Chapter Seven: Setting Out
I take a deep breath, and the fresh scent of wet earth and pine needles is a welcome respite from the wood fires of Skyhold. Only one day there, and it already felt good to be back on the road again. Unfortunately, leaving today means I have to forgo my chat with Solas and spending any time with Dorian or the others I'd met, at least until we return. I can see for miles as we descend the mountains on our way back through Ferelden.
I hold the reins to a large black stallion, lent to me by a rather reluctant Master Dennet. After I showed him I knew how to care for the beast, he was more comfortable with me riding him. I had considered asking for one of the dracolisks, but I figured that would have been taking things a bit far. We're walking the mounts currently, as the path is still too narrow to ride. I reach out and touch the muzzle of my horse. He huffs, but lets me. "You're a beautiful animal," I tell him in a soothing tone. Dennet had told me his name was Darkforge.
Hawke hears me talking to the horse, looks over, and smiles at me. I'm glad that I'm going on this trip with friends. I was worried it might be some of the ones who don't like me very much, like Vivienne, or Cullen. But, if this all goes according to plan, they won't be able to deny I know what I'm doing when it comes to dragons anymore. I'll make them listen.
Hawke slows his pace to walk near me. "You like animals, don't you?"
"Some, yes. Horses are magnificent creatures. I mostly like birds, though."
"Because they remind you of dragons?" he teases.
"Not everything is about dragons," I laugh. "I've just always liked birds. I think I wish I had the ability to fly," I admit, looking up at the clear sky.
"That would be something," he concedes. "So Varric tells me you plan on just asking the dragon to leave nicely?"
"Don't give me that look, Garrett. I've done this dozens of times before. It'll work."
"I think I'm actually starting to believe you," he says, the smile returning to his face.
"You're a bad liar," I tell him, but I laugh, regardless.
The trip to Crestwood takes several days on horseback. It passes quickly with good company. Between The Iron Bull, Maeven, Hawke, Varric, and the always hovering Declan, I'm rarely alone. I wish I could report back to Etiam, but I haven't had a moment that I could really sneak off long enough. I'm hoping our first stop at Crestwood Village, or at least Caer Bronach will provide an opportunity.
We come over a rise and the lake becomes visible. Darkforge gives a toss of his head and steps to the side. He's nervous. I look around. It is kind of creepy here. The constant moisture in the air has left a slick coating on nearly every surface. It hasn't rained in days, and yet the air here is thick and humid. Below us, I can see the remains of what used to be Old Crestwood: skeletal frames of what were homes once, other foundations washed clean of any dwellings at all, and old boats shattered and useless lying haphazardly against the rocks.
It's still daylight, but it's already past midday. Our plan is to stop in Crestwood Village to rest the horses, and depending on how quickly we get there, head to Caer Bronach either this evening or first thing tomorrow.
Declan pulls up beside me, looking out over the landscape below. "We managed to drain the lake the last time we were here. There was a rift deep underground, over there," he says, pointing out at the middle of the lake. "It was affecting everything, even causing the dead to rise. It doesn't look like it's gotten much better since we closed it."
"This place makes me uneasy, to be honest. I imagine there are a lot of restless spirits down there. There were people in the village when it flooded, right?"
"Yes," he says, his answer uncharacteristically short. This place must rattle him too. "The old mayor did it on purpose to avoid a contagion. We have him at Skyhold awaiting judgement."
"You're not comfortable with spirits, are you?"
"That obvious?" he chuckles. "Ghosts and spiders." He shakes his head at the confession.
"What about Cole then?" I ask, curious to hear his take on the boy from the tavern.
"Cole is a little different - he at least looks human. So many of the others don't, and they're difficult to understand at times."
"I know what you mean. My younger brother, Etiam, is a spirit mage. I've had a few dealings with the beings of the Fade. It gets a little easier with practice, but I still find it unnerving. I bet my brother would have some ideas about Crestwood, were he here."
"I'm curious to hear more about you and your siblings. All four of you are mages?" Declan asks.
"Yes, magic runs very strong in our family. We all have slightly different talents, though."
"So they couldn't do this thing you do with dragons?" he wonders.
"Maybe, but I'm probably better at it than they would be. Just like I can talk to spirits, but I'm not that good on calling on them for spirit magic. Because of my elemental abilities, I'm better suited to working with dragons than they would be."
"I suppose that makes sense," he admits.
We ride for a while longer, and stop at the village. Talking with the locals, we learn that things have stabilized a little in the area. The bandits are less of a problem now, and the dead have stopped rising from the lake, but they make sure to tell us about the dragon terrorizing the south.
After dismounting and taking care of our horses, the villagers give us the old mayor's house to rest for a bit and offer us food. I, for one, am grateful. Hot food after days on the road sounds amazing.
A fire blazes in the fireplace of the large room. The furniture has mostly been removed, but there are various crates and sacks stacked around. It appears that this place has been used for storage since the previous occupant was arrested and taken away.
I find a spot on a crate that looks sturdy enough to hold me, and I sit, my plate of food still in my hand. Hawke sits next to me, his long legs stretching out in front of him, crossing them at the ankle. My own barely reach the floor. I look up to find him watching me.
"What?"
