"You what!"
The words were muffled by the solid oak door, but Bethany was leaning against the doorpost...and also not all that subtly inclining her head towards the door to better listen in on the conversation.
She kept her eyes looking out though, gaze sweeping over the establishment before them.
Their most recent hideout almost looked like the Hanged Man, it had many crudely made tables and chairs, a roaring fireplace, the tables were strewn with tin cups filled with bad ale and there was a faint reek of urine that no one ever acknowledged. The clientèle actually looked worse than the one in the tavern though, Fereldians couldn't even afford to visit that tavern, but here a full three quarters of the men and women were Fereldians if their accents were to judge. Probably more, some have started trying to speak like Kirkwallers, I suppose to be more respected...
Bethany didn't much care for trying to change the way she spoke, she liked her accent, and wasn't about to adopt another. Besides, if one wished to be respected in Kirkwall, one only needed money, which had become blatantly obvious now that they'd been in Kirkwall for a year.
Not that Athenril's Footpads didn't have that, despite their even and constant struggle with the Coterie. The walls were bedecked with stolen tapestries and paintings that would have looked fancy if they hadn't been obscured by the pipe-smoke that always filled their hideout, and the cellar was almost brimming with loot, much which would only sell for a pittance on the black market compared to their real price, but it was still a solid amount of gold that constantly streamed into Athenril's pockets.
As such Bethany was glad for what was about to happen, their work had been necessary, but all too dirty, and she had been looking forward to quitting since their very first day...
Behind the door, Garrett audibly agreed with her. "I'm ending our arrangement. One year has passed, in fact, one year and one day, our debt has been settled and me and my siblings will now take our leave."
"Y-you can't just up and leave!" Was Athenril sounding...unsure? "I need you here!"
Bethany couldn't help but turn her head towards the door to better listen in, and found herself catching Carver's eyes as her brother did the same on his side of the door. The mischievous smirk he shot her made her put a hand over her mouth before a giggle could escape.
Garrett's voice was grave though, unaware, or perhaps not caring, about the two eavesdroppers. "That is not my problem, besides, if you heed my warning and stop this war with the Coterie you will do fine."
Silence.
Bethany arched an eyebrow at Carver, who simply shrugged.
Then Athenril spoke again, venom in her voice. "You may not owe me but I still know about your sister..."
Bethany's eyes bulged, guilt gripping her heart even as she feared Garrett's reaction, wondering if the hideout would suddenly turn into a battleground.
His reply was even though, unshaken. "And I know of your every hideout and stash, information the Coterie would gladly take part in."
"You wouldn't-"
"I would." Garrett snapped. "We're done."
A low growl answered his words, surprising Bethany, she didn't think an elf was even capable of such a sound... "You think I'm just going to let you walk out with that information? Let you leave me- the organisation!" Another growl, louder. "No one says no to me!"
"You intend to stop us from leaving?" There was a hint of mockery in Garrett's voice. "You have not thought that through. How do you intend to make us work for you as prisoners when you want me leading my jailers? Besides, as you said, you know of my sister, you really think you can stop us from walking out?"
"She's not-"
"She'll burn this place to the ground, with you in it." Garrett snapped, making Bethany's eyes widen. I...don't really want to do that...well maybe to her, but not these other people... She glanced over at the many Footpads, finding a large group having gotten together to sing a song with more volume than tone, much to the amusement and clamouring of the others. Of course, if my brother tells me to do it...I will have to. She shuddered at the thought. I'm no murderer...
Silence.
Then Garrett's growl, betraying a hint of impatience. "Well?"
Silence.
Bethany looked back to Carver, exchanging a worried look.
"Go." Athenril snarled. "Get out of here you traitor, but don't you dare come ask me for help or a job later on."
"I won't." The door swung open, making Bethany jump away with a guilty look on her face, though Garrett didn't seem to care as he glanced to her and then Carver. "Let's go, we're going home."
"With you." Carver responded as the twins formed up behind their older brother, though the elder twin hesitated a little before he spoke. "Erm...you do know that we would get paid a share like everyone else after this first year, right?"
"I know." Garrett replied, uncaring of the many curious looks the Hawkes got from the rest of the Footpads as they moved towards the exit.
