Hey guys been awhile
Been busy getting ready for school but I'm back now
I had fun writing this chapter and I hope you all enjoy it
A Week and half into the Expedition
The Deep Roads
Garrett Hawke sat near a boulder resting and cleaning his Longsword after having had a small skirmish with some Darkspawn in the tunnels. Even then Anders says the Deep Roads are clearer than they used to be... makes me wonder about before Garrett thought as he wiped Darkspawn blood off his Longsword and noticed Anders walking towards him carrying two water canteens.
"Hawke" Anders said in greeting as he took a seat next to him handing him one of the canteens. "Thanks" Garrett said taking the water and glad to have it as he laid his Longsword on the floor.
Sitting beside each other Garrett and Anders clunked their canteens together and took a drink of water simultaneously.
"You know Hawke one of the reason I left the Wardens was so I wouldn't have to come down here again, I hate the blighted Deep Roads, then you come along and drag me back down here anyway" Anders said lightly.
Smirking slightly Garrett said "sorry about that, it's not all for nothing though Bartand says he knows what we're looking for down here." Anders shrugged saying "too bad Bartand doesn't tells us anything." "Eh I trust him" Garrett said simply taking another drink of water. Anders looked at Garrett oddly as he asked "you trust Bartand?" Finishing his drink of water Garrett said "I trust Varric."
Anders nodded understanding as Garrett turned saying "thanks for earlier by the way, that Chain Lightning of yours comes in handy." Anders chuckled said "yeah... and thanks for not complaining that I almost hit you."
Garrett blinked watching Anders take a drink of water before raising an eyebrow saying "... you almost hit me?" Lowering the water canteen Anders shrugged saying "almost but I managed to get a good shot over your shoulder. Another inch or so and... I'd be healing you."
"Glad you know what you're doing then. The Wardens train their Mages well" Garrett said a little annoyed at almost being hit by friendly fire but not really bothered by it... much. After a few moments of resting Garrett asked "Varric still bugging you to tell Tales?"
Anders chuckled saying "yeah, sometimes I wish I'd never mentioned my time with the Wardens but it was unavoidable you needed my Warden maps for the expedition." Garrett nodded then grinned slightly saying "I notice you still have a lot of loyalty to the Wardens."
"Not asking for Tales but why is that? You left after all but still keep their secrets" Garrett continued after taking a another drink of water. Anders looked thoughtful as if debating whether or not to talk about it then slowly nodded and spoke.
"I spent a lot of my life running from the Circle, hehe actually escaped a few times, but being with the Wardens was like being free... well sort of. It changed my life forever. Made me man up and mature you could say but then... well you know... I had to leave." Anders said seriously. Garrett raised an eyebrow and laughed saying "you escaped the Circle multiple times. Seriously?"
Anders laughed saying "Yup several times actually, you should've seen the things I did Hawke. I had more guts then most Mages there, even jumped into the lake and swam to shore once. Hehe they always found me in the end using my phylactery. Not that I minded being caught much, they always sent the same Templar to track me down so I never got too far."
Suddenly getting a fond comical look on his face Anders continued "or maybe she asked. Those long trips back to the tower, I in manacles, she glaring silently at me... the air practically sizzled."
Laughing slightly then getting a curious look on his face Garrett asked "What's a Phylactery?" Anders blinked at Garrett surprised by that saying "Hawke you don't know what a Phylactery is?"
Garrett shook is head 'no' saying "no idea, why? Is it important?" Anders nodded saying "it's basically how the Templars track Mages, they take some of your blood and lock it up so if you escape they track you."
Raising an eyebrow Garrett said "... doesn't that sound like Blood Magic though?" Anders laughed saying "try telling that to the Templars." Anders got a intense look about him as if thinking intently before saying "you know the Templars still have my Phylactery... but I don't think it works properly on me anymore."
Garrett looked at Anders curiously and noticed that Anders suddenly got a somber look about him as the Ex-Warden lifted his hand and gazed at his vein below his wrist. Anders just gazed at his vein oddly with mixed feelings... as if there was good things as well as bad there... bittersweet.
What was that aboutGarrett thought as he asked "does it have to do with Justice?" Anders blinked then looked back at Garrett as if he forgot that he was talking to someone.
"No... it's a Warden thing. The Phylactery kinda works but not as well as it used to. So it isn't 'too' reliable to track me anymore" Anders said slowly. Garrett nodded saying "well I'm glad the Templars never got you Anders you've done a lot of good for Darktown."
"Thanks Hawke" Anders said taking another drink of water. "Where's Fenris, haven't seen him since that small skirmish with the Darkspawn?" Anders asked having finished his water. Garrett pointed his thumb to the far left saying "latrines." Anders shrugged saying "these guys make crappy latrines, the Wardens were much more organized."
"Tell me about it, my brother hired cheap wherever he could" Varric said suddenly appearing next to Anders having walked to them unnoticed. "Varric" Garrett and Anders said in greeting as Varric leaned on the boulder beside them.
"How you holding up Hawke, you and Mr. Broody got in the thick of it that last skirmish?" Varric asked seeing Garrett's Longsword on the floor.
"I'm fine, fought Darkspawn before and I'm used to skirmishes from my time in the Ferelden Army" Garrett answered finishing his water canteen. Varric nodded then chuckled as he turned to Anders saying "already know you've done this before Blondie."
Getting up from the boulder and re-sheathing his Longsword, Garrett turned to Varric saying "how's our progress? Bartand won't say but we're looking for a specific thing. I've noticed him comparing Anders's maps with other documents."
