Whew! Finally some vacation! Had to work some crazy hours to get everything done first, but now? I'm on vacation! Just wanted to share that happy thought. Enjoy!

Previously-
Hawke and crew found out about the missing Qunari delegation, and discovered that a templar was using chantry authority to persuade guards to help in the kidnapping. Now, they head to the chantry to find out how far up the ladder the conspiracy goes.

"The man was a drunk!" Sebastian argued as they strode toward the chantry.

"Being drunk, and being a drunk are two completely different things," Varric reasoned.

"Regardless," Sebastian countered. "You can't possibly think that Grand Cleric Elthina is funding zealots." He reached the door, and held it open for everyone. Cat smiled, noting that even with how angry he was, he still kept his manners.

"We're here to find out about kidnapped Qunari," Hawke said quietly. "The templar was seen with the seal of the Grand Cleric. If she is not involved, then she can at least point us to who has use of her seal, don't you think?"

Sebastian had nothing to say to that, and stewed for a moment as they approached a young initiate. "Just keep an open mind Hawke," he finally said.

"The Grand Cleric please," Hawke asked the initiate. "Tell her… hmm… tell her, 'Three Qunari leave an estate…' and let her finish."

"Hawke..." Sebastian groaned.

"What?" Hawke turned back with a smirk. "It's the quickest way to know what she knows."

"Serah Hawke."

They all turned at the voice. "Sister Petrice?" Hawke asked, recognizing the woman from so long ago.

She shook her head slowly, the sly smile never leaving her face. "Mother Petrice. Time has changed us both it seems. Grand Cleric Ethina cannot grant an audience to just anyone. Perhaps I may help you instead?"

"Isn't it funny how you and trouble with the Qunari seem to go together?" Hawke asked sarcastically.

She gave a small nod, "and you always assume their side. I was naive when last we met. I did not want you dead, but felt that a death was necessary. That may be too fine a point for you to understand."

"Oh, we understand," Varric added. "We just happened to be in the right place at the right time."

"Indeed," Petrice answered.

"I know you," Hawke said with a smirk. "And I know someone is abusing the Grand Cleric's seal."

Cat noted how Petrice's face grew red as she spoke in anger. "Who are you to question who serves Her Grace? Leave now, as I see no reason to let you pass."

"And the fact that her authority was used to abduct Qunari?" Cat added, before anyone else could. She continued to smile, even as Petrice glared silently at her.

"A pause that says you knew…" Hawke added. "But does Her Grace?"

"The grand cleric trusts her stewards to enact the wishes of the Maker."

Cat and Varric each gave a derisive snort, then looked at each other and started chuckling. Hawke looked back at them sternly, but she could see the laughter in his eyes, and didn't take it seriously.

"It sounds like you've been naughty..." Hawke said, and Cat covered her mouth to keep from laughing at the strangled sound Sebastian made. "This will shock Her Grace, no doubt."

Petrice took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. "Stubborn ass…" she muttered, and Hawke's group could only agree with her assessment. "Very well… if you won't abandon this, I will offer something in its place." She came closer, so as not to be overheard.

"The templar you seek is a radical who has grown… unreliable. Confronting him may actually do us all a favor."

"And his relationship to you is?" Hawke asked, not bothering to stay quiet.

"He is my former bodyguard, Ser Varnell. Make your own assumptions, but I offer him to you as… reconciliation." She handed him a piece of paper. "Meet me at this location Serah Hawke, and see the unrest these Qunari have inspired." Turning, she then walked away.

"Need I say I'm skeptical?" Aveline asked.

"Aren't we all?" Cat replied.

"It's her game at the moment," Hawke answered. "We'll have to play a little longer."

"Are we meeting her now? Or later?" Sebastian asked.

Hawke looked down at the paper. "It says to meet just after sunrise, in Darktown, so I guess you all are free until the morning."

"Excellent," Varric said with a grin. "Daisy? Want me to walk you home?"

"Would you Varric? I forgot to bring the string you gave me."

"My pleasure," he answered.

"Cat?" Sebastian asked. "Would you like an escort?"

"No thank you," she answered. "It's just around the corner, I'll be fine."

"See you in the morning then," he replied. "Hawke, Aveline," he said to each with a nod, retiring further into the Chantry.

The three of them headed out after Varric and Merrill, and upon reaching the steps Hawke said, "Cat?"

"Yes?"

"I… I would like you to stay home tomorrow."

Cat stared at him in confusion. "Why?" she asked.

