Hey guys, Two Chapters in the same week! I must be on suffering an overdose of Caffeine! Bad joke sorry
Seriously though first I wanna say that these two Chapters were originally suppose to be one but it was too long (like 16 pages)
So I cut it in half to make two, I tired to 'cut off' at good point but I apologize if it seems abrupt
But I digress...
Special Thanks to KnightOfHolyLight for their very kind review
Enjoy

Lowtown, Gamlen's House
Nearly Noon

In the breakfast room of his Uncle's house, Garrett was currently telling his Mother about Flemeth's Amulet after having told Bethany a few minutes ago.

"Then last night it happened again, I don't fully understand it... but Flemeth kept her part of the bargain, she brought us to Gwaren safety" Garrett finished saying. Leandra just looked astounded at Garrett's tale as she sat in the table pondering everything that had happened since escaping Lothering.

Gamlen, leaning against the wall, just scratched his head saying "blighted Apostates... my life wasn't great but at least it was simple, now we got Independent Workers living with me and then crazy Amulets." "Somehow I don't think it'd be wise to not keep our part of the deal" Garrett said rubbing the stubble on his chin that was starting to grow into a beard. Leandra suddenly spoke up saying "Garrett you didn't tell any of us about this... for all this time you've had these experiences and couldn't explain them?"

Garrett saw the concern in his Mother's eyes as she spoke and he almost felt like a little kid again after having tired to hide a small injury from his parents. Bethany,whom was sitting in the table next to her brother petting Kane, spoke up saying "but... Garrett did mention it a... a little to me, not everything but he didn't keep it all to himself." Leandra nodded saying "I don't understand it but I think you're right Garrett... you need to find the Dalish and get rid of that Amulet... I don't like that it's been here and causing these things for a year."

Gamlen nodded saying "same here, you never thought to maybe selling the damn thing or something." "Like I said Gamlen I don't think we should break our deal with Flemeth" Garrett said looking thoughtful as he and Bethany shared a look thinking the same thing Flemeth was really powerful... maybe more so than Father, and we did make a deal.

"But where do we find the Dalish at all... don't they move around a lot and mostly stay outside of cities" Bethany said thinking aloud. Standing up from the table Garrett said "I think Aveline might know because she's a Senior Officer in the City Guard, they have to know about things outside the city as well." "Varric might know as well... he does seem to know things even if he does tend to exaggerate to certain degree" Bethany said as Leandra and Gamlen watched them planning things out. Leandra stood up saying "good luck you two, let me know what happens… and be careful out there," Bethany hugged her Mother saying "we will, we always do."

Garrett walked over and lightly hugged his Mother after Bethany had finished saying "don't know how long we'll be gone but we'll be back mom." Gamlen just awkwardly stood away from the Hawke family as they parted, Garrett and Bethany followed by Kane left the house, leaving Gamlen alone with his sister.

"He still could have told us that thing was here... and whatever the hell it was doing to him" Gamlen said as he heard Garrett lock the front door from the outside. Leandra looked directly at her brother saying "Garrett didn't want to worry us, I may not like it but I understand his reasons... he reminds me of his Father so much as the years past." Gamlen scoffed crossing his arms saying "well I didn't exactly like Malcolm but he knew what he was doing, I'll give him that."

Leandra smiled slightly saying "you never liked any of my Courtiers Gamlen, come on we need to clean the plates from breakfast."

Gamlen sighed as he went with Leandra to the kitchen to help her clean up wondering why does Garrett never have to clean the plates. As they walked through the Lowtown Marketplace Garrett turned towards Bethany saying "I'll go to Hightown and talk to Aveline, can you check the Hanged Man for Varric?" "I'm pretty sure he'll be there but okay" Bethany replied as she turned to face the street leading to the Hanged Man. "Thanks Bethany, oh and here take Kane with you" Garrett said as he grabbed Kane by the collar and pulled him towards his sister; Kane barked happily as Bethany pet him.

Garrett watched for a moment seeing Kane follow Bethany as they parted ways thinking even if Varric's not there Isabela usually is... Maker willing she doesn't share stories with Bethany.

Hightown, the Viscount's Keep

The Barracks

"Excuse me sir but do you have business here this time or this is another one of your social calls" Arys said wearing his blue uniform and crossing his arms as he stood blocking Garrett's way. "It's a little of both... but I need to see Aveline again regardless" Garrett said standing in front of Arys a little annoyed by how seriously the man took his job.

