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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
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Conducting Business

The Viscount's Keep wasn't a favorite place of Jordan's. It was too pristine, too bright, or at least that's how it appeared on the outside. This was, of course, a common facade amongst many things in Hightown. The reason, though, that probably bothered her the most about it was the keep was where the city guard barracks were located. Her occasional ruts with authority not helping.
As she stood in the lobby, Bethany and Varric beside her, she could already feel the stares of the nobles. The eyes of the guards on watch, focusing on her. It was no surprise, everyone else in the keep looked as if they belonged there. Nobles in silk and lace garments, guards in full attire. While Jordan wore her faded leather jerkin, pants that actually belonged to her uncle since all her other ones were either completely worn out or had holes in them that needed fixing. Her brown hair, for convenience, was up in a somewhat messy ponytail, while the two daggers on her back she did little to try and hide. She stuck out like a sore thumb.
Her companions as well had to be interesting enough. Bethany, with her own black hair hanging loose at her shoulders, wearing a fitted chained robe with several small packs about her hips which she carried all her poultices in. Varric also, being a dwarf outside of the Merchants Guild, got them looks enough. His blonde hair pulled back with Bianca behind him and his own attire open at the chest, revealing to the world his magnificent chest hair. To Jordan it seemed a little much, but she also couldn't help to think his chest was nice for a dwarf's. If she had been into dwarves, or if he had been human, she may even had enjoyed it.
Ignoring the stares, Jordan looked on at the large stairwell in front of her. It made its way up slightly before turning in both directions. On the left was the Viscount's office, while on the right lead to the barracks. Jordan had been here once before, when she had helped Aveline move out of her uncle's house. She had meant to come back to visit Aveline again, but six months had went by since that time. Now here she was, wishing she could turn around.
“Where's this friend of yours?” Varric asked.
“Up this way,” Jordan sighed. She began ascending the stairs and going to the right. There were more looks, but she had a right to be there even if she didn't look it.
As they came into the guard barracks, they passed many men and women who were getting ready to go on duty, their full attire on of the regular Kirkwall city guard. Jordan always found them funny looking with the orange plated armor. When they finally located Aveline, they found her next to the roster, studying it with her back to them.
“Aveline!” Jordan shouted behind her. The warrior didn't budge.
“Hello, Jordan.”
“What, that's all I get?” Jordan frowned.
“Did you really expect me to jump?” Aveline said turning her head to her.
“Maybe...”
“Right. Well, it's been awhile, hasn't it?” Aveline turned herself fully around. “You've been keeping yourself out of trouble quite nicely.”
“And how would you know that?” Jordan asked skeptic.
“I've been keeping an eye on you. Information is one of the few perks of this job. Which I feel I should warn you: Watch out for Bartrand—he's a son of a bitch.”
“Excuse me, my lady,” Varric infused. “But you are talking about my brother.”
“Then you must be Varric,” said Aveline. “I'm sure you know what I mean.”
“Oh, I do, and I take no offense.”
“Aveline,” Jordan said getting back the warrior's attention. “You know I don't like it when you have people spying on me.”
“How else am I suppose to keep you out of trouble?” Aveline said raising an eyebrow. “If you happen to get thrown in the cells, aren't you gonna want me to know about it so I can get you out?”
“For one, I'm not stupid enough to get thrown in the cells.”
“Actually, you are, but thanks to me, you were kept out. Don't think the city guard hasn't noticed you, Jordan. You're well known around here just as you are in the undercity.”
“No wonder I've been getting stares.”
“Look, just be thankful I'm not camping on your doorstep. After what we went through to get here... Well... you're no child, but I take care of my friends. Especially ones who like to do stupid things.”
Jordan smirked at her.
“How do you have time to watch us anyway?” Bethany asked.
“Trust me, I have plenty of time with the patrols they have me on. Days walking the Wounded Coast; nights in Hightown. Those are suppose to be easy routes, and why they give them to me, I'm not sure. I never asked for them.”
“Sounds like you could use some more satisfying work,” said Jordan.
“Don't I know it. I actually miss running around with you two. Course, I could do without the smuggling part.”
“I'm sure you've heard we no longer work for Athenril.”
“Oh yes, and glad to hear it.”
“So, Aveline,” Jordan said nonchalantly. “If you know so much about what Bethany and I have been up to, then a person in your position should have no problem learning about other... profitable things.”
