This loosely follows some of BioWare's DA2 story line using the characters, locations and some backstories, but not strictly. I have rated this M for mature for blood, strong language and sexual content. All comments are welcome. Thank you!
THIRTY-SIX
I turned as Aveline finally walked in, looking confused and upset and I called for everyone's attention. In speaking to Merrill earlier, it had become apparent that perhaps I had been taking on too much and was not aware of what was going on with my companions, something I could not abide by.
"First I would like to apologize if I have not been as available to any here who may have needed me recently. It's becoming increasingly clear that things are spiraling out of control and we all know that sooner or later, changes need to be made," I said as I stood at the head of the table we had all gathered around.
"We've all suggested that you take the Viscounts seat, Seelia, but still you refuse," said Sebastian.
"And you all know my reasons," I replied, looking at my friends. "I hate to say it but without any definitive answer from the Grand Cleric, Meredith will continue to run Kirkwall into the ground, Sebastian. And the way things are going, it may be best if you convince her that she may no longer be safe if she remains. I fear that the growing unrest between Orsino and Meredith will likely be the cause of something we cannot defend the city against."
"With all the new recruits to the city guard, we can barely contain the unrest in various parts of the city. The Carta and the Coterie have taken the opportunity to try to expand their areas of influence. Without your help, Hawke, I think we'd be overrun by now," Aveline put in and I smiled at her.
"Has Walter joined the guard after all?" I asked her.
"He has but it will be some time before he will see active duty. Right now he's assisting where he can and occasionally Cricket can be found in the barracks, helping the staff," she said. "They needed a stable environment."
"I'm glad they chose the City Guard instead of becoming forced into gangs or caught by slavers," I said. "We've been finding more of them when we travel to the Wounded Coast." I looked away towards the fireplace, crossing my arms over my abdomen and sighed. "I regret that Evelina and Huon were forced to resort to blood magic to escape the circle." I knew that Anders would have argued about laying the blame at Meredith's feet so I quickly continued. "Aveline, I was hoping you could visit the Gallows tomorrow to call on Orsino. I would go myself but it only causes more problems for Bethany, especially after I convinced Emile de Launcet to return to the tower."
"Would that I could but I have some of my own internal problems to deal with," Aveline said.
"What's going on?" I asked.
"The Knight-Captain has been making suggestions that I coddle my men, Hawke," she said simply and I scoffed.
"That's ridiculous! When did this come up?"
"While you were helping Varric with his little problem at Bertrand's old mansion in Hightown," Fenris answered and Isabela gave an involuntary squeak.
"Please, please do not remind me of that! I still get chills just thinking of that house!" she said and shuddered. I smirked at her, recalling how she practically jumped into Sebastian's arms when something brushed up against her.
I looked at Fenris and Aveline and shook my head. "Why is this the first time I'm hearing of this?"
"Because you've taken it upon yourself to try to solve every problem in Kirkwall, Hawke, and as commendable as that is, you need to take a step back and let someone else handle the problems that are happening," I was surprised that this came from Anders.
"Fine," I said. "Aveline we need to pull any suspicion away from the guard as soon as we can. Any suggestions?"
"We could check on a few of the patrols around Lowtown," she recommended. "Perhaps if you convince him that things are not as safe as he is led to believe then he will have no choice but to put the matter to rest."
"I agree. Varric, would you care to join us?" I asked, turning to him as he was draining his mug of ale.
"Why not? It doesn't look like I'm getting my room back anytime soon," he joked.
I turned to the remaining group, looking at Sebastian and Anders. "Sebastian, I hate to ask this of you, but could you go to the Gallows tomorrow to see the First Enchanter?" I asked him and he simply nodded.
"Why wait for tomorrow?" Isabela asked.
"I'm hoping that whatever Orsino needs does not require immediate attention. I do not expect the Templars to be so forgiving of a late night visit," I told her and turned again to Sebastian. "I want you to get some rest and whatever happens, do not exert yourself until you're fully healed, do you understand me?" I looked at Isabela and Anders next. "Isabela, I need you to go with him to the Gallows. Anders, can you help them out if you are needed?"
"I'll go as well," said Merrill, who had been quietly sitting and petting the kitten.
"I suggest that you two remain here while Sebastian and Isabela go to the Gallows. I don't trust that Meredith will not take the opportunity to arrest the both of you," I said and looked at both mages. "Without the use of Sebastian's bow, I suggest you hire Maraas to accompany you."
"Will he even help them? I don't think we're at the top of his good graces list, Hawke," Varric asked and I looked at Merrill.
"Coin is coin, Varric and mine spends just as easily," I replied. "Everyone please be careful. The more we help, the more we make targets of ourselves," I said and looked around at the faces of my friends, concerned that what I started here so long could be what causes me to lose them.
I walked away from the table and approached Aveline who was waiting impatiently by the door and she left without another word. Fenris was right behind her but I turned to see Anders had stopped Varric and was attempting to give him something covertly but he refused, putting his hand on the mages arm and telling him something as he walked away to join us. I looked at Anders and saw that he watched Varric walk away with a sad, strange look on his face.
"What was that about?" I asked Varric as I slowed to walk beside him.
"Blondie's getting sentimental all of a sudden," he said, hoisting Bianca onto his right shoulder, looking impressive with his crossbow ready. "I think your little speech there at the end made him realize that we're not as immortal as we thought."
"Maybe some of us are," I joked. "You certainly tell enough stories about me that people wonder if I've done half the things you've claimed," I said and stopped. "But why is it they think I have a stronger relationship with the King of Ferelden than just the one meeting? Are you leading people to believe that I am so shameless that I throw myself at foreign royalty?" I glared at him.
"Hmm, someone must have mistaken you for Isabela again," he said and tugged at right his gold earring. "You only shamelessly throw yourself at the elf nowadays," he said and grinned.
I couldn't help but giggle at his comment. I turned to look at Fenris, who stopped and was watching me talk with Varric. We continued slowly towards the door when Varric put his hand on my arm and I stopped once again.
"I was a little doubtful at first when you first started seeing the broody elf because I thought it would only end very badly. Your relationship with Anders really did a number on you and although I wanted nothing but for you to be happy, I was concerned. I feel the need to apologize to you, Hawke," he said. "I didn't think Fenris even knew he could be so happy but to see you two together warms my heart."
I hugged him and kissed his forehead. "Thank you, Varric."
His grin grew wider as he looked over at Fenris. "Are you ever going to explain how the two of you ended up together or should I just make something up, Hawke?"
"Can I help with that? I'm sure it would curl your reader's toes once I get through with that story!" Isabela said and I looked up at her. I had not noticed that she had followed us.
"Is there something you need, Isabela?" I asked, trying hard not to smile and hoping that Varric wouldn't take her up on her offer.
"Are you sure about sending Sebastian to the Gallows tomorrow?"
"Would you prefer to go alone?" I asked and she quickly shook her head. "I would go if I could, Isabela, but right now Aveline needs my help. Just make sure that he doesn't take his bow and keep him safe, Izzy," I said and she raised her eyebrow at me. "What? You get to call Merrill 'Kitten' and I don't get to call you Izzy?" I laughed.
"Yes but Merrill's so adorable that she reminds me of a kitten. Plus she always has Remi with her now," she said and crossed her arms. "Do I look like an Izzy to you?"
"Perhaps now you'll call me by my name," I said turned when Aveline called from the open doorway.
"Izzy!" I heard her say and Varric laughed.