*Here is the alternate ending to the story. This was how I always intended to end the story even though this is much, much less polished since I didn't stick to it. Much of it is the same, but there are HUGE changes that impact everything.*

(Again remember that this is more of a rough draft of what I would have done)

The Fate of Wolves

Alternate Ending

Fenris gazed at Laria as she slept. She was breathing quietly, the early morning rays of the sun playing over her face. She was lying on her stomach, her head resting on her left arm, her right arm hanging off the bed. The scarlet bracelet he had given a few days ago was on her right wrist.

Fenris smiled as he remembered Laria's surprised delight when he had given it to her. He had felt rather guilty when he realized that she had never expected him to give her anything. Fenris wasn't used to thinking in the terms of being in a couple that way, but he needed to remember that it was ok to give her gifts.

He ran his hands over the delicate softness of her skin, running his finger down the curvature of her spine. He reveled in the feel of the soft warmth emanating from her body and his lips followed the trail his hands had left.

She moved slightly in her sleep but she didn't wake and Fenris' smile widened. He knew that Laria would smack him if she saw the devilish look that was on his face now.

He traced a finger down her leg until he came to her calf. He grasped her ankle and kissed the back of her knee. She jumped a little and Fenris knew she was close to waking so he drew his tongue up from her knee to her backside where he gave her little bite.

That did it! Fenris laughed as he heard Laria muffled voice.

"Did you just bite me?" she asked indignant and sleepy.

Fenris simply hummed against her skin and bit her again.

Laria squealed and tried to push herself up but Fenris moved swiftly to pin her so she couldn't move.

He kissed her ear, licking the outer edge.

"Were you planning on going somewhere?" he asked lazily.

Laria laughed and she sounded a little breathless. "Well, I am the Champion, I have things to do. But now there's a handsome elf trying to distract me."

"Hmmm…handsome eh? What about terribly fashionable, and ridiculously intelligent?" he replied as he nipped at her neck.

Before she could respond he gripped her hip and made a move that had her sucking her breath in.

She gasped and arched her back. "Yes! You are ridiculously intelligent and whatever else you want me to say!"

His warm breath fanned over her skin. "I have other plans for the Champion today."

She laughed but she didn't even try to resist.

In Darktown there was other business being done.

Anders glanced around his clinic for what he knew would be the last time.

After today there would be no place for him in Kirkwall or in all of Thedas for that matter. He would never see his friends again. He would never see Hawke again. He tried to swallow the bitter taste in his mouth but he couldn't get rid of it.

He had made his choices. There was no going back now.

Maker forgive him…

Bodhan knocked on Hawke's door nervously. He hated interrupting her when she had so little time for herself, but the messenger from the Gallows was adamant that she come down.

Hawke opened the door, tightening her robe.

"Bodhan?" she asked taking in his anxious state. "What's wrong? Has something happened to Sandal?"

Fenris appeared silently behind her.

"No Messere, there's nothing wrong with us." Bodhan looked behind him and gestured towards the stairs.

"There's a messenger here from the Gallows Mistress Hawke and he begs you to come quickly." Bodhan bowed unsteadily.

Hawke huffed in irritation. She and Fenris had been having a lovely time…well, several lovely times by then, but she guessed that would have to wait.

Fenris was already grabbing his armor, guessing that their time was over for the moment.

She ran her fingers through her hair and smiled at Bodhan.

"It's alright Bodhan. Tell the messenger that we'll be right down. I'm sure that Orsino and Meredith are at it again."

Bodhan bowed again. "Right away Messere!" and he hurried off.

Hawke turned to say something sarcastic about Templars and mages but her lips were caught in a kiss instead.

Fenris framed her face with his hands as he kissed her thoroughly.

"Don't think you're getting off that easily." He growled and his voice sent delicious vibrations throughout her body.

Hawke burst out laughing at his choice of words and Fenris grinned wickedly at her.

"I plan on making you prove it as soon as possible my love." she replied with a cheeky smile. "First, let's go and make the children play nice!"

It was indeed what Hawke had thought. A large crowd had gathered in the Gallows and Meredith was surrounded by Templars. First Enchanter Orsino was wringing his hands in agitation and his pupils from the Circle looked worried.

"Have the Circle searched from top to bottom!" the Knight-Commander ordered. "Root out every blood mage!"

"There are no blood mages Meredith! You're insane!" Orsino cried out angrily.

Meredith turned on him; her piercing blue eyes icier than Hawke had ever seen them.

"Don't lie to me First Enchanter!" she sneered. "You are harboring blood mages and we will seek them out and destroy them!"

Meredith took a threatening step towards Orsino but the older mage did not back down.

"You have no right Meredith! We've done nothing wrong. You're paranoid! You see blood mages in every corner!" he seethed as he stared the Knight-Commander down.

Hawke spied Aveline with a garrison of guards and the redhead walked swiftly over to her.

"Aveline, what's going on?" Hawke asked quietly.

The captain shook her head, worry evident in her expression.

"What's always wrong Hawke? Knight-Commander Meredith believes there's some sort of conspiracy in the Tower and she's determined to find it." Aveline replied.

The Templars and mages surrounding them began to shift nervously, sensing that the situation could become violent. Hawke sensed it too and stepped forward quickly.

Hawke put her hands up in a gesture of peace.

"Please Knight-Commander, First Enchanter, stop this bickering! What is going on?" Hawke demanded.

Orsino turned to Hawke a pleading look in his eyes.

"Champion! Thank the Creators you're here! You must talk some sense into the Knight-Commander!"

Meredith hissed angrily.

"Do not speak of me like I am some imbecile mage! The Champion has no right to interfere with my duty as a Templar!" she bellowed and turned to Hawke as if challenging her to disagree.

Hawke knew she had to tread carefully.

"First Enchanter, is there any truth to Meredith's accusations?" Hawke asked calmly.

Orsino threw his hands in the air in frustration.

"She sees lies and treachery everywhere Champion! There are no blood mages being sheltered in the Circle!" he swore.

Hawke turned to Meredith a question in her eyes.

"Knight-Commander?" she inquired, still calm.

Meredith's cool eyes narrowed on Hawke.

"Who are you to question me so? I am not required to answer to you!" Meredith countered.

Hawke raised an eyebrow, her expression cool and disdainful.

"You may not be required to answer to me, but the people of Kirkwall have a right to know the truth if you're going to start a war."

Meredith snorted arrogantly. "The word war implies that the mages could defeat us, which they cannot. However, I have no intention of fighting with them. My only concern is to cleanse the Circle of evil."

Hawke regarded Meredith and realized that the woman truly believed what she was saying. However misguided the Knight-Commander was, she believed that she was acting in the best interest of the people. Hawke took hope from that.

"Knight-Commander, surely there is some way that this can settled peacefully?"

Surprisingly Hawke saw sadness creep into Meredith's eyes.

