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Ch 12: Little Steps

Deviation Actions

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Varric returned to his spot at the Hanged Man to see the place had returned to its ambience since he'd left; the bard was playing a melancholic song, and the buzzing of conversation had resumed. However, when he walked in there was a pause, as if people were expecting trouble. Seeing him, the tavern fell silent again, even the bard stopped her playing; a brief moment passed, then some of them rushed forward, interrupting the silence with the scraping of chairs and thudding feet.

"Are you alright?"

"Did they hurt you?"

"What did they want?"

"Why were they looking for you?"

"What did you do?"

The barrage of questions coming from different directions made him grin. This is the start of another great story, he grinned wider, holding up a hand. "Shouldn't I get a drink first?" He winked at the nearest woman, and the group titterd as they parted ways so he could sit at the table near the bar, with most of the tavern surrounding him. A waitress brought him a drink and stood nearby as he took a long swig. "Let's see…" He scratches his chin, drawing the anticipation out, enjoying the way the audience waiting with bated breath. "The thing is," He started, his enthusiasm barely contained as the audience stare at him with bated breath. "The Arishok was at his wits' end."

xxxx

Hawke went home, fuming the whole way, muttering curses at the Arishok. "I need to be informed of your whereabouts." Hawke spoke in a low voice, miming the Arishok. "I'd like to stick that information somewhere uncomfortable."

Marble, hearing her voice, bounced down the stairs to greet his mistress with the ever-wagging tail. Seeing him made Hawke smile. "At least some of us are carefree and happy." She said, crouching down to hug the dog, only to be knocked over, the dog's tongue all over her face. Hawke half laughing, half trying to get out from under the dog as well as trying to push the dog's face off. "Maker's breath, has no one fed you?"

Marble's answer was to lick her chin, the only part of her face that wasn't shielded by her hands.

"Fine, fine, give me a second." She pushed again, and the dog ran into the kitchen ahead of her.

"Marian." Her mother's voice coming from behind her made her jump, half startled, half guilty. She had stayed out late again, and her mother is becoming impatient with the way she keep disappearing, especially after the kidnapping incident.

She turned around, and sure enough, her mother was frowning at her. Hawke put on her best innocent smile. "Mother, I thought you were asleep."

Leandra clucked her tongue. "It is the fourth time this week. Honestly, Marian, I thought you would be more prudent after what happened with those mercenaries."

Hawke's smile went from a wide-grin to a softer smile. She should have guess that her mother would be concern about her safety. "Mother, I'll be fine. You know that."

Leandra sighed, walking forward and pull her daughter into a hug. "I know, darling. I just worry."

"How is Bethany?" Hawke asked instead, changing the subject lest her mother would ask where she've been. No point in making her more anxious than she already was. She felt a little guilty for not confiding in her mother about the progressing relationship with the Qunari, and she wasn't sure if it was because she's not too sure of them yet, or that Leandra might not take it well that her daughter is becoming friends with the giants.

Leandra heaved a sighed, opened her mouth to say something, but she stopped, and pat her daughter's head. "She misses you, of course, but she's doing well."

"I plan to visit her tomorrow." Hawke told her, struck by the remorse that while she was out having fun, her sister is still being locked up in the Gallows and rarely had outside contacts. Once again, she thought of breaking her sister out, and living anywhere but here. But just as quick as the thought reared up in her head, another picture hit back just as hard, reminding her of the days before Kirkwall. She could live with that, always seeing something new, but her mother will not be able to keep up with that lifestyle for long. Logically, she know that this place does offer the best for her mother, and so she had strive hard to keep the city stable; but part of her wonder if this fragile peace would last, and how much more she'd have to deal with in order to make it safe. The nightly routine of rooting out bandits only to have new gangs replace them are getting tiresome, though they had help with her feeling of restlessness. As long as she had something to do physically, she could ignore the call for new things.

Hawke let out a long sigh, it was late, and she can't afford to have those thoughts now; once she veered into that direction, it'll end up making her feeling restless again. "Mother, you should go to sleep."

Her mother was quiet for a moment, searching Hawke's eyes for something. Hawke leaned her head to one side, silently asking her mother's thoughts. Leandra only smiled, and left the room, tightening the sash around her middle on her way out. Hawke purse her lips, wondering what that look could meant. Marble barked loudly, reminding his mistress of his missing dinner, and Hawke threw up her hand, turning to walk toward the kitchen. "Alright, alright, I'm coming!"

xxxx

Soft morning light woke Fenris up, as well as a sense of being watched; he turned his head toward the light, blinking his eyes open to see Hawke sitting on the edge of his bed, elbows on her knees and resting her chin on her folded hand, staring at him. He grunted, annoyed at having woken earlier than he wanted. He shifted, turning away from her and tried to get back to sleep, not ready to part with the warmth of the bed. He felt a finger on his shoulder, prodding.

"Hawke." He growled, his voice deep and scratchy with sleep.

"It's morning already." She whispered.

"Leave." He swatted her hand away.

"Fine," Hawke said, and he felt a shift on the bed when she stood up. "I just thought you want to know there's a lead on the Magisters' activity." Her voice was smaller as she gain distance from the bed.

He was only half listening, but when the words sunk in, he jerked upright, looking toward the door to find Hawke leaning against the wall with a smirk on her lips. He narrowed his eyes at her, not bothering to speak.

"I thought so." She grinned wider, glancing at his wiry frame, tracing the white lines on his bare skin with her eyes, down to the waist of his trousers.

He heaved a sigh, shaking his head to clear his thought, then ran a hand through his hair. He had been trying to get somewhere with hunting the Magisters, but he kept running into dead ends, and getting frustrated.

