Mage Gothic

10 - Saemus, and the Viscount

The Wounded Coast.

"Oh Andraste, I've never seen so much death!" the Viscount's son moaned.

Saemus appeared rather ill.

"So much blood!" he called out.

I was thinking along the same lines, but by now I'd been desensitised to this sort of thing, so it didn't bother me nearly as much as it did the Viscount's son.

"Pull it together, Saemus," Carver ordered "there's more of them out there, we need to keep moving."

We had just been attacked by the latest wave of Winters, a mercenary group out of Nevarra. They, like us were after Saemus so they could bring him back to the Viscount for the reward for his return. Unlike us they didn't care how willing Saemus was to get back to Kirkwall, nor did they care about how many people they had to kill in order to get the bounty.

"Hawke!" Fenris yelled. "There's more coming!"

Carver growled and lift his sword into the air.

"What are we doing, brother?" Bethany asked "Should we keep running?"

We had been running down the road back to the city for some time now, but we kept having to stop in order to fight off any Winters that had caught up to us. No one sure where they were coming from, or how many of them there were, and by the looks of things there even more ahead.

When I turned back to see if we were being followed I saw even more of the fuckers coming up the road after us. It looked hopeless. I'd already fired my pistols and I had no time to reload so all I had was my sword, and I wasn't very good with that. I'd wished I was better with magic, but I'd only ever been tutored on the subject by Bethany, and them later by Anders, and he was more a healer than a fighter.

It all looked lost, then I saw Merrill's eyes which had turned red. A red aura floated around her outstretched hands, it was if she was struggling to push them outward.

That was when the enemy warriors around us screamed. I watched, in a mixture of horror and wonder as Merrill used her powers to destroy the people who'd been trying to kill us. Then the redness around Merrill's hands and in her eyes faded, and she fell to her knees, looking exhausted.

"Merrill!" Anders yelled as he and Bethany ran over to her "What did you do?".

It had been blood magic, we all knew that, but it had saved us so I hard time seeing it as evil.

"I don't like it," the elf said while covering her face. "I hate it. Using blood magic like that... it's wrong."

While I agreed with her, I also knew the reason why Merrill had done it: to save the people she cared about.

"It'll be all right, Merrill" Bethany assured the elf "You did what you had to".

Anders loathed Blood Magic, but under these conditions it was hard to be angry about it. Even Fenris wasn't that mad, although he was certainly not happy.

"I know, but..." Daisy said.

Merrill then stood and wiped the tears from her eyes.

"That's not the reason why I chose to learn blood magic" she informed us "I told myself I would never use it unless it was to help my people. You're all just as important, but I've never killed anyone using it".

What worried me now was that this might be how the corruption of mages started. I doubted anyone just woke up one morning and decided to be an evil magic user, they always had a reason for using blood magic and once they got a taste of that power they found other reasons to justify using it.

"Alright, I think that's all of them," said Carver, who seemed to have decided to ignore the fact that blood magic had been used "If there are more, then they will be waiting for us inside the city".

Now that he'd spoken I realised that he might be on to something. The rest of the Winters could be inside the city, waiting to ambush anyone who tried to claim the reward. If this was the case then we were going to have to be very careful in how we got Saemus back to the Keep.

(Line Break)

Lowtown.

Rather than go directly to the Keep we'd gone to the home that Bethany, Merril and I shared as Daisy needed to rest.. Since it was now night it seemed extra wise to lay low until morning and then send for Aveline who could get us a guard escort. It seemed the smartest course of action.

Varric had soon left the house, as for Carver had gone the home he shared with his mother and Uncle. Fenris had also gone home, which was good because I really didn't want him around any mages right now. Anders had gone back to the clinic, but I wasn't worried about him, at least not anymore than I normally was.

As for Isabela she had stuck around, she like Bethany was worried about Merril but in the sense of being worried for her health and well-being, not because she was killing people with forbidden magic.