"Because the Qunari are bound to be there," he said. "Both you and Isabela have been adamant about not being involved in their affairs."

"It's not the Qunari that I worry about, it's the Arishok I don't want to see," Cat retorted.

"Still… I would feel much better if you would stay back this time… please."

Cat had been riled up, until she heard him say please. He looked like he was really asking, and not telling, and that small point deflated her instantly. She glanced down at her boots, and grumbled, "fine," and walked off towards home.

The next morning, Cat left a note for Fenris, since she hadn't seen him come home, saying she was going to Darktown. Yes, a part of her wanted to not listen to Hawke and go along anyway, but she decided instead to visit with Anders and Olivia, and purposefully didn't wear her armor, just to be sure she wouldn't be tempted. She felt bad, as lately it had seemed that she only visited with them when she was picking up the orders of potions to deliver to the Rose.

She realized she was quite early, and hoped that she would run into Hawke's group on the way, if only to wish them luck. She should have known that her own luck wasn't that good, and upon arriving at the clinic, found both of her friends still asleep.

Smiling to herself, she decided to climb in for a cuddle, and realizing how it would be taken if she joined Anders, she moved towards Olivia's room instead. The bed wasn't huge, but Olivia was curled up, and had left enough room for Cat. She climbed in and closed her eyes, feeling Olivia shift and cuddle up against her. She smiled as she dozed off.

She didn't sleep long, but it was nice and warm, and she daydreamed peacefully for awhile. She noted that Olivia was practically wrapped around her, and even mumbling in her sleep a bit. She opened her eyes, trying to understand what she was saying. It sounded like "gus" and she thought, maybe it was a name? For the man Olivia had been so secretive about?

She smiled at the thought, though as Olivia's hand started wandering up from its place on her stomach, she decided it was time for them both to wake up.

Before she could grab the wandering hand, it made it up to her breast and grabbed, and Cat let out a squeal. Olivia' eyes shot open and she let out a scream, and toppled over backwards off the bed.

"Cat?!" she said from the floor. "Is that you?"

"Who else would it be?" Cat asked, with her hand over her rapidly beating heart. "You about gave me a heart attack!"

"Me?!" she flung back, as she climbed back up to the bed. "I know you weren't here when I went to sleep, so how did you think I would react!

The curtain surrounding the room went flying, as Anders came in branding his staff. "Who dares?!" he demanded, and both women just stared at him.

He looked around in fury, but calmed when he saw Olivia and Cat staring back at him with wide eyes. "Uh… I heard screaming," he said uncertainly.

"Anders, I didn't know you slept naked," Cat said as she reached both hands up to cover her and Olivia's eyes. "I'm suddenly very glad I chose to get into bed with Olivia."

"Don't bother, we've already seen everything," Olivia said with a smirk. "And it's not like it's the first time either."

"I'll… go get dressed then," Anders said, running back out the way he came, leaving Cat and Olivia giggling.

"You see that often, do you?" Cat asked.

"Not so much anymore, but in the beginning I used to have nightmares. After the first couple of times, he started keeping his underclothes on when he slept, just in case. He asked me not to tell, and it became a joke. I tease him sometimes about sleeping better now."

"Of course you do," Cat said with a roll of her eyes. Anders came back, knocking on a beam and Olivia said, "come in" before he joined them.

"Uh, morning excitement aside…" he said as they giggled again. "What's going on?"

"Hawke's out with some of the crew following a lead on the group that kidnapped the Qunari delegation."

"What?" they both asked her.

"Oh, sorry," she said, and proceeded to tell the whole story.

"This is the same sister and templar who wanted us to take that Qunari mage out of the city?" Anders asked.

"The same," Cat said. "Seems they've gotten bolder, though the sister is a mother now, and claims the templar is the zealot who went too far."

"I sincerely doubt that," Anders replied.

"Yes, well…"

"So why didn't you go along?" Olivia asked.

"Hawke asked me not to," Cat said with a frown. "And like, really politely too. I apparently can't say no when he says please."

"Oh really?" Olivia said with a grin. "I'm sure Hawke would find that information helpful…"

"So you came here instead?" Anders asked, and Cat smiled gratefully.

"I did, and you both were still asleep. I decided I could use a cuddle, and thought I would get less problems from joining Olivia, though it seems I should have just grabbed a cot."

"What?" Olivia said, as Anders said, "We're always happy to share!"

Cat gave them both a look. "Maker's breath Anders, you sleep naked! And Olivia, you must have been having a good dream, because you were very, uh… handsy."