"How Champion?" the woman asked and her voice was full of grief. "Tell me that you have not seen with your own eyes the lies of mages and the destruction they have brought into the lives of others. Tell me, what would you do?"

Hawke sighed, tired of hearing the same argument again and again.

"Knight-Commander…Meredith," Hawke began trying to connect with the Templar. "You can't judge an entire group of people based on the terrible actions of a few. Most mages do not give into to blood magic. They do good deeds, and use the gifts the Maker gave them to help others."

Hawke was startled when Fenris stepped to her side.

"It is true Knight-Commander. Maker knows I have enough reason to hate all mages but even I have to admit that not all of them are corrupt." Fenris agreed.

Hawke smiled warmly at him. She was so proud of him for taking a stand and supporting her.

Fenris rolled his eyes and continued. "They still need to be watched and the Templars should remain vigilant, but harassing the mages needlessly will only make matters worse."

Hawke shook her head. Well he still had a ways to go, but it was something she thought wryly.

Fenris smirked at her. He knew exactly what she was thinking.

Behind them, Varric, Merrill and Isabela had arrived. Hawke turned to look at the dwarf.

Varric smiled.

"We heard there was some excitement in the Gallows and we figured you'd be here." he answered her unasked question.

Orsino looked back at Meredith.

"Meredith, there has to be another way. Please!" he begged.

Meredith shook her head in regret.

"I wish there was Orsino but my duties in this instance are clear. The corruption must be found. The Circle will be searched and every mage will be interrogated immediately."

Meredith turned to give orders to her Templars but Orsino had other ideas.

"I will not let this happen Meredith! I will speak to Grand Cleric Elthina myself!"

Orsino turned to head to the Chantry but Meredith grabbed him by the arm.

"You will not bring Her Grace into this mage!" Meredith exclaimed, obviously insulted that Orsino would be so bold.

The First Enchanter shook her off and both the mages and Templars came closer to their respective leaders.

Some mages were nervously reaching for their staffs and the Templars began to reach for their swords.

Hawke went to move between them when she saw movement from the corner of her eye. It was Anders.

Hawke frowned in confusion.

What in the Maker's name was Anders doing in the Gallows? He must have lost his mind coming here she thought wildly. And what was he wearing?

She took in the mage's appearance and Hawke felt a cold fissure of fear in her stomach.

The man standing before her clothed in dark mage's robes bore little resemblance to her friend. He had even changed his hair which was now drawn severely away from his head in a tight ponytail. There were lines of tension in his face and a coldness in his glare that Hawke had never seen before.

What had happened?

Before she could speak to him, Anders stood before Meredith and Orsino.

"The Grand Cleric cannot help you!" Anders cried.

Meredith looked at him with disgust.

"Explain yourself mage!" she ordered

Anders looked at her, his revulsion clear.

"I will not stand by while you treat all mages like criminals!" He slammed his staff on the ground and it made a sound like a crack of thunder.

Hawke flinched in response and took a step towards him in warning. Fenris caught her arm and pulled her back, whispering in her ear.

"Laria, something is wrong. I can feel it. The lyrium in my blood is reacting to something in the air!"

Her gaze fell back on Anders who was now looking at the First Enchanter accusingly.

"And you!" he said pointing at Orsino. "You are supposed to lead the mages but instead you bow and lick their boots like a dog!"

Orsino bristled in anger. "How dare you! Who do you think you are?"

Anders slammed the staff again, splitting the ground with the force of it.

"The Circle has failed us! You have failed us!" Anders screamed.

His skin began to crack and blue light began leaking through.

Oh no! He was losing control! Hawke became frantic. Up until now Anders' status as a Grey Warden had protected him but that was only because the Templars didn't know about Justice!

She had to protect him before it was too late. Hawke shook off Fenris' restraining hand and moved to Anders' side.

"Anders please, calm yourself." she said putting a comforting hand on his arm but he pulled away from her.

"The time for compromise is over." he said firmly. "There can be no half-measures."

Anders looked at her then and Hawke felt goose bumps break out all over her skin.

Her voice was hollow because fear had taken the strength from it.

"Anders…what have you done?" she whispered, terrified of the answer.

He gazed at her and his expression was one of despair.

"There can be no turning back." he replied softly and he turned his eyes towards the Chantry.

The earth began to shake under their feet. People gasped in surprise and tried to stay upright as the ground rolled.

Before Hawke could react a bright piercing red light burst through the roof of the Chantry! Then another and another!

The walls began to separate as the building was spilt apart brick by brick. Two glowing columns like fire reached up to the heavens. Hawke tried to cover her eyes but it was too bright.

A strange vibration filled the air and shook her bones. It was unnatural and the sound made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up.

Pieces of the chantry were carried up into the sky, swirling around and around the light.

They spun faster and faster making a whirlwind. There was a slight hesitation where every sound seemed to cease. Everyone looked up in horror. Then there was a booming explosion that rocked the sky and sent shockwaves across the city. Even the clouds had been burnt up!

Hawke stood gasping for air, shock making her mind slow.

The crowd stood gaping at the place where the Chantry had stood only moments before.

Meredith's eyes filled with tears. "Maker have mercy!"

Orsino couldn't even speak.

Hawke grabbed Anders and shook him.

"What have you done!" she screamed.

He gazed at her and he seemed a shell of the man she knew.

"There can be no peace." was his only answer.

Orsino stared at Anders in dismay. "Why…Why would you do such a thing?"

Anders stood defiantly. "I removed the chance of compromise because there is no compromise, there never was."

A deadly chill fell over the air. Meredith was suddenly very calm.

"The Grand Cleric has been slain by magic." she stated. "The Chantry destroyed. As Knight-Commander of Kirkwall, I hereby invoke the Right of Annulment! Every mage in the Circle will be executed!"

Terrified gasps came from the mages and Orsino whirled around to face her.

"Meredith, you can't! We had nothing to do with this! Please!" he cried out. "Champion, you must help us!"

Hawke faced Meredith. "He's right. This wasn't the Circle's fault. You can't kill every mage in Kirkwall because of the actions of one man! It isn't right!"

Meredith glared at Hawke menacingly. "I demand that you stand with us, Champion!"

A sick feeling of dread settled in Hawke's stomach as a dark thought occurred to her.

She turned slowly towards Anders, the feeling of betrayal thick in her throat.

"Is that why you had me speak to Elthina that day in the Chantry? You used me to get inside unnoticed?"

Anders had the sense to look ashamed.

"If I had told you what I was doing you when have felt honor-bound to stop me Hawke." he whispered.

Fenris swore loudly. "You bastard!" he shouted. "How could you betray her like that? The one person who has always stood up for you no matter what you did!"

Varric looked on in astonishment and the others seemed to be dazed by what Anders had done. Merrill said a prayer for the dead in Dalish and Aveline's hand moved to the hilt of her sword.

