I couldn't believe it. One minute I was in my clinic doing what I had done every day since I arrived in Kirkwall, and the next minute she had come and turned my world upside down. She had come in looking for maps of the Deep Roads, which I had from some strange reason, happened to keep. I told her about Karl and how by helping me I would give her the maps, and to my surprise she had agreed to help. She had even seemed sympathetic about the plight of the mages when we had the opportunity to chat before she left until our arranged meeting time. After she had left I had time to marvel in the strange situation I now found myself in. Justice certainly didn't agree with my thoughts on the woman, he disliked anything that caused complex human emotion, which he didn't seem to understand. And he certainly couldn't understand my fascination with a complete stranger. She had walked through the door and it was like the sun had appeared in Darktown. She had eyes the color of fire, and hair like snow, it was an odd combination but one that would stick in my mind for as long as I live. I passed the time tending to patients and working about the clinic, thinking of Karl and this woman, Hawke was her name...a strong name, fit her perfectly. I found myself shaking my head, astounded at how one pretty face could turn me on end in a matter of minutes. I had resigned myself to the fact that I would be living a lonely life, Justice being my only companion, but there was something about her. I tried to push it to the back of my mind, focusing on the tasks at hand, and trying to will the day to ebb faster. When the time finally came I gathered my staff and a few necessary supplies just in case and set out for Hightown and the Chantry. The streets were pretty empty, so it gave me the opportunity to think. Something I had found myself doing a lot of so far today. I thought about Karl, how much he had really meant to me. We had been close for awhile, but now he was a very good friend. One of the only friends I had left, save for Justice. And now he was in danger, and it was all my fault. I was really hoping this Hawke woman would come through. I had to get Karl out of here safely, I didn't know what I would do with myself if he was hurt. He had put himself in danger to get information to me about our fellow mages, and look where it got him. Justice stirred uncomfortably in the back of my mind, unsettled by the waves of emotion running through my head. He tended to become uncomfortable when I relived old memories, especially personal ones. He was slowly beginning to learn how emotions work, but he was still having a hard time understanding them. I waited outside the Chantry in the shadows for what seemed like forever. There were few people on the street so it was easy to spot Hawke and her troupe when they entered the courtyard. She had the same people with her that had been with her when she came to my clinic earlier. They stopped in the middle of the courtyard, looking around. I stepped out of the shadows and waved them over. I told them what I knew, and we gathered ourselves and headed inside. What we found, was not what I had expected...I had expected to go in, rescue Karl, and find him somewhere he would be safe. Instead, I found Karl...tranquil. The Templars had found out, attacked us, and I had put Karl out of his misery. Justice was furious. We cut down the Templars that did this. Hawke and her team joined us, she urged me to help Karl; to put him out of his misery. I resented her at the time. But she was right, living tranquil was no way to live at all. The thought made Justice cringe, to be disconnected from the fade; and empty shell. It was a horrible way to live. We left the Chantry before someone came by and discovered what happened. I could tell that Hawke's companions were uncomfortable, Justice tended to have that effect on people. Hawke on the other hand just had this curious look on her face. I turned and bolted before anyone could ask questions. Justice was questioning why I had fled, I ignored him. He wouldn't understand my fear, my apprehension. I only stopped when I reached the clinic. That's where she found me, pacing, trying to get my thoughts in order. She was calm, calmer than I would have expected for someone who had just seen me and Justice at our finest. She leaned against one of the pillars while I explained, asking questions about Justice and I. Justice seemed uncomfortable about her questioning, but something about her prompted me to explain. She listened, and seemed intrigued, not disgusted as I had previously thought she would be. I gave her the maps as promised, as well as offering my help whenever she needed, much to Justice's distaste; and to my surprise she invited me to join them at the Hanged Man. In the back of my mind I really wanted to join, but Justice disapproved, so I declined. We said our goodevenings and she left shutting the clinic door behind her. I stood there staring at the door after she left, debating with Justice and myself. He was unhappy with how much I had told her, seeing as she was a complete stranger; but I felt she could be trusted. Her sister was a mage after all, an apostate mage at that. I wouldn't think that she would willingly expose her sister to the possibility of being caught just to turn me in. Against Justice's better judgment I decided that I would rather spend the evening with Hawke and her companions that alone in my clinic. So I headed off. I found them at a table in the back, they we're easy to spot being the loudest and strangest bunch of people in the pub. I made my way over, a little unsure of myself now that I was actually here, but the minute Hawke saw me she waved me over and had everyone scoot to make room. Introductions were made and everyone easily fell back into conversation. A few of her companions made me a bit nervous, especially the elf, but they seemed harmless enough. I declined offers of drink, comfortable to just be around people for once who didn't expect anything from me, or need my help. Soon I found myself in conversation with Hawke. She asked me about the Wardens, and life in the circle. I was even surprised to learn of her sympathy for the mages and their plight. But the entire time, all I could think about was her. She was such an intriguing and beautiful woman. Dangerous, but obviously compassionate. The way she spoke when she was talking about protection people, her face lit up. While we were talking I realized how close we had become to one another, both leaning in to speak when we were particularly engrossed in the subject. She seemed to have realized it too and jerked back, standing up quickly. She was flushed and made a quick excuse about not feeling well, and excused herself. She spoke to Varric and quickly exited the bar. Half the table looked at me like I was the worst kind of person, and had obviously done something wrong to scare her off. I honestly had no idea what had just happened, so I excused myself and headed back to the clinic to call it a night.

I was surprised when she showed up at the clinic the next day. I had honestly thought that night would be the last night I would see her. She apologized for exiting so quickly and we fell into easy conversation. She even gave me a hand around the clinic. Helping me clean up, mix potions, cut bandages, etc. She was an easy going person, but very deadly;and I could tell she was very strong willed in her morals. She erred on the side of morally right, fighting for the underdog. Which was bad for me, because it only made her more appealing. I was being drawn to her like a moth to flame, and that was a bad thing. I could only hope that I had the will to hold back.