"And that that in addition to the bonuses we've usually managed to squeeze out would actually make a decent income." Carver persisted, now sounding a little annoyed. "I'm pretty sure you could have bartered yourself a way larger share too..."
Garrett sighed, but replied none the less as he pushed a wide-eyed Footpad aside to reach the door, the many worried glances and stares from the men and women they were leaving behind going unnoticed. "Being in a criminal gang our family has constantly been at risk at being detected and investigated by the authorities. If they had caught us Bethany would now be in the Circle and the rest of us would be exiles in an unfamiliar land and no better off than when we first arrived, and all that is without taking this foolish war with the Coterie into account. This has been a needed risk to get into the city, but now it's no longer needed."
"I for one am glad to be done with this, it never felt right being a thief." Bethany chimed in, earning her a snort from Carver. "Well it's true! You can't be proud to claim to be a Hawke, descendants from nobles and now thieves in the gutter?" Ahead, Garrett pushed the door open, exposing them to bright sunlight as they stepped into the street, leaving the dark underground full of thieves behind them.
It felt good, making Bethany smile up at the sun and momentarily close her eyes.
"It's just a name, it's not who I am." Carver snorted a second time, ruining the moment and earning himself a glare from Garrett and Bethany both. "What I'm more concerned over is things like eating; without a job we can't feed ourselves, and our savings aren't exactly great."
"Five silvers and four coppers." Garrett replied, apparently unfazed by the low number. Good, that means he has a plan, I don't like going hungry... At the thought Bethany's stomach growled, though she had had a year to get used to it, the poorer food they now had to buy didn't quite agree with her stomach. Meals in Ferelden might have been lean too, but at least they had been fresh. "Besides, the Chanter's board has enough honest work to keep us afloat until I can secure our contract with the dwarf...Tethras, wasn't it?"
Realising he had stopped, not to mentioned turned to speak to her, Bethany blinked away the spots of sunlight still lingering in her vision. "Huh? Yes, Bartrand, you know that already."
"That's your plan?" Carver scoffed, now sounding almost upset. "You want out of the Footpads to be safe...and then immediately try to work for a man planning an expedition into the Deep Roads? You realise the whole reason we left Ferelden was to escape the Darkspawn, right?"
Bethany glowered at her brother. It had, after all, been she who had mentioned the job to Garrett, the pay was amazing in comparison to anything they'd made so far...a first step to getting mother the home she needed.
Bethany tried not to think of it, but grimaced none the less. Leandra was not doing too well...she wanted her home back from the slavers that had taken residence in it, to restore their name and probably more importantly...get her children what she had never been able to, a safe place to call home and all she thought they deserved. She keeps sending letters to the Viscount...but what good will that do when she can't even afford the place? She's just so sad when she looks at us in Gamlen's place...
Garrett, however, seemed to take Carver's protests seriously, the man nodding as he regarded his brother. "I'm aware of the risks, but Bartrand's plan is sound, with the Darkspawn beaten in Ferelden their numbers are low. In fact most of them still seem to be on the surface, if the sailors from Amaranthine were to be believed. An empty Deep Road means we can make good time and find great treasure, meaning our substantial pay might even be crowned with a bonus."
I...doubt that. Bethany had, in comparison to her brother, actually seen and heard Bartrand, if only from a distance, and he hadn't sounded like an employer who gave out bonuses. Though the pay will still be good...
"Besides..." Garrett continued. "...I doubt that we'll manage to get more than government-sanctioned jobs for a while, no doubt Athenril will make getting anything else problematic, if nothing else but out of spite." She did sound angry... Bethany shot her brother a careful look, she had caught how Athenril had stumbled on her words about him leaving her, rather than the organisation, and the idea of a spiteful elf like her after his skin wasn't comforting. Garrett didn't seem all that troubled though, perhaps sure his threat about telling the Coterie all he knew would work, perhaps knowing something she didn't. "Not to mention the Templars."
