It was a sunny day atop the Frostback Mountains. The snow sparkled in the light. Water streamed down the rocks as the warm summer heat reached the fortress. Skyhold was abuzz with life as a new shipment from Ferelden had arrived. Corn and bags for flour unloaded from carts and down into the kitchen.
Commander Cullen passed through the carts, with a letter in hand as he marched towards the main keep. Inside a few nobles were chatting, Varric looked up from his table at the sight of Cullen in a flurry.
"Hey Curly! You got a minute?" He asked.
"Not now Varric, I need to find the inquisitor. Have you seen him?" Cullen asked.
"Rubeus? He's down in the undercroft with Dagna working on a new weapon. I would be careful, they are working with delicate materials and already scolded me for opening the door." Varric said.
"Unfortunately, this can't wait," Cullen said gravely. Varric taking notice of the bags under his eyes.
"Anything I can help with?" Josephine asked as she left her circle of ladies to join the conversation. She was dressed in one of her finest dresses and stayed back from Cullen who was trailing dirt and leaves from outside.
"Perhaps, my men and I have just come in from helping one of Varric contacts in Cumberland regarding the slave traders. A tevinter magister helped us on the field take down their stronghold in Nevvara. He wants to speak with the Inquisitor to discuss payment for his aid." Cullen said, making Josephine's mouth drop.
"Are you serious? What possible reason…" Josephine began to speak, but looked over her shoulder to see many eyes turned their way. "We should take this to the war room, I'll fetch him. Varric could you go tell Lelianna to meet us there?" She asked kindly.
"Of course, should I tell Dorian as well?" Varric asked.
"Yes, any information he might have on." Cullen paused and looked to the room as well. He then leaned over and whispered into Varrics ear. Varric's eyes popping wide open at the words. Cullen then stood back up. "Would help us understand who we are dealing with." He said. Josephine inched forward to hear the name but missed it. Cullen leaned over and whispered to her.
"Oh no, not him," Josephine said with concern.
"You are familiar?" Cullen asked
"We can't talk of this further here. Quickly, go." Josephine shooed then away and scurried down into the undercroft.
The air from the undercroft sparked with weird energy. Harritt had been kicked out and he paced around the main hall looking frustrated.
"Be wary, those two are up to their nonsense again," he warned. Josephine was not swayed by his words and entered. Rubeus stood, hunched over a table wearing a magnifying lens over his left eye, resting above the arch of his vallaslin decorated cheekbone. His fiery red hair flopped to one side, exposing the shaved undercut opposite. He had pulled back out of his face and tucked behind his pointed ear. The sleeves of his silk tunic were rolled up to his elbows and his bear hide vest was done up tight protecting him from flyaways. Dagna stood at the end of the table, her eyes fixed on the claymore laying across the stone tabletop. Dagna's hand skillfully and delicately crafting a rune while Rubeus worked on etching script into the blade. Josephine stood back but attempted to peer over his shoulder to see exactly what he was writing. The inquisitor sensed the extra presence in the room.
"Varric, I already warned you. It's not safe to be in here right now, out!" Rubeus did not look up from his work as he spoke.
"I apologize, Inquisitor, but this is an urgent matter and you are needed at the war table," Josephine replied. Rubeus added another careful line to the blade and looked up from his work.
"Sorry for being abrupt with you." Rubeus apologized, "when you say 'urgent'...?"
"Urgent as in; Leliana and Cullen are already waiting for us," Josephine explained. Rubeus's expression quickly changed from gentle to serious. He looked back at the claymore. Dagna caught the glance with an air of worry on her own.
"I can finish this! You left the inscription with the schematics," Dagna offered cheerfully.
"Thanks, you have my trust," Rubeus said as he removed the lens and his gloves and left them on the table.
Rubeus escorted Josephine to the war room as she walked briskly.
"What's the matter, Josie? You look flustered?" Rubeus asked.
"I'm sorry your grace I cannot say anything until we are behind closed doors,'' Josephine said as they crossed the throne room. Many eyes on them as they sped across the steps.
"I don't like that you're so quiet. That makes this come across as fishy" The two entered the war room. Cullen and Leliana were there alongside Dorian and Varric. Rubeus caught eyes with Dorian and Rubeus smiled warmly. Dorian, however, looked worriedly in return. "What seems to be the problem here?" Rubeus asked.
"Commander Cullen you are the one who brought this to our attention please tell us everything that happened," Josephine said as they all circled the war table.
