"Issy?"

Isabela glanced over, giving Cat a questioning look as she continued to get ready to leave.

"You're going with Hawke today, right?"

"Does that mean you're not, Kitty?" Isabela asked her.

"I need to deliver the shipment to the Rose, so I thought I'd go see how soon Anders will be done with it. Plus, since Anders will be going on the expedition, I need to make sure Olivia will be able to handle it, otherwise I might need to learn how to make some of them myself."

"You're still set on not going on the expedition?" Isabela asked her.

"Yep, not going," Cat replied as she busied herself getting a pack together to leave for the day. She decided just her daggers today would suffice since she wasn't going with Hawke. She had already chosen her regular clothes as well. "What about you? Have you decided?"

"No, not yet. Obviously you not going is a factor, but it might also be nice to get out of Kirkwall for a bit, and Hawke always finds good fights."

"That is true," Cat chuckled. "So will you give my apologies to the group?"

"Kitty, everyone understands when we have other things to do, don't worry. It's all right to have a life besides Hawke."

"I know that Issy, but if they were counting on my being there…"

"I'll tell 'em," she replied, giving Cat's back a pat as she stepped toward the door. "Meeting for dinner?" she asked.

"I'll try," Cat answered, following her out the door, her pack on her back. They walked a short way together before parting.

"Take care of yourself," Cat told her, and she smirked back.

"You too Kitty, and if you end up doing something fun today, I want all the details!" Isabela called as she walked off.

Cat shook her head, smiling at her friend's back, and then turned and headed towards Darktown.

"Cat!" Olivia said with a grin as she opened the clinic door. "Come in, come in!" she said, as she pulled Cat inside and shut the door behind her. "You must have a sixth sense about this, we've just about finished the order for this week."

"That's exactly what I was coming to check on," Cat said as she smiled. "And of course, both of you."

"That's kind of you," Anders spoke up as they made their way over to him. "I figured I would have to go to the Hanged Man this evening to find you."

"I suppose that would normally be true, but I really wanted a day off from that today, and I had some other things I needed to do," she replied, a little guiltily.

"Good," Anders said. "It's important to take time for yourself, as I keep telling Hawke. It's important for your health, and state of mind."

"So healer's orders then? That makes me feel better."

"Anytime you want to come spend time with us, we'll definitely say it was healer's orders to take time off," he answered with a chuckle. "Especially after that last mess."

Cat winced, "You heard about that?"

"Of course! I may not be going out with the group as much, but I still hear about the jobs."

"Is it true, that a blood mage almost had you slitting your own throat?" Olivia asked, and Cat felt a pang of sorrow at the thought.

"Uh, yeah" she answered. "though she wasn't a blood mage, she was a friend that was threatened to be handed over to the templars for tranquility if she didn't help the blood mages."

"Oh! That's horrible!" Olivia said, her hands coming up to cover her mouth. "I'm so sorry!"

"Thank you," Cat said, and smiled. "She was able to get away, and we stopped the blood mages, so everything worked out."

"Blood mages," Anders growled. "They give us all a bad name, and really, they're the reason the rest of us are hunted and caged." He looked up at Olivia as he spoke. "Just imagine how our lives would be different if there was no mages succumbing to demons and blood magic, we could live as other men!" He glanced over at Cat. "Right?"

"Uh…" Cat didn't want to dim the look in his eye, but she couldn't agree either.

Anders noticed the stall, and questioned it. "No Cat, tell me what you're thinking."

"Honestly? I think blood magic is just the reason they use, and if not that, they would find something else."

"Really?" He asked, surprised.

"Yes, I don't think blood magic is wrong, it is just a type of magic," she said, and both of the mages looked at her in shock. "Yes, I know what others say, but it's because so many who are seeking power over others use blood magic, it has become synonymous with evil. But it is the people who are evil or not, not the tool they use."

"Cat, how can you say that?" Anders asked incredulously. "Blood magic is wrong!"

"I know that that is how you feel, and that's okay," Cat replied. "Look at it this way, if every mage that used hexes only did so for evil purposes, after a hundred years, everyone would start believing that hexes were evil. The same is true for blood magic. But just because a mage uses blood magic, does not automatically mean they are dealing with demons or that they are trying to take over the world."

