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Blood Promise	By : Hikari86 Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 4556 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
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Chapter List
- 34
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An Unexpected Message

Jordan stared at the double stairway in front of her. She stood in the middle of the Viscount's Keep, thinking as she pondered why she was there. The viscount had asked for her. By name. She wasn't even sure he had remembered her from their last encounter three years ago. That was when she had saved his son, Saemus, from a group of mercenaries who might have killed the boy if she hadn't intervened. Jordan remembered the conversation Viscount Dumar and Saemus had gotten into once she returned him. It was a battle between father and son, one that Jordan had put herself in, saying how both of them were idiots. She was unable to know how either of them responded to her, however, as Senachal Bran quickly escorted her out of the viscount's chambers. With such a brief introduction, and with how Jordan acted, it surprised her when she received the letter from the viscount asking her to meet with him. The letter didn't specify what exactly he wanted to see her for, just that he wished for her to come to his chambers as soon as possible.
Jordan stared over at the left balcony, the area the viscount's chamber was. She then stared off to the right, where the guard barracks were. That was where Aveline was at the moment. She hadn't seen her friend in a while, not since the guard-captain helped Jordan and her mother move. When she was done with whatever the viscount wanted with her, Jordan decided she would see what Aveline was up to.
Jordan began making her way up the staircase, already getting suspicious looks from some of the nobles and guards standing about the keep. Even if Jordan was considered a noble now by her wealth and status in Hightown, she still didn't present herself as one. Jordan wasn't one for fancy clothes or hairstyles. She still preferred her basic leather jerkin and pants, hair tied back in a ponytail, and two daggers, Edge and Fury, strapped to her back. The cloth her mother used to make her clothing was of better quality, but her outfits were still not considered lady-like for a noblewoman to wear. Leandra had tried to get Jordan to wear other things, such as a simple dress, but Jordan would have none of it. Not only did she hate dresses, but they were very impractical, and not at all appropriate for her adventures.
Jordan had become used to the stares by now. Not only did she receive them when she was still living in Lowtown, but also now while she lived in Hightown. It didn't matter much to her. Jordan would do what she pleased, whether it was considered lady-like or not.
When Jordan finally made it to the door that would lead her to the viscount's chambers, she already found them open. She stepped inside cautiously, going through the atrium and seeing Viscount Dumar sitting at his desk with the senaschal standing over him. They were talking about a subject that was all too familiarly spoken throughout Kirkwall.
“The compound was not meant to be permanent,” said Bran in a hushed voice. “There are concerns the Qunari influence is... no longer contained.”
“Was it ever?” Dumar shook his head as he stared down at his desk. “Kirkwall has tension enough between templar and mage, but these Qunari... They sit like gargoyles, waiting for Maker knows what, and everyone goes mad around them. Nearly four years I stood between fanatics. And now this.” He gestured to a slip of paper that was on his desk.
Bran went to say something but then stopped when he noticed Jordan standing in the doorway. She had been there for awhile, listening to the conversation. It was nothing new to her, the Qunari were spoken of often, most of the time in a negative way.
“Don't keep us in suspense,” she said, nodding to the slip of paper.
Bran's lip curled up slightly as he glared at her. The seneschal had never been one of Jordan's biggest fans. He apparently had a chip on his shoulder that Jordan wasn't actually sure where it came from. She remembered the way he had treated her when she came to buy the Amell home. He almost didn't let her have it, but Jordan's persistence eventually won the deal.
“Leave us,” the viscount said to him. He nodded at Jordan, looking almost relieved at her presence.
“As you wish, your Excellency.” Bran bowed to the viscount before making his way out, past Jordan without a word or gesture.
There was a long sigh that came from Dumar as Bran went out of sight. Jordan took herself more into the room. “Meredith at my throat, Orsino at my heels, and a city scared of heretical giants,” Dumar said as he stood from his desk. He looked worn and tired, much more so than Jordan had seem him last. The last three years had obviously not been kind to him.
