Hey guys, UPDATE: fixed this chapter
Thanks for reading this far I hope you enjoy it
Ferelden, Gwaren
Fourteen days after the Fall of Ostagar
The Witch of the Wilds, Flemeth, had recently dropped off what was left of the Hawke family and Aveline Vallen in the outskirts of the remote but major town of Gwaren. Without so much as a goodbye Flemeth had took off and just left them there. True to her word Flemeth had guided them to Gwaren, a few pockets of Darkspawn forces had attacked on the way but Flemeth always killed them efficiently and with ease.
Garrett watched Flemeth leaving still not knowing what to make of her before turning around leading his family and Aveline towards the cit of Gwaren. The first thing that Garrett and the others noticed about Gwaren was that it was full of people fleeing the Darkspawn Horde.
The gate entrance to Gwaren wasn't even closed but it was left open for people to enter. However armed guards were posted around and in front of the gate entrance. The Guards stopped Garrett before he and the group entered.
"State your business in Gwaren. Unless you can spend some money or provide some sort of service for Gwaren then we ask that you move on, we have enough stranded people here."
They're 'filtering' refugees… Garrett thought bitterly but hid it knowing it wouldn't be wise to anger the guards. "We have money, we're going to buy a ride to the Free Marches" Garrett said showing the guards his money pouch.
The guards saw the money pouch then said "alright you're free to enter Gwaren and good luck with that ride… you're not the first person with that idea." Garrett nodded leading his family and Aveline to enter Gwaren.
Gwaren was a larger than an average sized town, it was another trading hub for the Amaranthine Ocean. Nations like Antiva and Rivain would export and import good to Ferelden by the use of Hubs similar to Gwaren. However, Gwaren was not the most popular trading hub because of how far it was from the other hubs in Ferelden like Amaranthine, Highever, Jader, and Denerim.
Therefore Gwaren's trading hub was mostly used by Ferelden to transport goods to the rest of the country quicker than on land but Gwaren also had the advantage of exporting certain goods that could only be found south of Ferelden to other countries.
Antiva and some states in the Free Marches bought snake leather in great quantities along with a type of spice that Gwaren was famous for making. Thus Gwaren was fairly wealthy due to the trading by sea and distributing goods to rest of Ferelden, not as wealthy as Denerim but well off nonetheless.
The first thing Garrett Hawke noticed about Gwaren wasn't the homes, or the shops, or the Docks, but rather the Inns. The Inns were packed with people all fleeing the Blight with rooms filling up fast by refugee after refugee.
Those with no money to pay for a room had stayed outside the Inns and begged for money until all the rooms were taken leaving clusters of people milling about the town with essentially nowhere else to go.
The Docks on the other hand were being bombarded with people trying to get a ship for travel outside of Ferelden escaping the Blight. "The Guards were right. We're not the only ones who are fleeing the Blight by sea" Garrett said.
Just then Garrett noticed Bethany looking on worriedly as she saw all the people simply stuck here with no place to go. "Bethany the Darkspawn are heading the other way. Whatever their reasons they're trying to take Ferelden. If they managed to take it then they still have to turn around to get here. These people still have time to leave" Garrett said calmly as Leandra grabbed her daughter's hand.
"Okay" Bethany said slightly relieved as Kane looked at them all curiously. Aveline looked around wisely saying "the Ship Captains are probably charging high prices since they're the only real way out of here right now." The Hawke family saw the logic behind this… it made them all angry even Kane.
They entered the Docks after getting some fresh water and looked for a Ship Captain. The Docks had signs posted classifying which ships were going where, which were importing or exporting, and those not leaving Gwaren.
As they looked for Ships going to Kirkwall they noticed refugees begging to leave hysterically only to be kicked off the Ships by their Captains.
Aveline noticed a lone woman arguing with a Ship Captain whom was waving her off until the desperate woman took off part of her shirt and let the Captain look at her chest. The Ship Captain smiled before letting her on board… that bastard Aveline thought bitterly.
Aveline began to walk towards that Captain her fist clenched only for to Garrett stop her by grabbing a hold of her wrist. "I know how you feel but we can't do anything. It wouldn't be wise to get on the bad side of the Ship Captains" Garrett said somberly.
"Your right but it's not fair that bastard whoring her out like that" Aveline said angrily as she walked off towards Leandra.
Aveline has been avoiding me she knows what had to be done for Wesley… she blames me. Maker even my mother blames me, they're both so cold towards me. Only Bethany and Kane will even walk with me Garrett thought darkly before moving on with his family.
Bethany looked around spotting a row of five Ships heading for Kirkwall. "There" Bethany called pointing towards ships as Garrett and the others walked on together looking for a Ship Captain. Leandra spotted one on the far right.
