Hi, it's me again, beating all the odds of ded computer and misbehaving laptop to deliver you my weirdest and stupidest story yet. Hope you're not fed up with me yet.

Doombug - that's why you don't take it seriously. That would be bad for your health and lore xD

rubyhardflames - thanks for pointing that out, since I honestly had no idea you do that. Writing dialogues in "sth" is weird enough as it is. Well, there are differences between Polish and English grammar and that's a fact - but I already fixed that in previous chapter, so thanks. It'll take more to work out the tense-jumping, since I quite often don't even realize I'm doing it. Getting a beta would be nice, I assume.


Chapter One, or how cookie your way into people's hearts.


When the last notes of Meghan Trainor's 'No' sounded, and they posed, Annie knelt down, steadying her breath. This particular choreo was not difficult my any means, no, but they did it only two times, and the amount of mistakes they did? Well, they did more idiotic laughing than actual dancing, which deprived them of breath much more efficiently than actual dance ever would.

"Wszystko dobrze, Marcy? (All's good, Marcy?)" she asked in Polish. A girl who sat next to her nodded slightly, taking deep breaths via the inhaler. "Astma to suka, nie? (Asthma's such a bitch, no?)" another nod.

The girl – Marcy or, in fact, Marceline – had long, slightly wavy, jet-black hair and gray eyes. Her hair was also shaved off on left side. She wore quite simple gym uniform – just red sneakers, gray sweatpants and red tank top. Her nails were quite long, though, painted neon rainbow – reminder of last pajama party and a stupid dare. Looking surprisingly good, too.

"Dam radę, (I'll manage,)" girl answered, wiping tears away from her eyes. "Bywało gorzej. (I've had worse.)"

"Could you girls please not speak Polish here?" another voice cut in. The girl who interrupted was quite short, and had curly, fiery-red hair and her skintone was best described as just freckles. "Not everybody understands it, you know. And we kinda are in USA."

"Sorry," Marcy said with an accent.

"Be easy on the kid, Alex, she's been living in the USA only for three months," Annie argued.

"And you for how long?" redhead – Alex – asked. "I know you left after high school, to study arts, because your family's shit."

"Three years now," Annie answered. "But! Less talking more dancing!"

"You were pretty off last time, though," Alex noted. "Two days ago."

Because that was when I was in Dragon Age world, duh, Annie thought. And I left you with my… Let's call it Astral Drop. Too much W.I.T.C.H. as a snort, I assume, but I still love those dorky protectors of the universe. Damn, I'm being sentimental again. Well, shit.

"Alexandra!" she called instead. "You know what? I'm an artist! Could I call myself an artist if I wasn't walking with my head in the clouds?"

I promise, Alex, Annie thought, once I get a hang of creating them, you'll get the best clone I can manage doing. She'll be doing stuff almost as good as the original!

"Ugh, whatever, really," Alex shrugged. "Let's do 'No' once more, then we'll see about other choreo."

"No."

"For fuck's sake, Anna!"

Annie just cackled, easily evading empty water bottle aimed at her head.

"My name is no!"

"Fuck your selfie."

"Don't you dare insult cinnamon roll that is Maxine Caulfield!" Marceline shrieked.

~•(x)•~

School – dance – Starbucks. And that's basically how decided to spend the next few days waiting for the Inquisition to reach Skyhold. So, honestly, she was just doing whatever before getting there. Although, today there was no dancing, so, instead, she headed for the library, with Koteh in basket. This was one of calmest, most patient cats Annie saw in her entire bloody life, and, being the cat person she was, she's seen many, be it during her volunteering work, or in videos, or anything else.

Dia sat beside the cat, curled up against cat's fur and sleeping. Koteh liked it there, in library. It was calm, and quiet, and people were nice. Sabrina always had a treat or two if she knew Annie would be there. And since Annie usually told her about it in advance, then she usually had a treat or two.

Sabrina herself, as Annie would put it, was graphic depiction of what people decided to be 'good girl'; a stereotypical stereotype, both inside and out. Especially out. She had doll-like face with perfect complexion, and only lightest make-up on. Her hair was blonde, pale platinum, wavy and reaching down her wais, and her eyes were blue. Brightest, the most intense blue Annie has seen in her whole life. Sabrina wore pale blue, buttoned shirt, beige skirt, pale blue wedge shoes and blue bracelet.

