AN: (5/23/16) New content is near the end of the chapter

They needed magic to the close the breach, and Grand Enchanter Fiona's invitation provided the perfect opportunity to approach the reclusive rebels. That was the problem however. It was too perfect. It was a likely trap, and it made everyone nervous. Cullen had insisted on approaching the Templars to suppress the Breach, and as much as Cassandra would like to do so, the likeliness of them even agreeing to see the Inquisition was slim, given their encounter with the Lord Seeker in Val Royeux. It was regrettable, but the Templars could not be relied upon.

So it was decided they would approach the Rebels, cautiously of course, but only after they did some preparation. A few weeks would be needed to train, and arm the few Templars that had joined the Inquisition. Commander Cullen would be handling this of course, it added to his current workload, but he did not complain.

In the mean time the Herald, Solas, Varric, and herself would follow leads on potential allies, and other matters. Leliana had suggested searching for a Grey Warden by the name of Blackwall, in the Hinterlands. It seemed that all the Grey Wardens in Ferelden and Orlais have disappeared, not just the Hero of Ferelden, and no word as to their whereabouts. Grey Wardens always had strange circumstances around them, but the timing was... curious. It seemed that Blackwall was the only one who hadn't disappeared, inquires needed to be made.

The journey back to the Hinterlands, allowed them to the see some of the effects of their previous trip. No bodies on the road, and only a spare few refugees were seen, good signs of the Inquisition's progress.

"I didn't think you could make friends, Seeker." Varric said from his horse. "I thought you could only beat up innocent bystanders." Cassandra glanced at the Dwarf, and back to their other companions who were engrossed in a talk about the Fade.

"I do not beat up anyone." She snapped. "Nor are you innocent."

"Really? Could of fooled me." She rolled her eyes, irritation rising as he continued to needle her for the event. His interrogation had been a bit rougher then most, true, but he had never been beaten. Only frightened. She had deemed the scare tactic necessary to get any true information out of the Dwarf. He was quite infamous for using his words to his advantage, and along with his willingness to protect his close friend, made for a very tough persona to gain any useful knowledge.

"What is this about Varric?"

"Nothing Seeker, I just wondered how you got on such good terms with our dear Herald. You almost chopped off his head I hear."

"I have done nothing out of the ordinary,"

"Truly? So you didn't trick him into Wicked Grace on the ship? I maybe my seasickness was making me hallucinate. Am I missing something?" He paused, and added casually, "Perhaps your secret weakness for fathers perhaps?"

Anger immediately bubbled to the surface, and strangled noise escaped her throat, causing the two in font to glance back briefly. Grinding her teeth, a dangerous edge in her voice, "What do you want Varric?"

"I could give you advice if you want. Help smooth the process." He said ignoring her question, "It wouldn't take much, just a few nudges here and there."

"There is noProcess." She growled, her fists clenched, causing the leather of her gloves to strain, "I suggest, Dwarf. That if you know what's good for you. You will be silent."

It seemed his self preservation instinct had abandoned him, "I'm just saying, Seeker, things might move a little faster,"

She was half way to shoving him off his horse, before Kaaras appeared between them, having pulled hard the reins to match their speed, forcing his horse between theirs. He frowned at the Dwarf, "Alright that's enough!" The Qunari let out a frustrated sigh, and did not look amused in the slightest, "One of you. Go ride with Solas," He ordered.

"Okay Herald." Varric agreed quickly. Cassandra glowered after him as he spurred his horse to trot alongside the Elven mage.

A few minutes passed in silence as they continued their way towards the Hinterlands.

"So... Want to tell me what that was about?" Kaaras asked evenly, so as not to stir any volatile emotions that she had remaining.

"It is nothing. Just Varric trying to annoy me further, and succeeding." She sighed and passed a hand over her face.

"Ah." He let the silence hang, as he looked into the forest as they past, sounding far away when he did speak, "That... can always happen to the best of us. I understand." He focused now, "Two members of my Kith used to argue like that."

Kith must be the Valo-Kas. "Really?"

"Yeah, it wasn't so bad at the beginning, but they only got worse. Eventually, we had to arrange a fist fight for them. Let them beat the argument out of each other, you know. It worked for them, they only bicker a bit now. I would suggest the same, but..." He stopped and glanced at her, an easy smile on his lips, the mood lightening significantly as he did, "I don't think Varric would survive such a thing. Dead men tell no tales after all."

"So what would you suggest then?" She asked, ignoring the tingling under her skin.

"Hmmm. Well," He paused to think, "You could try... reaching out?" She raised an eyebrow at him. "I mean, he is mad at you for something, right? And he keeps pushing your buttons because of that, but neither of you have really done anything to fix it, right?"

