Hey guys, been a while since I updated, just caught up with the Holidays and my Senior Exams
and well The Old Republic takes hours of time away from me LOL
Anyway I hope you enjoy this Chapter
Update: Fixed this Chapter
"There are many reason to fight
Survival, Honor, Glory but what of those who fight for Duty...
Duty to protect the innocent, those are the ones that retain what few warriors do...
Their Humanity" - excerpt from the Tales of Varric
Noon, Hightown
The Viscount's Keep
Viscount Dumar's office
On one of the rare occasions of freedom that Viscount Dumar had in his job and in a even rarer moment of having a friend with him, Viscount Dumar let out a sigh as he drank his tea trying for once to relax during work.
"Trouble in paradise my old friend; I happen to remember a certain young man who used to be eager and perfectly willing to join Government " the former Guard Captain Ewald said to his friend as he grabbed some tea for himself.
Rubbing his balding head, Viscount Dumar replied "I was young then and thought everything would be easy; thought I'd be young with a full head of hair forever and have time for work and my family. But I've found that over the years it can't be done... you can't be a family man and a good ruler at the same time."
Former Guard Captain Ewald took a seat in front Viscount Dumar's desk as he took a drink of his tea, relaxing with his old friend; technically speaking Ewald had no real business here in the Viscount's office having retired some time ago but was there to visit his old friend.
"Neither of us thought we'd end up like this, you with your son whom you don't get see very much... but Saemus is a good man; he'll be a good Viscount one day I know it. Then there's me... never thought I'd be here, divorced and retired with that 'man' as my replacement; I voted against him I know what kind of man he is, always looking for the easy road, only got the job because his father has influence..." former Guard Captain Ewald said.
Viscount Dumar looked deeply sad replying "yes... I didn't want to appointed him but I have no official vote in that election and the laws says the Guard Captain must not exceed fifty-seven... I know your fit enough for the job-" but Ewald stopped him by raise his hand while saying "it's okay I don't be blame you Dumar.
It's just the way things are, I'm too old to have the position any more and I'd like to spend more time with my son... it just happened to be the wrong time to retire but it was better than being forced to step down due to my age... if I'd known 'he' would got the job I've stayed Guard Captain for at least another year. and I know Jeven's father is a powerful man, you couldn't just insult his son without him bring it back to stir up trouble in the future."
"Politics, I'm part of it and I hate it. Jeven was just put there because he begged his father for help and his father has influence. I almost feel sorry for him... being the bastard child of a Noble is a difficult life but Jeven doesn't deserve the job" Viscount Dumar said with a hint of pity and annoyance in his voice.
"Part of the job... but for what's it worth, thank you for listening to my recommendation when you did and accepting my council, you didn't have too" Ewald replied. Viscount Dumar smile lightly at his old friend's understanding.
Even when growing up together Ewald understood politics very well but wanted no part in them himself always knowing that Dumar would be heavily involved in them.
Then eleven years ago when the Templars removed and executed Viscount Perrin Threnhold for his tyranny (but only when he foolishly threatened to remove the Templars from Kirkwall) Dumar won the election for new Viscount; once appointed the new Viscount, Dumar changed.
Dumar was suddenly very busy and had trouble raising his son, then with the sudden death of Dumar's wife; he had lost a lot of friends over the years of being Kirkwall's Viscount by simply not having time for them.
But Ewald had always been friends with Dumar even when Dumar was slammed with work Ewald remained his friend and good consultant through the years, partly do to Ewald being the Guard Captain at the time, thus having to work together.
But times have changed and Ewald is no longer the Guard Captain; instead Jeven is but only through his family's influence and not actual merit.
After a few good minutes of drinking tea with former Guard Captain Ewald, there was a knock on the door and Dumar sighed, knowing his break was over. "Come in" Viscount Dumar called putting down his tea; when the door opened and Seneschal Bran and the current Guard Captain Jeven stepped in.
"Viscount there have been inquiries on who'd you support for the new ruler of Starkhaven, I know it's not really our affair but with the Vaels dead Starkhaven needs a ruler" Seneschal Bran said moving to Dumar with a stack of papers.
"What about the other heir?" Dumar asked; "I've not found him Sir nor has anyone else" Seneschal Bran replied as the current Guard Captain Jeven glanced at the former Guard Captain Ewald.
"Sir what is 'he' doing here?" Jeven asked coldly looking at Ewald. Ewald returned the cold look saying "merely visiting an old friend am I not within my rights to do so?"
