The four companions made their way blindly through the uncharted Primeval Thaig together, cursing Bartrand with each step for locking them all in with nothing but the clothes on their backs and their tiny packs of supplies. That bastard! He would get his comeuppance. If not for the lyrium shining brightly from the numerous columns around them and the very walls themselves, they would have been in total darkness, their lanterns having been left behind at camp along with the tents and remains of their food. After only walking for an hour they had already been attacked by numerous Shades, which Merrill had informed them meant a demon was close by. The veil had been torn here. This expedition had taken a drastic turn for the worse. Now they had to worry about a damn demon possessing them, on top of everything else. Darkspawn were becoming the least of their concerns now. They had also been attacked by what looked like a collection of rock wraiths and had no desire to find out what else had been breeding down here in the dark. Lana was glad she had listened to her mother and left Bethany at home.
Hawke's hand had become more swollen and bruised after being squashed and dislocated by the heavy door as Bartrand pulled it shut behind him. Isabela had successfully put her fingers back in place though, enabling her to move them at least (however painful). Hawke wasn't at all surprised that the Rivaini was able to fix them. After all, the pirate had a talent for sticking fingers into holes.
"Any idea what direction we're heading?" Isabela asked then. Varric stroked his chin, thinking to himself. They had stopped momentarily to pick up some Deep Mushrooms to eat, which were growing near by.
"Not particularly," he answered, "None of this looks familiar...It's not even on the map. I doubt anyone's set foot here in centuries."
"Great," the pirate said sarcastically, almost gagging after tasting the mushroom her handed her. "Thank you so much for convincing me to come along, Hawke. I could have been sitting in The Hanged Man right now, sipping a bottle of port, having an endless parade of men hit on me and try to grab my ass. Instead I find myself trapped underground, freezing to death, sucking on a bloody disgusting mushroom!"
Hawke chuckled, "I'm sure you've sucked worse things before, Bela" she joked. Isabela and Varric laughed.
"That was by choice though," the pirate replied, smirking and throwing Lana a wink. "And to be honest even that tasted a lot better than this."
Hawke laughed again, taking another bite of her own mushroom as Isabela chucked hers on the ground. Realising what the Rivaini was talking about, she gagged suddenly and bent over, preparing to vomit. "Eughh," Lana moaned, her eyes watering, "You're probably right."
Isabela chuckled and reached out to rub her back. "And... you would know?" she asked slyly. Hawke straightened up then, realising where the Rivaini was going with this.
"Maybe I would," she teased, "Maybe I wouldn't."
Isabela groaned, "Oh come on Hawke, at least give me a straight answer this time. After dragging me down here for nothing you at least owe me that."
"Oh do I now?" Hawke asked, turning and moving closer to Isabela. She reached out and ran a hand along her arm and leaned in to whisper in the Rivaini's ear, "And...what do I get in return?"
Isabela giggled and slid her arm gently around Hawke's waist, causing their bodies to press together. "I'm sure something could be...arranged, Sweet Thing."
Hawke grinned, "Well, in that case..." she whispered, pulling back to look at Isabela again. The pirate was smiling cheekily, waiting for her response. Hawke glanced down at the pirate's lips, licking her own in anticipation. She stared seductively into Isabela's amber eyes then, her smirk getting wider.
"Yes...?" Isabela prompted, her impatience getting the better of her. Hawke exhaled deeply and ran a finger along the Rivaini's chin. She leaned in slowly and paused.
"...My answer's still no," she finished. She pulled back and turned away from Isabela, chuckling to herself. Isabela growled in frustration.
"Ugh Maker! How many times are you going to do that to me?" she asked in disappointment, feeling her arousal die once more as Hawke led her on again before chickening out at the last second. She picked up her things and followed Hawke and the others as they continued walking, shaking her head and smiling to herself. Why did Lana have such an effect on her? The woman barely had to touch her for Isabela to become turned on. She had Isabela wrapped around her little finger (now that the Rivaini had put it back in place) and was still playing games, even though she had almost given in a week ago.
Hawke laughed, tossing the Rivaini a cheeky glance over her shoulder. "Until it stops being fun," she answered. Isabela chuckled. So that was a "never". The next time would end differently though, Isabela thought, smiling to herself. There was no way Lana was going to get away with that move again. She would make sure of it.
The four of them travelled further into the thaig, hoping desperately to find something which would lead them out (and maybe a little bit of treasure along the way for their troubles). What they found instead was something completely different. Hawke froze suddenly, causing Merrill to walk into her in the semi darkness.
