I'm still in the process of following an idea :) Bear with me ~
Thank you so much, PirateShipForever69 and Kurgs for beta'ed this for me, I know I'm horrible with verses =x
I've also been working with Ellie to revise the chapter, she've been helping me a lot in putting more description into the chapter, and helping me develop the characters! Because Isabella can never be naughty enough ;) Thanks, love.
Bioware/EA owns every, and I'm waiting eagerly for DA: Inquisitor to come out XD
"I'm still iffy about that dwarf." Bethany stated, turning her face to the sun, letting the wind run through her hair. It wasn't often they got to go out of town, and she was enjoying every little bit of clean air she got. Especially since there is nothing 'clean' about Lowtown anyway. "There has to be more to it than just 'get rid of the rogue Qunari' don't you think?"
Hawke shrugged but kept a careful eye on on the road ahead. The Wounded Coast wasn't known for being kind to the unwary. "Maybe, but right now money is money."
It didn't surprise anyone much when Hawke started getting letters from interested parties asked for her 'disposal services' - she used to work for a smuggler guild after all, and getting rid of competitors was what she was hired for; but this was the first time that she'd been asked to take on someone other than the odd ragtail human, elf or dwarf. Qunari were a whole other issue.
Truthfully, she took on this whole Qunari business to sate her own curiosity about them. About why they looked so different, about how they followed the Qun so resolutely and about why they never so much as tried to smile. Although the promise of coin was most certainly a bonus.
Growing up on the run, she was never able to make a lot of friends, not for lack of social skills or awkward encounters but simply because she was never in one place long enough to really connect with anyone. And after she left they rarely made any attempt to keep in contact with her.
Kirkwall was the first place that she found a sense of belonging, a purpose; the meetings with those whom she called friends now allowed for the new-found freedom. For the first time in her life, she was free to do what she want, to utilize her abilities and know that they have her back. Smiling fondly at her friends, she practically was skipping as they went further down Wounded Coast.
"You are in a good mood." Fenris stated, moving to keep pace with her.
"It's a beautiful day." She replied, ignoring the elf's smirk.
"Perhaps it's the chance to show off her skills." Varric commented, pulling on her sleeve to slow her down. "Sinkhole, Hawke."
Hawke nodded her gratitude, sidestepping the damp spot and continuing on her way - only to be interrupted by a voice up above.
"You endanger yourself, human. Do not say you're unwarned." The voice rumbled, scaring a small bird, and it flew off from its perch on the edge of the cliff above her. It sounded as if the voice was coming from a faraway place.
Hawke stop to look around, but did not see anyone, nor feel any malice. "The Maker himself?" She asked mockingly, raising her eyebrow. "I'm honored."
Fenris chuckled, and Bethany narrowed her eyes at her sister. "Do you take anything seriously, Sister?"
Varric laughs, ushering the group onward. "After all these months, I don't even wake Bianca for every threat anymore."
"Which just means we're into too many skirmishes." Bethany tsk'd, but follow her sister. "We need to watch ourselves."
"I wouldn't say skirmishes," Fenris smile a little, helping Hawke out. "Just target practice."
"You're a terrible influence." Bethany told the elf, rolling her eyes at the wink Hawke sent to him.
"But he's so pleasant to look at, I wouldn't mind." Hawke grinned, enjoying the moment of bickering. With Carver...gone, she missed having someone to argue just for the sake of arguing.
"Less flirting, more finding things to kill." Varric reminded them.
"And you said I'm bloodthirsty!"
"I'm only keeping Bianca happy-" His words was cut short as a figure stepped out from behind the rocks.
"No further, human!" The figure said, his ashen torso rippled with bulging muscles and he stepped out in front of the group, pointing further into the path. "Tal-Vashoth control these passages."
After a second of momentary surprise, Hawke whistled as she openly stared at the stranger. She had saw the ones down at the docks guarding their own area, but she didn't have a chance to look at one up close before. His metallic ash skin reflects the sunlight, giving him a silvery glow. His claws tightened into fists as he held his head high, cheekbones prominent in the sun's gaze; the claws on his hands seems to added to the fact that his race is distinctive and could be dangerous. And those horns! It was kind of cute and interesting at the same time.
"He doesn't look friendly." Bethany commented, her eyes flitted to the spear strapped across the Qunari's back. Its sharp edge glinted back at her.
"You did said they're straight forward, right?" Hawke asked Fenris out of the corner of her mouth, her attention still focus on the lone figure.
