Chapter Seven
"We have a home, Mom...A real home," I murmur after she has perused the Will for the fourth time in half-an-hour. We found the Will after fighting our way through slave traders none of whom shall ever see the light of day again because Aveline arrested them and sent them to the Keep dungeons for further questioning. I wander to the chair and sit. Anders returned to his Clinic as soon as we found the Will, leaving me at the mercy of my brother who did nothing but scowl at my on our way to Gamlen's house. I glance at my Mother and she is reading the Will again. She can't believe it. I read the Will before we walked in and I know exactly what it says. It says that her Father – my grandfather – left everything to her, including the Estate. I can't help smiling at the joy on her face, but it was difficult getting the Will. I reflect back...
-o0o-
Four hours earlier...
I am outside the entrance to the Amell Cellar. Both Anders and Aveline are with me and they are watching me with mild amusement. I roll my eyes at them and all they do is laugh. I saunter towards Anders and I playfully swat him on the arm. He grins at me and pulls me into his arms and embraces me. I feel warm and safe and I slide my arms around his waist and rest my hands on his strong buttocks.
"He is late, Anders," I mutter as pull myself out of his arms. I begin pacing in front of them. "I have half a mind to go without him."
"Then why don't you?" I whirl around and Carver is staggering up the stairs looking as if he has had a heavy night. He stops in front of me and I step away. He reeks of liquor. I find that I don't have anything to say to him. All I feel is anger. We are supposed to do this for my Mother and he chooses to show up as drunk as a lord. I am disgusted.
"You are an absolute disgrace," I manage to spit out as Anders pulls me away from him.
"And I suppose you think you are so perfect living it up with your mage boyfriend," he mutters.
"At least I am not spending my nights getting drunk, Carver," I spit out.
"Yes, bedding the mage," he taunts. I bristle and I shrug free of Anders' grasp and I approach Carver. He doesn't even flinch as I raise my hand and clench it into a tight fist. I am ready to smack the smirk off his face, but a warm hand closes over my wrist.
"Let...me...go... Why should he be allowed to get away with it?" I say.
"Mari... He is not worth it..," murmurs Anders as he half drags, half pulls me away from him. He gently turns me around and places his hands on his shoulders.
"Just let it go... If you hit him, you are no better than he is... And I know you are better than he is... Just let it go... Let's find your Mother's Will. The sooner we find it, the better for all of us," he says.
"How can you be so reasonable?"
"Because I don't want to see my girlfriend sink to the same level as your brother. You are better than he is," he replies.
"Mmm...You would say that, mage... Bedding her and all," says Carver. Anders glares over my shoulders, but he makes no move to do or say anything.
"Carver, I am warning you, back off or I will arrest you... Let's see how you will enjoy spending a few weeks doing hard labour in the Barracks," warns Aveline.
"I am not afraid of you," he murmurs.
I turn around. "Stop being so bloody petulant, Carver. Mom asked me to find the Will for her. If you can't even do that for her, then go...Just go and leave me to my task."
I reach for Anders' hand and I stalk past Carver, towards the entrance to the Cellar. I pause, as I pull aside the dusty old sheet and there it is – a wooden door with the Amell Family Crest. I can't hide my smile. Mother drew it out for me back in Lothering when I enquired about her childhood home. I turn around and wait patiently for Carver to hand me the key. He pats his pockets – I hear the jingle of coin and I frown.
"I suggest you give me the coins as well, Carver," I say as I warily approach him.
"Fine...Here...It's all I have," he mutters as he empties out his pockets. He hands the key to me as well as...I gape at him.
"Five sovereigns? And you intended keeping it for yourself? You little shit... Mom needs the sovereigns, Carver. How can you be so bloody selfish?"
"Well...I have needs..." he explains as he looks away from me.
"Don't use that as an excuse... I cannot believe it... And you sound like Gamlen... How many times has he said that to Mom?" I ask as I turn away from him, shaking my head in disbelief. I stick the key into the keyhole and to my surprise, it unlocks easily. I am not surprised – not with the activities that have undoubtedly occurred with the slave trading that goes on in this city...
-o0o-
"Mari?" calls Mother, bringing me back to the present. I shake my head to clear it as I fumble in my pockets for the sovereigns I took from Carver and my hand closes over a coin purse...
