Note: Edited 7/17/20
Chapter Three
The fight was grueling. Wave after wave of venatori soldiers and demons came after them, but the party refused to yield or fall. The last demon let out an ear piercing scream as Bull sliced it's spindly body in half. Bright green light shot out from behind Bull and towards the rift as Sinfi worked on closing it, her face twisting in pain as the green power spilled out of the palm of her hand.
There was an audible pop as the rift imploded on itself and vanished from existence. All eyes turned to Alexius, who was cowering by the throne. Silence hung all around them as Sinfi slowly stalked towards the magister, face cold and hard as she eyed him like a predator going in for the kill. As she climbed the stairs of the dais, Alexius fell to his knees in front of her.
"Is that the best you've got?" Sinfi snarled slowly. Bull could hear the malice lacing her words.
"You won, there is no point extending this… charade," Alexius said weakly before looking over towards his son. "Felix,"
"It's going to be alright father," Felix knelt down next to the older man, taking his hand and holding it close to Felix's chest.
"But… you'll die," Alexius meekly stated as he looked up towards his son. The pain of this fact echoed throughout the chamber.
"Everyone dies," Felix answered with a sad smile as they stared at one another. Slowly, Felix helped his father off the ground and led him towards the two waiting inquisition soldiers. The audible clank of shackles reverberated in the throne room.
Dorian looked over at Sinfi, "Well I'm glad that's over with." She let out a breath of a laugh.
As Alexius started to be led away by the two soldiers, with Felix close behind, the two large entry doors burst open with a crash. Everyone stopped and looked with wide eyes towards the entrance. Two orderly lines of soldiers marched into the great room, all sporting the Ferelden crest.
"Or not…" Dorian breathed out a sigh.
"Well shit," Bull whispered under his breath. "This can't be good."
"No shit, Tiny," Varric whispered back.
The soldiers stood at attention as one lone figure walked down the center of the soldiers towards the group, the sun backlighting the figure obscuring their features.
"Grand Enchanter," King Alistair's voice boomed in the great hall. "Imagine how surprised I was to learn you had given Redcliff Castle away to a Tevinter Magister," Sarcasm dripped from his words as Grand Enchanter Fiona slowly walked towards the king, head dipped demurely.
"King Alistair-" Fiona started softly before being interrupted.
"Especially since I'm fairly sure Redcliff belongs to Arl Teagan," the King finished with a bemused smirk, but anger filled his gaze as he watched the mage like a hawk.
"My liege I never intended-"
"I know what you intended," Alistair said harshly. Something in his demeanor softened as he looked the mage up and down, "I wanted to help you, but you made it impossible. You and your followers are no longer welcome in Ferelden."
"But we have hundreds who need protection!" Fiona begged, "Where will we go?"
Silence filled the room as Sinfi slowly walked down from the dais, the clinking of the bangles and gems drifted on the slight breeze. Her eyes locked on Alistair's, Sinfi's normally calm demeanor was skewed, her eyes were alight with a fire that burned inside her. Bull recognized the look that crossed the King's face instantly; he could see Sinfi for what she was, but instead of fear, his expression showed awe. Alistair watched her walk towards him, a look of recognition passed over his face as he gulped before he schooled his well trained features once again.
"I would like to point out that there is still a tear in the sky that will affect more than just Thedas. The Inquisition did come here for the mages to help close said threat," the Vistani said calmly as she eyed the king of Ferelden and Fiona. Alistair towered over her, but she somehow looked down upon him in that moment before turning her attention to the Grand Enchanter, who cleared her throat.
"And what exactly would be the terms of this arrangement," Fiona paused slightly. "Though I suppose we don't truly have much say at this point."
Sinfi glanced over at the party, as if they would have the answer, before creating her response. Her eyes paused on Bull before looking away. She knew his stance and knew she had a choice that would split everyone in the Inquisition. Bull did not envy Sinfi, but as a leader she had to choose her own path.
"My people hold freedom in high regard," Sinfi said calmly. "I can not condone the idea of putting others into chains of servitude, even out of fear from their previous actions. I would prefer you to join us as allies, willingly, than be forced into enslavement."
Bull grimaced at her choice, but understood her thoughts. People who were free could be more loyal. The Inquisition being thought of as a benevolent force would be necessary to get allies later on. Yet, choosing the mages would also make just as many enemies.
