"He did what?"
"He managed to convince another potential ally to back out."
"Ugh."
"When is Lady Josephine scheduled to arrive? From what you have told us, she would have a field day running circles around the Chancellor."
"My scouts had sent word this morning. Josie should be here at any hour."
"Maker, the sooner she gets here the better. Last thing we need is for the Chancellor to scare everyone off before we get their help."
Fatima stood outside the War Room as Leliana, Cullen and Cassandra spoke about the latest incident. It appears words do have some sway and is hurting the Inquisition before it becomes official. Official to the must needed groups of people… who are now running off. The pen is mightier than the sword indeed.
Pushing herself away from the wall, Fatima headed out the chantry. There is so much to do still, even with Roderick's meddling. Right now, she plans on going out with Solas to collect much needed herbs. As much as Fatima would love to go out in the field, there are still people out there that wants her head on a pike. With the Inquisition still in limbo, it was decided it would better for her to stay put for now.
Walking out of the chantry, Fatima let out a shiver as a cold wind blew past her. Maybe the first thing she should do, is find a thick cloak to wrap herself with. She quickly made haste toward her assigned cabin in hopes of finding something to use to keep warm.
-.-
"She didn't have much training, but plenty of spirit!" The Iron Bull smiled at the memory of the first time he had met Fatima. She had just run away from her home and became a sellsword of sorts. Just doing her best to survive at that point. Now, it fells so long ago. It feels like just yesterday they were celebrating her induction into the Chargers. Now they are celebrating her life forever away from them. A bitter taste of reality. Bringing her into the fold and then having her go on her own without a second thought, will forever be in the forefront of his mind. Tossing his head back to finish his drink, he nudged Krem with his elbow and gave him a teasing grin. "Remember how we first met her, Krem? You got yourself caught in her trap!"
"Didn't she hang you from your feet over a ledge?" Dalish asked over a mug of her preferred drink.
"She's good at setting traps…" Krem grumbled under his breath at the memory. Fatima has an odd affinity in setting traps. Even if more than half the time, she tends to get herself trap in her own traps. "The Boss immediately brought her onto the Chargers…despite her kicking and screaming."
"I think she was terrified of how he smelt that day…" Skinner grinned herself. "The boss stepped into dung that day."
"Hey! We agreed to not talk about that!" Bull exclaimed but he was ignored as his men continued on their stories. This is what they needed after… Bull raised an eyebrow when he saw movement. Turning his head just enough to see a familiar contact sitting themselves by the bar ordering a drink. They were tapping against the bar in a repetitive motion. Giving Krem a look before he announced he'll go get the Chargers another round of drinks, Bull left for the bar.
Walking over the bar, Bull sat next to the newcomer. Just close enough to not raise any eyebrows.
"What's the word?"
"That charger of yours, the Trevelyan?"
"Yeah… what about her?"
"She's alive and get this, she's the Herald of Andraste."
There is no way she's alive. Fatima never showed up in their scheduled meet up location. They even went over the necessary time to see if there was a chance, she would be late. Fatima never showed up. Never sent word. Nothing.
It was then, Iron Bull knew Fatima Trevelyan is gone.
Now, Bull received word she is alive. If the rumors are true, then that would mean Fatima someone how got herself into the Fade and escaped it. How did she managed to survive such a place? Let alone get out of there alive.
If Fatima really is alive, then she's the infamous Herald of Andraste that has everyone spilt. That she's actually the Herald… or a Heretic, who many want dead. Or… she is a demon. A demon that took on her appearance or one took possession of her body. The mere thought made him sick. He knew that if that were the case, he would be doing her a mercy by killing her.
Even so, Bull still needs more information before making a decision.
The stranger drowned down his drink before placing some coin on the table for the barkeep to take before walking out. Leaving Bull alone with his thoughts while waiting for his own order. Looking down where his contact once sat, he saw a letter with familiar writing.
-.-
"Ah yes! It is I! the Chosen of Andraste riding in on shining stead with my cloak blowing in the wind." Fatima laughed as she tugged on her cloak as it started to drag on the snow-covered ground. "How dashing it would be!"
