Our Ghosts Are The Same

Dragon Age 2

Chapter 12: Teamwork

A/N: It took awhile to write this chapter. Mainly because I just bought Saints Row IV. It's surprising this got done at all, considering I need to study for the ASVAB.

"I'm going to kick your ass, Warden."

Aedan stared at Hawke, wondering how it had come to this so damn quickly. Usually he had to kill someone's father first before they swore vengeance against him. "You're rather blood thirsty, aren't you?" he said, stalling. He was so going to kick Ohgren later. On second thought, to the Void with that, he'd kick him now. "Look what you've done!" he hissed vehemently to the oblivious dwarf.

"Hey!" Hawke snapped her fingers in front of his face, causing him to grit his teeth in irritation. "Eyes up here. Sebastian, give me one of your gloves."

"If you slap me with that glove," Aedan threatened, "I will not hesitate to hit you back."

"That's sort of the point." Hawke rolled her eyes and tried unsuccessfully to steal one of Sebastian's archer gloves. The brother was being very uncooperative. "Maker, Sebastian, if I'm going to challenge a noble to a duel I need to do it right. I have to slap him in the face with a glove. Wow, saying that out loud I suddenly realize how girly that tradition is."

"I didn't come up with it," Aedan grumbled, eying her warily. "It's probably an Orleasian thing."

As Hawke wrestled Sebastian into a headlock, trying to get at one of his gloves, and Aedan was watching, unamused, at the spectacle in front of him, one of Kirkwall's citizens was trying to get their attention.

"Uh, Champion? May I have a moment of your time?" The commoner jumped up a few times as if that would help get Hawke to notice him. "Serah?"

"Just. A. Moment," Hawke huffed, still fighting with Sebastian who was protesting all the while. "I just need to get...holy shit, Sebastian, is that Andraste's face poking me or is it-"

Sebastian sputtered, his accent suddenly getting thicker, "You cannot harass a member of the Chantry in this manner!"

"That's not what Sister Bridgett said last night."

"HAWKE!"

Aedan rubbed his temples until the skin turned red. He quickly turned his back on Hawke and addressed the waiting Kirkwaller. "Do you have something you need to discuss with the Champion, ser?"

The man looked even more nervous having Aedan standing over him. He started stuttering and all Aedan caught was "my stupid ass of a son-in-law", "lost in the bloody Deep Roads", and "bring him back alive only if you have to".

Interesting. "I know I haven't introduced myself," Aedan began, already feeling himself relaxing at the thought of more work to be done, "but I'm a Grey Warden. I can handle this for you. No charge," he added, guessing the man's next question.

Hawke was suddenly paying attention. She dropped Sebastian in the dust and quickly marched over. "Hey! This is my job, Cousland. Shove off and go help your own people."

Aedan frowned. "My people? You're Ferelden, too."

"And we're back to the drama," Varric noted, writing some more scribbles down. "This is not as interesting as a fight would be but I'll throw in some pirates or something." And though Aedan was curious to see what he could be writing about, he refrained from literally stooping that low again.

Hawke tried to nudge Aedan out of her way. "Serah, don't worry. I'll take care of this. I've explored the Deep Roads dozens of times," she said pleasantly to the man in need, glaring at Aedan at the same time. Aedan was not going to be shoved aside so easily.

"Yeah, well, I practically live in the Deep Roads," he countered. "Your offer of help is appreciated, though unnecessary."

"You're unnecessary. You shouldn't even be here."

"Yet, here I am."

"Leave."

"And I aim to please. I will be leaving. For the Deep Roads. To find his son-in-law," Aedan stated, jerking a thumb back towards the commoner.

The Kirkwaller was lost now. "Um, I'm not sure what I should do here...but I think I'm going to go." He backed up a few steps. "Yeah. I'm out. I just want my daughter to stop crying."

Varric was scribbling so much that even Merrill and Sebastian, who were used to this sort of thing, moved away from him. Aedan and Hawke picked right back up in their bickering.

"As Commander of the Grey Wardens," Aedan listed his title off arrogantly, "I think this sort of task is better suited for-"

"I don't give a rat's ass who's better suited for it. I'm going. End of story."

