Hey guys, had fun writing this
Hope you enjoy it
Night, Kirkwall
Darktown
"I can help you..." the strange man said surprising Garrett and causing him to raise an eyebrow saying "what makes you think I need help?"
The strange man gave him an odd look as if debating something then shifted speaking in his odd voice saying "right now that's not important but your sister's in the Circle and you want to smuggle her out. I can help with that."
Narrowing his eyes Garrett looked at the strange man's scar coldly said "you wouldn't help me of all people for nothing" "True, there's a reason I came to you" the strange man said simply.
Garrett looked at the strange man with suspicion and crossed his arms asking "why?" "Not here. I know a place we can talk more privately" the strange man said glancing around Darktown, you never knew who and where people were in Darktown. "No" Garrett said simply, not wanting to be led into a trap and still wary of this man after all why would he help Garrett after what he had done to this man.
"Don't trust me eh. I can understand that" the strange man said seriously as he reached for something sheathed on his belt. Garrett's hand twitched almost reaching for his Longsword before stopping at what he saw...
The strange man pulled out a knife from his belt and held it out for Garrett to see as he lightly tapped the blade saying "I could have sold this but I didn't for the same reason you kept yours."
Garrett nodded slowly and reached to his belt pulling out his knife and held it out tapping the blade causing the strange man to smirk... which looked odd because of the scar.
"Honor. One Soldier to another" the strange man said still smirking as Garrett looked the strange man straight in the eye slowly saying "... you were at Ostagar."
More than a Year ago
Fortress of Ostagar
Garrett Hawke stood in the large clearing set aside in the Army Camp beside his younger brother Carver Hawke waiting in line waiting to get issued their equipment alongside the other recruits whom had finished their training.
Garrett glanced at his little brother Carver noticing he was still a bit grumpy and frowned asking "does it really bother you that much?" Carver crossed his arms and turned to his face his older brother saying "you're a Corporal almost straight out of training... of course it bothers me."
"I don't have any control of that Carver. Captain Varel promoted me to Corporal and I honestly don't know why" Garrett said shrugging knowing it hurt Carver's ego that his older brother had a higher rank than him this early in the Army. Especially since they both finished training together, though they'd already learned a few things from their father giving them an advantage over the other recruits.
Carver scoffed saying "of course you'd get ahead of me here just like everywhere else." Garrett patted his brother's shoulder saying "hey you'll get there." Carver shrugged saying "yeah, yeah... at least we're officially in the Ferelden Army today."
"Not yet but in a few minutes" Garrett said offhandedly as Carver and he stepped forward as the line moved forward until they reached the tables.
"Name?" the Elven woman standing across the table from Garrett asked not even bothering to look up at him. "Hawke, Garrett" Garrett answered as the Elven woman filled out some forms quickly then handed Garrett the form gesturing for him to move on.
Garrett moved on but waited a few feet away for his brother to get his form too. After Carver had gotten his form and rejoined Garrett they headed for the Armory together.
Once at the Armory they were handed their official blue Ferelden Field Armor along with their Field Kit then were led to a couple of tents that were set up as changing rooms. Upon changing out of their practice armor and in the official blue Ferelden Field Armor with their Weapons sheathed the Hawke brothers looked each other over.
"Well now we're finally in the Army" Carver said eagerly and smiling which was a pleasant surprise for Garrett as he clamped his younger brother on his arm. "Officially anyway. Come on we shouldn't block the others; we can open our Field Kits in Mess Hall" Garrett said gesturing for them to leave the tent.
Carver nodded and followed his brother out and headed for the mess hall which was really just a bunch of wooden benches out in the open forming more of a patio near the Barracks.
Finding an empty bench among all the people milling about trying to get a hot meal the Hawke brothers took a seat and proceeded to open their Field Kits there getting the rest of their field equipment along with a coin pouch filled with a modest amount of money.
Garret counted the coin he'd been issued thinking it'd just save it for now as Carver was still going through his Field Kit when he looked at something in it then glanced at Garrett causing him to say "something wrong Carver?"
"There's an extra knife in here..." Carver answered still rummaging around through the Field Kit and pulling out a sheathed knife with a strap to hang it on his belt.
"Why do you have an extra knife? We already got our weapons back in the Armory when we got our Ferelden Field Armor" Garrett asked raising his eyebrow at his younger brother.
