Entering the inn, Evelyn looked around and smiled. It was nice to not be noticed or have people run for cover as soon as they find out she was the Inquisitor. Wearing commoners' clothes with no markings helped achieve that but this remote town provided just enough information of what was happening in the world but not enough to be up on everything. If anyone recognized her it would be because they recognized her as Evelyn Trevelyan.
"Maxwell!" the bartender shouted as they walked inside.
Turning around, she found her brother holding out his arms as he walked inside. Frowning, she folded her arms across her chest and looked at her brother. The younger Trevelyan sibling dropped his arms and shrugged.
"Something you need to tell me?"
Stepping up beside her, Maxwell smiled as he tilted his head to the side and scratched his temple. "Well, on the rare occasions that I was out running errands for Uncle Adolf I might…well…stop in for maybe a drink or two."
She cocked an eyebrow as she continued to stare at him. "Really?"
"Yeah. Just because you decided to give up everything and be chaste in the Chantry. Be a good little templar doesn't mean I had to be," he said.
Nodding, Evelyn patted him on the shoulder. "You're absolutely right, little brother." She relaxed her shoulders. "Go relax. Enjoy yourself."
Maxwell wrapped his arms around her to pull her in for a hug. "You're the one that needs to relax, sister." He looked over her shoulder to find Alistair smiling at him. Pulling away, he looked at her. "We need to talk. Soon."
Maxwell pulled away from her, turned and walked away. Running her hand through her hair, Evelyn turned around to find Alistair staring at her. A smile on his face, questioning her if she was all right. A simple nod told him she was fine.
Once Maxwell left, Dorian took position beside her. "My dear cousin. You are positively glowing."
"How can you glow when you're covered in dirt, cousin?" she said, turning to face him.
He smiled at her. "You are such a horrible liar, you know that."
"So you've told me," she said, turning to him.
"And our commander? What of him?" Dorian asked as he looked across the tavern at the man standing on the other side, brooding.
"He preferred the Warden-Commander. His 'youthful infatuation' was much more than that it appears."
"He told you this?" Dorian questioned as he turned to look at her again.
Shaking her head, she tucked her gloves into her belt. "He didn't have to. She did."
"Solona Amell? The Warden-Commander told you that – "
"Before we left Starkhaven," she interrupted. "The woman had the gall to wave it in front of me. Telling him how good of an evening they had." Grimacing, she dropped her head to cover her face with her hand. "She was pawing all over him every chance she could especially if I was in sight." Evelyn let out a groan. "I've been such a fool, Dorian. I really thought that after everything that happened that he and I were…"
Feeling his arm wrap around her shoulder, she tilted her head to rest it on his shoulder. "Men are such fickle things, aren't we?"
"Tell me about it."
"Cousin, you are undeniably caught in the eye of the storm if you haven't noticed," Dorian said. "The Commander and the King. Straight out of a Tethras novel."
"Are you speaking my name in vain?" Varric said as he held pressed his palm against his chest.
"Never," Evelyn said as she pulled away from Dorian. Looking down at Varric, she smiled. "I did hear that our Seeker is looking forward to the next installment of Shields and Swords."
The dwarf laughed loudly. "You must be joking. That garbage."
Evelyn nodded. "I swear she loves them. I've caught her reading them before out in the courtyard. I mean she hides the fact that she's doing it but she's hoping you write another."
Rubbing his chin, Varric thought about it. "If I do it, I have to be there when she receives it."
"Oh no. If she even finds out I told you about it she'll kill me," Evelyn said.
Dorian waved a hand about, laughing. "Then tell her I told Varric. She knows I can't hold my tongue long."
"No shit," Iron Bull said as he passed them. "Dorian's the last person to keep a secret, Boss."
"Sad," Dorian said, nodding his head. "But all true."
Evelyn laughed as she looked at her companions. This is what she needed. To be on the open road with her companions. Keeping her mind off Cullen, the nightmares of her father. Now if she could stop the Wardens doing whatever it is that they're doing in the Western Approach and prevent Corypheus from ripping a bigger hole in the Veil.
"It's just that easy, Ev," she thought to herself. "I'll get right on that first thing next week."
Cullen walked over to where the group stood. Standing in front of them, he nodded his head slightly. "Pardon the interruption. Lodging has been secured for the evening. And another missive arrived for you from the city."
She looked down at the letter that he held out to her. The royal seal holding it closed. Accepting it, she said, "Thank you, Commander."
"If you are able, we need to discuss preparations for tomorrow," he said, trying to ignore the stares from the Inquisitor's companions that surrounded her.
