"Anyone can start something.
It's easy, just start typing away on your laptop, but ending something… that's hard.
Endings can never please everyone and they are the hardest thing to write above all others. It seems just like yesterday it was 2011 and my brother was telling me to write something I liked just for the hell of it.
That something I started way back in high school turned into a nearly 50 chapter story of Garrett Hawke.
Countless hours were spent thinking things over and refining my writing skills, which I admit still need a lot of work, but after two years (almost 3 years actually) we've reached the end.
I want to say thanks to everyone who's reviewed, followed, favored, and stuck around after all this time."
Special thanks to KnightofHolyLight, you my friend have stuck around the longest and have always reviewed and given good feedback.
Thank you.
Lastly special thanks to my older brother whom first convinced me to start writing no matter how bad it turned out and of course for serving as the inspiration for my portrayal of Garrett.
Well here we are. The final chapter.
A Place In This World.
Nearly Four Years Ago...
Bethany Hawke sat by the lake near the outskirts of Lothering.
It had been five days since the death of Malcolm Hawke.
She knew she wasn't supposed to be out here by herself but it was nice here and peaceful.
Back home it was quiet but there didn't seem to be any life there. Mother was empty since the death of her husband. She cooked for her children and cleaned the house but she rarely spoke and sometimes Bethany thought she could hear crying from outside her room.
Carver would go off hunting or else try to fish. Anything to get out of the house.
And Garrett... well Garrett had become a different person.
He was still friendly to her. The only real friend she had even though they were family.
But Garrett seemed to have aged ten years overnight.
He didn't kid around anymore and he was always working on sustaining the family. Either doing odd jobs around town or else carefully counting out their money for when they needed to make a trip to the marketplace.
And he made sure to check up on her and Carver everyday to see if they were okay, Carver didn't like it too much. He just wanted to be left alone and so Garrett gave him his space.
With Bethany however he was always there when she needed him.
Just the other night when the nightmares had started up again, for the first time since the death of her father, she'd awoken to Garrett's embrace as he tried to quiet her.
Without her father Bethany no longer had her mentor.
No one to help her with her magic. No one to tell her it was okay to be afraid of magic and that to control it she must understand it and move past the fear.
No one to come to her aid when she dreamed and her mind crossed over into the Fade...
No one to come and save her if she couldn't find her way back...
That's what Bethany had thought until the other night when Garrett had embraced her.
"I'm right here with you. Everything's going to be okay" Garrett had said in soft words and that had been what Bethany needed to find her way back.
To close her mind to the Fade and wake up before falling back to sleep without the nightmares.
Garrett had waited for her to fall asleep again before leaving back to the room he shared with Carver.
Though he had no magic Garrett had become her mentor.
The one who guided her and pulled her back from the Fade when she couldn't get out. That thought made Bethany smile. That someone was there to help her like her father had.
But it was getting late so Bethany decided she'd better get home before her mother got worried.
On her way home Bethany stopped at what sounded like her older brother arguing with someone.
Is something wrong? Bethany thought.
Getting closer she spots her older brother arguing with a young woman around his age in a nearby field.
Not knowing what to do Bethany hides behind the large windmill and listens in.
"So that's it? That's all I was to you? Just a quick lay? Just another stupid farm girl" a young woman was saying with a hurt voice.
"It's not like that..." said Garrett slowly.
"Did last month mean nothing to you?" the young woman countered clearly angry.
Brother... what did you do? Bethany thought as she listened from her hiding place.
The two of them were arguing and the young woman was on the verge of tears.
"Thank you for giving me space these last few days. For letting me think things out. But what we had can't go on" Garrett said speaking as if every word hurt him.
"You know it's funny. I used to think you were different from the other boys. You, always the gentlemen, always so nice." the young woman was saying.
"I never meant to hurt you. I... I thought we could be more than friends" Garrett began only for the young woman to coldly interrupt.
"But" the young woman said through blood shot eyes.
"But that was a mistake. My mistake. I should have never started this... whatever this is it has to end." Garrett said forcing each word out.
"Look I can't have any distractions right now. My father's dead and it's up to me to take care of my family. He made me promise" Garrett said finally.
"No it's not. Your mom is still there and your siblings can take care of themselves. Stop making excuses" the young woman said.
When Garrett did not answer the woman continued "other families manage. Why can't yours?"
"Because my family's different" Garrett said finally. Only this time he sounded angry
Bethany had never heard her brother sound angry before...
The woman scoffed at him saying "fine then. Go and become the 'man' of your house of it means that much to you. It obviously means more to you than being with me."
Garrett couldn't meet her eyes.
"I'm sorry" was all Garrett said.
"You're worse that the other boys in town. At least the others never tried to hide what they were after. Didn't play with people's emotions. Didn't make them fall in love just to get into their skirts" the young woman said.
"It wasn't like that" Garrett said in a wounded voice.
That's when it happened.
The young woman slapped Garrett across the face as hard as she could.
Garrett only stumbled back. He'd taken much worse hits when he sparred with Carver and so he stood looking at the woman until she angrily shoved back and he fell to the ground.
Then without another word the woman turned her back on him and headed back into town.
Bethany didn't know what to do. She stood there behind the windmill waiting for her brother to get up but he just sat there in silence.
I don't understand Bethany thought.
Stepping out from her hiding spot Bethany spoke up.
"Garrett... are you okay?" Bethany asked.
Garrett flinched at the sound of her voice. He hadn't known she was there.
"Yeah. Just fell is all" Garrett said sounding like he was choking back something before slowly pulling himself up and getting to his feet.
It took a long time for Garrett to turn and face her and when he did he was wiping his eyes.
He was crying Bethany realized.
Bethany's eyes widened as she saw the harsh red mark on Garrett's face left behind by the woman's hand.
"What are you doing out here? You should be back home with mother. Where it's safe" Garrett said taking a deep breath and pulling himself together.
"I just wanted to visit the lake" Bethany mumbled.
Garrett only smiled sadly saying "I understand I miss him too."
"Are... are you okay?" Bethany asked tentatively.
"I'm fine. Was just fixing the fence and fell" Garrett said quickly.
"No you weren't. That woman... she hit you" Bethany said slowly.
"You heard that did you? Well it's a long story Bethany." Garrett said moving to kneel down next to her.
"Come on we should head home" Garrett said standing up and taking her hand.
Even though Bethany was growing everyday Garrett stood a head taller than her when standing side by side.
"Was... was she your girlfriend?" Bethany asked.
"No... not anymore" Garrett said lightly tugging on her hand so she'd follow him back into town.
