Lady Pentaghast slips through the large door of the Ostwick Chantry, glancing around at the building she has entered with great interest. It is much smaller than many of the Chantries she has visited previously with the Divine, but she can see that a lot of love and attention has been put into it and that it appears to be used very regularly by the families that live in Ostwick. She notices the candles that have been lit and dotted around giving the room a warm glow in the otherwise dark, the only other light that fills it comes from the open doors she has stepped through. When she lets her eyes travel to the pews, she is sure she has never seen as many people squashed into one room like this before. Even at breakfast in Skyhold when the Great Hall was full of hungry bellies, you could still find somewhere to perch. The Seeker immediately notices that although there are hundreds of people all trying to find a place to sit in the small amount of wooden seating, it is extremely quiet and there is only a hushed amount of noise from peoples quiet whispering to the person next to them.
The Seeker feels The Commander place a comforting hand on her arm letting her know that he is going to find a seat for himself somewhere close to the back, she looks to him when he motions his head towards the front with a nod and smile.
"Thank you." Cassandra mouths the words to him as quiet as she can when he squeezes her arm again before moving away from her. The Seeker watches him apologise and excuse himself as he weaves through a group of Nobles that are gathered together when she is sure he has found a seat she turns her attention back to finding the Inquisitor.
Lady Pentaghast trails her eyes around the room again taking in the beautiful coloured windows and fabric draperies that hang around them, the high ceiling with the ornate carving and hanging chandeliers. She lets her eyes finally drop to the wooden coffin that has been set at the front for everyone to see, covered in a flag and banner with the Templar insignia displayed proudly. Cassandra notices that flowers have been scattered around Lord Henry's current resting place and a painting of him in his best Templar armour has been placed on top. The Seeker always found death customs so strange in Thedas, even though she had spent a long time away from Nevarra she was used to the traditions of her home. She had lived with her Uncle long enough to find City's of Death the norm. The Chantry found Nevarra's actions strange and frightening, not believing that bodies of the dead should ever be left in tombs or crypts, or walking around like un-dead. They believed as did most of Thedas that a body should be burned as Andraste had been and given to the family.
"Cassandra!" The child's shout draws her attention away from the coffin and to the direction that she hears her name being shouted, The Seeker notices that several people that were previously whispering to each other look up and begin tutting. She ignores their scorn and whispering when she sees Jack running towards her, dodging the crowds that are beginning to push to try and get as close to the front as they can.
"Jack." Cassandra smiles and crouches down when he throws himself at her, wrapping his arms around her in a hug that she gladly receives and returns. The Seeker places her hands on his back wondering how awful this whole experience must be for him. "You look very handsome today. Just like your Uncle." The Seeker whispers when he pulls away from her taking her hands, she sees that he has been dressed in his finest dark clothes and someone has worked very hard to try and keep his unruly dark hair flat against his head.
"Why didn't you come with us?" Jack asks tilting his head to the side with his question; Cassandra gives him a small smile placing her hand on top of his head as she stands. "Uncle Ashton was sad without you." He adds reaching to wrap his arms around her waist again.
"I had something to do, but I'm here now." Lady Pentaghast replies feeling him squeeze her even tighter, whether he was her lover's son or not she was becoming very fond of this boisterous child. The Seeker looks up to see that the Trevelyan family are gathered at the front by the first two pews; she sees that friends and admirers are talking to Lord William and Lady Louisa. All of them desperate to give them their condolences and touch their hands, looking sadly at the grieving wife who sits silently in the pew staring straight ahead.
"Come and sit with us," Jack whispers taking hold of her hand again beginning to drag her down the aisle towards the front, Cassandra begins apologising to people when they accidentally bump shoulders with them finding it hard to move.
Lady Pentaghast lets her eyes settle on Annabelle who now has her head dipped ignoring the people around her. She was, as Cassandra had guessed, dressed in a very large and over the top black dress that drips with jewels and wealth. The Seeker was unsure how she even managed to sit in such an extravagant dress with all its layers and skirts.
Cassandra feels her breath catch in her throat when she finally lays her eyes on her Inquisitor, so glad to see that he has made it to the Chantry and is still with them. She sees that he has already shed his coat and rolled his shirtsleeves up his forearms trying to make himself more comfortable in such a formal situation. Lady Pentaghast watches him stand up from a spot he has sat in on the front pew where he has left his jacket; he walks away from his family when they are all distracted by a group of Templars that have arrived to pay their respects to Henry. The Inquisitor moves to stand in front of his brother's coffin, his eyes looking down at the painting on top as he places his palm against the polished wood. She couldn't imagine the guilt he must have been feeling.
