Title: Interregnum
Fandom: Dragon Age
Rating: G
Length: 606 words
Content notes: No content warnings apply.
Author notes: Written for the ‘breakdown’ prompt in fan_flashworks.
Summary: In the aftermath of Hawke’s duel with the Arishok, Aveline broaches the topic of the Viscountship.

* * *

“So what happens now?” Sara asked. They were sitting in the library. A large bandage still swathed her middle, even after the work that Anders had put into healing her internal injuries, but she felt the best that she had in days, and it was good to see another face.

“The Council will elect a new Viscount,” Aveline said. She uncorked the flask of spiced wine and poured Sara a goblet. “Here,” she said. “It’s better warm but will do you good anyway.”

Sara took a sip and closed her eyes. It tasted like the camps at Ostagar; like mud and smoky campfires and comradery. Aveline was right – it was much better warm – but it made her smile.

“Thank you for bringing this,” she said, opening her eyes. “How did you manage to get your hands on Fereldan wine?”

“Confiscated a shipment that hadn’t paid the proper port duties,” Aveline said with a laugh as she poured herself another goblet and sat in the chair opposite her. “Thought you could use it.”

Sara closed her eyes to savour another sip, then opened them again to regard the Guard Captain. She frowned. “Why hasn’t the Council held the election yet? It’s been days.”

“Some of the Councillors argued that, as the Champion of Kirkwall, you are an honourary member of the Council and should participate in the election.” Aveline said this in an offhand way.

“They’re waiting for me?” Sara raised her eyebrows.

“Waiting to see if you survive,” Aveline said. When Sara furrowed her brow in confusion, Aveline rolled her eyes. “You must know that you are a strong contender for the title. You’ve been named the Champion, and the Amells were the next most favoured family for the Viscountship back when Perrin was elected.”

“But I’m Fereldan,” Sara said flatly.

“As am I,” said Aveline, with a significant raise of her eyebrows. She did not look down at the elaborate Guard Captain’s armour that she wore, but her intent was clear.

“Point taken,” Sara said.

“You shouldn’t discount your family’s strong roots in Kirkwall, regardless of how you feel about it personally. It would be easy to overlook your more recent heritage if you are their preferred candidate.”

Sara shook her head. “Why me, though? I find it hard to believe that I’m anyone’s first choice.”

“You did save the city from the Qunari,” Aveline pointed out. “But,” she said with a sigh a moment later, “You are right. You’re what they call a compromise candidate.”

Sara’s mouth quirked into a one-sided smile, and she barked a laugh. “Now that I can believe.”

“An outsider, with no ties to any particular faction. You also have a popular reputation that may allow you to stand up to Meredith.”

Sara groaned, and rubbed her hand across her face. “Factions, politics. I don’t suppose they’ll all go away if I ignore them?”

“You can ignore them,” said Aveline. “But they won’t go away.” Then: “You could do some real good as Viscount, Hawke.”

“I was worried you were going to say that,” said Sara. Aveline just looked at her. She didn’t need to say anything else – Aveline was a living embodiment of her convictions. She wouldn’t care whether it was something that Sara wanted or not, just what it was her duty to do.

Sara pressed her lips together. It wasn’t that easy. Aveline had her duty to her Guardsmen, to her city. But Sara’s duty, such as it was, fell closer to home.

“Anyway, rest up,” said Aveline, as though satisfied that she had made her point. She stood up and walked to the door. “You’re going to need your strength.”