The current Guard Captain Jeven smirked saying "you are within your rights Ewald but the Viscount is a very busy man and you don't have any business here. I must ask you to leave and remind you that you are no longer Guard Captain and must not bother the Viscount on personal affairs."
Ewald stood up saying "and you will remember how you got your position Jeven; not through merit or hard work but through crying to your father. Maker! You were never even in the City Guard before this."
Jeven scoffed saying "I'm Guard Captain and I'll not have you speak to me in such-" but was stopped by Viscount Dumar looking up from reading the files Seneschal Bran handed him.
"I'm capable of handling my own affairs Jeven, and you will remember who is Viscount! Now hand in your report and get back to work" Viscount Dumar said sternly as Seneschal Bran helped sort the papers for Viscount Dumar to read.
Guard Captain Jeven stood stunned then slowly placed his report on Dumar's desk and stepped out; "thank you Dumar" Ewald said after Jeven left with his tail between his legs.
Viscount Dumar nodded saying "Jeven wasn't my choice for Guard Captain but I have to work with him.." Ewald chuckled saying "he seems more annoyed than usual, he's throwing more of his weight around."
Seneschal Bran coughed to get their attention saying "it's your friend that you recommended Ewald... she's one of the best Guards Jeven has but he doesn't approval of her because of her connection to you and she speaks her mind in matters above her station."
Ewald smiled with pride saying "Aveline, good for her... she'll climb through the ranks fast here I tell you."
Dumar nodded saying "Ewald I apologize but I must get back to work." Ewald turned saying "I understand. I'll see you around then Dumar," then after shaking Dumar's hand Ewald left him to do his work.
The same day, Noon
The Hanged Man
Varric's Private Suite
The Hawke siblings, Fenris, Anders and Varric sat in the table to his private suite and oddly enough Garrett was telling a story and not Varric; "so we followed the map and found the place, it was really dark and gloomy but inside was an Urchin Boy and a Golem, a real Golem, there acting like a bodyguard."
Varric nodded as Garrett continued "but in the center of the Market was Xenon, at first I didn't know... it was a person, he just sat in his little pool not moving till he noticed me and Bethany. Then Xenon surprised me and Bethany by moving his head up and shouting
'Customers! Places everyone! Welcome to the Black Emporium!'"
"Xenon's kinda creepy the way he talks, everything about him is decayed and rotten." Bethany cuts in saying "I could feel Magic from him... like it was the only thing holding him, Xenon I mean, together... I don't even now how that's possible... his body should have withered away long ago but his mind is still intact and working."
"He made a deal with something, that's the only way someone can use magic like that" Anders said seriously as he listened to the story; "no one should live like that, Xenon should let himself die already" Fenris said broodingly.
Varric nodded interested in the story saying "I've heard the stories of the Black Emporium but I never thought Xenon was real person. I don't get it Hawke how did you two get a invite to the Black Emporium you've only been in Kirkwall a year, I lived here for years and I never got invited."
"I'm not really sure what we did, the letter just said Xenon invited us... but the letter said only for us, not anyone else" Bethany replied wondering why Varric was never invited to the Black Emporium.
"Xenon gave us some good deals though, I know we're suppose to be gathering money for the expedition but I think this is a good investment for us... they'll help us in the long run" Garrett said. Varric nodded saying "fine just don't spend too much coin Hawke."
"So what did you get besides your new armor" Varric said having noticed Garrett wearing Reinforced Leather Armor instead of his normal armor; "some Lyrium potions for Bethany and, well this armor. It's enchanted so it's lighter than my Ferelden Field Armor but more durable."
"So what did you do with the old armor, sell it?" Varric asked as Bethany turned to her brother listening. "I kept my old Blue Ferelden Field Armor... it's in Gamlen's house" Garrett answered slowly.
"Why did you keep it?" Varric asked curiously. Bethany glanced at her brother also wondering why he kept his old blue Ferelden Field Armor, Garrett looked thoughtful for a moment before replying.
"To remember my time at Ostagar... with Carver and the others who died there while I survived; so I keep the armor to honor the fallen I guess" Garrett said still looking thoughtful as Bethany closed her eyes, both remembering Carver.
"The Darkspawn have claimed many lives and will claim more... but at least the Blight is over and those that have fallen may rest in peace" Anders said understanding the Hawke sibling's mourning.
