A/N: Hey everyone, thank you again, seriously - your comments are so wonderful, and I'm so super glad that you're liking the story. Though, honestly if anything seems way out in left field be sure to let me know! I honestly cannot believe that we've hit over 1000 kudos, and almost 100 chapters! It's been seriously fun for me, but I owe it all to you that read it!😘 Also, just to let you know, no chapter next week, as I'll be on vacation!

Hawke was fuming, though his anger was directed inward.

The one time I actually convince Cat to stay back, and this happens?! he thought in disgust. She would likely use this against him in the future, though he could be honest enough with himself enough that if he could get her out of this, he likely wouldn't keep her back alone ever again.

He stopped as he noticed someone moving in the shadows, his hands and mana reaching out to defend himself since he didn't have the time to grab his staff.

"Show yourself!" he commanded.

His face turned to shock as Isabela sauntered into the moonlight and gave him a smirk.

"And here I thought you'd be happy to see me, handsome," she cooed at him, her eyes smiling.

"Isabela!" Merrill cried, running forward to hug the pirate.

"Hi Kitten, have you been behaving?" she asked with a stroke down Merrill's back, then pulling out of the hug.

"Your timing is impeccable Rivaini," Varric added with a nod.

"Oh?" she asked, looking around and giving nods of greeting to the others. "I must admit, I expected more of a fanfare," she said, looking back to Hawke.

"We're very glad to see you Isabela," he said, giving her a tight smile that didn't fool her at all. "We've just got ourselves a bit of a mess."

"Speaking of…" Varric butted in. "What happened with you? And where is Broody?"

"He and Zev went to his place, since we didn't find you at the Hanged Man, we assumed you must be on a job."

"The Crow is still with you?" Varric asked, looking pained.

"He's not mad at you anymore," Isabela replied with a laugh.

"Until he sees me anyway," Varric muttered.

"Isabela, we have a bit of a situation, but there's not much we can do until morning," Hawke explained, and Isabela's eyebrow rose.

"Same old Hawke," she murmured. "What do you need?" she asked.

"I'm going to get a few things, but then we'll come with you?" he offered, looking around at the others, to get their approval, and received nods. "We may as well pass the time swapping stories."

"Sure Hawke, not a problem," she replied, her eyes shrewd, wondering what he wasn't saying.

"Aveline, Varric, with me," Hawke said, gesturing towards his home. "The rest of you go with Isabela, get Zevran and Fenris to stay put, or find them if they left. We'll meet there as soon as we can."

He received nods, hearing Merrill chattering away as they left.

"You need us for something Hawke?" Varric asked.

"I don't know," Hawke replied, his hand raking through his hair, sending it every direction. "I'm just feeling… unsettled, about all of this."

"Well, we can at least grab Hafter and some of your stash of potions," Aveline said as she walked to open the door to the Hawke mansion. "Once you tell Fenris and Isabela about Cat, I doubt they'll let you stop for anything on your way to the coast."

"Too true, " Hawke retorted with a smirk, as he moved through the door she held open.

"Garrett!"

Hawke looked up, seeing his mother come running towards him from a chair placed in front of the large fire.

"Mother?" he asked, confused. "What are you doing up?" he asked.

"Garrett, it's awful!" she cried as she reached him, needing the strength he always offered her. "Some men came here, son, and they took Cat!" she exclaimed, as she burst into tears.

Varric and Aveline exchanged looks, uncertain as to what was going on.

"What do you mean Mother?" Hawke asked. "Cat was here?" he asked in confusion.

"Perhaps I should explain Mistress?"

Hawke looked over, seeing Bodahn still standing near the empty chair that his mother vacated.

"Bodahn?" he asked, impatiently.

"Miss Cat came here, not long after you left," the dwarf explained. "She was barefoot, her hair was wet, and she wore only a tunic."

"That… what?" Hawke went from bewildered to exasperated in a moment. "This isn't a time for jokes, Bodahn,"

"He isn't joking darling," Leandra moved back from her son's embrace to look up at him.

