Authors Note:
So I only bought DA:I a couple of days ago and I haven't been able to play it very much. Subsequently I haven't come anywhere close to finishing the game. Still I encountered quite a few things in the story that I feel need a little touch-up with my trademark subtlety and respect towards the work. Can't quite say how fast the chapters will be coming, that depends on how my journey through the game goes. But you're all invited along for the ride.
(For good measure, here's my Inquisitor: /0COe04m )
Prologue
Don't shoot the Herald
It was good to be on horseback again. What little Valyne Trevelyan remembered from the time before the circle, she always cherished the memories of learning to ride on her father's big white warm-blood. Ages had passed since then. But of course there had been no horses in the circle. And afterwards, when the world turned crazy, steeds had been in even shorter supply. And yet, feeling the mount under her still evoked the familiarity of memories long passed.
Of course she would have preferred to hold the reigns herself. And a warm summer breeze to replace the chilling winds of the Hinterlands. And more pleasant company, while she was dreaming.
Ten armed men in the colors of the new-founded inquisition surrounded her in tight formation. Heavy armor and large shields, swords and clubs at the hips.
For her protection, and nothing else. Of course.
One of them held the reigns to her horse. Another one had the staff she'd been given on his saddle. Their formation was tight. Enough to shield her and enough to lock her in. The men were all tense, with the sounds of the fighting from just behind the treeline. But not all of them were looking outward. They didn't stare openly, but Valyne could feel their eyes burrowing into the back of her head.
It was the circle all over again. Once more she found herself in the care of people bent on accessing her powers, that met her with as much trust as a sane andrastian would a qunari.
In the end of the day, she should still be grateful. Yes, the seeker had not left her much choice, other then joining with the inquisition. But in turn, Valyne had managed to talk Pentaghast out of some of her more insane ideas. Originally the seeker had intended for her to fight on the frontlines, to be more then just a figurehead. Good for moral she'd said. And what madness that would have been, to send Valyne against bandits and demons and warring templars and apostates. To see the supposed savior and herald of Andraste fall to a brigands stray arrow, and see all of Thedas doomed in return.
Fortunately Valyne had been able to convince the leaders of the inquisition that she was too valuable closing rifts, to be wasted in menial battles.
And as a result, here she was. With in earshot of the battle against the newest rift. Safe for now. As safe as someone about to venture to the edge of fade could be, anyway. Someone who was part of an endeavor as foolish as this inquisition, and wanted for the murder of the most holy on top of that.
But that was a worry for another time. The battle-noises had not ceased but the horn signal came. The seeker and her soldiers had cleared a path, close enough to the breach to close it.
Without concern for Valynes opinion, her little group came into motion, hastening down the slowly slope towards the treeline. Towards the sickly green light behind it.
The only thing she could do, was brace herself for the pain to come.