Chapter 48

"Okay Hawke, I couldn't find a ship heading to Gwaren," Varric told him as he ate. Gavin was a good cook and the dwarf never passed up a dinner invitation to the mage's home. "There is a ship leaving for Amaranthine in three days, and another ship leaving for Denerim next week."

"That's all?" Gavin couldn't hide his disappointment.

"It isn't the high point of the trading season," Varric shrugged. "At least for Ferelden. Most of the profitable trading right now is with Orlais and Rivain. In a month or so, the Fall Harvest will be coming to market and trade will go up."

"Ferelden is known to be rather insular and it's people highly self-sufficient," Fenris mused.

"Actually messere, trade used to be more lucrative throughout the year, but the Blight caused such devastation that the country is still not fully recovered," Bodhan interrupted. He often waited on Hawke when he had guests for dinner, keeping plates and glasses full. The fact the mage ate in the kitchen and not the dining room made no difference to him. "Many people, like you, were displaced and much of the land corrupted. There isn't much extra money going around yet since it's only been about six years or so. I imagine that once the land has healed fully then people will have more money and goods and trade will go up."

"Perhaps you should wait a while longer then before heading back?" Varric suggested hopefully. Seeing the glare the mage gave him he sighed, "Guess not."

"I'm not going to change my mind Varric," Gavin said sternly. "I'm tired of doing other people's dirty work. If this city wants to destroy itself, then fine. I wash my hands of them."

"There are a lot of innocent people here Hawke," the dwarf reminded him.

"They were here before me and they'll still be here after I'm gone," the mage shook his head. "I'm sure they'll muddle along fine without me."

Fenris shot Varric a warning look and the dwarf subsided. "I spoke with Jethann about leaving. Orana has no other ties here and any family she might have would still be in Tevinter. Going back there is not something she will even consider and I can't blame her. As for Jethann, he never knew his father and his mother died when he was a boy. The only family he had was an aunt and she kicked him out as soon as he was old enough to work. They both wish to go with you to see about making a new life for themselves in Ferelden. Being good with growing things, Jethann feels he can make a good life for them farming the land."

"Land can be expensive," Gavin said thoughtfully. "But, I have more money than I know what to do with. If he wants to become a farmer, I can certainly help him get started."

Raised voices from the front of the house brought their conversation to a halt. Gavin scowled as he recognized them. "That's Aveline and Isabela. At least in Ferelden I won't have to hear them bickering all the time."

"Excuse me ser," Orana had come to the doorway. "You have a couple of visitors. I'm sorry, but they followed me home from the market," she finished, wringing her hands.

"It's alright Orana," Gavin smiled at her. "Those two are as tenacious as a mabari with a bone."

"In all the years you've been here, Isabela has never come to your home without some kind of agenda," Varric frowned. "This can't be good."

As the voices got louder and sharper, Gavin sighed, "I better get out there before they start throwing things."

He got up and headed out of the kitchen and into the foyer. He saw the two women standing toe to toe and it was anyone's guess who would throw the first punch. "What is so damn important that you two have to interrupt my dinner?" he growled as he came to a stop and folded his arms across his chest.

"Hawke, I need your help with a delicate matter," Aveline said firmly. "The Arishok is harboring two fugitives. If I go in there with my men, it could upset the balance. The Arishok respects you."

"If you don't help me Hawke, I'll be dead by morning," Isabela cried as she pushed Aveline aside.

Holding up a hand to forestall Aveline's angry protest, he fixed a glare on the pirate. "What do you mean?"

"Remember I told you about the Relic Castillon wants?" she asked. Seeing him nod she continued, "Well, I found out where it is, but I have to retrieve it tonight or it will be gone. If I don't get it back, Castillon is going to feed me to the sharks."

"There are more important things at stake than saving your sorry ass," Aveline snapped. She turned back to Hawke, "If the Arishok is not dealt with quickly, the people in this city will think they can get away with anything."

"News flash, they already think they can get away with anything," Gavin snarled. "As for the Arishok, he's more stubborn than you."

"But, you have a better chance than anyone of getting him to see reason," Aveline pleaded. "He can't be allowed to flaunt the laws of the city."

"Whose reason Aveline? Yours?" the mage snapped. "Don't you get it yet? He's going to do what he damn well feels like and nothing I say is going to change that."

"So go away and leave him alone, man-hands," Isabela smirked.

"As for you," Gavin growled, rounding on her. "It's been six years. Now that I'm about to leave Kirkwall, you suddenly have found the exact location of the relic? Forgive me if I doubt that," he sneered.

"But Hawke-"

"NO!" he shouted, freezing both women in place. "I'm done risking my neck and I have no more favors to give out. I'm sick and tired of everyone coming to me to fix their fuck-ups. You all managed just fine before I came along, and you'll find some way of solving your problems without my help. Now get out of my house!"

