"SHUT UP!"

"I NEED-"

"BITCH-"

"GOING TO-"

"WHOLE CITY-"

"HAWKE!"

Aveline and Isabela jumped simultaneously as Lana appeared before them. She stared back at them both in confusion, surprised to see them in the middle of her Estate, arguing over the top of one another in loud voices. Well, the arguing I'm used to by now. Hawke had only made out a few words before both women turned and yelled her name.

"Eh...Hellooo?" she replied, grinning at them weirdly, looking from one to the other, "To...what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I'M GOING TO-"

"THIS IS-"

"CASTILLON-"

"SELFISH PRATTLE-"

"PRIG-"

"SLATTERN-"

"Maker's Breath!" Hawke interrupted, taken aback as the two women began shouting again. They fell silent at once, glaring at each other. Lana chuckled. "I know I have two ears, but that doesn't mean I can listen to the two people at once. What's going on?"

Aveline jumped in at once at full speed, as Isabela made to open her mouth. "HawketheARISHOKisshelteringtwofugitiveswhohave'co nverted'Ineedyourhelpsothisdoesn'tgetoutof-!"

"I'mgoingtoDIE!" Isabela interrupted loudly. Lana blanched, blinking a few times a she tried to process everything she had just heard.

"I-Ok...Um...WHAT?" she blurted out, even more confused now.

"Got your attention yet?" the pirate asked, "Real problem."

Aveline turned back to Isabela angrily. "This is important! Don't interrupt again with your selfishness!"

"Selfishness?" Isabela repeated in disbelief, "Why you little!"

The pirate raised her hand ready to strike the Guardswoman. Hawke, reading the danger (and nothing else so far), jumped in and intercepted, before her fist could connect. She recieved a welt to the head as the metal buckle of the pirate's gauntlet grazed off the side of her skull.

"OH! Damn it, Bela!" she exclaimed, screwing up her face, feeling her eyes water. It seemed like she was spending most of her time in between the pirate and the Guardswoman. Well I can think of worse ways to spend my time then pressed between two women, she joked to herself. Isabela's beyond attractive and Aveline's, well...Focus Lana!

"Stop!" she yelled, holding them apart. She could feel blood dribble from the cut on her head. "Maker's Breath! Calm down, both of you! All I heard was 'Arishok' and 'Die'!"

The pirate and the Guard Captain stopped struggling finally. Aveline shook out of Hawke's grip roughly then and exhaled, walking away a few paces, breathing heavily.

"Now, tell me what's happened, Isabela? Is it Castillon?" Lana asked worriedly, her hand still holding onto the pirate's arm. Isabela reached up, a look of concern on her face as she examined the cut she had made on Lana's head with her hand. Andraste's Ass, she's bleeding, the pirate thought regretfully, that must have hurt. It was intended to, seeing as it was originally meant for the Big Girl.

"Remember the Relic?" she asked, while putting pressure on the open wound with her hand. Lana grimaced.

"Yeah," she replied through gritted teeth, "The one Castillon wants you to find. What of it?"

"A man called Wall-Eyed Sam has it," Isabela continued. Aveline held out a piece of cloth then, attempting to clean Hawke's bloodied head herself. The Rivaini snapped it out of the Big Girl's hand and did it instead. The Iron Woman couldn't be gentle if she tried. Aveline glared at her with utmost loathing as she watched the pirate dab Hawke's wound. The cut was a lot deeper than it originally seemed. Not surprising considering the size of the pirate's gold buckles.

"So you need help getting it?" Lana predicted, her eyes closed as Isabela tended to her head.

"Please, Hawke!," the pirate begged. Hawke has never heard her so desperate before. "If you help me get it Castillon won't kill me."

"I'm trying to keep the entire city from rioting against the Qunari and you're worried about this?" Aveline spat disgustedly. Isabela hesitated.

"Well...maybe it's connected..."

Hawke opened her eyes then. She reached up and grabbed Isabela's outstretched arm, lowering it, preventing her from continuing.

"What do you mean?" she asked suspiciously. Isabela sighed and began to fidget with the bloodstained cloth in her hand, avoiding Lana's eyes. Oh bugger!

"I just mean...maybe it will help. It's important to someone, right?" she replied vaguely.

"Now you start being responsible?" Aveline blurted out, "Shit!"

