Chapter 49 That Thing Has Legs

A/N This has nothing to do with the story.
I just think the Song: Leave It Alone by Disturbed. Best describes Hawke.


Fenris gave a low groan as he hiked along with Hawke and the others up Sundermount. He truly wished Hawke wouldn't deal with the blood mage known as Merrill. Oh how he hated her. One, she was a mage. Two, she was a damn blood mage at that. Three, she got too close to Hawke for Fenris's comfort. He silently glared at the smaller elf. Fenris quickened his pace to be even with Hawke. The larger man ignored him and the others for the most part. Wishing to just get as far as they could for the first day. It was cold on the hike. Making Fenris curious as to how cold it will be when they set up camp. The path they were taking up the mountain was a familiar one. So hopefully they would get pretty far before nightfall. Fenris huffed silently to himself as he stared at the ground as he walked. Crossing his arms while mindlessly picking at the feathers on his vambrace. Not taking notice that Hawke just stopped. Running into the larger man accidentally before pulling back. Hawke turned to look at him before looking at the others. "Is anyone else besides me, hungry?" He asked lowly. Merrill perked up a bit as she went over to him. "Oh I am. I had forgotten to eat before we left." She said while cupping her hands in front of herself. Varric walked up beside her and simply answered, "Yeah. I'm feeling a bit peckish. What about you Rivani?" Isabela looked square at Hawke and smiled. "Oh. I could go something big, hot, and filling. Right now." She said with a purr. Getting Fenris to glare at her. Merrill quickly replied with, "Oh like a big stew? That's very filling." The pirate started laughing at the poor elvhen girl. "Oh Kitten. That wasn't what I ment. But stew does sound good too." Merrill looked at the busty woman in confusion before pouting. "Did I miss something dirty, again? I always miss the dirty things." She whined. Getting Varric to laugh a bit as well. Hawke rolled his eye at them before looking around. Fenris, himself, simply sighed and sat down on a conveniently sized rock. He heard Varric and the two women start talking amongst themselves. For some reason Fenris just wasn't comfortable around the girls at all for the day. He didn't even really understand why he was a bit upset by their presence. Until he looked over to Hawke. He shifted slightly as he watched the larger man. Recalling what had happened three days ago. He quickly looked to the ground as he felt himself start to blush at the memory. He looked back up after a bit to notice Hawke was gone. On the far side of the path, part way into the woods. He seemed to be looking for something. Fenris turned to look at the others. They were seated in a circle nibbling on food they had brought with them. Fenris turned to watch Hawke more. Tilting his head as he saw the larger man inch further into the woods. Fenris's brows knitted together in slight confusion. Curious as to what Hawke was doing. He got up and made his way to where Hawke was. He then heard Hawke address him. "You need something, Elf?" Fenris went to get down beside Hawke. "Just wondering what you are doing. Also. How come you haven't been calling me Bastard Elf anymore?" The larger man shrugged. "Would it make you feel better if I did?" The man asked. Fenris gave a light hum before answering. "I. Had grown quite accustom to hearing you call me such. I wouldn't mind you calling me by that at times." Hawke looked over to him before looking straight ahead. "If you are wondering what I am doing. I am looking at that nug over there." He said. Fenris tilted his head and looked ahead. There really was a nug over there. It was the first time he actually saw one in the wild. Realizing that Hawke was actually hunting the small bunny mole creature. Then remembering that Hawke's diet mostly consisted of meat. Remembering the food that Leandra had served them a few days prior. Heavy beef stew along with liver and chives. Foods that were high in nutrition. Designed to help replenish blood. More importantly. Food designed to fuel someone with a high amount of strength. It made Fenris aware that Hawke doesn't eat much vegetables. Mainly meat. Fenris was brought out of his thoughts as Hawke began to move. Suddenly darting forward after the nug. Popping back up from the bushes a good distance away. Fenris was stunned because of how fast the human moved. Hearing the small creature squeaking in distress. Hawke stood up fully as he flicked his wrist. The squeaking then stopped after that movement. Fenris stood up as Hawke walked back to him. Holding the now dead animal. "I don't know what you're going to eat. But I got something for me." Hawke said. Fenris scoffed. "What. You aren't going to share?" Hawke simply answered, "Nope." Before walking past him. The two of men made their way back to the path. Where the others were at. "There they are. And look. Hawke got a nug!" Varric exclaimed brightly. Merrill and Isabela looked to Hawke as well. Hawke made his way past them. Carrying the nug in his left hand. The same one he used to catch it.