"But Hawke-" Aveline began.

"GET OUT!" he screamed at them.

Hearing his master yelling, Fang came bounding into the foyer to stand by his side. He dropped into an attack stance and growled at the two women. Though the redhead had been friendly with him, she was now a threat and he was prepared to deal with that threat.

"I thought we were friends Hawke," Aveline said coolly.

"Fang, sit," he ordered. With a soft bark, the dog sat back, never taking his eyes off the two women. Gavin looked at the woman who had helped him for so many years. "I'm sorry Aveline, but I can't do it anymore. I've lost too much trying to help everyone else. I'm a simple farmer at heart and I never wanted any of this. I was only trying to make a home for my family and now they're gone."

"So what do I do about the Arishok?" Aveline tried to keep her voice neutral.

"Leave it alone," Gavin told her. "He won't listen to anything you say. The Viscount should have forcibly removed the Qunari from his city when they first arrived, before they got a foothold."

"I can't do that Hawke," Aveline shook her head. "He can't be allowed to flaunt the law. It would set a bad precedent."

Gavin sighed, "Just because it's the lawful thing to do, doesn't mean it's the sensible thing to do. But, it's not my problem. Do what you want."

"I can't believe you're going back on your promise to help me Hawke," Isabela pouted.

"And I can't believe that you never had a clue where the relic was before this," Gavin retorted.

"But, it might help with the Qunari," Isabela blurted.

"What nonsense is this?" Aveline goggled at her.

"Ignore her," Gavin snapped. "She's just trying to get my help and will say anything. What was it you said once Isabela? You can't trust a pirate?"

"Fine," she huffed and stormed out, slamming the front door behind her.

"What if she really knows something that could help?" Aveline mused.

"Not my problem anymore," Gavin told her. "You want to keep hitting your head against a brick wall, feel free. Just don't expect me to go along with you."

"Well, goodbye then Hawke," Aveline said quietly as she headed out. "I hope you're happy with yourself."

Gavin watched her go, resisting the urge to call her back and tell her he'd help. He hated letting friends down and the disappointment in her voice was worse than outright anger. He jumped as an arm wrapped around his waist, not having heard Fenris come in.

"You did what you had to Hawke," the elf said softly. "She's a fool if she thinks anyone can change the Arishok's mind. As for Isabela, she always did have a flair for the dramatic. I too find it suspicious that she had no clue up till now about the Relic's whereabouts."

"Even if it was true, I'm tired of doing everyone's dirty work," Gavin shrugged. "It's brought me nothing but trouble and cost me my family."

"Well, it was a great meal as usual Hawke, and the after dinner entertainment was a nice surprise," Varric said as he joined them. "I swear those two fight worse than an old married couple. At least it's good for a few laughs."

"It's not funny anymore, just annoying," the mage grumbled.

"At any rate, I should get going," the dwarf sighed. "Just let me know in the morning which ship you want to take and I'll make the arrangements." He paused for a moment, "You know, you just might have the right idea Hawke. Maybe I'll go with you to Ferelden. There's plenty of opportunity for an enterprising dwarf there, and no merchant's guild to worry about."

"Thanks Varric," Gavin said sincerely. "Have a good night." After the dwarf left, he turned to Fenris, "Shall we relax in front of the fire with some wine before we go to bed."

"Sounds good to me," the elf smiled and followed him.

"Do you think Varric was serious about coming with us?" Gavin asked as he poured a couple of glasses.

"No," Fenris snorted. "He loves this city, despite it's numerous problems. Also, he is part owner of several businesses, not just the Hanged Man. He has too much invested here to walk away from it." He sipped at the glass the mage had handed to him.

"Then why would he even suggest it?" Gavin frowned as he sipped his own wine.

"Probably because it would mean getting away from those two women," Fenris chuckled. "With you gone, he might find himself the center of their attention."

"Poor fellow," Gavin laughed. "He's welcome to come visit anytime."

They sat and chatted until the bottle was finished and then went to bed. Even after a spectacular bought of lovemaking, Gavin found himself unable to fall asleep. Despite his words to the contrary, he did care about the innocent people who always seemed to get caught in the middle of the warring factions of the city. Top amongst them were the poor, displaced Fereldens who never managed to dig themselves out of the slums like he did. If things came to a head, he worried that they would fare poorly.

"You can't help or save everyone Hawke," Fenris said softly.

"I thought you were asleep," Gavin murmured.

"You're tensing up, it woke me," the elf said simply. He leaned up and looked down at the mage. "You are making the right decision Gavin and I fully support it. You need to look after yourself now and let others worry about this city."

"You're right," Gavin smiled at him. "Thank the Maker you came into my life. I would be lost without you to ground me."

"Goodnight Gavin."

"Goodnight Fenris."