"You're saying Cat came over without boots or pants?" he asked, aggravated. I don't have time for whatever this is…

"There were templars at the front door, asking for the Mistress, so I went to ask if she would receive them. That is when I saw Cat, and I was very surprised, for I had not let her in. She said that she snuck in."

"What?" Hawke asked in disbelief.

"It's true," Leandra insisted. "She said men had come for her, and she had hidden from them, but she was worried that they would come here next, and she wanted to protect me!"

Hawke froze, holding his hand up to stop their explanation. Keran's words about the group taking someone he cared about… his breathing became erratic as he thought of the possibility of hearing they had his mother.

"And?" he finally asked tightly. He didn't mean to sound so harsh, but he couldn't help it.

"Cat went down to face them," Leandra said, her eyes tearing up again. "They said they didn't want to hurt anyone, but they needed someone to force your hand?" she said in confusion.

"Miss Cat told them they could not have the mistress," Bodahn said, his pride evident in his voice. "She told them if they could best her, they could take her. She asked that I listen to what the men said, but to listen only and not intervene, so that I could tell you everything. They mentioned a warehouse, but that was all," he said sadly, feeling like her failed her.

Aveline could see Hawke was still not ready to calm down, so she spoke to Bodahn. "You did well," she said in praise. "Both of you. Cat is a skilled warrior, and will be able to leave a trail for us to follow."

"We'll get her back," Varric assured the two of them. "In fact, the group that took her has ties to the one we were investigating. We believe we know where they are going."

Hawke was ready to snarl at Varric for telling his mother such things, but the gasp she made, and the smile she gave him kept him quiet.

"Really?" she asked him. "Do you need anything? Food, water? You need to be at your best to face those awful templars!" She turned a concerned look to her son. "You will be careful, won't you?"

"I… yes I think we will take a few more potions," Hawke replied, giving his mother's arm a pat. "Don't worry, I'll get them," he said, moving further into the house where he stored them in the library.

"Some food would be great as well,"Aveline added, and Bodahn nodded, and moved to the kitchen.

"You're not just saying that, right?" Leandra asked the other two quietly when her son was out of earshot. "You really know where they took her?"

"Not at the moment, but we know where they will be," Aveline said, with a gentle smile. "We're going to get her back."

"You have no idea how that relieves me," Leandra said, with a sigh. "Bodahn and I have been so worried!"

"Honestly, the hardest part will be waiting for tomorrow," Varric muttered.

"All right, that should do," Hawke said as he reentered the room. "Mother, I'm going to keep Hafter here, and I want him with you."

Both Leandra and Hafter looked up at Hawke as he moved to them. "I don't think anyone will try to come for you, but just to be sure," he added. He looked down at Hafter, crouching to give his head a scratch and look in his eyes. "You keep her safe, all right?" he asked. "Stay in her room tonight."

"Thank you Garrett," Leandra said, knowing it was the only way he could feel okay about leaving. "We'll be fine, just bring her back to us."

Hafter gave a bark of agreement, and Hawke gave them a nod. "You can count on it," he said, looking once more, then turning to leave as Bodahn reentered as well. "Bodahn, lock the door, and don't open it for anyone but the three of us," he directed, gesturing to himself, Aveline, and Varric.

"I understand," the dwarf answered, handing a bag to Aveline.

"Let's go," Hawke said, as he left, his friends trailing silently after him. No one spoke for a minute or so, until Varric couldn't stay quiet any longer.

"So, that was enlightening," he commented.

"Not now Varric," Hawke muttered.

"I mean, the Little Dove comes back, and tells you that she loves you," he continued, not listening to Hawke. Aveline's sharp gaze cut down to him, then at Hawke's back in consideration.

"Then she waits for you to decide if you want her or not," Varric said.

"Wanting has never been the problem," Hawke mumbled.

"And she does all she can to make sure your mother is safe… as if she were protecting her own family," Varric finished speculatively. "Sans pants, even," he added with a smirk.

"Yeah," Hawke answered, deep in thought.

