As her eyes adjusted to the soft light of the tent around her, she tensed. Her body was prepared to fling herself up and sprint for the exit. Where was she? Had they taken her? Where was Cole?
"You are safe," The voice was soft and soothing, placating her worries almost immediately.
Alaina looked to see the spirit resting beside her bedroll, his legs crossed. His cool hand was resting on her forehead, soothing the heat from her body. The woman tested her limbs, rotating her joints and looking for sore spots. Her body felt fresh and light, as though any imperfections had been cleared while she rested.
Looking down, Alaina found that she had been clothed and the blood had been wiped from her forearms. It was a relief to not be forced to deal with the events of the night before immediately, though she knew that she would be forced to deal with her actions eventually. A soft pressure resonated behind her left eye before quickly receding.
"I dressed and cleaned you." She could have sworn she saw a touch of pink on his cheeks before he ducked his head and hid behind his large hat. Alaina wasn't sure if she should be more embarrassed by the fact that she had passed out half-naked in front of the others, or that Cole had bathed and dressed her. "Solas healed your body, but your mind still needs mending."
"Thank you for helping me Cole," Resting a hand on his arm, she sighed, sitting up on the bedroll. The thin patchwork shirt that covered her torso looked oddly similar to the clothes the young man beside her wore. "Is this your shirt?"
"The other had blood on it," He refused to meet her eyes, his mouth dipping into a pained grimace. Even just the memory of her fear made him feel sick. "I'm sorry."
"What are you sorry for?" The redhead rolled the loose sleeves up above her elbows, the borrowed shirt was much too big on her small form. Though the dark tunic was obviously clean, it still smelled faintly of rainstorms and campfires. It was a comforting scent that reminded her of camping with her father during hunting season.
"I left and you got hurt." His expression was pained and his eyes dark. "I shouldn't have left."
"You couldn't have known," Her red hair spilled over her shoulders as she reached out to touch his face, but found that he was already gone. She didn't blame him, he probably needed a moment to himself after the events of last night. She couldn't imagine how painful the way she had felt last night must have felt for a spirit of compassion.
Alaina stood, readjusting her ill-fitting outfit, and exited the tent. The sun had barely begun to rise over the mountains in the East, a gorgeous sight to behold. The others sat around the dying fire, whispering amongst themselves. The conversations quieted as she approached, their eyes avoiding her own.
"Good morning Alaina," Christopher was the first to acknowledge her, a cup of tea in his hand. His dark eyes were almost gold in the glow of the warm morning sun. "Would you like some tea?"
"That would be amazing," Giving him a smile, she took the crudely carved mug that he offered. The sweet, spicy scent of the mixture hit her nose and her mouth instinctively watered.
The redhead sat beside the massive Qunari on a felled log and began to sip the hot beverage. Everyone seemed to be watching her as though they were waiting for her to burst into tears. Even Sera was uncharacteristically quiet this morning, her blue eyes sympathetic. The world was a cruel place to exist as a woman.
"How do you feel?" Solas' voice was calm and soothing, his gold eyes watching her closely. At this moment he almost wished the spirit was nearby to shout out the woman's thoughts. "Is there anything I can offer you?"
The Iron bull was silent but rested a large hand on her back. His firm touch was comforting, it reminded her of her late father who had always tried his best to protect her. She leaned into his side, allowing his arm to wrap around her as she closed her eyes. He smelled of leather and pine, a clean scent that didn't quite fit the imagery of the 'battle machine'.
"I'm alright," She finally offered, giving the elf a soft smile. The others looked slightly unconvinced but didn't say anything. It was silent, awkward almost, as though the men couldn't quite figure out an approach to the situation.
"She said she's alright." Sera looked slightly annoyed by the men in the party. "Let's get packing. We can make it to Skyhold before nightfall if we leave now."
"Sounds good to me." The redhead tipped back the rest of the mug's contents, the hot liquid warming her stomach and relaxing her limbs. Alaina had begun to pack up her borrowed items and take down the tent when Cole reappeared, taking the items from her hands. He made quick work of deconstructing their shared tent and tied her bag to his horse.
As Alaina approached the pale gelding it pulled at the reins that Cole was holding. However as the young rogue whispered to the beast in low soothing tones, the creature settled. His hand gripping her own, he brought it to the velvet nose of the horse. After a long inhale, the horse seemed to accept that the girl meant no harm and dipped his head. Her clawed hand rested on the horse's neck and gently ran through his ivory locks. The gelding seemed to lean into her touch, his eyes closing.
"He likes you," Cole's lips curled into an excited smile, the horse bumping his shoulder with his nose. "Shiney."
