Hey guys, finally published this Chapter
Been meaning to publish it since Wednesday
Enjoy...

"Freedom...those born with it view it only as a right and never truly see it's worth

Those born without it strive to achieve it with every fiber of their being

For freedom some men would do anything, fight anyone, kill anyone

But they may break their chains and still remain a prisoner inside...

They'll carry that darkness around with them until it's burned into their soul...

changing them for whatever time they have left" - excerpt from the Tales of Varric

Lowtown

Gamlen's House

Four days after the Chantry Incident

Four days and the public doesn't know what we and Anders did... they must keeping it quiet since it would make them look bad if the public knew thought Garrett as he walked through the Lowtown Marketplace holding some cheese. Leandra had sent him out to get it for lunch as Garrett was friendly with some of the Merchants in Lowtown and was able to lower the price for cheese. "There's a letter for you" Gamlen called to Garrett holding an envelope as he entered Gamlen's house carrying some cheese from the Market. Knowing how Gamlen was, Garrett casually asked "you open it?"

"What! No I wouldn't do that" Gamlen replied annoyed, but Bethany interrupted from the breakfast table saying "he didn't read it... he shook it to check for money." Gamlen quickly replied "uh I was going to keep it safe for you," looking at Gamlen without blinking Garrett replied "sure you were Gamlen." Scoffing back at him, Gamlen threw the envelope at Garret as he gave Bethany the cheese, whom passed it to Leandra in the kitchen.

The envelope, hitting Garrett's shoulder, bounced off and fell to the floor, sighing Garrett leaned down and picked it up. Standing up Garrett saw the envelope was addressed to Hawke and not Garrett, Varric... ever since he started calling me Hawke everyone seems to be copying him... eh it's still my name thought Garrett humorously. Opening the envelope and pulling out the letter, which didn't have any money in it, Garrett began to read.

Hawke,

A contact of mine highly recommends you, I have a job for you if your interested, it pays well. I'll be in Lowtown at the Bazzar at night

Anso

"Bethany looks we got a job for tonight" Garrett called to his sister, whom was in the kitchen with Leandra making lunch. "Why does it always have to be at night, you never get a job in the day" Leandra complained as she cooked. Bethany agreed saying "mom has a point Garrett, we should look for jobs in the day," "Varric said he had some jobs we could do, hopefully there in the daytime so we can get some good sleep" Garrett replied to his sister. Gamlen, sitting down on the breakfast table waiting for the lunch Leandra was cooking, asked "so how soon will you able to invest in your expedition?"

"Whenever we get fifty Sovereign" Garrett replied, "yeah, but how long we talking, a week... two" Gamlen asked. "We don't exactly have a time line for this Gamlen, so for it's until we get fifty Sovereigns, we have almost half already. Why do want to know so much Gamlen?" Garrett asked a little curious at Gamlen's probing. Gamlen trying to look dignified said "I just thought you know... you'd remember who helped you in your time of need is all; and maybe return the favor..." "Gamlen you sold your niece and nephew into Athenril's service for a year and lied to us about what our Grandparents left Mother." Garrett began as Gamlen looked annoyed and cut in, saying "I already apologized for that and it worked out didn't it... I got all of you into Kirkwall."

Garrett held up a hand before Gamlen could continued and said "yes, you got us into Kirkwall I haven't forgot that, if this expedition is successful... you will get a share just as Bethany, Mother, and I do." Gamlen looked stunned then recovered, rubbing his head he said "I... thank you Garrett" "We're family" Garrett replied.

Then Leandra and Bethany joined them at the breakfast table bring the food.

As they ate they discussed the expedition again then changed the topic to Leandra's writing to the Viscount. "I've been writing but they've been reluctant to look into it, they acknowledge that Gamlen didn't own the estate so the deed wasn't his to 'give' away. But they'll won't talk about us re-buying it, that'll change when we get more money, until then I won't let them forget about us" Leandra said as they finished eating. "Leandra you are persistent I'll give you that" Gamlen said as he finished eating and stood up to clean his plate. Mother wouldn't need to be persistent if it wasn't for you thought Garrett as he glanced at Gamlen having finished eating.

Bethany suddenly tapped Garrett's shoulder, turning Garrett saw his sister nodding disapprovingly at him. "What?" Garrett asked confused at Bethany, "Garrett you need to let it go, forgive him" Bethany said calmly. "I'm letting him get a share of the rewards if it succeeds" Garrett replied to his sister. "Yes but you're still holding it against him" Bethany said as Garrett frowned. Garrett was about to reply was stopped by Bethany cutting in, "Gamlen's like Carver." "Gamlen is nothing like Carver" Garrett began but was once again stopped by Bethany.

Turning, Bethany looked at Gamlen and Leandra cleaning their plates in the kitchen; then said "Garrett, your the firstborn, Carver and I always lived in your shadow." Garrett made a face at that but Bethany continued anyway, "Carver was always trying to prove himself, to be his own person. Gamlen was born after Mother, he was always the second option. Our Grandparents were Nobles, Leandra was always the firstborn and the most gifted. Gamlen grew up in her shadow, when she left our Grandparents still favored Mother, he must have grown bitter. But when it came down to it Gamlen helped us, he's not perfect but he's trying to be better."

