The Champion

            The Red Hood stood hidden in shadows as she watched a small group of the Kirkwall’s guardsmen pace before an entrance to an old and long abandoned dwarven passage.  She took note of the elven man that faced the entrance, his stiff body telling her he was barely containing his rage.  She had come across the guardsmen’s foot prints further up the Coast and had decided to investigate.  Normally, she would keep out of the Guard’s way and leave them to their rounds.  But she had recently heard of the corruption that Hawke and her Guard friend had weeded out and while the man in charge may no longer be in a position of official power, that didn’t mean that he and those loyal to him wouldn’t seek revenge in whatever way they sought.  And the trail had suggested to her that the guardsmen were chasing someone.

            When she reached the end of the trail and saw them waiting at the passage entrance with the elf, she had decided to keep back.  There didn’t appear to be any immediate danger, certainly nothing the soldiers couldn’t handle, and they probably wouldn’t appreciate the help of a vigilante.  Or at least the masked one.  She had a feeling they wouldn’t have an issue with Hawke if the rogue woman showed up, being close friends with the new Captain of the Guard and all.  She was just thinking about getting back to roaming the Coast when the elf began to argue with one of the guardsmen.  She edged closer in order to hear better.

            “I won’t tell you again elf,” said the guardsmen, irritation clear in his voice.  “Go home.”

            “I will not leave as long as that monster,” the elf snarled the word and pointed at the passage, “continues to breathe.”

            The guardsmen was quickly moving from irritated to pissed off.  The past few days had not been kind to him and he was getting sick of the disrespect he was receiving from others.  Dirty knife-ears or whores who thought they could be Captain.  When the elf refused to listen to him, he growled and thought enough was enough.  No one would notice another elf disappear and the men with him would keep quiet.  He drew his sword and stepped toward the elf.

            He froze when something flew passed him and struck his sword, the sound of metal striking metal ringing out.  “Hold it,” a female voice called out and he slowly turned to see a young woman step out of the shadows.  Mel slowly made her way toward the elf, keeping her bow trained on the guardsman.  “There’s no need for that.”

            The Guard archer with him let out a gasp.  “Urian, it’s the Red Hood,” the man exclaimed.

            “I can bloody well see that, Cox!” Urian snapped.  What the Void was she doing here?  First Hawke and her shifty friends and now the vigilante!  He warily glanced around but couldn’t see the beast rumored to fight with her.  Perhaps that was just that, a rumor.  He pointed his sword at the hooded girl.  “You, leave.  This is the business of the City Guard.”

            Mel narrowed her eyes and took count.  She only counted three guardsmen, two warriors and an archer.  If it came to a fight, she could take out the one warrior fast as his helm was removed and the archer didn’t even have his bow in his hands, so he would be a fast drop too.  The second warrior could be tricky, but she was confident she could take him.  She would just have to be careful to not get hurt.  Fen didn’t like her scouting the Coast when he wasn’t there to help.

            Mel placed herself between the elf and the guardsman.  “Strange, it looked like you were drawing a weapon on a defenseless elf.  Guess the new Captain’s clean up isn’t finished after all.”

            Urian clenched his teeth.  The bitch!  “The elf is obstructing justice,” he snarled.

            “Justice!” the elf shouted.  He moved to the side, allowing Mel to see him without her taking her eyes off the guardsmen, although she mentally cursed him for it.  If the other warrior charged, she may not be able to stop him in time.  “There is a… shem in there who has slaughtered elven children!”  Pain twisted his expression.  “Including my daughter.  And they,” he spat at Urian, “plan to return him to his father.  How can you call that justice?”

            Mel glared at the guardsmen.  Un-fucking-believable.  “You can’t.”

            The other warrior stepped forward.  “What the elf is failing to say is that he wishes to kill the man once he is brought out of the ruins.”  He gestured toward the passage and Mel wondered how many guardsmen were in there.  Fen was going to sit on her for sure when he got back.  Maker damnit.  “To kill him in cold blood isn’t justice.  The man must stand trail.”

            Mel raised a brow at the irony of the man’s words as the elf scoffed.  “And he will walk free just like all the other times.”

            “Enough!” shouted Urian.  He glared at the other Guard warrior, Mason, indicating that he should be silent and turned back to the elf and the vigilante.  “This is a waste of time.  You are both interfering in Guardsmen business and if you do not leave now I will be forced to bring you in.”  He focused on the Red Hood as he said this last part.  Mel knew that the distraught father wasn’t going anywhere and prepared herself for the coming fight.

