The journey back had been quiet. Maxwell wasn't the only one lost in his thoughts. They'd accomplished what they had set out to do, but he wasn't sure he'd call what happened a victory. Despite his misgivings about Fiona, the woman certainly seemed more reasonable than the Lord Seeker.

"So, what path you want to take?" Adaar asked crossing her arms.

Maxwell looked at her, it was clear that the Qunari woman could read his expressions. "I'm not sure, to be honest."

"Well, I say that we go to Redcliff," said Ellana. "Fiona is a lot more open than the Lord Seeker and clearly she hasn't lost her mind."

"You know there's a chance that they hope that we'll give them freedom, the freedom they've been asking for," said Erdic.

"Yes, but do you want a resemble enemy or a grateful ally?" Ellana asked. "At least the mages are honest, more than I can say for the templars. I remember my clan been attacked by a group of templars not long ago."

"I'm inclined of going to the templars," said Adaar. "They are soldiers and not all of them would agree with the Lord Seeker."

"Before we go meet the templars, perhaps we should see what the mages offer," said Erdic.

Maxwell could agree with their point of view, but he wasn't quite ready to make a decision yet.

Josephine was waiting for them the moment they set foot in the Chantry. "It's good you've returned. We heard of your encounter."

Cassandra blinked. "You heard?"

"My agents in the city sent word ahead, of course," said Leliana as she and Cullen made the way towards them.

"It's a shame the templars have abandoned their senses as well as the capital," said Cullen with a little anger.

Maxwell looked around at the three of them. "At least we know how to approach the mages and templars now."

"Do we?" Cassandra shook her head. "Lord Seeker Lucius is not the man I remember."

"True. He has taken the Order somewhere, but to do what? My reports have been…" Leliana frowned. "Very odd."

"We must look into it." Cullen folded his arms. "I'm certain not everyone in the Order will support the Lord Seeker."

"Or the Herald could simply go meet the mages in Redcliff, instead," Josephine offered.

He turned to face her and shook his head. "You think the mage rebellion is more united? It could be ten times worse!"

"Or you could stop bickering and make a decision," said Adaar crossing her arms.

Cassandra gave her a sharp but approving nod. "I agree."

"We shouldn't discount Redcliffe. The mages may be worth the risk," said Josephine

"They are powerful, ambassador, but more desperate than you realise," said Cassandra drummed her fingers on her sword hilt.

Ellana frowned, and considered. "You think the invitation could be some kind of trap?"

"If some among the rebel mages were responsible for what happened at the Conclave…" Cassandra trailed off, but nodded again.

Josephine gestured with her pen again. "The same could be said about the templars."

"True enough." Cullen reluctantly nodded, and then sighed. "Right now, I'm not certain we have enough influence to approach the Order safely."

"Then the Inquisition needs agents in more places." Cassandra turned to Maxwell. "That's something you can help with."

"In the meantime, we should consider other options." Josephine started towards the war room, and Cullen and Cassandra followed.

"I'll see if I can't help with supplies," said Erdic.

"And I have to check of these soldiers of ours are up to snuff," said Adaar.

"I've got to write a letter to my clan, they are concern that the Inquisition is holding me captive," said Ellana.

Soon they all left leaving Maxwell with Leliana. The spymaster turned to her. Leliana's expression was odd. "There is one other matter. Not long ago, the Grey Wardens of Ferelden vanished. I sent word to those in Orlais, but they have also disappeared. Ordinarily, I wouldn't even consider the idea they're involved in all this, but the timing is…" She sighed. "Curious."

Maxwell had to agree that the timing was odd, but the Grey Warden had always stayed neutral. "That does sound odd, I agree."

"The others have disregarded my suspicion, but I cannot ignore it." Leliana fidgeted a little with a sleeve. "Two days ago, my agents in the Hinterlands heard news of a Grey Warden by the name of Blackwall. If you have the opportunity, please seek him out." There was tension in her voice. "Perhaps he can put my mind at ease."

"And if he can't?"

Something flashed in Leliana's eyes. "Then there may be more going on than we thought."

After sending an elf to her clan, with a letter informing them that she was perfectly fine she had a walk around Haven with Solas. He glanced at her. "As I explored the Fade, I felt the presence of an intriguing artifact in the Hinterlands. If you are willing, I would like to locate it. I have marked its location as best I could determine."

