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Chapter Fourteen: The Last Straw

The city was bustling with happiness as servants and nobles alike ran this way and that each trying to get ready for the wedding of their precious champion. Grand Cleric Elthina had agreed to marry the two mages. They weren't part of the circle and so therefore the law at the moment didn't apply to them. Besides, the older woman felt that they deserved a little piece of happiness after the sacrifices they had made for the people in this place, including herself.

Elthina turned her head as she watched a duo of young sisters scurry across the chantry, flowers in hand as they placed them along the rows of seats. The chantry had been rearranged and beautified by all the helping hands, each wanting to make this wedding the most beautiful ever seen. The walls and rows of pews had been scattered with white lace. The lace was wrapped softly around the ends in soft bows and hung in soft loops from the ceiling.

Blue hyacinth and white orchids surrounded the walls bringing a flash of color to the room. Blue lace, the same color of the hyacinth had been twisted into elaborate bows that hung evenly on the altar behind her. Elthina sighed as she watched people begin to filter in slowly. Soon the wedding would begin. Her eye caught that of Knight- Captain Cullen who nodded in her direction. The Templars were set up evenly with the City guard. She wasn't about to play favoritism now, and she especially didn't want anything to go wrong.

Hawke sighed as Orana pulled at her hair, twisting the pieces of hair in her hands into elaborate braids that she then pinned against Hawke's head. This had been going on for almost an hour now and Hawke was slowly losing patience. She heard a snicker and turned her head shooting a dirty look at the Pirate queen that found hilarity in Hawke's suffering.

"You look beautiful, Ely." Bethany assured. Hawke smiled in her sister's direction, thankful that the Templars had allowed her to attend the wedding. She secretly knew that the grand cleric and the Knight-Captain had pulled some serious strings to get the Knight Commander to agree and she was eternally grateful. Hawke wasn't sure this day would be right if her sister was absent. She had already lost the rest of her immediate family. A sob caught in her throat at the thought of her mother but she swallowed it before it could make itself known to the other women in the room.

Hawke winced as another bobby pin dug itself into her scalp and heard the whispered apology from her servant. Orana worked swiftly after that, pinning the curls up so that they were piled on top of her head with a few trailing softly down over her left shoulder.

"Now it's my turn." Isabela announced gleefully as she stood up from her seat and brought over a bag placing it on the table next to Hawke.

"Whatever you do, make sure you don't make me look like a common tavern whore." Hawke eyed Isabela warily, hoping beyond hope that the woman would listen to her. She didn't want to look gaudy on her wedding day.

"Trust me, Hawke, you will look gorgeous." Isabela reassured the champion as she pulled out a soft cream and began rubbing it softly into Hawke's skin, blending it in carefully so that no lines would show. Next she pulled out a soft rouge and with a brush, powdered it slightly over each of the champion's cheeks. She placed the make-up carefully back down on the table and tilted Hawke's face to the left and right, up and down, letting the light catch it and making sure that she had blended everything perfectly.

Next Isabela pulled out a black kohl pencil. "Close your eyes." She demanded softly and once Hawke complied, she quickly traced the blackened lines across each of the woman's eyelids and holding each eye carefully she swiped it across the bottom lid as well. Then once that was finished she pulled out a iridescent tan powder that shimmered under the light. She brushed it across each eye and across different lines of Hawke's face. When the light caught it Hawke's face glowed; perfect.

"Now Hawke, Orana will help you into your dress while I work on Bethany. Be a dear and get dressed." Isabela said with a slight snicker as she turned away from her friend. Hawke for once did as she was told and stood, making her way into her bedroom with Orana. Orana pulled down the dress and unlatched the back so that Hawke could slide into it.

The satin slid softly against her skin as it glided over her breasts and hips before settling against the floor. Orana moved behind her and the material was pulled tight against her chest as the small buttons were slid slowly back into place. Finally the dress was on. The small elf moved to the table, pulling with her two diamond incrusted silver hair pieces which she fixed into Hawkes hair along with some of the loose Hyacinth from Hawke's bouquet. Then she let the champion move back into the other room where her sister and best friend were waiting. Hawke heard two quick inhalation of breaths as she walked through the door way and the two other woman caught sight of their friend. Bethany's eyes filled with tears that she fought back so that she didn't ruin the work that Isabela had done on her.

