Thanks for the comment, Superstar Kid. :) As if to reply to your comment about introduction of the other characters, here's... Varric! I think he's the best ever dwarven character Bioware has ever came up with in all their games. Only Khelgar in NWN2 comes close. Oh, and yes, Isabela will be appearing in not before too long as well!
Chapter 10
9:31 Dragon
City of Kirkwall
"I'm sure you can imagine the reason I've called you here tonight," a tall elven woman spoke. Dressed in fine leather armor, curved daggers that had seen much use hanging at her hips, the woman's harsh, angular face was marred by a nasty looking scar across her cheek. Despite the tough exterior, the look on her face was as friendly as Riona and Bethany had ever seen.
"Today marks the last day of the contract between myself, your uncle and yourselves," Athenril said. "From tomorrow, you will be free to do as you please, Hawke sisters."
Riona breathed a sigh of relief. Lately she hadn't been sure of Athenril's plans for them, there was always the chance she would try to force them to continue working with her. "It was as good as we could have hoped, considering the circumstances," she said.
"I try to look after my most important assets," the elf nodded. "Good to know that you do not feel in some way wronged."
"Are you going to continue running the smuggling ring?" Bethany asked.
Athenril's brow wrinkled in slight dissatisfaction. "The operation won't collapse just because losing two-" then she stopped, leaning back in her chair and sighing. "Ah, who am I trying to kid? Everyone knows that you two are the biggest, if not only reason this thieves' band is still up and running. Without you at my side, I'd be swimming in the filthy waters of the channel long time ago."
Riona felt herself blush at the praise, seeing the same reaction on Bethany's cheeks. "We're not that good, really. It's just that... everyone here fears mages so much."
"And sometimes that is all it takes," Athenril said. "I will miss you two. But our deal will be honored like I said, and I will simply have to deal with the consequences."
"Consequences? What are your options?" Riona asked.
"Well, I could just fold the operation and disappear completely. Despite some setbacks," she traced the scar running along her cheek. "We have had a profitable year. With what little wealth I have, I could start a new life somewhere else. There's some appeal to this," Riona nodded to that. "On the other hand, the 'join us or die' ultimatum from the Coterie is still on the table. Like they say, if you can't beat them, join them. But being just a rank assassin there, not able to call the shots... I don't know."
"At least you'd get them off your back," Bethany spoke up. "Can't ask for better protection than being one of them."
"I heard you received that ultimatum months ago. If you were going to join Coterie, why wait?" Riona turned to the elf.
"I'll be honest with you," the elf said, reaching for a bottle of Antivan brandy and then grabbing three glasses. "I did not want to pass your contract over to those bastards. They would have tried to hold on to you even after the deal had expired."
"We're really, really grateful that you would do that for us, Athenril," Riona said, meaning every single word. "I confess being a little afraid it might happen, but... well, it seems there is still honor amongst thieves, as I've heard some say."
"Yes, many, many thanks Athenril," Bethany accepted the filled glasses from the elf, passing one to her sister, as they shared a drink in companionable silence, an honor Athenril rarely bestowed on anyone in her employ.
"There was another option, but... I doubt you'd be interested in that," Athenril said a while later, reaching for the bottle for a refill.
"Maybe so, but no harm in talking about it, right?" Bethany said, looking intrigued.
"I thought about keeping an independent operation running. Only this time with you as partners. Fifty-fifty share between me and you two. It would be a dangerous life, though," she touched the scar again. "You would have to hide constantly."
Riona paused to think. Starting tomorrow, they would have no employment, and that meant no income, their savings poor at best. Athenril's offer at least would mean having a job of sorts, and even shared two ways, it might be quite profitable. On the other hand, the dangers were quite real. Athenril could barely leave her hideouts for constant fear of death, and Riona didn't want the same life for herself and Bethany, the threat of templars was severe enough without adding to it. And they were trying to reclaim their once proud family name, hopefully in time moving back into the circles of Hightown nobility. Running a smuggling business was somewhat at odds with these aspirations.
"Your offer is flattering, but I fear we must decline," Riona said politely. "This is not the kind of life that me and my sister would like to lead, if we have a choice." She saw Bethany nodding at her words. "I hope our refusal does not offend."
"Not at all," Athenril said. "I think you are probably wise to say no. Ah well. Back to square one for me."
"Well... whatever you decide to do, we wish you best of luck," Bethany said. They sat together for a while, until the bottle was finished... just like this particular chapter in their lives.