"We'll likely head back there soon. We still need to locate that horseman," she said stretching her arms up above her head, relishing the ability to move freely. "Can you ride?"

"I tend to prefer my own feet as a method of transportation." Solas demonstrated a better method of collecting elfroot than her normal tactic of simply grabbing the entire plant.

"I'd like to know more about you, Solas."

A trace of wariness appeared in his eyes. "Why?"

"You're an apostate, yet you risked your freedom to help the Inquisition."

He shrugged. "Not the wisest course of action when framed that way."

"I appreciate the work you're doing, Solas." She smiled. "I just wanted to know more about you."

"I am sorry." He glanced over his shoulder back to where the soldiers were training. "With so much fear in the air…" He turned back to her. "What would you know of me?"

"What made you start studying the Fade?"

"I grew up in a village to the north. There was little to interest a young man, especially one gifted with magic. But as I slept, spirits of the Fade showed me glimpses of wonders I had never imagined. I treasured my dreams. Being awake, out of the Fade, became troublesome."

The dreams that had come in the days before her magic manifested had been fascinating. And frightening. "Did spirits try to tempt you?"

"No more than a brightly coloured fruit is deliberately tempting you to eat it." He stopped, and pointed to where a family of druffalo were playing in the snow. She smiled at the sight. "I learned how to defend myself from more aggressive spirits and how to interact safely with the rest. I learned how to control my dreams with full consciousness. There was so much I wanted to explore."

"I gather you didn't spend your entire life dreaming."

"No, eventually I was unable to find new areas in the Fade."

"Why?"

Solas spread his hands. "Two reasons." He lifted one hand. "First, the Fade reflects the world around it. Unless I travelled, I would never find anything new." He lifted the other. "Second, the Fade reflects and is limited by our imaginations. To find interesting areas, one must be interesting."

Life was certainly becoming interesting. "Is that why you joined the Inquisition."

He smiled at the question. "I joined the Inquisition because we are all in terrible danger." His shoulder's twitched carelessly. "If our enemies destroyed the world, I would have nowhere to lay my head while dreaming of the Fade."

She laughed. "I wish you luck."

"Thank you. In truth, I have enjoyed experiencing more of life to find more of the Fade."

"How so?" She raised an eyebrow curiously.

"You train your will to control magic and withstand possession." He gestured at her. "Your indomitable focus is an enjoyable side benefit. You have chosen a path whose steps you do not dislike because it leads to a destination you enjoy. As have I."

Ellana raise an eyebrow at him. "Indomitable focus?"

"Presumably," Solas smiled. "I have yet to see it dominated. I imagine that site would be…" He then looked at her carefully, "fascinating."

"Hmm." Ellana nodded.

They stopped at the crest of the hill. There were more travelers on the road below them, heading into Haven. Most looked to be farmers and peasants, but a few wore armour and carried weapons. "You said you'd traveled to many different places."

"This world, or its memory, is reflected in the Fade. Dream in ancient ruins, and you may see a city lost to history. Some of my fondest memories were found in crumbling cities long picked dry by treasure seekers." He gestured. "The best are the battlefields. Spirits press so tightly on the Veil that you can slip across with but a thought."

"Anyplace in particular?"

"I dreamt at Ostagar." His voice took on the cadence of a practiced storyteller. "I witnessed the brutality of the darkspawn and the valour of the Ferelden warriors. I saw Alistair, the Hero of Ferelden and the other Wardens light the signal fire…" He gazed off into the distance. "And Loghain's infamous betrayal of Cailan's forces."

Her jaw dropped, and it took her a moment to find her voice. "I've heard the stories. It would be interesting to hear what it was really like."

"That's just it." He turned to meet her eyes. "In the Fade, I see reflections created by spirits who react to the emotions of the warriors." He used his staff to sketch the snow as he spoke. "One moment, I see heroic Wardens lighting the fire and a power-mad villain sneering as he lets King Cailan fall. The next, I see an army overwhelmed and a veteran commander refusing to let more soldiers die in a lost cause."

"And you can't tell which is real?"

"It is the Fade." He used his staff to blend the sketches together. "They are all real."

