"People who judge others tell more about Who They Are, than Who They Judge."
- Donald L. Hicks, Look into the stillness

Kindly edited by Ansunobe and Jirelle. Thank you ;*

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I was wondering what was going on in the War Room when Inquisitor was leaving her advisors alone :)
So, here is a small attempt to create their POV. Also harsh Solas' POV and Varric's POV.
Enjoy. Any feedback is welcome as always :) I am very curious of your opinions.

The next morning invited her with warm rays of light rushing through the window into the cottage.

She could feel the brush of sunlight on her cheeks and eyelids. The smell of smoke and cooking mutton woke her up.

She laid with closed eyes, slowing her breathing as she tried to hear the rustling of trees or rush of running stream. There were all kinds of other sounds, but not those she longed for the most. She moaned reminding herself she wasn't in the middle of the forest. Fighting with her stiffen body she sat up stretching her arms.

Knocking on the door startled her.

"Lady Lavellan" she recognized Glándir's voice. She pushed away the blanket and rushed to the door.

"Good morning" Falherna smiled at him as she opened the door.

"My Lady" he greeted her as he bowed lowering his gaze and handed her a short note and a package, "The Spymaster asked me to deliver this to you".

"Ma serannas" she took the possessions. Glándir sent her a brief look and then withdrew quickly leaving her alone.

Closing the door behind her with a kick, she looked at the piece of paper.

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"Herald,

Lady Cassandra has asked that you please meet her at the Chantry after equipping yourself with the delivered armor.

Nightingale"

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She blanched at the idea of wearing an armor crafted by some stranger, still she had first to see it before deciding she would use it or not.

The content of the package turned out to be rather interesting and surprisingly in her taste. Apparently, Leliana remembered that Falherna was fond of light materials that easily adjusted to her body movements.

She looked with suspicion on the pair of long, leather boots. Setting them next to the bed she pushed back a strand of hair which fell across her eyes.

"Ah, why the hell not" she murmured with resignation. Shemlen boots were a more reasonable solution than walking through the snow with bare feet.

She put the outfit aside before she undressed and washed. Without hesitation, she underlined her eyes with a carbonic pencil she kept in the pocket of her belt and brushed her hair in a high ponytail.

The preparations were treated by Falherna with caution helping her enter in a new role, it almost seemed like a ritual of initiation. The shemlens would probably place her in the spotlight and proclaim her the savior of Thedas. Posturing was required.

She saw it before happening to Hawke. Praising someone so highly often took a heavy toll.

Fate was merciful by letting her experience it in the past. Even if it was just as an observer.

The cacophony of sounds hit her right after she left her cottage. Falherna slowly drew her cloak on her shoulders. She hid her face under the hood to provide some privacy. All seemed so noisy and chaotic. Her eyes moved from one group of people to another as she tried to accustom her ears and mind with forgotten commotion. But try as she might concentration escaped her. She kept hearing surrounding voices and thinking about the events that awaited her.

She did not realize she'd been holding her breath until it left her in a soft exhale.

"Brighteyes!" Falherna raised her head as her eyes searched for Varric. He stood by the nearby fire warming himself and waving at her.

Silent, she stalked in his direction clasping her hands behind her back.

"Restrained as usual, I see" he greeted her with a small poke.

"It is faster and easier this way" she winked at him with a smile.

"I can't stay long, Cassandra is waiting for me, my friend. I will take my leave," her eyes lingered on the dwarf for a while noticing that the rings around his eyes were paler and his cheeks were clean-shaven.

"She is planning to introduce you to the ambassador" Varric moved closer to her forcing her to hunker down next to him to hear his words "I've heard that we are going to travel to the Hinterlands today" a broad smile appeared on his face.

She chuckled quietly patting his arm "Good to know, that you still like to eavesdrop. Grab the apostate and meet me at the Chantry" her eyebrow lifted while she waited for the answer.

The dwarf shook his head in disbelief, cursing under his breath.

"No way. Keep me out of this shit, Brighteyes. I had enough of Cassandra's company" he protested loudly.

"We both know you respect her more than you want to admit" she laughed "But I will not tell her".

