This chapter was long in coming, and I do apologize, because real life is such a busy place. And the battle with the Arishok in the game is a pain in the behind!
My thanks goes to Kira, for she had be a wonderful help.
Ellie, I'm going to start owning you my first novel, or something xD You are too wonderful, dearie!
Bioware/EA owns everything =x My weird Hawke is mine.
"Brought low by a ship?" Varric teased as he placed a hot water pouch on her stomach. "I thought you're stronger than that, Hawke."
"I hate ships!" Hawke groaned, laying motionless on Varric's bed, trying to ignore the nauseous feeling in her stomach; though the dizziness doesn't help.
After she left the compound, Hawke had crashed onto the ground, all her bravado vanished when the adrenaline was drained from her. Fenris had slung an arm around her and half-carried her to Varric's suite; it was a closer solution than her house, which reminded her of how she ended up here.
"Mother must be frantic." She moaned, momentarily distracted by the thought of Leandra. "Is she alright?! Was she hurt? I swear, if they hurt her…." She growled. "I'll revive them and kill them again!"
"She's fine." Fenris assured her.
"Your mother is a smart woman, Hawke." Varric told her, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "She knew she couldn't fight, so she send Bodahn to us, and told Sandal to follow you."
"Hmm." Hawke relaxed back on the bed, musing over the memories of Sandal's...'help'. "Huh, I did wondered why he was there."
"I'm not sure if it's a good or bad thing that the people around you are...strange."
"And you amongst them." Hawke huffed.
During their banters, Anders stepped into the room, ignoring Fenris' automatic glare. His eyes roved over her face. "Any injuries?" He asked.
"My bedpost." Hawke muttered, her voice was strained. "Sleeping spell."
"So, you're not harmed then?" The state of her clothes bespoke of her fights, but the blood had already dried; and from the smirking expression on Varric's face, Anders deduced that the blood wasn't hers.
"No, but someone here doesn't have any sea legs." The dwarf said, dodging the pillow Hawke threw at him.
Hawke glared at the dwarf, preparing to throw another pillow at him, but Anders stopped her, feeling a little concern. He ran a glowing hand over her form, checking for wound or internal damage, and was relieved that she is indeed healthy as she could be. He smiled down at her, brushing her hair back from her face, his fingers skim over the bruise on her cheek, healing it before laying his hand on her forehead.
Hawke closed her eyes, glad to feel the headache began to recede; and when she blinked her eyes open, she found that her vision are clearer, and the nausea was almost gone.
"Now, what happened? Isabela said that you might need help, but you don't." He paused, searching for answers on her face, and scowled when Hawke grinned innocently up at him. "And where have you been? The whole city was searching for you!"
"Kidnapped." Varric answered for her. "Where is Rivaini, anyway? I would have thought she would love to hear Hawke's adventure."
A lilting, sing-song voice answered him. "Missed me already?" The pirate in question sauntered in, a lumbering black dog following closely behind her. The Mabari sniffed the air, then headed toward Hawke's direction. Anders had to move aside to make way for the big dog, who bounced excitedly straight toward the bed, pawing at its foot.
"Marble!" Hawke grinned weakly, and the dog took it as a cue to jump onto the bed, licking at her hands. His eyes did a swept over her like Anders did, and when the mabari looked at her, he seems to be asking how she is. "You're not hurt, that's good." Hawke took a deep breath and pulled herself into a sitting position, still clutching the hot pouch; she smiled when Marble laid his big head on her lap and a big paw across her knees, effectively showing his affection.
"I went and got Anders." The pirate explained. "Knowing you and your inability to stay safe, I thought you might need him. Oh, and the dog is a morale boost!"
"Did I tell you that I love you?" Hawke laughs, still feeling a little woozy, but ignored it in favor of her friends.
"You can show me later." Isabela winked, but her face quickly fell into seriousness. "Now, where did you go? The whole city-"
"Was looking for me?" Hawke sighed. "So many people involved in this, I'm not sure if it's a good thing or bad."
"Bad." Isabella scowled. "Definitely bad."
"Even the nobles think you're in danger." Varric agreed.
"No doubt they're looking for another reason to dislike the Qunari." Fenris scoffed.
"Like they don't have enough reason." Hawke jeered, but looked thoughtful. "This could potentially break the fragile peace we have."
If Hawke did not look over to her friends for their opinions, she would have missed the complicated expression on Isabella's face. As it were, Isabella seemed to be thinking of something, but she turned her expression to a sly grin when she saw Hawke's gaze on her.
