CH 17: Strength

Several weeks had gone by since they had made it to Kirkwall and Rem was beginning to feel restless. Her friends visited her daily and she finally began to feel more at home. "Bodhan?" Rem called from the library where she had been going over the various different requests that had accumulated over the last couple weeks. "Do you know how long this message from the Viscount has been here?" she asked as she was rubbing her temple. "I believe that arrived just the other day. I believe your companions here went to investigate it but I don't know for sure, Lady Hawke" said Bodhan in his fatherly tone.

As Rem twisted in her chair to stretch she saw Anders walk into the library in the corner of her eye. "Anders, great timing… I have been going through my stack of messages that have been accumulating when I found one from the Viscount. Bodhan said you all went to see what it was about, so what's going on with that?" She asked over her shoulder as she sighed when her back popped. "Yes, we did go to investigate, but I'm afraid we didn't get very far. Apparently the Arishok requested a meeting with you. We tried to go in your stead, but he would not have it. We should try to meet with him as soon as we can. The climate here with the Qunari has been getting testy the longer they stay." Anders suggested calmly.

"Alright then, would you find Fenris and Varric. If they're available we'll head there now. I'll go get ready." She said as she stood up from the table revealing her short robe that barely covered her. "Umm, Hawke. Varric is out of town right now remember? So who would you like to join us instead?" Anders said as he was halfway out the door. With a smile she turned to him as she stacked up the rest of her messages to go through, "How about Sebastian? He's a kind man… and I love his smile." She said as she followed him out the door, turning to go up the stairs.

It took a little while, but Anders went and told Fenris to meet up at Hawke's estate and walked off to get Sebastian from the Chantry, but by noon they were all at Hawke's estate. "Thank you guys for coming along.. I don't remember our last meetings with the quanri but apparently we've had some for him to ask for me right?" she laughed as she walked out of her estate. As they made their way to the Docks Rem had to ask since she noticed everyone looking at them. "So… do you think everyone is staring because of my appearance or because I'm practically being escorted by three handsome men?" she asked with a flirty smile looking over her shoulder at Fenris and Sebastian. Fenris practically ignored her comment, Sebastian smiled as his face started to grow red, and she could hear Anders give a soft sigh. "What? It's a valid question is it not?" she said lightly. It had been a while since any of them had seen her act so light hearted, seemed ironic since now was when she needed to be serious.

As they approached the Arishok Fenris spoke up, "No matter what happens, do not show any kind of fear nor sympathy. For yourself, our group or them" he said as Rem glanced around to inspect their position. She wasn't particularly fond of being in such a vulnerable spot knowing that the Arishok could be rather upset about how long it took for her to come to him. The fact that she had been recovering from torture and branding would just seem like an excuse to them she thought, so she would just apologize and try to move forward.

"Serrah Hawke" the Arishok said. His voice was deep and raspy. "Messere" she greeted. Fenris couldn't help but wonder if the confidence that radiated from her was true or a show she was putting on for the Arishok… however, if he couldn't tell neither could the Arishok which works. "It has taken you quite some time to come here. I take it those Tevinter markings would have something to do with it. I can't help but wonder if that will affect your capabilities." He said sternly. Pausing for a second, Rem searched for the right words. "My apologies Messere. Indeed I had encountered a troublesome run in with some Tevinter mages as you can see. However, there is no need to worry. It has not effected my capabilities in the least. Some would go as far as to say these markings have only enhanced them." She lied confidently. "Now that I would like to see. How about a friendly contest to see if you are worthy of a courtesy?" the Arishok suggested coldly.

"Very well, what do you suggest?" Rem questioned without blinking an eye. The Arishok's voice was deep and booming, she could only imagine how strong he was by his voice alone. "Hand to hand combat. No weapons, until one surrenders." With a nod began to unlatch her belt, and handed her sword and dagger to Fenris. "You wish to do this yourself Hawke?" the Arishok questioned raising an eyebrow. "It is only fitting isn't it, you are questioning my abilities, how would allowing someone to fight my battles for me prove anything to you?" She said confidently as she rolled her shoulders back watching one of the Qunari walk in front of her. All she could think about was how big the Qunari were. "Begin" was all the Arishok said and the Qunari in front of her charged at her.

