Chapter Six
Old Friends
The man who spoke stepped forward and I froze – this was…
"Glad to see your youth hasn't changed you, brat." The man said with a cheeky grin.
I rushed into his arms – Blake was 5'10 with shaggy brown hair, grey-green eyes and deeply tanned skin. He was also the only 'family' I had. Blake was a younger man – at least… younger than he had been on Earth. Like me, he also had his youth returned.
Blake looked like he only just received the scar on his right eyebrow that… I may have given him for calling me Princess when I was 24 and he was 26. So it looked like we'd returned to the ages we were then.
Cassandras' voice broke through my joy, "Admiral… who is this?"
"Blake Jacobson, Vice-Admiral and my second hand man. This son of a misbegotten goat is also the only man I've ever called family before today. He's either an older brother or that one cousin no one invites to the family gatherings… we can't really tell."
Blake snorted and rubbed his clean shaven chin, "I'm gonna say the weird cousin. Who are these people?"
"Cullen Rutherford – commander of the Inquisitions' military forces and my boyfriend. Cassandra A.P.C.F Pentaghast – Seeker of Truth and 14th cousin to the King of Nevarra. Leliana Nightingale – Spymaster, torturer and my sister-in-law. Varric Tethras – Rogue, Deshyr of the Merchants' Guild in Kirkwall and pain in my ass. Fergus Cousland – overprotective older brother and Duke of Highever; though the actual title is Teyrn it is similar in status to a Duke. Axel there is a good fighter. Oh, look – there's Solas; a mage with heavy interest in the dream world and spirits. With him is Ellana Lavellan – archer and Dalish elf. Maxwell there is the Herald of the Prophetess Andraste and entering the Tavern with him is Lady Josephine Montilyet – Ambassador of the Inquisition."
Blake blinked, "… You lost me at boyfriend. How did you manage that?"
I grinned, "He lost a bet."
"Poor sucker – having to put up with you. Does he know you've never dated anyone before?"
"He does."
Cassandra coughed, "He is… from where you came from?"
"Well, he wouldn't be my Vice-Admiral and right hand if he didn't, Cass. How did you get here, Blake? Don't answer that – Inner Circle… to the war room for a debriefing."
Every single person I had given a special introduction for stood – minus Axel.
Once in the War Room, I turned to Blake with a serious look, "Alight – how did you get here?"
"A damn tear in the sky appeared out of nowhere – I didn't believe I was here until you began introducing them. Really – the one damn series I let you talk me into and we get sucked into this mess?"
"Where did you wake up?"
"About a mile north of those new ruins; luckily, I was camping when that rift appeared – I was hiking to my camp ground so I had my pack, my tent and… well, everything. I only just arrived and heard people talking about the 'Admiral' and such so… I followed the chatter. Damn – I thought people were going to gut me for asking the whore question – they like you a lot here, Cousland."
I grinned, "I'm pretty and damn good at putting my man on his ass."
"Now, now dear – your ego is showing," he said blandly.
I winked, "I haven't let it out to run in years, mutt."
He rolled his eyes, "Yeah – cool. So… what am I supposed to do?"
Fergus coughed, "I'll see about having you fostered into my family – Celeste is my sister and she thinks of you like family so you must have been good to her all these years…"
Blake and I looked at each other and dissolved into laughter. Blake shook his head, "Oh no – not at all."
"I once got him a shirt that said 'Hi – my name is trouble'. God – you don't want this mess in the family, Gus. He's horrible."
Cullen looked amused, "Didn't you say he's like an older brother?"
Blake grinned, "Exactly – I'm the older brother that gets the little sister into so much trouble."
"And then I 'cute' my way out of it," I smirked cheekily. Fergus laughed, "Elissa was a lot like you, Celeste. Are you sure you don't want Blake 'adopted'? He'd have a lot more protection as a Cousland than as a Jacobson…"
I shrugged, "You do you, Bro – Blake will be joining the Inquisition."
Blake groaned, "Do I have to? You look like you got it well in hand."
I punched his arm, "Yes, you have to – I can't train the mutts while I'm off gallivanting with the wind in my hair and taming dragons. You get to work with Cullen while I'm gone. Leliana will also be training with you – at least two hours a day. You can share my cabin since you're pretty much my brother. No one will think much about it anyway."
