Cat looked up at the rising sun as she and Fenris left the run down mansion, and headed to the center of Hightown. She had gotten very little sleep once she had convinced Fenris to wait until morning. He had given her his bed, insisting on sleeping in the huge armchair he had.

"Are you sure you're not stiff anywhere?"

Fenris smirked and nodded. "I am used to sleeping in worse accommodations than a large cushioned chair, worry not."

"I guess…" Cat trailed off. "But just because it's not the worst, does not automatically make it wonderful."

"But wonderful in comparison," Fenris added as they reached a flight of stairs. "I wanted to ask you, if it would be all right if I asked questions when I have them."

Cat glanced at him with a smile, before turning back to watch her footing. "That's fine, although…"

As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Fenris pulled her aside, and waited. His right eyebrow was raised in question.

"I know I mentioned that I had a similar talk with Issy, though not in such detail, and… somewhat with Anders as well." She didn't miss the roll of his eyes or the scoff at the mention of her mage friend. "I don't know when, or if, I will tell anyone else." Cat looked down at her hands, her fingers twisting around each other in a sign of nerves.

As his larger hand covered hers, Cat looked up. Fenris was looking at her softly, but seriously, obviously trying to be gentle, yet still intimidating to those who didn't know him. "Every person has regrets," Cat looked puzzled, unsure of where this was going. "I betrayed friendship once, and it will haunt me until the day I die. I swear to you, I will not betray your friendship, nor the trust you have placed in me, even if I must give my life."

Cat's eyes widened. "Thank you."

Then she smiled.

"Questions are fine, I'll trust your discretion in front of the others."

They both turned as they heard two people arguing, seeing an armored man striding towards the chantry board. The older woman dressed in chantry garb was practically running to keep up with him, sounding like she was scolding him.

They watched as the man placed a notice on the chantry board, and walked away. The woman went to take it down, and the man spun around burying an arrow into the parchment so that it stayed where it was, giving a parting word and striding away.

The chantry woman sighed deeply, looking sorrowful as she glanced up at the notice, then turned around and walked back up the stairs to the chantry, leaving the notice where it was.

Cat turned to Fenris, asking "should we see what is causing all the fuss?"

Fenris didn't speak, simply holding his arm out in a gesture of, "after you," and Cat started forward towards the board.

They stood glancing at the board for several minutes, Cat's knowledge of the common tongue in written form she often compared to a child learning to read for the first time. She knew the runes, having been taught by several sailors on the Siren's Call. However there wasn't much opportunity to practice, and she was somewhat rusty.

"I'm sorry it's taking so long," she said. "Is there anyway we can just take it with us?"

Fenris reached up and pulled the arrow out of the board, handing the parchment to Cat and on to the arrow. They started walking again towards Lowtown, Fenris guiding Cat by holding onto her elbow. "What does it say?" he finally asked.

"I'm not the best reader, but I think I got the gist of it."

"Why is that?"

"Huh?" Cat asked, thrown off track. "Why is what?"

"Why are you not a reader? You seem highly educated."

"Oh!" Cat realized what he was asking, "I am, educated I mean. But while common sounds like the language of home, the written form is not the same. We didn't use runes, so I've had to learn how to read all over again."

"Truly?"

"Yes, and while Issy and the sailors I travelled with were very helpful and quite insisting that I learn, there hasn't been a lot of opportunities since to practice. I feel like I've lost some of what I learned.

"What about you?" she asked.

Fenris looked startled, but the look was so quickly gone from his face, she could almost think she imagined it. "Should you not know the answer?." he asked, though teasingly.

"I do, though I ask for two reasons. One, there have been some things that are different, so it isn't wise to assume that I know. And two, I'd rather get to know you from you, not from a story."

He gave her a rare chuckle, though it was short. "Very well. My former master determined that reading was a skill not needed in his slaves. He preferred to keep us dependent on him."

"Bastard."

"Agreed."

