Chapter 3

Fifteen. Ashlyn counted, her quick fingers glided over the bundle of elfroot she had picked will searching for Adan's notes. He was more than appreciative when she had handed them over, offering different types of potions. She had never been one to say no to gifts and had humbly accepted them. With a full belt and the familiar rub of the dagger in her garter, Ashlyn was beginning to feel more comfortable in Haven.

It was a peculiar place, the villagers whispered when she walked by. There was very little game to hunt, few plants and herbs to gather. The large lake was completely frozen over. It was safe but boring. Ashlyn had watched the Inquisition's army training in front of the lake for some time. It was a small force, but seemingly strong. Just the idea of commanding so many people made her feel sick. Ashlyn liked fighting with just her and her daggers.

Once back inside the village, Ashlyn gave the notes to Adan and traded some of the resources she found for gold with the Requisition officer who looked incredibly relieved. The woman had gone off about how behind they were for some time before Ashlyn had slinked away. She had taken the time and spoken to the companions that had fought with her at the Breach — Varric and Solas. The dwarf was enjoyable, their conversation was slick and had a few chuckles. The elf, however, was hard to read. Ashlyn was unsure of what it was, but there was something unsettling about him.

Eyeing the inn, Ashlyn licked her lips at the idea of drinking a nice, cold ale. But then remembered the bundle of elfroot hanging off of her belt. With a sigh, she marched into the chantry kicking the snow off of her boots onto the cobblestones near the entrance.

A sister was humming to herself, relighting a torch that had gone out. Ashlyn wandered towards her, "Excuse me, Sister?"

"Huh? Oh!" The noise escaped the startled Sister.

Ashlyn quickly apologized, "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to scare you. I — I gathered this elfroot. I figured that you would know who needs them the most — to heal any villagers, soldiers."

The Sister blinked, before smiling. "How generous. You are a thoughtful person."

"It's no problem." She blushed, raising a hand.

"Herald?" The name caused Ashlyn to turn around. It was Cassandra, "Can I have a word?"

Ashlyn smiled goodbye to the Sister, before beginning to follow Cassandra down the hallway toward the Council's room.

"Does it trouble you?" Cassandra asked, looking towards the mark on her hand.

Ashlyn folded her hand in, wiggling her fingers. "It's stopped spreading... And it doesn't hurt."

"We take our victories where we can." Cassandra nodded. "What's important is that your mark is now stable, as is the Breach. You've given us time, and Solas believes a second attempt might succeed — provided the mark has more power. The same level of power used to open the Breach in the first place. That is not easy to come by."

"What harm could there be in powering up something we barely understand." She witted dryly.

"Hold on to that sense of humor." Cassandra slyly responded.

Stopping at the door, Cassandra explained herself. "You will meet the Inquisition's council in here. We want to discuss the possible ways of procuring power for your mark. There are a few ideas — but we should tread carefully. The Chantry will be watching to see the Inquisition's first steps."

With a nod, Cassandra opened the door. A large map of Thedas had been rolled out across the oak table, silver and gold markers clumped in the middle waiting to be set into position. Ashlyn stopped at the middle of the table, moving her face closer to the map reading all of the different rivers and passages that twisted together across the mountain range near Haven. Untying her emerald scarf from her hair and neck, she placed it on the table before looking up. Everyone was staring at her, watching her study the map. Standing up a little straighter Ashlyn looked to Cassandra. With a smirk, she began the introductions.

"This is Commander Cullen — leader of the Inquisition's forces." Ashlyn looked over at the only man in the room. He was tall, a large fur cloak wrapped around him. A proud piece of armor sitting on his broad chest. Curly blond hair sat on his head, and his lips were in a hard line. He looked very serious. Ashlyn noticed the white scar running through the top of his lip and she wondered how he got it. When she saw his mouth open, she blinked herself back into reality.

