This was one of the most difficult chapters for me to write. How does one end multiple friendships in one fell swoop? I think I'm happy with it. I wrote the conclusion to this story a couple chapters ago, so technically, this is the last piece I'll write for this story. I'm a little sad. I've been quite pleased with where it's taken me. I truly hope those who have read it have enjoyed it. The final chapter will be up soon as well…but I'll let this one simmer for a bit before I upload it.

Thanks again for the support through reviews, faves and story alerts. It means a lot!

Provision

The arrival of Carver with the Captain of the Guard in Kirkwall is understated, and that suits him well. He does not wish to draw more attention to himself than needed. There is still chaos in the streets after the destruction of the Chantry, but it is organized now. Merchants are back in the market and bazaar. Trade and business are beginning to flow again. Believers from the surrounding lands have come to pay respects to the dead, though none have yet been found. Mages have fled. The templars are in disarray. The City Guard is barely keeping all the strands together.

Aveline's return signals a collective sigh of relief for her guards, particularly Donnic. Their reunion is one of subtlety and quiet reserve. Marked by a warm embrace, the two are inwardly elated to see each other once again. Deservedly, his fellow guards advise him to go home and spend the rest of the day with his wife after the ordeal that they'd been through. Kirkwall could wait one more day for the official return of the Captain of the Guard. Carver does not dally long with the two, as they are eager to be alone after the time apart. She advises him to see her prior to his departure for a proper goodbye.

Not completely sure where he should go, he wanders aimlessly through the streets for a time. He bears little resemblance to his sister, and feels safe enough to explore without hiding his identity. Though, as so many others in the streets employ the use of a hood, he does wear his up. He is able to walk through the streets without incident, as though he is not even there. One of the things he always hated about Hightown. Someone could die right next to a noble and never gain a second glance.

He rounds several familiar corners and looks up. He is face to face with the estate. Windows have been broken on the upper floor. The exterior has been defaced, though the front door remains sealed. He approaches the door cautiously and knocks gently. He can hear shuffling from inside and he waits. A few moments pass and the door handle begins to turn. The door cracks open and he sees the face of Bodahn appear.

"Master Carver!" he exclaims and opens the door wide to let him in. "Please, please…come in."

"Bodahn," he replies. "I was not expecting anyone to still be here. I was hopeful, but…"

"Yes," the dwarf says sadly, "Sandal and I have not held out much hope to ever see Mistress Hawke again. Does she…still live?"

Carver looks around in the street behind him and enters the home, closing the door tight behind him.

"She does, my friend. But it would be best to not make that knowledge known to just anyone," he says.

"Of course!" he exclaims. "No matter what has happened in recent days, your sister is a good woman and I would never wish her ill."

Carver looks towards the main hall of the estate. It is very dimly lit. He makes his way into the room and sees that the dwarves have been busy packing items away in preparation for leaving for Orlais.

"I…wasn't sure what to do with Mistress Hawke and Master Anders' belongings," Bodahn explains. "Perhaps you would like to take them?"

"No, Bodahn," Carver says, shaking his head. "Please. Take the items and sell them to fund your journey. My sister would want you to do that."

The dwarf bows his head low. "Oh, Master Carver. This is a generous offer! I do not know how to thank you and your family."

"Take care of your boy, good ser," he replies. "That will be enough for my sister and I."

Bodahn smiles at him warmly, bowing low. He turns and returns to his preparations. Carver continues to look around the estate. He is thankful that despite the damage to the exterior, looters did not manage to get inside and make off with his family's belongings. His eyes fall on his mother's silver candelabrum. He picks it up and wipes a smudge from its surface.

"On second thought, Bodahn, I might like to take this with me," he says.

The dwarf smiles and nods. "Of course," he replies. "Everything belongs to your family."

"Perhaps you could help me with supplies?" he asks the dwarf. "I will be returning to my sister and Anders. And Merrill and I will be traveling to Ferelden. We will all need some supplies to make our journeys."

Bodahn's face lights up. "Your friends are all well! What of the others?"

"Aveline returned with me from…hiding," he replies, leaving out the location of his companions. In Kirkwall, the walls sometimes have ears. "Sebastian abandoned us before the battle. And Fenris…" Carver's voice trails off as he begins to shake his head.

