A/N – Thanks for the feedback all. Since everyone is enjoying this, mostly, as I know one or two things could be better, I'll carry on with this edition. It's all written but, like everyone, moments of reflection, self-doubt, annoyance and boredom. It all piles up and you are left wondering if you're doing the right thing. But the feedback was generally positive, and though I've been a little bored, I must be doing something right.

I'll save the smut for the next story eh?

Anyway, onwards and upwards.

The Maker, the Nine Divines, whatever god we believed in, they had been kind.

Bethany was with child.

She'd been made aware of how hard conceiving would be once she'd become a Grey Warden. Aedan and Anora had been blessed with their own children, and it hadn't been easy for them, and according to the letters Aedan wrote, it wasn't through lack of trying. Bethany and I would be the same, we'd been trying and, finally, she had confirmation she was definitely expecting.

When she sat me down and told me, I wasn't sure whether to burst with excitement, burst into tears, or run around all of Kirkwall, letting them know I was going to be a father. She was just as excited, and she went with option two, bursting into tears after she told me. But we were both grinning like fools at the same time, and as I held her close and kissed her, I knew I would now be with her forever. I still loved Leliana, I always would, just as much as I loved Alexandra. But the former had left me, the latter had passed. Bethany was with me now, and she knew how much I cared for her when I insisted she not be taken away with the Wardens.

The first people we had to share the news with was Hawke and her mother. Leandra was overcome immediately, excited at the prospect of becoming a grandmother. Hawke hugged her sister first, congratulating her, before giving me a warm handshake, then she finally pulled me in for an embrace. "Definitely part of the family now, Uhtred," she whispered.

"This calls for a celebration!" Leandra cried.

Bethany and I made subtle gestures to calm it down. "Not just yet. It's no longer early days, but we don't want to make too big a deal. Everyone will learn eventually," Bethany stated.

"Well, we definitely need to celebrate tonight! I'll have the servants whip up a grand meal. You can't drink Bethany, but I'm sure Uhtred wouldn't mind a glass or two of fine Antivan brandy to share with your sister."

"Sounds like a fine idea, Mother," Bethany stated.

We sat down a few hours later to a smorgasbord of culinary delights. If I thought of it, it was probably on the table. And just like our household, Hawke had her servants join in at mealtimes too. They learned the news as well, and congratulated us too, and we all enjoyed a feast.

"So, one question, Uhtred. When do you plan of making an honest woman of my sister, now that you've knocked her up?"

"Marian!" Leandra warned.

Hawke held up her hands. "I feel it's a valid question. They're living together. They're now having a child. Why not marriage?"

I no longer wore my ring. I kept that in a small case in the back of the wardrobe. But I would still absentmindedly play with my ring finger on my left hand when I was deep in thought or feeling nervous or uncomfortable. I must have been doing it as Bethany grabbed my hand, locking our fingers and giving it a squeeze. "I am not expecting a proposal just because I am with child, Marian. Uhtred is committed to me, as much as I am to him. Us having a child together is further proof of that commitment. I don't need some ceremony and a couple of rings just to prove it."

"You don't want to marry?" Leandra asked, the disappointment clear in her tone.

"Maybe one day. But I don't want either of us to feel pressured into doing it. Getting married is not the be all and end of life. Uhtred and I are in love. That is what matters."

"Mature head on young shoulders, Lady Bethany," one of their servants stated, "Pardon, ma'am. Just giving my own thoughts."

"That's okay. When sat at this table, anyone may offer an opinion," Leandra stated.

"Uhtred?" Hawke asked.

"I've been married and look what happened. Let's just see how things go. All that matters is that we are committed to each other. Surely that's the most important thing."

"It is, so we'll drop it," Leandra said, before she smiled, "So, what are you hoping for, boy or girl? Thought of any names? And what about…"

That's how the rest of the meal went. Leandra was over the moon about the news, Bethany just as excited. Hawke joined in but, while happy for her sister and myself, I'll be honest and suggest she didn't have the same maternal instincts as her sister. Bethany was going to make a fabulous mother. Hawke… lacked some of what Bethany had.

Hawke and I did retire to her study after dinner with two glasses and a bottle of brandy, sitting together by the fire. She poured me a glass first before one for herself, sitting back and relaxing. It was then that she confirmed my suspicions. "Glad Bethany will be popping one or two out. It's not for me, Uhtred."