Bethany shuddered, glancing about herself as the three moved out onto the streets. At the moment the dock area was fairly empty, or rather, everyone with business there was around the actual docks, rather than the buildings behind them...yet she still felt watched as paranoia settled in. The Templars had recently visibly increased their already formidable ranks, and there were rumours of a successful escape of several mages from the Circle, instigated by someone on the outside of all things. Whether the rumours were true or not, Bethany didn't know, but the Templars had of late been out in force, even going so far as searching a few random homes in Lowtown. Which had infuriated Aveline due to how illegal it was, but her protests had fallen on deaf ears.
Bethany herself had been more concerned about being caught. Like any apostate mage with experience she had learned to 'mask' her presence to Templars – it was well known that their training made them able to sense magic and its users, at least to a certain extent – but even though Bethany was good at keeping her 'scent' back, she doubted she would be able to hide it if standing right in front of one of them.
"Huh?" Carver grunted, confused, making Bethany feel the urge to slap the back of his head. Eh, why not? Her hand darted out, her brother's short hair brushing against her hand as she gave the back of his head a smack. "Hey!" He shot her an irritated look, looking mightily offended.
Amused, Bethany stuck her tongue out at him.
Luckily, their elder brother was patience made flesh and, as he usually did, ignored their bickering as he answered. "If Bethany is in the Deep Roads, the Templars won't find her, in fact they might have reduced their patrols by the time we get back."
Shooting Bethany a final scathing look, Carver looked back to his brother. "Fine, I guess you've thought of everything, again." Then he managed a somewhat grumpy smile. "Except how to tell mother about this plan."
"She'll understand my reasoning and why she shouldn't worry." Garrett calmly responded.
Bethany and Carver stared at him, eyebrows raised.
An awkward silence fell over them.
Cocking his head to the side and shifting his feet, their brother finally muttered. "After a few days..."
Bethany laughed.
8
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8
Well, well, isn't this interesting...?
Having just finished his drink, which despite being more expensive – not surprising considering he was in Hightown – didn't have as good flavour as the ones in the Hanged Man, Varric had just been about to rise from his comfortable seat atop the foot of a statue of some hero nobody remember the name of and take a trip to the Blooming Rose.
Not to buy any services of course, the place was frightfully devoid of dwarven girls and good drinks, but to talk to the proprietor for some good gossip. It was amazing what dirt one could dig up about some of the great nobles in the town if you just knew how to entertain the madame. Of course Varric never actually used the dirt on anyone...it was far more amusing to weave it into a story of some made up character and then tell it in the presence of the poor fellow along with a few of his or her friends and watch them squirm and try to laugh. No one got hurt – the poor sod might actually learn their lesson about giving away secrets to prostitutes – people were entertained and Varric had had his fun, everyone won, which was the way he liked to play.
In fact he had already considered weaving his current backrest into the story. 'Did you know that that statue over on fifth is actually of the long-forgotten soldier Onasi? It was said he was so mighty he could...' Hmmm...hope she has something juicy to use at that point.
The thought had to take a back seat to what he saw though, a sight that made his mind smoothly slip from that of the entertainer to that of the entrepreneur.
His brother Bartrand was, much in contrast to Varric, a classic dwarf. His beard was braided into four braids, two on each side of his mouth, his hair pulled back, revealing a forehead constantly ridged in a frown. The sharp grey eyes shone with the perpetual grumpiness and greed of a dwarf born into the merchant guild, his perpetual terseness making a dwarf's general stiff walk even stiffer when it came to him.
He really ought to learn how to relax... Varric sighed even as his gaze moved from his brother trying to get to his house for more planning to the ones he was clearly giving the cold shoulder.
It was difficult not to recognise Hawke. He was one of the few Fereldians in Kirkwall wearing armour, and probably the only one who hadn't gotten it by signing up with the Kirkwall guard. His brother was also armoured, though it barely counted since the suit had seen better days and would probably have to be discarded soon enough. His sister wasn't, though that was of little surprise, the simple dress she wore hid much of her features, though perhaps not enough considering the odd glances she was receiving, but also made her seem less of a threat, despite the power hidden within her.
