The end of the cursive writing done with elegance is swiftly read by the Antivan adviser of the Inquisition. Good news that carries along these words as her brown eyes runs along and down the letter sent by Lord Esmeral Abernache, who has come to agree justification for the alliance. Her hard work, along with Leliana's, has finally come through, and this piece of paper is proof of that.

It was no easy task to reach this point, as these sorts of things are always promised in this kind of entente, with Josephine and Leliana's tireless work of negotiations, discussions, and sweet-laced coercion doused in intelligent argument that managed to convince some of Orlais' most prominent houses with the greatest of reach in both political and public matters, and this here, the Lord of House Abernache himself, leading the charge.

The ten noble families that the duo were able to win over will be able to help the Inquisition in pressuring the Templars to turn their efforts from their mage-hunting into focusing the sealing of the Breach. The noble families having their own astute understanding that the war against the mages will only lead to futility if the carved sky only ends up killing them all, so as the benefactors, it is indeed better to encourage the Templars into forgoing their current mission and take heed of the dangers that is staring down at them all and, quite blatantly, threatening to grow worse any day now.

However, there is quite a list of demands that Josephine knows will be tied to this letter, and they are certainly not cheap - not in a way that any amount of gold, which even if the Inquisition did have, will not cover the given requests alone.

"So, all things considering, it's a remarkable thing that the noble families were able to heed us," Cullen in the room at the other end of Josephine's desk remarked. "Though I imagine they're more afraid of having their rooftops fallen over their heads, and they can't handle the anxiety building by the sight of that sky, and their groups they supported to be seemingly ignoring it all this time."

Despite the cynical edge of his tone, Cullen can honestly resonate with their true feelings behind the nobles' motivations. It is actually rather appalling that the Templars are much more focused in the war than the Breach, the brightest among them would surely reason that something must be done about it. At the very least have a separate - if even smaller group - operating as a response team to study and to eventually make their attempts and efforts to close the Breach themselves, but not even that is given, not so far from what the blonde has heard. It really seems as if they're doing nothing about it - as if it doesn't even exist in their eyes, to their cause.

Even ex-templars here, those who has more recently left the Order, had admitted that their Lord-Seeker is more adamant about the mages than he and other supporting him are to the people literally dying all around them, hence their reason for leaving because of how focused the upper-rankings are to the war rather than to the disaster that looms over all of them.

Even now, the Templars themselves are losing public support, and that's not to say if their Herald's own piercing declare of the Templar's own faults has anything to push this. But Cullen knows that even without Arturia, the Templars are gradually garnering fear and hatred in the public eye, no different than bandits some would even say, and his own heart feels stabbed at such a comparison and his lack of will to object it.

"Be it as it may, they wouldn't simply comply with us without some form of penance. What are their terms?" Cullen asks to get himself back on topic, knowing full well that there has to be one, and he didn't even have to look at the letters.

Josephine sets down the letters on her desk, her elbows against the board of it as her fingers crossing together and she looks ahead in thought, "Well...they noticed that the Inquisition has been garnering quite a mass of reputation and popularity. They may even be considering to be our benefactors, considering only."

"Huh. Well, that's unexpected," Cullen admits with a brief widened look. "But could be useful."

She nods slowly, "Perhaps, but that will be a discussion another time. They're more interested in what we managed to gain from our increasing number of supports, and they would like some piece of it as well. They may not be approving of the Templars' current drastic actions but that does not mean they're not taking risks from this either. Threatening to pull their support from the Templars who may have a method that could help us seal the Breach being one of them."

Josephine straightens up before continuing, forming a more concern expression, "As such, they really only required some bit of the lands from our estate, and other favors that I will have to pull some more strings to meet, even getting in touch with my family." She gives a bit of a grimace to that compromise as she finishes collectively, "All in all, I'd say it won't be impossible. Just means a bit more work and reaching out more people, possibly go through the exact same amount of obstacles as it has been getting to appease the noble families."

"I'm sorry that such a burden is left to you and Leliana, I would offer any help I can give, if possible." Cullen offers with his eyes showing sympathy.

Josephine smiles at the commander, "Oh there's no need to feel concerned, though sweet as they are. This is nothing new for me, and I'm sure both I and Leliana can overcome this just as we have now. And in any case, we have obtained our alliance, which is what we were hoping for, and the matter of fulfilling their terms are only minor to deal with. There is a much greater stake at hand here, so I think once we have all this settled and secured, I can then probably express my complaints and get a message later."

Cullen chuckles with Josephine, his weight shifting to the end of one of his foot, leaning towards the door, "Well, then I bid you and Leliana well. I believe we should inform this news to everyone?"

Josephine agrees with a nod, rising from her chair, "Indeed. This is good news despite some few fall backs that will no doubt decrease our operations with the few lands that will be taken, but I'm sure we can work around that. At the very least, I believe Arturia may even provide some insights."

"Really? How so?" Cullen asks, curious.

A simple smile is given as Josephine walks towards the door, "Call it a hunch, commander."


"-I thank you both for coming. I'm sure you'll find what I've managed to put together to be quite the delicacy." Entering into the private quarters that which Sera and Vivienne has been invited to, Arturia walks in with covered platters of dishes she just finished cooking and holds on top of both palmed hands, a confident - perhaps even smug - aura on her and in her posture that walks towards the small round table with self-assured steps.

Sera bounces excitedly in her seat at the hint of the scents arising from concealed platters. Vivienne is much more controlled, quite ascertain herself that the farm girl that is their Herald would not have brought in something as exquisite as the knight herself claims. Her bluish-gray eyes observes attentively as the blonde teenager sets down both dishes at the center of their table - plates, cups of their chosen drinks, and utensils having already been placed before Vivienne, Sera, and Arturia as well.

Not quite the lovely carved silverware that which the mage is personally accustomed to, but it is rather quaint in its own way, the simplicity of it.

Without further delay, when Arturia lifts the dome covers of the dishes, a waft of warm, enriching taste fumes the nostrils of those who smell it, and the elf archer immediately begins to drool.

"Close your mouth dear, some people might call that unsightly." Vivienne dryly advises her companion, passing over her own cloth napkin.

To her credit, Sera quickly realizes her ill-mannered sight and takes the napkin, having the decency to look a bit embarrassed but her hungry eyes never leaving the dishes. On her part, the dark-skinned Orlesian then turns her head back to the food presented to her, analyzing it with a brief glance.