"Not the motherly type."

"Well, can't get pregnant when you only sleep with women. We lack the necessary parts to produce children. I certainly don't want to sleep with a man. So that leaves Isabela…"

"Who…?"

She looked at me, surprise evident. "You don't know?" She laughed to herself. "I thought it was obvious. Our Isabela definitely swings both ways, Uhtred. Maker, some of the stories she's told me already. Thinks I'm jealous she's been with men. Couldn't care less. Always tell her she's with me now and that's all that matters."

"So if you were to become parents, she'd be having the child."

"Well, yes, but then it wouldn't be 'ours', it would be 'hers' and some strange man."

"Discussed that with her?"

Hawke laughed again. "You realise this is Isabela we're talking about, right? Getting her just to stay the night here is a long process. Isabela is a rogue, a scoundrel, a pirate. I don't think mother fits in with those other three." She reached across, patting my leg. "Nope, unfortunately the Hawke line ends with Bethany and I."

"Could always be Dragonborn-Hawke?" That made her nearly spit out her drink in laughter. "Well, could be worse!"

"I'm not sure how, Uhtred, but I appreciate the sentiment." She paused, clearing her throat and she asked, "Mind if we change the subject? Actually wanted to talk with you about something tomorrow, but since you're here…"

"Sure." She stood up and walked to her desk, returning with a letter. After reading over its contents, she asked, "You didn't get one?"

"No. He must know you by name. Perhaps doesn't want to involve me after the Solona business. Keep the templars happy."

"My contacts tell me that the Arishok has asked for us both. Me because, well, I'm probably the most famous person in Kirkwall, aside from yourself. And you have history. You know more of their customs than anyone, know how to speak to them without offending."

"You worried?"

"Aren't you? They've been camped here for years and not even looked like leaving. Why? Surely their own people must be wondering where they are. Are they planning invasion? Strange they'd sit and wait so long if that's their plan."

"Guess all we can do is ask and see what the Arishok says. Tomorrow?" She nodded. "I won't have too many of these then."

"Oh, I was planning on getting you drunk then having my way with you, Uhtred." I nearly spat my own drink out this time, having a good chuckle. She smiled before adding, "You're a good friend though, Uhtred. Have a few of them here but you… well, can't say too much. Your ego is big enough."

"Hey!"

"Pulling your leg. But you know what I mean."

I shrugged. "You need help, I'll come running. Usually don't have anything better planned."

"Except sleep with my sister."

"Jealous," I sang before taking a sip of my glass.

"In your dreams, Dragonborn. In your dreams."

Bethany and I left a little later, Leandra as excited as the moment we divulged the news. Hawke was excited but more reserved, though the hug between the sisters was warm, and whatever Hawke whispered, it made Bethany cry. I hugged them both, telling Hawke I'd be around after breakfast, before escorting Bethany home.

Lying together in bed a little later, I asked, "Are you worried about me? Before you saying anything, I mean in regards to what I get up to most days."

"Not at all, Uhtred. You survived your own world and all those dragons you've told us about. You survived the Blight, fighting off the worst monsters from our dreams. I think you can handle Kirkwall."

"I just don't want you to worry."

"Oh, I worry regardless, Uhtred, and not because I doubt you at all." She kissed my cheek. "Always believed in you so don't worry about a thing. Keep helping my sister. That's what makes me feel better about it all. You protect me and you protect her. She's capable of looking after herself, but with you by her side…"

After breakfast the next morning, I headed to Hawke's mansion, collecting her before heading to the Qunari compound. We didn't bother collecting anyone else just yet as neither of us thought we'd be summoned to meet the Arishok, just for him to kill us. Not that he'd get the drop on us that easily, but one never knows.

The guard by the gates seemed to recognise us, calling us both basra as we passed by. Hawke looked at me and I just shook my head. "You don't know want to know. It's an insult."

"Oh…"

"To the Qunari, we are bas. Basically means non-Qunari, though bas is neutral. Basra is, well, not."

"Your Qunari friend, what was his name?"

"He was Sten. It's not a name. It's a label in regards to Qunari infantry. Qunari don't have names."

"You know your stuff, Dragonborn."

"Sten never said a lot, but whenever he spoke, it was worth listening to. And I picked up some things when we talked."

