A/N: Here we go with some divergence from cannon- changes are a comin'!

"I'm so glad you're all right!" Cat threw herself into Ander's arms, giving him a tight squeeze, then stepping back in confusion as he didn't return the hug. "Anders?" she asked, looking up at him.

"Adrius, can you give us some privacy?" Anders asked, still not looking at her. Cat wondered what had happened, but she could tell that she wouldn't have to wait long to find out. They both waited, standing next to each other and watching as Adrius grabbed a few things.

Adrius walked over to Cat and gave her cheek a kiss. "Good to see you again," he told her, and she replied with the same, giving him a worried smile. He nodded to Anders and headed out of the clinic, shutting the door behind him.

Cat clenched her hands together in nervousness, but turned just the same to look at her friend. "What… uh, what happened?" she asked. "Sebastian said that no one was hurt too badly."

"Nothing like that," he said, giving a sigh. It's too difficult to be angry at her, he told himself. Besides… how can I be so angry, when I have to apologize? "I just… I betrayed your confidence," he admitted, looking away.

"What?" she gasped softly, he mind flooding with all that that could mean. Betrayed… no it can't be… she swallowed slowly, licking her suddenly dry lips. "To… whom?" she asked, her voice trembling. Please don't be Hawke… not when I've just decided to tell him…

"Well, all of them, actually," he said, wincing. He looked over at her now, wondering why she wasn't punching him or something. She looked confused, and he frowned, mirroring her expression.

"But most of them knew already…" she mumbled, and his eyes blew wide as he realized what she was thinking.

"Oh shite, I'm sorry," he said hurriedly. "That's not… it wasn't that." He put his hand on her shoulder giving it a light shake to get her attention. "I'm sorry that I wasn't more clear," he stressed.

She exhaled, telling her heart to calm down, even as she clutched her shirt in her hand over her heart, as if to protect it somehow. "Okay…" she replied, taking a few deep breaths, and letting him lead her to the table. He pulled out a chair, turning it to face the one next to it, and helped her sit. Then pulled out the other chair, and sat sideways to face her.

"So, what happened?" she asked, looking up at him. She listened silently, as Anders told the story, realizing that while she was slightly embarrassed to have Alistair know the feelings that she had once had, they both knew they were just good friends now, so she didn't need to worry.

"I see," she said once he had finished. She smiled up at him. "I'm not happy about it, but I'm not angry with you either," she stated. "Honestly, I'm just glad I wasn't there when it happened." She gave a small chuckle at the thought.

"Well, I must admit, I wasn't expecting that…" he replied, rubbing the back of his neck. "I've felt positively horrible for over a week."

"Sounds like you've already punished yourself enough then," she said, giving him another smile. "Really, don't worry. It's not like you meant to."

"I didn't," he agreed. "But that's not an excuse."

"You're a good friend," she replied with a smile.

He paused as he looked down at the ground. He stared so long that she eventually had to speak. "Anders?" she asked hesitantly.

"I…" he started, then shook his head. He finally raised his eyes to meet hers, and she could see that he was upset, and almost looked on the verge of tears. "I'm not," he stressed in a whisper.

"What?" she asked, mostly because she thought she must have heard him incorrectly. He was very quiet after all.

"I am not a good friend," he said again, putting his head into his hands, not wanting to see her face.

Cat was obviously concerned, but he was so vague that she didn't know if she would be upset at him once she discovered the reasons for his words. What could have happened for him to think such a thing?! she wondered.

She put her hand on his shoulder, and felt him tremble, and immediately her thoughts changed to only wanting to comfort him.

"What's wrong?" she asked gently. "Can't you tell me?"

"I…" he took a few deep breaths, calming his emotions before they got away from him. "I have been harboring such ugly thoughts," he admitted. He could see that she didn't understand, and knew that he would need to be more clear.

"I have been having doubts and holding onto resentment when you would not tell me about the future," he stated flatly. He could feel that resentment bubbling to the surface as she looked away from him. "I have asked, and yet it seemed that you only wanted to make things better for others, but not for me."

She turned back, her eyes showing the hurt that he would say such a thing, but he was still speaking, so she didn't interject.

