Leliana shook her head as she easily deciphered the letter. Duran was more than capable of a decent cipher, but it seemed he didn't see the need for secrecy, or he just didn't care who read it. However, after over a year of correspondence, there was no indication that someone was trying to intercept. But as the Revered Mother said, one could never be too careful, she thought.

Looking at the date at the top, she realized it had taken over six months for her to receive this letter, which told her that she had just missed it when she had left. Looking down, she re-read the letter.

Drakonis 9:32 Dragon

Sister Nightingale-

Hopefully you receive this in a timely manner, as I am aware that you are continuing to lead the research and expedition teams to Haven. Alistair has told me that the ashes, nor the guardian have been located, almost as if they did not exist. I wish I could assist in some way, but you know as well as I that we left everything intact.

I appreciate the work you've done, obviously your previous skills are convenient in your new position. It was good to hear that Sten found his way home, and that Zev is still alive, and causing trouble for his former friends.

I also have some news to share, though knowing your connections, you may already have heard. We have received some information on our lost friends. Cat is currently residing in the Free Marches, having found friends in Kirkwall. We have started writing, and she asked that the others be told so that she may be able to write to everyone.

Morrigan, on the other hand, still eludes us, though I have found some information. I am looking into it now, and will let you know what I discover. However, I must add that I feel she is simply trying to hide. If her plans were sinister as you fear, I feel we would hear nothing of her.

I will continue to follow this through, so if you need anything, Alistair and Nathaniel now know everything. Contact them through our usual means, though I would caution to not use your most difficult ciphers, if you want a response that is.

-Duran

Leliana sighed again. Morrigan, she thought. A source of contention between her and the Warden even before the blight was ended.

Though she worried about the witch's intentions, she knew she could do nothing about it in the meantime, so she focused on the happier news. She had been surprised and delighted to hear that Cat was not only safe, but wanting to stay in touch, and had quickly written a letter to her.

The letter was much longer than her normal notes, but she had known that Cat would want news of everyone. She was now eagerly waiting a response, uncertain of how much Cat would be able to glean from her message.

"This will be the best Satinalia yet!"

Cat glanced over, hearing the child nearby yell out in excitement. Next to her, Aveline chuckled.

"Oh, to be young again," she murmured with a half smile.

"I don't know," Cat answered with a smirk. "though everything was much simpler then, I doubt I'd be smart enough to fix my mistakes if given a second chance."

Aveline glanced at her. Though she heard her teasing tone, she could feel that she meant her words.

"But, our mistakes make us who we are, do they not?" She responded, seeing Cat nod. They continued on to the next stall, glancing around at the offerings. "Who decided that we were in charge of the food anyway?" she asked suddenly. "I have no idea what we should be getting."

Cat laughed heartily. "That makes two of us, and I believe it was Leandra. Though, can you imagine any of the others doing this either?"

"I suppose not," she groused. "We'd end up drinking our Satinalia dinner if they were involved."

"Besides," Cat added. "We don't get to spend much time together, just the two of us. This is nice."

"Speaking of…"

Cat glanced over, noting the uncomfortable expression on Aveline's face. She smiled, as only one subject ever seemed to give her that look.

"Yeeeees?" she asked playfully.

"Ugh, why do I bother?"

Cat laughed again, enjoying the torment a moment longer then gave in. "What did you want to know?" she asked.

"It's been a long time… have you… done anything? About him?"

Cat gestured with her head, and they continued to walk, finding a shady place to sit for a few minutes. "Actually I think I've successfully gotten him into the friend zone."

"The what?"

"Oh, um, an expression from back home. Basically where a man, or woman, becomes such a good friend, that you can longer picture them being anything but a friend."

"I see… I think."

She smiled, "well, basically, could you imagine ever being in an intimate situation with… well, any of our friends?"

Aveline's face twisted, and Cat laughed again. "And if one were to try and flirt with you suddenly, and you had to let him down, you'd probably say something along the line of, I see you as a friend…" she said.

"Ah…" Aveline's eyes lit in understanding. "So in order to not have to deal with said man, you've worked hard to see him as such a friend, so there will no longer be an issue."

"Exactly!" Cat grinned.

"Your mind works in such interesting ways," Aveline commented. "And not just with men," she added. "Watching you spar with the guards, it is apparent also. I would have thought that eventually you would run out of tricks, yet each time you surprise me with what you come up with."