"You can go back to sleep if you want." Hawke offered, watching him yawn as he stood up. Green eyes glares at her as he move to the table near the bed, where his shirt and armor lay hazardly across the surface. He quickly put his armor on, retrieved his weapon from his bed and strap it to his back before motioning for her to speak.

"Anders had two patients this morning," She told him, and he snorted. "They have cuts all over their bodies, and no recollection of the event. They were at the docks, and someone saw them dragging themselves out of the water."

"Get to the point." He said curtly, his voice still thick with sleep.

"They tried to eat people."

He blinked, wondering what the Magisters are up to. "Is this some kind of diversion?" He wondered out loud.

"It could be." Hawke said, her voice serious, though her eyes still shone with amusement. "Though I'm guessing it is more of an announcement. The Templars are in quite a knit over this. Of course, Anders had to get rid of the demons, but what's done is done. I think that the Magisters are bored, and playing with the Templars. It could be they're throwing a challenge to Meredith, or they want people to focus on this instead of something else; whatever it is, this is not ordinary magic. I had offered help, but Cullen said Meredith want to handle this personally, so there is going to be waiting involve." At this, she blew out a breath, her lips pulled down, and the traces of amusement gone.

"You're worried about your sister." He stated, rolling his shoulder to get rid of a kink. She nodded with a little smile, though it looks more like a grimace to him. Of course she would be worried about Bethany, with the Templars getting riled up like this. They had the mages under close scrutiny as it is even before this, and he understood her concerns. "What do you intend to do?"

"Break her out and stash her somewhere safe."

His head jerked toward her, his eyes wide. She had on a blank expression, and he curses. She've been spending too much time around the Qunari if she's able to say such a thing with a straight face. He half-doubted her, but this is Hawke, and her family matters; and yet it is because her family matter to her that he doesn't really think she would do such a thing.

"I'm kidding, of course." She sighed, looking a little dejected, and he let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. "It's tempting, but Bethany would hate being on the run again. And I've gained too much here that I can't just walk away from, not to mention I can't keep dragging mother out of her comfort zones."

Fenris put his chin on a fist, staring at her, wondering why her words sound a little off today. His main priority is the Magister, but he can't leave her like this. "Hawke." He muttered, sitting down next to her and wait patiently.

"Damn, you can see right through me." She laughs a little.

"You're so transparent." He snorted, continuing to wait.

She took a deep breath, and stare down on the floor. "The Arishok thinks this city is beyond hope."

Fenris grunted. "Nothing new there."

She glowered at him, then shook her head. "It's not that bad, a few improvements and it would be right as rain."

"Removing all the noble would be an improvement."

"You don't mean that." She raised an eyebrow.

"Don't I?" He leaned back against the chair with a raised eyebrow and crossed arms. He had never cared for politics, but he had glimpses of it through his time with Danarius, and frankly, the nobles here could use some lessons on the finer points of silent war. They did not make public claims, but the way they sulk make it obvious which complaint belong to which noble.

"Well, fine, let's hear your idea then? How would you improve the city?"

"I don't care about this city enough to do so."

"Which means you have no idea." She grinned.

"Says the person who hunts bandits and dragons for a living."

"I tried my best." She shrugged, once again looking dejected. "But that's what I want to talk to you about, beside the Magisters."

"What is it?"

"The Arishok wanted me to move into the compound."

"Erh?" He blinked at her, then gaped as he realized that she wasn't joking this time.

"He ordered me to, so I refused." She pursed her lips, entertained by the shocked look Fenris was displaying. He was normally indifferent about most things, so she enjoys moments when she surprises him. Similar to how she reacts to the Arishok, she supposed.

Fenris closed his mouth and clear his throat. "Didn't you said you adored the Qunari?"

"Fascinated." She corrected him.

"Same difference." He chuckles. "Though, that is certainly something I wasn't expecting."

"What, him trying to order me around?" She rolled her eyes.

"No, making a place for you in his territory." He said with a serious look. "Nevermind the daily visits he allowed, for him to say that you can participate in the daily ins and outs of the Qunari. That's…..a very high compliment, Hawke. Isn't this what you wanted before?"

"I've thought about it." She shifted uncomfortably. "But I didn't like how demanding he is. He issued an order, Fenris, without my input. I can't let him, because once I give in, he'll expect me to keep giving in. I just can't."

And there lies the problem, he grunted. He could see the logic behind her refusal; Hawke's first personal value is autonomy, which is why she fought hard to let others have their own freedom, why she always offer the criminals a way out. Often they did not take the opportunity, so she'd put them down, but those who wanted it, she let them go, with a little reprimand, too, of course. It often annoyed her friends - and him, especially when half of the ones she freed were mages, but he understood it, they all did.

And now the personal freedom she revered was threatened by the Arishok.

He blew out a breath. "The both of you are so stubborn." He told her, making her smile and shrug. "I'm starting to feel like a page-boy, passing notes and whispering words."

"Mhmm." Hawke hummed. "I'm picturing you in knee-high pants and white shirt. That's not a bad image, it'll show off your calves."

He kicked the edge of her seat, but she only laugh.

"I have better things to do." He glowered, standing up.

"The Magisters, right." She became sober again. "Like I said, Varric is going to see if he could get anything out of his contacts. What do you want to do in the meantime?"

"I'm familiar with how they work, they won't be in the city, but watching from afar."

"So, a comfortable place outside the city?"

"You're catching on." He said over his shoulder, heading out the door. There are only a handful of such places, where the Magisters' expensive taste consider adequate, and if he'd have to visit every one of those places to root them out, he'll do so.

