Carver sat still in the darkness as the shadows moved about in their questionable actions. He couldn't tell how many hands it had that moved, but he could hear the sound of clothing moving and greedy moaning from one of its' mouths. He knew that magical creatures and monsters didn't exist in the real world, unless you were a Mage, or the real monster parading as father.
A loud gasp echoed in the room gaining his attention as a familiar sound. Carver always heard this sound in the sighs his mother would do whenever the servants handed her a perfect slice of cake. The sounds his mother made after sitting down from a long night of dancing in the ridiculous shoes she hated wearing, but loved to look in at the balls. Sometimes it was the happy sound she made behind closed doors with father in the dead of night, as the only time he would show kindness towards her.
Sounds of 'please Guilliame', 'not so rough that hurts' and other excuses she made towards the evil man echoed throughout his brain from dark nights he couldn't sleep through.
Carver slowly began to comprehend that his mother was down here with someone who was hurting her again and yet, she was doing nothing to stop it. He felt that usual well of rage swell up inside trying to calm it, for fear of getting caught watching. However, the rage denied to be swayed by the notion of being afraid. Instead it rose into a mighty beast charging at the shadow and demanding blood for hurting his poor sweet mother. Carver never took notice that he was hitting the shadows, now a man easily blocking his blows, nor of the sword still sheathed, or of his mother holding him back from safety.
"Please, Carver, he meant no harm!" Warm hands that smell of lavender and safety.
"He's hurting you mother! He can't be allowed to live!" He swung each blow without accuracy caring only to land random blows. "Can't be allowed, can't. Can't! Can't !Can't! Will not allow it!"
Leandra held him tighter to ebb his rage with her love, as tears fell on her arms, not of her own. It felt like long grueling hours had passed without giving way to let the beast out; Yet Leandra still held firm to her child shushing him.
"It's alright love, shh let it out. He wasn't harming me. Malcolm," Carver let up in his tantrum for a slow second. " would never harm me dear sweet child. He was just helping me heal. That's all love. Shh, let it out now."
Carver could hear his mother's words, but he still was lost in the rage of making sense of their meaning. The words he understood were always meant for a child's ear to understand children words that were filled with ignorance and little understanding. His mother was using the words of an adult, which he wanted to deny understanding, who grew up learning of the world. He never did notice when he stopped hitting the shadowed figure, nor did he care when he let go of the sword, he only cared for nuzzling his mother, better in the sheer fact she was alright.
His vision was filled up with tears, his mother's hair pressed to his cheek and the smell of her skin lulling his anger. He felt happy to be in her arms as she petted and sung to him lullabies he missed hearing as a babe, but held no recollection. He paid no attention to the presence of another hand on his head, smoothing out his hair, with timid care.
"My boy what has happened to you?" The voice was dark, yet calm, that ignited no form of hate, only sorrow for what just happened. "What has happened to produce such..."
Carver moved his head towards the voice seeing only a little bit of features to remember. All that entered his vision were smooth shadowed skin with warm golden eyes.
Carver reached out into thin air with a fear driven frenzy as he escaped his dream. His skin felt sickly with sweat from heat as he rubbed his face for assurance he was awake. Looking to his side was his usual bed-mate, slowly waking up, ignoring her nudity to tend to him.
"Please don't, go back to sleep." He growled shifting his legs off the side of the bed.
"I was going to wake up anyway to use the pot, but your whimpering tells me you need a hug." Peaches yawned with affection as she went to relieve herself.
Carver rested his elbows on the knees, back bent, staring at the vanity mirror showing his reflection back. "I don't need you coddling me like some helpless whelp, whenever I have a stress driven nightmare."
"Well this particular nightmare has been really persistent riding your ass like its Batrand." .Peaches smirked at the image thinking where she put her riding crop.
"As much as that idea frightens not only me, but any remaining innocent thoughts I had, I'm telling you woman there is no need to mother me. This just comes and goes as it pleases."
