Chapter 35 Doing Her Job
A/N Starts with Hawke then focuses on Aveline. And so much more dialogue than the last chapter.
It was late evening in Kirkwall. Hawke was on the boat towards the gallows. He hasn't been able to see his sister in a long time. His mother was concerned about Bethany not writing to her. It has been three weeks since he seen her. It has been nearly a week when Bethany didn't write. Mother wished for him to go visit his dear sister and ask if she was doing okay. Hawke didn't like the idea of having to visit his sister less and less. The last few weeks. He has been turned away by the same templar over and over again. He tried to ask Cullen if he could see his sister. Though some bald templar kept intercepting him. He didn't know why. But he hated this templar more so than the others in the gallows. He didn't know the man's name. But this templar didn't seem to be phased at all like the others. Thrask still avoided him while glaring at him. This templar though. Went out of his way to talk to Hawke. Hawke had such a terrible feeling around this templar. Hawke couldn't even read this templar. That fake smile and constant stare was all Hawke could see. The man had strange sense of talking as well. As if he was pleased all the time. Hawke gave a growl as he stepped off the boat at the gallows. He looked around and made a beeline straight towards Cullen. He let off an irritated sigh as he was stopped by that same templar. "Ah. Serah Hawke. Welcome back. Have you come to buy weapons from our newest Tranquil mage?" The man said smiling. Hawke glared at the templar. His patience was beginning to wear incredibly thin with this man. To make it worse was the fact he brought a young female recruit. How utterly wonderful for what happened next.
-o-o-o-o-o-
A week later in the Viscount's Keep. Aveline gave a sigh as she sat down behind her desk. Looking over the duty rosters for the next week. She set the papers aside and picks up the stack right beside them. She looked over the papers as she leaned back in her chair. Nothing of any real interest. Just mild complaints concerning nobles bitching about their neighbors. She flipped through each sheet. She then paused rereading one. She set it aside and continued to go through the rest. She set aside more papers that were similar to the first. She gave another sigh knowing she would have to go over and talk to her friend concerning his mansion. Yet again. She decides to head over to him today about it. Hoping he is home. Knowing that he worked as a mercenary. Meant that he was mostly gone. Giving a sigh, she flips through the last few pages as she gets up. She walks around her desk and stops. Staring at the last page. Hawke's name was on it. And the description provided was none too flattering. The exact opposite to be certain. She hoped to the Maker that the person complaining was just exaggerating. For if the complaint was true. She would be forced to put her friend in jail. If she really did consider him to be her friend. She was mainly a friend of the family. Not necessarily Hawke's friend. She folds the paper up and puts it in her pocket. Picking up the roster schedule before leaving out. She makes her way out of her office past the other guards. Posting the roster and quickly leaving the barracks. She needed to find out if the complaint was true or not concerning a certain sadist masochist. She needed to find Hawke. Now rather than later. She knew for certain that Hawke won't lie. That was something he seemed incapable of doing. Still hoping that the complaint was just a misunderstanding. Though part of her felt like there was no mistake about it. She should stop by Fenris's place before venturing to the Hawke's home. Maker forbid if she had to give the news to Leandra that her son had assaulted an authority figure. A small part of herself wonders if Hawke's mother even knows about his 'problems'.