After cleaning the moderately sized rodent. It had begun to get dark. Considering they had left at around noon. They had made quite a lot of progress going up Sundermount. Hawke proceeded to make a camp fire as the others set up the tents. They brought three tents. The women were going to remain in the same tent while Fenris and Varric shared one. While Hawke would sleep alone. As the fire started up. The others had finished. Wandering over to Hawke, who used his knife to slice up the nug. Varric sat down beside Hawke and watched as the larger man set a flat rock over the fire. Varric knew he saw that same polished rock many times. Hawke always carried it with him. "You take over Dwarf." Hawke said as he got up. The story-teller shrugged but proceeded to cook the nug. Hawke walked a fair distance away. Pulling his eye patch off. Frowning heavily at the blood dripping from the inside of the twisted metal. On certain days it bled heavily and some it didn't. He cleaned it of blood and hooked it to his sash like belt. Putting bandages in its place. "Are you okay Hawke?" A small timid voice asked from behind him. Hawke turned to look at the young elf. She must have seen him tie the bandages. She looked up in slight puzzlement at him. "I'm fine." He was very tempted to chase off the pint-sized elf. Though he reminded himself that Merrill was a woman. And he was taught that he should not be mean to women. Though. It sure didn't stop him. "Are you just going to fucking stand there like an idiot? Get by the fire before you get cold." he growled. Merrill withdrawn from him before nodding. "I am getting cold..." She said before hurrying back to the others. The only other person not by the fire was Fenris. Hawke stared at the other three before growling. He really was hungry. But he didn't enjoy eating in front of people besides his mother. He was hesitant to eat in front of Fenris that other day. He ended up taking his food to his room to eat. Giving a sigh as he brought himself back to the present. He growled again as he ran a hand across his stomach. He turned his head to the side as he heard Fenris walk up to him. "What is it Bastard Elf?" He heard the smaller man give a light laugh. "I thought you said you weren't going to share?" Hawke huffed as he began to scratch at his chesthair through the open v-neck of his armor. "I didn't intend to fucking share. I just don't like eating in front of others. Besides. Most of them know of my tendency to eat... Raw meat..." Hawke said. Fenris nodded knowing full well what Hawke was talking about. "It does look a bit disturbing to watch you eat normal food. After seeing you rip off a chunk of flesh from someone." Fenris admitted. Hawke just hummed. Fenris looked at the large human. "If it helps. I took some of the meat before Varric could cook it." He said pulling out a small clothe. Hawke turned to look at him then. "Really now, Elf... Why?" Hawke asked almost suspicious. "I have seen you eat before. You have no problem eating raw meat. Though you are a bit strange when you don't eat cooked foods in front of guests..." The elf said handing the food over to Hawke. Hawke shrugged and dropped to the ground heavily. Unable to sit down gently upon the ground. He reached out and took the food from the elf. Fenris sat down a short ways away. Hawke took the meat from the clothe and ate each piece whole. "It isn't enough to sustain me. But it should do." Hawke said as he finished eating. Fenris nodded and seemed to fidget a bit. "I was wondering. Are you going to be fine sleeping by yourself?" Fenris asked. Hawke glared at him. "I am not a child, you Branded Bastard. Why would you even ask such a dumbass question?" Fenris looked away before crossing his arms. "Well... I... Just thought... You would like some company... Is all." Fenris forced himself to say.

"Really? But I though you didn't wish to do such...Things..." Hawke said leaning forward.

"I don't. At least... Not for a while... Maybe some other time. I am just used to sleeping close to you. Not Varric. Besides he set up a bed roll for Bianca... it's a bit disturbing... I do not wish to know what he does with it in private." Fenris looked off to the side a bit disgusted by the idea.

"It does seem like he fucks it."

"That would hurt. It is also such a horrid mental image..."

"Listen. If you want this to go slowly. Then you should know sleeping beside me. Will only tempt me. I can not stay myself from touching you when you slumber so near."

"Right. Otherwise you would molest me..."

"Not that you're complaining, Fenris."

"Pfft. I complain! Just... Not openly. Maybe just mild complaints..." He trailed off looking away with a light blush.

"Right... And I don't have mild Tourettes..."

"You do curse for no reason at times."

"Yes. But it is not a mental thing... Just me being hungry..."

"Of course. We should get closer to camp. It is starting to get increasingly cold now." Fenris said standing up.

Hawke follows this movement and walks along with the elf to the tents that surrounded the fairly large campfire. They soon turned in for the night. Hawke remained awake to keep watch. Soon going to sleep knowing that if something did happen to come by. Fenris would awaken and alert them. After letting Fenris know it was his watch. Hawke turned in as well. Fenris soon sat by the fire. Making it more lively by adding a few sticks and dry grass. He looked over to Hawke's tent and moved to sit at the open entrance. Hawke's tent was rather large compared to the others. Fenris scooted back further in the tent and sighed. Feeling a bit better than he did earlier that day. He soon fell asleep once again.