"I didn't sneak it in. Besides I already have my Greatsword what do I need a little knife for" Carver said smirking before looking at his brother's Field Kit saying "did you get an extra one too?"
Garrett frowned and looking deeper into his Field Kit finding an extra knife in there as well still sheathed like Carver's was then pulled it out to get a better look as he glanced at Carver's as well saying "yeah."
"Sheath's made of Superior Leather then the other Sheaths" Garrett said turning it around in his hand to get a better look. "I'd rather just stick to my Greatsword" Carver said simply as he put the knife down on the bench. Garrett looked at Carver saying "I don't know... if someone ever got too close that extra knife could save your life." Carver scoffed saying "My Greatsword will make sure no one ever gets that close."
Just then an old stern voice called out to them "Hawke!"
Garrett and Carver stood up getting into attention seeing Captain Varel, the grizzled middle aged man in charge of Third Company, walking towards them but he waved them off saying "at ease."
"Alright then Hawke" Captain Varel began only to stop seeing both Garrett and Carver look up at him patiently. "Eh, the Elder Hawke" Captain Varel corrected causing Carver to grunt and cross his arms.
"Captain" Garrett answered glancing at his brother knowing Carver didn't like what had just happened.
"As you noticed I promoted you to Corporal. You have a good head for this and you're one of the best Swordsman in the company. You'll be assisting me with the other Corporals in running the company. Get some shut-eye while you can, tomorrow's gonna be a big day for all of us" Captain Varel said sternly.
Garrett nodded not sure what to make of that saying "yes sir." Captain Varel looked at the bench and at the sheathed knifes the Hawke brothers had found in their Field Kit then looked back at Garrett saying "see you two found the knives." "
Sir why didn't we get them back in the Armory when we got our weapons?" Garrett asked nodding as Carver leaned on the bench listening in. Captain Varel sighed dryly saying "unsheathe the knives and you'll see."
Garrett and Carver exchanged a glance then unsheathed their Knives looking at the well made and polished blades... but what got their attention was the small inscription on the blade.
There on the lower end of the blade near the handle was an small inscription 'the blight ends here' and above that was a small engraving of a lion's head.
"King Cailan's idea. He wants Ostagar and all of us to be in the history books and for the bards to sing songs so much that he wanted special knives given to all Soldiers" Captain Varel said awkwardly.
Garrett looked at Captain Varel saying "all of the Soldiers get one?" "Yeah all of us will have unique knives, there's also your Solder ID on the other side... it's our Dog Tags" Captain Varel answered.
Garrett shrugged and re-sheathed the knife and strapped it to his belt as Carver did the same. "Sir why didn't I make Corporal?" Carver asked looking his Captain straight in the eye.
Captain Varel looked Carver over slowly then said "Carver your a good Swordsman. Great even, one of the best in the company. You can keep up with your brother and even me."
Carver smirked slightly liking what he was hearing only for his face to fall as Captain Varel finished "but you're rash and don't follow orders too well. Fix it then maybe I'll promote you."
That's when Captain Varel did the one thing that made Carver angry... he said "be more like your brother." Carver grunted crossing his arms as Captain Varel nodded and took his leave of them.
Turning to his younger brother Garrett said "... he didn't mean it like that. But Captain Varel is right you shouldn't charge off on your own like you do sometimes." Carver gave Garrett an annoyed look saying "I can handle myself."
Garrett sighed dryly saying "yeah, yeah Carver you can handle yourself but keep charging off like that and you're gonna get yourself killed." Carver chuckled and patted his Greatsword saying "it'd take more than a few Darkspawn to take me."
Then giving his older brother an annoyed look Carver mockingly said "and if not the might 'Elder Hawke' will come save the day and people will forget all about the 'other' Hawke just like they always do."
Garrett sighed and held up a hand saying "can we not fight for ten minutes... let's just drop it." Carver shrugged and leaned on the bench again relaxing as his older brother glanced back at their unique knives issued by King Cailan.
Garrett looked around seeing more recruits that had became official Soldiers coming towards the mess hall. "Captain Varel was right we should get a hot meal before the rush starts" Garrett said as Carver looked around seeing all the incoming people then said "yeah good idea."
Picking up all their things the Hawke brothers stood up and walked quickly to get some decent food before most of it was gone.
