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.
As Cassandra, Elizabeth, and Cullen neared the chantry, Elizabeth noticed Adan exiting the doors. Before he was too far, Elizabeth captured the potion master's attention. His expression lit up at the woman's appearance, his demeanor instantly respectful. His head bowed slightly as she approached.
"Elizabeth," he greeted.
"I found more schematics, but they are unfinished. Almost as if whoever was working on them gave up. There are a few I think you would have a better lead on than I. I will be busy over the next few days, but I will have them sent to you once I divide them up accordingly."
"I will do what I can," he responded.
"When I get some free time, we'll compare?"
"I would love that," the alchemist said. "Just send them my way, and I will start working on them."
"Great, if you need me to gather materials while I'm out, get the list to Cullen or Leliana, they'll send it with Spirit."
"Absolutely!" He nodded.
"Thank you, Adan."
Adan smiled before proceeding down the path toward his hut. Cassandra, Elizabeth, and Cullen entered the chantry doors, everyone patiently waiting for their presence. The trio took their seats, Josephine setting plates down in front of the new arrivals.
"Uh, shouldn't Elizabeth be eating something with less" Leliana thought for a moment, "bloating properties?"
Josephine laughed. "Ella doesn't bloat. She has a figure every woman craves."
The doors opened, and Alex and Martin quickly came in. Everyone curiously watched them as they went over to Elizabeth.
Alex spoke in Orlesian so most wouldn't understand what her and Elizabeth were conversing about. "He's on his way, Herald."
Martin leaned over Elizabeth's shoulder, imitating Alex's caution, "And he's not happy about the situation."
"Does he know that I did it?" Elizabeth asked.
"I don't think so." Alex shook her head then giggled. "You should have been there when he came out of his tent. He was glowing red, Herald."
Josephine made a noise of annoyance. "What did you do now, Ella?"
Elizabeth kept to Orlesian when responding, "Who? Me? What makes you think I did anything at all?"
"The famous words of Elizabeth Trevelyan." Josephine sighed.
"I want to know who did this at once!" Roderick said as he hobbled in with a few of his 'followers' behind him.
"What is it now?" Cassandra grumbled.
"Some twit put cement in our boots, and now they won't come off," Roderick sneered.
Leliana made a noise of disgust. "What is that ungodly smell?"
"They also put druffalo manure in the mix," Roderick growled. "I want to know who did this!"
"Relax, Chancellor," Josephine calmed him. "I am sure it's just some kids playing an elaborate prank. There is no need to get upset."
"Upset?" he roared. "My boots will not come off and I smell! There are dignitaries here! Other members of the Chantry from Orlais!"
"We'll find the upstarts," Leliana promised. "Meanwhile, go see Adan, he can help."
"You better find out who did this, Ambassador," Roderick glared. "I will not tolerate this from mature adults. You are supposed to be a distinguished woman, but this shows you are just as bad as these ingrates."
After he left, Josephine turned around. "Elizabeth Charlotte Trevelyan!"
Martin and Alex were standing shoulder-to-shoulder. The group saw Elizabeth's index finger come out from behind the soldier's legs. After some silent snickers from everyone else and Elizabeth trying to compose herself, she came out slowly drying her eyes.
"Yes?" Her words were now voiced where all present could understand.
"That has all three of your names written all over it!" Josephine eyed her.
"You did that?" Solas asked.
"I can neither," she paused trying to hold it in. "I can," she paused again, this time doubling over. After a few moments, she stood up straight. "His feet are covered in druffalo shit."
Everyone in the room burst out laughing.
"Oh come on, Josie." Leliana looked up at her. "You have to admit that it is funny."
The Ambassador started chuckling. "Andraste's grace. He's going to be mad when he finds out."
Elizabeth wiped her eyes. "He won't."
"What did he do to deserve such an amazing prank?" Varric wondered.
Elizabeth shrugged. "He insulted Cullen. I didn't like it, so I took a cement mixture and added a special potion. Once it makes contact with the warmth of the skin, it quickly dries. I also happened to add druffalo manure for good measure. Not a complicated recipe."
"Why does this have your name all over it?" Leliana questioned.
Elizabeth motioned for Josephine to proceed with the story. "Ella has never really liked how prissy Orlesians can be. When they came to visit her family, she would often do this to their shoes."
"He got this for insulting, Cullen hm?" Varric winked.
"Not fair!" Elizabeth retorted. "I have a plan in place if he insults any one of you. I don't take kindly to people like him verbally abusing those who mean something to me."
"He's insulted me…" Cassandra mentioned.
"I know." Elizabeth looked at her.
"And?"
"It will unfold slowly." She smiled evilly. "I want you to take pleasure in it."
"He insulted Ruffles just now," Varric responded. "Please tell me you have a plan for that."
"Oh I do," she admitted. "But that one you are going to have to wait for too."
"You tease." Varric chuckled.
"I am."
"You seem to take pleasure in that," Varric stated.
