Urgh…
"Rise and shine Fox, time to get up,"
I groan at the cheerful voice of Varric.
"Five more minutes," I grumble tiredly as I turn my back to the fool, groaning at my sore body, feeling nothing but aching pain.
"Now, now come on you have to apologise," Varric smirks cheekily. "What did I do?" I sigh, face planted into the silk soft pillow.
"You may have bitten a few healer hands," Varric whistles. "Oh is that it?" I raise a brow. "Hey better than last time," Varric and I both chuckle, remembering the frantic Hawke apologising to Aveline and paying for the repairs done to the newly one armed man.
"He was being too touchy," I argue forcing myself up scowling.
"He was checking for any arrow heads," Varric adds.
"He was searching in the wrong places," I grumble and get out of bed as Varric passes me my gauntlets and leaves to let me change, from my bigger oversized white shirt dress shirt and black shorts. Tiredly, I equip my gauntlets and after changing leave the log cabin, I hold in the snicker when I feel a couple of glares from the bitter healers.
"Come on seeker wants to speak to you," he smirks. "Oh come on," I grumble not wanting to be lectured. "It's fine relax," he smiles as I grumble and head towards the chantry.
"Fennic!"
Suddenly, I feel a heavy weight on my back startled, instincts kick in as I grab the intruder by their shoulder, easily, I flip over the intruder harshly into the soft ice snow, hearing a pained groan, a familiar, female one. Ow….
Startled, I raise a brow at the sheepish mess in the snow, smiling sheepishly at me making my brow twitch at the moron. "You shouldn't surprise people like that," I cross my arms as the girls stands up, dusting off the snow on her.
"Y-yeah heh I guess," she laughs nervously under my twitching brow.
"What brought you here?" I ask frowning at her presence. "Well I was talking to Solas about magic, he was heading to check up on you but you're okay now which I'm happy for," she smiles widely. "And?" I urge her to continue. "I thought I would be the first to greet you after Varric of course. Hey can I ask you something?" She asks curious as I sigh, seeing her sparkling forest green eyes stare at like that mabari back home.
"What do you want to know?" I grumble rubbing my trembles as I feel a headache about to appear. Happily, she grins eagerly and grabs my gauntlet hands, only for me to flinch and jump back. "F-Fennic?" Evelyn frowns looking concerned. "Don't," I state in a warning tone making her sheepishly nod as I sigh and follow the girl to, of course baldy.
"Ah had a nice nap?" Solas smirks as I scowl at the apostate. "Of course baldy would want to know," I grumble. "Baldy?" Solas scowls at me as we glare at one another, not noticing the human in between frantically, trying to calm the tension as I glare up at the taller elf.
"H-hey now, Solas healed you when you were unconscious," Evelyn brings up.
"Indeed I was surprised the beast didn't try to bite me," he smirks as I scowl.
"Please as if I would sink my teeth into the piece of shit that is you," I counter smirking at his glare.
"Such a sophisticated vocabulary you have," he returns.
"Kaffas," I grumble frowning, not thinking of any retort and the silence only makes the smug elf's smirk widen causing the tension to thicken.
"Say Fennic why don't you tell us about your markings?" Evelyn asks her smile wide and her eyes sparkling at the thought.
"Indeed, I too am interested in the abilities you gain from those markings," Solas enquires curious as I take a step back. "These markings have nothing to do with either of you, tell me are they on your skin? No, they aren't these markings have nothing to do with apostates like you both, got it!?" I scowl threatening them as Evelyn is taken aback, looking like a kicked mubari while Solas merely sighs shaking his head. "Very well, if that is how it must be," Solas frowns.
"W-wait Fennic!" Evelyn calls out to me making me grumble and turn to the girl. "Don't you want to thank Solas? He did heal you after all," Evelyn smiles as I feel a wave of more anger hit as my blood boils at the girl, trying to make us get along.
"Its fine Evelyn it's obvious the elf doesn't know proper manners," Solas smirks as I finally snap. Angrily, I stomp over to the composed male on my tippy toes as I raise a finger to the ass.
"Thank you baldy, now why don't you go fuck those fade spirits of yours? They seem to be the only things that would love such an old ugly ass elf like you," I smile sweetly as Solas glares daggers at me while I smile happily and back away. "Fennic!" Evelyn gasps at me trying to get me back but I merely hum and happily walk away from the stupid apostates, now then to the chantry I go…
Evelyn pov:
"I'm sorry about that Solas, I thought she would be nicer," I sigh feeling guilty for him. "It's fine Evelyn, Fennic merely has no manners what so ever," Solas smiles as I just sigh. "I thought you two would get along though," I sigh in defeat. "And why would that be?" Solas frowns slightly. "Well you are both elves and you two are the only ones in the group, so I thought you would have lots to talk about, whoa I sound so close minded I'm sorry!" My eyes widen at how closed minded I am and apologise to the mage.
