Chapter Nine
Something inside Bull couldn't completely comprehend what Sinfi had told them. Yet, here they were, standing on a grassy hill overlooking Oarsport. He looked back towards Sinfi, her profile was lit by the warm glow from the bustling city below them. Her eyes glimmered in the light with years of unshed tears. Yet, she stood there, saying nothing and refusing to let them fall, refusing to let everyone see her crumble.
"Where's everyone else, Pinky?" Varric asked as he got up off the ground. Joining Bull and Sinfi where they stood. She shook her head, clearing her eyes of the pain. Her charms clinked together like wind chimes. Bull looked back towards where they had appeared. Sure enough, the only other member of their party was Cole, who was sitting on the grass, staring up at the double moons and the scar in the sky that mirrored the one in Thedas. Dorian, Stroud, and Hawke were all missing.
Sinfi stayed silent as she continued to look forward, her eyes scanning the city.
"Where is Hawke…" Varric forcefully said towards her, demanding an answer. Sinfi continued her silence, realization began to dawn between all of them: Sinfi had made a gamble with opening the rifts, and it had gone sour.
Varric's face reddened as an unusual anger began to boil in the dwarf, "Sinfi, I will ask one more time before I walk away from all this: Where. Is. Hawke?"
"I don't know," her whisper seemed to echo around them. "I thought they would be here with us, but I... miscalculated." Varric stared at her in disbelief.
"Let me see if I got this right, Pinky," Varric spoke slowly, his normal joking cadence sharp with anger and disbelief. "You didn't know what to do, so you decided to open two rifts for an escape route, and then what? See what would happen, just for the hell of it?"
"Varric," Bull said more forcefully then necessary.
"That's not..." she looked down and bit her lip in contemplation. "Yes, you're right," her normal confidence was lost as fear and failure took over.
"Must be fast, must be clever, must keep us safe. I haven't seen death in this thread, but it doesn't mean it won't happen," Cole whispered from behind them. "The Mists are safe, the Mists will protect us. We must get to the Mists."
Varric, Sinfi, and Bull looked towards their last companion as he stared straight at Sinfi, a soft smile in her direction. He was trying to help smooth things over. Cole gave words and made sense of the inner turmoil that plagued her mind in those last moments. Bull couldn't help but give the weird, squirrely kid a half smile, he was proud of him.
"Yes, Cole," Sinfi's voice was soft before looking back towards Varric, her exterior solidifying once again. "Look, we'll find them. Since the Vistani are in Thedas and we are now in Ejasia, my magic is not strong enough to control the Mists alone. We're going to need to get help."
"And how are we going to do that, Boss?" Bull asked as he crossed his arms over his chest. "As you said, the Vistani are not here, and they're the only ones who can move between the dimensions."
Sinfi took in a breath slowly, golden eyes caught his. They burned like fire against the night with determination.
"The Vistani are gone, but the ones who have left the Troupe are still here. They may have enough connection with the Mists still to get us back."
The marketplace was loud; alive and bustling with vendors and people, despite the late night sky. The smell of unknown spices and a cacophony of voices filled the air. Languages of all types caught Bull's ears. Some he could pick out with ease, dwarvish, elvish, and infernal. Then there were others he could not place for the life of him. People of all types walked through the crowded streets: humans, creatures smaller than dwarves, elves, even a few tieflings were peppered throughout the marketplace. All ranging in different tones of red to human skin tones. If it wasn't for their horns or thick fleshy tails they could pass as a normal humanoid creature.
Bull didn't know where to look. He had been in cities and busy marketplaces many times before, but this was different. First, no one paid them mind. He did not receive any second glances due to his size or being Qunari. He was swallowed into the moving crowds without question. But this was also her home, this was her life, and this was, possibly, the one time for him to soak in a part of Sinfi he might not be able to access again.
Every so often, with the movement of silks and robes, Bull would catch the glimmer of a golden anklet or deep scarring around the wrists. Both current and previous slaves blended into the crowd. If he hadn't known, then none of it would have stood out, but the signs were now obvious to him. Oarsport may have been nice to look at and explore, but he knew, too well, of the secrets hidden under the beautiful facade.
