We spent the next few days in much the same manner: visiting the market, chatting, enjoying the fine Orlesian food. Yet, soon enough the morning came for departure, established when Vivienne had sent word that she had concluded her business. I was startled awake on the morning in question by the squawking of a giant crow in the window.

"Hush," Leliana spoke sweetly to the bird, petting it before removing a letter from its leg. She unrolled the parchment, glanced at the front and handed it to me. "For you," she murmured.

It was from Cullen:

Talitha -

I'm pleased to hear your task went well. I have no doubt you will find your stride and do so quickly.

Our Marcher friends are in good health, helped even more so by intense celebrations following our defeat of the bandit threat. Dennet and his wife were kind enough to put together a feast in our honor, which included a plethora of ale and dancing. I have never seen such merrymaking and I will admit it was a happy sight. We had a few injured, but no casualties - thank the Maker. The people were in need of such a diversion after these past months of hardship. Even if such activities are far outside my area of expertise. Seeker Pentaghast and I took patrol in order for the others to join in the revelry.

The villa has been a Maker sent blessing. We have a proper place to house our soldiers and rations now, versus placing them under the roofs of the people or in tents. Vale and his men have moved there, though there is still a post outside the Crossroads. It is out of the way, but we remain close to continue aiding in repairs and construction. There are new homes being established within the village while old ones are being rebuilt on the King's Road. Life is returning to the area; it is slow, but steady. I got to see it first hand as I passed through on our return journey - of which we are in the middle of as I write this letter.

Our Marcher friends are returning with me to Haven where I will assign them duties befitting them, though I welcome your suggestions. Dennet is with us as well; he brings his mounts and promises to reprise his role as horsemaster for the Inquisition. Captain Rylen informed me that construction is well under way and things should be ready for the horses upon our arrival. As I'm sure you've guessed, our progress is slow with so large a company; but it is to ensure the horses' safety. I fear even with the added barns, we will still not have enough room for the animals, but I hope Dennet can make due.

I am familiar with Magpie. I hope that our personal history can be set aside for the sake of the Inquisition, but Magpie's talent and the potential relief for Healer Bethany outweigh any tension it may bring.

l will arrange it so we can discuss your ideas unhindered; it is important that we are in agreement about everything in this matter. I look forward to our conversation and hope this letter reaches you before your departure - even if the blighted bird tried to murder me when I tied the letter to its leg.

Travel safely,

Commander Rutherford

P.S. I attached a copy of Researcher Minaeve's notes so you could read over them on your way back. She included notes on the dragon as well, as you suspected she would.

I laughed at the bit about the bird and ran a finger over his name. I missed him and determined I would make more of an effort to be in his company in Haven when appropriate; not that I'd have much choice as we would truly be working together from now on. I folded the letter and notes and stowed them in the breast pocket of my vest. Leliana's eyes had been on me while I read the letter, her observation continuing as I put it away.

"What does our dear Commander say?" Leliana asked, mischievously.

I blushed at her tone. "He was informing me of the situation with the bandits and mounts. He-he also attached Minaeve's latest research notes."

"Riveting," she murmured, huskily.

I blushed deeper and she smirked. Ignoring the blush in my cheeks, I wrote Cullen back.

Commander Rutherford -

I am sorry to have missed out on such a celebration, but I thank the Maker that our friends have a reason to celebrate and are well. For your sake, I am glad Seeker Pentaghast was there to spare you from the merrymaking. Perhaps I can offer you a lesson in the art of it upon my return? Maybe if you occasionally spent an evening in the tavern instead of your tent, you could at least learn the basics?

Praise be to Our Lady that such progress is being made. Maker knows the folk of the Crossroads need such improvements. I hope Vale and his men find their new post amenable.

I'll think on ideas for positions for our Marcher friends on our journey back and we can discuss it together. I am very pleased to hear that Dennet will be with us. I look forward to seeing the man again and observing how he cares for our mounts. I have no doubt Captain Rylen is doing his utmost to have Haven prepared and I will be excited to see the changes to Haven.

I, too, look forward to our conversation. Thank you for sending Researcher Minaeve's notes, I will enjoy reading over them.

Maker watch your steps on your journey back,

Talitha

I hoped he wouldn't take too much offense to my teasing about his lack of socialization, but the man rarely came to the tavern; even less so as Haven was exploding with activity and people. It was only if he was in need of food and couldn't flag down a runner to bring a tray to his tent. I understood it was his diligence to his work, but people needed to see their Commander taking a rest every now and again. I chuckled at the thought of him brooding in the shadows as the townsfolk danced, drank, ate and laughed. I could even imagine Elizabeth trying to coax him away from patrol to dance and he refusing, doing his best to hide his utter terror at the idea. Then I thought about he and Elizabeth traveling back to Haven together and worry flickered in my heart. I set it aside, quickly, as dwelling on it would only bring trouble. I had to trust the Maker and Cullen; as Bethany had said, it would happen as the Maker intended.