"We don't know how many there are." She said, holding out a hand to stop him, but let it dropped to her side.

He grunted in affirmation, but kept on walking, and Hawke began to run her thoughts over the situation. Varric and Isabella are busy, so they're out of the count. Anders and Merrill are mages, and it could help them in a battle - she already know that any mission is a chance for a fight. Sebastian could also prove useful to watch things from a distance. She knew she would be able to stay out of sight, but what would mean going alone, and leaving Fenris behind is out of question. If anything, he would refuse and go alone - and that is also not an option. She thought of Aveline, but the Guard Captain had been a little too busy lately, and Aveline might not approve of sneaking into a nest full of Magisters.

"If we're going to do this, might as well take someone else along." She said, already picking out the people who can walk without making too much noise. "To cover our asses in case something go wrong."

"Something always go wrong." He sighed, nodding to her.

xxxx

What was supposed to be a quick look-see turned out to be something more - as it was wont to be, and Hawke found herself plastered behind a boulder at the edge of a mighty mansion. There weren't that many fancy houses in a remote locations outside of Kirkwall, and they hit the treasure trove on the first try. She have to give the Magisters some credit for hiding the area well with illusion magic, but they forgot that footprints leading to nowhere looks very suspicious.

She had sat down with Fenris, Anders, and Sebastian to devise up a plan with their input. She would go in first, do a little check, and come right back out with the observed layout, the guesstimate number of Magisters and how many others there are; then Sebastian would go with her, the two rogues would quickly secure someone and bring him or her back out. Fenris would be the one to ask questions, seeing as he understood the Magisters the most; and to be honest, she want to give him a chance to vent a little on the Magisters so he could keep a clear head later on.

They decided that it would be a good plan as any, and Fenris will be there to cover them then make a quick getaway when the rest scatter. Sebastian, of course, would be in charge of the hostage, and carried five bottles of sleeping draught on him, and had treated some of his arrow with it before they set out.

The high advantages overlooking Kirkwall was be Sundermount, Wounded Coast, and Vimmark Mountains; Sundermount still housed the Elvhenan clan, and they wouldn't tolerate the Magister. Hawke was familiar with Wounded Coast to know there isn't anything there but caves - and she doubt the Magisters would lower themselves to caves, so Vimmark Mountains was a logical choice. The group had agreed, and followed the path leading out to it, looking for a high vantage point.

It was quiet enough, and there weren't any other signs that the area is occupied by anything but spiders and the occasional bandit groups. They were about to head toward the other two choices when Sebastian came upon a set of footprints. They weren't fresh, but the footprints disappeared and reappear intermittently, and he had notified the group of his findings.

That had led her to be here now, trying to be as small as possible and not make any noises. It was easy enough, but with the sheer amount of people running back and forth, getting in was going to take a while. She just hoped Sebastian can keep Fenris distracted long enough for her to do her job. She even hope that Anders would bicker with the elf, just so Fenris won't think about how long she'd been away.

Pushing thoughts of Fenris out of her mind, she concentrated on listening. Light footsteps patter on the terrains, elves whispering amongst themselves, guards walking around the perimeters, voices of various others demanding this and that.

This is going to be so much fun, Hawke grinned, feeling the thrill of subterfuge. She haven't have the occasion to do something like this in a while, for thugs in Kirkwall are as noisy as thunder, and the jobs she've been taking was usually done with force. Come to think of it, she haven't been doing things by herself since meeting Varric.

Ah, but the resourceful dwarf, he would have love this, and would be pissed at her for not bringing him along on this trip. Oh, how I'm going to gloat, Hawke grinned wider, turning her head to peek past the column.

A guard was coming toward her, and Hawke returned to hide, debating between sneaking past everyone, or taking a uniform and blending in. She narrowed her eyes, picturing Varric's face. Practicality or fun?

Fun it is, Hawke took a deep breath, lowering herself to a crouch, looking back to check the position of the guards. Granted, it would be easier if they do this at night, but the place itself provides enough shadows, so she wasn't really in a pinch.

xxxx

"Hawke!" Sebastian stood up, relieved to see her jogging toward them, slightly out of breath and carrying a rolled up rug on her shoulder.

"Finally!" Anders sighed, also standing up and stretch out his kinks from sitting for so long. He paused midstretch and raised an eyebrow at her look of disgust. "What happen? Are you wounded?" He asked, noticing the spray of blood on her outfit.

"Not my blood." She huffed, none-too-gently dumping the rug down at her feet and rolled her shoulder. "Had to kill three guards on the way out. That damn place is crawling with people. And ten Magisters." She added before Fenris could ask.

"Urgh." Fenris grunted, glancing at what he assume is a body at her feet. "You managed to snag one, who is it?"

"Void if I know, but I don't like her." She frown, gesturing for him to carry the body.

He hefted the body under his arm, carrying it easier than her.

"Let's go, I'm sure they'll want to find out who killed the guards." She said, moving ahead. Just as she said, commotions began to be heard from the mansion as guards shouting to each other, and the sound of people rushing about spurred the group on.

When they made their way to Fenris' mansion, it was just past noon, and the sunlight was perfect for what they were about to do. Hawke picked the corner room upstairs, where it has the most light, and carried a heavy chair over. Fenris dropped the rug down, and unrolled it. The body lay face-down, and he turn it over, only to spit out curses. "Hadriana!" He hissed, fingers clenching as he crouched over the body.

"You know this one?" Hawke ask, coming over. She looked into his face and blinked at the intense hatred glaring down at the unconscious body. "Fenris?" She asked, managed to not took a step back at that look of threat.

