A/N: I am sorry that this chapter is so short. My muse has been kinda silent as I get through these canon scenes. But next week I will be posting a completely original chapter about Paden and Anders. It's nice and long, and one of my favorites so far. So stay tuned for that!

—

Act One

Chapter Twenty-One

An Uncertain Understanding

Anders and Varric offered to go with Paden to the Gallows to face Ser Cullen. Paden was grateful, but she wished Carver hadn't stormed off home. She liked having him at her side, especially in situations where she felt vulnerable. And nowhere did she feel more vulnerable than in the Gallows talking to the Knight-Captain of the Templars. But at least she wasn't completely alone.

At the docks they got in line for the ferry to take them across the harbor, and as they neared the gangplank, Paden noticed Carver leaning against a post, waiting for them.

"Carver?" Paden said, frowning slightly. "I thought you went home."

"You know I can't let you face the Knight-Captain alone, right?"

Paden smiled slightly. "Get on board, you," she said.

They went to the front of the boat and took seats on various cargo crates. Paden deliberately sat on the same crate beside Carver, while Anders and Varric sat some distance behind them on two smaller crates. Once they were underway, Paden glanced at her brother and nudged him in the side with her elbow.

"Thank you," she said. "I'm glad you came."

He didn't respond, but just stared out at the waves ahead of them.

Paden sighed softly. "Listen, Carver, I didn't mean to shut you down earlier. I guess I got defensive. I felt like you were attacking me."

"I wasn't," Carver said, an obvious stiffness in his posture.

"I know that," Paden assured. "I realize you were just trying to make sense of the conflicting thoughts you were having, and I get that. I don't…I don't want to discourage you if you ever feel like you need to talk, about anything."

Carver scoffed lightly. "We don't talk, Sister."

"I know," Paden said softly. "Sometimes I regret that, though."

He looked at her in surprise, and then quickly down at his hands. Neither of them said anything more after that, as it was, they had both said much more that day than they usually allowed between them. But Paden hoped that Carver would take her words to heart.

After disembarking the ferry, they went through the great southern gate into the Gallows. Paden recognized Macha, Keran's sister, waiting by one of the huge statues that stood on either side of the gate. Before Paden could approach her, Macha ran forward into the courtyard, and that's when Paden noticed Knight-Captain Cullen and Keran—now in full uniform—coming out from under the arcade on the edge of the courtyard. Macha ran into her brother's arms for a lengthy embrace as Paden and the others approached. Paden caught Ser Cullen's eye and he turned from the happy reunion to meet them.

"I have good news and bad news," Paden said. She gestured to the still embracing siblings. "Good news, right here." Then she sighed softly and shook her head. "The bad news is that blood mages have infiltrated your ranks, and have been implanting your recruits with demons."

"Sweet blood of Andraste," Cullen exclaimed.

"Demons?" Macha said, pulling away from her brother. She took a couple fearful steps back from him. "Did you say something about the recruits and demons?"

"I didn't want to tell you, Macha," Keran said. "They…they were horrible." He looked at Paden. "Those mages see the rest of us as ants to be crushed. They won't stop until they've destroyed the Chantry and the Templars forever."

Paden frowned at him. "Not all mages are like that," she said, unable to stop herself.

"Sister, not now," Carver warned.

"True, not every mage gives into temptation," Cullen said. "But none of them are ever free of it. At any time any mage could become a monster. From the lowest apprentice to the most seasoned enchanters."

Paden clenched her fists and her jaw as her steady green gaze remained locked on Cullen's, warning him with a look that he should stop talking. But he kept going.

"Mages can not be treated like people. They are not like the rest of us."

Paden's brow was deeply furrowed by now, and she opened her mouth to retort, but Macha spoke first.

"Surely that's a little harsh," she said.

A little harsh? Paden felt like wringing Cullen's neck. He knew she was a mage, how could he just stand there and say those things to her face? She wasn't worthy of being treated like a person? What did he think she was, an animal?

"They are weapons," Cullen said to Macha. "They have the power to light a city on fire in a fit of peak."

