A/N: Sorry for the week with no chapter, and here's another one to make up for it. I had a pretty bad case of writer's block, but I think I am good now. Just went back and played this DLC for some inspiration, which of course was fun! If you haven't played it, you should!
They were escorted to the gardens behind the chateau, where most of the guests were already in full Orlesian party mode. Small groups littered the gardens, where the nobles gathered to talk to each other and insult those around them.
Cat and Hawke had both assumed they would be going together, but Tallis quickly squashed that, saying that they would create too much attention if they did. Apparently, the nobles barely spent time with their spouses, Cat thought with disdain. Though, if I were in an arranged marriage, I suppose I could understand.
They solved the problem in their own way, arriving together and immediately separating into pairs, so that they could find an easy way back into the chateau. Cat found herself walking through the gardens with Aveline, as the guard captain wanted nothing to do with stealing the gem.
"So Cat, you've been rather morose since we teamed up with Tallis. Are you handling it all okay?" she asked in concern.
"Yes, I think so," Cat replied. "It's not ideal, but we all know our part."
Aveline glanced at her, hearing the difference between her words and her feelings. "It will all be over soon," she replied. "I for one, will be glad to see the last of her."
Cat looked over at her friend and gave a small smile. "When I actually think about it, I kind of feel sorry for her," she admitted. "When this is done, I still have all of you, and she won't. I'm trying to remember that."
"I suppose," Aveline responded. She continued to move around the garden with Cat, wondering what to say.
"Isn't that the Champion's lady?"
"Easy to see why her pulled her from obscurity, isn't it?"
"I hear she didn't even make him marry her before… well, you know. She'd better hurry unless she wants a bastard for a child."
Aveline was about to turn furiously, before Cat put her own hand on her arm to stop her. "Don't listen Aveline, it's nothing."
"Cat, I'm not going to stand here and listen to someone speak of one of my friends that way," Aveline said quietly, her anger making her voice lower than normal.
"It's all they know how to do," Cat replied, just as quietly. "They feel better about themselves by tearing others down. Reacting to it, even to deny it, merely gives them fuel."
"It isn't true… right?" Aveline asked, feeling embarrassed as Cat turned to smirk at her. "The pregnancy?"
Cat chuckled, and led her away towards a large fountain. "No. One would have to have sex in order to get pregnant." She smiled at Aveline's expression, and shook her head. "The rumor started when Leandra and I needed to escape a dressmaker without insulting her, so I feigned being sick."
"Ah," Aveline said sheepishly. "Back before the banquet. I had heard about that. She claimed to have a part in that beautiful dress you wore."
"Did she," Cat responded, gazing at the water. "I'll have to let Leandra know. I'm sure she'll be able to set her story straight." She glanced back up to Aveline. "When I don't start showing a belly soon, they will all forget the rumor," she said with a smile.
Aveline returned the smile, then froze, catching sight of the approaching man. "Seems you made quite the impression on Lord Cyril," she said quietly as a heads up.
"My lady Catarina," Cyril said from behind her, causing Cat to turn with a false smile. "I was hoping to catch you alone."
"Hardly alone, my lord," she replied. "This is Aveline, the guard captain of Kirkwall and close friend of mine."
"Of course," he said, without looking away, or acknowledging Aveline. "Come, I'll introduce you around to those worth meeting." He gave her a pointed look. "I'll be sure to include those with interests in your city," he added.
"Aveline, I'll… uh, find you later?" Cat said, and the guard captain nodded.
"I believe I will join up with Varric," she replied, and headed off in quick, determined strides.
"This way, my lady," Cyril said, offering his arm, which she didn't take. He moved quickly to grab hers anyway, bringing it to loop under his as he led her to the nearest group.
"Lord Cyril, how lovely for you to join us," a woman said as they walked up.
"Thank you," he replied graciously. "And may I introduce the Lady Catarina, who accompanied Lord Hawke here."
"My Lady Hawke, it is a pleasure," the woman said tightly. "I am the Comtess de Van."
"Well met," Cat said with a nod. "But actually, my surname is Lewis, not Hawke."
"Oh?" she responded with a snide grin. "My apologies, Lady… Lewis."
"Think nothing of it," Cat replied, wondering how much Cyril would want her to speak.
"Guards on both doors on the western side, Hawke," Anders reported. "Not impossible, but not an easy entrance either."
"It seems Prosper is quite adamant about keeping his guests out," Hawke said with a sigh. He turned back to Tallis. "It looks like the door you spoke of is our best option."
