Title: Dragon Age: Inquisition A Mage's Quest for Restoration

Author: Amanda Rau (manda091987)

Game: Dragon Age: Inquisition

Characters/Pairing: (Characters) All from Dragon Age: Inquisition (Pairing) Trevelyan/Cullen

Disclaimer: All characters, the name 'Trevelyan,' and story are the sole property of Bioware. Elizabeth is mine. Please ask for permission for the use of any added material or characters.

Leliana led Elizabeth to the tavern. Inside, Commander Cullen was sitting at a table to the right of the door. He was talking and laughing with some of his top soldiers. Roderick was at another table with a few brothers and sisters across from the officers. Cassandra stepped in behind Elizabeth and grabbed her arm, guiding her over to a table in front of them. Solas and Varric were already there, enjoying their meals. The elf motioned for Elizabeth to take the seat beside him.

"It is good to see you awake." Solas bowed his head.

"That mark has left you in a deep sleep twice now," Varric said. "Do you dream?"

Elizabeth nodded. "Rather oddly, might I add."

"Well, I'm glad to see that you are in one piece."

"Thank you, Varric." Elizabeth expressed.

Cassandra put Elizabeth's sandwich down in front of her, then took a seat at the table with her own plate. Varric and Solas finished most of their food when the two women entered, but they stayed to talk to the ladies after their platters were empty. As they were sitting around conversing, the tavern's front door opened abruptly, causing everyone to turn to the woman standing there. She stomped over to Elizabeth's table with a bucket in hand. Elizabeth's natural instincts kicked in, and she shielded as much of Solas as she could, but the woman still managed to drench them both in cold water.

"You two!" she yelled. "Your filthy kind killed them all! You blew up the Conclave, and now they are all dead! I should kill you, you miserable bitch."

"You need to—"

Elizabeth's raised hand stopped Cassandra's sentence from finishing. The mage woman got up, motioning for Cullen and one of his soldiers, who stood and seized the female, to let her go. Elizabeth unsheathed a knife from her belt, giving it to the frantic woman.

"By all means."

"Are you mad-"

Elizabeth interrupted Cassandra once again while still maintaining eye contact with the angry woman.

"Go ahead," Elizabeth encouraged. "No one here is going to stop you."

"You mock me." She grimaced.

"No." Elizabeth shook her head. "There are four former Templars, a Seeker, and devout Chantry brothers and sisters in here. I'm mage trash that killed the Divine. I'm sure they'd get in line behind you. Deep down, maybe I do deserve death. All those people gone, and yet I'm here? How am I supposed to justify that? An eye for an eye, a life for a life? How many lives do I owe? How could I possibly repay this debt bestowed upon me?" The woman held the knife up to Elizabeth's throat as tears formed in her eyes. "Spill it, Sarah." Elizabeth stepped closer to her so that the sharp instrument was on her skin.

"How do you know my name?" She breathed.

"I know that your name is Sarah," Elizabeth murmured. "I know that your husband's name was Robert, and your son's name was Martin. I also know they were both at the Conclave when it exploded."

"Then you understand why I have to do this," Sarah growled through her tears.

"Then end my suffering." Elizabeth tilted her head, looking deeper into the woman's eyes.

"Suffering? What would you know of it?" Sarah hissed.

"You think you are the only one who lost someone at the Conclave?" Elizabeth muttered. "I lost my brother. He was next in line to be the First Enchanter at the Circle of Ostwick. He was my best friend, my womb-mate, and now he's dead. But instead of getting any sympathy, I was bound in chains, ridiculed, mistreated, and called a traitorous murderer. No one stopped to think that maybe I was suffering, that just maybe a piece of me was gone, and I would never get it back. If they learned this, how could they possibly cling to me as the one suspect they had? After all, if they knew I had someone of importance there, I couldn't be the monster they painted me to be. Because, who in their right mind would kill their twin brother, their blood? So do it, Sarah. Slit my throat right now and end the pain I feel."

Sarah tensed like she would complete the action but ended up succumbing to tears and slid down Elizabeth's body to the ground. Cassandra motioned for two of Cullen's men to take her out of the room, then stepped closer to Elizabeth, but Elizabeth stopped the dark-haired woman, pulling two small vials out of her bag.

"What are you doing?" the Seeker asked.

Elizabeth scooped some of the blood falling from the cut on her neck into the vials. She put a cork in them and shook them, causing them to glow red.

"These are for the two of you," she said, lightly shoving them into Cullen and Cassandra's chests, glaring at Roderick. "In case someone gets a stick up their ass about me going to the hot spring down the road alone. Please, excuse me."

Elizabeth left the building.

Cassandra sunk into her seat. "Emery Trevelyan, how could I have been so foolish not to put the two together?"

"Neither of us did, Seeker. The Trevelyan's carry great weight." Cullen glimpsed at her. "Their nobility and leadership status in the Circle of Ostwick must've made them primary candidates for The Conclave."

"Typical." Varric scoffed as he went toward the door but turned when reaching the exit. "What is it with you two?"

"I beg your pardon?" Cassandra retorted.

Varric snapped, "You throw around false accusations; you look like asses. I thought Roderick was the one to worry about… You two never stop to think; you just do. It was the same mistake you made with Hawke, and you're doing it with Elizabeth too. Things have been spiraling out of control for ages, but how do you expect anything to change when you can't see the shift your own outlook needs?" Before Cassandra or Cullen could say anything, he lifted his hands. "Don't."

Varric left the tavern, going toward his tent.