He rolled his eyes, "I prefer men anyway – I wouldn't touch you if I had to."
"I know – that's why that one mission went south fast. You couldn't just pretend to be my husband? It wasn't like you had to kiss me or share a bed, Blake. The guy they got for me to use instead was just so incompetent and handsy and… apparently a mole."
Blake flinched, "In hindsight… I should have swallowed my pride."
I snipped, "You've certainly swallowed bigger things than that before."
He grinned, "You would know."
"I didn't need to see it," I grumbled.
"Whelp – I'm lost," Varric said.
"I walked in on Blake going down under on someone with a large… member."
Blake chuckled, "The sock was on the door – your fault for not heeding it."
I shuddered, "I will say that I am impressed with how much you can fit in your mouth and then I will change the subject."
Cullen – who had gone bright red – said, "Yes – please."
I winked at him. Blake chuckled, "I've seen you eat, Admiral – no one has a bigger mouth than you."
I glared at him, "You're asking to get hit."
He scoffed, "You at 24? You weren't such a hotshot back then."
I decked him and he stumbled and coughed up a bit of blood before lunging at me with a grin. I side stepped – right into Cullens' arms with a smirk. Blake pouted, "No fair – you got the bear of a man to protect you now."
"He's more of a lion – and I beat him often… though he is getting a lot better. He's learning Krav Maga so be sure and aid in his lessons." I shrugged.
Cullen simply moved me to his other side without a word. Blake pouted more, "But I don't have your strength! This guy will chew me up and spit me out!"
I laughed, "Cullen is a sweetheart… when he isn't yelling at his men for not holding their shields properly."
Blake groaned, "What are they – green recruits?"
"Pretty much," Cullen grumbled as he kept one arm around my shoulders and the other on his blade in case Blake got any ideas.
I chuckled, "Axel and Captain Rylen are descent enough – but the others… well, they'll be lucky to have such a hard ass for a commander."
Josie scribbled on her note pad, "So Ser Jacobson here will be aiding in training?"
"Put him on my tab as a probationary agent under Cullen for now. Blake will report to Cullen directly and he will answer to me while I'm here at home base. He can use my cabin while I'm not here and a tent while I am. He will assist in training your people in Krav Maga and how to hold a Sword. Blake is one of the few people in the Navy who knows what he'd doing with a blade since his family has a family technique with a sword. Cullen, don't be afraid to knock his ass around some – you're certainly stronger but Blake can take a hit."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Blake glared.
"Cullen and I go hard in sparring, Blake – I do not hold back or I would lose more often than I am now. He's damn good and getting better with the Krav Maga."
Blake groaned, "I take it this is payback for that Blind Date a few years ago?"
Cullen stiffened and I snorted, "I'd forgotten about Ivan the Terrible – the man never looked up from his phone, Blake. I mean, he was okay looking but I was more interested in the woman at the bar than him after about 10 minutes."
Leliana giggled and Cullen choked on his cough. Cassandra was red and Varric said, "This woman…"
"Looked exactly like Leliana if she had brown hair and tanned skin," I supplied. Cullen flushed, "Er… the point of this conversation?"
I winked, "Varric was simply asking for context, I'm sure. Blake, this wasn't payback… but now it is. Cullen, I want him trained in Fereldens' blade techniques so that he knows what needs to improve – either for him or for your men. Josie, he needs a lesson in courtly etiquette – he thinks belching the alphabet is entertainment for higher ups. Leliana he needs training in the plants around here so he knows what not to eat."
Blake sat and dropped his head on the table. Josie looked scandalized, "Belching isn't entertainment at all! We will also need to get him properly outfitted…"
I handed her a notebook I had been sketching in for days, "There are mens and womens clothes in there. You liked the outfit that was specifically for Cullen… I want all the womens clothing styles – take it from my pay. Work Blake to earn his own clothes but have them made anyway. Blake, I was actually thinking of you when I drew out the mens' wardrobe so don't bitch. I have the lake thawed so you best keep up with your swimming for cardio. You get one off day each week – go fishing or something. King Alistair is my brother-in-law by the way…"
"So I heard – he plans to name you his heir as stated in the tavern. I take it that means Elissa is the Queen?"
"And Leliana is her lover so paws off – also the Champion is a Purple Male."
