Chapter Five: Drinks
"So, we have a tavern here; it's called the Herald's Rest," Varric tells me on the walk over.
"That's not a very clever name, is it?"
"No...what would you call it, then?" Garrett asks me.
"The Drunken Uncle," I suggest.
"Nah," Varric rejects my idea, "too creepy."
"Hm, how about the High Flagon?" I ask, offering another suggestion.
"You really do think about dragons all the time, don't you?" Garrett teases, but laughs anyway.
I shrug.
Varric comments, "You know, Ferox, you surprised me back there. You may have a bit of a temper."
"I have more than a bit of one. Especially when people are being stupid and bull-headed."
"Bull-headed," Hawke repeats, and laughs again.
"What did I say this time?" I ask.
"Oh, right ," Varric responds, his eyes lighting up. "There's a friend of ours who usually hangs out at the tavern about this time of day. You'll see what we mean when you meet him."
"And he's bull-headed?" I attempt to clarify.
They both just snicker. "You could say that," Varric adds.
"Well, if he's a friend of yours, I'm sure he's okay. You two were the only ones who even tried to hear me out in there."
"I've just seen too much shit in my day to dismiss what you said right off," Varric acknowledges with a sigh.
"I trust Varric's judgment," Hawke says. "And I also saw the look on your face when they laughed. You weren't just embarrassed, you were worried. I'm not sure what I believe, exactly, but I know that you're acting like someone who believes in what they say."
"Thanks. I didn't think anyone would listen when I first got here. Then I met everyone, and they were all so nice - I guess I just got my hopes up. But I'm not giving up; I'll show them."
A look passes between them that I can't decipher, but it doesn't matter, as just then we arrive at the tavern.
Varric opens the door and holds it for me. As I enter, I see the bar itself stands off to our left, with a gruff looking dwarf manning the station. A minstrel is playing in front of a staircase that winds around and upward to all three stories. Beyond the stairs are more tables, and... oh, that Qunari guy, 'bull-headed', now I get it. I burst into giggles, and my face reddens in embarrassment as he walks over to us.
"Did I miss something?" the Qunari asks, looking to Varric. Funny, a lot of people look to Varric when they need something. I glance over at him myself.
"Private joke that she just got let in on. I'll explain it to you later," Varric responds.
"So who's the new kid?" he questions.
"Kid?"
"Sorry, I thought you were a child at first. You're just so...tiny."
"I prefer to think of myself as conveniently travel-sized," I say as I grin at him.
A laugh sounds from beside us and I look over to see another man joining us. He's also wearing armor, with some of the same markings as the Qunari's. These two must work together, but those aren't Inquisition symbols.
"I'm The Iron Bull, and this is my Lieutenant, Cremisius Aclassi," Bull says.
"Just call me Krem," he clarifies. "Everyone does."
"Ferox, new mage recruit to the Inquisition. Is that a Tevinter accent I detect?"
"Yeah, but now I just work with the Chargers, best mercenary crew you'll ever meet."
"Seriously, though, you could pass for an elf, or a really tall skinny dwarf," Iron Bull comments, looking at me.
"Careful, she's pretty feisty," Hawke cautions.
"Yeah," Varric adds. "I thought she was going to flip over the Inquisitor's dining table for a moment."
"Knock it off you two, I wasn't that bad...was I?" I ask, my voice fading out at the end. I guess maybe that had looked bad.
"I'll never forget the look on Josephine's face," Varric tells me. "No, I think that was worth it just for the entertainment value."
"Oh, but don't worry," Hawke says. "The Inquisitor won't take it personally, and I think Dorian was even a little impressed when you stormed out."
"A storm, yes," a breathy voice says next to me and I suddenly notice the boy squatting on the stool at my side. His face is hidden by the brim of a wide hat, and he's dressed in muted tones of gray and brown. His fingers are pale as he grips the stool with one hand.
"She is a storm," he repeats. "She sounds like thunder. Old hurts that aren't her own. But the hole he left hurts most of all. Hungry, hollow, hunting for home, but she finds only the taste of ashes."
My mouth falls agape. A spirit?
"Kid, we've talked about this. You can't just pop in and say stuff like that," Varric admonishes. "My apologies, Ferox. He does that sometimes. He's awful to have around for cards."
I look at the spirit. "What is your purpose, spirit?" I ask gently. I've had plenty of interactions with his kind before, although it's more Etiam's realm of expertise than mine.
"I like to help," he states plainly, looking up. I can see now that he has the appearance of a gaunt young man with blonde hair.
"Compassion, then," I clarify.
"Yes," he answers. "He left because the fire burned him too, not because he did not love you."
"I know," I admit. Stupid Lucis. We all would have been there for you, but you turned away from us. Even this spirit gets it.
"You okay?" Garrett asks, placing a hand on my shoulder. I meet his eyes, and see the concern there.
"Yeah, he didn't really tell me anything I didn't already know," I respond.