Elizabeth was leaning against the rocks that lined the outside of the spring. Thoughts of Emery pried their way through to the forefront of her mind. The young woman processed the day she and Emery received the letter from Divine Justinia, personally asking that they attend The Conclave and assist her in rallying people to her cause. Elizabeth remembered Emery's face at that moment, how sure of his faith he was, how confident he was that the Divine could restore order to the mages and Templars. Elizabeth took a deep breath as she climbed out of the spring, grabbing her linen off the rocks. The young woman dried off, putting on her undergarments then her tank top. She held her scarf in her hands, tracing over the fabric, plopping down on the linen. She brought her knees to her chest, resting her head on them, wrapping her arms around her legs. Overhead, Spirit squawked. Elizabeth peered up to see the bird lower herself and land on her person's knees, gently pecking at her nose, the bird's way of giving kisses.

Spirit was a white falcon that Elizabeth adopted many years ago. The bird flew into her window with an unsigned note stating, 'take care of her, she is yours now.' Merely a child at the time, the girl didn't know anyone who bred or owned falcons. Especially not in Ostwick or the surrounding towns. Spirit was young when she came to Elizabeth, and from the minute they came in contact, it was love. She named the bird Spirit mainly because the white avian creature was calm and good-natured. Spirit complimented Elizabeth well.

Elizabeth sighed as she ran her index finger along Spirit's chest. "The Light shall lead her safely through the paths of this world and into the next. For she who trusts in the Maker, fire is her water. As the moth sees the light and goes toward the flame, she should see fire and go towards Light. The Veil holds no uncertainty for her, and she will know no fear of death, for the Maker shall be her beacon and her shield, her foundation, and her sword."

"Transfigurations 10:1." Cullen came through the trees, holding something in his arms. "Though it's often sung by mourners as they light candles."

Elizabeth jerked her head. "Yes, it is. But, I owe all those who died a prayer to guide them. A candle or not."

Cullen sat down beside Elizabeth and looked at Spirit. "Yours?"

"Yes," Elizabeth answered, not looking back at him. "Someone sent her to me long ago. I still don't know who, but she and I were instantly connected."

Cullen observed the falcon. "She's beautiful."

"She is," Elizabeth agreed.

Elizabeth put her hand out, almost as if indicating that she wanted to shake it. Cullen hesitated a moment, then put his hand in Elizabeth's. Instead of moving it, she sat still as Spirit bobbed her head, then stepped over onto Cullen's arm.

"She has a good disposition." Cullen gazed at Spirit. "Surprising, in a bird."

"Most are hard to train, even less of them are social with people," Elizabeth stated, "but she's no ordinary bird. Had you sat down next to her, she wouldn't give you the time of day. But she knows that if I let someone touch me, it's because I trust they won't hurt me."

"I understand."

Elizabeth pulled some treats out of her bag. "Here."

"You want me to give these to her?"

"She's gentle."

Cullen seized the tidbit from between Elizabeth's fingers. Spirit slowly inched over, head bobbing. The bird gently grabbed the goody with her beak, devouring it once Cullen released his grasp.

He noticed Elizabeth's expression. "What?"

"You're best friends now. Don't be surprised if she comes to visit you more often."

He grinned. "I could use the company."

Spirit took the other treat then flew over to Elizabeth's bag, nesting.

"I've sidetracked you." Elizabeth put her legs back in the spring. "Was there something you needed?"

"Harritt made you some warmer clothing." Cullen set some clothes down beside her. "Once you're dressed, Cassandra would like to meet you in the Chantry."

Elizabeth removed her legs from the spring, using her bottom to swivel around as she dried her lower half off with magic. Before she could stand, Cullen delicately took her wrist into his palm.

"I apologize for earlier."

"Don't." She shook her head. "I lost my temper."

"That was you losing your temper?" he asked.

"A bit."

"Manageable," he muttered.

Elizabeth stood up, causing Cullen to realize that she was barely dressed.

Cullen nervously cleared his throat. "I-I will wait for you at the opening of the field."

"This won't take long," she reassured him.

Cullen felt himself blush as he shuffled through the tree-lined path. If he was in a proper state of mind, he'd admit that Elizabeth Trevelyan was an alluring woman and that therein lay the quandary. The commander inhaled as his simple meditation on the issue rapidly became a rabbit hole, one thing stemming from another. He had been so engrossed the last year and a half, he had barely noticed till now, just exactly how extensive the time had been. He wasn't adrift in his thoughts very long before Elizabeth emerged.

"You ready?"

"Yes," he responded.

Spirit landed and worked her way up to Elizabeth's shoulder, where she started pecking at Elizabeth's bun.

"It's wet." She glanced over at Spirit.

Spirit squawked.

Elizabeth exhaled, following it with a soft snicker. She took her hair down, Spirit going underneath where she relaxed. The young woman glimpsed at Cullen, pointing to her left shoulder where nothing but Spirit's tail feathers stuck out.

"Are you sure you want this kind of company?" She reached over, playing with the feathers on the collar of Cullen's coat, then lightly danced the tips of her fingers across his neck. "Because she'll bundle up right here."

Cullen lightly laughed. "I do."

"Did you never have pets as a boy, Commander?"

He shook his head. "Well, we had chickens, goats, and a few druffalo, but that was it."

"Every child should have a pet."

Cullen softly smiled. "I suppose one should."

Cullen and Elizabeth made it to the Chantry, Cassandra calling to her before entering. Cullen bowed, then went inside. Elizabeth patiently waited for the warrior woman to get closer. When they were side-by-side, they shuffled into the church. While they were cantering to the backroom, Elizabeth looked down at her left hand, repetitively opening and closing it.

Cassandra noticed Elizabeth's action. "Does it trouble you?"

"It hurts a little bit when I close the rifts, almost as if there is an annoying itch finally being scratched. It's getting better, though. I just wish I knew what it was or how I got it."

"We will find out," Cassandra replied. "What is important is that your mark is now stable, as is the Breach. You've given us time, and Solas believes that a second attempt might succeed- provided the mark has more power. The same level of power that opened the Breach in the first place. That is not easy to come by."

