Chapter the Seventh: "Surprises"

***Hullo, lovelies! I am so terribly sorry I've been neglectful! I shall endeavor to post more often. Thank you all so much for reviewing and messaging me! :)


AURELIA

Getting into the mansion wasn't actually the hardest part. No, that had been stifling her anger at Varric and Isabela for bringing Anders. She had known, rounding the corner in Darktown to the hideyhole near Anders' clinic, that he would perhaps be able to see them. But she hadn't dreamed that they'd insist on bringing him!

"We need someone who can heal, Little Hawke, so save it," Varric had murmured as he hugged her when she arrived. She loved the smell of her dwarven protector. Something musky, mixed with whiskey and honey. It was a...safe smell. Comforting.

So it hurt when she realized the man she counted on to protect her, had brought someone she felt very unsafe with. So Aurelia had ignored the glowering mage, keeping her distance. Traversing the tunnel leading up into the Amell estate, though, he began to needle her jealously about Saemus. Finally having had enough, she rounded on Anders.

"My romantic life, no, my life period, is none of your business Anders! I don't owe you a fucking thing!" She had shouted at him, the air in her lungs hot and heavy with rage. The dark glare he gave her in reply scared her, but she didn't back down. Varric began to congratulate her on finally discovering her backbone but they were interrupted by a shout and the appearance of several hired thugs guarding the mansion.

It took them hours to clear the mansion. Aurelia had taken a few bumps and bruises but refused Anders' healing. Instead, she downed healing potions and hobbled on.

"Darling, you really should pick up a staff before you get yourself or one of us killed," Isabela said cheekily. Aurelia gave her a withered look.

They were finally certain the house was clear. Aurelia went about with Varric to explore, while Anders sulked and Isabela watched for any intruders. The house was in horrible condition but it had charm. The ceilings were high and all of the Amell crests were still intact. Some furniture remained, hidden under sheets haphazardly thrown over them. There was a kitchen, pantry, library and parlour room on the first floor as well as the receiving room just inside. A chandelier hung sideways, threatening to fall. The portraits on the wall were coated in dust. Aurelia wondered idly if any of them were her family members. Upstairs, she and Varric checked the bedrooms. Only three bedrooms and a couple of sitting rooms were on the second floor and none of them seemed to house a chest.

Aurelia frowned, tired. Varric put his arm around her waist. "Come on, I bet the vault is in the lower rooms, up from that tunnel."

Obediently, she followed him. They began traversing back through the passage and sure enough, in a small anteroom, was a hidden door that led to the vault. Everything seemed intact, astonishingly. Aurelia was amazed, wandering around the room. A painting of her mother hung on one wall, showing a much younger Leandra.

"My, she hasn't aged well," Isabela quipped. Aurelia promptly elbowed the pirate and made her way to a large chest.

"It's locked," she sighed, leaning back on her heels.

"Move over, grumpy," Isabela said, kneeling down beside her. She leaned over the chest, pulling a metal tool from...somewhere, and began to work the lock. Aurelia had trouble tearing her gaze away from Isabela's bosom, as she hunched beside her on the floor. I'm just tired. I've no reason to be attracted to her, she's bedding Varric...and every other man and woman in Kirkwall.

Triumphantly, the busty pirate flipped open the heavy chest lid easily. Aurelia grinned broadly at her, peering over the lid at the contents. A substantial amount of coin was still contained within and Aurelia promptly divided that up between herself and her friends. Varric had tried to protest, weakly, that it was sort of her inheritance, but Aurelia had given him a weary look. The dwarf loved coin and free coin was the best sort. There were also a few jewels and odd papers. Megara took the papers and the jewels that looked like they might belong to her Mother and gave the rest to her friends. Scrunching her face up, she noticed the corner of a paper sticking out underneath the velvet lining of the chest. The will! Tugging it out, she whooped.

"Alright, dove, let's head back to Lowtown before any more thugs come through the front door and realize we've killed all their comrades." Happily, Aurelia heeded Isabela.


