Dragon Age Inquisition: In a Hopeless Place

Chapter Nine

Arriving at Winterwatch Tower, Miklo spotted a woman standing outside a closed gate. "Hello there." She called out in a friendly tone. "Hi, I'm Mik-."

"I know who you are, I am Speaker Anais." The woman interrupted as she looked the girl up and down, an unimpressed look on her face. "They call you the Herald of Andraste for what you did at Haven, but are you? The Maker has not told me."

Miklo was taken aback by the woman's attitude, "I honestly don't know myself." She glanced back at her companions. Cassandra met her gaze with a frown, Varric had an eyebrow raised and his lips where set in a straight line, while Solas just shook his head.

She looked back at Anais as the woman scoffed, "As I suspected, stories of you mastering the rifts are just blind heresy."

Miklo frowned and shook her head. "No I can seal rifts."

"Then prove it and show me that the rifts bend to your will. The will of the Maker, show me the power you wield." Anais demanded.

Her attitude had Cassandra's hackles raised. "Hey-!" She was interrupted by the sound of the gate opening and the woman walking away. She moved to follow when she felt a hand on her arm. She looked down at it and then back up to see Miklo. She raised an eye brow when the girl met her gaze. Miklo shook her head and lightly patted her arm before following the female cultist through the gate.

Cassandra stewed a moment before she followed, she heard Varric mutter to Solas, "I can still get her from here. Should I say my trigger finger slipped?"

"Good luck explaining that." Solas muttered back.

Miklo paused just inside the gates, gazing about what looked like a courtyard.

She politely stopped a woman passing by, "Excuse me, but can you tell me where I can find a man named Hyndel?"

"Hyndel you say? Last I saw he was working in the tower, over that way." The woman pointed to a tower back in the left corner of the courtyard. "You can get to him by taking the ladder there by the stables." She nodded to the stables to the right of them.

Miklo smiled and thanked the woman before making her way to the ladder. Following the woman's directors the four companions made their way over to the tower where they found a young, male elf leaning over some parchment on a table. Miklo looked back at her friends, Cassandra nodded encouragingly. Miklo turned back to look at the other elf. "Hyndel?" She called softly.

The man turned and gave a friendly smile. Miklo noticed he looked to be about her age if not a little older. "Yes I'm Hyndel."

"Your father sent me; he says your mother can't breathe. She needs some kind of Potion, one only you know how to make?" She asked.

A look of panic overcame the smile on Hyndel's face, "What? She was fine, she hasn't had the breathing trouble in…alright I can help." He turned back to his table and grabbed a quill, quickly scribbling down on some parchment. When finished he grabbed a blue bottle and turned back to face Miklo. "Here, I have some already made and here are instructions on how to make it. Go take it to her now." He held out the bottle and parchment.

Miklo took the items from him and placed them inside one of her pouches. She gave him a reassuring look, "Don't worry, I will make sure your mother gets these I promise."

Hyndel gave her a thankful smile as he grasped her cursed hand, "Thank you kind stranger. Now please, get that to my mother."

Miklo nodded and briefly shook his hand, before letting go and making her way over to the tower entrance.

Solas moved to walk beside the girl, "It is good of you to do this."

Miklo glanced at him, "What is?"

"You helping these people, they are not of your kind yet you are going far just to help the boy's mother."

Miklo frowned a little, "Why should it matter if they are of my kind or not? They are in need of help and in this world that is slowly being taken over by darkness…even a little bit of kindness can help ease the fear and pain of some."

Solas nodded thoughtfully, "As I said, it is good of you to do this."

Miklo smiled and opened her mouth to reply when she felt it. She stopped walking as her cursed hand began to burn. She whined, "Oh no, not again."

Cassandra looked back at her in concern, "What is it?"

Miklo looked up at the amber eyed woman and then held up her hand, "Another rift." Her hand glowed brightly, green sparks apparent even beneath the leather glove covering it.

Cassandra's eyes widened, "Another one?" She sighed when she receive a weary nod from the younger woman.

Solas pointed it out, "There." Sure enough at the other end of the courtyard beyond another metal gate, was a rift.

"Well here is our chance to prove you're the Herald of Andraste." Varric unhelpfully pointed out with a wry grin.

Miklo groaned, "Let's get this over with."

Varric asked, "You sure you're up for this?"

Miklo shook her head, "No I'm not. But we can't just leave it here." She ran across the courtyard, the others right behind her.

They hurriedly made their way down to the courtyard and across the way; Varric spotted Anais standing by the stables chatting with another cultist. "Hey Speaker, you might wanna pay attention. You may learn something!" He yelled. Anais frowned but turned to follow, her eyes widening at the sight of the green swirling mass in air.

Miklo and the other three reached the gate and watched as the rift let out a pop and two terrors popped up out of the ground. Miklo glanced at Cassandra; the warrior met her gaze and nodded drawing her sword out. She drew out her own blades and glanced back at Solas and Varric; watching as they drew out their own weapons. She looked back at the rift, "Let's do this."

