The Bethany that had returned so brightly after our own tragedy, that had lit up my life once again, disappeared almost as quickly as she had reappeared. Our own tragedy had been tough, but losing her mother was simply too much for her. To describe her as inconsolable was an understatement. She needed me as much as she didn't need me. She needed Hawke as well, but Hawke was dealing with the grief in her own way.

At least Bethany got out of bed, but she refused to leave the house again, now wrapped up in a thick blanket on the couch by the fire. I would sit with her in silence, and I could see she appreciated it, but there was simply nothing I could say that consoled her. Again, it was going to be in her own time before she felt okay again.

It must have been a couple of weeks later when I rolled over in my bed to hug Bethany as I woke up, instead my arm flopping onto a cold part of the bed. I sat up with a start, wondering where she'd gone. Putting on a robe, I headed downstairs to see if she'd headed down for breakfast. Gawen had seen no sign of her either. I searched the house for her, but it wasn't that large, and I doubt she'd be playing games. It was only when I entered the study that I found a note on my desk.

Dearest Uhtred,

I'm sorry for leaving you in this way but it's the only way I know I can leave without having to say it to your face and watching your heart break in front of me. But I cannot remain in Kirkwall any longer. There are just far too many memories that I wish to forget. The fact I'm a Grey Warden now. The fact we lost our child. The fact I lost my mother. And I simply dread of what will happen to me, to you, or to us next.

I have been thinking long and hard, and I'll admit doing it since we suffered our loss. I may not want to admit it but I am a Grey Warden. I have their blood and I think it's time I simply do what I must. So I leave to go join the Wardens now. It's not the right thing to do by you, by us. It's the only thing I can think of doing now to save myself.

I am sorry for leaving this way and I wish I had the courage to speak to you, but I know if I did, I would feel compelled to stay. That is no fault on your part, it is because I love you that I would. I know I love you writing this letter. I will love you as I walk away. And I will still love you when I disappear.

But life is not a fairy tale, Uhtred. I have learned there are no happy endings. There is only pain, and grief, and sorrow. I felt like it was time to make a decision. I do not make this lightly. I am in tears as I write this. But I have to make this decision for me, to protect my heart and mind. I simply cannot afford to experience more heartache and pain. I am broken as it is. I can't endure it any further.

Please give the accompanying letter to my sister so she can also understand why I have taken this decision. I did not wish to leave like this but it was the only way.

Please don't come trying to find me. I know you will want to. I know you will want to convince me to return. If you do, I know I would give in. But then I know I will grow to resent you, even hate you, for making me stay there. I don't want to feel that way. I want to cherish the memories we have shared. They will help me endure whatever I am to face as a Grey Warden.

Goodbye, Uhtred. I love you.

Bethany

I lowered the letter to the desk, my hands shaking as I did, before I put them to my face, running them down as I blinked rapidly. Gawen wandered in and I could see from his own face that he knew what happened. "I'm sorry, lord. I never heard…"

"She slept early last night. I guess she planned it all," I muttered.

"Will you follow?"

"I will dress and take the other letter to Hawke." Sighing, I added, "I don't know. She's told me not to. That if I do, she'll hate me for it. I don't want her to hate me."

I dragged myself out of the chair and somehow managed to climb the stairs, walking into the bedroom. Checking the wardrobes, Bethany had obviously packed lightly. I can only assume she'd done some legwork, perhaps to find out where the nearest Wardens were. I dressed myself though cared nothing for my appearance, heading downstairs and out the door, straight towards Hawke's mansion.

Walking inside, she was already at work at her desk. She took one look at me when I walked in and was immediately up, walking towards me. "What's wrong?" she asked, rather concerned. I simply handed over the letter addressed to her without a word. She tore it open and started to read. Her face fell and it was one hit to the heart too many. She fell into my arms, wrapping them tightly around me, her head resting against my chest as she finally released the many tears I knew she'd been keeping hidden from everyone else.

"We should find her," she sobbed quietly.

"No… no… Let her go… She's right. Kirkwall has broken her. Broken us. Broken everyone. She needs to go, find peace, heal herself, find some meaning for it all."

"But the Wardens? There is only death."

I sighed. "Maybe that is what she wants. But she is right. She now has their blood. It's always been a fact. Since the Joining, she has been a Warden. Maybe I was living in a delusion, that we could live happily ever after. It is clear that is not what the Nine nor the Maker have in store for me."

