Isaac Hawke

Something-something of somewhere... I wasn't paying attention at the ceremony. [[Independent RP blog for Isaac Hawke, twin brother to Desta, possible Champion of Kirkwall, by writer86]]

[kirkwallcomedyshow-blog]

lemurmure:

Ariella laughed, then pressed her lips together. When would she be the protagonist in Varric’s stories? She wouldn’t be surprised if she was now. Often she’d seen him writing at his table by the fireplace, was he penning her story? How the Orlesian was to be a Princess — and how she went to her death to save Thedas. 

“Does he research things?” She asked. A dull ache stirred in her stomach, thinking of all the things that he could have found out. “Maker, I hope not.” 

Isaac laughed. “He does some research,” he said, “but mostly, he just up and asks you to your face. Uses his imagination if you refuse to tell him. Best to be honest, really. Embellishes and or omits details as requested. He’s really very good at crafting a story the subject can appreciate, can feel comfortable having out in the world. You’ve nothing to worry about.”

[kirkwallcomedyshow-blog]

lemurmure:

This didn’t surprise her in the least, the information about Varric. He seemed to like to embellish things, and had gone so far to say that it was not a lie but a well spun story. She wondered how much of the truth were in his words — and if she should trust him at all. Though he claimed Isaac was one of his closest friends, how true could that be if nearly everything that came out of his mouth was speculation?

“I do wonder what he will say about me,” Ariella answered. “Though — the part about Corypheus and his dragon are true. That I’m Orlesian, also true. That being said, there are plenty of stories he could weave with those tiny bits of truth.”

“Then count on it,” Isaac said with a grin. “If there’s one thing Varric can’t resist, it’s good drink. If there’s another, it’s a good story. He’ll be hearing them, telling them, stretching them until the day he dies. And from one protagonist to another,” he winked, “good luck.”

[kirkwallcomedyshow-blog]

lemurmure:

“Do you believe that he would make different copies for each publishing house?” For some reason, Ariella believed he would. THere were so many different platforms that he could write on, the Randy Dowager included. Varric certainly knew his way around words, but she really did wish she could find out more about Isaac and his sister. 

“How nice though, to have a book — or multiple books in this case — written about you. I do wonder what he would say about me in a book. Or if he will even write a book about me at all.” 

Isaac snorted. “Different copies for each publishing house,” he agreed, “to say nothing of the thousand little differences he spread by word of mouth, by himself or through travelling storytellers and other such folk. He once told me it was fun to delve into fact-writing, and then spice it up a bit. ‘Embellishments make a good story great, Isaac.’” He chuckled. “It’s to the point where when someone tells me they’ve read the Tale of the Champion, all I can do is offer a tentative, ‘Ah, well I hope you enjoyed it.’”

At her curiosity, he chuckled. “Well he’s certainly talked you up in his letters. Not least, how you stood up to Corypheus and his dragon in one go. I’ve tangled with a high dragon, and with Corypheus. However, I did have the fortune to meet them separately. Had I not... I might’ve needed a full change of clothes.”

[kirkwallcomedyshow-blog]

lemurmure:

“Have you read it?” Ariella asked abruptly. What would it be like if Varric wrote a story about her? About the Inquisition? Would it be fraught with details that hadn’t really happened like his Tale of the Champion? Or would it be truth? And which one was the truth about the Hawke twins? It was all so confusing and muddled her mind. She gently shook her head. 

“I look forward to meeting Desta,” she said after a pause. “If you have yet to read the book, I think you should. I am not sure if the book in Kirkwall is different than the one published here, but — you may be surprised.” 

Isaac chuckled. “I feel as though I’ve read at least five different versions of the Tale of the Champion. All have hints of truth surrounded by incredible falsehoods. Varric knows how to weave a good story, I’ll give him that. I think the version he told your Seeker Pentaghast was nearest the truth though. Mostly because if she’d stab him in the book, what else might she do? Best not to find out, am I right?”

He laughed at her suggestion. “Yes, I may have to read it again and again. That could be a fun project. Let’s see how many different versions of the tale I can find.”