"What can I say? I play to win!" Cat said with a grin, though her cheeks were pink at the unexpected compliment.

"And it shows. You would be welcomed in the guard at any time, should you choose to."

"Thanks Aveline," Cat said with a smile. She knew what a compliment that was. "It's nice to have something to fall back on, just in case." She looked over, and decided now was as good a time as any. "How does your own man troubles fare?" she asked.

"Ugh… I have gotten nowhere,"she replied. "Though now, I worry that perhaps I have put myself into this friend zone, as you say."

"Even if that were true, that is not always the end," Cat said. "Some people prefer to have friendship first, and let love grow from that."

"That… is true…" Aveline said, a new spark of hope on her face.

"Come on," Cat said as she stood back up. "We'd better get on with this, or no one will be feasting tonight."

"It's hard to believe that after all this waiting, Hawke managed to get his family home returned to them," Aveline commented as they stood, and walked back to the bustling market.

"Yes, Leandra has been almost camped out at the Viscount's door all of the last month."

"Sad, that it came down to money, but such is life," Aveline said.

"It's a very nice home, though we only managed to get the kitchen and dining room ready."

"I'm sure Leandra has appreciated your help," Aveline said. "And the fact that you brought others along."

"Anders and Olivia knew of several refugees that needed a way to earn some money, so it wasn't too difficult. Besides that, it created some good will for the Hawkes. They won't be seen as all the other rich people in Hightown now."

"If they continue to spread that good will, they will most likely avoid being the target of thieves as well," Aveline said with a nod. "Which in turn makes my life easier."

"Knowing Leandra, she'll have that house just as she wants it by Wintersend," Cat said with a smile, and Aveline nodded as they continued to pick out what they needed for their dinner tonight.

Z-

You have been out of touch for some time now, but I am pleased you wrote, as I have been waiting to share that your dove was found. I'm sure she will be excited to see you again.

- L

L-

And you are just now telling me? I must wrap up some business, but am anxious for a reunion! Unless I am needed now? And what about D?

-Z

Z-

It is not time sensitive. He is on a trip, but has already begun correspondence. You can do the same.

-L

Wintermarch 9:33 Dragon

Leliana-

Thank you for writing, and for your concern! I am most pleased that you are well, and while there can be foul days as well as fair, I am more than happy to be where I am. Isabela and I have modest accommodations, and I deliver medicines for the local healer, in order to provide our living.

I have been blessed by the Maker to have found such a group of friends as these, and surely that must make me twice blessed, since I have also you and the others in Ferelden.

Leli, that's literally all I can do. If someone is truly reading this letter, they must be bored, for I surely am in the writing of it! I must admit that yours was difficult to get through as well, with all your double meanings- - you my friend, are excellent in saying many things in a single sentence!

I was delighted to receive your letter however, and was hopefully able to glean all from it's words. You have made me so happy by knowing what is befalling our friends, and was only disappointed in your lack of knowledge concerning Zev. Though, if I interpreted correctly, he is waging war single-handedly from the shadows, so I can hardly complain about the lack of news!

Kirkwall is an interesting and sad city, full of strife and turmoil for most. The mages here are probably the worst treated circle in all of Thedas! And between them pulling at the yoke of the templars, and the Qunari warriors that are stuck here- intimidating and frightening the citizens, daily life can be trying at best.

Through all that, though… I am happy, and I have friends to thank for that. There are so many similarities between this crew and the previous, with close friendships, skilled warriors, and a bond that not many ever have a chance at finding, while I am lucky enough for twice!

While I am lucky to have the little home I do, I have begun searching for bigger accommodations. Isabela has been searching far and wide for a way to purchase a new ship- as we were in a terrible storm and lost the previous one. My job keeps me close to home, and so have found myself alone for almost a year. It is a far cry from having a small room on a ship full of crew, and between the others here and the letters, I have staved off most of the loneliness.

I can't say that I am not busy however, by spending time with all those I care about here, I find myself training and sparring several hours of each day, working on my literary skills (hopefully there are not many mistakes and this is legible!), or helping in the clinic, (two friends remind me much of Wynne and her desire to help others with her healing skills). I think even you would be surprised at the group of friends I have managed to find here- believe me… it rivals our own in diversity.

