Chapter One

Journey On

It had been two days since Flemeth had gone to rescue the Wardens from the tower of Ishal. I had found a Pack slung over my shoulder that seemed to have everything I needed… when I needed it. I would think of what I needed and reach in; and poof! There it was.

The pack was like one of those damn backpack-purses that were in womens' fashion. How anyone could carry one of those when they weren't so big always boggled my mind. Now if the ones on earth were like this, I would have had one already. I had even pulled out a sword that should not have fit in there. Flemeth and Morrigan found it fascinating and had tried to pull something out but it only seemed to work for me.

Alistair looked… much like in the game. He was about 6'1 at a guess, with blonde hair that was damn near blinding, brownish eyes that had green flecks, and he was more than fit… I had been using Magic to fix his armor so he was wearing only a t-shirt and fabric pants that were almost too small for him… almost. I hadn't been able to resist making them a bit tight when I pulled them from my bag.

I was playfully informed by the warrior that the pretty honey colored Mabari that kept sniffing at me was named Ash. She belonged to the man called Aedan. I played fetch with her and slipped her the choice cuts of the meat when I made it. She was all over me now.

Alistair was pacing as I finished mending his armor. I stood and walked over to him, "Okay – you need something to do. I'll keep you occupied."

His face flamed red, "I… what?"

I smirked, "I happen to be quite adept at hand-to-hand combat, Warden – so have at thee."

He blinked, "What… you want to fight? You do know I'm a Templar, right?"

"And I'm a Wiccan – admittedly a bad one, but a Wiccan none the less. I know four types of hand combat… how good are you?"

"Are we really going to do this?" he asked. "It will keep you from thinking about the boy upstairs. Look, Templar, you took more injuries than he did. The only reason he hasn't woken up yet is because he doesn't want to. You protected him in that tower – the old hag told me how she found you."

"Alistair," he muttered with another flush. "What?"

"My name is Alistair." He repeated. I smiled, "I know – but if taunting you will make you put up your fists, then by the Goddess I'm gonna start calling you princess."

He laughed, "You're going to call me princess? I'm not the girl here."

"Oooh – Them's fighting words, Cowboy."

I heard Morrigan scoff from behind me as she headed inside. Alistair stripped off his shirt and I felt my mouth go dry. I gave him a flirty grin, "Am I to do the same?"

Even his chest went red at my provocation, "What… why would you?"

I shrugged, "I'm wearing underthings – may as well make it an even fight."

"Please… please don't…" he muttered.

If this was a fight where he was at full strength and wearing his plate armor, I wouldn't have won as often no matter what fancy martial arts I used – at least… not after he knew what to expect in a generalized way. I had to resort to Krav Maga, full-out, to get him on his ass more often than not. Damn – why wasn't he this strong in the games? I always had issues with him dying too easily.

I saw movement in my peripheral vision and looked up. It was Aedan. I flipped Alistair over my knee and finished the battle. Alistair looked dazed as I straddled him and held his arms down, "Submit, Templar."

"Oh… I yield mage." He teased. I stood and helped him up as Flemeth said, "See, here is your fellow Grey Warden now. You worry too much, young man."

Aedan was 6'0 with black hair that fell to his shoulders, grey eyes that were reminiscent of a brewing storm, he was certainly fitter than the game implied – he must have spent every day doing training exercises.

Alistairs' head snapped to the side, "You! I thought you were dead for sure."

I stepped in, "Hi – you must be Aedan. I'm Arvaala – but you can just call me Ara."

"Makers' Breath – I never thought I'd live to see the day a mage bested a Templar in combat with no magic." Aedan replied.

"Yeah well, here we are."

"If it weren't for…" Alistair started.

"Flemeth and I did what we could in terms of healing. I mended your armors and Morrigan helped me keep us fed. You should really thank Flemeth though – this is her home."

Aedan looked shell-shocked and Alistair turned to the woman and said, "The Flemeth. Daveth was right – you're a witch of the wilds."

"And what does that mean? I know a bit of magic and it has served you both well, has it not?"

"You must be… very old and powerful."

I reached up and slapped Aedan on the back of the head, "That was rude of you. Age and power are relative – compared to us, sure, she's older and more powerful."

Flemeth snorted, "Perhaps compared to them – I feel you may have about the same power as me."