“You know better than to ask that,” Aveline said looking at her cross.
“One day you'll be frustrated enough to go for it.”
Aveline shook her head. “I hear plenty of things, but that doesn't mean I'm going to use the information. Or tell you so you can use it.”
“Ah, Aveline, why not?”
“Why do I need to?”
“Well, if you really must know, it's because Bethany and I did get on Bartrand's expedition into the Deep Roads. The only problem is, in order to stay on it, we need fifty sovereigns.”
This made Aveline widen her eyes. “Fifty, really? That's quite a lot.”
“I know, but if we can do it, then we'll pay off, big time.”
“That's if, of course, the expedition leads somewhere. So let me guess, you didn't come to visit me, did you?”
“Oh, Aveline, you wound me!” Jordan said hurt. “Of course we came to visit you! But also to see if there might be any work laying around here as well. You know... help out where ever we can.”
“I'm sure, but... there is actually one thing you might be able to help me with. That is, of course, if you're willing to do something legal.”
“If it's something worth doing, then sure.”
“My patrols may be empty walks in the dark, but there's something big coming up, and I could use you. An ambush. Probably for a caravan, although I can't find any shipments that match up. Doesn't matter, though. Highwaymen waiting for someone to rob? I'm putting a stop to it, my district or not.”
“Wait,” Jordan said putting up her hands. “This is guard work? Can a civilian do this?”
“There's only so many of us,” Aveline continued. “Temporary recruits are expected, time to time. As long as they're competent. You still claim to be competent, right?”
“Competent, ha!” Jordan laughed. “Alright, give me some of the details, then. Do you have any names or anything?”
“That's not really important. If we show up and they attack, they're bad, simple as that. I'll wager it's smugglers, though. Seems like an obvious trap for a caravan.”
“How do you know all this?” Bethany chimed in.
“I have my own contacts,” Aveline nodded. “And they've all been complaining about a lack of 'meat.' I believe someone is hiring. And, one or two were told to prepare for 'travelers.' You want to be good at this job, you pay attention to what's missing, and when people arrange escape routes.”
“Seems like you've got everything figured out, Aveline,” said Jordan. “Alright, I'll play guard. What do we need to do?”
“I knew I could count on you,” Aveline smiled. “The patrol's up Sundermount, later in the afternoon. If we leave now, we should get there in time.”
“Really? So soon? Either you were planning on going by yourself, or you knew I would be coming.”
“I might've waited a little longer then I should have.”
“I swear, Aveline, you know too much.”
“I know enough, so if you're coming, we should leave now.”
“Wait, what about my staff?” Bethany said. “I can fight without it, but I'd rather have it with me for such a trip.”
“That's fine, we can stop by your uncle's house on the way,” said Aveline. “We need to go through Lowtown anyway.”
“Then lead the way, guardswoman!” Jordan said gesturing for her to go forward.
“So Aveline...” Varric said stepping beside the warrior. “Are you Ferelden just like Hawke?”
“Actually, I was born in Orlais, but was raised in Ferelden after my father fled there.”
“Really? That sounds like an interesting story. Care to tell it?”
“Later, perhaps.”
“I can understand that. But a Ferelden in the guard. What will they think of next?”
Aveline stared at him funny as they made their way out of the keep. “You have a problem with that?”
“Me? No, my family's not native either. I'm just surprised. Lots of old prejudice in the guard.”
“Oh, I know, all too well. But I'll give them plenty of reasons to change their minds.”
“You know, it's possible they're just scared shitless of you. That's my theory, anyway.”
“And why would you say that?”
“Just look at you! From what Hawke and Bethany have told me on the way here, and from seeing you now, I think I'm a little scared. Not that it's a bad thing.”
“Of course it's not a bad thing. Being a scary woman in the guard is problem what keeps me alive. I'll take it.”
“Of course you will, Aveline,” Jordan chuckled. “I know I'm scared of you. All you need to do is pick me up and break me in half.”
“And I'll do it too, if you go way out of line,” Aveline winked.
“It's nice to see you two getting along so well,” Bethany sighed.
“It's the only way we know how,” Jordan teased.
“But, Aveline, if you might indulge me, once again,” said Varric.
“If I must.”
“You seem like a guard who knows how to find out things. I, myself, can find things out pretty easily, but there's just one thing I'm having trouble with.”
“I'm actually finding that hard to believe.”