"It is fine. Circle mages tend to not learn of the outside world as much as the restricted magic taught there. Usually, the Dalish clans or city elf's typically don't get along with me, I offer them knowledge but they choose to get angry or run me out," Solas exclaims as I can't help but feel sorry for Solas. "I'm sorry Solas," I apologise. "It is fine, you weren't there, there was nothing you could have done," Solas reassures me.
"Well form what Varric told me, Fennic typically doesn't get along with dalish clans either," I explain sighing at the crushed dream. Who was I kidding those two getting along is like asking for a mage and Templar fall in love, impossible although I do love a good love story here and there, like swords and shields although it may be the worst of Varric's collection, I did enjoy it though I will take my guilty pleasure to my grave.
"Really?" Solas raises a brow intrigued, I notice his gaze drift off and I follow to find Fennic walking over, approaching the smiling Varric. "A-and since the whole Kirkwall thing she's improved her tolerance of mages, so maybe," I explain sheepishly.
"Ah yes I can tell from her loving glare and colourful language towards me, her tolerance towards mages have increased greatly," Solas remarks sarcastically.
"Please just give her a chance, I'm sure she means well I mean she didn't kill me when she saw my staff and she defended me even though I was a mage," I argue. "I suppose, I'll try," Solas sighs making my smile widen. "Thanks Solas I mean it, I better get going I hope we can discuss more on the fade," I smile and leave the elf to himself…
Time to get to the chantry…
"Explain, why am I here?" I enquire leaning against the wall as I frown at the four main advisors.
"We believe your input on whether to join mages and Templars would benefit us," Josephine explains writing down some notes with her quill. Josephine has a tanned complexion matching Evelyn's, she has coal black hair tied into a neat bun matching her coal black eyes, she is Antivan. Josephine is wearing a ruffled golden yellow dress with poofy sleeves and ruffles. She has a dark blue robe like dress on top of the golden ruffled trousers and blouse. She wears a long gold necklace with ruby red jewels embroiled on, matching her ruby red sash around her waist.
"I don't care for politics though," I grumble tiredly hating politics.
"I don't like it either but we need support," Cullen reasons as I sigh. He has a point. Sighing, I shake my head as my ears perk up at the sound of footsteps, they are coming…
Evelyn pov:
Together, Cassandra and I walk into the Chantry.
"You seem troubled," Cassandra notes as I let out a sigh.
"It's just… I thought Fennic and Solas would get along well but then she left, she seemed angry I tried to find her but I couldn't. I hope she isn't mad at me," I sigh feeling guilty.
"Fennic, I may not know the elf well but I have noticed when Fennic is mad she walks off, Varric tells me it's to ponder, curse or merely just think, she will be fine," Cassandra reassures me. "Thank you Cassandra," I smile appreciating the relief. Sadly, I look down at my hand, the mark, the reason for all this attention…
"Does it trouble you?" Cassandra glances at my marked hand.
"I just wish I knew what it was. Or how I got it. I just want to understand how I got it or how I could use it for better uses," I explain calmly, frowning annoyed at the lack of knowledge
"We will find out. What's important is that your mark is now stable, as is the Breach. You've given us time, and Solas believes that a second attempt might succeed – provided the mark has more power. The same level of power used to open the Breach in the first place. That is not easy to come by," Cassandra explains trying to reassure me. Great, just perfect.
"What harm could there be in powering up something we barely understand?" I smile laughing flatly trying to cheer up this chaos. "Hold on to that sense of humour," Cassandra smiles making me smile back, relieved to see someone cheer me on at least and not bow down to me.
Together, we enter the war room, where I spot a few familiar faces. My smile widens when I spot a stoic Fennic leaning against the wall, calm and stoic as usual. She doesn't seem as angry as before now thankfully.
Smiling, I notice the familiar blonde Cullen smile warmly at me making me look away as I feel a few butterflies erupt from that adorable smile, wait what!? No focus Evie! Focus! Eye of the tiger or something focus!
Fennic pov:
"You've met Commander Cullen, leader of the Inquisition's forces," My ears perk up at the creak of the door and Cassandra's voice as I glance at the blushing Evie. Oh brother.
"It was only for a moment on the field. I'm pleased you survived," Cullen greets Evie who smiles back.