"Oh sorry, Hawke," the elf cried, "I'm so clumsy sometimes."
Hawke didn't respond though. She was looking up at something above them. The other three followed her gaze.
"By my ancestors-"
"Andraste's ass-"
"What is that?" Hawke finished, as Varric and Isabela became lost for words. They all stared up at the thing which had caused Lana to stop so suddenly.
"Holy mother of green cheeses!" Varric exhaled. "It's moving..."
What had appeared to be a large collection of rocks in front of them began to shift. It was a lot bigger than the tiny wraiths which had attacked them earlier. Hawke and her companions backed away slowly. A bright yellow light assaulted their eyes then as the rocks readjusted. The light seemed to be holding the rocks together, forcing them into some kind of bodily form. None of them had ever seen anything like this in their lives. They stared open-mouthed as something which resembled a head appeared and began to speak.
"I've had enough of you," the creature said, "You have proven your mettle, but I will not have you harm any more of these creatures without need."
"It's talking Hawke," Varric said in disbelief, tugging Lana's arm, "The bloody rock is talking!"
"It's the demon!" Merrill whispered, her hand tightening around her staff.
Hawke stepped forwards slightly to address it. "Define 'without need', Demon. I'd say being attacked on sight gives us plenty of need to kill."
"Oh nice job, Hawke," Isabela joked, "Make it angry why don't you? As if we're not in enough shit already."
"They will not assault you further, Human," the Demon replied, "Not without my permission..."
A shiver passed through the four of them as the Demon's threat hung in the air. After several seconds it continued.
"The profane have lingered in this place for ages beyond memory, feeding on the magic stones until it is all they know. They hunger, and I will not see their feast end!"
"They eat lyrium?" Isabela asked, "Is it any good? Maybe we should give that a try instead of those Deep Mushrooms."
"I am not as they are," the Demon replied, offended, "I do not feed on the magic stones. I am...a visitor."
"As are we," Lana said, skipping over asking what kind of visitor this thing was. The Demon considered this, observing each of them.
"I can sense your desire to leave, but you will need my aid to do so."
"Why?" Hawke demanded. Somehow she had been expecting this.
"There is another door that leads into the paths far above us," the Demon revealed. "That is what you seek. It has been sealed however and cannot be opened without a key."
"And you just happen to know where that key is." Isabela said, her voice heavy with sarcasm.
The demon bowed its skeletal head. "I do," it replied in its deep voice.
"Hand it over then and we won't kill any more of your pets," the pirate demanded. The Demon's laughter echoed throughout the thaig.
"I don't think so," it replied, "You must first do as I ask, then I will tell you where it is."
"Hmph, what do you think?" Varric asked.
"Maybe we should," Merrill said, "We need that key to get out of here and this is the only way."
"If it's get us out of this damn place then why not?" Isabela stated.
They all turned to Hawke, waiting for her opinion. Suddenly a voice appeared in Hawke's head. Her mind momentarily flashed back to when she was little. Malcolm, her father was teaching Bethany magic in the living room one night. She was only eight and had already successfully passed all of her father's tests as he tried to teach her control her magic, concealing it when need be and using it effectively when she had to. This night though, Bethany had awoken in tears.
"Sssh my love," Malcom said, hugging his little daughter as she cried into his shoulder. She had just had a terrible nightmare and couldn't get back to sleep. "You're a strong girl. The demons pose no threat to you."
"B-b-but I saw one," Bethany cried, "I saw on in my dream. It s-s-spoke to me, Father."
Hawke had seen the look of fear on her father's face as she watched the scene from her bunk. Every mage was in danger of demon possession, even him. But he had taught his daughter as best he could. It was clear he still worried though. One slip and either of them could become an abomination. He kissed Bethany on the head and pulled back, holding both her arms and staring into her tear-stained face. She was absolutely terrified.
"Did you remember what I told you to say?" he asked. Bethany took a few gulps and nodded.
"'I will not listen to anything you have to offer demon, so be gone'," she said, using the words her father had drummed into her head everyday from she showed signs of magic at six years old.
"That's my girl," Malcolm said, giving her a proud smile. He ruffled her hair then and picked her up into his arms. "Come on, let's get you back to bed, Sweet Pea."
Bethany rested her head on her father's shoulder. "But I'm scared," she said, clinging to him tightly. Malcolm kissed her again before laying her down in the bunk below Carver's. He tucked her in and sat on the edge of her bed.
