"So the Champions did encounter Grey Wardens," said the Seeker.

"Yes, but that's not the connection you're looking for." Varric gestured.

"Isn't it? The involvement of the Grey Wardens makes perfect sense. And the Champions' companions? Merrill, Aveline, Isabela… and that Warden, Anders?"

Varric actually hung his head. "Don't remind me. I introduced them."

"We thought they all came from Midgard together, but now it makes sense. Motive and opportunity."

"It's still not what you think," Varric said.

"Then I need to hear more."

"Unless you've already decided. I can always go if you don't need me anymore…" Varric gave her a hopeful look.

"Tell me what came next."

Varric sighed; he expected as much.

"The treasure we found in the Deep Roads made us a fortune. The Champions moved up in the world. Literally. Bought a mansion in Hightown. Everyone knew who they were now. Even the Viscount was taking notice. Three years later, the Qunari still hadn't left. The Qunari insisted they were waiting for their ship. But some of us knew better…"

Dak and Leyla had received a letter from the Viscount requesting their presence. They made their way over to the keep and towards the Viscount's office. Inside, the Viscount was talking to Seneschal Bran.

"The compound was not meant to be permanent. There are concerns the Qunari influence is… no longer contained," said Seneschal Bran.

Viscount Dumar looked up from his desk. "Was it ever? Huttsgalor has tension enough between templar and mage, but these Qunari…" He stood. "They sit like gargoyles, waiting for Maker-knows-what, and everyone goes mad around them. Nearly four years, I have stood between fanatics." He looked down at a scroll on his desk. "And now this." He turned and looked at Dak and Leyla.

"Don't keep us in suspense," said Dak as they entered the office.

"Leave us," Viscount Dumar said to Bran. He waited until the other man had gone before turning his attention to them. "Meredith at my throat, Orsino at my heels, and a city scared of heretical giants. Balance has been held because the Qunari ask for nothing. Even the space in Lowtown was a 'gift' to contain them. But now the Arishok has requested you. By name." Viscount Dumar gave them a level look. "What did you do?"

"We got his attention a couple of times. I guess we pressed him, but that was years ago."

"You more than me," said Leyla

"It makes no sense. And it doesn't matter. I just need them quiet." Viscount Dumar paced the office. "I remember how you two helped my son. It seems you two are meant to have influence above your station." He turned back to face them. "Speak to the Arishok. Give him what he needs to keep the peace. Can you two do that for Huttsgalor?"

"Have the years been kind to Saemus?"

"He is his own man, but your actions tempered him somewhat. He is not so angry at the world." He gave them a grateful look. "I thank you for that. I may not agree with him on many things, but I am proud of what he is becoming."

Dak found the presence of the Qunari old; admittedly, he didn't know much about them, but an armed convoy indicated an invasion normally. "The Qunari usually arrive as conquerors. Odd that this has gone on so long."

Viscount nodded. "Very, and I am not interested in antagonising them. That is practically why I suffer being a messenger today. A treaty exists, and it has been honoured. Although…"

"You have doubts?"

He nodded. "They claim they're waiting for a second ship, but it has been three years. They want something else."

"We are always willing to assist," said Leyla.

"That is an attitude this city has lacked for a long time." Viscount Dumar actually looked relieved. "Appease the Arishok. Take his demand and let him return to dormancy." He sighed. "As awkward as this has been, it is better than the alternative."

They saw Saemus on the way out of the Viscount's office and paused to give greetings. Saemus smiled at them. "You two are here rather often. A good influence, I think. Even by not taking sides, you helped start something. I still accept no blame for defending Qunari. And I don't miss the kinship of people who oppose what I believe."

Dak shrugged. "The Arishok asked for us. Personally, I think they're a headache, but they're like so many people."

"Then you've already treated them with more grace than most. Mere existence should not be an offence—no matter how they challenged the Chantry. Not when some of their ideas are so… compelling."

