The Keep was buzzing with people when Leigh and her companions entered. Anders stood close to her since the place crawled with Templars. Varric's hand itched readying for anything. Three raised voices caught Leigh's attention, two armored people and one in skimpy leathers were deep in a loud conversation.
"We have to go after them Aveline. Hawke has been gone for too long." Sebastian looked like he would explode. Aveline rolled her eyes and stopped in the middle of the stair way.
"I don't even know where they went. They could be anywhere. None of us went with them the last time, so how pray tell do you expect me to find them?" Isabela just watched the two volley words back and forth. Her eyes drifted around the main room of the Keep and landed on Leigh. A wry smile graced her lips as she pushed in between the two arguers and headed to were she stood.
"Hawke it is about bloody time you got back. It has been right boring here without you." The rogue gave her friend a quick hug and a peck on the cheek, before Leigh was crushed by a armored body. Leigh heard Anders growl from behind her, but the vice grip embrace she was in made it hard to turn her head let alone breath. "Hey don't crush the poor woman, let her at least say hello to all of us first." Sebastian blushed and let Leigh go.
"I am happy to see you all too. Sorry it took us so long to get back, we ran into some complications."
"Where are Fenris and Merrill?" Isabela's voice was laced with concern. Leigh knew why, she had a thing for Fenris and was very protective of Merrill.
"They are home resting, both are fine." The rogue blew out a sigh of relief and put her devil may care face back on. "Aveline I am glad I caught you here, I was told to meet the King of Ferelen and I want you there with me."
"I had heard he was here, but I have yet to see him. Why does he want to see you?"
"I have no idea, but who I am to refuse. He is our king." Aveline smiled at her and nodded in agreement.
"I thought I was the only one who still felt like Ferelden would always be their home."
"I will always be a Ferledan. It is in my blood and bone. One day I want to return, but for now Kirkwall needs me more, plus my family is here and I will not abandon any of you." Leigh threw her arms over both Anders and Isabela's shoulders and smiled. "Now I just have to figure out who the King is and talk to him." Anders scanned the room and found the king standing off to the side with a few people around him. One he recognized as Shyira, Nathaniel's now wife and she was very heavy with child.
"He is right over there love. We should go and get this over with." The group made there way to where King Alistair was standing talking in hushed tones to his adviser. He noticed the small crowd moving toward them and raised his hand to silence the conversation.
"Hello King Alistair, my name is Leigh Hawke. I was told that you wanted to meet with me." She gave the appropriate bow which he returned with a smile.
"It is nice to meet you Champion of Kirkwall. I do indeed want to meet the woman who clawed her way up from nothing to become one of the most respected person in all of Kirkwall."
"I have done what I thought was right Your Majesty."
"Then you have done more than most will ever do in a lifetime." Aveline knelt down in front of the king bowing her head.
"It is an honor to meet with you Your Majesty. I was at Ostagar, as was Hawke. What we faced was there was horrible, but I am glad you survived."
"Thank you as am I. The man responsible has paid for his crimes." Alistair stared at Hawke trying to recall if he had seen her at Ostagar. He could not find her face in the ocean of faces he had seen there. "So you were at Ostagar as well?"
"Yes, I was a scout and spent most of my time in the Wilds dodging darkspawn, but I do remember seeing you there. You had to wrestle my brother to the ground to stop him from beating a Templar to a bloody pulp."
"Now I remember you. My friend stopped you from doing the same."
"Yes she did."
"Is your brother here with you?" Leigh's face turned sad and she shook her head.
"He died when we were trying to flee Lothering."
"I am truly sorry."
"So Alistair is is true what they all say, is it good to be the King?" Isabela gave a smug smile and winked at him.
"Why I am not surprised to see you here Isabela. It has been a long time."
"Very long if I remember, how is your blushing bride?" Leigh could have sworn she saw the king blush for a split second. She was a little shocked to see that Isabela knew him.
"Quite well as far as I know." His eyes turned to Anders who gave a very quick nod and a small sigh of relief escaped his lips. "So what are you doing in Kirkwall?"
"I am following this crazy woman." The pirate play punched Leigh in the shoulder and giggled.
"Watch that one she will steal you blind in Wicked Grace."