"You look so beautiful, Ely." Bethany sighed in wonder. Elyssa Hawke moved slowly to stand in front of the full length mirror and gasped at the sight before her. The strapless A-line dress hugged her chest perfectly before flowing out and falling to the floor. It was two toned, white and blue, the blue so bright that it matched perfectly with her eyes. The dress looked to be two separate pieces with the bottom layer blue and the outer layer looking like a white coat that was stitched with the same blue. It was held together by a bright blue ribbon with silver stitching on the front. The ribbon tied around the front and met at the back where it then fell to the floor in blue waves along with the train of her dress. Her hair was a mess of entricately twisted black braids and curls that were piled on top of her head and held in with the two silver pieces that met in the middle and looked like a tiara though a few curls hung loose over her left shoulder.

Her face shimmered in the light, her eyes big in her smooth face thanks to Isabela's artwork. Hawke choked back another sob as she turned to the three women and smothered them all in a hug. She felt beautiful and it was all thanks to these women.

"Mistress, your guard…" Bodahn's voice trailed off and his eyes grew wide as he caught sight of his mistress. She was a beauty.

"Thank you Bodahn. Ladies." With a sweep of her arms and dress Hawke glided across the room, stopping only briefly to slip her feet into a pair of white slippers before heading out the door. The others followed and as soon as they made it to the front door Isabela slipped through, disappearing through the crowd. All of Kirkwall was gathered in Hightown crowding the streets from the Keep to the Chantry. A small path lay empty which she took as her path. Music started playing as Hawke stepped outside her estate , apparently someone had let it be known they were coming. Gabriel waited for his younger cousin at the pathway, linking his arm through Bethany's as they slowly made their way through the crowd, Bethany a vision in blue with a bouquet of white orchids and Gabriel dressed in his finest black robes.

Hawke followed slowly behind them, her white and blue train flowing over the ground until two happy children rushed in to pick it up. They were both young, maybe six or seven, both girls. They were clean but she could tell from their clothes that they were probably orphans. She smiled at the two of them and nodded her thanks sending both of them into fits of giggles. Her Uncle Gamlen greeted her at the split path, he took one and she took the other and they came together on the other side. She wrapped her arm through his and took a look at him. He had trimmed his hair and beard. His clothing was black nobles finery that she herself had bought for him. Gamlen had a smile on his face and his chin tilted up. He looked proud, and for that Hawke was glad.

The two guards at the door, Donnic and Brennan, smiled at her and pulled the doors wide. The room inside went quiet as everyone turned their heads to look at her.

"She's gorgeous." Hawke heard one of the nobles closest to her whisper. She took in the room, from the white and blue lace, to the hyacinth and orchids that matched her bouquet. Her friends were scattered along the outer rim, protecting. Fenris stood tall, his great sword strapped to his back. He smiled at her as she passed. She caught a glimpse of golden eyes in the shadows and knew that's where Isabela hid. Aveline was near the front wearing her captain's uniform as she protected them. Merrill was hidden among a patch of plants and flowers, she smiled and waved when Hawke's eyes caught hers. Varric, Sebastian, and Nathaniel were all situated in the balconies above the altar, each archer on the lookout. She heard a belch and had to stifle a giggle when she saw Sigrun shush Oghren. Velanna was hidden in an identical patch of plants as Merrill on the opposite side of the room. Hawke turned her eyes forward as she neared the Grand Cleric and the others. Bethany and Gabriel were both standing there, Bethany on Hawke's left and Gabriel on her right next to Anders, each of them had a Mabari by their side. Then Hawke let her eyes wander to her soon to be husband. He was dressed in the finest black robes that she could buy. They were trimmed in the same blue as her dress along with silver stitching. His blonde hair was pulled back fully from his face, now long enough to fit in one tie. His brown eyes were locked on her so full of love and anticipation that she felt her insides twist.

Anders held out his hand to her, a large smile on his face. Gamlen stepped in and place her hand in Anders and stepped back smiling happily. Together the two of them stepped up the stairs and turned so that they faced each other.

"You look beautiful. More than I know how to describe." Anders whispered to her as the Grand Cleric addressed the crowd with the usual 'we are gathered'. After she was finished she turned to the two of them and told them to speak their vows.

"Anders, I promise to be there when you need me, to fill your days with sunshine, to comfort you and encourage you, to help you reach your goals, to be your best friend and to love you all my life with all of my heart. Forever and Always." Hawke told the man she loved as she held his hands clasped tightly in hers.

"Elyssa, I love you. Today is a day I never dreamed would happen to me. Long ago you were just a dream and a prayer. Thank you for being what you are to me. I will care for you, honor and protect you.
I lay down my life for you my best friend and my love." Anders vowed squeezing her hands tightly, his eyes flashed blue for a split second as Justice made his agreement. Hawke sighed in relief, Justice had finally accepted her.