"But why didn't you save Duncan? He was our leader." Alistair asked with pain in his voice. I sighed, "She is still a mortal, Alistair – she can only do so much. She didn't arrive in time – and that would be my fault. I showed up here not believing where I was exactly or knowing how I got here."

Alistair flinched, "You… don't know how you got here?"

"No – I don't."

Aedan spoke, "Then it isn't your fault."

Flemeth said, "I agree to that, at least. It has always been the Grey Warden duty to unite the lands against the Blight… or did things change when I wasn't looking?"

"Of course it didn't change, Old Hag," I snorted. Alistair and Aedan looked at me with horror – I had just 'insulted' the witch of the wilds. She snorted.

Alistair jumped in – likely in fear for my safety, "But we were fighting the Darkspawn. The king had nearly defeated them. Why would Loghain do this?"

"Now that is a good question. Mens' hearts hold shadows darker than any tainted creature. Perhaps he believes the Blight is an army he can out-maneuver. Perhaps he does not see that the evil behind it is the true threat."

Alistair and I spoke together, "The Archdemon."

"What could Teyrn Loghain hope to gain by betraying the king?" Aedan muttered.

Alistair said, "The throne? He's the Queens' father. Still, I can't see how he'll get away with murder."

"You speak as if he would be the first king to gain his throne that way. Grow up, boy."

Alistair looked at me, "If Arl Eamon knew what he did; he would never stand for it. The Landsmeet would never stand for it. There would be a Civil war."

"You think he would believe us over a Teyrn?" Aedan asked skeptically.

"I suppose… Arl Eamon wasn't at Ostagar. He still has all his men and he was Cailans' uncle. I know him – he's a good man, respected in the Landsmeet. Of course – we could go to Redcliffe and appeal to him for help."

"Uh-huh… Alistair, everyone said Loghain was an honorable man."

I stepped in, "Look – you have treaties for the Dalish, Mages and Dwarves and I'm sure Arl Eamon would help us."

"I may be old, but Dwarves, Elves, Mages and this Arl Eamon and who knows what else… this sounds like an army to me."

Alistair lit up, "So can we do this? Go to Redcliffe and these other places and… build an army?"

Aedan glanced at me, "I'm in if she is – look at her; so calm and collected when talking about building an army."

I smiled at him, "I thought it was obvious that I was coming along."

He nodded, "Good – I don't suppose there's any other help you could offer, Flemeth?"

"Now that you mention it-"

"The stew is bubbling mother dear. Will we have 3 guests for dinner or none?" Morrigan asked. I knew she meant Aedan, Alistair, and Ash. I had somehow gotten her to like me in the last 2 days by annoying Flemeth with my 'never-ending questions'. I handed Aedan his Armor which he put on without worrying about being ogled… someone was secure in their looks.

Alistair took his too, though he put it on over the pants he was wearing; shame.

"The Wardens will be leaving shortly, girl. And you and Arvaala are going with them," Flemeth barked. Morrigan nodded, "Such a shame – what?"

"You heard me girl. Last time I looked you had ears," she smirked.

I cleared my throat and looked at Aedan, "While they fight… allow me to put my full talents on display for you. I am a mage, as was made obvious by my use of magic. I am also someone who knows parts of the future. I know four forms of martial arts. I can cook. I can hunt, clean a kill, set traps and pitch a tent. I can make a bow and arrows. I can use 7 types of weapons. I can swim. I'm also a skilled lover, but I think I'll save that for love or some sappy other reason."

Alistair sputtered, "Was that information… necessary?"

I gave him a wicked grin, "Not at all."

I had introduced myself, but for some reason I couldn't bring myself to say I was an Elf… no matter how I tried. Flemeth had found that interesting and tested me in my ability to lie… apparently that was no longer a thing for me. I suppose it was a good thing I got good at bending the truth as a kid. But it did make me wonder what the fuck was going on.

"So… how did you end up here? I mean… you weren't here when we were before," He asked. He was eyeing my strange – to him – clothing. I had put on black jeans, a grey V-neck tank top, a black leather jacket and black sneakers that would still be comfortable after an 8-hour waitress shift with only a lunch and no breaks. My hair was pulled into a ponytail.

"I fell from the fade about 2 days ago. Before that I was a human," I said, though I knew they wouldn't believe me. Aedan laughed and Alistair looked like he was disappointed.

"Fine then, don't tell us," Aedan chuckled. "Arvaala… tell the Keeper 'Melana en Athim las mythal'enansal' when you reach the Dalish," Flemeth told me. I knew what it meant, but I was unsure why she… Flemeth always had a reason, so I would do this. I gave her a nod.

