An Unexpected Guest
Blackwall always liked his solitude, but he preferred to be doing something while he was alone. Witling was an old hobby of his, and he hadn't done it in a while. He remembered walking through the refugee camp just outside Skyhold and saw how many children were amongst them. Even in the midst of war, children deserved to be children. Maybe he'd make them a rocking-griffon. He had just gotten the tools and wood he'd need, and now was as good a time as any.
"Hello, how have you been?" A very young voice asked.
Blackwall thought the greeting was directed at him, but when he looked around he saw he was quite mistaken. It was a small elven lass, couldn't have been more than ten, with platinum blonde hair. She was talking the Inquisitor's halla, Neirin, as if he could actually speak to her.
"No one's given you carrots lately?" The child asked the halla. "Don't worry, I'll find you a whole bunch of carrots to munch on."
Blackwall just stood there somewhat confounded. Well, I suppose all children must have animal friends at some point. He thought to himself. When he turned back to his witling he was shocked to find the same elf girl right next to him. His eyes darted back over to Neirin's stable and wondered how in the Maker's name did she get from over there to over here? Blackwall looked back to her, she had one of his wooden planks against her pointed ear as if it were whispering to her.
"Your wood's inferior and it was rotted with termites when the lumberjacks cut it down." The elf child blurted. "You should use some cypress. Cypress lasts longer and it's easier to carve with the tools you've got." The Warden and the child just stared at each other for a moment in awkward silence. "'Kay, bye!" The girl just trotted off as though the keep were her playground.
Well, that was…random? Blackwall thought to himself. He curiously put the same plank of wood next to his ear wondering if he'd hear something. Nothing. He pressed it against the corner of the table and it snapped in half the instant he put his weight on it, and there was indeed signs of termite rot inside the wood. Now Blackwall was really dumbfounded. How did that child know that? Guess elven ears aren't just for show. Maybe…maybe he would just follow her advice and go find some good cypress.
~XoXoXo~
Iron Bull, Varric, Sera, Dorian and Cole all sat around a table enjoying a late morning breakfast. All of them were still a little nervous around their newest residential weirdo. And sat in somewhat awkward silence. Iron Bull and Sera tried to keep as far away from Cole as they could, while Dorian and Varric sat next to him with faces like they were sitting next to an embarrassing relative.
Dorian decided to be the brave one and finally talk. "So, Cole, that thing you do when you dip into someone else's mind and take a drink? Can you do that with anyone and any memory, or is it specific?"
"It has to be hurt, or a way to help the hurt. Or ways that other people were not hurting, so I can help someone else." Cole answered shyly under his hat. "And I can make them forget the things that make them hurt.
"So that means you can look into another person's head and possibly find every dirty secret and embarrassing memory they want to forget?" Dorian continued.
"Yes."
"Ooh! That'd be a great interrogation tactic!" Iron Bull said excitedly.
"Tell us what we want to know or we'll publish your every darkest secret?" Varric stated as he drank his ale. "I got to admit, that's got potential. And it'd probably work better than stabbing a guy square in the books."
"Cole, what am I thinking about right?" Iron Bull asked.
"Ugh! Stop talking to that thing already." Sera urged with equal parts revilement and fear.
"Her hair is bright red, just the way I like it. She puts the water yoke down and motions me to follow her with that delicate finger of hers. You follow her to the barn." Cole said absently. "Heart almost stops in chest, knees buckle, and breathing becomes hard. She's already undressed. And she has sisters. And a brother."
"Alright, alright!" Dorian begged. "Please stop! Some of us are still eating."
"Hey! He was just getting to the good part!" Iron Bull argued.
"How is that embarrassing?" Sera asked confused.
"Well, I'm sure it's embarrassing for others. Knowing just how lacking they actually are compared to some." Iron Bull bragged.
"Wow, I'm gonna have to use that for my next book or something." Varric laughed. "Hey, kid, did you see Hawke when he was here?"
"Yes. He had lots of hurting, too." Cole answered.
A depressed look in Varric's eye showed. "Really? Which…which one?"
"Chantry's fault, they drove Anders to madness by treating mages like garbage, did nothing to stop Meredith." Cole remembered.
"Yeah, we all heard about that." Sera scoffed. "I think this thing's broken."
"What did he do to her? What did that monster, Quentin, do to her?" Cole said with pain in his voice. "He holds her to him, her desecrated, horribly stitched hand that doesn't belong to her touches his face. Tears run from his eyes. Maker, please, please don't take her from me, too!" An emotional look came over Varric as he remembered what he was talking about. "She smiled at him for the last time. I love you, my darling boy. You always made me so proud. And then died, and a hole was left inside him."
"Yeah. Yeah, Leandra's death it…it hit all of us pretty hard." Varric confessed sadly. "Hit Hawke the hardest. Do you remember anything else?" He wanted to change the subject.
"Merrill lies down on the bed while Isabella holds her soft hands over hers, she whispers into Merrill's ear as he looms over them." Cole continued as though he were actually seeing the memory. "Merrill and Isabella kiss, lips and tongues intertwining with one another, their skin rubs together like a mix of shades of caramel and cream. Isabella's hands gently play with Merrill's perky breasts. Isabella looks up with him with that naughty grin of hers, 'Kitten's purring, Hawke. Won't you scratch her?'"
Everyone at the table, even Dorian, was breathing heavy now.
"Yeah? Yeah? Keep going." Iron Bull almost begged.
"Something about an Antivan Milk Sandwhich?" Cole answered with confusion.
"What's an Antivan Milk Sandwhich?" A young voice blurted out of nowhere, and shocked the life out of everyone at the table. "Are they sandwiches made out of milk from Antiva? Or is it something that the Antivans took credit for? Like Orlesian Sponge Cake that was actually made in Nevarra? Does anyone here have any real cake? I could use some cake. I like cake."
They were so shocked by the appearance of this random child Varric spat his ale while Sera almost choked on her meat pie, and Dorian yelped in a rather high pitch.
"Whoa! Where'd you come from?!" Sera asked excitedly.
"From that door." The child smiled as she pointed to the entrance.
"Well, what do you want?" Dorian asked with a quirked eyebrow.
"I wanna know what an Antivan Milk Sandwhich is." She answered innocently.
Iron Bull had a grin a mile wide on his face. "Well, kid that's when a man gets with a woman, or a really, really muscular man, and puts his…."
"Maker's Sweet Breath, Bull!" Dorian cursed. "Are you trying to scar this poor child?!"
"Hey, she asked a good question, and she deserved a good answer." Iron Bull defended jokingly.
"Wow! You've got really big horns! Have you always had big horns, or do they fall off and grow back like halla antlers? Did you ever get stuck in a doorway with those things? I'll bet they're really fun to swing from! Wow, you're big! Do you lift weights, or do you just eat people?!
Varric cleared his throat and took a moment to look at the little elf who just materialized out of thin air, and was blabbing her mouth like she was bottle-fed caffeine her whole life. She was really young, like ten, and pretty looking, too. And she had brilliant green eyes like shimmering emeralds.
"You, uh, you here for something, Squirt?" This kid's questions were starting to give him a hangover and he wasn't even drunk yet.
"I'm looking for someone." The elf answered.
"Well, who're you looking for?" Varric asked as he wondered what the hell is an underage child doing in a tavern
"I'm looking for my foster-father." She answered.
"Were you separated from your family?" Dorian asked. "Is that why you're looking for him here?"
"Nah, he left the rest of our family and never came back like he promised." The girl answered a little sadly. "So, I thought I'd come look for him!"
"Wow. And I thought my father was a bastard." Dorian scoffed. "At least he waited long enough for me to disappoint him before wanting nothing to do with me."
"What's he look like?"
"Like an elf." The girl smiled.
"Could you…be a little more specific?" Varric urged. "You know, give me a little something else?"
"Oh. He's got really pointy ears and big, bright eyes." She answered.
"Well, that doesn't describe every elf in the world." Sera muttered beneath her breath.
After what happened in the Breach and all the shit happening in the world right now, Varric didn't doubt there was probably a lot of orphans running around looking for their parent and safety. They probably couldn't save all of them, and that was the sad truth. But maybe he could help this one find her guardian.
