Tales of the Inquisition
AN: A collection of assorted stories dealing with the Inquisition and its people as they learn to work, live and love together. Like with all my stories of this nature, if you have something you would like to see leave a review with a suggestion and I will see what I can do.
Hero Story
Haven's campfires burned brightly, offering a reprieve from the bitter mountain cold to those in need. It was around such a fire that the Herald of Andraste himself sat, wrapped in a blanket and sharing a drink with his two latest allies. One, a huge Qunari agent named The Iron Bull and the other a small elven girl named Sera, all three laughing and exchanging stories, toasting each other to fend away the cold.
"Get off," Sera snorted before taking a swig from her bottle, "that's the biggest pile of rubbish I ever heard."
"I swear," the Qunari said pleading his case, "right down the middle. One half went one way and one half went the other it was perfect."
"Wouldn't the body get crushed by a blow like that," the Herald asked taking a sip from his own bottle.
"I didn't hit him with a club. It's a Qunari flat sword. It's basically like slicing someone with a giant meat cleaver, you hit a seam and then it goes straight through."
"That's what she said ahahahaha."
Cassandra rolled her eyes at the joke, but continued to observe from the shadows of Leliana's dispatch tent. She had her reservations about both of the newest recruits but had let the Herald do as he saw fit. That level of trust surprised many including her, but he had proven himself as a leader in such a short period of time. For better or worse he was willing to make a decision and stand by it, that was something she could respect if not admire about the man.
"You know seeker," a familiar and unwanted voice chided, "you could go over there and join them. Have a drink, make small talk, maybe pretend to be human for a bit."
"You are the last person I would consider taking advice from concerning socializing Varric," Cassandra scoffed.
"Fair enough," the dwarf conceded, "but would it really kill you to relax once in a while? The Herald seems to find time from being the savior of the world, why can't you."
"Someone needs to carry the weight of the world when it is not on his shoulders. I will remain vigilant in order for him to breathe a little easier."
"Not sold on the loyalty of our newest recruits I take it," Varric said chuckling.
"I am barley sold on yours dwarf…but no, I am wary of their presence. The Qunari is an admitted spy at worst and a mercenary who goes to the highest bidder at best. As for Sera, I am not completely sure if she is in fact insane or not."
"I know what you mean," Varric nodded, "the big guy is hard to read and she does seem nuttier than nug shit. But it isn't a true hero story without the crazy sidekicks."
"This is not one of your tales dwarf," Cassandra said crossly, "this is real life and as such there are real consequences to our actions."
"I've seen this type of story play out before seeker. I know a hero when I see one and that one there," he said pointing at the herald, "is the hero."
"And what exactly does that make us?"
"Well," Varric said scratching his chin, "a true hero story isn't a story without the dashing and handsome rogue. You also need some good comic relief and a few moody serious types to balance them out."
"And I suppose I am to be one of those…moody types as you call them."
"There's a very good possibility that you are, maker knows it's practically the role you were born to play."
"You did not have to agree with me so quickly Varric," Cassandra said irritated.
"All I'm saying is if the armor fits," Varric said shrugging. "Although there is one other role you could take but…nah that would be absolutely ridiculous of me to even suggest."
"And what is that," she asked skeptically.
"The love interest," he said smirking.
Truth be told he was only messing with her and he expected an immediate dismissal. If he was lucky he might even get her a bit flustered. But when she didn't react right away and stole a glance at Trevelyan it took him by surprise. Cassandra recovered quickly, glaaring down at the dwarf who was looking at her with a raised brow.
"You're right Varric…you are being absolutely ridiculous," she scoffed. "It case you have forgotten there is a hole in the sky threatening to engulf the world. Romance should be the least of anyone's concerns. Besides…the man is as irritating as you are some days."
"Madame you wound me. I'll have you know I am at least ten times more irritating than the Herald. I have a guard captain in Kirkwall that can vouch for me."
"Of that I have no doubt," Cassandra sighed, "there is much to do tomorrow; I would advise a good night's rest if I did not think said advice would be ignored."
"And here I thought we would never understand one another. You see Seeker," Varric said triumphantly holding his arms wide, "progress."
"Good night Varric."
He watched as Cassandra marched into the chantry, chuckling at how easy it was to push her buttons. He did have to keep himself entertained after all. A roar of laughter from Bull caught his attention as he decided to help stoke the fires with the rest of this new band of misfits. He wasn't sure how this would play out but no matter what; he would have one hell of a story by the end.
