Chapter Ten
They met Nicolae on the outskirts of Oarsport by the treeline to the forest. The former Vistani greeted them with a tight smile as they walked towards him. His eyes scanned them and then the horizon. Sinfi had slipped the group through the winding passages of the sewers, allowing them to avoid movement during daylight. As she had told them the night prior, charges for treason were hard to avoid. Since leaving Oarsport, she had kept tabs on the rumors circulating her escape from the dungeons. She had been hunted, Emperor Robard wanting to seek justice upon her.
Yet, upon his passing and the Empress' rise to power, the hunt for Sinfi Moon had technically ceased. A warrant and reward were still listed for her, though the search itself had ended. Even in such a diverse city as Oarsport, being a pink tiefling during the daylight quickly painted targets on their backs. In the end, it was better to be safe than sorry.
"No one followed you?" Nicolae asked, his voice low.
"No," Sinfi answered. "I backtracked us a few times to make sure we were not followed."
The red tiefling gave Sinfi a full smile. Pride radiated from him as he placed a hand onto her shoulder, "You did well." Nicolae paused for a moment, his mouth slightly agape, "You remind me so much of Vera when she was your age. I'm proud of you… I just wish I could have been there, to see you and your siblings grow up."
Sinfi looked away before whispering, "I wish things had been different."
"Me too," something in his eyes broke. "Soon, they will be."
Nicolae ushered them closer to the treeline leading towards the forest. Two trees that arched toward one another stood in front of them, creating a gateway into the darkened woods. It was silent where they stood. Everything in Bull's mind said they should hear birds, the sound of the river behind them, or maybe even the distant noise of the city. Yet, there was nothing.
"How do we do this?" Sinfi asked, her voice serious as she looked between the trees, as if they held the answers. "Normally, I can feel the Mists right at my fingertips here at the Gate… but I can't feel anything."
Nicolae hesitated slightly, "That's the problem. The only way I've found to control the Mists away from the Vistani, is with the use of blood." He looked down at Sinfi as he pulled out a dark grey dagger, rubies embedded in the handle sparkled in the sunlight, "I've discovered, in my research, that a Vistani's blood holds a concentrated amount of the Mist's power. Even a small amount from a cut can be used to open a portal to the Mists long enough for a singular person to jump to their destination."
Sinfi looked towards Nicolae, taken aback at his answer. "Blood magic?" she asked in a breath.
"I know it's not the most conventional of practices," her father said in an almost sing-song voice before pulling out some incense and a dark wooden bowl. "The problem is, because I have been banished for so long, my connection to the Threads and Mist are continuously growing weaker. I can still see the Threads of others and tug on them, but I haven't been able to control the Mists, myself, for years. The last time was maybe twenty years ago, right after being banished."
Silence filled the space before Nicolae continued, "Since you're still part of the Vistani and have only been missing for less than a day, your connection is still strong. We should be able to use some of your blood to get you across."
With that, Nicolae skillfully flipped the sharp dagger in his hand, pointing the handle towards his daughter. Sinfi stared at the piece of metal as if it were a viper waiting to strike.
"And how do I know this will work?" she asked, skepticism potent in her voice.
"You'll just have to trust me," a smile curled onto his lips. Sinfi glanced towards her companions.
Bull shook his head slowly and gritted his teeth, not sure if he was angry with the fact they were considering blood magic, or the fact that this was the only sure way of getting back. He didn't like this.
"This is the only way, isn't it?" Varric asked cautiously, asking the question that danced across all of their minds. Nicolae ran his free hand through his salt and peppered hair and nodded solemnly.
"That is, unless, you want to wait months for more former Vistani to travel across the globe to get back to Oarsport." The other tiefling sighed, " and even then, we don't know if we would have enough collective power to open a portal into the Mists."
Silence fell across the group as they realized that was not an option. They had to find the rest of their friends and get back to Thedas before anything could happen. The longer they were gone, the weaker the Inquisition would be, and they had already been gone for too long as it was. Sinfi refused to look at Bull as she grabbed the still outstretched knife. She knew the disappointment that was held in his gaze, and Bull knew this was one of the times when she had to go against what the majority thought was right. Red stones glinted in the early morning light. Sinfi handled the blade cautiously and eyed it with suspicion.