"Clearly, you have an idea, Cassandra," Elizabeth hinted.

"We do," Cassandra responded, stepping into the back room. "You've met Varric, Solas, and Commander Cullen, the leader of the Inquisition's forces."

He smiled. "It's good to see you standing here."

"Oh, Commander!" a familiar person's voice sounded as she stepped into the room from the door on the right. "Here are those numbers you requested."

"Josie?" Elizabeth blinked.

"Ella!" The two women met halfway and embraced. Josephine voiced, "Tighter."

Elizabeth obliged the request, a cooing noise came from her, a beaming smile was present. They stayed there for some time as they laughed off and on. When it broke, Elizabeth examined the Antivan woman.

"You look fantastic!" Elizabeth complimented.

"So do you!" Josephine smiled. "I bet the boys run after you."

"Look who's talking!" Elizabeth motioned. "Or are you still with Charles?" There was a bit of a wince. "Please tell me you're not."

"Was he a bad man?" Leliana asked the women.

Elizabeth grunted. "He was so clingy, static could take a lesson."

Everyone lightly chuckled.

"No, I am no longer with him." Josephine sighed. "Not only was he clingy, but he couldn't tell his pocket watch from a hole in the ground. A sweet man, just not very bright."

"Well, good for you for realizing you deserve better," Elizabeth commended.

Josephine leaned forward. "What of Timothy?"

Elizabeth exhaled. "Got what he wanted and walked away."

"Who's Timothy?" Varric wondered.

"A horrible man." Josephine distorted her face. "A shallow individual for being an elf. Most aren't vicious, but he was too full of himself, and Elizabeth isn't. She's beautiful but doesn't believe it. They tended to clash at times."

"You have seen yourself in a looking glass, right?" Varric turned to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth shook her head. "Not everyone judges beauty by the same standards. I'd rather be known for my witty charm and kindness than my lady parts and birthing hips. Timothy was given some tough love by my brothers."

"Good." Josephine smirked.

"What are you doing here?" Elizabeth inquired.

"Miss Montilyet is here to be our Ambassador and Chief Diplomat." Cassandra looked from Josephine to Elizabeth.

"Thank you, Josie," Elizabeth cooed.

"I heard it was you and packed my bags as fast as I could," the woman replied.

"Of course, you know Sister Leliana," Cassandra finished introductions.

"My position here requires a degree of. . ."

Cassandra turned to Elizabeth. "She is our Spymaster."

"Yes. Tactfully put, Cassandra."

"It is a pleasure to meet all of you." Elizabeth respectfully bowed her head.

"I mentioned that your mark needs more power to close the Breach for good," Cassandra began.

"Which means we must approach the rebel mages for help," Leliana suggested.

"I still disagree." Cullen shook his head, peering at Leliana. "The Templars could serve just as well."

"We need power, Commander," Cassandra reminded him. "Enough power poured into that mark—"

"Might destroy us all," Cullen interrupted. "Templars could suppress the Breach, weaken it so—"

"Pure speculation," Leliana cut him off.

"I was a Templar. I know what they're capable of."

"Unfortunately, neither group will even speak to us, yet," Josephine interjected. "The Chantry has denounced the Inquisition—and you, specifically."

Elizabeth sighed. "That didn't take long."

Cullen looked at Elizabeth, then Josephine. "Shouldn't they be busy arguing over who's going to become Divine?"

"Some are calling you—a mage—the 'Herald of Andraste.' That frightens the Chantry. The remaining Clerics have declared it blasphemy, and we heretics for harboring you," Josephine stated.

"Chancellor Roderick's doing, no doubt." Cassandra exhaled with a slight roll of the eyes.

"It limits our options," Josephine revealed. "Approaching the mages or Templars for help is currently out of the question."

"Wait" the outside of Elizabeth's right hand went to her breast bone, "just how am I the 'Herald of Andraste'?"

"People saw what you did at the temple, how you stopped the Breach from growing," Cassandra spoke. "They have also heard of the woman in the rift when we first found you. They believe it was Andraste."

Leliana leaned forward. "Even if we tried to stop that view from spreading—"

"Which we have not," Cassandra interrupted.

"The point is: everyone is talking about you." Leliana smiled.

"It's quite the title." Cullen glanced at Elizabeth. "How do you feel about that?"

"It's a little unsettling," Elizabeth confessed. "The title needs to go. We have to suppress it; stop it somehow."

"It's normal to get a title when you save people's lives, Ella." Josephine grinned.

Elizabeth shook her head. "You, of all people, know I can't accept that. I'm not an ordinary mage."

"What does that mean?" Cassandra asked.

Elizabeth took a deep breath, slowly releasing it, standing quietly for a moment. She peered up into everyone's eyes, ending with Josephine, who nodded.

"I am a Bellator." Elizabeth sighed. "I will follow my mother's footsteps, becoming Magister Draconum or Draco Maleficarum."

"My lady!" Cassandra bowed.

"Thank you, Cassandra, but I'm not looking for bent knees," Elizabeth responded.

"If you are" Solas stepped forward, "I need to feel the power myself."

"I have runes on my clothing," Elizabeth hesitated.

"Please," he requested.

Elizabeth nodded, stripping off her coat and scarf, allowing her power to fill their senses. Solas glimpsed at Cassandra.

"You do not need further proof that she is innocent."

"What do you mean?" Cassandra asked.

"He means that Bellators are Maker created and Andraste devout." Varric got up from his seat. "Hawke is one, so I know quite a bit."

"Mm," Elizabeth hummed. "Sanare Maleficus. 'To Heal Wizard', or 'Wizard who Heals'."

"The Hero is one as well," Leliana reminisced.

Elizabeth jerked her head. "Miriam, Venefica Inferni. 'Shades Below Witch' or 'Witch of the Dead'."

