The last week of traveling has been distant between Garrett and I. This, I know is of my own doing. But, after releasing my aura to save him, I felt a powerful connection to him. Such a connection is beyond my ability to explain or be able to put significant meaning too. When I pushed my aura into him to bring his back to life, I felt whole, connected, and one with him. All of his emotions, good and bad, one with mine. Then, I became undeniably protective of him from his attacker. Fierce and merciless. It was such an intense feeling that I have never shared with any other person. It was terrifying to feel such intense emotions shared with another in one moment. I never even thought about how it would feel to him until he pushed his onto mine the next morning. My reaction was humiliating to say the least. I almost kissed him, literally jumped on him and brushed my lips against his. The pull of his aura to do so was too strong and my body lost all control and moved on impulse. I have kept distance with him since then, while also making sure to focus on my training with him on releasing my aura in the evenings. I wonder if it is always like that for mages, when they connect their aura's, is it always so intense? Always so arousing? I am unsure. Though I have to say, that would be troublesome if it were the case between all mages. I mean…..bad people exist out there too. What if one bad mage with horrible intentions were to force their aura onto another to use it to an advantage? The thought is dark and concerning. Something I should probably ask Garrett about at some point. Though if I am being honest, I am truly terrified as to what that answer could be. So, for now, I will refrain from that topic.

Traveling this last week has also been steady, in fact, Garrett has even said himself that we were making incredible progress. Our mornings would be spent packing up camp and preparing our horses for more travel. Of course, with Garrett it seems he cannot always be content with silence and would occasionally fill some of our time with light banter. I am grateful that he had long sensed my discomfort about our connection and has been respectful of my desire of silence and space. I actually spent a good amount of what silence he offered taking in the ever changing scenery as we traveled. The thick and tall trees that were lush with green hues turned into more open clearings and fields as we traveled closer. We are heading to Kirkwall, I became excited at hearing that news, but it was quickly drained when Garrett explained that he cannot linger for long there. So, it is arrive to Kirkwall then straight to the docks and aboard a ship to the Frostbacks.

Our days would flow by rather quickly, with only occasional stops to make sure we didn't exhaust ourselves or the horses. When the sun began to set and lighting becoming dusk, we would then find a clearing and set up for camp. Our evenings before the night would fall upon us would be spent practicing magic. Garrett would have me do only small and simple spells. Not because I didn't know any others, but because the point is to slowly adjust my aura, so that it is not attempting to force itself out all at once. In all honesty, I don't know if I could handle our aura's intermixing like that again. It was too intimate. Intimacy is the very last thing I need in this world. Attachments are proving to become difficult with Garrett, something that I will need to break free of at some point. Regardless if I want to or not.

After Garrett would seem adequately satisfied with my training in the evening, we would then take turns hunting for dinner. Our nights were spent uneventful, aside from light talking about where we are headed or sharing stories. I truly do enjoy hearing Garrett share stories of his adventures in Kirkwall with his merry band of misfits. They did make me laugh, at one point he had me almost in tears from laughter. I could tell this brought him a great amount of satisfaction. Aside from light banter and stories, Garrett has also taken a cocky liking to picking on me. At this point, I either try to fire back a quirky remark or remain expressionless. I noticed a few days back that my glaring seems to make him even more satisfied and cocky. So, I have remained adamant to not give him that satisfaction. I now find myself in a contradicting situation, on one hand, I absolutely love that I am traveling with Garrett Hawke and I truly enjoy being around him or just looking at him. He's too handsome for his own good. Being here with him, the real him, is so different than I could have ever experienced playing him as a video game character. He is both similar and completely different than the Hawke in game. But, on the other hand, I need to get away from him. My growing fondness of him and attachment is all bad. It has only been what? A few days over a week with him? And already I feel connected and attached. Like I have known him for years. Though, some of this could be because I did play him as a character in a video game. Regardless, I cannot remain with him once we get to Haven.

We traveled a little longer today than usual. We're a little more vulnerable now, as the woods have completely shifted to open fields with larger boulders here and there to semi give us cover when we camp. I notice Garrett brings his horse to a stop, I ride up next to him and bring Dhruva to a halt as well. I look out beyond in front of us, we are up high, there is a trail that leads down the embankment which turns into a dirt road. At the end of the road I see the gates to Kirkwall in the distance.