"Something you want to share?" Hawke wondered, trying to figure out why that look bothered her. So far, most of her friends had expressed their concerns regarding her involvement with the Qunari; Isabella was the only one who had not said anything about it, and tried her best to avoid the topic whenever it came up. Hawke had chalk it up to Isabella being neutral about it - just like her neutrality about the Mage/Templar conflict, but not teasing Hawke about her preoccupation with tall, muscular men was strange.
Isabella not comparing the giants' equipment to their 'equipment' was as out of character as the sun not rising in the east.
"Oh, there are so many things I want to share." Isabella wiggled her eyebrows, ignoring the real question.
"Isabella!" Hawke frowned, then remembered something the Arishok said. She turned toward Fenris. "Fenris, you know the Qun best out of all of us. Would you say gossiping is their forte?"
"That depends." He said, taking a seat, already figuring that this probably will be a long conversation. "The Fog Warriors I knew did talk between each other, something along the line of who is getting better in their swordsmanship, and who can run the longest. They would also place friendly bets to show their support for their family."
"That's closer to what we do here than to the Qunari," Varric commented, plunking himself down on a chair at the other side of the long table. "You haven't known them for more than a year, you have time to reconsider being their, eh, friends."
"She will have to fight them for them to consider her such." Fenris chuckled. "I just think that the Arishok is being indulgent, because so few are willing to learn about the Qun."
"They couldn't be looking for converts, could they?" Hawke blinked at the elf.
He shook his head. "What they want is to enlighten people, not convert them. The Qun is not a religion."
"The books did mention that, but they do treat it with a reverence normally associated with religions." She pointed out, and Marble barked his approval. "See? Marble understands. You're such a smart boy! Yes you are!" Hawke ruffled his ears, then scratched the underside of his jaw. The mabari seemingly grinned, letting his tongue loll outside of his mouth. Hawke took both of the dog's paws in her hands, miming dancing movements; Marble flops over onto his back, kicking his feet and wagging his tail.
"Really, Hawke, I'm starting to think you don't like anything that isn't six feet tall." Isabella snickered.
Now we're talking. Hawke grinned. "There's Varric."
"I don't count, Chuckles, and you know it." The dwarf grinned back.
"Damn, I just got turned down by a person half my height."
"I'm sure your ego will manage." Fenris half smiled.
"Someone has to take you down a notch now and then, Hawke." Varric chimed in. "Keep you humble."
Hawke calmly picked up another pillow and raised it over her head.
xxxxxxxxx
After an hour, when the others have left and only Varric remained, Hawke sighed, staring into space. "The Arishok told me to keep an eye on my friends."
At her feet, Marble let out a long breath, as if he shared her feelings.
"Did he say more?" Varric asked.
"Just that not all of our companions are trustworthy."
"Hawke, if everyone is trustworthy, then we wouldn't be having problems." Varric swirled the wine in his glass with a waiting expression.
"That's what I told the Arishok." Hawke mulled. "I wonder what he was thinking about."
"Please tell me you didn't ask to let you pick his brain." The dwarf stared at her.
"I had to change the subject."
"Right." Varric smile, enjoying the muted frustration on her face. "Did he agreed to teach you the Qun?"
"No, he sent me to the artisans and a healer." She told him, quoting the Arishok directly. "Or, he did, before my unwilling trip to the sea."
"Are you planning on taking him seriously?"
She pretended to think over it, but her pondering expression did not last long before it turned into a grin. "Do you have to ask? I wouldn't exactly trust you people not to cheat at cards, but with my life? Implicitly."
"Now you're making me blush." He chuckles. "Hmm, artisans...I'm having trouble picturing the giants sewing clothes. Hammering sword and crafting those spears? Sure. I rather thought they would have the peasants do lesser tasks."
"They're not uppity, if that's what you mean."
"Think about it, Hawke. I don't even know if they can use a sewing needles with those claws."
"Well, I guess there are only one way to find out." She grinned, her eyes positively sparkled at the image of the giants patiently stitching fabrics together. Not to mention, she have seen several items that were superior in quality than normal market wares; and that was just in the small sitting area of the compound. No doubt I will be able to see more now that I can interact with them more frequently. "That brings me back the point. His words does bother me. If it was anyone else, I might not take much notice, but Arishok doesn't strike me as the type to lie."
Varric grunted his agreement. "I'm just as disturbed as you are. We all keep secrets, but if it has something to do with the Qunari….." He scratched his chin, staring into the empty space. "I'll do a little digging, to see why he would be concerned with our bunch of misfits."
"I would appreciate it." Hawke said, settling herself into a comfortable position. Anders had helped with the headache, but a dull pain still remained, though it did not stop her thoughts from racing across various memories, picking out what she might have missed before. "What is so important that it took one of the three leaders of the Qunari to chase it down?"
"That's a question for Broody."