It was cold in the morning as Fenris awoke. But for some reason he was reasonably warm. It was still fairly early. Close to around three in the morning. He gave a yawn and attempted to move. Only to realize he was sitting Hawke's lap. He froze. He was sure he fell asleep at the tent's entrance. He was still there. A low dark laugh got his attention. "You must be used to my touch to not wake up as I moved you." Hawke said lowly. Fenris managed to keep his composer. "You should sleep while I finish keeping watch. I suggest you not sleep in my tent if you wish to not let the others know about us." Hawke said pushing Fenris to move. Fenris got up and moved away. Towards the tent he was supposed to share with Varric. Hawke gave a yawn and sat down near the dead fire. Picking up the smooth stone he always carried with him. Fenris laid down in the tent with Varric and gave a yawn. Falling back asleep.

As the early morning turned to dawn. Hawke walked up to the tents and woke up everyone. "Get up. We got to move." Hawke barked. Getting the others to get out of the tent and pack up. It went fairly quickly. Varric wandered over to Hawke afterwards. Getting the large man to look at him. "I don't really feel up to walking considering I tripped yesterday over a root." Varric said. Hawke narrowed his eye and growled. "Lying dwarf. You didn't trip over shit, yesterday." The large human said with a huff. Varric pouted. "But Hawke I really, REALLY don't want to walk... Carry me?" The dwarf asked with a wide grin. Ducking down from Hawke left hand. "You missed!" The dwarf exclaimed before being smacked upside the back of his head. Knocking him over in front of Hawke. "I let you duck so I can fucking smack the shit out of you without leaving a bruise on your smug face. Besides. You are a fool to think I would want to carry your ass. You've got legs. Use them." Hawke said giving off a small evil smile. "Aww... You are no fun Hawke!" The story-teller complained picking himself up from the ground and walking away. Hawke shook his head before getting up from where he was seated by his pack. Looking over to Fenris before giving a low yawn. His attention being brought by the small petite elvhen woman who walked in front of him. "What is it, girl?" He asked. Merrill swallowed before taking a breath. "Umm. I forgot something back at home... I forgot my staff..." She said looking down sheepishly. Hawke gave a low groan before bring his right hand to pull and claw at his face. Groaning a bit louder before looking down at her. "You just realized you fucking forgot it?" He asked stressfully while leaning towards her. "I know. I know. I forgot because I was nervous." She said keeping her eyes to the ground.

"Now what. You want us to go back to fucking Kirkwall just to get it?"

"N-no. I thought t-that maybe... You would have a... A spare?" She asked hopefully biting her lip worriedly as she looked up at him.

Hawke face palmed rather harshly pulling the bandages covering his right eye a loose. Getting Merrill to back up a bit shocked.

"Do I look like I have a spare staff? I am no damn mage, Girl!"

"I'm sorry Hawke... I didn't mean to make you mad..." She whined. Isabela started to walk over to them.

"Don't start fucking cry... When we get to the Dalish camp. I will buy you another one. But you better hold onto it." He growled.

"Oh thank you, Hawke!" Merrill bounded happily at Hawke then and latched onto him in a hug.

Getting the large man to stiffen before glaring a dagger at her. She was short enough to avoid pressing her face into his spiked heart guard. Which in truth should be on his left. Either way. Hawke clenched his hands mindlessly at the air. The tips of his gauntlets cutting into his palms. The urge to just rip this small woman off of him was nearly overwhelming. He set his hand heavily onto her head and forced himself to gently remove her. Trying to hide the fact that he was truly and utterly disgusted that she had touched him. His eye twitching slight as he pushed Merrill away. Stalking off away from her as he shook himself. In some weird attempt to shake the magic off of him. Something a bit hypocritical of him. Considering he was currently in possession of a magical charm that was his sister's. Even if he didn't wear it. The rest of that day went by quickly as Hawke mostly ignored the others as they made progress up the mountainside. Merrill seemed overly happy because Hawke going to buy her something. The others were relatively calm. The night as they camped went by uneventful.