"I would have suggested a griffon, but sadly they're extinct." Solas' voice became wistful at the thought. He took note how Fatima faltered a bit nearly tripping over her cloak. Offering his hand, Fatima took it to regain her balance. "Joke as you will, posturing is necessary."
Fatima looked away, chewing on her bottom lip. Her posturing is something she learned from the Boss. Got to keep up with certain appearance to convince others she's not faltering. "Sometimes I wonder if it is enough for what we are about to face."
"I've journeyed deep into the Fade in ancient ruins and battlefields, to see the dreams of lost civilizations." Solas stated as he and Fatima continued on looking for elfroot. "I've watched as hosts of spirits clash to reenact the bloody past in ancient wars both famous and forgotten…. Every great war has its heroes. I'm curious what kind you'll be."
Fatima's lips twitched upward before she looked away as she thought over Solas' words. Before her eyebrows shot up when her mind caught up with what Solas said to her. "You've been into the fade? Is that where you saw the ruins?"
Solas looked momentarily taken aback before he smiled seeing Fatima began to ask him questions. "There are many buildings that were built strong enough to withstand the rigors of time has a history. Every battlefield is steeped in death. Both attract spirits…"
"Would the veil be weaker there? With all the spirits roaming around…" Fatima asked with curiosity shown in her expression. "How do you watch them? The reenactment?"
Solas nodded and smiled as he continued. "When I dream, I go deep into the fade to find the memories no other living being has ever seen."
"That sounds amazing!" Fatima couldn't help but gush over the thought. "How did you learned to do that?"
"It's not a common field study…"
"Is it because it's not flashy?"
Solas let out another chuckle at Fatima's question. They stopped walking once they came upon a patch of elfroot. "I would not trade anything for the thrill of finding the remnants of a thousand-year-old dream."
"I'm glad to hear that… you found something you enjoy." Fatima said, giving him a smile. She and Solas separated as they started to pick the elfroot. They took in the solace of the silence that overtook them. They were still close enough to Haven to hear the soldiers training and the occasional clanking from came from the blacksmith.
"Fatima…"
"Hm… yes Solas?"
"…how long do you plan on staying? With the Inquisition?" Solas asked, looking over his shoulder to see Fatima's reaction.
Fatima froze in response before she relaxed just a bit. She pulled back her hood to run her hands through her hair. "I do not know… I still don't know why I have decided to stay for this long. I… don't exactly have a great history when it comes with the Chantry."
"Then… would you understand I will only stay until the Breach has been closed?" Solas began to say, glancing over his shoulder towards the direction of Haven. "I worry what would happen to all of us once this is all over.
"You're not the only one…" Fatima muttered to herself before she reached over to lightly tug on Solas' coat. "Cassandra trusts you Solas. She'll be damned to allow the Templars or anyone else take you away…. Let alone myself…"
The last part came out as a whisper, causing Solas to jerk his head over. He wonders what Fatima meant by that. "What do you me-"
"Herald! Herald! Lady Herald!"
Fatima and Solas turned their heads to see a young scout running towards them. Tripping over his own feet as he tried to run over the snow. Solas stood to help the scout before he tripped once more over a rockier terrain.
Fatima stood up and headed over to the scout. "What's wrong? Is everyone okay? Don't tell me the Chancellor managed get someone to take me to be trialed?"
"No, my lady!" The scout gulped. "There is someone at the gate! Claiming to be your brother. A Templar, a Knight Captain, by the name of Maxwell Trevelyan."
-.-
"Come on, Fatima is the talk of the town! There must be some childhood stories! The people will eat it up!"
"Keep your mouth shut, dwarf."
"Are you sure, you are her older brother? You seem so… uptight."
"…"
"That is her brother?" Cassandra questioned as she, Leliana and Cullen stood outside the gates. They watched on as Varric attempted to converse with said mentioned brother of the Herald. Knight-Captain Maxwell Trevelyan, someone Cullen had heard through the grapevine. Leliana mentioned that it should be for the best for the heir to leave before the Chancellor finds him. "He's…"
"An heir that follows his families, Templars, and Chantry's command to the letter. A puppet to their command which he holds them to the highest regard." Leliana hummed to herself, her lips quirked upward at the sight of the Trevelyan becoming increasingly unnerved by Varric's attempt of small talk. "Commander, any advice?"