"Argh, if only the Arishok would just come out and say what it is he's looking for." She flopped against the pillows, and Marble whined as the bouncing movement displaces his head on her feet.
"Now, now, do watch your blood pressure." He smiled. "With how disliked the Qunari is, I'm thinking the Arishok is keeping it quiet as to not have others on the same trail as him. You know how the Qunari can take silent treatment to a higher level."
"So he was being cautious." She pondered. "I would have done the same, I supposed. No doubt people would love to get their hands on something that the Qunari valued-"
Hawke's head snapped up, and she stared across the room into Varric's understanding gaze. "You've got to be kidding me. Would she dare to?"
Varric doesn't even have to ask who this 'she' Hawke is talking about. He had been remembering the first meetings with every member of their odd groups, and arrived at the same thought as Hawke did. "She would."
"How-?" Hawke ran a hand through her hair, mumbling under her breath while images of their meeting made an appearance. Bella, asking for help to get rid of her 'stalker'; Bella mourning the loss of her wrecked ship; Bella plotting to build another ship, to make a better sea-worthy ship - a ship that could withstand any attack. Bella, looking for an item that would means life or death for her. Bella, avoiding going with her when the giants are mentioned. Why didn't I added these things up before? "Why would she?"
"Rivaini likes danger, you should know this already."
"Against the Qunari dreadnoughts?" Hawke made a face. "That's not dangerous, that's suicidal!"
"Says the woman who argued with the Arishok."
"I was friendly." She stressed the word, then covered her face with both hands. "Oh, Maker. A friend of mine stole something of his people, and I just waded in and acted like I am on their side."
"At least he's not cutting any of us down."
"Yet." Hawke chewed on her lower lip, thinking that her interactions with the Arishok would be awkward from this point on. He didn't even bother to let me know. "Both of them knew, and neither said anything to me."
"What do you intend to do now?"
"Isabella and I are going to have a very long talk, then we'll see how much attachment the Arishok felt about that relic of his."
"Uh, Hawke..." Hawke's calm voice was in contrast with her furious expression, and Varric wondered if it would be wise to let her near the aforementioned friends. Though, Rivaini did deserved to be maimed. Hawke is tolerant of most things, and she doesn't mind her friends having secret; but this was big, and to have the potential of making her choosing sides? Hawke is right to be mad.
Still, it is his role to keep the peace in the group.
"Don't worry, Varric, I won't kill either of them."
"Which is why I'm telling you to go easy on Rivaini. She hates being lectured as it is."
"She'll have to deal with it." She growled, dragging herself out of bed. She was unsteady on her feet, and had to closed her eyes against the burst of dizziness. Damn the ship!
"Now, now, Hawke." The dwarf moved to stop her lest she fell flat on her face "Let's think this through before you two destroy my tavern."
Feeling Varric's hands on her back and forearm, Hawke opened her eyes to look at the dwarf. This was the first time he referred to the Hanged Man as something that belonged to him. After taking his share from the expedition, he had discreetly purchased the Hanged Man, still keeping the staffs and pretended he is just another tenant there. "Now? Now you decide to bring up your ownership rights?" She crossed her arms, looking decidedly more grumpier than she was. "I can pay for any damage."
"You're being a hothead, Hawke." Varric explained, also crossing his arms. "And it's not a matter of money. I'm asking you to think it through before going to Rivaini, lest you do something you'll regret later. Both of you."
"It's been two years, Varric. In all that time, she could have said something!"
"And what would you have done? And don't tell me you still wouldn't befriend the Qunari, I won't believe it. You would have gone in there regardless of whether Rivaini told you the truth or not."
"But it would have been different!"
"How?"
Hawke stared at Varric's stubborn expression, her jaw working furiously, trying to think of something that would be sufficient. "Dammit, Varric." She hissed at him, frustrated that the dwarf knew her better than she knew herself. "I'm angry."
"I know." Varric smiled gently, patting her arm.
"I have to vent it, otherwise your tavern is the least of your worries." She threatened.
"I know." The dwarf repeated. "But you can't talk to her until you calm down a little."
Hawke clenched her fists, getting more irritated. Logically, Varric is making sense, and she understood that he's trying to prevent a rift between her and the pirate. Right now, however, her feelings cannot be pacified by the logic, and she wanted to throw things or fight someone that can goes a few rounds. Isabella is out of the picture - for now, so there's only one other person, and that person is as guilty as Isabella, if not more.
"Fine." She narrowed her eyes and picked up her weapons from the table. "Have it your way, but I will see Isabella later."
"Dammit, Hawke!" Varric sighed. "He's even worse."