"Handsy?" Anders asked giving Olivia a smirk.

"Hey, at least I didn't parade around naked!" she replied, causing him to roll his eyes at her.

"You won't make me feel bad for running to the rescue when I hear screaming. The one time I actually take time to put on clothes, someone could be slitting your throat."

Olivia didn't hesitate. "Okay, you win that one. And having a show in the morning is never a bad thing, am I right Cat?"

Cat just shook her head at her friends. At one time, she had thought that they could maybe be romantically involved, but now she knew that they were as good of friends as any.

"So…" Cat began. "Can I help you two today?" she asked.

The two of them looked at each other in question, and having made some sort of decision, turned back. "Herb gathering," they said in unison.

Cat sighed. "Of course…" They are determined to make me a somewhat decent at gathering herbs, aren't they, she thought to herself, while smiling. "Fine, as long as we go somewhere new."

"I think we can manage that," Anders answered.

"Fenris?" Hawke asked in shock, almost running directly into the elf as he turned a corner. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm looking for Cat," Fenris answered. "She left a note saying she was going to Darktown."

"Seems to me you would check the clinic, not wander around Darktown aimlessly," Varric teased.

His smile disappeared as Fenris glared at him. "I have checked there already. It is empty," Fenris announced.

"Empty?" Hawke questioned. "Anders and Olivia are gone too?"

"That is what I said," Fenris responded dryly.

Hawke sighed. "I have to report to the Viscount." He turned to the rest of his crew. "You all can go with Fenris, I can handle this," he said.

"Are you sure Hawke?" Merrill asked, thinking how tired Hawke looked.

"Yes, I'm sure," Hawke answered. "We'll meet up later at the Hanged Man."

"Very well," Aveline said, and Hawke continued on without his crew.

"I doubt there is any danger," Fenris said as he watched Hawke's back receding. He felt slightly concerned that he would be on his own. "Perhaps someone should stay with Hawke."

"I'll go," Sebastian and Varric both said, then looked at each other. "I'll catch up to him more quickly," Sebastian said as he walked away hurriedly.

Varric wasn't the only one who scowled at Sebastian's back.

"Let's go," Aveline finally said. "Any guesses where to start looking?"

"Since she's with Blondie and Button, and they're not at the clinic, there are only a few other options," Varric said.

"I'd say herb gathering," Merrill commented. "Olivia said Cat is still really bad at it, and they use a lot of them."

"Knowing Anders, he wants out of the city every chance he gets," Aveline added.

"Sounds like the Wounded Coast is our best option then," Fenris replied, and he started walking, the others following in his wake.

"Which way should we start with?" Aveline asked.

"I'd go right, there are some amazing patches of elfroot there," Merrill said. "Or left…" she added as Aveline started to the right. "there are great amounts of spindleweed, or even deep mushrooms in the caves nearby."

"Helpful as always, Merrill," Aveline said with a sigh.

"Come on Daisy, if you were Anders, which would you go for?" Varric asked.

"Uh, all of them," she replied. "If I were Anders, I'd need every herb I could find, and then some."

"All right then, we'll check everywhere," Fenris growled impatiently. He couldn't tell the others what had him in such a hurry, but he didn't care. Fenris needed to speak to Cat about some rumors he had heard, and he needed to do so…now.

The group moved to the right, coming to the dead end that showed the patched of elfroot Merrill had spoken of, though they were quite bare. Feeling as if they were on the right track, Fenris sped the group along, turning right again and heading further up the hill.

"Wait!" Merrill called as she stepped off the path into a small alcove, and stooped down to a flower. Pulling out her dagger, she cut off the blooms and leaves, sticking them in her bag. Standing back up beside the small stalk, she waved them on. "Anders will want this embrium, I'm sure," she called up to the group as she joined them.

Fenris huffed, but the group moved on, finding nothing but an old campsite or two as the moved about. As they continued on the path that led down the other side of the hill, they came across an entrance to a cave.

"Anders? Cat? You in there?" Aveline called at the mouth, hearing her words echo. They listened for an answer but heard nothing.

"I'd rather be certain, wouldn't you?" she asked Fenris who nodded, and they led the way into the cave.

Once his eyes had adjusted to the dim light, Fenris was surprised at the tight spaces the cave sported. He moved forward, past a small corner, and was stopped short at the small room. Looking around he spotted the way forward just to his right and stepping into the room, heard a sound he despised.

"Spiders!" he shouted back, pulling out his sword and making for the farthest wall, hoping to lure the spiders away from the doorway so that his group could enter and assist him. The three giant spiders had little hope against the four warriors, and they were once again on their way.