"So we're both alone?" she whispered.

"You have Isabela…"

Hawke scoffed at that. "You think Isabela is that sort of companion? We've been together longer than you've been with Bethany and still won't move in with me." I heard the tone. She was definitely upset by it. Letting me go, she walked over to the fireplace, and I thought was read to throw it in the fire. Instead, she placed it on the mantelpiece. "First Carver, then my mother, now my sister." She looked at me. "I guess the Maker has plans for me as well, Uhtred. Ever since we left Lothering, all we've suffered is loss."

We did head out into Kirkwall, heading to the docks. If Bethany was going to leave, I assumed she would have gone by boat. Talking to the harbourmaster, we asked about any ships heading out. "Aye, there have been three this morning. One going to Val Royeaux. One to Antiva. And one to Amaranthine."

"Maker, she could be on any of them," Hawke stated.

"I have passenger manifests. Who are you looking for?"

"Bethany Hawke."

He looked over the paperwork he had, eventually finding her name. "Here she is. Bethany Hawke. Third class cabin. Hmmm, only purchased passage this morning. Val Royeaux." He looked up. "I'm assuming this was a last minute decision?"

"Aye, it was," I stated quietly.

"Well, you could travel to Val Royeaux overland, but it'll take a lot longer than the ship. The ship will probably be heading back by the time you arrive."

"No, it's fine. We simply wanted to know. Thank you."

Our walk back to Hightown was slow, both of us feeling a little lost, and rather depressed. "She must be joining the Orlesian Wardens," she explained, "Stroud was from Orlais. I know they have a base somewhere in the region."

"I just had no idea she was planning on it."

"It may have been a snap decision, Uhtred. Has she given any indication?"

"None whatsoever. Before your mother, our relationship was almost like it was before. We were enjoying our lives together, having fun once again. She was happy. Or I thought she was…"

"Losing Mother…. It was just too much, Uhtred." She sighed again. "I guess I can be grateful that although she left, she's still alive. Hopefully she'll write a letter once she arrives wherever she's going." Back in Hightown, I was just about to bid her farewell when she said, "Uhtred, do you want to move in with me instead?"

"What?"

"You have that big mansion with only you in it. I have the same thing. Seems rather pointless having two big places. Bring your servants, I know they're loyal to you. But… Well, it would help both of us not be lonely. And there's a couple of spare rooms."

"Let me think about it. This all just happened."

"Of course, but give it some serious thought. And you don't have to worry about anything untoward. Don't like men, remember?" I couldn't help chuckle. "But you're a friend, and well, friends help each other out, don't they?"

"They do. Thanks, Hawke. I'll let you know."

I didn't have to think about it long. I sat down with Gawen and the other servants, letting them know I was going to move in with Hawke. Immediately worried about their future prospects, when I told them that they would be joining me, the three others couldn't help themselves by giving me a group hug. Gawen was more reserved, though overcome that he would be joining me. He deserved my loyalty as he had been just as loyal in return.

Moving out felt like a blessing. I'd look around and see plenty of good memories, but enough bad ones that, without Bethany around, I was only going to feel worse the longer I stayed. I didn't take much with me, only my clothes, armour and weapons, a few books, and one or two small mementos I'd gathered during my time in Kirkwall. I put the house up for sale, figuring someone would be interested in buying it rather quickly.

Hawke was delighted to have me as a roommate, making me feel right at home right away, as well as her servants. We had far too many for just the two of us, but she knew why I'd brought mine along, so though they were kept busy, we certainly didn't bother them if they had nothing to do and wanted to rest.

I realised one thing living with Hawke rather quickly. Isabela may have visited occasionally but she rarely stayed the night. And I mean rarely. I'd hear the pair of them giggle next door, and certain other noises which came with them being a couple, but I'd always hear the door shut later. It was none of my business, but I thought I'd ask Hawke about it one night after Isabela had left, hearing her downstairs. She was sat alone by the fire, looking rather lonely. I poured us each a glass of brandy, handing her one before I sat beside her on the lounge.

"So… No company tonight?"

I was surprised when she made a slightly disgusted noise. "I sometimes wonder why I tolerate it, Uhtred."

"Well, why do you?"