She leaned on a tree, and watched him. "Have you always travelled and studied alone?"

"Not at all. I have built many lasting friendships. Spirits of wisdom, possessed of ancient knowledge, happy to share what they had seen. Spirits of purpose helped me search. Even wisps, curious and playful, would point out treasures I might have missed."

"I don't know of any spirits by those names."

"They rarely seek this world." He sighed. "When they do, their natures do not often survive exposure to the people they encounter. Wisdom and purpose are too easily twisted to pride and desire."

"You're saying that you became friends with pride and desire demons?"

"They were not demons for me."

Ellana tilted her head. "Meaning?"

"The Fade reflects the minds of the living. If you expect a spirit of wisdom to be a pride demon, it will adapt." He gestured. "And if your mind is free of corrupting influences? If you understand the nature of the spirit? They can be fast friends."

Ellana considered the notion. How would one go about even trying to befriend a spirit? "I'm impressed that you could become friends with spirits."

"Anyone who can dream has the potential. Few ever try. My friends comforted me in grief and shared my joy." A trace of anger entered his voice, and his gestures became sharper. "Yet because they exist without form as we understand it, the Chantry declares that spirits are not truly people. Is Cassandra defined by her cheekbones and not her faith? Varric by his chest hair and not his wit?"

She had to admit that Solas' views were enlightening. "You have an interesting way of looking at the world, Solas."

"I try…" He then raised an eyebrow towards her, "and that isn't quite an answer."

Ellana shrugged. "I look forward to helping you make new friends."

"That should be…" He suddenly looked at her quite awkwardly, "well."

Ellana smirked. "That is quite an answer."

Solas then watched as she walked away, his face and we felt very hot, but he didn't know why.

Maxwell entered into Josephine Chambers where he met an elven mage in the name of Minaeve. She explained that Cassandra had asked her to research demons and other creatures in order to find weaknesses that they could exploit.

After a nice chat with the young woman he made his way over to Josephine, who had been waiting for him to finish his chat with Minaeve. "Ah, Lord Trevelyan. May I have a moment? I'd like to discuss your parents."

"You must want to know about the seventh most illustrious family in all Ostwick," said Maxwell crossing his arms. "Or is it eighth?"

"Whatever the rank, it would be helpful to claim your kinsman as friends," said Josephine. "What are your thoughts? Should we approach your family for their formal support of the Inquisition?" Josephine gestured with the pen as she spoke.

"My parents are on a first-name basis with most priests in Ostwick, and I have a dozen cousins in the Chantry." Maxwell shook his head and smiled. "When they hear I've been 'touched by Andraste' you'll have to stop them from giving you money."

"I'll take that as a yes. Val Royeau has noted your lineage. "Cassandra mentioned that you had a twin sister, who is now with the Rebel mages."

"It's either that or get slaughtered by templars for just existing," said Maxwell.

Josephine sighed. "The templars have truly fallen from grace." She then looked at him business-like. "Back to the matter at hand. It gives the Inquisition some legitimacy, although not so much as we'd hoped."

"Why not?"

"You are from Ostwick. Orlesian nobles consider the Free Marches somewhat…" Josephine took a moment to select her word. "Quaint."

Several angry responses came to his tongue and he forced them all away. Patriotism had its place, but with everything else going on, what did he care about what a bunch of snail-eating mask-wearing buffoons thought about his country? At least the citizens of Ostwick knew better than to eat cheese with mould on it. "Orlais has a proper empire. Free Marches never unite until darkspawn knock at their door."

"No one doubts their ferocity when it happens. Free Marches are renowned for their tenacity," said Josephine calmly. "Speaking of which, I should thank you for your patience with a simple quarters. The accommodation is in Haven are surely rough for someone of your birth."

Maxwell couldn't help, but agree. "I can't wait until we find a better place to live than a bunch of hovels in the middle of an ice storm."

Josephine looked relieved. "Oh, it's such a relief to hear someone else say that out loud! If it were up to me, the moment it was safe we'd relocate to Val Royeaux. Our enemies know where we are. We might live somewhere more civilised when they come."

"Have you talk to the others about their past?" Maxwell asked.

