Work Text:
Twelfth Age, year 35.
Thedas Archives- A series of codexes that mention Champion of Kirkwall, Aristide Hawke, also known as Ari Hawke, designated Champion of Kirkwall after successfully repelling the Qunari during their sacking of Kirkwall in 9:34.
After Aristide Hawke became Champion, word spread quickly about how the Champion liked to make things- that he was at one point a carpenter and he still liked to make things here and there.
The nobility of Kirkwall became curious. Then one approached the Champion about making a rocking chair- Her original chair had gotten destroyed during the Qunari sacking.
Not much was known about the conversation that took place, but Lady Ellsane soon owned a new rocking chair. It was a simple one, with intricate markings all along it and she adored it. She never hesitated to say “The Champion made this for me.”
Historian Notations shows a pinned piece of parchment that details the rocking chair itself. Writer is a Kirkwallian whose name is unable to be made out.
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About a year into the Champion’s status, it was revealed that a few nobles continued to approach the Champion to make something for them- it appeared to be a status symbol for the nobles.
But it wasn’t just the nobles. No, the commonfolk as well would be able to commission something from the Champion who, from what I have been able to find out, was a bit of a carpenter during his time in Ferelden.
Rocking chairs or dining chairs for the nobles, shelves and other things of importance for the common citizens who needed it, repairs to walls and doors. One noble has a new dining table with their family crest as well as other smaller designs all over it.
Author: Historian Rourke Lathis, of Kirkwall Archives.
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I spotted a toy chest was spotted in auction. At the time I didn’t know why I wanted it, but it was the only thing that appealed to me at this auction. Sometimes Free Marches actions are absolutely dreary and boring, taking forever. Especially auctions with items from the Dragon Age.
It was beautiful- simply done from what I could initially see, with intricate carvings that didn’t look elaborate, but once I had it in my possession…. Oh the designs were simply marvelous.
According to the auctioneer, it was a toy chest from the Lower city of Kirkwall. I was a bit leery after that- things from Kirkwall tend to be haunted. But this one wasn’t. No this was a treasure!
Examination of the chest had the barely there initials of A. Hawke. Well I only knew of one Hawke in Kirkwall! Well he also lived in Starkhaven. But that’s beside the point. The Champion! I read stories about his handiwork! And now I had something made by the Champion! Maybe I’ll get lucky and find another piece he made in Starkhaven.
Note: The papers attached continue Lady Aressa’s excitement over owning a piece made by the departed Lord of Kirkwall and Starkhaven and former Champion. From our research, the items Ari Hawke made were quite coveted. Not all of them have survived- so those who collect his works tend to be quite protective over them.
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A letter in the 12th Age-
Over the past 15 years, I have devoted myself to finding the remaining pieces of work that Kirkwall Champion, Aristide Hawke had made, and survived over time. According to some research, he made quite a few pieces during his time and some became status symbols. His work is elegant at times but with a simple charm to it.
As of right now the surviving items that Aristide (also known as Ari) Hawke has made and been found:
2 Boudoir sets
3 rocking chairs
2 sets of shelves
3 toy chests
A foot bench
A dining table
Rumor has it of course that Ari made something for Prince Sebastian Vael, but that has never been confirmed- the Vael family has become extremely private over the ages and very few visitors are allowed in the palace without an escort these days.
It was confirmed that the majority of the Kirkwallian made pieces by Ari Hawke was destroyed during the 11th age, making those pieces the rarest to collect right now.
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A set of letters- 13th Age- Thedas Free Marches University
Look Darkin, I was just asking a simple question. My mom was big into stuff like this and it caught my eye. The drawing is attached. All I wanted to know was if Ari Hawke was one that built that boudoir in my dorm room. I mean it’s not mine, it’s my room-mate. She’s a Kirkwallian and she was super intense about the boudoir. My mom said Kirkwallians get intense about everything, but especially if it’s in reference to Ari Hawke or that champion from their 11th age.
Look, Liana, I need to actually get a chance to look at the boudoir, not just stare at it from your drawing. Which sucks by the way.
Also the value of it depends if it was made in Kirkwall, Starkhaven or Ferelden.
What are you going to do if your roommate does have a Ari Hawke original? Why are you asking the value?
Wait… wait don’t tell me. I’ll be over on Friday.
(A letter a week later, according to sources, this letter was nailed to a door)
LIANA WHAT IN THE VOID DID YOU DO? WHY ARE THERE INVESTIGATORS ON CAMPUS?
According to further research, Liana Davaros, who was getting her major in Free Marches History, was arrested for stealing not just one piece of work made by the former Champion of Kirkwall, but five others- she was a suspect in prior thefts in Ferelden.)
9:36-Kirkwall
Isabela stares at the designs on the table that Ari set down in front of her.
“Ooooh, pretty,” she drawls, eying the design. It’s his typical style, but there’s a little bit of flare to it. “I can’t wait to see it all built. It’ll look wonderful in my cabin on my new ship.”
Ari raises a brow. “And where is this new ship?”
Isabela laughs, leaning forward just a little. “You’ll see soon enough.” She eyes the current project Ari has in various stages. “A new set of shelves? For that family near Darktown?” She gets a nod in confirmation. “Hopefully it’ll last. Never know these days.”
“I suppose not. “