Lana stared at Isabela's worried face. There was genuine fear there. The woman desperately wanted this Castillon off her back. And I'm the only one who can help her. Hawke thought for a minute. By the sounds of it, Aveline was passing off more guard duty onto her. And look what happened last time she did that. What did Hawke care if the Arishok was hiding fugitives? Isabela was her friend...and more. And she was in danger. Lana could only see one way forward.

"The relic issue must be resolved before we take on the Qunari," she said finally. Isabela looked up in shock. She hadn't expected Lana to accept, seeing as Aveline's problem affected more than just her. The Guardswoman groaned. She had a feeling this would happen. Isabela had been a thorn in her side from day one.

"You trust her this much?" Aveline asked Hawke. Isabela chuckled.

"Probably not...I wouldn't," she joked.

"The Qunari won't wait at the compound forever Hawke," Aveline said seriously, "I really do hope this helps because if it doesn't-"

"Relax Av, we'll get it done," Lana said firmly. The Guard Captain nodded then and made her way out of the Estate, leaving Isabela and Lana alone together for the first time since they slept with each other a few months back.

Since that last drink in The Hanged Man, Lana had purposefully made sure she was never in one-on-one situations with the pirate after all that had transpired between them. Their night together had been fun. But she didn't want to do it again, knowing the pirate wasn't interested in anything more than a meaningless fling. I've had enough of those to last me a life time...Bethany's friends can atone to that. And my little sister was very popular back in Lothering.

"You're bleeding again," Isabela said, breaking the slightly awkward silence between them. She moved forwards again and continued to dab the blood which was running down Hawke's temple with the cloth. Lana gasped, feeling the cut sting.

"You hit like a girl," she teased, closing her eyes again. The Rivaini chuckled as she examined the cut.

"Really?" she asked sarcastically, "Is that why you're cringing like a little flower every time I touch the wound?"

"Well, you're not very good with your hands," Hawke joked. "I don't think you know how to be gentle."

All of a sudden she felt the pirate's soft lips on hers. They pressed together gently, a subtle hint of a tongue brushing against her bottom lip. After several stunned seconds, Hawke opened her eyes, just as Isabela finished kissing her.

"Was that gentle enough for you?" the Rivaini whispered seductively, her face hovering inches from Hawke's. Lana swallowed over the lump in her throat, overwhelmed by what had just transpired. After not spending much time with her during these past few moths, she had expected her feelings for Isabela to die. Instead it seemed to have the opposite effect. If anything, she liked her even more now. Isabela was so close Hawke could hear each of her deep breaths, feel each one breeze warmly against her face. That uncontrollable desire rose up from the pit of Lana's stomach once again, the one that appeared every time she gazed into the pirate's smouldering amber eyes. Her own breath caught, surprised by the pirate's bold move.

After a moment to regain herself, Lana pulled back, averting her eyes from Isabela's.

"Wh-Um...Where exactly are we going to find this relic?" she asked, continuing on as though nothing had happened.

"The exchange is happening in a Lowtown Foundry, tonight," Isabela said, watching Hawke try to regain her composure. She had clearly caught her off guard. Balls! Maybe that wasn't the best move, the pirate said to herself. She had already presented Lana the opportunity to close the door on her feelings towards her back in The Hanged Man after their night together, and now, on a whim, she had just re-opened it again. I couldn't help it! It was there for the taking. Hawke's just too damn attractive for her own good!

"Then let's get going," Hawke continued, turning away from her. "We'll pick up Varric and Fenris on the way. "

Isabela sighed and nodded, following her out of the Estate while trying unsuccessfully not to stare at her ass.

Lana and her companions stopped outside the Foundry to catch their breaths having just been attacked by a few giant Qunari. Varric was examining Bianca for scratches, a concerned look on his face, while Fenris and Isabela looted the bodies.

"Well, if the Arishok asks why we killed his men, we'll just say...It was an accident," Lana joked, sheathing her blood-stained daggers on her back. Varric chuckled.

"I think the only accident that could take down these giants would have to be a natural disaster," he replied.

"Well, Hawke's death toll is approaching those kinds of results," Fenris added, as he pocketed some coin from the dead Qunari Sten at his feet. Varric and Hawke laughed. Isabela however remained silent. Lana looked at her suspiciously then. It wasn't like her to be this serious. She never passes up an opportunity to giggle at my expense. The pirate searched the dead bodies around them more thoroughly than usual, going over the same ones as Fenris as though looking or something in particular. The brooding elf, seemingly happy with his bounty walked back over to Varric and began a conversation. Lana, concerned now, approached Isabela as she leaned over the horned giant at her feet, searching the inseams of his loincloth.