Hawke gestured for the Captain to stand down and Aveline gritted her teeth but complied.

Anders moved to stand in front of Hawke. Fenris hissed and made a move to attack the mage but Hawke grabbed him.

Anders looked heartbroken. 'I'm sorry Hawke. I really am but…I had to do this." His voice broke. "The Circle is an injustice not just here but all over Thedas."

He looked up into the sky which was now black. "Mages are abused, assaulted, hunted and no one does anything! They are ripped from their families and branded demons because they were born with gifts from the Maker. It isn't fair and people need to see the truth!"

He looked back at her again. "I'm sorry that Elthina had to die. You'll never know how sorry. And I'm even sorrier that I hurt you…my only friend in the world." A tear slipped down his face and Hawke felt broken inside.

"Anders, why didn't you trust me? I have always supported freedom for mages! I would have helped you find another way!" she said through tears.

"There was no other way!" Anders said bitterly.

She got in his face, grabbing his coat in both her hands.

"Is that you talking or is that Justice?" she sneered.

Anders shook his head, more tears falling from his eyes.

"I don't know." he whispered. "I don't know anymore Hawke!"

For a moment, Hawke saw the old Anders in his eyes. The man with a kind heart and a gentle soul who wanted nothing more than to heal others and free his people.

Justice had warped him but Anders was still in there.

Her decision was made.

Hawke faced Meredith again.

"I will not let you slaughter innocent mages Meredith." Her tone said that she would not change her mind.

Meredith sighed in regret. "You stand against us Champion? So be it. Orsino! Prepare your people for battle. It's the least I can do so you can die with dignity."

Hawke reached for Meredith. "Please, don't do this Meredith! Revoke the Right! It's not too late."

The Knight-Commander shook her head. "As your friend said, there is no going back now."

Hawke watched the Knight-Commander walk away and she felt sick. There would be many lives lost this night.

Orsino swallowed hard and stared at Anders.

"You! You've doomed all of us to death! Is this how you help mages?" he accused.

Anders looked at the man with pity. "We were the walking dead anyway. I'd rather die fighting."

Hawke snapped and shoved Anders backwards, hard. He fell onto the ground and looked up at her fearfully.

She kneeled next to him and clamped her hand around his throat.

"Let me make one thing very clear! You are responsible for every single person that dies because of your actions! You did not help mages this day. You hurt the very ones you were supposedly trying to save!" Her voice was low and deadly.

"The only reason I'm helping is because the mages are innocent and Meredith has clearly lost her mind." She leaned in close so only Anders could hear her.

"I also have to believe that my friend is still in there somewhere. The man I care about would never risk innocent lives because of his own personal mission. I'm hoping that man isn't gone forever."

She pushed him away from her and turned towards her friends.

Fenris was seething with anger. His marking were glowing hotly and he was barely able to restrain himself from ripping Anders' heart out!

Hawke took in the companions before her one at a time.

"I'm not going got ask you to help me. It wouldn't be fair to make you take sides in this." she began. "I must do this. I cannot let the mages be slain for something they didn't do. If you wish to go, I will understand and our friendship will remain no matter what."

Hawke sought out Fenris' reaction first. His was the most important and he had the most reason to turn away.

Fenris didn't hesitate for a moment. He took a hold of her hand firmly his own.

"I stand with you Laria. I always will. And you're right, these children did nothing wrong. We must protect them."

Hawke felt the fist that had tightened over her heart loosen in relief. She let out a ragged breath and smiled at him.

Varric glanced at Isabela, Merrill and Aveline and stepped forward.

"Well, I don't know about Templars, mages and politics but I do know that killing these mages is wrong. Bianca and I are with you Hawke. Hell, we've been spoiling for a good fight!" he laughed.

Hawke grinned at the dwarf, grateful for his help.

Isabela cussed under her breath. "I really have no desire to die today Hawke but I made the mistake of failing you once before. I won't do it again."

"Thank you Isabela." Hawke replied with feeling.

"Well you already know my stance." Merrill said and took her staff from her back.

All eyes were now on Aveline.

Hawke knew how difficult this must be for her friend. Aveline had been married to a Templar and it would go against her nature to stand against them.

The two women stared at each other across a distance that was further than just the ground that separated them.

Hawke couldn't stand the space and she approached Aveline quickly, placing her hands on the woman's arms.

"Aveline, you don't have to say anything. I understand, I do. It's alright. Go, be with your men and protect the city."

Hawke smiled and hoped that the sincerity she felt could be seen.

Aveline laughed roughly and shook her head.

"You're an idiot. Do you know that?" was the woman's reply.

Hawke's mouth fell open in surprise.

"It would take more than Templars and mages to make me leave your side my friend. Yes, I was once married to a Templar but even Wesley would have had a problem with executing those who had done nothing wrong." Aveline punched Hawke on the arm.

"I'm with you."

Hawke hugged Aveline fiercely and thanked the Maker that she had been blessed with such loyal friends.

Aveline's eyes narrowed as she looked at Anders who was still sitting on the ground.

"I do have a problem with him though Hawke." she said. "He deserves to die for what he did."

Fenris drew his sword. "I agree. Let me take care of it for you Laria." And he took a few steps towards the mage.

Anders didn't move and he didn't try to defend himself. He simply hung his head.

Hawke walked back over to him, considering him silently.

Anders kept his head lowered, but spoke.

"I was always prepared to die for what I've done. I knew that from the beginning." he said stoically.

Hawke shook her head. "No. You don't get out of it that easily."

Anders looked at her alarmed and she folded her hands over her chest.

"You have to live with what you've done. Everyday, you will have to remember how many mages were killed because of you. And you'll have to live with the fact that people who cared about you risked their lives to save the innocent while you ran." she stated finally.

Anders scrambled up quickly. "You're going to let me live?" he asked incredulously.

Fenris seemed of the same mind. "Yes, what are you thinking Laria?"

"I'm thinking that death is too easy. I won't make you a martyr Anders. I want you to see what happens to the world because of what you've done. Whether it's for good or ill." Hawke stepped to the side.

"Get out of here Anders." she ordered quietly.

Anders held her gaze for a long moment that was thick with regret and sadness.

"I'm sorry." he whispered as he turned and began running.

Hawke knew deep her heart that she would never see the mage again.

She drew her blades and took in her remaining companions.

"Let's get ready!"

They were behind the walls inside the Gallows waiting for the Templar army to show up.

Many of the mages were just teenagers and they were so frightened! Orsino had tried to bolster his people but Hawke knew that he didn't believe they could win this fight.

Hawke prayed that they would have the maker on their side so that the deaths that took place wouldn't be for nothing.

Fenris squeezed her hand tightly and then suddenly pulled her into his arms, kissing the breath out of her.

He pressed his forehead against hers and held her close.