"I love her, or at least, I believe I do. I think she loves me, but I'm just not sure anymore." She gulped down the brandy, handing me the glass back, giving it a wiggle suggesting she wanted a refill. After doing that, she took only a sip. "I sometimes wonder why I bother… I'm sure I can find someone who will want to be with me all the time, want to spend the night so we could at least wake up together, share breakfast before deciding on how to spend the day…" I noticed her wipe her cheeks, so shuffled over and wrapped an arm around her. "Shit… At least I could understand why Bethany fell in love with you."

"Thanks, I think."

"I might not be attracted but I can see the type of man you are, Uhtred. Loyal. Honourable. Courageous. A moral code that any warrior can understand. I don't want much from my partner but I'd like… to know I'm loved. Coming over for a few hours of sex then heading out makes me feel… cheap. No, worse than that. I feel like a whore, but at least they get paid in the end."

"I don't want to suggest it, Hawke, but if it's making you miserable…"

"Trust me, I've given it some thought. I'm not sure how she'll react if I were to. Would she even care? Or will I break her heart? I just don't know. I've tried talking to her seriously but she just can't be, and it's frustrating." She surprised me by curling up and leaning into my side. I filled her glass as she sighed a couple of times. "Guess we might end up rather lonely…"

"You know, Hawke, I like living here with you because it's refreshing living with a woman who is not attracted to me. So we can be like this and I don't expect anything except your friendship. We can talk about anything and feel comfortable."

"How are you coping without Bethany?"

"Going to bed is lonely. I don't like waking up alone."

"And I guess the sex too?"

"You really want to know?"

"You've heard us talk about it often enough."

"Yes, I definitely miss that. Bethany was… she was a great partner, in more ways than one. And our physical relationship was fantastic. No complaints there." I sipped my drink. "Gods, I really do miss her though. I know why she left. I think she was ready to go after we lost the child. It broke her. She tried to mend herself as best she could, but I have a feeling it was a façade, trying to will herself back to normal. The loss of your mother broke whatever she'd rebuilt."

"Feel ready to try again?"

"I'm ready, but I won't bother for the moment. Losing Leliana was bad enough. Never thought I'd get over that. Then I meet your sister, and I fell for her. I mean, badly. But it's why I took my time. I was still scarred. I fell in love with her though. We were going to have a child. Then… well…. Here I am now, life pretty much fallen apart."

We both fell silent, and soon enough the bottle we'd been drinking was empty. Hawke was rather drunk. I had quite the buzz going, but I just felt depressed, so probably hadn't been great company. Feeling she'd gone rather still against me, I'd checked to see she was asleep, no surprise that she was considering she probably drank a lot more than me. I somehow managed to pick her up, staggering badly as I hauled her up the stairs and into her bedroom. I dumped her on the bed and managed to get her covers over her. She was snoring by the time I walked out the door.

Heading to my own room, I kicked off my boots, undressed, sliding under the covers, finding it difficult to fall asleep. Just like most nights since she'd left.

"Come on, Hawke. Can't keep the viscount waiting!"

"Just looking for my necklace. Hold on a minute." She finally appeared a couple of minutes later, looking fed up already. "And we haven't even spoke to the viscount yet," she muttered.

Grabbing our swords and shields resting by the front door, we headed out into Hightown and for Viscounts Keep. Resting high up in the hills, it was only exceeded in height and prestige by the chantry to the east of it. The usual crowds were flooding in and out of the Keep, most moving out of the way as Hawke and I walked by. Considering our personal lives, neither of us looked happy nowadays. I know I was a grumpy bastard but Hawke was rarely in a better mood. Since our discussion, I had noticed Isabela visiting even less often than before. I hadn't asked if Hawke had finally said something but I had a feeling words might have been shared.

Viscount Dumar was talking to the seneschal, Hawke and I just walking in as the viscount had his back to us. He seemed to be in the middle of a rant, catching the end of him complaining about the Qunari again. It wasn't a real surprise, Hawke and I assuming that is why we had been summoned. "They must also infect what I hold personal," he finished.

He finally turned around, noticing Hawke and I. "You summoned us," Hawke stated.

"I did. Those blasted Qunari are at it again, though this time it hits closer to home than I want. It is my son, Seamus. The life you saved, he would now squander by converting to the Qun. He has left for the Qunari compound. Please, both of you. Convince Seamus to come home."

I wasn't convinced at all. He was his own man now. His father certainly couldn't tell him what he could or could not do. Sure, kick him out of home if he wanted, but that would speak volumes about him, not his son. Hawke made the same point I was thinking.

