Chapter Four: First Impressions on the Battlefield
Author's notes:
Thank you for your interest in this story!
A special thanks to: CmdrHawke667, EirLoki, Grey Warden Dragonborn, Princess of Mirkwood2, Dhemlana, CrowleyLove, for the favorites and follows!
"Hmmm," A bald headed Elf murmurs as he finishes meditating. "Solas? Do you have something to say to our readers?" Solas rubs his smooth chin in thought. "There is a disturbance in the Fade there is." The Apostate remarks sagely. "Um...in wrong series you are?" Author replies feeling a growing concern for the Elf. "Universe in need. Go I must!" Solas suddenly states before running off. "Eh? No! Solas, come back you must!" Author shouts, then sighs for the sprightly Elf is very fast. "Well folks, I just saw the new Star Wars movie trailer and I feel quite excited. I hope you will enjoy this chapter while I go retrieve the run away Apostate!"
A special shout out to reviewers KrystylSky and Princess of Mirkwood2! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. And to address Princess of Mirkwood2's question: I don't think I will have this story M rated soon. However, it seems like it is quite a slow romance build in game. I think Cullen's and Evelyn's romance might progress faster. I just worry about it becoming too fast.
"Ah, here they come." Sneered an older man dressed in the Chantry outfit of crimson, gold, and ivory. Leliana turned around to see Cassandra, Solas, Verric, and Evelyn make their way across the bridge. She was relieved to see them unharmed, and slightly surprised to see that Evelyn was now armed. Apparently to two ladies had reached an understanding.
The lass nodded at the Spymaster, giving her a wide smile as their were each still in one piece. But, when her honey brown eyes fell onto Chancellor Roderick, Evelyn just knew that the man was going to be a thorn in her side.
The Chancellor frowned in disapproval as he appraised the young woman who was supposed to be their 'prisoner'. Instead she was now armed! Was Cassandra mad? How could he trust the Seeker when she let the prisoner romp about freely with weapons!
"Guards!" The Chancellor shouted to the soldiers around him. "I want the prisoner bound immediately. She is a suspect in the death of Divine Justinia and the entire Chantry conclave. Arrest her immediately so that she is taken to Val Royeaux for execution!" Roderick urged the guards as he pointed at the lass.
"Bastard!" Evelyn hissed through gritted teeth. But, suddenly Cassandra took a step in front of the lass as she raised out a halting hand to the approaching guards. "Stand down men. Evelyn is not our enemy. And might I remind you, Chancellor, that I served the most Holy. You are a nothing but a glorified clerk and do not have the authority here." Cassandra stated in such a strong confident voice, that the soldiers immediately backed away.
Roderick grimaced as it appeared that the soldiers obeyed Cassandra's orders over his own. "So then, this is your special squad to handle the Breach? A criminal, a Dwarven criminal, and an Elven apostate. Maker helps us for we are surely doomed!" The Chancellor sighed as he shook his head.
As if knowing it was the topic of conversation, the Breach suddenly pulsed angrily with a fresh wave of energy that resonated within Evelyn's hand. She gasped at the strong twinge in the muscles of her hand. But, it was far less painful than her first experience. The lass snuck a look behind her to see that Solas was rubbing his chin and looking thoughtfully at her green glowing hand.
Evelyn then turned her attention back to the Chancellor with a determined look. "I am going stop the Breach, with this." She said in an even tone as she showed her hand to Roderick. The lass tried to push the thought of being teared apart to the far recesses of her mind.
The Chancellor's expression became one of surprise to see the same color and aura of the Breach dancing about the young woman's hand. But, still were other obstacles in their way. "But, how do you plan on reaching the Temple? You won't survive long enough to set a foot upon the grounds."
Now, it was Leliana's turn to speak up. "We have two routes to get to the Temple of Sacred Ashes. We can have a decoy team keep the demons busy while we slip through the mountain. It is the quickest route, but risky. We lost contact with our scouting team earlier when they entered the pass." The Spymaster shook her hooded head, for she had sent a group of her finest members to scout the route. Not hearing from them did not bode well for their survival.
"Or, we do not use decoys, but use all the soldiers we have on hand to push heavily through to the Temple." Leliana added. They had a solid number of soldiers still able to fight, but it might take them longer to get to the Temple if time was of the essence.
All eyes were on Cassandra. And to Evelyn's surprise, the older woman turned to looked at her. "What do you think we should do?" The Seeker asked the lass. Evelyn didn't think her eyes could become any wider as she stared back at the Seeker, her mouth slightly agape at the question.
