Char: Dorian & Noah

Note: Remember underlined like this means its in elven

I apologize in advance for any confusion from when people are talking. I might keep my chapters to a max of 2k when posting only because there might be a ton of times where people will be speaking in elven and I actually have to go back through the entire chapter to underline things because copy/paste doesn't keep underlines.

Shattered Glass

Meet and Greet

Dorian had dressed himself in his usual magic garb. He was now faced with the task of dressing the inquisitor, who had yet to regain consciousness. He'd managed the elf's shirt and pants but he was having trouble with the elf's shoes. He rolled his eyes up, placing his hands on his hips. "What am I even doing?" He asked, leaning over the elf and smacking him lightly in the face. "Noah, you need to come back to the waking world and put on your shoes." He was still befuddled as to why he even dressed the elf this far. He should be afraid for how deeply he was enamored with the elf but found he couldn't care less. "Up and at 'em, amatus." A couple more light slaps and light green eyes peered up at him.

"Wha?"

"You fainted," Dorian said. He helped the elf up. "Cullen suggests a war room meeting."

"…"

Dorian frowned at the elf's silence. "If you're going to faint again, please wait until after we get into the war room. You are a lot heavier than you look…I'd rather not carry you all the way there." No smart-alecky remarks or snarky rebuttals. "And your shoes. They're so tiny - why are your feet so tiny? I'm almost jealous." Nothing. The elf was stiff and completely silent. That was strange and totally unexpected. Dorian, at least, expected the elf to glare at him. "Noah?"

"Huh?" Noah finally looked at Dorian, his eyes misty with an emotion Dorian couldn't quite place.

"Are you alright?" Dorian placed a hand on Noah's shoulder.

"Just…surprised…"

"I guess having one's assumed dead clan contact you from the beyond can put a slight scare on anyone. I'm sure it'd even have Corypheus shaking in his boots." Dorian paused. "I wonder if he even wears boots." He expected a chuckle from the elf but all he got was a cold look. Dorian would take anything, at this point, other than the blank stare the elf had given him when the news was first brought to them. "Now that you're expressing an emotion I can place, hows about you put your boots on and get down to the war room." Dorian patted the elf's shoulder. "I'll tell the others."

Noah plopped down on the bed and watched Dorian descend the stairs.


Noah massaged his temples as he walked into the war room. Everyone was in there: Vivienne, Varric, Solas, Iron Bull, Cassandra, Sera, Dorian, Blackwall, and the three advisors. The only one missing was Cole but he was probably in there somewhere, blending in. "Inquisitor, what shall we do to prepare for this Aeradhen of Vimmarkan?" Cullen asked, breaking the tense silence.

"Isn't Aeradhen the name of your clan? The one that was destroyed." Blackwall asked.

"Yes, yes," Noah waved him off. "Technically they were never destroyed but I like to think they were…"

"Eh?" There was a chorus of similar remarks.

"Oh, Creators, this is real…" Noah mumbled.

"Is there anything else we should know about them? To prepare for their arrival?" Josephine asked.

"I don't even know who is arriving," Noah said, running a shaky hand through his hair. "All I know is Cylan and…he's not the most tolerable when it comes to dealing with humans…" Cullen made a noise.

"The letter mentioned who would be coming," Cullen piped in. He held up the parchment that he'd read to Dorian earlier. "Athevera, Thelris, Arvari, Gethrahel, and Shiasiara." Noah stiffened noticeably.

"Refer to Gethrahel as Ser Cyrmet and nothing more or less. He will gut you like a nug if you call him by any other name," Noah said.

"Anything in particular we should ready ourselves for?" Vivienne asked.

Noah suddenly pointed at Josephine. "Josephine, none of that crappy elven you did when you first met me. They'll find it insulting." He pointed and glared at Solas. "Solas, do not insult the Dalish, no matter how childish you think they are. If Cyrmet or Cylan hear you, they will slit your throat." Noah pointed at Sera with a heated look. "You, as an elf, will come across as a disgrace if you utter a single insult towards the elven kind and praise humans. They will bash your face in. Even Shiasiara and Athevera."