"You've got a little something...here, let me," he states, reaching out his thumb to touch my cheek, rubbing away whatever it was he saw. I haven't eaten anything yet, maybe it's dirt from riding. I blush at the unexpected contact. I'm not used to people touching me without asking. Back home, other than my family, of course, that would never have been permitted. But Hawke seems comfortable doing it.
"Did you get it?" I ask hesitantly.
He doesn't get a chance to answer, as Declan comes and sits by us. "I hope it's okay to join you two."
"Of course, Declan," I say, grateful for the interruption. I notice Varric and Maeven sitting a short distance away, and Bull is leaning against the wall.
"Ferox, if I may, I'd like to ask you a person question. Would that be alright?" Declan asks.
Uh oh. "I guess so?"
"Is there someone special waiting on you somewhere?" he questions.
"Okay, that is a bit personal. But no, other than my brothers, I don't have anybody I'm close with."
"Wait," Varric interrupts. "Then what was that thing Cole was going on about…he didn't leave you because he didn't love you, I think it went."
"That was about my twin, Lucis. The woman he loved died in a fire. He never really got over it, and it drove a wedge between us too. Things haven't been the same since it happened."
Declan smiles. "So if you don't have someone special back home, is there someone you're interested in now?" His eyes flick to Hawke and back to me. I know what he means.
"I came to the Inquisition for a reason, and it isn't that. Once I'm done here, I'll likely resume my travels with my family."
"You didn't exactly say no," he points out. "Okay, then answer this: if you were interested in someone, what kind of man would you be looking for?"
"I haven't really given the matter much thought. But I guess if I had to choose, I'd say someone kind, mature."
"Well, that rules this bunch out," Bull comments, and everyone laughs, including me.
"Okay since I had to answer, so do you all," I pout.
Maeven goes first. "If I had someone like that, I doubt I'd have joined the Inquisition, or least joined it by myself."
Iron Bull states, "There aren't really relationships under the Qun. That's not something we put much thought into, either."
"I had someone once, but she left me," Garrett confesses. "Tore my heart out and ran off with it, along with a damned book that almost started a war. There hasn't been anyone since then."
I notice neither Declan or Varric are jumping to answer. "Declan?" I prompt. "You started this, you don't get off the hook that easy."
He seems reluctant to respond. "I should think it's obvious. I'm not seeing anyone, and there's someone I'm interested in. However, it appears the interest is not mutual."
"Is friendship such a bad thing?" I ask.
"No, it's not," he concedes with a sad smile.
Hawke looks at Varric. "You haven't said anything either. Do we finally get to hear a real story about the past of the great Varric Tethras?"
"It's...complicated."
"Varric…" I say, concerned.
"Don't poke, Firefly. It's not just my story to tell. There are reasons I can't get into it. But suffice to say, that no, I'm not in a relationship. And yes, I suppose there is someone…"
"Oh, come on," Declan whines. "That just makes me want to know more ."
"Might as well give it up," Garrett advises. "Dwarves are known for their stubbornness. Varric will only think up an elaborate lie if you push him."
We finish eating and mount back up. There's just enough daylight left that the others believe we can make it to Caer Bronach before dark if we ride hard.
We make it, but barely, and ride through the gates with just enough light to see. Thankfully the keep is already partially staffed, and torches are lit to guide our way inside.
We're greeted by a pretty elf dressed in Inquisition garb, the sleeker version that I have been told is part of the spymaster's division. "Welcome back, Inquisitor," she says, taking the reins of Declan's horse as he dismounts. I also climb off Darkforge and give him a quick pat.
"We'll give your horses a good rub down, don't worry," the elf says.
"Are you Charter by any chance?" Maevan asks.
She nods.
"I'm Maeven. Mother Giselle sent me from Skyhold to help the merchants. She said to report to you." Maeven extends a letter with flowing script on the front to the elf.
"Did she now?" Charter looks at the note and nods. "Alright then, head through that door over there," she instructs Maeven, "Go see Tressa at the first stall, she'll get you set up.
"Goodbye Ferox," Maeven says, and gives me a hug. "I'll see you off in the morning, okay?"
"Of course you will, and we'll be back soon. We'll see each other again, don't worry," I reassure her.
Charter continues, "The rest of you can come with me. We have quarters up in one of the towers. There are plenty of rooms, but unfortunately not all of them have been cleared yet. Some of you will have to share."
She had said some. That means I'll get my own room tonight, and I can finally contact Etiam. I was relieved as we followed her up the stairs. But, in the end, there were only two rooms for the 5 of us. Either someone is sleeping on the floor, or I'm going to have to share a room with someone.
Of course Declan offers, and I just shake my head. "Probably not a good idea," I state.
"I'll do it," Varric says. I look over and see him frowning. I remember him saying over dinner that he had someone that he was interested in. Bianca , I thought. Has to be. If he has someone already, then I can be comfortable around him without worrying.
"Okay Varric," I say, nodding my agreement.
Declan protests. "How is that any different? Just because he's a dwarf?"
"It's just for tonight; it will be fine, Declan," I tell him. "I promise I can keep my hands out of his amazing chest hair for one night."
Varric laughs. "Why Firefly, I didn't realize you'd noticed."
"How could I not? It's so thick and manly!" I say, playing it up for Declan's sake.
"Oh, the horrors of being this good-looking," he sighs, and we both have a good laugh. I glance over and catch Hawke and Bull grinning.
Declan grumbles. "It's not you I'm worried about," he says under his breath.