Chapter 8 - Old wounds
The intensive convalescence lasted a good few days. Everyone during this time meticulously made sure that the Inquisitor did not move from his bed. His three advisors personally provided him with ongoing reports so that he had something to do. Josephine was able to negotiate with Orlais to move more troops into Sahrnia, clearing the area of the red templar infestation. Unfortunately, it turned out that their actions were well known to the baroness Poulin, who ruled the town. With her permission, they kidnapped the inhabitants and used them to work in the mining of red lyrium. Some of them were also used as research subjects. The templars tested the effects of the red lyrium on their bodies in order to improve their own transformation.
Ayden read these reports with a heavy heart, imagining what these poor people had gone through. Fortunately, their nightmare was over, and the Inquisition had gained extensive information about the activities of the red templars in addition to its considerable influence. Additional information was that fortress of Suledin had been occupied by a demon who named himself Imshael. He was the one responsible for bringing the templars to the area and occupying it. One of the knights who was still alive when the Inquisition entered with its troops described the demon as a gardener tending his plants. Ayden felt a shiver run down his spine. Could he have ended up similarly had he not been at the Conclave? He didn't want to even consider such a scenario. He would have preferred death. The Inquisition would have to get rid of as much of the red lyrium from these quarries as possible. Fortunately, it was not in every case harmful as Dagna had reported. The ruby chunks that the Inquisitor had provided for testing actually turned out to be devoid of any of the corrupting properties typical of the material. This meant that the soldiers of the Inquisition did not have to worry about its effects during a possible injury which drastically improved their concentration during clashes.
He stood in front of the scratched mirror preparing for the long-awaited day he would finally spend outside of his chamber. He looked at his thigh. Only a small scar remained of the ruby spike. So was the mark on his bicep. He turned his back to the mirror doing a visual inspection of his left shoulder blade. The mark from the third spike was larger and was accompanied by additional longitudinal scars that were the remnants of the knife Hawke had used. This part however, had also healed completely. Ayden faced the mirror again. He took a deeper breath testing his right rib. The stabbing pain was now just a distant memory. Strange concoctions Hawke had been treating him with were indeed working wonders.
He put on a cotton shirt, over which he donned his leather vest, and brought his copper hair up to order using a tub of fresh water. When he heard indistinct footsteps on the stairs, he adjusted his maroon scarf and turned around. The blue eyes stared at him intensely.
-He has arrived. - Hawke said shortly. Her cherry-colored lips twisted into a worried grimace.
The Inquisitor sighed quietly and looked in the mirror one last time.
-The show is about to start. - he said as if to himself.
Marian bit her lip and her fingers tightened on the wooden railing of the stairs.
Ayden walked up to her and put his hand on her shoulder. His bright green gaze was filled with certainty.
-Hawke, it's going to be okay. Tell them what really happened and I'll take care of the rest. - he assured her. - And whatever happens, don't get into unnecessary discussions with him.
Marian nodded only slightly. When he had gone down two steps he felt a light squeeze on his right hand. He turned around.
-Thank you. - she said quietly.
He covered her fingers with his other hand and smiled warmly.
-You are an important member of the Inquisition Hawke. - he replied. - I could not have done otherwise.
The Champion released his grip and a strange grimace appeared on her face. Something like disappointment? It lasted for a blink of an eye however, and was quickly replaced by a lion's determination.
A sizable crowd had gathered in the main hall. Everyone was eagerly awaiting their Inquisitor. Although Josephine had mentioned that his protracted absence was beginning to be felt, even he had not expected such interest. He walked over to the Inquisitor's chair and sat down on it confidently. His right ankle customarily landed on his left knee, and the fingers of his hands, hidden behind leather gloves, intertwined slightly. The ambassador standing next to him leaned over and whispered:
-Are you sure this is how you want to play it, Inquisitor? We are risking a lot.
- Yes. - he answered shortly with certainty on his face. Josephine did not continue the conversation. Ayden had not informed her of what Hawke had done. He hadn't informed anyone. Everything was left between him, Varric, and the Champion. It was better that way because didn't complicate an already confusing situation. His focused green gaze swept the room briefly. In the center of it, two rows of guards stood to the right and left, making sure the advancing crowd left a passage for the arriving guests.
