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Blood Promise	By : Hikari86 Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 4559 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
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Chapter List
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Dangerous Alliances

“Andraste's flaming ass!” Jordan screamed as she kicked yet another empty box. They had been going through the mansion, looking for anything valuable, but finding nothing. During their battle with the demons, Jordan hadn't realized until afterwards what the mansion really looked like on the inside. She had gotten a glimpse of it when walking through the larder, but that was nothing compared to the rest of the mansion.
It was easy to tell no one had lived in the mansion for years. All the furniture was broken, mirrors shattered, carpet pulled and frayed, a huge hole in the ceiling of the main bedroom, and all of it coated in a thick layer of dust. Anything that might have been left that was valuable had already been taken by thieves who had broken in through windows. Jordan had found evidence of this by the broken glass found on the inside by the shattered windows. The mansion had basically already been picked clean like a dead carcase by hungry vultures. Whether the thieves knew the mansion had belonged to a mage or not didn't deter them. Either they didn't know, or they realized any magical traps there weren't being set off by them. All the traps that Bethany had found after Fenris left were as she predicted. They were all set to go off when he passed them. She disarmed all of them, however, just to be safe. It took some time, during which Jordan, Varric, and Aveline kept up their search in the mansion.
“There's nothing here,” said Aveline. “This place is completely empty of anything that would benefit you.”
“That's not entirely true,” Varric stated. “We did find some coins.”
Jordan blew the hair from her eyes. It had started to fall out of its ponytail as she became more frustrated. They had found a few coins in a chest hidden in a closet which added up to one sovereign, three silver, and eight bits, but that wasn't what she had been hoping for.
“This is just perfect,” she heaved. “And here I thought I was going to get another lucky break. This night has just been one disappointment after another.”
“Well, the elf did agree to give you ten sovereigns,” Varric added. “That should be good, right?”
“Yeah, it should.” Jordan wasn't pleased, though. “But something tells me he might not actually have it. Maker's breath! And I let him run off!” Jordan glared at the doorway Fenris had gone through before disappearing. “He better still be out there, or he's gonna have a new hunter on his hands.”
“Everything's done,” Bethany said as she joined them. “All the traps have been disarmed. It was hard work, considering how powerful and complex they were.”
“You should have kept a few up, that way if he doesn't pay me we could've brought him back in here.”
“Jordan, be civil about this,” Bethany pleaded.
“I will if he is. And if he's even still here.”
They started heading out, finally excepting the fact they weren't going to find anything else. Jordan took them straight back the way they came, going through the larder and out the door. It was still dark, a cold nip in the air. As Jordan stared around, she saw no sign of Fenris. She was about ready to run out into the night and start cursing his name when she realized he was standing right behind her, leaning against the wall next to the door. Their eyes met. He cocked an eyebrow at her. She answered with her brows furrowing forward. Neither of them needed to speak to know what the other was thinking. By that time, the others were out of the larder and staring at the two. Fenris glanced over at Bethany then looked away out into the street.
“It never ends,” he murmured.
“Care to explain?” Jordan asked.
“I escaped a land of dark magic only to have it hunt me at every turn. It is a plague burned into my flesh and my soul. And now I find myself in the company of even more mages.” Fenris scolded but still kept his eyes from anyone.
“You can speak to me directly, you know,” said Bethany.
This was what Jordan had been waiting for. It was obvious that Fenris despised mages, and if he tried anything, Jordan didn't care what he could do. She was going to do what she could to stop him. “Choose your words carefully, friend. Or they could be your last.”
Fenris met her gaze, matching Jordan's challenge. He took himself away from the wall. “You do realize you harbor a viper in your midst? It will turn on you and strike when you least expect it. That is in its nature.”
“Those were not the right words.” Jordan took a step closer to him. At this close distance, his greatsword would be useless to him, giving her the advantage with a short dagger and her quick skills. That ability to phase through solid objects, however, might take that advantage away. “That's my sister you're talking about. She is no viper. She is strong, and has proven herself numerous times. Shall I remind you that she has saved your life tonight at least twice?”
“I wouldn't count one,” Fenris glared. “If I had gone through that door, it is more likely another demon would have appeared.”
“You don't know that.”
“No, I don't.” Fenris seemed to calm as he looked at her, then at Bethany. “Magic does have its uses, but that doesn't mean it should be allowed to walk free and do whatever it pleases.”