“Well, what can I say? He's on to me. But tell me, what do you know about the owner of the Hanged Man?”
***
“Please, Leandra, not now!” Gamlen cried. “I'm not in the mood to hear more of your whining!”
“Gamlen, this is insane,” Leandra said not letting him get away from her. She followed him about the small house, never relenting. “My children have been in servitude—servitude—for a year! They should be nobility!”
Gamlen stopped in the middle of what was the kitchen and growled. “If wishes were poppy, we'd all be dreaming!”
Jordan and Bethany both walked in on the conversation, Varric and Aveline right behind them. Immediately they wished they hadn't come in at all.
“They're at it again,” Bethany whispered. “Should we just leave before they notice we're here?”
“I'd say yes,” Jordan whispered back. “But you need your staff. Just hurry and if they stop you, I'll keep them occupied the best I can.”
“Good luck, Sister.”
“You, too.”
Bethany made her way to get past her mother who was facing her back to them. It was no use to sneak by, the house was too small and Leandra stopped her daughter almost immediately. “Bethany! You're back. Is Jordan with you?” Leandra turned around to face her eldest daughter. “Oh, thank the Maker, you both made it home safe. I had the most horrible feeling when you left this morning. How did everything go?”
Jordan took over as she gestured for Bethany to continue to their room to retrieve her staff. She also noticed Gamlen sneak off, happy to have Leandra off his back. “Mother, you worry too much. Bethany and I are fine.”
“You are now, but I really hate it when you go through Darktown. They call it that for a reason.”
“Anyway, Mother, if you don't mind, I brought some friends here.” Jordan moved aside for Leandra to see Varric and Aveline.
“Aveline?” Leandra brightened. “It's nice to see you again. How've you been?”
“Same to you, Leandra,” Aveline nodded. “I've been good. Being a guard isn't all bad.”
“I'm glad to hear it.”
“Oh, and Mother,” Jordan intervened. “I'd like for you to meet Varric Tethras. He's going to be helping Bethany and I with the expedition.”
“So you were able to get on it,” Leandra frowned. “Oh, pardon me, master dwarf. It's very nice to meet you, it's just...”
“There's no need to apologize, my lady,” Varric bowed to her. “I can understand you fear for your daughter's lives. But I can tell you they are in good hands. And might I say how lovely you look? I can see where Jordan and Bethany get their good looks.”
“Oh, thank you,” Leandra blushed. “I must actually look a mess. I've been cleaning all day.”
“Nonsense. You look wonderful.”
Bethany came out from the back, her staff, Honor, her father's old staff, was secured to her back. When she joined next to Jordan, Leandra noticed she had it. “What are you doing with that, Bethany?”
“I need it, Mother.”
“Need it for what? What are you doing? Jordan?” Leandra laid a suspicious look on her oldest daughter.
“Don't ask me,” said Jordan. “Aveline's the one who needs us.”
“Yes, put it all on me,” Aveline said crossing her arms. “I need their help with a little matter on the coast,” she explained to Leandra. “They'll be with me and all it is, is a little patrolling.”
“Oh, well... if you're with them, Aveline, then I should have nothing to worry about.”
“You shouldn't worry no matter what, Mother,” said Jordan. “And besides, we'll have someone else with us. Isn't that right, boy?” Jordan knelt down next to Chance. The mabari jumped up and began licking her face, barking happily.
“Yes, please take him!” Gamlen yelled from the other room. His head popped from around the corner. “I'm sick of him whining.”
“Ah, but Uncle you might miss him,” Jordan frowned as she stroked Chance's head. “Maybe it's best he did stay.”
“If you don't take him, then I'll kick him out! He can search for food in the sewers for all I care.”
“Gamlen, that is no way to talk about a member of the family like that!” Leandra said shocked. “What if we decided to do the same thing to you?”
“Wish we could,” Jordan whispered.
“You can't because this is my house,” Gamlen said coming out of the room. “You're lucky for even being here, Sister. If it wasn't for me--”
“If it wasn't for you, my daughters wouldn't have to go and find work, taking it from only the Maker knows who, and doing only the Maker knows what! One day, I fear they won't come home.”
“Maker's breath, Leandra! Not this again.”
“Um, I think this would be the best time to part ways,” Jordan said pushing everyone out the front door. “They're going to be at it for awhile.”
