Moving gracefully up the steps to the Chantry, Sophia Amell slipped inside the building grateful for the quiet calm that greeted her. It seemed the only place in the city these days that was calm. Refugees had begun arriving from Ferelden, families forced to flee their homes too terrified to stay. The nobles of Kirkwall were already clamouring for the refugees to be moved on; she had just left a meeting with the Viscount and many of the nobility, feeling as though she was the only one giving a voice to those who had none, urging compassion and calm. She knew it was only her money and mercenary company that made them pause in their arguments and listen. They grumbled but would be tolerant today at least, tomorrow however was another day and the fragile compromise was unlikely to hold long. She knelt in front of Andraste's statue offering prayers for Ferelden, for those who had fled, for those who stayed and those who had already been lost to the Darkspawn. She glanced to her left at the sound of footsteps and smiled as the Brother knelt beside her.

"You are well I hope my Lady." He noted a soft flush at her cheeks and smiled warmly.

"Well enough Brother Sebastian, it is the refugees and those of Ferelden who have my concern and sympathy."

"Indeed my own prayers linger on Ferelden."

Sophia sighed softly. "We should be helping the refugees, treating them with compassion not with intolerance."

"People are afraid and while Kirkwall is a large city it cannot hold many more citizens than it already does and how can we feed them? There is little enough work."

Sophia glanced up her eyes glinting in the candle light. "You've just given me an idea." A terrible idea, but a workable one.

xXx

Glancing up from the pile of papers his brother had dumped on him the day before to sign, Varric smiled at the polite knock and the smiling face of his visitor. Finally finished he shoved them to one side. "How's your day going Pixie?"

"Not bad." Sophia settled on the seat near to him and neatly crossed her legs.

Varric hesitated knowing that look on her face. "Something's up."

"The influx of refugees is what is up."

"You disapprove?"

"No of course not; what worries me is the plans to stop access."

"I don't suppose Kirkwall can cope with them all."

"Perhaps not but it just seems cruel. These people are fleeing a Blight Varric; a Blight! We should be helping Ferelden not closing our doors and hoping it goes away."

"So what's your cunning plan?"

Worrying at her lip she fidgeted uncomfortably. "I took the deal on the Bone Pit."

Varric's eyes widened. "Why? No-one will work there!"

"Desperate refugees will and I will make sure all safety precautions are taken and there is more than enough space there for living quarters to be set up and I thought maybe you can ensure traders go out there."

Varric leaned back in his chair. "Let me get this right, you went in on the deal with that smarmy git who and I quote 'I wouldn't touch one of his deals if it was covered in gold' so you can give work to refugees."

"Well I have to do something!"

"You're an unusual noble Pixie; I suppose that's why I like you."

Grinning broadly Sophie leaned closer. "So, I was hoping you would join me and see what the damage is."

"You haven't even seen it! Have I taught you nothing about business?"

"It's a long term investment Varric! Besides I have enough coin to …"

"Don't say that out loud, do you have any idea how many swindlers I keep away from you as it is?"

Chuckling softly Sophia rose and leaned over pressing a kiss to Varric's cheek. "Always protecting me."

Grabbing Bianca, Varric grinned. "Let's go before my brother arrives, I can do without another one of his rants."

"I was thinking of putting Gamlen in charge as foreman." She sighed at Varric's dark look. "He just needs a chance."

"You've given that man more chances than he deserves. I still can't believe you bailed out his last debts."

"I wasn't going to let the old Amell estate go to slavers!"

"It will happen again."

"It won't; I'm moving in."

Varric raised an eyebrow. "So what's happening with your home?"

"I thought I could rent it out to refugees, it's a good size; far too big for me on my own."