"Oh, let's hope not," Varric muttered absentmindedly.

Aedan's brow furrowed. "I swear I have not understood a single damn thing that dwarf has said. Is he sane?"

"We're still looking into that."

"Look harder."

Hawke paused for a moment to watch Sebastian try to dust off his shiny, white armor. Aedan couldn't help noticing how stupid his armour choice was. He barely managed not to point it out. Maker, it seemed the Chantry liked to keep their protectors visible. White armour may be pretty, but smart? Not even a little. "Cousland", Hawke tried again, her voice turning softer. "If you get in my way I will kick you in your armoured balls. Understand?"

What in the Void did Eamon want this woman as a spy for? She was about as tactful as, well, as Ohgren. "What I understand, my lady, is that you fail to see logic. The Deep Roads is full of darkspawn and the taint. It's marginally safer for a Warden. And that small margin does make a difference."

"Ogres, genlocks, hurlocks, and emissaries. I've seen them. I know what they can do. What I can do." Hawke continued to argue her point.

He snorted, shaking his head. "If only those things were the only creatures down there. Please, give this up, Champion. You're family has already shown they are susceptible to the taint," he added and then his own eyes widened as he realized how that might sound to her. "I apologize. I shouldn't have brought that up."

Hawke looked away, dismissing it. "You're saying I'm unqualified? Yeah, well, your body count back in the foundry wasn't that impressive. Of course, there really isn't a way to make zero sound impressive."

"Those were civilians," he sneered, though he was glad they hadn't come to blows, yet. "I'd impress you more in the Deep Roads."

Then she brought up something Ohgren had mentioned. "I'm not your black haired apostate. Unlike her, I don't need you to impress me."

Oh, blast it. Aedan didn't know how he had gotten on the bad side of the Champion and her sex crazed dog (okay, he had some idea), but if she thought bringing up Morrigan was going to help any...

And impressing Morrigan had taken a lot of work. The woman could turn into a bear, for Andaste's sake. Topping that was really hard.

Literally.

Hawke had her hands on her hips. Aedan might not know her well but when his mother had adopted that stance she had always got her way. It looked like he'd have to compromise. "All right, Champion. I know when to admit defeat. We'll go to the Deep Roads together."

"Together?" she repeated. "I'm not going to hold your hand, Warden."

"I'm not asking you to." Aedan turned in a circle, searching for his dog. "Have you seen-MOIRA, YOU GET AWAY FROM THAT MUTT. NO! BAD GIRL!"

Hawke simply shrugged. "Told you it was your dog that was in heat."

"I don't want to hear it," Aedan snapped. "Just decide who you're bringing with you while I go grab my own team. We'll convene tomorrow."

"No problem. I'm sure my friends are all dying to go into the Deep Roads again."

Varric grinned at her. "You take us all to such nice places, Hawke."

"If you're lucky, maybe after we'll head to the Black Emporium."

"Oh, fun."

Before Aedan had left the Comte's mansion that morning he had placed Sienna and Cartier in charge of the child. So he was not surprised to find Carlin alone and underneath his bed. The little pup must have rolled under there while Sienna and Cartier were looking the other way. He'd have to make sure that those two never got a hold of his child...

No, don't think about that. Morrigan told you you wouldn't get to see him. Ever. She made that perfectly clear.

Well, that wasn't exactly true. He could have gone with her. But he hadn't. Instead he had chosen an occupation he had been forced into over her. Maker, that had been stupid. He could be traveling the continent with her rather than sitting in his office trying to find small ways to keep his men and women from dying a horrific and slow death.

His right hand went self-consciously to his left, searching his middle finger for the ring he used to wear there. He had started wearing Morrigan's ring on a chain, hidden underneath his shirt, after the Dalish elf that had helped him find Morrigan (along with Finn) had pointed out that he fidgeted with it a lot. Aedan remembering getting pissed at that. Not because she had noticed but because he hadn't noticed.