"Such as they are. We lost many soldiers in the valley, and I fear many more before this is through." His amber eyes flicked up to meet hers. They were tired, large dark circles sitting underneath them. They stared at each other for a few seconds, getting a read on the other person before their eyes darted away.

"This is Lady Josephine Montilyet, our Ambassador, and Chief Diplomat." Ashlyn's flickered over to the dark-haired woman. She was quite beautiful, dark hair pulled back away from her face, rich, olive skin and shiny pink lips. A pang of jealousy went through Ashlyn — a feeling she did not get very often.

"I've heard much. It's a pleasure to meet you at last." Ashlyn flashed Josephine a polite smile, before attempting to focus back on Cassandra.

"And of course, you know Sister Leliana." She pointed to the familiar red-head, wrapped in purple.

"My position here involves a degree of..." Leliana paused for effect but was interrupted.

"She is our Spymaster." Cassandra took away her punchline.

"Yes... tactfully put Cassandra." She grimaced.

Ashlyn swallowed hard, before speaking. "Pleased to meet you all." She felt nervous as the council continue to stare at her. She began playing with the tips of her fingers behind her back.

"I mentioned that your mark needs more power to close the Breach." Cassandra took control of the room again. For someone who wasn't a part of this Council, she seemed to be the main force driving the Inquisition.

"Which means we must approach the rebel mages for help." Leliana offered.

"And I still disagree. The templars could serve just as well." Cullen took a powerful stance, his hand sat on the hilt of his sword.

Ashlyn looked up at the mention of the templars. Her mouth formed a hard line.

Cassandra let out a heavy sigh. "We need power, Commander. Enough magic poured into that mark—" She pointed to Ashlyn's hand.

"Might destroy us all! Templars could suppress the Breach, weaken it so—" Cullen was interrupted by Leliana.

"Pure speculation." She stated. Her hands folded behind her back.

"I was a templar. I know what they are capable of." He hung his head down, realizing he was being outnumbered.

Ashlyn's eyebrows furrowed at this revelation. It was not what she had expected from the Commander.

Josephine had remained silent up until now. Carefully reading her scrolls. "Unfortunately, neither group will even speak to us yet. The Chantry has denounced the Inquisition — and you, specifically." She looked to Ashlyn.

Ashlyn let out a loud breath. "That didn't take long."

"Shouldn't they be busy arguing over who's going to become Divine?" Cullen offered, throwing his hands in the air.

Josephine continued her explanation. "Some are calling you the "Herald of Andraste", and that frightens the Chantry. The remaining Clerics have declared it blasphemy and we, heretics for harboring you."

"Chancellor Roderick's doing — no doubt." Cassandra frowned.

Josephine skimmed through her scrolls some more. "It limits our options. Approaching the mages or templars for help is currently out of the question."

Ashlyn was still stuck on her new title, completely ignoring the rest of the conversation. "Just how am I the Herald of Andraste?!"

Cassandra attempted to explain. "People saw what you did at the temple — how you stopped the Breach from growing. They have also heard about the woman seen in the rift when we first found you. They believe that was Andraste."

"Even if we tried to stop that view from spreading —" Leliana spoke but was quickly interrupted by Cassandra.

"Which we have not."

"The point is everyone is talking about you." She finished.

Ashlyn stared down at the cobblestone. This situation was becoming more complicated with each passing second. She was a mercenary. A runaway. Not a lady. And definitely not a Herald!

"That's quite the title, isn't it?" The blond commander had spoken to her. He was looking at her gently, his eyes softening. "How do you feel about that?"

She couldn't help but curl her lips. Her hatred for the Chantry was long standing. Her families deep roots and obsession with it and any of its extensions caused too much misery in her lifetime. "I'm no Herald of anything. Particularly not Andraste."

Cullen let out a soft chuckle. "I'm sure the Chantry would agree." The sound was delightful in Ashlyn's ears. She felt so conflicted — What is this place? Who are these people? She had agreed to aid the Inquisition, but now in the presence of this templar and his charm, and the politics Ashlyn was regretting her decision.