A quiet knocking on the floor echoed off the stone walls. The three arriving dignitaries slowly approached the Inquisitor. Two of them Ayden had met. They were brothers who had arrived at the fortress a few weeks earlier. Between them walked the third man. His white leather armor adorned with gold trim sounded quietly with every step he took. His brown hair, neatly combed back, shone slightly, and his cold blue eyes never let Herald out of their sight. When they stood before the Inquisitor all three bowed slightly. Ayden knew that respecting his office was a calculated move. Prince Sebastian realized he had to play by the rules because, in addition to the members of the Inquisition, many envoys from the Free Marches were looking on. Ayden had sent letters to the other cities informing them of the Prince's reprehensible behavior and his unlawful intrusion into Kirkwall so each of them sent a representative to the fortress.
-Inquisitor I present Prince Sebastian Vael, lord of Starkhaven. - Josephine spoke formally.
- I welcome you, Prince on behalf of both myself and the entire Inquisition. - greeted Ayden.
-Herald, I come here in person, even though one of your members tried to take my life. - the Prince got straight to the point. - It is my hope that you have seen the harm that has been done and that those responsible will face the consequences. I and all of Starkhaven have always supported you and this organization. I hope that I was not mistaken in my judgments.
There was a deep silence in the room. All eyes shifted to the Inquisitor waiting for his words. The green eyes stared at the Prince intensely. It was as if he was studying the terrain.
-Venerable Prince. - he spoke at last. - I do not deny that you support the Inquisition, but that did not stop you from making unfounded accusations.
The Prince visibly clenched his teeth. He could hardly contain his outburst.
-Inquisitor. - he said calmly. - The accusations were not unfounded. The ambassadors present with me were informed by one of your agents that he had information about associates of the murderer who blew up the chantry in Kirkwall. It turned out however, that this individual was trying to lure me into a trap and kill me. That doesn't leave much room for interpretation.
Ayden pulled his ankle supported on his knee and leaned in slightly.
-Your previous envoy informed us that there were no insignia of the Inquisition on the man, and I assure you that all our agents have them.
-So, Herald, are you suggesting that an outsider got into the heart of your fortress unnoticed? That doesn't sound very credible to me. - Sebastian argued.
-And what credibility can we hope for in the case of your two ambassadors? We only have their word, which we can't verify in any way.
-Are you suggesting we made this up?! - outraged one of the brothers. Sebastian stopped him with a gesture.
-The Seron brothers have served the House of Vael for many years. Their loyalty is beyond question. - he explained.
Ayden lifted his chin slightly and leaned back in his chair. Golden eye symbol above his head reflected the shy rays of the midday sun through the colorful stained glass windows. Even from a short distance, it looked as if Andraste herself was looking at those gathered in the hall and judging their deeds.
-And your loyalty to them? To the Free Marches? - he asked mysteriously.
The Prince furrowed his brow, not quite sure what the Inquisitor meant.
-What are these questions aimed at, Inquisitor? - he asked.
-Prince Sebastian. You know very well that mage Anders has been dead for quite some time now.
The Prince's blue eyes widened and surprise blossomed on his face. Ayden smiled slightly seeing that he had hit the nail on the head. Green gaze quickly glanced at the ambassadors of the other cities. There was genuine curiosity in their eyes.
-Choose your next words carefully Inquisitor because, despite my sincere support, I have received nothing but accusations from you. - Sebastian spoke through his teeth.
-And I have not heard a denial. - said the Inquisitor firmly. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the ambassadors' eyes turn to the silent Prince.
-Because the accusation is so absurd that it needs no translation. - Sebastian explained.
-On the contrary. And if you think this is just my word against yours then I must disappoint you.
Ayden turned his head slightly and nodded towards the ajar door leading to his chamber. Standing there Marian sighed as if gathering her strength and stepped confidently into the hall. She was dressed in the formal attire of the Champion so that everyone present would have no doubt who she was. Silent whispers spread through the air.
Sebastian could not take his eyes off her. Pure shock now appeared on his face. His surprised mouth lifted slightly.
-I would like to introduce Marian Hawke. - said the Inquisitor formally. - The Champion of Kirkwall, who for some time now has been assisting the Inquisition with her advice and experience in the fight against Corypheus. It also just so happens that Hawke has knowledge that contradicts the Prince's declarations.
Whispers rose for a moment but were immediately silenced.
Marian's blue gaze collided with Sebastian's blue eyes. Her cherry lips tightened slightly. She took a short breath trying to control her trembling.
