"Looks like your Herald finally cracked, Seeker."
Cassandra ignored Varric and offered a hand to Ellana. "Come now, you probably just hit your head a little harder than we thought."
Ellana didn't move.
"Varric, go fetch Solas. If he can't help, we'll have the healer and Vivienne take a look."
He dusted his knees as he straightened himself and went off to a group of what looked like cottages, and Ellana balled her hands to fists, feeling the dirt cake underneath her fingernails.
"Who are you?" Ellana asked again a bit more forcefully.
"Cassandra Pentaghast – you already know this!" Cassandra's face was a mixture of perplexity and concern. She reached out her hand again, but Ellana rebuffed it by scooting away.
A small crowd was beginning to form behind Cassandra, and they were all murmuring in hushed whispers about a Herald.
"Enough! Go back to what you were doing. We're all here in Haven for a reason, so there is no time to dally," Cassandra said to shoo them away. The Seeker was now fully standing and urging the group and others who came by in curiosity to move along.
Through the small throng people emerged Solas and Varric.
"Herald? What is the commotion over here?" Solas asked and he bent to her level.
"Why does everyone keep calling me that? What is going on…" Ellana rattled on a list of things that Solas or Varric didn't understand.
"I'll take her back to her lodge." Solas told as he firmly grasped one of Ellana's arms to lift her, stopping her tirade of random sentences. She wriggled, but his hold became firmer, and she stopped resisting. Solas led her to a small cottage that wasn't too far away from where they were. He assured Cassandra and Varric that he would treat her and that they were free to go, and that if it were anything serious, he'd seek them out.
"I apologize if I was too forceful; you needed to get out of there. Last thing the Inquisition needs is a reason to doubt their Herald."
Ellana surveyed the room, it appeared quite simple. Aside from the bed, desk, and drawer, there was a faint smell of mildew that pervaded. That couldn't be good.
"You're Solas, correct?"
"Yes…although I do not see the point in you asking something that is already known."
"Humor me. Please."
"Fine. What is this all about?"
She looked out a dusty window before turning her head back fully toward him. He was dressed in raggedy beige clothing, the cloth and stitching itself seemed quite stiff. From his neck hung a corded necklace, from which a portion of a jaw hung from it. Distracted by this, she noted, "Wolf, I'd take it?"
Solas slowly nodded, obviously not understanding the direction of the conversation. As if suddenly reminded he wore the necklace, he brushed the bottom of it with a hand.
Adrenaline was leaving her now, and her initial panic subsided. Hundreds of thoughts ran through her mind, and the only way she could get answers is if she was tactful of the situation. If what happened moments before was any indication, acting erratic would create a stir.
"This is probably ridiculous to ask, but where are we? Remember, humor me."
He regarded her strangely before answering, "Haven. It's where the Inquisition positioned themselves after the disruption of the Conclave."
Inquisition? As in Ameridan – that kind of Inquisition? Hazy, murky memories of history lessons flew through her mind. Haven had been destroyed during the Templar-Mage war. It was used as a hide out for apostates after an assassin murdered the Divine. But now this Solas is saying that there is a new Inquisition, and it is positioned at Haven. How? How was any of this even possible? Haven never held an Inquisition and the last one was with Ameridan. A subtle aching was beginning to brew at her temples, promising to become a full migraine soon.
"Cassandra was right, I must have hit my head harder than it seemed. I remember now," she replied with what was hopefully confidence.
"Is it the anchor, by chance? I noticed it has been growing more erratic each day. It will continue to do so until the Breach is dealt with."
The anchor? The Breach? The pulsing at her temples became stronger. "I'm fine, just a bit of pain from falling. Well, tripping. A silly thing for the Herald to do."
His brows pinched together. "You said you detested being called the Herald by them. That you are not Andraste nor the Maker's messenger?"
Great. Was this a trap? Suddenly she wished that she had paid more attention to how this was averted in books and films. Ellana suppressed the reflex to fidget. "Regardless of how I feel, it is how they choose to view me. I don't have a choice in the matter, do I?"
"…You are correct in that. Now, are you sure you are fine?"
"Yes. Please, go on and go back to what you were doing before. I'll need to head to the chantry soon anyway." She desperately hoped that he would take this opportunity to exit. Ellana sorely needed time to think about whatever this situation was.
