ENJOY, LOVELIES.
"I trust there are no complaints from the Templars, Commander?", her voice was stern. She had been giving the Commander's the cold shoulders ever since her return from Crestwood.
Cassandra Pentaghast leaned, and rested her back on the wall, her arms crossed while glaring at the man in front of her. She wanted to frighten the man, using her ability to make him nervous. The Seeker couldn't tell if it was working or not, the Commander was calm as always. But, she was sure that he could read her mood, and where this conversation was going.
The Seeker found no pleasure in treating him like this. He's a friend, but that could change easily, depending on how the next hours would play out.
Greggory followed her to the empty part of the battlements, after she requested to speak to him in private. This was the first time they talked, after he left for Redcliffe. Alas, they didn't part on such a good term.
"They are content and in good spirits, my lady. Knight Templar Oswald have arranged new assignments in order to keep them busy and productive.", Ser Greggory said, casually standing beside Cassandra. He was aware that she's not happy with him, and he knew this talk of theirs would turn into one of her interrogation soon.
"No trouble with the mages, then?", Cassandra asked with the same tone and a deeper frown.
"The wound is still open, but there haven't been any disaster, so far. I heard the meeting between both leaders had gone well too. I didn't attend, but Commander Cullen and Lady Leliana were present.", Ser Greggory told her, and guessed that she already knew about the meeting. The Seeker nodded, and told him that she was glad of how it ended.
"Lady Cassandra, we haven't got the chance to catch up. How have you been?", Greg sincerely said. They were good friends, and he hoped he could fix the damage he had done to their friendship.
"Ignore him, Cassandra.", She thought, telling herself not to let her guard down. She couldn't trust him, not before he explained himself.
She never imagined that she would put him in such position, him, The White Lion of Orlais, her dear friend. He was a righteous and kind hearted man, the words suspect and traitor didn't suit him at all. But, many things had changed since the mages left the Chantry, so she couldn't rule him out.
"We have a lot to talk about. You, have a lot to tell me.", Cassandra demanded, she could feel her frustration now, "Explain what happened in the Tunnels."
She wanted him to prove her suspicions wrong, but after Cole and the truth behind his disappearance, he only gave her more reason to suspect.
"Ah, that.", Greggory honestly forgot about that, the pain from the lyrium must have fogged his memory. Then, he realized that it must have bothered her so much, that she avoided him after Haven. "And then Cole happened. I may have made things worse for myself, haven't I?", Greg thought and rubbed the back of his neck. He needed to make it right with her.
"I swear to you that I am not with the enemy. You know how I feel about the war, I would want the Conclave to be a success, Cassandra. But, I admit there have been complications along the way.", Greg confessed.
"Tell me everything." Cassandra pushed.
..
..
And so, Greggory told her about his disappearance first. But this time, he was a lot more open with her than the Advisors.
Cassandra listened with great interest on how they escaped the Venatories. She looked at him in horror, when he told her that the Venatories tried to bind them with demons. She was sure that he didn't tell this part to the advisors.
Greggory defended that their attempts had failed, so he didn't see the need to bring it up. He didn't want that information to backfire on the Templars.
The Seeker disliked that, but allowed him to continue with his arrival in Therinfal Redoubt. He started with their suspicions with the Templars inside the Fort, and then the betrayal. The Templars were tricked, and experimented on.
"I should have mentioned this, but they did the treatment on me too.", Gregory confessed.
Cassandra feared for this, she had guessed that something like that would happen. "So, that's what the Venatori meant in the Tunnels. The treatment failed, you resisted the red lyrium, and escaped.", Cassandra stated her prediction.
"I resisted it, and along with Cole's help, we freed the others and took over the fort. The corruption have left me, and I am doing everything that I can to fix back the Order." Greg said, there was a crack in his voice. The blonde man lowered his head, "I should have seen through their deceptions, I could have done something to prevent their deaths."
"Nothing we can do about it now.", Cassandra interrupted, and lowered her arms. Their eyes locked onto each other. He's right, Cassandra thought, those radiant blue eyes were as pure as it was before.
"And you are here with us to undo those errors."
Suddenly, a new voice appeared from behind the Seeker. Greggory was surprised, when he saw the elven Inquisitor.
