Hey Guys glad I got to post this Chapter
Sorry but this Chapter is long like the previous one
There's just some stuff I wanted to put in
Special Thanks to KnightOfHolyLight for their review
Lowtown,
Gamlen's House
Leandra Hawke was smiling lightly at the company they had over, to Garrett's minor annoyance and Bethany's joy. "Your Cooking is really good Leandra" Juliana said as she ate breakfast with the Hawke family, Bethany having invited her to join them for breakfast Yesterday when they spent time in Hightown together.
"Thank you, I glad you came over" Leandra said as Garrett ignored the look his Sister gave him since Juliana sat to the left of him. Mother and Bethany really Caged me here, can't eat too fast without being rude and we're not meeting Varric til much later today... at least Gamlen's working today so he doesn't do something rude Garrett thought as he ate noticing Kane asleep near the front door. "So is your Forehead okay Garrett" Juliana asked as she glanced the light Bruise on Garrett's Forehead, too bad Bethany couldn't Heal it completely but she tired he thought.
"It's fine, it's probably looks worse that it is" Garrett said honestly as Bethany gave him a look, Garrett returned his Sister's look with one of own seeming to say fine."So Juliana how do you like it here in Kirkwall so far? It must be a big change from living in Lothering?" Garrett asked a little unused to eating Breakfast so slowly. "Well I lived in Lothering all my life until we were forced to leave so I can't compare Kirkwall to anything else but I like it here" Juliana began smiling slightly as she faced Garrett.
Why can't Mother and Bethany leave this alone, I don't have time for a Girlfriend... and she's really young, younger than Bethany Garrett as Juliana continued "I'm still getting used to all the Noise, it's like there's always something going on somewhere in the City." "Yeah noticed that as well, day or night, somewhere in Kirkwall something is happening" Garrett said honestly feeling a little bad that he kind of wanted to finish already. "Hightown is always having something fancy going on, maybe you could show Juliana someday" Bethany said as Garrett glanced at her saying "... maybe."
"I'd like that, I've only seen a small part of Hightown, even Yesterday I don't think we even saw half of it" Juliana said smiling again. Suddenly a knock was heard from the Front Door "I wonder who it could be... Gamlen's still working the Red Lantern District" Leandra said from where she stood in the Kitchen. Garrett was about to get up and answer but Bethany shot up from the breakfast table saying "I'll answer it... it's probably nothing anyway."
Damn I could've used that as an Exit... Garrett thought as Bethany left the table and went to answer the Front Door leaving Garrett alone with Juliana.
Bethany walked to the front door and opened the front door expecting one of Gamlen's Debt Collectors or a Messengers but wrong on both counts. To Bethany's complete surprised, as she opened the Front Door wide open, stood Fenris... still having that wrapped up Greatsword sheathed on his back and holding his Fighting Greatsword in his left Hand.
"Hello... is Hawke here?" Fenris said in a surprisingly civil tone, still standing outside Gamlen's House and making no move to enter it. Juliana, not being able to see all of Fenris and only knowing him to be an Elf mistook him for an Elven Messenger, and said "a letter, thank you for delivering it Sir."
Fenris tilted his head in annoyance to get a better look at Juliana as he dropped the civil tone saying "I am NOT a Messenger," "oh, my mistake sorry" Juliana said awkwardly at noticing the look Fenris gave her... and the odd Markings sprawled on his face along with his Weapons.
"Can we help you Fenris" Bethany said drawing attention away from Juliana knowing how Fenris could be and understanding why Juliana thought Fenris was a Messenger. Almost all the Messengers for Kirkwall are ElvenBethany thought hoping Fenris would understand that as well. "Hello again, Fenris was it?" Leandra said stepping out of the Kitchen to see who was at the Front Door, "Hello again Ms. Hawke" Fenris said regaining his civil tone. "Ms. Hawke, such manners, thank you" Leandra said smiling, Fenris nodded awkwardly as he glanced around seeing Garrett and Juliana alone at the breakfast table and Leandra in the Kitchen.
Taking a step back Fenris said "I will come back later, sorry for intruding," "it's okay, did you need something?" Garrett asked standing up. Fenris looked awkward, as if unsure if he was helping Garrett or something, by the manner in which Garrett asked the question, saying "... it's nothing really, just wanted to talk." "What about?" Garrett said as he began walking towards the Front Door and Fenris, to Bethany's dismay.
Fenris glanced at Juliana then back at Garrett saying "... it can wait, I didn't mean to intrude your... Breakfast." "I was finished anyway, come on I could go for a walk" Garrett said ignoring the look his Sister gave him as Fenris nodded and stepped back waiting for Garrett, not sure what to make at the look Bethany had given her brother. "Nice seeing you again Juliana," Garrett said as he turned around and waved goodbye to her then waved at his Mother and Bethany.
Sorry Bethany, Mother, Juliana but I found my Exit... I know it's a bit mean but I'd rather not be Caged like thatGarrett thought as he left Gamlen's House with Fenris noticing that Bethany had given him another annoyed look as he left.
As Garrett and Fenris left, Juliana looked slightly disappointed then turned to Bethany saying "why was he armed... with two Greatswords... and his face?" "He's a... Co-worker of ours... and the rest is a really long story" Bethany said as she made to sit back with Juliana thinking well it was worthy a try... if only Fenris hadn't shown up.
A short while later
Lowtown
Garrett walked through Lowtown with Fenris, make sure to stay out of people's way as they shopped and went around their business, saying "thanks for that by the way, didn't want to be rude but I wanted to leave."
"I figured as much" Fenris said as he gave Garrett an odd look, "what was that even about?" Fenris asked a bit curious. "Oh this Girl we met back in Lothering before it was destroyed, I warned her Father and his family about a Trap the Darkspawn had set up on the road, Bethany thinks I should date her" Garrett replied. "Do you want to? I believe she seemed interested in you by what I saw" Fenris said as they walked through Lowtown and turned around a Corner and went up some stairs. Garrett chuckled slightly saying "not really no, I don't want to waste my time with a Girlfriend right now... she's really young, a bit younger than Bethany even."
"She looked of Age to me" Fenris replied causally, Garrett raised an eyebrow at Fenris chuckling "not to be mean but if you want to date her in my place be my guest." "I don't have the time to date anyone... nor would I know how" Fenris said as he and Garrett stopped to leaned against a Rail from where they were above the Lowtown Marketplace.
"Right... sorry didn't mean it like that" Garrett said frowning leaning on the Rail as he remembered how Fenris was a Runaway whom could be forced to Fight or Flight again one day, whether it be Tomorrow or a Year from now. Fenris joined Garrett leaning against the Rail overlooking the Lowtown Marketplace as he propped his Fighting Greatsword on the Rail saying "don't apologize Hawke, it is the way is." "So, you wanted to talk" Garrett said changing the subject from Fenris's situation.
Fenris looked at Garrett awkwardly saying "I wanted to apologized... for not showing up Yesterday, I ran into Varric earlier and heard about Petrice." Then tilting his head at Garrett, Fenris continued "and I noticed the Bruise on your Forehead... defeating Nine Qunari that's impressive." Garrett nodded saying "yeah the Qunari are tough... and those Horns are really hard." "I might have been able to help you talk with Saarebas better if I was there. Though I don't know if freeing him would have been best but considering what he did... regardless I apologize... I've had... troubling thoughts... and needed some time alone to clear them" Fenris said.
