((Authors Note: Due to the mishap of chapter 17, this is a repeat. I have adjusted the chapters and will be posting the next chapter right away after this one. Im sorry chapter 17 was such an issue.))
"Wake up!" Michela said.
Michela gasped as her eyes opened, she shot up to find herself in the Inquisitors bedroom. It was freezing, she could see her breath in front of her as the cold wind cooled the beads of sweat on her face.
"I can't keep this up anymore." Michela threw one of the charms next to her and it shattered against the wall. A ghostly moan coming from it as whatever was trapped inside was released and floated out the window.
It was early morning. The sun had barely risen over the mountains when Rubeus bolted awake in a cold sweat and panic. He took a deep breath and looked around taking a moment to remember where he was. Dorian lay next to him sleeping peacefully. Rubeus smiled a little and smoothed the mage's ruffled hair. Dorian stirred slightly, but did not wake. Rubeus's dream had been more vivid than the others he had in the months following the defeat of Corypheus. He got out of bed and quietly dressed tip toeing around the room. Wrote a note telling Dorian he had gone for a walk and to meet him for breakfast later. The elf collected his satchel and headed to the courtyard for fresh air.
Rubeus went to the training barracks in the lower yard. Some Inquisition soldiers and remaining ally templars were already up and practicing.
"Ser!" One of the soldiers greeted him in a thick Fereldan accent. "haven't seen you out here in ages."
"Mind if I use some of the practice gear?" Rubeus asked and pointed around the soldier to a practice blade and dummy. The soldier nodded.
"I don't know why you're asking," the soldier laughed. Rubeus paid the comment no mind and picked up the greatsword.
The Inquisitor steadied him and gripped the sword working on his posture before striking. His brutal swing collided with the side of the dummy leaving a dent in what would have been the oblique of an actual person. Rubeus took back to a ready stance preparing to strike again when a familiar voice echoed in his ear.
"You're hurting again, it wasn't supposed to happen like this. I'm sorry." Rubeus dropped his sword and spun around. Cole stood behind him.
"I thought I asked you to stop sneaking up on me like this," Rubeus sighed.
"She's quiet, he confused me too. I do not know if I can trust them given how scattered their thoughts are. I cannot find all the pieces, yet he denies my help." Cole began. "Solas misses you, but he should say it himself and stop asking me to deliver messages." The spirit admitted Rubeus lowered the sword.
"Solas has been contacting you?" He asked, "So he's alright." There was a hint of relief in Rubeus's voice.
"Do you know where he is?" Rubeus asked
"He won't tell me, but I can barely see him. Like he is in between. It feels familiar like thunderstorms in nightmares." Rubeus huffed.
"He really doesn't want to be found, does he?"
Ironbull was stalking the perimeter of the training ground. The qunari quietly appraching on his own motioning for Rubeus's attention.
Though the Bull did not see Cole, the spirit's connection to the Fade was stronger than ever. Though the qunari was no fool, Rubeus was talking to himself and he had grown accustomed to noticing when it was Cole. The inquisitor always takes a soft gentle approach to handle the creature. Over Cole's shoulder Rubeus noticed The Iron Bull's presence.
"We'll continue this conversation later," Rubeus said to Cole.
"We will," Cole replied. The spirit wandered off and faded out of sight. Rubeus approached The Iron Bull.
"Good morning Bull," he greeted the other warrior. "Looking to spar?" The practice sword was still in his hand.
"I'm always interested in sparring with you boss." Ironbull said and approached. "Want to go blade to blade, or fists? What kind of mood are you in?" Ironbull asked as he started to space around Rubeus. Sizing the warrior up with curious eyes. Rubeus looks at the sword in his hand then back at The Iron Bull. A round of unarmed sparring was sure to get him bruised.
"You look flustered. Sweaty, pink cheeks. I think we should try something different. Make you think." Ironbull suggested. Walking over to the weapons wall where there were spears added to the arsenal.
"Anything that takes my mind off of my conversation with Cole," Rubeus expressed.
"We are going to be fighting on the water, yes? How good is your throw?" Ironbull asked as he brought Rubeus a new weapon. Rubeus took the spear and examined it.
"Shouldn't be too bad," Rubeus started to shake out his throwing arm.
"First person to get a spear through the heart buys dessert." Ironbull offered as they walked 40 feet back from the dummies.
"Sure, I'll take that bet!" Rubeus smirked, a little competition was exactly what he needed. He lined up his shot and threw the spear. He might have thrown it too hard. The spear pierced through the neck of the dummy. Rubeus winced at how off his aim was. Ironbull lined up his shot, and launched it at the dummy. Though his aim wasn't much better, the spear stuck into the shoulder of the dummy. Not even considered a kill if a man was in armour.
