The following day, was uneventful in comparison to the one after it. More guests were arriving, so there was no chance to take tours, and the strangest part to Cat was the fact that all the other guests brought their own tents and accommodations.

"Why would all these people come for a hunt, and not even be given a place to stay?" she asked aloud to the crew that were in her sitting room. She didn't turn from her place at the window as she continued to watch those that were arriving with their entourages.

"Actually, that is the most common," Tallis responded, sounding bored. "It prevents assassination attempts, as well as theft. Most Orlesians don't trust their own kin after all… especially the nobility."

"It seems like some would think it too much trouble to come this far for a hunt," Anders spoke up. "And, I think we may have been happier outside."

"Speak for yourself," Isabela said. "I'd much rather have the bed then a roll of fabric on the ground."

"I wonder what made us so special as to get rooms?" Hawke asked from his place at the table, where he and Tallis where going over their notes and plans. "Not that I'm complaining."

A knock sounded on the door, and Fenris stood to open it, though Cat moved from the window to come in view.

"Apologies," a servant said when the door opened, and he bowed. "My lord Cyril extends an invitation for the lady Catarina to walk the grounds?"

Fenris looked back to her with a roll of his eyes, and Cat stifled her sigh. It would be nice to get out for a bit, she thought, trying to see the bright side. "I would be pleased to," she told Fenris, who relayed the message that they would meet in the main hall in a half hour.

"How many walks does the man need?" Hawke grumbled under his breath, hoping no one would hear him.

"Ugh, that means I have to put a dress on, doesn't it?" Cat asked no one in particular, as she headed for her bedroom, and Merrill followed behind her, asking if she could pick the dress.

"I'd say, that is the reason we were given rooms," Isabela said with a smirk. "Or, at least Kitty was the reason, and we just happened to be part of her group."

Hawke grumbled again, and Tallis looked at him in question.

"Do you want to go with her?" she asked, and Hawke's head shot up.

"What? No," he replied. "We've just barely started with this," he said, pointing down at their papers.

"I know, I just…" she trailed off.

"What?" Hawke asked, facing her, and giving his undivided attention.

"You're the Champion of Kirkwall. It's a fancy title."

Hawke looked at her in confusion. "Well, The Only One in Kirkwall Not Completely Insane was considered, but they went with this one. Why?"

"Do get something from it?" she asked. "A stipend, or… a companion…"

"I got a medal," he snapped. "It's shiny. Does that answer your question?"

"Uh, yes." She looked down a moment before looking at him again. "Thank you, by the way. For agreeing to do this."

Hawke looked another moment, but she seemed genuine about this, so he softened. "I'm a sucker for hard cases, Tallis. Just look at my companions," he said as his arms swept the room, and the others voices were heard in protest.

"Oh, you have no idea," Varric added, though Tallis could feel the growing tension in the room.

Deciding she needed to make things right, she waited until Cat and Fenris had left before broaching the subject again.

"Look, I didn't mean to be insulting, it's just not clear… the situation with Cat and… you all are very guarded," she said hesitantly.

The tension rose again, and Tallis could practically feel a wall drop between them and herself.

"Just leave it alone," Aveline said forcefully, and Tallis saw a few small nods before everyone went back to what they were doing. She glanced back at Hawke, and he began speaking of the possible problems they could encounter, so she left it alone, though she was determined to figure it out.

Cat was more than ready to be done with all of the intrigue. The last few days had been… well, lonely, and she knew that that was strange. To be lonely when she was surrounded by friends, made her feel silly.

Not only that, but this was supposed to be some sort of name day celebration, and the group had spent the entire day in her suite of rooms without a single mention of it. Which of course made her feel ridiculous. The fact that they were here was her present... Hawke had even said so. So why am I upset? she thought. It doesn't make sense!

Part of her was blaming Tallis, because of course everyone was acting guarded around the unknown element. Tallis didn't yet trust them, and they still had no idea what she had going on in the background, so of course, they didn't trust her either. And she hadn't exactly been on good terms with Tallis either, so that didn't help.

The other part of her mind was telling her that if she would just explain everything to Hawke, none of this would be happening. They wouldn't even go after the stupid fake jewel, or whatever they currently had planned.

She was always quick to shut that part up.

I had my reasons for keeping this from him, she told herself again.

"My lady, you seem to be having unpleasant thoughts," Cyril said, gaining her attention. "I hope I am not the reason for such things."

Cat shook her head and plastered a fake smile on her face. "Of course not, I apologize. I must admit to not being fond of wearing such things," she said as she pointed to her dress. It was as good a reason as any, and right now it was true. Though she could admit to herself that in different company she wouldn't mind what she was wearing.

