Sighing, I stretch after having to talk Bull down from taking on the dragon quest the dragon expert, Josephine and Leliana got us into, learning of Bull's lust for killing dragons, yeah not judging that, not yet anyway.
"That's quite the stink eye you got going Dorian," Bull begins.
"You stand there flexing your muscles huffing like some beast of burden with no thought but conquest," Dorian scoffs.
"That's right these big muscled hands could tear your robes off while you struggled helpless in my grip down and as you rip my undergarments I would…conquer you…" Sensually, Bull growls making me frown, feeling nothing but discomfort at the sight but shrug it off.
"Uhhh…what?" Dorian blinks puzzled.
"Is that not where we are going?" Bull turns to me for a confirmation as I stare at the dumbass. "No it was very much not," Dorian furrows his brow.
"FFFeeeennniiiicccc…" Disturbed, I look down at the shaking Eve clinging to me, horrified, her features paled from Bull's words as I sigh at the scarred child turning to Solas, remaining neutral.
"Bull just cause we're not doing your thing doesn't mean you can make Eve uncomfortable by flirting," I argue.
"But…." Bull pouts.
"Bull…" I frown angrily at him.
"Aww…." He sighs bowing his head as I roll my eyes and turn to a thankful Dorian, bowing his head in thanks as we continue on our way.
"I'm glad you made it Inquisitor. I fear they've already started the ritual," Stroud and Hawke greet us standing by ready as we are on the other side of the stone bridge, hearing the horrid demonic screeches and pained cries of the warned, my nose wincing at the heavy stench of iron wafting in the air.
"Blood magic I'd wager," Hawke mutters.
"Really what gave it away?" Sarcastically, I remark earning a small smirk from Hawke.
"Well either the smell or the courses, you take point I'll guard your backs," Smirking, Hawke responds as I shake my head, still amazed by Hawke being able to convince Fenris to stay and care for Robin, just in case things go awry.
"You sure?" I question frowning at her smirk.
"I'll be fine," Hawke assures me.
"Be careful," I tell her as she nods and we walk on the bridge heading closer and closer, my ears hearing the screams, screeches of agony and other sources as well as the heavy coat of copper growing stronger and stronger, making me wince briefly at the smell. Calmly, we draw closer as my ears hear the faint buzz and turn to the flies devouring the dead clattered on top of one another in a pile and pool of crimson below.
"Wait…no," Fearful one of the hooded warden steps back fearful of the supposed wardens with their demons by their side, reminding me of the fade demons.
"Warden commanders Clarel's orders were clear," I scowl at Erimond, that's who Hawke and Shroud spoke of, I presume.
"This is wrong," Scared, the warden steps back.
"What gave you that idea the bright blood red eyes of your allies or the creepy voices whispering in your head?" I frown as we draw closer, the fearful warden staggering back, curling in on himself at the sight of the leader, I presume, a mage form his vint attire as he looms over the fearful on his steps.
"Remember your oath. In war, in victory, in peace, vigilance, in death…"
"I'm sorry…" One of the possessed warned whispers, stabbing the frightened one from behind as the victim collapses to the ground dead, a one of those lava enemies spews out from the rift, remaining by the murderer warden's side.
"Good now bind it, just as I showed you," Erimond instructs as the warden raises his hand, reminding me of how Eve does it but it makes the demon bows its head fearful as Livius raises his hand, my eyes narrowing at the ruby red glow from his hand, as the wardens eyes become ruby red reminding me of those consumed by red lyrium and the rest of the wardens as he takes his place in line with the other possessed wardens.
"The inquisitor what an unexpected pleasure. Lord Livius Erimond Of Vyrantum, at your service," My eyes narrow at the magisters, at the abomination smugly smirking down at us, bowing.
"You are no warden," Stroud scowls.
"But you are. The one Clarel let slip and you found the Inquisitor and came to stop me. Shall we see how that goes?" Livius sneers.
"Wardens please he is deceiving you, look at what you've done, you've killed one of your own! He is a magister who wishes to release the blight!" Pleadingly, Eve tells them confidence evident in her tone.
"That's a very serious accusation. Let's see what the wardens think?" Arrogantly, abomination smirks.
"Really? I don't think the corrupted minds of the wardens really matter now do they?" I remark sarcasm evident in my tone scowling.
"Wardens hands up! Hands down!" Erimond smirks as the wardens copy his movements blank.
"You see what I mean?" I huff shaking my head, arms crossed at the goners.