Garrett raised an eyebrow at his sister at the end then said "how is Gamlen 'trying to be better'?" as Gamlen left the kitchen and went to his room. Bethany chuckled saying "I've noticed things, Gamlen's nicer towards me and Mother and he has helped us when we need it. Carver was never really bitter because Father taught him not be, our Grandfather was no Malcolm Hawke." Looking thoughtful, Garrett's memories of his younger brother Carver resurfaced... Bethany was right, Gamlen is like Carver in some ways.

"I don't think Carver would like being compared to Gamlen" Garrett said trying to lighten the mood, giggling Bethany replied "no I don't suppose Carver would like compared to Gamlen." Garrett standing up said "alright Bethany... I'll let it go and... I'll forgive him," with some trouble at the end.

Then laughing Garrett ruffled Bethany's hair saying "I'm suppose to be the wise older brother, if I didn't know better I'd think you're trying to steal my job."

Then Leandra got back to the table and asked "Garrett there's still no word about what happened four days ago?" Bethany looked curious as well and leaned in, "no word yet, I'm thinking that the Templars don't want the public to know that seven of their order was defeated in the Chantry of all places. I haven't checked on Anders yet... I think he's trying to lay low, well lower than usual." Leandra nodded saying "that makes sense, I don't know if I like this Anders person."

Garrett and Bethany exchanged a look then Bethany said "he was trying to help a friend, his intentions were good Mother; and as we explained he's not possessed by a demon, he's... merged with a Spirit." "Good intentions aside I do think that we should be a little careful with Anders, he even said 'and he is longer my friend Justice... he is a force of Vengeance and he has no grasp of mercy" Garrett interrupted.

"But that's only when he's lost control" Bethany countered , Leandra watched them go back and forth then said "as long as Anders can control himself it shouldn't be a problem, that said you should be careful and make sure he doesn't lose control... I worry about you two."

Nodding the Hawke siblings stood up and reassured their Mother, when a knock was heard at the front door. Gamlen opened the door from his room saying, "it's not another debt collector is it, I paid everything off already." "I don't think it's a debt collector" Garrett said as he walked to the front door and opened it. Varric was waiting outside as the front door opened and revealed him; "Hawke! Good to see you. I might be a little late but you should have got a letter giving a you job from a guy named Anso" Varric said as he walked into Gamlen's home and looked around.

"We got the letter a little while ago, the jobs for tonight... so you're the contact who recommend us" Bethany asked as Varric studied the house. Leandra walked up to Varric and held out her hand to shake as she said "Varric I've heard good things about you." Taking her hand and shaking it politely, Varric replied "as I'm sure my lady," then Varric did a humorously bow suited for a Noble. Laughing Leandra said "I'm not a really Noble anymore, Varric," Garrett rolled his eyes saying "yeah Varric does that." Varric smirked back at Garrett saying "my lord Hawke." Grinning at how Varric always managed to poke fun of the fact the Garrett's family were technically Nobles but not in a bad way, Garrett stated "so the contact was you then."

"Yup, so looks we have a job for tonight" Varric answered even though Garrett didn't ask but stated. Gamlen looked at Varric then shrugged and went back to his room muttering about Dwarfs. Varric noticed the breakfast table then asked "I'm not interrupting anything am I?" "We're just finished eating lunch, we have some left overs if you want some" Leandra asked. Varric shook his head saying "no I already ate but thanks for the offer," Leandra nodded. "So Varric what's the job exactly, Anso's letter didn't really say what it was" Garrett asked as Bethany took a seat in the breakfast table listening.

"The first thing you need to know is that Anso is a Dwarf who hasn't been on the surface for very long. The fool tired to smuggle Lyrium with free-lance smugglers but his smugglers saw what his cargo was and stole it; he's been looking for someone to get it back for him." Varric said as he leaned against a wall. " Lyrium! But the Templars could be-" Bethany began but was stopped by Varric holding up his hand then saying "Sunshine don't worry your Brother and I wouldn't let them take you."

"Your telling me this Anso is smuggling Lyrium between the Chantry, the Carta, and the Coterie" Garrett said uneasy with his arms crossed. Varric nodded saying "I told you he's a bit of fool... but he can pay up, besides we're not smuggling the Lyrium for him, just taking it back for him and we've fought Templars and won before" Varric replied noticing the uneasy in Garrett's voice. "That's not the point" Garrett said, but Bethany suddenly spoke up saying "it's okay Garrett we need the money." Varric nodded at Bethany, his look saying thank you Sunshine.

Then looking back at Garrett, Varric asked "and what about Anders, if something comes up his... Special Talents could come in handy if the need arises, I think we should take him on this job." "No" Garrett said before Varric could continue and before Bethany could protest, Garrett continued. "Anders needs to lay low... it's only been four days. Bethany when Anders lost control you said... you could feel Justice right? He was like bright spot in darkness right, when he losses control, people... Mages and Templars alike can feel him. Four days isn't enough time, Anders will join us later when more time has passed."

Bethany replied "that's only when he's lost control, his friend just got turned Tranquil anyone would lose control at that. But your right he needs to lay low longer." Garrett glanced at Kane chasing his tail in a corner then said "we should probably leave Kane here as well... he tends to draw some unwanted attention" Varric nodded saying "alright then no Anders or Kane, so we meet at the Lowtown Bazzar at night" then Varric waved and left Gamlen's house.

