The battle was long. Mages, Eleri decided, were her least favorite enemy. Their ability to transport themselves around the battle was annoying and their wards, traps, and triggers were worse. Eleri had been thrown into walls, caught on fire, zapped, and plagued by the demons Alexius had summoned while he sat recuperating behind a barrier without a reprieve of her own for what felt like days. His ability to mess with time warping her sense of how much had actually gone by even more. Her lyrium-touched companions had fared worse when looking at them but seemed unaffected by their wounds. The loss of blood alone should have slowed them.
Eleri fell to a knee as Cassandra struck the final blow, cleaving Alexius from shoulder to chest. Her breathing was ragged and sweat stung as it seeped into scratches that littered her face. Dorian knelt beside her. She looked at the man and her heart went out to him. Regardless of what Alexius turned out to be, he had meant something to Dorian; and Felix obviously meant a great deal more.
"He wanted to die, didn't he?" Dorian began. "All those lies he told himself, the justifications…he lost Felix long ago and didn't even notice. Oh, Alexius…"
Eleri stood and hauled Dorian up with her, keeping her hand clasped on his forearm as she spoke. "This Alexius was too far gone, but the Alexius in our time may still be reasoned with. We can try, Dorian."
"I supposed that's true." Dorian smiled, squeezing Eleri's arm before he broke the contact to examine the necklace. "This is the same amulet he used before. I think it's the same one we made in Minrathous. That's a relief. Give me an hour to work out the spell he used, and I should be able to reopen the rift."
"An hour?! That's impossible! You must go now!" Leliana stormed up to them, blood dripped from a cut in her forehead and oozed from many others all over her body. The castle shook, sending debris down from the ceiling. The three looked toward the door where a screeching sounded, a chorus of other sounds accompanied it. The noises persisted for several minutes. "The Elder One." Leliana announced.
Cassandra and Vivienne shared a look behind Leliana. Eleri saw the intent, knew what was coming but hoped the words wouldn't follow. Hopes that were crushed when Cassandra spoke.
"We will head out to the front, give you more time to get the spell working."
"No! You aren't going out there. There's no way you survive that!"
"That's the point, my dear." Vivienne gave Eleri a sympathetic look as if Eleri was the one giving her life to buy just a few more minutes.
"Look at us." Leliana pulled back her hood as she spoke, demanding Eleri's attention. "We're already dead. The only way we live is if this day never comes."
Cassandra and Vivienne made their way to the door without a look back. Leliana backpedaled a few feet, "Cast your spell. You have as much time as I have arrows."
The door banged closed behind the seeker and enchanter, making Eleri flinch at the finality of it. She tried to ignore the sinking feeling, pacing the platform near Dorian but eventually the mage shooed her away, claiming she was a distraction.
She kept her distance from Leliana for a time but eventually ventured closer. She needed to talk to the woman, be sure she understood that Eleri never meant for any of this.
"You are not at fault." The spymaster said as soon as Eleri stopped in front of her. Before she could ask, Leliana continued, "I knew because you have the same look as you did when I told you you were they only survivor of the Conclave. You are fairly easy to read, Lavellan."
It almost sounded like the woman chuckled as she spoke and Eleri would bet that there was a ghost of a smile on her face. The only variations of those emotions Leliana was capable of anymore.
"Is that such a bad thing?"
"No. I do not think so but you should keep your heart in your pocket when politicians are around, especially the ones from Orlais. They love gossip and a good rumor. Though, there is one politician you can be honest with." A ghost of a smirk this time that lit Eleri's ears up. "She was unaware, do not worry, but you should think about telling her when you are back in your time."
Eleri remembered the look Leliana gave her earlier, she remembered not wanting to know but she needed to ask, "What happened to her…and Cullen?"
The ghost of good emotions was gone. A shadow replaced them as whatever happened replayed behind Leliana's eyes. "You do not want to know."
"I do. I need to-"
"No. You do not. The only thing you need to know is that you can stop this from becoming a reality, that those things never need happen. You have the power to stop this and you can. What happened here…it is not something you want to know. Ever."
The door shook as something banged against it. Screams and fighting could be heard, louder than they were seconds ago. "You need to get back."
Leliana stepped in front of Eleri, raising her bow with an arrow notched. Eleri back stepped to where Dorian stood. She watched as Leliana faced what was to come. She heard the faint whisper of a chant being recited.
