The entourage of the inquisition travelled the snowy roads towards the mountains. Skyhold atop one of the highest peaks which touched the heavens above. Everyone was dressed in coats and furs for the journey. The horses' huffed and naturally walked close to each other for comfort around the perilous turns which tumbled down into rocks below. A few stray stones kicked up by their hooves clattering off the walls making echoes sing on the hills. The wind was still and the sun kept their skin warm as it kissed the horizon with orange and yellow.
"You turned yourself into some sort of fish. How did you do that?" Cassandra asked.
"Oh. It's a form of polymorphism. A mild alteration of my genetic code into the chemical makeup of a Sea Bass. They are incredibly hearty creatures that can swim up to 130 feet deep. It was not the best option, since the deeper I got it made it hard to breathe. Perhaps, a morel eel next time?" Michela said off in her head thinking of a new spell before she realized they were still staring at her.
"Uh— you should keep your attention on the road," Cullen said.
"I did not catch a word of that," Rubeus admitted,
"You could breathe underwater?" Cassandra asked.
"Oh… I'm sorry, um how do I make this easier." Michela thought for a moment and looked forward to Rubeus. "Biology is a very difficult subject to explain quickly, but you know how a wound heals. Well, I use my magic to alter the process of healing to grow fins. I can change my flesh from human to fish by rearranging it like a puzzle made up of thousands of pieces." Michela tried to give a lesson even though most of them seemed clueless about the topic.
"I have to ask, is this some form of blood magic?" Cassandra asked.
"Yes and No. Blood magic in the sense of the south means sacrificing it to power the spell. My blood is the target of this spell, not the sacrifice. I use my well of magic and some fish scales to power it for a short time. For longer, I would need something greater like Lyrium or blood."
"So melting yourself down to reform with a different material… essentially?" Rubeus asked.
"Well not really, but…" Michela pondered.
"Similar to how you would melt metal before making a sword," he offered, trying to wrap his head around it further. "Heat fuels the process... wait… Is that the basis of magic, it needs heat?"
"Don't dwell on that thought for too long, amatus!" Dorian called from behind them. Rubeus quieted.
"Eyes on the road," Cullen said, taking over the lead.
"You're on the right track but magic isn't the fuel source to spells as wood is to fuel to fire. There is a similarity in how the more Lyrium you take the more a templar can suppress powerful mages. Magic, however, is a force upon the world that changes reality at its core. Like how metal becomes soft when cast in the fire, but perhaps this is not the best conversation." Michela nodding in agreement towards Dorian.
"I… think I get it, I'm more curious if you can turn other people into fish," Cassandra asked.
"I've never tried that, but I can guarantee that I would not do it on a person for my first attempt," Michela said with a chuckle.
"Maleficar magic if you ask me," Cullen warned.
Michela stopped laughing, feeling very uncomfortable now after over-sharing her knowledge. Her eyes focused on the few feet ahead looking at the rock formations on the path.
"You know I was just pointing out you should be careful with that kind of magic?" Cullen replied coolly.
"Tick Tick…" Michela clicked her tongue and gave the horse a gentle squeeze with her thighs. He lurched forward into a sprint and she overtook the lead past Cullen. At the mouth of the next path, she skidded the horse to rear on its hind legs before they blocked the party from advancing further.
"Let me make this clear, I do not and have not abused anyone or willingly used Necromantic Blood magic." Michela was loud and more pissed off than ever.
"Sorry, I'm not accusing, just used to stand my ground. Not many powerful mages who practice forbidden arts in the inquisition." Cullen apologized.
"Do not interrupt me Templar, and do not ever suggest that I would! You want to project your fears onto me, fine, but your words hold power. Look who's listening." Michela pointed to her crew of refugees still walking behind them.
A few of them looked utterly offended by his words, while others kept their glance away.
One smug-looking teenager in the group was making silly faces at them, but ran and hid when Cullen caught his eye. Rubeus looked completely irritated.
"Let's just get back to Skyhold. It's late," he stated.
"Wait—- speaking of elves. Wasn't Fenris with you?" Cullen asked.
"He was. Is he still on the boat with Honey and Minnie?" Rubeus wondered
"Fenris is gone. He left with Varric." Michela informed and moved the stallion aside to let them through.
Rubeus sighed.
"That's not good," Cullen expressed.
"This is a discussion for when we get back. We can talk behind closed doors and figure it out." Rubeus said and took the lead again.
The rest of the trip to Skyhold was unnervingly quiet. Rubeus only gave one or two-word orders or responses. Michela stayed silent and falling further back to avoid riding with them.
"Ugh, I am allowed to be offended," Michela whispered to herself as they entered the winter cold. By the time they reached Skyhold fats, she was freezing.