"I'll be here, Bethany," he said, touching her cheek, brushing away a fresh tear which had leaked out. "I'll not let anything harm you."
After several seconds Bethany smiled up at him.
"I love you, Father," she whispered. Malcolm smiled back.
"I love you too, Sweet Pea," he replied softly, "Now close your eyes and think of something happy. I'll be here when you wake up."
Bethany closed her eyes then and exhaled, soon drifting off into a deep, demon-free, sleep...
"Hawke?"
Isabela's voice brought Hawke back from her memory. She shook her self.
"What say you, Human?" The Demon asked, "Will you do accept my offer?"
A defiant smile appeared on Lana's face then as she stared up at the giant Hunger Demon before her. "I will not listen to anything you have to offer demon, so be gone," she said firmly, repeating Malcolm and Bethany's words.
The Demon straightened up to its full height then. "Most unwise."
Without another word the creature attacked. Hawke was ready though, she dodged the sharp end of rock as it slashed towards the air towards her. Isabela wasn't so lucky though. Lana heard her yell as the Demon's swipe caught her on the ribs. She was knocked back with the force.
"ISABELA!" Hawke shouted, getting to her feet and withdrawing her daggers.
"Ah, shit! Don't die on me Rivaini you still owe me a pint!" Varric shouted, pulling out Bianca. He began shooting bolts at once, combining with Merrill's spells which were flying through the air. The Demon was still advancing though, only slowed slightly by their attacks. Without a second's pause Hawke sprinted towards it and leapt, holding her daggers over her head. She slipped inside the Demon's armor of rock and connected with the yellow light inside, holding the pieces together. The rocks fell to the ground and the yellow light extinguished as the blade connected.
Suddenly they were surrounded by abominations and other rock wraiths. Varric helped up Merrill who had stumbled over the rocks and they both began to fight the enemies around them. Isabela was slowly getting to her feet. Lana, realising there were too many to fight, ran towards her and threw the pirate's arm over her shoulder. Isabela gasped, holding her side where her white top had ripped and was pouring with blood. She used Hawke for support as they both made their way towards the door ahead of them.
"Let's get out of here!" Hawke called to the others, "There's too many!"
"Ah, please. Bianca can handle this herself!" Varric shouted back.
"Now Varric!" Hawke ordered, "There's more coming out of the walls!"
Varric and Merrill fended off those closest as Lana led Isabela to the exit. Lana shoved open the door with her foot and turned around.
"Oh look, they brought their friends!" The dwarf joked. "Let's dance you sons of bitches!"
There were no fewer than fifty Rock Wraith's and Shades advancing on their position now. Hawke hated running from a fight but there was nothing the three of them could do against such increasing numbers. Merrill and Varric were backing away, still shooting spells and bolts until they passed the door frame. Without a second's paused, Varric pushed the heavy door shut and twisted the lock. The noise of the creatures on the other side was dulled but they could still hear them hammering, trying to get through.
"I'm getting too old for this shit!" Varric exhaled, turning to face them all. Merrill had a few cuts on her arms where she had fallen and Isabela was still hanging off Lana's shoulder. Hawke lowered her to the ground, leaning her against the wall of the long corridor they now found themselves in.
"Are you alright?" she asked, kneeling down beside her. Isabela glared at her.
"You could have bloody warned me before putting us all in the shit!" The pirate replied angrily, clutching her ribs. Lana smirked.
"You know me," she said, "I love being spontaneous."
Isabela chuckled against her will. Damn Hawke for not letting her stay angry. The cut on her side was stinging like a bitch and it was her fault. "Oh, piss off!" Isabela replied, trying to vent off her anger. Hawke simply chuckled.
"Look, for what it's worth, I'm sorry," she said, "Let me see the damage."
Isabela sighed harshly and removed her hand from around her ribs, allowing Lana to check the wound. She flinched as the woman touched the skin around it, feeling for a break.
"You're pretty good with your hands you know?" The pirate joked, trying to take her mind off the pain. Hawke chuckled. It didn't matter what situation they seemed to be in. Isabela was becoming famous for flirting at inappropriate times.
"So I've been told," Lana replied, smirking slyly. She worked her hand gently around the pirate's side, slipping her hand through the whole which the Demon's attack had made in her shirt and feeling for any cracks or pain that Isabela might have been feeling. Suddenly the Rivaini gasped.
"Ouch!" she exclaimed, "On second thought, I take it back. Trust you to find bloody pain I didn't even know I had yet."