Bethany only looked up into her brother's face seeing the red mark the woman had left on his face when she struck him.
"You broke up with her" Bethany said slowly.
Garrett didn't answer.
"Was it because of me?" Bethany asked in barely a whisper.
"No" Garrett lied.
Kneeling down to face her Garrett continued "it's not your fault. It's complicated Bethany but don't ever blame yourself."
"You promise?" Bethany said softly.
"I promise" Garrett answered softly.
Bethany reached her hand up to Garrett's face the red mark left behind from the woman's hand disappearing as if it had never been there.
"I didn't know you could do that" Garrett said astonished his face healed.
"Neither did I. I just wanted to help" Bethany said with a soft smile.
Garrett laughed before taking her hand once again and leading her back home.
The Present
Gallows Courtyard
Backroom
Bethany Hawke was eating the most wonderful stew she'd ever had.
During her imprisonment in the dungeons the Tranquil gave her the same meal of bread and tasteless soup every single day.
To have something different was like experiencing the joy of food for the first time all over again.
But most of all the feeling of having her magic back was like having a piece of herself that she didn't know she had returned to her.
The moment the Templars had unlocked her iron chains and she left the prison with Wynne she could feel the energy coming back to her. Her connection to the Fade returning.
"There's no hurry. I can get another bowl if you're still hungry" Wynne said having watched Bethany eat with a peculiar glance.
The first thing Wynne had done upon freeing Bethany was bring her to the backrooms where they could speak in private and send for a meal seeing that Bethany hadn't touched the plate the Tranquil had left for her in her cell.
It was just the two of them now. Not even any Templars.
"Just nice to have different food" Bethany said finishing up the last of her stew.
Wynne chuckled.
"Thank you for freeing me" Bethany said finally. She'd been meaning to do that for some time but had been too preoccupied with the food.
"Meredith should not have imprisoned you for so long. She was afraid and didn't fully understand as often people react to magic" Wynne answered.
"I was trying to help a friend" Bethany said.
"I know and I'm grateful you did. I don't agree with how you went about trying to stop it, a bit rash as the young are known for, however you did save Kenneth" Wynne said.
He reminded me of myself Bethany thought remembering how scared Kenneth had been of his magic.
"I trust your stay in the prison wasn't too unpleasant" Wynne said.
"It was... different from what I expected" Bethany said honesty.
"Yes most of the horror stories are exaggerated. Only the truly worst of apostates garner the worst the Gallows has to offer." Wynne said.
"I never saw the worst parts" Bethany said thinking about how the Tranquil had told her only the lowest levels held the dangerous apostates.
Idunna had been held in one of the lower levels of the prison until being moved due to her appearance and the effect it had on the other prisoners.
"So what happens now?" Bethany asked having finished her meal.
"Do you know why you were imprisoned?" Wynne asked.
"Meredith hates mages" Bethany shrugged.
Wynne shook her head 'no' but Bethany thought she could see the smallest trace of a smile on the elder mage's face.
"Because you are not like other mages" Wynne corrected calmly.
"A Fade Walker" Bethany said remembering what Tobrius had called her.
Wynne nodded.
"They are extremely rare. You must have had a powerfully magic linage in order to do what you did. Entering the Fade without Lyrium or Blood Magic" Wynne said.
"My father was a mage" Bethany said.
"Yes, Malcolm Hawke. I've heard quite a bit about him. 'The one who got away' as Meredith calls him." Wynne said.
"Meredith knew my father" Bethany said.
"Oh yes. Tobrius said she hated him from the moment he was brought to the Kirkwall Circle. Something to do with play a trick on her" Wynne said.
"A trick?" Bethany asked.
"Apparently he played around with the temperature in her armor one day. Drove her insane but she could never prove it was him." Wynne said smiling lightly.
Bethany stared at Wynne picturing her father's trick and resisted the urge to burst into laughter.
Father was always good at that. Using magic with precision Bethany thought fondly remembering Malcolm Hawke.
"If I remember correctly you told me it your father that trained you?" Wynne asked.
"Yes" Bethany said slowly.
"That explains it. The Templars tell me you displayed a remarkable skill with your magic during your Harrowing. Spells that even apprentices have trouble performing. Blue flame magic and then your fight with the Pride Demon was no small feat" Wynne said.
"I had help. It wasn't all me" Bethany said remembering the strange apparition that appeared to her in the Fade.
"You're special Bethany" Wynne said taking her hand.
"When I entered the Fade alongside you I saw what you did. You produced White flame magic. A feat only five other 'known' mages have ever done." Wynne said in awe.
"... I don't think I could do it again" Bethany said feeling uncomfortable.
"I told you that you would have to make a choice" Wynne said.
"Anything better than being locked up again" Bethany said.
"I was able to get the authority to free you because you are a Fade Walker and there are others whom would see you trained." Wynne said.
"Trained?" Bethany parroted.
"After gaining apprenticeship it is common for Mages to seek a mentor. But you are a special case. Tobrius tells me that you were looking for a mentor in Elemental magic but only a Spirit Medium could ever teach you to reach your full potential." Wynne said.
Freedom... now a mentor Bethany thought.
"And so here we are. You have to make a choice" Wynne said as Bethany was still taking all of this in.
"I'm afraid you can not remain here in the Kirkwall Circle. You have caused too much of a disturbance and Meredith will not allow that." Wynne said.
"Then what are my options?" Bethany asked numbly.
"You can be transferred over to the Ferelden or the Orlesian Circle. There are two Spirit Mediums in Ferelden and one in Orlais that would be honored to train you." Wynne said.
"And the second option?" Bethany asked.
"Meredith has offered to make you a Tranquil. To strip away your connection to the Fade. If so she would allow you to remain in the Kirkwall Circle. I'd advise against that however it is your choice to make" Wynne said.
Bethany sat frozen.
Become a Tranquil or leave the city. And if I leave... Bethany thought.
"... could I ever come back" Bethany said in a quiet voice.
Wynne looked at Bethany with understanding but sad eyes.
"Perhaps but not for a long time" Wynne answered.
Mother and Garrett, Bethany thought.
"The Starkhaven Circle is burned to the ground otherwise I've have suggested that but atlas. Ferelden or Orlais, the choice is yours" Wynne said.
"I understand this is a lot to take in. I'll leave you to think things over and in two days time I will return for your answer" Wynne said.
Then without another word Wynne stood up and left Bethany alone in the backroom.
Bethany wasn't sure how long she stayed there thinking over her possible fates.
Later
Circle Library
"Does she know?" Tobrius asked.
He was in the back of the library where no one would overhear them.