"Hey, I only do that to teach you a lesson and it was only that one time." Alistair snickered at Isabela, but his face turned serious when he saw someone stalking toward them. "Meredith is coming." "I thought I felt evil heading this way." "She is not in a good mood." "Is she ever Pash?" When Pash did not answer Leigh knew Meredith was right behind her. She spun around and could see the Knight Commander was seething.
"What is the meaning of this?" In her hand she held what looked to be a missive with Ferelden's royal seal on it.
"I thought I worded it quite plainly Knight Commander."
"I will not help a country who lets fugitive mages in so they can hide. At least five have done just that this past month alone. You call yourself a Maker fearing man yet you let this happen."
"Unlike you I do not see blood mages in ever shadow Meredith. Those fugitives you speak of were native Fereldans who returned to Kinloch Hold as soon as they landed. I requested to have our mages back and was denied. The ones who have returned do not have kind words about the Gallows or their keepers."
"You dare insult me here, I should have you tossed out on your royal ass for this. You should be grateful I took in your mages and ignore the fact that you have an apostate here with you now." Leigh stiffened and looked to Anders. She put her hands on her daggers and prepared to fight if she had to.
"Shyira here is a Keeper of the Dalish clan in Ferelden. Her clan helped stop the Blight or it would have spread even here to Kirkwall. You should be thanking her not threatening her." The jovial king that had been in front of them moments ago was now visibly angry. He put himself between Meredith and the elf hoping to dissuade the Templar from trying anything.
"Her position carries no weight here. She is an apostate and belongs in the Circle." The gravelly voice from behind them made Meredith jump and reach for her sword.
"She is the wife of a Grey Warden and not subject to anyone's rule Knight Commander." Nathaniel stormed up and stood almost nose to nose with Meredith. His face was twisted with rage. "I dare you to try to take her and my unborn child from me Templar." Alistair put his hand on Nathaniel's shoulder and pulled him back.
"Easy Nate, she won't. She knows full well that she can't." Nathaniel backed up and went to hold his wife.
"You are just as much a fool as your late brother was. I have no time for fools. You will not receive the help you asked for here."
"My, my I was lead to believe Kirkwall was more hospitable than this. I guess I heard wrong." Another voice, this time airier, but no less angry. Leigh saw a woman dressed in regal splendor standing behind Isabela. "As I have heard Knight Commander your tenure as Viscount has been rather embarrassing for Kirkwall. Do you think it wise for you to stay in power when the Chantry is not to be ruling over the commonwealth like this?"
"This is going to be fun." Isabela whispered in Leigh's ear and giggled. "She will rip that bitch to shreds just with words."
"And you would be?"
"Queen Ashlyn Therin."
"Then you are this fool's wife, how proud you must be." Ashlyn smiled politely thought her dark blue eyes shined with rage. She glided right up to the Templar and stared her in the eye.
"My husband is no fool, you are the foolish one. The harder you press the mages the worst Kirkwall is becoming. Your pride is hurting the very people you claim to be protecting. We have no such problems in Ferelden since the Tower has been made more open. It has be made so families can come visit their kin, true the mages are not allowed to leave, but it has made it easier on them to be able to see the people they were ripped away from. Maybe you should try acting like a person instead of a self righteous tart and just maybe you will see that what you are doing is wrong." Meredith's eyes went wide and her nostrils flared like those of a raging bull.
"I... ..I will not stand here and be belittled by the likes of you." With that she stormed back to the Viscount's office leaving the Queen with a smirk on her face.
"Sorry my husband, but I could not take her calling you a fool." Alistair took her hands in his and kissed her cheek.
"That was quite alright, it was well worth the sight of her struck speechless."
"You always knew how to back someone off without kicking their arse Ash."
"Isabela, how are you?" Ashlyn gave the pirate a tight hug while Varric and Leigh exchanged confused glances. "When I heard the Siren's Call was lost on the coast I had feared you were gone."
"Lucky for me I can swim."
"Yes lucky indeed." Ashlyn gazed at the group in front of her and spotted someone she had not seen since she was little, but there was no mistaking who he was. "Sebastian Vael it has been a very long time."
"I'm sorry My Lady, but my memory is bad. You say you know me?"