Varric makes the introduction, "This is Cole...but how did you know what he is?"
"One of my brothers used to talk with spirits quite frequently. You kind of get used to them being around when that happens." I turn to the spirit. "Hello Cole. You've taken a name?"
"I helped him, but I got confused. I thought I was him."
"I understand. I'm glad you found your purpose again, Cole. It's a fine name."
"Yes," he says.
"So you guys drinking or what?" Krem asks.
"Maker, yes," Varric answers, and I smile.
"Anything's got to be better than that wine they had at dinner," I state. "It tasted like sugared raisins. I need something with a little more bite to it." It's then that I realize Cole is gone. When did he leave?
"Oh, I think I like her," Iron Bull comments. "I have just the thing."
"I'd like to stay on this side of the table, not under it, if you don't mind," Hawke says, shaking his head at me in a not-so-secret message advising me not to go for Bull's offer.
"I think just an ale will do," I state.
"I'll get us a couple," Varric offers. "Hey Bull, where are the rest of the Chargers?"
"Boss sent them out on a mission, but they should be back by tomorrow." Bull gestures toward the table in the back where he had been sitting.
Garrett gives me a small smile, and waves a hand in front of him. "Ladies first."
I look one direction, then the other. "I think we'll be waiting a while for any of those; we'd better just sit down." He chuckles, and puts his hand back on my shoulder, guiding me over to the table. He likes to touch a lot, doesn't he?
Garrett takes the corner seat, and I sit next to him. Iron Bull and Krem are across from us. Varric returns from the bar with three ales, and after gently setting two down in front of Hawke and I, plunks down in the chair at the end of the table. He frowns, apparently changing his mind. He reaches over and moves my glass toward the center of the table, then gives me a meaningful look.
"In case we do something stupid," he teases. I break into a wide grin, grab the mug, and take a big gulp. I exhale loudly with an 'ahh' of satisfaction, setting it back down again. "Now that's more like it!"
An elf girl walks down the steps from the second story. She's dressed in a red tunic and yellow plaid pants. Her blonde hair is cut at an odd angle. I'm pretty sure she cuts it herself. In the dark. Without a mirror. She, too, comes over the the table.
"Cole stopped in. It friggin' creeps me out the way he does that. Said we have a storm brewin' downstairs," she comments. "Figured it was worth a look, right?"
"Hey Sera," Bull comments, grabbing a chair from a nearby table, and scooting it up in between him and Varric. This forces Varric and I to squeeze in closer with Hawke, close enough I can feel the heat coming off each of their bodies. I self-consciously move my arms closer to my side, and I'm careful when I lift the mug again and take a drink.
"New blood, eh?" Sera asks, turning the chair around backwards. She sits on it, and leans her arms over the back. "And another mage," she observes flatly, taking in the staff I had leaned up against the table. She frowns.
"Wait...I'm a mage? Why in the blazes didn't anybody tell me?" I exclaim. I turn to Hawke. "You knew, didn't you?"
He chuckles, then gives a dramatic sigh. "I didn't want to worry you, but I'm sorry to tell you...you've got magic."
"Is it serious?" I play along.
"Deadly," he retorts and we both dissolve into laughter.
Sera gives me a skeptical look, but I can see the corner of her mouth twitching.
"Buy you a drink?" I offer.
"I never refuse a drink from a lady," Sera replies with a wink.
"Too bad I'm buying," I comment, and she snorts.
"Alright, you're not so bad. I'm Sera."
"Ferox," I respond with a smile.
I turn to Varric. "So who all do you think will be going on this Crestwood thing?"
"What 'Crestwood thing'?" Bull inquires.
"We're going to meet my friend from the Wardens."
Ice water fills my veins and my mood suddenly shifts. "Wardens?" I ask, unable to keep the edge from my voice.
"Calm down, Firefly," Varric tells me. I look at him in surprise.
"Firefly?" It's hard, but I resist laughing. I am really not pleased about hearing the Grey Wardens are involved in all this.
"Yeah, you know...fire being that quick temper of yours, and the whole dragons bit, you know, and dragons fly. I dunno, it just popped into my head and I said it."
"Why not Dragonfly then? Wouldn't that make more sense?"
"Nope, Firefly," he insists. "Happened first, and now you're stuck with it."
"I guess I've been called worse things," I admit. "I do have three brothers. Firefly's kind of cute in comparison."
"Any chance of them signing up?" Hawke asks.
I turn back the other direction. Garrett is looking at me. He's a bit close. I try to back up but bump into Varric. "It's a little crowded in here, sorry."
"No problem, no harm done," Varric responds, steadying me.
"Uh, about my brothers...only one of them knows I'm here. The other two wouldn't be too happy that I joined the Inquisition - they're a little protective and they'd think it's too dangerous. Let's hope they don't decide to show up. Hawke, why do you have a friend in the Wardens?"
"We met a while back. He's on the run, hiding in Crestwood. I thought he could help us figure out what's happening with the other Wardens."