"Hey, listen, Squirt. I don't know if we can help you find your foster-father, but if you go to the Keep's rookery above the library and ask Sister Nightingale to help you, you'll find something." Varric instructed gently. "If you tell her it's a favor for Varric, I'm sure she'll help you out."
"You think she'll fall for the big, sad eyes trick?" The girl asked blithely as she showed off her big, green eyes as though her heart were broken.
She was so good Varric almost fell for it. "Wow, pretty good kid. Put in a little trembling lips and make your eyes a little teary, and you've got her in the bag."
"Okay. Thanks!" The manipulative elf skipped out of the tavern humming a tune to herself.
"Ha. Cute kid." Varric laughed. "Reminds me of a Rivaini pirate I know."
"Is it strange or unnerving that that child somehow reminds me so much of an Antivan crow I once met?" Dorian asked.
"Damn. That kid's got the makings of a good spy going on." Iron Bull complimented.
"Maybe she's a Friend?" Sera suggested.
"What, you mean you don't know?" Dorian asked.
"Got lots of friends, doesn't mean I know them all." Sera answered defensively.
"Hey, Cole did you pick up anything from that kid?" Iron Bull asked.
"Mommy and Daddy are gone, others are saying he's abandoned us." Cole said sadly as he conveyed the memory he found. "I have to find him, have to bring him home. Please, come home."
~XoXoXo~
Two of the castle's workers, a dwarven mason and a human laborer stood around the courtyard on break. The two of them had been working to repair and replace the worn out walls and stairs and decided to take a moment to talk to each other. Both of them having doing the construction and reconstruction business for years now, both of them got started during the rebuilding after the Fifth Blight in Ferelden. And both so used to doing men's work they didn't care they talked shit to each other. Each one thought the other was decent enough company.
"Just glad I'm working with you and not with them." The human stated.
"Them? Them who?" The dwarf asked.
"You know. Them." The human insisted.
"Mages? Templars? Chantry sisters?" The dwarf continued.
"No, no, no. Them." The human alluded deliberately.
"Spies? Mercenaries? Assassins?" The dwarf asked with annoyance.
"Elves, you twit!" The human finally answered.
"Is that all? Phhbt! Typical human." The dwarf scoffed.
"Think about it, they could be the ones helping The Elder One." The human insisted.
"What, from that kingdom they lost with that army they don't have?" The dwarf countered.
"I heard the magic he's using is from the elves!" The laborer argued.
"And you heard this where?"
"Does that matter?" The human questioned. "It makes perfect sense. Those elves that hide in the woods, doing Maker knows what, could be doing Corypheus' work for him. Why else would they be hiding out from the rest of civilization?"
"Yeah, especially since you humans are so tolerant and understanding." The mason stated sarcastically. "You realize that the Inquisitor's a Dalish elf, right?"
"I'll believe that lie when I see it!" The human barked offended. "There's no way Andraste's Herald could be a sodding heathen elf from the woods. It's just another part of the elven conspiracy to make us put our guard down so The Elder One can attack us, like in Haven."
The human felt someone tap on him from behind, he turned to see a small elven child with platinum blonde hair looking at him with her big green eyes. "Well, what do you want?" The human asked rudely.
The elven child silently, and with great speed, punched her fist right between the human laborer's legs with astounding force. The man screamed a high pitched falsetto as he doubled over in pain. The child then grabbed him by the hair and forced him to the ground and kicked him so hard in the face his nose broke.
The dwarven mason just stood there and watched as the elven child kicked his human coworker a few more times, then spat on his face. He wouldn't be surprised if that kid broke of few of the guys' ribs. When she was done, she skipped away with a carefree smile, humming a happy tune like nothing had happened.
"Well…a prepubescent elf just kicked your ass, so I'll give you that one." The dwarf conceded sarcastically as he walked off to go get the guy a healer. Maker knows he probably needed one.
~XoXoXo~
Solas had finished writing down his latest findings about the Rifts and their immediate effects on nearby flora and fauna and had given it to Seeker Cassandra. She seemed less…ornery than usual. Her recent relations with the Inquisitor must be having a positive effect on her. Solas decided to use some of his free time to continue painting the mural he was working on.
When Solas walked into the library he was surprised to see someone already working on the part of the mural he left off on. A little elven girl with lovely bright hair and green eyes somehow found his pastels and painting supplies, and applying it to the wall surprisingly well.
"Hello, little one." Solas greeted politely, startling the child.
"Oh! I'm so sorry!" The girl sputtered. "I-I didn't mean any harm to the painting."
"Nonsense, child. Being painted on is what the mural is for." Solas laughed. "Please, continue." The elven apostate watched as the child's fingers dipped into the paints and applied it to the wall not like a child normally would, but with grace and intent. Whose daughter was this? "Why are you here, da'len?"
"Oh, I came looking for someone named Sister Nightingale." The child answered politely. "But then I saw your beautiful painting and I couldn't help myself."
"There are not many who know this style of painting. Where did you learn it?"
"My mommy taught me before she died." The child answered sadly.
"I am sorry." Solas said sincerely. "Perhaps, her memory will live on in the skill she taught you."
"That's why I learned it, hahren." The child smiled brightly. "Can you tell me where I can find Sister Nightingale?"
"Yes, she'll be at the very top of the library." Solas answered. "In the rookery where all the birds are."
"Ma serannas!" The girl chirped as she wiped her hands on a towel and made her way to the stairs.
Solas smiled to himself as he watched the child go her own way. He looked at the small picture she made near the bottom of the mural, and was impressed at how well one so young could be so skilled. The picture she made had a dark background, with images of winged foxes prancing, white rabbits looking up to trees, and birds flying with pieces of gold clutched in their talons. The bears were standing on their four legs looking attentively at a hooded figure of elven appearance with two ravens perched atop his shoulders while covering his mouth with his hands.
The picture depicted the elven tale of when Dirthamen, Keeper of Secrets, bestowed a secret for each animal to guard. The rabbits told theirs to the treetops, the foxes traded theirs for wings, and the birds sold theirs for gold. Only the bears kept their secrets, and are therefore considered sacred to Dirthamen. Solas found it a strange coincidence that a child would paint the story of an elven god that happens to be the same god that the Inquisitor paid homage to with his facial tattoos. Who was that child?
~XoXoXo~
Leliana sat at her table overlooking the latest reports from her agents in Orlais. Their progress in Orlais and Ferelden was definitely making things difficult for Corypheus and his Venatori, but it wasn't enough. From what the reports said, Corypheus was sending his agents to search ancient ruins for artifacts that may be useful to him. It wasn't a surprise that Corypheus was searching Tevinter Ruins, objects of power might still reside in ruins only he knows of. But what was surprising was the fact that Corypheus was most ardently searching ancient elven ruins. Did the ancient elves possess or hide something powerful that he didn't know of? If the orb that Corypheus used to open the sky was truly elven, then any artifact in those ruins must not fall into his hands. All this trouble over elven artifacts did make Leliana wonder, what kind of power did the ancient elves wield?
"You really shouldn't slouch like that, or frown so hard, Leliana." Josephine chided jokingly as she handed her old friend a cup of tea. "Have you forgotten everything we learned in Val RoyeauX?
"Back in those days I had enough time for at least two hours of sleep. Now, I'm lucky if I can get ten minutes." Leliana replied as she took a sip of the caffeinated tea.
It had been a while since Josephine had been able to talk to Leliana as just a friend. And seeing how down her friend had been lately, maybe it was time for them to act like a couple of gossiping girls, if only for a moment. "Well, at least one of the Hands of the Divine is sleeping well lately."
Leliana sputtered on her tea and laughed. "Oh, I know! I always knew Cassandra had a romantic side, I just never thought I'd live to see her show it."
"Some might think that it's inappropriate for an agent of the Divine, and a Nevarran Royal, to be with the Dalish elf." Josephine stated. "I don't disapprove, but I know that there are many in the courts who would be appalled by such a relationship."
"Most of those nobles aren't out there spilling blood to keep the world safe." Leliana responded. "When I was in Ferelden during the Blight, Aedan Cousland dallied with a woman I had nothing but contempt for. Ugh, Morrigan! She was so disagreeable. But the two of them found love and joy in each other's arms despite the world ending around them."