"Maybe this name will ring a bell, Ashlyn Cousland."
"Maker's mercy, yes, but the last time I saw you we were both very young. How is your brother Fergus?"
"He is doing well. Being the Teryn of Highever keeps him very busy. I was saddened to hear about your family. If there is anything you need when you take back Starkhaven please let me know. We don't have much right now, but I know full well what it is like to have to take your homeland back from traitorous snakes."
"Thank you, I have not yet decided if I want to take the throne back in Starkhaven yet. I am not sure if I have the right."
"I have told you this before Sebastian, you do have the right and you would be a good ruler."
"Thank you Hawke, I...I will think about it." Ashlyn could see the look the prince was giving Leigh and she made a mental note of it. She also made note of Anders reaction to the prince.
"So Serah Hawke, it is nice to put a face to the name our people have been talking about these past three years. You have done well for yourself and for your fellow countrymen. We thank you for that. Ferelden has a long road to go in recovering from the Blight."
"I do not see myself as a hero Your Majesty. I just have done what I was taught by my father. Help those who need it, and act with grace."
"Your father was a wise man. Is there anything that you need from us, as I told Sebastian we do not have much in the way of supplies, but what ever we can do within our powers we will do."
"The only request I would have I am not sure is in your power Your Majesty. My sister is in the Gallows and I would like for her to be transferred to the Circle in Ferelden, as well as Knight Captain Cullen. I know she will be far safer there than here. I fear for her while she is under Meredith's control."
"I understand and I will petition the Grand Cleric on your behalf. Elthina is a reasonable woman, I am sure I can see it done."
"Thank you Your Majesty. I will in your debt if you can." Leigh bowed, but Ashlyn put her hand on her shoulder to stop her. Leigh looked up into the queen's eyes and saw that she had seen those eyes before. The Warden Commander had the same eyes. She gave the queen a questioning look and was answered by a wink.
"You and I are a lot alike Hawke. We both know what it is like to fight for our land and our family. Nothing is more important than that. I have something to ask of you if I may?"
"Anything."
"Watch over your friends, protect what is yours and please remember you will always have a home in Ferelden when ever you need it."
"I will, thank you."
"Nathaniel I think it is time to get your lovely wife back to the inn to rest. It was a pleasure meeting all of you and may the Maker watch over you all." Nathaniel clapped a hand on Anders shoulder and smiled.
"Stay out of trouble old boy and I hope that I will be able to see you soon."
"I will try Nate. If you are staying in Kirkwall until your baby is born I am sure you will." Shyira took Leigh's hands and beamed at her.
"Thank you for returning my husband to me serah. I can never repay you for this."
"You never have to. It was a pleasure to meet him and help him come home to you. Congratulations on your little one."
"Ma serannes, lethallan."
"Come my dear you need to get off your feet. See you around Hawke." Nathaniel lead his wife out of the Keep followed closely by the king's advisers. Alistair held his arm out to his wife and she took it gracefully. Once they were out of the Keep he saw a look on Ashlyn's face he knew well. It was the look she use to get before a mission during the Blight, so he stopped walking and cupped her chin in his hand.
"What is wrong my love?"
"We have a problem and Anders is right in the middle of it, but I don't want to speak of it out here in the open. There is no knowing if Meredith has eyes and ears around."
"I thought he was dead."
"The blonde man standing next to Hawke, that was him. He pulled a Wynne, but with Justice."
"Andraste's flaming sword what possessed him to do that?" Ashlyn shook her head and laughed. "What is so funny, Ash really this is serious?"
"What possessed him? Really Alistair that was not one of your better lines." In spite of himself he laughed realizing what he had said. "He was helping a friend, but somehow his anger toward the Circle and the Chantry warped Justice into Vengeance. At least that is what Justice told me."
"I need a drink, I hope Ogrhen gave you some of his special brew."
"I have some yes, let us be off then so I can fill you in."
"I am glad you made it back to me in one piece love, I hate not being able to watch your back anymore."
"I know, I miss having you with me, but a Warden's job is never done. You have responsibilities now that can not be ignored."
"It doesn't help me not worry. I was hoping that when the Archdemon died we could just grow old together without worrying about all this again."