There was a large crowd waiting as they welcomed new refugees into the camp. Chantry mothers rushing out to see if anyone was wounded or in need of care. The elves skittish around them as Michela calmed them with a glance. Before Rubeus could even dismount he was rushed by one of the mages asking if it was safe to use magic to assist. Another chantry mother started asking him about extended plans for the refugees.
"Let me get Rapp to the stables and I'll be right back to help," Rubeus said, riding off promptly.
"Michela… a word." Cassandra motioned for the Captain as she dismounted.
"Yes?" Michela asked as Cassandra approached.
"You May think yourself a crusader for these people, but you have only done a fraction of work the inquisitor has accomplished. He is far too kind, but do not speak to him like that again."
"Excuse me?" Michela asked.
"You heard me, now watch your tongue and apologize. Right now before we go into that castle and the power dynamic shifts in his favour." Cassandra suggested.
"I will not," Michela said
"Fine," Cassandra said and marched away.
The inquisitor, true to his word returned to help organize and get everyone settled. Dorian led a group of refugees to where they would be staying, making a point to show them where the tavern was when they passed it. Cullen took charge of Fritigern and brought him to the prison cells for holding till the trial.
With the refugees settling, Rubeus dismissed himself and went inside.
Michela was left in the courtyard as everyone shuffled about, a large portion of the refugees went straight to the tavern. Michela headed for the main castle, climbing the stairs and entering the keep. The glasswork of the dalish mixed with the inquisition emblems made the whole place felt, meek. The nobles around were all from small houses of Ferelden and few templars walked about. Though the sheer numbers of mages around filled the room with an aura of magic that buzzed in her ears.
"Well, well… who is this lovely creature who arrives escorted by the Inquisitor himself?" A powerful feminine voice caught Michela's attention as Vivenne approached her. Wearing lavish robes of Orlais brought awe to the trevene.
"I love your outfit." Michela let slip out.
"Why thank you, Madam Vivienne De Fer First Enchanter of Montsimmard, a pleasure to meet you." She greeted as Michela took her hand.
"Captain Michela Di Pasqua of the Hateful Barnacle. Nice to meet you." Michela said and shook her hand as a few more ladies appeared in the room looking at them.
"Looks like the nightingale has her eye on you. Tell me, darling, how was your trip, you look injured." Vivienne commented.
"It was difficult. I'm sorry, but what do you do here?" Michela asked.
"I am one of the Inquisitors most trusted advisors on magic, word on the grapevine has it you are a mage as well. A dreamer no less." Vivenne said.
"My apologies to cut in the middle of your conversation, but I need to debrief the Captain before we allow the captain to wander the castle." Lelianna approached.
"Pish Posh, the poor darling looks like a scared cat trapped in a cage rather than a welcomed guest of the inquisition. I can see it on her face." Vivenne said.
"Regardless, we will follow protocol. Please, join us in the war room Captain. I have something that may help you with your unique problem." Leliana explained.
"Looks like we will have to meet another time Madame De Fer. Thank you for the welcome." Michela said politely.
"Any time darling." Vivenne smiled as Michela walked away with Lelianna.
"This way please," Lelianna said as she escorted Michela to the war room through Jospehine's office.
The massive war table was intimidating. Commander Cullen standing behind it with ambassador Josephine, all of whom were eyeing the Captain with great interest.
Michela swallowed the lump in her throat and approached the table
"Lady Di'Pasqua, welcome to Skyhold. We have tea prepared if you would like some," Josephine welcomed Michela warmly.
"Thank you, but we can skip the pleasantries. You had questions." Michela asked.
"We are concerned about this curse, Rubeus sent us a letter but did not go into details. I was hoping you could fill us in. Who put this curse on you?" Lelianna asked.
"Difficult questions right off the bat, I cannot say," Michela said.
"That makes things difficult," Josephine said, wistfully. She tapped her nails on her clipboard.
"Is there anyone you can think of who would be able to say?" Cullen asked.
"Do you know who it is?" Lelianna asked.
"You all know who it is," Michela replied. "Care to guess?"
"By the maker," Cullen recoiled. "If it's who you are implying… that's just wrong."
"You're father, how charming." Lelianna sighed. "Well, what can we expect with this curse? Can he control you?" Leliana asked.
"No," Michela said simply.
"That's a relief. But I get the feeling you are not able to tell us details as part of the curse," Josephine commented.
"Bingo," Michela said and did a silly little gesture. "Kinda sucks, but what I can say is. Your secrets are safe unless repeated. I've spent a long time wiggling around what to say. I can tell you, that not for one second. Should you trust that my daddy wants to help you." Michela said.
"I have one more concern if you are to pilot the Inquisitor to this meeting. Are you in control of you're magic?" Lelianna asked. "It has come to my attention, you never passed your harrowing." She said gently.
