Chapter FIFTY-EIGHT
The following evening, Isabela arrived just as the sun was starting to set. She possessively swooped Tristan into her arms and all but ignored Aria and Fenris as they donned their battle accoutrements. Aria and Fenris kissed the child goodbye and hastened toward the Hanged Man. Isabela dismissed them with a limp-wristed wave and took Tristan out to the garden, Orana in tow.
"You'd better be careful, or the next relic that goes missing will be that baby," Varric said as they joined him in his room at the Hanged Man.
Aria shrugged. "I think she knows I'd kill her if anything happened to him."
Varric chuckled, then shuddered. "So, another warehouse."
"'Twould seem that way," Aria replied, accepting the mug of ale Varric slid across the table to her. She took a long draught. "Oh, I missed this."
"Welcome back to the dregs," Varric glibly stated, clinking his rim against the mug Fenris now held. They both drank deeply.
Anders appeared shortly after they had arrived and accepted his own tankard of ale. Fenris regarded him coolly but said nothing. Aria handed her letters to the Teyrn and the King to Varric for delivery, then laid out the details of the warehouse in question, having employed a couple of Varric's child spies earlier that day for the task. The building was similar to many of the Kirkwall seaside warehouses and boasted nothing in the way of a surprise. It was known as Smetty's Fish Guttery and was a thoroughfare for brigands, the Coterie, and slavers, as well as legitimate trades. Whatever they were looking for was in a crate from a recent shipment; 1023 was the lot attached to it.
"Are we talking real mercenaries, or wanna-be toadies who think they're hot shit because they bought a secondhand sword?" Varric asked at length.
"The information I received suggested it was relatively quiet," Aria replied with a shrug.
"Great," Anders said.
"Yep. Ambush," Fenris snarled, draining the last of his tankard. Norah came in and he asked for another.
"Maybe it's not," Aria wistfully stated, flagging Norah for another round as well. She took orders for Anders and Varric's next tankards, too.
"That's the kind of optimism that gets you dead, Birdie," Varric good-naturedly chided.
"One can always hope," Aria laughed.
They quickly downed their second rounds and set off for Smetty's. Aria wondered at how quiet the streets in Lowtown and the Docks had been as of late. It made her uneasy. Either the bandits had learned their lessons, or they had gotten smarter. Aria preferred the former, because if it was the latter, she could be in trouble.
As they entered the apparently abandoned warehouse, the scent of rotting fish flesh assailed their nostrils. Aria stifled a gag and Anders cleared his throat several times.
"We're searching a warehouse full of fish for one lousy crate?" Varric said, glaring dubiously at Aria. "The things I do for you, Hawke."
"Fish, fish, and more fish," Fenris said with obvious distaste. He quelled a dry heave, "Augh. Let's look for those crates."
Aria, Varric, and even Anders laughed at this and began searching crates for the invoice marked 1023. They searched everywhere in the large structure, the scent of fish guts mingling with the scent of decaying old wood was nauseating. After about the tenth lot, they found it, up one of the two sets of stair cases atop an alcove.
"Ah, here we go," Aria said as she spotted the numbers. Then she heard the pressure plate click under someone's foot. Varric's, Fenris's, Anders's... She couldn't tell. "And there goes our nice quiet little treasure hunt."
Aria snatched her trademark twin daggers from her back and smashed her face into the crook of her elbow as a putrid green gas began swirling about the crates. Varric pulled his scarf up over his face and Anders turned his head to bury his face into the fold of his robes.
"I told you this would be an ambush," Fenris admonished, mimicking her movements and dashing for the steps.
A group of mercenaries emerged from the plank that went into the water at the harbour's edge within the building. They had to have been hiding in the rowboats stored there, used for retrieving goods from the bigger ships in the harbour. It was a group of about twenty. They were well-armed and definitely knew how to use their swords. The brief battle that ensued was a thrill for Aria, and Fenris seemed to be enjoying himself, too. They looted the corpses after the fight, picking up a couple magical jewelry items, a nice little set of throwing knives, and some coin. They found a scroll with a map on it and an area just outside Kirkwall was marked.
"I'm surprised they sent so many men just to capture someone like Gamlen," Varric scoffed.