"I..Inquisitor? What is going on?" Greg asked, blatantly confused.
He looked from the Inquisitor, and then to Cassandra, feeling rather uneasy. Usually, he would sense anyone around him, but the Inquisitor was different.
He could sense her, he could sense her all over Skyhold. The anchor in her hand was very strong, and its essence had spreaded all over the place, making it difficult to actually locate her with all of the distraction. It didn't help when she always ran around the Fortress.
"I asked the Inquisitor to listen in to our conversations, so she can give her judgement, when I cannot.", Cassandra said and gained back Greg's attention.
Inquisitor Lavellan was touched by their bond. It's unexpected to see how much Cassandra cared, and wanted to protect the Commander. "You need to help me decide, Inquisitor. I cannot see him as the enemy, you need to be there too.", she remembered her words.
"Sorry for this.", The Inquisitor said as she walked to them. "You would have said it differently, if I was present."
"You caught me at a disadvantage here, ladies." Greg said, but gave them a gentle smile, "But, this isn't necessary, I would have told you the truth either way."
Suddenly, Cassandra punched his shoulder, "Like how truthfully you told the advisors?" She said, very annoyed.
Greggory reasoned with her, that he didn't want the Templars to suffer because of him. "Nevertheless, you are right, as always. There is no excuse.", Greg then moved a bit closer to the Seeker, their gaze for each other were strong, "I am sorry for keeping the truth from you. I know I don't deserve your loyalty.", Greg said. He was sure that Cassandra kept the events inside the Tunnels away from the public to protect him. She was looking out for him, even now when she asked for the Inquisitor's aid. "I'll make it up to you, Cassandra."
The Seeker sighed in defeat, he could never resist that look, "I.. I apologize too. I know it's been tough for you. It's good having you back, Greggory."
Ellana eyes sparkled by the display, thinking that the two looked so precious.
Cassandra cleared her throat, when she realized the audience. The two made some distance even though the Inquisitor protested.
"I believe in Ser Greggory.", Ellana cheerfully said, "The Templars told me about how you saved them, and how you defeated that demon. It's remarkable.", She complimented and then continued, "I'm glad that you decided to join our little team. I hope you are prepared for our travel to Western Approach?"
Cassandra shook her head, while Greg showed his enthusiasm for the journey. He eventually proceeded to tell them about an unbelievable story, where he tracked down a group of apostates there. They did some bizzare rituals involving someone's undergarments inside one of the abandoned mines.
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Western Approach,
The forces of the Inquisition rode together towards their camp location. It had been a long and treacherous journey through the mysterious desert. Scout Harding, their scout and escort, had informed them that it wouldn't be much further.
"It's thin here. Spirits were here even without the rifts.", Cole said, wobbling a bit on his horse, he was getting good at it.
"No wonder something feels out of place.", Ellana said.
Inquisitor Ellana Lavellan was at the front line, leading the rest with Scout Harding beside her. She wanted to focus on the path, but she couldn't stop glancing at the spirit, squinting whenever he wobbled. She took note to add another hour in his riding lesson.
"Stupid sun, piss off!", Sera suddenly hissed at the sky.
"This is when I appreciate learning the magic to prevent sunburn on a bald head. I can cast it for you, Sera." Solas offered, after he had done chuckling at the other elf's dismay.
The mischievous archer quickly made a disgusted expression on her face, "Don't you start. Just.. Just shut it!", Sera said in annoyance, while Solas only shrugged.
"Sera, dear, do kindly accept Solas's proposal. No one should endure the pain from your constant whining."
Sera glared daggers at the Madame, who was cozily sharing her parasol with the new guy. The Templar was holding the black parasol as they ride side by side, both heads were protected from the sun.
"Pffbbttt!", Sera stuck out her tongue at Vivienne, "You two look stupid! And, why are you carrying her umbrella?! Aren't you a Templar?", Sera asked, and pointed at them.
She approved when the Templars joined them, more people to keep things normal, she thought. But then, their leader started to get all chummy with the she-devil.
"Knight Commander Greggory, please to meet you.", Greg said ever so welcoming, but still securing both of their heads under the shade.
"It's a parasol, my dear.", Vivienne said, annoying the elf further. Then, she brushed off the dimwitted elf, and turn to Greggory, "Don't mind her, Commander. I apologize for Sera, if it were up to me, I wouldn't bring such embarrassment to represent the Inquisition. Now, about that party Lord.."