"They are born with a code." Solas looked around the room. "She couldn't go against the Chantry if she tried to."

"You couldn't have done this because the temple once held Andraste's ashes," Cullen realized.

"Precisely." Solas nodded. "I have followed the tales of your kind my whole life. Especially the Magister Draconum. Such beautiful mages. Tell me, what do you know of the Fade? Demons? Spirits? Do the dragons you kill give any insight to the beyond or past lives?"

Cassandra cleared her throat.

"Sorry, Chuckles." Varric glanced from the Seeker to Solas. "All business right now."

"My apologies." He bowed his head. "I hoped that maybe some of your insight might help here."

"I would love to talk when we finish here." Elizabeth turned to everyone else.

"As uncomfortable as this might make you, right now, these people need something to believe in," Cassandra said.

"She's right," Cullen added. "But what the Herald is, needs to be kept secret. Protecting her is going to be hard enough as is. If anyone finds out exactly what she is, it puts her in more danger."

"I agree." Leliana nodded, as did everyone else. "People are desperate for a sign of hope. For some, you're that sign."

"But to others, a symbol of everything that's gone wrong," Josephine continued.

"Could the Chantry attack us?" Elizabeth wondered.

"With what?" Cullen scoffed. "They have only words at their disposal."

"Yet, they may bury us with them." Josephine pivoted from Cullen to Elizabeth.

"There is something you could do." Leliana stepped up to the table. "A Chantry Cleric by the name of Mother Giselle has asked to speak with you. She is not far and knows those involved far better than I. Her assistance could be invaluable."

"I'll see what she has to say," Elizabeth confirmed.

"You will find Mother Giselle tending to the wounded in The Hinterlands near Redcliffe." Leliana pointed to the map.

"Look for other opportunities to expand the Inquisition's influence while you're there," Cullen suggested.

"We need agents to extend our reach beyond this valley, and you're better suited than anyone to recruit them," Josephine assured.

"In the meantime, let's think of other options. I won't leave this all to the Herald," Cassandra stated.

They heard a chirp, and Spirit flew in and landed on Elizabeth's outstretched arm.

"Who is this?" Leliana asked, walking around the table.

"Spirit." Elizabeth looked from Leliana to the bird.

"She's gorgeous!"

"Very well-mannered," Josephine added. "Her disposition is very closely related to Ella's— the Herald's."

Elizabeth gave a disgusted growl. "Ella."

"You deserve a degree of respect, Your Worship." Josephine bowed.

"'My Lady', 'Your Worship', 'Lady Trevelyan', anything but 'Herald'." Elizabeth shook her head. Spirit stepped over to Leliana's arm after she put her hand over Elizabeth's. "Is there anything else I need to know at the moment?"

"Just this." Leliana pointed to the table. "This is the war table. It is used to send us as your advisors, and our forces, to complete various operations around Thedas."

"The parchments in your hand are requests made from people outside the Inquisition," Cassandra added. "Should someone need something, you decide who would be better suited to take care of it."

"Which reminds me," Josephine approached her, "do you have a moment?"

Elizabeth nodded. "What do you need, Josie?"

"I'd like to discuss your family," she replied.

Herald:

Your Inquisition says it's for order against chaos, reason in darkness. If you stand by this, come forth and drive the heretics from my lands. They claim to be refugees, but I have seen elves and apostates among them! Filthy savages, tearing at our roots. Our Monarch refuses to send forth armies, and my own knights were decimated at the Conclave. I require your aid to return peace to my lands!

Prove your loyalty, and I will see you richly rewarded for your faith.

Praise the light,

Lord Kildarn of Ferelden

Elizabeth glanced up, individually observing each of the three advisors in front of her. They stood still, letting her stare deep, not the least bit concerned what it might be for. After a moment, Elizabeth handed the parchment to Leliana.

"Can you address Lord Kildarn's situation?"

She observed the letter, nodding. "We can take advantage of the Lord's raving. My spies can harass the refugees into moving somewhere else, to win Lord Kildarn's favor."

"Thank you, my lady." Elizabeth turned to Josephine. "What would you like to discuss, my darling?"

"Firstly" she handed a parchment to Elizabeth, "how should we handle this?"

Letter from an Inquisition Diplomat to Ambassador Montilyet:

Dear Lady Montilyet:

It is true. Distant relations of the House Trevelyan are claiming "close friendship with the Herald of Andraste." A boast is one matter, but the boundaries of tact and decency appear to be invisible to these mountebanks.

During a ball in the south quarter, I witnessed a cousin five times removed from Lady Trevelyan threaten to have the Inquisition fight his rival! He quickly left the party after I made my connection with the Inquisition clear, but the problem stands. We must deal with the Herald's relatives taking her name in vain.

Lady Buttlefort

"Poor Lady Buttlefort. She deals with my distant family's rowdy ways much too often."

Josephine snorted. "You come from great stock, Ella. Regardless, it's made your family a bit bolder than necessary."

"You know I trust your judgment. What would you suggest?" Elizabeth inquired.

"This sort of thing is inevitable. Your relations may become much more circumspect if we promise them future favors."

Elizabeth bobbed her head. "I agree. What else?"

"Secondly, I'd like to dispatch a courier asking the Banns of House Trevelyan to align themselves with us," she confessed. "What are your thoughts? Should we approach your family for their formal support of the Inquisition?"

"If that's what you want, I'll send a letter to my family," Elizabeth promised. "They'll respect the request if it comes from me. But your seal will greatly help."

"Wonderful!" Josephine chirped, then grinned. "It will save me some time. Val Royeaux has noted your lineage. It gives the Inquisition some legitimacy, although not so much as we'd hoped."

"Why not?" Elizabeth wondered.