"You make it sound so idyllic." Josephine sighed.
"We should all be so lucky to find such love, Josie." Leliana affirmed. "It is truly such a wonderful thing. And I think our Inquisitor and Cassandra deserve it more than many."
"Um, e-excuse me? Are you Sister Nightingale?" Asked a nervous yet sweet voice.
Leliana and Josephine were surprised to see the sweetest looking elven child with beautiful platinum blonde hair tied into an intricate pony tail, and she had the most enchanting green eyes. Oh, the poor thing looked lost and nervous.
"I was told Sister Nightingale was a really pretty lady with beautiful red hair, and pretty shoes." The girl explained nervously.
"Oh, aren't you just precious!" Leliana gushed. This girl thought these horrible leather scouting boots were pretty. "You think my hair is beautiful? But yours is just gorgeous!"
"And so polite." Josephine added with equal enthusiasm. "She's like a sweet little doll!"
"I like your dress." The little girl said bashfully to Josephine. "It makes you look even prettier."
"Oh, you little darling! You're making me blush." Josephine giggled.
"M-mister Varric told me you could help me? I…I'm looking for my foster-father. I haven't seen him in such a long time, and I've been trying to find him."
Leliana felt her heart strings being twinged. "Oh, you poor darling, did you and your father get separated? I would love to help you but…." The little girl looked up to Leliana with those big eyes of hers on the verge of tears. Leliana couldn't just turn her away. "If you can wait for me down in the library, then I promise to help you find your father."
"You promise?" The girl asked hopefully.
"I promise." Leliana answered kindly.
"Thank you!" The elven child beamed as she hugged Leliana affectionately.
Leliana felt her heart melt as the child hugged her warmly and bashfully scurried away down into the library. What a lovely little girl! Leliana just wanted to take her home, dress her up like a little princess, and let her play with Schmooples Two and Boulette while they did each other's hair. Whose daughter was she? Whoever they were, they were lucky parents indeed. Leliana hoped she could help her.
The little girl came back a few minutes later with a book detailing the Complete Study of Animals, Beasts and Dangerous Creatures of Thedas. Josephine practically beamed as she sat next to the little girl and read the book with her. This reminded her so much of how she and her sister, Yvette, used to be together.
~XoXoXo~
Cullen finally had the reports ready from his men who were uncovering and guarding some of the ruins the Inquisitor discovered in the Western Approach, and decided to share the report with Sister Nightingale. When he arrived at the Rookery, he was somewhat surprised to see a little girl sitting at Leliana's table reading a book with the Ambassador. She was a cute little thing, looked like she was reading a book about dangerous creatures.
"Here are my men's latest reports, Leliana." Cullen stated as he handed them to her. "They'll inform us if anything else changes."
"Good. We need to be vigilant." Leliana said as she glanced over the report.
"Who's your little guest, Leliana?" Cullen asked curiously.
"Isn't she adorable?" Leliana beamed as she looked over to the little elf. "Varric sent her over to me, apparently she's looking for her adopted father."
"And you decided to help her?"
"She came to me looking for help." Leliana said defensively. "And how could I refuse such a sweet little thing?"
"There are so many children going around right now without parents or guardians. I suppose we should try to help as many as we can." Cullen relented.
"You're not as scary as some people might think. You should say something to her." Leliana suggested. "It'll make you feel good about yourself."
"I'm not sure that's a good idea…."
"Oh, come one, when was the last time you interacted with a child?"
"Probably my own childhood." Cullen sighed.
"Well, go try talking with her." Leliana urged. "She's so charming, she might even pick your mood up."
Cullen decided to give it a try if only to satisfy the Spymaster's insistence. Cullen calmly walked towards the child, and tried to seem as friendly as he could. The little girl did look cute reading next to Ambassador Montilyet. "Hello, little one."
The elven girl looked up to Cullen, her smile disappeared as the color seemed drained from her face.
Josephine became deeply concerned with how frightened the little girl became when she saw Cullen. He hands were shaking and tears actually spilled from her eyes. What was wrong? "Child? There's no need to be frightened." Josephine promised. "Commander Cullen keeps everyone in Skyhold safe."
"Templar." The little girl whispered with tears running down her cheeks. "GET AWAY FROM ME!" she shrieked as she jumped five feet back from Cullen with astounding agility. All the flames from every candle in the library tower flew off the wicks and into the elven girl's hands, turning into white hot pillars of flame.
The girl was a mage? Cullen had to try and play it safe, somehow this girl had very powerful control, but she was still a frightened child. And that made her incredibly dangerous. "Calm down…I mean you no harm. The Templars aren't what they…."
"Come any closer, and I'll blacken your bones!" The girl threatened with flames intensifying. She looked at Sister Nightingale and Miss Josephine, and clapped her hands together, smothering the flame and creating a thick cloud of smoke.
"Where'd she go?!" Cullen coughed and choked on the smoke.
"What is going on here?!" Madame Vivienne asked frantically as she ran up the stairs, fanning the smoke away. Solas followed right behind her.
"There was a little girl here, a mage." Leliana answered. "I've never seen her before. Cullen's very presence frightened her."
"She must not have been here very long, all mages who came with Fiona know that the Commander means no harm." Josephine added.
"Given the templars' actions during the war, I don't think I can fault the girl's reaction." Solas commented.
"This is exactly what I feared would happen." Vivienne sighed despondently. "Giving mages no oversight is only going to lead to even more destruction. That girl is a danger, and the Inquisitor's foolishness will cost us all."
A thick dictionary floated up from the lower floors right in midair, and flew straight into Vivienne's face with a resounding smack, and broke Vivienne's nose. Vivienne cried out in pain, and everyone looked down to lower floor. The little elf girl shot a nasty look at Vivienne and flipped her the finger before running off.
"We must…GET HER!" Vivienne shrieked as she magically mended her broken nose and split lip.
Everyone, including Josephine, and especially Vivienne, ran down the stairs to catch the elf before she caused any harm. They found her in the main hall and chased her out into the courtyard. Cullen couldn't let her get away in such a state, lest she hurt herself or someone else.
She had already beaten them down the stairs from the keep. Cullen saw the Inquisitor and Seeker Pentaghast walking side by side, and the little girl was running straight for them, just as the Inquisitor's other companions were leaving the tavern. This could not bode well.
"Inquisitor!" Cullen warned.
"RAJMAEL!" The girl cried joyfully as she leapt to Inquisitor.
A mix of surprise and joy washed over Rajmael's face as he caught the little girl in his arms. "Eva! Aneth ara, da'vhenan!"
"I'm so happy I found you." Eva wept as she hugged him around the neck.
Cassandra was almost as surprised as everyone else, Vivienne looked more irked than surprised. "Rajmael, who is this girl?" The Seeker asked.
Both elves looked at her with genuine happiness. "This is Eva Lavellan. My god-daughter." Rajmael introduced.
Everyone was in a state of mild shock. This little girl running amok was actually Dalish? And she was this god-child that he's always spoken of? Some of them were actually impressed, while Vivienne was less than thrilled.
"Love the nose job, Vivienne." Rajmael commented sarcastically as he carried the young girl back to the keep. Eva flipped the Imperial Enchantress off again, while sticking her tongue out at her. It took every bit of Vivienne's self-control to keep herself from wanting to throw a spell at the impudent little brat.
~XoXoXo~
Rajmael took Eva over to the gardens and the two hugged each other closely, they missed each other so much. And hiding in the shadows, and on the battlements, and in the walkways above the garden, Rajmael's companions and advisors were listening in on their little conversation. They couldn't pass up the chance to see another side of
"So, what do you think of my companions?" Rajmael asked humorously.
"Phht! They're too easy!" Eva laughed. "I could run circles around most of them all day. I think the bald one would make a great Dalish elf, like you. That other mage, the old one all dressed up like a peacock, she's an arrogant bitch who has to have everything her way. And your Spymaster and Ambassador are weak for anything cute and adorable. And let's face it, what could be more cute and adorable than me?" Eva batted her eyes and smiled in the same way her mother used to.
"You're definitely your mother's daughter." Rajmael said almost remorsefully. Evanura would do the same thing to him and Nethras to make them do anything for her.
"The dark skinned Orlesian is a total bitch-cake, but I think you know that already." Eva said with a disgusted scowl on her face.