Varric caught her wistful look, but remained silent. He remembered her return to Kirkwall three years ago just after her eighteenth name day. The downfall of the Amells had been quite the talk of the city years ago. When her mother Revka disappeared, Sophia's father had taken his three remaining children and fled, his oldest two sons already having been taken by the Templars. Varric remembered the night only a year ago when after one drink too many Sophia sat in his rooms sobbing the loss of her brothers. She had never known her oldest brother he was taken before she was born, but she had grown up with her other siblings. One by one they had been taken as their magic manifested and they were betrayed to the Templars. She recounted the night the Templars came for her twin Dylan, she had been eight. They had been living in Tantervale keeping out of sight, but they were betrayed. Dylan was dragged out of their small house by Templars in the dead of night. She bore the scar at her left temple where the hilt of a sword had smashed against her face as she had clung to her brother. When she had regained consciousness the Templars and Dylan were gone. Grief stricken her father had never been the same again and died six months later. She was taken in by an elderly couple on a farm near them who had no children. Sophia proved herself hard working and blessed with a silver tongue and the farm prospered in a way it never had; they invested money in a quarry nearby which also prospered. On their deaths a year before her return to Kirkwall she inherited their farm and their share of the quarry. She was offered a considerable amount for both and feeling a pull to return to Kirkwall she accepted the substantial offer. She purchased her old home which was empty and soon had her hand in several businesses. A year after her return to Kirkwall, through a case of mistaken identity and a fight where she was the victor, she owned a mercenary company The Golden Dragons. Even Knight Commander Meredith had fallen under the spell of her abundant charm. He knew Sophia had wanted to get close to Meredith to first of all prove she was not a mage and hopefully be left in peace and secondly in the hopes she could find out where her brothers were. He knew that she longed to be reunited with them.

"So … what do you think?"

"I think the nobles will be up in arms."

"Maybe it will inspire their generosity."

"And nugs might fly." He grinned at her soft chuckle. "So how is Gamlen taking it?"

"He didn't say no, besides he's family. I have to try. Maybe a position as foreman will renew his sense of responsibility."

"I wouldn't get my hopes up if I were you, he never had one before."

Sophia sighed, smiling as Varric gently nudged her. "Come on, let's seen what I've let myself in for."

xXx

Trying not to let her dismay show, Sophia stared at the forbidding place she had hoped would become a thriving workplace. The Maharian Quarry had been called the Bone Pit after the horrific abuses of the slaves forced to work there when it was controlled by the Tevinter Imperium and the name had stuck. Only the truly desperate ever considered working here, but that was why she had gone into business with a man she had no respect for, to help the desperate. She glanced to Varric who was giving the place a once over with his perceptive gaze not sure yet what he thought; his poker face was too damn good for her to be able to decipher him at times. Despite her experience with a quarry it had been nothing like this. The place was massive, a maze of caverns and mines beneath the surface.

"Well Hubert must have thought it the best day of his life you going into business with him in this." Varric muttered.

"It's not that bad." With a sigh at his sceptical look she threw up her hands and sank onto a rock. "Fine so it's that bad."

"Hey take it easy Pixie, with hard work and I mean a lot of hard work you'll get this place up and running and I have a few contacts that owe me favours, we can get built whatever you need and I can get some traders out here." He glanced around shaking his head. "A lot of favours."

"Thanks Varric."

Grinning Varric shrugged. "I'd do anything for you Pixie, you know that."

xXx

Garrett shifted, uncomfortable in where he was sitting in the hold of the ship. Anders was curled next to him in a fitful sleep. Carver was sitting with his back against a crate, Bethany's head in his lap as she dozed, Kolby curled against them both. His gaze returned to his sister, her face pale, visibly thinner than she had been two weeks ago, her smile was rarely seen, grief and worry keeping it at bay. The voyage to Kirkwall had been rough on them all; cramped spaces, only a few brief moments each day when in groups they were allowed on deck. Bethany and Aveline were the exception, morning sickness and seasickness drove his sister up on deck several times a day and with Aveline at her side he realised any complaints had fallen silent. The two women had found a shared comradery in their grief and Aveline had taken on a protective role when she had realised Bethany was pregnant. The woman was a tank and even the surly Captain was polite to the red haired warrior.

Aveline had been at Ostagar, part of a Company who had arrived the night before battle. They had received no training in battling Darkspawn and when it became obvious reinforcements were not going to be deployed she had told those under her command to retreat and return home. When Garrett had asked why they hadn't gone to higher ground and to the ruins Aveline had simply said she had wanted them to survive. He generally kept his distance from her remembering all too vividly the mercy killing of her husband who had fallen to the blight sickness. Ser Wesley had muttered bitterly that the Templars had not been given the preventative and there had not been any left by the time Aveline had joined the rest of the army. Garrett had done it to save her the pain, but he saw the grief and resentment in her eyes.