Garrett, still leaning against the Rail, turned his gaze from the Vantage Point of the Lowtown Marketplace to Fenris saying "you don't have keep working with us, you've already helped with a lot of Jobs... you don't owe me anything." Fenris faced Garrett saying "you've helped me a great deal and shown me a kindness I did not expect, the Coin from those Jobs will be useful... and you took an Arrow for me, I will keep working with the Expedition." Garrett nodded saying "thanks Fenris... what's bothering you so much anyway, some of us noticed you've been more broody than usual."
To Garrett's surprise Fenris didn't say his common response of 'I do not brood' but instead Fenris skipped it as if unimportant. Instead Fenris turned his gaze at the Vantage Point of the Lowtown Marketplace and kept it there saying "... you are very close with your Family, right Hawke? Especially your Sister... you look out for her... you're trying to build a better life her and your Mother."
"Yes, it's important to always stand by your family and I want them to have a better life... even Gamlen" Garrett said wondering where this was going.
"I never... thought about it before... but when that Dalish Keeper, Marethari, gazed at you and said her words... it made me realize" Fenris began stoically. I remembered Marethari's words... she saw a great deal... and her words seemed to make Fenris sad Garrett thought as leaned on the Rail looking at Fenris.
Fenris, still not facing Garrett but the Lowtown Marketplace, tilted his head like he had before on the Day when they first met the Dalish, thoughtful but sad... like he didn't know why, saying "and Varric tells me you had a Brother once but then the Blight happened and he... you remember him fondly, yes." "I loved my Brother, we didn't always get along but I looked out for him and yes I remember him fondly," Garrett said smiling as he nodded still wondering where this was going.
"I realized... I can't even remember my Family... if I ever had one" Fenris said darkly as he raised his right hand up.
That's the arm where that faded burn... Fenris's Slave Brand is on Garrett thought as Fenris kept his gaze on the Lowtown Marketplace and holding his Right Arm out Fenris continued "when Marethari noticed your resemblance to Bethany... I..." Fenris lowered his arm slightly and tightly gripped the Gauntlet where the Brand was. Breathing slightly harder Fenris keep his gaze on where he was gripping his Slave Brand saying "I... I think I had a Sibling." Increasing the grip on his right arm where his Slave Brand was, Fenris continued in a slightly hurt voice saying "a little Brother or perhaps a Sister." I never really thought about it... Fenris's Memories were taken from him... all he knows is those Markings... and fighting Garrett thought darkly unsure of what to say to Fenris.
Garrett rubbed the back of neck thinking as Fenris released his right arm, still facing the Lowtown Marketplace from the Rail they were leaning on. "... You could try and find them, maybe find a way to track them down in Tevinter just a simple 'anyone related to Fenris' or looking through some records," Garrett said straightening up slightly.
Fenris tilted his head further, broodingly saying "... that name, Fenris... I do not believe my name is Fenris... just a pet name Danarius gave me." Turning to face Garrett, Fenris said "it no longer matters, there is nothing that can be done," "... I'm sorry" Garrett said unsure of what to say. Maker... there really is nothing he can do... his real name isn't Fenris and even then he is still being hunted Garrett thought understanding why yesterday Fenris didn't want to be found for awhile.
"Keep your pity Hawke... I just wanted to apologize for not working, nothing more... I didn't mean to think aloud" Fenris said lightly, surprisingly without any anger or annoyance, as he stopped leaning on the Rail overlooking the Lowtown Marketplace. When suddenly a light cough got Garrett's and Fenris's attention, causing them to turn around and see Bethany standing behind them. Bethany was frowning and looked slightly sad as she said "I... I just wanted to let you know that Juliana left."
How much did she hear of Fenris's words Garrett thought as he nodded saying "oh okay, thanks for keeping her company," Bethany nodded as she glanced at Fenris whom looked awkward at having been overheard. Fenris turned back to Garrett saying "I'll meet you later at the Hanged Man with Varric," "alright" Garrett replied as Fenris picked up his fighting Greatsword and took his leave of the Hawke siblings.
Garrett noticed that Bethany watched Fenris leave and walked over to her saying "did you overhear everything?" "I didn't mean too but yeah... I never thought about what Fenris broods about" Bethany said still frowning with sad eyes.
Garrett nodded saying "me neither Bethany... but it's like he said he doesn't want our pity." "You're right Garrett... it's just I don't think he's ever told anyone else those things" Bethany said looking thoughtful. Turning to face Garrett, Bethany sadly said "even though we... we lost Carver we still have our memories of him... Fenris... Fenris doesn't even have that." "Everyone deals with things in their own way Bethany... he doesn't want any sympathy or special treatment" Garrett said as he put his hand on his Sister's Shoulder reassuringly, Bethany nodded and followed her brother back towards Gamlen's House.
Later, The Hanged Man
Varric's Private Suite
"So any jobs for today Varric?" Garrett asked as he and Bethany sat down to the right of Varric noticing that Anders, Merrill, Isabela, and Fenris had arrived shortly before they did.
"Nothing worth while but there's something that could potentially pay well but it's to soon to tell Hawke" Varric replied as he took a drink of Ale. Bethany nodded saying "well looks like we have a day off then," Varric nodded saying "how about a game of Diamondback?" "another time, Let me know if something comes up" Garrett said standing up.
"No problem, later Hawke, Sunshine" Varric said waving at them as the Hawke siblings started to leave. When suddenly Merrill spoke up in her accented voice that the others were finally getting used too, "um actually Hawke I wanted to talk to you."
The Hawke siblings stopped in their tracks as Garrett turned around to face Merrill saying "sure Merrill, what about?" Isabela, leaning in to hear better, humorously said "what is it Kitten? Is Mr Brooding being mean to you?" Merrill smiled slightly saying "no Isabela thank you for asking, anyway Hawke can I ask a favor."
Turning to face the others Merrill said "um all of you don't have to help but I'd be glad if you did." "Merrill, what is it?" Bethany said taking a step towards Merrill. Taking a deep breath Merrill said "I have a friend in the Alienage, another Dalish actually. It was so good to meet another Dalish Elf there, we have a bunch of things in common since we both ended up here even though we're from different Tribes... but I'm rumbling sorry."
Taking a moment to breath in Merrill said "my friend, her name's Arianni, could use some help with her son, Feynriel, and I was wondering if you'd help Hawke." "Another Dalish in the Alienage, what's she doing there?" Anders said looking curious as Fenris turned to see what Garrett's answer would be. "She had a disagreement with the other Dalish... not as bad as mine but left just the same" Merrill stammered awkwardly as if it was a touchy subject. Garrett looked at Merrill saying "what is the problem anyway if she needs our help?" Merrill glanced awkwardly at Fenris before turning back to Garrett, what was that aboutGarrett thought.
"My friend, Arianni, her son, Feynriel, is a Mage and he's been having troubled dreams. Dreams that only Mages can have, Arianni didn't know where to turn so... so she thought about sending him to the Circle for help but he ran away. Feynriel's Nightmares are getting worse and I don't know what might happen... I want to talk to him, maybe I or Anders could help him so he doesn't go to the Circle," Merrill said looking at Garrett, then Bethany, and finally Anders.
Before Garrett could answer Anders stood up saying "wait... are Demons speaking to him constantly... that's not normal even for Mages." "We don't really know, I think it'd be better if Arianni explained herself" Merrill said as Fenris looked warily at Merrill. Garrett rubbed the stubble on his chin that was starting to grow into a beard saying "I'll help... but first we need to speak with Arianni," "I'll help too" Anders said grabbing his Staff as Isabela got saying "anything for you Kitten." "Well Daisy looks like everyone's helping" Varric said smiling as he stood up as well, Bethany smiled as she nodded at Merrill, whom was smiling at everyone's willingness to help.
