The sound of thundering hooves were all that filled Holly's ears. It was all she could really focus on in general. Focusing on anything other than the steady rhythm and path ahead of her stressed her more than words could describe. Though she could focus on the cold too. How was it so bloody cold?

A knot of stress started to loosen when Haven finally started to come into view. She had been on the road since the Ostwick Circle had been destroyed. When she had found out that her brother had been sent to the Conclave, she immediately started heading south. She almost stopped sleeping when she got the news that it had blown up. Sure, she had heard news that he could be alive, but she refused to believe it until she saw him standing in front of her.

She commanded the horse to slow down as she approached the village. She was already going to make a scene, so she didn't want to make it worse by galloping in like a mad woman. Being a mage didn't help matters either.

Her back stiffened as she got closer to the village. She got few looks here and there as she approached the stables and outer camps, but no one payed her much mind. She supposed she shouldn't be all that surprised. Haven had become a hotspot for travel. Nobles and peasants, refugees and recruits, pilgrims and mourners all had a reason to come. A part of her wondered how many of them were looking for lost family members.

She didn't far into the village before a guard stopped her. He eyed her staff warily for a moment before focusing on her, "What is your business here, Ser?"

She shifted in the saddle, "I am looking for someone. My brother, specifically. When I do find him, I then plan on joining the Inquisition."

He eyed her staff again, "Alright. There's not much room at the stables, but you can leave your horse there. I'm sure someone can help you from there."

She gave a nod of thanks, and steered her horse towards the stables. They were positioned right next to the blacksmith. Holly couldn't help but feel a little bad for the horses having to deal with all the noise and smoke.

Her thoughts were interrupted by one of the smiths groaning, "Great. Another mage."

Holly pursed her lips but didn't respond. She knew better than that at this point. If Graham really was the Herald, picking a fight with a random smith over a snide remark was a horrible idea.

Dismounting, she lead the horse over to a man she believed to be the horsemaster. He was talking to a blond man in plate armor and scarlet fabrics. Judging from the mane like thing he was wearing, he was either some random noble or a high ranking member of the Inquisition. She was unsure as to which she hoped he was. She felt a bit awkward as she walked up to them, not truly wanting to interrupt their conversation.

"Excuse me," her voice came out clear and confident.

Both men had had their backs turned to her, and turned when they heard her speak. She showed no reaction, as to not be rude, but Maker, was the blond attractive. She pushed that thought away as soon as it appeared. That was not why she was there.

"Do you need something?" he asked.

She looked at the other man, "I don't mean to interrupt, but are you the horsemaster?"

"I am."

"I was wondering if you could help me with my horse, or point me to someone who can?"

"Of course," the horsemaster said as he moved to help her.

"May I ask why you are here?" the blond asked. His eyes flitted towards her staff, but it wasn't the same blatant look the guard had.

"I am looking for my brother, and looking to join the Inquisition."

"Who might your brother be?"

She straightened up a bit, "Graham Trevelyan."

His eyes narrowed and he folded his arms across his chest, "That's a lofty claim. How do I know you are telling the truth."

"You can tell him that his sister Holly is here. I did send a letter in advance, though I wouldn't be surprised if I got here before it did."

"No, it arrived a few days ago. He told everyone you'd be coming."

"Then I assuming he told you that I would have this with me," she produced a small leather pouch that contained her father's old signet ring, "When I had heard the title "Herald of Andraste" being thrown about, I knew there would be somewhat tight security."

He plucked the ring out of the pouch, "It certainly resembles the description he gave us."

He placed it back, and caught the attention of a nearby soldier, "Excuse me, can you give a message to the Herald? Tell him his sister has arrived."

"Of course, Commander."

"Commander?" she repeated.

"I didn't introduce myself, did I? My apologies. I'm Cullen, Commander of the Inquisition."

"Pleasure."

