"Hawke! Where in the Maker's name have you been?" a harassed-looking Aveline demanded angrily, as Lana, Fenris and Varric arrived outside the Qunari compound. She was standing with two of her guard. "I've been waiting here for ages. Did you get it?"
Hawke's companions shifted uncomfortably and averted their eyes. Neither of them wanted to be in Lana's shoes right now. They knew she was about to get slated by the Guardswoman. Lana took a deep breath. I'm going to be treated to the lecture of a lifetime. Thank you very much, Isabela!
"It's gone," she replied guiltily, "...and so is Isabela."
Aveline's eyes almost popped out of her head. "WHAT!?" she yelled loudly, her voice echoing off nearby buildings, "You mean to tell me you left that pirate whore escape with the only damn thing which could save this city!?"
"I didn't let her escape!" Hawke shouted back, "The bitch played me...she'd been playing me from the very beginning..."
Aveline shook her head and ran a hand through her red hair, beginning to pace up and down, "I told you this would happen!" she spat, turning back to Hawke, "I told you from the start! But all you saw was tits and ass. How could you be so-"
"I KNOW ALRIGHT!" Hawke interrupted angrily. This already hurt enough without Aveline's insults. The only person she had ever loved had stabbed her in the back and basically left her for dead. For that's what she would be when the Qunari rose up against Kirkwall. Everyone would look to her to save them and there was no effing way she was going to fight that ox-headed, beast of an Arishok. He'd tear her apart and eat her for breakfast. "I'm just another stupid wench who slept with Isabela and then got screwed in every way possible, can we leave it at that!?"
Steam was flowing from Aveline's ears now. "YOU SLEPT WITH HER!?" she screamed hysterically. Lana cursed loudly at her revelation. It had just slipped out. No one had known about her hot, steamy night with the pirate. She felt the questioning eyes of Varric and Fenris on her as Aveline had an aneurism. Andraste's knickers, this day just gets worse and worse!
"Yes," she replied, through gritted teeth, cringing, "We had sex...a few months back..."
"ARE YOU COMPLETELY INSANE!?" Aveline asked, her voice more high-pitched than Lana had ever believed it could be. Hawke groaned, feeling her own temper flare now.
"Oh, all right, Av! Take it down a peg, only cats can hear you now!" she yelled back, disliking being told off by the prudish Guardswoman. "I made a bloody mistake, I get it! I don't need you making me deaf as well."
Aveline looked ready to explode. "Ohhhh don't you dare make jokes now, Lana Hawke! You're going to march into this complex with me and tell that damn Arishok what happened to his stupid relic in exchange for those fugitives!"
Hawke squared up to the Guardswoman. "That is the last time," she growled, pointing a wagging finger at Aveline's face, "that you will ever...call me by my first name!"
Varric and Fenris burst out laughing at Hawke's joke as Aveline lost her patience. In any argument it was only a matter of time before Lana's humour came out. She wasn't good at being serious for long. Aveline was pushed to far today though. She grabbed Lana roughly by the ear and dragged her up to the gate of the Qunari complex, the others following behind, sniggering. Only when they were inside did Aveline let Hawke go. Lana turned and glared at her, rubbing her ear. Bitch, that bloody well hurt!
The four of them and the two Guardsmen walked up to the steps, a top of which the Arishok stood, balancing a large axe on his shoulder, surrounded by his heavily armed Beresaad. He eyed Hawke respectfully as she approached, flexing his muscles. Lana had already had numerous dealings with him before and he seemed not to detest her as much as the other people of Kirkwall.
"Serah Hawke," he greeted her in his deep voice, walking down the steps towards them, "Shanedan."
"Greetings, Arishok," Aveline said, as Lana bowed her head respectfully. The Arishok eyed the Guard Captain with dislike, "We come regarding the elven fugitives that took refuge here."
"Irrelevant," the Arishok said firmly, "I would speak to Hawke about the relic stolen from my grasp."
Hawke cursed Isabela once more. I can't believe she did this to me. We'll be lucky to get out of this alive. She might have known that the Arishok already knew about them murdering his men.
"Your relic could be anywhere," Lana replied carefully, feeling unwilling to comply. Aveline whacked her on the arm.