"Then Alistair said something about how the Commander felt guilty about not finding me in the circle tower when he was there killing abominations," he said, getting choked up again as the anger and injustice of his memories bubbled to the surface.

Cat watched in concern that changed to horror as he spoke to her. Within a moment, she was no longer listening to Anders, but to Justice. It was so quick and seamless, that it took her by surprise.

He had blinked, and when his eyes opened, they were now pits of swirling color that looked so unnatural that she unconsciously shrunk away from him as his voice now boomed, echoing over the space.

"They couldn't have known that there were mages down in the dungeons, rotting away. They have no reason to feel guilty. But you…"she gulped even as he glared at her. "You knew. You could have told them, as you were there. But instead you let the mages suffer, and concerned yourself only with templars."

It was frightening, no doubt, but the accusation had her reeling. And then she was infuriated. This man told her over and over that he and Justice were one, sharing feelings and thoughts- which meant that he truly felt that she would let him rot in a dungeon.

"How dare you?!" she surged to her feet, only seeing red, and not noticing the falter in his tirade. "You, who know me better than most! You think I would actually, knowingly let you sit in a dungeon?! Or anyone for that matter?!"

She stormed forward, poking his chest with her finger. "You don't even ask!" she hissed at him, even as her eyes filled. "You just accuse! All I knew was that you escaped from the circle several times, but I have no idea as to when you were actually there!"

"The injustice of what the templars are-"

Cat wasn't sure when she became such a violent person, but the man was driving her to it, she was certain. She pulled her hand back, shaking it out to ease the pain. She had just punched him in the face… but he seemed to have barely registered the blow.

She was actually a little worried what the spirit in her friend's body would do now. It took a few more moments, but then he started blinking, and his eyes changed back to his own and cleared as he looked at her.

His hand came up to test his jaw, though she knew he wasn't badly hurt- she had pulled the punch after all.

"I can't believe that worked," she said to him. "I'll let everyone know to punch you then, the next time you get all Justice-y."

He didn't respond, just moved forward and enfolded her in his arms. "I'm so sorry," he said as he squeezed tightly. "I know you wouldn't let me rot in there, not really. But then all that talk about letting things happen to Hawke in order to get stronger kept running through my head…"

"Why didn't you just ask me?" she asked in exasperation.

"I meant to, but then I just saw red," he admitted, feeling like a fool. He pulled back away from her, with a tortured look. "I told you I wasn't a good friend."

"You are a good friend," she disagreed. "But we all make mistakes sometimes." She took a deep breath, deciding to just tell him the truth, so that doubts no longer took over. Everything was changing anyhow, and she wanted to tell someone.

"In the story, it was mentioned that you escaped several times from the Ferelden Circle," she told him. "But honestly, I have no idea when you were actually there and when you weren't." She gave a sheepish shrug.

"However," she continued, looking guilty. "I will admit that I didn't really think about it either, and for that I am sorry." He looked at her, his eyes wide in surprise. "I was left behind with the templars as the others went into the tower, so I didn't explore it as they did."

"That… but Alistair said you were with them," Anders said, confused.

"Not at first," she said, looking back into memory. "They thought it would be safer for me there, since I couldn't really fight. But, some of the templars were… aggressive."

His face changed to anger in a blink. "What happened?" he asked flatly.

"Nothing," she laughed, giving his shoulder a pat. "But I decided that I'd rather be with my friends, especially if something bad was going to happen. At that time, things were changing from the story I knew- since I was there- and I couldn't be certain that they would be all right. Not to mention that it had been awhile since I had heard the story, so I wasn't remembering everything." She gave him a sorrowful look. "I'm sorry, really."

"It's… all right," he said, giving her a small smile. "I know if you had thought of me, you'd have turned the tower upside down."

"You bet your ass I would have," she stated. "And I wouldn't have accepted any less from the others wither."

Anders laughed, and Cat was happy to see the smile reach his eyes this time. She hadn't realized how much damage she had caused by being so silent. While he had been gone, she had once wondered how far into his plan for rebellion he was.

Then Leliana had shown up, and Cat realized just how close to the chantry explosion they truly were. If she wanted to change things for Anders… she'd have to be more open about it, even though it frightened her.

