our understanding."

Alistair cut in, "You forgot four: why is he talking about someone becoming a Grey Warden? There aren't any Wardens in Kirkwall. That means that you ran across some who were here for a reason." He eyed Anders.

"You're right. I did. Stroud, an Orlesian Warden who's come to Kirkwall before, was down in the Deep Roads. They were on an expedition of their own, but he wouldn't tell me what. Hawke's brother, Carver, was with us down there, and he fell ill with the Blight. If I hadn't been there and hadn't convinced Stroud to take Carver, he would have died."

"Being a Warden isn't a cure. It's a calling," Alistair said seriously.

"Funny. That's exactly what Stroud said. But it doesn't matter now. Carver is safe, alive, and has a new purpose. He'll finally stop undermining Hawke and back-talking him."

"So, what exactly were you doing down in the Deep Roads, Anders?" Thayer asked, raising an eyebrow at the other mage.

"I was following Hawke. He's—" Anders paused. "He was helping his friend Varric."

Alistair snorted. "Right. Helping him. What, were you plundering them for treasure?"

"Actually…yes."

"What? Are you serious? You let them go down there searching for treasure, knowing what you do about the Deep Roads?"

Thayer could feel Alistair's indignation, and it was beginning to rub off on him. He eyed Anders warily. "That's dangerous, Anders. I can't believe you let him go."

"You don't understand. Hawke is a very powerful mage. He…he reminds me a lot of you, actually."

Thayer blinked. "What?"

"Garrett—that's his first name—he's a very accomplished mage, considering that he learned everything he knows from his father."

"Great," Alistair mumbled, "One apostate traveling around with another."

"You'd best watch your tongue," Anders quipped. His cheeks burned bright red. "That apostate in there is related to your apostate here."

Thayer and Alistair looked at each other before echoing one another's confused, "What?"

"You heard me. Garrett is related to Thayer. They're cousins."

Thayer couldn't believe it. "That's a very cruel joke, Anders, you know I have no family left."

"It's not a joke!" Anders shook his head. "You're an Amell, right? So is he, on his mother's side."

Alistair stared at Thayer, shocked. "You never told me your parents had siblings."

"I…I didn't know," Thayer replied.

"Well, cousins. At least, that's what I think. That's what Garrett told me…"

Thayer felt his chest tighten. Breathing grew a little more difficult as he recalled what little memories he had of his parents, drowning out Anders' voice. Thayer had been sent to the Circle at a very young age. The majority of his memories involving his parents were jagged fragments of varying moments growing up. He had never heard of any aunts or uncles, let alone cousins. He didn't even know about his grandparents. To hear that he had a cousin—two, technically, including Carver—was like a slap to the face.

He would have remembered any mention of family. Thayer had ached for family growing up. This was as much a shock as it was a blessing.

"Are you all right?" Anders reached out to put a hand on Thayer's shoulder but Alistair pushed it away.

"Of course he's not okay, you arse, you just told him he has family when he thought he didn't." Alistair moved close to Thayer and brushed a few strands of hair from his face. "What are you thinking right now?"

"I don't know," Thayer admitted. "I came here looking for you, not…blood relatives."

Anders scratched the back of his head. He winced slightly. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to blurt it out, I was just upset. Garrett's been through a lot these last few days. He's been on edge. It's rubbed off on all of us."

"Doesn't matter now, it's out and we'll have to deal with it," Thayer said. "Or I suppose more simply, I have to deal with it."

"I would advise you to wait a while. He's…somewhat volatile after what happened with Carver. He's likely to not believe you."

"That's where you'll step in," Alistair said. "You told Thayer I was here, so you obviously don't mind butting in to other peoples' business. You might as well interject again."

"You know, I'm getting awfully sick of your malicious attitude, and I—"

"Maker, you two, cut it out! I'm tired of hearing it! No more!"

Thayer's outburst silenced both men. They looked at one another and then at the dark haired one. Thayer covered his face momentarily with his hands and took in a deep breath. "From here on out, everything that's happened in the past is history. It no longer exists. This includes Alistair's drinking, Anders' fleeing, whatever. It's over. We're moving on. Understood?"

Both men offered murmurs of agreement. Thayer could tell they hadn't expected such a reaction, but in all honesty, how could they not? This was important news—even harder to swallow than finding out that Alistair had run off to Kirkwall or that Anders had faked his own death. There were so many questions left unanswered, but right now, only one thing mattered:

Thayer needed a drink.