Chapter Fifteen: United
We materialize again not far outside the village, in a secluded copse of trees. I wonder how many charges from his ring my brother has used so far in his travels. I know of three, at least, but he could have traveled enough at Skyhold to reclaim a day, leaving him with a maximum of two by my calculations.
"Let me make the introductions," I instruct him. "These people have met me before, and know me to be with the Inquisition."
Tenebris nods, and, for once, allows me to lead. We walk out from the grove and onto the road that will take us back to the small town on the hill. The guards at the gate are at attention as we approach, but relax when they see me.
"Where are the others?" the one asks.
"They'll be here shortly. I separated from the main group on an errand, and we ended up here ahead of them. This is my brother."
We make brief introductions, then are shown back to the mayor's house and offered food and drink. After barely eating last night I am starving, and gladly accept. Tenebris looks at his portion with disdain, but tries it anyway. Apparently deciding it's edible, he eats the dried meat and bread.
I remember sitting in this place with everyone just a couple of days ago, and the rather awkward conversation that accompanied the meal. I miss them all, and I'm excited to see them again in a couple of hours. Since we have the privacy, Tenebris and I decide to contact Etiam together. Sitting on one of the supply crates, my open locket in my hand, I call the magic of the water from the Watcher's Well to life. The familiar blue glow washes out and fills the room.
"Etiam, brother, are you there?" I call.
His face appears, and he looks at both of us. "I see you've found her, Tenebris. Why have you not brought her home?"
"I have decided to stay, as well. There are large deposits of lyrium that seem to be corrupted. I wish to study it, and to find what this Inquisition knows about this threat."
"Ferox, Tenebris, you should end this farce. The risks are too great."
"I accept the risk," I declare calmly. "I know you believe helping the Inquisition is a waste of time, but I know I'm getting somewhere with them. I can't leave now. I saw a Fade rift yesterday, Etiam. The poor spirits were dragged here against their will, their purpose twisted from the moment they entered this world. It would have angered even you, I'm certain. Saving the dragons and closing the Breach is the right thing to do."
Tenebris continues, "The former magister, Corypheus, has somehow channeled this corruption magic and is using it to strengthen his forces. I need to know more. I fear the balance may be tipping too far in one direction. If we allow him to win this war, how long would it be before he makes another attempt at the Black City?"
"I cannot keep this from Lucis for long, not with both of you gone," Etiam comments with a sigh. "He will learn of it soon enough."
"Stall him as long as you can, brother," I plead. "We need time."
Etiam looks stern, and doesn't say more, but severs the connection, and the room seems a bit darker afterwards. Tenebris is frowning.
"Thank you," I tell him. "Thank you for understanding the importance of this."
"Something isn't right. So many things aren't adding up. I think I understand why you suspected me of being involved before. Corypheus shouldn't have the level of power that he does. The Magisters were proficient mages, yes, but this is different. He's using borrowed magic, and I think you're right, someone must have helped him acquire it. But who?"
"I don't know, but we need to find out. All of Thedas may depend on it."
In a short while we hear the announcement that the Inquisitor's caravan has been spotted. Tenebris and I look at each other and nod. We get up and go out to meet them just inside the main gate. Declan and Hawke are the first to ride into town, slowing their mounts as the others follow. Declan spots me.
"Ferox!" he calls, dismounting and walking over to me quickly. "Varric said we wouldn't see you until Skyhold." He embraces me, and I can see my brother glowering at him.
"Uh, change of plans. I had to pick up my brother, but he was closer than I thought and we ended up meeting on the road."
"Your brother?" Declan asks, and looks over at Tenebris. He smiles brightly and extends his hand. "I'm the Inquisitor, Declan Trevelyan."
"This is Tenebris, the youngest brother," I say by way of introduction.
"You don't need to point out that I'm the youngest," he responds, shaking his head. Turning to Declan, he takes the offered hand. "Well met, Inquisitor, but I'll ask you to keep your hands to yourself when it comes to my sister."