"I…" Anders looked around, trying to refute her statement. "logically, I can't argue, but I still think it is wrong."

"And as friends, we can respect each others' view without agreeing," Cat replied. "We don't have to agree on everything."

"Thank you," he replied, deep in thought.

"So, all the blood mages are dead, though?" Olivia asked.

"Yes," Cat answered. "They were using their magic together to break down the resistance to demons of others, and assisting the demons in taking over unwilling hosts." Cat's face twisted in disgust. "There were a few templar recruits that were taken for that purpose."

"Oh yes, Anders told me about that," she said quietly. "It's so awful."

"Yes, it was," Cat answered.

Olivia looked between the two of them, seeing the unhappiness on their faces, and decided to change the subject.

"So how is Hawke? It seems that all of you can come and go as you need, but Hawke is always working, isn't he?"

"Uh, yeah," Cat replied, desperately looking for something to change the subject to. "Oh, I almost forgot! I found this deathroot, and wondered if you needed it, otherwise I could sell it." She pulled the root out of her pack for them.

Anders stepped closer, taking the root, and examining it. "Who harvested this?" he asked.

"Um… I did?" she said sheepishly.

"Okay, so we need to give you some basic lessons then," Anders said, and he walked over to place the root on a table. He gathered his own satchel and walked back. "Olivia, you can finish this, right?" he asked, and she nodded.

"All that's left is to separate and label this last batch," she said. "I've got this, you guys go get some sunshine."

Anders grabbed Cat's pack, handing it to her, and pulling her towards the door. "We won't be gone too long," he called back and Olivia gave a wave as they left.

"Was it really that bad?" Cat asked.

"No, some is still usable, but we could have gotten twice as much if you had cut it right," he answered. "The coast has the most variety, so we'll go there," he said.

Now that they were alone, Anders wondered how to broach the subject delicately, but couldn't seem to find the right way. "So…" he started.

"Yeah?" Cat asked, looking over.

"About Hawke," he said and watched her flinch. "Yeah, that."

"Ugh, it's totally apparent isn't it?"

"That there is something going on, yes. What it is…? No."

"He's upset with me," she said. "because he thinks I'm keeping secrets that would affect the group."

Anders thought a moment, not wanting to just blurt out what he was thinking. "Well… but… aren't you?" He asked.

"I suppose so," she answered. "But every one of us has secrets, so why does he feel he needs to know mine?"

"Is that what he said?" Anders asked.

"He said he didn't trust me, so what else am I supposed to think?" she asked, getting agitated.

"I am by no means an expert on Hawke, but I've noticed that he likes everything to be orderly, and in it's place."

"We've all noticed that," she replied dryly.

"But when it comes to you, Cat… you're a puzzle, and it's probably bothering him."

"What?"

"Not in a bad way," he said placating her. "More like… uh…. an itch that he can't scratch."

She looked crossly at him, "thank you very much," she groused.

"You understand what I am saying though," he said. "You're unlike anyone that any of us have ever met before, and act differently than we expect you to."

"Being different shouldn't be irritating!" she said, pouting.

"Hey, don't put words in my mouth," he replied, backpedaling.

"You literally said that I was bothering him," she pointed out.

Anders rolled his eyes. Why was she being so difficult? "I said… that the unknown aspect of you was bothering him, not you."

"What unknown? I'm just an ordinary girl."

"Right. An ordinary girl that somehow came to Thedas from another world through means unknown." He glanced over, seeing that she was gaping at him.

"I… I thought…" she whispered.

Now it was his turn to look sheepish. "Yes, well… I know you're not lying, and you are my friend, so I trust you. Even though it is impossible and crazy… there is an explanation, I just haven't figured it out yet."

"You believe me?" she asked with a grin.

"Yes," he said. "Though, I am glad you haven't told anyone else. I'm wondering…" he stopped as he took in the guilty expression on her face. "All right, who else knows?" he asked instead.