"Oh, trust me, Eva, I've already made her life a living hell." Rajmael knelt down in front of his foster daughter with a pensive look on his face. "Eva, what are you doing here? Why aren't you in Wycome with the rest of our clan? Does Keeper Deshana know where you are?" This time Rajmael's tone was extremely serious, and everyone listening could hear it.
A painfully sad look came over Eva's face and she hugged her foster father around his neck, holding him close to her. "Rajmael, please, come home." Eva wept. "I heard about what happened at Haven and I thought you died! I already lost mama and papa, I don't want to lose you, too!"
Rajmael hugged Eva close to him and tried to soothe her. She was still so young, and he knew what it was like to be orphaned at such a young age. His worst fear was to die and leave her alone. "Oh, da'vhenan, I want nothing more than to go home with you, but I can't just leave. There's far too much that needs my attention to for to go now. These shems would all walk out into the snow and die if I wasn't here." Rajmael tried to joke to get her mind off the pain.
"There are members of the clan that are saying that you abandoned the Vir Tanadhal for the Chantry." Eva informed sadly. "They're saying that you abandoned the Creators. Please, tell me it's not true."
Rajmael cupped her small face in his hands and looked at her deep green and teary eyes. "Eva, I could no more abandon you, or the Creators, than I could carve out my own heart. I am here to represent our people and lead this Inquisition through this crisis. I'm doing because I promised your mother that I would never let anything happen to you, and this is the only way I can keep you safe."
Eva hugged into Rajmael's chest and held him tightly, her tears drenching his shirt. "
Please, promise me you won't die." She begged. "I don't want to lose you, too."
Rajmael held Eva close to him and rocked her back and forth. "I'm not going to die, da'vhenan." He swore. "I'm not ever going to die. And I will never turn my back on our people."
Everyone watching from their hiding place could feel the emotion in the air from these two elves. For some it was harder to hear than others.
"Hey, you gettin' misty-eyed there, Tiny?" Varric whispered.
"No!" Iron Bull denied while wiping his only eye. "I just got something in my eye is all!"
"Yeah, that's called tears." Varric teased.
"I wish my mother would have hugged me like that." Dorian wished half sarcastically.
"Oh, friggin'…mush-cookies!" Sera cursed under her breath, while trying not to seem emotional.
"This is too adorable." Leliana cooed.
Guess Hawke and the Inquisitor had a lot more in common than he thought. When it boils down to it, they were both just a couple of family men caught up in shitty situations beyond their control, but at the heart of it all, every great deed, every act of heroism they ever accomplished, they did it for the sake of family. And let's face it, what's a worthier cause than that? There are plenty of great men who'll die for king and country, or gold, or revenge. But the ones that fight for family are the rarest and greatest of them all.
Iron Bull wiped the nonexistent tear away from his eye. Growing up in Qun, kids aren't allowed to know who their parents are. They're bred to be serve the qunari people, and even though the records are kept about who their parents are, they're never allowed to know, something about how that only animals look after their young, and that the Qun looks after its people. But even he could see that there was something special about holding your own kid to you and watching something you created grow and smile, and laugh. Even the Tamssrans didn't know what that was like.
Oh, vishante kaffas, this was so sweet it threatened to make Dorian's teeth rot. But that was certainly not a bad thing. Seeing Rajmael and Eva together reminded Dorian of that episode he had with his father just so recently. And seeing how close those two were made him wish that he had such a relationship with his parents. The occasional hug, kiss and "I love you, son" wouldn't have been so bad. But that would have shown weakness to the other houses, or worse, the servants. Rajmael being an elf that walked around barefoot with tattoos on his face didn't care for such superficial nonsense, and could show anyone as much love as he wanted.
Now this is what was worth fighting for, Blackwall thought to himself. A man fighting for what he loved. That little girl came here all the way from the Free Marches just to see her adopted father, now that was a cause more worthy than any battle he'd ever fought in his life before the Wardens. Blackwall had seen firsthand from his own experiences on the battlefield, and what he saw from those farmers he trained in the Hinterlands, nothing is more fearsome than a man fighting to protect his family and loved ones. It was something that that bastard Corypheus could never hope to understand.
Josephine dabbed the tears from her eyes with her handkerchief. Seeing this side of Rajmael with his beautiful godchild reminded her of how much she missed her family. "I have to write a letter to Mama and Papa." She promised herself. It had been too long since she'd spoke to her brothers and sister. Maybe she should send them a care package to let them know she was thinking about them. Rajmael would have made a wonderful papa.
Cole looked down on the Inquisitor and the little girl down in the courtyard and felt Rajmael's feelings. He holds her close to him, just like he did the day she was born. Sweet little Eva, please don't cry. I could never bear seeing and your mother cry. I'm not going to die, I will never abandon you. Rajmael's feelings were the same as Rhys' mother, Wynne, who held the Spirit of Faith. Wynne loved Rhys and would have done anything to protect him. And in the end that's what she did. Cole wished he knew what that was like.
Despite everything that Solas felt about the Dalish, he had to admit there were things to be admired about them. They possessed an indomitable spirit that has withstood the test of time and persecution, and every Dalish elf recognized the value in caring for one another. It was something Solas did not see as much in modern city elves, and even less so amongst humans, and even dwarves. Once more the Inquisitor surprised him. Rajmael was much more mortal than most be would acknowledge.
Cullen started feeling bad about himself. Not only did he scare the life out of that little girl, it made him realize how much he'd actually been neglecting contact with his siblings. Mia would criticize and ridicule him terribly for not contacting them as often as he probably should. Maker's breath, it had been almost a decade since he'd seen them. Perhaps with the uncertainty of this war, he should contact them, and maybe even see them again.
Leliana never had a family. Many good and close friends, but never an actual family. She barely remembered her mother, and Lady Cecile was a wonderful woman, but it was never the same as a real family. She saw the pain and anguish the loss of family had done to Aedan Cousland, how such a loss could destroy a man. It was good to see that even amidst all this chaos and loss, there was still some joy to be found.
Unlike the others, who felt the need to comment about everything when they were supposed to hiding, Cassandra stayed silent. A smile crept across her face as she watched her lover embrace the child. Now she understood why in the beginning he wanted to leave so badly, and Cassandra could not help but feel guilty once more about her originally forcing Rajmael to be here, and her forcing this terrible burden on him. The more he surprised her, the more in love she found herself with him.
~XoXoXo~
The day was getting late, and Rajmael knew Eva was tired. He carried her up to his room and laid her down on his bed. He knew that she didn't want to sleep just yet, and he remembered the lullaby that Nethras' mother would sing to him while she nursed him back to health, the same song that Evanura sung to her daughter. He tried to sing at well as those two women did. The song was called "Mir Dal'en Somniar".
Elgara vallas, da'len
Melava somniar
Mala tara aravas
Ara ma'desen melar
Iras ma ghilas, da'len
Ara ma'nedan ashir
Dirthara lothlenan'as
Bal emma mala dir
Tel'enfenim, da'len
Irassal ma ghilas
Ma garas mir renan
Ara ma'athlan vhenas
Ara ma'athlan vhenas
Sun sets, little one,
Time to dream
Your mind journeys,
But I will hold you here.
Where will you go, little one
Lost to me in sleep?
Seek truth in a forgotten land
Deep with in your heart.
Never fear, little one,
Wherever you shall go.
Follow my voice-
I will call you home.
I will call you home
Rajmael's singing must have been decent enough. Soone Eva's eyes became heavy and she fell asleep while holding his hand. He moved the stray hairs from her face and tucked her in. Sweet Sylaise, he didn't realize how much he missed her.
He found himself back in the War Room looking at the map, at the region in which Wycome resided, to be specific. And all he could think about was what had been happening to his clan. There were times where he thought he would die from anxiety when he heard the reports that kept coming in.
Clan Lavellan's fortune grew worse before it got better, and Rajmael could not help but feel responsible for the ills that befell his clan. First, Keeper Deshana sent him a letter telling him that they were under attack by bandits, so Rajmael sent in the Inquisition's forces to protect them. The Duke of Wycome, Duke Antoine, graciously invited Clan Lavellan into the city and allowed them to live amongst the city's elves, Rajmael was just glad to know his clan was somewhere safe. But as the old saying goes: they went out of the frying pan, and into the fire.
