Yes? Oh, that story. I didn't think you wanted to hear that story. People change a lot in two years. We changed a lot. Humans become more human, yet those with power become less. Or, that's what they thought when they saw her. I know better. She's as human as the rest of us.
I'll go ahead and fill the gap from what I said before. Varric told me to make sure and let the readers "catch up" before going on with new things. Reflecting on the old to make more sense of the new, the bigger picture pictured here.
Four years ago, the Inquisition took me in and let me help the hurt and save the small. Naomi, the Inquisitor, befriended me soon after my arrival. I became human after the siege of Adamant, and slowly, softly, I fell in love with my friend. Naomi. It took her a while, but thankfully, she fell too.
The two years after Corypheus were busy. The Inquisitor toured Thedas, with me along side her always. It was nice helping heal. Naomi would wander, sealing off the rifts that remained after the breach was sealed shut. I helped kill the demons, happy to know they won't be back to torment civilians any time soon. That lasted about a year before she and I wed. Everyone attended the wedding, even Sera and Vivienne. They were less excited about the ceremony than Dorian and Varric were. We were happy. But soon time slipped past, and we found ourselves in the Winter Palace once more to speak of the future of the Inquisition.
"It shouldn't take long. I honestly don't see much else the Inquisition needs to do." Naomi had said the night before we left. "The rifts are sealed, reconstruction has been started, everything else can be handled by the leaders of Orlais and Ferelden...you and I will finally have some peace and quiet."
Peace and quiet. Perhaps, but we hadn't expected the event that lay before us. No, I doubt anyone had. Like a shadow shifting a scythe through the silence, this story's song sings a sad tale.
The sun was bright against the colorful walls of the winter palace. Water glittered like tiny diamonds as it poured from the fountains and into the abundant pools. I still remembered the first time we went here, the first time I danced with the Inquisitor. I wondered if we'd dance again. It was still chilly, but warmer than before. More welcoming, unfit to be called 'Winter'.
We walked to the entrance together. Naomi wouldn't have done it any other way. When we reached it, Mother Giselle came to greet us. Her heart was heavy, hiding under a wary smile. Curiosities confirmed, careful choice in conversation, caution, 'She has truly fallen for a demon, Maker save us all.'
"Welcome, Inquisitor." The revered mother curtseyed respectively. "You appear to be well."
"As do you, Mother Giselle. It's a pleasure to speak with you again." Naomi returned the gesture, a pleasant smile playing on her lips. The smile she wore to hide herself; yet stronger, stealthier than before. She was indeed happy, yet she knew there was more. The calm before the storm. I could see it in her eyes.
"If you may follow me into the grand hall, I'd like to have a word with you," Mother Giselle continued, glancing at me with distrust in her heart, "alone."
Naomi did not object, rather turned to me and nodded. "I'll be by the tavern." I whispered, soft and sweet and silent to all but her. I had been practicing. "Meet me when you're done?"
"Of course." her smile spoke without needing words, for it was warm. She shone like the sun when she smiled at me. It lit up my heart, my head clearer, myself realer. But then she turned back to the woman of the Chantry, and left.
-
"KID? Is that you?!" a familiar voice rang out from below. I looked down, then over, to see him. Varric. His heart was filled with joy and stress, but mostly joy at the time. Like a father seeing his child grown up, a warm flicker of a flame that had been calmly sitting there the whole time, Varric hobbled over to me. "My! Look how you've grown!"
"Really? I don't feel taller." My initial cheer was replaced with sudden bafflement, but melted back to joy at the sound of the dwarf's hearty laughter.
"I meant growing more human, Kid, but I'm glad you're still you. How've you been? How's humanity going for ya?"
"It is going well." a smile of pride grew on my face. It was much different from what I'd wear two years ago. Pride wasn't who I was, nor who I am now. But humans feel so many different emotions, that was just one of the bunch. "Not as new, yet still discovering things each day. Like a new book, each page exciting, yet now I can look back at the past ones, too. How have you been, Varric? I've missed you."
"Well, it's funny you should ask! After I moved back to Kirkwall, I became the Viscount!" Viscount? That was the reason why he felt stressed. It soothed me to know the reason. "It's a pretty shiny title, but I make it work for me. Oh, and you know how Hawke kinda 'died' in the fade? That sneaky bastard, she came back! Shocked me half to death, I caught her breaking into my house to steal a SANDWICH! But anyway...that's been my two years. I suppose you and Smiley had your own adventures after you tied the knot, huh?"