Cullen cleared his thought as he thought over his words. "I am no longer a Templar, any attempt on my part will be mute."
"Don't tell me you are intimidated by him?" Cassandra snorted, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow at Cullen. This got Cullen to shift his weight and ran a hand through his hair. His brows furrowed as he thought over the rumors he had heard. None of them are exactly good. "You are."
"The rumors did not exactly shine a good light upon him." Cullen grimaced. "From what we have seen already from what remains from the Chantry and Templar Order, he will disapprove the Herald. There would be a chance he would either drag her back home or…"
"Take her to the remaining Clerics to be put on trial." Leliana stated before she nudged Cassandra and Cullen to look over the training camp. A frantic Fatima struggling to run towards them with Solas at her heels. Oh, this is going to complicate things…
-.-
"Do everyone a favor and turn yourself over to the Chantry. You've done enough ruining the Trevelyan name."
"Me? Ruining the family name? I never wanted to be part of that family! Brainwashed and their heads so shoved up the Cha-"
"Don't you dare finish that sentence."
"You no longer have any power over me."
"Heh. As a Templar, it is my duty to turn you in. A heretic." Maxwell sneered down at Fatima. He glared at Solas as the elf stood between him and the heretic of a sister. "This does not concern you, Apostate. Stand aside or I will-"
"You will do nothing!" Fatima spat out, she gripped Solas' sleeve tightly. "Nothing!"
Cassandra stood forward, tightly gripping the handle of her sword that is still in its sheath. "If you as so much as to hurt anyone here, I will personally ensure your time as a Templar will come to an end."
Maxwell did not bother to hide his sneer, maintaining eye contact with Fatima. "Ah, yes. Here we go again, hiding behind others. I bet you are enjoying the attention, Heretic. Is this your attempt to get their attention? All you are doing is bringing shame to the family name."
"Excuse me, Ser Trevelyan?"
Fatima and Maxwell stopped their 'conversation' to see a newcomer dressed in gold and purple. Her lips cured upward in a smile, a smile that could hold so much honey. "Forgive my interruption… but Ser Trevelyan is needed in a meeting so that we could properly introduce ourselves and you know how these things go, Master Trevelyan, so much to do…"
Fatima didn't have time to blink when someone turned her around and marched past the gate. She looked up to see it was Cullen is the one that is taking her to the chantry, more importantly, away from Maxwell. Looking back, Fatima could see Josephine is talking to the golden child of House Trevelyan. It helped seeing Varric and Solas backing her up. "Who was that?"
"That would be our ambassador and chief diplomat." Leliana said, appearing out of nowhere, making Fatima jump. This caused the spymaster to smile. "Josephine is a close friend of mine and will make an excellent asset to the Inquisition."
"… is she going to be okay back there?" Fatima asked, taking once last glance to only see that Maxwell is walking away in a huff. "Oh… wow… I need to know how she did that."
"With honey laced words facts strewn about to make others question their own stance."
-.-
The Iron Bull read and reread the letter with the oh so familiar handwriting. It's Fatima's handwriting. The small details in her writing further confirmed it. Dashes instead of dots for the I's, the excessive over explanations and apologies that are overly done. It helps that there's a hidden message within the letter, to only solidify it even more. This is her; this is Fatima Trevelyan's letter written to him.
She's alive.
SHE'S ALIVE!
Bull's smile left as quickly as it arrived. His brow furrowed as he reread the letter once more. With a groan, he placed the letter on a small side table in the room. It was a good thing they decided to rent out rooms in the tavern for the night instead of going to the opposite direction for another job.
-Knock-
-Knock-
"Boss?"
"Come in, Krem. Need you to see something."
"…"
"I am fully dressed and no one else is here."
"… The last time you said that you were using a blanket as a cape."
"It was one time, just come in here."