"Well, I think others are better qualified, but I can share what I was taught at least. Maybe learning together will make it easier."

Fenris stopped, and since his hand was still loosely holding her elbow, she stopped as well when she felt the pull. She had never seen Fenris shocked before, and would have giggled if she wasn't worried that he would think she was joking with him.

"Really? Why?"

"Why not? Friends help each other. You can spar with me, and help me with my combat in exchange." With that settled, she started off again, knowing he would catch up easily with his longer strides.

She didn't want to dwell on it, so she focused back on the parchment in her hands. "It says something about the man's family being killed… and he traced the crime to a mercenary company, called the Flint Company."

Fenris grunted as he took hold of her elbow again, changing her course so she didn't walk into a wall.

"He also gives a few leads to help find them, though he is uncertain of their exact location." Cat rolled up the parchment, holding it down by her side. "That's terrible, to find out after the fact that your entire family was murdered. No wonder he was asking for help."

"And you are going to ask Hawke," Fenris commented, letting go of her as she now could focus on where she was walking.

"Well, no." she replied. "But I will give him this," she help up the notice. "and he can decide what to do with it. Though I will say he will probably help."

"Oh? You seem pretty confident about that."

"Well, he's a nice guy. He seems like the type that helps others. I mean, just look at all of us. He's pretty much helped each of us, right? If that's not enough, the reward the guy is offering will probably convince him."

Fenris grunted again, and Cat felt somewhat pleased that she was beginning to understand what he was saying, even though it was just a noise. It wasn't unlike her and Issy's silent language of gestures and looks.

Cat walked into the hovel as quietly as she could, but realized she needn't have bothered when she looked up to find both Isabela and Olivia looking at her, smirking.

"And where have you been, Kitty?" Isabela asked with a smug grin, which had Olivia giggling into her hand, trying to smother the sound.

"As if you didn't know," Cat replied. "deciding drinking was more important," Cat held her hand to her chest in mock hurt, "than me!" She put her hand over her eyes and pretended to sob.

"Okay, cut the dramatics," Isabela replied with a shake of her head. Cat smiled as she dropped her hand, and Olivia giggled again.

"You two ready to go?" Cat asked, as she went to collect her crossbow and quiver as well as her pack, and began putting them on.

"Yes, though I am still nervous," Olivia said. Cat looked over at Isabela in question, and received a nod.

"Olivia, I know it goes against what you've been taught, but I promise, it isn't the same. Anders will not harm you."

"I know, it's just so difficult..."

Cat walked forward placing a hand on her shoulder, causing Olivia to look up at her. "Have you ever heard of spirit healers?" Cat asked.

"Yes, though I do not know everything about them."

"What do you know?"

"They are somehow able to call on spirits in the fade to aid in their healing ability? To greater effect? Is that right?"

Cat smiled. "I can't claim to know everything either, but I will tell you that Anders' situation is unique. With spirit healers, the spirits in the fade that embody good, like compassion, or virtue, or loyalty seek out those characteristics and assist those that have them. In Anders' case, a spirit of Justice was taken out of the fade. It couldn't survive without a host, and Anders did not want to see it destroyed or corrupted."

"Wait, so he agreed to it?!" Olivia gasped.

"Um, yes?" Cat replied, glancing over at Isabela and receiving a shrug in return. Good thing she was going over this with Olivia again. "Being a human with emotions and a limited perspective can be hard for this new sense of Justice that is part of him now. So, as his friends, sometimes we must help keep him from seeking vengeance for things that are unfair." Cat ran a hand through her hair, deciding to redo her braid in order to keep her hands busy.

"I see, that must be so hard for him!"

Cat smiled, "Yes it can be, especially because he is sometimes warring with himself over these emotions. He will help you in starting your new life, but in many ways, you will probably help him more. He is trying to do too much, stretching himself thin."

Olivia looked determined now, as she slapped her fist into her other hand. "I will help any way I can! Because he is helping me, but also for you and your friends. For saving me."