"We will, but right now one of our brothers needs us and I will not abandon him."
"There you go being all noble again, making me love you even more."
"I love you too and I can't wait to get out of these damned clothes. Now I know why I always preferred wearing my leather armor to wearing finery."
"I can help you with those clothes." Alistair flashed a lecherous grin before taking his lady's hand and leading her back to the royal ship.
OoO
"So that was the King and Queen of Ferelden. I will have to say they are a refreshing change from the stuck up nobles around here." Varric mused as they headed out of the Viscount's Keep. He, Aveline and Leigh walked together ahead of the others. Isabela and Anders were deep in conversation and Sebastian looked deep in thought.
"They did seem to be too good to be true, didn't they?"
"Yes Red they did, but if it helps get Sunshine out of the Gallows I won't knock it." Aveline gave a nod and turned to Hawke.
"So how were the Deep Roads?"
"Oh you know full of darkspawn, large spiders and rotting corpses. A perfect place to have a romantic lunch."
"Hawke your horrible."
"Sorry Aveline, I am tired, sore and a little punchy. I am happy to be back here in the sunshine and somewhat fresh air."
"We are happy to have you back. If you were gone any longer Sebastian would have stormed after you, though we had no idea where you were. When Bodahn told me Anders went after you I feared the worst."
"I am sorry I worried all of you."
"Just don't do it again or I swear Starkhaven won't have an heir because I will end up strangling Sebastian."
"How long did he pester you?"
"Everyday after the first week." Leigh rolled her eyes and shook her head.
"Maker, I love him like a brother, but he sometimes doesn't get it does he? I'm not fragile or stupid, I can take care of myself."
"He loves you Hawke, even after you told him to back off. I know you told me not to act like the protective big sister, but there are times I want to smack some sense into the boy." Leigh rubbed her forehead to try to stem the headache that was now creeping up on her.
"How do I get it through his thick skull that I can't be with him? I love Anders and yes I do love Sebastian too, but it is not the same type of love."
"It is his problem not yours. He will either respect your wishes or you might have to send him away."
"I don't know if I can do that."
"You might have to Hawke, I hope you don't for your sake, but be prepared is all I am saying." Leigh sighed and the pounding in her head became worse. She wanted to lay down in her nice soft bed and draw the curtains. She looked back at the others who were trailing behind and caught Sebastian staring at her. She was thankful Isabela had Anders full attention or it could get ugly really quick. She slowed her pace and let everyone else get ahead of her and the prince.
"You look deep in thought Sebastian. What's wrong?"
"I...it is nothing Hawke, just thinking."
"Out with it Vael. What's on your mind?"
"Just thinking about Starkhaven and what both you and Ashlyn said. I keep waiting for a sign from the Maker to tell me what I should do. I feel lost."
"Maybe the Maker wants you to make your own decision on what you want to do with your life. I still stand by the fact I think you would make a good ruler. Your fair, kind, but shrewd enough not to be taken advantage of. You are a rogue after all. I have heard some tales of your wild days, most of them from your own mouth. You do yourself no good by turning your back on your past and your birthright."
"Is there nothing in your past you wish you could forget?"
"Your asking if I have regrets, yes I do. I have learned from those regrets and do not let them hold me back. You are not the boy that went through life doing whatever and whoever you want anymore. You have grown up and yes the Chantry helped with that, but if you had wanted to stay that same selfish boy you would have."
"You sound like the Grand Cleric."
"She is a wise woman and she cares for you very much."
"And I for her, as I care for you. She did ask that when you returned if you had time to come talk to her."
"Do you think it is something that can't wait?"
"I am not sure. I know she wanted both of us there. It has something to do with a letter she received from the Divine, that is all I know."
"Then we should not delay. I will have Varric make sure Anders gets home safe and I will go with you to the Chantry."
"I will wait for you over there then. See you soon Hawke."
"Anders."
"Sorry love, what is it?"
"The Grand Cleric wants to see me and you need to check on the clinic. They must be going crazy without you."
"Why does she want to see you?" His eyes narrowed with suspicion at the thought of her going to the Chantry alone.
"It is most likely someone needs my help and she is going to fill me in on it."