"Uh… Isabela, though she's in denial about it. She said that sometimes I just know things."

"Not surprising, but still I wouldn't have thought she would go with that."

"And… uh… Fenris."

There was a pause of silence, before… "WHAT?!"

Cat flinched, the sudden shout startling her.

"What were you thinking?! He could have killed you! In fact, I'm shocked he didn't try!"

"Well… he knew something was going on, and he confronted me about it," She gave him a look as she finished. "He took it really well actually, and believed me right from the start… and that's what made me decide to tell my other friend."

He looked down as he realized what she was saying. "Me."

"Yeah."

There was silence besides their footsteps for a time before he spoke again. "Anyone else?" he asked.

"That's it, besides my friends in Ferelden," she answered.

"And you're not going to tell Hawke?" he asked.

She thought a moment, "No."

"I'm not saying you should, but, why not?"

She was silent another moment before answering. "I'm… not sure I can trust him," she replied.

They continued to walk on, each lost in their thoughts, and made it out to the wounded coast. Anders led the way to a few spots where he always found some roots to harvest, and decided to ask, "What friends in Ferelden?"

Cat laughed, realizing that this was a perfect opportunity to speak of them, as Anders knew Duran at least, and they didn't have many opportunities to speak alone.

"Well you knew him as Warden Commander, but I knew him as Duran," she replied, and Anders looked at her in shock.

"I knew it! I knew I had heard your name from them before!"

"What, really?"

"Of course, the stories that Oghren would tell…"

"Oh no," Cat replied, remembering the dwarf and the way he would improvise details.

"But I assumed that it couldn't have been you, when I first met you…"

"Right, because you thought I was a raider?" she teased.

"Yes definitely, a raider," he replied, glad that she wasn't upset about their mistake.

They spent much longer at the coast than originally planned, as they shared any and all memories of their time with Duran, Cat sharing about the blight, and his companions, Anders sharing about joining the wardens, and the time in Amaranthine.

Cat spoke of deciding to write a letter, and sending it to him in Amaranthine, and Anders suggested perhaps that Soldier's Peak may be the wiser choice as the wardens had planned on relocating there. He also suggested Varric could get the letter sent, and even offered to take it to Varric as a letter from him, but Cat was still uncertain, and told him she would let him know.

It was well past dinner as they finally made it back to the clinic, and Olivia had the order ready so Cat packed it up, and headed to Hightown to deliver it.

By the time she completed delivering all the tonics, collecting payment and new orders for the following week, Cat was ready to crash. It had been an emotional day for her, and she felt freer than she had in a long time, finally being able to speak of the people she had been holding so closely for so long.

It had been fun to speak with Anders about them, even those that he hadn't known, and had brought back memories that she had been bottling up. Now, she was feeling… homesick if that was possible, missing her family from Ferelden. She hoped that by writing Duran, he would be able to pass where she was on to the others, and that maybe, she'd hear from them eventually.

She finally made it home, and seeing that she was alone, she pulled off her clothes and fell into bed, falling quickly asleep.

The following morning, Cat and Isabela went out to the market for breakfast, buying scones with fruit, and enjoying them in the shade of a tree. Cat asked about the group's pursuits the following day, and told Isabela of her time spent with Anders in harvesting plants needed for the tonics.

She also told of her delivery to the Rose, and that no one had seen or heard anything from Idunna, to which Isabela gave her a comforting pat on the arm, saying she would turn up at some point, and at this stage, no news was good news.

Cat had to agree, but didn't like it. She asked Isabela about the jobs for that day, but she wasn't sure what was on Hawke's schedule. Cat asked her to make excuses for her again, as she had some things she wanted to do that day.

"Oh really?" Isabela asked. "Your job is completed for the week, you've spent time with friends… what else is there?" she asked, curiously.

"I thought I would go and see the Knight Captain," Cat replied. "He would be a good friend to have in this city, plus I need him to get used to seeing me, so we don't have a repeat of the other day."

"Ah, now I understand," Isabela said.

"What exactly?" Cat asked.