She makes her way towards Fenris's mansion. She knows a back alley that Hawke takes. Having followed him once before. She had to admit. The large man was shifty as well as stealthy. Making her wonder if the man was really a rogue. Though concerning his overwhelming abilities. She highly doubted he could disappear into thin air in broad daylight. She shook her head as she stopped in front of her friend's house. For moment she wondered why she came here first instead of straight to Hawke's home. With a shrug, she walks in. In truth she rather talk to Fenris and get his help than another guard. "Fenris. Are you here?" She called out from the foyer. She waits at the bottom of the stairs. Looking around the house. It was still a horrendous mess. She sighed running a hand over a stray lock of hair. She must admit. He is making some effort to clean the place. The corpses were gotten rid of. She looks around once more. She soon turns to leave but is stopped. "I'm sorry for responding late, Aveline." Her friend said. She turns to face the white haired elf walking in from one of the back rooms. Assumingly the kitchen. "So you are back from your recent mission." She said looking at him. She noticed that the main part of his armor was gone. "Yes. I did. Again. Sorry for the delay. Hawke was being rather... Umm..." The elf trailed off as he pondered on the proper word to describe what the large man was doing. Aveline didn't give him the time to say it. "Hawke is here?" She asked. Fenris looked at her. "Of course. The day I got back. He was here pilfering the wine cellar." The elf explained. Aveline nodded. "I knew I must of stopped here first for a reason." She said crossing her arms. She was always good following her gut instincts. Her friend gave her an inquiring look. "Look. I need to talk to Hawke concerning an incident. Maker willing he didn't do it." She said looking past Fenris. Fenris looked over his shoulder. "I am sure what ever it was. It will not be of any great consequence." He said calmly. "Not according to the complaints." She said dropping her arms to her side. Promptly walking past her elven friend. In all the time Fenris been here. She had grown close to him over the near two years she known him. When something bothered him. He would talk to her. And when something bothered her. She would head over to his place to talk. Deep down he was really sweet. Despite the harsh and somewhat sour demeanor. Considering where he came from. She could see how bothered he is by what happened to him in the past. She would never talk to him about it unless he wanted to. After all. She didn't want him to feel uncomfortable. She could feel him following her into the kitchen. She paused as she saw Hawke eating raw pork and beef. "That is the problem I was having with him... He seems to prefer food. Rare... Despite how unhealthy..." Fenris said crossing his arms beside her. Hawke paused chewing on a piece of beef. The blood from it dripping down from his mouth. Proving that the food must of been fresh. "Hawke is a precise butcher." Fenris said looking at Aveline. Aveline gave a nod before walking over to Hawke. He simply watched her as he slowly swallowed the piece. She felt a bit sick as a memory flashed through her mind. Something he did so long ago. She shivered. "Ugh..." She said without realizing. "Do I disgust you, Aveline?" Hawke asked lowly. Aveline shook her head. "No. Just thought you would prefer eating is somewhat cooked." She said. Trying to cover up her uneasiness. Hawke narrowed his eye at her. 'Damn it... He knows I'm lying..." She thought. Giving a groan she answered. "I was remembering what you did nearly a two years ago. With the whole blood thing..." Hawke gave a hum. "See. It is much easier to tell the truth than it is to lie. After all. I don't lie to you or the others." He droned. Aveline took a step towards him. "Yes. And I need to ask you a serious question, Hawke." She stressed. Fenris walked up towards them. Taking that moment to get his food from out of Hawke's reach.
Hawke looked at Aveline waiting for her to continue. She took a deep breath before staring him in the eye. "I got a complaint from Knight Commander Cullen concerning you, Hawke." She voiced loudly making herself more authoritative.
"You're point being, Aveline?" Hawke droned with little to no interest.
"You assaulted a senior templar last week in the Gallows. Cullen claims that this templar was left with moderate wounds and lacerations. All because of you." Aveline frowned glaring up at Hawke.
Hawke gave a mild laugh as he grinned darkly. "Yeah... What of it?" He said clearly not caring.
"What in the void provoked you to harass and assault this man? You could of killed him!" She said raising her voice.
Hawke rolled his eye as he shook his head. He then glared pointedly at her. "The bastard refuse to let me see Bethany. Saying I am over visiting or some bullshit." He growled.
"You assaulted him for doing his job?" She sounded taken aback.
"Damn straight... For some fucking reason the Gallows been having more tranquil shipped to them or something." Hawke started.
Aveline remained silent to listen to his on coming rant.
"Not like I give a flying fuck... Yet Bethany has been writing mother less and less. I didn't like the limitation on visitation rights. But this is starting to be a bunch of fucking bullshit." Hawke growled crossing his arms. The tips of his gauntlets digging into his skin.
"So. Let me get this straight. Bethany is writing less to Leandra. And you went to see why?" She said trying to make sense of his motives.
"Correct."
"Assaulting the templar was due to him not letting you see her."
"Correct..."
"Because he refused to let you see her. It suddenly became okay to assault innocent people?" Aveline scowled as she tried to make it clear to Hawke that this was wrong.