Varric sensed the sadness from the Hawke siblings and Anders so changed to the subject to the expedition trying to brighten the darkened mood. "I've heard some rumors that have potential for us... but not right now" Varric said after a few minutes since he changed the subject.
Fenris refilled his cup with more Ale for nearly the ninth time as Garrett and Anders glanced his way, sensing their glance Fenris asked "what?" "Uh maybe wanna cut down on the Ale" Garrett said. "I am fine I never drink enough to impair my abilities" Fenris replied as he drank more Ale causing Varric to grin saying "well at least the brooding Elf can drink, looks like I have rival."
"I do not brood, Dwarf" Fenris said annoyingly.
"Fenris if your brooding were any more impressive women would swoon as you pass. They'd have broody babies in your honor" Varric replied smirking as Anders and the Hawke siblings giggled at the joke.
Fenris scowled saying "you're very odd Dwarf Varric," "barely noticed that Fenris, I also don't have beard or any sense of Dwarven pride" Varric said still smirking as he took a drink of Ale.
"I thought perhaps your beard had simply fallen onto your chest" Fenris replied calmly to Varric causing the group stare in shock for a moment at Fenris actually telling a joke.
Anders broke the silence saying "Varric contact the Chantry, Fenris told a joke we need mark this historic day," causing Fenris to just glared silently at the Ferelden Apostate. "Alright don't start fighting you two" Garrett said good natured at Anders and Fenris.
"Seriously though I think I'm gonna leave... I got things to work out at my clinic sorry Hawke" Anders said standing and getting ready to leave. "Later" Garrett called out as Anders left waving goodbye.
"Varric you don't have any jobs for us today?" Garrett asked Varric as Bethany drank some water. Varric shrugged apolitically saying "sorry Hawke nothing at the moment but some things are stirring up that need... outside help and that's where we come in."
Fenris suddenly spoke up saying "I heard some mutterings of problems with the Templar recruits... we could take a look, the Templars are known to repay those that help them."
Bethany made an annoyed face saying "real subtle there Fenris."
Garrett frowned at that as Fenris realized what Bethany meant then said "I didn't mean that Mag-... Bethany, but there is a possible job there for us." "Simmer down you two I can practically see the sparks flying already" Varric said as Garrett nodded standing up.
"Can't really do that job Fenris... the Templars won't allow any Apostate to roam free even if they helped them in some way" Garrett said as Bethany stood up as well ready to leave.
Fenris simply nodded as the Hawke siblings left and Varric called "till next time Hawke."
"So Fenris how about a game of Diamond Back" Varric asked noticing that only himself and Fenris were left and that no one had seen Isabela today; Fenris glanced at Varric looking thoughtful then replied "very well I could use some more coin."
Varric smirked saying "I take that as a challenge, bring it," Fenris just shrugged and got ready to play.
Lowtown Marketplace
Outside the Hanged Man
The Hawke siblings had just exited the Hanged Man and where walking through the marketplace when Bethany spoke up. "I know it's off our plans but I think we should visit Aveline, we're not working with Athenril anymore so she can see again" Bethany said as Garrett listened.
"True it's been a while since we've seen Aveline... and all we went through together... yeah let's go see her it'll be good to see how she's doing" Garrett replied then began walking towards Hightown with Bethany.
As they walked, Garrett thought how Aveline still sort of blamed him for her husband Sir Wesley's death but it was more of a emotional thing than a logical one.
Bethany noticed her brother looking thoughtful as they walked and asked "what's wrong?" "Just remembering our last meeting at the Tailor's shop, she might still be a little cold towards me but just the same I want to see for myself" Garrett answered.
"She can't still hold that against you... it's what Sir Wesley wanted, and it's not like you enjoyed killing Wesley... I remember your... dreams" Bethany said slowly as she rubbed her hands awkwardly together.
Garrett raised an eyebrow saying "wait... Bethany what dreams?"
Bethany glanced at her brother as she said "you mean you don't remember... on that Ship when we were traveling to Kirkwall from Gwaren?" Garrett shook his head saying "no I don't really remember my dreams but what happened on the Ship... did I grind my teeth or something?"
The Hawke siblings walked into the Hightown Marketplace as Bethany continued the conversation.
Bethany frowned saying "I remember at night when we were asleep on the ship you would... toss and turn in your sleep and mutter things that would wake some of us up. Things about Ostagar, Sir Wesley... and about Carver but we didn't say anything because we knew you... went through a lot, more than any of us besides maybe Aveline."