Garrett was about to began arguing with Arys when suddenly Guardsman Donnic, having just exited one of the rooms near the back, noticed Garrett standing in front of Arys and moved towards them. "Hey there Garrett, did you need something" Donnic asked, Arys turned to face Donnic saying "I was handling it Donnic." "Just needed to see Aveline about something" Garrett said just wanting to go see Aveline instead having to arguing about walking into the Barracks. Donnic nodded saying "the Senior Officers just finished a meeting so Aveline should be able to see you if it's something important."

Arys sighed then turned towards Donnic saying "very well Donnic, this man is your business now, take him to Aveline if you must." Arys nodded at Garrett then left to deal with his duties leaving Garrett and Donnic standing in the Barracks. "Thanks Donnic, you saved me a lot of arguing there" Garrett said as Donnic lead him through the Barracks towards Aveline.

Donnic chuckled saying "sorry about that... Arys is a bit annoying but he does his job and manages almost all the paper work." Donnic led Garrett to one of the rooms near the back almost where he had just come from then stopped saying "she's in that room right there, don't mean to be rude but I don't think you should take too much of her time." Garrett thanked Donnic as he left then knocked on the door saying "Aveline, it's me Garrett can I talk to you?" Garrett heard some shifting papers then Aveline called "hello Hawke! come on."

Garrett walked into the room, a big square with desks and other seats arranged to form a kind of column... a makeshift meeting room. The room's lone occupant, Senior Officer Aveline, wearing City Guard Armor, looked up from the desk she was sitting in and glanced at Garrett, "something you need?" Aveline asked.

Garrett walked forward, grabbed a chair and placed in front of Aveline's desk, then sat down saying "two things." Aveline frowned slightly saying "two things... well I needed to talk to you too Garrett but since this isn't a social call, you go first." Garrett nodded thankfully from where he sat saying "did you happen to hear anything about the Wounded Coast... and Bandits."

Aveline looked at Garrett blinking rapidly then said "Hawke that was you wasn't it," Garrett chuckled slightly saying "yeah it was me and a few others." Aveline sighed saying "I should have known it was you and your 'friends' Hawke" then frowning slightly she continued "you should be more careful with Bethany... some of us thought it looked like Magic was used." "Uh actually it wasn't Bethany" Garrett said awkwardly as Aveline fixed Garrett with a cold stare saying "what do you mean it wasn't it Bethany." Garrett looked Aveline straight in the eye saying "Aveline... I trust you, so I'll tell you," Aveline nodded glad that Garrett trusted her.

Garrett made sure no one but himself and Aveline would hear them when he spoke; "I don't know if you know of it but in Darktown there are Tales of a Healer." Aveline tapped her chin saying "hmm can't say that I have but you know how Darktown is... the City Guard is almost useless there, day or night."

Garrett nodded then checked again to make sure they weren't being overheard and said "there's a man in Darktown who helps the poor and unfortunate, he's heals them because for whatever their reasons some people can't go to the City Healers." Aveline leaned in and with a stern voice said "is this healer stealing medical supplies or something?" "No he doesn't do anything like that, he makes do with what he has" Garrett replied quickly looking at Aveline straight in the eye.

"No effective healer in Darktown can make do with what they have..." Aveline said thinking aloud. "Aveline... the healer in Darktown... he's a Mage... he helped me clear those bandits and helps a lot of people in Darktown" Garrett said slowly.

Aveline's eyes widened as she spoke "Garrett! That's dangerous... why would you tell me that... why would you work with an escaped Mage, if the Templars find him you could face punishment." Garrett nodded saying "he's good at laying low and he's not an escaped Mage exactly, he's actually a ex-Grey Warden and... Aveline I trust you. His name's Anders and look, he uses his Magic to help a lot of people who can't help themselves... you've seen it yourself Aveline, not all of us Ferelden refugees have it as well as we do."

Looked uneasy Aveline said "yes... you're right Garrett... a man like that can do a lot of good for a place as bad as Darktown... but there must be a reason you're telling me this." Garrett grinned slightly at Aveline's insight saying "yeah there is; like I said he helped me clear out the bandits." Aveline sighed scratching her head saying "and?" "Is there any kind of reward money we could get for that... the Wounded Coast is a bit safer, and if for nothing else Anders could use the coin to help his Clinic."

Aveline looked at Garrett thoughtfully for a moment then said "Garrett, I suppose clearing the Wounded Coast of Bandits saves the City Guard some trouble and does merit a reward." Aveline stood up saying "Follow me... I'll give what reward money I can, you divide it amongst your group and Garrett... be careful with this Anders, he may be doing Darktown good but the Templars won't care." "I understand the risk, thanks Aveline" Garrett said standing up and following Aveline out of the make shift meeting room and through the Barracks. Aveline led Garrett near the entrance to the Barracks and to a desk on the left where Arys was currently seated and looking over some papers. Arys noticed Aveline and Garrett approaching and stood up from his desk saying "Officer Aveline," "hello Arys I need to provide reward money for service provided by a civilian" Aveline replied. Arys looked at Garrett then said "you again," Garrett nodded as Arys grabbed some papers as Aveline explained what Garrett had done on the Wounded Coast.