Varric chuckled along with Hawke, "She always has been a thorn in your side, Rivaini," he joked.
"Hey!" Lana said, pretending to be offended. "I'll have you know I can very good with my hands when I need to be."
Isabela chuckled, "Ahh you're all talk, Sweet Thing. I'm yet to see any proof."
Lana rolled her eyes. "And I thought you had a talent for seduction," she replied, grinning, "I'm yet to see any proof of that."
Isabela groaned, "Touché."
The three of them laughed, with Merrill looking on. Varric had given her some ointment for her cuts to stop them from stinging. When she was finished dabbing it on, she handed it to Isabela.
"Thanks, Kitten," Isabela replied, taking the tiny vial from her. She handed it to Hawke then. "You do it," she said, "I can't get a good enough look."
"I'm not surprised with those things you carry around all day," Lana joked, gesturing to Isabela's breasts. The pirate laughed again and then gasped painfully, clutching her side once more.
"AH balls, stop making me laugh!" she replied jokingly, "Just put the damn ointment on so we can get moving. I need a bloody drink. The sooner we leave here the better."
Hawke chuckled and began to dab the ointment over the open cut. It must have had some magic in it as the wound healed quickly, drying up the wet blood and forming a scab. Hawke handed Varric the bottle back and pulled Isabela to her feet.
"Can you walk?" she asked. Isabela rolled her eyes and pulled Hawke's hands away from her.
"We're not all as fragile as you, Hawke," she mocked, leading the way, "'Oh, Bela look I hit my head and I'm going to collapse'."
The others laughed as the pirate imitated Hawke's voice in a horrible, high-pitched way. Lana shook her head.
"Oh shut up," she said, "We'll see how long you last without a drink to numb the pain."
She heard Isabela laugh at her response and the three of them followed after the pirate as she led them (hopefully) towards an exit.
After a few more hours of travelling they came to some crumbling caverns. The very walls seemed to be eroding away around them, leaving only a few slim columns behind. It was darker here, the lyrium veins running in thin red lines along the floor now.
"What is this place?" Lana asked, as they walked further in to explore.
"It think this is the vault," Varric answered, "The dwarves would have brought their-"
Suddenly the rock began to move under their feet. Lana and the dwarf stepped back, ushering the others with them.
"Ow, you stood on my foot, Varric!" Merrill moaned.
"Sorry, Daisy," Varric whispered back. None of them could take their eyes off what was happening in front of them. A Rock Wraith was putting itself together, this time with a red core but with the same skeletal head as the Demon they had just killed.
"Oh balls, not another one!" Isabela complained, staring up at it.
"I don't think this one wants to talk," Hawke said. She was right.
The Rock Wraith immediately began to attack, slashing forwards with a giant swipe, scattering the four of them as they all dived for cover. Hawke scrambled along the ground to get behind one of the columns. She peaked her head out slightly only to see what looked like a bolt of lightning soaring towards her. The lightening collided with the column and bits of rock scattered the ground. She searched for the others. They had all taken up various positions of 'safety' and were staring at Hawke expectantly.
"Do you're thing, Hawke!" Varric called, "We'll draw its attention, you be the hero."
Hawke nodded to show she had understood. She watched as Varric and Merrill left their hiding places and began to attack, giving Lana some covering fire.
"Hello, I'm Merrill and I'll be your distraction!" the Dalish mage yelled. Varric chuckled softly beside her. Daisy never was good at fighting talk. Lana beckoned Isabela towards her hiding spot. The pirate ran as best she could from her own and crouched down beside her.
"I have an idea," Hawke said, "Are you up to it?"
"Say the word," she replied, throwing her a smirk.
"Alright, here's what we're going to do."
Varric and Merrill weaved in and out of the stone columns, drawing the Rock Wraith's attention away from the others. They had no idea what Hawke was planning but it needed to happen soon. Suddenly, out of no where, a bolt of lightning blasted through one of the columns and caught Varric on the shoulder, knocking him to the ground. The dwarf groaned and looked up from where he lay. Bianca was a little ways behind him.
"Someone help Varric!" Merrill squeaked as the Rock Wraith gained on her.