Back to the present
Darktown
"... you were at Ostagar" Garrett said looking the strange man straight in the eye still holding the knife he'd gotten back in the Ferelden Army.
"As were you" the strange man said simply. Re-sheathing the knife Garrett said "Third Company. Captain Varel. You?" The strange man also re-sheathed his Ferelden issued knife saying "Fifth Company. Captain Curran."
"Captain Curran, yeah I remember him. Always used have to a drink after a skirmish" Garrett said keep a straight plain face. The strange man looked at Garrett oddly before saying "Captain Curran didn't drink no matter what... he was famous for it."
Garrett nodded saying "I know just checking. Anyone can sell or buy a knife." The strange man nodded understanding Garrett's concern that he might be a pretender saying "we need to talk somewhere private."
Garrett crossed his arms still not entirely trusting the strange man. "I already said this isn't revenge and I can help you" the strange man said calmly. "You want something from me in return for your help" Garrett said not asking but telling.
The strange man nodded saying "yes, just hear my proposal. You can walk away or not after but hear me out Hawke. Us Ferelden have to look out for each other."
"... Fine" Garrett said slowly as the strange man nodded put his hood back on and gestured for Garrett to follow as he started towards Lowtown.
"Wait" Garrett said after taking a step following the strange man. The strange man turned around giving Garrett a curious look. Garrett extended a hand saying "you know who I am. Only fair I know who you are." The strange man slowly shook Garrett's hand saying "Tolan."
Lowtown
Hidden Hovel
Garrett Hawke stood in this small but hidden hovel not dissimilar to the ones he'd seen when he was a smuggler working for Athenril.
Garrett had noticed some things about Tolan on their trip here, first was that he sometimes walked with a limp as if his leg pained him at time but he hide it pretty well, second was this lips twitched at times oddly.
Also back in Darktown Garrett had noticed that Tolan's voice had an odd tone to it... like there was something wrong with his Tongue then Garrett reminded himself that there probably was because of Tolan's scar.
Garrett turned to look at Tolan saying "reminds me of my Smuggling days." "With good reason it's used by Smugglers" Tolan answered seeming to relax more that they were somewhere more private. "Athenril's?" Garrett asked raising an eyebrow. "The one and only" Tolan answered sounding bitter. "Alright then Tolan... what's your proposal?" Garrett asked crossing his arms.
Tolan shifted slightly and paced back and fourth saying "don't know if you've noticed but things have been happening recently." "What kind of things?" Garrett asked raising an eyebrow.
"Criminals trading up. Doing things they normally wouldn't have done... a rise in their activity" Tolan said sternly as he still paced back and fourth across the small hidden Hovel. Garrett uncrossed his arms saying "I've heard a few things about it I have a friend in the Guard." "I know, she was also in the Ferelden Army just like us" Tolan said tapping the knife he'd carried since Ostagar.
Tolan's information on him and his friend was raising Garrett's suspension of him and this proposal causing him to narrow his eyes. "You know a lot of things about me... why?" Garrett asked his eyes narrowed.
"I had an interest in you... didn't know who you were at the time. Once I did, I kept my distance to see if you were the right person for this" Tolan said after a moment. "You've been stalking me?" Garrett asked suspiciously.
Tolan paused for a moment before saying "yeah, needed to learn more." "How long?" Garrett asked sternly. "About three months. Remember the whole thing with Guard Captain Jeven" Tolan answered. "That long" Garrett asked slightly agape and honestly surprised by that.
Taking a step forward Garrett asked "why were you looking into me?" Tolan looked at Garrett then spoke up saying "Athenril assigned me and some others to find those responsible for stopping Jeven leaking info out and had him sent to prison."
Garrett took a step back in disbelief at that saying "you work for Athenril now... even after-" only to be interrupted by Tolan bitterly saying "life is strange like that isn't it."
Tolan shrugged off his bitterness saying "as I said there's been a rise in criminal activity and it had to do with all of this... Jeven, Athenril, and the Coterie." "What does this have to do my sister" Garrett asked raising an eyebrow.
Tolan smirked saying "straight to the point alright then. You know what the Coterie is?" "Bunch of Criminals sorted into different branches who are always competing against each other but work together sometimes when they need to" Garrett answered remembering what Varric had told him all those months ago when they'd help out Aveline.