I glance over at Garrett as he gazes beyond the embankment as well. His expression full of despair. He looks so sad and full of regret. His black hair disheveled most likely due to a mixture of the wind and his habit of running his fingers through it when he is nervous or stressed.

"Garrett…..are you okay?"

He sighs and never turn his head to make contact with me. But, his expression turns more stoic now rather than the previous look of dysphoria.

"Yeah." He runs his hand through his hair again. "We should make camp. We will enter the gates in the early morning and travel straight to the docks."

I watched as Garrett dismounted from his horse and slowly led it back a few paces and begins to unload his packs. I sighed and slowly followed his movements. We both quickly work to tend to our horses, removing their saddles and brushing them down. Once they have been thoroughly brushed down, and removed of dirt from our travels, we then offer them food and water. Garrett begins setting wards surrounding our camp after he's finished caring for his horse. Which I am grateful that he can do that for added protection. I never learned how to set wards and the last thing I would want is for us to be even more vulnerable out in the open than we already are. Behind the embankment leading to the trail to Kirkwall, it is all hills and open fields. Not a tree in sight for a good couple of miles. Just tall grass swaying in the wind and the sun beating warm waves around us. It's unsettling to camp in the open like this and so close to Kirkwall. I have never been to Kirkwall, but the video game version proved it was less than protective and safe.

I grab my bedroll and pack, then I walk over towards Garrett who is now digging a pit in the ground for us to make a camp fire with the wood we had collected for burning before we completely left the forest. Then, I begin to lay my bedroll out a few feet from Garrett's, which lays near the pit. When I've finished, I place my pack down next to my spot for rest and move my feet to stand next to Garrett, squatting down beside him.

"Would you like some help?" I ask with a slight curve of my lips into a smile. His energy has changed, normally it is light and holds confidence. Now, his energy shifted to lay more heavily on his shoulders, I can feel the stress radiating off of him.

"Could you grab the wood and then make the fire tonight? Use this task to release some of you aura. You are doing well, but you still keep a lot of it held in tightly."

I nod my head to his request then stand up and move to grab the wood. Bringing it back to the pit, I lay the wood inside the pit to form a tipi like design. This was how I was taught to make a good fire with the smoke rising up back home, when I would camp with my family. Garrett sat only a foot or so away on the ground, legs crossed, watching my every movement. He does this anytime I use my magic. At first it was nerve wrecking, but I quickly realized he was not watching me with judgment in his eyes, but fascination. I slowly bring my arms out, palms up, towards the wood. I bring my aura up through my stomach and allow it to flow out towards my hands, heat following, I think of flames. The moment the vision of fire crosses my mind, it then becomes real within my hands. I push the flames out and towards the wood, allowing the wood to burn until I am convinced the fire will continue to burn when I am no longer forcing it to my will.

Pulling my magic back, I rest my hands on my knees and watch the flames dance on the wooden logs without any assistance. Feeling proud of my work, I bounce on my knees and a large smile graces upon my face. Garrett chuckling behind me, I stop and turn my head to look at him with furrowed brows.

"Sorry, that was just adorable." He laughs again waving his hands up in the air. As childish as it may be, I just stick my tongue out at him. 'Whatever, I am damn proud of myself.'

"Here catch." Coming out of his amusement at my expense, he tosses me an apple. I gladly take it and begin biting into it while watching the flames that I created. Then a thought crosses my mind, I'm about to do something either incredibly stupid or brilliant. When Deshanna was teaching me how to use my magic, never once did I ever burn myself, my clothing, or my hair. Or when I burnt Taren's wrists, the only marks that were left on my hand were torn flesh from attempting to remove his burnt skin plastered onto mine. But, I never actually burnt myself. I can't help but wonder why? Pointing my free index finger out, I slowly move it towards the flames. Biting my bottom lip as I do so, and scrunching my face. I really hope this works. But, before my finger touches the flames, a hand grabs my wrist and yanks it back.

"Are you crazy?!" Garrett has both a worried expression on his face and a bewildered one. I am actually quite taken aback myself by his quick movements.

"Garrett let go! I need to test something." He lets go of my wrist, albeit hesitantly, and continues to stare at me with a shocked expression.