The Ship Captain was wearing a heavy blue coat with a green bandana as he sat next to a table. The man was taking money from a Noble woman of some kind before letting her board the Ship.
Garrett took the lead walking to the far right of the Docks, the Ship Captain noticed him instantly due to his Ferelden Field Armor.
"Before you start let me save you some trouble. I can't let you get a ride for free, if you want a free ride then wait until the Chantry Ships get back. A ride on my Ship is sixty five Sovereigns you can barter if you have valuables and most importantly read the sign. SHIP'S GOING TO KIRKWALL NO WHERE ELSE" the Ship Captain said crossing his arms.
"We have fifty seven Sovereigns, forty four silver, and twelve bronze pieces, we can barter for the rest" Garrett said as he looked at the Captain's thick beard. The Ship Captain give Garrett a curious look saying "thought you Soldier types got paid good coin what happened?"
"Ostagar happened. We didn't exactly get all our payments" Garrett answered somewhat coldly. The Hawke family hadn't been able to grab all their savings only about half but even then this Ship Captain was charging at least five times his normal fee.
"Eh so many deserters out there. What do you have to Barter?" the Ship Captain asked as he leaned in to get a look at what they had. "We have Armor and Weapons along with some trinkets" Garrett said gesturing only for the Captain to look annoyed saying "got enough Armor and Weapons and I got a lot of trinkets already, anything else?"
"I can work for the Ship. I was in the army, I can help protect it there's probably pirates using the Blight to pillage" Garrett said hopefully. "I already got men to protect the ship… but maybe we can work something out" the Captain said as he examined Bethany.
"No! Bethany will stay with us" Garrett said firmly as he moved to stand in front of Bethany. The Captain didn't seem to take the hint as he moved around trying to get a look at Bethany saying "how about your money, whatever trinkets you have and your girl there stays with me in the Captain's Room."
Garrett blocked the Ship Captain's view again coldly saying "Bethany stays with us! She will not stay with you! Pick another deal." To reinforce this Aveline stepped in front of the nervous Bethany and looked ready to punch the Captain in the face as Kane started to growled.
"Easy now. If want a ride then you folks need to calm down" the Ship Captain said gesturing towards his ship. "Okay… we know the ground rules" Garrett said firmly as they continued to haggle.
"Son, you don't have enough money and you won't give anything I want" the Ship Captain said as he started to stand up. "There's got to be something" Garrett said shifting as the Ship Captain shook his head saying "nope sorry lad."
Just as the Ship Captain was leaving his table to board his Ship Leandra stopped him to everyone's surprise. "Wait look at this" Leandra said as she pulled a necklace out of her pack shoving it into in the Captain's hand.
"I got enough Trinkets I-" the Captain began but then stopped and noticed that the necklace was gold… real gold. "This necklace has been in the Amell Family for more than two-hundred years, made of gold with carvings of the Amell Family crest, it's worth at least fifty Sovereigns" Leandra said.
The Ship Captain examined it saying "the necklace and thirty Sovereigns."
Garrett replied "it's worth at least fifty Sovereigns so the necklace and fifteenth Sovereigns." The Captain looked at the necklace then back to Garrett saying "the necklace and twenty Sovereigns, take it or leave it."
"Deal" Garrett said holding out his hand. "Deal" the Ship Captain said taking Garrett's hand and shaking it roughly. "Welcome aboard" the Ship Captain called as he ushered them onto his ship.
"Well you're more or less free to roam around the Ship until we set sail but don't touch anything unless I say so and don't disturb any of my crew" the Ship Captain said as he led them to the Cargo Hold.
"As you can see this ain't no royal class ride. You'll mostly stay with the Exports in the Cargo Hold. Oh and don't try and steal anything we keep track and when NOT IF you're caught I'll personally throw you out to the raw sea" the Ship Captain said facing Garrett in particular as he walked.
I'm a deserter not a thief Garrett thought annoyed by the Ship Captain's look.
"You can come up to the Top Deck for a bit if you want some fresh air for now but if I or any my crew tell you to go back, you back" the Ship Captain said leading them down a plight of stairs.
"Here you are, the Cargo Hold. Once we set sail you will mostly remain here for the rest of the trip. Oh and we should get to Kirkwall in about two weeks" the Ship Captain said as Garrett and the others glanced around the large but cramped room that was the Cargo Hold. The Ship Captain smirked as he noticed Bethany looking around at all the other refugees crammed into the Cargo Hold along with the Exports leaving very little room to move around.