Leliana giggled. "You are from Ostwick. Orleasian nobles consider the Free Marches somewhat…"

"Quaint." Josephine finished her train of thought.

Elizabeth's orbs bounced between her two female advisors. "The fact that I'm a mage isn't what gave them pause?"

"You're not an unfamiliar sight," Cullen replied. "Mages from noble families are given more leeway."

"Besides," Josephine muttered, "Ostwick's circle had a reputation for being rather sedate."

"I liked the quiet," Elizabeth reminisced, "but my parents made arrangements. I visited home from time to time."

"What parent wouldn't want to prevent their child from growing into a stranger?" Josephine bowed her head. "Especially yours. Farah and Garrett wouldn't let it happen. I hope that it didn't sour your relations with the Templars."

Elizabeth uttered, "I was completely infatuated with one of the Templars."

"No! What came of it?" Josephine gasped. "Was it Lucas?" Elizabeth turned a light shade of red. "You minx! What happened?"

"We—" she glanced at Cullen, and her eyes grew wide. "Nothing."

Josephine smirked, switching to Antivan, thinking that it would offer more privacy. "We will catch up more later."

"I look forward to it. I have my own questions." Elizabeth winked.

"Your Antivan is very fluent, Elizabeth," Leliana admired.

"Our Lady Trevelyan loves language. She knows what? Seventeen different languages?" Josephine bragged.

"Seventeen?!" Everyone said in unison.

Elizabeth peered down, tucking some hair behind her ears.

"Josephine!" Elizabeth whispered.

"Orleasian?" Leliana shifted.

Elizabeth responded in Orlesian, "Yes, just don't make me talk about the cheese feeling despair."

Cullen chuckled, causing Leliana to observe him. "Does our Commander know Orlesian too?"

"I have learned enough to catch a word here or there." He laughed again. "Despairing cheese is a national pastime."

Elizabeth leaned down, writing 'Leliana' and 'Josephine's' names on pieces of parchment. "Leliana here and Josie here. Anything else?"

"Nothing that needs immediate attention, Herald." Elizabeth glared at Cassandra. She shook her head. "It stays."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes with a deep breath. "Fine."

"When would you like to leave for The Hinterlands?" the Seeker wondered.

"Let's plan to go in a week," Elizabeth responded. "I need to make sure everyone has the things they require before we leave."

Cassandra nodded. "Perfect. Take a tour of Haven while we have some downtime. Seek out our Apothecary, Smith, and Requisitions Specialist. They will help you get everything you need."

"Thank you." Elizabeth smiled.

"Till then," Josephine paused, handing her things off to an assistant and took Elizabeth's arm, "you are coming with me. We have so much to catch up on and discuss. Start with Lucas."

"Maker's breath! Let's talk about your liaisons," Elizabeth side-tracked.

"Liaison, hm?" Josephine smirked. "Do tell."

Elizabeth chuckled as the two women walked out of the room. Leliana and Solas left, also carrying on a conversation. Cullen was staring at Elizabeth, taking in the sound of her laughter.

"I see hearts in those eyes," Varric teased.

Cullen glared. "It's nothing like what it seems, dwarf."

"Easy, Curly." Varric put his hands up.

"She is very well educated. One can see the appeal." Cassandra relaxed. "I am pleased she chose to stay."

Cullen's face distorted. "It's merely admiration you are seeing."

"If you say so, Curly," Varric jested, stepping out of the War Room.

Elizabeth seized the soup bowls that Flissa spooned out for her and Josephine and carried them to the table, setting them down. The gorgeous Antivan woman buttered some of her bread as Elizabeth put her napkin on her lap.

"So tell me about Lucas," Josephine pleaded. "What happened between you two?"

"Nothing." Elizabeth shrugged.

"So modest."

Elizabeth snickered. "Not modesty. Lucas and I became close after my time ended with Timothy."

"How close?"

"Close enough to try a relationship," Elizabeth admitted. "Lucas warned me that he wasn't the relationship type, but that he felt a deeper connection with me that he didn't have with any of the previous women in his life. Inevitably Lucas cheated. I was still upset as we were also friends, but he did warn me. After that, we ended it, but not before laying everything out on the table and coming up with a solution. I call it 'The Agreement.' I do have to admit, though, that since then, things between us have been odd. For the time being, it's just sex. If you'd even call it that, he and I haven't had a 'session' in over a year."

Josephine giggled. "He was a magnificent looking man."

"He still is." Elizabeth jolted her shoulders once more.

"So that was it?" Josephine pouted.

"Well, tell me about you, then?"

The Antivan woman grinned. "Charles was the last. We stayed together for a while, only broke things off eight months ago."

"What happened?"

"He was," Josephine paused, thinking for a moment, "clingy, as you previously stated. He started to show up at my work and would spend hours there to get my attention. It became overwhelming. The sex may have been good, but…"

"Not worth the lack of space."

Josephine slightly leaned forward. "But we remain friends. Which seems to be difficult for him to process."

"You are a beautiful woman, Josie. He wants more."

She snickered. "Still a flatterer."

"I know no other way to be," Elizabeth replied. "Tell me about your work. Last we talked, you had finished your degree at the University of Orlais, then went back to Antiva. You said you were trying for a position with King Fulgeno."

"I got it!" she admitted. "I was the official diplomat between him and Empress Celene. It suited me, Ella. I was able to enjoy the job I always wanted, and I traveled much."

Elizabeth cooed, "I am pleased! But, I have to wonder, why did you leave a life you were in love with to come here?"

"Because I am in love with you, more." Josephine warmly smiled at her friend. "You've always been like a sister to me, Ella. You needed someone with my skills. I wouldn't have let anyone else even come near you if I could help it."

"Thank you, Josie." Elizabeth blew the woman a kiss, making her friend chuckle. Elizabeth took a sip of her drink and swallowed. "Are you still playing the lute to pass the time? Or how about the harp? You were learning that the last time we spoke."

