Chapter 7 - Consequences
The next day did not bring much improvement, but Ayden insisted on traveling. He believed he had enough strength to stay in the saddle. Hawke was not entirely convinced, but she knew the Inquisitor would not change his mind. She glanced at him the whole way, monitoring his condition. Herald was still pale and a few times she noticed his head was swaying from side to side, but he tried hard to stay in the saddle. They arrived at Skyhold late in the afternoon. As they crossed the gate they noticed Leliana and Cullen waiting for them in the square.
The commander measured the Inquisitor with worried eyes.
- Welcome back Your Worship. - Leliana said and bowed slightly. Her face, as usual, expressed no emotions. A group of people gathered in the square to welcome their leader. Seeing them Ayden smiled faintly and, gasping slightly, raised his hand to greet them as well. As he slid off his white mount his body swayed. He tightened his hands on the leather reins gnashing his teeth.
Hawke cursed under her breath. They had set off far too early. She should have been more assertive and kept him in camp longer. Cullen approached them quickly discreetly lending the Inquisitor his arm.
- Thank you. - whispered Ayden gratefully. One of the stable boys approached them and grabbed the reins of the other horses. He must have served here for some time because he immediately knew to leave the white steed alone. Astral rushed to the stable himself.
-Leliana, inform Josephine. I want to meet you all in the War Room. - said the Inquisitor and straightened up. The weakness had temporarily left him.
- Inquisitor, you need to rest after your journey.- suggested Cullen. The state Herald was in was disturbing.
-There is no time Cullen. - replied Ayden briefly.
The commander only nodded in understanding. Leliana also nodded and headed towards the main hall.
- I will be at my chamber. - Hawke announced. She didn't feel herself a part of those meetings.
- No Hawke. I want you to join us with Varric. - said the Inquisitor unexpectedly. - You've been to the quarry. You know what we're dealing with. Has Cassandra returned yet? - he asked the commander without even waiting for her answer.
- Yes. Yesterday.
- I want her present. - he ordered and then slowly made his way to the War Room.
Everyone was gathered around a massive table and the Inquisitor spoke in a calm voice about what had happened in the quarry. He did not leave out any detail.
-Maker's breath - whispered the commander. - I have not heard about these behemoths. You're saying this one had armor made of pure lyrium?
- Yes. My sword could not pierce it. Only Atros' hammer could do anything. - on those words, the commander's eyes grew sad. - Your men fought bravely, Cullen. If it weren't for them I wouldn't be here. Leliana, as soon as the Emprise du Lion is cleared, I want their bodies recovered and buried with honor.
- Yes, Inquisitor. - she replied then added. - I am concerned about the assassins you mention. From what you say, they use lyrium like throwing daggers?
Ayden reached into a small pouch at his belt and pulled out a ruby shard.
- This is exactly what they used.
- Inquisitor, why did you bring this filth with you? - asked the dwarf in disbelief.
- Easy Varric. This piece of lyrium appears to be dead. It emanates no glow and makes no sound. - the Inquisitor reassured, then placed the skewer on the table. - See to it that Dagna examines it. She might be able to find something.
Leliana only nodded and hid the ruby lyrium.
- Scout Harding sent a raven yesterday. - Josephine spoke up. - She suggested that we negotiate with Orlais to send additional troops.
- I suggested it. - Hawke admitted. - Sister Leliana said we couldn't send them on our own.
Ayden looked at Marian with approval in his green gaze.
-I have already compiled a list of potential allies in this matter. I will be negotiating soon. - announced the ambassador.
- Use your best tricks ambassador. We must... - the Inquisitor abruptly interrupted his speech and propped himself up more firmly on the table. With his right hand, he wiped his forehead glistening with sweat drops. Everyone shifted their gaze to him. Ayden sighed briefly as if gathering his strength and then continued. - ...We must clear these quarries as soon as possible and learn more about how the red templars created these monsters. Cassandra...- he turned to the woman. - ...what's the situation with Seekers? Have you found out anything? Will they be able to help us?
