Alistair kicked himself off the column that he was leaning against when he saw Cullen and Solona walking across the courtyard from the other side. Solona had her arm wrapped around the commander's arm as he escorted her to where Evelyn stood. His eyes watched as she ran her hands down her tunic to the hem and tugged it down. Her soft features quickly hardened the closer they came to her.
Turning around, Evelyn found herself face to face with the legendary Hero of Ferelden. The mage was dressed eloquently in a black and red gown with her arm wrapped around Cullen's as they approached. Her eyes shifted from the mage to the commander, his amber eyes refused to meet hers as she stared at him. The tightness in her chest was that of jealousy and heartbreak. The decision to distance herself had not been an easy one but she knew it was the right one.
"Inquisitor Trevelyan, it's a pleasure to meet you finally," Solona said as she released her arm from Cullen's to take her dress in hand to bow slightly. "I've heard so many good things about you."
"I bet you have," Evelyn thought. She nodded in the direction of the other woman. "It is a good to meet you, Warden-Commander. It was quite a surprise when I discovered you were here last night considering no one seems to know where you've been for nearly a year."
Solona stood in front of the other woman, quietly staring at her. It felt like an eternity to Alistair who watched from behind them, watching. He could see Cullen tense up as the two women looked like they were sizing each other up for a fight.
"Oh…this could be interesting," Alistair thought, a smile curling his lips.
His sovereigns were on Evelyn even though he had never seen her battle or train. But he knew Solona. His fellow Warden was good, she was a powerful mage. Solona's weakness had always been direct one-on-one fighting. She was better with barriers, long range attacks. If someone was able to break through to get her physically, Solona could not hold her own. That was why she always kept Zevran next to her when they fought.
He knew that Solona had years of practice, to hone her skills since the end of the Blight. There was a chance that Solona could hold her own against the warrior but he still felt that Evelyn would win. Especially seeing the control that she had right now from punching the mage.
His eyes moved over to Cullen, watching him as well. The Inquisition Commander was on edge as he watched the two women size each other up.
"I've been busy," Solona finally spoke. "Warden business and all."
Evelyn nodded as she folded her arms across her chest. "So busy that you didn't notice what was happening to your fellow Wardens? I'm assuming that your role of Warden-Commander is to keep up to date with what is happening with those you're in charge of or what your organization is doing."
Solona's lip quivered as she held back the sneer that she wanted to give the woman.
"Must have hit a nerve," Evelyn thought to herself as she watched the mage shift slightly. She knew not to give any ground between them and continued before the Warden was able to speak.
"The Inquisition is gathering information prior to our move on Adamant. Considering your position, I would assume you would be helpful to our cause to investigate the allegiance between the Wardens and Venatori."
Taking a step forward, Solona brought herself closer to the other woman. "There is no allegiance."
"That you're aware of." Evelyn tilted her head slightly to look down at the other woman. "It's been reported that you are currently not working with the Wardens in your official capacity at the moment. That you have your own agenda."
"And where have you received those reports from?" Solona questioned.
A smirk curled Evelyn's lips as she looked into the lilac eyes of the mage. "I have more than one spymaster, Warden-Commander. The Inquisition isn't some backwater, hiding in a cave bunch of rogues and mercenaries. I may look stupid but I'm far from it."
Cullen's brows lifted as his eyes bounced back and forth between the women. Allowing them to come to blows was not going to help.
"No one considers you that, Inquisitor," Cullen said as he moved closer. "The Warden is just being cautious of what information she is able to provide."
Alistair's expression soured. He knew Solona better than anyone else there. Cullen knew her from the confines of Kinloch Hold but spending days and nights with someone you learn a lot about them. "Just tell her what they need to know, Solona. We're all here trying to help the Wardens and find out what's happening to them."
Solona's head snapped to Alistair's direction, her eyes narrowing. "You know how the Warden's operate. We don't get involved with politics and we definitely don't discuss Warden business with outsiders."
He shook his head, folding his arms across his chest. "And I've already told you that people's lives are in danger if we don't get involved and get help."
Rubbing his eyes, Cullen sighed. "Enough. Everyone please." Three pairs of eyes turned to look at him. Clearing his throat, Cullen continued. "For the sake of both the Inquisition and the Wardens, not to mention all of Thedas, I think it's time we collaborate and work together."
Evelyn closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath. She was beginning to regret her decision to go through with this. She knew that the Inquisition needed the information that only the Warden-commander could provide but they have walked into situations with less information.
"Time to man up, Eve," Evelyn could hear her brother tell her. Pinching the bridge of her nose, she tried to push back the headache that was coming. She did not have enough alcohol in her system right now to be the bitch that she can be. "Nice Evelyn it is." Dropping her arms to her sides, she tugged at the hem of her tunic and nodded.