There was one thing about this city that unnerved him. It didn't matter which street they took or which way they were facing, some how the white castle loomed in the background, surrounded by guards in golden armor. Always, in their peripheral, haunting their every move. Watching them like a bird of prey.
"So much hurt, so much pain," Cole said softly, breaking Bull out of his trance. "She thought she buried all of this with him."
Cole's eyes were trained on Sinfi's back. She walked through the marketplace ahead of them, moving through the crowded streets with ease and expertise.
Varric looked towards Cole, "Kid, I thought we agreed to leave her memories alone."
"Running through tents hand in hand, laughter bubbling from our lips like water from a fountain. Stolen kisses in the side streets where there were no eyes in the shadows... We were children playing as adults. Just two kids who were blind to consequence," Cole spoke, his eyes filled with sorrow. "She blames herself."
Varric caught Bull's gaze with a questioning look to see if the Qunari understood what he was talking about. Bull shrugged while playing dumb. In reality he didn't need Cole to tell him the thoughts running rampant through her mind. This was Sinfi's first time back to Oarsport since her world crumbled. An old wound had been reopened and now was forced to drain right in front of them. This trip wouldn't be easy, but deep down, Bull knew it had to happen at some point. At least he would be there to pick up the pieces and help fix the cracks in the veneer.
"He would be alive if it wasn't for me… I need to send more money to his family…" Cole whispered. "So stupid, so careless. Never again. Never again."
Bull placed a hand on Cole's shoulder, "Come on Cole, let her be."
Cole looked up at Bull in dismay at his reaction but did as he asked as they continued to follow the Inquisitor from a distance. They made their way out of the market and through the twisting corridors created by the stone buildings. If they lost sight of Sinfi, they would be lost in an instant within the maze like streets and alleyways. Bull watched her stop at a manhole cover in the middle of the lone road. She glanced around, confirming they were alone, before kneeling down and popping it open.
"Make your way down, quickly," Sinfi said as she looked to her three companions. "I'll be right behind you."
Varric was about to protest but Bull cleared his throat silencing any question in leadership. The smaller man shook his head towards the Qunari, but chose to say nothing and do as he was told.
One by one, they climbed down the rungs of the metal ladder into the sewers below. The ceiling was low, forcing Bull to bend down to avoid hitting his horns against the slime covered stonework above. Finally, Sinfi followed them, covering the entrance behind her and cutting them off from the light above. Darkness consumed them in the musty tunnels. Somewhere far away, water dripped rhythmically in the deep recesses of the darkness.
They could hear Sinfi making her way down the ladder, the sound of rings and bangles hitting the metal rungs echoed through the passage. Her boots hit the ground before a ball of fire ignited from her palm, bringing light to the tunnel. Shadows flickered all around them and danced on the algae covered stones.
"We still have a ways to go, but we're almost there," she glanced up quickly before starting down the narrow walkway. "This isn't patrolled by the royal guard, so we should be safe."
"Meaning, we weren't before?" Varric deadpanned. Sinfi stopped and looked over towards her companions, her eyes calculating the risk and reward of letting them in.
"I'm not exactly sure if I'm still wanted for treason or not," Sinfi said nonchalantly, causing Varric to chuckle.
"Treason," the dwarf laughed before sighing. "Pinky, what are we going to do with you?"
"We can discuss both of our criminal records when we get home," she said with a wink before looking down the opposite direction of the tunnel. "There are other creatures that call this place home, though. We should get going before one of them finds us."
The group nodded silently and followed the rogue down the long corridor. The walls seemed to stretch on forever to Bull. There were no turns, just small recesses every ten yards or so. As they walked, Bull caught little notations on the walls in Thieves' Cant:
Safety for the weary
Safety for the downtrodden
Safety in Secrets.
It was written as a promise. A promise of protection against those persecuted above. Promises leading them to what Bull knew as the District of Secrets.
Sinfi took a quick turn, leading them to one of the small recesses in the tunnel. They stood there staring at the brick wall.
"Pinky," Varric started. "I think your directions might be a little bit off."
Sinfi turned to her companions. Her eyes were fierce as she caught the gaze of each of her companions. The firelight in her palm flickered, creating eerie shadows that danced across her face.
