First of all I would just like to thank everybody! It's really encouraging to see people adding this story to their favorites and reviewing. It really makes me want to continue writing. So thank you all so much for reading!

Also, sorry it took so long to update again. With the holidays and all I've been busy entertaining family and such, so many apologies!

Happy New Year!

Ten months. They were so close to the end Ellendrya could smell it. Athenril had been sending both her and her sister on jobs, day in and day out. She was pushing them hard. Recently, many of the jobs had been fending off the Coterie. They had been wiping out smaller groups as of late. Whether it was physically fighting off the Coterie's men or just redirecting them away from Athenril and her group, Hawke was the one who took care of most situations. She knew it was a part of the job, a way to pay off the debt of getting her family into Kirkwall, but her temper grew shorter by the day. Gamlen wasn't helping much either. Leandra and Bethany had begun to ask questions, and he seemed a bit shady to Ellendrya.

She had just finished one of Athenril's more mediocre jobs. A simple delivery. The only reason she had Hawke doing it was because it was a delivery to someone in the Gallows. She returned home, not as tired as most jobs left her, only to find an argument ensuing.

"My children have been in servitude. Servitude! For almost a year now! They should be nobility!" Leandra was saying to Gamlen as Hawke walked in the door.

"If wishes were poppy, we'd all be dreaming," Gamlen retorted.

Attempting to keep the peace, Hawke stepped in.

"This is the way things are, Mother. Gamlen can't change it now," she said softly, trying to reason with her mother.

Not that she was siding with Gamlen of course. Her mother was right, but there was no use in angering Gamlen when it was his home they were allowed to stay in after all.

"Your mother was supposed to marry the Conte de Launcet, and instead she ran off with that Ferelden apostate," Gamlen wrinkled his nose in disgust. "You don't get to stay the favorite when you do that," he said, turning back to his sister.

So that's what it was. This is why Gamlen had been so hostile to his sister since they arrived. He was jealous. Their parent's loved Leandra, and for all he cared, it was more than they loved him.

Hawke could see Gamlen's comment hit hard with her mother. She often spoke fondly of her parents when they lived in Ferelden. It was apparent she cared a great deal for them. Shaking her head a moment, Leandra continued.

"Where is father's will? If I could just see it for myself," she asked.

"It's not here, all right? It was read, it went in the vault," he answered harshly. "No one needed to read it again.

"Did Grandfather mention Mother in his will at all?" Hawke asked her uncle, vying for more details.

"Our father died when you were still in pinafores lass. You can hardly expect me to remember!"

"Sounds like a yes to me," Bethany said quietly. Hawke agreed with her. Gamlen was way to wound up over letting Mother see the damned will. It was starting to get on her nerves.

"That touched a nerve…" Hawke addressed her uncle, sneering. "Just what exactly are you hiding?" She asked bluntly.

"Nothing!" He insisted. "But you still won't be seeing the bloody thing. It's still locked up on the estate, and that's long out of my hands."

"You didn't take your parents' will?" Bethany pressed, regarding her uncle suspiciously. She wasn't dropping the subject as Gamlen had hoped. He sighed.

"It was old news. You think I've been sitting here for twenty-five years waiting for Leandra to slink back?" he glared at his sister. His tone made Ellendrya what to slap him… or something. She couldn't stand the egotistical weasel of a man.

"Who bought the estate, Gamlen?" Leandra spoke, trying reason with her brother. "Perhaps I could speak with them. Was it the Reinhardts?"

"No one you know," he responded sharply. "Get used to Lowtown sister. That's where we're going to stay," he said finally, walking to his room and slamming the door behind him.

Leandra could only shake her head sadly as she sat in front of the fireplace. When it was certain Gamlen was going to stay in his room, Bethany approached her sister, who was reading a message from Athenril.

"I hate to think badly of family," she began, "but… did Uncle Gamlen seem a bit slippery we he talked about Grandfather's will?" she asked. Ellendrya nodded in agreement, finishing up her letter.

"If he, say… 'invested' money that was supposed to be mother's, do you think he would tell us?" she continued. Hawke let out a bark of laughter.

"I doubt he could say 'Good morning' without lying twice," Hawke responded sarcastically. "I believe its time to find that will."

