Cullen hitched the horses and managed the soldiers they brought along. A modest escort for the Inquisitor who walked side by side with Dorian.
"I still feel like this is overboard for a card game," Rubeus commented. "Stationing further out would have drawn less attention." The collection of soldiers along with members of the inquisition had turned more than a few heads and drew stares.
"What's wrong with security?" Cullen asked.
"I thought this was more about being discreet?" Rubeus questioned.
"Would you two calm down and let me handle this?" Varric said as he led them to a tavern in the centre of the downtown square. Scout Harding was sat on the patio with a large glass of ice water in her fingers waiting for sleep in her eyes.
"Good to see you, inquisitor," Harding said alert and got up quickly to greet him. Rubeus greeted her with a smile.
"What information have you found?" He asked.
"The area is quiet and doesn't see many travellers unless they are here for business. The captain of the Hateful Barnacle has been spotted in the area, no idea where she is now," she replied.
"Thank you," he replied.
"Alright everyone waits here, Rubeus, Cullen and I will go meet for the poker game across the street. We're going to be meeting our contact in a few hours so get comfortable." Varric warned.
"I don't understand why I am not invited to the game." Cassandra quipped.
"Sorry, being the lynchpin in an escape route isn't as exciting as cards," Rubeus responded.
"Are you fucking joking? You hate wicked grace." Varric said.
"Yes, but I know of this Pirate I am very interested in meeting her," Cassandra noted.
"A mage that ran away to be a pirate? Now, this is a story I want to hear!" Dorian commented with intrigue.
"I'm curious as well," Rubeus pried. "What do you know, Cassandra?"
"That is a stern accusation. Pirates are known as raping pillaging thieves who murder for fun." Cullen interjected.
"Yes, but also known freedom fighters who act with selfishness and greed rather than the greater good. There have been rumours of a pirate who wields wild magic which breaks the barriers of the fade. I am suspicious that Captain Michela Di Pasqua is the very same one." Cassandra explained.
"I hope she's not the same. We didn't plan for that kind of situation," Rubeus sighed.
"If that is the case, I suggest you act with caution. Pirates are known as thieves and murderers with no care for friends or foe." Cassandra commented. Rubeus nodded in agreement.
"I don't doubt that I just didn't want to use force on this mission," he expressed.
"Says the man who brought a claymore," Dorian jested.
"It's not the inquisitor's fault his best weapon is twice his size. Or is it?" Cullen asked.
"It might be worthwhile to learn another weapon, something less conspicuous for outings like this…" Rubeus mused.
"I find it rather dashing." A new voice entered the conversation. Sitting at the table next to Scout Harding, was a strange Qunari. His hair was crimson red and tied back into an elaborate knot. His horns curled up behind his head and were naked yet polished clean. His skin was a deep onyx grey, but his face was painted with teal Deathroot vitaar.
The inquisition soldiers drew their blades as the last bit of invisibility diminished at his feet. Rubeus's posture became defensive.
"Easy now, I've come with a special invitation on behalf of Duchess Michela Di Pasqua. I will ignore that you've been calling my lady a pirate." The qunari said and presented from his breast pocket and scrolled up a letter tied with a bit of glittering string and stamped with a crest.
Rubeus inspected the note, the wax seal held the symbol of a mermaid holding a trident. Her hand outstretched into flowers. Unfurling the letter he read.
My Dearest Inquisitor.
I regret to inform you that your soldiers are not welcomed in the port of Cumberland. If they do not leave the fate of your men rests within the gracious hands of my bodyguard Fritigern Adaar. He and his men have been hired to protect me and I do not take this threat lightly.
Varric informed me that you would meet me alone. If you wish to fulfil that promise you can meet me for cards at sundown. I brought you many gifts, I expect you to return the favour in kind now that you have invaded my people.
Sincerely,
Duchess Michela Anita Di' Pasqua - Captain of the Hateful Barnacle.