"Have you fought at sea before?" Rubeus asked The Iron Bull.
"I have." Ironbull huffed like an angry beast. Stomping over to retrieve his spear alongside Rubeus. "It's been awhile. A few close calls dealing with mages on the water. Last thing you want is a fire blast lighting up the sails when your in the middle of a hurricane." Ironbull said. Rubeus winced at the thought as he yanked his spear out of the dummy.
"Listen boss, my spies have come back with information on our friend the captain. Following that name you gave me." Ironbull started. Rubeus looked around for any ears that could be overhearing them. The soldiers who were training had given Rubeus and The Iron Bull a wide berth on the field, not knowing what possible weapon or line of fire they could end up in.
"What did you find out?" Rubeus asked.
"He doesn't exist, and the Family of the late Captain Jones want whoever this impersonator is dead." Ironbull explained as they walked back to the line. "Though the public opinion around the coasts prefer this imposter over the original pirate."
"Captain Edward is known for delivering medical supplies, books, and sugar all along the islands of thedas. All the while smuggling prisoners out of Tevinter." Ironbull's face looked grim.
Rubeus lined up his shot and threw the spear. It flew in a decent line but the inquisitor over corrected his mistake by not using enough force and the spear pierced the ground halfway between the warriors and dummies. Ironbull launched his spear just after, though his found the target and it landed in the meat of the target. But not the heart.
"Damnit, these things are harder to throw than I remember." Ironbull said as he stretched out his arm. The two made their way across the field to retrieve the spears.
"I've worked with worse people," Rubeus expressed, trying to sound as professional as possible.
"I'm concerned, Captain Michela may think she is doing well, but the trail left in her wake of crime is going to come back to haunt her. No one's story lines up with another. Someone hates her guts in Orlais whereas another would fall on his blade if she asks him too. Or at least if Edward Jones asked them to. The name Michela brought up little other than what we already know of the Tevinter duchess. There is a gap of her history missing. When she was a teenager. The duchess was reported dead when she was nine. Edward Jones first sightings were all in his early to late twenties." Ironbull rubbed his chin, noticing a patch in her beard that was getting rather long.
"I'm pretty sure I know what fills that blank," Rubeus mused.
"I'm thinking she used another name, Dalish heard that Antia Di Pasqua smuggled goods out of tevinter with a friendly noble. Leliana and I agree that's how Michela escaped Tevinter untraced. At least, that's what word on the grapevine leads us to believe. No one knows who the noblewoman was or where she came from. Or if they're still friends."
"There was another name involved," Rubeus started. He stopped himself from saying much more, "it's not my right to share that though."
"Oh? You know something I don't?" Ironbull asked and noticed, the stern side glance Rubeus did not mean to do. A threatening glare Ironbull straightened up at the sight. "Right, I know when is a good time to ask no more questions."
The morning sun was now higher in the sky and more and more people were making their way onto the grounds.
"Thank you for your work and thank you for the sparring match," Rubeus said with a smile.
"Any time, Boss." Ironbull saluted and took his leave to throw the spear once again. "You alright on your own?"
"I told Dorian I would meet him for breakfast. So we are going to have to cut this short," Rubeus explained as he started putting the equipment away.
"Next time, I'll take the head clean off one of these dummies." Ironbull grunted victoriously, hyping himself up.
"Next time we'll play for doubles!" The inquisitor laughed.
"Don't get in too much trouble without me." Ironbull waved him off.
Meanwhile, down at the Market outside the stables. A merchant was putting out a display of new gowns delivered from Orlais. A strapping young dirty blonde man with deep tanned skin had been recruited to help. Tying ropes and setting up tents were easy for him as he climbed the trees like a creature of the deep jungle.
"Thanks ma boy! Here." He flicked the man a silver piece and the human turned around to catch it. It was Edward Jones, Michela had taken the form of the pirate captain and had easily blended into the castleyard among the peasants. Without the Braids and the black eye makeup, he was catching glances from the ladies. His shoulder length curly hair frizzed up had yet recovered from life at sea.
"So, you got those oils I was asking about?" Edward asked walking up to the table.
"Yes I do! Come over here." The merchant led Edward to browse the goods and he picked up a few items to stuff into his satchel. Paying him back the silver and a small bag of gold on top.
"What do you need with all that friend?" The merchant asked.