Fenris continued to lead, feeling odd at the new sensation. He could understand and appreciate the tension that Hawke continually carried, knowing that his decisions would affect the others.

A sound once again stopped him, and Fenris sighed. "Ready yourselves for a fight," he said to the others, as he continued around a bend and down a small flight of stairs. His attention was diverted as he felt the malice from one side of the room, but as the mature but smaller dragon landed, he focused back where he needed to.

As he went to strike its legs, his only thought was, good, it's not a high dragon.

Once the fight was over, and he felt rested enough, Fenris stood and made his way to Merrill.

"I will not argue about this. We must destroy the book."

Merrill looked in the direction of the tomb that he could feel, and both Aveline and Varric stared at him strangely.

"Since we are in a hurry, and Hawke is not here, I agree," she said finally, and Fenris gave an almost smile in relief. "We are on the same side after all," she said quietly, and he gave her a nod.

"There is an evil book," he said for the other two. "Once I hit it, it will spew demons at us. Ready yourselves."

Aveline and Varric both nodded, not knowing that the other had already dealt with such a book before. Fenris approached what looked like a small shrine, and the book that sat on it, and with a yell, swung at it with his sword.

"Revenant!" Merrill's scream was heard echoing around the room, and the four of them turned their backs to each other in order to help protect each other.

Aveline and Varric made for the abominations in front of them, and Fenris scythed toward a few shambling corpses protecting Merrill while she cast spells to disorient and slow down the revenant, buying time so that they could all attack it together.

"They're not working!" she called, and Aveline struck the abomination in the face, and turned to get in between Merrill and the possessed corpse. Holding up her shield, she planted her feet, and prepared for the onslaught.

"Hit it! Everything you've got!" Aveline called back to them, as it struck her shield, and her arm wanted to give way. "Hurry!"

Fenris' glow lit up the room even more, as he struck out with his lyruim power. THe revenant cried out, and Merrill cried, "spirit damage, of course!" before launching a bolt at the creature.

It howled in pain, and lashed out, causing Varric to backflip out of its path. He gave it an exploding bolt in the back, yelling out to the others to stay back. The revenant eyes glowed with anger as it pushed back to its feet, as Merrill struck again with another bolt, and Fenris came down from a leap with a mighty blow.

As the creature faded away, leaving a half decayed corpse behind, Aveline took off her shield and shook out her hand. "Maker's breath, those things are the worst!" she muttered.

"Oh I don't know," Varric said with a smile. "Seems Broody here was more upset about the spiders."

Fenris glared over at him with a scowl. "Abomination don't leave as much of a mess to clean off your armor," he stated, and Varric and Merrill laughed.

"If it bothers you that much you could have someone else clean your armor for you," Aveline said dryly.

"They wouldn't do it correctly," he grumbled, causing even Aveline to smirk.

"Let's get going, shall we?" Varric said. "Not every dwarf likes caves you know."

The group made their way out back to the fresh air, and all felt they could breathe easier. Heading down the hill, they found nothing but remnants of others' previous stays in the area.

Reaching another fork, Fenris meant to turn right, since going left would take them back where they started. But instead, he followed his gut, and turned to the left. It wasn't long before he started hearing voices, and pushed quickly to the place where he found his quarry.

"Blondie! You sure are hard to find!" Varric called out, spotting Anders. Looking shocked, Anders looked up from the log he was sitting on.

"I didn't know I needed to be found," Anders replied as the four of them approached. "Is everyone all right? Hawke?" he asked quickly.

"Everyone is fine," Aveline assured him. "More problems with the Qunari and the viscount."

"Cat filled us in on that," he said. "Were you able to find the delegation?"

Fenris looked out to the water where Cat and Olivia were plucking spindleweed leaves nearby, though he was listening intently to the conversation.

"Found yes, but they were killed by zealots before we could get to them. Hawke and Sebastian went to inform the viscount."

"Oh," Anders answered. "Then why were you looking for me?" he asked.

"I was looking for Cat. I assumed she was with you as her note said she went to Darktown." Aveline and Anders looked to Fenris as he spoke, though he was still looking out at the water.

"Well, it is getting late, and we need some embrium before we leave. Cat! Olivia! We need to move on!" he called out to them, then started packing up their sacks.

"Hey everyone, what are you doing here?" Cat asked with a grin as she approached, giving each of them a squeeze on the arm or a hug. She made it to Fenris and gave him a hug, though she went to pull away almost immediately. He held her close and whispered, "we must talk" before letting her go.