"I don't like it." Her hand brushed his cheek trying to quell his unease. His posture relaxed a little, but his expression did not.
"You make it sound like I am walking into the lion's den."
"More like a snake pit."
"Anders, really Elthina has been nothing but kind to me, even after I trashed the place when they took Beth. If she needs me to do something to help someone I will. Plus it might help grease the wheels to get my sister out of the Gallows and back to Ferelden. She will be far safer there than here."
"Your right love, I'm sorry I guess I am just overtired from all the traveling and fighting."
"I promise I won't be long and I won't disappear again without make sure you know where I am going before I leave."
"I appreciate that. I will take the passage way from our home to the clinic. It is safer that way. I hope not to be long."
"Alright, I will be along soon." She stood on her toes and gave him a lingering kiss. He broke it too soon for her liking, his eyes had lost more of the light they use to have. She made a mental note to speak to him about what was bothering him when they were alone again. She watched him walk away, his walk was heavy like a man who had the weight of the world on his shoulders. When he vanished from her sight Leigh went to join Sebastian. He saw the worried expression on her face even though she smiled at him.
"What's wrong Hawke?"
"It's nothing just worried about Anders he is not acting like himself lately."
"He does seem to have a lot on his mind."
"Hmm." Leigh tipped her hand to signal Sebastian to start walking.
"It is not my place to say anything, but he is foolish to treat you the way he does."
"I really do not want to go into this again please. I know you hate him Sebastian."
"I don't hate him Hawke, I just don't think he is right for you. Your life is in danger everyday you are with him."
"He is worth the risk." Sebastian blew out a ragged breath and bit his lip. There was so much he wanted to say. He knew if he did he would lose her and that was something he did not want. He only nodded and faked a smile. The Grand Cleric was waiting for them when they arrived.
"Ah Serah Hawke, thank you for coming so quickly."
"It is my pleasure Your Grace."
"I would not normally bother anyone with something like this, but your influence in Kirkwall is well known to both sides."
"Both sides?"
"The mages and the Templar, also those have taken sides are looking to people they trust. From what I have been hearing most trust you."
"I make no secret of what side I have chosen. My sister is a mage and I fear for her safety while she is in the Gallows."
"I know dear, the thing I ask of you and Sebastian is to meet with a agent of the Divine. She is here in Kirkwall to see if action is called for against the city."
"What, why?" Sebastian and Leigh yelled in unison. Elthina held up her hand to quiet them enough to continue.
"The situation here is almost at a boiling point. The Divine wants to make sure it does not go that far by any means necessary. I would like both of you to convince the agent that drastic measures do not have to be taken. I do not want the people here to suffer, any of them.
"You don't think the Divine would attack Kirkwall without provocation?"
"That is why I ask this of the two of you. Each of you sees one side of the debate and I am sure that working together you can stem this."
"When are we to meet this agent?"
"Tonight in the throne room of the Viscount's Keep. The door has been locked since the Qunari murdered Dumar, but I am sure between the two of you it will not be a problem."
"Your Grace?"
"Use the skills you acquired before you came to us Sebastian, I am sure they are not that rusty." Leigh laughed as her friend's face turned a distinct shade of crimson from Elthina's words.
"As you wish. I will meet you tonight after dark at the Keep Hawke. You should go home and rest."
"I will see you then. Good day Your Grace." Leigh bowed and left Sebastian with Elthina.
"If you stare at her with any more intensity my boy I think she will burst into flames."
"I...Maker forgive me, I can't help it."
"I am not blind Sebastian, I know you love her, but isn't she pledged to another?"
"She is, but he does not deserve her. He is a apostate and her fame will only protect her for so long. If the Divine truly does marched against Kirkwall I fear she will try to protect the mages and kill herself in the process. If that happens I will never forgive myself."
"Sebastian, she is well aware of the dangers her choices. She and I have talked at length on them. She feels this man is worthy of her, that he completes her. Hawke is a very compassionate person. She has seen the best and the worst of magic, and her faith in those around her who weld it has never wavered. She shows a strength that could be measured against our Lady Andraste. She cares for you very much, but she can not change her heart and neither can you. Do not push her to become something she is not. You will end up losing her, be thankful you have her as a friend and confidant. That is a blessed thing to have."