Turning as he felt Anders shift against him, Garrett gently ran his hand down his loves arm wishing he could ease his pain. Anders was grief stricken, a part of him refusing to believe his brother was really dead and Garrett almost wished he could believe that too. He had never been more grateful for William's generosity then when they had to pay the fee to board the ship. They had still had nine of the gold coins he had given them, seven given up for passage on the ship, Aveline included, surprisingly they had been able to get Kolby passage for free the Captan having a soft spot for mabari. Aveline had promised to pay them back as soon as she was able; he understood not wanting to be beholden to anyone. A gold coin each had been a horrendous price to pay, but several of the noble families of Gwaren had decided to leave not wanting to wait until the Darkspawn overran them and they could afford the inflated prices. He caught a glimpse of the amulet around Anders neck, their promise to Flemeth for helping them to reach Gwaren. He shuddered, the warnings of the fate of his unborn niece or nephew if they did not leave Ferelden had been dire and despite Bethany's desire to stay for Alistair, her concern had to be for her child. Yet with three mages in their group in a city known for its increasing intolerance of mages, Garrett realised they could be heading for more trouble than they were leaving behind.

He felt a cold shiver as he thought of their destination; while he was being strong for Anders sake even he was terrified about what they would be walking into. Going to Kirkwall seemed a terrible idea; he didn't think it wise to go to a city with a Circle, less so the Circle his father had escaped from, but his mother was adamant and he had realised she was simply tired of running and wanted to go home. Home, he sighed deeply, he missed their home in the Wilds, hated the idea of yet again having to forge a new life for them. He glanced to his mother who while sitting next to his father could have been in a different country to him, the distance growing between them seemed so vast. They hadn't looked at each other for days, hadn't spoken to each other in longer. He glanced to his father, over the weeks of their journey he had fallen almost silent, anxiety about returning to Kirkwall leaving him tight lipped and irritable. Leandra was convinced he looked different enough to go undetected, but Malcolm was not convinced. Garrett realised he was watching his parents break apart and he had no idea how to stop it from happening. Carver hadn't spoken much either, but he knew his brother was deep in thought, determined to help Alistair leave the Warden's; he could only imagine the wild schemes that would be taking form in his mind. He knew too his brother was worried for Peaches and her family. They had warned them of course, but they couldn't wait around to find out if they had left and he knew his brother felt guilty for leaving her.

Shifting again he glanced behind him hearing several of the nobility complaining. They had expected cabins for their coin and were sorely disappointed. Now they were as dirty and sweat stained as everyone else, only the fine cut and material of their clothing giving any indication of their social standing. Being in such close quarters with so many had tempers fraying. He had, had to pull his brother away from a noble's son several times. The young man, Matthew he had discovered his name was, was a pompous ass who thought himself better than anyone else, but he knew he could cause trouble for them in Kirkwall and they couldn't afford that. He heard shouting above followed by a flurry of activity and finally the ship ceased its forward movement. A few moments later the hold was opened and the first mate peered in.

"Right you lot, time to disembark, we've reached Kirkwall."

Garrett didn't bother to move, watching the nobility shove their way to the front ignoring the protests of the other refugees. He gently woke Anders and then moved to Bethany helping her to her feet. He nodded to Carver whose arm slipped around her waist, she was almost too weak to stand unaided and it made him afraid for her and the baby. He noted Aveline moving to her side and was grateful for it. Their group was the last to leave the ship, Malcolm ashen faced and clutching his cloak tightly around him, Anders keeping his head down trying to make himself invisible. Striding ahead of the small party Garrett paled finding chaos awaiting them, Kirkwall was closed off to refugees and only their family connection had any chance of gaining them entry.

xXx

Hunkering down beside a large column Anders tried to be invisible. The ship had brought them to the bloody Gallows as refugees were being refused immediate entry into the city. The fortress had been built in the harbour a short way from the docks, its isolation meant they couldn't leave unless by ship and no ships from outside of Kirkwall were going directly to the city's docks. He glanced to Malcolm who hadn't spoken a word since they had left the ship; his face was ashen and he looked haunted. He was glad Carver was staying at his father's side, he was aware Leandra and Malcolm were having difficulties, fear breeding resentment and agitation that neither seemed able to dispel. Malcolm knew this Circle well and his reaction made Anders dread the potential future that seemed poised to snatch him up. He flinched as Garrett sat next to him immediately regretting his reaction, but Garrett as always understood and he relaxed as a warm hand gently squeezed his own.

