Hooo! sorry I disappeared for two weeks guys, I was busy moving (again I know) but I have my own apartment now! I am a real adult and worked hard to get this chapter ready in the midst of all the hustle! Thanks so much for waiting on me guys, you are all wonderful and I thank you for sticking with me while I keep trying to get life together.
Please enjoy chapter 11, dont forget to buy the DLC just came out! I might make a side story after I play the DLC and make a short for it. Would anyone be interested?
I do not own any BIOWARE characters nor the story, just Ashila.
Chapter 11: Invitations And A Gift
There was not a cloud in the sky and the sun was warm despite the cold. The snow underfoot was fresh, making a satisfying crunch as feet and hooves walked on. Ashila was forced to squint, her eyes burning from the pure white reflection of the sun. All around her, the surroundings were covered in the cold blanket of snow, small patches of green only being seen from evergreen branches managing to poke through.
The snow muffled the sounds of their trek, even muting the loud cheery voices of the new recruits that walked behind her. She looked behind her with a soft, fond expression. Many of these boys had come to her personally, stammering, flushing, and requesting to join her personally back to Haven. They each stared at her with wide, determined eyes, each hoping she would deem them worthy.
Ashila was amazed that so many had asked her permission in the first place! She had assumed that, because many knew of the Right Hand, it would be Cassandra they would go to with their pleas to join the Inquisitions forces. Some did, and she told them to pack and be ready to head out with them when they sounded their horns. But a good majority came to Ashila, catching her as she sharpened her blades, or when she was trying to read the next chapter of Hard In Hightown, or even conversing with one of the scouts or warriors.
They would stand before her in pairs, sometimes in small groups, shuffling around while she tried to process what they were doing before her. They would stare back and forth, the men waiting for her to hand out orders like every great leader they imagined would do. Ashila instead craned her neck to look at all the young men who towered above her, unsure of quite what to do or say and wondering why they were even trying to talk to her in the first place!
After many long, agonizingly awkward moments, one brave soul would cough and gather the courage to speak to her. He would look at his boots, stammering as he asked for a moment of her time. Ashila would listen to their combined pleas for her to consider them for soldier duty in the Inquisition. They all spoke of what they had done here in the Hinterlands, and they wanted to help the progress of returning stability to the lands. They spoke with such fervor that she could only assume that they made her to be the leader of this crusade!
They waited on baited breath when their speech had ended, hoping that, in some way, they had been able to sell their aptitude for positions in the ranks, watching her with hopeful looks. Ashila could only chew on the insider of her cheek, unsure if she even had the authority to accept these young men as recruits! What would the Commander say…?
She had remembered The Commander speaking at the war table, hunched over it as her discussed the status of the Inquisitions forces to Ashila and the other Advisors.
"We are lacking in those who would have cause to fight in this war." he said seriously, his eyes prowling over the inscriptions and landscapes.
"With any luck, we will be able to convince some that our cause is true. If and when that happens, we must be ready to accept any and all- we cannot afford to be picky."
Ashila looked to the group. These were the ones The Commander had hoped for- they had seen what they were doing and wanted to help.
She coughed, clearing her throat in a way that made the boys stand rigid and only furthered her feeling of awkwardness.
"If… if you believe you can bear our cause, then join us when we make to leave."
She tried to sound confident and serious, but Ashila inwardly cringed- Cassandra would have made this sound so much more authoritative, more grand.
Nevertheless, the boys were positively radiating at her acceptance. They left her to whatever she had been doing previous, thanking profusely for her agreement.
When the group had begun to get ready to march back to Haven, at least eighty odd men and women were eagerly waiting for them at the Crossroads. Ashila was still yawning and half asleep when she had stumbled her way down with the group, and to see all those people who had talked to her bright eyed and bushy tailed made her shut her mouth mid yawn and straighten up.
Ashila looked behind one of the pockets of new recruits, eyeing a familiar man. Dennet was riding casually on his steed, often checking behind him to make sure the horses that were bringing up the rear were staying in formation. Somehow with their efficiency to make his land safe by stopping the wolf problem and erecting the scouting towers and with Cassandra's motivational speech, they had managed to convince the Horse Master to take up the reigns again for the Inquisition. He rode out with many of the horses he had been training at the farm, but he also was kind enough to bestow steeds to all her companions.
A brown-red nose nudged her shoulder. Speaking of our horses Ashila giggled to herself, turning to gently pet the large snout of the stallion that nickered softly at her ministrations. Dennet had been kind enough to try to gift her with this magnificent creature.
~~~(())~~~
"The best in the land," He had stated proudly, petting the horses large shoulders. "He was going to be the one I was going to mate with my females, get more beauties like him. But he is made to carry the best and strongest into war-" Dennet reached for the reigns that hung low and offered them to Ashila. "He will be my gift to you, Herald. Let no one say Master Dennet did not do his part for the Inquisition."
