Month 3 — Drakonis. Kirkwall Hightown Markets.


Carver clasped his brother's shoulder. "I can scarcely believe it! Our luck is looking up, we'll be rich! Mother and Bet will want to know." Carver rejoiced after getting the news of their partnership permission for the upcoming excursion.

They all had a laugh. Hawke agreed with a broad smile on his face. It seemed the Maker was looking out for them. From the meeting of the departed brother of Lord Okhor, to even meeting his younger sister who saved the world from the Blight, things have looked brighter. The four chatted as they headed back to the Swiftleaf stall in the markets.

Okhor was busy at work packing and unpacking metals.

The twins trotted ahead to give the tall young brother the news.

Okhor smiled. "It all worked out! When do you leave?" He seemed just as excited as they were moments ago.

"We still need supplies. He will send word." Lineatus nodded.

Okhor nodded in return, then continued to rummage through his materials. The twins immediately busied themselves, each a quill in hand jotted down things for the pending trip. "Oh, we should tell Cullen." Tenkou said.

Okhor looked up. "Have Roary go in your place. Remember?"

"Right. Sister?"

"Of course. Then we'll have dinner when I return." Ruroni smiled.

"May I join you? I need to head that way." Carver offered. The two waved the others off as they headed to The Gallows.

"I would have had to talk to that cordh Bartrand if needed." Okhor pulled a large chest from under a table.

"Allow me to help. What did you call him?" Lineatus came around.

Okhor's brows raised. Then he laughed. "What is it in your tongue? Milk that has soured cordh." He repeated with a smile.

Tenkou chuckled. "I am going to shop. See you both later."

"I still have to make a few more deliveries." He grabbed the handle and helped heft the chest on the table.

Lifting the latch, Okhor waved him off. "One delivery, and to the Viscount's, then you are free for the night."

Handing Lineatus the parcel, he also placed a small coin purse in his hand.

"My Lord?" Hawke's brows drew in confusion.

Okhor shook his head. "A small thanks again. See you tonight, bring your family." Shooing him away with a smile.


Viscount's Way.


Alone and continuously busy with work. Having lost her husband some years back, Aveline had no one to truly confide in when she needed.

Hawke and his family were busy. Her work kept her no time to visit. So, it relegated her to being worried about them. Her only friends in the massive seaside city.

With another sigh, she let her fellow guard know she will return in a moment.

Rumors of missing people during their patrols, items lost during deliveries to point checks and outposts and nothing was being looked into by her Captain. Something needed to be done, and she decided she would do it herself. But how?

Aveline Vallen was pacing the front steps of the Viscount's Keep. Frustrated and beyond irritated, she felt anxious beyond belief.

Felt she could do more, much more than what her Captain was having her do. She was glad for the opportunity to work as the city guard.

Aveline just felt stagnant.

From her home, uprooted and transplanted by circumstance to the Free Marches she did her utmost to protect her new home.

Even if that meant boring detail work. With a sigh, she placed the length of the wide steps once again.

Lineatus breezed through the evening crowd to the Keep. The impressive building was just as magnificent as the rest of Hightown. The heavy satchel slung over his shoulder, he made his way up the grand staircase. His thoughts are light. He and his family will be well on their way now. Soon, but not soon enough. His whole body felt light. Skipping steps, he couldn't help but smile to himself. Greeting guards and others as he entered the white cute stone building.

"I have a delivery for Viscount Dumant."

Granted entry, he hummed. Once more, speaking with the Valet of the Viscount handed the satchel off. With a nod, Lineatus was trotting down the stairs. A brief look around the impressive Keep spotted a familiar red haired woman.

"Aveline?" Hawke greeted. She didn't seem to hear him. "Aveline?" He called a little louder.

Her armor rattled when she jumped at the sudden intrusion, shaking her thoughts. "Ah! Hawke, you startled me. My apologies, lost in thought." She chuckled.

"I see. It has been a while. I just so happen to see you here."

Aveline shook her head with a friendly smile. "It has. What brings you here?"

"Finishing a delivery."

"Right." She nodded. "So glad you no longer work with Meeran. Heard you sought Bartrand - He's a son of a bitch." Aveline warned. She knew Hawke was once working with unsavory people before he and his sibling began working for the Swiftleafs.

Lineatus gaped. "Aveline, really? You have people watching me? You know I don't like that." He sounded exasperated.

"It saves me from camping on your doorstep. After what we've been through. You're my friend, get used to it." she folded her arms over her chest looking away mock irritated.

Lineatus snorted a chuckle in defeat. "Fine."

"So? Why Bartrand?" The guard clasped him on the shoulder.

"I also came to invite you to dinner." Hawke went to give the roundabout route of coming to know Bartrand.

The outcome surprised Aveline. "That's wonderful news. I… Good evening." Few guards passing greeted them, and continued with word of another from the guard missing. Now it wasn't just rumors. "Listen, Hawke?"

Lineatus hummed in response, curious by the sudden seriousness in her tone.

Aveline gestured for them to move a few feet from earshot. "I have a favor to ask."

"Certainly. What do you need?" Lineatus whispered with concern.


The sky was cloudy. Grey thick blanket of clouds carried the warm salty sea air. Aveline stood waiting at the gates that lead out of the city, seeing the identical nobles, with Hawke and Carver. Aveline's eyes widened, her head bowed.

The twins assured her that was unnecessary and there should be no formalities between them. "Please, we are friends. We broke bread be at ease." The older twin settled the Warrior's mind.

Having dinner was one thing, risking their lives is another.

As Aveline was in a bind, she nodded, stating what their purpose was for leaving the city.

It was also what the twin wood elves needed in search of their sister.

"We have to search for our sister. We hadn't left the safety of the city. We really just arrived. Our trail led us here, assuming she was in the city."

Aveline understood what they needed to do. If she can help, she will. "There is a path that comes up and along the mountains." She went on to explain that there are many small villages and any of them could hold their missing sister. "I want to ease my suspicions, meaning the route should be clear for travelers." Aveline finished. She will guide them while looking for clues about the missing guardsmen.

"We understand. We have had to patrol for Orcs and bandits in our homeland. Fear nothing for our safety. We will protect you." Ruroni offered. An expensive lute in the young women's hands softly strummed a melody that invigorated the group.

Carver, Lineatus, Aveline and the twins left the city to go on parole along the Sundermount path.