[kirkwallcomedyshow-blog]

lemurmure:

“Desta,” Ariella repeated, committing the name to memory. She hadn’t heard that the Hawkes were actually twins — or had she just heard of the younger siblings being twins? Varric did like to tell his stories, and they were never the same twice. It was interesting to listen to the dwarf tell the story of the Champion, especially since the book didn’t quite match up with the actual stories he told. 

“Of course I am curious, you have yet to really know me. I will likely question everything. I am not quite, oh what is the word I am looking for?” Ariella cocked her head to the side for a brief moment, then shook it. “I am not well versed in many things. I blame Orlais. I think I will have to meet your sister, to see how much of the stories line up with each of you.” 

“I’ll give you a hint,” Isaac said with a grin. “Anything that required a lot of bludgeoning and witty banter was probably me. When business ventures and diplomacy were required, it was Desta. Mind you, she had a fair bit of bludgeoning and banter too, though usually she got involved to get me out of trouble. She’s at least as good with a broadsword as I am.”

[kirkwallcomedyshow-blog]

mouthydwarf:

“A mage, huh?” He says, regarding Bethany quietly then. It had been easy to guess, judging by the thinly veiled staff on her back–which might, at a  passing glance, disguise itself sufficiently as a walking stick. Thankfully, Kirkwall’s blessing as a bustling metropolis is, most people, unless otherwise invested in such things, keep to themselves. Though it isn’t the townsfolk she need worry about.

“Be careful with what you say.” The dwarf says at last, leaning in to speak in more hushed tones. “There’s a lot of Templars around here who wouldn’t hesitate to lock her up, even on suspicion of being a mage. That’s something you’ll want to keep under wraps. Kirkwall isn’t known for being … forgiving to magekind.”

Both Isaac and Bethany nodded without a word. Bethany was grateful that Varric did not seem inclined to turn her over to the Templars; Isaac felt more than a little guilty over having said anything at all.

“Sound advice,” Isaac said, glancing at Bethany. She looked back and for one moment, they stared at one another in silent, sibling communication. At last, both stirred, Isaac grinned, and returned his attention to Varric.

“Now that it’s settled I’m an idiot,” he said, “still want me involved in this expedition?”

[kirkwallcomedyshow-blog]

ostwickjoker:

Dom listened in silence to this story, his eyebrows knitting together with a mixture of surprise, wonder, bewilderment. It was a lot to take in all at once, that this unfamiliar man somehow knew so much more of a branch of his family than he did. But it was good news, too, and by the end his lips had curled in a wide smile.

“I will most certainly look into it,” he said lightly. “That’s…my family will be astonished. And pleased.” Some of them, at least. Hard to say what Lucille would think of the matter, but she had mellowed over the years, anyway…

He reached the door of Skyhold’s dining hall, pushed the heavy door open and held it for the other man. “And yourself? What brought you to Rivain? Have you been there ever since Kirkwall’s circle went up? We heard your name spoken regularly in Ostwick until then, but little since…”

“I stayed in Kirkwall for a short time,” Isaac answered. “I wanted to be close to Desta. My twin sister, the new Viscount, at least for a time. In the end, she told me to leave. Can’t have been much more than a month later. Not a moment too soon either. She told me the Templars raided the estate only a couple of days after I was gone, intending to finally capture the apostate Bethany Hawke, no doubt to punish me for leaving them leaderless. Never mind the fact that she hadn’t been seen in Kirkwall since I came back from the Deep Roads, or that Desta forced a little order on their Order by appointing Cullen Knight-Commander.”

He shrugged. “The Templars in Kirkwall were several marbles short of a full bag by that point, I’m afraid. And in the end, it made little difference, really. Cullen came to the Inquisition, Desta was run out of town by insane Templars, and I’m fairly certain Aveline’s the only reason it hasn’t yet fallen into the sea of its own accord.”

Another shrug. “But after Desta told me to leave, I spent a little time with Isabela, but it turns out I don’t have sea legs. So she dropped me off in Rivain, promised to visit from time to time. I’ve been living quietly as a guest of your aunt’s with my sister and yours ever since. And Desta joined us after the Templars ran her out.”

He grinned. “She’s here too, if you want to say hello, though tomorrow might be a better time. Last I saw her, she was making a beeline for the tavern. I rather think she’s enjoying not being the Viscount anymore. Doesn’t have to be so uptight all the time.”