"Keep your wits about you," she whispered harshly. "Trust nothing and no one. I will try to protect you as best as I can, but I can't promise that I will be able to deflect everything with the Troupe in a different world."
"I thought you said we were going to meet people who have left the Troupe?" Bull asked quickly. Golden eyes were wary to answer him.
"Some may have chosen to leave freely," she said slowly. "Others have been banished for crimes against our people."
"Banished and branded," Cole whispered softly. "Forever forced to face their treachery."
Sinfi nodded, "There will be a brand on their face: three swords pointed towards their eye."
"Shit," Varric whispered. "I didn't think the fun loving Vistani would go that far."
She eyed Varric slowly before speaking, "The punishment is equal to their crimes. The ones who are marked deserve to be banished from our society."
With that, Sinfi snuffed out the flame in her palm, leaving them in the dark for a moment before blue light lit up the small space as she pressed different stones. The grinding of gears sounded above their heads as a sliver of warm light started to grow from the center of the wall. The wall of bricks slowly parted in front of them, golden light filling the small space.
Sure enough, they stood on an outcropping above a city hidden underneath the capital. Just as Sinfi had once told him, a living mural of the sky above covered the ceiling. If he looked closely, Bull could still see the brickwork covering the ceiling of the cavern just past the mirror image of the night sky. The space was massive and filled with buildings made of stone and metal. Some of the constructions were just as tall, or taller than, Skyhold's towers and built into the walls of the cavern. Tight ropes and beams connected every building, allowing either ground access through the narrow twisting streets or quick movement from rooftop to rooftop.
"Maker's balls," Varric muttered as they all walked onto the mossy overlook to the city.
"Most people above don't even know about this place," Sinfi said with a slight smile. "Welcome to my home away from the Vistani," she made her way down the recessed stairs in the cliffside leading towards the streets. Wordlessly, they followed the Inquisitor and descended into the secret world.
They were standing in front of a tavern. Music and voices poured into the streets. Firelight lit the windows and shown through the open doorway, spilling out onto the four individuals standing on the street. Sinfi looked up towards the sign as she took steadying breaths, readying herself for whatever lay before them. Bull followed her gaze. The name on the wooden sign caused Bull to raise an eyebrow and chuckle to roll off his lips.
"Nowhere in Particular," Bull grinned. Sinfi glanced at him with a smirk. "Now that's a name."
"It's a safeguard against if, say a spy is caught and magically forced to tell the truth." Sinfi shrugged. "All of the taverns down here are called Nowhere blank, Particular, of Note, Consequence, Noteworthy, Distinct, so on and so forth. We can tell the truth without giving away actual information."
"I got to admit," Varric shrugged with a smirk. "It's clever."
Sinfi pushed her shoulders back before strolling into the rowdy tavern, hips and tail swaying with every step. Bull looked back towards the sign before following her.
It was fucking clever.
The tavern itself wasn't much different than The Herald's Rest, or any other tavern that could be found in Ferelden, for that matter. The only thing that stood out was the fact that, like above, this world was significantly more diverse and the Secret District showed that off even more. Behind the bar sat three casks, large enough for Bull to submerge himself in. The dwarven barkeep stood there, wiping down the ale covered bar. He glanced up towards the group and paused slightly as his brown eyes caught Sinfi. Surprise crossed his features before quickly schooling them and going back to his job. He may have not been looking at them directly, but Bull knew he was keeping tabs on their whereabouts.
Wooden tables and chairs were scattered throughout the room. Every piece of furniture seemed to be mismatched, with no complete set in sight. Different groups were spread around the room and, like with the barkeep, Bull felt eyes on them, darting away before they were caught. Music, laughter, and conversations caused a buzz through the room and filled the space. They followed Sinfi to an empty table and sat around the circle as Sinfi's eyes scanned the room, obviously looking for someone in particular.
"Get your mitts off of me, Snat!" the voice was high pitched and cut through the din of the tavern. All of their eyes fell onto the barmaid, a tanned elf with dark red hair, who was currently fighting the grip of a large green skinned man.
"Come on, Ella," he seemed to almost purr, two yellowing tusk-like teeth protruded from his lower jaw. "We're just looking for a bit of fun."