Laughing the Ship Captain walked toward Bethany only for Garrett block his path causing another laugh from the Ship Captain. Peering through Garrett and looking at Bethany the Ship Captain did a mock bow as if he was addressing a Noble smirking as he said "enjoy you're royal cruise to Kirkwall my lady."
Bethany scoffed as Ship Captain took his leave of them. "Remember girl, you don't like it here all cramp up you can always trade up with me in the Captain's Room" the Ship Captain said walking off with one last glance at Bethany.
Garrett shook his head 'no' knowing he'd never let Bethany go or be taken to the 'Captain's Room'. "That man's a drunk" Aveline said crossing her arms as she watched the Ship Captain leave. "He's a sailor they're notorious for drinking" Garrett said offhandedly.
"Bethany stay close to me or Aveline, I don't want the Captain trying anything" Garrett said as Bethany nodded.
Bethany spoke up saying "mother thank you for giving that up." Leandra looked around the Cargo Hold saying "it was the only thing I had to remember my mother by. She gave it to me when I was just seventeen."
"I'm sorry mother I should have found another way" Garrett said meeting his mother's eyes for the first time since Carver died. "No it alright as long as we're safe and together" Leandra said looking at Garrett. She looked me in the eyes. Maybe she stopped blaming me for Carver thought Garrett as he couldn't help but smile at his Mother's determination to stick together.
Aveline looked at the floor not meeting anyone's eyes as she awkwardly said "I'm sorry you had to do that. I'm not part of your family I... thank you". "It's alright Aveline; you've had a hard journey just like us and helped us along the way. It's the least we can do" Leandra said as she comforted Aveline. Garrett looked at Aveline thinking about what he'd done.
Killing Wesley wasn't easy… I understand Aveline can't help but blame me… at least she's polite Garrett thought. "Aveline we wouldn't have made it here without you it's no trouble. Besides we're comrades… both of us served in King Cailan's Army" Garrett said smiling slightly.
But then Garrett noticed something as Aveline made eye contact with him for the first time in days; it was so fast that only he saw it. Aveline politely said "yes I suppose your right" but in Aveline's eyes just for a split second there was this coldness in her eyes, almost anger but not quite.
Garrett didn't acknowledge it and let it slide as he just nodded but inside he knew what he saw.
Maybe one day she won't be mad but until then I shouldn't pry… she's the only one left who might understand what I've been through Garrett thought. "Well I'm gonna get some fresh air while I can" Garrett said getting up. "Kane watch out for them okay boy" Garrett said patting Kane on his head. Kane barked in confirmation as he stood up looking protectively over the Hawke family.
"I'll try and settle us in" Leandra called as Garrett nodded walking towards the Top Deck.
After going up the stairs and onto the Top Deck Garrett noticed that a lot of people were getting fresh air before they would be forced to share the large but cramped Cargo Hold together. Garrett leaned on a rail looked over the ship and into the water deep in thought.
I never thought I'd go to Kirkwall like this. Always pictured us going on vacation there with the whole family Mother, Kane, Carver, and Bethany. I wish Father had been here. Father could have protected the Family. Malcolm Hawke was a powerful Apostate; together we might have all made it.
Garrett smiled at the thought of his Father, of Malcolm telling stories of his adventures as a young man, his travels from Tevinter to Orlais, to Ferelden, and Kirkwall where he had met Leandra. Tales of the things he had seen and what he had done with his Magic, of helping Garrett learn to wield a sword.
Memories of fishing in the lake, hunting together, of Malcolm using his Magic to amuse a very young Garrett, of teaching Garrett how to take care of Carver and Bethany. Garrett remembered when Kane was born how he was so small and how he tried to climb up Garrett's leg while Malcolm laughed. Of Malcolm teaching Bethany to control her Magic and showing Carver how to duel, of stopping Bethany and Carver fighting by floating them up in the air gently with a wave of his hand laughing as he did so.
Then that's when Garrett realized something, he had failed his Father in his last request of Garrett. Garrett remembered it like it was yesterday. Malcolm sick and dying in his bed calling Garrett towards him while Bethany and Carver looked on sadly.
"Garrett my boy, you've grown into a fine young man, you'll do great things I know it. I don't have much time left son. But don't fear for me I've lived a good life full of adventure and a loving family. When I'm gone you'll be the man of the family. Be sure to look after your mother.
Help Bethany with her Magic I know it won't be easy but she's your sister… at times she'll feel so alone. But never let her forget that she's not, she has you. Look out for her, be her mentor as I was.
Look out for Carver his heart's in the right place and he'll grow into a strong man but he's stubborn. He'll hate you for it but you need to protect him from himself… don't let him do anything reckless. And never forget no matter what always stand by your Family."
