Pair of Hawkes

by tyrna

The twins Adia and Amber Hawke make their escape from Ferelden and come to settle in Kirkwall. These are their misadventures over seven years, and the story of the friends they make along the way. Completey AU, and based on an online RP.

14. Thrask's Task

The rest of that night passed uneventfully, and Adia regained consciousness snuggled up to a warm body. She mumbled incoherently and nuzzled herself closer, wrapping her arms around the body... Until she realized the body was lacking in fur. Her eyes shot open and she stared wide-eyed at the person she was holding. Fenris was staring back at her with the same expression, every muscle in his body tense. "I take it you thought I was your hound?" he asked after a few moments.

"ACK!" Adia screamed, kicking out with her legs and knocking the Elf off the bed. He fell to the floor with a muffled yell, and Amber's head peeked over the bed, blinking sleepily at her sister. Carver was laughing himself silly.

"Adia, are you all right?" the female mage asked.

"Fenris-" Anders began, leaning a bit out of the bunk.

"Not a word, mage," he interrupted. "I am unharmed. I cannot say the same for my pride, however…" Adia was still bright red as she looked down at him.

"Fenris! I am so sorry! I... I thought you were Diego, and I forgot we shared the bed. Are you okay?"

"I am fine, Adia. Just... Startled is all."

"AHAHAHAHA! Not used to finding a man in your bed, Adia? That was bloody hysterical!" Carver teased, tears streaming down his face from laughing so hard. The mages and Fenris all glared at him, but he ignored them. The rogue slowly leaned over the edge of her bed, her braid nearly hitting Amber in the face.

"Some of us would like to retain our innocence until marriage, rather than sleeping with some trollop from the Rose," she informed her brother, sticking her tongue out at him. Amber started giggling, but Carver sat up, now annoyed.

"Faith is a wonderful, sweet girl!"

"Who's a sweet girl?" Leandra wondered as she opened the door, allowing Diego and Shadowfade back into the room.

"No one!" the youngest Hawke hastily replied, eyes wide as he blushed.

"Are you going to let him get away that easy?" Anders whispered. Adia flipped off the bed and smiled at her mother before bending down and helping Fenris stand.

"Oh! Carver didn't tell you, Mother? He met this wonderful girl named Faith! He's been talking about bringing her home and meeting the family!" She had a wide grin on her face as Carver looked horrified. Amber raised an eyebrow and smiled as well. The game of "make Carver pay" was in full swing.

"Oh yes! We've just been dying to meet her with how much he talks about her! They sound like a wonderful match."

"But-" he began, a pleading look in his eyes.

"You made your own bed, Carver Hawke," Fenris broke in. "Now you must lie in it... Or lie to get out of it, whichever you prefer."

"Oh Carver, I never thought you'd be the first one to find someone!" Leandra told him, eyes shining. "Is she from a good family? What does her father do? Where does she live? Oh, you must tell me everything!" The rogue yanked Carver out of his bed none-too-friendly and all but shoved him at the older woman.

"Yes, Carver. Tell Mother everything you've told us! I'm sure she wants to know everything there is to know about your new girl! I heard she was just lovely. Roses are her favorite flower, Mother." Smirks appeared on the twins' faces.

"Yes, especially blooming ones!" Amber added. Anders was trying not to laugh, and failing, which made his chest ache uncomfortably. Adia shut the door behind Carver and Leandra and just dropped to the floor in hysterics, curling into a ball and laughing like a mad woman. She stopped after a moment and popped back up, glaring at them all.

"And that is what happens when you wake me up in the middle of the night. Anyone care to try that in the future, and I will make your lives as miserable as my brother is right now."

"Understood," Fenris told her.

"I already knew," Amber said with a shrug.

"It's not like I wanted to get slammed into a wall, thank you," the healer quipped.

"Speaking of that, can you heal yourself yet?" the dark-haired girl wondered, putting a gentle hand on his shoulder. Anders rolled his eyes.

"Oh, you mean the little bits of ribs I now have floating around in my chest thanks to your brother's need to be the alpha male?"

"Yes," the Elf shot back, annoyance clear in his voice. Anders pressed a hand to his chest, and they all saw a blue glow envelop him for a moment. He took a breath, and didn't sound quite as wheezy.

"Better than it was, but I'll probably be struggling through today until my magick fully returns. Stupid, blighted Templars..." He closed his eyes and shook his head, and then buried his head in Amber's shoulder when she sat next to him. "Sorry..."

"Don't be," his fellow mage chastised gently.

"Well you're more than welcome to rest up here," Adia said with a small smile. "And don't apologize, Anders. You did nothing wrong. We'll get those bastards back for what they did. I promise you that." She gave him a pat on the shoulder, and then looked at Fenris. "I'm still sorry for kicking you like that. You didn't get hurt falling, did you?"

"It will take more than falling out of your bed to hurt me, little rogue," he explained, rubbing his side. "Though you do have strong legs." He motioned with his head at the mages. "Shall we leave them for a bit?"

"Fenris... Thank you again," Anders said softly. When the initial shock wore off, the Elf cleared his throat and nodded.

"You are... Welcome." Amber and Adia shared a smile. "By the way, I was unaware just how much hatred your brother had for mages." Adia paused in the act of using her brother's bed and a blanket as a changing area.

"What do you mean, Fenris?"

"He called Anders an abomination last night." Amber's eyes widened, not having realized the implications of those words. But the healer quickly played it down.

"Yes well... He hates me, what can I say? I think he secretly wants to be a Templar, and just finds my very presence to be an affront to the Maker."

"I can certainly understand him not liking you, with you being an outspoken apostate. And since you were in the same bed as his sister, that more than likely bothered him as well," the Elf pointed out with a shrug.

"Carver is just a baby," Adia dismissed. "He was probably more upset that Amber was using his bed without asking. But to be fair the boy hasn't come home at night in over a week, so his bed was fair game. As for the Templar thing... He can fantasize about it all he wants, but I don't think he'd actually have the balls to join them. The consequences aren't worth it." She tumbled out of the "fort", fully dressed and pulling on her boots. Fenris gave her an inquisitive look.

"Consequences?" Amber shivered and Anders sat back and took her hand.

"I was teasing, Amber," he told her. "I'm sure he wouldn't join the Templars." Adia looked up at the Elf and shrugged.

"I'd kill him." There was a look of shock and confusion on his face, and his mouth hung open for a moment.

"But... Why? Wouldn't it be his choice?"

"It would. He'd get the choice of joining the Templars and dieing, or not joining the Templars and living. It's a choice. It's a matter of loyalty to family. You don't turn on your family. You don't run off and join the very thing your family is afraid of."

"How quickly most forget that when magick is involved," Anders stated.

"We're all we have left. Carver wouldn't," Amber whispered.

"Traitors exist everywhere, Amber," Fenris told her. "We just hope our bonds are stronger than the pull of whatever might tempt others." Adia finished with her boots and started fixing her braid.

"Carver might, he might not. I don't think he's quite that stupid...but one never knows. Now, enough doom and gloom. I don't like it when the room gets all sad." Amber gave her a half-smile.

"Sorry," she apologized. At that moment, Leandra opened the door.

"Come on everyone, breakfast is ready. I'm sorry it won't be much, but we should all share in it."

"Are you sure, Lady Amell?" Fenris asked. She leveled a stern gaze at him.

"Fenris, you are one of Adia's friends, and it is an honor and pleasure to have you dine with us. You too, Anders."

"Yes ma'am," the healer replied as he carefully stood. Adia grinned at the Elf.

"A word of advice: Never turn down food when Mother offers it. You'll never win." Then she took his hand and pulled him out into the main room. Carver was already sitting at the table, looking very cross. Gamlen was next to him, chuckling as he ate. There was bread with honey, porridge, and fruit. Leandra dished out the porridge, and then sat down again.

"Eat up, boys," she told their guests. "Both of you are much too skinny. Is it hard to get food where you live?"

"I... Sometimes," Fenris finally admitted.

"I try and make sure my patients have enough first," Anders explained.

"Hmph. A regular martyr, aren't you?" Carver sneered. Adia cocked an eyebrow at her brother as she started helping fix plates for everyone, handing them out.

"Carver, I was wondering: When exactly were you going to bring little Faithy around? Or maybe we can take Mother to meet her at her home. How does that sound?" She shot him an evil, sideways glare, even as his eyes widened.

"You wouldn't dare!"

"Then by all means, little brother: Keep pushing," Amber warned, eyes narrowing. Leandra looked up, seeming intrigued.

"You know where she lives, girls?" The rogue waved a hand dismissively, sitting down next to Fenris, and handing him a plate.

"Only a general idea, Mother. But we can always ask Varric to find out exactly where if we wanted." She grinned, popping some fruit into her mouth.

"Oh yes, that Dwarf does seem to know everyone in Kirkwall. You know, you should invite all your friends here for dinner one night."

"Leandra, the house isn't big enough for everyone," Gamlen grumped.

"Then we can have a picnic on the roof, under the stars," she shot back with a childish grin. "Like Malcolm and I used to do when we first got to Ferelden. Camp under the stars and just... Look at all the beauty around us."

"That sounds intriguing," Fenris agreed.

"That sounds wonderful," Anders added.

"Well Uncle, you can always go down to your favorite spot if you'd like if the thought of us having some friends over is that bad," Adia teased. "But that does sound like a wonderful idea, Mother. We'd just have to make sure Isabella doesn't bring any cards with her."