"Oh I see, the price paid for beauty is it?" he asked with a chuckle. "Well I must say, that you have been successful, for each time I see you I find that you are even more beautiful than the last."

"You're too kind, my lord," Cat said, glad that Cyril couldn't tell when she was being sarcastic, or fake. She smiled a little at the enjoyment Fenris must be getting from watching them.

"I'm interested to see the outfit you'll don tomorrow for the hunt," Cyril continued. "I'm told you will be accompanying the Champion?" he asked.

Cat looked away so she could roll her eyes. Duh, moron, I told you that. "Yes, that's true. I have armor that I'll be wearing," she replied.

"That should be an interesting sight for certain," Cyril replied with another chuckle. "I have not seen a lady wearing armor before."

Cat tried to keep her voice light. "I'm quite certain there are women in your father's guard, are there not?" she asked.

"Oh yes," he replied airily. "But you misunderstand, I meant a lady of class, not just any woman."

"Oh, I see," she answered shortly. "Do you mind if we head back? I want to retire early to prepare myself for the hunt tomorrow."

He shrugged. "If that is what you want."

"Thank you, it is," she replied. She turned on her heel, but he grabbed her arm, and placed it within his own as he steered her another direction.

"This way will be shorter," he said with what she could only call a smirk, but it wasn't enticing at all, and she usually enjoyed smirks. She wondered what he was up to, as he led her through the chateau instead of around the gardens.

They traveled through what looked like preparation areas for food, and storage areas filled with barrels and casks. Cat looked around, first in confusion, but also impressed at the sheer amount of planning that had gone into this hunt.

"It seems everything is ready for the party tomorrow?" she asked, wondering where they were going.

"Yes, it would seem that way," he replied, though his focus was elsewhere.

He finally stopped in the main hall, though they were up at the top of a flight of stairs. "This way," he said with a smile, that he must have thought charming, but Cat pulled back.

"My lord, my rooms are this way," she said politely, pointing.

"And mine are this way," he countered, pulling her towards himself.

"Uh…" Her mind blanked for a moment, wondering how in the world he had gotten the idea into his head that she'd join him in his room.

"My lord, it would be unseemly for my lady to accompany you to your rooms," Fenris spoke up, though quietly so as not to attract attention.

"It is also your lady's decision," Cyril sneered back, and turned to Cat. "It seems your play thing is jealous my lady. Do you not include him often enough in your revelries?"

"My…" Cat looked shocked. "I assure you, my lord, Fenris is my body guard, and my friend," she hissed, more insulted of what he called Fenris than his insinuations of her. "And I do not engage in such revelries, as you say."

"Oh?" he asked, surprised. "The champion does not like to share, is that it? Surely if he can have his fun with his harlots, you can enjoy others as well?"

"It seems you have the wrong idea of both of us," Cat said with disdain. "Goodnight, Lord Cyril," she said, giving a little curtsy, and turning to Fenris, who immediately blocked her from any repercussions.

"Ah, I see," he replied, leaning against the banister. "You're worried of your reputation? Well, now you know where I will be this evening. Please know that you are always welcome."

She glanced at him, uncertain, before looking away and heading toward another staircase that would take her back to her rooms.

"Fenris…" she whispered, knowing that even though he was behind her, he would be able to hear her. "Don't tell him about this. We don't need the trouble." She heard a grunt, and breathed a little easier. "Don't worry," she said with a smile. "That was most definitely our last walk in the gardens."

Isabela knew something was up. She could feel trouble in the air like Varric could feel an oncoming story. And Kitty is somehow tangled in the middle of it all, she thought as she watched her friend exit her room wearing her armor.

Cat had come back from her walk claiming exhaustion, and had retired for the evening well before the sun went down, causing the rest of them to question Fenris, though he wouldn't answer.

"Something is going on," Varric muttered, as they exited the rooms together and headed outside to await the beginning of the hunt. "I just don't know what it is… yet."

"I couldn't agree more," Isabela replied, just as softly. "This isn't the fun get-away we were hoping for."

"I'd say at least we aren't being chased by birds, but… well I may have already jinxed us," he said with a wince.

"With all the people we paid to make false trails, those birds will probably wait for us to show back at Kirkwall," she answered with a smirk. "Though, while we're out hunting would be an ideal time for an ambush."

"Can't you ever give me good news Rivaini?" Varric complained as they walked out of the keep. They kept quiet then, as they were surrounded by others, mostly Orlesian with small groups to accompany them.