"I haven't been able to figure out your type Kitty, but now it makes sense why Fenris and Anders haven't struck your fancy. You must prefer the boys in armor," she said with a smirk.

"That is so not true," Cat protested.

"Oh? Then enlighten me. What is your type then?"

Cat looked around, realizing that there was plenty of time before either of them had to be anywhere. It couldn't hurt to have some girl time. "All right then, girl talk?" she asked, and Isabela grinned.

"I thought you'd never ask!"

"But no sharing!" Cat warned.

"Of course not!"

"My type?" she asked, thinking. "I tend to go more for the rugged type than the clean cut," she offered, "definitely needs to be confident, but not arrogant." She looked questioningly at Isabela. "Do you even have a type?" she asked curiously.

"Well of course Kitty," she replied. "I'm just not as picky as you are."

"I'm not picky… I'm…. selective."

Isabela laughed loudly. "Right… selective. That's why you haven't found a single man since I've known you, and there has been plenty of opportunity!"

"Well, yes… but…"

"But?" she asked, smirking.

"I was tempted for a moment with Zev, I will admit that. But I wasn't going to do anything in a tent," she admitted. "And then the moment passed."

"Oh ho!" Isabela crowed. "I knew it!"

They spent the next hour talking about the pros and cons of the men in Kirkwall, though it seemed that Isabela pointed out their pros and Cat would then point out cons.

"I just don't understand why you're not trying to get with Fenris," Isabela said, once they had calmed down again.

"Why would I?" she asked. "He's my friend."

"He's attentive, he's rugged," she began. "he's confident, and he understands you in a way that no one else here has."

"I just… I don't think of him like that," Cat replied.

"Some of the best relationships start as friends," Isabela said. "All I'm saying is… maybe you have to take a risk somewhere. If not with him, then with someone else, but at some point, you'll have to try something."

"I guess so," Cat mumbled, confusion evident in her voice.

"You know I just want you to be happy," Isabela said, and Cat nodded, and then changed the subject.

"Speaking of… what's going on with you and Hawke?" Cat asked, wiggling her eyebrows, and Isabela laughed.

"Nothing yet, but I keep trying," she said smirking.

Cat walked slowly into the gallows, looking around. It would have been too easy to simply find Cullen standing around somewhere, she thought. She walked up to a templar that was alone, looking like he was on duty.

"Excuse me ser, I'm looking for Captain Cullen?" she asked.

"I'm sorry miss, but the Captain is busy," he replied.

"Oh, all right. Can you tell me when it would be good to come back to catch him?" she asked.

"The Captain is too busy to meet with civilians," he answered. "You can direct any complaints to the entrance guard."

"Oh, no, sorry… I don't have a complaint," she said. "The Captain asked to speak to me, and we never set up a time, so I thought…"

"Like I said, the Captain is busy," he replied and looked away from her.

Having been dismissed, Cat turned away, unsure of how to proceed. She looked around, hoping to see a familiar face, and decided to go peruse the shops and wait a little while.

After some time, Cat decided to head back home. She started walking towards the entrance gate, when she heard her name.

"Cat? Is that you?"

She turned to find Keran in front of her, so she smiled. "Hello again Keran. How are you faring?"

"It could be better," he answered with a smile. "I have a few knights that watch everything I do, but it could also be worse I suppose."

"That is true," she replied with a grin.

"Are you here alone?" he asked, looking around.

"Uh, yes, I was trying to catch the Knight Captain. He had asked that we speak sometime about my time in Ferelden- I think he was hoping to hear news of his homeland," she said, keeping her voice nonchalant. "But it seems he's busy."

"Busy?" Keran asked. "I'm fairly certain he will want to see you, rather than do paperwork," he replied.

"Oh, but the knight I spoke to over there," she started, then realized she may get him in trouble and stopped. Keran saw the direction she was looking and followed her gaze.

"Oh, Jenkins. Never listen to him, he thinks he should be higher up than he is, and takes it out on everyone else. Now, wait here, I'll go get the Captain," he said as he led her to a bench in the courtyard.

"Oh, okay. If, you're sure," she said, sitting down.

"Absolutely."

