Author's Note: Sorry I missed my update this past Sunday, as I was on vacation. So here's an extra chapter to make up for it!

Varric watched as Cat and Isabela left, the latter fixing herself a position at the bar, and the former leaving the building. He glanced at Hawke, who seemed to be deep in thought. It was one of his finer qualities, that he didn't do everything on impulse like his brother, but sometimes he thought that Hawke thought too much.

"Seems their story checks out with what we've heard," he stated, getting Hawke's attention.

"True," Hawke responded. "They're still hiding something, but I suppose even the great Varric Tethras can't find ALL their secrets."

"Hawke, you wound me," Varric said with a hand on his heart, closing his eyes dramatically. He opened them again once he heard Hawke's deep chuckle.

"Good thing you don't have to trust someone completely in order to fight with them, otherwise it would just be me and Aveline."

Varric smirked, and nodded his head while Aveline clapped Hawke on the shoulder to give her farewells, leaving with "No Hawke, just you." Carver, finally realizing what the comment meant, stood also, grumbling under his breath and walking out behind her.

Hawke looked at the warrior and mage that were still there, noticing the tension, and hoping they would be able to work together well enough to accomplish their goals. He thought he would either need to use them separately, or keep them together until they were comfortable with each other. He decided he'd have to wait and see.

"I should go as well Hawke," Anders said as he stood. "I need to spend some time in my clinic to make up for being gone tomorrow. Do you need me to join you for tonight's job?"

"If you can, I would appreciate it," Hawke replied, looking to Fenris and adding "both of you. I don't know that there will be much fighting, but you never know who we may come across in this city."

"Very well," Fenris replied as he also stood. Saying nothing further, he started walking to the door.

Anders gave his back a withering look, then turned to Hawke. "I'll see you tonight then. Farewell."

Varric and Hawke both raised a hand in farewell, but continued to sit, as Anders followed Fenris out the door. "You do realize that none of them paid," Hawke said.

"Not surprising in the least," Varric replied. "You're gathering quite the group Hawke. At the very least, it will be entertaining to watch."

"Definitely not your typical crew," Hawke replied with a smirk. "A few more jobs, and we'll have the gold we need for the expedition." He paused, thinking, then added, "by then, we should know who we can trust to bring along."

Varric could see that Hawke was becoming lost in thought, so he settled in his chair and waved over a contact that was waiting for him. After all, with what Hawke had said, his reputation was on the line.

At home, Cat gathered some coin and headed for the market. She could only guess at what they needed for the trip to Sundermount, and decided to purchase some supplies. More than likely it would not be a single day's adventure, so as she walked, she made a mental list of what they might need.

She decided against a tent, but did purchase a couple of blankets, some food rations and flint and steel for starting a fire. True, there were mages in their group, but she didn't want to assume anything. Morrigan had always refused to light the camp fire with magic, and who knew if Hawke or Anders would do the same? She doubted it, but better prepared, then sorry.

She continued to wander, checking items off her mental list when she was stopped suddenly as she walked straight into what felt like a wall. Shaking her head to clear it, she looked up.

"Fenris?"

"You should be more aware of your surroundings."

Cat wasn't sure what was happening, but Fenris was standing in front of her, his huge sword on his back, his arms crossed and glaring at her. She was starting to think it was his default expression, which was strange because he had been very nice when he saved her from the slavers.

"Sorry about that, I was lost in thought," she said pleasantly.

He didn't respond, just continued to stare at her, and she was very unnerved. He took a step closer, and she instinctively stepped back. He stepped closer again, and grabbed her arm to keep her from retreating again.

"I want to speak to you," he said.

Before she could respond, they heard someone say, "Hey! What are you doing to her?" and Anders came rushing up to them, pulling Fenris' arm away, and stepping in between them.

"Talking. This doesn't concern you, mage."

Cat knew how he felt about mages, but the venom in his voice as he said mage was still surprising. Anders didn't like it either, as his eyes narrowed.

"Perhaps she doesn't want to talk to you," he replied with anger.

Cat moved around him, putting her hands out to each of them. "Whoa guys, no reason to have a fight here. Anders," she said patting his shoulder, "thank you for the rescue, but I'm fine. Fenris and I are simply talking. Fenris," she said looking to him now, "next time just ask to speak to me, there's no reason to grab me."

Fenris glared at Anders, who stood a little taller and didn't try to hide his smirk, then turned back to Cat. "I did. And I grabbed you," Cat rolled her eyes at the sarcasm, "so you wouldn't trip over that." He didn't point, but gestured down to her left with a nod of his head.

Cat turned to look down, seeing a small stack of baskets spilling out from a merchant's stall. She felt stupid now, and tried not to be too embarrassed about it.

"My apologies," she said, noting the hint of surprise that had Fenris' eyes widening slightly. "What did you want to speak about?"

Fenris glared at Anders, and Anders simply stayed put. Cat however, was looking at him with a smile, her head tilted a little to the side in question. He supposed if she wanted to ignore the mage, he could do so as well… easily in fact.

