Sorry for the long wait, I've been busy. Anyway here's the next Chapter and it's reletively longer than the previous Chapters, so enjoy!

Three days went by in relative silence. Anders didn't say much about the comings and goings of the party. Occasionally he would remark on some kind of task that he had asked them to complete, always reminding James to be ready for when they had to move out. James couldn't help but think that Anders was keeping him 'locked up'.

Bethany came to visit each morning. She would help him with his magical training when Anders was too busy or sometimes she would just tell him stories of her childhood. Some of the tales made her laugh while others seemed to cause her some discomfort. When James asked if she was ok, she shook herself and put on a big smile, stating that she was fine, even though he could see that she obviously wasn't.

One morning James had asked about Leandra. Bethany gave him an uncertain look before telling him that her mother barely spoke. She drifted in and out of the house like a ghost.

'I'm really sorry, Beth...'

Bethany frowned at him. 'Sorry for what? You know it's not your fault. Garrett would still be dead, regardless if Flemeth brought you here or not. Mother just needs time to process everything. She'll come around eventually.' She reached out and touched his shoulder. 'Now, how's the rock armour going? Have you fixed the weak spot yet?'

James remained silent for a moment but then smiled at her. 'I think I have. Want to see?'

Anders came in early the next morning. He walked over to the bed to wake James when he stopped suddenly. James was staring at him. The first thought that flew into his mind was that Garrett had taken over again. However, after a moment of no reaction he thought differently. James was breathing deeply, like one does when you're sleeping, yet his eyes were wide open. Slowly Anders bent forwards and touched his shoulder.

James drew in a deep breath, fluttering his eyelids and stretched. 'Morning.' He said.

Anders smiled slightly. 'You should get dressed as quickly as possible. The expedition leaves in a few hours.'

James sat up. 'That's today? Shit...'

Anders chuckled at the look on James's face. He looked like a child on his first day of school.

'Come on, get up.' He said before leaving the room. James sighed and stood.

Half an hour later the two were on their way to Hightown. They walked in silence, each busy with their own thoughts. As they neared the Red Lantern District a few minutes later James spoke. 'Have you ever been to the Deep Roads before?'

Anders turned his head towards James. 'A few times before... Terrible place.'

'Who's coming with us? Other then Bartrand and his crew.'

'Well, that's for you to decide.'

'What? Why do I have to choose?'

Anders smirked. 'Because you're our leader.'

'But I- Fine...'

You shouldn't give up so quickly, you know? You're losing your influence and I can tell that he's enjoying it...

'Shut it, Garrett.' James said a bit too loudly.

Anders wheeled about. 'What did you say?'

'I... um, told Garrett to shut up.'

Anders frowned. 'He's been bothering you?'

'I wouldn't say bother... He's more like a commentator.'

'A what?'

'A commentator... He comments on everything I do. Sometimes he even comments on you or Isabela.'

Anders didn't say anything. He seemed to be in deep thought.

'Anders? Shouldn't we move on?'

Anders shook himself. 'Yes, we should. But we're not done with this. I want you to tell me every time he speaks to you.'

James nodded.

'Let's go then.'

They took a few more paces. 'Do you want to go into the Deep Roads?'

Anders didn't say anything.

'Anders?'

He sighed. 'I despise that place. It is filled with death, ruin and unimaginable horrors...' he paused, '...but I promised that I would help, so if you wish it I will accompany you.'

James nodded. 'Ok then.'

They reached a type of courtyard a few minutes later. It was filled with many people, all busy stacking supplies and fixing their gear. Over in one corner stood Bethany. She was with a few others, including Aveline and Isabela. Anders moved towards them.

Isabela gave James a sexy smile. 'About time you got here. I was just considering a pint over at the Hanged Man.'

'Sorry... I'm not much of a morning person.' James said sheepishly. Both he and Isabela grinned.

'Who are you?' said a small voice next to him. He turned to see an Elvin woman staring up at him. 'I...um-' he stuttered.

'Daisy, this is Hawke, remember?' said another voice from behind. A blonde dwarf stepped forward. He walked over and grasped James's arm and shook, pulling James down. 'I've got your back, James.' He whispered.

This must be Varric... Anders said that he had told him the truth, hoping Varric would use his connections to find a solution for my... condition...

'Um, thanks.' He said and straightened again.

