Falherna was waking up slowly. Both her body and mind felt heavy and drained like she was underwater. She tried to take a deep breath but to her surprise her lungs wouldn't respond.
A bright light glimmered above her, tempting her. However when she tried to reach for it, she found that her body wouldn't respond either. So she simply waited, surrendering to the current.
She stayed still, weightless, warm and cozy. The light slowly got closer but before it reached her a strange force suddenly grabbed her and dragged her towards the surface.
Falherna opened her eyes and sat abruptly. "Grey" the word escaped from her mouth. Her throat was dried so she cleared it impulsively.
Her fingers pressed to the bridge of her nose instinctively, her eyes squinting in an attempt to get used to the light. Once her vision had cleared she saw that she was lying in a bed – a human bed. It had been years since she last had that luxury.
Cautiously she sat down on the edge. She felt strangely well-rested, her hand did no longer hurt. She glanced at her palm and noticed that, even though the mark hadn't disappeared, it wasn't flaring up like it did before. It seemed to be stable, at least for now.
A number of questions overflowed her mind. Did she manage to close the Breach? Could she finally go back home now? Did she even want to? And was Solas still with them or had he left?
Her thoughts were disrupted as the door of the cottage she was in suddenly opened and a young elf came in. A servant most likely, she assumed. The boy fell to his knees once he saw that Falherna was awake.
"My lady, I beg your forgiveness and blessing. I am, but a humble servant. You are back in Haven." he whispered in horror "They say you saved us. The Breach stopped growing just like the mark on your hand" he looked at her finally.
She frowned wondering why he'd felt the need to kneel before her with such terror. After a second she smiled at him "Stand up, please. Why are you afraid of me?".
"Lady Cassandra would want to know you've wakened. She said to inform her "at once"" he rose and started to withdraw to the door.
"Where is she?" Falherna asked gently. She could not understand why this boy was so afraid.
"In the Chantry with Chancellor Roderick. She said "at once"" the elf sent her another scared glance and opened the door.
He ran out, leaving on the floor the pack of herbs he had with him. She looked at them before deciding to put them on the shelf next to the bed.
She stretched her arms and back. Her muscles were accustomed to the fights, and long journeys so she didn't feel sore.
She approached the small mirror on the desk noting that her clothes were left untouched and her coat rested on the chair next to the desk.
Looking at her own reflection, she brushed her hair until it ran down her shoulders. Despite the dark circles around her eyes, Falherna found herself looking fresh and ready for the meeting with the Seeker.
A small note on the table caught her eye. Someone had been watching her while she slept.
Could it have been Solas? How long had she been asleep?
The note mentioned that she had been out for three days, muttering about "too many eyes" and "the grey".
What was the meaning of all of this? She didn't remember any dreams or nightmares.
She shook her head leaving the note on the table, looking again at the image in the mirror. Her skin seemed pale in comparison with the black fragment of vallaslin. She traced it with her finger thinking how sad it was to be forced to wear something so pathetic on her lower lip and neck.
"Oh, for fuck sakes" she growled to herself averting her gaze from the reflection. She hated blood writing on her face. Hated all the memories they were arousing. Hated herself for the restlessness she felt every time she looked at her own tattoo.
Falherna straightened and reached for the coat putting it on. After a short deliberation, she took the herbs from a shelf hiding it in her breast pocket. Taking a deep breath to ease her mind and thought she opened the door of the cottage. Cold air hit her face forcing her to pull up the hood.
"Interesting," she thought as she noticed people had gathered outside of her cottage. They were looking at her but not with fear or disgust, like the teenage elven boy, but with worship and admiration.
Hopefully, Cassandra could shed some light on the situation.
"It's her. It's the Herald of Andraste!" someone in the crowd whispered as she slowly moved forward.
"Did you hear? She stopped the Breach from growing" she wasn't looking at those soldiers, women, children, she was just listening to understand the situation.