They smiled at each other and followed the instructions of the Grand cleric as they slid the rings onto each other's fingers. Finally, Elthina announced them as husband and wife. The people of Kirkwall cheered in acceptance as they kissed. Hawke grasped her husband to her tightly as his mouth slid over hers. They were finally married. Anders picked her up and swung her around in a circle as he laughed happily. Hawke soon joined in.

The reception that followed was a blur to Hawke. She didn't really remember much of it for she hadn't really been paying attention. The only thing that had been on her mind was getting home and ripping the clothes off of her husband. Husband. She smiled softly to herself, she would never grow tired of using that word.

Anders held her tightly in his arms as he carried her up the stairs to their room. He set her down on the floor and softly closed the door behind him, turning the lock.

"Come here." He whispered as he waved her closer. He turned her so that her back was to him and leaned down placing kisses across her shoulders. His hands skillfully undid each clasp, his mouth leaving kisses whenever skin was bared. Once he had undone all the clasps he let the dress slide down her skin leaving her bare to his eyes. His breath caught, she hadn't worn any undergarments to the wedding. Hawke slowly stepped out of the dress and turned to face Anders who almost had himself undressed as well.

The rebellious mage gathered his wife against his chest and moved them closer to the bed. She gasped as he laid her down on the bed, his lips and hands caressing her breasts—gently at first, then harder. She arched her back, trying to wind her leg around his hop, but he slid away, moving lower. When he hooked one of her legs over his shoulder she gasped. Before she could do anything he did something with his tongue that made her cry out, bucking against his mouth. He did it again, harder and faster, and she brushed her free foot against his erection. He stiffened slightly, gasping against her, and when she did it a second time, he stopped and gave her a look that was so hot and hungry, and so harassed that she didn't know whether to laugh or beg for more.

"Don't distract me." He said as his mouth twitched into a smile.

"I'll just lie here, then." She said tartly, brushing his erection again with her foot. He closed his eyes, exhaling sharply, which she did as well when he shifted his hips and she got a good look at his erection. Desire pummeled her, and every part of her ached to have him inside her.

Hawke reached down and grabbed his hair, tugging. "Come on."

"What if I want to go slow?" He asked, his fingers lingering between her legs as he moved up her body. She swallowed a gasp as he started a fast rhythm of caresses, and clamped her thighs around his hand.

"In me," Hawke gasped. "Now!"

Anders didn't argue. He slid on top of her, and his weight felt so good between her legs. She wrapped her thighs around his hips, arching her back with a low cry as he pushed slowly into her, filling her body so completely that she lost coherent thought. Oh how good it felt to be together with him. When he began to move, slowly at first, she rocked hard against him, forcing him deeper, harder.

Anders started moving faster, harder, grinding her into the bed and she came, lost in her pleasure. He did not stop. He moved faster, his hand sliding between them, his fingers sliding over the swollen nub and she cried out. Soon she felt another wave of pleasure crash over her and he cried out joining her. He rocked one, two, three more times before collapsing on top of her, his arms catching him so that he didn't hurt her. After a few minutes he slid out of her slowly, gasping from the feeling, then curled up against her. They fell asleep like that, holding each other tight.

The past few months since she had gotten married had been the greatest in her life. Sure she still worked to protect the city, killing raiders in the middle of the night. She even traveled with Anders to gather his ingredients for his supposed potion though she figured out that there was no way to get rid of Justice. They had encountered a high dragon on that trip, it had massacred the whole mine. Hawke and her companions had finished the creature and her spawn off before gathering up her treasure. It was a good thing that dragons liked to hoard gold and awesome weapons or she'd be pissed.

Hawke sighed as she turned the page of the book, scanning down yet another list of components. She was looking for a spell or potion that required Drakestone and Sela petrae. Another dead end. She turned to the next page, so deep in thought that she almost missed it. There it was, the recipe she was looking for. Her eyes widened when she realized exactly what it was that Anders had been making. Hawke moaned into her hands and let her face hit the book as she closed her eyes.

'Oh Anders, what am I to do with you?' She questioned in her mind as she thought over what she could do. She couldn't remove it, Anders had probably hidden it so well that it wouldn't be discovered. She couldn't tell anyone because then Anders would be taken away by the Templars and there was no way she was going to let that happen. That left only one choice. Hawke sighed again as she sent Bodahn with a message requesting Isabela, Merrill and Velanna. The later hadn't left the other elf's side since they had met, apparently they had known each other from back when they were both the firsts of their respective clans.

The three women arrived not even ten minutes later. Hawke ushered them into the library and shut the door, telling Bodahn not to let anyone near.

