Victoria followed closely behind her mother as the two descended down the grand staircase of their Ostwick estate. The matriarch moved down the steps with incredible speed, causing Victoria to stumble behind her. She had an ability to maintain an impossible level of gracefulness, no matter the situation. Victoria supposed it was the result of a lifetime of training in the ways of nobility. It was skill that Victoria had failed to learn, much to her mother's chagrin. She had once so helpfully compared her daughter's stride to that of 'one of those brutish Ferelden mercenaries.'
"There's no point in arguing further, daughter." Her mother snapped with the detached tone that Victoria had grown used too. She had grown tired of this argument too, but refused to capitulate to her mother's ridiculous attitude. She turned on her heel and marched down the hallway once she reached the bottom of the stairs. "House Trevelyan cannot be allowed to go unrepresented at one of the largest diplomatic gatherings of the last age! I will not leave your aunt to carry that burden herself." The older of the two pushed open the double doors and stepped into the courtyard of the estate. They marched past the decorative shrubbery and flowers as they continued squabble. "It's time you and your brother take on some of the responsibilities you were born unto."
"We shouldn't be there at all! When this war started you and father agreed that we would stay neutral. If we appear at the Conclave at show even a glimmer of support for either side, we immediately become a target!" Victoria makes the mistake of reaching for her mothers arm. As soon as her hand touches the sleeve of her mother's gown, she jerks away from her daughter.
"Enough! This abhorrent behavior is not going to convince me. In fact, I'm done talking about this! The carriage to Haven leaves in two hours and you will be on it, willing or not! Now stop wasting my time and-!" Victoria had the horrible urge to break the pointed finger her mother held dangerously close to her daughter's nose.
"Gianna! That's enough," Victoria turned and caught sight of her father, she felt the tension in the courtyard relieve as he made his way to the two women in his life. She had always felt closer to his father, simply due to the fact that he spoke to her as if she was an adult, rather then a burden. "I think our dear daughter understands why this errand is necessary."
"But-" Gianna started, but swallowed her words and sighed. "Fine, I'll be in the drawing room. Daughter," Gianna turned to face Victoria, her stone-face refusing to betray the fury both Victoria and her father knew enveloped her. "I'll see you once you return. I expect you to represent our House honorably." With that, she departed the courtyard and stormed into the manor.
"You know she's going to make you pay dearly for that." Victoria turned to her father, who simply smirked and waved his hand as if to dismiss her concerns. "She never likes when you undermine her authority in front of her subordinates, or children as you call us."
"She'll be fine," Her father insisted, "but I do agree with her. The Conclave is an opportunity for you and Gregory to make an impression on some of the celebrated houses in Thedas and some powerful figures in the Chantry." Victoria walked beside her father slowly towards the house. His calmer manner of explanation soothed her slightly. Even if they still didn't agree, at least the two of them could have a discussion instead of bicker. "Besides, some time around the Divine will do both of you some good. You don't recite the chant of light nearly as often as you're mother would like."
"I don't do a lot of the things to the degree my mother would like. And you should know very well that I'm arguably the most pious of your children, even Leo lacks the innocence children his age usually possess." Victoria smirked.
Despite the levity between her and her father, her mind still focused on her original point. "But you at least understand that this is dangerous? I wish you'd let me take my daggers with me, I'd have some peace of mind then."
Her father sighed. "As much as I detest most of the aesthetics nobility requires, you can't just openly wield your weapons at a gathering such as this. Wouldn't wan't you confused for a templar." He noticed her daughters downcast expression and cleared his throat. "If you're really worried, I've already asked Ser Ingram to escort and accompany you two in Haven. He won't let anything happen to either of you."
Victoria sighed, contemplating her father's terms. Ingram was one of her father's best guardsmen, the man could easily hold his own against templars, mages, bandits, practically anything. If he was going with them... "Fine." She relented. "I'll go see to my things." She briefly embraced her father before marching back inside.
She climbed back up the stairs and made her way to her bedroom. Opening the door, she was greeted by the sight of one of her families servants, Helena. She jumped slightly at the sudden intrusion, but swiftly collected herself. "My lady, I've packed your things as your mother instructed," She motioned to the trio of large trunks that each no doubt contained a dozen gowns, minimum. Victoria smiled gratefully, Helena continued, "She also asked me to deliver this." She pulled out an envelope and held it out to her charge.
"She said it was a list of topics and mannerisms to..." The woman hesitated, "avoid, when speaking with the Chantry and those of elevated status."
"Ah." Victoria clicked her tongue, of course her mother would such a thing. 'Simply making sure you don't embarrass yourself, or even worse me' she could imagine her saying. "Would you do me a favor Helena? Throw that in the fireplace, would you kindly."
