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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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Worth It

It wasn't long after Jordan, Bethany, and Aveline started their year with Athenril did it come across the sea that the Blight had ended. The archdemon was dead, slain by two Grey Wardens who were being called the Heroes of Ferelden. One would go on to become queen, marrying the new king who was also a Grey Warden and the lost son of King Maric. The other Hero would became the Commander of the Grey, and would set forth to Amaranthine where the Order would start over. It was a joyous thing to hear, that the Blight was over, but Jordan and her family's life in Kirkwall was just beginning.
The year went by fast, much faster than they had anticipated. It did not go without its excitement, however. Jordan, Bethany, and Aveline worked together for Athenril and her smuggling organization. They did everything that came their way that would help toward paying off their debt. This included smuggling small things such as simple herbs and spices, to jewelry, wine, anything expensive, and even up to larger things which on the occasion included people. Athenril wasn't into smuggling slaves, but she did occasionally help to get people out of Kirkwall, or in.
Bethany usually accompanied Jordan on all the missions, most of the time not doing any fighting, but staying in the background for support. She would mostly heal wounds, not really minding her sister taking much of the glory and praise from Athenril. There was a certain mission, however, that Jordan refused to allow Bethany to accompany. It was when they smuggled lyrium.
These were their most dangerous types of missions since the lyrium smuggling trade was very lucrative, giving them their biggest paycheck, but it was also very cutthroat. On the surface, the lyrium trade was controlled by the Chantry. It was strict, only allowing lyrium to pass through its stations and no where else. But the demand for lyrium was greater than the Chantry would allow, making smuggling it a necessity.
The Carta, a rival gang consisting of mostly dwarves, was the main line when it came to lyrium smuggling. There was also the Coterie. They were the largest and most dangerous crime ring in all of Kirkwall, the Carta their main competition. Both of them were big in smuggling lyrium and didn't like to share their profits with small-time gangs like Athenril's. Because of these two large gangs, Athenril usually stayed away from the lyrium trade, but when the opportunity presented itself, she would pounce.
Jordan and Aveline would take the lead on these, going through the many tunnels and passageways of the vast undercity of Kirkwall. They would make their way to underneath the Gallows, sometimes even going in and delivering their goods to the templars who needed them. This was one of the reasons why Jordan never let Bethany come. Not just because their clients were templars, but mostly because she had seen the inside of the Gallows. It was not a pretty sight. Mages locked in their rooms which looked more like prison cells. The doors were heavy steel with a small barred window at the top. Inside, there was only one window to look outside. A small little slit that made one go on their tiptoes just to see out. Every time Jordan came to the Gallows, she tried not to picture Bethany in one of those cells, but it always failed her.
Athenril was impressed with Jordan and her sister. They were efficient, getting the job done and building her business very fast. They were so profitable, in fact, they were able to pay off all their debt within the first six months. Because of this, Athenril allowed Aveline to go if she wished. Taking the advantage, Aveline did, happy that she was able to pay her own way. Once Aveline was done with Athenril, it didn't take her long to find a new job with the city guard. With it, she was able to move out of Gamlen's house and into the guard's barrack in the viscount's keep. This freed-up living space in the small house that Jordan and Bethany were still forced to live in.
Their uncle's house only consisted of three rooms: his room, which he shared alone, the living area, and the room they stayed in. It was crowded, as all of them stayed in there, not really wanting to share a room with Gamlen. Not even Leandra.
It was also tense in the house, Leandra constantly asking Gamlen where the money had went and where the will their father had left was. Gamlen was always able to come up with an excuse, bringing the subject to a close and distracting her with a new one. Eventually Leandra let it go, but Jordan could tell it was still something that plagued her. Her mother was not happy with the way they were living, even if they never went hungry and they were doing better than most Ferelden refugees. Jordan didn't like how they were living either, and she wanted to change it but couldn't until her year was up.