But that's when Merrill, the Hawke siblings and the others noticed that Fenris had not stood up nor made any intent to help with Merrill's favor. Turning to look at Garrett, Fenris calmly said "... the lad is possibly a dangerous Apostate maybe he should go to the Circle."
Anders crossed his arms saying "the Circle isn't always the answer Fenris and not all Apostates are dangerous," Bethany spoke up saying "some of us don't bother anyone we just mind our own business" as Merrill said "you can't know that he's dangerous."
Fenris stood up gripping his Fighting Greatsword, turning to face Anders he said "says the Abomination." That hit a Nerve Garrett thought as Anders scoffed at Fenris angrily, Fenris tuned to Merrill saying "and the Blood Mage."
Merrill looked hurt by Fenris's word causing Isabela to reach over and hug Merrill lightly as she give Fenris a somewhat cold look. Bethany sighed lightly waiting for her turn to be insulted but instead Fenris glanced at her then turned his gaze away from her and towards Garrett saying nothing.
"Well Mr. Broody that was someway to raise the Tension... please don't fight in my Private Suite, repairs are overpriced" Varric said. Garrett stepped towards Fenris, not wanting a fight between him and Anders, saying "you don't have to help Fenris we understand, but don't insult my friends." Fenris nodded saying "... I'll go," and slowly apologized to Anders and Merrill without any measurable feeling, but that's as close as they'd get and they all knew it.
Merrill looked at Fenris saying "thank you for helping Fenris, he's one of us." "I do not count myself among the Dalish or the City Elves here," Fenris said causing Merrill to frown saying "but... but your face?" Fenris tilted his head in confusion saying "my face? Why are all you Dalish always looking at me like that?" Garrett and the others listened, wanting to know that as well, Isabela said "yeah Mr Broody was like a celebrity in the Dalish Camp."
Did wonder why that was as well Garrett thought as Merrill gaped in confusion at Fenris then pointed at his face saying "you don't know?" Merrill brightened slightly for some reason saying "you have Vallaslin, the markings that the Dalish have." "Huh the Dalish did have Tattoos on their faces" Garrett said remembering when the first met Merrill at the Dalish camp as Fenris replied "yours are not made of Lyrium." Anders leaned on the wall having a bad feeling where the conversation was going as Garrett thought the same thing and Varric glanced at Merrill and Fenris.
Still staying in her brightened state, Merrill said "no, ours are made of Blood. Our Blood, that's what Vallaslin means, Blood Writing, it's a mark of Adulthood," Merrill finished smiling slightly as she tapped her Tattoos with pride.
Fenris got a dark and hardened look on his face as he coldly said "Mine were carved into my Flesh against my Will, in a ritual I remember only for the Hours of Agony I endured." Merrill gaped then said looked at the floor saying "I'm... so sorry," Fenris completely ignored her and walked away as Isabela sighed saying "oh Kitten."
Garrett stepped forward and patted Merrill's Shoulder saying "sorry about that Merrill, I should warned you about that." Bethany frowned at Merrill saying "I'm sorry Merrill, just forgot about it okay." Varric sighed saying "Sunshine's right don't worry about it Daisy, Mr Broody's just more broody than usual lately," Merrill nodded feeling a little better as they group left.
Later,
The Alienage
Garrett and the others had walked into the relatively small Ghetto that was the Alienage and followed Merrill towards her friend Arianni's house. As they walked Garrett glanced back at Fenris thinking about what had happened in Varric's Private Suite. I hope Fenris doesn't insult Anders and Merrill again, not sure what Merrill would do.. I hope she wouldn't cry; but Anders... a fight between Anders and Fenris would be bad Garrett thought concernedly as he glanced away from Fenris and towards Anders.
Marker, I'm not even sure who'd win between them, Fenris is a skilled Warrior and has his Lyrium Markings but Anders is a powerful Mage whom was a Grey Warden once... and he has Justice. Maker! What if the Hero of Ferelden taught Anders's his Combat Knowledge ... I can't really say who'd win... I really need to watch those two so I can stop them before one kills the other Garrett thought as Merrill stopped suddenly.
Noticing what Merrill saw, Garrett and the others stopped, a Eleven woman with Tattoos on her face was pleading with a Templar with brownish red Hair. Merrill frowned saying "... she's already talking to the Templars, I told her not too... that I'd help with some friends," Anders nodded 'no' as Bethany frowned at the Templar. Garrett stepped closer with Varric, Fenris, and Isabela to hear the Templar's words as the Mages of the group stayed back, still not sure if it's right to travel with three Apostates he thought as he listened.
"Please Sir Thrask! He won't go to the Circle willingly, but it's the only..." the Elven woman with facial Tattoos, Arianni, pleaded to the Templar. The Templar with brownish red Hair calmly said "Madam, we'll do our best, but I cannot guarantee his safety if he continues to resist Templar jurisdiction." "He's just a boy!" Arianni exclaimed, "he's an Apostate" the Templar with brownish red Hair said surprisingly without any malice or anger but with honesty. The Templar with brownish red Hair did something unexpected, he stepped closer sympathetically as he said "I'm sorry for your loss Mistress but I can offer your son Mercy only if he turns himself in."
Arianni shook her head pleading "I'm trying to find him but-." "The Templars cannot tolerate Apostates... if he turns himself in, then I swear to you on my honor to the Chantry, that he will be unharmed. He will be taken to the Circle with the other Mages peacefully and live among his own kind" the Templar with brownish red Hair said sadly leaving Arianni as the poor Mother sobbed.
Merrill walked towards Arianni as Garrett and the others followed behind her, "Arianni... you talked to the Templars" Merrill said frowning. Arianni wiped her eyes as she turned towards Merrill surprised to see her, "Merrill... I didn't know what to do... I didn't think you could help... so I turned to Sir Thrask" she said.
There must be another option than that... she just went to the Templars on her only sonGarrett thought frowning as suddenly Varric nudged him. "Sir Thrask isn't so bad for a Templar, he's a drinking buddy of mine.. surprisingly he's a funny guy to be around when drunk" Varric said to Garrett as they walked up to Arianni and Merrill. "This is my friend Hawke and some other friends of mine, they can help trust me" Merrill said as she gestured to Garrett and the others for Arianni to see.
Arianni shook hands with everyone as they introduced themselves then said "Merrill told you about me and my son Feynriel and still you'd help, thank you." Anders looked around to make sure they weren't being overheard as Arianni said "Feynriel is all I have, when I learned he had Magic I could not bear to send him to the Circle." Looking deeply troubled Arianni continued "but his connection to the Fade... it gives him Nightmares, dreams of Demons, speaking in his mind. I would rather lose him to the Circle and have him alive than lose everything to himself."
Anders looked Arianni saying "Where is Feynriel's Father, is he a Dalish that didn't come to the City like you? Is he a Mage?" Arianni glanced at Anders saying "I am Dalish but came to Kirkwall for a time and... dallied with a Human Merchant, Vincento. When I discovered I was pregnant neither Vincento nor my Tribe wished the burden of an Elf-Blooded Human infant so I raised Feynriel myself in the Alienage."
Garrett stepped forward saying "let's hear the whole story Arianni it might help," Arianni nodded saying "for years I've known that Feynriel likely had Magical talent but could not bear the thought of him locked in the Gallows so we hid." Arianni frowned sadly as she said "when the Nightmares began... Feynriel still refused to contact the Circle for help... but... but I truly think the Circle is the one thing that might save him from the Nightmares... they've been getting worse and he's hurt himself more than once."