"I need your help." Hawke started. She explained to them what she had found out about Anders plan and how she wasn't going to stop it. Isabela and Merrill seemed shocked at first but then they nodded, realizing what was at stake. Velanna only watched her with a contemplative stare. "Isabela I'm going to need you to gather up all the ship captains that you know are trustworthy. I'll give you money to bribe them with. There's going to be war, I can feel it. Plus you heard what Leliana told us, the Divine is ready to march on Kirkwall. We can't let the innocents get hurt." She shook her head sadly. Leliana, the agent of the Divine, had been to visit them just a week ago. To say her old friends were shocked to know she had been here, neither of them had been to see her.

"I want you to start evacuating the circle. A couple at a time. I know some secret tunnels that Anders showed me. The only problem is I need someone who is stealthy enough to get in there, knock out the guards and not get caught. Someone who won't be automatically traced back to us." Hawke tapped her chin.

"I do believe I can be of assistance." A smooth Antivan voice sounded from the shadows causing Hawke to start, though she didn't let it show.

"Zevran? What are you doing here?" She asked as the body made himself visible. He wore that same cocky grin that she had seen when she had helped him kill off the crows who had come to capture him. She thought on it. Here was a master assassin in her library, offering his help. Well, obviously the maker did approve of this plan.

"I heard you might need my help and I couldn't let such a beautiful goddess down." His tone was smooth as he slid into the conversation. Cocky antivan.

"Oh you beautiful elf. You're perfect." She grabbed him and kissed him quickly before letting go and getting back on topic. Zevran smirked happily. "You'll go in at night, I'll show you the tunnel to use. I want you to get out the apprentices first. The children shouldn't be wrapped up in this. From what I've heard from my sister there are two guards in front of each dorm. Take them down quietly, I'll give you a memory wipe potion to give to them. "

Hawke turned to the two female elves. "You two will be doing me the biggest favor. I want you to get the Grand Cleric and some of the younger sisters out of the chantry tonight. You both are adept at magic so I know you can do it without too much fuss. Just get them to the ship that Isabela specifies and set them off to Val Royeaux. The Divine has offered them sanctuary. " She looked at them. "Questions?" They all shook their heads. "Good, I'll meet you tonight Zevran, I shall go with you as far as the end of the tunnels and help you guide the children back." They all started heading out the door. "Meet me at the docks with your vessels at midnight." And then they were gone and she was left preparing what she was to do.

She set down at her desk and pulled out two pieces of parchment and an ink quill. She had two letters to send. The first she penned to the Grand Cleric.

Forgive me Your Grace,

I did what I believed was in your best interest.

I know that you wished to be here for your city, but you

are its heart. We need you to be safe Elthina and so I have

sent you to Val Royeaux against your wishes.

Please forgive me, Elyssa Hawke

The second she penned to King Alistair of Fereldan. The man had come to visit her a couple of weeks ago and he was also a good friend to Gabriel.

King Alistair of Fereldan,

I am intrusting you with the care of several

mage apprentices that I rescued from the circle.

There is to be war and I do not wish for them to

Be involved Please forgive me, I knew of no

one else who would care for them,

The Champion of Kirkwall.

She sighed and folded the papers, sticking them in her pocket as she slipped from her house. She would hide the first in the Grand Cleric's pocket for when the woman awoke. The second she would send to Alistair himself. She gathered the beautiful white hawk she had acquired and to his leg she attached her letter to the king.

"Fly free, Spero. Find me if you can. Make sure this letter makes it to the king." And then using a bit of magic to help lead its way she sent the Hawk soaring. He screeched once in acknowledgement and then with a burst of his wings he went flying.

It was dark when she met Zevran in Darktown, Anders was working tonight so she had to be careful not to be spotted by him.

"Come." She whispered to the assassin as she disappeared into the tunnel, the blonde antivan following quickly behind her. They moved in the shadows, moving quickly to avoid detection. The tunnel wasn't guarded by any templars which showed that they didn't yet know of it. She sighed softly in relief, that would make things easier. They reached the Gallows easily, the tunnel under the lake holding solid for them.

"Quickly, remember what I told you." She whispered to the elf. Zevran nodded and disappeared into the shadows making his way down the hallway. No one sensed him, causing him to smirk in pleasure. Foolish templars had nothing on him. He ducked into a door way as two guards made their way past him, never once noticing him there. He moved out behind them turning in the opposite direction they were going. Ah, he thought, the beautiful Hawke was right, only two guards. He dispatched them quickly and kneeling down slipped the potion into their mouths. They wouldn't remember a thing. He opened the door and the apprentices were all awake, all waiting for him. Good, Hawke must have gotten word to her sister.