“Who says I walk free?” said Bethany. “Running and hiding every time a templar comes around the corner? Not being able to help someone who may need it because I might be seen as a threat? Yeah, that sounds like freedom to me. You're welcome, by the way.”
Fenris sighed. “Yes, you did save me and I'll give you that.” He then looked to Jordan. “I apologize. I imagine I must appear ungrateful. I'm not, just... frustrated. Tonight I had really hoped to feel Danarius's heart beat for the last time in my hand. I could feel it. But I guess he was never here to begin with. It might have all just been a ruse to lure me into another trap.”
“I'd have to say yes,” Jordan stated. “Now, that you've officially wasted the night for me, I would like to be paid what I am owed.” She put out her hand to receive the coins. Fenris stared at it, and Jordan knew yet another disappointment was about ready to present itself. “Let me guess... You don't have it?”
“I have this,” he said flipping her two gold coins. “It's what I went to retrieve before coming here.”
Jordan's face fell as she stared at the two dirty gold coins. Although she couldn't be too disappointed. It was better than nothing. “Thanks, I suppose.”
“Again, I apologize,” Fenris said looking away from her. “Apparently this night has not been what either of us expected.”
Jordan pocketed the coins. Even if she had less than she wanted, it actually wasn't that bad of a night. Five sovereigns did bring her closer to her goal than none. “I'll take it, but I really wish you hadn't lied to me.”
“Would you have come if I told you the truth?”
“I came because you said I could raid the mansion afterwards. Was that a lie?”
“No, but I wasn't sure.” He stared back at her, his eyes hard. “In any event, I do wish to make it up to you for helping me even with how tonight ended.”
“Make it up to me?” This made Jordan curious. “How so?”
“I know who you are, and I know why it is you need the coin so badly.”
Jordan snorted. It wasn't a surprise really that he knew who she was. Being infamous in the undercity meant many people spoke your name when asked who was the best. “So you know about the expedition?”
“I am willing to offer you my services, provided that you need me in your quest to obtain coin.”
“I could use more help...” Jordan said slowly. She considered his proposal. More help was always a good thing, but would it be good coming from him? Fenris had already given his opinion on mages and magic. Had already verbally attacked Bethany, although she wasn't sure if he would have gone after her physically. For their group, he was dangerous. But he could possibly be more dangerous outside of it. At least with him around, Jordan could keep her eyes on him. Otherwise, there was really no stopping him from running to the templars and pointing them in Bethany's direction. The more Jordan thought about it, the more she realized it was best to keep him close. She had to laugh, however, when she thought of how Fenris would react to Anders.
“Alright, I think it might work,” she said. “But are you willing to work with mages? Besides my sister, I do have another mage who is a friend.”
This made Fenris's eyebrows furrow. “I will watch them carefully when we travel. I can promise no more than that.”
“As long as you don't threaten my sister again, or Anders, then we have a compromise.”
“Yes,” Fenris nodded. “But don't blame me if my warning comes true.”
Jordan wished he hadn't have said that. They were doing good so far. She pushed it aside, though, not wanting to start this shaky alliance on an even worse foot. “So where are you planning on staying in Kirkwall?”
“Staying?” Fenris said unsure. “I suppose I am staying in this city, aren't I? It just seems odd. I'm used to always being on the run, never staying in one place for very long. I have grown tired of it. It might actually be nice to stay. Let the hunters come to me.”
“If you need a place...” Jordan began, although she wasn't sure how to finish.
“I'll stay in the mansion,” Fenris finished for her. “It'll be a perfect place. If Danarius wishes his mansion back, he is free to return and claim it.”
“Alright,” Jordan nodded. “Then I'll go ahead and let you settle. Bethany took care of all the traps, so you should be good. Stay safe, Fenris, and I'll be back to visit you later. Right now I would like some sleep for once.”
Bowing slightly to her, Fenris made his way back through the larder. Everyone sighed when he was gone, relieved that they didn't have to fight him.
“That is one interesting elf,” said Varric.
“Yes...” Jordan whispered as she stared at the larder door. No matter what she tried to tell herself, there was something about Fenris that fascinated her. She wanted to know more about him. His life as a slave, how he escaped, and what those markings on his skin really were. Her fascination with him was almost as strong as with Anders. Both men intrigued her, which meant she needed to be careful.