"Any information that you can provide us about what Clarel and Erimond is doing in the Western Approach will assist us in hopefully saving the reputation of the Grey Wardens as well as saving the lives of the Wardens and all of Thedas."
Solona stared up at the woman to find her expressionless. The warrior was standing still, unmoving as she stared down at her. "So be it," Solona said as she stepped back from where she stood. "I will give you the information that I know regarding this and nothing else."
Tilting his head to his side, Alistair scratched his temple. She was always good at playing both sides of the fence. When it suited her, Solona would talk about anything and everything if it got her what she wanted. Since she was not getting out of this exchange then the mage was going to be obstinate. He had not been in touch with the Wardens since taking the throne, but he still had resources that kept him appraised of rumors and hearsay. It was always good to know what was happening across Thedas with all organizations like the Wardens or the Inquisition.
"Clarel sent word to me to report to Adamant. She was recalling all Wardens that were not assigned to areas to report for what she called new assignments," Solona began as she picked up her skirt and began to move away from the other woman. She turned away and looked up at the evening sky. "The missive was vague, not the usual correspondence." Lowering her head, she smoothed her gloved hands over her bare arms. "Cullen last night had told me what Stroud provide you during your meetings with him. About the Calling."
Evelyn's eyes moved briefly away from the woman to meet Cullen's eyes. His amber eyes met hers for a moment before turning his gaze elsewhere. It was not the time and place to deal with her emotions right now. Selfishness was not part of her duties as Inquisitor.
"Stroud informed us that Wardens across Thedas, especially those that were in Orlais were experiencing the beckoning that you feel." Evelyn raised a hand to brush back a lock of hair to tuck it behind her ear. "As for Erimond. I spoke with him and saw what he was doing."
"And just what do you think you saw or heard?" Solona questioned, still keeping her eyes focused on the stars.
"That the Wardens fear the Calling. That they are willing to kill their own to bind themselves with demons for the intentions of traveling into the Deep Roads to go after the old gods."
Solona had been good at masking her distaste in speaking with the woman until now. She turned on her heels to face Evelyn. "The Wardens would never do such a thing. They couldn't know what would happen if they attempted such a foolish attack."
"But they are," Evelyn said. "I know what I saw and what I heard. I watched mages kill their own to bind themselves to demons. They were lifeless vessels to Erimond. The Wardens are working with the Venatori."
The mage looked back over her shoulder to look at Cullen. Even though he had told her this she was still in disbelief. The Wardens would never do such a thing especially after the warning she gave the leaders in Weisshaupt after confronting the Architect and the Brood Mother.
"As much as I would like to believe that the Wardens would not fall under the corruption of Corypheus or to work with them, I have to go with the evidence that I have on hand. That evidence is leading me to the Wardens betraying their cause and has doomed Thedas to whatever Corypheus is planning."
Alistair and Cullen both took an active position as they watched Solona bring herself closer to the other woman. The smell of magic heavy in the air as she opened the Veil. Evelyn remained still, she could feel it in her body, deep in her core. She had not fully trained to be a Templar but she knew enough.
"The Wardens wouldn't do that," Solona hissed. "That is not our mission."
"Their current mission is to eradicate the Calling. To rid themselves of the old gods, Warden-commander," Evelyn said, staring back down at the other woman.
Solona turned to look over the other woman's shoulder at Alistair. His expression was soured, fearful at what was being said. His jaw slacked as if to say something but stopped himself. He knew that desperate people do desperate things when they are faced with circumstances, they have no control over. Solona was doing just that in her search to rid themselves of the taint. Clarel and the other Wardens in the Western Approach were just doing it a vastly different and very lethal way.
"Dire times, Solona," Alistair said. "Apparently some of us are dealing with it much different than you or I would." He stepped closer to where the two women stood. "Is there anything you know that might help them? Our brothers and sisters?"
Pursing her lips, Solona turned back to the woman and took a step back. Her magic receding until the sent of the Fade was gone. "I don't know what they're doing for sure. But I do know that binding themselves and going into the Deep Roads is not going to accomplish what they want." She held up her palm to stop anyone from inquiring any further. "Whatever their doing they must not have control over themselves. The Venatori must be corrupting their minds with this false Calling."
"Maybe so, but we can not let it continue," Evelyn said. "My forces will be at Adamant and will do whatever is necessary to stop them. With or without your assistance, Warden Amell."
The mage's eyes met with Cullen's as he stared at her. There was so much in those amber eyes that Solona could not tell one unspoken question or another. Clenching her jaw, she shook her head. "I can not assist you. Just being here has prevented me from finishing the duties that I have right now."