"Consider that debt repaid," Cat replied, finishing her braid, and tossing it over her shoulder. "Your life is yours, and only you decide what to do with it. If the clinic doesn't make you happy, then find what does, okay?"

Olivia's lip quivered, and Cat was quick to usher her out the door, as she didn't want to get emotional. Cat looked back to Isabela, concerned that she hadn't moved.

"Kitty, I'm going to stay behind today. I've got some business to handle."

"Oh, okay. I'll go let Hawke know we won't be going," Cat replied, starting to shed her pack.

"No, you go ahead. I'm mostly going to meet with contacts, and they don't like new faces. You should go with Hawke."

Cat was concerned, though she could guess as to what was going on. But Issy had yet to look at her, which was a huge tell that she was feeling guilty.

"All right." Cat finally conceded. "You'll be safe?" she asked.

Isabela looked up with a smirk. "Isn't that my line?" she asked as she stood up. She was startled when Cat stepped forward to give her a hug. "Kitty?" she asked, worried.

"Just in case," Cat replied. "You never know what will happen after all."

Isabela relaxed and gave Cat a squeeze before backing up a step. "Go you ninny, I'll see you tonight."

Cat nodded, looking as emotional as Olivia had just moments ago, and she abruptly turned and headed out the door. Isabela dropped back down in her chair, telling herself that it was for the best. I need to find that tome, and it needs to be soon. Kitty would be fine with Hawke, he'd look after her. Not to mention Fenris and Carver. Yes, she'd be all right.

Cat and Olivia entered the Hanged Man, seeing that they were the last ones to arrive, though the others were hardly ready to leave. Varric, it seemed, was in the middle of breakfast, while he held an animated conversation with Hawke, who seemed to only be paying half attention at best.

The others were quiet, though Aveline and Carver were pointedly ignoring each other, as were Fenris and Anders, and Hafter looked asleep at Hawke's feet. The two ladies strode forward to the table, one more confident than the other.

"Good morning everyone," Cat said cheerfully, getting a chorus of replies. "You all remember Olivia? Olivia, I think you met all the guys, though that's Varric down at the end by Hawke." Varric smiled and gave a nod in greeting, and Olivia gave a small wave.

Cat gestured over to Aveline. "and this is Aveline. She's a guard, not a templar" Cat added quietly. "She's a great friend to have, though if you cause trouble, you'll wish you didn't meet her," Cat added with a smirk, and Aveline merely nodded along.

"Nice to meet you Olivia. Follow Anders' instructions and you should be fine," Aveline said with a smile.

"Oh, uh, right." Olivia replied, uncertainly. She watched as Cat climbed down on the floor to speak to and pet the giant dog at Hawke's feet.

Anders stood then, coming around to face Olivia. "I thought we'd keep it simple today, and let you get used to everything. Have you been to Lowtown before?" he asked.

"This is my first time out of… you know."

"Well then, we'll give you a tour, so you can get to know your new home, and the routine of the clinic." Anders kept a few steps distance, and a smile on his face, and Cat was glad he was so aware of Olivia's fears.

"And I'll come check on you later today," Cat added, standing and giving Olivia's arm a squeeze. "I know new things can be scary, but you can do this."

Olivia's determination came back on her face, and she smiled at Cat. "Anything is better than before," she said with a small smile. She pulled out a letter, and handed it to Cat. "Whenever you can deliver this, I would appreciate it."

"You didn't give any details did you?" Cat asked.

"No, but you can read it to make sure," she replied.

Cat took the letter, and then pulled a note from her own pocket, handing it to Anders. "This is a new order for the Rose," she said in explanation. "I'd like to have it ready next week." Cat went to her coin purse, pulling out a handful of silvers and handing them to Anders. "I think that should cover the charge, but let me know if I didn't give you enough."

Anders was wide eyed, taking in the list, as well as the payment. "This is too much."