"I'd take that offer if I were you," Alistair suggested slowly, glancing at the Herald. "One way or another, you are leaving my kingdom."
Fiona nodded slowly, "We accept. It would be madness not to." With that, Fiona walked away from the Herald and out of the open doors, where more Inquisition forces were waiting for them. Alistair looked towards Sinfi once the chambers had been cleared by everyone except their inner circles. He cleared his throat and his hard exterior crumbled.
"When I heard the reports of a shadowed figure leading the Inquisition, I thought it was…" Alistair's voice dropped off as if he didn't know or want to say any more.
"Unfortunately, it's just me," Sinfi said slowly as she analyzed him.
"You know, you're a spitting image of her," Alistair let out a hollow laugh. "She should be proud of you."
Sinfi paused, her cool visage cracking slightly, showing a more vulnerable younger girl than Bull thought possible.
"Thank you," Sinfi said with slow tentative words. "It is... nice, to see the land she wrote about with such love. She hated when she had to leave here, and you."
"She did?" Alistars voice hitched in surprise as his cheeks reddened. The king glanced around before turning serious as he took Sinfi's hands into his own. Bull saw a quick flash of anger and disgust on her face, but just as fast as it appeared, it was gone. "If you need anything, please call on me, and my troops will be yours. I will always be in debt to your mother for all that she did for us. It is the least I could do in repayment for her service."
Sinfi gave the king a silent nod of thanks before walking towards her bewildered companions. It was only Leliana who kept her face natural, but she watched the Herald with a close eye as she passed.
"Let's go. I have a date with a hole in the sky," Sinfi stated before continuing without another word, her eyes clouded as they left.
Mages have been secured and will be leaving for Haven in the next coming days. The Venatori Magister, Alexius, will be imprisoned by the Fereldans until further notice. The Venatori are a continued threat and more information is needed.
We are staying in the Hinterlands to secure the area for resources for the next few days.
H
They stayed in the Hinterlands for a few more days, trying to help stabilize the war torn region and to try to help the Inquisition's efforts by recruiting some key people. Blackwall, from the Grey Wardens, was an agreed key player to add for the support of the Grey Wardens. Yet, even though he was so highly acclaimed in the order, Sinfi quickly became apprehensive of him the moment he reached out to pet her beloved horse, Casimir, and was quickly bit by the creature that stood just as tall as the Iron Bull. She continued her conversation with the Warden but over the dull conversation Bull heard Sinfi's voice whisper in his ear from across the distance between them.
"There is a saying with the Vistani: Never tell a lie around a horse or else it will bite you. Find out what you can."
Bull caught the other spy's eyes and he knew right then that he had been the only one to hear that message. He gave her a small nod of acknowledgment at the task.
The famed horse master of Redcliff, Dennet, had also been on Sinfi's list of recruits, as she had demanded better accommodations for the Inquisition's beasts of burden. The moment that Sinfi spoke, Dennet silenced her and walked out of the room, only to bring back his wife, whose birth name had been Elainamara Grove, and had a now watered down accent, similar to Sinfi's. A Vistani who had chosen to leave her troupe and, in her travels, found herself in Thedas and Dennet. It was easy to convince him to join and help a fellow Vistani member, with the promise of helping the Hinterlands with the building of some watch towers. The weapons of the templars and mages may have been laid down, but the land would hold scars of the fighting for many generations to come. Bull was confident that, someday, the Hinterlands would recover and grow stronger than before, unlike the destroyed streets and countryside of Seheron.
Outside of her interactions with Dennet, his wife, and Casimir, Sinfi had been curt while they were traveling, favoring quick monotone answers. She stopped creating games while they were riding and instead chose to keep silent. Normally, Bull would have been fine with the silence, but this was Sinfi whose bright personality shined through the shadowy visage. Bull, Varric, and Dorian found themselves banding together partway through the journey back to Haven, trying to get her to join in a round of a game they had named 'I Miss,' where the answers became more and more outrageous, as they listed things they missed from home or normal life. Even after Dorian admitted to missing some of the wild rumored Tevinter sex parties, there was no responce from their bright pink companion. They admitted defeat and decided to continue the ride back in silence.