"Why is that?"

"Um. Her version of card games is a bit... Um..." Amber struggled to find the right words to describe their usual sessions of Diamondback. Somehow, telling their mother they routinely lost articles of clothing and saw their friends nearly naked playing a game probably wouldn't go over well.

"Isabella cheats when she plays cards, Mother," Adia interjected. "She cheats and she doesn't even hide it, but she still beats everyone. Not to mention that her games get a little... Heated. Best kept for the Hanged Man or someplace else. Not here."

"Definitely not here," the Elf concurred.

"I see," Leandra said with a slow nod. "So, what are your plans for today?"

"Um... Not too sure," the archer replied, licking some honey off her bread. "I think Anders should get some more rest before trying to do much of anything, personally. Other than that..." She shrugged, looking at Fenris and her sister.

"Adia, I'm-" Anders began, before Leandra cut him off.

"Young man, don't think you're fooling anyone. You are remaining here and resting." He looked startled for a moment, but then hung his head.

"Yes ma'am..."

"I'll help you with housework then, mother," Amber offered.

"I shall accompany Adia if she has business in the city," Fenris proposed. Carver was staring at all of them, and then pointed his spoon at Anders.

"All right, I'll bite: Why does the mage have to rest?"

"Carver Hawke!" their mother shouted, glaring at him. "Address him by his name! Your father and I taught you better than that!" He immediately ducked his head.

"Yes Mother..."

"None of your business, Carver," Adia tersely told him. "I'm sure you'd find a way to poke fun at him for it. Suffice to say he needs to rest. End of story." Then she glanced over at Fenris. "I'm not sure I have anything to do, but I'm sure we could find some trouble to get into for some coin." The grin that accompanied that statement was a little too wide, but he returned it.

"I'm sure."

"I'm off to the Gallows," Carver stated, standing up and heading for the door. "Met some friends there, and they've been telling me about their training." Everyone looked confused by this.

"Mages?" Leandra wondered.

"No, Templars. Boys by the name of Hugh and Keran. There was another lad, but apparently he's no longer around." The mages' eyes widened as they looked at each other.

"Well now…" Adia spoke up, glaring at her brother. "Wouldn't Father be proud to know his son is making friends with the Templars." Carver huffed and slammed the door, and Adia stood and gathered her bow and quiver. Diego trotted over to her, and she patted his head. "Anders doesn't leave the house unless Mother says it's all right." The Mabari barked, and the healer started to retort, but wisely decided against it. The archer left the hovel, Fenris quickly following her, but saying nothing. They were silent for a while, before Adia looked up and asked: "Do you think he'd do it?"

"You mean your brother joining the Order?"

"Yes. I'd like to think he wouldn't... But the longer we're here, the more that seems to be likely. He wouldn't turn his back on his family, would he?" Fenris sighed and scratched his head.

"I cannot truly answer you, Adia. I am not Carver. But... I do not think he would turn Amber in even if he did join. Is it really that difficult for you to see him as a Templar?" She frowned and waved her arms in exasperation.

"Yes! He could man up and stop acting like a child and join the City Guard or find work somewhere else! He doesn't have to join them. He'd only do it to give Amber something to worry about. To get back at her for being someone she had no choice in being." The Elf gave her a puzzled look.

"Do you honestly believe he hates your sister that much?"

"I believe he doesn't like her. I don't know if I'd go as far as hate... But I know he isn't fond of her. Both of us for that matter. It's not for a lack of trying. He's just so stubborn and hard headed. Being nice doesn't work with him anymore. It's down to threats and acting on threats with him."

"So I saw last night." Fenris smiled and shook his head as he recalled the fiasco in the bedroom. "I have seen enough to know that you would indeed have nailed his scalp to the bed. But Amber rarely shows her anger. Does she fear losing control of her magick when she's enraged?" Adia shrugged and sighed.

"Amber has good control of herself. It takes a lot to get to her and even I don't want to mess with her when she's angry. I think it's more she's scared of being found out than losing control. I have nothing to fear so I'm usually the one losing it long before she does. She has so much more to lose if she lets her anger get the best of her."

"In Tevinter, magisters do not feel the need to restrain themselves. They might even fight in the streets or the markets if so inclined. That our companions do not feel or act that way is a welcome change. But may I ask then: Have you ever been scared of Amber? The only time I saw her react violently was against that blood mage who was trying to kill you." He shuddered a bit at that thought. An angry mage wasn't something he liked being around.

"What reason would I possibly have to be scared of my twin sister?" Adia had a completely confused look on her face. Fenris mirrored it a moment later.

"You said you did not wish to "mess with her" when she's angry. What did you mean by that, if not that you are frightened or hesitant around her when she's in that mood?" Adia pursed her lips and tried to figure out how to explain herself.

"Amber can set things on fire with a snap of her fingers. I shoot things with a big bow. Who do you think would win in that fight? Just because I wouldn't fight my sister when she's angry doesn't mean I'm scared of her. I'm just not stupid. Besides, I'm not scared of her. Never have been, never will be."

"I see," Fenris said with a nod. "I suppose I shall wait to make my judgment on that front, then. What about Anders and Merrill? They do not scare you either?"

"Not at all," she told him with a shake of her head. "Anders is a good man. If you could get past the whole "he's a mage" thing, you'd see that. And Merrill is too sweet for me to be scared of her. I don't agree with her choices with the blood magick, but I understand them. What about you? Are you scared of any of them?" The warrior scoffed and clicked his gauntlets.

"Merrill is too soft. But Anders... There is something about him that sets my nerves on edge." The got the rogue's attention.

"Like what? And what about Amber?" The Elf sighed heavily, wondering how to explain the state of his mind and emotions when around the healer.

"I do not know, but my markings... Irritate me whenever I am near him. As for Amber, she seems lost most of the time, and bewildered by events around her. But I have caught glimpses of a woman who can take care of herself, and would take on the world for her friends. It is a trait she shares with you." Adia frowned as the thought of Fenris being able to figure out Justice via his markings.

"Maybe it's all in your head," she told him, smiling playfully and reaching up to ruffle his hair. "Maybe your dislike for Anders has made you believe that your markings are bothering you simply to make you not like him even more. As for Amber... Since Carver started acting like the prick he is, it's just been us against the world. It's refreshing to have people who accept us and who she doesn't have to pretend to be someone she isn't." Fenris looked over, curiosity in his eyes.

"You mean people knowing she's a mage?" Adia nodded.

"Exactly. Normally she has to hide it, and deny who she is just to survive. Can you imagine what that has to be like? To lie about yourself every day?" She frowned a little. "But here, she doesn't have to. At least with our little group. Everyone knows and everyone accepts her. It has to be a welcome change."

"It is similar for me," the Elf revealed. "Our companions know what I am, but they do not care. They even wish to help me. It has been... Refreshing." He smiled at her, and she returned it, fighting the urge to melt into a little puddle.

"That's what family does. We stick together. If those blighted Templars come after our mages, we'd fight for them. If your former Master ever came looking for you, we'd fight him too." He stopped walking, staring at her.

"Family? Do you... You see all of us as family?"

"Well, why not?" she wondered, a little confused by the question. "Blood doesn't necessarily dictate who your family is. I see everyone in our group as one big, happy... Dysfunctional family."

"Dysfunctional does tend to fit us at times," the warrior agreed with a smirk. "Do you see yourself as the matriarch of this... Family?" Adia feigned shock and horror.

"Maker no! That's Mother's job. I'm more the ever-annoying, overly-happy little sister who wants everyone to get along and not fight." Fenris patted her head.

"If it's any consolation, I do not think of you as a sister. You are Adia, my little rogue." The moment the words left his mouth, he looked down and blushed. Adia stared up at him, a blush creeping up her cheeks, as she giggled a little.

"Oh, I'm your little rogue? Does that make you my Elfy warrior?" The Elf raised an eyebrow and sighed.

"So long as I am not your "broody" Elf warrior, that is acceptable."

"Well why not?" she asked, pouting. "I like the broody Elf warrior. He makes women pop out babies in his honor!" Now she chuckled and moved out of arm's reach of him in case of any retaliation. Fenris gave her a quizzical look.

"I have yet to be told of any woman having my child like that. I am certainly nothing like that merchant we met yesterday..."

"...And I'm the innocent one who gets confused at dirty jokes." She patted his arm. "I was teasing, Fenris. You can be my non-brooding warrior and I'll be your little rogue. How's that sound?" He smirked again and nodded.

"I think that will suffice. A warrior and a rogue make an excellent team, after all."

"Yay!" she yelled, linking her arm around his and tugging him down the street. "Then let's go find some trouble to get into that pays well!"

---

The rest of the day passed normally, with Adia and Fenris running delivery jobs across the city. When they returned to the hovel, Gamlen and Carver were both gone, and Leandra and Amber were busy making supper. Diego raced over and licked the archer. "Did you two have a good day?" Leandra wondered. Adia crouched down and pet her hound, giving him a hug before standing.

"We did. Made a bit of coin too." She pulled out her purse and jiggled it a little bit, letting the coins clank together. "Nothing too eventful though. Are Uncle and Carver joining us for dinner, or is it just us?" Deciding to help, the rogue pulled plates from the cupboard and began setting the table.