"Good, I'm glad we agree," Bethany nodded, practically knowing already that she would. "Gamlen told me gave the estate to a slaver who beat him in dice. Apparently our ancestral home is now a base for slavers from all over Thedas," she grimaced.

"Slavers? That man…" Ellendrya growled angrily. "I think I'm going to have to have a little chat with our uncle…"

"Now now sister. That can wait," Bethany said attempting to at least delay her sister. "There's clearly a reason mother didn't talk about him much," she shook her head.

"Seriously though," she continued, "those scum have no right to our family's things. We should break in there, get the will for mother," she said quietly as to not be overheard, excitement underlying in her voice.

Hawke had to admire her sisters' spirit. She agreed completely with the mage.

"Good to know we're on the same page," she said.

"I've already talked to both of them. Gamlen said they guard the front entrance well."

That could be a problem, Ellendrya grimaced. Not that she expected to be able to simply waltz in and ask kindly to get in the vault.

"But," she continued, "Mother gave me her old key. She said it would unlock the cellar. Apparently the sewers run right beneath the house!" she said excitedly.

"Brilliant," Hawke said, grinning. "We'll go tonight then." Bethany simply nodded before nonchalantly strolling into their room.

Hawke and her sister waited for their mother and uncle to retire to their rooms and fall asleep before creeping out of the house.

"If we can," Hawke regarded her sister, "we should try to avoid drawing much attention. I'm sure there'll be guards in the cellar as well. Just be careful." Bethany nodded as they made their way to Darktown.

They reached Darktown without much trouble. The streets at night are never safe in Kirkwall, but they somehow managed to avoid unwanted attention. Hawke walked confidently up the stairs and turned the corner that lead them to the entrance to the estate.

"You ready?" She turned to Bethany, who was full of excitement. Hawke had to laugh. She could be such a girl sometimes.

"Ready if you are," she grinned back at her sister.

"Let's do it then."

Hawke climbed the somewhat hidden ladder until she reached a door. She inserted the key and it unlocked, to her relief. She opened the hatch as quietly as she could and crawled up, Bethany following close behind.

Hawke took in their surroundings, letting her eyes adjust to the darkness. There were a few torches in the room, which helped. They were in a large room with barrels adorning one side, stacked one on top of the other. There was a set of stairs in the opposite corner and a door straight ahead of them. She listened carefully before standing to her full height of about 5'5". Waving Bethany in, they closed the hatch quietly and proceeded.

Listening intently, Hawke raised a hand to halt their movement. She heard light footsteps and grumbling coming from the direction of the stairs. Holding her breath, she silently drew one of her knives and waited for the person to come into sight. A guard descended the stairs, mumbling something about the late shift. Hawke and Bethany remained frozen, practically caught in the middle of the floor. Deciding it would be better than waiting for the man to see them, Hawke flicked her wrist, sending her knife flying into the mans throat. His eyes widened in surprise before he let out a choked gurgle and slumped softly to the ground. Bethany looked at her feet as her sister retrieved the knife. Hawke knew the mage had no heart for taking lives, but Hawke saw it as making sure they got out unscathed, and that meant doing what was necessary.

Hawke quickly did a scan of the room. Determining no one else followed the guard, she took a peek into the other room. Finding only stray crates, she made her way towards the stairs, Bethany close on her heels.

They climbed the stairs silently. Hawke could hear her sisters' soft breathing behind her. Carefully, they reached the top of the stairs and rounded a corner to find two more guards speaking on the opposite side of the room. There was a doorway on the opposite side of the room as well as one to their left farthest away on the wall. More large barrels lined the walls. There was a stack of them nearest the two girls on their left and farther along the wall next to the guards on their right.

"I heard Larson's got a promotion," one guard was saying.

"Promotion? Well I'll be damned," the other grumbled.

"Yeah. He's got a spot as a personal guard now. Lucky bastard. I'll make him buy me a drink next time we have leave," the guard laughed.

Hawked motioned to her sister, hugging the wall until she reached the stack of barrels to their left. She slid behind them, keeping to the shadows. She made her way along the wall in the small space the stacks left until she reached the small side room. The guards continued their conversation, oblivious to the intruders.

