Hello dear readers!
I have returned once again with a new chapter. I hope it's not as poorly written as I think it is. Anyway, just a note for you guys I'm not sure how accurate this is all going to turn out. I've already noticed a few errors in my writing. Mostly just some small things. I get a lot of my info from the wiki page, but it's hard to keep track of it all. That being said, I'm doing my best.
Also random thought I had recently. I was replaying the original Mass Effect not too long ago. On Eden Prime if you rescue the scientists in the shack after you meet up with Ashley, the woman greets you with a "Thank the Maker!" Though it's super far fetched, I thought it would be pretty funny if there were some Andrastians in the ME universe. Maybe a Dragon Age planet? Anyway, I just enjoy the little jokes and tie ins that are in the games (though some may be unintentional). I also enjoyed Blackwall's Highlander reference. I'm on my third complete play through of Inquisition and I'm still finding new stuff! Crazy!
Anyway, I hope you enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 4
The arrival of Morrigan and her son caused less of stir than the Inquisitor and her Commander had. Though the Keepers were made aware of her presence, Morrigan had become relatively quiet in comparison to the outspoken mage Ellana had come to know at Skyhold. Morrigan held millennia's worth of elven knowledge within her, but refused to speak of any of anything related to it. She had come, Morrigan explained, only to observe the Dalish and their traditions. As to draw comparisons to what she had learned of the once great elven empire.
Her recently acquired withdrawn demeanor only seemed to unsettle Cullen, who had mistrusted her from the beginning. Ellana suspected he still held mistrust for many mages in general, a slight prejudice he may never fully be rid of.
The day after Morrigan's arrival the Halla Festival kicked off. It was the first of five days of festivities and rituals. Each day was named after a creation of Ghilan'nain. The last of the five days, the day of the Halla, was reserved for most of the rituals. Today was the day of the Fennec, and main event was the archery contest. The great hunters of all the clans gathered to test their skill, including Ellana and her elder brother Farren, who represented the Lavellan clan.
Cullen had been introduced to Farren and his wife, Lalainen, the previous evening. Though their introduction had gone more smoothly than with Ellana's father, Farren had been gruff and standoffish. It seemed Farren was a man of few words and his wife fewer, who said nothing to Cullen. Ellana explained to Cullen that Lalainen came from a more reclusive clan and distrusted humans more than the average Dalish. It seemed Cullen was fighting an uphill battle with Ellana's family, and it was only get steeper.
Ellana and her brother took their places with the other archers, as Cullen found a spot to watch from the sidelines. Though Ellana preferred her twin daggers in battle, she was just as deadly with her bow. Cullen had witnessed her skills first hand on many occasions.
Across the field Cullen could see Morrigan and her son standing on the sidelines with a small group of Keepers. Morrigan met his gaze, which gave Cullen an uneasy feeling.
Most everyone gave Cullen a wide breadth, and Cullen again was reminded he wasn't exactly welcome here. It was strange to be in the minority for once. He found an empty spot on the sidelines, and waited to watch his love compete. The lack of company did not seem to bother the former Templar, but he was relieved when Shiala joined him. She was one of the few who didn't seem to harbor any prejudice for him, or anyone for that matter.
"Good morning, Commander Cullen," Shiala beamed.
"Good morning, Shiala," Cullen responded in kind. "You don't have to call me Commander."
"But Commander just sounds so dashing! Ellana always referred to you as 'the Commander' in her letters," Shiala made little air quotations for effect.
Cullen reddened, "she wrote to you about me?"
"Well she wrote about a lot of things in her letters. Though, you were a common theme. I knew from the start she fancied you," she gave a devilish grin. The first wave of archers took up their positions as Shiala continued. "I didn't tell father though, Ellana wrote to him separately shortly before you arrived. To… prepare him I guess."
The archers fired at their targets, all hit their marks, but the few who hit the center of their targets advanced to another round.
"Why does he disapprove of us being together?" Cullen asked, it was a question Ellana had avoided for some unknown reason.
Shiala thought for a moment, "well, it could be a couple different reasons. There's always the general reason of children."
"What does it have to do with children?" Cullen didn't know why they were being brought up so often.
"Any child born of an elf and human tend to be, in all physical terms, human," Shiala explained seriously. "That being said, conceiving a child can be difficult for these couples, and in some cases impossible. The Dalish are not getting any stronger, and many see human and elf relationships as a weakness."
"Well, I suppose I can understand that," Cullen conceded. "I just don't see how the decision for Ellana and I to have children is anyone's business."
"You have to understand Commander, Dalish children are precious to our people. Since the loss of the immortality of the ancient elves, the role of children and community has become invaluable to us.
"A child has a family, parents, brothers, and sisters, but they also have a clan. They are a part of The People. A child's clan is their family, and all take a role in raising them.
"It can also be difficult for one born between these cultures. Many feel a strong affiliation for Dalish, but their humanity can sometimes prevent them from fully belonging to either world."
Cullen thought for a while. He looked around, closely at those around him. He did see a few humans in elven garb, scattered amongst the Dalish. They walked comfortably and freely, but it seemed as if they didn't truly belong. It started to dawn on him what is truly meant for Ellana to be with him. Being with Cullen could mean giving up her family, and her clan.