"Let me kill her." He said, turning to look at Hawke with a snarl.

"Why?" She asked, Sebastian and Anders instinctive move closer to her. Menace was rolling off the elf in waves, and Hawke figured this woman had something to do with his past. None of her involvement is good according to how Fenris is reacting.

"Hadriana." He spat the name out like it's bitter on his tongue. "She tormented me every chance she got. Next to Danarius, she's the person I want dead most."

"What...did she do?" Hawke asked, knowing she's touching a sensitive subject.

He ignored her. "The world would be a better place when she's dead."

Hawke studied the crouching elf, his hands were clenching and unclenching, and he wasn't looking at her in the eyes. There must be more to it than what he's letting on, and Hawke could only imagine what this woman did that make him hated her so; though, judging from what she saw earlier and her own intuition about the woman, Hawke could say that nobody will miss the woman. Still, she have to follow the plan; beside, it would be hard to get back into the mansion now that they are on the alert for anymore silent intruders, and she told him as much.

"Fine," He stood up, putting space between him and her, and even the rest of the group. "But after you have what you need, I will kill her."

She let out a sigh, and proceeded to tie the woman into the chair, making sure she couldn't get out of it. She spared a glance over at Anders and Sebastian to see them speaking in low voices to each other. Sighing, she turned back to the woman, studying the lines on her face. She was starting to have mixed feelings about this woman - she's wasn't feeling sympathetic about this Magister, no, her worry was about Fenris. Even though she had wanted to dispose of this woman when she targeted her, but now that Fenris was so worked up, she wondered about this. No doubt the woman deserved to die, she had tortured Hawke's friend, and Fenris had carried those wounds around bitterly; he might think that getting rid of her would make him feel better, and in a way it might; however, Hawke thinks that while the woman's death would soothes Fenris's wounds, it would also feed his bitterness. With this woman gone, all that left would be Danarius, and Hawke worries that it might affects Fenris' ability to think clearly. She worries that Fenris would walk blind when it comes to his former master.

"Are you sure you want to kill her?" Hawke asked, turning her head to look back at him.

He stared straight at Hadriana with a look that bothered her. A look that said he's thirsting for blood, and that he'll make every drop bleed out painfully. "I already told you." He glance over at her, barely concealing his hatred. "Do not think of stopping me."

"I won't." She stood up, going to stand in front of him. He didn't look up at her, and that bothers her. "I just want you to know what you're doing."

"I'm doing what I should have done before." He used his forearm to tried and move her, but she didn't budge, deliberately blocking his view. He finally glared at her. "You can't stop me."

The words were a low growl, a warning, and Hawke took it just as much; however, she took hold of his shoulders, noticing that he was already so stiff that he couldn't tense up anymore. "I won't stop you, but you have to understand that you will be the one who will get hurt. I know you want to kill her, and I'll even help you, but can you put your past behind you after this?"

"It will never be behind me as long as Danarius lives." He said, his eyes told her he meant it.

His words were like a brand into her conscience, and Hawke's mind races with the urge to extract him from this poison in him. He hated his old master, and Hawke understood it, but she also feel like he was letting his hate for Danarius rule his life. He had become so brittle around the subject that Hawke feared he'd will break one day; and when he does, Hawke wasn't sure if he'd be able to put himself back together.

A tense moment rolled by, with neither one speaking; Hawke just waited, until Fenris relaxed his shoulder - just a little. "I meant it, Hawke." He said, his voice not as harsh as earlier. "The sooner they are no longer in my life, the sooner I can move on."

Her aquamarine eyes searched for the truth in his green ones, and saw honesty. However, she couldn't let it go so easily. "I want to believe you." Her hands squeeze his shoulders gently, as much to comfort as a reminder of her offer of assistance. "I know you believe you'll have a better life with them gone, but what do you see yourself doing after they die?"

"I..." He started, then blink, pausing as he search for the words. That pause told her what she needed to know.

"You don't, do you?" She let go of him and crossed her arms. "You do have a future, Fenris, one that you need to take seriously."

"I do take it seriously." He growled, looking away. "Why do you think I work so hard to eliminate Danarius?"

"He is not here, is he?"

"I don't need you to remind me of my failure." He hissed, glaring at her, his shoulders stiffen and hunched forward.

"Whether you believe it or not, you are free, Fenris." She smile sadly. "The only chains I see are the ones in your mind."

"You know nothing." He spat, standing up straight and sneered down at her. "You have no idea how they amused themselves. The things they did to slaves, to me..." He bit back the words, breathing heavily. His hands clenched and unclenched in an effort to stop himself from saying something more.

His posture was one of a cornered animal, nostril flares with each breath, his pupil constricted to a pinprick with the things he did remember, things that he had never told anyone in all these years, not even her.

Anders and Sebastian stepped forward, reacting to the way Fenris is behaving, but Hawke quickly shook her head at them. Anders frown, making Hawke shook her head again; still frowning, he crossed his arms, and stood still in his spot. Sebastian was more understanding, and he nodded at Hawke, before half turning his body away to give Fenris privacy while still be nearby in case Hawke need him.

Assured that they have a moment of quiet, Hawke study Fenris. She wanted nothing more than to promise him that nothing bad will happen; but she knew he would not believe those words. The wounds were too raw, even after all this time. Hawke wasn't sorry that she pushed him toward the edge, because she wanted to understand his hatred, but she is sorry that he had been - and still is - tormented by Danarius, and obviously this Hadriana woman.