Sitting with her back to the wall Bethany took several deep breaths trying to hold back the nausea. At least the sun was out even though it was cold; sitting in the rain would have made their situation even more miserable. Leandra had spoken to a Templar several hours ago, pleaded with him in fact to get a message to Gamlen. The Templar did not seem at all impressed by their link to Gamlen and she began to wonder what kind of man her uncle was. They glanced to the gates as a young woman spoke to the Templars and one pointed in their direction before allowing her to move through.

Sophia approached the small group worrying at her lip, they didn't know her and she didn't know them, but they were family and she would be damned if they were going to be denied entrance to the city. "Leandra Amell?"

Leandra rose and nodded, the group having decided initially it would be better to use a name that might have influence. "I am."

Sophia gave her a nervous smile. "I'm Sophia Amell, Revka's daughter. I'm sorry it took me so long to get here, I was at the Quarry and Gamlan was remiss in telling me you were here. Still never mind about that now, please come with me."

Aveline cleared her throat nervously. "What about me? I … I am not related to them."

Sophia glanced at her. "If you are with them, you are with me." She returned Aveline's grateful smile and glanced down at Kolby's soft whine. "Of course you're coming too." She gave a soft laugh at his happy bark. "Come on, baths, food and rest would seem to be in order." Sophia led the way through the gates to the ferry she had hired, her heart thumping as she passed the Templars. While no one had said a word, she knew the older man was Malcolm, she could feel the magic within him, as well as in the young dark haired woman she suspected was their daughter and the blond man. She had never told anyone she could feel magic in another, while all her brothers were mages this appeared to be her gift and she had never wanted the Templars to find out about it, but three mages in the City of Chains was going to make life very interesting. She was grateful she had cultivated a positive relationship with the Knight Commander, in the weeks and months to come she had a feeling she was going to need it.

xXx

Leandra stared at the home she had grown up in. "It seems a little … bare." She stated.

"Not up to your high standards sister?" Gamlen snapped as he moved down the stairs. "Damn you got old!"

"Brother, as pleasant as always."

"What did you expect when you finally came back, a fanfare? You left the responsibility of the family on me when you took off with this mage of yours. Now you come back with a whole brood in toe. I hope you are not expecting me to feed you all." He folded his arms glaring at them. "You can't stay here, you'll only bring trouble."

Sophia cleared her throat. "If you hadn't gambled away your fortune you might have a say in it Gamlen, but this house is mine and I say who stays here and they are family so they stay."

Gamlen glared at her. "You think just because you gave me that Maker forsaken job …"

"Gamlen watch your tongue!" Sophia snapped. "Without me this house would belong to slavers and you would be in Lowtown in a hovel with barely enough coin to visit The Blooming Rose and the gambling dens I know you are still visiting!" She sighed as his cheeks reddened. "They are family Gamlen and if you can't be civil stay out of their way, but they are staying."

Gamlen gave a muttered oath and stormed out.

"He gambled away the fortune?" Leandra asked feeling sick to her stomach.

"I'm afraid so. He gambled away everything, coin, the heirlooms and most of the furnishings and the house itself. I managed to get the house back as you can see, the slavers had a hard time standing up to my mercenary company and I did manage to save some things, mostly more personal items and a few items of furniture. The personal items are in storage in the cellars and you of course are free to look through them. The house is sparsely furnished, all the spare coin I had was used in getting the house back and the quarry, but we will make do. I'm hoping to be involved in an expedition soon that will make me a lot of coin and I can get this place sorted."

"Just a floor that doesn't sway would be good." Bethany murmured.

Sophia chuckled. "I can get pallets at least until we can get coin for beds. It might be a little rough living for a while, but we will get there."

Carver glanced around. "Trust me; this is in no way rough living."

xXx

A little over an hour later everyone settled at the large table Leandra had sat at when she had called this home, one of the items Sophia had apparently saved. She could barely believe her brothers stupidity and was almost relieved he hadn't shown up for evening meal. She noted Sophia had managed to acquire a mismatch of chairs for them, Maker knew where they had come from. She inhaled deeply of the stew Sophia was currently ladling into bowls; they had at least been able to contribute crockery and cutlery from the meagre belongings they had managed to bring with them.

Sophia winced as Leandra glanced around the room no doubt remembering its finer glory days. "I will restore it." She stated biting nervously at her lip.

