It wasn't long before Fenris came back, and he gave Cat's shoulder a squeeze before he sat next to her.

"Any luck?" Hawke asked him.

Fenris shook his head. "He will not see you."

Hawke gave a growl of annoyance, and both Cat and Anders looked at him in question.

"What's this about?" Anders asked.

"A messenger came this morning from the Viscount," Hawke explained. Cat listened, even as she pushed her cup and plate over toward Fenris in case he wanted something. He glanced at her, then down at the plate, and took a berry from her plate, then pushed it back.

"So we agreed, though I tried to reason with him. The boy obviously feels strongly about this, if he went to them again."

Cat was hardly listening, as she was in a silent battle with Fenris, taking a berry and passing it back. It seemed he would only eat if she would, as he didn't like taking her food.

"And the Qunari say the Arishok is busy, and will not see anyone," Fenris commented, causing Cat to pay attention. "Though the guard did say he will be more accepting later in the day, though how true that may be, I cannot say."

"Do you think the Arishok is ever in a good mood?" Hawke asked sarcastically, and Cat chuckled along with the men.

"It's understandable though," Cat added. "He's got a tough job after all." The three of them glanced at her curiously, so she explained. "He's the head of the Qun's military."

Fenris nodded slightly, though Hawke and Anders looked surprised. "He's the head of all their forces, yet he stays here? What in the world could be so important? And how do you know all this?" Hawke asked her.

She wanted to answer him, but she knew he wasn't expecting them to have an answer, to the first question at least. Fenris glanced at her again, and she gave a shrug. "I traveled with a Qunari in Ferelden," she said, and Hawke let it go since he could tell she didn't want to speak of it… for now at least.

Hawke rolled his eyes and heaved a sigh. "Well, since we have to wait any way, there was a place I wanted to check out. Now's as good a time as any, I suppose."

"What place?" Cat asked.

"Hmm?" Hawke asked, not answering her question, and thinking it served her right. "Did you want to come?" he asked.

"I want to go help with the funeral this afternoon, but I am free until then," she replied, the mood in the room dropping as they all remembered the previous night.

"Well then," Hawke said. "We'd better get going." He stood up, helping to take the dishes and leftover food into the kitchen to Orana. Cat smiled as he asked how she was, and if his mother was working her too hard. She grinned at Hawke as he teased Orana, and made her flush.

Hawke then called out to Leandra, letting her know they would be leaving. She came rushing down the stairs will several pieces of fabric and leather, hoping to cinch up the extra space in the tunic Cat was wearing.

Knowing his mother's penchant for wanting things to be perfect, he walked over to the pile of cushions they had place near the fire for Hafter to rest and recuperate on. He gave his mabari some attention, and looked him over to ensure he was healing well.

He wasn't surprised that Anders had followed him over, checking on the wound from Hafter's now missing leg. Or that Fenris came over and patted his head. The three of them had performed the surgery themselves, and were all invested in the dog's return to health. Each of them grateful in their own way for Hafter's timely rescue of Cat.

Cat came to join them then, giving Hafter several pats and kisses before standing again. "Are we ready?" she asked.

Hawke eyed her, unsure of what had happened to his tunic, as it now looked like an almost form fitting shirt.

"I tied it," she said, noting his expression, and turning around so they could see the knotted fabric at her back. "The belt wasn't working."

"Well, let's go then," Hawke said, giving a farewell to Leandra, as he put his hand behind Cat to guide her along.

"So Hawke," she said with a sly grin. "Where are we going?" she asked.

"You'll have to wait and see," he said with a smile in return.

"The Black Emporium?!" Cat squealed, glad that she had suppressed her excitement until Xenon had introduced himself and his shop. "This is amazing!"

The three males just stopped to watch as Cat rushed from the ancient antiquarian, to a gaudy velvet portrait, then to a golem. She giggled as she lifted the lid from a jug, only to receive a chorus of screams, then showed off a statue of what looked like a naked woman while wiggling her eyebrows at them, then rushing off again.

Hawke thought the other two probably were shaking their heads, even as he was, but it was hard not to chuckle at her enthusiasm. He gestured for them to go in and look around, even as he stepped forward to chat with the man who resembled a skeleton.