"Do not use magic." He warned them as he slowly led them down the hall. There were quite a few children, twenty at least but they listened to him and none of them used their magic. They came across one guard in their journey which Zevran quickly dispatched. Then he ushered them into the secret tunnel making sure to seal it behind them.

One young girl, her hair cut short and her skin tanned parted from the group and attached herself to Hawke hugging the older woman tightly as she sobbed into her robe.

"Hush now Ella, you are safe." Hawke whispered softly as she patted the child's head and then set her back. Zevran let a small smile slip out. She was quite the woman. "Now come children, quickly. We must be away from here before they notice you are gone. Do not use magic, they will detect you. No matter how scared you get. Do. Not. Use. Magic. Understand?" She spoke with authority, her words so soft, yet there was a hardness to them that demanded obedience. The children all nodded and with a quick glance to Zevran, Hawke turned and began to guide them down the tunnel. The ex-crow took up his place at the rear making sure no one snuck through the tunnel behind them.

It was almost an hour before they reached the other end of the tunnel and Hawke ushered the kids through Darktown. The loyalty of the people to their champion had them turning their eyes away, none of them wanting to be witness to the crime. They got the children to the docks with little trouble. Isabela was there waiting for them. She quietly led them to a ship and they ushered the children on. Hawke pulled out two small bags. The smaller of the two she handed to the ship's captain.

"Get them safely to Denerim." He nodded to her and moved to board his ship. She turned to Ella who was watching her with tears in her eyes.

"I'm protecting you. Don't worry, you'll be safe where I am sending you." She handed the small girl the second pouch and hugged her tightly. "This is for when you get to Denerim. You'll be able to buy food and lodging for you and the others." She stepped back as the boat pulled away from the dock. "Be safe." She called to the children softly. They all turned watery eyes to her and waved their good byes.

Hawke looked up into the sky. It was almost midnight, Merrill and Velanna should be meeting them soon with the Grand Cleric. Sure enough the two Dalish elves appeared through the shadows, six sleepily drugged bodies following behind them. Hawke nodded to them as Isabela pointed out the ship that would take them to Val Royeaux. They helped the sleepy passengers onto the ship and into the small cabin below. Hawke slipped her note into the Grand Cleric's hands and wrapped them tightly around it. The woman blinked up at her, her sleep spelled eyes not focusing. Hawke stepped back and quickly exited the ship.

She stopped in front of the ship captain and handed him the last of the small pouches. "Take care of them." She told him as she placed the money into his hands. He grabbed her hand and held it softly. She looked up at the older man, his face hardened with lines but he smiled softly at her.

"You are a brave woman." Was all he said before he released her hands and disappeared aboard the ship. Soon the ship broke from dock and the Grand Cleric was on her way to Orlais.

The five of them soon parted ways, none of them speaking of what happened.

The next morning came quickly. A messenger was knocking anxiously at her door, and when she opened it she saw the fright in the boy's eyes. He quickly handed her the note and dashed off, disappearing from her sight. Hawke looked at the letter in her hand. She quickly opened it.

Champion,

You have proven yourself a friend to Kirkwall's mages and it seems I must call upon you once again. Meredith has gone too far, and I will not let her madness remain unchecked. I ask that you come to the Gallows at once. Perhaps together we can stop this before there is bloodshed.

First Enchanter Orsino

Oh great. Well, at least her timing was good. She smirked to herself. She had already saved the Grand Cleric and the apprentices and no one was the wiser.

"What is it?" Anders asked from behind her as he stepped off the stairs and approached his wife. She held out the note to him letting him read it for himself. He snorted as he tossed it aside.

"It seems it has begun." He said as he turned and headed back up the stairs. She followed her husband up the stairs after telling Bodahn to gather all of her friends. Together she and Anders quickly dressed in their battle robes and grabbed their staffs. They stopped before heading down stairs, turning to each other. They stood there in silence, just staring into each other's eyes before Anders pulled her roughly to him and kissed her. They held each other for a moment, their mouths connected. Then all to soon it ended and they exited the room, meeting with their friends below.

No one had a chance to speak with a knock sounded at the door. Hawke looked vaguely annoyed as she moved to open it. There before her stood a young mage.

"Come quick! The Knight Commander and First Enchanter got into the fight, The First Enchanter rushed off to bring the matter before the Grand Cleric and The Knight Commander followed. I fear there will be blood!" The young woman was scared, her eyes wild as she pulled on Hawke's arm.