Garrett glanced at Varric then turned back to Arianni asking "he found out you were planning to contact Thrask and ran away?" Arianni nodded slightly shameful as Anders rubbed his chin then asked "what are his dreams about... what happens?" "Feynriel dreams of Demons calling to him, pulling him into their horrid world... everyday it grows harder to wake him... in his sleep he uses Magic accidentally and sometimes hurt himself" Arianni replied fearful.
That's horrible... I had nightmares sometimes and accidentally used Magic when I was younger, I remembered it scared Carver sometimes. Father always helped me, though Mother tired to, and after Father was gone... Garrett took over Bethany thought feeling sorry for Arianni. Arianni straightened slightly as she said "that's why I turned to the Circle, they are the only ones that can protect a Mage from his own powers." Poor Feynriel, he never had someone like Father to teach him control... Arianni didn't have any other optionsBethany thought as Isabela frowned at Arianni.
"We just need to find him, bring him somewhere Safe" Merrill said to the Garrett and the group. Arianni pleaded "I don't know where Feynriel has gone but there two places you could start at. Sir Thrask has started looking for him, speak to him..., without Merrill for obvious reasons, Thrask is a good man but he'd have to bring an Apostate in if he meet them, and together you can cover more ground. Secondly Feynriel's Father, Vincento, he's returned from Antiva for a short while, he's a Merchant in the Lowtown Bazaar, Feynriel might have looked for him."
Fenris still looked wary of the whole thing as Bethany asked "are you sure Thrask is a good man... Templar?" Arianni nodded somewhat slowly saying "he doesn't hate Mages but sees that even the best-intentioned Mages are at the Mercy of their Sleeping Minds... many Templars are not so sympathetic." Garrett rubbed the back of his neck saying "you and Vincento are not married?"
Arianni got a bitter tone in her voice as she said "Vincento had no desire for a Wife or an Elf-Blooded Child, I haven't seen him in person since they day I told him. I've written to update him of his Child, Feynriel wanted to meet him one day."
"We'll find him" Merrill said surprising firm as Anders nodded approvingly and Bethany said "Magic can be a fearful gift, your son deserves the best aid learning to how to mange it." Anders nodded firmly saying "don't trust the Templars to have your son's best interest at heart, no matter how good a man Thrask is, he's still a Templar." Garrett looked Arianni straight in the eye saying "we'll start looking now," Arianni looked at her feet saying "thank you, it's been a lonely time hiding, it's almost a relief to finally confront this openly." Merrill said goodbye to Arianni and with that, the group left the Alienage to search for Feynriel.
As the Hawke siblings and the group left the Alienage, Merrill walked up to Garrett and Bethany smiling as she said "thanks for help Hawke, Bethany... Feynriel ought to have his own life, out of the shackles of the Circle, everyone should." Garrett nodded as Bethany smiled at Merrill saying "of course Merrill."
Suddenly Fenris walked up to Garrett saying "Hawke, don't coddle this boy, he's an unstable Mage, he's dangerous and belongs in the Circle." "We've been over this, the Circle isn't the only answer" Anders called to Fenris as Varric and Garrett exchanged a look. Gotta be careful with those two on jobs like thisGarrett thought as he turned towards Fenris and Anders saying "we needs to see Feynriel ourselves, he just needs help." Isabela went over to Fenris and leaned on his Shoulder to his annoyance saying "come on Broody, listen to Hawke, don't start fighting with our friends."
Fenris nodded slowly as he dropped his case for the moment, as Anders moved to walk further away from Fenris. "Thanks Isabela" Garrett said surprised at how easily Isabela stopped Fenris and Anders from arguing.
Varric walked next to Anders, clapping him on the back saying "don't worry Blondie, Hawke will do the right thing he's such a Boyscout." Garrett raised his eyebrow at that as Isabela snickered slightly, chuckling Varric continued "besides Mr. Glow Eyes, in a fight... my money's on you." Anders grinned slightly at that as Fenris scoffed beside them, clearly Fenris disagreed.
Lowtown Marketplace
The Bazaar Section
"Excuse me sir, are you Vincento?" Garrett asked standing in-front of a Booth with his Sister and the rest of the group. The Merchant, a clearly Foreign man with brown hair and thick accent, turned to Garrett saying "that's me Sir, can I interest you in some Antivan Silk Dresses for the lovely Lady or perhaps some Jewelry."
Bethany shook her head 'no' causing Vincento to smile and show off his wares trying to convince her otherwise to no avail as Garrett said "no sir, I'm more interested in your Son."
Vincento straightened up slightly, losing his cool, saying "Son? I have never that privilege, Sir. My poor Wife... she's back in Antiva and cannot see me often with my travels. Let's not ruin the day with weighty thoughts, perhaps I could show you my other Silks." Bethany stepped forward before Merrill or Anders could and said "please Sir, I know you must fear for Feynriel but we mean no him harm." Vincento crossed his arms saying "Hrmph, hard to tell in this City who means who harm, no?" Garrett was about reassure Vincento but before he could speak Bethany stepped close and leaned in so only Vincento and the group could see.
Then to Garrett's horror Bethany used very little of her Magic to form a small orb of fire in the palm of her hand, Vincento noticed Bethany's 'Fire Filled' hand instantly and gasped lightly. Why did she have to do that... I've got this Garrett thought as grabbed his Sister's wrist and discreetly Dispelled the Fire so that the others would simply think Bethany Dispelled it herself.
Bethany stepped back and gave her brother an odd look as he released her wrist, Garrett gave his sister an I'm sorry look as she nodded, understanding why Garrett had used some of the Templar Talents he'd been learning, before turning back to Vincento. "We are no friends of the Templars, you'll find no better friend to a young scared Mage," Bethany said in a low voice to Vincento, whom got over his shock and spoke up. "Maldicion! You too, I suppose you'd be kind then, to a boy who resists being taken in by Templars," Vincento said as Merrill smiled at Bethany saying "of course," and Anders muttered "you have no idea."
Varric looked at Bethany with raised eyebrows as Isabela grinned slightly at how fast Garrett had acted to, what they thought was Garrett reminding his sister to be careful, unaware to what Garrett had really done. Vincento nodded saying "the boy's in over his head, so I sent him to the only man I know who doesn't despise Mages... a Former Templar named Samson."
Anders shifted uncomfortably saying "a Templar... are you mad." Garrett nodded at Anders then turned back to Vincento saying "why would a Temp- a Former Templar help him?" Even Fenris was surprised at that and tilted his head as Vincento answered "his conscience plagues him, having served the Templars too long... he now helps Mages on the run."
Huh I guess some Templars are human after all Anders thought very surprised at this Samson and Merrill seemed pleased by that as well. "Samson stays out of sight during the Day, at Night he stays here in Lowtown near the Southern entrance to Darktown," Vincento said in a low voice then made a gesture telling to the group to leave now.
Garrett nodded and led the group away, "okay, so we wait until Nightfall then find Samson," Isabela as she said moved a stray hair out of her face. Garrett nodded saying "alright someone should let Arianni know and we'll meet up at the Southern entrance to Darktown at Nightfall." "That's the plan" Varric said as he stretched then continued "I'll be at the Hanged Man, see you'll at Night." "Think I'll join you Varric" Isabela said as she waved goodbye to the others and followed Varric. Merrill smiled slightly speaking up saying "I'll tell Arianni, and thanks again for helping Hawke," Fenris looked at Garrett saying "not I sure I like this Hawke but I'll be there at Night."