Night

Lowtown Marketplace

"I still don't understand why they have to different sections for the Lowtown Marketplace" Bethany asked as her brother, and Varric walked to the Bazzar section of the Lowtown Market. "It's just room, I guess they just ran out of room in some areas and named the other areas where they extended it" Garrett replied as they walked. Varric smirked saying "the real reason is ego, class, whatever you want to call it, the prime section of the market is a status symbol, the lower sections like the Bazzar are for the lower Merchants of Lowtown." As Varric finished explaining the real reason for the different sections of the Marketplace the group saw the Dwarf Anso waiting for them.

Anso waited for them as they walked, Anso saw Varric and looked shocked then regained his composure. When the group reached Anso he said "Varric I didn't expect to see you here, is this Hawke?" Yes I'm 'Hawke' where do these guys have your Lyrium?" Garrett asked once again thinking why Varric called him Hawke all the time. Varric looked at Anso saying "you seem surprised to see me? I said I'd you get you the best people for this job, that includes myself." Anso nodded then said "the smugglers that stole my cargo conduct their business at night in a little hovel in the east back alley of the Alienage."

"East back alley of the Alienage got it" Garrett said as he and the group turned, heading towards the Alienage; Anso waved at them as the left. As the group left Anso in the Bazzar section of the Market, Varric said "Anso's holding something back, we should be ready for something."

Garrett looked at that Varric saying "Varric you see things that even I can't, we'll be ready for anything" Garrett replied as Bethany nodded.

The group entered the Alienage and walked through the of assortment of houses, huts, small shops, and brothels looking for the east back alley. Varric lead them into the east back alley as Garrett and Bethany had never been in the Alienage even with all their time in Kirkwall, once in the Alley, Varric lead them to a little hovel near the dead end of the alley. Standing directly at the front door of the little Hovel the group got ready and grabbed their weapons, then Garrett kicked the door open then instantly held up his Shield, protecting himself and the group.

Thud! Thud! Two arrow slammed into Garrett's Shield as Garrett advanced forward. Seeing the two Archers as she followed behind Garrett and his Shield, Bethany shot a Fire Boll at the two Archers, burning them. Varric fired a shot a man on the left of them as he tired to rush with a knife; Varric's arrow hit the man straight in the neck, the man stumbled. Varric fired another arrow, it hit the man in the heart, killing him as he fell.

The main room was cleared of enemies so Garrett walked forward and turned into the only other room in the Hovel to the right; the moment Garrett stepped into the room a man hiding to the side of the door rushed out and swung a downward slash with an Ax. Blocking the slash with his Shield Garrett pushed the man's Ax out of the way and Garrett stabbed the man in the chest, killing him. Pulling his Longsword out, Garrett watched as Varric went to the Chest in the middle of the room and opened it. Bethany cleaned Garrett's Longsword with Magic and Garrett pulled the arrows out of his Shield as Varric check the box, then Varric slammed the chest closed.

The Hawke siblings looked at Varric, then Garrett asked "the Lyrium, it's not there is it?" Varric shook his head saying "no the chest is empty, this was a waste." Sighing Garrett said "alright let's go and find Anso" Bethany frowned as the group left the room and headed towards the exit. Upon exiting the Hovel the group saw five armored men and one armored woman waiting for them. "That's not the Elf! Who is that?" one of the armored men said as he pulled out his Greatsword saying "it doesn't matter we were told to kill whoever entered the hovel."

The other men drew the weapons as Garrett, Bethany, and Varric drew their as well. Bethany shot a Fire Ball at two of the men running towards them, Varric loaded a special bolt into his trusty crossbow Bianca, Garrett used his Shield to block a Greatsword slash and his Longsword to block a stab from Dagger. Seeing her brother was in some trouble, Bethany shot a Stone Fist at the man wielding a Dagger, the man stumbled and flow back two feet but didn't fall because of his armor. Free Garrett of one of his attackers, Garrett was able to fight the man with the Greatsword effectively, using his Shield Garrett blocked the Greatsword slashes.

Garrett's enemy used a heavy downward slash causing Garrett step back from the force as he blocked it, the man tried to rush Garrett but was stopped by Garrett kicking him in the chest. Varric having finished loading the special bolt, fired it upwards and dozens of arrows burst from in the air hitting a spot fifteen feet from Garrett.

Varric had seen what Bethany had not and what Garrett was to busy to see, sixteen more armored men were coming for them, Varric's special arrow had unleashed a swarm of arrows hitting them. Some died from the arrows, some wounded but all slowed down.

Bethany had been keeping the man with the Dagger and armored Woman busy but finished them with a Cone of Cold freezing them; then shooting a Fire Ball at the frozen attackers, using the force of it to shatter them. Garrett finished his attacker by slamming his Shield into the man's face causing him to stumble back as Garrett slashed the man's throat open.

While Bethany and Garret were finishing their attackers, Varric was sniping the men in the distance causing the survivors to fall back using their Shields to cover their escape.