Garrett stopped and turned looking at his sister as Bethany stopped as well noticing her brothers look. "You should have told me... I would have, I don't know... sleep some where else" Garrett said feeling ashamed of himself for bothering the others all those months ago.
"You stopped doing it after a while, about three days before we reached Kirkwall, and it's okay I still have nightmares about what happen on the way to Gwaren; and well even Aveline did it for a bit. She stopped before you did... the point is that you didn't enjoy it and Aveline can't hold it against you" Bethany said trying to make her brother feel better.
Garrett still frowned saying "that's why the Crewe sisters asked about our journey to Gwaren, it is isn't it?" "I guess so" Bethany said following her brothers logic of them hearing his mutterings and being curious.
Garrett rubbed the back of his neck uneasily saying "do I ever do anything like that at night when I'm asleep now?" "No and I'm pretty sure Gamlen would complain if you did; like I said you stopped after awhile on your own" Bethany replied.
"Thanks Bethany but if it happens again just tell me... let's go find Aveline and see how the year's treated her" Garrett said as he continued walking with Bethany following him to the Viscount's Keep.
Upon reaching the Viscount's Keep and entering the Hawke siblings noticed the crowd of people in the Keep going about their business and workers or personal aids attending to their duties with the Nobles and other elected officials with a couple City Guards stationed around the building.
A few people stared at the Hawke siblings as they moved to the Barracks for the City Guard, the higher class people obviously knew the Hawke siblings didn't really belong there and were not any high class citizens but lower class as in Lowtown.
Good thing Bethany was smart enough to leave her staff at home, saw a few Templars wondering around here Garrett thought as he and his sister stepped into the Barracks while a few aids gave them off glances.
Suddenly a man in a sharp blue uniform stepped in front of them saying "Sir, Miss, is there something you wish you to report to the City Guard?" "Yes I'm looking for a friend of mine, a Guard, her name is Aveline Vallen" Garrett replied to the man as City Guards went about their business behind the man.
"Is this an issue for the City Guard for the Guard in question?" the man asked, "not really no" Bethany said and was going to continue but was stopped by the man holding his hand up. "
Unless you have something to report you must not bother the City Guards men and women, if you wish I can tell Aveline you stopped by" the man said as the City Guards continued their business.
"Okay" Garrett said turning about to leave when he heard his name being called, "Garrett."
Behind the man in the blue uniform, Aveline appeared in her City Guardsmen armor walking towards them looking a little surprised to see them there of all places. Walking past the man in the blue uniform Aveline stepped forward and shook hands with Garrett and Bethany saying "it's... good to see you again."
The man in the blue uniform coughed to get their attention then said "Aveline the Barracks is not a hub for people to meet up at," Aveline turned around saying "I know Arys I've got this, go on."
The man in the blue uniform, Arys, crossed his arms then left clearing annoyed at being told to move on; "sorry about Arys he takes pride in his job but he gets annoying sometimes" Aveline said.
"It's okay they can't just let anyone barge into the Barracks" Bethany smiling at seeing Aveline again after almost a whole year.
Garrett, having noticed that Aveline had looked Garrett in the eye when she shook his hand without the coldness that had once been there and was happy for it, asked "is this a bad time? We only wanted to check in after all this time."
Aveline nodded saying "at this moment... I can't, my shift for today ends in three hours though, if you want we could meet up at the Hanged Man." Bethany smiled saying "sure we go there a lot anyway."
Aveline frowned at that as she eyed Garrett curiously. "Uh Bethany doesn't drink don't worry" Garrett told Aveline a little annoyed that Aveline thought Garrett would ever let his underage sister drink Alcohol at the Hanged Man.
Bethany nodded saying "I don't even like Ale anyway, we'll meet up at the Hanged Man then?" "Sure, sorry to cut this short but I need to return to work" Aveline said nodding at them then moved on to go about her business with the other City Guards.
The Hawke siblings left the Barracks and reentered the main room of the Viscount's Keep and walked out as some of the other higher class citizens looked at them.
"We really don't fit in here do we?" Bethany asked her older brother just as they reached the exit. "No we don't, we still have that Lowtown look but that's not a bad thing Bethany" Garrett told his sister as they left the Viscount's Keep.
"I don't understand though... Mother seems to fit in just fine and even gets along with some other higher class people" Bethany thought aloud as she walked home with her brother. "Mother grew up here with a lot of those higher class citizens and she was a Noble of an old and powerful family... she gave it up for Father but she still has that look I guess" Garrett told Bethany as they walked.