His instructions were clear and concise as he lit the incense and held out the bowl to collect the blood. "You're going to want to cut across your palm," Nicolae instructed calmly. "Your best bet will be right below the anchor. Hopefully some of its power will seep into the blood so we won't have to use nearly as much."
Sinfi hesitated for a moment, the blade hovering right above where she was to cut. Then, in one swift motion, she cut the flesh with a slight whimper from the pain. Blood began to bubble from the wound. Carefully, she turned her palm so it was pointed down towards the bowl, letting the dark red liquid drip and collect into the container.
"Now, the incantation," Nicolae said quickly as he held out a piece of parchment for her to read.
Sinfi inhaled sharply from pain before starting the speech, "Sanguis meus. tenetur ad fata. Videte vocationem. ut hac oblatióne ligans pistrina in caligine est mihi."
As the last word left her lips, they watched as a grey fog slowly rolled through the opening of the trees, towards where they waited. It thickened and swirled in front of them, creating an opaque semi circle between the trees.
"That should do it," Nicolae said with a smile. He grabbed a scrap of fabric from his bag and bound it around the wound on Sinfi's hand. Tying it tight, he spoke quickly, "You don't have much time. A minute, maybe more. Enough time to get yourself to the Fade, then you should be able to find an opening into Thedas."
"You could come with us," Sinfi blurted out. "You could stay in Skyhold while I plead your case."
Something in Nicolae's face twisted slightly into what looked like pain and sadness.
"I can't leave yet," he shook his head softly. "I have a duty here and loose ends I must tie up before I make any journey."
Disappointment and hurt crossed Sinfi's face, "I… understand,"
Duty would always be a Vistani's weakness.
"You need to go," Nicolae said as the Mists flickered. "Now."
Sinfi nodded, not catching the eyes of her father before they ran through the Mists, hand in hand. Grey Mists shifted and consumed them, taking them to the inky void Bull had become accustomed to. Bull wasn't sure how long they were in the darkness for before vibrant, green light exploded around them. His vision was blurry as the Fade fell into existence around them.
As their eyes adjusted to the new light and world, a figure emerged in front of them, black robes hanging off a skeletal frame, gnarled spider legs jutted from its back. An eyeless face stared towards them. The almost translucent skin was taut against the boney surface as thin lips twisted into a hideous smile. It continued to encroach closer towards where they stood, still adjusting to the new land.
As they readied their weapons for the incoming demon, they heard the unmistakable sound of fire shooting through the air. The figure in front of them let out an ear piercing screech as flames licked at its flesh and consumed it. The, now, pile of ash toppled over revealing a cut and bruised Dorian, staff pointed towards them. Behind the Tevinter mage stood Hawke and Stroud, just as bruised from battle as Dorian.
"And that-" sweat dripped off of Dorian's brow as a wry smile formed on his lips. "- was number one hundred twenty seven, meaning I beat Varric."
Before any form of celebration or greetings could take place, they watched a pulsing golden light rise from the ashes. It floated in the air for a moment before whizzing towards Sinfi, hitting her in the chest and knocking her backwards. Instinctively, Bull grabbed ahold of her waist and pulled her against him before she hit the dusty ground. Her eyes had rolled back in their sockets and she was motionless in his arms.
"Boss," Bull said quietly with a small shake. "Boss, you gotta get up!"
There was no reaction. Quickly, he brought his fingers up to her neck, he could find the pulse but it was weak. He shook her again more forcefully this time. No response.
"Sinfi," his voice was rough and probably louder then it should have been.
Bull pressed his forehead against her temple, lips on her ear and whispered, "Come back to me, Kadan." The word slipped out without thought, but he could care less about breaking their stupid fucking rules about pet names.
Sinfi took in a deep gasp of air as her eyes returned to normal. She looked around, wide eyed and breathing heavily. Her heart raced so loud, Bull swore it was about to jump through her chest.
"It was them," she whispered, her chest heaving. "It was the Grey Wardens."
Bull looked between Sinfi and the rest of the companions who had gathered around, all their eyes were filled with confusion.
"What did the Grey Wardens do, Boss?" Bull asked cautiously as he tried to direct her attention to his face. Focus her, center her, be her rock.
