Hey guys, finally updated.
This is the official end of this Story Arc
Thanks to everyone who read this far
Enjoy...
Day 1
Lowtown
The Hanged Man
"Come on Blondie you always knew we were gonna ask" Varric said from where he sat besides Garrett in the booth they were sitting in. "It's not like you'd be going alone, Varric and I are going too" Garrett said lightly as Anders sighed from where he sat on the other side of the booth.
Crossings his arms Anders said "I already give you Maps and helped to get funds." "That coin helped your Clinic, you'd get more if you came along" Bethany pointed out knowing that Anders was considering it from the look on his face. "Yeah more coin would helped my Clinic," Anders said seeing the truth in it as he grinned lightly continuing "alright I'll go back into the Deep Roads with you."
"Thanks Anders, I've fought Darkspawn before but not like you have" Garrett honestly. Anders nodded then leaned in to saying "I don't want to darken everyone's mood but Hawke this isn't like when you fought them at Ostagar."
"I know, this is their territory and they outnumbers us" Garrett said remembering how they talked about this before with the others. "I think we can handle it Blondie, we got you and Hawke" Varric said smirking.
"It's not just that" Anders said seriously.
"What do you mean?" Garrett asked raising an eyebrow. "It's the actual place, the Deep Roads... parts of it have been corrupted by the Darkspawn and those corrupted parts given them another advantage" Anders said darkly.
Bethany got an anxious look on her face as Garrett said "we have your Maps and even then the Deep Roads are massive. If we're lucky we might not even run into a lot of Darkspawn." Anders brightened slightly saying "yeah and we're even luckier that the Expedition is now and not before."
"Before what?" Garrett asked feeling that Anders knew something he and the others didn't.
Anders frowned before getting another serious look on his face saying "... I can't tell you, it has to do with the Wardens-" only for Varric to interrupt saying "Blondie you know something, sounds like a good Tale."
Anders shook his head 'no' saying "I'm not gonna explain but just trust me when I say the Deep Roads are 'clearer' than they use to be." "So the Wardens did something to make it safer?" Bethany asked thinking the same thing as her brother.
Varric beamed hoping for a tale as he said "is it something the Hero of Ferelden did?"
Anders sighed before turning to Varric dryly saying "yes it's something he did." Anders held up a hand before Varric could ask as he said "But! That's Grey Warden business and I can't tell you... as for the Hero of Ferelden, ask all you want I'm not telling you about him, he likes his privacy."
Varric smirked eagerly saying "so he's a solitaire man then? A loner who attracts the ladies and the men envy?" Anders sighed dryly saying "Varric... just no, no, you have no idea... I regret ever mentioning that I knew him."
Garrett chuckled saying "you know how Varric is Anders, anyway thanks for coming with us. You know a lot more about the Darkspawn and the Deep Roads than any of us." Anders nodded saying "well that settles that, so is it only us four going then?" "I'm not sure exactly how many of us should go, Varric what did you and your brother think?" Garrett said turning to Varric as Bethany took a drink of water.
"Four maybe five if we ration supplies well enough, so we might be able squeeze one more person" Varric said standing with the others. Thinking the same thing as everyone else Garrett led Varric, Anders, and his sister to where Isabela and Merrill were near the Bar. Now standing behind Isabela and noticing her teaching Merrill something, not sure if he wanted to know what, Garrett called "guys."
Merrill looked up from what Isabela was showing her saying "hello Hawke?" Glancing to Garrett and the others Isabela grinned saying "don't worry Hawke I'm not corrupting Kitten."
Anders laughed saying "it's not about that," "it's about the Expedition" Garrett continued. Merrill straightened as Isabela spun on her bar stool to look at Garrett saying "alright Hawke, how can I help?"
Varric spoke up saying "don't worry Rivaini we just want to know who'd be willing to go on the actual Expedition into the Deep Roads." "The four of us are going but we might have room for one more, so if you or Merrill want we can squeeze in one more" Garrett said looking at Merrill and Isabela in turn.
Merrill looked awkward as she ran her hands together saying "oh... I... uh Hawke I'm flattered but I'm still trying to restore that thing I mentioned so I don't think I could spend so much time away... not that you're not important. uh that is to say I don't mind helping but I really-" "It's okay Merrill we understand" Garrett said holding up a hand chuckling slightly.
Bethany nodded at her friend saying "like Garrett said it's fine." "What are you restoring Merrill?" Anders asked looking curious. "Oh it's... uh private" Merrill said nervously causing Bethany to speak up saying "it personal business for her so let's not pry."
"When did this happen Daisy?" Varric curiously, "a while after Merrill first arrived in Kirkwall me and Bethany visited her and she mentioned it" Garrett answered glancing at Merrill.
"Thanks Hawke, Bethany" Merrill said turning to them each in turn looking grateful for their understanding as Isabela shrugged saying "I think I'll stay if you don't mind Hawke. I don't like cramped places filled mostly with men... unless it's a Ship."
"Fair enough" Garrett said as he waved and left Isabela and Merrill with the others. "Well I'll see you guys at the celebration Hawke, Sunshine, Blondie" Varric called as Garrett, his sister, and Anders exited the Hanged Man.
Lowtown,
Gamlen's House
Waiting patiently for Leandra to finish making lunch Garrett and Bethany sat in the breakfast table, Anders having left them in the Lowtown Marketplace for his Clinic in Darktown. As they waited Bethany said "so if Bartrand and Varric can ration the supplies enough for one more person... Fenris is the extra one?"
"Yeah, he's more or less willing to do any job with us and the extra coin will help him" Garrett replied sitting across from Bethany at the table. "Um Fenris and Anders cramped in dark tunnels for long periods of time won't exactly be healthy for all of us" Bethany said lightly causing to Garrett to chuckle before saying "we'll find a way for those two to get along."
"I hope so" Bethany said smiling a bit before continuing "maybe keep them at opposite ends of each other."
"It'll work out, they've worked together before they can do it again" Garrett said simply as he noticed Kane getting up from his corner and move lazily to the table smelling food.
Turning to where his mother was working in the small cramped space that was the kitchen Garrett asked "Gamlen out drinking?" Leandra turned to face her son lightly saying "yes, but he's promised me he'd stop getting too drunk." "Really?" Garrett asked raising an eyebrow, Leandra smiled saying "I convinced him, I don't want him to be too drunk to get home on his own like last time."
Bethany spoke up saying "I remember he was pretty drunk... a 'friend' of his had to drag him home," "well he'll save a lot of money" Garrett said noticing that only his mother could really make Gamlen do anything he didn't want too.
Suddenly a knock was heard on the front door of Gamlen's house as Garrett called "who is it?" "Hello Hawke" Aveline called from the other side as Garrett stood saying "hello Aveline, is there something you needed?"
"Is this a bad time, I can come back later" Aveline called as Garrett walked to the front door saying "it's okay." Leandra and Bethany glanced at the front door as Garrett opened it revealing Aveline in her City Guardsman Armor and a young lad wear fine silk clothing.
"Aveline... Saemus?" Garrett said surprised to see the Viscount's son again... and at his home of all places beside Aveline.
"Hawke, I was getting Saemus out of the Qunari compound when he mentioned he wanted to speak with you again" Aveline said as Saemus held out his hand. Garrett shook Saemus's hand as the lad said "hello again, I didn't know where you lived so I never got a chance to properly thank you."
Leandra suddenly spoke up saying "Saemus? As in Saemus Dumar?"