Garrett and Bethany waved goodbye to Merrill then to Fenris, leaving the Hawke siblings alone in the Lowtown Marketplace with Anders. "I'm heading back to Darktown for now, still a Former Templar helping Mages... what a strange world" Anders said, but Garrett noticed that Anders have given him an odd look as began leaving, an almost suspicious look. "Well, thanks for helping out Anders, Bethany and I should head home, see you at Night" Garrett said as Bethany nodded and together the Hawke siblings left towards Gamlen's House.
Night, Lowtown
Near the Southern entrance to Darktown
The Hawke siblings and the group stood in an almost empty space leading to a Stair Case that was the Southern entrance to Darktown. Garrett finally led the group towards the man near the Stair Case, Samson, having waited as the Templar from before, Thrask, had been speaking to him before the group arrived. Garrett and the others had waited, luckily not being seen by Thrask or Samson, after a few minutes Thrask had scoffed slightly and left Samson, the Templar and the Former Templar had been arguing about something.
Now Garrett led the others as he walked up to Samson, whom noticed them but didn't seem to care that a whole group of people were walking towards him. Samson was a odd man for a Former Templar, he had dirty brown hair with matching stubble and hazel eyes. Another thing odd about Samson was that he a little dirty, not filthy, just a bit dirty... not the sort of person people would think was once an 'honorable man of the Chantry', he even wore common Lowtown ragged Clothes.
"Heh, Ol' Vincento said someone might come sniffing around, you lot looking for the boy right? Feyn- something. I'll tell you now there's not much I can do for you," Samson said.
Samson's voice was nothing like a 'regular' Templar's voice, not stern or commanding like Thrask and Wesley's had been... but haggard and slightly withered... as if he'd seen enough in his life already. Narrowing his eyes slightly Garrett said "why was Sir Thrask talking to you?" Samson shrugged casually saying "some as you, looking for the boy, but I told him nothing and I know you lot sure as hell don't work for the Templars... especially with him there. Blond Apostate with the Dark Black Tunic."
Garrett raised an eyebrow, Bethany shifted uncomfortably, Merrill gaped, Varric rubbed his chin, Fenris kept a hand on his Fighting Greatsword, Isabela frowned, and Anders gripped his Staff warily.
"Whoa there, calm down I'm not a threat to you just making my point, I know you're not working with the Templars you lot have nothing to fear from me" Samson said having noticed Anders reaction. "How did you know?" Anders asked in a low voice, Samson laughed lightly saying "you have the look, the look of a Circle Runaway, I was a Templar for a long time and I remember that look, let me guess... Ferelden." Anders nodded slowly as Garrett thought Samson must have been a really good Templar... what caused him to retire I wonder.
Changing the subject Garrett asked "is it true you give aid to Apostates fleeing Templars?" "The Mages I help, they're no more than Children, just discovered their Magic and terrified. They barely left their Mother's skirts and now we're saying they got to be locked away for their own good, that Demons are hunting them... any wonder they run" Samson said.
"So you're a retired Templar, I was expecting something... different" Fenris said as Samson scoffed saying "retired. Sounds better than a burned out husk of a Templar begging for Coin." Garrett raised an eyebrow at that as Varric and Isabela exchanged a look at that 'begging for coin' part.
Samson scowled saying "they don't do anything to keep you, you Join, you're free to walk away but they're the only ones who got the dust." Merrill frowned unsure of what Samson was talking about as Garrett asked "Dust?" "Lyrium, Magic in it's raw form they say; they make you drink the stuff to face down the bad Mages, but you don't really need it. Lyrium just helps you, if their strong enough than Templars don't need Lyrium to go against Mages, but the Chantry still makes you use it, only problem is you ever try to stop, it just about kills you" Samson answered.
"That's... pretty bad" Garrett said as Bethany nodded, not liking having to talk to a Former Templar... one who instantly knew what Anders was. Merrill stepped forward saying "did you meet Feynriel?"
"Yup, Blighter was broke though and if I help one mangling for free, I'll never get Coin again" Samson said haggardly. Merrill gaped at Samson, as Bethany narrowed her eyes like her brother did sometimes saying "you just abandoned him!" Anders scoffed saying "I pity any Mage forced to rely on you for protection." Samson shrugged again saying "I pointed him to a Ship Captain I know, Reiner, sometimes he'll take on Runaways. Took another Apostate last week, a Girl I sent him... but."
Garrett narrowed his eyes once again saying "but?" Samson looked uneasy saying "might have gone wrong though, I heard rumors that he took both of them captive instead... I shouldn't have trusted him as much as I did... greed took hold of him."
"Please say it's not too late to save him" Merrill exclaimed lowly as Garrett wondered the same thing. Samson shrugged again saying "Reiner had the pair of them locked in a quays Warehouse, somewhere close to the Dockside. You might find the lad before he gets ransomed to the Templars... or worse, that's all I know." "Thanks" Garrett said dryly as he and the group started towards the Dockslide.
The Docks
Arthuris's Private Docks
"Are you sure this is it?" Garrett asked Isabela as she picked the lock and opened the door saying "yeah I know how Ship Captains are." "And I know how Slavers are" Fenris added as he walked in first, having grown surprisingly eager to help now that Slavers were involved.
Garrett and the others followed as Merrill grinned saying "I'm glad Fenris wants to help now," Isabela patted Merrill's back saying "he just wants to kill Slavers but it's better than before Kitten." All of the group now inside the Warehouse they noticed that it was mostly empty expect for a few Stairs leading to some Storage rooms. Suddenly the group heard a woman screaming her help, "please! Somebody help!"
Merrill unwisely called out, to Garrett's dismay having lost the element of surprise, "where are you!" Four men walked out of one of the Storage rooms, one of them saying "who's here?" Seeing the group the man who spoke earlier called out "we can't let anyone see this, kill them!"
The Hawke siblings and the others unsheathed their Weapons as the Four Men rushed down the stairs towards them. Anders cast Chain Lightning and took two of the men down as they made it down the Stairs. The other two Men stumbled slightly at Anders's Mage but Garrett rushed to them and stabbed one in the chest and Varric shot the other in his neck. Still hearing the woman crying out for help Fenris rushed up the Stairs even faster than Garrett as the group followed.
Catching up with Fenris, Garrett and the others got to the Storage Room where the Woman was screaming for help seeing three armed men and the woman backing into a Corner. Before Garrett or any of the group could help, one of the armed men said "break her Arms, can't use Magic without the Arms." Suddenly the woman knelt on the floor crying... and fire erupted around her and the poor woman changed... she became a mangled twisted form of herself... She summoned a demon for help and it corrupted her.
Anders's eye glowed slightly as the now Corrupted woman killed two of the three armed men with easy by burning them. The last armed man turned around trying to run away only for Isabela to throw one of her Dagger into the man, killing him. Garrett and Fenris rushed as Bethany used Winter's Frost on the poor woman and Anders hit her with a Spirit Bolt as Merrill gaped at the Corrupted Woman. Stunned by Anders and Bethany's attacks the Corrupted woman was easily taken down by Garrett and Fenris.
Garrett slamming his Shield into the poor woman and slashing her across the chest as Fenris put a lot of weight in his attack and stabbed her in the chest where Garrett had slashed her. Fenris pulled his Fighting Greatsword free and Garrett looked around seeing no more enemies as Merrill moaned "why did she do that."
Anders's eyes turned back to normal as Bethany moved to stand next to her brother, as he examined the dead woman, and frowned. Isabela retrieved her Dagger from the armed man she killed as Anders spoke up saying "this never would have happened if the poor girl hadn't been backed into a Corner like that, maybe we can find out who she was?"