Greg felt bad for Sera, but the enchanter insisted that they returned to their previous gossips. The others were amused, some didn't like how insensitive Vivienne's words were. But, all of their attention turned to the scout, when she announced that they had arrived.
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"Fascinating." Greg mused, as the Inquisitor closed the rift with the anchor.
After they left camp, it didn't take long to encounter the rift. Greggory could feel the familiar air, it was drawing him in. But of course, it didn't weaken the strength in his strike as another demon appeared from it.
The rift was feeding his spirit with energy, the closer he get, the stronger his other half was. He made good use of the added strength, but when the power was getting too intense, he quickly made some distance. The last thing he wanted was to draw attention to himself, or risked the unpredictable outcome from being exposed to the fade.
With one last gesture, the Inquisitor made the small tear disappeared, severing the Commander's connection to his other home.
"You'll get used to it." Dorian said.
The Commander put away his sword and shield, "I can understand why Corypheus wanted it.", then he looked at the mage, "You alright?"
Dorian liked the attention, even if the Commander was being his goodyself, "I am, kind of you to ask. What about you? Your shoulder getting better?"
The mage noticed that he was more fluid in his movement now. There was no awkward pause, and no tension when he swung around his weapon. His performance would make any demons tremble.
"It is." Greg said, blushing. He thought that the mage had forgotten, turned out he didn't. Now it made sense why the mage would sometimes checked on him. "Glad I listen to you, Dorian. I'll have to do that more often.", the Commander said.
Listen to anything I say, Commander? Dorian thought but didn't dare to say the things in his mind. Not that he had the time, they heard that the group was about to move out. The two followed the Inquisitor, but never left each other's side.
..
..
The group stumbled upon what seemed to be cages. A package there told them that someone else was adventuring around the desert. Varric didn't like the idea, there shouldn't be anyone here, but the Grey Wardens.
However, they discovered more prove that there were other parties, present and was doing something sinful around the desert. Ellana told the team to stay vigilant, and it was needed when they approached an entrance to a mine. The place looked deserted, but there was something inside the place that rubbed Greggory the wrong way.
"We should investigate, Inquisitor. Something doesn't feel right.", Greg said, then a familiar corruption hit him when he took another step towards the mine.
"Death. Corruption." Cole said.
And it was. They entered the mine, and followed down the tunnel until they were welcomed by corpses and red lyrium crystals.
"More death, someone have a lot to answer for.", Blackwall said in anger. Solas looked at the lifeless bodies, feeling sympathy for them, "Who did this?"
Greggory could hear their song, he remembered how warm and painful their embrace were. Although, it mattered little to him now, he was able to resist them way better than before. He thanked the Maker, that he didn't have to deal with the headache anymore.
As soon as his sight left the red crystals, he then noticed the look from two worried parties over his interest towards the evil lyrium.
Ellana and Cassandra watched the Commander closely, making sure that he would not be a problem. So, when he gave them a knowing nod and assured them he was fine, the two women felt relieved.
"You sure, cub? Won't want you going all freaky on us." Varric suddenly appeared behind him.
Greg raised his brow at the nickname, and then remembered, the charismatic dwarf was also there in the Tunnels. He could detect fear from him, an expected response since the dwarf had no good memories with the tainted lyrium.
Greg ignored the bizarre nickname, and told him that he was fine. Varric shrugged, and casually asked for his permission to cripple him if he suddenly turned red on them.
..
The more they explored the mine, the less they liked it.
"Look, there are crystals growing out of him.", Cassandra said, as she inspected the body on the table. There was an eerie looking device above him.
"They are changing these people into Red Templars, or something similar.", Greggory assumed.
"Hrm, I think these people are abducted, like in the letters. Those monsters..", Blackwall said bitterly.
"That is just messed up." Bull exclaimed in horror.
"The letter said they went to Emprise du lion.", Ellana said as she read the letter one more time. Then, Greg told her where the place was.
"Creators, I fear more innocent lives will be at risk if we let them continue. We'll have to check that place out after we are done here.", She said, keeping the letters into her bag.
She wanted to show Cullen these letters. The "S" in the letters could only mean the former Templar, Simon. "I have a bad feeling about this."