"Ashton.." Cassandra whispers hoping for it to just be loud enough for him to hear as she walks with Jack. The Seeker glances around her again looking at all the different groups of people that are in attendance, she spots people that look to be extended family and friends, groups that look like they are from his days with the Templar's and several more that appear to be important representatives of the Chantry and The Free Marches. Everyone is dressed in their finest armour or dark clothing out of respect for someone these people all clearly adored.
"Uncle Ashton!" Jack mimics Cassandra only being a little bit louder than her whisper, she feels the small boy huff when his Uncle still doesn't hear them. The Seeker watches Lady Annabelle look over her shoulder when she hears Jack's voice, ready to scold him for speaking at all when she has told him to keep his mouth firmly closed. As soon as Annabelle sees Cassandra she turns around again looking cross before moving from her spot on the pew and heading over to Lord Trevelyan.
"Ashton." Cassandra hears Lady Annabelle sob as she throws herself into the Inquisitor's arms dramatically, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him towards her into her embrace.
The Seeker watches her begin crying onto his shoulder when he places his arms gently around her trying to comfort her after her sudden collapse onto him. She sees Anna sniff when he pulls away from her slightly and places his hand on her cheek trying to get her to stop crying, Lady Annabelle rests her hand against the Inquisitors beginning to coo something at him. Cassandra tries to hide her smile when she sees Lord Trevelyan trying to untangle himself from her and motioning for her to return to her seat, suddenly becoming annoyed that even after everything she has done to try and hurt him she was now taking advantage of his kindness and his want to comfort her.
"That is the one from Nevarra" Lady Pentaghast hears someone whisper when she walks past them. "Isn't she the one with the parents that tried to overthrow the king?" She hears another. "Isn't she a Seeker?" Cassandra hears a man whisper to his friend. "She is one of Lord Trevelyan's advisors isn't she?" Lady Pentaghast holds her head higher when she feels everyone's eyes on her when they have spotted her. "I hear she is sharing his bed to gain influence for herself" A woman giggles when she is told this by her friend. "You cannot blame her, Lord Trevelyan is lovely." The young lady hisses back at her friend. The Seeker cringes at their words. "I can't believe he has allowed her to be here." Cassandra feels her shoulders begin to sink. "I hear Ashton will be marrying Lady Annabelle." The Seeker feels a lump forming in her throat and tears threatening to fall as she quickly scoops Jack up so she can walk faster, letting him sit on her hip and wrap his arms around her.
"Cass.." The Seeker hears the Inquisitor's voice when he turns to see her with Jack in her arms looking flustered and upset at their words. "Hey, are you okay?" He asks moving away from Lady Annabelle and rushing towards her, he sidesteps around some nobles that are trying to speak to his parents. Cassandra just gives him a nod, the last thing she wanted to do was add anymore upset to his already troubled mind today. She gives him a light smile when he lets her place, Jack, down on the floor before he draws her against him.
"We are in the Chantry." Lady Pentaghast hisses when she hears Jack laughing at their side watching his favourite Uncle wrap his arms around The Seeker. "You are being inappropriate and they will make you marry Annabelle." Cassandra whispers trying to wriggle away from him and dropping her voice so Jack doesn't hear. She watches the Inquisitor look to his parents who are now watching their son and his lover, they both motion for Jack to come and sit down with them.
"I'm not marrying Annabelle." The Inquisitor chuckles quietly making her roll her eyes; she was merely passing on the whispering messages that she had heard. "I'm marrying you, Seeker." Lord Trevelyan adds smiling when she finally stops trying to move away from him and goes back to ignoring the stares they are receiving. Cassandra sighs and places her hands on his shoulders; she knew they were being too blatant for the Inquisitor and his advisor. "I think the Chantry is as good a place as any to show love for each other, isn't that what Andraste and the Maker would have wanted?" The Inquisitor begins making Cassandra smile and shake her head, he was the worst Andrastian she had ever met she was sure.
"Actually, Andraste.." Lady Pentaghast begins making the Inquisitor laugh again and lower his head to kiss her silencing her lecture on all of the ways that he probably shouldn't be kissing her in front of everyone.