The next two weeks after parting with Athenril and her gang, Riona spent in futile attempts of trying to find the ever illusive Bartrand Tethras, the dwarf behind the plans for the Deep Roads expedition. With so many after a spot on the potentially lucrative venture, getting a hold of the head of House Tethras was more difficult than catching a greased nug. Eventually, when Riona managed to arrange the meeting, the outcome left her disappointed. Bartrand dismissed them without even fully hearing them out, their darkspawn slaying credentials of no consequence to the dwarf.
"What are we going to do now?" Bethany asked desperately as the two were aimlessly wandering the streets of Hightown, having left the Dwarven Merchants Guild. "If we don't earn some coin and status soon, we will forever remain vulnerable, anyone will be able to sell us out to the templars and they will not hesitate to drag us to the Gallows."
"We'll think of something, Beth," Riona tried calmingly, but the hopelessness of their situation was slowly starting to get to her as well.
"This expedition could have been our ticket out of that dump," Bethany sighed.
"I know, but it can't be the only way-" some youth accidentally bumped into her as they walked, then swiftly walking off. Riona's hand moved to check the money pouch at her belt, with great distress discovering that it was gone. "Hey! Hold that man!" she whirled around, but the young man was already on the run, about to dash around the corner and disappear.
Then, there was a loud whizzing sound in the air, ending with a heavy thud. With disbelief, they watched the thief pinned to the wall of an estate, his shoulder pierced by a crossbow bolt of disturbing size. Before they had a chance to react, the oddest looking man appeared on the scene, the weird crossbow on his back identifying him as the one behind the remarkable shot.
The man, or rather, the dwarf walked up to the hapless thief, struggling with the bolt in his shoulder. Words were exchanged, and quickly Riona's money pouch found its way into the dwarf's hand. He then punched the young man hard in the face before mercilessly removing the bolt. The thief whimpered in pain and clutching his shoulder ran away as fast as he could.
Twirling the crossbow bolt in his fingers and juggling the money pouch with his other hand, the dwarf approached them. Bethany and Riona exchanged glances, not sure what to think of all this, before the dwarf tossed the pouch lined with coins back to her. Riona fumbled a little but managed to just catch it. "I believe this is yours," he said in a pleasant, smoky voice. "A pleasure to make an acquaintance. Name is Varric, Varric Tethras."
"Tethras? Any relationship with Bartrand?" Bethany was the first to recover her wits, while Riona was still staring at the dwarf, in particular his shirt under the leather jerkin, which he wore almost completely unbuttoned, displaying a generous amount of chest hair.
"My beloved brother, no less," Varric grinned. "So, it is my understanding that you tried to get on board of Bartrand's little venture."
"And we got rudely dismissed," Riona said.
"Trust my brother not to recognize a good investment," Varric shook his head sadly. "Me, I'd very much want to have someone like you along us in the Deep Roads."
"But you don't even know us," Riona noted, getting a little suspicious.
"I know everyone in this city worth knowing," the dwarf replied, a little proudly, but still Riona got the feeling he wasn't exaggerating. "Your exploits in Athenril's service haven't gone unnoticed, despite you both trying to keep a low profile. The name 'Hawke' is on many lips these days."
"As long as those lips don't belong to templars charging us with swords drawn," Bethany whispered.
"Worry not Sunshine, your secret is safe with me," Varric winked at her, easily overhearing Bethany's little aside.
"So what are you saying? That you can just talk to your brother and get us in?" Riona asked.
"Ah, not quite that easy. Bartrand is still my older brother, in charge of all family business, including dealing with the Dwarven Merchants Guild, Stone take them. As his younger brother, I have little say, he is not going to include you simply because I ask him to, no, we'll have to sell the idea to him."
"...which means..." Riona ventured.
"Bartrand finds himself struggling with funds. He is crowded by hopefuls with no coin, but lacking an investor who could offer him enough gold on terms he would find acceptable. If I would bring you to him as a potential partner, he would revise his position."
"That's great news. Only one downside, Ser Dwarf. We're flat broke. This?" she pointed at the money pouch. "Not even couple of sovereigns, I doubt that'll be enough."
"You would need at least fifty to get him interested," Varric nodded. "But you're looking at this the wrong way. You need to look at the bigger picture. This city is full of opportunity to raise coin. This is where I come in; I can help you find jobs, I have plenty of connections in the city and I know all the latest rumors."
"Interesting," Riona mused, her eyes sizing the dwarf up one more time. "What is it that you do exactly, Varric Tethras?"
"Oh, not much... I watch, I listen... I talk... a lot!"
"You're not with the Carta, are you?" Bethany asked. "Or the Coterie?"