"Why are you still protecting that slattern?" she hissed angrily at Hawke. Lana glared at her, rubbing her arm.
"I speak the truth," she replied bitterly, turning back to the Arishok defiantly. Even though Isabela had wronged her, she couldn't sell her out. It wasn't in her nature.
"Indeed," the Arishok agreed, "But you minimise your role."
"An issue for another time," Aveline interrupted, bringing them back on track, "We're here for the fugitives."
"The elves are now Viddathari. They have chosen to submit to the Qun. They will be protected," the Arishok informed them threateningly.
"Oh, how lovely, we'll just be on our way then. Byeee" Lana said lightly, turning around. Aveline grabbed her by the arm and pulled her back.
"Don't you dare!" she admonished, veins popping out of her head. Lana shook out of her grasp and sighed angrily. She hated the Guardswoman treating her like a child. This was all more trouble than it was worth. I'm a bloody fugitive. Why am I here trying to bring others to justice?
"Let us see your dangerous criminals," the Arishok said, gesturing to his right, "Speak Viddathari, whom did you kill and why?"
Lana and her companions turned in shock to see two skinny little elves walking towards them. This has to be a joke, Lana thought to herself. The taller one spoke in a squeaky little voice.
"A city guard forced himself on our sister," he said to Aveline, ""We reported him...or rather, tried to. But they did nothing about it, so my brothers and I paid him a visit."
"Is this true, Aveline?" Hawke asked, disgusted. If someone had even touched a hair on Bethany's head she would have them castrated. And this sounded a lot more disturbing. The Guard Captain looked shifty.
"There have been...rumours," she admitted, "I will investigate. But that still doesn't allow them to take the law into their own hands."
"Sometimes it is necessary," the Arishok countered.
"I agree," Lana admitted, feeling sorry for the little elves. Her hatred for the City Guard was increasing even more now. What are these assholes doing all day, standing around scratching their arses?
"Hawke! You're not helping!" Aveline said angrily.
"You didn't bring me to help," Lana joked with a smirk, "You brought me for shits and giggles, remember?"
"Are you ever going to grow up!?" Aveline scolded, rolling her eyes.
"That depends," Lana replied, serious now, "Are the City Guard ever going to start doing their jobs instead of letting people be murdered by necromancers or raping the very citizens they're supposed to be protecting?"
"That's not fair!" Aveline shouted.
"Isn't it?" Hawke countered.
"The Viddathari will submit to the Qun and find a path your way has denied them," the Arishok declared, breaking up the argument.
"You can't just decide that!" Aveline admonished, turning back to him, "You must hand them over."
The Arishok glared at her and began to pace. He was like a charging ox-man at the minute, ready to unleash his dominance over Kirkwall and kill them all. How do I get myself into these messes? Lana asked herself, I'm a good person...well, sort of. And now I'm about to decorate the axe of this Arishok in a pretty smear.
"Tell me, Hawke," he said, turning to Lana, "What would you do, in my place?"
All eyes stared at Hawke. Oh shit! Why is it always me? With one glaring look from Aveline, as though trying to imprint a message in her brain, Lana stepped forward, shitting herself.
"As a guest in this city," she replied reluctantly, "I would keep the peace and hand them over." Even though I would have done the same in their place...Oh, I feel like such a hypocrite. Aveline seemed satisfied with her answer. She turned back to the Arishok as though that settled it.
"I see..." he replied, staring at her. He knew she wasn't telling the truth. "I cannot leave without the relic, but I also cannot sit by and remain blind to this dysfunction...I see only one solution now."
Aveline's face fell, "Arishok, there's no need-"
The giant beast held up his hand, silencing her. He turned and walked back up the steps.
"Vinek kathas," he growled at his men, without looking back.
At once, the Beresaad sprung to life. Numerous spears flew through the air towards them all. The two guardsmen collapsed to the ground beside them, pierced by the flying weapons. Hawke took out her dagger just in time to parry one away that was aimed at her heart. She turned and stabbed the nearest Qunari giant with her blade, seeing his blood spurt out, and watched as he feel to the ground at her feet.