I folded the parchment, sealed it and handed it to Leliana. With little fuss, she tied the letter pouch to the bird's leg and sent it off. We ate breakfast and got ready to leave. Vivienne had arrived in her coach shortly after we'd finished breakfast, offering us a ride to the docks. We accepted, riding in relative silence after introductions were made, though I felt everyone was silently studying each other. Solana was already aboard the boat when we arrived and Leliana had said that the elf, Sera, was already on her way to Haven. As I stared up at the large vessel, I mentally prepared for a week trapped on it upon the sea, pretending to be my sister. With a deep sigh, I walked up the ramp.

...

We passed the first day in polite conversation and the occasional chess game. I spent as much time as I could on the deck of the ship as I had on the way to Val Royeaux, the belly bringing back thoughts of that dank cell that had claimed too much of me. It was only Ellana and Solana's presences that helped me to be able to stay below. I enjoyed the brininess of the sea air, the sounds of the ship cresting the waves and the gulls calls as they flew with our sails. The sun was relentless, however, on the open ocean and I found the dark waters both drawing and haunting. The sea felt alive. I longed to draw the scene before me, but Ellana and I had concluded that both my sketchbook and the dagger Cullen had given me needed to be with whoever was Talitha as it would be a give away if I had them as Ellana.

I took a deep breath in of the fresh air as the sun began to dip below the horizon of the water.

"My lady," a gruff voice spoke behind me.

I turned and found one of the crew members with his hat in his hand. He had a look of admiration on his face as he bowed. "Yes?" I asked.

"They say you're the Herald?" he questioned hesitantly.

"That's what some call me, yes," I nodded.

"I - I wanted to thank you for all you've done. I have family in the Hinterlands and they sent word of your deeds there," he shyly offered as he bowed his head again. "My faith was shaky at best, but knowing Our Lady sent you and how you saved my loved ones from the raging mages and templars...I've more a mind to say the Chant. I wanted to say that while I had the chance, my lady Herald."

I inclined my head. "I'm glad I could help, though I can hardly take all the credit. The Inquisition's people are responsible. However, I am thankful that our deeds were able to save your family."

"Ma'am," the sailor smiled, his tanned skin crinkling in its wake. He placed his hat upon his head and returned to his work.

With that single interaction, I knew Leliana's plan had succeeded. It hurt, I wouldn't lie to myself, to have my deeds assigned to Ellana, but I knew in my heart it had been me; I knew that this was better for the Inquisition, for Ellana's safety. I gave myself comfort by remembering all that had happened in the Hinterlands - most of my comfort coming from that little cabin shared with Cullen. I watched the sun melt into the ocean's cerulean waters before I returned to the belly of the ship.

"Herald," Vivienne's rich voice called from her cabin as she stood in the doorway. She'd removed her horned mask to reveal a beautiful face beneath. Her dark hair was shaved close to her scalp, a groomed brow was quirked as her near black eyes studied me. Her saturnine face seemed to be carved from stone as she allowed no emotions to show. High cheekbones, an elegant nose and glossed, full lips finished out her features. I understood why she'd come to be called the Lady of Iron - her very essence oozed an iron will.

"Lady Vivienne," I greeted.

"Join me, will you?" she gestured towards a small table set with dinner inside her cabin as she stepped back to open her door wider.

"I will, thank you," I inclined my head and took a seat at her table. The food was inferior to what we'd become accustomed to in Val Royeaux, but it was still well prepared. A pan fried fish, roasted root vegetables and fresh bread.

"These humble sailors still know how to make a decent fare, though I had to ask for a dinner prepared as the captain's would be served," Vivienne explained as she took her seat across from me. "I do hope you enjoyed the food my coin provided during your stay in Val Royeaux."

"It was excellent, as was our room. I wish to extend my utmost thanks to you, Lady Vivienne."

"Think nothing of it, my dear," she waved a manicured hand. "I want only the best for my friends. So, tell me, what am I to expect at Haven? My connections have provided me an overview of the people working for the Inquisition, but I'd like your perspective." As she finished her question, she began to eat her food with the height of manners.