"People are desperate for a sign of hope. For some, you're that sign." Leliana tried optimistically.

Josephine, the realist, cut in, however. "And to others, a symbol of everything that's gone wrong."

Ashlyn finally erupted, irritated from all of the politics. "They aren't more concerned about the Breach?! The real threat?"

Cullen spoke directly to her again. "They do know it's a threat. They just don't think we can stop it." His eyes were understanding — he knew how she felt.

"The Chantry is telling everyone you'll make it worse." Josephine clarified.

"There is something you can do." Leliana offered. "A chantry cleric by the name of Mother Giselle has asked to speak to you. She is not far and knows those involved far better than I. Her assistance could be invaluable.

Ashlyn was wary. "She asked for me? You don't think that could be an ambush.."

"I doubt it. From what I know of her, she is a kind soul and not the sort to involve herself in violence." Leliana reassured. "You will find Mother Giselle tending to the wounded in the Hinterlands near Redcliffe."

"Look for other opportunities to expand the Inquisition's influence while you are there." Cullen requested.

Josephine added on. "We need agents to extend our reach beyond this valley, and you're better suited than anyone to recruit them."

Ashlyn let out a heavy sigh. I should have brought a quill if I knew I was going to get so many quests.

"In the meantime, let's think of other options. I won't leave this all to the Herald." Cassandra glared at the Council, before grabbing Ashlyn's shoulder reassuringly.

"Now, for the deploying our men. Scout Harding and her men will be sent ahead to the Hinterlands." The Commander reached across the great table, grabbing a marker. "Then..." He looked up to Ashlyn, "The Hera— Lady Trevelyan will follow to establish more camps."

"Any word of our missing soldiers?" Leliana spoke up, her arms crossed over her petite figure.

"Yes. They are somewhere in Fallow Mire. It will be difficult to find them, but for morale, it is of utmost importance." Commander Cullen said sternly. "My men have already volunteered themselves. We are desperate to get our comrades back."

"Very well. We will send a number of our forces to Fallow Mire in an attempt to rescue those missing soldiers." Josephine quickly spoke as she scribbled away on her clipboard.

"I think that's enough of us for one day yes? We do not want to exhaust our people or resources too fast." Cassandra attempted to be polite. But her tapping foot showed that she was itching to leave. "Perhaps, Josephine and Leliana will set up the rest of the markers for further discussion at a later time."

"Yes, of course," Josephine answered delightfully, as she placed down her scrolls and parchments to begin organizing the war table.

Ashlyn let out a breath of relief. She gave a small smile to Cassandra before turning to leave. The Council was still setting markers and Ashlyn used their distraction to her advantage as left quietly. Just as she got to the large, ornate door at the end of the hall she heard a voice call after her and the sound of steps behind her.

"Hera— Lady Trevelyan!"

With a sigh, Ashlyn turned around to meet them.

Grey. Her eyes are grey. Cullen grabbed the hilt of his sword as he bent over the table to reach for a marker. He had been wondering what colour they would be, ever since he had first seen her whilst she was injured from the Breach. He had thought she was fairly attractive then, but now as she stood just a few steps from him... Cullen tried to focus again.

He reached for a marker, but his fingertips brushed up against soft silk. He grabbed on to the scarf that Ashlyn had left behind.

"I'll be back." He said suddenly, raising the scarf in the air and running out the room. His leather boots slapped the stone floor as he chased after her. "Hera —" He stopped himself. She doesn't want to be a Herald... Remember! "Lady Trevelyan!"

He watched as she stopped just in front of the Chantry doors, turning around to meet him. He stopped jogging and attempted to walk casually up to her. "You forgot this." Waving the green scarf around again.