"Promise me you won't die!" he whispered urgently. "I couldn't stand losing you again!"

Hawke kissed him back with every ounce of passion and love she had inside of her.

"I don't make that promise unless you do!" she replied.

He held her face between his hands, the cold metal of his gauntlets chilling her skin. Fenris stared into her eyes for a long moment, memorizing her features so he could remember the real reason he was fighting.

"Nothing will keep me from you Laria! I swear it!" he promised and crushed his lips against hers again until he couldn't breathe.

They broke apart gasping and clinging to each other. It was hard to face the fact that this could be the last time they held each other.

Hawke pulled herself together. "Orsino! Are you ready?"

The mage nodded somberly. "As ready as we'll ever be Champion."

The sound of war cries and screams reached their ears from the courtyard of the Tower. The clash of metal came closer and they prepared themselves.

Hawke looked Merrill. "Don't forget to stay out of the Templar's reach so they can't drain your mana!" she ordered.

"Understood!"

Some of the mages began to cry, begging Orsino to help them.

The older mage looked lost as he tried to comfort the others with the noise of death getting closer and closer. He looked at Hawke helplessly.

"Champion, what can we do?" he asked, his hope faltering.

Hawke stood firm. "Don't give up Orsino! We can do this! Take courage!" she urged.

There was a sudden banging against the doors as the Templars started breaking through.

"Here they come!" Hawke called out, and a flood of Templars came at them.

Some of the mages ran straight into the fight. Hawke didn't know if they were brave or suicidal, but they were killed almost immediately.

The Templars may have thought that they were facing untried youths but they were up against a group of warriors that had taken down a high dragon! Hawke bared her teeth and ran into the fray. Her companions were close behind her.

It was barely a skirmish.

The Templars that came through the door weren't knights; they were trainees and were outclassed because they didn't know how to fight anything but mages. Faced with battle-hardened fighters, they were overwhelmed.

Hawke wanted to be happy but she realized that they had barely scratched the surface of the Templar numbers. More were coming and the fight would get harder as more troops arrived. The Templars they had just fought were foot soldiers in comparison to the knights that would be coming.

Orsino took in the bodies of the fallen and staggered backwards. He knew what was coming too and Hawke could tell that he was losing faith.

"Why should I wait for her to kill me Champion? And even if we survived we'd have to keep running the rest of our lives! We're apostates now, like him!" he cried. He began looking around a strange glint in his eyes.

Hawke tried to calm him but he wouldn't hear it. Some of the apprentices became frightened as they saw their leader fall apart.

Hawke tried to get his attention. "Orsino! First Enchanter! Get a hold of yourself!" she snapped.

Orsino began to laugh. "Why? I've kept control my whole life and looks what's happened! The people I swore to protect are about to be slaughtered! Look champion! Look at the bodies!"

From behind them another group of Templars was gathering to attack.

Orsino pulled a knife from his sleeve and placed it on his arm.

"Meredith wants blood magic, I'll give her blood magic!" Orsino said with another laugh as he sliced his arm.

Hawke called out too late.

Orsino held his arms open as if in welcome and the bodies of the dead mages began rise and swirl around him.

"What's happening?" Merrill cried, horrified at the sight.

The dead all joined together and became part of Orsino's body. One of the hands even curled around his face like a lover. It was sick!

"Orsino stop!" Hawke shouted but he did not hear her.

A strange light began to spin around him and he was obscured from their sight for a moment. There was a strange guttural snarl coming from the mist and Hawke saw a large shadow rise from within it.

Orsino was gone…replaced by something Hawke had never seen before.

Fenris gripped his sword unsure of what to do. "What is that thing?"

Varric whistled and readied Bianca. "I don't know, but whatever it is…it's unnatural and it needs to die."

Isabela groaned. "Oh great! I'm so glad I did this. I won't be able to eat for a week after seeing that!"

"At least you'll be alive to think it Isabela. C'mon!" Hawke charged the creature and tried to ignore the dead faces staring back at her.

It was disgusting! The golem actually threw chucks of its body at them. It was the most horrible use of magic Hawke had ever seen and she had seen a lot!

A large section hit the Templars that had attacked so that was one thing they didn't have to worry about.

She couldn't think about who those people used to be so she focused on taking the thing that used to be Orsino down!

They had to dodge its long arm reach and they focused on whittling it down until it had no more flesh to throw at them. The creature fell to the ground and Hawke thought it was over when she saw movement out of the corner of her eye.

A smaller piece was scurrying around with two arms and a tail! And it was fast!

Hawke had had enough.

"All of you; herd it this way!" she yelled.

Fenris and Aveline made large sweeps with their swords and Isabela kept it off-balance by appearing and disappearing between stabs. Merrill kept up a flurry of spells so that the golem wouldn't charge them and Varric pelted it with arrows.

When it reached Hawke's area, she simply stomped down on its tail as hard as she could and drove her blade through its head until it went into the ground.

The others struck it until there was nothing left and Merrill set it on fire just to make sure that it couldn't rebuild itself.

Hawke scrubbed the muck from her face and tried to process the loss of life and the desperation that had driven Orsino to forsake his own principles.

It couldn't be for nothing! She wouldn't let it!

Hawke gripped her blades, feeling them like an extension of her own body.

"I'm tired of this." she growled. "Let's go get Meredith."

Fueled by anger and sadness, Hawke and the others cut through the Templars that separated them from the Knight-Commander. As they rushed out into the courtyard, they found Meredith there surrounded by her highest trained knights, including Knight-Captain Cullen.

"Well Champion, it's come down to you and I has it?" Meredith taunted. "I should have known that a filthy street urchin like you would turn traitor!"

Fenris snarled and took a step towards the Commander. Hawke stepped in front of him.

"Now, now Fenris! This is between Meredith and myself. If anyone is going to beat the bitch to a pulp, it'll be me." Hawke aimed a deadly grin at Meredith.

Fenris smiled and bowed slightly, stepping back.

Meredith's contempt was obvious.

"I'm going to enjoy killing you Champion. You're death will serve as a reminder that no one can oppose the Templars and live!" Meredith's eyes were livid with hatred.

Knight-Captain Cullen look startled at Meredith's words.

"Knight-Commander, I thought that we had agreed to arrest the Champion and try her for her crimes?" Cullen said with confusion.

Meredith glowered at him. "You will do as you're told!"

Cullen drew himself up, standing tall and decided.

"No, I will not." he disagreed. "I stood up for you when there were whispers that you had gone mad with power. I didn't believe it, or perhaps I didn't want to. But this…this is too far. You're enjoying yourself and that is not the will of the Maker."

There was a strange flash in Meredith's eyes and it made her men take a few steps backwards.

"I will not be questioned by the likes of you!" she roared.