“So they're still arguing about the will?” Aveline asked once they were outside and the door was shut. Gamlen and Leandra could still be heard from within.
“Yes,” Jordan said exhausted. “Mother keeps asking where the will is, and Gamlen keeps saying he doesn't know. Obviously he's lying, but I would rather not get in the middle of it.”
“Smart plan,” Varric agreed.
“Well, maybe it's something you can deal with later,” said Aveline. “Right now we need to get to the ambush site.”
They all followed her through Lowtown, to the outskirts of the city and up to the coast. The Wounded Coast, which lined Kirkwall on both sides, faced the Waking Sea. It was made up of roads used for trading, leading inland through the Vimmark Mountains. They would connect to the Imperial Highway through Cumberland, and could even lead all the way through the Free Marches to Wildervale and Starkhaven on the Marcher-Antivan border. It was a dangerous road, especially on the coast. Sheer cliffs lined the roads, leading straight down to the sea, while the other side of the roads were surrounded by rocky foundations. This made it easy for bandits to hide and trap unsuspecting travelers. It was dangerous, but it also provided a wonderful view of the sea. And on a clear day, the Coastland Islands of Ferelden could be seen far on the horizon.
As Aveline lead them down the path, they walked along the coast, admiring its beauty but also being aware of any danger that might be present. Bandits were a problem, but there were also dangerous animals, as well as Tal-Vashoth.
They were Qunari, or not, Jordan wasn't sure. Or at least they used to be Qunari, but left their religion known as the Qun. About four months into Jordan, Bethany, and Aveline working for Athenril, a wicked storm battered the Wounded Coast and what came with it was a ship full of Qunari that crashed into the cliffs. The Qunari who had survived made their way into the city, which caused a commotion. Being generous, and not wanting anything bad to start with the Qunari presence, the viscount gave the Qunari a place to stay on the docks. There they stayed and have been for some time, supposedly waiting for a ship to take them back to Par Vollen. Whether or not the Tal-Vashoth stalking the coast were from the Qunari in the compound, or rogues from elsewhere, they were dangerous to come across and one of the many things travelers had to watch out for.
After awhile, Aveline stopped and lead them to a hidden path that went away from the coast. Once they reached the top of the cliff, they came to another part of the road. “This is the place,” she said. “Let me go down there by myself. That's what they'll be expecting. A lone guard on patrol.”
“If the coast is so dangerous, why do you patrol this part alone?” Bethany asked.
“The inner path is less traveled, usually. I'm not exactly sure why, it is safer than the coastal one, but I guess it's because caravans can't get to it very easily. That's why there's really only one guard and why it's considered an easy patrol. Not a lot happens.”
“Okay, so you go down there alone,” said Jordan. “And we wait here until you become surrounded by bandits, right?”
“Right, then you come and help me. Now, stay out of sight. I don't know how long this'll take before they spring.”
“Just be careful, Aveline,” said Bethany.
Aveline made her way down the path to the road while Jordan, Bethany, and Varric hide themselves amongst the bushes. Taking her usual guard stride, Aveline slowly walked down the road, occasionally stopping to look around before continuing her pace. It didn't take long before bandits started coming from behind the rock formations and vegetation, going straight for her with weapons out.
“Quick!” Jordan shouted as she saw Aveline become overwhelmed almost immediately. These bandits meant business, going straight for the kill instead of just trying to stun her.
In an instant, Jordan had both daggers in hand. She leaped over the bushes as Bethany sent a fireball at the bandits, getting most of them off Aveline. Varric and Chance ran behind Jordan, although Varric was unable to keep up with his small legs. He stopped half way, pulling out Bianca and began firing at the bandits. Chance continued on, plowing into the closest bandit and bringing him to the ground. The hound clamped his teeth around the bandits arm, forcing him to drop his sword. He pulled and shook his head, refusing to let go as the bandit struggled to free his arm without losing it.
Aveline, with Wesley's shield, bashed one of the bandits in the head, then spun around to stick her sword in another's gut. She went to turn again to defend herself from one about ready to swing his greatsword down on her, but he fell when a bolt implanted itself in his temple.
Jordan struck quickly, jabbing Edge in a bandit's back while spinning and cutting another one's throat with her other dagger. She ripped Edge out, kicking a third in the gut and bringing Edge down across his neck.