"Exactly. But something changed and now we got a lot of lower Criminals trading up. There's a new Coterie branch... this one mixed from a bit of all the others. They've recruited most of the lower Criminals into their branch and are causing a lot of problems for the City Guard and the other Coterie branches" Tolan said seriously as he paced back and forth.
"... Shouldn't that be bigger news" Garrett asked surprised. Tolan shrugged saying "I think the Viscount and the City Guard don't want to worry people and they don't want to admit how bad this could get with the Criminals going at it."
"With the City Guard and everyone else caught in the middle" Garrett said thinking aloud causing Tolan to nodded saying "exactly."
"That's serious news but what does that have to do with my sister?" Garrett asked growing a bit impatient. "... Athenril joined the new Coterie branch. She was one of the people Jeven was going to work with" Tolan said dryly.
Garrett stroked the stubble on his chin that was very nearly a beard due to all his time spent in the Deep Roads remembering how he first met Feynriel then said "... that's why Athenril started working with Slavers."
"Yeah it was a little after she 'persuaded' me to work for her" Tolan said darkly. "Again what does this have to do with my sister?" Garrett asked crossing his arms impatiently.
"You not her. And it has to do with everything" Tolan answered looked directly at Garrett as if to gauge his response. "... what do you mean me and not her?" Garrett asked narrowing his eyes.
"You walked away from Athenril. You and your friend in the Guard caught Jeven and had him arrested. What you didn't think there'd be consequences for that?
The Coterie branch Jeven was working for weren't happy about that and so they wanted to punish who had interfered with their work... Athenril took charge of that" Tolan said evenly as he gazed at Garrett.
Realization dawned on Garrett as his eyes widened.
Garrett looked at Tolan saying "you're saying... that Athenril... she-" "Athenril wanted to punish you and so she did" Tolan answered before Garrett could finish.
Anger pulsed through Garrett's entire being causing him to clench his hands tightly into fists.
"You work for Athenril now. Why are you telling me this?" Garrett asked through gritted teeth. "Because I hate that bitch" Tolan answered bitterly as he gestured at his leg where he sometimes limped. "It took a longtime for her find out it was you... someone protected you pretty well" Tolan said shifting slightly.
Varric Garrett thought as Tolan continued "I figured it out first. But I didn't tell Athenril. I kept it to myself once I found out it was you. I watched you for some time learning more to see if you were the right person for this."
"If you didn't tell Athenril how'd she find out?" Garrett asked in an angry tone as coldly looked at Tolan. "She got tired of our failure and took matters into her own hands... once Athenril found out she tipped off the Templars. At first she was going to just kill your sister but she decided it'd hurt you more if she was taken to the Circle with you unable to do anything about it" Tolan said still gauging Garrett's responses.
Garrett looked Tolan straight in the eye coldly saying "and you just did nothing." "Yes, your sister wasn't going to die just get taken by the-" Tolan began only to interrupted by Garrett's fist colliding into Tolan's face.
Tolan stumbled back and leaned on the wall for support as Garrett coldly said "I spent almost my entire life dreading Bethany would get trapped in the Circle. You could have done something but you didn't."
"Maybe I deserved that but I still wouldn't have done anything if I could do it again" Tolan said straightening up then turning around to face Garrett. Tolan raised a hand stopping Garrett from punching him again as he said "I wouldn't have been able to stop that even if I told you or your sister... Athenril made sure herself that your sister would get taken."
Garrett lowered his fist as Tolan continued "if I tired to stop it Athenril probably would've killed me." "So why tell me this now?" Garrett asked fighting the urge to punch Tolan again.
"Because this is the only time in months where we might have a chance. When the City Guard is finally taking action against the new Coterie branch, when things are at their most delicate, when we stand a chance at taking down the new Coterie branch" Tolan said as he wiped a small trail of blood from his lips where Garrett had punched him.
"You want to take down an entire Coterie branch, how are you going to do that?" Garrett asked almost mockingly.
"First we take down Athenril and gain control of the Smugglers from there we can make a deal with the City Guard. Give them Ignacio Strand. Ignacio can tell the City Guard who's in the Coterie branch and where to find them, he's one of the higher ups of the branch" Tolan said.
Looking Garrett straight in the eye Tolan said "more importantly with the resources of the Smugglers at our control we could smuggle your sister out. Get you and your family a Ship out of Kirkwall with coin for a new life somewhere the Templars can't follow."