"Likewise. We should go find the Herald. I hope you don't mind me accompanying you, but it is merely a precaution. We have little room for doubt, and people shouting abuse towards the Herald's sister isn't a good look."

His words made her frown slightly. While she understood why he would want to err on the side of caution, she was caught up on the Herald part.

"So the rumors are true then. About him being the Herald of Andraste."

"Truthfully, I can't say if he is, but the rumors about him being able to seal the rifts are."

"Of course they are," she sighed as she gathered her things from the horsemaster. She didn't think that she had brought much. Only two packs of belongings, which were mostly packed with books and journals.

Following Cullen through the gates of the village, Holly found herself feeling disappointed. For some reason she had expected... more. It was where the Inquisition was stationed, and had played a large part in the Hero of Ferelden's tale. In reality, the most remarkable thing about it was the sheer amount of people, but even then, she had expected more.

It turned out Cullen was right about the insults. She got an awful lot of stares, and a few people opened there mouths to say something but quickly closed them when they saw him. She was plenty prepared to deal with cruel words, but it was nice to not have to deal with them.

He lead her all the way to the Chantry where Graham, with his back to Holly, was speaking with a woman dressed in golds and purples. Her hair and makeup were immaculate. She was likely a noble, but Holly had no guesses as to who she was. Her eyes widened a little as they approached.

"Lord Trevelyan," Cullen said.

"Yes?" Graham turned around. He looked so different from the last time Holly had seen him several years ago, but it was undeniably him. He may have grown half a foot and grown a beard, but he still had the same slightly crooked nose and messy, dark hair. She found it amusing that he still hadn't managed to tame it.

His eyes landed on Holly. It took him a moment to recognize her, but when he did a wide smile broke over his face, "Holly?"

"Graham!" she shouted, dropping what she was carrying.

She all but bulldozed into his arms. She felt him slip slightly on the snowy ground. Despite her best efforts, a few tears had managed to leak out of her eyes. He really was alive. Holly almost didn't believe it.

"It's been far too long," he said against the top of her head.

"You don't say," she laughed weakly, her voice cracking slightly.

They stood like that a for a few more moments, before he stepped back far enough to look at her, "I am so happy that you're here, but why are you here? Your letter didn't say."

"I had to know that you're alive, and I didn't trust anything but my own eyes," she looked away, "and I want to join the Inquisition."

"I don't know if that's a good idea."

"Why not? I'm not going to sit around and be hidden away at home while the world burns down around me. I've spent my most of my life locked up in one place, unable to do anything to truly benefit the world. Now, I have the perfect opportunity to help, to see the world. Besides, if I try to travel with anyone else I might get myself killed," she gestured behind her to her staff, "and you're the only one who is truly willing to put up with me."

He wanted her to be there, she could see that as though it were as clear as day, but he was still hesitant. He looked over her shoulder to where she guessed Cullen was still standing.

"I won't get any pushback for letting her join, will I?"

"Not from us," Cullen responded, "I already said I would let her join, and we are in no position to turn away people who want to help."

"And if she is as powerful as you say, My Lord, then it is probably best that she is on our side. Leliana and Cassandra would likely agree," the woman added. She sounded Antivan.

Graham sighed, "Alright. Just... be careful. That is not a letter I want to write."

"I don't think I'm the one who needs to worry about being careful."

"I don't have a choice."

"The exact reason why I said that."

"I'm already regretting this."

She smiled, "No, you're not."

He rolled his eyes, "Anyway, I see you've already met the Commander. This is our Ambassador, Josephine Montilyet. Josephine, this is my sister, Holly."

"Nice to meet you."

"A pleasure, My Lady," Josephine curtsied slightly.

"Well," Cullen said, "I see that things are settled here. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to the Inquisition."

"Thank you."

He gave her a small smile, and nodded to the rest before leaving. She almost had to stop herself from swooning. Instead, she mentally slapped herself. No, Holly, she thought, that is not why we are here. Do not make things complicated for Graham by falling for the Commander.