Ellendrya woke before dawn the next morning. She shook Aveline awake and told her to gather her family and meet her at the docs when they were ready. Aveline nodded and began packing up camp.
Given the early hour and the fact that many of the refugees had left on the ship the previous day, there were only a few people in line to get passes to board the next ship.
"Thank the Maker," Ellendrya muttered.
"Th' ship'll be 'ere 'round midday. Make sure ye don't miss it lass. There be no refunds, ye hear me?" The man selling the passes told her sternly. No doubt many people had missed their ship and begged for refunds or something of the sort. Ellendrya nodded and murmured her thanks before moving out of the way.
Aveline, Bethany and Leandra met Hawke near the docs not too long after. Ellendrya handed each their pass. Leandra's relief was visible. She embraced Ellendrya firmly, thanking her. Ellendrya only smiled in reply.
The ship docked at the appointed time. Hawke gathered her companions and they headed towards the ship eagerly. Hawke couldn't shake the feeling that the darkspawn were getting closer by the minute. She wanted nothing more than to get her family out of harms way. The ship was small, but it was enough to fit about five families on board. Space was cramped, but Ellendrya was simply grateful that they were finally out of Ferelden.
It took three days to sail to Kirkwall. The trip was uneventful, which often had Ellendrya pacing the deck. Often times the Captain would yell at her to get back below, as to not get in the way of the sailors work. Not that they had much to do anyways. There were no storms, no unruly waves. There wasn't much for anyone to do but wait for the grueling trip to come to an end.
Ellendrya was sitting underneath the deck when the finally reached Kirkwall. High, bowing cliffs towered over them as they passed the two massive statues that hung on each side. A small shiver crawled up Ellendrya's spine as she looked up at them.
The boat docked in the Gallows and the ramp was lowered. Many of the people on board rushed out, thankful for dry land. Hawke had to admit, she wasn't one for the ocean either. There were a number of times she felt her stomach churning, ungrateful for the occasional swell rocking the ship.
Grateful to be off the ship, Ellendrya stretched and looked around. There were people everywhere. There seemed to be a concentration of refugees at the gate, angry shouts coming from the people surrounding the guards keeping them back.
"They're not letting anyone into the city," Aveline growled, glaring at the gate.
"What? That can't be!" Leandra spoke up desperately.
"It's true. Look at them all," Aveline scoweled.
We've come this far, Hawke thought to herself. There has to be a way in!
"They're Ferelden's, just like us," Bethany remarked. "They're all fleeing for their lives."
"And they would throw us all back to the wolves! Unbelievable…"
"I'm just surprised they even let us dock," Ellendrya said dryly. She was not giving up now.
"We need to find Gamlen." Leandra spoke wistfully. "Our family has always been highly regarded in Kirkwall. He can do something. I'm sure of it!" She looked at Ellendrya hopefully.
"The guards seem to be reporting to that man," Aveline pointed.
"Let's go have a conversation with him then," Ellendrya said, leading the way.
With only a small amount of trouble, Ellendrya convinced the guard to let them talk to whoever was in charge. They were let through, only to find another obstacle in their way. There were directed to a higher ranking officer of the guard who seemed to be in the middle of a heated conversation with some soldiers, seemingly Fereldan.
"Deserters," Ellendrya growled under her breath.
"We're not staying in this pit!" what looked like the leader said angrily.
"Then get back on your ship and leave," the guard retorted. "Kirkwall has no more room for refugees." The guard remained calm, despite the angry mercs in his face.
"We've paid good coin to get here!" another man complained. The guard sighed.
"You and half of Ferelden. Look, I'm sorry but there's nothing I can do, the city is full!" It was apparent the guard was growing tired of this.
"Another guard told us you were letting some people in?" Ellendrya inquired as she reached the group of men. The head deserter gave her a who are you? Look before turning his attention back to the guard.
"That's right! We've seen you let loads of people through!"
The guard gave Ellendrya an exasperated look. She felt bad for the man, but she had to find some way into the city. She simply would not allow her family to be stuck at the gates when they had finally come this far.
"Those people have had legitement business in the city or made it worth our while. I doubt you have any more coin than this bunch over here?" he asked. It was more of a statement though.
"But we have family here! Doesn't that mean anything?" Bethany tried reasoning with him.
"I've heard claims like that a thousand times over. Trust me. We'll find some ships to take you all back to Ferelden. Eventually. Untill then, you all stay here," he sighed, rubbing a hand over his face.
"Our uncle is Gamlen Amell. He knows we're coming. Surely someone could find him." Ellendrya persisted. It wasn't like her to be a hindrance to people, but she absolutely had to get into Kirkwall.
"Gamlen? I know that name…" the guard said thoughtfull. Bethany perked up at this.
"Yes! He's a nobleman here in the city. Our family has an estate!" she pressed eagerly. Ellendrya shot her a look, telling her to calm down. She was rushing and it wasn't helping.
"Ha! A nobleman?" the guard guffawed. "The only Gamlen I know is a weasel who couldn't rub two coppers together!" Bethany's shoulders slumped slightly at this. Somehow, Ellendrya wasn't surprised. In reading letters from him to her mother, he never seemed like the proper type.
"Look, if he comes around, I'll bring you to him. But right now, I don't have time to-"
"What? You're gonna let them through?" The leader of the deserters interrupted him, shaking in anger. Ellendrya became wary. This could go badly.
"I didn't say anything about it," the guard shrugged, keeping his temper.
"We've been here for three days! They just got here!" the other deserter almost whined, pointing a finger angrily in Ellendrya's face. Her hands itched for her dagger.
"That's it! We're carving our way out of here! Men!" the deserter commanded.
Ellendrya already had her daggers pulled by the time she saw the men tense up. The leader went straight for the guard, attacking him angrily. Ellendrya decided he could hold his own and went for the deserters companions. Aveline pulled most of the attention, keeping the angry men at bay with her shield. Ellendrya did her best to keep the others off Bethany as she cast her devastating spells. She was almost disappointed in how simple it was to pick off each man one at a time. Their rage consumed them and they left their flanks open, making it east for Ellendrya to sneak around and backstab them one at a time. By the time it was over, Ellendrya was only slightly out of breath, and everyone remained unscathed.
"Unbelievable…" the guard shook his head as he sheathed his sword.
Ellendrya had to admit, she had a certain respect for this guard though he stood in her way. He handled himself remarkably well.
"Captain!" the guard from the front gate rushed towards them, skidding to a halt besides Hawke. "Are you alright?"
"I am. No thanks to you!" the Captain barked, clearly aggravated. "Where is everyone?" The other guard opened his mouth to answer, but the Captain didn't give him a chance. "Go find them! I want this kept under control!"
"Y-yes sir!" the guard answered as he scurried off.
"You have my thanks," he then turned once again to Ellendrya. "Look, I can't get you into the city. It's not my decision," he said almost apologetically, "but I'll find your uncle and bring him here if I can."
"That's all I can ask for," Hawke bowed her head slightly in thanks as the Captain turned up the steps, leaving them to wait.