***
Several days passed and Jordan found herself busy, but not nearly as profitable as she would have liked. After leaving Fenris to redecorate the mansion which would be his new home for some time, Jordan and the others made their way back to their respectable homes. That night brought in a little over five sovereigns, but unfortunately, Jordan was only able to hold three back for the expedition. The rest needed to go toward food and other essentials. The next day, Jordan was woken by Aveline who informed her she had obtained for them some work. Although she was grateful for the warrior's help, the work was honest work, which paid very little. It was hard work, but also dull and mind numbing. Jordan hated it, and she had to wonder if Aveline was doing it on purpose to keep her out of trouble. It was probably one of the main reasons, but Jordan needed to find something that would pay more and fast. At the rate she was gaining money now, she would have her fifty sovereigns by the time Bartrand returned from the Deep Roads.
She found herself going to the Hanged Man every night. It became a nice little refuge, a place she could run to when her mother and uncle would start at each other again. Varric also proved to be good company. He had so many stories to tell, and loved to also just sit and listen to others tell theirs. Jordan recited to him many things about her life: the year they spent with Athenril, how they came to be in Kirkwall, their life in Lothering, her father, and their life on the run before and after Bethany started growing into her abilities. Varric found it all fascinating, a tiny twinkle forming in his eye whenever he payed special attention to a story that he was fully caught in.
During those days, Jordan also found herself trying to avoid Fenris's mansion as much as possible. She knew she had to go see him at some point, but she was always able to come up with an excuse for why she didn't need to visit him. Some were legitimate, such as when she needed to meet Aveline at a particular job. Others not so much, as when she had nothing to do. Those times she could have gone to see him, but instead ended up at the Hanged Man. She wasn't sure why she was avoiding Fenris, it was just happening. Jordan knew that he was all right, though. Aveline had checked in on him a few times. As did Varric. He had gone to visit Fenris more than any of them, mostly to try and hear Fenris's stories. To get the truth out of him just as he got the truth out of Jordan. What made Jordan wonder about Varric, though, was why he hadn't gone down to Anders's clinic. Varric seemed just as interested in Anders as he was with Fenris. Jordan figured it either had to do with the fact Varric didn't like going in Darktown by himself, or he was having the same problem she was.
For four days in a row, Anders's doors were closed every time Jordan went down to check on him. She wasn't sure what was going on, and it made her worry a little about him. At one point she thought he might have been captured by templars and thrown in the Gallows. But that scenario didn't seem very likely. Justice wouldn't have allowed that, and she was sure she would have heard something like that go through the gossip vine. So where he was, she wasn't sure. When she asked an urchin who's dirty box-bed was close to the doors of his clinic about the goings-on, he replied that the healer had left several days ago and hadn't returned since. This made Jordan worry even more, even going to the length of trying to pick one of the locks on the doors. This turned out to be a bad decision as she received an electrical shock that caused her whole right arm to go completely limp for an hour. She left the doors alone after that, but still come to them whenever she could to see if they were open yet. To her relief, on the fifth day, she found them to finally be open and welcoming.
Jordan made her way into the clinic cautiously, afraid at first that the locks had been picked by templars who had found the clinic and were now going through it. Her worry was dashed, however, when she came to the doors to find the hovel just as it was before. There was no one in it save for a scroungy looking man snoring on one of the cots on the far side of the hovel. She made her way in, looking around as the sun shined down from the windows its golden rays.
“Hello?” she said out loud. The man on the cot snorted then rolled over, his back turned to her.
“Is someone there?” She saw Anders reveal himself from a backroom, making her smile to see him again. “Oh... it's you,” he said seeing her there.
“Don't be so disappointed about it,” Jordan answered.
“No, no, it's not that...” He came fully out of the backroom and made his way to where she was standing. “It's just... more of a surprise, really. To see you here again.”
“Ah. That wouldn't have anything to do with Justice, now would it?”
“Possibly.”
“Well... let's just say I've been told worse things that didn't scare me away either.”
This got a small smile from him. “I do want to apologize, though. I got a bit weighty the last time we talked. Sorry for that. I'm... I'm actually not sure why I told you, really. It was just... easy.”
Jordan saw the confusion in his eyes. “Don't worry too much about it. People tend to tell me their darkest secrets all the time! I don't know why. I must look trustworthy or something.”
“You do look... something, uh...” Anders struggled a little. “Proud. Strong. Like no matter what I tell you, you'll be honest, and you can be trusted.”
“That's it?” Jordan slightly frowned. “I thought there was going to be a 'beautiful' in there somewhere.”
“That's... going without being said,” Anders smirked. “Are you one of those women who needs to be constantly reminded?”