            “Baba!”  The voice of a child broke through the tension and everyone turned to witness as a young female elf came running out of the passage.  The elf next to Mel let out sound of disbelief before he sprinted forward, pulling the child into his arms and collapsing to his knees.

            “Lia!”  The elf looked his daughter over, hardly believing that she was here.  “You’re alive.”  He gathered her tightly in his arms and his next words were muffled, “How it possible?”

            “He let me go, baba,” the child answered, her voice betraying how close to crying she was.  What? Mel thought.  She heard movement behind her and whipped around, training her bow back on the guardsmen.

            Urian still had his sword drawn but he had lowered it to his side.  Maybe now that the knife-ear’s daughter was fine, he and the hooded bitch would leave.  Then he would just need to deal with Hawke.  “Look at that.  Your daughter is alive.  Now you can leave.”

            The elf stood up and glared at the shem while pointing at the passage.  “That man is still in there!” he shouted.  “He can’t be allowed to live!”

            Urian opened his mouth to argue but it was the child that beat him to it.  “No baba!”  Everyone looked at her in shock as she continued.  “Like I told that woman and her friends, he shouldn’t be killed!”

            To say Mel was confused would be understating it.  “The man kidnapped you and tried to kill you.  He’s done so with many other children.  Why would you want to spar him?”

            The girl turned to her and almost let out a gasp.  It was the Red Hood!  Just wait until she told Gemet.  “But he didn’t try to kill me!  He told me to run.”

            Mel lowered her bow and put a hand to her forehead.  “This is hurting my head.”

            “She’s in shock,” said the elf.  “She doesn’t know what she is saying.”

            “But I do know, baba!”

            Urian clenched his teeth and his hands.  “I told you all to leave!”

            Mel rolled her eyes and spoke without thinking, forgetting momentarily that the situation still had the potential to turn deadly.  “Hey, we’ll leave when we’re good and ready to.”  When Mel saw the rage fill the guardsman’s eyes, she realized her mistake.  “Ah shit.”

            Urian raised his sword and was about to give the order to arrest them when once again, another female voice interrupted him, this one more mature than the child’s.  “Oh look!  A party!”  Again, everyone looked at the passage and Mel didn’t know whether to curse or be relieved when she saw the familiar dark haired rogue emerging from within.  Behind her came Varric, who seemed to find the situation amusing, and Fenris, who didn’t seem to share the same thought.  Another woman emerged with them, her dark body barely covered by her rogue armor and a magnificent pair of daggers held in her hands.  All of them were wearing what Mel assumed was some unfortunate souls’ blood.  Hawke moved to Mel’s left side, smiling but her eyes were hard.  “I do hope I haven’t missed all the fun.”  Urian only continued to glare.

            Varric moved to stand to Mel’s right and winked at her.  “Hey Hood.  Making new friends?”  He watched her eyes roll behind her mask but they glittered with amusement.

            “So this is the Red Hood I’ve been hearing about?”  Mel turned to see the new woman looking her over before also winking at her, although there was clearly a different meaning behind it.  The vigilante looked to Fenris and was surprised to see the elf glaring at the other woman.  Of course, once he noticed she was staring at him, that glare was aimed at her and she answered with one of her own before focusing back on Hawke when the rogue spoke again.

            Hawke was speaking to the elf.  “Elren.  I see your daughter was able to find the exit okay.”

            The father gave her smile filled with gratitude.  “Thank you, Messere!”  Mel raised a brow at the term the elf chose to use, indicating just how high he held Hawke.  “You saved my daughter’s life!”  He took a step forward, keeping a hand on his daughter’s shoulder.  “What of that monster?  Is he dead?”  Movement caught Mel’s attention and when she looked, she saw Fenris step forward, intent on the father.  Mel tilted her head in curiosity.

            Hawke’s expression soften as she answered the elf.  “He will not bring harm to Lia or another child again.”  Mel gripped her bow tighter when she noticed the guardsmen tense.

            Elren’s eyes held doubt.  “Are you certain?”

            Fenris took another step forward.  “I killed him myself.”  Mel looked to his right hand when he started to raise it but then clenched it and lowered again.  She saw that it was covered in blood.  Her attention was drawn away when the elf child began to weep.