-Unfortunately, I don't bring good news. - she admitted. - Lord Seeker Lucius had gone mad. He wanted to let Corypheus succeed because only by completely cleansing the world something new can be built.
Ayden sighed and lowered his head in slight resignation. He had hoped for a different ending to this story.
Suddenly there was a brisk knock on the door.
-Maker's breath, the messengers know they have to wait until we have finished our deliberations. - said Josephine in displeasure and went to the door. - What is it? - she asked the nervous boy.
-I'm sorry, my lady, but a dignitary has arrived and is very anxious to see the Inquisitor. - he explained. After a while, the ambassador was joined by Herald.
-Wiliam. - he turned to the boy.
-Your Worship. - the messenger bowed low.
-Direct the ambassador to the guest quarters and tell him I will meet him as soon as possible.
-I tried to do that, Your Grace. - explained the young man. - He would not listen to me and began to argue. He said that he had come on a matter that the Inquisitor could not ignore. He also said that he would only bring this matter directly to you, Your Worship.
Ayden sighed heavily and rubbed his forehead.
-Where is this dignitary coming from? - he asked.
-From Starkhaven, My Lord.
Hawke standing behind clenched her fists discreetly.
-Starkhaven? - Ayden was surprised. - I have made it clear to the Prince what the Inquisition's position on Kirkwall is.
-I don't know anything else, Your Grace. - said William in an apologetic tone.
- All right, you may inform the dignitary that I will receive him at once.
-Yes, Herald. - the boy bowed and ran down the corridor to the main hall.
-Josephine, get everything ready. We have to deal with this matter as soon as possible. - ordered Herald.
-Of course, My Lord. - she said and glared at the Inquisitor. - But I would suggest a change of clothes before you receive the ambassador.
Ayden glanced at cutted, slightly bloody kilt, and a second cut on his arm. Additionally, his entire outfit was tumbled and muddy.
-Make sure our ambassador doesn't start a fight before then. - he said and went slowly to his quarters. Climbing the dozen or so stairs made him tired. He stood by the railing for a moment, catching his breath. He glanced at the spacious bed. The temptation to lie down on it was extremely strong. He fought it off and walked over to the small mirror. Josephine was right. He could not accept a dignitary like this. He walked over to the closet pulling out his leather outfit. He laid it on the bed then laboriously began to pull off his tattered clothing. He will have to have new armor made. When he pulled off the templar's breastplate his teeth gnashed. Maker's breath, for a moment he thought he can't do it. The broken rib was not letting up. When he finally succeeded he leaned the breastplate against the edge of the bed. It was easier with the kilt. When he pulled off his cotton shirt, a shiver ran through him. He felt cold and hot at the same time, but he tried with all his strength to ignore it. He also did not pay much attention to the bandages. There would be time to change them later. He painstakingly put on his leather suit and once again went to the mirror. He reached into a bucket of water and washed his face. He ran his fingers through his coppery hair, styling it thoroughly. He made a final inspection and, drawing in a little air, made his way to the main hall.
A large crowd had already gathered in the room. They were all eager to see what the troublemaking ambassador was about.
Ayden walked over to an elevated chair and sat down heavily. Josephine was standing right next to him with her notebook.
-Herald. This is messere Tyrius Valeris, the ambassador sent from Starkhaven. - she introduced the man.
- Must every emissary wait so long for the Inquisitor to graciously receive him? - the dignitary hissed.
-I would suggest a more polite tone ambassador. - Ayden rebuked. - I have already given my answer on Kirkwall to previous envoys. What is the purpose of your visit?
-Starkhaven accuses the Inquisition of attempting to murder our Prince. - the man announced plainly. There was a great commotion in the hall. The gathered onlookers whispered in disbelief. The Inquisitor furrowed his brow. His stern green eyes betrayed surprise.
-On what grounds does Starkhaven make such accusations? - he asked and shifted slightly in his chair, hissing quietly. His broken rib was getting worse.