"Yes, but as I said, I couldn't get it open," she replied. "Bent my best set of lock picks in the stupid thing."
"So we find the key," Hawke responded, agitated. "The guards know we've been staying inside, it shouldn't be too difficult to simply convince them to let us back in."
"I don't know Hawke," Fenris spoke up. "If he is this strict with his security, he may be keeping everyone out until the party's end."
"Hawke has a point," Sebastian added. "The servants must be able to get inside if needed without interrupting the host. We need only find the way."
Aveline interrupted as she pulled on Varric's coat sleeve. "Varric, I need your assistance with something," she said tightly.
"Aveline, I thought you were with Cat?" Hawke asked in surprise.
"She's still in my sights Hawke," she answered without turning. "But she asked for Varric."
"All right," he said, skeptically, and gave Varric a go ahead gesture. Varric shrugged off Aveline's hand and followed her away from the others.
"What's this all about, Aveline?" he asked, as he practically jogged to keep up with her.
"I need help," she said quietly. "Lord Cyril came and took Cat to mingle, and I could tell she didn't want to go."
"Little Dove hasn't had problems in the past getting away from men," he answered, looking up at her.
"I'm assuming she didn't want to cause a scene," Aveline replied pointedly. "Hence why I grabbed you instead of Hawke or the other two that would simply use their weapons."
"Good to know where I stand on your list," he grumbled.
"I simply figured your silver tongue could deal with these vultures," she retorted. "Was I wrong?"
"Depends," he said with a smirk. "What's the penalty for disregarding an order to drop an investigation?" he asked.
She frowned at him, knowing he was asking for his blasted story. She tried to stare him down, and when he only smiled, she sighed. "An order from the direct superior, or the guard captain?" she asked.
"Oh, no thank you my lord, I've already had plenty of wine," Cat said with a smile, while pulling away her half full glass so that he couldn't add to it. Not that it mattered, she hadn't been drinking from it. There was no way that she was going to let Cyril think he was plying her with alcohol.
He seemed frustrated with her, and she tried not to smile at his expression. Why can't no simply mean no? she wondered. Why do men here in Thedas think that means try harder?
She stood and somewhat listened to the conversation, though she wasn't interested- but she also didn't want to miss if she was addressed. That would only cause more embarrassment and gossip for Hawke, which she knew he didn't need.
"Pardon me, messieurs and mademoiselles," a voice interrupted, and one she knew at that. She searched for its origin, and found the others looking down to Varric. "Lady Catarina, Lord Hawke asked that I come and fetch you for him," he said to her, and she quickly handed her wine to Cyril.
"It's been an absolute pleasure, but I really must be going," she said with a smile, and walked off with Varric without a second glance.
"Well… that was easier than I thought," he said, almost sounding disappointed.
"Wait, my lady!" they both turned seeing a man following after them, and stopped to let him catch them. "My lady, the scandal! You should return to Lord Cyril at once, before he takes this as the grave insult it was!"
"I beg your pardon?" she asked, confused.
"You were being toured by the host of the party!" he said, appalled at her behavior and speaking in soft tones that were still somehow in exclamation. "Lord Hawke is showing his ignorance by asking for you, but if you were to leave, it would be as if spitting on Duke Prosper himself!"
Cat glanced down at Varric, her eyes asking if it was true, and he responded in a shrug. Heaving a tremendous sigh, she spoke. "Varric, please inform Lord Hawke of this occurrence. Thank goodness we had the fortuity of others that would help us to stay in good graces."
He nodded to her, watching as she walked back to Cyril, who not only smirked, but then smiled widely while she apologized and asked his forgiveness. Varric turned and left, deciding that finding Hawke was the best solution to the current dilemma.
"What happened?" Aveline asked as he came back without Cat.
"Nobles, and their social codes," he muttered as he passed her. "Come on, it's time to get the weapons."
To say Cat was surprised when Tallis came up to their group was an understatement. It took all of her willpower not to smile when Tallis told them of an important message, and how she would return the lady to Cyril as soon as it was delivered.
Knowing that Tallis knew more about the nobles then she did, and the fact that Cat could not have cared less if she became a social pariah- she followed Tallis away with a sigh of relief.
They didn't go far, just around the corner and towards some tall bushes, when Tallis spun around and began talking to Cat in quiet tones.
"We have an entrance, but we can't get in without the key. The key that Cyril has. And you're the one with easiest access."
