Warning: If you are a fan of Vivienne, you might not want to be here. There is going to be some Vivienne bashing here and in later chapters. No matter how many times I played DA:I and how much I tried to make her like or hate me, she has always rubbed me wrong. So I'm going to use this chance to do what I always wanted to do to her in game.
Chapter 2: Almost Normal
Cole sat on the parapets watching the workmen clearing out rubble in order to start repairs in a new area. He tried to listen to see if anyone needed help, but his inner thoughts were too loud at the moment. Should he get Jane a gift? Should he try to convince the cook to make something special?
"Hey, Kid, "Varric called out walking up the ramp, "How's it going?"
"Hello, Varric. Everything is good, great, "Cole said with a smile and a nod, "How is the story writing."
"Going good, I actually sold more copies than I expected of my last chapter of Swords and Shields, "he answered leaning against the stone wall, "I guess being encouraged by the Inquisitor to make good for my arch-nemesis works."
"You like Cassandra as a friend, "said Cole, "How can she be your arch-nemesis?"
"Shush, don't let her know. I'll never hear the end of it. Anyways, a little birdie told me that you are moving in with Miracle, "said Varric with a grin and then wiped a fake tear, "They grow up so fast. "
Cole ducked down behind his hat as if in embarrassment. Varric shook his head and then said, "Anyways, Kid, I just got done talking with Hawke and she asked me to thank you for all you done…something about fixing Blondie?
"I spoke with Justice, "said Cole with a shrug, "He no longer hurts Anders. I also introduced Anders to Lady Chases-Shadows. They became real good friends. She helps him."
Varric just stared for a few moments and then said, "For a moment there you had me thinking you were almost normal but then you say stuff like that.
Cole shrugged, hid behind his hat as he tilted his head left and right. "I'm real or at least more real than before, "said Cole his face still hidden and then whispered, "But there is still part of me that isn't real."
(Not far away)
Anders just left the tower assigned to the Wardens for their stay at Skyhold with Lady Chases-Shadows following him at his heels. Thinking about his assignment to continue working with the Inquisition, he was relieved that he wouldn't be stuck working with other Wardens that were jumpy about working with a 'tamed abomination' or the insane mage that killed his last all Grey Warden team. Anders noticed Cole talking with Varric and decided to join them if for nothing else to see if Varric still hated him. As he was walking, the mage decided to try to stick with being happy with the idea of working with Cole and Shepard again, they at least accepted him without fear or hate. Plus whenever they were not out in the field, he and Marion would be free to spend more quality time together and try explore their relationship now that Justice no longer causing him to go insane.
Lady Chases-Shadows passed Anders and trotted off to greet Cole by jumping up and rubbing her head up against his arm. "Hi Lady Chases-Shadows, "said Cole reaching over with his other hand to scratch behind her ears.
"So that how it is, "said Anders jokingly, "My cat prefers you over me. What next, Hawke buying you drinks?"
"If she did, Miracle might have a few words with her, "said Varric with a smile that soon vanished when he said, "It's been awhile Blondie. How's life?"
Anders leaned forward and placed his elbows on the stone half-wall. "It's actually looking up for a change, "the mage answered, "Justice is no longer the menace he has been for over a decade, I'm finding a place for myself that does not involved always hiding and I now have a few new friends. One of which I know can help if Justice does start acting up again." Anders glanced over at Cole.
"Justice was confused, hurt, lost, "said Cole, "He's okay now and will no longer hurt Anders. Now Anders will no longer be forced to hurt those close to him. The pain is gone. There is only the memory of pain."
Varric snorted and then said, "Don't know, Blondie and his passenger have a lot to answer for. " The dwarf then looked directly at Anders and said, "I'm willing to give you another chance on the Kid's word, which is way more than you deserve but know this; hurt Hawke again and me and Bianca here will have something to say about it. She's been through enough and a lot of it thanks to you."
Cole's head sharply turned towards the main building and he slowly stood up. "Anger, rage, hate…Demons, Abominations all must be destroyed, "Cole muttered and then louder, "Vivienne is not happy."
"Let's get somewhere there are a few more friendly faces around in case she comes looking for you guys, "said Varric pointing towards the Herald's Rest, "Wicked Grace and drinks?"
(Inquisitor's Chambers)
"I've looked the other way in regards to the pet demon since it seemed to be well leashed, "sneered Vivienne as she stood arms crossed as she looked down upon the seated Inquisitor, "But working with that abomination who is the cause of the mage-templar conflict is insanity! "
"Anders is no longer a…"Shepard started to say Vivienne cut her off.
"So speaks the slut that is bedding a demon, "the mage sneered.
"For someone who claims to be a master of The Game, "Shepard responded unfazed, "You sure do throw weak insults."
Vivienne just glared at the other woman.
"Anders is a Grey Warden and a friend to Warden Commander Cousland, "said Maxwell leaning back into his chair, "You know the one person who actually has hands on experience killing a true Archdemon. Cole is a proven member of the Inquisition and someone I consider a friend."
"You should learn to consider your friends more carefully, "the mage sneered, "Your current choices may prove your undoing."
The Inquisitor stood with a frown and said, "Is that a threat I'm hearing, Enchantress."
"Just an observation, my Dear, "said Vivienne with a smirk. Then with a tilt of her head "Now if you will excuse me."
Once they heard the door open and then closed, Shepard sighed, "Why do I have a feeling she's not going to let this drop?"
"I'm more concerned she might end up trying to take things into her own hands, "said Maxwell as he started to pace some, "However, she is currently too useful and well connected for me to send her back to Orlais."
"How about out of sight, out of mind, "suggested Shepard she tapped a finger on the desk, "I been meaning to head back to my old village since getting my memory back, but been too busy to do so. Why don't I take Cole and Anders with me, go get my old gear and clear up some Inquisition business while we're at it?"
"Your old gear? You mean what you had on you when you arrived in this world, "asked Maxwell as he stopped and looked at Shepard.
"The weapons are useless without ammo, which in my mind is a good thing but the materials they are made out of might prove useful, "said Shepard with a shrug, "The armor was a mess but maybe I could re-purpose pieces of it. I'm actually hoping my old Omni-Tool is there and still functional."
"Omni-Tool?"
To be continued…