Then Morrigan returned with her pack and off we went to Lothering, Morrigan leading us.

About half way there, I was startled to be met by a Mabari. His color was a stunning black with a white belly and his back paws were grey. We fought some Darkspawn and then, "I think this is the Mabari we saved in Ostagar," Aedan said.

"I think he was out there looking for you," Alistair commented. "But I… already have a Mabari. I don't think I can have two. Ash would get too jealous."

I knelt and held out a hand. The now sad looking Mabari glanced at Aedan who nodded. The dog came up and sniffed my hand. "Hello there. Well if Aedan can't take you, I'd love to have you! Goodness, you're handsome," I said.

The Mabari got closer to me and whimpered. "Hmm, you'll need a name. How about Fen? It means Wolf in Elvhen?" I asked. When he barked happily I took that as a yes.

"I take it we're going to have another mangy beast following us about then?" Morrigan sneered.

"He's not mangy" Alistair and I replied at once.

Morrigan rolled her eyes as Aedan laughed and Alistair blushed.

I stood as Fen leaned into my side and reached into my magic pack, pulling out some bread and dried meat for him, as well as a black leather collar that had a bone shaped tag with his new name on it in Thedasian rune-script.

I also pulled out a hunk of cheese for Alistair since he had stood up for Fen. I didn't say a word as I handed it to him and he merely nodded his thanks.

We continued on our way, Aedan looking between Alistair and me – as though it was going to become a relationship. I damn near laughed, while he was my type when talking in terms of romance options for Dragon Age – light haired, warrior, strong sense of right/wrong/justice – I just didn't see myself with Alistair… I had someone else in mind. I knew he'd likely be king, since I planned to encourage that, and I was supposedly an Elf so even if I wanted to – and I didn't – I couldn't be queen.

"So, we should reach Lothering in about 3 day so I should tell you all now – I told you I know parts of the future when we were back at the hut. Well, it's more like possible futures. Some things seem to stay the same no matter what but others are dependent on choices… The reason I'm telling you this, is because when we enter Lothering there is gonna be a group of Bandits trying for money… you can Pay them the 10 silvers, but they'll demand more, you can kill them, or just beat them till they surrender but… they've robbed several people and if we weren't that strong they'd kill us just to get whatever we are carrying…" I explained.

Morrigans eyes darkened. I knew what she was thinking. She wanted them dead. Alistair looked stunned and Aedan looked like he was thinking.

"Now, I also know that I wouldn't believe someone could see the future without definitive proof. One other option we could try is this – Pay the 10 silvers to start and when the men demand more… well, then what?"

"If you're right and they demand more, we will… kill them. You've said that they'd kill us, if they could. I don't relish the thought of killing them, but if they won't turn over what they've taken from the others, and decide to fight, then they die," Aedan said somberly.

We all nodded. "Another thing; in Lothering, there are 2 people we can bring with us. They will be great companions, even if you won't think so at first… one is Ley Sister, Leliana… the other is… a Qunari; Sten of the Beresaad. He's locked up right now, but with Leliana talking to the Revered mother, we should be able to get the key. Talk with them first, if you wish. Aedan is our leader, I know that. I'm just telling you what I've seen," I shrugged. Aedan looked at me with a smirk. "If you're right about the Bandits, then I'll do my best to recruit both," he said.

"On that… I suggest we wait to recruit the Qunari until we are leaving Lothering. I'll explain more later on though."

That night as we were making Camp, Aedan approached me. "So… you and Alistair?" he asked.

I smiled softly, "Nope. I like him, I'd sleep with him, but I think it's not meant to be. He will tell you himself soon enough… but when you know his secret, you'll know why we could never be more than a fling… and being who he is, I doubt that would happen." I had set up my tent and bedroll before heading to the middle of camp and starting a fire. I pulled a pan, some eggs, and bacon out of my pack, still marveling at how it kept everything. Not only that, but the bacon was wrapped in paper rather than plastic, which was good since I didn't want to damage the environment if it got left behind.

"Where did you get all that?" Aedan asked. "Magic," I smirked, then when he obviously didn't believe me, "No, really. This bag of mine seems to have anything I need. Though otherwise it's empty. Not quite sure how. It was a gift."

He looked skeptical and I let him put his hand in the bag. "It's empty," He said. I reached in and pulled out a spatula and he jumped, reaching into the bag again. "Wow."