On the first platter, roasted meat of lamb slices, roast potatoes, a variety of vegetables, baked pudding stuffed with visible beans and carrots on top as if they are small edible bowls. The second platter revealed almost the same apart from the meat being steaks, mash potatoes, and... some kind of charcoal-looking slices of sausages of some sort. The sight of it is rather alarming, although the smell of it is nothing less than captivating.

"Please. Enjoy." The serving knight bows her head, and sits at her own seat where she then gathers her own collection of food, grabbing some things from both platters, including the few slices of the charcoal sausage. Sera helped herself happily, getting both of the same thing as Arturia has, her own curiosity showing at the blackened sausage before collecting a slice of it as well.

Vivienne looks at the served platters as well, and then diligently collects her own serving of food, one piece of every meat, including the gravy, and the concerning sausage. It doesn't appear to have been burnt, rather, it seems to be its natural color, soaked into the skin. It is rather intriguing, though Vivienne still has her own skeptics.

Well, she certainly can't miss out any piece of Arturia's own cooking, not especially if a prolific Orlesian such as herself is to see what made the farm girl so certain of her own skills.

No venture, no gain, as she hear some say.

With that, Vivienne takes a bite from the black sausage, a bit of chewing and her eyes widened.

"Mmgh! WOW!" Sera exclaims in sheer delight after eating and swallowing her own meal. "This is amazing Turi! I didn't fancy you a chef at all!"

Arturia bows her head briefly to Sera in appreciation before looking back to Vivienne, her proud smirk having grown even smugger. Vivienne instantly knows how her own face must look like, that stunned revelation hitting her the moment she took in the first delicious taste of the charcoal-looking meat. The Orlesian is quick to revert her face back to an impassive, neutral mask to hide her true feelings.

"And you, my lady?" Arturia then asks Vivienne after watching the enchanter take another bite from each of the other pieces of the dish she collected, each piece as incredibly delicious as the last, though Vivienne did her very best to keep either one of these girls from knowing this thought.

Vivienne dabs her mouth from the remnants of the sauce before answering, "It...is better than I expected."

Far better. This girl practically belongs to Orlais, not some random farm on some unknown land. The culinary world would have practically adore this genius of a chef to have in their ranks and celebrity status.

"They're all actually rather...quite intriguing tastes," The mage adds, cutting into another piece of the dark meat sausage slice. "For instance, I don't believe I ever had this type of sausage before. What do you call this?"

"Black Pudding, my lady," Arturia answers, having her own bite of the same meat. "It's quite a popular item from where I'm from, especially as a side for breakfast."

"Black Pudding..." This will be an instant hit in the courts. She must know the recipe. She must!

'But...gently now, Vivienne, let not this already self-satisfied knight know that she has already won you over.' The mage calms herself before posing her question, "And what is the main ingredient that granted this meat such a enriching taste, if I may ask?"

The borderline insufferable smile seems to waver a bit, though it very much remains, "I wouldn't want to dampen your meal by going so in depth of it."

"No need to worry. I happen to experience all sorts of exotic meals, even pig's feet." Vivienne states this fairly confidentially, before leaning in to the knight, "Quite the surprising taste that was as well, though I wouldn't want to be caught eating it on a regular base. This however," she gestures to the Black Pudding, "Would be something that all of the people of Thedas would simply clamored to every restaurant available for. Trust me darling, I wouldn't appreciate the fine delicacy without knowing its bits and pieces. Frankly, to ever be fidgety over it, I wouldn't even try to eat meat again."

"Hm...very well," Arturia relents, scratching her cheek, "The ingredients for Black Pudding are actually rather quite easy to put together, though the process of cooking it can be very tedious. The ingredients involving, at least what I used for this one, are oats, bacon fat, eggs, onion..."

Vivienne nods, eating yet another bite of the Black Pudding, closing her eyes to enjoy the succulent taste of whatever it is that enhanced this truly delicious meat.

"...And pig's blood."

Ah.

The enchanter almost chokes from sheer surprise, but manages to control herself before it is visible as she is too dignified to allow herself to present such a sight. Vivienne supposes there ought to be something off as with all things. Nevertheless, she does not allow her reaction to that info come forward. She slowly swallows before speaking, "I see..."

"It's the most important ingredient. The main one actually," Arturia continuing on, her smirk now coming back in full. "My apologies if that may have startled your appetite."

"Well...I can't say I expected that, but either way, this meal is rather promising. You have done more than well with it," Vivienne commends genuinely, not taking the bait and, frankly, even for that sudden secret revealed, it is a rather very delicious item, along with the other food included. Truly, a sublime meal. If this proves to me a smash hit, she may even dare consider having this be served to the Empress herself.

"Done!"

Sera gives back her empty plate, licked from the last bit of sauce, and a grinning mouth stained with gravy. Arturia fondly looks her way, and without a word, she picks up her own napkin with eased movements and wipes the mess from Sera's mouth.

"Mm. Thanks!" Sera says appreciatively, before getting to what Vivienne herself is wondering as well. "How'd you get so good at cooking anyhow?"

"Ah. A good question. Where to begin..." Arturia ponders this to herself with a tap on her cheek before openly giving her thoughts, "I suppose it all started when I was very young. Growing up around the farms, we only had the essential and nothing so extravagant. It was a bit too dull so I, in secret, would sometime slip in some spices I'd find and - through many upset stomachs - would eventually find the better taste to the plain meals that I was given. Then later in life I was served a meal by...acquaintances. They were good people, making it their best efforts to serve only the best food. Unfortunately, I find myself suffering the same upset stomachs except I didn't - and couldn't add in any spices in secret. I've long matured beyond that and accepted what was given out of courtesy, but the experience had been... very unpleasant."

Her bangs shadows her eyes as her hands clenches together in a tight clutching strain. "The meals were always too greasy, barely enough salt or too much of it came, sometimes burnt into charcoals or cooked too little because it was mistakenly believed at the time that raw meant rare, never minding the fact that being red bloodiest doesn't make it gourmet, and so cold it's like biting into ice."