Dumar sighed. "I want to let him find his way, but in my position…" Ah, so it wasn't personal, it was politics. And this is why I hate politics. Hated it in Skyrim. Hated it in Denerim. Hate in now in Kirkwall. Hawke, as fed up as she was, already looked close enough to walking out. "You know, he's taken a great deal of inspiration from you, Hawke. And he knows all about you from what was written in regards to the Blight, Dragonborn. I want to allow his idealism, but not blindly. At best, my opponents will claim my office is now in Qunari hands. At worst… I have my son."

Hawke suggested surprise that the Qunari would have accepted him, almost sceptical of the entire story. I told them both that anyone was accepted into the Qun. "Seamus would be considered viddathari, a convert to the Qun. Human. Elf. Even dwarven if they were interested. If they were serious, they would be accepted."

"How do you know so much of the Qunari?" Dumar asked, and I could hear a slight accusation in his tone.

"During my time of the Fifth Blight, a Qunari was part of our small squad. We spent months in the trenches together and we spoke often about his beliefs. I picked up certain things, particularly terms and labels they used. That one stuck out."

"Not so thick after all, Uhtred," Hawke whispered.

"And what's your faith again? I know you do not believe in the Maker or Andraste."

"I believe in the Nine Divines, of which I believe in Talos as my personal deity. The man who became an emperor who became a god." I took the necklace from underneath my armour and showed him the symbol. "Commandment number five, Talos: Be strong for war. Be bold against enemies and evil, and defend the people of Tamriel. Commandment number nine, Akatosh: Serve and obey your emperor. Study the Covenants. Worship the Nine, do your duty, and heed the commands of the saints and priests. Commandment ten, all: Above all else, be good to one another. I now follow all commandments in regards to Thedas."

"Impressive, Uhtred."

"I could recite all ten commandments right now, Hawke, but we have pressing concerns."

"Right, how do we know Seamus is actually there? Anyone see him leave here and or arrive there?" Hawke wondered.

Dumar snorted, almost in amusement I think. "He made no secret of it. I'm sure he intended it as another one of his 'statements' about closer relations. Your example inspired him, Hawke. I might agree, but now is not the time. These matters are delicate."

"You mean politically dangerous," I retorted.

"The office must remain strong, Serah Dragonborn. Even someone foreign to our shores must understand that." He looked back at Hawke. "All I know is that there is a chance he'll listen to you. And given you both seem to have forged a relationship with the Arishok, I'm hoping you could deal with them directly and… talk him down. Whatever the case, convince my son not to leave his home. We are his people, not the Qunari."

"Fine. We'll do what we can," Hawke stated, though she didn't sound happy or convinced.

Walking out of the Keep, we got to the bottom of the steps before coming to a stop. "Should we even bother?" she asked.

"Well, objectively, he could make our lives rather uncomfortable if he wanted. Neither of us are easily intimidated but… He has the power of the city guard in his hands. Spread a few rumours and the Chantry will come knocking, particularly in regards to me. Hell, even the templars wouldn't mind getting involved if pushed. They know what we've been up to."

"We know the Qunari are here for a reason. Shame the Arishok didn't tell us exactly why. Could have helped him and then they would just go. I actually believe him when he says as soon as it's return that they will sail home."

Figuring it would be an easy trip from Hightown to the compound, neither of us even considered collecting even one or two of our companions. If we could talk the Arishok into handing Seamus over, great. If not, I certainly wasn't going to worry about it. Since it was a nice day, we were also in no rush, chatting away about things, both of us still grumpy, but at least we had something to keep us occupied for a couple of hours.

Things felt markedly different in Lowtown, though. Streets were quiet, very few people about. Those on the streets scampered back to their homes. Hawke and I both slowed as we noticed and slightly tensed up. We were perhaps halfway through Lowtown and the Qunari compound when we rounded a corner and came upon a small crowd of thugs. Didn't bother counting, it didn't matter. Steel glinted in the sunlight from those that were armed.

"It's the Qunari lovers," one of them called.

"Ain't one of them some kind of heathen too?" another asked.

"Well, we got our orders. Kill them!"

About six of them charged. Hawke and I unsheathed and got to work. Bandits, thugs, whatever they were. They died quickly. None of them carried their own shields or wore good armour. A slice, a cut, a stab. The six went down rather quickly. Four more attacked us, roaring as they charged. They probably went down even quicker. Ten dead in only a few minutes. The rest of them stood still, shocked looks on their faces. I faked charging at them, all of them stepping back, so I levelled my sword at the first one I locked eyes with. "Fuck off. Now."

