Inquisitor Ashara Lavellan was beginning to suspect that she had made a tactical error. This wasn't at all a common occurrence, although she knew everyone made mistakes eventually, but she had so many people to rely on for knowledge and advice, that her errors were gratifyingly rare. In this instance, she hadn't asked anyone for advice before choosing her path, so she had no one to blame except herself.
During the long fight against Corypheus, she had been aware occasionally that her male companions were interested in her. Blackwall, Iron Bull, Cullen, even Solas; at some point with each of them, her generally open and friendly demeanor had led to a slightly awkward conversation. She hadn't meant for it to happen, but she hadn't adjusted to the social atmosphere as quickly as she had adjusted to the other changes in her world.
Before the Conclave, she'd been a hunter for Clan Lavellan. She'd been popular enough, and competent enough, but she knew that the reason she was sent was because she was good enough to protect herself but ultimately expendable if the worst should happen. It hadn't bothered her, and in fact she had enjoyed her unimportant position in the clan.
She could befriend whomever she wished, hunt as she wished, and largely behave as she wished. She had no one looking up to her as a shining example of the Dalish or the clan, and no more responsibility for their well being than anyone else. She had been familiar and comfortable with everyone from the Keeper herself to the youngest hunter. Her easy manners and ready smile made her a favorite with her age-mates.
This had all been fine in Haven, and Skyhold, at first, but slowly she realized that something was different. The humans were far more restrained with each other than she was with them; it had taken a very uncomfortable conversation with Varric before she understood that they thought she was flirting with them. Even Solas occasionally smiled at her with something more than approval in his gaze.
She had tried, for a time, to change her behavior to match that of the humans around her, but it hadn't gone well. Perhaps her mistake had been in trying to emulate Cassandra; the sharp tongued Seeker held herself aloof from their companions even while traveling and Ashara had thought that this would solve her problems.
After needing to reassure everyone from her companions, to Commander Cullen, to Mother Giselle that nothing was wrong with her, she gave up on this approach. With no better ideas on how to handle things, she returned to her usual behavior and simply ignored any overtures.
Fortunately, such overtures were subtle - or in Iron Bull's case, so cheerfully direct that she had no qualms about turning him down with equal directness - and easily deflected.
The truth was, Ashara didn't think she should be involved with anyone. A personal relationship with one of her companions might affect behavior in the field. A personal relationship with someone who didn't accompany her in the field held other dangers. Further, she knew she was risking her life daily, and didn't want to leave someone with a broken heart.
It was good leadership and good friendship to avoid entanglements.
However, she was willing to consider that this may have been a tactical error. Shortsighted.
As she stood on her balcony, three months after Corypheus' defeat, she realized she was lonely. Thanks to her careful plan of avoidance and denial, any potential suitors had fallen away, and most had turned their interests elsewhere. Which was great for them, but left her sighing alone on her balcony as the setting sun cast brilliant colors in the sky.
Annoyed with herself for moping, she turned and walked back into her room. Picking up a letter from her desk, she made her way down the stairs and through the great hall. She waved at Varric as she passed, then jogged down the stairs and across the courtyard toward the practice dummies.
Cassandra was there, practicing, but she stopped at the Inquisitor approached.
"Hello, Cassandra. How are the dummies holding up today?"
The Seeker snorted a laugh. "Well enough for now. I may have to take them with me when I go to Val Royeaux. I am certain that the annoyances there will be far greater than the ones I find here."
Ashara smiled apologetically. "Speaking of Val Royeaux, I've had another letter from the Grand Clerics, asking when you'll be joining them."
"Ugh. They only want me there because it will be easier for them to drop every minor problem in my lap. And laugh up their embroidered sleeves at my fumbling."
"Come now, Divine Victoria. You know how to delegate those things, and I know you have the will and the vision you need. When will you put them to work?"
Cassandra sighed heavily. "Soon. I have started, but I know my presence will be required soon enough."
Before Ashara could respond, they heard raised voices at the front gate, and someone calling for Cullen. Exchanging a look, Cassandra grabbed her shield from where it rested near the practice dummies, and then Seeker and Inquisitor headed for the gate.
They found a crowd gathered, and the soldiers who guarded the gate standing with their drawn weapons pointed at a hooded and cloaked figure. The mysterious arrival stood as still as stone, his hood hid his face and the cloak hid the rest of him. At least he wasn't waving a weapon around, but neither was he being particularly reassuring.
Cullen descended the stairs and pushed through the crowd. He caught the Inquisitor's eye, and nodded in response to her subtle gesture that he proceed. He stopped just out of the stranger's reach, and spoke in a voice designed to carry.
"Welcome to Skyhold, traveler. We do not often see people who brave these paths alone. State your name; all those with good intentions are welcome here."
The stranger stood still for a moment, then his chin rose and he shot a penetrating golden gaze at Cullen. He gave a shrug, and the cloak fell back to reveal his gleaming armor and prove that he carried no weapon beyond the hunting bow and quiver on his back.
"I am Abelas. I have come to speak with the Inquisitor."