After about an hour of sitting at the table and conversing, Elizabeth stood and dismissed herself so she could make her way to the portal. Alex and Martin walked ahead of her and Cullen, who joined. Spirit was also with them but squawked, then took off from Cullen's arm as he slowly lifted it up, giving her a gentle boost. At first, they enjoyed the comfortable silence until Elizabeth noticed Cullen's face.
"Something weighs heavily on you." She faced him. "What is it?"
He looked at her nervously. "I know it is a bit of an odd time to be thinking about such a thing, and I wanted to ask you the night we talked, but I waited."
"Ask me now." She nudged him. "Even if you feel like it's out of place."
"Well, I was wondering what happened with Rachel?"
Elizabeth took a breath then exhaled. "It's a fair question. I've brought up her death numerous times. The quick, less detailed story is that she tore open giving birth to Simon. I didn't catch it, and we lost her. She had some time with us before finally passing. Regardless of what happened, I was happy that her and David had a final moment."
Cullen took her hand in both of his. "I'm sorry, Elizabeth."
"Cullen." She smiled.
"It's a personal moment, and you're vulnerable," he replied. "I'm not going to keep you at arm's length."
She gave a swooning sigh as she peered into his gorgeous eyes. "Thank you."
"We're friends. I should use it more in private company."
"You were a knight. It's in your blood to be strict and conservative at this point I think. But I'm glad you stepped out of your comfort zone."
Cullen laughed nervously. "I'm trying."
"I'm proud of you." She grinned. "Think you can make it through tonight? I know life is boring without me."
He shook his head trying to hide his amusement. "It can be, but I've learned to manage."
As they made it to the portal, they saw Alex and Martin standing by the fast travel. Cullen and Elizabeth approached just as Alex playfully shoved Martin.
"All right you two." Elizabeth chuckled. "Don't make me separate you."
Martin nodded. "Yes, ma'am."
Josephine arrived with Spirit on her arm. "Everything is set up for you, Ella."
"Perfect," Elizabeth responded.
"The dress is getting delivered to the spa." Josephine stared at her list then up to Elizabeth. "Other than that, everything else should be set."
"Thank you for doing this, Josephine."
"I'll always be here to help you." She smiled.
Elizabeth kissed her cheek. She took Spirit as Josephine left, then handed her off to Cullen. She said goodbye to him, then went through the portal arriving in Orlais, Alex and Martin on her heels.
"Where are we headed, Herald?" Alex questioned.
"Just down the road." Elizabeth motioned them to follow her.
"Is it hard to walk through the streets here, when everyone seems to dislike you?" Martin wondered.
Elizabeth shrugged. "What people choose to believe is on them, I can't control their response."
"I wish I had that kind of mentality." Alex sighed.
"You're afraid of what people think of you?" Elizabeth inquired.
"Please." Alex peered at Elizabeth. "I broke bones on a swing making my mother angry and never cared, remember?"
Elizabeth laughed. "I do. So what are you apprehensive about?"
"Their opinion of you."
Elizabeth stopped and studied her. "Alexandra."
"Well" the guard woman shrugged her shoulders, "Cullen commands us, but you lead him. I wouldn't follow someone I thought was a bad person and I know Cullen wouldn't either. Not with everything people claim he's gone through. Truth or lies I do know he's had a difficult time with mages. I wouldn't be here if I didn't think you were innocent or a worthy leader."
Elizabeth put her hand on Alex's shoulder. "Thank you, Alex."
"We're with you, Herald."
Elizabeth cooed, "You, Martin, you have my heart."
"I am lucky indeed." He chuckled. "Does this mean I get to make the commander jealous?"
"What makes you think he would be?" Elizabeth asked slowly.
"You two are together, aren't you?" he asked her.
Elizabeth outright laughed. "No! We're just friends."
Alex squinted. "Are you sure?"
"I'm pretty sure I would know if I was in a relationship with the commander." Elizabeth smirked, shaking her head. "Come on. We're almost to the spa."
Alex and Martin escorted Elizabeth to the spa, where a lady was patiently waiting. She led Elizabeth to the back, starting her off with a mud bath for a quarter of an hour. After rinsing, Elizabeth was led to a private room for a massage, followed by a hot bath with oils and perfumes. The workers escorted her to a chair in the parlor. Her fiery strands styled into a double fish braid updo, curls falling from the bun and sides, accentuating the curves of her face. They added a few miniature golden flowers before aiding her into her dress.
Elizabeth wasn't fond of donning gowns, even those of her own making, but the physical results were hard to refuse. The evening gown was long enough to have a small train. The dress was a dull gold color with a faded burgundy sheer material over the golden layer. A halter top with two hoops connecting it to the collar bone added a dainty, intimate feeling. A corset adorned the waist with similar colors, a zipper in the middle, and small flowers threaded down the ribs. There was a slit up the side of the gown, exposing her long tanned legs. It wasn't in Elizabeth's initial design, but she figured Josie added it to assist in an easy-to-reach holster. She finished off the ensemble with matching shoes. Elizabeth observed her appearance in a nearby mirror before padding back to the front.
Both Alex and Martin gapped at her figure.
"You look gorgeous!" Alex cooed.
Elizabeth slightly bowed her head. "Thank you, Alex. Come on, we don't want to be late."