Bull watched as Sinfi got up from her spot, the only noise she made was from the bangles always at her wrists. With quick strides, she made it across the distance between their table and the commotion. With a swift movement, she pulled out a golden dagger and placed the edge against Snat's throat. Sinfi knotted her fingers into his black hair that had been tied into a ponytail, forcing his head back and his neck to stay against the blade. He froze as the cold metal dug slightly into his flesh.
"Why don't you try that again, Snat," Sinfi's voice was warm and friendly, but her eyes were deadly. "I'm just looking for a bit of fun."
Silence filled the tavern as everyone became very aware of Sinfi's presence.
"Sinfi," Snat said, trying desperately not to move his Adam's apple against the blade. "I didn't realize you were back in town. It's been a long time."
"I dropped in for an unexpected visit," she let a cruel smile cross her lips. "Now, I would suggest you and your thugs leave here before my hand slips," In one motion she dropped the dagger from his neck and slammed his head hard onto the table. Snag let out a groan before getting up and avoided eye contact with her. Sinfi sheathed her dagger and placed her hands on her hips as she watched the group of men quickly disperse and leave. She looked around at the still silent bar as the group disappeared into the Secret District.
Sinfi raised her eyebrow at the silent patrons and, as if on cue, everyone looked away, going back to their personal and business dealings. Sinfi strolled back towards their table and her dumbstruck companions.
"What?" Sinfi looked each of them over, confused. "Snat and his half-orc gang are a bunch of Nothi," Sinfi smiled as the waitress, Ella, walked over with a tray of drinks that they didn't order.
"My hero! Aren't you a sight for sore eyes," the redhead said with an easy smile before glancing at her companions as she put the drinks down. "On the house from the man upstairs. Friends of Sinfi's are always welcome, even if they're in the wrong place," she winked at the group as she pressed the serving tray against her stomach.
"So, I thought you were still in...what was that backwater place? Thedas?"
"So, I thought we had agreed you wouldn't look like this while Mordecai was out of town?" Sinfi countered with an eyebrow raised, "Maybe a little less chest and a little more clothing," Sinfi said as she eyed the shortened and low cut uniform.
"Oh, what Honey Bear doesnt know won't hurt him," Ella rolled her eyes. "Besides, we all know I get better tips looking like this."
"Honey Bear?" Varric snickered slightly before taking a sip from the pint of stout that had been placed in front of him.
Ella glared at the dwarf, "Let me guess, you didn't get your childhood sweetheart, so you take it out on others who did?" Varric choked on the stout, causing Ella to smile, "I thought so."
"Ella," Sinfi warned. "Be good."
"They don't like the itchy skin. They shift like a chameleon, forever changing, never stagnant," Cole whispered and kept his eyes on Ella, causing a slow smile to curl on her lips. Sinfi froze in her spot, eyes looking towards Cole in slight horror at him invading the new person's thoughts.
"Well, aren't you just as adorable and creepy as Mordecai described in his letters," Ella whispered. "Do you do that with everyone's secrets, Sweetie?"
Cole blinked slowly, "I thought everyone could see it."
"Boss," Bull said quietly. "What exactly is she talking about?"
Sinfi opened her mouth to either explain or deny, but Ella stopped her. The redhead turned to Bull and walked around the table towards him as she spoke, "Have you ever wished you could change one feature of yourself?"
Bull watched as her green eyes shifted to blue, and then gold. "Or maybe you're not a fan of your voice," she sat on the edge of the table as the words tumbled from her mouth. With every word, her voice shifted from the Fereldan like accent to the unmistakable, tempting, honeyed sounds of Sinfi's.
"It might be possible that you envy someone and want what they have," horns grew and curled from the woman's forehead. Skin shifted from sun kissed, to sunburnt, and then landed on dawnstone. Features contorted and the tip of a tail, that Bull knew too well, tilted his head up toward the creature's in front of him.
Hooded golden eyes stared down at him, their lips only a few inches apart. There, in front of him, sat the mirror image of Sinfi Moon. If Sinfi wasn't sitting across from him at the round table, he would have been completely fooled into thinking this was her. And yet, as Bull stared at this person in front of him, he couldn't help but think that this was Sinfi. He knew her and this was her. Whispers in his mind told him the woman across the table was the imposter, not the woman in front of him. Bull felt his hands reach up towards her to close the distance.