It was just one big mess after another. Life had been simple enough back in Skyhold. Well, simple with a clear enemy and the possibility of not seeing tomorrow. Living in the moment was easy for love, but this navigation of two different worlds was daunting.
"As you know," Shiala added, "humans and elves haven't always gotten along either, so that probably has a lot to do with it."
"Has your clan had negative experiences with humans?"
"Yes, and no. We've had the normal issues with bandits, and some distrustful villagers, but nothing we haven't been able to handle. The Lavellans tend to keep to themselves." Shiala perked up, "look Ellana and Farren are about to start!"
Ellana took her position and readied her bow, Cullen watched as she took a deep breath to steady herself, focusing on her target. She had tied the top portion of her blond hair up to keep it out of her eyes. The rest flowed freely past her shoulders, waving gently in the breeze.
Her emerald eyes burned with ferocity Cullen had never witnessed in any other woman. She possessed a determination that allowed her to lead an army to not only stop Corypheus, but also save all of Thedus. It was this strength that Cullen admired most in her, and her beauty had stopped him in his tracks the days they met in he ruins of the Temple of Sacred Ashes.
He would remember that moment for the rest of his life. They had just dispatched a horde of demons. For a moment he had worried he and his men would be overrun, but she arrived in time to turn the tide. At first she was merely more than a blur, a flash of daggers that took down the horrors around them. Her slight form moved faster than anyone he had ever seen.
When the dust settled, he finally saw her. Her bright green eyes locked with his, and for a moment time stood still. Somehow, in the wake of the battle, she made him stop. He couldn't stop himself from noticing how beautiful she was. Then reality set in and it was back to business.
The order was given to fire, and Ellana's arrow flew straight and true hitting the circular target directly in the center. She smiled at her handiwork, and caught Cullen watching and waved. Cullen returned the wave, as well as her smile. Seeing her so over joyed hitting a target, was comforting to Cullen. She had been through so much in the past year, it was good to see her enjoying something. Even if she had hit such targets a thousand times before.
"You know a great deal about the Dalish," Cullen returned his attention back to Shiala and their previous conversation.
"Well, I am Dalish after all," Shiala smiled.
"You know what I mean," Cullen stammered.
"Ellana's right, you are easy to tease," there was no stopping this teen. "Though, it is my responsibility as a future Keeper to learn all I can about our people," she beamed proudly.
They continued to chat as the rounds progressed. Ellana and Farren were among the last five competitors, out of the original fifty that had entered. Farren and two others were eliminated during the final flying target round. It was down to Ellana and a young hunter boy, probably around fifteen, who had not yet received his vallaslin. It was a surprise to have one so young get this far in the competition. Yet, there he was and they stood side by side in the final round.
Five targets would be thrown for each of them. The one who hit the most out of the five would win. The young hunter nervously stood ready for his turn. He hit each of the first four targets with exact precision. On the final shot he faltered slightly in his nervousness and only hit the edge of the final target, granting him a partial hit.
Ellana took her place and readied herself. An arrow easily met each target, until the final shot. Before it was thrown Ellana meet Cullen's eyes, a small smile on her face. She lifted her bow, looked up, and missed the target by an inch. Still smiling Ellana turned to the boy and congratulated him. The boy's clan rushed the field to congratulate him and Ellana headed towards Cullen and her sister.
Stepping over the roped boundary, Cullen pulled Ellana into his arms. "You did wonderful my dear. Though, I am fairly confident you could have made that final shot."
"I could have, but I won the last archery contest I entered," she laughed. "I decided he deserved the recognition more." She had taken a page from Blackwall's book, having learned he had won the Grand Tourney thanks to a Chevalier who assisted him. The Dalish had nothing to rival the Grand Tourney, but Ellana knew a Arlathvhen archery contest was one of the few outlets for wide spread recognition. The gods knew she didn't need any more recognition or attention.
"Well, I still think you're a winner!" Shiala teased.
"Why thank you Shiala," Ellana hugged her younger sister.
Silently another figure joined them, "fine show Inquisitor," Morrigan seemed to materialize from the crowd.
Cullen drew closer to the women in protective manner.
"Oh relax commander," Morrigan sighed, "I only wish to compliment the Inquisitor's performance."
He didn't buy it, Cullen knew the mage was keeping something from them.
"I also came to extend an invitation," Morrigan admitted. "Meet with me this evening, I will be waiting for you both by the river at dusk."
"What will we be doing?" Ellana asked, a bit confused.
"Come, and all will be explained. Though come prepared," Morrigan stated simply.
"Prepared for what?" Cullen demanded. Morrigan refused to share any more information, and she wandered off back into the throng. Cullen looked to Ellana, "I really don't like that woman."
"Lady Morrigan?" Shiala asked. "I think she's fascinating. She knows so much about our people."
Ellana was still unsure whether or not she really trusted Morrigan, "Shaila, stay away from her." Ellana's eyes were cold and serious, catching Cullen off guard. He had never seen her like that before, something was wrong. Admittedly, he was unsure what had caused this sudden shift in Ellana. Whatever it was, it was serious.
Shiala's smile rapidly disappeared, when she met Ellana's eyes. The elder sister clutched her bow tighter, and left Shiala to her thoughts.