-o0o-
I open the ornate chest bearing the Amell Crest and in it lies a sealed document bearing the seal of the Viscount's office and next to it, there is a coin purse. I eagerly reach for it and weigh it in my hand. There must be at least ten sovereigns. I feel a sense of excitement as I pocket the purse. I reach down and remove the sealed document. I tap it against my chin, thinking whether I should read it or give it to Mother, sealed. I decide I want to know for myself and I break the seal. I quickly peruse it. I turn around and grin at everyone.
"Is there anything else?" I ask, glancing around the cellar, but there are no more chests. "We should go and tell Mom the good news," I murmur.
-o0o-
"Mari, are you listening to me?" calls Mother, breaking me out of my deep reverie. I sit up straight, frowning at her.
"What?"
"Please say you will stay for lunch?" she asks.
"Um...I need to get back to Anders," I murmur as I remove the coin purse from my pocket and I place it on the table in front of me. I fumble around for the sovereigns I received from Carver and I throw them out onto the table next to the coin purse.
"No...I can't take this from you, Mari... Keep it... For your expedition," she says as she pushes it towards me.
"But you need it, Mom," I murmur.
"No...I don't... I have enough," she says.
"I don't believe you, Mom... Take it, please?" I implore.
"But your expedition?" she says.
"Mom," I murmur.
"Mari, no, you keep the coin purse and I will take the five sovereigns. It is enough to buy food for the week and from there, I will find a way," she says.
"Mom, but," I murmur.
"Mari, you need the sovereigns for your expedition and you have done enough for me. I am so grateful you found the Will... I am going to petition the Viscount for the estate and the rest I will leave for the Maker to decide and as for you, Carver, you are to find employment. You are to stop your drinking... I am giving you one more chance...Disappoint me and you will be out on the street," she says quietly as she stands.
"But where?" he says.
"I don't care... Find a way, Carver and don't expect Marian to do all the work... At least she is trying unlike you..." she says.
"I am not her, Mother..." he says as he straightens his shoulders.
"I don't care... You will do as I tell you otherwise you will have to find your own way...Far away from me and far away from Marian," she says. He glares at her before heading to his room where he slams the door behind him.
"Mom?" I enquire as I move towards her.
She reaches for my hands. "I have had it with him, Mari... I don't know what to do anymore. I don't know where I have gone wrong with him, but he is so arrogant and so full of himself... I...I know you and I have our differences, but you are different... More sensible. More responsible, somehow, not that you weren't," she murmurs.
"Aveline has work for me, Mom... I am to assist her tomorrow with an ambush in Sundermount. She says it will pay well," I inform her.
"What about Varric, Mari? When last have you spoken to him?" she asks.
"Last week when we assisted Anders... I haven't seen or spoken to him since then...Perhaps I will go there before I return to Anders... Perhaps he has work for me," I reply.
"Perhaps he does... Please have lunch with me?" she says, releasing my hands.
"I would love to...I just wish Andy were here with me..." I murmur as I grab the coin purse on my way into the kitchen. I don't want to leave it lying around for my brother to get his hands on.
"Do you need my help?"
"No...I am going to prepare a salad for us and I will ensure there is enough for your young man," she teases.
"Oh Mom," I murmur. My cheeks feel too warm all of a sudden.
"I think he is good for you, Mari. There is something about him... He reminds of your Father... He has that same gentleness that attracted me to him in the first place," she says.
"I...I haven't thought about it," I admit.
"That is because you are smitten, Marian. You can't stop thinking about him and you want to spend all your time with him... You are in love with him, Mari, whether you realise it or not," she says. "And I think he is in love with you," she continues as she fills the pot with water.
"We haven't openly told each other... We don't have to...Our actions speak louder than words," I murmur.
"I suppose you will tell each other when the time is right... Tell me about him," she says.
"He hasn't said too much to me, Mom and I haven't told him too much either... It's still early days...," I murmur.
"But you have marked each other... Why hold back? As far as I know it is mark for life... A bond between two mage souls... One with the other..." she says softly.
"We will, in time, open up a bit more... All I know is that he was sent to the Circle when he was twelve and he became friends with Solona Amell," I explain.