“Sounds like a lot to take,” said Jordan. “How do you keep balance?”
Dumar shook his head. “I don't really know, to be honest. I suppose balance has been kept because the Qunari ask for nothing. Even the space on the Docks was a 'gift' to contain them. But now the Arishok has requested you. By name. What did you do?”
“Me?” Jordan said surprised. “I don't remember doing much, but... I do hear I make quite a first impression.”
“Yes, I'd have to say you do. I remember how you helped my son.”
“Ah yes,” Jordan smiled. “How is Saemus, by the way?”
The viscount slightly smiled at her question. “He is good, if you wish to know. He is his own man, as always, but your actions have tempered him somewhat. He is not so angry at the world. I believe I should thank you for that. I may not agree with him on many things, but I am proud of what his is becoming.”
Good, at least whatever I might have said didn't turn things up-side-down too much. “I'm glad to hear it. But back to the Arishok... did he really ask for me by name?” Jordan found this troubling considering she didn't remember giving the Arishok her name. If he had actually went to find out who she was, it must have been for something important. Whether is was a good thing or a bad thing, however, was still up for debate.
“Yes, he did.” Dumar grabbed the letter and handed it to her. “I received this message from him yesterday,” he continued as she read. “It asked specifically for a 'Jordan Hawke,' and that he wished to speak to her as soon as possible. Normally I would've sent the letter straight to you, but I feared that would be the wrong move.”
Jordan looked up from the letter. “Why? I might have actually received it faster and could have gone there this morning rather than your office.”
“True, but I think there's a reason the Arishok sent the letter first to me instead of directly to you. If he found out your name, I'm sure he would have no trouble finding out where you lived. Whatever his reasons, I don't wish to antagonize him. That is partially why I suffer being a messenger today.”
Jordan looked back at the letter, at the scratching yet delicate Qunari handwriting. There really was nothing else in the letter but what the viscount had told her. “What do you think the Arishok wants?”
“I was hoping you may know that,” the viscount sighed. “There isn't very much the Arishok says to me other than his deliberate phrasing of 'begone.' What he could possible have to say to you, it is something I would like to know.”
“Is that the other reason why you didn't just send the letter to me?” Jordan asked. “You also want to know why.”
“Can you blame me for being a little curious? I just want to make sure what the Arishok wants from you won't have any backlash on this city. There's already enough talk, I would prefer no more to make the rounds.”
“I hear rumors all the time,” said Jordan. “But I haven't heard anything major in years.”
“Zealots are bravest where their lies can't be argued: behind closed doors. Chantry leaders see Qunari beliefs as a challenge, not an attack. But the message gets muddled among casual adherents. I am certainly not equipped to argue the fine points of faith.”
“And you think I am?”
“I think you have a better chance. There are those out there who respect you for what you've done and what you've done to get where you are today. I am one of them.”
“Alright, then I guess I have no choice.” Jordan folded the letter and placed it in the pouch about her waist. “I will go and speak to the Arishok as soon as I can.”
“Thank you,” the viscount said, seeming to relax. “Your attitude is one this city has lacked for a long time. Appease the Arishok. Take his demand and let him return to dormancy. As awkward as this has been, it is better than the alternative.”
“Of course. Your Excellency.” Jordan bowed to him before she made her way out of his office. On her way, she passed Bran, who appeared to have been waiting outside. Once she was gone, he darted right into the room, no doubt wanting to ask what they had discussed. Jordan chuckled at this. As if the senescahl could have a say in the matter.
As Jordan made her way back to the stairs, she stopped and stared at the other side. She wondered if Aveline was even there. She wasn't exactly sure what the warrior did as guard-captain. She wasn't even sure Aveline would have time to see her.
“Serah Hawke?”
Jordan looked to her right to see Saemus smiling at her. “Hello, Saemus,” she smiled back.
“It is good to see you again, serah. I don't believe I see you here enough. I think your presence would be a good influence.”