Perhaps it would have been wiser to have more people guarding Saemus, but it could also could have drawn attention. Not that I was too worried as the people around kept to themselves. Also I doubted any of them would know who Saemus was just by looking at him, right now he didn't look like the son of an important noble. He was dirty from the road and his clothes were torn.

"I thank you for saving me the" Viscount's son said "I don't know what would have happened if those brutes had tried taking me to my father".

Isabela had ideas.

"Bad things, of course" she said.

That was when the Viscounts son noticed the magix mirror.

"What's that?" he asked.

It was a mirror, or at least it seemed to be one. The glass was cracked in a few places making spider web like patterns all over the surface. What was more interesting was that the mirror didn't reflect anything.

"You know I've always wandered the same" Isabela said before turning to the elf "Merrill?"

I wondered how the Dalish mage would handle losing the mirror when I arranged for it to go missing.

"It's nothing," Merrill said as she quickly went over and shut the door to her room. "Just an old mirror. Now let's all go to bed, then in the morning we'll go to the Keep".

Everyone was tired, so no one argued with that.

(Line Break)

The Keep

"I wasn't kidnapped," Saemus explained as we took him to his father's office "I... ran away. I can't stand how he treats me. He may be my father, but he is viscount first. Our ideals always seem to clash, and what he wants me to become, is not what I want to be".

He was a typical teenager in my view.

"So the Qunari you were with" Carver asked "Who was he?"

He answered without delay.

"Ashaad. He was a scout, sent by his Arishok to map the coast" Saemus told us "Ashaad never lied, never coddled. You were worth his time, or you were not. They are not the brutes others claim them to be".

Bethany was next to speak.

"So have you been spending time with this Ashaad?" she asked.

Again Saemus didn't hold back on information.

"I met him soon after their ship crashed" he told us "I had run away, again, to escape the keep and my father. Ashaad was working to map the coast to 'find and answer for the Arishok.' I had so many doubts. the Qunari have none".

My thinking was that at least a few of them did, but would never dare to express these doubts for fear of punishment.

"You were his friend?" Carver enquired "I didn't think Qunari could have friends".

Seamus shook his head.

"Perhaps 'friend' isn't the right word" he tried to make us understand "I am the viscount's son, bound by everything that means. Ashaad did not care. We were both seeking something. That was enough".

Saemus then took the lead, and led us right to the viscount's office. As we made our way the guards took up posts around the building and this allowed me to see the nobles, who were standing around gossiping. I didn't doubt that they taking careful note Saemus's return and those who were accompaning him home.

"Bran, I'm hear to see my father" Seames said when we ran into the Seneschal.

Bran nodded.

"Yes, of course" he replied "Your father will be very eager to see you. Come with me."

Bran took us to a set of large doors, opening them to reveal a sitting room beyond. On the other side was another set of large doors that were already open. Inside was the viscount's office, and Viscount Dumar was sitting at his desk. He was an elderly man with a bald head and white stubble upon his chin. The crown of Kirkwall was placed about his head, which I found odd as the Viscount was elected, there was no public vote, it was decided by the nobles who held the office, but it was still somewhat democratic so the head piece seemed out of place.

"Father" Saemus said once he had entered the office.

Viscount Dumar looked up from the paperwork on his desk, and gasped when he saw his child.

"My son! I thought I'd lost you" the man said happily.

He stood and went around the desk to greet Saemus and to hug him. Saemus placed his arms around his father but he gave little affection in return.

"Yes, Father, I am back" he stated "I may not be alive if it wasn't for the Hawke family.

It was only Carver, Bethany and I in this office, the others had waited outside. I wasn't actually a Hawke, but I used the name since I'd been more or less adopted into the family.

"Greetings, your Excellency" I said with a short bow.

The Viscount was pleased to meet us.

"You have my gratitude" he said "and I hope you encountered no great difficulties on my son's behalf".

I felt someone nudge me so I spoke for the group.

"A group known as the Winters did forcibly try to take your son" I told the leader of the city "We dealt with most of them, but there could be more members of the group somewhere in the city".

