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Blood Promise	By : Hikari86 Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 4559 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
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The New Captain

“You Ferelden bitch! I'll have you hanged for this!”
“Not if you hang for your crimes first, Captain.”
Jeven screamed and lunged at Aveline, only to be stopped and held back by several guards. They chained his hands behind his back and forcefully dragged him out of his office. All along he fought to get at Aveline, who stood smiling at him. Not once did she move an inch.
Jordan nearly got kicked as she entered the guard barracks. A screaming and struggling Jeven growled at her as he passed. The other guards working hard to keep him from becoming free of their grasp. Jordan watched Jeven be dragged away before she went into the captain's office. “Making friends as always, I see,” she said seeing the smug look on Aveline's face.
“He deserves what he gets,” Aveline said as she made her way over to Jordan. “Stooping so low by sacrificing your own men is... horrible.”
“What will happen to him?”
“All I know is he'll at least be stripped of his title and thrown out of the guard. Probably go to jail, too. Any more I'm not sure of.”
“So...” Jordan said as she looked around the office. It was big with lots of books on shelves and a decorative desk located in the far left corner. “Couldn't wait until morning, huh?”
“No, I couldn't.” Aveline made her way and lend against the desk. “After we left Anders's clinic, I knew I had to get the satchel to the viscount as soon as I could. This was something that couldn't wait until morning.”
“So you woke the viscount?”
“He wasn't pleased to be awoken in the middle of the night, but he eventually became happier after looking over the evidence I showed him. Once convinced, making the order for Jeven's arrest was easy.”
Jordan nodded, yawning at the same time. It was early in the morning, and after returning back home from their nightly excursions, Jordan had gotten little to no sleep. Their mother was up when she and Bethany had returned and gave them a scolding as soon as they walked in the door. Afterwards, Bethany had been able to fall asleep for a few hours, but Jordan couldn't. Her mind was too full with the events of the night. Anders in particular seemed to occupy most of her thoughts. All the things he had told her, all the things she had seen... If she was an ordinary woman, something like that should have scared her off, but it wasn't. She found him interesting and her curiosity to learn more about him was starting to get the best of her. Eventually she would need to go back to his clinic to sate it.
“You did very well, Guardswoman Vallen.” Seneschal Bran stood in the doorway, looking anything but pleased. He was the type of man that nothing seemed to satisfy, and one that always looked down on those he thought bellow him. This was evident as he passed Jordan, eying her with disdain. “Thanks to you,” he said to Aveline. “We were able to obtain evidence against Captain Jeven. Apparently he owed a substantial amount to... suspect people. Such poor character to pay it back with the blood of his guardsmen.”
“Of course,” said Aveline. “I'm glad I could do something before it got out of hand. Who knows how many more guards he would've sacrificed. I just hope this brings peace to the families of the guards who had to perish for one man's sin.”
“Indeed. But there is a slight problem now with Jeven gone. The Guard will need a new captain, and his excellency has decided that you shall take that position.”
“What?” both Aveline and Jordan said at once.
“It was a fairly easy choice,” Bran continued. “With your actions bringing our attention to this crime, along with your history in the Guard, even though short, is very impressive. He, along with I, believe there is no better person to pull the Guard out of this crisis. To give them order, where right now there is sure to be chaos.”
“I... are you sure?” Aveline looked confused, something Jordan rarely saw in her.
“There is no doubt. In due time, of course. There will be training, approvals. A month, perhaps, depending on how fast the paper work can get through. Until then, I will assign a temporary captain to make sure things stay in order. And as for you, until you hear otherwise, I suggest taking a sabbatical. Take some time to rest before taking up the work of a guard captain.”
“Thank you. I will.” Aveline bowed to Bran as he exited the office. When he was gone, she stood up straight and smiled.
“Well look at you,” said Jordan. “All happy and everything.”
“Of course I am. This is an honor. And something I wasn't expecting.”
“What were you expecting? You obviously knew with Jeven gone they were going to need a new captain, and I would have to agree. You are the best choice.”