Leandra glanced at her startled. "That you managed to retrieve it from slavers was more than enough Sophia. I never imagined Gamlen would have been so foolish."

"He is bitter and expects the world to provide for him." Sophia stated with a sigh. "He is a difficult man, nothing is ever good enough for him."

"And yet you protect him. Keep a roof over his head, give him work."

"He's family." She stated with a shrug. "But enough of Gamlen, I'm sure you will cross paths with him enough in the weeks to come. Tell me how you came to be here." She listened intently as Garrett and Carver took turns to explain the events at Ostagar. She shuddered at the images of the force they had faced and all Ferelden had so far lost; listening curiously of Flemeth, her warning and her help.

Leandra sighed softly. "I suppose that I expected Gamlen to be Lord of this house, that he would help us, that he would protect us, now I find he can barely help himself let alone us."

"True, but I can help and I will. This is your home and we will make it so again, but first you will need a source of coin."

"You're really going to help us?" Bethany asked softly, grateful that for once food was not making her nauseous.

"Of course; this house is far too big for just Gamlen and myself. When I returned to Kirkwall I bought back my own family home, but I am renting that to refugees which is why I am here." She glanced to Leandra. "So once this crisis is over and they can move on this house really will be yours again."

Leandra shook her head. "That is too much Sophia you …"

"I've missed having family." Sophia stated softly. "I know we don't know each other yet, but I have a good feeling about us."

Garrett returned her smile. "So … any ideas on how we can make some coin?"

"Some, it depends on what you are willing to do and your skills. As I mentioned I have a mercenary company the Golden Dragons and I could always use more good people. You, Carver and Aveline certainly sound handy with a blade and would be welcome, I assure you my Company is not cutthroat and violent as others. They are disciplined and good men and women. I also have a quarry and if any of you have healing skills they would be extremely valuable, as you can imagine mining is dangerous work."

"I was the healer at Merinwood." Anders stated picking at his stew.

"I have some knowledge." Bethany stated. "Anders has shown me a few things and has promised to continue to teach me." She glanced down to Kolby who rested his head on her knee letting her know where ever she went he would be with her.

"And I have some knowledge of healing." Malcolm stated. "I would imagine the miners will work in shifts, I was thinking it might be sensible to have someone out there at all times."

Leandra frowned. "Are you suggesting you live at the mine?"

Malcolm met her gaze looking surprised she had spoken to him. "Yes I suppose I am. I have no intention of spending my time looking over my shoulder." He turned to Sophia. "I'm assuming you know enough to know what I am."

Sophia nodded. "A mage, as all my brothers are."

"It is dangerous for me to be here and I have no intention of causing trouble for you."

"I am having a healers hut built it will be simple enough to add living quarters, but I do have some influence in the city, I'm sure I can …"

Malcolm shook his head. "You have my thanks for all you are offering to do for us Sophia, but even if you had the ear of the Divine herself you could not save me from the Templars if they come knocking and I would not just be taken back to the Circle, I have been an apostate for too long. It would be my death."

"They won't get near you." Garrett growled.

"Garrett we need to be realistic."

"I'm coming with you." Bethany stated firmly.

"Bethany don't be foolish!" Leandra muttered. "I won't allow it in your condition."

"I'm in just as much danger and there is no way I am letting my child be born in the Circle!" She glanced to Sophia. "You know I'm a mage don't you?"

Sophia shifted slightly. "Yes. Anders too." She met his startled gaze and winced. "I won't betray you."

"How could you possibly know I'm a mage?" Anders snapped.

"I can feel it. All of my brothers were mages; I suppose this was my gift. I've never told anyone, not even Varric because I didn't want the Templars to find out." She shuddered at the thought of being harassed to join the Order. "I'm asking you to keep my secret as I will keep yours."

Anders worried at his lip before he turned back to the stew. "It's a deal."

Sophia glanced to the rest of the Hawke's and Aveline who nodded their agreement. "Alright then."