"Oh no, no," Varric's face, up to now stuck in almost permanent knowing grin, wrinkled in disgust. "I do not count myself among any such organization. If you deal with me, you deal only with Varric, no strings attached. Well, Varric and Bianca," he added, affectionately patting his crossbow.
"I like Bianca," Bethany grinned. "She makes nice holes in the shoulders of nasty thieves."
"And this Varric seems like a useful dwarf himself, too," Riona smiled at her sister. "Maybe we should take him up on his generous offer! First though..." she turned back towards the dwarf. "A few more questions."
"At your service," he bowed gallantly.
"So, even if we do manage to collect all that coin, would your brother just accept someone like us as partners? Also, by the time we've gathered all that gold, he would have likely found someone else and the expedition would be long gone."
"That is true, he might not want to take you on even if you brought him the gold. But that's why you've got me! I'd be there to vouch for you," Varric grinned again. "As for the time we have on our hands, do not expect Bartrand to move out for a long while yet, it might take up to a year to map the roads into the places he intends to travel."
"You seem like a reasonable dwarf, Varric, do you really think this venture will pay off?" Riona asked.
"It makes sense. Going in there just after the Blight is defeated, there will be fewer of the darkspawn, I figure the thinking is sound. And Bartrand has some good information on promising sites. He's a bit stumped on how to get to them, though, that's the only problem... well, that and the additional coin he needs."
"But if it was that sure of a plan, wouldn't he have an easy time finding investors?" Bethany piped up.
Varric's grin grew even wider. "Sovereign for the smart lady Sunshine!" he laughed. "When I say that it 'seems sensible', that is still very relative. The risks are still great, and we'll be lucky if half of those who set out on the expedition ever return to Kirkwall. But it's the best time to go, and the rewards can be worth it. They can set your family up for life. Help you get back your family mansion," he added with a wink.
"He knows everything!" Bethany gasped. "That's it Ri, we're taking this dwarf with us, there's no two thoughts about it."
Riona grinned. "Well, I guess my sister has decided that we will accept your proposition." She reached out to shake the dwarf's hand. "Welcome aboard, Varric."
"A start of many colorful adventures, I am sure," Varric grinned, before leaning a little closer and speaking quietly. "Listen, there is more we should discuss about the expedition, but this isn't really the place for such talk. Come tonight by the Hanged Man and we'll talk. It is important."
"The Hanged Man? Hardly a proper place for two young ladies such as us," Riona laughed. "Very well, we'll be there."
"You'll be surprised, even shocked, but it will be our first visit there," Bethany admitted.
"Scandalous! I almost call the place my home, I will make sure to introduce you with everyone worth knowing," Varric promised. "Also, I should have some leads on potential job opportunities by then."
"That sounds good to me," Riona nodded.
"Ri, we're like a few minutes' walk from the Keep. Why don't we pop in and see how Aveline's doing, she did mention she might sometimes have some jobs worth doing."
"Your friend in the guard," Varric said knowingly. "The one rare guardswoman who is immune to bribes, so I hear. Been a shock for quite a few smugglers around here!"
"That sounds like our Aveline, indeed," Riona chuckled. They walked through the pleasant shade in the Viscount's Way, on their way to the Keep, until Riona broke the silence again. "So, Varric... that's an... interesting way to wear your shirt." Bethany giggled at that.
"By popular request of my female admirers, of which there are many I assure you," Varric laughed good-naturedly.
Riona smiled. "I think I will refrain from wearing my dress in a similar manner, though. It would probably got me arrested, too."
"Now that would make for quite the story," Varric said. "Make sure to warn me in advance if you do decide to try, though. I should be there to write it down and ensure historical accuracy."
"Don't get your hopes up, Ser Dwarf, we're more likely to fall up into the sky than see Riona dressed in something even remotely risqué," Bethany laughed.
"Cruelly betrayed by my own sibling!" Riona glared at her sister, while Varric just looked endlessly amused.
Soon enough they reached the ever impressive Viscount's Keep and proceeded inside, into the busy waiting halls, filled with guards and many more or less exasperated audience seekers, hoping to see the viscount or the seneschal. Riona had visited Aveline in the barracks a few times before, and she confidently strode the red carpeted floor upstairs, and to the right, through a corridor lined with the creepy looking statues of birdlike humanoid things of Tevinter origin that seemed to be on display everywhere, then down another sequence of stairs to finally reach the home of the Kirkwall guard.
