"Maker I swear I will never complain about rain again." Cassandra cursed, while the group made their way through endless dunes, towards the supposed location of the Forbidden Oasis.
John snorted with her antics, folding the map that he was recently scanning for directions and storing it in his pouch, still walking.
"Don't worry, we must be nearby." The warrior stated, trying to appease the lady.
"Why exactly are we here again?" She questioned, clearly annoyed with the excessive heat and the relentless midday sun.
"Solas?" He spoke, passing the task to the apostate. The young man lost count on how many times he had to explain for the seeker and Dorian the reasons for the expedition.
The elf sighed, before starting. "Those ancient shards we gathered during our quests, we have information that they are connected to a temple, one that stands on the vicinity. Whatever lies within, reports say it is powerful and could prove useful for us."
He was probably the only one, other than Trevelyan, of course, that was actually thrilled with the prospect of exploring the primordial location.
Still, the nobleman's joy could easily be linked with the last night they passed at Skyhold, or at least his night.
It had already been 5 days, nevertheless, her delish taste lingered on his mouth, and her sweet scent was deeply embed on his body. He was actually trying his best not to go crazy with the intoxicating mark she left on him. He wanted more, so much more.
Every now and then the young man found himself remembering the events of that memorable night, it was a just a kiss, but it was her kiss and it only made him crave the nightingale even more.
'She really wanted me, maybe she feels the same as I?' He wondered inside his mind. Truth is the Inquisitor did not fully believed that it really happened yet. His recent experience with Solas proved that dreams could feel awfully real.
'No, I never slept that night.' He thought, flashing a satisfied smile.
His daydreaming however, did not went totally overlooked, he perceived Pavus glances every now and then, bearing an amused expression, the other two seemed busier with walking steadily on the moving sand.
He immediately began looking around, trying to find a distraction to the watchful mage, Leliana made him promise that they would not rush anything, and that the Inquisition was the focus, and so, their relationship would remain a secret for the time being. The Free Marcher was trying his best to not show the excess of happiness that emanated from him, yet he was having a hard time in deceiving the altus mage, he needed to do a better job.
Fortunately, John found something.
At least a mile ahead of them, a half crumbled well, in the middle of nowhere.
"That's odd." He mumbled, pacing towards it, interested in the distraction meant for the Tevinter.
The group eyed him quizzically for a moment, before following.
Arriving there, he began scanning his surroundings. The Herald found naught, just the dry hole in the sand, covered with wooden boards.
"I'll take you never saw a dried and abandoned well up close." Dorian spoke ironically, when the group arrived besides him.
"Why would it be here, there is absolutely nothing nearby." Trevelyan explained while crouching, intending to peek through the gaps on the boards.
He heard Pentaghast release an annoyed sound, before saying. "Let us find shelter please, I can't stand this blighted sun."
"Come on Cass, I think a good tan would suit you just fine." The human mage retorted playfully, earning another grunt from her, this time a disgusted one.
However, the Inquisitor was paying no attention to the banter, something shinny drew his attention, and he was now almost touching the boards with his face, trying to have a better look. Unfortunately, the sand that surrounded the well was collapsing slowly while he remained there, and the wood that closed the hole was decayed beyond any usefulness.
All it took was a small loss of balance and an attempt to seek support on a nearby board and everything crumbled. He found himself falling inside, only able to hear the Solas' shout. "Inquisitor!"
A metallic thud echoed through the hole.
The fall was small, no more than 10 feet, and the bottom of the well was covered in sand, so the pain that ensued was relatively modest.
The warrior winced, before starting to get up, cursing when feeling the massive amount of sand that entered his armor.
"Are you alright?" He heard Pavus' concerned filled voice.
"Yeah, but now I have sand in places I did not know of." The noble answered, frustration clear in his tone, while checking the inside of the well.
'Now that I'm here I might just find that dammed thing that attracted me.' He wondered.
The object of his curiosity soon was found, casually leaned on the wall, a massive long sword. He walked to it, noticing a worn parchment rolled on its grip.
The Herald picked it and started reading it. His Antivan was a little rusty, but he was still able to understand a handful of words scribed in it.
"Verdict." He murmured the one that drew his attention.