"Carver left not long after you did, and said he'd be "out late". Uncle left after lunch," Amber revealed.

"Where is the m- Anders?" Fenris wondered, catching himself. He didn't wish to be on the receiving end of Leandra's displeasure.

"Asleep in the other room. Or at least resting. He's been quiet all day, except trying to help with chores. Amber scolded him and shooed him back to bed," the older woman replied, smiling at her eldest, who blushed. Adia grinned broadly at her twin.

"You get more like Mother every day. You'll make someone a very lucky man one day." She giggled at the thought of the two mages settling down, tilting her head towards the bedroom door. "Is he feeling any better at least?"

"Physically, yes," Amber told them, frowning a bit. "Other than that..."

"There was one nightmare," Leandra said with a shake of her head. "He scared your sister half-to-death. Woke up yelling about someone named Roland."

"He said it was a Templar who joined the Wardens, but wouldn't say anything else." As Amber spoke, Adia saw the door open a crack, and noticed Anders leaning against the other side, listening to all of them. She turned towards it and shook her head.

"Anders, I heard the door open. You might as well come out, silly man. You're not very good at sneaking." As everyone turned to look, and he walked out of the room, smiling sheepishly.

"I am good at sneaking. Just not compared to your eyes and ears, Adia." The rogue grinned, chest puffing out a bit.

"Maker help any children I have. They'll never be able to sneak around." She snickered, and then sobered up. "How're you feeling?"

"Sore, tired, and drained," he replied with a shrug. "Healing yourself takes a lot out of you."

"Well, supper will be ready shortly. That should replenish your energy," Leandra told him with a smile.

"Thank you, Leandra."

"You're Amber's first real friend, and a good man. I've heard about the clinic you run, and I know that my husband would've been down there helping if he were still here."

"Amber is a big help to me, and she keeps me sane even when I don't trust myself," he told her with a widening smile. "I couldn't ask for a better partner." Again, the other mage blushed fiercely. Adia grinned at her sister and playfully pinched her cheek as she walked past her.

"You're so cute when you blush," she whispered, finishing setting the table. "Will you be joining us too, Fenris?"

"If that is all right?" he asked, looking at Leandra.

"Fenris, you are always welcome here," she told him, smiling brightly. "Such nice young men to keep my daughters company. Now if only Carver would bring that Faith girl home. I would love to meet her." Adia bit back a laugh and nodded.

"I agree Mother. We could all have a nice sit-down dinner together. You'll have to have Carver tell you how he met her. I heard it was an interesting story. He won't tell us, but I know he told Varric all about it."

"Well, boys will be boys, I suppose. Oh yes, I forgot to mention! A letter came for you girls today. Amber, where did you put it?" The red-eyed girl looked guilty for a moment, but then quickly shook her head.

"It's all right, mother. Nothing important."

"A letter?" Adia wondered, curious to her twin's reaction. "What letter?"

"Nothing, Adia. Just a letter about a job. I'm thinking of taking Varric and Aveline with me, so we'll be fine." The archer looked hurt, almost rejected at the thought of being left behind. And after she had told Fenris how close they were…

"Amber... What's the job? Why don't you want me to come along?" Her voice wavered, and Amber bit her lip and looked away.

"Adia... Please don't look at me like that."

"Then tell her," Fenris prodded.

"No, she has to promise not to be upset first," Anders spoke up. Immediately, the rogue got a sinking feeling.

"...I'm not going to like it, am I?"

"You might not," her twin revealed.

"Sweetheart, what's it about?" Leandra pressed.

"It's a letter from Ser Thrask asking for our help," Anders said with a heavy sigh. "He didn't say with what, only where to meet him." Adia blinked a few times, then scowled at the mages.

"NO," she said, trying to keep her voice down. Amber looked at the healer.

"Told you so." Fenris raised an eyebrow.

"Let me understand this: The Templar whose daughter we found, and who helped you yesterday, asked you two for help, but won't say with what?"

"Yes. Normally I'd say no on principle, but he did help us," Anders told them.

"Are you two insane?" Adia yelled. "You are not helping the Templars!" She stomped her foot on the ground, arms going stiff at her sides and hands balled tightly into fists. "No! Not after what happened yesterday! They do not deserve your help!"

"Adia, I'm just going to see what he wants. And I'm not going alone, either," Amber told her, trying to calm her sister.

"Are you not curious, Adia?" Fenris asked her.

"Adia, be fair!" Leandra softly berated. "Ser Thrask helped them, and stayed here to make sure they were all right. He is a good man." But the redhead wasn't listening.

"No I'm not curious! It could be a trap! Our luck with the Templars hasn't been that wonderful. I don't trust any of them as far as I could throw them."

"That's why I'm going to ask Aveline and Varric to come with me," Amber tried again, taking a deep breath to calm herself. Anders looked at her, realizing she hadn't mentioned him going.

"Wait... What about me?"

"No, you're not going anywhere near Templars ever again!" she shot back. He looked surprised, and pulled back a bit. Adia's eyes widened as she pointed at her sister.

"Pot meet Kettle." She then pointed at Anders, and then looked back to Amber. "You're black. There is no way you, Anders, or Merrill are ever going near the Templars again! I will not lose you to them!"

"Adia, what if we all went?" Fenris suggested. "The entire "family" would give anyone reason to pause. If Thrask truly means to spring a trap, everyone fighting would be to our benefit."

"And if he needs help and we don't like it, we'll come straight back to Kirkwall," Amber promised. Adia opened her mouth to say something, hand up and a finger pointed outwards, but can't think of anything to say. She pouted, letting her hand drop to her side, and giving Fenris a half-hearted glare.

"I hate your logic." She sighed and crossed her arms. "Fine. But the second something feels off, we're leaving. For the record, I don't like this and you both need your heads examined." She stared at the two mages, and Anders tilted his head.

"You already know that I'm crazy. What's your excuse, Amber?"

"I was raised in the same house as Adia and Carver. Need I say more?" she asked with a grin. Leandra smiled and shook her head.

"Between the three of you, I'm surprised I'm still sane."

"You'll lose it one day, Mother," Adia predicted. "We'll drive you there eventually. I still don't like this, though. When does he want to meet?"

"Tomorrow morning, at a cave on the Wounded Coast. If we leave at dawn, we can make it. He gave us a map as well," Amber told her.

"Tomorrow sounds good to me. I'll be fully healed and recharged by then," Anders explained.

"Then we best go tell the others," Fenris wisely stated.

"Oh yeah, that'll be a fun conversation," Adia quipped as she rolled her eyes. In a fake, bright, happy, cheery voice she stated: "Hi, everyone! We're going to help out some random Templar all the way out on the Coast and we have no idea why! Let's go! Yaaaaay!" Amber knew there was one more trick she could try to get the redhead to agree to this.

"He promised to pay us, by the way."

"And by Amber's reckoning, it's the last of the money you need for the expedition," the healer added. Adia frowned and glared at them.

"...The logic in this room makes my head hurt." Amber hugged her and smiled.

"Love you, sis!"

"You better for this..." Adia grumbled.

---

After supper they made their way to the Hanged Man. Luckily, it seemed that Aveline had been trying to get more information out of Varric about last night, and was also there. Everyone looked up when the four entered his suite, and Isabella closed the door. "There you are!" the warrior redhead nearly shouted. "Amber, are you all right?"

"You gave your sister quite a scare last night, sweet thing," Isabella told her.

"Yes, Adia looked terribly worried when you didn't show up here," Merrill added. Varric raised an eyebrow and nodded at the mages.

"Fire Eyes. Blondie. Good to see you both." Adia gave her sister and the healer and sideways glare.

"They're fine. Touched in the head severely, but fine. We're all going to the Coast. Now. Pack your bags, take whatever it is you want to take, but we're leaving. Everyone."

"What's going on at the Coast?" Aveline asked, very confused by this turn of events. Amber shrugged and gave a dismissive wave.

"A job offer."

"That you need all of us for? Planning to start a war, little mage?" Isabella asked with a small smile.

"Maker, I hope not," Anders said with a shake of his head.

"We got a letter asking for us to come to the Coast," Adia told them. "Don't know what for, don't know why, just that some random person wants to meet up with is. It's money and it's the last we need for the expedition." Amber blinked.

"But Adia, we know who sent the let-" she began, before a glare from her sister silenced her. She swallowed and ducked behind Anders.

"I'm not a very good shield, Amber," he reminded her.

"That's not what I heard, Blondie," Varric shot back. "But in any event, let's all get our gear." The pirate shrugged and grinned.

"A mystery job, eh? Sounds like fun."

"Do you think we'll be doing any fighting?" Merrill wondered.

"That depends on how well Adia can control herself, I suppose," Fenris mused. The archer gave Fenris the same glare she had given Amber.

"There's always fighting, no matter what we do. We could rescue a kitten from a tree and someone would try to kill one of us. At any rate, we'll leave when everyone's ready. I, however, need a drink." She headed down the stairs and straight for the bar. Varric followed her, looking concerned.

"Birdie, if you're not sure about this job, why take it?"

"Because Amber and Anders want to take it, and we need that last bit of coin," she told him, ordering her drink. The Dwarf sighed and folded his arms.

"It's a Templar, isn't it?" Adia growled as she downed her drink, biting on the glass a bit.

"Yes. It is. He sent a letter to the house today asking for help. Didn't say much else. I think it's a trap. They think he's a nice Templar. I think they're nuts."