"I'm getting the sense of deja vu, here," Aria groused, passing the map to Fenris.
"So, they were to capture Gamlen and take him to the caverns? Sounds like the opening to a bad romance story," Anders chuckled.
"Yet they still insist on playing games. A slaver's holding called the Sink. I know of it," Fenris said, passing the map to Varric. "The best way there is through the Gallows, towards the Bone Pit. I know a tunnel."
"I know of it as well," Anders concluded. "Should be the most direct route."
"Shall we?" Varric chirped as Aria took the map from him.
She stuffed it into her pocket. "After you," she said with a bow to Varric.
The trek took a couple of hours, and by the time they reached the caverns, night had fallen completely. The Gallows had taken a sinister air and Aria was more than a little relieved to put them behind her. The caverns that comprised "The Sink" were deep, with high ceilings and interesting rock pillars throughout. It was surprisingly warm and dry inside, with pretty little outcroppings of what could have been gardens.
As they entered, they were assaulted by a host of the undead. They were felled easily enough; just strong enough to be a nuisance, but weak enough to be fun. Aria went about in glee, her muscles and nerve endings singing with the thrill of the fight. All too soon, the skeletons had been vanquished, and Aria was hungry for more.
"What, is that it?" she groused as Fenris felled the last.
"I bet if we keep going, we'll find more," Varric said with a waggling of his brows.
"Talk dirty to me," Aria chortled enthusiastically.
Anders and Varric laughed at this, though Fenris was not so amused. They continued into the cavern, assaulted by giant cave spiders, more undead, and then...
A rather busty young woman a few years Aria's junior.
"So, Gamlen couldn't even be bothered to come himself," she scoffed, walking up to Aria. Aria regarded her curiously, noting that she bore not a small resemblance to her sister, Bethany. "I should have expected he'd send you, cousin."
Aria damn near dropped her daggers. Varric doubled over in laughter. Anders and Fenris regarded Aria in shock.
"You have a cousin?" Anders asked, incredulously.
"I...have a cousin?" Aria echoed, regarding the woman in stark confusion.
"Gamlen never told you?" Aria's cousin said, hurt evident in her tone. "I... Of course he didn't. Why would he?" she continued, dejected and angry.
A man with strawberry blond hair, sturdy build, and of good height strode towards them then from the back of the caverns. His sideburns looked to be just starting to grow in, lending an awkward sense of depth to his face. "I hate to interrupt this touching little family reunion," he gruffly said, "But we have unfinished business here.
The woman turned towards him, her eyes wide with shock. "Veld? What are you doing here?"
Veld turned toward Aria, his demeanor taking on a menacing quality. "Mekel is dead. That bitch killed him!" he snarled, pointing an accusatory finger at Aria and company.
"What's a Mekel?" Aria asked in feigned confusion.
"My brother!" Veld spat. "Mekel was my brother, and you killed him!"
"That doesn't make sense!" the cousin intervened. "Mekel was just supposed to hand over the note."
"You really think we didn't read it?" Veld boomed. "We know about the gem, Charade. Hand it over. I won't let Mekel's death be for nothing."
"You let your brother go up against someone like Hawke for a stupid gem?" Charade fired back.
"Hang on, I'm still stuck on the fact that they can read," Aria quipped, flipping her dagger in the air. Varric thumbed one of Bianca's bolts, chuckling. Veld's eyes shot murderous darts at Aria.
"You know what?" Charade continued, as if Aria hadn't said anything, contempt sluicing her tone. "I did find the gem. But you're not getting your pathetic little hands on it, Veld."
"Fine. We'll do this the hard way, then," Veld spat, turning away from Charade.
On cue, the lackeys he'd brought who had stayed carefully just out of sight, poured in and ambushed them. Charade produced a beautiful long bow, which she seemed quite adept at using—as a bo staff. It was kind of sad, really. The fight was over in just a few minutes, Veld's goons handily dispatched. Aria felt a pang of sorrow when she saw Anders put down a Mabari hound the goons had employed.
"You're pretty useful in a fight. You don't take after Gamlen at all," Charade said as they all caught their breath following the brief skirmish.