"I suppose not, no." They have only gone though a cycle of arguing, and more passive aggressive insults. Admittedly the cause of this circumstance was indeed her fault, in part. She could feel the itch of irritation and as well as begrudging understanding.

"I don't really know why you guys are like this, but one of you has to stop. It might as well be you." He told her sincerely. "Nor will it be easy. You guys really don't like each other."

"How could you tell?" She said sarcastically, making him chuckle. She rolled the advice back and forth in her mind, "I will consider this. Thank you."

"Of course. I am good for other things besides fighting." He leaned over to her, a hand on his chest. She laughed, he smiled and straightened, facing forward again, continuing their way to the Hinterlands.

Blackwall had no answers. His apparent isolation had cut him off from any news of the other Wardens. The trip might have of been fruitless had the Warden not offered his services to the Inquisition. He seemed honorable and was a capable fighter, his recruitment would definitely be beneficial. So they headed back to Haven, with no answers, but a new ally in tow.

Breathing hard, Cassandra and Kaaras halted their spar, having let it go on far too long, they risked seriously injuring each other, if they did not. She had taken a nasty hit to her side, but had given the hit right back in the space between his neck and shoulder, both fatal hits in a real fight. They would call it a draw for today.

The Qunari let out a breath and struck his sword in the ground to lean upon it. The Seeker took a slow breath, relaxing her muscles as she sheathed her sword, and dropped her shield to the ground. Kaaras looked from his spot, "Good fight Cassandra." He said through his breathing, and then called to the sideline, "Hey! Did you pay attention?" He received a nod from his daughter between the training dummies, "Alright, you know the drill."

Asha answered seriously, if a bit unsure, "Okay, well, you... lost grip and didn't bring your guard up fast enough? And Cassandra... over extended her sword arm, I think? Leaving her side open?" The assessment didn't surprise the older woman, this was something that Kaaras and Asha had done after almost every spar the two adults would have, and the Seeker would often see the duo later in the day when she would need to speak to Cullen, watching the recruits train, trying to learn from their mistakes, just like now.

The girl was usually correct when she gave her report, there were more issues than the ones Asha would list of course, but anything major would almost always be touched upon. Cassandra supposed living with mercenaries tended to cause a keen eye for battle early in life.

"Correct... for the most part. You pass. Good job." Kaaras congratulated her, before rubbing his shoulder, right where Cassandra's hit landed, "Now, could you bring me the water skin please?"

Obliging, Asha picked up the water she brought to the field, and walked over to hand it to him. He thanked her, and took a long drink. Cassandra then became acutely aware of exactly how warm it suddenly was.

Their spar had taken quite a bit longer then usual. Kaaras, having gotten used to fighting someone proficient with a shield, could no longer be beaten easily. Instead of the usual brute strength he employed most often, he performed precision strikes in an attempt to knock her over. This resulted in a very hard fought match, that left them both winded. Though it was as the Qunari tipped his head back to drink, the dark grey of his skin shining in the sun, when an errant bead of sweat caught her eye.

It started above his brow, following his temple and slowly traveled to his cheek, changing direction as it came to the divots and dents of his scars. She traced its path with her eyes, as it followed the line of his jaw, and dropped on to his neck, over his throat, before finally disappearing beneath the slight 'v' of his armor.

"-ssandra?" She looked up, and found Kaaras staring back. She felt the uncomfortable pit of embarrassment open in her stomach as she realized what had happened. Maker give her strength. Forcing her face to stay neutral, she hoped the blush would be taken as an effect from their spar, and not for what it was.

Pretending everything was normal, she answered, "I'm sorry, what?" She was almost sure she passed off the occurrence as a short lapse in attention, but Kaaras' raised eyebrow and the mischievous set of his mouth, told her otherwise. The Seeker cursed her wondering eyes.

"I just wanted to know if you wanted a drink. I thought you might be thirsty." He offered the skin to her, playing along with her ploy for now it seemed.

"No, I... I'm fine. Thank you." She shifted awkwardly, wanting the pit to either disappear or swallow her whole.

"Alright, suit your self." He tied the water skin to his belt, and looked at Asha, who had turned to stare into the crowd of training soldiers when nothing of their conversation caught her attention, "Hey Gremlin, be still for a second. You have a piece of fuzz on your back."

Cassandra looked at the back of the girl's coat, and didn't see anything.

The girl didn't notice this of course and stayed still as asked. The Qunari crouched behind Asha, and instead of getting an indistinguishable piece of lint, scooped up a bit of snow, pulled the collar of her coat back, and dropped the snow in.

Immediately, Asha squealed. Kaaras howled as she began to freak out, squirming at the shocking sensation. The Seeker covered her mouth to halt her own laugh, but was internally grateful for the action, attention shifting so she could recover. The Qunari, however, had little reservation, and continued to crack up, eyes closed, and half way to laying on snow covered ground.