"I developed an iron stomach due to experiencing such meals," She continues, sounding bitter as one can be when put in an inescapable situation, "And while the people serving these meals were good at hearts, their skills in the culinary were almost unforgivable. Food is essential, the life that draws breath, the pump of the heart, and the soul for the body. It is an art, a muse of mine, and what grants us victory by having our fill with the joyous exhilaration to look forward to tasting such a delicious meal that it forces the dreaming eater to vanquish all foes so to return to that luxury experience. I suppose some would call this being a culinary enthusiast. I myself would call it being a food fanatic."

Arturia then calmly looks back up, her face strangely as sane and stoic as ever, "Or at least, those are my thoughts, but I'm getting carried away. Essentially, I've dabbled in making food more exciting and...more properly cooked, though I do not mean to insult my former acquaintances and friends, as they did only the best they could with the knowledge that they had."

It is a bit of a startling show of Arturia's spieling passion for food. Vivienne is honestly both disturbed - pitying that the girl had such experience - and admiring the sense of understanding to what makes really exquisite food, exquisite. Truly, the Herald of Andraste would be a fine citizen of Orlais.

"So you taught yourself how to cook?" Sera asks curiously.

Arturia nods, "Most of the time, though recently I've picked up cook books written by renowned chefs, and I've felt myself fascinated in following them, with a bit of experimenting and a twist in the recipe on my part."

Vivienne hums with interest, finishing her eating of the Black Pudding, and having the desire to go for a second one. "Who were those acquaintances of yours?"

This time, Arturia takes a few seconds, one which Vivienne caught on very quickly. "They were people I met. Some friends of my fathers, and others I found on my own when I was out searching for...more workers."

"For your farm?"

A stiff nod comes from Arturia. "Yes. For the farm."

"What were their names? Or were you close to them?" Vivienne questions inquisitively, though it is evident that she is peering into Arturia's life, she is indeed rather curious.

The blonde knight takes another moment, "There were quite many of them, but some I spoken to more than others. There was Bedeviere. Gawain. Tristan. Mordred..."

It's quick, but Vivienne sees how her emerald eyes flickers with a passing grief that she manages to shove down before it broke through completely, "Lancelot. Galahad, and several others. They were all good men, and while everything was kept professional, I honestly saw them all as not only my companions, but as my truest and dearest friends," Arturia states in reminisce. "Although they may find it comforting to see me as only their... boss, so it is possible that this feeling is not recuperated to all of them, but even so."

"Boss? Not your dad?" The elf in the room asked.

Arturia answered plainly, "It's as it sounds. I hand-picked them, and so I was in charge of them; their progression throughout their efforts, and overall, tending to the whole farm together when father was not present, with I in lead of it all."

"Your dad made you in charge of your own farm?!" Sera exclaims with alight eyes.

The knight nods, albeit slower than previously, "It was planned for me to look after it, and I was more than willing to accept that role. As soon as I was of age, I pulled the hoe right from the tree stump and the heavy-weighted responsibilities it carries. For the future of our home, and the happiness of our... crops. Health-wise, I mean."

"And where are your workers now?" Vivienne asks gently, as if sensing this mourning and longing in Arturia no matter how well the knight kept it under wraps. Quite the insightful woman she's being, no doubt fitting for the adviser of the Empress.

Arturia takes another brief moment, picking at her food with her fork, "...They're all mainly gone now. Some complications arose. How I am around them, which may have been too stiff or too cold. My leadership and choices that are often questioned, such as sacrificing some of our chickens in order to combat against hungry wolves. It was successful, the wolves being dealt with, and the cost minimal as I hope it to be, though it will always weigh my mind, as it has for the hearts of our workers who believed the cost could have been avoided."

Then, as if she then feels compelled to add, "Had it been so, I would have no doubt taken it, but I can't fault them for thinking or believing the way they do. It was only until later that I realize it to be the doing of our most temperamental worker; Mordred. He'd been inciting further doubts against me, doubts which they long had since I took charge. Inevitably, an in-fighting occurred, between those who defended me and those who sided with Mordred. I did what I could to quell any sort of violence with a firm footing, though some workers have left, calling out my way of being and disagreeing with my decisions."

The blonde then finishes eating her meal, closing her eyes momentarily, "But that's long past now. The farm had been gone for a some time now. All there is left is the present, and the future that still awaits, so long as there is breath in me."

It is a bit of a mood that diminished the nice experience this little meal-time together was supposed to be, but for Vivienne, it is more than what she could expected, especially getting a somewhat in-depth to Arturia's life, however vague and noticeably un-forward as they were.

'I suppose it's understandable. Some people would have some qualms with following the orders of a young girl,' Vivienne thinks idly, tentatively tapping her fingers on the table. 'No doubt though, this girl has the markings of a decent leader. She's already even known the meaning of sacrifice and conflict, while quaint as it is in her simple life of the farm, it's no doubt a good example, and perhaps, they find that steadfast calculative nature of hers to be intimidating.'

Vivienne certainly knows how people can feel for that, it is the reaction made against herself after all.

A knock at the door, Arturia's emerald gaze lands upon it where she calls to in given permission of entry. The door opens then, and a messenger comes into view.

"Please forgive me for the intrusion, Herald," The messenger curtsies, "Cassandra and the other advisers are awaiting for your arrival to discuss important matters tomorrow."

The blonde knight nods, "Understood. Tell them I will be there shortly."

The messenger bows his head briefly and then leaves. Arturia dabs her mouth in cleaning any remnants of food with a napkin, and rises from her seat. "I will have to ask for you ladies to excuse me. Feel free to call in for deserts, and enjoy the rest of the meal without me."

The knight then bows her head, and proceeds out of the private quarters, leaving Vivienne and a strangely quiet and thoughtful Sera to themselves. Vivienne bids Arturia adieu, and it was only when the knight had left that the enchanter realizes something.

She didn't get to try prodding Arturia into the affairs about the Mage and Templar alliance, and she has been so looking forward into touching upon it since this meal proposal came, but has gotten swayed by this surprisingly delicious result of Arturia's hidden talents in cooking, and the fascination of delving a bit into Arturia's life. The enchanter completely forgot about that whole ordeal with the Mages and Templars, an ordeal that leaves her with an upsetting stomach despite how incredible the food has been.

Vivienne begins wondering what important matter did that messenger mean, enough to have all the advisers together and involve the girl?

After a brief second of pondering, it clicks.