From her back, Meredith pulled out a long wicked looking blade that glowed with odd crackles of red light. Hawke's eyes widened as she recognized it. The lyrium from the Deep Roads! Hawke heard Varric suck in a shocked breath.

Meredith smiled cruelly. "You know what this is don't you Champion? Raw lyrium! Raw power! With it I shall strike down all of the abominations…starting with you!"

"Laria…" Fenris whispered.

"I know Fenris." Hawke changed her stance to one less confrontational. They were no longer dealing with Meredith. They were looking at someone whose mind had been poisoned.

"Meredith, listen to me." Hawke said as she put her hands down at her side. "You don't know what you're holding. We've seen this before and we've seen what it does to a person's mind. Please let us help you."

The Knight-Commander scoffed at the offer and ran her hands over the blade in a strangely loving manner.

"Do you think me a fool? Can't you feel it? It's alive! And the Maker wants me to use the power to cleanse Kirkwall and from here, the rest of Thedas!" Meredith's eyes glowed with insanity.

Varric spoke up, his voice sincere. "Knight-Commander, I've seen the terrible price this power exacts from those who use it. My brother…it broke his mind and left him a shell. Listen to Hawke, she can help you."

Meredith laughed and and pointed the sword at Hawke. "You're trying to take the power for yourselves! I won't let you!"

Cullen raised his sword and stepped in front of Hawke. "Knight-Commander Meredith! You have broken your vows and I order you to step down immediately!"

Meredith's expression changed to one of pity.

"Stupid boy! You have fallen under the influence of blood magic. All of you have! You're all weak!" She knelt and began to pray. Hawke could hear her asking the Maker to give her strength.

This was not going to be settled with words.

Hawke swung her blades into a readied position, the others followed suit.

"Cullen, you can't reason with her anymore. Please, help us end this." she pleaded.

Cullen looked at his Commander as she muttered broken phrases and nodded.

"Men, to me!" he ordered and the Templars immediately came to his side.

Merrill was astounded. "Who would have thought that Templars would be fighting with us to save mages?"

"It seems today is a day of many firsts." Hawke replied. "Maker help us."

With that Hawke ran at Meredith, hoping to take the woman unaware while she supplicated the Maker. Meredith's head snapped up and she swung out wide with the enchanted blade. It nearly hit Hawke but she rolled under it, dodging it by inches.

The energy coming off of the weapon was strange and it even though it didn't touch her, Hawke felt a slight burn where she had passed it. It staggered her for a moment and she tried to clear her head.

This was dangerous. The weapon could do damage even without touching them.

"Watch out!" she called. "The lyrium can hurt you from a distance!"

The others barely had time to register her warning before Meredith slammed the blade into the ground causing the earth to split. They were thrown backwards by the force even though Isabela and Hawke managed to roll to their feet.

Varric landed a hit on Meredith and Merrill attempted to drain her with entropy.

Hawke and Isabela both had the same thought and without speaking, they threw miasma bombs to cloak themselves and reappeared on opposite sides of the Commander.

Knowing she'd have to choose one of them to attack first, when Meredith aimed her sword at Hawke, Isabela struck her in the side, trying to get between her armor plates.

Meredith screamed and swung blindly at Isabela. Hawke took advantage and slammed her foot into Meredith's leg at the knee making her stumble. Then she spun her blade around so that the hilt was facing outwards and punched Meredith in the face with it.

The Knight-Commander howled as blood poured from her nose and hit Hawke in the stomach with her elbow. She tried to swing the sword but her angle was awkward. She did manage to tag Hawke with the edge of the sword though and Hawke screamed as a strange vibration flowed through her armor.

Fenris ran forward to help her but Hawke back flipped out of Meredith's range.

"Are you alright?" he shouted.

Hawke nodded silently not able to catch her breath yet.

Meredith was panting and there were glowing red lines crossing her face. She seemed fatigued and Hawke felt hope that they could take her.

"See the power given me by the Maker!" Meredith exclaimed suddenly.

They watched in astonishment as Meredith flew into the air, landing on the steps above the courtyard.

She planted the blade in the ground and the red lyrium seemed to stream from the blade. It flowed like a river, surrounding the mammoth statues in the courtyard.

The lyrium travelled up each one licking it like fire and then the unbelievable happened.

The statues came to life.

The entire group, Templars and companions alike, fell silent in awe as each statue proceeded to pull itself out of the ground.

Like a nightmare, emaciated looking statues of slaves began walking towards them. That wasn't all. The statues depicting the Gate Guardians came to their feet and they were armed!

"Maker have mercy!" Cullen prayed.

Isabela's mouth fell open. "You have got to be kidding me!"

Fenris grabbed Hawke's arm and began pulling her back.

"Laria run! Get out of here, this is madness!" he ordered.

She shook him off. "No Fenris! We can beat her! Look at her!" she urged. "Everyone, look at her!" Hawke pointed at the Knight-Commander.

"She's tired. Look at her face, the red lines! The lyrium is draining her and it's the lyrium that's powering the statues. If we kill her and destroy the sword, the statues will go back to normal!" Hawke knew that she was right.

Isabela rolled her eyes. "Right then! We just need to avoid the giant murderous statues and take out the insane, lyrium maddened Templar! Easy!"

"I didn't say it would be easy! We need to take care of those guardian's first because they have weapons." An idea occurred to her and her face brightened.

"Treat them like people and go for the legs! If they can't stand they can't come after us. Then, we go after Meredith!" she stated confidently.

Fenris felt a warm glow of pride as he took in the woman at his side. She was extraordinary!

Cullen gathered the Templars and they attacked one of the guardians. Hawke ordered Varric and Merrill to hit the slave statues from a distance to give them some breathing room.

The guardians had a fancy trick of spinning their arms wildly and striking out with multiple blows. It took a lot of work to avoid being hit but they stuck to the plan.

Hawke saw an opening and she yelled for Merrill to freeze the guardian at the knees. They immediately began hacking away and the ice made the statue vulnerable. With a loud creak the legs gave way and the statue toppled on its side.

"Fenris, Aveline! Take its head off while we help the Templars!" Hawke charged.

The Templars had actually done quite well holding their own and with Hawke's help the felled the second statue as well.

The "slaves" were busy crawling around with broken pieces after Varric and Merrill had inflicted damage on them. It was only Meredith now.

The Knight-Commander launched herself in the air with a frantic screech and landed in front of Hawke.

Meredith's eyes were red now with the fire from the red lyrium.

"Maker, give your servant strength!" Meredith pleaded.

Hawke wasted no time and kicked the woman in the face. Meredith screamed in rage.

Fenris stopped her sword from connecting with Hawke's head and the red lyrium travelled down Fenris' blade making him cry out.

Hawke struck out seeing an opening around the Knight-Commander's inner thigh. Meredith instinctively moved to cradle the wound and Aveline bashed her with her shield.

