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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
Disclaimer: Bioware owns everything Dragon Age. I claim no ownership and make no money/profit.

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
- 8
Lanterns

Lowtown was alive as they made their way out of the Hanged Man. The entrance to the tavern emptied out in front of the market area. There were plenty of merchants next to their bazaars, shouting out their goods to consumers passing by. It was the busy time of day, when most were just getting off from work with new coin in their pockets. They would stop by the market and buy tonight's dinner before making their way home.
Jordan lead everyone through the market, going straight for a little hovel that housed Lirene's Ferelden Imports store. It was a place of charity, where the woman Lirene helped Ferelden refugees the best she could. She gave them food, money, medical care, even helped them find jobs and places to live. Jordan had been in the store before with her mother and sister. They went in to get food. They didn't go in very often, only when the need was most dire. Since they already had a place to live, and since Bethany and Jordan had jobs—if illegal at the time—they felt bad going in. They were much better off than most Fereldens living in Lowtown.
“Jordan, before we go in, I need to tell you what I found,” Aveline said as she stopped them at the door.
“So you did find something?” Jordan asked. “That was fast.”
“It wasn't like I was trying to find a needle in a haystack. What I found was public record, and it's not pretty.” Aveline pulled Jordan and the others into a side alley so no one could hear them. “For the last six months, I found several guards who died while on duty. All of them had two things in common: they were alone, and they were carrying the satchel.”
“How many deaths?” said Bethany. “Wouldn't such a thing be suspicious?”
“It would be if the deaths were more closer together, but they aren't. They're spread apart, and there's only five of them so far. But there could be more. The only reason they weren't investigated, or at least not fully, was because Captain Jeven took the cases himself.”
“Let me guess, more red flags?” said Jordan.
“Obviously. Especially since I was unable to find anything else on the deaths. No paperwork or notes or anything.”
“He may have them in his office.”
“I thought of that too. The thing is, if they are, they're not suppose to be there. It's public record, which means either Captain Jeven didn't do his job, or he's hiding something.”
“Ooh, the plot thickens!” Varric said rubbing his hands together. “So what do you plan on doing, Aveline?”
“Same as before, make sure Donnic doesn't get killed. We're still on for tonight, right Jordan?”
“Of course we are!” Jordan smiled. “But I don't see while we're waiting why we can't do something else?”
“You mean finding this Grey Warden?”
“Yeah. We're hoping he can give us a way into the Deep Roads. Otherwise, we're stuck on the surface. You wouldn't happen to know anything about him, would you? Such as where he might be?”
Aveline shook her head. “No. I'm afraid this is the first time I've heard of a Grey Warden in Kirkwall. Couldn't even begin to guess why he'd be here with no Warden bases around.”
“Maybe he just doesn't want to be found,” Bethany added. “We think he's Ferelden. According to Varric's sources, he came here with refugees.”
“Now that is peculiar. Why would a Warden be fleeing the Blight?”
“But I thought the Blight was over?”
“It is, but it's still strange. Now would be the best time to be a Grey Warden in Ferelden. With both the king and queen Wardens, and then Amaranthine being given to them... I'm sure Wardens are celebrated all over the country.”
“Maybe he just wanted some peace and quiet,” said Jordan. “All that love and attention was just too much. But no matter why he's here, we need to find him, and Lirene is said to know where he is. Shall we go in and ask now?”
“Lead the way, Hawke,” Varric bowed.
Lirene's Ferelden Imports was just as packed and crowded as the other times Jordan had stepped inside. Many people stood around, waiting their turn to be seen by one of the helpers. People shouted, particularly one frantic man who pushed himself through the crowd to the front.
“Please, please! You must help me!”
“Ser, calm down,” said the woman up front. Jordan recognized her as Lirene. “We will get to you soon.”
“No, you need to help me now! I need the healer! My son... blasted cart overturned on him in the bloody Bone Pit. He'll die if I don't get him to the healer!”
Lirene looked on at him with concern. “Alright. Do you know where to look and what to look for?”
“Something about lanterns, but I-I don't know anything else,” the man sobbed.
“Darktown. Go to Darktown and look for lit lanterns. Take him to the healer, and he'll take care of him.”
