Myafroatemydog: It was. Frankly I found that mission one of the saddest.

the-unversedcave: Thank you. When someone cries I feel that, as a writer, I have done a good job.

Scoolio: Sorry it has been so long. I have a long story to tell.

Jarjaxle: Yes it was.

N7 BOB: Sorry it has taken so long.

Guest(March 4): Thank you. This is one of my self-insert stories that I feel I have done a good job on.

Guest(March 5): Tell me more than about it.

Guest(April 6): Shall I play Despacito as well?

Guest(May 10): Thanks. I believe she has.

greyfox158: And it is here today.

Zaynal: Not done yet.

UNSC Ragnarok: It is.

Rainsfere: Here it is friend. Thank you. I am not done.

So…to explain. A ton. Of (Pardon my language here) shit went down in the past year.

So…to explain. Roughly around this time a year ago, I was finishing my fall term of college and the hell that is Calculus with Analytical Geometry. When I took this, I knew that for my engineering degree I had to go all the way to level 3. Something I knew I couldn't properly do. I didn't believe my brain was capable of handling it, not for lack of trying but for the complexity of it. I would learn it but it would take me a long time, and a crap ton of money. So I wanted to change my major, from Electrical Engineering to English to become a creative writing professor. A big swap, and I needed to be sure. I asked my dad if I could take the spring term off, to consider all my options and think of what I really wanted to do with my life. He agreed. Several days later, my mother asked about my college classes and what I would be taking. After I finished church (which was where she asked me) I began to tell her the same thing I told my dad. Only for him to yell "WHAT?" and have me come upstairs.

I don't know if it was a lack of communication, understanding or what, but my dad was not happy. He wanted me to take college classes and said that if the Engineering major was too hard, go to a Business major.

His exact words on me wanting to be a college professor was "Writing is stupid, it is pointless, and it is a waste of time."

Like…shit.

It still hurts when I think on it. Its just this numb feeling in my chest.

Promptly after, I went into my room and started crying. Then I started changing my major and applied for Spring classes.

To explain my thought process. I had nowhere else to go. I didn't have enough money in my bank account to take off by myself. Or to live for long by myself. What my parents made clear from the beginning before all this, is that there are rules for me living at the house.

Either A) Be working full time or B) Go to college full time or C) Work and do college.

My girlfriend, Fen (Not sharing real names), demanded that I stay with her family (Even stating that if anything happened she would be coming for blood) while I figure stuff out. Which I politely declined.

As to why I declined, I am honestly afraid. If I leave, it will be serious and the relationship I have with my parents will never be the same. Moving in with Fen I am against for more religious reasons, as I know what will happen if we start living together.

Its also a scary step, leaving everything behind and forging something new. It would be quite an adventure. But its one I'm not prepared for yet.

A few weeks ago, over something as stupid as a dinner reservation. My mother and I got into a heated argument where she did threaten to hit me, and mentally I was ready to hit back. Nothing did happen, but I did plan a quick escape route if necessary.

Going through the Spring, Summer, and finishing my last Fall semester at my local community college. I am now off to the college of UCF. To hopefully finish everything once and for all.

I WANT THIS TO BE CLEAR. While this still hurts, I don't want anyone bashing my parents. I don't want people saying "F YOUR PARENTS BRO!" because that is NOT the purpose of me venting.

This is me explaining why I have not updated in over a year. Frankly it is my hope that I will be able to graduate and finish college so I can write more.

To lighten the mood, I'm actually planning to start a YouTube Channel. Mainly gaming, and I have no doubt that starting out I will be incredibly bad, but I'll learn to get better. I also need to try and work out a schedule to follow that will allow me to write, game and manage my life.

Anyway, I hope this is a reasonable explanation of why the heck I haven't updated for so long. I am going to be going back over the Dragon Age game itself because it has been very long since I've touched it and I need to refresh so much of my memory on it. I also got my hands on DA 2, so yeah. Lot going on.

Wish me luck with everything.

Chapter

Biting the inside of her cheek, Cassandra continued to pour over the map of Thedas. Scanning over the known strongholds of the Templar Order, she felt a headache press at her temples. Groaning slightly, the woman straightened up and moved to the open window, feeling the cool breeze along her face.

"Is everything alright Lady Pentaghast?" a voice asked.

Cassandra sighed, "Yes ser, do not concern yourself with my wellbeing."

"I certainly should," the insistent voice said. "You are a member of my forces."

Cassandra frowned, "Pardon?"