"And I wouldn't have taken you for his daughter; knowing how to fight and all," Aria retorted, grasping the hand that Charade had extended in friendship.
"I guess I should take that as a compliment!" Charade exclaimed, motioning for them to follow. She led them a little ways toward the back of the cavern and continued. "My mother, Mara... She left Gamlen before I was born. He was so fixated on finding that stupid gem, I doubt he even noticed she was gone. She told me about Gamlen before she died last year. I didn't even know about him."
Aria winced at this. She knew what that was like. A pang of sorrow lanced through her as she thought of her own mother. She was silent a moment and realized Charade was waiting for her to say something.
"I'm... Sorry. That must have been hard," Aria finally responded.
"You told Veld you had the gem. Is that true?" Fenris interjected.
"Absolutely!" Charade said, smiling. "I found the gem. I managed to pull off what Gamlen couldn't," she haughtily beamed.
Aria chuckled at this. "Next time you want to talk to someone, maybe try knocking on their door first."
Charade's haughtiness turned into mockery. "Oh yes, that sounds brilliant!" she snidely retorted. "Just show up on his doorstep and just say 'Hi! I'm your daughter'! I doubt that would go over well." Her tone softened and she cast her eyes towards the ground. "I just wanted to see-" she looked up at Aria again, her expression earnest, "I don't know. How far he'd go for something he really wanted. And then he doesn't even show up." Her face soured again, pain evident in her tone, "I baited him with the one thing I thought would get his attention."
Aria couldn't believe it, but she was about to stick up for the weasel. "You know, I think in the wake of everything that happened when your mother left, he realized, albeit too late, what was really important. He didn't take your bait because the gem pretty much cost him everything, and it just wasn't worth it to him anymore. He does have some good qualities. You might be surprised."
Varric coughed at this and Fenris and Anders regarded Aria as if she had just grown a second head. Aria dismissed their looks with a wave of her hand.
"Really? What do you think I should do?" Charade gushed, ignoring the men.
"I think you should go talk to Gamlen. Does he even know about you?" Aria queried.
"I... I'm not sure," Charade replied.
"Maybe give him a chance before you write him off, eh?" Aria said with a wink.
Charade giggled at this. "I think I will. Having a cousin turned out to be a good thing. Maybe having a father will, too."
"You go on ahead. We're going to claim the spoils of war, and we'll be along after," Aria encouraged.
"Okay, cousin," Charade said, moving to hug Aria. Aria accepted the embrace warmly.
Charade departed and they set about to pillaging the corpses of Veld's band of merry men. Veld had a nice warhammer that would fetch a good price. Fenris carried it and Aria gave him the choice of pawning it or keeping it. The rest was divided up in quarters and they headed back for Lowtown.
It was a little after bar closing time when they reached Lowtown. Varric trucked off to the Hanged Man and Anders went back to the clinic. Fenris and Aria let themselves in at Gamlen's. Gamlen was seated at the table in the house's main room when they arrived. Charade stood beside him.
"You've got to realize this is all new to me," Gamlen was saying, his voice cautious but hopeful. He stood. "I didn't know Mara had a baby. If I had, I would have—I don't know—gone after her or something."
"She used to say I was so much like you, and I didn't even know who you were," Charade replied, tears misting her eyes. "I guess I wanted to see for myself. I need some time to think about all this but—if it's all right—I'd like to come back and talk more."
Gamlen seemed fit to burst. "I think I'd like that!" he gushed. Charade went to leave, but Gamlen stopped her. "Uh... Keep uh... Safe," he awkwardly but, if it was possible, adorably said. Charade smiled at him, lightly punching Aria's shoulder as she left the quaint little cottage.
"That went rather well," Aria quipped once Charade was gone.
The adorable factor that had been present before in Gamlen died completed. He sourly regarded Aria. "It was bloody awkward, that's what."
Aria passed on the chance to be a smart ass for once, and decided to take the gentle approach to her rather prickly uncle. "I was worried that she wouldn't come find you. I think you need each other."
Gamlen softened and he regarded Aria with something akin to love. "You know, I may not say this very often, but I'm glad you're one of the family. But seriously," prickly again, "Next time, stay out of my damned business, girl."