Making her way closer, Bethany summoned a smaller fireball that she launched at a bandit, hitting him in the back and setting him ablaze before he could reach Jordan. An archer seeing her, fired an arrow which landed in her shoulder. Bethany cried out, catching Jordan's attention.
Seeing what happened to her sister, Jordan dispatched the bandit she was dueling with and ran for the archer. He fired an arrow at her, but Jordan dodged it, rolling on the ground and popping up. She drove both daggers in his chest then ripped them out. Once he was dead, all the bandits had been taken care of.
“Bethany!” Jordan said as she ran to her. “Hang on, are you hurt bad?”
“I'll be fine, Jordan,” Bethany said as she took out the arrow. “I've had worse.” She quickly healed herself, rounding her shoulder when she was done.
“Damn it,” Jordan breathed. Even if it was a small wound, she hated seeing her sister get hurt. She felt she wasn't doing a good enough job protecting her.
“Jordan, stop it,” said Bethany. “Now what about you, are you hurt? Does anybody need healing?”
“I'll be all right,” said Aveline as she searched through the bandit's pockets.
“I am impressed,” Varric said to Jordan. “It's true what they say, you are fast on your feet.”
“Of course, you have to be when you're not as bulky as Aveline,” said Jordan. “So Aveline, are these the bandits you were talking about?”
“I believe they are,” she said. “Well equipped, too. But dead is dead and the road is clear.”
“So is our job done?”
“Yes, we can go back to the barracks and tell Captain Jeven. He'll be the one to pay you for your service. Hopefully he won't be in one of his moods.”
***
“I don't know how they do it where you're from, Guardswoman, but I decide the patrols, not you and your whims!” The screeching sound of Captain Jeven's voice came out of his office fairly loud despite the door being closed. Jordan, Bethany, and Varric waited patiently by the door for Aveline to come out, listening to the yelling within.
“You may have been put up for lieutenant in your first year, but I'll have no show-offs in my command! Have I made myself clear? Now report to your post before I have you and your Ferelden accomplice jailed!”
Jordan smiled at the passing guards who looked at the three funny, probably wondering why they were their. They occasionally looked to the door, but only shrugged and walked on. Jordan figured it must have been a common thing.
“I don't think things are going good,” Varric whispered.
“I would have to agree,” said Jordan. “But let's wait for Aveline-”
The door burst open and Aveline stepped out into the hall looking anything but happy.
“He seems nice,” Jordan mused. “Must be real fun at parties.”
“Not really the best time, Jordan,” said Aveline. She stepped away from the open door and went to the sleeping chambers with everyone following her.
“Aveline, are you all right?” Bethany asked. “That was a lot of yelling.”
“I'm fine, Bethany. It's just... something wasn't right.”
“Of course it wasn't right. You shouldn't have been yelled at like that.”
“No, that's not what I mean. It was all about the patrol. It wasn't mine, yet I went and took care of it anyway. Bandits are dead, a crisis averted. It shouldn't matter who's patrol it was. Hmm, it's not the first time he's made me wonder like this.” Aveline had to stop and think.
“So I assume this means we're not going to get paid?” said Jordan. “I know, bad timing.”
“Yes, very bad timing, and I'm afraid so. Jeven isn't very happy at the moment with me or you. So I wouldn't go in there if that's what you're thinking.”
“So now what?” Bethany asked.
“I don't know, but I'm going to have to investigate this further,” Aveline pondered. “You three can help me if you wish. Jeven may not like it, but I don't care. He's doing many questionable things as it is. Threatening my friends for one. I'm not letting that go.”
“Hey, Aveline!” A female guard came running out the sleeping chambers toward the group. To Jordan she looked too petite to be a guard. Her armor was loose and she also looked almost too young.
“Brennan?” said Aveline.
“Hey, I heard what happened, that you and some civilians cleared that passage on the Wounded Coast. I just wanted to thank you for that. If I had gone alone, I would've been dead for sure.”
“That was your route? Oh, well then you're welcome.”
“I'll try and make it up to you somehow.”
“Hang on a sec,” Jordan said. “Can I ask something? I know that route is usually quiet and all, but would you have been alone?”
“Yeah,” Brennan answered. “That's usually how it goes for such patrols. The inner paths are mostly quiet while the ones on the cliff faces get most of the action. I was suppose to take the satchel, but that obviously didn't happen. I've passed it on to Donnic now.”
“The satchel?”