"Not nearly as much as I would like," she admitted. "I wish I had time for more hobbies. Yours? Are you still playing the violin?"

"I took a break from it to learn the lute, guitar, and piano, but came back." Elizabeth smiled. "It's too relaxing not to play."

"Music?" Josephine finished, pushing her bowl away.

"Still writing it." She sighed. "Though recently, I've had too much muse and have started pieces before finishing others. I have at least 13 that I have not completed."

"Finished any since the last time we were together?"

Elizabeth nodded. "I have! Quite a few, actually."

"I would love to hear them!" Josephine squealed. "I need your soothing music back in my life."

"Well, let's plan to get together this week. I know you are busy, so just let me know when you can set aside time. I'll play for you, but I have a few duo pieces that I wrote in hopes we would play together."

"There's no need to even ask," Josephine scoffed.

"Well, I better go talk to some of the people Cassandra suggested." Elizabeth put her bowl with Josephine's.

"Come by and see me sometime today or tomorrow!" Josephine told her.

"I will!" Elizabeth guaranteed.

Before Elizabeth could leave, Flissa approached, getting her attention.

"Excuse me, Herald," she said with a sweet voice.

"Is there something that I can help you with?"

"There is." Flissa tossed her hands nervously. "My meat supply is running rather low. I was wondering if you could help me by hunting for more ram? I was going to ask some of the commander's men, but he sent quite a few of them to keep an eye on the temple. I don't know if he has anymore he can currently spare."

Elizabeth put her hand on the woman's arm. "Of course! I can do it tomorrow morning. Or is that too late?"

"No." The woman shook her head with a smile. "I still have a few days' worth."

"Okay. Tomorrow morning it is then."

"Thank you, Lady Herald."

Flissa returned to refilling beer mugs. Elizabeth turned to Josephine; the two women grinned at each other, saying their goodbye's. Elizabeth shuffled out of the tavern, taking a left, where she went up the stone steps toward the Apothecary's hut. When the young woman entered, a man conversed with a tranquil, so Elizabeth stood in the corner, quietly waiting for her turn to get his attention. While she was standing by, however, she stumbled upon a note on his desk.

Patient Observations

Day Two

Pulse normal, breathing normally.

Still unresponsive; careful drop-feed of prep.

Elfroot Extract to hasten her recovery.

A lot of thrashing. Mutters about too many eyes. Something about 'The Grey.' Encouraging?

"Look who's back from the dead," the man got her attention, "again."

"I don't recall meeting you before," Elizabeth replied.

"I'd be surprised if you did," he mentioned. "You weren't particularly coherent. Someone had to patch you up after you staggered your way down that mountainside, though, so you're welcome."

"I didn't realize it." Elizabeth bowed her head. "Thank you."

"Yeah, well," he stammered, then exhaled. "You can pay me back by fixing the world—name's Adan. I'm in charge of keeping our little band here stocked with potions and elixirs. Not that Seeker Pentaghast seems to care whether we've got the supplies to actually do that."

"For a healer, you don't seem particularly nurturing," Elizabeth said slowly.

"I'm not a healer," Adan revealed. "I'm the alchemist. I've just been forced to play mother hen. You want something to burst into flame on contact with the air? Done. Gladly. Patching up wounded soldiers is a waste of my time and talents, but there are few around who can help."

"How are people holding up?" Elizabeth asked him.

"There's no shortage of work" the man crossed his arms, "that's for damn sure."

"Is there anything I can do to help out?" Elizabeth stepped closer to him.

"We're fine as far as raw lyrium goes." Adan jerked his head. "You've more important things to do than tend to me. I only wish I'd been able to find Master Taigen's notes. The old bastard was working on something special. He died at the Conclave, and his notes weren't here. Been too busy dealing with the wounded to look for them."

"I could find them for you," Elizabeth offered.

"I would be truly indebted to you."

Elizabeth put a hand up. "Nonsense. I came up with a few recipes of my own before leaving the Circle. I was an alchemist there. Well, it was my major study."

"I would be glad to take a look." Adan held his hand out for the paper. "Maker's breath! You found a way to make a healing bomb?"

Elizabeth nodded. "I did. The recipe is tricky, but I've gotten it to work."

"I would love to see it personally, your worship."

"Make me a few, and I will have Cullen help us," Elizabeth guaranteed.

Adan bowed his head. "It's the least I can do for you if you find those notes."

"Take care, Adan." Elizabeth beamed at him. "I believe you are quite capable, but if you have any questions about the recipes on here, send a messenger."

"I will, thank you."

Elizabeth pivoted on her heels, exiting the hut. The sun was beginning to sink below the mountaintops. As she was drinking in the sunset, she noticed Solas ascending the cobbled steps.

"Solas," she greeted him.

"My Lady." Solas bowed gracefully.

"I have to talk to Cullen about something, but if you are feeling up to entertaining me, I would be glad to swap stories!"

"I would be honored," Solas responded. "I will be here."

"This is yours?" She pointed to her left.

The elf nodded. "It is."

"Great, I will see you in about half an hour?"

"I look forward to it." Solas smiled.

Elizabeth made her way around the camp, searching for Cullen. She made her way through the large wooden doors after Varric gave her directions. Sure enough, Cullen was there to her right. She casually went over to the Inquisition's commander, trying not to interrupt.

"You there!" Cullen pointed at a man in front of him. "There's a shield in your hand. Block with it. If this man were your enemy, you'd be dead. Lieutenant, don't hold back. The recruits must prepare for a real fight, not a practice one."

"Yes, Commander." He saluted, then walked over to the men and started assisting them.

Cullen noticed Elizabeth approaching. "Trevelyan," he greeted.