"Maker's tears, Prosper," A masked man complained to the Duke. "When is this going to get started?"

"Presently," the duke replied, though not seeming to truly care about placating the man. The duke continued to look around, seeing who was ready, and who they were still missing. He lit up a bit as he spotted Hawke's crew coming forward.

"Ah, Master Hawke, I'm so glad that you could make it," he said grandly, and Hawke bowed his head slightly in deference, wanting to keep on the man's good side. "And Lady Catarina," he continued, moving past Hawke quickly. "A vision of both beauty and strength."

Cat stopped, and gave the duke a smile. "Thank you, your grace. And of course, I must thank you for your hospitality! I have never slept so well!"

The duke offered his arm, and she took it, as he walked her past the tents and into the open, Hawke and his group following, amused at Cat's noble acting. "To be honest my dear, I did not truly think you would come! The Amells were friends of my mother's but haven't come to the hunt for ages. I was more than happy to start the tradition and friendship once again, now that your family's circumstances have… changed."

"Uh, right," Cat said, glancing over at Hawke, who looked annoyed. She was confused for a moment before she remembered she had been sporting the Amell crest on her dress the last time she had seen the duke. Apparently they all thought she and Hawke were married.

"So, what last minute advice can you give us, seeing as we have never encountered a wyvern before?" she asked, changing the subject.

"And why would you?" he laughed, as they stopped on the outskirts of the tents, where a large group was waiting. "They are magnificent beasts, cousins to the mighty dragons. My only advice? Beware their poison. It's the deadliest thing about them, and the most valuable."

"Their poison is valuable?" Hawke asked quietly as the duke gave Cat another salute over her hand and wandered away.

"Yes," Tallis said quietly. "They brew a drink from it called aquae lucidius, that is very big in Orlais. Apparently even the empress loves it."

"Nobles drinking poison," Anders said as he rolled his eyes. "What will they think of next?"

They quieted as the area fell silent, their attention back on the duke.

"All right everyone. You all know the tradition, yes? The first one to find and slay a wyvern wins the honors of the evening. And bragging rights, of course. Good luck to you all!" He shouted with a large smile, his arms outstretched to them.

The commotion was quite loud, but there was no hurry as a race might have had. Each group took off walking, all in different directions, and Hawke watched each of them go before he turned to his group.

"Do we have what we need?" he asked, and those around him nodded.

"I wasn't able to obtain antidote, but I did get the recipe. We should be able to find the ingredients we need as we go," Anders said, and Hawke nodded.

"Well then, let's go hunt a wyvern, shall we?" he said with a grin, and headed off.

They fell into easy banter as they made their way deeper into the mountain. Cat had to keep pulling Merrill back out of the trees, for fear that they would accidentally leave her behind.

"I can't help it Cat!" Merrill exclaimed with a smile. "I'm just so excited to be out of the city!"

"Well, we do spend a lot of time there, especially recently, and I'm sorry for that," Cat replied.

"It's not your fault," Merrill said, instantly defensive for her. "You can't help it if assassins are chasing you."

"Assassins are chasing you?" Tallis asked curiously.

"So far, the only assassin we've seen on this trip is you," Aveline replied shortly.

"Quick, someone change the subject," Varric teased.

"Assassins are known to target nobles," Tallis continued, musing.

"I'm not a noble," Cat answered, her back up at the comment.

"Actually, I think this hobnobbing with the nobility suits you and Hawke both," Anders commented.

Cat gave a gasp, looking at him in betrayal, while Hawke pointed at him and said, "Take that back!"

The group laughed, but Anders persisted. "That was meant in the best possible way of course! I could tell when I met you, Hawke, that you would rise above the rest of the refugees."

"And what about when you met Kitty?" Isabela asked with a wink.

"Well… uh," Anders stammered, and Isabela let out a guttural laugh.

"I think we all know what he was thinking when he first saw Kitty," she said. "Especially because she took off her pants!"

"Why do you have to make it sound dirty?" Cat complained, even as she chuckled. "You know he was healing a wound I had. And besides, you're the one who took my pants off!"

Hawke continued to walk, enjoying the atmosphere. He knew Isabela just liked to cause commotion, and he knew he had no reason to be jealous of Anders. Besides… it wasn't like he hadn't seen Cat without her pants on.

His mind somewhere else, he didn't pay attention until Aveline elbowed him. "What? Huh?" he said, looking around.

"Hmm, what could Hawke have been daydreaming about?" Isabela asked with a snicker.

"I said…" Tallis repeated, "that we made it to the hunting grounds."