'So, everyone ready?' asked the dwarf. The group nodded. 'Let's go see my brother then.' Varric said and walked off everyone following, except the two elves.

'It's not him. I'm sure of it.' The woman whispered. The white haired man looked at her. 'How do you know? I've known him longer than you have and he seems fine.'

'I know he seems fine, but he feels... different.'

The man sighed. 'Even if he is different, why should I care?'

'You- I... Just forget it Fenris.' She huffed and followed the party. Fenris shook his head before slinking off as well.

Bartrand, Varric's brother, stood before them. He was giving his 'motivational' speech, using some rather crude metaphors. Suddenly he stopped and looked to his left. 'Hey, who invited the old lady?'

'I'm here to speak to my children.' Said the woman. James turned and saw that it was Leandra. Bethany looked at her too before grasping James's arm and pulling him with her.

'You sure this is the right time for this?' he whispered as they walked.

'We might die down there. It's now or never.'

James sighed and braced himself.

'What is it mother? Everything ok?' asked Bethany.

'I don't want you to go Bethany.'

'What? Mother I have to go!'

James watched as the two women started a heated conversation. He took a small step back, not saying anything, but he stopped when he saw a tear roll down Leandra's face.

Suddenly he pushed in between them. 'Bethany... stay.' He said softly.

'But-' she began.

'That's final.' James said firmly before turning to Leandra. 'I won't let you lose another one of your children.'

Bethany threw her arms around him. 'Stay safe.' She whispered.

James withdrew and started to leave when he felt a hand touch his. He looked up to Leandra. 'Thank you.' She said, another tear falling from her face. James nodded and left.

Bartrand stood waiting. 'Anymore delays?' he said impatiently. James shook his head. 'Good. Now pick your team and let's go.'

James turned to look at those around him. Varric folded his arms and smirked. Aveline looked serious. Isabela winked. Anders gave him a small smile. The white haired elf glared slightly. The female watched intently.

'You and you.' Said James pointing to the two elves in turn. 'Oh and obviously you too Varric.' He added. Anders walked up. 'You sure you'll manage on your own?'

James looked him in the eye. 'Of course. And if all else fails I guess Garrett will step in.' This didn't seem to assure Anders at all. He sighed. 'I knew that whole 'you're the boss speech' would come back to bite me in the end.' James smiled. 'Would you check in on Beth and Leandra every now and then?'

'Sure.' He said and placed his hand on James's shoulder. 'Be careful down there and remember that if you need help with your magic, Merril is also a mage. She should know what to do.'

James nodded. 'Goodbye Anders.'

'Take care.' Said the blonde as James walked over to join Varric.

'Let's go.' He said to the dwarf.

Isabela walked over to Anders as the others left. 'I was kind of glad when he didn't choose me. The Deep Roads are so dreary. Must be the lack of pubs, right?' she said, elbowing him softly.

'I have a bad feeling about this.' Anders said.

'Me too.' Isabela whispered, too softly for Anders to hear.

Days felt like months as they travelled through the dark depths. There were few complications along the way except for a cave in that almost put an end to their journey. Sandal, one of the travelling merchant's sons, decided to go exploring while they were trying to dig through the rubble and stumbled upon a way around the obstruction. Unfortunately this way was filled with all kinds of enemies, ranging from Darkspawn to Monstrous Spiders to Dragons. After a huge struggle they finally made it through.

James was dead tired, having used a tone of mana during the fight with the Dragons. Merril sat with him while Fenris stood against a far wall. James found that Merril was a bubbling stream where as Fenris was like a barren desert. He enjoyed speaking to her, laughing every now and then at her naive comments. With Fenris he barely spoke, even though he was fascinated by the brooding elf. Sometimes he could swear that he saw the markings on him shimmer and move as if they were alive.

They travelled for another day or two before finally reaching their destination. Bartrand called it a 'Thaig'. Apparently it's like an ancient abandoned Dwarven City. James marvelled at the bright red crystalline structures that seemed to sprout from the walls like plants. Varric said they were ancient lyrium deposits. Lyrium, James had learned, was what fuelled magic.

Bartrand sent James, Varric, Merril and Fenris to scout ahead, just in case it wasn't safe. They hadn't travelled far when they reached a large room with a flight of steps leading to some kind of altar. Atop the altar something was glowing. Varric moved forward to investigate.