The Commander fell to her knees but braced herself with the sword causing a wave of energy to fly out, knocking them back.

Meredith was gasping and she clung to the sword, raising it over her head with both hands.

"Maker! Save you servant!" she shrieked.

The sword started shaking in her hands, the red lyrium flashing brilliantly and for a moment Hawke wondered if they were about to face a new monster.

There was a loud bang and the sword rose into the air and shattered in a hundred pieces. A cloud of red mist swirled around Meredith and she began screaming.

The mist penetrated her armor and the woman's cries became almost inhuman!

Hawke moved to help but Fenris and Aveline both stopped her.

A blinding red fire began consuming Meredith and she fell to her knees, her arms outstretched as if asking for help.

There was nothing they could do.

"Oh Creators!" Merrill cried.

Some of Templars began praying.

Meredith's mouth opened wide as if she was trying to speak but the fire burned hotly once more and then stopped.

The only sound was coming from the shape that used to be the Knight-Commander. It pulsed with energy but there was no life that they could see.

Hawke approached it carefully as did Cullen.

Meredith had become a statue herself, frozen in the last moments of death.

Hawke heard Fenris saying a blessing for the dead in the tongue of Tevinter.

The Templars gathered around their fallen leader. No one knew what to say.

It seemed to suddenly occur to everyone that they were supposed to be fighting one another. The Templars took up an attack stance and Hawke tried to find the energy inside her to keep fighting.

Her eyes met Cullen's and a moment of wordless communication passed between them.

There was a beat of silence and then…Cullen stepped back.

Hawke exhaled and her legs almost gave out. Fenris put a strong arm around her waist while she steadied herself.

Cullen lowered his sword and the Templars followed suit.

"There has been enough death, enough… madness here today, Champion. I will not continue it. Meredith was corrupted by the lyrium and her decision was also corrupted. I hereby revoke the Right of Annulment!" Cullen gestured to the Templars and they sheathed their swords.

Hawke smiled gratefully. "Thank you Cullen. Or should I say, Knight-Commander Cullen?"

He bowed. "Serrah Hawke. We will take no action against you. You acted to save the city and we are thankful."

Hawke nodded and gestured for the others to follow her.

As they took a boat back to the city Hawke took a deep breath. They had survived!

Hawke moved over to Fenris and he folded her into his arms, holding her tightly.

"It looks like we kept our promise." he whispered into her hair.

Hawke hugged him as hard as she could, thankful beyond measure that they had lived.

"Indeed we did. I really wasn't sure for a while there!" she admitted.

Fenris kissed her temples and then her lips.

"You're the most amazing person I've ever known Laria. I don't believe that there's anything you couldn't do." he murmured.

She laughed. "How about going a week without some sort of disaster?"

Fenris smiled warmly. "Let's see if we can make that happen."

The exhausted group entered Hawke and Fenris' home, amazed that they were alive.

Varric grinned at her. "Well Hawke, you've given me enough material to tell a thousand tales. I may have to write a book and retire!"

Isabela snorted. "I want a cut of those proceeds sweetie!"

Hawke chuckled and looked around. Where were Bodhan or Sandal and Orana?

She started to call out when there was a movement from her left side.

Fenris sucked in a sharp breath.

An elven woman approached them. She had red hair, and her eyes seemed familiar.

She knew that soulful shade of green! They were…Fenris' eyes!

Fenris felt himself take an unsteady step forward as memories threatened to swamp him.

There was a flash and he had an image of a little girl with braided red pigtails running around a small courtyard. A woman called out to them…but it was gone just as quickly!

Fenris started at the elf. His heart was beating so hard he thought it would burst from his chest. He knew this woman!

She stared back at him.

"Hello Leto."

Alternate Ending Part 2

Fenris was shaken to his core.

After so much pain and loss, his sister was standing before him. He couldn't believe it.

"Varania?" Fenris whispered hoarsely. "I…I remember you. We played together as children while our mother worked."

The elf nodded solemnly. "Yes Leto. Our mother was a slave. Do you remember her?"

Fenris shook his head. Hawke tried not to gawke. She was so happy that Fenris had found his sister. She was trying not to burst with happiness! She grinned like an idiot instead.

Hawke cleared her throat quietly. "You called him Leto?"

Varania turned her attention to Hawke and her expression was odd.

"Yes, that's his name." she confirmed in a rather empty tone.

Something was off and apparently Fenris felt it too. He took a small step towards his sister.

"Varania? What's wrong? Why are you acting so strangely?" he asked, about to reach out a hand to her.

Hawke grasped Fenris' arm, a feeling of dread coming over her abruptly.

"Fenris…something is wrong. I can feel it. Don't go near her!" she urged, pulling him back.

It was too late.

Behind them there was an odd sound like the air had warped. Hawke spun around and saw that their friends were encased in some kind of force field. A wall of energy shimmered, trapping their companions inside and blocking them from getting to Fenris and Hawke.

Fenris pulled his sword out, shifted towards his sister angrily.

"What have you done?" he hissed. "How…how did you do that? Are you…a mage?" he asked, horrified.

The voice he heard next chilled the blood in Fenris' veins. It was the voice of a nightmare.

A dark chuckle echoed from the landing above them.

"Ah, My little Fenris." Danarius chided. "Not the sharpest tool I've ever had but certainly the prettiest." The man's smile was pure evil.

Fenris felt the breath get sucked out of his lungs. The world seemed to tremble and shake but he realized that it was him who was shaking.

Denarius was here! A hideous wraith from his past come to destroy him.

How did he find me? Fenris' thoughts were spinning so fast he couldn't catch them. Then in a moment of painful clarity, he had it.

He turned slowly to face his sister. Varania!

"You! You did this to me!" he snarled.

Varania seemed unmoved. "I did what I had to do Leto."

Fenris shattered one of the small tables with his sword, sending splinters everywhere.

"Don't call me that!" he bellowed furiously. "I am not that boy and you are no sister of mine, you backstabbing whore!"

Fenris grabbed Varania by the throat with his free hand and lifted her off the floor. Her fingers clutched at his gauntleted hands feebly.

"How much did they pay you to betray me, Sister? Hmmm? How much was family worth to you?" Fenris could barely breath he was so angry, so hurt.

Danarius spoke now. "Put her down Fenris." he ordered calmly, sounding quite sure that he would be obeyed. "She's a good apprentice and I don't want her damaged."

Fenris threw Varania against the wall and bared his teeth to his former master.

"You do not order me to do anything Danarius!" Fenris answered. His feet were planted wide and his stance said that he was ready to fight.

Danarius simply laughed as if he were vastly amused. "Look at my wolf. Still a little beast aren't we?" he mocked.

Fenris couldn't even form words, he just growled making Danarius laugh even more. The mage clapped his hands in delight.

It was that laughter that snapped Hawke out of her moment of fear. Seeing that vile man making fun of Fenris, trying to make him feel like an animal made her blood boil.