Arys filled out a form and pulled out seven Sovereigns then handed them to Garrett saying "it seems you're making a habit of this Mr. Hawke." Taking the money Garrett chuckled slightly saying "yeah I guess so," Aveline nodded then said "thanks Arys." Aveline led Garrett away from Arys's desk and asked "you said there were two things right, what was the other?" Sighing Garrett looked at Aveline saying "remember when we were on the run from the Darkspawn Horde... when Flemeth agreed to take us to Gwaren."

Aveline crossed her ams at Garrett as they stopped to talk in a corner of the Barracks then asked "yes I remembered that but what about it?" Garrett reached into his pouch and pulled out Flemeth's Amulet and held it up for her to see; Aveline looked at the Amulet with confusion saying "that isn't the Amulet... it's not it."

Garrett nodded saying "actually it is, a couple of months ago it changed to look like this... and then yesterday I just knew I had to finally deliver it... I know it's weird but I'll explain more later." Aveline nodded slowly saying "alright, you'll explain later, so what is it you need Garrett?" "Aveline I don't know where the Dalish are, the City Guard keeps track of things outside of Kirkwall not just inside it, I was hoping you could help" Garrett said. Aveline nodded saying "you're right, the City Guard does keep tabs on things outside of Kirkwall... let me check if there were any sightings of the Dalish around Kirkwall."

Garrett watched as Aveline went to a desk near the back of the Barracks and spoke with a Guard there before being handed a map and Garrett saw the guard gesturing on the map to Aveline. Aveline continued speaking with the other Guard as the man pointed at one spot repeatedly then Aveline nodded, thanked the Guard and walked back to Garrett saying "I know where the Dalish are." Garrett straightened saying "great I knew the Guards would know, where are they?" "The Dalish were spotted on Sundermount a while ago, they haven't really bothered anyone so we haven't bothered them" Aveline said. Garrett nodded saying "Sundermount, got it, thanks Aveline, Bethany and me are gonna deliver that Amulet."

As Garrett was turning to leave Aveline stopped him saying "Garrett I'm coming with you, it started with the three of us, it should end with the three of us." "Are you sure?" Garrett asked as he looked at Aveline, "yes, I only come here for the meeting and to finish some paper work, let's go" Aveline said as together they left the Barracks and headed to the Hanged Man.

The Hanged Man

As Garrett and Aveline entered the Hanged Man they noticed Bethany with Kane sitting at a table with Varric, Anders, and Isabela. Bethany noticed her brother and Aveline and waved them over, as they met up they all exchanged greetings as Garrett and Aveline took seats beside Bethany.

"Did you find out where the Dalish are" Bethany asked Garrett as his sat down next to her, "Aveline was able to figure it out for us" Garrett replied. Aveline spoke up saying "they were spotted near Sundermount, that's your best bet," Bethany looked at Aveline saying "Sundermount huh, we've never been there."

Varric turned towards Garrett saying "you know Hawke, Sunshine here can tell some pretty good Tales but I gotta ask are they true." Garrett, after petting Kane and scratching his head, turned to his sister saying "you told Varric about everything?" Bethany nodded sheepishly saying "Varric kept bugging me about it after Anders refused to talk about the Hero of Ferelden and after I asked about the Dalish just in case Aveline didn't know where the they would be." Varric shrugged saying "it seemed like an interesting story and Blondie still wouldn't budge," Isabela smirked at Garrett saying "would you've rather have me telling her stories like that time Anders and me met at the Pearl."

Garrett gaped at Isabela saying "... don't ever tell those stories to Bethany... or me for that matter," Aveline looked at Anders saying "are you Anders then?" Anders turned towards Aveline having noticed her City Guard Armor saying "and I take it you're Aveline," as Isabela's smirk grew wider to Garrett's horror. Bethany looked back and fourth at her brother and Isabela then at Anders confused then said "Isabela and Anders met before?" Anders chuckled slightly saying "yeah it was at this Brothel in Denerim where-" but was interrupted by Garrett saying "Anders we talked about this in your Clinic remember." Varric nodded smirking as said "agreed we don't to know that about either of you," Bethany just looked awkwardly at Anders and Isabela.