The two Templars that stood guard in the library paid too much attention to the younger mages milling about and thought nothing of two Enchanters speaking privately.
"No. I suspect she will in time. He seems to be very resourceful and they will make their move soon" Wynne said.
"So much has happened these months. Inside and outside the Circle. Whether she realizes it or not she is the center of everything" Tobrius said somberly.
"It is her decision to make" Wynne said.
"I... yes. We've done all we can. Now she must choose." Tobrius said.
"We agreed not to interfere. Not even if she chooses the other path... the path her father chose if I'm not mistaken" Wynne said meeting Tobrius's eyes.
Tobrius smiled sadly.
"Malcolm was different. He chose that path and Leandra walked with him despite the troubles it caused them. They were different." Tobrius said.
Malcolm, my friend. It's been so many years. Would you still have chosen the path you did if you could have seen everything that's happened to your children? Tobrius thought.
"Did you know the Templars never stopped hunting him? Even in Ferelden I heard stories of Templars who tracked him there. He kept moving and they never did find him but even after twenty years he was a known apostate." Tobrius said.
"It was a hard life but Bethany says he was happy in the end" Wynne said.
But would he have wished this life on his children? I don't think he would have agreed with either path Tobrius thought.
"Are you unhappy with your life Tobrius?" Wynne asked suddenly.
Tobrius blinked. He had not expected that.
"No in-spite of everything I've built a life here" Tobrius said fondly.
"Your wife Rose. Despite what hinders us in life we can find happiness at least that's what I like to think." Wynne said smiling.
Rose, the love of Tobrius's life. The woman he stayed inside the Circle for when Malcolm offered him a place beside him on the run.
"I must be going Tobrius. Not matter what happens I believe that Malcolm would have been grateful for you helping his daughter" Wynne said with a quirt nod before leaving him.
Stepping outside the bookshelf Tobrius found himself watching Kenneth sitting with another group Circle Mages.
Bethany trained him well Tobrius thought.
"So what did Wynne say" a voice called from behind Tobrius.
"That Bethany must choose on for herself" Tobrius said turning to his wife.
"You've done all you can dear" Rose said placing a hand to his face warmly.
"Yes. Have you eaten yet? I believe the Tranquil have brewed some more wine" Tobrius said taking his wife's arm as they left the library arm in arm.
A Day Later
Gallows Training Room
Sir Thrask and Sir Hynes sparred. Thrask had thought it would be good for him, to get back into rhythm.
But Hynes could never follow through with an attack.
Every time he tried he would hesitate giving Thrask an opening. And so Hynes stayed on the defensive until Thrask stopped attacking entirely. Only then did Hynes lazily strike back and forth.
Thrask could have countered and won at any time but he never did.
It's a start Sir Thrask thought once they were done.
There was a knock on the door and both of them lowered their practice swords, Thrask calling "come in."
The door to the training room opened and a Tranquil entered walking in the stiff unusual way that they usually did.
"Sir Thrask?" the Tranquil asked.
"Yes?" Thrask replied.
"I have a message from Sir Alford. You are to join him and his team in a mission in the Wounded Coast. He has reason to believe a group of Apostates is hiding there." the Tranquil said.
Why would Sir Alford order me to join him Sir Thrask thought.
"Did he say where in the Wounded Coast?" Thrask asked crossing his arms.
"No" the Tranquil answered.
"The Wounded Coast is massive it could take days to search it all" Sir Hynes said remembering that Templars usually needed more than that to use as a lead.
"Yes" the Tranquil answered.
"That's unusual" Thrask said.
"Nonetheless Sir Alford has ordered you to join him" the Tranquil said.
"Thrask is a Knight too. He doesn't have to take orders from Sir Alford" Hynes said.
If I brought this to Meredith would she side with me? No she'd only use this as another way to punish me discretely. Allowing me to be ordered around Thrask thought.
"Tell Sir Alford I will do as requested. When do we leave?" Sir Thrask said.
"Sir Alford and his team are leaving immediately. They await you at the Gallows Docks with amble supplies." the Tranquil said.
"What? What kind of squad leader waits until the last minute to add someone to the group?" Sir Hynes said baffled.
"Tell Sir Alford I will be there shortly. I must collect my armor but I will be there" Sir Thrask said politely.
The Tranquil nodded before leaving to send Thrask's reply.
"What was that about-" Hynes began only for Thrask to interrupt.
"It's clever" Thrask said.
"Don't try and stop me Thrask. You're a good man and I'd hate to do something I regret."
So Garrett found another way Thrask thought
"There are those within our Order who can be bought off. Hynes this is a ploy to keep me away from the Circle" Sir Thrask said.
Hynes gaped at him.
Grabbing Hynes by the shoulder Thrask said "you have the Phylactery?"
"Yes. Your copy is my quarters and the others are locked in the vault alongside the original" Sir Hynes answered slowly.
"If something happens inform the Knight Commander" Sir Thrask said letting Hynes go.
Handing Hynes his practice sword Thrask said "I suspect this search of the Wounded Coast will take days."
Circle of Magi
Mid-day
Cafeteria
Bethany sat alone thinking things over.
Leaving Kirkwall... could I ever come back? Could I ever see Garrett or Mother again? There was always the hoping of gaining permission for a visit Bethany thought.
Looking up Bethany could see a Templar was watching her.
Him again... who is he Bethany thought.
She'd seen this Templar almost all day. This Templar was fully armored but his armor fit him loosely like he hadn't wore it in a long time or else he'd lost a lot of weight in a short amount of time.
A guard? Probably told to keep an eye on me Bethany rationalized.
Bethany's train of thought was broken and she beamed as a young voice called her name following hurried footsteps.
"Bethany!" Kenneth called running over to her.
Kenneth collided with Bethany embracing her almost as if she was his mother.
"It's good to see you too" Bethany said laughing.
"We've been looking for you ever since we heard" Maire said suddenly appearing in front of Bethany and taking the seat across from her.
Scooting over so Kenneth could sit beside her Bethany said "I can barely believe it myself."
"Tobrius told me what you did. Everyone's talking about it. About how you entered the Fade and helped me in my Harrowing" Kenneth said beaming.
"You Hawkes and your crazy lives. Never a dull moment." Maire said smirking.
Hawkes... plural Bethany thought.
Maire changed the subject almost immediately as if she'd known what Bethany was thinking.
"So are you okay? After all you've been through?" Maire asked.
"The Healers fixed me up and after that I was waiting in my cell. I was afraid at first but as time passed I became... bored" Bethany said.
