Author's Note: This is a shorter chapter, focusing back on the expedition. Hope you enjoy!
Updated 3/20/15: Added a/n; fixed some formatting and grammatical errors. Nothing of substance has changed.
The way worn group trudged along the ever-widening corridor in the Deep Roads. Despite getting a restful night's sleep, Hawke felt completely sapped of energy. The heat of the cavern did not help. Fenris' presence just ahead of her kept her mood positive, though, as she kept finding herself smiling whenever she recalled their morning together.
Fenris found himself lost in similar thoughts, though he still struggled inwardly. She said I could have all the time I need. She means it. But she deserves more. She's been so patient. I shouldn't be so selfish. He battled with himself. No. I know that she loves me and meant everything she said. I just need to work up the strength to tell her the truth about…everything. His thoughts continued back and forth as the day wore on.
Bartrand was gracious enough to let them stop briefly for lunch that day, though Hawke was certain it was only because he, too, was too exhausted to try to push on. If we don't find this thaig soon, I think we're all going to lose our minds. She and Fenris sat quietly on the back of Bodahn's wagon, eating their lunch in relative silence. It was a pleasant silence - each too tired to think let alone converse. Once Hawke finished her sandwich she scooted closer to Fenris, resting her head on his shoulder as he continued eating. Shifting his sandwich to the opposite hand, he rested his now free hand on Hawke's. She smiled tiredly as her eyes began to droop shut.
Her brief nap was interrupted by a loud clattering noise as Sandal ran past carrying some manner of toolbox. She yawned and stretched, noticing that the group was stirring again, getting ready to move out. Seeing her awake, Fenris nudged her gently with the shoulder she was resting on. He gave her an apologetic smile.
"Oh well," she sighed, "I knew it was too much to hope for any real sleep." She gave his hand a squeeze as she hopped off the wagon, brushing the few remaining crumbs from her lap.
The group pushed on even longer than usual, despite everyone's weariness. The hope that maybe they would catch sight of their goal before the day was out gave them enough energy to continue well past dinner time. Finally, however, Bodahn called for them to set camp. Hawke was not looking forward to guard duty that night; she had first watch this time.
After camp was set, she headed to the mess tent with Fenris and they sat down next to Anders and Varric, ready for a quiet meal. As she sat down, though, Hawke caught a glimpse of Anders' face and immediately knew something was wrong. His expression was more serious than she'd ever seen it, and not his usual sulky frown.
"Anders?" she ventured. He jumped. She'd never seen him like this before.
He glanced up at the group, his eyes heavy, "Something…is very wrong."
His tone sent chills down everyone's spines. Even Fenris momentarily forgot his hatred for the mage as he stared, waiting for an explanation.
"Darkspawn?" Hawke questioned.
"No…at least, I'm fairly certain it's not. This is – this is very different. This is…" his voice trailed off briefly as he closed his eyes and shuddered.
As Anders opened his eyes again he noticed everyone staring at him in silence.
"Sorry," he spoke up, "I'm just trying to figure out what this means. It's similar to the effect of Fenris' weird lyrium thing he does, when I get too near him." Fenris snorted, but said nothing more. "But…it's stronger," Anders continued. "It feels heavier."
Hawke finally spoke, "Can you tell if it – whatever it is – is nearby?"
"I'm not sure, but the sensation has been increasing as we've continued on today. I can't even block it out now."
Hawke pursed her lips and furrowed her brow in deep thought. Suddenly and without a word, she stood up and marched away from the table toward where Bodahn sat at the fire. She stopped briefly to turn around and motion hurriedly for Varric to follow her.
"Are you sure about this?" Bartrand looked thoroughly annoyed, "Can't it wait 'til morning? Who's going to guard the camp tonight?"
"I really think it would be best for everyone if we investigate what Anders is sensing. That's why we brought him along," Hawke said firmly.
"Anyway, think about it, brother," Varric stepped in, "Maybe we'll find the thaig tonight."
This caused Bartrand to raise an eyebrow, looking rather pleased now. "Very well," he conceded. "But I'm not sending a search party after you if you get lost or eaten."
Hawke and Varric looked at each other and sighed. They turned to head back to the mess tent to update Fenris and Anders on the change of plans.
The small group headed into the cavern, the sphere of light on Anders' staff glowing softly on the walls.
Anders grew noticeably more agitated as they progressed. I'm beginning to feel sorry for him, Hawke thought, I can't imagine what it must be like to have that kind of ability. The fear of nightmares of darkspawn and archdemons always looming, knowing when danger is near, always on edge. She shivered, despite the warmth in the cavern.
They had been exploring for just over an hour when they rounded a bend and the four of them stopped immediately in their tracks.
"Maker…" Hawke whispered. None of the others could manage a word.
Before them lay a massive staircase leading down into the largest cavern she'd ever seen. Numerous stone houses were stacked on either side, a large causeway passing between them, leading up to an enormous and intricately decorated building that must have been a mile away from where they stood. A red glow filled the entire cavern and Hawke's eyes wandered to the large, red veins that were its source.
"Is that…" she began.
Varric finished her thought, "Lyrium?" They continued to stare.
Hawke suddenly noticed another source of light out of the corner of her eye. She turned, her eyes widening, "Fenris?"
He started, as he too had been mesmerized by the sight before him. He looked at Hawke, "Hm?"
She gave him a puzzled look and he noticed she was scanning him up and down. Fenris glanced down and realized that his lyrium markings had been slowly fading in and out. He jumped back slightly and held up his arms in confusion, as if trying to determine what the source of the light was.
"I don't understand this…" he appeared baffled.
Hawke's expression turned to one of concern, "Is it hurting you?"
"No," his voice was one of amazement, "No, it feels…warm. Strangely comfortable."
"This is creeping the shit out of me," Varric finally found his voice after remaining speechless for probably the longest he'd ever had in his life, "This looks nothing like the thaigs I've heard of or seen paintings of. The architecture doesn't even look dwarven. What is this place?"
"I don't know," Anders spoke up as well, "but I think that red…lyrium, or whatever it is, is the source of what I've been hearing all day."
"Are you sure?" Hawke asked.
"I think so…" he and the group once again stopped and stared at the thaig, trying to absorb what they were seeing. Hawke's uneasiness grew.
Varric finally interrupted the silence, "Well…we'd better go tell Bartrand."