Bull found Sinfi a few weeks later brushing Casimir, with a little more force than necessary. Yet the Shire horse seemed to mind little and just stared at Bull as if he was waiting for the humanoid to do something to fix his rider's mood. Bull raised an eyebrow at the black horse with white markings, who looked down at Sinfi and then back to Bull, obviously impatient. They had been around one another for long enough now for Bull to believe that the Vistani horse somehow understood more about the world around them than any other known creature.
This specific horse refused to let anyone ride him but Sinfi. The only person he seemed to accept to be led by, or worked with, was Dennet, but bribery of apples and sugar cubes was required. Bull was allowed to be relatively close to Casimir without many issues, but the moment Bull got too close for comfort, he was swatted repeatedly by the stallion's tail, which consisted of many tiny braids. Meanwhile, Casimir specifically hated Solas and Blackwall with a passion and would go out of his way to ruin their days if Sinfi was not watching, like eating Blackwall's food or destroying Solas' notes.
Sinfi had kept to herself since talking with King Alistair and allying the Inquisition with the rebel mages. It was obviously something about the interaction with the king or her journey through time that had upset her. There had been more to the conversation between them than what was at face value, but Bull had been able to piece a few items together. The reports he had found regarding the coup of Queen Anora and a shadowy figure were about Sinfi's mother. She had to have been in Thedas and behind the scenes for some time to get to whisper in the queen's ear without question. Her mother had helped, the now King, Alistair and his queen, the Hero of Ferelden, throughout the Blight. She had to have been close to that group of heroes for Alistair to break through her enchantments and recognize Sinfi as her daughter. The most damning piece was Sinfi's chilly nature towards the man. She had a grudge against Alistair personally and Bull couldn't figure out why without more puzzle pieces.
It was Bull's job to get to the bottom of the secrets that shrouded the Herald, but he had found himself just wanting to get to know Sinfi Moon because The Iron Bull wanted to. No matter what his intentions, he knew this bleak mood was not good for the morale of Haven and the Inquisition's forces. Bull had tried to get Sinfi to come to training with him with the thought that beating him in the ring would help her work through whatever she was going through. Yet, every time he found her and suggested it, she just waved him away and said, "Another time," or worse, nothing. After a week, Bull had stopped asking her to train together, and decided to let her just go through it, but after two weeks of silence, he had started to get concerned about his friend. Bull sighed slowly and walked toward the fence of Casimir's pen.
"Boss," Bull said with a nod as he leaned up against the wooden posts.
"Bull," Sinfi responded dryly without looking back towards him. She didn't stop her work on Casimir, who looked as if he could roll his eyes, he would in that moment. Bull tried again.
"I miss my Tama sometimes," Bull said to try and start the game up once again. "She wore this perfume made of Crystal Grace. She would argue it was for healing properties, but both of us knew it was just because she liked the smell."
Silence from the Herald. As if on cue, the horse whipped his tail into Sinfi's face, causing her to let out a few curses in Infernal and back up as he turned his back on them and lumbered towards the opposite direction of the humanoids. Sinfi dusted herself off and walked towards the fence, leaning against it and looked up towards the swirling storm clouds around the breach.
"So…" Bull drew out the word as he tried to figure out his next steps, "I've been told I make a great listener if there's anything you want to talk about." Sinfi looked over at him with her eyebrow raised and Bull decided to try again.
"Look. What I've been able to piece together is a lot to deal with," Bull rubbed the back of his neck as he looked down to the pink woman next to him. "And bottling shit up doesn't help anyone. If you need someone to talk to I'm here…"
Once again, Bull was met by silence. He shook his head slowly as he pushed himself off the wooden frame. At least he tried, Bull thought to himself as he started to walk away, ready to wash his hands of this.
"What I say can't be put in the reports, or said to anyone," Sinfi said quickly. Bull stopped in his tracks and turned back to Sinfi. Her eyes were pleading him to stay and listen, but he could see the fear in opening up. With a smile, he put his fingers up to his lips and made a motion of closing them shut. Bull could keep a secret, and even if he were to put this in one of his reports she would just edit it right out without another word and all the trust they had built would be destroyed. Bull leaned back against the gate and motioned for her to continue.
"They were lovers," Sinfi said simply, a look of sadness washed over her. "Mama did everything for Alistair out of love. Fight in the blight, start a coup, help rebuild after the war. Then, when it came to pick someone to be his queen, he picked the Hero of Ferelden to be by his side."