"The fucking templars ain't innocent. They get drugged up and so fucking high off of lyrium they can't even think or see straight. It is a surprise they can tell the difference between their ass from a hole in the ground." Hawke huffed.
"That doesn't give you the right to attack them!" Aveline shouted. Making Fenris jump and stare at her from the table he was at. He had to set the knife he was cutting meat with down.
"He was the one that decided to show off in front of the recruits!" Hawke barked.
"What do you mean?" Aveline asked.
"Simply put. The damn senior templar asshole decided to show how big his dick was and show off to some new female recruit. I had asked to see my sister cause I haven't seen her in three weeks. He decided to wave his fucking hand in my face. As if trying to shoo off a fly. When I refused to go. He decided to try to shove me away. The fucker looked drunk off his ass." Hawke spat as he uncrossed his arms.
"And you did not go there to start something?"
"Mother told me to try and be nice. Look where it got me. A fucking lyrium addled templar attempted to shove a sword up my ass!" Hawke shot back. His voice raised making both Aveline and Fenris flinch.
Aveline sighed as she rubbed her forehead. Maker this was giving her a headache. Yet if Hawke says he went there without the intent to hurt someone. Then he was telling the truth. And if the templar he fought was in fact intoxicated. Hawke would not be the one to suffer the punishment considering he was merely defending himself. In order to get this complaint straitened up. She needed to go to the Gallows and bring Hawke. Talk to Cullen and the templar Hawke 'defended' himself from. This was going to result in so much paper work. She just knew it. "Look Hawke. For me to clear this up and not put you in jail for attempted murder. You need to go with me to the Gallows and explain to Cullen what you did. As well as point out which templar you... defended... yourself from." Aveline said giving a sigh. "Easy. A bald blue eyed fuck with a long white goatee-like beard." Hawke huffed. Aveline groaned. "Stop saying the F word. It is extremely inappropriate." Aveline said. "I don't see no damn children around." Hawke countered. Aveline face palmed as she turned around and walked out of the kitchen. Leaning against the door frame, she gave a long slow breath. Behind her, she can hear Fenris hissing and bickering with Hawke to stay away from his food. Aveline slowly shifts against the door frame till she rests on the floor. She hears a sharp growl from Hawke. "Fucking Elf. I helped pay for that shit!" Fenris scoffed. "I don't care! You aren't going to stuff your damn face!" Aveline turned to look at them. "Don't make me cut you, Hawke." Fenris warned pointing the knife slightly at Hawke. Hawke just laughed at this. "This is the one of the reasons I enjoy coming over here. You actually have the balls to take me on!" Hawke said with a deep odd purring sound. It confused Aveline how the dark haired man even did that. It was a mix between what sounded like a laugh and a growl. She looked over to Fenris who just shrugged as if this was all a normal occurrence for him. "Pissing you off may not be wise. Yet the adrenaline that comes with it is worth it." Fenris said giving a low laugh. Aveline couldn't help but smile. Though. She had to admit this relationship was a bit messed up. Fenris and Hawke seemed to feed off each other. They both seem to bitch at each other about one thing or another. Mainly agreeing with each other on many things. It was almost like they canceled each other out. She figured they still must have some sort of disagreements. Even their sadistic humor seemed to worry her. Yet they were always fine with it. She gave another sigh before standing up.
"Alright you two. Enough with verbally assaulting each other." Aveline said with a slight smile.
"Oh that is just us being friends with each other, Aveline." Fenris said finally putting the cut meat into a container. "I can't forget about this. Other wise it would ruin..."
"Try sticking it in a frige." Hawke suggested.
"Isn't that what nobles put their food?" Aveline asked.
Hawke gave a hum before responding. "It is a metal box with a giant ass cube of solid ice and woodchips in the sides of it." Hawke said.
"I am nearly poor as shit, Hawke..." Fenris deadpanned.
"Better save your money then, Fenris." Hawke gave a yawn before eyeing the food.
Aveline couldn't help but laugh at the two men. She felt at ease in that moment. It was good to hear some form of friendly banter involving Hawke and Fenris. Though the moment those two walk in public. They turn cold towards others. She guessed the two of probably socialized better with people they know. Hawke has been talking more and more to her. Though she wished her friendship with him moved as fast as it did with Fenris. She regarded them with a smile before remembering that she need to get Hawke to explain what happened to Cullen. Giving a sigh. She calls out to Hawke.