The next morning was a bit slow. Merrill gave a yawn as she hurried over to Hawke's tent as he put it away. "Hawke. Can I walk beside you? The camp isn't far from here. And I want to be right by you when we walk into camp." She said while looking down. Shifting back and forth. Staring at the ground. Hawke gave a heavy sigh as he rolled his eye. "Do whatever you wish, girl." He said as he finished packing up. The elvhen mage nodded as Hawke proceeded to affix his eye-patch upon his head. Merrill hopped over to him. Fenris glared at her as he helped put up tent he shared with Varric. Isabela strutted her way over to the two men. Giving Fenris a look over. Fenris closed his eyes resisting the urge to growl. That woman was something else. As he got up he could feel the dusky pirate walk up behind him. Fenris heard Varric say something then. "Hoe don't do it." Varric warned looking up at Isabela. Before Fenris could react. He felt Isabela grab a hold of his ass. His markings lit up as he jumped from her and whirled around with a growl. "It was too much to resist. I mean I been staring at his back side this entire time. I couldn't help myself. You can't blame a gal for wanting to cop a feel." She said with a laugh. "I told you not to do it Rivani." Varric said before inching back. Isabela rolled her eyes as she laughed. "I didn't hurt him. Just grabbed his ass a bit. What harm could come from it?" She said. Giving Fenris a sly flirty look. The elf was overly flustered and upset by what happened. Isabela was about to move towards him again when she felt a sharp gauntlet grab hold of her hair. Hawke leaned forward and growled lowly. "Don't touch him, ever again. Whore." The large man warned. Getting Isabela to swallow. Hawke let her go and walked past her. Merrill stopped beside her. "I think Hawke was upset by what you did to Fenris..." She said lowly. Isabela fixed her hair. Hawke didn't really pull her hair nor hurt her. It just surprised her really. Isabela pouted as she hurried to follow after them. Merrill hurrying her way beside Hawke again. Fenris walking in front of the larger man. Varric walked along Isabela. Both rogues slowed their pace and looked at one another. Varric looked up to the dark skinned woman.

"The way Hawke reacted to what you did. It was well... Strange. Don't you think?"

"Yeah it was." Isabela said looking ahead.

"Think there's something going on between them?"

"I doubt it. Hawke can't stand being touched. Look how he acted when kitten hugged him yesterday. Also Fenris is the same. Though I remember picking on that elf a year or two back."

"What were you picking on him about?"

"I called him Hawke's boy toy. He took offense. Turned a bit red in the face."

"Hmm. You think those two are involved?"

"Maybe. I haven't seen anything that would suggest it."

"Think we should spy on them?"

"Ohh~ I like that idea."

Both rogues started to make their way back with the other three.

Merrill hummed brightly as she walked beside Hawke. Hawke growled lightly as he tried to ignore the small elvhen woman. Fenris looked up to Hawke and sighed. Wondering how much more Hawke could stand. He looked past Hawke to stare at Merrill. Remembering that he didn't wish to be there to begin with. He was only there because he wished to be near Hawke and nothing more. He wasn't there to help with that witch. He silently growled to himself before picking up his pace. Merrill skipped behind him and a little ways in front of Hawke. She then slowed down to look up at Hawke. Smiling brightly up at hm. Before frowning suddenly. She quickly moved to be on his left side and smiled.

"Hawke. I really need to thank you. I would have been so afraid to face the Keeper on my own." She said. Hawke looked down at her.

"You are lucky I am even doing this shit, Girl." He said with a low growl.

"I know. I know and I really am thankful! I'll find a way to repay you, Hawke."

"Mmhm..."

"Really I will! You'll see Hawke." She chirped.

Hawke gave a sigh and continued walking. The group soon fell silent as they continued their path. Seeing the familiar sights that lead to the Dalish camp. Merrill got increasingly nervous.

"Calm the fuck down, Merrill."

"I'm trying. I just get so nervous when I think about talking to the Keeper."

"The whole damn reason I am here."

"Right. With you by my side. I can ask her for the arulin'holm."

"Right..." Hawke looked off to the side not really believing the small woman.

"Oh the camp is up ahead!" Merrill pauses as she hides behind Hawke. "I am not looking forward to seeing the Keeper again."

"It will be fine Kitten. We're here too." Isabela said walking up to the young mage.

"Thanks Isabela."

With that being said. The group walked up to the camp and entered. The clansmen were staring darkly at Merril. Hawke seemed to go on edge. The feeling in the air was different. Hawke could feel that something was very wrong. He then heard one of the elves close by him. "If you wander the paths of Sundermount. Walk softly. For something out there hungers for the unwary..." The old elvhen man said as he walked past Hawke. Even Fenris and the others looked. Merrill didn't pay attention. She was too focused on confronting Keeper Marethari. Varric shifted back and forth as he walked along with them to face the Keeper. Hawke was the first one to walk up to her. Looking down at the woman. Merrill took a deep breath and stood beside Hawke to his left.

"Keeper..." Merrill said as she found her courage.

Marethari looked to her. "You return to us, da'len. Have you reconsidered this path at last?"

"I..." Merrill suddenly went silent as she lost her courage. Hawke gave a low growl.

"She came to ask you for something." Hawke said quite curtly. The Keeper didn't mind his tone that much.

"...Yes..." Merrill started again. "Keeper, I need the arulin'holm, the ancient carving blade that Master Ilen keeps."

"I see. You wish to rebuild the eluvian."

