Chapter Five
Arms and Armor
We got over to Master Harritt with Fergus in tow – he was directing the guards carrying the large chest of materials. Harritt looked confused, "Something I can do for you Commander, Admiral, uh…and My Lord?"
I spoke, "My Lord Brother was so kind as to include a shipment of raw materials on his journey here. Leliana says I need to be properly outfitted. I have this design for armor and weapons that I am comfortable using. I need 7 sets of armor and 2 sets of weapons – anything left after that you can keep to use for Inner Circle members – Leli, Cass, Varric, Solas, Cullen, Maxwell, Ellana or Josie."
He peeked into the chest and lit right up – I knew there was more than enough there for my requirements. The samite, Silverite and nug skin would be all that was needed for my items, leaving bolts of Highever Weave, Druffalo Hide and plenty of metals for the others.
I handed him the designs – the armor was sleeveless with long coat-tails and a bit of V-neck. The fastenings were simple metal. The leggings had a zipper – I included how to hand-make those. I also added thigh-high boots that matched with no 'heels' on them. The weapons were a barbed whip and curved dagger, because I had learned how to use both in tandem when I was in Iraq at one point.
I said, "I prefer white and black colorings."
He looked over the schematic, "This won't be a problem – the detailing you laid out is perfect. I can have this all done within a week if I have my boys do all the other work while I focus on yours."
I gave him a slight bow, "It would be appreciated, Master Harritt."
He laughed, "Just Harritt will do, Admiral. Thank you, Lord Cousland – for the materials."
Fergus inclined his head and gave me a small smile. Fergus and Cullen walked on either side of me. I could tell Fergus wanted to say more, but he wanted it to be private.
As we got to the training field, I looked at Cullen, "I'll come find you for dinner, Commander – I believe it's time I catch up with… my brother."
Cullen – as though on instinct – leaned down and kissed my cheek. When he pulled away he had a slight flush, "I'm sorry – that was presumptuous of me…"
I chuckled, "I did tell you last night that you need not ask me if you can kiss me. I thought it was sweet. Oh lord – look at how that one is blocking."
Cullens' head swiveled and he called out, "You there – there's a shield in your hand block with it. If that man were your enemy, you'd be dead."
I gigged as he headed over to oversee that disaster. Really, who blocks with their sword for that move?
I pulled Fergus along, "We can speak at my cabin."
He nodded, "I would like that. Oh – and here. This one is Gwarens' signet. It is mine, but I thought you should have one. I can always have Elissa get me another when she returns."
I sighed, "And I take it King Alistair will be sending me the Theirin one?"
"No – likely he will send you the mark of the Heir of Ferelden which is a broach with the two rampant Mabari over a crown. You'll have to wear it at all noble functions. I have to say, it'll be nice to finally have an heir to the throne in case my sister…"
"Speaking of – when will you work on getting a new heir?"
"My second wife and I are working on that. It was… painful to think about remarrying after what happened to Oriana and Oren. There was a bit of controversy of my wedding Lilla – a marcher – after what happened in Kirkwall."
I snorted, "There will always be controversy when a noble marries someone not from their home country, Fergus. That is simply the way of it."
He chuckled, "Indeed – though there wasn't nearly as much when I married Oriana."
"Indeed – though I doubt it has been nearly as much as when Eamon married Isolde."
"Ah, yes – Isolde. Personally, the woman unnerves me. She still acts like an Arlessa when she is no more than a seneschals' wife now. Twice that I've heard King Alistair has had to reprimand her for how she treats the servants and children in the palace."
"Alistair probably enjoyed that more than he'll admit – Isolde made his childhood hell on earth. She had him sleeping in the barn and tending the dogs."
He nodded, "I know – I was old enough back then to remember him."
"Changing the subject now that we're at my cabin – can one person be heir to three noble titles?"
"Well, yes – Elissa is both a Teyrna and a Queen; but she was also the Arlessa of Amaranthine during that whole fiasco. It isn't forbidden for one to have several titles. As of now, you are a Lady, a Princess and an Admiral. Though, people will care more about that last one than the others at the moment. With a hole in the sky, we need people who can save the world – not nobles who like me who sit on their ass and pray."
