"Hawke, wake up!" Clea groaned at the sound of her sister's voice. "We are going to the market, are you coming?"

Weapon searching with Fenris… This caused the warrior to open her eyes. "I'm coming… Give me a minute." She watched her sister leave the bedroom, confident that she had sufficiently woken her. After stretching, Clea headed to the washroom to clean up. She had meant what she said to Fenris last night; the very real possibility of not returning descended on her. Spending the evening with her companions had been just what she needed, but she wanted to continue to build those friendships. Bethany was an asset, but Clea couldn't shake her mind of the dreadful possibilities. When finished, she donned her full armor and joined her sister in the main room. "Where is Anders?"

"He told me last night he would meet me in the market."

The blood drained from Clea's face. "I told Fenris the same thing." Both sisters hurried out the door, giving their mother a quick kiss on the cheek. The heavy weight of the sword on Hawke's back reassured her that if things had gone poorly, she had a backup plan. Both sisters rounded the corner at the beginning of the booths.

Clea heard Fenris' deep voice over the crowd, "I told you, stay away from her." She quickly spotted the shock of white hair amid the crowd and ran straight for him.

"Fenris! There you are." Hawke stopped just short of running into him, and worked to slow her breathing. "Are you ready?" Bethany had stopped beside her, and looked to Anders, seemly also seeking an answer to the same question. Fenris turned and walked away without saying a word. Clea followed closely behind until he slowed behind a booth. "I'm sorry," she said, "clearly I didn't think this through."

Fenris held her gaze for a few more beats then turned his attention to one of the booths next to them. Both focused on the vast array of weapons before them. Hawke couldn't help but wonder what the two had been discussing when she found them. She bit her lip until a more appropriate time to ask arose. After choosing a blade, she traded in her old one and paid the difference. As she placed the new one on her back, she noticed Fenris had favored one as well. She leaned close and said in a low voice, "I have some extra coin. From our missions I mean. Do you like that one?"

He didn't make eye contact, but after a pause, nodded slightly.

Hawke took that as a yes and paid the merchant the difference for Fenris' old sword he traded in and the new one. The two set off down the street, going in no particular direction. "Thanks, Hawke," he mumbled. Hawke smiled in return, acknowledging the effort it probably took him to utter those words. Looking ahead as they walked, she noticed how many people stared at Fenris and his unique markings. She had forgotten how conspicuous he was and how inconspicuous he needed to be to keep others from bothering him unnecessarily. Clea began to lead them toward Hightown, aiming for the mansion that his magister had once occupied. She had walked with him many a time before, but she realized this was the first time he was not trailing behind with two others on a specific mission.

When they reached his mansion, she turned to leave, but Fenris stopped her with his words. "I was going to try out my new blade, if you would like to join me."

Clea swallowed her large smile as to not seem too eager. "Sounds like a smart idea. What use is an improved weapon if the wielder does not use it efficiently?" She followed him into the mansion, both walking through the entry and stopping in the large room with the two staircases leading to Fenris' bedroom. Both drew their new large weapons and took a fighting stance about 15 feet apart. Clea was suddenly nervous. She had dueled friends for training back in Ferelden, but there had been a mutual understanding among her friends of how aggressive one could be. Fenris' style was also different than hers, which she had noticed during various fights. His markings often flared while fighting, and Hawke assumed this improved his stamina as well as enhanced his fighting ability.

They began to move in a slow circle, neither making the first move. She noticed how tense his lean, muscled body was, and how his markings began to light up. A majority of his markings were hidden as he was in his full armor, but she particularly noticed the ones just below his lips. Clea blinked to refocus. She feigned a step forward, but then pulled back.

"You won't hurt me, Hawke. I will block." The slightest smirk pulled one corner of his lips upward.

Clea readjusted her grip and quickly stepped forward with her left, then landed on her right with her sword crashing into his at shoulder height. He kept the swords connected and used the leverage to push her back as he stepped forward, throwing her off balance. He then moved his sword in a quick arch, stopping just short of slicing her abdomen. Hawke let out a frustrated growl.

"Would you like me to show you, Hawke?" he asked as he lowered his blade.

