I know you probably thought this was going to be an update, but maybe it's something better! I've finally managed to find a Beta! So everyone says hi to OrchidLurver! She's been amazing in editing this, and I hope you'll enjoy the updates!

For those of you who are new readers, I hope you'll like what you're about to read!
Either way, enjoy!

Disclaimer : Dragon Age and all canonic characters are owned by Bioware, OCs are mine.

CH 1 – Old Friends

Dear Leliana,

I heard about what is going on with the Wardens and Corypheus. I'll join you and the Inquisition shortly. I'll send word of my planned arrival as well, but please, let this remain between us.

Also, I know that Morrigan is at Skyhold, I look forward to seeing her.

Yours,

T.A.

Leliana quickly went through the short missive one more time before sighing in relief. It was good to know that she was coming, though she didn't want to be announced to anyone. The Inquisition would truly benefit from her insight, just as much as she would benefit from being in the Inquisition.

The Spymaster had kept tabs on her friend as much as she could; it certainly had been easier when she had become the Warden-Commander. However, it had become a little more difficult when she had left that position. Knowing what Corypheus had done to the Wardens, with his fake calling, had made Leliana feel uneasy and she had immediately sent people out looking for the former Warden-Commander.

To know that she was safe and on her way, was a great relief.

Ignoring the fact that the Warden looked forward to meeting up with Morrigan, Leliana put the letter away.

Now all she had to do was wait.

I'll have the guards notified with your arrival as my personal guest. Meet me as soon as you can.

Thalia read the message and immediately sent the raven back, grateful as always for Leliana's precise organization.

At only a couple hours from Skyhold, Thalia found that the more she rode, the more she found herself agitated and excited to reunite with her friend. It had been so long since she'd been around a familiar and friendly face. Also, she was thrilled at the idea of seeing Morrigan once more. She wanted to know how her fellow mage was holding up. After their last encounter at the Eluvian, she hadn't heard from Morrigan, not even a whisper in the wind.

Nothing.

With a sigh, she fixed the heavy furred cloak on her shoulders. The Frostbacks were really much colder than she remembered. Gently, she spurred the horse back into movement.

It was already pitch dark when she finally came to a stop in the lower courtyard of the fortress. Skyhold, a sight to behold, even from a distance; and inside it was almost better. The temperature had lightly increased in the protection of the sturdy walls, with the wind being cut off by the battlements.

It truly was amazing.

Thalia dismounted from her mare as two men approached her; one was clearly a stable boy, the other she recognized as one of the scouts that had approached her back in the Anderfells.

"Milady, welcome. Sister Leliana is waiting for you." He saluted, bowing his head.

Thalia returned the gestures and then handed the reins to the boy. "Take good care of her." She warned, and the boy nodded in understanding.

With the mare attended to, Thalia gladly followed the scout through the yard where she noted a series of tents and a woman tending to the wounded. They climbed a set of stairs allowing her to have a clear visual of the main yard. On one side, she could hear the distinctive sounds of the Tavern; men and women yelling and shouting happily. A song filled the air and she could imagine people dancing and singing along in a funny drunken state. Smiling to herself, the mage remembered the nights she had spent with her companions. Oghren getting ass drunk and challenging both Sten and Shale to take him down in a duel. Anders becoming almost disgustingly adorable after just one glass of scotch and endlessly poking at Nathaniel, making fun of his crush on Velanna. Alistair's sweet smile that would quickly become a full wide grin when he drank. As her mind remembered of all those moments, her heart began to ache.

It's still too painful for her.

No. She didn't come all this way in the midst of the freezing Frostbacks to get all sappy!

She shook her head and started climbing a new set of stairs that lead to the main body of the Hold.

The inside was much more magnificent than the simple outside would have led her to believe. A red carpet run through the whole area, all the way up to the upstanding Throne. Tables were set on each side and the walls were decorated in the typical marcher style – a clear sign of the Inquisitor origins – along with the Inquisition's banners. The man took a turn for the first door on their left, leading into an incredibly huge, round room that was decorated with different frescoes. In the middle was a desk and a chair, currently occupied by an elf that only spared them a quick glance before going back to his work.

Again, they took on a new set of stairs, that ended in what seemed to be a library.

Odd location to place a library, she thought as they passed through. There were still a few people in there at such an hour, and a man wearing a particularly fleshy set of robes that caught her eye. He had an outstanding sense of fashion and a very nice ass, she noted.

After yet another set of stairs – what was it with the stairs? She almost felt as if she was back in the Circle Tower! – They finally came to a stop.

Leliana was already standing in front of her desk.

When Thalia appeared, the Bard dashed forward and wrapped her friend in a tight hug. The Sister may have looked very reserved and frightening, but Thalia knew well enough that she could also hand out cuddles when she really wanted to. So she squeezed in return, relaxing between the arms of an old friend.

"It's good to see you again. I've missed you." The nightingale whispered in her friend's ear.

Thalia couldn't help the smile that spread on her lips. "I've missed you too." She squeezed the Spymaster one more time and then let go.

Studying her friend's features, Leliana watched as Thalia unwrapped the cloak from her shoulders and placed it on the chair. Ten years had passed and time had changed even the mighty Hero: her long auburn hair that she had once envied, was now cut short to rest just a little bit under her chin; her face, although still young, bared the signs of aging as much as hers, a new scar now rested on her left eyebrow. Her body was still fit as always, she noted with a glance to her figure.

"I see you still fancy those robes from Tevinter." Leliana chuckled, noticing Thalia's outfit.

The Bard remembered the first time that Thalia had bought the clothing in Denerim; Alistair had almost had a heart attack when he'd seen her walking out of the store with such a revealing outfit.

"I find them most comfortable, and with a little enchantment I can wear them even in this freezing cold." The mage said matter-of-factly.

"I think Dorian is going to approve." Leliana mused.

Thalia supposed that this Dorian was one of the Inquisitor's companions, but didn't bother to ask for a confirmation. There's going to be enough time to meet them all, she wagered.

"So, what are your plans now that you're finally here?"

The former Warden started to pace, occasionally glancing up and down to take in the details of the place. She continued pacing for quite some time before she settled, leaning on the wooden rail.

"I'll give you and the Inquisition all the information I have on Clarel, Corypheus and the Wardens, that's obvious. I'll introduce myself as a simple former Warden, none of that Hero of Ferelden shit. I'll meet your Inquisitor, his companions and your colleagues. And that's it. I have no more to offer than my skills and knowledge." She explained.

Leliana eyed her carefully, knowing that her friend was doing her best to stay out of this whole mess, trying to stay unattached to them all. "But are you going to stay in the Inquisition?" She asked.

Thalia bit her lower lip, a sign she was distressed and not comfortable with the thought of sticking around for too long. Of course she had planned on staying for the time she was going to be needed...but to actually remain and join the Inquisition?

"Just find me something to do, to blend in. We'll think about the rest once we need to." She offered at last.

Leliana smiled fondly.

Thalia Amell was still the stubborn woman she had met ten years before.