"Exactly." She curled her lips, heading out the room with purposeful strides.
xxxxxxxxxx
Usually, every time Hawke stepped out of a building, it meant an open invitation to thugs who want her coin, her life, or just to test their strength against hers; however, on the path toward the compound, no one bothered Hawke. Not even a shadow. Even the happy merchants who knew her did not call out to her. Her face clearly said 'mess with me, and die thrice over'. If she wasn't so intent on bashing a certain warlord to the wall, she would have appreciated the rare respite.
She made it to the gate of the compound without encountering a single thug, yet her anger continues to grow. It did not help that the Karasaad actually holding out a hand, barring her access.
"Step aside." She glared.
"You shall not be allow to wreck havoc, Bas."
"Step. Aside."
Karasaad stares down at her, silently assessing her intentions. She is poised to fight, but had made no move to attack him, so he gathered that she was not here on the behalf of the Basra in the city. That only leave one conclusion. "You are here for the Arishok."
"Geez, and here I thought Qunari frown on mind-reading."
"It is your funeral." The Karasaad said in an uncharacteristic display of humor, but it was at the wrong moment, and she did not appreciated the hint that her skills were not up to par against the Arishok.
Hawke frowned as she passed through the gate, the Qunari's faith in their leader's fighting prowess is a little bit much. Which is the more reason I should put him in his place, Hawke thought dryly. She had no doubt that the Arishok is an accomplished fighter, but she was also confident in her abilities. Besides, she'd been itching to have a fight with him, and this would be as good reason as any.
Her anger drove her on, and Hawke cut straight to the path leading into the compound, looking this way and that, trying to locate the Arishok. The Qunari soldiers were sending her curious glances, but they did not stop her foray into their territory; neither did they help her, even though it was apparent to all as to whom she was looking for.
She had went through three different areas, each seems to be used for various purposes. One was stacks of crates - Maker knows how these Qunari gotten their supplies despite keeping to themselves most of the time. She had walked past those, and smelled the fragrance of herbs; from the smell, she could guessed they were the hard-to-get herbs from the rocky cliffs of Wounded Coast, a small part of her brain filed that fact for later use, making a mental note to ask the Arishok how his soldiers secured those.
The second area was where she found out that the compound was not completely closed off like she thought. There was fences, sure, but part of this area opened up to the better view of the Waking Sea. The smell of the salty water brought up the memory of the ship incident earlier, so she kept clear of the edge, and quickly moving to another area.
At the third area, Hawke's anger had cooled down a bit; not just because she was distracted by all the items, similar faces with slightly different expressions - heavy emphasis on slightly, but because she's surprised that the Qunari had let her wander this far in without stopping her, or even inquire her purpose of being here. However, she seems to have gotten more attention from them, since the area she's in was full of giants brandishing weapons, though not aiming at her.
Upon having at least a dozen pairs of eyes on her, Hawke sank to one hip and crossed her arms. "A little help here would be appreciate." She said, looking from one frowning face to another. "If anyone could be so kind as to point me toward your leader, I would be most grateful."
"Stow your tone, Basra!" A female voice with heavy accent said behind Hawke.
She turned, staring into the golden eyes of a frowning, female Qunari. The new arrival was approximately her height, with copper-tone skin, and the curves! The female Qunari put Isabella's assets to shame; dressing in similar trousers that the male Qunari wore, but from the belt up, all she has was two wide bands of fabric, crossing an X in her front, and barely served to hold her breasts in place. Unlike the male Qunari, she was devoid of the red markings; though, as if to make up for that, her hair was parted to two sides, and braided with red cloth strips.
What is it with the Qunari and the color red? Hawke mused. "And if I don't?" She leaned her head to one side, smirking, her anger once again momentarily forgotten.
"Why are you here?" The woman look at Hawke with disdain. "The Arishok is occupied-"
"Hawke." A deep voice rumbled nearby, drawing their attention to a big figure walking toward them.
"Arishok." The female greeted with a smile.
Hawke raised her eyebrow at the leader of the giants. "I did not know you have women in the camp." She told the Arishok in place of greeting.
"Asaalok." The Arishok nodded at the female before gesturing to Hawke. ["She is the one seeking to learn."]
Hawke rolled her eyes at being ignored, but she surmises that he was talking about her by the way the female Qunari sighed and look toward her. She looked Hawke up and down, then turned back to the Arishok with a skeptical expression.
["She does not look strong."] The healer stated.
["Looks can be deceiving, as you should know."] The Arishok replied. ["Teach her as much as you can."]
["As you wish, Arishok."] The female sighed again. ["But perhaps not today, as I need to sort out the new shipment of herbs."]
The Arishok nodded, and the female turned to leave, completely ignoring Hawke.