-You knew Anders was dead because you sent the thugs who stabbed him in front of me. - she said firmly. The whisper carried through the room like a wave. - You didn't even have the courage to do it yourself.
Sebastian's mouth seemed to fill with water. The twins who had accompanied him looked at him in astonishment. Why doesn't their Prince deny it? Why isn't he defending himself?
Hawke shifted her gaze to the crowd.
-I know that Anders committed a terrible crime. He knew it too and he repented of it every day.
Her gaze shifted again to Sebastian.
-Andraste teaches about mercy, about the possibility of atonement, and Prince, despite his unwavering faith as he claims, is driven only by envy. The occupation of Kirkwall, the city that was once my home, that was probably the home of some of you here is the result of one man's private crusade.
-Prince Sebastian, is this true? - came a sudden voice from the depths of the room.
-Anders was a heretic and a murderer. He deserved death, not the grace of forgiveness. - answered the Prince firmly. - All those who helped him deserve the same.
Hawke wanted to speak, but she felt someone's touch on her hand. She looked at the Inquisitor who nodded slightly. She gnashed her teeth as she swallowed the words she wanted to get out. She took a half step back, standing closer to the chair.
-The people of Kirkwall have already been through hell. - said the Inquisitor, trying to put the conversation back on track. - Your armies are adding more to it. Because of your interference, the city is still unable to rise from its knees.
Another moment of thick silence passed. The Inquisitor's green eyes glanced again at the city ambassadors. They rubbed their beards in contemplation while talking quietly with their advisors. The two brothers accompanying Sebastian measured their Prince with grey eyes searching for answers. Even if the Prince intended to defend himself he was forewarned on this point.
-Prince Sebastian. Ansburg demands the withdrawal of your troops from Kirkwall. - said the first ambassador and stood up theatrically. After a moment, another stood up.
-Kaiten supports the request.
And another.
-Hercynia supports it.
And another.
-Wycome supports.
After a while, all gathered were eyewitnesses to an authentic political vote. Ayden knew that this was a historic moment, for he did not recall a meeting in which all the representatives of the cities of the Free Marches were so unanimous. As the last ambassador stood up, the Inquisitor shifted nervously in his chair.
-The Free City of Ostwick also approves. - the man announced. His neatly styled ginger hair was slightly lighter than the Inquisitor's, and a palette of red freckles covered his face, obscured by a fiery beard. He was also visibly older than Herald but their resemblance could not be overlooked. Ayden sighed briefly and leaned back in his chair.
-Prince Sebastian. The Free Marches have spoken with one voice. - he announced. - Your troops are to leave Kirkwall and as reparation, you will pay compensation to its inhabitants, the amount of which will be determined by a team of experts appointed by the free cities.
The Prince shifted his cool gaze to Hawke for a moment. The Champion gnashed her teeth and her fingers clenched into fists.
-I will fulfill these conditions within a week. - his gaze traveled to Herald again. - However, know that the Inquisition has permanently lost the support of Starkhaven.
The Inquisitor lifted his chin in silence. Raw green eyes meticulously hid his thoughts.
Sebastian bowed slightly and he and the two ambassadors headed for the exit.
Another hearing came to an end and one by one the people gathered in the room began to disperse. Ayden rose from his seat and looked at Marian. Her blue gaze followed the departing prince.
-Don't worry about him. The Prince has been stripped of any influence. He cannot harm us anymore. - the Inquisitor announced.
-And we have gained the support of the other free cities, haven't we? - hissed the Champion. - Is that why you made me testify? Is that why I had to participate in this whole thing?
The Inquisitor sighed loudly.
-Hawke... - he began but the Marian gave him an icy blue stare.
-I am not your fucking pawn on the chessboard, Inquisitor! - she growled and headed for the exit. He wanted to stop her but was interrupted by one of the ambassadors, who was already accompanied by Josephine. Lady ambassador was laughing, obviously amused by some of his clever comments. Out of the corner of his eye, Ayden noticed Varric joining the Champion. The two exchanged a few nervous sentences and disappeared behind the main door. He would have to talk to her later.
Meanwhile, he smiled slightly and greeted the ambassador with a handshake.
-Well played Herald. - the blond man spoke up. - No wonder the Inquisition is growing stronger with such a capable leader. I didn't think you'd be able to bring the Champion of Kirkwall here. Her word carries great weight.
-Our Inquisitor has many talents messere. - said the ambassador in a taunting tone.