A terrible disease broke out amongst the humans, especially the nobility, which had the same symptoms as exposure to red lyrium. Duke Antoine used the Clan Lavellan and the elves as a scapegoat and blamed them for bringing in some kind of filthy elven sickness that now poisoned the human population, and he was going to purge the city's elves. Many of the humans were getting sick, and they believed the Duke's lies. Diplomacy was out of the question, and if Rajmael deployed the military, the humans would instantly begin slaughtering the elves. This called for subterfuge. Sister Nightingale deployed her agents and they met with the Keeper Deshana, and other members of the elven resistance, and they were able to infiltrate the city and stop the Duke's red lyrium operation. When the human laborers and merchants were shown this evidence, they joined the elves in an uprising against the nobles and their soldiers. The fighting was short and very brutal, and most of the nobility was slain. Keeper Deshana personally dispatched Duke Antoine and his retinue of Tevinter advisors and soldiers.
Amongst the Duke's personal effects were corresponding letters from the Venatori. Apparently they bought the Duke with promises of godhood and immortality, and instructed him to hire mercenaries to kill Rajmael's clan. When that didn't work, Antoine decided to kill two birds with one stone and blame the elves for the poisonous outbreak that the red lyrium was causing to pit he humans against the elves, and cover up his operation with the Venatori.
Rajmael thought, hoped, that he was done worrying about his clan now, but, alas, it was not. The nobles that fled the city during the attack fled to the surrounding city states and told the leaders of those cities about how Wycome was over taken by an army of heathen elves that murdered Duke Antoine in his own keep. After the Second Qunari Invasion of Kirkwall, the nobles of the Free Marches weren't too keen to let another heathen army establish itself in their backyard and be a threat to their faith. Josephine recommended diplomacy, but Rajmael didn't trust the powers of human reasoning, especially those fanatical brain-dead shems in the Free Marches, so he sent the Inquisition's forces to aid his clan and defend the city.
In the face of the Inquisition's soldiers, and the combined forces of the Dalish eles and the humans who allied with them, the Free Marchers backed off and were willing to talk. Josephine's diplomat explained the situation, and as an offer of peace, they paid a sizeable ransom to the citizens and elves of Wycome. Rajmael thanked all the Creators and even Fen'harel for such a remarkable resolution to this ordeal. And to top it all off, Keeper Deshana, along with another city elf, was placed on the newly formed Wycome City Council, which would rule the city fairly for both humans and elves alike.
Rajmael had hoped that after their resounding victory and newly found place in Wycome, he wouldn't need to worry about Eva anymore. But now she was here, and the painful truth that he wished he could just pray away was, the closer she was to him, the more danger she would be in. He would need to send her away. Again.
All these thoughts of his clan made him anxious and homesick. He needed to have a drink right now. And no doubt his immediate company was probably waiting to bombard with with questions or comments about his ward being here. The tavern was definitely the best place to be right now.
~XoXoXo~
Rajmael sat down with a glass of 8:45 Coastland Whiskey as he stuffed his sylvanwood pipe with his favorite tobacco. And, sure enough, before his pipe was even lit, Rajmael found himself surrounded by his companions, all with eager looks on their faces. "If this is about Eva, go ahead and take a seat." Rajmael sighed. Everyone grabbed a chair and sat around the Inquisitor, some more eagerly than others.
"I know I heard you say you had a god-child, Inquisitor, but I never imagined she was anything like that!" Varric laughed. "She reminds me of a certain Rivaini pirate I used to know."
"I never would've pegged you for a family man myself." Blackwall admitted with a smile.
"Oh! And she is just so adorable!" Josephine declared. "I just want to take her home and play dolls with her!"
"Her smiles make you feel bright inside." Cole whispered. "Her joy makes you feel complete."
"And the way you look as you hold her, I would have mistaken her for your daughter." Cassandra said smilingly.
"Near enough." Rajmael smiled back as nostalgia washed over him. "I delivered her into the world, and placed her in her mother's arm."
"You said that she's your god-daughter. You and her parents must be very close." Leliana observed.
Rajmael chuckled to himself as he sat back in his chair with his pipe. "Yeah, we were as close as can be. They were as close as family as I ever got to have after I was adopted by the Dalish."
"I'm sensing a story here." Varric pointed out.
"None of you got anything better to do?" Rajmael asked sarcastically.
"If we did we all wouldn't be in the tavern right now." Dorian answered.
"Being in the tavern is best thing I ever do all day." Iron Bull joked.
"Okay." Rajmael relented. "After I was saved by the Dalish, Nethras, Eva's father, and his parents practically adopted me. He became our clan's best hunter, and we grew up like brothers. He was the one who gifted this pipe to me for a birthday present." Rajmael held out his lit sylvanwood pipe for them to see.
"And what about Eva's mama?" Josephine asked eagerly.
Rajmael smiled sheepishly as he remembered Eva's mother. "Heh-heh. Evanura, now she was something else." He answered almost dreamily. "She was our clan's best swordfighter, and she was even named after the greatest sword made in the Temple of June. Nethras and I were obsessed with her." Rajmael laughed. "She had us wrapped around her little finger! I remember one time she came and asked us to get her some fresh wyvern hide to wrap on her sword handle. All she had to do was bat her eyes and give us that smile, and we had to fight each other to try and find a wyvern first."
Everyone laughed at Rajmael's story. Cassandra couldn't help but feel a slight twinge of jealousy as Rajmael spoke so fondly this Evanura. But she ignored it, she still remembered Regalyan fondly, why shouldn't Rajmael remember his first love?
"Well, he and I fought each other to get to the wyvern first, but the instant we found that thing, we fought to outrun each other." Rajmael laughed so loud he almost choked on his smoke. "We spent the half the day running from it, and the whole night trying to kill it. We came back to camp the next morning all bloodied and dirty, each carrying half of the wyvern's hide, only to find out that Evanura already killed a wyvern, and was already tanning its hide by the time we got there!"
"Aha-ha-ha! Hot damn, that girl sounds like a riot!" Iron Bull laughed.
"Indeed! I would have loved to meet this woman." Dorian agreed. "She sounds like a woman after my own heart."
"I guess the Inquisitor is mortal after all." Blackwall chuckled.
"Any woman capable of manipulating the Inquisitor does sound formidable." Vivienne agreed as she sipped her wine.
"Daisy and Rivaini would have loved this girl." Varric chuckled incessantly
"Oh, that just classic!" Sera chortled.
"You were covered in cuts and bruises, but you can't help but laugh." Cole said smilingly. "She teases, but does not lie, she cares, but she plays, too."
"It sounds like she would have made a wonderful bard." Leliana complimented.
"Keeper Deshana was so pissed off and impressed, she gave us our vallaslin early, then kicked the crap out of us. I chose to honor Dirthamen, Keeper of Secrets, and Nethras chose to honor Andruil, Lady of the Hunt." Rajmael grimaced as he remembered the pain of the Keeper's staff hitting him upside the head. "Evanura was the one who taught me swordsmanship so that I could master the ways of the Arcane Warrior. Damn near broke my heart when she and Nethras got married, but he and I remained as brothers, and I was honored beyond all measure when they asked me to be their child's godfather. I delivered her the day Eva the day she was born. I cut her cord and put her in Evanura's arms myself. Nethras said he was never prouder to have me as his brother. Happiest day of my life."
"Parenthood is indeed a blessing." Solas commented with a genuine smile.
"What…what happened to them?" Cassandra asked curiously.
Rajmael tried to hold back a look of forlorn grief. "They…they were killed, two years ago. A human raid led by templars."
A profound silence came over them all, and Cassandra felt that guilty feeling wrench in her gut.
"But…but you said that Evanura and Nethras were the best swordfighter and hunter in your clan." Josephine said with shock. "How could they have died?"
"Even the best can die when they're distracted." Rajmael answered sadly. "Evanura was too busy trying to get Eva away from the templars to fight them, and was…killed by arrows." Rajmael choked back faint sob. "We managed to fight the humans off, but I lost many clanmates that day. Nethras was so overcome with grief and rage that he tried to hunt down the templars who killed his wife. It took us a week to track him down. And when we found him, he had already been killed. Surrounded by the bodies of seven templars, and burned so badly, I only recognized him because of the wedding band on his finger. I lost many clanmates, the two people I loved most, and Eva became an orphan, all because of one stupid mistake. And after that I became Eva's guardian."