"Right, thank you," Ashlyn said quietly, taking the scarf from him. She gingerly wrapped it around her neck, before flicking her hair out from under it. Her hair bounced around her face, falling into a frame. Cullen gulped as he got a waft of her fragrance. She smelled sunny, like honey and the woods.

"It was nice to finally meet you," Cullen spoke, hoping to keep her for just a moment longer. "We had all been waiting for some time."

She noticed his painstaking formality, "Yes, I understand I was badly injured. I'm grateful for Adan's treatment."

"As am I." He breathed. Embarrassed he quickly spoke again. "Well, I shouldn't keep you any longer."

Ashlyn blinked, "Alright... Commander," As she moved to turn away, she spoke again. "If you ever want to spar, I would be happy to help you."

"Help me?" Cullen snarled. He couldn't help himself — he was a Commander, he prided himself on his combat skills.

"I noticed while watching you spar with your recruits, that you leave your right flank quite vulnerable."

"Huh. Maybe, sometime then." Cullen nodded, reimagining himself in battle to see if she was right. "Right then... farewell Lady Trevelyan."

"Good day Commander." A cheeky smile was playing on the edge of her lips as she turned away from him.

Cullen was left baffled. That was not what he was expecting. He had hoped that speaking to Ashlyn would solve the mystery surrounding her — but it only made it bigger.

Wait... Did she say she was watching me? Cullen's mind started reeling in confusion. It was all a little much for the usually, simple and tactful Commander. First, the world has he knew it was thrown into chaos, again. Then a mysterious prisoner is brought to Haven, who gave her word to aid the Inquisition. To top it off, every time he looks at her he feels as if he cannot breathe, as if is heart is climbing up his throat.

With a humph, Cullen marched back into the war room still bewildered. "Sorry about that." He attempted to say normally, but he caught a glance from both Leliana and Josephine. Ignoring them, Cullen bent over his red face and started positioning more markers across the map of Thedas.

The Hinterlands are fun.

A smile was plastered on Ashlyn's face as she placed her onyx daggers back into the straps on her back. The blood on them flickered in the golden sun. It felt good to be fighting again. Not confined to the walls of Haven.

Harritt had made the daggers just for her after he noticed the iron ones she picked up off a dead man while closing the Breach. It was a token Ashlyn very much appreciated. Cassandra had also presented her with new armour, bearing the Inquisition's crest on the chest piece. It was harder for Ashlyn to let go of her worn and withered armour, but she knew better-crafted armour would be needed.

But still, even with the new armour and weapons, Ashlyn still kept those that were familiar close. The small dagger strapped to her thigh, the green scarf wrapped around her head like a hood and the handcrafted belt that lazily sat on her hips.

The smile on her face faltered as she looked at her feet. The apostate mage laid on the grass, his face frozen in fear. Ashlyn had been doing her best to avoid crossing paths with the templars and mages - but this mage had killed a bystander in the process. She saw Cassandra grimace as she bent down to search the mage. Twenty-four gold and a folded parchment were all that he had on him. Adding the gold to her pouch, she unfolded the note to read it.

It was a map, brutally drawn in haste. But it depicted a scene in a forest, with a large circle with the words cache written in curly lettering. "Well, it looks like one of the apostate's caches is nearby." Slipping the note into her pocket, she backed away from the body.

Solas stepped forward, raising his staff as he closed his eyes and mumbled a spell. The body erupted in an eerie blue mist before it seemed to disintegrate leaving nothing behind. Varric shuttered as he watched, "That still creeps me out."

"It's a peaceful spell. It is setting the soul free." Solas bowed his head as the spell finished, before looking back up to Ashlyn. "Herald?"

Ashlyn scowled at the title. No one had listened to her when she said she would prefer they not call her that. Better than Lady Trevelyan. She shuttered at the name. "Let's find this cache." Raising her fingers to the horizon, she was able to place three of her fingers between it and the sun. "We only have a few more hours of sunlight left. We will head back to camp once we find it."