When that time came, when they were finally free to go, no longer chained to Athenril by debt, Jordan wasn't sure if she should be happy or sad. In a way it was good. She could now go on her own, find a way to pull them out of Lowtown and get back what her mother deserved. But how she was going to do that, she didn't know. There was also another thing Jordan didn't like about leaving Athenril. They lost the protection for Bethany. Without it, they couldn't afford to bribe anyone who might go running to the templars if it was discovered Bethany was a mage. It had happened several times already, all of which Athenril had taken care of. Now they were on their own in a city full of templars and people fearful of magic.
Athenril had offered for Jordan and Bethany to stay on, continue not just with the protection, but also with the profits. Jordan had turned her down, though. It was a nice offer, but if she had stayed then they would have never been able to leave Lowtown. And the protection was nice, but Jordan had already been protecting her sister for longer than a year. She would keep her safe and out of the Gallows the best way she knew how, which had worked her whole life.
But being unable to ride Athenril's coattails anymore proved harder than Jordan first thought. Work was hard to come by, no body wanting to hire her because she was Ferelden. It wasn't until she got wind of an expedition to go into the Deep Roads did Jordan get an idea. She needed to get both her and Bethany in that expedition or else they would be stuck at a dead end.
***
They made their way through Darktown. Not an unusual occurrence, but one they probably shouldn't have taken any more due to the fact their year of servitude to Athenril was over. But old habits die hard, and Jordan was more confident walking through Darktown than she was Hightown.
“Jordan, are you sure about this?” Bethany asked. “Do you really think this is our big break?”
“Of course it is,” said Jordan. “It's gotta be. There's no way they'll turn us down!”
“Well it does sound exciting going into the Deep Roads, but from what I've heard of this Bartrand... he's not a very nice fellow.”
“And what dwarf in the Merchants Guild have we met who was 'nice'?” Jordan smirked back at her sister. “Leave everything to me, Bethie. I'll get Bartrand to let us go with him on the expedition. I mean, we both have fought darkspawn before, and we took down an ogre. Why would he not want us with him?”
Bethany stopped in the middle of the path. “You mean... the ogre that killed Carver.”
Sensing the distress in her younger sister's voice, Jordan stopped as well and turned around. “Yes, the one that killed Carver,” she said solemn. Bethany stared at her with big eyes. Jordan knew it was still hard for her to talk about him even after a year. “Hey,” she said gently as she went over to Bethany and placed her hands on her sister's shoulders. “We killed it, didn't we? We avenged him. And besides, you know that if Carver were here right now, he'd want to go on this expedition just as much.”
“You're right about that,” Bethany said as a small smile curved her lips. “He would want in on it, that's for sure. He also would've hated where we're living now. Probably would've gotten himself arrested the first day.”
“I can definitely see him doing that,” Jordan laughed. “Carver always knew how to get into trouble. Like, do you remember the time when he got himself stuck in one of Old Barlin's traps?”
“Oh yes, I remember,” Bethany chuckled. “Lucky for him it was one of the few traps Barlin didn't poison. Took me forever to get him out. Then trying to get him past Mother and Father was hilarious. He really didn't want Father to know.”
“Yeah, but Father found out, didn't he?”
“No thanks to you.” Bethany narrowed her eyes.
“What? We were kids back then, and I was paying him back for putting mud in my hair. Besides, what was he doing in that field anyway to make Father so mad? Did he ever tell you?”
“No, but I'm sure whatever it was, it was bad.” The two sisters shared a laugh, both feeling better afterwards.
“Well, well, what have we here?” The crude male voice stopped both their laughter. They turned to see several men with masks approaching them from the shadows. Jordan instinctively took a protective position in front of her sister and scanned the area to see they were surrounded and in a secluded part of the undercity. She silently cursed herself for letting her guard down in such a place.
“We're nothing, just passing by.”
“I don't think so,” said the man that came in front of her. She assumed he was the leader and brought her eyes to meet his. “You see, we can't just let two beautiful women walk through this place all alone. It's not safe.” Some of the men behind him snickered.