Peaches laid back in the silken sheets eying Carver with hidden amusement in her eyes. She had noticed in the last couple of weeks an increase in his surly attitude over his day to day matters. Most nobles talked about the more lewd things to her when they paid for her services, others tended to wax poetics about false promises on how she is essential to their happiness. However, Carver, who happened to being a mixture of the two, at least told her these words as if she was a human being and not just some one night sweet meat.
"I could comment on the coming part since you do plenty of that on me with that tongue of yours." Carver turned around with a 'not now' look on his face. "What? I tell you plenty of times and you act like the maker gifted you with the biggest cock this side of the Minanter river. I hate to break it to you, but at some point a man comes in with a big cock and half the time they don't know what to do with it, and the other half expects you to kneel down and praise it with your mouth like the holy symbol it is."
"Yes, I am quite thankful I don't fit either, in the remote bit, yet will still make sure your bones are turned to jelly." Carver leaned back in bed, on Peaches bosom, as she wrapped him in her arms. "Yet, having a big cock won't solve all my problems or else I be more popular then Jathen. In truth I'm just so tired from planning this expedition. I sometimes think I should just tuck my tail behind my legs and beg forgiveness in having my own purse."
He snuggled into her chest ignoring the sounds of the other patrons. "You know Serah it doesn't hurt to ask forgiveness when your down and out of luck. Never know when someone might be grateful to help you."
"If only you knew how my mother has become lately."
"Well then. There's always other options to raise funds through Darktown if you have the steel sharp enough to cut anything." He mumbled at the thought nuzzling a nipple. "Or if getting your shoes mucked isn't a fun idea there is another way."
"Hmm mm I'll listen in the morning, which is a few hours from now, so I like to enjoy my time with you while I can." Carver popped a nipple into his mouth before willing himself to sleep.
Peaches took this as sign of him getting into his particular fancies, which thankfully ended with an extra tip. She winced as he nibbled lightly with his teeth, trying to fall asleep as well.
The Hanged man was rather noisy as Hawke entered for the night with Lady in tow. The casuals were out in full force running the rumor mill, since the latest escapade of quickly gangs appearing and popping out of existence, were swept away with the Qunari. It seems the summer storm that shipwrecked their vessel surprised the Viscount during the Summer day Debutante ball.
Hawke on the other hand could care less about the gossip over horny horned men and was focusing on her monetary troubles for Batrand. She walked to the usual corner table in the back by the stairs with her back to the wall. She waved down Norah, who was slapping another lecher, while letting her mind wander. Things weren't that bad since working with Varric helped out in gaining information for new jobs. However, the jobs lately have been more or less street cleaning where the City guard can't handle.
Hawke found that ironic in the least bit since they only gained their shield man in not only taking out a corrupt captain, but only to lose her to a promotion. She couldn't fault Aveline for the success that was due, but it was costing Hawke some sanity in being caught casting. Lady was helpful in crunching into flesh earning the respect of all Mabaris, but she couldn't block several blades at her hindquarters. This left Hawke on several occasions to lose sleep taking her to Anders clinic where she could heal her.
She didn't like how the Healer would give her the evil eye whenever she came by, but he always gave her a small bit of respect when she helped him heal patients. Still she had no idea how they came to this tumultuous truce.
"I take it that was no ordinary magic used to kill Templars?" Hawke stated eying Anders like a wild beast against a wall.
"Yes, well, I was afraid this would come up sooner than I would like. I met a friend, a spirit of the fade, who was trapped in the body of a corpse during my time with the wardens. In short he helped me survive the assault on the Keep, by fusing with me, ensuring no one would follow us during the confusion."
Hawke looked at him with mute curiosity pushing herself off. "So, I take it you're some short of special abomination that only lets his inner demon out when he's on the rag?"
"Justice isn't just some mindless demon who is bent on staying out of the Fade or gaining as much power from a willing Mage. He was accepted into me so we could survive and help others who didn't get that chance." He felt the small glow on his skin insulted by the woman's candid humor.
"I can understand your passion for helping, but that will only get you killed or more likely, used for someone elses' gain. I pretty much am helpful for your maps, but-"
"So you say since you didn't stop to murder a good man." Anders stared at her with anger. He didn't notice the small movement in her eyes walking up to him.
