Hawke and Varric sat in wait outside the War Room for Eostre. It had only been a few hours since she returned from the Western Approach.
"I tracked that Venatori Mage back to Adamant Fortress. They're now looking at assault options in the War Room. They're just waiting for the Inquisitor," Hawke explained as Varric leaned against the wall, arms crossed, and head hung.
The news weighed heavily on his heart. He couldn't help but feel partly responsible for the events that had led to this moment. "Thanks for coming though, Hawke."
"You did well, Varric. The Inquisitor is … just who we need." Hawke had only spent a few minutes at most with Eostre, but he was very impressed by her. She seemed to care much for the people caught up in the situation.
"Oh, it's been great. Murderous Wardens, Archdemon attacks, plenty of blood mages, and crazy templars. Just like home sweet home." Varric threw his hands up in the air, his words thick with sarcasm.
"I know how much you hated leaving Kirkwall."
"This is the ass end of Thedas. You know they eat snails here?" Varric virtually threw up in his mouth. The very idea of eating snails was utterly repulsive to him. "Still, I think … I need to finish this out. If it weren't for me and Bartrand, none of this would have happened. So much for changing our lives."
"That's what happens when you try to change things," Hawke placed an empathetic hand on Varric's shoulder. "Things change. You can't always control how."
The mood lightened somewhat with Eostre's entrance. "Ah, Inquisitor, I tracked the Wardens to Adamant Fortress, your specialists have my report."
Varric had admired Eostre since he first met her. She had gone from a prisoner to the leader of one of the most powerful forces in all of the known lands, yet she had still kept her humility.
"Thank you, Hawke," her smile was filled with compassion, "you have been invaluable to us." Despite the fact that Eostre was smiling, both Varric and Hawke could sense her apprehension.
Eostre swallowed hard, "I believe they're waiting for me. It is best not to linger, wait in the Tavern, I will come with news."
Hawke and Varric both excused themselves, but not before Varric mentioned, "you're an exceptional force of nature Eostre."
In The War Room
Eostre stood on the opposite side of the table with, as always, Cullen strategically placing himself in front of her. He could recognise the discontent within her however, it was quickly overshadowed by something else, determination.
"Adamant fortress has stood against the darkspawn since the time of the second blight," Leliana began, provoking a heavy-hearted sigh from Eostre.
"Fortunately for us, that means it was built before the age of modern siege equipment," Cullen added, trying his best to provide at least some remotely positive news. "A good trebuchet will do major damage to those ancient walls. And thanks to our lady ambassador," he gestured to Josephine.
"Lady Seryl of Jader was pleased to lend the Inquisition her sappers. They've already delivered the trebuchets," as always, Josephine's tone radiated hopefulness. "That is the good news."
"And the bad news?" Eostre's heart sank as she asked but she kept her composure. Now was not the time for her emotions to get the better of her.
"Erimond called the ritual at the western approach a test. He may already be raising his army of demons in the fortress." Leliana under Cullen's instructions tried to get as much information about the goings-on within the fortress itself but to no avail.
"The Inquisition forces can breach the gate, but if the Wardens already have their demons…" Cullen started to trail off. He noticed that Eostre's eyes had grown darker.
"I found records of Adamant's construction. There are choke points we can use to limit the field of battle." Leliana further explained.
"That's good. We may not be able to defeat them outright," Cullen knew his forces were strong enough to take the fortress. "But if we cut off reinforcements, we can carve you a path to Warden-Commander Clarel."
Eostre's breathing had become shaky, this was not going to be an easy task, she knew this. It was the loss of life that scared her. "Taking this fortress is going to get a lot of good soldiers killed."
"Our soldiers know the risks, Eostre. And they know what they're fighting for." Josephine spoke, sympathy in her voice.
"It'll be hard-fought, no way around it. But we'll get that gate open." Cullen's words were unwavering.
"It's also possible that some Wardens may be sympathetic to our cause." Josephine continued, with Leliana speaking up. "The warriors may be willing to listen to reason, though I doubt they will turn against Clarel directly."
Leliana paused, knowing that the next words from her would do little to quell the dread growing with Eostre. "The Mages, however, are slaves to Corypheus. They will fight to the death."
"Then death they shall have," Eostre was earnest. As much as she didn't want to, she knew the mages were chained through deception. "I wish there was a better outcome, but this will free them from Corypheus."
"Our siege engines are built, and our forces are readied," Eostre took a deep breath, her eyes filled with purpose. "Then we march on Adamant. I will return with what little remains of the Grey Wardens. I will not let more fall to Corypheus." She spat the name out, it was bitter in her mouth.
Leliana and Josephine made a swift exit, leaving Eostre and Cullen alone. He revered Eostre's handling of the information she had just been given, further strengthening her position as leader.
"I am scared Cullen," not the slightest hint of fear could be heard in her words, "this is a battle which may prove far greater than Haven." Cullen physically shuddered at the mention of Haven.
He was now in front of her, taking her into his arms. "I promise you; we are ready for this. Our forces are prepared to fight to the death for the Inquisition. For you."
He held her chin with his hand, "as am I." The kiss that followed his words was filled with adoration, he held her to him, not wanting to let her go. He pulled away gently, placing his forehead against hers. "We will win this Eostre."
Letting her go, he left to oversee the troops as they began to set out towards the fortress, leaving Eostre to look over the map. A scout appeared as he was leaving, calling out to Eostre.
"A letter for you Inquisitor."