"Not here!" Aveline shouted, grabbing her shoulder and backing away with the others. "Hawke, move!" Lana took one last glance up at the Arishok. He was staring down at her, as though silently declaring a challenge. Hawke cursed inwardly. Great, I'm not going to make it through this day. Say goodbye to your head, Lana. She felt Aveline drag her back towards the exit and what remained of them ran down the steps (dodging numerous spears and javelins being thrown after them) and back into Lowtown. The inevitable war had just begun, and Lana knew it would be down to her to finish it.
Isabela jumped over a large rock and landed roughly on the other side. She had been walking for a few hours now, a large tome under her arm, Kirkwall left well behind her. What do the Qunari even want this for? she wondered, glancing down at the cover of the old book, Koslun was a crack-pot old fool. It's full of mind-washing bullshit. If anything I'm doing them a favour by stealing it from them. The pirate heaved the tome up once more, maintaining her sweaty grip on it. The sooner she gave this to Castillon the better. And then that bastard can go finger himself. I'm done with him. She walked a little faster then, wanting this to be over and done with. It had hung over her head for too long.
As Isabela made her way along the dusty, debris-littered path to Ostwick, her mind fell on Hawke. She had been fighting thoughts of the woman since she had left Kirkwall, hating the guilty feeling which came with it. Although she knew Lana had feelings for her already, it was the first time the woman had just came out and said it straight: I love you. Three simple words which Isabela had been afraid of her entire life. The pirate was still shocked by Hawke's words. Lana had purposefully distanced herself from her since their night together in The Hanged Man, all those months ago. And what a night it was! Isabela still had wet dreams about it. Hawke was well worth the wait, and then some. As I had a feeling she would be. She looked down at the numerous tiny scars on the back of her hands, made by the glass they were rolling around in that night. Hawke could give as good as she got.
A horrible sensation of guilt overcame Isabela once more as she thought about what she had done. What was I supposed to do though? Let Castillon kill me? I had to take the damn relic...You should have been honest with her from the start...Oh, come on, honesty isn't my policy. I'm all bout deceit and lies...Only with people you don't care about...Please, it's no big deal, I screw over everyone... Even someone you love?...
Isabela stopped dead then. I love her? She considered this then. Suddenly the pirate realised it was a possibility. Maybe that's why she was feeling guilty. But I can't be in love, love isn't for me...How long are you going to keep telling yourself that for?...The pirate felt breathless then. She had feeling for Hawke, but they were only sexual right? She clutched her chest then, this idea of something more weighing down on her heart, and walked to a nearby rock, which littered the sides of the roads. The pirate sat herself down, overwhelmed by the revelation in her head. I don't love Hawke...Yes, you do...No, I don't.
As Isabela wrestled with her conscience, she realised then that it was the truth. This was the real reason she was running away. It had nothing to do with Castillon. She could easily kill that son of a bitch with her eyes closed. That guilty feeling took over her once more. She had left Hawke with little more than a hastily-written letter for company, straight after the woman had declared her love for her. And now Lana would have to fight the damned Qunari for her as well. Either that or she'll send them after me. Even as the pirate said the words she knew Lana would never do that to her. The woman was loyal to her friends. It was one of the main differences between her and the pirate. I do trust her, Isabela realised then.
The Rivaini sighed and got back to her feet. She had to get going. Castillon was waiting for her at the meeting place. If she didn't get there on time he'd probably send someone after her and she could do without an arrow in the back. The pirate began walking towards Ostwick again, her arm becoming weak under the strain of the tome. Hawke's face appeared in her mind once more. Forget about her, she's just someone you love.
Suddenly Isabela stopped walking. Someone I love....Some I...
"I love her," she said out loud. She felt a strange sense of release. "I ...love her?" she repeated. She looked up then, as though just realising then where she was and what she was about to do. "Andraste's tits, what am I doing?" she asked herself.
The Rivaini turned on her heel at once and began to sprint back towards Kirkwall, the relic stored firmly under her arm. She had to get there before anything bad happened. The Qunari were sure to rise up against the city. But it wasn't the city she cared about. Hawke would no doubt be in the middle of it. The woman was a magnet for trouble. That's how she met me. The Arishok was a giant beast of a thing. Lana was a skilled rogue, but against such a brute even she would have difficulty. Oh balls! What if something happens to her? It's my fault! My damn fault!