Bull stood there silently, his gaze unwavering from Sinfi's face. She expertly climbed over the fence and started to pace in front of him like an imprisoned animal as anger slowly replaced sadness.
"She did everything and he married someone she had thought was a friend. Said his vows of devotion in front of everyone, meanwhile quietly asks my mother to be his concubine," Sinfi snarled. "All because she's not human."
Sinfi stopped in her tracks and looked to Bull. Her eyes held a well of pain and anger for the person she cared about.
"I have to play nice with him and listen to Leliana sing their praises for everything they have accomplished. Yet how is the tiefling who orchestrated everything repaid? Written out of history for her contributions to this land then sent home to the Vistani with a broken heart and two more mouths to feed," Sinfi stopped abruptly, horror washed over her as they both realized she said too much.
Sinfi's mother had birthed the bastard children of the King and, in the wrong hands, this could be the undoing of the kingdom of Ferelden as they both knew it.
Bull wasn't exactly sure how to react when Sinfi had dropped the bombshell of information, except to ask if she wanted to go drink, which she quickly agreed to. So, they sat at the tavern next to one another in silence, staring at the stacked casks of ale and wine as they drank.
"I stole a loaf of bread once when I was a kid," Bull said abruptly, causing Sinfi to choke on her wine as she tried, and failed, to stifle a laugh. Bull watched the tiefling wipe away the red wine that had come out of her nose with a smile on her face. At least he had gotten her to laugh.
"I rant to you about what's been on my chest for weeks. Then, inadvertently expose one of my family's biggest secrets, and all you can come up with is stealing a loaf of bread." Sinfi looked over at her companion in both amusement and disbelief.
"I am wounded. I confide to you about the secret I have carried with me for thirty years and this is how you react," Bull placed his hand on his chest in mock pain. He couldn't help but break into slight laughter before his face fell back into seriousness, "But in reality, that is a big offense against the Qun since everything is state sanctioned for equal disbursement. I could be whipped or killed by the re-educators if anyone found out."
"Over a loaf of bread?"
"Over a loaf of bread." Bull confirmed with a nod as he grabbed his ale.
"It better have been some good fucking bread," Sinfi muttered with a smirk as she took a swig of wine, causing Bull to chuckle before finishing off his tankard. He looked over at Sinfi cautiously.
"Now we both have ammunition against the other," Bull paused for a moment as Flissa refilled his tankard with a wink. "Do you trust me now?" Bull asked slowly as she left.
"What makes you think I didn't trust you?" Sinfi retorted as she took another sip of the dark red liquid.
"Because I didn't trust you at first, either," he answered with ease and a shrug as he looked back towards the casks against the wall. Trust in their profession wasn't just given; it was earned. Sinfi had earned his with combat and obvious moral code, despite her growing up in a more free spirited community. With her outburst earlier, it was obvious he had earned hers at some point but, for the life of him, didn't understand when.
"In that alternate world of Alexius' you gave your life for me," Sinfi whispered softly. Bull looked over at his companion whose eye were glassy and unfocused, as if lost reliving the moment. "You knew you would die, but you were willing to risk everything in that moment because you believed a Vistani spy, who was in the wrong place at the wrong time, could save everyone."
Bull sat there in silence. They hadn't talked in detail about what happened when she and Dorian had gone forward into the alternate timeline. She had just kept it brief for the reports and emphasized the risk if they were to fail closing the breach.
"If I had to, I would do it again," Bull said as he caught Sinfi's gaze. The dying candlelight of the tavern caught the gems framing her face, making them shine like constellations in the night sky. Her skin glimmered like a polished dawnstone blade. Lips, darkened and stained by wine, curled into a smile as she watched him with her honey orbs. A strand of the silken, raven hair fell out of place and curled around her jawline. Bull wanted to reach out and push it back behind the pointed ear. He couldn't bring himself to reach out because there were so many questions racing through his mind. The biggest being what him and Sinfi even were exactly. Friends? Co-workers? Two outsiders who latched onto one another in a human world? All Bull knew was that he would have done whatever it took to get her back.
Bull was not a religious man, he followed the Qun as best as one could for not being assigned to the priesthood and being out into the world that didn't follow it's order. Yet, it wasn't the Qun that was brought to the forefront of his mind as he watched Sinfi in the soft glow of the shabby tavern; it was the one scrap of The Chant that he knew:
Her touch was like a fire that did not burn. And by Her touch, I was made pure again.