Alex, Elizabeth, and Martin weaved in and out of the streets until they made it to Viv's estate. Elizabeth approached the door, offering the doorman part of her invitation. He glanced at it, then bowed and motioned her, Alex, and Martin forward. The trio proceeded through the door, ascending the stairs where the herald was stationed. She handed him the invitation's insert. The herald found Elizabeth on the parchment, announcing her arrival.
"Lady Trevelyan of Ostwick, representing the Inquisition."
Elizabeth respectfully bowed her head, padding further into the ballroom. She shuffled her way to the middle of the room, where she stood with Alex and Martin. A waiter passed by with a tray of champagne, Alex seizing a flute, handing it to her. Elizabeth thanked her, then took a sip of the bubbly fluid. Before she could even swallow, a couple approached her position.
"What a pleasure to meet you, my lady." The man bowed. "Seeing the same faces at every event becomes so tiresome."
Elizabeth chuckled. "How despairing. The stories rarely change with old faces, especially if you attend the same parties every weekend."
"Yes." He nodded. "So you must be a guest of Madame de Fer. Or are you here for Duke Bastien?"
"I'm not familiar with that name." Elizabeth looked at him oddly. "I was invited by First Enchanter Vivienne."
"'Madame de Fer' is a fond nickname the court has given Lady Vivienne," the man revealed.
"I've heard she finds it amusing," the woman with him added.
"I've heard very little about Duke Bastien," Elizabeth hinted for more.
The woman leaned forward a little. "He hasn't been seen much at court lately."
"His business with the Council of Heralds often takes him from home for long periods," the man replied. "It can't be good for a man of his years."
The woman turned from him to Elizabeth. "Of course, there's the civil war. Bastien probably wishes to distance himself from the actions of his one-time son-in-law."
The man shook his head. "Tearing up the Dales in a foolish bid for power? It will end in disgrace for Gaspard. Everyone knows it."
"Are you here on business?" the woman asked next. "I have heard the most curious tales of you. I cannot imagine half of them are true."
"What have you heard about me, my lady?"
"Some say that when the Veil opened, Andraste herself delivered you from the Fade!" she said excitedly.
Elizabeth internally rolled her eyes, though slight amusement was written all over her facial features. "Some of those storytellers may have gotten carried away."
"But only for the best effect," she responded. "The Inquisition is a ripe subject for wild tales."
"The Inquisition?" Another man said as he descended the steps to Elizabeth's right. "What a load of pig shit! Washed-up sisters and crazed Seekers? No one can take them seriously. Everyone knows it's just an excuse for a bunch of political outcasts to grab power."
"That's not true!" Alex stepped forward. "We're just looking for Divine Justinia's killer."
"Of course you are," the man snorted. "I'm sure your army is out scouring the hills for her murderer as we speak. We know what your 'Inquisition' really is." He glanced at Elizabeth. "If you were a woman of honor, you'd step outside and answer the charges."
He reached behind him to grab his sword but froze in place. A beautiful dark woman walked down the stairs toward the group.
"My dear Marquis, how unkind of you to use such language in my house, to my guests. You know such rudeness is intolerable."
"Madame Vivienne, I humbly beg your pardon!" The man grunted.
"You should," Vivienne replied with coolness. "Whatever am I going to do with you, my dear?" Vivienne turned back to Elizabeth. "My lady, you're the wounded party in this unfortunate affair. What would you have me do with this foolish, foolish man?"
Elizabeth looked at him with one raised eyebrow. She studied him for a moment, then glanced at Vivienne. "I think the Marquis has seen the error of his ways."
Vivienne grabbed his chin and snapped. "By the grace of Andraste, you have your life, my dear. Do be more careful with it."
He coughed then left, the couple bowed, and Elizabeth returned it.
"It was very nice talking with you." Elizabeth smiled.
"You as well," the man replied.
"This way, my dear." Vivienne motioned Elizabeth to a side room with two full glasses of champagne. "I'm delighted you could attend this little gathering. I've so wanted to meet you. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Vivienne, First Enchanter of Montsimmard and Enchantress to the Imperial Court."
"Is that Marquis going to pose a problem?" Elizabeth nodded toward the door where they entered.
"His aunt is the Vicomtesse of Mont-de-Glace," she replied. "Not a powerful family but well-respected and very devout. Alphonse will be disowned for this. It's not the first time he's brought his aunt disgrace, but I'm sure it will be the last. And after public humiliation, I expect he'll run off to the Dales to join the Empress' war effort. Either to make a good end or to win back a modicum of self-respect. Or he could lurk in a dark alleyway to get revenge. He isn't an overly smart man. But I'm sure you can handle him. Ah" she smiled after a short pause, "but I didn't invite you to the Chateau for pleasantries. With Divine Justinia dead, the Chantry is in shambles. Only the Inquisition might restore sanity and order to our frightened people. As the leader of the last loyal mages of Thedas, I feel it only right that I lend my assistance to your cause."
"What exactly can you do for the Inquisition?" Elizabeth asked, taking a sip of her drink.