Isabela glanced at Garrett mischievously then leaned in closer to Bethany and began to whisper in her ear when suddenly Garrett stood up, grabbed his sister's chair and dragged it away with Bethany still on it. Bethany gulped in surprised at that, then Garrett moved his chair between Isabela and Bethany and sat down again. Bethany now sat near the end of the table next to Aveline and Varric with Garrett now blocking Isabela from whispering anything to his sister.

Isabela burst into laughter at Garrett's protectiveness over his little sister, Aveline just looked annoyed at Isabela. "Man that was good... sorry Hawke I couldn't resist... ah that was funny" Isabela chuckled as Aveline glared at her from across the table and Garrett said "Isabela!" Aveline looked at Bethany, noticing her looking awkward, saying "you okay Bethany, what she say to you," "I'd rather not say" Bethany replied as Garrett changed the subject.

"Anders I was able to get Aveline to get you reward money, here" Garrett said to Anders as he passed the seven Sovereigns over. Anders caught the money pouch Arys had given Garrett then counted the money saying "thanks Hawke but aren't you going to keep some for yourself." "You need it more than me... your Clinic does a lot of for people in Darktown" Garrett said causally as Anders hanged the pouch on his belt. "So yeah Varric that story's true, but I'm not asking for any of you to help just advice if you can give any?" Garrett said to the group at large.

"That was an interesting story so I'll go just to see how it ends" Varric said grinning, Anders, looking at Garrett seriously, said "Hawke can I take a look at the Amulet that Bethany mentioned?" "Sure but why do you want to see it" Garrett asked as he pulled out the Amulet and handed it to Anders across the table.

"Just want to check something, that's all," Anders said as he looked the Amulet and the group watched as Anders grabbed the Amulet from Garrett.

Anders held the Amulet and began inspecting it looking confused then rubbed a finger on the center were the orb was placed. Almost instantly after Anders's finger touched the orb Anders gaped,

Bethany's eyes widened and she grabbed her brother's hand saying in a low voice "brother... it's happening." Even without his sister's warning Garrett knew what was happening... Anders's eyes began to slightly glow blue, first in his Iris and it began to spread to fill his entire eyes.

Garrett quickly reached over and pried the Amulet from Anders's hand, snatching it away from him before something happened as Aveline placed a hand on her Longsword. Varric looked nervous as checked to make sure no one but them saw, and Isabela just stared at Anders unsure of what to make of it. Lucky for Anders he was seated so that only his back was visible to people outside the table. Anders looked up at Garrett then slowly looked way, Anders looking down at the table so as to hide his glowing eyes.

Anders spoke in an odd voice, not the astringent and cold voice that was Justice but not Anders's normal voice either... a mixture of both, more like something in-between both voices... Anders's voice overtoned with Justice's voice.

"Apologies Hawke... I don't... I don't understand it... just give me a moment" then Anders began blinking slowly with an intense look on his face especially in his eyes. Bethany let go of her brother's hand as he put the Amulet back up, the group watched as Anders, still keeping his head down, blinked a few more times and slowly but surely the blue light in his eyes receded into his Irises then faded away.

Anders let out a heavy breath and spoke in his normal voice again saying "... that Amulet, I don't like it... there's strong Magic in it but I've never, not even in my time with the Wardens, felt anything like that before... even Justice is worried." Anders picked his head up and looked Garrett straight in the eye saying "Hawke... that story's true I can tell... but why didn't you look into this before."

Garrett was about to speak when Anders cut in saying "you had that in your house all this time with your Mother, Uncle, and little Sister... what's wrong with you?" "I just-" Garrett began but was interrupted again by Anders, "did you even think... especially with Bethany living in that house, I thought you looked out for her." "Hey I don't even understand-" Garrett said but was stopped once again by Anders saying "no you don't... I thought you would've taken more care... I can't believe you just did nothing." Garrett started looking down at table feeling... ashamed at how Anders pointed things and how foolish Garrett had been about Flemeth's Amulet. "All this time Hawke... all this time, I'd have thought you'd look out for your family more... I thought you'd be a better brother" Anders said coldly still looking at Garrett with that stern stare as the group watched.

Anders was going to continue, when suddenly Bethany spoke up surprising the whole group with her words, "Anders! That's enough!" The whole group except Garrett turned to face Bethany stunned by what they saw... Bethany was glaring at Anders.

Kane looked up confused at Garrett and Bethany then looked at Anders sniffing the air for something that had appeared then vanished just as quickly. Anders looked at Bethany saying "Bethany... look Garrett should have known better he doesn't understand, he-" but this time Anders was interrupted by Bethany.