"Yes, I'm sorry if I'm intruding" Saemus answered peering into Gamlen's house and seeing Bethany and Leandra. "Not at all" Leandra said before smiling lightly and continuing "we were just about to have lunch, would you two like to join us?"
"Would your father mind?" Aveline asked turning to Saemus who shook his head lightly saying "my father just doesn't want me 'meeting' with the Qunari he won't mind as long as I'm not over there." "Alright, good to see you again Aveline, Saemus" Garrett said as he opened the front door wider and let Aveline and Saemus in as Kane glanced them.
"It's not much Mr. Dumar but it's home. I apologizing for the mess if I'd have known you were coming I'd have cleaned up more" Leandra said once again adopting her Noble training from her youth. "Uh Saemus is fine. Mr. Dumar is my father" Saemus said.
Kane stood and sniffed Saemus as he got close, Saemus shifted awkwardly at Kane saying "that's... a big dog." Aveline smirked as Garrett chuckled saying "he's a Mabari, they're from Ferelden and highly loyal." Bethany smiled saying "and smarter than people give them credit for."
Kane barked happily and let his tongue stick out and gazed at Saemus for a moment before moving away from him and sitting next to Garrett calmly, all clear Kane seemed to say. "Bethany, Leandra, thanks I could do with some lunch, missed breakfast" Aveline called as she walked and lightly dragged the nervous Saemus to take a seat in the breakfast table.
"It's okay Saemus, Kane likes you" Garrett said as he pet Kane. Closing the front door and walking to the breakfast table Garrett took the seat beside his sister as Bethany asked Aveline "to busy with work?" "Something like that" Aveline replied as Leandra appeared with a large tray of food and set it on the table before taking a seat with the others.
Turning to look at Garrett and giving him a curious look Aveline said "it's different seeing you out of your armor wearing plain clothes Hawke." Garrett raised an eyebrow glancing at the plain t-shirt and pair of trousers he was wearing instead of his usual Reinforced Leather Armor.
"No point really, no jobs so we're just relaxing" Bethany said speaking up after taking a bite of her food.
Aveline looked at Garrett saying "... I like it, good for you to be out of the Armor sometimes," "you're one to talk when was the last time I saw you without your City Guard Armor" Garrett said lightly as he and Aveline shared a small laugh.
"Well I'll have to come by sometime without my Armor" Aveline said lightly as Garrett nodded with Saemus glancing at the two of them. "So how have you been Saemus?" Garrett asked thinking back to the unfortunate incident where they had first met several weeks ago.
Saemus took the food filled plate Leandra handed him saying "bored mostly... after you and Aveline 'dropped me off' I wasn't allowed to leave for awhile. My father eventually let me go but he still doesn't like me going to speak with the Qunari."
Aveline spoke up saying "he's been 'assigned' City Guards to make sure he's doesn't spend too much time them." Saemus looked embarrassed as he look back at Aveline saying "sorry again, I didn't ask for that... my father's just being over protective."
"Considering what happened can you blame him" Garrett asked raising an eyebrow. "That was Ginnis not Ashaad or the other Qunari, I've never come to harm in all my time with them. They're not as mean as people seem to think they are" Saemus pointed out as Garrett nodded seeing some truth to that.
"Well we saw a Qunari once back in Lothering and he wasn't exactly friendly, do you remember mom?" Bethany said glancing at her mother. Leandra frowned heavily as she said "yes, he killed a group of farmers but then turned himself in... it was very strange."
Saemus frowned looking thoughtful before saying "there must have been a reason he did it... what happened to him?" Garrett thought for a bit then said "... I honestly have no idea, it was more than a year ago." Leandra spoke up saying "with everything that happened at Lothering it's hard to remember but I think he was caged outside the village."
"So you're all Ferelden then" Saemus said as if he finally realized something that made sense.
"All of us here anyway, the others you met back the Wounded Coast aren't" Bethany answered as Garrett raised an eyebrow thinking that Saemus probably had a sheltered life and sometimes missed things lower class people didn't.
Saemus nodded saying "don't know how I missed that... especially since I visited Denerim a few months ago." Garrett and Aveline shared a look thinking the same thing I wonder how Ferelden is after everything it went through.
"Why were you in Ferelden?" Bethany asked looking curious.
"I went with my father to show support from Kirkwall. He thought it would look good to actually visit instead of just sending money or a delegate like some of the other Cities in the Free Marches did. It was a 'formal party' of sorts with delegates from several Nations attending" Saemus answered simply. "How is it? We all fled here to escape the Blight" Garrett asked as Bethany leaned in slightly wondering the same thing as Aveline listened as well.
Saemus thought for a bit then slowly said "... it's fine, great even if the stories I've heard about the Blight are true. You can still see signs from the Blight around the place though... it's not just the place but the people."
Garrett noticed his mother glance at him with an odd look before she turned back to Saemus saying "what do you mean the people?"
"The air about them is different at times... more morbid but it never last too long. It's not like Songs and Tales you hear in the history books... I can't even begin to imagine what it must have actually been like during the Blight but I think they're moving on though they definitely see what it cost them," Saemus said with a very serious look on his face.
Bethany frowned heavily at that saying "I know it must have been bad but... I thought they were rebuilding with the donations." Saemus nodded saying "they are rebuilding and like I said I think the people are moving on," suddenly getting different look on his face Saemus smiled before continuing.
"The atmosphere changes completely when their King comes out though, they really like him, he's been called the 'People's King' and he gets along well with them. Even my father was impressed by that" Saemus said still smiling at the memory clearly impressed.
Leandra smiled at Saemus's words as she remembered Ferelden. Aveline looked at Garrett then turned to Saemus saying "really? Hmm I never thought about it like that. I'm curious though Saemus if you met the King of Ferelden did you meet the Hero of Ferelden as well?"
Saemus nodded saying "I saw him, he was talking with the King when my father and I were introduced formally at the party." Poor Varric... someone who's met the Hero that doesn't mind talking about it and he's not even here Garrett thought humorously to himself.
Aveline leaned in awkwardly saying "I'm curious Saemus... what did you think of him?"
Saemus looked thoughtful then said "... you know I think everyone pictures him differently than he really is. He's younger than people realize and he's more grounded than you'd think a living legend would be. Hehe I was nervous about meeting him but he actually has more manners than some of the Nobles I've seen in Ferelden or Kirkwall."
Saemus got a different look in his eyes as if he thinking intently as he said "I'm not sure if I'm over thinking this or not but I think he changes."
"Changes?" Aveline asked looking curious as Garrett and Bethany realized just how interested Aveline was in the fabled 'Hero of Ferelden'.
"When he was with the King he was in the moment and talked... but when the King left and he was alone for a bit... he changed. It was like... he was 'in' the world but not 'of' the it... does that makes sense?" Saemus said finishing his food.
Garrett raised an eyebrow saying "no... at least not to me." Bethany shrugged as Leandra finished her food and Aveline waited for Saemus to elaborate.
"Like how everyone there, my father and I, the King of Ferelden, and other Nobles and delegates all had things to gain but not the Hero. He didn't seem to want anything from anyone... like he was only there because it was needed of him and even then... I get the feeling that he knows how the 'system works' and how to 'use' it but he doesn't really belong there" Saemus said deep in thought.
For Saemus to notice all that... he's a lot smarter than people give him credit for Garrett thought never realizing how intelligent Saemus was. Leandra spoke up saying "well thanks for the update but I'm sure you didn't come down to pass us the information. How can we help you?"