Why had Morrigan had even bothered giving him that ring he'd never know. She had yet to use it. Sometimes Aedan even suspected she only kept it to make sure he wasn't too close. She had plans, he had guessed that much, and he probably would only get in the way.

Damn it. What was it about Kirkwall that was bringing up these thoughts? He needed to end this little field trip of Eamon's. Whether or not he personally felt Hawke was a good candidate for Ferelden's blossoming spy network.

They'd talk business after the Deep Roads. If he could handle not insulting her dog, he'd invite her for drinks later and then they'd get this settled and done with.

And after that he'd get to go back on that bloody ship. Fantastic.

"So," Varric began ever so tactfully. Hawke caught on quickly and anticipated his question.

"Just because I didn't fight him then, doesn't mean it won't happen. We might have to settle for arm wrestling, though, instead of a duel. Such a shame."

"Okay, second question," Varric continued before she cut him off again.

"Who am I taking with me?" she smiled. "Well, I just couldn't go without you, Varric."

"No, you just couldn't."

"I can't go," Sebastian sighed. "Evidently I need to have a talk with Sister Bridget."

"Don't mention my dining room table if you know what's good for you, Sebastian," Hawke warned him, grinning gleefully as he hurried away. She could hear him reciting the Chant as he went. "And anyway, that leaves out Sebastian, Merrill's AWOL, Isabela hates the Deep Roads, Aveline doesn't like to leave her guards for that long..."

"That just leaves Blondie and Broody."

"My favorite combination."

"The Comte has a pretty impressive wine cellar," Cartier remarked, eying each bottle appreciatively. "I'm sure he won't notice if a few bottles go back to Ferelden with us."

Sienna tore the cork off one bottle, sipping at it's contents. She turned to her companion with a slight nod. "Hopefully that's soon. These templars make me nervous."

"Butterflies make you nervous. And you need to let that breathe."

"Have you ever looked at them closely? They're gross."

Cartier gave her a worried look. "The templars should have let you go outside more."

"They did. Until fucking Anders." She suddenly shook her head, picking up another bottle and reading the label. "Anyway, when do you think the Commander will do it? I mean, how long do we have to fucking be here?"

"Are you talking about the Commander's impending marriage? I honestly thought he would have made his intentions clear at the banquet, but for some reason he's stalling. Courting a woman is a tiresome affair. It takes time and more tact than I think the Commander is used to."

"Ah, maybe he just needs a little push."

"Maybe he needs us to stay out of it."

"I don't think...wait, I hear someone coming."

"Shit! We're not supposed to be down here. Hide!"

Cartier and Sienna ducked down behind one of the wine racks and waited as the sound of heavy footsteps came closer. There was a slight pause and they both held their breath, hoping to the Maker that this was a servant they could bribe into silence and not the Comte. Or worse, their commander.

"Oh, fuck. We're supposed to be watching the baby."

"Shut up!" Cartier hissed and then fell silent. Whoever was in the room was now close enough so that Cartier could see his boots and the bottom of his sword's sheath. Ah, damn that sword was familiar; the Commander was there with them.

Cartier winced as Cousland said without looking at either of them, "I know you two are down here. The servants ratted you out. I don't care what you're doing as long as it doesn't affect our work. And speaking of work, we head to the Deep Roads tomorrow at sunup." Sienna groaned audibly and smacked her head repeatedly against Cartier's shoulder. He quickly nudged her away. Perhaps they weren't going to be punished for sneaking about the Comte's mansion. The Commander continued, heading back towards the upstairs area, "Oh, and bring me up a bottle, hmm? I'm going to drink it while I watch YOU TWO RUN UP AND DOWN THE CHANTRY'S STAIRS FOR LEAVING THE CHILD. ARE YOU INSANE? WE STILL DON'T KNOW IF HE HAS THE TAINT AND YOU LET HIM ROLL UNDERNEATH MY BED? THAT'D BE A NICE SURPRISE FOR THE CHAMBERMAID. I WANT YOU UPSTAIRS IN TEN AND BE PREPARED TO SWEAT."

Cartier closed his eyes while Sienna muttered, "I told you we were forgetting something."

