Her sleep is peaceful despite the vivid dreams that occupy her mind. It felt so real, so within her grasp like she was completely in control of it all. She dreamed of running through the Great Forest with her brother in search of unicorns like when they were children. It's a welcomed change compared to the nightmares that had plagued her as of late. As her rest comes to an end, she feels the warmth and weight of arms around her along with the feel of a solid figure behind her. It's comforting in the wake of the aches and pain that runs rampant through her body. That alone causes her to try and snuggle closer to her current source of solace. When she does so though, she notices a bouncing movement similar to that of a horse trotting. That puzzles her. But what causes her to truly panic is the sensation of not being able to move her hands nor her arms. Brown eyes open in a flash while she starts to move around.
"Hey, calm down! You're going to either fall or scare the horse."
Freydis whips her head around to see who's speaking to her. There smiling down at her is indeed her old friend. She hasn't changed one bit. "What's going on?" she asks.
Kasaanda chuckles softly, glancing down a the redhead. "Well...you snuck into my tent, scared me half to death and I sort of headbutted you." she replies, shrugging slightly. Her smile fades just the tiniest bit. "If you mean why you're suddenly here in Thedas with me along with why the world has gone to shit then I don't know that."
"Okay but why are my hands bound?!" the red-head snaps. She starts wriggling again in frustration.
"I already told you to st-"
"Is there a problem here?" Cassandra's voice booms. She's suddenly walking alongside them, shooting a rather venomous glare at Freydis.
"No no! Just a little confusion that's all." Kasaanda says loud enough to drown out whatever argument Freydis had almost started. She offers Cassandra a smile and a thumbs up to show everything was fine. Once Cassandra deems the situation under control and in turn continues ahead of them, Kasaanda turns her attention back to her friend.
"Look we need to establish some things." Her expression remains calm and collected though her voice is lowered so only Freydis can hear what she's saying. "The most important thing is no magic. I know in Skyrim magic is a normal thing and the most people do is laugh at it or just roll their eyes. Here it's different. Mages are looked down upon. We're feared and in a lot of cases seen as less than human...you know what I mean." She waits to see if the woman's going to offer up any sort of comment. When she receives none, Kasaanda continues on. "Human and elvhen mages born with magic are sent to The Circle of Magi where they grow up, practice magic and are controlled and watched over by the Templar Order. They aren't nice places from what I've heard. Lack of freedom, harassment, and just general unpleasantness. If you don't study in a circle then you're an apostate, which in the eyes of many is much worse than being just a mage. If an apostate is lucky they just get dragged to a Circle. I'm technically an apostate. I learned magic from a tutor. There's no Qunari in the Circles."
Freydis remembers them talking about magic during their time together in Skyrim. It had shocked her lo learn of the differences between their worlds on the subject. The information is a good refresher and helps to put things in perspective. While she wasn't fully reliant on magic, magic did make things easier; whether it was lighting fires, killing enemies, healing and numerous other tasks. Not being able to use it was going to be a bigger pain in her ass than she thought. Another thought dawns on her. "That also means I probably shouldn't do any shouting, hm?"
"Shouting is probably the last thing you want to do. The Chantry would probably demand you be burned at the stake or something. Is Thu'um considered magic? I mean it seems sort of magic like to me."
"Yes and no. Depends on who you ask. I would say technically no since it doesn't require magika and it's not a school of magic. It's more like a divine power of sorts." And as she says that, Freydis straightens her posture and holds her head a bit higher in a rather haughty way. That action only earns her an eye-roll from the Qunari.
"Oh yes. Nothing says divinity like drunken bar brawls and thievery." Kasaanda teases, merely chuckling at the huff Freydis lets out. "Anyways, magic aside the current state of affairs is chaotic at best. Thankfully it's not a dragon eating souls. Can't say the same about a war."
The morning goes by faster than expected. As they ride along, Freydis and Kasaanda catch up. Really though, it's Kasaanda that does most of the talking. She talks about the explosion at the Conclave and the Breach, how she become known as the Herald of Andraste, about Haven and the crew she's been acquainted with, including those currently traveling with them. Most important of all a cover up. There's no guarantee that it would be infallible, and Kasaanda has no doubt that someone, particularly her spymaster, would possibly try and find out more information on the newest addition to the party. But something was better than nothing. Besides, it was easier than trying to explain Skyrim and the logistics of it all to her inner circle.
"This feels a bit nostalgic. So, oh wise Herald, who am I?"
"Real funny." Kasaanda mutters. "Listen carefully. You're Freydis, of course. You're Avvar. Or you were. As a child you were adopted by a couple who already had a son. You know little about Avvar customs considering your situation. You grew up to be a mercenary along with your adopted brother. Any thing else will just be blanks for you to fill in."
"Why don't you write me a novel? Sheesh. Do all those details really matter?"
"We have to make sure we cover our tracks. Things aren't nearly the same here as they are back in Skyrim or even Tamriel." Kasaanda's tone and expression become more serious. There's a twinge of worry as well. "I just don't want anything to happen to you. You're already going to be under a bit of scrutiny."