Just then Garrett and the others turned hearing Fenris approaching them saying "I've been wondering the same thing Varric." Anders looked at Fenris curiously noticing Fenris had still taken his second wrapped up Greatsword along with his Fighting Greatsword. "Did you really need to take that other Sword... seriously look were we are" Anders said gesturing around the tunnel and the Stalagmites.
"Yes" Fenris answered simply as he tilted his head at Anders. Varric spoke up saying "Hawke's right Bartand's looking for something specific but we're not exactly sure what it is, that's why we haven't really talked about it too much."
"That's good to know, so far we only found some Dwarven relics but nothing to impressive... well and Darkspawn" Garrett said rubbing the back of his neck. Varric chuckled saying "come on Hawke! What's a few Darkspawn here and there."
Reaching to stroke his trusty Bianca, Varric continued "we've handled everything pretty well so for." Garrett smiled lightly saying "yeah we've done well so far no lasting injuries." Fenris looked at Varric saying "but what of our progress? We've been done here for almost two weeks."
Anders crossed his arms saying "we're pretty deep... and the deeper we go the more likely we'll run into Darkspawn." "Then there's our supplies, last I checked we're still well stocked but it won't last forever and Anders is the only one here who knows what we might be able to eat" Garrett said seriously, trusting Varric but also being realistic.
Varric held up a hand saying "don't worry guys, we're close. My brother's been comparing Blondie's maps to some old Scavenger Tales from Orzammar during the third Blight. But now there's a lot of collapsed tunnels and other crap block the original paths."
"That's why we had to drill through that old debris? And why we've met a few dead ends" Garrett said stroking his stubble as Fenris shifted and Anders uncrossed his arms. "Yup, Blondie's maps kept us on track whenever we redirect. I talked with my brother a few times and he says we should reach our destination soon," Varric answered putting the group at ease surprisingly without humor.
Anders laughed saying "you calls those talks Varric? I've heard Bartand shouting and yelling more times than I can count." Varric shrugged and humorously answered "what can I say... brotherly love."
Just then Garrett and the others heard footsteps approaching them and turned to see Bodahn walking towards them with his 'son' Sandal trailing behind him looking plain.
"Hawke, Varric, Fenris, Anders, Bartand wants us to regroup so we can move on. Break's over" Bodahn said looking awkward at stopping them from their 'break'. "Alright thanks Bodahn" Garrett said as he, Varric, Fenris, and Anders got ready to move on and scout ahead for others.
Bodahn nodded then turned to his son Sandal saying "come on Sandal we got to tell the others." Sandal nodded suddenly began to shout "Everyone we got to-" only to be interrupted by Garrett and Bodahn.
Bending down slightly Garrett said "Sandal we don't want to make too much noise okay. Don't won't to lead the Darkspawn to us. Can you be a little quieter?"
Sandal looked at Garrett with his plain yet innocent face then lowered his voice whispering "okay." Garrett grinned slightly straightening up and whispering "good man." Bodahn turned to Garrett smiling as he said "thank you Hawke he means well."
Garrett nodded saying "I understand," as Anders grinned a bit and Fenris just shifted while Varric chuckled. Patting his son on his back Bodahn fondly said "come on boy there's seventeen people on the Expedition we've already told half of them." Garrett turned to his friends saying "alright let's go we need to take point and scout ahead for the others."
Varric, Anders, and Fenris nodded and followed Garrett to scout ahead, their weapons ready. As Garrett led his friends to take point he couldn't help but think been down here for a week and a half... I wonder how Bethany and mother are doing?
Noon, Kirkwall
Lowtown Marketplace
Bethany Hawke walked through the Lowtown Marketplace with her friend Juliana. "Thanks for helping me today Bethany, I can ask my dad to pay you something" Juliana said as walked beside Bethany carrying a box of supplies.
"It's no trouble Juliana I wasn't doing much anyway and Garrett and I saved plenty of money so I don't need coin." Bethany said walking with Juliana also carrying a box. Juliana smiled saying "sorry again, Jasmine got sick and mother's taking care of her so I'd need help while father's trying to get more customers in Hightown."
"I'm glad you managed to get your business back on track, after everything we went through it's good to know we're all doing pretty well" Bethany said honestly as she stopped to see Tomwise's new booth.
"Friend of yours?" Juliana asked following Bethany towards the small but stocked booth in Lowtown that Tomwise and his brother Samwise now worked from. "Yeah back from when I was a Docker with my brother" Bethany answered just as Samwise noticed her and waved before tapping his brother on the shoulder.
Now standing in front of the new booth Bethany said "hello Tomwise, Samwise, how are you two liking the new booth?" Tomwise smiled at her saying "it's great, good business so far and it's a lot safer than Darktown ever was."
Samwise nodded saying "we even got enough coin to get an apartment for us here in Lowtown we owe your brother a lot." My brother's a good guy Bethany thought as she smiled saying "how's Hubert been treating you? I know he makes you give a discount to the Miners and that in five months he wants you to pay back some of the investment."
Tomwise shrugged saying "it's better than nothing and some of the Miners aren't so bad. I like that one guy. Mallin I think his name was." Samwise spoke up saying "yeah he told us Hawke saved him, he's a good guy never drinks at work unlike a lot of Miners."