Only thing I could do was read the Chant of Light. Not very exciting Bethany thought.
"I was worried about you. The Templars said I had passed the Harrowing regardless but I couldn't stop thinking of you. Why Bethany? Why did you do all that for me?" Kenneth asked.
"Because you reminded me of myself. I was terrified of my magic as a child. There were times in my sleep when my mind crossed over into the Fade. To see you and know you were being thrown against a demon... I couldn't stand by." Bethany answered smiling.
"I don't think I've ever met anyone like you Bethany" Maire said smiling warmly.
"Is that a compliment or an insult?" Bethany asked good-naturedly.
"A compliment of course" Maire answered with a laugh.
"Maire. Do you remember when I asked you about your mentor?" Bethany said suddenly changing the subject.
"My mentor Vernon. You asked about how he visited his family" Maire said.
Bethany nodded saying "I've thinking about that a lot lately."
"I can't stay here in the Kirkwall Circle" Bethany said.
Marie only stared and Kenneth stammered "but... why not?"
"Meredith doesn't want me here because of what I did. I have to choose to between the Ferelden or Orlesian Circle where a mentor will be waiting for me" Bethany said.
"Tomorrow morning I give Wynne my answer" Bethany said finally.
"Aren't you glad? You spent so much time looking for a mentor" Maire said after several moments of silence. It was the only thing she could think of to say.
"Only so I could move up in the Circle and get permission to visit" Bethany said.
"You still can" Maire said weakly.
"How long does it take to get permission to leave the Gallows? Let alone the city? It must have taken Vernon years before he could visit Orlais and even then he's allowed to go because he lectures at the Circle there." Bethany said in an empty voice.
"You can still do it Bethany" Kenneth said suddenly.
"No matter how long it takes you, you could. You're the strongest mage I've ever known. And your family loves you. As long as you're safe they'll be happy" Kenneth said showing a wisdom beyond his years.
Bethany smiled at that and wrapped an arm on Kenneth saying "I know. I just miss is them is all."
"You were lucky. Most of us didn't get as much time with our family as you did" Maire said.
"I know." Bethany said softly.
What was that you once told me? 'We're here now Beth' I never understood that but I do now. I'm here in the Circle and if I'm ever to visit or even send letters I need to move up the ranks. Bethany thought looking at Maire.
Maire arched her eyebrows.
"We have to make the best of our lives. I spent most of my life in Ferelden. I wouldn't mind going back" Bethany said in a bittersweet voice.
The three of them sat there talking for some time. It would be the last time they would be able too.
Once they parted ways Bethany found herself walking back to the courtyard and moving as close to the docks as she could without the Templars getting angry.
Staring out across the waking sea Bethany could see the Kirkwall Docks and surrounding Lowtown, even some of Hightown, and the Viscount's Keep.
Somehow it felt like being brought back into the Circle all over again as she watched in the city in the distance.
It would take her a long time to visit but she would do it.
Suddenly there were footsteps behind her and Bethany turned to see the Templar from before. The one who had been watching her.
The Templar's armor fit a little loose but standing there before her he still moved with that authoritative stride that all Templars had.
"It's getting late you should return to the Circle" the Templar said with a voice that somehow sounded familiar to Bethany but she couldn't quite place it.
"Can't I just stay just a little while longer?" Bethany said.
The Templar, whoever he was, shook his helmeted head.
"I'll escort you" the Templar said gesturing for her to follow him.
Bethany took one last look at Kirkwall before following the Templar.
Where do I know you from Bethany thought looking at the Templar and unable to shake the feeling that they'd met before.
Just as they entered the ground floor of the Circle the Templar shoved something into her hand raising a finger to his helmet saying "shh."
Bethany stood confused as the Templar moved on without her.
A paper? Bethany thought seeing what the Templar had given her.
Just a piece of folded paper.
Seeing that no one was around Bethany unfolded the paper finding it to be a letter and what was written on it almost made Bethany's jaw drop.
Get rid of this letter after reading it
Pack your things and be ready tonight
Stay in your room and at midnight someone will get you
There's a Tranquil Robe in your room waiting for you
Put it on when the time is right
I can't explain everything but I'm coming to rescue you
Your Brother
Bethany made sure no one around before rereading the letter again and again.
That's all it says Bethany thought.
Double checking to make sure no one was around Bethany held the paper in her hand channeling a small amount of flame magic.
The paper burned away turning to dust and Bethany walked away letting the ashes scatter.
She had to pack.
Night
Circle of Magi
Bethany's Room
Bethany sat alone in her room.
She was dressed in the Tranquil robes she'd found in her room and she'd packed all her belongings in a sack she'd made by folding some sheets.
She had no staff anymore, shattered to pieces by the pride demon, but she hoped she wouldn't need it.
Can he really do it? How? And where would we go? Bethany thought anxiously.
She'd been running the same thoughts through her head for some time now but nonetheless she waited just as the letter had said.
Tap tap tap
Bethany glanced at the door hearing someone lightly tapping perhaps too afraid to knock.
Quietly Bethany opened the door and found the Strange Templar from before waiting outside.
The Strange Templar raised a hand to his helmet signaling for silence.
Bethany nodded and quickly gathered her belongings before following the Strange Templar outside.
Very carefully closing the door so they made no noise the Strange Templar quietly led her down the hall and out of the apprentice quarters.
Once outside the Strange Templar signaled for her to wait by the door as he walked out into the hall leading to the stairs.
Peeking a glance Bethany saw that another Templar was stationed outside in case a Circle Mage decided to sneak out of their quarters at night.
"Long night eh?" the Strange Templar said speaking with the other Templar.
"Yeah tell me about it. I've almost fallen asleep twice now." the other Templar said.
"Good news, I've been sent to take over your shift. You're free" the Stranger Templar told the other.
"Really?" the other Templar said. Even though the other Templar's face was covered by his helmet there was no denying the relief in his voice.
"Really. Go on, if any of these freaks decided to have some 'alone time' outside I'll catch them" the Strange Templar said.
"I owe you" the other Templar said before walking off quietly.
Once the other Templar was gone the Strange Templar turned to where Bethany was hidden in the shadows and beckoned her forward.
Bethany couldn't believe it as she and the Strange Templar actually accessed the stairs and began walking down.
The Templars trust each other that much Bethany thought.
Together they descended down to the ground floor where the Strange Templar stopped to pick up a box he must have set down earlier.
"Hold this and walk with your head down. Like a Tranquil" the Stranger Templar said handing Bethany the box.
"What's in the box" Bethany whispered.
"Lyrium. Both a Templar and a Tranquil escort it when it's being shipped off" the Strange Templar answered.