I chuckled, "Fair enough – and I'm not a princess unless Alistair really sends me that broach."
"… Actually you are. Alistair and I were together when we got Lelianas' note to me. He was visiting on official buissness. He told me that was exactly his plan if you turned out to be my sister. He and Elissa have held the throne for 10 years with no proper heir. Dowager Queen Anora was the only option if they both died and neither of them liked that option. I can't be the heir due to a technicality in the written rule. Congratulations little sister – not home more than a week and you're a princess."
I groaned, "That's a headache I really don't want."
"Neither did they – but Elissa was adamant that Anora not keep the throne after what Loghain did at Ostagar. She proved herself her fathers' daughter when she turned on them in the Landsmeet – lucky they still won that without having to kill more than Loghain."
"If they had the Chantry support for mentioning Jowan then it's no surprise."
"Indeed they did – Elissa also saved a few prisoners from Howes' clutches. I'm surprised she let Nathaniel live, but he did turn out to be a good man."
I smiled at that. "Who all did Elissa recruit? I mean, I have a good idea, but…"
"Tell me who you think?"
"During the Blight, she could have a witch named Morrigan, Alistair, Leliana, her Mabari, Senior Enchanter Wynne, Zevran Arianni, Oghren, a Qunari named Sten and a Golem named Shale."
"Well… yes, she recruited them all…"
"During the Amaranthine fiasco, she could have Oghren again, Anders, someone named Justice, Nathaniel Howe, Sigrun and Velanna."
He coughed, "Right again."
"When hunting for Morrigan, she could recruit Ariane, Finn and once again her dog. Going to Amgarrak, there was Brogan and Jerrik Dace as well as a Runic Golem."
"You are remarkably well-informed. Not many know about Amgarrak and who was involved. What about Hawke; who were his companions?"
"Anders was obvious, Aveline Vallen – Guard Captain of Kirkwall, Fenris was an escaped slave, Isabela is a pirate, Merrill, Sebastian Vael and our favorite Dwarf, Varric. When Hawke went to Chateau Haine, he had another companion named Tallis."
He chuckled, "We could ask Elissa about her views now, little sister. I got her a sending stone for her last birthday and kept the match."
I bit my lip, "I don't know – she might think I'm an imposter until she can see me herself. I…"
"She won't. Here, let's see…" he pulled out a stone from his pocket and did something with it. A voice floated out, sounding so soft and sweet, "Fergus? What's wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong dear sister – I have good news. I'm in Haven – the location of the new start up Inquisition. Celeste has returned."
"What? It's been 24 years – are you sure it's her?" the voice wavered.
"Positive – she looks almost exactly like you. She put Commander Cullen on his ass – more than once from what I'm told – and she has the marks around her neck, at her hip and her eyes are violet. I couldn't be any surer that it's her, Lis. Before we even talked about that, she cut to the chase – told me that she didn't believe she was our sister and that if I wasn't convinced then she would just drop her last name. She was raised in another land – she became an Admiral of a rather large Naval Fleet. She lives by a strict set of rules and she knows more about us that one would think."
"Then why didn't she come home?" Elissa asked.
"It… wasn't so simple, Lis – she knew about us as story-book characters, not people. It's not something that can be explained over a Sending Stone."
I caved, "Come to Haven, Your Majesty – I will explain and you will meet a mage who can do more in a month to cure the Blight than you get done in two years."
"Celeste?"
I coughed, "Yes, Ma'am."
"Call me Lis – or Elissa. Mum and Dad never gave up on you, you know. They were still looking when…"
I felt my throat constrict – I needed to hear that, "Thank you. And I'm serious; we don't have the mage with us yet but we will within a few months."
"… Then I will join your Inquisition. You're positive he can help my research?"
"He's already done most of the work that can help you. A friend of his was tainted in 9:35 Dragon and is still alive, Elissa."
"I'm on my way – Nathaniel, pack up; we're going to Haven to join the Inquisition… because there's someone who will be joining them that already did more research than we have, that's why. I don't know… what's his name?"
"Uh… I shouldn't say just yet; but I will tell you he's an Altus from Tevinter who hates Blood Magic and loves fashion."