Rubeus pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration.
"This is why I wanted to lay low…" he grumbled. He turned to Cullen.
"I appreciate the extra caution and concern," he said respectfully. "However, you and your troop are dismissed from this excursion." Cullen seemed upset but at the same time relieved that he no longer was going to be involved with the card game.
"By your order, ser." He replied and started to call off the troops.
"Oh! One more thing," Rubeus pulled Cullen aside. "There is a satchel on my mount, I'll need that. I also want you to take this letter to Lady Montilyet when you return and see if we can pull some favours." Cullen took the letter from the inquisitor and prepared to return to Skyhold.
Once Rubeus had his satchel he returned his attention to the Qunari.
"Let the Lady know my people have been called off and I will be present at sundown." He reached into his bag and pulled out a rare and unique tome from Ferelden detailing the use of mechanical pieces and their application, a useful resource.
"Please give her this as a sign of good faith in addition to my sincere apology," Rubeus said, handing the book over.
"Whoa tiger, I only deliver messages for the Lady. You can give her that yourself." Fritigern said and stood up. The soldiers started to disperse, but Cassandra approached. Rubeus held out his arm to halt her.
"Seeker waits, perhaps we should sit. At least for now." Varric warned as Fritigern escorted the soldiers away. His visual disappearing into the mist as the Inquisitor and his companions stood alone in the streets. All the eyes on them suddenly became very threatening.
"We are not welcomed here," Cassandra stated.
"Let's go wait in the Tavern, at least there we can buy our way into the bartender's good graces," Varric suggested quietly as they began to walk.
"I'm inclined to agree. Have some drinks and pretend this didn't start in such disarray." Rubeus commented. His eyes constantly moving and surveying his surroundings. Dorian calmly put his hand on Rubeus's shoulder but it did not break the warrior's focus.
When they reached the top of the hill which the Tavern sat upon. They could catch the view of the harbour from the backyard. There were multiple ships docked on the water. A few schooners for trade, shipping boxes and bags. Fishing boats rocked in the still water as the smell of rotten fish mixed with the hot wind.
"Ah, the smell of the sea, how delightfully revolting!" Dorian expressed. Cassandra was not amused by how loud he was being.
There was one warship floating on the dock, a massive Antivan Galleon made of whitewood and Bloodstone. The sails of white leather marked with Tevinter crest of two snake dragons intertwined. However, The crests had been added to with crudely painted silhouettes of two ladies having sex with them. The image dropped Cassandra's jaw as Varric stifled a laugh. Dorian elbowed Rubeus and pointed. The inquisitor tried his best to hide his snickering, Dorian did not. Flying from the flagpole, was a Deepstalker hide flag painted red with a skull and crossbones.
"I told you she was a pirate," Cassandra stated in an offended snap.
"or a smuggler," Rubeus mused. He eyed the mark on the flag.
"Definitely the ship of the Duchess. These sails are a slight against our countrymen. That must win her a lot of accolades elsewhere," Dorian added. The comments ceased when a line up of heavily armed Qunari approached the ship waiting at the gangplank that had been risen onto the deck.
"Shall we stay and watch?" Varric asked.
"From a distance…" Rubeus suggested, "The Qun are not on best terms with the inquisition. We don't need to cause more drama here."
"Look again, you see those markings on their faces. I'm thinking they are Tal-vashoth" Varric added. The party fell back to the rock face and hid in the shadows to watch. The warriors look exhausted, and when the gangplank touched the ground they hurried up inside. Fritgern was among them, waiting on the docks as his troupe collected waterskins and removed their heavy armour. Sweaty Qunari were aided by the crew which was a mix of Elvhan and Human.
A figure wearing vibrant yellow appeared on the deck, emerging from the wheelhouse their face was obscured by an elaborate hat of both Trevene and Orlaisean fashion. The combo of which made for an illustrious display of feathers and fur. They walked across the deck and descended the gangplank to meet with Fritigern. They spoke and the figure turned to look up to the cliff. A human woman long legs and curvaceous hips were undeniable in her bearskin slacks.
