Computer are still broken...sadness...praise be to the hubby! I'll try to post quickly, please forgive any delays. Reviews, comments, questions, anything and everything makes me smile.

Stars Fall

Chapter 36 Mages and Crows

"So Hawke any idea where the rest of these mages are?"

"Well, um not really Varric, but we promised Nyssa that we would be back at the Alienage before nightfall, so lets hurry this up."

Hawke continued to lead her team into the cave near Sundermount that the assassin was supposed to be hiding in. It had already been a long day and it was barely noon. Hawke and her team consisting of Varric, Isabela, and Fenris had been forced to kill the runaway mage Evelina because she became an abomination, right after that, Hawke had spoken to the wife of another of the runaway mages, an elven woman named Nyssa, who was concerned about her husband Huon causing her harm. Hawke promised the woman protection before she led her friends to Sundermount to track down an elven assassin. It had been an early and long day.

"This assassin is strange indeed, why would he want the Dalish to give away his position?" Fenris scowled.

Hawke held out her hand and stopped Fenris from going any further as she revealed a trap he was about to walk into "Because this assassin likes playing games, and right now we're his playmates."

"Seriously how many traps does the man need? That's like the fifth one in ten feet!" Isabela groaned as she helped Hawke disable the trap.

Suddenly Fenris' ears perked up "Speaking of traps, I think we are about to walk into a much larger one."

All eyes turned to Fenris as he listened to the sounds in the cave intently "What are you hearing Elf?"

Fenris scowled and looked at the dwarf "I'm uncertain, I all can say is whatever is through there is large and moving."

Varric huffed "Very descriptive Elf."

Fenris scowled at Varric more "Well, the next time you hear something before someone else, I promise you I shall be fascinated by your description and shall endeavor to learn your techniques."

Hawke and Isabela chuckled as Varric actually scowled back at Fenris, before he broke into a laugh "Alright Elf good point."

The rogues laughed as they went further into the cave, Fenris wore the tiniest of smiles until the noises within the cave grew louder, loud enough for the others to hear as well.

Hawke dropped her shoulders "That does not sound good."

They rounded the corner and came face to face with the Vartarrel, that Hawke, Isabela, and Varric had faced a few years ago with Merrill.

Hawke cursed "Come the fuck on! Doesn't anything stay dead anymore!"

Varric took up his position behind them "Well Hawke I say this time we take its head off! See if it can survive that!"

Fenris growled and willed his markings to life "I can do that."

Hawke and Isabela charged into the battle, focusing on the legs and weakening them. Fenris kept the Vartarrel distracted by attacking the front of it. The Vartarrel quickly became overwhelmed by them, Hawke was extremely grateful Fenris was here; his skills with his greatsword tipped the battle easily in their favor.

Even with the battle going in their favor, the creature did not seem to want to fall. Hawke caught Isabela's eye as she pulled out a length of rope from her belt "Hey Isabela!"

Hawke tossed her one end of the rope "Wanna dance?"

Isabela wore an evil smirk "Love to Hawke."

The two women began weaving the rope in and out of the creatures' legs, tangling them up. Hawke motioned for Varric to come closer so she could tie her end of the rope to one of Varric's bolts.

Hawke grinned wickedly at her dwarven friend as she finished the quick knot and Varric loaded the bolt into Bianca, Varric smiled widely as he took aim at a nearby wall "Bianca baby, time for your solo." And he fired the bolt.

The Vartarrel was knocked off its long legs and onto the ground as the bolt stuck to the wall; Fenris was there in a heartbeat and sliced its head off. He picked up the severed head of the Vartarrel and threw it into one of the chasms in the cave.

"Hey Elf! I was gonna have that mounted!" Varric whined.

Fenris rolled his eyes "And what would you have done if it came back to life once more? In your suite no less?"

Varric was silent for a moment as he thought about that.

Suddenly the sound of clapping put them all back on guard. Hawke turned quickly to see an elven man walking towards them. He had golden hair, tanned skin, and tattoos on his face.

The man stopped just feet away from them "Now you I wasn't expecting. How do you do Champion? My name is Zevran Arainai."

Isabela blew by Hawke and jumped at the elven man "I thought I smelled Antivan leather."

Zevran embraced Isabela "Isabela! If it isn't my favorite pirate wench!"

Hawke looked back and forth between Isabela and Zevran "I get the distinct feeling you two have met before."

Isabela winked at Hawke as Zevran responded "Several times in fact." Before noisily kissing Isabela's mouth.

Hawke cleared her throat after a few moments, and the two broke apart. Hawke rolled her eyes at the two of them "Sorry to interrupt, but how do you know I'm the Champion?"