Clea nodded as she regained her footing. To her surprise, he sheathed he sword and came up behind her, placing his hands on the grip of her sword with hers. She was eager to learn, but her brain had gone fuzzy and her muscles had become weak.

"Your lead was strong, but instead of stopping with the strike," Fenris walked with her as they repeated her movements up to the strike at the imaginary Fenris, "step again with your left with the blades still connected to force them back, then as you step again with your right," Clea felt his muscled arms help hers raise the blade above their heads, "bring the sword around and strike when they are off guard." The sword stopped just short of the ground on the word "strike". Once the blade was lowered, she felt Fenris' heat leave her back, and she let out a breath she wasn't aware she had been holding. Both were breathing a little heavy, and neither met the others' eyes. "Thanks, Fenris," she said, turning to face him, but still looking at the floor.

"Hawke, I-"

Suddenly, the front door of his mansion swung open. Varric stood there with a big goofy grin on his face. "There you two are!" he declared, stretching both arms out and walking into the main room. "We've been looking for you all over!"

"We?" Clea asked as she sheathed her sword and walked toward Varric.

"Your mother and I. Well, and everybody else, too. I know we had a few drinks last night, but your mom wanted a little going away party."

"The Hanged Man?"

"In my room. The only ones missing are you two."

Clea snorted. "I bet that is making for some great rumors."

Varric chuckled as Fenris and Hawke followed him toward the door. "Oh you have no idea."

Clea turned to Fenris and spoke in a low voice. "You don't have to come." When he gave no response, her heart warmed. Maybe what she had said earlier had gotten to him. Either way, it would be nice to have him present.

Hawke was grateful for Varric using his private room. It was snug, but everyone had a seat at the table and it was much quieter than the noise she could her lofting up the stairs. Everyone had been mingling, but Varric had set a meal on the table and had asked Hawke to say a few words. She sat at the head of the table, with her mom to her right and Fenris to her left. Her sister was next to her mother, and Anders was strategically at the end of the table on the same side as Fenris so that it was difficult to see each other. Everyone was present, even Avaline and her uncle.

The voices quieted when Clea stood, and she began, coming up with the words on the spot. "Thanks, everyone, for coming. I really… it means a lot." As she spoke, she met everyone's eyes, lingering a little longer on the eyes of a certain white-haired elf. "When we came to Kirkwall, we didn't have any expectations beyond the hope of survival. But you all have made the last year or so bearable, and at times even enjoyable." As she looked around, all had smiles except Fenris who appeared to be deeply contemplating something. "Now we have a great opportunity, thanks to Varric, of which the spoils will be shared with all of you. You all have put in a lot of work to help make this happen." She paused before continuing, thinking of specific examples of how Aveline had put her job on the line and how Anders had risked being discovered. "Here's to many more, prosperous, years!" Clea raised her glass, and everyone else's' followed, all taking a drink.

As she sat down, everyone began to partake in the meal, herself included. "When do you leave?" her mother asked, after washing down her chicken with a drink. Hawke had never seen her mother so concerned. She hadn't told her mother she intended to bring Bethany, but she sensed her mother already knew she wouldn't want to leave her sister behind.

"Tonight. You can be there if you like." This seemed to ease her mother's brow, but she gave to verbal answer.

After dinner, the mingling resumed and a game of wicked grace was about to commence. The mood was light, and Clea felt refreshed by the re-telling of memorable stories and laughter. She was about to excuse herself, when she saw the group that was going to play. It consisted of Isabella, Merrill, Varric, Anders, and Fenris. This, she had to see. She sat down in front of the fire next to her sister to observe. "So, sister, are you ready?" Bethany asked.

"I'm all packed, if that is what you mean. How about you?"

"I think so." Bethany fidgeted a little. "Anders helped me find a better staff, and even showed me a few healing spells."

Clea let a pause hang before speaking. "Are you re-thinking going?"

"No," she answered quickly, brows creased just like her mothers'. "I mean, from what Anders says, the Deep Roads are not a place we should linger, but I want to come." She looked to her feet as Clea continue to nurse her drink and turned her attention back to the game. It looked as if Isabella was winning. "Clea?" Hawke turned her attention back to her sister. "Do you think… Anders might be jealous?"