"Come and sit with me, Lady Pentaghast." Lord Trevelyan whispers when he breaks his mouth from hers. The Seeker just nods hearing the muttering from the other attendees getting louder at the scene playing out in front of them. Well done, Lord Inquisitor for your wonderful use of subtlety.
Cassandra lets him take hold of her hand as he brings it up to his mouth pressing a kiss there when he lets his eyes fix on hers, she drops her own from his gaze suddenly feeling exposed to all of the people around them.
"I'm so sorry for his bad behaviour." Lady Pentaghast leans towards Lord and Lady Trevelyan whispering to them her apologises, they both give her a reassuring smile and shake their heads. "He is usually much better behaved than this." Cassandra adds letting the Inquisitor direct her into the wooden pew behind his parents.
"I don't believe my son has ever been well behaved." Lord William Trevelyan chuckles turning to face his son and Cassandra, he reaches his hand over the back of his seat to reach for her hand which she gives him. "Never one for protocol or subtlety," William adds squeezing her hand in a warm greeting.
"He loves you," Lady Trevelyan nods, turning in her seat too to place her hand on the Inquisitor. "I think it's lovely. Let them talk, they are just jealous that you have found love with each other and aren't being forced together." Louisa smiles when she looks to Cassandra. "We are so sorry you weren't with us, Cassandra." Lady Trevelyan adds with a sad nod, Lady Pentaghast leans forward to hug his Mother best she can over the back of the pew. "We know Ashton needs you with him, right now." She sighs.
"I understand." Lady Pentaghast gives her a reassuring look when they part. "I wanted to be with you all, but I understand." She says again glancing to the Inquisitor. "Soon I will be with you in body and name." Cassandra smiles when she sees his parents nod enthusiastically. "When he makes an honest woman out of me." Cassandra giggles lightly when she sees the Inquisitor smirk.
"We look forward to that day." William smiles again patting his son on the arm before turning back in his seat. Cassandra tries to hide her smile when she sees Lord Trevelyan start telling Lady Trevelyan that she should turn around now and stop bothering them. Lady Trevelyan turns to whisper something to her husband making him go quiet, Cassandra couldn't wait to be older with her love and be like this.
"You are already part of our family and I love you both dearly." Lady Trevelyan adds placing her hand briefly on Cassandra's cheek before turning in her seat, back to look straight ahead of her. The Seeker feels the Inquisitor shuffle closer to her on the pew and lifts his arm to rest around her shoulders, along the top of the wooden back. She watches Lady Annabelle take her seat again, taking hold of a sleeping Elliot as he is passed to her.
"Are they okay?" Cassandra whispers quietly to the Inquisitor when she leans into his body, letting him place his hand on her shoulder. She feels him press his mouth against her hair as he just replies with a positive hmm. "I think we should stay for a few more days to make sure." Lady Pentaghast whispers hoping that his parents down hear her talking about them.
"Don't you want to go home?" He whispers resting his chin against the top of her head, Cassandra nods and smiles. She couldn't wait to get home to Skyhold, to see their friends and she had to admit, get back out there and stretch her legs.
"But home will still be there." Lady Pentaghast replies moving to place her hand on his thigh. "I think we both need some time and I think you need to be here with them for a little while longer," Cassandra adds when she removes herself from beneath his head and sits up straighter so she can look around them. The Seeker lets her eyes travel over the faces of the people that are mostly now judging her quietly hoping she would set eyes on the person she needed to help her. Lady Pentaghast spots Cullen at the back who nods his head to her, giving her a questioning look as to who she is trying to find in the crowd.
"Who are you looking for?" The Inquisitor hisses looking around them too before leaning towards her. "Lady Pentaghast.." Lord Trevelyan sighs when she finally diverts her eyes back to him, she shrugs before leaning into his shoulder again letting him return his arm around her.
"No one." Cassandra smiles at him and places her hand on his knee again trying to distract him from his questioning, he moves his hand over hers linking his fingers through her own.
She watches him glance over his shoulder when the Chantry Brothers begin closing the door, stopping anyone else from entering during the proceedings. Cassandra watches the flames above their heads on the candles flicker when the doors are slammed shut, making the whole place much darker than she would have liked. The Seeker looks to the Inquisitor again who sets his eyes straight ahead of him, feeling him tense at her side now that they have closed the doors and his fight or flight appears to be wanting to kick in.
"Sit down." Lady Pentaghast hears Lady Annabelle snap at her eldest son again when he looks over his shoulder trying to locate the noise of the doors and what is happening for it to suddenly be so dark.