"Solona Amell?" she says as she turns around.
"Yes, he knew her, Mom..." I explain.
"That's my sister's child...," she says.
"Andy told me she joined the Grey Wardens because she assisted a blood mage. He said it was about two years ago. He told me he has not seen her since then. Not even when he was stationed at the Grey Warden Headquarters at Vigil's Keep in Amaranthine."
"Is Anders a Grey Warden?" she asks.
"Yes he is...He was conscripted by Queen Elyssa Cousland," I reply.
"King Alistair's wife?" she asks.
"Yes, the same," I reply.
"Did he say why he was conscripted?" she asks.
"Yes...He was running from the templars, Mom... They would have arrested him and taken him to the Fereldan Circle and more than likely made him tranquil if it weren't for the King's permission," I explain.
"You really don't know much about him, do you?" she asks as she places a mug of tea in front of me.
"Mom...I know where you are going with this and what does it matter how well I know him or not? Isn't it enough that I am blissfully happy for the first time in years?"
"Okay...Okay... I won't say much more... I am pleased you have found happiness. Maker knows, you deserve it...Now drink your tea whilst I prepare something for us to eat," she says.
-o0o-
I am on my way to the tavern after spending lunch with Mother. We have just said our goodbyes and she made me promise to visit her soon. Our lunch went well. We spent most of the time in relative silence. The only disturbance we had was when my brother slammed the door closed on his way out. I sigh as I stand in front of the tavern doors. They are open for a change and there seems to be a lot of activity going on inside. I hesitate. I don't really want to go in there. I want to go to home to Anders, but I need to speak to Varric. I sigh as I reluctantly step inside and my jaw drops. There is a full on brawl going on between a woman and three men. I wander further in, seeking out Varric's and I find him sitting at his table. I make a wide berth to avoid the scuffle. No-one seems to want to intervene and I am definitely not getting involved. I hear a whistling sound. I whip around and duck as a dagger whizzes over me, just missing my head. I look for the source and a woman is coming towards me, wiping the blood off her face and the men she was fighting with are crawling out of the tavern. I glare at her as I straighten myself and I approach her.
"You nearly took my head off," I mutter. She stops in front of me. She has dark brown come-hither eyes. She has a dark complexion and she has long brown hair. She is wearing a blue bandana, a white blouse that barely covers her midriff and she is a wearing a blue skirt that barely covers her nether regions.
She laughs a soft throaty laugh. "Do you like what you see?"
"What? No... I am not into women, thank you very much," I reply although I can't prevent my cheeks from overheating under her sultry, seductive gaze.
"Are you sure?" she asks, stepping closer to me.
"Don't come any closer," I warn, holding up my hands in a defensive stance. "You nearly took my head off, remember?"
She immediately sobers. "I know and I apologise, but those men, they annoyed me. They promised to find something for me. They failed and they still expect payment. I refused," she trails away.
"You sure know how to handle yourself, though," I say.
"Mmm...You are new around here, aren't you?" she asks.
"No...I have been in Kirkwall for well over a year... I come here frequently... Well, I used to until I," I trail away.
"Until what?" she asks.
"Never mind... What is your name?" I politely ask.
"Oh...I am Isabela, previously captain of the Siren's Call. Since my ship was destroyed during one of the many famous Kirkwall storms, the title rings...hollow," she says as she folds her arms.
"So you owned a ship? Impressive," I murmur.
"Yes...For ten years, but now she is gone..." she replies.
"I am sorry about that," I say.
"There's no need... Wait... You sound Fereldan," she states.
"I am... Why?"
"You have that look about you... I was in Ferelden about six or so months ago..." she quietly says.
"My family and I used to have a home in Lothering, just off the Imperial Highway, until the darkspawn forced us to leave, that is," I explain.
"So you landed up in Kirkwall? Why this city of all places?" she enquires as she motions to an empty table.
"Actually, I am here to see a friend. Join us," I suggest.
"Mmm...Okay... Would you like a drink?" she asks.
"Cider..." I reply as we wander over to the bar.
"It's the least I can do seen that I nearly took of your head with my dagger," she teases.
"Please don't worry about it... Just be careful next time," I tease.