Hawke followed the female's exit with her eyes, then look toward the Arishok with the question plainly on her face.
"She is our healer." The Arishok explained.
"The only one?"
"We do not bring women to the battlefield, but a healer is necessary."
"So you've been hiding her?" She snickered. "That is taking 'overprotective' to a whole new perspective."
"We do not hide her. She simply just does not make her present known to outsiders."
"Speaking of outsiders," Hawke growled, remembering the reason of her being here. "You lied to me."
The Arishok stared at the human, assessing the meaning of her words. "You wade in here seeking something, I had thought you came for your lessons; yet it seems you're angry about something, and now you're throwing accusation without proof. Explain yourself."
"You lied by omission, Arishok." She glared. "You welcomed me into the compound offering to teach me the way of the Qun, then accused my friends of being untrue; all the while not telling me that the relic you're searching for was stolen by one of my friends. Why did you not come out and say it in the first place?" She asked, each of her words was as harsh as her expression.
"You were blinded by your loyalty to them." He replied calmly, seemingly unworried about her anger. Rather, he acted as if he was expecting her fury.
"But I would have understood!" Hawke clenched her hands. "And I offered to help looking for the relic! Not to mention, it would have save us all from this tension."
"Would you really understand?" He asked, his expression did not waver, but his eyes was hard. "If stranger told you that your friend stole something from them, would you believe him? As for the tension, the Basra fear us."
"I seem to recall the Qunari have a history of invading lands, it is natural they should be weary of you." She rolled her shoulder, not ready to let him change the subject. "Whether or not you think I would understand, the truth still would have changed the current stalemate. You said that you despise the people of Kirkwall for not being honest, but that's exactly what you're doing!"
"The relic held value to no one else but us, do you think divulging the real reason we are here would be helpful in recovering it?"
"I offered to help!"
"It did not concern you."
"Seeing that you and your men were hunting Isabella and followed her here, I'd say it does concern me." She marched up to him with angry steps, stopping at just a foot away from him, her expression challenging. "You and her both had put me in the position of a fool, keeping me in the dark while planning to kill each other, and you think it doesn't concerned me? What was you going to do? Have your men hunt her down behind my back? Get rid of her when I was not paying attention? Do you think I would simply let it be?"
"You would go this far to protect a thief?" His silver eyes bored down into hers, his lips curling back into a snarl.
"I am not protecting a thief, I am protecting a friend." She let out a breath. "And I am here, once again, to offer my help to you. Also, as a friend."
"You think to hide her?" He asked after a pause, a little surprised at her words. "You would take her side?"
"I am not taking anyone's side!" She growled with exasperation. For an intelligent man, the Arishok was fixating on entirely the wrong problem. "I am simply here to prevent unnecessary injuries. I refuse to take her side, as well as yours. Both of you had decided to keep me out of the loop before, I am angry about it. However, I want to fix the problem before it escalating to something else. Something that would involves either of you pitching against each other."
"You already knew the reason why we're here, and you did knew the characteristics of your 'friend'; it is your refusal to see the truth that prevented you to connect the facts." He grunted.
"I thought it's something different." She sighed, still angry, yet he does make sense - as much as she hate to admit it. "I can see that I should have see it, but I would have thought you would not hide something like this."
"Your anger is clouding your judgment, Hawke." The Arishok said, gesturing with his head toward the left of him. "We shall settle this physically, then perhaps you would be calm enough to see reason."
Without waiting for her, he left. She followed him, past the half walls, and found herself in another open area, where a group of Qunari were watching two men trying their best to throw each other around.
"Hmm, this place is so much bigger than I thought it would be." She muttered, still walking with the Arishok.
He spared her a glance, but said nothing as he joined the observers. The two that was sparring soon finished with their duel; as soon as they left, the Arishok stepped forward into the ring. His soldiers already made way for them, and stood at the edges of the arena to watch. The weapons were already in his hands when he nodded at her, signaling the start of their match.
A grin lit up Hawke's face as she palmed her weapons.
The two of them rushed toward each other; strength and force versus stealth and agility. He swung at her without hesitation, his axe already invading her space before she can get close; in turn, she ducked, following the movement of the blade and keep going forward, coming up behind him.
Before he could turn, she already had her feet on his shoulders, her hands gripping his horns and used her weight to pull him backward. He lost his balance, and as he fall, she pushed herself away. His body hit the ground with the force of a bronto, shaking the rocks nearby and raising the dust around him; her landing was much quieter, and she crouched, waiting for him to get up again.