"My, my you must be the elf my master has taken a particular liking for. I can see why, you will serve well once I deliver you to master, all will be well!" Edmond smirks.
"Yeah no," I huff too tired to deal with this dumbass.
"You won't take her!" Eve defends me making me raise a brow at the glaring Eve.
"Corypheus has taken their minds," Stroud tells her returning to the task at hand.
"They did this to themselves. You see, the calling had the wardens terrified they looked everywhere for help. They looked everywhere for help," Livius explains.
"Even Tevinter," Stroud scowls.
"Of course Tevinter, cause Tevinter has all the bloody answers," I grumble shaking my head down.
"Yes and since it was my master who put the calling into their little heads, we in the Venatori were prepared. I went to Clarel full of sympathy and together, we came up with a plan. Raise a demon army, march into the deep roads and kill the old gods before they awake!" Livius declares.
"That's madness! For all we know killing the old gods could be even worse!" Angered, Solas argues.
"Well then it's a good thing I'm taking this demon army off their hands," Smugly, Livius smirks.
"Ah, I was wondering where the demon army was going to show up," Eve remarks jokingly, making me raise a brow, startled by her humour, this human keeps surprising me every day.
"Kill the old gods...why do you hear the shit coming out your mouth?" I ask genuinely curious as he scowls at me but I remain unfazed.
"You knew about it did you? Well, then, here you are. Sadly, for the wardens the binding ritual I taught, their mages has a side effect; they're now my masters slaves. This was a test. Once the rest of the rituals complete the ritual, the army will conquer Thedas!" Livius reveals as Eve begins once again her interrogation time, come on let's just kill this blood mage and get out of here. I don't like it here not with that abomination here, my eyes narrow at the bloodied corpses lying on the floor and the sucked souls bound by demons…look what magic has spoiled once again.
"Release the wardens from the binding, I won't ask twice!" Eve barks, irritation laced in her tone.
"No you won't," Livius scowls and raises his hand, suddenly Eve bows down in pain, clutching on to her marked hand, a familiar eerie green glow sparking out from her hand.
"The elder one told me how to deal with you, in the event you were foolish enough to interfere again. The mark you bear? The anchor that lets you pass safely through the veil. You stole that from my master. He's been forced to seek other ways to access the fade. When I bring him your head, his gratitude will be argh!" Livius cries out in shock as Eve scowls, raising her hand as she takes the lead and pulls her hand back, causing the pull of both red and green sparks clashing to erupt, pushing Livius back onto the floor, cradling his hand as Eve stands, proud yet firm ready for any more sneaky moves.
"Kill them!" Wounded, Livius cries and limps away, fleeing like the coward as he sets his dogs on us.
"So…that went well," Hawke arrives, rushing in flames and ice ready to fire out as she helps us finish off the wardens and their pets.
"Oh yes, it went remarkable, sunshine and rainbows!" Sarcastically, I blurt out.
"Don't forget the demon shit," Dorian smirks.
"Ah yes my favourite," Exasperated, I huff as I feel Solas place his hand on my back concerned as I lay my head on his shoulder, too tired to deal with it, only then to affirm myself and I shrug him off, focusing on the task at hand, not other trivial matters…
"You were correct. Through the ritual, the mages are slaves to Corypheus," Stroud confirms.
"And the warden warriors?" Hawke enquires only to meet our silence and bows her head tired.
"Oh of course. It's not real blood magic until someone gets sacrificed," Hawke sighs.
"He isn't wrong," Dorian plays along jokingly making me roll my eyes at the mage.
"Livius lied to the warden, he's trying to bring back another blight while the wardens are trying to prevent future blights," Eve sighs gravelly.
"With blood magic and human sacrifice," Hawke scowls in disdain.
"The wardens were wrong Hawke but they had their reasons," Stroud sighs.
"All blood mages do. Everyone has their story to tell themselves to justify their bad decision and it never matters. In the end you are always alone with your actions. I'm just glad I got Carver out of this nug shit," Relieved, Hawke places his hand on her temple turning to me as I nod, agreeing with her point of view.
"I believe I know where it is. Your worship, Erimond fled in that direction. There's an abandoned warden fortress that way, Adamant," Stroud informs us.
"Guess they didn't want to summon a demon army out in public," Eve smiles forcefully, trying to lighten the mood.
"Heavens knows why," I remark dryly earning a small chuckle from Dorian.