"I am well versed in the politics of the Orlesian Empire," Vivienne responded. "I know every member of the Imperial Court personally. I have all the resources remaining to the Circle at my disposal. And I am a mage of no small talent. Will that do, my dear?"
"Does that mean you'd be aiding the Inquisition from the Imperial Palace? Or do you wish to accompany me?"
"Ordinarily, I would be happy to serve as liaison to the court." She smiled. "But, these are not ordinary times. The Veil has been ripped apart, and there is a hole in the sky. It is now the duty of every mage to work toward sealing the Breach, and so I would join the Inquisition on the field of battle."
"You say you lead the last of the loyal mages. Loyal to whom?" Elizabeth wondered.
"To the people of Thedas, of course," Vivienne said. "We have not forgotten the commandment, as some have, that magic exists to serve man. I support an effort to restore such order."
Elizabeth leaned back. "So you stand for returning the mages to the Circle, then?"
"Where else can mages safely learn their talents, my dear?" Vivienne asked. "We need an Institution to protect and nurture magic. The Maker knows magic will find neither on its own."
"What's in this for you, my lady?" Elizabeth inquired.
"The same thing anyone gets by fighting this chaos: the chance to meet my enemy, to decide my fate. I won't wait quietly for destruction."
"Are you devout? What's your opinion about the Chantry?" Elizabeth continued her questioning.
"I was a great admirer of the late Divine Justinia V," she responded with a hint of sadness. "The Chantry, at its best, unites the desperate cultures of Thedas and looks after its most vulnerable. Had she lived, Justinia could have accomplished so much."
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. "You are aware that the Chantry hasn't sanctioned this Inquisition…"
Vivienne tossed her arms up. "The Chantry is leaderless. They're in no position to officially sanction anything. Besides, my dear, if there is one virtue the Chant of Light teaches us, it is forgiveness. Once the Inquisition has sealed the Breach, I'm sure the new Divine will not care in the slightest about official permission."
"I'd like to say on behalf of the Inquisition: we'd be happy to have you, Lady Vivienne." Elizabeth bowed in respect.
"Great things are beginning, my dear. I can promise you that." Vivienne grinned. "I have a few things to take care of before leaving. Can you give me an hour?"
"Of course!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "Take all the time you need. I have to meet another possible person of interest, but not till later in the evening."
"Let me go with you, my dear," Vivienne requested. "Take some time for yourself. Maker knows when you will be able to again."
Elizabeth nodded as the two of them left the room. Vivienne waltzed out onto the floor, mingling. Alex and Martin approached Elizabeth.
"Is she with us?"
"Yes," Elizabeth answered Alex. "She needs an hour to talk to a few people and to gather her things. From there we will meet up with this Red Jenny operative."
"Till then?" Martin wondered.
Elizabeth shrugged. "We mingle too."
Elizabeth sauntered around the room, meeting new people, and greeting familiar ones. She even danced with a few gentlemen of the court and ate a little food offered by waiters. By then, Vivienne was approaching. She notified the woman that all matters had been taken care of, and she was ready to leave. The four exited the chateau, making their way across the city to the meeting place for the Red Jenny operative.
Elizabeth carefully opened the mansion's side yard door, stumbling into a small group of guards. Martin and Alex unsheathed their swords, and Vivienne and Elizabeth stood at a ranged position, elements ready to assist. Once the guardsmen were eliminated, Martin and Alex rejoined Vivienne and Elizabeth.
"I didn't think we'd encounter people that fast."
"Me either." Alex looked up at Elizabeth. "That fight was pretty hectic, and all that managed to happen was a few curls falling to your face. Can I just tell you how much I hate you for that?"
Elizabeth laughed. "You love me, Alex."
"I do." She sighed.
They encountered another set of doors. Elizabeth made sure everyone was ready, then carefully opened them, stepping through. Just as the woman entered, she was narrowly hit by a fireball, then another, which she dodged just like the first.
"Herald of Andraste!" the man snarled. "How much did you expend to discover me? It must have weakened the Inquisition immeasurably!"
"I honestly don't know who you are." Elizabeth shook her head with a shrug.
"You don't fool me!" he scoffed. "I'm too important for this to be an accident! My efforts will survive in victories against you elsewhere!"
Alex, Elizabeth, Vivienne, and Martin heard grunting as an arrow flew past their position. They all turned to see a man fall dead in front of a female elf. She aimed at the pompous Orlesian, a satiated smirk gracing her facial features.
"Just say 'what!'"
"What is the-" the man fell dead mere seconds later.
"Eww!" The elf woman went over to the gentleman and pulled her arrow out of his throat. "Squishy one, but you heard me, right? 'Just say what.' Rich tits always try for more than they deserve. 'Blah Blah Blah! Obey me! Arrow in my face!' So, you followed the note well enough. Glad to see you're… you're kind of plain, really. All that talk, and then you're just a person. I mean, it's all good, innit? The important thing is: you glow? You're the Herald thingy?"
"Sure, why not? I glow," Elizabeth said slowly. "What's going on?"