My expression must have given away my surprise, as Garrett keeps going. "Yeah, something weird is happening. Wardens are disappearing, and we're not sure why. I'm hoping he can shed some light on it."
Personally, I'd be fine if every Grey Warden in Thedas disappeared. They had found out a way to stop the Archdemons and the resulting Blights, but their way destroys the dragon's soul. I'm sure they have no idea the impact that has on the world, but it's still heartbreaking. Each time an ancient dragon dies, one type of magic is gone from the world forever, and can't be recovered.
Dumat, the first that was turned long ago, had been the dragon of Silence. When he was killed by the first Grey Wardens at the Battle of the Silent Plains, all Silence magic ceased to work. It was just gone. It is likely that none other than us even remember Silence magic even existed, but the world wasn't the same anymore. Each time it happens the world changes again in a drastic way. The ancients are the most precious of all dragons, and must be protected. Without their magic, the world of Thedas will fall.
Varric speaks. "Sorry, we got a little sidetracked. You asked who I think is going to Crestwood. I'm betting Hawke, the Inquisitor, and you for sure. I don't really look forward to taking on another dragon, but I'll go if I'm asked."
"Dragon?" booms The Iron Bull in his deep voice. "Why didn't you say that first?"
"The Chief really likes killing things," Krem explained.
I watch them both carefully. "We're not going to kill it," I announce.
"What do you mean, you're not going to kill it?" Sera asks "It's a dragon, innit? All 'nom nom aaaah'?" The last is said in high-pitched tones.
"Yes, but we don't have to kill it. There's a better way. It's where my magic comes in. I'll show everyone when the time comes. Promise me that if you're there, you'll let me try to handle it first before you attack," I insist, leaning toward Bull across the table.
"I guess I can watch you get eaten if that's what you choose," Bull concedes begrudgingly. "I love it when they rear up and try to roast you. At least I'll get a good seat for it this time."
"I'm not going to get eaten. Trust me."
"I'll get you that drink, then. It might be your last chance," Bull says, and waves. A serving girl comes over. I order an ale for Sera, and Bull orders something for me. When it arrives, I look at it.
"Stars, what is that?"I ask.
"Maraas-lok. Drink ," he insists.
Okay, I'm game. I take a sip of the strong alcohol and come up sputtering, coughing for breath.
" Yes," Bull says encouragingly. "That's the way it's supposed to feel."
I look at the murky amber liquid again, shrug, and take a second sip. It hurts less the second time. Bull looks impressed that I manage not to cough. I do grimace, though. I feel the heat start to spread through me already and I realize just how potent this stuff is. Even with my increased stamina, I'll be "under the table" as Hawke put it in no time if I don't stop.
"I think I've felt enough of it," I say, pushing it away. My cheeks feel warm, but I know it's not from embarrassment this time.
"A wise decision," Hawke agrees next to me.
After a few more minutes of conversation a yawn hits me unexpectedly. "Guys, I just realized it's been a really long day. I should probably head back to my room. Thanks for the drinks Bull, Varric; I really needed that tonight. Sera, Krem good to meet you both. Garrett, see you soon," I finish, and move to stand up. I wobble a little bit, but I'm okay once I'm on my feet.
"I'm headed back, Firefly, I'll walk with you," Varric says.
"I should get some rest too, especially if Declan decides to leave for Crestwood tomorrow," Hawke adds.
I nod, and the three of us leave together, waving back at Bull, Krem, and Sera. I wonder about the spirit, Cole, but I don't see him.
It's dark, and the air is bitterly cold as we step outside. I'm thankful now for the alcohol Bull had given me, as it's helping me feel a bit warmer than I would have otherwise. "Ugh, it's freezing. We should hurry."
I look at both them, and get another ridiculous idea. "Race you," I call, and start running, laughing as I do so. I hear the other two give chase, and it's not long before we're at the stairs leading up to the keep again. Hawke wins, but then again, his legs are a lot longer than either mine or Varric's. I pause for a moment, the cold air burning my lungs.
"I'm getting too old for that kind of shit," Varric curses between labored breaths.
"What? Shut it, you're not even remotely old. But come to think of it, I did notice that everyone does kind of look up to you like you're their father," I point out.
Hawke chuckles.
"There are days I feel like I'm parenting a bunch of idiot children," Varric admits, putting a hand to his temple.
I look up at the sky. The clouds have cleared and the darkness is filled with a million tiny stars. It's breathtaking.
"What are you doing?" Varric asks.
"Just enjoying the view. You miss a lot if you never look up," I reply. I spread my arms out and twirl slowly in a circle. I get a little dizzy from the combination of the motion and the alcohol, so I stop.
"It is a nice night," he states, and they both join me in looking at the stars over the mountains for a few minutes.
"Thanks again for tonight, you two, seriously," I say quietly to them.
"Happy to help," Hawke says.
"Anytime, Firefly."