A/N: Thanks to everyone who has reviewed or followed the story! I sincerely appreciate it!
Isabela guided Cat to a table in the corner, and took the seat facing out into the room. The waitress came up and Cat ordered Isabela a bottle of the lower quality liquor.
"One good thing about you Issy, you're not picky about what you drink," Cat teased.
"Too true Kitty, being drunk is the fun part, besides, after the first few shots I can't taste anything."
They laughed, and Cat unwrapped her food packages, giving one of the meat pies to Isabela, and ignoring the look she received.
"You know, I'm supposed to take care of you, not the other way around."
Cat ignored the comment, and started to eat her lunch. Isabela joined in, though she looked contemplative.
"I think your idea was a good one," Isabela finally said. "I think I'll have others help me tonight, and you can sit this one out."
"Wut?" Cat asked, mouth full of food.
"I promised to keep you safe, and I can't do that if I'm dead," Isabela said then added, "or if you are."
Cat swallowed her food, and tried to swallow her frustration with it. "You know, it's really annoying" she said, heating up as she spoke, "having everyone think I need protecting all the time. What were all the lessons for, if you're still protecting me?"
"In case something happens and I can't be there," Isabela replied.
Cat glared sullenly. "I'm surprised you let me walk around town or stay at the Rose by myself," she said. Her gaze turned suspicious as Isabela looked uncomfortable.
Isabela suddenly stood. "There are the fellows I was looking for, this will only take a minute," she said as three men walked up to the bar.
"Famous last words," Cat replied as Isabela stood to greet them. Cat finished her meal and her dessert, as Isabela found out that Lucky and his friends had found nothing about the relic. He then demanded payment for their services to which she scoffed and refused. When things escalated, Cat continued to sit there, as Isabela fought off the three men, and sent them running.
"A fight breaks out, and you just sit there? Thought I trained you better than that," Isabela said as she sat back down.
"Well, I figured you wanted me to stay safe, so I let you handle it," Cat said sourly.
Isabela laughed. She really enjoyed Cat when she was pissy. "Kitty, don't be like that, I just don't know what I'd do without you."
"Bring someone home every night no doubt" Cat replied with a deadpan expression.
Isabela's laughter rang out again. "You know me so well!"
Isabela leaned closer, and said quietly. "There's a group watching us, several men, a dwarf and a woman."
Cat hesitated, as she was hoping to not be a part of this meeting. She sighed and replied, "You may as well invite them over. Perhaps they'll be the help we're looking for."
Isabela waved them over, and Hawke sauntered up. "That was quite the show. Would you care to join us?"
Isabela rose immediately grabbing her bottle, though she didn't walk over until Cat followed. Cat looked at the group sitting at the table, and chose the seat farthest from Varric, which put her next to Aveline and across from Anders.
"It's you!" Anders looked at her in surprise and with a smile, and the rest of the group turned to look at them.
"Yes, it's me," she replied, and her cheeks heated. Why was she blushing? "Anders helped heal a nasty wound I had a couple of weeks ago," she said louder to address the group.
"I didn't even recognize you," Isabela said to Anders with a smirk, then proceeded into introductions for herself. Cat coughed loudly as Isabela started about her, and Isabela simply said she had picked up Cat in Fereldan, and left it at that.
Varric took on introductions for his friends, and Cat found out that Hawke's name was indeed Garrett. As she looked at him, she could see the beginnings of the character from the game. This Garrett was younger, and looked to be at the first stage of growing his beard. It was strange how similar he and Carver looked, although she shouldn't be surprised. They were brothers after all, but there were three distinct differences that she could see.
One, Garrett was scruffy, while Carver was clean shaven. Two, Garrett had amber eyes while Carver's were blue, and three- Carver had his signature scowl, while Garrett wore a smirk. She smiled to herself as she recalled the men she had traveled with that constantly wore smirks. She felt a nudge from her left, and realized that she had zoned out, again. Aveline had nudged her, so she turned to her.