I continue to slowly move my pointed finger back to the flames. "Hall-"

"Shush!" I cut him off before he can fully protest again. He then continues to stare at my face with confusion and worry. Almost puppy dog like eyes. I shift my gaze away from him and back to my finger before I pity his expression and stop myself of this endeavor. My finger inches away from flames now, I begin to feel the heat. My expression filled with focus. I push my finger forward, closing the remaining distance and into the flames. I stare at my finger, all I feel is heat, but nothing burning. Then, I unclench the rest of my fingers from my hand and allow my entire hand to be engulfed in flame. I move my hand around as the flames dance over my palm. This is incredible, I literally do not burn! I pull my hand out and examine it for any burn marks. Not a single burnt part of flesh. Garrett then also quickly grabs my hand to examine. His expression is complete astonishment.

"How….How is this possible?" Garrett finally says, so quietly that I almost couldn't hear him.

"Garrett, you look thoroughly disturbed…is this truly so rare?" I ask him.

"Rare? Hallie this should be impossible." He continues to hold my hand, his eyes locked on mine. I can't quite make out his expression now, his eyes are boring into mine. I can't bring myself to look away from his intense gaze. Then I flinch as he begins to lift his hand up. Breaking eye contact for only a moment. His hand, warm and coarse, hesitantly cups my cheek. He then sighs with an unsteady breath, eyes dark and intense.

In a low and soothing voice he says to me "Hallie, you are such an incredible woman. Do not let anyone snuff out the light that burns so brightly inside of you. Promise me that."

His words hit me deep, my eyes widen but remain locked on his and I can feel the heat flushed quickly onto my cheeks. No doubt in my mind that he doesn't notice, his hand still remains on my cheek, he can probably feel them burning red at this point. My eyes shift to the movement on his throat when he swallows. Slowly I bring my gaze back to his eyes. I swallow my nerves down as well before speaking.

"I…..I promise." I say slowly and quietly. Then his lips turn up into a slight smirk and he releases my cheek.

"Good. We should probably eat and then get some rest."

Without any hesitation I take his escape and stand to move towards our pack that holds our food supplies. I can't handle anymore intimacy from this man. Too much, too soon, too fast. Just a whole lot of hell the fuck no.

I grab out some bread for myself and toss Garrett some bread and cheese. Then I saunter over to my bedroll and climb in, covering myself up and alternating between chewing on my chunk of bread and the rest of my apple.

"Is that all you're going to eat?"

"Yeah, I am not very hungry." I respond then push the blankets from over my head to look at him. "We should probably get some supplies while we're in Kirkwall, just saying, we are running out of food…..and I promise I will find some way to repay you for everything." Honestly, I have no idea how, but I will most definitely try.

"Hallie, don't worry about it. Seriously don't. It actually feels good to help. I haven't had someone to help or look after in a long time. You being here, makes everything feel less lonely." He responds in a complete nonchalant tone. Well, if he truly wants to help me, then he can just back off on the intimacy department for now on.

I pull the blankets back over my head and finish up my chunk of bread, discarding my apple core, then attempt to sleep. Which proves to be a rather difficult task for me. I can hear muffled movements from under my blankets, no doubt Garrett attempting to get some sleep as well. I roll on my back, then my side again, then back on my back. Restless body of mine. My legs have a jittery feeling, like they just don't want to sit still. I sigh and yank the blankets back off of me. I look over towards Garrett, he lays in his bedroll, back towards me and only a good three to four feet away. The fire still has some flickering flames, shining a dim light around us within the darkened night sky.

"Garrett?" I whisper. "Are you still awake?"

He moans and rolls over to face me. "Barely, it is rather difficult to fall asleep with you moving around and huffing and puffing so much."

"I can't sleep, could we talk about something for a few?"

"Sure, what do you have in mind?"

"Hmmm…..I'm not sure, hold on I'll think of something." He chuckles at me in response. I roll my eyes and bring my index finger up to my lip while I think of a topic.

Garrett waits patiently for my response, smirking as he does so. "Ok, I have to ask. Garrett, what troubles you so much about returning to Kirkwall? I hope that is not too forward of me to ask."

Garrett seems to ponder my question and then shrugs his free shoulder up. "It smells like shit."

I glare at him before saying "Come on."

"No really it does, literally it smells like they wash the streets with shit. So smelly, it'll burn your nose clear off your face!" He says in a sarcastic manner.

I scrunch my face up in disgust. "That is…thoroughly disgusting."

