Other than that he was just relieved they were all alive and well instead a floating pile of embers. Fenris had been the first to spot him on the deck of the Starkhaven ship, Hawke could almost detect a bit of joy in the Elven Warrior's eyes before they settled back to a passive demeanor. Apparently he had called to Varric the news who had then shared this in whisper to Merrill while gently rubbing her back with one hand. Hawke chewed off a piece of dried skin from his bottom lip, only for a spray of sea water to make it sting and regret quickly washed over his thoughts. Merrill seemed to refuse to turn back and face the coming vessel. Luckily enough the small ship pulled up alongside the Siren's Call and quickly the gangplank was laid out for him to cross back.
"So", Hawke spoke aloud not facing his once captor who was now standing beside him, "how does - Kirkwall stand with Starkhaven?"
"Peace... for now. Although I still have bounties set for Anders across the Marches and the other nations where the Circles stay intact."
Hawke nodded, accepting the news for what it was.
"I'm not going to apologize for what I have done today, Hawke."
"And there is no need to, it - needed to happen."
"You are aware I used your own tactics against you."
"Oh really now? Enlighten me."
"Yes, you once said 'the secret to combat is hitting your enemy as hard and quick as you can, when they are not paying attention, where they are weakest."
"Actually I said thats specifically how my enemies attack me. Besides, I'm just glad you didn't out and out kill me, woulda completely ruined the rest of my wedding day."
"Merrill, she's not-", Sebastian made a curve with his hand before his stomach.
"Oh, no, no-no-no. I... great. Thanks for putting that in my head, Vael."
"Consider it a parting gift, Champion."
Sebastian clapped a rough but strong, friendly hand on his shoulder before pushing him towards the makeshift bridge between the ships. As Hawke crossed, a thought entered his head, he could nary remember a single face of the sailors or fighting men aboard Sebastian's ship. It was almost as if they avoiding any contact with Hawke, he never really considered his reputation meaning anything beyond the borders of Kirkwall's reach, but maybe, just maybe he had a bit more recognition in the Free Marches than he found comfortable. Recognition was usually the enemy of a good thief, then again thieves don't normally slay Arishoks, Abominations, and High Dragons in their spare time.
With a heavy sigh he stepped onto the deck of the Siren's Call, not more than a second had passed when he heard the gangplank was quickly removed from behind him and the Starkhaven ship was already moving on its way.
"Hel-", a gloved hand struck him sharply across the face. "Lo-OWW!"
"You said you were going to Starkhaven to talk to that pious fool about not trying to kill all of Kirkwall. Obviously, you did no such thing, and that, serah, makes you a liar", Isabela was quite livid.
"Look Isabela, I think I've been punished enough today. Besides, you've already kicked me, there is quite the welt. So where is my bri- oh you don't look too pleased to see me."
Merrill's face was a mixture of anger and melancholy, last he'd seen her like this was in that damn cave in Sundermount where Marethari had passed. Hawke felt another pang in chest, this time it wasn't from his recent wound.
"I-"
"Don't talk", she interrupted him with the quiet stern voice she had probably long practiced for when her time came to become Keeper. "Everybody has had there say today, but me. Now its my turn to interrupt someone", with those words she stepped forward and kissed Hawke softly on the lips.
Isabela turned away from the private moment and looked to the rest of their companions, "Alright, lets clean things up and get this two copper horse and mabari show on its merry way."