"Well, they definitely sound like siblings," Garrett comments from behind them, stepping down off his own horse and walking over. "Garrett Hawke, Champion of Kirkwall."
Tenebris nods.
"I'm The Iron Bull. My band of mercenaries, The Chargers, are working for the Inquisition."
"And I guess that leaves me," Varric says. "Varric Tethras, rogue, storyteller, and occasional messenger for runaway mages." He shakes his head.
"Sorry, Varric. I got word that Tenebris was here, and had to go meet him. I regret having to leave like that," I state, leaving the double meaning hanging between the two of us. "Thank you for telling the others."
He gives a small smile.
Declan speaks up, "I'm just glad you found your way back alright. When Varric told us that you left - on foot no less - we were understandably worried."
"I'll try to give more warning next time," I tell him.
"See that you do," Hawke says, coming over to ruffle my hair again. I swat him away. Tenebris actually laughs a little.
"She hates it when I do that. So it seems I'll be joining this Inquisition of yours," Tenebris tells Declan.
"Which school is he the expert on again?" Garrett asks.
"Entropy," Tenebris offers. "I've also done extensive studies on the Blight, corruption, and blood magic."
"He may be able to help you figure out this red lyrium problem, and I'm sure he has ideas about Corypheus's dragon," I suggest. "You're going to want him on your team."
"Anything that gets rid of that red lyrium shit is welcome in my book," Varric adds.
"I agree," says Declan, nodding.
"Sounds like you're in, dear brother," I comment, poking him in the side. He grunts, but smiles at me.
"As if there was any doubt."
Tenebris sits with Declan and Hawke, to begin discussing strategy as the others eat. I stand off to the side, near the door watching. Hawke and my brother seem to be getting along so far. Good; I had hoped my brother wouldn't be too standoffish, but I it's hard not to like the gregarious Hawke.
My eyes unconsciously seek out Varric, but I'm a little surprised when I didn't see him sitting where he'd been before.
"I think we should talk, don't you?" he asks quietly from behind me. I turn to look, and he's already in the doorway. Twitchy cat, I swear. I glance back at Tenebris, but his attention is occupied by something Declan is saying. I silently follow Varric out of the building. We take a few twists and turns and end up in a garden behind one of the houses. A steep embankment and high walls shield us from view.
Varric looks at me. "When you disappeared...shit, Firefly, I thought I'd screwed up, that I'd scared you or something."
"I was scared," I admit.
He frowns, but I continue, "I didn't expect this at all." I grab his hand and interlace my fingers with his. "But it feels right."
Meeting his eyes, I see the same sentiment in his expression even before he says it. "It does, doesn't it?"
He removes his hand from mine, steps closer to me, and I welcome the feel of his warm lips on mine. I throw my arms around his neck and return the kiss, moving my head to a better angle. I hear him make a sound deep in his throat, and it's as if a wildfire lights up inside me. Which, oddly enough, is what sobers me up.
I push him away. "No."
"No?" he questions, looking hurt.
"Oh trust me, not completely no, just not like this. I don't want to have to sneak around to see you, stealing clandestine kisses in hidden gardens."
He gives a wry smile. "Guess I was kind of used to it before."
"I'm not her, and I would never settle for that," I tell him, and he smiles at me. "We deserve to do this right."
"You really are a miracle," he murmurs, running a hand over my hair. "Let's go talk to your brother, then."
"Really?" I beam at him, then it dawns on me. He wants to go see my brother. "Oh shit, Tenebris is not going to like this. You haven't seen it yet, but he's got quite the temper. Maybe give me a while to try to warm him up first."
He sighs. "If I have to wait, then at least let me visit summertime one last time," he says, and I'm lost in the poetry of his words. We kiss, and my heart feels so full it could burst. He's the one to end it this time.
Grinning, I step back from him. "I'll head back in first."