Clea snorted, but kept her voice low. "You heard him, he wouldn't mind never getting close to the Deep Roads again."

"No, I mean…" Bethany kept her eyes down and couldn't sit still. "…jealous of Fenris." Clea almost dropped her drink. The argument between Fenris and Anders yesterday and today, Bethany's effort in appearance last night at the Hanged Man; the pieces fit together, knocking the breath out of her.

"I… uh… I don't know, Bethany. You like Anders, don't you?" She simply nodded in response.

"Do you?" Bethany asked, looking to her sister.

"No, I don't," she spoke honestly. Hawke had already asked herself this question, unsure at first. But after today with Fenris, she was more sure. "Make sure you get some time with him this afteroon before you leave. Maybe even tell him how you feel." A silence settled on the sisters, and Hawke put her arm around Bethany's shoulders as they watched the game approach what appeared to be the conclusion.

"Aww, Broody! Come on!" Varric shouted, tossing his own cards on the table. It appeared Fenris had won.

As the game wound down, Hawke stood along with her sister to leave. After locating their mother, the girls said their goodbyes and headed toward the door. "Remember, Varric, at dusk!" Clea leaned down and kissed him on the cheek. "And thanks for today."

"You are most welcome, Hawke."

Before the three women could leave, Aveline, Fenris, and Anders also appeared to be preparing to leave. All six walked out into the afternoon light and paused before deciding which direction to go. Aveline spoke up first, "I can walk you home, Leandra."

"Thank you dear," Leandra said, taking Aveline's arm and walking in the direction of Gamlin's home. Clea was about to suggest Bethany follow when she noticed she and Anders had gone in the opposite direction, toward the clinic. Maybe they were going to have that chat she had suggested.

Clea sighed and turned to follow Aveline and her mother. Fenris' hand on her shoulder stopped her. He immediately retracted it. "Hawke. Would you like to take a walk with me?" Clea then remembered how Varric had interrupted something Fenris was going to say. She got goose bumps thinking of the possibilities. She simply nodded, and walked in step beside him, going nowhere specific. While she was attracted to him, part of her was also nervous. She knew some of his past and quickly deduced that achieving any type of close relationship with him would be complicated. It was difficult to not get her hopes up, but she decided she would let him make all the first moves.

"I am surprised your sister-mage is coming with us."

Hawke felt herself flinch internally at his term for the girl she had always protected and cared about. She didn't always trust mages either, but she trusted and loved Bethany. Fenris would need to change his tone and attitude toward her at least. "I am taking Bethany because she is a strong asset to the team. Would you prefer Anders?" This conversation was not going the way she imagined.

"I'm sorry, Hawke. I respect your decision. I was just curious. I have observed you care much for her and am surprised you are willing to take such a risk."

Hawke had wondered this for weeks as the time for choosing a team had drawn near.

During all the walking in the Deep Roads, the group had attempted to ease the tension by entertaining each other. Varric had told many stories, and Clea decided it was time to ask questions. She had quickly come up with the rules: each person got a turn and was able to ask the others three questions each. Bethany and Varric were excited, but Fenris appeared less enthusiastic.

"Who wants to ask questions first?" Clea asked as she turned her head to face the others. The four of them were toward the back of the caravan, making sure nothing ambushed them from behind.

"Me!" Bethany squeeled as she sped up to walk by Hawke. "And I want you ask you questions first."

Hawke remained quiet as Bethany hummed in thought. "Who is, or was, your favorite sibling?"

Clea's step faltered. She had been expecting a light-hearted question.

"And don't say you don't have a favorite," Bethany cautioned.

"I can't really compare you and Carver. I suppose my relationship with you is stronger. We didn't, and don't, fight much. I spend a lot of my time protecting you, and I enjoy it. Carver and I fought a lot and disagreed on many things, but I really miss him."

This answer appeared to satisfy her sister. "Me too." Silence settled. Bethany dropped back some, potentially to include the others in her next question. "What is your most embarrassing moment?"