"Though darkness closes, I am shielded by flame." The door exploded open in a rain of splinters. Demons and Venatori spilled through and straight into Leliana's arrows. "Andraste guide me. Maker, take me to your side."
Enemy after enemy was taken down with single arrows but still more poured through. Eleri caught sight of the limp bodies of Cassandra and Vivienne. She ripped her eyes away quickly, not wanting to think of their sacrifice. Instead she focused on Leliana's fighting. She had never seen the older woman in combat. Even in a weakened state, or whatever one would call the state she was in, Leliana was a force not to be toyed with.
An enemy arrow found its home in Leliana's shoulder, pulling Eleri closer. The elf took a step toward her spymaster but Dorian's voice stopped her.
"You move, and we all die!" He grabbed her arm and pulled Eleri back. She knew what going back meant, that these people weren't actually dying but seeing this reality and thinking of the other was warping Eleri's grasp of what was real. She stayed where she was but looked back to find Leliana surrounded. The spymaster using her bow as a blunt weapon and beating back her enemies.
The rift opened behind her and Dorian dragged her back farther, pulling her focus from the fight. But not for long as she heard a strangled scream. Eleri looked back to find a Venatori holding Leliana from behind, a terror drawing its claw back to deal a fatal blow. Green eyes met icy blue and that was all it took to spur Eleri into motion. She took one step, then two but was yanked back and into the rift before any action could be made. The last thing Eleri saw before green bled through her vision and everything went black was a swinging claw.
Then, in a puff of smoke and the same dizzying disorientation, Eleri found herself in the Redcliffe throne room with Alexius and her companions, the not lyrium-touched ones. She stormed up to Alexius, vaguely aware of Dorian telling him to do better, and threw an armored fist at his face. It connected with a sickening crunch. The magister hit his knees, blood spewing down his face.
Eleri moved to hit him again but Cassandra was there, holding her back as Inquisition guards stepped up to take Alexius into custody. Eleri shrugged Cassandra off, giving the seeker a sheepish look, and Dorian commented, "Well, I'm glad that's over with!"
"Always with the good timing." Eleri groaned as soldiers marched into the hall. A blonde man and woman followed the company in. Cassandra straightened as Vivienne followed suit but Eleri had no idea who they were so she made no move at all.
"Grand Enchanter, we'd like to discuss your abuse of our hospitality."
Eleri leaned toward Cassandra and quietly asked who they were dealing with now. To her surprise, not that it should have been at that point, the man and woman in front of them was King Alistair and his wife, Queen Anora.
Fiona stepped up to the monarchs. And the queen, in a much harsher tone than her husband, addressed the woman.
"When we offered the mages sanctuary, we did not give them the right to drive our people from their homes."
"King Alistair, Queen Anora, I assure you, we never intended…"
"In light of your actions, good intentions are no longer enough." The woman attacked again. Her tone riled an already agitated Eleri further. Her husband, who seemed to take his ques from her, began in the same tone, banishing the mages.
"But…we have hundreds who need protection! Where will we go?"
"You'll be leaving here with the Inquisition." Eleri stepped up and offered.
"And what are the terms of this arrangement?" Fiona was clearly weary of accepting any help after what Alexius just put her through.
"No terms. Well, other than helping to close the breach, stop the Elder One, and not do anything that should unsettle the rest of our forces. You'll fight by our side as allies."
"After Alexius, I think this should be an easy decision to make. The Inquisition is better than that, right, Grand Enchanter?" Dorian asked from his seat on the steps.
"It seems we have little choice but to accept; and your offer is generous. Thank you."
"If the Inquisition wants the mages, it can have them. We want them gone by sundown tomorrow." King Alistair commanded. Eleri kept her scowl barely hidden as she watched the couple go.
"It won't be like the circles; I won't let that happen but your people must show restraint. Mages have a bad reputation, as do Dalish elves," she gave the woman a knowing look in hopes that she knew Eleri understood, "and while that is unfair, it can also lead to unrest which is unacceptable at a time like this. You are free until I have reason not to trust you." Eleri ordered. Cullen would have a fit about it but hopefully, Josephine and Leliana will support the decision. Either way, it was too late be undone after she offered it.
"We will discuss this later." Cassandra quietly commanded as she passed Eleri toward the exit. Dorian suggested, as the group headed out, that they spend the night in the Inn, rest before they traveled back to Haven but Eleri shook her head. They had been gone too long. She wanted to be back sooner rather than later. So instead of a warm bed, Eleri found herself on horseback in the middle of a cold night, shivering and pulling her surcoat tighter around her.