"If they get close enough they'll know. These robes aren't enough." Bethany said in barely a whisper.
"Don't look at them. Follow me and they'll ignore you, they barely notice Tranquil anymore" the Strange Templar said.
Bethany nodded unsure of herself as she lowered her head and followed closely behind the Strange Templar as they moved on.
"Stop shaking. You need to act emotionless" the Strange Templar muttered as they began walking through the maze of corridors.
Without emotion... like Idunna was Bethany thought changing her stride as best she could, becoming stiff and flat like the Tranquil walked.
Going through the corridors the Strange Templar and Bethany passed a few Templars stationed around but they all ignored her and gave polite nods to the Strange Templar.
He's right. The Templars are so used to the Tranquil they don't even considered them people. They just ignore them Bethany thought keeping her head down.
The Templars never even bothered to look at Bethany, let alone pull her hair back to see if she had the burn mark on her forehead.
They passed the cafeteria as they headed for the courtyard and to Bethany's horror a few Templars were hanging around enjoying a late meal.
"Hey friend. Another late shift uh. Come on take a break" a Templar called out catching a glimpse of the Strange Templar and Bethany on their way out.
"Escorting Lyrium to be shipped off. You know what the Knight Commander would do if the shipment was delayed" the Strange Templar called back.
Don't look at them. Don't look at them Bethany thought holding her breath.
"Alright I see your point" one of the other Templars called.
The Strange Templar nodded politely at them before moving on with Bethany following him.
"Hey Tranquil!" another Templar from the cafeteria suddenly called.
The Strange Templar glanced back at Bethany whispering "without emotion."
Bethany swallowed and trembled before raising her voice and speaking in an empty flat voice "yes?"
"Send for some more wine when you're done" the Templar from the cafeteria called.
"It will be done" Bethany replied blankly.
The Strange Templar nodded his approval before leading her outside into the courtyard.
I can't believe it Bethany thought once they were at the courtyard with the night sky above them.
Through the distance was the Gallows Docks and she started heading that way but the Strange Templar stopped her.
"Not there. Lyrium is shipped off from a separate port. More safe that way" the Strange Templar said.
Bethany nodded and followed after the Strange Templar as they headed to a part of the Gallows Bethany had never seen before.
It was a little shack of some kind. Barely noticeable amidst all the other buildings of the Gallows.
Apparently there was supposed to be a Templar stationed outside but he was slumped against the door clearly unconscious.
A bottle of whiskey was clutched in the unconscious Templar's hand as the Strange Templar gently moved him aside and opened the door.
"He's only knocked out. He'll wake up in the morning" the Strange Templar said seeing the look on Bethany's face.
They drugged his whiskey Bethany realized as she stepped inside the small shack expecting to find a small room but instead stairs leading downward.
"Go all the way down. I must leave now. The Ballista have been disabled and he is waiting for you" the Strange Templar said moving to leave.
"Wait. Who are you? We've met before haven't we" Bethany said grabbing the Strange Templar by the wrist.
The Strange Templar raised a hand and removed his helmet revealing the face of Samson the former Templar.
Samson smiled at her look of shock before breaking free of her grip, putting his helmet back on and stepping back outside leaving Bethany alone.
Slowly and still in awe Bethany walked down the steps reaching the bottom and finding a hidden port built into the Gallows, big enough for two standard ships at a time.
The Waking Sea stood before her, she could see the moonlight, and feel the fresh breeze across her face.
It must have been used directly for shipping Lyrium and not for normal supplies and right now one small ship was docked.
Bethany stared as a man emerged from the ship and stepped onto the hidden port.
Letting go of the Lyrium box Bethany stepped forward with only her belongings wrapped up in her sack.
"Brother" she said.
Garrett Hawke stood before her.
Only he was different now. He had grown a beard and he looked older than he did on the day they had been separated.
His eyes showed that he'd been through a lot in a short amount of time.
But in spite of it all a twinkle emerged in Garrett's eyes as he smiled softly and spoke.
"It's been awhile Bethany. I've come to save you." Garrett said.
Bethany couldn't speak instead she ran forward and embraced him.
"I missed you" she said at last.
"I've missed you too" Garrett answered.
"You've changed" Bethany said softly as she stepped back to get a better look at her older brother.
"You have too. You look different. Are you okay? Have the Templars treated you badly?" Garrett said grabbing his little sister by the shoulders.
"There were some rough days... but I'm okay" Bethany said.
"Where's your staff?" Garrett asked noticing that Bethany didn't have it.
"It's gone. Shattered to pieces" Bethany said sadly.
The Hawke siblings gazed into each others eyes and an understanding formed between them.
Both of them had been through much in their time apart. Both had walked different paths and had both been changed by them.
"How? I... I mean all of this. This was brilliant" Bethany said unable to look away from Garrett afraid that if she did he'd be gone again.
Garrett chuckled ruffling her hair like he used to when she was a child and said "it's a long story."
"A very long story" a voice suddenly called followed by footsteps approaching.
Stepping in front of his sister Garrett unsheathed his Longsword.
"You can put that away boy. I didn't come to fight" Wynne said appearing from the stairs and standing before them in the Gallows' hidden port.
Wynne carried her staff and though she may have been old she was perfectly capable of defending herself.
"Who are you?" Garrett asked his Longsword raised.
"Wynne" Bethany answered before the Elder Mage could speak.
"The Wynne?" Garrett said sounding more like he stalling for time than actually caring who she was.
Wynne nodded.
"Get on the boat" Garrett said to Bethany.
"If Bethany chooses that path I will not stop her" Wynne said looking past Garrett and directly into Bethany's eyes.
Garrett raised his eyebrow at that.
"I came to talk. Nothing more" Wynne said calmly raising her staff and lowering it to the floor.
Wynne's powerful. She doesn't need her staff but Garrett knows the Templar's power Bethany thought looking between the two.
"Tell me, Mr. Smuggler Lord what have you done with Bethany's phylactery?" Wynne said.
Smuggler Lord? Bethany thought opening her mouth but finding no words.
"How do you know about that?" Garrett said uneasily.
"I'm allowed to travel when it suits me. I've heard all about you and I must say it is impressive, but what have you done with Bethany's phylactery" Wynne said calmly.
Garrett lowered his sword looking at the ground as he said "nothing."
"There was nothing I could do. The vault's too guarded and even with someone on the inside it's not enough to get in. Varric told me records show that copies were made" Garrett said somberly.
"You know the rest of this was brilliant. So much planning and getting help from the inside. But alas, it always comes back to the phylactery" Wynne said.