"Take me to them." She announced. The group gathered in her living room all followed leaving behind Morrigan, Emile, Bodahn and Sandal. The two Mabari crowded in next to their masters. The young woman dragged Hawke through the streets where they found The two parties engaged in front of the steps to the chantry. Meredith and Orsino were arguing yet again. Meredith had her templars behind her while Orsino had Bethany and a few other mages at his back. Hawke sighed, this wasn't going to be pretty.

"You know, with the way you two go on people are going to start to wonder." She quipped as she made herself known to the group. Her friends were slowly making their way to stand behind her, Anders at her side.

"You would be here, sister." Bethany joked as she caught sight of her older sister. Hawke just shrugged at her.

"This is none of your concern Champion, please leave." Meredith sneered as she caught sight of Hawke. Orsino was quick to rebuke her.

"Nonsense, I invited the Champion here so that she could see your madness." He returned, his face close to the Commander's as he sneered in her face.

"What are you two fighting about this time anyways?" Hawke asked, breaking up their little argument again. They both turned to her though it was Orsino who answered.

"She wants to tear apart the tower, top to bottom in a search for blood mages." He told the champion with a look of disgust on his face.

"Is there any truth to what she says?"

"It's just another one of her thoughts. If I let her do this, what will she do next? There's only so much we can take." He pleaded.

"Meredith, we aren't all bad guys." Hawke looked to the woman. The blonde woman's eyes softened for a moment in sadness as she looked at Hawke.

"I know. But what else can I do? Do not brand me a tyrant if you cannot give me another way." She was angry, her eyes spitting fire at them now. Hawke sighed again. This wasn't working.

"I'm taking this to the Grand Cleric." Orsino announced, obviously coming to the same conclusion that Hawke had. He turned to make his way up the stairs. Meredith grabbed his shoulder, yanking hard on it.

"Do not bring her Grace into this!" She hissed menacingly.

"Stop!" Anders yelled from her side as he held out his staff.

"What is the meaning of this?" Both Meredith and Orsino turned to look at her husband. He held up his staff, pointing it at the sky.

"The Grand Cleric will not be seeing you today." And then the ground began to shake. Hawke's eyes widened in realization as the chantry exploded. Pink fire shooting through the roof and demolishing the building. Everyone stood in silence, letting the shock sink in. Meredith was the first to react as she hissed at Anders followed by Orsino's questioning. Sebastian collapsed to the ground sobbing and screaming out the Grand Cleric's name. Oops, forgot to mention to him about her grace. Oh well, at least it looked more realistic this way.

"What have you done?" Orsino questioned.

"I have removed the chance of compromise, because there is no compromise." Hawke looked at her husband, the man she loved seemed to fold in on himself. He was saddened by what he had done.

Shouting ensued between the groups as they debated the right of Annulment and what was to be done. But Hawke wasn't listening, she was too busy watching her husband.

"You must choose Champion!" Meredith screamed causing Hawke to jerk from her thoughts and stare at the woman. Choose? Oh, she meant choose sides. Well obviously that was a no brainer. Did Meredith honestly forget that she was a mage?

"I will side with the Mages." She announced firmly staring down the Knight Commander. Meredith seemed taken aback and tried to give her a chance to change her mind but Hawke would have none of it.

"So shall it be then. You wish to protect them, then you shall die with them. Attack!" Meredith fled as her Templars attacked the group, but they were sorely outnumbered by the rest of them and went down in seconds.

Orsino turned towards Hawke, thanking her and telling her that he would meet them in the Gallows, he needed to hurry and warn the others before Meredith reached them. He left with the parting comment that Anders was hers to do with as she pleased. It was silent as Hawke moved to stand behind her husband who was sitting upon a crate staring down at his hands.

"You cannot say anything to make me feel worse than I already do." He whispered to his wife as he stared brokenly down at his hands.

"You could have trusted me. I would have understood." Hawke whispered back. Anders turned his head and looked back at her.

"I could not. What if you tried to stop me? Or worse, tried to help. I could not bear that." Anders looked up into her face, his brown eyes staring into her blue ones.

"You're an idiot." She said and smacked him on the back of the head. "Get up. We have some mages to save."

"You aren't going to kill me?" He asked in wonder as he stood up. Hawke just shook her head at him and pulled him in for a kiss.

"Wait, wait you're just going to let this murderer go free?" Sebastian raged. "I swear Hawke, I will return to Starkhaven and gather an army the like you've never seen and I will kill your precious Anders." He hissed out angrily. Hawke looked at him and blinked. What an idiot.

