A/N
Got a bit carried away with the GOW3 Beta, and my Internet chose yesterday to randomly crap out, so sorry about that. This is my longest chapter so far. Anyways, I'm happy with how this one turned out.
Disclaimer: All DA characters are property of Bioware.
Merrill soon learned that Hawke made many interesting friends, the latest being Isabela, a pirate and former ship captain. Merrill found her fascinating to say the least. The way she walked, full of confidence and grace, was one of the many things about her that Merrill envied. She seemed to be quite friendly, and had taken it upon herself to refer to Merrill as 'Kitten.' She lived for the moment, going on thrilling adventures, bedding many men, and from what she had heard, women as well. Her blades were sharp, her wit sharper, and she was seemingly unable to be flustered, a trait that Merrill envied quite a bit.
They had first encountered her in the Hanged Man, where they witnessed Isabela single- handedly incapacitate several men, and sent them all away, losing what little dignity they might have possessed in the process. She introduced herself and asked Hawke for aid. With their help Isabela had been able to avoid getting ambush while getting rid of someone who was after her. She joined their group of misfits, and quickly befriended Merrill.
Seeing that Hawke and Varric were deep in conversation about the upcoming expedition, Merrill walked to the area of the bar that Isabella often frequented. Sure enough Isabela was there, gesturing for the bartender to serve another round.
Hearing Merrill's footsteps Isabela turned around to face Merrill and upon seeing her said, "Why, hello there Kitten! Been prowling around lately?" She added playfully.
"Oh no, not really," Merrill replied, slightly unsure how to respond. "I did manage to get here without ending up in some Darktown alley though!" Merrill said proudly.
"That's good, Kitten. We wouldn't want some dirty thug trying to get some 'alone time' in some dark alley with you," Isabela said jokingly. Merrill responded with an inquisitive glance. Isabela sighed, "Still don't get it, do you? My, my, what ever am I going to do with you Kitten?" Isabela said, chuckling. "Let's have some fun while you're here. Tell me, what do you think of Hawke, mmm," Isabela questioned, sounding as if she was asking someone what they might have thought of her favorite dish.
Merrill flushed, and then said, "He… seems very nice," Merrill said hastily.
"That we can agree on Kitten," Isabela said suggestively. "Imagine Kitten, Hawke, relieved of his shirt, sending roaring fire from his fingertips. Sweat dripping down his perfectly toned chest, breath labored from exertion. Then he turns toward you, giving you a smile that could make a whore blush, advancing on you, and then slowly, begins to take off-"
"Well hello there ladies!" Hawke suddenly interjected. Noticing Merrill was redder than he had ever seen her, he added, "Scarring Merrill for life I assume?"
"Of course not!" Isabela said, pretending to be insulted. "On the contrary, we were discussing some… local wildlife. Isn't that right Kitten?" Isabela said, winking at Merrill.
"Err… Yes! It was… very fascinating, I was just surprised is all, there were some… startling things that I didn't know," Merrill said awkwardly, and despite her best efforts, she failed to rid herself of a blush that had made itself permanent ever since Isabela had made her… descriptive depiction of Hawke.
Hawke eyed Isabela suspiciously, but did not inquire any further. "Sure… Anyways, would you two fancy joining Varric and I to hunt down a Warden that supposedly has maps into the Deep Roads?"
"So, let me get this straight," Isabela began, " We're going to track down one of the most dangerous people in Thedas, who 'supposedly' has maps that lead to a place full of blood- thirsty Darkspawn, for an expedition that might not even succeed?" She paused dramatically. "I'm game."
Merrill looked at her, surprised. It seemed to her that Isabela had stated every reason a person would not want to go, and yet, she accepted all the same.
"I met a couple of Grey Wardens once. I offered to bed the leader, a Dalish elf I believe, but apparently he was taken by this beautiful raven – haired woman traveling with them. Pity really, I would have done her too." Isabela said, remembering the incident in The Pearl back in Ferelden.
"Umm… Anyway, would you like to come as well Merrill?"
"Yes of course," Merrill answered quickly, remembering to ask Isabela about the Warden later.
"Well then I suggest you grab your last shot of whiskey," Hawke said, looking at Isabela, "I'll go get Varric, and then we'll be on our merry way," Hawke said, heading toward Varric's suite.
After doing some investigating in Lowtown, the search had led the group to Darktown. They had gathered that the Warden was actually an ex- Warden, and was a mage healer caring for Ferelden refugees. They entered a small sanctioned off area to witness the mage healing a small child. He finished then stumbled off, physically exhausted from the feeling. However, one could not tell this when he suddenly lunged for his staff and turned to face them.
"I have made this a place a sanctum of healing, why are you here, threatening it?" He said fiercely, taking a fighting stance. Noticing that they were obviously not templars, he relaxed slightly; however, he remained wary of the intruders.
"Whoa, no need to shoot lighting or anything, were not here to hurt anyone," Hawke said, waving his hands.
"Then why, may I ask, are you here," Anders said, narrowing his eyes.
"We heard that you might have some maps of the Deep Roads, we're planning an expedition down there and anything you might have could save lives," Hawke said.
Anders swore under his breath. "I'd do anything not to here of the blighted Deep Roads again. My time in the Wardens was enough. Bastards made me get rid of my cat," Anders muttered. "Although…" Anders began, appearing to reconsider. "A favor for a favor," Anders decided, "Does that sound fair?"
