With a delightful vacation out of the way, posting of this story can continue. :)

Chapter 36

9:32 Dragon

City of Kirkwall

The next few weeks after the celebrations at the Amell Estate passed quietly. Riona was happy to lay low for a while, simply being lazy and slowly developing the sense of this beautiful estate being her home. The coin would last for a good while still and she wasn't in any rush to look for work just yet, perfectly content to delay adventuring for as much as she could. There still were no news from Bethany, she had only learned from Thrask that her sister was safe but still quarantined, so there was nothing to do but wait. Getting her out of the Gallows while she was still under heavy supervision was impossible.

She had discussed her options with Anders, and the Warden had promised to use his contacts in the mage underground to see whether some plan could be concocted. But these things took time, and Riona slowly had to get used to the thought of not seeing her sister in a long while still.

Bodahn and Sandal kept the estate in good shape for the time being, even if Riona began to see that additional help might be required. Especially after Bodahn opened a little stall in the nearby marketplace to peddle his wares and advertise Sandal's enchantments, she was aware that the two dwarves worked too hard and could use some help. Also, once at a late evening meal, Riona had asked Bodahn about something she had suspected for a long while, and his reply confirmed it. Sandal wasn't truly his son, he had found the strange boy far out in the Deep Roads and had taken him in as his own. He had also been puzzled about the boy's strange talent for enchantment and they had travelled to meet the Circle mages, but they hadn't been able to explain anything and had given them looks as if they wanted to keep Sandal in the Circle, so they had left in haste, none the wiser.

The only thing that had made Riona get out of the estate was mother's constant little asides on how she should start picking out a suitable husband for Riona, and hinting that seneschal Bran had a son just her age. Mother also had once mused aloud whether or not she should remarry, piquing Riona's curiosity, but then she realized that mother had probably just said that to motivate her. With Fenris and his advances still fairly fresh in her mind, Riona was getting a little tired of the whole notion of romance. Now and then she had pondered going out with the brooding elf just to spite her mother, but always deciding against it. She didn't trust herself that if she had to stay alone with Fenris, she would be able to deny being physically attracted to him, but there were plenty other things in the equation that kept pushing her away.

Her friends had gone quiet as well, those with share of the fortune busy spending it in their own ways. Varric visited now and then, but never staying for very long. While he did not speak of his brother anymore, Riona got the feeling that he was putting all his available resources into tracking Bartrand down, so far with little luck. The only other who visited often was Merrill, almost taking it upon herself as a duty to water each and every plant in the estate. It made her feel needed, and so Riona happily allowed the elf to carry on with this little errand, even if she had been happy if Merrill simply stopped by for a chat and nothing else.

It was a lazy autumn morning and Riona was still sitting at the breakfast table long after having eaten, pondering whether to read more of 'The Pursuit of Knowledge' by Chantry Brother Genitivi or finally tackling 'The Complete People's Laws of Kirkwall' at Aveline's insistence, when suddenly Sandal ran up to her and pressed a familiar official looking blue envelope in her hands, before slipping away again.

"Now this is interesting," Riona said, having cracked the seal open and reading the contents of the letter.

"What does it say?" mother wondered, still nursing her cup of tea.

"Viscount Dumar requests an audience with me," Riona's eyebrows rose as she read on. "At my earliest convenience in a matter of highest importance?"

"Looks like he has taken notice of us," mother said, looking pleased. "It has taken such short time and the name of Amells is on everyone's lips again. And for all the good reasons."

"I suppose it would be bad manners to make the man wait," Riona said thoughtfully. "I should probably put on one of my best dresses, last time I saw Viscount Dumar I was wearing a bloody robe while delivering his son to safety. Maybe I should try and aim for a more... balanced impression this time."

Mother smiled. "Don't forget to thank the Viscount for helping us get the estate back, regardless of whether his involvement was helpful or hindering."

"I can do that much," Riona nodded. "Say, if I'm going to the Keep, I might as well check in on Aveline as well. It's been a while since I've seen her."

"Perhaps invite her for dinner," mother suggested. "I wish she would visit more often."

"She wants to, I'm sure, but you know how her job is," Riona said, rising from the table and heading upstairs. "Anyway, I best get dressed. No need to keep the viscount waiting."

After being confronted only with smiles on her way to the Viscount's Keep, Riona was a little surprised to see seneschal Bran greeting her with highly formal coolness, likely disapproving of her meteoric ascent to the ranks of Hightown nobility. I guess mother will have to live down the disappointment that it's just not going to happen between me and seneschal's boy, Riona thought with amusement, listening how Bran announced her arrival to the viscount and then showed her inside Dumar's office.