"The Fog Warriors, yes." Fenris answered, drawing on his memories. "But not every Qunari belong in such a tribe. The Fog Warriors are rebels, you do recall? This one, I'm not so sure. He wear no tribe outfit nor Qunari markings. I have not encountered any Tal-Vashoth, but I have heard of them. This might be trouble, Hawke."
"Business as usual, then." Varric sighed.
"I'm more than capable of meeting any threat." Hawke waved her hand dismissively.
"So I see." The Qunari said, eyeing the crescent blades across her back. "I expected to warn a caravan, not a well-equipped tracker."
Hawke crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes. He wanted to warn travelers off? So far, he had expressed no intention of attacking, and she had yet to detect any ill-intention from him. Actually, she couldn't read his face, there was no expression other than a blank one; however, his eyes were expressing concerns. For whom, exactly?
"So you wish to help unarmed adventurers?" She wondered aloud.
"The path ahead is littered with my kind." His granite face stayed just as impassive as before. Though, from the way the horns were shaped, it looked like he's frowning. "But if you are as skilled as you look, it would please me if you killed them."
Hawke gave Fenris a suspicious glance; stories and reality were not matching up, friendship and camaraderie was supposed to be important to the Qunari, yet this one isn't showing hesitation in asking her to kill his people. "You have turned your back on your kin?" She raised an eyebrow at him.
"They are no longer my kin." His words earned him a curious look from the whole group."They are wallowing in self-pity, bringing indiscipline and unorganized thoughts. That should not continue."
"What are you getting out of this?" Hawke asked cautiously.
"Are you, perhaps, trying to return to the way of the Qun?" Fenris added his own question.
"No, I left the Qun for a reason, but that reason is not greed. The others have lost their ways, I merely seek to minimize the damage they will cause."
"Tal-Vashoth means the 'Grey Ones'." Fenris explained to Hawke belatedly. "They abandoned their roles to seek their own path."
"And that path is leading to chaos." Hawke nodded her understanding.
"I have done what I came here to do. It is your decision to go further or turn back, human." And with that the Qunari left.
"We don't really have to engage them, do we?" Bethany worried. "That person was but one, and he looks capable of slaughtering us all. Imagine what a whole group of them can do."
"Sunshine, have you meet your own sister?" Varric chuckled.
"I'll have you know, I'm perfectly capable of being civilized to others." Hawke glowered.
"Your record says otherwise." Fenris muttered, just as they came across a group of Tal-Vashoth.
Spotting the humans, the Tal-Vashoth immediately took the offensive, their spears and swords aiming at the group.
"And my point has just been proven." Varric said as he pulled out Bianca.
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"Let me pass." Hawke grumbled to the guard outside of the Qunari's compound. "I have business with Javaris and your Arishok."
It's thrilling to finally satisfy her curiosity as to what is inside the compound; more so after the small battles with various groups of Tal-Vashoth on Wounded Coast. They were more than the average thug, and Hawke was happy to be able to take her skills up a notch. It would be more interesting if she could see how skilled these warriors truly were; unfortunately, it's considered bad business to duel with your own client. Especially before you get paid.
"The short mouth, yes." The Qunari guard grumbled back, opening the gate reluctantly. "Enter if you must, Basra."
"Basra?" She mouthed to Fenris.
"Lowly thing." Fenris explained, keeping his face blank, but she could see the mockery in his eyes. "Or a term for human."
"Such nice people." Hawke muttered under her breath, walking the short distance to where the dwarf was waiting.
"What took you so long? I've been here for hours." Javaris asked, but didn't bother to wait for the answer. "Summon your Arishok, we have a deal to negotiate."
Hawke sensed the Arishok's presence before she saw him. His powerful presence silencing all thoughts racing around her mind. Her fidgeting fingers stilled as soon as she saw his impressive figure seat itself on the throne.
Of all the Qunari she'd seen before, she'd noticed the barrel chest and sculpted muscles first, they were hard to miss. Qunari were huge to start with but this - Arishok - had at least a foot on any other around him. His frame was by far more impressive than any other Qunari she'd ever seen, adorned with richly dyed heavy armour and gold chains. Even his face held a powerful aura about it, stern and impenetrable shield with an unmovable gaze which lead to his horns, a by far more impressive show of prestige wrapped in gold bands. Hawke blinked twice, trying to appear nonchalant as she stared at him.