Not that Varric needed to hear their accent or see the armour to recognise the Hawkes. He had heard more than enough descriptions – usually in-between insults and grumpy complaints – from his contacts in the Coterie, to know who Hawke was. Those three, but in particular the elder one, had made quite a name for themselves in the underworld. The foil of the Coterie, Hawke hadn't left much in the way of blood or destruction in his wake, only suddenly empty safe-houses and guardsmen or Templars in his wake to stop any pursuit. All in all, it was quite impressive for one who had apparently fought his way from out of the jaws of the Darkspawn horde in Ferelden, a warrior, but no mere brute.
Perfect.
Of course, Varric had heard that Garrett had quit Athenril's gang from his contacts there, which had been a sensible move considering how the Coterie by now was considering outright assaults on the Footpads. Chaos wasn't good for their business, but some time of unrest would be better than the constant thorn in their side that the Footpads were. Still, while Varric had assumed the man would be looking for fresh employment, he hadn't thought he would be so fortunate as to find Hawke looking to work for his brother.
Bartrand didn't see the opportunity though, he didn't much care for Varric's reports about the underworld unless when they involved how prices might change. But unlike his brother, Varric knew there were profits to be had in people as well as wares...and Hawke was a rare gem.
Bartrand was apparently not agreeing. "I told you, no! Now scram, I have enough of you Fereldians hired already, I don't need more carriers."
"We were looking at the position as guards, actually. We, unlike most guards you've hired, have experience with fighting Darkspawn." Was Garrett's response, the older brother's voice was measured, calm, further increasing Varric's interest. Maybe they're not as desperate as I heard? Still, if the man listens to reason, he'll listen to me. Varric deftly jumped off the statue, startling Sandal as the strange dwarf jumped from his seat, clutching another of the runes he was making.
At least this time it didn't explode. Varric offered the boy a grin and a pat on his strangely bald head, offered Bodahn a winning smile as the merchant looked up from his work in fright at the idea of his 'son' once more blowing their stand apart, and then headed towards the conversation ahead.
A conversation now finishing as Bartrand reached his door, slammed it open and stepped into the doorway as he shot his pursuers a glare. "Guards! We don't need more guards!" Can't afford, more like it. Varric held back a grimace, Bartrand had even sold several family heirlooms to finance their bid for fortune, and it would still not be enough. Which was why Garrett was a gift from the Maker himself, a chance for them all to get rich...which was Varric's favourite deal, no one cheated meant no one coming for vengeance and another friend made for any future deals. "Now go back to whatever hole you came from and bother someone who might listen!"
The door slammed shut in Garrett's face.
"Well that was...nice." The younger brother said with a hint of frustration, Carver, if Varric's sources were correct.
"What do we do now?" The girl, Bethany – and Varric's sources had been far more certain of that, then again most of them were men and even Varric knew humans would consider her beautiful – chimed in, her shoulders slumped. "The Chanter's board didn't have that much...not enough to make a good living off, that's for sure." Oh so they are that desperate? Guess I'll be a hero then, as I always am... Varric smirked at the silly notion.
"If you ask me that fat bugger deserves a punch to the throat." Carver grunted, glaring at the door, as if daring the dwarf to come back out.
"My brother usually does." Varric spoke up, chuckling as he found the three siblings whirl about to look at him, Carver looking a bit embarrassed, his sister embarrassed for him...and Garrett looking straight at Varric, carefully regarding him. "Allow me to introduce myself, I am Varric Tethras, the younger – and undeniably better looking – brother of Bartrand Tethras who so rudely ended your interesting proposition." Varric offered a deep bow, one hand under his chest, the other behind his back, mimicking the bow nobles lowed perfectly with an amused flicker of irony in his eyes.
When he looked back up he found Carver staring at him with an eyebrow raised in confusion, his sister on the other hand, looked delighted, the woman's face split by a wide smile as she held her hands clasped close to her chest. The older sibling had a serious look on his face though, but not one of disinterest. Offering an undeniable curt bow of his head, the man spoke. "And I am-"
"Please, no need." Varric interrupted with a raised hand and a smirk. "Who, with a good ear to the ground, hasn't heard about the Hawke trio and their adventures? You in particular caused quite a stir among the Coterie." Varric chuckled...and then offered the wide-eyed Bethany a reassuring smile and put his hand over his chest. "No, don't worry my lady, your secret is safe with me." He turned back to Garrett, who by now was frowning. Better send another compliment his way then... "Although I must admit, you did a good job at hiding her abilities, my contacts couldn't tell me outright, so I had to take an educated guess about your sister's gift, an impressive feat working in a business where information equals coin."