"They were there," her eyes stayed on his and instinctively seemed to mirror his breathing. Slow and calm.
"Where?" Stroud demanded.
"The Conclave," she answered quietly. "They were the ones holding Justinia in place for Corypheus to sacrifice her."
"No," Stroud denied, disbelief infecting his tone. "That cannot be."
Sinfi glared at him before stating, "But it is, I was there."
Sinfi was about to say more, but was interrupted by screams of demons rushing towards their location.
"We have to go, now," Sinfi said, fear flickering through her eyes. "The real Nightmare is coming."
She looked towards a flickering portal that sat atop the crest of the hill. They watched as the large spider-like demon loomed in the distance. It was getting closer to their position every second. Bull helped Sinfi to a standing position, but she quickly fell back towards him with a grunt.
"I'm... weak," she whispered, her eyes filled with what looked like embarrassment. "Whatever that was, took almost everything out of me."
Without a second thought, Bull scooped her into his arms. Her eyes looked up into Bull's; he couldn't tell what emotions were crossing her face. Worry, shame, or any number of possibilities, but Bull didn't care. He had her and would personally make sure she got back to save the worlds, even if it was the last thing he did.
So they ran. Her in his arms and the rest of their companions close behind. They ran as fast as they could across the Fade, towards the shining beacon beckoning them back to Thedas. Demons of every kind seemed to worm their way out of every crevasse on their path, but Bull kept hold of the Inquisitor tight against his chest, his eyes forever focused on the one goal as the demons surrounded them.
"There's too many of them!" Hawke cried out, "Someone needs to hold them back!"
"We don't know how long this portal will stay open," Sinfi said from Bull's arms. "If someone were to stay, they could become trapped."
Silence fell between the group as they realized that meant suicide for one of them. There were no good options.
"I'll do it," Stroud said softly before looking towards the Inquisitor. "I have to redeem the actions of the Grey Wardens, even if it means with my life."
"Stroud," Sinfi whispered as she reached out towards him. "May the Mists carry your ashes from this life to the next," the air around Stroud seemed to shimmer with golden rays before dissipating.
The blessing was obvious. They all knew the Warden would not make it out of this alive. At least she could give him some sort of comfort or blessing in his last moments.
"Thank you, Inquisitor," Stroud nodded before running down the hill. He banged his sword against his shield, yelling and luring the demons to follow after him. They watched as the beady eyes of the creatures landed on Stroud, slowly they began to shift, moving towards the sacrificial lamb.
As they fell out of the Fade, the group watched as Stroud defended the portal with his life.
They had been back in Skyhold for the last few days after the cluster fuck which was Adamant. Upon being dropped from the Fade, a choice had to be made; allow the Grey Wardens to stay in Orlais or banish the order for their villainous act. Sinfi had been silent as she weighed the options. Both options were decisive. The decision would be judged and felt for ages. Unfortunately this choice would be one of the few that could paint the Inquisition as either the hero or villain in history.
In the end, she agreed to allow the Grey Wardens to remain in Orlais, helping the Inquisition defeat the power that they had followed blindly. But with Stroud's sacrifice, and no senior Wardens to take command, the order was at a loss for their own. Question just who would lead them into the future and this new world. The Inquisition had vowed to help them where they could, but there was only so much that could be done from outside the organization.
The first day back in Skyhold, Sinfi had slept for its entirety. Having been drained from the ritual in Ejasia to get them back, the fights themselves, and whatever magic that had hit her in the Fade. She desperately needed the rest. Bull, Krem, and Skinner worked together around the clock to deter anyone from going towards her chambers, turning away any potential interruptions from her, much needed, day of sleep. Meanwhile Dorian stayed by her side, helping to try and heal any wounds she had suffered during the battles.
The second day, Sinfi was not as lucky. She may not have been fully recovered, but had to continue with her duties as Inquisitor. Which meant going to sit in judgment. Erimond had been first. Sinfi, with her ever present moral compass, had chosen to send him back to the Grey Wardens. Forced to take the right, either he would be forced to forever serve the order that he tried to destroy and enslave by the calling, or he would die in agony to the ritual. Both options, in the end, seemed to be a net positive outcome.