"So…" she said, gesturing back to the chairs they had been sitting in previously. He moved to pick up his, and put it back to rights, and they both sat again. "It's not that I didn't want to share with any of you about the future," she told him seriously. "It was more that I hoped to change things enough that the truly bad things wouldn't happen."

"All right…" he responded, unsure of what she was saying. He didn't want to get his hopes up.

"For example," she said, trying to paint the picture. "In the story, you and Fenris hated each other. Truly. So much so that you could barely work together, and never used each other's names. He called you mage or abomination, and you called him a savage."

It was easy for Anders to see how that could have happened, especially without Cat's influence. He swallowed, realizing with more clarity just how much she was changing about them just by being a part of their lives, and how frightening that must be for her.

"As the mage rebellion started, Hawke left Kirkwall, in order to prevent an Exalted March," she continued, choosing her words carefully. "and his wonderfully diverse group of people that only had him as their common thread all separated, each going their own way."

She looked up, her gaze fixed on his, her voice deadly serious. "After the chantry exploded," she paused as he froze, staring at her in surprise, though he supposed he should have known better. "Sebastian felt betrayed- one of Hawke's companions- killing those he considered family. He demanded that Hawke kill the person responsible, or he would bring Starkhaven down on Kirkwall."

Anders felt like he was drowning. "Hawke had to choose?" he rasped out, his throat dry.

She merely looked at him, knowing he was finally understanding. "If by chance he was spared, that mage became hated through the entire world. He never wanted to see his friends, he felt he didn't deserve to. He traveled around Thedas, growing overwhelmed each day by the guilt."

She shook her head, trying to stop her eyes from filling. When did I become such a crybaby? she wondered in defeat. "All that being said…" she told him, "I do believe that the mage rebellion needs to happen, but we may not have to be the catalyst. There are other things that happen in the world to light the fuse."

"There are?" he asked in disbelief. "Like what?"

"But then, we wouldn't set the precedence. We won't be able to contain what happens once it starts, as other circles will decide to rebel," she continued. "Some templars will simply kill or tranquil all their mages, and many other atrocities will occur. But, I do think that we can decide to not start with a large slaughter of innocent people."

"Innocent?" he asked her incredulously.

"Oh, you think all those in the chantry are sitting around plotting how to torture mages?" she asked skeptically.

"Well, no," he admitted. "But it's not the same as innocent."

"You won't convince them to change by killing them," she pointed out.

"It's not like I want to kill them," he stated petulantly, and she gave him a look of concern.

"But?" she asked.

"But in war… there are casualties," he continued. "Even- maybe especially- innocents."

"That's true," she agreed. "But I'm not talking about the war itself. I'm talking about us." She gave a sigh and grabbed his hand. "There will be plenty of death as this goes on," she told him in a tired voice. "And I think we should show that we are better than that. Not to mention that even if you don't involve Hawke, he'll still feel responsible, Anders."

She looked up at him, and stood. "I'm not asking you to change your mind," she told him. "All I'm asking is that you consider going about this in a different way. I have no idea how things will be different this time, even without trying to change them. Though I've done plenty of that now."

"Okay," he said, nodding. "I will think on it."

He was glad she was smiling, and returned the smile to her, but inside he was wondering just how to cause such an event as to make the whole world take notice without hurting anyone. Not to mention how he would explain to Adrius why he was suddenly looking for a different way.

Cat walked around Hightown, trying to keep herself occupied so that she wouldn't brood. It was now the second day since Hawke had returned, and she had yet to even see his face. It was understandable, but that didn't mean she liked it.

She told herself to stop wandering, and to go home and train. She still wasn't back to where she wanted to be stamina-wise, and she could let out some frustrations by throwing her knives at the target.

While she didn't truly believe that would help, she turned and headed towards home. If anything, she could always try climbing the rope again. She still hadn't beaten that bastard, and couldn't let that stand.

She trudged through the door, determined to work out, though it was the last thing she actually wanted to do. She stopped short as she entered the main room, seeing Hawke asleep in her wing backed chair.

A smile spread over her face as she studied him, her heart warming as she took in his appearance. She moved over to him quietly, leaning over to kiss his cheek softly.

