A/N: So life has been a little crazy lately. I'm actually a published author, so I had to spend some time working on my books that I, you know, sell. And then I've had some medical issues, and then if you're here in the States, you might have seen something about Gatlinburg, TN going up in flames...weeeell, that's my town. The fire relief efforts have been intense, and it's nowhere close to over, but I still wanted to jump in and update this fic because I LOVE IT SO MUCH. I already have this chapter and the next one written, so hopefully I'll have time to post that one within the next day or so. Sorry, and thanks for waiting on me!
~#*OOT*#~
Cassandra walked around to the training field. She wanted to get in a bit of sword practice before dinner. The Inquisitor and his team had been gone for three days, and reconstruction was going well, but Cassandra needed a break. She needed to hit things. However, what she saw when she rounded the corner caused her to stop in her tracks and raise an eyebrow.
The girl from another world was standing before one of the spinning practice dummies. Her blazing red hair was tied back, and she wore a strange, vibrantly colored outfit. Cassandra settled herself against a post to watch and see what would happen.
The young woman dropped into an attack stance and then began knocking the spinning wood with her hands. She ducked as one spoke came at her head and then jumped to avoid the one aimed at her shins. In the air, she kicked out and flipped backward. When she landed, she shot forward and began a series of attacks and blocks with her arms again. Finally, with a loud cry, she raised one foot in a sweeping motion and connected hard with the center pole.
"You're quite good at that," Cassandra remarked. The young woman stood straight and laughed sheepishly. "Danette, wasn't it?"
"Ah—Dani is fine," she replied awkwardly. It was obvious she was uncomfortable with Cassandra's presence—the Seeker wished to change that.
"That form—what was it? I've never seen anyone fight like that," Cassandra acted as though she wasn't aware of Dani's discomfort.
"Uh…it's a mishmash of a few different types of karate—it's a martial art form dedicated to fighting or defending without a weapon," Dani answered. Some of the awkwardness left her tone as she smiled, thinking of her art. "I really just learned it for self defense and as a way to keep myself fit. I trained under a few different masters and combined their teachings to make a form that works to my strengths."
"And what are those strengths?" Cassandra stepped forward with her arms crossed.
"I'm not very strong, but I'm quick, and I'm flexible," Dani looked at the practice dummy. "If I can use an enemy's momentum to my advantage, I can use that speed and flexibility to hit them with attacks they aren't expecting."
"Can you teach me?" Cassandra smirked.
"Sure!" Dani grinned. "Though you're quite a bit stronger than me, I'm sure. You might do better with a different style, but we can figure that out later. You're also going to want to lose some of that armor. You won't get full range of motion with it."
"Do I have to get down to my underthings?" The Seeker eyed Dani's outfit.
"What?" Dani looked down at herself. "Oh! No, these are workout clothes I had in my bag. I've only got two sets of regular clothes, and they're both hanging up to dry right now. I guess shorts and a tank top do look a little strange to you all, huh?"
"No one has fitted you for clothing yet?" Cassandra's eyebrows shot up. "I thought perhaps you simply preferred your own. Go see Josephine later. She'll make sure you're properly outfitted."
"Okay," Dani smiled brightly. "Yeah, this is a little chilly. That's partly why I'm out here working out. Figured I'd stay warmer if I was moving."
"A good plan," Cassandra chuckled as she removed her plating.
"Not as good as it sounds," Dani shivered, and Cassandra laughed.
"I owe you an apology," The warrior came closer to Dani.
"What for?" Dani cocked her head to the side.
"I am afraid I misjudged you terribly," Cassandra stared at her feet. "Even after the events of Haven, I thought you strange and weak. I see now that I was wrong about you. I would very much like to start over if you will forgive me."
"There's nothing to forgive," Dani beamed. "I'd think I was a little strange too if I were you. Actually, that part probably isn't wrong…"
Dani trailed off, staring vaguely into the distance with her eyes narrowed. Finally, she shook her head and turned back to Cassandra.
"Ah, well, my strange just makes me more fun!"
"I'm starting to see that," Cassandra laughed. "Now. How about this technique of yours?"
"Okay. Well, start basic," Dani moved to stand directly in front of Cassandra. "Stance should be easy enough. I don't think it will be much different from your sword fighting."