"That's what a friend of mine said" Garrett replied.
"I think you should tell your sister of what you've done in her absence" Wynne said.
"That doesn't matter" Garrett said sharply.
"Tell her. Even I don't know the whole story." Wynne said.
"You said you wouldn't stop us. We're leaving" Garrett said.
"Garrett has killed Athenril had become Smuggler Lord" Wynne said suddenly.
Bethany stared at her brother.
"Or so the rumors say" Wynne said.
"You got that part wrong. I did not kill Athenril, but I was there when she died." Garrett said.
"And the Smuggler Lord part?" Wynne said expectantly.
Garrett looked away from Wynne turning to his sister instead and answered "I am Smuggler Lord now."
"... Why?" Bethany asked in low voice.
"Because he needed to save you" Wynne answered.
"This doesn't concern you" Garrett said snapping back at Wynne.
"Oh but it does. It was I who freed Bethany when she was imprisoned, and like you Garrett Hawke, I want only what it is best for her" Wynne said.
"You were imprisoned?" Garrett said forgetting about Wynne as he turned back to Bethany.
"I was" Bethany said not meeting her brother's eyes.
"What happened? You said you were okay?" Garrett said his argument with Wynne forgotten as he moved closer to his sister looking for any injuries.
"It was my fault. I entered the Fade" Bethany said.
"Bethany, father said never to enter the Fade. He trained you to close your mind. How many times did you have nightmares when we were growing up? Father was always afraid that one day you wouldn't wake up" Garrett said his eyes shining with concern.
One time I couldn't wake up... the time when I couldn't find my way back. When father had to enter the Fade and bring me back Bethany thought.
"I did it for a friend. It was after my Harrowing. They were putting a kid against a demon. Garrett I couldn't just stand by" Bethany said.
"It doesn't matter you shouldn't have put yourself at risk" Garrett said pleadingly.
"Young man she was simply doing what you've been doing all your life" Wynne said softly.
For as long as I can remember Garrett's been doing for me what I did for Kenneth Bethany thought her eyes widening.
"And for you Garrett? You went up against the Coterie and with the City Guard's help, you won. And from there you gained control of the smugglers." Wynne said.
"It wasn't as easy as it sounds" Garrett said.
"Nothing is ever as easy as it sounds" Wynne said.
"How do you know all of this!" Garrett said stepping forward.
"People speak of you Garrett. They do not know everything but they know you played a part in this. And from what Sir Thrask has told me it isn't hard to put the pieces together" Wynne answered.
Thrask Garrett thought angrily
"You went up against the Coterie? You took control of the smugglers?" Bethany echoed.
"I did it for you Bethany" Garrett said.
"Listen, I failed to save Carver. I need to save you" Garrett said firmly with so much emotion in his voice that Bethany almost teared up.
"I never wanted you to do that. I never wanted you to get involved again. I wanted... I wanted you to move on with your life" Bethany said not meeting her brother's eyes.
"It was my fault Bethany. You were taken because of what I did. There was a man, we'd fought before and he was left scarred. He planned all this from the start" Garrett began.
"It doesn't matter. Not anymore." Wynne interrupted.
"You chose your path Garrett. You've sacrificed so much. Things are different now no matter who caused them. If you did this everything changes, it won't be like it was before. The Templars will hunt you no matter where you go" Wynne said.
"My father got away" Garrett said coldly.
"And what kind of life did you have?" Wynne asked him.
"We were on the run. Never staying in one place. But I don't care, I can live with that" Garrett said.
Bethany smiled sadly at her brother. To know that he'd done so much for her and was what he was still willing to do warmed the heart but she never wanted him to sacrifice so much.
"I think you've sacrificed enough Garrett" Wynne said looking at Garrett with sad eyes.
"I can't leave her here!" Garrett said.
"Curious thing is... Bethany hasn't said a word in some time" Wynne said suddenly.
Garrett turned back to his sister waiting for her to speak.
"For so long I had dreams about this. About breaking out somehow but now that I'm here, I don't know if it's worth it. All that time we spent moving from town to town I never really had a life. Not without you Garrett" Bethany began.
"Here in Kirkwall we made a home for the first since I can even remember. It was bitter work but we had a life here. A real life. A home. We had to be careful, but we weren't running.
We had friends and I think you had love, even though you didn't see it... even if I tried to make you see it. I kept pointing you towards Juliana but there was only one woman who ever understood you.
You've given up so much for me Garrett. To take this away for you when you finally had a home, when you built a life... well maybe it's time I give up something for you" Bethany finished through teary eyes.
"No. I can protect you, I have the smugglers on my side. We can leave together and then Varric can run things for me here" Garrett said frantically.
"And what then? What happens once we escape? Wynne is right, no matter where we go the Templars will always hunt me. It will be worse than it was before. The Templars didn't know I existed but they do now. We'd never have a life and I can't ask you to do that for me. Not anymore." Bethany said.
Taking a deep breath Bethany said "if I can't have a life. I want you to have one."
Garrett made to interrupt but Bethany silenced him raising a hand to his face like she once had nearly four years ago.
"All my life you've protected me. You've given up your life for me but please, no more. Live, do that for me. Go and live your life. Live, and have a home, and a family. Be with mother and Gamlen." Bethany said.
Garrett wanted to say something. Anything to stop this but he found no words seeing that no matter what he did Bethany wouldn't go with him.
"You said I had to make a choice" Bethany said turning back to Wynne whom had given the Hawke siblings their space.
Wynne nodded.
"If I have to be transferred to another Circle then I choose to return to Ferelden. I grew up there and maybe it won't be so bad" Bethany said.
"There is another option. I didn't suggest it earlier because I wasn't sure if I could, but now I don't think the Grand Cleric would mind" Wynne said.
"What?" Bethany asked.
"You can be my apprentice. I am a Spirit Medium. I can train you, but we will be traveling and it might not always be safe" Wynne said.
Traveling with Wynne Bethany thought.
"She wouldn't be locked up in the Circle?" Garrett said frantically.
"No, she'd be with me. I can not say if you could return to Kirkwall Bethany, but if you do it will not be for some time" Wynne said.
"... Then I choose to go with you. If you will have me" Bethany said.
"I would be honored. We leave in the morning" Wynne said smiling.
After that Wynne give the Hawke siblings their space and Garrett stayed as long as he could.
Garrett and Bethany spent as much time as they could together. Speaking of old memories and of hopes for the future.
Until the sun began to rise and dawn was fast approaching.
That was when the Hawke siblings parted ways with one last embrace and a promise to stay in contact.