Aveline and Varric exchanged glances again, Varric's questioning. Aveline shook her head, knowing Hawke had had enough pushing for the moment. Not only that, but it would be better that they gave him a moment's reprieve before the pirate started on him.

Entering the large main room had Hawke's mind swarming with memories. He hadn't been avoiding going there exactly, but with trying to keep his distance from both Cat and his confusing feelings he hadn't stepped foot in the mansion in some time.

His eyes fell on a chair where he had been sitting when Cat had climbed into his lap. He remembered the happy feelings of that night, speaking of going on a wyvern hunt. Where everything fell apart… he thought shaking the memories away.

"Hawke?"

He turned, seeing his crew was giving him space, but still had concerned looks on their faces. He looked to Fenris, who had spoken, and nodded. "Sorry, this job has me a little on edge," he replied.

"Understandable," Fenris said. "Sebastian said that we don't know where the culprits will be until the morning?" he asked.

"Right," Hawke answered, looking around and wondering why Fenris wasn't demanding they leave right then. "Mid morning was what we were told. We could go and lie in wait, but I don't think they will all come at once. I don't want any escaping."

"This is a group of rogue mages and templars? And they are trying to take down the Knight Commander?" Isabela asked skeptically. "It seems more of a group you would join, rather than take down."

Hawke could hear the unspoken question, and realized that the three of them did not know of Cat's involvement. His gratitude for his friends swelled within him. They were going to let him share that part of the story. Though he didn't really enjoy the thought of sharing it, he was grateful they would be able to rest first.

"They are going about it all wrong," Hawke replied. "This will only aggravate Meredith, and cause pain for the other mages under her care."

"This Meredith sounds like an… interesting woman," Zevran spoke up.

Hawke looked to where the smaller elf was lounging on a chair, one leg up on the arm of the chair, and looking quite relaxed- yet also ready for anything as he toyed with one of his daggers. Hawke gave him a smirk. "So, I take it you finished your mission?" he asked.

"It took longer than I would like, but you were right about these two," Zevran answered gesturing towards Fenris and Isabela. "They proved to be instrumental in bringing down the guild master."

"Oh?" Hawke asked, taking a seat for himself, and nodding in thanks when Merrill handed him some bread and cured meat. "I could go for a good story," he added.

"We will need some sleep if we're going to join you in the morning, but we've got a little time," Fenris spoke up. "We were so anxious to sleep in a bed that we didn't bother stopping yesterday."

"You were anxious for a bed, or Isabela was?" Hawke asked with a grin.

"I may have been the most vocal, but they didn't put up an argument," Isabela said haughtily.

"Not that that would have done us any good," Zevran said dryly.

The group laughed, and Varric commented about how they had been missed. Zevran gave him a pointed look, and he mumbled something that sounded like, "except you, Crow," to Hakwe's ears.

"So, eat up, and let's hear about it," Hawke said with a grin.

They spent a few hours enjoying each others' company, hearing of the fights and subterfuge of the trio's work in Antiva, until they were finally able to discover the identity of the guild master, who was actually a prominent noble.

"Killing has always been my business," Zevran commented when the story came to an end, "but never before had it been such a pleasure."

"I'm sure it had something to do with Kitty being safe again," Isabela said with a smirk, and Zevran responded with a grin.

"It will nice to be able to see her again," Fenris added. "Perhaps we could go get her, instead of sending a letter?" he suggested.

The quiet that met their words had three sets of eyes looking around in speculation. Hawke cleared his throat, and said, "She seems to be enjoying her time with the wardens. She sent a letter awhile ago, but we decided it was safer for her not to reply, in case anyone was trying to find her."

"That was wise," Fenris said cautiously, still uncertain of what was going on with the others. "Though she undoubtedly was sad to not get a reply, I'm certain she understood."

"What I don't understand," Isabela said, looking at Hawke, "is why Hawke doesn't seem happy to know that she can come home."

"What?" Hawke asked with a frown. "Of course I am," he replied.

"I agree," Zevran added, looking nonchalant, but taking in the man's nervous demeanor. "If my lover was finally safe after so long, I would be quite excited to… take them once again."

