Dragon Age Inquisition: In a Hopeless Place

Chapter Ten

Miklo awoke to the sound of voices softly murmuring close by. With a low groan, she stretched and sighed happily as she felt her back pop satisfyingly. She blinked her eyes open and lifted her head, groggily gazing about the camp. Varric and Solas were quietly talking across the campfire, the elf nodding to something the dwarf had said. A few Inquisition soldiers were milling about, either conversing or moving supplies around. Miklo's eyes caught on Cassandra speaking to the Requisition officer.

Miklo smiled at the sight of the warrior and then rolled her eyes at tore her gaze away from Cassandra and looked up at the sky, noting that it seemed to be close to mid-morning now. Ooops slept in, why didn't anyone wake me? Shrugging her shoulders, she sat up and stretched once more; yawning.

"Ah awake now Sleeping Beauty?" She turned to see Varric looking back at her, a grin on his face. Miklo grinned back and gave him a thumbs up, making him chuckle. "Hungry?" He asked.

Miklo nodded her head, "Starved."

The Storyteller nodded over to where Cassandra was standing, "There is food over that way...maybe you can have the Seeker make you something, tasty." He finished with a mischievous grin that completely flew over the girl's head as her attention was caught on the warrior once again. Solas however caught it immediately and raised an eyebrow. The men watched as the girl hopped up and bounded over to Cassandra and the Requisition officer.

"Do you think it wise to encourage her…affections?" Solas asked.

Varric's grin softened, "Hey the kid has been through a lot, she has a lot on her plate. Her affection for the Seeker will give her something to fight harder for." He watched in amusement as Miklo caught Cassandra's attention, a soft look appeared on the older woman's face. "See, nothing to worry about Chuckles."

Solas nodded though his expression was skeptical, "So you say."

"Hello!" Miklo chirped happily at the two women. The Requisition officer saluted while Cassandra greeted her with a warm smile, causing butterflies to flutter in her stomach. She politely saluted back to the officer, "Good morning."

"Good morning Herald, sleep well?" Cassandra asked.

Miklo nodded but wrinkled her nose at the title, "Please both of you just call me Miklo, no need for titles here."

Cassandra frowned slightly, "It would be improper for us to address you by name, you are the Herald of Andraste and you should be addressed as such."

Miklo smiled and shook her head; a playful expression on her face, "I supposed it would be alright for me to call you 'Princess Cassandra' then?" Her grin became downright devilish when Cassandra narrowed her eyes. "I mean seeing as you are known as a potential heiress on top of being the Right Hand of the Devine and a Seeker no?"

The Requisition officer placed a hand over her own mouth to muffle the chuckle trying to escape, the annoyed expression on the warrior's face was too much. "She makes a good point, ma'am." Cassandra shot her a dark look that had her fighting back a smile. Instead she saluted the young hero once more before she wandered off towards the food table.

Miklo watched the officer leave before returning her gaze to the amber eyed woman scowling at her. How I ever found this woman terrifying is absurd, she is so cute when she scowls. Scratch that she is always cute no matter what she does. She was brought out of her thoughts when Cassandra huffed in annoyance.

"I thought we agreed you wouldn't call me that." Cassandra glowered at the elf, irritated that the girl seemed unfazed by her glare. I miss when she was afraid of me.

Miklo shook her head, "Nope I never actually agreed to that, you only assumed I wouldn't." She giggled when Cassandra rolled her eyes before sobering up, "Look I understand the need for titles I really do but I don't just want to be seen as the Herald of Andraste. I would like to be seen as Miklo too, just as you do as Cassandra."

Cassandra's expression softened and she nodded in understanding, "I see your point, very well Hera- Miklo." She felt her face flush lightly as Miklo beamed in response.

"Thank you, Cassandra-" Miklo's stomach chose that moment to rumble, causing her to blush in embarrassment. "Uh food?"

Cassandra chuckled, "Over there, help yourself." She nodded to the table behind her, shaking her head in amusement as Miklo's eyes lit up and the girl darted over to the table.

A few candle marks later; Miklo, Cassandra, Solas, and Varric reached the Redcliff farms. Horsemaster Dennet's young daughter pointed them to a house on a nearby ridge. "My father is there and my mother is out working in the garden by the house. Come back when father gives you a mount, I'll let you race in my course."