“You really think that? I'm known more as a trouble-maker than anything else. Not the best influence, I should think.”
“You underestimate yourself, serah. I remember when you rescued me and brought me to my father... When we were arguing, you didn't take sides. Instead, you said we were both fools. At first, I didn't like hearing that, but now I understand what you meant. By not taking sides, you helped to start something. I still accept no blame for defending Qunari. And I don't miss the kinship of the people who oppose what I believe.”
“I'd have to say I'm still on the bench,” said Jordan. “I don't like or hate the Qunari. They're a headache, but so are many people.”
Saemus nodded. “I heard the Arishok asked for you.”
“You don't happen to know what he wants, do you? Or if this is a good or bad thing?”
“I would say it's a good thing. You've impressed him somehow, although what you did, I'm not sure. But I can tell you've already treated them with more grace than most. Mere existence should not be an offense—no matter how they challenge the Chantry. Not when some of their ideas are so... compelling.”
“You sound as if you've been considering them.”
Saemus looked away from her, but Jordan could tell he was still smiling. “I won't lie to you, I have. But maybe this is something we can discuss later. Will you be there at the gala my father is hosting?” He looked at her with curiosity, hoping she would say yes.
“I did receive the invitation, but I'm not sure...” Jordan would have thrown the invitation away, but unfortunately, her mother had retrieved it from the mail first. Gatherings where nobles came together were things Jordan tried to avoid. She felt awkward and out of place. She also had to dress nicely, which she found to be a hassle. As well as trying to preform social etiquette. A skill she severally lacked, no matter how hard her mother tried to teach her.
“I do wish you would try and make it,” Saemus said, his face falling a little. “It would be nice to have someone else there I can talk to. Maybe not about the Qunari, but just in general. I feel I can talk to you easier than most.”
“But isn't this gala being held in your honor?” Jordan asked. “Even if I did come, you wouldn't be able to speak with me the whole time.”
“Yes,” Saemis sighed, seeming annoyed at the notion. “My father is holding it for my birthday. I asked him for something more quiet this year, but apparently there are still some things he doesn't hear me on. Oh well. I suppose I will just have to do what I always do. Grin and bear, and pretend I'm having a decent time.” He smiled at her once more. “I'm not forcing you, but I do hope to see you there. Until we speak again, Serah Hawke.” He bowed to her before making his way into his father's atrium.
Jordan breathed out. You may not force me, but I know Mother will.
***
“We'll need to give them answers by tomorrow, Captain.” A guard stood at attention in front of Aveline's desk. His face blank as he spoke to her.
“I'll have them,” Aveline acknowledged. “Dismissed.”
“The seneschal was particularly vocal--” the guard tried to say.
Aveline gave him a stern gaze. “Dismissed,” she said more forcefully.
The guard nodded before he made his way out, going past Jordan as she made her way into Aveline's office. The ginger-haired warrior looked proud as she stood behind her desk and beamed at Jordan. Her attire had changed, wearing the formal uniform of the guard-captain, same strange orange coloring as the rest of the guard, but more fancy. But despite Aveline's higher position, she still wore her hair the same way. Pulled back in a loose, low ponytail and the red headband wrapped about her forehead. Wesley's shield was even still present, hanging on the wall behind her, but Jordan figured it didn't stay up there for very long.
“Well, look what the mabari dragged in.” Aveline made her way around the desk to give Jordan a good once over. “You look the same. What happened? I thought you moved to Hightown.”
“I did. Does that mean I have to change who I am?” Jordan crossed her arms and looked over Aveline. “Besides that get-up, I'd say you haven't changed either.”
“No point changing perfection, right?” Aveline winked.
“Nope. So... what's been going on with you lately?” Jordan asked as she looked around the office. She noticed it hadn't changed much either since last time she was in it.
“Just the usual I'm sure you've heard about. I have been trying to requisition a templar or two, but there's no way that's going to happen. Can't have them working for the people when eternity needs a nanny.”