"Hello, Anna," she smiled politely, as Annie sat next to her, with biggest, dorkiest grin she could make. "Hello to you to, Koteh."

Koteh stuck her head out of the basked and meowed in greeting.

Annie meet Sabrina two years ago, and somehow, with their personalities (and everything else from personal tastes, through family and status to coffee they preferred, really) clashing s much as it was only possible, with Annie being dorky, loud, bubbly nerd and Sabrina being mature, reserved and calm young woman, they became friends. They did, though, share love for Starbucks and good book, although Annie was more into fantasy than Sabrina, who preferred thrillers.

But they always threw shit at bad books together. Or bad movies. Or even games, in which, sadly, Sabrina didn't take nearly as much interest as Anna. But she did play Inquisition once, so it was a success. Big one, honestly, as she almost never played those 'big' games that took more that twelve hours to beat. Except for Sims. Sabrina was a damn Sims-addict, mod-making and all.

"Anything new?" Sabrina asked, and Annie shook her head. She was weird enough, she wasn't going to tell people around that she goes to a different world to fuck with it.

"Nah. Except for we're trying new choreo at the gym. School's like school. You?"

"My father still isn't happy with the fact that, instead of being the lawyer, I'm going for architecture, aka the usual," Sabrina giggled. "He would disown me, if only he wasn't certain that my brother will lose all the money and everything once he gets it. I'm also starting to consider programming."

"The usual, you mean," Annie giggled as well, as Koteh gracefully leaped onto the table, demanding attention she was soon given. "And go for programming! We're gonna make a damn awesome game together, when you'll let me do artistic stuff!"

Sabrina laughed slightly louder.

"Starbucks later?" she asked.

"Sure, can't say no to coffee. By the way, how are Duke and Lady?"

"Oh my god, shut up, please. They're shedding. Every day I can make another Husky out of all the fur they lose. It's absolutely disastrous."

~•(x)•~

"Inquisitor, you must be cautious for this abomination-!"

Oh shit, here we go again, Max thought. Cassandra, unfazed by his 'are we really doing this right now, again' look, continued:

"We don't even know where she came from. For all we know…"

"She could be a demon, blah, blah, yes. The same talk for last five days, Cassandra, I have already memorized it," Max cut in. "Do me, and everybody else, a favor and shut up, please? You can confront her about it once she returns."

"You seem to be certain that she'll return," Cullen cut in.

"I don't seem," Max huffed. "I am. Sweet Maker, Solas, make them shut up or something! They won't quit yapping. It's just as if I heard my mother! And stop calling me Inquisitor."

Cassandra sighed and rolled her head, while Cullen just walked away, probably sulking. Max' mind, however, was set; he already kind of decided Annie into his inner circle, whether they liked it or not, and he wasn't changing his mind. Call him stupid if you will, he never was the sharpest tool anyway. But Annie knew things. Could do things. With her next to him, nearly everything seemed not only possible, but within the reach. Even taking Corypheus down; it seemed a realistic goal of all sudden.

He didn't know if she was charismatic, really. But she was just so nice, and optimistic, and cheerful. Light to be seen in those dark times. Childish, a bit, but that was part of the charm.

"Are we there yet?" he asked finally, looking at Solas. Elf just sighed, and grumbled something.

"No. But if we keep up that pace, we should reach Skyhold tomorrow at sunset."

"Good," Max nodded.

"You're waiting for her," Solas noted, eyeing the Inquisitor. "Why?"

"You perhaps don't know, but I have a younger sister, Evelyn. She's a mage – she was sent to Ostwick Circle. But now, after things happened, I don't know if she's even alive. Annie reminds me of her, you see. I'm pretty sure they would make great friends," Maxwell sighed heavily. That was also thruth, the same optimistic aura leaked from the two. "Last time I her was twelve years ago, when she was sent into the Circle. She was six, I was ten. It was a blow. Hard blow."

"I'm sorry," Solas hummed.

"Yeah, I'm too. For her," Max sniffed, shaking his head. He would not cry, not in front of them all. "I miss her. I hope she's okay, I don't think she attended the conclave."

"Let us move," elf said, changing the subject. "The faster we reach the stronghold, the better."

Maxwell had to agree with that. He was tired and sore. Place to call his own would be really nice. Or at least somewhere dry and not-so-cold to rest. Yes, he'd like that.