"Let me get this straight Sebastian, you, a brother in the chantry, are going to gather an army to take on me and my husband. Me, the champion of Kirkwall, the woman who survived the blight, traveled the deep roads, killed the Arishok and is now taking on the Templars and my husband who is a grey warden, which means he's got backing, he's also one of the strongest mages in existence and has the spirit of Justice within him. You are going to bring an army against us? Please. I'd like to see you try." She rattled on getting more and more cynical with each word. Stupid little princeling. Sebastian had grown quiet during her rant, his eyes growing wider with each word. Well at least he was thinking about the stupidity of what he had said. "Besides, Elthina isn't dead. I sent her to Val Royeaux." Sebastian began to stutter but Hawke just ignored him, pushing him out of her way as she addressed the others.

"Okay, we're going to split up into three groups. Anders, Zevran, Fenris, and Varric, you three will be with me. Gabriel, I want you to take Velanna, Nathaniel Oghren and Sigrun with you. Aveline, gather the guards, protect the citizens then meet me in the gallows. I'm sending Merrill, Isabela, Bethany and Sebastian if he still wants to help, with you. Everyone split up, help who you can, we'll meet at the gallows. Go!"

They raced through Hightown striking down the first group of Templars that hadn't quite made it back to their commander. They finished them off quickly and raced down the stairs to Lowtown. A scream sent chills up Hawke's spine as she watched a young mage quickly turn into an abomination as she was cornered by Templars. Damnit.

She swung her staff, enhancing the blade on the end with electricity as she sliced off the neck of the abomination. Her magic arched out, bits of electricity striking the shades closest to her. The group was able to finish them off quickly and raced through the streets. Another group of abominations surrounded a desire demon. She threw a massive firestorm at them followed by a Tempest. Fenris moved in and sliced through them as they writhed in pain.

The docks were silent as they stepped into them. Hawke glanced to her left at the space the Qunari used to occupy. She scoffed silently in thought, this night was so much like that night. Her steps echoed off the buildings as she grew closer to the woman kneeling in front of the statue of Hawke herself. But once she grew too close the woman stood up with a maniacal grin on her face and summoned up shades. At least two dozen surrounded the group. And in the distance she could hear the stomping of heavy feet. She turned to her left, noticing the Pride demon storming towards her just in time to avoid it. It went skittering past her into the building taking at least two shades with it.

She ran towards the demon, ice gathering on her staff as she threw herself at it. She dug the blade into the demon's chest and watched as the ice quickly spread through it freezing it solid. She panted softly as she braced herself against her knees.

The group made it to the gallows in no time, meeting up with everyone else as Meredith and the first of her Templars came storming through the gates. They exchanged words but Meredith had no intention of changing her mind. Hawke guessed she would just have to change it for her.

"I love you, more than anything in the world. We'll escape from here and we'll travel to Ferelden, settle down, and have a few kids." Hawke whispered to her husband as she held him tightly in her arms. Here they were saying their farewells as they prepared for their worst battle yet. But she had to have faith they would make it out of this. They had to. Anders whispered sweet words into her ear before releasing her.

"Okay guys, I've gotta admit, I never thought we'd be standing here ready to take down Meredith's army. But we're going to do it. We're going to do it to protect all of these innocent people who were dragged into this, we'll do it for our freedom and for the freedom of any children we may have. This isn't right and now is the time for us to say no." Hawke sighed.

"Anders, Bethany, Merrill. You three are with me. The rest of you spread out, stick to the shadows and help with you can." They each nodded to each other and then they heard it, the door was being smashed open. The Templars came streaming in swords raised as they attacked. Hawke threw up a wall of ice, stopping them from entering the room completely. Merrill threw out a field of sleep that dropped at least a fourth of the group that had made it through the doors. Bethany called out a storm of fire dropping it on the Templars. Anders held out his arms as they glowed with electricity, calling down a tempest storm on their enemies. The Templars screamed as the other mages threw in their own attacks.

The first wave fell, and then the second but not without casualties. A good deal of the younger mages had been killed. They were too inexperienced to deal with this kind of fight. Orsino stood in the middle of the chaos, staring down at the fallen around him. Hawke saw the moment he snapped but there was nothing she could do. He yelled out to the third wave of Templars as he sliced his arm, the magic in the blood calling the fallen bodies to him. They melded with Orsino creating a Harvester. It was an ugly creature, thick leathery, hairless skin that melded to its skeleton. She could still see some of the faces of the people it had attached to it in its skin and it made her sick. Foolish Orsino.

They fought the creature that used magic to attack them. It called up the dead corpses that it hadn't swallowed to attack them. Hawke finally managed to get in a critical hit, launching herself up its body and digging her dagger into its face. It was a good thing she had taken those lessons with Isabela. Hawke pulled on the second set of arms as hard as she could until the other body separate and went flying across the room. She quickly hurried to it and stomped on it, ending its existence.