Helena smiled and stowed the envelope away in her pocket. "As you say, my lady. I'll have someone bring these to the carriage momentarily. Enjoy your trip." With that, she retreated out of the room and presumably to the servant's quarters. Victoria sighed and walked to the window, overlooking the Ostwick wilderness. She had become lost in thought by the time the door opened. She turned to see her older brother entering with his usual stride.
"How did it go?" He asked, his tone betraying the innocence behind the question, of course he knew it hadn't gone well.
"What? You mean my discussion with the witch of the wilds?" She smirked as her brother bit back a chuckle at the nickname the two branded their mother with. "I'll have you know it went quite well. She only screamed at me."
"At least she didn't use her hidden demon magic on you." Victoria threw a questioning gaze his way, "What? Of course she's a blood mage. How else she get our father to marry her?" The two laughed at their mother's expense, when a second intruder to her room appeared in the doorway. A sharp "Ahem" silenced their giggling, and Ingram stepped further inside.
"Excuse my intrusion, my lady. But the carriages are ready and your parents have requested we depart as soon as possible." He spoke with the authoritative tone one would expect from a templar. Ingram had no history with the order as far as she knew, but it wouldn't have surprised her.
"Thank you, Ingram. We'll be down momentarily." Victoria assured him.
"Actually," He cleared his throat and shifted his feet slightly. "You're mother asked me to personally bring see that you board the carriage."
She sighed and shared a glance with Gregory. "Of course she did." She started towards the door as Ingram stepped aside. The trio left the room as Victoria clenched her fists, "Of course, she has me treated like a prisoner simply because I questioned her impeccable judgement."
"My lady," Ingram started, "You know I harbor no disrespect for you, I simply-"
"I know Ser Ingram. You're simply doing your job."
Ingram followed closely behind the siblings as they made their way to the gates separating their estate from the rest of Ostwick. Two carriages were set and ready to depart, one full to the brim with luggage. The other would be carrying them to the docks where they'd be taken across the waking sea. Her father turned from the carriages as his children approached.
"Gregory, I trust you'll do House Trevelyan proud." He placed a hand on his son's shoulder, "I'll see you when you return."
"Until I return, Father." Gregory gave his farewell and boarded the carriage. Victoria straightened her posture as her father turned to her.
"Everything will be alright Victoria," Her father reassured, sensing her remaining apprehension. He embraced her in a manner uncharacteristic of a noble parent.
"Goodbye father." Victoria choked out. She separated from her father and climbed into the carriage. She looked outside as her father briefed Ser Ingram. She felt her brother nudge her shoulder behind her.
"Don't look so glum, sister." He said.
"We're going to be spending the next two weeks surrounded my murderous templars and mages, stuffy Orlesian and Ferelden Nobles, and condescending Chantry staff." Victoria sighed, "And we get to share a roof with our Aunt, so we don't even get a break from mother. It's just her with a chantry cleric uniform."
"Oh, no need to worry about that." Gregory smirked. He pulled his personal knapsack to his lap as Victoria eyed him curiously. He pulled it open to show a change of clothes for both of them. An unflattering green jacket, black pants and some loose bits of armor. Something a noble daughter wouldn't be caught dead in. Victoria failed to catch her brothers meaning, she looked at him raising her eyebrows quizzically.
"I've brought enough coin to get a room at the tavern in Haven. We'll be able to sneak off from the Conclave once we change into this." He explained. Victoria sighed but slightly chuckled at her brothers plan.
"We can't sneak off to an Inn, Gregory!" Victoria chided him. "Ser Ingram an Aunt Jeanette will have our guts for Druffalo feed if we sneak off!"
"Oh come on! You actually want to stick around in that dark temple? Listen to those idiots argue?"
"You know I don't but-" Their conversation was cut short as Ingram boarded and sat in front of the two.
"I've gotten the itinerary." He held up a paper, covered in locations and times. "We'll get to the port by sundown and board a ship to.." Victoria felt his words fade away as the carriage began to move . She looked outside and waved to her father as they drew further and further away. Eventually the estate was out of sight. She felt an odd wave of melancholy wash over her, as if she had just left home for the last time. She pushed the intrusive and depressing thoughts from her mind as she leaned against the door and attempted to sleep through the ride.
Just as Victoria suspected, they were only in the first hour of the Conclave and the tension had nearly reached a breaking point. The presence of the Qunari mercenary group seemed to be the only thing staying either side from drawing their weapons. Victoria questioned why the Chantry would hire Qunari in particular, given their teachings about the horned race of Par Vollen. They must be truly desperate.
"Adaar," She heard one of the gruff voices say, "Another group of Chantry clerics have arrived, go with Ozkaner and escort them inside." Two of the Qunari stepped up from their seats and exited the main chamber of the temple. Victoria watched them as they left, Gregory glanced at his sister from his position beside her.
Giving her a slight tap to gain her attention, he motioned to the bag that held their common clothes. "Come on," he urged "We're of no use to these negotiations, nobody will miss us if we slip away." Victoria considered it, Ser Ingram was still in Haven. He had said he'd be examining their quarters, but he could return to the temple any moment and find them gone. Or even worse, they could meet him on the way into the village.