"No idea." She shrugged. "I don't know this idiot from manners. My people just said the Inquisition should look at him."
"Your people? Elves?" Elizabeth wondered.
The elf woman chuckled. "Ha! No. People people. Name's Sera. This is cover. Get round it. For the reinforcements. Don't worry. Someone tipped me their equipment shed. They've got no breeches."
"What?" Elizabeth asked.
A man shouted at them as he ran out with no pants on, four others following him in the same condition.
"Right in the plums!" Sera shouted with amusement.
"Oh dear." Vivienne shot one with a lightning bolt.
"Why didn't you take their weapons?" Elizabeth wondered. Though she had to admit, this was pretty hilarious.
"Because, no breeches." Sera laughed.
The five of them quickly eliminated the small group of guards. Alex and Martin proved to be efficient soldiers. It was evident that their training, added to what Cullen had been teaching them, that they belonged in her Commander's most trusted category.
Sera went back over to Elizabeth. "Friends really came through with that tip. No breeches! So Herald of Andraste. You're a strange one. I'd like to join."
"How about we get to know each other first, my dear, hm?" Vivienne came up beside Elizabeth.
"Just names of who is involved and such." Elizabeth looked at the elf woman.
"One name," she said, then paused. "No, wait, two. It's, well, it's like this. I sent you a note to look for hidden stuff by my friends. 'The Friends of Red Jenny.' That's me. Well, I'm one. So is a fence in Montfort, some woman in Kirkwall. There were three in Starkhaven. Brothers or something. It's just a name, yeah? It lets little people, 'friends,' be part of something while they stick it to nobles they hate. So here, in your face, I'm Sera. 'The Friends of Red Jenny' are sort of out there. I used them to help you. Plus arrows."
"I'm still trying to get a sense of what Red Jenny is," Elizabeth said. "The Inquisition is almost an army now. Can you add to it?"
"Here's how it is" Sera put her hands up, using them to convey her point, "you 'important' people are up here, shoving your cods around. 'Blah, blah, I'll crush you. I'll crush you!" She made kissing noises. "'Oh crush you.' Ahem. Then you've got generals and oath bleachers, and sure, you have soldiers. Like dead guys protecting that other dead guy. All those helmets, and what gave them up? Some drunk gets a key lifted because someone else is pissed about bills. So no, I'm not Captain Swordface, all marchy. But if you don't listen down here too, you risk your breeches. Like those guards. I stole their… look, do you need people or not? I want to get everything back to normal. Like you?"
Elizabeth smiled. "All right, Sera. I can use you and your 'friends.'"
"Yes!" she replied happily. "Get in good before you're too big to like. That'll keep your breeches where they should be. Plus extra breeches, because I have all these." She looked at them then back to Elizabeth. "You have merchants who buy that pish, yeah? Got to be worth something. Anyway, Haven. Let's get there!"
Sera opened the gate, the group filtering through after searching for resources. Elizabeth escorted them to the portal. There were a few guards on duty, but Haven was quiet as everyone was sleeping. Elizabeth dismissed Alex and Martin, motioning for Sera and Vivienne to follow her through the gates. As they passed through, Sera broke off for the pub. Vivienne entered the chantry with Elizabeth but stopped to talk to Giselle when they noticed each other. Elizabeth stepped into the War Room, all her advisors and Cassandra quietly waiting for her return. Everyone gaped at the mage woman, jaws nearly to the floor.
Elizabeth observed their faces. "Y-Yes…"
Josephine squealed. "It turned out beautifully!"
"Yeah." Elizabeth squinted at her. "Thanks for stealing my design by the way. Who said you could raid my journals?"
"You designed that?" Leliana asked.
"Yes." Elizabeth exhaled.
"What about what you wore yesterday?"
Elizabeth nodded to her Spymaster. "I put them together."
"You do?" Cassandra asked.
"I have…" she thought for a moment "… different measurements. To put them together with such specially odd sizes would cost more than I am willing to pay someone. So I just taught myself."
"We are going to talk." Leliana smiled.
Elizabeth chuckled. "Anytime. Vivienne is here. She is talking with the mother, but she will need sleeping arrangements."
"I will take care of it." Josephine nodded to her.
"Good. She has plenty of contacts she is willing to give us as well."
"You did well," Leliana commended.
"Also" Elizabeth made a face of puzzlement, "Red Jenny. They've sent one of their people, and they are also at our disposal."
"Interesting tie." Cassandra looked at her.
"Honestly, it was a bit unexpected." Elizabeth brushed a curl from her face. "I went with it."
"More spies." Leliana smirked. "You know how to treat a girl."
Elizabeth observed the papers on the table. "Anything new?"
Just then two hands covered her face. "A present."
Elizabeth pulled the hands from her face and observed their familiarity. She turned, then happily squealed as she leaped into the man's arms. Everyone gave light-hearted chuckles as Elizabeth dug her face into his neck, crying and laughing.
"I'm sorry, Lady Cassandra," the guard said. "He said he knows the Herald."
"Yes," Elizabeth said as the man holding her, put her down. "It's all right."
Brian studied Elizabeth. "You have some good security around you."