But it couldn't have been possible, could it? Is that girl a step closer into fulfilling the alliance? How on earth did she get to that point so quickly? Vivienne suspected it must be the work of Ambassador Josephine and Spymaster Leliana. It's an understood fact that those women of influence have quite the connections throughout many parts of Thedas and noble families, though she imagined it must have not been that easy at all.

"Thinking about Turi, are you?"

Vivienne exits her thoughts and turns her head with a collected face to Sera. The rogue elf's frazzled expression gazing at the elegant mage.

"In a way, I suppose," The Orlesian mage admits.

"I always thought it was weird how Turi's so grown up and all for a teen. Turns out, it's because her old man dropped a whole farm on her head!" Sera expresses with exaggerated hand gestures, and then a pouting frown about her. "How's a girl supposed to have any fun if she only gets work thrown at her everyday?"

Vivienne calmly gives her disagreement, "I don't believe there's anything wrong with it. Her father clearly wanted her to mature into someone exceptional, early given responsibility at a young age can do wonders in the development of a person. I'd say it had done its work nicely, despite the issues that came with it, which she seemed to have handled as well as she possibly could. It may have actually end up being the best for all of us, considering her current position."

Sera "pfft"'d with a disgruntled look, "As if. Yeah sure, it helped her get here this far, but that's no way to really be living a life. She should know how to cut loose sometimes. Hang out with friends. Laugh at stupid jokes, gross ones even. Have crushes or fall in love with either boys or girls - both even! Cry over heartbreaks or sad stories. Complain about mothers and fathers, or the bratty neighbor down to the road. You know, be a teenager! Worry about simple stuff! Be...I don't know. Be a kid. You don't give a rake to an infant and then toss them into the field."

"With current circumstances, I don't believe there is time for anyone to waste on such things," Vivienne coolly argues back. "Her upbringing has made her not only prepared for the real world, but it has what led her to be one of the most capable people to fit into this role that which the whole world is in need of, which I believe, is much more important than having to worry about boys or other petty matters, considering her position as Herald of Andraste, with the lives of all in Thedas hanging over her head."

"She needs to look after herself before she can think to look out for others!" Sera counters, her voice rising harshly, "Yeah it's all good helping people, but she needs to know how to enjoy life as it is! Not be so stern or so morbid like she's hard-boiled or something. How's a group of people supposed to rely on someone who only ever acts like a moving statue all the time? They supposed to feel hopeful, not gloomy, not with a face like that who doesn't seem to know how to smile a real one. You know what? I bet what happened at her farm is gonna happen here too, at least until she knows how to act another way, which I'd seen her try doing."

"I certainly hope she does not find her maturity to be perturbing, it is a valiant if not much needed quality that which every teen should know. Furthermore, those were the matters of disputing workers who felt as if they had a moral right to question and argue against the reasoned and thought out judgment of someone whose responsible for their pay and overall well being. If they never liked her, they could have simply quit instead of making trouble," Vivienne responds with a hint of ice in her tone, gracefully standing up from her seat and picking up her own plate. "More over, the life of a carefree teenager has long been past for her, and it has done its wonders to have her be the perfect fit of her role of uniting Thedas under a common goal."

At her own discretion, Vivienne then takes Sera's own empty plate, and as she starts for the door to collect their dessert next - though perhaps she may take it to her quarters instead - Sera then, almost too quietly, asks, "But what happens to her when that role ends?"

Vivienne stops herself, not answering for a moment, "...A role like that never ends. There is always a need for someone to uphold order."

And with that, Madame de Fer takes her exit, leaving Sera to her own frowning state as she glares at the table, "Then while everyone's living in peace, when's she allowed to live like that with them?"

Vivienne hears that bit down the hall, but says nothing more, resuming onward with the clacking of her heels echoing throughout the hallway.

'The road to peace for the betterment of all can be a lonely one - especially when not all may agree with the idea of peace.'


Within the War Room, usually only gathered by the advisers; Cassandra, Leliana, Josephine, and Cullen, with the frequent inclusion of Arturia.

Though at this time and day, many more became part of this room of tactical discussion; Varric, Solas, Blackwall, Iron Bull, Sera, and Vivienne, having all been called here by Cassandra herself. All accordingly present, standing and surrounding the War Table.

Clearing her throat, the Inquisition's Ambassador Josephine begins the discussion, "Thank you all for coming. We've gathered you all here to discuss and inform you the basis of our plans, now that most of the dire situations caused by the tears in the Veil throughout Thedas has more or less been subdued given our current resources."

At her cuing look, Cassandra steps forward, even more all business than usual, as if to facially express the upcoming importance of what she's going to explain. "We've accomplished and succeeded many missions throughout Thedas, and as a result, the Inquisition has obtain enough influences, reputation, and connections to do what we have been working vigilantly to reach. The war between the Mages and the Templars has gone on long enough. The Breach should be our main priority - all of us. And so, through all our gathered efforts, we've managed to put ourselves at an advantage to approach the Mages and the Templars, and forge an alliance with both groups."

The news is greatly surprising for those who had not been in the know until now, given the various, off-guard expressions of different kinds across the room. Varric, Blackwall, and Iron Bull are with widen eyes, Sera brightly beaming with approval at this reveal as she remembers her first one-on-one conversation with the Herald. For his usual enigmatic part, Solas looking rather intrigued and deeply in thought. As for Vivienne...a more sullen and stoic look has been formed, the slightest bit of frowning she no doubt is attempting to keep at bay, though it is certain that she isn't looking that very pleased to the news.

"That's...an awfully ambitious end you're all trying to achieve," Blackwall comments slowly, like he's treading across glass. "I...have to admit. I never expected this."

Sera widely shrugs beside him, "It's not surprising to me. Both sides been too busy stabbing and blasting each other and ignoring the bigger problem! I like this, those guys need a good talking to, and stop messing about everywhere." The blonde elf states, emphasizing her stance with a slap on her shin.

"Well, guess that explains why we've been doing so much work in the areas you've sent us," The Iron Bull rumbles while crossing his more than burly arms, picking out the Fallow Mire as one of the examples in his head, and many more instances that, honestly, he thought it was the Inquisition trying to expand so much - thus stretching itself too thin. Now, with this being the end goal, it made sense.

"But why go for both? Seems like it'd be a lot of trouble, even if it's just to end the war between them," he then inquires, "Why not pick one faction? I'm sure both groups have their own method of closing the Breach, even if they're just ideas."