There is so much I want to tell you that cannot fit into a letter, but hopefully at some point we will see each other again, and be able to share the adventures we had had since our parting. Stay safe my friend, and be happy.

- Cat

Cat moaned, laying her head on the table in the tavern, and instantly regretting it. Who knew what was on here?

"Cat?"

She raised her head, and glanced with a weary look over at Varric.

"You okay there, little dove?" he asked.

"Just tired," she replied, as Fenris walked over and sat across from her, sliding the drink he had gotten her over.

"Do not think that will get you out of training tomorrow," he said in a quiet voice, and she rolled her eyes at his teasing.

"Not that kind of tired, though do not mistake, I could easily go to bed right now…" she broke off and took a drink of her wine, and then sighed. "It's this blasted city. I feel like I can't go anywhere without hearing about mages and templars, or Qunari! And no one is trying to make anything better, they just want to push their own opinions at me!"

Fenris and Varric exchanged a look at her outburst. "What happened? This just isn't like you," Fenris asked.

"Sorry," she replied, deflated a little. "It just has seemed to be piling on and adding up. Between Anders and Olivia, trying to convince me of their views, Cullen has been more and more vocal of his stance, and we can't have a visit without hearing about the dangers of mages and magic. And now Sebastian took me to meet the Grand Cleric, and all everyone in the chantry talked of was mages and Qunari. I even saw that horrible sister that tricked us into taking Ketojan out of the city. Needless to say, it was not a pleasant experience."

"Sounds pretty awful all right," Varric agreed. "But it sounds to me like you need a subject change."

"Yes, please," Cat replied with a small smile, taking another sip of her drink. She glanced at Fenris, pointedly looking between her small glass, and the bottle he had brought back for himself.

"What?" he asked with a smirk. "I'm thirstier than you are."

She rolled her eyes, as Varric turned and started a conversation about money. He was continuing to hold a good sum for her, re-investing and making it even larger, and she had yet to decide what to do with it.

"You're not Hawke rich, but you have a good sized amount," Varric continued. "Have you given any thought to what you want to do with it?" he asked her.

"Some, yes," she replied. "At some point I want to find a bigger home, but I've been waiting for Issy to return to talk about it. I know she's partial to Lowtown, which is fine with me, but we're getting to the point where we can no longer fit in the shack."

He nodded, "I thought you were going to speak with her last time she came back," he said.

"I was, yes, but she wasn't here very long at all, and spent most of the time here drinking, or with Hawke."

"Yeah," he replied. "He told me after that he had helped her run down a few leads that were avoiding her."

Cat rolled her eyes again. "Maker forbid she let me help," she grumbled. The two gave her looks of sympathy, but said nothing, so she returned to the original topic. "Otherwise I have been thinking of helping those who have helped me… investing in either the Rose, or the clinic… or both."

Varric nodded. "Though I wouldn't suggest putting all of it in, the Rose would be a good investment. Low costs, high profits… definitely a good choice. The clinic however, would be considered a charity rather than an investment. They don't get paid after all."

"True," she agreed. "But they do take in money for the medicines we deliver to the Rose… perhaps we can offer other varieties at the clinic for purchase or something. After all, it would help the overall condition of the area if the people were healthier."

"Letting people know that such things are readily available at the clinic would cause more thieves to present themselves, as well as the likelihood of the templars finding out about the healers there," Fenris commented.

"He's right, I'm afraid, but I wouldn't discount the idea. It may be something to speak to the Madam of the Rose about. After all, she already offers drinks in her establishment," Varric added.

"Hmm," she mused at the thought. "Perhaps I'll speak to Anders first to get an idea of what could be offered."

"Good plan," Varric agreed, and quickly changed the subject to his new favorite, asking Cat to tell him another story.

"Good morning Cat," Leandra said as she opened the door.

"Good morning, Lady Hawke."

"Catarina, what have we agreed on?"

"Good morning, Leandra," Cat amended with a shrug.

"That's better," the older woman opened the door wider, and gestured her inside the mansion.

"It's really coming together," Cat complimented as she looked up at the newest addition of a large chandelier in the front room.

"Yes, I could not be happier," Leandra said with a smile. "Garrett has been too good to me, putting up with all my ideas for this place.