The shop, and its keeper were quite an interesting pair, and Hawke saw several things that he wanted a closer look at. There were incredibly rare items, though not always expensive. He puzzled over a basket of socks before shrugging and making his way to the next area.

He looked up as he heard Cat's laugh from the other side of the room, even as she called, "You guys have to see this!"

"The mirror…" Xenon wheezed. "It doesn't work properly, but the customers still enjoy it…"

Hawke made his way over slowly. If the thing wasn't working, why rush? He looked through all the shelves and trunks, making his way closer and closer to his friends. When he was close enough, he looked over to see what had them so enthralled, and his mouth dropped open.

There in front of the mirror, were the three of them. But in the reflection of the mirror, it only showed Cat, or at least… the face was Cat's. Everything else was different. The reflection Cat looked like a bawdy tavern wench, clothes and all.

He glanced back at the real Cat, seeing she was still wearing his tunic and pants, then back at the reflective surface to see the low cut dress, and the shorter, bright red hair. He stepped forward, unsure of what was happening.

Cat felt slightly dizzy. She could see that she was the only one reflected on the mirror, and yet, she could still see the others from the reflection, as if her eyes could see from the mirror… it was very strange, and somewhat disconcerting.

She hardly thought this mirror would actually change their appearances, in fact she had been surprised to see it at all. But as she stepped forward and looked at its surface, her face was on another body in the mirror. She soon discovered that waving her hand changed the image, as if the mirror stored the images of those that looked into it, and would then reflect them back onto others. Waving her hand let her cycle through the images, which was totally amazing.

Waving her hand again, she heard the sounds of surprise from the others as the mirror surface became blurry, then refocused. She chuckled, as this time she was a chanty priestess, complete with huge headpiece and all.

She waved again, and again, chuckling at some of the more outlandish outfits or hairstyles. Eventually the others would comment on some of them. "You should never cut your hair like that," or "Now that look suits you," or even, "No. Just no."

She stepped back, and made them all take a turn, and they laughed as they whiled away the time. Eventually, she followed them around as they tried out weapons or accessories, making mental notes about what kinds of things they each liked for future name day or Saturnalia gifts.

Hawke made a small purchase, a recipe for a restorative potion, and they finally decided to take their leave. Xenon ensured they were all aware that it was Hawke that had the invitation, and they would not be allowed without his accompanying them, to which Hawke gave them all a gloat filled smirk.

The sky was turning a lovely shade of pink as the sun began its descent, and the group hurried along in order to make their next engagements in a timely manner.

They bid farewell as they split up, Cat heading to the Chantry, and the men leaving for the docks in the hopes of speaking with the Arishok. Anders, wanting to go with Cat, but knowing he wouldn't be welcome in helping to prepare the body for the funeral rite, decided to help Hawke.

"Don't be late!" Cat called out as they left. "Just don't take no for an answer!"

Cat was surprised, but then again not. The Chantry initiates insisted that they had everything under control, and as a layman, suggested that she sit and enjoy the chant of light being sung in the cathedral.

Being that she couldn't find Sebastian either, she eventually took a seat in the pews above the apse where the large statue of Andraste was surrounded by lit candles and incense burning.

The hushed tones of voices gave a background murmur, yet Cat basically was alone with her thoughts. She spent the time as she always did when thinking, starting with, How in the world is all this possible? It was still amazing, even after years of being in another place entirely, that she was somehow brought to Thedas, the means still unknown.

Her thoughts then would turn to her beginnings: meeting Zevran, traveling to Fereldan, meeting the Origins crew, and feeling so at home. She wondered what they were doing, and hoped to receive a message from Leliana soon, as she hadn't heard about several of them in some time.

Her thoughts turned to Isabela, and her crew- taking her in and adding to her earlier training. Feeling a kinship and a sense of belonging among the raiders and on the sea, though she knew it wouldn't last forever.

She remembered then, why she was in the chantry- for Olivia- and she began to recount all those that she had known and lost, as a sort of tribute to their influence in her life.

I am not the same girl that I was, she thought. I don't even call myself by the same name any longer. And she thanked those that had helped her, especially Olivia.