"Don't judge... you don't understand it either you just said so... and... and you're one to talk you just lost control right now" Bethany said coldly. "... I didn't... I contained him I didn't let him out and that's not the point, I could feel it the moment Garrett walked in and he should have-" Anders began sounding hurt, that was a low blow, before being interrupted again.

"Anders I couldn't feel anything from the Amulet... we didn't know anything about it, Garrett used what information he had and there was no way of knowing" Bethany said. Isabela blinked then raised an eyebrow looking stunned at Bethany, wow who would have thought she had that in her.Bethany looked like she wanted to continue but stopped when she felt her brother's hand on her shoulder.

Bethany turned towards her brother seeing him nod at her saying "it's okay Bethany... Anders is right, I should have looked into it more, hell I should have brought it for Anders to check it out... he knows more about these things." Garrett took his hand off his sister's shoulder and looked at Anders saying "Anders neither of us understand... we don't have all the information but I really don't think we should break our deal with Flemeth, I need to deliver it" Garrett said straightening up. Bethany nodded in agreement no longer glaring but still cold towards Anders, whom nodded saying "agreed... I'm coming too I think you might need my help and I don't trust that Amulet."

"Damn! Sunshine that was surprising" Varric said humorously, standing up from the table and patting Anders on the back Varric whispering to him so only he would hear "careful Blondie, you turned Sunshine of all people against you... I didn't think that was possible... not even Fenris managed to do that."

Garrett and Bethany stood up along with Aveline and Kane when Isabela spoke up, "this seems interesting, I'm tagging along." Isabela stood up with Anders as Garrett looked at them all saying "thanks... all of you,"and together the group left the Hanged Man.

As they walked outside of the Hanged Man, Aveline walked alongside Garrett and Bethany saying "Garrett... that thing with Anders, what was that?" "It's a long story... I'll explain once we've left Kirkwall" Garrett said as Aveline nodded and kept walking. As the group walked Garrett suddenly stopped saying "has anyone seen Fenris today?" "No, I haven't seen him since we took him to Anders's Clinic" Varric said, "I don't speak with him much, I have no idea where he is" Anders said. "He's probably at his Mansion... he said something about having trouble laying low when we were drinking earlier" Isabela said.

"Actually that's something I need to talk to you about that Garrett" Aveline said to Garrett as the whole group stopped as well. "What? Something happened about Fenris" Garrett asked Aveline, "yes, he's appeared in some poorly kept reports left over from when Jeven was Guard Captain" Aveline replied.

Garrett rubbed the stubble on his chin that was starting to grow into a beard saying "my understanding is that the Dalish can be... hostile towards humans, so I think we should ask Fenris to come with us." "I knew a Dalish when I was in the Grey Wardens... she was a bit hostile but I don't know if having Fenris will help with that" Anders said as he looked at Garrett.

"Either way I'd rather have him come with us... you never know it might help" Garrett said to Anders as he began leading then towards Hightown. Aveline spoke up saying "I need to speak with Fenris anyway... I know he's your friend but this could be trouble," "yeah but you don't know the whole story... let Fenris explain things before you arrest him or anything" Garrett said.

Later

Outside of Kirkwall

"... Since then I have taken up residence in his precious Mansion and if Danarius wants it back along with me he is free to try and reclaim them... I will be waiting and we will end it with one of us dead" Fenris said having now finished telling Aveline 'his' story. Aveline nodded slowly as the group walked closer to Sundermount having picked up Fenris and left Kirkwall.

"It's true Aveline... I saw the Slavers and Shades defending the inside of the Mansion" Garrett said backing Fenris up having noticed Aveline's skepticism.

The group suddenly heard a strange clicking noise and to their surprise noticed that Fenris had taken off his right steel Gauntlet and put his fighting Greatsword into the ground so as to hold the Gauntlet he had taken off. Fenris's fighting Greatsword stood tall, have been embedded into the ground, as Fenris walked up to Aveline and again to the group's surprise, held out his arm saying "look at my arm... the Lyrium Markings on my flesh are covering it but if you look closely you'll see it."

The whole group looked at where Fenris was pointing trying to see something... at first they didn't see it but then they saw it.

There on his arm where Fenris was pointing, below his wrist, was... a faded burn mark... underneath the Lyrium colored sprawled lines that made up the Markings on his body... Fenris had been branded.

Aveline gazed at the faded burn mark formed into a stylized capital 'D' underneath his Lyrium Markings then back at his face, Anders blinked rapidly then he looked away thoughtfully, Varric shifted his feet uncomfortably and Isabela just frowned at Fenris staying unusually silent.

Garrett narrowed his eyes sadly and rubbed the back of his neck as he looked at Fenris and the faded brand unsure of what to say as Bethany gulped then stared at the faded brand with her mouth open as if to say something but closed it again and looked at her feet uneasily.