"Birdie, if your sister and Blondie are actually willing to admit that a Templar is a "nice" one, maybe they're right. Why do you think he's not?"

"Because we've never met a nice Templar, Varric. There is no such thing as a good Templar. They're all the same." She slammed her cup down on the counter.

"Father met a good Templar, Adia," Amber said softly from behind Varric. The storyteller nearly jumped out of his pants.

"Andraste's dimpled butt cheeks! How long have you been standing there, Fire Eyes?" She shrugged and smiled slightly. It was nice to know she could sneak up on the rogues, even if it wasn't all that often.

"Long enough."

"That was Father," Adia shot back. "Name one good Templar we've run into, Amber. Name me one with the exception of this one who wants your help and I'll be silent the entire trip." Her twin didn't even pause a moment.

"Emeric. And Keran, even if he's just a recruit still." Adia's eyes widened, then she looked sheepish, and finally she gave her sister a mock-glare.

"I forgot about Emeric. Fine. It looks like I'll be the broody one on this trip then. Is everyone ready yet?"

"Mostly. Aveline's trying to intimidate Anders for information. She should get tired of that soon," the mage revealed.

"If this turns out to be a trap I reserve the right to tell you "I told you so" loudly and as many times as I want," the redhead stated, ordering another drink.

"Fair enough," her sister agreed. Suddenly, from up the stairs the heard:

"Varric!" That was Merrill. That wasn't good.

"What in the name of Andraste's flaming ass cheeks is she yelling about?" Adia demanded, downing her drink quickly.

"We'd better go see!" the Dwarf told them as they raced up the stairs. Isabella was standing with Fenris in the doorway, Merrill behind them. Aveline had Anders pinned to the wall, and the twins saw the telltale blue creeping across his skin.

"You put her in danger!" Aveline shouted. "You should have known better! What did they do? Tell me, Anders!"

"Aveline... Stop..." he pleaded, voice strained.

"Maker's ass!" Amber yelled, pushing her way through and looking at Isabella. "Take the others and go downstairs."

"Hey Guard Captain, I like my suite in one piece, thank you!" Varric called out.

"Holy Maker on a spiked cross!" Adia screamed, hoping they could stop the inevitable. "Aveline stop!" She wrapped her arms around the woman's waist and pulled her back from Anders. "What has gotten into you?"

"I'm going to get this idiot to tell me what happened yesterday," the other redhead told them. "I've heard there was an altercation between Templars and a Grey Warden. I know people were hurt. I need to know who to arrest, since the Knight Commander certainly isn't helping matters by closing ranks against the Guard. I may not officially be the Captain, but I know my bloody job!" Anders slumped against the wall for a moment, and the girls saw the glow intensify. Fenris shivered, his markings lighting up, and Varric pushed the other three out of the room and slammed the door closed, leaning on it.

"Justice?" Amber asked softly, afraid to hear the answer. He lifted his head and glared at Aveline, eyes now a solid, glowing blue.

"Yes, Amber?" The warrior redhead let go of his robes and quickly backed away, one hand resting on her sword. Adia's eyes went wide.

"Oh no... No, no, no, no, no. Fenris is outside!" she whispered harshly. "Are you mad? Go back to wherever it is you live in his head, Justice! We don't need a fight breaking out in here!"

"I will go back only when this woman agrees to stop her harassing and assault on Anders," the Spirit vowed.

"What by the Flames are you?" He stood up, eyeing the hand going for her weapon, but Amber waved a hand at Aveline, and she nodded and tried to relax.

"I am Justice," he introduced. "A Spirit of the Fade. Anders and I have merged, and I am his protector."

"Justice, I understand why you're here, but Adia is right. If Fenris sees you, he will attack you," Amber explained.

"I do not fear that Elf."

"Maybe fear isn't the right word," Varric chimed in. "How about "respect the Broody Elf who could cleave Blondie's body in two before you have a chance to say "nice markings!"" Adia was glaring at Justice, just about at her snapping point with all the craziness going on.

"Justice, I will give you something to fear if you do not let Anders back out! Aveline will not hurt Anders again and Aveline will not make mention of what she just saw here." The Spirit gave the archer a sideways glance, and then shrugged.

"I do not fear you either, Adia Hawke. But you are Amber's sister, and I respect that bond." He turned to the mage. "I will be watching, however. If things become as they did yesterday, I will kill every Templar I see. Kind or not."

"I know," she said with a nod. "Thank you, Justice." The glow faded, and Anders dropped to the floor, looking up at Aveline and Adia with a bit of fear in his eyes.

"Still want to know everything, Aveline?" he whispered.

"I... That was..." the almost-Captain stammered.

"That was almost a disaster," Varric finished.

"Disaster is an understatement, Varric," Adia shot back. "If Fenris ever sees Justice..." She shivered. "I don't want to know what he'd do. It wouldn't be pretty. We should leave if everyone is ready. I'll take care of damage control with the Elf if he brings anything up."

"I'll just be a moment, so I'll catch up," Anders told them, still leaning against the wall. Adia nodded and left the room, shutting the door behind her and looking around for the rest of the banished group.

"Maker, this entire week just sucks..."

"Adia, what happened?" Fenris demanded.

"Lady Man Hands was manhandling Anders, that's what," Isabella quipped.

"Was that a defensive spell I saw?" Merrill wondered. "It was very pretty." The redhead blinked at the Dalish girl. Maybe damage control wouldn't be so bad…

"Uh... Yes. Yes it was. He was just trying to shield himself from Aveline. He just needs a minute to calm down. It's really nothing to worry about." She held her breath a bit, hoping they believed her. Fenris rubbed his arms and frowned.

"His magick is... Impressive. Even Danarius never made me feel this way."

"Oh, does he make your insides quiver?" Isabella wondered suggestively, raising an eyebrow. He stared at her for a moment.

"What does-" And then it clicked, and he scowled. "... Isabella... NO."

"Oh come on, Elf. You set yourself up for that one," Varric teased as he walked out of the room.

"Did I miss something?" Merrill asked, looking confused. Adia also looked perplexed, and tilted her head.

"Is that what it feels like when your markings light up, Fenris? You quiver?"

"I do not "quiver", for that makes it seem as if I am frightened. I am on edge, like my body is trying to move on its own, but I do not wish it to. Raw magick forces that reaction, but I can use the markings' power on my own as well. The clarity of anger normally amplifies my ability in combat, for instance." Everyone looked at him, and except for Adia, all took a step back.

"Remind me never to piss you off, Elf," the Dwarf told him.

"I wonder if he could make himself light up in a dark cave like a torch or something...heehee...glowy, broody Elf," Adia mumbled to herself.

"I do not brood," he shot back.

"But you do glow," Merrill stated with a smile. Isabella began smirking.

"Is that an all-over glow, Fenris? Or can you focus it to... Certain parts?" He tried to retort, but just blushed fiercely.

"Can you?" Adia asked, now intrigued. "I mean, I've only seen your arms light up, but what about anywhere else? How much of your body is covered in them? Ooo! Can you show us?" The archer began bouncing on her toes.

"My entire body is covered in the markings," he answered, then gave Adia a devilish grin. "Although I could show you, it might tarnish that innocence you still have." Varric had pulled out his notebook and was jotting things down, and the pirate snickered and lightly elbowed the redhead.

"Entire body, eh? Lucky girl." Adia's head tilted again, her brain trying to figure out exactly what it was referring to.

"You mean...they're..." And then it happened, and her eyes nearly popped out of her head. "OH DEAR MAKER!" She shook her head, trying to dislodge the mental image of the naked Elf, face almost turning purple. Merrill had apparently also gotten the gist of the conversation, and she blushed so hard her ears turned red as well.

"Aw, their little heads look ready to explode! Nice work, Fenris," the pirate teased. The warrior was now smirking.

"Adia asked, and I merely answered." The girl gave him a mock glare.

"I. Hate. You. Hate, hate, hate, hate..." She averted her eyes. "I can't even look at you anymore!" Aveline came out of the room then, looking a bit pale, her eyes wide.

"Everyone ready?" she asked softly.

"Yes, yes let's go... I need to shoot something... Anything!" Adia all but ran for the door. Fenris was strutting after her, the smirk still firmly in place. Isabella and Varric stayed near him, asking questions. Aveline came up next to the other redhead, and Merrill walked towards the back. Amber and Anders joined her a moment later.

"Adia..." Aveline began. "I need to apologize for my earlier behavior, and thank you." The archer sighed and waved her hand dismissively.

"Aveline, it's all right. There's a reason why I didn't tell you the whole story and why I asked you not to bring it up. When they are comfortable with it, I'm sure they'll tell you. Just... Don't threaten Anders again. I'd hate to see what would happen if Fenris ever found out about Justice."

"They told me," the warrior said, voice barely above a whisper. Adia was taken aback by this turn of events, and frowned, hands clenching for a moment.

"The Templar that hurt them is going to pay, one way or the other. Personally I'd like his head on a mount so I can hang it above the fireplace."

"I'll find him, Adia," Aveline swore, her own fists tightening. "Maker, if it's the last thing I do, I will find that bastard and make him pay. I may not agree with Anders' views... But no one deserves that. And yes, Fenris would try and kill him. It's a wonder that Spirit hasn't made himself known more often."