"Serah Hawke, a pleasure," Viscount Dumar said, pointing to a seat at his table. "Please, sit down. This might take a while."

"I hope I'm not in any trouble," Riona smiled uneasily, but the viscount just shook his bald head in reply. "I met Saemus outside in the halls before coming to see you, Your Excellency. He seemed quite content."

"Coming of age, and perhaps in some part your actions towards him, have tempered the boy somewhat," Dumar said, more fondly. "He still hasn't abandoned his obsession with the qunari, I'm afraid, but overall I think he's becoming a sort of man that I would be proud of."

"That is good to know," Riona said. I certainly hope that was the last time he needed saving, though, she added mentally.

"I understand your fortunes have turned for the best since the last time we met, Serah Hawke," the viscount spoke. He had sat down too, his hand placed on an oddly shaped smudged letter with strange symbols on it.

"That is indeed so, Your Excellency," Riona nodded. "My mother sends her gratitude for your aid in returning our family estate to us."

"It was the only just decision I could make, unfortunate that you had to wait for so long," Dumar replied. The expression on his face suggested that he did not have the slightest idea about how difficult the bureaucratic struggles had been to actually get the estate back. Riona wondered if maybe the seneschal was to blame for slowing things down.

"Your adventures have taken you far and I imagine you are not up to date with the latest political developments in Kirkwall," Dumar continued. "I cannot say it has changed for the best. Orsino and Meredith are at each other's throats more often than not, and on top of all that increased fighting between groups of heretics..."

"Orsino? The name has popped up here and there, but..."

"The First Enchanter of the Kirkwall Circle," Dumar explained. "A good man, or at least he was until Meredith started to push the mages too much. With all that, I can no longer expect him to always retain his calm."

"I see, thank you for clearing that up," Riona bowed her head. "And the heretics?"

"I simply mean the Qunari and those who have moved to oppose them more directly," the viscount said.

Petrice, what are you up to now, Riona thought frantically. "How bad is it?" she asked.

"Not very, but unless something is done, the situation will escalate sooner or later. Grand Cleric Elthina prefers to keep peace and avoid conflict at all cost, but the message's meaning sometimes gets muddled and lost to the average adherent. I am ashamed to say that the Chantry has plenty of zealots in its ranks who campaign for a more... aggressive treatment of the qunari issue."

"I am aware of the existence of such groups," Riona admitted. The viscount looked at her oddly. "They attempted to involve me in their machinations, but to no avail. The whole issue led to me being introduced to the Arishok."

"Ah... that explains it," Dumar let out a sigh of relief. "I was wondering why," he took the letter he had been holding on to, passing it to Riona. She gingerly prodded it, but did not recognize the language it was written in. Probably Qunari. "The Arishok requests an audience with you. Specifically, by your name. All that was required of me was to be the messenger... quite undignified, really."

"He wants to see me? Why?" Has he finally decided that I should be punished over the whole Arvaraad matter? That couldn't be it...

"The Arishok never explains himself, you should know as much," Dumar sighed heavily. "I think it would be a good idea if you went and spoke with him, found out what he thinks, what he wants. It might give us the insight of what we must do to keep the peace."

"So you truly have no idea what I can expect?" Riona asked, but the viscount's blank expression was answer enough. "Has he appeared more angry or frustrated lately, more violent with the attacks of the zealots?"

"Not at all," Dumar shook his head. "Those damnable giants just simply sit tight and ask for nothing, and their opponents grow even more frustrated and desperate because they can't provoke the qunari. So whatever has triggered this sudden emergence, I humbly ask you to appease the Arishok and let him return to dormancy."

"I suppose I best not keep the Arishok waiting then," Riona said. She wasn't terribly pleased about being forced into such intrigues again, but she couldn't very well refuse the viscount and also deny the Arishok. There was no real choice about this.

"And if you can, perhaps try to find out when that second ship of theirs will arrive to pick up those heretical giants," Dumar grumbled as she rose from the chair. "I'm having doubts whether it will ever arrive."

"Oh... the Arishok actually told me of that already," Riona admitted sheepishly. "He said they are held here in this city because their Qun demands it, not because they don't have means with which to leave. But he wouldn't explain what exactly he had meant or how long the Qun would continue to maintain its demand..."

Viscount Dumar looked to have aged a few years after she had finished her explanation. "Wonderful, more bad news hidden in cryptic and dire messages. But I thank you for telling me nonetheless, Serah Hawke. Now please go and let the Maker be with you."