Quickly she twisted to the side avoiding the Qunari's first attack. She kept on the move, circling her prey as she tried to think of a way to defeat such a creature. He easily towered over her… she was definitely out matched she thought regretting her need to defend herself. So far the fight had gone well, she had been able to easily evade the attacks of her opponent until the Qunari out witted her. He gave a strong powerful kick towards the left side of her abdomen forcing her to evade to the right. The moment she had stepped over the Qunari had twistd and the back of his hand collided with the side of her face, sending her stumbling back several paces. Blinking, Rem tried to focus her vision. Quickly she spat some blood from her mouth as she watched her opponent.

Clever, she thought… now, it's on. The next time the Qunari gave a wide swing Rem stepped forward forcing herself in between his swinging fist and his chest as she jarred her palm up colliding with his jaw. At the same time she slid her leg between his, kicking his leg out from under him as she forced her weight into him causing him to fall on his back. This won her a quick smirk from the Arishok, who remained in his seat rubbing his strong chin as he watched Hawke fight and how her companions viewed her. He could see the mage falter as Rem would almost get hit. Sebastian stood vigilant ready to pounce if needed, but it was the elf who held his interest. He stood relaxed, confident and expecting. Not once did he flinch when Rem would get hit or when she would land a hit.

The Qunari had caught Rem's wrist and shoved her into the wall, "Thanks woman for creating a convenient distraction" he whispered as he swung his free fist at her making her use both of her hands to try and block him. Distraction? Rem couldn't figure out what he meant… she didn't have the time to think too much on it. But when she saw the Qunari pull out a dagger from behind his back she knew something was amiss. Quickly stepping back to evade the swing of the dagger she collided with the wall, "Shit!" she said loudly as a splattering of blood could be seen on the wall next to Hawke. Quickly she stepped under his arm getting away from the wall and revealing the gash on her cheekbone. With the dagger fisted in the Qunari's large hand he stabbed the dagger downward at Rem who caught his wrist with both hands, halting the dagger inches from her eye.

Quickly she shoved him back as hard as she could while she took a large step back. Finding a defensive stance, Rem watched the Qunari in front of her, but his attention wasn't on her. He was watching the Arishok as he altered how he held his dagger. That's when she realized, she wasn't the Qunari's target. Interrupting her thoughts the Qunari grabbed her neck in her moment of distraction and twisting her sideways and raising his arm. That's when she saw it, he was lining himself up to throw his dagger at the Arishok.

Hawke was just a reaction time behind her Qunari opponent as he shoved Hawke to the ground and flung his dagger straight at the Arishok. However, since Rem was expecting his actions she had thrown her one concealed dagger, which collided with the Qunari's causing it to stray from its path. Her dagger lodged itself in the Arishok's chair beside his head while the Qunari blade skidded to the ground. The surprise of it all distracted everyone, all their eyes were on the Arishok who was staring at the two daggers. Well, everyone except Hawke's opponent who then smashed his leg down onto Rem's abdomen causing her contract all her muscles. Reaching down he grapped the front of Hawke's armor pulling her to her feet while his other hand revealed a second dagger. Watching the downward swing, Rem fell into doing the splits, letting her legs slide out from under her and she tried to excape through his gaped legs.

Hawke's grace and flexibility resembled a rogue, but her speed was only that of a warrior. The Qunari was able to catch Rem's ankle as she was pulling it through his legs. Dragging her back, he held her high in the air. Rem could feel the blood rushing to her head as she used her hands to steady herself on the ground. She blushed slightly as she realized that her short tunic must be dangling exposing her small clothes for everyone to see. With a sigh of frustration, and embarrassment she pushed herself straight up forcefully, surprising the Qunari as she jammed her free foot  into his jaw, making him release his grasp on her. Backing up against the wall, she felt trapped and her eyes glanced around her for something to aid her in blocking the dagger that she knew would come swinging.