Solas remained in his spot and assessed her. "Are you sure? Moments ago, you were saying something about an amulet, an artifact, and needing to call Val Royeaux. Were you speaking of Felix and Alexius?"
"I meant to say call upon some people in Val Royeaux regarding them, that is all." They did say 'call upon' in the past, right? Was her pattern of speech even appropriate? Assuming that this was sometime during medieval Thedas, as she guessed. Did they even wear chainmail during other eras? Or actual armor? Keeper Deshanna would be so disappointed in her.
"You appear keen to have me leave, so I will go. If you do become ill at any time, please do not hesitate to visit the healer."
"Of course. Thank you, Solas."
He exited the cottage, and Ellana was left in the company of her own silence. She took a few steps and sat, harsher than she intended, on the bed. It was constructed of a straw and rope but was softer than she anticipated given its materials. Her head was fully throbbing now, and her face stung from tears lining her eyes. She had to hold together. She had to.
A long exhale followed a deep inhale. Crying wouldn't help her feel better nor be useful at this moment. She needed to figure out what was going on, or at least get some grasp on what had happened. Ellana allowed a few selfish minutes for herself and emptied her mind.
She stood up resolute in what she was going to do. All right then, to the chantry it was. Ellana left the lodging and went to the brown, worn dirt path ahead of her. That smell of earth filled her nose again, although this time it wasn't entirely unpleasant. It allowed the smell of mildew and mild decay from the cottage to leave. The sun was going to start setting soon, and Ellana hadn't realized it was so late in the day.
But the setting sun wasn't what surprised her. It was the fact that the sky had green. Green. And with a giant split, as if the sky had been torn open in a fit of rage. That must be the Breach.
After she regained herself and made a few turns of her head to look around, and she came to the conclusion that the large building to her left was the chantry. There was no way the largest building at Haven was not something related to their Andraste. Or was it the Maker? It didn't matter, it had to be important somehow. So, she made her way.
Workers stopped what they were doing to watch her as she paced by. Not only did they stop in their places, but their mouths hung slightly open, and their eyes were wide. Was that fear? Fear of this Inquisition's Herald? Ellana kept to herself. The last thing she should do was cause another scene. This was a medieval time or something similar to it. People who were disagreeable didn't tend to meet kind fates. Goosebumps rose as thoughts of various medieval torture devices flashed through her mind.
"Herald!"
Not used to hearing the word or being called that, she kept walking on to the chantry unknowingly.
"Lavellan, are you just going to leave me here without a word?"
That got her attention. Ellana turned and saw Leliana, or some version of her, standing inside a canvas tent.
"Oh, Leliana, I apologize. I did not hear you before." She closed the gap between them.
"Do not be apologetic. I admire the hurry and concentration. Better chances for when you go to seal the Breach."
Ellana chose not to respond, it would be safer that way. She didn't know much about the Breach, and it wouldn't be wise to make this known to Leliana. Or anyone else, for that matter. Ugh, this was all so confusing.
"Herald, you did create quite the commotion when you took that slip. How do you feel?"
"Better, I just fell a little harder than I'd like."
"Good. Don't hesitate to tell me anything. I can have couriers fetch whatever you may need." Leliana ended the conversation with that as she returned to a small table in the tent and busied herself with documents.
And that was it, conversation over. This Leliana made the one Ellana knew seem like an angel. While brusque at times, Leliana was quite friendly outside of her work making small jokes and discussing her interests of high fashion. The woman here at Haven…was so guarded. Well, it seemed that everyone here was, every person pretty serious. Even Varric had a hardening about him that made him seem far older than he was, his jokes laden with deeper meanings.
Ellana resumed going up the path to the chantry and within a few minutes she was at the door. Unexpectedly heavier than she thought, she grunted as she opened it. It was surprisingly empty aside from Cassandra and Varric speaking to another woman in a far corner. Logs and varied supplies littered the floor while candles lined the stone walls.
"Herald!" Cassandra exclaimed. "Are you well?"
"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you, Cassandra."
Varric turned to the woman and asked, "What do you think, Vivienne, she look good to you?"