Ashila gazed at the stallion standing proudly before her. He was a massive thing, pawing the earth with his hoof as it regarded her with such intelligence that made Ashila desperately wish to ride him. His long, black mane glistened like velvet as the breeze carried it in its breath.
Ashila raised her gloved hand slowly, brushing his neck with her soft fingertips, marveling him. She looked, for the most part, happy with the gift. Beyond happy, even. But Solas a sad regret in her eyes that preceded the sigh that came from her lips.
"Truly, your generosity is astounding, Master Dennet." she said continuing to pet the great steed. The horse leaned into her hand, a snort of approval coming from its nose. Dennet crossed his arms, pleased, but then blinked in surprise when Ashila continued.
"I fear this gift is too fine for one such as me."
On Cassandra's face was an expression of pure horror. In a political perspective, Dennet could take this as a sign of disrespect! Her whole body shook with the restraint to go over there and strangle the elf!
Varric and Solas watched the entire display with an 'oh' expression, both watching the scene unfold quietly, for once.
Dennet's jaw worked to keep an outburst at bay. He had chatted with the Elf woman on many occasions. Her ability to get the job done and her quiet intelligence had warranted his now budding loyalty to her. This is what kept him from tossing her out by her pointy ears.
"Are you displeased with my gift, Herald?" he spoke her title as a challenge, testing her to see if she meant to insult him.
Ashila saw his anger coming before he even registered the emotion. She shook her silver head from side to side, her hands lifting in a sign of peace.
"I offer no insult to you, Master Dennet. Merely that a steed of this grandeur is wasted on the likes of me."
Dennet said nothing, save for eyeing her with a critical look. Ashila took this as permission to continue.
"A horse such as this: he needs to be seen. I am simply a tool to get the jobs the Inquisition needs done. What I do- what I am going to do, will not be in the light of the world. A horse such as this needs to be the steed of someone who everyone knows of, They need to be someone who has built our men's resolve brick by brick to be men of justice. They need to be someone who leads them into the fires, wouldn't you say, Ser?"
Dennet began to deflate slowly, Ashila's polished compliments sliding off her soft tongue with ease and calming the previously irate Horse Master.
"I am assuming you know of someone befitting of all these fancy titles." he stated, eyes betraying a curious glint.
"Aye. And with you returning with us, you may judge him for yourself." she replied confidently, fixing the man with an assured smile.
~~(())~~~
Ashila scratched at the stallion with a small smile on her lips. She was somewhat nervous about Dennet's judging of her choice for the fine horse, but she was very confident he would see what she had seen in the man. She rubbed the curve of the horses large jaw, enjoying the bristle of his hair under her hands. Truth be told, she would love nothing more than to ride this fine horse till the stars were bright above her. She could imagine it would be like flying, his speed carrying her through the valley with little effort.
She knew that she could not. Held back by a tradition as old as her clan itself that she grew up knowing all her life. It would feel wrong to go against it, no matter how much she desired.
Ashila knew there were others more worthy.
The scouts ahead sounded their horns. Ashila looked out over the white peaks of the hills. She spied Haven in the distance, her scouts blowing their horns in return, welcoming her troop back to home. The recruits talked excitedly about her and she sighed happily.
Gods she needed a bath.
As much as she desired her reprieve, she knew this was only a momentary stop. Leliana had sent word to the companions a day before they left, telling them that they needed to head to Val Royeaux with all haste to witness the meeting of the Sisters. It would be the most opportune time to tell of the Inquisitions true desires where it would be most heard rather than letting hushed whispers further spin tales.
Sounds of drills began to rise over the white capped hills. Soon the wooden walls that guarded Haven came into view. Ashila was pleased to see the men hard at work in their training stances, the sound of steel music to her ears. The men who had come with her from Haven chattered excitedly- all were eager to join in the training The Commander would provide.
Speaking of the Commander- he and the other Advisors were waiting patiently at the towns wooden gates. Obviously the work of Leliana's scouts! Ashila thought to herself. Her pace quickened in the snow, the great stallion walking steadily beside her as the group came to a halt in front of the town.
As her companions tended to their own mounts, Ashila walked to her trio of advisors.
Leliana held a ghost of a smile on her lips.
"It is good to see you alive and well, Herald. We were worried when you sent word that you would not be returning with the Mother as planned."
She inclined her head respectfully before gesturing to the mass of new recruits that were still filing in.
"Forgive the delay. I hope that this humble offering of recruits will suffice for my absence?" Ashila smiled sweetly at the Spymaster, whose eyes twinkled in response as Josephine and Cullen chuckled.
Cullen looked over the new recruits, his usually furrowed brow and hard eyes light and pleased at the sight of all the bodies.
"It seems you were busy to say the least, Herald. We might need to start doubling up in tents if you continue to bring in recruits in such quantities."