"So does anyone with a match," Paden said, forcing her tone to remain civil. Cullen opened his mouth to argue, but Paden spoke over him. "There's fault on both sides," she said, her voice quivering slightly from the effort it took to keep her temper at bay. "We must find a way to live in peace."

Cullen regarded her for a lengthy moment, and Paden did not take her eyes from his. "Perhaps you're right," he allowed. "Perhaps mages need better education as to why the Chantry functions as it does. Perhaps they would not go against the will of Andraste herself. I will look into it."

Paden let out a tense breath and glanced at Carver. He looked at her and gave a slight nod of approval. Cullen turned to his recruit.

"For now, Keran, unless it is proven you are free of demons, I must strip you of your commission immediately."

Macha moved to her brother's side and grabbed his arm. "No, you can't really think that. Keran is fine, he's safe."

"Please, Ser," Keren begged. "I tried to resist. I never took anything they offered. I…I need this position or my sister can't eat. I've been training for five years."

Cullen sighed and gave Paden a questioning look over his shoulder. Did he want her opinion? Why should he care or even trust what she thought?

"We conducted tests on Keran," she said vaguely. "He's not possessed. He can stay in the Order."

Cullen turned to face her with a wary expression. "I hesitate to asked what methods you used that you are so certain."

Paden narrowed her eyes at him. You know why I'm certain, she thought.

He looked at her a moment and then said, "Still…you have done much for us by stopping these blood mages. I will heed your request. If he has shown no sign of demonic possession in ten years time, Keran will become eligible for full knighthood."

"Thank you, serah, again," Macha said, stepping closer to Paden. "But… without a full knighthood Keran's pay is so small. I do not know if I can reward you as you deserve." She bowed her head apologetically.

"I will handle that, Miss," Cullen said as he came forward. He handed Paden a small leather pouch. "You have done the order a great service. We will not forget it."

This close to him Paden could see the hazel in his eyes. Hers narrowed as she tried to figure out what he meant by that.

"Thank you again, serah Hawke," Keran said, and gave her a slight bow. Then he and his sister left, heading back to the Templar quarters.

Cullen met Paden's eyes one last time, and then followed. She and the others stood under the edge of the arcade and watched the Knight-Captain leave. Paden's anger had simmered down by then and her fists relaxed.

"That was a close one," Carver said, wiping a hand across his brow. "You nearly got us all arrested."

"How do you figure?" Paden asked, turning to face her brother. "He already knows I'm a mage. If he wanted to arrest me don't you think he would have done it by now?"

"Unless he plans on sending a few knights out tomorrow to arrest you at your house, along with the rest of your family," Anders said.

Paden shot a glare at him. "Oh great, now I won't be getting any sleep tonight, thank you very much."

Anders spread his hands. "I'm just saying."

"What do you suppose he meant when he said they won't forget what you did for them?" Varric asked. "Think it means you're no longer under scrutiny?"

"That's what it better mean," Paden said, clenching her fists again. "Else I'm going to regret saving the Templar Order today." She sputtered a bitter laugh. "That's what I did, isn't? I saved the Templar Order. Maker, what's wrong with me?" She shook her head and turned to leave the Gallows, tossing the coin purse to Carver as she did so.

"Four sovereigns!" he exclaimed after dumping the contents into his hand.

Paden quirked a wry smile. "Grateful indeed," she said. "I just wish I knew where I stood with him. That he would just come out and say, 'I realize you're a mage, but since you saved my life I'm going to pretend you're not and won't ever tell anyone.' What does he gain by being vague and elusive?"

Anders shook his head. "He's probably doing it for his own sake," he said. "So he doesn't have to outwardly admit he's helping a mage."

"Even one that saved his life? And it's not like he has to tell the Knight-Commander about it."

Anders shrugged slightly. "Something must have happened to him in Ferelden during Uldred's uprising. He never used to talk about mages that way. He was one of the few Templars in the Tower I actually liked. He was always kind to me, and turned a blind eye more than once."

Paden sighed as they reached the ferry dock. "Well, I'm just glad it's over with."

"Yes, and let's please not involve ourselves in Templar affairs again?" Carver said.

Paden quirked a smile. "You've got yourself a deal, Brother."