The door creaked open and Krem peaked his head inside to see Bull sitting on the bed. Bull rolled his eye before motioning over at a chair near the bed. Krem walked into the room and closed the door behind himself. Bull waited for Krem to pull the chair close to him.
"She's… she's alive? How can it be? No one survived the explosion except for this Herald of And…no… no, no, nooo…." Krem muttered to himself as he read the letter. Bull waited for his lieutenant to finish reading letter. He sensed the ever-growing tension in the room as Krem took in everything he just read. "There is no way Fatima is the Herald of Andraste."
"Well, if this turns out to be fake, we can always kill the contact?" Iron Bull joked, cracking a smile once Krem looked up at him. The joke only caused Krem to grimace. For how own part, Bull dropped his own smile. "We've heard rumors of the Herald and how this new group, Inquisition has taken her in."
"They first had her in chains… The chantry want's her head." Krem rubbed his forehead and let out a groan. "Here she was, running away from the chantry to only end up back where she started. I should have never pushed her to go."
"Hey, I was the one that gave the final go ahead. This is my fault."
"No! If I had just let things be, she wouldn't be in this mess."
"We still don't know if it's her."
"…Yeah… you are right." Krem's shoulder sagged at the thought. "Falling through the fade, surviving a massive explosion, to now more than half of Thedas wanting her dead."
"Or worshipping her."
"Or that… How could we know if our Fatima? What if she's possessed by a demon or a demon replaced her entirely? What if…"
Iron Bull listened to Krem's questions and many What if's, this is why he showed Krem the letter. They needed to be insured what the possible future will hold for them. If this is their Fatima, then full speed ahead. Let's figure out on whether to get her out of there or help with this Inquisition. If she's not or no longer who she is…
One of them is going to have to end her. Hopefully, it won't come down to that.
-.-
"I could work with this; I could work with this…"
Fatima watched on as Josephine paced around the War Room, as she sat in a chair. She was still recuperating after dealing with family and chantry related problems, once more. Stealing glances over towards the closed door and the need to run is rising. The only thing that is keeping here there is the fear of Maxwell finding and dragging her to who knows where.
Fatima nearly flinched when she felt something touch her shoulder. She didn't see who or what had touched her shoulder before she scrambled over to the nearest corner. She did not see the looks of concern that were thrown her way. Her mind felt like a scrambled mess as she felt herself becoming overwhelmed with everything. Sliding down the brick wall, Fatima buried her face in her hands. This is too much for her, she could deal with so much but after seeing her brother after all this time… Fatima reached her breaking point.
After hears of having no contact with House Trevelyan, Fatima thought she was rid of them forever. Moving forward with her life, keeping the thought of her family in the back of her mind. All with the hope the past stays in the past. Seeing Maxwell today, only reminded her that she can never escape.
"Please! Let me out! LET MET OUT!"
"You are absolute disgraceful-"
"I told you we should have ship her off to the Chantry when we had the chance."
"Please let me out…"
"Silence! You are going to stay in there forever for all I care!"
"Let's go. Perhaps this time she will learn he lesson."
So many times, they locked Fatima in her room whenever they deemed, she had done something that would disgrace the family name. Throwing her in a cell and forever hanging the key over her, mocking her relentlessly. Every time Fatima had managed to escape, she was always found and forced to return back there. A constant cycle she wishes to end in whatever way.
"We won't let them take you. The Bull's Chargers will never let anyone take you."
'Krem…'
"You are one of us and we protect our own!"
'Thank you, Stitches.'
"Perhaps a shot from my arrow will send enough warning bells."
'Dalish, please no.'
"We could set a few traps out to catch them by surprise?"
'Heh, Rocky.'
"Stabbing them could remedy this."
'Skinner, no!'
A comforting grasp on her shoulder, had Fatima choke back a laugh.
'Grim.'
"No one is going to take you away from us. You have my word."
'Boss!'