Bethany nodded saying "yeah I guess so... I think mother fits Noble life better than we do," Garrett chuckled saying "yeah I'd be a pretty lousy Noble, they always wear formal clothes, I don't think I could stand it for too long."
Bethany smirked at the thought of her brother trying to be a Noble as they walked towards Gamlen's house in Lowtown.
Three hours later
the Hanged Man
As the Hawke siblings entered the Hanged Man, Norah, the waitress, greeted them saying "hello again Hawke... if the dog breaks anything you're paying for it." Garrett sighed and looked behind him to where Bethany stood with Kane, Bethany noticed his gaze and said "what?" "Did you really have to bring Kane?" Garrett asked.
"He's been stuck inside Gamlen's house for ages. Come on Garrett he needs some fresh air" Bethany replied as she bent down rubbed Kane belly causing the Mabari to wag his tail.
Garrett nodded and pet Kane on his head causing Kane to look up at him almost with a smile on the dog's face, "sorry boy just been busy" Garrett said as he pet Kane.
Kane licked Garrett's fingers almost like saying it was okay, smart dog Garrett thought as he and Bethany went to look for an empty booth but noticed something odd at a table a few feet from them.
Isabela, Varric and Fenris were seated at a table with a couple of other humans and other Dwarfs all playing a card game of some sort and from the looks of it, Fenris was doing rather well to the annoyance of the other players.
Garrett stepped towards the table curiously saying "Varric, Fenris, Isabela what's going here?" Bethany looked at the game trying to understand how it worked while Kane just sat there and smelled the room.
Varric looked towards them saying "oh hey there Hawke, me and Mr Broody over there started a game of Diamond Back then we moved here, found Isabela at the bar, she and more people joined in, anyway now it's just us two and Jarl over there." Isabela shrugged saying "seemed like I good idea at the time but I lost to Varric so I'm hoping Mr Broody wins personally."
Bethany looked at the last three players as they played, the human man looked a bit nervous staring at his hand of cards and glancing at Varric, Fenris just sat with his face a mask of pure calm and control while Isabela studied them all; Varric just looked at Fenris with eagerness.
"I do not brood Varric" Fenris said with annoyance but with his face still with his mask, Bethany giggled at that saying "we've been over this Fenris, you brood more than anyone we've ever met."
Fenris just ignored Bethany while Garrett watched Varric and Fenris's staring match. Jarl sighed saying "that's it! I can't take this! ... I fold" then Jarl put his cards down moving his coin to the center of the table with the pile of coin from the game lay.
"Looks like it's just you two now" Garrett said wondering who would win Fenris or Varric, Fenris nodded as Varric smirked then moved all his coin into the center with the main pile saying "I'm all in."
Fenris still held the mask of calm and control and looked back at Varric still smirking as Varric held his hand with confidence.
"There's no shame in folding Fenris" Varric said as leaned forward still smirking at the contents of his hand as Bethany watched not really understanding how Diamond Back was played but interested none the less to see who won.
Fenris reached forward placing his hand of cards on the table for everyone to see, four Serpents. Bethany looked confused at the silence that followed at the table even from her brother wondering is that a good hand or a bad one?
Finally Varric laughed as he threw his hand on the table showing an assortment of random creatures saying "Fenris you lucky bastard!" Fenris just grinned slightly and grabbed the entire pile of coin, moving it towards himself as Jarl, Isabela, and Varric just watched.
"What happened?" Bethany asked her brother, whom turned around saying "four Serpents is one of the best hands in the game and Varric tried to bluff out Fenris but lost."
Fenris, having grabbed all his new coin, looked at Varric saying "nice try Varric, your bluffs are some of the best I've ever seen." Varric smirked as he drank some Ale from a cup on the table then said "thanks for the game Fenris, bet you next time I get the winnings back."
"You can try" Fenris said slightly amused as Isabela laughing said "I'm just happy Varric didn't win; looks like Fenris actually made friends with Varric and Isabela... well at least he'll have someone to talk too besides me thought Garrett as he went to find a booth with Bethany as Kane followed.
After finding a booth and sitting down the Hawke siblings and Kane waiting for a few minutes until they spotted Aveline walking in the Hanged Man still wearing her City Guardsmen Armor. Garrett waved at Aveline and she walked to their booth taking a seat opposite Garrett and Bethany as Kane just sat outside the booth.