"How dare you speak to him like that you conniving bastard!" Hawke cried. "He doesn't belong to you and he never will."

Danarius simply clucked his tongue. "Ah yes, the Champion of Kirkwall. The mighty Hawke! Or should I call you Laria?" he smirked.

Hawke felt a tremor go through her. He knew who she was.

Danarius nodded as if reading her thoughts. "I can't tell you how happy I am to find you two together. I get two slaves back in one trip. And I must say that you've made me wonder how many other slaves have such… untapped potential."

He folded his arms on the bannister, challenging her with his eyes. "I look forward to finding out when we get back to Tevinter."

With that, several groups of Tevinter soldiers emerged from the upper floor.

Now that she was unfrozen, Hawke pulled out her blades and took a position at Fenris' back to protect him.

"You will not take her." Fenris' voice was deadly and Danarius didn't like it.

"I see that you will have to learn your place again Fenris. I shall enjoy teaching you." Denarius promised.

Fenris smiled, letting every ounce of hatred he had felt over the years pour into his face.

"You are welcome to try Danarius." Fenris readied his sword.

Danarius scowled unhappily. "You overestimate your value Wolf! I would prefer to take you back alive but I can retrieve my investment by skinning you instead."

Fenris laughed darkly. "If you're so confident then why are you still talking? Come and get me!"

Hawke realized that Fenris wasn't exactly thinking clearly. He was blinded by anger and hatred, and he failed to see that they were outnumbered and without the support of their friends.

"Fenris," she whispered. "There are a lot of soldiers and Danarius is a mage. The others are trapped! We need a plan."

"The plan is to tear Danarius' heart from his chest and shove it down his throat." Fenris replied.

Hawke managed to find the energy to roll her eyes. They had just fought gigantic living statues and a hideous golem in an all-out battle at the Gallows. They weren't exactly in any shape to take on an army.

"That's wonderful my love, but we need a strategy." she retorted sharply. "We need to free the others."

Fenris' eyes narrowed dangerously as he spied his sister leaning against the wall.

"Kill the source of the spell and they will be freed." he murmured and began moving purposely towards Varania.

Hawke's stomach dropped. "Fenris, are you sure? She's your sister!"

She could barely hear his reply.

"She is nothing to me. Just one more future Magister that needs to die."

Hawke merely nodded. It was more important that they survive this. She would help Fenris deal with the aftermath later.

"Well then, I guess that I'll take the right side." she quipped.

Hawke decided to help assist Fenris and whipped a smoke bomb at the group of soldiers closest to him. If Fenris could get the barrier down, the others could fight and their odds of winning were almost certain.

Fenris only had eyes for Varania. The little girl he remembered was gone, replaced by a power-hungry, treacherous liar. He would take no pleasure in killing her but neither would he feel regret.

Varania flung her hands up in defense and Fenris clamped a hand around her throat before she could use her magic against him. The burn of his markings was stronger than ever and he used the pain to feed his anger.

He felt the power of the lyrium flow through his arms and down into his sword. The blade began to glow hotly with power and Fenris pinned Varania against the wall. He would waste no time on empty goodbyes.

Fenris took one last look at the woman who was his sister and plunged the lyrium-infused sword into her body.

Hawke heard a startled cry get choked off. She kicked one of the soldiers in the head and glanced behind her to see Varania slump to the floor.

She looked at the entryway but to her astonishment the barrier was still up. She didn't understand it. The magic should have dispersed when Varania died.

Danarius answered her question."Varania may have been a mage but I never said that she had erected the barrier. You'll have to deal with me."

Fenris looked at the blood on his sword and smiled.

"Gladly."

One unit of soldiers came down the stairs towards Fenris and the others came at Hawke from the other side. It was a good move, trying to separate them. But the soldiers were in their home, not on a battlefield.

Hawke kept weapons everywhere and she used them. Grabbing knives and poisons, she threw everything she had at the hunters while trying to keep an eyes on Fenris.

Fenris was fine. He was glowing brighter than she had ever seen him, using the lyrium to empower his blade and using his hand when he could to rip the soldiers apart.

Hawke wished she had time to admire his form. Maybe later.

The appearance of an axe slamming into the wall over her head made Hawke come up short. Where the hell had that come from?

She instinctively rolled backwards to protect herself and scanned the room for the origin of the attack. A heavy chair smashed against the wall and Hawke threw herself to the side.

She looked up at the landing. Great! Apparently Danarius had the ability to use telekenic weapons! She was too tired to groan at the unfairness of life.

Danarius was wielding the weapons of his dead soldiers.

"Fenris, Danarius is throwing weapons. Watch your back!" she called out.

Fenris responded by impaling two hunters on his sword. As he started to run up the stairs towards Danarius, a table crashed into him and Fenris tumbled backwards, landing on the floor.

The soldiers advanced on him as he tried to get up. Thinking fast, Hawke grabbed a torch from the wall and set the remaining two hunters in front of her on fire and raced for Fenris.

She dodged a shield being flung at her and rolled under a spear lobbed at her head. She had to get to him!

Fenris scrambled up and spun in a wide circle, killing two soldiers. The third felt Fenris' hand in his chest as he crushed his heart.

Danarius decided that he'd had enough.

Hawke saw a large blade rise in the air. It hovered for a moment before moving towards Fenris whose back was turned.

Time slowed to a crawl and it was as if Hawke could see every moment in her life that lead up to this point.

She could hear her parent's cries as the slavers tore her from their arms.

The young elven girl she had befriended in Tevinter in those early days.

The first glimpse she'd had of Fenris as he strode purposefully through Danarius' estate and the first time Fenris had seen his name in print.

She remembered that first searing kiss between them and how she had known that her life would never be the same again.

The explosion in Seheron that had separated them for so many years and the extraordinary night that she had heard Fenris' deep voice travel through her body after wishing for so long that she could see him again.

She could see the soft, wondrous expression on Fenris' face when they had awoken together for the first time.

Every touch, every cherished smile, every moment they had shared was recalled with perfect clarity as she saw Fenris' death before her eyes.

Hawke opened her mouth to scream, to warn him but it was too late.

Fenris turned and heard the wet sound of metal penetrating flesh.

The blade had spun and pierced Laria through.

She looked at him with shock in her eyes. Her hands grasped the hilt of the sword that had been driven into her body and her knees buckled.

Fenris ran and caught Laria in his arms before she hit the ground. He pulled the blade out of her and cradled her against his chest.

She was gasping for air and Fenris desperately put pressure on the wound.

"Laria!" he cried. "Laria…hold on, please!" he whispered fervently.

He held her with his left arm while he tried to stop the bleeding with his right hand. Her blood pooled beneath them and Fenris urgently pleaded with her to breathe.