I cooked and then muttered only loud enough for Aedan to hear, "Never let Alistair cook; I don't care if he offers or if everyone else who can cook is dead or dying – just don't. It'll be a miracle that we survive to end the Blight with him cooking. He's better suited to killing things…" Aedan stared for a moment and nodded. "That, I will take you at your word. If his cooking is bad enough to be seen in your 'visions' it must be awful."

Alistair heard Aedans' words and shouted, "Hey! I'm not that bad… am I?"

I snorted, "Alistair, dear – you couldn't boil water without it burning the pot. If you ever attempt to cook, I wouldn't even let the wild animals eat it. Burning it may even make it edible."

Morrigan looked amused at that banter – she adored anything that bashed on the Templar. He sighed, "I suppose I'm just used to it then."

I shrugged, "Give me two weeks and I'll have you eating like a proper person. Here – I'll add cheese to our food."

He perked up, "Cheese? How did you know I have a love of fine cheese, anyway?"

"The very same way I know you have a minor obsession with your hair."

He actually laughed, "I've been meaning to ask you something, though."

"Ask away, my dear," I winked.

"Would you spar with me again? You really are quite good at it. I just don't understand how a mage got good at Hand Combat to begin with."

Morrigan looked interested in the answer too as she sat beside me. "Oh, I learned before my magic manifested. They're good for if I'm fighting a Templar, right? The weapons were mostly self-taught. I can use a Bow and do all the hunting stuff because I used to go camping for no other reason than I could."

"That's actually kind of nice – that you can do all that," Aedan said.

"Yes – I will be a great asset while we fight the Blight. I don't know how to use a sword or shield though… maybe you could teach me, Alistair?"

"Oh… well I mean… okay."

"What, just like that?" Morrigan asked.

"Was I supposed to say no?" he looked confused.

Aedan caught on, "No – you're supposed to bargain for it; like, you'll teach her that if she teaches you something."

I chuckled, "I have several lessons in my arsenal – love-making, perhaps?"

Alistair went redder than a tomato and shook his head, "I uh… I will have to pass on that. I was sort of raised not to take that sort of thing lightly and…"

"Oh… in that case, I will rescind the offer. I think that's very sweet. The woman you end up will be quite lucky."

He looked relieved and smiled, "Thank you. How about the form of martial arts you used back at the hut?"

"I can do that. It can take years to learn though. Are you sure you wouldn't like to learn how to cook without killing your consumers?"

He chuckled, "You know what? Sure – perhaps I could cook for the 'woman I end up with' one day."

I smiled, "That's the spirit! Right then, Dinner is ready."

Two days later, as we were approaching Lothering, I felt nervous. I had seen plenty of death, and not just in movies. I have an eidetic memory, meaning anything I hear, see, anything, I will remember it. I had a few various jobs, including nursing. On the other hand, I also had skills with blades and throwing weapons – my father had been terrified to let his daughters get hurt so we all had some form of defense skills; hence my martial arts abilities and such. But what I felt really prepared me for this, was my death: the smell of my flesh burning; the pain with no way to vent it. Pain makes you stronger; death makes you harder. But I was still a Wiccan.

I saw the bandits and I knew when Aedan caught sight of them too, because he looked at me in his peripheral.

"Wake up, gentlemen, more travelers to attend to."

"Uh… they don't look much like them other ones. Maybe we just let these ones pass?" the bald one said

"Highway men," Alistair spat, and then looked over at me. I knew he was recalling what I said as he suddenly gripped the hilt of his sword and discreetly reached for his shield. I was honestly glad that he believed me enough to prepare for it.

"A simple 10 silvers and you're on your way," The leader said with a sleazy grin. But as predicted when Aedan handed him the money he said "You came up with that a little too easy… let's make it another 10."

Alistair drew his sword, Morrigan pulled her staff and Aedan said, "How about you give over everything you've stolen so I can return it to the proper owners and I let you live," as he pulled his daggers.

"Well, I can't say I'm happy about this. Attack!" the leader shouted to his companions and a fight ensued.

Before the bandits could pull their weapons, they were all dead. I turned away. As I said, not the first time I'd seen death – even on earth, things could get bad – but that didn't make it any easier. Honestly it was a miracle I didn't throw up, but then it had always been difficult for me to do so. For some reason, even when I was sick, my body just refused to purge.