She laughs. "I like you... What is your name?"
"Marian... Marian Amell-Hawke," I reply.
"Pleased to meet you, Marian," she murmurs. We receive our drinks. I notice she has ordered a bottle of whiskey for herself. I roll my eyes in amusement. She and my brother would be well-suited. I am still smiling as we sit at Varric's table.
"Varric," I greet him.
"Marian Amell-Hawke... Where have you been lately? Aveline's been vague on the details although she did mention a certain mage when she was here last night," he says.
"It's good to see you to, Varric. This is Isabela, previously captain," I say.
"Ah...A pirate queen... What stories I could make up," he says.
She laughs. "And do I have stories, Varric. Perhaps I will tell them to you someday." She leans back in her chair and has a long sip of whiskey.
"So, are you going to tell me what is going with you and the mage?" he enquires.
"What is there to tell, Varric?"
"I don't know... Roses... Lilies... The list is endless," he replies.
"Shut up...And just to ease your mind, I am living with him now," I inform him.
"Why?" he asks.
"Because I left home," I reply as I have a sip of cider. I feel a sudden urge to be with Anders.
"Why?" he asks.
"Carver hit me," I quietly reply.
"What? Why?" he asks.
I sigh. "Varric, I am not here to speak about my personal life to you... I am here to ask a favour."
"He hit you? Wait till I get my hands on him," he says as he glances around the tavern. His eyes narrow and I turn around. He is at the bar, looking directly at me.
"He's rather handsome... Carver, you say?" she asks.
"Yes...That is my brother, Carver..." I reply, turning away from him. I have lost the urge to be here. I have another sip of my cider.
"Varric, do you have work for me?"
"Oh Mari, not at the moment, but there is a possibility of some work, but my sources are not reliable... I will let you know," he replies.
"Varric, you told me you were the eyes and ears of Kirkwall, yet you have no work for me? How am I supposed to find the sovereigns to go on this expedition that is slipping out of my reach with each passing day?"
"I know what I told you... Look there might be something. It involves the Qunari. I don't know the details, but I know of someone who does, but he is less than reliable... Would you like me arrange a meeting?" he asks.
"I don't care... I need the sovereigns. Do what you can, please?" I murmur.
He sighs. "Okay... I will see what I can do."
"Thank you and I have a favour to ask of you..." I murmur.
"What?" he asks.
"I need your assistance tomorrow with something Aveline is checking out... Apparently there is an ambush that might be taking place on Sundermount... Come with me and bring your faithful friend," I murmur.
"Ah...Bianca could do with the exercise..." he says.
"Is that a yes?"
"Yes..." he replies.
"Excellent," I murmur. I drain the last of my cider, and stand. "I need to go, Varric, otherwise Anders will come looking for me. I have been gone longer than I expected. I am sure, by now, he is worried about me."
"Ah...So there is something going on between you..." he teases.
"Oh, go away... I am not saying much more," I tease.
"Then I will just have to make it up as I go along," he says.
I laugh. "Then do so, by all means. See you, Varric and it was a pleasure meeting you, Isabela."
"Mmm..." she murmurs, distracted and I follow her gaze. She cannot take her eyes off my brother and he is literally squirming in his seat. He stands, downs his drink and saunters towards us. She stands and before he realises she has flung herself at him.
"You are a handsome fellow," she purrs and without second thought on his part, he kisses her. I look away... If he wants to sleep with every women that comes his way, then so be it. I don't want to know, see or even hear about. I walk past them without acknowledging them and with a blessed sigh of relief I step out into the late afternoon sunshine.
-o0o-
"Andy," I whisper as I slip my arms around him. He is at his desk, writing in his journal. I've discovered he enjoys writing in his journal and he writes in it every day. I don't know what he writes about, but it keeps him very occupied. I smile as I kiss his cheek. He drops his feathered pen and turns around, opening his arms for me and I gladly sit on his lap. I lean towards him and I kiss him, molding my lips to his compliant ones. He sighs. It only encourages me. I deepen our kiss as I thread my fingers through his hair. He slips his arms under my arms and curls his hands around my shoulders, holding me intimately close.
"I've missed you," I murmur as I move away from his mouth.
