I claim to own nothing in regards to Dragon Age, it's lore or its characters. That right belongs to BIOWARE. I am just a fan.
The trio stepped down from the plank to the hard packed clay. They had been at sea just over a month and Hawke braced herself for the inevitable sloshing feeling that accompanied it. Isabella had warned her that once she was used to life on deck, she would have to get reaccustomed to walking around on dry land.
"Andraste's tits." She cursed as she felt the land roll beneath her. I had just really started to get over that damned sea sickness. She told herself as a giggle erupted from Isabella. "My, my it's almost as if you're drunk Hawke." A slender arm wrapped around her shoulders as her friend steadied her. "Like we will ever get to see Hawke drunk." Her beardless dwarven friend joked as he caught up with the women. "Let me take Bianca out and maybe she can." Hawke teased. "My lovely Bianca would never." He replied reaching behind himself to make sure the unique crossbow was still where he left it.
The ground rolled again under Hawke's feet as she groaned "That is the first and last time I ever let you talk me into traveling by ship. Give me a horse and map any day." Isabella squeezed Hawke's shoulder hugging her just a bit closer "If I had known I could hold you this close from just a bit of land sickness I would have dragged you off the boat at our last port." She whispered in her ear loud enough that Varric laughed. "Well now we know that the mighty Hawke's weakness is boats! I never would have guessed." Hawke groaned again and clutched her stomach. "I know we have a magister to find but, I think I need to find a room to steady myself first. Business can wait." The trio quieted at the mention of the bloody task that caused them to travel to Minrathous for. Hawke wrapped one hand around the pirate's waist and placed the other on the shoulder of her dwarven friend. Isabella led them to the Dark Lady tavern.
Mother's broken corpse staggered towards me step by step as the spell that kept her soul tied to it started to fade. "Mother!" I screamed as I rushed to catch her as she fell. "We can fix this. Let's get you home." Tears started running down my cheeks knowing how futile the words were. I had seen enough corpses to know that's what I held onto now. Her skin was thin and bruised. There were stitches holding her together everywhere that wasn't covered in clothing. "It's too late dear girl." Her voice was barely recognizable sounding like it was grating out of a parched throat. "At least I can see Bethany. And Carver. And your father." The words were starting to sound like the hollow growls of the other undead I had just slain. My tears flowed heavier, obstructing my view of her face. But I couldn't let her go to wipe them away. "My only regret is having to leave you here alone Sweet Child. You've always made me so proud. We will watch over you. I love you." I felt the body go slack as the spell finally ended. Sobs racked my body as I clutched her closer to me. "Mother! NO!"
I sat bolt upright in bed in a half panic as I realized I didn't know where I was. The door swung open and a mostly naked Isabella rushed in. "Hawke it's just a dream." She reassured me as she ran up to the bed I sat in. The fog of the nightmare started to clear out of my mind as I remembered we had finally made it to Minrathous. Slowly I blinked as Isabella's fingers combed through my hair in her best attempt to comfort me.
When I was finally steady enough to look at her, I felt the burn of blushing creep over my cheeks. "Thank you for your concern." I told her covering my face in my hands. "I'm sorry to have disturbed what seems like a good night for you." Isabella's escapades always affected me that way. "You know you can always join me. Maybe we can exhaust you through some vigorous sex to the point you're too tired to dream." I could hear the laughter in her voice and the promise.
"I would not mind at all." An unfamiliar voice echoed from the now open doorway. Peeking through my fingers I noticed a tall blonde elven man standing there. "I wondered where you rushed off to Bella." He crooned. "Zevran I will return to my room shortly. Hawke had another nightmare and I need to make sure she is alright." The tone in Isabella's voice left no room for argument. "Fine. Fine. As long as at least one of you comes back. It's never fun to finish these kinds of things alone you know." With the light behind him I barely noticed him reach a hand down to fondle himself before walking away.
"He's good enough you remember his name?" I asked teasing my best friend. "Every time." She purred in response laying the softest kiss on my forehead. "Are you ok?" "I am now. Thanks." She stood making no moves to cover herself. I wish I had that amount of confidence about my own body. "I am just on the other side of you." She points to the wall to my right and walks away closing my door behind her. After a few minutes I hear her giggle and I know I will not be able to fall asleep again. I look down at my hands. I've slaughtered hundreds. Bandits. Slavers. Dark Spawn. Why is it that hers is the only body that I can never forget? I run a hand through my hair. Maybe vengeance will give me some closure. It's what I traveled on that Maker forsaken boat for.
My thoughts cringe as I stand up out of bed waiting for the land sickness to roll under me again. Nothing happens and I sigh in relief. Looking out the window I notice dawn is still a few hours away as I pull on the bell cord to order myself a bath. Within minutes one of the tavern workers brings up a large wooden tub and begins to fill it with hot water. As he works, I rummage through my meager possessions for soap and fresh clothes.