"I'm sorry, what?"
Aveline smiled and gestured with her head towards Anders. Cat looked to him with a questioning expression.
"I said, are you going to tell us your name? Isabela called you Kitty, and I wasn't sure if that was some sort of nickname?"
Cat flushed. "Actually it's Catarina, though my friends called me Cat. Isabela just likes to be different from everyone else."
Isabela came to the rescue, "It's true, I am one of a kind!" and then began to talk to Garrett about the duel later that evening, and offering pay for their assistance. Once they agreed to terms and Isabela gave the meeting point, she stood and walked to Cat, dragging her up and away.
"Until tonight!" Isabela called as they walked out of the tavern.
The group was a little shocked at the quick exit, but Varric just smiled.
"So, what do you think Hawke? I hear she's hardly ever serious, but from what I've found, she can fight better than most, and is a talented pickpocket."
Garrett mused, scratching the stubble on his chin. "I don't foresee a problem with her, and if she's as good as she seems, having a dagger wielder will come in handy. What's with the other one, Catarina?"
"I had no idea there were two of them, but I'm sure I can find out," Varric replied confidently. "What do you know Blondie?"
Anders glanced at them, confused and unsure of what to say. He was feeling strangely protective, and there was a sense of familiarity with Cat. But… no. She couldn't be the same one… right?
"Anders?" Garrett asked.
He looked up, into the face of the man who had helped him with no expectations or qualms. He was a good man, Anders was sure. "She told me she works at the Blooming Rose." All of them looked at him as though he were crazy.
"You're saying that shy, innocent girl works at the brothel?" Aveline said incredulously.
"That's what she said," Anders replied. "And she has come to me each week for tonics and medicines, specific for that kind of… thing."
"With that blushing virgin routine, she must make a fortune," Carver said, and Anders glared at him.
"Don't ever say that again," he growled.
"Okay, okay." Garrett placed a hand on Anders' shoulder, and gave Carver a scolding look. "Either way, it gives somewhere for Varric to start, or we can simply ask Isabela later."
"You don't think Cat will be coming?" Anders asked, turning to Garrett.
"It sounds like she may be at work," Garrett replied with a smirk.
"You seem happier now than you did before," Cat commented.
"Now that I may survive the night, yes, I am happier," Isabela replied. "Hayder isn't one to play fair, but with that group behind us, there's no way he'll try anything. More than likely he'll have his group attack, and we'll end up fighting them all."
"Well, they looked like they can handle themselves." Cat commented.
"Oh I'm sure that Hawke can handle just about anything he wants," she replied with a smirk.
"And how did I not guess that was what you were thinking?" Cat asked with a smile. "Should I plan on sleeping at the Rose tonight? I'm sure Idunna can find me a couch or something."
"You know me, I never say never," she winked at Cat. "But… he seemed more the slow and patient type, like a jungle cat… stalking its prey." Isabela's voice went low and her words were slow as she spoke, and she gave a mock shiver. "The younger one looked ready to pounce, if you're interested?"
"Please," Cat replied dryly. "I'd let you pounce on me before I'd let him."
"Good to know where I stand."
"Anyway," Cat said to change the topic. "So tonight, do you think I should leave sooner and set myself up high before you go? They may be watching for us."
Isabela contemplated the alternatives. "It's not a bad idea, though I'm not sure if it will be necessary for you to even be there."
"I'm going, so don't even start that. Besides, it can't hurt to have someone they don't know about," Cat said. "If it turns out I'm not needed, then I'll just keep a lookout. Once we're done, I'll head to the Rose. I'll plan on staying there unless I see you when I'm done."
"Okay Kitty, have it your way." Isabela stopped and turned Cat to face her, looking her in the eyes. "But no taking chances. You are up on the rooftop, as a lookout. Don't alert anyone to your presence, not even Hawke's group. Agreed?"
Cat hardly ever saw Isabela serious, and it still took her by surprise. "You'll let me go off with complete strangers for sex, but not let me be seen in a fight? You know how contradictory that is, right?"