She halted for a moment, her eyes going to his. "I realize I never got your last name during formal introductions."

"No, you did not." He smirked. "I would like to keep it that way. I am a lowly commoner."

"A man who plays hard to get," she said, raising an eyebrow. "I'll keep that in mind."

"Why would you…?" He cleared his throat when he saw the expression on her face. "U-um… Maker's Breath!"

Elizabeth managed a laugh. "Are you afraid I'll get past that tough exterior, Commander?"

"No." He blushed, then turned to fully face her. "I'll make you a deal, My Lady: if you can figure it out, I'll give you something for your effort. My only rule is that you cannot get assistance from anyone here. They already know."

"Oh! So, you aren't all business. Could have fooled me."

Cullen shrugged. "I've been known to show mercy from time to time."

"All right, Commander." Elizabeth crossed her arms. "What boon do I get as a show of your kind mercy?"

"What would you like?"

"Scandalous."

Cullen observed her for a moment, then realized where Elizabeth was going. He immediately turned red. "My Lady!"

Elizabeth stopped herself from laughing. "How about coin?"

Cullen sighed with relief. "I can do that."

"All right, Commander. But, I make no promises on the next bet."

"Maker's breath!" He blushed again.

"You make it easy."

"You do too," he muttered, then realized she heard it. He cleared his throat. "We received several recruits over the last few days—locals from Haven and some pilgrims. None made quite the entrance you did."

She shrugged. "At least I got everyone's attention."

"That you did." He snickered. "I was recruited to the Inquisition in Kirkwall, myself. I was there during the mage uprising—I saw firsthand the devastation it caused."

"Ser!" a man called to him as Elizabeth and Cullen passed by a few of his soldiers.

Cullen turned to the messenger and took the board. "Cassandra sought a solution. When she offered me a position, I left the Templars to join her cause. Now it seems we face something far worse."

Elizabeth looked at her hand as she brought it up. "I must have this mark for a reason. It will work. I'm sure of it."

"Provided we can secure aid—but I'm confident we can," he concluded. "The Chantry lost control of both the Templars and mages. Now they argue over a new Divine while the Breach remains. The Inquisition can act when the Chantry cannot. Our followers would be part of that. There's so much we can—" he shook his head, noticing Elizabeth's expression. "Forgive me. I doubt you came here for a lecture."

"No. But if you have one prepared, I'd love to hear it." Elizabeth mused.

Cullen chuckled. "Another time, perhaps."

Cullen noticed the smirk on Elizabeth's features, something she ostensibly did with him more than anyone else she encountered. The expression made his knees feeble. It didn't help when coupled with her peculiar but enticing eyes. He had to vacate the thoughts, or it would be evident that he was gawking.

"I, ah—" he cleared his throat once more. "There's still a lot of work ahead."

Another scout approached. "Commander! Ser Rylan has a report on our supply lines."

Cullen looked back at her. "As I was saying."

Elizabeth put her hand on his forearm. "Before you go, I had another motive for seeking you out. Well, a few."

"What can I help with?"

"I spoke to Adan." She sighed, slightly shaking her head. "I wish someone would have told me he was an actual alchemist."

"What happened?" Cullen faced her.

"Well, I assumed he was a healer." Elizabeth glanced to the side, then back to Cullen. "I was a bit testy with his less than nurturing encounter. In any case, he told me about Master Taigen having some notes and recipes of use. I said that I would find them. In exchange, he promised to make some of my recipes."

"You have recipes?"

Elizabeth nodded. "Alchemy was my strongest field of study."

"Explains the bomb you made off-hand when you came to the temple," Cullen recalled.

"I also need to gather some herbs, and I told Flissa I would get her some ram's meat." Elizabeth stepped closer to him. "I would prefer a companion, but I know you are busy—"

Cullen bowed. "I can take the time if you need my help."

"We will be working together," Elizabeth concluded. "It would be a good opportunity to get better acquainted."

"I agree," he replied.

"I know you have morning drills, so when would be best?"

"After breakfast, preferably," Cullen stated.

"I will meet you here, then."

He smiled. "Very well."

Elizabeth strolled by, catching his scent on the light breeze. He smelled like beeswax and linseed oil from his armor polish. Then there was the aroma of oakmoss, elderflower, and hints of elderberry, wood, and spices, the essence she recalled from being in and out over the last few days. She couldn't help but close her eyelids as the smell enveloped her. Elizabeth took a deep breath as she roamed through the gates and over toward Solas' hut. On her way, she figuratively bumped into Leliana and Spirit.

Leliana held her arm out so that Spirit could go back to Elizabeth.

"How was she?"

"I am in love with her," Leliana swooned. "She is so well behaved. Not easily restless."

"She is content to be in one place," Elizabeth said. "It helped when I was in the Circle. I thought she might go stir crazy, but she did well."

"She is well-trained. Was it you?"

Elizabeth nodded. "Yes, it was."

"You did a remarkable job!" Leliana extolled. "The bracelet on her ankle allows her to travel through the portals, yes?"

"Yes," Elizabeth confirmed. "It makes her valuable in emergencies."

"I am glad," Leliana replied.

Leliana and Elizabeth conversed a few more minutes, then Elizabeth resumed her path to Solas' hovel. She knocked on the door, and Solas opened it.

"Welcome." The elf motioned her in, then closed the door. "I have made us some elfroot stew. I figured you could use some to get your strength up."

"Sounds amazing!"

Elizabeth sat cozily in a nearby armchair while Solas spooned some soup into bowls. The two mages savored their warm brew as they carried on an effortless conversation. The elf's tone was soothing, and his educated dialogue made for a pleasant exchange. The reticence that fell afterward was by no means an awkward or uneasy feeling. Solas seized the dish from her, setting it on the wooden tabletop near the doorway. When he returned, he served them both some mead, returning to his seat.