To both the dwarf's and the elf's surprise, Isabela came flying through the air, her dagger held in both hands and she plunged it through the red light, under the Wraith's collection of rocks, just like Hawke had done before. She rolled across the ground as her momentum took her, the Rock Wraith falling to pieces behind her. The red light didn't disappear this time though. Instead it created a ball of energy in the middle of the cavern and began to pulse. Hawke ran towards it, a dagger in each hand and began to take chunks out of it, feeling it scorch her slightly as it came apart. Isabela dragged herself to her feet and ran back towards it, doing the same. Soon the entire place was ablaze with chunks of red light, flying in all directions as the Wraith was whittled down to nothing. After several minutes it eventually blew to pieces, knocking both Lana and Isabela off their feet and slamming them hard into the wall.
Silence fell as all four of them tried to catch their breath after the fight. Hawke got to her feet and dusted herself down, before running to Isabela and helping her up.
"Great bloody plan!" The pirate said, holding her side again. Hawke grinned.
"I always aim to please," she answered cheekily. Isabela chuckled.
"Well, next time I choose where your aim goes," she said, smirking. They both laughed before going to check on the others. Merrill was helping Varric up. The dwarf thanked her and picked up his beloved crossbow.
"I think Bianca's gotten scratched," he said worriedly.
"Don't worry, Varric, she'll be fine," Merrill said, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"More than fine..." Hawke said in a strange voice.
Everyone looked up at her. Her voice sounded weirdly excited and she began to walk away slowly. The three of them followed, suddenly becoming entranced by the same thing which had captured her gaze. There, hoarded in the corner, glowing in the light of the lyrium veins, was a massive collection of treasure chests, surrounded by pure gold.
"Check the chests for a key," Hawke said, bending over and opening the closest one. Here eyes lit up once more as she saw the amount of treasure inside.
"Found some," Varric said, "I'll try the door and see if any fit. You collect the best pieces you can find and then we can finally get out of here."
Isabela, Merrill and Hawke rifled through the treasure, unable to believe their luck. Hawke couldn't help but feel a little smug that Bartrand hadn't found this place. Let him have his damn idol. They were going to be richer than any of the expedition now.
"Oh, Maker!" Isabela crooned, running her fingers through the coins, "I just want to lie down on this pile of gold and have sex on it."
Hawke and Varric burst out laughing, while Merrill blushed. Only Isabela would see a collection of treasure and declare it a place for sex. Pirates, Lana thought to herself, shaking her head. She had to admit though. This gold was probably turning her on just as much as Isabela. For once she felt light-hearted, as though her life was finally heading in the right direction. Once they got to the surface and received the coin for their troubles, Lana could live like she had always wanted: Free from the servitude of others. That feeling was definitely better than any treasure-educed orgasm which Isabela was having right now.
After a half an hour of choosing their rewards, Varric finally found the right key. There was a sweet sound of metal turning in a lock and the heavy door swung open, revealing a path going up, which as the Demon told them would lead them back to The Deep Roads above.
"Let's get going," Hawke said, handing Varric his pack, which was now full of gold. "I've had enough of this place."
"This should lead us out," the dwarf said, throwing the pack over his shoulder. "Grab a bit of that lyrium to light the way."
"How long to get to the surface?" Hawke asked, hacking open some lyrium veins and placing the liquid in empty vials.
"If we're unlucky, maybe a week," he answered.
"And if we're lucky?" Hawke asked. Varric gave her a cheeky smile.
"We stumble over Bartrand's corpse on the way."
All four of them laughed as they exited the ancient thaig with their winnings.
"I claim first kick!" Isabela exclaimed, making them laugh even more.
Their moods had changed drastically after striking lucky with the treasure. Now all they had to do was survive and make it to the surface. No small feat, but at least they had something worth fighting for. There was no way any Darkspawn was going to stop them from becoming rich. They had already stolen Hawke's little brother, she wasn't going to let them steal her gold as well.
They travelled for days, surviving on Deep Mushrooms once again. Lana's stomach hurt, and she was sure the others felt the same. A few of the mushroom batches had tasted worse than the others (if that was actually possible). Eventually they made it to The Deep Roads and were able to follow the map again. It wouldn't be long before they reached the surface now. It was pitch-dark though, causing them to move slowly. The only piece of lyrium which still survived was Hawke's. She led the way, each of them touching the other to stay together as she led them out safely. If they thought The Deep Roads were scary in the light, it was nothing compared to blindly navigating them in the dark.
"I don't like this," Merrill whimpered, clinging tightly to Isabela. The pirate stroked her hand.
"Hush, Kitten. We'll be home soon."
"Do you want some water Merrill? I have little bit left," Hawke asked. It was the only thing she could think of to soothe her.
"Yes please," the elf squeaked.
"My flask is in my pocket," she said, "I can't reach though while I'm holding the lyrium."