"You deserve nothing but the best,"Hawke said, joining the conversation as he entered the room. He looked at Cat with a smile, and bellowed out, "HAFTER!"

The barking in reply was excited, as the mabari raced down the stairs, and practically took Cat down in trying to jump up to lick her face, causing her to laugh.

"Down boy!" Cat managed to get out in between laughs. Hafter then rolled onto his back, wanting to complete the ritual with a belly rub, which Cat didn't deny him.

"You know, I'm starting to think that Hafter is your mabari, and I just let him stay here," Hawke said with a smirk.

Leandra joined in Cat's laughter as Hafter took offense to the comment, and jumped on Hawke, licking wherever he could.

"Hafter… no!" Hawke said, trying in vain to not get roped into another wrestling match. Finally he conceded defeat, by saying, "Is this how he helps you defeat the guards?" to Cat.

"Almost," Cat agreed. "They are all his giant chew toys," she added with a snicker as Hafter stood proudly with he tongue lolling out of his mouth. "I just help round them up."

"He'd go everyday if you'd let him," Hawke said, meeting her eyes.

"While I'm sure he'd love it, Aveline wouldn't be as happy," she said walking over to pet Hafter's head. "The guards need a few days to recuperate in between beat downs."

Leandra smiled as she watched the two of them, glad that Garrett had such good friends. She knew she had been on her way to being a sour woman with all the tragedy that they had gone through, and the shock of seeing those same habits in Garrett after he returned home had awoken something within her.

Since that Satinalia, when she demanded that he bring all his friends over for dinner, and had seen the difference in him when they were around, she couldn't help but feel that they were the Hawke family's road to recovery. No longer as worried about Garrett, she turned her attention to Gamlen, knowing he would be a much harder egg to crack.

He gaze sharpened as she watched Garrett reach out and tuck a stray lock of hair behind Cat's ear. They are standing very close…she thought with an eyebrow winging up. I'll have to discreetly find out more about Catarina.

After dropping Hafter back at home, Cat went to visit the clinic. She grinned as she thought of Anders and Olivia, and how different they were, yet how they worked so well together. Though he could act like a father at times, Cat could see how happy Anders was to be helping a fellow mage in staying out of the circle.

"Anyone home?" she called out as she entered the clinic.

"Cat!" Olivia called out happily as she came out of her curtained off room. She came forward for a hug. "You just missed him, he went out for more herbs."

"Oh no," Cat said sarcastically. "Whatever will we do with ourselves?"

Olivia laughed, and linked her arm with Cat's. "Come in, come in! Do you want some tea?" she asked with a laugh.

"We can hardly sit and visit without tea," Cat added with a wink.

"Well sit down then, and we'll get it started."

Cat had enjoyed the visit immensely. Olivia was just as involved now with the mage underground as Anders was, but didn't feel the need to bring the subject up, instead wanting to hear about the others and their adventures.

Cat grinned as she remembered Olivia's blush as she later asked about men. She hadn't been ready to talk yet, but Cat could tell she had her eye on someone. She snickered to herself as she thought of what Anders' face would look like when he found out, since he seemed to view Olivia as a young girl most of the time.

At that thought, her smile disappeared. She truly hoped it wasn't Anders that struck Olivia's fancy… If she knew anything, she knew he didn't see her like that, and didn't think that would turn out well for her.

Over the next few visits, Cat continued to question Olivia, hoping that she could get a clue of the man she was thinking of, so that she would know what to say. But all she could glean from the younger woman was that the man was very handsome, a mage, older… and wanted to help other mages. She worried so much, that she finally came out and asked.

"Olivia… is…is it Anders?"

Olivia's eyes grew wide, before she threw back her head and laughed. Cat felt a wave of relief before she joined in.

"I can't believe you just asked me that!" Olivia said with a snicker.

"Well, it's not like you gave such good clues!" Cat defended herself. "A mage… older than you, likes to help other mages, good looking… what was I supposed to think?!"

"Plenty of people fit that description!" Olivia protested with a smile.

"Uh-huh… and how many do you spend time with?" Cat countered.

Anders chose that moment to walk into the clinic, seeing Olivia and Cat look over at him and burst into laughter. He frowned, looking down at his clothes and touching his hair, wondering what could possibly have set them off.

It was another week before Isabela returned, surprised that Cat wasn't home when she got there late that night. Weary from her travels, she flopped onto her bed, wondering where Cat was before she sank into oblivion.