In the end Bethany sat watching Garrett's ship disappearing off into the distance.
When last they had spoken the sun had set and yet now the sun had risen. A new day had dawned.
The Next Day
Gallows Docks
News had spread that Bethany Hawke, the girl who entered the Fade, was being mentored by Wynne herself and allowed to travel with her.
A small crowd of Circle Mages had gathered to watch her leave but Bethany didn't care.
The only people that matter to her in the Circle had come to see her off and right now all her attention was on them.
"Thanks for everything Bethany" Kenneth said giving her a quick hug.
"You take care of yourself okay" Bethany said as Kenneth smiled.
"Traveling with Wynne. I can't believe it Bethany" Maire said in awe.
"Neither can I. Thanks for everything Maire. You were the first friend I made here" Bethany said.
Maire only smiled.
"Tobrius... I don't know what to say. You've helped me so much during my time in the Kirkwall Circle, even when you did not agree with me" Bethany said turning at last to her father's old friend.
"There are times when you remind me of Malcolm. We did not always agree on matters but we helped each other and that's a lesson on friendship I've never forgotten" Tobrius shaking Bethany's hand.
Just then ship captain signaled for them to move on and Bethany rolled her eyes.
"Come on it's time we get moving. We have a long journey ahead of us" Wynne said.
"Goodbye" Bethany said waving as she and Wynne boarded the ship and departed the Kirkwall Circle.
A Day Later
Kirkwall
Town square
A celebration was being thrown in honor of The People's Champion.
Garrett Hawke had emerged as a symbol of hope for the lower classes donating a large amount of money to provide assistance to those living in the Lowtown and Darktown.
A program had also been started to help the Ferelden refugees that had flooded Kirkwall ever since the Blight had begun.
It had been what Garrett had decided should be done with all the coin that the smugglers had acquired through everything.
Coin that had been taken from the Coterie and from Marcus.
Too much for Garrett who would soon be getting profits from the expedition as Varric had finally sold everything they'd collected from the Deep Roads.
Garrett had risen from a refugee to a Noble and in little over a year had built a life for himself in Kirkwall. He'd helped bring down corruption in the city, made friends and allies, and now would help the city by helping those in need.
For all of these things the Viscount had decided to give Garrett a medal whether he wanted it or not.
Viscount Dumar did not mention Garrett's involvement with defeating the Coterie as requested but the people did not need to know to appreciate what he'd done.
"Garrett Hawke my friend, when you first arrived in our city we would never have known how far you'd rise. Would never have guessed that you could help the city as much as you have. It for this that I bestow upon you a medal for special services to the city" Viscount Dumar said.
Garrett Hawke nodded politely as Viscount Dumar presented him with his medal quietly adding "it's a shame they will never how you helped defeat the Coterie."
"We all played our part" Garrett answered back as the Viscount placed the medal on him.
The people gathered in the town square applauded.
The Nobles and higher ups of the city clapped politely, for Garrett was a newcomer to them.
However the lower classes clapped the loudest. They understood him and he understood them. He had helped them more than any Noble had ever done.
His friends were gathered in the crowd.
Varric, Fenris, Isabela, Anders, and Merrill, Tomwise and his brother Samwise all beaming at him.
The City Guard gave him there respect for they knew what he'd done during their fight with the Coterie.
Sir Thrask was also in the crowd. He'd returned to the city for supplies and as he met Garrett's eyes they had an unspoken conversation.
You didn't do it Sir Thrask seemed to say respectfully.
Garrett and Thrask would never be friends, too much had happened between them, but neither would they be enemies.
And to everyone's surprise the Arishok made an appearance flanked by two Qunari guards.
The Arishok moved effortlessly through the crowd his massively armored figure and horns seeming to create a gap where ever he moved.
The Arishok met Garrett's gaze and ever so slowly did a small but respectful bow.
Well done... for a human the Arishok seemed to say.
Then without another word the Arishok departed with his two Qunari guards.
No one else, not even the Viscount, had ever received the Arishok's respect.
After the celebration
Garrett Hawke stood outside the Hanged Man walking with Varric.
He'd already celebrated with the others and now was walking his friend back to his private suit.
"Hawke we could do amazing things with this place. Come on at least think about it" Varric was saying.
"I'm not helping you buy the Hanged Man" Garrett laughed.
"Oh well it was worth a try" Varric said.
"Is this you trying to get back at me for not letting you run the smugglers?" Garrett asked an eyebrow raised.
"Did you really have to disband them? Imagine the stories I could have told?" Varric said smirking.
"The old ways are done. It's better this way" Garrett said.
Garrett had disbanded the smugglers but allowed them to keep running the Docking business as it actually was a legitimate business. Hermes was leading the Dockers now with Garrett giving them investment money.
However Garrett had also suggested to the Viscount that the some smugglers be allowed to work as an intelligence network for the city. The City Guard could have an ear to the ground when it came to lower classes.
Even still a few smugglers simply chose to leave and go on with their lives and Garrett paid them off.
"Garrett" a familiar voice called.
Turning Garrett and Varric saw Aveline heading towards them.
She was dressed in her normal clothes instead of her armor and though she was walking a little stiffly she seemed to have healed up nicely.
"I'll see you around Hawke" Varric said smirking as he waved entering the Hanged Man.
Garrett waved bye to Varric before meeting Aveline halfway.
"Aveline" Garrett said grinning.
"Or should I say Guard Captain Vallen?" Garrett said doing a mock bow.
Garrett had heard the news that Senior Officers had finally elected their Guard Captain and Aveline had been chosen as Seneschal Bran had said.
"You're my friend. It's just Aveline" Aveline said smiling.
"How are you? I didn't expect to see you anymore but I'm glad that you're still here. I wanted to go to the celebration but the Healers barely let me go" Aveline said.
"I met with Bethany" Garrett said and Aveline gaped at him.
"I offered to rescue her but she wouldn't go. She wants me to have my own life and she's found a mentor for herself. She's leaving Kirkwall and I don't know when or if I'll see her again" Garrett said honestly.
"I don't know what to say" Aveline said.
"Neither did I when she told me. But you know what her last words to me was" Garrett said.
Aveline shrugged although somewhat slowly.
"She said 'I'll be alright.' And I believed her. My mother and I may not like it, but it's her choice and she's okay with leaving with her mentor" Garrett said honestly.
"I think Bethany's stronger than we realize." Aveline said.
"Hey Aveline... do you want to have dinner?" Garrett said suddenly.
Aveline blinked at him before slowly saying "sure, I mean as friends?"