Zevran gave Hawke a close look, giving her the feeling he was undressing her with his eyes "Deep Roads explorer, Slayer of Qunari, and a beauty to make the gods jealous? You truly underestimate your fame my dear."

Hawke couldn't resist smiling at Zevran's Antivan accent, it reminded her of how she tried to sound when she first learned Antivan. She wanted to perfect the accent and failed horribly, whereas Zevran clearly had it mastered.

Fenris growled at the other elf when he saw Hawke smiling at him. Hawke shook her head at him and addressed Zevran once more "So let me guess this is the part where I find out the man that hired me to bring you to him set me up?"

Zevran raised his eyebrows at her "Was it a man named Nuncio?"

Hawke sighed, "Yes."

Zevran smiled "Then yes, he is an Antivan Crow."

"Why can't anyone be honest with me anymore damnit!" Hawke groaned.

Zevran shrugged his shoulders at her "You can still bring me to Nuncio if you wish, but he will surely attempt to kill you."

Varric huffed "Of course he does, everyone wants to kill us!"

Hawke smiled suddenly "I have a better idea than turning you in."

Zevran raised his eyebrows at her once more "Oh?"

All of Hawke's companions were looking at her now "I am really getting sick of people lying to me and thinking they can get away with it. So I propose we go find this Nuncio, kill him and his men and you join our little misfit crew here."

All their jaws dropped. Including Zevran who somehow managed to speak "I…"

Hawke cut him off "It would give you an opportunity to remain in once place for a little while, it wouldn't be permanent. It would give me another hand in the problems in Kirkwall, because I seriously doubt this will end peacefully. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt you wouldn't be bored, trouble doesn't seem to just find me; it never let's me out of it's sight. And whenever you decide to leave, you can go with Isabela on her ship and spend the time between now and then getting to know her again, if that's what she wants." Hawke glanced at Isabela watching Zevran like he was a delicious meal and she was starving. "So how about it?"

Zevran's wide eyes were thoughtful for a moment while her companions stared at Hawke and Fenris glared at her. Zevran finally met Hawke's eyes once more "You know, you remind me of the Warden, very persuasive, alright you have a deal."

Hawke grinned triumphantly as she led her companions and the freshly recruited Zevran to Nuncio's camp.

Hawke looked at him curiously as they walked "So you know the Warden?"

Zevran smiled "Ah yes I do indeed, like yourself she is truly a rare beauty."

Hawke rolled her eyes "Can you tell me about her?"

Zevran gave her a saucy sly smile "Of course I can, while I am getting to know you better."

Fenris growled loudly at Zevran but didn't have time to say anything as they walked into Nuncio's camp.

Hawke laughed at how easily they had killed the Crows. Hawke turned to look at Zevran "I thought Crows were supposed to be hard to kill?"

Zevran smiled and eyed Fenris dreamily "Hard yes, but for people like you and the Warden who seem to make a habit of collecting fine fighters, they are no trouble."

Hawke gestured for them all to head back to Kirkwall. Isabela and Zevran hung behind. Hawke turned to look back at them "We will catch up with you later Hawke!" Isabela said with a wink.

Zevran gave Hawke another saucy smile "Would you care to join us Champion?"

Hawke was just about to speak up, when Fenris growled from beside her, his markings glowing "That depends. How much longer to you wish to live?" Hawke could have sworn she saw Fenris' eyes turn blue for a split second before they turned green again while he glared at Zevran.

Zevran shrugged his shoulders "Oh I see, fair enough then. We shall join you later Champion."

Hawke turned away from them as Zevran and Isabela moved behind a bush. Hawke didn't dare meet Fenris' gaze, she knew he was pissed. Fenris scowled the entire way back to Kirkwall while Hawke and Varric discussed their new companion.

Hawke quickly led Varric and Fenris to the Alienage, anxious to be on time to meet Nyssa. Hawke immediately sensed something amiss when they approached the Alienage.

She saw Nyssa embrace an unfamiliar elf who proceeded to stab her in the chest. Hawke and her companions ran over to the insane elf. "Huon I assume?"

He laid Nyssa's body on the ground and stared at it. Hawke could sense her 'star alarm' going off. "She was so beautiful." He said sadly.

Hawke rolled her eyes "Someday I'd like to go one week without meeting some crazy blood mage, is that really too much to ask?"

Huon turned his head towards her but still did not look at her "I'm a visionary. I've seen the future, I know what fate has in store for the elves." His expression became angry "The humans keep us down because they're afraid of the magic within us."