Turning around, Cassandra was shocked to see Max standing before her, his hair was short and tidy rather than the tangled mess it was slowly becoming since Haven. He was also clad in a set of scarlet pants and a shirt, a light blue sash going from his left shoulder to his hip.

"Why are you…?" Cassandra gestured to his outfit.

"Ah. It was part of my agreement with Grand Enchantress Vivienne, Lady Leliana, and Lady Josephine. Due to my…vulgar language as the event progressed, this was my punishment."

Max clasped his hands behind him, "I am to act as a proper noble for the next four hours. Once that time is up, I am free from lessons."

Cassandra nodded, "I see."

"So what exactly is troubling you Seeker Pentaghast?"

"Cassandra, please," she said.

"Alright, Lady Cassandra, what is troubling you?"

"We saw the red Templars attack us at Haven. But who did we not see?"

Max frowned, "I do not know. I was rather swept up with the battle than to focus on all the soldiers."

Cassandra looked back at the map, "Lord Seeker Lucius was missing from the battle. In fact, I have not seen any Seekers among the red Templars. Or anywhere."

Max frowned, "That is…most troubling. Do you believe foul play?"

Cassandra nodded, "I cannot rule out that Corypheus could have imprisoned them."

"Or killed," Max pointed out.

Cassandra nodded, "Or killed."

Max pinched his chin, "…I ask you give me a few days. I will consult with Lady Leliana. Perhaps her spies and informants could give us a clue of where the Seekers have gone."

"That will not be necessary," Cassandra said. Standing tall, she goes past Maxwell to the door. "I will ask her myse-"

A hand stretches out and blocks the doorway.

Cassandra looked up with a raised eyebrow.

Max looked back coolly, "The last time you talked to Lady Leliana about something, you were captured by Corypheus and his forces. That will not happen again. I will personally talk to Lady Leliana, is this clear?"

Cassandra would have protested, but he had raised some fair points.

"Yes ser."

With that, Max dropped the arm and left.

Cassandra stood there for a few moments, both surprised at how Maxwell seemed to present the authority of his position, and at how he raised several intellectual points.

Striding up the stairs, the sound of wings greeted me as I entered the tower. Various cages hung from the ceiling, filled with ravens while men and women wearing cloaks sat on the floor or near boxes. I saw that Leliana was kneeling before a statue of Andraste, her hands clasped together as she prayed to the goddess. Glancing around, I saw that there was a wooden desk covered with papers. With a shrug, I carefully sat down with my back straight and waited for Leliana to finish.

Many of the spies glanced up at me before returning to the parchment, as time passed I found myself glancing around the room. From the fallen feathers of the ravens to the soft scratching of quills.

To the tear stained paper on the table.

With a frown, I slowly pull it closer.

Ashton de Lawrance.

Caleb McYoung

Frederick Wasser

Gregory Boyle

Princton Wheatley

The names went on…and on…

Suddenly the tear marks made sense.

"Those are the people we had lost."

If I wasn't so drawn into the list, I'm positive I would have jumped and swore.

"I see."

Setting the list back down, Leliana looked down.

"I can understand if you blame me for their deaths, I certainly do."

For once, I kept my mouth shut.

Leliana went to the window, "When the first of my spies vanished, I pulled the rest of them back and waited. Watched."

Her head fell, "If…If I kept them there, we would have known sooner, we could have been more prepared."

I stood up, taking in a deep breath and letting it out.

"Lady Leliana, I am aware that we have not gotten along well in the past. However, I do not blame you for the catastrophe that occurred at Haven, I blame Corypheus."

Leliana looked at me but said nothing.

"If anything, it shows that you are still human. You care for your agents, your people."

"They are members of the Inquisition, they are aware of the risks. Aware that they may need to sacrifice themselves for this cause."

"But they do not need to sacrifice their lives needlessly," I reply.

Leliana looked down.

I carefully set a hand on the spymaster's shoulder, "Sentiment is what helps define us. It helps us know that life is precious, and not cheap."

Leliana still didn't speak.

All attempts of discussion fled my mind.

"I…will leave you alone now."

I step away.

"Inquisitor?"

I turn to the woman, "Yes?"

Leliana still wasn't facing me, "Why is it that you are acting like a noble?"

I blinked, "You, Lady Josephine and Grand Enchantress ordered to me to act this way for four hours as a punishment. Remember?"

"Yes, but assuming that it was this morn, then it have actually been six hours."