Saemus turned to Garrett saying "I just wanted to properly thank Garrett for saving me back at the Wounded Coast. My father personally thanked Aveline and she's moving up the chain of command very well."
Garrett glanced at Bethany saying "Saemus you already helped me... it's fine." Saemus smiled lightly having noticed Garrett's glance and remembered how Garrett reacted to him finding out that his little sister was an Apostate.
Leandra smiled glad that Saemus had kept Bethany's secret as Saemus said "that's different." Turning to face Bethany and leaning in slightly Saemus said "you probably saved my life the least I could do was not say anything." "I uh... you weren't too badly hurt, I only fixed you up a bit" Bethany said awkwardly.
Is... is Bethany blushing Garrett thought humorously noticing he was right as he grinned at the whole situation.
Saemus turned back to Garrett saying "and you stood up for me with Aveline when you brought me back to the Viscount's Keep... and helped me bring Ashaad's Greatsword back to his people. There must be something I can do to repay you."
Garrett rubbed the back of his neck as Saemus glanced at Aveline saying "I heard you recently got enough funds for your Expedition so it's not just reward money." Before Garrett could say anything Leandra spoke up saying "actually if it wouldn't be too much trouble I think you could help us."
Garrett and Bethany turned towards their mother curiously as she continued "I've been trying to meet with your father for some time now."
Why didn't I think of that, the Viscount's son is right here wanting to help us and I completely forgot Garrett thought as he exchanged a glance with Bethany and knew she didn't think of it either.
Saemus nodded listening as Leandra straightened saying "I've been petitioning for rights to reclaim the Amell family estate. My brother Gamlen Amell lost the deed some time ago gambling but it's been recently discovered that when he give away the deed he was giving away something that wasn't his. I can show our parent's Will showing that I gained possession of the estate not Gamlen and that the estate should be legally mine."
Saemus nodded slowly before saying "I'll talk to my father about it." Suddenly chuckling a bit Saemus continued "it's funny usually people seek me out as a way to get to my father for things like this but this time it's the other way around."
Looking at Saemus as he spoke Garrett noticed something... a sadness in the lad's eyes, he's probably spent his whole life just being a 'gateway' to his father. I've never seen him with any real friends Garrett realized.
"Hey we'd understand if you don't want to" Garrett began feeling a bit bad for Saemus only for the Viscount's son to interrupt saying "no I don't mind." "Thank you so much Saemus I've been trying for some time now" Leandra said smiling. Aveline nodded at Saemus saying "it's a good thing what you're doing, after everything they went through just to get here they deserve something."
"Oh I don't know, I'm just happy to have stay together even in all this mess. We got the Expedition and Aveline got the City Guard, and you're moving up in world pretty fast" Garrett said honestly as he looked at his mother, his sister, then his friend each in turn.
Leandra smiled and reached over and lightly squeezed Garrett's hand as Bethany smiled and Aveline nodded grinning a little awkward as if embarrassed. Aveline suddenly stood up saying "well I think I'd better get Saemus back to the Viscount's Keep," Saemus nodded as he stood up saying "right."
Garrett and the others waved as Aveline and Saemus left Gamlen's house leaving the Hawke family alone again as Kane moved next to Leandra looking hopeful and wagging his tail. Leandra laughed as she took some of the left overs and give them to Kane saying "aw here you go boy, eat up."
Garrett chuckled as Kane barked happily and proceeded to eat the scraps as Bethany stood up saying "are we doing anything today?" "Nothing really, just need to check in with Hubert about the Mine and let him know that mother will be 'filling in' for me while I'm away at the Expedition" Garrett answered as Bethany nodded happy at the prospect of some free time.
Day 2
The Black Emporium
"There that should be all of it" Garrett called putting the last two crates of Dragon Scale and Bone down in-front of Xenon's specialized pool. "That's all of it I'm sure" Bethany said as she counted all the crates glad that it had only taken two trips down here.
"Excellenttttttt it's not often that I'm a buyerrrrrr instead of a seller. Then again few ccccccccustomers come offering something as valuable as ddddddragon bbbbbbone" Xenon the Antiquarian said still extending his favorite words as he spoke for no other reason than to amuse himself.
Garrett nodded as Bethany awkwardly moved out of Thaddeus's way as the stone Golem stepped to Garrett and slammed a small chest of coin down in front of him. "There! All paid in full and since you're a preferreddddddd customer I'll throw in a diszzzzzcount from now on" Xenon said as Thaddeus returned to his vigil near the only exit.
"Thank you Xenon" Garrett said as he picked up the chest of coin and got ready to leave. Then Xenon did something odd... he appeared to smile with what was left his withered, heavily cracked, and deformed lips as he spoke surprisingly calm with no extensions.
"No 'thank you' Garrett Hawke, I'm sure you'll have 'other' things to add to my collection someday, but until then I wish you luck in your 'travels' and remember though it doesn't look good, Gumgum root is surprisingly sweet and found not too far underneath the surface" Xenon said.
Garrett raising an eyebrow thinking underneath the surface... does he know about... how? He's always down here as Bethany said "what does that mean?" "Can't an ooooooold mannnnnnnn remember a favorite food of his youth while rambling, surely I'm alloweddddd to ramble in my age. Young people, nooooooo respect" Xenon said in answer, clearly not going to elaborate.
Bethany scoffed slightly at that as Garrett looked at Xenon curiously before deciding they need to leave quickly when Xenon called "Urchin! Prepareeeeeee my bathhhhhh it's thatttttttt time of the day."
Bethany adopted a horrified look on her face then turned quickly to her brother saying "I think we should leave." Only for Bethany to find Garrett holding the coin filled chest and already facing the exit saying "one step ahead of you, come on." Together the Hawke siblings exited the Black Emporium faster than they'd ever done before and headed back to Kirkwall.
Lowtown,
Gamlen's House
"Bethany what are you doing?" Garrett said as he sat across Saemus thinking intently as he rubbed the stubble on his chin that was growing into a beard. Bethany looked up from what she was doing saying "I'm trying to knit, mother taught me a bit when I was younger and I thought I'd try again... I'm not that bad." Garrett turned towards Bethany to see what she was making and noticed her knitting another Scarf as she sat a few feet away from him and Saemus.
"You have the Scarf mother got you and the one you got from Hightown. How many Scarfs do you need?" Garrett said lightly with any real seriousness. Bethany chuckled saying "I just like Scarfs, besides it's good to have more than just one look."
"I think she's talking about you Hawke" Saemus said grinning. Garrett looked at Saemus before turning back to his sister lightly saying "I'm fine with the look I have, saves time." Bethany just went back to trying to knit another Scarf as Garrett turned back to Saemus saying "alright then, where were we?"
"It's my turn... and that's checkmate" Saemus said grinning as Garrett looked at the chess board as Saemus moved his knight. Sure enough Garrett's King was stopped from escaping Saemus's Knight from his Queen and Bishop.
Garrett grinned as he held out his hand saying "good game, it's been awhile since I lost to someone." Saemus smirked saying "you're really good Garrett, I haven't had a good game in a long time." Bethany suddenly shot up saying "wait? What? Garrett you lost!"
Still grinning as he turned to his sister with a raised eyebrow Garrett chuckled lightly saying "you don't need to sound to happy about it Bethany." Bethany laughed saying "What it's just been so long since I've seen you lose and well you always beat me." Smiling slightly Garrett said "then you refused to play anymore, so up for a game now Bethany?"