"Hehe that's Hawke always saving people" Juliana said with a light tone. "That's my brother" Bethany said fondly before noticing that Juliana keep glancing at Samwise's missing arm. "So who's your friend Bethany?" Tomwise asked not wanting to be rude.
"This is Juliana, she's Ferelden like me" Bethany said turning to Juliana mouthing "don't stare." "Sorry" Juliana mouthed back as Samwise didn't appear to take notice and just kept taking stock.
"Glad to meet you" Tomwise said as he shook Juliana's hand. "Same to you" Juliana said shaking Tomwise's hand and moving awkwardly to shake Samwise's hand. Samwise put down a bottle he was stocking and extended is one hand to shake.
Juliana smiled politely as she shook Samwise's hand while not looking at is missing one. "Sorry to cut this short guys but I was helping Juliana deliver some crops" Bethany said not wanting to be rude but knowing that the Hanged Man was waiting for it's delivery.
"Don't let us keep you, we'll see you around Bethany" Tomwise said waving them off with his brother. Bethany nodded and followed Juliana back towards the Hanged Man.
As they walked Juliana turned to face Bethany saying "you know the strangest people." "You have no idea" Bethany said lightly.
"Anyway so I'm glad you and Garrett are dating, I think you look good together" Bethany said facing Juliana. "I don't know if we should call it dating yet but maybe... I hope so " Juliana said smiling. "My family and I might not even be here without Garrett, I still remember how he pulled father aside at Lothering … he just knew what to do" Juliana said with a fond look on her face as Bethany nodded grinning.
Upon reaching the Hanged Man and entering the tavern Bethany noticed Aveline at the bar stand. Waving to Norah the waitress and following Juliana into the back room to deliver the supplies Bethany was surprised to see Aveline drink Ale.
Aveline almost never drinks wonder why she is now Bethany thought after helping Juliana put the boxes up. "Thanks again Bethany, well that's all for now. I'll see you tomorrow then?" Juliana said leaving the back room. Bethany nodded saying "yeah, tell Jasmine I said hi."
Bethany watched Juliana leave the Hanged Man as she walked towards where Aveline was sitting. "Hey Aveline something wrong?" Bethany asked causing Aveline to look up from her drink and straighten up saying "hello Bethany, nothing's wrong just having some trouble with work is all."
"Whatever it is I'm sure you'll get it Aveline" Bethany said taking a seat beside Aveline as the City Guard took another drink of her Ale. "I'm looking for someone. A suspect but this person's good at laying low an I haven't had much luck... none of the us have" Aveline said dryly.
"At least you're not the only one looking I'm sure someone will find them eventually" Bethany said reassuringly. Aveline brightened at that saying "thanks for the support Bethany. Anyway enough about me, how are you doing Bethany? Your brother's still on the Expedition and from what I hear your getting close to having your estate back pretty soon."
Bethany nodded saying "mother says we'll have the estate back soon." Aveline nodded happy for her friend as Bethany frowned as she continued "I'm worried about my brother... I wish I was there to help but I can't blame mother for wanting me to stay."
Aveline patted Bethany's shoulder saying "your brother's tough Bethany. He survived the Fall of Ostagar, Lothering, the Korcari Wilds, becoming a 'Docker', walking away from Athenril, all the 'jobs' from Varric." Bethany nodded saying "you're right Aveline thanks."
Just then Aveline and Bethany felt some someone suddenly lean on both of their shoulders. "Hey guys! Bethany finally drinking alright one for you on me!" Isabela said as she leaned on the shoulders of Bethany and Aveline to their mild annoyance.
Slipping out of Isabela's arm Bethany said "no I still don't drink and I haven't started. It's Aveline's." "Yet" Isabela said smirking as she shifted her weight and leaned entirely on Aveline to her annoyance. Aveline freed herself from Isabela saying "Bethany's not going to start drinking she doesn't even like Ale... don't lean on me."
Isabela moved with surprising speed and took the seat beside Aveline so that the City Guard was between her and Bethany. "Well at least you're loosening up, now all you need is a room at the Blooming Rose" Isabela said still smirking as she tired to lean on Aveline's other shoulder only to be rebuffed again.
Just then Bethany noticed someone sit beside her, turning she saw it was Merrill. "Hello Bethany, sorry about Isabela. She dragged me here so 'her kitten wouldn't be cooped up at the time.' How you've been?" Merrill said as Bethany noticed Aveline rebuffing Isabela's attempt to lean on her.
"Fine if a bit bored" Bethany answered as Aveline glared silent at Isabela causing her to smirk playfully. "I'm sorry guys but I was just helping a friend then saying hi to Aveline, I gotta head home" Bethany said honestly as she stood up.
"Okay then I'll see you around" Merrill said smiling as Isabela waved saying "you ever want to drink let me know." Bethany chuckled as she shook her head 'no' and started towards the exit when suddenly Aveline stood up saying "I'll walk with you Bethany, only to stopped for a quick drink."
Bethany nodded as she waited for Aveline catch up with her then left the Hanged Man together.
Aveline really took the whole 'I'll keep an eye out for them' thing seriously, she's a good friend Bethany thought as they walked towards Gamlen's house. "Why is Hawke even friends with that 'woman'... then again your brother seems to have some odd friends Bethany" Aveline said walking.
"Isabela's not so bad though she can be a bit... 'wild' at times" Bethany said just as they reached Gamlen's house. "Here we are, thanks for the company Aveline" Bethany said as made for the front door.