Having only met the Arishok once, long ago, my memories of the compound itself were dim. They'd made themselves at home, that's for sure. They had a small furnace where they could make weapons. Tents where there were supplies. There were others in the middle of training. Higher up, I could see Qunari patrolling the perimeter. As for the Arishok, he sat on what was basically a throne at the top of some stairs, so he could gaze down upon us. The symbolism was obvious.

We waited in silence, allowing him to speak first. "Serah Hawke. Serah Dragonborn. Last we met, I did not know your name. Did not care to. You have changed your fortune over the years. The Qunari have not. I offer a courtesy. Someone has stolen what he thinks is the formula for gaatlok. You will want to hunt him."

We shared a glance before I asked, "Are you saying someone managed to get in here to steal your explosives?" Last I remembered, it was a secret the Qunari were willing to kill for.

"It was allowed," the Arishok admitted, "The stolen formula was a decoy. Saar-qamek, a poison gas, not explosives."

"Shit," I muttered.

"A small amount is dangerous to your kind. But if made in quantity, perhaps by someone wishing to sell it…"

"Shit," Hawke muttered, before we shared a glance. Our eyes widened at the same time. "That dwarf, Javaris?" she asked.

The Arishok leaned forward, pleased with himself. "Would he be cautious, or would he assume success and make enough to threaten an entire district?" I immediately thought the Qunari had done it on purpose, though I was fairly sure they didn't actually want to murder a whole bunch of innocent people. Considering he had asked for us, I was prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt. "A courtesy. You will want to hunt him."

We asked a few more questions, not to rile the Arishok or cause him to lose his temper, and he seemed to understand we simply wanted to know more and understand ourselves. The Qunari had let it happen. Qunari had died during the operation.

"Why ask for us? I don't claim to know the Qunari, but you made your feelings clear three years ago," I suggested.

"I don't call anyone in Kirkwall an ally or even a good rival." He smirked when answering that. He knew me but I could understand his denial. "You two have shown competence. The day comes when the Qun will demand an accounting. Until then, I will show my respect to the most promising among you. Panahedan, the pair of you. I do not hope you die."

I bit down any scathing retort as Hawke and I turned around and departed, not wanting to overstay our welcome. I was a big guy but I was surrounded by a load of them, and the Arishok, even while seated, was enormous. It was a strange day when even I started to feel a little intimidated.

We headed straight for Varric's house, as he kept his ears open for any news, and such a theft would bound to have caused some whispers. Varric tried to be helpful, but when pressed, admitted he hadn't heard a thing. He suggested we head to Darktown and talk to the Coterie. Then he remembered that we'd killed a whole bunch of them.

"Ah, don't fret yet. Some survived and, for some coin, they might provide the information we need," Varric suggested. It was better than nothing, so after collecting Merrill and Fenris to bolster our numbers, we headed into the undercity.

It was the usual case of despair upon arriving, and we handed out a few silver as always to those who needed it most. They were always very thankful, as I think word of our good deeds, well mostly good deeds, had made it even to Darktown. One or two assumed who we were and simply blessed us for trying to help. We stopped by to ask Anders for help, but his clinic was nearly overflowing with patients, so we left him to it.

Asking around about the Coterie, quite a few were willing to help us, pointing us towards their old headquarters. While the outside looked abandoned, we did pass by one or two stalls, and we heard the name of Javaris dropped as one of the sellers. That brought any further investigating to a halt as we formed a semi-circle around the Coterie member, who suddenly looked rather nervous about things.

"Javaris Tintop?" Hawke asked.

"Aye. He has a meagre lot, but he's skipped town with dues outstanding so…" She trailed off and swept an arm across the table.

"Know where he went?"

"I'd put him at Smugglers' Cut, if he's avoiding patrols. It empties at a cave outside of town."

Thanking her for the information, we gathered nearby. "Going on the run?" I wondered, "Does he think the Qunari are after him?"

"Something doesn't add up," Varric stated, "This guy is meant to be a master thief yet… No, something stinks here."

"Right, let's just find this tunnel and see if we can catch up to him."