Turning to look at Bethany and Varric, Garrett asked "what was all that about, Anso set us up?" Varric shook his head gesturing towards the dead men saying "no, Anso has nothing to gain from this." "Maybe someone put him up to it" Bethany said trying to help. "I don't think so" Garrett said thoughtfully as he looked around to make sure no one else was coming. "This isn't about us, they said something about an Elf and Varric you said you thought Anso wasn't telling us everything" Garrett said as he signaled for them to move forward, Varric replied "yeah I haven't known Anso very long, but I think he didn't want me to be on this job. We need to have a talk with Anso, we'll find him."

Bethany Dispelled the left-over Magical traces from the fight; then Garrett lead them back through the alley, not a great idea to leave the same way the attackers Varric stopped left but there was no other way, the alley only lead back or to a dead end. Garrett held up his Shield taking point as the group finally left the alley and re-entered the clearing, Garrett looked but couldn't see the survivors from Varric's sniping I don't like this, could be an ambush, only two ways out of the clearing, left or rightthought Garrett.

Still in front of the group Garrett noticed footsteps from the around a corner , turning the group saw an armored man walking towards them from the right exit. The armored man walked towards them arrogantly, carrying his weight around, stopping and standing tall he looked at them with annoyance. "I don't know who you are and what you're doing here, but you've made a serious mistake getting in our way." Still facing the armored man the group waited for him to make his move; but instead the armored man yelled "Lieutenant! I want everyone left in the clearing! Now!" The survivors! An ambush thought Garrett as he shielded his sister and had his Longsword facing the left exit.

Varric and Bethany were ready as they waited... and waited, nothing... nothing. The armored man looked confused "Lieutenant! Lieutenant!" but still nothing... until finally only one of Varric's sniping survivors limped over from the left exit.

The limping man was blooding badly... he's been slashed across his back and the cut was deep as while as other wounds around his chest, "Captain" the man moaned before falling to the fall dead. The Captain stared at his dead Lieutenant as footsteps were heard coming from the left exit. Emerging from the left exit was a white haired Elf wearing dark brown trousers and matching tunic with an armored chest piece, he wear dark brown shoulder pads and two steal gauntlets.

The Elf had dark green eyes and very strange markings sprawled across his face, neck, and arms, he had a wrapped up Greatsword sheathed on his back.. he was also holding another Greatsword in his left hand, two Greatswords. Walking forward the Elf said "your men are dead. And your trap has failed. I suggest running back to your master while you still can." As the Elf continued walking he held the Greatsword in his left hand ready for anything as he glanced at Garrett, Bethany, and Varric, then stopping after walking a few paces away from the group and towards the Captain.

The Elf calmly waited for the Captain to leave, but the Captain just stood there. Turning to talk to the group, the Elf turned his back on the Captain. The Captain finally made his move, stepping forward he grabbed the Elf's shoulder saying "you're going nowhere, Slave!"

Angrily turning around and freeing his shoulder the Elf's markings glowed blue, the group and the Captain stared; the Elf then stuck his right hand into the Captain's chest. The Elf's hand just went into the Captain's chest, no resistance at all... as if the Captain's chest was made of water, still glowing the Elf leaned into the shocked and horrified Captain's face and venomously said "I am not a slave." Then the Elf squeezed his hand that was in the Captain's chest and the Captain cried out in anguish and died. The Elf pulled his hand out and the Captain's corpse fell to floor... there was no hole in his chest; the Captain's body had no signs of being harmed... only the blood that seeped out of his mouth.

Turning back to face the group as Garrett lowered his weapons, the Elf sighed then spoke. "I apologize, when I asked Anso to provide a distraction for the hunters... I had no idea they'd so numerous, nearly thirty" the Elf said walking back and forth. Garrett asked what everyone was thinking "I take it your the Elf those guys were looking for?"

Stopping and turning to face them the Elf said "yes, they were after me. My name is Fenris. Those men were Imperial bounty hunters looking to recover a Magister's lost property... me. The hunters were trying to lure me out into the open, crude as it may be... I could not face them alone; thankfully Anso chose wisely." Garrett stepped forward causally, saying "so Anso lied to us then?" Fenris shook his head saying "not about everything, your employer was simply not who you believed, I'll explain everything but we should leave this place first."

Nodding Garrett said "yeah, Varric you know a place we can go for now, and not the Hanged Man." Varric smirked saying "Hawke, who do you take me for, there's an alleyway where we can talk but we should leave soon." Fenris walked to the Captain's corpse and searched it, finding a letter and reading it, Fenris pocketed it. Then turned back to face the group Fenris nodded and waved for Varric to lead the way, Varric stepped forward as the Hawke siblings and the Fenris followed.

Twenty minutes later

Outside of the Alienage and in a Lowtown alleyway

Standing in the alleyway the group and Fenris continued talking, "not to underestimate you but that sees like a lot of effort to find one slave" Garrett said studying those strange markings. Then Garrett pointed at Fenris's markings saying "does this have to do with those markings?"

"Yes, I imagine I must look strange to you. These markings were giving to me against my well; though they were forced upon me... they have served me well."

Varric interrupted saying "I bet, sticking your hand into people that's a interesting trick you gave" Fenris smirked at that saying "Without them I would still be a slave in Tevinter. I know your all thinking that I didn't have to face the hunters that I could just evade them; but there eventually comes a time when one must stop running. When you must turn to stand your ground and face the beast" Fenris replied as he stepped forward and giving the group a better look at his markings.