Together they order some drinks from Norah, Garrett and Aveline got a little bit of Ale while Bethany just got water. "Looks like being in the City Guard really suits you" Bethany said as their drinks arrived, "it has its challenges, lots of opportunity... if you're the type the locals want" Aveline replied as she took a drink of her Ale.
"Are you?" Garrett asked. Aveline frowned saying "if you argue enough, you kind of convince yourself that you are. A lot of Kirkwallers have a higher opinion of themselves than us Fereldens."
Garrett nodded saying "I know what you mean, they only seem to care on Ferelden Day and even then... most of the Nobles only really celebrate the fact that the Blight never reached the Free Marches. I remember on the first Ferelden Day Bethany saw this coming, and I gotta say she was really spot on about it."
"Sometimes I wish I was wrong about it though" Bethany said as Aveline nodded saying "even in the City Guard there some people who really don't like all us Fereldens being in 'their' city but I guess they're getting used to me."
Garrett smiled saying "you've done pretty well for yourself Aveline, being a City Guard is a respectable job here, I'm glad some of us Ferelden have managed to do okay in Kirkwall."
Aveline crossed her arms with a more serious expression causing Garrett and Bethany to wonder what Aveline was about to do. "Speaking of doing okay in Kirkwall... I've been keeping on eye on you two, information is one of the few perks of this job and well... watch out for Bartrand he's a son of a bitch" Aveline said still carrying that serious expression.
"You had people following us" Garrett said with a hint of anger/annoyance at Aveline as Bethany looked a little nervous.
"Don't worry I haven't talked to any Templars and nor would I, also I couldn't find out everything... someone's been protecting you two" Aveline said reassuring the Hawke siblings.
Garrett raised an eyebrow saying "what do you mean someone's been protecting us?" "Like I said I couldn't find out everything about you two, only bits and pieces... like someone went out of their way to cover your tracks" Aveline replied simply.
Athenril used to do that for us but we quit so... Varric thought Garrett as Bethany came to the same conclusion.
"Well I guess you had your reasons for watching out for us... right?" Bethany asked after a taking a sip of her water. Aveline uncrossed her arms looking sad as she spoke "after all we've lost and what we went through just to get here... well I know you two can look out for yourselves but I take care of my friends. I've got plenty of time with the places Jeven has me patrolling."
As Aveline finished she and the Hawke siblings shared a brief moment of silence remembering their meeting on the edge of the Korcari Wilds and the losses they faced on the road to Gwaren.
"I take you don't like Guard Captain Jeven" Garrett said after their moment of silence, Aveline scowled saying "Jeven isn't half the man Ewald was; Jeven is the bastard son of a Noble. Jeven practically begged his father for the job because he has influence, Jeven wasn't even a Guard before being Captain, personally I think his father just wanted something to make his bastard son busy so he'd be left alone."
Bethany smiled saying "I liked Ewald, he helped us when we first got in Kirkwall remember, he went and found Gamlen for us."
Garrett nodded saying "Ewald seemed like an honorable man, he didn't try to kill those soldiers when they attacked everyone and gives us the full story of why Kirkwall couldn't hold all the refugees without being rude about it."
After a moment Bethany asked "it seems you've settled nicely here Aveline... but are you... alright, I mean with what happened before?" Bethany silently hoped she wasn't getting to personal with that question, Wesley was a sore subject and Bethany remembered when Aveline couldn't even look at her brother for a time.
Aveline closed her eyes saying "I know where am I right now and how close I hold my memories... Wesley's gone I know that... but he knows no pain so I remember him; but we shouldn't live in the past so I let him rest."
"Wesley seemed like a good man for a Templar. I'm sure he's found peace with the Maker" Bethany said having known Wesley only for a short time but remembering how he had blessed Carver after he died.
"Do you blame me?" Garrett asked.
Bethany looked at her brother wondering why he asked that, it wasn't really something people just asked. Aveline faced Garrett and looked him straight in the eye saying "I did... I didn't want to but I did for a long time actually. I understand why it had to be done and so did Wesley. In my heart, that cut was cruel but it needed to be done; so no I don't blame you anymore... I never should have."
Garrett nodded thinking how everyone has different ways of dealing things in life and how they hold their memories good and bad.
"So you'll know how I've been doing but what about you two... former 'Dockers' and now... independent workers?" Aveline asked as she looked at the Hawke siblings.
