5/14)

Cassandra was learning to hate playing cards. Varric was bad enough, but Champion Hawke could likely make a living playing Wicked Grace. With a loud sigh, she threw her cards down on the table.

"I yield," she grumbled. "Wherever did you learn to play like that? I felt completely undone from the start!"

Carver shrugged. "Aboard the Lady Luck. My Bella is very good at the game, so I had to learn quickly lest I end up in front of my crew in nothing but my smalls."

When Cassandra frowned in confusion, a helpful female voice clarified, "I believe Captain Hawke means to insinuate how plays the game for clothing and favors from his women."

"Women?" The Seeker choked.

"My brother has a relationship with two of his former number. Surely you read Varric's book, Seeker?"

"I did- I have... I didn't know what I was.. I mean... I thought he'd made it up." The last sentence was quieter, defeated.

Carver laughed, loudly. "It almost sounds like one of his stories doesn't it? No, I assure you it is very much real. Almost surprised Bella didn't serialize it herself like she did Guard Captain Aveline's tales."

Varric looked up at the group, chuckling. "Still can't believe I got that shlock published for her. Reminds me, someone actually bought a copy." The dwarf took an envelope from his best and handed it to Carver. One royalty payment did 'Swords and Shields' for you. Well, your lady love, but still you."

Cassandra liked startled. "Your...woman wrote 'Swords and Shields' based on her friend's love life?"

"Oh yes. Apparently it was a bet between them to see if Aveline would...well, anyway, Bella won and realistically so did Aveline." The Champion ordered another drink, amused. "And now I know who bought that copy don't I?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Only she did. The well-worn book in her room was a companion.. It had helped her deal with her position, and then the loss of Regalyan at the Conclave. Now it was treasured as an old friend. "Though I'd love to talk about your other companions. Tell me, this Anders..."

With the mention of the name, Marian stood. Too close to the truth if they spoke about it to a Seeker. "I'm off to bed. The first group stationed up north will be here tomorrow, and I have a... discussion with Blackwall beforehand." With that, she simply disappeared, leaving the other two rogues with her siblings and Cassandra.

"About your Isabella..." Sera asked, eyeing the male Hawke carefully. "She ever been in Orlais? Like about five years past?"

Outside the tavern Marian did math. Two days, she counted. She knew the route Nathaniel would take evacuating Vigil's Keep, heading to Denerim, and then riding to Skyhold. She knew precisely when she had sent the information and it would be two more days. Not that the past week had been bad. Bethany was much changed, easier to talk to. Carver still laughed. Leliana still was adamant in her faith, though Marian saw a chink in the armor when Bethany passed by. That was interesting to observe in her mentor, and she hoped it bode well for both of them.

The others were in the tavern drinking, but even without the questioning from Cassandra Marian was not in the mood. She stood at the gate, watching the road blankly, wishing those two days were over.

"Rider approaching."

Marian blinked and saw the shadowed figure approaching. Her head cocked, considering the rider. Nobody should be on their way quite yet, but she knew the sigil on the cloak: a Warden griffon. She looked again at the build and recognition sparked and she flew down the broken steps to the gate as it opened for the arrival. The guards were about to question him when the Inquisitor's sister ran up. The rider slid from his horse and reached out.

There was no question of Nathaniel's identity when Marian pushed down the hood of his cloak and wrapped herself around him. He joined her in a kiss and drank in the sensation of just holding her after so long.

"Lee?" Marian finally asked, pulling away gently.

"With Alistair," Nathaniel assured. "I couldn't wait another minute, so I rode ahead. Even Corypheus' meddling was weak next to wanting you."

Marian drew herself into his embrace again. "I'm sorry you had to hear that song. Tomorrow we will destroy its hold, but tonight we can handle the more immediate concern." She looked up to smile at him, unable to pull away.

That was the last time they would truly part.

- 0 - 0 - 0 -

Unfortunately it was only a few days before the siblings went their separate ways. Marian stayed at Skyhold and very directly explained that Blackwall was ill and not to be Bethany's concern until he fully recovered. Carver however joined his young sister and got a feel for her new life. It turned out Bethany was more comfortable on the move than Carver had ever been. He recognized it right off. He'd always preferred the safety of home, whether the streets of Kirkwall or the decks of his ship. Bethy however seemed pleased with the freedom of the road and happily reveled in having broken the Circle's chains. Varric had wholly turned into HER companion. Given her brightness, the change was not surprising. Carver found even himself drawn to aide her causes.

When they found the cave Carver had suggested for their meeting he saw Bethany bound up the path and entered first. By the time Carver got in she had already glomped Anders - who was responding by tickling her mercilessly. Carver cleared his throat, gesturing towards the other companions. Varric was making notes, Cassandra frowning. Bethany shook her head. "He's an old friend," she explained.

"A brother," Carver explained, coming up to slap the man firmly on the back. "Life treating you well?"

"Crazed templars, possessed wardens. Best friend tried to poison me- or unpoison me. I'm not sure which since they feel about the same. Run of the mill really. You?"

Carver and Bethany both chuckled. Bethy spoke up, responding. "Marks, rifts, family nemesis back from the dead trying to annihilate me. Business as usual." She frowned. "Hear that nemesis is giving your people trouble. Marian wouldn't even let me bring Blackwall with, even if he's my best sword. Must be serious."

"Blackwall?" Anders matched the frown. "That's...odd." He shook his head. "Interesting. But yes, Coryphy-thingy is giving most Wardens really bad headaches. If Mari hadn't sought me out I would've been one. The Orlesian Wardens have officially gone crazy, someplace in the Western Expanse..."

000 "

As soon as Cassandra worked out who had joined their company she began questioning the Warden. It was I the woman's nature to ask questions of course- but some what she spouted of was ridiculous.

"Warden Anders. Why did you come out of hiding?"

"I thought it was simple, Seeker Cassandra. I'm trying to make things right after Kirkwall. Innocents were lost." His voice broke a bit as the mage pushed ahead.

Cassandra paused, watching as he stomped ahead, clarity in her face. Incredulously, she remarked on her new wisdom. "You knew. About the evacuation."

"The orphanage should never have been hit. I was careless."

"But the sisters! The Chantry mother!"

"It excuses nothing."

"But you weren't alone in it." Cassandra waited a second, then pointed. "You are a mage, yes? Could you set that bush on fire?"

Bethany watched as Anders groaned. "Yes, but why would I want to?"

"Not fire then. We're in a desert- could you freeze it?"

The level-headed facade broke as Anders turned on his heel. "Cassandra. Seeker. With all due respect, why do you want me to kill the bush?"

"Because it's there! It's a heretical bush! Make it pay for it's heresy."

The blonde warden shook his head and increased his speed to join Bethany and Carver. "Is Cassandra... crazy?"

Bethany laughed, as did Varric as he joined them. "She's testing you, Blondie. That's all."

Anders looked back to where Cassandra still considered the bush in Crestwood. It was a sad, scraggly thing. Carefully, he sent a stream of magic towards it, seeing the Seeker gasp as the plant strengthened and grew. A single flower blossomed on top, a lovely white thing that opened fully. The Seeker gasped, reaching out to touch the blossom. Anders smiled as he stepped back, plucking it and setting it behind her ear.

"Now her hand is raised, a sword to pierce the sun. With iron shield she defends the faithful. Let chaos be undone."

The Seeker blushed at the pretty words and took the blossom from her hair. She smiled at Anders, then quickly regained her stony composure and went to the back of the group.

Varric looked at Anders questioningly. "Really?"

"What can I say? Women are drawn to me like moths to a flame."