Aedan and his crew were waiting for her outside of Hightown. And they had been waiting there for hours. Hawke knew that because Aedan told her, "Where have you been? We've been waiting here for hours!"

Hawke simply held up a hand in response. "Whoa. I've only been awake for, like, five minutes. I think I slept walked here. Which is terrifying, considering I was leading everyone. Could have went right over a cliff and-"

"I sent you a message last night to meet us here at sunrise."

"And I never sent you a message back saying I agreed to wake up at that ungodly hour." Honestly, looking at who he brought with him, she was surprised Cousland had convinced them to wake up so early. It had probably involved kicking. Lots of kicking, especially in Ohgren's case.

His brow knitted together before smoothing over. He looked to her companions and then gestured to his own. "I have all wardens here with me today. I think we should let each other know our strengths and weaknesses before we go on."

"Whatever for?"

If it was possible the Warden looked even more irritated. "So that we may form a battle strategy."

Varric snorted and continued to laugh until Hawke kicked at him. "Hawke's battle strategy is to jut roll into battle like a great gravy pudding."

"Varric, I told you to stop describing me like that! And, Anders, stop hiding behind me for Andraste's sake! You're a grown man! Cousland's not that terrifying."

Cousland's head shot up in interest. "Anders?"

"Yeah, he's..." Hawke took a moment to yank Anders from behind her and thrust him in front of the warden. "Right here. Him and all his bloody feathers."

Anders kept his head down. "Uh, Hawke, you failed to mention that the Warden-Commander would be joining us today."

"Did I?"

"You complete jackass!" Cousland suddenly bellowed. "No good, disloyal-"

Hawke slammed the bottom of her staff onto the ground. "Hey! Don't talk to me like that, you-"

"I'm talking to Anders."

"Oh." She waved a hand in the air. "Then, carry on." Anders glared at her in silent protest.

Cousland ignored her and stomped over to Anders, fisting a hand in his loose robes. Anders was lighter than he remembered; Aedan accidentally pulled him too hard and they were suddenly nose to nose. A little closer than Aedan liked, but this way he wouldn't have to shout. "Anders, I need answers."

Varric tried to step in, though Fenris looked more than happy to let Aedan have his way. "Uh, Warden, could you back off a step? Blondie doesn't do well in close spaces."

Surprisingly Aedan seemed to acknowledge that. "My apologies, Anders. I had forgotten. But I do need to ask you something."

Once Aedan had released his collar and Anders's feet were touching the ground again, the mage seemed to relax. "It's...understandable, Commander. I expected you to be upset. But I think also that you expected me to leave."

"Well, yes," Aedan agreed easily. "But I did not expect you to leave without your bloody cat."

Anders brightened immensely. "Ser Pounce? How is he? How is my little bitty, cutie patootie-"

"Maker, stop that," Aedan pleaded, cringing at the pet names. "That damn cat follows me around the entire bloody Keep. And he keeps rubbing on my leg. Do you know how difficult it is to command an entire castle of men with a kitten purring around your boots? It's not easy. Not to mention I have to keep Moira from eating him every five minutes."

"That beast of yours better not-"

"Don't you threaten my dog," Aedan threatened him, but with no real weight to his words. He suddenly smiled and gripped Anders by his arm. "It's good to see you again, Anders and company."

"Justice is doing well," Anders lied. Varric, Fenris, and Hawke all snorted at the same time. "All right, he's not but Kirkwall isn't exactly stable."

"You're not exactly stable," Fenris muttered, catching Aedan's attention at once.

The Warden squinted at him curiously. "Don't I know you? Wait. Were you hiding in the kitchens during Hawke's banquet?"

Fenris seemed surprised that he had been heard. His expression turned wary. "How do you know that?"

"Because I was hiding in the kitchen during the banquet."

Now Hawke stared at Fenris. "You were at the banquet? Why didn't you tell me? I could have had you scare off Lord Cyril for me! Nothing I was doing was working."

Varric smirked at that in interest. "How's that going with Lord Fussy Pants, anyway?"

"Unfortunately he forgave me for running off into the night and keeps sending me invitations to that Chatty Hat place."