Garrett laughs causing his shoulders and chest to move with his laughter. "It is thoroughly true." He inhales a few deep breaths, then the mirth slowly slips from his face, back to his prior stoic expression. "Though, to truly answer your question, it just…holds bad memories. Too many in fact, I lost my family there and after leaving I never thought I would return. I…don't want to return to be honest."

I nod my head in understanding and watch Garrett's face. I know it is odd to just stare at someone's face, but the amount of raw emotion coming from his features, even though he kept it well hidden in his voice, is truly captivating to me. What do I even say? I feel like any comfort that I would try to offer him would be offending. We are not close enough for me to show such an action to him and have it be accepted. But, I can give him understanding, that much I can do.

"I….understand how you feel. I can't imagine going back to my clan now, and to be honest, I really don't want to return either."

I then shifted my gaze from him to the flickering flames coming from the fire. Our silence remaining as I watch the flames dance. I can feel his gaze hot on my face, but in this moment, I truly don't mind. I continue to stare into the flames until my eyes become heavy and sleep finally claims me.

The sun began to rise, bringing forth warmth and light around us. I blink my eyes a few times to adjust to the brightness. The smell of broth filling my senses. Garrett seems to have already prepared breakfast and is now moving about camp getting our things packed back up. I free myself from my bedroll and begin rolling it back up. When I have finished with my first task, I then grab the pack that Garrett bought me and attach my bedroll to the bottom of it. Our mornings are usually filled with silence as we pack up and eat breakfast. I use this time to also engage with Dhruva, I feel a strong sense of adoration towards Dhruva. Brushing him down and braiding his long mane are among one of my favorite things to do in the morning. Dhruva seems to enjoy it as well, often times he closes his eyes when I brush through his mane. Nudging me with his nose when I stop, encouraging me to continue pampering him. He is a spoiled thing, but I do enjoy spoiling him.

After I have finished tending to Dhruva and have him saddled, I turn to Garrett who is also tending to his horse. I never asked him if he named his horse, she is a beautiful mount. Deep brown skin almost black, with a long black mane and tail. She is tall, much too tall for me, but perfect height for Garrett. Garrett easily towers over me, broad shoulders and a very muscular stature. He also wears heavy and dark, almost black, leather for his tunic and breaches with a wide brown leather belt that covers the top of his breaches and holds his pouches, tunic also tucked in it. His tunic leaves one arm open and free with his chainmail under armor peeking out to cover his shoulder. The man seems to love leather and furs, dark leather boots that come up to his knees and a grey fur made into a hood that lays down on his upper back and comes over his shoulders to attach to his thick leather tunic. Then of course he has his dark leather gloves that have openings for his fingers and go up his forearm midway. Red silk, thick in width, which is tucked in his belt hangs down his back side to the back of his knee. This is the first time since meeting Garrett that I have fully taken him in, it's hard for me. When I look at his face or his eyes, he is so real, so true and here with me. The video game can't even begin to compare to the raw features of his face. But, his armor and body? That is entirely different. It reminds me too much of what he wore and how built he was in the game and trailer of the game. It makes me think of home, and that is too hard of a thought to allow to creep into my mind.

I immediately get pulled from my thoughts when I see Garrett eye balling me with one of his famous smirks graced upon is lips. He caught me staring and now my cheeks are so damn flushed they feel as if they are burning from the inside out. Damn him and his face. I turn and grab the horn on my horse's saddle and pull myself up, hiding my face beneath my hair as I do so. Well more like my hair saved my reddened cheeks by flying across my face from the wind. Its red enough that I know he can't see how flushed I am through my hair.

I refuse to make eye contact with him when I hear a chuckle flow out of his mouth. "Aw Hallie, I think you're lovely to look as well, nothing to be embarrassed about."

"Ugh!" I scoff and pull my hair back to tuck it behind my ears, then shoot him a fierce glare. To which he laughs again before hoping onto his own horse.

We rode at a steady pace down the trail of the embankment. I try my hardest not to look down as we slowly lead our horses further along. I can feel Dhruva tense underneath me, most likely him reacting to my being incredibly tense. One wrong step could send us both tumbling down the rocky slope to our deaths. I keep my eyes locked on Garrett's back, following every step he makes with his horse until we finally reach the bottom. Garrett glances back at me, no doubt noticing the relief written all over my face and smiles.