Bull watched as Sinfi sat upon her throne, head held high as Ser Ruth was led into the main hall. The Grey Warden was shackled at her wrists and her eyes were downcast to the grey stone floor. Now it was Ser Ruth's turn for judgment.
"Another of the lingering pains of Adamant your worship. Ser Ruth is a Senior Warden of the order," Ambassador Josephine explained as she walked towards Sinfi's left side. "She was one of the many who participated in the blood rituals. She does not contest this."
Josephine hesitated for a moment before continuing, "In fact, she had surrendered herself to us and has requested no mercy. She wants the public justice of the headsman's axe."
"That is a very serious request," Sinfi said solemnly. "Are you sure more death is the answer to all of this?"
"I did unspeakable things to the order, your worship," Ser Ruth stated, catching the Inquisitor's eyes. "I had full control over my actions, there is no excuse for my crimes. I murdered men and women in my order. I did nothing to stop it when I could have."
Silence fell in the main hall as Sinfi sized up the woman who had given herself over to the powers that be.
"Many treaties allow the Wardens actions of any extreme, if it means opposing the blight," Josephine countered as she looked from Ser Ruth back to Sinfi.
"I refuse to use the excuse of the greater good to justify my crimes," Ruth said, her voice shaking with pain and regret. "I must be an example of the cost."
Sinfi studied the Warden in front of her. Her hand propped her chin up, masking the lower portion of her face. Golden eyes were searching for some sort of resolution that matched both the crimes, along with the morals that had been instilled into the young Vistani woman.
"Or," Sinfi said as she got up from the throne and walked down the dais, thin golden silks dragging behind her as she continued towards the warrior. "You can be an example of forgiveness and growth."
"I… don't understand your worship," Ruth said cautiously as she searched the golden eyes now in front of her.
"Your path does not end here," Sinfi said with a breath. "You can feel it too. This is not the end. There is more work and good for you to bring into the world."
Her touch was like a fire...
Bull watched the golden eyes shift to white as the Mists took over the body of Sinfi Moon, "You continue on, fighting for the downtrodden and weary. Your Thread leads you all across Thedas, bringing aid and hope to those in desperate need. You spread the story about the power of forgiveness and courage, inspiring a new wave of recruits to rebuild the Grey Wardens. You lament to people your regrets of not having stood up and fought for your beliefs, inspiring many to stand against their oppressors for a better life. You help usher in a new age of acceptance and forgiveness in Thedas." Sinfi closed her eyes for a moment and, as they reopened, the golden orbs had returned, "I cannot cut you from your destiny when there is so much good that needs to be done. You are forgiven by the gods and the Threads of Fate. Let your Maker's light burn away the lingering doubts."
that did not burn...
Silence filled the hall as everyone watched the scene unfold in front of them. Sinfi unhooked the shackles from Ser Ruth's wrists and let them clatter to the floor. She took Ruth's gauntlet covered hands into her smaller, softer ones.
And by Her touch...
"Go," Sinfi smiled up at the warrior. "Your Thread starts in Val Chevin, go and find out where it leads you."
"Yes," Ruth gripped on to the Inquisitor's hands, belief lighting her face. "I will spread your message to the world."
I was made pure again.
With that, Ser Ruth walked down the center of the main hall and into the light.
Bull found Sinfi on the railing of the balcony. Her hands held her body up into a handstand, legs split apart in the air, one in front and the other behind her. Her back was curved in such a way so she could look out to the mountains behind her. Sweat dripped from her face as she breathed slowly through her nose and out of her mouth.
Bull leaned up against the door jam, watching her with his head cocked slightly, "I'm not sure if the advisors would approve if they caught you like this."
"Well, good news," Sinfi said, eyes glancing towards him for a brief moment. "They're not here, are they?"
Bull let out a chuckle as he walked towards her, "Okay there, little desire demon, let's get you off the ledge before I start to worry." He watched her eyes roll, but she did as he requested, tipping herself forward towards the railing, then skillfully rolling herself forward into a standing position. Bull held out his hand to help her off the edge. The small dawnstone hand became engulfed by the larger steel grey appendage.
"You did good today, Boss," Bull said as she jumped down onto the balcony and then leaned against the stone banister. Sinfi shrugged slightly as she looked out towards the mountains.