After the surprise had worn off, Asha whirled around, grabbed two whole handfuls of snow, and shoved them directly into Kaaras' face.

Sudden silence followed. The Qunari didn't move and let most of the snow fall from his face. Asha tensed as he blinked once, expression still, before he spoke, "Alright then. If that's how you want to play then..." and using both arms, began gathering a large pile of the powdery substance together, but before it could get to any significant amount, the girl bolted, leaving the adults behind as she ran towards the gate to escape.

He chuckled as he stood, wiping the rest off his face.

She peered at him now, contemplating the familiar and unfamiliar feelings that often accompanied their time to together, and against her better judgment decided to indulge her curiosity, "It has come to my attention," He turned to regard her, "That I know very little about you."

He tilted his head to one side. "I figured Leliana would have told you everything?"

"She does have a frightening amount of information on you, yes." It seemed like the Spymaster had something everyone actually, the thought was strangely normal. Sort of. "I only ever skimmed her initial report of you, when you were still suspect. I knew your name and your job as a mercenary."

"Oh, well... What do you want to know?"

"I suppose where you're from is a good start?"

He smiled a bit, "I was raised in the Free Marches, in a tiny settlement outside of Ostwick, made up of only two human families and my parents and I. Remoteness made it harder for the Qunari to find us."

That was surprisingly... simple, "Because you are Tal-Vashoth?"

"Correct... but really only my parents were Tal-Vashoth." He explained, "My mother was a Tamassaran, mothers and teachers under the Qun, and my father was an Athlok, a laborer, sheep herding mostly. They managed to escape shortly before I was born, making them Tal-Vashoth, true rebels, and myself Vashoth, someone who has never rebelled, but one who should be dealt with sooner, rather than later. The distinction between Qunari, Tal-Vashoth, and Vashoth usually means little to humans and elves. Horns are horns and all that." He reached up and flicked the plating covering his own horns, letting out a short metallic sound. "But I would probably equate it to being called Orlesian when you're from Ferelden."

She could not help cringing a little. Ferelden hated Orlais, "I see..."

He noticed her reaction "Most humans don't get a chance to talk to one of us, let alone get to know us well. So when it's coming from someone 'outside', it can be a bit irritating, but I understand. So don't worry about it." He reassured her, "And about you huh? Where do you hail from?"

"Nevarra, but I saw very little of it," Mostly she remembered the dark and musty halls that made up her home, accompanied by the moaning of the dead that often echoed through the corridors.

"Really? You weren't a captive princess or anything right?" He joked, but did not know the near truth of his words.

"That is not from the truth actually," She said plainly, feeling the distaste she had for the subject rising, "The Pentaghasts take blood very seriously. It would not have been prudent to allow one of their own to go traipsing about the country side with her brother." She frowned at the bitterness of the memory.

He held up a hand, "Wait, wait... Like the royal Pentaghasts?" He looked very surprised, both eyebrows raised.

She sighed, "Yes, but it matters little now," She told him firmly, "I am a Seeker, before I am a Pentaghast,"

That snapped him back, "Yes, of course. I've taken a few contracts from a couple of Pentaghasts. Always made sure I knew exactly who they were. Bunch of assholes." He frowned for a moment before he realized his words, "I m-mean... no offense intended of course, you are nothing like them." The Vashoth smiled at her apologetically.

"No, you are not wrong. They are assholes." She deadpanned. He let out a surprised laugh, relaxing at the admission. "But I am surprised you didn't know before. I know our introduction was under the best of circumstances, but it has never been a secret."

"That's my mistake. Vashoth don't really have family names, and sometimes I forget to ask. Sorry. I know the significance of names is different for humans, and I know Pentaghast is the ruling name in Nevarra right now." He paused, "Does that mean you're in line for the throne?"

She scoffed, "Hardly. 78th in line is hardly something to really consider," She dismissed, "How do Vashoth handle names?" She changed the subject, not wanting to really discuss her family.

He replied, taking her hint, "Names are picked or given by others, there isn't really a tradition for it. Usually the name you hear is the only name they have."

"And you have two." She stated.

"Yes, 'Karaas' came from my parents. It's 'navigator' in the common tongue, their way of wishing me luck in life, I suppose."

"And Adaar?"

His demeanor dampened slightly, "'Fire thrower'. Given by a previous kith." He gave a bittersweet smile, "I wasn't always the charming individual you see before you."

His following silence was very telling. The topic of his second name appeared to be unpleasant. She wouldn't press him. "What about your daughter? Her name sounds different from your own." Asha sounded like it came from the common tongue, and not the Qunlat roots his seemed to have had.

"Because I didn't give her that name," He answered, "Her mother did."