"The warden and I will scout out Adamant and confirm that the other wardens are there. We'll meet back at Skyhold…" Together the trio nod as we distance ourselves from one another, leaving the place, for Leliana, Eve, Josephine and blondie to decide our next move…
"I'm just saying Dorian you carry around this picture of the Qunari in your mind. Like it's this forbidden terrible thing that you're inclined to do the forbidden," Bull exclaims sultry as we make our way around, following the side quests on Eve's list.
"I have no idea what you are talking about," Dorian scoffs.
"All I'm saying is. If you ever want to explore that my doors always open," Calmly, Bull offers.
"You are impossible this is urgh…" Dorian turns away scowling, feigning disgust as I roll my eyes.
"Good, I like that energy stone those fires big guy!" Bull encourages as we continue our way, exploring.
"Iron bull how do you people put on shirts?" Solas questions finally breaking the awkward silence around us after that weird offer to Dorian.
"We don't usually, it's pretty hot where we come from but I can get into anything with a loose collar just got to ease one horn through and angle it up. There's a term in our culture that refers to running around with clothing stuck on your head," Bull informs him.
"Colourful," Sarcastically, Solas responds as he turns to me and I sigh, he's trying to bond with Bull, at least there's no stroppy silences, I suppose and so we continue on our exploration of these dusty terrains until frowning, when we come across a few Fennic foxes which Eve kills instantly…I don't know how to feel about that.
"Surely even you see that freedom is preferable to mindless obedience in the Qun?" Solas begins as I groan, head in hands, already knowing this isn't going to end well as Solas continues his argument with Bull about the Bull's role in changing how people view the world and I agree it is bad but still, I rather not have another argument or difficult exchange.
"How so? Last I checked our mages weren't burning down pa vallun," Bull frowns.
"You think Orlais Fereldan would be better off with the Qunari rule?" Solas argues.
"Not really my call. I think most people have a system that works for them. When that breaks you fix it, like what we're doing now," Bull reminds him.
"Do not abbreviate. Would we or would we not be better off in the Qun?" Solas demands sternly making me frown at such a complex question put in such simple words.
"It's not that simple Solas," Bull scowls.
"It absolutely is," Stubbornly, Solas dictates and that's when I snap.
"It really isn't…everyone is different Solas, different upbringings, different natures, different attitudes to life, others would enjoy the Qun finding it's structure fitting and relieving however others like yourself and I would prefer to have no structure, so yeah you're wrong, and the fact that you make such hard questions into such a simple question is disgraceful. You telling Bull not to abbreviate and yet look at you, simplifying such a complex question like that…it's pathetic…minds like yours should not lead if you think in such a simplistic manner," Coldly, I state the fact to Solas making him scowl as Bull glances at me, thankful as I simply huff, annoyed at such arguments as Eve looks conflicted, not sure what to say as Dorian leads her to follow me as I lead us back to camp, the hot air and boiling suns heat finally getting to us….
Boiling, the blazing sun looms over us as Eve examines the trap done the by the white claws, some bandits looking for the high dragon, our newly recruited dragon expert is also looking for and also to please Bull, those are Eve's words not mine, however as we disarm the traps, my eyes narrow as I kneel down, ready to stop the bear trap only to find….
"Aww…seems like Fen's got some fans!" Bull teases as I glare daggers at the yipping creature of….a certain fox, a Fennec Fox, smiling at me, wagging its tail as it nips at my fine white hairs or nips at my skin, making my brow twitch at the animal, glaring daggers, imagining impaling it, only then for my eyes to widen when said Fennec fox sniffs at the bear trap, one of which Dorian was meant to look after.
"No!" I scowl as I dart to the trap only to release a pained screech feeling a wave of shocking stinging pain course through my leg as I collapse to my knees, cursing vint, cursing, swearing, screaming as I fall to the grainy sands of the sand, grinding my teeth together as protectively, my hands wrap around the confuse and startled Fennec fox curling into my side fearful as I control my frantic breathes, trying to labour my pained breathes, blinking back the wet tears as the sun glares down at me, enjoying my agony as I grimace, the sharp shockwaves of agony settling down softening as I take in huge gulps of breathe, biting my crimson stained gauntlets, trying to ignore the agony of it as my ears burn from the pain, hearing the desperate steps of the others.
"VEHENEDIS!"
"What happened!?" Eve gasps horrified as I flinch from her high pitch squeal as well as my nose twitching at the heavy stench of copper.