"You are asking me, for my decision. The one you called, 'A menace on two legs,' if I recall correctly?" Evelyn replied feeling slightly bewildered.
A wry smile spread across the Seeker's lips as she replied, "Yes, to both. Out of everyone standing upon the bridge, you, wielder of the mark, will be responsible in the end. Might as well have a say in the decisions being made. Don't you think?" Cassandra explained.
"I, yeah, okay." Evelyn replied trying not to feel overwhelmed by the responsibility placed upon her shoulder. She also realized that throughout this time, even though they had shouted and even pointed blades at one another, Cassandra had always been fair. "Thank you, Cassandra." Evelyn remarked with a polite nod before she set herself to weighing their options.
Time was of the essence in getting to the Temple. But, then the young woman recalled the horrifying screams of Cassandra's troops when the bridge was destroyed, and then the sight of the cart with cloth wrapped, anonymous, bodies. She had decided. "Enough life has been lost. While we will be as swift as we can, we should move in strength with numbers to advance into the temple. We will make sure our stand is not in vain." Evelyn answered with a determined look.
Cassandra had been sure that the lass would choose the swiftest and most dangerous route. But, instead she was surprised. "Leliana, send everyone into the Valley. We move out as soon as we are ready." Casandra ordered before signalling the team to move on.
"The consequences will rest on your head, Cassandra," Roderick remarked as he crossed his arms over his chest and watched the group move through the bridge.
"And if we are successful Chancellor," Evelyn turned to state at the disapproving man, "May you learn to hold your tongue!"
The team walked into a small makeshift camp where soldiers and members of the Chantry were congregated. "No turning back now," Evelyn breathed. She felt her intestines tie themselves into little anxious knots. This was not what she had signed up for when visiting her relatives and attending the conclave. But, here she was with the weight of certain doom sitting upon her shoulders.
"Indeed, but before we head off, here." Cassandra had been rifling through a large wooden chest at the center of the courtyard. She then pulled out a shield, with a silver griffon with its right wing spread out across the front, some of its feathers poking out over the base. "A better shield for your wild antics." The Seeker added with a small smile as Evelyn took the shield with wide eyes. Indeed, it was far better than her battered and scratched up wooden shield, though slightly heavier too.
The team quickly resupplied and Evelyn took the moment to change the bandages on her wound. It had been healing well, though the fresh mending skin was delicate and glossy. It would break open if the lass wasn't careful. She took another swig of the spiced cider potion before running after the others. The team trekked up a route to meet up with the large group of troops stationed at one of the lower courtyards of the Temple.
It had been a well tended to garden by the Chantry when Evelyn first visited. Now, her eyes surveyed the large courtyard that was in ruins as bloodied dirt, black ash, and rubble from fallen cobblestone walls and pillars. At least the troops were in formation and ready to move out...then all hell just had to break loose.
An enormous green fiery stone, followed by another meteor bashed into the great courtyard. The two impacts caused the side of the mountain to shudder as it kicked up the dirt, ash, and now smoke to plume into the air. There were screams of pain, coughing fits, and disorder as everyone tried to regain their bearings. Then hissing, shrieking, and the unearthly growls of demons announced their presence through the billowing cloud of ash and dirt.
"Alright Solas, give us a dose of your magic!" Evelyn cheered as she lifted up her new shiny shield. "I beg your pardon?" Solas asked from behind her. "You know magic powers! Clear away this smoke and dust so we can see," Evelyn added as she wiggled her fingers to imitate some complex spell casting. "It does not work that way my good woman," The Elven Apostate remarked with a shake of his bald head.
Evelyn turned to grimace at the Mage. "Well, what can you do?" She asked. "At the moment, two spells for combat. A barrier and freezing spell." Solas explained with a slight wave of his staff. "Just those two? I thought you said you were well traveled. I was expecting you to move boulders, call upon a blizzard, or something very exciting." Evelyn remarked as she squinted her eyes to make out the shadows running around. "I've gotten by with the two." Solas replied in a slightly hurt tone. "Though I am trying to learn more." He added in hopes of making up for his current lack of spells.
"Alright, then... freeze that." Evelyn pointed to a shadow looming out of the smoke, which was clearly not human. It turned out to be the ugliest demon the lass had seen so far. Its arms and legs had been stretched out, giving it the look of a stick insect with a tail. Its face had many blinking eyes, while its jaw was unhinged, letting the bottom part of the mouth fall loose and flap about. It didn't help one bit that there were rows of sharp pointed teeth set in its gums.