The pirate ran faster then, ignoring the burning pain in her arms and legs. There was no way she was letting Lana take the fall for this.
"I love her," she said out loud again, unable to believe it herself. She felt positively giddy. Just uttering the words seemed to give her the strength to carry on under all the strain. Hawke's face burned in her mind again. Isabela had finally fallen in love with her. She could finally admit it to herself. There was no way she was going to lose her now.
"Varric's out!" Hawke yelled, trying to dodge the spear of the giant Qunari Sten who was determined to stick her with it. She had just noticed the dwarf fall to the ground in a heap on top of his beloved Bianca. She parried to the side and thrust her tiny dagger in between the beast's ribcage all the way up to the hilt, feeling it tear at flesh and bone. The Qunari collapsed onto her, knocking her off-balance. The beast's corpse landed on her roughly, taking the wind from her where she lay trapped under its weight in the middle of the street in Lowtown.
The entire city of Kirkwall was aflame, buildings turned to rubble in the smoky mess. Men and women alike were running for their lives, screaming as the Qunari Beresaad dragged people off to the Viscount's Keep. It had taken little more than a few hours for the Arishok to gain a strong foothold in the city, as Hawke and all of her companions attempted to stop the wreck and ruin of the population around them. This time Hawke had some assistance though. Thank The Maker, I'm tired of doing all of this on my own. A whole damn City Guard and Templar Army and I get stuck wiping people's asses.
Lana pushed the giant beast off her to find Aveline standing over her.
"You're not making your death my fault," the Guardswomen said, her hand outstretched. "Not today!"
Hawke smiled and accepted the Guardswoman's help, getting pulled to her feet by the strong arms of the Iron Lady. I really need to stop calling her that. One of these days I'm going to say it out loud. Lana clutched her side, her ribs feeling very tender after the sheer weight which had fallen on her. Maker, what do they feed those things?
"Who were those men fighting with us?" she asked, watching them run off into the distance.
"Grey Wardens," Aveline replied, "Maker knows what they were doing here. They aren't supposed to involve themselves in political struggles."
"Well, I won't turn away their help," Lana said, shrugging. The two women rushed over to Varric then, where Anders was trying to revive him.
"Will he be alright?" Hawke asked the mage. There was still a lot of bitterness between them, but in a life or death situation, old grudges must be put aside for them to have any chance of survival.
"He's fine," Anders answered, "Just knocked out."
With one simple spell, the dwarf came to and got to his feet. Taking one look at the mage's face, he groaned.
"I knew I wasn't dead," he said, eyeing Anders with dislike, "There would be more women around...and none of them would be blonde."
Hawke laughed and patted his shoulder, receiving a friendly smile in return. Any joke at Anders' expense gave her satisfaction. Ok, maybe I haven't put all my grudges aside. The bastard sold out my sister! Anders rolled his eyes. He was getting tired of people being condescending towards him, especially after he just helped, but this was no time for an argument. He realised he had a lot of making up to do to Hawke. The fact that he was still breathing made him count himself lucky.
"I need a drink," Fenris grumped.
"Me too," Lana agreed, "Ever hear than saying 'I'd kill for a pint'? Well, we might just have to. That Arishok needs to die...Bastard, I thought we were friends."
Fenris, Varric and Merrill laughed at Lana's sarcastic tone.
"Oh, is that all we have to do?" Varric joked, "Kill the Arishok? We'll be back at The Hanged Man by supper then. First round's on me!"
More laughter filled the air as the Hawke and her companions continued onwards into Hightown.
It wasn't long before they ran into another section of the Beresaad. The fighting broke out in the main square, scattering the companions all around in private battles. Lana found herself fighting three Qunari at once. She couldn't help but think how easy it still would be, compared to fighting the Arishok. The only thing she would have on her side against him was speed and agility. That's clearly causing these bastards trouble, she thought to herself as she dodged every giant swing which came towards her. She slashed the nearest Qunari's throat with the dagger in her left hand before lunging forwards with her right in a killer combination, catching the second on off guard. The blood-soaked blade cut across his chest and he toppled over. Now there was only one left. A Saarebas. This was going to be a lot trickier.