"What the bloody hell do you think happened?" I snap at her, rage and pained laced in my tone making her squeak back fearful.
"R-right, we can do this. Bull," Eve orders taking her role. Hissing, I manage to force open an eyelid, wincing from the blinding waves of heat, feeling a pair of familiar comforting lean hands on my shoulder, rubbing circles into my back as I look up at Solas, he looks pained, horrified and almost scared as he clings to me, not speaking a word to anyone, taking control, the air about him pushing Eve and Doran back to focus on my wounds, my blues glance to the side, seeing the guilty looking Fox, ears down in shame as I take in a shaky breathe. Dorian offers me his hand which I eagerly grasp, gripping tightly onto it hissing as I lean on him as he helps me through the sharp pain.
"On it, hold on Fox…" Bull assures me kneeling down.
"To what!?" I screech at Bull as he ignores me, instead focusing on the trap, easily with his strength, he frees my feet making me release a whimper at the stinging numbness of my feet as I keep my eyes looking up at the heated atmosphere as I feel a familiar pair of lean, cool, delicate hands on my ankle as pained, my blues meet a familiar comforting pair of lilac as he examines my foot, no words are shared as he focuses on my wound, only then for the roar of a familiar group of warriors to arrive.
"Oh you got to be kidding me," I hiss. "Bull and I will cover you three, you focus on Fen," Steadily, Eve orders as the two nod and Eve and Bull charge into battle as I release a stressed breathe, feeling a familiar warmth from below as Solas stands.
"I did what I can, we need to go to camp," Solas tells us. Gently, Dorian reaches out to pick me up bridal style only then for Solas to shake his head as I blink puzzled when Solas softly picks me up bridal style as I curl into his side, hissing from the stinging pain of my leg, lessening but…
"You focus on the others, I'll take Fen to camp," Solas orders as Dorian nods uncertain but nods either way and goes into battle.
"You're light too light, are you eating?" He questions as I hear the distant sound of fighting fade.
"Heh this coming from you, you barely eat…" Weakly, I smirk only to grimace from the sharp throb of pain.
"How did you…?" He questions furrowing his brow lost.
"The guys, they think I can convince you to eat more…you should," I whisper weakly feeling Solas' grip on me tighten, seeing the worry in his eyes.
"Fen…please hold on…" He begs, pleadingly feeling his grip tighten on me.
"I am…I just…"Weakly, I hiss grimacing at another spike of pain throbbing in my leg.
"Fen don't close your eyes you hear me!? Please Vhenan! Ar lath ma, vhenan!" Desperately, Solas calls out to me, his voice etched in worry from his strange alien words, foreign to my tongue as his voice begins to fade in and out as I simply cling to him, his grip tightening on me as we flee…flee from the battle like cowards.
"Sure…I'll try…" Gently, I feel my body curl into his chest, my nose happily enjoying the comforting smell of pine and dust as Solas rushes to the camp, slowing down as my weakened blurry gaze notices the familial bright orange tents approaching.
"I know you saved that Fennec fox," Solas brings up as I take in a shaky breathe, my brow furrowing when noting a lone small tiny silhouette in the desert watching from afar…must be seeing things, I shake it to the side, noting Solas' gaze on me.
"Shut up…" I huff turning away flustered feeling my heart lighten up as my balled up grip on Solas' shirt tighten turning away, hearing the faint rumble from his chest, chuckling as gently, he places his lips upon my temple, startling me as my wide blues meet a pair of calm, relieved and…loving lilac blues meet mine…
"It was foolish," He scolds me.
"It was innocent…" I hiss.
"You could have lost your foot, we could have lost you all for a simple Fox," Tiredly, he whispers, placing his temple close to mine, only making me erupt more into heat as scowling, I turn away, wrapping my arms around his shoulder, hugging him in a sense as we draw closer to camp.
"Speak a word about this to anyone and you're dead," I grumble earning another chuckle as we make it to camp…
Scowling, I glare up at the obnoxious orange roof of the tent, my eyes wincing at the painful bold colour hearing the faint crackle and hiss of the flames as I turn frowning as Solas returns into the tent.
"3 hours….3 hours I've bene trapped in this orange hellhole! Where the hell are the others!?" I demand from the calm Solas.
"Tending to the other quests around here," Solas shrugs as he approaches me helping steady me using the bags to help as he focuses on the bowl in his lap.
"Where's yours?" I frown.