"Do you use any weapons?" Cassandra mimicked Dani's stance as she spoke.
"Only my gun," Dani shook her head. "I'm hoping Alistair will teach me archery when he gets back."
"I am sure the Inquisitor will happily oblige," Cassandra smiled warmly. "He seems to be quite fond of you."
"Yeah. That's just him, though. I've only met one person he wasn't a complete sweetheart to, and she deserved every bit of his polite sass," Dani's face darkened at some memory. "Now, put one of your hands at your hip like this…and punch out with the other. Just be careful not to hyperextend your elbow. Let the power come up from your hips. Like this—ha!"
"Vivienne. I don't know why the Inquisitor brought her on," Cassandra frowned like she smelled something foul. Then, she smirked. "I heard you put her in her place, though. She was whining to Josephine about it for hours."
"Yeah? Awesome," Dani giggled mischievously. "Lead with the flat of your fingers. You don't want to hit with your knuckles alone—that's a great way to break them."
"Josephine would probably disagree with you," Cassandra laughed lightly. Then, her tone softened into concern. "How are you holding up? This cannot be easy for you—especially with the Inquisitor gone."
"Yeah," Dani sighed. "I'm just keeping myself as busy as possible. Dorian, Alistair, Bull, and Solas make up almost all of my friends, so watching them go was hard. They've all kept their promise to write me daily, though, so that helps. And them being gone has given me a chance to get to know the rest of you better."
"Indeed. I am glad I found you today," Cassandra smiled as she continued her punches.
"Me too," Dani grinned, using her hands to shape Cassandra's form. "And otherwise, I'm trying to balance missing my old life and accepting that I'm not getting it back. For better or worse, this is my home now, and I've got to get used to that."
"We will all be here to help you make it your home. Please know that," Cassandra's expression turned sad. "I cannot imagine what you've had to endure."
"Eh, life just handed me a box of lemons," Dani sighed. "Handed us all a big box of them at Haven."
"So you're making lemonade?" Cassandra chuckled. "For us all?"
"Nah, I'll make grape juice and let you all wonder how I did it," Dani clicked her tongue. Cassandra cocked her head to the side before laughing boisterously.
"I definitely cheated myself by not talking with you sooner," Cassandra shook her head.
Dani smiled and held up her hands in front of her chest.
"Aim here. You're going to want to hit your opponent's weak points. Since I'm not wearing armor, that's the center of my chest and my neck. Face shots are okay, but if poorly executed, they won't halt an attack. Break the sternum or get in a neck shot, though, and they're down for good."
"You are far more ruthless than you appear, Dani," Cassandra chortled.
"That's half the fun. They never see me coming," Dani winked. "Work on those punches for a while, and then we'll move on to forward kicks if you want. I'll be over here sparring with this dummy."
Cassandra nodded her agreement, and then she continued the repetitive punches. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Dani's speed and agility in action again against the wooden practice dummy. She could see now why the Inquisitor and his group had grown so attached to the young woman. Dani was magnetic, and Cassandra was glad she finally swallowed her pride and talked with her.
~#*OOT*#~
"Oh, my goodness! I still can't believe no one thought to get you clothes!" Josephine fussed.
They'd been at this for at least an hour. Josephine had a tailor draw up a few designs for some pants and shirts, one pattern for some light armor, and a ridiculous amount of plans for dresses. Now, the tailor was measuring everything Dani had and draping various fabrics over her for color comparisons.
"It's really okay," Dani answered, trying to stand still. "I've been fine with my jeans and t-shirts. My hoodie isn't the warmest thing, but it's been good enough."
"Absolutely not," Josephine huffed. "No matter the crisis, the Inquisition must be the best. How can we claim to be the best if we leave our people with only the clothes they wore in?"
"If you say so," Dani guessed agreement was going to be the only acceptable answer here.
Suddenly the door leading to the War Room opened, and Commander Cullen strode through the antechamber on his way to the main hall. For a brief second, he locked gazes with Dani, and she shot him a pleading look.
Save me.
Even though she couldn't say it aloud, the message was clear, and Cullen stopped.
"Ah! Lady McLaughlin, I was hoping I would find you," he said smoothly—so smoothly Dani wondered if he really had been looking for her. "Josephine, if you're almost finished here, may I steal her?"