"Would you like to sit with us, Jack?" Lady Pentaghast whispers leaning forward and holding her arms out to him, she watches the boy glance to his mother and then to his grandparents wondering if he was about to be on the receiving end of a telling off. He begins nodding and Cassandra knows that she might be stepping out of line for even suggesting he leave the front row.
"He is fine where he is." Lady Annabelle snaps at Cassandra pulling her son back into his seat. "Do not show me up today." She hisses at him when Cassandra feels Lord Trevelyan stand up from his seat, he leans forward placing his hands underneath Jack's arms lifting him up and over the back of the pew. Lady Pentaghast smiles to herself when she sees The Inquisitor turn the boy to face him drawing him close to his body as he sits down again with his Nephew on his lap.
"Don't speak to him that way." Lord Trevelyan huffs as he lets Jack wriggle into the space next to him ignoring the glare that Lady Annabelle is directing his way. Louisa looks over at her shoulder at her Grandson giving him a smile; Jack was such a good boy.
The Seeker watches the Inquisitor bring his finger to his lips, gently instructing Jack that he had to remain quiet now. Cassandra watches Lord Trevelyan wrap his arm around his Nephew, stroking his hair trying to bring him comfort on a day he feels he is responsible for.
"We are all gathered today to mourn the great loss of our Lord Henry William Trevelyan the second.." The Reverend Mother begins as she moves to stand at the front of the Chantry, raising her voice so the people at the back can hear and so that those that are whispering go quiet. "A former Templar and faithful servant of the Maker." She continues looking around at the people gathered in front of her. "A key member of our community here in Ostwick." The Mother adds with a nod of her head, she places her hand on the coffin as The Inquisitor had done. "A loving Son of Lord and Lady Trevelyan, a Brother to Ashton, and a dedicated Husband and Father to Annabelle and their boys Jack and Elliot." She sighs looking across at his family.
Cassandra places her hand on the Inquisitor's arm when she feels his shoulders slump at her words; she strokes her palms against his skin trying to offer him some silent comfort. He places his hand over hers quickly looking to her. No mention of Daniel, he had been removed from the family. The Seeker feels a tight knot begin in her stomach when she realises what she has done could cause a lot of pain to those that she loves.
"Today we will return Henry's body to the Maker as Andraste was when we allow the fire to release his soul to them both." She watches Jack bury his head into his Uncles side having to listen to what they intend to do to his Father. Lady Pentaghast watches Lord Trevelyan drop his head slightly when he feels that all eyes have been turned towards the Trevelyan family.
Lady Pentaghast watches as his mother drops her head with a sob, his brave Father wrapping his arm around her as she begins crying into his shoulder. She glances as her Inquisitor again who looks distressed that his mother is crying in front of him, he sets his sad eyes straight ahead of him again trying to put his own brave face on. The Inquisitor moves his hand to rest on her thigh, the warmth of his skin giving her some comfort too.
"We have family and friends that have travelled from far away to be here today. As well as those that knew Lord Trevelyan from the time that he spent with the Order serving the Chantry and protecting us from the evil of both man and other world. All of us will have different memories of Henry, but all of us will be able to agree on one thing and that is that he was truly a wonderful man." The Reverend Mother smiles at Lord and Lady Trevelyan. Cassandra sighs to herself, she wasn't sure she believed Henry to be a good man anymore. The more she learnt about him, the more she was sure he had done lots of very bad things and managed to get away with them. But Ashton loved him and so did his family.
"He was well-loved by all those that knew him and respected by all of those that he commanded. He worked tirelessly for the cause and to build a life for himself and his family here in the place that he was born. From the day Henry was born to the Trevelyan household we knew he was set to do great things and become something great, a great man." The Mother continues pausing when the large doors at the back of the Chantry are pushed open.
The moment the Reverend Mother ends on telling those gathered that Lord Henry was a great man, Cassandra's ears prick up when she hears the quiet thud of the Chantry doors closing. The tight knot in her stomach suddenly feels like it has made its way to her chest and is currently battling to break free from within her. She hears mumbling and quiet nervous chatter behind her when she realises whoever has just walked through the door, late to the funeral, is causing quite a commotion. The Seeker feels her Inquisitor fidget at her side, obviously bothered by the noise behind him when he is trying to pay attention to the service.