Blake grinned, "My favorite – who did he romance?"
Varric said, "Fenris – and Blondie is dead."
Blake flinched, "No good – poor Anders… I knew he blew up the chantry but he was being controlled by…" I slapped a hand over his mouth, "That is secret – if you say it, then they contact the person who can help take out his minions before time and then we may lose that person."
"Who the hell are you talking about Les?" Blake asked. I made the ass lean down, "If you tell them it was Cory then Loremaster contacts Purple – if purple comes here we may lose him when Cory attacks… unless you can manage to get purple here without letting them know who Cory is…"
"… So no interfering with the future – got it," Blake grumbled.
"Well – I didn't say that; just don't give them information. Train the hell out of them and get them in top form and maybe we cut down on casualties while I hunt dragons."
"… Bring me back a scale or two when you do."
"I'll give you a claw – I want the scales for ceremonial armor as a princess."
Cullen barked a laugh, "You really think you'll hunt a dragon?"
"Eleven of them," Blake and I said together. The whole group stilled. Cassandra said, "Eleven?"
"Yeah – and one of them talks because he holds the spirit of an Avvar God within him. I can't wait to kill that one – it will be when we search for Inquisitor Ameridan when Bram Kenric contacts us." I smiled.
Josie scribbled, "I will be sure to approve help with Mister Kenric when he does come to call then – finding Inquisitor Ameridans' remains would be quite prestigious."
I nodded, "Blake, Don't – it's better discovered in person."
"Let me guess – you know the exact location of his remains?" Varric asked drily.
"I uh… sort of? I know where he is, and I know where to find his lovers' remains, Telana was her name. So… yeah…"
"I'm not going to examine that too closely at the moment," Leliana muttered – I had said sort of and then that I knew where he was so she was well aware that I had potentially contradicted myself – or made a slip.
Cullen noticed too but declined saying anything.
"Right – Fergus leaves in the morning… please be nicer to your horses, Fergus."
He chuckled at my words, "Of course, little sister. Though I will be leaving one of them here… and a guard here as a liaison to Highever. You may use the horse if you wish."
I nodded, "Thank you."
"Think nothing of it… it is good to know my sister is alive and well. Look after her commander or I will make you regret it."
I giggled, "You think you could get to him before Blake and me? Dream on, My Lord Cousland. If he hurts me, he'll regret it because I'll stop using only Krav Maga in our sparring matches and his men already like me better!"
"I thought you said you don't go easy on him," Maxwell pointed out. I smirked, "I don't hold back with the Krav Maga – which is my strongest fighting force – but I don't add in my Judo or use weapons. Cullen, dear – how am I with a sword?"
"You picked right up on it – like a natural," He smiled. Fergus nodded, "Very well – and I expect Lord Trevelyan will see your needs are met in the field?"
I rolled my eyes, "I'll take care of him – don't worry. I have more experience in the field anyway. Oh – take these designs for Outhouses. Chamber-pots are so 6,000 years ago. I wouldn't be caught dead using one if I had a choice."
Blake shuddered, "I miss toilets already, Les."
"You're in luck – I made an Outhouse and Threnn has people collecting wood for more."
"… I know how to make wood polish – moms' family was carpenters after all; I can make it so no one gets splinters in the arse taking a shit." Blake nodded.
Josie scribbled that down, "What will you need for that, Master Jacobson?"
"Vinegar, Olive Oil and lemons will make the polish – but for varnish… hand me one of those papers and I'll write you a list of what to look for."
"They don't have lemons – but I can give them lemon juice and seeds. Remember that lemons were a man-made invention with bitter oranges and citrons more than 2000 years ago, Blake. They weren't natural."
Cullen blinked, "I like bitter oranges – and we have both of those on hand. How do we make these lemons?"
"Just plant the two sets of seeds together and nature will do the rest. The citron plant will meld with the orange tree to survive. Citrus plants need lots of water. It would be easier for me to just give you seeds – the Inquisition could benefit from growing Lemons and marketing them as a food enhancer and recipes for lemonade will be popular too because if you mix lemonade and sweet tea you get a lovely drink. The type of lemon I know grows year round so cold has no bearing on its growth."
Solas spoke, "Mages are also able to cultivate plants to grow faster – this is how Ferelden survived after the Blight decimated many of the farms. King Alistair called on his Mage allies."