"Nope, I've had enough losses already... I lost count at fifty" Bethany said smiling as she went back to her knitting. Garrett chuckled at his sister than turned back to Saemus seriously saying "so how long do you think until my mother comes back if she can even get back the rights to the Amell estate."
Saemus looked thoughtful for a moment before saying "well I talked to my father and got her that appointment so I'd say at least another two hours. As for the rights to the estate I really wouldn't know." Garrett nodded saying "alright, another round?" Saemus grinned saying "sure."
Two and half hours later Saemus had won another three times with Garrett managing to win twice. "Hehe haven't lost like this since my father played against me" Garrett said chuckling slightly as Saemus smiled lightly saying "it's not exactly easy to beat you Hawke, some tough games."
"At least you won twice" Bethany called as she played with Kane. Just then the front door of Gamlen's house opened as Leandra and Gamlen walked in. "Mother, how did it go?" Garrett said standing up as Bethany did the same and Saemus listened.
Gamlen closed the front door and locked it as Leandra smiled at her children saying "I talked with the Viscount and he's agreed with me. He's given us back the rights to the Amell estate." "That's amazing!" Bethany said grinning as Garrett laughed lightly and Saemus nodded happy for them.
"Now just wait a minute, she's not done and don't go bragging yet" Gamlen called as he glanced at Saemus looking embarrassed. "Why, what happened?" Garrett asked as he and Bethany walked up to their mother for answers. "It'll take time for us to actually get the estate back, all that paper work needs to be fixed" Leandra said still smiling and just happy to be getting the estate back.
Turning to look her son straight in the eye Leandra said "there also 'use' to be some Tevinter 'traders' living there and the Viscount was worried about getting them to leave but it was discovered that they 'no longer live there' and possibly left."
Garrett nodded saying "that's good," as Bethany glanced at him then nodded too. Gamlen coughed to get their attention then awkwardly said "um yeah... sorry about that again." Saemus stood up saying "well how long until the estate is officially yours?"
Leandra smiled saying "the Viscount hopes to have it ready in three weeks time with the official paper work finished to allow us to actually live in it." Bethany frowned saying "three weeks?" Garrett patted Bethany on her shoulder lightly saying "just be happy we'll have the estate."
Saemus spoke up saying "I'm happy for you, well I think I'd better head back to the Viscount's Keep." Leandra walked to him and shook his hand saying "thank you so much for everything Saemus, and I know you didn't have to wait with my children to find out the news."
"It was no trouble" Saemus said smiling as he headed for the front door. Garrett waved saying "thanks for everything Saemus and if you ever want a rematch just come find me." "Thanks I think I'll take you up on that offer" Saemus said waving and leaving the Hawke family to celebrate the good news.
Day 3
Night,
Lowtown
Garrett walked through the Marketplace thinking gotta say Bethany you just don't give up. "Do you ever miss it?" Juliana Crewe said surprising Garrett with the seriousness of the question.
"Miss what?" Garrett asked unsure of Juliana was asking about it. Juliana looked intently at Garrett saying "Ferelden not just Lothering but the Army... I know it was horrible at that end but still... it must been amazing to see the King and the Grey Wardens."
Garrett was silent as they walked for sometime before he said "... I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss some things about it but I'm reasonably happy here." Juliana didn't push for answers this time and waited patiently if Garrett would elaborate or not, which he noticed and genuinely liked.
"The Army was nice to be in, if I miss anything about that I miss the people. Captain Varel and the other guys" Garrett said not going into too much detail about it but still being honest.
Don't know what happened to all those guys, some of them made it to Lothering with us and moved on from there... others... I'd rather not think about Garrett thought as he walked beside Juliana. Look at that Juliana's not pushing... I'm impressed Garrett thought as he noticed Juliana yet again not pushing for answers and just taking what was given letting Garrett answer what he chose to answer.
Instead of asking another question Juliana spoke up saying "I like it here in Kirkwall, it's nice to work with my family everyday... even if Jasmine can be annoying at times." Not every siblings are as close as me and Bethany but it's good Juliana and Jasmine get along fairly well Garrett thought slightly amused at Juliana's tone of her younger sister.
Jasmine got a fond look on her face saying "I do miss Lothering thought, I miss relaxing in our family barn and watching the wind blow through the crop fields.
It was soothing and I remember how almost everyone was so close, it was small community so everyone knew each other."
Garrett nodded understanding how Juliana probably had a lot of fun gossiping with the other girls back in Lothering. Garrett grinned fondly saying "the things I miss about Lothering were hanging about with my family. I remember my father would take us to the outskirts of Lothering close to where the windmill was and we'd have picnics. Sometimes he'd take us fishing too and he'd cheat but we'd never got after him because the fish always tasted amazing, still never met anyone he could cook fish like my father could."
Juliana smiled saying "how would your father cheat, isn't it just fishing?"
Oh man... I almost reveled what my father was Garrett thought as he remembered his father checking to make sure no one was around then raising his hand and using Force Magic to 'lift' the fish out of the lake.
Garrett fondly remembered his younger self pouting as Bethany and Carved were awed and their mother laughing with their father grinning from ear to ear as he said "just speeding things up not cheating."
"Just that he was so good at fishing that it was like he cheated" Garrett answered as he remembered everything.
"Anyway I like it here in Kirkwall it's more lively than Lothering was but not necessary in a bad way" Garrett said as he and Juliana rounded a corner and made to the front of the small Lowtown house that was the Crewe family residence.
Standing in front of the Crewe house Garrett politely waited for Juliana to go inside. Juliana turned to Garrett saying "I had really good time seeing Hightown and thank you for walking me home."
I know it's kind of mean but I don't think I've gone on this 'date' if Bethany and mother hadn't set it up... it wasn't so bad though Garrett thought as he said "it was no trouble." Juliana smiled and did something that took Garrett completely by surprise having not seen it coming at all.
Blushing slightly Juliana reached up and kissed Garrett on his lips affectionately then press away almost as quickly as she had started it as Garrett blinked. Awkwardly Juliana walked towards her house saying "... I'll see you later Garrett."
Garrett just stood there blinking as he watched Juliana enter her house. That was... unexpected Garrett thought as he felt his lips where Juliana had kissed him and left heading towards Gamlen's house.
Making it back to Gamlen's house and opening the front door he was almost instantly greeted by Bethany shooting up from the couch eagerly asking "how did it go?"
Closing the door and locking it Garrett walked on towards Kane as Bethany followed him with an expectant look on her face. Garrett pat Kane on his head and got him some food, kneeling down Garrett watched Kane as he ate it while Bethany stood beside her brother waiting in silence with him.
After a few moments Garrett heard Bethany tapping her foot on the floor impatiently as he reached over to Kane and scratched his ears for him causing the Mabari to wag his tail while he ate.
"Garrett!" Bethany called annoyingly after nearly four minutes of waiting for Garrett to say something only to hear Kane happily eating his food. Garrett smiled then stood up to face Bethany saying "yes Bethany?"
That only seemed to annoy Bethany more as she asked "well?"
"... it was nice" Garrett said simply after a moment. Bethany beamed saying "really, are you dating now?" Garrett held up a hand saying "not so fast Bethany all I said was that it was nice, nothing more so don't get carried away."