"Inquisitor," Josephine called, and he stopped, turning around to see her, very unhappy about his title. It was so weird. "There is someone who would like to speak with you," woman says, nodding to her left. Maxwell was found dumbfounded, because before him stoodactual, real, horned, six-and-a-half-foot-tall Qunari woman. He saw Bull, he should've realized their women are quite alike. He was still surprised, though. Shocked even.

"Um, hello?" he says, realizing that his starring is quite rude. "What can I do for you?"

"My name is Herah Adaar," the Qunari spoke, nodding at him to walk forward and not stop the march. By the name alone he realized that she isn't a Qunari-Qunari. Also by her weapon – a staff, with bright, yellow gem at the tip. Qunari mages are not allowed to walk around freely, that he knows quite well.

"Maxwell Trevelyan, but you most likely know this already," he answers politely. She was whole head taller than him. Whole fucking head. She had long, white hair tied in thick, long braid around wrapped her shoulders and brown eyes, and her skin was grayish in hue. Her horns curled down and forward, giving her look of a ram instead of an ox that the Iron Bull sported.

"So I've heard," she nodded. "I'm member of Valo-kas mercenary company. My brother, Karaas, was at the conclave. Seeing only one other Qunari here beside me, I conclude he didn't make it."

"I… I'm sorry for your brother," Maxwell answered truthfully. He thought of Evelyn again, realizing that he could relate with the ram-woman next to him; only, he didn't even know whether his sister lived or not. It was quite unnerving, but he had to remain positive. Evelyn would scold him if he didn't.

"Don't worry," Herah shook her horned head. "We are mercenaries, we are prepared for risk and what comes with it. If not me, then my best friend, or someone from the familly. But that's just how life goes. Nevertheless, I didn't come here to pity over it. I'm here, in fact, to offer your cause my help. Free of charge. Boss – Shokrakar – was against it, but I insisted. Partly for my brother."

"Wh- I- Really?" Max' eyes brightened visibly, as Herah smiled.

"Unless you'll be uncomfortable having a mage ram-woman around," she said, amusement in her voice.

"No! By the Maker, of course not! You're more than welcome!" he nearly yelled, drawing a throaty chuckle from the woman.

"Inquisitor!" Cassandra called from somewhere. "Stop inviting every outstanding individual into the Inquisition!"

"Nope!" Maxwell called back, and turned back to Herah. "I actually need way more cool people if we're taking Coryfucker down."

Cassandra just made that signature disgusted grunt of hers.

~•(x)•~

"Let's go through the list again; phone, check, power-cell, check, sun-charger, check, spare clothes, shit tone of them, food… Much more than I could eat myself for a whole week. Sketchbook, pencils, eraser, aquarelles… Oh, camera!"

"You sure aren't going in unprepared," Dia sighed, rolling her eyes as she levitated over the backpack – so small it shouldn't even really fit the sketchbook. Yet, it was charmed to be able to hold items enough to fill the whole room. And perhaps it did. "So unlike you, Annie."

"You're still cranky because they can't see you, shh," Annie hugged, going through the list over and over again. "I don't need money, or keys, or credit card, or identity card, or driving license. Good, I hate driving. But they might let me to ride a horse! Or better yet, a dracolisk! Or, no. I want a bog unicorn, or something else undead, they're just so cool!"

"You've spent whole yesterday preparing for your… 'Trip'. People think you weird."

"Even more than before? Is that even possible?" Annie snorted, and Dia just let out a sigh. "Koteh, sunshine of mine, we're going."

Koteh rose gracefully from her bed, and glared at her owner with big, emerald-colored eyes. Then she curled up again. Dia snorted, as Annie let out a sigh, walked to the cat and picked her up.

"To the adventure!"

"Just sing already, damnit."

~•(x)•~

"Incoming!" is the only thing that warns Max for what's to come. Or, actually, fall. Because Annie, completely suddenly, exactly as she told, falls onto his shoulders and he nearly falls himself. For someone her size, comparable to elvish even, she was heavy. Max huffed, struggling to stand his ground with girl on his back, as wind carries remnants of the song he didn't even realize sounded.

"Maker's breath, you're heavy!" is the first thing Maxwell gasps once he can, and that draws a barky laugh out of the girl. She isn't even mad about the remark.