Ashila shrugged. "You did say we would take any and all. You sound as if you are displeased I followed your instruction, Commander."
At this, Cullen chuckled again. "Not in the slightest, just worried about a cramped space if we do not get the supply of tents Josephine ordered. But we shall make do."
Ashila, hearing the snow crunch to her left, turned to see Dennet making his way over with his prized warhorse.
The Commander looked from the small elf to Dennet, his eyes widening when he realized who the Horse Master was. "Master Dennet." He brought his fist to his plated heart, bowing low. "You honor us with your assistance."
"Aye, that I do." Dennet replied in agreement, smirking at the younger man."Honored you with some of my finest horses too."
Cullen looked over the horses, his eyes bright before resting on the chestnut before him. Ashila saw his eyes widen at the stallion, obviously knowing how great of a horse stood before him.
"Never have I seen such a proud animal. You are truly a Master of your work."
Dennet snorted. Cullen blinked in surprise as Dennet looked down to the Herald standing beside him.
"This is the lad you spoke of?"
Cullen's face contorted in confusion when the Herald, a light blush touching her cheeks, sheepishly nodded at the older man. Dennet shook his head for a moment, but behind his beard there was a smile. Cullen was completely lost on the private joke that passed between the two.
"He'll do, I suppose." Dennet said finally before tossing the reigns to Ashila. "I'll be making my accommodations near the blacksmith, eh?"
Ashila nodded and Dennet walked away from the group. Cullen, still unsure of what transpired, looked to the Herald who was now petting the great mount while eyeing him quietly. Her lips were slightly lifted in a smile as she watched him work through the confusion.
"What do you think?" she asked softly, indicating towards the stallion. Cullen, thankful for the change of topic, looked over the horse fondly.
"I find myself envious, Herald. You have received a gift befitting of royalty."
The Herald let out a breathy chuckle, catching his attention,
"He is not mine."
Cullen's face grew puzzled all over again.
"But, I thought that Dennet-"
"He wanted to give me this great mount," she spoke over him, silencing him with her soft voice, making him listen. She brushed the black mane of the horse a moment before continuing.
"It was a gift wasted on me. I knew there was someone who was more deserving of such a steed."
Cullen, disgruntled, tried to argue the case. "But there is no one-'"
Without a word, she stepped forward. Her sudden closeness effectively cut him off and stupefying him, he did not even register her hand slipping the reins into his gloved one. When she finally stepped away from him did he begin to register her words, only adding to his shock. He stared down at the reigns, then to the stallion that was now, by some dumb chance, his.
He looked to the Herald, still unable to fully grasp or accept what she had given him. She remained silent, watching him right back with those penetrating orbs.
"He is yours, if you would have him."
The Commander was quiet, staring back at her with a confused expression. Ashila, anxious that he was upset with the gift, continued to speak, her words rushed, the only sign of nerves.
"You are the Commander of our growing army. If there is ever a chance you must do battle, it would bolster the troops to see you riding a warhorse that was the finest of Ferelden's steeds."
"But, this is too fine a gift Herald."
"Please, Commander." Ashila urged, "I can think of no one better to have this horse, and I told Dennet this myself."
Cullen looked from the Herald to the stallion she placed in his care. He could insist, force her to take the gift he knew was rightfully hers.
But she had asked the Horse Master to bequeath the horse to him, at great risk to losing Dennet's support. Cullen gripped the leather straps in his hand.
How could he not accept?
"Thank you, my Lady." he bowed low, trying to let his burning cheeks go unnoticed. Ashila let out a low breath, relieved.
She said nothing as the Commander braved meeting her eyes again. Instead, she merely inclined her head before stepping away to Josephine, leaving him with his new steed.
Josephine summarized much of the work that had transpired during her absence from haven. The books and tomes that she had ordered for Ashila had arrived a week ago, reports detailing how gathering coin was making some slow progress, and even informing her of the contact made with her clan.
"I took the liberty of informing your clan you were alive and well with an elvish ambassador." Josephine did not catch the sniff of displeasure Ashila let out at the mention of her clan. "I tried to inform them of the significance you had to fix this problem, but also of how you were being well looked after. They did not believe my words I suppose, they have decided to send along an ambassador of their own to inspect the 'situation', as they say."
Ashila frowned, blinking at the unusual care the Clan was taking of her. What is that Keeper up to? she thought to herself, a feeling of dread upsetting her stomach.
A visit from any of the people in her clan was not something she had been hoping for.
"Josephine…" she started with a reluctant voice, a note that Josephine caught on to quickly. She turned immediately to the elf beside her, her lips pursed with delicate worry that reflected in her dark eyes. Ashila immediately regretted her choice of tone, Josephine's wide, empathetic eyes overwhelming her with guilt.