"This is why I want you to be sure." She said quietly. "I have no problem with you killing them, but I don't want you to continue to suffer."

"They deserved to die." He forced each word out, and the fire in his eyes would have have convinced Hawke of his hatred and conviction, yet his clenched hand was trembling, and his face took on a haunted look, despite the fury in his demeanor.

"I know." This time, Hawke did go to him, her arms wraps around his small frame, feeling the slight tremor in him. His body was stiff and unyielding, but she did not let it deter her. He was so thin, Hawke noticed; thinner than her, and Hawke felt like she was holding an overgrown child, who stubbornly refused comfort even in times of need. She did not blame him. She could only imagine the horrors of being a slave, much less a 'favorite'. "They will die, do not doubt that. However, you have to know that they cannot control you."

He didn't soften into her embrace, but after a moment he did lean against her. Encouraged, Hawke smoothed a hand over his white hair before laying a kiss on his forehead. He muttered something inaudible, and Hawke cracked a smile. "Cursing me already?"

He chuckled, the soft sound was a relief to her. His green eyes, when they finally looked at her, were still full of shadows, but they were less desperate. "You are just like your mother." He rolled his eyes, but laid an arm across the small of her back.

"I should hope so." She grinned, feeling better. "She is my mother."

While Hawke was comforting Fenris, Anders had turned his back on them, uncomfortable at the closeness between the elf and her. Sebastian had turned his attention to the mage, affording the two what little privacy he could, but when the mage began to stirs, he had to call out to Hawke.

"I, erhm, don't mean to intrude." Sebastian cleared his throat, and both Hawke and Fenris glanced over to see Sebastian gesturing toward the chair. "She's waking up."

Immediately, Fenris let go of Hawke and started toward the Magister. Hawke catched his forearm before he could get too far away, and he looked back at her with barely suppress feral.

"Fenris." She managed not to flinch at that look, and held on to his limb. Her own expression told him she wouldn't let go easily.

"Information first, Hawke." He spoke through clenched teeth, then blew out a breath, trying to get himself under control.

"Fenris." Hawke called again, her voice stronger this time. "I don't want you to do something you'll regret."

"Not this, I won't." He replied, tugging his arm back. The conviction in his voice was strong, and she could not deny him a chance at revenge; the only thing she can do is try to minimize the damage. Hawke sighed and let go.

She stood to the side of Fenris, watching as he crouched down in front of Hadriana, and saw a stiff curl of his lips when Hadriana slowly opened her eyes to take in her surrounding. The Magister's eyes were rounded when she first look at Fenris, then she tried to tugged free and realized that she was tied. Hadriana looked around the darkened room, her slight panic was obvious, then her gaze returned to Fenris, and Hawke could see the wheels turning in her head.

"Well, well." Hadriana said, eyes going from Fenris, to Sebastian, Anders, Hawke, then back at Fenris. "The little wolf finally grew up, did he?" Her eyes slid to the others. "And got some friends, it seems."

"Considering you're powerless," Hawke spoke, stressing the word. "I wouldn't antagonize him if I were you. You know what he's capable of."

Hadriana narrowed her eyes at Hawke spitefully, seemingly oblivious to the danger she's in. What do they teach Magisters these days? Hawke wondered.

"He's a slave," Hadriana flicked her head, missing the snarl on Fenris' lips. "He will listen to orders."

"Fenris is a free man." Hawke crossed her arms, resting her weight on one hip, her expression were not friendly. "And he is my close friend, so watch your words, or he will be the least of your problems."

"You obviously do not know-"

"Fenris," Hawke cut her off, not in the mood for long banters. "Do you think you can make her talk?"

"I can." He grins a feral grin, and Hawke managed to keep herself from blinking at him in surprise.

His hand glows blue, and crept toward her chest. Hadriana leaned back a little, her eyes bore into Fenris' chillingly. "Oh little wolf," Hadriana sneered. "You dare to threaten me? You've come a long way."

Fenris' hand shot into her chest, grasping one of her lungs; Hadriana gasped in pain, trying to scoot back from his hand, but Hawke put a foot onto the chair's leg, preventing her backward movement.

"You have more than one organs," Hawke smiled a little, keeping her expression blank, but the heat in her eyes told the Magister that she would not stop Fenris. "Surely you can spare a few."

"Damn...filth!" Hadriana spat, shaking in pain when Fenris squeezed harder. However, the woman does not appear to be willing to yield, even as she struggle for air.

Hadriana started to choke, and Hawke thought she should get information out of her before Fenris go further. "Why are you here?" She asked, nudging Fenris with her knees, and he reluctantly pulled his hand away. The woman suck in air rapidly, glaring at Fenris.

"Not...for you." Somehow, Hadriana still retains her sneer, and Hawke found it both curious and irritating. "Your life means little compare to our goal."

"You meant the relic." Hawke clapped her hand, satisfied that they're going somewhere without a hard push; she wasn't sure if she could watch Fenris' enjoyment of torture. She didn't mind his methods before, but this is more personal for him, and she doesn't like how it make his character darker. He had always been firm about his dislike for mages, but this...She can't tolerate seeing him sinking deeper into hatred. Despite his feelings toward Danarius and Hadriana, Hawke have a feeling in her gut that if he continues like this, something in him will eventually crack, something that neither him or anyone else know how to fix.

She wasn't going to let her friends drown and do nothing.

Seeing that Hadriana thinned her lips, Hawke smiled. She suspected that the Magisters did not think anyone else know about the relic. How arrogant of them. "You don't have to deny it," She said. "I already know what you're after. I don't intend to waste much of my time on you, so let's cut to the chase, shall we?"