"Anytime and I mean that" Aveline said as she waved and took her leave. Mother and Gamlen are still with Hubert at Hightown so looks like it's just me and Kane for nowBethany thought as went inside and proceeded to lock the front door.
Kane ran up to meet her with a happy bark causing Bethany to pat him on his head. Going to the kitchen and getting something for Kane to eat Bethany couldn't help but wonder how her brother was doing, after all it had been more than a week.
The Deep Roads
Garrett Hawke raised his Shield blocking a slash from a Darkspawn causing a loud clang to heard then moving quickly Garrett pushed the Darkspawn back with his Shield and stabbed it in the heart with his Longsword.
Pulling his Longsword out of the Darkspawn's chest and causing the corpses to fall to the floor with a heavy thud Garrett noticed Fenris behead the Darkspawn he was fighting and Varric sniping from the back.
Fenris stood his ground as two Darkspawn rushed him and Garrett ran to lend a hand. Reaching Fenris in a few long strides Garrett slammed his Shield into one of the Darkspawn pushing it back and using his Longsword, slit it's throat. Fenris used a heavy two handed swing to disarm the single Darkspawn he was fighting and proceeded to stab the Darkspawn in the heart.
Freeing his Fighting Greatsword from the Darkspawn Fenris turned to Garrett and nodded thanks. "Hawke! We got more incoming!" Varric called from the back as he sniped.
Garrett and Fenris turned their weapons at the ready seeing six Darkspawn charging for them.
Damn. How many more of them are there Garrett thought as he and Fenris stood their ground. Just then a Lightning Bolt hit one Darkspawn and then proceeded to jump to another Darkspawn striking it in the chest.
Both Darkspawn fell to the floor dead. Anders didn't even slow down from his casting as he used a quick Spirit Bolt to take down another Darkspawn then cast Stone Fist batting another Darkspawn away. Varric aimed and sniped the Darkspawn Anders had batted away as Garrett and Fenris rushed the last two Darkspawn.
Garrett used his Shield to block a slash and push the Darkspawn he was fighting back. Garrett slashed with his Longsword only to be blocked by the Darkspawn raising it's Longsword.
Looks that this one's a cut above the restGarrett thought as he was almost pushed back by the Darkspawn but managed to hold his ground and slam his Shield into the Darkspawn. The Darkspawn was pushed back from Garrett's Shield and hissed coldly at him as it slashes heavily at him.
Garrett blocked with his Shield and pushing the Darkspawn's Longsword aside Garrett managed to stab the Darkspawn through it's neck with his Longsword killing it.
The Darkspawn's eyes widened and hissed as it died and Garrett pulled his Longsword out of the Darkspawn's neck. Looking around Garrett noticed that three more Darkspawn had arrived but that Anders and Varric were sniping them. Garrett turned and saw Fenris heavily slash the Darkspawn he was fighting in the chest killing it.
Seeing that Anders and Varric had finished off the last three Darkspawn Garrett let out a breath of relief. "We're clear no more Darkspawn... at least for now" Anders called as Garrett sheathed his Longsword and Shield. Fenris walked with Garrett heading back to Varric and Anders near the back.
"Don't know how you do that Blondie but thanks for being our personal Darkspawn Detector" Varric said chuckling. "Everyone okay, any injuries?" Garrett asked reaching Anders and Varric to get a better look at them.
"All good Hawke. Plan works well" Varric said smirking as Anders shook his head saying "no injuries here, how about you two? You were both in the thick of it."
Fenris spoke up facing Anders dryly saying "you need to cover us more when things start. Hawke and I can't hold out forever on our own and Varric can only snipe so fast." Anders scoffed saying "I know how to cast spells Fenris, besides I thinned the crowd remember. Never left you with more than you two could handle, no offense Hawke."
"None taken Anders, the point is my plan works. Fenris and I draw them in and you two thin them out and we keep them away from you two so both of you can snipe in safety" Garrett said clearing the tension.
Fenris nodded as Varric smirked saying "don't worry some much Mr. Broody, between Hawke and Anders's combined experience fighting Darkspawn we got nothing to worry about." Garrett laughed lightly saying "more Anders than me. Come on we need to let Bartand know the path's clear."
The others nodded and followed Garrett as he led the group back to Bartand and the rest of the Expedition. Upon making back to Bartand Garrett saw him and rest of the Expedition waiting for them with Bartand looking impatient.
"We're back guys. Side Passage's clear, we can go around the rubble inside of trying to drill through it" Garrett called re-entering the makeshift Camp site the Expedition had chosen in this old abandoned Dwarven Outpost.
It had taken awhile to decide to make camp here since every one had different opinions of how safe it was... until Anders had spoken up saying that it was safest because there were multiple exits and that to trust him since 'in Darkspawn territory you always want more than two ways out.' Garrett saw the logic in that and agreed that the more exits they had the more ways they had to lose any large groups of Darkspawn.
"About blighted time! I was going to fire up the drills again and leave you behind!" Bartand complained crossing his arms. Varric strode over to his brother saying "glad to know you care so much brother; you can just feel the brotherly love."
"Yeah, yeah, get ready we leave within the hour" Bartand said as he began organizing the worker's packing. Just as Garrett and his friends were about to move on Bodahn suddenly ran up to them saying "wait! Excuse me Hawke I need your help!"
Garrett stopped in his tracks turning to face Bodahn saying "something wrong Bodahn?" Panting slightly as if nervous Bodahn said "it's my boy Sandal. He wandered off in another of those Side Passages. Please! Hawke you and your friends are the only ones who can save him. My boy just doesn't understand danger like he should."