Cat looked at her in shock. "And what?! You want me to pickpocket him? I'm not good enough for that!" she hissed quietly.
"I don't care how you do it," Tallis replied, her face set in stone. "Though it would seem obvious to seduce him."
Cat made a face like she would be sick. "Not worth all the jewels in the world," she shot back.
Tallis rolled her eyes, and leaned closer. "So pretend you're going to, and knock him out," she offered.
Cat narrowed her own eyes at the elf. "And when he wakes up? If I were to knock him out or drug him, they'd probably arrest or kill me while you are off hunting for your treasure!"
Tallis looked unimpressed, but Cat held her hand up, thinking furiously. "Here's the plan. I'll get him alone, and… ugh, get the key. You send someone in looking for me, preferably Fenris, after a minute and he gets me out- with the key. Cyril thinks we were merely interrupted, you get the key, and Fenris keeps me away from Cyril after that. Everyone wins. Well, except Cyril- he loses."
Tallis smiled. "See, I knew you would come around," she said as she pulled Cat to take her back. As they turned the corner, they stopped before running over another woman.
"Oh, my apologies," she said, looking at them and giving a small curtsy. "I- - Tallis?" she said, her eyes going wide.
"Leliana! It's so… lovely to see you again," Tallis replied, and Cat could tell her back was up. Seeing that Leliana didn't use her name, or acknowledge her, she decided to play along.
"You look stunning this evening! And your hair is darling! Did you do it yourself?" Leliana asked.
"You two have met before?" Cat asked Tallis innocently.
"Oh yes, briefly," Tallis answered.
"You meet all sorts of people in Orlais," Leliana added with a charming smile, and Cat returned it, enjoying the twinkle in her eye. "It keeps life exciting!"
"Well don't be rude Tallis, introduce me," Cat said with a nudge.
"Leliana, this is the Lady Catarina, here with Lord Hawke," Tallis said in monotone. "That's Leliana."
Both looked at Tallis in amusement before looking back at the other. "A pleasure," Cat said. "I'm afraid I must return to Lord Cyril, or I would stay and chat."
"Do not worry, I am sure we will meet again," Leliana said, with a nod. "There are so many events, it will be hard not to."
"Nice to have met you," Cat said as Tallis grabbed her arm and pulled her away, and she heard Leli's quiet giggle. "What's the hurry?" Cat asked Tallis, pulling back her arm. "Is there trouble between the two of you?" she asked.
"Of course not," Tallis clipped her words short. "But we're kind of in a hurry here."
Cat looked up as she found herself back to Cyril already. She didn't know if she was ready for this, but it's just like being back on the Siren's Call, and all the trouble Issy was always getting us into. I pretended to seduce men then, and I can do it now. Just gotta think like Issy.
"I apologize my lord," Cat said as she put her arm in Cyril's. He nodded and leaned in.
"Was there a problem?" he asked quietly.
"No, no problem," she replied in hushed tones, thinking quickly. "Hawke merely wanted me to know he was taking Fenris for a bit. I let him know I would be perfectly safe here with you."
Cyril stood back up, and glancing to her side, she could see the corners of his mouth turning up. He went to hand her back her wine, and she took advantage.
"I'm sorry my lord, but I shouldn't have any more. It has already gone to my head I fear."
"Oh?" he asked, sounding concerned, though he turned to face her with shining eyes. "Would you like to sit down inside for a moment or two my lady?" he asked chivalrously. "I would be honored to escort you."
"Oh… uh, perhaps that would be best," she answered, making her voice sound faint yet warm. She moved her other hand to his upper arm. "I would be very grateful."
Cyril gave nods to those around them and escorted her away with little fuss. She forced herself to titter and giggle a bit, but not enough to draw attention to herself. Just enough to give Cyril the idea that he had finally gotten what he wanted.
If she knew anything about him, he would revel in his success, and not be aware of her true objective. Now she just hoped that she could get the key away from him while still playing hard to get. She had no desire to pretend to give in to him, but would if she had to. What was letting some pompous, wanna-be player slobber on her anyway? Maker please let me get the key before that, she thought desperately.
Fenris left Merrill speaking to an elven servant, and walked up to Hawke. He had been stationary for some time now, and alone, and with the looks between the members of their crew, Fenris thought everyone was wondering when the plan was going to start.
"Hawke," he said lowly as he approached.