-The sole purpose of the Inquisition is to bring chaos under control, ambassador. - explained Ayden. Josephine only grunted.
-And we are all grateful to you for that. - replied the dignitary. - I also want to inform you that Ansburg will be sending a hundred of its best men to Skyhold.
-This is an extremely generous gesture ambassador. - Ayden thanked him.
-We must support each other in these difficult times. Indifference is a luxury no one can afford now. Except perhaps for the Prince of Starkhaven. - he added the last sentence with a pinch of salt and smiled slightly. Ayden smiled back.
One by one, ambassadors from other cities approached him, offering more or less support for the Inquisition. Starkhaven may have closed its borders to them but the other cities were unanimous in their support. Last to approach was the representative from Ostwick. The man raised his chin slightly. His gray-green gaze stared at the Inquisitor intensely.
-I see that my youngest brother is not slowing down. - he spoke seriously. For the next few moments, neither of them spoke. Some invisible tension hung in the air. Suddenly the red-haired man reached out and hugged the Inquisitor warmly, patting him on the back. - Good to see you Ayden. - he murmured. Ayden returned the hug.
-You too Karl. - said Herald. - Josephine take care of the rest of our dear ambassadors. I will take care of this one.
A small smile appeared on the face of the red-haired man.
Josephine bowed only slightly and joined the group of dignitaries. Before they all left the hall her inarticulate laughter could still be heard.
The Inquisitor led his brother to his chamber. There they could talk freely, away from prying ears. Karl looked around the room with admiration.
-You have done quite well here. - he said.
Ayden walked over to him and handed him a glass of something that looked like red wine. Karl smelled the drink and took a small sip.
-I see that your habits remain the same. Do you still not drink alcohol?
-You know me, Karl. I prefer to keep a sober mind when I make decisions. Especially now.
The freckled man smiled and stepped out onto the spacious balcony. His grey-green eyes took in the beautiful view of the snow-capped mountains.
-You can forget the world has gone mad here. - he said quietly and took a sip of his cherry juice.
-I try not to forget it. - Ayden admitted, joining his brother. The man smiled slightly once again.
-I can't believe it. The youngest Trevelyan hailed as Herald, sent by Andraste herself. And not so long ago your only job was to run through the corridors of our mansion and persuade everyone to play a game of chess with you.
-It's just a title, Karl. People have to believe in something or they'll be consumed by despair. - he explained.
Karl silently took another sip from his glass.
-I know, Ayden. - he spoke at last. - I saw the remains of the Breach on my way here. It is not something one can so easily get over with.
The Inquisitor sighed quietly and leaned his elbow against the stone railing.
-How are Flora and the children? - he asked, trying to change the subject.
-Very well. Victoria has been learning horse riding lately. I must admit that she has a talent for it. She even won her first race. Garret, on the other hand, seems to have gotten into you. He's far too smart for his age. You know he's already beaten half the court with chess? And try to get into a discussion with him. After fifteen minutes you'll forget what your thought was when you started the conversation.
Ayden laughed heartily. Apparently, he had a different view of himself than the rest of the family.
-How are Mathias and Valeria?
-Well, our dear brother is expecting his first child. Apparently, he's going to have a daughter. It's due any day now.
-That's great! - said the Inquisitor enthusiastically.
-But he is so stressed that he has turned into a ball of nerves and sometimes it is hard to stand him. And Valeria? Dear sister has finally found her other half and it seems that she is going to settle down to our mother's delight.
-Who is the happy mate? - Ayden snorted.
-Ladrin Thraskil.
-Thraskil? The son of Marina and Olaf? The accountant?
-The same one. I know, we were shocked too. Valeria seems to have grown up and finished with "bad boys."
The gray-green eyes of his brother looked at Inquisitor warmly.
-She wanted to come here with me you know? She always said you were her favorite brother and she had to come to visit you. We had to convince her to let it go and believe me it wasn't easy. The road here is not the safest.
-I'd like to see her too but I'm glad you were able to keep her in Ostwick. - admitted the Inquisitor.
- Everyone misses you Ayden. - Karl added seriously.
-Everyone? - asked the Inquisitor uncertainly and took a sip of cherry juice.
-Father too. He doesn't say it directly but I know he misses your conversations. I think he feels guilty for sending you to the Conclave.
-He didn't send me, Karl. I'm a templar. It was my duty.