Even if time had taken its toll on the document, the sword was in an impeccable state of conservation. As soon as he grabbed the grip of the sword and moved it so he would be able to take a better look, the layer of sand and dust that coated it merely dissolved away, replaced by a magical shine, bright and pure, that covered the entirety of the blade. Revealing an extremely sharp edge, its format was unusual, getting broader when nearing the grip, which was adorned with an interesting straw accessory and a firm and hard golden pommel.
'It will be fun to hit things with this.' The warrior thought, picturing a couple of battle scenes.
He began swinging it around, testing the weapon's weight distribution. It was perfect. His movements lightened up the hole, captivating his companions outside it.
"It is enchanted, a cleansing one I might add." The apostate stated, eyeing intently the sword.
"Probably with a dwarven rune." He concluded.
"Well, meet my new weapon." John said, while sheathing his new sword and throwing his grappling chain to him, to begin his hoisting.
The party arrived at the main Inquisition's camp in less than a couple of hours after finding the abandoned well.
Trevelyan was seated, studying the reports delivered by scout Harding, and the news that it brought were discouraging, to say the least. There were information about spotted rifts nearby and The Venatori had already established a foothold on the area, meaning that the group will need to fight their way through them, to reach the temple.
He decided to have a break and then set up another camp, further in the canyons, near the temple's location, from there, they would clear as much Venatori presence as possible and close all the pinpointed rifts.
Only afterwards, they would venture within the sanctuary.
'It will be a really long day.' He pondered inside his mind, just as the elven mage appeared besides him.
"We are ready to go, Inquisitor." He warned.
"Let's go then." The warrior stated, standing up and picking his leather trench coat. He concluded that heavy metallic plates attached to his body would make things difficult in the desert, especially considering the amount of heat that he would have to deal with. Therefore, a simple chainmail covered with some sturdy leather plates and the overcoat would be enough.
"Gather up people, shall we discuss the plan?" When the young man finished his question, the group had just assembled next to him. Everyone eyed him attentively, waiting for his instructions. His expression was awfully serious.
"Don't get killed." It was his sole advice.
The trio sighed heavily at the same time, Dorian went a little further and face palmed himself rather violently.
"Move out." He complemented, waving for the requisition officer of the camp and took point, descending into the valley below.
One by one, his companions followed and soon they were marching through the sinuous canyons, heading to the Intrinsic Pools,
After a few moments, Pavus quickened his pace so he would walk alongside him.
"That was a funny and motivational speech. I wonder the reason for your buoyant behavior." The mage commented, quirking both eyebrows repeatedly.
John chose to remain quiet, pretending to scan the area around him.
"Don't worry. Cassandra is distracted with the woodsman back there." The necromancer spoke while sparing a glance towards the duo a little further behind. The pair was starting to develop an odd mutual respect, reflected by the increasing amount of conversations they were having.
"Please speak up, I can't hear you over your outfit." The apostate retorted immediately, earning a couple of foreign curses in Tevinter. Soon he was back to his previous talk with the seeker.
"Why her presence would change anything?" The Herald questioned, pretending some confusion, just as he stopped laughing from the past interaction between the mages.
"I already know everything, and by saying that I mean Varric told me everything." Dorian explained, making him sigh.
A couple of fennecs darted between his legs, drawing his attention for a moment, before the Free Marcher asked, defeated. "Alright, what do you want to know?"
"So it really happened! Oh mine, that is interesting." Dorian blurted a tad too loudly.
"Shhh!" Trevelyan shushed him and then spoke. "I didn't say anything!"
"Yes, but now you just did." The altus mage remarked, folding his arms over his chest while examining the embarrassed expression of his associate.
"Maker, now I will never hear the end of this, you and Varric teaming up on teasing me." John commented, slumping his shoulders.
"Ha! That sounds appealing indeed, but I do not intend to do so. Fear not." Pavus explained, gaining a puzzled glance from him.
"Really?" The Inquisitor inquired, clearly bewildered with the lack of provocation, just when he was actually getting used to it.
"Yes, I have more important things to do than making you hate me." The mage clarified. "But congratulations anyway, I wish the best for both of you." He continued, placing a friendly hand on his shoulder.
"There is nothing serious yet, baby steps you know." Trevelyan explained, flashing a rather sad smile towards the other man.
"I see, well, if things get boring to you, I would happily help with that." Dorian offered, winking an eye to him.
Johh merely shoved him lightly and both resumed their continuous walking, engaged in an enjoyable conversation, he was actually glad that someone else knew. Keeping that hidden while away from her wasn't easy by any means.