Alistair rubbed at my back when he saw how upset I was – I really was a bad Wiccan. I had personally killed one of these men.

"Are you okay?" he asked softly.

"I'm a Wiccan – do as ye will, but harm none. Oh, Goddess – forgive me this deed as I lay these men to rest."

A cool wind passed that only seemed to touch me. Alistair looked stunned, "You're opposed to killing? Your religion tells you not to harm anyone…"

I frantically began digging a hole as the winds around me continued. Morrigan watched with blatant interest. Alistair shook his head, "Do you have another shovel? I'll… I will help."

I nodded slowly and handed him one. Aedan and Morrigan watched.

"Why is the wind only affecting her?" Aedan asked. Morrigan shook her head. When the 6 holes were dug, I turned to drag the bodies. Aedan stopped me, "Alistair and I can do this part, Ara."

"No… I at least need to be the one to carry him." I said; pointing to the one I personally killed. Aedan nodded and moved to a different one.

Once all the men were buried and covered, I whispered a prayer, "Mother of us all, gather us in your arms. You, who know the grief of losing a loved one, send us comfort. Father and protector stand by our side. You, who know life and death, send us guidance. Journey on now, brothers; we will follow when we can. May you be born again at the same time and in the same place as those you knew and loved in this life; may you know them again and love them again."

"What kind of religion dictates you stand aside and die as others would harm you?" Morrigan asked with a small sneer.

I slowly got up from my knees, "It does not exactly ask that, Morrigan. But that I never fall prey to enjoying those I send to the afterlife. I harm not for the benefit of my greed, pride, wrath or envy. I harm not for desire to harm. I harm only to protect – but I pray for their souls after and lay them to rest. I will aid you through the Blight, but I will not enjoy the taking of lives no matter how many we take. Darkspawn are not living people so I will not feel this guilt for killing them; but elves, humans, dwarves and such? It would not be right to kill and not mourn that life; a life I took."

"You only killed the one – why lay them all to rest?" Aedan pointed out.

"To make amends," I whispered. Alistair asked, "And the wind?"

"The Goddess watches over us all. The elements are hers – perhaps it was my own control of my magic that summoned the wind, but I like to think it was the Goddess watching over me."

"For what it's worth… sorry for doubting you," I heard Aedan say as I stepped around the blood puddles. I shrugged, "I wouldn't have believed it without proof either."

Morrigan looked at me more disdainfully since my little outburst of needing to bury the dead – I had known she would, but there was no way I was going to give up my faith.

"Looks like I have people to recruit then," Aedan said.

"Remember, only Leliana for now – you can find her at the Tavern. Don't you dare belittle her for believing in her vision, either," I said.

"Having you in the group – how would I dare?" he asked drily. I opened my mouth before snapping it closed. It was a good point, actually. Alistair said, "You sound like you aren't following us?"

"I need to go see someone. I have a message to deliver. Also there is a family of 3 elves by the bridge… they were robbed by these 'highwaymen' and if you tell them that the thieves are dead they can come reclaim their stuff," I sighed. Alistair shook his head, "There are four people in our group – if we're going to split up, I think we should pair up."

"Oh… um… okay?" I asked.

Aedan nodded, "It's a good idea. I'll take Morrigan with me. Alistair, stay with Ara. What exactly should we be doing though?"

"Um… Well, take the Chantry Board missions – we need the money if we're going to buy things. There should only be one at the moment – driving off bandits. I uh… I won't be joining in that part. I just can't."

"Understandable," Alistair nodded.

Aedan shook his head, "What about our general recruitment plan – for after Lothering?"

"Fergus is still alive – he's being cared for at the moment so there isn't any need to go looking for him. I think the Circle is our first stop."

Alistair and I then split off from the group – Fen was following me.

I was mostly looking for Bethany and Leandra since I wasn't sure if Hawke was Garrett or Marian. Lothering was obviously much bigger than in the game, and I was in awe. It was a beautiful town; a shame it would be destroyed.

It took me a solid hour of searching – I gave health potions to Elder Miriam and traps to the one girl in the process – but of course when I saw him, I knew it was him. "Excuse me; are you Garrett Hawke, by chance?"

That's when I was slammed against a wall with a Dagger to my throat… I was in no rush to move in the first place, but wow he was… I was really enjoying his body against mine. "Who are you?"

"Wow, never imagined this," I said dryly. "I'm Arvaala, but you can call me Ara; and I bring news on your brother. Carver lives, and will join you soon, he was injured and needed to recoup a bit first."