“I wouldn't really say that. There's lots of guards here who could have taken the position. I'm wondering if it's just more out of convenience for the viscount to appoint me. That way he doesn't have to think too much on it.”
“Or you can just take it as it is.” Jordan smiled broadly at Aveline. “This'll be fun.”
“I know that look,” Aveline said as she peered at Jordan. “If you're thinking with me as captain, you'll be able to get away with things more, then think again. You'll follow the law just as every other citizen in Kirkwall does. I'm not giving you leniency. I won't fall in the same trap that Jeven did.”
“Do you really think I would put you in the same position as Jeven?” Jordan frowned. “You hurt me, Aveline.”
“I'm about ready to do more.”
“I won't use you, Aveline,” Jordan chided. “Maybe...”
Aveline sighed, knowing Jordan all too well. “In any case, it looks like I'm free for awhile.”
“Good! That means you can help me with my expedition, right? I still need fifty sovereigns, after all.”
“Might as well,” Aveline said shrugging her shoulders. “It's not like I'm going to have anything to do here. Just as long as what we do to get the coin is legal.”
“Oh, Aveline. You know everything I do is legal.”
“In your mind.”
Jordan smiled impishly at her.
“Excuse me, may I come in?” Both Aveline and Jordan stared over at the doorway to see Donnic. He stood at attention, awaiting permission to be allowed in the room.
“Of course, Guardsman, come in,” said Aveline.
Donnic stepped in the room a few feet before stopping. “I've come to ask you something. Is... is it true...?”
“If I'm to be the next captain?” Aveline finished for him. “Are there rumors going around?”
“The whole barracks is a buzz.”
“Gee, word travels fast, doesn't it?” said Jordan.
“It's not easy keeping secrets anywhere in this city.” Aveline sighed. “Tell the other guards that it is true.”
“Really?” Donnic for a moment lost his posture, becoming excited by the news. “I mean... that is good to hear,” he said going back to attention. “The others will be pleased to hear this.”
“Why don't I just let you tell them the good news, then,” Jordan said as she slipped out of the office. She could see Aveline stare at her with a raised eyebrow, but Jordan needed to get out of there anyway. There were things she needed to look into, especially about work that would get her closer to collecting the fifty sovereigns. She wasn't exactly sure where she could find such work, but she hoped Varric might be able to help her. He said he knew about almost everything that happened in the city. If he could point her in the right direction, then she could get started and hopefully have not only the fifty sovereigns, but more so her mother could have something while she and Bethany were away.
“This certainly isn't a place I thought I'd find you roaming free.”
Jordan smirked as she stopped, recognizing the familiar voice. “Not a place I would expect to find you, either.” She turned to see Athenril leaning against the wall outside the barracks entrance.
“What?” the elf said raising her hands. “I can't come in here?”
“Sure, but knowing you, this was a place you liked to avoid. And unless things changed since I worked for you, you don't have any contacts here.”
“Things haven't changed. I just... saw you and thought I'd see how you were doing. Heard you got on that expedition with Bartrand. Having any luck yet?”
Jordan crossed her arms as she stared down the elf. “Matter of fact, I have help. Soon my purse will be jingling with the coin I need. Then once the expedition hits pay-dirt, I'm outta here.”
“I hope you succeed, then.” Athenril pushed herself off the wall and cocked her head as she matched Jordan's stare. “So does that mean you don't need any help finding work?”
“Depends on what you mean. I'm not working for you, Athenril. We've already discussed this.”
“Oh I know, and I'm not here to try and get you back... even though it would be nice. But I thought I'd pass this on to you if you want it.” She handed Jordan a piece of paper. Jordan took it but kept her eyes on Athenril.
“What's this about? Why are you giving me work?”
“It's not my style. Read it and you'll see why.”
Jordan unfolded the paper to see it was actually a letter. She skimmed through it, soon realizing what Athenril meant. It was a job, yes, but a retrieval job. Requested by a man Jordan had never heard of. “Makes sense now,” Jordan said as she refolded the paper. “You don't want it because you have no idea who this Anso is or what he wants you to retrieve?”