"Maybe we should have stopped like Ser Pavus suggested."
Eleri turned to Cassandra as the seeker's horse fell into step with her own. The woman kept her eyes forward, sweeping their surroundings every so often. It was impressive how relaxed yet alert she could be.
"We need to talk about what happened at the castle." She continued.
"I should have discussed my plan for the mages with you before I offered, I know. I'm sorry but the way those monarchs were-"
"That is not what I mean." Cassandra stated then fell silent.
"Oh." Eleri wasn't sure what to say or if she should even say anything at all but the silence was getting to her. It felt empty and awkward. Right as Eleri was going to break it, Cassandra spoke again.
"Your reaction to Alexius, when you reappeared, was unacceptable. You cannot go around hitting people whenever it pleases you." Eleri bowed her head, hating the feeling of being scolded and feeling ashamed but also the pricks of anger. Cassandra had no idea what Alexius had done. He deserved far worse than a broken nose. Silence stretched for several moments again. "What happened…wherever you went?"
"Not where, Cassandra, when. We never left Redcliffe Castle. Alexius took us a year into the future and I would rather not think about that future again."
Cassandra nodded, her years allowing her to assume what transpired without needing to know the details of a future without the Herald and her mark. "You will have to talk about it eventually, at the very least write a report on it, but I will not pry tonight. It has been a trying day for us all and, I believe, for you most of all." More silence. "We should be coming up on an Inquisition camp shortly."
With that the older woman urged her horse forward. Effectively leaving Eleri with the thoughts and images she had been pushing away since she tumbled out of the second time rift. Flashes of red rimmed and red touched eyes, images of unfelt gashes pouring blood danced across Eleri's eyes in the dark. She shuddered and clamped her eyes closed, thinking that it would somehow stop but in reality, she wasn't so lucky.
As Cassandra promised, they reached a camp within the hour. Vivienne, Dorian, and Cassandra remained awake only long enough to slid off their horses and take off enough equipment to sleep as comfortably as possible. Eleri on the other hand refused to sleep. If she could not get the images out of her head, then she would make use of the memories and start on Josephine's report.
It was slow going. Her skill in sketching aiding her in the arduous task of learning to read and write in the common language the Inquisition used but she knew enough to create an adequate recount. If she came across something she did not know how to describe she wrote in her own language but even her knowledge in that was basic, enough to jot notes down on the different drawings she added to her book for the Keeper.
"Do you need anything, Herald?" A requisition officer appeared at her side, voice filled with worry that Eleri couldn't justify until she came out of her reverie enough to notice her hand shaking and her eyes itched with unshed tears.
"I'm fine." She offered her best smile and hoped it wasn't too watery. "Just tired but you know how Ambassador Montilyet is with these reports."
"Aye, Herald. That I do. I am going off watch soon but if you have need of anything, Revus will take my place. He'll be happy as I to help."
Eleri thanked the officer then returned to her work. Her script was worse than normal, a side effect of the shaking she assumed. More hours passed before Eleri was disturbed again. This time by Cassandra. Luckily, she found the elf dry eyed and with only small tremors plaguing her hands.
"Did you sleep at all?"
"Huh?" The itch Eleri felt in her eyes was now from lack of sleep. She looked around and found the sun was rising behind the seeker. She had been so absorbed that she hadn't realized.
"Did you sleep?" Cassandra repeated.
"No. I didn't realize it was already morning."
Cassandra eyed the elf, worry and suspicion playing in her expression. She nodded once. "We leave after we eat. You should lay down. I will come get you when there is food."
"No." Eleri shook her head. "I'm fine. I'm almost finished with this so I'll just keep working."
Cassandra switched her scrutiny to the pile of scribbled on paper sitting under a rock to Eleri's left. Elven pocketed the common language but Eleri doubted the woman could read the writing without a closer look. Josephine praised Eleri for the progress she made with her penmanship but she knew it was horrible and difficult to read.
"You really should rest, Herald. The next few days will be hard travel. The cold will worsen, snow will be everywhere making camp difficult if even possible. You will not have an undisturbed moment to sleep or even a comfortable place to rest for days."
"Cassandra, I'll be fine. Now leave me to finish this report." The bite in Eleri's words surprised her but she kept that from her expression. Instead she locked eyes with Cassandra and hoped the woman would do what she asked. She was much too tired for the concern.