Sera stuck her tongue out at Noah, causing his expression to darken more.

"I have warned you. Heed my warnings and live," Noah said. He pointed at Varric. "Ease up on the crude humor." He pointed at Vivienne. "Don't utter a single word about human politics to them. They do not care and may even take what you say as offensive." He pointed at Cassandra. "You just avoid them as much as possible."

Cassandra glared at him and crossed her arms. "What do you mean by that?" She asked.

"You're a hardheaded human, they're stubborn elves. You serve the Maker and see Andraste as divine, they don't. You act before you think. You say before you think. They will slit your throat before you think." Noah said.

"They sound like very violent individuals…" Josephine muttered.

"This Arvari person…This doesn't sound like an elf name," Iron Bull piped in.

"That is because it is not. Arvari is a Qunari, or what you would call a Tal-Vashoth. I cannot stress how important it is that you do not try to engage in Qunlat with him. He will smash your face in. He speaks elven and lives by elven standards. He is apart of the Aeradhen clan and the clan sees him as one of their own," Noah said.

"Hm. This clan of yours nearly sounds like living under the Qun." Iron Bull mumbled.

Noah pointed at Leliana. "Save your Maker and Andraste-chosen BS for later. They will slit your throat." Noah shook his head. "In fact, make sure no one even utters Andraste's name."

"That will be difficult, considering your title and what you're known as, Inquisitor…" Cullen said, frowning.

"Right…" Noah scratched at the nap of his neck.

"Besides this Cylan and Cyrmet being overlords of violence," Varric said, causing Noah to glare at him. "And Arvari being Qunari period," Iron Bull gave Varric an annoyed look. "What about the other three?"

"I don't remember much of Thelris…" Noah frowned, crossing his arms. "He never came around."

"Around where?" Varric asked. Noah stiffened.

"Nowhere. Athevera and Shiasiara are sisters. They'll probably engage you more as…I remember them being merchants."

"Merchants?"

"Like dwarves, Aeradhen had something of a caste system. The Merchants are the ones who travel to do business with humans or other Dalish clans." Noah furrowed his brow. "Dorian,"

"Hm?" Dorian hummed.

"Keep a grip on your sarcastic tongue - and your knack for crude jokes." Noah narrowed his eyes when Dorian opened his mouth. "Athevera might appreciate your wit, but the others will not."

"I don't know if this is a compliment or an insult," Dorian said with a shake of his head.

"Take your pick," Noah said, narrowing his eyes. "I need to talk to you about something later." Dorian nodded.

"When do you think they'll get here?" Leliana asked.

"They're coming from a city called Vimmarkan," Cullen said. "Where ever that is."

"Vimmarkan? Place of Vimmark? I've never heard of this place," Solas said with a frown. "Is it an elven city?" He looked at Noah.

"It is. In the Vimmark Mountains," Noah explained.

"That's just north of Kirkwall," Cullen added.

"Say if they left just now, how long would it take them to get here?" Blackwall asked.

"Depending on how fast they're going, I'd give it 8-10 days," Varric mumbled, stroking his chin. "That is, if they're moving without sleeping."

"The letter said they had already sent them over before they sent out the letter," Josephine said with a frown. "They may already be on their way here. Who knows when the letter was actually sent and how far ahead of the letter the group from your clan was sent."

"True," Cullen mumbled.

"Another wait and see situation," Dorian said rather then asked. There was a mumbled chorus of agreement.


Noah's head was throbbing. He'd spent majority of the day redecorating the hold. He'd told them to pull down the Andraste Draperies and replace them with the symbol of the inquisition. He had them change the decorations around the entire hold from being anything related to Andraste, which upset quite a few people, to a mixture of Orlaisian, Elven, and Fereldan decor.