"I just told the truth," she let out a sigh. "I just hope I didn't give too much away about her future to alter it."
"Even if you did," Bull started and looked down towards the tiefling. "You gave her hope and that's better than knowing your destiny."
"Speaking of hope…" Sinfi let out a breath before glancing towards The Iron Bull. "I wanted to thank you, for following me to the graveyard. I didn't realize I needed you there that night."
"There's nothing to thank," he whispered. "You'd be there for me in an instant."
Bull watched Sinfi with a knowing look. As people, they were both evolving into something far from their training. Being open and honest were not qualities found in spies from opposing networks. Everything they did went against years of training, yet, with each other it felt right, and not just because they worked together. The two of them were struggling to swim in the waters of the aftermath of their previous lives. Together, they would learn how to keep afloat.
"I have something for you," Sinfi stated as she walked back into the chambers. Bull watched her with a smirk before following her.
"Oh, I think I have something for you too," he said slowly, his voice rough, hinting at his intentions. Sinfi looked back at him and laughed.
"Calm down there, The Iron Bull, I think my gift might be better," she said with a smile. Bull put up his hands in surrender and watched her walk around her desk, digging through the drawers. Searching for whatever it was she was so desperate to give him.
Before he knew it, a dark glass jar was tossed in his direction. Bull caught it with one hand and looked at it, quizzically. He looked back to her and she motioned for him to open it. Sure enough, when he opened it, a smile formed on his face as the spicy and herbal smell of horn balm filled the room.
"Boss," Bull groaned out. "You're the best,"
"You better like it," Sinfi sat down on the edge of her desk, a proud smile on her face. "Because we were only able to buy it in bulk, so we have about two hundred jars of that stuff in the storeroom for the both of us."
The Iron Bull laughed. He laughed so hard his sides hurt. But as he was laughing, it hit him; she had remembered one of their first conversations. She had remembered something so small and insignificant, but had searched it out for him. Slowly, he crossed the distance between them and placed his hands on either side of her on the desk. Bull bent down so they were eye to eye, "You really are the best, you know that right?"
"Oh, I do," Sinfi said slowly with a smile. "We also got an invitation to Halamshiral," she eyed the invitation next to her. "I have room for three people, along with the advisors."
Bull shifted slightly and gave her a nod, actual business first. "Who are you thinking, Boss?"
"Vivienne, court is her domain. She may also kill me in my sleep if I don't bring her."
"That's very possible," Bull agreed.
"Dorian as well. He may be more used to Tevinter court, but he has the manners and etiquette to slice through people's defenses and find their motive," Sinfi continued. Bull nodded in agreement.
"And you," she finished, causing Bull to let out a deep chuckle. He pressed his horns against hers, their breath intermingling together.
"And why do you think I would do well at an Orlesian party?" Bull said softly, eye contact never breaking from hers.
"Well," Sinfi sighed, fingers tracing the battle scars on his shoulders and her eyes dropped down. "First, you know Orlais very well. Second, you are also a trained spy. It's always helpful to have a second set of eyes. Also, I can't go anywhere without my personal bodyguard." Her gaze caught his again, "I may also have a slight weakness for a man in uniform."
Bull let out a laugh as he ran his thumb against her thigh, "Is that so, Sinfi Moon?"
"Oh, yes," her hands slipped down his chest, a flirtatious smile on her lips. "There is also the fact that I can't go to a ball without my dance partner, either."
"People will talk," Bull whispered, and it was true.
People would talk about the ox man and desire demon dancing together. People would both whisper judgments and voice their opinions loudly. They would become the thing of gossip and glares. At the same time, as long as it was her in his arms, Bull would be okay with the whispering. The real question was: Would she be okay with it, though? They would be out in the public, eyes on them and, instantly, any high societal standing she had, would crumple in front of them. The shadows would be gone, leaving them in the light forever.
"Let them," her eyes were alight with the challenge. Bull picked her up from the desk and walked them towards the settee. He sat down on the plush velvet couch and placed Sinfi so she was straddling his lap.
"Josephine would have to play damage control," his voice was hoarse as her warm fingers ran up his neck and to the base of his horns.
"You say it like it's a bad thing," her voice was just as husky, filled with want, desire, and need. "After all, we both know she would love it."