"Mmm...So have I, although I have seen a fair number of patients since I returned after assisting you. What did your Mother say?" he asks.
"She was so relieved...The house is rightfully hers," I murmur. I graze my lips along his jawline whilst I unbuckle his belt. He skims his hands along my legs, to my thighs where he works my belt.
"That is good news, Mari... How do you feel about it?"
"Mmm...I am relieved. She wants to petition the Viscount for ownership," I reply.
"I...I don't think she will have a problem... If the Will says the Estate is hers...then it is hers," he softly says as he pushes me away. He stands, grabs my hand and leads me into our room. As soon as he has closed the door, he backs me up against the wall, and kisses me. He slips his arms around me and lifts me and I wrap my legs around his waist. He trails kisses along my jaw as he backs towards the bed. He turns around and we fall onto the bed together. He kisses my forehead before rolling onto his back next to me. I turn onto my stomach and rest my head on his chest.
"Are you ready for what we need to do tomorrow?" he asks.
"Yes...But...Shit," I murmur as I quickly scramble off him. I retrieve my backpack from under the bed and I pull out the amulet. I swing it in front of me. It is a silver amulet with a dragon carved onto it. It is very similar to Flemeth's shape-shifting form.
"What's this?" he asks as he peers at it.
"Andy, I made a deal with someone called Flemeth. She helped us flee Lothering but she made me promise to return this amulet to its rightful owner," I explain.
He frowns. "I don't like the sound of this, Mari... This amulet has strange power. I can sense it. We should return it as soon as possible. Who does it belong to?"
"Someone called Marethari," I reply.
"Sounds like an elvish name, Mari. In fact there is a Dalish Camp up Sundermount," he says.
"She mentioned something about Sundermount... Do you think we will be able to return it tomorrow after we have assisted Aveline?"
"We should return it as soon as we can, Mari... This amulet holds dangerous power. It is not good for me or for you," he pauses.
"Because of Justice and my...blood magic?" I whisper.
"Yes...It makes me feel as if I am going to lose my control. Here, feel," he murmurs, pushing it into my hands and I feel it – the pull into the dark. I close my eyes and all I see is black swirling mist. It's calling me into the place I don't want to go.
"No!" I yell, opening my eyes and throwing it across the room. It hits the wall and lands on the floor with a soft thump. I stare at my hands – there is faint shadow of the dragon on the palm of my hand.
"Mari," he says, breaking into my thoughts.
"I...I felt it... It nearly sucked me into the dark, Andy..." I whisper. He sits up and pulls me into his arms and holds me.
"It did the same thing to me...We must get rid of it," he says.
"Tomorrow..." I murmur. I eye the amulet lying on the floor. I have to pick it up, but I don't want to. I am too afraid.
"We can't leave it there, Mari..." he says.
"I know that... Fine, I will get it. You just stay exactly where you are." I slip off the bed and with great reluctance, I retrieve the fallen locket. I quickly put it into my backpack and zip it closed. I leave it by the door. I settle on the bed, but this time, I settle in his arms. He gently turns me until I am beneath him and he nestles. He cups my face and trails feather-light kisses along my jawline, to my mouth, where he moulds his lips to mine. I grip the hem of his shirt with my hands as our kiss intensifies. He slowly moves away from my mouth and he trails kisses along my jawline. I tug his shirt up and I place my hands on the small of his back. I hear the unmistakable sound of a zip being pulled down and then I feel him...
"Andy," I murmur. He quickly divests me of my pants and then he is back in my arms. He nestles once again and he continues kissing me. He is gently touching me and my heart rate escalates dramatically. I move beneath him and he lets out a strangled sigh. I quickly lift his shirt over his head and I toss it the ground. Then he unbuttons mine and when it is open, he presses himself into me. There is nothing we enjoy more than being skin-to-skin. I grip his shoulders that are already slick with sweat.
"Andy, please," I moan. My stomach muscles are clenching painfully. He moves against me, eliciting another sigh from me. I tighten my arms around him and I press my lips against his shoulder. From there I work my way towards his neck where I nibble him.
"Mari," he murmurs. He tightens his arms around me, and then he is there. I close my eyes, revelling in his possession of me and the fullness he can only give to me