"I want to know why you were following us from the rooftops last night."

Cat froze. Issy is going to KILL me! She thought frantically for a response, as Fenris looked at her, and Anders gaped at her.

"Cat, was that really you?" Anders asked quietly.

"No, no. Of course not." She took in their sceptical looks, knowing they knew she was lying. "Okay, maybe. But you can't tell anyone! Issy will freak out, and she won't let me come with you guys anymore!"

She knew she was panicking, but seeing both males bring their hands up in a calming gesture made her realize just how panicked she must be sounding. It almost made her smile to see how similar they acted, though they wouldn't appreciate the comparison.

Cat took a few deep breaths, calming herself, and began again, speaking directly to Fenris since he had asked. "Isabela told me about the duel, and while she didn't want me fighting directly, she had me on the rooftop as a lookout. I followed everyone from the courtyard, to the chantry, then to the alienage." She paused, as she noticed Anders nodding.

"Continue," Fenris said, though to Cat it sounded more like an order.

"I didn't want to be in the open on the wall, so I climbed down to look into the alienage. Then the guy with the dagger found me, then you showed up."

"What I don't understand, is why you ran away?" Anders commented, causing both Fenris and Cat to look at him, as if they forgot he was there.

"It was the one thing I promised Issy. She didn't want Hawke to know I was there, because… well I'm not sure why exactly, but I promised."

"Yet now…"

"Yeah, well, we had a long talk about it, and she's relented a little bit, but she's still very protective. I don't get it, but- "

"I do."

Cat looked back at Anders. "What?"

"I get it. Something about you, it makes me feel protective too. Maybe it's your innocence."

"My what?" Cat looked confused, and glanced back to Fenris, as if he could explain it to her. When he merely shrugged, she turned back to Anders. "I'm not innocent."

"Well, yes… I mean, no. I'm not saying that, I'm just saying…" He rubbed his face with his hands, then glared at Fenris, who was enjoying his discomfort far too much. "Don't act like you're not the same," he growled at Fenris, getting only a raised brow in reply.

"Whatever," he continued. "I have to get back to my clinic. Cat, you sure you're okay here?"

Cat could practically hear the "with him?" that Anders was implying. "Yes, I'm fine. Thanks Anders."

"Very well," he replied, and turned around to head off to Darktown.

"Wait!" Cat called after him, and he turned. "You'll keep this a secret, right?"

"Of course. You can trust me." He turned back and continued out of sight.

Wow, Cat thought. They really did take an instant dislike to each other. Cat looked up at Fenris. He was so hard to read, what is he thinking? "So… you don't think I'm innocent, do you?"

"I watched you kill several men last night," he replied, which had her considering, then nodding.

"Fair point."

They continued to stand there, the silence stretching on, and Cat began to feel awkward. "Well then, I'd better be going."

"There was one more thing."

She had started turning to walk away, and he continued with her, outpacing her stride, and pushing her along with his hand at her back. "Yes?" she asked, wondering what else he could possibly ask. He waited until they had turned the corner, and she looked around confused, as they were now in a small secluded alleyway. Before she could ask what they were doing here, he finally answered her question.

"I don't know who you are, or who you are working for." His lyrium tattoos lit up, and he brought his hand in front of her chest, the threat very clear. "I do not yet know your intentions, but if you mean us harm, I will not hesitate to kill you." He suddenly let her go and walked away, leaving her shaking and trembling against the wall.

Cat gulped. Oh, crap. Why was it always the extremely deadly elves?

Later that night, Cat assisted in defeating the guild that had cornered guardsman Donnic, and she and Isabela tagged along as the group went after a gang that were trying to dominate the streets.

"I'd better head to work," Cat said quietly to Isabela, while the group was looting the fallen.

"Hawke!" Isabela called. "Gotta run. Meeting tomorrow outside the city, right?"

Hawke walked over to speak to them. "Change of plans, actually. We've got to take these papers to the Vicount as evidence against the guard captain."

"Hard pass on that," Isabela said. "the day after then?"

"Well…" Hawke mused as he stroked his chin. "How about this? You two come tomorrow, and after, we'll go to the docks for your missing cargo? A couple of the others can't make it tomorrow, and I could use some back up."

Cat and Isabela looked at each other, their expressions speaking for them. Hawke watched, amused, as they seemed to go back and forth.

"Very well," Cat said finally. "Count us in."

"Excellent. Tomorrow morning at the Keep."

"See you then!" Isabela called as they walked away.

The group watched as they left, and Fenris turned to Hawke. "I will accompany you tomorrow as well," he said.

"What? I thought you had something else to do." Hawke replied, confused.

"I've changed my mind."

Hawke watched in confusion as Fenris left, then simply shook his head. He didn't think he would ever understand that elf.

"Yeah," Carver said as he came up to Garrett, "I think I'll tag along. I'd hate for something to happen to them… er, you! You know, if I weren't around."