Suddenly both Cullen and Cassandra began to look and feel horribly guilty. Even Sera began to shift uncomfortably in her seat.
"So that's why your god-daughter was so frightened of me." Cullen stated with guilt on his face.
"Yes." Rajmael emphasized bitterly. "Those templars came because they wanted to take the children in my clan who had magic. They wanted to save them from treachery of elven heresy, they said. So perhaps now you can appreciate why I have such…disregard for the Chantry, and what it is that I'm truly fighting for."
They continued talking throughout the night, about Eva, about their own families. How Cullen had three siblings, and how he could almost never beat his sister Mia at chess. Josephine talked about her brothers' shipping business, how her mother sent her to University in Val Royeaux, and about how much she missed her family. Leliana spoke about Lady Cecile and how studying music and dance with her was what got her started in the life of a bard. They all continued to talk to each other about their past with one another long into the night, and while they may not have realized it, they were becoming closer to a family than most could know.
The Next Morning….
When Rajmael woke the next morning he wasn't surprised to see that Eva was no longer in his room. He wasn't worried, Eva didn't travel this far just to get lost. He calmly searched around and was extremely surprised, and almost scared, to find Eva in the Undercroft with Dagna. The Dwarven Arcanist and Rajmael's adopted daughter were discussing the differences between the Circle's mainstream curriculum of magic and the practicality of traditional Elvhen magic.
"But that makes no sense." Dagna stated mid conversation. "To conjure a spell that powerful, the mage in question would need vast amounts of lyrium to replenish the mana he exhausted in his being. Trying something like that would kill him."
"No, wrong." Eva stated as a matter of fact. "A mage can absorb the ambient energy of the spells he already cast, like a sponge, and use it to replenish the mana he's already lost. Like a tree absorbing sunlight for energy."
"Such techniques have never been attempted before in the Circle. There's too much risk involved." Dagna informed.
"That's because Circle mages don't have to live out the woods everyday where we Dalish need to use our magic to survive." Eva explained. "And, unlike you Circle types, we don't have access to boatloads of lyrium, so we take our mana from wherever we can get it. And the more magic we expend, the more mana we can reabsorb. There are things you can't learn through theory and study, live practice and survival is always the best teacher. That's what my mommy used to say."
"Having a friendly debate, are we, ladies?" Rajmael asked smilingly.
"Oh, Inquisitor, Eva's told me more about elven magic in the past half hour than I ever learned in the Circle!" Dagna gushed. She hugged Eva close to her like she was her favorite stuffed animal. "Aw, and she's just so cute, I want to take her home and keep her!"
"And as an Arcanist, what do you think of the use and application of Elvhen magic?" Rajmael asked proudly.
"Oh, it's much more practical than Circle magic." Dagna answered with honest enthusiasm. "Circle mages have to spend years trying to understand the basics through reading and theory, but you Dalish elves actually put theory into practice, and then you pass it on through living example. Like the difference between judging a sword and actually forging it."
Rajmael smiled at his goddaughter proudly. "I'm glad Eva, and our magic, was able to impress you."
"Oh, it's all impressive!" Dagna complimented truthfully. "Before you came here, I never actually believed in the stories about Dalish elves using wooden swords. I mean, no offense, but, I first thought 'who does such a thing?' 'It can't be true!' as a dwarf I thought such a thing was ridiculous!" Dagna confessed. "But then I saw your sword, Enasalin, and you made a believer out of me. Unlike other people, who like to force the world to their will, the elves take the natural world and bend it, reshape it into something beautiful."
A sense of pride swelled in Rajmael as Dagna spoke. The Arcanist saw and appreciated things with an open mind, and looked for the good instead of seeing things through preconceived notions. He even more proud of Eva for giving Dagna such a positive outlook.
~XoXoXo~
The two elves left the Undercroft and made their way around the keep. While Eva was here, Rajmael decided to show off in front of her, and what better way to do that than to show her around his brand new castle? Eva's eyes lit up like candles, she had never before been inside a castle before, and the grandness of Skyhold took her breath away.
They made their way back over to the stables where Neirin was kept, where Eva fulfilled her promise and gave the big, white halla a bushel of carrots. Neirin munched happily on his precious snack and allowed Eva to straddle his back while he ate.
Horsemaster Dennet walked in and was genuinely impressed to seeing a child as small as her actually sitting on a halla.
"Huh. If that done beat all." Dennet said disbelievingly. "At the Inquisitor's discretion, I was able to ride that halla, and I must admit, I felt twenty years younger doing so. But the stubborn beast has refused to let me even get that close ever since."
Neirin gave a few stamps and grunts between chewing his carrots. Eva leaned in and nodded as if she could understand him.
"Well, that's because you approach him like he's a horse, a beast of burden meant to carry you. Neirin finds it insulting." Eva explained gingerly.
"So, what, I should bow and ask permission before getting to close?" The Horsemaster asked half-joking.
Neirin grunted and bleated in response.
"He said that would be a good start." Eva translated, a bright smile on her face. It didn't seem like she was joking
"Don't take it personally, Master Dennet." Rajmael chucked. "Halla are naturally stubborn creatures, and elves are have had the most time to form a positive relationship with them."
"Can Neirin and I go out for a ride, Rajmael? Please?" Eva pleaded with those big eyes of hers.
How could Rajmael possibly say no? "Of course, Eva. I know of a glen nearby that would be perfect."
Rajmael led his halla and adopted daughter out to a wide open glen just outside of Skyhold on its western slope. The glen was naturally guarded from the Frostback's harsh winds by the mountainsides that covered it, and it was far down enough to where there was still warmth on the ground. It was green with grass and the air was warm, with Ferelden wildflowers blooming all around. It was a perfect place to ride.
Rajmael watched with pride and joy at the sight of Eva riding Neirin so well. Watching her riding at full gallop, her white-gold hair in the wind and that beaming smile on her face, she looked so much like her mother it was almost heartbreaking. Eva inherited all the talent and grace of her mother, and every ounce of her father's fearlessness. Rajmael used to think only Nethras could have so much brass that would he would risk both Ariva and Keeper Deshana's wrath by sneaking out of the camp behind their backs.
The Inquisitor remembered back to the days when he and Eva's parents were younger, and the three of them would ride hard through the forest, each of them trying to outdo the others. Now seeing Eva with that same youthful spirit made Rajmael yearn for his home amongst his clan even more. However that desire was paled in comparison to the happiness he felt just watching his adopted daughter riding Neirin so beautifully.
Josephine made her way down the steps from the keep to the glen where one of the servants said they saw the Inquisitor going. Maker's breath, the shoes she was wearing were just horrible for long treks like this. But she needed to get the Inquisitor to sign and approve these latest trade agreements and diplomatic treaties. Why would he come all the way out here when there was so much work to be done?
Josephine quickly found her answer when she saw the Inquisitor standing in the middle of the glen waving to Eva as she rode his white halla with the grace and skill that most noble ladies could only wish they possessed. The smile on his face was unlike anything Josephine had ever seen from him before. In the time Josephine had known the Inquisitor, she had never seen him so happy.
Seeing such a lovely moment between a father and child made Josephine think of her own childhood when her papa would take her around his art studio and let her paint on his canvases. Josephine smiled and left the Inquisitor to be with Eva. What were trade agreements and diplomatic treaties when compared to quality time between a parent and child?
~XoXoXo~
Towards noon, Rajmael and Eva found themselves in Skyhold's sparring area. He felt it was appropriate, both as her adopted father, and as the First of Clan Lavellan, to see how well her skills were developing. The two grabbed training swords and commenced to sparring.
Rajmael brought his sword down on Eva with control and precision, Eva blocked it with perfect timing, and struck back. He evaded and counterstruck at her head, she dodged, recovered, and assaulted. Eva's skill was indeed growing. She had the perfect balance of speed, tenacity and force. She inherited her mother's gift for the sword, and her father's indomitable will.
"She's quite impressive." Cassandra complimented on the other side of the sparring fence.