"I...I understand Your Grace. I must go and pray for guidance and forgiveness."
"Desire can be a wonderful thing Sebastian, but it can also twist a person til they forget why they wanted the thing they covet. Do not let it twist you." He bowed and headed back to his room. Once he was alone Sebastian threw himself on his bed and tried hard to ease the pain that his heart was in. Leigh's face kept flashing in his mind and he growled in frustration. He rolled off the bed and fell to his knees to pray. He prayed for the pain to ease, for him to be able to just be Hawke's friend and not want anything more than that. He prayed to make the hate for Anders fade. He could not lose her to his own pride and desire. He also did not want to lose her to the violence he was sure was coming.
OoO
"Behind you!" Leigh heard a stifled scream as a lightning bolt hit Sebastian square in the back. He collapsed into a smoking heap at her feet. The mages who attacked them surrounded her. "Why are you doing this? I am on your side, but this in not the way to prove you should be free."
"We know you are here to talk to the agent of the Divine, don't lie to us Champion. You sit in your mansion while we have to hid and fear for our lives. We will not stand aside anymore."
"You are just making things worse for the mages still stuck in the Gallows. Your actions are not helping."
"You know nothing about being a mage. We should be the ones in charge not them."
"Your wrong, I know more about being a mage than you know." The blood mage just gave a dark laugh and shot his hand out at her. A blast of cold hit her threatening to freeze her solid had she not ignited a fire spell around her. The mages took a few steps back in shock. "Now stand down I don't want to have to hurt any of you." The leader did not heed her warning and attacked with a lightning spell. Leigh held out her palm and drew a shield over her and Sebastian's limp form. She stepped out of the shield and drew her daggers.
"The pious Serah Hawke is nothing but a blood mage acting like a average person. You will pay for siding against your own kind." Before he could speak his next spell a dagger slit his throat. He had been so busy talking that he didn't see her move at breakneck speed at him. The other mages never stood a chance either. She made short work of them. Her body quaked with anger and sorrow for having to kill them, but they gave her no choice. Leigh fell to her knees next to Sebastian after she finished the last of the mages off. She was so busy trying to bring him back around that she did not noticed two more mages sneaking up on her. The sick wet sound of blades going into their throats made her wheel around blades drawn.
"Peace friend, you must be Serah Hawke." The red haired woman in front of her gave Leigh a warm smile.
"And you would be the agent of the Divine."
"You may call me Sister Nightingale or Leliana if you prefer. I knew they would try to kill me, but I was not expecting for them to turn on you."
"Well they did. So you set me up?"
"No I wanted them to find only me here, but you came earlier than I was expecting. I am sorry."
"I am use to it by now. If it isn't one side trying to kill me it's the other."
"Is Brother Vael...?"
"No he is alive just knocked out. It is nothing that I can't fix."
"If you are sure?" Leigh nodded and stood up to face Leliana. "You must try to persuade Elthina to leave Kirkwall and go to Orlias. She is not safe here anymore."
"So the Divine thinks that Kirkwall is a lost cause."
"Not yet, but if things do not improve she will do what must be done."
"Is there no other way? The people here have been through enough."
"It is not my choice."
"There has to be a way to prevent all out war. If Meredith can be taken out of power things might die down enough for talks to open up and both sides to find peace. As long as she stays in power this place is always going to be in danger of all out war."
"Meredith is a devote member of the faith."
"She is also bat shit nuts. She squeezes the mages and they fight back. It is a vicious cycle. It has to stop. She thinks she is doing what is best, but she has lost sight of her humanity."
"I can see you have chosen your side. If you care for Elthina beg her to leave. I fear she will try to stand between both sides and lose her life in the process. I have pressing matters elsewhere. Maker watch over you Serah Hawke."
"You too." She did not watch the sister leave. Her concern was Sebastian and how she was going to get him to his feet and get him out of there. He was far larger than herself and his armor made him even heavier. "There is someone else here hiding in the shadows Leigh." "Great, hostile?" "No, but if you would let me deal with him it will be less messy." "Have fun I am tired of all this right now. Just do me a favor when your done help me with Sebastian." "As you wish." Leigh let Pash take over and her conscience slipped into a deep sleep. "You can come out Anders she is sleeping." He stepped out of the shadows , but kept his distance.