It was in that moment where Bull found himself truly believing that this creature before him was a celestial being and could have been sent from the heavens above by Andrastate herself.
As if she was a mind reader, he watched her cheeks darken slightly as she pushed the rogue strand back behind her ear. Sinfi looked towards the casks before grabbing her glass and downing the drink.
"I should go before it gets too late," Sinfi whispered as she got up from the stool. "We have early morning training tomorrow."
"Night, Boss," Bull whispered as he watched her walk away, tail swaying softly as she disappeared into the night.
Mages have arrived. Will be attempting to close the breach.
The Iron Bull
They didn't bring up that night again and they definitely didn't talk about Sinfi's outburst either. They had a job to do with closing the rift and that was all that truly mattered now. All of the mages had made it to Haven, finally, so they had the man power to close the breach once and for all.
The morning air was chilled as they marched up towards where the conclave once stood. Fresh snow had fallen the night prior. Even with the new blanket of white, the destruction and soot was still evident against the mountainside. Unfortunately, the new snow also made the climb more difficult for the inexperienced mages. Yet, their determination never wavered as they continued to ascend towards the breach. Bull would have to admit that Sinfi had made the right call. The mages were eager to prove that their mistake did not define them and that they refused to miss this opportunity to atone for their err in judgment.
Bull caught sight of Sinfi in the front, a head scarf covered her horns and neck from the cold, but Bull could still see her clearly. Their eyes caught briefly, Sinfi nodded in acknowledgement towards him before turning back to her advisors. She was too far for him to read her lips, but it was pretty clear they were going through any last minute plans if anything happened to go tits up. Bull turned back to the mages and continued to help them up the steep incline.
Bull felt someone tap on his back. He turned slightly to find Sinfi standing there watching him.
"I need to ask a favor," she said quietly.
"Sure, Boss," Bull nodded and watched her pull out a thick, sealed envelope from the folds of her thick duster jacket.
"If anything were to happen-"
"Boss," Bull tried to stop her but was silenced as her eyes hardened into a glare.
"If anything were to happen to me, now or later," Sinfi started quietly. "Make sure this gets to the Vistani."
"Shouldn't you give this to Red or Cullen to take care of?" Bull questioned as he watched her face. Sinfi bit her bottom lip and looked up at him through her lashes, it was her tell. She wasn't being completely honest about something.
Either there was something inside that she wasn't supposed to have, or she didn't trust them to not open it. Whereas, with Bull, she trusted him with this possible last request. Maybe it was something secretive and spy like, or maybe it was just letters goodbye to her family and friends. In the end, Bull would probably never know. No matter the contents, the point she was trying to make was loud and clear; Sinfi Moon trusted The Iron Bull. They may have been spies, but they had one another's backs through this.
Bull took the thick parchment and eyed the envelope. There was no writing or any indication of who this was to, who it was from, or what was inside. Once Bull flipped the heavy parchment around there sat a golden wax seal; a crescent moon with stars imprinted on the hardened material sealing the contents from the world. Bull couldn't help but give a half smile to the package before pocketing it.
"How will I get this to them if I don't know how to get to Ejasia?" Bull asked.
"They know what we're about to do," Sinfi sighed softly and looked around. "If they don't hear back from me in two weeks, someone will be sent here for this and for Casimir."
"And I'll know it's them because of the accent?" Bull questioned.
"They'll contact you in Thieves' Cant," Sinfi paused before rolling her eyes. "And, yes, they have the accent."
Bull gave her a nod of understanding before they both looked up towards the breach as the cracking of thunder boomed from the swirling clouds.
"It's time," Sinfi said softly. "If something bad happens-"
"It won't."
"-Thank you for everything Bull," Sinfi said with a smile as she started walking backwards away from him.
"You too, Boss," and he meant it.
Wine and ale flowed that night in celebration. Music and laughter poured down the walkways that crisscrossed around Haven. The Breach had been closed and, by all accounts, everything was relatively safe. Yes, they would still have to go around closing the smaller rifts, but that was more clean up and no longer them facing world destruction. Bull found Sinfi standing in the shadows, leaning against her cottage. She had a glass of wine in one hand as the fingers of her other lazily grazed the cool surface. Her eyes were unfocused as she gazed up to the spot in the sky where the breach once was. Quietly, Bull walked over and leaned up against the wall next to her.