The rest of the meal was taken up with discussing their options and what kind of life they could carve out for themselves in a city deadly to mages.

xXx

Sinking onto the edge of her bed Sophia let out an exhausted sigh, she had picked up on the tensions between Malcolm and Leandra and despite Leandra's protests Malcolm was adamant he was going to stay at the mine once the accommodation was ready. Bethany had been persuaded to stay at the estate, though she and Anders would join Malcolm at the mine on a rota. Garrett and Carver had expressed an interest in her Mercenary Company, but had suggested providing security at the mine at least until they were settled, which she felt was a more than sensible suggestion and she suspected they wanted to watch over their father in particular. Aveline seemed unsure so she had suggested speaking to the Guard Captain who was always looking for recruits, that suggestion seemed to leave her more settled. Leandra had fallen silent after Malcolm's decision to live out with the city and she wondered what that would mean for the family who had risked so much to get here. Sighing she slipped off her boots, wiggling her toes. Changing into a nightdress and tying back her hair she snuggled beneath the blankets praying for a restful sleep.

xXx

Leandra lay stiffly on the bed listening to her husband's even breathing. They had come full circle, it was in this city she had fallen in love with him and by coming back she finally allowed herself to acknowledge that this was the one thing their love could not withstand. She bit back the tears replaying their whispered argument as they had come to bed. He had snarled at her that after all their years together she still didn't understand how dangerous it was to be a mage, an apostate. She had shrunk back as he had hissed that she had condemned him, one wrong move and the Templars would destroy him. She had whimpered that they would keep him safe, but he had looked at her as though she was a fool. She knew him well enough to know he was more angry at himself, that he had come here, but worse he had allowed Bethany to be brought here and that was something he would forgive neither of them for. Swallowing painfully, sure he was asleep Leandra eased across the pallet pressing gently against the warmth of her husband's back, wondering how many more nights she would have with the man who held her heart before he walked away from her.

Malcolm continued to keep his breath steady, even as Leandra's body pressed lightly against his, a trick he had learned in the Circle. He remembered his journey from Ferelden to Kirkwall as a child after his magic had manifested, fear burning his stomach as it had this time. He initially thought he was lucky showing a remarkable aptitude for spell casting, but it drew too much attention and he took great pains to conceal his talents as he had done every day since. He thought achingly of his daughter, the only one of his children to have inherited his magic and thankfully his caution. He knew she could be a very powerful mage and it terrified him. He remembered his Harrowing, he had been nineteen and considered it one of the most terrifying experiences he had ever had, though he was never sure if that was because of the demons, or the Templars waiting to run him through if he failed; the thought of Bethany facing that trial had given him nightmares since her magic had manifested. He loved his family, would do anything for them, but returning held a far greater price than he believed he could pay. He thought of his first sight of Leandra, performing for the Viscount as though he was some exotic pet, but his irritation had vanished the moment he had laid eyes on her. He thought of all he had risked, all he had suffered to be with her from turning from his escape route and going into hiding refusing to leave her, to his entanglement with the Wardens in his attempt to secure a future for them and now he found himself in the one place where his death would be a certainty if he was recognised. Heartsore and weary with fear he wondered at a future without the woman he had risked everything for, angry with himself that he was no longer prepared to risk everything for their life together.

xXx

Snuggling against Garrett's chest Anders allowed his eyes to close hoping that sleep would be peaceful, but wondering if grief would invade his dreams again this night as it had every other. He felt exhausted, weighed down with a lifetime of sorrows that clawed at him relentlessly. He felt Garrett shift and glanced up, making out his frown in the weak moonlight filtering through the shutters over the windows. "At least we are off the ship and out of the Gallows." He murmured, his voice breaking at the name of the Circle, feeling Garrett's arms tighten around him.

"When Bethany and Carver were born I remember my mom went through a phase of barely speaking, barely looking at us. I didn't understand it at the time, but I think she regretted the life she had with my father. She got over it, but I don't think they are going to get over it this time."

"Maybe they just need time. It must be hard for Malcolm to come back here, I imagine he must be terrified, I know I am and Bethany is too."

"I won't let anything happen to any of you." Garrett muttered fiercely.

Anders fell silent, there was no point in speaking of his fears of the Gallows, he had already voiced them over and over and Garrett's response was always that he would protect them. He wanted to believe he could, but the Templars had the advantage of numbers.

"Besides Sophia seems to have some influence in this city, once we are settled things will be better." He felt Anders tense and shifted slightly to see his face. "Talk to me."