Just then Leandra opened the door leading to the room she shared with Bethany smiling as she said "we managed to get him on one date Bethany I'm happy he went at all." Suddenly Gamlen popped out of his room and looked at Garrett saying "you get lucky?" Garrett let out a breath of frustration as he looked around seeing his entire family all wanting to know about a date he didn't even know about til the last minute.
Giving his uncle a deeply annoyed look Garrett said "no I didn't sleep with her okay." Leandra spoke up saying "my son's too much of a gentleman for that Gamlen. Besides people shouldn't sleep together on the first date."
Gamlen scoffed saying "you're one to talk Leandra, I remember the day you 'met' Malcolm."
Is Gamlen talking about... oh Maker! Why did he bring that up Garrett thought as he and Bethany both said "really don't want hear about that." Gamlen looked at Garrett smirking as he said "something happened I can tell."
"So what did happen?" Bethany asked causing Garrett to sigh then say "okay, she kissed me alright that's it." Leandra smiled as Bethany grinned saying "you kissed." "No, she kissed me and it was over very quickly" Garrett corrected and before anyone could interrupt he calmly continued "nothing else happened I admitted that it was nice, I'm going to bed."
Leandra laughed slightly then went back to bed calling "Bethany leave him be."
Garrett went to his usual spot on the floor and got ready to sleep, as Bethany was going to the room she shared with their mother she patted Garrett on the back saying "good for you." "Don't read more into it than there is" Garrett called as Bethany went to bed and Gamlen went back to bed calling "let me know when you get lucky... I'll buy you a drink."
Day 4
The Hanged Man
During the Celebration for the Expedition
The Hanged Man was a bit louder than usual as Garrett and his sister, the formidable group he'd assembled, and few friends were celebrating. "So if there's room for one more person would you want come with us on the actual Expedition?" Garrett asked Fenris as the elf took a drink of Ale. Fenris lightly gripped his Fighting Greatsword saying "I'll go, I could do with a some time away from Kirkwall and the coin always comes in handy if I need it."
"Thanks Fenris" Garrett said taking a drink of Ale himself as he and Fenris leaned on the Bar Stand that Isabela was usually around. "Varric tells me you're getting your ancestral home back I... I'm happy for you" Fenris said a little awkwardly at the end.
"Did Varric tell the whole group?" Garrett asked grinning sightly.
Fenris nodded saying "he did... I think you'll do well in Hightown." "Thanks for that... so I guess that means we're almost neighbors now" Garrett said taking a small drink of his Ale. "If I decide to stay then yes" Fenris said shrugging.
"If you decide to stay, you're leaving then?" Garrett asked raising an eyebrow. "Possibly I don't know how long until others come hunting for me, either way I won't leave for sometime because of the Expedition" Fenris said casually.
"Well if you go good luck" Garrett said honestly. Fenris turned towards Garrett asking "you're taking your sister on the Expedition then?" Garrett paused for a moment to drink some Ale then slowly said "... why wouldn't I, she wants to go anyway."
Fenris tilted his head saying "but you have misgivings."
The way Fenris said it wasn't a question but a statement and Garrett knew his friend was right.
"Yeah... I can't help it she's my little sister but she's not exactly defenseless either" Garrett said frowning. Fenris thought for a bit then said "you have til tomorrow morning to decide, until then I suppose you celebrate... it's what I'm doing."
Garrett raised an eyebrow at Fenris at the 'celebrate' part to which Fenris held up his mug of Ale saying "it's one way to celebrate." Before Fenris could say anything else a voice Garrett hadn't heard in awhile called "Garrett! I heard the news!"
Garrett turned and grinned seeing Tomwise with his brother Samwise walking towards him. "Friend of yours?" Fenris asked seeing the two Darktown elves coming towards them.
"Yeah, from back when I was a 'Docker' I haven't really seen them in a while" Garrett said as he waved Tomwise and Samwise over. Once Tomwise and Samwise reached them they looked at Fenris and he looked back at them.
Tomwise and Samwise glanced at Fenris and his Markings as Fenris glanced at Samwise's missing arm.
"Don't ask" Garrett said to both Samwise and Fenris as he noticed Bethany look over and see them. "I'll leave you to catch up" Fenris said as he took his Ale with him and left the Bar Stand.
Bethany walked over to them saying "Tomwise! Samwise! It's good to see you again, how long has it been." "Yeah it's been awhile huh Garrett" Tomwise said smiling at the Hawke siblings.
"Sorry, I know I haven't been a good friend lately" Garrett said honestly thinking how he hadn't really talked to them since Samwise helped him find Anders. Samwise spoke up saying "it's okay we understand."
Tomwise pat his brother on the back saying "yeah we knew you were busy and now it looks like it paid off." "Thanks for that, so how's your business in Darktown been going?" Garrett said thankful for his old friends understanding as Bethany said "I know it must have been hard after leaving Athenril's 'help'."
"It's been about the same since we quit... you know how Darktown is" Tomwise said shrugging in that way he used to deflect things when he knew things were bad. Without Athenril's help I don't know how well a 'store' can do in Darktown Garrett thought as he frowned saying "that bad huh?"
Samwise stuttered "uh... it's..." as Tomwise slowly nodded and Bethany put a hand to her mouth feeling a little bad.
Samwise suddenly found his voice saying "it's not too bad... the Healer helps us a lot and we've haven't been robbed... though some have tried." "Look we didn't mean to bring up our troubles, just stopped by to congratulate you" Tomwise said awkwardly.
Suddenly getting an idea in his head Garrett said "... I think I can help you." Bethany looked at her brother smiling as she said "we can, Garrett will find a way." Tomwise and his brother just exchanged as Garrett said "look what if I can help you get you're store out of Darktown and move it to Lowtown." Samwise gaped as Tomwise blinked saying "how?"
Garrett smiled saying "an investment. I give you some start up money and you can move your store to Lowtown, you can pay me back later."
Tomwise grinned then stopped as he asked "but where would you get the coin for that investment... the Expedition hasn't gotten any profit yet?" Bethany spoke up saying "you haven't heard. My brother's a business man already. He's shares ownership with a Merchant in Hightown named Hubert. They also own a small Mining business."
Samwise gaped saying "really when did that happen? If you have that why do you even have the Expedition... I mean I'm sure you'll make a lot of money from it but the Business already makes you a bit wealthy."
"It was only very recently, by the time I became a business man I had already signed up for the Expedition and the Mining business took some losses but it's about to recover and we'll have plenty of coin for a small investment," Garrett said as Tomwise nodded slowly.
"You'll be able to leave Darktown" Bethany said happily as Tomwise and his brother just stood there stunned for a moment. "You're serious aren't you Garrett... thank you it means a lot" Tomwise said still taking it in.
"You helped us a lot after I quit Athenril and we're friends" Garrett said as he shook Tomwise's hand.
"I'll talk to Hubert before I leave for the Expedition, though their might be a condition for the investment but don't worry I'll make sure it's small... I don't know maybe giving all Miners a discount or something" Garrett said.
Tomwise smiled saying "hey that's fine with me." Samwise chuckled saying "how long have you been a business man?" Bethany laughed saying "not that long, but still Garrett's not horrible at it."
"Haven't done anything to make things worse" Garrett said lightly.
Samwise looked around saying "hey there's the Healer we should go say hi before we leave." Tomwise nodded saying "thanks Garrett, well we're gonna talk to Anders before we leave." "Yeah I'll see you around Tomwise, Samwise, glad we met up again" Garrett called as he waved them goodbye with Bethany.