Hawke nodded and looked around, noticing a few smaller groups were keeping in eyesight of each other. Not smart, since they would scare prey away, but they were also keeping their competitors from finding the wyverns as well. Since they weren't venturing farther, he had to wonder if they just put in the appearance of hunting, and really just came for the party.

"So," Varric spoke up. "Do we wander around shouting, Here wyvern, wyvern, wyvern?"

"We look for signs," Tallis replied, giving Varric a smile. "The sooner we finish this, the sooner we're in the Keep."

"And that's where the jewel is?" Hawke asked, and Tallis nodded.

"That's where the jewel is," she confirmed.

"Should we stay together, or split up?" Aveline asked Hawke. He glanced back, seeing Merrill and Fenris sticking close to Cat, and he felt they would continue to do so.

"Not split up, but we can spread out a bit, cover more ground that way," he answered.

The group split easily, and Cat was surrounded. She smirked as she looked around at her friends. They either had spoken of this previously, or were bonded now enough to know where everyone would instinctively go.

Sebastian, Varric and Aveline stayed near Hawke, with Tallis at his left side, Sebastian on the outer left edge, Varric behind him, and Aveline to his right. Isabela was next, staying between Hawke and Cat, with Anders and Merrill to her right and Fenris behind her.

"Wow," Cat said with a smile. "No wonder we're the most amazing team in Kirkwall."

"I think you mean the most amazing anywhere, Little Dove," Varric replied.

"It could have something to do with the mages," Anders commented with a smirk.

"Or just that we're well rounded," Sebastian chimed in, wanting to keep the peace.

"We should probably eat a little more if we want to be round, Sebastian," Merrill commented, causing most of the others to shake their heads.

"And we're all getting along, what are the odds?" Isabela mocked.

Taking that as some kind of invitation, Fenris said, "It doesn't seem that I'll make the Arlathvhen."

Everyone glanced at him in confusion, except for Merrill, who turned in shock.

"An Arlathvhen? Where? When?" she exclaimed.

"In Halamshiral, though I believe it is already starting," he replied.

"What's an… arlath… whatever you said, Daisy?" Varric asked.

"A gathering of the clans," Merrill answered, looking sad. "Why didn't I know?"

"Elves still speak to me," Fenris answered. Cat turned to him with a frown. Merrill, looking upset, but resigned merely sighed.

"You've been waiting to say that," she said.

Fenris considered. "Maybe a little."

"What was that about getting along?" Aveline said in a tone loudly enough for everyone to hear.

"It was said in jest, Lady Biceps," Isabela retorted. "Not in invitation to prove me wrong."

"Fenris is best at destroying happiness," Anders said nonchalantly, and the others broke out in arguments.

"Everyone shut up!" Cat said loudly, and the buzz of insects and distant voices could suddenly be heard in the stillness.

Tallis, lifted her eyebrow, intrigued.

"Cat-"

"No!" she interrupted. "I don't want to hear it. You all pretend you don't get along, and you only stay together for Hawke, but I know the truth. The moment someone else comes along and tried to insult or hurt one of you, the others would be ready to kill that person in the blink of an eye."

She glared out at them, working really hard to not smile as she wanted to. They knew it as well as she did, but it seemed to go against something innate to admit it.

"Now, I don't know about all of you, but just winning this thing isn't good enough. I think we should bring back the biggest, baddest wyvern out here, but we'll have to work together…" she offered, now letting her smile show as she glanced at Hawke, who was grinning at her.

"I thought pep talks were my job," he said sardonically.

"Well, don't be so slow then," she quipped, and started walking again. "You know I don't mind the teasing, just be sure not to go overboard, all right?" she asked, looking around. "Or you're wyvern bait."

She got all sorts of smiles, nods, and smirks in return, and the group continued on their journey.

"Speaking of," Isabela spoke up, "do we need a lure? What do wyverns like?"

"If we're lucky," Aveline replied, "slutty pirates."

"That's no way to speak of Kitty," Isabela said with a grin. "We tried so hard to pass her off as a lady."

Cat chuckled with the rest of them, laughing a bit more at Tallis' confused expression.

"I doubt it will be that easy," Cat replied. "But we can look for clues."

The group came a little closer, as they followed Hawke up what could have been a path used by animals further into the mountain. Birds flew off into the sky as the people came near, and Hawke came closer to inspect what had drawn them in.

"Blood, and quite a bit," he announced. "But is it prey, or from a wyvern itself?" he asked.

"Well," Tallis replied, thinking. "I've heard that they can fight for dominance, which would probably spill some blood."

