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The funeral was lovely, but Marian found herself unable to speak when she watched her mother's body burning and Bethany was not any better. Wanda put a comforting hand on their shoulders, which they appreciated. Carver was unable to arrive due to the Grey Warden duties but all their friends and those people who had known Leandra, when she lived in Kirkwall gave both Marian, Bethany and Gamlen their sympathies.
They were turned back to his estate for food and drink, but Marian didn't feel like in the mood and was sat in her study before Aveline entered with a bottle of wine in her hand.
"Marian." Aveline looked sympathetic. "I don't care what else is going on. We haven't spoken about Leandra. How are you?"
"I have a smile on my face." Marian said, trying to keep a brave face. "That should be enough for most people."
"That doesn't work on me. I knew her, too. I want to think my mother was like." Aveline said, sitting next to her. "I just have flashes of… impossible long hair. But my father…" She paused and looked at her. "Would you like to hear one thing?"
"You've never talked about him." Marian said.
"My father trained me in all the skills he had been forced to give up. He spent everything to get me into Cailan's services." Aveline closed her eyes and looked at her. "Do you know what I remember? When he read to me—stupid things, dragons and heroes—he wouldn't turn a page until I reached over and took his hand. That big man made every step of the story my choice. I love that.
He died of the wasting in a Denerim ward… those last weeks, I read to him. I had to take his hand to turn the pages. And I couldn't tell if he was too weak, or if it was the same old game. He smiled at that, at his big girl." She laughed. "I don't know why I'm telling you this." She then looked at the wine bottle she bought in. "Drink?"
"A glass for those we've lost." Marian said.
Aveline smiled. "All right then. Benoit du Lac. And Leandra Hawke." She then poured them to glasses. "Don't let anyone tell you when to move on. Take their hand and say "my choice". That's all I have. I'll miss too."
The children then took a drink and Marian seemed to be cheered up. She realized that her mother would not want to see her wallow in self-pity, vowing to protect the city safe to honor Leandra's memory.
The following day, Wanda gave Varric his father's signet ring, which Bartrand pawned in order to pay for the expedition and gave Isabela a bottled ship. Marian had been helping some miners with some giant spiders and a dragon lair as she went to help.
Marian and Wanda went to the Chantry and saw Sebastian and Elthina arguing with one another.
"I've given it all up! I made a vow to the Chantry, and it was wrong to turn my back!" Sebastian shouted.
Elthina shook her head. "Sebastian, listen to yourself. You're as impulsive now as the day you turned away from us. Do you think the Maker wants another rashly-spoken vow that you'll abandon when the next passion takes you?"
"I will not—"
"This is your life, child. Don't spend it being blown about like a weathervane." She then noticed Marian approaching them. "And here's Hawke. Come to goad you into further heroics, no doubt."
Marian watched as Elthina walked off and wondered what she did to get such a cold reception. "The grand cleric upset with you?"
"She thinks I'm fickle." Sebastian explained. "But I mean it! I know you don't agree, but I can't continue to break my oath. And for what? Why would I rule Starkhaven and deal with jackals like Lady Harimann for the rest of my life?"
"Do you see yourself as a prince or a priest?" Marian asked.
Sebastian shrugged. "That's exactly the question I've been praying for guidance about. When I think of going to Starkhaven… calling on allies like Flora Harimann and all the corrupt, scheming nobles…" He sighed. "My throat swells shut in horror. When I think about saying, I'm at peace."
"You should ask yourself what's best for your people, not just for you." Marian said.
Sebastian narrowed his eyes. "I do not have hubris enough to imagine it matters to the common people who rules them. Someone will take the reins. The fields will be planted, the crops gathered. No one will notice that a Vael lives and isn't there. And I can devote my life to the Maker's will on Thedas."
Marian shook her head. "I can't believe you'd turn your back on Starkhaven now. After all we've done."
"I've been praying for guidance and had nothing. I cannot return to Starkhaven—and subject my people to war—without a clear sign that it's the Maker's will." Sebastian said.
Marian had no idea why, but she had a feeling that Sebastian would soon regret saying those words.
Marian and Wanda spent the afternoon helping in Anders's clinic. Once the work started, the slight awkwardness between him and Anders vanished, and things seemed to settle back to normal or at least what passed for normal in Kirkwall.
After the clinic was emptied, Marian glanced over at Anders. "I brought you something. It's shiny and subversive. I thought you'd like it."
Anders picked up the amulet and smiled. "You got me a gift? I hardly think I've done anything to deserve that. Is it a…" He looked down at the contents. "That's a Tevinter Chantry amulet. Do you want me to get executed? It's sacrilege to wear those in any land under the Divine."
"The Divine condemned their Chantry because they freed mages from the Circle." Marian explained. "I thought you might sympathize."