Bull couldn't restrain himself for another moment. Their lips crashed together, bodies moved in time with the well practiced dance of give and take. Control and chaos. Freedom and order. Clothing was quickly discarded to the floor without a second thought. Words were replaced with moans and sighs as lips and teeth roamed exposed skin. They may have agreed that Bull was the one in control, but it was Sinfi who was truly in charge. Everything was tempered to her in the moment. What little fragments of time she was willing to give him, Bull took and held onto with reverence.
Bull knotted one of his hands into the dark raven waves and tilted her head back, leaving the soft flesh exposed to him. His other hand grasped tightly to her hip, keeping their movements slow and precise as they moved as one. Sinfi's sharp nails bit into his skin as they ran down his back, leaving marks that wouldn't be gone until morning. Touches became more desperate as their breaths became more erratic. Skin was hot to the touch, as devil and dragon blood coursed through their veins.
Need and desire took control of them, leading them to the edge of ecstasy and they danced precariously on the ledge. They teased the line between pleasure and insanity. Nonsensical phrases and words in every language Sinfi knew bubbled from her lips. Begging for release, begging for more. Yet, it was two simple words that undid any restraint or control that Bull held onto for dear life.
Please, Bull.
Then, it was over, they were falling. Falling together over the precipice. Limbs intertwined and bodies as one. They sat there, breathing in the lust filled air. With the last bits of coherency Bull could muster, he shifted them towards the bed. Bull on his back and Sinfi wedged against his right side. Their hands drew lazy patterns on the cooling flesh as they both were lost in the haze. He felt Sinfi shift slightly as she leaned up on her elbow, hovering above him. She looked down at her lover, hair tangled and make-up smudged. A bruise was forming on her neck where he had become too enthusiastic.
"If…I ask you to stay tonight," Sinfi paused, her cheeks reddened slightly in embarrassment. "Would you?" the question was barely above a whisper, but to Bull, it echoed in the room.
Bull reached up and ran the tips of his fingers along the shell of her ear and down her neck. "Always," he whispered.
Bull pulled the woman made of dawnstone and fire that did not burn, to his chest. Together, they fell asleep with smiles plastered onto their faces.
"Again," Sinfi shouted as she rubbed her temples, frustration eating away at her. Bull stood against the stone work. Silently watching the Inquisitor as she tried to train the youngest pair of twins from the Moon clan. The identical pair went into their fighting stance with their rapiers and practiced the moves requested of them.
Bull had been spending his nights and some of his days with Sinfi for the last week. Many had taken notice of the change. Maids whispered about finding additional pillows in her room and a discarded pair of his iconic trousers. There was never a lone wine glass found around the room, there was a matching glass always close by. Visiting dignitaries would look away when he left her chambers in the late morning, no longer leaving before day break. Meanwhile, Varric wouldn't even try to hide a knowing smirk as Bull lumbered by. So, it wasn't truly a surprise when they had been officially caught. More specifically, they had been walked in on by the majority of her advisors right after some early morning activities.
It had been hilarious to watch Cullen's face turn as red as his clothing, or when Josephine couldn't stop staring straight at the naked pair. When Cassandra had walked in though, assuming what they were doing was just a "momentary diversion," was when the reality of the situation crashed around him; this could be it. The Inquisitor could say it was and end it all right there.
Bull had expected Sinfi to agree with the Seeker. He expected her to fall back inline with the mantra she had kept for over six years. Don't get attached, just observe, only do the minimum requirement to help but not get involved.
Do your duty to your people.
Yet, she had stayed silent. The instant response he was expecting never came. Golden eyes met his steel colored one and a smile formed on her lips before speaking.
No, no it's not just a momentary diversion … I refuse to hide in the shadows.
He wanted to take her again right then and there, present company be damned. He was not the ideal pick the advisors would have chosen for her, but she chose him. He was no longer the place holder for a ghost. He no longer questioned if she saw Eric when their eyes met. Sinfi Moon saw The Iron Bull without question, and she had picked to move into the light, hand in hand. There was no word to describe what they were. Bull had never been in this position before. If he had still been under the Qun, he would have never wanted anything more… but now the world was open to him. She was his and he was hers. He didn't care that there wasn't a label for them. As long as she was by his side, he didn't care.