"Cat isn't my lover," Hawke replied quickly.

The room was quiet, and Hawke could feel the looks from everyone on him.

"What has happened?" Fenris asked.

"Nothing," Hawke replied. "We should get some sleep."

"Shut up Hawke," Isabela suggested, looking over to Varric. "Spill it dwarf," she said.

"I'm afraid I don't know what you mean," Varric said, getting a grateful and relived look from Hawke, and pointed looks from the Antivan and Rivaini.

Fenris looked not at Varric, but at Anders, who was giving Hawke an exasperated look. He still didn't know what was going on, but it looked as though the mage would get to the bottom of it.

"Very well, we should get some rest before the morning," Fenris said resolutely. Hawke was relieved until he continued. "Your respite will only last until then," he added, and Hawke's expression sank. "I'm sure there are rooms enough for all," he continued to the rest of the group, and they all began moving towards the stairs.

Hawke sat where he was, listening and sometimes responding to the calls of good night. He sat until he grew restless with his thoughts, jumping up to move in front of the fire.

He was surprised to see Anders sitting in front of the flames, as if calmly waiting for him. He let out a sigh, ruffling his hair in his nervous way, and finally deciding to take off his armor and get comfortable.

He didn't have much, but the people had been quite generous, commissioning pieces of unique armor that would set him apart as the Champion. The leather was thick and sturdy with a wide belt that was able to hold any pouches that he may decide to carry. The fur lined collar gave it a sense of status, while the little cape-like piece of fabric at the waist in the back gave a sense of the ridiculous- though it did come in handy for wiping gore from his hands.

The greaves were most impressive, as they were only a half greave- covering only the front, and thus keeping the weight at a minimum so that he was able to move with ease. They were complete with both poleyns- flared pieces that covered his knees, and sollerets- coverings for his feet.

He had also received spaulders, vambraces, and gauntlets- covering from his shoulders to his hands- though he only wore the complete armor on his right side, his casting arm. So far it had worked wonderfully for him, kept the weight down, and protected his dominant arm from swords that got too close.

But perhaps his favorite part was the gorget, which was definitely unique. Most gorgets were connected to the bottom of a helmet in order to protect the neck, however, his connected to his shoulders, giving the appearance of a miniature shield that not only protected his neck, but his heart as well. It was stamped with the sigil of Kirkwall, and truly made him feel as he was representing the city as their Champion. More so than any title or accolades had done previously.

Now, he systematically removed the armored pieces, inspecting them for damage in the firelight. When he had finally gotten down to his leathers, he sat next to Anders, grateful that he wasn't getting a lecture.

"You seem more agitated than before," Anders began quietly, neither man hearing the soft almost imperceptible footsteps drawing nearer.

Hawke nodded, and shared what he had learned at his home.

Anders smiled. "That sounds like her," he said. "She loves Leandra like she were her own mother."

"I suppose I never really understood that," Hawke replied. "I had thought that she had done it for me. To… prove something."

"Does she need to?" Anders asked. "Prove something? I have no doubt that it was also for you. We all know what you've lost, and your mother is the family that you still have here."

"I guess I'm just feeling conflicted, and I can't seem to get past it."

Anders turned his head to look at Hawke. "Conflicted about what?" he asked.

Hawke let out a deep breath. Now or never I guess, he thought. "If it had just been a little fun, a harmless affair, I think I would have been fine," he said, knowing how that sounded. "But… she loves me. I don't know that I can give her what she wants."

"Oh?" Anders asked, trying to sound neutral. He knew this was a winding road with Hawke. Feelings were definitely not his strong suit. "What does she want?"

Hawke rolled his eyes. "You know. Courtship, marriage… children, love!" He threw his hands up and back down on his legs. "What I've made of my life… I'm just not made for a wife and family. They could be hurt, or killed because of who I am… or I could be killed, on any one of my jobs. How could I subject someone to that? How could I love, knowing that could happen to them?"

"Hmm," Anders replied, staying calm, and staring back into the fire. "I hadn't realized she asked you for all of that."