…

"R-Really?" I say, my teeth gritting together.

Leliana smiled, "Yes, Lord Inquisitor."

"Those…conniving…brilliant women-"

Cruel, manipulative bitches.

"-and for six hours you say?"

SIX FUCKING HOURS?!

The smile stretched, "Yes Milord."

I COULDA BEEN DONE TWO HOURS AGO?!

"Excuse me, Lady Leliana."

MOTHERFUCKERS!

After dignified march upstairs, I had immediately shucked off the confining nobility clothing and stuffed them into the drawers. Throwing on a silk shirt and my jeans, I rushed back down to the tavern. While Bull and his Chargers sung drunkenly I went up to the second floor.

While the third floor housed an occasional Cole, Sera was leaning against the railing. Staring down at everyone with a serious look.

As I strode next to her, she turned and asked, "We got a problem, yeah?"

I nodded, "Yes we do."

"What is it?"

"Leliana, Josephine and Vivienne tricked me…I was stuck acting like a prissy noble for hours…"

Sera gasped, "No…"

I nodded solemnly, "Stuck saying all kinds of prim and proper stuff. After I had finished, they told me I had to keep at it before I stopped acting…ugh."

Sera nudged me, "Want to get back at them?"

"The entire trio."

Sera let out a maniacal giggle, "Oh the fun we'll have."

"Shall we?"

"Hmmm…race you to Ruffles office!"

"Aw shi-NO FAIR!"

Sera cackled.

Sprinting up the steps, we raced through the main hall and past all the officials, while I managed to slip through and around Sera flat out shoved them to the side. They let out various cries of protest and some pain before we both got to the office.

"FIRST!" Sera shouted before giggles overcame her. I had managed to close the door behind us before saying, "No way were we inconspicuous."

"Huh?" Sera asked.

I scowled, "Sneaky…"

Sera stood, "Was that one of the words fancy nobles use?"

I nodded.

"Well it is good you're not becoming one of them fully innit?"

As she took in my confusion she gave a wide grin, "Otherwise you wouldn't be with me, eh?"

I nodded.

"So…first thing we need to do-"

"Something small. Everyone outside will undoubtedly tell her about us and then Josephine will turn into a bloodhound."

"Hmmm…there goes a chunk of plans."

"Well her desk is obvious."

"Wow Sir Inky-Britches, I didn't think of the most obvious thing in the room."

"Well I do enjoy pointing out the obvious Madame Prissy Pants."

"Well then how do we ensure she doesn't notice what we've done Monsieur Blubber Fuckles."

"Leave that to me."

As I approached the fire place, I carefully peaked around the mantle.

While I don't think they had chimneysweeps, they could have…

Found it. On the right side of the fireplace, a metal handle that stretched and turned inside of the chimney. After pulling it down, there was a slight thump. I think it was a smoke shelf or something.

"Done. What have you-"

Wood groaned against stone as Sera pushed the desk forward.

"Shift it a little. Scribbles won't notice."

I blinked, "Sera…do that to everything."

"Yeeaaaahhhh!"

We sprinted around the area, shifting the books on the shelves to different locations, chairs, even the rugs, a few inches out of place. As we ran, smoke started to fill the room.

"We should crack the windows open…right?"

"Nah. Let Scribbles figure it out."

With that, we hurried out of the office and down one of the side passages. Leading us into the lower parts of Skyhold and allowing us to move straight to Leliana's coop, the messenger birds flapped their wings.

"Any plans?" Sera asked.

"Frankly…I really don't wanna screw over my spymaster that badly."

"Hmm…we could feed the birds something, make them gassy and-no. They don't parp-"

"But they poop."

Sera let out a giggle, "I can get my hands on some food."

"What el-"

A voice called, "Who's up there?"

I didn't wait, I sprinted out of the door, taking the steps two at a time before racing onto Dorians floor, the man had his nose buried in a big tome as I went passed.

"What's the rush?"

Sera's glee filled laugh.

"Never mind!"

It wasn't long after our escape, but we returned to the tavern. Less people but Sarah and I sat at the bar none the less. Other than the man cleaning tankards, it was empty.

"That was sooo satisfying," I say.

"And so much fun!" Sera replied, kicking her feet in the air.

"Thanks for your help," I state. "I'm not sure I could have done it without you."

"Frankly, I'm glad you asked. Don't want you being like ol' stuffy britches and purple flurply. Shame we couldn't go for three, would have loved to see her face that horny cooch."

I raised an eyebrow, "Horny cooch?"