"Congrats again Boss," Bull said to his companion. The world around them was loud and boisterous but, in their little bubble everything sounded far away. Slowly he pulled out the packages of letters, "Here I don't think I'll be needing these any more."
Sinfi pushed his hand away, "Keep them." She looked up at The Iron Bull, now broken out of her trance. Bull raised an eyebrow.
"Something doesn't feel right," she answered, eyes flickering back and forth from where the breach once was and Bull.
Something caught Bull off guard from the way Sinfi had said that. He could see it in her eyes; she was worried. Normally, the pink tiefling was calm, cool, and collected, just like any well trained spy. Off the clock, she was playful, seductive, could be a bit cocky, or could be a little hot headed. But Bull had never seen genuine worry or fear cross her face, until now.
"Think about it," she continued. "That went off without a hitch. We defeat a person called 'The Elder One' who is raising a demon army. We just stop him by closing a hole in the sky. Close the history book, everything goes back to normal? No, there has to be more."
The Iron Bull grimaced. She was right. It was too easy. He looked out at the people of Haven celebrating.
"You can't say anything tonight," Bull said softly. "This is the first time-"
"I know," Sinfi interrupted. "They all need this but-"
They went silent as the bells of warning rang out into the night. Bull felt his heart fall to the pit of his stomach. Everyone in Haven went silent as they stared at the gates.
"Well, shit," both of them said quietly, in unison. With that, they were off running towards the gates.
"Varric and Dorian," Sinfi called out to them as they ran past. Scrambling, Varric and Doran grabbed their gear and caught up to Sinfi and Bull as they jogged to the gates.
"And you were trying to tell me not to worry," Sinfi said with a dark laugh as they slowed down. "That is the last time I take any of your advice."
"Hey, I can be wrong sometimes," Bull retorted as they made their way towards Cullen and Cassandra.
"Cullen," Cassandra said, slight desperation leaking into her tone.
"One watch guard reporting. It's a massive force; the bulk over the mountain," He said as he pointed out towards where this potential threat had been spotted.
"Under what banner?" Josephine asked quickly, trying to piece the threat together.
"None," Cullen stated.
"None?"
"Just wonderful," Sinfi said sarcastically as she gazed out to the mountains, as if the darkness held all of the secrets.
Haven was overrun by the corrupted templars. It was no longer about defending what had become the home of the Inquisition, but trying to get people out. Their small party ran around Haven after hearing the screams of the people they had sworn to protect. They got to work, trying desperately, to save as many people as they could. Bull and Varric took care of the enemies rushing towards them as Sinfi and Dorian got people out of the burning and crumbling buildings. Dorian used his magic to try and stop heavy oak beams from falling while Sinfi used her resistance to fire to quickly slip in and out of the building that were on fire.
In the chaos of the fighting, they were not concerned with confirming their personal effects were in order. In the turmoil of saving people, no one said anything that led them to believe something had happened. Yet, the moment they barred the doors to the chantry, everyone went absolutely silent and wide eyed at Sinfi. Bull looked down towards the tiefling and saw one of the precious gems had been torn from her adornments, leaving one lone empty chain dangling from her left horn. Sinfi Moon was exposed, and Bull realized she knew it as she gazed at the sea of people who once believed wholeheartedly in her.
"Cullen did we get everyone?" Sinfi asked, ignoring the looks.
"Yes," Cullen said as he glanced between her and the mob, "But any time you may have bought for us, that dragon has taken back."
"This won't hold," she whispered quietly so only they would hear. "We are sheep being sent to the slaughter if we stay here."
"I know," Cullen looked around quickly. "That avalanche helped take out a portion of their army, but not all. If we could get back out there, we may be able to set off more."
"That could kill everyone here, Commander," Sinfi hissed, obviously against the plan.
"I know, but," Cullen paused before sighing and taking on a more humane tone. "We would at least get to choose how we die. Not everyone gets that." Silence filled the chantry as uncertainty settled.
"The Elder One wants her," Cole said before looking at the now pale Roderick who was sitting on the floor against one of the stone walls. "And he knows that there is a way to get out of here quietly."