Jordan kept her eyes on the man while also peripherally scanning the rest of the area. She felt Bethany place her back to hers, a position they had used many times when in situations like this over the last year. It was also the same position Jordan and Carver used to watch each others backs on the battlefield.
“I really hate men who think every female needs protecting,” Jordan said crossing her arms. “So if you would just let us pass--”
“I said no.” The man stepped closer to her. “Now you two be good little girls, and come with us.”
Jordan pulled out her daggers in a quick flash, making the man jump back. The man reached up to his throat and felt the cut Jordan had put there. He then looked down at the small amount of blood on his fingertips and smiled wickedly. “You're actually one that fights back, huh? I like that. This should be fun.”
“Don't hold back, Bethany,” Jordan whispered to her. “Something tells me these guys won't be missed.”
“Understood, Sister.” The familiar crackle of Bethany's magic surrounded Jordan. There was also the pop of a spell and shrieks from the men next to Bethany.
“Cripes, she's a mage!” yelled one.
“Boss, I don't think we should this time.”
“Nonsense,” said the man who had been talking to Jordan. “These two will work perfectly. We just have to break them, is all. Now,” he put his full attention on Jordan. “If you two don't come with us quietly, then we're gonna have to run to the templars. I don't think you'd want that, now would you?”
Jordan growled and raised Edge, pointing the dagger at the man's heart. “Touch me or my sister and you'll regret it.”
“Fine. Get 'em, boys, but don't rough them up too much. They still need to be breathin'.” The man pulled out his own daggers and rushed Jordan. They collided, Jordan crossing her daggers together to block him before kicking him off and swinging Edge low, hitting his kneecaps. He tried to block her but she was too quick for him. Edge shattered one knee, her other dagger following to take out the other. The man fell flat on his backside. Jordan, not wasting any time, jumped on him and twisted Edge into his chest. He was barely dead before Jordan had to flip off, avoiding being hit by a shield. Edge was still in his chest and the slaver going after her now was blocking her from getting it back. Jordan eyed him, smiling as she tossed her other dagger from one hand to the other. He jabbed at her, missing as she moved from side to side. He swung his shield again, instead ending up hitting a third slaver trying to sneak up on Jordan from behind. She had rolled out of the way, planting her dagger in the second slaver's back. The third slaver recovered from the hit and yelled as his companion fell. He went straight for her, but stopped dead when Edge embedded itself in his skull from Jordan ripping it out of the leader's chest and throwing it.
Jordan reclaimed her dagger and looked around for anyone else who might want to challenge her. Some of the men were already running away, which made her chuckle. A scream stopped her and she turned to see Bethany surrounded.
“Get her hands! Her hands!” one of the slavers yelled. Bethany was weaponless, having left her staff at home. She wasn't helpless, though, still being able to cast spells, but without a staff, it cost her more mana.
“Bethany! Hang on, I'm coming!” Jordan yelled. She took a step but ended up slamming against the wall when a shield collided with the back of her head. Lights flashed before her eyes, the area spun around her. She tried to push herself off the wall, but another hit to the head sent her to the ground.
“Don't even try it, bitch!” A heavy booted foot kicked Edge and the other dagger out of Jordan's hands. She tried to shake away the fuzziness, the impending darkness that was beginning to crept around her.
I have to stay awake! Damn it, Jordan! Stay awake!
“Jordan!” It was Bethany who had cried her name, but it sounded distant, warped as if she were underwater. Jordan tried to crawl, tried to see what was going on, but the blurriness in her vision just got worse. She couldn't tell if Bethany was in trouble anymore. Was she getting closer or further away?
“Jordan, look out!”
“Wha...?” A slaver went flying past her head, landing in front of her, aflame, broken and deformed. She tried to move again but something heavy then forced her down further on the ground.