"It's overwhelming," she admitted.
"But needed." He looked at her sternly.
Cassandra cleared her throat, causing Elizabeth to turn her attention. "Right, I'm sorry. This is my brother, Brian."
"I thought I saw a resemblance," Leliana said.
"Brian, this is Cassandra. Leliana handles the information network. Cullen, the military Commander. And you know Josie."
"I am so glad you are here with her, Josie," his tone jubilant.
"Where else would I be?"
He chuckled, greeting the others. "It's a pleasure to meet the people taking care of my baby sister. Then there's you, at the center, wearing this. I barely recognized you without all the dirt."
She playfully slapped his arm. "I haven't seen you in months, and that's the first thing you say to me?"
"You know he's an ass." Another man walked in.
"Who is that?" Cassandra looked at him wide-eyed.
"A close family friend." Brian turned to everyone. "Lucas. Lucas meet Cassandra, Leliana, Cullen, and you know Josie."
"Hello." He bowed his head.
The two of them embraced, then she looked back at the table. "Am I needed anymore tonight?"
"No." Leliana shook her head. "Spend time with your family. Everything else can wait till tomorrow."
Elizabeth took Brian in one arm and Lucas in the other and walked toward the doorway of the Chantry. Everyone else was starting to leave when Josephine stopped Cullen, but averted her gaze to Leliana.
"Tell Vivienne I will be out in a minute."
"As you wish." Leliana shut the door.
The Ambassador gazed at Cullen, the two quiet for a moment before she spoke, "I see that face often on other men when they look at Ella and Lucas together."
"What are you talking about?" Cullen asked, slightly annoyed.
"Cullen, I know the two of us aren't close friends, but we both deeply care about Elizabeth. Am I wrong?"
"I can't answer that." Cullen was quiet for a moment till he motioned to the door. "He's-"
"No!" Josephine stopped him. "Give me the truth, Cullen. We're not children in the school yard. Just because Elizabeth's my friend doesn't mean I am going to tell her anything you and I discuss pertaining to this situation."
Cullen sighed. "I'm starting to develop deep feelings for Elizabeth. But, what does it matter? He-"
She put her hand up. "I am going to give you advice right now, and I need you to pay very close attention if you do care about her. Lucas is not, nor will he ever be, anything more to her than a friend with occasional additions. As you know, they did try a relationship at one time, but he didn't stay faithful. After Timothy, she couldn't take it when it happened again. She has passed up other men and relationships because she thinks she's going to get hurt again. You're the first man she's even remotely taken an interest in, and the last thing you need to do is start comparing yourself to Lucas. Deep down, she wants someone who knows he's better than Lucas and is willing to prove it through action and not petty parallels."
"What makes you think I'm even her type?" Cullen retorted.
"Have you not seen Lucas?"
"I just did." Cullen's brows furrowed.
"He's tall, smells good, burly, flawless, perfect, beautiful eyes, thick curly hair," she looked at him. "All things she likes about you, no?"
"And?"
Josephine sighed. "You are all those things to her. Just as I won't tell her what you and I discuss, I won't tell you what we discuss. I will say, she does genuinely care about you, Cullen, but that's obvious. I'd wager your feelings toward each other are mutual."
"Yet, who has her right now?" He squinted. "I don't mean just physically."
"Do you know she's confessed more to you than she has to me?" When he faced her with a bit of shock, she nodded. "Yes. You have more pieces of Elizabeth than anyone outside her family. Lucas couldn't name her talents-"
Cullen listed a few, "Music, playing and writing. Literature, reading and writing. Art, drawing and painting."
"Food-"
Cullen managed a chuckle. "Oatmeal."
Josephine flared her nostrils. "Really?"
He nodded. "Yes, same as mine."
"This is what I am getting at," she replied. "If you keep going, I promise that you'll have more of her than Lucas ever has or ever will. I want her to have that guttural connection. Even if it's for you to show her that better men exist, it's still better than anything Lucas will ever offer her."
Cullen wrinkled his nose. "You make him sound like a bad person."
"Lucas is exquisite looking," she responded. "But, he's friends with her because of what she offers him in a physical capacity. On the surface, one would think he approves of these conditions. But I promise you my entire livelihood, if she cuts him off, their friendship will be diminished as a result. It has happened before. That is the type of person Lucas is deep down. He'll tell you that your friendship is all that matters, but it isn't. Aiden's impression, which is never wrong, proved as much."
"Does she know?" Cullen asked.
Josephine shook her head. "Aiden refuses to tell her. Just because he knows doesn't mean he makes decisions for her. She only grows if she makes her own choices. The only time Aiden would break his silence is if her very life were in danger. It hasn't been up to this point."
"I understand." He exhaled.
"I would be lying if I said I didn't want you two together." She smiled. "She's my Ella. I only want good and beautiful things in her life. I love who she is with you. Which is why I am telling you this."
"Thank you." He bowed his head. "I will accept your advice, Lady Montilyet."
"I know this hurts, but concentrate on the goal of it, Commander. Not on the current hurdle."