“Thank you! Thank you, serah!” The man bowed several times before making his way back out through the crowd, shouting to others outside about what he was told.
Seeing that Lirene was now free, Jordan took the opportunity and pushed her own way through the crowd to the front. “Excuse me, serah, but might I ask-”
“I'm sorry, but if you need aid, please leave your name with my girl,” Lirene said turning away from Jordan. “We do serve everyone here, but you may have to wait. But if you have already found work and lodging, then you will have to wait a little longer.”
“No, I'm actually looking for someone. I heard you may know of a Grey Warden here in Kirkwall.”
Lirene stopped what she was doing and stared over at Jordan. “A Grey Warden? I don't know about Kirkwall, but I do know there are plenty back in Ferelden. Two on the throne. But... why would you want a Warden?”
“Simply to speak to him about some matters. I'm not here to drag him back or anything.”
“So you say...” Lirene said suspiciously.
“The healer was one of them once, wasn't he? A Warden?” said one of the helpers.
This made Lirene sigh as if her secret was out. “Well he's not now. And busy enough to be talking about 'some matters.'”
“I won't bother him too much, I swear,” Jordan pleaded.
Lirene looked Jordan up and down. “You're Ferelden. I guess you do have a right to see him... if you were in need of medical aid. But you aren't.”
“I could go out right now and break my arm if you would prefer that?”
“Please don't tell me you're serious?” said Bethany.
“What? You heard what she said, I need an injury to be able to see him.”
“No, no, there's no need to go and break your arm,” Lirene sighed. “You see what our people face in Kirkwall. They have no jobs, no homes. Most can barely buy bread. This healer, he serves them without thought for coin. He closes their wounds, delivers their children. I'm not going to give out his location just so you can talk.”
“So he's hiding,” said Aveline. “Why would he need to hide?”
Lirene crossed her arms. “He's a good man. I won't lose him to the blighted templars.”
“Oh!” Jordan said finally realizing the reason. “He's a mage, isn't he?” she whispered.
“Would I stick my neck out for some purveyor of hensbane and leeches?” Lirene said sounding offended. “He's done much for us, more than he probably should. The templars wouldn't understand. They wouldn't care what he's done. They only care what he is.”
“Trust me, serah,” Jordan said firm. “I know of what you speak.”
“We would never turn someone over to the templars, Mistress,” Bethany added. “Never.”
Lirene looked to Bethany, seeing the staff on her back. “You have a reason to hide just as he does. Alright,” she sighed. “I suppose you can seek him out. Anders certainly hasn't turned anyone else away. If you wish to find him, look for the lit lanterns in Darktown. If you have need enough, you will find him within.”
“Thank you, serah,” Jordan nodded. “We will be on our way now.”
“Jordan... Darktown?” Bethany said once they were out of the store.
“What are you worried about, Bethie?” Jordan said. “We have two other people. And Aveline's scarier than anything you'll find in Darktown. Plus Chance will scare any old mean demon thingy away.”
“Demon thingy?” Varric asked with a cocked eyebrow.
“I suppose you would like to hear the story of that, wouldn't you?”
“It does sound interesting,” Aveline put in as she eyed Jordan.
“Then come!” Jordan said in a dramatic voice. “And I shall tell the tale of the Hawke sisters as they fought against slavers and a demon thingy just this morning!”
“Ha! I knew you were hiding something from me,” laughed Varric.
“Oh, for the Maker's sake.” Aveline rubbed her face. “The things you get into. No wonder Leandra was so upset.”
“No, she was upset because of Uncle,” Jordan corrected. “She has no clue about this morning. But yes, it was a fairly interesting incident... to say the least.”
***
Despite its name, Darktown really wasn't all that dark. Although some parts were, most of it was touched by sunlight that shined through the large cut-out windows that oversaw the entrance to Kirkwall Harbor. It was an interesting place with more colorful characters than any other area in Kirkwall. Located right under the city, though it wasn't the lowest place to live, that being the sewers right below it. Darktown was where most Ferelden refugees who couldn't find work called home. Here was where most of the crime occurred from muggings to murder and was even the main port for the black market. No guards patrolled down here, making Darktown really its own city within a city. It had an economy, settlements, and even several factions who fought each other over who ruled. It was a place Jordan felt more at home than anywhere else. In Darktown, the stares she got weren't like those of Hightown. Nobles looking down on her with smug, snobby faces. No, the urchins looked up at her with respect, and sometimes fear.