"A few friends of mine need a makeover, and I give the best haircuts from here to Highever." Edward winked and strutted away, headed for the dining hall for breakfast.
Most people took their meals to their rooms or the tavern, and the dining hall was practically empty save for a group of mages studying under the statue of Andraste and Chantry sisters having tea. Edward collected his meal and sat at the fire opposite of them, finding a lone spot and warming up with a bowl of porridge. It felt good to be invisible again, all his tattoos covered up with the black bear fur and red scarf. No one knew his face yet and without the Braids it was easier to be ignored.
"One more day, I'll put them back in." Edward said as he spooned the bowl impatiently waiting for it to cool down.
Edward's moment of reprieve was short lived. Dorian arrived carrying a bowl of oatmeal. The Altus walked with a brisk and angry pace, keeping his head forward. Rubeus followed after him, empty handed with a concerned look on his face.
"When you mentioned you were involved with an elf thought it was that blond city elf who joined-on as a soldier. Not someone with whom I worked closely with for the better part of a year!" Dorian sounded upset. He had a sour, irritated look on his face.
"Can we talk about this elsewhere?" Rubeus asked. Dorian glared at him.
Edward nearly choked on his first bite, spilling the bowl onto his scarf covering his chest. Quickly he put the bowl down and flung it off, only to toss it into the fire. It was too late for his chest, he had a 2nd degree burn blistering on his clavicle.
"Would it have made any difference if you knew?" Rubeus asked. Dorian said nothing and kept walking.
"Really?" Rubeus glared, "no witty remark?" Dorian sat down at a vacant table away from the others in the room. Rubeus joined him.
"I can't stop thinking about his ire towards me. Was it really about being from Tevinter or because you chose me over him?" Dorian snapped. Rubeus rolled his eyes and shook his head.
"That's what you are upset about? His choler was all Tevinter directed, I promise you." Rubeus clarified, "anything else?"
Edward deftly got up to try and recover his scarf. He was silent like a cat on his tip toes and moved without making a sound. The rose embroidered scarf had caught fire and the lavish red velvet was burning quickly. Trying not to make a scene, Edward let it go and tripped over his own feet before flinging the bowl of oatmeal off the table. The rogue caught it, before it could reach stone, but the porridge kept going and splattered across the floor.
"Is your little tryst the reason you are so upset about him leaving?" Dorian asked.
"What? No!" Rubeus replied, he looked offended by the accusation.
"You are more upset about him leaving than you are about me leaving," Dorian remarked. Rubeus's eyes narrowed and his brow furrowed.
"He left without a word to maybe my relationship with him does play into this" The elf hissed, "don't pretend you wouldn't be just as upset if you were in my shoes."
Dorian's angry dour finally started to soften and now looked hurt. A few of the others in the room were starting to try and listen in on the lover's row. "Why did you keep it a secret? If you cared about him that much,"Dorian asked.
"Honestly? It was in respect to him. Why would I out someone?" Rubeus shrugged. Dorian fell quiet to his valid point.
"Why would you think it was that blond? I thought you knew me better than that?" Rubeus jested trying to change the subject.
Edward watched in horror as the scarf burned in the grand foyer of Skyhold. Desperately trying not to utter a sound to interrupt their quarrel. The ativan thread sparking in the fire as the expensive golds incinerated. His face went sour at the conversation, and Edward stood up steaming angry. He slipped on the porridge carelessly, and collapsed into the chair taking the table cloth with him. Finally crashing more plates to the ground to alert the room to this distress. Edward flicked back into his chair, the realization everyone's eyes were on him instead.
"He seemed like your type." Dorian responded nonchalantly. Rubeus looked at Dorian in feigned horror.
"All this time and you haven't figured out that my type is 'clever mage with a nice ass'?" Rubeus asked.
"I thought it was 'handsome men with fabulous hair'." Dorian looked off with a smug smile and ran his fingers vainly though his quaff, "But I like that you find me clever." There was a small smile on Dorian's face now. All the anger from before had vanished. Rubeus leaned in.
"I also think you have a really nice ass," he teased. Dorian pushed him away playfully.
"I'm still angry with you, but I forgive you," Dorain sighed. "Just let me know if you have any other past lovers lurking around Skyhold that I might have to work closely with."
"I will," Rubeus promised. The ears and eyes on them were starting to become more noticeable. They were uncomfortable with the rowdy atmosphere of giggles. He looked around trying to gauge how many onlookers had gathered. That's when he noticed Edward. Rubeus's eyes widened and his face became flushed. Dorian's eyebrow quirked quizzically and he looked in the direction Rubeus was staring.