"I'm sure he's tried. But I think Fenris is one of the reasons why Anders doesn't let him out as much. Not to mention he's scary." She shivered a bit. "Hopefully one day Fenris will be a little more accepting to the point where we could at least explain about Justice and not have him go off the deep, broody end."

"Adia, not that it's truly my place, but... Are you sure that letting Amber get attached to that man is a good thing? Fenris might be an escaped slave, but he won't suddenly turn on you one day. I don't know much about the Fade except what Wesley would tell me, but... Do you trust this Justice?" Aveline kept looking back at the mages, seeing how close Amber and Anders stayed near each other.

"I trust Anders, and that's enough," the rogue replied. "Anders has more than proved that he won't let anything hurt Amber and I believe that includes Justice." She then blushed a bit. "I'm not attached to Fenris. And he's not attached to me. You're a silly woman." She stuck her tongue out at her. The older woman smiled.

"Say what you like, Adia, but I can tell you like him. We all can. Even Merrill. Give it time, and he'll admit his feelings too."

"I think it's strictly a friendship. But you're right. We'll see what happens in the future." She glanced at Fenris, blushing a bit. Aveline's grin only widened.

---

The group headed to the Coast, stopping to camp for the night under the clear sky. "I miss the wilderness sometimes. It's nice to get out of the city," Merrill said wistfully, gazing up at the stars.

"Says you, Daisy. I prefer seeing wall-to-wall people," Varric argued gently.

"I'd have to agree with Merrill," Adia interjected as she finished setting up her tent. "I miss the open fields in Lothering. Kirkwall is just so… Crowded. It's nice to get out where it's quiet and lots of space."

"And on a night like this, peace is a welcome change. Especially lately," Fenris pointed out.

"We should still set up watches," Aveline wisely stated.

"There you go, being practical again," Isabella teased. "And as nice as the night is, I prefer seeing the stars from a ship. The waves lend their own beauty to things."

"Seeing as how I have violent tendencies when I get woken up, I'll take first watch," Adia said with a chuckle.

"I will keep you company then," the former slave added.

"Sounds good to me," the storyteller mused, looking over at the other mages, who were sitting next to a small pond they'd found. "Hey, you two planning on joining us, or were you making your own camp over there?" Amber looked up, startled, and shook her head as she blushed.

"Sorry. We'll take second watch."

"Then we should get some sleep," Aveline said as the others retreated to their tents. Anders and Amber continued outside however, staring up at the sky. Every so often, the healer would point something out, and the dark-haired girl would smile.

"Hopefully this is a quick mission," Fenris said after a few minutes.

"Hopefully this isn't a trap," Adia shot back with a frown. She perked up though, looking over at her sister and Anders. "They're like the perfect match. Now if only they would admit it to each other, everything would be great." Fenris raised an eyebrow.

"So you are trying to "play matchmaker", as Varric suggested?"

"You can't tell me you don't see it, Fenris. Amber gets this goofy, happy look on her face whenever he's around and Anders just seems so... Content being near her. I'm not playing matchmaker so much as I'm just trying to point out the obvious between them."

"Usually those in that situation cannot see it themselves. It takes an outside source. Normally a loud one, but you are not like Isabella in that regard." He chuckled softly. "She was very insistent that you feel something other than friendship for me." The rogue's eyes widened, and she was grateful the fire they'd built wasn't that bright.

"I...that is...Isabella...Oh Maker, I'm going to strangle her in her sleep..."

"Why is that?" he wondered, brow furrowing. Adia looked at her lap, taking a deep breath before speaking again.

"I... Like you, Fenris. Apparently everyone else seems to know this, so why hide it? Despite your brooding and mage-hating tendencies, you're a nice person and I enjoy being around you." She chanced to look up at him, and Fenris looked… Happy.

"You... You are serious, aren't you?" he finally said.

"Someone inform the criers," Anders quipped as he looked over. "She finally told him." Amber was asleep with her head on his lap, and Adia was grateful her sister was a heavy sleeper. At least she wouldn't be teased about this for the rest of her life.

"SHUT UP, ANDERS!" she yelled, throwing a small rock at him. He winced as it hit his shoulder, but kept grinning.

"Sorry," he apologized. "Didn't mean to ruin the moment."

"Yes you did, mage," Fenris shot back. "Your expression says it all."

"No, I really didn't. Just ignore me, and I'll keep quiet. Promise." Adia frowned and shook her head, doing her best to ignore the healer.

"Yes, I am serious. I like you... I think I have ever since you tricked Amber and I into helping you when we first met."

"Oh? Even after you were attacked by the hunters and the Shades in the mansion? You are an extraordinary woman, Adia Hawke." She blushed and fidgeted.

"I think at that point being attacked by random people and weird things was pretty much normal. Scary, but normal." She made a face at that realization. "That's sad... That what I consider to be normal in my life is anything but. Maker how things change."

"For the better, I hope?" the warrior asked with a slight smile.

"Well, if things hadn't changed, then I never would have met you, Amber would have never met Anders, and all of us never would have met each other. So yes... For the better." She smiled up at him, and he looked towards the sky.

"I think things will continue to change. For the better. Once I am truly free from Danarius, perhaps I can think of other ways to spend the rest of my life." Out of the corner of her eye, Adia saw Anders raise an eyebrow, then quickly put a hand over his mouth and look away.

"And what would you want to do with your life... After Danarius is dead? Would you... Leave?" That thought terrified her more than anything: That Fenris would see nothing further for himself in Kirkwall, and disappear into the night.

"I do not know yet," he replied with a shrug. "For right now, I will stay here with my little rogue." She grinned, leaning against him and resting her head on his shoulder, looking up at the sky.

"I'd like that... A lot." He put a tentative arm around her shoulder, and the pair remained that way until the end of their shift.

"Mage, it is your turn," he called, as he stood and pulled Adia up as well.

"I know. Good night, Fenris."

"Is Amber still asleep?" the Elf wondered, seeing the elder Hawke still with her head in the healer's lap. Anders looked over and nodded.

"Yes. I'm not going to wake her, either. I'll be fine."

"Anders, are you sure?" Adia asked him. "I can stay up for another shift if you'd like." He looked ready to say something, but then shrugged.

"If you want."

"Do not remain up too much longer, Adia. You need to be alert tomorrow." He gently tugged on her braid and went into his tent.

"Yes, Master Fenris. Whatever you say," she teased with a grin.

"You two make a good pair," Anders noted with a smile as she sat next to her sister. "With the exception of his mage-hating moments."

"I could say the same for you and my sister. With the exception of the two of you fighting against it. Or just not seeing it." Anders ducked his head.

"No, we both see it. I'm the issue."

"Then stop being the issue, you silly man." He shook his head and suddenly stiffened for a moment. The cracks formed quickly on him, and then Justice turned his glowing eyes to the rogue.

"It is not Anders who is the true issue. It is I." She cocked an eyebrow at him.

"Then you stop being the issue. Let Anders be happy."

"He has a duty that he wishes to fulfill. I am there to help him. Neither of us can forswear that. It was all going fine until..." He looked at Amber, gently brushing her hair back from her face. "Until she walked into the clinic that night. She wants to help him. Help us. But I do not understand these feelings."

"Well, life is funny like that. It throws curveballs at you when you least expect it..." She looked at Fenris' tent with a smile. "You just have to learn to work with it. Shutting her out or trying to force away the feelings isn't going to make them go away. All you're going to do is end up hurting her or Anders, or both of them. And Maker help you if my sister gets hurt." It was the Spirit's turn to raise an eyebrow.

"You are threatening me if I hurt her? I would never do such a thing!" His arm around Amber's shoulder tightened a bit. "Anders cares too much for her. And I- I could never harm her." Adia grinned, leaning back and watching the sky again.

"That's what I thought. You seem to understand Anders' feelings for her, but not your own. Maybe they're the same. Maybe you care for her just as he does. It's something to think about at least."

"I am not human, Adia Hawke. I am a Spirit of Justice, not Love. I cannot feel what is not part of me."

"Yes, but you are part of Anders. So by your own logic Anders is part of you and therefore you can feel what he's feeling."

"That is true," Justice admitted. "It is often difficult to tell which one of us the emotions come from. It-" He looked down for a moment, as if confused. "You do not see me as the others do: As an interloper, or little better than a Demon. You view me as... Myself. Like Amber does. Why is this?"

"You and Anders might share the same body, but it's pretty obvious you're two separate people," Adia told him with a shrug. "You've done nothing to make me think of you as a Demon, so why would I? Granted, I will admit I'm not totally comfortable around you, but a lot of that stems from not really understanding magick, the Fade, and all that fun stuff."

"You understand more than most, and are willing to learn. Anders is grateful to the two of you for everything you have done. For us, and for other mages. I am grateful as well. Not since the Commander has there been someone willing to accept and help us."

"Amber does it because she likes Anders and wants to help other mages," the archer explained. "I do it to help my sister. And the added bonus of smashing a few Templars in the process." The Spirit grinned, but it wasn't completely friendly.

"That is something we have in common. Tomorrow... Tomorrow I shall watch and wait. Anders owes this Templar for helping him and Amber, so I will give him a chance. After that... After that I do not care if the Elf sees. If it is a trap, I will slaughter them all to keep the mages safe."