Cat gave him a raspberry. "Nonsense. That's the cost of supplies, plus your payment."

"Cat, I can't take this-"

"Anders." Cat interrupted him smoothly, holding up a hand. "I was presented with a business opportunity, and I'm sharing that with you. Do you or do you not know how to make these?" she asked indicating the list.

"Well, yes. But-"

"And do you, or do you not," Cat continued without letting him get a word in, "charge for said tonics?"

"Of course, but-"

"And won't your clinic be better off having this extra source of coin?"

Anders was smiling now, realizing what was happening. "Thank you, Cat."

Cat waved away his gratitude. "I'm being paid for delivering it, and honestly, they decided the charge, and it's still less than what they used to pay, and they say your tonics are much better quality, so everyone wins. If you want to have Olivia help to earn her own money, that's up to you."

"I'm sure we can handle this, it's not too much," he replied, looking at the list again.

"This is a weekly order, Anders."

His mouth dropped as he looked at her in disbelief. "Weekly?" he croaked.

Cat nodded. "Can you handle it?" she asked.

"We'll earn this much silver every week?" he asked, gobsmacked, and Cat grinned.

"Yep. If you can handle it. I know I'd feel better knowing you two will have money to buy food, and supplies for the clinic."

"We can handle it!" Olivia jumped in, looking at the silver in Anders' hand. She was no doubt thinking of buying new clothes, Cat thought, since Issy and I had insisted she got rid of her circle robes. She was currently wearing some of my clothes, which didn't quite fit. Olivia was tall and slim, where I'm shorter and curvy, though not so much as Issy.

"It's settled then," Cat said, patting Anders' arm. "Just let me know when it's ready. We'll try to deliver the same day each week, but we have some flexibility."

"All… all right. Cat… I…" Anders looked somewhat lost, then threw his arms around her. "Thank you so much."

"No problem," she said, then whispered, "someone told me to find a new job, anyway."

Anders chuckled, and Cat joined in. He let go of her, and giving farewells, escorted Olivia out of the tavern.

"Nice one, Angel." Cat gave Varric a smile, while also giving him a thumbs down. "Yeah, no good, I know. Don't worry, I'll find it."

"He's right though," Hawke commented. "This will help Anders financially, but also to stay busy, and out of trouble."

"Thank the Maker," Aveline added.

"Who cares," Carver muttered, then raising his voice, asked "so are we going, or what?"

"We're going all right," Hawke replied. "Let's head out."

It didn't take long to get to the Alienage, and Feynriel was waiting outside his home. Once he spotted them, he ran inside with a whoop, and practically pulled his mother along to join him in greeting Hawke's group.

"Cat, everyone, this is my mother, Arianni. Mother, these are the people I told you about."

Arianni walked straight to Cat, and grabbed her hands, bowing over them. "Thank you, for saving my son."

Cat looked around, unsure of how to act, but getting no help, she pulled a hand free, and brought it to the woman's arm, helping her to stand upright. "I am happy to help, I would leave no one at the mercy of slavers."

Arianni looked around as well, "Thank you all, I wish I had a way to repay you for your kindness."

"Payment is uneccessary, madam." Hawke interjected, full of charm. "Our friend was also captured by the slavers, and we are heading to the Dalish for another matter."

"Giving Feynriel a choice, and allowing us to accompany you, shows how different you are, yet you see it as nothing," Arianni stated in awe. "At the least, I can make introductions to the Dalish for you."

"That would be much appreciated," Hawke replied with a smile. "Then you are coming with us as well?"

"Yes, I wish to stay with my son, though I worry that the clan will not accept him as you think."

"We will do what we can to help convince them," Hawke replied. "Are you both ready to leave?"

Feynriel grabbed two packs, handing one to Arianni and they both shouldered them. "We are," he answered for them both.

"Then let's go."