"Now Herald!" Cassandra shouted, just as she cut down a paralyzed greater terror, courtesy of Pavus.
"Not yet!" The Inquisitor answered, throwing his grappling chain and dragging a despair demon that was trying to float away in a gust of icy air. When it was inside his reach, he delivered a powerful kick to its head, throwing the creature to the ground and chopping its head with his great sword.
"That was the last of them." Solas said while dissipating the barrier that he placed on everyone.
"That is your cue John." The altus mage spoke, strapping his staff to his back and pointing to the fade rift with his thumb.
"I'm on it." The warrior replied and raised his hand towards it, beginning the closing process. By now, it was almost natural to him, considering the amount of rifts closed so far.
"Wow, is it always like this? Banishing demons and killing fanatics. I could do this all day!" Dorian stated, happier than he should be, while stretching his back.
"We actually just did that." The Herald declared, motioning to the now setting sun.
"We should go the camp, the area is as safer as it could be." Pentaghast commented, sheathing her sword and shield.
"Yes, I could use some rest." Trevelyan stopped for an instant, examining his gore covered sword and coat. "And some cleaning." He added.
The group then left in the direction of the Oasis Camp.
John was besides the oasis' main pond, immediately in front of the camp, while cleaning his sword with the crystal clear water, small drops of blood tainting it for a mere instant before dissipating. His overcoat was already next to the fire, drying.
It was a clear and cold night at the desert, the stars illuminating the environment and reflecting on the water. The rushing sound of the waterfall brought serenity to him. Suddenly he heard footsteps coming from behind, making him turn to see who was.
"Hey Cass." He greeted her, resuming his work soon afterwards.
"Solas and Dorian are having an extremely intellectual conversation about magic, Fade and Imperium against Elves." The seeker snorted while saying those words.
"And that is why you are here. I'm afraid I can't provide anything better, at least for the time being." The young man concluded, smiling and keeping his gaze on the task at hand.
She chuckled, complementing quickly afterwards. "Don't worry."
They remained silent for a while, before Pentaghast spoke once more, looking at the Inquisition's flag that stood proudly on the center of the camp. "We are getting back to our feet, slowly but surely, and I can't help but feel that this is all thanks to you."
"It is too early to assess things. Haven is…" The male warrior paused halfway through his phrase, dropping his eyes to the ground. "Still fresh."
"Yes it is, however, what happened there would surely put an end to all our efforts if not for you. In the battle and after it, you led us out of the chaos to stability." She explained, her tone filled with a slight hint of reverence. "When we left Skyhold things had already progressed in a fast pace, I have no doubt that when we return a lot more will have happened." The Nevarran finished, now looking at the waterfall in front of them.
"My group of advisors deserve a good chunk of the credits Cassandra, you included." He remarked politically, never taking his eyes from Verdict. The sword shone even more with the droplets of water reflecting the cleansing magic that coated it.
'A rather beautiful sight.' The Free Marcher wondered inside his mind, examining the scene in front of him.
"You are right, as usual." She said, and he could swear that he felt a hint of playfulness on the way she spoke.
"And speaking of advisors." The right hand of the Divine complemented, turning her focus towards him. "About Leliana."
Not a word for some moments were enough proof that he was listening, that and his shaking hand on the grip of his weapon.
The fact that she remained awfully quiet brought no solace to him, as he almost felt her gaze piercing holes on the back of his head.
'Oh man, this is it, she knows.' John thought while wincing, already feeling the mauling he would most likely receive from her.
"Yes?" He questioned, his eyes tightly closed, and fearing that his lack of answer would worsen everything.
"About what I said back at the Fallow Mire." Cassandra began, clearly ashamed. That made him open a single eyelid and redirect his body to see her properly. "I mean, I'm sorry for that, it is not my place to interfere between you two." She sighed, before continuing. "Especially considering that you are good for her, and she is good for you. I have noticed that Leliana enjoys your company, and I suspect that it is not simple appreciation, but something deeper."
Now he was surprised, and if his wide-open mouth was anything to go by, the Inquisitor was most likely paralyzed. The apology coming from her proving to be too much.
"But don't hurt her! Nor even think about it!" She demanded, a tinge of annoyance emanating from her, due to his reaction, while poking her index finger on his forehead at least a dozen times. The seeker then turned abruptly and returned to the campfire where both mages were already eating something.