Learning her lesson from the last time, instead of going for the rift she decided to help take out the demons first. She darted towards the closest one and ducked just in time to avoid a swing from it. She jumped up and jammed her dar misu through the back of the demon's hand, pinning it to the ground. It let out a shriek and swung at her with its other hand, she leapt over it and kicked the creature in the face. A ball of fire slammed into it's back and it shrieked as flames enveloped it's body. Miklo turned to see Solas give her a brief nod before he flicked his wrist and another ball of fire struck the demon. Miklo turned and flung her remaining dagger, striking the Terror dead center in its chest. With another loud shriek the demon melted into the ground.

Miklo looked to see how Cassandra was doing just in time to see her slide her sword across the remaining demon's torso. A crossbow bolt struck it dead center in the forehead. Varric caught Miklo's eye and nodded towards the rift. Miklo nodded and ran towards it, her hand outstretched. Two beams of crackling energy streamed out of the rift and slammed into her hand. She winced in pain as the burning nearly became too hot to bear. Come on, close! She narrowed her eyes when the rift popped once more. She pulled her hand back and then quickly flung it forward closing the rift with a loud bang. She allowed her hand to drop as she panted heavily. That hurts more and more every time I use it. She glowered as the burning sensation began to ease and the green sparks faded to a light glow within the gash.

"Here, I believe this is yours." Cassandra lightly bumped the back of her hand against Miklo's. Miklo shivered slightly at the contact and looked down to see her dagger in the warrior's hand. The elf smiled and opened her mouth to speak.

"Maker's Tears!" She was interrupted by Speaker Anais. "I was a fool to have doubted you. How may we serve you Herald of Andraste?" Miklo raised an eyebrow in response Well she sure changed her tune.

Miklo thought of the refugees back at the Crossroads and nodded, "Have your people help the refugees back at the Crossroads, they need all the help we can give."

Anais nodded, "As you say Herald of Andraste. Some few will remain here and the rest will go forth to do your will. When the Maker calls you to your great purpose, remember that we served you." With that the woman turned and walked away. Miklo stared after the woman a moment before shaking her head.

"Well she was so kind to offer help without asking for anything in return." Varric drawled from beside Miklo. She turned to look at him and nodded in agreement.

"Let's just go, I want to make it back to the Crossroads before it gets too dark." Miklo looked to see the sun was slowly starting to set.

The quartet was just out of sight of Winterwatch Tower when an arrow flew past, grazing Miklo's upper arm. She let out a hiss of pain and whirled around to see a Templar notching another arrow on his bow. "Watch out!" She yelled to the others. She drew her daggers just as the man aimed his arrow at her and was promptly hit in the shoulder with a crossbow bolt. She smirked at his cry of pain and ran at him not giving him a chance to act further; she kicked him in the knee and then slammed the hilt of one of her daggers into the side of his head, dropping him in an instant.

A male grunt of pain came from behind her and she turned to see Cassandra disarm another templar before slamming her elbow into his throat. He reeled back, hands over his throat when he was suddenly hit in the face by a ball of fire. His shriek of pain was cut off when Solas sent him flying into the mountain side. Cassandra turned her head and caught Miklo's eyes. Miklo smiled and gave her an enthusiastic thumbs up, earning her a small amused smile from the warrior before more battle cries caught their attention.

Four more templars jumped out of the trees and charged at the group. Miklo ran at the first one and jumped up, landing feet first onto the man's chest. He slammed into the ground and Miklo quickly launched herself at another one. He swung at her and she moved away from the strike when Cassandra rammed her shield into the man's face.

Out of the corner of her eye, Miklo caught sight of Solas a few feet away. With a wave of his staff a large blast of fire struck the ground behind the two remaining templars. Their clothes instantly caught on fire, twins screams echoed through the valley. Varric quickly put them out of their misery with a quick shot through their chests.

Miklo gazed around searching for more signs of an ambush. Not seeing any more approaching enemies she sighed in relief.

"I believe we are in the clear." Solas stated.

Varric hummed, "Yeah but for how long?"

Cassandra sighed, "Let's just get back to the Crossroads. We can set up camp there."

Miklo nodded in agreement when her eyes caught on the encampment around them "Hey wait." She gazed around it an idea came to mind. "I have an idea…"

The others paused and glanced back at her. "Care to share?" Varric asked.

Miklo looked back at them, "Look around, what do you see here?"

They looked around the camp and then looked back at the younger elf. "Dead, possibly crippled Templars?" Varric answered.

Miklo shook her head, "No…supplies." She looked back at the encampment. "We can use these for the refugees."

Understanding dawned on the Storyteller's face and he exchanged an approving look with Solas.

Cassandra however had a small frown on her face, "I'm not sure about this."

Miklo moved closer and grasped Cassandra's hand with her unmarked one, "Think about it Cassandra, the Templars and mages here are hurting people. Innocent people are getting caught in the crossfire of their war. The refugees need help, this can help." She pleaded with the warrior, green eyes were bright and earnest.