"Ah, thank you." Miklo said politely, before making her way up the ridge to the house. She glanced back at her companions before knocking on the door.

An older dark-skinned man answered the door. He grumbled, "Yes?"

Miklo cleared her throat and stood up straight, "Horsemaster Dennet?"

"That's me, you with the Inquisition?" He asked after looking them over.

Miklo nodded and smiled politely, "We are."

Dennet gestured for them to enter the house, "Heard the Inquisition was looking for mounts."

Miklo answered as they followed the Horsemaster inside, "We are, can you help us?

Dennet crossed his arms over his chest and shook his head, "Not at the moment. I can't just send a hundred of the finest horses in Ferelden down the road like you'd send a letter. Every bandit between here and Haven would be on them like flies on crap. You'll have the mounts once I know they won't end up as a cold winter's breakfast."

Of course Miklo thought, "Okay how can we help? We really need those mounts."

Dennet scratched his chin in thought, "My wife Elaina manages the farms, been having problems with wolves getting into the fields and my Guard Captain Bron, has been having to deal with bandits here and there lately. Tell them I sent you and they'll tell you what they need. You help them and the mounts are yours."

Miklo glanced back at the others, getting nods of approval from the three. She turned to look back at Dennet, "Okay, we can do that."

She made her way to the door when Dennet called out, "Inquisition?" She shot him an inquisitive glance and he nodded his head towards the stables, "The chestnut over there is a purebred Ferelden Forder. You're willing to help us so consider him a thank you, take care of him and he'll take care of you."

Miklo smiled gratefully at the man and nodded. She exited the house and caught sight of an older woman working in a nearby field. Approaching the entry gate she called out, "Elaina?"

The woman barely lifted her head, her focus on her crops holding most of her attention, "I heard what my man said. If you want our horses then we'll need our farmers back safe in their fields."

Miklo's eyes widened as she looked from the woman to her house and back, wha…? Shaking her head she replied, "Okay, I'm guessing this wolf problem you are having is what is keeping them from returning to work?"

Elaina nodded, "Since the Breach appeared, the wolves have gone mad. They come after our men like beasts with the water sickness."

Miklo titled her head curiously, "How are these wolves acting different from normal ones?"

The older woman finally stood up and turned to face them, "Normal wolves go after livestock but come at them with a torch and a blade and they run. These beasts though…It's like Darkspawn during the blight. They're possessed or something like it. I've lost too many men to the beasts I won't endanger more."

Cassandra frowned, "She's right, wolves are not overly confrontational especially if you are able to chase them off."

Varric piped up, "So we find the wolves, we find the source behind their new attitudes."

Solas nodded in agreement, "Could be a demon from the Breach."

Miklo sighed quietly, "Okay, we'll find the wolves and deal with them. Do you know which way they are coming from?"

Elaina nodded, "Not too far from here, head towards Forannan Ravine and you should be able to find some of them there."

"Alright, we'll keep you updated." Miklo replied. Elaina merely nodded and returned to her work.

They made their way towards the stables when someone called out to them, "Oi, you part of the Inquisition?" They turned to see a young man approaching.

Miklo exchanged glances with the others before answering, "Yes?"

The man stopped in front of them, "I'm Guard Captain Bron, Dennet was saying you're offering help for mounts?"

Miklo nodded, "We are, what can we help you with Guard Captain?"

"If those refugees are going to defend themselves they'll need real defenses and I've got a few ideas." He answered.

Miklo nodded again, "Alright go on then."

He held out a map, "There are too many hills in these parts, good places for raiders and bandits to gather. I've marked good spots on the map; you set up watchtowers there and I'll talk to the Master and get your people weapons." Miklo took the map from him, unrolling it and looking it over; finding X's on six different locations. She looked back up to see Bron walking away towards a nearby hovel.

She sighed and rubbed her temples, looking up at the morning sky. It isn't even noon yet and already I want a nap. She couldn't help the pout that came over her face as she made her way toward the stables once more, her three companions behind her.

Cassandra caught the expression on the girl's face and couldn't help but grin. So kind and brave yet so childish and…adorable. Cassandra frowned at herself Inappropriate Pentaghast. Her amusement however began to outweigh her annoyance as she continued to watch Miklo brood. "Where should we start, Miklo?"