I could hear her sputter a laugh, "Oh that is just such a paradox – a Tevene mage who doesn't do Blood Magic."
"I will have you know that he is my gay best friend who I've never met and will defend to the death. It's no stranger than traveling with a Beardless Dwarf; and I already have one of those. You had Zevran; you can't judge."
"Okay, you got me there. We'll be there within the month – 2 weeks at best, 3 and a half at worst. What can I expect while I travel?"
"The moment you re-enter the country, a false-calling will begin for you and any Warden you travel with. Do not heed it; as I said, it's false."
"That is troublesome. Has Alistair been warned that the Calling he is hearing isn't real?"
"I will let him know, sister – I don't know what this calling is, but I will make sure he is made aware it's not real at the moment." Fergus consoled.
"Oh it feels real enough that the Wardens down here are panicking like headless chickens and rushing to figure something out. I have to say; don't go to them, do not contact them, and come straight here. I will have something that can keep the nightmares at bay and help you sleep for a time – I have Commander Cullen on the same meds at the moment."
Fergus looked confused, "What – why?"
"During the Blight, Elissa saved the Tower from its fall. She found a young Templar trapped near the Harrowing Chamber begging her to kill all the Mages. That was Cullen."
Elissa let out a string of curses, "That poor Blighter – if he didn't have nightmares of the torture he endured, I'd be surprised. His pleas almost moved me enough to do just that, but I needed the mages to save Connor. If I hadn't gone to Redcliffe first…"
"He's recovered for the most part – but he's also in Withdrawal. He quit the Lyrium when he joined the Inquisition. He was in the final stages of Withdrawal in the tower back then – so it will be bad for him because it will act as a trigger to relive those memories."
"You don't pull punches, do you sister? You are changing things from day freaking one."
I laughed at Elissas' words, "Damn straight – if I don't, how would you know about my mage friend?"
"Good point. I'll make fast work – Nathaniel and I won't be getting much sleep anyway if we're going through a false calling. It'll just be him and me. Nate has things packed up now, so we'll move out and head your way."
"We'll see you then… sister," I smiled.
The connection cut off and Fergus said, "I suppose I should head back to Denerim to convey the message to Alistair and let him know that Elissa is coming to join the Inquisition."
I bit my lip, "Can you get him to openly acknowledge the Inquisition?"
"Are you kidding? Elissa Theirin is joining the Inquisition and our little sister is leading the Inquisition – of course he will acknowledge it. He may even send guards to protect you and her."
"Good lord, no. I can handle myself and Elissa slew an Archdemon – we don't need guards."
Fergus smirked, "Try telling him that."
"If I have to slap it into him, I bloody well will."
Fergus roared in laughter just as a knock sounded at the door. I stood to answer it as Fergus said, "You sound like her when she was younger. Elissa, that is."
The door swung open and I saw Cullen on the other side, "Commander, how can I help you?"
"I uh… it's getting late and I was wondering…"
"Fergus, are you coming to eat dinner with us?" I asked. Fergus looked confused, "He didn't even finish his sentence."
"He didn't have to – Cullen and I eat dinner together every night in the Tavern. Rylen carved our titles into the table we sit at too."
"… So I should just prepare for a wedding?" Fergus asked drily. Cullen went red, "W-what?"
I chuckled, "Fergus, I still need to convenience him to court me – doesn't marriage come after that?"
He snorted, "Usually – but for a seer?"
I smirked, "Mmmh; that's a fair point, good ser. What do you say, Commander – are we getting married?"
"Makers' Breath – you're worse than Hawke," He grumbled. I laughed, "That wasn't quite an answer, Commander."
"We are not nearly at that point, Admiral," he shot back.
"How about this – if I can get the Hero Queen to join the Inquisition, you agree to court me."
"I… Leliana already tried it – even with your information, I doubt she'd join the inquisition. She may come for the information from the mage but…"
"Yes or no – if I can get her to join, you court me."
Fergus was trying very hard not to sputter at my shameless proposition. Cullen bit his lip, "Okay, it's a wager – but if she doesn't join, I get call you Lady Cousland and you don't call me Cully."