Cat sat, and watched the comings and goings of those in the courtyard, happily noticing that there seemed to be plenty of mages out and about, until she noticed that most of them were actually tranquil, which made her frown.

She had no doubt that there were some mages that couldn't handle their powers, or couldn't defend themselves against demons, but tranquility seemed such a harsh punishment. She couldn't imagine the thought of having no personality, no emotions, no dreams. She shuddered at the thought.

"Lady Cat?" she heard, and she turned toward the voice. "Are you all right?"

She smiled up at Cullen, taking his proffered hand and standing up. "Yes thank you," she replied. "I'm sorry to simply show up, but we hadn't had a chance to plan anything, so I had some time today, and thought I'd try to catch you free."

"A Captain is hardly ever free, but I can always make time for you," he said smoothly, and she smiled.

"I apologize for my abrupt departure before," she said, and he just shook his head.

"No need for apologies, my lady,"

"Now what did I tell you about calling me a lady?" she asked him, and he chuckled.

"I'm afraid it will be a tough habit to break," he said.

"Well, friends use each others' names," she said. "And I'm hoping we can be friends, Cullen."

He looked at her, and nodded. "I would like that," he said. "Would you care to go for a walk with me, my lady?" he offered his arm out to her.

"Only if you ask correctly," she replied, placing a hand on her hip and giving him a look.

He nodded with a smirk, and Cat grinned in reply. "I can see you are just as stubborn as I am," he answered. "Would you care to go for a walk with me, Cat?" he asked and she nodded.

"I'd love to," she answered, taking his arm.

"Excellent, my lady," he replied, holding her there with his other hand, and leading her out of the gallows, as they laughed.

Cat arrived back in Lowtown around midday, and decided to head to the Hanged Man for lunch. She was pleasantly surprised to find Isabela there alone, and suggested that they eat together, knowing she had spent any of her own coin on drinks.

"So what happened?" Cat asked her as they sat down at a table.

"Hawke decided to see that dwarf, the one who wanted us to kill the Qunari outlaws? Well we found him, but he was actually in the compound with the Qunari, so I told Hawke I had to go."

"He take that okay?"

"He didn't like it, but I made a joke out of it, so at least he'll get over it. I wasn't going to push my luck by parading myself in front of the Arishok."

"Smart," Cat replied. "So what's next on the grand schedule?"

"Nothing," Isabela replied. "Not until tonight anyway. Hawke wants to go after the gangs that are plaguing the streets. Apparently a group is paying good coin for taking them out, and Hawke just needs a little more to fund the expedition."

"Oh, okay," Cat said, as their food arrived, and they both dug in. "Either this is getting better, or my taste buds are dying," she said after the first bite.

"And that's why I drink," Isabela replied. "because then I don't care either way."

"Yeah, that's why you drink," Cat said dryly, and they laughed.

"So, are you going to tell me what happened with your templar?" Isabela asked. Cat grinned, and shook her head.

"Nothing happened," she replied.

"Nothing never happens at the gallows," Isabela retorted.

"Who went to the gallows?" a voice asked, and they both turned to see Hawke, Varric, Carver and Fenris joining them at their table.

"Kitty did," Isabela said, and Cat rolled her eyes.

"Why?" Hawke asked Cat.

"Well I decided to turn myself in," Cat answered sarcastically. "Obviously to see someone."

"Who?" he asked, and Cat bristled.

"What does that matter?" she asked defensively.

"I'm curious, that's all," Hawke replied with a smirk.

"Keran," she replied quickly, looking down at her food.

"Oh."

"You spent several hours there talking to Keran?" Isabela asked, and Cat practically hissed at her.

"I ran into the Knight Captain too," Cat answered, nonchalantly, focusing on her food.

"And?" Hawke demanded.

"And what? We talked, we took a walk, no big deal," she answered.

"So you're becoming chummy with the templars?" he asked, and Cat sighed.

"Why? Are you now going to tell me who I can be friends with, and who I can't?" she asked. The group looked between the two of them, as they glared at each other, wondering what was happening, and why.

"No," Hawke answered sullenly.