"Of course, Commander," Josephine nodded. She signaled to the tailor, and immediately all the cloth disappeared into a trunk. "It might take a couple of days, but I will let you know when your new clothes are available."
"Take your time!" Dani smiled as she hurried to fall in beside Cullen.
The commander's pace was quick, and Dani almost had to jog to keep up with his much longer strides.
"Thank you," Dani breathed as the door to Josephine's office closed. "I don't know how much more of that I could have withstood."
"Even the sturdiest warriors quake in fear of Josephine when she's fussing about something," Cullen chuckled in response. "I'm impressed you didn't break before I got you out."
"What? Are you saying I don't look tough?" Dani puffed out her chest, balling her hands into fists at her sides. "I am fierce."
"Oh, you're terrifying," Cullen laughed lightly.
"Good," Dani released the breath she was holding in a sigh of feigned relief. "I don't think I could have held that pose much longer."
This time, Cullen laughed aloud, and Dani shot him a grin.
"Maker, you remind me of my little sister," he shook his head, still chuckling.
"That's just what every girl wants to hear," Dani gave him a deadpan look.
"Maker's breath! Forgive me," Cullen turned to face her. "I hope I didn't give you the wrong idea…"
The absolute horror and embarrassment on Cullen's suddenly scarlet face was too much, and Dani burst out laughing, stopping to lean on her knees.
"Your face!" Dani gasped through her laughter. "Oh, that was great. I'm sorry, Cullen. I couldn't resist."
"So you didn't…" Cullen simpered apprehensively. "You don't...?"
"I would be honored to have you for a big brother," Dani smiled, still trying to control her giggles as she and Cullen started walking again. The relief was visible on his face as they stepped out into the sunlight.
~#*OOT*#~
Varric meandered around the building that would be the tavern. The major construction work was done, and cleanup was in full swing. As Varric approached, he heard a strange sort of music coming from the main hall, and he knew he'd found Dani.
Peeking his head in the door, he saw Dani shuffling and twirling with a broom to the strange music.
"You can dance if you want to. You can leave your friends behind. 'Cause your friends don't dance, and if they don't dance, well they're no friends of mine…"
Dani bobbed her head as she sang along. Varric leaned against the wall with a wide smile as he watched her.
"Now this is a way I could get into doing chores," he chuckled finally.
Dani froze and held the broom in front of her with a sheepish grin.
"Heeeey, Varric!" She toyed with her hair. "How long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough, Ginger," he laughed.
"Fabulous," she grimaced, returning to her sweeping.
"Hey, you promised to show me a few songs while the gang is out," Varric sauntered over to her.
"I did, didn't I?" Dani smirked and hopped over to the shelf where her phone was resting. She made a few gestures on the screen, and then nodded. "Ah, here we go."
Bluesy guitar poured from the speakers, and Dani began nodding, swaying her hips to the beat.
"Yeeeah," she laughed. "Sweet home, Alabama!"
"What is this?" Varric made a face. "People actually listen to this on purpose?"
"Varric!" Dani gasped. "Don't speak such blasphemies against Skynyrd! Just close your eyes, and feel it."
With a sigh, Varric closed his eyes. Almost instantly, he felt someone take his hands and begin moving with him. He opened his eyes to see Dani still dancing and dragging him along with her.
"Eyes closed, chest hair! Feel it!" Dani ordered.
Laughing, Varric did as he was told.
"Relax those hips," Dani giggled. "Loosen up a little!"
"Fine, fine!" Varric chuckled. "You're so demanding!"
Soon enough, the appeal of the song began to sink in, and Varric was moving without Dani's direction.
"There you go! Work it!" Dani laughed, releasing him and stomping her feet as she twirled away. She came back with another broom. "No, for real. Work it. We need to spiff this place up."
"What's going on in here?" Leliana's thick accent caused both dancers to freeze. "Is this a private party, or is anyone invited?"
"Come on in, Nightingale! Ginger was just teaching me some moves," Varric bobbed his way over and took Leliana's hand.
"Varric, I had no idea you could dance," Leliana giggled.
"Please," Varric smiled incredulously. "I may be new to Ginger's weird music, but any dwarf worth his stuff can dance."
The music changed to a fast paced tempo, and the merriment continued, catching the attention of a few more passers by. Each new person grabbed a dust rag or mop to join the fun.