"Hawke. We need to go to the gallows to straighten this whole ordeal out. I also want to check up on that templar." She said pointing towards the door. "Let's go Hawke. Double time." Hawke rolled his eye at her but he didn't protest. The air between them was always uneasy. She watched Hawke walk past her. Just now noticing Hawke wearing his hair up. She guessed it was appropriate considering how hot it is outside. Maker knew she couldn't image wearing her hair down in the heat. She looked to her elven friend drying his hands off. "Look at me being rude. I came here to check on you. And I ended up spouting accusations at Hawke." She said rubbing her forehead. Fenris shrugged as he walked over to her. "That is quite alright. Though I am quite curious on which templar Hawke assaulted." He said following Aveline from the room. She gave a groan looking over to him. "I want to know as well. I never saw a templar by that description." She said honestly. The two warriors walk out to the foyer. Aveline pauses and looks around. Seeing Hawke leaning against the door frame to the front door. He had pulled a loose his hair. letting it fall down his back. "Let's head to the gallows to clear this mess up." Aveline said walking past him. Hearing the large man give a pained sigh. Casting a glance behind her to catch Hawke holding the right side of his face. The sharpen spikes of his head gear sticking out between his fingers. She slightly wondered what was wrong with him. But his discomfort was gone as quickly as it arrived.
The three warriors made their from Hightown down to the docks without incident. Stopping by the Hanged Man for a brief moment. Varric had decided to follow after them. Aveline wondered if having the dwarf was wise. Though part of her was surprised that Hawke even allowed her to walk in front. Though at one point she decided to walk behind them as they reached the docks.
Varric walked up to Aveline as the boat left the docks. Aveline turned to her short friend. He offered a smile. "Feeling upset?" The dwarf asked. The guard captain gave a groan "I have a bad feeling about this..." She said trailing off. Varric sat down beside her on deck. Not wishing to be near the railing like her. "What is the feeling about?" He asked. Aveline looked over to Varric. "One. Hawke is being overly calm and cooperative about this... Two... I am worried about Bethany. Hawke might have a reason why he became violent. After all. He would do anything to protect his family..." She said. Varric gave a nod. "That does give off a bad feeling. Might not want to bring Hawke to confront them. He might get handsy..." Varric warned. Aveline stood off the railing. "Shit..." Realizing that Varric might be right. She looked over to Hawke. Who was clawing at his face under his eye patch. He had a pissed off expression and his teeth looked set into a snarl. "Shit." She repeated walking over to Hawke. She stumbled slightly when the boat docked. Hawke didn't take long to get off of the boat. Aveline inwardly cursed how fast he could move at times. She quickly followed him. Being trailed by both Fenris and Varric.
The moment Hawke made his way into the main courtyard of the Gallows. He was stopped by Knight Captain Cullen. Hawke gave off a mild sneer. Cullen shaking his head disapprovingly. Aveline ran up to stand in front of Hawke. Shoving her hand on the large warrior's chest. Hawke glared down at her hand. Aveline forced Hawke to step back. Both Fenris and Varric stood a short distance behind them. "Guard Captain. Hawke..." Callen said slowly. Regarding Hawke with a frown. "Knight Captain." Aveline said standing between Hawke and Cullen. "How about we go to my office you... Four..." He said looking at Varric and Fenris. Though his eyes remain on Varric who smiles and waves at him.
The five make their way to Cullen's office. Cullen sits down in his chair behind his desk and looks at them. Aveline walks over and stands in front of Cullen. She watches as Cullen takes out some paper work. "You do realize this is a serious offence. Serah Hawke." Cullen said looking at Hawke. Hawke merely snorts a laugh. "Like I give a fuck, Templar?" Hawke said leaning against the wall. "Let me handle this, Hawke." Aveline warned. The door suddenly opened and two templars walked in. The bald head man with ice like eyes. As well as Thrask.