Suddenly a giant sword flew through the air came out of nowhere, catching the remaining Qunari square in the back. His giant body collapsed, jerking around a though an electric current was travelling through his corpse. Lana looked up surprised. A heavily armed woman in silver armour and a red hood was standing before her.
"That one still counts as mine," Hawke joked, withdrawing the sword from the giant and tossing it to the woman. She caught it skilfully and placed it on her back.
"I am Knight-Commander Meredith," she replied, "And that kill is very much mine."
Lana gritted her teeth. A Templar, she thought bitterly, and not just any Templar. She's the Queen bitch!
"Don't you just prefer to kill mages?" Lana asked sarcastically.
"Funny," Meredith replied sternly, "You might even make the Arishok die of laughter the rate you're going."
Hawke snorted. "Well, I intend to try," she said, "Because I have no desire to fight that big bastard one-on-one."
"Do not underestimate yourself, Serah Hawke. You may not have a choice," Meredith warned. "They are bringing the nobles to the Keep. I will need your help to stop this."
"They've got all the important people in the one place to avoid a power struggle," Aveline realised, "It won't be long before they have complete control."
"I will scout out up ahead," Meredith said, turning away, "Good luck."
"WAIT!" Hawke called after her. The Knight-Commander turned back. "How do you know my name?"
"How could I not after you killed one of my men trying to save your apostate sister? I don't forget, Hawke. Your friend here pulled strings to get you out of it, but you will answer." Meredith replied, frowning, "Your name has crossed my desk many a time...Too many! I know what you are capable of, Serah. Suffice if to say that your sister is running free in the city as we speak. How long can she and Orsino hold out against Qunari brutality I wonder, now that her 'heroine' has arrived?"
"Where is she!?" Lana demanded, feeling truly scared for the first time since the uprising began.
"Near the Keep I imagine," Meredith replied uncaring, "She and First Enchanter Orsino led the mage charge against these beasts. You might still catch them on time."
Hawke pushed past the Knight-Commander at once and sprinted in the direction of the Keep. Oh Bethany, why do you do this to me? Why? Didn't her sister know when she put herself in danger, she worried frantically about her? It had been almost four years since she had seen her little sister. Maker, has it really been that long? Bethany hadn't replied to any of her letters since she heard of their mother's murder. But Hawke didn't have time to think about that now. She didn't have time to be nervous. Bethany needed her. Mages couldn't hold out against the strength of the Beresaad for long!
"Hawke, wait!" Varric called from behind her. He had seen her frenzy all those years ago as Hawke cut down Templar recruits to save her sister when they captured her. There was no Isabela to hold her back now. She would kill any poor sod that stood in the way of her protecting her family (or what remained of it.)
As soon as Hawke and her companions reached the grounds of the Keep they were surrounded by Qunari. The air was filled with war cries and the sound of iron on steel as the two sides collided. The ground was scattered with dead mages. Any one of them could be Bethany! Lana relished the pain she inflicted on the Sten before her, his brute strength no match for her new-found frenzy. It wasn't long before her dagger was fixed firmly in heart and the others fell dead beside him. Eventually the battle was over.
Suddenly someone groaned nearby. Hawke tip-toed over the numerous bodies at her feet and reached out a hand, helping an elven mage in a purple robe to his feet. He seemed to be the only one still alive, a little dazed though. Lana noticed a First Enchanter's ring on his finger. He must be Orsino
"Thank you my friend," he said, groaning as he got to his feet.
"You're Orsino right?" Hawke blurted out, "Where is my sister?"
"I...I don't know who you're...Surely they cannot all be dead," he said looking around at the lifeless forms of the mages around them. Suddenly his eyes caught a woman in blue robes. He ran towards her worriedly. Lana followed after him. A horrible sense of recognition hit her then.