"Lets draw some boundaries here; I don't do anything with animals or children, I do have some sense of morals," Hawke said jokingly.
"Nothing of that nature fortunately," Anders chuckled. "I have a friend in the Circle that I was going to sneak out. Apparently the Templars caught wind of it. I need to get him from the Chantry tonight before something happens," Anders said, his tone urgent.
"The Chantry?" Isabela said disapprovingly, "Sounds boring."
Hawke ignored Isabela's comment, "I will help you, my sister was a mage," Hawke said, all traces of humor gone. Merrill became slightly concerned; she had rarely seen him like this, nearly all the time Hawke was cheerful joker, and levity came easily.
"Templars?" Anders asked his voice full of resentment as he said it.
"Darkspawn," Hawke said levelly, keeping the statement brief. It was clear he did not want to elaborate on the subject. The pieces suddenly came together in Merrill's mind; Hawke's sister had been slain.
Anders nodded, not prodding any further. "I appreciate this," Anders said, getting back to the task at hand. "Meet me at the Chantry at night."
Merrill looked at the Chantry, observing its nighttime appearance. Stars dotted the skies, a pillar of smoke rising from a fire burning behind the Chantry's symbol. The towering stairs leading to the building seemed more ominous, foreboding than usual. Suddenly noticing she was falling behind Hawke and the others, she rushed forward. Anders was waiting outside, being vigilant for any suspicious activity that could indicate the Templars were present.
Finding none, he said, "Haven't seen anything so far." Gesturing toward the door he added, "Just let me do the talking, watch for an ambush just in case."
Hawke nodded, and Anders led them inside. They advanced through the corridor into the main chamber, taking the stairs on the left. Reaching the top, they spotted their man, facing away from them.
'Something… seems off' Merrill thought, tightening her grip on her staff.
The man suddenly turned around, his eyes blank, emotionless. Merrill noticed something peculiar on his forehead; the mark of the Chantry.
"I knew you would come for me Anders. You were always the outspoken apostate," Karl said flatly.
"Why are you talking like that? No! You can't be!" Anders said, obviously distressed.
"You were too rebellious Anders, the Templars will show you how to get a hold on yourself," Karl said blankly. "This is the apostate!" He pointed at Anders, and several templars began to close in on the group.
"No!" Anders shouted, as a blue aura began to surround him. Suddenly an explosion of blue energy surrounded him, and his eyes opened, brilliantly glowing. Sending a huge ball of energy at the templars, Anders screamed, "You shall never take another mage as you took him!" his voice inhuman.
Most of the templars were instantly killed, and Merrill stood shocked at the terrible display of power, as Anders quickly slaughtered the rest. The energy suddenly faded from Anders, and he turned to face Karl.
Karl's face suddenly regained emotion and he blurted out, "Anders!" Looking at Anders, Karl desperately said, "Anders I don't know what you did to bring me back, but its fading! Please kill me!" The poor man was begging at this point.
"Anders, this won't make it easier but, I would rather die than become Tranquil, give him peace," Hawke said.
Anders nodded sadly and he turned to face Karl whose face had returned to it previous emotionless state. Karl look confused when faced at Anders's somber expression, when suddenly Anders removed a knife from his robes. He looked at it regretfully for a moment, then knowing what he needed to do, quickly stabbed his old friend.
"I'm sorry Karl…" Anders said sadly. "Let's just get out of here," he sighed.
Merrill felt sorry for Anders; she knew what it was like to lose a good friend. 'Just like I lost Mahariel' Merrill thought sadly. 'But now I have Hawke, and the others too' Merrill thought, dismissing the unhappy memory of Mahariel being taken to join the Wardens, joining Hawke and the others as they made their way out of the Chantry.
As promised, Anders gave Hawke the maps after that night, and now Varric and Hawke were further discussing the expedition back at the Hanged Man. Finally having the maps and necessary funds, it seemed everything was in order. Merrill now watched as they discussed how they were going to convince Bartrand with these two items.
Seeming satisfied Hawke came over to the bar area, where Isabela had spent the better part of several hours trying to explain to Merrill that the Brothel was not a soup kitchen. To say the least, Merrill now understood why there were several scantily clad women traipsing about giving sultry glances to all who entered. Hawke arrived greeting both the women.
"At it again I see," Hawke said, noticing Merrill's expression. Isabela shrugged looking at Hawke innocently, and Hawke shook his head in response. "Well, Varric and I have agreed on the people coming with us," He looked at Merrill, "You and Carver will be coming with us." Excitement began to fill Merrill; she had expected Hawke might take someone else. Despite the dangers that no doubt were present, Merrill couldn't help but be curious about the Deep Roads. 'Who knows? Maybe I'll find something for the Eluvian' She thought excitedly. "I'd love to go Hawke," Merrill said smiling, not caring if she sounder overeager.
"Don't worry about me being heartbroken or anything, I'm not a fan of enclosed spaces unless someone else is in it with me, close," Isabela said, her eyebrows raised.
Hawke shook his head once more although a smile graced his face, before continuing, "Anyway, we'll be leaving tomorrow from Hightown. The others and I will get you from the Alienage beforehand," Hawke said.
Merrill watched as Hawke went to Varric to relay the news, curiosity filling her as she wondered about the impending expedition.
A/N
Please R&R! Next time, the Deep Roads!