Evelyn stared at him, trying to ignore the stares of three men that surrounded her. Or the gaze of Alistair from the other side of the room. Nodding, she said, "Yes. Of course, Commander. Would after we clean up and get something to eat be acceptable with you?"
The gaze between them lasted for a moment, Cullen could not form the words to respond. He simply nodded his head with a slight bow at the waist before he turned and walked away.
"You and I need to have a long talk, Trevelyan," Varric said, looking up at her. "I think I'm missing a few key details here."
She patted him on the shoulder, shaking her head. "Wait until I'm really drunk then maybe I'll tell you." Turning to all three, she forced a smile on her face. "All of you get cleaned up and get some food. Enjoy your night because tomorrow we're going to be stuck on a boat."
Dorian groaned, placing his hand over his stomach. "I am not looking forward to that."
"I know but I'm sure Max will have something prepared for you before we board Isabela's ship," Evelyn said. "Now excuse me, gentlemen. I need to clean up."
Varric and Dorian remained where they were. Bull headed off seconds after Evelyn had departed.
"Any guess what's going on, Sparkler?" Varric asked.
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you," Dorian said. "Let's just say that Rupert's Regret has now turned into Cullen's Regret."
Varric turned away from the mage to look across the tavern to see the Inquisitor and King speaking to each other. When the King's hand lifted to rest on the woman's lower back as he led her to the rear of the tavern to the staircase leading to the rooms up above.
"And the King?"
"Oh…the King," Dorian said, gleefully. "He has taken our sweet girl and turned her into a woman."
Cocking an eyebrow, Varric rubbed his chin with his hand thoughtfully. "The Inquisitor and the King? Talk about a power couple."
"I fear it may be much more than that, Varric," Dorian said. "To what extent I'm unsure. Yet."
Along with two of his guards, Alistair escorted Evelyn to her room. Pausing at the door he took her hand into his, squeezing it gently. She had been quiet during the walk and he was sure it had something to do with her conversation with Cullen. He had not asked her what it was about, expecting her to share that with him.
"This is your room," he said, motioning towards the door with his hand.
She turned to face him, nodding slightly. "And your room?"
He smiled. "Apparently I have been placed in a room down the hallway from you."
Her head lowered as her eyes closed. "And how does my lord feel about that?"
Looking over his shoulder at his two guards briefly before turning back to her. "Not pleased at all." His hand lifted to pinch her chin between his thumb and index finger. Tilting her head back up, he smiled. "It is rather difficult to court when you're not close."
"Then you haven't changed your mind?"
"Since last night?" he said, shaking his head. "No. I'm good at changing my mind quickly but not about this." Tilting his head forward, he kissed her softly. "I'm more worried about you changing your mind."
She stared up at him, frowning. "We need to talk, don't we?" Taking the hand that was holding her chin, she removed it and kissed his fingers. "One hour? After we clean up?"
"One hour and not one minute longer," he said as he turned her hand over to kiss hers just as she had his.
They held each other's hands until he was no longer to hold onto it. Alistair wanted desperately to pull her into his arms and kiss her but he stopped himself. He made the path down the hallway to his room and paused to look over his shoulder. It was reassuring when he saw her still staring at him before she entered her room.
"I want one of you on her door," Alistair instructed his men.
"Sire?" one guard questioned, looking at him curiously. "But, Captain Winters – "
"Then he can do it," Alistair said. "I want her protected. Understood?"
Both men nodded their heads. "Yes, sire."
"Good," Alistair said before entering his room.
It sounded like tonight he would want to prepare himself. She obviously had something important to talk to him about. And he had promised her before leaving Starkhaven that he would explain Solona's mission. It would betray Solona's trust by talking Warden – rather not being a Grey Warden – business.
He sighed heavily as he began to remove his traveling clothes. If Solona's mission was successful, he would be able to do something he has always wanted.
A woman that he loved. That loved him. And the family that he had dreamed about.
Evelyn washed up and dug some clean clothing out of her bag. This may be the last chance she had for clothing other than what she had been wearing during the ride. The simple dress she had was plain. As she looked at herself in the mirror she frowned.
"Plain and very unflattering," she thought to herself as she smoothed her hands down the skirt.
Brushing her hair, she looked at it and frowned. She missed her longer hair even though it would be easier to manage when wearing a helmet. Much of her cuts and scrapes were healing or fully healed. The bruising was now a dull yellow painted across her skin.
"You've looked better, dear.