"I'm not quite sure, Varric. She does appear fine, but that is hardly indicative of anything." Vivienne smiled and walked to Ellana. She stopped short of her and took a long glance at her face. "Tell me, darling. How are you feeling?"
Ellana felt a small amount of heat creep up her ears. "I'm fine, my head just aches a bit."
"Ah, yes, Cassandra did mention that. What was that nonsense about Val Royeaux? Something about needing a 'cell'?"
Oh, no, no, no. Did she say cellphone? Solas only mentioned that she said she needed to call Val Royeaux, nothing of phones or a cell. What to do, what to do?
"I meant that I will need to call upon Val Royeaux in the Inquisition's future. It's been on my mind."
Cassandra nodded, content with that answer. At least Ellana managed to convince her so far.
Varric cut in, "So, like, with sending crystals or whatever they use in Tevinter?"
It would probably be best to just agree with him. "Yes."
Vivienne smiled. "That would prove quite efficient, Herald. A direct line with Empress Celene would definitely help us and her. But what was that bit about a cell?"
Vivienne had a very sharp wit, obviously wanting answers for everything. Ellana couldn't take too long to form a reply or that would begin to seem suspicious. Say an evasive statement or take a gamble and say a specific one?
"My thoughts were all mixed together after I fell. That did not have to do with Orlais, it was simply a comment that we need to upkeep our cells here at Haven. A poor cell leads to a chance of escape and other mishaps."
Vivienne inclined her head slightly and replied, "Yes, that does make good sense. We are creating an Inquisition, Herald. It would do us nothing to have improper accommodations for imprisonment. That would certainly send the wrong message."
"Exactly."
A door swung open to their left, gaining everyone's attention, and Josephine stood there with a mild look of shock on her face.
"Oh! Why are you all huddled there? Gave me a fright."
Varric spoke up, "Sorry about that, Ruffles. We're just here early for the meeting."
"In that case, I will gather Cullen and Leliana, and we shall start the meeting now."
Josephine bickered with Leliana over something while Cullen placed more wooden markers on the table. Ellana tried desperately to keep up but couldn't. Eventually she lost pace of the conversation and gave a noncommittal nod every now and then to look invested.
Leliana slapped her right thigh and paced around the war room. "Josephine, my friend, I understand. Truly, I do. But please at least consider my side."
"I am, but there is nothing in the Inquisition's future if relations are soured!"
"We are to close the Breach, is that not enough for now? Without the Inquisition more people would have died and continue to die at higher rates."
Josephine tucked a stray curl behind her left ear. "I know, but it doesn't work like that. You already know how everything happened after helping the Hero of Ferelden."
Leliana threw a hand in the air in exasperation. "Arl Teagan, yes, I know."
"If we keep the people of Crestwood and the Fallow Mire waiting, it could backfire on us."
"Herald, you will be the leader in both the closing of the Breach and establishing new footholds. What is your opinion?" Leliana stared expectantly at Ellana.
"I want to hear the benefits of both. Please, lay them out."
Josephine cleared her throat and spoke, "I'll start, then. The Inquisition is still in its infancy and needs as many resources and allies as possible. Even though Thedas needs us, the people are stubborn.
If we hold off on traveling to Crestwood or the Fallow Mire during this critical time, it could show various heads of state that we are not committed to helping them when they need it. And thus, when we need their aid, they may be reluctant to provide it."
Leliana tugged on the hood of her robes to ensure it wasn't sliding off. "If we don't close the Breach, we are all dead, and this is what those heads of state are choosing to ignore. As soon as the Breach is dealt with, the Inquisition will tend to those that need immediate relief.
We are now strong enough to go seal the Breach – you and the anchor are strong enough to withstand its magic. All the rifts you've sealed across the Hinterlands have provided you enough control over the anchor to ensure this."
Ellana knew that the sky was distorted with magic, but it was now officially confirmed for her. This hand and the sky were connected. Perfect. If she encountered that colossal amount of energy from the Breach, it could possibly fix whatever was happening. Return her to the correct period of time.
"We shall seal the Breach before venturing into other territories," Ellana decided. No room for negotiation.
Josephine dropped her quill in the holder on her clipboard. "Then I will dispatch notices immediately about the Inquisition's current focus."