"867-5309!" Dani jumped up and down in place, bobbing her head.
"Why are the lyrics just numbers?" Cole asked curiously as he appeared next to her.
"It's a phone number, Cole," Dani laughed, grabbing his hands. Cole's eyes widened as she pulled him around the floor. "It's how people connected on those things."
"Oh," he answered, trying to match her steps.
"So this is what everyone listens to where you're from?" Sera peeked down from the second floor where she'd claimed a room.
"This is just one genre," Dani paused to catch her breath. "These are hits from the 80s. That's about a decade before I was born, so…thirty-ish years before the present time."
"What other genres are there?" Curiosity bubbled in Leliana's words.
"Oh, every decade has a specific sound. I was born in the 90s, and that's a whole different feel. There's country, rap, rock, alternative, hip/hop," Dani listed. "Then there's club music. I'll have to break that out sometime when we have a real party."
"I'm going to hold you to that, Ginger," Varric chuckled. "This is fun!"
"I told you!" Dani poked at him with the broom. "And thanks to all the extra help, we've just about got this place whipped into shape! We might just have a tavern for the Inquisitor and his team to rest in when they get back."
The group continued to grow throughout the rest of the evening until the tavern was completely set up and functional. From there, they moved on to the main citadel. Dani smiled, surveying the progress. She might not be a fighter like Alistair and the others, but she could be sure they'd have a comfortable place to come home to.
~#*OOT*#~
In the Hinterlands, the Inquisitor and his team lounged around a campfire. Solas stood nearby at the potion table, mixing together more healing draughts. The flutter of wings brought their attention to the scouts standing nearby.
"I hope you three finished your letters to the princess," Bull chuckled as he stood. "Looks like her news just arrived."
Bull thanked the scout and handed her the parchment from his pocket. Alistair, Dorian, and Solas handed over their own letters. Bull broke the seal and unfolded the paper, smiling as he examined it. It was covered in Dani's scratchy writing. Penmanship was not her forte.
"It's my turn to read!" Alistair snatched the letter away from Bull and scurried back to the fire.
"Hey!" Bull grabbed at him, but the elf was too quick.
This trip to the Hinterlands had been difficult. The company took care of investigating and elvhen artifact with Solas, and they finished up with Horse-master Dennet. He would be joining them in Skyhold to take care of their stables. That was the easy part. They also had to eradicate a den of demon-possessed wolves, and they had their asses handed to them by a rift near the falls. They got it closed, but not without taking heavy damage.
The men were tired. They were sore, and they missed home. Letters from their ginger princess quickly became a welcome distraction and the highlight of their evenings. They took turns reading the letter aloud every day.
"Cole and I went for another walk today," Alistair read. "I'm glad he likes to go with me because I'd probably get lost on my own. That's all I need is to freeze to death a mile away from Skyhold."
Chuckles waved through the group.
"She really does get along well with Cole," Solas settled himself against a log. "I am glad of it. I think Cole needs her company as much as she needs his."
"You're probably correct about that," Dorian chortled. Alistair continued reading.
"Work in the tavern is done. We danced while we cleaned. We'll have to do it again when you're home. I want to see Solas bust a move this time."
"That sounds riveting," Dorian teased.
"Hey, I'll bet he's got better skills than we'd give him credit for. It's always the quiet ones that show up everyone else," Bull eyed Solas suspiciously.
"It has been many years since I last danced. I doubt I know the moves Lady Danette is envisioning," Solas tried to suppress a smile as he stared at the fire.
"You'll all have a nice place to sit for a drink when you get home," Alistair squinted to decipher Dani's writing. "I'm so ready for you to come home."
"Trust us, Dani. We're ready to be home too," Dorian leaned back with his hands behind his head.
"Please be safe. No more taking on rifts that are bigger than you, okay? Love, Dani."
"I'd be afraid to come home with injuries," Bull chuckled. He could almost see her peeking up from beneath that orange curtain, hands on her hips. "She'd kick our asses for it."
"You are definitely correct about that," A look of fear flashed across Dorian's face. "She's not very big, but I'd hate to be on the other end of her wrath."
"Speaking of," Alistair leaned to where he could see the scout beside the tents. "You did get those letters sent out, yes?"