The bath was wonderful. After that whole month at sea washing in the frigid salty water it was almost heaven. I had dressed and was brushing out my long white hair in front of the mirror. It was as white and fine as a freshly fallen snow and had been since around my 12th birthday. I barley remembered the pale red blonde it had been before but I always kept it long. Slicking it back and twisting it into its familiar long braid. Dawn is still an hour or two away time to see if there is a yard set up at this tavern for me to get my practice in.
Buckling my curved blades to my hips I look once more at my reflection. Before heading downstairs. "Good morning lass!" the barkeep greets me. He has a kind face. I think to myself as I approach him. "Good morning, Serah. Can I pay you now for myself and my two companions' breakfasts now? They might not be up for a few hours yet."
"The tale spinning dwarf and the lady or the lady and the elf?" His cheeks blush furiously as he speaks about Isabella. "Why not all four of us. How much?" "5 silver." I hand him eight and inquire about a sparing lot. "Of course, ma'am. The Dark Lady serves all kinds but mostly soldiers and warriors it's just through the back. If you need any assistance holler for Neil my stable boy and he will see to it."
After a few hours of putting myself through the paces that are as familiar to me as breathing, I sit in the shade cleaning my blades. Almost as long as a short sword, curved in the middle and hooked on the ends they can hardly be called daggers but they are precious to me. My father had them commissioned just before his death. The wind cools the sweat from my skin as I enjoy the quiet of the courtyard. Everything outside the walls buzz with life but all I can think about are the dead. I can barely remember father's face.
"Stop it." I hear Bella's voice as her footsteps get closer to me. "I can see you brooding from here." I do not look up from my blade. Tracing the poison and lightening runes etched into it just under my family crests. "I knew I would find you out here." She states as she plops down next to me casually throwing one of her legs into my lap. I barely have time to react and move my daggers out of the way. "Yes well. We get our exercise in very different ways, don't we?" I smile at her. In the daylight I get a good look at the handsome elf she partnered up with last evening as he laughs. "Ah Bella, you didn't tell me she was fiery" She rolls her eyes and points at him "Since I didn't think about proper introductions last night this is…."
"Zeveran Aainai. At your service." He interrupts with a flourishing bow. "Marian Hawke." I reach out for a handshake and he scoops up my hand, pressing a wet kiss onto the back of my knuckles. I cringe deep in my belly at the contact forcing myself into a polite smile instead of snatching my hand back and wiping his saliva on my pants.
"Not only do you remember his name but you are introducing him to me? He must be a bit important to you." I tease Isabella lifting her leg off me.
"What? You mean to tell me that the beautiful pirate has never mentioned me before now? I am hurt."
"Oh, I've mentioned you. Just never your name. Remember that story I told you about the chandelier, candle wax and strawberry jam?" She looks at me with a wicked grin as my face turns red. Clearing my throat I stand and mention the breakfasts I already paid for and asked if Varric has been spotted upright.
The four of us eat and make small talk which consists mostly of Isabella and Zevran filling Varric in on some of their sexual exploits and me quietly shoveling eggs and bacon into my mouth as my face burns in embarrassment. Varric listens closely making notes onto a roll of paper. I wonder what of their talks goes into his many books. Maybe once this personal vendetta is accomplished, I will actually read my friends stories.
As the meal concludes a hush falls over the table. Guess it's time to get down to business. Varric clears his throat as he whisks away his parchment into a pocket inside his coat and retrieves another. I will never know how he knows without looking if he's grabbed the right paper.
"OK friends." He begins with a very pointed look at Zevran and I see Isabella's nod. "Our dear friend Hawke has asked us to help her find the man responsible for the murder of her mother. May Leandra rest in peace." I look around the table wondering if he prewrote this speech before everyone else carried on with their lives. "She has been in contact with a Magister Pavus here in Minrathous who has graciously offered his assistance. As with anything in Tevinter, Pavus has his own goals in mind and we are unsure just how reliable he can be. First order of business is meeting with the man." He looks at me. "You will be alone in this meeting." His statement comes off as more of a question making sure I'm comfortable with the idea.
"Nonsense. I can go anywhere I please. The Antivian Crows excel in sneaking into the most fortified places. I will not let this beautiful creature be unguarded when I can be of assistance." Zevran hits the table with an open palm.
"Beautiful creature?" I joke looking behind me "Where?" Isabella pulls my braid sharply mild anger in her eyes. "Don't." Varric nods. I turn toward Zevran. "It isn't random that you met up with Isabella here, is it?" Isabella's grin confirms it. "I sent him a pigeon just before we set sail." She admits. "I needed someone here to stand with you as I am a wanted woman in these parts." She looks around the room.
"I also took the liberty of sending a message to Magister Pavus when I woke up requesting a private audience on your behalf." Varric looks at me. "His reply came shortly before we gathered. "He wants to dine with you at his personal residence this evening." A since of dread washes over me as Isabella's smile widens. "Does this mean?" I ask as Varric looks away and down knowing how much I'm going to hate the rest of the afternoon. "It's time to dress you for the occasion!" Isabella squeals her excitement as I place my face in my hands leaning over the table.