Falherna took his face in her hands glancing into his eyes "Now move your hairy ass, Storyteller. I need you there."

He grasped her hands smiling at her "You love me too much to separate with me even for a minute, don't you?" he said with amusement.

Fal tilted her head "And yet, I survived a whole night without you".

She stood up freeing her hands "Go" she commanded.

Spinning on one heel, she strode into the Chantry.

Solas paused his reading when he heard someone knocking at his door. The dwarf greeted him with a small nod and informed about the Herald's unusual request. It has been ages since he participated in the council meetings, especially as a companion, not a leader. He felt pleasantly excited.

The half-elf must have been very gifted if she convinced The Seeker to agree to have him and Varric present in the War Room. He clasped his hands behind his back as he followed the dwarf.

Maybe this sudden turn of events could bring him some benefits. After all, access to the Herald and his anchor was necessary. He needed to establish how such young girl would handle the power she was given. Considering what was at stake, their Herald would probably require guidance and support.

His observations from last night did not bring enough answers. The girl was withdrawn and hard to read. All she offered so far was clipped answers, short requests and lingering mysterious glances. The only knowledge he gathered was about her unquestioned, healing talents.

It would be childish to chase her around for answers and bombarding her with questions. She could claim that the Dalish were not her People, but Solas knew better. They were all the same. Closed-minded, stubborn and blind like children in the fog.

Presumably one of the Herald's parent was Dalish and if they raised her they passed all their mannerisms, habits, and beliefs on to her.

The unfinished vallaslin told him also that Lavellan could not tolerate the pain of the blood writing. That indicated she was deemed unready to undertake the responsibilities of an adult.

It was little disappointing that a child would be the one to bear his stored power.

As much as he found interacting with the Dalish repulsive he had to confess he was curious.

Curious if she would surprise him once more.

Curious of the origin of her name.

Curious when she would start to seek his advice and aid.

It was obvious that sooner or later she would.

Truth to be told Wisdom warned him of being too curious. Specifically about the half-elven woman.

He did not know what was the meaning of this warning, but it didn't alarm him.

In all Thedas, there was no one and nothing that could draw his attention from the Fade or his duty.

"This is ridiculous!" Cassandra's nose wrinkled with irritation as she folded her arms on her chest. Falherna stood at the doorstep of the War Room with a tray from the kitchen as she observed the scene.

Leliana seemed amused leaning her back on the brick wall. Her eyes flickered with sparkles of amusement.

The Commander and ambassador Montilyet were already late and Falherna needed to put the end to the forthcoming conflict before their arrival. She closed the door, nodding to Solas as she set the tray on the small wooden table next to the wall and turned around.

"Herald, what is the meaning of this?!" The Seeker demanded stepping closer to Lavellan with a frown.

"Seeker" Falherna's gaze rested on Cassandra's face, "It was my idea to bring Varric and Solas here" her tone remained calm, quiet, even a little bored "I am quite sure you will agree that their presence can be beneficial if you want them to accompany us throughout our journeys".

"I do not trust him" the Seeker straightened her body as she proudly raised her chin.

Falherna sent Varric a brief glance, then she focused on the woman's face.

"Of course you don't. You have reasons not to" she assured politely.

"Hey!" Varric's shout was quickly held back by half-elven hand gesturing the dwarf to keep his mouth shut.

"I will take full responsibility for my dear friend, Seeker" she drew herself up to her full height and stared down at Cassandra "I need them both here. Please," she asked with an impassive expression.

The move with pretended domination over The Seeker seemed risky, however, the mark on Falherna's hand granted her some sway with the humans.

After all, what could Varric do with the information from the War Room? Write another book?!

Cassandra's brows drew together in pensive thought as she stood still.

"Alright, then" she nodded finally with a small sigh.

Lavellan bowed her head, a bit more deeply and politely than the usual, courtesy was required "Thank you, Cassandra".

"Of course, how typical" Solas thought as the wave of irritation hit him.

The Herald's small manifestation of strength, the attempt to intimidate The Seeker using her height and manipulate her was ridiculous.

He had seen it before among his own people. This frantic pursuit after power. Arrogance and egocentricity.