"It's been so long since we even visited them I'm glad you're helping them now, they're some of the only people I liked when we were 'Dockers'" Bethany said. "Yeah I'm just glad Anders helped them when they needed it... Darktown isn't exactly the safest place in Kirkwall" Garrett said as he and Bethany moved on from the Bar Stand.
The Hawke siblings enjoyed the celebration for awhile just relaxing when suddenly Varric and Anders walked up to Garrett. Smirking as he spoke Varric said "barely owning a business and already make business deals Hawke, you sure work fast."
Garrett chuckled saying "they're old friends of mine but yeah suppose I do." Anders pat Garrett on his back saying "I'm glad you're helping Tomwise, I've helped him and his brother a few times." "Nothing too serious I hope" Bethany asked frowning.
"No just simply stuff but I don't mind helping them," Anders said taking a sip of Ale. Anders turned to Garrett saying "I'm glad you're helping them, it'll be good for Kirkwall to have someone like you in the higher class."
"I see you told the whole group" Garrett said glancing at Varric as Anders laughed. "I'm going for a drink, see you tomorrow Hawke" Anders said after shaking Garrett's hand and leaving. "Well I'm sure you'll do well with the friends you've made. Hawke, Sunshine, relax and enjoy the celebration because tomorrow's the launch" Varric said smirking.
"I know! We've been just relaxing" Bethany said smiling as Garrett clapped Varric on his shoulder saying "can do Varric." Varric moved on going to drink with Fenris as Isabela and Merrill saw the Hawke siblings and waved them over.
"Isabela, Merrill" Garrett called as he and Bethany moved to talk with them. "Hello again Hawke, enjoying the celebration?" Merrill asked. "I'm enjoying it" Garrett answered as Bethany noticed that Isabela was a little drunk.
"Come on Hawke drink up! You're going on an Expedition tomorrow and you're still all serious" Isabela said a little drunkenly as she clung to Merrill lightly. Garrett laughed saying "I already drank a bit with Fenris besides I don't like being drunk" Garrett said as Bethany nodded.
Isabela took a step towards Garrett and put an arm around him saying "I think you get drunk too easily so you don't drink come on Hawke stick with me and I'll teach you to hold your liquor."
"No thanks and yeah I don't drink too much so I don't need to learn that" Garrett taking Isabela's arm off him. "You're drunk aren't you Isabela" Bethany asked as Merrill laughed and nodded.
Isabela glanced at Bethany saying "jealous?"
"We've been over this before, no and my brother's not been 'holding out' on me, I've tried Ale before I just don't like it" Bethany said calmly as Isabela shrugged and took another drink of her Ale.
Isabela smirked saying "well look at that Hawke, your sister's taking after you she even does that thing where you narrow your eyes." Isabela surprised all of them by reaching forward and drunkenly hugging Bethany saying "aw it's sweet."
Bethany blinked surprised feeling awkward as Isabela let go and went back to Merrill whom was smiling.
"Maybe watch how much Ale you drink" Garrett said raising an eyebrow as Isabela shrugged taking another drink of Ale saying "I've got it Hawke, know my limits." Merrill spoke up saying "I see you off at the Expedition, it's the least I can do."
Bethany smiled saying "thanks Merrill." Isabela grabbed Merrill saying "I'll come by too, anyway kitten and I are going to to find some more Ale, bye Hawke." "Bye" Garrett said as Bethany waved and Isabela left with Merrill to the Bar Stand.
"It's too bad the Crewe family couldn't stop by anyway the celebration's nice but I kinda want to leave already" Bethany said looking around the Hanged Man. "Alright, let's go" Garrett said as he took the lead and started towards the exit to the Hanged Man.
Later,
The Docks
Garrett and Bethany sat perched on a higher level of the Docks watching the Sea together and feeling the wind blow on their faces.
"Hard to believe it's been a more than year since we first stepped into Kirkwall" Garrett said deep in thought. Bethany stirred saying "do you remember back when we first got in with Aveline?"
"Yeah, I do." Garrett said before smiling and continuing "I remember you complaining how badly it smelled because of all the fish." Bethany smiled saying "it still smells that bad we just got used to it," Garrett nodded remembering that day well.
Memory of first arrival into Kirkwall
"Well there you go Sirs and Misses, good luck in Kirkwall" Guard Captain Ewald said as he ushered them towards one of the small ships that give passage to and from the Gallows to the rest of Kirkwall.
"Here we go" Garrett said as he helped Bethany and his mother get on the small ship with Gamlen and Kane hopping on. Turning around Garrett looked at Aveline saying "come on." Aveline avoided Garrett's gaze saying "... I'm sorry you're paying for me to get into Kirkwall."
Gamlen scoffed saying "just take the free ride and be grateful."
Garrett got in the small ship and held out his hand as Aveline nodded and slowly took his hand allowing herself to be pulled onto the small ship. The Ship Captain nodded seeing everyone was on board and undocked allowing the current to lead his ship to the Kirkwall Docks.
"Safe travels and thanks for the help earlier, it's good your family has a Soldier to look out for them, not many refugees do" Guard Captain Ewald said waving them off. Garrett nodded respectfully knowing that some people had taken notice of his blue Ferelden Field Armor and was glad no one had called him deserter.
Glancing at Aveline he noticed she was still a bit cold to him but Garrett hoped one day she'd let go of that as he took a seat beside Bethany and his mother. Leandra spoke up saying "it's been so long since I've been here... twenty five years."
Bethany turned to her mother saying "does it look like anything's changed." Leandra gazed at the enormous city that was Kirkwall as she calmed Kane down saying "little things from what I can tell. It's alright Kane we're almost down with Sea travel." Gamlen spoke up saying "somethings have changed but it's mostly the same even after all these years."
Garrett didn't join the conversation being too busy looking over Kirkwall and planning things out in his head, like how they'd live if most of their pay went to paying back Athenril. Bethany noticed her brothers unusual silence and looked at him seeing that he was deep in thought.
Not wanting to bother him she didn't ask remembering that her brother had been through a lot more than any of them except maybe Aveline. After a few minutes of the silence with the small ship getting closer and closer to the Kirkwall Docks Bethany suddenly covered her Nose frowning as she said "ack! What's that smell?"
"That's the fish, get used to it. I'm pretty sure you'll have to if Athenril makes you work" Gamlen said as he scratched his chin. "I'll try but I don't know if I can" Bethany said still covering her Nose as she turned to look at her brother again worried about his continued silence.
"What about you Garrett?" Bethany asked not liking his silence. Garrett seemed to snap of it saying "sorry, what?" "The smell... it's horrible" Bethany said indicating her Nose as she spoke. Garrett paused for a moment to sniff then simply said "... it's just fish."
"It's smells really bad, you think we'll ever get used to it" Bethany asked as Leandra covered her Nose as well and Gamlen didn't bother like Garrett and Aveline. "Have too Bethany" Garrett said then glanced at Aveline and looked at his Longsword saying "... I've smelled worse."
Once docking and stepping off the small ship Gamlen led them out of the Docks and into Lowtown. As they walked through the Marketplace Bethany gazed all around her until she almost bumped into someone only for Garrett to pull her away at the last second.
"Not used to a big community?" Garrett asked as they followed Gamlen. "Not really no... there's so much noise and so many things to see" Bethany said walking beside her brother.
"Don't worry you'll get used to it" Garrett said reassuringly as he patted her on the shoulder. Just then Gamlen stopped them in front of a small cramped Lowtown house awkwardly saying "well... this is it."