There usually weren't all that many guards back in the barracks at the same time, most out doing their patrol duty. Aveline was not amongst those few idly playing Wicked Grace or having a good stab at the target dummies, and a quick study of the roster board revealed that their friend should return very shortly, her patrol on the Docks nearly over. They perched down on the benches in the waiting room, Varric's wild tales helping them pass time. Riona had decided she rather liked the strange dwarf, he was one of the few in this city who hadn't reacted hysterically to the fact that she and Bethany were apostate mages.
After half an hour worth of waiting, Aveline finally showed up... and strode right by them, looking exhausted from the patrol and not even noticing them.
"Aveline!" Riona rose from her seat. "Not even a moment's time for your old friends?"
"Riona? Bethany!" Aveline turned around, surprised. "I am sorry, I was so deep in thought. Troubling news, some of them involving you!"
"Me? What did I do?" Riona tried her best innocent expression, for once honestly not knowing what she was being accused of.
"I hear you've been talking with that scoundrel Bartrand," Aveline said seriously. "Riona, that dwarf is always up to no good, I suggest you be very careful in your dealings with him."
"I see my brother's reputation precedes him," Varric chuckled, looking amused.
"Bartrand's brother?" Aveline looked at the dwarf with open suspicion.
"Varric Tethras, at your service."
"What's going on here, Riona?" Aveline demanded.
"It's a long story... I'll bring you up to date later, if that's alright," Riona sighed. "Are you busy tonight?"
"Perhaps... there actually was something I wanted to ask your help with."
"What a charming coincidence, we were just on our way here to inquire about some job opportunities," Riona said, grinning.
"I might have something," Aveline said with her voice lowered, making sure that they would not be overheard. At this time in late afternoon, the barracks were usually quiet and they could talk out in the corridor without the risk of getting interrupted. "I keep getting given all sort of crap jobs, I'm sure Jeven just wants to keep me away from any chance of proving myself. So I've been poking around on my own free time."
"So your idea of free time is... basically doing overtime of your guard duty, with a pinch of keeping track of mine and Bethany's activities.. also called, spying?" Riona winked.
"I'm scared," Varric inserted.
"Well, someone has to keep an eye out on you infants," Aveline glared, then becoming more serious. "Honestly though, don't expect me to stop looking out for you, after all we've been through together."
"We know, Aveline, and we love you for it," Bethany smiled. "Now, about the job?"
"Right. There's something big coming up, I am sure of it. An ambush for a caravan, or something of the like, probably highwaymen smugglers. I've been talking to my inside contacts..."
"Someone from Athenril's old crew?" Riona wondered. A shadow of smile crossed Aveline's face. "Athenril herself? Oh, not a bad contact to have."
"Indeed, I am grateful she took my departure so well," the guardswoman said. "She has proven very useful so far. It was her who told me there's been a real lack of meat for hire recently. Someone has been hiring thugs, arranging escape routes... all the signs that point to a big operation."
"Time and place?" Riona asked.
"I think they plan to use one of the narrow passages near Sundermount. When? Could even be tonight, it's bound to take place very soon. I've checked the planned caravan routes and nothing seems to match, but the information I have is good and suggests otherwise."
"Sounds like we have another Sundermount trip under moonlight on the cards," Riona said. "Will the city open its coffers should we turn up successful?"
"I'm allowed to temporarily recruit competent civilians in the time of need, which includes adequate payment. You still claim to be competent, right?" Aveline looked at her with sarcastic smirk. "Anyway, I think Jeven would have to recognize that. And getting the guard on your side will only help you down the road... especially if you intend to travel that road in company of Bartrand and his brother."
"Now I am both shocked and insulted," Varric attempted to look offended, falling miserably.
"I would be fine to leave tonight, but I first need to meet Varric at the Hanged Man," Riona said thoughtfully. "In fact, if you could be there too, it would save a lot of explaining later."
"Hanged Man?" Aveline stared disapprovingly. "Of course I will be there, Leandra would be worried if she knew you are going to that pit all alone."
"Thank you!" Varric exclaimed, but Aveline ignored him completely.
"After that you can lead us to Sundermount. Varric, would you like to join us in hunting down some highwaymen?" Riona asked.
Varric gently patted Bianca's frame. "Just say the word, they'll never know what hit them."
"I'll ask Merrill to join us," Bethany spoke, looking excited.
"And I suppose we could ask that gloomy elf too... it's been a while since I've seen him," Riona mused. "If he's still in Kirkwall, I think I should talk with Fenris, yes."
"This time there is safety in numbers, I think," Aveline agreed. "I will meet you at the Hanged Man later, then. Do try not to get into any trouble until then?"
"Me? Trouble? I'm sure I don't know what you mean," Riona tried. Somehow, the expression on Aveline's face suggested she wasn't entirely convinced...