Garrett crossed his arms saying "you didn't have to lie to get my help Fenris, I would've helped you fight these Slavers."

Fenris looked taken a back then replied "I have met few in my travels who have sought anything more than personal again; if I my ask, what was in the that chest in the hovel?" "It was empty, nothing there at all" Bethany answered. Looking disappointed, Fenris said "I suppose it was too much to hope for. Even so, I had to know." "I take it you were expecting something in there?" Garrett asked.

"I was... but I shouldn't have. It was bait nothing more" Fenris replied, seeing that Fenris wouldn't talk about what he was expecting to find, Garrett let the matter drop. Fenris looked at Garrett thoughtfully then said "I know you must have anger towards me for my deception, but would you be willing to help me once again?"

"Depends on what you want help with... just ask what you want help with" Garrett replied. "Here are the basics" Fenris began, continuing, Fenris's face changed to a look of pure hatred as he spoke, "my former master Danarius accompanied the hunters to the city. I must confront him before he flees, I would very much appreciate your help. Danarius wishes to strip the flesh from my bones and has sent so many hunters throughout the years that I've lost count; and before that he kept me on control rod like a blighted Qunari Mage, a personal pet to mock Qunari custom. In Tevinter he was untouchable but here he is a man; a man who sweats and bleeds like any other."

"Alright, I'll help you confront this Slaver" Garrett said then turned to Varric and Bethany, and asked "you'll don't have to follow, this isn't for the expedition?"

Bethany faced her brother saying "last time I let you go alone you ended up with a Dagger in your back, I won't abandoned you brother."

Varric did a humorous shrugged saying "eh I didn't have anything else planned, why not fight a Tevinter Mage should be interesting."

Fenris looked taken a back once again then said "I do not fear death, I'm ready for anything... I swear I will find away to repay you, the letter I took from the Captain's body said that Danarius was staying in an Mansion in Hightown, we must get there before morning."

Hightown

Just outside Danarius's Mansion

The group stood outside the Mansion as Fenris glared at the front doors saying "let's go," nodding Garrett stepped forward to break open the door but Fenris beat him to it. Crash!The front doors slammed off their hedges as Fenris used the Greatsword in his left hand to bash the doors with a lot of force.

The group stared for a moment... he broke the doors off with only one hit thought Garrett as the group followed Fenris inside the Mansion. "Danarius! Show yourself!" Fenris yelled as he rushed through the house wielding one his Greatswords in his left hand ready for anything. After running through a couple of rooms, Fenris burst into a trap, nearly burning off his head Fenris ducked under a shot of fire and started attacking strange creatures.

The group rushed in the room to back up Fenris, "Shades! creatures summoned with Magic!" Fenris shouted as he killed one by stabbing it. Why does Fenris have a second wrapped up Greatsword sheathed in his back Garrett thought off hand as he engaged the Shades. Killinga Shade by stabbing it through the mouth Garrett turned and saw Varric finish two shades with Bethany's help as Fenris killed the last Shade by doing his trick with the hand again. After the fighting was done Fenris continued through the house angrily saying "he sends spirits to do his fighting for him; Danarius! Can you hear me? You little pets cannot stop us!"

After running through more rooms Fenris and the group entered the main room of the Mansion, it was basically a big square with two staircases in the front leading to the three rooms and other exits on the sides. As soon as Fenris and the group were half way through the room smoke appeared and more Shades emerged. Green Vapor rose from the floor as the Shades started to attack, not againthought Garrett as he backed away from Vapor and watched as Fenris rushed through it to fight the Shades on the stairs. Varric moved out of the Vapor coughing and began sniping as Bethany did the same.

Got to get in there and help Fenris thought Garrett as he called "Bethany! I need to get in there," Bethany realized what her brother meant and cast Arcane Shield on Garrett; the glowing light blue field surrounded Garrett. Throwing up a thumbs up at his sister, Garrett rushed in and ran to Fenris at the stairs the Arcane Shield protecting Garrett from the Vapor, Garrett stabbed a Shade in the back killing it as Fenris fought two Shades by himself. Garrett slammed his Shield into another Shade and moved in to cover Fenris, now standing back to back, Garrett with his Longsword and Shield and Fenris with his Greatsword.

Fenris had changed his attacks to using his Greatsword with both hands and using heavy attacks while Garrett covered him with his Shield since he didn't need it due to the Arcane Shield and wondered why does he have another Greatsword wrapped up.

Bethany had been using her Magic to effectively take down any Shades trying to attack her and Varric, while Varric was sniping and using a few placed Bursting Arrows. Fenris cut a Shade in half as Garrett beheaded one and Varric sniped one to the right of Garrett. Using his Shield and Longsword in a combination of slams and slashes Garrett finished the last two Shades as Fenris watched; for a small moment Fenris gazed at Garrett as the Arcane Shield faded away, then turned away and headed to the door in the center of the platform above the stairs.

What was that about?Garrett thought as he noticed Fenris's gaze and followed as Varric and Bethany moved up the steps; the Vapor had run out and faded away. Fenris broke in the right and left doors of the platform above the stairs. Both the left and the right rooms were devoid of any life, just average rooms with normal clutter, that left only the center door.