            Elren looked to his weeping daughter and gathered her close before turning back to Hawke.  “I- I never thought an elf could actually receive aid from anyone in Kirkwall.  To receive true justice.”  He glanced at Mel.  “It’s good to see that I was wrong in this.”  He took another step toward Hawke.  “I speak for all of us in the alienage when I say we are in your debt, Messere.”  Mel just couldn’t help herself and gave Hawke a mocking bow, earning herself a scowl from the woman and chuckles not only from Varric and the dark skinned woman but also from Fenris.  Elren continued, “It has been an honor to have met you, Hawke.”  He turned to Mel.  “And a privilege to have met the Red Hood.”  With those final words, Elren and his still crying daughter left, slowly making their way around the guardsmen and taking the safest path back to Kirkwall.  Mel couldn’t understand the child’s reaction to the death of the man that had kidnapped her but she still sent a quick silent pray to whomever may be listening that Lia and her father would be okay.  Then she turned to Hawke.

            “How come it’s an honor to meet you but only a privilege to meet me?”

            Hawke smirked at the masked woman.  “I’m prettier.”

            Urian had long since sheathed his sword, waiting impatiently for the elf and Captain’s friend to finish their exchange.  After all, he needed to confirm the woman’s claim.  “You killed the Magistrate’s son?” he demanded to know.  Mel’s eyes widened at this piece of news.  The Magistrate’s son!  Shit, why did she have to stumble into this mess?

            Hawke sighed but confirmed, “I killed a murderer.  A man who has killed before and would’ve again.  Or rather, he did with my okay.”  She pointed over her shoulder at Fenris.  Mel looked at him but he kept his eyes on the guardsman.

            “You went against his orders?” Urian asked in disbelief.  He never actually thought this woman would be stupid enough to go against the Magistrate.  “Do you not understand just how much influence he has in Kirkwall?”

            Mel glared at him.  “Just because someone is powerful doesn’t mean they shouldn’t face the consequences of their actions like everyone else,” she spat, with heated venom in her voice.   This drew many curious glances and a stare from a certain white haired elf.

            Hawke placed a calming hand on the bow-woman’s shoulder, although she had to struggle to keep her own anger under control.  She would rather avoid a fight than go looking for one, contrary to popular belief.  “I agree.  Besides, he didn’t exactly give us much of a choice.”

            “And what will your friend the Captain say?” Urian sneered.

            Hawke narrowed her eyes.  “She will understand.  I’m curious what she would say about some of her guardsmen choosing to take the man to his father rather than to Kirkwall’s prison to await trail there.”  Hatred flashed in Urian’s eyes at the implied threat.

            The other warrior Guard spoke up.  “I feel just as bad for those knife-ears as the next man, but to go against direct orders -”

            Hawke couldn’t stop some of her anger from lashing out at his words.  “You can’t claim to care and use that phrase in the same sentence.  And correct me if I’m wrong, but aren’t direct orders only meant to come from your superiors in the Guard or the Viscount himself?”

            “No matter where our orders came from, you were here to complete a job given to you by the Magistrate,” Urian countered.

            “Without all of the facts,” Varric pointed out.

            “Do you think he will care?”

            Hawke shrugged.  “So I won’t get paid.  At least I won’t have innocent blood on my hands.”

            Urian clenched his fists.  The bitch might not care that she wasn’t getting paid, but neither would he!  And why did the Magistrate hire her anyway?  If she hadn’t appeared, his plan to starve the young man out would’ve worked in time.  Oh how he wanted to make her pay.  But there were far too many reasons why attacking her wouldn’t be in his best interests.  His gaze fell on the Red Hood.  Perhaps he could still get something out of this mess.  After all, plenty have placed a bounty on the vigilante’s head.  The beast too, but it didn’t appear to be present and he highly doubted it existed to begin with.  He looked to the men with him and gave the order.  “Arrest the Red Hood.”

            Mel gave a startled step back at the unexpected turn of events.  “Wait. What?”  When the guardsmen made to move forward, someone gripped her arm and pulled her back before she could react.  Next thing she knew, she found herself staring at Fenris’s armored back, his sword drawn and his markings glowing.  The guardsmen all froze in place.

            Hawke smirked at the leader’s face.  It was the most perfect ‘oh shit I didn’t think this through’ face she had ever seen.  “You might want to rethink that,” she said, gesturing to not only the now pissed off elf but also the dwarf who had his crossbow at the ready.  Isabela still had her weapons drawn from earlier but she remained back, appearing relaxed although Hawke was sure she was just waiting for the action to start.  “You really don’t want to take on these guys.”