Sinfi looked over at Cullen, hope igniting in her eyes, "If he's only here for me then we could have a fighting chance. I could go out and distract them and then slip out of their grasp once everyone has gotten to safety."
"No," Cullen shook his head, his golden eyes pleading. "It's too dangerous."
"Cullen," Sinfi whispered softly and took one of his gloved hands, "It's the only way."
The Iron Bull felt a slight pang of anger as she touched the commander's hand so gently, causing him to grimace slightly. This was not the time to analyze Sinfi's intentions. She was a free woman, allowed to touch and potentially bed anyone she wanted. Yet, something about the way the two stood together looking into the others' eyes openly looked right, that was what hurt Bull deep down.
"I will not help a demon," High Chancellor Roderick hissed with disgust, causing everyone to turn their attention to the man bleeding out on the floor. Sinfi's gaze chilled as it landed on Roderick before she slowly started walking towards him. The swarm of people parted in front of her, faces filled with both awe and horror, but Sinfi kept her head held high, ignoring them.
"I am not a demon," she stated. "I am a person who just risked their life to save as many lives as possible, and is still willing to lay down their life to save everyone here. I will continue over and over again, for as long as it takes, to make sure they are safe."
Roderick said nothing but continued to glare as Sinfi knelt down next to him.
"This is not you helping me, this is you saving the innocent people of Haven from certain slaughter," Sinfi stated. Slowly, she sighed, "Hate me for what I look like all you want now and forever, but do not be the one to send your flock to their deaths because of pride."
Roderick gulped and looked out towards the mass of faces watching them as Sinfi's words sunk in.
"Okay," he whispered.
With that one word, they quickly got to work bandaging all of the wounded up and preparing them for travel. The inner circle tried to gather as many documents and provisions as they could for the journey into the unknown. It was then when Sinfi pulled Bull aside into a little alcove from prying eyes.
"I'm going out there alone," she stated quietly as her eyes searched for some sort of reaction in his. They both knew going into a mission like this alone could mean suicide.
"Boss…Sinfi," Bull started slowly. "You pay me to watch your back. I have to go with you."
"No," she said firmly. "I need you to protect the wounded. If I fail-"
"You won't-" Bull started, but his protests ended as soon as she pressed her hands against his chest to stop him. He could feel the warmth of her hands as if she was the embodiment of an inferno ready to consume everything in its path. In that moment he wanted her to consume him.
"- I need to make sure they have the protection they need." Her eyes were pleading for him to understand, "If I am to fall, you will be the next line of defense."
Bull dipped his head and let out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding. From a strategy point of view, Sinfi was right once again. Yet, as he caught the golden eyes that reminded him of sunsets on the beaches of Par Vollen, Bull knew she was wrong. He was meant to fight at her side even if it was dangerous, even if it meant they both fell. He was meant to be by her side. Not thinking, Bull found his hand reaching out to caress Sinfi's face. He shifted it slowly and touched the now broken chain hanging from her left horn.
"You'll need to fix this when you get back," Bull said with a grimace. He knew she had made up her mind and wouldn't let him join her no matter what was said.
"Or maybe," Sinfi whispered softly and she spread her fingers against his chest. "I don't want to hide in the shadows any longer." Bull knew there was another meaning to the sentence as their eyes locked together. He knew she was trying to let him in and say something more, but couldn't in direct words.
"You do look good in the sunlight," Bull breathed back. Slowly his hand drifted to her cheek and, with the lightest touch, ran his finger tips along her jawline. Sinfi's eyes flicked quickly down to Bull's lips. The world around them was gone and all that mattered was this little alcove that was barely big enough for the two of them. There was no Elder One, Inquisition, or allegiances to their people; instead, there was only the need and desire in that moment. Slowly Bull lowered his head towards Sinfi's.
The call of the Archdemon circling above broke the spell and made the two jerk apart as they were brought back to reality. They were running out of time, and for all Bull knew, this could be their last moment. This could be the end of whatever this between them was.
"I should go," she said quickly before pulling away. Bull quickly grabbed her wrist to stop her. They locked eyes for a moment before Bull's low voice reverberated in the alcove. Bull refused for this to be the end.
"You will survive this," he said, a smile slowly formed on his lips. "Because I'm not done with you yet, Sinfi Moon."