When they emerged from the keep, he was met by Bodahn, who offered his services as their manservant to show his gratitude for rescuing his son. Even though no matter how many times they said there was no need, he informed them that the last proceeds of the treasury found in the Deep Roads had come through and that their mother wanted them to return to the mansion.

Aveline was actually waiting for them at the estate. She nodded when they entered. "You two settled in nicely."

"It's been hard work to get here," said Dak.

"Quite a bit of luck," Leyla added.

She nodded her head at him. "Indeed. Still, more coin never hurts, right? Say, if someone wanted to pass some work your way…?"

"We're listening, Aveline," said Dak. "What's the trouble?"

"Someone's trying to be a guard. Poorly." She raised her hand when Dak started to look insulted. "Remember Emeric? The templar? He wants your help and some sort of official sanction."

Dak blinked. "Official sanction?"

She sighed. "For his 'investigation'. He's convinced that every random murder in the past few years is connected, and he won't be quiet."

Leyla frowned. "I seem to recall he had some good leads."

"Then you won't mind chasing his threads. If it leads somewhere else, I'll pick it up. Right now, he's just distracting my men."

"We'll do what I can, but right now, we're about to go talk to the Arishok at the request of the Viscount," Dak informed her. "Want to come along?"

"Who else is coming?" She followed him up to his room and waited at the door as he gathered his armour.

"Fenris, most likely. Merrill seems to want to join despite the danger. We can stop by the Hanged Man on our way to the docks and see if Varric wants to join us."

Dak told Aveline to wait outside while he and Leyla spoke with their mother. She was still getting used to the fact that they were living in her old home.

"It's strange, living here again," said Leandra. "My childhood home, now owned by my children." She then turned and looked at one of the windows. "It's not something I would have imagined when I was a little girl staring outside this window. I'm still grateful the two of you used your money from the expedition to buy back the estate. I feel like an Amell again."

"We're gonna make the name 'Hawke' one to be proud of in this city," said Dak firmly.

"And we will let those pesky nobles or templars take everything away from us," said Leyla.

Mother smiled. "I don't doubt it! Your father would have said that with the exact look, too. I just wish we could all be together as a family one more time. But I can't spend the rest of my life mourning your father. He's gone, and I can't bring them back."

They soon gathered everyone and made their way to the compound to meet with the Arishok, who was just as intimidating as Dak remembered.

The Arishok watched him for a moment. "Last we met, I did not know your name. Did not care to." He gestured. "You have changed your fortune over the years. The Qunari have not. I offer a courtesy, Dak. Someone has stolen what he thinks is the formula for gaatlok. You will want to hunt him."

Dak blinked. "Excuse me, but this sounds like quite the feat."

"It was allowed. The stolen formula was a decoy. Saar-qamek—a poison gas, not explosives. A small amount is dangerous enough to your kind. But if made in quantity, perhaps by someone intending to sell it…"

Dak's eyes widened; he only knew one person who might resort to stealing from the Qunari. "That merchant… Javaris?"

"Would he be cautious, or would he assume success and make enough to threaten a district?" The Arishok gestured. "A courtesy, Dak. You will want to hunt him."

He turned to Varric. "Any idea where we can find Javaris?"

"I heard about a sell-off. Merchant territories and such. They don't do that unless someone left in a hurry." Varric shrugged. "I'd have figured he rooked some noble. He's sure not a burglar."

Dak nodded. "Just tell me where he is."

"I haven't kept up on the squirt. Ask the Coterie."

He then turned and looked at the Arishok. "So how dangerous does this mixture could become?" he asked.

"It's not a threat to Qunari. For your kind, it is as dangerous as those who breathe it."

"Care to elaborate?"

"The gas kills, but first, it turns allies against their own in a blind rage. So, the greater the skill of those sent against us, the more dangerous they become to their own people."

"Hard to control the best of times," Leyla muttered.

"It is no longer our problem," he said plainly.

The Arishok settled back on his bench. "Panahedan, Dak. I do not hope you die."

They then left the compound and began discussing the situation's seriousness.