"Why did lady Cassandra put her in chains?! She saved us!" she heard on her left while climbing the stairs.
The building of the Chantry was visible in the distance and more people were standing there.
"She's the chosen one. Andraste chose her".
"Herald of Andraste? The Chosen One?" she thought hearing another word of admiration.
Suddenly she felt the urge to laugh bitterly.
A half-elf, a tricky, withdrawn and ironic woman, who murdered in cold blood when it was needed, but who always guided by caring for the comfort and happiness of other beings, who was hated in some circles and desired at the same time, that same woman was considered by shemlens to be a holy person?
It should be obvious to her. She should have predicted it. Most humans believed in what was most convenient for them and not exhausting for their minds.
How annoying must have been the thought about the hybrid with the strange mark who „fell from the sky"?
They had to explain it somehow. Rationalized it. Although rationalization aimed to make her a saint was ridiculous.
She reached the top of the stairs and took the time to look around trying to ignore the people that mobbed around her. Haven was calm and beautiful, surrounded by mountains and forests.
Her thoughts strayed to Fen. She wondered where the animal was now and moved towards the Chantry's door. She needed to speak to Cassandra and ask for permission to find her wolf before the trial. She wanted to say goodbye to him.
Falherna went inside finding Varric and Solas standing at the end of the hall by big, wooden doors. As she came closer to both men she pulled down her hood.
"Good morning" she greeted them.
"Welcome. I'm glad you're awake" Solas sent her hesitant gaze.
The smile she saw on his face when they first met and he told her she held the key to their salvation was now gone. Even his eyes seemed colder.
It was strange. He didn't look too happy because of her arrival. But his mood couldn't be her fault considering she was unconscious for last three days.
Deciding to stay polite she thanked him and leaned forward to kiss Varric's unshaved cheek.
"You scratch, Storyteller" Falherna rubbed her face wincing.
"Every real man should" he laughed resting his back against the wall.
"I would engage in the polemic with it" she replied feeling Solas' gaze on her. She looked at him, but the elf turned away his eyes quickly.
"Oh, yes… I forgot what kind of men you like" laughing again Varric looked at her with a broad smile.
"I've heard the Breach is stable" she focused her attention on Solas who opened his mouth to answer her when suddenly the Chancellors' voice from behind the door stopped the apostate from speaking.
"You are crazy! I want her head! Now! I will not allow this freak to walk freely in Haven" they heard the man's shout.
"I love such delicate words" Falherna winked to Varric smiling slightly.
Varric seemed moved. He frowned and folded his arms on his chest.
"Brighteyes, sorry you have to hear that" he murmured.
"You want to say that it moves you, dear?," she smiled gently "After all, "freak" is a compliment compared with terms that I've heard over the last several years" she lifted her eyebrow "Has my absence blunted your claw?"
He laughed out loud "Certainly, I missed your presence. If something happened to my claw, I'm sure you'll find a way to sharpen it again."
She poked his shoulder "I'm sure Bianca will be pleased to sharpen your claw, Varric".
"Take her to Val Royeaux, where she will be judged by the new Divine!" the Chancellor's voice thundered again.
Falherna giggled, feeling the gaze of steel-blue eyes on her again.
"Well, good luck with that Chancellor!" Varric whispered with a the wide smile.
"Hush!" she pointed a finger at him "I'm going to say hello".
Without a second thought, she opened the door and went in calmly.
The atmosphere in the room was heavy with emotions. Leliana's and Cassandra's postures showed her how both women were furious.
Chancellor Roderick reacted angrily at her entrance.
"Chain her!" he ordered pointing at her "Take her to her cell and prepare for travel to the capital!".
"Disregard that and leave us" the soldiers looked at Cassandra and did what they were asked.
"You walk a dangerous line, Seeker" Roderick hissed coming closer to Cassandra when the door slammed and the soldiers left the room.