"That was something." He spoke to himself just as she shouted from within the camp. "Come now, we must rest for the storming of that blighted temple!"
The nobleman then rose to his feet, dusting himself up and walking towards them.
"How are you feeling?" The apostate inquired, making his horse's pace accompany Trevelyan's one.
"I'm alright Solas, no need for concern, but thank you." He answered. The mage was apprehensive about what happened at Solasan, the name of the temple at the Forbidden Oasis. So much that he spent a good part of their journey back to Skyhold performing some meticulous examinations.
After opening one of the three doors inside the sanctuary and fighting a few demons, they stumbled on a strange ark. It is safe to assume that John wanted it open, and so he did. However, when they lifted the top of the container something magical approached and entered his body.
Both mages were sure that it was benign, but that did not stopped them from worrying.
The Free Marcher was actually feeling great ever since, something really reinvigorating must have happened.
"Anyway, have you figured anything about the amulet that we've found inside that ark?" He questioned the elven mage, who only shook his head no.
"If you allow me, I would prefer to stay at Skyhold for the time being, to take a closer look." He requested.
"Of course my friend, and in the mean time you could also finish that amazing fresco you were working on. You have to tell me the story behind it!" The warrior demanded eagerly, earning a small smile from Solas, he did love to hear his tales after all.
The apostate was already reaching the climax of his anecdote when the Inquisition's massive fortress appeared from behind a couple of peaks.
"Oh, finally. I was feeling myself fusing with this mount." The Free Marcher heard Dorian speak, relief evident on his voice.
"Next time we travel half a continent you warn me, okay?" He complemented, earning a couple of chortles from the party.
After a few more miles, they arrived at the main courtyard. Some soldiers and the horses' tenders then welcomed them.
Instinctively the young man looked up, towards the balcony around the rookery. He was not disappointed with what he saw. The nightingale stood there gracefully, both her elbows leaned on the parapet.
'The scouts must had warned her of my arrival.' He concluded, happily.
She then entered the building and he already guessed where she would be next.
"Alright guys, now eat and rest, you all deserve it, I'm going to report at the war table." John addressed his companions and finished with a question to the seeker. "Care to join me Cass?"
"No, I think you are fine by yourselves now." She waved him off, walking to her usual spot near the armory.
Afterwards, he made his way inside the main hall, to the war room. The Inquisitor was pleased with the progress of the reforms, the scaffolds were long gone, replaced by lengthy tables stuffed with food, and now a crowd of nobles populated it. Everyone bowed to him as he paced alongside the walkway.
On the end of it, his throne stood spectacularly, the red wood perfectly polished with the seven iron spikes radiating menacingly from the back of it. In addition, a golden Inquisition's symbol adorned it.
'Amazing.' Was his sole thought.
As he walked to his destination, through the stone corridors, his attention was draw by a chilly wind that reached his spine. Trevelyan turned to see a major hole on the wall, right in the middle of the passage. He eyed quizzically for a moment, wondering why it was still there, with the rest of the castle already repaired.
He made a mental note to discuss the matter later, just as he entered the room.
"Commander, Lady Ambassador, Spymaster." The nobleman greeted his advisors, earning a nod from each one.
"Herald, I hope you had done a pleasant journey." Josephine stated, beginning to scribe something on her clipboard.
"Anything to report, your worship?" Cullen questioned, eyeing him intently.
"The Forbidden Oasis is a good place to gather some resources. Perhaps we should send some forces to seek them. Other than that, we crippled permanently the Venatori's presence there, closed all spotted rifts and entered the temple. What we found was ancient ruins, drenched with powerful magic. We looted the place for some artifacts. Solas is investigating them as we speak." He finished his dispatch, earning some satisfied glances.
"Good to hear it, but now we have many other matters to attend." Leliana spoke and the warrior could not hold back a smile to appear on his face with the sound of her voice.
"Shall we begin then?" He retorted, placing both hands on the map over the massive table and examining it.
After two hours spent inside the war room, a shower and some clean clothes, the day reached its end and Trevelyan found himself on the third floor of the rookery, searching for the Orlesian bard.
He was surprised and disappointed to find the whole floor empty. He was starting to ponder the reasons when a familiar voice echoed from behind him.
"Looking for me?" She asked, with her mouth dangerously close to his ear.