Garrett nodded as he pulled something... a letter of some-kind from the poor woman's Corpse, reading it Garrett stood up frowning as he said "that woman... her name's Olivia... and she's Sir Thrask's Daughter."
Fenris tilted his head in surprise, as the others reeled from that new piece of Information, Sir Thrask didn't turn in his Daughter and now she's dead. "A Templar with a Mage for daughter...no wonder he's nicer to Mages" Isabela said surprised as she frowned. Fenris spoke up saying "she wasn't Thrask's Daughter anymore, that girl died when she corrupted herself," Anders scoffed again as Garrett decided to change the subject before something happened.
"We'll let Sir Thrask know, but we need to help Feynriel" Garrett said sternly as he glanced down sadly at poor woman, Bethany knelt down to Sir Thrask's Daughter saying "... I'm sorry we got here too late." Turning to face to Isabela, Garrett asked "Isabela any idea how Reiner kept his records?" Isabela stepped forward and looked around then went to a average Crate on top of a table and opened it to find some paper work. "Here we are, hold on... Feynriel was sold to a man named Danzig in Darktown," Isabela said to the group as she looked through the records.
"Darktown it is then... where would we find Danzig though, Anders any idea?" Garrett said as Anders and Merrill Dispelled the Magic from the Storage room.
"I know of a lower level of Darktown where that sort of things happens sometimes... Cooper always stayed clear of that place, didn't want to become inventory" Anders replied gripping his Staff ready to go. Fenris surprised all of them saying "we should hurry, Slavers in Darktown might have already Shipped some people off already, if we move quickly we might even be able track them down."
Merrill smiled slightly as Anders said "what do you know, suddenly he cares," "I hate Slavers" Fenris said coldly with emphasis on the word hate. Turning to face Fenris, Garrett said "I'm glad you're eager to help Fenris, let's go... hopefully we're not too late." Garrett re-sheathed his Longsword and Shield as he led the group out of the Warehouse and with Anders's help headed towards Darktown.
Lower Level of Darktown
Slightly above where Anders found Cooper
"You sure that's him Anders?" Garrett asked as they stood ready to walk towards the group of six armored men and a Robed Man with an odd Tattoo on his face. Anders turned towards Garrett saying "Hawke trust me, Cooper kept far away from this level for a reason." "That's him, he has that smug look of a man who robbed people of their Freedom, I saw those kind of people in Tevinter but I couldn't do anything about it then... now I can" Fenris said coldly.
"I know he's a Slaver but is he the Slaver we're looking for... either way we need to find out," Garrett said as he moved towards the Robed Man. Bethany made to walk beside her brother but instead Fenris walked beside her brother as Anders did the same on his other side. "Cover me okay" Garrett said turning around to face his Sister then at Varric, Isabela and Merrill.
"Hehe Sunshine looks like Mr Broody really wants to help Feynriel now" Varric said to Bethany as she got ready to cover her brother. I'm just surprised Anders and Fenris are working together like this Garrett thought as he called out "Danzig!" Hearing Garrett's call the Robed Man, Danzig, turned saying "that's me, you Volunteerseh, come here let us get a look at you three." Garrett, Fenris, and Anders now stand in-front of Danzig as the six armored man moved to surround the three of them.
"Perfect! Clap'em in Irons and let's see what the Tevinters will pay for them." Bethany got ready to attack but Varric stopped her and the others said "easy Sunshine, trust me Hawke's got this."
The six armored men closed in on them as Garrett pulled his Longsword and Shield out and moved to cover the left side as Anders cover the right, leaving Fenris free to rush towards Danzig. Fenris's Markings glowed as he rushed forward and plunged his right hand into Danzig chest... Fenris kept his hand there squeezing lightly causing pain but not killing.
The armored men paused as Garrett, still covering Fenris with Anders, said "call your men off Danzig." "Back off!" Danzig called as he stood hunched eyes wide with pain as he gazed fearfully at Fenris's hand inside of the his chest mumbling "Andraste's great flaming ass! What is this?" Fenris didn't answer but instead leaned in menacingly as he said "your latest batch of Slaves, where are they! Was there a Elf Blooded Human among them!" Danzig coughed from the pain in his Chest saying "I... we already sent a batch through some Smugglers in the Docks, ah but... but the Elf Blooded Human he's still here. I... I stashed him in a cave, one of the Smugger hideouts on the Wounded Coast... he was going to be shipped off with the next batch."
Garrett spoke up saying "you have a Map for it?" "Yes, here" Danzig coughed as he reached into his pocket, pulled out a small map, and tossed it to Garrett, whom caught it.
Breathing hard Danzig said "that's it right... I... I told you what you wanted to hear so I'm free to go right?" Before Garrett or Anders could say anything Fenris got a bitter, cold, and hardened look in his eye... a look that held no kindness and knew nothing of Mercy... as he uttered a single word. "No," Fenris said in a low hardened voice as he squeezed his hand into a fist killing Danzig, violently crushing his internal organs from the inside... literally.
The armored men, seeing their leader murdered, moved to attack Garrett and Anders as Fenris pulled his right hand out of Danzig's Corpse. Moving quickly Garrett slashed one of the armored man's throat with his Longsword then blocked another armored man's slash with his Shield as Varric sniped a man on Garrett's far left. Anders used Chain Lightning taking out two of the armored man as Merrill used a quick Spirit Bolt to weaken the last armored man on Anders's side as Isabela rushed forward and back-stabbed him.
Bethany used Winter's Grasp on the last of the armed men, whom was fighting with Garrett, freezing the man slightly as Garrett took the advantage to stab the man in the chest. Anders turned to Isabela then Merrill saying "thanks for the help," "any time" Isabela said doing a mock salute as Merrill said "no problem."
Garrett looked around to make sure there were no more attackers, seeing none Garrett turned to his sisters saying "thanks Bethany." Pulling out the Map that Dangiz had given them, Garrett said "the cave's isn't to far... this can't be right."
Fenris shifted still gripping his Fighting Greatsword saying "what! Did the bastard lie!" Garrett frowned as he looked at Fenris saying "no, it's not that." Anders faced Garrett just like the rest of the group did, confused by Garrett's frowning at the Map. Garrett looked at his Sisters saying "the Cave... it's one of Athenril's hideouts... I've been there before back when we worked for her."
Bethany gaped in surprised as Varric shifted saying "now that's odd... that doesn't sound like her at all." "You used to work for a Slaver!" Fenris snarled in a Guarded tone as if in disbelief, "no Fenris... I worked as a Smuggler but Athenril never worked with Slavers... at least until now," Garrett said crossing his arms. "I don't like this" Garrett said as Isabela spoke up saying "she probably had trade up to survive with the Coterie Factions growing in Kirkwall." Bethany scoffed saying "I can't believe she would do that, never liked her or anything but she never seemed to like the idea of Smuggling People like that."
Garrett sighed saying "I don't want to get involved with Athenril again... I'll let Aveline know so the City Guard can take a look." "I'm sure Aveline will take care of it, she seemed nice" Merrill said as Garrett nodded saying "I don't think there's any more we can do right now... let's go rescue Feynriel."
Merrill nodded firmly as Anders and Bethany Dispelled the traces of Magic from the area. Garrett and the group left the area and Darktown heading for the Wounded Coast, finally about to rescue Feynriel.
Later, the Wounded Coast
Just outside Athenril's Hideout
"Are you sure about this Hawke... we break in here and take down the Workers you might have Athenril looking back into this and she might find out it's you" Varric said facing Garrett.