"This is Lady Josephine Montilyet, our ambassador and chief diplomat," Cassandra introduces the pair.
"I've heard much. A pleasure to meet you at last," Josephine smiles brightly at her.
"And of course you know Sister Leliana and Fennic," Cassandra gestures to us. Calmly, I remain seated against the wall as Leliana steps forward, smiling happily at her.
"My position here involves a degree of…"
"- She is our spymaster," Cassandra interrupts Leliana who frowns at Cassandra and sighs. "Yes. Tactfully put, Cassandra," Leliana sighs, sarcasm evident in her tone.
"Pleased to meet you all," Evelyn smiles warmly at all of us we all return a smile back well all but me, I remain neutral, not wanting to be here. Why isn't Varric here? How come he got away with it? He knows more than I do about all this mage and Templar nonsense. I mean half the time I barely listened just killed and snicker at sassy Hawke. Urgh, I hate this.
"I mentioned that your mark needs more power to close the Breach for good." Cassandra informs us.
"Which means we must approach the rebel mages for help," Leliana reasons. Hmm, it's a good idea, they may have the knowledge on the mark or use the magic to learn more about the mark, however there are no doubts, a few blood mages among their ranks and could pull an Orsino or corrupt the cause.
"And I still disagree. The Templars could serve just as well," Cullen argues as I frown. Templars provide more troops for the army but so do the mages, however they could be used to force the mages aid, if they don't aid us the Templars could manage against them or persuade them, then again red lyrium may appear from them, not the first time red lyrium would be among their ranks.
"We need power, Commander. Enough magic poured into that mark–"
"Might destroy us all. Templars could suppress the breach, weaken it so–" Cullen interrupts Cassandra.
"Pure speculation," Leliana cuts Cullen off.
"I was a Templar. I know what they're capable of," Cullen argues. Silently, I notice Evelyn's shocked and scared expression from the news as she takes a step back, trying to distance herself from him. Hmm, I suppose in the tower she wouldn't have noticed Cullen's fighting style and he did quit being a Templar, but still the fear of Templars is understandable for some mages.
"A reckless Templar who may I quote ""Mages aren't people like you or me," I remind Cullen making him scowl.
"That was years ago!" He argues.
"Then why are you hesitant?" I argue as he goes silent.
"You are no better! You believe in the circle do you not?" Cullen argues.
"I do, but it works for only a handful there are those who cannot handle the circle and as a weak desperation for freedom, they fall to blood magic, which is why there must be a better way!" I argue silencing the male as I feel all eyes on me.
"So cool," I scowl at the fangirl and glare as she straightens changing her excited expression to one of seriousness.
Evelyn pov
"Unfortunately, neither group will even speak to us yet. The Chantry has denounced the Inquisition – and you, specifically," Josephine turns to Evelyn. "That didn't take long, I sigh tired frowning.
"Shouldn't they be busy arguing over who's going to become Divine?" Cullen frowns. "Oh you know the chantry always getting into business that is none of their concern," Fennic mutters frowning. "I'm sure they mean well," I argue, trying to be positive here while Fen merely shrugs.
"Some are calling you, a mage the 'Herald of Andraste,' and that frightens the Chantry," Josephine informs me as I bow my head in understanding. To be fair why would Andraste want me? I'm a mage I'm no noble, I'm no-
"Does it matter?" Fennic brings up making us all turn to the elf.
"Honestly, you humans and the race thing. It shouldn't matter what race you are or faith or whatever, what matters is stopping that breach from killing us all," Fennic reasons making my eyes widen at her words, I knew she and Solas would get along well.
"The remaining Clerics have declared it blasphemy, and we heretics for harbouring you," Josephine begins to explain.
"Chancellor Roderick's doing, no doubt," Cassandra grumbles.
"Chantry not doubt," Fennic mutters under her breath, earning a few frowns but she shrugs not caring in the slightest. I wish I had her confidence, I mean her views are her views but still to not care about what others say, I'm jealous, I would trade anything for that confidence.
"Perhaps but still…It limits our options. Approaching the mages or Templars for help is currently out of the question." Josephine sighs as I look away. She looks so noble, it feels weird I haven't seen a noble for years, not since I was a young girl, attending one of mothers many balls and having to talk to the other noble girls, talking about nonsense I didn't care for but had to, such as masks, dresses and even politics, yep children talking about politics, about the Tevinter imperium, talking about things usually the adults would speak of, then again if we tried, we would have been belittled by the adult and scolded by our parents, for speaking out of rank.