Fenris stood in front of the center and door and broke in the door his Greatsword ready as he rushed in the room; upon seeing this room devoid of any life as well, Fenris lowered his Guard.

The Hawke siblings and Varric stood in the room as well watching Fenris as he sighed. Varric asked "all that work for nothing?" Fenris, now holding the one Greatsword he used in his left hand again but lowered and not on guard, replied. "It appears so. I had hoped... no, it doesn't matter any more. Whatever valuables Danarius left behind are yours... I need some air." Fenris just walked out and left them to take the valuables, as he left he glanced again at Garrett. Oddthought Garrett as he helped his sister and Varric check out the valuables.

Varric scoffed saying "there's no coin here, but we can sell the Jewelry and collectables... but still I've thought that a Tevinter Magister would have more coin here." Garrett inspecting a vase turned to Varric saying "I don't think Danarius was really planning to be here, he set this up for Fenris... Danarius probably knew the Shades wouldn't be able to take Fenris; this was a move to test Fenris."

Bethany stood up and turned to her brother saying "Fenris really hates this Danarius though, I think he came to the same conclusion as you." "Varric you more or less done inspecting?" Garrett asked, "more or less... yeah I'd say so" Varric replied. Garrett turned towards the door saying "I think we should check on Fenris," Varric shrugged and picked up the valuables then followed the Hawke siblings out of the left the room and searched for Fenris.

Once discovering that Fenris was no longer inside the Mansion the group walked outside and found Fenris leaning against the wall in the outside courtyard with the Greatsword he used for fighting against the wall, and the other wrapped up one still sheathed on his back.

Upon seeing them Fenris got off the wall and faced them. Fenris's was bitter as he faced the group saying "It never ends. I escaped a land of dark Magic only to have it hunt me at every turn I take; it's plague burned into my flesh and my soul, and even now I find myself in the presence of yet another Mage."

Fenris glared at Bethany and her staff, Bethany looked annoyed saying "you I know he can speak to me directly." Fenris stepped closer to Bethany saying "I saw you casting spells inside; I should realized sooner what you really were," then turning to face Garrett Fenris spoke. "You harbor a Viper in your midst Hawke, it will turn on you and strike when your guard is lowered and you least expect it, for that is it's nature."

Garrett, walking in front of his sister stopping Fenris from walking further, coldly said "if you have a problem with my sister then you have a problem with me." Fenris looked at both Garrett and Bethany seeing the resemblance as Garrett continued "and my sister has proven herself time and again... she is a lot stronger then you think."

Fenris stepped back trying to clear the air and said "I'm not blind I know Magic has it's uses, and there are undoubtedly Mages with good intentions. But even the best intentioned Mage can still fall prey to temptation like any man... and their power is a curse to inflict upon others." Bethany began to step forward to confront Fenris but was stopped by her brother, Bethany spoke her mind anyway; "No one's stopping you from moving on you know." Fenris just ignored Bethany and continued speaking to Garrett saying "I imagine I appear ungrateful, if so I apologize for nothing could be further from the truth; I did not find Danarius... but I still owe you a debt. Here is all the coin I have as Anso promised."

Fenris pulled out his money pouch and threw it at Garrett, whom caught. Garrett stared at Fenris's money pouch saying " you're giving me all the money you have?" "Yes, and should ever have need of my assistance, ask and you shall receive it" Fenris replied not caring in the slightest that he was now broke without a single coin at his disposal.

"Are you going to a problem with my companions, I'm friends with other Mages?" Fenris crossed his arms saying "I will watch them carefully if we travel together... I can promise no more than that." "So I take it Danarius really wants you back for your... unique skills?" Garrett asked now that the air between Fenris and Bethany had been cleared. Fenris scoffed saying "Danarius doesn't want me, a runaway Slave, all he wants is the markings on my flesh" Fenris gestured at his markings as he finished speaking. Pointed at all the lines of markings on him, Fenris coldly said "they are Lyrium... burned into my flesh to provide the rare power that Danarius wanted of his little pet; and now he wants his precious investment returned even if he must rip them off my corpse to get it back."

Varric got a pained look on his face, imagining Fenris's markings being ripped of, then said "I don't really think that'd go well for you." Fenris glanced at Varric nodding then saying "the truth is I remember almost nothing of the ritual that placed these markings on me only the pain it caused me; It was Danarius's choice... one he currently regrets."

"Do you think Danarius will keep chasing you?" Garrett asked wondering if weeks later more armored men or Shades would come for Fenris. "Danarius is too proud not to chase me; perhaps one day his hunt will cost more than he's willing to pay... but I doubt that matters anymore" Fenris replied darkly. Bethany asked what all of them had assumed about Fenris, "so these... powers of your come from those markings?"

Fenris glanced warily at Bethany then replied "some all I know is that even in Tevinter warriors like me are rare... I have never personally met another like me but I've heard of them. The Magisters probably believe I should feel honored." Garrett thought about it for a moment then asked "I'm planning an expedition into the Deep Roads, I might need some help with that... if your willing?" Fenris shrugged saying "I don't know much of the Deep Roads but if you have need of my skills I will accompany you. If you have any other need of me I'll be here, if Danarius wants his precious Mansion back he is free to return and try to reclaim it from me."