"You obviously know about our Ambassador, Josephine Montilyet - from what I understand, she studied in Val Royeaux, is trained as a bard and is quite accomplished in the art of the Grand Game," I began. "I find her a soothing presence in our more heated discussions and she always manages to unearth a diplomatic way of handling any situation - to the gain of both parties. You've recently met our Spymaster, Sister Leliana, Left Hand of the Divine, companion of the Hero of Ferelden during the Fifth Blight. She also was trained as a bard and is adept at the Game. Leliana's network is so vast and secretive, we are kept abreast of things sometimes before they even occur. Our military advisor and commander of our forces is Commander Cullen Rutherford - previously a templar, his highest ranking being acting Knight-Commander in Kirkwall following the death of their Knight-Commander. I understand that he almost single-handedly pulled Kirkwall back together after the explosion of the Chantry and he has proven himself adept at commanding our forces following the explosion of the Conclave; practical and occasionally difficult, but he has the loyalty of our troops. Those three are our foundation, without them, the Inquisition would not exist."

"You give yourself too little credit, my dear," Vivienne shook her head. "Without them, the Inquisition would not function. Without you the Inquisition would not exist. You are the one who has pulled the organization together and who the people have begun to put their faith in. Tell me, as a Dalish elf, what is your opinion of the Circles? Of the Order?"

I took a moment to collect my thoughts. I had to think how Ellana would answer this question, not me. However, she and I would need to come to some kind of compromise or plan as to how we would address those situations. I decided to keep my answers true, but vague. "Since you asked, I am going to speak plainly. As a Dalish elf, I have seen the dangers of magic unchecked, but have also known the freedom of not having an armored shadow. I have had both good and bad experiences with templars; those who wished to protect, and those who used their positions and power to abuse. I believe templars could be and are a force for good, but they need to return to their true purpose. They have become too bound to the Chantry and it to them; not that they shouldn't be connected, necessarily, but the templars should not be treated as leashed dogs to do the Chantry's dirty work. The Circles, unfortunately, have been twisted into something I do not believe they should have ever become. While some are more lenient and lend themselves to be places of education as you describe, others are no more than prisons - riddled with corruption, abuse and oppression." Vivienne's eyes turned cold, but she remained silent as I continued to speak. "However, the people of Thedas will not tolerate the dissolution of either entity - no matter the circumstances or the validity of their needing to be eliminated. I think change can be achieved - and should be - for both entities; more freedoms for both the mages and the Order. They should not be forced to be bound to each other, but poisoned into mortal enemies."

"Then what would you have them be?"

"I would have the Circles be places of education - where mages do go to learn how to control their gifts, study, and work their way towards an intended career path. They should be able to visit family or have family visit whenever they wish or be given designated times where they can do so. Once their education is finished, mages should be able to leave the Circle if they wish - to become healers, join the military, join the Wardens, run shops or to simply live. Perhaps they have a templar assigned to them upon entry into the Circle and the two are viewed as 'partners' for lack of a better term. They are each other's charges. The templar protects and observes the mage; the mage teaches the templar how to defend themselves against magic. Fraternization is not forbidden, but encouraged - perhaps not romantic relationships while within the Circle, but I do not believe that should be forbidden either. It is the lack of understanding that has led mages and templars to where they are now. It's no different than my people and the rest of Thedas. We are feared because we are not understood - and that is as much our fault as the rest; probably more so ours, if I were to be honest. So much violence would be avoided if people would simply take the time to talk and understand one another - you still may not like each other or agree on anything, but at least you can understand you both have value." I blinked and realized how winded I was from speaking. "Forgive me, I am rambling."

"Not at all, Herald," Vivienne spoke. "Please continue. I asked for your opinion, so give it."

"Very well," I nodded my thanks. "As for the templars, they should have the ability to do more than just 'guard mages' or 'hunt apostates'. If our Commander and the templars who followed him are any indication, they are excellent soldiers. They should be able to choose more career paths than just being stuck in a tower. Our Commander has suggested the creation of a mage battalion within the Inquisition's forces. Mages being trained to fight - mages and templars truly working together; at least, that is my hope. Templars should be able to leave the tower and protect the common folk - working within villages and towns; they should be able to have families and visits as well. While I know Andrastian faith is integral to what the Order is, there should be no bind to the Chantry; both so the Chantry cannot wield them and so the templars cannot wield the Chantry. 'Magic is to serve man' does not, in my mind, mean that templars have a 'divine right' over mages. Magic serving man to me should mean that magic serves. Healing, enchantment, education, military - that is serving; not a life spent locked behind a door. Templars are called to serve and sacrifice, so why can they not protect, aid, and train both mages and the common folk?"

"For not believing in the Maker or the Chantry nor ever having been in a Circle, you seem to have given a lot of thought to all in your idealization of the future," Vivienne quirked a brow.