This made Jordan laughed. “Glad I don't have your job. Sounds like a lot of pressure.”
“Well of course it is, but that doesn't mean I would ask for less. It's been tough getting this guard back on its feet. When Jeven was in charge, nothing was routine, and the templars could walk all over them. Now I don't let that happen. The templar Order has no authority over the city guard, and I made that perfectly clear to the knight-commander.”
“I'm sure she didn't like that.”
“There's a lot of things Meredith doesn't like, and I believe I might be one of them, but I don't care. Someone needs to be an advocate for the guard and the people they protect.”
“Sounds like you've got everything under control, then,” Jordan smirked.
“I don't turn people loose like Jeven. There's additional training, doubled patrols. Costs are up, but I've halved injuries. I'll take it, and argue with Seneschal Bran later.” Aveline stood proud, looking the happiest Jordan had ever seen her.
“Good to see you've finally found a place that's right for you, Aveline.”
“Can't say it's all been good, though. There were hard times. And I'm sure there will be more to come.”
Jordan chuckled. “Grouse all you want, but the Aveline I know doesn't regret a second as captain.”
“They'd have to drag me out of here,” Aveline smiled. “And I'm sure some are lining up to try. You among them, I bet. Haven't had much time to follow you around. Not that I need to. I can trust that you at least try to do right.”
“Sure, that's what people say. And you have been rather absent of late. Have you been doing nothing but guard work since I returned from the Deep Roads?”
“According to Seneschal Bran, I haven't taken a day off since I started.”
“Why not?”
“For all the reasons I just told you. And... I just don't feel like I need a day off,” Aveline shrugged. “I like working and looking after my guards. Gives me something to do.”
Jordan studied her as Aveline cast her eyes about the room. “That's not true. You could have always gone with me and Isabela those times.”
“You mean those treks to find that relic of hers?” Aveline asked, looking back at Jordan sternly. “You know she's just pulling you around, is all. I bet this 'relic' of hers doesn't even exist.”
“Whether it does or not, I can't say I haven't been having fun. Even when I do get hurt.”
Aveline shook her head and sighed. “What am I going to do with? But maybe I will start hanging out with you and the others again after today.”
“Why's that?”
“The seneschal is forcing me to take some time off. Says I have to as guard-captain. I think it's rubbish, but I'll do it if it keeps him off my back for awhile. But I'm not taking as long as he wants.”
“And how long is that?”
“Bran wants me to take a month off, but I think I'm only going to take a week. Don't see why I need to be away for that long.”
“So does that mean I get to see you around more?” Jordan asked, pleased. “It'll be nice to have you around again.”
“I would be lying if I said I didn't have fun following you around. Maybe that's what I'll do. Got anything interesting going on right now?”
“Actually, I do.” Jordan took out the letter from her pack and handed it to Aveline. “The reason I'm here is because the viscount called for me. Apparently, the Arishok wishes to speak with me about something.”
“Hmm.” Aveline read over the letter. “I can't say this sounds good, but I'm not sure. I don't know how to read the Qunari.”
“I don't think anyone really does,” Jordan said as she took the letter back. “Well... I guess Fenris might.”
“Then I suggest you take him when you go, which will be when, exactly?”
Jordan shrugged. “I don't know... Maybe in the next week or so. It's not really a top priority of mine at the moment.”
“Jordan,” Aveline said, narrowing her eyes. “This is something you should make a top priority. If the Arishok went to actually find out who you are, then I believe what he has to probably say is important. Don't put this off. You don't want to make the Qunari angry with you.”
“You know, they could be angry at me now!” Jordan said, putting up her arms. “I don't know what they want!”
“Then go and do it today. Don't put it off.”
“But... then you won't be with me,” Jordan pouted.
“Don't even try that on me,” Aveline smirked as she made her way back to her desk. “There's still a few things I need to get done before I take my forced days off. Tomorrow I'll be able to follow, if you want, but you really should go see the Arishok. Don't procrastinate like I know you do sometimes.”