Her eyes scanned the cliff and she met eyes with Dorian.
"Come to break my heart again?" An echoed voice lingered in the mage's ear. Dorian's face soured.
"Are you alright?" Rubeus asked, quietly. Dorian nodded and brushed it off. Was it magic, or a memory? It was hard to discern but Dorian knew for certain who the woman in yellow was. The lady was being escorted towards the tavern by the Mercenary leader, and it would take time before they made it up the hill.
"That woman in yellow, she's the duchess," Dorian voiced.
"How do you know that?" Cassandra asked.
"Her outfit screams 'Hello, I am magister but fell into the empress' bloomers," Dorian snarked.
"It is a rather loud ensemblé," Rubeus added. "I thought you said she was hiding, Varric."
"I think monitoring her mercenaries is more important than critiquing her outfit," Cassandra interrupted. Rubeus cleared his throat and changed his focus.
"Right, we figured she wouldn't be alone which is why Cullen was so instant he brought soldiers. However, we can still follow the original escape plan if we need it. I'm not convinced this is a trap on her part. I trust Varric's judgement." Rubeus said bluntly.
"Michela has never once let me down. She knows how to play the game and is a cautious warrior protecting her crew, which should be seen as an asset." Varric spoke up.
"Then we shouldn't need to worry about an escape plan," Rubeus said calmly.
The gang entered the tavern, which was empty all except for the bartender who had four pints of ale already poured for them and waiting.
"Oi, welcome to the Heron's landing. I have a table waiting for you out on the patio on the second floor. You're free to wait there for the Captain. The name's Luke." A Middle Ages man in his forties said setting a bamboo plant up onto the bar after watering it. He was skinny, too skinny with dark under eyes. His brown hair was clean and pulled back into a low ponytail. Perched on a piece of driftwood strapped to a no trespassing sign. Was a red Macaw with blue accents and a yellow belly. The bird opened its wings in a greeting by flapping a gust of wind which blew the foam off of one of the ales. The bird's antics caused Rubeus to crack a smile.
"Thank you, Luke," Rubeus responded and handed the man some coin for the drinks. He also put a small coin purse down on the table. "For a round of drinks when the captain arrives." Rubeus eyed the tankards cautiously before taking one into his hands and taking a sip. Nothing tasted off or incorrect. The ale held a citrus note that lingered on the tongue. Overall the drink was enjoyable. Dorian partook of his drink as well. However, Cassandra did not touch her's.
"It's not poison," Rubeus commented and took another swig.
"Do you think drinking at a time like this is wise?" She asked.
"When have I ever passed on around?" Rubeus retorted.
"A drink would loosen you up, maybe help your card game?" Dorian added. Cassandra still withheld from her drink.
"Lay off the Seeker, she's got a point. They may not be poisoned, but if I knew better those were spiked." Varric heated and grabbed his drink and took a swig. "Good things us dwarves have a higher tolerance." Varric headed for the stairs and sauntered his way to the second floor. It was a stone structure which roof only partially covered the area. One wall had been removed which opened up a window to the harbour. The view was magnificent, and vines of dried lavender masked the fishy smell from the heat. The poker table was under the awning, already set up with cards and chits to gamble. Varric walked over to the balcony railing and leaned out to look at the harbour.
"What a view." He mused.
"You going to keep a lookout for archers?" Cassandra asked.
"I'm going to get drunk," Varric stated.
"Varric! Don't be reckless." Cassandra gasped.
"I think I will listen to Seeker. I don't know if I can stay after this mission." He whispered just for Cassandra's ear. Glancing back to Rubeus and Dorian who circled the table looking for traps.
"Why not?" Cassandra asked, curiously.
"Perhaps at a later time, I'll explain," Varric said calmly and drank quietly at the window.