"So we have a merchant that is trying to sell a deadly poison as explosive powder," said Leyla. "Not how I imagine my day would start."

"We need to get on top of this. We can't let that poison onto the streets," said Dak.

Aveline nodded. "I'll have my guardsmen keep a lookout; in the meantime, we need to track down this merchant."

Thanks to Varric, they were able to locate the Coteria girl who was selling the assets of Javaris Tintop.

"You're selling the assets of Javaris Tintop?" Dak asked a Coterie girl.

She nodded. "We are. Limited districts, limited contracts. Keeps territory clear and separate from the start. He had a meagre lot, but he's skipped with dues outstanding, so up it goes."

"There's a lot riding on finding Javaris. Can you help?"

"The members of our little fellowship expect privacy." Her smile held just a trace of evil. "But he skipped out on paying me, too." She pointed. "Javaris left in a hurry. I'd put him at Smugglers' Cut if he's avoiding patrols. It empties at a cave outside town." She gestured. "Tell him I said, 'Don't come back.'"

They began following the directions, but something seemed off, and tracking him down was far too easy.

"Not the trail I'd expect from a master thief," said Varric. "Just saying."

"Yeah, this seems a little too easy," said Leyla. "Though I suppose he could and left in a hurry."

Dak wasn't so certain; something was definitely up, but Javaris was the only one who could answer these questions.

They found the dwarf, and he made every attempt to talk peacefully, but the moment he saw them, he ordered his men to attack them. Considering what he asked him to do three years ago, this was a foolish move.

Javaris was cowering when the last of the mercenaries was either dead or fleeing. Dak walked up to him. "Calm yourself, Javaris. You're not dead yet."

"You?" Javaris shook his head. "Granny's garters, she would hire you. I can't buy a break at a discount. You know what? Go ahead. Take my head and pike it back to that sodding elf. I need the rest."

They all looked at one another, trying to make sense of this. Javaris wasn't bright, but even he could mistake the Arishok for a female elf.

"What in blazes are you talking about?" Dak asked.

"You don't know? Then, what, you're tracking for the Qunari?" Javaris's eyes widened. "Then she did it; that elf got them after me for nothing. Bitch-born."

Varric laughed. "Ah, I knew he was no burglar. We're not climbers."

"Look, I'm minding business, same old, and out of the blue, some elf tries to kill me." Javaris threw up his hands. "Says she's got the Qunari powder, and I'm her cover. I slipped her, hired some bodyguards, and ran for it. And now you're here. Great."

Leyla shook his head. "If you're innocent, you could plead your case to the Arishok."

"Let's breathe this down. An elf with explosives wants me dead. Part two, the Qunari may think I'm a thief and also want me dead. Either option seems promising?" He raised an eyebrow at Dak, who stood there motionless. "Didn't think so. Here, you want to drag dark into light; I had a man follow her. The elf is in Lowtown. I just want to get out. With my dead guards. Thanks for that."

Dak looked down at Javaris. "Better luck whatever you're bound, Javaris. The further, the better."

"Right. Got me a rosy future to plan out. Think I'll start by selling some boots." Javaris bent and started stripping the gear from the dead men. "Sodding bunch of… take a long breath on a short shaft you… blasted dog-lord in-roaders."

They entered Lowtown and went down the alleyway where Javaris' man had tracked down the elf. A guard was already trying to deal with a lot of scared and angry-looking citizens.

"All of you, I can't fight the damned air. You want to live, stay out," he said.

"What's going on, Maecon?" Aveline asked.

The guard gave Aveline a desperate look. "Guard-Captain. There's… I can't even describe…"

"On your time, son."

He nodded. "Reports of some haze with the stench of rust and… throw up. There was a cloud, then a… lingering mist. Anyone caught in the cloud just went mad. Then the others just retched themselves dead."

"All right, keep your post. We'll take it from here." Aveline started forward without even checking to see if they were going to follow. She did glance at them once they got to the gate. "He's a good man. Trust that it's as bad as he says."