“Eh.” Jordan rolled her eyes. “Fine, I'll go. I guess I really don't have anything better to do. It's been pretty dull of late.”
“It has?” Aveline questioned. “Well... I might actually be able to help with that.” She pulled open a few drawers in her desk and rummaged through them. “Do you remember that templar, Emeric?”
“Yeah. What about him?”
“He's at it again. Ah, here we are.” Aveline pulled out a thick folder from one of the bottom drawers. “A few times he's come to me with what he calls 'evidence' that proves several missing women were not only murdered, but that they are also connected.” She handed Jordan the folder.
Jordan nearly dropped it from how heavy it was. When she opened it, she skimmed through some of the papers, but wasn't sure what she was looking at. “Why are you telling me this? Or better yet, why are you giving me this?” she asked, holding up the folder.
“It's pretty much a dead end, but Emeric just won't leave it be.”
“With all he gave you, you'd think there might be something to it all.”
“At first I did. I even investigated the man Emeric says is the killer. He was a nobleman named Gascard DuPuis. One of my lieutenants even raided his mansion, and found nothing. You wouldn't believe how much ass I had to kiss after that.” Aveline rolled her eyes.
“Okay...” Jordan looked over the folder one more time. “And what do you want me to do again?”
“I'm not looking into it anymore, although I will help you unofficially, if you wish. I just want Emeric off my back. Maybe if you look into the murders, and find nothing, he may finally back off.”
“What got him back into this anyway?”
“You.”
“Me?”
“Yes, when you gave him those bones and told him about the traps you set off at the foundry. He was convinced there was something else. He's so convinced, in fact, that all these murders and disappearances are connected, he's even got the knight-commander yelling at him for being over zealous. It's also one of the reasons why I'm giving it to you. You started it, you fix it.”
“Joy.” Jordan re-closed the heavy folder. “I guess I better get started then, huh?”
“You better,” Aveline said, cocking an eyebrow. “That's something I don't want you putting off either.”
“So what do you want me to do first?”
“Go to the Arishok first, deal with that, then head to the Gallows and talk with Emeric. I'm sure he'll be more than eager to discuss the situation with you. Plus it'll give you a good excuse to see Bethany. Right?”
Jordan's mouth twitched. Seeing Bethany in the Gallows wasn't one of the things she loved to do. In fact, it was something she tried to avoid if she could. “I... guess. It has been awhile since I've seen her.”
“Then there you go. Now, if you don't mind, if you want me to accompany you tomorrow, I need to get the rest of my work done today.” Aveline sat herself at her desk and began shuffling through papers.
“Will I see you at the Hanged Man tonight?” Jordan asked as she hugged the folder to her chest.
“We'll see,” Aveline said without looking up from her work.
“Always nice talking with you, Aveline.”
“You too, Jordan.”
Jordan mockingly saluted Aveline before she turned around and made her way out of the guard-captain's office and out of the barracks.
***
Jordan stood outside of the keep, standing at the top of the stairs, staring at the heavy folder in her arms. The day had begun with almost nothing, now she had two tasks that needed to be done. Even though she didn't want to see the Qunari today, she knew Aveline was right. Getting it over with was the best thing, and if she was able to convince Fenris to go with her, then she may survive whatever the Arishok wanted from her. As for going and seeing Emeric, it was something Jordan wanted to do even less, yet it would give her an excuse for something to do. Depending on what was going to happen with the Arishok, Jordan figured she would go to the Gallows to talk with Emeric tomorrow. She may even get to see Bethany. If she wanted to.
She hated avoiding her sister, but Jordan couldn't help it. She still loved Bethany more than anything, but she couldn't stand seeing her locked up in the Gallows, wearing those robes of the Circle, and not being able to carry their father's staff anymore. Bethany had left Honor at their uncle's house the night she went with Cullen. Jordan had taken it with them when they moved to Hightown, but the staff basically stayed in her wardrobe, never having been taken out.