“No, but it wouldn't hurt. It's actually quite rare.” Jordan suddenly felt serious for a moment. “My father used to say it all the time, and my mother. But they're my parents. They'd say it even if I was nug-ugly. Being a Ferelden refugee... well, you know.”
“Yeah,” he said softly. Jordan could feel his eyes exploring her. She didn't mind, nor did she mind the seclusion and emptiness of the clinic. Even with the scroungy man sleeping off to the side.
“If you want, you can say anything about me,” she said smooth.
“Anything?” he chuckled. “Be careful what you wish for. I've been known to say quite a few interesting things.”
“Such as?”
“You are beautiful, Jordan. And kind, wise. Almost as if you've made a few deals with a demon, yourself. Uh, I'm sorry.” She could start to see he was having fun, getting closer to her, but then suddenly stopped and backed away a few steps. “I just... we've hardly met and I feel like I know you. I don't... want to make you feel uncomfortable or anything.”
“You're not.” Jordan closed the the gap he had made. She stared into his brown eyes, very much enjoying them. “Keep telling me I'm beautiful. You can't go wrong with that.”
“No, I think I can...” He hesitated, but eventually scooted around her as she got closer. Jordan sneered as he walked halfway to the man on the cot before stopping. He struggled there for a moment before turning his head to look at her slightly. Sadness evident.
Damn, I almost had him. Jordan wasn't sure why Anders was holding back, there was obviously something there, but trying to force it out wasn't going to help. She would have to bring it out slowly. “So where were you the last four days?” she asked, changing the subject. She could see his demeanor calming as she asked the question. Anders turned to fully face her again before answering.
“I was at Sundermount.”
“Sundermount? What were you doing there?”
“I was giving Karl a proper burial,” he said. “The Chantry wouldn't have given him one. They would have just tossed him in a grave with a wooden marker. The marker would then eventually be taken by the elements, then no one would know he was there. I couldn't let that happen.” His eyes became hard as he talked.
“So you went back to get him?” Jordan asked.
“Yes. After you left that night, I went back to the chantry and collected his body before it would be discovered. I then carried him all the way to Sundermount where I found the perfect site to place his body. I carved his name into the side of the mountain, all his accomplishments. I then burned his body and scattered the ashes. It's what he would have wanted. And now, everyone will know who he was and what he did to help mages obtain their freedom.”
“That was very sweet,” Jordan smiled. “You're a good friend to do that. But you were gone for at least four days. Sundermount is a two, maybe three day trip there and back depending on how far you go.”
“After I took care of Karl, I used that time to collect a few ingredients for my poultices and potions. Sundermount proves to be a very good place to gather rare ones. But why do you ask? Did you need me while I was away?”
“Well, there was one thing I could've used your help on. But it's fine. Actually, it's probably best that you weren't there.” Jordan laughed. “Who knows what could've happened.”
“I see,” Anders said staring at her funny. “But everyone's fine, right? No one was hurt too badly?”
“Oh, no, but even if they were, Bethany's pretty good at healing. She's been healing me for several years now.”
“Yeah, and something tells me she's done that more times than one mage could heal a person.”
“Two people, actually,” Jordan corrected. “We had a brother, Carver. He, uh... didn't make it out of Ferelden when we ran from the Blight.” Jordan had to look away from Anders as she swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat. Even after a year it was still hard to talk about Carver. Jordan still blamed herself for his death.
“I'm sorry,” Anders said with sympathy. “Many lives were lost to the darkspawn. I witnessed many deaths, even lost a few friends of my own. Just be glad you still have your sister. I can tell you won't let anything happen to her.”
“Damn right I won't,” Jordan said harder than she really had intended. “As long as I'm around, anyone who tries to hurt her will get a quick knife to the back. I don't fool around when it comes to my sister's safety. Or even my mother's, for that matter.”
“She's lucky to have you. Not many mages can say they have someone looking out for them.”
“No, but you can say that, though.” Jordan grinned, hoping it wouldn't be too much to chase him away again.
Seeing her small expression of friendliness made Anders show it back to her. “You don't have to do that.”
“No? But what if I want to? I can consider you a friend, yes?”
“If you wish.”
“Then what I said is true. I look out for my friends just as I look out for my family. Aveline and Varric, they know I have their back, just as I know they have mine.”
“And I will have your back as well,” Anders nodded.
You can have more if you want. It was something Jordan wanted to say out loud, but retained herself. “Thank you. Hey,” Jordan said as she thought of something. “When was the last time you had a drink?”