"Fine. We leave after we eat. I will bring you your food." And with that the seeker stomped away toward the fire. Vivienne and Dorian watched the exchange and their eyes lingered even after Eleri caught them. Only when Cassandra reached them did they turn their attention to her, obviously asking how the conversation went.
Eleri sighed and turned back to her paper. She was at the end, at the part she punched Alexius. She could feel the disappointment that would come from Josephine. Even this far away and even though the ambassador had no idea that she would feel as such. As she put the finishing touches on the report, a bowl of mushy porridge was dropped next to her. The sound caused Eleri to jump, looking up to find the retreating form of Cassandra. The elf called out a thanks but got no response. But this was better. She had time to ignore her thoughts instead of Cassandra trying to bring them to light.
As was promised, the party left after they ate. And as promised, travel was hard. The temperatures were dropping and the coldest months of Haven's year were approaching. Despite this, Eleri found herself drifting off in the saddle. She jolted awake each time she started to slip one way or the other from her saddle. Having notice this, Cassandra rode closely to her right as Dorian took up her left; each ready to catch their Herald if she truly did fall. Vivienne rode at the front, keeping a small barrier around them to help fight the cold and snow but it did little to relieve the harsh conditions. A little that was greatly appreciated.
...
"Alert the council that we are back." Eleri was vaguely aware of conversation around her. It was muffled and far away. "Go get Iron Bull. I am taking the Herald to her cabin. She is not to be disturbed unless by my command."
She had slept little. The weather, the rough terrain, and her nightmares kept Eleri up. She had been awake, more or less actively so, for the past eight days. Her focus had been off, resulting in minor injuries like cuts and scrapes as she misplaced a step or two in the rocky patches that were too rough to ride through. Her horse, if not better trained, would have bolted from her with each slip of her hold on its reigns.
As affirmatives were given and another voice joined the conversation, Eleri felt herself pulled from her saddle.
"Hey, Boss. Nice and easy now."
Her eyes opened, blurry and out of focus, to find herself much closer to Bull's face than she normally would be. Her head swiveled to see what was happening but her view was partially blocked by a massive shoulder, the rest she couldn't make out.
"Just lay back down. I've got you." He murmured, voice much quieter than Eleri had ever heard it. It was soothing and she wanted to tell Bull he had a nice voice when he wasn't yelling. Instead she heard Cassandra beside them.
"Herald, you are back in Haven and we are taking you to your cabin where you will rest. I have your report and will give it to the council. Dorian will give the firsthand account of what happened to you both. There is nothing you need worry about except your own well-being."
She tried to protest, say something that would get them to stop making her try to sleep but all that came out was groan. Bull chuckled at her and she scrunched her brow in annoyance but laid her head on his shoulder. It seemed it didn't matter what she wanted, her body wanted sleep.
Demons. Terrors, shades, rage demons. Wraiths. Waves of red lyrium-touched Venatori. All surrounding her, all brandishing claws, teeth, weapons that glinted sharply in the red light. She heard their growls and war cries but above all she heard her companions calling for help or screaming in pain.
The castle shook, dropping heavy debris around her. It blocked the passages to her companions. Further trapping her. Not that she could have gotten through the sea of enemies around her.
And above all, she heard Alexius laugh and the laugh of another. A shadowed figure far on the other end of the hall, a seemingly unending distance away. The seas converged on her and as she reached for her weapons, she found they were gone. Even the shield always on her back had disappeared. She screamed as red eyes consumed her vision and she suffocated under their numbers.
Eleri jolted awake, shoulders shaking in the cold air as her blanket pooled around her waist. Her throat scratched as she sucked in air. She looked around the room, dimly lit by a fire across the room and empty. A knock thumped against her door, startling the young elf, as a muffled voice called out. "Herald? Herald are you okay?" The voice was wary, unsure on what to do. "I heard a scream. Seeker Pentaghast said not to disturb you but I feel as though I will lose my job if I don't check on you and something is wrong."
Eleri didn't answer. Nightmares weren't supposed to effect warriors like this. She wasn't supposed to wake up screaming, weak. The knock came again but soon, she heard footsteps that were headed away from her door.
A slow breath left her and Eleri buried her face in her hands, pulling her fingers as far as they would go through her semi-dreaded hair. Images of what she had dreamed clashed with her memories of what actually happened and Eleri quickly clambered out of bed. Desperate for something to distract her.