"Doing okay back there?" He says to me in a tone filled with mirth.

"I am so glad that my ill-content fills you with entertainment." I say as I roll my shoulders.

"Aw come on! Where is your sense of adventure?"

"Definitely not located where I can easily fall to my death in one wrong step." I glare at him as he chuckles again to my expense. Now riding up next to him, I notice the road to Kirkwall is not that long and completely clear. In fact, nothing but dirt and fields surround us, which also remain completely clear of any life. Garrett motions for me to follow him, as we slowly lead our horses down the road toward Kirkwall. Coming closer to the main gates, I notice Garrett fidgeting with the reigns, he is nervous. He inhales deep and steadies his trembling fingers by gripping the reigns tighter. While glancing at his fingers, I catch sight of a cross beyond his hand. Bringing my head up, I look off into the field we are now slowly riding by. There are more crosses spanning almost a mile out, hundreds of them that continue down the road to the main gates. I look to the other side of me, more crosses that expand much the same as they do on the side of the road that Garrett rides. Sun beating down from sky, shedding light among the disturbing sight. Wind blowing ever so slightly to cause the tall grass to sway in the fields that the crosses rise in. Dread fills my body as we continue to lead our horses forward, now onto a paved road only a good 50 paces or so to the entrance where two guards stand at their posts.

"Garrett….all these cross-"

He interrupts my words in a voice filled with despair. "They honor those who died when the chantry was blown up."

My lips tremble when I hear the pain in his words, so many dead. It makes me want to cry. I know Garrett would never have done this to anyone. The pain he carries, the guilt, is unbearable for even me. I can't even begin to imagine how it must be for him. Now, I fully understand why he would never want to return. This is where the war began between the mages and Templars. A pivotal moment in time and memory that will no doubt be written in history deeming Garrett the immediate cause of this horrific event. It places a fowl taste in my mouth. This was not his doing. Yet, he will inevitably take the fall.

Finally making our way to Kirkwall's entrance, I take in my surroundings in full view. The gates to Kirkwall are huge and closed off to any who are not welcome. A large stone wall boarders the city in a defense mechanism to keep out intruders. Guards are lined up upon the walls, prepared to execute any who are unwelcome. Along with the wall and hefty amount of guards atop of it, stand two large statues that tower over the entry way on either side. They are shaped and carved as men with their backs hunched over and hands covering their face in shame, only wearing what appears to be as rags to cover the nether regions. The sight is rather grim and hopeless, not the most welcoming vision.

The gates lift up slightly, allowing a red headed figure clad in a heavy set of silver armor to come through. As the figure approaches us I begin to notice that she's a woman. She carries a rather large shield on her back with a sheathed sword attached to her side. Freckled specks decorate the skin on her face, thin red eyebrows that are furrowed as she takes us in. Deep green hues that peer through squinted eyes, thin lips and incredibly high and masculine cheek bones. Her jaw line also proves masculine, giving her facial structure a more squared shape. Her armor is heavy and shimmers when hit by the sunlight. Realization begins to dawn on me as she looms closer to Garrett and I. This must be Aveline, though now that I recall, Garrett really didn't mention her in the tales he would share. I wonder why that is. I also wonder if she became Captain of the Guard, since she is the one who is greeting us. I look over to Garrett, who is dismounting his horse.

Aveline approaches Garrett and immediately embraces him in a hug. "Hawke! It is so good to see you! Are you here to stay or….." Aveline asks with a hopeful expression as she slowly releases him.

Garrett laughs before saying "And what? Relieve you of some of your duties as Captain of the Guard? I'm gonna have to pass on that." He winks at her then, allowing some mirth to remain on his face. I can tell he is struggling.

Aveline laughs at his remark then rolls her eyes in light humor. "Yes, thank you for that Garrett."

"Just here to help." He replies, then his mirth completely slips from his features. "No, we're just passing through, with your permission of course. We need to get some food and supplies, then aboard a ship on the docks to the Frostbacks." He pauses momentarily allowing a smile to grace upon his lips. "It is…..really good to see you too Aveline. I hope all is well with you and Donnic." Garrett seems to hold an expression almost bitter-sweet.

Aveline pats him on the shoulder before replying "Everything is as good as it can be." Then, Aveline glances over to me and then back to Garrett. I slowly dismount and saunter over next to Garrett.