“Not for a long time,” Anders breathed. “Justice doesn't like it when I get drunk. So he sort of made me... stop.”
“What? How could he? He's such a stick-in-the-mud!”
“You do realize everything is new to him. Being in a living body is different from being in a corpse. Not only do we have to share thoughts, but other things too. Hunger, thirst, relieving yourself, amongst other things... um.” Anders looked away from her, but not before Jordan could see the slight reddening of his checks. “He has to deal with some things, but ones he doesn't like that can be controlled, he will try his hardest to keep me from doing.”
“Well then I'm going to have to try my hardest to get you to do them! Come on.” Jordan grabbed his hand and began pulling him out of the clinic.
“Hang on, what are you doing?” he asked, not really fighting her.
“We're going to the Hanged Man where I'm going to get you completely plastered.”
“Wait... no.” Anders pulled his hand from hers and stopped short from leaving the clinic. “I don't think that's a good idea.”
“Why?” Jordan said staring at him. “Because of Justice?”
“That and... Mages shouldn't really get drunk in public.”
“Oh relax,” Jordan heaved. “Do you know how many apostates come to the Hanged Man every night and get drunk off their asses? You'll be fine. I'll be with you and so will Varric. He's always there!”
“Yeah, but...” He looked back into his clinic. “I've been gone for several days, there might be some patients out there...”
This made Jordan roll her eyes. “If there were people waiting for you to come back, don't you think they would have been here by now? Come on, you need to get out more!”
“I was just out!”
“Yeah, but you weren't having fun, were you? You need to get out and have some real fun for once. I can tell you've been lacking in it. Whether because of Justice or from a ton of patients, you need to get out every now and then. So let's go.” She went to grab him again, but missed when he backed away.
“What about money? I don't really have much and I know you need to be saving it.”
Jordan laughed, seeing how hard he was trying not to go with her. “I haven't paid for a drink at the Hanged Man since I met Varric. I'm on his tab, and he doesn't care how much I drink. Because of what I'm doing for him when it comes to the expedition and his brother, he knows I'll be able to pay him back once we return. I'm sure he won't mind you taking a drink or two.”
“A drink or two? What happened to you getting me plastered?”
“If you don't want to get drunk, then I won't force you. I'll work you up to it. But I still say you need to get out. So please, would you come with me to the Hanged Man so you can have some fun for once?” Jordan gave him her most pleading eyes, hoping it would work.
Anders seemed to be battling with himself—or Justice—before he finally relented. “Alright, but at least let me lock up the backrooms first.”
“Sure. Go right ahead.”
“I'll keep the clinic open,” he said as he made his way back into the hovel. “Let this man sleep off his drunkenness. Hopefully no one will need me while I'm gone.”
“You can't be here all the time,” Jordan said as she followed him in. There were two backrooms, Anders having gone into the one on the right. From the outside, Jordan could see it was a type of storage room. Shelves lined the walls, each one filled with vials and flasks of different types of potions, poultices, and individual ingredients. Some Jordan recognized, while others she couldn't even begin to guess what they were. Inside, Anders went from shelf to shelf, arranging things and putting back others that were out of place.
As he did so, Jordan made her way to the other backroom. It was the one he had came out of when Jordan had first entered. When she peered into it, she saw that it served as both his bedroom and his study. On the right side, pushed up against the wall was his bed. The sheets all messy with two flat pillows at the head. Next to it was an open chest with clothes spilling out, and on the far left wall was a desk covered in papers and books. Although she didn't want to intrude on his privacy, she still found herself stepping into the room and going over to the desk. Some of the books were open, revealing to her spells and literature. There were some about the schools of entropy and spirit. Other closed books were ones about poultice making, flowers and other plants used in herbal medicine, and one book that was strictly on Dalish practices.
Making her way closer to the desk, Jordan looked more at the papers. Many of them had notes upon them written in shaky handwriting. There were also several different symbols she didn't understand. She got closer to try and read some of them, but found the handwriting to be hard to decipher.
“Was there something you needed?”
Anders's voice made Jordan jump. She scooted back away from the desk, feeling as if she had just been caught looking at something forbidden. Anders stood in the doorway, his arms crossed as he stared at her. It reminded Jordan of her father during the time when he would catch her sneaking around looking for presents.
“Sorry,” she said quickly. “I didn't mean to get into your personal business or anything.”
Anders looked over at the desk. “It's actually not that personal. Just some research notes I've been working on.”