Cat nodded, "We need to head back?" she asked, looking around.

"We're not in a hurry, so we'll get some embrium first," Anders said as he handed her her bag.

"Ugh, that's the worst," Cat groaned. "I always mess it up."

"Come on, right over here there are always plenty. You get your practice, and we still get what we need," Olivia said with a smile.

"All right then, lead the way," Cat replied.

Anders and Aveline headed out first, and Fenris automatically stayed in the back, holding Cat's arm to ensure she stayed as well. She waved the others on, but they obviously had gotten the memo, as they left plenty of space between them.

"What has you all worked up today?" Cat asked as they slowly followed their comrades.

"I was helping Isabela track some contacts," he started, and Cat frowned.

"Look, if you're going to tell me something about Issy, I've decided I don't want to know. Not unless it's from her. She's obviously keeping me in the dark for a reason, and I want her to explain it."

"I've told her the same," he replied.

"You have?" she asked incredulously.

"Why would that surprise you?" he answered. "Her friendship is important to you, and she has hurt you. Nothing I say will change that."

"You're very astute," Cat mumbled, unhappily. "But since she isn't here explaining, I imagine that fell on deaf ears."

"Not as deaf as you may think," he said. "She worries for you as much or more than you do for her."

"I know that, but I wish she wouldn't."

"That is like saying you wish that the sky were not blue. Some things just are."

"Very well, o wise one," she said teasingly. "What then did you want to talk about?"

Fenris didn't get a chance to speak as the shout went up and their friends rushed forward to fight… something. Cat and Fenris rushed forward as well, seeing their group engaged with abominations. Cat looked down, and noticed the bodies of several Qunari warriors on the ground around them.

The fight was quick, but there were no more answers as to how the abominations had gotten there. The bodies of the Qunari soldiers were not possessed, and there were no traces of a mage anywhere.

"Let's get your flowers and get out of here," Aveline stated and moved forward again.

They had barely begun, and Fenris started to speak when Cat hushed him. Looking forward, their group was crouched down, and gesturing for them. They moved quietly forward, staying low, hearing the sounds of shouts and cries of pain.

Aveline continued forward, and they followed, seeing a small group of guard come into view.

"Lieutenant Harley?" Aveline asked once they were in cover of some large rocks.

"Aveline?" the woman in charge looked at them as if they were heaven sent. "We didn't think the messengers got through!"

"They didn't. I was here for other reasons." Aveline looked around at the small group. "This is all of your squad?" she asked.

Harley looked discouraged for a moment. "We're dealing with Evets Marauders. Fell Orden is up there, and its been all we could do to just keep them trapped here. I tried two sorties up the path… but it's lined with traps."

"You've done well Harley," Aveline said with a nod. "I'll help you."

"I think she meant to say, we'll all help," Cat added, having her group look at her oddly. "What?" she asked. "I'd rather deal with them here and now, then on some street in Kirkwall, when they have more men."

"Besides," she continued, "Varric's the best at spotting and disarming traps, Merrill and Anders are amazing with cover fire, and Fenris is so fast, most people don't know they are dead until it's too late." She smiled back at her group, who were embarrassed or preening at the praise. "We can do this."

"Thank you," Aveline said as they all readied their weapons. "Get your men ready Harley, you'll take the left flank, and my group will take the right. Wait until we've got their attention, so you can get the drop on them."

"Yes Captain," Harley said with a salute. "Men! With me!" she called, and the guards that could still fight moved into position.

"We'll follow your lead, Varric," Aveline said quietly.

"These men are bad news," Cat added. "I'm fairly sure that Fell Orden is a blood mage that enjoys killing."

"Thank you for the distinction," Merrill said happily.

"No problem," Cat answered, as Varric shook his head.

"Blondie, Button, Daisy…" Varric said, getting their attention. "I need some room to work my magic. Some heavy cover would be preferable."

Anders and Olivia grinned at each other. "We have something we want to try, Merrill, if you'll indulge us."

"Sure," she answered, stepping back.

"Aiming behind that peak there," Anders said to Olivia, who nodded. Lifting their staffs, they both started an intricate spell, and Cat watched in awe as the blizzard and the lightning storm brewed together above them.

"Storm of the century, no way…" Cat said in awe, not even noticing as Varric moved forward toward the first of the traps. She felt a push behind her, as Fenris gave her a nudge and she focused on her job. Varric was going to leave any traps she could disarm to her, and go after the tougher ones. She rushed over to him, and said, "I'm here when you need me!"