"You don't have to approve of it. I'm invoking vir sulervanan. I'll do whatever task you wish."

"Well. I'm glad to know I can still disapprove. It is your right. I will give you a service to perform, if you insist." The Keeper said crossing her arms. Disapprovement clear on her face.

Hawke cocked his head to side in annoyment. "The fuck is going on..." Hawke growled. The keeper looked to him and sighed.

"Our history belongs to all Dalish, child, so our clan's most cherished relics can be claimed by everyone. Any Dalish can perform a service for the clan and gain ownership of such an item. For a time. That is what Merrill has invoked. Even if she has chosen to live apart, she is still one of the People." She explained gently.

"Then what is the damn service she must perform?" Hawke asked. Trying his best not to lose his patience with the explanation.

"A varterral has taken the lives of three of our hunters. It lairs in a cavern in the mountainside. Seek it out. Slay it. No one else must fall to its anger. Do this for us, and I will give you the arulin'holm. May the Dread Wolf never catch your scent." She said with a bow. Though the directions where more to Hawke than to Merrill.

The group walked to a path leading out to the mountainside. Hawke stopped and suddenly turned to Varric. "You wait here. I don't need to have to look out for four of you. And considering the last battle we were in. You failed miserably." Hawke said looking at Varric. Who huffed before giving a mock expression of hurt and anger. "Well the elf failed too! He should be put in time out too!" Varric pouted with a smile on his face. Any way to get out of going into a cavern. He is going to just snatch it up. "True... Sit down Bastard Elf. You both will wait here." Hawke said turning from them and walking off. "Now wait a minute! I am not just going to fucking sit here while you three are going to fight off a varterral. I am going with you and that's that!" Fenris spoke slightly outraged that he was going to sit it out. He turned and glared at Varric dangerously giving a hiss. Varric backed up and turned his head. Not looking the elf in the eyes. The two women remained quiet as they followed. Fenris began to become increasingly frustrated. He went forward and reached out. "Venhedis. I am going in there with you-" Fenris was cut off as Hawke shoved him back. His marking lit up as he coughed lightly from the hard push. "You aren't going with us unless you are damned sure you aren't going to fall. You already fell in combat three times. Once with the Tal-Vasoth. Once within the Deep Roads with that ogre. And then with Bartrand. Nearly getting killed the last two times. You think I am just going to let you get yourself killed? You aren't even paying any fucking attention when fighting lately. So you are going to sit this one out unless you can prove you won't fall this time." Hawke said giving a snarl. Fenris glared up at him before taking a breath. The others were silently watching. Hawke was very serious when it came to fighting. If you couldn't hold your own. He wouldn't bring you anywhere to fight with him again. Fenris stood straight as he spoke. "I won't fail." Fenris said glaring up at Hawke. The larger man growled. "You better not. Or I will kill you ever so slowly." He said with a twisted grin. The others gasped lightly and looked away. Though Fenris knew that the threat didn't mean his life was forfeit. In truth. The threat seemed to excite Fenris. "Right. Let us move then." The elf said walking past Hawke who hummed. Varric turned around and walked back to the Dalish camp.

As the group of now four venture on. The air about the path became heavy. As they approach the entrance to the cavern. Several corpses littered the ground before the cavern's mouth. As the group got closer the corpses arose giving off a guttural hiss. Hawke gave a sigh. Corpses never fared well against him or his comrades. They were easily dispatched. "Over already? What a pity." Hawke said but paused. The corpses raise the question. Could the magic that surrounds Sundermount be making these dead warriors rise? And is it effecting this so-called varterral. Hawke gave a curious sound. He never seen a varterral before in his entire life. He wondered just what kind of creature it was. He wondered if there was going to be even more of the undead shambling around. As they entered the cavern. It was bright all-around. Not exactly what one considers a cave at all. There was several brightly colored plants growing about in the filtering lights from above. Despite the warm glow it gave off, the air was cold. Hawke looked around for a while before he noticed something on the ground. Recalling the other day that Merrill had forgotten her staff. The elvhen woman was so focused on talking to the Keeper and then setting off for the varterral. She completely forgot. He pulled it from the dirt and found it to be fully intact. "Merrill. Use this." He commanded. The small elf turned and took it happily. "Thank you Hawke." She said excitedly. Hawke just nodded to her and motioned that they should continue. They continued through the cavern where bright light shown down. Hawke stopped suddenly as he saw a shadow of something from above. The moment he pulled free his axe. Spiders dropped from above. One landing on Merrill as she gave a scream. Isabela hurried to her friend's defense. The spiders weren't even that hard to get rid of. But their surprise drop startled both Merrill and Isabela. "We should keep an eye on the ceiling from now on." The pirate queen said after getting rid of the spider gunk from her white bodice. Merrill giggled a bit. "That's funny, Isabela." The pirate looked over to the mage. "Why is that, Kitten?" Merrill looked over to Hawke. "Because Hawke has one eye." Getting the large man to groan. "Everyone makes a fucking pun about my eye." During this remark Merrill had noticed the body of a elvhen hunter. "No...Raida..." She knelt down to take the hunter's talisman.