"Pay up, Commander – Elissa is already on her way to join the Inquisition as of 5 minutes ago," Fergus laughed.
Cullens face froze, "That's a dirty bet, Admiral – you had already won."
"All's fair in Love and War, Commander."
Fergus laughed, "I'll have to use that sometime – and it was a close call. If Celeste hadn't mentioned this Altus having already surpassed her research…"
"Close only counts in Horseshoes, Hand Grenades and Nuclear Missiles, Fergus. I was pretty sure that telling Elissa would bring her here – and you telling her that I'm your sister? Well, that sealed the deal for her to join us. Now, are you joining us for dinner or am I going alone with my new suitor?"
He chuckled, "Like I would miss out on what time I can get with my long lost sister? I'll come along."
Cullen instantly held his arm out for me, "I am a man of my word – since I agreed to the bet; I will of course uphold my end. Having the Hero join us is hardly a bad thing anyway. Sister Nightingale will be pleased, at least."
I took his arm and the three of us began heading for the Tavern. I chuckled, "I wonder who wins the bet for us going public as a couple?"
"Knowing my luck – Varric," Cullen sighed.
"Nah, Varric won the bet on our first kiss being on day one. He likely had us down to sleep together before we went public."
Fergus coughed, "There's a bet going?"
"First kiss, going public and first night together – Varric and Ellana won the first bet."
We entered the Tavern and I heard Axel saying, "What are you discussing the bet for?"
"Well, Cullen just lost a bet to me again – so he is officially courting me. I mentioned wondering who would win that bet."
Varric whooped, "Pay up, Gents!"
Cullen gave me an 'I told you so' look. I shrugged, "What? I really thought Varric would have us down for sleeping together first."
Varric laughed, "Nah – my bet for that was in a few months. Curly is a man who respects women far more than even Choir Boy did. Even with you pushing and using underhanded tactics, I doubt you'd make much headway in bedding him for a few months."
Cullen snorted and looked away. I grinned, "Funny you mention underhanded tactics…"
Varric laughed and I noticed Leliana and Cassandra entering the tavern as he asked, "What did you do to get him to court you?"
Lelianas' head swiveled when she heard that and she began dragging Cass over. "Oh – I made a bet with him – if I could get Elissa to Join the Inquisition, he would properly court me. I had already gotten Elissa to pack her shit and get a move on this way 5 minutes before he knocked on my door. She should be here within 3 weeks."
Leliana hugged me, "Thank you!"
Cassandra looked approvingly, "You got the Hero Queen to pledge support?"
"Uh-huh – like I said, she's on her way. Fergus had a sending stone that was connected to one she had. And poof – just like that, we have Fereldens' support."
A cheer rose through the Tavern. Flissa set plates in front of Fergus, Cullen and me before patting my shoulder, "You falling from the Fade was one of the best things to happen for us – you, Ellana and the Herald."
Fergus looked amused, "These people all seem to adore you, little sister."
I shrugged, "I kick Cullens' ass on the daily and I've done… a few things to make life here easier."
"She brought pearls out of the lake, she gathered Elfroot and Iron from all around Haven, and she even found a logging site while she did. Our head Alchemist, our quartermaster and even our blacksmith sort of love her. She tells wonderful stories, helps keep us stocked with ram and druffalo meats, takes over watching the kids one day a week so that the parents and people who care for the orphans have a day off, and she even uses the furs and skins from the meat kills to make coats – we're not sure what for yet, but she's the best asset we've got for now."
I stuck my tongue out at Cullens' praise for me – I was just making sure everyones' lives were a little better. Besides, I always wanted kids and my scheduled weekly childcare day was entirely selfish in that regard.
Cassandra sat next to me, "And now you've secured the support of an entire nation."
"No – I simply secured the support of one woman by telling her we would have the thing she was looking for."
Leliana chuckled, "That one woman is the Queen of Ferelden – Alistair is a sweet man; he will support us simply because his wife joined in."
I shot her a sly look, "You're just happy your lover will be close by."
"Oh very," she nodded seriously. Cullen actually looked amused, but declined saying anything.