They broke and ran without hesitation. Sheathing our swords, we had a look at the dead. "What a bloody waste," Hawke muttered. "Who do you think sent them?"

"Oh, I've got one or two ideas."

Hawke met my eyes, giving it all of five seconds thought. "Petrice?"

"Only she's ever called me a heathen."

"Good point. Okay, it's something to keep in mind at least."

No doubt our arrival was expected as the two Qunari guards opened the gates as soon as we turned the corner. Walking across the compound, it was strange that our arrival was completely ignored. Approaching the Arishok, he was definitely waiting for us and surprisingly let us talk first.

"We're here for the viscount's son," Hawke stated.

"You are?" I was surprised that he sounded… disappointed. He looked away, shaking his head. "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." He leaned forward, appearing to glare at both at us at once. "The son has made a choice," he stated, his voice uncompromising, "You will not deny him that."

I was ready to just say 'Okay' and walk out.

"Look, Arishok, I agree," Hawke stated, surprised she'd be as honest as that, "But it is the viscount's son who has chosen to convert. His opposition are going to have a field day with this."

The Arishok simply shrugged before asking, "And?"

Again, he had a point. I felt like grabbing Hawke, saying 'Goodbye' and walking out. But I guess Hawke wanted to see the job through. "The enemy of your enemy should be your friend?"

The Arishok snorted. "I don't fear the whole of them together, and it is not my role to reject the free choices of the viddathari." He slammed his fist on the arm of his throne. "The son responded to his own demand of the Qun. He is neither my slave nor my prisoner!" He was getting angrier, though I didn't expect him to exclaim next, "He's not even here!"

"Oh…" Hawke and I shared a glance, and I'm glad I wasn't the one concerned, left wondering what the hell we were finding ourselves involved in. "He went to his father. Ask the viscount why he would send you and a letter both."

"What?" I asked flatly. "We were not informed of that, Arishok."

I think he enjoyed having information we did not. "They are meeting at the chantry. A last, pointless appeal, I assume."

"Mother Petrice," Hawke and I stated together.

"A suspect in many things, it would seem," the Arishok stated, "If she had threatened someone under my command again, there is only one response."

"I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation," Hawke stated. I almost snorted in derision at the comment. If Petrice was involved, it was only going to go one way. Badly.

"Her intent is obvious, and the Qun demands is clear." The threat was obvious; I just wasn't sure against who. Petrice herself? The Chantry? All of Kirkwall…? "This is the last insult I intend to suffer. Resolve this, or her hiding place will be reduced to rubble. I will be watching you both."

Hawke and I left immediately, knowing we were in seriously deep shit. But neither of us was exactly worried about the Qunari at the time. I was on the verge of marching to the chantry, hauling Petrice out of whatever she was hiding in, and simply taking her head. It would solve most of my problems. Mentioning that to Hawke, while somewhat agreeable, she suggested we visit Viscount Dumar first and find out if the Arishok was telling the truth.

"Qunari don't lie, Hawke. You should have realised by now."

"I know. I'm just hoping against hope that we haven't been played."

We marched into the Keep, and people leapt out of way. In fact, we probably looked intent on committing murder, so much that two guards stepped in our way. After telling them who we are and why we were visiting, they stepped out of the way and we continued up to the viscount's office. He was surprised to see us and asked about his son.

"Forget about your son, viscount," I stated harshly, taken aback by my tone.

"He wasn't there anyway. He was taken away from the compound by a letter. A letter from you."

I knew something was wrong when he looked surprised and my stomach lurched when he said, "I sent no letter. I would have no need, not with your assistance."

"Shit," Hawke and I muttered together, before she turned to me. "Should have known, Uhtred. We should have known." She looked back at the viscount. "The message was from the Chantry."

He sat down, putting his head in his hands, the weight of the world on his shoulders. "The Chantry is involved? What am I supposed to do now? I can't be seen to move against them."

"You can't. I can," I stated, "Send the heathen to sort out this mess."

"You may not believe, Ser Dragonborn, but I do not believe you heathen."

"You may not, sir, but there are some who do." I took a deep breath. "Very well, we'll find your son. But when this goes wrong, be prepared to batten down the hatches. This could get ugly very quickly. The Qunari are not happy."

"I understand."