"Is that his name?" Her hand softly brushed his long mane as the young spirit pulled himself into the saddle. The pale warmblood seemed to match his rider, not only in appearance but also in strength. Though currently a gentle spirit, she knew that in battle the creature's breeding would kick in and he would be a valiant steed.
"Shimmering, glistening. Like a sweat-soaked smile!" He nodded excitedly as he offered a hand to the short redhead beside him.
"That's my name! You can't use it!" Sera screeched from atop her smaller steed, kicking her horse into a trot. The brown mare happily began to trot down the rocky trail.
"I like it." Alaina took his offered hand but instead of pulling her up behind him, he sat her in front of him on the saddle. His arms on either side of her body she found that her face was suddenly hot and red. "I can sit behind you."
"I won't let you slip," Cole commented, his cool breath brushing against her ear. Her copper locks brushed against his chin as he spoke. "This is safer, more secure."
As she held her back stiff to prevent from leaning against his chest, she could already feel how sore she would be when they arrived. Her heart was pounding and her face was flushed, this was going to be a long ride.
As they approached the bridge into Skyhold, Alaina was speechless at the sight of the massive castle. Even in the dim light it was much more impressive than it had been in the game. On its own, the main gate was immense, wide enough for two maybe three carriages to get through with extra clearance. The towers were each large enough to fit two of her apartments on each floor within. As they entered the courtyard to dismount their horses, they were met with a few people who waved and called to the Inquisitor in greeting.
Cole had almost immediately disappeared as soon as Shiny was safe in his stall. Solas had retreated to the atrium to add to his mural, Sera went to bother Vivienne, and the large Qunari had returned to the pub to get a drink and a hot meal.
Though tired, Christopher still greeted each individual with sincerity and grace as they walked up the main steps toward the throne room. Though he wanted nothing more than to fall into his bed and rest until late tomorrow afternoon, he needed to introduce his newest companion to the others. With her peculiar features, it was likely that she would be treated as a threat if he didn't inform them of her arrival.
"Inquisitor Trevelyan," Cullen approached the two as they walked toward Josephine's desk where she was penning a letter to another noble for requisition support. "Did you manage to slay the dragon in the…." His gold eyes narrowed in on the strange-looking woman standing beside the Inquisitor. "I'm sorry, I don't believe we have met?"
Just as in the game, the Knight Commander was incredibly good-looking. His face was masculine and strong, with thick blond locks that had been deliberately styled. The scar on his upper lip looked a little more jagged and deep in person, however, and his face showed the effects of Lyrium withdrawal.
"This is Alaina," The bearded man beside her rested a hand on her shoulder, almost as though he was trying to show she was friend, not foe. "She was found near a rift in the mountain range about a quarter of the way towards Crestwood. She doesn't remember much of her past, but I think she will be a great asset to the Inquisition. She seems to have the makings of an excellent rogue."
"Her eyes certainly are.." The commander trailed off as though looking for a way to say frightening in a diplomatic way.
"Unique." The noblewoman behind the desk finished, walking towards the young woman. "I am Josephine Montilyet, ambassador and chief diplomat to the Inquisition." The dark-skinned noble gave a bow. "And this is Military Advisor Cullen Rutherford."
"It is a pleasure to meet you Lady Montilyet," The redhead mimicked the tone that the Antiva had given her. Her head tipped slightly downward to convey subservience, she offered what she hoped was a graceful bow.
Josephine gave her a disarming smile and she couldn't help but appreciate the noble's beauty. Her gray eyes lined in kohl and her lovely velvet dress were only accents to her natural appeal. Perhaps that was why she was so popular with the royalty of this universe.
"It is very nice to meet you, my lady." Cullen nodded at her, "Have you eaten? I was just heading to the tavern to grab some dinner, I'd love for you to join me."
"Alright, but I have no money so you're paying." Alaina gave a toothy grin and nearly laughed as he nervously eyed her fangs. Though he was probably using the dinner as an excuse to interrogate her, she had felt her stomach rumble at his suggestion. The last meal she had was a quick snack of jerky that The Iron Bull had offered her on their ride here.
"Then it'll be my treat." He offered her an arm, a true gentleman it seemed. He slightly flinched as her long claws brushed his bicep, but didn't rush to move away.
"I will speak with Josephine regarding your room and find you once we have figured it out," Christopher nodded and sat in a nearby armchair as he watched the pair leave.
"You are a templar?" Alaina asked politely as they walked across the throne room toward the steps down to the open plaza. The courtyard itself was absolutely gorgeous. With cobblestone roads and vines growing into the brick walls, it reminded her of rotting castles in Ireland she had visited after months of starving and saving for the trip.