Cullen then added, "Don't fret too much Josephine, I'll ensure that all spare troops will be dispatched to the Fallow Mire and Crestwood to tide them over."
Josephine replied, "Perfect. I'll add that in the notices."
As the three of them were preparing to leave the war room, the wooden doors abruptly opened and in came a frazzled Dorian.
Leliana immediately quipped, "Once was quite enough, Dorian. Must you kick the doors open in such way?"
Dorian ignored her or didn't hear what Leliana said, it wasn't clear which. He went up to Ellana and frantically kept eye contact. "Is it you, Ellana?"
She muttered some kind of goodbye to the others before she left the war room and urged him to follow. She noticed Leliana's eyes on her as she left.
Ellana stayed silent as they exited the chantry and continued down the dirt path. Dorian was quiet as well. Minutes later they arrived at her lodging and they went inside.
"What did you mean by asking me that?" Ellana asked, wary to say too much.
"At that apostate hideout near Redcliffe Village! Alexius put that crystal on the artifact and now suddenly this – this happened! I grabbed your arm to pull you away, and I must have been dragged in here with you."
As soon as he finished talking, the tears she denied herself earlier began to roll down her cheeks. Ellana tried to stop them but only made it worse. It wasn't just the situation they were in that made her cry; it was how overwhelming her life had become in such a short time. At the beginning it all seemed so exciting, there was the promise of magic, exploring ancient ruins, discovering new historical relics, but this wasn't the full reality. She was involved in serious diplomatic matters that impacted lives across Thedas. And now she'd possibly endangered her friend's life.
"It's okay, Ellana. We're okay," he comforted.
She took several deep breaths and stopped the mild sobbing. "It's not. I know you and Varric were avoiding for specific reasons. Well, not reasons. Me, the reason. This is my mess that I dragged you two into. I'm sorry. I should have told you sooner, but I was so stupidly afraid of confronting you guys." Ellana noticed it was freeing to speak normally and casually after trying to speak some formal medieval way.
Dorian chuckled, "I won't lie, him and I were a bit miffed at the whole thing, but we're mostly over it. I know I am. Honestly though, Ellana can you believe it? Magic! It's everywhere here and I can even cast it! Anyway, that's a story for another time, I'm getting ahead of myself. I was worried about you and made it back to here as fast as I could."
"Where were you?" Ellana tried ease the frown on her face, and the skin on her cheeks felt dry from the tears.
"Apparently the Herald asked Sera and I to go collect elfroot and other herbs in the areas nearby."
"Sera is here too?"
"That she is."
Ellana faced the window and saw the night had fully settled across Haven. "How do you think we went back in time? Or entered some other timeline. I don't know how else to explain this."
"Wait – you think we've entered some sort of other timeline?"
"Isn't this medieval Thedas? I certainly don't recall ever learning about a giant tear across the Veil."
He gave a soft laugh. "I don't even know if that would be possible. I mean the Fade and magic are capable bringing the impossible to life, but I don't think that applies here."
"Okay, then what is it?" Ellana placed a hand on her hip and leaned against a wall.
"I'm not trying to discount your theory or anything, I just can't wrap my head around it. I personally think we're in the Fade physically or that we are cognitively sharing a dream." He ran a hand through his hair. He continued, "Either way, I think the Fade is mainly contorting to your thoughts, worries, all that stuff. I may also be influencing it."
Ellana mulled his theory. "What about meeting Vivienne? She's a mage I met in the chantry earlier, and I have no memory of ever meeting her."
"Ellana…she was the author of one of the academic papers I sent you. There's a small picture of her at the beginning of it along with a short bio."
"Fine, what about you being able to cast magic?"
He took a deep breath and looked away, as if it he didn't want to talk about it. "Varric's nickname for me."
"Sparkler?" Ellana was confused for a few seconds before it hit her, and she laughed. "Oh, yeah, because of your tendency to shock people by accident."
He rolled his eyes.
She straightened herself and wiped at her dry cheeks in an attempt to erase the tear tracks. "We should probably find out how to get food, because apparently in this dream we still get hungry. And a way to use the bathroom."
"I'm glad you brought up the bathroom bit, I was too nervous to ask. Also dreading the answer."