"Aye, Ser," The scout nodded.
"Wonderful," Alistair relaxed. "Looks as though we shall live to see another day, gentlemen."
All of them laughed, feeling much lighter than they had before.
~#*OOT*#~
"Kreeeem!" Dani whined, pounding on the door. "Krem, let me in!"
"Ginger, do you know what time it is?" Krem yawned as he opened the door.
"Three in the morning, last I checked," Dani answered curtly. "Whoa, I forgot you have those."
Krem had been sleeping, meaning his binding was off, and a rather impressive set of breasts was now on display in his shirtless state.
"Oh! Sorry," Krem hurriedly crossed his arms over his naked chest.
"Nah, it's cool. I have a set of my own," Dani waved dismissively as she pushed past Krem and into the room. "I just forget that you also have some. And while we're on the subject, I'm a little miffed that you're a man and yours look better than mine."
Krem laughed heartily as Dani perched on the end of his bed, examining her chest with disdain. Dani was always so unashamedly blunt about everything, and it was one of the many things Krem found endearing about her. He never had to wonder what she was thinking because it always poured straight out her mouth.
Pulling on a loose fitting shirt, Krem waited for the redhead to reveal the reason for her visit. This wasn't the first time Dani had turned up at Krem's room in the middle of the night. She was quite the insomniac, as it would turn out, and Krem was under strict orders from the chief to be sure Dani was well looked after. Even if he weren't under orders, Krem would have been happy to stay up with Dani. She was never dull company. However, this was the first time she'd shown up quite this late.
"What's on your mind, Ginger?" Krem asked, plopping down beside her on the bed.
"I can't sleep," Dani sighed.
"I'm aware," Krem chuckled. "What's keeping that pretty head awake this time?"
"The guys are coming back tomorrow night," Dani propped her chin on the heels of her hands.
"That's the plan, yes," Krem couldn't quite keep the amusement out of his voice.
"I'm very excited about it," Dani beamed. "I've missed them."
"And your excitement means neither of us will be sleeping tonight, correct?" Krem sighed through a smirk.
"Correct," Dani grinned.
"Well, Dalish has the cards, so there's not much to do for entertainment here," Krem's eyes scanned the room. "Give me a second, and we'll head down to the tavern."
"Kay!" Dani threw herself back on the bed.
Within minutes, Krem was properly bound and clothed with his "well placed sock," and the two of them were off.
"Rocky!" Krem shouted, pounding on the dwarf's door a moment later.
"What?" Rocky answered grumpily as he opened the door.
"Ginger can't sleep," Krem jerked a thumb at the sheepish-looking redhead. "Figured you might be interested in one last drinking night before the chief gets back."
"Hell yeah!" Rocky slammed the door shut, but Krem and Dani knew he only did so in order to change clothes.
~#*OOT*#~
Krem was very drunk by the time the party stopped in the tavern. Even Cabbot had turned in for the night, so the Chargers had free reign of the place. Sera came down when she heard the commotion, and Cole popped in and out several times as curiosity got the better of him.
The sun was shining brightly just over the horizon when Dani finally managed to get Krem back to his room. He was singing loudly and off-key as she kicked the door closed and heaved him over to the bed.
As he continued to laugh and sing, Dani pulled the boots from Krem's feet and then lifted the shirt over his head.
"Heeeeey, Ginger?" Krem hummed as Dani worked.
"Yes?" Dani giggled.
"You said you're excited for the guys to come home," Krem slurred happily. "Any one of them in particular you're excited to see?"
"They're all very special to me," Dani smiled fondly. "All for different reasons."
"Well, I happen to know one of them will be especially tickled to see you!" Krem reached up and booped Dani's nose.
"What?" Dani swatted his finger away.
Instead of responding, Krem giggled mischievously and flopped back on the bed. Before Dani could press for more answers, the man was snoring softly. Dani smiled warmly and shook her head.
Working quickly, she undid the binding on Krem's chest and slid a softer shirt over his body before pulling him up and tucking him under the covers. It wasn't the first time she'd put him to bed this way, and Dani guessed it wouldn't be the last.
Excitement still filled her as she slid out of Krem's room to go find some breakfast.
~#*OOT*#~
A/N: Nice little filler chapter for you. Back to the action in the next one!