I know Varric... thanks for not saying what I'm thinking thought Garrett as he said "I'm not sure but we need to help Feynriel." Varric rubbed his chin saying "maybe there's another way... just let me do the talking instead of just going in guns blazing alright." Athenril knows where I live because of Gamlen... and more importantly about Bethany Garrett thought warily as he rubbed the back of his neck. Fenris stepped towards Garrett saying "Hawke we should kill them not talk," "it's not that simple Fenris, this could have unforeseen consequences... Athenril knows things about me" Garrett replied warily.
Isabela went up to Fenris saying "these aren't Slavers... there just Smugglers if that makes a difference and Hawke's right we need to play this carefully." Fenris scowled coldly saying "Smugglers who help Slavers, no difference there." Bethany frowned as she turned towards her brother saying "I want to help Feynriel... but I know what you're thinking," Garrett put a hand on his sister's Shoulder reassuringly saying "we'll find a way to help Feynriel without getting involved with Athenril again."
Anders turned towards Garrett saying "if worse comes to worse then just let me and others do this, the two of you can go home and there's no involvement with you." Merrill smiled at Bethany saying "you two have already helped so much, all this started as a Favor for me." "If we do have to go guns blazing then I'll keep a look out for you two, I did for the Jeven thing and the Coterie never looked into you Hawke" Varric said as he seemed to be planning something.
Looking around at the formidable group that he'd assembled Garrett said "we'll go, I didn't exactly like Athenril but I can't believe she's helping Slavers... and I trust Varric."
Bethany nodded smiling as her brother led the group inside the cave that also served as one of Athenril's hideouts. "Alright, usually there'd be a Lookout for the others as they stored the goods... eh this case being Feynriel" Garrett said as he led the group through the Cave and into a sort of Den where crates of other Smuggled Cargo was stored... and an armed man falling asleep. The man turned at them and froze for a moment then ran off through a 'hallway', before anyone could stop him Varric said "wait let him go."
Garrett raised his eyebrow saying "you got a plan then Varric," as Fenris tilted his head curiously at Varric. Varric smirked slightly saying "just let me do the taking, trust me Hawke." Isabela grinned saying "hehehe Varric's got his Bullshitting face on," Merrill looked at Isabela saying "what? How do you know that?"
Isabela smiled at Merrill saying "Kitten, it takes a Bullshitter to known a Bullshitter." Garrett smiled slightly at that thinking, trust Varric and Isabela to always lighten the mood. "Take point" Garrett said to Varric as he nodded and led the group down the 'hallway' where the Lookout had run off to. Varric followed the 'hallway' with Garrett and the others behind, into a large 'room' where a makeshift staircase led to higher level where an armed man held a Longsword at a young blond haired man's throat.
Looking around, Garrett and the others noticed at least seven more armed men surrounding poor Feynriel, whom was held back by the apparent Leader of the Smugglers pointing a Longsword at the boy's throat. Feynriel was clearly Arianni's son, he had the same eyes but long blondie hair that was brighter that his Mothers, he wore common Alienage ragged clothing and looked terrified to be here.
Alright I trust Varric Garrett thought as he stood back and let Varric do the talking as the others stood down. Varric, stepping forward without showing a hint of fear or worry at all, called out "we're here for the boy, nothing more."
The Leader called back "take another step and the boy dies then, leave your Coin and you're free to leave." Varric put on his best smirk saying "if I were you I wouldn't be threatening the Viscount's Son." The Leader stumbled slightly as he said "wait... what are you talking about, Dwarf." Varric chuckled calmly saying "oh I suppose you just got a tip from a Slaver in Darktown that he was selling Mage flesh cheap. You never thought to ask where he got it!" Gesturing with his hands similar to how he told stories at the Hanged Man, Varric said "you never wondered if you were taking the Viscount's well known love child from his Elven Mistress. The boy he swore he'd protect even if meant raising the entire Free Marches."
Now making an authoritative stance Varric said "I know you Smugglers are good at running and hiding, hey comes with the job, but how far will you all last if the Viscount himself wants you dead." The Leader glanced back at Feynriel muttering "the Viscount's Bastard boy eh, who'd have thought," turning to face Varric the Leader said "I want no trouble with the Viscount, take the Bastard to his Father and leave."
The Leader lowered his Longsword and one of the armed man shoved Feynriel and allowed the poor boy to go down the Stairs and nervously join Garrett and the group. The Leader pulled out a Coin Pouch and tossed it to Varric saying "here, it's the Coin that boy would earned us... take it as a Peace Offering."
Varric nodded as he gestured for Feynriel, still nervous as one could except but smart enough to go along with the lie, and together the group with Feynriel left Athenril's Hideout.
After a few awkward minutes since walking out of Athenril's Hideout, Feynriel turned nervously towards Varric saying "are... are you working for the Templars." Varric said "no," then pointed at Garrett saying "ask your questions to Hawke, he's the leader of our little group." Feynriel turned, still a bit nervous, to Garrett saying "who are you people?" Garrett walked up to Feynriel saying "I'm Garrett Hawke, and this is my sister Bethany," Bethany waved as the others introduced themselves as well.
Feynriel seemed to be calming down now as Garrett said "look you're Mother was worried about you so she sent us to find you." Surprisingly Feynriel crossed his arms saying "hardly any different than the Templars. I can't believe her... my whole life it was 'I'll love you and protect you' then some bad dreams come and it's 'maybe we should talk to the Templars' hrmph."
"Hey we're here to help you Feynriel" Anders said speaking up as Merrill stepped forward saying "you're Mother loves you and she's worried about you." Feynriel glanced at Anders and Merrill then turned to Garrett saying "why do you want to help my Mother and me, you don't even know us?" Garrett looked Feynriel straight in the eye saying "Feynriel I've spent my whole life protecting my sister from exactly what you fear," Bethany smiled slightly at that as Anders tapped Merrill's Shoulder. Feynriel gazed at Bethany in wonder as Merrill, following Anders's lead, formed small orbs of Magical Energy in their hands. Anders smiled saying "you'll find no friends of the Templars here Feynriel, like we said earlier we're here to help you," as Merrill and he Dispelled their orbs of Magical Energy.
Feynriel gaped slightly in shock at seeing three Mages before him, Fenris tilted his head unsure of where this was going. Feynriel smiled saying "you know... you're the first Mages I've ever met outside the Circle, most of us are locked up in the Circle." Feynriel turned to Garrett then Merrill saying "would you... can you help me reach the Dalish? That's where I was trying to go, maybe they'd take me in because I'm Dalish as much Human."
Garrett glanced at Merrill then turned back to Feynriel saying "the Dalish don't like Outsiders, you'd be alone among them, more so than a Dalish would be here." Feynriel scoffed saying "compared to being held prisoner or made Tranquil I'd rather be lonely. I know it's different in other Kingdoms but here... no one helps Circle Mages; anything the Templars don't like, you get the brand!"
Turning to face Merrill, Feynriel continued said "but the Dalish have had Magic forever... they could teach me, I wouldn't be a Danger I swear." Merrill walked to stand in-front of Feynriel and smiled lightly as she kindly said "it would be your Humanity that marks you among our people not the Magic but I think they'll take you Feynriel."
Feynriel smiled at Merrill reassuring him but suddenly Fenris spoke up saying "but was your Mother right? Are you plagued by Demons?" Feynriel frowned mumbling "I... I can't say for sure, I have bad dreams... voices in the Dreams they ask me to come, to give shape to the Void around them." Fenris tilted his head in suspicion saying "but you've had them and you 'accidentally' used Magic in your sleep." Feynriel looked at his feet slightly fearful when suddenly Merrill spoke up saying "the Keeper is wise Fenris, if anyone can help she can, Feynriel it's okay."