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At the Inquisition second camp,
The team rested their feet for a while, since their supplies were running out. It had been quite an eventful day, with more troubles as they explored the silent desert. Most of those troubles were the Venatories.
Ellana looked at the horizon, at the keep not far from their location. The documents, they recovered, quickly led them here, to the Griffon Wing Keep. It's an outpost built by the Grey Wardens.
The professor told them much about the Venatories inside the keep, along with their mission. They definitely needed to be kicked out, permanently. And there should be enough time before Stroud and Hawke arrived to meet them here.
"They are eager on repairing the keep.", Blackwall said while he stood beside the Inquisitor. "It sickens me, Inquisitor. The keep is built for a noble purpose, and they tainted it, those fools."
Blackwall was always so reserved, but his displeasure was well placed. The fanatic cult needed to be erased from Thedas, but for now, they would have to settle with taking over the keep and stop their pursuit of the dragon. One archdemon was enough, thank you very much.
..
..
He looked over to where the elven woman stood with the warden, guessing that they would move out soon.
After he had done cleaning his sword, Greggory had another swig from his water bottle. He knew it would get dirty again, but he couldn't stand the smell from the last hyena he killed. The beast was charging towards Cassandra, but missed and headed for him instead.
He wondered what the creature ate to make such odor.
Suddenly, Greg felt someone's presence, he peeked to his side and saw a very tall shadow.
It's the Qunari, he was taking a seat right next to him, grunting as his bum landed on the stone. Greg would never get tired of seeing his kind. They were still new to him, and It's not everyday he could sit next to one in a friendly manner. The ones he met always kept their distance, or tried to chop him off with an axe.
"Something wrong? You're so tense there, Greg.", Iron Bull asked, acting very familiar with the Templar. He leaned forward to inspect the blade the other was holding. Greg blinked as those horns came into view, he awed at them while telling himself not to do anything stupid.
"That's a nice sword, what is it? Silverite? No, the color is different.", Bull asked again, he didn't even let Greg answer the first one.
The Templar read the Qunari's aura, he felt that he was intrigued, curious intent coming out of him. He guessed that it was reserved for him, and not his sword. He heard that Iron Bull was a spy before he left the Qun, so naturally him being new to the team would interest him.
"It's veridium. This one is a gift.", Greg told him, and gave an experiment thrust, making the sun reflected on its smooth metal.
"Uh huh, so a gift before or after you join the Templar?", Bull asked, slowly directing the topic towards the one he wanted.
Greg told him it was after he took his vow as a Templar. It's been with him ever since.
"I bet the story of you becoming a Templar is a great one, so, come on, Greg. No need to be shy around me, I know I can be very intimidating.", Bull playfully said as he subtly flex his muscles, and it didn't go unnoticed when his voice went a bit husky at the last part.
Greg smirked, "I'll believe it when I see it, Iron Bull."
That made Bull laughed, and slapped Greg's back playfully, "I like you, Greg. But c'mon, I really want to hear the story."
Greg straighten his back, he didn't anticipate the slap. He admired his strength, even if he was playing around.
"One of the Knight Templar referenced me to the White Spire, I did a satisfying performance as a recruit, and not long after, I took my vows. Then, my official duties as a Templar..", Greg stopped when Bull interrupted, "You left out so much details! What about the Chevallier?"
"I see, you've done some research.", Greg said, giving a knowing look under his helmet. It made Bull scratched his head and smiled, "Hey, you can't blame me. You have to admit that you look like a character that came from one of Varric's novels."
Somewhere in the camp, one dwarf sneezed.
The Commander saw that as a compliment. And, could agree with the Qunari that some parts of his life was a tad bit extravagant. Not that it was normal to begin with, he thought. "People like to exaggerate. I was a boy who wanted to be a Templar, I saw the opportunity, and like any other men, I took it.", Greg told him.
Humble, Bull thought and then said, "Hmm, I don't think they exaggerate about you and the Duke, or maybe the Empress?", Bull nodged, and sounded his approval.
"As I say before, there was an opportunity. And Orlais loves daring boys with big dreams.", Greg said and was glad when a distraction appeared behind the muscled Qunari. He didn't waste time to greet that distraction.