"An ex-templar, I left the Order to join the Inquisition. I wanted to protect those in need." He gave her a charming side smile. "And do you remember what you are?"
"Honestly I'm not sure," A frown spread across her face, it seemed her memories were getting harder and harder to bring to mind the longer she stayed in this world. "I can't think of it, I thought I was just a normal girl living my life then suddenly I wasn't."
"Suddenly?" He pushed open the heavy wooden door to allow her to enter the tavern. The warm light and lively ambiance immediately relaxed her as the commander gestured toward a nearby table. She wondered what kind of food they served in Skyhold. Whatever it was she just hoped the meat wasn't dog or horse.
"Yes, overnight you might say." It was a vivacious and enjoyable atmosphere, even though a few had looked over at her with thinly veiled curiosity. Though she wasn't sure if it was due to her uncanny eyes or the fact that she had entered with the Commander of the Inquisition. It might have been a mix of both.
Soldiers and citizens alike looked happy and cared for. There were elves, dwarves, and humans alike. It gave her the feeling that all were welcome, though she acknowledged that sentiment probably wouldn't extend to someone like her. Not only was she an unfamiliar face, she was a creature that they had never before seen.
"That must have been quite overwhelming for you." The broad-shouldered man stepped ahead to pull out a heavy wooden chair for her. "I will go order us some food."
Alaina took a moment to observe the occupants around her, looking for a few main characters. The good-looking Cullen leaned up against the bar, charming the barmaid. Krem sat at a corner table with the Chargers, the group drinking and telling stories. She wondered if she would get a chance to talk with them, the second in command at least seemed nice enough.
The Qunari leader of the group stood nearby flirting with Dorian, the mage appeared to be playing hard to get. Maryden strummed her lute as a gentle song flowed from her lips, her voice truly was angelic and her delicate features were even prettier in person. Varric sat a few tables over, his manuscripts and letters spread across the surface. As though the dwarf could feel her blatant stare he looked up, making eye contact with the red-haired woman.
"I ordered you a slice of shepherd's pie. I hope you don't mind, it's their only decent dish." The commander sat in the chair across from her. He set a copper goblet of dark red liquid in front of her.
"What is this?" Alaina eyed it suspiciously, bringing it to her nose to smell.
The blond man gave a deep-throated laugh at her incredulous expression. Had she truly thought he would poison her in a bar full of occupants? "It's just a simple honey wine."
Her fingers curled around the smooth metal and she brought it to her lips. Though it was a little stronger and less nuanced than the wine she was used to, it was still delicious. A delicate floral scent paired perfectly with the soft taste of fruit and honey.
"Thank you very much, Commander Rutherford," A brilliant smile showed off her dimpled cheeks, and she played with the rim of her cup. Her finger lightly brushed the polished metal, a long claw scraping the surface.
"Just Cullen is fine," He rubbed a gloved hand on the back of his neck, seemingly embarrassed. The action was a familiar one since she had chosen to romance the blond in a playthrough of the game and he had been quite the shy lover.
"So, you must be the new addition that the Kid was talking about." The dwarf slid into the seat beside her, looking up at the petite woman. "I'm Varric, although you've probably heard a lot about me."
"Hello Varric," Alaina was excited to meet another of her favorite characters. The older rogue had been witty and always defended the gentle Cole. "It is very nice to meet you. I'm Alaina."
"He didn't mention your eyes, but then again he's always going on about how people live behind them so it's likely he didn't even notice." The burly rogue laughed, waving over a barmaid. "One mug of mead dear."
"I'm surprised you managed to get the commander out of his tower," The Iron Bull suddenly interjected, leaning over the redhead's shoulder. "He almost works as much as the boss."
"There is much to do." The older blond took a drink of his wine. "A break is well deserved now and again."
"No one is arguing against that Curly." Varric laughed and took a drink of his freshly poured mead. "You and the boss both deserve a break."
"Who, me?" Alaina turned to see the dark-haired Inquisitor approaching, "I wish I could, but demons need to be banished back to the fade, rifts need to be closed, alliances need to be formed."
Varric made a show of looking around, under the table, out the nearby window. "I don't see any demons or rifts here. Grab a drink with us! Maybe you'll find a lead for an alliance."
"Perhaps one mead wouldn't hurt." His answer led to a chorus of cheers as the barmaid approached with the hot food that had been ordered. Alaina normally didn't eat much meat but she found herself salivating at the smell of the cooked meat under the pile of seasoned mashed potatoes. She tried to remember her table manners, back straight elbows off the table, but was ravenous from missing the last couple meals.