"I wouldn't blame you if this turns out to be a trap. I'd be right there helping you. But if it can be helped, don't let Fenris see. I ask partially because I don't want him to try and attack Anders and partially because I don't want him to leave... I sorta like having him around." Justice nodded, looking over at the Elf's tent.

"You care for him, from what Anders tells me. A great deal, in fact." Now Adia ducked her head and nodded, blushing a bit.

"I do. I don't know why. He hates mages and is basically everything I dislike. But there's something about him. I don't think I can change him, or even tame him. But if given enough time he might stop hating mages. Or at least tolerate them a heck of a lot more." The Spirit sighed and tapped her arm.

"I will not put Anders in undue danger if I can help it. But I will not hesitate to defend us from Fenris if he attacks. That is all I can promise you, Adia Hawke." She smiled and patted his leg.

"That's about all I can ask for. Thank you, Justice." At that moment, Amber started twitching, her face scrunched up in what looked like pain.

"Father... Father, no! No, you can't leave me!" she said, hands grasping at air, eyes still closed. Justice looked confused and alarmed, his arm once more tightening protectively around her.

"Amber?" he called to her, but she remained asleep.

"Oh balls," Adia whispered, leaning over and shaking her twin gently. "Amber... Amber wake up. You're dreaming."

"No, please I-" She suddenly sat upright, eyes wide. "Father!" Justice pulled her close, holding her until she stopped shaking.

"It was the Fade, Amber. You are safe," he assured her.

"Justice? What- What's going on?" she wondered, confused.

"You were having a nightmare, Amber," Adia explained. "It's okay now." She took her hand and squeezed it. "Everything is fine." Amber's eyes finally focused, but when she saw her sister, she paled.

"Adia? Where's Fenris?" That was all they needed now was for the Elf to see the Spirit out and about, and the two of them acting rather casual with him.

"He went to bed, don't worry," the archer told her. "Anders was going to take over watch, but you were still asleep so I opted to stay up a while longer. Justice came out and we were just talking."

"Oh..." She wiped unshed tears from her eyes and sat up, blushing a little. "Thank you," she said to the Spirit.

"Shall I retrieve Anders so you can continue your watch?" he wondered.

"That might be best, just in case anyone else wakes up." Justice nodded, and the glow faded. Anders shook his head, smiling at both of them.

"You should get some rest, Adia. In case your brooding knight comes looking for you," he teased, grinning broadly. Adia blushed and swatted at him.

"You repeat nothing you heard tonight, or Maker help me I will pinch your cheeks really hard." She stuck her tongue out at him and then blinked, looking suddenly confused. "Why would he come looking for me? He doesn't expect me to sleep in his tent with him, does he?" Amber's eyes widened as her jaw fell open.

"I missed something."

"Yes, you did," Anders told her matter-of-factly. "And I doubt Fenris is sleeping at the moment. He's probably waiting to hear you head into your own tent. After all, his is next to yours." Adia's blush deepened, and she felt her ears getting warm

"Oh... It is, isn't it?" She cleared her throat and stood up. "Well then, I'll just be going. Goodnight you two." She smiled before heading towards her own tent.

"What did I miss?" Amber demanded as soon as she thought it was safe.

"Sorry, but you heard your sister: I'm sworn to secrecy under threat of pinching," the healer reminded her with a chuckle. Adia turned back and flashed him a dangerous smile before turning in for the night.

"I'm a light sleeper, Anders. Just remember that."

---

The next day, the group was following the directions in the letter, when they came upon Ser Thrask standing at the entrance to a cave. The rogues neither saw nor detected anyone else, or any traps in the area. "Looks clear to me," Varric stated.

"Looks odd to me," Isabella countered. "There's just one Templar."

"I still don't like it," Adia pointed out. "Why is there only one of them? Don't they usually travel in packs? Like rabid wolves or something?"

"Normally, yes," Fenris agreed.

"Templars are normally in units of four, with a commander presiding over it," Anders explained, feeling very uneasy.

"Well, we're not getting answers standing here," Amber told them, shaking her head. Aveline nodded and marched towards the Templar.

"She's right. Let's go." Adia pulled her bow from her back and loaded it, just in case. She kept it aimed down and followed the group, staying in the back. Thrask saw the group and smiled, looking slightly relieved.

"Ah, Miss Amber and Messere Anders. How are you both doing? And aren't you Aveline Vallen? The soon-to-be Guard Captain?"

"We're all right, Ser Thrask," Amber told him with a small smile.

"As well as can be expected, anyway," the healer admitted with a frown.

"We received your letter," Aveline said, cutting straight to the point. "What are the details of this job?"

"Better yet, where's the rest of your goon squad?" Adia demanded, eyes narrowing slightly. The Templar appeared confused for a moment.

"My- Oh, you mean the men I command? Right now, I am in charge of a band of recruits. They are neither prepared nor skilled enough for this. Since you helped the boy Feynriel find a different path, I was hoping you would be willing to show mages a kindness once more."

"You must be joking..." the warrior Elf said with a roll of his eyes. Adia blinked a few times at him, but then put her bow away.

"...You Templars make my brain hurt. What is it you want us to do?"

"There are a number of apostates hiding in the tunnels here," Thrask told them, pointing to the cave behind them. "They are formerly from the Circle of Starkhaven, whose tower burned down last week. They were being escorted here by their own Templars, when they fled. With their phylacteries destroyed in the fire, it has been all but impossible to find them. I managed to come across the group, but they fled deeper into the cave at my approach. So I called for the Hawkes."

"Phylact-a-what-now?" the redhead rogue asked, raising an eyebrow. "And honestly, we led Feynriel to the Dalish. What makes you think we'll bring these escaped mages to you?"

"A phylactery is made from a mage's blood. It's used so that if you escape, the Templars can track you down," Anders informed them. Amber shivered at his side.

"I am trying to save them from Ser Kerras, the Knight Commander of Starkhaven," the Templar went on. "He's a friend of Meredith's, and believes that all these mages are now blood mages. He will kill them once he arrives here."

"It will be a slaughter…" Amber realized, eyes widening.

"I wish to avoid that," Thrask said with a nod. "Please, I do not wish to see innocent blood shed."

"Again I ask what makes you think we'd bring them to you?" Adia brought up. "You're a Templar and would put them back in the Circle, the very thing they're running from. We're not in the business of locking up mages."

"I know. I would prefer if they came to the Circle for protection, but..." He looked at Anders and Amber and sighed heavily. "I know that we cannot guarantee them safety."

"How about we let them choose?" Amber offered. "Those that wish to be in the Circle, we'll bring back."

"And the others?" Merrill wondered.

"Set 'em loose on the road away from Kirkwall. Sounds like a plan to me," Isabella agreed. Aveline made a face.

"I'm not in agreement with setting mages loose..."

"Neither am I," Fenris added, crossing his arms over his chest. Adia raised an eyebrow at the two warriors.

"I'm not in agreement with helping Templars, but apparently I had to suck that up so you two might as well just do the same." She resisted the urge to stick her tongue out, and then looked at Thrask. "This is a paying job, correct?"

"It is. I will pay you four sovereigns once everything is settled. Just please save as many as you can. That's all I ask."

"We'll save them all," Anders promised, determination in his eyes.

"That's the spirit, Blondie!" Varric said with a smile.

"Then let's just get this over with before more men in metal suits show up and make this day worse. 'Cause I really wanted to spend my time in a dark cave," the archer quipped, wrinkling her nose.

"You'll be fine, sweetness," Isabella told her, nodding at Fenris. "Just stay close to your bodyguard."

"Bodyguard?" he asked, looking amused. The pirate winked at him.

"Wouldn't you like that job? You could glisten and glow for Adia instead of that awful former-master of yours." The mages started snickering as Adia's eyes widened.

"ISABELLA! He doesn't have to glisten for me! I'd rather he not glisten!"

"What about glowing?" Merrill asked innocently as they entered the dark cave. Amber was holding a flame in her hand, and Anders had a ball of yellow light in his.

"I don't think he can glow on command, Merrill," the rogue Hawke replied. Then she blinked and looked over at Fenris. "Can you glow on command?" She started poking at him, and he raised an eyebrow as the others passed by them.

"Adia... Please stop that. Poking me will not make me glow." She stopped for a brief moment, an evil grin on her face as she leaned up on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek. The effect was instant: The Elf blushed fiercely and began to glow brightly.

"What in the Maker's name…" Anders wondered, seeing the blue light reflecting off the walls.

"Did it just get brighter in here?" Amber asked, looking confused.

"Oh look, he does glow on command!" Merrill said excitedly. Varric started furiously writing in his notebook as Isabella burst out laughing, leaning on the nearest wall. Aveline pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed heavily. Adia giggled and quickly moved away from the very bright Elf to avoid retaliation and hid up with her sister and Anders, grinning like an idiot.

"I can't tell if he's going to kill me after this, or just let me get away with it..." she whispered to them. Fenris seemed to be in shock, and did not move. However, they all saw a man run into the cavern, brandishing a staff and a knife.

"Intruders!" he screamed, cutting his hand and blood flowing out onto the ground. Immediately, skeletons haul themselves up and attack.

"They've woken the bloody dead!" the healer shouted, immediately bringing his staff up. Amber swayed on her feet, gritting her teeth.

"Blood magick! Damnit..." she swore, her head feeling like it was going to explode. Everyone else drew their weapons.

"Kill those things!" Aveline commanded.