"What is she doing here?"
"She came on the request of the Grand Cleric. We wanted a peaceful resolution to this, but the mages would not listen."
"I saw."
"And yet you did not come out of hiding to help her, I wonder why?"
"I didn't want her to see me working with blood mages."
"I see, you are walking a dangerous line Anders. You should tell her what you are doing instead of leaving her in the dark. She has a stake in this too."
"I have to keep her safe. The less she knows the better." Pash could only look at him sadly. She knew better than anyone what he was planning and she also knew all to well what it would cost him.
"If she lost you she will not be safe. Her rage and sorrow would consume her and there would be nothing I could do to stop it. She would bring this city to it's knees before anyone could stop her. You have not seen her at her most powerful, it is terrible to behold."
"She told me she had never really used her magic until after her battle with the Arishok."
"She is ashamed of what she did, but she did tell you part of it. The Templars that hurt her father paid for what they did a hundred times over." Anders flinched at Pash's words. "After she had done it she vowed never to let herself become that person again. I have helped her as much as I could, but with us fused as we are it is hard to see where she ends and I begin. Just as it is for you and Justice, strong emotions make normal people do things they normally would not, but for us it is different. Those emotions change us into demons or as close to demons as we can get."
"I can't stop this, it has already been set in motion."
"Then tell her before it is too late. She will understand."
"No she won't. It breaks my heart to hurt her, but this is more important than me, than her. It has to do with every mage in Thedas."
"I understand, but I am not sure she will." The red light dimmed a little in her skin. "Aveline is coming. Let me do the talking."
"What, she doesn't know about you..."
"Hawke! What is going on in here?" The guard captain's eye scanned the throne room and made not of the dead mages. Anders opened his mouth to speak, but the sound of Leigh's voice cut him off. He saw the red was gone from her skin, but he knew Pash was still in control.
"The Grand Cleric asked Sebastian and I to meet with a Agent of the Divine. The meeting was set for here, but it seems these mages thought I was the agent. With all that is going on in Kirkwall they are combative against everyone ever the ones who are on their side. They attacked, knocked Sebastian out and I killed them."
"Flames! And what are you doing here Anders?"
"He was our back up just in case. I told him to stay hidden unless I really needed help." Aveline stared at him and he nodded going along with the lie. "The agent told us that the Divine has her sights on Kirkwall if things get any worse."
"That is all we need. I swear this place has gone to the Void in a hand basket since Dumar died."
"I agree, Meredith has to be removed from power."
"If only we could, but we would need a strong noble to take her place." Aveline knelt down next to Leigh and checked Sebastian. "Anders you should check him over and make sure he is alright. I will clear the main room of the keep in ten minutes. I expect you all to be gone by that time."
"We will be thanks Aveline." Pash waited for her to be gone to let the glow return. "Do you want to heal him or should I?"
"I'll do it, I don't want to take the chance he sees you using magic. Leigh was lucky in the Deep Roads that Fenris knocked out so she didn't have to try to explain."
"Then I will let her take back over."
"How will we explain me being here?"
"She did leave you a note telling you where she was going. I guess you did not get it."
"I haven't been home yet since this morning."
"I suggest you start spending more time there if I were you. She is starting to worry you are going to leave her one day and never return."
"I...I will try." He started to heal the prince and Pash receded back into Leigh's mind. He felt her hands on his back and could not help from smiling.
"I see you got my note."
"Yes I did and I swear you get into trouble when I am not around."
"I don't mean to. I tried to talk them out of it."
"I know you did love, I came in after the last one fell. I stayed hidden because of the Chantry agent."
"I don't blame you at all. I wish I hadn't been here either." A groan told them both Sebastian was coming around. He blinked a few times and let his vision clear.
'Hawke, Anders? Maker what happened?"
"Someone turned you into a lightning rod my friend, but lucky you did not take the full brunt of it. I left Anders a note to where I was going and he showed up right after the agent left."
"What did she say?"
"That the Divine is watching Kirkwall and it is not good. She is preparing to march against us if the situation gets any worse. She told me we have to convince Elthina to leave and go to Orlias. She is not safe here."