Leandra frowned sadly as she nodded and they all followed him up the small plight of stairs and into his house. Upon entering it Garrett noticed it was a bit bigger than he thought but it was still cramped and there weren't enough rooms for everyone. Gamlen closed the front door and locked it saying "... it's not the estate but it's my home and I'll make it work Leandra don't worry."
Kane sniffed the area before walking around the house exploring it to know his 'territory'. Gamlen led them to the room straight ahead saying "this is where the ladies will sleep. I managed to get two extra beds... they're not pretty but they'll do."
Leandra frowned saying "what about Aveline?"
Gamlen turned to look at Aveline, whom was looking awkward at messing the 'plan' up, saying "sorry but I didn't know there'd be an extra person." Aveline nodded saying "it's okay I'll stay here until I get a room somewhere." "You don't have to do that I'm sure we could squeeze you in" Bethany said having taken a bit of a liking to Aveline after all they'd been through.
"No, it's something I need to do" Aveline said quickly glancing at Garrett somewhat coldly. "Well then that's settled, anyway Garrett you'll have to bunk with me. Only one bed so I guess we'll take turns or something" Gamlen said leading his nephew to his/their room.
Garrett looked at the small cramped square that was the room with a single bed over saying "it'll do." Garrett walked out of the room calling "it's been a long day so I think we should rest while we can." "Yes, tomorrow you two have work" Gamlen called pointing at Garrett and Bethany.
Leandra and Bethany get ready for bed in the room they shared as Aveline awkwardly took a blanket and pillow Leandra had gotten her. Garrett followed his uncle into their room again but instead decided that he'd sleep on the floor outside since Gamlen had already collapsed on the only bed there.
Before Garrett went to find a comfortable spot on the floor he waited until his mother, sister, and Aveline had closed the door to their room and gone to bed. Once they had, Garrett found a decent spot and began drifting off towards sleep.
As he drifted off to sleep Garrett noticed Kane amble over to him and whimper sadly with widened eyes. Garrett reach out his hand and gently pet Kane somberly saying "hey Kane, I know boy... I miss him too."
Within four days Aveline had already moved out and found herself a room somewhere, she didn't seem to be too comfortable there anyway... usually avoiding Garrett.
The morning after Aveline had moved out Garrett had walked into the room his mother and sister shared calling "come on Bethany, Athenril doesn't like late workers and mom made us breakfast."
Only to find Bethany sitting in a corner of the room doing something with her hands, getting a better look he saw her using small amounts of Magic.
Bethany was using Force Magic to lift small crumbs of dirt off the floor to Garrett's surprise. Walking over and kneeling down next to her Garrett lightly said "I don't think using Magic to clean is a good idea."
Bethany turned to her brother saying "I'm sorry... I wasn't cleaning though." Garrett raised an eyebrow at her. Bethany answered "... it's makes me feel closer to father... I know he's gone but I like.. having a connection... he was always good at this while I'm horrible."
Garrett patted her on the shoulder saying "I understand... and you're not horrible you can lift the dirt." Bethany let the dirty fall to the floor chuckling as she lightly said "I was trying to make a smiley face on the floor but I couldn't even do that."
Garrett suddenly grabbed a hold of Bethany's right hand, sunk one of her fingers into the dirt and preceded to use her dirt covered finger to write a smiley face on the floor. "I see a smiley face so it worked didn't it" Garrett said with a hint of smile on his face, the first one in a long time Bethany noticed as she laughed saying "that's cheating."
"All you said was that you were trying to make a smiley face, didn't say how" Garrett said lightly as he patted her on the back and stood up.
"Hey we have a year of work ahead of us, I'd rather get it over with as soon we can plus breakfast is getting cold" Garrett said lightly as he held out his hand for Bethany to take. Bethany took her brother's hand and got up then followed him to get breakfast thinking that Garrett was right, they had a whole year ahead of them.
Back to present
Garrett noticed Bethany looking at him strangely and said "what? Is something wrong?" Bethany smiled then turned back to watching the sunset like her brother was as she said "I'm just glad you're back."
Feeling the wind brush past his hair as he raised an eyebrow Garrett said "I've haven't gone anywhere?" Bethany turn to look at him saying "didn't mean it like that." Garrett blinked not understanding.
Bethany smiled saying "you weren't really yourself when we first got here, you didn't smile and you were always serious. I think I understand why, you had a lot to deal with more so than any of us. Then awhile back like around when we met up with Aveline in the City Guard you started to come back. You smiled more often and made light again... I missed that. Took awhile but you're back."
Garrett thought about it then nodded slowly realizing she was right then clapped her on the shoulder saying "I was always there just had more important things to deal with."
"I know, and after the Expedition it won't have to be like that ever again" Bethany said smiling as she watched the sun finally set with her brother.
"It's getting dark and we have a big day ahead of us, come on we should get a good nights rest" Garrett said as he stood up. Bethany stood up and followed her brother back towards Gamlen's house.
As they walked Garrett couldn't stop thinking about Bethany going on the Expedition and he remembered what Fenris had said you have til tomorrow morning to decide.
Day of the Expedition
Near the Hightown exit the Expedition was using
Garrett stood alongside Bethany in the somewhat crowded area that the Expedition was set up in as Varric and his brother Bartand got everything underway. Suddenly someone small bumped into him and Garrett turned around to see an odd Dwarf with a sort of goofy looking face.
The Dwarf looked at him with a plain almost empty face then spoke in a low voice saying "enchantment?" "I'm sorry what" Garrett asked as Bethany looked at the Dwarf curiously. Just then another older Dwarf came walking towards them calling "Sandal! There you are! Oh hello there, sorry if my boy bothered you he's a bit slow but I love him."
"It's alright" Garrett said as the older Dwarf held out his hand saying "Bodahn Feddic at your service, you're on the Expedition to then?" "Yes... we're on the Expedition" Garrett said shaking the Bodahn's hand.
"Well I'll see you when we start drilling, Sandal give me a hand real quick just need to load some supplies" Bodahn said taking his leave of the Hawke siblings. "What an odd Dwarf" Bethany said lightly as she watched Sandal leaving with Bodahn.
"Looks like we're almost ready to leave then?" a voice called from behind them. Garrett and Bethany turned around and saw Anders walking towards them carrying his Staff and followed by Tomwise. "Just about Anders" Garrett said before turning to Tomwise asking "everything check out?"
"Yeah it did, my brother and I are moving to Lowtown tomorrow thanks again Garrett you're a life saver" Tomwise said. "I'm glad" Garrett said as he shook Tomwise's hand. "Don't let us keep you Tomwise, if Samwise needs help at the store then, go we understand" Garrett said causing Tomwise to smirk saying "thanks man, best of luck."
Garrett waved goodbye as Tomwise left, Anders calling "if anyone needs help Cooper is at the Clinic."
Bethany turned saying "look Fenris and the others are here." Sure enough Fenris arrived carrying his two Greatswords followed by Isabela and Merrill. "Whenever you're ready Hawke" Fenris said gripping his Fighting Greatsword and nodding at Garrett.
"Varric! How much longer?" Garrett called turning to where Varric was standing with his brother. Varric turned to face Garrett saying "about ten minutes or so Hawke!" "Sorry again about not going" Merrill said a little embarrassed as all around the Expedition workers got ready to leave.
"Don't worry about it Merrill" Garrett said as Isabela patted her saying "they understand kitten."