"There you are, Cole."
Bull's eye went wide as he looked behind his shoulder. The tough Qunari flinched in surprise, when the young rogue just appeared out of nowhere. He forgot how light his steps were. It's not helping when he was all jumpy, because they had been dealing with demons all day. "Cole. What did I tell you about creeping up behind me.", Bull sounded exhausted rather than angry.
"You don't like it?", Cole innocently said, but Greg was sure, the other spirit couldn't possibly forget, unless, he did it on purpose.
Then, he noticed Bull started to relax as he lectured Cole about his behaviors, it was like he was treating Cole like a kid that had done something rude.
The Commander was worried for a second, but he realized he didn't need to interfere. He watched them fondly, and felt proud of Cole's improvements. To think that he regretted telling them about him. He should have put more faith in the other spirit and the Inquisitor.
"Don't you have anything to say to him? You're responsible for him, right?", Bull joked, and tried to keep a straight face. Greg shrugged, playing along.
"B..But, you are not mad at me.", Cole said, both confused and a bit panic if he had truly offended Iron Bull.
"I'm just kidding, kid." Bull said, and patted Cole's hat.
"Having fun?"
All of them looked up to the Tevinter, a devious smirk on his face as he crossed his arms.
Dorian didn't know why, but there was something annoying from the Qunari's grin. His one eye beamed with mischief as soon as he set his sight on him.
"Dorian! Join us, the more the merrier.", Bull cheerfully said, and signaled him to come closer.
Dorian looked unimpressed, and rolled his eyes ever so dramatically, "I wouldn't want to make you feel uncomfortable around Vints, Iron Bull. However, I don't need to, because we're going to move out, now."
"Aw. Here I was enjoying my time with my new buddy here." Bull announced, and put his arm around the Commander. Greg welcomed the Qunari's friendly opinion of him, clearly unaware of Bull's other agenda. But Dorian saw it, and he definitely noticed the unnecessary squeeze before his enormous hand left the Commander.
Iron Bull stood up, followed closely by the Templar. "I'm all set. Let's go.", Bull said excitedly, and was scolded by Dorian for being too loud. Greg and Cole were walking along with them, both observed as the mage got flustered from Bull's teasing reply.
Soon, they saw the Inquisitor, and the others. The elven woman couldn't wait to share what she got in store for the Keep behind her.
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"Shall we knock?", Inquisitor Lavellan asked,
"Oh, yeah!", Bull answered almost immediately, and charged towards the front door, knocking it down. The group rushed into the courtyard, covering each other's back for any incoming attack.
"I thought Bianca is going to have a good exercise.", Varric said, very disappointed with the lack of Venatories.
"Hah, pissheads ran off!", Sera snorts.
There was no one around, the place looked empty. But then, right in the corner, Ellana saw two guards were hiding. They quickly made a run for it after she noticed them.
"Not all of them ran away.", Cole said as the guards ran up the stairs. The upper level promised them the actions that some of them craved.
"Knew it." Sera declared, and challenged Bull to a race. The two were off, despite Ellana's order to stick together. And now, the Inquisitor was chasing after them before they cause anything to explode.
..
..
Ellana electrocuted the Venatori, after their short duel of magic. Macrinus flames were put to shame by the Inquisitor. He collapsed to the ground, cursing the elf before his life escaped him.
Ellana looked around her, the fight was almost over. Blackwall used his chains on the last Venatori, and pulled him towards his death. "Done and done." Blackwall said, sounded satisfied.
"Nice one, beardy!" Sera gave him a thumbs up.
"The keep is ours.", Solas said to Ellana, "It will make a good base for the Inquisition, and to make sure the Venatories won't return."
"Eh, it will do for a summer getaway.", Varric jested, or is he?
"Slap a coat of paint on it, you'd have a halfway decent hovel.", Dorian followed after Varric threw out the idea.
"Under this dreadful sun? But, I suppose the view will do it justice.", Vivienne admit, after admiring the view bellow.
"You're right, ma'am. The view is awesome, I can see our camp from here.", Bull said.
"Alright, alright. I'm going to head back to the camp with Cassandra, Solas and Cole. So, Varric will be in charge while we're gone."
Varric casually accepted the task, promising the Inquisitor that there wouldn't be any trouble when she returned.