Garrett wraps an arm around me shoulder and then says "Forgive me, Aveline this is Hallie, we're traveling together to the Frostbacks. We ran into each other in Wycome and deciding in better judgment to not travel such a distance alone." He releases me shoulder, then side glances me while a slight smile.

Aveline takes me in for a moment, then offers her hand in greetings which I take gladly. "It is good to meet you Hallie." Aveline grants me a genuine smile, then slowly releases my hand and turns to Garrett.

"The both of you are more than welcome to travel through Kirkwall. Though it is a shame you won't be fully returning Hawke. But, know that I do understand you reasoning." She turns then to the guards by the gate and shouts "Open the gates. I grant entrance to Ser Hawke and his lady Hallie." Then turns back to us and gives us a nod. "Travel safely my friends, I'm afraid I must return to my office. But, Hawke…..it is has been well to see you again, I wish the both of you the best of luck." Then she turns fully and walks through the gates. Did she just call me 'His Lady'? That's awkward.

Garrett turns to me and gives me a half smile before grabbing his horse's reigns and continuing forward. I grab Dhruva's reigns and follow next to him.

The gate to Kirkwall lifts higher with loud clanks, each clank of the gate adds more excitement through my body. I seriously can't wait to just get into Kirkwall! I never could have even hoped all this would happen to me while I've been stuck in Thedas.

As we enter through the gates of Kirkwall, the first thing I notice is a long and wide stair path with sharp spikes coming up through the sides. Then a stench fills my nostrils. It's not as strong as Garrett described to me, but it is enough for me to begin to move my hand up to plug my nose. I quickly drop my hand to my side when I catch Garrett glances at me and chuckling.

"I did warn you." He says to me with my mirth filling his voice.

"Well, at least it doesn't smell like they washed the streets with shit." I reply with a side smile.

"No, I guess that would be more in the Hanged Man." He pauses before continuing, bringing his finger to his lips while in thought. "Actually no. The Hanged man smells more of piss and sweat."

I shiver at his description and scrunch my nose. Garrett laughs at me before saying "Don't worry your pretty face my lady. We won't be going to the Hanged Man while we're here."

I drop my disgusted expression and shoot him a glare. 'Aveline why?' "You're never going to let that one go now are you?"

Garrett looks at me with a shit eating grin and winks. "Nope." He says with a pop of his lips. "Never." I cock my eyebrow at him and then scoff, to which he laughs in return.

Finally reaching the top of the stairs, I thank my lucky stars I am in good shape. That shit would have killed me before. The city begins to open up before us. Rundown buildings line the streets as we pass through, laundry hanging out side on lines to dry, crisscrossing from house to house above us. People littered throughout the busy streets. None are wearing rags so to speak, but I can definitely tell we are in Lowtown. The women are wearing dresses that seem to be sewn together from mismatched materials they have come across, many of them also adorn aprons. The children wearing similar get ups, sticking close to their mothers. The men all seem to be wearing either thin leathers or dirty tunics and trousers from their hard days of work. Men and women alike carry at least a dagger for protection. Voices fill my ears and the streets, though muffled and unable to make out. Whispers follows us as we make our way through the crowds of people. Garrett seems to be a recognizable figure as we walk through the streets of Lowtown. I notice a lot of people gasping in awe at him, or quickly moving away from us. There seems to be a mix set of emotions coming from the people when it comes to him.

As we turn down a few streets, the city opens up into a large circular shape with outdoor stalls filled with different arrays of items. Sellers shouting about their wares trying to entice people to buy. We approach one stall that carries many different fruits. The seller immediately recognizes Garrett. He wears a long sleeve tunic, rolled up to his elbows and has an apron on that is stained with different colors from the fruits he handles. His hair is long, but pulled back into a low bun. He seems to be older, grey strands glitter through his pulled back locks. He has a deep set of worried brown eyes that shift between looking at me and Garrett.

"Ser Hawke! You have returned! Please help yourself to any fruits that I carry, I…I can offer you a discount as well." The man speaks with a trembling voice. Is he scared of Garrett? I supposed I would be too if I never knew Garrett personally.

Garrett gives the man a soft smile and raises his hand in protest before saying "No, there is no need for a discount. I will pay full price for a few apples to go, please."