She splashed water on her face, it was chilled from the temperature in the room and being so far from the fire but not cold. It had been here without change for some time and for the first time, Eleri questioned how long she had been asleep. As she dressed another knock came but instead of waiting for an answer, the visitor stormed in. Cassandra stopped in the middle of the room, hands on her hips. Eleri slowly turned to face her as the elf finished buttoning her surcoat.
"Cassandra." Eleri nodded. "How long have I been asleep?"
"Not nearly long enough." The seeker huffed out, annoyance written all over her stance.
"I cannot stay in bed any longer."
Eleri self-consciously shifted as Cassandra examined her. She was aware of how tired her eyes felt, the tight feeling of her face, and still felt the pinpricks of fear that tingled in her hands and could only imagine what she looked like.
"A guard said he heard you scream."
"I…did not."
"Do not lie. He is one of my most trusted men, he would not lie about this."
Eleri sighed. She would not admit this. So what if she did scream, there was nothing Cassandra could do about it. Admitting it would only heighten Eleri's embarrassment.
"You never answered me, how long was I out?"
"And you didn't answer me. I am not unaware of your subject change, Herald but as you wish." A flourish of Cassandra's hands followed her words, a frustrated shrug and finally, Eleri got her answer. In form of a question. Her own frustration flaring but soon deflated as she realized it was harder to answer than she thought it would be. "What do you remember?"
"Uh, I remember…traveling in the mountains. I tripped and Dorian laughed and you yelled at him." Cassandra nodded along as Eleri thought, concern coloring her eyes. "Then…then I'm not sure."
"That was three days ago. We arrived the day after that and you have been sleeping since." She let the information sink in, watching Eleri for her reaction. Green eyes widened as she looked down. Eleri tried to remember more but found only blurry fragments that could have been dreams. She wasn't sure. "You have not rested enough. You should sleep more."
"No." Her eyes shot back to Cassandra's. "I don't want to sleep. I'll take it easy, I promise but I need a break from the dre…from sleeping."
The woman thought, keeping eye contact that Eleri was afraid to break. She thought it would show a weakness of some kind that Cassandra would think meant she was not well enough to be up and about. A silly notion but it felt true enough.
"Leliana did wish to speak with you." Eleri's blood chilled. She wanted to be up but not to speak with the spymaster. She would only want to talk about what happened. "I guess that is acceptable. Lady Montilyet has also inquired after you. I think it prudent if you paid her a visit as well."
At that suggestion, Cassandra gave Eleri a knowing smile. One that the elf had a hard time not returning but she didn't want to see Josephine yet. Not like this. She felt broken and that shamed her.
"I'll speak with Leliana but she'll want to speak of what happened, I'm sure of it. After that I'd like to get something to eat then maybe retire for the day."
"Of course, Herald. Do as you wish. Your other companions have been asking after you as well. Bull especially, maybe a short conversation with them would help to raise morale. They are worried."
Eleri nodded. She took some time to herself before following Cassandra out into Haven. She thought it would be better to be seen getting around on her own, show the forces that she was okay and capable after disappearing for so long.
She avoided Leliana's tent at first. Deciding to walk down and see Bull. The Qunari bellowed when he saw her, lifting her into a crushing hug that he quickly apologized for. Eleri hadn't noticed how sore her body was until so much pressure was applied to so much of her. She laughed, grimacing as Bull placed her on the ground.
"Boss! You're alive!" He laughed. "I was beginning to think a little sleep loss would do you in but no, you're much tougher than that!" He 'lightly' punched her shoulder, staggering the much smaller elf. Another quick apology was given as she grabbed the body part.
"I'm fine, Bull. I just wanted a little break."
The two stood passing time and joking, catching up on all that had happened since Eleri left for Redcliffe. They focused on Bull and Eleri was grateful for that. Something told her that he knew not to bring her experiences up. After a time, Eleri bid him goodbye and made her way to Varric.
"Herald! You live!" She laughed at the similar greeting that reached her ears as she climbed the last steps to where Varric's tent was.
"As are you. Bull told me what happened in Fallow Mire, I thought to find a holely dwarf."
"Don't let the Chantry hear you say that; they'll think us stone-dwellers are coming for their titles!" The two laughed and again, Eleri listened to Varric retell Bull's story. In much more detail and embellishment of course. She had to admit, Varric was good at what he did. They moved on to rumors that were floating around Haven. Whimsical things that made Eleri laugh, nothing too serious like what the villagers thought of her condition or what happened at Redcliffe.