Isabela sighed, "I'll get it."
They continued walking slowly as Isabela blindly rifled through Hawke's numerous compartments in her jacket and pants. Suddenly Lana froze, taking a sharp intake of breath.
"Um...Isabela?" she asked uncertainly.
"Yessss?" the pirate sang back.
"...That's not my pocket."
The Rivaini chuckled smugly. "...I know."
"Ahh Maker, Rivaini!" Varric groaned in the dark, chuckling to himself. The dwarf shook his head. He could only imagine where Isabela had reached. Hawke's breath caught as Isabela's hand slipped further. Lana reached down and removed the pirate's hand from under pants before she could do anything further. She heard Isabela chuckle and begin search the other pockets again, finding the flask almost instantly and handing it to Merrill.
"You knew where that was all along didn't you?" Lana asked, finally beginning to walk again. Isabela laughed again.
"Maybe," she teased, "You're flask was leaking on your jacket...I just wanted to check if you were wet anywhere else...especially considering we've been in close proximity for the past hour or so."
Everyone laughed. Lana shook her head in disbelief.
"You're touch doesn't have that much of an effect on me, Bela," she said.
"Oh don't lie, Hawke," The pirate replied, "We both know I almost drove you crazy just then."
"Dream on," Lana replied. There was no way so was going to admit it. "I already told you your hands are too damn cold to get me even remotely hot under the collar."
Isabela laughed along with her, remembering their last frolic in The Deep Roads. Varric and Merrill were confused.
"Do I even want to know about that conversation?" the dwarf asked them jokingly.
"I'll tell you in The Hanged Man when we get home, Varric," Isabela said. Lana reached back and gave her a light slap around the head.
"Ouch, I deserved that," Isabela admitted, laughing to herself. Lana chuckled with her as she led them all forwards, finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel.
"Home, sweet home...Finally," Varric said as they walked back into Lowtown, "Oh I wonder if Bartrand came back into the city. You think I'd be that lucky?"
"Luck hasn't exactly been on our side so far, "Lana answered. The dwarf laughed.
"Well it's on the verge of change," he said, holding up his bag of treasure. All four of them laughed. "Let's get them to The Hanged Man and I'll arrange for a buyer who'll give us the best deal. Then we can relax. We're going to be rich sons of bitches!"
The four of them cheered and made their way through the streets of Lowtown, enjoying being out in the open air again (apart from the fact that it still smelt like shit). As they approached The Hanged Man, Merrill handed them her gold and made her way home, tired from the travel. Varric hid their treasure in a chest in his room and paid his people to guard the door. He then made arrangements for a buyer and the three of them left.
"I'm sure you want to tell Bethany the good news?" Isabela asked, as they hovered outside the tavern. Lana nodded and smiled.
"I can't wait to see her," she said happily. "I assume you're going to The Blooming Rose?"
Isabela chuckled, "How did you g-"
Loud shouting and crying suddenly erupted in the distance, interrupting their conversation. Varric, Isabela and Hawke turned towards the direction of the Alienage. What was going on? Suddenly Lana's blood ran cold. She could hear her mother's voice above all the other baritones. Immediately she began to sprint in the direction of Gamlen's house, panic-stricken. The others ran behind her, wondering what this commotion could be about. The shouts and cries were echoing loudly throughout Lowtown. Lana pulled out her dagger as she made it to the bottom of Gamlen's steps. What she saw at the top made her heart stop. No fewer than five Templars were blocking the way into the house.
"What's going on?" she demanded, running to the top and pushing her way through. To her horror, two other Templars exited the house... Bethany at their mercy. Leandra was screaming and crying, trying to pull her back inside.
"No please don't take her! Not my daughter! Please!"
"Let her go!" Lana shouted, raising her dagger.
"SISTER!" Bethany screamed, shocked to see her back.
As Lana went to strike, the Templars behind her grabbed her tightly.
"Get off me!" she yelled, struggling against them. Her dagger fell to the ground. "You can't have her!"
"Calm down, Miss!"
Lana looked up. She knew that voice. It was Knight-Captain Cullen. The man had his hand clasped around Bethany.
"YOU?" Hawke screamed, "Why are you doing this? After everything I've done for you?"
"You're sister was caught conspiring with other apostates to free mages of the Circle," Cullen informed her. "We have to arrest her! I'm sorry, Hawke." Lana was dumbstruck.
"What!?" she exclaimed, turning to Bethany. Her sister looked ashamed then.