Rubeus and Dorian finished checking for traps and took a seat next to each other. Rubeus pulled out his journal and a pen and started writing. Ideas about a new weapon design. Something smaller and easier to conceal, reminiscent of the weapons he had seen in the abyss of the deep roads. Dorian looked over to see what he was plotting and Rubeus showed him the page and he nodded.
"Have you ever thought of using a whip?" Dorian asked. Rubeus cocked an eyebrow and looked at him.
"No, it never crossed my mind. However, if you're interested we ca—-"
"Not where I was heading with that thought, but good to know," Dorian interrupted. "You know how to use a grapple and chain. A whip can't be too far off, can it?"
Downstairs, the door opened, but the bell made no sound. Michela stepped inside, removing her feathers captain's hat to bow to the bartender silently. He pointed upstairs and she winked at him. Silently gliding across the wood with silent steps up the stairs. The last lingering sentences hit her ear as she appeared at the top of the stairs.
It took a moment for them to realize she was there, as she listened silently leaning on the railing. Rubeus gave Dorian a small nudge and the two halted their conversation.
"Oh please, don't mind me. I would love to hear more." She said curtly with a welcoming smile. Her eyes never lingering on one person too long as she scanned the room. Rubeus closed his journal and returned it to his satchel.
"Varric my love! It is so good to see you again." Michela said and quickly approached the dwarf who quickly downed his drink.
"Captain! You already know how I feel about you." Varric commented gently.
"Oh I know, but you can't control how I feel. I heard you finished the last chapter of swords and shields. Where is it?" Michela asked.
"I am in the middle of reading it, I wasn't aware you were a fan," Cassandra commented.
"Oh, I am afraid I haven't had the pleasure. Introductions Varric." Michela said as her eyes fell to the inquisitor.
"This is Seeker Cassandra Pentaghast. Formally the Right Hand of the Divine." Varric said as Cassandra extended her hand.
"A pleasure to meet you." She said bluntly.
"I hear you are the Right Hand of the Inquisition now," Michela said shaking Cassandra's hand, her eyes still on Rubeus.
"Over here is Dorian…"
"Altus Dorian Pavus of Quranis. I am familiar with." Michela said as her smile wavered and walked over to the table to stand across from Rubeus.
"Duchess Di'Pasqua. Lovely to see you again after all this time," Dorian stated uneasily.
"May I introduce to you his Grace. Rubeus Lavallen. Leader of the Inquisition." Varric said.
Rubeus stood up and bowed, politely.
"A pleasure to meet you, Captain. Varric has told me good things about you," he said.
"Child's play compares to the man who slew Corypheus. My most humble thanks on behalf of the many unknown faces who owe their lives to you. I have been informed I can help you deal with the last of the Venatori agents."
"Correct," Rubeus replied. "I'm not sure how much you've been told but we are looking for a ride into Cumberland with someone who can be trustworthy. I heard you are the best option."
"I know quite a bit when Varric told me you wanted to go to Nevarra's most dangerous port I had to look into it myself. You're asking me to put myself and my ship on the line. I need to know this will be worth my while. Your inquisition has rather large pockets, but I'm interested in bigger things than gold." Michela explained calmly.
"I understand that this is not a simple job. And I am willing to work out an arrangement with you," Rubeus replied. "Before we get to that though." He reached into his satchel and pulled out the tome from earlier and a bottle of a rare, strong and sparkling liquor. A small golden ribbon was tied around the neck.
"For you," he offered them to Michela."I already owe you my gratitude before anything else is said or done."
"Is this Star Shine?" Michela asked and took the items in hand and admired the bottle. "I always like trying something new. I have something for you as well." Michela said. As the pirate reached into her pocket the front doorbell rang.
"Inquisitor!" A thundering voice echoed from below. Up the stairs and rough thud of two figures made their way to the second floor. Fritigern had arrived with Cullen tied up in rope and gagged. Rubeus looked betrayed and cross.