The sound of her names falling from Cassandra's lips lessened Miklo's annoyance, "Well…we will head after the wolves first." She looked down at the map once more, "There are a few of Bron's marks in that general area."

"Sounds fair to me, you gonna grab that horse?" Varric asked. Miklo looked over at horse in question, he was a beautiful creature. His coat was a deep brown that seemed to shimmer in the sunlight, his mane was a rich copper color, and a single white stripe streaked down his nose. His body was lean, his legs powerful; overall a beautiful beast.

She shook her head, "No not yet. It wouldn't be right for me to take him now and allow you three to be on foot. No I can wait until Dennet lets us have more mounts." She said though her expression was of longing as she stared at the gorgeous Chestnut.

Cassandra smiled warmly at the girl, "That's kind of you but are you sure?"

Miklo nodded as she looked back at her friends, "Yes, I can wait. Thank you for asking."

Solas spoke up, "At the least go say hello. If it is going to be yours you may as well let it get used to you." Cassandra and Varric nodded in agreement.

Miklo smiled, "Ok we can say hello." She made her way over to the horse, the others slowly following behind. As she approached, the Chestnut lifted his head; his dark eyed locked onto her form. "Hello there." Miklo spoke softly to the strong looking animal. He nickered in response, his ears pointed forward in interest. The elf moved closer and slowly held up her hand, not close enough to touch him but close nonetheless. The horse nickered again and pushed his muzzle into her hand, allowing her to touch his face. Miklo grinned in delight as she took him up on his offer, gently stroking his muzzle and head. "Hello handsome, you are such a beautiful boy." She stroked her hand up and down his muzzle and then gently patted his back. "I'll come back for you boy, promise." The horse nickered once more and attempted to follow as she pulled away. She giggled and patted his nose, looking over at the girl manning the stables, "We will return shortly." The other girl simply nodded.

She backed away and turned to face her companions, "Let's go find us some wolves yeah?" They nodded in agreement as they set out to find the possessed wolves.

"Ah no! Get it off, get if off!" Miklo screamed half a candle mark later when she was knocked to the ground by a snarling canine. A split second later a hand grabbed the scruff of it's neck and threw it off of her. She sighed in relief when Cassandra came into view; the warrior was standing protectively in front of her, sword unsheathed.

"Are you alright?" Cassandra asked, not taking her eyes off of the wolves.

Miklo nodded, "Yeah, I'm ok." She jumped up and pulled out her daggers just as another wolf darted towards them. She moved passed Cassandra and slammed the hilt of her dagger onto the top of the wolf's head and then kicked it in the chest, while Cassandra sliced her sword across another wolf's torso.

"Hey, I think I found our demon!" Miklo turned to see Varric nod towards a cave opening. Following his gaze, Miklo spotted a Lesser Terror skulking about.

"Ok, Solas keep the wolves at bay if you can! Varric aim for any wolves that get beyond Solas' defense! Cassandra…let's get rid of the demon." Cassandra nodded in agreement and a split second later a wall of flames erupted in front of the wolves, forcing them back a few steps. Miklo and Cassandra darted towards the demon and away from the snarling wolves. The Terror shrieked as it's beady eyes locked onto the approaching females. It swung it's massive hand out just as Cassandra moved to strike it, knocking the warriors sword out of her hand sending it skidding a few feet away from them. "Get it, I'll keep it back." Miklo called as she darted towards it and slid her dagger across its arm.

It howled in rage and Cassandra darted for her sword just as the demon swung out again, back handing Miklo across the face. The elf staggered back a few feet when a ring of green light appeared around her and her body was suddenly slammed into the ground. A burst of bright light appeared in her vision as her head struck the ground hard, a groan of pain escaping her lips.

Cassandra looked up as the demon moved to strike the girl's prone form, "Miklo!" She called in panic and ran towards the demon. Swinging her sword upwards she severed the demon's arm from it's body, causing it to shriek once more. She slammed her shield into the side of it's torso and then slid her sword across it's throat; swiftly decapitating the beast. She whirled around to face Miklo, the younger was stirring; her hand on the back of her head. Cassandra moved in front of her and crouched down, amber eyes wide in concern, "Miklo, can you hear me?" She reached out a placed her hand on the girls' shoulder, "Miklo?"