Hawke couldn't help a burst of laughter, and Varric joined in. "This, I have to hear."

"Hmm. Let me think about this one." Her most embarrassing moment that came to mind first she wasn't about to share with a certain white-haired elf present."Well, back in Ferelden while I was training, we had an obstacle course we had to run in a certain amount of time. I finished first, but as soon as I crossed the line, I got sick all over the Captain. All over."

Varric howled with laughter. "I guess winning comes at a cost! But come on Hawke, is that really your most embarrassing moment?"

"Why don't you create one for me then, Varric?"

"You are still young. I'm sure I can set up situations for you to create your own embarrassing moments."

Clea rolled her eyes. "Fantastic!" She could sense Fenris was feeling out of place and wanted to be done answering questions. "One more, Sister."

"What will you do with all the riches we get form this expedition?"

Hawke was thankful for an easy question. "Buy back our estate in Hightown. Give you and mother the place you deserve. Make sure the money is spread evenly between everyone. Then use the rest to buy new equipment."

"You are the logical one." Bethany elbowed her playfully.

"Well, what will you do?"

"Buy drinks for everyone. Have a night of celebration!"

"You are the fun one," Clea elbowed her back.

"I like Bethany's idea better. Sorry, Hawke," Varric said.

The four continued to reminisce and laugh as Bethany asked Varric questions about his favorite games as a kid, the worst trick he ever played on Bartrand, and how he fell in love with telling stories. Hawke was surprised she hadn't asked about Bianca. She would save that for one of her questions for him. Clea had a feeling her sister had saved Fenris for last on purpose. Bethany always seemed uncomfortable around him and was likely afraid of setting him off.

"So, Fenris…" she was clearly having difficulty coming up with a question that wasn't too deep. Fenris was a deep well of mystery so potential questions abounded, but he was also very guarded. "What is your favorite thing about Kirkwall?"

Surprisingly, she saw his cheeks tinge pink, then quickly fade. "The rats. Defiantly the rats."

Varric chortled. "Did Broody just tell a joke?"

"I'm capable of them, too, Dwarf."

Bethany smiled. Her question had been well-received. "Who is your favorite team to work with on missions?"

Hawke was very interested in his answer. "I believe this team here is the most tolerable." Leave it to Fenris to down-play his own preferences.

"Hear that, Bethany?" Varric joked, "We're tolerable!"

"Such an honor," she answered back. "Thank you, Fenris."

"Personally, I'm surprised he didn't say Blondie and Daisy."

It was Fenris' turn to chortle. "Only if they had a death wish."

"I purposefully make sure that doesn't happen," Hawke mumbled under her breath.

"Now, Fenris, you ask questions!" Bethany exclaimed.

"If I must." He asked some rather thoughtful questions of Bethany and Varric. He'd asked Bethany her favorite memory and Varric his favorite story he had ever told. She could tell the others were also surprised at the sincerity of his questions.

Hawke was nervous he had left her for last. Unlike the others, he didn't look at her when he asked, but had picked up his stride to walk next to her. "What do you miss most about Ferelden?" Hawke was taken aback by this question. The one thing she hadn't talked about much in Kirkwall was her home. The back of her eyes stung.

"The rain." Their group, and the caravan as a whole had become quiet; she lowered her voice to match. "I know it rains in Kirkwall, but it's a different kind. The rain in Ferelden is not a mist, it is a strong, cleansing downpour. It wipes everything clean and leaves a scent that can't be replicated." Hawke swallowed hard. Reminiscing was difficult for her. After some silence, she cleared her throat. "Next question?" When she looked to Fenris, she saw a tear stain on his cheek.

It was finally time to make camp. They were getting close. They had found Bodan's boy, and the creatures were becoming tougher and more numerous. Hawke had a feeling something big was coming, or something bad was going happen. She had tried to keep herself busy by scouting ahead, talking with the others, or sharpening her blade. Now that she was setting up her and Bethany's tent, and tiredness was beginning to set in, her thoughts were getting difficult to control. Almost everyone else had already made camp and settled in for the night.

