TRIGGER WARNING: for discussion of rape in a military context.
CHAPTER 9: Walk and Talk
After Yasmin's epiphany, Helisma left to return from her duties and Yasmin was again alone once more. She briefly touched her own lyrium brand of Tranquillity; hidden by her new and improved headpiece. She let out a sigh; the last time she had left it uncovered in public was when infiltrating one of the Circles. Nobody paid attention to the Tranquil, except that one Templar who tried and failed to have his way with her. Yasmin smirked to herself as she remembered his screams for mercy as they went unanswered. Though the feel of that Templar's hand on her chin still brought her shivers. Though that darker thought made her think about something she was going to have to address and soon.
She took a deep breath and knew what she had to do, and exactly who she needed to talk to do it. She walked out of the cabin and approached Harritt briefly, "Thank you again master Harritt, this is fantastic work! The Inquisition is lucky to have you," Harritt grinned and waved her away with a bashful smile that made him look decades younger.
Yasmin looked around and decided to get her weapon first, then go to the chantry.
"Cassandra?" Yasmin asked as she pushed back the flap on Cassie's tent. "Harritt said to come to you for my weaponry. I figured I'd stop by quickly before heading back to the chantry."
Cassandra looked up from her notes and Yasmin caught the fading look of deep contemplation before she gave a small smile and said, "Your new armour fits you quite well. The tension of the last few days feels a little easier to bear now that you have proper protection on your person."
Yasmin quirked an eyebrow as she stepped into the tent properly, "Are your relived that your precious 'Herald' is protected, or your former student?"
"Both." Cassandra didn't mince words. "You came for your new weaponry, correct? It is here." Cassandra rose from her chair and approached a long chest that had stacks of papers on top of it. Cassandra 'tsked' at herself as she moved the papers to her desk before unlocking the chest. "I remember that you were well-versed in most forms of combat. But I also remember you were truly exceptional at the more obscure arts. In particular…" Cassandra smirked at the growing expression of excitement and awe on the younger woman's face.
Cassandra stepped back to reveal two complimentary weapons in the chest along with a proper mount, and a sheath. The one that immediately caught Yasmin's eye was the spear. She plucked it out of the chest and grinned like a child as made to spin it around, but Cassandra swiftly grasped her wrist, "You're not a child anymore, don't tear my tent asunder for your own enjoyment."
Yasmin grimaced as she realised her excitement might have gotten out of hand for a moment. "Well, this is a beauty. I confess I didn't expect such luxurious treatment in terms of my arms and armour here."
Cassandra shrugged, "Josephine, Leliana, and I felt that since you are going to be at least the new face of this Inquisition, you should represent the best of us; and that means having arms and armour that not only keep you healthy and strong, but look the part."
Yasmin nodded. She expected as much, but she hid her smile at the pride in Cassandra's voice. The older woman stopped talking as Yasmin put a hand on her arm. "I know that you are responsible for these gifts Cassandra. Sister Leliana may have facilitated the delivery of the schematics and materials, but you were the one to insist on them."
Cassandra's face coloured a little at being figured out so easily. "I–I am. But my reasons stand firm."
Yasmin smiled as she fastened the holder for the spear onto her back. The spear itself was not too flashy, but Yasmin recognised skill when she saw it. Further than that, she was touched that when commissioning her personal weapons… "You remembered," Yasmin almost crooned as she took the second weapon from the chest.
"Medium-range and close-quarters are your specialty. I remember you clinging to your spear and sword when Daniel and the others mocked you for not walking the traditional path of the sword and shield."
Yasmin grinned at the reminder. "Have you heard from Daniel recently? I know he wasn't a part of the Annulments, but other than that, I have no clue as to where he is. Is he dead?" Yasmin frowned as she realised her knowledge of Seeker whereabouts was a decade out of date.
"As far as I know, he is, yes. He passed his Vigil and worked with me for a time, but that was over half a decade ago. He sent me a letter asking what I planned to do about the oncoming war, but that was also years ago."
"We aren't great at keeping in contact with each other are we?" Yasmin grinned as she examined the sword that would accompany her spear.
Yasmin looked up though Cassandra seemed to anticipate her question, "I wasn't sure if you would prefer a shield to a sword, but I settled on the sword since most shields we'll find will be of passable quality, though the swords may not be. Iron can repel blades, but dulls quite quickly after all."
"Are you sure some of your powers aren't mind-reading?" Yasmin smiled as she fitted the sheath to the small of her back. The spear overlapped the sword, which was fine for Yasmin, since she planned to draw her spear first in most situations.
"I assure you, they are not," Cassandra replied wryly. Yasmin didn't say anything further, but something she had said a few moments before picked at Cassandra's mind. "Why would you know whether or not Daniel was involved in the Rites of Anullment?"
Yasmin twitched uncomfortably, her glowing mood disappeared as her features hardened. "Are you sure you want to go down this line of questioning? Some things are better left a mystery."
Cassandra could feel righteous anger beginning to boil in her blood, but before she could say anything, Yasmin made her move, a hug. Cassandra was taken by surprise, her forehead lightly tapping the spear as Yasmin pulled her in tightly. "Please Cassie, I won't lie to you. But you don't have to ask. Please just leave it."