“So where do you think this Grey Warden is?” Varric asked as they looked around.
“Where ever the lit lanterns are,” Jordan sighed. “Not much to go on.”
“We've found more with less before,” said Bethany.
“I know, but it still would've been nice to be given more info. Such as 'it's the blue lanterns' or 'it's the green ones' or 'it's the butterfly-shaped ones that sparkle rainbows!'”
“Yes, because rainbow butterflies wouldn't attract unwanted attention,” Aveline said rolling her eyes. “Especially that of templars.”
“Are you saying that if you put butterflies and rainbows together it means apostate? Because if that's the case, remember it Bethany.”
“I think I'm good, Sister,” Bethany laughed.
“So do you think we should split up?” Varric asked. This caused Bethany to stare at him and shake her head vigorously.
“No,” said Jordan. “We'll stick together. Darktown's not that big anyway. I'm sure this Grey Warden is around here somewhere. Come along.”
Together the five of them went through Darktown. It was mid-day at the moment, the sun shining brightly through the windows and urchins lining the streets, begging to any and all passers-by. Black market traders were also shouting out their goods, while in the shadows outlines of bandits could be seen as they scouted for easy targets.
Jordan took them to one of the large windows where she looked down at the channel that lead into the harbor. The air was salty and the sun warm. This was another reason why she liked Darktown. There was no other view like it anywhere in Kirkwall.
Something caught in her peripheral vision and Jordan turned to see a small light shining in a corner. As she peered at it more, she realized it was a lantern. “Well what do ya know,” she said. “I do believe we found the place.”
“You really think that's it?” asked Bethany.
“I don't see why not. They're not butterfly-shaped, but they are unique in a way. How about we go and check it out?”
The lanterns were hung above two doors that once Jordan pushed open revealed a little hovel. Sunlight poured into it from the high windows. Several dirty cots lined the floor with one in the middle holding a young boy. The man from the Ferelden Imports store stood to the side with a woman. Both of them looked down at the boy with fear, their hands clasped together. Jordan noticed the boy didn't look well, even with the blue magic swirling around. The healer standing over him, the one controlling the magic, concentrated hard on his work. Jordan could even feel it in the air as he worked vigorously to save the boy's life.
Bethany startled next to Jordan and pulled her back from completely going in. “Jordan! That's him!”
“What are you talking about, Bethie?” Jordan asked, not sure why Bethany was acting like she was.
“The abomination, the one I saw on top of you!”
“No, that can't be right.” Although Jordan couldn't help but to notice the magical signature about the room did feel familiar.
“You didn't see what I saw! That was him! But... he's different now. Not... evil.”
“It's evil to heal somebody?”
“That's just what it felt like to me.”
“Okay,” Jordan said seeing Bethany was uncomfortable. “Let's say that it was him. That's still not stopping me from going in there. If you want to stay out here, then you can.”
“No, I'll come. And... it's not that I'm afraid!”
“I know, I know.”
Jordan and the others made their way back into the hovel. The healer was still concentrating on the boy. Nobody had even noticed them yet. Jordan wasn't sure what was wrong with the boy or how much longer it would be, but eventually the boy began to stir. He shifted his head from side to side as the healer backed off, the swirling magic descending. Both parents cried out joyfully when he opened his eyes and stared at them. They hugged him close, crying. The father only breaking away so he could thank the healer who was leaning his head against a post.
“Oh, thank you, Messere! Thank you! I don't know how I'm ever going to repay you.”
“There's no need,” said the healer. “You owe me nothing. Just make sure he's more careful next time.”
“I definitely will. You are too kind, Messere. I don't know what we would have done without you. Thank you again.” The man's broad smile could be seen clear across the hovel as he went back to his family.