"She inherited her mother's skill, and her father's spirit." Rajmael added proudly. "Would you like to spar with her?"
"Oh, no, I shouldn't." Cassandra said reluctantly. "I don't want to hurt her."
"Nonsense, Cassandra. I know you won't hurt her." Rajmael insisted. "She's far too good for that to happen."
"Oh?" Cassandra balked skeptically. "I'm not sure if you've noticed, Inquisitor, but I'm not too bad with a sword myself."
"You'll fight dragons, abominations and demons, but you won't spar with a little elven girl?" Eva asked tauntingly. "Or are you afraid that after killing so many things that you'll lose to said little elven girl?"
Cassandra almost liked this child's persistence, but she wasn't going to get into such an unfair match. "Maybe when you're older, Eva."
"How about we make it interesting, Cassandra? A little wager?" Rajmael suggested. "You and Eva have a match to first strike. If Eva wins, you have to wear a beautiful dress that extenuates your feminine charms to a special occasion of my choosing."
A deathly grimace twisted on Cassandra's face at the very suggestion of her wearing a dress. It was almost too much to bear. "And why should I even consider such a proposal? What could you offer that would equal such a bet?"
That wide, mischievous grin spread across Rajmael's face. "If you strike Eva first, I'll get Varric to finish writing the next issue of Swords and Shields."
The Seeker's blush would shame a tomato. "How…how do you know about that?!" Cassandra asked confounded and completely embarrassed.
"I saw what you read at night when you think I'm asleep." Rajmael grinned. "And I know you're waiting for the next issue. I can get it for you by week's end. But only if you accept our little bet."
The next issue of Swords and Shields, or being forced to wear a dress? It was a very difficult choice for her. If she was seen in a dress she'd never hear the end of it from anyone, especially Rajmael. But it would only be for one night, but on the flipside, if she won, she'd get the next issue to the best book series ever written, and it'd be hers forever.
The stakes were just too high to pass up. "Very well, Rajmael." Cassandra answered apprehensively. "I'll accept your terms."
Rajmael's smile became even more wicked. "Alright, Cassandra. I'll leave you two to get ready, I'll be right back."
Rajmael walked off into the keep while Eva and Cassandra picked out their practice swords. Cassandra couldn't help but feel conflicted about fighting such a little girl, but her confliction was quickly replaced with dread when Rajmael came walking out with all their compatriots. Rajmael had the shit-eating grin on his face that Cassandra wanted to just smack off his skull. "What…are…you all…doing here?"
"Is what I'm hearing correct, Cassandra, dear?" Vivienne asked intrigued. "You've taken a wager where you'll wear a dress if you lose?"
"I still cannot believe it." Leliana commented. "Cassandra wouldn't wear a dress unless Andraste herself commanded her too."
"Well, the Herald of Andraste is just as good, I imagine." Blackwall chuckled.
Iron Bull's laugh shook his whole body. "Thanks for telling me about this, boss. There's no way I'd ever want to miss this."
"I don't think our entertainment at the Seeker's expense is something to laugh about, Bull." Solas chided. "But I must admit the prospect of seeing our martially inclined wearing a gown does have its prospects."
"You too, Commander Cullen." Cassandra asked grievously.
Cullen scratched the back of his head nervously. "Well…I've got nothing better to do right now, and this sounded like it'd be interesting."
"And here I thought a giant hole in the sky was the weirdest thing that could happen." Varric said disbelievingly. "But don't worry, Seeker, I'll keep my end of the bargain if this goes in your favor. And I'll even be discreet about it."
The last thing Cassandra wanted was for Varric to tell anyone else about her secret guilty pleasure. Rajmael and Eva stood side by side with that same impish grin on their faces, practically taunting her. Well, whenever she found herself pressed against the wall, she always resorted to fighting. There was no need to change now.
"Try not to go too hard on her." Rajmael bid as he lit his pipe.
"I won't leave any lasting injuries." Cassandra promised.
"Oh? I was, er, I was talking to Eva." Rajmael confessed with Eva smiling widely at Cassandra.
Eva and Cassandra stood against each other and assumed their stances. Cassandra carried no shield, she felt guilty enough fighting a ten year old, she didn't need to give herself even more of an advantage than she already had. Just to first strike, one strike and this little show would be done, and she'd get her newest edition of Swords and Shields.
Cassandra started with a halfhearted swing at Eva, but the elf easily dodged the harmless swing. Eva, however, did not share Cassandra's confliction. The young elf attacked with incredible tenacity and grace that was half trained, half instinct. Cassandra was so surprised, and impressed, she actually had to go on the defensive for a moment.
Unlike Rajmael, who liked to hold his ground and make swift, one draw, one kill attacks, Eva incorporated a great deal of athleticism and acrobatics to move around her opponent and get a superior angle of attack, forcing Cassandra back and keeping her on her toes. Cassandra was actually, thoroughly impressed with Eva's training and skill. No longer holding back, the Seeker swung her practice sword with full force and effort, forcing Eva to defend and use her acrobatics to dodge out of the way.
Cassandra wasn't going to lose her chance to get the newest issue of Swords & Shields, and there was no way she was ever going to be forced to wear a dress. Cassandra swung a horizontal strike at Eva, Eva did a backwards somersault to dodge it. Before Eva landed, Cassandra advanced so quickly on the elf-child that the instant she touched ground Cassandra was so close she threw Eva off balance, and Eva fell backward on to the grass. With victory near, Cassandra brought her sword down on Eva to finish this little contest.
"Please, don't hurt me!" Eva cried desperately.
Cassandra's sword stopped when she realized what she was doing. How could she even think of doing such a thing?
Eva's sprung back to her feet, sword in hand and jabbed Cassandra square in the ribs, much to everyone's shock and surprise, especially Cassandra's. Eva held her sword to Cassandra with a victorious smile on her face, and then walked off.
Everyone laughed in surprise and congratulations, while Cassandra stood stiff as a pole and in utter shock. Eva tricked her and she fell for it so readily. Well, she wasn't going to give Rajmael the satisfaction of her acting like a sore loser, she would accept her defeat with dignity and grace that beffited a Seeker of Truth. She placed her practice sword back on the rack and tried to walk away with said dignity and grace.
"Ah-ha-ha! Great job, kid!" Iron Bull boomed.
"And here I thought it would snow in the Hissing Wastes before Cassandra lost to ten year old." Blackwall stated almost stunned. "I guess they must shoveling the snow out of the desert right now."
"Wow, nice job of pulling off one of the oldest tricks in the book, Squirt." Varric congratulated. "I don't know whether to be impressed or scared."
"She pretended to be scared, but she was laughing inside." Cole said almost confused. "Why pretend to be when she wasn't?"
"War is on through deception." Solas answered. "Sometimes it's better to out think your opponent than out fight them."
"Friggin' good one, that is!" Sera chortled. "I'll have to remember that one."
"I don't think I can actually believe what I just saw." Cullen confessed with blank look on his face.
"Cassandra, dear, I don't wish to seem callous to your loss, but when you have the time, I have the most gorgeous line of dresses you to try." Vivienne urged.
"It should be pitch black with deep crimson accents." Leliana suggested dreamily. "With the skirt tied so that it shows off a bit of those lovely legs. And the shoes! I have just the perfect pair of Montsimmard styled high heels that will look just divine with your gown!"
"I think she could do with a bit of jewelry, don't you?" Dorian suggested with that signature grin on his face. "A little bit of skilled artifice always brings out more beauty in a woman.
"I'll have to find the perfect occasion for such a momentous event." Josephine said as she looked down her clipboard. "We cannot let such an opportunity pass us by."
"Ugh! I…am never going to hear the end of this, am I?" Cassandra groaned.
"Oh, come on, Cassandra. It's not that bad." Rajmael insisted smilingly. "When you've actually worn the dress, you'll never hear the end of it!"
"Ugh!" Cassandra rolled her eyes in disgust.
"And we'll probably all forget that you lost a contest of arms to a ten year old." Rajmael laughed as he picked up Eva and tossed her in the air, Eva laughing in pure joy.