His first swing came from his hip, as he was bringing the dagger up Rem kicked out her foot, blocking the blade with her boot and using the force of his swing and her muscles to push down she used his attack as leverage to lift herself up. Quickly she grabbed hold of his head as she jumped over his shoulder effortlessly, and with a twist and a jerk all that could be heard was the sound of his neck snapping as it collided with Rem's knee. Slowly she stood up and allowed the Qunari's limp corpse fall from her knee. Wipping the blood from her lip, "Are you satisfied now?" she asked raising an eyebrow to the Arishok. With a grunt the Arishok replied, "Indeed. Not only did you manage to defeat an opponent who obviously outmatched you, but when he disgraced himself by pulling a concealed weapon you didn't pull yours. You only used yours as a tool to deflect his dagger. I applaud your integrity Hawke. Many would have let the dagger strike thinking that it would have solved your own concerns."

After a short pause the Arishok carried on, "Last time we met, I did not know your name, nor did I care to. You have changed your fortune over the years… the Qunari have not. I offer a courtesy Hawke. Some has stolen what he thinks is the formula for gaatlok. You will want to hunt him down." "And what is it that they actually stole?" Hawke asked bluntly. "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 quanitity, perhaps my someone intending to sell it… would he be cautious? Or would he assume success and make enough to threaten a district? A courtesy Hawke."

"You've made your hate for this city clear 3 years ago. Why give me this warning?" Rem asked curiously. "I don't call anyone in Kirkwall an ally, or even a good rival. But you have shown competence. The day comes when the Qun will demand an accounting. Until then, I will show respect to the most promising among you." The Arishok explained

"I appreciate you bringing this to me" she said politely. "I had long thought the city would destroy itself, this will only hasten the inevitable. Panahedan Hawke, I do not hope you die." With a courteous bow Hawke and her companions turned to leave. "I have one more question" the Arishok announced after their group had taken a few steps causing the group to turn their heads back at the Arishok. "The company you keep is concerning Hawke. I had been observing your companions as you fought Hawke." He announced suddenly causing the group to shift eyes at each other. "In my eyes you have only one companion worthy to fight by your side from what I have seen." He said in his calm deep tone. "Your saarebas" he paused shifting his gaze to Anders, "he teeters with his resolve. Your archer, a pious man and vigilant. He stood at the ready to offer aid if there was a need."

When the Arishok tilted his head at Fenris all he saw as the elf roll his shoulders back as he awaited his judgment. "And you elf… I found you most interesting. You stood at ease, you did not flinch once throughout the whole fight. Explain yourself elf." The Arishok asked curiously. Squaring himself to the Arishok, "There was no reason to. Hawke was not threatened." He said firmly watching as the Arishok nodded and waved them out.

The moment they had climbed the stairs leading into Lowtown they all started to perk up again. Hawke spoke up, "I do not hope you die? Does that mean he likes me?" she asked almost laughing… "Maker Hawke, I had no idea you could fight like that!" Sebastian said. "Well, does anyone know what merchant would be dumb enough to try and steal from the Qunari. From how the Arishok said it, I assume that I was supposed to know…" Rem asked as she started to subconsciously rub her stomach.

It took them a while to figure things out. First they went to the coterie, then followed their lead up to a dwarf Javaris who was the man who got her to meet the Arishok. The one person who got her mixed up in all this. After he was threatened enough he revealed that some elf had bragged about stealing the gaatlok and framing him. So he picked up to leave town. With a deep sigh, "Sorry guys.. I didn't think we'd be chasing so many leads today." She said as she saw Carver wandering around Lowtown. "Carver!" She shouted as she jogged up to hem. "Hey, you busy? Sebastian needs to get back to the Chantry and we're in the middle of a mission. We really could use the help?" She pleaded. "Fine, I can spare a little time, will it be long?" he asked impatiently.