Miklo shook her head and slowly looked up, gasping as her eyes caught sight of the most beautiful vision she had ever seen. She fell back onto her backside, "Oh, by the gods!"

"What? What's wrong?" Cassandra asked worriedly as she moved to help the girl up.

"You are beautiful. Are you an angel?" Miklo loudly whispered in awe.

Cassandra felt her face flush slightly and she glowered when she heard a familiar roar of laughter come from behind her. She glanced back to see Varric approaching, still chuckling as Solas followed. She turned back to see the younger elf still staring up at her with dazed, awestruck eyes. She promptly let go of Miklo, dropping the girl and turned to face the two males, "She hit her head, she's obviously delusional. Solas?" Cassandra glared as another burst of laughter came from Varric, "Shut up!" She hissed.

Solas shot her an amused look and then kneeled down in front of the younger elf. Placing his hand on her shoulder, he gently shook her taking her attention off of the raven haired woman. Her wide green eyes gazed up into his cool grey ones, "Are you alright?" Solas asked calmly. He watched as Miklo lightly rubbed the back of her head with a small frown, her eyes closed. He brought his hand up and lightly pushed her hand away, placing it gently on the back of her head. A small frown crossed his lips as he felt a large bump, though he was relieved that she didn't seem to be bleeding back there. "Healing magic is not quite my specialty but I can help ease the pain somewhat." He spoke quietly and his hand began to glow for few brief moments.

Miklo felt the pressure on the back of her head lessen to a dull throb and sighed in relief. She slowly opened her eyes and was relieved when her vision cleared up quickly. She placed her hand on Solas' wrist, "Thank you Solas, that's much better." She smiled gratefully at the older elf, who nodded back in response and kindly helped Miklo stand up, placing his hand on her shoulder to steady her as she wavered slightly. Miklo rubbed the side of her head and blinked rapidly until the world stopped spinning.

She looked up and caught sight of Cassandra and Varric. The warrior had a light blush on her face and was scowling while the dwarf had an amused smirk on his face. "What? What's wrong?" Varric busted out laughing once more while Cassandra made a disgusted sound.

"Nothing, can we go now? We still have at least three more Watchtower markers we need to place." Cassandra turned and stormed off, Solas following behind her with a slightly amused grin on his face.

Miklo looked down at Varric, "Something I said?" She titled her head in confusion.

Varric bit his lip to keep from laughing at the adorable girl once more, though he couldn't keep the playful grin from spreading across his lips, "You told the seeker she was beautiful."

Miklo's eyes widened in panic, "What? No!...Well okay I mean she is absolutely gorgeous but no!"

Varric laughs, "You're cute Mik, keep it up and you'll woo her in no time."

The young elf shook her head, "What? No, no wooing. We are in the middle of a war and she is…absolutely stunning…" She trailed off for a moment before she shook her head again. "No no wooing. None of us can afford the distraction and two she would never be interested." She said that last part a little sadly.

Varric shook his head, "You never know kid and with all the shit going on, you should take any chance at happiness you can." He kindly patted the girl's arm and then followed the other too.

Miklo stood stock still as she stared after them, her mind reeling. Aww how am I supposed to face Cassandra now? Her face flushed with embarrassment and she hung her head, feeling ashamed of herself. Her attraction to Cassandra wasn't meant to be voiced.

"Hey, you coming?" She looked up to see Varric had stopped walking and was looking back at her with a concerned expression. Beyond him Cassandra and Solas had also stopped walking and were looking back at her.

Miklo nodded and moved to catch up, avoiding eye contact with the others. She pulled out the map once more and studied it, noticing there were in fact three locations marked that had yet to reach. She looked up at the sky and noted that it seemed to be at least midafternoon now. "Let's find these last three locations and report to camp, I want to send a messenger back to Haven. Maybe Cullen could send some of his forces to help build the watchtowers." She looked back up and met Cassandra's amber gaze.

The warrior nodded, "That sounds reasonable, we should wait for a response before we report back to Master Dennet." Miklo nodded in agreement as they set out to find the last few markers.

A/N LOL Miklo is a big gay mess! Go Varric for being a shipper! Anyways quick question…why do these people just allow you to walk into their homes and snoop? No one ever heard of knocking I guess.