To be honest, his horns reminded her of the Witch of the Wild's hairstyle, but look more solid, masculine. Hm, I wonder if they knew each other, Hawke grin inwardly, her fingers itched to touch the horns to see if they are as hard and smooth as they looked.
"You're drooling, Hawke." Varric whispered.
Catching herself, Hawke tried to stop staring, but her eyes still lingering on him. His face held a serious expression, exuding the aura of a powerful fighter.
No wonder he's the leader.
His posture and manners - even as he sat still and looking down at the group - was manifested only in those that had years of crushing opposition with nothing more than his bare hands, his very aura showed that he did nothing but dominate.
Despite having the same painted design as every Kossith in the compound, he was the one that stood out; as if his clothing didn't already announce his prestige. Speaking of armors, those looks like it weighs a ton!
"Arishokost." Fenris stepped up to greet the leader of the Qunari army, surprising all of them. "Maaras shokra. Anaan esaam Qun."
"The Qun from an elf?" The Arishok spoke, and Hawke swear she could feel the deep rumbled of his voice deep under her skin. "The madness of this...place."
"A friend of yours?" Hawke asked, looking at Fenris from the corner of her eyes to see him shaking his head.
"I have heard of him, or of the Arishok, during my time in Seheron. I don't know for sure if it is the same man."
Hawke remained silent and watched avidly as Jaravis began to bargain with the Arishok, a smirk settled itself on her face more than once at the Qunari's blunter responses, completely obliterating the dwarf's little argument.
"Horn-headed oxman!" Javaris stormed off, and Hawke managed not to laugh at the dwarf's strange curses. Horn-headed oxman? Befitting, though, these horns looked more like dragonlings' - High Dragon in the case of the Arishok - than oxes. But still, given how stubborn these Qunari seemed to be, it's not too far off the mark.
"Why do you bother me, human? I hire no blades and need no goods." The Arishok asked when he noticed that Hawke had not follow the dwarf out.
"I'm curious about your reason to be here." Hawke said frankly, seeing no point in beating around the bush. "You closed off this area and have no other interactions with the people here - that I know of."
"Subtle, Hawke, very subtle." Varric mumbled, taking his place next to Bethany, whom had not spoken a word since entering the compound.
Hawke didn't bother replying to that comment, her sense of curiousity need to be satisfied. "And you have been here a long time. I thought your people don't really leave your homeland." Unless it is to take over other continents, Hawke thought, but did not voice it.
"If we could leave this festering, diseased of a city, we would have."
"What could be your reason to stay?"
"I am here to fulfill a duty of the Qun." He regarded her through silver eyes, the intensity made Hawke shudder. It was as if he was staring right into her soul. It wasn't a pleasant feeling, but not a bad one either.
"I can't imagine what that is."
"It is not something that Basra with no concept of honor can understand."
"Why don't you try me?" Hawke took a step forward, her eyes challenging. "I might surprise you." She didn't expect the level of open communication that the Arishok was giving her, and she intend to push, seeing where his boundaries are. It was not often she got to meet with capable opponent, and if the Arishok wanted to test her strength or endurance, she would gladly pitch her skills against the Qunari and see what else she was capable of.
"So you have, human." He said shortly, a small flicker of curiosity flashed through his expression, but soon disappeared and Hawke was left staring into the deep metallic pool of his eyes. "If you are as skilled as you claimed to be, why do you waste your talent in this pit of filth?"
"This city is not so bad." Hawke shrugged. "It provides opportunities to become better. Or worse."
"Better or worse?" The Arishok stood up, gesturing to the outside of the gate, the earrings clanking together at his movements. "In a mire like this, where greed and weakness run rampant. No order, no goal. How do you justify this as 'better or worse'?"
"Life is not always black and white-"
"It is only as complicated as pathetic weaklings make it out to be." He returned to his seat, ignoring her explanation, having already heard it from outsiders. "Glory is clear and defined. One cannot stray from their path without choosing to do so."
"You are disregarding emotions." She braced her hands on her hips. "In a good or bad situation, people have different reactions depending on what is currently going on."
"Outside influence is a poor excuse to use when one can't shoulder their own responsibilities." He leaned forward, his elbows on his thighs. "Loss of the self is the source of suffering. They brought it on themselves."
"Empathy-"
"Can be taken too far, and then it will only served to pacify someone who is incapable of taking care of themselves. It is a waste of time."
"Would you stop cutting me off?" Hawke growled, frustrated that she was not getting her point across. "It is rather callous of you to not care for others."