Malcolm had made sure Garrett remembered his words then made all of his children give him a hug, smiling as he made them all go to bed. The next morning Malcolm Hawke had passed away still with that smile of a proud Father on his face.
That was years ago and now Garrett had failed his Father as well as his brother. Garrett sadly looked in his own reflection… he's eyes were different now. His eyes were not the ones he'd had when he joined the Army, that of a young proud Soldier. Instead his eyes were now of an older man protecting his family. It was odd his own eyes made him look older than he really was.
"Brother what are you doing? Here have some bread" Bethany said having suddenly appeared behind him and handing him some of Leandra's bread.
"Oh nothing Bethany, just fixing my hair" Garrett said chuckling as he stuck his hand in the water and wet his midnight black hair sweeping it to the left so that his bangs slanted across his forehead. "There I'll be the envy of every Orlesian Noble" Garrett said grinning causing Bethany to laugh "we're going to Kirkwall not Orlais" she said still chuckling.
"Well then while we live our new life as Nobles I can be the envy of every Noble without hair" Garrett said still grinning as he took the bread and Bethany joined her brother leaning on the rail.
"What is it really, is it Aveline? She never makes eye contact with you and she never walks with you" Bethany said more seriously. "Deep down she knows that it wasn't your fault… she just needs some time" Bethany added as she took a bite of bread.
"It's not that I... I just keep thinking that if Father was here things would have been different, now I feel like I failed him" Garrett said as he took a bite of the Bread. "You did the best you could. You're not Andraste you can't save the whole world. Father would have been proud you protected us and led us here" Bethany said wisely to her older Brother.
That's nice of you Bethany but it was all my fault Garrett thought to himself but hid it well. There was no pointing in letting Bethany see how he really felt so he faked a smile and laughed ruffling her hair like he used too when they were little and said "hey I'm supposed to be the wise older brother."
"Well, even the wise older brother needs some advice sometimes" Bethany said chuckling at this role reversal of theirs.
Just then the Captain got everyone's attention when he stood up from his Captain's Room. "Alright all passengers to the Cargo Hold we're setting sail!" the Ship Captain yelled. Bethany and Garrett got up heading to the Cargo Hold regrouping with the others.
Back in the Cargo Hold, Garrett noticed Kane nervously standing up. "What's wrong boy" Garrett asked grinning. "I don't think he likes being at sea" Leandra said patting him as they all felt the shifting of the Ship as it set sail.
Kane whimpered looking at the floor "it's only two weeks Kane, you'll be fine" Garrett said reassuringly the loyal Mabari. The Hawke family and Aveline got comfortable as the Ship started to move out of the Gwaren Docks and into the Waking Sea. As they were getting ready to eat with the Ship moving a man suddenly appeared and tapped Garrett on the back.
"Excuse me sir. I was at Lothering and I happened to remember you and I'd like to personally thank you. You saved a lot of lives" the man said. Garrett stood up looking at the man the Farmer I grabbed the day Lothering was attacked, I pulled him aside and warned him about the road being a trap Garrett remembered.
"Yes I remember you. Glad you made it" Garrett said as he shook the Farmer's hand. "Please share some stew with me and family, we owe ours lives to the kindness of strangers such as yourself" the Farmer insisted as he led them to his family.
A couple feet from the left of where the Hawke Family and Aveline had been sitting was the Farmer's family sitting close together. Sitting down with a pot of boiling stew were two girls, a teenager and a very small child, along with a brown haired woman.
"Look who I found dear" the Farmer said as he sat down and kissed his wife. The Farmer's wife gazed at Garrett saying "you. You saved my family and a lot of friends of mine thank you."
"It was nothing" Garrett said slightly embarrassed at all the thanks he was getting. Most of the Darkspawn chased my family like they'd known we warned people and wanted to punish us; looks like that gave the other survivors a clearer path than us Garrett thought.
The Hawke family and Aveline sat down with the Farmer's family and got ready to eat. "I'm Henry Crewe and this is my wife Alice, my eldest daughter Juliana, and my youngest daughter Jasmine" the Farmer said as he introduced his family.
Juliana looked at Garrett's Ferelden Field Armor and said "thank you sir for helping when you did," while Jasmine pet Kane and laughed.
Together the two families and Aveline ate stew and bread. Well this isn't so bad thought Garrett Hawke as he and Bethany exchanged stories with Henry about Lothering. This trip to Kirkwall is going to be alright Garrett thought as he ate on the way to his new life.
Next Chapter: KIRKWALL
Thanks for reading my story and please review and tell me you think about Garrett and Bethany, I tried to make them close siblings like I am with mine.