-One of your men tried to lure the Prince to Denerim with the promise of handing over collaborators working with the apostate Anders. The Prince, however, sensed the ruse and sent his deputy, who almost died at the hands of the executioner.
A louder noise spread through the room.
-One of our people? - said Josephine. - This is ridiculous.
-How can you be sure it was someone from the Inquisition? - the Inquisitor interrupted her.
-The two ambassadors you received earlier 'Your Grace' - ambassador said with a slight irony. - informed that this man had contacted them in this keep.
Ayden lifted his head slightly and readjusted himself in his chair again. By the Maker, the pain was making it hard for him to concentrate.
The Inquisition had not conducted any operations in Denerim for quite some time. Could it be that Leliana had withheld some information from him? Suddenly a disturbing thought ran through his mind.
-When did the attempted murder occur? - he asked.
-A week and a half ago. - the ambassador announced.
Hawke was in Denerim at the time. Ayden quickly looked around the room. She was standing by one of the tables. Her blue eyes staring resolutely at him. After a moment, she turned and disappeared into the crowd. Ayden turned his green eyes on the ambassador.
-Was this man clad in the robes of the Inquisition? - he asked sternly. - Was he carrying our emblems?
The ambassador seemed a little confused.
-No, but that doesn't prove anything.
-It proves everything. - Herald answered firmly. He felt moisture gathering on his forehead and wiped it quickly with his gloved hand. Josephine wrinkled her eyebrows slightly. The Inquisitor did not look well. - Our people do not part with their emblems and I assure you that the individual you are talking about did not belong to the Inquisition. You can rest assured that we will do our utmost to clarify this matter and now if you will excuse me, ambassador I have some urgent business to attend to. - he added and stood up heavily.
-Starkhaven will not leave it at that, Inquisitor! - shouted the dignitary, who was already being forcibly led away by two soldiers.
It was already quite noisy in the hall. Everyone was discussing the meeting with the ambassador and what it might mean.
Josephine walked up to Herald.
-What is going on? - she asked.
-Find Hawke and send her to me. - he gave the order and headed towards his chambers. Varric appeared beside him out of nowhere.
-Whatever she did she had a reason, Inquisitor. - said the dwarf trying to keep up with him.
-Not now Varric. - hissed Ayden in mild anger. His right side was stinging steadily by now and taking a deeper breath was impossible.
-On the contrary Inquisitor. - the dwarf answered firmly. Ayden stopped. They were alone in the corridor leading to the Herald's private chamber.
-This does not concern you. - began Harald.
-Like hell it does. - the dwarf insisted. - She's my friend. You were not there. You don't know what she went through. The fact that you have read my book does not give you the right to judge her.
Herald pressed his lips together and moved on. Varric stubbornly followed him. When they emerged up the stairs she was already waiting. She stood with her back turned staring at the mountain landscape.
-I need an explanation, Hawke. A damn good explanation. - Ayden said sternly. The Champion turned slowly but remained silent. When her hard blue gaze shifted to Varric, the dwarf read an apology in it. – Talk to me, Hawke! - the Inquisitor slowly began to lose patience. - Are you the one behind this assassination attempt?
-Yes. - she admitted after a moment.
Ayden put a hand to his forehead. Disbelief emerged in his green eyes.
-Do you have any idea what you have done? - he asked accusingly. - Because of you, the Inquisition is accused of trying to murder the prince of one of the largest cities in the Free Marches. We have to prove to them somehow that it had nothing to do with us, and I don't know how to do that now.
-Turn me in. - she said.
Ayden looked at her in surprise.
-What? - he asked as if trying to make sure he had heard correctly.
-Turn me in. - she repeated. - The Inquisition should not suffer the consequences for my actions.
-Hawke. - said the dwarf calmly. - Does this have something to do with Blondie?
Her silence was enough for an answer.
-What happened to Anders Hawke? - he asked again.
Marian clenched her teeth and drew in a deep breath.