Garrett shook his head not believing he was actually considering this but for Bethany he had to try. "How do you know all these things?" Garrett asked curiously. "At Ostagar I was a Ranger. I was trained to go behind enemy lines and gather intelligence" Tolan said in answer.
"Why do you need my help for this if you've got everything figured out?" Garrett asked narrowing his eyes. "Because the City Guard would never make a deal with me. They got a file on me claiming I killed two Guards and some Coterie members from a different branch" Tolan answered crossing his arms.
"Did you?" Garrett asked. Tolan looked at Garrett intently before saying "yes and no. The other Coterie guys didn't like Athenril joining the new branch and attacked us, as for the City Guards they weren't killed by me but by the Sharps."
"Sharps?" Garrett asked. "Lowtown Gang that joined the new Coterie branch" Tolan answered. "You could've used anyone else" Garrett said said once again narrowing his eyes at Tolan.
"You're friends with a Senior Officer and the Viscount's son if they'd listen to anyone they'd listen to you. That and you get things done Hawke. All those jobs you did... Athenril and her goons are tough I can't take them but together we stand a chance" Tolan said firmly.
Seeing Garrett's skepticism Tolan scoffed as he said "look if I wanted to harm you I could've jumped you several times already." "This is all still pretty convenient. It's just chance that Bethany gets taken by the Templars giving you the opening you need to get my help" Garrett said still suspicious.
Tolan shrugged saying "Fate or Chance does it matter?"
Garrett raised an eyebrow as Tolan continued "The Templars are wary of you and they know where you live. You can't try anything too soon, you need to let the Templars forget about you. Besides.. you can't get your sister out by yourself."
Garrett frowned thinking of his sister trapped in the Circle surrounded by Templars then let out a heavy breathe and closed his eyes saying "you're right." Opening his eyes Garrett said "and what about my Mother and Uncle?" "We can protect them don't worry" Tolan answered.
"Alright then... how do we start this" Garrett asked wondering how all of this would play out. "First we wait. I needed to know if you were on board. We'll make our move when the time is right until then don't draw any unwanted attention" Tolan said.
"That's it? Expected more" Garrett said raising an eyebrow. "Trust me more is coming... there will come a day when Athenril's goons will come for you. Be ready for that. I'll be in touch. I'm suppose to be shadowing you and informing on you to Athenril anyway. I'll keep you updated" Tolan said firmly.
"But instead you're here with me revealing everything and plotting to take Athenril down stealing her empire" Garrett said smirking slightly. "Life is strange like that isn't it" Tolan said also smirking which liked odd due to the ragged scar running across his lips and past his cheeks.
"I have some friends that could help with this, always good to have some back up" Garrett said shifting slightly. "The Healer? He could come in handle if you can get him to help" Tolan said rubbing his chin.
"Not just the Healer you watched me for some time so you know the people I mean" Garrett said evenly. "If you think they can help by all means. Just make sure their ready when we need them" Tolan said shrugging.
"They will be" Garrett said as he made to leave and opened the door Tolan spoke up causing Garrett to turn around.
"One more thing... warn your friend in the Guard to watch her back. So far they haven't gone after her because she's a Senior Officer but it won't last forever... be discrete" Tolan said the ragged scar running across his lips and past his cheeks appearing ghostly from the moonlight peering through the open door.
"Good advice" Garrett said as he nodded and took his leave.
Three Days later
Noon, Kirkwall
The Hanged Man
Garrett Hawke crossed his arms saying "lay off Tomwise, he's paying that's all the matters." Hubert looked at his business partner saying "the Elf's trying to cheat us I know it! He's behind on payments."
"I have a name you know" Tomwise said crossing his arms from where he sat to the left of Garrett and opposite from Hubert. "Tomwise isn't cheating us he's doing the best he can. I trust him leave it be" Garrett said sternly as he stood his ground.
Hubert scoffed then said "this is just bad business Hawke. I heard about what happened but don't let what happened cloud your judgment" only to be interrupted by Garrett coldly saying "that's personal."
Hubert sighed then spoke in his heavy Orlesian accent saying "fine, fine just make sure he pays everything off... I'll be in the Hightown Marketplace I grow tired of this poor excuse for a Tavern." Garrett and Tomwise watched as Hubert walked off clearly not fitting in within the Hanged Man and it's customers. "I'll pay it off Hawke I swear it's just been a little slow since we're still getting used to living here in Lowtown" Tomwise said looking at Garrett.