"Why would he do this?" Bethany whispered as tears poured down her face. She was staring at the remains of First Enchanter Orsino, or what was left of the creature he had become. Hawke too felt strangely betrayed. This man had held knowledge of the man who had killed her mother and he hadn't told anyone, even after all she had done to help him. She looked around.

She stood among the dead bodies surrounded by her sister, husband and companions. Kirkwall had fallen to the mages and she, she had helped them. Standing there staring at all the dead bodies surrounding her and her comrades, she suddenly wished that she had never come to Kirkwall, that the series of events that had lead her there had never happened. Maybe if just one had not come about then this would not be. It was a massacre, too many senseless deaths. Which she had caused, no Meredith had caused. But she couldn't regret, because it had brought about change. But the greatest change of all would be when she put a blade through Meredith's heart for causing all of this.

Meredith greeted her in the Gallows Courtyard surrounded by the remainder of her Templars and Knight Captain Cullen. There was a wildness in her eyes as she stared at Hawke and then Demanded her death.

"Kill her. I want her dead!" She screamed to her army but they appeared reluctant to comply. Knight Captain Cullen stepped forward, looking worriedly at his Commander.

"We agreed that we would arrest the Champion, not kill her."

"Do not defy me boy. I want her dead!" Her eyes blazed with her madness as she raged at them. Hawke felt the hatred directed at her and felt a chill spread through her body.

"Knight Commander step down!" Cullen demanded as he stepped in front of Hawke, shielding her from his mad commander. "I relieve you of your post." Meredith didn't agree with Cullen's demand for she screamed and pulled out her blade. It was glowing with the power of the Lyrium idle they had found years ago in the Primeval Thaig. She swung it around madly as she screamed at the other Templars who backed up fearfully. Their commander really had lost her mind.

"Fine I'll do it myself!" She dug her sword into the ground, cracking the cement below as she chanted. "Blessed are those who appear before the wicked and Do Not Falter!" She swung her sword up out of the ground and attacked Hawke. Cullen blocked the attack with his shield as he pushed his former commander back giving Hawke space.

The six mages spread out to encompass the whole courtyard as they began to cast their spells. The archers moved with them while the rogues and warriors moved in, each of them taking a swing at Meredith. The woman screamed in frustration as she jumped from the group, landing on the small landing near the top of the stairs. Hawke heard the stone break under her feet and wondered at what kind of power the Lyrium was giving her. Meredith dug her sword into the ground again and pink light shot across the stands bringing to life statues all around. Hawke swung her staff at the closest statue to her freezing it solid before it could finish its decent. Another one stumbled its way towards her and she threw out a fist of the maker knocking it to the ground and shattering the stone.

Two more came closer to her and she readied her magic for another attack, Anders move in close to her sending out his own blast of magic taking the two statues permanently out of business. More statues began to descend onto the battlefield along with Meredith. Hawke moved to intercept her casting a walking bomb spell on her from a distance. Meredith screamed as the acid ate at her but the Lyrium kept her going. Hawke dodged a swing of the woman's sword, bringing up the bladed end of her staff to swipe at the woman. Meredith pushed her back after receiving a slice to the face and Hawke used the moment to gather up another freezing spell. She knew it would be enough to freeze all of Meredith so she used it on the woman's legs. The ice caught the Knight Commanders legs and held them in place as Hawke came at her again, digging the blade of her staff into the other woman's stomach. Meredith screamed sharply causing Hawke to hold her ears. The area pulsed with magic that pushed Hawke back a few steps and left her disoriented for a moment. But she had done enough damage. Knight Commander Meredith stumbled back, holding her sword in both hands as she demanded it give her more power.

The group watched in amazement as the sword shatter and The knight commander burst into magical flames that seemed to suck the life right out of her. Her shriek of pain lasted for a good moment before she collapsed to the ground and was silent. They all moved closer, each wanting to see if she was dead. A Templar broke ranks and rushed up to the commander getting a good look. She nodded to Cullen who in turn turned to The Champion and her friends. He held out his sword and the smaller group prepared for a fight, but then Cullen put his sword down and began to back away. It was their chance to escape.

"Isabela, ready the ship. The rest of you gather what you can, we leave in an hour." Hawke told her friends and together they raced across Kirkwall.

So, that's pretty much it. I have an epilogue that will go up in the next day or two. Please review and tell me what you think. =D

This is the dress I modeled Hawke's dress after: http:/ www. davidsbridal. com/Product_ Satin-A-Line-with-Split-Front-and-Color -Inset-9YP3066_ Bridal-Gowns-Shop-By- Silhouette-A-Line …Minus the spaces of course.