“Oh, I know a little bit about him,” Athenril answered. “He's a dwarf, recently come here to Kirkwall from Orzammar. I don't know what his goods are he wants us to retrieve, but I do know the Carta's been sniffing around. And I really don't want to deal with those guys again.”
“So you'd rather me handle them?”
“You don't have to take it, you know. I just thought I'd offer it to you to help you out.” Athenril smiled sweetly at Jordan.
Jordan opened the letter and looked it over again. “Anything else I need to know?”
“If you're going to take it, then Anso will be waiting in the Lowtown market tonight. Just meet with him and he'll give you the full details. Other than that, that's all I can really tell you. Although, I'm not sure if this is relevant, but one of my men mentioned something about mercenaries from Tevinter.”
“What would mercenaries have to do with smuggling?” Jordan asked.
“Not sure. Probably nothing, but it doesn't hurt to know, at least.”
“No, it doesn't.” Jordan placed the letter in her pocket. “Thanks, Athenril.”
“No problem, Hawke. You helped me out a lot, so I thought I'd at least give you something. Just know this is the only freebie you'll get from me.”
“I'll remember that.”
“Also know that if this expedition doesn't turn out like you hoped, you're always welcome back.”
Jordan nodded. “I know, but that's not going to happen. Bethany and I will find what we need in the Deep Roads. Next time you hear about us, it'll be how we raised ourselves from the slums and into glory.” Jordan smiled over at Athenril once more before making her way out of the keep. The elf stayed where she was, laughing softly to herself.
***
It was probably stupid of her to come to Darktown by herself. Although technically she did have Chance with her. But Jordan was determined to go see Anders and to make sure he would keep his promise of helping her. She could certainly use him for this little meeting tonight. Taking a job from someone you didn't know was always risking, but with him around, Jordan felt that whatever should surprise them, they would be able to handle.
There was a problem, however. Anders's clinic was closed.
Jordan stood staring at the doors, wondering why they were closed. It was morning, and many people wandered about. She was sure it would be open, but then again, he might be in there right now trying to sleep off last night. She went to knock and waited, but no one answered. She did it again, but still no answer. Either he was a very deep sleeper, or he wasn't there. Or... he was ignoring her.
Jordan didn't like the last thought, but it did come to her mind no matter how hard she tried to push it aside. She knew it wasn't the reason, why would he? He said he would help, and by the Maker, Jordan was going to make sure he did! But him not answering now left problems. Jordan knew that she needed to get some sleep herself. She still wasn't recovered from last night, and if they were going to do the same thing again tonight, then she really needed to make sure she got some rest. She wasn't sure if she'd be able to come back here again to ask Anders to join her. If he didn't come that meant she would have to take her sister, which Jordan wasn't liking the thought of. Last night had lots of surprises, and even though Bethany acted as if she was over them, Jordan knew differently. If she could keep Bethany from anymore surprises, then she would do it. But she needed a mage, and if Anders was out of reach, then Jordan had no choice.
Jordan knocked again, blowing a piece of hair out of her eyes when there was still no answer. Chance whimpered slightly as he sat and looked over at her with his big eyes.
“Yeah, I know,” Jordan sighed. “He's either not here or asleep, in which I should let him rest, but...” She got closer to the door and examined the lock. It was a lock easy enough to pick, and she could have done it right there, but decided better of it. Being the lock to a mage's clinic meant it might be magically booby-trapped, and Jordan had ran into a few of those when trying to break into Bethany's room, and during the times when she tried to pick the lock of the chest where her father kept their Satinalia presents. She really wasn't willing to see what Anders could provide. Or at least not yet.
Chance barked, pulling her attention away from the lock. He wagged his tail and turned in a circle a few times, all the while having his tongue dangling from his jaw.
“What? Are you saying we should leave?” Jordan asked as she watched her dog.
Chance barked his answer.
“Oh all right. Ugh.” Jordan didn't really want to leave, not without getting an answer, at least, but she really didn't have time to wait and see what Anders was doing. She would just have to do this task without him. Right now she needed to go meet up with Bethany and then make sure at least Varric and Aveline could accompany them to meet with Anso.