During the walk outside the city, Cat noted that Hawke and Varric were talking as they walked ahead, Carver plodded along on his own, Aveline and Hafter stuck near each other, with Aveline giving Hafter a scratch behind the ears every now and then, and Arianni and Feynriel walked together. Cat and Fenris brought up the rear, and they didn't speak much either, though it was a comfortable silence.

Cat marveled at the scenery around her as they walked. It was strange that in just a couple of hours time, they were in the middle of the mountains, or mountain rather. There was just the one large peak, surrounded by smaller hills. The path they were on was basically a serpentine path cut through the hills, and she could barely tell that they were on an incline.

"How much further, do you think?" Cat asked Fenris, but her voice carried throughout the group.

"Not much," Arianni answered with a smile. "Just around a few more bends there," she pointed ahead of them.

"Oh, great!" Cat answered, readjusting her pack. "I'm looking forward to lunch!"

"We just had breakfast," Aveline spoke up, and Cat rolled her eyes.

"Aveline, that was hours ago."

"Oh, right." Aveline looked up to the sky, noting the position of the sun. "I suppose I didn't notice how long we've been walking."

Cat glanced over to Fenris, who was looking left and right, on alert. "What is it?" she asked quietly.

"I am not certain, but I feel as if we have forgotten something, and it is putting me on edge."

Cat grabbed her throwing knives, searching around as they walked, Fenris' mood affecting her immediately. She listened intently, as their group fell silent once again, Fenris falling behind slightly as he slowed his steps, and Cat stepped closer to Feynriel and Arianni, just in case.

As she looked around, she thought back to the game. Going to Sundermount, was there something on the road? An ambush? Not that I can remember. She turned to her right, and felt her arm brush something. Looking down, she noted the rolled up parchment that they had taken from the Chantry board. Oh! The Flint Company!

Cat rushed forward, as Varric and Hawke were turning the corner around the last bend, and she could hear Fenris following behind her. They pushed ahead of Hawke and Varric, hearing them squawk "Hey!" as they passed.

Fenris stopped momentarily in front of Cat, his great sword in his hands, as he took the measure of the group of men before him. With a feral grin, he rushed forward in a scythe, holding his sword as a reaper as he surged forward.

"Get them!" one of the mercs shouted.

Cat could hear the rest of her group behind her pulling out their weapons, as Hafter raced past her with a snarl.

"Cat, stay back. We'll handle this," Carver called.

"Not likely," Cat replied with a frown. She moved to her right, pulling out her crossbow, and picking off several men on the outskirts of the group. The fight was over quickly, and Cat helped to loot the bodies.

"I wonder what these mercs were doing here?" Varric asked as he eyed the bodies around him.

"This may give you some answers," Cat replied, handing the parchment from the Chantry board to him. "Fenris and I saw a well armored man post this on the Chantry board, even though the revered mother was against it."

Varric took the notice, scanning the words, while Hawke looked at him expectantly. "Seems this merc band is called the Flint Company. They were responsible for the death of all but one of the royal family of Starkhaven. The remaining royal, is asking for help in taking this merc band down, and is offering a decent sized reward too."

Hawke looked back, contemplating. "Does it give any other information?"

"Yeah, some locations where he tracked the mercs." Varric answered. "At the docks, and…" Varric glanced up at Cat. "by Sundermount."

"Right," Cat said, "I knew I forgot something."

Fenris walked up, sheathing his sword. "WE forgot. We saw the notice earlier, but forgot about it until now."

"We could probably take out the others at the docks on the way back," Varric suggested. "It won't take long, and we have the numbers. It would make sense to get the reward since we've already done half the work."

"I suppose you're right," Hawke answered. "Though next time, I'd prefer the information before the surprise." He smirked, and Cat decided he wasn't angry about it.

"I'll try to remember that," Cat replied with a smirk. She turned to Arianni, and smiled. "Ready to go home?" she asked.

Arianni took a deep breath, and steeled herself before nodding. "Ready," she answered.