“Do not move,” a deep voice said in her ear. It sent a shiver down her spine. It sounded unnatural, otherworldly, layered. She went to move, but whatever was holding her down was heavy, strong, able to keep her still and fixed to one spot. “You're injured. You need to stay still.”
Hands, human hands? Was that the thing keeping her down? She felt them upon the back of her neck. A blue aura shined in her peripheral eye, and she could feel the cool soothing feel of healing magic. Her vision began to clear and she was able to turn her head slightly. She only saw the glow of blue, what looked like eyes staring down at her. They were like portals into another world, swirling vortexes that seemed to bring her in, making her not want to look away.
“Jordan! Get away from her!”
A flash of light disconnected Jordan's gaze from the eerie blue eyes. She closed her own and looked away, feeling the heavy weight lift from her. Different hands, soft hands placed themselves on her back and Jordan looked up to see Bethany's scared face.
“Oh Jordan, are you all right? I tried to get here as fast as I could. That thing didn't hurt you, did it?”
“What thing? You mean... you saw it too?” Jordan sat up quick, no longer feeling the creeping darkness or the dizziness that was threatening to take her. She felt fine now. “No, I'm good,” she said to Bethany. “Whatever it was, it didn't hurt me. I think it... healed me.”
Bethany checked Jordan out, looking at the back of her head and seeing that everything was normal. “There's nothing wrong with you at all. But... I saw that man hit you. I saw you go down. You were bleeding, look!” She pointed to the blood on the ground. Jordan's blood.
Jordan stared at it, felt the back of her head then stared into Bethany's confused eyes. “Bethany? What was that thing?”
“I-I don't know,” Bethany stammered. “It felt almost like... like a demon, but it looked human. An abomination? I don't really know anything about such things.”
“How could it be a demon?” Jordan asked. “Why would a demon heal me?”
“I don't know, but I could feel it was very powerful. It took out many of the men who were going after you when you went down. They were very strong spells.” Bethany held herself, rubbing her arms.
“Are you okay, Bethany?” Jordan asked. “You didn't get hurt, did you?”
“No, no, I was able to keep them away from me. They didn't think I was able to use magic with my hands bound. But they were wrong. Course, I think that... thing, might have helped me as well.”
“Okay,” Jordan said as she stood. “I'm taking you back home. I'll go and talk to Bartrand on my own.”
“Jordan, no! If you think I'm letting you go by yourself after this, you can think again. Besides, is talking to Bartrand even worth it now?”
“It's more worth it than ever before! I don't want to see you go through that again. Maybe coming through Darktown was a bad idea, but once we go with Bartrand into the Deep Roads and secure our place in this city, we won't ever have to worry about coming down here again. I'm still going, and if you want to come with me, then let's get moving. Nothing would make me more angry right now than escaping one group of slavers to then be attacked by another.”
“Right, Sister,” Bethany chuckled. “I understand what you mean. Alright, if you still think it's worth it, then I'm with you. All the way.”
***
“No! Andraste's tits, human!” Bartrand stomped away from Jordan and Bethany, throwing up his hands. None of the other dwarves in the Merchants Guild even turning their heads. “You know how many people want to hire onto this expedition?”
“Probably loads,” said Jordan as they followed Bartrand through the courtyard. “But I guarantee you, none of them are like us!”
“Please, serah,” Bethany pleaded. “Going into the Deep Roads, surely you'll need all the help you can--”
“No!” Bartrand yelled, stopping and turning on them. “You're too late! Already done! I have enough people going no matter if they're like you or not. This is the sort of venture that can make a man for life. I'm not about to take any chances hiring random humans.”
“So you don't know us,” said Jordan. “Then get to know us! I'll buy you a drink before we head into the Deep Roads. Whatever you want!”
Bartrand shook his head at her, crossing his arms. “Get in line, human. Half of Kirkwall wants to be my best friend right now. So, are you looking for a quick way to get out of the slums? You look and sound Ferelden. Well don't look for it here. I'm not a charity. Now get outta my sight!” He left them standing there, Jordan wanting to go after him, but realizing it wasn't going to do any good.