"And then kill their summoner!" Fenris echoed.

"Oh for the love of Andraste's toasty ass..." Adia seethed, firing off shots at the blood mage and his summoned dead people.

"Well Birdie, at least you get to shoot something, right?" Varric teased.

"I guess so. It's not who I wanted to shoot, but it'll do. So much for saving the mages." She looked at Anders and Amber. "What do we do if they all turn out to be blood mages?" The healer shook his head, freezing a skeleton solid.

"Kill them."

"Agreed," her sister said, immolating another undead.

"Finally, some sense from you two!" the warrior Elf shot back.

"If you bait the mages, I'll make you glow again!" Adia teased. She caught the faintest of blushes from him as he turned to their foes with renewed vigor. The fight ended, and everyone looked around at the carnage.

"All right, we need a plan," Aveline stated.

"I rather like this one," Adia countered. "Killing is fun, as long as there aren't any spiders. I'm drawing the line at spiders."

"I think what the Captain means is that we might not all want to go," the Dwarf pointed out. "These mages seems skittish enough. Some of us should stay back here, in case any are going to give themselves up. That way we can protect them in case this Ser Kerras shows up."

"So, who's going?" Isabella asked, tapping her foot.

"May I stay here?" Merrill spoke up. "I'm not really fond of killing people."

"I'll stay with Merrill," Aveline offered.

"I go where Adia goes," Fenris told them.

"They might listen to a fellow mage," Anders wisely said. "I'll go."

"Me too," Amber offered with a nod. Adia smiled at Fenris.

"Well I can't let Amber and Anders go alone, so we're going with them then. Do either of you two want to join or stay?" She glanced at Varric and Isabella."

"I'll stay with Aveline and Kitten. It'll be a girl party!" Isabella replied with a wink. Aveline rolled her eyes and sighed.

"Lucky me..."

"I'll come with you, Birdie," Varric told them. "Interesting stuff always happens around you and Fire Eyes."

"If you see any metal men coming in, by all means feel free to kill them," Adia quipped to the three staying behind. "Let's get going and find the rest of these mages and get out of here." They trekked further into the cave, Amber and Anders at the front of the group, and Varric bringing up the rear. As they entered another small cavern, a terrified young mage ran out of a tunnel. Behind him clambered a troop of skeletons.

"Someone help me!" he called out.

"Oh look! More dead things," Adia sighed. "Why can't they just stay dead? Is death really that bad?" She frowned and started unloading her bow. The undead were dealt with in short order, and then the young mage walked up, still looking nervous.

"Thank the Maker you arrived when you did! I thought I was dead for sure."

"Are you from the Starkhaven Circle as well?" Anders asked him.

"Um, yes... My name is Alain. Please, I need to go to the Circle! I don't want any part of Decimus' plan!"

"Decimus?" Amber wondered.

"He's our... Leader, I guess you could say," Alain said, hanging his head. "Told us that we needed to kill every Templar we saw, and use every trick we had to do so. He cut himself, and the magick... It rose from the blood and woke all the skeletons in the cave. I ran for my life."

"Smart boy," Fenris told him.

"Oh goodie, more blood mages." Adia scratched her head and pointed back the way they had come. "There's a Templar waiting at the front of the cave, he'll take you back to the Circle if that's where you really want to go."

"Yes, please! I'd rather be in the Circle than killed by Templars!" The healer cringed at those words, but Varric shook his head.

"Blondie, let it go. The boy's old enough to make his own choices."

"Ser Thrask is the name of the Templar," Amber explained. "Just announce yourself to the women guarding the exit so they don't think you're a blood mage."

"Thank you! Thank you so much. And please, watch out for Decimus. I think he's gone mad." Alain raced off like he was still being chased. Adia looked at her sister and grinned, though it wasn't very friendly.

"I vote we just lob fireballs and exploding arrows into the room with all the blood mages." Amber returned the grin, but Anders frowned at them.

"We need to make sure there aren't any innocents in there," he reminded them.

"Innocent and blood mage do not belong in the same thought, mage," Fenris brought up, crossing his arms.

"Still, he has a point," the red-eyed girl said. "We'll see who fights with this Decimus, and deal with them."

"Why do I have the feeling this whole thing is just going to come back and bite us in the ass one day?" the redhead asked with a smile and shook her head. "Let's go see the crazy man then, shall we?" The group headed even deeper into the caves, and eventually saw a large barrier, held in place by a single mage. Amber fell to the floor, shaking as she stared at the group. Anders and Varric were immediately in front of her, even as the mage making the barrier dropped it and stood.

"The Templars are here!" However, a woman at his side looked at the group and shook her head, grabbing his arm.

"No Decimus, stay your hand! These are no Templars!"

"What do I care what shields they carry? If they oppose us, the dead themselves will answer our call!" He slit his arm, and blood whirled around him in a cloud. Amber covered her head with her hands and screamed. Her eyes burned, and her head felt like it was splitting in two. This man was powerful and desperate. Not a good combination.

"Death to the blood mages!" Fenris shouted, dashing towards the nearest skeleton.

"Well so much for trying to talk to the crazy man," Adia quipped, looking at her twin. "I don't much like it when my sister is screaming. It makes me just a tad bit upset." She drew her bow in one smooth motion and began firing at any who came near them. As some of the other mages fought back, others were cowering in terror. The skeletons and other undead shambled towards everyone, but were taken down. Decimus was behind another barrier, watching the fight unfold. Amber eventually got to her feet and fired a ball of green light at him.

"Come out and play, bastard!" she challenged. His shield shattered, and she followed up with a fireball before Fenris took him down with his sword. The redhead archer kept her bow trained on the mages cowering in the corner.

"One chance and one chance only: Are any of you with Mr. Dead Crazy Pants over there?" she demanded.

"Please do not shoot! We are not blood mages!" the woman who had tried to council Decimus assured them as she stood.

"Prove it!" Fenris told her, sword still up.

"How exactly would you like us to do that?" she wondered, confusion clear on her face. Adia looked at the others, lowering her bow with a frown.

"We didn't bring Merrill with us in here. How exactly do we tell if they're blood mages or not?" Anders sighed and rubbed the back of his head.

"You can't. Blood mages aren't easily identified-" However, Amber marched over to the woman in question.

"What's your name?"

"Grace," she replied hesitantly.

"Was Decimus your teacher?" Grace's face fell, and she shook her head.

"No, he was my love. He just wanted to protect everyone." Amber turned to her sister, nodding with her head at the older mage.

"She's the only one with any residual feel of blood magick." Adia looked puzzled for a moment, and then shrugged.

"So... Do we kill her?" The red-eyed mage blinked at the nonchalant tone in the rogue's voice, and swallowed hard. Was that what this was going to come down to? Just killing any mage who had ever dabbled or been tempted by blood magick?

"I..." She looked at Grace and instantly thought of Merrill. That solidified her decision, and she shook her head. "I don't feel the full-blown effects of blood magick. I don't think she is one."

"I am not, I swear to the Maker!" Grace told them, horror on her face for a moment. "I knew that Decimus using it might mark the rest of us, but..." She raised an eyebrow. "You are a mage as well. How can you fight against your own people?" Amber's eyes narrowed, and she ground her teeth.

"We didn't come here to fight you!" Anders put his arm around her and glared at Grace and the other mages.

"And maybe if your lover had tried "hello" instead of "raise the bloody dead", things might have been different."

"No, I still would have killed him," Fenris quipped. Adia gave him a devious grin.

"Do you want to glow again, Fenris? It's really dark in here..." The Elf leveled a mock-glare at her and shook his head. Well, that was one way to get him to pipe down.

"All right, listen: If we all want to walk out of here, we need to call a truce. And figure out what to do with Ser Thrask outside," Varric reminded them.

"Please, the Templars will just take us back to the Circle! Help us escape from here," Grace implored as her fellows all nodded.

"And what would you have us do?" Amber wondered.

"You must kill the Templar. It's the only way." The elder Hawke's eyes widened, and the healer's jaw hit the floor.

"Vasta fas! No!" Fenris shouted, hand on the hilt of his sword as he glared at them. Adia looked like she was weighing their choices.

"...I find myself oddly wanting to agree with her... But no. Thrask has done nothing wrong… Yet. We're not killing anyone."

"Then you might as well kill us," Grace said. "I will not go back to the Circle."

"What if we made him leave, or just drew him away while you made your escape?" Anders offered

"Why are you defending an enemy?" The blonde pointed first to himself, and then to Amber, anger in his eyes.

"Because I owe him my life, and the life of that girl. Killing him would be a grave injustice." He felt Justice stir on the last sentence, and shook his head to clear it. Adia folded her arms and raised an eyebrow at Grace.

"Don't look a gift mage in the mouth, lady. We don't have to kill the Templar just to get you away from the Circle. You wouldn't be the first one we've helped. So either accept the options we're giving you or not. Your choice."

"Then... I accept your proposal." Varric grinned and walked up to her.

"Don't worry. By the time I'm done with him and any buddies, those Templars will swear that the sky is green."

"I knew you'd come in handy, Varric," Amber giggled.

"I aim to please, madam," the Dwarf replied with a quick bow.

"Maker bless the day you found us wandering through Hightown, Ser Dwarf," Adia praised, grinning at him. "Then let's get going, shall we?" The rather large group headed back towards the entrance, the Starkhaven mages trailing a bit behind. Aveline, Merrill, and Isabella all looked over when they saw them approach, and the almost-Captain came over, looking concerned.