Fenris shifted uncomfortably saying "a single man out there, Anders you know better than any of us what would his chances be?" Anders frowned saying "not very good but there's a still a chance."
Garrett couldn't help but notice that Anders didn't sound too confident about that last part but understood that his friend was trying to make Bodahn feel better. "My boy's sturdier than you think! He should have a few enchantments with him. He'll survive! He's burned down the house twice by accident!" Bodahn said clearly panicking.
Garrett took a step forward and put a hand on Bodahn's shoulder reassuringly saying "calm down Bodahn we'll go look for alright." Bodahn calmed visibly at that and he nodded saying "thank you Hawke! Thank so much."
Varric pulled out his trusty crossbow Bianca saying "we'll find your boy Bodahn where did you see him last." Bodahn let out a sigh of relief saying "okay last I saw he was looking at the Side Passage on the far right. It was my fault I was double checking the supplies and I turned then hew as gone. He must have wanted to explore it."
"We'll bring him back" Garrett said as he and the others got ready. "Let's move quickly then, we've got an hour before Bartand moves on" Fenris said gripping his Fighting Greatsword.
"We can move faster, even if he moves on we could still catch up" Garrett said as he led his friends to the Side Passage on the far right.
Ten minutes into the search for Sandal the group wasn't having to much luck but according to Anders there no Darkspawn nearby... though they had run into some really big Spiders awhile ago.
They had taken care of those Spider pretty quickly and moved on but still no sign of Sandal and the deeper they went into the Passage the more likely they'd run into another group of Darkspawn.
We've proven we can take them but so for it's only been small groups... don't know if we could handle a large group down here Garrett thought darkly as he led them onward and around corner coming upon clearing that was appeared to be Dwarven built and not naturally formed. Apparently by hollowing out a wall to form a crossroads between Passages.
All of them stopped to look at the Dwarven built clearing seeing that... strange crystallized objects protruded out of the walls that glowed blue. Seeming to grow out of the wall... no through it. The objects were woven into the ground too... it was like the objects had grown out of the ground and spread it's 'roots' into the wall and continued to grow... almost plant like.
"Is that Lyrium?" Garrett asked slightly agape. Varric shrugged saying "no idea Hawke, looks nice though." Fenris held up his right arm and glanced at the Lyrium Markings on it then at the strange objects as Anders spoke up saying "... I think so."
Taking a step forward to stand beside Garrett, Anders continued "it's more 'pure' Lyrium than those potions we usually get back in the surface. I've seen something like this before."
"Come on we need to find Sandal" Garrett taking point and leading them into the Dwarven made clearing. Walking into the Dwarven made clearing Garrett and the others had their weapons ready for whatever what was inside but instead they were deeply surprised by what they saw.
There standing at end of the clearing where it diverged into two passages was Sandal calm and clearly unharmed... with corpses of several Darkspawn laying all around the area.
"Well I'll be a nug's uncle. The boy survived and even took down a few Darkspawn" Varric said smirking as Sandal didn't seem to noticed them and proceeded to scratch his butt... somehow making everything much more comical.
"Sandal your father's worried about you come on we need to get back" Garrett called as he and the others walked up to Sandal. Sandal slowly turned around and grinned stupidly with plain yet innocent face saying "hello." "Talk about dumb luck" Anders said lightheartedly as Sandal just kept grinning and looking at them.
Garrett took a step closer saying "how did you take down those Darkspawn Sandal." Then noticing something out of the corner of his eyes Garrett turned his head towards one of paths the Dwarven made clearing led to and almost gaped as he saw an Ogre apparently crystallized.
"And how did you do 'that'" Garrett asked honestly impressed. Sandal just blinked and looked at Garrett saying "not enchantment."
What does that mean Garrett thought as Sandal just stood there until Garrett gestured for the boy to follow him and the other saying "come on we're going back." Sandal nodded and followed Garrett as he led everyone back the way they came with Varric muttering "smart boy."
Three Days Later
Noon, Kirkwall
The Docks
Bethany Hawke sat perched on a higher level of the Docks watching the Sea and feeling the wind blow on her face as Kane slouched beside her. Kane whimpered slightly beside her so Bethany reached her hand over and scratched his ears looking at him.
Kane looked up at her as Bethany smiled lightly before saying "it's okay boy, I worry about them too." Bethany chuckled as Kane seemed to smile and rolled over allowing her to rub his stomach.
"Ah look at the little puppy" a familiar voice called approaching Bethany from where she sat perched.
"He's not a puppy he's a full grown Mabari" Bethany said as she turned to see Isabela sit down next to her saying "still cute either way." "What are you doing at the Docks Isabela" Bethany said as Kane looked at Isabela curiously. Isabela shrugged saying "kitten was too busy, Varric and the others are on the Expedition might as well talk to the other Ship Captains."
Bethany nodded understanding as Isabela turned to her gesturing towards the Gallows visible in the distance saying "what about you? Why are you at the Docks? It can't be the view."
Bethany looked away towards the ports saying "I can see the port we used when my family and I first came here." Isabela gave Bethany and odd look causing her to say "what?"
Isabela smiled with different look in her eyes that Bethany had never seen before saying "Hawke's fine Bethany. Your brother's a Soldier plus they have Anders." Wow Isabela being serious, don't see that often Bethany thought before frowning as she said "I know... I just wish I was there to help."