-Sebastian...Sebastian happened.
Both the dwarf and the Inquisitor were silent waiting for an explanation.
-After what happened in Kirkwall we tried to stay away from the big cities. From time to time we stopped in small villages to replenish our supplies. Some of them didn't even have a medic so Anders help the villagers deal with their illnesses and injuries.
Hawke paused for a moment and sat down in a chair.
-It was one such a village. A really small one, on the complete outskirts somewhere in southern Ferelden. It wasn't even on the map. Anders was helping the locals, and I went looking for supplies. When I returned... - her voice trembled. - ...There were six of them. They must have been following us for a long time. They were waiting for Anders to be alone.
-Templars? - Varric asked.
Hawke denied it with a nod.
-Templars he could sense. They were ordinary mercenaries. A group that specialized in tracking down and killing mages. I threw myself at them, but there were too many. One of them held my arms and dropped me to my knees. Anders... - she fell silent again and swallowed her saliva. ...He was lying right next to me and holding his bleeding stomach. He still tried to cast some spell, but the leader of the band give him several stabs with his dagger.
-Maker's breath, Hawke. - whispered the dwarf.
-I tried to break free. - she continued dispassionately. - I screamed that if they will leave me alive I will track them down and kill them. They just laughed and said no one would pay them for my head. Their leader ripped tevinter's pendant from Anders' neck as proof. One of them punched me in my stomach and as if through a fog I saw them leave. Anders...was still alive. He stubbornly clung to this world just so he could say goodbye to me. In his last words, he apologized to me for everything.
Hawke drew in the air trying to control her tears. After a moment, determination returned to her voice.
-The leader of the band was kind enough to reveal its name. It took me a long time to find out more about them, and Logain helped me find the person who hired them. It was Sebastian, Varric. The pompous ass had finally fulfilled his promise.
Varric remembered the moment right after Anders blew up the chantry. Sebastian had promised then that he would track him down and kill him. However, he hadn't thought that this 'chantry boy' would hire thugs to do it.
-He hasn't been able to let go for so long. Why should I let go? Why should I? - Hawke asked rhetorically and looked at Herald. - He knows very well that Anders is dead. Now he is looking for an excuse to exterminate everyone who helped him. I suppose the only thing that saved me back then was pure luck. The group Sebastian hired was very literal in terms of their contracts.
-Hawke. - the Inquisitor spoke. - You did all this to avenge the apostate who led the revolution? - there was a hint of disappointment in his voice.
-You weren't in Kirkwall. You don't know what the mages there had to deal with. What my sister had to deal with. You're a Templar, I don't expect you to understand that. - she explained.
-I only understand that Anders killed dozens of innocent people in the chantry at that time and led to the deaths of hundreds more by starting this unnecessary revolution.
-As I said, I don't expect you to understand Inquisitor.
-Hawke dammit... you picked a bad time for revenge. - Varric replied.
Marian lowered her blue eyes staring at the floor.
-He regretted this, Varric. Every day he prayed to the Maker for forgiveness. Can you imagine that? Every single day.
Varric sighed loudly.
-Maker's breath. - the Inquisitor hissed and turned away. He nervously ran a leather glove through his coppery hair. With a slight groan, he took a shallow breath. - I cannot put you in their hands, Hawke. - he admitted after a moment. - If I do, you will die.
-I've come to terms with that. - she admitted.
-But I haven't! - said the Inquisitor in a raised voice and turned around again. He felt a warm drop run down his temple. He wiped it with a leather glove. His cheeks trembled from clenched teeth and his quick short breaths were almost suffocating.
Marian looked at him in surprise. She wrinkled her forehead. Only now did she notice the pallor of his complexion and the glistening sweat on his forehead. She got up from the chair just before Ayden wobbled on his feet. She managed to stop him from falling. A distinct grimace of pain was visible on his face. She reached her hand to his forehead. It was hot. She helped him sit up on the bed.