"We might have a problem," she informed them, keeping her voice low. "I overheard Thrask greeting someone. Seems Ser Kerass is here." Varric smirked and gently pushed his way to the front, straightening out his coat and tugging on his gloves.

"Step aside, ladies, and let the master work." As the Dwarf headed for the exit, Fenris sighed and shook his head.

"I hope he knows what he's doing..." Adia patted his arm and smiled brightly.

"It's Varric! He always knows what he's doing. That mouth and wit of his has yet to let us down." From the mouth of the cave, they then heard:

"Birdie, Fire Eyes, with me, please." Amber trailed after Varric, looking confused, while Adia casually followed him out, linking her hands behind her head. They saw Ser Thrask talking with another Templar, who seemed extremely annoyed. Alain was behind Thrask, still looking fearful.

"The caves have been searched, Ser Kerass. They are not there," Thrask was telling him. The other man pointed at Alain, who shrunk back even further.

"You mean to tell me that this boy is all that's left?"

"Please Ser, I ran away when they began using blood magick!" This got Ser Kerass' full attention, and his face nearly turned purple with rage.

"What? We need to-" He suddenly saw the three teammates standing there. "Who in Andraste's name are you?" Varric feigned shock.

"Oh, did Ser Thrask forget to mention us? My apologies, Ser. This is Knight Captain Hawke and Enchanter Amber, come all the way from the Ferelden Circle to lend aid to their fellows." He pointed to the twins, and then bowed a bit to Thrask. "We have completed our investigation of the caverns, Ser Thrask. It seems the group fell to infighting and killed itself. All but the leader, and I saw him making a break down a back passage towards the shore." The Kirkwall Templar smiled, realizing the ruse right away.

"Ah yes, I was just getting around to telling him. Towards the shore you say? I know a way around the caves so we can beat him there." Ser Kerras nodded at him, drew his sword, and pointed at Alain.

"Then what are we waiting for? Boy, follow close and don't wander!" The three of them raced off, Alain doing his best to stay near Thrask. Adia waited until the Templars were way out of earshot and rounded on Varric.

"I feel very, very, very dirty now. Don't you ever make me out to be a Templar again. I need a bath." She stuck her tongue out at him playfully. "Well, now that's over with." The storyteller chuckled and motioned for everyone that it was safe.

"Don't worry, Birdie, I'm sure Elf will be more than happy to help you feel clean again," he teased as Amber giggled. The redhead stared at Varric with wide eyes and a blush creeping up her cheeks, praying that the fast-approaching Fenris hadn't heard him.

"So... What now?" Aveline wondered when everyone was out in the daylight.

"Now Grace takes her group as far as they can get," Anders explained.

"I never thought you would be able to fool them," Grace said with a smile. She turned to Varric and bowed. "Surely you could talk a miser out of his very last coin."

"Did that just last week, my dear lady," he shot back with a wink.

"Turning mages loose... This will not end well," Fenris predicted.

"You'd best get on your way before they figure out they're chasing shadows and come back," Adia warned them. "Just stay out of trouble."

"We will. Thank you for our lives. We will not waste them." The former Starkhaven Circle all bowed, and then ran off in the opposite direction the Templars had gone. When they were out of sight, Isabella turned to the twins.

"Well, that was fun and exciting. But um... How exactly are we getting paid for this?" Adia grinned innocently.

"...I hang Thrask upside down by his ankles in the middle of the Gallows until he gives me the money?" Isabella snickered, but Aveline looked horrified by that idea.

"Better plan: Varric waits here for them to return while the rest of us head back to Kirkwall," she told them.

"Oh, may I stay with you, Varric?" Merrill asked. "That way you can tell me more stories!" The Dalish began bouncing, a wide smile on her face. Varric nodded and patted her hand.

"Of course Daisy."

"I think I'll hang around too," the pirate brought up. "In case those Templars need some... Distracting later."

"Then we shall return home," Fenris stated. Adia was pouting at Aveline, the taller woman doing her best to ignore it.

"I like the hanging him upside down idea better. Why does everyone have to ruin my fun?" When she didn't get a rise out of either Aveline or her sister, she sighed. "Let's head back to Kirkwall then." The slightly smaller group began the trek back towards the city, keeping relatively silent. The mages seemed lost in thought about the events, and the others were still keeping an eye on their surroundings. They were nearly at the halfway point when they came upon what seemed like a group of mercenaries fighting with a Qunari. What was odd however, was that the gray giant seemed to be protecting a human teenage boy. Before anyone could react, four of the mercenaries held the Qunari down, while a woman who seemed to be the leader stabbed him in the heart.

"Ashaad! No!" the boy cried, dropping to his knees beside the fallen creature.

"And the world's rid of one more Qunari," the woman sneered.

"That... Was unnecessary..." Fenris whispered, markings flaring. Adia stood next to him, nodding, taken aback by what she had seen.

"I'd say so. Maybe we should help the man before that woman decides to stab him as well." The others all nodded, pulling out their weapons.

"Agreed. He seems familiar, and is dressed like a noble," Aveline told them.

"Let's go!" Amber shouted as they charged forward. Though the mercenaries proceeded to throw wave after wave of people at them, they had never contended with the sheer force and tenacity of the Hawkes and their friends. Finally, it was over, and Adia approached the young man as she wiped off the blades on her bow.

"Well, that was fun. Are you hurt?" He stood, dusted off his clothes and bowed.

"I am unharmed, Serrah. My thanks for your timely intervention. I'm not sure what The Winters would have done to me."

"It's nothing," Amber told him with a dismissive wave. "What's your name?"

"Seamus Dumar..." he whispered, hanging his head. Aveline's eyes nearly popped out of her head, and Anders was staring at him like he'd grown a second head.

"The Viscount's boy?" the redhead warrior shouted. Amber and Fenris blinked a few times, mouths agape.

"The Viscount's boy?" Adia repeated, obviously confused. "What in the name of Maker are you doing all the way out here?" Seamus pointed to the Qunari.

"I was with Ashaad. Helping him map the Coast," he replied matter-of-factly.

"You were friends with a Qunari?" the Elf asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I didn't think they knew what that word meant," the healer joked. Seamus blushed slightly and put his hands behind his back.

"I... I don't think friend is exactly the right word. But it will suffice." Everyone else looked at each other and shook their heads. Adia blinked a few times, not getting it.

"Well if he wasn't your friend, then what was he? A mentor or something?" Seamus only blushed more, and Amber decided to save him from her sister's naiveté.

"Oh my... We should get you back to Kirkwall."

"Agreed. I'm sure your father is worried sick," Aveline told him. At the mention of the Viscount, the young man frowned.

"Apparently he thought I'd been kidnapped, and offered a reward for bringing me back. Please feel free to claim it."

"Oh, we will," Fenris replied without missing a beat. The Elf nudged them away from the body of the Qunari, and since Seamus didn't protest, they left without so much as a backwards glance. Adia fell back to walk with her sister, still looking confused. Finally, her curiosity won out, and she whispered:

"So... Was he a friend or not?"

"Um... I think it might be "more than friends,"" her twin softly replied.

"A Qunari?" Anders asked with a quick shake of his head. "I didn't even know they had sex..." Fenris turned to him and smirked.

"Where do you think little Qunari come from?"

"I try not to think about that, personally."

"In all honesty they look like the type of people who lay eggs..." Adia stated. That brought the conversation to a screeching halt, and everyone stared at her. Seamus seemed stunned, and had trouble forming words for a moment.

"No, Qunari don't lay eggs. Where did you get that idea?"

"A wild guess?" the rogue replied with a shrug. "They don't strike me as the kind to uhm..." She blushed "To... You know..."

"They do," he told her.

"Indeed," Fenris chimed in. "In Seheron, I saw a number of Qunari couples and their young. They breed just as we do."

"I did not need to know any of this..." Aveline said through clenched teeth, picking up her pace. Adia followed close behind, hoping to end the conversation. With the redheads setting a rather brisk pace, the return to the city was sooner than expected, and without further incident. Aveline brought they all straight to the Viscount's Keep. Seneschal Bran was waiting outside the office door, and immediately smiled when he saw Seamus

"Master Seamus, it is wonderful to see you! Are you hurt? What happened?" But the young man waved him off, looking annoyed.

"Please, just show me to my father. And make sure this group is rewarded for helping me." The Seneschal nodded at the group.

"A thousand thanks for bringing Seamus back safe." He dropped a rather heavy coin purse in Adia's hand. Her eyes immediately lit up.

"Oh, it was no trouble at all, Ser. Thank you!" She jingled the purse next to her ear, and then looked at Amber. "Well! I think we have enough now!"

"I think we do too," her twin said with a grin as she turned to Seamus. "Will you be all right?"

"As all right as I can be. Thank you again."

"I am sorry we could not save Ashaad as well," Fenris apologized.

"I will grieve for him, and move on. He would want it that way."

"Yes, he wouldn't want you mourning him overmuch..." Anders said softly, shaking his head and sighing at the brief memory of Karl that surfaced. Aveline smiled and gently pushed the girls towards the main door.

"Come on, off you go to tell Leandra the good news!" she told them.

"YAY!" Adia cheered, grabbing Amber's arm and skipping off with her and the boys in tow.