"With all the dance classes, self-defense lessons, fitness and occasional weightlifting I do, well, my muscle mass is ought to weigh it's fair share. Can't blame boobs, as I practically don't have them because all that excercise" she admits, hoping off of him quite gracefully. "Sorry, though. I aimed to land next to you, not atop of you."

"Oh. I don't know what half of those activities are, but okay-" girl didn't exactly listen to what Inquisitor had to say, instead pushing a basket into his hands. A meowing basket.

"You're not afraid of or allergic to cats, are you?" she asked. "If you are, I can give her to someone else."

"It's fairy okay, I-"

"You will now tell where are you from and what is your aim, demon," Leliana says the second Annie feels something cold and sharp on her neck. Max makes a move as if he wanted to help, but the girl just sighs.

"I'm from Krakow, Poland, although currently I live in Roseville, Minnesota, USA. You?"

"I'm asking questions here," spymaster inquired, pressing daggers harder to her neck.

"No, hun'. We either talk or we don't talk," Annie said, dangerous flicker of her tone. "I also really don't like your tone, darling."

"You don't understand your position, do you?" Leliana asked, pressing daggers even harder to her neck. "Your life-"

"Exactly. My life. Not yours," Annie hissed, grabbing spymaster's hands with force the woman surely didn't expect, and throwing her over her shoulder. She pressed Leliana face-down to the ground, holding her hand in uncomfortable angle, and pressing the woman even further to the ground with her knee. Spymaster tried to free herself, but grip only tightened. "We either talk, or we don't talk. I would have loved to tell you everything about myself, preferably over warm cup of tea, but now? After you tried to kill me? For absolutely no reason? Ha. And I thought we could be friends, naïve little girl I was," she continued, pretending to be hurt.

"Uh, Annie?" Max started.

"Hm?"

"You realize you just knocked out one of our best rogues, do you not?"

"I'm very much aware of it, yes," she agreed. "But in the world I live, if you don't know how to defend yourself, you're going to have some hard time."

"What do you want?" Leliana hissed, still trying to free herself from the iron grip.

"Someplace warm and dry. And a cup of warm tea would be nice, too," Annie answered cheerfully, letting the woman go, but taking her daggers. "I'm confiscating those in fear of everyone's well-being, as you visibly pose threat to your surroundings. You may have them back when you behave well. To think I would have to reprimand woman basically twice my age, Jashin damn it…"

"I'm not a child!" Leliana argued.

"But you're acting like one. More than I do. It's worrying," girl pouted, putting the daggers into her bag. Instead, she pulled out a box Max instantly recognized, as his eyes lit up. "Want some?"

"Quite obviously I do," he smiled.

"Where's everyone?" Annie asked, completely ignoring Leliana.

"Everyone?"

"Varric, Bull, Dorian, Blackwall… Hell, even Solas will do. You know, the Inner Circle?"

"Somebody asked for me?" elf cut in, appearing out of nowhere, it would seem.

"I did, before I decided to spray Leliana with water like Koteh when she's misbehaving. Making me do that would be really dick move, I tell you," Annie shivered. "Not that I ever really had to spray Koteh with water, she's surprisingly nice for a cat."

"Cookiesssssss," Max hissed, putting his hand into opened box and taking out handful of chocolate-coated treats. "Where do you even get those?"

"In a shop, duh. Like everything else I brought…"

"You have more?!" Max called with his mouth full, and Koteh meowed in protest of her basket shaking. "You have other things?"

"Yeah. Stuff I thought you might like" Annie shrugged. "Both sweet and sour. And some salty stuff, too, albeit it's all high on sugar and other stuff and quite unhealthy. But I guess that's what makes it so good. I love junk food, if you ask me."

"Why would you want to spray Leliana with water, though?" Solas asked, taking a cookie himself.

"Because she was being mean, duh," Annie shrugged. "I kinda hate mean people. They suck."

"And why would you call me 'Wolfy' like you did?" he asked, Suddenly serious. Annie grinned widely.

"You'd rather have me call you the full title-thingy?" she asked, albeit it held no threat, more than a daring, playful note.

"I don't know what are you two talking about," Max cut in. "But if it's about some sort of your secret, Solas, then she most likely knows it. Don't you?"

"You bet, Max. You bet" Annie giggled, and then winked at the elf. Sour-faced as always.