"Ella," Sinfi's voice was harsh, golden eyes burning. Bull felt the fog in his mind start to dissipate and his senses become his own again. The creature in front of Bull looked towards Sinfi and rolled her eyes.
"Fine," she sighed, her voice and body already shifting back to the elf form and glared at the Inquisitor. "You're no fun anymore, Sinfi."
"Pinky," Varric said slowly, wide eyed and voice low. "What was that?"
"Ella is a changeling," Sinfi stated, not taking her eyes off her supposed friend. "She can take the form of anyone she wants. Even those she's close to."
"Oh, don't be like that, Fi," Ella pouted slightly before sighing and smoothing out her skirts. "I thought you would get a kick out of scaring the new people. Just like old times."
"Some of us have to grow up at some point," Sinfi frowned slightly. "I'm sorry, Ella, but we have a job to do," Sinfi pushed herself up from the table before continuing. "Is he up there?" she asked with a nod to the floor above them.
"He is," Ella looked Sinfi over as her companions got up, a new seriousness in her eyes. "I know it's not a personal visit, but I think he'll be glad to see you. The big boss man has been off ever since that tear in the sky closed. I think he was worried about you since our contacts in that area went silent."
Sinfi nodded without another word before heading towards the spiral staircase leading up to the next floor.
They stood on the landing of the top floor of the tavern, staring silently at the figure in front of them.
The figure in question was shadowed and stood in front of a large round window, back lit by the lights of the district below them. Bull could make out the telltale signs of a tiefling in front of them. A tail swayed calmly back and forth, and two horns sat atop their head as if they had been slicked back.
"Why is it so cold and silent?" Cole asked quietly. Bull looked towards the oddball of a kid. Noise from the tavern downstairs floated up to them and all of the heat from the hearths below filled the space so it was boiling. "I see him there, but everything is silent," Cole whispered again, eyes trained on the figure.
"I was starting to think you had forgotten about me," the voice was smoky and smooth, luring them into its lair. Only the faintest hint of a Vistani accent was audible, "Now what brings this pleasant surprise?"
Sinfi walked into the room, watching the figure with an unbreaking gaze. Hesitantly, the rest of the party followed.
"I need your help," Sinfi stated. Laughter bubbled from the figure before he turned to face them. His skin was red like fiery coals. Everything about the man in front of them was sharp, from his features to the sapphire blue eyes that watched the group with a cool gaze. Only the black, wavy hair that was peppered with grey gave any indication of his age.
Then Bull saw it, the image of three branded swords pointed to his left eye, marring the skin.
"My, don't the Threads of Fate have a sick sense of humor," thin lips curled into a smile. "Forcing you to seek me out for help."
Bull saw Sinfi's jaw clench slightly as the man's attention turned to her companions. Scanning them one by one, he stopped briefly on Bull. His smile flickered for just a moment as his eyes caught his.
"Where are my manners? I am Nicolae, leader of the thieves' guild," the tiefling introduced with an over exaggerated bow. "Once upon a time, I was part of the Vistani, but have since been banished for… unproven reasons."
"You sacrificed one of our own and were caught red-handed," Sinfi deadpanned before looking towards his hands. "More than they already are."
Nicolae's lip twitched slightly as he stared at Sinfi, "I don't know exactly what Vera has told you, but that was not the case, Sinfi. I was banished because it is considered bad luck, and evil, for men to be gifted with the sight."
Sinfi looked away quickly, her cheeks reddened slightly.
A darkness crossed his eyes as he looked back to the three men, "My what an assortment of broken souls you've found." He closed his eyes and took a deep breath through his nose. As Nicolae's eyes opened, the blue had been replaced by milky white, "So much pain and hurt that haunts each of them."
"Don't," Sinfi commanded as she watched the man walk closer to her companions.
"The spirit: Haunted by the cries of a dying boy in a jail cell," the red tiefling eyed Cole. "And the anger when the crossbow jammed. If they hadn't been there, you could have killed him like you still so desperately want."
"That's not true," Cole said as he glared at the man in front of him.
"You may say that," he hissed as he leaned in closer. "But we both know what actually haunts your darker thoughts." Eyes dropped towards Varric.