Josephine smiled warmly at him then grabbed her things and left the War Room. Cullen followed soon after, then exited the Chantry altogether. He was going toward his hut when he saw Brian looking up at the Breach. He slowly approached him, but before he could say anything, Brian did.
"Poor Emery." He exhaled.
"Yes," Cullen muttered. "My sympathies are with you and your family."
"Thank you, Commander."
"Cullen, please." He put his hand up.
Brian changed his greeting, "Cullen."
"Thank you for coming." Cullen looked at him. "Your sister is hiding her grief well."
"She will continue too." Brian put his head down.
"So she says."
"Did she tell you why?" her brother wondered.
Cullen jolted his shoulders. "Because it changes her."
"Do you have somewhere we can talk? Preferably outside. This weather is fantastic."
Cullen chuckled. "Yes."
Cullen led Brian to the log circle outside the gate, then added more wood to the fire and handed Brian his flask.
"Thank you." He took a sip. "This is impeccable brandy."
"From my hometown."
"Not bad." He took another sip then handed it to Cullen. "Anyhow, my sister told me that she revealed to you what she is."
"Elizabeth talks about us?"
Brian nodded. "You get at least a page and a half by yourself. I'm sorry if Lucas being here is uncomfortable."
"It's…" he stopped then looked up at him. "What exactly has Elizabeth told you?"
Brian laughed. "All of us brothers joke, but deep down we all know Ebbie is close to Aiden. She holds the biggest place for him, and we're okay with that. She needed him, and, with most of us younger teens at the time, we weren't concerned with our little sister, though that was a lie we told. She and I are next. Now Aiden probably has a better grip on the situation than I, but I do know you two flirt, a lot."
"We haven't had as much time together as we would like." Cullen turned from him to the fire.
"Yet you know more about her than I do."
Cullen chuckled. "Josephine says the same."
"She is like a sister to Elizabeth." Brian grinned. "She's been irreplaceable to my baby sister and for that I am grateful."
"I feel the same as Elizabeth does," Cullen confessed. "As a knight-captain, eventually promoted to knight-commander, I filled my time with my work. It's funny that I had less time then, and more time now, but it's not as easy as I thought. She seems so confident."
Brian snickered. "She's got you blinded, lad. Don't let her fool you. After Timothy, which you know about, and Lucas soon after, she was broken. This fling with Lucas is just an escape. Especially after what he did, he's not what I want for my sister. He is my best friend and–" he motioned toward her hut "-that going on right now is killing me more than you."
"Well, I can't be entitled to my jealousy like I want to be." Cullen handed the flask to Brian again. "If I had told her how I felt, that would be different. But I haven't, so for now, it's silent."
"My wife, Kathreen, was in a slightly similar situation when she and I met," Brian revealed. "So believe me when I tell you that this struggle is real and I understand how you feel. I cared about Katie, but it took me months to tell her how I felt. She let me have it when I finally did, too."
Cullen laughed. "Why is that?"
"She said, 'had you told me, I wouldn't have kept breaking your heart.' Took me a long time to convince her that it was my fault and not hers." Brian smiled.
"I refuse to tell her until I know her better." Cullen sighed. "What kills me is just how long it might take. Leliana has a mission for her that will take her to the Storm Coast. She could be gone for awhile. But that goes for anywhere really. Gone for months at a time. I don't want to put too much into letters. Certain aspects should be discussed in person, even if it is between friends."
Brian nodded. "I completely understand, Cullen."
"Should I expect her to hit her grieving point?"
Brian elicited a tense nod. "She will push you away with everything she has. She'll hurl insults that will cut to the core of who you are. But it's a purge of immense pain, not just hers, but mine, Aiden's, Cellen's, David's, my parents, our entire family. She becomes a different person entirely, due to the empathetic nature she possesses."
"How do I combat that?" Cullen asked.
"You take every bit of it knowing the insults aren't her. The grief has become a separate entity entirely. It's taken its own form," he replied. "When it's over, hold her as tight as you can. I'm not sure when it will come, but I can tell you that the longer it takes, the worse it will be."
"I'll be there for her." Cullen took a deep breath.
"Thank you," Brian responded. "Come, let's get our minds off of this, hm?"
"That would be great." Cullen chuckled. "Trevelyan tells me you are a strategic whiz."
"It is a gift," he admitted. "But my Ebbie likes to brag."
"Would you mind giving some advice?"
"You are the Commander, Cullen." He looked at him sincerely. "As long as I am not stepping over my bounds."
Cullen shook his head. "No, not at all. A fresh perspective might help."
Brian chuckled. "Even I get caught up in that feeling. Show me what you've got."
"The tent is this way." Cullen led him to their command center.
Cullen and Brian covered everything concerning current conditions for the next few hours. Cullen was genuinely impressed with Brian's knowledge of war strategies and troop positions.
Elizabeth had her head on her pillow. Lucas was lying opposite her position with his head down by her feet. The bed and its coverings were in shambles as the two lay partially covered, examining one another.
"So, Herald of Andraste?"
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "Just a formality. We both know I'm not that."
"Well, you're saving people." He shrugged.