"I have a hunch that you two will be such a trouble together," elf sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Oh, Chuckles, I haven't met Varric yet. Or Bull. Or Dorian," girl grinned, and Solas only rolled his eyes. Yes, definietely a trouble.

~•(x)•~

Varric wouldn't be himself if he hadn't heard the news. And he had, of course he had. Everybody had, from earlier dispute of Cassandra, Cullen and Leliana. Josephine decided to keep quiet on the matter. Topic of their 'talk' that was heard possibly by whole Inquisition anyway. Someone called 'Annie'. He caught a glimpse of her before, when she basically carried Max to the camp. And those idiots wanted to kill her because she looked different. That was beyond even Varric's fiction, okay.

He didn't exactly have anyone to speak to right now. Sera was all over newest addition to the party, the Qunari mage girl, Herah Adaar, whom he hadn't nicknamed yet. Bull was busy laughing about something with his Chargers, Vivienne and Dorian were stubbornly ignoring one another's existences. Blackwall was busy, sitting on one of the carts and carving something. Solas and Cassandra were only Maker knows where at the moment, so it was relatively calm.

Of course, Varric was bored, because calm was boring. So he decided to seek out the Inquisitor (was it what everyone's been calling him now?), but he didn't quite expect the outcome of his search.

She did look otherworldly, okay. Every ounce of otherworldly. Her hair was short, the kind of short warrior women wore, and absolutely unnatural color. Especially since it was two colors – cherry red and the brightest, most fiery orange he's ever seen. She wore blue, torn up pants and gray shirt with some pattern, perhaps something written on. She had red shoes, and red scarf around her neck. She also had a sweater-like cover with her, but it was currently tied around her waist. Short sleeves of her shirt uncovered her hands, lushly tattooed with fancy lines and swirls. Varric doubted it had some deeper meaning other than to look good – and it did.

"So this is this feared creature that chases sleep of Commander Cullen's eyes and makes Seeker Cassandra turn around in fear?" he said with a smug smile, walking over to Inquisitor Max, Solas and Annie. There were many tales about the girl going on and about already. Some said she was a demon, some – yet another Chosen One. Some even said that she knew future, and that her singing bore magic unknown to the world. How poetic.

"Oh my fucking god, it's Varric," what the dwarf knew for sure after seeing her was that, in fact, she was just a young girl, happy to help around. And very happy to see him. "Oh my fucking god, it's really Varric."

"That's me all right," dwarf laughed. "Varric Tethras: rogue, storyteller, and, occasionally, unwelcome tagalong at your service."

"I'm Anna Nykiel, but everybody just calls me Annie," she introduced herself. "And you're the most welcome tagalong ever, really."

"Aw damn, and here I thought I could come up with a nickname," Varric laughed, scratching back of his neck.

"I don't mind," she smiled, flashing her straight, white teeth. Varric took note of her prominent canines. Her smile, nonetheless, was on the nicer side.

"I really should stop being surprised at you knowing everyone," Max remarked, calico cat sprawled on his shoulders, and purring very loudly, basket tugged under his arm, other hand rested on his hip.

"Nah, that's natural, I guess," Annie shrugged. "I do, after all, know your deepest secrets."

"How deep do you knowledge go?" Solas inquired, eyeing the girl, who just grinned widely.

"The less you know, the better you sleep, sunshine," she answered.

"People say you're good at singing," Varric cut in, with every intention of preventing further daring between the two. Annie nodded, albeit slightly reluctantly.

"She does, indeed," Max admitted. "I heard it."

"Care to sing for us then?" dwarf asked, smiling gallantly.

"Ugh, what am I supposed to sing? 'Dawn will come' is literally the only song from your world I know…" Annie sighed, looking away.

"Then sing something from yours," Solas proposed. "I'm quite interested in it, to be honest."

"Of course you are, you Fade nerd," girl snorted, pulling that weird object – phone – from her pocket, and touching it few times. "All right, this one will do, I guess."

"What did you just do?" Varric questioned.

"My world has shit ton of songs. I just looked up lyrics of those I like the most to choose," she shrugged, as if this was the most obvious thing to do. "Although a guitar would be nice. Damn, even lute would do. Whatever. Ahem."

Varric didn't know what a 'guitar' was, but it wasn't hard to realize that it was much different than a lute. Annie, in meantime, started singing.