***
“So where have you been?” Bethany asked as Jordan joined her in the Hightown market.
“Around,” Jordan answered. “Just seeing if there was any work.”
Bethany eyed her sister, not really believing her.
“Don't give me that look. I really did get something, here.” She handed Bethany the letter she received from Athenril. Looking it over, Bethany didn't seem very pleased by the idea.
“Can't you find us any honest work?”
“Honest work is boring, and it's not going to get us the coin we need in the time we have.” Jordan took the letter back. “I know it doesn't sound all that great, but I'm sure it'll pay good.”
“I hope you're right,” Bethany sighed. “So when are we meeting that Anso person?”
“Tonight.”
Bethany stuck out her tongue. “Are we starting to become nocturnal now? Can we at least have one night off?”
“In due time, Bethany. In due time. Say, what are you doing in this market anyway?”
Bethany turned back to the different types of clothe she was examining before Jordan joined her. “Just browsing around at some of the material they have here. I thought to buy some clothe for Mother so she could make us some new outfits. Give her something to do and get out of Uncle's hair. But the material here in Hightown is so expensive! Look, I could get this same cotton in Lowtown for a much better price.”
“Then get it in Lowtown,” Jordan said as she felt the cotton. “Uck. I don't like cotton.”
“Well you need something other than Uncle's pants to run around in.”
“Don't I know it.” Jordan looked down at the dirty slacks she was forced to wear. It was embarrassing that they were her uncle's, even if no one knew except for her and Bethany. “Hey, on our way back home we'll stop by the Lowtown market and get something so Mother can make me some new pants. But right now we should go see Aveline again and see if she'll be available to accompany us tonight.”
“Oh, how did everything go with her?” Bethany asked as they began making their way to the viscount's keep.
“Wonderful. Jeven's in jail, and guess who they appointed as the new captain of the guard?”
“You can't be serious?” Bethany said stunned.
“I really am. Both the viscount and the seneschal agreed that Aveline would make the perfect captain after what happened. She took it rather gracefully. I couldn't be more proud.”
“Yeah, cause that means the captain is basically in your pocket.”
“Sadly, not true,” Jordan frowned. “We already had this discussion. I will be treated just the same way as everyone else. No freebies.”
“Serves you right. Aveline doesn't need you ruining this for her.”
“And who says I would ruin it for her?”
“Do you really need to ask?”
“Yes, I know, I'm a trouble maker!” Jordan said flinging up her arms. “But I can be good!”
This made Bethany laugh. “Yeah, when griffon's--” There was a loud commotion that cut her off. Both she and Jordan stopped and saw that it was coming from the chantry. Looking at one another, they both ran over to see what it was.
“Sebastian! Stop this madness!” the grand cleric cried. She, along with a young man in shining white armor stood in front of the chanter's board that was at the base of the chantry steps. “The Chantry cannot condone revenge, Sebastian.”
The young man seemed to be ignoring her. He pinned something on the board before staring at her. “It is my right, my duty to show those assassins there is nowhere in the Free Marches to hide!” He turned away from her, giving Bethany and Jordan a better view of him. His brown hair slicked back, blue eyes that seemed to twinkle in the sun, and white armor that seemed to make him glow. He also had a bow and quiver on his back. They both recognized him, although they were more used to seeing him in Chantry robes than bright armor. He was a brother in the Chantry, one that would go around and give blessings while the grand cleric gave her sermon.
“Sebastian, this is murder!” The grand cleric took the post from the board as he began to walk away. She waved it in the air, the anger on her face evident.
“No,” Sebastian said as he stopped and turned back to her. He grabbed his bow and an arrow in a quick movement, releasing the arrow and hitting the post out of the grand cleric's hand, pinning it back to the board. “What happened to my family was murder.” He again turned his back on the grand cleric and made his way past Jordan and Bethany.
“Ooh,” Bethany gasped as he walked by.