-You can't keep pushing yourself like that. - she said firmly. - You must finally give yourself time to rest.
Another shallow breath worried her even more. A pain-filled green gaze anchored her face.
-Promise... that you won't do anything rash. - he asked quietly. - Give me time... to work out a plan.
She remained silent.
-Hawke please. - he added more desperately and hissed quietly after a moment.
-He's right Hawke. - admitted the dwarf. - Even if you turn yourself in to them, Sebastian can still accuse the Inquisition.
Marian pulled her lips together. She felt the Inquisitor suddenly go limp in her arms. His inert head rested against her shoulder and his heavy breathing tried, again and again, to fill his lungs with air. Something was wrong. He shouldn't be in such bad shape. She laid him carefully on the bed. He groaned quietly visibly holding his right side. The Champion carefully unbuttoned his leather vest and the shirt underneath. The bruise adorning his right side was a more intense color and seemed to have enlarged.
-Shit. - she growled.
-What's going on? - Varric asked.
-The cracked rib... must have moved and damaged some vessel. Damn it, why didn't he say anything. - she muttered to herself in anger.
She looked around the room desperately. On the table lay a small dagger for opening correspondence. She stood up and, coming closer, grasped it. She scorched it hastily over one of the burning candles and brought a dish of water nearer from the mirror. When she made an incision from which dark blood flowed Varric thought he was going to throw up.
-Bring some cloth Varric. - she commanded. The dwarf gathered his strength and walked over to the closet grabbing the first shirt that was at hand. Hawke placed it close to the Inquisitor's right side. The oozing blood was slowly seeping into the linen material.
Suddenly they heard someone's footsteps on the stairs.
-Inquisitor, we have searched the entire fortress and Hawke is nowhere to be seen. Perhaps... - Josephine, dressed in her formal, buff outfit, was suddenly silent. On the spacious bed lay the Inquisitor and next to him sat the Champion with a bloodied knife. - For the love of Andraste. Guards!
-It's ok ruffles. - said the dwarf trying to calm her down. - Hawke is trying to help him.
-Help? - you could hear disbelief in the ambassador's voice.
-This broken rib made him bleed internally. - Marian explained. - We have to drain the fluid or he will suffocate in his own blood.
-We have to call a medic. - the ambassador answered after a while, this time more convinced.
-I was just about to suggest it. But it has to be someone damn good.
-We have a woman here. She arrived not long ago and has already managed to save three hopeless cases.
-Bring her in.
Ayden grew weaker by the minute. His breathing became more labored and shallow. He mumbled incessantly and his skin resembled the embers of a bonfire. Hawke patted his cheek lightly from time to time in an effort to keep him conscious.
- Damn it Ayden, don't die on me now. - she muttered. Once again she addressed him by name. This time however, she did not hide the thought.
They heard footsteps again. Josephine was already accompanied by the promised medic. Hawke lifted her gaze. Green eyes looked up at her from the woman's bright face. Her golden hair was tied in a loose ponytail and her peach lips betrayed a slight shock.
-Mira? - Varric asked.
-Well. This world is really small. - she announced, and her lips lifted in a slight smile.
-I assume you know each other? - asked Josephine.
-You could say that. - this time Hawke spoke up.
-Sweet Andrade, should I send some additional help? - lamented the frightened ambassador staring at the mumbling Inquisitor.
Mira approached the bedside trying to assess his condition.
-No. - she announced shortly. - Your medics would bother me more anyway. This one here is enough. - saying that she pointed with her head at Marian.
-All right. Keep me informed. - demanded Josephine and ran briskly down the stairs. In the distance, you could hear her silent prayers to the Maker.
-I see you have made progress in medicine. - said the golden-haired woman with a slight smile, staring at the Inquisitor's cut side.
Marian only sighed.
-Anders must have trained you well. - she added after a moment reaching into her medicine bag. She pulled out a few bandages, some ointments, and vials of potions. - We have to wait until the thickened blood has completely drained away. Then we can start working.