Eleri's eyes drifted often to what she could see of Leliana's tent on the level above them. Varric seemed to notice, his expression turning soft.
"The sooner you go, the sooner it's over, Eleri." Like before, when Dorian did it in the messed up future, Eleri was caught off guard by the use of her first name. The comfort spreading through her chest, down her finger tips and finally, finally expelling the pricks of fear that still lingered from her dream. "Go on, kid."
He nodded in Leliana's direction with his head and shooed her with a wave of his hand, the only encouragement Eleri needed to start toward the spymaster. But, as she neared the entrance to the tent, Eleri's steps faltered. Leliana leaned against her table, focused on the papers that were scattered across it. Just as Eleri thought better of her destination, Leliana looked up and locked eyes with her.
"Lavellan. I heard you were awake. Do you have a moment?" Eleri gave a timid nod and stepped fully into the tent. "How are you?"
"Fine."
"Are you lying?" A smirk played on Leliana's lips as she asked.
"Maybe but it doesn't really matter."
"According to what happened, your well-being is the only thing that does matter."
And there it was. The purpose of their conversation. Eleri remained quiet. Leliana would steer the conversation where she wanted anyway.
"Your report was…detailed but I had some questions about things you decided not to clarify. The sacrifices you mentioned. Who were they?"
"Does it matter?" Eleri couldn't meet her eyes, the icy blue was softer than the ones that haunted her but still brought up painful memories. Instead, she focused on one of Leliana's birds that was perched on a crate behind the woman.
"It obviously does to you."
Silence filled the tent. Eleri debating if she wanted to admit to that and Leliana waiting, confident that Eleri would. Knowing that Leliana knew she would tell her almost made Eleri deny it, just to spite her but that was childish. She wasn't allowed to do such things anymore.
"Everyone died. Cassandra and Vivienne survived whatever they did to them and sacrificed themselves for Dorian and I…you did too."
Leliana nodded, as if she remembered doing it. She waited, again knowing that Eleri would continue and again, the young elf did so begrudgingly.
"I couldn't help you and you so readily made the decision."
"Of course I did." Leliana answered easily. "And I would do so in this reality. You are the key to our victory, Lavellan. My life is expandable in comparison."
"No, it isn't!" Eleri's voice rose and she quickly shut her mouth with a click of teeth. Leliana raised a brow at her, shocked at the emotion. "No one's life is expandable. That's not how life works."
"You are right but in the scheme of this battle, my life is worth less. I am not saying I do not value my life; only that if you were to die when I could have saved you then our cause would be lost since I do not have the ability to close rifts."
Eleri tried to control her emotions. Too much was mixing together. Anger, fear, the loss of her friends in a different reality. No matter that they stood in front of her, their loss still felt real. She closed her eyes to get a grip on herself. Leliana took a step closer, placed a hand on her shoulder.
"This is not easy and I do not pretend to know what you went through at Redcliffe but you must push forward. We do not have time for you to fall apart, Lavellan."
Leliana thought she was being comforting but the reminder of what was said in the dungeons of Redcliffe, in a different time by a different spymaster only sent a shard of ice down Eleri's spine. But she pushed the unease away, ignored the feeling that the same fate waited for them all; the advice was still sound. Eleri took an awkward step back. She was not used to Leliana showing any signs of humanity.
They talked for a time about Eleri's report but nothing as trying as the sacrifices she was forced to stand by and allow. They focused on the types of rifts, the names she could remember and that Leliana should be on the lookout for.
"Josephine has been wanting to see you." Leliana threw in as she shuffled papers on her desk, seemingly not paying attention but Eleri knew enough about the spymaster to know she was being watched.
"Oh, um, really? Does she have a question about the report? I tried to write as neatly as I could."
"No other question than asking after how you are faring."
"Oh."
"Mhm."
"I still need to speak with Vivienne and I should probably meet with Dorian as well. And, Cassandra wanted me to take it easy so I'll be sure to meet with her tomorrow…or some other time."
"Of course, Herald. Although, before you go, I do have another question." Leliana stiffened then turned to face Eleri. "What happened to her?"
"You wouldn't tell me." Eleri met the icy blues then looked away again, "But, she was…not there."