Hawke and I walked out, glancing back to see the viscount with his head in his hands again. He looked completely defeated, likely believing his reign was close to ending. Once outside, it was still light and at least a few hours until sunset. Though the letter apparently stated to meet at night, we headed straight to the chantry and investigated for any sign of Seamus or Petrice, but no-one had seen either of them. We could have waited around, but I received dirty looks as usual, so I suggested we retreat for the moment and return later.

We ate dinner early, each of us pacing around the house as we waited for night to arrive. Eventually heading out with the last vestiges of light in the sky, we headed back up towards the chantry, waiting in the courtyard before the stairs leading up to the building itself. "Let me go in first," I stated.

"What?"

"Let me go in first. Give me five minutes, then come in later. If all is well, then good. If it goes wrong, then at least you can back me up."

"I don't like it, Uhtred."

"Come on, Hawke. I've been in plenty of danger. Petrice doesn't scare me."

"But she should, Uhtred. She has the power of the Chantry itself behind her."

"Five minutes, Hawke. No matter what."

She didn't like it but agreed to my demand. I took my time walking up the stairs before approaching the door. Pulling open the heavy door, I stepped inside to an empty and eerily quiet chantry. Keeping my wits about me, I looked around high and low, waiting for perhaps an arrow to be fired in my direction. Approaching the stairs, I walked up and that's when I noticed a young man on his knees, apparently deep in prayer. Walking slowly towards him, I'd barely crouched next to him, about to ask if he was Seamus, when his body collapsed to the floor. I was checking him for wounds, as he was quite clearly dead, when I heard a voice.

"Ah, Dragonborn, look at what you've done." I stood up and walked to the balcony edge to see Petrice flanked by about five others I didn't recognise. None looked to be of the chantry. "To pounce upon the viscount's son, a repentant convert, in the chantry itself? A crime with no excuse. Your Qunari masters will finally answer, and I finally have an excuse to have the heathen dealt with."

"You are insane, Petrice, as you certainly don't deserve the title of 'Mother'. You're nothing but a cold-blooded murderer, staining the very cloth you wear. The Qunari aren't the enemy here. People like you are, hiding behind that symbol you wear on your coat."

"The faithful know this has been building for a long time. Where Varnell incited, I reminded, in sermon and prayer. When people learn of this attack, they will rise. Not zealots or the unknowing, but the true majority."

"You're an idiot. When people start dying in a war against the Qunari, there's only one person they'll turn against."

"To die untested would be the real crimes. People need the opportunity to defend faith. Starting with you."

Whatever she said to her followers, they broke ranks and charged towards me. I unsheathed and waited for them to come. They charged in no order, filled with religious fervour. What I'd learned is that fanatics don't fight smart. The first one I cut down with my first swing, blood spraying against the man behind. I blocked the third coming from the opposite side as I blocked a swing with my sword.

"Uhtred!" I heard someone call, hearing more shouts as some of those wanting to attack me probably turned to attack Hawke.

I now had four attacking me, slowly backing up so I could have them somewhat lined up in front of me. Then I remembered that my vow to the Greybeards was on hiatus. And, to be honest, I was fed up with all of this. I didn't really want to fight these people, I wanted the tip of my sword at the throat of Petrice. So I Shouted, Unrelenting Force slamming into their unarmoured bodies. The four went flying end over end, no doubt bones snapping and breaking as they did. I leapt over the railing and headed downstairs to help Hawke. She was doing fine by herself, but I put my sword through the back of one, making another one turn around, where I put my sword through his throat before he could even raise his weapon.

There was soon silence as we were surrounded by the dead and dying, both of us covered in blood, sucking in deep breaths as we'd survived another short, sharp fight. "Where's Petrice?" she asked.

"Ran away like a coward as soon as the fighting started."

I wasn't really sure what to do as I sheathed my sword. Hawke looked around at all the dead bodies, muttering 'What a waste' again. Second time she'd said it that day. I knew she could be devout at times, but this type of zealotry must have been making her question her own faith. Innocents were being sent to die by a mad woman.

Movement to our right captured our attention, Petrice appearing with Elthina, walking down the stairs. "Do you see, Your Grace? The heathen attacking the very core of the Chantry! He defiles us every second he is in here."

Elthina looked at me, covered in blood, staring daggers at the woman beside her. "There is death in every corner, young mother. It is as your predicted. All too well."