"I love a woman that can eat!" As The Iron Bull watched her scarf down the food, he gave her a heated look. "I'll buy you another if you'd like."
"I think it's been two days since my last full meal!" Embarrassed, she forced herself to slow down. With all eyes on her, she put down her fork and dabbed at her lips with a cloth napkin in what she hoped was a ladylike manner.
"Let the girl eat Tiny!" Varric clapped the Qunari male on the back. "Sit! Join us!"
"If you insist," He plopped down in the chair beside Cullen as the Inquisitor took the chair at the end. Waving at the barmaid, he ordered another round for the table.
"How did our introductory meal turn into this?" Cullen rubbed his hand over his eyes. "I'm only paying for Lady Alaina. The rest of you are on your own."
Her slitted eyes watched as the others joked and joshed with one another, their behavior playful. It felt odd to see the characters from a game series she had played years before talking to her and asking her questions. Though she missed the comforts of her world, she felt an essence of comradery she hadn't felt in years.
"Lady Alaina?" Cullen asked, his face serious. "Why do you wish to join the Inquisition?" So he was finally revealing his intentions for bringing her here.
"Honestly? I want to protect those in need." She repeated his own words back to him, her lips curving in a smile. "I don't know what I can offer yet, but with time and training I'm sure I can find some way to contribute."
"A noble effort," The shorter man leaned toward her amidst the chatter. "You made quite the impression on the Kid, what did you do?"
"I made an impression on him?" Perhaps he was afraid of her after she attacked the bandit. She had acted like a rabid animal after all. "Is he afraid of me?"
Cullen looked at the redhead with a skeptical expression, "I can't imagine that demon being afraid of a petite woman like yourself."
"He's not a demon, he's a spirit." Varric was quick to defend the young man, "Actually, it seems since he confronted that templar he's more human than anything. You should hear some of the questions he asks me." He pressed his hand against his stubbled chin.
"You're not the only one." Dorian pulled a chair from another table to join them. Looking towards the young lady his playful expression changed to one of curiosity. "You must be the Inquisitor's acquisition." He leaned in, his chestnut eyes slightly unfocused from drinking. "Oh, you ARE bizarre-looking."
His tanned fingers brushed her chin as he turned her this way and that, "I've never seen anything like it." His hand moved to her own, extending her fingers to look at her blackened claws. "Fascinating."
"She isn't a piece of art for you to purchase Sparkler!" The dwarf seemed more upset than the woman who was simply allowing the mage to explore her as she sipped her wine. It's not as though he held any attraction to her after all.
"Ah yes, Alaina." The Inquisitor's face was a little flushed as he took a large drink from his ornate mug. It was strange to see the Inquisition's leader acting in this less than professional manner. "We will have a room arranged for you in time, there are a few empty rooms around the fortress, but they still need a lot of work. We just finished renovating Cole's room and he said that you are more than welcome to stay there until your own room is done."
"Is that a good idea?" Cullen seemed slightly upset at this revelation. "Whether he is a demon or a human, he is a man after all."
"The kid hasn't shown much interest in women," Varric considered this. "Plus I don't think he sleeps very often."
Christopher looked at her, "We'll put an extra bed in there and we can hang a curtain if that makes you more comfortable. I do trust Cole, and I can't imagine him purposely causing any of Skyhold's inhabitants harm."
The redhead nodded, downing the rest of her wine to start another cup. The nice chilled liquid felt like heaven in her stomach. "That's okay, I don't mind. I truly doubt he would do anything to hurt me."
Cullen watched the pretty woman with rapt attention, his eyes lingering on her full lips as they sipped from her goblet. Her auburn hair was windswept from riding up the pass, and her slightly inhuman features, while off-putting, were also quite beguiling. He could already imagine the gossip around the keep about the 'demon girl' that was sure to come.
However, as she sat at a crowded table surrounded by the Inquisition's main players no one was brave enough to approach her with snide remarks. Though she did draw in some blatant stares. She watched them all with obvious fascination in her green eyes, her lips curving into a soft smile as the Qunari challenged the Inquisitor to an arm-wrestling contest. An obviously stacked fight.
"Would you like to join the recruits for training in the morning?" Cullen suddenly asked, his gold eyes fixed on the girl across from him. The letter the Inquisitor had sent had mentioned her quick reflexes and immense strength.
"Yes!" Green slitted eyes lit up with obvious mirth. Alaina was excited to learn how to fight and defend herself. Never again would she stand there uselessly waiting for another to protect her. Plus if she ever made it back to her own world, the same techniques could be applied.