"Very well," Evelyn said as she turned around and walked away.
She had made it up to where Alistair stood until Cullen called out.
"Inquisitor, please," Cullen said.
Evelyn stopped when she stood to Alistair's side. Her eyes focused on the door leading back inside the castle. She was not going to say anything or do anything. He was the one that called out to her first.
"The Warden-Commander is on a mission of importance that she cannot stray from," he said.
Alistair was now curious just how much Solona did tell Cullen about what she was doing. Taking a deep breath, he turned to look at Evelyn. "He's telling the truth," he said, his voice low. "This is important."
Her eyes moved to look at him as her body remained still. "Alistair?"
His head nodded as he looked at her. "Trust me on this one."
Turning back around, Evelyn found Cullen draping his cloak over the mage's shoulders. The Commander met her eyes once again, this time not turning away. He could see the pain in those emerald eyes that bore into him.
"What a mess you've made, Cullen," he thought to himself.
Solona was wrapping herself in the cloak for warmth. She had underestimated how cold it was going to be out there when she had wished she had worn something warmer than this gown. "I can send out word to Wardens that may be able to help you, however, I will also tell them they will go at a great cost. If this is truly as you think it is then any uncorrupted Warden should not go to Western Approach. It will be a decision they must take on their own."
"I'll offer you help but I won't ask them to help," Evelyn thought as just nodded her head. "I can burn down any bridges that I may build between the Inquisition if I tell her what I think or I can just turn and walk away and hope for the best."
"Thank you, Warden-Commander. Any assistance is appreciated."
Cullen blew out a heavy breath. His eyes had been focused on the left hand of the Inquisitor that was glowing beneath the glove she wore. He had seen the anger in her eyes, the way she held herself as she stared at them. This was the anger that was buried deep in her. The anger that Solas had warned him and the other advisors about.
He watched Evelyn turn and walk away without saying another word. No arguing, no punches, no quips. Nothing. She just turned and walked back inside the castle. Turning, he found Alistair staring back at him with a lifted eyebrow. They were both confused but what had happened. Both had expected different outcomes and neither came.
Dorian watched her enter the castle and push her way through the crowd. She did not stop, she just kept moving until she found Iron Bull. She tugged at his shoulder so she could speak to him in his ear. The Qunari nodded his head before straightening himself. She turned and walked away. Curiosity got the best of him as he sipped his wine.
Finishing his glass of wine, he sat it on the tray of a servant that was passing by and picked up another glass. He moved through the crowd, trying to follow her path. Once he found themselves alone, he called out to her.
"Cousin?"
"Not in the mood, Dorian," she said, not looking back over her shoulder at him. Evelyn just kept walking. "I want to be alone."
He continued to follow her until they reached her room. She pulled the door back as she began to unbutton her tunic at the collar. Tugging at the buttons she released her neck and took a deep breath in. Relieved to have it no longer choking her.
"What happened, Cousin?" he asked as he stopped in front of the doorway and looked inside her room. "Am I to assume that the discussion didn't go well?"
"Just be ready to leave in the morning. We're leaving at sunrise," she said, placing her hand on his chest to push him out of the doorway. "Get some sleep and be ready to leave."
Before Dorian could say anything, he found himself staring at the closed door. The bolt on the other side prevented him from doing anything else. Lifting an eyebrow, Dorian stared at the door for a moment and sipped his wine. Turning, he began to walk back down the hallway towards the party once again. He wasn't going to ruin the night because she was in a bad mood. There was plenty of wine to be had, a night of revelry still to be had in Starkhaven. He was not going to let that go to waste.
As he rounded the corner, he ran into another person. His glass tipping forward, spilling over the person he had ran into.
"Wha…?"
Dorian found himself up against a broad chest and beautiful eyes staring back at him. "Oh…dear. Look what I've done."
"Master…Pavel?"
"For you, whatever you want," Dorian said. Pointing at the other man's clothing, he smiled. "Sorry 'bout that."
Alistair chuckled as he wiped his hands down his tunic. "Surprisingly, this is not the first time I've had someone throw their drink all over me," the man said with a chuckle. He snapped his fingers and pointed at Dorian. "Pavus, right?"
Dorian nodded. "As I said, whatever you want, my dear king."
The mage's teasing was making the king blush. It wasn't the first time he has had another man flirt with him. It had happened more times than he could count. "As flattering as it is to be helped by someone as thoughtful as you, Master Pavus. But I am needed elsewhere."
Nodding, Dorian remained still as Alistair patted him on the shoulder before walking around him. The mage turned around to look over his shoulder to watch the king continue his journey down the hallway and then turning to the right at the end. He smiled, shaking his head. "Shame to see you go but it was nice to watch," he thought.