"Maybe we can use some then," Hawke replied, gesturing to Anders for a bottle. "Draw out a rival."

"Can't hurt to try," Tallis answered.

They waited for Hawke to gather some of the blood, and then they headed out again. Before very long, they came to a fork in the path, the left side sporting what looked like a broken archway.

"Were there people living in these mountains?" Sebastian asked, incredulous.

"Doubtful, there are no signs of habitation," Aveline replied. Hawke, curious, continued a little ways further, until he came into a clearing, where a large stone slab was the focal point.

"That looks like a really old altar," Tallis said. "A creepy altar."

"It reminds me of the one back on Sundermount," Hawke replied, looking over at Merrill for confirmation.

She nodded, and spoke. "But, there are some differences. There are no dalish carvings, nor graves nearby. I'd suspect it is not from the dalish."

"It could be some sort of cult then?" Anders spoke up. "Coming out to the woods to perform their rituals?" He looked uncomfortable. "Though in my experience, if they go to the woods to find seclusion… it usually isn't the Maker they are worshiping."

Hawke seemed curious still, and moved closer to the altar. "I wonder what this is?" he said quietly to himself.

Tallis, who was closest, warned, "I wouldn't touch it!"

Hawke merely gave her a grin. "What could happen?" he asked, as he picked up the small bauble. The gem was a striking blue with gray undertones and he simply had to have it- it was the same color as Cat's eyes when he was kissed her.

As he picked it up, there was a noise. He turned around, placing the stone in his pocket, and looked questioningly around him. "Did you all hear that?" he asked.

"Hear what?" Cat replied, her head tilting. And then she was sprawled on the ground, as Fenris pushed her away.

She looked up, ready to complain, and saw the thing that floated above the ground behind him. His sword was up, but he wasn't swinging- in fact it looked as though he didn't have the energy to swing, and was about ready to collapse.

She rushed to her feet, and tackled him away from the creature, pulling him onto his back so she could see if he was all right. He was panting, and she breathed a small sigh of relief.

"Don't get too close, it will drain you!" she shouted over her shoulder. Looking down at Fenris she asked, "Are you all right?"

He nodded, and sat up, determination giving him what he needed. He stood, a little shaky, but quickly moved back into the fray, as there were more people now here, and the drew were fighting them.

Cat pulled out her crossbow and bolts, and moved into some cover behind a large stone. Arming her weapon, she glanced over the fighting, seeing who needed the help. She began tracking an elf that was moving in and out of stealth, and backstabbing her friends whenever possible.

Timing her shot, she let her bolt fly, and pegged the assassin in the ankle, causing it to scream. The sound had her flinching, as no normal being could make such a sound. She moved to load another bolt, looking now for the horrific creature that first showed, thinking that the others had to be minions of a sort.

The others had discovered this as well, and the ranged fighters focused on the thing as the melee fighters kept the minions from taking them out. Withing moments, the creature wailed, and fell over, dissipating into the earth under it. Hearing a cracking sound, the group turned to see the pristine altar with a large crack now running through its center.

"Everyone all right?" Hawke asked, looking around. "Tallis?" he called. Seeing the elf nearby, leaning on a tree but otherwise looking fine, he turned again looking for Cat. He met her eyes, and finally let out the breath he was holding. Then he noticed the appraising look she was giving him.

"Thank you for the save Fenris," he said as he moved over to the warrior. "I owe you, more than I can say." They both looked over as Cat stormed away from them.

"You would do better to tell her that," Fenris replied quietly.

"She knows what's going on," Hawke argued. "We have to play Tallis' game for now."

"That doesn't mean she isn't affected," Fenris replied. "She's been through a lot recently, and she misses you."

"Do you think I am not affected?" Hawke hissed, holding in his temper. "That I enjoy this? That I cannot treat her as I would like?"

"No, I am not blind," Fenris murmured, placing his hand on his friends' shoulder. "I'm saying that you would both feel better if you were to assure her of it."

"Now isn't the time," he muttered, turning back to the group. "Do we need to rest?" he asked, loudly, as he looked around. Everyone was on their feet, though Anders was healing a cut on Isabela's shoulder.

"I'm more insulted than wounded, Hawke," Isabela said disgustedly. "I can't believe that thing surprised me."

"I'm sure we'll find something to take your anger out on," he replied, and she gave him a grin. "Okay, let's head out." He looked over to where Fenris and Cat were walking, wistful, until he heard Tallis come to his side.

"I told you not to touch it," she chided him.

"Worth it," he replied with a smirk, patting the pocket on his shirt where the little gem was sitting.