"What's wrong?" Hawke asked, bending down beside her. Isabela ignored her. Lana reached out then and grabbed her arm, stopping her frantic search. "Tell me, Bela."

The pirate sighed. Shit, I really didn't want to involve her in this. Seeing now that she had to come clean, she decided to fill Lana in on the details she had purposefully left out.

"About the relic..." she began, "It...It belongs to the Qunari and...well, there's a small chance they want it back..."

"What!?" Lana exclaimed, making the others break from their conversation and stare at them both, "Do the Qunari look like the sharing type to you? Andraste's Ass, what are we going to do now?"

Isabela gave her an apologetic look. "I've always known what the relic is," she said, grimacing, "I just...didn't want to worry you."

Hawke released her arm and got to her feet, exhaling and running a hand through her hair. Shit! Shit! Shit! She thought, pacing the alleyway, shaking her head in disbelief. Oh, the Arishok is just going to love this!

"And you didn't think to even tell me?" Lana demanded, turning back to Isabela. Maybe Aveline was right about all of this. Isabela got to her feet as well then and walked towards her.

"Look, the relic is a hand-written Qunari text by that philosopher of theirs...Kelan...Cousland...or whatever his name is," she said, "I stole it from them, then they followed me here to get it back. That's why I never entered the Qunari compound with you and...well, that's why the Qunari are still in Kirkwall."

"For a book?" Lana asked in disbelief, "You mean to tell me they stayed here for a book? I didn't take the giant, horn-headed brutes for big readers...thought they were too busy ripping off people's heads."

Isabela chuckled, "They take their reading very seriously," she joked.

Lana rolled her eyes, calming down slightly, "Is there anything they don't take seriously?" she asked sarcastically. All four of them chuckled. "So what are were going to do?"

"Look," Isabela began, serious once more, "The book's right in this building and I'm not letting it slip away again."

"But this could solve, Aveline's problem," Hawke said. Isabela moved closer to her then, grabbing both her arms, trying to make her listen.

"Please, Hawke," she said desperately, staring deeply into her eyes, "If you feel anything for me...This is the only thing which will get Castillon off my back!"

Lana's jaw clenched. She tried to look anywhere except Isabela's face, which was right in front of hers. The Rivaini was clinging to her frantically. She had never seen her look so worried before. She lied to me, Lana thought angrily, and now she wants me to rob the damn Qunari? Aveline's face appeared in her mind then. This relic could stop the Qunari from rising up against the city. Finally, Lana allowed herself to look at Isabela. The woman was staring at her expectantly. As soon as their eyes met, Hawke realised she couldn't refuse her if she tried.

"Oh shit!" she exclaimed, "Fine! We'll get the relic for you...Your life depends on it. I guess the Qunari will just have to wait a bit longer."

"Thank you!" Isabela said with relief, smiling at her. "It's nice to have someone on my side for a change."

"Don't make me regret it," Lana answered sourly. Isabela touched her cheek affectionately, without replying. They turned and made their way inside the Foundry. Hawke watched her go, wondering if she'd just made a really big mistake.

Inside, the air was damp and restricting, as though they weren't the only one's here.

"What now?" Hawke whispered, searching through the semi-darkness for any signs of movement.

"Now, we wait," Isabela whispered back, "Let's hide behind these crates until the buggers arrive. I want to find out who Sam's been dealing with."

Varric and Fenris took up a position on the left-hand side of the door, while Isabela and Hawke ducked in behind crates on the right. The space was very small, causing them to squash together, closer than either would have liked. As if things weren't awkward enough between them. Lana felt herself go crazy with desire as she felt the shape of Isabela's breast against her arm. The four of them stayed silent for several minutes, on either side of the door, unmoving, waiting to ambush Wall-Eyed Sam and whoever he was selling the relic to. The only sound was both women's breaths as they sat together, pressed against each other in the tight space.

"Why didn't you tell me about the relic, Bela?" Hawke whispered, breaking the deafening silence between them.

"I already told you," the pirate replied quietly, "I didn't want to worry you."

Isabela shifted her position slightly, feeling her bare leg brush against Lana's hand, making her quiver. Damn, she smells so good, she thought to herself, as Hawke's gorgeous scent wafted under her nostrils. It was killing her being this close and trying to control herself. Every nerve in her body wanted to relive that night they had spent together back in her room in The Hanged Man.