"I don't want to get settled here Garrett. This is where the Circle was going to send me; the Gallows has the worst reputation of any Circle. This is a nightmare for me. I will stay here for now because I know you need to, but I need you to know right now I can't make a life here. I will always be looking over my shoulder, always afraid and I spent years like that Garrett. I was finally starting to feel settled, feel safe. Fate is tricky, I'm now in the very place I came to the Wilds to escape from, it's like I can already feel a noose around my neck." He gently reached up and cupped Garrett's jaw. "I love you, I want us to have a life together and I will stay here with you for now, but not forever Garrett, please don't ask that of me." He sighed at the soft kiss.

"We need coin Anders and once we have enough I am going to take you all somewhere safe."

Sighing Anders nodded and leaned against him wondering if such a place existed.

xXx

Staring out of the window at the moon a long sigh left Carver's lips. He wasn't the only one to think coming to Kirkwall was a bad idea; in fact the only person who didn't think it was a bad idea was his mother. He worried about his parents, but what was happening between them was something they would have to resolve by themselves, interfering was only likely to make things worse. Besides which he had more things to worry about, like keeping Bethany safe. What little he had seen of the Gallows had left him feeling ill, it had been a prison at one point and that said it all. First thing tomorrow he was going to speak to Sophia about the Templars determined that he would know every Templar on sight, their habits and their personalities. Everyone had a weakness and if that was what it took to keep his sister safe he would find something on every last one of them. He worried about Anders and his father too, but knowing the Templars would keep them safe as well. Slumping onto the pallet he yawned loudly, shivering and pulling the thick blanket tightly around him. His thoughts drifted to Peaches; she had an aunt in Denerim that they were going to, but a part of him wished she had come with him. He wondered if they would ever see each other again and he worried about her safety. Turning over he grunted in frustration, missing the warmth of her touch and the laugh that had attracted him to her in the beginning. "Please stay safe." He murmured, closing his eyes and hoping for a night of dreams absent of Darkspawn and the looming presence of Templars.

xXx

Nestling into Bethany's arms Kolby huffed softly wishing his Alistair was with them, knowing it would be some time before he might return, determined to protect Bethany and Alistair's child when he or she was born. He sighed as Bethany's fingers drifted lightly over his ears feeling as content as he could given the situation.

Lying with her head next to Kolby's; Bethany placed a hand on her stomach feeling tears well and slip silently down her cheeks, smiling slightly at the roughness of Kolby's tongue as he licked her cheek. "I'm alright." She murmured patting him soothingly. "I just miss Ali and I know you do too." She bit her lip painfully. "I just … I'm scared Kolby, Ali is a Warden now and it's my fault, I should never have taken the preventative from him." She sighed as Kolby whined softly. "I know he wanted to keep me and the baby safe and I love him for it, but now he is gone from us and he might not come back." She almost laughed at Kolby's huff that told her not to be ridiculous, that Alistair would be coming back as soon as he was able. Draping her arm over the mabari Bethany sighed softly. "We had such a perfect life and now it's ruined." She sighed as Kolby nuzzled her. "I know I have to be strong for the baby, but I don't know how I am supposed to do any of this without Ali. If only I knew where he was, what he is doing, that he is still alive it might be more bearable. It cannot be that the only thing I can give to our child of his or her father is the dagger he gave me." Huffing softly she snuggled closer to Kolby, closing her eyes and imagining Alistair's arms around her, drifting to sleep with the hope that one day they would be reunited.

xXx

Finally on her own Aveline felt grief grip her heart, tightening the blanket around her as she shivered not from cold, but from the pain she had forced herself to keep buried throughout the journey that had taken them from Ferelden. Shuddering painfully she thought of her husband's last moments, bringing her fist to her mouth to stop the agonised sob. She felt a rush of hate for Garrett, seeing the dagger in his hand, the knowledge that he had ended her husband's suffering buried by the fact her husband was dead by his hand, mercy killing notwithstanding. She had tried to come to terms with it, he had done what she could not and it was a better fate than the one Wesley would have suffered, but her husband was gone and it was too raw to think of forgiveness. Her heart beating painfully she stared into the void of a life without him feeling a vulnerability that infuriated her. Despite Sophia's generous offer she could not spend another day in Garrett's company, she needed some space to come to terms with her grief. Tomorrow she would persuade the Guard Captain to take her on, the barracks would give her somewhere else to stay and when she had enough coin to pay back the Hawke's for the passage to Kirkwall then she could start to think about what shape her future would take. Eyes burning Aveline allowed her tears to flow unchecked, tomorrow she would be strong, but tonight she needed to mourn.