Hawke did a quick once over of the room, spotting a small ornamented chest in one of the corners. Picking the lock easily, she peered inside. She was surprised at what she found. Inside the chest was a portrait of their mother, donned in noble's clothing and a tiny ring on her finger. She looked young and beautiful, though there was something noticeable in her eyes that spoke of unhappiness and longing. Tucking the portrait safely away in her pack, Ellendrya made her way back to her sister who was watching the door. The guards were still talking. There was no way to slip past them undetected to the next hallway.

Bethany looked to her sister for their next move. Hawke had said they wanted to avoid much attention, but how were they supposed to do that when there were guards pretty much standing on the spot they needed to go? The mage raised her staff in question but Hawke shook her head. Motioning for her sister to step out of the way, Hawke made her way back around the barrels towards the corridor they entered through. She retrieved one of her small explosives from her pouch. Lighting it, she tossed it back into the hallway and quickly tiptoed back to her sister. They didn't have to wait for long before a loud pop was heard. The guards' heads snapped up at the sudden noise.

"What was that?"

"I- I don't know. Should we check it out?"

"Yes you dim wit. That's our job," the guard said, smacking his partner over the head. Treading wearily, they made their way over to the corridor, leaving the path open for Hawke and Bethany to tip toe through the next doorway.

Turning another corner, Hawke peered into a large open room, with two more guards standing directly in their path. There was no avoiding this battle.

Nodding to Bethany, Hawke drew her daggers and stepped into the open. Twirling them confidently, she strode towards the two slavers, calling out to them.

"Excuse me boys," she called, causing them to jump slightly, "Would you mind helping little old me to the vault hmm?" she taunted. They drew their blades at this.

"Those daggers look awfully dangerous," one of them sneered. "How bout you put them away and we can see how much you're worth?" Ellendrya let out a sharp laugh.

"I don't think so," she said dangerously. As if on cue, a fireball landed directly in front of the two men, causing them to jump back in alarm.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Ellendrya engaged the men, blocking and spinning when appropriate. She had to give it to them; they at least had some experience. It was more than she could say for half the thugs she was accustomed to fighting. With the help of Bethany's magic, they dispatched both guards without much trouble. Unfortunately, hearing the trouble the slavers from the next room came rushing in.

So much for being discreet, Hawke thought to herself begrudgingly as she engaged the new onslaught.

There were four new men; one dual-wielder, one archer, and two swordsmen. Bethany put a barrier around herself, knowing Hawke probably wouldn't be able to keep all of their attention at once, though she did her best. They fought vigorously. In the end, Ellendrya came out with a few cuts and bruises, but nothing that would impede their progress.

Reaching the next room, the pair came face to face with the Magister.

"Did that bastard Gamlen put you up to this?" he sneered confidently. "I knew I should've slit his throat," he shrugged, pulling out his staff.

I'll have to remind Gamlen to thank me for saving his life, Hawke growled to herself.

Both Hawke and Bethany readied themselves. At the mage's command, a stream of men made their appearance. There were at least six of them, if not more. Bethany took care of two right off the bat with her magic, sending a huge explosion at them. Hawke knew she had to somehow get at the magister. It was simple strategy. Take out the leader, and the followers tend to lose their resolve, making it easier for them to be picked off. Unfortunately, this leader happened to be surrounded by what seemed like a horde of men.

Hawke started off with a few throwing knives, lodging them solidly in the throats of three men before the battle really began. Two remained, as well as the mage. Bethany shot her spells, keeping the mage occupied while Ellendrya engaged the two remaining men. She was lucky she had Carver to train with when she was younger. These men used a similar technique as Carver. As he used to anyways…

Hawke's momentary loss of focus caused her to stumble as one of the men brought his blade down forcefully, only allowing her a moment to block. Occupied with that, the other man managed to shift to her side. He brought his blade across his body, slicing through the rogue's light armor. Ellendrya hissed in pain and stumbled backwards, clutching her side. She steadied herself in time to parry another thrust. She managed to deflect the blade to the side with one dagger, leaving him open to her other blade. Quickly and cleanly, Ellendrya brought her blade up and thrust it through his chest between the cracks in his splint mail. Fully focusing on the other man, Hawke managed to defeat him with little trouble, ignoring the gash in her side. Realizing his situation, Hawke saw a flash of panic in the magister's eyes. One of Bethany's simple attacks hit him hard in the stomach, sending him sprawling backwards into the wall. Hawke approached him quickly before he had time to scramble to his feet and plunged her dagger into his chest. She saw the life drain out of him as his eyes became glazed and unseeing.