"Cullen! I asked you and your troops to return to Skyhold!" He bellowed.
"You're soldiers left, but your commander stayed behind with a battalion. I wanted to make sure they were returned safely to you." Michela said as the Qunari assassin sat the knight down at the table.
"Well, it looks like Curly is going to be able to play after all." Varric joked. Rubeus gave a sarcastic laugh but for all intents and purposes was still very upset.
"I don't find this a laughing matter, I find this rather unnerving since you plan to meet with my father for peace talks." Michela snarked. "I didn't realize I had the word fool tattooed on my forehead." Michela's tone had shifted and she stepped closer to interrogate Rubeus.
"This room is full of people whose names are written in ink in my little black book. So tell me why you're any different from the heartbreaking betrayers you brought here today?" Michela sounded scorned, and her eyes drifted between Dorian and Varric. Rubeus looked over at Dorian who was oddly quiet and then to Varric. The dwarf kept his back turned as he stared out the window.
"Your unease is not unfounded," Rubeus said. "It is why I asked the soldiers to withdraw. It is not my intent to let you or your crew come to harm. But if someone unsavoury has caught wind of us meeting the soldiers would be able to protect anyone in harm's way. Yourself included."
"It's called trying to be sneaky." Michela sighed aggressively.
"Stealth is not my speciality, as you can clearly see," Rubeus retorted with a passive-aggressive tone. "I know nothing about the magister who wishes to speak with me and his offer sounds too good to be true," Rubeus explained.
"Ha!" Michela covered her mouth to cover the yelp.
"I already warned him about your father," Dorian spoke up.
"I told you..." Michela snarked under her breath, but her attention remained on the inquisitor.
"Something I didn't take lightly. But he did not have any ill words as far as you are concerned. So I take that as a good sign," Rubeus added.
"Nothing at all? Really? Not one ill-intended sarcastic remark that picks apart my insecurities?" Michela's voice slithered with anger.
"Unless being called a powerful mage is a bad thing…" Rubeus remarked.
"You must mean Dorian had nothing to say about me for we all know. I don't exist." Michela put her boot on the chair and kicked it out.
"Templar. Sit! Dorian, you can go downstairs. The big kids are talking." Michela said with a knowing smirk. The Captain rounded the table to the dealers' chair and flurried her royal blue skirt behind her to reveal her thigh in a subtle flash towards the room. A long dagger strapped to her leg all that was seen before she sat down. The dagger caught Cassandra's eye and she remained standing, watching.
"Bar Keep! Wine! Please and thank you." Michela yelled at the top of her voice. The strength of which carried downstairs easily to Luke.
As the barkeep was in a rush to collect her drink. Michela put both feet up onto the chair next to her. Fritgern finally finished untying Cullen, as he dragged the last of the rope free from around his neck. Without a word spun around and approached Dorian.
"Up." He said.
"That's it? No sweet talk? Very well then," Dorian asked as he stood up reluctantly.
"Hold on," Rubeus got on his feet. "You already manhandled my knight commander. Could you not tie up my—"
"It's alright," Dorian interrupted. "No point in agitating the duchess further."
"Just because she doesn't want you here doesn't mean she can be aggressive," Rubeus argued and glared at the captain. Dorian left the room, rope free. He flashed the inquisitor a small smile and a wary eye as he left the room.
"Dorian is the only one who needs to step away, the rest all I ask is. What's your buy-in?" Michela asked and started to shuffle the cards on the table. Varric finally walking over to find his seat.
Cassandra took a seat next to Varric and Rubeus sat directly across from the captain. He put twenty-five gold down on the table. Cassandra followed suit.
"I assume you're coming here to ask me a favour inquisitor. Perhaps I shall gamble my loyalty on your commander here? I can learn a lot about a man in a game of cards." Michela stated as the cards flitted about the table.
"Our commander is not a pawn in your game Captain." Cassandra scorned and picked up her cards. Rubeus's brow furrowed and he looked over at Cullen.