"Ah, thank you." Leliana nodded and went back to her work. Eleri took that as a dismissal. She went to find Vivienne in her corner of the Chantry. Their conversation was short and awkward, the two not knowing how to mesh their different personalities off the battle field. Eleri asked after Vivienne's health and the enchanter did the same but other than that, not much was said.
"I'm glad you are feeling better, dear." Vivienne commented as Eleri began her farewell.
"Thank you. Same to you." Eleri's smile was short lived as an Antivan accent drifted down from the back of the Chantry. Vivienne raised an eyebrow as she took in Eleri's reaction. "I need to go. Now."
"I will provide a distraction then." Vivienne smiled then walked toward the voice. "Josephine, dear? I have a suggestion about the awful food served by your cooks."
Eleri got as far as the Chantry doors, only to find Dorian leaning against them with arms crossed. "I thought you fancied the lovely ambassador?"
"Not now, Dorian. Though I was going to look for you. Come on." She grabbed his arm and dragged him behind her as she rushed from the Chantry. She heard Josephine ask if it was Eleri she had just seen. The elf in question let out a sigh as the doors shut behind her.
"Interesting." Dorian stated as he watched her.
"Shut up." Eleri glared at him half-heartedly as she started walking.
"It is! But I will let it be. For now." He smirked. "How long have you been up?"
"A few hours. What's happened since I was out?"
"Meetings, meetings, and more meetings. Oh, and concern. I've never been asked so many times about someone else's health."
Eleri hummed with a nod.
"We met to talk about what happened, met to talk about your report, met to talk about what to do with the mages, met to talk about what to do about you, met to-"
"What do you mean 'what to do with me?'"
"Well, my friend, your stunt with Alexius has spread like wild fire and it has not helped the wild Dalish rumors. Your lady love has tending to public relations since." Eleri's ears reddened, earning a smirk from Dorian but he didn't comment on it. "But, not everything about the event was negative. The city of Redcliffe is fully behind us. Their people, at all levels, are beyond thankful to you. The mages are fiercely loyal as well. It was not a popular decision with your advisors but I think you made the right move. With their freedom, the only thing they've wanted, the mages will follow you almost blindly, I think."
The duo stopped in front of Eleri's cabin. She looked at the door. "Where are you staying?"
Dorian gave her a questioning look at the random topic but answered, "Near the apothecary. Though I do not think Solas is fond of the company so near to him. But enough about me, you need to relax. No need to sleep," Dorian raised a hand, placating the look in Eleri's eyes, "but do sit. Read or draw as you love to do. Just get off your feet for a time."
The next morning, Eleri jolted awake again. Paper and graphite pieces fell to the floor from the sudden movement. She took calming breaths and shivered from her cold sweat as the morning air hit her shoulders. She peered outside to gauge what time it was. Dawn, maybe before. She rose to splash water on her face and dress.
A knock, like the day before, sounded against the door. It was softer, polite and a bit timid. "Mistress Lavellan?"
Eleri groaned as finished getting dressed. "One moment." She called out. Talking to Josephine was not how she wanted to start her day. Mixed with the guilt that settled low in her chest at making the ambassador walk to her cabin in the cold morning instead of going to talk to her yesterday soured her mood even more.
An anxious Josephine fiddled with her sleeve cuff on the other side of the threshold. Her brown eyes were full of worry.
"I hope I did not wake you. The guard told me you were awake."
"Still being watched am I?" Eleri asked as she motioned Josephine to come in. Her eyes did a quick scan of the room. She should have at least made her bed before opening the door. Her drawings and graphite pieces still littered the floor too.
"Cassandra mentioned you were having trouble sleeping. She just wishes you to feel safe enough to get an adequate amount of rest."
"Cassandra should mind her own business." The ice that came out with her words surprised Eleri. She sighed, running a hand partially through her hair. "I'm sorry. The concern is appreciated but I am fine."
"Are you?"
"Yes, Lady Montilyet. I am, really." She said gently.
"Your report was…disturbing." Eleri nodded. "I only wanted to be sure that you were holding up."
"Thank you."
"Yes, well…" Josephine seemed not to know what to say and Eleri let the moment of silence stretch, not knowing herself. "I should get back to my office. There is much to be done. Do come visit. I am sure I will be in need of a break today."
"Of course."
Then Eleri was alone and smiling because Josephine had asked her to come distract her from work. A hardened Orlesian voice drifted through her head, you should think about telling her when you are back in your time. She wouldn't. Not now but maybe soon. She just needed to know more about how humans went about these things. She should ask Dorian…