-It was because of him that you ended up in the Order in the first place. "The youngest son of the Trevelyan's must follow the path of the Maker." He had that principle etched in his mind like notations in stone. And now the world stood on its head. Templars and mages have begun to kill each other and you have been hailed as the next prophet. For a man as strong a believer as our father, this is hard to swallow.
Ayden lowered his gaze and sighed aloud.
-Karl, if you had seen what I saw... - he paused for a moment to collect his thoughts. - I know that the Chantry has disowned us, and I know full well that they call me a heretic, but my actions, the actions of the Inquisition are too important for me to throw it all away now and go home.
-When the news of the explosion at the Temple of Sacred Ashes reached us, it was like a hit in the head. - said Karl thoughtfully. - We thought you were dead. Believe it or not, it nearly killed our father.
Ayden leaned his elbows against the railing, his thoughtful green gaze wandering over the snowy peaks.
-We later learned that by some miracle you had survived and that it was Andraste herself who had brought you back and named you as her successor. Each new piece of news was more unbelievable than the last. A Breach in the sky, rifts, demons. We didn't want to give credence to these reports and not long after all of this was followed by another blow. Haven was buried under piles of snow and most likely everyone died. It was as if you died a second time. And it turns out you survived and the Inquisition is gathering an army to fight some darkspawn.
-I know how it sounds, Karl... - the Inquisitor began, but his brother interrupted him.
-Let me finish, Ayden. I don't know if you were actually marked by Andraste or if you are just so damn lucky, but know this.. we are all proud of you.
The Inquisitor shifted his surprised gaze to his brother.
-If Andraste has indeed chosen you to save the world, she could not have chosen better. A few days ago I heard one of Garret's peers asked him what his uncle is doing for a living. Do you know what my son told him?
The Inquisitor nodded in the negative.
- "My uncle saves the world."
Ayden felt some invisible force squeeze his throat. He took a few nervous breaths, trying to control the trembling. He took a long, steady sip of the cherry liquor, emptying his glass completely. In that one moment, he regretted that it was not wine. Karl walked up to him and put his hand on his shoulder.
-I see a lot of people drawing strength and faith from you. I want you to know that you have someone to draw from, too. When all this craziness is over, you have a home you can go back to. I know our father will be happy to see you. You were the only one who could hold an intelligent conversation with him anyway. At least that's what he says.
-Thank you. - Ayden whispered under his breath. He felt as if a heavy stone had rolled away from his heart. - I also miss talking with him. - he said more confidently.
His brother patted him more firmly on the shoulder and finished his drink.
-Ostwick may not be a military power, but it is a major trading hub with the Free Marches. We will support the Inquisition with our gold and provide transport ships for all who wish to contribute.
-I couldn't ask for more Karl. - Ayden replied gratefully.
-All right, now take me to the other noble dignitaries. Your lady ambassador has promised a feast. - Karl said with a smile.
Ayden nodded with a slight smile and the two men walked down to the main hall where several tables were already set. Ayden looked at Karl before he joined the others. - Take care brother, and remember what I told you.
-I will remember. - Ayden assured him.
The red-haired man sat down at the table.
-I hope they served wine. - he said in amusement.
Ayden only smiled under his breath and headed for the exit. He needed to talk to Hawke, and as soon as possible.
###
She rushed into her chamber like a hurricane. She grabbed an ornamental vase with fresh water and threw it with all her might against the stone wall. The clay object shattered loudly and the water inside flowed slowly down the gray stones. Hawke roared loudly, giving vent to her rage. She had been so stupid. She naively thought that he cared. That his "plan" was to help her rid her shoulders of the enormous burden she carried after the events in Kirkwall. Meanwhile, the Inquisitor wouldn't even let her do that. His entire "plan" was just another move of a pawn in the great game of influence. Why had she let herself be talked into it? She knew that the Inquisition needed influence, but in this one instance, Ayden should understand that this meeting was extremely important to her.
Not Ayden, the Inquisitor. She corrected herself in her mind feeling another surge of anger. She roared again and pounded her fist on the table with all her might. She heard the sound of a door opening.
-Hawke, he did it for the good of the Inquisition. - said the dwarf standing there.
-Get out Varric, before I say something I'll regret myself.
-You won't get rid of me so easily this time.
Marian gave her friend an icy look.
-I know the Inquisition needs influence, and I know damn well how high the stakes are, but he had no right to use my words like that.