"Everybody loves to tell me
I was born an old soul
Better keep my eyes wide open
There's so much that I don't know
Just another hotel room,
Never felt so alone
I think about my grand dad's eyes
and they always send me home
I can almost hear him now
I gotta make him proud,
"

Varrick sucked his breath. Her voice… He could almost touch magic seeping through the sound. And he suddenly felt so much better, like fatigue of last day's way was just a bad dream. Even dull ache of his muscles faded.

"I keep my eyes wide open,
Let's this crown unbroken
I'm about to make my way
Heaven on me, keep my faith,
My eyes wide open
!"

Solas was listening. Actually listening, without any distractions, without even his usual sour face. That was new. Varric noticed few people come closer to them, Bull and Chargers among them, as they all listened to magic that just made everything better. Even bards couldn't do that – Annie literally took the fatigue away, not just eased it.

"I can't see two steps ahead me
When the fog comes rolling in
I never thought I'll miss the rain,
God knows how long it's been
This dream burns inside of me
And I can't just let it go
There's still so much that I don't know,
"

Even Cassandra allowed herself to be relaxed, instead of sporting her usual frown. Now that was an achievement. Annie's eyes glowed unsettling blue, so did her tattoos and otherwise-gray nails.

"I keep my eyes wide open,
Let's this crown unbroken
I'm about to make my way
Heaven on me, keep my faith,
My eyes wide open
!"

Varric could've sworn he also heard tune befitting those words. Maybe that was also her magic, making up the musical base for her. Annie herself seemed all to absorbed in the song to even notice. People, on the other hand, started waving to the tune.

"Oh, I'll always have this moment
I don't wanna miss a second
'Cause it could all be gone in an instant
Yeah, an instant
."

Annie started clapping her hands to the rhythm, and people followed instantly. Varric, too, because why not?

"I keep my eyes wide open,
Let's this crown unbroken
I'm about to make my way
Heaven on me, keep my faith,
My eyes wide open!
I'm about to make my way
Heaven on me, keep my faith,
Keep my eyes wide open!
"

Applause was loud. Louder than anticipated, most likely, because Annie was caught completely off-guard, blushing hard and hiding behind Max. Because, holy hell, even Cassandra and Solas were clapping. Not to mention Bull roaring something sounding like 'that was awesome', and few people even whistling. Loudly.

"Shit, next time you ask me to sing, make sure there isn't whole fucking Inquisition around," she hissed, burying her face in Max' back. "Fuck this shit, I'm famous now, am I not?"

"Yep," Max laughed. "Now I'm not alone, thankfully."

"Shit. The only thing I need now is for people to call me some Shit of Andraste like they did to you, poor creature."

"Ugh, I'm apparently an Inquisitor now," Max groaned, and calico beats on his shoulders yawned and meowed. "By the way, who is this?" he pointed at the cat.

"Oh. Her name is Koteh," Annie shrugged.

"This song, it was nice," Solas noted, smiling gently. "Quite different from what bards sing."

"Well, duh," girl snorted. "We're, like, one thousand years into the future if we're to compare. You don't even have gunpowder, save for the Qunari. Not to mention actual firearm…"

"You people have gaatlok?" Iron Bull. Questioned, walking over to the group. Annie gasped, squealed and almost fainted, not quite in such order. It took her a while to regain composure, but once she did, she was all over the Qunari.

"Well, first version ever was called the Black Powder, and was invented in China in ninth century," she answered, jumping around the Bull who appeared to be nearly twice her size. "My world's currently at twenty-first century, so."

"Well, that makes sense, kinda…" Bull sighed, scratching his head.

"Do your world have dwarves?" Varric asked, walking up to the girl, but she shook her head fiercely.

"No other humanoid race confirmed than humans as far as I know," she answered. "No magic whatsoever, either. Although humans are divided by races of their own, told from one another based off of their skin color, face shape and body traits, sometimes."

"World with no magic?" Solas asked. "Interesting. You, however, appear to have it."

"Yeah, but that's a story for an evening in the tavern."

"I'd like to hear more about human races," Bull admitted, nodding his head.

"And I'd like a ride," Annie blurted before she had a chance to speak. Bull looked at her funny, Varric barked out in laughter. Girl puffed her cheeks and held her arms up, jumping in place. "Come on!"

Bull laughed at that, but complied, kneeling down and allowing girl to climb onto his shoulders.

"Weee!" she cheered, taking a firm hold of his horns.