"Because it is the Divine's will, Iron Bull," Leliana speaks up, her exposing face from under her hood showing resolution in her piercing gaze, "Divine Justinia had done so much to try and get to the point that she did, before it was robbed in a flash by the ones responsible for the Conclave's explosion. We believe, as being the successors of the Divine, we should follow through what she had hopes to accomplish, and fulfill it, as she has died for it."

Seeing her chance at interfering before it is too late, Vivienne steps forward, closer to the table and spoke with a calm, calculative, and affirmative voice, "That is certainly true, but while it is, it should be remembered that the Divine did indeed die for it. Her vision was without question admirable, and as such, to bring that vision into light, it would no doubt have us be threatened to share her untimely fate, and I should hope that thought is factored in when and if you do indeed intend to go through with attempting this - let alone the likely success of it."

Varric punctually interjects her attempt to appease, "That would have been the same if we had gone for either group. Every risk has its reward."

Solas, however, agrees to the Orlesian mage's point, and makes his own options known before the enchanter can answer the dwarf, "True, but some risks are greater than others, especially considering the current situation."

Vivienne, finding it surprisingly nice - yet slightly irritating - that the apostate is one to agree her raised issue, then looks at Arturia directly in her bright green eyes, "I know the intentions behind this, and yet, I still don't see how it's worth this amount of risks. Why go through with this, to join the Mages and the Templars together with their disputing history with one another? Let alone the fact that, if even one group desires peace?"

Arturia simply and silently looks back at Vivienne, her own emerald colored gaze unflinching. After a moment or two, the knight responds, almost bluntly, with this:

"Because I firmly am in the belief that both the Mages and the Templars are accountable for allowing this war to resume as far as it did."

It is a startling statement to announce, to everyone in the War Room. Sera, Cassandra, and Solas in particular looking quite shocked at this brazen claim. This sort of statement takes aback even the other advisers, an evident show that none of them knew of this beforehand - of Arturia's opinions to either side of the Mage-Templar War.

Even at the face of these reactions, the blonde knight does not back down, looking at Vivienne with worn steady certainty.

The thinning patience of Madame de Fer's withholding thoughts finally ceases, her gray eyes narrowing into an deadly stare as she then questions curtly, "And do tell: exactly what do you mean by such bold words, Herald of Andraste?"

The others also turn to look attentively for the response of their leading knight.

Of course, the King of Knights is not surprised by this kind of response, given how many she's received such stares in her past life. Whether it was as a child that made outrageous claims born from fantasies or a king of an entire country that made a new law to the uproar of the more disagreeable, Arturia has learned from experience to take this kind of gaping shock in stride if she was to get her way.

'Its honestly nostalgic really.' She thinks unperturbed, acknowledging her companions' stunned expressions that demands a logical explanation. And given the current topic at hand, Arturia will need more than logic if she is to have her way once more.

Through Arturia's studies of the history with the Mages and the Templars, the knight has come to a reasonable conclusion to the whole matter between the opposing groups of this war, mending with her own experience in ruling and looking over disputing matters with their own individual strong-held reasoning, and the consequences to them. Remembering what she has gathered from her researching and the understanding she has taken for herself, Arturia then responds to Vivienne, and all those who are listening.

"The war between the Mages and Templars all stems down to two different desired outcomes: freedom and security. The Templars were first born to protect the outburst of untampered magic, and the mages showing promises of the magically gifted that helped further developed the country. What came about their dispute and eventual break out of violence was all in just cause and responses, yet, it has been going no where, no where until either group vanquishes completely, and should that come to light, what would be brought after? I can be certain, through my own studies in the influences and connections that both groups have, that whether they win or lose, the desired outcome will never be founded."

After pausing to give her allies the time to digest what has been just said, she resumes, "There is fault in both groups that which despises the other, and many factors that goes with it, including how they wish to gain the upper hand, at the cost of many lives and those who had no part in their war with each other. Getting into the matter of the rights of the Mages, the Templars are actually a useful group to help watch over their magical progression, but the scrutiny and the intense anti-mage agenda has led to the reactions that was delivered, outbursts from the mages who sought to be looked as equals and not animals to be put down at a notice - either be it from justifications or outright discrimination."

Arturia clicks her tongue in vexation, knowing how muddy things will be getting from here on out, even if the Inquisition do end up getting the better end of it, there really was no hoping for an absolute ideal outcome. But if she can hope for it to not get as bad as it would should anything else but this path be taken, then she would have to step onto the fire bare-footed and cross it determinedly. She will not, and neither should anyone else, stay in place and complain it is hot as Cassandra once said.

"That is not to suggest that the Mages are purely the victims here, as they have stained their hands with as much blood as the Templars have. Sympathetic as I am of their cause, the end does not always justify the means," Arturia says, knowingly in a sense of familiarity. "Furthermore, that they believe their solution to their freedom would be to disband the Templars. Doing so would, in the end, leave them much more vulnerable. For those who do not understand the meaning and weight of having freedom and independence, and without the Circle, they would end up scattered. They would also be declared as an independent faction, which would lead to the inevitable loss of the Chantry's protection over them from foreign forces, thus leaving the mages to be killed by other enemies aside from their personally hated ones."

Arturia then adds resolutely, "They would also be without official support, leaving them in a much worse condition than before. Even by other magisters, who would no doubt see these free mages as rivals to be, the same fate awaits for the Templars as well. The Templars are as susceptible to a faulty outcome, provided that if we ended up solely siding with them. The Templars goal to re-establish the old order would be an impossible feat, as without the mages, they would not be able to run their operations as effectively."

"The Templars own system has proven to be easily compromised by factors of all kinds, denouncing the Chantry that the populace takes favor of, ruling with an iron fist covered in blood, and that's not even getting to the fact that their harsher treatment within the Order will not only cause further scrutiny from mage-potentials, but those who will do what they can to protect and hide them. Implementing stricter laws doesn't and will not promise everyone to abide by them. They will only be further scrutinized, and with the Templars already crumbling from within - losing disillusioned members and support, in time, even at their victory, their influence and power may fade."