The trek back to Darktown and then Lowtown was fast. Anders was sulking still, but not as darkly as before. He seemed genuinely happy that Aurelia had recovered the will, although she still refused to speak to him. Parting with him in front of the clinic, she was relieved to be heading back to Lowtown with Varric and Isabela.

"So, up for some drinking and cards?" Isabela wound her arm around Aurelia's shoulders.

"Sure, we've a bit of coin to spare now, I think," she said happily. She was elated with herself and wanted nothing more than to spend the evening in good company.

Once they were safely and warmly ensconced in Varric's room, he had called for wine and whiskey and bread. The girls divested themselves of their cumbersome boots and curled up into their chairs to clear the table and ready the cards. Aurelia had drank with them before, but rarely anything other than light ale or wine. Tonight, she delved into some Antivan whiskey, taking shots with Isabela. It was not long before she was light-headed and feeling too warm. She and Isabela were singing loudly, pulling on one another and laughing at Varric. He was sunk into his chair comfortably, leaning back like a king on his throne.

Chuckling at the girls, he filled their tumblers. "Little Hawke, I daresay you are not going to make it back to Aveline's before dawn."

Hiccupping, she answered him as saucily as she could muster, "Well I can't stay here, Isabela doesn't know how to share!"

Varric raised his eyebrow at her. "Hawke..."

She turned to Isabela. "How's come you get all the handsome ones!?" She hiccupped again.

Isabela laughed at her and leaned towards her to whisper in her ear. "Because the handsome ones are not always the best, darling." The pirate lightly licked her neck just below her earlobe.

The sensation sent a jolt through Aurelia, who had never experienced such and she gasped. Isabela chuckled deeply and leaned back to draw another card.

"Where the hell is that maid with my food!" Varric looked mildly irritated. He got up and excused himself, shutting the door behind him to return to the common room and look for the serving wench.

Aurelia whipped her head around to look at Isabela, too fast and she swayed drunkenly. Isabela cackled at her. "Quick before he comes back, let's umm, let's..." She had forgotten what she'd wanted to do and looked around confusedly. She had a prank on her mind, but...her gaze landed on Isabela's bosom again. The skin looked so smooth and soft. She completely forgot her cards and manners are she stared at her friend. She didn't even realize that Isabela had stood.

The pirate pushed her chair back just a tad, lifting one long, booted leg over, settling herself into Aurelia's lap. She sucked in a breath and hazily looked at the temptress.

"Mmmm, Isabela...I..." She couldn't focus on her words. Isabela was too warm in her lap. Her tunic had rode up her thighs and the other woman seductively shifted herself high up her lap, putting one arm around her neck and walking her fingers up Aurelia's arm to gather the other one there as well. Isabela's breasts were full in her face now. She had no idea what she was doing but she knew what she wanted to do. She placed her hands shakily on Isabela's thighs, running herfingers up the sily skin to grasp her ass. Sucking in another breath she squeezed and pulled Isabela even closer to her.

Then there were fingers in her hair and her neck was pulled back and Isabela's mouth was on hers, hot and demanding. Leaving one hand to squeeze and fondle Isabela's ass she lifted the other to the straining stays of the pirate's tunic. She rubbed and pulled at her nipples, the fabric was thin and easy to manipulate. Isabela was kissing her deeply, teaching her what to do with her tongue. Aurelia let her hands rove though, they seemed to find their way on their own. Just as she had reached one hand underneath Isabela's thigh and towards her wet sex, Varric came through the door. Aurelia tried to jump up but Isabela barely moved.

Varric, however, looked stunned. He set the food down on the table and frowned.

"Oh, Varric, someone has to teach our little bird all about the pleasurable things in life, hmm?" Isabela's voice was heavy, the sound of it made Aurelia tingle with want.