"Listen he was asking, no, pleading for help due tot he fact he was living a half dead life. I did the merciful thing and made sure he was still 'Karl' in the end."
"More likely to distance yourself from other Mages who don't have it as good as you. I'm sure there's a family who do anything to keep you safe while you titter around playing..." Anders stopped his rant by a flashing set of deep brown eyes looking at him with anger.
"Listen mister stick up his ass, I'm just another Fereldan refugee who has it just as hard as your patients, but unlike you, I don't have anyone willing to protect me because I give them free healing that would cost them the gangrene on their leg." She poked him hard on the chest. "Plus unlike you, some of us don't get the chance for all that fancy Circle learning to help with magic, so piss off."
She turned around ready to leave in a huff over how arrogant the Mage, no apostate, was in telling her who were her betters. Hawke didn't get far, until she felt a hand gripping her wrist. She turned around ready to fight, knuckles crackling with pressure, until she stopped.
Anders looked at her with a mournful look that seemed genuine. "Despite what I have said, I am grateful for you helping my friend find peace. He didn't deserve that, and yet, I am glad I asked you for help."
"I would of done it for free." She looked him in the eye noticing the tension leave.
"But you needed my maps." His voice was rather jokey for a moment showing he could be human.
"Yes...that and also," Hawke looked back to Lady who was limping towards them. "I was wondering if you could help me with Lady here, since I'm not that good with healing."
"But you know enough to help?"
"Only enough so the limb isn't lost. Of course that doesn't help with the scarring."
"Perhaps if you could show me I be helpful to repay you in some learning-"
"Hawke are you there?" A voice sounded to her side as Varric entered her vision followed by Aveline. "You were looking a lost in there for a moment. Mind telling me where your mind was heading? Maybe swimming in a lake of fine silk you'd buy from the expedition?"
Hawke rolled her eyes as the two took a seat at the table waving down Norah for additional pints. "You know she'll just forget you're order and you'll have tot get it yourself."
"Oh, I'm sure she'll get the order right since we made it safer for her to walk home. I mean with the great Hawke and her trusty Mabari prowling the streets of Kirkwall, like a dark crusader, dispatching bad guys when the city guard can't touch them. Hmm, I better write that one down." Varric pulled out a small notebook and pencil jotting down what he could.
Aveline gave a sideways glance towards him. "I think it be best if you didn't sprout out rumors of vigilant justice being committed by a lone antihero."
"First off Red," Aveline crinkled her nose at the name. "Everyone loves a good antihero dealing out spoonfuls of justice for those who cant. Second I can write it, if it's true since Hawke over here did clean up the gang problems in Kirkwall."
"Even if it means shit pay, bruises that last a week, and hiding from Templars?" Hawke mumbled poking Aveline on the arm for attention. The Guard captain looked up at Hawke pointing to a dark woman in clothing that was clearing against several decency laws, if it weren't for the daggers on her back, surrounded by armored thugs. Hawke put up two fingers before tapping them on the table as Aveline did the same.
This left Varric piqued in curiosity catching a quick before continuing to write. "Hey every little bit of coin counts to our pockets, even if its chump change. However, we can't help all the little people since its been a couple weeks, so we need to plan big."
"Varric with the way things are now I won't find time to keep my hopes up since we are lacking a crucial point to these plans." Hawke eyed the woman cleanly punching one of the men. "The fact we are down a couple heavy hitters make us non-manageable since Avy is now officially out."
"I also like to add that the only time I can help is if it concerns official city business." The woman was now holding a dagger to the man's throat as Hawke grumbled sliding two silvers to Aveline. "Or getting as much patrol time while I can. Something tells me this promotion will be more of a desk job. In short I expect some gratitude for helping you on these unsavory jobs and keep Hawke here out of trouble."
"I should feel grateful since you also have no qualms taking my money." Hawke grumbled.
"That's because you're horrible at betting. Here," Aveline swiped the silvers back towards Hawke. "Buy me one for the road."