Her hands did not stop working. After a while, a small needle was in her long fingers and Mira tried to thread it.
-How is he? - she asked in the meantime.
Hawke pressed her lips together, knowing exactly that she meant Anders.
-He is dead. - she answered shortly.
Mira stopped all her activity. Her peach-colored lips were just holding a small thread and pure shock was painted on her pale face.
-How? - she asked shortly.
-It's a long story, Mira. Now we must focus on saving his life. - saying this Hawke shifted her blue gaze to Herald.
The woman understood and resumed her preparations.
Ayden's voice grew quieter. Mira ran her fingers over his ribs. She sensed one that was broken and climbed onto the bed. She turned him onto his left side. Before she did anything she looked at the bandage that was wrapped around his shoulder. She was impressed with its care. She looked briefly at Hawke.
- A deep puncture wound. - answered the Champion to an unasked question. - The spike had to be removed.
On earlier inspection, the woman had also noticed bandages on his thigh and bicep.
-Maker's balls, who got him like that? - she asked. She did not expect an answer however, and one did not come. She went back to the broken rib. Her firm hands moved Herald's right shoulder several times. At one point Ayden groaned a little louder and Mira turned him onto his back again. She took several larger pillows and placed them under his head and back. After a moment, she grabbed a piece of prepared cloth and stepped out onto the balcony. Her green eyes looked around intensely. The railings and the stone floor were covered with a large layer of snow. She gathered as much as she could and wrapped it in the cloth, making a cold compress.
Varric and Hawke watched her work in silence. The woman was extremely composed and focused. She placed the cold compress over the incision Marian had made. The Inquisitor flinched slightly, but that was his only reaction.
-Keep the poultice there until the snow and ice have completely dissolved. - she instructed the Champion. Marian complied. Mira grabbed another cloth and walked over to the bowl of water. When she returned she cleaned the slowly bleeding wound then reached for one of her ointments. She scooped some onto her fingers and applied it directly to the cut.
-I never thought I would be rescuing a templar and Herald to that matter. There is no end to the honors. - she said suddenly with a slight irony.
-I guess there always has to be a first time. - Varric joked. Mira only snorted. When she had finished applying the ointment, the bleeding had stopped and the ointment had been completely absorbed into the skin. She took the needle in her hand and began slowly suturing the wound. When she had finished she reached for the next thing. The small cloth was soft and covered at both ends with a sticky substance. The sticky ends clung to the skin holding the soft center exactly where she wanted it.
Hawke couldn't get over her admiration.
-What is this? - she asked.
-My latest invention. - Mira said proudly. - It's more practical than bandages.
Water has already started to drip from the compress Hawke was holding.
-There should still be some snow on the balcony. I've also seen icicles. - Mira said. - Give him a few more of these compresses. His rib is set, but he has to avoid sudden movements, otherwise, we will have to repeat everything.
She slowly began to assemble her supplies into a handy case. She left only two vials. The red glass was extremely familiar but Marian did not ask about it anymore.
-I hope you know what to do with this. - said Mira indicating the bottles. Marian nodded. - And don't leave him alone. - she added. - As I said, if he moves too much he will destroy all my efforts.
She got out of bed and headed for the stairs.
-Are you leaving us already? - the dwarf asked.
-Listen Varric, I would love to chat about the good old days, but the Inquisitor, though an extremely important person, is not my only patient.
-Maker's balls I never thought you would join the Inquisition. - said the dwarf in disbelief.
-I didn't either, but he and his men are the only ones who seem to be doing anything about this damn mess. - saying this she pointed at Herald. - All the rest are jumping down each other's throats because of pieces of land or something.
-I'm glad you're here Mira. - Hawke spoke up suddenly. Her right hand bravely held the wrap, while her left squeezed the Inquisitor's hand. Mira's green eyes caught it momentarily.
-I want to know how he died, Marian. - she said firmly. - I also want to know if the bastards responsible for his death are biting the dust. - she added seriously and headed up the stairs to the exit.