Dak opened the gate. "Let's hope this elf didn't try to make enough powder to sell."

"Didn't sound like a merchant to me. Let's go."

They soon entered the compound, and mist was already burning their lungs. Leyla quickly conjured a wind to give them some breathable air, but this meant she could not attack the insane mercenaries that attacked them.

Dak looked around and saw the green haze pouring out of a barrel. Without any hesitation, he quickly snatched up a metal latch and then used it to seal the lid.

"There must be others," he called out.

Leyla kept her spell going while Aveline and Fenris guarded her. Varric and Merrill concentrated on taking out the archers. During the chaos, Dak placed a rag over his mouth, and his nose continued to seal up the barrels. When the last one was finally sealed, the mist began to settle, and Merrill quickly rushed over to heal him.

Unfortunately, there wasn't any time to rest as another group began making their way down into the alley. However this group appeared to be led by an elven woman. She looked very sick, and it was a wonder that she was able to stand.

"Easy, we're just trying to find out what happened," said Leyla calmly.

"Is that?" she said, looking down at them. "Dak and Leyla Hawke. You have enemies. I'm glad it's you, really. These poor people. You are a much better target."

Dak picked himself up and looked at her, expecting it to turn into a fight. "You stole the gaatlok, what, to sell? Justify yourself?"

"Qunari, take my people. My siblings forget their culture, and then go to the Qun for purpose. We're losing them twice. So, I get help from your people. We'll take the Qunari thunder, make some accidents, and make them hated. But this…" She looked around the alley. "This is all wrong."

"Which of my people putting up to this theft?" DaK demanded.

She didn't answer the question. In fact, she looked insane. "It can still work. They are hidden in your city. They'll enrage the faithful and make sure the Qunari are blamed." She hefted her blade. "Me, I'm finished. I just need a few more bodies. A few more."

She lunged towards Leyla, but Dak quickly moved in to defend her and pushed the elf back. Aveline and Fenris then quickly engage the rest of her men, charging in, with Varric and Merrill laying down supporting fire, disrupting their formation. Dak was still fighting the elf, who was put in a struggle despite being happy insane, but she managed to trip him up and was just about to finish her off when Leyla blasted him with a fireball.

Once the fighting was over, they messaged Anders, who quickly arrived to provide medical aid.

"Tell me… did you… did you ever meet a Dalish Warden when you were with the Wardens? Ragnar?"

Anders looked up, surprised. "As a matter of fact, I did. Do you know him?"

"We grew up together. He was one of my clan. I keep hoping to hear some news…"

"He's commanding the Midgard Grey Wardens, trying to rebuild the order there. I haven't heard anything from him since I left.

Afterwards, they went to report back to the Arishok the next morning. The Arishok seemed somewhat less than surprised by the news. "So, I was wrong about our thief."

"It appears so," said Dak.

"They say we were careless with our trap, that this is our fault. But even without the saar-qamek, there would have been death. This elf was determined to lay blame at our feet." He shook his head. "I admire conviction with a focus, but your kind are truly committed to weakness."

Dak could feel Aveline glaring behind. "She was angry to see her people losing their culture by claiming yours."

"We accept those who submit to the Qun. The weak naturally seek the strong. It doesn't matter. We do not come equipped for indoctrination. I am here to satisfy a demand you cannot understand."

"It's been a long time," Leyla pointed out.

"It will take as long as needed. No ship is coming. There is no rescue from duty to the Qun. I am stuck here."

Dak narrowed his eyes. "That is not the understanding of the city leaders and their… supporters."

"Let them rot. Filth stole from us. Not now, not the saar-qamek. Years ago. A simple act of greed has bound me. We are all denied Par Vollen until I alone recover what was lost under my command." The Arishok rose. "This is why this elf and her shadows are unimportant. That is why I do not simply walk from this pustule of a city." He actually took a few steps towards them. "Fixing your mess is not a demand of the Qun. And you should all be grateful!" It took a few moments for the man to regain control of himself, and he walked back to the bench. He sat, then looked at them. "Thank you, humans, for your service. Leave."