Garrett didn't look all that impressed by the compliment. Though his face by now had assumed a polite smile, Varric could tell it wasn't honestly meant, the man was merely playing along, perhaps worried about Varric knowing so much. Guess the rumours about him being protective of his family are true... "Thank you, Varric was it?" The man inched closer, cocking his head to the side. "I see you do have a good ear to the ground, as you put it. However, I'm more curious about the fact you called our proposition interesting...if you don't mind me changing the subject."
Cautious little one, aren't you? "Of course not, the nature of your family pedigree isn't any of my business." Varric reassured him. "However, I do bring up the fact that you have shown yourself, and your siblings here, to be remarkably capable for a reason. To be honest I think my brother is a fool not to employ you, but his way of thinking usually works, which unfortunately means he never thinks he might be wrong"
"You think you could persuade your brother to hire us?" Bethany asked, the woman's smile still lingering on her face as she looked at him.
"Not...exactly." Varric admitted, scratching the back of his head as Bethany's face fell. Garrett was still paying close attention though, telling him the man knew Varric had something in mind. "You see, Bartrand wasn't lying when he said he didn't need more guards, in fact we can't afford more guards and the whole expedition is on the verge of failing due to all the costs."
"Then what do you need?" Garrett asked.
Varric grinned at the question. Clever one too. "See? I knew you would ask the right question." He moved closer to the three humans, smiling up at them. "What Bartrand and I need is a partner, one who can put more gold into the investment. Fifty gold and you would not receive your pay, but a third of everything we find, it could set you and your family for life!"
The other two siblings instantly looked to their brother, showing, as if the rumours hadn't been enough, who was the one making the calls. Garrett's eyes for one had a flicker of interest in them, but were also the ones of a man not quite sold on the idea. "Or I could be left with nothing as we find nothing but dusty old bones."
"Come now, my brother isn't acting on bad information, he might need the odd punch to the throat..." Varric shot Carver a wink, making his sister titter as the brother rolled his eyes. "...but he's not stupid, why else risk his entire family fortune and making us broke to finance the expedition?"
"He does have a point, besides, I like the idea of being filthy rich...show these stuck up nobles who's something." Carver grinned even as he looked around himself and the fancy surroundings with a defiant glare.
Garrett ignored him, eyes not leaving Varric. "Suppose I accept that argument, though I expect to see this information..." Varric bowed his head in agreement. It would be hard getting a copy of all the necessary information from Bartrand, but on the other hand dealing with his brother was Varric's speciality...and he was well-motivated, poverty didn't suit his lifestyle. "...I would assume that you with your information are aware that I do not have fifty gold for investing into an expedition."
"A little more than five silvers, right?" Varric asked, smirking at the way the three Hawkes looked at one another.
"Okay...that was a little creepy." Carver noted, sounding a bit worried.
Varric decided to follow Garrett's example, and ignored him. "That is, anyway, an obstacle that we can overcome. As I said, I have a good ear to the ground, I hear things, things like people having problems, problems they'll pay well to have solved, and you are good at solving these problems. I'm even willing to help you solve them with this big mouth of mine or Bianca here." He shot a thumb back at his one true love strapped to his back.
"You named...your crossbow?" Bethany asked, incredulous, yet amused, the smile she was giving him not fading away.
Garrett crossed his arms over his chest, but was not yet leaving. "And for this help of yours you'll take...?"
"No charge." Varric raised his hands even as Garrett's eyebrows rose high. "Save that you promise that you'll use this money to invest in the expedition. If we both keep our end of the bargain we'll both be filthy rich by next year...and if not we both stand to lose..it's just the kind of trade I like, everyone ends up winning if they do what they should."
"Sound reasoning." Garrett agreed with a nod, the polite smile becoming slightly more genuine and relaxed his stance somewhat.
"I like to think that using a large enough carrot gets even the most stubborn of asses to move in the right direction." Varric replied with a grin, triggering a short laugh out of Bethany. Well aren't you a rain of happy sunshine compared to your brothers...? He shot her a charming grin, making the laugh continue into a titter.