Garrett glanced back at the Mansion asking "and what about the mess we made?" "the Shades will disappear on their own given time and I can stay hidden if anyone comes by to check anything" Fenris replied casually as if he'd done this dozens of times. Varric nodded then said "alright then another worker for the expedition, we should leave, it's pretty late."

Garrett nodded and Bethany just turned away from Fenris and the group began walking off. Fenris watched them leaving then called after them "Hawke... one more thing," Garrett turned around saying "yeah?" Fenris studied Garrett from where he stood then asked "when where you in Tevinter?"

"Excuse me... I've never been to Tevinter" Garrett replied confused as Fenris studied Garrett more intently.

"I watched you fight; the way you fought... the moves you did... that's a Tevinter fighting style, it's not taught anywhere else but there" Fenris said still looking at Garrett. Garrett mouth opened in confused as Bethany looked at her brother and Varric just shrugged. Garrett and Bethany exchanged a look... thinking the same thing Father.

A memory resurfaced from the Hawke sibling's minds.

Sixteen Years ago, Ferelden

Outskirts of a Farming Village just outside Amaranthine

"Dad! This is the best birthday gift ever!" shouted a young boy with untidy black hair and blue eye as he picked up the wooden Longsword and Shield from the box. "See I told you he'd love it" the Father said to his wife as she watched smiling with two kids no older than three at her feet playing. "Mom can I keep it please!" the boy asked as the Mother rolled her eyes replied "yes Garrett you can keep them."

The Father pulled out a wooden Longsword and Shield for himself saying "come on Garrett your ten years old now, I started learned when I was younger than you." "But you were born old. You were never young" Young Garrett answered laughing at his response. The Mother smirked as the Father laughingly turned to his wife saying "you hear that Leandra... I was born old; it seems my boy has inherited his Father's mouth."

"Yes he truly is your son Malcolm" Leandra replied smiling as she stopped a Young Carver from pulling on Young Bethany's hair. Young Garrett, having now strapped on the wooden Shield to his left arm and holding the wooden Longsword on his right hand, said "Dad it's heavy." Malcolm Hawke looked at his son and sagely saying "Garrett they're as heavy as they need to be to make you stronger" then switching to a humorous tone Malcolm continued. "But your right... I guess I should bring them back and let your Mother teach you to cook her amazing bread."

"No way... sorry Mom, I'll be the strongest you've ever seen Dad!" Young Garrett replied hastily as he practiced wielded his wooden weapons. Smirking Malcolm gestured for Young Garrett to attack, grinning eagerly Young Garrett rushed his Father. Malcolm causally blocked his son's clumsy attack then stepped forward and lightly tripped Young Garrett; as his son fell Malcolm gestured and a small burst of Force Magic caught Young Garrett mid-fall and gently eased his fall.

Young Garrett, now on his back, looked up and saw his Father's wooden Longsword aimed at his throat but I safe distance away.

Chuckling, Malcolm looked at his son on the floor and jokingly said "you're dead." Young Garrett smirked as he replied "no fair... you used Magic didn't you, to make you better," "nope I only used Magic to protect you from the fall" Malcolm answered smiling as he stepped back. Moving his wooden Longsword to his other hand, Malcolm held out his hand for Young Garrett to grab as Leandra smiled at them. Young Garrett grabbed his Father's extended hand and held on as his Father helped him up. Letting go of his son's hand Malcolm moved to stand beside his son as Young Garrett looked at his Father wondering what was happening.

Moving his wooden Longsword back to his other hand, Malcolm said "remember to always have proper footing or your opponent can take advance of it." Young Garrett looked at his feet and attempted to better balance his footing; "close but more like this" Malcolm said gesturing for his son to look at him. Young Garrett copied his Father, Malcolm smiled at his son saying "there you go, this way your weight is now evenly balanced allowing you properly attack or defend yourself."

Malcolm then stepped in front of his son and said "in a duel or fight of any kind always remember proper footing... this is only one stance of many."

Young Garrett nodded and his father walked forward and lightly swung his wooden Longsword at him; Young Garrett blocked with his wooden Shield and was surprised when Malcolm pushed his wooden Shield into Young Garrett then using the flat part of the wooden Longsword to lightly flip Young Garrett on his back once again.

Smirking Malcolm looked down at his son again saying "you kept proper footing but you defended the wrong way, you blocked with your Shield left your Longsword too low to stop me using mine. I was able to force you back and gain the advantage, if your fighting some one stronger and you block their attack you need to shift your footing to better counter the their strength."

Young Garrett got up with his Father's help and assumed the same position as before, Malcolm did a slower repeat of what he used to flip his son. This time Young Garrett was ready and kept his wooden Longsword higher to not allot his Father to flip him again. Then Malcolm pushed his wooden Shield into his son's wooden Shield again; but this time Young Garrett was ready, learning from what his Father said Young Garrett shifted his footing, better allowing him to counter the blow.

Still being pushed back but moving and shifting his footing Young Garrett managed not to fall and kept his Longsword up and blocked a light slash from his Father attempting to hit his chest, Malcolm stepped back smiling. "You learn quick, good work" Malcolm said with pride, as Leandra smiled saying "My little soldier."