"BETHANY!" she exclaimed, pushing Orsino out of the way and dropping to her knees beside her little sister. She was unconscious, blood pouring from a gash on her head. Lana checked her pulse. She was still alive. "HELP HER!" she shouted at the First Enchanter. Orsino held out his hand and used the same revival spell which Anders had used on Varric earlier. Suddenly Bethany began to stir.
"What were you thinking, child?" Orsino asked, staring down at her, "I told you to let them take me."
Bethany groaned, "I had to do something. We couldn't just..." he voice trailed off as she set eyes on her older sister for the first time in four years. Lana swallowed hard. There was no warmth in her sister's features, not like how she remembered them.
"I...I'm glad you're safe," Lana said gently, feeling slightly cautious. Bethany didn't soften.
"The city is under attack," she replied bitterly, giving her sister a stern look, "None of us are safe."
"First Enchanter Orsino, you survive."
Knight-Commander Meredith and a few of her Templars interrupted the awkward moment between Lana and Bethany and began talking to Orsino. Hawke reached out a hand to help her little sister to her feet. Bethany ignored it.
"Bethany..." Lana began, reaching out and placing a hand on her arm as she went to walk away. Bethany glared at her.
"You can't fix this, Lana," she replied sadly, shaking her head, "There's no point in trying..."
She shook out of her sister's touch and turned her back on her. Hawke followed after her and grabbed her again.
"Wait!" she pled, her face falling, "I don't understand..."
She saw tears fill in Bethany's eyes as her sister looked back at her. "Mother..."she said simply. Lana felt as though someone had winded her. She saw the unforgiving look on her sister's face and her hand dropped limply to her side. Bethany stared at her for several seconds before shaking her head and turning back to the ongoing conversation between the mages and Templars. Hawke's companions stared from Bethany to Lana, shocked at what had just happened. Four years ago they would have been inseparable, before all this business with the mages and with Leandra kicked in. Now though, Bethany had spoken to her older sister as though she was a stranger. There was no warmth there anymore. Varric stared at Hawke sympathetically. Only he and Isabela had properly seen the agony Hawke went through after Bethany was taken by the Templars all those years ago. It hurt him a little to see how the once close relationship between Lana and Bethany had soured over the years. Remembering the danger they were still in, Hawke straightened up then, pushing the pain to the back of her mind and wearing her usual mask of deception. She would figure this out later. She rejoined the battle plans with the others.
"There is no time to talk," Meredith declared, "We must strike back before it's too late."
"And who will lead us in this fight?" Orsino asked bitterly, "You?"
"I will fight to defend this city as I have always done, Orsino!" Meredith argued back. Orsino moved closer then.
"To control it you mean!" he yelled, his temper flaring. "I won't have our lives tossed to the flames to feed your vanity!"
"Stop this!" Lana interjected, coming between the Knight-Commander and the First Enchanter. "I won't have you two at each others throats. I'm in charge."
"You?" Meredith spat, "you're not even from this city."
"Neither am I?" Orsino said, "Yet I don't hear you complaining about us both fighting to defend our homes."
Meredith glowered at them both. "Very well, then," she relented.
"Why am I not surprised?" Bethany said bitterly, staring at her sister. It hurt Lana to see the anger in his sisters eyes.
"Bethany..." Lana said softly, shaking her head, "I..."
Bethany averted her eyes, her jaw clenched. Hawke couldn't believe what had become of them now. She hadn't seen her sister in four years. She missed her everyday. The bandana Bethany had given her all those years ago before their Deep Roads expedition was wrapped around Lana's neck still, under her amour, along with their mother's locket which she had found in the foundry where Leandra had died. Hawke loved her sister more than anything in this world. This wasn't how she imagined their reunion to be. She felt like someone had reached inside her and torn her heart to pieces. Her sister's bitterness towards her hurt even more than when their mother had died. Bethany was the only thing that had kept her going all these years. And now she had lost that.
"What ever you plan be quick about it," Meredith interjected, "That's if you can plan something without a joke escaping your lips. Otherwise we'll be here all day."
Lana sighed and turned back to the Knight-Commander. "Let's get to the Keep," she ordered, ignoring the woman's jibes. She'd had enough of this day already. "We can figure out what's going on and plan accordingly."
"An excellent idea," Orsino said.