"We care for our own people, if they are deserving of it." He replied calmly, noticing her agitation. "You were able to fight off the Tal-Vashoth. Tell me, did they ever hesitate to strike when it counts?"
Hawke was silent for a moment, trying to understand his implication. "No." She answered slowly when she got his meaning.
"When you understand enough to take yourself and your life seriously, then you shall be assured to make the necessary choices." He stood up, signaling that the conversation is finished. "Go, human. You still have much to learn."
She nodded, turning to leave with her friends, but the message in her eyes was clear to him. So do you, Arishok.
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The next morning, she stepped into the Hanged Man, intending to see Varric and talk to him about the expedition. She found him near the bar, telling stories to anyone who would listen.
"And then Hawke stepped up and gave the Arishok a piece of her mind." Varric told the wide-eyed audience, drawing a gasp from them. Most of these people had not met the Arishok, but they had seen how intimidating the guards was, and so they imagined him to be taller than life and eating darkspawns for breakfast.
"The Arishok was interested to see such a brave young woman," Her dwarven friend continued. "And in the moment they stared into each other's eyes, no one else existed. Nothing else existed!"
Behind him, sitting with her back to him and the whole group, was Hawke. She made a noise in her throat, glad that they can't see her blush. This is not the first time he was telling this story, but every time it come to this part she couldn't help but blushed; it got better every time, but still.
Sure, she was fascinated by the Arishok, but her interest could not have been that obvious. Fine, it was obvious, but...Hawke sighed, unable to come up with a reason for her behavior.
Doesn't anyone else find horns appealing? No? Just me?
Bah!
"If it was not for the fact that they were angry at each other, one would have think our lovely Hawke liked the Arishok."
"Varric!" Hawke warned, leaning against his back, pushing him forward in his seat and laid her head on the top of his.
"The lady has spoken!" Varric chuckled, waving his hand at the group. The people left, and he turned his face toward her. "The lady doth protest too much, methinks."
"I just met him, for crying out loud." She sat up and finished her drink.
"That's what make it interesting to watch." He took the sit next to her with a smirk. "You even forgot we were there."
"He was being stubborn, what was I supposed to do?"
"Truly, Hawke, only you would want to argue with a giant." He shook his head. "Who had a small army of other giants at his beck and call, I might add."
"He wouldn't attack without reason." She clucked her tongue dismissively.
"Pardon me, we've been under attack too many times for me to believe we're ever safe." He pointed out. "Just walking across the street is a reason for people to attack you."
"I'm just that charming." She grinned.
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Hawke had stay for a little bit longer, chatting with Varric and making plans. It was way past afternoon before she left the tavern. All the preparations had been seen to, the only thing she was worrying about was leaving Mother behind by herself. It couldn't be helped, but Hawke knew her mother was on edge about her daughters going into the Deep Roads. They had time to come to grip with it, though Hawke supposed a mother's job is never done. Sighing, Hawke rubbed her temple, silently glad that everything was in place. The only thing left to do is say farewell to Mother and venture into the dark places fill with darkspawns.
I can't imagine anything more entertaining.
Deep in thought, Hawke almost ran into the two painted giants. Given their size, Hawke was surprised she didn't spot them out sooner, with the red streaks on their bodies.
"We've been looking for you, human." One of them said.
"Why?" She frowned, stopping in her tracks.
"The Arishok wishes to speak with you."
"Why?"
"Our task is to fetch you, not to question the Arishok."
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"You are going to the Deep Roads." The Arishok stated.
"That is the plan, yes." She replied, curious as to why he would summon her here. Does he want to know about the darkspawns? Par Vollen was far enough away that the Blight was not a problem. Though, if she is to be stranded in an unfamiliar place, she would also like to know the monsters that plague this land.
"This is pertaining to the Blight?"
"Fortunately, no. The Hero of Ferelden had vanquished the Blight."
"Yet you seek to find these...darkspawns? Do you intend to eliminate them all?"
"There is no end to them. I'm not actively seeking them out, I'm merely venturing into their territory looking for treasure."
"You want to put your life in danger for gold? Foolish task."
"The darkspawns have no need of it." She shrugged. The danger from that end was already understood. "Might as well claim it and put it to good use."
The Arishok did not say anything for a long while, staring at her, and Hawke had a feeling he is sizing her up. Her thoughts was confirmed when he dismissed her.
"Good bye, human. Let see if you survive."