“Pay and order assignments. Captain has us run delivers to the outposts during light duty. It's usually just an updated version of the roster. The satchel this time was heavy, though. Anyway, thanks again, Aveline. You're a good one.” Smiling at everyone Brennan then made her way back the way she came. Aveline stood where she was, staring for a moment at the place Brennan had been standing.
“So the satchel gets heavy the same day we discover an ambush...”
“You think it's related?” said Jordan.
“I think it might have something to do with it, but I'm not sure. Hmm... I have a bad feeling about this. If those bandits were expecting the satchel, they weren't going to find very many useful things. But what would make it get heavy?”
“I can see those cogs in your head turning, Aveline,” said Varric.
“The satchel is prepared by Captain Jeven. If he put something in there the bandits were expecting, then that can only mean he set it all up. The ambush and making sure it was Brennan who was delivering it. She has a good heart, but unfortunately, isn't the best guard.”
“Ooh, it's a conspiracy!” Jordan smiled. “I would love to help you, Aveline.”
“Right, of course you would.” Aveline rolled her eyes. “But let me see... Brennan said she passed the satchel on to Donnic, and since it was missed today, he might be in trouble tonight.” Aveline made her way over to the roster and began looking it over. “Donnic... Donnic... Ah, here it is. A night walk in Lowtown. Shall we go and make sure his quiet patrol stays that way?”
“It's at night?”
“He should start sometime after sunset.”
“Then we'll do it.”
“Good, but at the moment this is probably when we should split. I know Captain Jeven's going to be watching me. He took me off the roster, so I'm going to have to come up with an excuse to leave the barracks tonight.”
“How about you just say you're coming to visit us,” Bethany suggested.
“I could, but I doubt he'll believe it.”
“Aren't you visiting us anyway?”
“How about you just come with us now,” said Jordan. “Why do we need to split up?”
“Because there's still a few things I need to figure out before tonight. And I need to do them alone.”
“What if you just meet us at the Hanged Man when you're done?” said Varric. “We need to go there anyway. Hawke and I still need to have a discussion about the expedition.”
“Oh, yeah, that's right,” said Jordan. “I nearly forgot. I also still owe you a drink, Varric.”
“That too.”
“Okay, then you three go ahead and I'll meet you there,” Aveline whispered. “Hopefully this won't take long.”
***
The Hanged Man was a tavern of many interesting and exciting things. Located in the heart of Lowtown, one could come here and find almost anything. Black market items, swords for hire, the occasional woman, or man, sitting or standing in a corner waiting for their next customer. It was a busy place, always filled with music and people. The ale was cheap, and tasted as such, but it didn't stop the locals of Lowtown from getting drunk off their asses from it. The Hanged Man was a place Jordan loved, as well as Bethany whenever she could come, and of course, to Varric, it was basically home.
“Welcome, my friends!” Varric said holding out his arms as they walked through the door. “Welcome to my palace. Would you girls care for a drink?”
“I thought I owed you a drink, Varric?” Jordan asked.
“Oh, I was just messing with you, Hawke. Why should you buy me a drink when I can basically get mine here for free? Come on, I'll take you two to my private room in the back. It's my home away from home. Equipped for business, guests, sleeping, and anything else I may need.”
Following him through the tavern, Varric said hello to about everyone they passed, calling them by name or some type of nickname. The back of the tavern consisted of rooms where its guests stayed. Varric's room was easily the largest, located in the far right corner of the tavern. Inside was a long table with chairs and a fancy bed tucked away in the corner. Varric gestured for them to sit down as a servant girl came in behind them, asking if they would like anything.
“What'll it be?” Varric asked both Jordan and Bethany.
“Just an ale for me, please,” said Bethany. She wasn't a very big drinker, but did like having an ale or two from time to time.
“Uh, I guess all I can afford is two ales,” Jordan said as she looked through her purse.
“Nonsense,” said Varric. “I'll put you on my tab. Don't worry about it, Hawke. You're doing a lot for me dealing with Bartrand and the expedition, so you two are allowed back here whenever you'd like and order what ever you want.”
“Oh, thank you, Varric. In that case, I'll have an ale and a shot of Dragon Piss if you got it.”
“Of course we do,” said the servant. “I'll be right back with your drinks.”
Once she left, Varric settled himself at the head of the table. “I'd have to say, Hawke, you and your sister look a lot alike, but Sunshine here looks more like your mother.”