"I like it. Maybe not on the outside of my clothes—I'm not that eager to face the hangman's noose—but I appreciate the thought." He turned it around in his hands contemplatively. "I never really thought about what life would be like in the Tevinter Chantry. In the Circle, they make it sound like the Void itself. The Black Divine, stalking Thedas, making it unsafe for kittens and virgins."
"I haven't noticed too many of either in Kirkwall."
Anders laughed. "And fewer every day, I suspect. I appreciate the gift. Perhaps one day I can return one as meaningful."
Merrill was sitting with her head in her hands. It was a few moments before she realized Wanda was in the room. "Oh. Wanda. Come in. I…" She sighed. "Was just…" She turned to face him. "Am I crazy?"
Wanda probably wasn't the best person to ask that question. "Not in a bad way."
"I thought the arulin'holm would fix everything. The mirror would work, and everything would be right again…" Merrill sighed. "But I keep dreaming of Pol's face. Everyone that I care for thinks I'm a monster."
"You didn't kill Pol." Wanda said. "What happened to him, was on himself and no one else."
"I know." Merrill nodded, although it did not make her feel any better. "But I caused it. Or the clan did, filling his head with terrible stories about me. You're a true friend, Wanda. You and Marian. I'll find a way to make this up to you, lethallan. That's a promise."
Somehow Isabela managed to convince them to hold a Winters' End party in Marian's estate. It was obvious that Isabela was only attempting to cheer her up but it wasn't like if there was any talking Isabela out of her antics.
Orana took the bottle of wine Fenris offered, and went back to fussing over the table. She'd really outdone herself on the meal. Isabela was deftly moving through the room, attempting to keep Aveline between her and Gamlen.
"I think dinner is ready, master." Orana said.
"I'll get everyone to the table. And don't call me 'master'." Marian was uncomfortable.
Wanda chuckled. It reminded her of Tony's parties, although she was only at few of them.
Merrill sat next to Aveline, chatting away amiably. "You must have really liked the Hawke family."
"Why do you say that?"
"You came all the way from Lothering with them, didn't you? And they're not even your clan."
"Humans don't have clans, Merrill."
"Exactly! You came so far together, and you didn't even have a Keeper to make you get along""
"So your Keeper tells you to stop kicking each other, or she'll turn the aravel around?"
"Sometimes she also warns us to stop pulling hair." Merrill said.
Bodhan served a second course, and they all fell too happily, sharing the occasional story. Marian and Wanda shared a smile. It seemed that Isabela's plan to cheer them up worked, as it was good to see everyone enjoying themselves. Fenris glanced at Wanda uncomfortably before turning to her room, remembering when they slept together. Wanda was about to approach him but Fenris looked away from her and turned to Aveline, making it clear that he was in no mood to bring up what had happened between them as she was silent.
"Does the city guard never ask where you wander off to with Marian?" Fenris asked Aveline, changing the subject.
"I am on a 'special investigation'."
"And what does that make me?" Marian asked.
"Someone who is helping me with my investigation."
Fenris chuckled. "How benevolent of you, Marian."
"Well, we do investigate." Marian said.
After the meal, Orana got out her lute and played for them. Isabela dragged Anders into a dance, and a heartbeat later, Donnic did the same to Aveline. Wanda considered thinking dancing with Fenris but he declined, not because of not wanting to be closer but he said that he never danced before Marian stepped up, offering to dance with him and teach him, if only to take her mind off other things as the grief and pain seemed to subside.
Wanda stared before Sebastian approached her.
"May I have this dance?" Sebastian said as Wanda considered.
"Of course, Sebastian." Wanda nodded as they danced.
"I know we can't replace your friends but remember that you're not alone." Sebastian said.
"Thank you. You're very kind, Sebastian." Wanda nodded. At least the grief and sadness seemed to subside.
As the evening began to wind down, Donnic cleared his throat nervously. Then, much to the delight of everyone present, he went down on one knee and asked Aveline to marry him. It took her three tries to get out a "yes" that wasn't a squeak and it made the day worth it.
A letter from the Viscount had Marian heading into the Keep. However, before she met with the Viscount, she paid Aveline a visit and discovered she was having a meeting with Seneschal Bran.
"It's a fine suit." Aveline said, not even looking at it.
"The finest." Bran gestured to the guardsmen wearing a shiny new plate of armor.
"Break it down. Distribute it." Aveline said.
Bran narrowed at his eyes. "The viscount requires parade armor for his inspections."
"Then stuff it and mount it where he can see it. I wear the uniform of the guard." Aveline sneered.
"His Excellency will not be pleased."
"His Excellency can mount it."
With that both Bran and the guardsmen left her office and she turned turning to Marian. "Trouble, Marian?"
"Seems like you have enough."
"You don't know the half of it." Aveline shook her head in frustration before glaring at Marian. "And why don't you, by the way? Why aren't you tail deep in the problems of this city? Sure, you do good, but petition a title, take a job. The guard is always looking."