True, because of Cat's influence, Olivia lived longer than she may have previously, yet Cat couldn't help but wonder what kind of woman she would have been had she lived longer. She was such a kind person, striving to help others, and so devoted to righting the wrongs of the world.

I'm sorry, my friend… she thought, speaking to Olivia in her own mind. I don't know what to believe, but I don't think you are just gone forever. I want to believe that I will see you again. And I hope to tell you that I made the world a better place, as you would have.

Hearing a noise, her eyes flew open, and she glanced around, only to see a Chantry mother walk by quietly. She settled back down, looking around once again for Sebastian, then returning to her quiet contemplation.

I'm going to need some help here Olivia, she thought. How exactly do I stop Anders from going cray-cray, yet still start the mage uprising? If we don't have the conclave… won't Corypheus succeed in his machinations? Solas won't be strong enough to take his power back at first… or could we even stop Corypheus in the first place? Then what would Solas do?

She had to stop, it was all so overwhelming. She needed to focus on the here and now, and worry about that other stuff later.

But if I didn't worry about it beforehand, Leandra would be dead right now, she told herself. And Hawke…

Her mind took a pretty strong detour this time, as Garrett Hawke bombarded her thoughts. It was far too easy to dwell on them now, as they flitted from moment to moment of her memories of the mage.

It was simple to say that she had never known anyone like him, since he was a mage, but it was true; regardless of the magic he possessed. He had a strong sense of right and wrong, but he didn't care about what laws, or others had to say when he judged something to be good or bad.

He let himself be hurt, over and over, in order to give others a second chance, and Cat constantly marveled at his ability to rise above his emotions in order to make a clear and logical choice. She knew she didn't have that ability, her decisions were purely emotional.

She thought of the way he had encouraged her during her duel with Melnor, the guard. The little ways that he was looking out for her, or how he would be vulnerable in front of her. Or even, letting himself be the brunt of the joke in order to make her smile.

These actions weren't lost on her, they simply confused her. Men had always been quite clear as to what they wanted from her, and she thought Garrett to be the same… at first. Now, he appeared to be keeping his word to her, that he would be a friend, someone she could count on.

At the time, she had thought that that would be the end of that, yet for the last little while, she was feeling as if they were heading for something, and she was merely delaying the inevitable. That thought scared her as much as any other.

What would happen, if I just gave in? If the inevitable did occur? What would I do when it all went to hell… what would the others do? Would they begin choosing between us? Would I have to leave to keep Hawke's friends around him?

"Those look like troubling thoughts…"

Cat looked up, grateful for the interruption. A young man that she recognized stood near her.

"I'm sorry to interrupt you," he said with a gentle smile. "I almost didn't, but you seemed so upset…"

"Thank you," she replied. "I was overwhelming myself with what ifs again, I fear." She scooted over on the pew. "Would you like to join me Seamus?"

"Thank you," he replied, sitting down, though keeping a respectable distance between them. "I have often found myself overwhelmed, so I can understand the feeling," he told her with another small smile. "Many people have said that they can find peace here," he said as he looked around the giant room. He then turned to face forward. "But if you would prefer not to speak of it, I understand."

"I don't mind that, it is merely that I am trying to find how to have a happy… uh, life, I suppose. Looking to the future and what not," she said in self-depreciation. "I lost a dear friend yesterday," she explained.

"Ah, then I can see why you would think of such things," he replied. "I myself, have struggled for some time now, to find a balance between my happiness, and my duty."

She glanced over at him, as they sat there. "Oh? Have you stopped struggling then?" she asked.

"When you and your friends saved me from those bounty hunters," he stated, "I was so angry. Angry that you hadn't arrived sooner, then perhaps my friend would still be alive. Angry that I was being brought back to a place where I found no acceptance, only orders to change myself to suit others."

"That must have been difficult," Cat replied.

"It was, for a time. But as I examined what I truly wanted, and how I might achieve it, I stumbled onto a very important discovery that changed everything."

"Really?" she asked, looking over again in surprise. "Will you tell me?"

"Of course. The discovery was this. Even if I were to fail, even if everyone reviled against me, even if I died… it was far better than never trying."

Her eyes went wide, though they never left his face.

"It seems simple now, but at the time, it was as if lightning had struck me. I knew, that I needed to pursue what I wanted, no matter the consequences."