"Don't give me that bullshit," Lana whispered back, "Do you not trust me?"

Isabela hesitated. She didn't trust anyone. Trust was for the weak. "Do you trust me?" she countered, saving herself from answering. She felt Hawke heave a sigh beside her. It was several seconds before she answered.

"Yes," Lana breathed.

Her words filled Isabela up with guilt. She does? She was glad the lighting of the Foundry was dim and that Hawke couldn't see her face. I was right, the pirate thought to herself, she's too good for me. "I haven't given you a reason to," she whispered back, surprised by how much faith the woman had in her.

"You don't have to," Hawke replied gently. Isabela's breath caught.

"Why not?" she asked, her heart beating rapidly.

Lana swallowed over the lump in her throat. She was unable to hold it in any longer. It had been eating away at her for months.

"Because I love you," she whispered back.

Isabela's heart stopped. She turned to face Hawke in the darkness, her mouth falling open. What? Before she could respond, the door to the Foundry opened and a skinny man entered, followed by a crowd of what looked like mages. Isabela directed her attention towards them then, distracted momentarily by what had just transpired.

"Where's the relic?" a woman demanded roughly, staring at the nervous looking man before her.

The small, old, battered-looking thief shifted uncomfortably.

"I..eh...I have it," he answered, his voice shaking, eyes darting back and forth from the balconies of the Foundry.

Suddenly Qunari appeared out of nowhere, surrounding them from above.

"The Tomb of Koslun will not fall into Trevinter hands! Atash Qunari!"

Fighting broke out at once, flashes of light and spear flying through the air and ricocheting off the walls of the building around them. Wall-Eyed Sam turned on his heel, racing out of the Foundry as fast as his legs would take him. Isabela jumped up out of their hiding place and rushed after him, without looking back.

"He's getting away!" she yelled, chasing him out the door.

"ISABELA!" Lana shouted jumping up as well. Suddenly a bolt of lightening flashed past her head. She turned on time to see another heading her direction. Fenris bounded out from behind the crates and knocked her to the side forcefully, both of them landing on the ground. Varric began to shoot his bolts at the offending mages as the elf helped Hawke back to her feet. The three of them continued to fight off both the Qunari and the Trevinter mages until eventually the only people left alive inside the Foundry was them.

"Great Ancestors!" Varric exclaimed, catching his breath. The three of them were covered in blood. "Wasn't expecting that!"

"Let's go!" Lana yelled, running towards the door as fast as she could. Isabela had gotten a head start on them. The other two followed her back out of the Foundry and in to the night.

As soon as they set foot outside, Hawke almost tripped over a body lying on the ground. Fenris reached out to steady her and the three of them looked down. It was Wall-Eyed Sam. Lana reached down and searched his body. The relic was gone. Suddenly her hands closed round a piece of paper. Lana pulled it out of his pocket and unfolded it. It was a letter.

Dear Hawke,

I have the relic and I'm gone .I'm sorry it had to be this way. I know you would have kept your end of the bargain and given it to me. You were a loyal ally...and more, but this is best for use both. I've already dragged you too far into this mess and I can't let you fight Castillon for me. It wasn't fair of me to use you that way. This wasn't exactly how I'd imagined saying goodbye, especially after everything that has happened between us, but I can't string you along anymore.

I don't expect you to forgive me, but I hope you understand.

Isabela

As Hawke read the words her heart dropped. She stared at the pirate's hastily written words, her jaw tightening. She had been playing me from the very beginning. Lana felt like a fool for trusting her. Why did I have to fall in love with her? Everyone had warned her that this would happen, but she was blinded by her feelings for the pirate, too busy flirting with Isabela to realise the danger she posed. And now she was gone, leaving Lana to clean up another mess she had left behind. Hawke scrupled the letter up in her hand, closing her fist around it angrily. She was furious with herself. She had let her guard down and basically handed the Rivaini all the munitions she needed to hurt her. I guess Isabela screws people in a whole manner of ways, she thought to herself bitterly.

Fenris and Varric, who had read over her shoulder, stared at her sympathetically.

"Hawke..." Varric began sadly, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. Lana shook him off and got to her feet. She dropped the letter to the ground and shook her head in disbelief. How could I have been so stupid? Realising the size of the mess they were now in without the relic, Lana pulled herself together as best she could.

"Come on," she said to the others, heading towards the Qunari compound, "We're about to have a full-scale war on our hands now."