Fenris stood beside Hawke as she perused the wares at Korval's blade stand in Hightown. He had spent the morning with her as she wandered the market district selling items they had picked up along their travels, and Korval was the last stop on the mental list she had.

"Are you certain we are at the right stand?" Fenris asked. "As I recall, swordplay isn't exactly your strongest skill."

Hawke laughed. "Not for me silly," she informed him. "I'm trying to find a new blade for Carver. And since you're the expert in the greatsword, and you're with me today, there's no better time like the present. Any suggestions?"

Fenris eyed the blades the merchant was selling. "This one," he said, lifting the large red steeled sword.

"Aye, a fine eye you have friend," Korval said. "That there is called the Limbtaker. Only the finest of warriors should attempt to wield ye, and it has a spot for runes if ya know anyone with the ability to craft 'em."

"I do indeed," Hawke said, lifting the blade. "Maker, this is heavy. And it's nearly as long as you are," she said to Fenris.

The elf frowned. "Perhaps too heavy for your brother. What does he use now?"

Hawke shrugged. "Some stupid templar issued sword I'm sure," she told him. "But this is perfect for him. He'll get stronger with practice if he uses it, right?"

"He will," Fenris informed her. He continued to look at the swords for purchase, and retrieved another one. "A Qunari blade?"

Korval nodded. "Aye, many of them blades were found after the invasion. A few of us merchants gathered 'em to sell. Not a bad make if you're into wavin' around the enemy's weapons."

"You should purchase that one as well," Fenris told Hawke.

"What would I want with another Qunari blade?" she asked. "Do you know how many I have collecting dust in the vault from our travels? Two from the Wounded Coast, two we found at the docks. Then there's the one that the De Launcet's had, though Maker knows why. And the one we found at Anders' clinic, the one from Lowtown… I think I have enough of them if you want one. We don't need to buy another."

"We do," Fenris said, before turning to Korval. "These other merchants, who are they?"

Korval thought for a moment. "I know the Gallow's shop has one, and I think the weaponsmithy in Lowtown as well. You collectin' 'em?"

"Yes," Fenris stated.

"We are?" Hawke asked. "News to me. Care to explain why?"

"Later," Fenris told her. "Purchase the blades and let us be on our way."

Hawke scowled at him for being so secretive, but she did as he asked and purchased both the Limbtaker and the Qunari sword. Fenris rarely asked her for anything, so whatever his reasoning was for getting yet another blade, she was certain it must be important to him.

Dearest Father,

I learned today that the Qunari who visits Hightown, Taarbas he is called, was sent to the city to retrieve the swords from his fallen comrades during the Qunari invasion. I've seen him outside the estate every day, but never bothered to find out why he was there. I have no love for the Qunari, you know this, so why would I care? Well, apparently Fenris cared enough to ask, and he's the one that filled me in on Taarbas' mission.

Is it wrong that I was torn about helping this Taarbas? I'm surprised no one in Hightown thought to call the guard to have him escorted out of the city, given the devastation the Qunari left behind after they invaded. Maybe they feared him, or just wanted to ignore him like I've done for so long. Had I known his mission would be so easy to complete and he'd be gone, I assure you I would've done it sooner.

I remember Saemus telling me that the Qunari really don't care for the bodies of their fallen, and Fenris reminded me that their weapons are more appropriate for how they remember their dead. So we gathered the rest of the swords from Kirkwall, retrieved the ones I had already found, and handed them over to Taarbas. Ten in total seemed to be enough to satisfy whatever demand he was talking about, and he offered me a staff in exchange for completing his mission for him.

The Qunari sew the mouths of their mages, why would they even have a staff to reward me with? It seemed like an odd thing to be carrying around, but I can't really complain. Amazing craftsmanship, this staff. I've never seen anything like it. Looks more like a blade than a staff, but it works beautifully. Fenris says it even has a name, Bassrath-Kata. Don't know what it means, but it sure sounds fancy.

When we were finished with the Qunari, Fenris informed me that Sebastian was waiting to speak with me at the Chantry. I was wondering why Fenris was babysitting me all day; lately Sebastian doesn't leave my side, so I found it suspicious when it was Fenris who arrived at my door. I tried to find out from Fenris what Sebastian was up to all morning, but all he'd say was that I'd find out when I went to the Chantry. Apparently Fenris was meant to distract me while Sebastian took care of something, though he wouldn't say what.

So I'm off to the Chantry to find out what's going on. I'll let you know what happens.