That shuts Freydis up, for the time being at least. She supposes her companion is right. Things here were very different; that much she could already tell. Complicated. Messy. Those words she would use currently to describe this new land. Skyrim and overall Tamriel had issues, sure. Nothing quite like this however.
Neither one of them says anything more after that.
Mid-afternoon they end up stopping for lunch to let the horses rest for a small bit of time. Even so, she's still being treated like a prisoner. It's just another annoyance. Freydis sits silently watching everyone move about. Kasaanda stands in the distance talking to a few scouts and the woman come to be known as Cassandra. Said warrior has taken it upon herself to glance over once or twice to shoot a look of suspicion at the redhead. Solas seemed to be intently sketching in a small bound book. Her observing comes to an end when someone takes a seat beside her and speaks up.
"So that was some show you put on last night."
Freydis turns to look at whoever has spoken, yet it takes a second for her to realize that she has to look down to see the person. She tries so hard not to gawk or even down right stare at the dwarf that's taken a seat beside her. "Uh, yeah. It certainly was, wasn't it?" Needless to say it wasn't the reception she was hoping for. "Not my greatest moment but at the time it seemed like a humorous idea."
"You and Princess seem to be on friendly terms." Varric states, obviously fishing for information. Yet there's a genuine curiosity. That much Freydis can tell.
"We are. Been friends for years. We met at the beginning of our mercenary careers." the Dragonborn says. "Never worked in the same company, but we did a job or two together. We would meet up frequently after jobs to catch up. In fact my little stunt was meant to be a surprise reunion. I guess it worked." Lying comes naturally to her. Always had. The fabrications she's spoken however are partially true.
Varric laughs and nods at her words. "I see...that makes sense." A pause as if he's making a mental note of it. "I'm Varric Tethras, by the way. I'd shake your hand but..." He shrugs, glancing at her bound hands.
"Careful. Cassandra may scold you for fraternizing with the prisoner." Solas stands infront of them now with the smallest hint of a smile.
"Yeah well, in case you haven't noticed, Chuckles, the Seeker's in a constant state of annoyance when it comes to me anyways so what's the harm in just adding another small transgression to the ever-growing list? Besides, it's worth it to get a little more inspiration for my next book." The dwarf says, giving a quick wink.
Ah, now that causes a raise of her eyebrows. Not only is he a writer, but he must be at least somewhat successful if he's written more than one. She'll have to keep that in mind. She has to wonder though just how well known the dwarf is and whether or not she should pretend to know of him or his works.
"Is that so? I suppose it's not too early to get started on it then."
Freydis can't help the grin that now spreads across her face. "Freydis Andrrusdóttir. It's a pleasure to meet you both."
Solas glances at her, shaking his head and holding back a snort of laughter. "Solas. And I'd mind your words. You may change your mind by the end of it all."
The conversation is cut short however. Soldiers start moving about and a few scouts have already left ahead of them. Still her hands remain bound as she's assisted back onto the horse with Kasaanda.
The sun had nearly finished setting once they returned to Haven. Kasaanda comes to a halt infront of a small stable right beside the smithing area. Everyone else seems to have gone their separate ways save for Cassandra. It's after Kasaanda helps Freydis off the horse that the Seeker approaches them. In a matter of seconds the rope that bound the Dragonborn's wrists together are cut. "Don't make me regret that." the Seeker warns while giving the woman one final hard stare.
Freydis mutters out a thanks and quietly follows behind the other two. Her eyes wander the area, taking in the details. It brings forth the memory of Helgen before Alduin burned it to a crisp. Granted this Haven was much smaller in comparison or so it seemed. There's stares coupled with a few murmurs as the three of them walk through. Yet she notices that the lingering gazes aren't upon her but rather her dear friend. Not surprising considering Kasaanda's appearance. Then Freydis recalls the mage's recently acquired title. In a number of those looks she could see hints of fear.
There's hardly time to ponder the whole situation. Before she knows it they've squeezed their way into a tight office with three other people.
"You've returned. I take it everything went well?" The woman in gold turns her attention to the group that's just entered. There's a pause as her gaze comes to rest on the Nord. "And who might this be?"
"Freydis. She's the one from Leliana's report. Can confirm that she is indeed Avvar! Well to a degree..." Kasaanda replies with a hint of nervousness in her voice. She doesn't miss the looks that are exchanged between the three advisors nor the change in posture and disposition. "But! She's an old friend that has agreed to join the Inquisition in order to make up for her mischief. Isn't that right?" A large hand comes to rest on the other woman's shoulder.
"Of course! It will be my honor to help such a noble cause!" The Nord replies while offering what she considers an award winning smile. Of course the act is fooling no one. She catches the man in the armor exchanging a look with the woman in gold holding the clipboard, along with the look the other red-haired woman wears on her face. It's an expression that on the surface is neutral but if one look hard enough they would see an underlying layer of displeasure with a bit of suspicion.
Leliana clasps her hands behind her back and her head tilts to the side just ever so slightly. "What impeccable timing it is for you to show up. Especially considering you two seem to know each other."