He'd had many glare at him and some protest subtly. Then there were those who were loud with their protests. Noah wanted to snap all their necks He'd rather they yell at him then the entire hold being bathed in blood. The inquisition may outnumber the small band coming to them but the Aeradhen clan's warriors were ruthless and deadly. What they lacked in numbers, they made up for in experience and skill.

Noah made his way up the stairs to his chambers, sluggish in his steps. The whole day spent being yelled at and yelling at others was taking its toll now more than ever. His head hurt, his feet were killing him, his arms felt like strings, and overall he was a miserable mess. He couldn't get over the fact that his clan knew were he was. How long have they known? The question kept repeat itself over and over again.

With an exhausted moan, he plopped face first on the couch. He didn't know how he'd deal with all this. Mentally, it was draining. His wary mind would soon begin to affect him physically too. "I surely hope you're not planning on sleeping over there," Dorian said.

"Please, I'm not in the mood for your words…" Noah said, muffled by the couch cushions. He felt a hand rub his back in soothing circles.

"Take off your shirt, get on the bed and lay on your stomach," Dorian commanded.

Noah grunted but pushed off the couch to do as asked. When he laid against the pillows, felt as if he could sleep for years. "Are my feet really that tiny?" Noah asked nonchalantly as he felt Dorian tug his boots off. He heard the plop as the mage threw his boots somewhere to his right.

"Oh, so, you did hear me?"

Noah could hear the smirk in Dorian's voice. He wanted nothing more than to turn around and slap the smirk off his face but that insinuated movement and at the moment, he didn't feel like he was capable of movement. He let out a sigh as he felt Dorian work at his feet.

"I'll have you feeling like gelatin in no time."


Cullen looked up when he heard the door to his office open and close. Noah stood at the door, hand still holding the handle. He was staring down at the floor silently. After a long bout of silence, Cullen finally spoke up, "Is something the matter, Inquisitor?"

"You're the only one who hasn't complained at me," Noah said. He let go of the door and sat down beside it. Cullen furrowed his brow at the elf's odd behavior.

"Complained about what?"

"Everywhere I walk, I see and hear them." Noah sighed, leaning against the wall. He looked up at the ceiling. "They're mad because I changed the draperies."

"Ah, I see." Cullen crossed his arms. "Everyone?"

"Mhm. Mother Gisela is the loudest. I really do hope they all heed my warnings….especially her. I have a feeling it may be safer to tell them to leave the hold for awhile." Noah looked down at Cullen with his head still tilted up. "I really only trust you to handle this situation correctly."

"Just me? What about Dorian? Varric? Leliana? Vivienne?"

Noah slowly brought his head down to fully look Cullen in the eyes.

"Maybe Vivienne but the others, no way in hell," Noah grunted. The two looked up when the door opened again. An inquisition soldier saluted to the two.

"Inquisitor, Commander! A small group of armed soldiers are just outside the gate requesting entrance. They say they are from Vimmarkan. They wish to also speak directly to the Inquisitor." The soldier glanced down at Noah. A confused expression took hold of his face before he shook his head. "How should we continue, sirs?"

"Allow them entrance and lead them to the main all" Cullen said, crossing his arms. He nodded at the soldier and the soldier saluted and left. Cullen looked to Noah with a frown. "I was not expecting them to come a day after we receive the letter."

"Whose to say we received it yesterday. Josephine's desk is always a mess of papers."

"Good point," Cullen said as he made his way to Noah. He held out a hand and the elf took it. Helping Noah up, the two exited the office, Cullen walking ahead of the elf. Noah stopped walking and turned to look towards the main hall. Cullen, not hearing Noah's footsteps, turned to regard the elf. "Inquisitor?"

"I keep gripping at nothing…" Noah grumbled. "I just can't believe I'm awake, that this is actually happening."