"The Breach is sealed, but it is still a threat. I will not ignore it. Nor should you" the Seeker looked in the face of the elder man pleading him with her gaze for a small sign of common sense.
Falherna clasped her hands behind her back and said slowly "I did what I could to help".
It was the truth. She tried very hard to close the Breach. Maybe it was enough for Leliana and Cassandra, but obviously her actions could not convince the Chancellor.
"You did more than the others" Cassandra looked at her with approval in her eyes.
"Thank you, Seeker" she bowed slightly "But as I understand, I am still a suspect?".
"You absolutely are" the Chancellor's eyes hardened as he stared at her. She tilted her head on the side observing him, finding it fascinating how blind and stubborn one shemlen could be.
Did he really think she did not close the Breach intentionally? To gain what?
"No, she's not!" Cassandra's voice was sharp like a knife's edge.
Leliana came closer, smiling to Falherna, like she was trying to comfort her, assure her that both women were on her side. Lavellan was trying to make sense of all of this. As it seemed Cassandra had changed her mind, she wasn't suspecting her anymore. The spymaster met her before, had seen her in action and knew there was no rational reason not to trust her.
"Someone was behind the explosion at the Conclave. Someone Most Holy did not expect" Leliana explained calmly looking at Cassandra "Perhaps they died with the others or have allies who yet live".
"So... I am a suspect now?" Roderick asked staring at both women with surprise.
"You and many others!"
"But not this straggler?!" his shout filled the whole room.
"Stop calling her that" Leliana asked him quietly with fire in her eyes. Falherna looked at her with wonderment.
Why were the others so moved by epithets thrown at her direction? Was it important what this elder shemlen thought about her or called her?
He was not worth a single wave of anger or energy. He was feeding himself with it. Surrendering to his provocation would probably make him very pleased and she was not willing to give him any sort of pleasure or joy.
"I heard the voices in the Temple. The Divine called to her for help." The Seeker went closer to Roderick, her lips formed into a thin line.
"So her survival, that thing on her hand - all a coincidence?" Roderick clasped his hands in front of his chest.
"Providence. The Maker sent her to us in our darkest hour" Cassandra seemed very certain in her words.
The Seeker of Truth believed Falherna was the Herald of Andraste. She was probably a pious woman, supportive of Chantry-derived institutions. The situation was getting more and more complicated.
Even, if she could agree her mark was not a coincidence, in her opinion it was rather some form of a destiny that she found herself in the specific time and place. But the magic she bore for sure didn't come from the Maker.
"You believe I am innocent" she stated not showing her surprise. Cassandra was not what she expected.
"Yes. I was wrong. Maybe I am now, but I cannot deny that you're exactly what we need" emotions appeared in the Seeker's eyes.
Obviously she was determined to protect Falherna because she needed her.
"The Breach remains, and your mark is still our only hope of closing it" Leliana added calmly looking at her with care.
The atmosphere became increasingly tensed, the Chancellor seemed furious because none listened to him. He snorted loudly heading to the door and left the room. Falherna felt sympathy for the man, even if the was a fool too proud to admit defeat.
She stayed at the war room for another 30 minutes listening about bringing to life the Inquisition. Falherna knew the history and she did not want to take part in this until she was sure that modern organization would have a different purpose and work differently than the first one.
The first Inquisition was strong, an armed organization with the goal of protecting the people from the "tyranny of magic" in whatever form it might take; blood mages, abominations, cultists or heretics. A loose association of Andrastian hard-liners, the group combed the land in search of these "threats" and some say theirs was a reign of terror. In these accounts, it was suggested that the group was already known as the Seekers of Truth and that the "Inquisition" moniker was perhaps pejorative.
In 1:20 Divine, the newly founded Chantry found common cause with the Inquisition and they signed the Nevarran Accord. As part of the agreement, the Inquisition became the new martial arm of the Chantry, the Templar Order, and its senior members became known as the Seekers of Truth. Another result was the creation of the Circle of Magi, with the Templars serving as overseers for the Circle.