There was no control over such individualities. What was worse, she held his anchor and remnants of his own power. The effect of the combination of her personality, the age and the title she received could be crushing.

Solas startled when Lavellan proposed him a stale cup of tea. He blinked few times looking into her bright, blue eyes as he shook his head before he refused.

"Ah, then maybe water?" she asked with a polite smile while Varric grabbed the cup from her hands thanking her with a wink.

The urge to refuse again and leave was hard to fight down. Solas looked at the woman standing in front of him. Her face seemed expressionless. Was it a facade? Or maybe she was simply deprived of emotions?

"Water will be fine" he answered calmly but without a smile. The Herald handed him another cup avoiding his gaze to his great surprise.

So many contradictions. In one second, she was commanding, in another she was changing in polite young girl offering him water.

He thanked her quietly focusing his gaze on The Commander and Lady Montilyet who had just entered the room.

The meeting turned out to be formal and boring. The whole trio treated her with the worship she found in a bad taste, to say the least. She did nothing to deserve it.

Patiently she waited through the introductions drinking her coffee in silence. She did not even had to speak. She was only a tool expecting orders and missions to fulfill. It was not a new situation for her. She was good in being a tool.

The Commander resembled as a clumsy man, maybe even a shy one. He was avoiding her gaze, his words were often fumbled and his cheeks stayed blushed. When he admitted he was glad she survived Falherna sent him the mirthless smile.

Cassandra seemed more relaxed in this place among Leliana, Cullen, and Josephine. A small smile appeared on her face transforming her features into a fine and soft lines.

The Chief diplomat looked proud to meet The Herald of Andraste. Her amber eyes were full of joy and her shiny lips often formed into a smile. Her appearance was dignified and friendly.

Varric leaned his back on the wall next to The Spymaster demonstrating his boredom. He sipped his coffee slowly while his eyes wandered around the whole room.

Solas seemed concentrated standing between her and the ambassador, his posture stiff with hands clasped behind his back. It was obvious he did not approve Falherna's earlier behavior.

Leliana glanced briefly at Falherna's armor before the introductions began and raised her thumb up. It was not hard to recognize what she referred to and Falherna had to bite her lip to prevent herself from a loud chuckle.

As she listened to the report from Scout Harding her excitement grew stronger. They needed to start acting, to bring some help to the areas filled with rifts and demons. There was also a slight chance to gather some time to search for Fen.

"When do we leave?" Lavellan asked when they agreed she will meet Mother Giselle in the Hinterlands. She bent over the map and Cassandra joined her pointing the best road to travel.

"If we will depart in two hours at least we will be there tomorrow before the dawn".

Falherna nodded as she straightened herself "Alright, I will meet you at the main gates in two hours then" Cassandra appeared pleased at her easy acceptance.

She turned around without a word of goodbye planning to leave the room and search the note for Adan. Her hand rested on the door handle when someone cleared his throat.

"Look for other opportunities to expand Inquisition's influence while you are there" she heard Cullen's voice and looked at him over her shoulder.

"You mean by closing the rift, helping people and securing the area?" her brow lifted.

Wasn't that obvious? she thought.

"Uhm..." he hesitated for a moment as his cheek reddened again. Josephine supported him "Not only. We need agents to extend our reach beyond this valley and you're better suited than anyone to recruit them" she explained gently.

Was she? Because people believed she was The Chosen of Andraste? They would listen to her and follow her only because of their beliefs?

She knew they would and she was trapped in the middle of this madness.

Her jaw tightened as she lowered her head with resignation.

"Alright," the word flew from her mouth.

What was the point to discuss with them? The wisest solution was to agree to their plan leading straight to closing the Breach.

Then, when the world is finally safe again, they will let her be, she told herself leaving the War Room.

"We are lucky she was the one to survive the Conclave," The Spymaster said and three pairs of eyes looked at her.

"Are you certain, Leliana? Can she be trusted?" Cassandra rested her palms on the table with a long, harsh sigh.

"I am certain, Cassandra. She is very effective and she will succeed" a small smile ghosted her face and her gaze got distant as if she reminded herself something amusing.

"You and her... uh..." Cullen glanced at her with surprise, his hand idly grabbing his neck as he searched for proper words.