"That sounds like an excellent idea." Christopher nodded, rubbing his wrist where The Iron Bull had driven it into the table. "I think she would be a tough challenge with a pair of daggers."
"I think we can procure a pair of practice daggers." The Commander smiled at her, his surprisingly white teeth flashing. In this world with no real toothpaste, she wondered how everyone kept their smiles so fresh. "We start at dawn, I'll have some training armor brought to the demon's… I mean Cole's room."
"Alright, I'll be there." Her fangs flashed as she returned his smile, causing Dorian to lean in once more. He was quite the handsome man and, had she not known that he was very uninterested in women, she might have been a blushing mess.
"Fangs!" He tilted her chin up as he looked intensely at her mouth, "I think I read about something like this once, but what book was it?"
"If you remember, could you tell me?" The redhead was hopeful, maybe there would be some information on how to get her home. Or a lead to where anyone else like her could be.
"Of course my dear," His hand toyed with his manicured mustache as he leaned back in his chair, his cheeks slightly flushed under his dark skin. He made eye contact with the horned male a few chairs down and his pupils dilated ever so slightly.
"The Iron Bull?" Her voice was playful as she attempted to keep an innocent look on her face.
"Yes?" The large man was slightly swaying in his seat as he looked down at the small woman. Her full lips were curved into a 'cat's got the canary' grin.
"Isn't Dorian particularly handsome this evening?" She winked at the mage who was now blushing deeply.
"You just met him," The Iron Bull laughed, "But yes, he is."
"She knows a fine specimen when she sees one," Dorian reminded her of a male peacock, his feathers puffing up to impress his potential mate.
A tendril softly brushed against her mind and she glanced around, seeking out the signature large hat. Alaina was only slightly surprised when he appeared suddenly, perched on the edge of the table. She had to crane her neck to look up at his face, he seemed happier here than he had on the trail. As though a heavy weight had been lifted on his shoulders.
"Kid, we've talked about you scaring people like that." Varric wiped at the mead he'd spilled onto his sleeve when the spirit appeared. "Shoes don't go on the table."
"Yes, I am not a plate." The exchange reminded the redhead of a father and his son. She giggled, trying to hide the noise behind her hand. Cole looked at her with a startled expression when she failed to stop the snort that escaped her lips. "Why are you laughing?"
"You don't know?" Dorian's face showed surprise as the young blonde shook his head. "You are always fishing around in our heads, I figured you'd already know the answer."
"Dim, dark, dull." The table turned to look at the small woman as though they were trying to access her thoughts. "Like eavesdropping through a closed door, I can only hear half of the conversation."
"You can't feel it when he pulls at the threads?" She questioned, her face serious. Even now it was a conscious effort to keep him from picking apart her pain.
"No, we most certainly can not." The Tevinter across from her seemed to be even more interested in her with this admission. "We'll talk about this more sometime when I've had less to drink. You will be teaching me how to keep him out."
Cole frowned as they talked about him like he wasn't there, but the redhead reached out and patted his hand softly. Her hurt flared as she looked up at his face and studied his expression. He looked confused and awkward, but he never meant to hurt anyone. Sometimes the hurt just tore in his attempt to mend it.
"The kid doesn't mean anything by it," Varric defended quickly. He looked to the newest addition to their companions with a quizzical expression. "You know, Little Red, you sure can hold your alcohol."
As she looked down she realized that five empty goblets sat in front of her, drained of their red contents. A soft blush rose to her cheeks as she realized that the Commander's bill was probably going to be very high."I will pay you back, Cullen, as soon as I earn some coin."
"Don't worry about it, I had an excellent time." The handsome man gave her another devastating smile. No wonder he was such a popular choice to romance. Perhaps in another life she would have actually romanced him, but she had seen too much addiction in this one and couldn't handle more. The woman knew she must be hurting because a soft touch to her consciousness reminded her that her pain affected another.
"Ah, thanks Curly." Varric joked with the normally serious ex-templar.
"I will NOT be paying for your drinks." The blond deadpanned, as he stood he swayed slightly. "I should be going if I'm going to make it to the morning training." He looked across the table at the small redhead who appeared completely unaffected by the high alcohol content of the wine. "Have a wonderful evening, Lady Alaina."
"Good night, Sir Cullen." Red curls spilled over her shoulders as she tipped her head into a playful bow, her lips curving into a soft smile.
"Lightweight!" The Iron Bull called after him, before slamming back another. "I'll buy you another drink, my dear." He grinned at the redhead.
"Thank you, but no." Alaina shook her head, "I should go get settled before bed. I still need to find the privy."