"But…" she stammered. "But what about duty?"

"There is a fine line, yes," he conceded. "There are those that lose opportunities or choices because of duties that they have accepted. But for me, I had never chosen those duties, they were thrust upon me. There are many more qualified and respected people that will gladly take them, so why not?" he chuckled softly. "Why not let them?"

Cat could understand why he had compared this thought to lightning… it was as if he had spoken to her soul. Perhaps she had simply needed the reminder, or perhaps she had never truly tried… but energy was coursing through her now, as she thought of what was to come.

"Thank you Seamus," she said, grinning at him. "Thank you so much for sharing that with me."

"It was my pleasure, my lady," he said with a return smile. "I have never known such peace of mind, how can I not share it with one looking so troubled?"

"Serah Dumar?" A sister spoke as she stopped near them. "This way please."

"Ah, well I must go," Seamus said as he stood. "I need to speak with my father. It was a pleasure, Lady Lewis. I hope to speak with you again sometime."

"And I, you," Cat said with a nod of her head. She watched them walk away, thinking how odd it was that he would be taken to see his father by a chantry sister.

Once her mind connected the pieces, she jumped up, calling his name and chasing after them.

"Why have you come, human?" the Arishok sneered. Unfortunately, Hawke was already on his last nerve, but he struggled to remain calm.

"We are here for the viscount's son," Hawke replied, perhaps more forcefully than necessary.

"The son has made his choice," the Arishok replied smugly, causing Hawke's irritation to flare even further. "You will not interfere."

"Obviously a political maneuver on your part," Hawke retorted.

"Viddithari are part of the Qun," the Arishok said, pointing his finger at Hawke to make a point. "I will protect those of the Qun." He sat back on his throne, looking at Hawke as if determining what information to give away. "He is not even here, he went to see his father."

"Excuse me?!" Hawke demanded.

"Undoubtedly a last ditch effort," the Arishok continued. His sly glance had Hawke's hackles rising. "They are meeting… at the chantry." Then he watched, to see the reaction. "Tell me, why send you and a letter both?"

"i doubt the Viscount would involve the Chantry in personal affairs," Varric said, sensing Hawke was ready to pound someone… or perhaps, set them on fire.

"But we know who would," Hawke said as his eyes narrowed. "Mother Petrice."

"A suspect in many things," the Arishok responded, gaining a modicum of respect for the human, for being honest.

"Let me handle this," Hawke stated.

"I cannot trust this to you," the Arishok shot back. "We will be watching… and threats, will finally be answered."

"He's going to make things worse," Hawke grumbled. "It isn't my fault the way things are going."

"They stay further back, but they are following," Fenris spoke as he rejoined the group.

"As long as they only observe," Hawke muttered.

"I hope we haven't missed the funeral," Anders said quietly.

"Cat will not let them start without you there," Hawke replied.

"The little dove is at the chantry?" Varric questioned.

"Yes," they answered.

"That girl is like a magnet for trouble," Varric replied.

"The Viscount's son, killed! Your Qunari masters will finally answer!" Mother Petrice said with a grin.

Varric could practically hear Hawke's teeth grinding, he was so furious. "Why kill him?!" he demanded. "All this will do, is make the people hate you!"

"The fear of the Qunari is kept alive, through every sermon, through EVERY prayer. Following this attack, the people will rise! And not zealots, but the majority!" Petrice declared.

"And then they will die! In a war with the Qunari that you started!"

"I hardly started this, Serah Hawke. We have the culprit, and she will die for her crimes."

"I've got a bad feeling about this…" Varric muttered.

"Sending your hirelings to do your dirty work didn't seem your style, but the faithful are always prepared to be tested! They needed this chance to defend faith!" Petrice turned towards her followers that came from the shadows to stand around her.

Hawke's heart sank as he saw the people… ordinary citizens, not soldiers. And he would have to hurt them, in order to defend himself.

"These heretics must die!" Petrice called, even as she went up the stairs and away from the fighting.

Cat glared as Petrice opened the door to the room she was being held in. They were smart enough to search her for weapons, so she was kneeling on the floor, bound and gagged, and weaponless. The search of the room provided nothing, yet she knew she would get out of this… and Petrice would get her comeuppance.