"Why was the hunter in here?" Hawke questioned.

"The Keeper would have sent them to recover ancient elven artifacts from the varterral before the camp had to move in again."

"So she sent them to their death..."

"No. Normally the varterral let the Dalish come and go as they please. Something must have provoked it."

"Fucking wonderful..." Hawke murmured.

"Any idea why the spiders have coin on them? Just curious..." Isabela said pulling a coin purse from one of the spiders.

That did get the others to look at her but they shrugged and moved on through the cavern. Crossing a bridge. "It is quiet strange. But the divots in the ground at certain points looked to have been from railing for mining carts..." Fenris said aloud in a hushed whisper. As they continued. They had found another body of the hunters along the way. Merrill said his name was Harshal. As they continued the light that poured from the open wholes in the cavern ceiling were beginning to be less apparent. As the further they went the less light was able to filter in. As the cavern was starting to look more and more like a cave. Even the plants were starting to slow;y disappear as they went along. They soon found another body of a hunter. Merrill called him Chandan. It just made Hawke question why the majority of elves have weird ass names. As they continued forward, Hawke sniffed at the air. Giving a low growl. "I know you're there. Show yourself!" He barked. getting the others to jump. An elven man, clearly not Dalish by the looks, peered his head around the corner. "Hello?" He said meekly before seeing Hawke. Slightly frightened but more over relieved to see someone other than the varterral. "Praise Andrast- I mean the creators. I thought I'd never get out-" He paused suddenly paling as he saw Merrill. "Merrill?" He said as he took a step back. "Aneth ara, Paul. Are you hurt?" She asked walking up to him with a smile. Paul instantly got angry as he backed away more. "Stay back! What do you want from me?" He asked harshly. Though he was starting to panic. "Paul, what's wrong? I'm here to help!" The elven man started to back up even more. "Stay back! Don't touch me!" He yelled. Hawke started to get impatient. What was this elf's deal exactly. Sure Merrill is a dangerous mage but she was mostly stupid as far as Hawke was concerned. "Don't fucking move! Least you attract the varterral's attention!" Hawke growled lowly. The need to just shout at this idiot elf was clawing at him. Though Hawke didn't wish to let the varterral get the drop on them. Even if he didn't know what it looked like. It was best not to get ambushed. "No! Keep her away from me. She's a monster!" He shouted as he turned and took off screaming. "Creators, help me! Someone, please!" Hawke face palmed a bit. Merrill wasn't the monster here. Hawke was. He sure looked the part compared to the tiny Merrill. "Paul no! We have to catch, him hurry!" Merrill cried out. Even if Hawke decided to take off after the elf. He knew that if he did. He would murder the sodding bastard before helping him. Merrill chased after the other elf and so did Isabela. Fenris started after and watched Hawke walk briskly to keep up with the women. They took off down the stairs after the man.

Further ahead, Paul came to a stop to breathe. He suddenly felt ground shake. Hearing a loud thunderous noise make its way towards him. He turned around and looked up. Being stared down by the varterral. He started to panic and fell backward. In an attempt to crawl away from the large beast. It gave a horrendous screech as it held up one of its legs. Coming down with enough force into his chest. Paul couldn't scream as the air left his lungs. Feeling his rib cage shatter and puncture the organs it was ment to protect. He gasped futilely before going limp. His death was swift and agonizing. The varterral gave another screech as it turned around. Seeing the four comrades approach it. It let out a loud roar. "Hold on Paul! We're coming!" Merrill yelled. Completely unaware that he had already died. Hawke gave her a look. He knew that there was nothing to do for that elf. He pulled his axe free and readied himself against the large arachnid like beast.