"Cut it out, now, Is." There was something final in Varric's voice. The sight of them tangled up together obviously bothered him but Aurelia couldn't figure out why, she was too drunk. She wanted to keep touching Isabela, wanted her tongue in her mouth...

"I think it's time I have someone escort you home, Hawke." Varric's voice was firm and Aurelia whimpered as Isabela slid off her lap and Varric gave her a disappointed frown.

While she drunkenly pulled on her boots, Isabela followed Varric into the hallway. Aurelia could hear them arguing.

"You're not jealous, so what the hell, Varric!" Isabela demanded.

"Not Hawke, Isabela. She is too young, too impressionable."

"Ha!" Isabela laughed with disdain. "You can't shelter her forever, Varric. You might want to play older brother forever, but she is eventually going to bed someone. Why not someone who actually cares about her, it's not like I am going to take her maidenhead!"

"Can it, Is. I'm having someone take her home and I don't want to see this shit again, you hear me?" Varric thundered at Isabela, who had yelled right back and stomped off.

Aurelia felt awful. She fell off her chair, tearing up. She didn't want anyone to fight. She just wanted...she wanted...


She'd been so drunk that she didn't remember getting home. She woke up on the settee downstairs, with a strong urge to piss. That was a task made hard by the amount of liquor in her body.

Once she had cleaned her hands and headed back to her perch for the night, she decided to read the will before passing out. By the dwindling hearth she made out as many of the words as she could, drunkenly. Her not-so-sober heart soared when she realized they could fight to get the estate back, but sunk after she realized how heartbroken Mother would be when she realized Gamlen had lied.

The following morning, she skipped running errands for Aveline to help Mother properly clean and air out the house. Surprisingly, she didn't have a hangover, but she was tired. She didn't want to face Varric at the moment, either. The look of disappointment on his face was too much for her.

Scrubbing the baseboards in the kitchen, she heard Mother call for her. Standing, she wiped her hands on her apron and trotted up the steps. Mother handed her a forgotten, wrapped up shirt, which opened to show something long forgotten. Flemeth's amulet!


AVELINE

Returning the practice swords to their places, Aveline sighed. It had been a long day. Assuming control of the city guard was a dream and a nightmare. It was more political than she cared for, too. She was learning quickly, how tense relations were in the city. The Templars certainly did not work well with the guard, seeing themselves as superior. The guards resented this and naturally, fights broke out quite often. Sighing heavily, she locked her new office and said goodnight to everyone.

Tomorrow is the big day. She was nervous. The Viscount himself would be heading the ceremony to officially install her as Guard Captain. Some high-ranking Templars and Chantry sisters would be in attendance as well.

Instead of heading home, Aveline turned for the Hanged Man. She needed to practice her speech on someone and Leandra would be in bed. Aurelia was likely at the tavern or up to something with Saemus. "Those two are inseparable, " she said aloud, shoving open the door to the tavern.

A quick glance told her the gang was likely holed up in Varric's room. Thank the Maker for that, I don't need all these drunks hearing me bumble this speech until I can practice it.

Reaching Varric's quarters, she had to laugh. Her dwarven friend could easily afford a nice home but insisted on living here. His room, the biggest the tavern offered, was decorated so extravagantly as to seem gaudy.

"Pull up a chair, Red, we were just about to start a game of Diamondback." Varric was obviously already in his cups. Isabela was twirling her dagger as she drained her ale and Anders studying his cards.

Pulling up a chair, Anders looked up at her, hiccupped and asked where Aurelia was. Giving him a look, she started to chide him but Varric beat her to the punch.

"Look, Blondie, Hawke is not into you. Leave it," he said menacingly.

"Can't say I blame her, when was the last time you changed those robes?" Isabela wrinkled her nose at him, pouring herself a shot of whiskey.

Aveline sorted her cards and gave him a stern look. "Anders, you know she is seeing Saemus. If they ever get the Amell estate back, she and Leandra will be nobles again. Then it will be a matter of time before she and Saemus are engaged." Frowning, she groaned at her horrid hand of cards.