The healer still stayed next to the post, using it for support and looking exhausted. Jordan walked over to him slowly, not wanting to approach him suddenly after such a taxing feat. She wanted to get a better look at him, see if she could see anything familiar. The only thing she really saw during the attack, were eyes, blue ones that really didn't seem like eyes at all. If he had those, then Jordan knew he really was the one that saved her and Bethany.
As she got closer she noticed his appearance; his hair blonde, maybe only a shade lighter than Varric's, pulled back into a partial ponytail. His robes were more like a coat, looking to be made of leather with feather pommels on the shoulders. Her slow approach however, didn't seem to settle well with him as the healer suddenly turned on them. He had a staff Jordan had not seen, thinking it had probably been behind the post. He glared at them, challenging any to approach closer. “Hold it right there!” he shouted. “I have made this place a sanctuary of healing and salvation. You will not threaten it!”
Jordan was taken by surprise, not just from his sudden response, but also from his appearance. He was nice looking with a handsome face, and eyes that were not blue, but brown. She had to blink several times before she could finally say something. “Alright, easy now,” she said putting up her hands. “I didn't mean to startle you.”
“You really shouldn't try and sneak up on a mage.”
“You'd think I'd know better, wouldn't you? But no, I wasn't trying to sneak up on you. We're actually here to ask for your help.”
He eyed her, also eying the others. “None of you are injured or need any type of healing.”
“Are you saying we need to be in order to seek your aid? Because I asked Lirene and she said no. Maybe I should go break my arm after all.”
“No, no!” Bethany said stepping forward. “Please tell her she doesn't have to do that! Because if you do that, Jordan, it's not him who's going to have to deal with it! You know it's going to fall on me!”
“It won't fall on you,” Jordan heaved.
“You still aren't going to do it. I'll paralyze you before you can even try.”
Jordan laughed at her sister, also noticing the healer was beginning to relax. Bethany's presence had apparently helped. “Look,” she said to him. “I just want to know if you're the Grey Warden that came here with the Ferelden refugees.”
“Why?” he asked placing his staff back against the post. “If you're here to take me back, you can forget it. Those bastards made me get rid of my cat.”
“Your... cat?”
“Yeah. His name was Ser Pounce-A-Lot. An orange tabby and the best friend I ever had. Maker I miss him. Almost got ripped in half by a genlock once. He swatted the bugger on the nose. Drew blood, too. And despite the fact he was a gift from the commander, they still made me get rid of him. They said he 'made me too soft.' Load of bull.”
“You must really love cats,” Jordan said, smiling at him.
“They're better than dogs.”
“I wouldn't say that. You're a good boy, right Chance?” Chance barked at her happily, turning in a full circle before sitting on his hindquarters and staring up at her with his tongue hanging out.
“Right. So what was it that you wanted from me?” he asked, eying Jordan again.
She smiled at him again. “My name is Jordan Hawke. This here is my sister, Bethany. Dwarf escort, Varric. And bodyguard, Aveline.”
“Jordan,” Aveline said firm.
“What? That's how you act sometimes.”
“No, you don't need a bodyguard. You need a nanny.”
“Okay, sorry. Then this is my nanny, Aveline.” This caused Aveline to plant her face in her hands, but said nothing more.
“I'm Anders,” the healer spoke.
“It's a pleasure to meet you,” Jordan nodded.
“I'm not sure I can say the same thing. Yet.”
“No, maybe not yet, but the reason why we're here is because Varric's brother is planning an expedition into the Deep Roads--”
“Stop right there,” Anders said shaking his head. “If you're asking me to go with you as a guide, then you might as well stop and go. The Deep Roads is one of the reasons why I left the Wardens.”
“Uh, well no... that's not what I was going to ask, but... Why did you leave the Wardens?” It was something Jordan was curious about. She had always heard once you joined the order, there was no going back.
“There were some... discrepancies. And other reasons of my own.”
“Fair enough, I guess. But I thought when one became a Warden, you couldn't leave. It's a 'for life' thing.”
“That's only partly true. The 'hopelessly tainted by the darkspawn' and 'plagued by nightmares about the archdemon' parts don't go away. But it turns out if you hide well, you don't have to wear the uniform or go to the parties.” He gave her a smirk that made Jordan chuckle.