We found the entrance to Smugglers' Cut, knowing it wasn't going to be a simple walk to the coast. Despite going on the run, Javaris would have had help from someone. Running into a gang of dwarfs within a couple of minutes, Varric shouted over the commotion that they must be Carta. Memories of my times in Orzammar came flooding back as most were hooded, wielding two weapons, and were bloody fast. Merrill did her best to slow them down as Hawke and I focused on bashing the shit out of them with our shields to daze them, leaving them as easy pickings for Isabela and Varric.

The bastards loved to hide and wait to strike, so the first six were soon joined by six more. They were not going down easy, so I thought I'd at least make it somewhat even for us, ensuring we moved back, filtering them into a narrow corridor before I unleashed my Thu'um. That gave us breathing space, Hawke, Isabela and I stepped forward, cutting and slashing, taking wounds ourselves but killing the bastards in return.

Knowing we were in for a hard slog no matter what, we took a quick breather, patching ourselves up, before we moved on. By now, the Carta knew we were coming and had dug themselves in, waiting for us to arrive. "Thu'um, Uhtred?" Hawke whispered.

"Aye. For the moment, the covenant is on hiatus."

The Carta swooped in from everywhere. The stupid bastards right in front of us soon found themselves lit on fire. Over the sound of their screams, the five of us attacked. Hawke and I once again used size and strength to our advantage, pushing the Carta back. Varric never missed with a single shot. Isabela was so fast, blink and you'd miss her. Merrill stayed back in relative safety, using any spell she could think of. The funniest were those that messed with your mind, watching as Carta thugs fled their own nightmares.

Pushing forward, stepping over blood and bodies, their numbers took a while to thin out. Hawke took a nasty cut across her thigh, sending her down onto her knee. I lifted her up and ordered her to move forward. Linking her shield to mine, she proved somewhat ambidextrous, killing as well with her left hand as her right. Varric was left coughing from some sort of small bomb thrown in his direction, using his small canteen to clear out his eyes and took a swig of water.

With a few moments of silence, Merrill healed Hawke's wound as I wiped my forehead, noticing a bit of blood as well. The only one who wasn't wounded so far was Merrill, though she looked exhausted. Noticing my look, she smiled somewhat shyly. "Wielding spells is hard work, Uhtred."

"I bet. Ready for more?"

She twirled her staff. "Point me in their direction."

By now, none of us had a clue where we were, simply following the tunnel until we arrived at the end. It was obvious the reason behind the name, passing numerous alcoves stacked high with crates and barrel, sacks and gods know what else. It had nothing to do with us, though, so we simply walked on by. If Kirkwall cared enough, they'd send the City Guard down to deal with it all. We could tell Aveline, but no doubt her hands were tired.

Only when we heard the sound of waves did we believe we were finally at the end. And it was there that we ran into ordinary mercenaries instead of Carta. They were not as prepared for our arrival but they would be just as dangerous when organised. I didn't both with my Thu'um this time, not as outnumbered as we had been against the Carta. Hawke and I split up and gained their attention, drawing two or three towards us so Varric and Isabela, now with a bow, could rain bolts and arrows down upon them.

Fighting three at a time is nothing something I'd suggest, and these guys were smart, attacking me at once. But when your blood is up, it's amazing what you can do, my sword twirling and arcing, keeping two back as I fought the other. And this was no time for theatrics, it was kill or be killed as quickly as possible. Most of it is all about footwork and timing. Do that right and you'll win. Training also helps, as does confidence. Enemies will always be concerned if you're willing to attack three of them at once, believing they will win easily… Until two of them drop dead. Then the third will stand there, shitting himself, ready to die.

The exit was just ahead, running into no more than a few more mercenaries, who will kill without a problem, then we went hunting for Javaris. We found him hiding not far away, and it was obvious to us that he was scared to death. Whether of us, the Carta, the Coterie, or simply everyone… He fell to his knees, probably expecting death.

"You're not dead yet, Javaris, though that will depend on how cooperative you are going forward."

He sighed. "Granny's garters, she would hire you lot, wouldn't she? I can't buy a break on discount!" He stood up, suddenly defiant. "You know what? Go ahead. Take my head and pike it back to that sodding elf! I need the rest."

We all shared a glance or two at that. Elf, what elf? "The hell are you talking about, dwarf?" I asked.

Noticing our confusion, he was just as confused. It would have been hilarious if it wasn't for the fact he was out of his depth and we were just in the dark. "You don't know? Then, what, you're tracking for the Qunari?"