"She's got a point Seeker." Varric piped up.

The amber eyed woman softened and nodded in agreement, "You do make a good point. Very well, how do you want to do this?"

Miklo beamed, "We can send some soldiers back here, let them know where to find this encampment."

Cassandra smiled and nodded once more, "That could work, it's a good idea." Her smile widened as Miklo practically beamed. The elf seemed to vibrate slightly, her green eyes bright. Cassandra shook her head fondly.

"Alright then on we go!" Miklo said in happy tone. Varric and Solas exchanged amused looks as they followed the two females.

The walk back to the Crossroads was long and tiring. The sun had just barely set as they made their way into the camp. Miklo spotted the refugee they were looking for and made her way over. The poor man was sitting outside of what she would assume was his hut. He looked up as he heard footsteps approaching and opened his mouth to speak when Miklo held out a blue bottle that shimmered slightly.

Miklo smiled, "Here you go, Hyndel's potion and instructions on how to make it."

A relieved smile came over the man's face, "Sylaise bless you or the Maker or whoever, it doesn't matter just…thank you. I'll give it to her right away and if I can ever help the Inquisition you have my word. Pairos." He held out his hand and Miklo grasped it in a shake.

"Miklo." She gestured behind her at her companions, "Cassandra, Varric, and Solas." They all gave Pairos a friendly nod.

"Thank you again, may the Maker be with you all." He nodded and turned to enter his hut.

Miklo turned to her friends, "Now let's find somewhere to set up camp."

A candle mark later; after finding a relatively promising place to camp, Miklo laid out her bedroll close by the fire and then sat down on top of it. Wriggling around a bit she laid back, crossing her arms behind her head. She always loved sleeping outside, the sight of the stars in the night sky, the sounds of the nearby streams, and the smell of the forest and earth around her; it was home.

A light shuffling sound came from beside her and she turned her head to see Cassandra stepping over a log close by her bedroll. The warrior sat down on the log and looked up at the sky. The two women sat in a comfortable silence for a few moments. Miklo couldn't help but shoot glances at the dark haired woman. She had a rough exterior no doubt, Miklo learned that during their initial meeting. However she had also witnessed those bright amber eyes soften shortly after. She witnessed how the woman's full lips would quirk ever so slightly whenever she was amused. The way she moved was smooth, controlled; so much like a dancer it took Miklo's breath away.

Not taking her eyes off the stars above, Cassandra addressed the young elf, "So it occurs to me that I don't actually know much about you."

Miklo turned her head to gaze at the warrior, "What would you like to know?"

Cassandra frowned slightly, looking a little lost, "I'm… not sure. Where are you from?"

Miklo looked back up at the sky and answered, "My clan never stayed in one place for long, though we primarily roamed the Free Marches."

Cassandra was surprised by that, "Oh? I didn't think your people roamed that far north, clearly I'm mistaken. I'm told some members of your clan might still be alive. Do you intend to go back?"

Miklo shook her head, "I don't think so. There isn't much there for me to go back for."

"Really?" Cassandra asked, looking down at the rogue.

Miklo nodded, "My clan mates and I…we have never seen eye to eye on much of anything. We never really got along at all. I don't think they would miss me much." She shrugged, "I'm alright with that because I know wherever I am…is home enough for me."

Cassandra smiled at that, "That's how I feel now, after years of tending to business for the Divine."

They sat in a comfortable silence for a brief moment when Miklo asked, "So what about you? What's your story?"

Cassandra glanced down at her, "There's… not much to know."

Miklo pouted and sat up, "Aww come on! I'm sure you're just being modest?"

"Would you think of me as a braggart?" Cassandra asked.

"No, I think you're fascinating." Miklo's eyes widened at her own bold response. "I-I mean…If if you don't want to talk, I'll–"

"No, I just…oh, very well." Cassandra gently interrupted, somewhat conflicted. She sighed, "My name is Cassandra Pentaghast, daughter of the royal house of Nevarra, seventy-eighth in line for the Nevarran throne. I joined the Seekers of Truth as a young woman, and was with the Order until they withdrew from the Chantry. I remained as the Divine's Right Hand, carrying out her order to form the Inquisition – and here we are. That's all there is to know, my lady." She finished with another sigh.

Miklo's eyes widened, her mind processing what the Warrior just told her. After a moment she grinned in awe, "Ooh so you're a Princess?" Her smile turned mischievous, "May I call you Princess?"

Cassandra caught onto the girl's playfulness, "I may have to hurt you if you do." She narrowed her eyes in mock warning at the girl.

Across the campfire, Varric watched the two females' interaction with rapt attention. He shook his head and chuckled quietly. This is gonna make an interesting story.

A/N: So I know that other than main/personal missions and party banter, your companions don't really speak with you unless you're in Haven/Skyhold but I need our lovely ladies to get to know each other so…campfire bonding! Also…Varric ships my babies!