Riona left the office shortly thereafter, stopping briefly by the seneschal who was leaning over a large piece of parchment at his table, going over it together with a stocky dwarf with flaming red hair. Riona stood there for a while, looking at the parchment as well. It seemed to be the plan of the city. The seneschal finally noticed her. "I take it your business with the viscount is concluded? You may leave in that case," Bran brushed her off in an abrasive manner.

"Is that the layout of the city?" Riona asked, feeling as if she had recognized something familiar in the chaotic looking tangle of streets and avenues. "Could I have a copy? I'm willing to pay for it."

"No, you can't have-" seneschal started, but got interrupted by the dwarf.

"Of course, you can have one for free, just stop later by the Chief Mason's office on your way out," the dwarf offered, looking highly amused at the dark glare the seneschal sent him.

"Thank you kindly Ser Dwarf," Riona grinned, and then proceeded to walk through the red-carpeted corridors of the keep to reach Aveline's second home, the barracks of the Kirkwall Guard.

Usually Riona didn't even bother to knock before entering the captain's office, and Aveline never expected her to, but this time she regretted not having done so, for Aveline was busy chewing out one of her men over something, looking rather displeased. Having noticed Riona's arrival, she quickly sent the relieved looking guard away. "Problems?" Riona asked, remaining stood at the door, until Aveline pointed at a chair. "I apologize if I come at a bad time, I was called to meet the viscount and thought I'd come see you at the same time."

"It is nothing," Aveline shrugged dismissively. "I am simply frustrated and it wasn't really the guard's fault. He just reminded me one time too many about the late reports to seneschal."

"That Bran is a bit of a..." Riona coughed politely, as a lady of high society now it surely would have not been befitting to finish that sentence the way she clearly intended it.

"It's his job to be... you know what," Aveline replied. "And he did put me in this position, I bet he regrets it now."

"What's the basis of the quarrel?" Riona wondered.

"It's always about money for him. Every additional expense has to be proven ten times to be justified. Sure, costs are up from additional guard duty and doubling patrols, but we've cut down on injuries by half if not more. That should matter."

"The morale should be up as well, then," Riona said. "He would be a fool not to appreciate that."

"The Guard is in a good shape, if I do say so myself. There's always a room for improvement, though," Aveline said, her brow wrinkled as she paused to think. "Come to think of it..." she looked at Riona. "There's something you could help me with. Of course, if you're still interested in... snooping around."

"Oh, by all means. I just got a snoop assignment from Dumar himself, I can take another one from you, just pile it on," Riona laughed.

"You remember the templar Emeric and his white lily killer, right?" Aveline asked. Riona shuddered briefly, remembering that awful bag of human remains Fenris had dived after in the channel waters. "Emeric has been a regular guest to the barracks lately, insisting that the killer has returned."

"Any base to those claims?"

"None that I have established," Aveline shrugged. "Yes, three women have disappeared in the past two months, but I can't treat that as evidence enough. People disappear all the time in a city this size, not all horrible things that happen are related."

"You told him that and I imagine he wasn't satisfied," Riona said, rubbing her chin in thought.

"You could say that! He keeps pestering me for official sanction for his investigation, and he keeps egging other guards into chasing down imaginary killers. He convinced Lieutenant Eustice to check out DuPuis mansion for him and that was a complete disaster, there was so much ass that I had to kiss after that... in other words, he's being a real source of headaches."

"Why the DuPuis mansion?" Riona asked.

"What do I know of the sick notions he entertains," Aveline fumed. "I'd be mighty grateful if you talked to him, though. Maybe then he'd feel something was being done and would leave the guards alone."

"Eh, I suppose..." Riona said, feeling a little apprehensive. "It's just... the Gallows."

"You're afraid that those who moved against Bethany will try to imprison you as well?" Aveline asked. Riona nodded mutely. "But you said you believe that Chantry sister took Beth in order to keep tabs on you. That would imply she is not planning to move against you directly."

"I guess that is true..."

"When we last talked, Cullen said he will still honor his promise towards you," Aveline said. "I think you can trust him to do as much. It should be safe. And perhaps you can learn some news about your sister."

"Yes, I think you're right... I should have gone there weeks ago, honestly," Riona admitted with her eyes downcast. "I was just afraid, and I didn't have anyone telling me I had little reason to be afraid, like you told me now."

"That's why you have me," Aveline smiled.

"I wish I'd have you more often then," Riona said, hoping she didn't sound whiny. "Mother misses your company as well."

"I will stop by the estate in the evening then," Aveline said, looking a little regretful for not visiting often enough.