The inner circle and Vistani would be leaving for Halamshiral in the morning. Unlike Adamant, they had chosen to travel in the more conventional means of horseback, as they had a few other errands to run in between Skyhold and the Winter Palace. Before they left though, Sinfi had one duty to her people that she had to take care of; starting to train the unruly twins.
With the troupe in Skyhold, it meant Sinfi had to take on her responsibilities within their social structure, on top of her Inquisitor duties. She was the eldest daughter and an adult, it was expected of her to help train and prepare the younger siblings for their own duties to the troupe someday. Unfortunately for all of Skyhold, that meant two nine year old boys being given training swords and released into the world. Bull watched a mischievous glimmer appear in one of the boy's eyes before fire formed in his hand and he chucked the flaming ball at his brother.
The pair were almost perfect mirrors of one another; warm honey, brown eyes sat against rosy skin. Messy brown hair sat atop their heads between a pair of still growing horns. The only difference between them, that Bull could spot, was one had a scar above his left eye while the other had one along his right cheek. War wounds from rough housing and falling from trees.
"Luca," Sinfi shouted. "Extinguish those flames before I make you wish you hadn't been gifted magic in the first place."
"But, this is boring," the first twin, Nicu, complained as he tossed his sword to the ground.
"Why can't we play with fire instead?" Luca begged, eyes lit with hope.
"No," Sinfi growled out. "Once you master your blades, we can move to attempting to control your magic.
"But-" they cried out, ready to start another argument with their eldest sister.
"What if your magic is tapped out during a fight?" Bull spoke up and pushed himself off the wall, walking towards the boys. "What if you're in a situation where stealth is needed and a fire ball will alert the enemy to your whereabouts?"
"Then we get better with our Magic, so we have a deeper well to pull from," Luca responded with a smirk.
"- and we learn more spells for charms and ones that are silent," Nicu continued with a matching smile on his face. In their young minds, the pair were convinced that they had just beat every argument Bull could make.
"Sinfi's powerful with magic isn't she?" Bull asked as he reached the twins and knelt down so he was eye level with them. The boys nodded in agreement, "Once she's away from the Troupe though her powers cut off. What happens if your duty takes you away from them?"
Luca and Nicu looked between one another before Nicu responded hesitantly, "Then we have to find another way?"
"Exactly, now, think of yourself as a weapon," Bull said with a smile, and picked up the discarded training blade and held it out in the sunlight between the twins. "Hours are spent working and molding a strong, but raw piece of metal. Blood and sweat put into developing this perfect rapier is deadly because it can bend and change into what it's needed for in that moment."
Bull glanced over at Sinfi, "which is exactly what your sister is trying to do for you both. Mold you into the rapier. Never becoming stuck in one column, able to bend and adapt like the rapier."
Sinfi's face was unreadable, she let out a slow breath as her expression shifted to something between acceptance and understanding. A lazy smile crossed her lips as their eyes met. Her eyes softened into molten pools. Bull got up and leisurely walked towards her side.
"Now, again," Bull said to the twins as he wrapped an arm around Sinfi's hips. "But without magic this time."
She was late and the jacket Bull was forced to wear was stiff and itchy. He pulled at the collar, desperately trying to release some of the discomfort as him, Dorian, and the Commander stood waiting for the rest of the party. They had yet to make their entrance into the Winter Palace and instead waited outside the gates for the missing advisors, Madame de Fir, and the Inquisitor. They could hear the low din of voices of the other party guests within the confines of the gardens.
"Could you try to not fidget like a small child?" Dorian asked softly as he glanced towards Bull, his voice was filled with frustration as he metaphorically looked down upon the qunari.
"How can you just stand there in this damn jacket?" Bull grumbled softly as he continued to try and get some sort of release from the confining fabric.
Cullen adjusted his shoulder slightly before grumbling, "The more you itch the more I need to."
"Both of you;" Dorian shook his head slightly, "able to be covered in blood on a battlefield, but the moment you put on a tailored wool garment you're reduced to sniveling children. You know, back home Tevinter Magister children are just as well trained as their mother's lap dogs,"
"So, that's where that fetish started," Bull smirked. Cullen let out a laugh and quickly tried to mask it with a cough. Dorian glared directly at Bull.