She sighs while running a hand through her golden-yellow hair, "There are ill-factors that could be the downfall to not only their cause but their very existence as well. This, I believe, could turn their tune should they realize there is much more to lose if they were to keep and remain undesiring for a compromise. Not only for others, but for themselves. A benefit to set aside their history in order to reach a much more preferred future that assures their better standings to it than it would before, and to remain in opposition. Coming together, especially at this point, would be in the best interests of everyone. There is more good in coming to terms with the past than there should if one or the other wins their war."

"It's not certain if the mages would be so willing to agree with that," Vivienne argues, a bit of stubbornness crawling into her usually poise and proper tone of voice, "Although those are all excellent points you have brought up-" very excellent points, so good points that Vivienne honestly hasn't even considered to think to that extent, to how far the repercussions are for both groups waging their war, which even she feels compelled to argue about. "-it's not to say that they wouldn't rather burn in the fire, so long as their enemies burns with them."

"The Mages may hold contempt, but I do not believe they would be that foolish. Grand Enchanter Fiona would not be so willing as to let the majority of her group become martyrs, even for their cause," Solas argues.

"What would be the point of winning, if not a lot of the winning team is there to celebrate?" Varric comments, nodding to Solas' words. Sera wordlessly agrees with the dwarf, her head bobbing in support.

"The Templars wouldn't also want to risk their order to further crumble and lose support," Cullen chimes in thoughtfully, rubbing his own chin. "Between either absolute disbanding, or losing power, neither fates would be good for them."

"What would be the point of mage-quellers, if all the mages are dealt with, and there is no more to subdue?" Leliana comments in an rhetorical tone, validating Cullen's words with her own, "What would be their purpose then? Aside from simply pinning all their focus on hunting mages and nothing more? To cause uproar and fear in the mass who would rather hide and die for their mage-potential children, then obey? From what we know, the Templars are not even looking into the Breach, at least, not until I and Josephine managed to encourage their supporters to turn their heads up. The mages at least have their own excuse, being that, they would bring ire to all for their lack of granted authority to do so, not that they even have enough influential power to try anyway."

The Iron Bull and Blackwall slowly nods, both man and qunari seeing that point as well. "But would they even be willing to see it? What may come of it, both loss and victory?" The "Grey Warden" asks rightfully, given how the Order has been acting as of late.

Cassandra, a hard frown on her face with her mind in deep thinking after hearing Arturia's argument, turns and responds to the Warden at the other side of the table, "If we present them the evidence, and if the Breach unsuccessfully kills us all, they may not have a choice."

On Vivienne's end, the enchanter sees that most of the group has been won over by this found point, and even herself having to see this very sound reasoning. No matter how highly the First Enchanter of the Montsimmard Circle approves the Circle and the necessity of the Templars, word gets around to how the Order has been holding up since the Breach's creation. She would still side with them over rogue magic-wielders any day, but to be completely blind of all their flaws would be foolish.

She has to disagree with Cullen's point of the Templars' outcome should they happen to be victorious in their war with the Mages, as vanishing influence would be no different than death itself. She's known and heard people, having been highly esteemed one day and then disappear into irrelevancy the next, and no one ever even spoke in mourning of said names, only forgotten, as easy as tossing away a pick. It's clear that, should this truly come to be, the relevancy of the Templars would extend to the Circle, and then they'd be back to square one.

She still held her own views, but seeing that there was no use swaying the already set minds of the majority in the room, it was obvious enough when to tell how she's been beaten by the rest to one. Letting out a small sigh behind her closed lips, Vivienne concedes to her Herald, "All very astute points, my dear. I suppose that should be no surprise. You certainly are quite an intelligent youth. Very well then..."

With a much calmer grace around about her person, the enchanter then questions, "...if we are to go through with this alliance, then what would be the first step to have either of them grant us the chance to listen?"

Arturia nods to Vivienne in appreciation before responding, "Firstly, we will need to make contact, establish ourselves and then work from there. Meeting and seeing to their own issues they may need amending, and if possible, solve them under peaceful terms. It will not be easy, but if we can shift their focus to a shared cause, we may be able to have them hear and consider our words."

"In that case, who are we meeting first then?"

The knight answers, resolution clear in all of her being, "We already had one group come to us at their own discretion. Their invitation is still fresh in my mind. I'd say it's time that we finally answer it."


It is a week after the War Room meeting, preparations and other matters has been made before Arturia and her group of companions started their current journey to Redcliffe, where the leader of the Mage Rebellion, Grand Enchanter Fiona herself, revealed to be the place of their main operations, and the invite is extended towards the alliance between the Mages and the Inquisition.

It is quite a journey even on horseback, yet for the scenery they gallop by, passing people who are in immediate awareness of their group and the flag they bore.

It would be a somewhat delightful trip if not for the green horror in the sky - a secondly and morbid reminder that even to just take a breather and enjoy the serenity brought about by their great efforts of quelling many issues through the land, their job is far from over - Arturia's work is far from over.

They arrive to areas associated with Redcliffe's typical territory after a few hours then, strapping their horses to a few trees and resuming the rest on foot, a couple of guards they brought with them remaining behind to protect and care their transports with feeding rewards and rest. Arturia takes the lead, a very common and easily accepted position, Cassandra taking her usual beside her, as is Solas. Blackwall and Iron bull have taken up to the rear of their group, Vivienne taking the center, and Varric with Sera hanging behind.

"Have you prepared yourself, Arturia?" Cassandra asks her in that commonly professional voice, with an edge of concern tone that the knight has gotten used to hearing.

The blonde does not look to respond, as her emerald eyes focused upon the papers in her hands that she is shuffling, reading through the ink-written notes of what will be said and negotiated before they will come into contact with the Mage Rebellion's leader again. "I've done my hours and even during breakfast to have myself more than ready before our meeting with Grand Enchanter Fiona."

"You know, I could have put together and offered a script of what you can say if I had gotten a heads up beforehand." Varric speaks up from the back, overhearing Arturia and Cassandra.

"This is real life, Varric. Not one of your fictions," The former Seeker responds with slight exasperation. "I can't even imagine what you would even have Arturia say that wouldn't be so ridiculous or smutty-"

A sudden rip in the fabric of reality shredded somewhere close by, a loud crackle and flash of green light, and all are at immediate defense.

"I'll be sure to respond your jab at me as a writer later!" The author states while loading Bianca, he and the group getting closer to the source of the unholy sound.