It was almost all she knew and could remember. She was curious how the history would be written now, by their actions.
She agreed to stay and help with the second attempt in closing the Breach.
"Come with me, Herald. You must eat" said Cassandra leading Falherna to the hall.
"There is a tavern where we can talk in peace" the woman looked at her.
"About?"Falherna's gaze rested on Cassandra.
"Well, it occurs to me I don't know much about you" she explained as they left the building and reached the stairs.
"Ask Leliana. I am sure she has made a full research while I was sleeping" she answered callously as she watched the Seeker out of the corner of her eye.
She wasn't a friendly girl willing to share her story, still knowing someone better was some kind of social custom.
"She did, but I don't want to ask her. I want to hear it from you" Cassandra slowed her pace.
"Lady Cassandra!" they heard suddenly. Falherna turned around seeing a young scout running up towards them.
"What is it?"
"Commander Cullen would like to talk to you. The matter is important" he informed casting furtive glances at Falherna.
"The tavern is on the right. I'll join you in a while" the Seeker left her without waiting for the answer.
Lavellan sighed with relief wrapping her cloak closer to her body.
The tavern was warm and very cozy. Only one table was occupied by Varric and Solas. They raised their heads when she approached the table.
In the corner, next to the fireplace she saw the elven boy who visited her an hour ago in her cottage. She still had his herbs.
Discreetly she started studying Solas. He wasn't looking at her, focused on his plate. For the first time, she could see him without a woolen coat, which was hanging on the backrest of his chair. His bodybuilding again drew her attention, but she had to divert her gaze, hearing a small squeal behind her.
"Oh, it's you… you're an elf!" she heard realizing her ears were exposed. She turned around and saw a short woman looking at her ears with eyes wide-open.
Falherna took the woman's reaction and words with peace deciding it will be easier to confirm she is an elf than starting a discussion about her race.
She smiled in respond "I am. It's nice to meet you too".
It was amusing to observe the changes on the woman's face, from fear, by surprise to rapture at the end.
"Forgive me" she stammered "You're the Herald. What would you like to eat?".
"First... some mead, if you have one. And a seafood soup" she pushed away the chair making the decision in two seconds.
"Of course" the woman bowed and quickly went away to prepare the meal.
"Well, are you going to sit?" Varric looked at her with curiosity.
"I am" her gaze was lingering on the servant elf "But not now" she moved slowly towards the fireplace.
Solas slowly raised his head and looked at Lavellan analyzing her behavior.
She was kneeling next to a teenage boy, by the fireplace. The elf boy seemed stressed when Lavellan introduced herself and pulled out her hand to him.
The half-elven woman took out a small bag from her breast pocket and Solas could hear her words.
"You ran so suddenly and lost your herbs along the way. I found them on the floor and thought, that you'll need it" she pulled her hand with the bag towards the boy smiling warmly.
The young servant looked at the bag, and at Lavellan with surprise visible in his eyes.
Solas felt the urge to respond to her smile even though it was not directed to him. He averted his gaze, focusing on his meal, listening to the conversation.
"Would you like to sit with me and my friends and share a meal with us?".
"Oh no, my lady. I cannot. Servants eat somewhere else" the boy answered quietly.
"I'm sure I'm not talking with a servant now, but with a young boy whose name is Glándir, would you agree?" warm feeling washed Solas' heart. It was the first thing that moved him so strongly since he woke up from his slumber.
Who was this woman? Did she need anything from this boy or was she nice to him with no ulterior motive?
The young elf thanked her for the bag of herbs, declining her proposition and she didn't pressure him to change his mind.
"Dareth shiral, white young man," she said simply, getting up from her knees.
Solas struggled with an intense compulsion to flee and to stay, to know more of her and to ignore her. The disharmony he felt was a completely new sensation for him.