She gave a gasp as she was pulled into his lap, and she struck out on instinct giving a chopping swing to the side of his neck before she could think it through.

He held her tightly, even as he coughed, wincing against the pain. He opened his eyes to give her a hurt look.

"I'm sorry, but you startled me," she mumbled, feeling only slightly bad for hurting him.

"Yeah, that's my fault, sorry," he grumbled back, rubbing the area and moving his head around to make sure he was all right. "But I did get you where I wanted you, so I can't really complain."

"You could have just asked," she gave him a narrowed gaze, and he looked sheepish.

"Next time, promise," he agreed.

"You'd better," she warned, then smiled happily. "It felt like I'd never get to see you," she said. "I'm not very good at being patient, you know."

"That may be true, but I figured it would be better to get all of that taken care of, otherwise we'd just have been interrupted. As it is, I made sure everything goes through Varric for today."

"Good thinking," she praised him. "He'll keep the crazies at bay." She was able to see the fatigue that he carried with how close they were. "What is it?" she asked, concern filling her voice.

"I missed you," he told her, not certain where to start. There was so much to tell… and he didn't really want to relieve it all- at least not right then. "That trip was so… well, there really isn't a word for it."

"That good huh?" she said, feeling guilty. "I saw Anders last night, and he shared a little bit," she told him. "He didn't really have anything positive to say, just that he was glad it was over."

"Yes, that sums it up," Hawke agreed, looking up into her eyes. "As much as I missed you, I'm glad that you weren't there. Everything we came across tried to kill us."

"So, a normal job then," she replied, giving him a sad smile. He sighed and dropped his head to her shoulder.

"Much worse," he answered wearily. "Although it seemed to affect the wardens even worse than us." His face was practically pressing into her neck, and she squirmed as his beard tickled her skin as he spoke.

He brought his head back up to look at her. "What's wrong?" he asked, even as she rubbed the affected area.

"That tickles," she explained, and reached for his face, giving the growing beard a rub. "You look much more like yourself now," she continued.

He gave the end of her hair a tug where it rested on her shoulders. "You too," he replied quietly. "And not just because of this. You seem… lighter," he said with a shrug. "Not as burdened."

"That's because I'm with you," she said giving him a smile, and leaning forward to cuddle into his chest, and he rested his face against her hair. "I'm sure we have as much to tell you, as you have to tell us."

"Oh?" he asked, though she couldn't hear any curiosity in his voice, just the weariness.

"But," she continued, "I'm hoping we can just pretend that none of that happened, at least for a little while." She snuggled into him, and his arms tightened slightly. "For now, it's just Cat and Garrett, not the Champion, and the girl that seems to find trouble."

He gave a grateful sigh. "That sounds marvelous," he replied, turning slightly to kiss the top of her head. "I really am sorry for pulling you earlier, but it seems like you aren't minding me holding you like this," he questioned.

"It's not the holding that's the problem," she explained. "More the sudden moves that I can't see coming. It brings back the feelings of then, and I freeze, or flinch away as a reflex."

"Ah, I see," he said. He was quiet for a few moments before he turned his lips to her hair again. "I am going to pick you up," he told her.

"Okay," she answered, feeling wonderfully at ease with him. He adjusted his grip, and lifted her as he stood from the chair. "Where are we going?" she asked, smirking.

"To bed," he replied, but she didn't detect the way his voice would change when he was aroused. "I think I need some more rest before I turn my undivided attention to the woman I love," he continued.

"A nap sounds good," she agreed, though for his benefit. She hardly ever saw him like this, as if he had no energy. She would most likely fall asleep as well, but she would make sure to give him the comfort he was seeking first.

She lay there for some time, Hawke curled into her, his head resting on her shoulder. His warm breaths drifting over her clavicle, as she gently moved her hand through his hair, petting him gently. His grip was tight, but he finally seemed to relax, and she apologized in her mind for what he had gone through, even though she knew if she had the chance to do it again, she wouldn't have stopped him.

Eventually, she closed her eyes, and followed him into sleep.

She awoke with a start, the sound of nearby voices scaring her, and bringing her back to memories she'd rather forget.

"Shh, you're safe," Hawke whispered, though he stopped himself from tightening his hold when she began to squirm.