"I'll be sending a raven to Cullen, maybe he can send someone for the Keep. I think it's best if you search the place.", Ellana instructed.
"Check the place out. Got it. Don't worry, your inquisitoralness. No dirty secrets will be safe from us.", The dwarf confidently said and made Ellana laughed before she left the keep.
"Alright wonder team, we'll pair up to speed things up.", Varric said, and had a suspicious look. He knew who to pair, and how to make things interesting. (another opportunity for a plot in his new book). And so, he divided them into three groups.
"Iron lady and Tiny will cover around the battlements. Sparkler and Cub will cover the offices. While I, Buttercup and Hero will cover the lower levels.", By the time Varric was finished, everyone was looking at him funny. Sera snorted at some of the nicknames, finding it hilarious.
"You've been waiting for this moment, haven't you?", Blackwall asked.
"Enough lollygagging, people. We got jobs to do!", Varric announced, clearly avoiding the question, but was obvious with his cheerful mood.
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Greggory watched the mage skillfully disarmed the trap on the drawers.
He intervened the Commander when he was about to open the desk drawers. He was certain that most of his countrymen would construct an elaborate trap to shame their enemy. He couldn't be wrong since he would have done the same, better safe than sorry.
Then, Dorian held out the vial of venom for him. "Tsk, too loud and barbaric for my taste, the victims will scream for hours before the venom reach their heart. I prefer something a bit more effective, elegant and won't cause my ear to bleed.", Dorian explained, but kept the venom anyway.
"That's impressive, and a little concerning.", Greg said, there was humor in his voice.
"Why? You're not going through my personal belongings, are you?" Dorian teased.
"Of course not, Dorian. But, It's good to know about the security in your drawers.", Greg joked back and earned a chuckle from the Tevinter, who wouldn't mind if he actually did.
...
"I'm learning more about venoms in these past few months. I think I'm starting to recognize some of them by sight.", Greg mentioned while going through the second drawer.
Dorian was checking the bookshelf to his left, "Snakes and dragons, you know how significant the two are for Tevinter.", Dorian then remembered something from home, it made him smiled bitterly, "It reminds me of my pet snake back home. I hope he's eating a healthy diet while I'm gone."
The Commander peeked at him when Dorian's aura suddenly changed, and was relieved that he was only homesick, "It's fortunate that you left him, I'm afraid he wouldn't fare well in Haven." Greg said, hoping his aura would light up again.
"He's lost to me either way.", Dorian said, not focused on his current task anymore, because of his damned feelings. He felt stupid for acting up like this, he wasn't even talking about the family that didn't want him, he was talking about his bloody pet.
"Dorian."
The mage turned to the striking voice that said his name.
The Commander stood in front of the window behind the desk, the light made his armor shone righteously. Dorian didn't know why he brought this up now, but he always felt safe when he's around. It's rather ridiculous how easy his mood changed the moment he gave him any attention.
"Hey.", Greggory called him the second time, when he drifted off again, "How about a break?", He then signaled Dorian to come closer, and to check out the view. Dorian couldn't possibly refuse or resisted the goofy smile he was about to make.
The two leaned against the wall, and felt the wind from outside the windows. Dorian subtly looked at the man in front of him. He might tolerate the pain if he was there to keep him company. The thought made him blinked, he couldn't believe it come from his head. He cursed for being so corny.
Dorian wanted to look away, but it was impossible after Greg took off his helmet. He noticed a few strands of his silky blonde hair had escaped his man-bun. His eyes roamed while the other man was searching for something inside his satchel.
"You don't mind whisky?", Greg offered after he took out a flask from his satchel.
"Straying away from your duties, Commander?", He jested, and accepted the flask. "Careful now, looks like I actually become a bad influence for you."
Greggory gave a small laugh, and told him it wasn't true.
"You got a good taste.", Dorian praised after he tried the beverage. He returned the flask, and let the Commander had a turn. They continued to share drinks, and had some small talks, while enjoying the view.
"I'm sorry about your mentor, and his son. He's a great father, even after Corypheus manipulated that love.", Greg said and took a sip of the whisky.
Dorian recalled the first time he met his former mentor, and then the time when the two were breaking boundaries of magic itself. Alexius saved him in a way, he would be a drunken loser if it weren't for him.