Isabela sudden swung her arm over Bethany's shoulder saying "trust me Bethany you don't want to be stuck in some dark cramped tunnels filled with Darkspawn and more importantly a bunch of men without any bathes or toilets."
Bethany chuckled at that glad that Isabela knew how to lighten the mood while being serious at the same time. "Yeah I understand why mother wanted me to stay I just worry about them from time to time though I know Garrett can handle himself" Bethany said as Isabela removed her arm from Bethany's shoulder.
Isabela shifted slightly as Bethany noticed her speak in way she'd never heard Isabela speak before... serious with a hint of sadness.
"You're lucky to have a brother like Hawke, Bethany. Not everyone's that blessed. He's always looking out for you. Almost seems like a dad at times... hehe it's sweet" Isabela said with a hint of sadness.
Just then they heard someone calling "Bethany! There you are." Bethany and Isabela turned seeing Aveline walking towards them. Standing up and startling Kane slightly Bethany said "hey Aveline is it time already?"
Aveline nodded lightly saying "yeah your mother sent me to come get you." Isabela stood up as well asking "is something going on?" Bethany turned to Isabela saying "just having a small get together with some friends and the Crewe family."
"Eh I got nothing else better to do I'm coming along" Isabela said merrily as she moved to stand beside Bethany and Kane. Aveline nodded walking with Bethany, Isabela, and Kane towards Gamlen's house. Bethany turned to Aveline as they walked saying "won't don't you stay at the get together Aveline. It'd be nice to catch up. I know you've been busy but it's only one day off."
Aveline frowned then turned to Bethany saying "fine it's only one day off and I'm not the only one on the case." Bethany smiled glad to have another friend at the get together back at Gamlen's house.
The Deep Roads
Strange Ruins
Garrett Hawke looked at the strange carvings on the wall of this strange Ruin they'd found about a day ago. According to Varric this isn't like normal Thaigs. Plus apart from the strange design of this place there was all this unique 'Red Lyrium' appearing to grow alongside Blue Lyrium in the place almost becoming a part of the ruins themselves Garrett thought running a hand on the wall.
Turning around and walking up to Bartand Garrett asked "does this place match your Scavenger Tales?" Bartand turned to Garrett looking confused as he said "yes but nothing makes sense down here. Whatever Dwarfs lived here they came before they First Blight."
Just then Varric appeared to the right of them saying "we've already figured that out. This place is old, anything we find down here will be valuable." Garrett raised an eyebrow at Varric remembering the Dwarf's first reaction of find this place saying 'holy shit. Hawke we found it'.
Grinning slightly at the memory Garrett asked "what happened? not impressed any more?" Varric shrugged saying "of course I am but we came here to make a profit so we should focus on that first."
Bartand spoke up saying "I know it was my idea! Still where are the statues of Paragons. I don't recognize any markings on these walls or anything in these Ruins."
Garrett stroked the stubble on his chin that was very nearly a beard due to not bothering to shave since down here saying "this place is old. Maybe your people were different when they built this place."
Bartand scoffed at him saying "I know enough about my people's history to know Dwarfs haven't changed much. We've been mired in tradition for Ages. Just the location of this place is valuable I hope the Dwarfs who lived here left other valuables."
Garrett nodded and walked towards Varric saying "how we doing Varric? We pick up anything worth while?" Varric smirked as gestured towards the back where Bodahn and his boy Sandal were packing up artifacts as he said "oh yeah we've around found some great stuff Hawke. Should make a great profit on that alone."
Garrett smiled lightly at that knowing that things were looking up as Varric spoke up saying "anyway where's Mr. Broody and Blondie? Hope they didn't decide to go fight to death somewhere or something."
"Anders is looking at Red Lyrium and Fenris is sharping his Greatsword in the corner over there" Garrett said gesturing to where Anders and Fenris were in turn.
Varric nodded saying "alright just let them know we're scouting ahead in ten minutes Hawke. Oh and Bartand's tagging along just thought you should know." Garrett raised an eyebrow saying "Bartand wants to tag along? He usually just waits with the rest of the Expedition workers, why does he want to come with us now?"
Varric shrugged saying "my bother's a bit paranoid at times. Knowing him the way I do I'll bet he thinks you'll try to cheat him by keeping some artifacts for yourself." "What? I've put everything I've found with the rest in storage just like everyone else" Garrett replied.
"Hey it's not me Hawke it's my brother" Varric holding his hand up. Garrett nodded saying "yeah I know. Let's get Anders and Fenris ready come on."
After getting everyone ready Garrett led the group to scout head down the only path left unexplored in the Ruins with Bartand tagging along. It was about half an hour in and so far they'd been lucky and no Darkspawn or anything else had bothered them.
"Anders?" Garrett asked wondering why nothing had bothered them at all... it wasn't right. "Still clear Hawke" Anders called just as the group turned a corner finding a long plight of stairs leading down to a single closed door.
"Lets check it out it looks sort of like a Vault" Bartand said spotting the door and noticing how thick and heavy the door looked like everyone else did. Of course he let's us leadGarrett thought offhandedly as Bartand waited for them to go first.
Garrett walked to the door with the others following him and just as he put his hand on the door Anders suddenly spoke up warily. "Wait... I feel... something here. Maybe we should skip this one" Anders said warily as he stopped in his tracks and frowned heavily.
Bartand scoffed saying "we've got you four come on! There could be gold in there!" "Hawke... just be careful" Anders said frowning Garrett nodded saying "I will be." Garrett unsheathed his Longsword just to safe and put his hand on the door and pushed it open.