Cullen was silent as he followed the elf's gaze. He saw the group of 6 heavily armored, head to toe in armor that looked similar to templar armor, warriors walking behind two inquisition soldiers. One of the heavily armored warriors, who Cullen assumed was the Qunari considering he was larger than the others (and also the fact he had horns protruding from under his helmet), carried a giant axe on their back. The axe easily looked 2x heavier than any he'd ever seen. "One of them is a mage?"

"I'm sure her armor is lighter than it looks."

Cullen looked up to see Noah had continued walking. Cullen followed after the elf warrior.


When Cullen and Noah stepped into the main hall, Solas and Dorian behind them since they saw them walk through, they were greeted with the sight of the 6 warriors standing around speaking with the inquisition soldiers that had led them to the main hall. Varric, as usual, was standing next to the rotunda. He only glanced up when Noah stood beside him. Iron Bull, Krem, Cassandra, and Blackwall were just coming into the main hall, probably having seen the approaching soldiers. "And this Inquisitor person?" one of the soldiers, either Athevera or Shiasiara since the voice was female, asked. The inquisition soldiers pointed towards Noah and Cullen and Noah stiffened.

This is really happening, Noah thought. Cullen and Noah approached the warriors as they turned to regard them.

" Noalanniel, its been so long since I've laid eyes on you, ma lethallan. How have you faired thus far?" This person's voice was slightly higher in pitch than the first, presumably one of the sisters yet again.

" Well enough to still breathe, " Noah said, his voice strained. Cullen glanced at the elf from the corner of his eyes.

"Ah, where are our manners," The female form before said. She pulled off her helmet to reveal a tanned face and a mop of black hair. Her eyes were narrow, amber, with almost cat-like slits for pupils. She had a light blue vallaslin etched on her forehead, depicting Mythal. "I am called Athevera Panonril of clan Aeradhen." The one standing beside her took off her helmet to reveal an identical face. The only difference between the two were their hair styles. "This is my sister, Shiasiara Panonril."

"Please to meet you," Shiasiara said, flicking a lose strand of black hair from her face. Her hair, unlike her unruly twin's, was braided from the front and ended in a bun at the back of her head.

The Qunari pulled his helmet off to reveal a purplish-grey face. He lack hair and had two large, thick horns protruding from his head. The horns angled backwards and curved forwards at the tip. The horns looked to be slightly bigger than Iron Bull's. "I am called Avari," he said.

"This is Gethrahel Cyrmet," Athevera said, gesturing to the tallest of the elven warriors.

"You may refer to me as Ser Cyrmet," Gethrahel growled. The man's voice was deep and raspy. He didn't take off his helmet.

"Yes, well," Athevera was glaring at Gethrahel before turning her attention to the man standing on the other side of him, who'd already taken his helmet off to reveal a short mop of black hair. The vallaslin that adorned his face was light peach in color, nearly blending in with his skin which was a shade darker. His eyes, like Athevera and Shiasiara, were narrow and amber, though his pupil was not slit like their's. "Thelris Sardis."

The elf simply nodded.

"I am called Cylan Sothon. I lead this group of representatives of the Aeradhen clan. You must be the leader of this inquisition?" The one that stood beside Avari stepped forward, pulling his helmet off. Under the helmet was a long, narrow face with narrow, forest green eyes. He had a long scar going from the tip of his left eyebrow down across his nose to stop an inch away from the tip of his nose. His hair, unlike the others, was not black but white. His hair was much longer then their's, framing his face and stopping just past his shoulders. He had a portion his hair bound in a leather strap that fell over his shoulder. He was looking at Cullen when he addressed the head of the Inquisition.

"I am Cullen Ruthaford. I am not the head of the inquisition, I am just the Commander in charge of our army. This," He gestured to Noah who was looking down at the ground. "is the leader of the Inquisition." The next thing that happened surprised them all. Gethrahel laughed. It wasn't a snigger or a low chuckle, it was loud boisterous laughter. Shiasiara was giggling and Cylan only raised an eyebrow. Athevera was glaring at Gethrahel and Arvari and Thelris stayed silent.