Hawke lowered her gaze. Ayden moved slightly and tightened his grip on her fingers.
-I can handle it Varric. - she turned to the dwarf.
-All right. I'll be nearby if you need anything though. - replied the dwarf. As he walked down the stairs, Marian only heard vaguely: - On Andraste's breaches, Mira in the Inquisition. The world had truly stood on its head.
The Champion smiled under her breath. She glanced at the Inquisitor. Mira had really done a good job. His breathing was no longer so heavy and he seemed to be slowly recovering. Under her fingers, she felt the snow in the fabric melt completely. She stood up and walked out to the balcony. Her blue gaze wandered for a moment over the snowy peaks. The surroundings were truly beautiful. She drew fresh mountain air into her lungs and set about preparing another compress. She scooped cold fluff into her hands and pulled a couple of frozen icicles off the railing. When she approached the bed she found the Inquisitor staring at the ceiling. She froze for a moment and furrowed her brow. When he blinked a few times, she calmed a bit.
- I think I have found a way out of this situation Hawke. - he said in a calm voice. Surprise blossomed on the Champion's face. Just a moment ago he was once again fighting for his life. When did he have time to think about anything? Did she stay on the balcony that long? She didn't even have time to speak when he continued. - You said Sebastian must have known about Anders' death. - his green, focused gaze still didn't leave the ceiling. Small drops decorated his forehead letting her know that the fever still wouldn't let go.
- Inquisitor, don't focus on that now. - she finally managed to say and sat down on the edge of the bed. She applied another cold compress. Ayden flinched slightly and turned his head. He looked like he had come back from a stream of his own thoughts.
- We can use this. - he continued. Had he not heard what she just said or was he delirious?
- For now, use the time to get a recovery... a good recovery. - she said firmly.
Ayden groaned quietly, trying to take in too much air. His green eyes stared at her with such intensity that she felt uncomfortable for a moment.
- Hawke, when that ambassador arrives at Starkhaven it will set off an avalanche of events for which we must be prepared.
Marian sighed only in slight resignation. Her right hand still held the cold compress, while with her left she put unruly strands of hair behind her ear.
- Do you always have to have a plan for everything? - she asked.
- It is easier this way. - he answered softly. - If I don't have a plan, people die.
- A plan does not guarantee that they will stop. - she argued.
- But it will minimize the damage. - he bounced the ball. Maker, did he always have to have the final say too? She felt the warm touch of his fingers on her right hand. She looked first at it and then at the Inquisitor.
- Thank you. - he said softly. - You saved my life.
She grunted nervously.
- I had help. Besides, you saved me at Crestwood. - she explained.
- I had help. - he answered seriously. Their gazes met for a long moment after which the corners of Marian's mouth rose and she burst out laughing. The Inquisitor involuntarily followed her example, but quickly regretted it. He hissed softly, feeling a dull pain in his right side.
- I'm sorry, I'm sorry. - she said quickly, trying to become serious again.
Ayden sighed shallowly, but the warm smile never left his face. Hawke felt a warmth in her cheeks. Maker's breath!
- Tell me about your plan. - she tried to take up another subject quickly.
The Inquisitor shifted his gaze to the ceiling and immersed himself in his thoughts again.
- If we prove that Sebastian knew about Anders' death and decided to occupy Kirkwall after all, Starkhaven will lose the support of the other cities. Instead of a sincere desire to make things right, the Prince will be seen as someone driven by personal vendetta rather than well being of the people of Kirkwall.
- And how are you going to prove that? Anders... - Marian has fallen silent for a moment. - ...for a long time it was just the two of us. In the villages where we stayed, no one had even heard of what happened in Kirkwall. No one knew us.
- But you know what happened. - said the Inquisitor seriously. - And your word as a Champion of Kirkwall carries great weight.
- A former Champion. - she corrected him. - Who, for all intents and purposes, left this city in complete chaos.