A decision about joining Cassandra, Leliana and Cullen wasn't responsible of him. He was an apostate in a village full of Templars. Still, he had no other choice. He could blame only himself.
Still, he wanted to help. He was the only one who could assist with the mark and the Breach.
Approaching their table Lavellan slipped the coat of her arms and Solas scanned her body curiosity.
It was slender, with a narrow waist and long legs, her hips were wider than most elven women and her breasts were larger and fuller. It made the lines of her form strangely asymmetric and specific.
In his journeys, he'd met some half-elves, but often they had more of a human build than elvhen. This prisoner was the exceptional mix of two races with a domination of elvhen traits. It was interesting to get a chance to observe such a creature.
She loosened her belt, removed her doublet then rolled up the sleeves of her tunic.
"Wolfie, you have to eat something, immediately" he heard Varric's voice "You've lost too much weight, in my opinion" the dwarf stated.
Lavellan smiled and sat opposite to Solas. She looked at him, their eyes met and he slowly turned away his gaze.
He needed to be more careful with his glances. Drawing this woman's attention could complicate everything and such complications were unwanted.
The Seeker joined them a few moments later. Her entrance was loud and energetic. She ordered the food and sat down next to Falherna who was eating her soup in silence.
"We have two hours of peace" she informed them looking at Lavellan "I must ask, from where you learn of the Inquisition's history?".
"It surprised you?" Falherna asked not taking her eyes away from her plate.
"Usually elves do not show interest…" Lavellan interrupted her smoothly "I'm a half-elf and I show an interest in many things".
Solas looked at her for a few seconds longer, appreciating her composure. Her gaze was focused on the Seeker's face when she was reminding the woman about her own origin. Her aura seemed full of distrust and carefulness.
"My father once told me about the First Inquisition and The Seekers of the Truth" she explained quickly, continuing her eating.
"Where's is he now?" the Seeker asked openly.
"Dead" she answered quiet, but with finality. Her face was like a mask without expression.
Solas felt grief and compassion. What kind of tragedies has this creature endured? How had she survived?
"I wasn't trying to… I hope I did not offend you" Cassandra seemed confused by her own indiscretion.
"You didn't" said Lavellan casually while she continued eating.
A moment of silence passed between them. Solas finished his supper reaching for his mug with fresh water.
The tension got worse when suddenly Varric decided to open his mouth.
"How's your arm, Brighteyes?" he looked at Lavellan with a smile cleaning his plate with bread piece.
"Healed" she murmured waving with her fingers. A little smile crossed her face.
"Magic fingers!" Varric laughed and took another sip of his beer.
Solas thought that evidently she knew how to be nice, but only to people close to her or ones who were oppressed like elvhen servant.
She winked to him turning her gaze to Cassandra "So, what happens now, Seeker?".
"Leliana sent ravens to the Hitherlands about you and the renewal of the Inquisition. News about the Herald already spreads throughout the whole of Thedas".
Lavellan nodded as she finished her meal and drink, deciding to ignore the part about the Herald. Cassandra seemed like a very religious woman, there was no point in engaging an discussion about calling Falherna differently.
"I know it's been three days… but do you need any help with the injured?" Falherna asked after a while.
Solas froze reminding himself that the prisoner was a healer like him.
He made the same proposition few hours ago. He could feel the Seeker's eyes on him, but he avoided it.
"Solas made the same proposition".
Falherna looked into his eyes, hypnotizing him.
She sat in silence for a while as if she was waiting for his answer.
"I believe the Herald wants to help me. It will be faster if two healers will take care of the injured" he replied.
Lavellan's eyes lingered on his face. Analyzing. Reading him.
Being the object of someone's observation was an uncomfortable feeling.
"Storyteller, I will see you later" suddenly she averted her gaze and grabbed her coat.
She rose from the table while Solas left them without a word waiting for Lavellan by the doors.
"Seeker" she bowed putting on her cloak and going towards the elven apostate.