[kirkwallcomedyshow-blog]

lemurmure:

“You are probably right,” Ariella mused. There was no longer black and white (had there ever been a time where it was just those two?) but now there was a much larger grey area than she was used to. It was hard at times, but she needed to learn to take the good with the bad. 

This was her future now, after all. 

“Oh yes, I am sure that the Lady Seeker would like to tear him apart.” A laugh left the Inquisitor once more. “I will show you to the room then, before — your sister?” She hadn’t realized there were two of them. 

“Yes. To your room before I must go hide your sister. I am not sure if I am prepared to watch Cassandra explode with rage.” Though the thought was certainly amusing, the consequences of it was something else all together. 

“Come, up these steps. I will show you to the room and send someone up before I find — what was the name of your sister?” 

Isaac chuckled. “Desta. Her name is Desta. I heard Varric was telling two different versions of his Tale of the Champion. For mage supporters, he attributed most of our adventures to me. For Templar supporters, Desta. Mind you, she didn’t actually side with Meredith at the end. It just looked enough like it that the Templars were willing to elevate her to Viscount in the aftermath... but I’ll let her tell you that story, if you’re curious... and if she’s willing.”

[kirkwallcomedyshow-blog]

mouthydwarf:

“That’s right, you came from … Lothering, was it?” Although Isaac had never told Varric of their point of origin, the Dwarf apparently has his sources in regards to information. “Never heard of it, myself, but Ferelden geography isn’t my strong suit. You were running from the Blight, right?”

When Bethany speaks, his eyes go wide, “A witch who could shapeshift into a dragon?” Like most others in Thedas, he had heard tales of Flemeth, the Witch of the Wilds, who had helped the Hero of Ferelden, in their time of need as well. “That must have been something to see.”

Bethany nodded, more than a little impressed with Varric’s knowledge of their hometown, even if he wasn’t sure where it was. “North, north-west on the Imperial Highway from Ostagar. Sort of between the Hinterlands, the Southron Hills, and the Bannorn.” Then remembering Varric’s admission that he wasn’t particularly knowledgeable regarding Fereldan geography, she added, “Sort of Ferelden’s middle south, you might say.”

Isaac chuckled at his assessment of Flemeth. “It was. My brother and my twin sister and I spent much of the voyage to Kirkwall discussing her magical transformation, and whether or not Bethany might be able to pull it off.”

Alarm flickered in Bethany’s eyes at the mention of her own magical ability, but she said nothing, no doubt hoping it would blow over quickly.

[kirkwallcomedyshow-blog]

@wilddeoren

After the Hawke siblings had proved their worth, the Red Iron had kept them busy. Consequently, Isaac had been unable to fulfill his promise to the “Dragon Lady”. When at last he was free of the Red Iron, after the full year (shut up, Desta, you cheated), he collected Bethany and Aveline, and they all ventured out to Sundermount, to hand off the amulet Flemeth gave them.

Only it turned out to be a bit more complicated than that. The Dalish Keeper had informed them that the amulet’s journey wasn’t over, and that they had to carry it. She directed them further up the mountain, to meet her “First”, her apprentice, she’d explained... on the condition that they take the First, Merrill with them when they left. Odd, but Isaac had no idea; maybe this sort of thing happened often among the Dalish.

It wasn’t long before they came on a wisp of an elf, sitting cross-legged with her back to them. He approached, cleared his throat to catch her attention, and said, “You’d be Merrill, then?”

[kirkwallcomedyshow-blog]

ostwickjoker:

Dom shook his head mutely and felt a little ashamed. In truth he had no idea what had become of his sister since he’d seen her last when he was a boy. And in the chaos of becoming Inquisitor he’d had little time to do family research.

“I didn’t,” he said quietly. “She was sent to the Circle in Ferelden when I was quite young; I suppose we all assumed she…” He trailed off, shook his head. It wasn’t something his family ever spoke of– the news of what had happened to Kinloch Hold was muddled at best, and anyway what was there to say? But evidently there was more to the story than that.

He smiled, looked sideways at the man and nodded. “I’d be eager to hear whatever you can tell me.”