I nodded, "That – we want that. We have mages joining us already – if they can help, I can get seeds from various fruit-bearing plants to aid the Inquisition. Things that grow in cold… Peaches, strawberries, sweet cherries, blueberries, some apples, and pomegranates all grow in the cold weather alongside citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and citrons… I might be missing a few but I can get those. We could also build a greenhouse to grow fruits and veggies and herbs that only grow in warm climates."
"Greenhouse – I fail to see how the color…" Josie started. I interrupted, "A Greenhouse is a building with walls and a roof made of transparent material – like glass – where plants requiring regulated climatic conditions are grown. The interior of a greenhouse exposed to sunlight becomes significantly warmer than the external temperature, protecting its contents in cold weather."
"Oh… how does that work?" Cassandra asked looking confused.
I sighed, "In this case… with magic. Using magic to keep the internal temperature warm like in the north – Antiva or Rivain – we could grow warm weather plants like lettuce, tomato, avocado, and such. And with how well insulated a greenhouse is then we wouldn't need to worry about magic too often – just make sure the heat is still stable each… damn it; Solas, a word?"
Everyone look confused at my sudden change of topic. Solas nodded and I moved him into the secret room and said, "Put a barrier – no sound out, please, Hahren."
He did so, "What is this about, Da'len?"
"Skyhold – in a few months, Haven will be decimated by our true enemy – the man you gave the orb to. He survived that fucking blast – I'll tell you more later on. But the Greenhouse and the plants need to be planted somewhere safer and we'll end up at your old place sooner or later… if we make the preparations now, then we can save so many lives. It's what… 3 or four days on foot up the mountain pass?"
"Two days from our current location on horseback – three on foot, yes… he lived?" Solas asked. I nodded, "Cory lived. I know, I know – you were too weak to unlock the orb on your own after so many years of Uthenera. You and me…we need to go there now to make preparations. We'll take the horse so we can be back in time for the trip to the hinterlands, but… please?"
"If we will be going there anyway, then I don't see why not."
We came back out and Cullen lifted an eyebrow. I headed over and pulled him down to kiss his cheek. Solas said, "Lady Cousland has asked if I knew anywhere that could be a more suitable base. Haven will not be defensible if the Inquisition grows. I informed her of a place I found in the Fade – called Skyhold. She said it was perfect so she and I will be going to check it out for suitability. Rest assured that we will be back before the scout in the Hinterlands sends her report."
I nodded and Blake smirked at me, "So you want to build the Greenhouses and stuff there instead?"
I nodded, "If we can move the bulk of our forces to Skyhold and keep haven as our headquarters until the Breach is sealed… it would work out. Solas tells me that Skyhold was a fortress in the mountains – only one land route in and none by water. It's old though – that's why I plan to go ahead now – put my new elemental control to work and see if I can fix it up before we send people there. The bulk of the housing is in a suspended valley behind the fortress and in a mountain cavern past that valley. This place was around for at least 3500 years – it can work." No need to tell them it was older than the veil…
Ellana nodded, "That's a good idea – high ground, no way for an army to surround it and enough room to grow as an inquisition. It would be perfect."
I said, "Yes, exactly – and from Solas' description, I already know where to put the War Room, the advisor posts and even the Inquisitors bedroom."
"Your bedroom," Maxwell grinned. I shook my head, "It's supposed to be you – you have the mark, Max."
"But you took charge – that means you get the paperwork and the headache. Leave me out of it," he smirked. I groaned, "I forgot about the paperwork… Leli! Tell him he has to do it!"
Leliana giggled, "I'm afraid not, Inquisitor – it was already decided while you spoke with Solas."
I cursed, "Traitors – the lot of you. At least I can trust Solas not to go behind my back and make more work for me."
Solas barked a laugh and Blake snorted too, "Knowing what you know… I'd think you'd like Cullen better. He is your boyfriend after all… have you used any of the romance lines on him?"
Cullen looked interested. I snorted, "No… well, I did ask him if took vows of a sacrificial nature, and told him that I was pretty sure it was a kiss but that it was all too fast… then I added on that we should try it again because oh my God… that was a damn good kiss. But otherwise… no – I just kick his ass and kiss it better later. Come to think of it… none of the romance lines were even really available until after the breach was closed. But no – I figured I'd either get the guy on my own – without help from the prerecorded crap – or I wouldn't. I've been happy without love my whole life; why would I resort to trickery to get the guy now?"