Her stomach rumbled causing her to realize just how hungry she was. Hearing a knock, she turned to the door and smiled. It had to be Alistair to talk. Setting her brush back inside her bag, she turned back to the walk towards the door. Opening, she found her brother standing there.
"Max?"
"Can we talk?"
"Um…sure," she said, turning to the side to allow him entrance. "Where's Lysette?"
Entering the room, Maxwell turned back to look at his sister. "She's downstairs with the others. Varric was keeping her busy."
Nodding, Evelyn folded her hands together in front of her. "I wouldn't leave her too long with him or the others." She laughed. "They're awful gossips and have a way of getting information."
"I know. I'm going back down there as soon as I'm done here." He lifted his hand to rub his neck as he looked at her. "And that's another reason why I'm here."
Evelyn simply nodded as she sat down on a chair. Looking up at him, she waited for him to continue. Something was off about him, he had something to say but could not get it out. He always paced when he was trying to think about what he wanted to say. It used to make her crazy when they were younger.
"Spit it out, Max," she said.
"Lysette and I love each other," he said as he continued to pace. "But, neither of us have said another to each other."
Nodding, Evelyn smiled. "Then tell her. It's not that hard."
"Yes…yes, it is," he said as he paused walking to look at her briefly before pacing again. "She's a templar and I'm a mage."
Folding her hands on her lap, she said, "These are much different times, Max. Since the Conclave a lot of things have happened. Templars and mages are getting along. I mean, look at the Inquisition for example. We have people from all different countries and skills. Mages, templars, Orlesians, Fereldans…all living together." Giving him a reassuring smile as he looked down at her, she continued. "If you love her then just tell her."
"Is it too soon though?"
"How do you feel around her?"
"Nervous. Confident. Relaxed and anxious." He looked down at his hands. "It's all a blur sometimes."
Evelyn shook her head as she stood up. Walking over to him, she took his hands into hers. "Little brother, you've been interested with Lysette for some time. You've been courting her for a while now. If you truly do love her then you need to tell her."
"I do love her." Inhaling deeply, he nodded. "I should tell her?"
"Yes. Tell her. Don't wait too long." She lifted her hands and placed them over his ears to tilt his head forward to her. Kissing his forehead, she pulled back and ran her finger over his dark hair to push it out of his face. "When you find someone that you love as much as I know you love Lysette, then don't wait to tell them. Do it now before someone else does."
Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled his sister in for a tight hug. Holding her close, he closed his eyes and smiled. "Thank you," he said. Pulling away, he looked down at his sibling. "Great. I'll tell her tonight."
"Good. But do it right, Max," she said as she pulled away from his embrace. "Don't do it in a haste. When you do it, do it right. And for Maker's sake be sober when you do it."
"Sober, right." He made his way towards the doorway and stopped. Looking back, he pointed at her. "Anything else?"
Evelyn folded her arms across her chest, sighing. "Yes. If you're going to confess your love be romantic at least. A little wine, candles, flowers are nice. She may wield a sword but she's a woman." She lifted a shoulder in a lopsided shrug. "We may wear armor and carry a sword or shield, but every now and then we want to be just like any other woman. We like to be treated as such."
"Wine, flowers, stay sober. Treat her like a woman," Maxwell recalled. "I can do this, right?"
She nodded. "Of course you can, Max."
He pulled the door open, nodding as he looked at her. "Thank you, Eve."
"You're welcome. Now go get something to eat. Make sure that everyone else is eating, too. Tell everyone to stay sober tonight."
He rolled his eyes. "Like anyone would listen to me, Eve."
She blew out a heavy breath and nodded her head. "I guess I'll need to go down there and talk to everyone one."
Looking across the room, he frowned. "You and Cullen?"
She lowered her head, closing her eyes. "It's over, Max. Honestly it seems that there never really was a me and Cullen." Lifting her head again, she straightened herself. "It's for the best."
"Are you just saying that?"
"It is truly for the best, Max."
"And the King?" He smiled when he saw his sister's cheeks blush. "Dorian thinks he's completely smitten by you. Do you feel the same?"
"I am…" She folded her trembling hands in front of herself, slowly nodding. "Completely smitten, Max." She stepped closer to him. "He has asked to court me."
"Court?" he said, surprised. "The man you've threatened to shove a pike up his ass wants to court you? This doesn't have anything to do with the two favors you owe him, is it?"
"I pray to the Maker it's not." She paused to gather her thoughts. "I know it's very sudden, but the last couple of days he has made me very happy. I can only hope that I have made him happy as well."
He pointed at her. "Do I need to send him off to Ferelden with his pants on fire?"
