A/N: This chapter also includes the quests The Captain's Condolences and The Shield of the Knight Herself.

Dearest Father,

My plan of visiting everyone today to unload these gifts I'd been collecting started and ended with Aveline. What I thought would be a quick visit turned into an all day affair. I suppose it's good, considering I haven't had much time to talk with her, see how things are. It saddened me a bit when I realized I hadn't really talked to her since Mother died.

Seneschal Bran was there when I arrived, going on about uniforms and budgets. By the time he left it was clear Aveline was at her wits end with him and the politics of the Viscount. At first she directed her frustrations toward me, claiming I was no better than the other fortune hunters and mercenaries that had her so busy these days. I know she loves her job though, she can't fool me. She did hint that she wasn't comfortable with some of the jobs I had taken her along for; I have to remember that she is in that position and be careful not to jeopardize that for her in the future.

I offered her the shield I had found, the one that was a replica of a shield worn by Ser Aveline, her namesake. That didn't go over well, in fact it was a disaster. She brought up Wesley's shield, the one we were forced to sell when we first came to Kirkwall. I knew she was hesitant to part with it, even then Mother and I tried to talk her out of it, but she was so insistent back then that she pay her own way into the city. I knew she'd have regrets Father, just as I did of letting go of what little I had taken from Lothering. We all gave up everything to get here, and now even years later, sentiment lingers.

I didn't force her to take the shield, it was clear she didn't want it, but we did begin a conversation then about her father. Aveline has always been so tight-lipped about her family that I was surprised. She told me her father had given her the name Aveline, hoping she would grow up to become a Knight. Obviously she has chosen a different path, but still tries to keep duty and honor in the way she handles herself and her actions. Again, I mustn't take her on any future compromising jobs; I don't want to lose her as a friend.

She also told me about her father's passing, some illness that took hold of him. I couldn't cry then, trying to be the supportive friend, but as I write you now Father the tears fall. Her story was very sweet, touched the heart, but it also made me realize how much I've come to miss you. And Mother.

Aveline asked me how I was really doing with Mother being gone. A smile on my face I told her, that's what most people want to see. But she knows the truth; of everyone she is the one person that understands putting on the act and hiding what you really feel inside. Deep down this is killing me Father; the overwhelming guilt I feel coupled with the exhaustion from the energy it takes to pretend that everything is alright. I am not alright. But life must go on, jobs must get done, friends need my help and there's no time to stop and deal with these emotions.

We ended the day with a drink, toasting those that have gone before us. Hopefully someday we can all be together again.

She always enjoyed the quiet of the Chantry at night. Very few would venture to its sacred walls after dark due to the new gang that had claimed the Hightown streets over the last few years, but Hawke didn't care. The days conversation with Aveline still weighed heavily on her mind, and writing to her father had done little to ease the pain within her heart. Sitting alone in the home she had shared with her mother wasn't helping any either.

Hawke embraced the comforting smells of incense and the warm glow of the candles as she made her way to the rear west wall of the main floor. The memorial wall was large, sadly, with the names of those whose time had come to an end. She read the names, some familiar to be relatives of nobles in Hightown, others long forgotten by the city and history itself. So much death, so many souls now at the side of the Maker. She was surprised to see Wesley Vallen was one of the more recently added names, directly beside Leandra Amell. Hawke went to her knees, almost as if the weight of their deaths had pushed her down.

"I hope you don't mind," his familiar voice said behind her.

"A thoughtful gesture," Hawke replied, tracing the script of her mother's name with her finger. "Even in death, the name Hawke is forgotten."

Sebastian moved to stand beside her. "I did not mean to offend. I can change it if you wish."

Hawke shook her head. "No need. She would've wanted it that way. Bringing the Amell family name back to Hightown was her purpose here, so it's appropriate. Thank you Sebastian, really."

Retrieving the quill and ink from a small table beside the wall, Sebastian handed her the items. "The Hawke name is as important to Kirkwall as Amell."

Along the bottom row of names, beside Wesley and Leandra, Hawke added two more: Bethany Hawke and Malcolm Hawke. Turning her gaze up to Sebastian, he nodded, already knowing what her question would be. "The wall is for all those you wish remembered," he added.

Finishing her row with Jeremy Arland, she handed the quill and inkbottle back to Sebastian. He returned them to the table, folded his hands, and bowed his head in prayer. "Ashes we were, and ashes we become. Maker, give these men and women a place at your side. Let us find comfort in the peace they have found, in eternity."

"Wesley used that verse for Bethany when she died," Hawke whispered. "These five people here have all gone to the Maker, and may He forgive me, they went by my hand."

Sebastian knelt beside her. "Hawke, their deaths are not your fault. You can't possibly think..."

She offered him a weak smile. "I seek absolution for my sins Sebastian, not excuses for why they are not mine."

Sebastian wondered why she felt such guilt for their deaths, but knew now wasn't the time to ask her as she sat in mourning and reflection. He remained beside her, offering his silent comfort.