" Noalanniel as leader of something other than a herd of Halla? " Gethrahel asked through his laughter. " Couldn't even do that properly."

" Come now, its not totally unbelievable," Athevera huffed. " Laughing like some common shem about something as serious as this, Cyrmet? You should be ashamed of yourself!" Athevera was glaring at Gethrahel again. Gethrahel only continued to laugh.

" An elf leading an army of shems, who better suited than someone from clan Aeradhen?" Arvari said. That silenced Gethrahel's laughter. Noah looked up at Arvari with a grateful expression. The large Qunari only nodded silently.

"If you don't mind my asking, where are we to sleep? Our journey has been long and restless. I would love a place to rest my wary head," Shiasiara said. She had her arms crossed. "We don't need special treatment, the soldiers barracks would do find - you do have those right?"

Noah nodded. Cullen motioned for one of the inquisition soldiers standing nearby. "If you would?"

"Sir," The soldier said, saluting Cullen. "Right this way." He began walking past them to the exit of the main hall. Shiasiara fell in step with him along with Arvari, Thelris, and Athevera.

"The leader of the Inquisition, huh?" Gethrahel asked.

Noah could hear the smirk in his voice. He kept his gaze low but he could feel Cylan staring holes into the side of his face.

"Shall we move to the war room to discuss terms?" Cullen asked, looking at Noah.

Noah nodded his head and started for the war room.


Standing around the war table was Leliana, Josephine, Cullen, Noah, Gethrahel, and Cylan. "I am Josephine Montilyet. I am the ambassador and chief diplomat of the Inquisition," Josephine said, nodding her head at the two elven warriors.

"I am Leliana, the spymaster of the inquisition," Leliana said.

"Cullen Rutherford, as said earlier, I am the Commander and tactical advisor to the inquisition," Cullen said.

"A pleasure," Cylan nodded his head. "I am Cylan Sothon, son of the current Keeper of clan Aeradhen. I also serve The Guard as 2nd-in-command and translator. This is Ser Gethrahel Cyrmet, he serves the council, The Guard, and is one of our Teachers. You mentioned, earlier, terms. We are here at your disposal as representatives of clan Aeradhen. The only thing we ask of you is the safe return of Noalanniel back to the clan and that it be listed we helped end this blighted war."

The three advisors all exchanged looks before looking at Noah. He was silent and stiff, staring down at the war table. "Inquisitor?"

"Why do you want me to come back?" Noah asked after a long stretch of silence.

" What kind of question is that? The clan-!" Gathrehal was interrupted by Cylan holding his hand up. Cylan stepped around the table. He glanced at Cullen who had tensed when he began his approach.

" You know the reason why the clan wants you back. I share in that desire but I also have more, " Cylan said. He stopped in front of Noah and place a hand on the elf's cheek, shocking the three advisors. He used his grip to pull him up to face him. "I miss you, ma vhenan. I apologize if it were I who has driven you- ."

Noah brush the elf's touch away. "We agree to your terms; however, you will refrain from touching me, " Noah said, bringing his gaze back down.

Cylan glanced at the three advisors with a frown before returning his gaze to Noah. "Very well," He said.

"If you desire a room of your own, we have one vacancy left," Josephine piped in.

"Actually, two," Noah said, looking up at Cylan. "Dorian's old room." with the slight narrowing of his eyes, Noah walked past him. He stopped at the door and asked, "Cullen, is everything set for tomorrow's departure?"

"Everything is as planned, Inquisitor," Cullen replied. Noah nodded.

"We'll leave in the morning then." With that, Noah left the war room. Cylan stared after him and Gathrehal sighed.

"Those rooms, then?" Gathrehal asked.

"Right, if you would just follow me," Josephine said as she started for the door.