"Garrett!" a voice called and Garrett turned to see Juliana walking towards them saying "I wanted to see you off but it took me awhile to find the place." "... it's okay" Garrett said as he noticed Bethany's and Isabela's looks at him.
Stepping close so as not to let everyone hear Juliana nervously asked "I was thinking that... maybe we could meet up again sometime. After the Expedition of course but still?" Garrett thought for a bit then slowly said "... sure."
Juliana smiled as Isabela give Garrett a look he didn't like and Bethany just grinned.
"Where's mother I thought she said she'd come see us off with Aveline" Bethany said curiously. "Aveline's coming this way with Leandra... who's that lad" Anders said gesturing to his right where Garrett looked and saw Aveline walking towards them with his mother, Kane, and Saemus following her.
"I see quite a lot of your friends had the same idea to see you off" Saemus said lightly as he stood beside Aveline. "Be careful out there Hawke" Aveline said smirking as she noticed him wearing his usual Reinforced Leather Armor again.
"I will be" Garrett said honestly. Still smirking Aveline said "after this I might have to start calling you my lord Hawke." Garrett laughed saying "and I'll be calling you Captain Vallen." Aveline chuckled saying "I don't know if I'll get the position but maybe one day."
"So who's going then" Saemus asked seeing the entire group there and knowing that they couldn't all go. Varric, having made it to where the group was standing, spoke up saying "Hawke, Sunshine, Blondie, Mr. Broody, and me. Hello Saemus it's an honor to have the Viscount's son here."
Saemus nodded saying "it's nothing."
Varric smirked putting on his best smile saying "if you so Sir, when I get back I have a few proposals you might find interesting so how about-" only to interrupted by Aveline sternly saying "Varric no." Varric shrugged saying "worth a shot."
"We're leaving in two minutes get ready everyone!" Bartand yelled for the whole Expedition to hear.
Just as Garrett and the others going were leaving to get ready Leandra stopped them saying "Garrett wait!" Garrett and Bethany turned around to look at their mother noticing she had a pleading look on her face, "what's wrong" Garrett asked concerned.
Leandra stepped closer to her children then looked Garrett straight in the eyes saying "... don't let Bethany go with you. Let her stay with me and Gamlen." "Mother I can help! Tell her Garrett besides I want to go" Bethany said crossing her arms.
Garrett frowned seeing the pleading look on his mother's face. Turning to Anders he asked "... how bad is it really?"
Anders looked at Bethany then at Garrett saying "Hawke the Deep Roads are clearer than they used to be... but it's very dangerous down there and we'll be gone for some time."
Varric spoke up saying "Sunshine's proven she isn't defenseless but this is a family call Hawke," Fenris just tilted his head at the whole thing as most of the others give them a little space feeling awkward.
Fenris of all people spoke up saying "Bethany has proven she isn't defenseless though the Expedition could be as long as two months." Garrett glanced at Fenris still frowning as he thought it over. "Look I can help, come on Garrett" Bethany pleaded looking at him as Leandra did the same.
Garrett frowned as he looked between the pleading faces of his sister and his mother, he didn't know what to do so he just stood there frozen. Leandra suddenly caught his eye mouthing the words not like Carver that was what really hit Garrett.
Not like Carver
His mother not wanting to risk both her surviving children on this Expedition if they didn't need to.
Garrett slowly walked over to his sister and put a hand on her shoulder saying "Bethany... please mother wants this. Don't do it for me do it for her... I'll be fine I always am."
Bethany gaped at him unable to believe that Garrett was telling her to stay home, this worse than those random day off he'd sometimes give her. Bethany wanted to protest with everything she had and her brother knew it but Leandra lightly grabbed her saying "please Bethany stay home with me, please."
As Bethany gazed into the pleading eyes of her mother she knew it wasn't that Garrett didn't want her on the Expedition it was that their mother wanted her at home and was afraid of losing her.
That was what made Bethany drop any protest she was about to give and slowly, reluctantly nod saying "... okay I'll stay."
Kane barked happily and licked Garrett's hand seeming to say good luck. Leandra smiled and hugged her daughter as Garrett nodded and stepped back with the others to leave with the Expedition.
Aveline stepped towards Garrett saying "I'll keep on eye on them for you while you're away and when you come back the first rounds on me." Garrett grinned lightly at that as Aveline moved back to wait with the others that weren't going.
"Let me know when you get back, I'm looking forward to that rematch" Saemus called watching Garrett getting ready to leave. Garrett fell into place with Varric, Fenris, and Anders as Bartand got the Expedition fully together and began a speech about digging for treasure in a very vulgar way and comparing it to taking a maid's virginity.
But Garrett ignored all of that, as Bartand was giving his horrible speech all Garrett could do was look at his mother and Bethany.
He noticed Juliana move to stand next to his sister and wave at him as Isabela and Merrill did the same. Just as Bartand finished and Garrett was forced to follow the others outside the exit and towards the drill sight he looked back one last time at Bethany seeming to say I'm sorry.
Bethany looked back at her brother and nodded seeming to say I understand. Anders clapped Garrett on his shoulder and Garrett turn his gaze away from his family and followed the others with Anders saying "don't worry Hawke... I'm sure she'll be okay."
Road to Expedition Story Arc Epilogue
A few days after Garrett Hawke left for the Expedition without Bethany
The Viscount's Keep
Barracks
Aveline was at her desk doing her reports as a Senior Officer as usual but also wondering how Garrett was and hoping he was okay when some knocked on the wall to get her attention.
Looking up from her desk Aveline saw Arys standing there holding a few papers as Donnic stood behind him saying "you could have just left it in her box for later." Arys turned to Donnic looking annoyed as he said "No, it's marked for Senior Officers only and it's been given a high propriety seal, even I haven't read it."
"It's fine Donnic, Arys let me see it" Aveline called. Aveline took the files Arys handed her and waited for him and Donnic to leave before she glanced at it and noticed the high propriety seal on the files.
Looking the through files Aveline noticed this was linked to some of theories about why the lower criminal seemed to trading up faster than in a long time. Reading through the files Aveline found one that caught her eye and held it out to read properly.
SKETCH: PERSON OF INTEREST. CONNECTED TO RISE IN CRIMINAL ACTIVITY.
IS BELIEVED TO BE INVOLVED IN THE MURDERS OF SEVERAL KNOWN COTERIE MEMBERS AND POSSIBLY ONE OR MORE CITY GUARDS.
CONSIDERED HIGHLY DANGEROUS AND A HIGH PROPRIETY SUSPECT.
Aveline leaned in closer suddenly a lot more interested and gazed at the sketch. It wasn't heavy in detail, apparently not too many people had gotten a good look at the man's face so the sketch was mostly a man dressed in ragged clothing similar to those worn by those in Darktown and Lowtown.
Damn this person's good at laying low if not one person's gotten a decent look on his face Aveline thought as she read through the files and spotted the side note saying suspect not yet fully identified.
Aveline looked at the sketch again and spotted the one defining thing about the sketch. The only true point that was the City Guard's led on this suspect and the only real thing anyone had manage to remember him by.
The man was known to have a ragged scar running across his lips and past his cheeks...
I know some people wanted a different path for Bethany but stick with it, trust me it ties into what happens next(in more ways than you think)
This chapter had a different tone than the previous ones and I had a lot fun writing it. Especially the flashback part
Sorry about the length if it's a bit long. I had to cut some things out :( just would have been to long
The third chapter for Legend is coming soon but I digress...
Thanks for Reading and please Review