"What of your storyteller?" the dwarf questions.

"Varric yet lives," Carver replies. "He is with the three in hiding, awaiting my return."

"It is good to hear that many of your friends yet live," he says. "I am sorry for everything that you have all been through. I do hope to see you again…one day. Though I fear my time is limited."

Carver sees the dwarf's face – he looks pained. He believes he is approaching the end of his life and worries for Sandal. He is eternally grateful for the help of the Hawke family, particularly the eldest sister. She was the one who took the two dwarves into her home – allowed them to stay. They were both treated as part of her family from the moment they arrived and he would never forget such a kindness. Carver approaches the dwarf and puts a reassuring hand on his shoulder. He does not need to say anything further – the dwarf understands.

"I believe I will stay here for the night," Carver announces. "I need no special arrangements or treatment. Go about your business Bodahn." He nods and leaves Carver to himself.

Carver is exhausted and heads up the stairs to the bed chambers. The beds have been stripped of their linens, but will still be comfortable for the night. He peers into the chamber that belonged to his sister and the apostate. Most items have been cleared out by the dwarves who packed them neatly away into chests that were placed in the foyer of the estate. He closes the door to the room – so much has been shared between the two mages that he dare not interrupt the memories that linger. He instead chooses to sleep in the chamber that once belonged to his mother. As he enters the room, he immediately feels her presence surround him.

Sitting on the undressed bed, he looks around. I miss you, Mother, he thinks to himself. As he listens in the darkness, he can almost hear her reply…you have made me proud, my son. A solitary tear forms in his eye as he lies back and gives into his exhaustion.

The morning of Carver's exile from Kirkwall has arrived. He has spent a number of days preparing a selection of goods for supply for himself and his sister. With the help of the dwarves, many of their items have been sold to local merchants. Bodahn and Sandal have a significant amount of currency to make their journey to Orlais; Carver will keep a small amount for himself and provide the remainder to his sister and Anders for their journey.

His visit with Aveline is brief as he will spend much of the day weaving a confusing path back towards the mountains to throw off any that might follow him. They exchange their goodbyes and Aveline looks broken. Carver is her final connection to the last several years of her life; and his departure means closing a door on her past. Closing the door on Lothering. And on Wesley. As he leaves her office, she looks at Donnic, who smiles faintly at her. He looks into her eyes and sees the pain she is holding inside. Embracing her tightly, he kisses her gently on the forehead. She returns his embrace and knows that the future will be what it will be. She is willing to face it with this man in her arms – he will always be there by her side.

Fracture

A bead of sweat drips into Carver's face as he makes his way through the brushy growth off the main path towards Sundermount. It has been nearly half a fortnight since he left with Aveline to return her to her city. Twice he has had to modify his travel route to lose someone following his path. He was not sure who it was that managed to keep up to him on either occasion, but both instances they were lost through careful movements through the trees and covering up his tracks. He dare not bring anyone back to the camp with him.

The humidity is stifling, and even in the shade of some of the larger trees, there is no relief. He did not have the good fortune of adjusting to the temperatures in the Free Marches as well as some of the other Ferelden refugees that had come to Kirkwall so many years ago. He wasn't sure how the lives of other Grey Wardens were spent, but he and his brethren spent an awful lot of time underground, hunting the darkspawn at their source. Temperatures were different down there…regulated. The molten lava flows in some of the tunnels kept them warm, but they were a rarity. Most tunnels underground did not have the luxury of a built in heating system; merely the residual heat from the ground that kept the temperatures even and bearable.

As he nears the site of the former Dalish encampment, he begins to see familiar landscapes and paths. His pace quickens, knowing he is almost there. Varric and the three mages have likely been cooped up for the length of time that Carver was away and will want to be on their way soon after he returns. A knot appears in his stomach at the thought. He wonders if this will be the last time he ever sees his sister. This sister that he had held such bitter resentment towards for so many years. If he regretted one thing in his life, it was that he never allowed her in for so long. He always shoved her aside, too immature to realize that even family is not forever. The loss of both of his parents and twin sister Bethany had taught him that only too well. And now, he is about to lose the last bit of family he has.