Bethany turned to face Fenris saying "the Dalish is another option, you can't blame him for wishing to try it." Garrett looked at Fenris and Merrill knowing that they both had a point then faced Feynriel saying "no one knows your problem like you do Feynriel, this is your choice to make... do you think it's you'll be okay with the Dalish if they can help."
Feynriel nodded firmly saying "I'll be okay with the Dalish, my problem is manageable... I ran away because I was afraid Mother would turn me in." Merrill smiled saying "I'll take you to the Dalish, Feynriel." Feynriel nodded saying "let's go now them... Hawke would please tell my Mother where I'm going... and that I love her and know she was just scared." Garrett patted Feynriel on his Shoulder saying "Feynriel you needn't have asked."
Merrill moved to stand beside Feynriel as Isabela said "hold on Kitten I'll join you taking Feynriel to the Dalish," Merrill nodded smiling.
Fenris went to Garrett saying "not sure I like this Hawke... what if this doesn't work," "we'll check in every now and again alright" Garrett replied. Anders spoke up saying "come on Fenris, the Keeper trains him, keeps him safe from Demons and no one gets locked up, sounds like a winning plan." Varric turned to Fenris saying "eh, Broody if the boy goes nuts with the Elves he'll have them to set him right and... I don't know frolic in the woods together or something."
Fenris didn't have anything to say to Andres and Varric's argument and walked away causing Anders to chuckle, "Score: Anders 1, Fenris 0" Varric couldn't help but say causing Garrett and Anders to laugh lightly. Feynriel, standing with Isabela and Merrill, turned to Garrett saying "thank you Hawke, I will forever be in your debt friend." "Good luck" Bethany said smiling as she waved goodbye to Feynriel, Merrill, and Isabela as they led Feynriel to the Dalish Camp.
Garrett nodded then turned to the others saying "we have to let Arianni know where Feynriel is going... and Thrask deserves to know about his Daughter." "Thrask will have to wait til tomorrow, the Ships that give passage to and from the rest of Kirkwall to the Gallows have closed shop already" Varric said. Nodding Garrett said "I'll let Thrask know tomorrow then, but we need let Arianni know today."
On the way back to Gamlen's House
"So he is to stay with Dalish then?" Arianni said after Garrett and Bethany finished telling Arianni what had happened, Fenris, Anders, and Varric having left to their respective homes upon returning to Kirkwall.
"Yes, it was his choice to make and I think he'll be fine, he asked me to tell you that he loves you" Garrett said causing Arianni to smile slightly. "It's the best option for him, he'll learn control" Bethany said to Arianni as she nodded slowly saying "the Dalish value Magic more than the men of Kirkwall, he can have both safety and freedom." Getting a somewhat heavy look in her eye, like that of a sad mother, Arianni said "... I will miss my son but he is safe and that's what matters in the end," she really loves her son Garrett thought at that.
Shaking Garrett's hand, Arianni said "thank for you helping me, I don't have much but I can-" Garrett stopped her saying "you don't have to pay us Arianni, it's okay." Arianni smiled saying "I can't thank you enough Hawke, I'm glad the world has people like you in it," "thank Merrill, she's the one that got all of us here to help" Garrett replied honestly.
Declining to stay for dinner, the Hawke siblings left Arianni and the Alienage heading for Gamlen's House.
Once inside Gamlen's House the Hawke siblings eat dinner that Leandra had left for them, as they ate Bethany said "I think Fenris seemed less Broody when he left," "he got to kill Slavers, he hates them more than Magic I think which is saying something" Garrett said finishing his Dinner and moving to clean his plate.
Bethany finished eating and joining her brother in cleaning her plate saying "I feel bad about Sir Thrask's Daughter... if we could have helped her and she wouldn't have... been corrupted." Garrett turned to Bethany saying "I know how you feel, they say Thrask is nicer to Mages than other Templars, now we now why... and like I said we'll let Thrask know tomorrow." Bethany frowned saying "it's just... Thrask's Daughter, Olivia, seeing her became that thing."
Garrett frowned seeing his little sister struggle to say the next words as she shivered, "knowing that... that it could have been me... that I could become that... that I could attack you and the others." Bethany turned to face her big brother her eyes wide in a way Garrett hadn't seen in years as she said "to think... that you'd have to stop me." Garrett stepped forward to stand in-front of his little sister, putting both his hands on her Shoulders and, speaking in a reassuring warm way, said "hey, Bethany I know you'd never turn into that."
Bethany frowned sadly, unable to look her big brother in the eye saying "Garrett any Mage can fall victim to Demons, you can't know-" but was stopped by Garrett saying "Bethany, you're too good of a person to do something like that." Bethany raised up her right hand and gazed at her palm, frowning in uncertainty saying "I wish I'd been born without Magic like you were. I never wanted it. I remember growing up it was so hard to control at times." Bethany's right hand twitched slight as she said "I remember Father told me that oneday... I'd surpass him in power."
Garrett felt bad, he didn't know what to say, as Bethany continued sadly "because I couldn't be normal even for a Mage... just look at my Flame Magic, every time I summon fire it's always Blue instead of Red. Even Anders's Flame Magic isn't Blue unless Justice helps him... Father said it's because Blue Fire is hotter and more stronger than Red Fire, I can't help it... it just always come at like that." Lowering her hand Bethany sadly uttered "I just wish I was normal like everyone else."
Finally figuring out what the brotherly/fatherly sort of thing to say, Garrett said "... and that's why you'd never turn into that Bethany. You never wanted Magic, you never wanted a power that could be greater than Father's, if you could you'd live a normal life, you have a lot more control then you give yourself credit for Bethany."
Bethany looked up to her brother's face feeling better as Garrett grinned slightly saying "seriously all those times you could have just zapped me or Carver for being annoying when we're growing up, if I'd had Magic I've floated Carver into the air for awhile if he glued my hair to the bed." Bethany chuckled slightly remember how Carver would sometimes do that to her and how Mother would make Carver sit in the corner for an hour after that.
"But the point is that you never did that even once Bethany, don't say it's because you can't use Force Magic I know you can, you didn't because control your Magic" Garrett said taking his hands off his little sister's Shoulders. Bethany smiled as she hugged her big brother saying "thanks for the pep talk." Finishing her hug and stepping back Bethany said "actually there were a few times I thought about burning Carver's eyebrows off or freezing his hair to something."
Garrett laughed saying "what, that would have been amazing to see... if I'd had Magic I'd have done that at least once," Bethany laughed at that understanding what her big brother was telling her.
She was always in control, she could have pranked her twin brother easily but she didn't, even at a young age she'd had more control than'd she realize... and that control was why she'd never be corrupted like Thrask's Daughter had Bethany thought as said goodnight to Garrett and went to bed. Garrett nodded as went to bed on his usual spot on the floor.
As Garrett drifted off to sleep on the floor he thought about Thrask and his Daughter, it's like Mother said 'not all Templars are bad' I'd like to think Thrask is a good Templar he offered Mercy to Feynriel.
Hope this Chapter wasn't too long but like I said earlier there were some Scenes I really wanted to put in
Even then, I still had to cut some stuff out because seriously it was getting too long for a single Chapter
I liked the idea of Bethany's Flame Magic being Blue instead of Red because Blue Fire is Hotter and more Efficient than Red Fire
But I Digress...
Thanks for Reading and please Review