'Is that... Lyrium?' he asked picking up what seemed to be an idol crafted from pure lyrium.

Everyone stared at the thing, mystified.'I don't like the look of it.' Fenris said after a moment.

'What is it?' Bartrand called from behind them. Varric smiled and tossed the idol to his brother. Bartrand caught it and for a moment he seemed to freeze. James looked closely and saw a glint of red in his eyes. 'Varric... something is wrong here.'

'What do-' the dwarf began but he was interrupted by a rumbling noise. They looked up to see Bartrand pulling the huge stone door. He was trying to trap them inside. Varric bolted down the steps, yelling for his brother to stop. James charged a bolt of lightning, wanting to stun the greedy dwarf before the doors were sealed. Time seemed to slow down as the bolt flew through the air, passing Varric and hitting the door just as it closed with a thud. Varric ran up and banged against it.

'Bartrand! Bartrand! You son of a Bitch! –Sorry mother-' All grew quiet for a moment.

'We should keep going, see if there's a way out of this place.' He said and turned to the three standing on the steps. James nodded and turned to walk deeper into the unknown.

The journey was even more perilous now then it had been before. No wagons full of supplies, no tents, no nothing. Just the four of them staggering blindly through a never ending honeycomb of tunnels. Strange new creatures emerged from the darkness. Varric called them Rock Wraiths, claiming that they were souls who couldn't move on to the Fade that had possessed the earth and rocks around them. The group moved on for days fighting whatever jumped out at them. After about the fourth day one of the Wraiths spoke to them. Merril identified it as a demon of hunger, feeding on the aguish and torment of the other wraiths. It tried to make a deal with them but James didn't fall for its promises. But before he could turn it down, Garrett spoke to him. He suggested that they take the deal, granting them save passage and then destroy the creature that's bugging the demon. Then they double cross the demon and take its treasure. It's a win-win situation. Well, for us at least.

James sighed and took the deal. Fenris was furious, Varric didn't seem to care and Merril looked a bit pleased. James ignored all of them and continued on. Nothing attacked them from then on, the demon keeping his part of the deal. A few hours later they reached a very large cavern.

'It's a vault.' said Varric. 'The dwarves who lived here probably stored their most valuable things in here.'

They were in the centre of the room when the rumbling started. The stones on the floor started to rattle and move. Slowly they took on the shape of a humongous stone giant. It glowed a rather menacing red in its centre. With a thunderous groan it attacked. Merril ducked behind a pillar, shooting magic bolts at it while Fenris charged with his sword. Varric aimed with Bianca, his prized crossbow and James tried freezing it but it just broke free.

The fight carried on forever and the creature didn't seem to slow down or weaken at all. Everyone was starting to tire, their attacks becoming less and less. Finally it collapsed, scattering rubble in every direction. Merril sat back against the wall, Fenris dropped his sword. They were all breathing hard. Varric was the first to speak. 'What a bitch...'

James started to laugh but he soon stopped. The rocks started rattling again and in a few seconds the creature was reformed but it looked different this time. It was rolled up and floating, a strange humming coming from inside it. 'Get to cover!' screamed Merril and ducked behind a pillar. The others followed but James wasn't quick enough. The blast of energy hit him with such a force that it sent him flying. He hit the wall and didn't get up. Varric cried out to him but he didn't answer. Fenris gave a cry of rage and stormed the creature. He attacked it, striking powerful blows but the creature seemed unfazed. Merril rushed over and cradled James's head on her lap.

She tried letting some of her magic flow through him but she wasn't adept in the art of healing. James still didn't move. She started to sob. Behind her she could hear the fighting. She looked back and saw Fenris thrown back against one of the pillars, his sword skidding over the floor. She then looked back at James and screamed.

James was staring at her, his eyes completely black. He grinned at her. 'Hello beautiful.' He said in a strange voice. It sounded amplified, as if more than one person spoke when he opened his mouth. In a flash he was on his feet. He charged at the giant, magic flaring from his hands. He jumped and aimed a punch at it. Chunks of rock flew through the air as his fist connected. The creature stumbled. James dropped back and landed on his feet, his hands raised. He was charging something.

Merril got over her shock and rushed to get to Fenris who was still on the floor. Varric stood staring. 'Blondie wasn't kidding...' he said.