"You kinda pissed them off," Hawke stated.

He sighed. "Then she did it, that elf got them after me for nothing! Bitch!"

Varric slapped his thigh. "I knew it!" He exclaimed, "I knew he was no burglar. We're not climbers."

Javaris walked away from us, perching himself on a rock. He looked worn out, defeated. Death may have even been a relief for him. Sighing again, he explained. "Look, I'm minding business, same old, and out of the blue some elf tries to kill me. Says she's got the Qunari powder and I'm her cover. I slipped her, hired some bodyguards, and ran for it." He ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head. "And now you lot are here. Great."

I stepped forward, crouching down so I was at eye level, sword still in hand though no threatening. "Lot of waffle there, dwarf. Problem is, we know nothing about a dwarf. We have missing Qunari powder. We have our last dealing with you and the Qunari. Now we have missing Qunari powder and you on the run. See how it looks?"

"Fine. I had a man follow her. The elf is in Lowtown. All I want to do is get out of town."

I glanced back at Hawke. She waited a few seconds before nodding. I stood tall and sheathed my weapon. "I'd make yourself scarce around Kirkwall. I'm not sure the Qunari will be as believing as we have been. As for this elf, you have a name?"

"No. Only an address. I wrote it down." He searched his pockets and eventually handed over a slip of paper. "By all means kill her. Drag her body to the Qunari. Bitch framed me so she has what's coming to her."

Javaris remained on his rock as I handed the slip to Hawke. She'd have a better idea of Lowtown than myself. "I suggest we go visit the City Guard first," Hawke suggested, "Get Aveline so she can perhaps start clearing the area. Few more guards to keep the peace."

"You think this elf wants to poison everyone?" Merrill wondered.

"Looks that way, Daisy," Varric replied.

The sun was starting to go down by the time we walked back through the gates of Kirkwall. Having to sort all this mess out in the dark wasn't going to be a lot of fun. Aveline was surprised to see us, but once we'd quickly explained what was going on, she leapt into action, grabbing a dozen of her guards and marching with us into Lowtown.

Lowtown itself seemed relatively peaceful but we heard a commotion off down a side alley, arriving to see a long guard surrounded by a dozen citizens, obviously trying to keep the calm. Aveline stepped forward and asked for details of the situation. As he spoke, it seemed the Arishok wasn't lying about its effect on people. There were already deaths, and some had gone mad.

"Alright son, keep your post. We'll take it from here." She turned to her other men. "Fan out, block any other entrances. No lethal force. Just keep the peace."

The five of us walked towards the edge of the gas zone. The stench was unreal. It was a thick, poisonous green cloud. And I knew what to do immediately. "Okay, I'm going to try something. It worked on fog in… No, because it just came back. Unrelenting Force? No, that probably won't work…"

"Does anyone have anything to cover their mouths and nose?" Hawke asked.

I didn't, nor did anyone else, so that was out. Aveline pointed ahead with her sword. "See that barrel there? It seems the gas is escaping from that. If we can close the lid, it should stop it."

"Ah, now this is something I know I can do."

"Another Thu'um, Uhtred?" Hawke asked with humour.

"Aye. Haven't used this one in years. Okay, stand back and be amazed."

I lined myself up with the barrel, took a deep breath then…

"WULD… NAH… KEST!"

I pretty much collided with the barrel, but despite coughing due to the smell, I slammed the lid shut, the foul gas disappearing quickly around the barrel. Unfortunately, it was going to take a little bit longer elsewhere, and that's when I found myself attacked by those who had been breathing in the gas. I didn't want to kill them, so tried to incapacitate rather than kill. Varric aimed from distance, putting his bolts in arms and legs when he could, while Merrill used the sort of spells that would make the target run away.

As I looked for the next barrel, I started to inhale a little of the gas, stepping back as I was on the verge of vomiting. Then mercenaries appeared from rooftops above, and that's when I thought Screw this! And went on the attack. By now, the air had cleaned enough that my friends could get through with just a coughing fit.

Drawing more mercenaries close, I looked around and saw another barrel. Leaving the other four to deal with the enemy, I used the same Shout to get myself across the square, slamming the lid shut, again having to breath in some of the gas before it slowly disappeared. A third one found itself closed rather quickly, as that lay nearby, but I couldn't find another one.