Hawke charged forward along with Fenris and swung at the forefront leg of the creature. It glanced off as it it was nothing. It suddenly reminded him of the ancient rock wraith. That thing's legs were made of something akin to stone. Even if it looked to be made of wood. Just what was this creature. As he continued to assault it. He was suddenly knocked back by another of its legs. He managed to remain standing. He then took notice that Isabela was knocked into a rock. The pirate stood back up and coughed. Lunging back at the beast. Hawke looked over to Fenris. He was avoiding the creature's legs and was trying to aim at the underside of the creature. Though he was too short to fully reach. The varterral continued to pull up away from him. Even whirling around and biting at him. Hawke saw that Merrill's magic was distracting it a bit. Hawke took a deep breath before letting out a roar of his own that drew the creature's attention. The varterral faced him and sprung into the air. "Well, fuck..." Hawke whispered as the large beast landed on top of him. Its large pincer like claw grabbed onto his chest and slammed him into the ground breaking the rock beneath him. A sharp pain shot up Hawke's spine. It dulled to a low pleasurable sensation that made him shudder. The idea that this thing could probably kill him was exciting. He latched onto the creature's claw and started to pull himself from its grip. The creature gave him a look of confusion. It must have assumed that it crushed his rib cage. Hawke might have looked just fine to the beast. But his rib cage was cracked and he was bleeding internally. The beast picked him up and slammed him back into the rocks. Getting him to cough up blood. All of this happening just under a minute. "No, Hawke!" He heard Fenris yell. He saw a bright flash of light come from the elf. Hawke laughed as he grabbed the claws wrapped about his chest. Using his strength to pry it open as the beast was distracted by Fenris. He could faintly see that Isabela was slumped against ground. Merrill standing in front of her still firing her magic. Fenris struck the back of the varterral's leg. One of the four that were free. The varterral focused on the elf. Attacking by stabbing at the elf. Only striking the ground. Hawke continued to pry open the clawed pincer around him till he ripped the small part of it out. The creature gave a roar and pulled back from Hawke. He got up and latched onto the creatures arm. It tried to slam him into the rocks to get him off. "Get my axe!" He shouted as he pulled himself higher. The creature jumped back and landed trying to shake him a loose. Fenris picked up the axe then made his way quickly. Trying to hoist that thing up to Hawke while the varterral moved about was tiring. But in the end Hawke grabbed hold of the deadly blade and swung down. Severing the left front leg of the creature. It roared as it stumbled forward. The main part of its body now closer to the ground. Hawke jumped off the severed limb and ran towards its right forefront leg. Jumping up and swinging the axe. Missing the joint but still landing a deep enough cut to drop it down more. Fenris copied what Hawke did. Merrill helped as well by making rocks encase its legs. Immobilizing it so it couldn't get away. Fenris swung at the same spot Hawke had swung at. Effectively cutting off the creature's other forefront leg. Hawke swung his axe up to where it caught hold of the creature's neck and pulled to the ground. "Go for it Fenris!" He shouted as the creature tried to pull away from him. Fenris nodded and darted forward. Whirling his blade to where it pointed skyward and thrusted upward. impaling the creature's soft underside. He ripped the sword toward's the creature's stomach. Tearing it open. The contents of the creature's stomach started to fall as a green slime oozed from the beast. The varterral gave a pained screech as he stumbled forward. Into Hawke's pull before collapsing. Fenris and Hawke moved out of the way before it could land on them. Hawke's body gave a jerk as a shot of pain went through him again. His eye wandered over to Fenris who stood within range of him. Hawke drooled openly. Blood dripping from his mouth along with his saliva. He was compelled to pull that elf towards him. To feed off him in order to heal himself. But he pushed the thought aside. He forced himself to walk past the elf. Though Fenris looked at him worriedly. Hawke went over to Isabela as she started to stir. He watched as she picked herself up. "Dear Isabela. Learn to dodge. Love Isabela..." She said holding her head. They then turned to look at Merrill. Who was leaning over Paul's body and shaking him.

"Paul... Maybe it's not too late. Hawke. You can use that ability of your's to heal him. Right! Like you did for Fenris... Varric said you healed him. Please Hawke..." Merrill whined as she started to cry.

"He is dead. I can't use my ability to heal a motherfucking corpse. There is a price for using my ability..." Hawke growled.

Merrill turned back to Paul and began crying. "Why did you run? You shouldn't have run!" She cried. Hawke mentally corrected her by thinking "ran."

"Why did he run..." Fenris questioned.

"I don't know!"

"Are you just going to sit there and cry about it? If so I'm going to be over by the stairs. Just don't take to damn long..." Hawke growled turning from her. His hand pressed to his chest.

"No... Thank you.. I... We have too much to do for me to sit here, bawling. Paul wasn't like the others. He was city born. Worldly. He ran away from Denerim and found us. I thought if anyone would understand, he would. This... something is very wrong. I want to see the Keeper."

Hawk began walking and stopped by the varterral. Pulling the creature's heart from the mess and putting it up after wrapping it. They then made their way back through the cavern. "Paul... What was he thinking. He acted like I was a monster..." She said still whining a bit.

Fenris looked at her sharply. "You are a monster." He spat. Getting Merrill to cry a bit.

Isabela glared harshly at him. "You're not helping..." She said.

"Good." Fenris said sharply back at the pirate.

"Hawke is a monster too. Aren't you going to talk shit about him?" Isabela pointed out with a light growl. Knowing full well what Hawke has done in the past.