Cat took a deep breath, recognizing her room and her bed, and even the scent of Hawke tangled around her. "Sorry," she murmured.

"Nothing to apologize for," he replied quietly. "It seems we slept longer than I meant to," he admitted.

"Did you make plans for us this evening?" she asked him, amused.

He gave a sigh, though he snuggled into her. "We needed to share what happened with everyone," he said. "And the sooner the better."

Something in his voice had her lifting her head to look at him. "That important?" she asked.

"Yes," he nodded, releasing her and rolling over to get up. He turned back, a sorrowful expression on his face. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but I really wanted a little bit of time just being Garrett." He gave her a self depreciating smile. "But the Champion catches up eventually."

"It's a good thing I love them both then," she told him, reaching out to stroke his cheek.

He placed his hand over hers, and turned his face to kiss her palm. "I honestly don't know how I would survive all this without you with me," he told her.

"You could have, you're strong enough," she told him, even as he shook his head. "But, you don't have to wonder about that, since I'm here."

She sighed as well, rising from the bed, and straightening her shirt. "So everyone is coming then?" she asked him.

"I asked Fenris and Varric to gather everyone, before I came," he told her as he rounded the bed to join her. "But not to come until last meal."

"All right then," she said, giving him a nod. "I'd better go start foraging for food and chairs for everyone."

He tugged on her hand, keeping her from leaving. She looked back at him in question. "I gave them money for food earlier," he told her. "And you know Merrill likes to sit on the floor."

She gave a laugh, but conceded the point to him.

"I may not have time to appreciate you as I want to, but I could hardly let you go without a kiss," he said as he pulled her towards him. He stopped before pulling her into his arms, letting her have the option.

And was pleased as she stepped into his embrace, and tilted her face towards his.

He bent down, surprising her as he lightly kissed from one corner of her mouth to the other before trapping her bottom lip in between his and sucking on it slightly. He heard her give a sigh, and her lips parted. He took the invitation, using his tongue to explore.

He kept it slow, since he was unable to keep the kiss from heating, but he didn't want to make the rest of the night torturous for either of them- just a promise of things to come. Knowing he was reaching his own limit, he gave himself another few moments before breaking the kiss.

"Mm," she hummed as he released her, her eyes opening almost sleepily. "I already knew that I've missed you," she told him. "You needn't have proved it."

He chuckled. "It was purely selfish, I assure you."

"Well, feel free to be selfish all you want," she replied, giving him a smirk.

"And as much as I'd love to," he said honestly, "I feel you'll already be upset that I didn't tell you everything sooner." He held out a hand for hers, which she placed in his without hesitation. "Come, we'll continue this later, even if I have to use lightning bolts to get them all to leave."

She giggled as she let him pull her from the room, so glad that the bone deep weariness was gone from his eyes.

It surprised her that Hawke managed to gather his entire crew, especially since he hadn't been the one actually gathering them. But they all sat there in her main room, from Aveline and Sebastian, to Isabela and Charade.

The fireplace was lit, though it was more for atmosphere and light then for warmth. Hawke led her down the stairs, and to the bench that had been left for the pair of them. Cat smiled that they had left a seat where they could sit close to each other instead of the larger, more comfortable chairs that would keep them separated.

In the middle of it all was a small table that had been pulled into the room and filled with snack type foods- fruits and vegetables, breads and cheeses and meat torn unto small chunks. It was as good as a feast to her eyes, and by the way everyone was helping themselves, they agreed as well.

"Thank you everyone, for coming," Hawke said as they took their seats. "I know it was last minute, but the gossip is sure to have already reached your ears," he glanced at Cat with a smirk. "Unless you were sleeping of course."

Cat saw the looks of concern the others had, and she realized that this was more than just a recap of their separate adventures. Something had happened here… something that seemed serious.

"Well, I think we all know how hard it is to go against Hawke, once he's made up his mind," she teased, wanting to ease the tension in the room slightly. "And if you had seen him earlier, you'd agree he really needed that nap."

Fenris smirked at her, and gave her a grateful nod, as did Varric.

"I guess the only thing left to decide is whether to start with our separate adventures, or what happened yesterday," Varric spoke up. "Keep it lighter, or straight to the worst of it all?"