"Don't blame me for not being you. I'd make a poor guard." Marian joked.
"Well, we agree on that." Aveline smiled, glad to see that Marian was more or less to her old self, cracking jokes. "I don't really see you taking my orders. Besides, you won't catch me saying you don't have an effect. You've certainly had one on Hightown."
"But?" Marian asked, noticing that Aveline was worried about something.
"Maybe it's time to get serious. Before the option isn't your own."
"You don't want me as sour and dour as you. You need a counterpoint."
"I don't think I've asked to be made the butt of your jokes."
"Donnic." Marian realized.
Aveline folded her arms, and then conceded the point. "OK, sometimes I have asked for it. I do wish there was more time for… levity. It comes so easy to you. Maybe a little too easy. That's all I'm saying."
Marian went up to the Viscount's office. Viscount Dumar was pacing.
"It is apparently not enough that the Qunari define my political life. They must also infect what I hold personal." Dumar turned to face Marian. "It is my son, Saemus. The life you saved, he would now squander by converting to the Qun. He has left for the Qunari Compound." He had an imploring look in his eyes. "Please, Serah Hawke. Convince Saemus to come home."
"Did anyone else see him leaving for the compound?" Marian asked.
Viscount Dumar seemed frustrated. "He made no secret of it. I'm sure he intended it as another of his "statements" about closer relations." He folded his arms. "Your example inspired him. I might agree, but now is not the time. These matters are…" He sighed. "Delicate."
"He is of age. The decision seems rightly his." If it was genuinely what Saemus wanted… Marian was not exactly close with Saemus but they were friends in their way.
"I want to let him find his way, but in my position…" Dumar leaned on his desk. "He's taken a great deal of inspiration from you. I want to allow his idealism, but not blindly. At best, my opponents will claim that my office is now in Qunari hands. At worst…" Dumar's voice broke slightly. "I lose my son."
"You know this will only end in trouble." Marian said. She had a bad feeling about all this.
"Fitting. That's where it started." Dumar said sarcastically, trying to look optimistic. "My son is not foolish. He will listen to reason. And you are in the best position to offer that opportunity. Please, do what you can."
But, soon enough, on their way, they were ambushed by some Lowtown thugs but they easily defeated them. "So was that anti-Qunari, anti-viscount, or Saemus himself not wanting to be rescued?"
Marian shook her head head. "Saemus isn't the type. Let's go." And Saemus and the Arishok both had a very good idea of their capabilities. Neither would have been foolish enough to send a small band of half-competent thugs.
"Serah Hawke." The Arishok didn't appear surprised to see Marian
"I'm here about the viscount's son." Marian said.
"Are you?" The Arishok settled back on his bench. "In four years, I have made no threat, and fanatics have lined up to hate us simply because we exist. But despite lies and fear, bas still beg me to let them come to the Qun. They hunger for purpose. The son has made a choice. You will not deny him that."
Maybe not but that was out of their hands now. "No doubt you can see the advantage of having the Viscount's son at arm's reach." Marian pointed out.
"He is no longer the Viscount's son. Viddathari give up their lives for certainty only Qunari know."
"Why not use him, considering who his father is?" Wanda questioned, skeptical.
"The Qun may demand that advantage, but I do not. It was his choice to be educated. He is not my prisoner." The Arishok gestured. "He is not even here. He went to his father. Ask the viscount why he would send you and a letter both."
"That seems… strange." Marian blinked, all of them having a bad feeling about this.
"They are meeting at the chantry. A last, pointless appeal, I assume." The Arishok said.
Sebastian shook his head. "The viscount has not tried to involve the Chantry before."
They all groaned, realizing who would they have to deal with. "I think we all know who else would." Wanda said grimly.
"Mother Petrice." Marian growled, wishing she had killed her, when she had the chance.
The Arishok frowned. "A suspect in many things. If she has threatened someone under my command again, there is only one response."
On that, they could agree. "I've had about enough of Petrice. Several times over." Marian said.
"A threat against viddathari can have only one answer. I will suffer only one outcome." The Arishok gave her a nod. "I will be watching, Hawke. The demand of the Qun is clear."
They ran as fast they could to the Chantry, but it was too late. Saemus was already dead, his body kneeling behind of the statue of Andraste. Marian placed a hand on him and he toppled over.
"Serah Hawke, look at what you have done." Petrice called out smugly from behind them as they whirled around, the phrase 'if looks could kill' coming to mind as they shot Petrice fiece glares. "To pounce upon the viscount's son, a repentant convert, in the chantry itself? A crime with no excuse." She gestured at the armed men behind her. "Your Qunari masters will finally answer."
"Save it and cut the crap." Wanda sneered.
"You've been a headache, but outright kill someone? That's new for you." Marian glared as she got up.