"I do not have to believe in either to respect and be educated in their workings. As for the Circle, it is not hard to imagine how I would feel about never having known family, the wild or freedom."

"Touché," Vivienne smirked. "I will admit it is simply a surprise to me that you are so well educated."

"I will try not to take offense to that, Lady Vivienne," I chuckled.

"Do try, my dear," a flicker of a smile on her lips formed before Vivienne hesitated as if digesting everything I had said. "You spoke of poor experiences with templars, but what of mages? To wish such freedoms for those born with magic, I want to be assured that you understand the dangers."

"Of course. Our clan suffered due to the hubris of prior clan members; they sought knowledge with an insatiable greed and it nearly cost the clan its life at the hands of vengeful templars." Shock flitted on her face for a second before she regained her composure. "And I have been faced with temptation a time or two myself."

"And yet you still desire freedom for mages?" she questioned.

"As I said, not absolute freedom." I took a sip from my glass. "Even the Dalish have their regulations on magic. My clan, for instance, allows no more than two mages within its members. The Keeper and the First - the Keeper is our leader, so to speak, and the First is their apprentice who will take over leadership upon the passing of the Keeper. Any clan member born with magic once the Keeper and First are chosen are exiled."

"How cruel," Vivienne grimaced.

"I will not disagree with you," I frowned. "This decision was made after the prior mages nearly led to our eradication. It is because of this that I am not inclined to eliminate the Circles entirely, nor the templars. The templars put an end to our clansmen who became abominations when no one else could have. In theory, the Circles could provide a safe place for those Dalish elves that are banished from their clans. Yet, I do not believe that because mages might pose a threat that they should have only the choices of imprisonment, Tranquility or death. As with everything, there will be those who choose evil and those who choose good. If mages are looked at as cursed and the only solution is to lock them up, are they not being setup to fail? If templars are trained to think mages will inevitably fall prey to demons, are they not being setup to view us as nothing more than hostiles?"

"I understand what you are saying," Vivienne murmured. "I do not know yet if I agree with you, however, my dear."

"There is no need for you to," I smiled. "These are my opinions and ideas. This situation is not one that can be fixed by one person alone, nor should it be. I am a Dalish elf - a mage born free - I have not been in your place or the place of so many other mages. I am not a templar either. I am voicing what I think could be done from the perspective of one who was on the outside and who has listened to the frustrations of others. I will welcome the advice, ideas and opinions of those who have lived those experiences in order to, hopefully, achieve a compromise that suits those who will actually be affected by the decision - if the Inquisition is called upon to make it and if I am even in the negotiations. This is, of course, all hypothetical discussion. A new Divine may be chosen any day, the Inquisition defeated or any number of things."

Vivienne said nothing, but her dark eyes studied me. She was weighing me in her mind and if I was reading her correctly, she was finding the Herald more complex than she had anticipated. Good, perhaps she will not be so eager to try and manipulate things to her advantage. After swallowing a bite of food, she spoke again. "You mentioned that your Commander has requested a mage battalion. What does he anticipate that looking like?"

"The details have yet to be worked out, but he did agree that a mage needs to lead the battalion, but still operate within the army as a whole," I voiced. "I know this much: it is a chance to show Thedas that mages - and their magic - can serve just as well as the templars; and going a step further, that it can be done side by side the templars."

"It is an intriguing idea to be sure," Vivienne offered. "I will be curious to see how the idea comes to fruition."

"As will I."

We passed the rest of the meal in lighter conversation as Vivienne shared a bit about her life and her time in the Circle. She shared her opinions on the Circle and the Order. Her opinions on templars aligned more with Cullen than even my own did, but I found her approval of them refreshing. I concluded that she was very difficult to read and abrasive, yet her opinions and advice were sound - even if they were arrogant. I concluded she would be a woman I could respect and seek advice from, but wether she could or would form a true friendship with anyone would remain to be seen. We would not always agree either. Her personal interests would always come first, even if she did seek the interests of the Inquisition.

"Herald, would you be so kind as to allow me to teach you a few things while we're stuck on this vessel?" Vivienne asked as we concluded our meal. "Of magic, I mean."

"I would greatly welcome it," I nodded. "I noticed you have an affinity for ice?"

"Indeed," a slight smirk appeared on her full lips. "To me, it is the most versatile of the schools - besides healing."

"I agree."

"Meet me on the upper deck an hour after sunrise then, my dear."

"Thank you, Lady Vivienne," I inclined my head as I stood. "And thank you for the meal and your company."

"And you, Herald."

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