"I'm still waiting for you to tell me about human races," Qunari noted.

"White, yellow, black and, I like to account them, red. White are shit, yellow are smart, black were slaves to white, and red were derived off of their lands by white."

"White people really sound like shit," Varric nodded.

"Yah. White people are quintessence of all that's wrong with mankind," Annie shrugged. "Solas, are we there yet?"

Solas only smiled and pointed forward. There, atop of one of mountains, was a stronghold. Big, with white walls and towers that seemed scratching the sky.

"As I said, we should reach it today by sunset."

~•(x)•~

Skyhold was big. Quite obviously, duh, but it sparked awe in Annie nonetheless. Actually, it got her agape, gazing at everything from her place up on Bull's shoulders. This place was absolutely massive, and fully capable of holding an army within its walls. Suitable for organization that was going to save the world. Twice. If not more.

"You look as if you've gotten the best birthday present ever," Varric snorted from somewhere down there, and Annie giggled.

"Skyhold looks much better live, really," she muttered, supporting her face on her hands, elbows seated firmly on Bull's horns. "Damn, Solas knows his thing."

"Why, thank you," elf chuckled somewhere.

"Max!" Annie yelled, jumping off of Bull's shoulders and sliding on his back.

"What?" Inquisitor asked, looking at her, Koteh still on his shoulders.

"Introduce me to people!" she demanded, crossing her arms on her shoulders.

"Uh… Okay?" he said, and then laughed. "But you're giving me a tour through Skyhold first."

"Okay!" she agreed without a second thought. "Daym, if I actually remember Skyhold before repairs."

"I believe in you," Max snorted, and Annie smiled widely.

"But, wait. Hold up," she started suddenly, holding her hands up. "I saw a Qunari lady earlier today. Who was she?"

"Uh, her name is Herah Adaar, and…"

"Adaar?" Annie's eyes widened in absolute, pure shock.

"Something's wrong?" Max asked.

"People with surnames of Trevelyan, Lavellan, Cadash and Adaar are possible bearers of the Anchor. When one becomes it, other three die at the Conclave, because they're all present there… It makes no sense. Why on Earth…"

"Um, she said her brother died at the Conclave…"

"Of course!" Annie yelled, hitting her head. "I'm so stupid- I should stop suggesting myself with main storyline! This world is real, not a game, so realistic things happen! Shit, I'm so stupid, sorry."

"Uh, okay?" Max said, cocking his head. "But who exactly is Ms. Adaar then?"

"Someone who would most likely be in your shoes, hadn't you got that mark on your hand," Annie explained, as they walked somewhere more secluded, being somewhere under the wall. Solas, Varric and Bull followed, visibly curious at where the conversation is going.

"Uh, explain. Please. Slowly," Max huffed.

"I- Okay. I'll explain it to myself, too" Annie sighed. "There were, which is safe to assume, eight possible bearers of the Anchor. Humans, male Trevelyan aka you, and female Trevelyan, most likely named Evelyn-"

"My sister's name is Evelyn," Max nodded. "She's- Was, mage from Ostwick Circle of Magi. Maker, I hope she's safe."

"If she didn't die at the Conclave, she most likely is," Annie cut in. "Was she there?"

"No. If she was I would meet with her for sure," Max answered.

"Okay. Then, there's possible Lavellan, elven, Inquisitor. Generic names are Ellana or Mahanon. If mage, they're their keeper's first, warrior or rogue is best hunter of the clan. Then dwarf, either Edric or Malika Cadash and, of course, Qunari- Well, actually a Tal-Vashoth, member of Valo-kas mercenary group. Either Herah or Karaas Adaar," Annie explained, and Maxwell nodded at the information.

"Well, she said her brother's name was Kaaras and that he died at the conclave," Max agreed. "So is it safe to assume that other of those… 'Possible Inquisitors', as you called them, will join us?"

"No idea, but knowing that it already happened, I'm not ruling it out for Lavellan and Cadash. And your sister, because, as you say, she wasn't at the conclave. So, she's most likely alive."

"I'm glad to hear that," he sighed with a small smile.

"Your knowledge is slightly unsettling, no offence," Varric noted. "The amount of it."

"None taken," Annie shrugged. "Whatever, who's up for Skyhold Tour? Only this once, free of charge!"

What answered her was Bull's booming laughter and Max' enthusiastic cheer.