"I am not hungry," He shrugs.
"Then I'm not eating," I cross my arms making him frown.
"You must eat," He argues.
"And why should I?" I scowl.
"To help regain your strength," He responds frowning.
"We both fought today," I argue.
"Then what? If I eat will you then?" He proposes.
"Deal," Smugly, I smirk as he offers the spoon to me with the soup only making me scowl as I shuffle forward
"Okay what's wrong?" I sigh noting his tense muscles and his one sided go at Bull, prior.
"What do you mean?" He scowls.
"You purposefully wanted an argument with Bull, you're angry, just tell me, brooding abut it won't do anything," I sigh, gently touching his back as he hunches, angered his fists ball up, enraged.
"We just…we can't let the wardens kill the old gods; we must stop the wardens from this insane plan Inquisitor. To seek out these old gods deliberately in a bizarre attempt to prevent the blight," Simmering, Solas spits out as I notice him scowl, shaking in utter rage as gently, I place my arms around his shoulders, shocking him from my hug from behind, recalling Hawke often doing this to Fenris, to calm him down.
"We will Solas. But picking fight and getting this angry leads only to sloppy work and more mistakes, mistakes we cannot afford, I understand your fear of the old gods, somewhat I mean they must have been powerful or threatening to be remembered at least even if we don't know what or who they were, to actively anger one and try to kill one is a foolish move," I explain to him, relieved as I notice his muscles lax as his rushed and hot breathes calm down as he turns to bow his head, returning the hug, bowing his head on my shoulder as I awkwardly rub patterns into his neck, trying to calm him, noting the knots in the back of his stressed neck.
"Thank you. I've been on my own for so long it's difficult to get used to having the support of others," Solas sighs.
"I know what you mean. When I first met Hawke I was baffled at the idea of team work…but you get used to it though it took me a few years too," I shrug casually.
"You…don't speak much of your past perhaps you could expand more…" He requests making me frown, feeling my muscles tense.
"Why?" I question wary.
"Because I am curious," He shrugs.
"And I'm not in the mood…if you hadn't noticed got a foot to tend to…" I dismiss, finding the topic trivial and not needing to be expanded on.
"I…forgive me, this plan is…unnerving…" He bows his head as I simply nod in agreement, the pair of us staying in the tent…
"Solas I hurt my leg not my arms," I huff taking the bowl and spoon from him, taking a piece as he follows until the soup is finished and we have both at least eat a bit, only then for Solas to return to checking my foot.
"Solas my foot is fine it isn't going to drop off," I roll my eyes.
"That's because my barrier is nullifying the pain," He sighs.
"Wha…ARGHHH! Vashanta Kaffas, fuck! Fuck! Pained, I release a feral cry of pain as desperately, I grab Solas by his shirt, clinging to him, crying out and hissing from the sudden sour stinging shocks of pain as he cradles me, noting my struggle to blink back the tears as he cradles me, rubbing soothing patterns into my back as he places his head on top of my hair.
"It's going to be alright, I know it hurts…" Comfortingly, he attempts to help me.
"Really? I thought it was relieving! THERA FUCKING PEUTIC" I scowl as he rolls his eyes, his hands focusing as I feel a familiar warmth numbing the burning pain that hit me before as I remain shaking in Solas' arms, taking in a few shaky steady breathes.
"I'm glad to see progress," He remarks lightly.
"What the blood hell you on about now?" I grumble tiredly clinging to him lazily as he hugs me back.
"You're not flinching from when I hugged you or held you," He brings up.
"No idea what you're talking about…" I turn away.
"Fennic…" Solas sighs.
"Nope! NOPE! NOPE! NO! NO! NO! No! No! No! No! NO!" I repeat, blocking my ears turning my back as Solas sighs, bowing his head.
"I…apologies," He turns away as I sigh, lowering my head, feeling partially guilty.
"Look, you've been tending to my foot all day…you need to take a break why not sleep and go fade walking or whatever, I'm sure you're missing those spirit friends of yours," I bring up, trying to wave him off and dismiss him, turning my back to him, wanting to rest or at least be alone, maybe even sneak out if I get that bored.
"You make it sound as though it's a choir," Carefully, Solas continues to bandage me, his grip tightens as I hiss from the sudden throbbing stinging pain. Sternly, his eyes solely focus on my foot as a few scouts attempt to speak to him to eat but he remains still focused on the task at hand, treating my foot as though it was broken glass, needing to be reassembled.