Just as she predicted, he rolled over and pushed himself up with a roar, his axe and sword flying at her at a faster rate than before. He's adjusting, Hawke snickers, doing nothing more than simply dodging his attacks. His swing was wide, the sharp edges of his weapons threatening to cleave anything in their path, never mind their size that made her daggers look like sewing needles. She did not mind that, for attacking hard and fast and withdrew at the same speed was her tactic against bigger opponents.
"Do you intend to fight?" He growled at her, guessing her strategy. "Or are you testing my endurance?"
"It's not my fault you can't land a hit on me." She returned, enjoying the annoyed look he send her. Physically, he is stronger than her, but that doesn't mean he automatically win. The first lesson she had learned was to use the opponent's own strength against them. It made for effective fighting that way, and less exertion on her part; not to mention that she is very competitive, and winning a match matter to her, especially one against the Arishok.
He huffed out a breath and charged straight for her like the oxman that he is.
She braced herself; due to his size, he would knock her clear off the ground if she was to take the hit, and both of them know it - which was the reason why her weapons are pointed toward him, ready to do some damage. Three feet before they were to collide, he lifted his weapon, hammering it downward. If Hawke didn't have the fast reflexes that came from years of escaping death, her life would have ended there. The momentum granted his strikes twice the strength, and she would have been nothing more than a pool of blood on the ground.
When she entered into this match with the Arishok, she was serious about seeing how far he'll take it.
Apparently, he was even more serious about pushing her to use her skills. Would he really kill me? She wondered, but the situation called for all her attention.
In a blink of an eye, Hawke rolled forward, slamming her own body against him, at the same time her foot hook behind his knee and pulled it forward. He went down, and she went with him, barely have time to use his body as a cushion. Still, her chin hit his sternum on the way down, and she almost bit her tongue.
"Looks like I win." She grinned, starring smugly into his eyes as she quickly adjusted her position. One knee on the ground, one knee pushing against his diagram, with both her blades pressing against the sides of his neck.
"Wrong, Hawke. You merely gained a moment's advantage." Despite laying flat on the ground, he still managed to sneered down his nose at her. Before she could rolled her eyes, he grabbed the back of her neck and threw her away from him, not caring that the action resulted in two long cuts running from the sides of his neck to his collarbones from her blades.
"Omph!" She grunted as she landed on her side, then jumped back onto her feet. She was surprised, and a little winded, but it didn't stop the grin spreading across her face. "I drew first blood." Hawke said smugly, ignoring the throbbing at the back of her neck. The cuts were not deep, and it barely missed his jugular veins, but it could have been fatal wound.
"It is minor, and victory is not assured." He told her, seemingly oblivious to the cuts and the blood running down his neck. "If you are not ready to take the match serious, do not waste my time."
Hawke narrowed her eyes at the rigid Qunari leader, registering the slight annoyance in his eyes. She drew in a long breath, and slowly let it out as she considering what he's thinking of. He understood that she was angry, and had said to clear her head by physical venting it; but this match is not simply a test of strength, for he seems to want her to take it 'seriously', to the point of drawing blood.
"Very well." She stared up into the silver of his eyes, determination in her gaze. She did not understand his methods, nor the real purpose of this fight; but if he wanted to truly fight her, then so be it.
xxxxxxxxxx
They beaten each other black and blue. There is no other explanation that would described the state of their fight. Already she had added more injuries to the cuts, but this time she employed blunt forces in addition to her speed against him instead of risking fatal wounds. Adaptation is one of her best skills, and she utilized it well. Her strength might not matched up with his, but she did the best she can to deliver blows repeatedly to his chest, shoulders, arms, his lower back, and she even managed to punched him across the face thrice.
In turn, he was throwing her around like a sack of potatoes. Every time he make a strike, the impact made an imprint on the ground, and before long the arena had look like a plowed field. She was able to dodge about one third of his attacks, though, he was quicker to deliver the next strike. Like her, he avoided fatal hits, but his attacks was still lethal, and his timely strategic moves spoke of how dangerous he is.
There is a nagging voice at the back of her mind telling her that he would not hesitate to kill her, given the right reason; she tuned it out, and put all her focus on the match. The two of them were at each other for hours. Her energy had sustained her for a while, and then her fixation on winning had kept her going. Her whole body is still feeling the rattles of his previous attacks, and her legs is aching from all the quick running and turning she had subjected them to; yet she still clutched her weapons tight, ready to fight. Though unsure of her victory, and the fact that she's almost wearing out but the Arishok is only slightly breathing harder than normal, she refused to give in.