"Oh Maker!" Evelyn gasped in revulsion at the horrid demon. "Freeze that thing Solas!" The young woman shouted as it lumbered towards her, with long arms lashing about. Solas whipped around his staff sending a jet of pale blue light mixed with swirling snowflakes to circle around the demons feet. Instantly the demon slowed down in its advance, though it flailed its long arms around.
"That is a Lesser Terror!" Cassandra stated as she brandished her sword, swiping at the demon's flailing arms. "A lesser?!" Evelyn repeated in an incredulous voice. "They come in larger sizes!? Maker why?" The lass held her new shiny shield tightly as the long clawed hands battered wildly against it. Once the freezing spell weakened, the Lesser Terror suddenly vanished on the spot by burrowing into the ground! It then dug its way back into the center of the clouded courtyard with the lass in hot pursuit.
"Evelyn!" Cried out Cassandra as she, Solas, and Verric, made to run after her, only to find their way blocked by two Lesser Shades. "I will put her on a leash next time!" The Seeker cursed as she bashed her shield into the howling Shade.
Then a deep regal voice boomed across the clouded courtyard. "Hold the line men! We must not lose this area!" Commander Cullen had shouted before gritting his teeth as he surveyed the destruction. He and his troop had been taken completely by surprise by the falling stones. The blasts from the stones picked up dirt, dust, and ash clouding the soldiers vision as demons slithered around sneaking up on his men.
"It's the end of days!" One soldier cried out, just losing his nerves outright. Cullen couldn't blame him after all they have seen, paired up with lack of sleep and proper meals. But, he had to rally his troop. "It is not while we still draw breath and fight! We will stop these demons and send them back to the Fade! For our fallen Chantry we fight!" The Commander's words inspired his men as the soldiers straightened their postures, and shouted war cries at the incoming demons.
Cullen growled as he saw one Lesser Shade dare to sneak up on one of his soldiers as he was busy grappling with another demon. A spear laid at the Commander's feet. With the tip of his boot, Cullen kicked it up and caught it with his free left gloved hand. He then took a steady aim. Just as the demon prepared to pounce, the Commander sent the spear sailing like a javelin, striking the demon's side. It wailed, it hands grabbing at the spear's blood stained shaft embedded into its flesh before it exploded into a plume of black smoke and ash.
"Nothing we can't handle!" The Commander shouted into the plume of haze, which was mixed with the clash of metal and demonic hisses. "Find a partner and fight back to back to hold your ground. Use your ears!" Cullen stated as he unsheathed his great sword.
"Watch out!" Cried a feminine voice and Cullen whipped around only that a find a Lesser Terror was burrowing its way towards his feet! The Commander was about to leap aside, but the Terror was faster as it exploded out of the ground. It knocked Cullen right off his feet as the demon beared down on him. Cullen reached for his sword as the Lesser Terror lowered its head to take a bite out the Commander. This was going to be the end...
...until a helmet masked soldier charged right into the demon, bashing the shrieking beast with the force of her shield. The demon crumpled to the floor. But, unfortunately the soldier tripped over the Lesser Terror. She found herself entangled in its long legs and arms, that smartly kicked the her sword and shield out of her hands. As quick as he could, Cullen pushed himself up and grabbed his great sword.
The soldier was now kicking the demon's face...and biting its long limbs as she furiously tried to disentangle herself! Cullen had to find the perfect timing to swing his sword or he would cut off his soldier's leg. There! The Commander wielded his great sword like a swinging bat and lobed the demon's head right off its long neck! Black blood gushed like a geyser from headless Lesser Terror's neck, before it exploded into noxious shadow and hot ash.
While impressed, Cullen had not trained his soldiers to act so recklessly on the battlefield. "What was that insanity all about!" He barked angrily in his authoritative Commander voice as the soldier scrambled for her belongings. "I could've accidentally struck you with my sword during your daredevil trick!" The Commander shouted at the soldier's back.
"A simple thank you, will suffice," She said in a huff as she scowled back at Cullen, equipping her griffon shield and sword. Shrieks came from around them as more demons approached from the haze "Back to back didn't you say!" The soldier asked before adding, "Well, come on then!" The Commander practically gaped at her as she spun around and peered into the billowing smoke. She...one of his soldiers was ordering him?
Her obstinacy made Cullen acutely aware as he put his own back to hers. As she rocked on the balls of her heels in a ready stance, her back pressed against his and he could feel her radiating warmth and energy. He was used to fighting in pairs, so this shouldn't bother him...yet it did, in the most distracting way possible.