"Well yeah," I shrug casually only for my eyes to widen when Solas dives down, gently placing his lips on my bandaged foot, his grey blue lilac hues never leaving me, as he teasingly smirks up at me, his eyes filled with mischief as I stare in utter shock at the cheeky move from the typically aloof mage.
"I assure you it isn't," Smoothly, Solas smirks gently removing his lips from my bandaged foot as I glare at him, feeling my face erupt in fire. Embarrassed, I scowl at the cocky ass.
"We're back!" Bull calls out.
"Fen you okay?" Eve calls out worriedly.
"We got revenge for you and some wine," Dorian adds.
"Bull!" Relieved, I screech as Solas is silent and Bull approaches.
"Hey Fox you're-"
"Get me outta here!" Loudly, I screech startling him as he complies, briefly noting Solas furrowed brow and his arms crossed looking annoyed, disappointed almost as Bull holds me bridal style, eyebrow raised.
"Let's go back to Skyhold!" I order as the others raise a brow turning to Eve.
"To be honest, I'd much prefer heading back, I got to help with this meeting and it would give Fen some proper treatment," Casually, Eve nods in agreement as Bull places me on his shoulder, his hand on my thigh making me raise a brow at the ass, only then to notice the staring Dorian looking unimpressed.
"My, my Dorian from this angle, do I see some jealous eyes, you could always join abroad," I offer cheekily earning another chuckle from bull.
"Seems the heat really is effecting your brain," Dorian huffs making me chuckle, shaking my head at the dummy as we make our way back to Skyhold, my smirk widening when noting the silent frowning Solas looking annoyed, sending Iron Bull a few annoyed looks now and again but keeping his composure, almost calm as we make our way back to base…
"Watch your hands Bull if you cherish them…." Tightly, I smile warning Bull.
"Kinky Fox…" Cheekily, Bull teases.
Annoyed, I open my mouth for one final retort, only then for my eyes to widen as suddenly Bull trips, making me curse at the ass as he drops me, however as I expect the hard painful contact of the ground, I feel a familiar pair of slick hands around my frame, making me look up blinking at the neutral Solas, noting the smug glint of mischief in his eye.
"You should be careful Bull," Tightly, Solas smirks as we head back to Skyhold, my eyes narrowing when I place my hand on the crook of Solas neck, noting behind his back, a small subtle spike of ice, trippable ice…
Solas you sneaky sly snake…
"What happened!?" Frantically, my brother leaps past the scouts, rushing over to us as gently, Bull sets me down for my brother to greedily take me in his arms.
"I'm fine, stop all the fuss," I scowl limping over only for my brother to sigh and steady me as we make our way to elsewhere…to breathe while Eve goes to her meeting. "I'm fine for the last time," I scowl at my brother pacing back and forth muttering how he shouldn't have let me go, I should have come with him and Hawke.
"Fenris please calm down," I reason to him as Robin's smile diminishes when seeing the pain in my brother's eyes as silently, walks over to me, hiding behind me fearful of her dad's wrath as she lays her head on my lap as I sit on my sofa, trying to comfort the worried Robin.
"Look at you! This…and you want to go to Adamant next to to take on wardens you're in no condition," My brother argues, rage and panic laced in his tone.
"I don't have a choice Fenris," I shake my head feeling Robin's grip on me tighten.
"Yes you do and you're coming with me!" My brother snaps as fearful Robin huddles nuzzling closer into my lap from my brother shouting, startling her.
"Then let me make my choice, I'm not a child anymore brother…you can't make my choices for me, it's my life you can't control me or else you're no better than-" I begin only to see him scowl.
"Don't. Don't you dare compare me to that monster!" He spits out anger laced in his tone as Robin whimpers making Fenris finally note Robin's discomfort.
"Then let me make my choice. You've made yours by having a family now let me make mine," Stoically, I answer pokerfaced as my brother growls, shakily turning his back to me conflicted.
"You could die…" Feebly, he whispers out my eyes widening at the vulnerability in his shaky tone.
"Brother we are all going to die one day, both of us sooner than others most likely…might as well live my life to the fullest while I have the chance…" Sighing, I leave the lost cause as Robin giggles, finding her father's antics amusing, oblivious to the dire situation of our condition, to think the kid will live longer than her father, in her teens he may not even be alive anymore, how selfish, briefly, I frown at the memory of our argument over the matter but in the end, he still did it, he still had a kid who will be fatherless far sooner than most kids. Frowning, I leave the room, raising a brow when finding Varric and Hawke talking in the hallway.