"Good." Cat finished quickly, her appetite gone, and stood up, leaving money on the table for her and Isabela's meal. "See you all later," she said, leaving the tavern in a rush.

"What was that all about?" Varric asked, and Hawke just shrugged.

"Ask her, I have no idea."

Fenris stood then, "Very well," he said and followed Cat outside.

Carver looked at his brother in scrutiny. "What did you do?" he asked.

Cat waited for Fenris to catch up, once he called her name. She wasn't sure she was ready for the questions she was sure to get, but she was glad to see him. Isabela was right about one thing, Fenris did understand her better than the others, and she felt comfortable around him.

"Want to come over?" he asked as he reached her, and she nodded. They turned toward Hightown and began walking.

"You're not wearing your armor today," he commented.

"Yes, I figured I would be all right since I wasn't with Hawke," she replied.

He watched her, as her face scrunched up at the mention of his name. "What did he do?" he asked. "Should I beat some sense into him?"

Cat laughed, feeling much better with just the offer. "No need, but thank you," she replied. "He just let me know that he doesn't trust me, because he is aware I am keeping things from him. And I know it doesn't make sense, but it makes me not trust him either."

"And so you decided to avoid him?"

"Is it that obvious?" she asked, wincing.

"Maybe not to the others, but I could tell."

"I just thought I could work it out, if I could get some distance," she said. He nodded, and they continued to walk, even as she reached out and grabbed his arm.

"I haven't seen you much lately," she said. "I haven't been trying to avoid you."

He smiled a half smile at her, "I know," he said. "I've been keeping busy myself. Working on my letters, and reading the book you left me, over and over until I could do it without stumbling."

"That's great!" she replied excitedly. "You'll surpass me very soon like that!"

"We can't have that," he replied. "Then I will have to be the teacher, and you the student."

She laughed at his expression, he truly would think that was awful, she thought. "I'll work harder," she promised. "In fact Varric gave me the idea the other day to write a letter to my friends in Ferelden. Since Duran is the leader of the Grey Wardens there, I should be able to send him one that would find him."

"That is sound logic," he replied, as they reached his mansion, and he opened the door for her. "Are you wanting to have open correspondence?" he asked.

"I think so," she answered. "Anders suggested that I ask Varric for assistance, and since Varric is well established here, I can have Duran respond, I suppose. It would be fantastic to hear from any of them."

"Then you should do it," he said. They climbed the stairs to his room, and he set about stoking the embers into a fire to warm the room, while she looked around. She had been here many times, but Fenris was constantly collecting new things, weapons, armor pieces, wine… she smiled as she thought of his simple tastes.

"What are you thinking?" he asked her.

"Earlier today, I spent time with Issy talking about men," she answered. "She pointed out that we get along really well, and I was just thinking that she was right. It was unexpected, to be sure, but you seem to read and understand me so well."

He shrugged, "I'm just observant," he replied. "and you're not one to hide your emotions."

"I suppose."

She walked over to stand in front of the growing fire, rubbing her hands together. It wasn't exactly cold outside, but the fire was welcome, but her closeness with Fenris had her thinking.

She replayed her conversation with Isabela in her head, feeling confused. It was true she was comfortable with Fenris, and they got along well, but that didn't necessarily mean they should be romantically involved.

"What's wrong?" he asked suddenly, and she turned, startled.

"Oh… uh… I don't know."

He simply looked at her, one eyebrow up in question, and she relented. "I guess… I'm just confused."

"About?"

"Myself," she answered. "I just don't know where I am going, or what I want, or… anything."

He smiled again at her. "I can understand that. I keep thinking, once Danarius is dead, what will I have? What will I do? Where will I go? There will be many decisions, and I am not certain of any of the answers, except one."

"One?" she asked, looking up at him. "Which one?"

"I know now, what it is to have friends, to have family. I would keep that in my life, no matter what else may happen," he answered firmly.

Cat smiled softly, impressed and surprised at how much he was growing, what an amazing man he was becoming.

"Fenris?" she asked quietly.

"Yes?"

"Will you do me a favor?"

"Of course."

"Will you…. kiss me?"