The Viscount looked horrified. He turned to his son, then to the seneschal.

"They did as about the reward for returning Saemus from his kidnapper" Bran explained "but so did many others I had no reason to think they would harm your son".

I wondered if that was true. If Saemus's actions made the Viscount look weak and wouldn't past one of his supporters to try to get rid of the young man.

"I'll inform the guards that the Winters are no longer welcome in the city" Bran the said "Should they return they'll be arrested".

The viscount was still not pleased

"I've heard of their ways, and am glad you were able to keep them from hurting my son" he said to us.

If given the chance I would have replied, however the Viscount's son spoke before I could.

"They killed my friend" said Saemus. "Does that mean anything to you?"

It seemed like an odd question given that his father hadn't even mentioned the Qurari and neither had anyone else, it was as if Saemus just wanted to start an argument, which given that he was teenager, this could be the case.

"Your friend?" Dumar said, surprised "Are you talking about that Qunari who took you?".

I figured that soon it would be time to leave.

"He did not take me. I went with him because I wished to" his son replied "Ashaad had no intention of taking me by anywhere by force".

Now the Viscount was angry rather than concerned.

"So you were foolishly traipsing about the coast," Dumar said with a frown "I should have known"

Saemus scowled.

"Yes, you should have, then Ashaad might still be alive" he chided "They are not monsters to be feared. If you would just try to understand, others would see as well".

I coughed but not one paid me any attention.

"Better that you were thought abducted than to have their influence suspected in my own family... benign or not" the viscount said.

I coughed again, still it had no effect.

"And what would be wrong with that?" asked Saemus. "The Qunari have ideas that may be aid Kirkwall".

I didn't try to get their attention for a third time.

"Saemus, not here, not now" pleaded the older man.

This was typical father versus son, each with a different perceptive on the issues going on in the city. The Qunari being here was a big deal, as many people didn't like them having a presence here.

The Viscount was only trying to keep the peace, but with his son travelling with them and maybe even being influenced by the Qunari, it made it look as the leader of this city favoured the Qunari, which would upset many important people. It was no wonder rescuing Saemus was kept quiet.

"Excuse me" I said loudly enough that no one could ignore me "I think this is a private matter that my friends and I have no part in. If we could just get our reward, then we will get out of your way".

That had been polite enough not to be offenceive, and Bran figured that this was a good time led us out of the room. Once he had he handed us a money purse

"Here" he said "Now please leave. Your services are no longer needed".

I took the bag of coins and headed out to the main entrance of the keep. Only to suddenly be called back.

"Oh I almost forgot" Bran said "I was going to send this to your mother, but since she added your names to the document I can give it you".

I opened up the official looking scroll.

'Your petition to reclaim the Amell estate has been approved' I read.

I had to wait for Bethany to calm down before reading more.

'The ownership of the estate will be returned to you upon successful registration of'

There was some legal stuff that made little sense to me. I'd have to run it by Varric, who knew about this stuff.

'As of now, the fee is calculated to be...'

I was very surprised.

"Its less than the reward we just got given" I told the twins "and its not just the house, there's a few farms and ranches too, we'll get rent from them as the Amell family owns the land. There's some back taxes too, but those can paid over time according to this".

Which meant we would still have to go down to the Deep Roads or we'd up in debt and lose the house, or at least the land.

"Gamlen's sale of the house wasn't legal so its been rendered void by the Viscount's order" I went on say "and since it was the slavers, who are now dead, who brought the house they can't try to block this".

I read some more.

"We'll have to get Varric to double check this, and go see the moneylender too" I was now saying "but if I'm reading this right, once we pay the tax and file the paperwork the Hawke family will have the Amell lands and therefore be nobles".

This was wonderful news.

"What are we doing now?" Bethany asked, sounding giddy.

Carver laughed.

"I'd say we're done for the day" remarked the warrior "You two can go do whatever you want. As for me, I'm heading to the Hanged Man. I want a drink".

As did I.