Alistair made it to his room and reached for the handle but stopped himself. Shaking his head, he went inside his room and kicked the door shut with the heel of his boot. Pulling off the wet tunic, he draped it over the back of a nearby chair and looked down at his stained white tunic that he wore underneath over his head. Kicking off his boots, he wiggled his toes to enjoy the feeling of the cold stone against the bottom of his feet. Taking off his crown, he held it in his hands and stared down at it.
Some days he missed the open roads, the bad cooking, the campfire banter. Now it was trade negotiations, stuffy castles and really, really good food. Shaking his head, he tossed the crown to the bed before reaching for the strings of his trousers. Just as he began to untie them, someone was knocking on the door of his room.
"Probably one of my men checking on me," he thought to himself as he turned to the door. Walking to the door, he covered his mouth to yawn. The thought of a long, boring ride back home was exhausting him before it even started.
"I'm turning in for the night, Rupert," he said, reaching for the door. Pulling it open, he continued, "Please don't let – "
"Sorry," she said as she started to turn away.
Alistair reached out, placing his hand on her forearm as she began to walk away. "Please. Stay."
Evelyn shook her head, placing her hand over his. "No. I really should be going. You're right. It's late and we're both traveling tomorrow to go home."
Stepping closer, Alistair shook his head. "Then why come here?" he asked as he lowered his hand from her arm.
Alistair stared down at her, she was still dressed in her Inquisitor uniform, but it was unbuttoned and open, beneath was a white cotton tunic. Her short hair was down and looked tussled from her running her fingers through her hair as she was doing now. It was something he noticed she did frequently when she was anxious.
"Seriously?" she questioned as she rubbed the back of her neck, still not meeting his gaze. She started walking back and forth in front of his room. "I don't know. I'm a bundle of nerves, pacing around in my room and…and…" She stops pacing and drops her hands down to her sides. Evelyn looked up at him, staring into his eyes. "I'm losing my mind, Alistair. I don't know what I'm doing anymore."
Laughing, Alistair folded his arms across his bare chest. "Is that all? I go through that four or five times a day."
Her shoulders slumped as she shook her head with a weak smile on her face. "Really? Four or five times a day?"
"Give or take," he said, reaching out to place his hands on her shoulders. Giving her a gentle squeeze, he gave her a reassuring smile. "It's all right, Evelyn. It's natural to be unsure of yourself when you lead." He moved closer to her, keeping his eyes on hers. "Leadership is full of uncertainties. Full of doubts. Trust me, I've had my share since taking the throne. I still do after all of these years and I'm sure I will for many more years to come."
"That's not comforting," she said, releasing a heavy breath. "I know you're trying to help." Evelyn realized that he was standing there in just his trousers. She covered her mouth so he could not see her jaw drop as she stared at his bare chest. "Oh…I am so sorry for disturbing you."
"I'm not," Alistair said before he realized what he had said. A nervous laugh came out of him as he folded his hands behind his head, lifting his eyes to stare at the ceiling. "Well, that was awkward."
Evelyn bit down on her lower lip as she stared at him with wide eyes. She pointed down the hallway. "I'm…um…going to go."
He watched her turn to leave. Stepping out of his room, he grabbed her hand and spun her back around to face him. Placing his hands on her cheeks, he lowered his head to capture her lips in a kiss. It was soft, gentle as he held her face in his palms. Pulling away, Alistair stared down at her, finding her eyes closed and breathless.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. "I shouldn't have."
Her eyes slowly open as she inhales to fill her lungs. "I'm glad you did."
It was his turn to be surprised. "Really?" he asked with a nervous chuckle. His thumbs brushed over her cheeks as he smiled. "I mean, seriously?"
"Yes."
He moved in closer to her to kiss her again. His fingers moving across her cheeks to twine his fingers in her hair to pull her in for a deep kiss. Feeling her fingers against his bare chest sent sparks of electricity through his body as she melded against him as they kissed.
Pulling away, Alistair rested his forehead against hers. "I've wanted to do that for a while," he admitted.
"It's good," she said, smiling. "But…I should go to bed."
"Oh…yes," he said, his feet refusing to move. "Sleep. Don't want to fall off your horse while on the road."
"No. We don't, my king."
He chuckled, pulling away reluctantly. "No, we do not, Madame Herald."
Evelyn started to step back, their hands still twined together. Releasing one hand, Alistair still held on to the other until their fingers barely held together.
"Bye," she said before she released his fingers. "Good night."
He shook his head as he leaned forward to capture her hand in his again. He pulled her back quickly to wrap his arms around her waist. If the first two kisses were soft and gentle, the third one was full of emotion and desire. Prying away, he rested his forehead to hers again.
"Don't leave."
