Another day, another job. The rhythm of their lives and the course of their free time. Always spent hunting pay with Hawke, who never seemed picky about the jobs she took. Barring absolutely vile ones that only thugs would be happy to take up. She would never stoop so low. But, she certainly didn't turn down even the oddest requests otherwise. Her companions sometimes were of the opinion she should think better of some offers, and not be so careless.
Fenris was in a rather good mood today, despite the current mission. His sleep had been rather decent of late, and following Marianna often led to him getting fed a decent meal at some point during their bustle. It seemed to him she'd start mothering everyone if she were allowed to. So long as they were on her good side.
It had all started that afternoon at the docks. He let her feed him that once, and she took it to mean she could do it all the time. Sometimes he would try to turn her down and point out that, just because he accepted the offer once, didn't mean he had to every time. But, he grew tired of arguing with her. She certainly was the sort to take a mile if given an inch, he thinks.
But, it did seem to be doing him some good. And so, he didn't stay bitter about her fussing over his welfare for long. It was a nice change, even if utterly new. He wasn't sure what drove her to 'coddle' him so much. To him, that's what it was. Coddling.
To Marianna, however, it was looking after someone who obviously didn't know how to properly take care of themselves. From her perspective, he seemed malnourished and the dark around his eyes spoke volumes of how he neglected to sleep enough. And she wondered about far more things, like whether or not he was drinking enough water and how well he looked after any sores or pains she missed in their dealings. After all, he reprised most efforts to heal the simple and minor ailments he'd end up with. Deeming it unnecessary. But, did *he* care for them at all?
The current task being done was a hunt for missing Templars. Not the oddest quest to accept, one might suppose. But, for a mage trying her best to avoid them and the Circle, this certainly didn't seem to be the way to go about it. Even if she gained their favor, it wouldn't do any good if any one of them witnessed her magic. And being found out was far too easy while she traipsed about 'helping.' So, by circumstance, this was an odd job to agree to. Her company truly hoped she knew what she was doing.
Starting from the Gallows, they chased the steps of one of the missing lads who had apparently returned and left with his superior. Out towards the coast. But, thankfully not to any caves or tunnels this time, so far as they were aware. Maker, Varric really hoped so. With him and Fenris, were Carver and Isabela. Hawke wanted no chance of getting either of the other mages she knew found out. So she refused to let them accompany her. And Aveline was on guard duty at present. Although, this would have, undoubtedly, been something that proved worth her time had she been there.
Despite the pleasant breeze wafting by, and the lightly cloud littered sky easing the glaring sun to a comfortable dimness, there was a stiffness to Hawke's movements. It got worse as they approached closer to where the rendezvous was supposed to be taking place. Until she came to a halt, balking just before reaching their mark. On the air shouts could be heard from ahead. Undoubtedly stemming from the two Templars they sought for.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Carver demanded.
Marianna gave no answer. She did not even show any sign she had heard him.
"What, are your nerves getting the better of you?" He scoffs, "Are you suddenly aware of how foolish this is? It's not too late to turn back you know. I'm sure mother would appreciate you not getting involved in Templar affairs and risk being hauled off to the Circle."
There's a slight shake to her head. So slow it's almost unnoticeable.
As a healer, the lives and health of others mattered to her more than it would to most. It was her sense of duty. She would not leave these young recruits in potential danger, no matter the risk. Especially given her own ability to empathize with the young girl who had requested she go on this hunt. A sister missing her brother. Scared and worried sick. Hawke missed her sibling to. 'Bethany.' She missed her something fierce. She could understand the pain.
"I don't much care what we do, but let's not just stand here." Isabela complained.
Still, nothing happened. Marianna did not move.
Fenris only sighed, not particularly caring if they had paused. It didn't matter much to him, he was only there to follow and pay back his debt. He didn't quite like where he was following to but, she was free to decide what led to it being repaid. Within reason. So far, his lines of what he would and would not do had not been crossed. So, there was no real reason for complaint.
The reason for her sudden stop was much more mysterious than a bit of nerves. Something, a tingle on the edge of her senses, one she'd never felt before, brought her to a stand still. Something was off, was wrong. But, there were no clues as to what. Still, she *knew* it wasn't mere anxiety.
Varric approaches her side with a soft call, "Hawke?..."
With a shudder, hoping to shake it off she continues. Leaving Varric to wonder what was wrong.
A few more paces brought Wilmod and Ser Cullen into view. The latter pushed the younger man to the ground, spouting a threat and brandishing his sword. Marianna nearly leapt between them, much to the others' chagrin.
"Don't you lay a hand on that boy!" She snapped before she even really knew what she was doing.
Ser Cullen spat back, "This is Templar business, stranger! It's none of your concern!"
The glare he shoots her way could still a lion in its tracks, but Hawke is nearly oblivious, reacting without much thought.
The tingle was now more akin to a hum or vibration. It seemed familiar, but how so was utterly lost on her. She just couldn't make sense of it. Her focus divided, she wasn't really thinking her approach through. Otherwise, she might have taken to more caution while intervening.
"You've struck me for the last time, pathetic human!" Wilmod cries with the voice of some sort of beast.
His sudden and impossibly hoarse growl gets everyone's attention. The hum on Marianna's senses now tolling like alarm bells. This cannot be right...
Wilmod writhes around wildly, his form distorting, and flesh bubbling up into grotesque masses. His face is so unrecognizable and horrid, one with a weak stomach might vomit at the sight. He has become an abomination, transformation taking mere seconds.
His new enemies might have thought to strike him down before the change was complete, if not for being frozen in surprise. After all, this was impossible. How could it be happening?
Shades raise from the dust to back him up, and he throws the first punch. Aiming for his former brother in arms. This shakes everyone free from their disbelief and sets them in motion. A flurry of distress and self defense as the shades part and pick a different target each.
Hawke watches as one slinks straight at her, but she faces a dilemma. Defend herself and reveal her status as a mage, or hope to survive the onslaught and keep her freedom. There's barely a second to think on it before her foe comes looming over her. The time to decide is now...