"No. I'm not. Because Hawke doesn't possess magic. He isn't going to turn into a mindless abomination." Fenris countered. Seem what Isabela said hit a nerve.

"Oh. So what he does now is that of a good person? We all know Hawke is a murderous psychopath." The pirate shot back.

"She has a point. To dismiss the crimes I have done to others is not wise. Beside. Merrill is a mewling kitten compared to me..." Hawke said slowly as he looked at Merrill.

"True. But you killed them for a reason. They were a greater threat to others than you are. You are a man who preys on predators."

"It doesn't justify it. Even if people won't say shit to me."

"No one hates Hawke like Hawke hates Hawke." Isabela suddenly chimed.

The group fell into silence as they continued on their way back through he cavern. Merrill walking along close behind Hawke with her head down. Speaking up every now and then. "The way everyone looked at me in the camp when we arrived... What have they been saying about me? They must think I'm worst than the blight! I've never hurt the clan. They have no reason to be afraid of me. None of this makes any sense." They soon made it out of the cavern. Merrill continued to frown as she tried to figure out what exactly has been said about her and who has been saying it. They make it back to camp and see Varric smile and wave at them but his smile disappears when he sees Merrill. Questioning the other's about what happened. Eyeing Hawke swilling a several potions. The group walked through camp and straight up to Keeper Marethari. Though Hawke had started to wonder back in the cave. How the fucking hell was Merrill suppose to kill that Varterral on her own. Even going as far as to think they wished to see Merrill killed. Hawke walked up the Keeper.

"The Varterral is dead."

"Ma serannas. I'll breathe easier, knowing that we will lose no more people to it."

"We found these..." Merrill said handing over the hunter's clan amulets.

"I'll return them to their families."

"We lost Paul. In the cave... He fled at the sight of me, straight into the varterral."

"Many of the clan fear you'll bring back the corruption - or worse - from the mirror."

"And where did they get that fucking idea?" Merrill said angrily. Getting Marethari to looked shocked as her mouth fell open. Hawke closed his eye and resisted the urge to laugh in that moment. Varric was right. Merrill was repeating what he said. The others held their tongue but they found this entertaining. The Keeper glared at Hawke knowing full well it was his doing.

"I am their Keeper, da'len. It was my duty to warn them. It's still not too late for you to return to us. Reconsider... there's no need for you to live alone."

"Must we go over this again? You'll never accept what I'm doing."

"The eluvian is a trap. It cost us Tamlen. it led you to blood magic. Will you let it twist you further from who you really are?"

"And who am I? We done what you asked. Honor our bargain. Give me the arulin'holm."

"Hawke... Because Merrill won't listen. I give this heirloom of my clan to you for safe keeping. Please... Don't let her do this." She said handing over the carving blade before walking off. Merrill perked up.

"Thank the Creators! I thought... maybe she'd go back on her word."

Hawke glared at her. "The Keeper said you turned to blood magic because of the mirror..."

"I... the shard I picked up was corrupted. I couldn't cleanse it without help. The Keeper refused. She said it belonged to another time, and should be left there. So I found a... spirit. It gave me the power to purify the mirror through blood magic."

"Bullshit. I never heard blood magic purifying anything." Hawke growled.

"Neither have I." Fenris chimed in giving Merrill a dirty look.

"There's nothing inherently evil about blood magic. It's magic, like any other. The power that contaminated the mirror was too strong to be driven out by normal means. If I had piles of lyrium lying about. I could of used that, but I didn't. I used what i had."

"Is it even fucking worth it? I mean having your whole clan turn against you..."

"You know what it's like to lose everything Hawke... Not just our land and freedom, but history, stories, language, magic, rituals. Even our gods are gone! It is a sacrifice, but if the mirror restores even one fragment of the past, it's worth it."

"No it's fucking not." Hawke said shoving his hand into her and turning abruptly from her. Storming off. She gasped from the pain of impact and looked after him. Before realizing what was in her hands. Her eyes widened as she held the carving blade close to her chest. 'I knew he would understand. He always understands!' She thought as she began to cry. She dried her tears and followed him. The group left from the Dalish camp and began to head down the mountain. All the while Merrill couldn't stop thinking of how amazing Hawke was. Sure he was rough around the edges. But she felt like he was a big softy deep down. Even though she was mostly wrong about him being nice. She even misread the messages he was sending her. She saw them as him caring for her but being too tough to show it. Despite him not caring.
They continued until they set up camp and went to sleep early. Mainly due to them being drained from the fight earlier.


A/N Aw Merrill You misreading everything my dear.
Hawke isn't nice. He is a sick bastard -w-

Also was busy during the holidays. Also happy new year!