"Maker have mercy, we should tell her right away."
"First we make sure your okay, then we can go."
"He's fine Leigh, the spell did very little damage."
"Thank you Anders."
"Your welcome Sebastian. Leigh I will meet you at home." He held his hand out to the prince helping him off the floor then turned to Leigh and did the same. He pulled her a little harder and slammed her into him before giving her a bruising kiss. He knew it was cruel to kiss her in front of Sebastian, but a small part of him liked seeing the pain on the prince's face. "I'll be waiting for you." Leigh's face flushed and she felt dizzy from the kiss.
"I...I'll be home soon." She blew out a long breath and watched him leave. "I hate it when he does that. I can't think straight afterwords." "I think that was his point." "I know, but Maker, he drives me crazy." All Leigh could hear was a rolling laughter from Pash in her head. The kiss had made her forget Sebastian was standing there with her til he cleared his throat.
"We should go see Elthina." He stalked past her and she had to run to catch up. The set of his jaw told her he was upset so she kept quiet. The walk to the Chantry did not take long and she waited patiently as Sebastian went to find the Grand Cleric. Once she was in front of both of them they told her about the Divine's plans. After hearing they wanted her to leave her flock behind and leave Elthina chided them and refused to leave. Sebastian's eyes pleaded with Leigh to make Ethina see reason, but she knew it was no use. Pash told her the Grand Cleric was not leaving no matter who asked her to. She would not leave her people to this war to suffer without her.
"I am Grand Cleric and my word is final Sebastian. My fate will be the same as my flock if that is the Maker's will." She left them both to return to her chambers. Sebastian balled his hands in tight fists and growled in frustration.
"If this comes to war she will be ripped apart and yet she will not leave."
"It is her choice. She is not a fool, she knows what it means."
"If she is not leaving neither am I. Starkhaven be damned, it can wait. I will be here to shield her from the mages."
"What do you mean shield her from the mages?"
"It is their fault, if they would just see reason..." His words were cut off by a hard slap.
"It is not all their fault! Fault lies with both sides Sebastian. Tell me this if it was you or someone you loved would you want to be locked up and treated like they are. I am not saying how they are going about it is right, but I understand. I would be fighting if it were me. If there was any way to get my sister out of that shit hole I would. I hate the fact it has come to this, but Meredith is making it worse. She needs to be stopped and her power over Kirkwall striped." He rubbed his cheek and smiled in spite of the pain.
"Why don't you become the Viscount, or should I say Viscountess."
"You can't be serious."
"I am, you see both sides and are respected by many on both sides. Your compassionate, but tough, I think you would do well."
"How pray tell do I go about doing this? I know nothing of politics and ruling a city."
"Leave that to me. I remember enough about it to help you."
"I don't know about this Sebastian."
"It will get Meredith out of power and hopefully appease the mages enough to get them to open communications and stop hurting people. It is a win, win situation." The hope in his eyes softened her positions against trying to dissuade him from his plan.
"Alright, but not today. I need to go home and sleep."
"I will talk to the nobles on your behalf and get their support. Rest well Hawke."
"I hope this works or both of our names will end up being mud."
"Have faith."
"Your faith in me is enough. Thank you Sebastian."
"Your welcome." Leigh could only shake her head as she left the Chantry. Her mind raced at the thought of being the leader of Kirkwall. If it would help cool the mounting tensions in the city it would be worth it. She could protect Anders and Merrill even get her sister out of the Gallows possibly. Filled with both hope and dread she ran to her home. Seeing Anders waiting for her at the top of the stairs made her feel better. His long absent warm smile was there as he held out his hand for her. The spark in his eyes was also back. Before she could tell him anything he swept her off her feet and carried her to their bed room. All thoughts of being the Viscountess washed away when he kissed her. Sleep would have to wait, as would anything else. It was rare for them to be able to to catch a moment for themselves. It was rarer still for him to show signs of his old self.
"So are you all mine today?" He gave her an amused smirk.
"I am."
"Good lock the door and get your clothes off."
"My we are a bit forward today."
'Shut up Anders and get over here."
"Since you asked so nicely..."