"You'll do no such thing, Maxwell," she said.
"Well," he started to say, pointing at her. "If something changes, let me know."
"I hope that doesn't happen, dear brother," she said.
Maxwell stepped back into the room, taking her hand. "You really are taken by him, aren't you?"
"I am and I only hope that he feels the same," she said.
"I believe he does."
The siblings turned to find Alistair leaning against the open doorway. His arms folded across his chest, a smile on his face. Evelyn covered her face with her hands, embarrassed. The brother walked over to the King, nodding his head slightly.
"Um…how long have you been there?" he asked.
Alistair chuckled, scratching his scruffy cheek. "Somewhere between setting my pants on fire and hoping that I am happy." Pushing himself off the door, he stepped into the room and held out his hand to her. Waiting until she took it, he placed a soft kiss on the top of her hand and smiled. "My happiness is only possible if I am able to ensure yours."
Cocking an eyebrow, Maxwell watched his sister's face light up. He thought he had seen happiness in her when she began her relationship with Cullen. They had been through much and when he had discovered that Cullen and Amell had reunited in Starkhaven he could not believe it. That was until he saw them after the wedding.
The mage found the King staring back at him as he tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow. "
"If I am unable to make her happy then I justly deserve having my pants set on fire," Alistair said, smiling at the mage. "And as my royal mage advisor I would expect you to do that."
Evelyn covered her face again, a soft groan escaping her. "I am going to regret that forever."
"Maybe not forever, Madame Herald," Alistair said, patting her hand.
Maxwell looked between the two and smiled. "I have things to do."
Turning away from the King, Evelyn looked at her brother. "Please make sure everyone eats and gets some rest. I'll check on everyone soon."
"Sister," Maxwell said with a slight nod. He turned to Alistair and bowed slightly at his waist. "My King."
Evelyn pulled away from Alistair to walk to the door and push it shut. Turning around, she placed her hands behind her and leaned her back against the door. "How much did you hear?" she asked, looking at him.
Folding his arms, Alistair shifted his weight to one side as he looked at her. "Enough."
"And what is enough, my lord?" she asked.
He stepped closer to her, placing his hands on the door on each side of her head. "Enough to know that you and Cullen are no longer." He smiled. "Which is a great relief because I'm a rather jealous man who doesn't play well with others." He removed his right hand to run a finger across her cheek. "I can be very possessive, Madame Herald."
"Am I to be a possession that you want to lock away for your own pleasure? To wait in my room until you summon me?"
"No. You have a duty as Inquisitor." He lowered his hand that was just stroking her cheek to take her left hand into his. He lifted it to press a kiss on her palm where the mark was. "You, Madame Herald, would never allow me to lock you away. As for keeping you for my own pleasure..." He lowered his head to bring his eyes to meet hers. "I would keep you at my side and take care of every desire and need you have if I could."
"My desires, my lord? Should I not tend to yours before my own."
His smile grew. "Oh…I am just like any man. Selfish in the ways of sexual bliss to be tended to." He shook his head slightly. "But how can we be equals if I don't answer your demands."
Evelyn felt ashamed of her brazenness while speaking to Alistair. A woman who had nearly vowed chastity prior to the Conclave was now experiencing something about herself that she had only read about in books.
"Are we equals, my lord? Or do you sweet words pour from your lips to tempt me into your charms? For you to entice me into your bed once again to take my virtue?"
"We are equals." He kissed the palm of her hand again. "And I believe I already stole your virtue the night before. Unfortunately, last night at that damn camp I think your people were putting up a barricade to keep me on the other side of the camp."
Her head lowered as she smiled. "I think all of our companions were keeping us separated."
"That Qunari is scary. Every time I looked out my tent when I thought about sneaking out, he was there with that big ass broadsword, just cleaning and sharpening it."
"Bull isn't that bad." She tilted her head back against the door, staring up at him. Taking a deep breath, she said, "I said we needed to talk."
"You did. That's one reason why I'm here."
"One reason?"
He nodded. "I told you that I needed to talk to you as well."
"Ah yes. Warden-Commander Amell's important mission."
Stepping away from her, he continued to hold her hand and lead her to a small table and two chairs that sat in the corner. "Sit."
She sat down, folding her hands on her lap as she looked at him. Now it was Alistair pacing the room in front of her as she sat. He ran the fingers of both of his hands through his hair and moaned.
"Okay, I have somethings that I really need to get off my chest before I really begin to court you the way I want to," he began to say. He stopped pacing and looked down at her. "All right. Here goes…"