"But I saved her life!" Anders protested, whining like a petulant child.

Isabela nearly spat out her drink, laughing. "Do you really think Hawke is some weak damsel in distress, in need of saving? Andraste's tits, you're a fool! Leave the girl be. If any of us ever beds her, it'll be me." The group groaned collectively and Varric shot Isabela a look. "Right, right, I know, Varric. No one is allowed to touch the innocent little mage, gotcha big brother." The pirate seemed to sulk over her own cards.

The group settled into a raucous evening of cards and drinking and the issue of Aurelia's wooing was finally dropped. Walking home later, Isabela followed her.

"You know, that was actually a pretty good speech, Avs. I liked it." Isabela slurred.

"Don't call me that. And don't lean on me, you reek." She tried to shove Isabela off, but the drunken pirate just wobbled and she'd had to catch her.

By the time they reached her house, she was practically carrying Isabela. Dragging her up the stairs, she unlocked the door and draped the drunken pirate over the settee near the fire. Finding a blanket, she covered her up and retired to her room to get some rest for her big day.


Morning came too early. Aveline hadn't slept at all. She was too nervous. She rose, walking over to the basin on the dresser in front of the window. It was a small porcelain set, painted with little birds. A neatly folded towel laid beside the jug and dish. Despite sitting in the window, the water was quite cool as she poured it from the pitcher to the curved dish. It felt refreshing, though. Splashing some on her face and around her neck, she tried to breathe calmly. Her face dripping, she leaned over the dish, gripping both sides of the little dresser. She watched as the city stirred sleepily, the sun was shining through the buildings as people left their homes for work. Taking a deep breath, she turned and began to dress for the day.

After buckling her belt, she brushed her unkempt, auburn locks. Sitting in front of her mirror, she tried to pull her hair into something presentable. Every style she tried failed, frustrating her. "Damnit," she swore, slamming the brush down. Her face was reddened, her freckles standing out on her pale skin. A knock came at the door.

"Come in," she sighed.

Leandra entered, a breakfast tray on her hip. "Good morning, dear. I thought I'd bring you a bite to eat before your ceremony. You must be nervous." Leandra smiled, setting the tray on the dresser.

Aveline was touched. "Leandra, you didn't need to go through such trouble, thank you."

"Now, now, you must keep your strength up." Leandra crossed her arms, watching Aveline. "I'm sure you've got to be down there early. I'll leave you to it, I've got to drag Aurelia out of bed. She stinks of ale and Maker knows what she was up to last night. If you need anything, do yell."

Aveline thanked her and picked up the cup of tea to sip it. The hot brother warmed her, settling her stomach and nerves. She took a deep breath, setting her chin on her fingertips and leaning on the dresser. Wesley's shield caught her eye, where it hung above her bed. I hope you're watching today, Wesley. I'm going to try to make you proud. She smiled wistfully, turning to finish her tea.


AURELIA

Rolling out of bed after a night of heaving drinking was certainly not an easy task. She was tired and sore. Turning over, she stretched and grinned. She couldn't wait to show Mother the will that evening. But first, she had to show it to Saemus. And even before that, she had Aveline's induction as guard captain to attend.

She had to jog to get to the Keep and meet Saemus on time. Sprinting up the stairs, she passed Seneschal Bran who grimaced at her. She knew he hated her relationship with Saemus, he'd complained to the Viscount on multiple occasions about her supposed behaviour. Giggling to herself, she rushed to Saemus' quarters. He met her in the hallway, though.

"You're late," he teased, hugging her warmly.

"I got the will," she whispered in his ear.

"I can't wait to see it. Did you bring it?" Saemus asked her as they turned to leave the Keep.

"Yes. Mother's not seen it yet either. I wanted to show you first, Before we break you out of here tonight," she said with a sideways, mischievous glance.