"It's Daniel." Cassandra hears a woman a few pews behind her hiss to her friend. The Seeker sinks in her seat hearing these words, suddenly feeling faint. He had received her letter and he was right there in the Chantry in Ostwick, interrupting his Brother's funeral and walking so blatantly down the aisle towards a family that had disowned him. The Inquisitor sits bolt upright in his seat when he hears his Brother's name being mentioned.
"Daniel." Lady Pentaghast hears The Inquisitor mumble as if he has a nasty taste in his mouth, she feels him look over his shoulder as she tries to avoid looking at him. She feels his whole body tightening when he sets eyes on the black sheep of the family, the dirty secret; the Blood Mage. Cassandra glances at Lord Trevelyan who is now climbing to his feet.
"Sit down, Little Brother." Daniel Trevelyan sighs when he reaches the front two pews, he places his hand on the Inquisitor's shoulder trying to push him back down into his seat. Cassandra sees Lord and Lady Trevelyan turn in surprise hearing the voice of the son they haven't seen for years. This was all her fault, it was all about to implode within the walls and it was her doing. She sees the horror on his parent's faces and realises that she had made the wrong decision.
"Daniel." The Inquisitor growls shoving his brother's hand away from him aggressively as he stands to his full height. "Get out." Lord Trevelyan adds through gritted teeth when he watches Daniel look sadly at his parents who turn away from him and go back to staring straight ahead.
"Do not make a scene, Ashton." Daniel replies with a sigh finally looking down at Cassandra who shrinks further into her seat under his gaze, she feels the piercing blue eyes rest on her when she looks at him. He was every bit as beautiful as the picture she had seen of him. His features were fine and angular, his hair was the brightest blonde she had ever seen and his smile reminded her of her lovers; full of cheekiness but with a hint of worry. She reaches her hand to place on Lord Trevelyan's back trying to get him to sit down again.
"Sit down and let the Dear Reverend Mother finish what she was saying." He adds with a smile which only makes the Inquisitor huff further and being squeezing his hands into fists at his side.
"Ash.." Cassandra begins feeling him fuming at her side like he is ready to throw himself out of the pew and throttle his brother at any moment. She glances to his parents again seeing that his mother is sobbing having seen Daniel and that everyone is whispering and chatting excitedly about what is happening. Cassandra can hear 'Blood Mage' and 'Murderer' more than she wanted to.
"I came to pay my respects to my Brother," Daniel adds as he turns to the rest of the people gathered there. "Yes, I am Daniel Trevelyan. I'm so glad my name proceeds me. Yes everything you've heard about me is true.." He sighs making them all whisper even more loudly. "I wanted to say goodbye to your beloved Henry." He lowers his voice as he smirks.
"Do not touch him." The Inquisitor shouts raising his voice trying to get out of the pew that he is stood but Cassandra blocks his way, the last thing they needed was a fight to break out in the Chantry. The Seeker sighs with relief when she sees the Commander coming to their aid, he places his hands on the Inquisitor's shoulders trying to block him in too.
"Henry.." Daniel begins as he approaches the coffin. "Brother.." He adds as he shakes his hair, his blonde locks falling around his face when he bends his head forward. "May the Maker meet you and judge you for the sins you that you have committed in this world. For you have yet to pay for the atrocities that you committed against your own blood, my Brother. All things in this world are finite, what one man gains, another has lost. Those who steal from their brothers and sisters, do harm to their livelihood and to their peace of mind." Daniel speaks the brief chant as he places his hand on the coffin. "Our Maker sees this with a heavy heart. I pray the Maker forgives you, for I cannot." Daniel nods as he removes his palm.
"Get out!" The Inquisitor shouts again, struggling against Cullen who uses his body weight to keep Lord Trevelyan where he is. "You have no right to be here! This has nothing to do with you!" He yells trying to struggle out of the Commander's hold.
The Seeker watches as Daniel just shakes his head, he looks to his parents again seeing that they are trying to ignore that he is even there. He tugs his leather coat around him as he approaches the pews that the family are sat in, Cassandra feels his eyes on her once more.
"No one invited you." Lord Trevelyan snaps as he lunges at Daniel making the Mage laugh at his younger brothers actions. Cassandra looks to the Inquisitor knowing that this anger is mainly put may also have something to do with the vial. Daniel laughs again which only adds to his fury, the Inquisitor begins swinging his arms in his brother's direction.
"You are wrong, Inquisitor". Daniel spits the title out as if it is venom on his tongue. "Your beautiful Lady Pentaghast invited me." He adds before he turns on his heels and storms out of the Chantry as quickly as he had entered.