"Let us move quickly," Meredith added, rallying her men and women.
Hawke led the way as her group of the most unlikely band of mercenaries made their way up the large staircase towards the Viscount's Keep. I've managed to unite the mages and Templars under one banner...Shocking!
Isabela panted harshly, trying to catch her breath. She doubled over, leaning on her legs as exhaustion overcame her. The Rivaini had been running for miles with the large tome under her arm. Shit, Hawke better be up for some stress-relief when I get there. Otherwise this is just not worth the pain. As much as she joked, the pirate knew that Lana was definitely worth every bead of sweat which dropped from her forehead as she ran. Not wanting to linger further and waste more time, Isabela straightened up, eyeing the city of Kirkwall in the distance.
Her blood ran cold. The entire city was engulfed in flames. Screaming could be heard even from outside the city walls. Her worst fear had come true. The Qunari had attacked. Oh bollocks! Hawke's definitely going to be in the think of it. The pirate pulled out her dagger in her free hand and began to descend the hills surrounding Kirkwall. I can't believe I'm doing this...It's the only way...What about Castillon?...The greasy bastard can bend himself over a barrel and let his ship's mast ram up his ass...Then I'll take it from him and sail away into paradise, knowing that the beautiful piece of wood at my helm screwed Castillon so hard to escape his clutches before I ever had to...Hmm, that metaphor kind of got away from me there... Isabela shook Castillon out of her mind and continued running towards Kirkwall. It must be nerves, she though. Time was of the essence. Castillon and his men could wait. They would die later, when this business with the Qunari was finished and Hawke was fixed firmly by her side.
Holding the growing pain in her ribs, Hawke stepped over the numerous Kareshok bodies at her feet and stumbled into the throne room of the Viscount's Keep, her companions at her flanks. Shouting and screaming could be heard from inside. Lana pushed open the doors and silence fell upon the crowded room. At the head of the pack stood the Arishok.
"Here is your Viscount!" he yelled, throwing something round and bloodied down into he crowd. Screaming filled the room once more. It was Viscount Dumar's head, severed from his body. The Viscount's blood-covered crown rolled off his head and streaked across the floor.
"You dare! You're starting a war," Emil Reinhardt shouted out. As Lana pushed her way through the crowd she heard the sickening snap of a neck breaking and Emil fell to the ground. People began to scream. Lana felt sick as she stared down in shock at the man who had once been promised to her. She wished she had gotten here sooner.
"Look at you," the Arishok growled, "Like fat Dathrasi you feed and feed, and complain only when your meal is interrupted! You do not look up, you do not see that the grass is bare. All you leave in your wake in misery! You are blind, I WILL MAKE YOU SEE!"
Lana stepped over the Viscount's head without a second glance and the crowed parted to let her pass then. There were numerous whisperings among the nobles who she recognised from that disastrous dinner party at her Estate. Some were spouting sympathy and regret at the death of Leandra while others were as condescending as ever, given her sexual orientation and how bluntly it had been unveiled with Isabela and her joined at the mouth, pressed up inappropriately against a bookshelf only to be interrupted by Hawke's mother. Ah, good times, Hawke joked to herself. She ignored them all and approached the intimidating ox-headed giant holding two of the biggest axes she had ever seen. She only had eyes for the Arishok now.
"It seems we have guests," the Arishok declared, beginning to descend the steps, "Shanedan Hawke, I expected you. Maraas toh ebra-shok. You alone are Basalit-an." He turned to the surrounding nobles, staring at them with disgust. "This is what respect looks like, Bas! Some of you will never earn it."
"Yeah, some of these people wouldn't know respect if I tied them up and spanked them with it," Lana joked, following the Arishok's disgusted glare. He turned back to her then.
"So tell me Hawke, you know I am denied Par Vollen until the Tome of Koslun is found. How would you see this conflict resolved without it?"
Suddenly there was noise behind them. One of the Kareshok fell face down in a heap of blood and a giant boot stepped over him.
"I believe I can answer that."
Hawke turned her head in shock, never thinking she would hear that teasing voice ever again. There, standing before her, the Tome of Koslun under her arm, was a rather sweaty looking Isabela.