"The Chosen of Andraste, A blessed Hero, sent to save us all."

"I didn't ask for this." Elizabeth shrugged. "But, someone has to find a way to seal this Breach."

"Spoken nobly indeed." Solas glanced over at her. She seemed to be mulling over his words. "You think I'm mocking you. This age has made people cynical."

"My sympathies, Solas. A habit, I suppose." Elizabeth took a sip of her drink. "Please, tell me what's on your mind."

Solas gazed into the fire in front of them. "I've journeyed deep into the Fade in ancient ruins and battlefields to see the dreams of the lost civilizations. I've watched as hosts of spirits clash to reenact the bloody ancient wars, both famous and forgotten. Every great war has its heroes. I'm just curious what kind you'll be. Especially given my new-found knowledge of you."

"What do you mean, ruins and battlefields?" Elizabeth questioned.

"Any building strong enough to withstand the rigors of time has a history. Every battlefield is steeped in death," he spoke, "and both attract spirits. They press against the veil, weakening the barrier between our worlds. When I dream in such places, I go deep into the Fade. I can find memories no other living being has ever seen."

"You fall asleep in the middle of ancient ruins? Isn't that dangerous?"

"I do set wards," he replied, "and if you leave food out for the giant spiders, they are usually content to live and let live."

"I've never heard of someone going so far into the Fade," she responded with awe. "That's extraordinary!"

"Thank you." Solas smiled. "It's not a common field of study for obvious reasons. Not so flashy as throwing fire or lightning. The thrill of finding remnants of a thousand-year-old dream? I would not trade it for anything."

"As a Bellator, there were few areas of study I lacked," Elizabeth told him, "the Fade was one of my last areas of research. I was only a few years in when all this began."

"I would be happy to help, should you choose to continue," Solas offered.

"I guess that means…"

Solas chuckled. "It means I will stay, at least until the Breach is closed."

"Was that in doubt?" Elizabeth asked with an amused tone.

"I am an apostate," he reminded her. "I'm surrounded by forces in the middle of a mage rebellion. Cassandra has been accommodating, but you understand my caution."

Elizabeth nodded. "I do. But Cassandra trusts you. Believe me, being on the other side of that is exhausting."

Solas laughed. "I suppose you are right."

Elizabeth put a hand on his forearm. "She won't let anyone put you in a circle against your will."

"Thank you." Solas bowed. "I appreciate the thought. For now, let us hope either the mages or the Templars have the power to seal the Breach."

"Indeed," Elizabeth agreed. "I'm glad you are staying, Solas."

"Thank you, Lady Herald."

Elizabeth sat back in her chair. "Would you mind telling me more about the Fade from your perspective?"

"Anything in particular?"

Elizabeth jolted her shoulders. "Just generalized information will do. I know some, but only a little as I was merely in the beginning stages. How long have we known of the Fade?"

"The study of the Fade is as old as humankind. For so long as men have dreamed, we have walked its twisting paths, sometimes catching a glimpse of the city at its heart. Always as close as our thoughts, but impossibly separated from our world."

"Have you seen it? The city, I mean."

"From a distance, yes," he replied.

"It might be an odd question, but do any maps or at least any written layouts of the Fade exist?"

"The Tevinter Imperium once spent vast fortunes of gold, lyrium, and human slaves to map the terrain of the Fade, and ultimately a futile endeavor." Solas shook his head. "Although portions of it belong to powerful spirits, all of the Fade is in constant flux. The Imperium succeeded in finding the disparate and ever-shifting realms of a dozen demon lords, as well as cataloging a few hundred types of spirits before they were forced to abandon the project."

"Any idea why? Or could we safely assume the answer to that question?"

Solas stretched the edge of his lips. "It is the Tevinter Imperium; anything could be possible."

"I suppose that's true." Elizabeth snickered. "What is the Fade like for Dreamers?"

"The relationship of dreamers to the Fade is complex," Solas confessed. "Even when entering the Fade through the use of lyrium, mortals are not able to control or affect it. The Chantry teaches us, the great flaw of the spirits is that they have neither imagination nor ambition. They create what they see through their sleeping visitors, building elaborate copies of our cities, people, and events, which, like the reflections in a mirror, ultimately lack context or life of their own. Even the most powerful demons merely plagiarize the worst thoughts and fears of mortals and build their realms with no other ambition than to taste life."

"Hm," Elizabeth hummed.

"Most of this information can be found in 'Tranquility and the Role of the Fade in Human Culture' by First Enchanter Josephus. I recommend it."

"I will have to get my hands on it," Elizabeth made a mental note.

"Let me know when you do. I would like to know what you think. Maybe even discuss some of its contents."

"I will notify you."

For the next few hours, Solas and Elizabeth discussed an abundance of things, but mostly Elizabeth. Solas asked her questions about her time in the Circle of Ostwick. He wanted to know what it was like for her once people knew what she was. Though, she confessed very few people were privy to that knowledge. The young woman also explained her final days before departing the circle. Solas and Elizabeth later conversed about Spirit and how mythical she was. A white falcon, a rarity. After a few more mugs of mead and a few laughs, Elizabeth made her way back to her cabin. After entering, she lit a fire then padded over to her workplace, where she found a parchment.

Herald,

I took the liberty of getting Spirit a set up that she could enjoy when you are here at Haven.

-L

"That was sweet of her." Elizabeth glanced at Spirit.

Elizabeth took the door off the cage's hinges, then set Spirit's favorite warm fabric inside. Once Spirit was in, Elizabeth went to her desk and sat down, writing a few letters to some special people. Afterward, she wrote in her journal for about an hour. After feeling her eyelids getting heavy, the young woman closed her journal and blew out the candle. She stripped down to her skin and climbed into bed after adding another log to the fireplace.