"Oh come now." Hadriana rolled her eyes. "We both know you wouldn't carry through. Even now my associates are searching the city, they'll find us soon enough. And you would pay." She smiled, malice curl up her lips into a snarl.

"Oh goodness, how stupid are you?" Hawke uncrossed her arms, leaning a little forward and look down her nose at the magister. "I had said Fenris is the least of your problems, and I mean it."

"What are you going to do, stab me?" Hadriana laugh. "You want information? Let me go."

"And you'll set us on fire. Thanks, but I rather not be tonight's dinner." Hawke shrugged.

"Let me go, and I'll tell you what I know." Hadriana lifted her chin. "I will also reward you. I can grant you anything you ever wish for. Power, money, estates, you name it."

Hawke look down at the Magister with an arched eyebrow. "I don't bargain with Magisters." Even the thought of Hadriana's offer sickens Hawke, for she have an idea of what the Magister would do to grant her things, things that Hawke neither wanted nor willing to accept. Despite what Merrill said about blood magic not required sacrificing others, anything that would sap life from unwilling victims is more than Hawke can stomach.

"Let me end this." Fenris said through clenched teeth. "We can find information through other means."

"But we already have her." Hawke reasoned, ignoring the desire to leave the place. She wanted nothing to do with the Magister after her paltry offer of power, not when she know the consequences of dealing with blood magic. Her father had been adamant about that, and his warnings still ring clearly in her head. But this isn't about me, she sighed inwardly.

"Not for long." Fenris move toward the magister, eliciting a small yelp from her before Hawke intercepted his path.

"Fenris, we can save time by using her instead of finding other means." Hawke muttered quietly.

"Not if she keep stalling." He pressed forward again, but Hawke refused to budge.

"I'll take care of it." She said, thinking up ways to expedite the process.

He stare at her for a long while, then nodded, but didn't move from his spot.

"Alright then," Hawke mumbled to herself, turning to face the Magister with a soft smile. "Let's start, shall we? I'd rather not keep Fenris waiting for long." The Magister flinched, registering the threat.

"We know for sure that the relic is in Kirkwall." Hadriana said with haste, realizing that Hawke is the only thing standing between her and death. "Which is why we're here."

"It's nothing we don't know." Hawke shook her head. "Where is the relic now?"

"Dark town." Hadriana groaned, her hands trembling. "We found a seller."

"Who?"

"I don't know his name, but we were supposed to meet in an abandoned building."

"Hmm, how do we know you're not lying?"

"You don't." Hadriana curled her lips again. "I have done my part. Now let me go."

"Not so easily. We'll go find this person, and come back when we are sure you spoke the truth."

"Surely you don't intend to keep a Magister imprisoned here?" Sebastian spoke, shifting uncomfortably. "We should turn her over to the Templars."

"No!" Fenris snapped, turning his head toward the ex-Prince. "She is mine!"

"Release me!" Hadriana demanded, her face started to show panic, and she struggled with the bindings.

"Oh, I would." Hawke said, gesturing grandly toward Fenris. "I'm done with you, it's Fenris' decision to release you or not. I'm guessing not." She pursed her lips, hiding her sadness for Fenris with a dismissive shake of her head. She had a feeling Fenris would kill the woman, she just hope he'll do it quickly. Ignoring the Magister's gasp, she went over to Anders and Sebastian. Anders stepped closer toward her when he saw the strain on her brows. He patted her shoulder softly, and she smiled gratefully for his understanding. Sebastian, however, was disappointed. By the way he grounded his teeth, Hawke deducted that he was holding himself back, but later, when they don't have an audience, he would give her an earful about her actions today. Despite what they've done so far, a broken promise still makes Sebastian uncomfortable, especially when the promise came from her, Hawke knew that. But for now, he hold his tongue, though not easily, and Hawke grimace at the fury in his blue eyes.

"How about we let the Templars know where the other Magisters are?" She said quietly to Sebastian, and he turned to look at her. "I know I do have some slaves to rescue."

His expression were tight, but he nodded.

"Your family for my life!" Hawke heard the shout behind her, and she glance over her shoulder to see Fenris' hand is once again glowing as he reaches for Hadriana's chest.

"I have no family." He said, and Hawke turned her head away, a little offended at his words. Surely by now he would consider this group his family?

"You have a sister, elf!" Hadriana squeaked.

Fenris paused and frown at the Magister.

"My life for her location."

By now, all three of them had came to stand beside Fenris, looking from him to Hadriana to gauge both of their reactions. Hadriana was anxious, finally realizing that she could die, and Fenris stood like a stone, unsure as to the validation of Hadriana's claim. Hawke herself was wondering if the woman is speaking the truth, or if she just wanted a way out.

"Her name is Varania."

"If you are saying that to save your hide," Hawke sighed, getting tired of dealing with this woman. She feel like she couldn't trust anything the woman say; but perhaps that was her being biased. She had came to feel protective of her friends, and knowing what this woman did to Fenris was not helping her case. "I will feed you to the dog."

"I have enough of this!" Hadriana said furiously. "Either kill me or stop talking. I refuse to be treated like this!"

"Tell me about this sister." Fenris stressed the word, bending over to eye level with her. "Which master does she serve?"

"She is not a slave." Hadriana smile slyly. "I'll only tell you where she is if you let me go."

"I don't like this, Fenris." Hawke muttered. "This could just be a ploy."

"It could be." Fenris agreed, preparing to stand up, but Hadriana's word stopped him.

"Would you risk such a chance?" Hadriana snickered, making Fenris narrowed his eyes at her.