"You escaped your brother," Playfully, Hake turns to me.
"More like I had to, he says I'm not staying here any longer," I scoff.
"Honestly," Sighing, Hake shakes her head.
"You know he does it because he cares right," Varric reminds me.
"I know I just… he needs to relax, I'm an adult now I make my own decisions," I grumble.
"We may see you as that but Fenris has known you since you were a kid so he probably can't. I mean I'm surprised how chill he was about you and chuckles," Varric smirks.
"Chuckles? Oh boy…" I grumble remembering the nickname far too well as I duck my head don in shame as Hawke chuckles.
"So is it….?" Hawke questions curious.
"No…! I don't know…" I trial off conflicted as Hawke smirks.
"I feel like I'm being interrogated by my parents here," I attempt to change topic, head down as my feet now after being tended to, gently tap on the stone cold floor, anxiously moving about feeling the eyes of the two on me.
"Fennic out of the group we are the parents," Varric chuckles.
"Sadly you're right…" I huff in defeated.
"But still…I may not know what's going on with you two but from what I've seen he's a keeper. Not even Zevran can catch up to your speed like he can, plus he's a healer comes in mighty handy especially with someone as accident prone as you," Hawke smirks.
"It isn't accident it's more on purpose" Annoyed, Varric inputs.
"True, true," Sadly, Hawke nods her head in agreement as I cross my arms, not sure what to say in this conversation.
"So I guess we should be telling chuckles we give him our blessing," Varric snickers.
"Don't I have a say in this?" I question baffled by the one sided conversation on me.
"Nope!" Hawke and Varric chuckle as I huff at the morons, head down shaking it.
"Mean…" I grumble earning a pair of chortles from both mage and archer.
"Although…I must thank the inquisitor," Forlornly, Hawke smiles.
"How come?" Varric asks.
"She gave Robin a moment of peace those tend to be hard to grasp with multiple Templars and mages after you…" Hawke smiles guiltily at the thought.
"Hawke…" I begin only to see her tight pained smile.
"But still you two did well. The inquisitor is…just who we need," Hawke praises Eve, sad she isn't here, no luckily if she were, my ears would be bleeding…
"Oh it's been great. Murderous wardens, archdemon attacks, plenty of blood mages and crazy Templars just like home," Varric jokes lightly
"Hey now don't forget the extremists," I bring up jokingly earning a few strained smiles and chuckles from us.
"I know how much you two hated leaving Kirkwall," Hawke sighs sadly at us.
"This is the ass end of Thedas, you know they eat snails here?" Varric gaps as I shake my head, remembering Varric's horrified expression when seeing the dish while I simply pushed away, finding it boring and revolting while Varric was gawking.
"It's better than most of the shitholes I've been to apart from Kirkwall…" I shrug.
"Still…I think I need to finish this out," Hawke exclaims.
"If it weren't for me and Bertrand none of this would have happened. So much for changing our lives," Tightly, Varric smiles sadly, guilt evident in his eyes as gently, we place our hands on his shoulders trying to ease his pain and guilt, not realizing how much our lives had changed thanks to him, for good or worse, I don't regret it.
"Varric….don't think like that none of us knew what would happen when going down to those deep roads," I try to reason with him.
"That's what happens when you try to change things. Things change you can't always control how…"
Internally, I grin my ears hearing the roar of demons and men crying out in pain as many on both sides are killed as the door is forced open thanks to the inquisition soldiers as we make our way to Adamant, talking to Cullen about getting a foothold on the battlefield as we comply, rushing up the steps and slaying both warden and demons, I grin at the adrenaline flowing though me, blocking out the cries of agony and the heavy stench of copper lingering in the air as I make my way through the many corpses of both warden and inquisition soldiers as we continue to fight.
"Fen…you are way too excited about this," Dorian glances at me concerned.
"Nah she's getting into it not that I can blame her!" Grinning, Bull laughs, raising his sword as we cut our way through, feeling a familiar pulse of warmth from Solas' barrier as we make our way through.
"Am I? Or are you guys missing out?" I argue back as Bull laughs, enjoying the art of battle…
"Stay back! We will not be sacrificed for some insane ritual!" We hear one of the fearful wardens cry out through the battle cries of the wardens as we make our way to the scene.