"Fenris," Hawke replied, drinking deeply from his glass of wine. "It seems the duke was right. Everyone- literally everyone- is insistent on hearing about the wyvern hunt. This is the first breather I've had all afternoon."
He turned to look at his friend, noting that while Fenris kept a bored look on his face, he was definitely not enjoying himself. "Where is everyone?" he asked.
Fenris glanced at him, then looked back out at the crowd. "Isabela and Anders are moving around the keep, trying to find an alternate route in, preferably one the duke is not aware of. I left Merrill speaking with a servant from the kitchens, so that we have a way in when needed, as we can blend in by grabbing a tray."
Hawke nodded along as he spoke. "Varric and Sebastian are speaking with the guests, keeping anyone that is asking for you entertained with stories or gossip. And Aveline is speaking with the guards, asking questions of how they do things so she can implement good ideas back home- but is actually learning their routines. Though it is now her turn to keep an eye on Cat."
"Tallis has Cat right now," Hawke replied, and Fenris tensed. "After getting the run around, we were informed that Cyril has the key we need, so Tallis is using Cat's proximity as an excuse to get closer and steal the key. She should be back soon."
"And what have we found out about her?" Fenris asked, his eyes now scanning the courtyard for his friend, or Cyril. "Do we even know if the duke has this jewel she was speaking of?" he asked.
"Not yet, and I will freely admit that that is grating on me," Hawke muttered. "Something is telling me that it is important, but it's becoming more and more of a hassle."
"There is Tallis," Fenris said gesturing with his head. "I don't see Cat or Cyril."
Tallis looked over at that moment, and seeing both of them, she smiled and moved in their direction. Fenris noted that she didn't look around, and she didn't seem to be keeping an eye on anyone besides Hawke.
"Tallis," Hawke said as she arrived. "Where is Cat?"
Tallis gave a smile and stepped up in front of them, leaning in and speaking softly. "She's getting the key."
"I thought that was your job," Fenris muttered. "Where is she?"
"I wasn't able to," Tallis admitted sourly. "So I told Cat to use Cyril's obvious affection for her and get it." She looked at Fenris. "She said give her five minutes, and come looking for her, to interrupt them and get her away, so he won't be suspicious."
Fenris stared at the other elf, feeling uneasy as she spoke. "Where!" he demanded, seeing her jump slightly.
"There," she said, gesturing. "At the end there, where the guard is standing? There's a door leading to a small sitting room. They're in there."
"Fenris-" Hawke started to ask what the problem was even as the elf strode away purposefully.
"What's his problem?" Tallis asked.
"I'm not sure," Hawke replied. "What exactly is Cat doing Tallis?" he asked, as he turned back to her.
"I'm not certain, but she said something about distracting him?" she answered innocently. "I asked for her help, and she said she had a plan, and to send Fenris after her. That's all I know."
"Something doesn't feel right," he mumbled to himself.
"Hawke? What's wrong?" she asked.
"Just a bad feeling," he said, looking around.
"I'm looking for my mistress," Fenris began as the guard stepped in front of him. He turned to glare at the guard, who stepped back in fear. "Move."
"Lo- Lord Cyril said that no one was to disturb him," the guard stuttered hesitantly, and Fenris stepped closer.
"Move," he said again, though he knew he was putting all his hostility into it, and would probably make the man wet himself- though he found he didn't care. The guard trembled, and gave a whimper before moving quickly as far away as he could.
Fenris wanted to kick in the door, but he forced himself to take a deep breath before opening it. Cat can take care of herself…. Cat can take care of herself… he recited, as he stepped inside the room.
And stopped short, staring at the scene in front of him.
Cat indeed, could take care of herself, as the duke's son was laying on the floor. Fenris couldn't tell if he was out cold or dead, though he looked as if he were simply knocked out. He heard retching, and moved over to Cat's hunched form on the other side of the room.
"Cat?" he asked quietly, and she whirled her head around. He could see the tear marks on her face, her red and puffy eyes, and his anger came back, full force. "What did he do?!" he demanded, reaching her quickly.
"Nothing… nothing," Cat said, shaking her head and yet grabbing on to him as if he were her lifeline. "I'm fine, everything's fine." She looked back over to Cyril. "Well until he wakes up, anyway." She gave him a shaky smile.
"Let's get you out of here," he said, helping her stand.
"Thanks," she said, and he could tell she was steeling herself. "I'd really like to leave. In fact, I wish we could just go home," she said with a depreciating laugh. "Here," she added, handing him a simple key. "Give this to Tallis. I need to walk a bit."