"Well, well." Danarius taunted behind him. "Isn't this just sweet? My little wolf has found a mate. How trite!"

He circled Fenris slowly, enjoying the sight of his pet huddled on the floor in obvious pain.

"That was almost too easy. I knew that she would try to save you. How pathetic not to mention, predictable." he sneered.

Fenris could barely hear Danarius' voice. He couldn't stop the bleeding, the wound was too severe.

His hands were coated with Laria's blood. This couldn't be happening!

Fenris brushed a bloody hand through her hair and whispered against her lips.

"Please…please don't do this! Please…" he begged brokenly.

Laria's lips moved as if she were trying to speak but she choked and then gasped again. Her fingers clung to Fenris and her eyes blinked rapidly as she tried to stay conscious.

She drew in a painful breath. "Fenris…" her chest convulsed and he pressed harder on the wound.

"Shhh….don't try to talk, just breathe for me. Please!" he murmured.

Her face contorted in pain and Fenris held her more tightly. She shook her head and tears spilled from her eyes.

One hand shakily reached up and brushed the strands of white hair from his face.

Fenris made a sound of pure anguish and pressed his forehead against hers. He rocked her in his arms and cupped her cheek with his hand.

"My Fenris." she whispered and her breaths were ragged now.

"No!" he shouted. "I can't lose you…not again! Laria please!" he raged.

Danarius smiled maliciously. "I want you to remember this moment forever Fenris. Remember that there is nothing you have that I can't take away." He crouched beside them, careful to keep his robes clear of the blood.

"You will never be happy, you will never be free. Accept your place. The sooner you realize the truth, the sooner the pain will stop." Danarius held out a hand, waiting for Fenris to rise.

A strange vibration filled the air and Danarius clutched his head in pain. A scream was ripped from his throat as his back was bowed. The mage stayed frozen like that for a moment before he fell to the ground and turned to a pile of ash.

Fenris looked around him and saw Sandal standing in the doorway, holding a crimson stone that gleamed like diamonds. A gag hung around his neck.

"Enchantment." the boy uttered serenely.

A wave of energy travelled across the floor as the magical force field collapsed.

Merrill, Aveline, Varric, and Isabela all fell to the floor gasping and coughing.

"Stone-humping nug's balls!" Varric swore. "I thought I was dead!"

Isabela rubbed her forehead. "Andraste's tits, I couldn't breathe in there! What happened?"

Aveline was the first one to see. "Maker…no. Hawke!" she cried.

The others quickly looked up and saw Fenris holding Hawke's limp body. Her eyes were closed. She was completely still and they could barely make out Fenris' torturous moans of grief.

Merrill rushed to their side, placing her hands on Hawke's face. Fenris said nothing. He didn't even look at them.

Isabela fell to her knees beside them. "Merrill," her voice broke. "Is she…alive?"

Merrill concentrated for a moment but she couldn't feel anything coming from Hawke.

Aveline took one of Hawke's hands in her own but her skin was chilled.

Varric couldn't speak. He just stood there, unable to move. His friend…he couldn't even think it.

Merrill raised her eyes to the others. They were filled with tears.

"I can't feel any life inside of her." she cried helplessly.

Isabela refused to give up. "Kitten, you're a mage…heal her!"

Merrill cried harder. "I can't! Not all mages are healers. I know a bit of life magic but her wounds are too serious!" Merrill's eyes widened in horror. "We need Anders." she said brokenly.

Isabela tried to say something but the words got stuck in her throat. She hadn't cried since she was a child but she did now.

Aveline looked frantic. "There must be something we can do!"

Varric felt hollow inside as the reality of the situation hit him. "Anders is gone. The Circle is in chaos. There are no healers close enough to help her."

Aveline was filled with anger. "So that's it? We just give up?" she shouted. "She deserves better than that!" Aveline caught the sob that threatened to rise and ruthlessly crushed it.

"Be quiet." came the ragged whisper.

Silence fell on the others as Fenris spoke.

"Get out of here." he ordered. His shoulders were hunched in pain and he wouldn't look at them.

Varric started to speak. "Fenris…"

"I SAID GET OUT OF HERE!" Fenris roared and the sound was so terrible that Merrill scrambled to her feet and backed against a wall.

Varric put his hands up and backed away as did Isabela. But Aveline tried to calm him.

"Fenris, please. She was our friend." Aveline tried to reason. "Let us help you."

Fenris laughed bitterly. "Help me? You want to help me?" he repeated sneering at them, his green eyes full of hatred.

"What the hell do you know about her?" he spat scornfully. "Nothing! I knew her…I lov…" he started to say but he couldn't finish.

Fenris had thought that nothing could be more painful than the day in Seheron but he was wrong. He looked down at Laria's cold body in his arms and he was covered in her blood.

Fenris fought the nausea rising in him and he wanted to tear the walls down with his bare hands and scream until he couldn't breathe anymore.

He had failed her…again. Danarius had been right. He was never meant to be happy and now he never would be.

"Get out." he commanded again and this time they didn't argue.

Fenris didn't bother to watch them leave.

Epilogue…

In the wake of the event sin Kirkwall, Hawke's companions decided that it was time to leave the Free Marches.

Aveline and her husband Donnic moved back to Ferelden where they were welcomed after fighting to save Kirkwall. They entered the service of King Alistair and the maker blessed them with two children. Both had red hair.

Varric felt the losses of that time deeply. He had lost both his brother and his best friend. He travelled to Orzammar feeling the need to connect with any family he had left. While he didn't stay there, he discovered that he wasn't alone in the world and that he had family who would always welcome him.

Isabela got out of Kirkwall as fast as she could. She bought a boat, took on a crew and never looked back. Merrill decided to join her and for a time they travelled together.

One day, feeling weighed down by grief and guilt, Isabela drank herself into a stupor. While stumbling back to her ship, she was attacked by a gang of thugs who wanted to steal her cargo. Her senses were too dulled by alcohol to be able to fight back and she was killed. Merrill made sure that the pirate was buried at sea and then the elf disappeared.

The mage Anders was found dead in a remote location in Ferelden. His heart had been torn from his chest.

Hawke's estate in Hightown was burned to the ground and Fenris vanished. Over the years there were many rumors about a dangerous elf with white hair and strange markings that appeared in Tevinter. Suddenly many Magisters began disappearing, their bodies turning up, mutilated and burned almost beyond recognition.

The elf was seen in various taverns in the land, starting fights and drinking heavily. At one establishment the strange elf picked a fight with a man who had recently escaped from a prison in Nevarra. The elf landed a few punches and laughed as the man beat him. The convict pulled a blade from his boot and sank it into the elf's heart.

Reports from witnesses say that the elf looked at the knife in his chest, smiled and said "Thank you." Before falling to the floor dead.

*Obviously this was my idea before I loved Fenris as much as I came to, but I figured I'd let you see how it was going to end originally*