The Way Out Is Through - Chp.2

Ardinal Tabris turned to face the remaining Templars. Their advance had slowed as they took head of the Grey Wardens who had not only appeared among their folly, but downed their Lieutenant in one deadly strike. Her armour shone a hellish red. Battle born flames danced across her blades. Her frame, although petite in stature commanded a terrifying presence, one which the Templars had undoubtedly noticed. Two from their ranks approached her, caution in their steps.

"This does not concern you Grey Warden. An Annulment is in pla..."

"Wardens are my concern Templar." Ardinal responded sternly.

The Right of Annulment had most probably been called off after Meridith's demise, but Luca decided it best not to mention, given these Templars had attacked with no certainty of the mages among them.

"Our order is withdrawing from Kirkwall. I am here to ensure that all are doing so, and without incident." Ardinal continued.

"It's Hawke. I'm sure it is. If she's here then that bastard..." The second Templar spoke, her gaze meeting Luca's briefly.

"Be still. We will find the apostate responsible but first we must..." The male Templar shifted nervously. He stared intently at Ardinal, accessing the situation.

"We have reason to believe that Serah Hawke is harbouring the apostate responsible for the destruction of our beloved Chantry. You, Warden are currently between us and said Serah Hawke."

The urge to take charge of the situation rose beneath Luca's skin. To have someone speak on her behalf felt... unnatural and something she was far from accustomed to. To her relief, Anders had remained quiet. Had they not been friends Luca wondered whether she would have been compelled to hand him over. Was it so wrong for these Templars to demand justice? After all, innocent lives had been taken...

...but what does one do when it was Justice who saw fit to do so? Luca thought solemnly.

"It would appear that Serah Hawke is accompanying two of my Wardens. It is imperative that my blood brothers leave Kirkwall unharmed. If her purpose is to escort them, then it is in my best interests to allow her to do so." Ardinal responded.

The female Templar sneered.

"It is within our rights Warden! We will not allow a murderer to walk just because your order requires assistance."

Ardinal's eyes narrowed.

"You have heard my terms. It would be wise for you to take your fellow Templars and leave."

"Who are you Warden that you command such authority?" The male Templar demanded.

"I am Warden Commander, Ardinal Tabris and I will not stand down. Do you have the authority to challenge me? What is your rank Templar?"

"I am... I do not..." The Templar had all but lost his resolve as Ardinal breached the gap between them.

"WHAT IS YOUR RANK TEMPLAR?" Ardinal's voice boomed.

Luca looked on in awe as an elven woman imposed her will on a fully armoured Templar. It was then that the name 'Tabris' emerged from her memories, though of what importance she was unable to recall.

"I am but a Templar... as are all present. You took our Knight-Lieutenant from us... but we will not abandon our..."

"Oh shit!" The female Templar spoke, colour draining from her cheeks.

"Tabris. That name... She's the Hero of..."

"Big Archdemony slayer lady... yes. I should know. I was there!" Alistair chimed in.

The Templar knew then he was defeated. He and his division were already exhausted, having spent many hours dealing with wondering abominations and panic-summoned demons.
He would not risk a confrontation with the Wardens who had felled an Archdemon. He briefed his fellow Templars and a unanimous decision was made to withdraw.

"Maker willing, we will have justice!" The female Templar spat before joining the retreat.

Her words hung in the air, and Luca could not help glancing at Anders. As long as she cared for him, 'Justice' would never be theirs.

"Glad that is over with." Ardinal said, her voice now surprisingly gentle.

A smile broke from Luca's lips as she attempted in vain to stifle the child like giddiness which had befallen her when realising that it was a person of legend of whom she owed her thanks.   

"Good use of your angry voice." Alistair said, returning his shield to his back.

"Surely it's not that scary?" Ardinal asked.

"Scares the armour off of me..." Alistair jeered.

"I've never had to yell for that Alistair."

"Com-pan-yyy..." Alistair uttered as Luca moved to meet them.

"Did I hear correctly? You are the Hero...?" Luca began.

"Tabris will suffice. Might you be the Champion of...?"

"Hawke will be fine..."

Both women smiled as a sense of affinity passed between them, their arms locked in greeting. Luca was pleased to find that her giddiness had left her and that no nervous stuttering or quizzical ogling had ensued during her introduction.

"Tabris!?"

Ardinal tilted her head as she strained to recognise the attractive Rivaini.

"Captain... Isabella?" Ardinal's eyes widened.

"You remembered! Although how could one forget?"

Ardinal let out a chuckle as Isabella embraced her.

"Hah! So the Rivaini does know everyone." Varric as always, could not refrain from commenting.

"Waaarden!" Zevran, arms outstretched attempted to join in on their 'greeting' when Alistair raised his blade to block his path.

"Oohoh, no you don't." Alistair warned.

"Eh... it was worth a try. Instead I shall sit back and let my mind return to... more interesting times." Zevran mused.

Luca could feel Fenris staring at her. It would not be long before his patience for such pleasantries would wane and within good reason.

Luca was about to speak when Ardinal turned her attentions to a man she had not seen for many years.

"Anders." She said softly. "My runaway..."

...I've found you.

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