Fergus cleared his throat, "Alistair would have supported you just for having Celeste here. There is a vigil – was a vigil – held each year on her birthday. The Couslands never gave up. Knowing that, Alistair was already set to support his new sister if she turned out to really be her."
I licked my lips, "That is because Alistair is family oriented. He grew up without one so it stands to reason that he wants a family. I know he's terrified of becoming a father – because he won't know what to do. But there is nothing he wants more. That's not true – when he finds out a certain someone is alive, he'll want to meet her."
Leliana nodded, "You do have a good grasp of the king – those… reports you received are well informed."
Realizing where we were, I was glad she gave me a reasonable excuse to know things. I shrugged, "I had a birds' eye view of the Hero and the Champion of Kirkwall."
Cass looked hopeful, "Do you know where the Champion is?"
I hesitated, "Well… no; not yet anyway. I will in the future because I can predict his movements – but he isn't there yet."
She looked disappointed, "And we're sure Varric doesn't know?"
"Even if Varric knew, seeker, Hawke went through enough. He wouldn't have agreed to be your Inquisitor and I mean… what would you do then? As it stands, my sister may be joining us, but she's not going to be the Inquisitor either. The Hero and the Champion both resent their mantles. Elissa went through too much when she was too young – and then she married Alistair when she loves Leli to help stabilize the throne without keeping Anora on the throne. Hawke lost a friend because of the very enemy we face – Anders was manipulated and would have done worse if he hadn't had that spirit of Justice in him. Being the person in charge is always a burden – one that isn't meant to be kept and added to. Hero, Champion and Inquisitor… can you imagine if Elissa had been the Champion and then you wanted her to lead this? The pressure would have killed her."
Leliana looked somber, "That is why I did not push too hard in asking her the first time. I did not plan on asking her to be Inquisitor when she arrived either. I saw what the Blight did to her – she was put in charge of our group with only a day in the Wardens. We may have all been young, but she was so much stronger… we all knew that we relied on her."
Varric cut in, "Hawke lost family member after family member – his sister didn't live to get to Kirkwall, his brother left him to be a Templar of all things and his mother… he lost so much being Champion – and some of it didn't make it to the book. Hawke has lost enough – and he wouldn't want to be your leader. Besides, if he had, where would that leave Waves?"
Axel called out, "Wait – the Admiral is our Inquisitor?"
"It is under consideration – with all she has done for us already, such as finding a large amount of pearls, bringing Ferelden into the fold and helping to train our people." Cassandra admitted shooting a glare at Varric. I blinked, "What… I'm not supposed to be the… we'll talk about this at the next War Meeting…"
Axel laughed, "I'd follow you, Admiral – you've kicked the commander around enough to prove your fighting prowess."
I rolled my eyes, "It's not that impressive… just because he's a formidable opponent doesn't mean it's impressive that I can beat him."
Varric snorted, "That's exactly what it means Waves. Cassandra only beats him about half the time – you beat him 4 times out of 5 so far."
I chuckled, "Want to hear a secret about that?"
"You know I do," he grinned – and I could see other people leaning in to listen… including Cullen. He thought I was gonna talk shit!
"I sometimes contemplate losing on purpose – because I find it quite hot when he wins… but I don't because that would be disrespectful as a fellow fighter."
Axel laughed so hard his beer came out his nose. He snorted, "That's not a secret, Admiral… we all know you have the hots for the commander – two out of three of those bets being fulfilled now. I'll be honest, I've lost the third – I really thought you'd sleep with him before you became a formal couple – my bet ended two days ago."
Cullen stammered, "M-Maker's Breath…"
Leliana gave a small giggle, "Even I am in the betting pool, Commander. I have learned to never bet against a Cousland. Elissa always did such outstanding things, after all. Speaking of, I do believe I tied with Varric for this particular bet."
She held her hand out and Varric dropped half the money into her hand. I gave a laugh, "This is… perfect. It reminds me of my days as a peon in the food chain – people are closer to the lower people on the command chain than they are to the Higher Ups."
"That is true everywhere," Cassandra remarked drily.
"So… any plans to get him into bed?" Varric asked with a grin.