Later in the Garden
The day was drawing to an end, and so too was Eva's stay here at Skyhold. It pained Rajmael to send her away, but as long as he was the Inquisitor he would have enemies, and they would target him through any mean possible. So far, no one else outside Rajmael's companions knew about his adopted daughter and he needed it to stay that way. He needed to send her somewhere safe away from him, where the Venatori could not infiltrate.
"Thank you for meeting me here on such short notice, Mythra of Ostagar." Rajmael greeted his fellow Dalish elf.
"It is an honor to be here." The Dalish Hunter returned. "Keeper Lanaya sends the blessings of our clan. You do our people proud to have risen so high, even the shemlen show you respect."
Mythra was from the Clan of Dalish elves that had been given the lands of Ostagar by King Alistair for coming to his kingdom's aid during the Blight. This gift filled all the Dalish clans with gratitude and pride, never before had shemlen monarch acknowledged their people in such a manner. Some Dalish flocked there in the hopes of setting down roots, but many, apprehensive about living so close to humans, continued to wonder with their clans. Keeper Lanaya's wisdom and diplomacy quickly became legendary amongst the clans for her tempered and wise dealings with the humans. Ostagar would be the perfect place for Eva to go. Even Venatori couldn't infiltrate the Dalish.
"You understand the importance of this favor I ask of you, Mythra? And why it must remain secret?" Rajmael asked seriously.
"I understand completely, Inquisitor. I swear to Mythal and all the Creators, your daughter will not come to harm with our people." Mythra promised.
Eva approachd, with a sad look twisting on her face, she didn't want to leave. "Rajmael, please…." Eva begged.
Rajmael felt his heartbreaking. This was hurting her more than it could ever hurt him. "Da'vhenan, I don't want to send you away either, but I don't want you in danger because of me. Mytra will keep you safe. See the lands of Ostagar, and, when you're ready, go back to our clan in Wycome. See the lands that our people have earned, live a better life than I have."
Eva hugged Rajmael's neck and held him close. "What kind of life will I lead if I don't have you in it?"
"Only the Creators know, Eva." Rajmael said consolingly as he hugged her to him. "Only you can choose how you lead your life."
"I promise, I'll always honor you and the Creators." Eva swore tearfully.
"Before we go, Inquisitor. There is something Keeper Lanaya wished to give you." Mythra informed. Several of her clanmates carried in a small shrine made out of the hollowed stump of an Ironwood tree. And in the shrine was the image of all nine Creators and the Dread Wolf carved from sylvanwood. "We felt you deserved something of our people as you now represent us amongst the shemlen. And to remind you that you have the gods' blessings."
The shrine was magnificently carved by a master craftsman. The inside of the shrine was set with amber that lit like gold when the hollowed trunk was opened, and the images of the Creators were done with incredible skill and mastery. Before they left, Rajmael felt it was appropriate to leave a prayer.
"Mythal, All-Mother, Protector and Vanquisher, watch over my ward and grante her your protection. Ghilan'nain, grant Eva a safe journey and fair winds as she journeys to Ostagar. Dirthamen, Lord of Secrets, grant her the wisdom and knowledge to live well as she steps into a new chapter of her life." Rajmael beseeched his gods as he knelt before them.
"Andruil, Lady of the Hunt, grant Rajmael success in this hunt against the evil he pursues, let his arrows be accurate, and his sword sharp. Sylaise, Hearth Keeper, grant your protection upon this keep in which he stands. Elgar'nan, All-Father, First Born of the Sky, grant Rajmael your strength and visit your vengeance upon his enemies." Eva prayed alongside her adopted father.
Cassandra could see that some of the Chantry Sisters and members of the faithful were uncomfortable with seeing these elves praying to their gods in the Garden. She supposed she could understand their discomfort, but she didn't care. They called upon their faith to protect them, and give them hope, no different than how any Andrastian did. There were some in the Chantry who believed such a thing was the most heinous of evils, but Cassandra could see no evil here. Just a father and his daughter praying for strength and hope as they were about to separated once more.
Before Eva left with Mythra, Eva approached Cassandra with hope in her eyes. Cassandra knelt down to look at Eva in the eye, and was surprised when Eva hugged her around the neck.
"Please, protect him." Eva begged with tears brimming in her beautiful green eyes. "He's all the family I have left."
Cassandra felt her heart stir inside her inside her chest, and gently hugged the weeping child to her. "I swear, I will never let anything happen to him."
"I know you've taken my mother's place in Rajmael's heart, Seeker." Eva sad almost sadly. "I can see that you share her spirit."
Cassandra was truly touched by this girl's sincerity and sorrow. "I…don't know if I'm worthy of being compared to your mother, Eva. But I will strive to be." Eva hugged Cassandra once more and kissed her on the cheek, making Cassandra blush intensely. She could feel Rajmael's heartbreak as he watched her walk away with Mythra.
Rajmael stood on the cliff outside Skyhold and watched with tears in his eyes as Eva and her entourage walked through the Frostbacks and out of sight. All the while he prayed his heart out that his gods would watch after her. Everything he does, he does it for her.
~XoXoXo~
Cassandra had changed into her night clothes before retiring for the night. When Cassandra came into Rajmael' bedroom, she found him already sitting on the bed with that sad look on his face. She was never good at comforting people, she never had reason to. But for Rajmael she was willing to try.
She crawled on the bed and wrapped her arms around Rajmael's chest, and held him close to her. "I must confess, Rajmael, your relationship with Eva reminds me of what the one I had with my brother." Cassandra whispered into his ear. "Antony was more of a parent to me than my uncle was, and when he died I felt my whole world shatter. I understand now why you wanted to leave so badly when we first met. And I don't blame you, not anymore."
Rajmael turned his head to face Cassandra, trying to overlook his sorrow with a smile. "But if I had left, I would not have found love again. Sometimes taking the path we don't want leads us on the path we truly need. I'm happy to be here with you, and I'm happy that you got to meet Eva."
"I am as well. She is an enchanting child." Cassandra felt her face blushing again, but she was no longer ashamed of it. "I…I hope that when this is over the Chantry can make up for what it's done to the elves. Perhaps the Maker sent you to be the bridge for your people."
"Everything I did, I did it for Eva's sake." Rajmael replied. "I want her to grow up in a world where she isn't persecuted for being an elf and for adhering to our culture. Maybe even have children of her own on land that is hers. That is why I am here."
"Securing your people's place in Wycome is definitely a step in the right direction." Cassandra complimented. "I have no doubt you will do more by the time our task is done."
Rajmael smiled that bright smile of his again. "Before I forget, there's one thing I want to give you." He reached around and handed Cassandra something that stole her breath away.
Cassandra couldn't believe her eyes. The latest issue of Swords & Shields! He actually got Varric to finish writing it! "But…why? I lost the bet!"
"Because I thought this might cushion the blow of your loss a little bit." Rajmael answered. "And besides, I love seeing you smile."
"You've certainly succeeded." Cassandra beamed as she planted a kiss on Rajmael's lips. "I wonder have time to read the first part."
Despite the horrid prospect of being paraded like a prize horse in a dress, and the fact that she'd been forced to wear a dress, despite her principals, she couldn't help but feel so happy right now. Rajmael was definitely the ideal man she wanted, he was always ready to sweep her of her feet. And right now he was succeeding.
"I skimmed through the book a little bit and I found a rather steamy part on page 226. I thought maybe we could reenact it."
Cassandra returned that sly grin of his. "Well, seeing as I haven't read that part yet, maybe you could…narrate it for me?"
Rajmael crawled over Cassandra as she laid down on her back. His lips pressed against hers, his tongue flicked against her mouth, inviting hers to come out, an invitation she gladly accepted. Their mouths separated and he started planting kisses along her neck down to her chest, and he began peeling her night clothes off with his teeth. Oh, Cassandra knew that page 226 was going to be her favorite chapter in this book.
She would never feel ashamed for what she felt for Rajmael, nor would she ever feel ashamed for what he believed in. All that mattered was how she felt about him, and she couldn't help but love him, and his adopted daughter. The Maker brought him to her, that was His blessing to her, and she would never question it.
Language Code:
Aneth ara: An elven greeting, translates as "My safe Place."
Da'vhenan: An elven term of affection, translates as "Little Heart."
Mir Dal'en Somniar: An elven lullaby, translates as, "The Child's Dream".