Edward had gotten up from the chair to grab a napkin from the table, trying to dust the porridge spilt on his freshly pressed jacket Dagna had just embroidered with gold. He was blushing a furious red, as the loud laughs were quickly hushed by the chantry sisters.
"Did you have a thing with that guy too?" Dorian questioned. Rubeus shook his head, "No, nothing happened between us. I'm not even sure he and I have met before..." Rubeus sounded confused and unsure of himself. Dorian examined Edward.
"I think he's new. I'd remember a rugged handsome man like him," Dorian admitted. He got up from the table and walked towards Edward.
"What are you doing?" Rubeus asked in alarm. Dorian approached the distress rogue with a casual swagger.
"Good morning," he said with an added charming smile.
"I'm fine, nope. I'm not even here." Edward didn't make eye contact, instead focused on cleaning his jacket and trying to hide his exposed chest. His blonde hair doing a terrible job to hide his tattoos.
"You are new here, correct?" Dorian asked, "I'd remember such a fine face if I had seen it before."
"You two have a real fucked up way of dealing with your problems. Now you're flirting with me!? What!" Edward got up and looked Dorian in the eye and got in his face. The stunning blue irises of the duchess staring back at the altus with foul distaste. Dorian stepped back startled.
"Wait! No…. You're not…" Dorian was flabbergasted by the realization of who he was speaking to.
"I'm worthy of your attention now? Fuck you." Edward took a handful of steaming hot porridge and smeared it across Dorian's face, making sure to get it into his hair. Dorian glared at Edward and wiped the porridge off his face and flicked it down to the ground hitting Edward's boots.
"Do you get so few compliments that you think any positive attention your way is a come on?" Dorian asked with a sharp tone.
"Any compliment from you is drenched in arrogance is the same as the rest of the Magisters from back home." Edward scoffed watching Dorian care more for his appearance then the conversation.
"We have not had any fights till you showed up and paraded your little vendetta against me," Dorian pointed out.
"It's about time someone did, everyone here is marching around with their heads up their ass ignoring betrayal staring them in the face." Edward scoffed "I just heard you admit as long as you can get your dick wet by some tight ass…." Edward looked at Rubeus' and blushed horribly. "Solas played you both because you're stupid." Dorian looked at Edward with a vexed expression, fighting back the urge to say something he would regret. Rubeus got up to intervene between the two before a fight could start.
A guardsmen opened the door with a heavy shove, spotting the inquisitor and making a beeline for him.
"Inquisitor! Urgent news from the gate!" He shouted and sprinted for him. Rubeus stopped before he could reach Dorian and Edward and looked on at them with concern.
"Just stay away from me then. I'm here on important business or I would leave but contractually I'm obligated to stay and if you let me do my job. I would be gone by now! I was minding my own fucking business before you two ruined it with your bickering. I don't fucking care if he cheated on you, or if he murdered your father. Take it to the bedroom and hash it out in private I was trying to fucking eat!" Edward shouted like the Captain was barking orders over a thunderstorm. The room was split as to whether they should be paying attention to the sudden appearance of guards or the drama by the fireplace. Dorian meet Rubeus's eye and then looked away embarrassed.
"You're right. We should not have dragged our drama out here. It's too easy for others to misread." Dorian reviled, "Maker forbid, more rumours happen." There was something threatening in his tone.
"I've heard enough to make your ears bleed, but despite how much you aggravate me… I appreciate the compliment." Edward relented as he removed his messed jacket. "I've had a rough night, and an even worse couple weeks having to… what did you say. Take my Vendetta on Parade? I'm going to have to use that. Wearing those ridiculous dresses and painting my face to prove myself does feel like a circus." Edward was much different then Michela. More relaxed, and less anxious even as he calmly took a hand stitched handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to Dorian. Dorian took the handkerchief cautiously and checked it for any wayward spell before using it to wipe the rest of the oatmeal from his face.
"Inquisitor, there are Ferelden Soldiers at the gate, they demand you hand over the Hero of Ferelden. Here." The guard handed over a parchment to Rubeus.
It read;
"This script is Here by an order from his majesty King Alistair Theirin. The fugitive known as Elissa Cousland, the Hero and Grey Warden Commander of the fifth blight. Is to be escorted alive in chains for charges of the attempted murder of the King of Ferelden.
Failure to comply will be an open declaration of war against the crown and the inquisition will no longer be permitted amnesty and land within Ferelden borders.
King Alistair Theirin."
Rubeus took the letter and read it over twice. He heaved a heavy sigh and followed the guard out to the gates.