"Want me to also don a skirt and serve it in your lap Avy?" Hawke mumbled ruffling Avelines hair as she walked by.
The room seemed to have gotten louder as the bar fight from before riled up everyone's blood. The blood on the floor wasn't even dried before Corff was busy griping about the stains never coming out. Hawke almost laughed at the thought of keeping any stains out the floors.
"My, and here I thought the only men in this place were besotted fools who couldn't hoist the mainsail." Smokey feminine voice said as Hawke got closer.
"Funny, when you talk about hoisting the mainsail, what do you really mean?" Hawke waved down Corff throwing the silvers on the counter. She eyed the other woman taking in her extravagant jewelry and weird attire.
"What else could it mean? It requires strength, knowledge of rigging, and a small measure of sobriety." She purred in that last bit looking over Hawke.
"Well it's good to know what's needed since I have neither experience in raising my own mainsail." Hawke ignored the woman's rich laughter.
"Oh, it is such a treat to hear another mind that hails from Llomerryn. Maker's balls do I get enough of these Kirkwallers holding up their noses or sniffing my skirt."
Hawke wrinkled her nose at the assumption grabbing the ale. "I don't want to be rude, but you're not the first person, or the last, to mistaken me for a Rivaini. I hail from Fereldan like all the refugees that washed up here."
"Should of figured you for a Feraldan. You got this look about you that they all have. I was just in Denerim before I washed up here." This earned a look of curiosity from Hawke. "Hah, now I earned your attention. I am Isabela, 'Captain' Isabela. Forgive me if the title rings hollow since I did lose my ship awhile back."
"I thought you said you were in Denerim before you left. Is the city rebuilding well? I heard the Alienage was hit the hardest during the attack." Hawke tried to keep her questions casual. She tried her damnedest to keep calm about her father dying from the blight.
"No, you couldn't pay me all the Antivan brandy to fill the Waking Sea to stay during that mess. I was there before the battle and met the Hero of Fereldan with an associate of mine. She was a rather sassy little elven thing." Hawke perked up at the mention of elven. "Bit of a stick in the mud though and a calm blocker if you asked me."
"A what now?" Hawke was getting anxious with this little info.
"Well my associate was rather calm around her, speaking strictly to business and no play. She even managed to beat me at Wicked Grace in less than a turn despite being a cold little thing." Isabela noticed Hawke being keenly interested before smirking. "You know, unlike her, you seem the kind to help me with exactly what I need."
"For?" Hawke questioned getting her mind into business seeing as the other woman wasn't telling her anymore.
"You see I have this duel with a man named Castillion as the men from before were his messengers."
Hawke reached deeper into her pockets knowing Aveline was going to need two ales.
An armed bloody figure slumped to the ground as Aveline rotated her shoulder from exertion. "Answer me this truthfully Hawke. Why did you take up this job, concerning this pirate, in front of the Viscounts' steps?" Aveline was wiping the blood off her blade from a thug's shirt as Hawke was going through their pockets.
"The same reason we do any of these jobs: Hire ourselves for muscle, Gather up money, save up to get out of Lowtown. And gain some info for future jobs." A ring was sniffed by Lady before disappearing into Hawke's pocket. "Plus it just shows how oddly good we're getting at killing."
"That's not something I would boast about to the captain of the guard Hawke. Red here might throw you over her knee for a spanking. I wouldn't be surprised if she did that to criminals who avoid her."
Isabela chuckled at this looking over a note. "I do have to say some men would pay to be sassed and spanked by an overbearing woman. Especially those man hands of hers going in for a tight grip."
"No one was talking to you slattern." Aveline glared at the woman with annoyance. "Now if you'll excuse me it seems we taken care of your duel and will be on our way."
"Actually that wasn't the duel. And Hayder wasn't among them." Isabela sauntered over to Hawke ignoring Aveline's glare. "This note here says they were to take care of me while Hayder waited for them outside the Blooming Rose. Seems he had another potential partner to help him."