A small blush bloomed on my cheeks "We spent our time rebuilding Thedas. The people were happy, but now they're not. It frustrates her. But it should be solved soon."
"I hope so. I've got to get back to Kirkwall, they actually need me now." Varric scratched the back of his head. "I'll leave you be for now-wait, actually. Before I forget, if you two need a place to stay, feel free to head to Kirkwall! I've got the perfect estate for you in Hightown!" A house, what a generous offer. If the first Cole could see me now, I'm certain he'd be happy.
"Thank you. I'll tell Naomi, she should know before decisions are made."
"A wise one, you are. Take care, kid." And with that we parted ways.
It wasn't long after I arrived at the Tavern when the Inquisitor returned. It was clear that she found me fast, and started for where I was with a lighter step. I would have greeted her happily if it weren't for the man in between us.
"Ah, Inquisitor! What an honor to speak with you!" A masked Orlesian chimed in happily. Subtle surprise sparked in the Mage's blue eyes, taking no time to switch to the pleasant serenity she wore around nobles of his kind.
"Good morning, Serrah." she replied politely.
"I was hoping you would come by. The Inquisition has been working miracles in Orlais. I've never felt safer! My business has also been booming-Oh? Yes, Serrah?" The irksome noble stopped his monologue short by the tap of my finger on his shoulder.
"The lady bard over there has a sitar the same color as your eyes!" I pointed to the brunette playing beautifully in the background. It would sacrifice the current song, but still cut short the conversation Naomi never wanted. The man grew hopeful in his heart, lifting from his seat.
"Oh? Thank you, young man. I should go speak with her now. Another time, Inquisitor?"
"I'll be here." Naomi chuckled, and that was that. As the noble got the attention of Maryden, Naomi and I gained access to the now vacant table for two. I leaned to sneak a kiss, pressing my lips to her forehead before sitting down. A raven perched on our table, nibbling at the discarded breadcrumbs from the man before.
"Look at you, being all mischievous!" Naomi teased, eyes alight with love. "Getting more human by the second. I won't be able to keep up!"
"Not mischievous, he wanted a woman with something to talk about." I replied calmly. The table now clean of bread crumbs, the raven took off. "How did it go? Your talk with the Mother."
A small sigh escaped my sweetheart. "Oh, it didn't go too badly. She wanted to know what position we were going to hold in this convention, and I told her the truth. Also she...gave a bit of her opinion on my relationship choices." Eyes shifted from sea to ice, blue bitter and cold with frustration.
"What did she say?" I pressed.
"She said something about the dangers of becoming an abomination, or the possibility that you could be manipulating me for power or whatever. I didn't pay much attention, you know she wasn't the first to tell me this." She wasn't the first, no. Unfortunately, she would not be the last. I placed my hands on top of her's, which had formed fists on the table. I don't like seeing her like this. This tense. "I'm sorry, but is SHE a mage? I didn't think so. Nor are most of the people who tell me. They're worried for nothing, I swear-I'm sorry. I got carried away, this is not a subject to be spoken about in this company…"
It was not often that she would address her problems in public. No, she would wait until we were alone. To display her disappointment so openly like that planted a seed of worry in my mind. This was clearly hurting her. I wanted to help, but this was so complex, I didn't know what to do. Her eyes hurt, staring into mine with a clear and crystal glow.
"...but please, don't worry about it." Naomi spoke up, as if my thoughts were out loud and she listened. I wasn't the only one who looked into the other's eyes to learn their true emotions. "We're in this together, and I won't let what they say harm our relationship in any way. So just, no matter what, please stay with me. That's all the help I need."
"That's what these are for, right?" I held her left hand with my right. They had softened their rigid fists from my words, revealing two silverite rings resting snuggly on her finger. I held my left hand out to match. "Promises kept, promises will keep. We will keep. I will not leave you."
"Thanks, Cole." she stared down and marveled at our hands as if she hadn't seen them before, before meeting my gaze with a sheepish smile. "Whatever happens, I know we'll both get out in one piece."