"Lesser Shade on you left! I have a Shade on my right." The female soldier shouted. The pair pressed their backs together, as if drawing strength from one another to protect against the demon's weakening effects on the body and mind. "My strike!" Shouted Cullen as his shade was approaching more quickly. He pushed off the soldier and pounced on the demon. This Lesser Shade stood no chance against the Commander's experience and strength. Cullen's downward arc cut straight through the demon with a powerful slice of his sharp blade.
"My turn!" Shouted the soldier and Cullen found himself watching as she bashed into the incoming demon with her shield. But, her sword technique made the Commander grimace. "You aren't holding your sword correctly." Cullen pointed out. And the woman let out a loud snort as she fought the Lesser Shade, finally driving her blade into its belly.
Something about this cocky soldier's attitude riled Cullen. "It's a blade not a bludgeoning device!" He remarked in exasperation as the pair returned to their back to back position. "If we get out of this alive, I will be teaching you a thing or two about swordfighting at camp so that you do not fight like a drunk patron at an Inn!"
Luckily, the courtyard began to clear and the battle had been won as soldiers rushed to tend their wounded comrades and cleanup the area. Quickly, Cullen turned on his heels to face his mysterious and insubordinate soldier. She had turned to face him as well as she reached for her helmet.
"Do enjoy pointing out people's faults so poignantly or am I a special case?" Huffed the soldier as she finally removed her helm from her head, spilling long dark chestnut hair onto her shoulders. Cullen found his jaw dropping as there before him, stood the woman from the ruins. The Commander's puffed up anger seemed to deflate as he stared at the woman. Her soft lips were pursed as she glared unhappily up at him through narrowed honey brown eyes.
"Ah, Evelyn," Cassandra's voice sighed, half in her usually exasperation and also great relief. Luckily the lass seemed to have made it to the Commander's side. Probably the safest place she could have been in the whole courtyard.
"Commander, I see you have met our released prisoner." Cassandra moved forward to make the introductions. "Evelyn, this is Commander Cullen. He was the one to call you Ev…" "Ah! Cassandra!" Cullen suddenly shouted, cutting the Seeker's sentence off. "I just recalled something urgent and of the utmost secrecy! Please come with me...other there...no here!" The Commander practically dragged the bewildered Seeker to the far side of the courtyard behind the rubble of a fallen wall, as Evelyn, Solas, and Varric watched with baffled expressions.
"What in Maker's name has possessed you!" Cassandra growled at the Commander, who looked guilty for his unusual behavior. Cullen was usually quite composed and level headed, but in the presence of that young woman...Evelyn. "Honestly, I don't know...I just…" Cullen sighed and rubbed his weary temples.
"You don't want her to know that you knew her sister?" Cassandra guessd, and the Commander's wide startled blue eyes confirmed it. The Seeker sighed, feeling slightly frustrated, but Cullen was a good man and she respected his wishes. Nodding, the Seeker made to walk back, but then she decided to add, "You can try keeping it a secret, Cullen. But, I have a feeling she will figure it out soon enough and wonder why you kept it quiet."
Cullen nodded his understanding. "Thank you, Cassandra," the Commander said softly, though the Seeker could see that the issue still troubled him. Cassandra had no idea what could have transpired between Cullen and the Trevelyan family, but she had more pressing problems to contend with.
"Come, we must make our way to the Temple. Evelyn may prove to hold the key to our victory over the Breach." The Seeker explained. Cassandra signaled for the Commander to follow as she headed back to the trio, who now animatedly chatting amongst themselves.
Cullen sighed and nodded as he too, walked out from behind the rubble to watch Solas, Varric, and Evelyn talking between themselves. He should have nothing to fear about the lass. Once the Commander revealed his connection with Evangeline in the past, Evelyn would come to understand why he did what he had to do...eventually.
But, when he caught sight of how Evelyn laughed merrily at something the Dwarf had said, Cullen felt his heart tighten within his chest. Maybe he could stay within the lass's good graces just a while longer...
More rambling notes from the Author:
Oh yeah! I hope you enjoyed Cullen and Evelyn's banter. I wanted it to be different than all the polite conversation you have in game, and just the start of their first impression of each other! I was inspired by Cullen's remarks as he watched his soldiers train.
Please let me know what you think! If you enjoyed the interaction between the two so far. I plan to do Evelyn's POV in the next chapter.
Until then, thank you for reading! :D
P.s...I had a hard time finding a good picture of a lesser and greater terror. Hopefully my description is accurate.
(DISCLAIMER) I do not own nor claim to own any of the Dragon Age Franchise and Bioware's work. It is from the team's own brilliance…though my original characters are from my own madness.