"The dwarf who's best friend told him to kill his brother. Such a tragic end for Bartrand. If only you hadn't been in Thedas, then maybe he could have been saved," Nicolae tutted.
"He couldn't have been saved," Varric said wearily.
"Are you so sure?" the red tiefling asked, a devilish smile curled onto his lips. "With everything you've seen Sinfi capable of, are you positive you murdered your older brother for nothing?"
Varric was silent as Nicolae's words sank in. White eyes landed on Bull.
"And Tal-Vashoth," he was standing right infront of Bull. Sure, he was significantly smaller than Bull, but something about him caused the Qunari to stand in place, eyes only focused on the milky orbs below him. "What a fall from grace, all for a girl who's heart yearns for another. Yet, you continue to be a placeholder for a corpse, because if you don't, you might just turn into one of those mindless, worthless, killing machines after all-
"Father, stop," Sinfi said softly. "Please," and with that one word, the Mist eyes dissipated and returned to the blue orbs. As whatever spell held them affixed to their spots dissipated, one word clicked into each of their heads.
Father.
Red skin and horns that mirrored Mordecai's, Sapphire eyes that sparkled like the triplets', and razor sharp features similar to the Inquisitor's. This was the father who had been out of the picture, the father she had hinted to be dead to Eric. Banished and branded for supposedly sacrificing one their own.
"Now, how could I say no to that," Nicolae's foot falls were silent as he crossed to Sinfi. He brushed a loose curl back behind her ear. His face soft as he looked down upon his daughter. "I've been worried about you. Forced to be out on your own and away from the Troupe for all those years. That's no way for them to treat the eldest daughter… I should have been there for you," his voice was filled with regret.
In that moment, Nicolae looked like the father he once was before he had, supposedly, turned his back on the troupe. Before he had potentially sacrificed it all because of greed. Before he had forgotten himself. While Sinfi stared back up toward him, years of pain and neglect appeared to surface on her face.
"I'll help you get back," his voice was soft and almost sorrowful. "But I need something from you in return."
Realization and hurt bloomed across her face before she spoke, "And what would that be?"
"A pardon," the man said simply with a shrug. "You're the only one who might be able to convince my ex mother in-law. It would allow me access to the Mists through less… deplorable means."
"And what do you mean by that, exactly?" Bull asked, breaking their silence.
Nicolae glanced towards Bull, anger flickered in his eyes before turning his attention back to his daughter, "Sinfi, I need your word before I can get you back to Thedas."
Sinfi's eyes analyzed her father's face, searching for something Bull wasn't able to fathom.
"Okay," she whispered with a nod. Nicolae grinned wide before pulling Sinfi into a tight hug. She stood there for a moment before her arms wrapped around him as she closed her eyes.
"Oh, I have missed you, my little shadow," Nicolae sighed into her hair before pulling away and looking down at her. "The thieves' guild can supply lodging for you and your friends tonight. We'll perform the ritual tomorrow morning when both of us are fresh."
Bull felt her untangle herself from his side. Silently, Sinfi slipped her clothing back on before tiptoeing into the hallway. Bull pushed himself up from the bed. Moonlight filled the room. It wasn't anywhere close to dawn, so the need to sneak away to not be caught, wasn't necessary yet.
Bull found himself getting out of the bed and quickly dressing before leaving the plain room. He followed her from a distance, down the spiral staircase and out the door. He kept an eye on Sinfi as she went down the winding streets, and he watched as she paused at a small overgrown graveyard. He hid in the shadows as she looked up and down the street before opening the rusted gate and walked through the rows of moss covered headstones.
Bull had told himself he would give her space, but soon found himself walking through the same gate and tracking her footprints through the overgrowth. Bull found her near the back of the small plot. Sinfi was kneeling in front a small headstone, a black shawl wrapped tightly around her shoulders to keep her warm and hidden in the night, and a pressed pink carnation held tenderly in her fingertips. He kept an eye on her, but stayed at a distance. He didn't have to see the headstone to know who it was or why she was there.
"You two would have liked each other," the melancholy voice drifted on the night air, she didn't turn around or move from her spot, but somehow she knew he was there.
Sinfi let out a broken laugh, "You both are so similar, it's terrifying sometimes. Maybe if things were different... You both would have been friends, trading stories of fights and battlescars. Maybe even working together as mercenaries."