"Yes."
"Fine. Agreed."
"Good." Isabela became carefree immediately. "Now let's go celebrate before we have to be there!"
"Issy, that's like five hours away."
"Hmm, we'll have to drink fast then," she said, and pulled Cat along at a quickening pace.
Cat begged off celebrating with Isabela, and wandered back towards home. It should prove to be an interesting night, and if life were anything like the game, Isabela would decide to spend time helping Hawke, and eventually become a part of their group.
But what if she didn't? Cat asked herself. What if because of you, Issy felt that she couldn't join them? Perhaps she wouldn't need to feel safer by being in a bigger group, or even that they wouldn't be able to help her find the relic? They hadn't spoken of any of this, hadn't made plans at all… But Issy needed Hawke, and they needed her, they just didn't know it yet.
Cat determined she might have to step in at some point tonight, if Isabela didn't join with them as she hoped. Trying to find and talk to her now, would be a waste of time, so Cat wandered around the marketplace. She'd need a few extra things if she was going to be running across rooftops. She had spent a lot of time running and jumping from rail to crate and back again on the ship, with the waves causing movement and helping her to gain a more surefooted step. She figured this would be similar enough.
She laughed inwardly about it, but decided to buy a black scarf to cover her head and face. Most wouldn't know her, even if they saw her, but she thought it may give Issy some peace of mind if she was seen.
She spent much longer shopping then she had planned to, though she didn't purchase much. She took the time to visit Lirene's shop, as well as visiting the market in the alienage before heading home. She felt as if she was helping the economy there by buying things in the alienage, and hoped that she was creating some good will with the elves.
She got changed and strapped on her crossbow and quiver, and headed into Hightown. She was still a little early, so she stopped into the Rose, to let them know she may be later this evening than normal.
As she entered, Viveka motioned her over to the ledger, where she was standing. "Someone was asking about you earlier," she said quietly. "Tried to schedule time with you, so I referred them to Madam."
"Schedule time… with me?" I asked, almost at a whisper. "You didn't tell them I don't take clients?"
"Madam likes to know when the help get requested. Helps her decide who to promote in the future," Viveka said with a shrug.
"Okay, thanks," Cat replied, unsure of what this meant. When she and Isabela first came here, she had been mistaken for one of the girls, but that hadn't happened in weeks. In fact, most of the regulars helped dissuade others from trying.
Cat walked over to Madam, and cleared her throat. "Um, Madam? Viveka was saying that I had been requested?"
Madam Lisene huffed. "Oh Viveka, that busybody," she patted Cat's arm gently. "Don't worry dear, I told them that you only take specific clientele, and only the very best of customers," she had a gleam in her eye and gave Cat a wink.
"But…" Cat started, worried at what she was hearing.
"Oh, I know dear, stop fretting. But if they really want you, they will spend much more here, and only then find out you do not take customers." She giggled and rubbed her hands together. "I'll still make plenty of money" she winked at Cat again. "Although, if you do change your mind, be sure to let me know. We can make each other rich!"
"I won't, but I'll keep that in mind." Cat replied. "I just came in to tell you that I may be later tonight than normal, Issy needs me until later this evening."
"Not a problem love. Everyone has been so much happier since you joined us, and the clients never had it so good. Hiring you was one of the best decisions I've made." She looked left and right, then said quietly. "Now, if anyone asks, you work here at the Rose, all right? Madam's special customers only, yes?"
Cat laughed at the absurdity of the whole situation. "Not a problem, as long as you don't actually have any special customers."
Madam grinned, and shooed Cat away. "Since you are helping me make extra tonight, take the night off love. Hurry, before I realize what I am saying, and change my mind."
Cat wasted no time, and turned and hurried back out the door. This was one thing she hadn't expected, and since nothing was actually asked of her, she could handle it. She headed out of the Rose, and started looking for a good spot to camp out on the rooftop overlooking the courtyard in front of the Vicount's Keep.