Crossing over a small hill, the group finds a Rift revealing itself at the bottom, demons spilling out as their Inquisition scouts and other agents who arrived ahead of them, present and doing their all to fight and try as they could against the demons, but without any success due to the uncontrollable magic at work. The small hole to the Fade sends chills down to the Iron Bull's spine and goosebumps to Sera's whole being even though she has seen this before already. But apart from those fearing of the supernatural, to the others, it is business as usual.

And yet...something is not quite right with this one. Granted, it isn't at all normal for a hole to the Fade to suddenly show up in the first place, though it is certainly becoming the new norm in the land of Thedas. This, however, is different, a new strange to its abnormality.

From where they can witness, there are individuals in battle that are at a peculiar intense pace - several of them moving at an odd speed; a slowness to their casting and fallen claws of the demons, and then, it suddenly picks up, an increasing swiftness to their attacks as their entire movements sped abnormally so, inhumanly so. It is done almost individually, and seemingly at random, with many of them falling victims to the abrupt change of speed that costed their lives, even the demons as well.

"...What is this?" Cassandra asks with a baffled frown.

Solas and Vivienne quickly examines the scene and come to the same conclusion. "It seems the Rift is causing all the combatants to speed up and slow down," Solas informs as he continually assesses the battle, "The fabric of time has begun to feel the affects of the Rift."

"We will fall victim to this as well if we enter combat." The dark skinned mage deduces with a narrow gaze, "Yet this cannot go on as it is."

"Indeed. The effects may potentially remain should the demons wander off the area."

"Which will either leave them or anyone they target easily susceptible." No man or woman without abilities of their own, let alone even a trained fighter, could possibly withstand a chance against an enemy moving too fast for anyone to react.

"And a much worse scenario, that this effect will reach beyond this area. It's certain though, if we seal the Breach, the effects will cease," Solas concludes, readying his staff with magic.

Arturia nods, her stern emerald pair gazing towards the battle, "Then let us do so. Be careful everyone!"

The knight wisely has Varric and Sera remain behind, Vivienne also hangs back, to overlook them all and the odd magic spewing throughout the area, while the rest of them charge in. Solas and Vivienne, though having some experience in knowledge of the magic, wisely believe it doesn't make them easily capable to adjust to this. For the rest, it is even worse.

The rushing instances of attacking demons that they aren't even comprehending if they have had indeed made the kill, and the frustration of their sudden slowness that leaves them for the faster taking. Thank goodness that Solas and Vivienne had summoned their protective barrier spells to guard them of such attacks, though when it comes to the faster instances, the spell lasts just as quick, and the duo constantly has to revamp their powers.

It is just as challenging for both Varric and Sera, yet being at the advantage that they were, they manage to easily pluck the slower enemy targets, the faster ones they can barely catch up, and when they do, they instantly become and their arrows would miss. Sera having more than few instances of furious cursing, and Varric having to calm her down while also trying to keep up with this up and down pace.

Soon enough, most of the demons are dealt with, while the others are being held back as best as many of them can, Arturia knows that time is quite frankly, both against and with them, and rushing towards the Rift in itself is a great challenge as she felt the annoying slowness of her movements, and the abrupt increase speed of it that has her miss the Rift more than a few times while simultaneously dealing with enemies who are under the same effect.

Randomly yet appropriately enough, she is reminded of the time Irisviel revealed Kiritsugu's ability, and then wonders how on earth did her estranged Master worked about this sort of magic?

Conclusion: she has to simply go with it, flow with it like letting the river stream take her - harsh or gentle, and take it in stride.

It honestly takes luck for the most part, having been knocked aside by a reckless demon that has her be push close to the Rift, which she is very thankful for, taking her one chance.

When she finally reaches the Rift, Arturia raises her hand and begins absorbing it. Within a moment, she seals the Rift, and the effects of the time distortion have cease, leaving them - though dizzy and a bit sick, to promptly finish off the demons, and at their victory, all take in a sigh of relief.

"Well... that was something," Iron Bull comments with a huff, leaning forward a bit with a grasp of his knee.

"Reminds me why I'd never want to do anything with magic..." Blackwall grumbles under his breath, holding his head.

"Truly most odd..." Vivienne quietly says to herself, looking out in lost thought before putting her focus to helping the wounded.

Arturia's eyes are in intense wonder at the strangeness of what was just experienced. Looking at her hand as she feels numbness in it briefly. "This is the first time that a Rift has ever made this sort of effect aside from summoning demons."

"Indeed," Her arcane mentor states as he approaches the group, rubbing away the sweat from his forehead with his hand, "It might be a sign that the Breach is getting worse. This will likely not be the last time an effect from the Breach will have on the world."

The knight nods solemnly, hoping to not allow the Breach's effects on Thedas to get any worse than what ever this was, "Then let us not waste anymore time."

"Herald!"

The call of one of the scouts grabs her attention. Arturia faces the scout as he then informs her at once, "We had a few of our men reach the headquarters of the Mages. We've spread word of the Inquisition's arrival. But you should know that no one there was expecting us."

The news took the group off guard, with Arturia's brows furrowing at this unexpected development. "They were not expecting us? What of the Grand Enchanter?"

"Maybe she made it discreet?" Varric offers, "Probably so that no word can get to the Templars?"

The scout, however, shakes his head, his eyes showing a graveness to it, "I'm afraid things have taken a sudden change. Changes that we were not informed of until we had arrived there."

"What do you mean?" Cassandra demands, her brows furrowing even further than Arturia's already are.

The scout seems stuck on how to answer that for a moment, and so simply tells them, "You'll have to see it for yourself. They're waiting for you."

A nagging feeling at the pit of Arturia's stomach as she nods the scout, looking towards the direction where the main base of the Mages can be seen.


"Agents of the Inquisition." At the group's entry to the village of Redcliffe, a mage comes and approaches them with some haste and pleasantries. "My apologies. Magister Alexius is in charge now, but hasn't yet arrived. He's expected shortly though. You can speak to the former Grand Enchanter in the mean time."

'Former Grand Enchanter?' Arturia holds this odd phrase closely as she watches the mage leave then, looking back to Cassandra for confirmation. "Was there ever another Grand Enchanter aside from Fiona?"

"None that I can name..." Cassandra answers, having caught on to the strange wording as well. "I can imagine successors, and those that came before Fiona, but as far as I know, they aside from Fiona herself have been dead or missing. Currently, only she should be in charge."