"We met up with Fenris, Varric's comrade here in Nevarra. As you know some carrels trade slaves to Tevinter to be sold in an auction on the black market. These people were responsible for the captured apostate mages who fell to Corypheous's influences and joined his army. Fenris and I were to lead the soldiers to the base camp here and capture the leaders and bring them to trial." Cullen said as he moved a figure across the table. Everyone's eyes followed Cullen as he played out the scene. "We were to engage them here, a stronghold in Cumberland where they store captured townsfolk before they are smuggled aboard a ship and sent out to sea. We had the numbers to overwhelm them, but Instead of a fight, we stumbled upon the slaughter of every single one of them. The ship involved used gatlock to sink the slave ships, and a Magister named Emilio Di Pasqua was there to greet us in the wake of the destruction." Cullen explained but paused to take a breath.
"I'm not familiar with that name. I—-" Rubeus started but was cut off by Dorian.
"As it should be. You don't want yourself caught up in the affairs of the Di'Pasqua family." Dorian warned.
"I don't have the option to stay oblivious," Rubeus responded.
"You always have the option. You just don't take it." Dorian retorted.
"Dorian, please let Cullen finish," Lelianna asked calmly.
"He's right, The Di'Pasqua family is famous for the Construction of Liongate Keep the well-renowned school of sorcery in the Heart of Minrathous, but they are also the owners of the Di'Pasqua shipping company. They have made their name known across the world for owning the largest fleet of warships and crafting the flagships for both Antivan and Rivain Royalty. This is one of the most wealthy families in Minrathous. You are saying the head of the family was at this raid."
"Yes, and he wants to make a deal with the inquisition. He has offered the give us ten Trevene nobles who he can prove are Venatori agents within the imperial circle in Minrathous if we can do one thing in return." Cullen said.
"I wouldn't be surprised if they were members of his own family," Dorian said under his breath.
"This whole situation sounds messy. Any idea what Emilio wants in return, or what he is after?" Rubeus inquired, curiously.
"Emilio may just want the Venatori removed from his ranks, I could always ask one of my contacts to investigate before we make a final decision," Leliana offered. Rubeus shook his head.
"We need a timeline for the offer first," Rubeus said.
"He wants the inquisition to insist on the freedom of slaves across Tevinter," Cullen interjected.
"Excuse me?" Josephine said shocked. Rubeus fell silent.
"That's impossible! This must be some joke." Varric commented and walked over to Cullen. "What did Fenris say about this offer."
"Magister Di'Pasqua wants to meet with the inquisitor alongside Fenris and anyone who wishes to see the slaves on Minrathos freed. I for one wish to come along, I have seen too many good people kidnapped from Kirkwall from my time there. If there is a chance for a change I am all for it."
"That's a tall order. Are you sure he offered 10 Venetori? Are they high ranking in Corypheus army?" Lelianna asked.
"He would not say any of the names until a deal was made," Cullen commented.
"I will take a stand against slavery in Tevinter. I can not promise it will end but, If someone wants to try and stop it I am going to assist the best I can," Rubeus said firmly. Dorian was about to speak but Rubeus shot him a grim look and he quieted. There was an awkward silence and no one wanted to state the obvious.
"I still need to know a timeline," Rubeus said, breaking the silence. "And who will be coming with me."
"He wants you to meet him in Cumberland, there is a hotel near the lord's castle off the coast of the Waking Sea, it's only accessible by boat. You will have to charter a ship." Cullen said
"A ship? Are you suggesting we let the inquisitor be sucked into a trap? Few boats can make that journey from here and most of them are own by the Di'Pasqua's or have allegiance with him." Lelianna combated.
"An alliance with Emilio means ships for the inquisition. Imagine what that can do for our forces." Josephine wondered.
"Ships would be an asset. And, if we work smartly we can plan an escape route if things go wrong," Rubeus started calculating. His eyes fixed on the map and he started to chip away at the red nail polish on his thumb.
"Despite the prestige and power that can be said about magister Di'Pasqua, he's still not the most savoury of people. Do keep that in mind," Dorian added.
"I might know someone who can help," Varric suggested. "She's high strung, knows the Tevinter noble empire inside and out and owes me a rather heafy favour." Varric chuckles reminiscing. Rubeus raised an eyebrow and looked at Varric.
"Have I met her before?" Rubeus asked.
"No, but I think she would know more about Magister Di'Pasqua than anyone else in this room. Though she might be too close to the situation." Varric began to falter on his confidence.
"Well... who is it?" Lelianna sharply said.