"After that, you just have us curious," Anders drawled. "I personally would like to know what happened recently, since I seem to be one of those that wasn't a part of it."

"That may be best," Hawke agreed, though he took a deep breath, and let it out on a sigh. "You all remember that the Grand Cleric wrote to the Divine about the mage and templar problems here in Kirkwall?" he asked.

He looked around the room, noting that Charade nodded along with the others. "Good to see Isabela is keeping you informed," he told her.

"She's just nosy, that's all," Isabela replied, and Charade gave her a playful slap.

Cat enjoyed their banter, but could tell that they hadn't quite made up, as they sat a few feet apart from each other. Not to mention the guarded look in Issy's eyes, she thought.

"One of the Divine's agents came to visit, to see what she could discover," Hawke announced. "And most of us know her," he said, looking to Cat.

"Leliana," she agreed. "I know a few of you haven't met her, but she knew Divine Justinia when she was a revered mother, and has her trust. If she was sent, then the Divine is honestly trying to determine the truth of the situation, not just taking the templar's or chantry's side blindly."

"Well…" Anders deflated before he could argue. "You took the wind from my argument," he told her with a slight smile. "Mages aren't used to getting a fair trial after all."

"Yes well, there's a first time for everything," she teased him, and turned back to look up at Hawke. "She came and saw me the day before, and left a message saying goodbye," she told them. "But nothing else. Did something happen?"

Hawke rubbed his face. "That's my fault," he told her. "I asked her to let me tell you," he looked out to the others. "All of you."

He grimaced again, but continued. "She asked me to accompany her to see the Knight Commander," he related. "Knowing that it would…"

"Irk her?" Aveline suggested.

"Yes, that," Hawke agreed. "She said something about not wanting to give her a chance to put on a show. I thought it a clever play, though I wasn't happy about being the stick she would use to poke the templars."

"So, what happened?" Varric asked. "I've heard all sorts of things, and most so outlandish I couldn't possibly believe them."

"She didn't try to make you tranquil did she?" Cat demanded as she grabbed his arm, the thought extremely painful.

"No, no, nothing like that," he said, calming her.

"Perhaps it would be better to simply let him tell us, rather than guessing," Fenris commented.

"I must admit to knowing already, since the templars came to see the Grand Cleric," Sebastian spoke up. "Let me just say, you will not be able to guess, so let Hawke tell it. You may still not believe it though."

Curious looks turned back to Hawke, who ruffled his hair with his hand. "Right," he said on a sigh.

"So, Leliana and I went to the Gallows. And when we got there, she introduced herself, and asked that we see the Knight Commander. Her lieutenant went to fetch her, and came back without her. I could tell that Leliana was unhappy, as she had a cold glare on her face."

"Ooh, that's her scary face," Cat commented, able to picture it all.

"He asked that we go with him, and turned to walk away. Leliana waited until we were away from the crowd, and asked him what was going on. And he told us that the Knight Commander was dead."

Cat's and Anders' eyes went wide, though she looked horrified, and he looked elated. The rest of them were giving him narrowed looks, as if there were something suspicious… the same thing he had thought when it had happened.

"We went with him, and it was true," he told them, shaking his head. "It looked as if she passed in her sleep, however Leliana was not convinced. We spent most of the day there, looking for evidence as to what happened."

"And?" Aveline asked, having already heard the news, but not the result of the Divine's agent's inquiry.

"There were many conflicting things," he told them, shrugging. "Lyrium in large quantities hidden away, yet it didn't seem that she had even taken more than her normal dose. There were no marks on the body, and no blood anywhere. Leliana seemed convinced that she wasn't poisoned, at least by normal means."

"What does that mean?" Isabela asked. "Is she thinking assassins?"

"Perhaps," he said, but shrugged again. "If she came to any conclusion, she did not share it with me." He turned to Varric, looking as if he dreaded to continue.

"What?" Varric asked, frowning. "What's that look for, Hawke?"

"She had red lyrium," Hawke admitted, and Varric wasn't the only one to gasp.

"That nasty stuff that made Bartrand go crazy?" Varric demanded. "Are you serious?!"

"Her sword was made out of it," he said, wincing at the memory. "The lieutenant saw that I recognized it, and I told them about finding the idol."