"Don't get caught up here until too late again," Riona warned, heading out. "Mother insists serving you some fancy dinner!"

Having left the barracks, Riona briefly stopped at the Chief Mason's office to pick up the city layout plans, the only payment the dwarf demanded being a tale or two from her journey to the Deep Roads, the mason's own ancestry spurring his curiosity, but soon Riona was on her way back home. After a short walk down the Viscount's Way, Riona arrived at the estate to find a surprising and unpleasant scene unfolding, as her new home was literally besieged by unwelcome visitors. A group of sleazy looking dwarves, including her old acquaintance Dougal, had made themselves feel right at home in the large common hall, surrounding a displeased looking mother and Bodahn.

"What is the meaning of this?" Riona spoke, raising her voice immediately. Scum like Dougal understood only one language, that of power.

"Ah, Serah Hawke! So good to see you," Dougal left mother alone to approach her, all fake smiles. "Such a lovely home you have here, and your mother makes for a delightful company. Darling woman, it's a shame she spends so much time cooped up here alone."

"I repeatedly asked them to leave but they refused until they had spoken with you," mother spoke.

"Well, I am here now," Riona said, glaring at Dougal. "Speak your piece and get out."

"Please, there is no need for such language," Dougal said, looking the ever exemplary dwarven gentlemen. Sadly, the image of his entourage trying to help themselves to some silverware rather ruined the impression of Dougal as a respectable citizen. "Listen, Hawke, I know all this came from the Deep Roads treasure," he waved his hand around as he spoke. "I look at this all and I can't help thinking that I deserve a larger share of your fortune. Fair's fair, right?"

Riona stepped aside from the path to the front door, holding out her hand and pointing to the exit. "I have only two words for you, Dougal. Piss off."

"Be reasonable, Hawke," Dougal tried again. "Things haven't gone well for me lately. Give me one hundred more sovereigns and I'll go away. Refuse, and I'll ask my brothers in Carta to make things unpleasant for you."

"If you think I'm afraid of-"

"I'm not talking about harming you, all though we could easily do that too," Dougal's fake smile had finally disappeared, letting his cold demeanor slip through. "I will hurt your reputation instead. My people can forge convincing evidence to link Bartrand's disappearance, your sudden riches and connections to the guard."

"Everyone knows Bartrand isn't dead, you little dung beetle," Riona snapped, getting tired of being threatened in her own home. "Give it a shot if you want, but I call your bluff. Now take your men and clear out, I'm starting to lose my patience."

"Fine. As you wish, Hawke. But this isn't over. We'll see each other soon enough," Dougal snarled threateningly, heading for the exit, the men following. One of the thugs 'accidentally' pulled the tablecloth, making a pitcher full of water shatter on the ground and another one tipped over an innocent flower pot on his way out.

"I'll have that cleaned up right away, Mistress Hawke," Bodahn said with a heavy sigh. "Never have I been made so ashamed for being a dwarf. A truly unpleasant sort of people, messere would do well to stay clear of their kind."

"Bodahn speaks the truth, Riona," mother intervened. "Should we be worried? His threats seemed serious."

"I wouldn't waste any sleep on the likes of him," Riona shrugged, willing to forget the entire incident as quickly as possible. "He will try something, probably an ambush in a quiet corner sooner or later, but I have dealt with much worse than this scum."

"I hope you're right, daughter," mother sighed, still looking very worried. "I do hope you're right."

In the evening of that day, Riona grabbed a bowl of red ink, a quill and unfolded the copy of the city plan on the floor of her excessively huge bedroom. She still wasn't quite sure what had prompted her to ask the mason for the plans, it was as if she had seen something familiar, even if she didn't recognize it herself yet. She picked up the quill and started to color one winding alley red, somehow feeling she needed to start there.

Destiny awaits us both, dear girl, for some reason she heard Flemeth's voice in her head, as she dropped the quill in the ink pot and without thinking moved on to the next winding street, painting it red.

The Amells have been an influential family in Kirkwall for many centuries, something her mother had said long time ago drifted to the forefront of her mind, as her hand moved seemingly on its own accord, a pattern starting to form as she colored one street after another.

You're pretty special, Hawke, then there was Varric's voice, deep in the recesses of her mind, as her hand finally let go of the quill and she stared down at her handiwork. Gasping, she recoiled from it, shocked from the sight.

The layout of the streets in the oldest part of Kirkwall appeared to form a giant glyph, a symbol that looked exactly like the one Merrill had shown her in the Chant of Archon Lovais. The same symbol that was the exact replica of the Amell coat-of-arms...