Leliana looked at him with a smile and curiosity "Yes?"

"Was she..." he coughed "I mean... did you two...?" his face reddened and he lowered his gaze what evoked a burst of laughter from Leliana.

"Are you asking for details?"

Josephine giggled covering quickly her mouth with a hand.

"I, uh, no! That would be, uh, inappropriate" shame was written all over Cullen's face. He cursed under his breath at his own curiosity.

"Enough!" Cassandra finished quietly but firmly. Her tone put an end to the discussion.

"Is there any personal history that can be significant to the Inquisition?" impatience appeared in Seeker's voice as she sat on the edge of the table.

Leliana tilted her head in wonder as she thought about the content of the report "Her first name and the one she gave at the Conclave is Celia however she does not use it. She is a well-trained mage and healer," she hesitated for a second "I cannot specify if it's important, but there is a gap between her leaving from the Lavellan clan and joining Hawke. My scouts had only some suspicions where she spent five years," she explained.

"What kind of suspicions?" Cassandra frowned crossing her hands on her chest.

"She was joining several, different groups of people during her journeys through Thedas. Bandits, spies, even assassins. But as I said these are only the suspicions" Leliana shrugged.

"At such young age?" Josephine asked with a surprise as she came closer to the three women "She looks like she is only twenty!" her voice raised slightly.

"Falherna is thirty-years-old, Josie" The Spymaster chuckled.

"Bandits, spies, and assassins doesn't sound good" Cullen stated, "However, that could mean she is experienced and her skills are various".

"Yes, but she will not do any harm. I assure, you" Leliana stated with confidence.

Cassandra stood up and looked at her companions "In the meantime, let's think of other options. I won't leave all this only up to the Herald".

The doors of The Chantry closed wth loud clang behind their backs.

Falherna continued to gaze off to the side, striking incessantly the wolf fur on her cloak. The plan was formed in her mind quickly after she, Varric and Solas left the fuggy room. Breathing was hard in spaces filled with so many candles.

Someone passed her by murmuring "Herald", but she ignored it. Her thoughts were occupied by Fen as she tried to leave the political matters where they belonged, in the War Room. The wolf had no realistic chances to find her here, in a village full of people. He would sidestep the area and search for her in the woods. The Hinterlands seemed a lousy hideout for a lonely wolf, separated from his pack, but instinct suggested her he could catch her scent, on an empty road, outside Haven.

If he would, then she could easily hear his steps and presence.

"... last night?" she stopped suddenly glancing at Varric. They were near Solas' cottage and the apostate was surprisingly still keeping them company.

"Excuse me?" Varric had asked her a question, but she could not tell what was it about.

"I asked what happened between you and Dave last night?" he asked after a while, frowning.

"Did something happen?" her answer had been evasive.

"Well," the dwarf rubbed his palms looking at her with a crooked smile "He greeted you with this dreadful look on his face. I thought he will shit himself" he laughed briefly "Also some rumors reached my ears today morning..." he paused as he pushed his hands into the pockets of his pants.

Falherna narrowed her eyes as she replied "Drunk shemlen wanted to have some fun. I refused" her tone was grave and face tensed.

She turned around slowly catching Solas' gaze as she rushed herself towards main gates.

"Sensitive subject?" Solas asked sarcastically as he observed the Herald's leaving. His brow wrinkled despite his control.

Varric averted his gaze reluctantly from the path Brighteyes took to flee. He knew exactly what happened at "The Singing Maiden" and he was proud of her. It was not the first trouble that boy, Dave, caused since he appeared here. Still, he should not have asked.

The dwarf sighed loudly and looked at the elf standing next to him.

"Not very fond of our Herald, huh?" he shuffled a piece of ice with a toecap.

"It matters not, Master Tethras" the apostate replied with firm neutrality that Varric was considering as weird.

His eyes shifted again to the space that Brighteyes occupied few moments ago.

"Well, Chuckles..." he said with a smile "I saw it before. We will get back to that when you will know her better" he returned Solas' glance with earnestness.

"See you later, Chuckles," he said and left the apostate with a finger raised up and mouth slightly opened as he headed straight to the tavern.