"No, it should be pretty quick.. We have to get some material back before it's used to poison an entire district. So we need to hurry." She said quickly. "See problem solved Sebastian!" She said happily. "But Hawke, I didn't even say anything." He said questioningly. "I know, but you always have to go around this time" she said as she looked at the sky. "I was just trying to anticipate your needs." She said with a smile. Causing Sebastian to laugh and finally smile… she did love his smile. It was different than the rest of friends'. His was soft, and genuine. It made her feel safe.

So there they parted ways. As they were exploring Lowtown they came past an alley where she saw a guard standing by the opening preventing passage. "All of you, I can't fight the damned air. If you want to live, stay out!" the guard announced. "Is there something I can do?" Rem asked as she approached the gate. The guard was quick to step in front of her, "Wait, Messere Hawke? Maker, please, the street is death. There was a cloud that drove people mad, and now a seeping mist that kills. All I can do is warn people. If someone like you dies on my watch, I'm right stuffed." The guard pleaded. Rem turned looking the guard in the eyes with a soft smile, "Easy son, keep your post. This is my risk." She said as she walked past him.

"Hawke! We can't go in there!" Carver insisted. Turning to Carver, her eyes were gentle but determined, "I will not stand by while this spreads. This gas will spread across Kirkwall if we don't do anything about it. I will not sit and watch the chaos like a spectator, I am no noble. We all know I wasn't born to be this." She said as she followed Fenris into the gas filled streets beyond gate. "Ugh, this stuff does smell." She said as she wrinkled her nose. "Let's do this quick" Fenris said urgently, "we can't stay in this for too long." The moment, Rem found a lever to close the barrels a swarm of mercenaries came out after them. "Try your best to not get cut, the poison will go directly into your blood and I'm not sure I'll be able to cure it!" Anders shouted. They each worked in their own areas searching for levers, closing barrels killing crazed guards.

After the last of the barrels were closed the air began to clear. Coughing, "Everyone alright?" She asked right before she turned leaning over a barrel to retch.  The moment she leaned up she heard a woman speak, "Is that?? Serah Hawke? You have enemies." She threatened. "I'm glad it's you, really. You are a much better target anyway!" she went on.

"You stole the gaatlok, to sell? Explain yourself?" Rem insisted. 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 some help from your people. We'll take the Qunari thunder and make some accidents , and make them hated! But this… this is all wrong." The elf said, a little bit of sympathy crept into her voice. "Which of 'my people' put you up to this?" Rem demanded. "It can still work. They are hidden in your city. They'll enrage the faithful, and make sure the Qunari are blamed! Me, I'm finished. I just need a few more bodies… a few more" she said before grabbing her blade and charging their group.

It didn't take Hawke and her group long to dispatch with the remaining crazed guards. "I suppose it's time to go tell the Arishok that he was right… and wrong… Joy" She said as she headed back up to the gated door. Slowly they proceeded back to the Docks to pay another visit to the Arishok. Needless to say he wasn't impressed with Rem's news. "So, I was wrong about our thief. They say we were careless with our trap, that this was our fault. But even without the saar-qamek there would have been death. This elf was determined to lay blame at our feet. I admire conviction with a focus, but your kind are truly committed to weakenss." The Arishok explained from his perch up the stairs. "Why aren't you more concerned with her supporters?" Rem asked curiously, but cautious to maintain her place. "Our enemies strike from shadow because they cannot stand before us. This is not a revelation. And it doesn't matter. I am not here to fight; I am here to satisfy a demand that you cannot understand." He explained to Rem.