"Just how am I the 'Herald of Andraste'?" I frown at the title. Me a mage!? An apostate! An abomination! I am what the chantry fear yet Andraste sent me in their time of need? No, Andraste couldn't, this is a mistake, she could never send mage… she…
Well people some, anyway believe she too was a mage although the idea is usually laughed at back home, a mage impossible!
"People saw what you did at the temple, how you stopped the Breach from growing. They have also heard about the woman seen in the rift when we first found you. They believe that was Andraste," Cassandra explains to me as I frown. Me, no impossible, Andraste and the Maker would never…
"Even if we tried to stop that view from spreading–"
"Which we have not," Cassandra interrupts Leliana.
"The point is, everyone is talking about you," Leliana states.
"It's quite the title, isn't it? How do you feel about that?" Cullen questions me as I just stare at the table, my mind still trying to figure out why the goddess Andraste would want me or what the Maker would want me to do, a lowly abomination, an apostate to save them? Why?
It's… it's not right, Andraste would never send a mage to help, a human perhaps but no apostate. "It's…it's unnerving," I sigh my arms crossed as I frown, not liking the lack of answers.
"I'm sure the chantry would agree," Cullen smiles weakly at me but I merely frown, ignoring the flutter of butterflies which quick dampens into fear. He was a Templar, he still is one. I should have known, it was too good to be true, a Templar and a mage, wait what am I thinking, I hardly know him and now is not the time for some silly romance, I'm such an idiot, stupid Evie.
"War breeds fear and fear turns to desperation for hope, so they label you as that hope in order to feel safe," Fennic explains as I nod understanding her idea. Yeah that makes sense, the divine has died, people are mourning people need a sign of hope from the sacred ashes explosion, the civil war between mages and Templars and the divine demise, they need hope, they need me…
"People are desperate for a sign of hope. For some, you're that sign," Leliana adds to Fennic's point.
"And to others, a symbol of everything that's gone wrong," Josephine counters however making me frown, feeling unsettled and worried. "So if I wasn't with the Inquisition…" I sigh looking down at the ground feeling a sense of shame, yet again thanks to this stupid "gift" I-
"Let's be honest: They would have censured us no matter what," Cullen points out trying to cheer me up but I still sigh, arms crossed.
"And you not being here isn't an option," Cassandra adds.
But, if I wasn't born, none of this would have happened. If I wasn't born with this "gift" I wouldn't be causing even more issues for the cause, if I wasn't born a mage I would be at home, with mother and father and my family…at home. I feel a sense of sorrow at the thought but quickly shake my head, no I can't cry, not anymore, not at a time like this…
"Will the Chantry attack us?" I ask frowning at the thought of more enemies on us, including my family. I could never harm them, I just couldn't bare it. Sure I've had a few scraps with my brother before, but they were all sorted in the end, just you're usual sibling arguments…
"With what? They have only words at their disposal." Cullen smirks.
"And yet, they may bury us with them." Josephine adds.
"The chantry isn't perfect, we have dirt on the chanty as well as they do on us," Fennic points out making the others nod.
"There is something you can do. A Chantry Cleric by the name Mother Giselle has asked to speak to you. She is not far, and knows those involved far better than I. Her assistance could be invaluable," Leliana explains to me as I furrow my brother, Mother Gisselle? I believe aunty spoke of her once…
"Why would someone from the Chantry help a declared heretic?" I frown at the thought, most chantry sisters' work together after all in the same view on certain topics. "I understand she is a reasonable sort. Perhaps she doesn't agree with her sisters?" Leliana reasons. "I suppose," I nod in understanding. "You'll find Mother Giselle tending to the wounded in the Hinterlands near Redcliffe," Leliana informs me. Hinderlands? Sounds fun.
"Look for other opportunities to expand the Inquisition's influence while you're there," Cullen advise making me nod, like father always said influence is life's greatest weapon but also its greatest downfall.
"We need agents to extend our reach beyond this valley, and you're better suited than anyone to recruit them," Josephine adds writing as I nod more agents more resources gathered for people in need and our cause.
"In the meantime, let's think of other options. I won't leave this all to the Herald," Cassandra reasons and I smile, appreciating the aid in lessening the burden of this title of mine.
"Well then. Now that we have all that sorted, this meeting dismissed. Can we go now?" Fennic requests causing a groan from Casandra. "Very well, just don't bite any other people," she warns the elf who scoffs.
"We'll see," she smirks at Cassandra's irritated glare.
"I swear that elf will be the death of me," Cassandra grumbles back tuned to the now open door and I follow, deciding to get some air, I'll need it thanks to all this…