"So I am," she agreed.
Lucas shimmied off the mattress, adding a log to the dwindling fire. He padded toward the desk, pouring himself some mead, chugging it down. When Lucas settled his mug on the surface, he noticed multiple correspondences, then a letter with Cullen's name scrolled on the front seized his attention. Pangs of anger and jealousy crashed over him in equal measure.
Lucas turned and motioned to the papers. "Well, I know Josie," he said. "I think she's a great choice for Ambassador."
"I am thankful to the Maker she's here." Elizabeth smiled.
Lucas hesitated then leaned from one foot to the other. "You're commander, Cullen. I've heard of him."
"Really?" Elizabeth sat up. "What things have you heard?"
Lucas shrugged. "Just things. It was going around that he was leading the forces for the Inquisition. I've heard some pretty interesting things about him."
"Don't listen to gossip," she retorted.
"Not gossip from the way I hear it," Lucas defended. "He had mages killed and made tranquil. I guess it makes sense when you think about how a group ganged up on him and tore apart his mind and body."
"Lucas, I don't want to hear this."
"But you should." He stood straight, then went to her side. "He has a short temper, Elizabeth, and you're a mage. He'll hurt you. A man with that kind of past just cannot be put back together."
"Lucas" she put her hand on his arm, "stop. Cullen is a good and decent man. He's protective and he does a great job at training the forces."
"That has nothing to do with you." Lucas wrinkled his brow. "You were raped by men like him once. Don't make that mistake again."
She looked at him confused. "'Don't make that mistake again?' As if it's my fault I got raped in the first place?"
"That's not what I mean," Lucas disagreed. "I just don't trust Cullen."
"Why, Lucas? He's barely said more than two words to you."
"You are defending him quite a bit," Lucas pointed out. "Do we need to have a different type of discussion?"
Elizabeth looked at him angrily for a moment, then stopped to think. Realizing his words were nothing more than bait, caused Elizabeth to shake her head. "I merely asked a question. This isn't about his service record, this is about the threat he poses to 'The Agreement'. You think he is going to steal me away from you. Lucas there is no us. You made that decision, I didn't."
"You still hang that over my head?" he asked annoyed. "I warned you first thing."
Elizabeth sighed. "That still doesn't mean it wasn't a decision. You could have stopped our relationship first. But that isn't the argument here."
"Yes it is," he replied. "Every time we talk about a potential person coming in aside from me, you bring this up."
"There is no 'every time'," Elizabeth said with frustration. "If anything ever did start with Cullen, it wouldn't be 'aside' from you, it would be 'instead' of you."
"He'd use you to get back at the mages who hurt him," Lucas guaranteed. "He'll abuse the power you posses. He'll earn your trust, fuck you, and after Transcending, he'll kill you!"
Elizabeth threw his clothes at him and pointed to the door. "Leave, Lucas. Leave, now."
After Brian dismissed himself to get some sleep, Cullen tidied the Command Tent, then retreated to his hut. As he was about to enter, he heard a door open to his left. When he turned, he saw Lucas exiting Elizabeth's cabin. The man approached Cullen with articles of clothing and armor in hand. Lucas' satiated smile slightly angered Cullen, but he kept his features light-hearted.
"Commander," Lucas greeted.
"Lucas?" Cullen said.
"Yes."
"Good." He chuckled. "The Herald was in and out with you and Brian so fast, I wasn't sure I caught it right."
Lucas laughed. "She's a mess. Listen, thank you for letting us stay a night or two."
"Of course." He bobbed his head. "You're always welcome. I'd let you in, but tomorrow is one of our early mornings of the week, and I am already late getting to bed."
"Oh, of course, mate." Lucas waved Cullen off. "I need to wash up anyhow. She is all over me," Lucas bragged. "The sexy lady in there said there was a spring nearby?"
Cullen felt his hand grip his door tightly. "Yes. Take a right outside of the gate, and follow the path a few yards. There is a fork when you reach it, take the left path about ten yards, then take the secret path to the right for about a third of a mile. The moonlight gives you a pretty good glow if you go now. Otherwise, it's at your disposal whenever you need it."
"I'll probably go tonight." He winked. "Thank you, Commander."
Cullen watched Lucas till he was out of sight, then looked over toward Elizabeth's cabin before walking into his hut. He closed his door, taking a deep breath and calming himself. Regardless of what Lucas was to Elizabeth, his disrespect was nauseating. It didn't help that Lucas smelled like the perfume she was wearing tonight, interlaced with Lucas'. Today was already one of Cullen's more challenging days, and his inability to be honest about his feelings made it worse. He was in the same boat Brian had once been in.
Cullen rubbed his head, a migraine emerging. He stripped down after tossing another log on the waning fire, settling into bed. It had been less than a week since Elizabeth lay there in the same state. The sheets still permeated her scent, and when coalesced with his, Cullen was bombarded with unrelenting thoughts of less than respectful actions. At that moment, Cullen didn't feel like being a gentleman. He ached, Lucas taunted, and Elizabeth frustrated his less than patient nerves. He exhaled, the sound filling the empty surrounding space.