Alistair had his sword pointed toward Hawke. "Let her go – now."

"Alistair, leave him be."

The dagger was pulled away. "Forgive me. I'm unused to strangers knowing my name. Yes, I am Garrett; though most simply call me Hawke… I guess I should have expected Carver was the one to send you since you called me that."

I smiled. He was about 6' tall with black hair and amber eyes. His skin was tanned and his beard was the style from the game. His voice was slightly deeper though. He had various weapons on him, including a polearm – or maybe it was a mage's staff… I couldn't tell, but I knew if he was here rather than with Carver he was a Mage… Rouge or Warrior Hawke would have been with Carver. "Well, if it helps, I'm a seer. My companions didn't believe it either," I smirked.

He motioned to us and I followed him happily. Alistair sheathed his sword but looked highly distrustful of the man.

Once we entered a building, Hawke turned on me and said, "Prove it."

I saw two women sitting at a table. Bethany was 5'7 with short black hair and bright blue eyes. Leandra was almost a carbon copy of her but older and with white hair.

I smiled, "Garrett Hawke, Brother to Carver and Bethany, son of Malcolm and Leandra… Uncle named Gamlen. Your sister is a Mage, as was your father, and you'll end up in Kirkwall soon. You wanted to go with your brother to fight in the Kings army, but didn't want to expose your status as a Mage; that was the only thing that kept you here. Be wary of Ogres, stay out of reach of their hands or someone will get squished. Most likely Carver – he's impulsive enough – but it could be Bethany, depends who is closer to your mother when you reach the Ogre, so keep her back. Just… keep an eye out, and tell Flemeth I'll see her again."

Alistair cursed, "You have a knack for finding apostates, don't you?"

I laughed, "I sort of am an apostate, Alistair."

"Wait. Say I believe you. Will I see you again?" he looked guarded. I thought about it. I could escape Ferelden after the blight with Anders… I nodded. "One day. Don't worry, Hawke. Everything will work out as it should." He nodded and let me go. "Did you… want anything for this information?"

I smirked and sarcastically said, "A hug?"

I wasn't expecting it when I was pulled into his arms. I stiffened at first, but relaxed. I would have blushed if I had any shame, but his arms around me felt nice, and he smelled like… rain and wood. "If I'd known you would actually do it, I would have said a kiss," I grinned up at him, causing a deep laugh as he ruffled my hair.

Alistair glared at the man for some reason. Bethany finally spoke, "Who's this, brother?"

"This is Ara, she brought news. Carver is alive," He said, and suddenly Bethany and Leandra were hugging me too. "Thank you," Leandra said softly.

"I had a twin sister, myself. I couldn't leave you to wonder," I shrugged. "Now I really must go."

"Why?" Hawke asked.

Alistair stepped in, "We need to secure rooms for the next few nights – we won't be in Lothering long, but we'd prefer a roof over tents."

Leandra beamed, "Carvers' bed is empty – and we have a guest bed and a couch. Is it just the two of you?"

"No – there are 4 of us and two hounds."

I heard the bark of another hound – a grey one. Hawke cleared his throat, "This is Soldier. He's been with me for the last two months. I rescued him from a bear attack in the woods."

Leandra said, "Don't mind that. We have enough room, you're group is welcome to stay with us. If two of you share a bed, no one will have to sleep on the floor."

I was amused, "You'd let us stay here?"

Hawke barked a laugh, "Well, why not? You just brought news about my little brother – I'd feel terrible kicking you out now."

Alistair coughed, "I uh…"

I elbowed him, "Don't even start that. You're not one anymore – you are a Grey Warden and Wardens' take help where they can."

Alistair pouted but nodded, "You're right."

Hawke asked, "What am I missing?"

"Alistair was raised to be a Templar. He isn't one. And if he has no problems with me being an apostate, he should have no problems with you."

"Oh… just promise not to turn us in," Hawke shrugged. He seemed to trust me.

"I'll even cook while we stay here," I added. Alistair caved, "You win, of course – your cooking is addictive."

I winked, "Hawke, want to come meet the others?"

"Sure – you don't mind that I'm armed, right?"

"You don't mind that we are, right?" Alistair shot back. Hawke laughed, "That's a fair point."

Leandra chuckled and Bethany said, "I'll stay with mother for now… don't take too long, brother."