“What kind of research? If you don't mind me asking.”
“I don't mind, but I've been trying to find a spell or something that could be used to heal a severed spinal cord.”
“Oh?” Jordan knew about that. With two spirit healers in her family, she knew how difficult it was for them knowing that healing a severed spine was an impossible feat. Although healing magic seemed like the cure-all for almost anything, it really wasn't. Such things as a served spine and blindness were a few examples of what mages couldn't cure with magic. “That's quite a task you've set yourself on.”
“I know,” Anders sighed. “I've looked through so many books and tried so many different combinations of spells, it's almost maddening. All dead ends.”
“There's got to be a way, right? You'll find it.”
“I've heard that before.” But as he said it, there was a small smile in the corner of his mouth. “So are we going? Or would you rather look through my notes?”
“Oh no,” Jordan said getting away from the desk. “You're handwriting is awful.”
“I know. Keeps people from getting too curious.”
“I would have to agree with that.”
They left the bedroom, and Anders locked it behind him, using a simple spell. “Oh, and Jordan,” he said as they began making their way into Darktown together.
“Yes?”
“Next time you try and pick my lock I'll make sure to put a special spell on it designed just for you.”
“Oh you will, huh?” Jordan smirked at him. “That sounds like a challenge.”
“Just don't do it again.”
“I couldn't help it. I was worried about you.”
This caught him off guard. “Oh, well... you can see I'm fine. So, don't do it again.”
“Alright. Just make sure if you leave next time to tell me. I might want to come with you. In fact, you didn't even have to go to bury Karl by yourself. I would've gone with you. Kept you company.”
“That would've been nice,” he said softly, but then cleared his throat. “But I needed to do that alone. Anyway... To the Hanged Man, right?”
“To the Hanged Man!” Jordan agreed. And they were off.
***
Finally Jordan could have some fun, along with the ability to get to know Anders better. He fought at first, his hand shaking slightly every time he would reach for the mug of ale, but eventually he won over and at least drank down one. She had ordered him a second, but it sat in front of him untouched most of the time.
They had found Varric there, unsurprising. He was in the front area, playing cards with a few regulars. When he spotted them he waved them over and asked if they wanted to join. They were playing Diamondback, a game Jordan fairly enjoyed, even if she wasn't the best at card games. She quickly found out she was better than Anders, however, who appeared to be struggling and eventually had to quit when the stakes became too high.
As the day progressed, Aveline and Bethany soon joined them, having come to the Hanged Man for the same perhaps Jordan and Anders had. They started one big card game with Varric and Bethany as partners, Aveline and Jordan, and Anders sitting on the sidelines watching. Aveline and Jordan were losing badly, as neither of them appeared to be as good as Varric and Bethany together.
“So Anders,” Varric said as he stared at his cards. “Grey Warden, right? Got to be an interesting story behind that.”
“Well of course there is,” said Anders. “Do you think there's any Grey Warden out there that doesn't?”
“Do tell please, as you sit there and do absolutely nothing.”
“Okay. What do you want to know?”
“First I have a question!” Jordan said a little louder than she meant. The ale and Dragon Piss she was ordering were starting to get to her. “Were you a Grey Warden before or after the Blight?”
“After. I was recruited in Amaranthine, right when the commander was arriving.”
“Oh, so does that mean you met the Hero of Ferelden? Or Heroes...”
“I know both of them, yes,” Anders smiled. “Although it was a different commander who recruited me.”
“Huh, a different commander?”
“It's kind of a long story.”
“We've got nothing but time,” said Varric. “Don't you know? The Hanged Man never closes.”
Anders went on to tell them about his time in Amaranthine, that due to certain circumstances with one of the Heroes of Ferelden, a temporary commander had to be assigned. She was a Dalish elf that had helped the Heroes during the Blight, becoming a Grey Warden herself in Orlais after the archdemon was killed. Upon arriving at Vigil's Keep, it was found to have been attacked by darkspawn, all the Grey Wardens stationed there either killed or missing. Anders was only at the Vigil because he had been captured by templars and they had stopped at Vigil's Keep on their way back to the tower. He explained that he had escaped from the Circle seven times, punished for it every time he was brought back in, but always released back into the tower. This time, however, he knew they weren't going to be easy on him. He was sure that time they were going to execute him for being a malificar, even if he had never used blood magic in his life. He was just too much trouble. But that day, with the darkspawn attack, Anders found himself battling against them, his templar escorts dead, and the new commander plowing through the Vigil looking for survivors and trying to figure out what had happened. He helped her claim the Vigil back and once everything was done, she then saved him from going back to the tower by conscripting him into the Grey Wardens.