Cassandra was taken aback by her tone. Yasmin was rarely somebody who begged anything. "Yasmin…"
Before Cassandra could continue, Yasmin released her and practically fled the tent. Cassandra just slumped down into her chair. One thought was pinging around off the inside of her skull: Yasmin had done something horrible, and while she may not be ashamed per say, she was petrified of Cassandra's reaction, and that broke Cassandra's heart.
Outside Cassandra's tent, Yasmin saw something that made her smile. Lysette was in a heated argument with another Templar from the looks of it, so Yasmin went over to them. "What's this about then?"
"Herald!" Lysette exclaimed as Yasmin strutted up to them. Lysette could be forgiven for flaining for words for a moment; the Herald of Andraste was dressed to kill, and it was too early in the morning for Lysette to properly appreciate it.
"Lysette!" Yasmin returned in the exact pitch Lysette had practically squeaked. "Far be it for me to interrupt such an engaging conversation, but would you walk with me back to the chantry?"
Lysette found her tongue and replied, "Of course, Your Worship."
So they set off to the chantry. "I'm curious of something, if you'd indulge me with an honest opinion, Lysette," Yasmin said as they walked by Varric.
The Dwarven businessman was engaged in some kind of debate with Seggrit. Yasmin nodded to Varric, but kept walking as Lysette replied, "Yes, Ma'am. What is it?"
"What is your opinion of Cullen as the leader of the Inquisition forced?" Yasmin's tone was as casual as you like, but Lysette could sense the question was more layered than she wanted to think about right now.
"He's certainly not the worst superior officer I've had," Lysette said after a moment of consideration.
"Hardly a ringing endorsement," Yasmin replied neutrally.
Lysette bowed her head and elaborated, "He's a fine soldier. He knows how to command Templars. He is well-respected by his men."
"Oh? And you have nothing to say about how he tried to dismiss you from the Inquisition on a whim, in front of the inner circle? I trust there have been no reprisals," Yasmin's tone could be confused for pleasant. But something about it set Lysette's teeth on edge.
Lysette replied, "I disobeyed an order. Even if it was the right thing to do; he was well within his rights to dismiss me." Yasmin gave the woman a critical glance and Lysette continued, "There have been no reprisals of any kind, my Lady."
Yasmin seemed to consider Lysette's words as the snow crunched under their feet less and less as the path to the chantry had been thoroughly tread. "Is that all you have to say about Templar Rutherford?"
Lysette considered for a moment before saying, "There have been incidents. Nothing too serious, and I wasn't involved. But some of the men seem to think that the women-Templars are ah–," Lysette thought of how best to phrase things as to not besmirch the Forces of the Inquisition.
"There have been rapes?" Yasmin asked curtly.
"No. At least, I don't think so. But there have been many wandering hands, and some threats made while intoxicated," Lysette said quietly.
Yasmin stopped and put a tender hand on Lysette's arm almost hesitantly. "Lysette, and I can't overstate the importance of this," Yasmin paused before confirming the sisters of the chantry who were walking by had passed out of earshot. "Was Cullen made aware of these attacks?"
Lysette looked uncomfortable before saying, "Yes. But when he ascertained that nobody was injured or somehow made unfit for duty, he didn't look any further."
Yasmin seemed to be searching Lysette's eyes for something, but the young Templar wasn't sure for what. She had been honest. "And have the soldiers been involved in incidents that involved civilians or other people outside of the Commander's jurisdiction?"
"Not that I know," Lysette said. "But I wouldn't be surprised if there have been either. Who would question the word of an Inquisition Templar if there were an inquiry? But it's not like here is any worse off than anywhere else," Lysette said with not enough enthusiasm.
"Quite right," Yasmin nodded as she decided on a course of action. Lysette was slightly worried about the hatred seeping into Yasmin's voice.
"But there are good people in command as well. Knight-Captain Rylen from Starkhaven; he's an exemplary officer. He was the one who began looking into these incidents." Lysette spoke up.
"Oh? And what has Rylen done with the guilty?" Yasmin asked, genuinely surprised that a man had stepped up at least a little.
"He wanted them in the chantry dungeon, but Cullen intervened, said that 'it would send the wrong message to our noble guests.' Rylen wasn't happy, and others weren't as well, but Commander's orders, you know?" Lysette finished glibly.
"Hmm. Well, would you be willing to introduce me to the ah, wounded parties sometime later?" Yasmin asked.
"Yes, I would. Of course, my Lady," Lysette replied with a relieved grin.
"Thank you for telling me of this issue. I will see that there won't be any further incidents. Or at least," Yasmin paused, tilting her head, "those responsible will not escape justice."
"It would be nice to have someone looking out for us ladies," Lysette smiled.
Yasmin grasped Lysette's shoulder for a moment before saying, "I would like for you to accompany me. Into the Hinterlands with Varric, Solas; and probably Cassandra. Now she's back in my life, she's probably not going to let me go?" Yasmin chuckled.
Lysette was gobsmacked. "Are you sure? You realise of course that I'm no better against magic than the average warrior now. I'm certainly nowhere near a Seeker's level of skill."
"I'm aware. I'm also aware that you stood up to your commanding officer at potentially great cost to yourself. I need courage like that at my side. So, what do you say?"
Lysette was still stunned from Yasmin's proposition. Yasmin decided to have a little mercy on the slightly younger woman, "Well, I'm going to speak with our spymaster for a moment, I'll let you think about it. Also, I want it to be clear that declining my offer is absolutely fine as well. There's no pressure," Yasmin grinned.