"Well, no, she hasn't," Hawke admitted. "But I am not a fool, it is the natural progression. I don't want to promise something I cannot give. I don't want to hurt her."

"Andraste's knicker weasels, the two of you are so alike, you make me want to pound my head against the wall," Anders muttered, causing Hawke to frown.

"What?" he asked, frustrated.

"So ending everything now won't hurt her, or you?" Anders asked, looking Hawke in the eye. "I feel like I just had this talk with Cat, though it was long ago. She was so adamant that things could end badly, that she would rather have you as a friend than nothing. But she had already been making both of you miserable by denying what was there."

Hawke nodded, things clicking into place in his memories. "How did she decide what to do?" he asked softly.

"I'm not sure, but I'll tell you what I told her. Yes, things could end badly, yes, you could die, or she could. But what you aren't putting into the equation is the opposite of those."

"The opposite?" Hawke asked. "What, that everything could be wonderful?"

"I'm not saying that, because life is hard. But you could live, you could love, you could have all that you think you don't want and more. Why refuse to live in case something bad happens?" Anders asked.

"I can't just discount it, Anders," Hawke replied sadly. "Everyday, mages become more and more persecuted. Every day it looks more and more like I'll either have to live on the run as an apostate, or be made tranquil."

Anders shuddered. What a cheerful thought of the future, and yet, he's only being honest with himself. "Speaking from experience, living on the run isn't so bad. You may even ask your mother if she would have changed things."

"That's just it Anders," Hawke argued. "I know what my mother went through, and I know she wouldn't trade it all, because of us. But who knows what life she could have led, if she hadn't run off with Father."

"What you're not factoring in, is that it was your mother's choice, Hawke," Anders replied, shaking his head at his friend's stubbornness. "You said Cat loves you, right?" he asked, and Hawke nodded. "And why is that?" he pressed. "Because you can give her a mansion and a gaggle of children?" Anders lowered his voice as he heard his own exasperation making it louder.

"No, at least, I don't think so," Hawke answered, a humorous smirk on his face.

"Look, I don't like feeling I'm talking you into something, I just want to help you," Anders said, staring back into the fire. "You and Cat… you're the closest thing I have to family, and I don't want to lose any of you. But… I also want you to be happy. And I truly think you and Cat will be happier together, no matter what may happen."

"You are family, Anders, not just close to it," Hawke replied, punching his shoulder lightly.

"Alright, well as your family, I'll give you some unsolicited advice." He smiled as Hawke groaned playfully. "Picture yourself in the future, a few years, five, or ten, whatever. And answer one question. Is Cat there with you?" He shifted, and moved to stand.

Looking down at Hawke's sober face, he smiled again. "Answer that, and I think you'll know what to do."

Anders started away, leaving Hawke to his thoughts, hoping someone hadn't taken his bed.

"You know Anders," Hawke said, causing him to turn and look back. "You seem really good at this. I'm a little surprised you aren't married with a brood of your own now."

Anders smiled sadly. "I haven't found my Cat yet," he answered, and turned again and left. He stopped momentarily on the stairs, thinking he saw a shadow move, but decided it must have come from the light of the fire.

The crew woke at relatively the same time, mostly once Merrill was up, since she continued speaking from where she had left off the night before. She wasn't trying to be mean, she just was so excited to have her friends back.

Fenris and Merrill raided what was left in the house for breakfast, and though it was simple they had enough. Isabela had barely swallowed her last bite when she turned to Hawke with a cunning smile.

"Ready to spill, handsome?" she asked, though everyone knew she wasn't actually giving him a choice.

"I suppose that would be best," he replied bracing himself.

"So what's the real problem with this mage/templar group?" she asked.

"They decided that Hawke would stop them, so they needed leverage on him to keep him in line," Aveline broke in, wanting to just get it said. "They have Cat."

Instead of the outburst he was expecting, Hawke was surprised to see the trio that had been in the dark simply look at each other, as if checking that they all knew what they others did.

"How long has she been back?" Fenris asked.

"Wait, did you already figure it out?" Hawke demanded.