The rest of the time he spent in Amaranthine was saving it from psychotic broodmothers, and darkspawn more intelligent than what they thought possible. He talked about his adventures in the Wending Woods, and about discovering and reclaiming the lost dwarven thaig of Kal'Hirol. He also went about telling the tale of how he fought along side the Warden queen when Amaranthine City was attacked, and how they saved the arling. Any details about the darkspawn, however, he left out. Only giving them the bare minimums, which drove Varric almost to insanity.
“What's it like being a Grey Warden?” Bethany asked. “I've always been fascinated by them.”
“Fascinated enough to join?” said Anders.
“Oh no. No, I'm not that brave to be throwing myself on the front lines to kill darkspawn. Or to go trudging into the Deep Roads looking for them.”
“And yet, Sunshine, you're willing to go trudging in the Deep Roads to look for treasure,” Varric teased.
“That's different. I'll be with my sister.”
“That's right! Nothing's going to happen to my sister while I'm around.” Jordan wrapped her arms around Bethany's shoulders and gave her a big squeeze.
“Jordan, I think you've had enough,” said Bethany. “And you're hurting me.”
“Oh, oops.” Jordan let go of her sister. “Hey, do you want anything else? I could use something. Anybody?”
“If you want, you can get me another pint,” Varric said as he held up his empty mug.
“Got it. Anders, come on, you haven't even touched that second mug. Do you want something else?”
“No thanks, but... maybe you could take it instead?” He handed her the mug but she pushed it back in front of him.
“Drink it, damn it. Now when I get back, I want at least half of it gone. You've waited long enough. That first one you drank should be through your system by now. Justice can suck it.” He stared at her and chuckled as she made her way to the counter. The barkeep was busy with another customer, working on trying to figure out his order as the man was completely drunk and slurring every other word. “Hey, come on!” Jordan shouted. “Let him sober a little. I'm still able to think straight.”
“Don't bother,” said a woman sitting at the counter next to Jordan. “He's been ignoring me all night.”
Staring over at the woman, Jordan noticed a slight gleam in her honey hazel eyes. She was foreign, clear from her slight accent, dark brown hair, and bronzed skin that marked her as a Rivaini. She wore her hair back, a blue designed bandana holding it. A matching one was wrapped about her waist. She also had a large, gold-chained collar around her neck, and her attire was a simple white tunic that was cut so low and so high it left nothing to the imagination.
“You look familiar,” she said smoothly.
“I do?” Jordan said just as smooth. “I could say the same for you.” Although she didn't know who this woman was, she had seen her before. She was a regular at the Hanged Man, and could always be found sitting in the exact same place at the counter. Jordan noticed her, not just because of her appearance, but also because she would occasionally catch the woman staring at her. It was an interested stare, one meant to lure, not drive away. But Jordan had never taken the bait, not sure what it was the woman might want.
“You could.” She took a sip from her mug and stared up at Jordan with glittering eyes, half smiling at her. Jordan matched her stare, her mind too hazy to really know what to do or say next at the moment. Their gazes were blocked, however, when three bodies suddenly surrounded the woman.
“You owe us, Isabela,” said the one who had placed himself directly between her and Jordan.
The woman, Isabela, rolled her eyes and looked away from the man, obviously annoyed. “Well, Lucky,” she spoke. “I'll tell you what... Since the information you gave me was worth nothing... that's what I'll pay you.” She went to take another sip from her mug but Lucky slammed it back down on the counter and got right in her face.
“No,” he growled. “Me and my boys will get our money's worth, bitch. And we'll take it anyway we want.”
“Oh, you poor, sweet thing,” Isabela cooed. She got closer to Lucky, and Jordan almost thought she was going to kiss him before she saw his head slam into the counter. From there things went fast as she backed away from the fight that ensued. Lucky went right to the ground, his eyes swirling as blood trickled down his forehead. The other two men, confused at first, acted as soon as Isabela slipped out of her seat. One went to attack her but was punch right in the jaw by her fist. Another grabbed her from behind and lifted her off the ground. Jordan was about ready to join in to help her, but Isabela clearly didn't need it. She slammed the back of her head into the man holding her, breaking his nose and making him drop her. As she landed on her feet, she continued going down just as the first man she had punched sent his fist flying. It missed Isabela and instead landed right on the other man's broken nose. He screamed and blood gushed everywhere as he then returned the favor to his partner. Isabela laughed at the two of them, clearly enjoying herself. By this time, Lucky was back on his feet and making his way to Isabela , drawing his sword. Jordan would have screamed for her to look out, but yet again, Isabela didn't need any help. With reflexes fast enough to match Jordan's, Isabela had one of her daggers in hand, pointing it directly at Lucky's throat. He barely had his sword drawn as he stood in place, looking down scared at the dagger.