-Hawke, Sebastian is withdrawing troops from Kirkwall, he has lost influence throughout the Free Marches. I think he's getting the punishment he deserves.
-He knew Varric, he knew it was me trying to kill him. I could see it in that arrogant look of his. But he remained silent. Why? And why, when he spoke of meting out punishment to those who had helped Anders did he not mention a word about me?
The dwarf remained silent without finding answers to these questions.
-I will tell you why. - she continued. - Because I am the fucking Champion of Kirkwall and I will always be just that. I will always be someone's bargaining chip. Someone you don't mess with or someone whose influence you can use. Anders saw the person behind that title. I thought Inquisitor... - she swallowed her saliva loudly. - ..but he turned out to be just like the rest of them.
-Hawke the Inquisitor... - Varric began.
-Can speak for himself. - finished Ayden, who had just entered. - Leave us alone Varric. - he asked. The dwarf only sighed loudly and nodding in resignation left the room.
-Have you come to see if your trophy is still hanging on the wall? - hissed the Champion and grabbed a dark whiskey standing on the table. She uncorked the bottle and took a solid sip from it. - Don't worry. The trophy will stay until it serves its purpose.
Ayden put his hands on his back and walked over to the small window.
-Do you know that I once wanted to be a Champion? - he asked rhetorically. Hawke was just finishing her second sip of whiskey. Her blue gaze anchored on the Inquisitor. - It had been a dream of mine ever since I first read about them. I was seven years old then. - he fell silent for a brief moment, digging up old memories. - However, I was born too late and that path was blocked for me. "The youngest son of the Trevelyan's must follow the path of the Maker." - he quoted. - It had been that way for generations and with me, it could not be any different.
-You... didn't you want to be a templar? - Hawke asked.
Ayden closed his eyelids and nodded slightly.
-When my father told me that I had been sworn into the Order, I thought the whole world had come crashing down around me. But I trusted in his wisdom and the rightness of our family's principles, so I did not fight the decision. I felt that the Maker must have a plan in this. When the divine Justynia announced the Conclave I was sent with several other templars from our Order to represent Ostwick. We knew each other very well. I would even venture that they were my friends. They were so happy when our Knight-Commander chose them. They had the opportunity to see a piece of the world. - Hawke noticed his braided fingers were clenching slightly at his back. - After the explosion, their remains hadn't even been found. It was as if they had simply ceased to exist.
-I'm sorry. - Hawke whispered.
-I believe they are with the Maker now. I pray for that every day. - Ayden turned to her. His shining green eyes expressed peace. - We don't always have a say in our fate Hawke, but we do have a say in how we use the cards it deals us.
Marian gnashed her teeth and put down the bottle.
-You treat the title of Champion like a cage. Start treating it like a key. - he explained. - With it, you sunk Sebastian and the Inquisition gained some much-needed allies.
Hawke lowered her gaze. Damn, where did her anger go now?
-On Andraste's bra, do you always have to have an answer for everything? - she asked seriously. He smiled warmly.
-You overestimate me, Hawke.
-Marian. - she said informatively surprised by how easy it came to her.
-All right Marian - he addressed her by name. - You overestimate me.
When she heard him say her name she froze for a moment. Her hand went to the drink again.
-I will still have to consult with Cullen, but my calculations show that we have sufficient forces to advance on Adamant. - Ayden announced, breaking the prolonged silence. - I suppose the preparations alone should not take more than three days.
- So we are ready? - asked the Champion in an animated voice.
-By the Maker, I hope so. We cannot delay any longer. Leliana's spies report increased activity in the fortress. I hope we do not arrive too late.
The Inquisitor headed for the door. Before he left he turned to her one last time.
-Marian, I am glad you are here.
She smiled weakly and waved her hand absentmindedly. After a moment, the Inquisitor disappeared behind the door. She approached the small window tracking the moment he would appear in the courtyard. She sighed quietly when she saw the coppery hair. Ayden approached the commandant who was drillin' the soldiers and got into a discussion with him probably about the condition of the troops. She rested her forehead against the cold stones.
-I'm glad to be here, too, Ayden. - she whispered as quietly as if she were afraid someone might hear. She closed her eyes and, clenching her fists slightly, left the room. She headed towards the tavern knowing that the dwarf was already there. Varric deserved better than yelling and resentment. This afternoon she decided that she would be the friend he deserved.