John was not stunned, but rather pleased with the proximity, goose bumps made their way through his shoulders to the back of his head as he released a light laugh.
"Isn't that obvious? Were you trying to surprise me?" He questioned, still not facing her.
She snorted and answered with a murmur. "Maybe."
The young man then suddenly turned his body, so he could place a tender peck on her lips, but his movements were in vain as the master of secrets saw through his attempt and lifted an envelope so it would be between their faces. He kissed the slightly soiled paper instead.
His expression immediately turned to disappointment as she started to talk. "The reason I was not here. A letter just came for you." Placing the parchment on his hand, that now stood discouraged besides him, and seating on her chair.
"Well, a man is allowed to dream, right?" He said, looking at it for an instant and failing to notice her mischievous grim.
"It is from Alistair Theirin." He mumbled, eyes widening when he spotted the signature.
"The king of Ferelden, and an old friend." The redhead complemented, already aware of the source of it.
"It must be important." The Free Marcher stated, opening the letter and scanning it.
He read it completely, releasing a couple of chuckles while doing so, and then the warrior assumed a thoughtful facade.
"And?" She inquired eager to know the reasons for the contact.
"Long story short, the Venatori are supposedly in the royal palace, the king approach us for help in finding the cultists and asking them to leave, with 'pointy swords' according to him." He narrated, smiling.
"I like him already." The young man said, admitting his admiration to straightforward and witty leaders.
"You two would get along just fine." Leliana added between giggles, grabbing the paper and reading it herself.
"I have just the agent in mind for this. Allow me to send her to Denerim to quietly hunt down the Venatori spies." She requested after finishing.
"Okay, we'll notify the council at the morning's assembly." He complied, before speaking again. "I missed you so much."
He perceived her failed attempt to suppress the beam that appeared on her beautiful face, and now he was surer than ever about his feelings for her.
Trevelyan walked the remaining distance between them and approached her seated form for a kiss that she easily returned.
"I missed you too." The bard whispered after they broke it, making him hold her even tighter.
"How were things while I was gone?" He asked, seating next to her.
"Boring, without you, Varric and now Dorian for amusements the most interesting things that happened here was an affair between the Iron Bull and a lay sister on the gardens and some odd tasting food, courtesy of Sera's pranks." She gave the abbreviated version of the past two weeks events, displaying a hint of displeasure with the behavior of his companions, while he cracked up a bit.
"Nice, I'll have to ask him about it at the tavern." The nobleman commented, regaining his breath and earning a disapproval glance from her.
"You could join me." He added, a little too keen.
The young man mustered all his skills to flash the most adorable face he could manage, hoping for it to convince her to go with him.
"You know I can't, it would attract unnecessary attention to us." The left hand of the Divine reasoned, bearing a sad smile and caressing his cheek softly with her thumb.
"I don't know how long I will be able to keep this, I'm kind of impulsive." He explained.
She then grabbed him for another kiss, this one longer and deeper, enough to cause him to pant.
"I could always remain here if you want to." John offered, still dazzled with the previous smooch, making the nightingale release another chuckle.
"No, people will start to wonder where you are and why you disappeared for so long at the rookery." She paused, while looking at the ground. "You better go." She finished, placing a delicate peck on his lips, enough to make him acknowledge she was not dismissing him.
He embraced her afterwards, and complying with her request, turned to leave.
However, before he could do so, she asked one more question. "When do you leave?"
"I was intending to go to Crestwood tomorrow…" The warrior stopped midway through his sentence when he observed her expression darkening slightly. So, he quickly added. "But now I think is better to wait at least a couple of days."
"Why?" She inquired, even though he was sure she knew the answer.
The young man smiled before answering. "You, of course."
Leliana eyed him warmly for a few moments, and then said her parting words. "See you tomorrow."
He nodded and, waving his right hand, left towards the tavern, for an enjoyable night with his friends. Nevertheless, his thoughts never wandered too far from her.
A/N: First, I'm so sorry for the long wait, chaos has settled on the university and exams are everywhere. I am hoping for easier days ahead, so I will probably update sooner next time. Also, I'm so glad that I can write Dorian now, he is so awesome and was probably the first one that I reached full approval in the game, even though I only met him after the attack on Haven. Of couse, as smart as he is, he would be the first one to discover their secrets! Still, I've found a nice way for him to make use of this knowledge later. Hope you are enjoying this and see you soon! Thanks for everything.