Across from her, the Arishok is ready to continue with another attack. He observed her with critical eyes, taking in the slight tremble of her limbs, the sweat running down her face, and that look in her eyes. All his life he was trained for war, to eliminate the enemy. He had faced many foes - mindless beasts and sentient beings alike, he had saw how corruption runs deep in humans, dwarves, and elves - those unenlightened. They were dangerous in their ignorance, willing to wreak chaos in their worlds for personal gain, uncaring for the damages they left behind. He had thought there could not be anything of interest, and had concentrated on his duty to the Qun. He met her, and considered her to be like the others; but as time passed, he found that was a wrong assumption. She proved her ability to change her life, and her beliefs - though naïve - were honorable. She has potential, he concluded, advancing toward her, his weapons at the ready.
Her persistence was rather praiseworthy, but he could tell that the fight is wearing on her. The fight went on for another hour or so, and for every blow he made, she countered it by two fast attacks. His grip on his weapons tighten, his mind planning the next attack, the next possible hits, and arrived at the thought that the weapons are slowing them down. He strike at her, pausing when her determined eyes met his under the clash of their blades.
He is done with testing her endurance. So far she had maintained her speed and able to keep up with him, it is time to see how fast she can think. He allowed a small smile before bearing down on her with his weapons, enjoying the brief moment of surprised on her features when she realized that he is now showing his full strength.
"What, planning to squish me to death?" She grunted, trying her best to not caved in under the weight but not successful.
He did not answer, continuing to watch as she rapidly losing ground. Her fists slowly loosen around her weapon as she is now more concerned about pushing back against the crushing pressure. She glared at him as she was forced down and down. Tenacious thing, he thought, noticing that only one of her knees are on the ground; and even as his blades inches closer to her head, her gaze did not falter. Rather, her stare revealed more determination.
Hawke bit her lower lip, thoughts racing through her mind as to what she can do to move from this spot without being flatten like soft dough. The Arishok is unrelenting, and soon she will not be able to hold on. He continues, bending down as her butts touch the sand, then came down to one knee and kept pressing downward. She shifted her body out from underneath the pressure, pushing her arms forward in front of her and redirected the force of his strength to the ground between them.
"Yield." He demanded.
"Never." She sneered.
He growled, pushing down again and trapping her weapons in the dirt before lifting his weapons up and slammed them down behind her. He shifted forward, invading her space. Hawke fell back onto her elbow at his advance, her balance giving away at last; he loomed over her, barely a breath away, and Hawke realized she was encased by him. His weapons are behind her, preventing her from scooting backward; his knees between her thighs, and with her legs on either side of his hips, their position resembled a sexual pose. He was trying to asserting his dominance over her, but to Hawke, their position seems a little...close. Though Hawke had read that the Qunari don't view sex the way normal people do, his closeness send a thrill through her - especially when they were pitching themselves against each other only moments ago, and she is still running on adrenaline.
She looked up at him, at the seemingly impersonal expression, at the glittering eyes that belied the slightest hint of interest; a small smile lifted the corners of her mouth. He might appeared cold, but that's not the case. "Arishok." She whispered quietly before lifting her head to press her lips against his.
He jerked back, evidently surprised.
She raised herself up, kissing him again. He stiffened, and glared at her for a moment before a clawed hand clenched onto her shoulder and yanked her away.
"What game are you playing at?" He growled.
She stared at him, then moved her gaze from his reproaching eyes to his snarling lips. Her hand lifted, her fingertips touching the pale color of his lips, and he almost flinch. He sat like a statue, waiting to see what she would do, his attention following her curious eyes. After a brief moment of tracing his lips, she dropped her hand.
"Damn it." She swore under her breath, her eyes returning to the silver gaze to see him frowning.
"Is this your attempt at distraction?" His question came out with a harsh tone.
She lifted her chin, not backing down from his hard eyes. "No."
"Then you are foolish." He let go of her shoulder and stood up, the familiar impassive expression back in place.
"I've been called worse." She stood up, too, dusting off her clothes.
"You are confusing."
"So you've told me." She crossed her arms. Now that she doesn't have to focus on not being pummeled to death, the questions returned, and she doesn't plan on keeping them to herself. "You still think you're in the right? What would happen if I did not find out for myself about this relic of yours? Were you going to keep on letting me believe there is nothing wrong? When would you realize that your cause for being here have a big effect on the city? Your decisions-"
"Cease!" His voice was not loud, but the tone was forbidding.
The command was clear to every soldier in the compound but Hawke, and her annoyance only increased. "I am not one of your soldiers."
"Then what are you trying to achieve?" He asked.
"You're getting paranoid, Arishok." She sighed, getting tired of unanswered questions. "I don't have a hidden agenda of ousting the Qunari, if that's what you are worrying about. I merely want to learn."
"You wish to learn of our ways, yet you do not understand your place." He reprimanded. "The Qun is not for your entertainment. You have vented your anger, it is unfortunately the exercise did not clear your mind of the confusion you put yourself into. We are done here." He reached for his weapons, and turned to leave, but Hawke stopped him.