They both dissolved into stifled laughter, arm in arm as they scooted from the building, eliciting a fair amount of exasperated looks. Seneschal Bran couldn't have looked more loathsome.

"Father left ages ago, we'll have missed all the fun," Saemus complained.

"Oh, what do you know of fun, brat," she picked back.

"I have fun with Ashaad, you know," he said silkily.

"Saemus!" Aurelia exclaimed.

"Shhh, I'll tell you about it tonight," he hushed her, laughing.

"Well, truth be told, I've got an exploit of similar manner to divulge, myself, " she admitted, remembering Isabela in her lap, and shuddered.

They had arrived at the square in short time. Aveline and several guardsmen were already there. Leandra and Gamlen were talking with a neighbor of Gamlen's. A few Chantry sisters were mulling about as well. Saemus spotted his father.

"I'll be right back, Sister," he said, giving her a quick peck on the cheek.

Aurelia stood to the side, watching the excitement. She was wondering vaguely where Varric and Isabela were when a familiar voice jolted her out of her thoughts.

"Find yourself a new brother, Aurelia?"

She whirled around, fearfully. Staring back at her, was Carver. He was in full Templar dress, with a sinister look on his face. She tried to stutter a response as the other Templars with him filed past and towards the small stage.

Aurelia took a step backwards. Surely he won't try anything here, not with all these witnesses.

Carver sneered, tapping his Templar sword. "You can't run forever, mage bitch," he spat.

"She doesn't need to run, Ser Hawke!" Saemus' voice came from behind her, just as she felt his comforting hand on her back. "Aurelia is a close friend to Kirkwall and as the Viscount's son I ensure her protection." He glared at carver, a dark look she'd not seen from him before. His eyebrows were narrowed, his mouth set in a firm, thin line.

Carver seemed to waver at the threat from the Viscount's son. "Close friends, indeed," he muttered, trodding off.

Still shaking, Aurelia turned to thank Saemus as Varric and Isabela walked up to them.

"Was that Templar giving you trouble, little Hawke?" Varric asked and sounded troubled.

"Not just any Templar. It seems that the reason none of us has been able to track Carver is that we were looking in all the wrong places." Saemus kept his arm around Aurelia as they all watched as Carver approached Leandra and Gamlen.

Isabela sucked in a quick breath. "Andraste's holy knickers, I thought we'd rid of the little bastard. Now he's a fucking Templar!?"

They began bickering about what to do. Aurelia could do nothing but watch in bitter shock and horror as Leandra flung her arms around the brother who had tried to murder her weeks ago.

The Viscount signaled a start to the ceremony.

"I have to go sit with Father. I will see you tonight. Don't worry, please." Saemus have her arm a squeeze and headed up to the stage to sit to the right of his father. The Chantry sisters and Templars stood on either side, the guards along the left, Aveline leading them. Quite a few townspeople had turned out to see the new Guard Captain installed.

Aurelia turned to Varric. "I'm not leaving, I won't let Aveline down. But I will need you to help me secure a room at the Hanged Man for now," she said, firmly.

The dwarf started to protest but she shook her head. "I will not go back to living with my Mother. Not now. Not after she embraces that monster with open arms, after what he did. She knows what he has done, too. If she wants to blindly accept it and pretend that asshole is her little boy, I won't be around for it." She could hear the bitterness dripping in her voice, but she couldn't just shake it off.

Isabela put her arm around her waist. "We could shack up together, you know. Then Varric couldn't interrupt us if we tried to have some girly fun," she said, watching Varric.

Aurelia chuckled slightly, watching Varric frown at them both. They took seats opposite Leandra and Gamlen and waited for the ceremony to start. As she watched a new chapter begin for her friend, she couldn't help but feel like she had no hope or future. She had thought she'd rid of Carver and could start a new chapter of her own life. But here he was and a Templar to boot.

"How much more capital do we need before we can go to the Deep Roads, and also, we need to go to the Wounded Coast" she inquired, forcing her mind to other matters.