"Indeed I have, Ellana has dealt with some criticism for being an elf, though she was annoyed when we talked about her people and I must admit that the Dalish live difficult lives. She misses her clan deeply and she knows that most of her people will not be too pleased when they hear that she serves a human."

"I can see why her people would be furious," said Maxwell nodded.

"Erdic tells us that his time at the Carta, apparently he has visited Orzammar with a few bribes, apparently he was a buyer for wares surface goods to which dwarven houses and he's quite glad to leave the Carta."

"What about Adaar, I would think that she is the greater concern," said Maxwell.

Josephine nodded. "She still lives by the Qunari, but only part of it. She feels that it's far too controlled. As for mercenary work it's not so inflammable and people are speaking of her heroics. Did you know she led an ambush against a bandit chief were playing on a nobles lands? Apparently her company had to wait twenty-four hours in the rain to wait for the chief. Though apparently she's not upset of moving out of the company, she says that the 'giant pulsing tear in the sky keeps things lively'."

"I can't say I don't agree with her," said Maxwell.

Adaar came across young man… at least she was pretty sure he was a young man… let her know there was a mercenary captain out on the Storm Coast that would like to join the Inquisition. She had heard of the Bull Charges, they were one of the only few mercenary bands run by a Qunari.

After which she walked down to where the soldiers were practicing under Cullen's watchful eye. "You there! There's a shield in your hand. Block with it. If this man were your enemy, you would be dead." He turned to the templar standing with him. "Lieutenant, don't hold back. The recruits must prepare for a real fight, not a practice one."

"Yes, Commander." The templar moved to where some soldiers were practicing, and started correcting their footwork.

Cullen noted her, and stepped back to join her. "We've received a number of recruits—locals from Haven and some pilgrims." He smiled. "None made quite the entrance you did."

"At least we got everyone's attention," said Adaar.

Cullen laughed. "That you did." He gestured for her to walk with him. "I was recruited to the Inquisition in Kirkwall, myself. I was there during the mage uprising—I saw firsthand the devastation it caused."

A young man rushed up and handed him a piece of parchment. "Sir!"

Cullen accepted it, then looked it over and handed it back before turning his attention back to Adaar. "Cassandra sought a solution. When she offered me a position, I left the templars to join her cause." His eyes went to the Breach. "Now it seems we face something far worse."

Adaar nodded. "The Conclave destroyed, a giant hole in the sky—things aren't looking good."

"Which is why we're needed," Cullen agreed. "The Chantry lost control of both templars and mages. Now they argue over a new Divine while the Breach remains." He gestured. "The Inquisition could act when the Chantry cannot. Our followers would be part of that. There's so much we can…" He caught himself, and gave her an apologetic look. "Forgive me. I doubt you came here for a lecture."

Adaar eyed him. "You understand our situation. I appreciate your opinion as does Maxwell."

Cullen smiled. "Look around. Our people are well organised and committed. Despite what the clerics think, we are in the best position to help." He then sighed. "There's still a lot of work ahead."

The young runner came back with another piece of parchment. "Commander. Sir Rylen has a report on our supply lines."

He rolled his eyes. "As I was saying."

"If you don't mind I'll see if I can't help the troops," said Adaar.

"Having a trade mercenary would help," Cullen nodded.

Vivienne appeared to be settling in nicely and she turned to Maxwell when she saw him. "I met two elven mages earlier, one of them a member of your Honour Guard. I admit, I was surprised. I didn't expect to find mages among the Inquisition. Tell me: why were you at the Divine Conclave?"

"Firstly: my sister is a mage and I wanted to protect her, secondly: the war benefits know one. It must end, and order must be restored," said Maxwell firmly.

"If only the rebels saw thing so clearly," said Vivienne bitterly. "You mentioned a sister, I take it she was in the Circle at Ostwick? Senior Enchanter Lydia was a dear friend of mine. You know whether they were acquainted?"

"Actually, Lydia was an old friend of my family and they asked her to be her instructor. She treated her like a mother."

"I never met a wiser soul than her." Vivienne sighed. "I understand she was killed by one of her own students when the Ostwick Circle rebelled. Justinia's death has shattered the balance of power in Thedas. If it is not restored quickly, countless lives will be lost. Mages, templars, innocent people of all kinds now look to the Inquisition to decide their fate."

And so many of them were looking at him. "I'll try not to let them down."