“Heh em,” Varric coughed as he bumped into Jordan. “As fascinating as this sounds—and I would love to learn more later—do you think you could get to the point?”
“Of course, Varric.” Jordan focused back on Anders, which she found not to be very hard. “Yes, there is an expedition into the Deep Roads that Varric, Bethany, and I are apart of, but we are not asking if you can join us. We just wanted to know if you had any information about the Deep Roads that could be helpful to us. Such as entrances that no one else may know about?”
“Well, I do have some maps,” Anders said as he thought. “They have a few entrances that no one knows about except Grey Wardens. But I can't just give you them. I may not be in the Order anymore, but I'm not about ready to just spill all their secrets.”
“I'm not asking you to tell us how it was you become a Grey Warden, or anything. We just want to know about an entrance to the Deep Roads, is all. Surely we can work... something out. Right?” Jordan tried to give him her sweetest smile. Maybe if he wanted the same thing the captain wanted in order to get her family to Kirkwall, then she would gladly pay this price.
“I...” He seemed tongue tied, looking at her nearly as surprised as she was when she first saw him up close. “Well, there is something. If you're willing.”
“Oh, I'm willing.”
“I have a friend...”
“Uh, maybe not that willing.”
“Maker's breath, Jordan!” Aveline moaned.
Anders cleared his throat. “My friend is a mage here in the Gallows. Or I should say he's a prisoner. He's one of the reasons why I came to Kirkwall. We've been communicating through a maid with letters. I wanted to get him out, but unfortunately, the templars have found out about my plans. Help me free him and I'll give you the maps.”
“A mage in the Gallows,” Jordan said slowly.
“His name is Karl Thekla. He was sent here from Ferelden when Kirkwall's Circle required new talent. His last letter said the knight-commander was turning the Circle into a prison. Mages are locked in their cells, refused appearances at court, made tranquil for the slightest crimes. I told him I would come.”
Jordan wasn't really liking this. “If you're asking me to break into the Gallows...”
“Nothing like that,” Anders stated. “I've made an arrangement to meet with Karl in the Chantry tonight at midnight. I would go by myself, but I think it would be better if I had some type of back-up if templars should show.”
Jordan peered over at Bethany, seeing she was uneasy. Templars were something they tried to avoid and the one thing Jordan didn't hate running from. That's what their father had taught them.
Do not fight or kill templars. Just run from them. Otherwise, they'll have another reason to brand you a malificar.
“You think templars will be there? Of course they will! It's the chantry.”
“Not at night. But... I'm thinking they won't. I just want to be prepared.” There was a stern gaze in his eyes, one that seemed odd to Jordan. He looked as if he wished templars would be there.
“Hm.” Jordan thought more on this. It was a tempting offer. If all she needed to do was accompany him to see his friend, then that wouldn't be so bad. “So what are we doing? Just going to the chantry and smuggling your friend out of Kirkwall? He'll be an apostate, you know.”
“Yes, as am I, and as is your sister. But apostate is such a weighted term. Yes, Andraste said magic should serve man, not rule him. But I've yet to find a mage who wants to rule anything. It goes against no will of the Maker for mages to live as free as other men.” There was that look again. Jordan was actually starting to find it attractive. So he, like so many other apostates, wanted more freedom for mages. It was intriguing to her, a world where her sister wouldn't have to fear turning a corner and running into a templar anxious to lock her in the Gallows.
“I agree with you,” she spoke. “Mages need their freedom. Forcing mages into servitude is not the way to prevent the rise of another Imperium.”
Anders stared at her, surprised, apparently not expecting someone such as her to say such a thing. “You are definitely not what I was expecting. I usually don't get that type of response. Especially from someone who isn't a mage.”
“Magic runs in my family. My sister, obviously, and my father.”
This appeared to interest him even further. “Then maybe we can work together. So... will you help me? If you decide not to, then fine. But I do plan on freeing my friend. Whatever the cost.”
Jordan wanted to do it. Wanted to say yes right away, but something stopped her. “Hold on one second,” she said. “There might be a schedule conflict. Aveline, when did you say Donnic's patrol was again?”
“Tonight,” said Aveline. “Jordan... we're not--”
“Oh no, don't worry, Aveline, we're still going,” Jordan reassured her. “But from what time to what time?”