"Brothers can't you see this is madness!?" The same voice cries out pained to see his brothers and sister fall.
"It's no use talking to the dead," Coldly, I respond to the feeble voice as we finish off the battle, turning to the source of the voice finding the frightened male.
"Keep your distance!" He screeches at us as we approach the shaken male.
"The inquisition is here to stop Clarel, not to kill wardens. If you retreat we won't harm you," Loudly, Eve proclaims promising him. "All right, my men will stay back. We want no part in this. Deal with Clarel as you must," He huffs.
"Well said I had hoped some of the wardens would listen to reason," The male defeated, bows his head and leaves with his men retreating as we continue our invasion.
"Blood mages it's always blood mages!" Loudly, Hake yells as we make our way to her fighting a pride demon after clearing a way for the inquisition soldiers as we attack, me in the shadows as I take care of the mage with Bull while the mages tend to the pride demon.
"Took you long enough," Hawke huffs.
"I thought this would be nothing for you, this coming from the dragon slayer and mighty ogre slayer," I bring up jokingly as we finish it off.
"Oh haha," Sardonically, Hawke frowns as Eve loots from the dead pride demon, wait she won't pelt an animal but she'll loot from a pride demon…okay.
"Good work. Stay with my forces and see that they survive this," Eve orders. "I'll keep the demons off them as best as I can," Hawke assures.
"Just be careful," I call out as we make our way further into the fortress.
"I suggest we keep moving, soldiers get tired demons not so much," Dorian exclaims.
"Really I didn't know that," Sarcastically, I huff as we continue onwards, passing Stroud on the way.
"You too!" I hear Hawke call out as we get closer and closer until…
"Wardens we are betrayed by the very world we have sworn to protect," Clarel begins her speech looming over her warden warriors.
"The inquisition is inside Clarel. We have no time to stand on ceremony," Livius intervenes.
"These men and women are giving their lives magister. That might mean little in Tevinter but for wardens it is a sacred duty," She disputes turning to the warden approaching, looking saddened.
"It has been many long years my friend," Sadly, she greets the warden stepping forward bravely and proudly.
"Too many Clarel. If my sword arm can no longer serve the wardens then my blood will have to do, obediently," He smiles bowing down to the pained Clarel.
"It will," Miserably, she promises getting out her blade to slit her friend's throat as he collapses to the ground, lying in a pool of crimson as distressed, her grip tightens on the dirtied blade in hand watching as Livius begins the ceremony, only to falter when seeing us.
"Stop them! We must complete the ritual!" Livius orders.
"Clarel if you complete that ritual you're only going to bring out another blight, you're doing exactly what Erimond wants!" Eve shouts.
"What, fighting the blight? Keeping the world safe from darkspawn!? Who wouldn't want that!? And yes the ritual requires blood sacrifice. Hate that for me if you must but do not hate the wardens for doing their duty!" Livius counters.
"We make the sacrifices no one else will. Our warriors die proudly for a world that will never thank them," Clarel intervenes dismayed.
"And those warriors you so cherish, you would be dooming them to another blight, a blight they would be too weak to stop!" Eve barks back.
"And then your mage allies will be binded to Corypheus!" Stroud intervenes.
"Corypheus but he's dead," Clarel gasps.
"No he isn't Clarel, trust me I've seen it," Hawke steps forward.
"Hawke…I…" Conflicted, Clarel goes silent, placing her gloved hand to her head eyes closed, true confliction in her upset eyes and expression, not sure what to do or who to believe.
"These people will say anything to shake your confidence Clarel," Livius argues.
"Bring it through…" Clarel orders after a pause of contemplation, truly conflicted over the matter and put on the spot as the wardens offer their hands out to the familiar eerie green rift.
"I honour your bravery brothers and sisters but this is not the way. You have been tricked," Stroud reasons.
"Clarel we have some so far. You're the only one who can do this," Livius declares.
"Perhaps we can test the truth of these charges, to avoid more bloodshed," Hopeful, Clarel reasons.
"Or perhaps I should bring in a more reliable ally. My master thought you might come here, Inquisitor! He sent me this to welcome you!" Loudly, Livius taps his staff, a ruby red light engulfing his staff tapping it multiple times as a familiar monstrous roar of a familiar creature.
"Of course…it's a bloody dragon," I huff as we all dive down to take cover, I feel a familiar pair of hands on me, briefly, my eyes meet a familiar pair of stern grey blues as we take cover, hiding from the mighty dragon's rage.