It was a bit odd, telling Dom the history of his sister, but Isaac was quick to reassure him that Aislin had led a good life, even if it had gotten off to a rocky start. She’d survived the disaster at Kinloch, and then moved to Kirkwall on her father’s demands. She’d seen the Gallows long enough to know it was worse than anything she’d experienced in Ferelden, and made a quiet escape.

He spoke of how she met Bethany in Anders’ clinic in Darktown, how wary Aislin was of almost everyone... but how she and Bethany became close, and ultimately ran off to Rivain together, just after Isaac returned from the Deep Roads, sans Carver. Finally, he told Dom about meeting Aislin again, years later, in Rivain, and how she’d changed, become such an open, and engaging person that he barely recognized her.

“I feel a bit strange saying it,” he finished with a sheepish smile, “but you should really get to know your sister again. I bet she’d come to Skyhold if you asked.”

[kirkwallcomedyshow-blog]

lemurmure:

“I think it only matters what your own point of view is — I think this position of power could be considered a blessing as well as a curse.” She glanced down at the Anchor and shook her head gently. “I have yet to determine which of those I have.” She came to a stop. 

“Would you like a room straight away or would you prefer to speak with Varric?” She gently folded her arms over her chest. “If you would prefer, I could have something made up for you, and someone take you there afterwards?” 

“Perhaps it’s both,” Isaac suggested. “A blessing to Thedas, a curse to you? If my experiences in Kirkwall have taught me anything, it’s that not everything can be boiled down to a single, irrefutable truth.”

At her questions, he laughed. “I think I’ll just take the room for now. Better to let Varric handle the Seeker and come find me if he survives.” He chuckled. “If she’s going to be annoyed with him for not telling her where I was, just imagine the look on her face when she finds out my sister, the former Viscount of Kirkwall... made the trip with me.”

He nodded toward the stairs. “She made a beeline for the tavern last I saw her. I think she’s rather enjoying not being Viscount anymore...”

[kirkwallcomedyshow-blog]

mouthydwarf:

“You won’t be disappointed by this expedition, Hawke. Bartrand’s sources say there’s a thaig down there that no one has plundered yet. If we can get to that, we’ll be as rich as kings–and queens.” He says this in regards to Bethany, gesturing to her with a hand. “Though, we’ll need to find those maps, first. As far as I know, all of the entrances that Bartrand had lined up have fallen through, in some cases, quite literally.”

Chuckling at his own joke, Varric takes a sip from his tankard. “If there isn’t a cave in, there’s a dragon squatting on the entrance or Darkspawn pouring out of it–but, I’m sure our Grey Warden lead will be able to give us something to work with, though … he’ll likely ask for a favor in return. Nobody in this city does anything out of the kindness of their heart.”

Isaac listened as Varric spoke briefly of the expedition. He grinned at the suggestion that dragons and Darkspawn might get in their way. “Darkspawn, I can handle,” he said with a shrug. “Dragons... makes me wish that old witch had come along with us.”

“She could shapeshift into a dragon,” Bethany explained to Varric. “She saved our lives.”

“What an ability,” Isaac sighed, shaking his head. “Wish I could do that.”

At the suggestion that the Warden in Darktown would likely ask for a favor, he shrugged. “Basically been doing favors for a year. Think I can manage.”

[kirkwallcomedyshow-blog]

lemurmure:

The padding of the dog as they walked was a comforting noise. Though she had never had animals when she was growing up, she had always enjoyed them, at least. “The story of the Inquisition is one that the Seeker can tell — after she’s finished killing you or Varric.” She flashed him a grin. 

“This Inquisition — it is something strange. I started as a murderer, the sole survivor of the Conclave. From then on, the decisions were left to me. Whether it was that I am Orlesian and supposedly a natural leader or if it is because no one else wishes to lead I am unsure. We have gained followers in an incredibly short time — people that believe in us. I never thought that would happen.” 

He chuckled at the threat of death-by-Seeker, listened intently as she spoke briefly of her own rise to power. Not entirely unlike his own, really. Minus the supposed murderer part... he’d actually killed people in Meeran’s service before he was a proper citizen of Kirkwall. Then again, most of them had deserved it. The ones that didn’t, he’d always found creative ways to set free.

