It was a surprise to the entire Inquisition when the Warden Queen and her companions arrived at the gates of Skyhold. In her company were her fellow wardens Ophelia Amell, Athene Mahariel and Luciana Surana. Collectively they were called known as the Heroes of Ferelden in hushed whispers and rumours from those that claimed to see the four women on their travels, searching for a cure for the Calling. Emilia was the only one officially known as the Hero of Ferelden, but it was widely known that she was not alone in defeating the archdemon, nor did she ever claim otherwise, but the name stuck.
Whether any of the four women had been hearing the Calling before Corypheus was information that most were not privy to. Only amongst themselves this information was shared, and those closest to them. In the queen's case, naturally it was the king, and in the case of the elf it was her lover, the spymaster to the Inquisition, unbeknownst to Athene however, Leliana was not the spymaster without good reason.
There was an air of confusion surrounding the four women as they were escorted into the grounds of the keep, those who saw them whispered amongst themselves, questioning the reasons for the presence amongst themselves, others straightening at the sight of the queen despite her blood flecked and dirtied armour, her unwashed hair slicked back into a ponytail. The four entered the hall, where the Inquisitor had been called to meet them.
"As unusual as this is, it is an honour to have you here." Trevelyan spoke, bowing slightly out of respect and in awe of the four eminent women that stood in front of her. The grouping itself was as unusual as their appearance this far away from their home: a queen, a blood mage scholar, a Dalish rebel and an elf that had expanded the knowledge and understanding of the arcane. A rag tag band indeed, and yet they were among the most influential figures in Thedas, alongside the likes of the Champion of Kirkwall. Callisto smiled to herself, noting that the number of powerful women in the world was increasing, and that she was considered one of them. "To what do we owe the pleasure?" She continued politely. The queen was the one that spoke,
"We were informed of your involvement with Corypheus, that the Herald of Andraste is the one that can stop him, and therefore stop the Calling that he has created." Her words were formal and to the point, her presence of calm royalty never faltering, even in the face of Corypheyus' fake Calling. It seemed to be wearing on Ophelia most, her face strained, eyes dark, and her hands seemed to shake ever so slightly. "And seeing as our quest brought us in this direction, it seemed like a logical journey to make if it helps our research."
"That makes a lot of sense, Your Grace. Our hospitality is yours if you wish to have it." The Inquisitor started, at some point Josephine had appeared at her side, ever the diplomat that she was, and appeared to continue talking on Callisto's behalf.
"It would be an honour, we are grateful for your cooperation and willingness in this matter." Again, the queen's words were dripping with formality, and the same level of politeness in her tone as Josephine. The years of experience with nobility was clear in every word she spoke, in front of strangers, at least.
"We will have rooms sorted for you shortly. In the meanwhile, please make yourself familiar with your surroundings, and introduce yourself to those in our company here at Skyhold. If you would return here in an hour, rooms shall be arranged by then." Josephine continued, bowing slightly before retreating, the Inquisitor following her.
"Before you go, can you tell me where I'll find Leliana?" Athene asked, her tone even, only the use of her name as opposed to her title suggested that the two knew each other.
"Of course, it is likely that she will be with the ravens, at the top of the tower by the entrance there." Josephine answered politely, before finally returning to her work. Athene turned on her heel, not bothering to look at the others before beginning her root march in the direction Josephine had told her.
The three, now left to their own devices, exchanged glances, waiting for one of them to suggest what they should do while they waited.
"Perhaps it would be a good idea to see what, and who, is around these premises? I'm almost certain that there is a tavern here, or simply lots of people with flagons, looking slightly worse for wear, in a room with a bard. I certainly could use a drink right now." Emilia suggested, naturally being the first one to speak, the years and the maturity had not made Ophelia any less shy, and hadn't made Luciana much more assertive, as outgoing as she was.
"I can't disagree with that," Luciana replied, with a half-hearted shrug of her shoulders, Ophelia simply nodded in agreement, and with that the three of them walked out of Skyhold's main hall.