"Cat, I'm not leaving you alone like this," he said, and she turned to him, her face set in stern lines.
"I said I'm fine, and I can take care of myself. Right now, Hawke needs you, not me."
She softened slightly, seeing him reel back from her words like a slap. "I appreciate you trying to save me and take care of me all the time Fen, I really do. You're an amazing friend. But I need you to take that key to Hawke, right now."
She stepped around him and directly onto Cyril as she passed him before going to the door. "I'm going to go back to the party," she said as she grabbed a cloak that was hanging by the door, and hastily put it on before opening the door and stepping out.
Fenris looked down at the prone form of the lord, wanting to give him a few kicks, but uncertain if it would come back on her. He hadn't missed that her hair was down and snarled, or the tear in her dress that she covered with the cloak.
He knew he could have Hawke's unholy wrath brought down on the man with just a few words, but the way that Cat had slapped him back had him rethinking. She obviously wanted to let it go, and handle it herself. He didn't agree, but she had a point… they had been constantly deciding things for her, and perhaps this time- - she could decide for herself.
He stepped out of the room, and made his way to Hawke, handing over the key. He overrode Hawke's questions and concern, and got him moving along with Tallis before he started gathering the others. This development would change things, and they would be ready.
"Aveline?" Fenris asked, surprised. "I thought you were watching Cat?"
"No, it's Varric and Sebastian's turn," she replied. "And, I have bad news," she added. "The duke just took most of his soldiers into the keep. They kept it as quiet as they could, but there was no mistaking that much movement." She looked up at him in concern. "Do you think Hawke was caught?"
"I don't know," Fenris replied. "But I'm certain we'll hear something soon if so."
"What's happening?" Varric asked, as he and Sebastian came near. "You look very worried over here."
"I thought you two were watching Cat?" Aveline asked him.
"Daisy's turn," Varric replied. "What's going on?"
Aveline repeated her report and both of them frowned. "If he had been caught, I think there would be much more noise," Sebastian stated. "It sounds more like the duke has gotten word that someone would try to steal from him. Why else bring that many soldiers for only two people?"
"One is a mage, Choir Boy, but I see your point."
"Oh good, you all are here," Anders said as he and Isabela joined them in a rush. "We've got bad news."
"We know, Blondie, the soldiers," Varric replied.
"Soldiers?" Anders said, looking at them in confusion. "No, I'm talking about the Crows."
"Crows?" the other four asked at once.
"Crows," Isabela confirmed. "We couldn't tell if they were in the Keep, but we found a group of them preparing to climb the wall. It was a miracle we weren't seen."
"Andraste's tits, are you sure?" Varric asked, the worry now shared by all of them.
"What's this about soldiers?" Isabela asked.
"Bad news," Merrill said as she moved in among them.
"Wait, Daisy! I thought you were watching Cat?!" Varric cried quietly, and the others all tensed.
"Was it my turn?" Merrill asked with a gasp as her hands flew to her mouth. "But, I was talking to the servants!"
"If your bad news isn't about Kitty, what is it?" Isabela demanded.
"Hawke. Apparently, he and Tallis were caught, and are in the dungeon."
The group was silent for a moment, and Varric mumbled, "Well… shit."
"Let me get this straight," Aveline said, taking control. "The duke took most of his soldiers into the Keep, catching Hawke and Tallis and putting them in the dungeons. We discovered the Crows are also here, while no one was watching Cat, and we don't know where she is? Does that about cover it?!"
"This plan has gone very wrong," Sebastian said softly.
"Merrill, can you get some of us into the Keep through the kitchens?" Fenris asked, and Merrill nodded.
"The less the better, but I can do two separate runs if needed," she answered.
"Yes, do that," he nodded, looking out at the others. "Anders, Varric, and Aveline- you three head for the dungeons, and rescue Hawke, and then stick with him. Merrill, you and Sebastian go to our rooms- take only the important things. What we need in order to get away, and try not to make it obvious that you were there."
He watched as they all nodded at him. "Isabela and I will find Cat. We'll all meet up…" he glanced around in front of him, out and over the walls. "There. Those old ruins, see them?" he said, gesturing, and they each glanced over.
"Do what you need to do, and head there. Stay there, but hidden until we all get there, and then we'll head back home. I think we've all had enough of this place."
He looked around, their faces showing the same determination that he felt. "We're not leaving without Hawke and Cat, so let's go get them back."