"Oh," Varric hung his head. "That's… well, shit."

"Exactly," Hawke agreed. "It sounded as if Leliana is going to contact Duran, try to get more information on it. It was obvious that it was affecting the lieutenant, and he was only close for a few moments- at least that we know of."

There was silence then, as everyone was processing all this information. Cat could sense several eyes on her, but it wasn't like she was going to confess to knowing about the red lyrium, but she could at least let them know that the death was not part of the story.

"This is so… shocking," she spoke up, and the others turned to her. "I mean, I know she has, uh, had- enemies… and would probably count myself among them. But I never imagined she would be assassinated."

She could see that Fenris, Anders and Isabela understood what she was saying.

"What happened to the sword?" Varric asked.

"Leliana destroyed it," Hawke answered.

"Good," Varric replied, and the silence reigned again.

"So… what happens now?" Charade asked. "I'm not sure how templars, uh, succeed each other?"

Hawke sighed again. "Leliana said that there were officers for this very reason. The Knight Captain should become the next Knight Commander," he glanced down at Cat. "But he refused."

"Cullen did?" she looked up as she asked. "Did he say why?" she frowned.

"Apparently he said he was not worthy of the position," he recounted. "Especially after the lieutenant uncovered why the Commander had so much lyrium stashed."

"Why?" she asked, the others content to simply listen.

"According to the tranquil we questioned, the Commander was increasing doses of her officers' lyrium in order to keep them from questioning her orders," he explained. His face contorted in anger, and she gave him a questioning look.

"The lieutenant admitted to knowing about the Captain, but he said he thought she was helping him cope after the death of a close friend." He gave a sneer as he thought about it again.

"Me," she said, and he looked at her in shock.

"You knew?" he asked, surprised.

She explained what Charade had heard, and what they had done to look into it, and finally determining to wait until they returned in order to gain assistance. He looked thoughtful as he listened, and the other men scowled as she talked of someone trying to have her killed.

"It makes more sense now," he mused. "I felt bad at the time, but I just didn't understand why the Captain was so angry with me," he told her. "He kept saying I should never have left you, and then got more upset when I asked what he was talking about."

He winced as he looked at her. "I feel bad now that I laughed at him when he told me of your death."

"Oh, poor Cullen," Cat murmured, though she was glad that he had been told. "Perhaps without Meredith I'll be able to see him at some point."

"I'm sure," Hawke agreed, then turned back to the room. "So, because of all of this, and that Cullen vouched for him, the lieutenant was made Knight Commander. Leliana took him to the Chantry so that he could be blessed by the Grand Cleric.

"Who is this lieutenant anyway?" Cat asked, frowning. "Do I know him?" she asked.

"Baxter," Hawke replied. "And if you don't, I am fairly certain he knows you."

"What's that mean?" Anders asked harshly.

"Well, he's not nearly as bad as Meredith was," Hawke snorted. "But he thanked me politely, and told me that if he needed me, he would send for me."

"Oh really?" Aveline asked hotly. "After everything you've done for this city?!"

"That's what he said," Hawke repeated. "He let me know in so many words that I can help the city if the Guard Captain allows, but the templars have no need of me."

"What an idiot, I don't like him already," Cat fumed.

Hawke smiled, moving in slowly to give her cheek a kiss, so as not to startle her. "You're a little biased, love."

"Regardless, you've done more for the citizens here than the templars have, and he treats you that way?!" she griped.

"I like it when you get all riled up," Isabela commented, feeling better about the whole situation. "Maybe now we can get back to some honest work, instead of helping people all the time."

Aveline, Sebastian and Hawke all gave her less than amused looks, but she merely laughed. "Come on, some of us need to get paid to live, you know, Hawke?"

"I can't fault you there," he replied. "So, why don't you tell us what else you all were up to while we were gone?" he asked her.

"Well!" Isabela sat up straighter and started telling Hawke about all the training Cat had been working on, before getting into the story of fighting the demon up on the mountain.

The crew stayed for another hour or so, swapping stories, though both sides held back more of the fatal portions in order to keep Hawke and Cat from getting angry or worried.

A/N: LOL, were you surprised?!