"Thank you. But honestly, it was reckless of him to seek solutions from the very one that gave him that say problem.", Dorian snarked. "A brilliant man just gone because of one tragedy."
"His actions were inexcusable, but he is just a father who loves his son, and doesn't want to lose him.", Greg replied, his sympathy always astonished the mage.
But, Dorian was unfamiliar with what Alexius was going through, "I suppose fatherly love is one of the little things I am inexperience of.", he shrugged.
"You don't get along with your father?" Greg asked, but showed that Dorian didn't have to answer it, if he didn't want to.
"He is a Magister, a traditional one. We have our differences, and we argued a lot. He wants me to follow in his footsteps, and to preserve the family's legacy. But, his plans for me collided with my interests, and so I decided that it's best to be on my own.", Dorian said, keeping some details behind. The Commander wouldn't be interested in hearing his family affairs.
"Otherwise, I should be 'fat with it', as our unequivocal Sera would say.", Dorian words earned a quizzical look from Greg, only after he had explained what it meant that Greg gave an "Oh.".
"But enough. As much as I love to talk about me, I'm more interested in the Templars. It occurs to me that you're different than most of your southerner friends. Or, is it a method to make our cage more bearable?", Dorian asked, feeling up for some political discussion.
Greg felt the sting in his words, "We can't forget that mages are people too. People who are granted with amazing gifts. The Templars suppose to be their guardians, while they learn about their magic. It is sad, that many of us abuse that authority.", Greg answered, he never agreed the extreme lengths they would do just to control the mages. They were not beasts to tame and to control.
"Gift? What an outrageous word coming from a Templar.", Dorian snorted, "Do you mean that, Greggory? Or are you just being nice?"
Deep in his heart, Dorian disliked how mean he sounded. But, he couldn't ignore how the mages were treated here. It was ridiculous to limit them from their true potentials.
"It can be a wondrous or dangerous gift, it resolved on how you treated it.", Greg answered, "As long as their hearts are in the right place, I will be there to support them."
"Hmm, your reputation precedes you, Commander.", Dorian said. He wanted to be sceptical with his noble opinions. But, there were many mages who spoke highly of him.
"You've set a frightening example for both the Templars and the Chantry. You're connected to magic as much as any other mages by now, more, if I am being honest. How do you feel about it?", Dorian asked, eager for his response.
"I don't have magic flowing inside of me. I don't think I am suitable to be compared with a mage.", Greg said, and felt the irony in his lie.
"So, using lyrium, and making friends with a spirit, aren't suitable enough? Or are you ashamed to have a common thing with us mages?", Dorian continued with the criticism. By now, he was desperate to see any expression from the calm Templar.
"I'm not ashamed, Dorian. But, you made me realize, the truth in your words. I am close with magic, probably too intimate than most Templars. I have crossed many lines, and I do it in order to help them.", Greg explained, he could see how unorthodox he was as a Templar. He blamed his other half for that.
"So, it's that simple? You really throw yourself to magic to help?", Dorian concluded and couldn't believe it. He wanted to know how the Templar truly felt about it all, probably proving him that he was too good to be true. But instead, the image of a proud and holier-than-thou Templar was smashed into smithereens.
"Huh. I don't know what to say." Dorian honestly didn't know how to respond. He didn't want to be naive, and believe his straightforward reason.
"You're making fun of me." Greg shook his head because of Dorian's baffled look, "It's not a weird thing to do", he declared strongly, and took a sip from his flask.
"I hope people remember that helping others and doing what is right are not that uncommon things to do."
Dorian smiled over the sentiment. The Templar made him felt terrible, like he was being guilt trip by a priest. He regret to ever questioned his good deeds.
Then, Greg asked him about Tevinter, trying to get him all worked up again for another heated discussion. Both of them continued to discuss about magic, the Chantry, and occasionally the nobles. A few times they almost delved in too deep at the topic, but most of the time, it was a light-hearted ones where they exchanged more information about themselves.
"It's nice to have this talk with you, Greggory.", Dorian told him after he took another sip, a final one.
Greg nodded, "Likewise, Dorian. I hope my words didn't offend you."
The mage looked at him in amusement, "Nonsense! I should be the one to worry for my insensitive but necessary input."