Jordan watched him leave before turning her attention to the grand cleric. She was still standing by the chanter's board, sighing heavily and looking distraught. Grand Cleric Elthina wasn't a person Jordan knew very well, but she knew enough to know this was not a common occurrence for the Chantry. She made her way over to the board, Bethany following only after she noticed Jordan was no longer standing next to her.
“Greetings, your Grace,” Jordan bowed to Elthina. “It's a lovely day, don't you think?”
“Yes, the Maker has certainly blessed us with one, hasn't He?” Elthina sighed as she stared up at the sky.
“Do you mind me asking what all that yelling was about?” Jordan asked after waiting a few moments.
“A misguided judgment, I'm afraid.” Elthina took the post back down from the board and stared at it, shaking her head.
“May I see it?” Although she appeared not to want to give it to her at first, Elthina eventually gave the Jordan the post. Reading it over, Jordan realized why the grand cleric didn't want this on her chanter's board. It was asking for the execution of a mercenary group called the Flint Company by any able bodies. Not really something someone would see posted by the Chantry. “What can you tell me about Sebastian, your Grace?” Jordan asked.
“What is there to say?” said the grand cleric. “He is a brother of the Chantry.”
“We've seen him before, yes, but why would he do something like this? It says his family was murdered.”
“That they were, and I shall pray for them. Which is what Sebastian should be doing right now, not trying to seek revenge. He should be asking the Maker for guidance.”
“Hmm.” Jordan looked over the post again. “Why does the name Vael sound familiar to me?”
“Because they are the royal line in Starkhaven,” the grand cleric answered. “Sebastian was there youngest son. They sent him to the Chantry so he could find peace. He did, but after hearing about his family, he lost it. Now I'm not sure what to do with him.”
“So he's royalty?”
“I believe he's the last of his line now. And he has two choices to make.” Elthina sighed once more. “That is why I believe he should be here now asking for guidance, and not seeking revenge.”
“Yes, thank you, your Grace. And you don't need to worry about this,” Jordan said as she gestured to the post in her hand. “I'll dispose of this for you.”
The grand cleric eyed her, but nodded. “Please do that, child. May the Maker watch over you.” The grand cleric blessed them before making her way back up the steps and inside the chantry.
“Perfect,” Jordan said as she smiled at the post.
“You're seriously going to take that?” Bethany asked.
“Of course I am! He's royalty, Bethany. I'm sure he'll pay us handsomely for taking care of the people who murdered his family.”
“I don't know... it just doesn't seem right. And he is a brother. There's no guarantee he'll be able to pay us as much as you might be thinking.”
“Last of his line, the entire fortune falling to him... If this Sebastian decides to stay in the Chantry, then he's going to have to do something with all that money, right? He can give half of it to the Chantry, and the other half to the person who avenged his family. Hmm, if we do this we might not have to go in the Deep Roads after all.”
“Jordan...”
“Come on, Bethie. Besides, if we do this then you'll get to see him again.”
“What makes you think I want to see him again?”
“I saw the way you were looking at him,” Jordan teased.
This made Bethany's checks red and she looked away from her sister. “The same way I see you looking at Anders?”
“Oh, don't you even bring that up! Anything between Anders and I is strictly platonic.”
“Uh huh.” Bethany turned back to her sister and stared at her in a teasing fashion. “And the fact you went to Darktown all by yourself to see him doesn't mean anything, right?”
“Hey, I wasn't completely alone! Chance was with me.” The mabari beside her barked to confirm her statement.
“But you still went to his clinic, didn't you?”
“Alright, you caught me,” Jordan surrendered. “What are you going to do?”
“How about lock you up in the house with Uncle Gamlen for a day. Maybe that'll teach you.”
“I don't think either one of us could survive that!” Jordan laughed.
“Right. Mother and I would come home to both of you dead and the house a mess. I'm not exactly sure which one we'd be more upset about.”
“Oh, you..” Jordan said wrapping her arm around Bethany's shoulders. “If you're done thinking of ways to torture me, let's go and get Aveline. Then we'll pick up some fabric and see how Varric is doing. I know he'll want to come for tonight's activity and maybe even buy us a drink. I know I sure could use one.”

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins: Awakening
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