"Maybe" Garrett said stepping closer.
"Or maybe something else" Garrett said reaching forward and kissing Aveline and being surprise that she kissed back.
When they were done neither of them spoke.
"Should I not have done that?" Garrett asked after several moments of silence.
"No... I enjoyed it" Aveline said and if Garrett was right she was blushing.
"It's just. Why did you wait so long?" Aveline asked.
"I never thought I had time for relationships" Garrett said slowly.
"And well... I never allowed myself to think like that. I've been wanting to do that I just didn't know I wanted to" Garrett said rubbing the back of his neck.
"Oh. Garrett I like you" Aveline began.
"But?" Garrett interrupted.
"But I don't know if I'm ready for another relationship. It's been almost two years since Wesley and... I was never good at this" Aveline said awkwardly.
"I was never good at this either. Why don't we just see where this goes together? It doesn't have to be relationship yet, I can wait for that if it comes" Garrett said.
Aveline smiled saying "I'd like that."
"Are you free? My mother wouldn't mind having you for dinner." Garrett asked.
Aveline nodded and together she and Garrett walked though Lowtown arm in arm taking the long way to the Hawke estate.
I don't know how far this will go but it's worth a try. Aveline brings something out of me I've denied myself for a long time. Bethany wanted me to live and so I'm gonna live Garrett thought.
"The Captain of the Guard and the People's Champion. Sounds like another of Varric's tales" Aveline said chuckling.
"Maker, don't give him ideas" Garrett said with a laugh.
"By the way, are you ever going to have your beard? It's an odd look for you" Aveline.
"I don't know. I kinda like it" Garrett said running a hand through his beard.
Epilogue I
On The Road
"Goodbye" Bethany whispered glancing back at Kirkwall.
The City in Chains was still visible but only just and Bethany knew she had to look back one last time.
"Don't fall behind" Wynne called softly glancing over her shoulder at Bethany.
Bethany nodded gripping her new staff, a standard issue Circle one curtsey of Tobrius, and strode forward using the staff as a walking stick.
"You never said where we were going?" Bethany called once she caught up with her new mentor.
"We're going to Starkhaven." Wynne answered.
"Starkhaven? Their Circle burned down" Bethany said remembering that her brother had met a Noble of Starkhaven once.
"I was asked to look into how the rebuilding is going. It's why I wasn't sure about mentoring you but you don't seem to mind traveling" Wynne said.
"I guess I'm used to moving around a lot" Bethany said.
The walked for several minutes before they stumbled upon a lone figure wrapped in a red traveling cloak sitting near the road with a makeshift camp set up.
An ambush Bethany thought at first.
She raised her staff as did Wynne but as they grew near the figure stood up pulling back the hood of his red traveling cloak.
He was an Elf and he had curiously grey eyes.
Suddenly Wynne lowered her staff smiling softly.
"It's not an ambush" Wynne said.
When Bethany only looked at her Wynne laughed raising a hand and lowering Bethany's staff for her.
"He doesn't mean us any harm. Trust me when I say that if you fought him you'd lose" Wynne said calmly.
Humph Bethany thought.
The lone figure waited for them patiently and when they reached him Bethany looked him over.
He was tall for an Elf.
A little taller than Fenris with short close cropped brown hair, a thin faded scar than ran down the side of his face, and he had stormy grey eyes that seemed to shine with an intelligence and wisdom beyond his years.
The Elf had two Longswords sheathed on his back and now that she was closer Bethany could see that he wore medium armor underneath his red traveling cloak.
His eyes... I've never seen anyone with eyes like that Bethany thought
The Elf barely acknowledged Bethany instead turning to Wynne.
"Hello again Wynne" the Elf said. The way he spoke, like the voice of a much older man, someone who had lived through much despite their youth.
"My old friend what brings you to the Free Marches?" Wynne said speaking as if she'd ran into a long lost grandson.
"Just passing by and heard you were heading to Starkhaven. Set up camp and waited." the Elf answered with smallest of shrugs.
He waited all that time for Wynne? Bethany thought.
"Thought maybe we could share the road. If only for a bit or I could come with you?" the Elf said.
"Don't you have 'other' business to take care of?" Wynne asked slowly.
The Elf got a distant look in his grey eyes seeming to look right past both Wynne and Bethany as he coldly said "I think I've done enough work for once. I think I deserve some time off."
"We'd be honored to share the road with you. Stay as long you'd like" Wynne said warmly.
The Elf nodded his thanks.
"Oh let me introduce you to my new apprentice. This is Bethany" Wynne said gesturing to her.
"Hello" Bethany said raising a hand.
The Elf shook Bethany's hand.
"My name is Agron" the Elf said.
Agron... the Hero of Ferelden Bethany thought her eyes widening.
Epilogue II
Qunari Compound
Three of the Qunari under the rank of Sten stood before their Arishok seated atop his throne.
"Hawke. He is not like the others in this accused city" the Arishok said in his cold harsh voice.
"He is a human. He is not of the Qun" one of Sten said.
"It was Hawke who truly defeated the criminals calling themselves the Coterie. He did what the City Guards and their Viscount could not. He has proven himself worthy of respect in a city full of those unworthy" the Arishok said.
The Qunari were not as a blind as the natives of Kirkwall. They knew of the Coterie's existence and their war with the City Guards. The Qunari had built themselves an intelligence network in the city that not even the underworld of Kirkwall was aware of.
The Qunari could have gotten involved, they might have been able to defeat the Coterie without the City Guard's help at all, but they had chosen not to.
The Arishok had decided to wait and see how the city handled corruption. He was not impressed with their efforts until the one known as 'Hawke' had joined in.
"You believe he could be of use to us?" another of the Sten asked.
"Perhaps" the Arishok answered.
"We are getting closer to locating the Tome of Koslun, Sir" the Sten reported.
"As expected. Once it is found we will finally leave this accursed city but not before we have left our mark" the Arishok said.
"If we require aid from the city I trust no other. Hawke is the only one of their kind who can get results. If the time comes I will call upon him until then continue the search" the Arishok command.
The three Sten bowed and did as commanded.
END
I know not everyone will be happy with my ending.
But it's the ending I've always had in mind. I acknowledged that I got too carried away with this story and it became longer than it should have but overall I'm happy with how it turned out.
Garrett Hawke, at this stage of his life, is the People's Champion.
Hawke's story will continue in Rise of a Champion II Clash of Cultures.
It will not be as long as this story was. 20 to 25 chapters at most. It will follow Act 2 with Garrett and Aveline as a couple and some other twists and turns.
As for Bethany, her story will continue too.