"Take that one on the left!" he called back over the wind, and Cat moved for it. It was a relatively simple device, but deceptive in its appearance. Varric had been teaching her traps for some time now, and her skills were mediocre, but improving.

After a short time, Varric called back, "All clear!" and Aveline and Fenris moved forward with the others to join them. Varric gave direction, as to where was safe, and where wasn't, and he and Cat moved off to the side, to continue their work even as the others engaged the marauders.

The fight was long and grueling, but they came out the victors in the end. Anders and Olivia put their healing skills to use, though they used bandages for the guards. Having the mages stop casting as the guards came into view had almost lost the fight, but it was better than exposure.

Once the guards left, Anders and Olivia used their magic to heal their friends, and they rested for a short time before deciding to head home. Hawke was surely awaiting them by now, and they were eager to eat and relax.

Fenris tried to keep Cat back, but Aveline had been hurt worse than he had, so he found himself leading again. Cat joined him in the front of the group, but he chose his words carefully, knowing that the others would possibly hear them.

"I heard a rumor while I was gone," he said, and she glanced up in question.

"To have you worried, it must be bad," she replied.

"Very bad," he said. He stopped, holding out his arm to stop her as well. Looking up above, and around them, but seeing nothing.

Cat tensed, looking for the threat. Fenris' instincts were like an actual wolf, and she knew to trust them. She had her hands on her daggers, waiting…

"Hunters."

She looked over in shock, even as the men appeared on the cliff above them. "Stop right there!" a man called out to them, and Cat followed the movements of the others, as they moved to surround them. She looked back to Fenris, who was snarling in rage.

"You are in possession of stolen property! Back away from the slave, and you will be spared!"

"There are no slaves here!" Aveline called up to them. "We are all free!" Cat smiled, glad that she wasn't the only one who felt that way.

"I won't repeat myself! Back away from the slave!" the man called, his voice turning angry.

"You did just repeat yourself, you idiot!" Cat yelled back, pulling out her daggers.

"I am not your slave!" Fenris yelled, his tattoos exploding with light. He moved so quickly, Cat could swear she could only see the trail of light behind him. The men surrounding them were quickly taken care of, and the crew sprang into action as more came.

The fight was quick, even though there were mages as well as soldiers, they were not as experienced as their own group. Cat looked over to Fenris, calling out "Fenris? You okay?"

He didn't answer, in fact he didn't even look her way. He glared at a body laying on the ground and headed straight for it, pulling the head up by the hair. Cat could see the mage was alive, though he was injured, and she moved forward along with her friends.

"Where is he?!" Fenris demanded in a quiet and terrifying voice.

"Please, don't…kill me," the mage replied. "I don't know. I don't know… I swear. Hadriana…. brought us. She is… at the holding…caves. I can… show you-"

"No need. I know which ones you speak of."

"Then let me go, I beg you-"

He voice cut off, as Fenris grabbed his head and twisted, breaking his neck. "You chose the wrong master," he said, dropping the man.

Cat wasn't surprised, and yet she was still in shock. She knew Fenris could be brutal, but he had always been gentle with her. She didn't comment however, knowing that he didn't necessarily like showing this side of himself.

"Hadriana, hmph!" he said with a grunt. His hands clenched into fists. "I was a fool to think I was free. They will never leave me be!"

Aveline took charge, and Cat stepped back. "This is someone you know?" she asked Fenris.

He nodded, glaring at the ground. "My master's old apprentice. A sniveling social climber who would sell her own children if it would make him happy. The only reason she's here, is to do his bidding. I knew he wouldn't let this go!"

"And they paid for it," Aveline replied calmly. "We'll go after them, but we need to regroup with Hawke and the others."

He stared her down, but she didn't flinch. "If she is here, there will be more. They will not stop. We need to find her, and send him a message he will not soon forget."

"Let's get back and report to Hawke," she said again, calm as could be. "They will not get away with this." She grabbed her pack that she had dropped, and gestured for the others to gather their things, after they finished looting the bodies, and piling them away from the road.

"I'll take the lead," Aveline told Fenris, as Anders flung a fireball at the pile of corpses. She lowered her voice, "I think you're scaring the others," she said quietly.

"Good, then perhaps they will understand," he muttered, as he glared, waiting for the others to walk ahead of him. Cat finally went ahead, only because he wouldn't walk until she did, but she stayed nearby, without speaking, just to let him know he wasn't alone.