"I am not lying... the brand is a Tevinter family crest... anyone in Tevinter who looked at it would know that I was the property of Danarius" Fenris said oddly stoic as he held his arm up for Aveline to get an even better look. Aveline nodded slowly as she said "I believe you... but I can't just ignore the reports if they keep coming and I can't get rid of the ones I noticed. I won't turn you in but just keep a low profile and don't cause trouble other than that I can't promise any more Fenris."

The group heard that odd clicking noise as Fenris put his right steel Gauntlet back on and pulled his fighting Greatsword out of ground. Fenris, now with his right Gauntlet back on and with his fighting Greatsword in his left hand, turned towards Aveline saying "I understand... thank you for the warning." Aveline nodded and the group continued walking towards Sundermount in silence for awhile before Fenris of all people broke the silence.

"I don't mind helping out Hawke but why did you specifically want my help?" Fenris asked Garrett. "Well the Dalish are known to be... hostile towards humans so we thought if you came as well they might be more willing to help" Garrett replied. Bethany nodded saying "it can't hurt and besides it's a chance to see the Dalish Elves, haven't you ever wondered about the other half our your people." Fenris tilted his head slightly saying "I don't think the Dalish would count me amongst their people... but I'll admit I'm vaguely curious about Dalish."

"Well we're almost at Sundermount so you'll find out soon enough" Aveline said as she pointed at the mountain trail they were approaching. Isabela looked at trail and sighed saying "we sure do a lot of walking don't we," Garrett chuckled saying "yeah comes with the job." Garrett was about to ask but Fenris understood without being asked and took point as he walked onto the trail first, leading the way.

Garrett and Bethany followed with Kane beside them as Isabela chatted with Anders behind them. Aveline and Varric walked slightly to left of the Hawke siblings and Kane, Aveline looked at Garrett and said "we still need to talk about that thing with Anders, I know we're busy right now so later." Garrett nodded at Aveline saying "yeah it's a kind of a long story, maybe longer than Fenris's," Aveline looked at Garrett oddly. "What?" Garrett and Bethany asked as Kane turned his head in confusion, Aveline chuckled slightly as she glanced at Fenris then at Isabela and Anders saying "you seem to know some odd people Garrett."

Varric chuckled saying "that's what makes things interesting, being the only normal person here I can say that." Garrett scoffed at that saying "Varric! You, normal?" Varric laughed lightly at Garrett saying "that's right Hawke I'm the only sane person in all of Kirkwall" as Aveline and Bethany looked at them a little lost but smiled at the change in the mood none the less.

After several minutes of walking, "Hawke!" Fenris suddenly called causing Garrett and the others to speed up to where Fenris was, upon reaching him they found a strange sight... Fenris was standing in front of two strange armed Elves wearing green Field Armor of some sort, the two Elves kept looking at Fenris's markings as if he was the oddest thing they'd ever seen.

Both Elves, a man and a woman, were rather dark skinned compared to their city counterparts and both had different strange tattooed markings on their foreheads, and Fenris was getting annoyed by their staring at him and his Markings. As the Hawke siblings and the others caught up with Fenris they noticed the two Elves's change in mood, they saw Garrett first and gripped their weapons just in case, they were ready to fight if they had to. "Hold, Shemlen! Your kind are not welcome among the Dalish" the male Dalish Guard said in an accented voice unlike any accent Garrett had ever heard as the group stopped next to Fenris and thought how to go about this.

"What's a Shemlen... an insult or something... never heard that one before," Isabela said looking at the Elves tattoos, Fenris just shrugged saying "I assume it's Elven for Human." The female Dalish Guard spoke up in that weird Dalish accent saying "it means you're not one of The People, and should leave... now." Anders turned to Isabela saying "it's not exactly an insult... it's just a Dalish thing," Isabela nodded not really understanding it.

"Wait what are The People" Garrett asked a little confused as Kane walked forward and began smelling the female Dalish Guard much to her disdain. The male Dalish Guard straightened up with pride speaking with that strange Dalish accent "we are the last of the true Elvhen." "So you say" Fenris said annoyingly as he tapped his fighting Greatsword after the female Dalish Guard attempted to touch his Lyrium Markings.

The female Dalish Guard retracted her finger from where had been trying touch Fenris on his face saying "we remember who The People truly, even though those City Elves have forgotten." Isabela smirked at how that female Dalish Guard had tired to touch Fenris's Lyrium Markings, those Dalish Guards seemed really interested in them for some reason much to Fenris's annoyance. Garrett stepped forward saying "look I was given an Amulet for someone named Marethari, can you take us to her," the Dalish Guards looked at each other for a moment then looked back at Garrett.