- That doesn't matter to the Free Marches. Champions in cities play a huge role. Their actions, whatever they may be, are considered right.
Marian furrowed her brow.
- Didn't you hear the part about the chaos?
- Hawke, before the mage-related riots broke out, you saved Kirkwall from a group of Qunari. - he explained. - Their arishok nearly tore the city in half. After that, your actions related to the mages were certainly seen as necessary.
Marian turned her head without taking her blue eyes off him.
- I'm sure people remember how the fight with Meredith ended. - he continued. - As far as I know, the statues that you defeated came to life in the main square of the Gallows.
Hawke grimaced at the memory of that day. Perhaps the Inquisitor was right, but facing the past was leaving her breathless.
Ayden could see the conflict on her face.
- You loved him. - he stated suddenly. There was understanding in his voice. Marian clenched her fingers more tightly on the cold cloth. - I will pray that his soul will go to the Maker.
The blue eyes looked at him sternly. The Champion struggled to hold back tears.
- I didn't know him Hawke, but I think he wouldn't want you to give up your life without a fight. - He added softly.
Marian drew in the cool air with trembling lips.
- Your plan... I agree with it. - she said at last.
The Inquisitor seemed relieved.
- But I have a condition. - she added after a moment. - I want Sebastian to appear in Skyhold. I want to look him in the eye.
- I am sure that when the Prince receives the message he will not need to be persuaded to do so. - Herald admitted. - The Vael family has always been famous for their impulsiveness so I don't think he would leave such a matter to diplomats.
Hawke couldn't agree more. After all, she had helped Sebastian get rid of those responsible for the deaths of his family.
She felt under her fingers that the cold compress had once again completely dissolved. She wrapped the cloth more and wiped away the water running down his bare skin. Again, she felt the redness showing on her cheeks. She quickly glanced at the Inquisitor. Thank the Maker, he was not looking at her. His green gaze once more drifted off into a stream of thoughts. Again he was calculating something. Again he was determining some plan. After a moment, he furrowed his brow. One of the larger drops ran down his temple. When Hawke put a hand to his forehead he seemed to wake up. He looked at her in slight surprise.
Marian got up slowly and walked over to a small table grabbing one of the bottles Mira had left behind. She walked over to the Inquisitor and handed him the potion.
- Elven root? - he asked and soured his face slightly. Maker, he hated this concoction so much. It was bitter, astringent, and dulled his mind.
- Not exactly. The potion has a touch of an elven root but it is something different. I must say, it is more restorative than any other.
Ayden took the red vial in his hand with some trepidation but he drank it obediently. Surprisingly, it was not bitter, which was a pleasant surprise for his palate. Hawke took the empty bottle and silently returned it to the table.
- The specific will get you back on your feet quickly but you still need to take it easy for a while. I'll check again... - she was suddenly silent. The Inquisitor had his head turned away and his eyes closed. His breathing was calm and regular. The events of today combined with the potion and sheer fatigue had finally overcome him. She walked over to the bed and gently untied the bandage on his biceps. The wound was healing properly. Ones that are near his left shoulder blade and thigh she would have to check when he woke up. She sighed quietly and covered him with the bedding. He didn't even move. She looked around the room and walked over to a few dressers looking for some alcohol. She hissed quietly when she found nothing. The Inquisitor didn't even have wine in here? She regretted not asking Varric to bring her something. She walked over to a shelf of books and picked one blindly. She desperately needed something to occupy her head. Subconsciously, she felt that some trouble was coming and it wasn't even about that unfortunate event in Denerim. The Grey Wardens were preparing an army and it was like the calm before the storm. She just hoped they had time before the lightning strike.
#####################################################################
A/N To my Guest reviewer. Unfortunately, because a review is posted from a guest account I can't answer you directly so I decided to do it at the end of this chapter.
Writing a story for me is like swimming with an unpredictable current that's kinda dragging me with it so I really didn't think about categorizing it. But you ask a valid question :) and when I did start to think about it I guess the story is more like the second option you've mentioned.