"You're so…" Dorian paused slightly as initial anger cooled and realization crossed on his face, "Right… you actually might be onto something."
Bull smirked slightly as he looked forward, "Still got it."
The three men fell into silence as an ornate carriage rolled to a stop in front of them. The coachman jumped down from the box seat before holding open the door for the passengers. Josephine and Leliana came out first, still in mid-discussion regarding the players of the game and who would be in attendance tonight. Madame de Fir was right behind them, wearing a mask and her iconic horned hat. Yet instead of the icy brocades and leathers she normally donned, they had been replaced by the uniform selected by the ambassador. Yet upon closer inspection, Bull noticed that it may technically be the same uniform, but it was more fitted to her form and had extra decorations than the standard dress.
"Apologies for the delay, gentlemen," Madame de Fir said. Her words may have been phrased as an apology but they all knew it was just a formality. A beaming smile was directed to the waiting men, "But a fashionably late arrival and extravagant entrance is always required for Halamsharal,"
Vivienne glanced towards Bull with a secretive smile before looking back towards the carriage, "Come my dear, it's time to make your entrance into Orlesian high society."
He could hear rustling from the carriage and watched as Sinfi slowly emerged from the shadows. The tips of her horns had been capped with decorative golden knobs. Thick bands of the gold clung to the rough exterior of the curling horns. Swirling patterns of rubies covered the purely decorative metals, the gems glinted in the light every which way she turned. Her hair was loose, creating long shimmering raven waves that to Bull mirrored the night sky.
Her normal light and gauzy clothing had been replaced by blood red velvet that clung to her form. The fabric attached to a thick golden band encircling her neck, creating a deep v in the velvet, showing off her cleavage and ending just above her navel. The ever present golden bangles clinked at her wrists as she fixed a heavy dark blue brocade shall to rest in the crooks of her elbows. Her back and arms were bare and the pink skin shimmered in the night, as if she had been covered with gem dust. A slit ran up her left leg all the way to her hip allowing the fabric to move and tease the flesh hidden underneath. Multiple golden anklets encircled the left appendage along with matching bangles encircling her tail.
Every unusual and exotic aspect of her had been highlighted and put on display for the court. She had been turned into the rumored seductress, and became both the symbol of beauty but also of power. She would turn every head in high society, men would want her while women would want to be her. The Iron Bull knew Sinfi could have anyone she desired. Yet as their eyes met a smile formed on her lips. She could have anyone, but she had chosen the Qunari who was bad at being a Qunari. Bull held out a hand for her, Sinfi put her smaller hand into his as she descended the coach stairs.
"Well, The Iron Bull," Sinfi whispered softly as her heeled shoes hit the ground. They made her only slightly taller than where she normally stood and he knew at some point in the night they would be kicked off and forgotten, "You clean up nicely."
"You took the words right out of my mouth, Boss," They were silent as they took in each other. Her hand still laid on his, absentmindedly his thumb ran over the tops of her fingers.
"Iron Bull," Vivienne chided slightly before glancing towards his arm with an expectant stare.
"Right, sorry Ma'am." He quickly said before offering his arm to Sinfi with a slight bow, "May I escort you into the Winter Palace, your Worship,"
"My what a gentleman," She said with mock shock and a teasing smile.
"What can I say, you bring out the best in me," Bull gave her a crooked grin as Sinfi hooked her arms around his bicep, fingers splayed against the red fabric.
Together they turned and walked in time with the other.
"Now, doesn't that just warm your frozen little heart?" Dorrian said softly towards Vivienne as he offered her his arm to escort the grand enchanter into the palace walls.
"I should ask you the same thing darling," Vivienne coolly said as she placed her arm through his. She may have had a chilly exterior but there was a smile on her face betraying her true feelings. Dorrian chucked softly as he patted her hand.
"Touche darling, touche. "
Together the two mages watched as The Iron Bull escorted the Inquisitor through the gates of the Winter Palace and into the game.
Latin Translations:
Sanguis meus- Blood of mine
tenetur ad fata- Bound to the fates
Videte vocationem- Heed the call
ut hac oblatióne- So that this offering
ligans pistrina in caligine est mihi- Ties the Mist to me