“Sounds a little familiar,” he said with a shrug. “During, and even after the Blight, Ferelden refugees were regarded as little better than criminals. My elevation to noble, and then to Champion was almost completely accidental, really. Just in the right places at the right times.” He smirked. “Or wrong places at wrong times, depending on your point of view.”

[kirkwallcomedyshow-blog]

mouthydwarf:

“What’s a little midday pint between business partners?” Tapping his tankard to Hawke’s, he takes a deep drink, foam sticking to the stubble on his upper lip before he has the sense to wipe it away with his sleeve. “I think I know the shop you’re talking about, it would do us some good to check it out, but for now, let’s talk pleasantries. How are you and your family holding up since becoming official citizens of Kirkwall? I heard your uncle, Gamlen, was it? I heard he got a place here in Lowtown for you all to stay … but, between you and me, if that ever gets a little too crowded for you and your sister, there are always cheap rooms here in the Hanged Man. It’s cozy, and everyone here knows your name.”

Isaac follows suit with a hefty gulp from his own tankard, finds himself pleasantly surprised. Varric’s right; there’s no better place for a drink, not if the Hanged Man has this in stock regularly. He’s made up his mind to spend a bit more time here, even before Varric suggests the rooms are cheap. Getting out of Gamlen’s hovel? So much the better.

“Mother’s still bitter that Gamlen lost the old Amell estate,” he says. “Gamlen’s bitter that what little life he had has been so thoroughly upset by our arrival.” He nudges his sister’s shoulder with a grin and adds, “Bethany’s a ray of sunshine, as ever. I’m...”

Just putting a laugh on to keep all our spirits up... he doesn’t say aloud.

“We’re surviving,” he admits, “if only just. It’s why we were trying to get in on the expedition, really.” He frowns slightly. “And it’s always too crowded at Gamlen’s. I might have to look into that offer of a room here from time to time. Besides, a place where everyone knows your name? Who’d say no to that?”

[kirkwallcomedyshow-blog]

ostwickjoker:

Dom had his mouth open to respond, and then stopped, blinking bemusedly. “Aislin?” he asked blankly. “How did you–” A pause, then he shook his head and laughed. “That does sound like a long story, and I won’t make you tell it out in the open air. Come this way; we’ll go inside.”

He turned, and without further ado vaulted the edge of the rampart, landing deftly on the stairs on the other side, then turned to check behind him and make sure Hawke was following– if not necessarily by the same route. “We’ve ram stew on the menu today, I believe, but if something else is more to your taste I can see what I can do.”

Not to be outdone, Isaac followed suit, landed wrong, wobbled precariously for a moment. By the time Hunter rounded the corner to join them, he’d recovered and was descending the stairs as a human ought to. “The stew sounds excellent,” he said.

As they moved indoors, he mused aloud, “I wonder where exactly I should start this story. I mean, your sister made it sound as though she hadn’t been in close contact with most of your family for quite some time. To me, that suggests, you might not have known she was ever in Kirkwall.”

[kirkwallcomedyshow-blog]

mouthydwarf:

“Aveline Valen? I’ve heard a few things about her.” What he doesn’t say is that she’s made his business more difficult as of late. The flow of coins has been less than ample with the new guardswoman sniffing around–from what he’s heard, she’s a force to be reckoned with. “I’ve heard whisperings about her. She’s got the whole undercity stirred up with her crack downs. Speaking of the undercity …”

As they enter the Hanged Man, Varric calls for a few rounds to be brought to the table, before he himself slides into a seat, “I’ve heard that our Warden friend might be staying down there. There’s rumors floating around that a Warden healer from Ferelden has set up shop down there, healing the sick–for free, no less. Charitible, but that’s bad business sense, if you ask me.”

Isaac nods. “That’s Aveline for you. Can’t let injustice slide... unless she’s partaking in it, and then she’s just really snarky about it.”

He chuckles at the rumor of the Warden healer in Darktown. “Not everyone can have good business sense, I guess.” He pauses, considering. “If memory serves, there’s a woman from that particular batch of refugees who managed to set up a little shop not far from here. Maybe she knows where exactly his little clinic is. Would save us the trouble of poking at every corner of Darktown to find him.”

At that moment, the drinks Varric ordered arrive at the table. Isaac sniffs at his, curiously, and grins. “After a drink, of course. Wouldn’t want these to go to waste, now would we?”