“Oh! There you are!”
Jordan was shook out of her thoughts as she focused her eyes on the dwarf making his way up the stairs straight to her. Bodahn heaved a little when he finally reached her.
“I've been looking everywhere for you, messere. If only you humans didn't all look the same!”
“Well, we all can't be short and bearded like your people, Bodahn,” Jordan teased.
“Indeed! It's quite a shame, really.” Bodahn smiled at her, knowing she was playing with him. “I came to deliver this to you: the last of the proceeds from all that treasure you found in the Deep Roads. It seems your friend Varric found a buyer after all, yes? Quite well done!” He handed her a purse stuffed full of gold coins. Jordan jingled it and smiled.
“How much?”
“I think a little over fifty sovereigns.”
“Hot damn! I'm going shopping!”
“Now, now, Mistress Jordan,” said Bodahn. “You know your mother would prefer you to save that. Maybe even invest it.”
“I know,” Jordan sighed. “Do you think you could give it to her?” She handed the purse back to him. “I'm not gonna be home for a while.”
“Another one of your little adventures?” Bodahn asked as he pocketed the purse.
“You could say that.”
“Well, your mother does wish for you to come home soon. She misses you, ya know.”
“I know. Just tell her I'm all right, and I'll be home tonight. I just have a few things I need to get done first.”
“Right, I'll do that. Thank you, messere.” Bodahn bowed to her low, but didn't leave quite yet. “Before I go... I just want to thank you once more for everything you've done for me and my boy. You're very kind to be taking us in like you did.”
“Bodahn, you thank me everyday. There's no need for you to keep doing that.”
“Right, I'm sorry,” he said, looking downcast. “I just feel like I have to. After what happened to you in the Deep Roads...”
“Enough with that, too. Now take this,” Jordan said as she also handed him the folder. “Take that to my room, and please, whatever you do, don't let my mother see it. I don't need her drilling me when I do get home.”
“I will do as you wish. Good day, messere.” Bodahn then finally turned around and made his way back down the stairs. Jordan watched him go, making sure he really was heading back to her mansion and not turn around again to thank her for the umpteenth time that year.
When Jordan and Varric had returned from the Deep Roads, and after Bethany had been taken to the Gallows, Varric had found Bodahn in the Merchants Guild courtyard. Both he and Jordan had gone to him, with Bodahn being both surprised and relieved to see they were alive. He had thought they had perished in the Deep Roads, for Bartrand had told him there had been a grievous accident. When asked where Bartrand was, Bodahn told them he had left the city once they had returned. Where he was at the moment, Bodahn wasn't sure. Jordan and Varric then recited to Bodahn what had truly transpired. That Bartrand had betrayed them, and locked them in an ancient tomb. But they were able to escape, and came back with more treasure than even Bartrand had. Hearing this, Bodahn was so distraught, he begged Jordan to forgive him, and that he would do whatever he could to make up for it. Jordan told him there was no need, that it wasn't his fault, but Bodahn still insisted. Not only because of what Bartrand had done, but also because Jordan had saved Sandal's life. After Jordan bought her ancestral home, she invited Bodahn and Sandal to live with her and Leandra. That way Bodahn could do what he insisted, and they could have a place to stay, since they really didn't have one after Bartrand had abandoned them in the city.
It was nice having a man-servant from time to time, and Sandal proved entertaining as well, but there were times Jordan felt she was asking too much of Bodahn and his son. He never complained, though, and always seemed more than happy to do anything either she or her mother asked of him.
Jordan sighed, then began making her way down the stairs. Her home was close, not a far walk from the viscount's keep, but she wouldn't be heading that way. Instead, she turned herself towards the higher-level homes in Hightown, where Fenris's mansion still was, abandoned and broken. It was another place she found herself not really wanting to go, but there was really no choice. Jordan needed to see the Arishok, and she knew she needed to have Fenris with her.

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age 2
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Blood Promise