“Tell me, Lucky,” Isabela spoke as her eyes grew hard. “Is this worth dying for?” Her other hand hovered over the second dagger on her back. Lucky moved to the side and she followed him. He then whimpered and ran. His partners following after him as they held their bleeding noses. “I didn't think so,” Isabela chuckled as she sat back in her seat and finished her ale.
Jordan was impressed. She had yet to meet anyone who could match her speed. This Isabela seemed a close candidate.
“Sorry about that,” she said to Jordan. “I was expecting him to show up at some point. And he has very poor timing.”
“I noticed. You, however, don't seem to have that problem.”
“No, I don't.” Isabela stood from her seat and went right to Jordan. “You're Jordan Hawke, right?”
“That depends,” said Jordan. “Is this Jordan person in trouble?”
“No. I've just been trying to determine the best way to approach you. And I also wanted to see if Lucky could actually pull through. Which, of course, he didn't. Teaches me to trust the bottom of the barrel around here, doesn't it?”
“Can't trust everyone around here. So what makes you think you can trust me?”
“Because Athenril recommended you personally.”
This surprised Jordan, actually. She had thought the elf was done throwing her name around, but apparently not. “You know Athenril?”
“Of course I do. We used to work together back in the day, before she started her gig here. When I first arrived in Kirkwall, I wanted to find her to see if she could help me with my little problem. But that girl's hard to find, so I had to settle for Lucky and his thugs before I finally found her. By that time Lucky proved worthless and she gave me your name. Said Jordan Hawke was the woman you wanted to find, and here you are.”
“Here I am,” Jordan bowed.
“I'm Isabela. Previously, 'Captain' Isabela. Sadly, without my ship, the title rings a bit hollow. So what do you say? Care to help me with my little problem?”
“Ah yes, the reason why you were looking for me? For the past several days there's been a lot of people looking for my help. Can't anyone in this city fix their own problems?”
“I don't believe so,” said Isabela. “And I would usually fix my own problems, except this one proves bigger than even I can handle. And that's saying something.” She winked at Jordan. “But the thing is someone from my past has been pestering me. I've arranged for a duel—if I win, he leaves me alone. But I don't trust him to play fair. I need someone to watch my back.”
“So who is this person from your past and why won't he leave you alone?”
Isabela snorted. “His name is Hayder. We worked together back in Antiva. He's never liked me. He's been asking about me all over Kirkwall. Thought I'd get it over with and meet him face-to-face.”
Jordan listened intently to what she was saying, trying to put everything together. “Okay, but what does Lucky have to do with it?”
“He actually was a separate thing. I sent him to find information on something I lost. He failed to do it, of course. But that's nothing to worry about right now. This duel with Hayder is more important at the moment.”
“Why a duel?”
“Because I like duels. It's what I do. And if I win, he'll be dead. Problem solved.”
“That definitely would solve it,” Jordan chuckled. “So you just want me there to make sure nothing funny happens while you're dueling him?”
“Exactly,” Isabela confirmed.
Jordan looked back at the table to see everyone staring at her, more than likely wondering what was going on. She nodded at them and she saw everyone smile except for Aveline. She then faced back to Isabela, thinking more on what she had asked her to do. Jordan was sure she would get paid for this, or at least she hoped, but even if she didn't, it sounded fun. There were a few things that bothered her, though. Mostly she could tell Isabela wasn't telling her everything, and that what she sent Lucky out to do might be more important than she was letting on. Either way, Jordan really didn't want to pass this up.
“Alright, Isabela, you've got a deal. I think I can mange to watch your back.”
Isabela smiled sheepishly at that. “I'll bet.”
Jordan matched it. “When is the duel?”
“Tonight, in the Hightown square. Meet me there before midnight.”
“Got it. We'll be there.”
“Good. And don't worry, Jordan Hawke. You'll get rewarded for this.” Isabela's provocative half smile curved up her lip as she passed, fingers caressing Jordan's arm, and hips swaying.

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age 2
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Blood Promise