"It's fine I trust you Tomwise" Garrett said honestly. Tomwise frowned saying "how are you... it can't be easy." Garrett raised his cup and took a long drink of Ale surprising Tomwise once again before lowering his cup and saying "I'm dealing with it."
Tomwise patted his friend on the shoulder saying "Bethany was one of the nicest people I ever met I'll miss her-" "is" Garrett said interrupting Tomwise. Tomwise blinked saying "what?" "Bethany isone of the nicest people you ever met not was" Garrett said nonchalantly as if it was the simplest thing in the world.
Tomwise chuckled saying "alright Hawke. Bethany is one of the nicest people I ever met." Standing up and leaving the booth Tomwise turned to Garrett saying "hey you were want to talk or have a drink you know were me and my brother are."
"Might take you up on that Tomwise" Garrett said waving as Tomwise left. After taking another drink of Ale and lowering the cup Garrett heard someone approaching. Turning his head Garrett saw Varric walking towards him and frowning instead of usual his relaxed self.
Garrett nodded at Varric as the Dwarf took the seat opposite Garrett saying "Hawke." "Varric" Garrett said in greeting. "Not gonna lie Hawke it's strange seeing you drink Ale" Varric said breaking the ice. Garrett chuckled slightly saying "these are strange days."
"I managed to sell a little of the treasure we found... here" Varric said awkwardly as he pulled out a coin pouch and slide it across the booth to Garrett. Garrett took the coin pouch saying "thanks Varric." "Listen Hawke I'm sorry about Sunshine but what's done is done and-" Varric began only for Garrett to interrupt and look his friend straight in the eyes as he spoke in a low voice saying "it's not done yet."
"I got some friends who can help. One of them has done it before" Garrett said nonchalantly as pushed his cup of Ale away clearly done. Varric smirked mouthing the words "you and blondie eh. You ever need anything just say the word." Garrett nodded saying "thanks Varric I will."
Varric leaned on the booth still smirking as he spoke in a low voice saying "I'll see if the others can help." Garrett stood up and clamped Varric on the arm saying "tell them I understand if they won't. Anyway I see you around Varric." "I'm sure you will" Varric said knowingly as Garrett walked off and left the Hanged Man.
Later
The Docks
Garrett stood perched on a higher level of the Dock watching the sea and feeling the wind blow and strike his face with Anders standing besides him. "I don't know Hawke this sounds dangerous but it'll help a lot of people and Bethany" Anders said turning to look at Garrett.
"I'd understand if you didn't want to help just some advice would fine" Garrett said honestly as he turned to look at his friend knowing he was asking a lot from him without any real profit for himself this time.
"I'll help don't worry. You're a good brother Hawke I'd have given anything to have someone like you when I was first taken and besides without you I'd never have any excitement in my life anymore" Anders said finishing off lightly.
Garrett chuckled slightly saying "don't tell me you miss the Deep Roads." "Never. Like I said I hate the blighted Deep Roads but without the Wardens... life is boring most of the time. I know this serious and all but it'll kinda fun doing this sort of thing again" Anders said honestly.
Just then Garrett and Anders heard a voice behind them say "why do you keep coming here?"
Garrett and Anders turned around seeing a man wearing ragged clothing with a matching hood that lower class citizens in Kirkwall were known for wearing, the man was either relatively well off living in Darktown or about average living in Lowtown. Because of this the man fit in right in amongst all the Dockers, Workers, and people milling about making this man simply another forgettable face in the crowd.
"Tolan it's been three days" Garrett said as Anders extended his hand saying "how's the chest?" Tolan shook Anders's hand saying "fine, you did good work Healer."
Tolan moved to stand on the other side of Garrett as he said "nothing really to update you on... anyway why do you keep coming here." "You come here a lot?" Anders asked glancing at Garrett.
Garrett nodded and gestured to one of the lower ports saying "standing from here I can see the port we used when my family and I first arrived into Kirkwall.
"Anders got a serious look on his face saying "don't worry Hawke. It won't be easy but we can do it. We'll get her back." "It's not the first time this has been done" Tolan said simply. Garrett turned his gaze from the port to the Gallows visible in the distance at the other end of the channel wondering... is Bethany looking out from the other end.