"She is our Keeper and she has been expecting you... come we will take you to her, but know that if you cause trouble you'll met our blades, Stranger" the male Dalish Guard said as he beckoned the group to follow him into the Dalish Camp.

As the group walked into the Dalish Camp they noticed that the Dalish didn't really like them being in their camp and that a lot of them kept glancing at Fenris's Markings for some reason. Garrett particularly noticed how the camp was set up, a Dalish trader could be seen in the far back alongside a workshop of some sort past all the tents that passed for houses. There were carriages of some sort for carrying the old, really young, and the sickly, but there were also some that looked like they were made only to carry supplies and the carriages looked as if the Dalish had built them themselves.

But there was something wrong... they were no beast of burden to pull the carriages, odd... did something happen. The Dalish they came across as the two Dalish Guards led them gave the group mixed results, one Dalish Hunter of some kind took one look at them then muttered "Shemlen, wonderful! Finish your business here quick." Another Dalish, a old man and a Smith of some kind, looked at them politely saying "it's not often we allow humans into our camp, take care not to abuse the privilege sirs and misses." As they passed the old man Garrett noticed that Dalish Smith wasn't working with any metal, he was working with... wood, the man was making a blade out of wood, that can't... really work... can it Garrett thought.

Garrett also noticed that there was a small camp fire surrounded by wooded benches with children listening to a Dalish woman talking, a Dalish teacher of some kind, one of the Dalish children looked at Fenris, pointed at his Markings and poked another Dalish child telling her to look. A group of Dalish woman noticed what the children were pointed at and they too stared at Fenris and began talking amongst themselves. "That is getting annoyed... especially those women" Fenris said broodingly causing Bethany to chuckle and Garrett to grin.

Isabela smirked patting Fenris on the back saying "it's okay Mr. broody you're like a celebrity or something here... just think of all friends you'll make here." Aveline scoffed at Isabela muttering "whore," Isabela glanced at Aveline saying "sounds like someone is a little repressed maybe a room at the Blooming Rose would do you some good, on me!"

Aveline glared at Isabela, if looks could kill then Isabela would surely be dead Varric thought humorously as he turned towards them saying "easy you two... we don't want to fight in the middle of the Dalish Camp or least I don't." "Seconded, if you're going to battle it out do it in the Hanged Man, it'll give the Bards something new to sing about" Anders said smirking as he walked with them.

Kane almost ran off towards something he smelled but Bethany grabbed him by the collar as Garrett turned around and pet him saying "easy boy, calm down." When finally the two Dalish Guards stopped nearly in the center of the camp where a lone slightly old Dalish woman was seated on the ground deep in thought.

The old Dalish woman stood up and turned to look at Garrett as the group stopped in front of her. The two Dalish Guards bowed slightly saying "Keeper Marethari," then the two Dalish Guards left them. Garrett stepped forward and pulled out Flemeth's Amulet saying "Marethari? I was told to bring you this Amulet." Marethari was odd woman, she had gray hair hair and some early wrinkles wearing an odd assortment of Robes that she had apparently made herself with a golden Staff made of wood sheathed on her back and unique markings on her face, almost like a tree.

Garrett watched as Marethari gazed at the Amulet that Garrett was holding but didn't take it, to Garrett and the group's confusion. "Andaran atish'an, travelers, indeed I am Keeper Marethari" Marethari said calmly with that strange Dalish accent having taken her eyes off of the Amulet and glanced up at the group. Then Marethari stepped towards Garrett saying "come here let me look at you," Garrett raised on eyebrow confused but stepped closer anyway not wanting to be rude to an old woman.

Marethari gazed at Garrett, still holding the Amulet, and looked him up and down then fixed on his eyes... she seemed to be looking at something there... and seemed to be happy by what she saw as she stepped back.

"You've had a long, hard journey, you've seen and done much and you will see and do much more but in spite of it all there is a Light in your heart, human..." Marethari said stopping midway then turning her gazed towards Bethany saying "in yours as well human."

Marethari smiled slightly as she looked between Garrett and Bethany saying "you are family are you not... yes, I can see the resemblance, that Light is in both your hearts... but." Marethari frowned looking sad as she gazed at the Hawke siblings in turn saying "but there is something missing... a Light that was... but is no longer, another of you... that has passed on," Garrett and Bethany exchanged a look of confusion and sadness as they both thought Carver.