Aunt Jeanette seemed much to involved in the arguments between Chantry staff to notice her niece and nephew, she barely acknowledged their arrival telling them simply "Hello, sit over there and greet the nobility. Represent us your family well." She took an awful amount of pride in a name that she didn't even share, Victoria knew that she simply wanted as many advantages in the Chantry as possible.
Victoria sighed. "Fine," She relented. Gregory smiled as he lead her away from the main chamber, down a hallway, before he stopped outside a lone door. He reached for the handle and cautiously opened the door. He peaked inside for a moment before turning back to his sister.
"It's empty, here," he shoved the knapsack into her hands. "You change first, I'll keep watch for any nosy clerics." Victoria didn't even have a chance to respond as he pushed her inside. She cursed her immature brother as she opened the bag, she slowly shed her refined clothing and swapped it for the uncomplimentary rags. Once she finished, she slipped back outside and wordlessly passed the bag to her brother.
He took her place inside the dark room. She paced outside the door, watching the empty hallway for any servants, mages, templars or clerics. This escapade her brother planned had her nerves on edge, if her parents learned of this she would never be trusted alone again. Her nerves were already about to burst when she heard an echo from deeper inside the temple. She jumped at the sudden break in silence, "Gregory! Was that you?" She whispered through the door.
"What? I haven't said a thing." She heard muffled through the door, she looked down the opposite way from where they came. She could hear the sound clearer now, it was a voice.
"Now is the hour of our victory..."
The voice had a horrible hair-raising quality to it, she felt every instinct in her brain command her to grab her brother and flee. But something inside her told her different, almost as if she was being coerced by someone.
"Someone! Help me!" This voice was far more human, and sounded terrified. Victoria couldn't run in good conscience.
"Gregory! I think somebody's in danger!" She said as loudly as she could, her voice reduced to a dull shrill by her paralyzing fear. "I..." She gulped as she surrendered to the more courageous voice in her mind, "I'm going to go see what's happening." She whispered.
"What?!" Gregory yelled, "No! Don't go off on your own, wait for me! Victoria?!" Gregory yelled, but his sister was not there to hear. She had already started down the hall, legs shaking with every step.
"Keep the sacrifice still."
That disturbing echo again, louder then ever. She reached a pair of doors, the voices had been joined by the sound of multiple spells at work, like a dull wind over a calm body of water.
She gathered her strength, and threw the doors open. "What's going on here?!" She announced her entrance with a yell, before she fully took in the sight before her...
Divine Justinia, seemingly floating. Trapped in some type of magical barrier.
She followed the magic to its source, a group of mages donned in Grey Warden armor.
And commanding them, the most terrifying sight she'd ever seen. She had no idea what it was or how to describe it, the things stood double her height and had a face so horribly grotesque that it would surely haunt her forever.
"Run while you can! Warn them!"
"We have an intruder! Kill her now!" The thing commanded.
The next moments happened in such a blur, Victoria acting on pure instinct and adrenaline, her memories became dark and her body felt as if it was engulfed in flames. Before the loudest sound she could imagine assaulted her ears as the room dissolved in a fire of blinding light.
Something was wrong, this place is wrong. All is darkness and fog, all she could feel was fear.
She turned, and saw her.
A feminine figure bathed in light, beckoning her with an outstretched hand. Victoria followed, her movements numb.
As she approached the tower on which the light stood, she sensed a presence behind her. Multiple presences, she turned to see a dozen spider making their way to her with swift movements. She climbed with renewed energy, desperate to escape whatever fate the nightmarish creatures intended for her.
She was close now, her savior mere feet away. She felt her attackers close at her heels, she reached out to meet the light's hand, desperate for the help of whatever this woman was. She grazed her fingertips as her vision clouded once again.
She fell to the rough ground, coughing up blood as she crawled over ash and gore and... something else, bright red and glowing with life. She collapsed as three soldiers with swords drawn came into her vision, they approached her cautiously.
"Tell the Seeker and Sister Nightingale that we've found somebody alive! They just stepped out of a bloody rift!" One of the soldiers yelled.
"Where's the other one?" His comrade yelled.
He turned to him, "You saw someone else with her?" He swiveled his head, nothing but corpses.
"I could've sworn I saw another woman behind her..."
The two of them reached to grab her before spotting a bright flash on her hand. They backed away suddenly.
"Andraste's tits! What kind of magic is that?" The soldier asked.
"I'm willing to bet it's the same sort that cause this in the first place." A nevarran accent sounded from behind them. They turned, Seeker Cassandra stepped through the debris, accompanied by a group of their fellow soldiers. They saluted as she stomped past them, standing over Victoria. "Bind her and take her back to Haven. Leliana and I will question her once she awakens. If she did cause this, I'll kill her myself."