"Do I have a choice?" Cullen resigned.
"She jests, Duchess, you can't be serious. You honestly think I would bring these people here if they were going to put you in trouble." Varric defended his friends as his eyes brightened at the sight of his cards.
"You're a snake who fills tomes with colourful words and empty lies. I only came here because the Inquisitor has something I need." Michela said darkly as she hid her cards and smiled.
"Doesn't everyone?" Rubeus quipped as he looked at his card, "what are you after?"
"I fold…" Cullen said quietly.
"I'll take another card," Rubeus said and upped his bet.
"I fold," Cassandra said, placing the cards face down in front of herself.
"I double, show me your cards," Michela ordered as they all revealed their hands. Varric had the worst of them all.
"Well shit." Varric sighed. "Looks like I lose some gold." Varric swayed as he tossed his coins across to Michela. "Hold on, what's… did you… do…?" Varric's words slurred together before he passed out on the table.
"Varric!" Rubeus exclaimed.
"What is the meaning of this!" Cassandra barked.
"Nothing extreme, just a little enchantment I put in the cards. You see if you lose there are one in eight possibilities that can happen. Varric seemed to have gotten lucky. He will be asleep for a while." Michela jested as she poked the Dwarf on the shoulder. "You should have stayed the night." She muttered under her breath.
"A game of roulette and cards? I haven't seen house rules like this before," Rubeus kept a calm face, but his leg bounced under the table.
"Don't fret, she's just angry Varric rejected her," Fritgern whispered. "The cards don't do more than a power nap." Fritigern grinned uncontrollably as he watched silently from Rubeus's right at the top of the stairs.
"Is that what she meant by her little black book then?" Rubeus asked. His eyes lingered on the captain, examining her more thoroughly. Looking for any knots in her brow. There were many.
"It's your deal," Michela said.
"Yes Captain," Cullen said and picked up the deck as she handed it to him.
"What kind of magic is this?" Cassandra asked, as she cautiously picked up her hand from the table. Rubeus patiently picking up his own for a quick peek.
"Simple enchanting that a drunkard is more vulnerable too." Michela quipped.
"He is not a drunk, he is tired. I'm sure you heard about Hawke." Cassandra stated.
"The last one to know." Michela glowered at the dwarf. "I am aware, it's in her memory that I don't flay the heart from his chest and infuse it within my blade." Michela sounded scorned. Her voice may have been firm, but her crossed armed posture closed her off and she shrunk into the chair.
"Easier said than done, believe me, I have tried," Cassandra said and the Captain cracked a smile.
"How long do the effects last?" Rubeus inquired.
"Twenty Minutes give or take the constitution of the target," Michela said as if cursing people were everyday normalities.
"Enough talk, can we focus on the game?" Rubeus asked impatiently.
"We will play when I say so," Michela said. Out of the corner of Rubeus' eye, he noticed Michela change her card. Her dexterous fingers, nearly too fast to notice. He stayed quiet about the matter and put the cards down.
"Fold," Rubeus Spoke
"I'll play," Cassandra spoke.
"I will as well," Cullen added.
Dorian sat downstairs at the bar with Luke who was polishing the countertop.
"What did you do to cross the pearl of Tevinter?" Luke said.
"I walked out on the arrangement our parents made. It was for the better of both of us. But, that was years ago!" Dorian complained loudly. "I am in disbelief that she would even hold a grudge that long!" He paused for a moment as if in thought. Luke quirked an eyebrow silently.
"Ok, I'm not that surprised," Dorian sighed dramatically. "Please, Luke was it? Can I at least have a drink if I am to sit down here and miss the game?"
"Sure thing lad, listen I've worked with her myself and let's just say. You learn not to let your guard down." Luke said as his eyes turned serious. He turned away to pour a drink and while his back was turned Dorian activated the enchanted ring on his finger and vanished.