James fired his attack at the thing, sending it back against the far wall. James smiled and walked forward. When he reached it he plunged his hand into the creatures gut and pulled out a large red gem. The creature screamed, making the cavern shake before it crumbled to the ground. James backed away.

'Hey, James! You there?' Varric called. Merril gave him a questioning look but turned back to Fenris when he coughed. 'Hawke!' Varric called again and started walking to him. He stopped when there was a flash and the demon appeared before him. James turned to it, his eyes still black.

'Thank you for taking care of that.' The demon said in a low voice. 'You may leave now, through that door.' It said, pointing to a far wall.

James gave a chuckle. 'I'm not going anywhere.' He said and stepped forward. 'You on the other hand...' He jumped onto the demon, sending a stream of magic through it. The demon roared before disintegrating. James stood and grinned at Varric.

'Hawke?' he asked. He looked frightened. James smiled again. 'He's all yours.' He said before collapsing.

Varric ran forward and pulled James into a sitting position. 'Hey hey hey, you ok?' he asked. James groaned and grasped his head. 'Yeah, I'll be fine. How are the others?'

'A bit battered but they'll make it.'

Varric helped James stand up and together they walked to Merril and Fenris who were waiting by the door. 'Look what I found.' Said Merril and pointed. A small room was hewn into the wall next to the door. It was filled with treasure.

'Haha! We hit the jackpot!' cried Varric. 'This is worth a lot more than that bloody idol.'

Fenris snorted. 'Glad you're enjoying this moment.'

James walked over. 'Are you hurt?' Fenris didn't answer. James frowned at him and walked over to one of the lyrium veins jutting from the walls. He placed his hand on it, closed his eyes and concentrated. It glowed softly before going out. He then turned and walked back to Fenris.

'Hold still.' he said and grasped Fenris's head. The elf tried to pull away but the pain in his chest made him stop. Warmth spread through his head and travelled down the rest of his body. Suddenly the pain was gone.

'Better?' James asked him.

Slowly he nodded. 'Thank you, Hawke.'

James turned to Merril. 'And you?'

'I'm fine, thank you, James.' She said looking him squarely in the eye. James gave her a look, making it clear that they would talk about this later.

'Um... Ready to go?' asked Varric. James nodded. 'Very well. Let's grab all the good stuff and get the heck out of here.'

After three days they finally reached the surface and after a few more hours they were back in Kirkwall. Merril left for the Alienage and Fenris made his way to his mansion. As he left James saw him look back. He had a strange expression on his face. It bothered James as he and Varric made their way to the slums but he soon forgot about it. A mass of armoured people were gathered around the house where Bethany lived. As they drew close the door burst open and Bethany was being led out by two men.

Varric pulled him back. 'Who are they?' James asked

'Templars... Dammit Bethany.' Varric shook his head. James pulled away and rushed forward.

'Beth!' He called. She looked up and when she saw him tears sprang to her eyes. She tried to pull away to get to him, but the Templars held her back.

'Let her go!' he yelled but one of the Templars stepped in front of him. 'This woman is an apostate and is to be taken to the Gallows. Now back away or risk the wrath of the Knight-Commander.'

'Hawke... stay.' Bethany said, the tears streaming down her face. 'Take care of mother. Please?'

James wanted to help her but the look she gave him made him stop. She doesn't want me to get in trouble... Trying to keep me safe... Just like I tried to keep her safe.

A sob came from inside the house. Leandra appeared in the door. She cried as the Templars took her daughter away. Bethany looked back at her and then at James. She smiled slightly and mouthed 'I'll be ok.'

James nodded and turned to Leandra. He walked up the steps and stopped in front of her. She raised her head. 'I... I'm sorry.' He whispered. She stared at him for a while before bursting out in fresh sobs. She flung her arms around him and cried.

He comforted her softly and led her back into the house. 'Everything will get better.' he said and closed the door behind him.

Varric who had been standing in the shadows sighed and shook his head. He turned and made his way to the Hanged Man already thinking of the title for the epic tale he was going to tell when he got there.

So there, the expedition is finally over and done with. Hope it was a good read and stay tuned for the next chapter!

P.S: The 3 year jump is coming up now and I want to know your opinion on a few things.

Who should James end up with? I'm planning on including a brief Isabela romance, some Anders and a bit of Fenris flirtation but I'm unsure about who he should fall in love with. Any comments/suggestions would be a big help!