"Duchess… I mean Captain Michela… Di'Pasqua." Varric finished.
"Excuse me!? You think asking Emilio's own daughter to sail us across the Sea is a good idea?" Josephine asked.
"Well no, it's a brilliant idea. Captain Michela hates her father so much she joined the raiders." Varric explained.
"No offence my friend, but just because she's a raider doesn't mean she's not a spy," Cullen said calmly.
"What more is known about her?" Rubeus asked Varric, but also glanced over to Dorian for his input.
"I'm afraid all I know about her these days is that she's a ruthless woman. But, that's just the standard of women from Tevinter," Dorian shrugged.
"Hawke and Isabella both vouched for Michela when she helped me. I would not bring it up if I did not have 95% confidence in her." Varric defended himself.
"Well, since Dorian hasn't a thing to say about and Hawke and Varric trust her… I think we can take our chances," Rubeus said confidently.
"Let us hope the rumours I have heard are mistaken," Lelianna said rather distastefully as she turned to leave for the door.
"Wait, perhaps one of us should go with you. I have had to deal with the Raiders before, perhaps I can use some of my contacts to arrange another ship." Josephine explained.
"I will go with the Inquisitor. I do not trust things are as simple as they seem. My soldiers will protect you." Cullen said.
"Well of course I'll be going," Varric commented but paused to scratch his chest nervously. "Though I doubt Cassandra would approve Of missing out on the greatest game of wicked grace ever played." Varric chuckled under his breath catching Cullen's attention.
"You won't catch me at that table." Cullen snarled.
"As tempting as a good game of wicked grace sounds, I need to think about whether I will accompany the lot of you. Boats and I tend not to get along," Dorian commented and headed for the door. Rubeus approached him as he was departing and touched his arm.
"A drink tonight. My room?" Rubeus asked in a hushed voice. Dorian glanced at him and nodded in confirmation. He left the room.
Josephine followed Lelianna out the door to make preparations for the inquisitor's escort to Cumberland.
"Sorry Curly, but to meet the Captain of the Hateful Barnacle. You do." Varric jested. "Same to you Ruby, you've been working on your game face right?" Varric asked.
"I think I can manage a round or two," Rubeus laughed. "At least I won't be the worst at the table."
"Let me get this straight, not only do we have to meet with the daughter of the enemy. We also have to gamble coin with them? Sheesh, this sounds more and more like a trap the more we talk." Cullen said with a sigh.
"I know she's a pain in the ass but believe me the work she does is top-notch," Varric replied in defence.
"Sounds like she wants to gauge the people she is sailing with. Cards are a good way to do that. It's a clever strategy." Rubeus pondered, "How did you and the captain become acquainted?"
"Yes, What is this work she did for you?" Cullen agreed.
"She smuggled my books, the champion of Kirkwall across the ocean to the Qun. She also delivered some to Tevinter and the Golden Reef." Rubeus tried to hide his smile.
"I didn't realize your books made it out that way. That's an impressive readership."
"I've only heard of the golden reef up until recently. It's a faraway island of elvhan dalish tribes. Clan Lavellan is currently making their way there. They say a large elvhan keep is on the island that has gone many years untouched." Cullen said.
"Some of the clan is already there," Rubeus explained. "We have been quiet with our movement so I am very surprised you know anything."
"My men aided in their escort across the ocean," Cullen said matter of fact.
"It's important you stay silent about any current residence of the Golden Reef. Any talk outside this room could spell disaster for the people there." Rubeus's face held a dark and troubled expression as he spoke.
"That is why I only speak of it here. Inquisitor." Cullen said respectfully with a bow.
"Usually they are left in peace but my current position put my clan in a precarious situation. They are relocating for protection. Varric had a hand in that." Rubeus explained. He turned to Varric and bit his cheek. "Does that mean Captain Di'Pasqua knows who is on the Golden Reef or is she just a delivery woman?"
"Well, you see that's where her Villa is," Varric said nervously. Rubeus closed his eyes and exhaled sharply.
"She's never there, it's abandoned along with an old Lyrium mine. We're trying to work out the details, but no one in the inquisition has seen it with their own eyes other than Fenris." Cullen explained. Rubeus opened his eyes and stared at the two men for a beat.
"I guess I am going to have to trust this woman before I've even met her. Does the magister know?" He asked.
"Michela hates her father, with a passion. She used to Captain the flagship of the Tevinter fleet before she up and stole it and has been in hiding from Tevinter ever since." Varric explained.