“That's what everyone else says,” Jordan chuckled. “Bethany likes hearing it, but it always made Carver mad. Seeing as they were twins and all.”
“Really?” said Varric. “Were they identical?”
“No, we were more fraternal, but people still said he looked more like Mother,” Bethany answered.
“So lots of family resemblances, huh?”
“Oh, yes,” Bethany nodded. “Both Carver and I have black hair, like our father. Our eyes were different, though. My brown ones came from Father, while his blue ones came from Mother. I think that's one of the reasons why people said he looked like her.”
“Hmm, interesting,” Varric said as he looked at the two sisters. “So where did your hazel eyes come from, Hawke?”
“Oh, I don't know,” Jordan said looking up at the ceiling. “Say, Bethie, didn't that one traveling merchant who came to Lothering a lot have the same color eyes as me?”
“Oh, stop it Jordan!” Bethany pushed her. “Forgive my sister, Varric, she likes to joke around.”
“What? It's true!” Jordan shrugged.
“There's nothing to forgive, Sunshine,” Varric smiled. “I've come to realize when your sister's being sarcastic. Although, if that merchant also had brown hair, that might be something you should look into.”
“No, from what I remember, he had red hair. But if you want to know, Varric, before our mother went gray, she had the same color brown as Jordan. And according to her, Jordan's eyes belong to our grandfather.”
“Ah, so that would explain it.”
“Yes, it does,” Jordan pouted. “Bethany, why do you have to ruin all my fun?”
“Because I love you,” Bethany smirked. Jordan smirked back.
When the waitress returned with their drinks, Varric thanked her then flipped her a silver coin before putting his attention back on Jordan and Bethany. “So, I think we should get started on the real reason why I wanted to bring you here.” He took a drink of his ale before continuing. “Here's the thing: we need to find a way into the Deep Roads. Bartrand can lead us to the right place once we're down there, but we need a good entrance.”
“Did you guys have an entrance but it was a bad one?” Jordan asked. “Shouldn't any entrance do? Well... I guess not if a dragon is sitting in it.”
“Yes and no. We need one that's close to our destination but also hasn't be plundered or filled with darkspawn. Fortunately, I've received some new information. There's a Grey Warden in the city. If anyone knows how to get down there, it'll be him.”
“Oh, a Grey Warden?” said Bethany, sounding interested. “I didn't know there was one in the city. What's he doing here? There aren't any Warden bases nearby.”
“I'm not actually sure. I think he came from Ferelden, just as you two did. With some of the refugees.”
“So he's a Ferelden refugee? And you want us to find him?” Jordan looked at Varric curiously. “Because if I haven't even heard of him being here until now, then I don't even know where to start looking.”
“You're in luck, because I do know where we can start looking.” Varric smiled at her. “In Lowtown there's a woman named Lirene who runs the store that helps Ferelden refugees. My contacts told me she is the most likely to know where to find him. All we need to do is go and talk to her.”
“Alright.” Jordan took her shot glass and drank it down. The liqueur stung as it went down her throat, making her grimace. She then finished off the rest of her ale in one drink. “Do we have any other options if we either can't find him or he doesn't have a good entrance for us?”
“Not at the moment,” Varric said staring at her funny. “But I'll keep my contacts on the look out just in case. Are you okay?”
“Just letting it warm me up.” Jordan shook her head. “That stuff stings but it sure hits the spot.”
“I'll say. I don't think I've ever seen a human drink it before and not throw it back up.”
A belch popped out of Jordan's mouth. “Excuse me. Bethie, hurry and finish that ale. We need to get going.”
“What? Where are we going?” Bethany asked as she took a sip. “It's not night yet.”
“No, but while we've got time, might as well go and talk to this Lirene. I know exactly where her shop is too.”
“So do I. Mother and I have been there before.”
“Then let's go. Varric?”
Drinking down the last of his ale, Varric stood and gestured for the sisters to go first. As they walked out of the room they saw as Aveline entered the tavern. She was no longer dressed in her guard uniform, but instead was in the garb she wore when they had first met.
“Good timing,” said Jordan. “Now turn around and let's go.”
“Jordan, what is going on?” Aveline tried to ask as Jordan forced her back out the door.
“We're off to conduct some business! There's a Grey Warden out there and we've got to find him. Otherwise... well, it sounds like Bethany and I may not be going in the Deep Roads after all.”

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age 2
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Blood Promise