"I'm sorry, Lana," she said, tears falling down her face, "I...I had to help..."
So Anders had gone behind her back and poached her sister while she was not here to defend her. An uncontrollable fury overcame Lana then. She began struggling with all her might to break free of the Templar's grip.
"I'm going to kill that bastard!" she yelled angrily.
The Templars mistaking her words as being directed at Cullen, struck Hawke across the face hard. She doubled over on the ground as one of their knees collided with her stomach then. Bethany screamed as her sister spluttered on her hands and knees, holding her ribs. An armored elbow then slammed down hard onto her spine.
"No! Stop it!" Bethany cried hysterically, watching Lana get battered before her eyes. "Please don't hurt her!"
Another boot collided with Hawke's midsection again. She coughed and collapsed forwards, completely winded, landing flat on her stomach. Isabela and Varric tried to get through the Templars to help her but there was too many of them. They pushed the dwarf and the pirate back and began to file down the steps, dragging Bethany with them.
"BETHANY!" Leandra cried, collapsing to her knees and crying uncontrollably, "NO!...Please, not my daughter!"
Gamlen looked on, completely unsure of what to do. He bent over and placed a comforting hand on Leandra's back, his eyes eyeing Lana with concern.
"LANA!" Bethany screamed as she was dragged away, "LANA...!"
She struggled unsuccessfully against the strong Templar hands as they hauled her down the street. Hawke instantly revived at her cries. She got to her feet, lifting her dagger from the ground, and charged down the steps after her little sister. She had to save her! Varric and Isabela ran after her and tried to reach Lana before she could do anything but she was too fast for them. They watched in horror as Lana's dagger connected with Templar recruit. He fell to the ground with a cry, blood sprouting from under his armor.
"Hawke, stop!" Isabela shouted, trying to catch up. She had never seen her in a rage like this before. It was unsettling to see the normally easy-going woman loose control. They needed to stop her before she did something stupid.
"Hawke!" Varric called, running a little behind Isabela.
Bethany was still screaming and crying in the distance, watching as her older sister try desperately to fight her way through more Templars to save her.
"I'm coming Bethany!" Lana shouted, pushing her way through the surrounding onlookers to get to the Templars again. The Templars tried to grab her and stop her from advancing. The closest turned and blocked her oncoming attack, knocking her dagger to the ground from her weakened hand. With nothing else, Lana swung her fists forward and connected with his face, breaking his nose. He staggered back slightly, dazed and off-balance. Hawke continued to punch him with everything she had. Suddenly she released an uppercut, connecting with his chin, and the Templar flew backwards, landing roughly on the ground and falling unconscious.
Lana made to move forwards again, to stop the others who were dragging her sister away to imprison her in the Gallows. The Templars withdrew their swords threateningly. One of them stopped and held his along Bethany's throat. She stopped struggling at once, feeling the cool blade hover dangerously at her vitals.
"One more step and your apostate sister dies!" he threatened.
Isabela finally caught up with Lana, who had withdrawn her other dagger. As the woman made to attack, the Rivaini reached out and locked her arms around her, holding her back. Hawke's remaining dagger dropped to the ground under Isabela's grip.
"Get off me!" she growled, struggling against her. "I'll kill them all!"
"Hawke calm down. You can't win this!" Isabela said desperately, "Let her go!"
"NO!" she shouted, "LET GO OF ME, BELA! I SWEAR!"
The Templar relaxed then, seeing Hawke was finally subdued. He continued on after Cullen, dragging Bethany with him, ordering the other Templars to follow. Lana fought continuously against Isabela's grip on her as she stared after her little sister's terrified face. Bethany sobbed as she saw Lana desperately try to follow where she could not. She was extremely grateful that Isabela had stopped her then. The last thing she wanted was for her sister to get killed trying to save her. Lana had always protected her younger sibling from harm. This time it was hopeless though.
"BETHANYYY!" Lana called in dismay. "BETHANY!"
Isabela could see every muscle in Hawke's neck contract as she called after her sister, her desperate cries echoing throughout Lowtown and giving the pirate the chills. Lana just couldn't let Bethany go. Isabela wrapped her arms around her tighter, pulling her close into her as the woman's strength waned out. Her legs buckled and she finally stopped thrashing, going limp against the pirate's arms in defeat.
"Sshh," Isabela soothed, lowering her to the ground. She was almost out of breath from keeping Hawke restrained. The woman had unbelievable strength. Varric placed a comforting hand on Hawke's shoulder as she heaved roughly, trying to control her rage. Her every muscle was on edge. There was no way Isabela was letting her go just yet. Not until Bethany was completely out of their reach. The last thing she would want was for her older sister to end up in the Gallows along with her.