Hawke wiped her blades clean as Bethany approached her. Ellendrya clutched at her side as she remembered her injury.

"May I?" Bethany gestured to her wound. Knowing she wouldn't take no as an answer, Ellendrya only nodded as she slid down the wall, sitting on the floor.

She felt the magic cooling the sting in her side as it knit the skin and other damaged tissues back together. She sighed in relief when it was finished.

"Thanks," she smiled at Bethany as she stood. Bethany only smiled and nodded in reply.

"That's the vault!" Bethany exclaimed in a whisper as they climbed the last set of stairs. "Everything we want to know about our family is inside."

Opening the door with the key from Leandra, Hawke stepped inside the small L shaped room and looked around. There were a few chests and crates along the walls of the room, but many of them had already been opened and stripped of their wares. Both women were somewhat saddened by this, but they didn't come for any family jewels, no matter how nice it would've been to find some.

In the back of the room was a chest that seemed to be unopened. Unlocking it, Ellendrya found only a few papers inside. Looking each over, she came across what looked like a will.

"Look at this," she said, handing it to Bethany.

"This is it!" she replied excitedly. "It's Grandfather's will! Mother needs to see this as soon as possible."

"Let's hurry then. I've had enough of this cellar anyways."

Ellendrya and Bethany made it safely back to Gamlen's in record time. Hawke had to nearly restrain her sister from bolting ahead. As they walked through Kirkwall, Ellendrya read the will over. What she saw only made her angrier.

"…so I'm just saying, blood's blood and all… and you are taking advantage of my hospitality," Gamlen was addressing his sister when Ellendrya and Bethany returned. "It's only fair if you make somewhat of a… monthly contribution," he continued, pacing back and forth.

"You sold my children into servitude, and now you want me to pay rent?" It was clear Leandra was angry.

Ellendrya took a place by her mother's side, glaring daggers at her uncle. He squirmed under her gaze.

"Er… maybe just put something towards food…" he amended, wringing his hands together.

"We found the will," Ellendrya spoke. Gamlen wouldn't even look up.

"He forgave you mother! Grandfather left you everything," Bethany said, handing the will to Leandra.

"Er… Uh… I should… Maybe…" Gamlen looked around frantically, looking for some excuse to get away.

"To my daughter Leandra, and all children born of her," Leandra read aloud, "the estate in Hightown and all associated revenues…" she trailed off in disbelief.

"Check out the part where Gamlen is only left a stipend - to be controlled by you," Ellendrya sneered at her uncle. It may have been harsh, but in Ellendrya's eyes, her uncle deserved it. It seemed their Grandfather knew of Gamlen's true character and left everything to Leandra, knowing she would be responsible and watch after the estate. He couldn't have known Gamlen would take away that chance.

"Gamlen, how could you?" Leandra regarded her brother with a mix of sadness and disappointment swimming in her eyes.

"You're the one who ran off, Leandra. What happened to 'Love is so much more important than money'?" Gamlen tried pitifully to defend himself. It was a weak argument, but he worked it as hard as he was able.

"It is!"

"You didn't even come home for the funeral!" he spat angrily.

"The twins were a week old!" Leandra retorted exasperatedly.

"We all have our burdens. Mine was looking after a life you abandoned," he pointed a finger accusingly at his sister. Anger and desperation colored his tone. "How long was I supposed to wait?"

"I doubt you waited until the ashes were cold," Ellendrya said dangerously.

"I took care of father. I stayed! And all he could talk about on his deathbed was Leandra," he sneered at his sister angrily. Taking a breath, he calmed himself before continuing.

"Look, Leandra. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done it, but I did. And there's nothing I can do to get it back."

"I don't expect that Gamlen," Leandra said, softening a bit. "It's enough to know that Mother and Father didn't die angry."

"I'll petition the viscount for rights to the estate, and Maker willing, you'll have you're 'house' back within weeks."

"You don't have the coin or standing to even get an audience with the Viscount," Gamlen said drearily. "You've got to be someone in this city to live in that house again."

"Then I had better get started."