Silence hung in the air before she sighed, "Eric was a good man. He believed in helping people, no matter their station in life. He had never broken the rules or any law before he met me. Love makes people blind and crazy though. Crazy enough for the lieutenant of the royal guard to marry the royal concubine in secret." Bull could hear her breath hitch, "It's my fault. I should have never accepted that flower from him. In the back of my mind, I knew what would have happened if we were found out, but I was selfish and led him to his death."
"Eric didn't regret it," Bull said, trying to bring her some sort of comfort, even if it was small.
"No, he didn't," Sinfi agreed.
"Mordecai told me everything," Bull said quietly into the night. "But you already knew that didn't you?"
"Yes," she answered. Something shifted in her voice, pain and hurt morphed into anger, "I can't stand how he's buried in this plot of land, his soul forever trapped in one spot. Never being able to travel on the winds and back to the Threads of Fate. Baba wouldn't allow me to cremate him like our customs dictate, because he had never been accepted into the troupe… even after we married, he was never accepted by her."
"Why not?" Bull asked. He could hear the shaking breaths as she relived the memories, but he didn't say anything.
"Because she saw someone else that the Threads had picked for me. She wanted to try and save me from the pain."
Baba may have tried to help, but in the end it was obvious she had done more harm than good. The anger died as soon as it came and silence fell between them. Bull walked towards Sinfi. Gently, he rested a hand on her shoulder and looked down towards her. Rivers of tears ran freely down her cheeks. Her eyes were hollow and never left the cold stone. Sinfi let out a bitter laugh.
"Want to know a secret?" she asked softly, but she didn't wait for his response. "Any Vistani with the sight can't see their own destiny or thread that connects them to the world. We can see everyone else, but never our own or the people who greatly impact our destiny." Bull watched her wipe away the twin rivers with the back of her shaking hand before continuing.
"And that mark Baba gave you can be seen by anyone gifted with the sight. It represents that she has marked you as an honorary member of our troupe. It represents the recognition that your Thread of Fate and destiny have become entangled with ours…" She paused for a moment before whispering, "With mine."
Silence fell between them as Bull soaked in the information. The stares and knowing looks he had received from different members of the troupe as he walked past. Sinfi, when she saw it around the fire and later in her Vardo. The triplets, smiling and staring at it after training with Mordecai. Even Nicolae paused at it. All of them knowing. It was obvious he had received something that Eric never had, and it bothered the woman with golden eyes and dawnstone skin.
"Remember that moment when I beat you in the training ring the first time?" she asked quietly.
"How could I forget?" Bull said with an easy smile.
"That's when I stopped being able to see your thread," she looked towards Bull, eyes filled with hurt but also hope. "I felt it change and I know you did too."
And she was right, he had felt something change, like a boat shifting direction. He had felt the world stop and something inside of him shift. At the time, he was convinced it was just sexual tension that would get worked out on it's own. If he ignored it long enough, it would go away, but it never did. Bull was happy it never did.
Sinfi looked back towards the grave, "He would understand. He would want me to move forward with my life, without him. Yet here I am."
Silently, Bull turned her face to his and pressed his horns against her's. Like how he had seen her do with Mordecai, the triplets, and the twins. She let out a soft sigh, releasing whatever she was holding inside.
"Take the time you need," Bull said low. "I'm not going anywhere anytime soon, Sinfi Moon."
They sat there together and watched the living mural of the night sky. Sinfi pointed out the constellations of her world. She told him stories of growing up with the Vistani and running through these streets with Mordecai and Ella. Stories about her and Eric's time together. She told him about Kirkwall and watching the events unfold, listening to Varric's stories from the shadows, following the commander from meetings and his watching uneasiness grow. She watched the Champion and the pirate have their what if's come to fruition.
Sinfi let Bull in without fear.
Together, they watched as the sun rose in the sky, chasing away the night and casting pinks and reds throughout the underground world. They both knew it was time to go back. Bull helped Sinfi off the ground and together they walked back to the headquarters of the thieves' guild.
A dried and pressed pink carnation was left on the headstone of one Lieutenant Eric Brennan.
Nothi- Bastards/ jerks