Hawke began to see blood swirling around Huon as he continued speaking "But look at the magic Nyssa held inside her, she was just afraid to use it."

Fenris growled "It's always the same, always."

Hawke sighed as Huon stood and shot a wave of blood magic towards them before he summoned shades. Hawke's hand shot out to either side of her, blocking her friends from the incoming attack. As soon as the magic hit her hands it faded away instantly, the same thing happened to the shot aimed at her chest once it hit her.

Huon's eyes widened slightly as Hawke smiled wickedly at him "Some visionary you are. You couldn't even foresee that."

Huon screamed in rage and shot another wave of dark magic towards them all, Hawke was unable to stop it from hitting her friends this time. The magic faded as soon as it hit her, but slammed Fenris and Varric to the ground. Varric lay on the ground writhing in pain, but Fenris was able to stand up though he seemed rather shaky.

Hawke launched herself at the shades and Huon. He unleashed yet another powerful wave of blood magic, this time directing it solely at Hawke, she charged right through it, completely unaffected. Hawke stabbed at the shades guarding Huon as Fenris joined the fray.

Together Hawke and Fenris managed to destroy the shades as Huon sent another blast towards Fenris. Hawke screamed as she saw it connect with his chest and his eyes turn bright blue for just a second "FENRIS!"

He was knocked to the ground once more but quickly rose to his feet, looking around quickly as though he were confused, Hawke turned around and now fuming faced Huon, his eyes completely crazed. Hawke quickly whipped off her gauntlets; ever since her mother was killed, she had been wearing quick release gauntlets for occasions just like this. Huon raised his staff to shoot another bolt at her but Hawke easily passed right through it and latched her hands onto Huon's face.

Huon screamed in pain, Hawke growled as she saw Varric still on the ground bound by the blood magic that hit him "Let my friend go. Now!"

Huon's crazed eyes rolled up to meet her own anger fueled ones, he blinked once. Hawke heard Varric gasp for air as he was released, but she did not let go. Fenris quickly moved behind them, Huon still screaming and writhing within her grasp. Fenris willed his markings to life and ripped out the crazed mage's heart.

Hawke released her hold on the now lifeless corpse and gave Fenris a questioning look. He seemed to understand what she was saying with her eyes, he looked just as confused as her. He quickly covered his confusion with his emotionless mask "We will talk later."

Hawke sighed and went to help Varric stand up. "Andraste's burning butt, I am really getting sick of blood mages. But still the look on their faces when they realize something's different about you Hawke, is still priceless."

Hawke smiled him "What can I say, I'm one of a kind."

Varric chuckled "Come on lets go to the Hanged Man, I need a drink."

As soon as they entered the Hanged Man, Varric spied a man that really seemed out of place. Hawke noticed him as well, and caught his Orlesian accent as he ordered another drink. Acting on a whim Hawke walked up to the man, he seemed young but his mostly bald head provided her with much confusion.

"Emile de Launcet?"

The man raised his head up from his table lazily. Oh wow he is wasted.

He smiled a drunken smile "Wow are, are you a mage because you just magicked my breath away!"

Hawke and Varric both groaned, Hawke looked at the pathetic man "You need more practice with woman."

Emile giggled "Can I practice on you? In private?"

Hawke could not contain her look of disgust, Fenris growled beside her.

Emile was apparently still in party mode "Round of drinks on me, I'm Emile as you know, and you are?"

Hawke cringed "Feeling very sorry for you and women you come into contact with."

Emile crossed his eyes in confusion, Hawke rolled her own "I'm also helping the templars hunt a mage named Emile de Launcet, and look here you are."

That seemed to sober Emile up immediately, he stood from his table and approached Hawke "Look I know what this is about, I'm not a blood mage."

Hawke shook her head "Yea I figured that much out on my own. So why tell everyone you are?"

Emile looked away "I only told women, I thought it would make my sound suave and dangerous, women like danger no?"

Hawke slapped a hand to her face and groaned. It's not like I can dispute that, I'm in love with a brooding, elven, vampire who thinks my blood is the greatest tasting thing there is…oh there's a thought, hold on to that for later.

Emile seemed to miss Hawke's internal conservation with herself "I just don't want to die a virgin."

Hawke's eyes peeked out from between her fingers, Fenris spoke from beside her "This is an act, the mage makes himself out to be harmless."

Hawke removed her hand from her face "No he really is that pathetic, and he's no blood mage, trust me on that one."

Fenris nodded his head slightly at her, Emile moved closer to Hawke "Look I'll go back to the Circle tomorrow, one of the tavern girls agreed to lie with me, I even paid for a room."

