The cold mountain air bit into the travellers' flesh as they made their way onwards, towards their destination. Occasionally brief conversation regarding their progress would erupt, though it would be quickly silenced by Seeker Cassandra Pentaghast, who preferred this journey to stay silent. A short blonde elf elbowed her comrade."Oi, Dorian! How do we know this thingymabob's 'ere anyway?" "My dear Sera, we do not know for sure. It is only an assumption. Though Leliana's hunches are rarely wrong. Besides, it doesn't hurt to check, yes?" "Tell that to me. I can barely feel my arse, this air's so cold."
"I could cast a warming spell on you, if you wish." "Nah, no magic. I think I'll just stay cold." " Suit yourself" Sera muttered a curse, but decided to keep her pride, instead of warmth. "After all, they couldn't be that far now. And there were likely some enemies ahead, that she could use as target practice. After the Inquisition's disband , she found herself missing some of the action. Stealing breeches from Orlesian nobles wasn't as satisfying as a good headshot to some random bad guy. That and she missed most of her comrades.
It felt strangely right to join their course once more, even if it was just some useless outing to the middle of nowhere. Glancing behind herself she smirked at Cole, who was admiring the snowflakes collected on his hat. "C'mon Creepy, or the snow ape will break you like a matchstick and gobble you up." The boy blinked. "There is no such thing as a snow ape in these mountains. And I don't think I would be tasty. I haven't had a bath yet. Varric says baths make one smell good. Since I haven't had a bath yet, I doubt my scent to be very appetising. Have you had a bath Sera? You smell of... wildflowers...and ale." He said sniffing ." That is none of your business, Creepy."
"Sweet, delicate scent. Creeping, reaching into one's nostrils. A gentle, soft caress, filled with the smell of summer days and warm nights. Then the other stronger...more violent..yes! Tugging, pulling one's senses. Drunken laughter, singing, drink spilling and hot breath on one's neck." "Can someone tell him to shut up?!" The elf growled. "Sera! You called me 'him' again. Oh, thank you!" Sera groaned. "Silence!" Cassandra Pentaghast hissed, with a wave of her hand. "So...What's the plan, Seeker?" Varric whispered. They were at the entrance of a great cave, it's top hidden somewhere in the clouds and the darkness ahead seemingly drawing nearer to them every second. No snow seemed to fall here and the ground was dry and barren."Well...That looks...inviting." Dorian commented."You don't say." Muttered Sera, readying her bow.
Suddenly they heard heavy footsteps echoing in the tunnels, getting closer to the cave's entrance. Sera drew her bow, Dorian prepared to shoot a fireball, Cole turned translucent green as his hands lingered on the two daggers he carried and Varric muttered something to Bianca, as they all waited for Cassandra's signal to attack. A group of dark spawn ran out of the cave, shrieking violently.
On Cassandra's signal, the group attacked. Arrows and bolts flew through the air piercing through deformed flesh. Cole stabbed, Cassandra swished her sword around as limbs fell off and Dorian's fireballs fried the enemies that managed to scoot away from his comrades."That was easy." Sera said, looking at the remains of the dark spawn at her feet. Cassandra was kneeling down by one of the bodies, visibly worried."What's wrong, Seeker?"Varric asked, putting a hand on the woman's shoulder."See for yourself." Dorian put in, pointing at another body. Upon closer inspection all the corpses had one thing in common, and it was not something caused by the ones that killed them. Blood coloured crystals were embedded in the deformed flesh, emitting a faint red glow.
"Red Lyrium." Varric whispered." It looks like the Red Templars have started to rebuild their order. " "Without Corypheus?" asked Sera. „There will always be reasons to start another war. All it takes is a determined leader." Dorian Pentaghast got up and turned to Cole."Cole. I need you to take word to the Spymaster. She needs to be informed of this immediately. The rest of us will remain here on guard, in case any more of those lyrium infested creatures decide to go to the surface." She turned to Sera."You will accompany him. In case he doesn't deliver the message."
"I'm not going to babysit him. It's not my job. Besides he proved to follow your orders before, why doubt him now?" "Sera, Cole. Just go. Both of you." "But-" The elf protested."There now, Buttercup. "Varric soothed."The Seeker is right, Leliana and the rest back at Skyhold, need to know of this. " He lowered his voice."Cole shouldn't go alone. You know how he gets a bit sidetracked sometimes. With you there he will focus on the job at hand." Sera cursed under her breath but said."Oh all right. We'll go then. C'mon Creepy." She said taking him by the arm and dragging him down the hill, towards the road they had taken on their way to the cave.