"Come, you will answer to the Grand Cleric now," she stated harshly, and Cat looked at her like she was crazy.

Did she expect me to confess or something? Or for Ethina to simply take her word for it? Does she know the woman at all? she thought.

Seeing this as a golden opportunity, she willingly followed the woman to the Grand Cleric, staying quiet through her explanation, and following them back to the cathedral.

"You see Your Grace?" Petrice asked.

"There is death in every corner," Elthina replied, as she looked around. Cat looked down to her friends, seeing that they were more injured than she expected. She gave Anders a wink, letting him know she was fine. "It is just as you predicted, all too well," Elthina continued.

"She's on to you, Petrice," Hawke smirked, though Cat could see the anger behind the words. "Quick… lie harder."

"Don't spout your Qunari filth here! This is a hand of the Divine!" Cat shook her head at the stupidity of that statement.

"I have ears, and the Maker would have me use them, mother" Elthina chided, looking at Hawke.

"Saemus Dumar was killed, here, in your name," he stated matter of factly.

"I'm sure my name won't like that," Elthina answered, and turned to Petrice.

"The Viscount's son was a Qunari convert, who came to the chantry to repent, and was killed, by this very woman!" Petrice exclaimed, pointing at Cat.

"Cat is here for a funeral, as we would have been earlier, had we not been chasing after your schemes," Anders growled.

"Dumar was lured here by you!" Hawke lashed out. "You couldn't allow his free choice, right or wrong!"

"Qunari deny the Maker!" Petrice practically screamed at them.

Elthina gripped her shoulder, causing Petrice to calm herself, and turn to her leader. "And you diminish him, even as you call his name…" she murmured. "Andraste did not volunteer for the flame after all." She turned to Hawke. "Serah Hawke, you are here for the Viscount?" she asked him, and he nodded. "Please go get him. The young mother has erred in her judgement, and will answer to the courts. The Chantry respects the law, and so must she."

Elthina patted Cat's arm as she passed, continuing up the stairs. "Grand Cleric?" Petrice asked, confused as to what was happening. "Grand Cleric?!" she asked again, desperation sounding in her voice this time.

Knowing it was coming, didn't stop the shock of seeing the arrow hit Petrice in the chest. She staggered back, a groan coming from her. A second arrow hit her in the head, and Cat winced as the mother's body crumpled to the ground.

She glanced up, seeing the Qunari warrior with his bow still out. If an arrow had been fitted, it would have been aimed at her, and Cat flinched at the thought, moving quickly down to her friends.

"Please, send for the Viscount," Elthina said as she topped the stairs, and then left the room.

"What a night, eh little dove?" Varric asked her.

"More exciting than I imagined," she said dryly, looking over at where Hawke was trying to comfort the Viscount, without success.

"I'm glad that we are having funeral rites for Button," Varric said. "But I'm ready to think of something other than death."

"You and me both," she agreed, "but I can't seem to stop myself."

"Little dove?" he asked, looking at her. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I am," she replied. "Just… if things had been different, that's all," she said.

Varric stood with her a moment, quietly contemplating her words before finding his own. "I think we would deal with whatever comes our way, as we have to," he said gently. "But I for one can only be sad for what we have lost, and grateful for what, and who, we still have."

"Well said," she replied, the corners of her lips turning up. "I let myself dwell on what ifs too often," she explained. "In fact, that's what stopped Seamus to speak with me. He said I seemed troubled."

"Did he help?" Varric asked, curiously.

"Yeah, actually, he did. And he seemed happier than I had ever seen him. It seems he found what he wanted, even though it turned out disastrously."

"That makes me feel better," Varric said with a smirk. "I'm glad the kid found some happy, even if it led to his death."

"Me too," she replied. "It makes me want to be brave enough to do the same."

Cat watched the fire burn, the tears running down her cheeks, one hand holding Anders' hand and the other Fenris'. She was still mourning, for how could she not be? But somehow through the trials of the day, she found herself more at peace than she expected. Perhaps it was talking to Seamus, perhaps it was speaking to Olivia again, even though it was only in her mind. Or perhaps it was the thought of being brave, and finding some happy, for herself.