Yay, new chapter. New job and writers block is annoying. Obviously, I don't own LOZ or DAI. Enjoy.

The sun was setting upon the mountain keep of Skyhold. The slow dimming light from the sky was soon replaced with the warm flames that released their glow from the newly replaced windows as the residents started to wind down for the night. Construction had been in full swing over the last few weeks. The structural integrity of the main building had become the priority since roads had now been cleared down the mountains, a necessity to gain the supplies for the inquisitions forces. There were now many who had made the pilgrimage to this once desolate sanctuary, to feast their eyes upon the Inquisitor and gain their favour, but there was still much work to be done before the place would be considered "presentable" to the nobility from Orlas and Fereldan. Scaffolding still littered the main hall and reached toward the ceiling. It was the only way to get to the rooms on the upper floors that were not in the rotund and much of the roof slating needed to be replaced. It would have been safer if the aristocracy were not crowding the area below but, like a bunch of spoiled toddlers, they didn't like being told what they couldn't do. Josephine had tried. After a few days, she had relented.

Skyholds' resident Gerudo had settled to stay near the garden. It had surprised her that such a place could exist at the extremely high altitude. Maybe the high walls had protected it against rough winds. When she wasn't assisting with some of the heavy lifting for the construction team or training with her newfound sparring partner, she was tending to the plants. There were only two pots of soil that were usable to grow the herbs used by the mages and healers for potions, poultices and salves. The soil of the courtyard was hard, too shallow and void of enough nutrients for anything more than grass and other stubborn flora. Not that the chantry sisters seemed to mind. She was sure someone had put in a word to acquire more planting space but it was still a minor complaint and would be put on the backburner till other, more pressing, matters were met.

She didn't interact much with anyone or not many wanted to interact with her. Apart from occasionally speaking to an elf who helped tend the few plants they had and her sparing sessions, everyone seemed to keep their distance. She was used to it but at least there were much fewer insults thrown her way, probably out of fear. This particular day however, she had an unexpected visitor.

"Sav'saaba Inquisitor Erui," Muara greeted.

"Um… Good evening?" the white haired elf replied, unsure if that was the translation. Muara gave a reassuring nod.

"What can I do for you?"

"I shall be going on a mission into the Dales. It's been recommended to me that I bring you along."

"May I ask by whom?" the taller female asked with a raised brow.

"My advisors. And Cassandra said she can vouch for you. You should have everything you need. I think everyone has been fitted out by now."

"I believe so. When do we leave?"

"Tomorrow morning at dawn. Meet us at the gates."

"I shall prepare."

Muara was surprised that she would be considered trustworthy enough to take part in an expedition, whilst escorting the leader of the Inquisition, of all people. It couldn't be that simple. Were they testing her? Her abilities? Her loyalty? Was this a death mission? No, that couldn't be it. Not with the Inquisitor here. Too elaborate for attempted murder. Shouldn't let go of the possibility. Danger is everywhere. Growing up in a land where everyone and everything wants you dead, you have to keep your guard up. Still, she was packed and ready the next morning.

The new armour she had been given seemed to be made out of leather and wool which covered most of her torso with vambraces protecting her forearms instead of using sleeves. The breaches were baggy, similar to the ones from her homeland, but they were tucked into shin guards and, thank the Goddesses, a pair of sturdy, leather boots. They gave her enough mobility whilst keeping in some of her body heat. Skyhold's temperatures could get quite low.

Potions, dried rations, flint, bedrolls, and other necessities had been stored and loaded onto one of four horses that would carry them to their intended destination. The horse selected for her seemed to be the biggest but not by much. The thick,dark brown fur cloaking its hooves and muscular legs proved to her this was a working horse, one used by farm-hands to plough fields or pull carts. Such a breed was slow but usually had an easygoing nature and were easy to handly, unlike the swift, wilder breed that was used by the Gerudo. It was probably the best that they had and the only one suitably big enough for her to ride.

Inquisitor Lavellan had greeted everyone and told Muara that she would often take smaller groups to investigate areas and take out enemy camps as it wouldn't strain the Inquisitions forces and she could get around and assist without being noticed too quickly. Cassandra was also accompanying them down but the final member of the team was someone Muara hadn't met before. He was short and stocky, with a crossbow strapped to his back. A dwarf, if the descriptions of them were correct.

The warmth of the air was a great relief from the biting cold of the Frostbacks. As they descended, the snow easily melted into a sea of green. Thick, lush forests with trees so tall they seemed to hold up the sky itself. They reminded her of Faron wood, or what little she had seen of it.

It had only been in passing, when taking trips for trade with the Sheikah who warned to not enter if they valued their lives. They had told tales of the Great Deku Tree that once brought life and protection to the forest and his sprite-like children, but it had died shortly before He rose to power. A bad omen, if ever the Sheikah saw one, so they swiftly went into hiding. The forest became cursed and many foul beasts and spirits had taken over the dying trees. "Anyone who enters that cursed place will be lost forever." This warning was never taken lightly. A dark, ominous fog seemed to creep through the branches by the outskirts whenever the Gerudo rode past it. She would feel the tingling pull on her magic, causing her whole body to come up in cuckoo-skin. But here, surrounded by vines creeping up thick trunks of mossy bark, weaving through the thick roots that crossed the path, all Muara felt was peace and wonder. Was this how Faron was before? She had never seen such a deep emerald green before.

Her thoughts were cut short by one of her companions now riding beside her.

"So, Kitten, what's your story?" the dwarf asked out of thin air.

"You've named her Kitten?" said the Inquisitor riding in front , turning her head in slight confusion.

"Have you seen her downing a tankard of milk? That shit doesn't touch the sides," Varric answered with enthusiasm.

"Maybe if you had drunk some, you would have grown to a decent size" Muara said, not bothering to look down at the talkative dwarf.

"And she has fangs as well as claws," he giggled, unphased. "Kitten is perfect"

"Was that a pun?" Cassandra called from the back.

"I am neither admitting nor denying, Seeker."

"Why don't you use my name?" Muara asked, finally looking down at him. She was irritated that he's disturb her thoughts on the vibrant landscape around them.

"I give nicknames to everyone. It is a term of endearment"

"Or mockery," Cassandra interjected.

Varric gave a dramatic gasp. "Perish the thought. I merely want to know more about our newest member."

"Why?" The dwarf was really starting to grind on Muara's nerves. His overly joyous nature had been a far cry from what she'd received in this land so far. Too suspicious.

"I'm just being friendly," Varric defended with a smile.

"And looking for material for his next book, no doubt." Cassandra mumbled.

"That's what I do anyway. A writer finds inspiration everywhere"

"So he'll will be asking questions constantly"

"A woman from an unknown race just suddenly pops out of nowhere. How could I not be curious?"

There it was. He wanted to know about the Gerudo. Her people. To find them. Use them. Hurt them.

"Well, you won't get answers." Muara's voice was low in a menacing warning. "I don't know you, Voe, or trust you."

"Leave her alone, Varric." Erui Lavellan called, feeling the tension in the air.

"Pah, fine. Be that way.