The next thing she knew, she was rudely awakened by a boulder falling on her. She wheezed as she lurched up, blearily blinking away the sleep and focusing on the rock laying on top of her.

"Kitty?" she asked.

"I'm so glad you're back!" Cat exclaimed, though it was garbled since her face was pressed to Isabela's stomach. She lifted her head, "please please please! Tell me you're done with all this leaving me behind!"

Isabela smirked. "It wasn't like you could just drop everything and come with me," she said.

"I would have, if you needed me," Cat replied with a grin, but Isabela could tell her words were serious.

"I know," she said, then pushed Cat off her to stand. "So is there food, or should we go out?"

"That depends," Cat said from her seat on the floor.

"On?"

"How long are you staying this time?"

"I'm all out of leads," Isabela said smirking, though Cat could tell she was upset about it. "I'll have to just keep my ear to the ground until I find another."

Cat whooped for joy, and scrambled to her feet. "Then we're going!" she said happily. "My treat!" Isabela's face lit, and Cat hastily added, "on food." She laughed as Isabela's face fell.

They lingered over a small breakfast from the market stalls, enjoying the sunshine, and telling each other of what they did during their time apart. It didn't last long, as Cat's routine was pretty similar from week to week, and Isabela didn't go into detail about her own. But she begged for details of the men in Cat's life, and with a laugh, Cat told her all about her friends.

Cat then brought up the housing situation, unsurprised when Isabela mentioned staying in Lowtown, or even perhaps in the Hanged Man itself, after all, Varric did.

Cat rolled her eyes at the thought, but wondered where in Lowtown she could find a better place. She had been looking after all, but any place that wasn't run down, was already occupied, and she didn't want to simply rent a room any longer.

She told Isabela of the Wardens, and how she had received a letter from first Duran, which led to continued correspondence with the Wardens as well as others in Ferelden. True, mostly she wrote to Leliana, but it was almost as if Leliana were the hub that all messages went to, and she in turn sent them out again, so that all were kept in the loop of what was happening with the others.

She had gotten letters that described Wynne's time with Shale and Carridin, some describing what she already knew of the Qunari's Arishok in Kirkwall, several death notices of prominent people in Antiva, as well as a search for answers about Morrigan's location. The Wardens were extremely tight lipped, but every now and then she would get information of darkspawn raids in random areas of Ferelden, which she would share with Hawke, so he had some idea of where his brother might be.

"Where were you last night?" Isabela asked suddenly, and Cat was brought out of her thoughts.

"Huh?"

"Last night?" Isabela asked. "I got back pretty late..."

"Oh, at Fenris' place."

"Really?" Isabela asked with a sly smile.

"You know it's not like that. I stay in the guest bedroom sometimes, when we stay up too late working on our reading."

"I wasn't aware there was a guest bedroom..." Isabela drawled.

"Yeah, well, I made one. Fenris kept giving me the bed and sleeping in a chair, or on the floor."

Isabela smirked, but couldn't tease too much, she knew their relationship was platonic after all, though it still grieved her. Fenris was practically perfect for Kitty, she thought.

"So," Cat asked. "How's Hawke?"

Isabela looked over in question. "Shouldn't I be asking you that?"

"Huh?" Cat asked. "Why would you?"

"Shouldn't you know?" Isabela countered. "I just got back."

"Oh!" Cat laughed as she realized the misunderstanding. "Yeah, Hawke's fine. But I meant, you know… how are things going with him…"

Isabela snorted. "You know Kitty… men are only good for one of three things."

"Three?" Cat asked. "I figured for sure you were going to say only one."

She laughed but continued. "One- sex, of course."

"Of course."

"Two- companionship. Not my favorite, but there you are."

Cat snickered.

"And three- all the other stuff, like getting information, or being a part of your crew, or your friend… whatever."

"Right. And the point?" Cat asked.

"The point is, sometimes, it takes awhile to figure out which one. Sometimes, the man decides he wants companionship where you only want sex… or in your case, flip those," she said with a smirk. "If you're not sure which one the guy is good for, you end up getting hurt."

"And you don't know which one Hawke is?" Cat guessed.

"Not yet," Isabela said. "But I'll find out before I let anything happen," she said as she glanced protectively at her friend.