"It is apparent that Cat has been here recently," Fenris replied. "All her bathing items are still out, and the tub is full of water."

"That could have been Anders or Merrill," Hawke argued, and Fenris shrugged.

"I doubt they would have used her soap."

Hawke shook his head, and turned to Isabela. "And you?" he asked as she smirked.

"Give me some credit Hawke, I know my Kitty," she answered. "And all of you were avoiding speaking of her last night, dead give away."

"Dare I ask?" Hawke asked Zevran, who gave a slow smile, and a nonchalant shrug.

"Right…" Hawke said rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Well, from what we've pieced together, Cat had just gotten out of the bath and dressed for bed when men from this group broke in. She hid out the window, and heard that they were going after someone else close to me, since she wasn't there. Knowing everyone else was with me, she determined that they might go after my mother, so she ran for my house."

"Hold a moment," Isabela said with a grin. "In her nightclothes?" she asked, and Hawke hesitated before nodding. "I happen to know she only sleeps in a large tunic, usually one stolen from those two," she pointed at Fenris and Anders.

"That's why she keeps them?" Hawke asked. "Never mind, not the time. But yes, Isabela, according to my mother and Bodahn, she came into the house through a window in just a tunic, without even her boots. She told them what was happening, but the men had already shown up at the house."

"Long story short, Cat went with them in order to keep Leandra safe," Aveline broke in again. We found out where they will be, so we just had to wait until then."

"What aren't you saying?" Isabela pressed. "Kitty can take care of a few men no problem. Why would she just go with them? And why wasn't she with everyone?" she asked Aveline.

"Bodahn said that they sparred to decide it, but Cat isn't at her best," Aveline answered. "She's still recuperating from an injury."

"Injury?" Zevran asked, receiving nods all around, though the other let Anders explain.

"She went to the Deep Roads, after one of her warden friends, Nathaniel," he explained. "She was struck by an ogre."

Zevran looked stricken, but he cleared his throat and asked, "Is she all right?"

Anders nodded. "But it was a major healing, and she's not quite back to her full strength. She tires very easily, especially in a fight."

"I see," came the reply. Zevran looked to Hawke. "Have we given enough time? Can we go get her back? I'm anxious to see her for myself."

Hawke looked at the sun pouring in the window, and nodded. "Let's go," he answered.

Cat was annoyed, and slowly becoming seriously angry.

She didn't like being carried, and only let her friends do so if absolutely necessary. She didn't like that it was necessary now, or that there were no friends nearby. She was unceremoniously picked up and thrown over a templar's shoulders whom she didn't know. The fireman's hold he was performing was extremely uncomfortable with his armor, and the uneven paths out to the Wounded Coast.

Once they finally, finally reached the old ruins, she was gratefully put down. However, before she could rub her sore stomach and side, the templar bound her hands in front of her.

"Whoa, seriously?!" she asked. "I've done nothing but cooperate!"

"Quiet," came the reply. "Or you'll be gagged."

She sat there fuming, hoping Hawke got there soon. She had seriously had enough of these people. For a group that was trying to make things better, they surely didn't act like it.

It was a boring couple of hours before she finally saw Thrask show up, along with a couple of mages, though neither of them looked like Grace or Alain from what she remembered.

Thrask moved over once he spotted her, and squatted down to speak to her.

"I am sorry for this, Lady Catarina," he said, and she could tell that he was sincere. "There seemed to be little choice once the Champion discovered us."

"You know, if you had simply talked to him, he may have let you do what you willed," she replied quietly. "But taking a friend is asking to have an angry Hawke on your back, one that will not listen to reason."

"I pray that you are mistaken about that, though I promise we will not harm you," he said sadly. "This is all a bluff you see, but if he calls me on it, I will return you unharmed."

"I suggest you lead with that, before he gets worked up," she answered.

"It must be nice to know how loved you are," he said, and her expression fell.

"The Champion would do the same for any of his crew," she replied. "He cares deeply for us all."

"Ah, I see," Thrask replied, giving her a small smile. "Then I assume we will see him soon."