"It's been a long time." She said, regretting her slip of the tongue as she heard the agitation grow in the Arishok's voice. So much for being on his good side she thought. "It will take as long as needed. No ship is coming. There is no rescue from duty to the Qun… I am stuck here." He declared, his agitation becoming physically noticeable as he gesticulated. "That is not the understanding of city leaders and their… supporters." Rem said, not meaning to instigate more conflict with the Arishok. "Let them rot. Filth stole from us. Not now, not the saar-qamek, but 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!" he announced as he stood up, allowing Rem to see how massive he really was. His frustration was turning into rage as he slowly walked down the steps to their level. "That is why this elf and her shadows are unimportant. That is why I do not simply walk from this pustule of a city! Fixing your mess is not the demand of the Qun! And you should all be grateful!" He shouted as he looked down at Rem, who kept her shoulders back with pride but not showing any sign of aggression. She had hoped that his respect for whatever she had done in the past would hold him back from pummeling her right then and there. As soon as he was done shouting he paused realizing how far his composure had slipped. Slowly he turned from her walking back to his seat. "Thank you human, for your service. Leave."

And with a polite bow Rem turned and led her small group out of the Qunari camp. As soon as they were out of sight Fenris reached over and gave her arm a gentle squeeze as he walked beside her. He could hardly believe that she kept such composure under the glare of the Arishok. With a smile she looked over at her companions, "What do you think? Stop at the Hanged Man before we head to the Viscount to report… … he hasn't seen me yet.. so this should be interesting" she said as she turned to head to the Hanged Man.

The sweet wine she was drinking was such a treat, she needed something to calm her nerves. She would never admit to it but when the Arishok was staring down at her, she was frightened. She sighed as she leaned back in her seat, playing with the torn edge of her tunic. Why do I wear these? She thought… sure they give me all the flexibility possible but they aren't practical, and as for defense.. well it's pretty much useless. Rem watched the deep read liquid in her glass swirl as she spun her cup this back and forth. Suddenly she felt a warm hand covering hers. Shifting her eyes she saw Fenris' hand squeezing hers. She looked over at him with a soft smile. Nobody at the table could guess that he was holding her hand from where they, sat and for that she was grateful… but she wished that Fenris didn't notice her vulnerability.

As soon as she finished her third glass she gave Fenris' hand a quick squeeze before she stood up. "Well you guys I better head over to the Viscount and tell him about all that went on. You guys don't have to accompany me" she said quietly as she walked out, not expecting anyone to follow her. "Are you okay?" Fenris asked her quietly as he caught up to her. With a crooked smile Rem looked down, knowing it was just her and Fenris. She turned to him with a smile, "Yup, just thinking about what a pair we're going to look like to the Viscount since he hasn't seen me since I've been back." She explained softly. "I can remain outside if you prefer." He offered in attempt to comfort her, but she snapped at him, "No! It would make you look as if you were just an escort for me. I will not have that."  

**

"Years of nice, quiet anxiety.. gone… Along with a whole street." The Viscount "The Qunari were blameless in this" Rem said firmly. "Right. A mad elf, pushed by zealots, likely hidden in the very groups I have to appease. The Maker has a grand sense of humor… And the Arishok—I suspected he had no plans to leave, I didn't know it was just as annoying for him." The Viscount mused. "Keep the worst of them off his back and it will be all right." Rem said in attempt to reassure the Viscount.

"But that is the problem. It has already escalated, despite your efforts. A shame." The Viscount confessed… With a sigh, Rem ran her hand through her white hair, "What happened now?" she asked. "A Qunari delegate and entourage paid me a visit. It was civil, tentative. Hopeful even… They left my chambers with precision, but were not reported by the outer guard. They are missing almost literally from my doorstep. What do you imagine, will be the Arishok's reaction?" the Viscount said agitatedly. "We need to get out in front of this, and fast." Rem said rhetorically.

"I feel I have been trying to turn a stampede for some time now. Someone is pushing very hard. Speak with Seneschal Bran. Then you will see why I can't trust anyone else with this." The Viscount asked. With a courteous bow Rem and Fenris left to talk to Seneschal Bran who gave lots of useless information, until he suggested that it could be rogue members of the guard that allowed it or even helped in it. He suggested that they investigate at the Hanged Man for the level of citizen that would act like this. Turning to Fenris she said, "Back to the Hanged Man then? It seems like all we're doing is going back and forth today" she said with a laugh as they walked down the steps of the Keep.