Aria threw her arms around him, hugged him, and kissed his cheek. "Don't count on it," she whispered next to his ear, then spun away. He glared at her and rubbed his cheek. Fenris chuckled as they made their retreat.
Back outside, Aria was not at all surprised to see Charade sitting on the steps leading away from Gamlen's. Tears threatened to fall from her eyes as she hastily stood. Aria regarded her quizzically.
"He's not the most emotive of men," Charade said, lifting her chin as though to roll the tears back into her eyes.
"Where are you staying? Do you live here in town?" Aria said, offering her hand to Charade. She hauled her cousin to her feet.
Charade swiped at her eyes, sniffled, and seemed to steel herself. "After mother died, I went after the gem. Now that I have it.." she trailed off.
"Well, the way I see it, you've got two choices," Aria said, motioning for Charade to follow her and Fenris. "I could set you up with a room at the Hanged Man—your drinks and room service would be free. Or, you could come back to my estate."
Charade's eyes widened. "Your estate?"
"Alright, I'll have Orana ready your room," Aria laughed, taking the arm Fenris offered.
"You don't have to—oh, that would be lovely!" Charade gushed, falling into step beside them. "Fenris is it?" she addressed the elven man.
"Yes," Fenris replied.
"How is it you came to meet my cousin?"
Aria laughed at this and regarded Fenris with an impish grin. "Oh go on. Tell her."
"It started with a series of notes," Fenris replied, the irony not lost on him.
Charade burst into laughter and took his other arm. He flinched slightly at the contact but she didn't notice. Aria kissed his cheek, and they continued on, Aria telling the tale of how Fenris had paid a dwarf to get Aria and company to run some errands for him. She gave Charade an extremely summarized version of their relationship up until just before Tristan was born—leaving out the bits about her miscarriage and downplaying the battle with the Arishok. Aria intentionally left out everything about Anders... She felt as though she had successfully closed that chapter of her life. At least for now.
"And now you have a son?" Charade asked as they walked into Hightown.
"Mmmhmm," Aria simply replied.
"What's he like?" her cousin pressed.
"He definitely favours his father," Aria proudly declared. Fenris's lips quirked up slightly on one side.
"I bet he's lovely. You're both so... So... Well I'd say beautiful, but I'm sure you get that a lot. You're practically royalty!"
Aria laughed nervously at this. "We don't want the responsibility. Sometimes staying alive is hard enough."
"Seems to me you enjoy a good fight," Charade chided.
"Oh, we do. Believe me, we do. It's just that anymore, it isn't just a good fight we get into. It's 'save the city from the horn-head invasion!' or 'Really, you should petition for a title!' or 'Keep the templars from completely overturning the balance of power'. Or... Ugh. We can't get Aveline out of here quickly enough," Aria said, more to Fenris.
"They're leaving the day after tomorrow. Wicked Grace is tomorrow night and apparently we're sending Donnic off in style," Fenris cryptically stated.
"I...don't want to know," Aria laughed. "The less I know, the better."
"Oh this...this is all just so wonderful," Charade said, finally releasing Fenris's arm to take in the Hightown scenery. "I never dreamed that I'd have family like you."
They went the rest of the way in companionable silence. When they arrived at the Amell-Hawke estate, Orana was still awake, awaiting their return. Aria asked her to ready the one of the guest chambers for Charade. Orana informed them that Isabela was asleep in one of the chambers and that Tristan was asleep in his pram in their room. Aria thanked her and they bade Charade and Orana good night. Aria went to the kitchen and prepared a bottle of rich goat's milk for Tristan, in case he woke when they entered their chambers.
Surely enough, the babe stirred upon hearing them come in, and Aria changed him into a fresh diaper before giving him the bottle. While Tristan fed, Fenris sat at the desk and read the day's mail, then took to penning in his journal. Aria put Tristan back down and he blessedly went back to sleep after she sang him a long, sweet lullaby.
She strode over to where Fenris sat, head bowed over the beautiful leather-bound book. She ran her fingers through his hair, her nails lightly scraping his scalp. He sat back and let his head loll against her abdomen, eyes closed.
Finally, she whispered, "Indulge me, lover."
"Always," he huskily whispered, standing and sweeping her into his arms.