“Dusk until dawn.”
“And when will the ambush attack him?”
“You really think I would know that?” Aveline said crossing her arms.
“Well, okay... how about an average?”
“Really?” Aveline sighed. “I don't know, maybe somewhere in between sunset and midnight. When the streets start to empty. That's usually when all the other ambushes and crime happen.”
“Good.” Jordan turned back to Anders. “And when did you say you were going to be at the chantry?”
“Midnight.”
“Perfect!” Jordan smiled. “We'll be there.”
“Good,” Anders smiled back, slightly. “Meet me in front of the chantry at midnight. Maker willing, we'll all leave there as free men. Now if you would excuse me. I have some work that needs to be done before then.” He nodded to her before turning and going into a small room in the back of the hovel. Jordan lead everyone out, already anticipating their complaints.
“Jordan,” Aveline said strict, stopping them just outside the hovel.
“Aveline,” Jordan mocked.
“Could you please tell me what that was all about?”
“That was me trying to get this expedition off the ground. We need those maps. And don't worry, we're still going to watch Donnic's patrol. I promised you we would, and I'm not going to take it back.”
“But there is no certainty that the bandits will attack Donnic before midnight. There's no certainty that they even will!”
“I know, but hear me out. We go as planned, and if they strike before midnight, we help Donnic, make sure he's okay, then head straight for the chantry. But if it gets too close to midnight and nothing's happened yet, then I will go to the chantry by myself. Bethany and Varric will stay with you. Then once me and Anders are done, I'll come and rejoin you.”
“No, I don't like that idea,” said Bethany. “I don't like the thought of you going by yourself. And then being alone with him.”
“Okay, I won't go alone. Chance will come with me.”
Bethany glared at her. “You know what I mean.”
“I don't like it either,” Aveline added. “But I have a feeling you're going to do it anyway.”
“You know I am, Aveline,” said Jordan. “Besides, maybe Anders will come with me and then we'll have even more help.”
“Wonderful.”
“Whatever the case, Donnic is still our first priority. And since we got this done, I say we go back to our homes and get some rest for tonight. I have a feeling we're going to need it.”
***
“Damn blast it, girl, I wish you would stop looking at me with those eyes,” Gamlen said having to look away from her.
“And what's wrong with my eyes, Uncle?” Jordan said amused.
“They're the same as your grandfather. Just looking at them brings back horrible memories. Gah! Out of everyone in your family to get that shade, why'd it have to be you?”
“Well, if I had known they would cause you so much discomfort, Uncle, I would have chosen a different color.”
“Don't try and patronize me, girl. Just... get out of my way!” Gamlen pushed passed Jordan, going into his room and slamming the door behind him.
It was no surprise to her, really. When she and Bethany had arrived back at home, they found their mother and uncle still fighting over the same thing. They were relieved Varric and Aveline had gone their separate ways when they passed the Hanged Man. Aveline having gone to join Varric in the tavern since she didn't wish to return to the barracks.
Jordan stood in the middle of the kitchen, both her mother and uncle having gone into their rooms, slamming the doors and not really wanting to talk to anyone.
“So, I hate thinking badly about family,” Bethany whispered next to Jordan. “But... does Uncle Gamlen seem a little slippery whenever Grandfather's will is brought up?”
“Ha! Our uncle can't say 'good morning' without lying twice. But yes, I would have to agree. Uncle apparently doesn't want Mother to know what the will really said, or tell her who is living in the estate right now. The only thing he likes telling her is how their parents hated her for leaving.”
“Yeah, and it's put her in such a fit of melancholy,” Bethany sighed. “You know what she told me? She wishes she'd died with Carver. It's like coming here ruined every good memory of her childhood. I wish we could get some of it back.”
“Unfortunately, there's nothing we can do to change it,” Jordan heaved. She didn't like seeing her mother like this. “Unless we somehow turn Gamlen into an upstanding citizen, what's done is done.”
“Actually, there might be.” Bethany came closer to Jordan as she whispered in her ear. “Uncle might not have told Mother, but when he gets drunk, he also gets chatty.”
“What did he say?” Jordan asked, interested in knowing what Bethany had learned.