"I-I was only going to ask if you could meet with the ambassador while I am away at Val Royeaux." she stammered quickly. "I was hoping you could appease him before I return."
Josephine was immediately relieved when Ashila made it clear that she was not upset with an assignment she carried out.
"It shall be done, Herald. But," Josephine, gave her a concerned once-over. "may I ask why you do not wish to see one of your Clanspeople? I had thought you might be feeling homesick, with what we are asking of you, it shall be some time before you see your family again."
Ashila could only manage a weak, awkward smile at Josephines kind words. The Antivan woman was always kind and soft, especially to her. In their brief conversations, she always took the time to ask how Ashila was faring, especially after the bout with the Commanders trainees. She had basically (yet so subtly) offered to take care of any offending instances that might occur again.
The least she could manage was a reason for her apprehension.
"My Clan and I…" Are not on good terms? Have disagreements concerning the nature of her life? "we parted on bad terms. It would be… painful to meet when the hurt is still so fresh."
Josephines pointed chin curved low as she nodded. "Say no more, My Lady. I will see to it, I assure you."
Ashila could only nod thankfully to Josephine, being swept off by Cassandra to resupply for their trip. They passed through the town path, the tension dampening their good mood with waves of dread. It seemed that the war of the Mages and Templars had begun to infect the townspeople. Both Mages and former Templars mixed in with the people, and each had begun to watch the other with savage expressions. They hurried to their huts to repack.
Ashila was corking a refilled skin when she felt the heavy air snap like a jolt of lightning. She looked to a Templar shoving a Mage to the side. His words cracking as he accused the Mage, and inadvertently, all Mages- that Justinia's death was on their hands. The Mage lifted his staff in defense and as a warning, turning blame back on the Templars.
Blood was sure to be drawn if the Commander had not stepped in when he did.
He pushed himself fearlessly between the two. While both Mage and Templar were momentarily stunned with the fact the Commander himself was standing between them, he pushed them roughly to the side.
"Knight Commander-"
"No!" The Commander barked, his words snapping the Templars mouth shut. "I am not The Knight Commander. You are not Templars. You are not Mages!" He stared the two down. He had seemed to grow in stature, towering over the two in well controlled rage- it could have been they had shrunk in an effort to hide from the Commanders displeasure
Either way, the Commander had everyone's attention..
"You are all people fighting for the Inquisition, you are allies." The Commander continued to glare down at them. "Act like it." With that he walked on, his fur cloak billowing behind him.
Ashila and the Commander passed, pausing only briefly so that the Commander could wish her well in Val Royeaux.
"Good luck, Herald." He bowed to her. "Hopefully you can return with some good news."
"I will do my best, Commander." She looked back to the still dispersing crowd and added in a murmur. "Try to keep the town from burning to the ground while we are gone?"
The scar on the Commanders lip curved upward when the smile appeared. "Haven will still be standing when you return. I hope."
Ashila met up with Cassandra, Solas, and Varric at the small bridge beside the armory. Though the trio had their horses Dennet had provided them with, they walked alongside Ashila, the road to Val Royeaux ahead.
~~~~~~(())~~~~~~~
"Well that went better than I expected." Ashila quipped briskly as the crowd dispersed. Her fingers drumming against each other was the only sign of the adrenaline that was bursting from her system. Not moments ago she had expected the crowd to mob on them at the Lord Seekers word.
Ashila had never thought she would live to see the day a Templar would backhand a woman of God. But with the recent change of events:
She was not very surprised.
"Well, for being labeled a False Prophet and all, you sure do gather a crowd." Varric said wryly giving Ashila a smirk while she gulped at her water skin.
"Careful, I am also prone to eating pesky dwarves." she sniffed, earning a chuckle from Varric.
Cassandra was still staring off in the direction the Lord Seeker had walked off. Varric noticed her confusion.
"Charming fellow, isn't he?" he said lightly hoping to life the Seekers spirits.
"Has he gone mad?" she asked, exasperated.
Ashila pinched her lips together.
"It does not look like we'll be getting the Templars help anytime soon." she said with a shrug, turning to leave.
"I would not count them out just yet." Cassandra called out, causing Ashila to pause. Cassandra, still pondering the Lord Seeker, continued on with a grim tone to her voice.
"We must return to Haven. Someone must be told of what happened here."
Ashila nodded. She could not be happier with the thought of leaving this infernal city. She turned again to make for the gate when a butler of sorts came up to her, hand extended with a red envelope and muttering, "Madame". He was accompanied by a very nervous elvhen woman, the staff she carried signaling she was a mage.
"What in the- ah!" Ashila jumped out of the way, an arrow embedding itself in the cobblestone in front of her bare toes.
"It's just one thing after another, isn't it?!"
Next chapter we are heading to the Storms Coast guys! A good few chapters will be about that area, plus we will meet our favorite companions! Stay tuned and I will do my best to get it out next week!