As Rem was thinking about the Hanged Man she remembered how Fenris was so in tune with her vulnerability…"How could you tell?" she asked as they walked down the steps from the Keep and headed towards the Hanged Man. "What do you mean?" he asked in his normal deep raspy voice that made her want to melt into his arms… but as much as it made her long for him, it made her remember what she pushed him into… broken….

"I felt like I was doing good. I was showing no fear… so I thought… but you still knew" she said as she let her head bow. "Rem I have been watching you for some time, I can see the subtle changes in you even though I may not bring any attention to them." He confessed as he looked at her warmly.

When the pair of them got near the Hanged Man Rem had a change of heart, and walked passed the Hanged man and went on a path to get to the docks. "Rem, aren't we going to investigate the Qunari issues?" Fenris asked. "Yeah, but I feel like we should let the Arishok know what's going on.. I feel like he'd take whatever the results will be better if it looks like we weren't trying to hide it… but he was pretty angry." Rem said as they walked down the steps to the docks. "Then should we not get the others?" Fenris asked before the walked up to the gates. "Well it probably would have been smart but we're already here" she said as she gestured towards the gate.

The Qunari on guard let them in, oh how Rem dreaded to stand before the Arishok to tell him her news. She just hoped not to have a spear through her torso by the time she finishes her thought. "What do you want, Hawke? I have no interest in adding to my distractions?" the Arishok asked as he waved guard away. "And yet you sent a delegate to the viscount." She replied firmly. "It was a brief attempt to educate. If the dwarf had stolen the saar-qamek, it could have been used to show the price of greed. But you know the outcome of that. These fools are determined to be wrong. I won't waste the effort again." Stated the Arishok with a deep frown.

I'm going to regret this she thought as she opened her mouth to tell him the news, "A courtesy, Arishok. The delegate and his guards are missing." She said patiently, trying to keep a nonchalant manner. "Anyone else, and those words would have been their last… You are handling this? Not your buffoon of a viscount?" He asked calmly. With a nod, "I am" she replied. "Then I will wait. But know this: the provocations we have suffered have worked. If this is not resolved, I can fulfill my duty to the Qun with far less annoyance by sifting through rubble." He said as he leaned forward in his chair. As they left the Qunari camp she turned to Fenris, "Well that went well… we're not dead yet right?" Fenris gave her a playful shove as he shrugged.

It didn't take long for them to figure out who to talk to about the missing delegate issues. Rem approached the guard from behind, "Oh, it looks like someone is living it up tonight. Care to buy me a glass and tell me how you came to this small fortune?" she asked as she fiddled with the collar of her tunic showing him a tiny glance at her chest. "Sure, for you doll. What'll you have?" He slurred out.

After getting their drinks, Rem sat and flirted for a little while until she got bored and decided that he wasn't going to say anything useful, so she pulled out her dagger and stabbed it into his hand causing the man to scream getting everyone's attention. "Now tell me who paid you" she threatened as she leaned closer to his ugly face. "Hawke?" Anders called out from a corner. Raising her eyebrows she glanced over to the mage and gave a nod acknowledging him. Anders walked over to Fenris, "So, this is her idea of foreplay? Or what's going on?" he said jokingly. "Well we went to tell the viscount about the gaatlok, and he told us that the Arishok sent a delegate to visit him who is now missing. So we're trying to find them. Care to join the fun?" Fenris hesitantly asked.

"I thought you'd never ask" Anders said laughing at himself. Since when and why do they get along all of the sudden? Anders wondered… maybe to support Rem he thought. "A kiss on the cheek for the one who guesses closest to where we get to go now?" Rem said as she headed for the door. "The Docks" Anders guessed, "Viscount Keep" Fenris said. At the door Rem couldn't help but smile as she looked at the two eager men. Grabbing Fenris' shoulder she stood on her tip toes and kissed his cheek. "Close… Chantry" she said with a laugh as she turned out the door.