The man bows and grabs a sack from underneath his stall. "Of course ser. I meant no offense." Then he fills the sack with apples and hands it to Garrett. Garrett hands the man a few coins in return, to which the man gasps in shock, eyes wide and shifting gaze between Garrett and I. "Ser this is too much, I…" The man catches Garrett's stern gaze and nod. "I…thank you Ser."

Garrett and I visit a few other stalls and stock up on bread and cheese, I notice Garrett also purchases a bottle of wine and refills our water supplies. Garrett remained rather tense and silent as we replenished our low supplies. To which I can't blame him for. Kirkwall's Lowtown is filled with an abundance of people who don't seem to know what to make of him returning. Some terrified and some others filled with excitement at the sight of him. The guards however, give us nods or wary looks as we pass by.

Garrett and I lead our horse down a rather long stone slope in town, which leads us to a large opening that is the docks. Wooden docks lay from the stoned area of land and lead out long and steady towards the water. A rather large ship is docked with men loading crates onto it. The smell of the salted sea graces my senses. I close my eyes and inhale deeply, taking it all in. Then a woman squeals with excitement behind us causing both Garrett and I to turn. Running towards Garrett is a woman, with curves that I dreadfully wish I had, dressed in an extremely low cut and long, light tan, form fitting tunic that covers her front and bottom, but slits at her thighs. Thigh high boots that cover most of her tanned legs. She has an abundance of gold jewelry on her wrists and around her neck, which lay perfectly upon her very pronounced cleavage. A royal blue sash is tied around her waist, along with the most beautiful set of gilded daggers I have ever seen. Thick dark brown hair sways around her back as she runs and is held back by a royal blue bandana, matching her sash, with big gold earrings dangling down to her jaw. Black eyeliner surrounds her dark brown and wide eyes. Full lips with a red shade of lip stain covering them. A large smile showing her white teeth graces upon her face as she run towards Garrett with excitement.

I jump in excitement as well and almost out myself by saying. "Isa" Then immediately shut my mouth when Garrett breaks his gaze towards her and looks to me with a cocked eyebrow and suspicious eyes. Isabella leaps and wraps her arms and legs around Garrett with a loud 'Oomph' while he was distracted by my outburst, causing Garrett to almost lose his balance. Before releasing him, Isabella plants a sloppy kiss onto Garrett's cheek. Then pats her hand almost hard enough to be a slap twice on the same cheek.

"Aw Hawke! It is so good to see that handsome face again!" She winks at him, then unwraps herself from his body and plants her feet back on the ground. Then she shifts her gaze to me with dark and heavy eyes. "And who is this lovely creature you have brought with you." She says with a slight lick to her lips. Before Garrett can speak, I open my mouth too excited to contain myself that this is Isabella and that is HER ship. "I'm Hallie!" I wave and then shift my body to face the ship. It has beautiful large sails with the crew moving to and fro preparing for our departure. A large carving of a mermaid, chest angled out towards the sea, head cocked back, sits at the bow of the ship. Beautiful and assorted sea shells lead out on the sides of the front of the ship from the mermaid. I bend my knees slightly and place my hands on them in an attempt to contain my excitement. "Is this your ship?!" I ask, turning my head to look at her, waiting for her answer. To which she nods her head with a proud smile. I jump up in my excitement and awe in my voice, clasping my hands together. "It's so beautiful!" I turn to the both of them with a huge smile upon my face. Garrett cocks an eyebrow at me, then allows a slight giggle to leave his lips. Isabella still locks her gaze on me. "Oh Hawke, I think I'm going to love her." She says in her smooth and seductive voice. She saunters over to me and wraps her arm around my waist. "Allow me to show it to you, my dear." She winks and uses her arm around me to guide me forward. I turn my head as much as I can manage over my shoulder to look at Garrett, who is smiling and shaking his head while he follows us from behind, leading both of our horses forward.

As Isabella guides me aboard her ship, dread begins to fill my stomach. It doesn't take long for me to realize that we will only be on this ship for a half a day or so. When we hit land again, we will only be a day out from Haven and the Conclave. I still haven't decided what I will do when we reach our destination. Not only that, but it will be where Garrett and I will officially part ways this time. My excitement turns to sorrow as we load up onto Isabella's beautiful ship. That's just great, now how am I supposed to enjoy myself?