The door open almost effortlessly... odd considering how heavy it looked. The room wasn't a vault but more of a clearing with some stairs leading to platform where a podium of sorts was holding something.
There's that odd Red Lyrium again it's the only light source in the room... why would they build it like thatGarrett thought as he slowly walked in the clearing his Longsword raised. "It's safe" Garrett called simply as he sheathed his Longsword with the others following him in.
Garrett, Varric, Fenris, and Anders walked up the stairs to see what the podium as Bartand stayed near the door not wanting to actually go in. "Come on brother step inside a take a look" Varric called as the four of them looked at the podium seeing a kind of Idol held with in the podium. "Yeah... just give me a minute" Bartand called as he gazed at the door for some reason.
Anders keep frowning so Garrett turned to him "what's wrong, Darkspawn?" Anders shook his head 'no' saying "not Darkspawn... it's this place." That caused everyone even Bartand to stop in their tracks and look at him waiting for him elaborate.
Anders held up one of his hands saying "this place... it... resist Magic somehow... the strange Lyrium maybe... and it's all over the walls, this side of the door, the ceiling, Maker even the floor."
Garrett frowned and took a step closer to his friend whispering "how's Justice?" "Fine but he doesn't like being here... nor I" Anders whispered back as Varric spoke up saying "either way this Idol looks valuable... it's looks like it's made of pure Lyrium... Black Lyrium."
Fenris nodded and proceeded to slowly and carefully pull the strange Lyrium Idol out of the podium and examined it saying "... this Lyrium is black... why?" "Beats me but I've never heard of black Lyrium so it must be valuable" Bartand said as he slowly moved away from the door.
Varric took the Idol from Fenris saying "whoever made this crafted it amazingly... there's a lot of engraving on here but I can't read them." Anders shook his head and took a step back as if feeling sick causing Garrett to turn to him looking concerned as he asked "Anders you okay?"
Bartand suddenly called to his brother saying "give it here. I know Dwarven history better than you maybe I can read it." Anders stumbled slightly and put a hand to his forehead as Garrett frowned and step closer to his friend to get a better look at him saying "Anders what's wrong?"
Varric turned and tossed the strange Idol to his brother Bartand, whom caught it from where he stood next to the door. Bartand examined the Idol saying "the craftsmanship is amazing, great find." Varric smirked saying "not bad, come let's check what else we can find."
Fenris stepped away form the podium saying "there's a passage over here we could look through." Anders looked up at Garrett saying "that Idol... Justice is wary of it... and so I am." Garrett nodded and turned to Bartand calling "be careful with that Idol, Anders is worried so there's probably something magical about it."
"Yeah I'll do that" Bartand said oddly. Garrett raised an eyebrow and gave his full attention to Bartand whom still hadn't gone up the stairs and just stayed near the door. "Bartand you alright?" Garrett asked narrowing his eyes and started towards his 'business partner'.
"Fine" Bartand called before suddenly and surprisingly bolting out the door and shutting it behind him.
The door!Garrett thought as he and everyone rushed to the now closed Lyrium encased door. Garrett reached the door first and tired to open it but found that there was no handle... the door was designed to be opened only from the outside.
That's why he kept staring at the door... bastardGarrett thought angrily trying to grab a part of the door to pull on but to no avail. Varric banged on the door disbelief written all over his face as he said "Bartand we're locked in."
"You always did notice everything Varric" Bartand called dryly as he chuckled. Varric gaped clearly in shock as he said "are you joking! You're going to screw over your own brother for a lousy Idol!"
"Not just the Idol! The location of these Ruins alone is worth a fortune and I'm not splitting that three ways! Sorry Brother it's just business!" Bartand called as Garrett and the others heard him walking away from the door. "Bartand! Bartand!" Varric cried still in shock.
Great now whatGarrett thought before Fenris suddenly rushed over saying "stand aside Hawke."
Garrett moved out of the way as Fenris's Markings glowed blue and he attempted to stick his right hand through the door... but failed. Garrett gaped as Fenris seemed to find resistance keeping him from 'phasing' through the door.
Fenris grunted in frustration as he kept trying and managed 'phase' the tip of a few fingers in but it took a lot of effort and fresh sweet was dripping down his face. Fenris grunted in frustration as he keep pushing but couldn't get his hand through any more... then that's when Garrett noticed a small trail of blood pouring down Fenris's Nose.
"Fenris stop!" Garrett shouted putting a hand on Fenris's shoulder. "I can do this" Fenris called still trying but to no avail.
"You're going to kill yourself stop!" Garrett called as he took action and grabbed Fenris by his shoulders and pulled him back. Fenris let out a heavy breath as he was pulled back and his Markings stopped glowing.
Anders stepped forward and held out his hand and proceeded to blast the door with a burst of raw Magic... only for it strike the door and dissipate into nothing. Anders took a step back in shock and gazed at the strange Red Lyrium again.
Varric seething in anger waving everyone back saying "here let me try!" Garrett moved back alongside Anders as he dragged Fenris by the shoulders as Varric pulled out his trusty Crossbow Bianca and loaded a special bolt. Garrett let go of Fenris as the Elf put a hand to his Nose.
Making sure to keep a good distance Varric aimed and fired his special bolt. Only for the strange Red Lyrium to light up just as the Bolt hit the door... and seemed to protect it from the small explosion. Varric's special bolt didn't even damage the door... seemingly protected by the strange Red Lyrium that encased the entire room even the floor and ceiling.