“Gamlen told me he gave the estate as payment to some slaver who beat him at dice. Apparently our ancestral home is now a base for slavers from all over Thedas.”
“He gave our home to slavers? Maker's breath, couldn't he have just sold himself and saved us all the trouble?”
Bethany giggled. “Can you just imagine him sweeping and scrubbing for some Tevinter matriarch? Seriously, though. Those scum have no right to our family's things. I think... we should break in there, and get the will for Mother.”
“Really?” Jordan said looking at Bethany surprised. This was something she usually thought of. “Interesting that you should come up with this plan.”
“When you're not here, I'm the one that has to deal with their bickering. But I've already talked to Mother about this, at least. Gamlen did tell me that they guard the front entrance well. But Mother gave me her old key. She said it should unlock the cellar. Apparently the sewers run right beneath the house.”
Jordan grinned at her sister, liking the idea very much. “This is sounding more perfect as you explain it. Getting the estate back from slavers will be fun.”
“I'm not talking about getting the estate back. I'm just suggesting we sneak into the cellars and find the will.”
“Oh, well... yes. Although I wouldn't mind killing a few slavers along the way.”
“No, I wouldn't mind either, but...” Bethany became uncertain. “The entrance to the cellars is in Darktown.”
“Are you still scared of going down there?” Jordan asked. “Because you have no reason to be. We found the thing—or man—that saved us. Or who seemed to have scared you to death.”
“Right, we found him, yes,” Bethany sighed. “That Anders. But there's something that bugs me about him. Why didn't he even act like he recognized us? No twitch, no wide-eyed expression. He just stared at us like it was the first time he had seen us.”
“Then I guess that settles it,” said Jordan. “It wasn't him.”
“I swear to you it was.”
“So answer your own question. Or you can accept the fact that maybe you were wrong. Besides, I saw into those eyes. They were blue, while Anders has brown eyes. Nice... brown eyes.”
“Nice?” Bethany smirked at her sister.
“What?”
“Oh nothing. Just you being you. But what do you think? When we have time, should we go and reclaim Grandfather's will for Mother?”
“Absolutely! Don't think I'm going to turn down a chance to wreck some havoc on slavers. Not to mention possibly showing up Gamlen. Oh, I really hope we can find the will and it states good things! I really want to see Gamlen's face!”
“You're horrible,” Bethany laughed.
“You're the one that suggested it! But yes, I'm horrible. Especially when it comes to Uncle.”
“Alright, but do you think we should get some sleep? I think this is going to be an all-nighter.”
“Yes, do that, and set the alarm. But I think we should sleep out here. I don't want to wake Mother and then have her ask us all sorts of questions like 'Where are we going at this hour?', 'Why are we doing this to her?', and my personal favorite, 'Why can't you be more like Aveline, Jordan?'”
“Don't worry, I'll set an alarm out here.”
There wasn't many places for them to sleep out in the main room, but Jordan and Bethany had done it before when they were still working for Athenril. They didn't like waking their mother, and she didn't like her daughters going out in the middle of the night, no matter the reason.
Bethany snuck into their room, Leandra already asleep on the bed. She grabbed a couple pillows and blankets without waking her and closed the door softly. Together, she and Jordan made a temporary bed on the floor and curled up next to each other. Bethany then released a small ball of light that floated above their heads. It was dull, casting a soft light that didn't disturb the darkness.
“When should we wake?” she asked Jordan.
“In about three hours. That should give us enough time to meet with Aveline and Varric at the Hanged Man before Donnic starts his patrol.”
Bethany manipulated the ball. It blinked several times before going back to its dull glow.
“Sweet dreams, Bethany,” Jordan said as she settled.
“You too, Sister. As long as Anders is in them, right?”
Jordan nudged her sister. “You're lucky I love you.”
“I suppose I am.”
“Just get some sleep.”
Bethany settled into her sister, not very comfortable on the floor, but it was actually better than having to share the one tiny bed with both her sister and mother.
Jordan sighed as she laid in the darkness. She was completely wide awake, not sure if she could get any sleep at all. Thanks to Bethany, Anders was on her mind now.

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age 2
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Blood Promise