No! I will see her again…

If the past year has taught him anything, it was that his sister seemed to have an uncanny ability to show up right when he needed. Perhaps this wouldn't be the last time he'd see her after all. He could only hope, even if he wasn't sure if he believed that or not…

Carver's drifting thoughts ensure that the last few miles of his journey are quick. He arrives at the cave entrance, careful to avoid the traps set by Varric to prevent a surprise assault. He is thankful for the cooler air that greets him as he makes his way through the winding cavern.

"Hello?" he calls out to the darkness.

Seconds later, he hears a squeep! in the distance, followed by rapid footfalls. In the dim light, he can see the outline of someone running towards him. Merrill!

"Carver! I was so worried!" she cries out.

"Ah Merrill," he says. "I told you all not to worry…that I'd be awhile." She reaches him and they embrace. He gives her a soft kiss on the forehead.

"But I'm so excited you're back. You have to see your sister! Oh! And Anders!"

"Of course I'll see them, why wouldn't I see them?" he questions, confused at her remark.

The pair round a bend in the cave and it opens up to the makeshift camp. The fire burning in the centre of the opening allows him to see the others. But the only familiar individual is Varric. Carver stops suddenly, looking at the two individuals who look like his sister and Anders, but are certainly not the two mages he left behind. The two look at each other and she begins to giggle at his reaction.

"Carver, you can certainly pick your chin up off of the ground," the woman says.

"Wow," he replies. "I did not expect this."

He approaches his sister and puts a hand to her hair. He tousles the short locks gently.

"This is…different," he says.

"Well, yes, I expected you'd think as much, but perhaps you can come up with a better response that the overtly predictable 'different'," she replies.

"I don't think I've ever seen your hair so short. And definitely not this dark," he says. A wistful smile appears on his face. "You look so much like Bethany…"

Her eyes widen a little at the thought. She is not sure how to react to the comment.

"I…" she starts, but cannot finish. Her lip quivers.

Carver takes her in his arms and hugs her tightly. "Don't cry, sister. There is no more room for tears for Bethany."

She nods and pulls back from him, forcing herself to regain her strength. Carver turns to look at Anders. The formerly blond haired mage stands before him, also with dark hair, though a different tone from his sister's formerly crimson hair. He uncomfortably starts to run a hand through his hair, but stops as he realizes the length is no longer there to grip in his fingers. He is certainly not yet used to the short piecey mess of hair on top of his head that make it appear as though he's just woken up. Rogue strands stick up near the back, and she does not help things any by continuously fussing with it.

"Think anyone'll recognize these two, Junior?" Varric pipes up.

Carver groans and turns to face the dwarf. "I might actually wager on it now," he replies. "And you know I ha-"

"Yes, yes. You don't like the nickname," the dwarf interrupts. "But I've likely got less than a full day to piss you off with it, and if you think I won't be taking full advantage of the time…"

Carver sighs as the others laugh. The decision is quickly made to spend one last night together. They can leisurely sort through the supplies, ensure their bellies are full and enjoy their last few moments together before finally retiring for – Maker willing – a full night of solid sleep. They would part at midday.

No one wants to say goodbye. The end has come too quickly. Thoughts are sent out into the darkness, but never returned. Awkward silence is usually partnered with time dragging its heels. But not today. Today, the silence joins with seconds that pass much quicker than they ought to.

Supplies and gear are moved from the interior of the cave to the dirt path spotted with grass outside. Care is taken to ensure everyone has enough to get them to another destination. Weapons are divvied up, just in case. Food and water for the next few days – enough to allow them to reach another source of both.

Varric requires little – enough to get him back to Kirkwall. Back home. He knows not how much longer he will wish to call the place that. There will be too many memories – of Bartrand, of the Champion, of the life that he could have kept living forever until… He shakes his head to clear the thoughts of the deed of Anders. He does not fully understand, but then, he is not a mage. He would never understand. What he can do is sympathize, and does. He pities the two mages as they prepare to set off on some mission to give freedom to their brethren across the lands. They will face much adversity, more likely than they have had to face yet. And he cannot be by their side to help. He sighs. He will do what he can though. He will continue the tale of the Champion of Kirkwall – ensure the truth is heard. For once in his life.