Fenris glance over at Hawke, silently asking her opinion. She does not like the woman, but so far she had not feel any untruthfulness in Hadriana's claims. Maker willing, Fenris might have a lead on his relative; that is a chance they have to take, providing the elf does want a real family. She inclined her head, not gainsaying the Magister. "This is your call, Fenris." She said softly.

For a moment, he seem to be ready to kill Hadriana and be done with it, and that sadden Hawke. Just like she had said, he really did doubt that he have a future. Moments ticked by, and Hawke stood stiffly, silently willing him to make a choice. Noticing her stiffness, Sebastian laid a gentle hand on her shoulder, and when she look back he smiled at her. She returned the smile briefly before turning her attention back to the elf.

Hadriana was also waiting with baited breath, flinching at the curling of sharp claws of Fenris' gauntlet. Another long moment dragged by, and Fenris blew out a breath. Hadriana did the same, reading the decision in his steely green eyes.

"Very well." He said. "Your life for my...sister's location."

"Let me go first."

"So you can use magic to attack us?" He huffed. "No, tell me first, then I will let you go."

"Do I have your word?"

"You have my word." Fenris replied with no hesitation.

"She's a seamstress, serving Magister Arihman in Corinthus."

"So she is not a slave." Hawke mulled, wondering if that fact would make it easier to get in touch with her. Still, this sounds like a trap, and Hawke had a feeling Fenris know it too. She isn't as paranoid about Danarius as Fenris is, but the Magister have to know that Fenris have a living relative in Tevinter. Hawke sighed, rubbing her temple. Her head is starting to hurt from all this.

"I believe you." Fenris nodded, reaching out a hand. A hand that glows as soon as it near Hadriana, and before Hawke could stop him, he had lunged that hand into Hadriana's chest; even as she made her way to the elf, Fenris had crushed the Magister's heart with a sinister smile on his lips.

"Dammit, Fenris!" Hawke bark, clenching her hands to stop them from punching at him. "What in the void do you think you're doing?"

"Don't tell me you were going to let her live." He leveled a sharp look at her, reading the blinks of her eyes as an answer.

Hawke ground her teeth, half annoyed that he was right - she wasn't going to let a powerful Magister go back and possibly do more damage; yet she did not like the way Fenris had bargained for the woman's life, only to kill her in the end. Granted, she was prepared to witness Fenris killing the mage, but...Hawke shook her head, understanding that her annoyance at Fenris stem more from the fact that she did not want him to get too involved, though it is a moot point. He is neck-deep in this, and so she have two choices: jump in with him, or walk away.

And Hawke would never walk away from a friend, no matter how pissed off she is. "Perhaps we should leave." She ran a hand over her face, then a thought occurred to her. "Please tell me you are not risking going back to Tevinter to find your sister?"

"If I even have a sister." Fenris wiped his hand on Hadriana's shirt, refusing to met Hawke's gaze. "This could be a trap."

"I'm glad you realized it." Hawke said, before sighing long and loud. "But what are you going to do?"

"I don't want to talk about it." Fenris shrugged, his tone as warm as a glacier; and Hawke felt a sharp pain in her chest, feeling like he's closing himself off.

Void if she let him. "Trying to make me think it doesn't bother you?" She frown, coming closer, until she was a hand-width away from the stubborn elf. "I thought we're past that. We are friends, Fenris."

"I don't think I know what that meant." He sneered, backing away from her and heading for the door. "I need some air. Go home, Hawke."

Her eyes widen, watching as he walk out the door; her emotions churned, alternating between indignation and pain. She clenched her teeth and narrowed her eyes at his retreating back. "No bloody way." She muttered, setting after him with determined strides. Anders reached out to grab her arm when she walk past him, and she fixed her furious eyes at him.

"I wouldn't, if I were you." He said, not reacting her to anger. "He seems a little bit mad. Let him be."

"Perhaps give him time to, erh, calm down a little?" Sebastian suggested, coming closer.

"You might be right." Hawke shook her head even as she spoke the words, pulling her arm out of Anders' hand. "But you heard what he just said. What are we, if not friends? And friends don't walk away from each other. If I let him have his alone time now…..No, maybe it's best if he doesn't overthink things."

Hawke stepped away, only to have Anders blocking her way.

"I'm thinking of your safety, Hawke. He is more of a mad dog than a man, and I will not let him hurt you."

"Oh, Anders," His words dampened her anger and sooth her hurt, and she know that he indeed care for her safety, but his distrust of Fenris was something that is nothing more than petty rivalry. She had been with them long to know that despite their bickering, when it come down to doing what's best, they would gladly protect the other's back. She would have to remind them of that pretty soon; though right now, Fenris is the one that need that reminder the most. "He would never hurt me, and you know that."

His grimace was all the confirmation she need, and she put a hand on his shoulder, squeezing gently. "Thank you for worrying about me, but I'll be fine." She glance over at Sebastian. "You and Anders can go home if you want to, I still have matters to attend to."

xxxx

It took her a good long minute to catch sight of Fenris again, as the elf was walking as if a Mabari was chasing after him. She resorted to jogging a little to reach his side. Damn the elf and his long legs.

"If you think I would let that go so easily, Fenris-"

"Not now, Hawke. Leave me alone." He cut her off without even looking at her, and his steps lengthening.

"No, you don't." She said, keeping pace with him, barely noticing the direction they were heading to. Funny, I thought he doesn't like water, she thought, recognizing the path to Wounded Coast. "You and time alone is like fire and oil, sooner or later it's bound to burn something. Or someone."

He was still refusing to look at her, and Hawke narrowed her eyes.