"Mm-hmm," Hawke replied sarcastically.

"Junior here has a good thought, maybe I should be there too," Varric chimed in.

"Let me get this straight," Garrett pinched the bridge of his nose, trying not to laugh. "I rearrange the schedule, so that we can do their job, because you fools all HAD to have the day off. Now that the pretty girls are coming, you all suddenly can make it!?"

"Not all the pretty girls…" Donnic said quietly.

"Wait, you don't think that's why Fenris is coming, do you?" Anders asked, eyes flashing. "He touches them, and Maker only knows what will happen." All eyes went to Anders. "What?" he asked.

Cat walked into the Rose, a grin on her face. Everything was happening so fast, she could hardly believe it. When she left Ferelden with Isabela, she knew there was a possibility that she would make it to Kirkwall, and even that she would meet Hawke, but things were so far beyond what she had imagined!

"I'll wait for you here, Kitty."

"Okay, I shouldn't be long, looks like a slow night."

Cat went straight to work, gathering up linens, cleaning the rooms. She had been doing this long enough to have an efficient routine down pat. Once finished hanging the wet linens in the large dining room around the fire, she headed to Idunna's room.

"Idunna?" Cat called as she knocked.

"Down here, Cat!"

She looked over the balcony to see Idunna along with Serendipity, and a few others playing cards with Isabela. She walked downstairs to join them, going to Idunna and placing a bag of coins in front of her.

"What's this?"

"You gave me far too much for the toiletries, this is what was left over."

"SIlly, the leftover was for you. You have to charge for the transport and delivery."

"What? No. I don't mind getting them. And this is twice as much as the cost."

"Well that's too bad, because I already told everyone what your cut is, so you'll just have to deal with it. I'm sure you could join us, I'd be happy to win the money back."

Cat smiled, and Idunna gave a small half smile in return. "If you're sure…"

"Of course I'm sure. We're still paying less than we used to, and the quality is far superior. I'm sure we'll have several others wanting to join in soon."

"All right then, thanks." Idunna waved off her gratitude, returning to the game. Cat watched for a few moments, surprised. She had assumed that Idunna was more of a loner, but her she was. Everything was like the Dragon Age games that she knew, yet tweaked, and it still gave her a shock at times.

"Issy? We should head home, since we have to be up early for Hawke." Isabela groaned, and Serendipity let out a chuckle.

"Guess you'll have to try to win it back next time sweetie," Serendipity said to Isabela.

"Make sure you bring extra, because I'll clean house," Isabela replied, standing up and throwing down her cards. "Night ladies!" She and Cat called out as the left.

They walked a short ways in silence, then Isabela said, "Seems I'm not the only one looking out for you."

Cat looked at her with a soft smile. "That's true."

"How much did you make?"

"About seven sovereigns."

"What? Really?"

"Yeah, I can't believe she didn't just keep it."

"Like I said, looking out for you."

"Yeah… but why?"

"Why what?"

"Why does everyone want to look out for me?" Isabela started to speak but Cat rushed on. "Seriously, Issy. First Zev, and Duran and Alistair and all of them. I get that, I couldn't protect myself. Then you, and the boys… you helped me, looked after me, taught me." She paused, trying to collect her thoughts. "But why here? I can protect myself, I'm not some clueless little girl anymore. Why do they look out for me?"

"I take it this is bigger than just Idunna, huh?"

"Yeah, I guess. Anders said something about feeling protective, and hinted that Fenris was the same. Though I doubt that part, since he threatened to kill me."

"Okay, we are definitely coming back to that. As to the rest? I'm not sure. There's something about you. For me? You're my friend, my crew. It's my job as captain to look out for you. For others? Well…"

"Let me guess, my innocence?"

Isabela snorted. "What innocence?"

"Thank you!"

"It's along those lines, though. I'd call it your trusting nature. The problem is Kitty, you see the good in everyone." Cat started to disagree, but Isabela held up her hand. "Yes, I know, when someone is bad, or doing something wrong, you have no problem kicking butt. But…" she added with a wink, "everyone is not always good or evil, and there are people that would take advantage of your nature."

Cat walked along, unable to truly disagree anymore.

"But, it's also a good thing. People care about you, because you care about them. You don't care if they are mage or templar, priest or whore. You like people for who they are. And while that may seem normal to you, that is most definitely NOT normal here. It makes you stand out, and it could lead others to harm you. So that's why your friends protect you."

"Hmm." Cat made a thoughtful noise to let Isabela know she heard. She was actually shocked to get a straightforward answer, but now that she thought about it, it made sense. "Fenris' words make more sense now."

"Yeah, about that."

"Don't worry, it was nothing. He basically said he couldn't get a read on me, and if I hurt his friends, he'd kill me." She smirked at Isabela. "Can't really blame him for doing the same thing you would do for me, right?"

Isabela smirked back. "Of course I can, Kitty. Women's prerogative after all."