"Is that it?" I yelled, fighting off a pair of mercenaries.

"There's gas flooding in from that alley over there!" Hawke shouted back.

"Okay, I'll make my way there."

Shouting the two mercenaries out of the way, I used my Whirlwind Sprint shout to get across the square, covering my mouth with my arm as I ran around the corner, noticing the barrel ahead. I shut that quickly, gagging as I did so, before turning around just in time as a mercenary approached. I feigned being sick, which made him over-confident. Soon as he was close enough, I swung upwards, the tip of my sword going through his chin and nose. Another swing across his neck left him on his knees choking. I walked past him towards the centre of the square. Slowly but surely, the gas was starting to dissipate.

Gathering in the centre of the square, we had no idea where this elf was. I didn't think Javaris was behind this. No, this was someone with an axe to grind, whether against the poor, humans or… I don't know. We were on the verge of spreading out to search when an elf, flanked by two bodyguards, appeared on a ledge nearby. Considering she was an elf, I assumed this was who Javaris was talking about.

"So… I assume this is down to you then," Hawke stated.

The elf looked us all over. "Ah, Serah Hawke, I know of you. And the Dragonborn, definitely know about you. And Guard Captain Aveline. My, my, what interesting company you seek." She obviously looked at Merrill. "And you hang around the shemlen. Typical."

"So, listen crazy bitch, is there actually a point to all this or are you, well, just crazy?" I wondered, injecting a little humour. Look into her eyes and, well, I'd seen this sort of crazy before.

"Qunari take my people! My siblings forget their culture, then got to the Qun for purpose. We're losing them twice! So, I get help from your people. We'll make the Qunari thunder, make some accidents, and make them hated! But this… this is all wrong."

"So despite trying to save or help people, you were going to… kill them?" Hawke asked, no doubt trying to put two and two together when someone is this nuts.

"It can still work. They are hidden in your city. They'll enrage the faithful, and make sure the Qunari are blamed! As for me, I'm nearly finished. I just need a few more bodies. A few more!"

I'd heard enough and, considering my covenant was on hiatus, the crazy elf and her sidekicks took the full brunt of my Thu'um. That lit the fire as more mercenaries descended upon our position. I didn't see the elf get up, figuring she was either dead or seriously injured, so we could focus on mercenaries. With Aveline also in our lines, it helped Hawke and I, and hearing the fighting, some of her guards came flooding in to help as well. It was a bloodbath, the mercenaries falling where they stood. No chance of surrender this time.

The battle over, I climbed the steps, Hawke in my footsteps. We found the elf against a wall. She was alive, but barely, blood dripping from her nose and mouth. I had no doubt she had all manner of injuries. She looked up and tried to speak, but before she could say a word, her body dropped to the side, her eyes wide but with no life in them.

"What a bloody waste," I muttered.

"During her speech, I was left wondering, Uhtred. Talking about the faithful. You think the Chantry could be behind something like this?" Hawke asked.

I wasn't the only one to stare at her for that question. "They clearly don't like the Qunari being here, but to openly attack the citizens like this. No, I don't believe it," Aveline replied.

"Maybe not the Chantry, but perhaps there are some Kirkwall citizens who are trying to incite violence," I added.

It was food to thought, but since the elf was dead, we'd never really know now. Something to think about though. There was no doubt the Qunari sitting there irked plenty of the citizenry.

Thanking Aveline for his assistance, as she needed to organise her guards and the civilians who would have to wait a little longer to return home, we all returned to Hawke's place, agreeing that Hawke and I would visit the Arishok the next morning. We were all exhausted, so while a night on the brandy sounded delightful, I limited myself to a couple of drinks before wishing everyone goodnight, heading home.

I must have looked exhausted, as Bethany was up on her feet straight away as I walked into the sitting room. She had me sit at the dinner table, bringing me a plate of food that I devoured quickly, before joining her by the fire. I was falling asleep within five minutes, so she grabbed my hand, leading me upstairs. Helping me undress, she washed me down as always, noticing one or two new scars from wounds that Merrill had healed during the day, before we headed to bed. No thoughts of being intimate that night, falling asleep before her.

After a long night in bed, Bethany woke me up later than usual with a soft kiss, opening an eye to see she was already dressed. "Sleep in?"