"You're no fun, Skipper." He pouted at me. I rolled my eyes, "We're not on a boat – the title does not apply."
"Think of the Inquisition as a ship, Admiral – and you're the woman at the head of it – the captain of the boat so to speak. Skipper applies."
"And I am lost again," Ellana muttered. I sighed, "Skipper is another term for the captain of the boat in the Navy. We call gossip 'Scuttlebutt', the chamber-pot is the 'head' and so on so forth."
"And the 13-button salute was still my favorite," Blake smirked. I picked up a 'forces' peg and threw it at him. He ducked, "Hey!"
Cullen looked amused as he asked, "What exactly is a '13 button salute'?"
I sighed, "When a sailor in dress uniform pulls down on the top two corners and all 13 buttons come unbuttoned at once, usually done just before sex – quickest way out of the uniform. I haven't heard that one used often, but Blake there found it on an old list of terms used in the navy."
Cullen flushed, "Oh… no wonder you threw the marker at him."
"He knows better than to say that around me… Deep Six, if he says it again." I used another term I hadn't heard used in a long time.
Blake paled, "Ma'am, yes Ma'am! Not again, Ma'am."
"Now I need to know what Deep Six means," Solas asked in curious amusement.
"I'll throw his ass overboard is what it means. It can also mean I kill him. I've tossed Blake overboard on our fishing trips before – he knows I'm serious."
"That would explain his cowering terror, Waves," Varric chuckled. I nodded once – firmly. "I have an early day with Solas tomorrow – Commander would you see me to my cabin?"
He offered his arm and as we walked he seemed thoughtful, "You really didn't use any other lines on me from… that story?"
I shook my head, "As I said – I wanted you to like me and not some story. When I asked if you had given up physical temptations, I'll admit that I already knew your exact answer because that was a line – but only that one. I can't see any woman around Thedas having a crazy martial art form and kicking your ass as flirting… I also don't see many of them being forward enough to swindle and ask for kisses. Just know – the only flirting I do is completely me. Though I have got to ask… who do I send a gift basket to? You kiss far too well for it not be a practiced technique, my dear."
He coughed, "I-I… a gift basket?"
"I need to thank whoever taught you because I get so much benefit from it," I grinned.
"T-the… Blooming-Rose…" he sighed looking away. My eyes widened, "No way – I always wanted to visit a brothel – they're not legal where I'm from. The Black Emporium is in Kirkwall… and Max will get an invite there sooner or later so make sure to secure the passage to and from for that… maybe I should go… I just want to see what a brothel actually looks like."
"You aren't upset about it?" he looked confused.
"Not at all – just because I'm more innocent about sex doesn't mean I resent it. You had needs and the women – or men – at the Brothel could handle that for you. I get it."
"… More men than women," he admitted. I lifted an eyebrow with a small smirk, "Hot."
"Wh-what; you really think so?"
I nodded, "I really do – guys like girl-on-girl action too so why can't I like guy-on-guy?"
"I… that is a fair point, I suppose. Hawke had a pirate friend who was always with that elven friend of his and it… distracted many people when they came to the Gallows for any reason."
I chuckled, "Bela and Merrill. Merrill was reported to be the cheeriest blood mage ever. I mean – the woman only uses her own blood and could hurt a fly if it shit on her, so I can't fault her for her reasoning of turning to Blood Magic to restore some Elvhen Artefact."
"She was a blood mage?"
"She only used it on an Eluvian – and even that failed but she managed to cleanse the taint from it, Cullen… think about that for a minute."
He blinked and gasped, "Blood magic may aid against the Blight."
"Darkspawn are weak against it. But the mage I plan to bring in who has done so much research on the subject abhors blood magic and won't use it for anything. You have nothing to fear from him and he proves that blood magic isn't needed to cure the Blight. But my point is that both methods could help if done properly. I don't approve of Blood Magic, but I do like Merrill – it isn't mutually exclusive. I get it – blood magic is evil, and against the maker and so on… but the reason I don't approve is because it weakens the user if they used their own blood. I don't approve of forced sacrifices… I mean volunteers… I could see it."
