.xi.
If it's not Templars, Anders will eat his pauldrons. This reeks of them, the cowardice of using his name to lure her out. He knows that they don't spend a great deal of time in the Undercity, thankfully, but for when they try to harass him and his establishment. They've been absent for months, now, probably devoting their time to torturing the poor souls being held captive in the Circle, or licking Meredith's boots.
Speaking to the poverty-stricken denizens brings no answers; none of them have seen Hawke, but they all speak well of her. She often gives freely to them. He stops by to talk to Tomwise, who hasn't seen her, but instructs him to tell Hawke to drop by when she reappears for her favorite- combustion grenades, on the house.
Normally, he wouldn't worry too terribly much, she does this often enough, getting into strange situations and tough spots. He imagines where her damn dog gets it, too. There was a morning after she'd been helping him in the clinic that they'd both collapsed out of exhaustion. She'd brought Galahad, and when they woke up in the morning, they found the hound perched several feet out on one of Kirkwall's massive chains that led from the outside of his clinic up into the city proper, sitting there as if he'd belonged. It had taken quite a while to get him down, and a little bit of force magic on Hawke's end, but they both sent the rest of the week wondering how'd managed to get out there. Thinking of all the little moments he's had with her makes the anxiety wrap tighter around his heart. If harm has come to her...
She is a distraction. Justice reminds him, voice bouncing around inside his head as he rounds a corner and quickly asks a group of tired, desperate looking refugees if they've seen her. They haven't. He moves on.
Perhaps it is better. You know what she would do if she-
'I did as you commanded, Justice. Please. Leave it be. I do not wish to dwell on it further.'
The spirit does not listen. You have worshiped her from afar while she has fawned over the elf that hates all she is, and stands for. It consumes you. You cannot focus on our true cause while this goes on.
'You've said as much before, many times.'
And you have not heeded my words.
'You cannot command me to stop caring for her.'
She is in obstacle in your path, making it impossible for you to focus wholly on what need be done. We are close now. This cannot be done in half measures. The fight-
A nearby group of citizens jump in surprise as he drives his fist into a wall.
'She is the reason why I fight! Every time I see another mage made Tranquil, or running from the Circle, I see her. I see Karl, I see Amell, I see the little girl we almost killed! But most of all I see her, and I can't- I couldn't-' There are no words. 'I could not live in a world where I allowed anything to happen to her. She gives me the will to fight, and then fights alongside me. All I have asked, and all you have asked of her as well, she has done. You would fault her for that?' Justice does not respond, and he cannot tell if the spirit is reconsidering his stance, or refusing to allow the debate. 'I have nothing besides the cause,' he continues, either way,' and her.'
Pushing away from the wall, he straightens his robes, and continues walking. Thankfully, Justice does not press the issue.
'Even if she doesn't love me.'
Author's Note: I've played Dragon Age II at least 5 times fully through and let me tell you, I can not resist the broody elf. I've tried so hard to romance all the others, I really have, especially Anders! He deserved better. One day I will be able to resist the elf... one day.
To Nezumi, Amylianna, MidnightCarnival, and Ariel Wild, I have I told you guys recently how awesome you are? No? Well now you know. And To the rest of you guys, you are too.
This one was a short one, but stay tuned, our favorite exiled prince will be making an appearance soon. And Hawke's mabari continues to get stuck in strange places. Excitement! Intrigue! Thousands of dollars in psychiatric bills! Until next time!