“Well... shit.”
“What are we suppose to do now?” Bethany said looking down at the ground. “We've got nothing to stop the next person who tries to sell us out. This expedition was our last chance...”
“Oh, Bethie, don't worry,” Jordan said. “You know I won't let any big bad templar come get you... or any demon thingy.”
“That's not funny!” Bethany went to glare at Jordan but ended up trying to suppress a laugh instead. “But Jordan, you know this was our last chance. And what happened to you saying 'leave it to me, I'll get him to let us in'?”
“He just wasn't as subjective to my charms as most people are. I mean, offer free drinks to any other dwarf and they'd be humping your leg! I think there might be something wrong with him.”
“Maybe, but...” Bethany became down again. “If the templars find me now, the best I can hope is to be locked away for the rest of my life. We need coin, status, something we can hide behind. As long as we're just refugees, we're no one. Maybe Gamlen knows someone who can talk to Bartrand for us...”
Jordan made a face at the mention of their uncle. “Don't we know anyone else? Our uncle's not exactly the most reliable tool in the shed.”
“He's all we've got. Oh, Maker save us,” Bethany said shaking her head. “But we might as well ask. Otherwise, I don't know what we'll do next.”
“Don't you worry about that, Bethie,” Jordan said as they started walking out of the Merchants Guild. “I'll find us something. Hmm, maybe I could go work in the Bone Pit. I think I heard the owner was hiring Fereldens.”
“I heard that too, but I don't think Mother would like you working there. I've also heard it's a cursed place.”
“This whole city is cursed. Uh. Let's just get home and see what Uncle can do for us... if anything.”
Bethany nodded as they made their way out of the guild, glad to be gone and getting out of Hightown. Jordan concentrated on things she could try next. She already knew asking their uncle was going to get them no where, but it wouldn't hurt. Then again, maybe it would. Uncle Gamlen, throughout the year living with him, told them he wasn't the most trustworthy man, or the most liked.
Jordan didn't see the boy as he bumped into her, bringing her out of her thoughts. She stared at him, annoyed at first but then realizing something was missing. She patted herself down to find her coin purse was gone. “Hey!” she yelled at him. The boy then took off running, making his way through pillars as Jordan pursued. He was fast, and Jordan was afraid he was actually going to get away with the only coin they had left when suddenly the boy was pushed against a wall by what looked like a bolt. Jordan stopped and stared puzzled when a dwarf carrying an interesting looking crossbow walked out of the pillars to the boy hanging on the wall.
“I knew a guy once who could take every coin out of your pockets just by smiling at you,” he said to the boy. “But you? You don't have the style to work Hightown, let alone the Merchants Guild. Might want to find yourself a new line of work.” He gave the boy a swift punch to the jaw before ripping out the bolt and letting him fall to the ground. “Off you go.” The boy rubbed his face and handed the dwarf the coin purse before running off.
“How do you do?” he said to Jordan, walking up to both her and Bethany. He tossed Jordan the coin purse and bowed to her. “Varric Tethras, at your service.”
“That was a nice shot,” said Jordan. “Thanks.”
“I'm glad I could help, especially after witnessing your little conversation with my brother. I apologize for Bartrand. He wouldn't know an opportunity if it hit him square in the jaw.”
“Oh, and you would? If Bartrand's your brother, I don't really have high hopes.”
“That I can understand,” Varric smiled. “But trust me, Bartrand and I are basically polar opposites. What my brother doesn't realize is that we need someone like you. He would never admit it, either—he's too proud. I, however, am quite practical.”
“Are you talking about the expedition?” Bethany asked. “Are you apart of it as well?”
“That I am! The Deep Roads wouldn't normally be my thing, but I can't allow the head of our family to go down there alone. So as you might imagine, I have more than a passing interest in this expedition's success.”