"Yeah…" Sera frowned, "You don't think Vivienne actually has horns 'tween her legs do you? That'd be…horrible."

"…can we drop this?"

"Yeah…sorry."

About a week after the prank event, a report found its way into my hands. I quickly went and found Cassandra at her training spot, hacking away at the dummies.

"Found something for you," I say.

Cassandra set her wooden sword aside. As she reached for the report, she used the other hand to grab the hem of her tunic and wipe her face. As she did, I found myself staring down at her stomach.

I mean…shit. And this isn't an "Oh shit" moment due to some surprise, it was a "Shiiiiiiiiiitttt" thing.

From what I could see, she was ripped. While her body was a bit smaller, it didn't change the fact her abs were formed as if someone chiseled marble.

Won't deny, it was also hot.

The tunic went down again, and my eyes flicked back up to Cassandra's face, as the woman began scanning the report I couldn't help but scan her.

As Cassandra's attention was drawn elsewhere, I noticed how her eyebrows furrowed a bit as she scanned it. They would always furrow when she was fighting, or determined, or focused. Intense.

Well…I guess this is the one of the times I can say I like my women how I like my coffee.

Strong, intense. Hot.

A snap.

I blinked.

Cassandra had a questioning look, "Are you paying attention Max?"

I blinked again, "Blanked out for a second, what?"

She shook her head, "Come along."

Cassandra walked off. That stupid waist cloak trailing in the wind.

Yup, she totally wore that to flaunt that ass.

As I followed her, another thought hit me, Cassandra would burn me about the same if she heard any of that.

"You are certain of this?" Cullen asked.

Cassandra gave a sigh, "Yes. Caer Oswin is fortress in Fereldan. According to the report received, many Seekers were heading straight to Ferelden before seeming to disappear."

"Until my spies picked up rumors," Leliana spoke. Pulling out a parchment and placing it next to the report, "Apparently, Bann Loren has been missing for the path several months. When I sent my agents there, they did not report back."

No one missed the look Leliana had on her face.

"Anyway," Cassandra continued. "Caer Oswin is…was owned by Loren, if he truly has been missing then this concludes that any information involving the Seekers would be there."

Josephine frowned, "Are we certain this isn't a trap?"

"Leliana has never let us down yet," I reply. "Far as I know, its possible for either."

Cullen rubbed his jaw, "I say we send in a few more agents, get a better lay of the area before we go in."

Cassandra frowned, "And risk losing a lead?"

"Sending in those soldiers means we can ensure it's not a trap, and the Seekers are right where we want them."

"And if they discover our soldiers then what? By the time we arrive they will have left, and we will be back with nothing."

Josephine stepped forward, "I would like to remind you Lady Cassandra that the last time you went off on your own, you ended up walking into a trap based on the minimal information we had at the time."

Cassandra's mouth snapped shut and twisted into a scowl.

I sighed, this was important to Cassandra, but not discounting the sound advice…

Well I am going to hate myself now.

"Lady Josephine," I say, switching my tone slightly and falling back into the torture sessions they called lessons. I didn't fail to notice how Josephine preened slightly. "While I agree that Seeker Pentaghast did walk into a trap, let's not forget that the Inquisition still planned to go and try to communicate with the Templars. We too would have walked into the very same trap, I would say it was only luck that we discovered the truth."

Josephine looked at me quizzically, "So what do you propose then Lord Inquisitor?"

"I agree that we need to investigate, however rather than sending in more of our troops, I suggest that Seeker Pentaghast and I go in together."

Silence.

"Pardon?" Cullen asked.

"Seeker Pentaghast, regardless of what has occurred, is a remarkable warrior; also let us not forget that she is familiar with the fighting style of the Seekers. I, as her student, am also familiar with the Seekers and do not forget my magical capabilities. While I could gather a group of individuals, I believe that despite the size of anything it will be easier for the both of us."

Leliana crossed her arms, "What of our rogues, such as Varric? Or Sera? Or even Cole?"

"Varric, while his crossbow will be incredibly helpful, I cannot factor in the abilities of the Seekers, or if one will be able to get the drop on him. Sera is a good shot but at times she does not possess the subtlety we need to infiltrate the base. Cole…he needs to remain here for personal reasons."

Cassandra raised her eyebrow at that.

"Reasons? Such as?"

I sighed, "Grand Enchantress Vivienne would rather not have Cole out of Skyhold."

Leliana nodded.

I really hated myself for saying that.