            “You cannot intervene in official -”

            “Official my ass!” shouted Mel as she tried to get pass Fenris so she could deal with the man herself.  The elf attempted to block her attempts with his body but when she almost slipped past him, he decided to try another method.  He stuck his sword in the ground and ripped Mel’s bow from her hands and threw it next to his blade.  Then he whirled her around and trapped her in his arms, her back to his chest, her arms crossed against her chest, and his hands gripping her wrists tightly.  She struggled in his grip but was unable to break free.  That didn’t stop her from continuing to yell at Urian.  “You’re just pissed that nothing went your way today!”  She followed that with a few elvhen curses that had Varric and Isabela snorting.

            “Do you have a death wish?” Fenris hissed in her ear.  Mel stopped struggling, but not because she realized he was much too strong for her but because of his voice.  That gravelly voice that sparked an unfamiliar heat within her and pushed forth a breath on her neck that chilled – what the Void was she thinking!  Focus Mel!  And not on the attrac – asshole of an elf manhandling you.  You can deal with him later.  She glared at the guardsmen and spat another few curses their way, ignoring the stare of the unknown woman and her sly grin.

            Before the guardsman could respond, Hawke spoke, “Let me make this easy for you.  She’s with us.  You raise a sword against her, you do so against us.”  Mel stopped struggling again and stared at Hawke with surprise as she listened to the young woman’s bold words.

            A moment of tense silence passed as everyone waited to see what the guardsman would decide.  Urian let out a frustrated growl and ordered his men to stand down.  He shot Hawke and the Red Hood one last glare that held a promise before turning and marching back to Kirkwall.  Once they men were out of sight, Fenris released Mel.  It was so abrupt, she stumbled forward but tried to save it by making it appear as if she was merely attempted to snatch her bow from the ground.  When she turned however she caught Varric’s knowing grin and knew she hadn’t fooled anyone.  She tugged lightly on her hood to secure it on her head and attempted to speak, but was startled when a certain snarling elf invaded her space.

            “What were you thinking?” Fenris growled.  He couldn’t believe this woman, this girl!  Was she trying to get herself killed?

            Mel glared at him and took a step back.  “Why the Void are you pissed at me?”

            Fenris answered her retreat with an advance.  “You shouldn’t be here!”

            “I bloody live out here, remember!” she shouted.  “And I wasn’t going to stand by while they struck down that elf!”

            “Okay.”  Varric pushed his way between the two, a little concerned that there was still a good chance of more blood being spilt.  “Let’s just calm down.”

            “You were a fool to even attempt to take them on your own,” Fenris said.

            “Enough!” Varric shouted, his rarely serious tone causing the angry warrior and rogue to listen.

            “Aw, why’d you have to make them stop?” the other woman whined.

            “Isabela,” Hawke warned.

            Varric ignored the two.  “Mel, where is Fen?”  The concern in his eyes both surprised her and touched her.  “Is he okay?”

            “He’s fine.  He’s currently hunting on the other side of the mountains.  It’ll be another day or so before he returns.”  Every once in a while, the red lion had to hunt outside the area as the Free Marches weren’t used to accommodating such a predator along with the indigenous creatures.

            “You’re wandering the area without protection!” Fenris shouted.

            “I can take care of myself just fine!” Mel shouted right back.  Varric threw his hands up in the air.  Apparently it was pointless to prevent this fight.

            “I find that a little hard to believe based on what occurred here today,” Fenris said, his voice now deadly calm.

            “I had a plan,” Mel said through her teeth.

            “And what if there had been more than just those three?  What then?”  When Mel didn’t immediately respond, Fenris gave a sharp nod.  “Just as I thought.  You continue this charade under the false belief of being invincible and you will end up dead.  This is not a game you are playing, girl.”

            Mel took a deep breath, reining in her anger and hurt at his words.  “I know that what I do isn’t a game, elf.”  She surged forward, surprising Fenris when she invaded his space.  “You have no idea just how aware I am of my vulnerability.”  His brow furrowed at her words but before he could comment, she had whipped around and stormed off, quickly disappearing amongst the rocks and trees.  Fenris stared after her for a moment before shaking his head and taking off himself, cursing under his breath.

            Hawke, Varric and Isabela remained standing, thinking over what just occurred.

            Hawke turned to Varric.  “Did you catch -”

            “Oh yeah.  Couldn’t miss it.”

            Isabela laughed.  “Ten sovereigns that he snaps first.  An extra five if it’s up against a wall.”