The tasks I had set for myself last night took about two hours to complete. After a breakfast of some type of porridge and dried druffalo with Varric, I went in search of Cassandra to ask for the daggers and the coin that they had stolen. The dangerous scowl leveled upon me at the word stole was enough to close my mouth while she rummaged the contents of a sack.
"The wheels are in motion now, Herald," she said. "We are waiting for news from our scouts and replies to our inquiries to the nobles in the Bannorn. I do not see the necessity of informing the nobility but Leliana assured me that it was necessary."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Whether you like it or not, your input in matters will matter. The nobles would no doubt hear of you and your involvement. People are calling you the Herald of Andraste; that title carries a lot of weight."
"Why the fuck are they calling me the Herald of Andraste?"
She looked at me with the same expression she gave me during the ascent to the Temple. I said something dumb again. "Remember that you were found as you exited through a rift. The ones who found you saw a woman inside the rift. It was passed throughout the people and now they're saying that it was Andraste herself."
"Pish posh, draw the latch. That's nonsense."
She stood up and handed me what I asked for. "People have been hoping for the end of this war. The Conclave was meant to be the beginning of peace and that shattered. What now should they hold on to?"
"This will be another headache," I sighed. "Well, I got my things back. Thank you for keeping them. Can you tell me where I could get clothes and decent armor?"
"Harritt could provide you with armor. His forge is located outside the gates," Cassandra frowned in thought. "As for clothes and needed supplies, I would suggest the quartermaster, but Threnn is being sequestered by the commander and Lady Montilyet so it would be best to ask them. Come, I can take you to the ambassador now. It is time you meet her."
We walked out of her cabin and headed toward the Chantry. Instead of the room we had our meeting in, she led me towards a door to the side. She knocked smartly and we entered after a positive reply from within.
A handsome woman sat behind the desk, busy writing something on a long piece of parchment. Her dark coloring suggested she was Antivan. She was wearing a bright golden dress made of satin accentuated with ruffles and an overcoat of blue royal sea silk. She looked up as we approached her desk and her eyes widened as she took note of who was with the Seeker and stood up.
"This is Lady Josephine Montilyet," introduced Cassandra. "Our ambassador and diplomat. Josephine, this is Lady Saira Trevelyan."
She actually curtsied. "I've heard much. It's a pleasure to meet you at last, Lady Trevelyan."
"Please, Lady Montilyet, just call me Saira." And I actually looked around for my Great-Aunt Lucille."
"The Herald (Saira, I hissed. Just Saira.) wants a change of clothes and possibly some supplies," said Cassandra.
The ambassador smiled at me. "I would be delighted to help, my lady."
"Then I will leave you. The Commander wanted a word about the camp blocks." With that Cassandra exited the room.
"Lady Trevelyan, you wan-"
"Saira, please, Lady Montilyet."
After a long look at me, the ambassador smiled. "Very well then, Saira, if you would call me just Josephine in return."
"Of course."
"I understand you wanted a change of clothes. I apologize about the change of clothes you were given but the armor you were wearing was beyond repair. You may be used to clothing made of better material. I have requisitioned additional supplies from the quartermaster and we are trying to negotiate an exchange with the merchants already here in Haven. I would have more material available when trade is assured again."
"Oh, no, no. I don't need fancy dresses or pants made out of satin," I said, uncomfortable. "I just wanted to know where I could purchase some shirts and pants, possibly some soft shoes and extra boots. I have coin. Cassandra returned my coin to me. Just direct me to a good merchant and I am good to go."
"It is of no consequence," said Josephine. "You are helping the Inquisition close the Breach. It is the least I could do."
"No," my tone brook no argument. "I'd rather you spend that coin on the refugees. They need it more than I do. I have enough to cover my clothing expenses. I take it those who work for the Inquisition could have their meals at the tavern. Another arrangement, no doubt. All I ask is for some basic supplies and the name of that merchant."
She studied my expression. "Very well then. A merchant by the name of Seggrit has set up his wares by the gates. He has a selection of clothes you could choose from. As for the supplies, I will send for someone to deliver them to your cabin momentarily."
"Thank you." I gave her a nod and was about to turn to go out when she called back.
"I nearly forgot. I'd like to discuss your family."
My family? She's not going to drag the entire family in this mess, is she? I approached her warily. "Why? You want to know about the seventh most illustrious family in all Ostwick? Or is it eighth?"
"From what I heard at the last summer ball, you are now ranked fourth."
"The summer ball?" I said and thought about last summer. "Oh, you mean Great-Aunt Lucille's party."
She nodded. "Everyone of distinction in the Free Marches attends Lady Trevelyan's summer balls. I don't recall seeing you at any of them."
I smirked. "Attend one ball, and you'll fend off invites for a dozen more. It was never a secret that I am a mage; it never stopped the others though. I am the only daughter, families have sons. The food was peppered with too many attempts at matchmaking for my tastes."
"A common peril among nobility no matter where one goes," she laughed good-naturedly.
"Now I know why 'Montilyet' sounds familiar. Our families trade together, don't we?"
"Once," she said reluctantly. "These days, our vessels are a touch more modest."
"Oh."
"Well, we're getting off subject," she said. "I was going to ask if it was all right to send your father a formal letter offering our condolences. I… saw the completed survey and… I'm so sorry for your loss."
"I… Thank you. I am going to send a letter to papa myself. But I greatly appreciate you sending a letter on behalf of the Inquisition. Papa would receive it well."
"Very well, then. I will also give news of you and of the Inquisition."
"That will go over well and generate panic if Cedric is not in a panic now," I muttered. "Thank you again. I guess I need to go see Harritt about an armor now."
The ambassador gave me a nod and I retraced my footsteps out the chantry.