After another hour of training Young Garrett's arms were tired and he stopped to take a breath as Malcolm said "you have great potential Garrett... more than I did when I was your age." "Dad where' did you learn all this stuff? It's amazing" Young Garrett asked as he sat down, Malcolm got odd look on his face then replied "during my travels in my youth, even before I met your beautiful Mother."

Leandra laughed at her husband's compliment as she overheard Malcolm talking as she watched over Young Bethany and Young Carver playing.

Young Bethany was playing with the doll she had gotten for her birthday two month ago while Young Carver played with his wooden stick man given to him on the birthday he shared with his sister. Young Carver looked at Young Bethany's Doll and walked over to his sister and tired to take her Doll away from here. Young Bethany didn't want to give her Doll to Young Carver though, Young Carver just wanted another toy to make a small mock battle but his sister wouldn't let go.

Leandra stood up saying "Carver let your sister play with her Doll" and moved to grab Young Carver. Young Bethany started to cry as her Doll began to break with both her and her twin brother pulling on it; before Leandra could grab Young Carver and stop him from breaking Young Bethany's Doll something amazing happened.

Suddenly Bethany's Doll froze... literally with ice, as a small burst of raw power hit her Doll and spread and lightly froze Young Carver's hand a small part of his shirt. Young Bethany had used Magic... Young Carver began to cry from the ice as Young Bethany's frozen Doll shattered from the pulling and Young Carver fell on his back.

Leandra just stared in shock at her daughter, Young Garrett's mouth opened in shock as he said "what... Bethany." Malcolm rushed over and with a gesture of his fingers Dispelled the Ice Magic, instantly the ice disappeared off the now broken Doll and Carver's hands and shirt.

Malcolm knelt down next to Young Carver and lightly grabbed his little hands, Young Carver's hand showed signs of frost bite but nothing too serious.

Malcolm held Young Carver's hands in his hand as a green glow appeared from the palms of Malcolm's hands, Young Carver stopped crying as his hands were healed and numbed by his Father. Young Garrett just stared at his little baby sister as she stared at the broken Doll and her twin brother.

Leandra went to Young Bethany and picked her up holding her as Malcolm signaled for Garrett to take his younger brother. Young Garrett went and picked up his baby brother as Malcolm stood and looked at Young Bethany with shock then finally spoke "that's impossible, she's only three! No Mage in history has ever shown signs of Magic that early in their life... Bethany... she's a Mage but different."

Leandra held her daughter tight saying "she's not going the Circle... I won't let them take her," "I won't let the Templars take my daughter; but I need to start training her as soon as possible" Malcolm said as Garrett looked at his parents talking.

"Leandra the Circle would be afraid of Bethany... she already used Magic at three... she could possibly have the potential to be a more a powerful Mage than even me... Bethany needs to learn to control it." Leandra looked at her daughter in her arms and asked "she can't really have the potential to became more powerful than you?"

Malcolm looked sad as he said "yes she probably will surpass me one day... it's not from your blood Leandra... it's from mine. He warned me that it'd happen when I left.. but I had hoped... no it doesn't matter..." Leandra and Garrett looked confused at the last part but Malcolm ignored it then stepped forward hugged Leandra and Bethany while waving for Garrett to join them with Carver.

Garrett joined them, as they hugged, Malcolm said "we have to leave this Village, we have to keep moving for awhile." Leandra nodded and said "Garrett grab your birthday gift... it's time to start packing I could use your help." Garrett nodded and started walking with Leandra, Young Bethany, and Young Carver, as they walked Garrett woulds remember what his Father mumbled as he gazed at the sky.

Malcolm Hawke stayed behind a moment as his family left to start packing, as Malcolm gazed into the sky and Garrett walked, he heard his Father's words.

"You were wrong Father... only one" Malcolm said, then stopped gazing at the sky and moved to help his family pack.

The Present

Kirkwall, Hightown

Outside Fenris's new Mansion

"Uh you guys alright?" Varric asked as he snapped his fingers at the Hawke siblings still gazing at each other.

Brought back to the present by Varric the Hawke siblings stopped gazing at each other and noticed what had happened. "Sorry Varric, anyway... wait where did Fenris go?" Garrett said as he looked around and noticed Fenris wasn't outside anymore, "after he said 'it's not taught anywhere else but there' he went back inside" Varric answered.

"I think we should get back home brother, it's almost dawn" Bethany said as Varric still looked at them confused. Garrett, Bethany, and Varric walked away from the Mansion and parted ways; as the Hawke siblings walked towards Gamlen's home they thought about their new ally Fenris. I can understand why Fenris hates Mages... it's an emotional response but not all Mages are Danarius thought Garrett as he and his sister enter Gamlen's house.

Kane greeted them by rubbing up on their feet but the Hawke siblings just went to bed tired. But as Garrett and Bethany went to bed one thought crossed both their minds Father learned to fight in Tevinter before he met Mother...

I took some Creative License with the Alienage because I personally think it's too small
Think about it; hundreds of Elves live in this "ghetto" of an Alienage but in-game it's only a few houses and buildings. I expended it to be sort of a small town within Kirkwall.
Also if you've paid attention I've taken some Creative License before; like the Docks, Lowtown and Hightown and I also add a town square for Kirkwall. It's something that bothered me a little bit when playing DA 2
Kirkwall is City State but it doesn't seem to be that big in-game... But I Digress
Thanks for reading and please review