Garrett's smile became slightly less genuine as he took a step closer, earning him a glare from his sister, clearly he was ridiculously protective of her, understandable, but probably a point of tension. Not that it was any of Varric's business. Not as if I'm attracted to humans anyway... Offering Garrett an innocent look, Varric found the man's tone at least unchanged as he offered a hand. "It sounds like you have everything planned out, fifty gold is enough?" He's ready to accept the deal? Varric was surprised, he had guessed it would take more convincing, a quick glance told the dwarf his siblings thought the same, but judging by that calculating look in Garrett's eyes, the man wasn't exactly taking a leap of faith, he had thought it out...
Shame I can't seal the deal in good conscience, annoying thing, that... Varric grimaced as he regarded the offered hand. "Well...seventy would be the real price, but I know it could be bartered down to fifty if you help me find something for the expedition."
"I see." Garrett lowered the hand, a small frown on his face. "And what is this something?"
"A map." Varric replied, rolling his eyes. "It's stupid really, but Bartrand knows exactly where to find all this wealth from a great Thaig...only the entrance he had lined up didn't work out." Varric still remembered the curses spitting from his brother's mouth at the sight of the mountain of rubble that was supposed to be a cave. "But hope's not lost, because I've heard there's actually a Warden in the city, and they know all about how to get into the deep roads."
"A Grey Warden! Like that elf Lynn!" Carver suddenly grinned, looking excited, which came as no surprise, despite being an elf all Fereldians loved hearing about their hero defeating the great blight...it was a bright spot in an otherwise glum time, even Kirkwallers loved the story. Varric should know, he had told it quite a few times at the Hanged man.
Garrett looked less impressed. "What's a Warden doing in the city?" Varric could only offer a shrug, none seemed to know. "And more importantly, if you have such a good ear to the ground, how have you been unable to find this Warden?"
Varric managed to turn his grimace into a winning smile. This guy's a bit too smart for his own good...still, it's a fair question. "Well the Coterie doesn't mix with Fereldians, which he is, and so he doesn't really register with them. And while I have Fereldian contacts they know of my Coterie links and have therefore been...unhelpful." Varric shrugged. "Seems he's running some sort of free clinic for the sick in Darktown, mostly for these Fereldians who can't afford anything else. So people protect him out of loyalty, even those I pay don't want to tell me of him."
"Sounds like something more coin would help with." Garrett dully noted, face impassive.
"You'd think so, wouldn't you?" Varric chuckled with a shake of his head. "But I guess people reason that it's hard to spend money if you're dead and your soul is being ripped apart by demons. He hasn't threatened them as I understand it, but they still fear him as much as they're loyal and love him, superstition and all that I'm guessing..."
"He's a mage." Garrett instantly noted, making Varric nod a yes, behind the man his sister looked away, grimacing. "And you're thinking that me, being a Fereldian, and having many contacts with Fereldians in Lowtown and Darktown from my time as a Footpad will be able to find what you have not? And convince him to part with a map for us?"
"Exactly." Varric smiled. "A map giving you twenty gold off the price of a partnership isn't too shabby, is it?"
"Quite right." Garrett replied with a thoughtful frown, looking down at the ground as he stroked the untended stubble covering his chin. "Hmmm...it sounds doable, I can't make promises, but I'll try."
"And I'll gladly help." Varric replied with a winning smile.
For a moment Garrett just looked at him, then over to the mechanical wonder of a crossbow on his back...then back to Varric. "I suppose it would be good for our...partnership, yes, do come along."
With that, the man turned around and started walking, making a surprised Varric have to jog to catch up, even while struggling with the grin on his face. Huh, this might just work out, wealth, here we come...
"So..." Next to him Carver spoke up, sounding somewhat puzzled as he regarded Varric. "...what happened to your beard?"
"Carver!" Bethany nearly shrieked at her brother, who didn't look all that ashamed over the crude question, though then the girl hesitated. "Though...erm...I kind of wondered that too..."
Varric only laughed though. "It fell onto my chest, can't you tell?"
8
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8
Thanks to Abydos Jackson for dealing with my crap.