Carver and Merrill have decided to travel west along the coast until they reach Cumberland. It is likely they can find a merchant or trade caravan crossing the Waking Sea to Ferelden from the coastal settlement. A Grey Warden and his elvhen assistant shouldn't attract too much attention. They will be travelling with minimal supplies – enough to get them across the water. After that, they will rely on Merrill's knowledge of Ferelden plants to survive. Orzammar is not far from the coast, and they will be able to restock. From there, they will head east to Amaranthine to meet with the Warden Commander.

Hawke and Anders have also made a decision about their future. They choose to travel east to Ostwick, the site of their first Circle. She hopes to gain freedom for the mages there, as well as gather a small army to travel to Starkhaven. Anders was shocked when she initially told him of her travel idea. He did not expect her to continue this revolution in the backyard of the prince who vowed to hunt the two mages down to their ending. "Better to bring the war to his doorstep," she had said in response. At the time he questioned her sanity, but as times passes, he understands that this is a move of strategy. Otherwise, they will never be able to rest knowing that they may be hunted in that manner. She has only passed on this knowledge to her brother, who will keep it safe. As much as she loves the dwarf, Varric does have a way of not being able to keep his mouth closed and they will need all the advantage they can get.

The five companions complete their preparations for their respective journeys. Varric stands, looking at the others as they approach where he stands.

"So you're all going to make me be the one to say it then?" he questions. "Fine. I guess this is goodbye."

The group is somber. Even with Varric's attempt at lightening the mood, no one really feels the urge to make the first move. Finally Merrill does – she walks up to Varric, bends forward and kisses Bianca.

"I'll miss you most of all Bianca!" she says. She then leans in for a whisper, "Shhhh…don't tell Varric or he will be very jealous…"

Varric laughs heartily and pulls the young elf in for a hug. "Daisy, you are one of a kind. I hope you come back to Kirkwall to visit. Because if you don't, I'll have to seek you out. Come to think of it, it's been some time since I've been in Ferelden. Maybe I'll just plan a visit anyway." She smiles widely and kisses him on the nose. For the first time since meeting him, Hawke believes she sees him blush a little.

The group exchanges goodbyes. Hugs are given. Tears flow freely. Hawke approaches her companions, one by one. Varric frowns at her a little when she steps up to him first.

"Don't say it Hawke," he says. "I don't want to say goodbye to you."

"Well, what exactly would you like to say to me?" she asks, wiping away a solitary tear that has formed.

"I…I don't know," he replies, looking away.

"Varric," she says, "are you speechless?"

"I think I am, my friend," he says. "Don't tell anyone, okay? I'll lose my credibility as a teller of tales."

She smiles through her sadness. "We can't have that, now can we? Varric…you…you've been my friend from the beginning. I will miss you. I love you." She hugs him and kisses him on the cheek.

He holds her close and lowers his voice to her. "Don't ever change, Hawke. I wish you and Blondie…er…hmm…still haven't worked that one out yet. But I do…I wish you both luck in your travels. I know that this isn't going to be easy…for either of you. But you're a good woman for standing by him through all this. There aren't many that would have. That impressed me…I'm not easy to impress, you know that. Listen…if anything…if things don't go as planned…if you need to get away from him…if…you need anything…you know where to find me."

"Thank you Varric…thank you…" she says and pulls away from him.

She walks over to Merrill and takes her hand.

"Dear sweet Merrill. Please take care of my brother for me. I'm afraid I may not be able to swoop in to the rescue like I used to," she says.

Merrill nods. "Of course, my friend. You've been as close to a sister to me as I could ever want. And I promise you I will watch over Carver," she says. "And I want to…thank you…for what you're doing. I know that I never grew up like you did…hiding all alone in plain sight. I had a family…even if things ended badly. But what you're doing is…it's wonderful. The mages deserve their freedom. And I believe you and Anders can give it to them. I really do. I'll miss you Hawke."

"I'll miss you too Merrill. Take care of yourself." She squeezes the elf's hand, who smiles awkwardly at her friend.

Finally, the Hawke siblings are face to face. Neither knows what to say to the other. And so they don't say a word. They hold each other for long moments. Their companions stand to the side, watching them quietly. No one moves until they do. Carver pulls back, cups her face in his hands, and places his lips on her forehead gently.

"I will never forget all you've done for me. I love you," Carver says to his sister.

She smiles at him, with tear-filled eyes. "I love you, Carver."

"Go. Change the world," he says to her.

The five start off in their separate directions.

The fracture is complete.