"We might be finished with the match, Arishok, but nothing had been resolved." She said, and though he did not look back at her, he paused. Around them, the soldiers stood quietly; she was surprised they still remained this long. They probably wanted to see if she is as good as her reputation claimed.
"No, it is not." He told her, then took a deep breath. "You have potential, Hawke. Your training is decent, now I understand how you stood up against your foes."
"This...fight, you just wanted to see if I can defend myself? My friends?" She frowned, getting more confused.
His head turned toward her, and she thought she saw a flash of confusion in his expression, too. But that would be silly, she told herself. Perhaps I did get hit too many times.
"Your questions," He spoke, turning away from her again. "Reflect on them. The answers are there, you are just refusing to see them."
With that, he left. Hawke picked up her weapons and stepped off from the arena when two Qunari took place inside the circle with the intention of making a new match; since the horned leader seemed to not want to give the answers she asked, Hawke left the compound.
What exactly he wanted me to do? She fumed.
Knowing that it would be unsafe to wander the street after dusk - which indicated the match had gone on longer than she intended, Hawke opted to find Anders. Exhaustion is starting to creep in, and she rather not battling anyone else.
At least not today. Or tomorrow, and the day after that, Hawke winced as each step seemed to rattle her bones. Damn, I'm probably going to have bruises.
She did not regret it though, for she was able to see just how strong the Arishok could be; and if this is a battlefield where he could maim, the bloodshed would have been worse. He is the Arishok after all, she smile, wincing again at the soreness and pain that is beginning to make themselves known.
xxxxxxxx
Anders was sorting out bandages when a noise alerted him to the presence of another; he looked up to see Hawke walk in with a grimace. Her clothes looked like she spent the day rolling on the ground, and her long hair was in knots.
"Hawke?" He raised an eyebrow at her state.
She smiled sheepishly before making her way toward him and gingerly lean against the table where his supplies are. "Sorry, Anders. Looks like I need your healing skill again."
"Which group of thugs did you dispatch this time?" He chuckles, putting down the bandages and moves closer to inspect her. "I think I should start charging you percentage of the rewards."
"You're worth your weight in gold." Hawke smiled. "Though, it's not a group of thugs as much as, erhm, a certain Qunari."
Anders frowned, briefly wondering which Qunari she meant, for they had fought quite a few. Wait, she said Qunari, not Tal-Vashoth. His eyes widen, thinking of the only Qunari she've been interested in, and he gaped at her. "You fought the Arishok? Why?"
"It was an arena match." She waved his concern away.
"I think you're suicidal." Anders shook his head at her.
"I'm beginning to think so, too." She grinned.
The mage sighed, hovering his glowing hands over her. "I'm starting to worry about you, Hawke. One day I'm healing a cut from bandit, a headache from drinking too much, and the next day you came back from a ship on fire, then a match with the Qunari's leader right after. Couldn't you stop for tea?"
She laughed, then cringe at the sharp pain from her sides. "It's not as if I want to, they just sort of happened."
"Right. Two cracked ribs just 'sort of' found you."
"Cracked ribs?" She asked, and he nodded in confirmation with a disapproving look in his eyes. "Damn, so that why it hurts."
"It's minor, not too cracked to hurt much nor do damage. I'm not certain about your mind." He told her, his power tracing the ribs and heals them. "I had thought this morning had taught you to be careful, it's obvious you did not remember the lesson."
She stuck her tongue out at him, and grinned. "I'm merely keeping you from forgetting your craft."
Anders rolled his eyes at her, though he smiled after a moment. "Really, Hawke."
"Don't worry, Anders." She patted his arm. "I'll survive. I always do."
xxxxxxx
After thanking Anders for his help, Hawke left. She had wanted to go to the Hanged Man and enlisted the help of Varric, but she did not want him to worry about her any more than he already is. Hawke is not stupid, so when four people that she trusts expressed their concerned, she took it as a hint to be cautious. The Arishok had shown some of his skills, and it was a great show of his restrain that Hawke was not severely injured. Despite those books that she've read, Hawke was no closer to understand the Arishok; she is not ready to give up, because the more she glimpses into his world, the more curious she became. He had told her to seek out his people and learn from them, and Hawke intended to do so; however, given the reception she got today from the healer, she wasn't sure if she could understand the Qunari without learning something about them first. She is nothing but resourceful, and there is someone she could rely on; someone who has the knowledge of how the giants operate, the knowledge of their language, and a brutal honesty that she could use right about now.
Squaring her shoulders, Hawke walks in the direction of Fenris' mansion.