"Bethany..." Lana said weakly. She couldn't believe that just a few minutes ago she was the happiest she had ever felt. She and Bethany were supposed to move into the estate together, go shopping in Hightown and finally buy some real clothes. How drastically everything had changed. The world was cruel, cruel place.
"Come on," Isabela said, lifting Lana to her feet, "Let's get you a drink."
The pirate kept her arm around her and led her to The Hanged Man, Varric tagging along beside them. Onlookers stared after Hawke in fear after seeing her frenzy. They had never seen anyone willing to fight Templars unarmed to save an apostate before. Lana's broken hand was even more painful now after repeatedly punching the Templar. She didn't care though. She would gladly do it again. She was vaguely aware of Isabela's arm around her waist and found it oddly comforting. Isabela normally didn't do this kind of thing. Lana realised she must have really worried the woman with her outburst, for her to still be consoling her.
Varric pushed open the door to The Hanged Man and led Hawke and Isabela upstairs to his private quarters, closing the door behind them. The pirate sat Hawke down on the nearest chair and pulled a bottle of whiskey from the Dwarf's pre-ordered collection, pouring Lana a large amount.
"Here," she said gently, placing it into Hawke's hand. Lana took it without question and knocked it back at once. The empty mug then slipped from her grasp and fell to the floor. She got to her feet.
"I need to find Anders," she said at once. Before either Isabela or Varric could react Lana was already at the bottom of the stairs and out the door of The Hanged Man. They immediately ran after her, hoping to catch her before she got to him. There wasn't a doubt in either of their minds that Lana would massacre the mage for what he had done. Lana ran towards Darktown with nothing but murder on her mind. She couldn't wait to wring that bastard's neck for putting her sister in danger and bringing the Templars wrath. They had successfully kept Bethany out of danger before now, until Anders had interfered with his own selfish ambitions. He would pay. Hawke would make sure of it.
Reaching the mage's clinic in Darktown, Lana kicked open the door roughly and barged in. Anders, treating patients, looked up in surprise. He threw her a smile.
"You're back!" he said cheerfully, "How was the expedition?"
Without saying a word Lana swung for him. Her fist connected with his face and he fell to the floor. The numerous patients in the clinic screamed and backed away. Hawke grabbed the mage by the scruff and dragged him off the floor before slamming him roughly against the wall.
"Why did you do it?" she demanded, "I told you I would kill you if you put my sister in danger."
"She came to me," Anders croaked, staring at the crazy look in Hawke's eyes with fear, "She wanted to help...so I let her...It wasn't a dangerous task."
The people around them screamed once again, as Hawke kneed the mage in the groin. He gasped in pain and collapsed in a heap.
"The Templars got her!" she yelled. Anders looked up in shock. He clearly didn't know.
"Oh no! I'm so sorry!"
Hawke's foot collided with his face this time. Anders nose poured with blood.
"Save your stinking apologies!" she spat furiously.
"Someone call the guards!"
"She's going to kill him!"
Hawke ignored the shouts around her and reached down then. She grabbed Anders by the throat, squeezing as hard as she could. Anders eyes widened and mana began to swirl in his hands. Lana could see Justice coming to the surface to protect him.
"HAWKE ,LET HIM GO NOW!"
Aveline had just appeared at the clinic. Seeing that Hawke wasn't listening she rushed over and dragged her off an almost completely blue Anders. He coughed, trying to find his breath. Lana struggled against the strong hands around her.
"Get off me, Aveline. I'm going to kill him for what he's done!"
"Not on my watch, Hawke!" The Guardswoman replied forcefully, "Calm down, I don't want to have to arrest you."
Hawke tried to pry Aveline's hands from her, "I mean it Aveline!"
"So do I!" she replied firmly.
Suddenly Hawke got free. She charged towards Anders once again and smacked him as hard as she could. He fell to the ground again. Hawke immediately felt a large welt to the back of the head then and collapsed to the ground beside him. Dazed, she turned over onto her back to see Aveline staring down at her. The room was beginning to spin.
"Sorry Hawke," Aveline said sadly. Her voice sounded like she was speaking through a tunnel. "It's for your own good."
After several more seconds, Lana felt her head go light and drop to the side. He eyes grew heavy against her will and finally closed as she fell unconscious, disappearing into the blackness.