(Line Break)

Lowtown

Using the reward money we'd paid off the fees, and we had also filled out the paper work. Now the Hawke family was in debt, but the estate was theirs and if the Deep Roads trip went well the debts could be paid off. If things went well they'd still have enough money left over that none of them would need to work another day.

The Hawke's were now nobles, and when I married Bethany, assuming we got to that point, I'd also be a noble since I would legally be able to take the Hawke name. Normally the wife took the husband's surname but there was rule saying it couldn't be the other way around.

"So you raised the money and got the house" said the pirate.

Isabela smirked as she gestured for the barkeep.

"Then we need to do something fun tonight" she stated.

I had a feeling that I knew where this was going.

"Like what?" Bethany asked.

"I promised Kitten I'd teach her a few things" Isabela told us Can't think of a better time than right now."

Isabela gestured to the barkeep again.

"We need a bottle of Tevinter spirit, a few shot glasses, and as many lime wedges as you can give us" she ordered.

Once she collected what she needed, Isabela took us over to where Merrill was sitting

"Right, Kitten, you ready to learn how to do body shots?" she asked.

I'd so guessed it right.

"Ooh, is that what we're going to do?" Merrill asked excited.

"Yes. Tonight's going to be a fun night" the pirate promised "Plus after my own failure, a little bit of fun is needed."

I also knew what she meant by that.

"Failed to find the relic again?" I asked.

Isabela had no idea how I knew about the relic, and it was driving her crazy.

"If you really must know, then yes" she told me "The lead I thought was good, well... it wasn't. Don't worry, Gothic, even if it was a good lead, I wasn't going to go after it without you lot".

She'd need the help.

"Glad to hear it" I said.

Focus was then returned to the drinking.

"Kitten, are you ready?" Isabela asked Merrill.

She wasn't, but he was putting on a brave face.

"Yeah, I think" Merril lied "Could I see you do it, first?"

Isabela looked happy to do so, she opened the brand new bottle of what passed for vodka in this world. Then she poured a little of it into a shot glass and tucked it right into her cleavage. She then took some salt and rubbed it on her neck, making a trail down to the shot glass. Last of all, she took a lime wedge and held it between her fingers.

"Now listen, Kitten, you too Bethany" she instructed "this is the order you need to go. Salt. Shot. Lime. Got it?"

I already knew what to do. I'd done it before, once a long time ago, but it was an experience you didn't forget. Not if the girl was super hot like Isabela.

"Yeah, I think I do," Merrill said as she stared at the shot glass between Isabela's breasts.

I wondered if Daisy was bi. I was sure she wasn't gay because Bethany had told me that Merril had peeked on me while I changed.

"I'm not sure I want to do this," said Bethany.

"It's okay, Bethie," the pirate assured "You'll have fun."

Beth nudged me.

"You go first" she said.

I was midly shocked to hear that.

"You're actually going to let me do this?" I asked.

Bethany smiled.

"Sure" she said "you deserve it".

I figured she was right, we all had worked hard these last few weeks.

"Gothic" Isabela cooed "I'm waiting."

I noticed then that I was starting to gather attention, especially from some of the male patrons.

"You know my boobs aren't big" stated Merril.

Isabela laughed.

"No need to worry about that" she replied "There are other ways to play this game.

It could also been done by resting the shot glass on a flat stomach, or by pouring into the belly button. But the breast way was more fun.

"I'm sure you know all the ways" I said to the raider.

Then I lowered my head down to Isabela's neck, licked the salt off her neck by following the salt trail down across her collar and down to just above her breasts before I came to the shot glass. Taking it in my mouth, I gripped it with my teeth and lifted it out of Isabela's cleavage. Then I tipped my head back and drank down the booze.

Next I put the glass down looked for the lime wedge. It was no longer placed between Isabela's fingers, but instead laid provocatively between her teeth.

So I took the lime between her own teeth, moving close so our lips connected. Isabela opened her mouth to allow me to take the lime.