"He deliberately denied the Maker! How many would follow him if he went unpunished?" Petrice gestured around. "And yet, even this sympathizer will inspire vengeance when his brutal murder is exposed."
They couldn't believe what they were hearing. There was only one outcome, if the zealots would start an open war.
"You won't get the Qunari ousted, you'll get a slaughter. On both sides." Marian said.
"To die untested would be the real crime. People need the opportunity to defend faith. Starting with you." Petrice turned to the people with her. "Earn your reward in this life and the next! These heretics must die!"
Marian pulled out her blades as Wanda charged her hands. With the exception of a couple templars, Petrice was sending unarmored men against Marian, Wanda, Anders, the Prince of Starkhaven, and the Captain of the Kirkwall Guard. While Sebastian picked off a few targets. Marian and Aveline guarded one set of stairs while Wanda and Anders stood on the other. Wanda knocked back off the thugs, while Anders sent lightning blast, knocking them back. Aveline bashed the zealots with her shield, knocking them down the stairs before Marian jumped down and attacked them as Sebastian shot down the rest.
"Maker preserve their stupid, stupid souls." Sebastian whispered.
Petrice led Grand Cleric Elthina into the hall. "Do you see, Your Grace? Traitors attacking the very core of the Chantry! They defile with every step!"
Elthina's eyes traced over the state of the room. Her gaze went first to Sebastian, then to Aveline, and then to Marian and Wanda.
"There is death in every corner, young mother. It is as you predicted." Elthina said, nearing them. "All too well."
"Forgive me, Your Grace." Marian bowed. "But you must know the truth about what happened here."
"Don't you spout your Qunari filth. This is a hand of the Divine." Petrice sneered.
"I have ears, Mother Petrice." Elthina's voice was firm, a mother tired of misbehaving children. "The Maker would have me use them." She turned to Marian. "Serah Hawke, is it?"
"Viscount Dumar's son is dead, killed here in your name." Marian said, giving Petrice an accusing look, as did her companions.
"I'm sure my name won't like that." Elthina turned to Petrice with cold look. "Petrice?"
"Saemus Dumar was a Qunari convert! He came here to repent and was murdered!" Petrice said, obviously lying.
"It's a ruse, Your Grace. Saemus was killed set people against the Qunari." Marian gestured at the corpses.
"This is no longer a matter of heathens squatting in the docks. People are leaving us to join them!" Petrice protested, clenching her fists.
"And we must play them like any other." Elthina cut Petrice off.
"They deny the Maker!" Petrice growled.
"And you diminish Him, even as you claim His side." Elthina's face was calm with disapproval. "Andraste did not volunteer for the flame." She turned back towards them. "Serah Hawke, you stand with the captain of the guard?" Petrice's eyes widened as Marian nodded. It was clear that she had no idea who Aveline was. Elthina returned the nod. "The young mother has erred in her judgment. A court will decide her fate. The Chantry respects the law, and so must she."
"Grand Cleric?" Petrice's face was shocked. Had she actually thought of herself as some kind of diabolical genius? Gamlen could have plotted this better. "Grand Cleric!" She stared beseechingly as Elthina started back up the stairs. Then she turned to face them. Her eyes suddenly widened as she caught sight of something over his shoulder, and an arrow suddenly appeared in her chest as she fell to her knees.
"What the…" Wanda trailed off before they saw a Qunari archer fire a second arrow, hitting her in the forehead as Petrice slumped back.
"We protect those of the Qun. We do not abandon our own." The Qunari said as he walked away.
"Please, send for Viscount Dumar." Elthina said, her voice leveled and her face not showing any sign of shock, surprise or hate.
Dumar held his son's body, tears filling his eyes as they fell onto Saemus's face. "My son. Murdered in the heart of the chantry, by those who held a sacred trust. What hope for this city, when we fail our own so completely?"
"The Arishok is still here, Excellency. You must be ready to stand up to him." Marian said, not sure what else to say.
"I cannot. I have already failed where it mattered most. Please, Hawke. Leave me." Dumar's voice was solemn as he embraced his dead son tightly.
Present
"Schisms and conspiracies within the Chantry itself." Cassandra paced.
"A perfectly normal situation then." Leliana sighed. "One that went entirely too far. A reoccurring theme in Kirkwall."
Cassandra nodded. "Could the Resolutionists have played a role in this as well?"
Leliana nearly snorted. "Give them some credit, Cassandra. Had they, I'm sure they could have come up with a far better plan than 'Accuse the Prince of Starkhaven, a scarlet witch, the Champion of Kirkwall, a former Grey Warden healer and the Captain of the Kirkwall Guard of being Qunari supporters'."
"That's… a good point." Cassandra nodded.
So, what do you guys think about it?
Please review and let me know if you are enjoying this so far and want for me to continue.