Varric groaned at the information. "Great so we basically have to take care of this while Lusine bitches to us about scaring off her customers. Somehow I am thankful we took care of those gangs roaming around to make this walk better."
The women nodded in agreement as they walked following Varric toward the brothel. It wasn't that far from the main square, however, they Hawke kept a watchful eye for any shadows in the alleys. Varric took notice of her gestures noting how her staff was still firm in her hands. The same could be said for Aveline still holding hers. They seemed ready for any fight that was going to jump up at them.
"Well now Hayder, you didn't tell me I get a special prize for helping you." A familiar voiced purred out.
Varric felt the hairs on his chest on end, as he took in a standing the last person he needed, staring at them with cold eyes. He turned to Hawke noting how she was staring back, with the same animosity, with Lady bearing her teeth. He unbuckled Bianca keeping his eyes on the archers noting their stances.
"Well now Isabela I didn't think you had the balls to show up after all. Seems like quite the welcome party if you here to finish business." Hayder walked forward like the braggart he was giving Isabela the once over. "You know I think Castillion would love to get his hands on you for misplacing his wares."
"Shut up Hayder! Those were people not merchandise!" Isabella snarled taking a step forward.
"Easy now tiger. No need to get your stripes skinned off ya. My men got you surrounded five to two."
"Actually, you mean my men," Athenril walked forward twirling a dagger in her hand. "have the upper hand since we need the numbers. Especially if they have an ex-employee apostate fighting for them."
"I would be on the payroll if you didn't decide to whore me out like a black out drunk." Hawke snarled.
"Sorry sweetie, but it was only business. Crowds like that are a fickle bunch when they see a newcomer, who isn't a native, win all those fights. If anything it seems the oldest business is always the most profitable." Athenril looked over Hawke taking note of the anger in her eyes. "So what happens in the past is made up right now for a pound of your fle-"
Before she was able to finish Hawke sent out a pulse of energy sending everyone to crash into each other. Isabela took this as her cue throwing a knife into one of Hayder's men. After that the chaos began as Aveline charged into the fray slashing at whoever escaped the pull. Varric took aim of the archers pinning those that he could while dodging his fare share of blades. He was silent in thanking the Maker as Aveline took out who she could with the help of the pirate. She seemed more than capable holding herself in a fight slitting throats and parrying attacks like they were willow sticks.
Lady doing her best showing these Kirkwallers what a beast from Fereldan could do. She managed to rip our a few throats with Isabela while darting back to anyone who gone near Hawke, who was at the moment, casting like a madwoman. She started to edge closer towards Athenril who was having on par with Isabela, ignoring the last stragglers being taken care of by Varric and Lady. She could feel her heart pumping in her chest from the exertion of casting so many spells, but ignored the pain.
Aveline succeeded in beheading Hayder as the last one that stood with a weapon in her area. She took note of any damage to the area since some of the guardsmen at the Brothel, came barreling out with their armor hastily put on. She was about to give a lecture until she heard the sound of bone crunching under flesh. She turned around to see Hawke on top Athenril beating her like a beast.
"Hawke stop this at once!" Aveline bellowed walking towards the scene. "My men will take care of this cease your punishment."
Her please fell on deaf ears as Hawke continued to pummel Athenril well past the point of decent revenge.
"I will charge you with murder if you continue to kill her." That got Hawke's attention with a fist in mid air.
"Tell me you're fucking joking Aveline. If not then you might as well arrest Varric here for making artistic holes out of people's head."
"I'm not Hawke, you should know that by now. My men will take Athenril into custody and question her." Aveline waved her men who walked toward the straddled elf.
"Question her for what? Over bullshit for how she ruined my life? Or maybe you need her alive to pay for her crimes." Hawke added another punch snagging a gold necklace on her sleeve.
"No, Hawke. If anything I let her be left with Lady for what I have in mind, but I can't. I need to do my job since is my last night I can join you."
Hawke rubbed her face with the bloody hand trying to ignore her headache as Varric stepped in. "Listen Guard captain, I'll take my friend here, who was totally helping you in this duty, and get of your way. Everyone happy right?"