Then I sucked on the lime. When all the juices were gone, I threw the peel on the table and noticed that we now had the whole tavern's attention, including Varric and Fenris who had been playing cards. The whole pub had gone quiet. I was so glad that Carver had gone out with Gamlen, to the Blooming Rose, as he'd be upset to see me doing this even if Bethany didn't mind.

"Looks like we've got ourselves an audience." Isabela said as she looked around. "Kitten, are you ready for your turn? What would you like to be? The licker? Or the lickee?"

I was wondering if we could charge for this show, we could always use a few more coins.

"Who would I be doing it with?" Merrill asked. "You or Bethany, do only girls get licked?"

So many people laughed at that.

"Bethany" Isabela said "Come on"

Beth's cheeks suddenly grew red.

"Lie down and pull up your shirt, Bethany" the pirate instructed "I have another way I want Merrill to try."

"Alright, I guess..." Bethany muttered.

I was enjoying this far to much to hide.

"You're going to get it when we get home," Bethany promised as she laid on the table and pulled up her shirt to expose her stomach "You just wait".

I chuckled.

"We'll see I" I said.

Isabela made her way over to Bethany and handed her a lime wedge.

"Do whatever you want with it, just make sure it stays somewhere on your body" the raider instructed

Taking the bottle, Isabela carefully poured a small shot into Bethany's bellybutton. She then took some more salt and rubbed it around my girlfriend's bellybutton, careful not to spill the liquid.

"Do you remember the order?" Isabela asked Merrill.

It was strange to think that just yesterday this elf, who was so seeminly innocent, had been killing people with blood magic.

"Salt. Shot. Lime. Right?" replied Merrill.

She sounded more certain than her words had suggested.

"That's right sweetness" the raider said.

Isabela moved out of the way so Merrill could have full access to Bethany's belly. Merrill looked down at Beth before saying anything.

"This is strange, isn't it?" she commented.

I spent a moment wondering how this practice had come about on both my world and this one, but I was too distracted to think about that for long.

"Very, so just get it over with" Bethany whispered.

The blood mage lowered her head and began licking the salt off Bethany's skin, going around her bellybutton. Once all the salt was gone, the elf placed her lips next to Beth's bellybutton and she sucked the liquid slowly into her mouth. She shot up once all the drink was gone, and her eyes began to water.

"The lime, Kitten. Quick!" Isabela encouraged.

She looked for the lime to see it between Bethany's teeth. Quickly she went and grabbed it with her own, not really touching Bethany's lips but getting pretty close. With the lime in her mouth, she sucked on the juices, only to split the wedge out and gag.

"Oh that made it taste even worse!" Merril complained.

There was another round of laughter.

"It's not suppose to" Isabela said "It's just part of the fun!"

That was apparently lost on the elf.

"Uh, that was horrible," Merrill said as she sat down, holding her stomach. "I don't feel very good right now".

"You'll be fine, Kitten," Isabela said as she squeezed her shoulder. "You did good. A few more times and you'll be used to it".

That I'd like to see, and I wasn't the only one.

"Holy Maker..." said one of the men at the bar. "Please do that again."

Now I was less happy about this. I didn't really like the idea of other men looking at Bethany that way.

"Don't worry, boys," Isabela said to all the men staring at them. "The shows not over with yet. We still have a whole bottle to finish".

Merril look a little ill.

"Virgins are so cute, aren't they?" Isabela joked.

I didn't think Merril was actually a virgin, at least not the sense that she'd never had sex as talked to Bethany on the subject and seemed to know about it. But she was naive about a lot of things.

"Are you sure we should corrupt her?" I asked. "Maybe we should wait until she's a little older".

That was when I realised that I had no idea how old Merril actually was. She was an elf so it was hard to tell her age.

"Come on they're old enough" the pirate said "Besides, how old were you when it was your first time?"

I didn't answer, so Isabela turned her attention to someone else.

Now, Bethany, I believe it's your turn!" the pirate declared "Come drink from my bosom".

This was going to be so hot.