What a gentlemen! Hawke groaned to herself, before looking at Emile "You really need to go back to the Circle, the templars could come while you're with her, and believe me they won't ask any questions before they kill you, especially after what happened with the other runaway mages."

Emile's eyes widened in fear "Others?"

Hawke faked a sad expression "Yes the other mages that ran away were killed." Fenris growled beside her again "They turned to forbidden magic."

Varric spoke up now "And the templars would quickly believe that you have as well, especially if they find you in a compromising position with someone else."

Emile looked at all three of them in horror, before giving in "Alright, you win, I'll go back to the Circle. This was a stupid idea anyway."

Hawke turned to watch Emile leave before following Varric up to his suite. The three of them ordered a round of drinks and started playing a quick card game.

They had ordered two more rounds when Hawke spied Isabela and Zevran enter the tavern. Hawke stood to leave, Fenris stood as well. Varric shot them both curious looks, Hawke smiled at him "If I know Isabela, Varric, she and Zevran are about to regale us with all their fascinating sex tales. I know enough about her sex life for one lifetime, so I'm gonna beat a hasty retreat."

Varric chuckled as Hawke and Fenris quickly moved down the stairs. Hawke caught Isabela's eye as she left the building "I gotta run, I'll see you tomorrow 'Bela!" Hawke waved to Isabela who smiled, rolled her eyes, and waved back at her.

Hawke and Fenris walked casually through the empty streets, Hawke spoke quietly to the still broody elf "So what's got you so upset Fenris?"

Fenris huffed but said nothing, Hawke inhaled deeply So that's how it's going to be huh?

"Are you angry about Zevran?"

Another huff.

"You know, contrary to popular belief Fenris, I can't read minds. Tell me what the fuck is pissing you off so much."

Fenris scowled at her "Why were you so insistent on the assassin joining us?"

Hawke shrugged her shoulders "Many reasons actually. Firstly, there are a lot of people who want to kill me, so it would be nice to have an assassin on my side for a change. Second, he can keep Isabela 'occupied', unless you already miss her constantly flirting with you. Third, something keeps telling me I'm gonna need all the help I can get when this thing with the mages and templars boils over. That's also one of the reasons I'm glad Ben is going to be here in two months."

Fenris' scowl disappeared as he thought on Hawke's words. He eyed her nervously as they neared Hightown "So you are not interested in the assassin?"

Hawke snorted "Oh fuck no Fenris, that Antivan accent of his is way too funny. And his pick up lines are really obvious." She gave him a soft smile "Besides I am perfectly content with you."

Fenris seemed content as he gave her a small smirk. Hawke was still confused about something they approached her estate "So why did you seem so confused after that whole thing with Huon?"

Fenris looked at the ground as he spoke "My kind is extremely vulnerable to blood magic, I was confused as to why his did not seem to affect me as strongly as blood magic usually does."

Hawke smiled at him as she opened the door to her estate "Well me and my fancy blood are immune to it, so maybe by drinking some of it, you became immune to blood magic to a certain extent."

Fenris' eyes widened as he thought "I hadn't considered that. It's very possible."

Hawke continued to beam at him "That's me, I'm a problem solver."

Fenris laughed softly at her, Hawke went to go into her estate "Would you like to spend the night Fenris?"

Fenris gave her a sly smile "I believe I need to reinforce my claim on you Hawke. After all the men who attempted to have you today, I need to remind you that you are mine."

Hawke smiled her own sly smile as he followed her into her estate "Wouldn't have any other way Fenris."

Meanwhile in Darktown a meeting was ending. The leader of the Kirkwall branch of Resolutionists left to go make some arrangements.

Their contact turned to go back to his clinic.

Anders was waging an internal war with the spirit inside him. I do not agree with this, there must be another way.

There is no other way, the woman has sealed her own fate. What is one life when her sacrifice will mean justice for all mages. Justice argued.

By why her? Anders pleaded with the spirit.

Because she is the one they will pay dearly for, compared to the freedom of all mages, one untrusting woman means little. Do not let yourself doubt this. The woman is of little consequence, she has already betrayed you. Since she refuses to aid us in our goal by choice, she will aid us by force. Her sacrifice will not be in vain, her name shall be remembered for all time, as will yours. The world will not know of her betrayal when the remember her, they shall remember her fondly, only we will know the truth of her cowardice.

Anders sighed You are right my friend.

I know.

So yea Zevran is officially part of the gang now, muahaha need more feisty elves...His nickname from Varric is going to be 'Slick' it seems appropriate.

And yea sorry about the cliffhanger...It had to happen sometime..