Aveline sighed as she gestured to two guards who picked up Athenril like a rag doll. They marched towards the Barracks as Hawke walked in the opposite direction with Lady trailing behind. This left Varric looking towards her with an agitated smile running up to Hawke, as Isabela looked on.
"I have to say Man hands you certainly know how to command a scene when it suits you." A grimace was her only answer before sauntering off to join the others eying Hawke's backside with much gusto.
The couple of days were strained as Hawke avoided Hightown as much as she could without running into Aveline. Varric took notice of the woman's attitude noticing how she was a little too somber. With the addition of Isabela they barely survived some fights seeing as she wasn't one to take damage away from Hawke, who took up fighting on the front lines, which left them visiting Anders more often. The clinic was also a refuge for Hawke since she spent most of her time helping in cleaning out wounds and learning what she could from Anders, even though he occasionally irked her with his talk of Mage rights.
Still as much as the man was on his soapbox whenever the subject popped up, he was a great fourth to make up for firepower. This seemed to compliment them in Hawke's healing and Anders elemental powers. However, he was always poking the bear that was her place as an apostate. Varric on the other hand was keeping tabs where he could of their financial efforts seeing as they were close to beginning their trip. If anything they were just four fifths of the way to reaching the goal. It was getting antsy to think he could reach this, yet at the same time he was feeling worried.
He knew Hawke worked herself into a stupor, but the one thing he was concerned about was her squatting in Lowtown. He never could find out where she slept but it seems she was always on the move every night, so she wouldn't get robbed or anything worse. Yet still no many how many hints he dropped about renting out a room she would avoid it. Despite the fight she had with Aveline, she was pretty much alone in Kirkwall and Varric wasn't about to let his future star wither away due.
It was one particular night she was bathing, again a courtesy Varric left for Hawke only, that Isabela sauntered in.
"You sure you don't need an extra set of hands to wash your back?" She eyed the water droplets cascading down Hawke's back. "I can assure you I always enjoy getting my fingers wet."
Water splashed in the air, missing Isabela by mere inches, as Hawke wrinkled out her hair. "If I needed help I would of asked Lady. Mabaris are smart like that when they are asked of a task."
"Really now? So can your puppy help you with an irresistible itch that needs a good scratch."
Water sloshed as Hawke stood up wrapping a towel around her. "Woman you make even the simplest things sound dirty than they should."
"Well if your not in the mood for wet fingers, how about a full body massage. I can show you how agile my fingers are in loosening all the muscles in you."
"I'm sure that's not all you plan to get loose." Hawke mumbled walking behind the dressing blinds. "If your here to make jokes I'm sure there's also another reason why you're here?"
Isabela took a seat on the table crossing her legs getting a good look at Hawke's silhouette. "Well I come bearing two spots of news for you. The first is that apparently there was a murder in the barracks with one of the criminals in their jail cell. Seems someone didn't want somebody ratting on the Coterie for a trial coming up."
"Really now? Who was stupid enough to sell those rats out."
"Well you might know her well since she was straddled in your hips. And not in the good way."
Hawke pulled on her shirt not missing a beat or stopping upon here the news. Isabela could swear the woman was gloating. "Anything else that actually seems helpful?"
"Why yes, there is. It seems not only has Varric snagged us a request with this fine specimen of a chantry brother seeking revenge for his family, but he was also contacted by someone through Meeran for a job."
"Really? Meeran is throwing me a job?" Hawke emerged with her pants half buttoned braiding her hair along her scalp. "He never really does that for anyone unless its something he can't touch or want to deal with."
"Well that's the thing sweetheart, he was vague on the details, but it seems someone wants us to steal something back tomorrow tonight. Seems the mans' name was Anso or something. Varric has all the details, but he's visiting Anders to coerce him into joining us."
Hawke patted her hair, checking the braids in place, before grabbing her coat. "Alright so we got a job today exacting revenge and some shady deal tomorrow. Anything else?"
"No, nothing important." Isabela watched Hawkes' behind, noting why all of that was hidden. "Nothing worth worrying over."