"Like you said, Bethany and I worked at the Docks for awhile then quit for independent work wherever we could find it" Garrett said not wanting Aveline to know everything, it was nothing personal it's just that her job might mean trouble for him and Aveline remembered how they all got into Kirkwall in the first place, that being said Garrett still liked Aveline as a friend.
Aveline raised her eyebrow asking "and what exactly drove you two to quit stable jobs at the Docks for the uncertainty of independent work?"
"Oh you know the hours were terrible and the work would always leave us with that smell of fish from being so close to the ocean all the time, plus being independent means we get to chose our own hours" Garrett humorously replied as Bethany nodded smiling.
Aveline looked slightly annoyed at the Garrett's answer but didn't probe any further knowing the Hawke siblings had been Smugglers and for the next ten minutes the group talked about how they we're settling in Kirkwall, about Leandra trying to get back the Amell Estate and Gamlen's lie of being left everything when in truth it was their mother Leandra whom inherited everything.
"Gamlen's sounds like a real ass" Aveline said looking she'd seen and heard of those things before, "he is" Garrett added to Aveline's comment only to be bumped by Bethany.
"I mean he was but he's been doing better and has helped us when we needed it" Garrett said while rubbing the spot Bethany bumped him on as he glanced at Bethany whom glanced back at her brother.
I know Gamlen's trying to be better okay Garrett seemed to say with his glance while Bethany's glance said just making sure you remember. Aveline looked a little confused at the unspoken conversion the Hawke siblings just shared and said "do I miss something?"
"No" Garrett said but Aveline looked unconvinced and took a other sip of Ale. Putting down her drink Aveline said "I don't know if this is bad time but I might have a job for you if you're interested I would do it alone normally but I might needs some help... independent help."
"You have something for us" Garrett asked leaning in, "Jeven makes my patrols empty walks in the dark but there's something big coming up, and I could use your help. An ambush is being set up, probably for a Caravan, although I can't find any shipments that match up... doesn't really matter though. Highwaymen waiting for someone to rob? I wager it's smugglers but I'm putting a stop to it, my district or not."
"Not that I'm ungrateful but isn't that something you're supposed to share with your fellow guards" Garrett said putting his drink down. "I will if it comes down to it but there are profits and influence to be had. You're my friends so I'm offering" Aveline replied.
"Um Aveline we're not exactly Guards" Bethany said a little confused.
Aveline shrugged saying "there only so many City Guards Bethany, temporary recruits and civilian deputies are expected from time to time so long as they're competent, and I'm pretty sure you two are competent."
"Alright I guess we'll be deputies for a job Aveline, when and where?" Garrett asked. Aveline stood up saying "I knew I could count on you two, we leave now, my information says they're hidden up Sundermount, Remote and rough terrain but we can make good time with a shortcut i know of on the side."
Garrett and Bethany stood up as well with Kane getting up and following them as Aveline lead them towards the exit.
"Wait" Garrett said an idea popping into his head; Bethany, Aveline, and Kane watched as Garrett walked towards a table to far right of the Hanged Man.
"Varric, Fenris, Isabela I got a job right now from Aveline I could use any help youl could give, we'd be like deputies for the City Guards" Garrett said speaking quickly as he stood beside the table where Varric was telling a story to Fenris and Isabela.
Varric turned saying "I was just telling the story of your arrival to Kirkwall Hawke, about how you captured a former pirate ship and had to fight your way past Pirates and the raw power of Ocean just to get here."
Garrett rolled his eyes sighing then looked at both Fenris and Isabela saying "that's not even remotely close to the true story." Isabela grinned playfully saying "but this version was better."
Fenris just shrugged having always known Varric's story of Garrett's arrival to Kirkwall was false with very little truth to it if any at all. Fenris stood up from the table grabbing his other Greatsword he used for fighting and putting down his Ale saying "I'll go Hawke."
"Sorry Hawke I gotta help my friend Martin" Isabela said as she took another drink of Ale, Varric stood up grabbing his trusty Crossbow Bianca saying "I guess I'll go, could use the exercise."
Garrett waved to Isabela as he, Fenris, and Varric walked back Aveline, Bethany, and Kane, together the group left the Hanged Man and began the long walk to Sundermount.
I always wondered about the situation between Ewald and Jeven so I decide to do my take on what happen
Anyway sorry for the wait and I'll have part 2 up soon
Thanks for reading and please review!