"Failure is a luxury we cannot afford, my dear." Vivienne nodded. "For almost a thousand years, the world believed it was in the hands of the Maker." Her dark eyes were appraising, and Maxwell felt as though she'd been thoroughly weighed and measured. "And now many believe that you are the agent of his will. Whatever the truth is, that belief gives you power."

"Once this is over, the task of speaking for the Maker will be the Chantry's problem again." Assuming the Chantry managed to find someone to replace the Divine, everyone who could have taken a place died of the Conclave.

"That's reassuring to hear." Vivienne glanced at the books piled on the desk she'd claimed. "I've stolen enough of your time, my dear. Don't let me keep you."

Maxwell was making his way over to Leliana and discovered her praying. "'Blessed are the peacekeepers, the champions of the just'. 'Blessed are the righteous, the lights in the shadow. In their blood the Maker's will is written'." She dropped her hands. "Is that what You want from us? Blood? To die so that Your will is done? Is death Your only blessing?" The spymaster shook her head, then looked at Maxwell. "You speak for Andraste, no? What does the Maker's prophet have to say about all of this? What's His game?"

"Don't ask me!" said Maxwell sitting down on a crate. "I'm as baffled as you are."

"Then we can only guess at what He wants. The Chantry teaches that the Maker abandoned us. He demands repentance for our sins. He demands it all. Our lives. Our deaths." Leliana punched the cabinet hard enough to crack the wood. "Justinia gave Him everything she had, and He let her die."

"I'm sorry. Her death has clearly hit you hard."

"Not just me. All of us. She was the Divine. She led the faithful. She was their heart! If the Maker doesn't intervene to save the best of His servants, what good is He? I used to believe I was chosen, just as some say you are." Leliana shook her head angrily. "I thought I was fulfilling His purpose for me, working with the Divine, helping people. But now they're dead. It was all for nothing. Serving the Maker meant nothing."

"Maybe you have another purpose." One of the best things about working for the Inquisition is that it gave him something to do, kept him from feeling helpless in this huge mess. "I could help you find it."

"No, this is my burden." Leliana collected herself. "I regret that I even let you see me like this. It was a moment of weakness. It won't happen again. Come. To work then. We will speak later."

Maxwell was about to leave, but then he heard the cries of a baby. He turned and saw a baby girl in a cradle not too far away from Leliana.

"Who is this?" Maxwell asked.

"Oh, this is my daughter, Oisine," said Leliana smiling down at the baby girl.

"Where's her father?" Maxwell asked curiously.

"I don't wish to talk about it," said Leliana and he could have sworn that he saw a tear trickling down her face.

Erdic went to the tavern to have a drink, after what he's been through the last week he deserved it. He also got contacted by an old friend of his in the Carta and apparently they weren't too pleased with him they believe that he stole their lyrium from the deal he tried to cut in the Conclave fortunately Leliana managed to bribe them so that they wouldn't put a price on his head.

It was then that he found Sera and decide the sit with the girl. "So, this is it, huh?" The elven woman gave Haven a disapproving look. "Oh, no, it's fine, yeah? It's just, I thought it'd be bigger. Pfft… that would've been hilarious if you were a man, right? Wasted. Anyway, stopping wars should earn more sovereigns than this. Need things back to normal for coins to be flowing again. Another reason the templars and mages need to be sat down."

Erdic couldn't help but agree, but it was easier said than done. "I'm pretty sure the Conclave proved it's not that easy."

"Yes, it is."

"No, it isn't?"

"Why? Because someone yelled it real loud?" Sera smacked the table. "Make them prove it. They're too busy to look up where the real questions are."

Erdic couldn't help but agree with that. "Right, they should know it's a simple job. End all war, stitch the sky." Sera gave her a confused look, and Erdic clarified. "The easy one first, of course."

Sera laughed, rocking back in the chair. "You're daft, yeah? Most people get special, they lose their snerk. Can't see how stupid it all is. I think I'll like you, Lord Dwarf. Maybe you are a little chosen, yeah?"

Erdic shrugged. "I'm ready to give it a shot. That's all we can ask from anyone else."

"I'm in. It's an investment, yeah? Better payoff, too. Stupid war and… everything." She slapped the table again. "I had to do things!