"It's a little later than usual, but you needed sleep, Uhtred. Breakfast is downstairs. Are you heading out?"

"Just to see the Arishok. No plans otherwise."

"Good. We can spend the day relaxing together then."

I sat up and grabbed her around the waist, resting my head against her. "Sounds lovely. Hopefully the Arishok is happy enough with how it all worked out."

Hawke was waiting for me to arrive, mentioning she had been expecting me at least an hour before, laughing when I told her that Bethany had let me sleep in. "You're getting old, Uhtred."

She wasn't wrong about that.

Heading to the Qunari compound, I did wonder if the Arishok was already aware. For someone so isolated, and who I had never even heard of leaving the compound, he was remarkably well informed of affairs within the city. The guards at the gates were again as friendly as always, striding in with purpose, Hawke doing the same. Neither of us were frightened, but the Qunari looked capable of violence at the slightest provocation.

Standing before the Arishok, he didn't exactly greet us. "So, I was wrong about our thief." I'm sure both our eyes widened in disbelief that he admitted it. "They say we are careless with our trap, that this is our fault. But even without the saar-qamek, there would have been death. This elf was determined to lay blame at our feet."

"The elf behind this stated she was rather unhappy about Qunari forcing her own people into the Qun," I stated, gauging his reaction to such an accusation.

"She uses words, a weakness. She tried to use poison, a weakness. We have but one weapon. The certainty of the Qun. It cannot be used against us. None of this matters, though. I am not here to fight. I am here to satisfy a demand you cannot understand."

"Yet it's taken three years," I stated.

That made him stand up, and though he had height, there was no missing he was a big bastard. I felt a few of his men shuffle around us. Hawke and I remained stock still. Reacting would show him weakness. Show that we would not be intimated in return. "It was take as long as needed. No ship is coming. There is no rescue from duty to the Qun." He paused before adding, "I am stuck here."

He had never raised his voice. Never pointed his finger, used threatening body language. But the tone was enough. He was beyond frustrated. He didn't want to be in Kirkwall. He wanted to go home. But, for some reason, he couldn't. I wasn't going to ask what. I don't think he'd have told us anyway.

Hawke scratched her chin. "Um, that's not the understanding of the city council or their supporters."

The Arishok dismissed that statement with a wave of his hand first. "Let them rot. Filth stole from us. Not now, not the saar-qamek. Years ago." There was a simple balled fist, lasting only a brief moment, but it was enough to convey his anger. "A simple act of greed has bound me. We are all denied Par Vollen until I alone recover what was lost under my command!" He stood up again, and this time he walked forward, wondering if he was actually going to walk down the stairs. At least we'd then gain of understanding just how big he was. "That is why this elf and her shadows are unimportant. That is why I simply do not walk from this pustule of a city." He stopped at the very edge, and his rage was now easy to read. He took a breath and turned around. "Fixing your mess is not the demand of the Qun!" He turned around and pointed, all his anger and rage in a simple gesture. "And you should all be grateful!"

He slowly walked back to his throne and sat down, the anger and rage now under control once again. Through it all, none of his Qunari had moved an inch. He didn't even look at us when he said, "Thank you for your service, humans. Leave."

Hawke and I turned around and strode slowly out of the compound. Once we were through the gates, hearing them close behind us, we both sighed in relief. "Holy shit, that is one unhappy Qunari," Hawke muttered as we walked through Lowtown.

"And something is going to make him snap eventually. He's been here how long, three years? Four? He and his men will definitely be missing home by now. They're all about service to the Qun, but surely they'd want to be around fellow Qunari, not us."

"I think we keep an eye on them," she suggested. I nodded in agreement. "But what can the viscount actually do? And the templars won't get involved, as they'd consider it a civilian matter." She then met my eyes. "Unless the Dragonborn wants to expel the Qunari from Kirkwall?"

"I like my arms, legs and heads attached to my body, thanks."

Heading up into Hightown, I left it to Hawke to report to the viscount. She had a much better relationship with him than myself. Plus, I'd made a promise to Bethany. She was relaxing in the study when I walked in. Suggesting I'd get changed, I put on some comfortable clothes for once, wearing a pair of leather shoes instead of boots, and we headed out into Kirkwall to simply take in the sights and sounds of the city.

Part of me wondered how long the peace would last.