"If I can swing it, yes – but it's unlikely. As you said, Cullen is as bad as Sebastian with all the honor and glory going on. I adore it, but I admit it's sometimes frustrating."
Cullen stammered, "F-f-frustrating how?"
Even Cassandra gave him a 'really' look. I shook my head, "Perhaps I should give you a copy of Swords and Shields at some point… or better yet, I'll give you a bestselling smut book from my home lands – you might get it then."
Varric roared with laughter as several others sniggered at the words. Cullen went red, "O-Oh… oh, you mean… I see…"
Varric composed himself and asked, "How do we know he hasn't…"
I pretended to widen my eyes and looked at Cullen, "Oh! That's a good question!"
Cullen grumbled, "I'm going to regret this… what?"
"A life of service and sacrifice… did you give up physical temptations?"
His eyes widened, "W-what…? No – I… no… I've taken no such vows… Makers' Breath, can we speak of something else?"
I shrugged, "Sure – so Varric, did you finish that book yet?"
"Not quite – almost though. It's a good book."
I frowned, "Wow… I didn't realize you were such a slow reader…"
"Excuse me?" he looked affronted and even Cass gaped at me. I sighed, "I can finish a book that has 4 or 600 pages in a day – that book is only 223 pages."
"I do have other things to do, Waves…" he pouted at me.
"Uh-huh – you're making excuses now. I'm sure Cass finished the book I gave her – and that one is 259 pages…"
Cass flushed, "So what if I did?"
"Then I suppose you'd like the 2nd? There are 12 in that series but there are also 12 book series connected to it. That is a total of 53 books – I sat down and read them all within a week and a half… that is with interruptions."
Varric blinked, "I guess I am a slow reader compared to you, Waves."
I slid the second book of the series over to Cassandra who instantly swiped it before Varric could see the cover – a woman and a wolf before a full moon; both looking out at the reader.
I leaned against the Commander with a smirk at Varric, "Yeah – you really are. Tsk – for a famous author… ah what a waste."
Leliana chuckled and looked to Fergus, "Is there anything else I should know, Fergus?"
"No… well, one other thing, I suppose – Alistair hasn't announced it yet as he's waiting for my verification but he intends to name Celeste his heir."
The whole tavern seemed to still with the information. I groaned, "Am I allowed to refuse that?"
"No," was heard from Cass, Leli, Cullen, Fergus and Varric – all with different inflections in their voices. Leliana and Cass seemed pleased at the development, Fergus and Varric both seemed smug and Cullen sounded resigned.
I sighed, "I guess I'll put on my big girl pants and bite the bullet then… you're so lucky I know how to act when in a social setting with posh nobles, Leliana."
"Josie will be pleased to hear it," she smirked. I stuck out my tongue and said, "Yeah, yeah – yuck it up you little brat."
Varric grinned, "I think I have inspiration for my next book…"
"If my life is published in one of your books, I will gut you, Tethras. You can use some things, but I swear to God and all that is holy that if I read anything that is nothing more than my life, you will live to regret it."
"Uh… isn't phrase 'you won't live to regret it'?" Cullen asked with a smirk. I shook my head, "No – Leliana may be good at murder and torture, but she has nothing on me. I want someone to regret something, they will regret it. Did you know that it is very possible to skin someone and keep them alive?"
Varric paled, "Message received, Waves… and I thought Nightingale was scary – damn."
I gave a firm nod and relaxed with a bright smile, "Glad we understand one another. No one calls me Princess – do I make myself clear?" I raised my voice.
"Ser, Yes Ser!" was echoed by every soldier in the place – and I knew it would get around that while I was a princess, the safer thing to call me was 'Admiral'.
Axel gave me a smirk, "What do you prefer as a title?"
"I don't care what you call me so long as it isn't any variation of Princess, Your Majesty, Lady or what-have-you."
"So if I called you a dirty whore…?" I heard someone call out. Heads whipped around to look for the source of the voice. Many faces were angry but I simply stood up, "Go ahead – not sure how I can be a dirty whore, but I answer to pretty much anything. 'Hey, you' or even 'you son-of-a-bitch', are perfectly acceptable call signs at this point."