"You are certain of this?" Cullen asked. "

I shrugged, "As much as I can be."

"Meaning you stake your life in it?"

I replied instantly, "Yes."

Cullen turned to the woman beside me, "And you Cassandra?"

The Seeker nodded.

Cullen glanced between his other advisers, "Then there is little we can do but wish you luck."

Nodding, I gesture to Cassandra wait as Leliana, Cullen and Josephine walk out. As the doors shut behind them, Cassandra spoke, "Max-"

"Give me a second."

Sticking out my tongue, I shook my head and tried to shake off the alien feeling of being decent.

"Sorry, just still hate being all noble like. Anyway, what?"

Cassandra blinked before crossing her arms, "Why not Cole?" As I cocked my head, she continued. "I know that despite my personal feelings, you seemed to bond with him. Why? Wouldn't you like him with us?"

I sighed, "I can't fully explain. You need to experience it.'

Cassandra frowned, but she followed me.

Walking out of the War Room, I made our way down the main steps, through the throng (Suck it Vivienne!) of noble sheep and out into Skyhold. Making our way down to the barns and shopping stalls, we slowly began to pace around.

I tapped my ears as I heard a voice spoke, "Plums missing again?!"

"That's the third time this month! Where do they keep going? Who is it?"

As Cassandra gave me a look, I stood and moved away. Standing up, I made my way back up the stairs and towards the medical tents, it wasn't long before we heard the chatter.

"Keep wrapping the wound. Webs!"

Inside the tent, one of the Reverends was taking a spiderweb and beginning to carefully wrap it around the injured area as medic grabbed fresh linen.

"Thank the Maker to whoever is leaving out that rotten fruit."

Smiling a bit, Cassandra had her brow furrowed as I jerked my head to the tavern. She slowly followed as we went up inside.

The bard was playing her lute.

"Sera was never an agreeable girl."

A loud cackle rang through the air.

Iron Bull and Krem was with the rest of his Chargers in their spot. Tankards clanking together, but that wasn't out destination. Climbing up the second set of stairs, as we reached the last step it was impossible not to notice the massive hat peering down at everyone.

"Hey Cole."

"I am glad you decided to talk to me."

"It's nice."

Cassandra sat down too.

"Hello Lady Seeker."

She nodded.

"I still don't like that captain."

I frowned, "Captain?"

As I turned to Cassandra, I saw her sharply look away.

"It's nothing."

"It is. ?"

Shrugging, "Ok…so…someone has been leaving peeled plums out. Attracting flies."

Cole shrugs, "The spiders need to eat…"

"And the healers need something to treat infected wounds. Like spiderwebs."

"The plums are already dead. They don't mind helping." As Cole cocked his head slightly, he nodded down at Bull. "He is happy that he can drink again, telling stories, honoring his troops. They help him as he helps them."

"Not using alcohol so much is bound to make him happy."

Cole tilted his head again. Then in a blink he was gone.

"See what I mean Cassandra?"

As the Seeker seemed to shake away the cobwebs before fixing me with a look that stood for a few moments before she sighed.

"Cole…is helping in Skyhold."

"Yup."

I scooted closer to the woman, "Cole…feels pain. He thrives on it, to make things better. When he sees something that he can fix, he just does it; he has prevented countless fights in Skyhold from turning into a bloodbath. I don't want him to leave as he is the best person to keep Skyhold in order while we're gone on this trip."

"So why-" Cassandra began as she pulled herself to her feet "-is it that you just want us to go."

"Lord Luci boy is not just your problem. He is ours. It is because of him that we nearly lost you, it is because of him we lost members of the Inquisition at the Templar Stronghold, as well as the corruption of numerous Templars with Red Lyrium. He needs to be found and stopped; we need to do this."

Cassandra gave me a look before nodding her head.

"If that is the case…tomorrow we spar and I will judge you. If you pass, we go together, if we fail then we bring others."

"Fair enough."

As we exited the tavern, a soldier approached, "Lord Inquisitor. Lady Josephine wishes to talk to you."

I bowed politely to the soldier before turning to Cassandra.

"See you tomorrow."

"Indeed."

She started to walk away.

The wind picked up. Causing her waist cloak to shift in the air.

…damn it.

I marched away. Trying very much to focus on what Josie wants rather than if it's an incredibly soft ass...what would it feel like in my-

DAMN IT!

SNOW!

"…is the Lord Inquisitor alright?"

Read, Have a Great day and God Bless

Review.