-o-o-o-o-
A few hours later Aveline and her friends walk out of the office. "Maker Hawke. You are lucky that Thrask stood up for you. Despite how much animosity he has towards you. And Sir Alrik admitted he was he was wrong for reacting just as violently as you... Though. Considering you did far worse to him than he you. I have no choice but to put you in jail for two weeks. You better thank what ever deity you believe in. That they decided not to have you locked up for criminal offence... Leandra would have a cow if that were to happen. Though the next time you do that. I will have no choice but to lock you up for a two year sentence." Aveline said giving a warning. Hawke paid her no real mind as he walked off from them. "Fine. Take me to jail if you feel lucky." Hawke said darkly. Aveline glared at him. "Are you implying that you are above the law?" Aveline said with a frown walking to block his path. "I will take you in even if I have to fight you. You may be my friend. But I am not going to turn a blind eye to this, Hawke." She stressed. Fenris looked at both of them. Varric however inches his way back into the office and gently closes the door. "Sure. Spout your laws at me all you want. I am not going to leave mother alone in my sleazy uncle's home while I am not there! That fucking Deep Roads nearly killed Mother." Hawke growled.
"Then you should have thought about that before you decided to assault Sir Alrik!" Aveline shot back.
"I don't trust that fucking templar." He growled.
"You hardly trust anyone, Hawke." Aveline said shaking her head.
Hawke began to growl at her. Fenris made it his place to step in.
"Hawke. Aveline. Maybe the two of you should not be verbally assaulting each other in front of everyone. Further more. Hawke you need a more self-control. Aveline is doing her job. You have to abide by the laws." The elf said looking at Hawke.
"Fuck off Bastard Elf. You don't abide by them as much as you should either." Hawke shot back.
"True. But at least I don't assault those in law enforcement." Fenris said plainly.
"So that makes you than me huh?" Hawke asked with a sneer.
"Well... No... I just... Look let her do her job. If need be. I can look after your mother. It is the least I could do." Fenris said trying to keep the situation from getting out of hand.
Hawke gave an irritated huff before finally going with it. "Fine." He growled before storming off towards the boat.
"Thanks for that, Fenris. I am surprised how he listens to reason from you. You really are close to him." Aveline says turning to Fenris.
"Well. We have an understanding. Despite the colorful name he calls me. Though I called him a fair share of derogatory names as well." Fenris gave a sigh.
"Well. At least you understand each other. That's what matters." Aveline said walking with her friend to the boat. "Wait. Where did Varric go?"
Fenris looked around and shrugged. "We should deal with Hawke before Varric."
"Right. Before Hawke changes his mind." She said giving a groan.
-o-o-o-o-o-
It took a few hours signing the paper work and letting Leandra know what happened. Hawke was a bit pissed but remained quiet. Though Aveline made sure to put Hawke in his own cell. Alone. Maker knows Aveline didn't want to deal with Hawke hurting someone else. After she finishes. She turns and looks at her friend. Though Fenris seems a bit bothered by something. "Something on your mind Fenris?" She asked. He looked at her and sighed. Taking a drink from the bottle of wine he brought with him. "Is this about Hawke being in jail? He'll only be in there for two weeks." She said trying to smile. He shrugs as he stands up. "It isn't just about Hawke. He has been worrying more and more about his sister. Something isn't right. That templar Sir Alrik... Being around him is similar to how it felt being around..." Fenris trailed off suddenly. Aveline could only guess who Fenris was about to say. "I kind of wonder if Bethany is okay being in the Circle. Saying something like this is... Not exactly what I believe in concerning magic... Bethany was the only mage that I felt was a person... I guess it is because of how much I respect Hawke..." Fenris said. Considering what Fenris said. She began to worry more about Bethany. And in that moment Aveline wondered how Hawke must of felt. "I don't understand Hawke's way of thinking. And I am sure I never will. I am going to check up on Bethany for them. You need to head over and talk to Hawke's Mother." Aveline said getting up and heading to the door of her office. Fenris gave a nod and left right behind her.
A/N Sorry about last week. I needed a break and it was just so busy. Anyway.
Hawke isn't always the good guy here. And I figured a little time in jail is in order.
Sorry for the lack of violence. But I wonder if anyone can guess how the three years is going to end.
Also I meant to spell fridge as frige. Because that was how it was originally spelt back then.