"I'm not going to go away, you know." She said cheerfully. "And I could talk all day. You know I could."

He paused so suddenly that Hawke took a few large steps away from him before retracing back to him.

"Why?"

"Why I could talk all day?" She shrugged, pretending to not understand his question. Fenris broods too much as it is, and Void if she will let him have more time to himself, not when he need to vocalize his feelings instead of just keeping them bottled up. Despite the sting of his earlier words, she recognize those words for what they are, an attempt to push her away. She will not allow it. "It's a gift." She said, smiling broadly. His friendship means a lot to her, and she wasn't about to let him suffer by himself.

"Hawke." He shook his head, restarting his brisk strides.

"You are not getting rid of me that easily." She followed. "Get used to it."

"You are irritating."

"I've heard worse." Hawke smiled goodnaturedly. At least I'm getting somewhere, Hawke though, let's keep him talking, shall we? "What's on your mind?"

"I need to think."

"You think too much." Hawke pulled on his arm, stopping them both. They've traveled a good distance, and at this rate, they'll reach the other side of Wounded Coast soon. Hawke doesn't know where exactly Fenris wanted to go, and it's doubtful that he will go far, but…He spends too much time alone already, he doesn't need to anymore.

She bit her lower lip, fighting between the urge to do something about Fenris' situation herself. With her building connection, surely she could lure Danarius out of hiding and get rid of him once and for all. And yet….It is Fenris' fight. She believed strongly about letting others make their own decision, and what kind of friend would she be if she take that kind of choice, that kind of personal victory from her friend? She know she have no rights to run Fenris' life as she want to, but to watch him hurting….She racked her brain, Surely there must be a compromise.

"Fenris," She sighed, unsure how to phrase the words she wanted to say. "I…..It is not easy, watching you shutting others out. Shutting me out."

He was silent, looking away from her to the churning blue water. As if on cue, the wind pick up speed, whipping and hissing around them. She stood still, seeing the tautness of his face, watching as he dragged in each breath slowly. This is the moment he needed, she realized, to actually take stock of his thoughts, to gather himself. So he doesn't know where he's going, either. She sighed inwardly, pushing down the urge to say something. He needed the privacy of the moment to reflect, and she could respect that.

They stood like that for a while, Hawke watching Fenris, picking up any clues she could from his body movements, all the while he's doing nothing but staring at the ocean. She told herself to be patience, but she worries that he wouldn't be forthright to her now. She didn't hold back on pushing boundaries before, but what if she have overstep the line?

Agonizing minutes went by, and just when Hawke was about to say something, Fenris turned his head to her.

"It's a sickness, this hate." He grounded out. "This dark growth inside me that I can't ever get rid of, and they put it there!"

"But you can, Fenris. You're stronger than that. You're stronger than them."

"You have too much faith."

"It's not about faith, Fenris. I know what you can do, I've seen it over the years."

He turned away, walking over to the edge of the path, crossing his arms and staring down at the waves clashing onto the mountain's feet. Being high up here, the sound was faint, despite the violet way of the water smashing against the rocks, only to retreat. Perhaps that's how he felt? She wonder. To fight so hard, but not getting anywhere.

"Danarius is not as strong as he would have you believe, Fenris." She went to stand next to him, studying his downcast face. "He's hiding all the way in Tevinter, that should tell you something. He knows he cannot get to you here, because this is your ground. You are stronger than him. I know it, and so does he. You are free, Fenris."

"How can I be free when he is still out there? Even now, he might still be plotting to come back. I have been waiting for that day, but…." He paused, taking another deep breath.

"But it's wearing on you." Hawke nodded, finishing his words. "You know, when I was little, I used to dread about going to practices with Bethany, knowing that there are higher chance of me being singed or frozen in places. Uncomfortable places. I was perpetually walking around with jagged hair or missing eyebrows, and it can be embarrassing to go to town looking like that. I used to have to wear ridiculous hats, and Mother tried her best to draw eyebrows on me. More often than not, she'd have a bit of charcoal on hand whenever I came in with a sour face and missing hairs." She smiled a little at the memories, then shook her head and returned her focus on him. "The point is that anticipation is usually worse than the real thing. We had fun during the practices, and we always had many a good laugh afterward."

One corner of his lips turn up, and he look over at her. "Hmmm."

"You're trying to picture me with missing eyebrows and a bald head, aren't you?" She gasped, flailing her arms at the bemused look from him. "Dammit, Fenris! Next time I'm visiting Bethany, you're coming with me. We'll see who have the last laugh then!" She threatened. Well, he's smiling, that's a start.

He chuckled, then turn to face the sea again. "He is a Magister, Hawke, and he has long practice of blood magic. There's nothing he wouldn't do to get what he wanted. If and when he comes for me…."

"We'll stop him." She smile with confidence, laying a hand on his shoulder and squeeze gently. "You are not alone, Fenris."

Fenris exhale slowly, and nodded.

xxxx

Varric scribbles onto the pages, absently sipping mead from his cup. A shadow fell across the table, but he didn't mind; the images translate themselves into words under the strokes of the pen, and he held up a finger, motioning for whomever it was to wait. The shadow's owner took the hint, and moved to sit near Varric quietly. Half way through the paragraph, the form moves, but Varric ignored the fidgeting friend until the whole page's worth is firmly down on paper; he didn't look up until the last period mark the end of the paragraph, and his head is a little quieter.

"What can I do for you, Blondie?" He asked, closing the pad and push it aside, looking up to see the perpetual frown on the rebel mage's brows.

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I like your hawke's personality, and the way you write things) 
p.s. what is the paring in this story?