"Perhaps it's the work of fate or some higher being." Freydis shoots back, grin still intact. "Or it could be a case of one person's bad luck is another's miracle." This was really starting to wear on her nerves. Akatosh give her patience. "I mean, it's not my fault I had a mercenary job go so awry that one minute I'm in a tavern with my brother waiting to be paid and the next I'm waking up in the wilderness of a land I'm not familiar with. Not to mention how this land seems to be going to hell in record time." Even if she wanted to there was no disguising the passive-aggressive tone of her voice or the somewhat bitter laugh. It's all a lie. One big bluff. They didn't have to know that nor would they. She was a good enough liar and actor; a perk of being a thief. "In any case, I'm here now to help. I can be whatever you need. A rogue, a warrior, a healer. I can do it all." Honestly they shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. A demi-godlike hero falls into their grasp and they look upon her as if she's some lowly beast. Being offended so is pointless though. They know not of her feats or the wonders she has enacted. This is not her world so she must not expect much from it.
"If need be we can discuss the matter further later. I believe everyone is tired from the journey and the past week." Josephine intervenes remaining calm as always. "With that in mind, how about we just get a quick report for now and convene in the morning?"
The others seems to be in agreement. It's Cassandra that speaks up next. "I can find a spot for you to set up a tent as well as return your belongings to you." she says, glancing at the Nord. The tone in which she speaks is still icy though it lacks the earlier
Freydis looks to Kasaanda who in return gives her an encouraging smile and nod. Despite that she comes close to asking if she and the Qunari could just share a tent like the old days. That request remains unspoken to preserve her dignity and even her friend's. The last thing she wants right now to be seen as clingy in the wake of an already poor impression along with adding to the headache her friend may already be dealing with. "Very well. I would appreciate that. I bid you all a good night and may you have pleasant dreams." She doesn't bother looking at any of them before following the Seeker back out into the frozen night.
The three advisors seem to relax a bit more once their new guest had left. Cullen clears his throat. "Now then, if you'd like you can just give us a basic run down of how the trip went and then we can call it a night."
Kasaanda gives them a brief synopsis of the last week's activities. It's the same as always though; closing rifts, recruiting a few more members to the inquisition, gathering materials and of course providing relief to those in need. The only thing that was out of the ordinary was the encounter with Freydis. They seem satisfied with the report however. Cullen doesn't linger too long afterwards, excusing himself to take his leave. Leliana leaves promptly after him claiming that there's still papers and reports she needs to go over with her scouts. That just leaves Kasaanda and Josephine. As the Herald starts to leave, Josephine stops her.
"There's something I want to talk to you about. As you may know, people aren't very familiar with...Tal-Vashoth or Qunari in general nor what life outside the Qun is like for someone like you and..." she stops to sigh and bite her lower lip as if trying to decide the best way to make her request. "There really is no easy way to ask this but, can you give me a bit of your background? What your life was like before all this? People are afraid, doubtful and just questioning your origins and intentions. If I could have some information and hopefully weave together something to perhaps ease the nerves of some I would be most appreciative." Quill is dipped in ink as she readies to take down whatever notes are offered to her. "If it's any consolation, your mercenary work isn't as inflammatory as one would think. Leliana acquired a letter from one of your previous captains and there was nothing but praise for you. He seemed quite enthusiastic about your skills."
That's surprising to say the least. She knows instantly who it is. There was only one person she had worked under before joining Valo-Kas. "William 'Iron-ass' Tully? I thought he didn't like me or something. That's...nice to hear." Her contentment is short lived. Eyes are downcast while she fidgets with her hair. "As far as the rest of my past goes, it's nothing special. Not really." It's really the first time she's stopped to think about it since returning to Thedas. Everything has kept her so busy. "Well, where should I start?"
The only comfort that comes from laying in this blasted tent was the fact she could finally drop the facade. That and it kept the snow from burying her. Freydis laid in silence merely staring up at the canvas material. She could only hope sleep would come as easily to her now as it did earlier. At least in here there was no need to put on the vibrant hero act. No need to gallivant about merrily like a peacock in spring. Here she could be exhausted and mope with no worry of getting pitying looks nor prying inquiries into her inner thoughts.
Seeing Kasaanda again had sparked a happiness in her heart that she hadn't felt in almost three and a half years. The time that passed had only left a growing emptiness inside her. There had been the thought of moving back to Cyrodiil to be with her family, even if only for part of the year. She couldn't bring herself to do it. She'd already invested so much of herself, time and energy into Skyrim. It would be a waste to walk away from it all. Even if she did move back home there was still the lingering thought that that wouldn't change how she felt. If anything it would only make her feel worse about it all. Thankfully the gods made alcohol. For a temporary time she can find a bit of joy in the bottom of a bottle.
The redhead rolls over to rummage through her scarce belongings. When she takes hold of the metal flask she doesn't take the time consider how much is actually in there. If she had, she possibly wouldn't have been so disappointed. For as she goes to chug the liquid she finds there was hardly enough to even be considered a drink. With a flash of anger and a growl, she chunks the container aside. Rolling over, she snuggles back down into the bedroll and blanket. There's no way she's getting up to seek out anymore.
Even in this world it seems like the gods were determined to make her life a living hell in any and every way.