Eltina approached the pair of us, Hawke stepping closer, holding my forearm to prevent me reaching for a weapon. "Your time will soon be at end, Petrice. Lies and deceit always catch up on those who deceive. Your Maker won't save you this time."

"Don't spout your Qunari filth. This is a hand of the Divine," she spat.

"I have ears, Mother Petrice," Elthina cut in, "The Maker would have me use them."

I looked at her. "Grand Cleric, Viscount Dumer's son lies dead here tonight, killed by someone in your name."

"He lies," Petrice hissed, "He is a heathen. He should be destroyed."

"Quiet, Petrice. How do you answer such a charge?"

"Seamus Dumar was a Qunari convert! He came here to repent and was murdered."

"He was murdered, Your Grace, that fact cannot be denied. But there is a larger crime. He was murdered to set people against the Qunari. People wish Kirkwall to be the setting of a holy war."

"People are leaving us to join them!" she cried.

"And we pray for them like any other," Ethina said softly.

She pointed a finger at me. "He denies the Maker!" she spat, "And so do the Qunari!"

"And you diminish Him, even as you claim His side. Andraste did not volunteer for the flame." She took two steps towards me. "Ser Dragonborn." I nodded. "The young mother has erred in her judgement. A court will decide her fate. The Chantry respects the law, and so must she."

"My sword will remain sheathed for now, grand cleric."

"Thank you." Elthina turned to look at Petrice. I'm not sure how Elthina looked at her, but she simply passed her and walked up the stairs. Petrice turned and took a step towards her.

"Grand Cleric?" Elthina ignored her, climbing the stairs slowly, as if waiting for something. "Grand Cleric?" She turned towards Hawke and I. I may have promised not to use my sword, but that wouldn't stop me laying hands on her. Hawke was still holding my forearm through all this, but before I could even rip my arm from her grip, Petrice cried out as an arrow slammed into her chest.

Collapsing to her knees, Hawke and I spun around to see a lone Qunari in the shadows, stepping forward just enough to see him drawing a bow again. The arrow he fired slammed into the forehead of Petrice and she rolled onto her back. She was dead before hitting the floor.

The Qunari wore a helmet so we could not see his face. "We protect those of the Qun. We do not abandon our own." I simply bowed my head in his direction as he turned and walked towards the entrance. We hadn't even seen him enter. Not bad for a big guy.

"Ser Hawke, if you could fetch Viscount Dumar. A terrible tragedy has befallen us today," Elthina requested before she disappeared into her office, closing the door behind her.

Hawke and I departed immediately. She went to the Keep, I went home. Gawen was waiting for me when I walked in the door, taking one look at me and calling out for hot water and soap. Thanking him, I headed to my bedroom where I took a wash, making sure I'd grabbed a bottle of liquor to drink. I was in bed by the time Hawke returned, hearing Gawen offer the same. I was half-asleep when I heard my door open and the bed beside me depress. I opened my eye as I felt a presence.

"Calm yourself, Uhtred. It's just been a really shit day, and considering my so-called girlfriend won't spend the night, I figured…"

"No worries. Just don't cuddle into me otherwise…" She giggled, at least. "What about the viscount?"

"He knows war is now practically inevitable."

"We'd better prepare for it soon. Kirkwall is going to burn when the Qunari finally launch."

"I know. I'll talk to the others tomorrow and let them know what happened."

"I was thinking of talking to the Arishok, but I'm not sure it will work. He warned us what would happen if one of his own was killed. He isn't one to make idle threats."

"We'll talk more in the morning," she stated with a yawn, "I need sleep. So do you."

"Night."

"Night, Uhtred. Thanks not being awkward."

I couldn't help chuckle. "No problem."

I was thankful she wasn't attracted to men, and I was thankful I knew that. So I managed to sleep beside her that night without a problem. Thing is, I'd had trouble sleeping since Bethany left. Slept like a log that night. I didn't read too much into it. I simply enjoyed the presence of someone next to me again.

A/N – No, there will not be a romance here between these two. I am definitely not doing that trope. Hawke likes women, Uhtred is heartbroken and simply likes her as a friend.

I have a poll currently open on my profile page. If you're interested, take a look and cast a vote. I'll be interested in seeing the results. At the moment, there is a good to firm chance I will be returning certain features seen in 'Enter the Dragonborn', simply because I had a load of fun writing that, and I figured plenty of you enjoyed reading it too. (That story was three times more popular than this, for example.)