"Undoubtedly," she answered. "Are you as certain of your comrades?" she asked quietly.

"What do you mean?" he asked, his eyes and tone guarded.

"The Champion himself brought some of these mages to the circle," she said, keeping her voice quiet. "Are you certain this is not just a means of revenge?" she asked. "If they want to hurt me, I am afraid that your word will mean nothing."

He stood then, and looked down directly in her eyes. "It is true, that I do not have unswerving loyalty, but we are here for a greater purpose. No one will endanger that."

"Maker, I hope you are right," she said, looking away.

After about another hour, more people arrived, though their meeting didn't start, so Cat assumed there were people still missing. It was a bigger group than she would have thought, and hoped the crew were ready for it. Though, if she were being honest, she was hoping that Hawke would just get her back and let them go about trying to depose Meredith.

"Hello," a younger man she had never seen said, and she looked up, even as he sat down near her.

"Hello," she replied cautiously.

"You're Catarina, aren't you?" he asked, and she nodded. "I thought I recognized you. Your name is often spoken in the Gallows," he said with a smile, and she frowned as she realized she was fodder for gossip.

"Really?" she asked. "Whatever for?"

"Well," he said happily, leaning forward. "At first everyone was certain the Knight Captain was head over heels in love with you, and when you kept visiting, they were certain there was going to be a wedding."

"Maker's balls," Cat muttered. "Cullen's like my brother, we were never involved like that," she said in disgust of the gossipers that made her life so difficult.

"Really?" he asked with glee. "This is the first time I'll be able to share something straight from the source."

"And what's your name?" she asked giving him a smirk.

"Alain," he replied, and her eyes opened wide. "Have… have you heard of me?" he asked in surprise.

"Uh, yes, though it was a long time ago. One of the Starkhaven mages?" she asked and he nodded. "Cullen said something about you all being accused of blood magic."

"Well, thankfully, we were able to convince them that was another mage that was with us," he said as he looked away. "Though life in the Gallows has been much… rougher, than in Starkhaven."

"I guess I just assumed you would have an accent," she said, wanting to change the subject and not force him to lie to her.

He smiled then. "I wasn't born and raised there, just taken there once my magic manifested," he said. "In fact, most of the mages there did not have a Starkhaven accent."

"Oh, I have a friend from there, so I am used to it now," she replied with a grin.

"The prince from the Chantry?" he asked, and it was her turn to look surprised. He chuckled. "Between the Knight Captain, the prince, and the Champion, is it any wonder why your name is so well known?" He looked serious as he leaned forward again. "Not to mention it is said that you are a friend of mages, though not all believe that."

"It may be hard to believe, but I am a friend to all that want good things for the world," she replied. "Templar or mage. I just don't make friends with those that try to rule others."

"I think I like you," he said, and she was surprised again. "Sorry, I guess I wasn't sure if I was going to or not, with everything that I've heard."

"Well, thanks for finding out for yourself, I appreciate that," she answered. "Most just believe whatever they hear."

"Like Grace," he said conspiratorially. "She's certain that you just move on to a new man when you find one more powerful."

"Hmph," Cat muttered, not liking the woman at all, and she hadn't even met her. "Well, she's never even met me, so how would she know?" Cat asked.

"I don't need to meet a whore to know when I see one."

Cat and Alain looked up, seeing an angry looking woman glaring down at them. Cat raised an eyebrow as she looked the new woman over. She was pretty enough, but her perpetual scowl prevented that beauty from shining through.

"You must be Grace," Cat said in a friendly voice.

"And you are the prisoner," Grace replied. "Alain, get over to your position. The last are arriving."

Alain sheepishly moved to his feet, and shuffled off. Once he was past Grace, he turned to give Cat a little wave, and she smile to herself. He's a pretty good kid, I wonder if they forced him to learn blood magic, or he's good at acting innocent.

"If you're smiling, that means you're having a good time," Grace said, drawing Cat's eye. "And we can't have that." Cat didn't have time to say anything once she noticed the blood on Grace's hand. Then all went black.