"Chateau Haine," Aedan corrected automatically. "I have heard it's a impressive castle, with an even more impressive grounds. Good hunting. Not to mention you'd be a duchess eventually." When Hawke simply stared at him, he shrugged, saying, "You could do worse is all I'm saying."

She laughed loudly, exposing her throat as her head dipped back. "I'd rather do worse."

"Don't blame you there," Aedan responded, quick to move on from the current conversation. "Now can we form a plan? I suggest that Warden Sienna stays close to Anders. Her specialty is barriers and shields so she'll keep our, ah, sorry, your healer unharmed. Ohgren and I'll take the front and Cartier can take up the rear. That way the darkspawn can't surprise us. I had heard that you've explored this part of the Deep Roads before. Do you have any idea where this man might have went?"

Hawke rocked back on her heels in thought. "He's a treasure hunter, but he's also alone. He'll avoid the darker paths. Look for anything shiny."

They searched the more obvious paths, searching for footprints in the cold rock and dust. Thet ran into darkspawn, sure, but the missing man was nowhere in sight. Ohgren suggested that he had been eaten. Or he had ran into a broodmother and offed himself right there.

The next group of darkspawn left them not unwounded. Cartier was used to having Sienna watching his back and had been struck down. He yet lived, but Aedan quickly forced a nasty tasting health potion down his throat and brought Anders over. Once Anders took over Aedan backed off and waited impatiently. Hawke quickly inched her way over to his side. "Now since we're in a dark cave with no witnesses, would you like to tell me why you're still in Kirkwall?"

"It's because," Cartier drawled, crossing his arms across his still bleeding chest. Healing potions always made him talkative. Anders smacked at him until Cartier moved his arms back to his sides so he could start knitting his skin back together again. Cartier repeated, wincing, "It's because he wants to marry you."

Aedan's face immediately turned crimson, not because he had been embarrassed by what Cartier said. It was more due to the fact that Hawke had slapped him across the face. She drew her hand back quickly and stuttered, "Uh, sorry. I thought he was going to end that sentence with "he wants to fuck you". I anticipated. That's on me."

The Warden slowly moved his gaze from Cartier to Hawke. He looked as if he couldn't decide on looking angry or confused so instead he went with this strange, horrified mixture. "I don't," he hissed, shooting Cartier another stern scowl, "want to marry you."

This time Hawke meant to slap him. "Why the fuck not? I'm brilliant!" She tried to ignore the sigh of relief from Anders or the way Fenris had just slowly unclenched his fists.

Aedan stepped away from her. "Maker, Hawke, stop that. I mean I don't not want to marry you, but that isn't why I'm here."

Sienna looked up from the rock she was sitting on. She was still in shock that Cartier had been the one to rat out the Commander. She probably shouldn't have let him drink half the Comte's wine cellar the night before. "Then you don't need to get married?"

Pinching his nose, Aedan looked up at the ceiling. "No, I do need to get married-"

"My condolences," Varric offered.

"Thanks. And I am here in Kirkwall because I have business with Hawke, but the two are not related. At all. And how do you know about that?"

"Eavesdropping spell," Cartier answered and Sienna smacked him again.

Aedan repeated in disbelief, "Eavesdropping spell? I'm going to kill both of you."

"Please don't."

"Why not? As the Champion just stated there are no witnesses here."

"It would be bad to murder someone in front of your blushing bride to be?"

"Not his bride! And I'm not blushing. I think Cousland is, though."

"Oh, that's hilarious," Aedan sneered in return. He was about to reprimand Cartier and Sienna some more, even though he didn't particularly care one way or the other that they knew about his future marriage. But a distant shriek distracted him.

No... It couldn't be. A dragon down here? And it sounded big.

This time the roar was loud enough that it caused the entire group to shut up and glance about themselves.

Okay, it was really big.

Hawke looked to him as he looked to her. She smiled warily and mouthed the word, "Dibs."

A/N: When Anders says in DA2 that he had to leave Ser Pounc-A-Lot with a friend in Amaranthine, I always assumed it was a reluctant Warden that he gave it to.