Gallows,
Circle of Magi
Small room
Bethany Hawke sat on the small simple bed running a finger through her red Scarf. Bethany glanced to the side of the bed where she had placed her Staff down, she'd been allowed to keep her Staff after intense examination by the Templars.
Just then a knock sounded on the door and Bethany stood up saying "coming in." The door opened and First Enchanter Orsino, the Elven Mage holding the highest rank in Kirkwall, stepped in saying "hello there Bethany how are you settling in."
"It's small" Bethany answered simply choosing not to talk about she missed her family. First Enchanter Orsino laughed lightly before reassuringly saying "you'll get used to it. Don't worry the idea of the Circle is much worse than real thing."
"Try telling that to the Templars" Bethany said still a little unnerved by how the Templars who'd brought her here seemed to watch her extra carefully. "They're always like that when newcomers arrive don't worry they'll get bored and move on eventually" First Enchanter Orsino said stepping standing just in the doorway and glancing around the small room commenting "gray curtains always so gloomy."
"Anyway Bethany I'm not suppose to tell you but the Knight Commander is pushing for you to take the Harrowing as soon as possible" First Enchanter Orsino said crossing his arms behind his back.
Don't look afraid... Garrett wouldn't show any fear if he had any Bethany thought as she looked up at First Enchanter Orsino calmly saying "... oh okay then."
First Enchanter Orsino stepped towards her and held out a piece of paper saying "take this pass to the library. Brush up a bit while you can. I can't stall Meredith forever."
Bethany took the paper slowly and said "thank you First Enchanter Orsino." First Enchanter Orsino nodded saying "you don't need an escort that Templar was trying to scare you just go." "He didn't scare me" Bethany said honestly as she moved to pick up her staff. "Bethany before you go" First Enchanter Orsino said just as she had picked up her Staff and turned around to face him.
"It's good that Sir Thrask was the one to bring you in. He's much more understanding of our kind and stops his fellow Templars from being too harsh... not all Templars are bad and I'd like to think Thrask is a good one" First Enchanter Orsino said before nodding politely and headed back towards his office.
Bethany glanced at the paper and headed to the library where she picked a few books out and sat in a table nearest to the window and began to read. Hmm Father already taught me most of this Bethany realized after a few minutes as she stood up from her table and moved to stand at the window.
Looking out the window Bethany could some of Hightown and most of the Docks on the other end of the channel. Bethany frowned thinking I hope you're okay brother. If you're ever at the Docks maybe you'll look here and I can look back... it'd be like we can almost see each other again.
The Docks
"I warned Aveline yesterday. Keep me posted if anything happens" Garrett said as Tolan moved to leave. "Will do" Tolan answered as he left heading for wherever he went when he wasn't playing both sides of all this mess.
"I'm not sure if I trust him" Anders said honestly as he watched Tolan leave. "Not sure I do either Anders but this could help a lot" Garrett said honestly as he gazed at the Gallows.
"I'm gonna head back to my Clinic. Cooper can't hold down the fort forever" Anders said getting ready to leave as Garrett waved him off. Garrett waited a few minutes still gazing at the Gallows visible in the distance then placed his hands in his pockets and turned around heading home.
As Garrett walked through the Docks and towards Hightown one thought crossed his mind...
don't worry Bethany I always keep my promises.
A little short compared to my other Chapter I know
I had fun with this. Entirely OC with my OC Tolan
The knife was because I also wondered about the whole 'murder' knife thing
Plus how come Soldiers in Dragon Age don't have any Dog Tags or anything?
I just loved the whole aspect of the Ferelden Army and the Fall of Ostagar for Hawke
And I wanted the events of Ostagar to have a 'ripple' effect in my story and to impact Garrett more for it
Hence the knife, Tolan, Ferelden Day, the Crewe family, and why Garrett is a good swordsman.
His father's teachings combined with his Army Training.
For the Corporal thing I'm not sure how rank works in Dragon Age because Captains apparently command entire Companies
Basically Corporal is above private(first rank) which is why Garrett's rank is superior to Carver's rank.
As for Athenril I just always wondered about her character because she's never heard from again(besides the side quest)
But I digress...
Thanks for Reading and please Review(you know you want to)