"Of course I am," Michela said, offended.
"We can have her work with Madame De Fer if we need to," Josephine interjected. "Her knowledge of the circles may prove helpful." Cullen stayed quiet, letting the women talk. He watched Michela carefully.
"I have control of my magic. It's the lyrium that's the problem." Michela huffed, but held her breath and remembered what Honey said. "You know what, it's fine. I'll meet with your enchanter, we already met in the grand hall." The Captain calmed herself and took off her hat.
"Could I please sit down for a bit, it's been a long trip," Michela asked? "I'm freezing and I'm ill-prepared for winter so I would really like a hot cup of tea please," Michela asked kindly. Josephine poured the duchess a cup of tea and presented it to her, politely.
"Of course, it is a very busy day here at Skyhold with your crew joining our refugees. Let us make you feel at home for you are safe with the inquisition. We appreciate your help and understand the difficulty of your situation. We have many mages from across Thedas who are here to aid you or give support." Lelianna explained with the kindness of the future divine in her voice. "I know a lot about you Michela, including your work on the black sands of Seheron." Lelianna smiled.
"There are some younger slaves that have experienced some trauma. If you have chantry mothers who could perhaps offer some guidance to them." Michela asked Leliana.
"I'll get right on it. It was nice to meet you." Lelianna said and left the room with a wink to Josephine.
"There is a room prepared for you in the west tower and we can have some warmer clothing prepared for you. Just let me know what colour you prefer," Josephine stated.
Michela held her teacup with a surprised look on her face as she looked at them, confused, yet touched. "Thank you." She finally said. " I like yellow and violet and navy blue."
Josephine gave Cullen a gentle nudge forward.
"Go on," Josie smiled.
"I don't need everyone in Skyhold knowing about…." Cullen started. But Josephine gave him a stern look and Cullen gulped. Michela arching a curious brow in his direction.
"Lady Di'Pasqua. I have uh… experienced overcoming a Lyrium addiction myself. If you find yourself in need of a consul or a friend you can find me in my office," he sounded a little stiff but Josephine seemed very happy with everything Cullen said.
"I've never really spoken to anyone about that, I've also never heard of a templar surviving sobriety. Perhaps, can I think about it?" Michela asked.
"Of course, take your time. Again, my door is open to you." Cullen replied.
"Congratulations on your progress," Michela added and turned her eyes to the tea. Inside her head, incredibly distracted at how cold it was.
"If someone could show me where my room is, that would be great," Michela said and stood up returning the empty teacup to Josephine.
"Of course," Josephine replied, taking the teacup. "Follow me and I will take you to your lodgings."
"Thank you, I deeply appreciate your warm welcome," Michela said, though the sorrow of her eyes could not be masked.
Lelianna was waiting at the door for Michela to leave, watching her closely. Josephine led Michela through Skyhold pointing out areas of interest on the way to the duchess's room and asking Michela about her dress size.
As they left, Rubeus entered to see Cullen and Lelianna still lingering in the room.
"Inquisitor, how are you doing," Lelianna asked standing at the door still.
"Better now that the refugees are settled," Rubeus replied with a smile. Once he was sure Michela and Josephine were further away, Rubeus dropped the facade.
"We need to keep an eye on the captain while she's here. I don't want to make her feel like she's under surveillance though," Rubeus said
"I was going to ask Cullen if you keep a quiet eye on the duchess while she is here?" Lelianna asked.
"Me? Isn't sending a Templar to watch a mage a little on the nose?" Cullen asked.
"It's perfect actually, You heard what they said in Orlais. You were the belle of the ball, and a duchess from a hostile land needs to be handled with sincerity and care. I do not think she is our enemy, not unless we make her." Leliana explained.
"I am not here to be paraded around for the women of noble houses, besides you saw what happened on the mountain" Cullen interjected.
"I am not asking that, I am asking you to be yourself. Michela needs a real templar, and we can prove to the world just how capable we are at handling magic." Leliana grinned.
"I understand the apprehension, she's a touch volatile." Rubeus voiced, "however, I agree with Leliana. And Michela is nowhere near as handsy as those at the winter palace. Besides, you've been working together since the beginning. She is the fearsome Captain Edward Jones." Rubeus joked.
"If you agree this is a good idea, then I'll keep watch." Cullen conceded.
"Fantastic, just remember. If Michela gets out of hand, do whatever you have to to protect the keep. Just in case." Leliana warning.
"Call for me if you need backup with her," Rubeus added.
"Alright, I'm going to excuse myself. Maybe get some sleep before the sun comes up. Good night," Cullen excused himself from the room.
"Inquisitor, how are you doing? Is there anything I can do for you before I go?" Leliana asked.
"No, thank you for your work, Leliana." Rubeus dismissed her.