'You have my word… You have my word... You have my word...' Fatima repeated the words in her mind, using them to keep herself grounded. Letting out a trembling breath, when she felt something touch her shoulder. Snapping her head up, Fatima's eyes went wide at the sight of Josephine kneeling next to her giving her an understanding smile. "I apol-"
Josephine shook her head before she gave Fatima a sincere smile. "Ser Trevelyan, I assure you, that we will do everything in our power no one will force you away. You have my word. You have our word."
You have my word.
-.-
Varric leaned against the stone wall right by the Chanty's entrance. It's been a couple of hours since Fatima was rushed into the building after the fiasco earlier. During that time, he and Chuckles did their best to pacify as many as they could. The appearance of the Knight-Captain Maxwell Trevelyan shook everyone up as it showed a different side to Fatima Trevelyan, the Herald of Andraste.
It really didn't surprise Varric by what Fatima had said earlier. It's been a few short days since she woke up again since partially sealing up the Breach…to wake up that everyone is calling her the Herald of Andraste. Along with several other things that was said that in a way, answered some questions while creating several more.
Fatima has a history of running away, has a distrust towards the Chantry, Templar Order and her family. Seeing said brother and hearing their conversation, Varric couldn't really blame her. Stuck under their thumb, locked away with little to no chance of escaping, and just… Shit.
"I don't want this! Any of this!"
A familiar clank rang through the air, causing many to turn their heads to see Fatima slowly walking out of the Chantry. Her eyes puffy, sniffling on occasion and kept her head down to avoid everyone's stares. Varric's eyes soften at the sight. He pushed himself off the wall and walked over to Fatima.
"Hey, kid." Calling out to Fatima, caused her to nearly jump out of her skin. Varric gave her an encouraging smile in hopes of easing the tension that rolled off her. "Let's go talk for a bit, away from the audience?"
-.-
Varric let out a sigh of relief as he sat on the dock that is seeing over the frozen river. He motioned for Fatima to sit next to him. "Take a seat, let's have a talk away from everyone's earshot."
Fatima slowly sat next to Varric, pulling the hood of her cloak father down to hide her face. She glanced over at Varric when he nudged her with his elbow.
"As stupid as I'm going to sound… how are you holding up?" Varric asked. This seemed to earn him a snort from Fatima.
"From the most wanted criminal in Thedas to joining the armies of the faithful… That's easy. Dealing with family drama will be my undoing." Fatima replied grimly, her voice hoarse. "I was asleep for the most of it. This feels like a twisted dream turned nightmare. This is all bullshit. None of this should have happened."
"You don't even know the half of it." Varric agreed fully. He looked away from Fatima to stare up at the Breach.
"I wouldn't be surprised if people leave after what happened. Bad for morale." Fatima grumbled darkly. "I feel bad for the Ambassador. She's got her work cut out for her."
"Bad for morale would be an understatement, but most of that would be watching the Breach and seeing Maker-knows-what fall from it. I still can't believe anyone was in there and lived."
"I still don't remember how I got in there, let alone getting out alive." Fatima sighed, she pulled back her hood. She rubbed her cheeks before running her hands through her hair. "Varric?"
"Yeah, kid?"
"Why did you stay? Cassandra said you were free to go."
Varric took a brief pause as he thought over her question. A very good question. Doing what he does best, he spins his words. "I like to think I'm as selfish and irresponsible as the next guy, but this… Thousands of people died on that mountain. I was almost one of them. Now there's a hole in the sky. Even I can't walk away and just leave that to sort itself out."
Fatima took a pause and Varric looked away from the Breach to look at her. She was looking down at her lap, fiddling with the hem of her cloak. Her lips were pursed, brows furrowed before she looked entirely lost. "…That's why I also stayed. I couldn't just leave this mess behind. The Breach needs to be sealed, the sooner the better."
"If it can be sealed." Varric pointed out. He nudged Fatima again with his elbow. "You might want to consider running away at the first opportunity. I've written enough tragedies to recognize where this is going. Heroes are everywhere. I've seen that. But the hole in the sky? That's beyond heroes. We're going to need a miracle."
"…I'm tired of running away Varric. I want to stay and fight. I need to stay and fight… And I'm no hero. I'm just one of many that decided to stay and fight."
TBC.