“So then why are you talking to us about it?” said Jordan. “Your brother turned us down flat. How is that about to change? Plus you don't even know who we are.”
“On the contrary,” said Varric. “You may not know it, but your name and face are fairly known throughout Kirkwall. The undercity, at least. The Coterie have been squeezing smugglers out left and right, and the only group to survive owes it all to you. Jordan Hawke is a name on many lips these days.”
“Oh.” Jordan was surprised he actually knew her name and who she was. “So you do know me, at least. What about my sister?”
“Bethany's talked about as well, but not as much as you are. Course, I'm not trying to down play her importance. She's just as vital as you.”
“Frankly,” Bethany spoke up. “I'd really rather let my sister take all the credit. I'm fine with standing in the background.”
“You don't need to worry, madam,” said Varric. “Your secrets are safe with me.”
“You should find out what he wants,” Bethany whispered to Jordan. “Maybe this is what we need.”
“I agree,” said Jordan. “So tell me, Varric. What is it you want us to do? We've fought darkspawn before, but something tells me Bartrand isn't going to be happy you hired another guard.”
“No, that's not what I'm proposing,” Varric explained. “What we actually need is a partner. The truth is, Bartrand's been tearing his beard out trying to fund this on his own, but he can't do it. Invest in the expedition and he can't refuse you. Not with me there to vouch for you.”
“Invest? How much are we talking here?”
“No more, than say, fifty sovereigns.”
“Fifty? Ha! If I had fifty sovereigns, we wouldn't need this expedition.”
“I know it sounds like a lot, but fifty sovereigns in this city won't last long. This expedition, however, could potentially quadruple your invest, maybe even more.”
“Hmm.” Jordan rubbed her chin as she thought. “And you're sure about Bartrand? Your brother doesn't seem like the sort who's willing to split profits.”
“My brother is many things, but he's not stupid. Far better to share the profits than be trapped in a thaig with a thousand darkspawn between you and the exit. Trust me, he'll come around.”
“If you say... but hang on a second. I know now where I've heard your name before. You're the storyteller who hangs out at the Hanged Man, right?”
“That is my place of refuge, yes.”
“That would explain it, then,” Jordan said to Bethany. “He's a dwarf that like to tell stories.”
“Are you saying we can't trust him?” Bethany asked.
“I don't know.” Jordan turned back to Varric. “Can we?”
“I know what you're thinking,” said Varric. “Knowing my reputation, I'm a smooth talker and love telling stories. But my stories come from after they've happened. I know the difference between reality and fantasy, and I'm not trying to pull you into some fantasy deal here. I know when to be serious, and when it comes to business, I always am.”
“Okay, I guess I can believe that. You do seem genuine, and let's say we agree and get the fifty sovereigns: What if we get down there and find nothing?”
“Don't go thinking Bartrand is pulling at strings. He's operating on good information. Some of the Deep Roads are so old, even the dwarves have forgotten them. We just need to get down there, then Bartrand will lead the way. You and I will be there to handle any problems.”
“I think we should do it,” said Bethany. “It won't be easy, but it's a chance. Better to work our way into this expedition than sit around waiting to be thrown in the Gallows.”
“Exactly,” Varric agreed. “We work together, you and I, and before you know it, you'll have all the capital you need. What do you say?”
“So you're willing to help me get the money?” Jordan asked. “That's something I didn't expect. What makes you certain you'll be useful to me?”
“I know everyone in this city worth knowing. I can help find the jobs you need, and if you don't need me for that... there's always Bianca.” He gestured to the crossbow on his back, a huge smile on his beardless face.
“You named your crossbow Bianca?”
“Sure. She's a beauty. Isn't that right, sweetheart?” he said to the crossbow.
“You know what,” said Jordan. “Why not? It's not like I had anything better planned.”
“Perfect! Kirkwall's crawling with work if you know where to look and who to talk too. I'll help you there. Just set aside some coin from every job, and you'll have the money in no time!”