What in Thedas is this?Garrett thought as he got an idea and pulled out his Longsword. "Let me try. The Red Lyrium protects the room and resist Magic. Maybe Spirit Force can do something," Garrett called as he focused and used the talents he learned from Xenon's Tome to infuse his Longsword with the Spirit Force so famously used by the Templars.
Using his now Spirit Force infused Longsword Garrett heavily slashed at the door... and managed to make a small thin cut across the door.
"It's no use Hawke it barely did anything. The doors and walls are thick don't waste your strength" Anders called as he bowed his head and went to check on Fenris and his bleeding Nose.
Garrett nodded knowing it would take days for him to cut through the door and using Templar Talents drained a lot out of him. Anders raised his hand to Fenris's Nose and healed it, a bright green light pulsing from his hand and into Fenris's Nose.
"Anders is Fenris alright" Garrett called as Varric walked to the door and slammed a fist on it. "I'm fine Hawke, just a bit tired" Fenris said wiping the last of the blood from his Nose as Anders nodded his agreement. Anders took a step towards Garrett saying "I think this place was made to cage that Idol or something... even Justice was worried by it."
"The door could be open from the outside though... maybe this room was meant to hold the Idol until someone came and got it. But why protect the inside so much" Garrett said curiously.
"You're guess is a good as mine Hawke" Anders said not understanding it any better than Garrett. "I swear, I will find that son of a bitch... sorry mother... and I will kill him!" Varric said stepping away from the door to look at the others.
Bartand betrayed his own brother... what kind of man does thatGarrett thought as he sighed saying "let's hope there's a way out of here." Fenris spoke up darkly saying "there's one passage on the other side of the podium, it's the only path left to us now."
Garrett stroked the stubble on his chin that was nearly a beard thinking only one path left to us... maybe this room was suppose to keep whatever is on the other side of that passage from getting out with the Idol. Garrett shook his head thinking but why build the passage in the first place... we don't know the full story here... probably never will.
"Alright we need to be careful. We don't have extra supplies and only one way that might led us out" Garrett said dryly as he took point and led them into the passage on the other side of the podium.
As Garrett and the others walked through the narrow passage they came upon something that surprised them.
There in the floor of the passage was the corpse of long dead Darkspawn. "What? Someone killed a Darkspawn here long ago... but I've never heard of Darkspawn traveling without a group" Garrett said pondering what was it about this place.
Anders stepped forward and knelt down to inspect the Darkspawn Corpse saying "not sure what killed it... looks like it was pummeled to death or something." "Never seen a Darkspawn pummeled to death?" Garrett asked as Varric looked on ahead to make sure nothing surprised them with Fenris covering him.
Anders turned to Garrett saying "once... but not like this." Garrett shook his head saying "it doesn't matter right now, we need to keep moving." Fenris nodded as he gripped his Fighting Greatsword, Varric shifted his keeping his trusty Crossbow ready, and Anders got his Staff at the ready.
Garrett took point and led the group onwards further into the only passage left for them to follow. As he led the group Garrett couldn't help wonder about this place and all strange things here... the Idol, the room, and what had killed a 'lone' Darkspawn down here...
Early Nightfall
Kirkwall, Lowtown
Gamlen's House
Bethany Hawke was cleaning up after the small get together, it was rather nice. The Crewe family had been there along with Isabela and Aveline. Juliana didn't seem to like Isabela all that much but that was probably because of when Isabela had had 'fun' with her at the Hanged Man by clinging to Garrett 'affectionately' Bethany thought.
That was pretty mean of Isabela but it didn't matter in the end Bethany thought as she cleaned. Isabela had already left saying that is nice but she wanted to drink at the Hanged Man.
After awhile the Crewe family had left and Bethany was left cleaning up with her mother and Gamlen surprisingly along with Aveline whom had decided to help them. Bethany had told her it was okay but Aveline insisted it wasn't and that she would help clean.
Once finished Bethany walked Aveline out seeing that some people were still milling about Lowtown as she said "thanks again Aveline. Glad you're always checking up on us." Aveline nodded lightly saying "it's no trouble Bethany. You ever need anything just find me okay."
"Okay" Bethany said walking Aveline outside and down the stairs from Gamlen's front door. Aveline turned to Bethany smiling slightly as she said "you were right Bethany. I needed a day off but now back to work."
Bethany nodded saying "I'm sure you'll find your suspect Aveline, you're a good City Guard." "Thanks for that Bethany" Aveline said brightening up at that visibly as she waved and began taking her leave.
But unbeknownst to either of them was that while they had chatted... a man had been watching them.
This man had blended in with the people still milling about Lowtown and watched them with interest undetected by either Bethany or Aveline. The man with a ragged scar running across his lips and past his cheeks watched Bethany then switched to Aveline as the City Guard began to leave. What do you know, just like me the man thought as he followed Aveline with his eyes as she left.
The scarred man reached to the knife sheathed on his belt and started tapping the blade lightly...
First I want to say the room idea came to since I was wondered about how a simply door could stop Hawke
Or Anyone else... seriously Varric has exploding arrows but can't take down a door? Mages suddenly can't blast a door open?
So this is my take on it because I kinda wondered about the weird Lyrium around the Thaig there so I added that part so it'd make more sense.
The second part to Betrayal will be up soon. :D
Thanks for reading and please review.