That surprised her. She had wondered, but... "You have never spoken about her." She stated carefully, unsure of his reaction. His demeanor didn't change, and he continued to stare back at her solemnly.

"You're right." He said, "I haven't. I... don't speak of her very often." He looked away. The admittance falling heavily between them. Cassandra shifted her weight. Another bad topic for him it seemed, it appeared something happened to the mother. He continued, looking anywhere but her eyes, "Someone always asks of course. Nosy bastards wanting to know our business. The 'novelty' of a qunari father and a human daughter is just too damn interesting." Venom seeping into his voice at the end, glaring at some unseen face in the distance. His hands clenched briefly.

She said nothing, expression smoothing into a stony neutrality, and watched the anger wash over him. This was not directed at her, Cassandra knew, but she could not help tensing at his tone. The cold wind now biting as it blew past.

His eyes returned to hers finally, blue of his eyes turbulent as he glared. It was moment before he closed them, and a hand came up to rub his face. He exhaled loudly, an attempt to relax, and opened his eyes to look at her. A serious and apologetic expression replaced the old one. "I'm sorry my lady." He said, "I don't mean to be angry, nor direct it at you. It just... comes out," He took a deep breath, "The last time... I... Well..." He stopped, and grimaced.

Cassandra realized that she herself had acted in such a manner at times. Times when Anthony was at the forefront of her thoughts. Asha's mother was dead, she realized, her suspicions confirmed. Sympathy flooded her veins, easing her posture.

"But, you asked about Asha's name..." He paused, composing himself, "Her mother told me before... that the name comes from an old queen in Antiva. The 'Queen Mother of Thedas'* She said." His voice soft, as sadness dimmed his presence, "She... had appreciation for history."

"Her memory pains you." Cassandra stated quietly. Impulsively she reached out laid a hand on his arm, "I'm sorry." She said, squeezing his bicep over the exposed leather of his armor. She looked into his eyes now, hoping to convey her own loss.

Kaaras held her gaze, and studied her face, "Thank you," He said finally, releasing the heaviness that surrounded them, allowing the wind to flow easily between them, no longer harsh as it passed.

A comfortable silence settled over them for several heartbeats before one side of the qunari's mouth lifted, along with one eyebrow as he stared at her.

Feeling a small bit of dread in her stomach at the sight, Cassandra simply stared back and waited. He didn't say anything directly, but simply glanced down at his arm. Where her hand still rested.

A tingle raced up her arm. Resisting the urge to jerk it to her side, she slowly retracted her arm, and purposefully avoided his mischievous eyes, but his following chuckle irritated her, and combined with her embarrassment.

"Don't you have a daughter to deal with?" She snapped.

He continued to chuckle, "I do indeed my lady Cassandra." They each reached to collect their weapons.

As she stood she could see the sun hanging much higher in the sky than she had expected, the Seeker realized that this practice had taken a much longer time then usual. She sighed internally, brushing aside her irritation, her meeting with Cullen over troop reports would probably take much longer now, and unpleasant affair in itself now to be drawn out. Not wanting to prolong the inevitable she turned to leave, when Kaaras reached out to stop her, a hand gently touching her arm.

Looking at him now, his good humor had left again, "Really though, I am sorry." He said, eyes serious, "I didn't mean to unload my issues on you."

Her earlier irritation completely evaporated as she looked at him, "It's alright," She said and hesitated a moment, "I do believe... friends... listen to each others problems." She said slowly, realizing that she indeed saw him as a friend. She found his presence to be... enjoyable, he offered a pleasant rest from the demons, or the war, and even Varric's needling. She would indulge in that, but anything more than that... was an impossibility. She was sure of that.

The answering grin she received nearly sucked the breath out of her lungs, threw thoughts off kilter, and when Cullen asked her later at their meeting if she was alright, she said she had over exerted herself in training. She was a liar.

AN: Hey guys sorry for the long wait, but this chapter really wasn't having it. I'm still not happy with it actually :( but I figured y'all had waited long enough. It will probably be rewritten sometime in the future.

Let me know what you think. Reviews are appreciated!

You can follow me on tumblr too :) username is nugget-bones

P.S. Happy Valentines day!

AN(5/23/16):

*Asha Compana 'Queen Mother of Thedas' was an actual person in Thedas, you can check the wiki. She's not the reason I picked Asha's name, but I thought the happenstance was funny.

Okay so I realized a few weeks ago that the old chapter ending was way too dramatic for what I wanted so I decided to extend the chapter a bit. It's not a whole chapter I know, but I thought I added a good bit of content. So I hope you guys like it.

Also how would you guys feel about a chapter in a different POV? Or would like me to just continue in Cassandra's POV? Let me know! I'll probably decide over the next week or so.