Leliana was smiling as I approached. Her height was around 5'7. She had layered red hair and clear blue eyes. Her skin was pale and flawless as she sported a single dagger. I rolled my eyes and handed her the bow I made over the last few days. She gave me a confused look while Aedan smirked.

I grinned, "You're an archer; don't play with knives when you can strike a man dead at 200 paces with a stick, Leliana Nightingale. And there is no need to play the ditzy chantry sister in this group – we all know you're an Orlesian bard who left the life behind."

She gaped, "You had a vision too!" she whispered excitedly. I shrugged, "I know many things. It's what I'm here for."

Aedan shot me a smile, "You are so late – we've been waiting for an hour."

I shrugged, "I was securing a place to stay while we are here – Leliana can stay where she has for the past while, but the rest of us? I figured we didn't need to sleep on the ground!"

Hawke threw his arm over my shoulder, "She brought us news about my brother – he was at Ostagar."

Everyones' eyes zeroed in on his arm… it was enough to make me giggle, "Relax – Goddess, you'd think I was sleeping with Hawke with how you all look now."

Alistair snorted, "I doubt it – not with the way he greeted you when we first approached."

"Hey – maybe I like having pointy objects against my skin; you shouldn't judge," I winked.

He flushed again. Hawke laughed, "Do you sweetheart?"

"Don't know yet – never tried it."

Hawke grinned, "It could be arranged, but I never push, sweetheart."

Aedan lunged to pull me away from him.

I rolled my eyes, "Nah – I got my eye on someone else, Hawke – sorry."

"Not a problem – like I said, I never push."

"Is he going to be following us around too?" Morrigan asked with a scathing tone.

"Not at all; Hawke is a sweetheart, but he's a family man – he will be staying with his own family. They all plan to flee Lothering together when that time comes."

We all headed back to the Hawkes place. I headed right to the kitchen – it was already kind of late.

Leliana followed me, "I will help you."

I handed her a bunch of potatoes and a peeler, "You can peel the potatoes while I prep the beef patties."

She looked at the peeler in confusion, "What is this?"

"It… it's a vegetable peeler, Leliana. Here, like this." I showed her how to use it and her face lit up, "This is incredible."

I continued to make the hamburgers. Once I had them set to cooking, I began pulling out everything we needed for them – Mayo, mustard, ketchup, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, pickles and buns.

Once dinner was ready, I began serving as people picked what they wanted on theirs. I had cheese slices out too – cheddar, pepper-jack, provolone, and so on… Alistair took slices of each type.

I cleared my throat as I sat at the table – the last to sit, "So, rooming situations."

Leliana spoke sweetly, "I will rest back in my bed at the Chantry, of course – I simply wished to use this time to get to know you all better."

"I can take the couch; I'm sure I've slept in worse places," Alistair grinned. I thought for a moment, "Then Aedan and Morrigan can take the other two beds. I'll snag the floor if Hawke isn't nice enough to let me share with him."

Hawke laughed before anyone else could protest, "We can totally share, sweetheart."

Alistairs' face darkened, "Or I can take the floor and you can have the couch."

"But this way, there isn't any need for someone to sleep on the ground. It's just logic. Besides, I already told Hawke that I'm not interested – and he won't push for anything."

Aedan smirked, "Yeah – who do you have your eye on?"

"Alistair," I said without batting an eye. The man in question choked on his burger, causing Aedan to have to beat on his back. Leliana giggled, "You are rather forward."

"Uh-huh – I've been through too much to beat around the bush for no good reason."

"How long will you be in town?" Bethany asked.

I thought for a second, "Um… only tonight and tomorrow. Alistair and Aedan will be taking care of the Chantry Board missions while we're here. I hope to tell you what you need to know for when you flee Lothering due to the approaching Horde. We can talk about that more tomorrow though."

Aedan said, "Quick thing though – I thought you said you couldn't be with Alistair?"

Alistair looked confused, "She did?"

I stood, gathering my plate and moving to clean it, "I said that I think it isn't meant to be. I do like him, but there are forces at work that may keep us apart – a relationship might not be a good idea. Now, Hawke – if you could show me to your bedroom so I can get changed for the night?"

He stood swiftly and led me away. When we entered his room he looked amused, "Are you playing hard to get with that guy?"

"No – I uh… I can't seem to tell a lie. Why don't you go play host and show them where they'll be sleeping while I get dressed for bed?"

"Sure, sweetheart."