He frowned, "I can't approve of any blood magic."
I nodded, "Power is power – but I understand your views. And don't worry – I don't think anyone in the Inquisition should be doing blood magic anyway… for several reasons. I was merely pointing out that Blood Magic works against blighted creatures. There is no good or evil in this world – not truly. I've seen enough war to realize that the bag guys think they're the good guys no matter who they are. This power that we fight – he believes he is doing a good deed for this world by returning the world to the Tevinter Imperium and ripping apart the veil to return full magic. He sees us as the bad guys. Sociopaths almost always believe they are right and everyone else is wrong."
He looked surprised, "That… is a fair point. A scary thought, but a fair point – even Meredith thought she was doing the right thing in the end and she was completely gone…"
I smiled, "On an unrelated topic… I know I was unfair with the bet before – and even the first bet since I knew how that would turn out…"
He laughed, "I can't argue with results, Admiral – thinking about it, I may have accepted the bet – and made the first one – had I known the outcome too. I don't seem to mind losing to you. Besides I certainly can't argue with where we are now. It may have been a short amount of time – a mere few days… but you have captivated me."
I flushed as we arrived at my cabin, "I've been taken with you for quite some time, Cullen. Are you really not upset?"
He chuckled, "To be fair to you – I knew you knew the future before accepting the second bet."
"A word of advice then – unless you want to lose – never take a bet you don't know you can win. If I'm not more than sure I'll come out the winner, I won't accept a bet unless I like the 'prize' for losing."
His deep laugh sent a thrill through me, "Is that so? So I should simply never accept a bet from you then?"
I gave him a sly grin, "Kiss me goodnight, Commander. I have an early day tomorrow and it is far too soon to take you to bed – at least, that's what you keep telling me."
He went bright red, "You're so sure you want that…"
I snorted, "Because I do want that. I know what sort of nightmares come from torture; I know what to expect. Blake was tortured too – in Iraq not Afghan. He's my best friend – we would curl up in bed together and just hold each other through the panic attacks that came with the nightmares. I doubt you know, but having someone who was in a similar situation just hold you… it reminds you that you survived; reaffirms that you have something to live for. I never took a lover – but Blake… he washed those memories away using sex. He says it was effective."
"You wish to… see for yourself?" he asked incredulously. I shook my head, "No – I was pointing out different coping methods… this is coming out all wrong. Okay – let me take my foot out of my mouth and start over."
"Please do…" he muttered. I went bright red, "What I meant was… we could snuggle – just… hold each other one night if one of us has nightmares. Blake would totally get in on snuggling with you if you told him you had a nightmare. Blake likes men or women but he respects boundaries."
"Have you and he ever…" he flushed a little.
I frowned, "We… oh, uh – no. We discussed being together but we decided that without someone in the middle… we would kill each other. So no – we never tried a relationship. I mean, if you want to invite him, we could – but you might get to play mediator when he and I go for the throat."
He relaxed, "I uh… it was just a thought – one that had me a bit jealous."
I snorted, "Blake would swoon for a chance in your bed. I would be jealous if you took him first, but it might be hot to watch you two together. I only tell people he's like my brother so we don't get the looks for snuggling and such. You're a handsome man, Cullen – just promise me I get first call on your bed before he does."
He coughed, "An easy promise to make, Celeste. I am courting you – not him."
"Blake can be very persuasive. Knowing Leli is taken, he'll go for you – and say I owe him for something or other so I have to share. But I will tell you this – I see other women look at you and I get a bit… territorial – you're mine now so it isn't jealousy. If I must share you… I'm more open to other men than women – not really fair, though…"
"Well – I did admit my own jealousy so it's only fair that you do too."
I chuckled, "My kiss? Unless you plan to come in and keep me warm tonight…"
I loved seeing him get red and flustered. He leaned down and pressed his lips to mine. It was a sweet kiss – unlike the ones preceding it which had been full of passion and longing.
When he pulled away, I smirked, "See you before I leave tomorrow, Cullen."
"I look forward to it, Celeste."
I bit my lip, "You can call me Violet – it's my middle name. Only the Cousland family and Blake know it here anyway."
He flushed, "It's pretty."
He pecked me on the cheek before heading toward his own tent.