Marethari's eyes grew wide in sorrow as she still gazed at the Hawke siblings saying "I'm truly sorry for your loss children... though some of the Light is gone... you must not let it go out, you'll need it, both of you." Garrett took a step back a little confused at the Keeper's words as he glanced at his sister noticing that she glanced at him as well and for some reason Garrett remembered his father's last words no matter what always stand by your Family.

Fenris tilted his head slightly at that, looking thoughtful... but sad... like he didn't know why. Aveline nodded as if she understood what Marethari said for some reason, Varric rubbed his chin looking thoughtful as Isabela muttered "that was weird," then she got a strange look in her eyes as Anders scratched his head not sure of what to make of it all.

Marethari changed the subject suddenly as she touched Garrett's hand that held Flemeth's Amulet but still did not take it and she said "tell me child and just how did this burden fall to you?" "I know how this sounds... but Flemeth saved us about a year ago and in returned asked us to bring us to bring that Amulet to you" Garrett replied. "I believe you sir, there is truth in your face... a rare thing for a human" Marethari said simply, "well that was easy," Anders said as some of the others agreed.

"But why did we have to bring the Amulet here at all" Garrett asked a little curious about the whole thing and remembered what Anders had said why didn't you look into this before. Marethari crossed her arms behind her back saying "I am the Keeper of this Clan, it is my task to guide my people and to ensure the old ways are not forgotten. And as for Asha'bellaner... I am tied to her just as you are by a debt that must be repaid, I brought the Clan here to wait for you" Garrett nodded then asked "yes, but what exactly have I been carrying around, I know it's Magic but not normal Magic?"

Anders stepped forward saying "yes, but what exactly is it, I tired to inspect it but it... didn't go so well," as he finished talking Anders glanced at Bethany, whom ignored him and only looked at Marethari.

"It is a promise... made by one whose word still has weight and therefore has a terrible power even I don't understand. There a few things in this world stronger than a promise kept, remember that" Marethari said as she glanced at Fenris and his Markings curiously. Garrett nodded saying "like I said Flemeth rescued my family and I from the Darkspawn and I agreed to bring it here... I kept my promise."

Varric suddenly laughed saying "I like how well you all take this, I mean seriously... A Dragon fell from the Sky, charred some Darkspawn then asked Hawke to deliver the Amulet, no big deal." The Hawke siblings chuckled lightly also noticing how quickly everyone seemed to accept this... if Varric told this story no one would believe him Garrett thought.

Marethari glanced away from Fenris and turned to face Varric good naturally saying "there many strange things in this world and the wildest stories are sometimes the true ones."

Then turning back to Garrett and Bethany, Marethari said "you are blessed by luck children, I will pray that Mythal watches over your paths. The Amulet must be taken to an Altar at the top of the Mountain, and given a Dalish Rite for the departed. Then return the Amulet to me, do this and your debt is paid in full."

"Are you going to teach me this rite for the departed then?" Garrett asked just wanting to get this over with. "I will send my First with you, she will see to it, the ritual, and when that is done I must ask that you take her with you when you return to Kirkwall" Marethari replied. Anders walked up to Garrett saying "the First is sort of like the Keeper's Apprentice or Heir if you're feeling high and mighty... it's a Dalish thing."

Marethari gazed at Anders looking surprised saying "you know of our ways?" Anders looked back at the Dalish Keeper saying "a bit, I spent some time with a Dalish Elf, a fellow Mage, awhile ago in Ferelden."

"But wouldn't you not want your... First to leave the Dalish... isn't that wrong or something" Garrett asked wondering but not wanting to appear rude. "I do not wish her to leave but she has chosen a new path, one I do not agree with" Marethari said looking regretful. Something happened... I wonder what Garrett thought as Marethari gazed at him saying "this is not part of your debt but I ask that guide her to safety from here and look out for her in Kirkwall... please."

Garrett raised an eyebrow saying "if that's what she wants... and I'll look out for her Marethari," Marethari nodded looking grateful as she said "you'll find Merrill waiting for you on the trail further up the mountain, Dareth shiral." Marethari sat back down and the group began to move on towards the trail even further up the mountain as Varric commented "that was weird."

"Agreed... but then again... how'd she know those things," Bethany said as Garrett wondered the same thing anyone could look at us and see the family resemblance but Marethari knew about Carver and how hard it was for us to get into Kirkwall...

Hope that wasn't too abrupt of a cut off
Anyway I always thought it was weird how Hawke knew exactly how to find the Dalish Camp without even trying in-game...
So I did my take on how he 'found' the Dalish Camp
The part with Fenris's brand is inspired by the Ancient Romans whom would brand their Slaves like that(especially Gladiators) as the Tevinter Imperium is loosely based on the Ancient Roman Empire
Thanks for reading and please review!