Bethany gathered her things and looked at Hawke as she neared the tent. "Are you coming, Sister?"

"Soon. I have a lot on my mind."

"Alright," Bethany said as she tossed her stuff in the tent. "Just don't go too far."

Hawke nodded and wove her way around the mass of tents and sleeping sacks. They had found a clearing in the rock formations. The ceiling was high, and it looked as if the cavern opened ahead with many choices for a path ahead. She could sense that Bartrand's patience was wearing thin and hoped that Anders' maps were accurate. She sat on a large rock a few hundred feet from the camp, facing a small stream that ran alongside the cavern wall.

Clea had to admit that she was impressed by what the dwarves had made. She had never been this far into the Deep Roads before. The labyrinth of tunnels was impressive, as was the system of streams that kept them from dehydration. She was still trying to adjust to the darkness, however. The lights from camp were casting her shadow on the wall in front of her. She was ready to find riches and leave. However, she didn't yet have a long-term plan for when she returned. The hope was to find enough to not have to work for the smuggler any more. She hated exposing her sister and mother to that sort of life.

The sound of a stone entering the stream caused Clea to jerk her head up and look back toward the camp. Fenris had stopped mid-stride. "I'm sorry, Hawke. I didn't mean to startle you."

She wasn't in the mood for talking, but she knew of all people, Fenris would understand. She just nodded and waited for him to state why he sought her out.

"Is something troubling you, Hawke?"

Hawke's eyebrows involuntarily shot up. She had not been expecting a personal question. "I… have a lot on my mind. Can't sleep. What about you?"

He took this as an invitation to come closer and sat on a rock near hers, facing the stream.

"Neither can I."

Just as Hawke had hoped, silence had comfortably settled. It was reassuring to not feel like she had to make him laugh or live up to any expectations. With him she could just be; a characteristic that she hadn't yet experienced with any of her other companions. They both watched the stream, but out of the corner of her eye she saw the focused look on his face. She wondered what was keeping him up, but knew he wouldn't answer even if she asked.

"I'm worried about Bethany." The words tumbled out.

Fenris was just as startled as Hawke, but was careful to try not to show it. He stayed silent, but locked eyes with Clea and she could feel it. He didn't need to speak. She felt his compassion and concern.

After several more minutes reflecting in the stream, Clea's eyes became heavy and she stood to leave.

"Hawke, there is no need to worry. We will make it out. You will be safe."

Hawke nodded and walked toward her tent. "It's not me I'm worried about," she mumbled as she got in the tent with her remaining sibling.

Finally, they were headed out. Backstabbing Bartrand had betrayed them for an idol. Then they had slain a demon-wraith and a giant rock wraith. Thankfully they had found more than enough treasures to compensate all of their troubles. Hawke hadn't paused long enough to let all of the events of the day fully sink in. That would wait until she got home. According to the map, they only had a few miles left.

Hawke was joking with Varric when she heard her sister's faint voice, "Clea? I… I don't feel well."

Hawke turned in enough time to see her sister crumple to the rock floor. "Bethany!" Hawke knelt down and cradled her sister's pale face in her lap. Her face looks like Wesley's did. Clea attempted to shake the thought out of her head. "What happened?"

"I think it was that last fight." They had run into a few Darkspawn a couple miles back. "I can feel the corruption, like Wesley did."

Hawke was numb. Varric's hand on her shoulder brought her out of her revere. Fenris was also nearby. "Hang on, Bethany. We are almost out. I'll take you home and-"

Varric's voice was low and dark. "She'll never make it in time."

Bethany began to cough and she could almost see the corruption taking over before her eyes. Hawke lightly touched her sister's face. "Please, Clea, don't let me turn into one of those monsters."

No. I can't do it. I won't. "I was supposed to protect you," she whispered. This isn't real.

"Sister, please." Bethany's eyes screamed pain.

Hawke begrudgingly took the small knife out of her boot and put it to her sister's heart.

Bethany managed a small, weak smile. "I'll say hello to Carver for you."

"I love you," was all Hawke could manage before closing her eyes and pressing on the hilt with both hands.