"Fiona...my oh my, hearing that name takes me back..." There is no pleasant remembrance in Vivienne's voice as she takes a brief gander of the place, seeing all the mages going about their ways with a neutral look about her.

Arturia does not take heed of Vivienne's hidden tone, the nagging sense of impending pulls the knight even more as she with a hardened expression on her youthful face, looks to the area in thought. There were no reports mentioning of a man name Alexius to be here, whoever he is. A member of the Mage Rebellion? Perhaps a second in command? Though she hasn't heard of this when she delved in knowledge about this group. She looks to the tavern, the place where their scouts informed to be where they are expected, and proceeded to that direction, the others following close behind.

Once entering the tavern, they are greeted by more mages, one leading them further in. A large room where normally occupied by customers and workers, now only mages are apparent, and there at the end of the room, sitting at the bar with sulking shoulders and her head head lowered until raising it up at the announcing steps of the Inquisitions, is the Grand Enchanter Fiona.

The elf gazes their way and stands from the bar to face them, simply greeting them with a nod, though a hint of questioning is evident in her beautiful but aged features, "Welcome, agents of the Inquisition."

Fiona then takes notice of Vivienne, and a much more curt, acknowledging nod, though given calmly, is made towards the other enchanter's direction, "First Enchanter Vivienne."

"My Dear Fiona," Vivienne drawls, almost smugly so despite the eloquent sense of pleasantry her voice offers, though it is clear enough that there is no actual warmness in the dark skinned Orleasian's greeting, to the person whom she will only ever see as a rogue mage. "It's been so long since we last spoke. You look dreadful! Are you sleeping well?"

Cassandra hisses through her teeth, mouthing the words "Not now!" to Vivienne, who pretends to act as if she hasn't seen them, yet catches on to it, saying nothing more then.

"I must admit, I never expect to see you here," Fiona admits, her own distaste known through her tone of voice, "If I didn't know you any better, I would have thought that you'd finally saw the merit in our cause, and have come to join."

Vivienne doesn't even bother to hide her quiet scoff.

"As for the Inquisition, I can't say I have any fathom that gives reason to your arrival here," The elf continues, looking back to Arturia, a hint of confused yet intrigue to the face of Arturia, as if she's looking at it for the very first time. "Tell me, what has brought you to Redcliffe?"

"There's no need for this sort of discretion, Grand Enchanter Fiona," Solas assures. "It is just us, members of the Inquisition."

The Grand Enchanter merely frowned, "Forgive me, but I don't see how that answers anything."

The response catches Arturia, Cassandra, and Varric by surprise. On his end, Solas seems to peer intently into the Grand Enchanter, his thoughts unknown, though it is expectant enough that he didn't foresee that answer as well.

"You...invited us here," Cassandra reminds slowly, carefully checking for reactions, and spotting that instant surprise on Fiona, which further confuses the warrior woman. "Don't you remember that?"

"You came all the way to Val Royeuax and talked to us about an alliance," Varric steps up in support, gesturing to Arturia with his thumb. "Little girl talking back to the Lord Seeker? All the booings against the Templars. Ring any bells?"

He would think the leader of the Mage Rebellion would forever keep that memory of her enemy group being humiliated by the words of a fifteen-looking year old. Arturia only briefly shoots an offended glare at her dwarf companion before looking back to Fiona with kept wondering.

"I... you must be mistaken," Fiona said, "I haven't been to Val Royeuax since the Conclave."

A dumbfounded look crosses the faces of the agents of the Inquisition, Cassandra especially looking in wide eyed bafflement.

The Iron Bull looks at the Grand Enchanter in scrutiny, trying to pick out whatever he can find from that very very convincing mask.

Sera is just blinking, staring and waiting for the punchline.

Vivienne seemingly of the belief that the Grand Enchanter's years has finally caught up to her mind and could only admit her sympathy at the karma of it.

Blackwall looks to be the most lost out of everyone, but the weight of that is unmatched by those who spoke to the Grand Enchanter personally at that city. If, that is even the Grand Enchanter at all.

Varric, practically nonchalantly, shrugs at Arturia with an obvious "I got nothing" face.

Solas is still looking in utterly deep with his thoughts, as if attempting to unravel a difficult puzzle in his brain.

Arturia, having lost her patience at this absurdity, speaks lowly and directly, "Please do not play games with me. You wrote to the Inquisition requesting my presence here personally."

The look on Fiona's face doesn't change. If she's lying, she's good at it. "I never wrote to the Inquisition. I...am sorry. It must have been some sort of misunderstanding or joke."

If it is, the King of Knights isn't laughing. "Seems awfully much for someone to dress themselves to look and speak exactly like you at a place where, if spotted, they no doubt would have been killed by any one of the Templars. Quite the dedicated pranksters they would be." The knight sarcastically said before shaking her own head, her ponytail swaying along with it, "But regardless, it does not change the reason we have come. The Inquisition is seeking aid to close the Breach. Surely that is worth a discussion."

Fiona frowns, and then looks away, ashamed. "That is not something I can help you with anymore. I am no longer in charge of the mages."

Former Grand Enchanter.

It finally clicks. This, they are speaking to an ex-leader. But...how? No, rather, when did that happen? Surely news like this would have reached not only the Inquisition but everywhere else and spoken endlessly about. Even Vivienne is surprised by this, not that Fiona lost her position - that would have been expected, but to not have heard of it until now shows that something is truly afoot.

Even if done so quietly, hardly no one outside this Mage group wouldn't have caught wind of what would be a ground-breaking discovery, to which, that if really true, changes absolutely everything.

Residing her own taken aback reaction, Arturia calmly questions with a befuddled frown, "Then who is?"

"That would be me."

They turn at the sound of footsteps and the voice that broke through them, entering the tavern with a contingent of Tevinter Mages behind him, faces obscured by their ridiculous helmets. The smile of the leading man causing Arturia to feel her dragon's blood boil.

"Avanna, Arturia Pendragon" Says the leader, as Arturia forces herself not to reach back for Excalibur.

Well, shit. Now she has to stay.


A/N: Thank you to etheral-23 for the point out of "martyrs" not "matriarchs."

Just a fate fan: you also make a good point, gonna have to fix that up as well.

Anymore point out in the story and I shall do my best to revise them when and if possible, thank you all for reading. Stay safe.