"We need to control the environment to ensure the safety of the inquisitor. Where are we going to go to meet her for this game of cards?" Cullen asked.
"I am one hundred per cent sure I've been in situations with much more hostile environments," Rubeus said rolling his eyes.
"We head for Torunga."
"That's the opposite direction of Cumberland" Cullen exasperated.
"I'm going back to the undercroft. I need to think about things." Rubeus left.
"Give me a week, I'll send a letter and I promise she will meet with us closer to home. I know what she likes." Varric said with absolute confidence.
"I'll be at my barracks," Cullen said and wiped his face with frustration.
Varric pulled out papers and a quill from his shoulder bag and began to scrawl as everyone left the room. His writing quickly leaves scratches of splattered ink across the page.
That night Rubeus and Dorian met up in the library and headed back to the Inquisitor's chamber for a drink. Dorian took the bottle of alcohol from the dresser and poured them each a shot. Rubeus took the glass from him and they raised them together in solidarity before shooting them back. Dorian made a sour face.
"I will never understand why you enjoy such bitter things," he commented.
"I enjoy you," Rubeus replied with a smirk.
"Don't confuse cynicism with bitterness. There is a difference," Dorian retorted. Rubeus laughed and flopped onto the couch. Dorian sat on the side and looked over at the Inquisitor.
"I guess we're heading out soon," Rubeus stopped laughing and was now staring at the ceiling. Dorian stayed silent and laid back with him.
"I said I wouldn't follow you, but it doesn't look like we have a choice," Rubeus said.
"It's not that I don't want you to, I just need to do this on my own. I worry what would happen if I came sauntering in with the Inquisitor on my arm." Dorian replied, changing his position to face Rubeus. Rubeus turned his head.
"I thought you didn't care what people think," he teased.
"I don't," Dorian replied. "But I know if you joined me then this would appear to be reform under the inquisition. It would cause a backlash."
"It's something that crossed my mind," Rubeus replied.
"We can write and I know visits will be in order," Dorian said.
"It won't be the same," Rubeus responded with a bittersweet tone and meek smile.
"I know..." Dorian looked like he wanted to say more but held his tongue. Rubeus took his hand.
"What are you keeping from me?" He asked.
"It's still not safe for you in Tevinter. It doesn't matter that you can fight your way through the hordes of a would-be god or slay dragons. You are still an elf and you have no magical ability besides the anchor," Dorian stated with deep concern, dropping all pretence. "The politics of Orlais nearly drove you mad. In the state it is now, Tevinter would eat you alive!" Dorian did not sugar coat anything. Rubeus's eyes narrowed into a glare and he huffed.
"Correct." he sighed and his expression softened, "leave it to you to call me out on my rubbish."
"I don't want to see you hurt and I know you will get hurt." Dorian relented. "You take things to heart and overthink them." Rubeus turned away from Dorian and the room fell quiet.
"You're doing it now," Dorian teased, "thinking about things too much."
"Enough!" Rubeus turned back around and pinned Dorian onto his back against the couch, straddling him. "You are no better!"
"I never claimed I was," Dorian replied. He pulled the inquisitor closer and stole a long, deep kiss. The tension in Rubeus's shoulders started to lessen as he returned the kiss. He let his hand slide behind the mage's back, resting it on the small and pulled his lover's body close to his.
"Please come with me," he said in a soft, sincere whisper. "We can still travel on the same boat, but after that, we can part ways." Dorian gave a fake and dramatic sigh.
"Well, if you are going to ask me like that..." Rubeus did not let him finish and kissed him again.
"I am going to be sick and miserable the entire time," Dorian warned.
"It won't be that long and I'm not opposed to your moaning," Rubeus quipped. He let Dorian go and got up.
"There is less privacy on a ship than there is here. You might need to be quieter," Rubeus said. He started removing his clothing. Dorian sat up with a grin on his face.
"Then let's take advantage of the privacy here while we can," Dorian replied.
The next few days remained quiet at the castle as the busybodies kept the peace. The inquisitor and his caravan packed up to head towards Jade. A seaside town filled with fishing boats and mariners waiting for the rain. It was hot, many of the town's patrons were outside keeping cool in the ocean breeze. Some were lazily dressed in rags barely covering their thighs, others packed into clothes that were ill-fitted, but expensive.
It was quite beyond the idle chatter of a crowd about the days fishing trade. Boring dialogue about what is in the season to catch. Cassandra hung near the back of the group, her eyes watching the world scurry about. Her ears peeled for unwanted attention as the group traversed the narrow path of cobbled stone.