They didn't need any convincing and quickly left the compound.

"He says that it's our fault that we stole from them," Aveline grumbled. ""But they pretty much invited people to steal from them with a concoction that could wipe out an entire street."

"I know, we don't antagonise them any more than they already are," said Dak.

"The Qunari are not to be trifled with, even in small numbers," said Fenris. "Though I do get the impression that he's starting to lose his patients."

"Either way, we should inform the Viscount of this, especially considering that the ship is not coming to take them back home," said Leyla.

"They're clearly looking for something. Our best hope is to find whatever they want and give it back to them so they can leave," said Dak.

"Good plan, except for the part we don't know what it is now looking for," said Varric.

"Then we just have to keep her eyes and ears open, won't we," said Dak.

They beat a graceful retreat. Varric glanced up as they left the compound. "That's an oxman ready to charge. The Viscount should know."

Dak went to the Hanged Man when he found Isabela, unsurprisingly, at the bar. "Isabela. You look well."

She smiled and greeted him with a hug and a quick grab of his ass. "Are you talking about the flush on my cheeks? It must be the whiskey." She leaned back on the bar. "Do you remember the relic I told you about? The one I need to find? I've been following a lead. I'm so close, I can taste it."

"Isn't that what you said last time?"

"Oh." She smiled innocently. "You mean when I went digging for that stash."

"Yes, that turned out to contain several badly written poems and an old boot."

"It could've contained the relic." She grabbed a couple mugs and then sat down at one of the tables, gesturing for him and Fenris to join her. "I just thought I'd let you know that I may soon be taking you up on that offer of help."

He accepted the mug she passed him. "You can count on me."

"Thanks. I appreciated it." She smiled. "If I learn anything new, you'll be the first to hear about it." She leaned back and let her eyes travel over him and then Merrill.

Merrill looked at her uncomfortably. "You've had many lovers, haven't you?"

Isabela shrugged. "Fewer than some think. "

"But you never stay with them," Merrill frowned.

Isabela shook her head. "No, why should I?"

"But the act of lovemaking is so… intimate," Merrill said uneasily.

"I don't make love. What I do is only skin-deep, Kitten," Isabella smirked. "Don't worry your pretty little head about it."

Dak just rolled his eyes as Isabela nearly fell out of her chair laughing.

Varric handed over the small pouch of coins. "Just tell me if you hear more rumblings from the Coterie about protection. Blondie's got enough trouble…" He waved the man away when he saw Soldier enter and gave his friend a considering look. "Let me ask you something, Soldier. You and Sunshine made it into Hightown. I'd expect anyone else to get complacent. But you two… you must have plans."

"No plans yet. We're simply trying to look out for my mother."

Varric nodded understandably. "To be honest, I thought there might be a chance you two would want to go back to Midgard now that things have calmed down. It's good to hear you're sticking around."

Soldier smiled and spread his arms. "What would I do without my trusty dwarf? I'd cry myself to sleep without you."

Varric put a hand over his heart. "Oh, don't get all teary-eyed on me, Dak. You know I can't stand to see a human cry." He slung Bianca over his shoulder. "So, we've got a whole city-state full of trouble to get into. Shall we get started?"

"So the Viscount asked the Champions to speak with the Arishok?" said Cassandra.

Varric nodded. "Yes, to help maintain the peace, but as you have heard, it is not an easy task."

"And you would have me believe that the Champions had no ambitions, that they are merely drawn in by circumstance alone?"

"If I've heard correctly, King Hiccup was reluctant to take the throne himself," Varric pointed out. "In fact, if it had not been for the Fifth Blight and Drago Bludvist's lust for power, he may have never become King in the first place."

"True," Cassandra admitted. "But I would like to hear more; I want to know what kind of people the Champions were."

"And that is why I'm here," Varric smiled.