"All of them necessary?" Greggory raised his brow as he asked.
Dorian smirked, "Of course. And Greggory, you don't have to hold back to protect my feelings. Don't you assume that I am a child that cried for the things I can't get."
Greggory smiled at the idea, it was cute to picture him as a child, and Dorian didn't doubt that. He told him that a handsome man like himself, obviously came from a cute and equally handsome child.
"Whatever you say, my Lord.", Greg teased, earning another smirk from him.
"We should do this again, and if I remember correctly, didn't we plan for a drink together? Or am I mistaken?", Greg didn't know why he brought it up. This was the one thing he feared for enjoying his company, he wanted more. He couldn't make himself to be bothered by the consequences.
Dorian looked at him, and he was serious about it, "My fault there. The Templars just joined, so I didn't want to bother you. And another thing, I don't think your friends like me very much." Dorian said, referring to the three men who was closest to him. He wasn't fond of how they looked at him, like he was going to turn their leader against them with a bat of his eyelashes.
Not that he would turn down a challenge. But of course, most definitely, he wouldn't do such a thing.
This was new to Greg, he felt bad for not knowing, "They don't know you, other than you're from Tevinter."
"And a mage." Dorian added.
"Who is fighting against Corypheus and the Venatori. I'm sure they will like you.", Greg assured him.
"Ah, so does that mean you like me?" Dorian teased, he couldn't pass up the chance.
The mage found himself loss for words when the young Commander looked away, outside the window, with both a smile and a light crimson color on his cheeks.
"I enjoy your company, Dorian. I hope we can be friends if not colleagues." Greg told him, the tough Templar sounded shy, and it was playing with Dorian's heart.
The mage tried to keep a straight face, he told to himself that he couldn't squander the chance to be in good terms with the famed White Lion. He almost panicked, when his heart conjured another silly vision of him and the Commander, a recurrent delusions he had entertained since he met Greggory.
But then again, he thought as he convinced himself that no harm would come in enjoying his little flirts with him, besides he would have said something if he didn't like them.
"I was thinking the same thing."
..Then, something happened..
When both of their eyes met, blues locked with greens, the playful atmosphere around them slowly changed into something intimate.
The Commander thought and complimented his beautiful eyes, of how tender it looked. He wanted to feel the warmth of his cheeks and the softness of his lips. He imagined that any men or women would be lucky to have his love.
"Can I ever be that lucky?", The thought should upset him, but he found himself closing the distance between them.
Dorian didn't have anything to say back when he looked so serious, so demanding, so enticing. He wanted to drown in those eyes, wanted his fingers to be lost in those golden hair. Anyone would easily fall for him, both men and women. He would make them the happiest person alive.
"Can I be that happy?", The thought was stupid enough that he would slap himself silly, but he found himself closing the distance between them.
*Bonk!*
Both of them blinked, and took one step back as they looked at the door. When it opened, they saw Iron Bull rubbing his head, looking embarrassed at Vivienne.
"I thought I can knock the frame loose, and I'm slouching less now, Ma'am.", he explained with a proud grin on his face. There was a piece of wood on the ground behind them.
"Oh my dear Iron bull, whatever am I going to do with you?", Vivienne said, but smiled at Bull's adorableness.
Then the Iron Lady set her sights at the other group, who was supposedly had the office searched.
"Darlings, find anything interesting?"
Perhaps Vivienne didn't care to notice the awkward air between them, or how quick Greggory put back his helmet. Not Iron Bull though, he was as sharp as a housewife kitchen knife when it came to this. He saw what was going on, and made sense of Varric's order to group these two together.
He was right, there was an attraction between them. "Damn, that dwarf is good." He almost said that out loud.
Iron Bull looked at Dorian with teasing eye, when the Commander talked with the Madame. He felt satisfied when Dorian grunted and walked away from Bull.
...
To be continued
Hohoho!
I will have Greg be more involved in anything Dorian. And, maybe soon, the Inquisitor will have to deal with Greg's loyalty mission, something that Dorian insisted that he should partake in.
Next chap should be about the continuity of the Warden mission and Adamant Fortress (you know things gonna get juicy there! *Wink *wink)
Thank you, lovelies, for reading!
I hope you enjoy the fic.
More love for you for leaving reviews, faves and follows!