“Hey, what about Aveline?” Bethany said. “She's got a position with the city guard now. Maybe she's got some work she could use our help with.”
“That's not a bad idea,” Jordan smiled. “I've been meaning to visit her. I think it's about time we did that.”
“Sounds good,” said Varric. “Although, I think we should go see my brother first. Tell him about your partnership before going off and collecting the sovereigns. Only fair that he know, at least.”
“Oh, right. I guess. I just don't like the thought of going and speaking with him again. He wasn't in the best of spirits.”
“Actually, now is the best time to speak with him. Believe it or not, this is one of his good days.”
“Really? I would never have guessed that.”
Varric gestured for Jordan to lead. She nodded and turned back to the Merchants Guild, Varric and Bethany at her sides. They found Bartrand still within the courtyard, arguing with some humans about the expedition. When they got closer, Bartrand stopped when he saw Varric.
“Varric! Where did you get off to? And what are you planning?”
“Bartrand!” Varric matched. “So suspicious! I have, in fact, brought us our future partner.” He looked up to Jordan as she smiled down at the two dwarves.
Bartrand didn't look very happy. “What? Partner! You stupid, nug-hunting dirt farmer! Why did you go promising something like that?”
“Because if we don't get this expedition moving, Brother, then we won't have any profits to argue about, will we?”
Bartrand looked to Jordan then to Varric, thinking as he did. “Maybe you have a point.”
“I feel so welcome,” Jordan mused. “There's a lot of love here.”
“The only love you're going to get from me, human, is if you have the coin to back up my brother's confidence. How about it?”
“I don't have the coin now, but I will get it. That you don't have to worry about. I just want to make sure I'm getting all that coin for a reason. Full share, right?”
“Sure, just get me the coin and all will be dandy.”
“Good. So when is the expedition planning on leaving?”
“When you provide the coin.”
“Okay, but do I have a deadline? I'm sure you would like to get into the Deep Roads at some point this year.”
“Of course!” Bartrand yelled. “Look, this expedition isn't leaving for a while, anyway. With or without your help. So I'll give you about a month to collect everything. You don't make the deadline, you don't come.”
“Understood,” said Jordan. “I'll get the fifty sovereigns within that time.”
“So then what are you doing standing here? Talking isn't going to get what you need, no matter what my brother might say.” Bartrand turned away from them and went back to arguing with the other humans he was talking with before.
“So, that went smoother than I thought,” said Jordan. “I guess you were right about it being one of his good days.”
“I told you,” said Varric. “Hopefully that will help with you trusting me more.”
“Oh, it definitely will,” said Bethany. “I'm just surprised Bartrand didn't like that it was us, since we just talked to him about getting on the expedition.”
“It's because I reminded him of what we still needed. Bartrand doesn't really care who gets him the coin, as long as he gets it, he's happy. So then,” Varric said rubbing his hands together. “You mentioned you had a friend in the guard? Mind if I tag along? It might be exciting following a day in the life of the Hawke sisters.”
“Sure, if you want,” said Jordan. “But I don't think you'll find our life that exciting, storyteller.”
“That, I can't really believe.”
“Maybe if we were still with Athenril, but it hasn't been all that exciting since. Right, Bethany?”
“Right, Sister.”
Varric chuckled. “Something tells me you're not telling the whole truth. But I'll let it go for now. I'll get it from you eventually. But there is one other thing I would like to mention, Hawke, if you would oblige me.”
“Sure, Varric.”
“If you're still willing to buy a dwarf a drink at the Hanged Man, I would love to take you up on that offer.”
This time Jordan chuckled. “Alright, Varric, if you wish. It's not like I have to start saving money or anything,”
“But we do need to talk privately at the Hanged Man at some point. There is another matter I need to discuss with you. It's nothing big, but it still does involve the expedition. And if we don't work something out, it could be another wrench in our plans.”

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age 2
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Blood Promise