Chapter Nineteen: Stories

"Thank you," I tell Varric.

"For what? I haven't even done anything yet."

"For being willing to hear me out. It's a lot to take in, I understand. But I promise you, everything I'm about to tell you is the truth."

A sigh. "Okay, Firefly."

"We are the four gods from ancient Tevinter. My twin brother and I are the eldest. Lucis is known as the Creator, although he has been called by other names. Back then, he was all that is good and kind, nurturing and giving. He had a smile for everyone and could brighten even the darkest day. It's no wonder he was my favorite. We were very close, once.

"They called me the Destroyer, master of the elements, as you know. You've seen some of what I can do, but I'm capable of far more. Lucis and I are opposite sides of the same coin, and neither can exist without the other." The last is said with a hint of sadness, again remembering the man my brother once was. I still love him, but I miss his heartfelt smile and the warmth of his magic.

"And the others?" Varric asks, picking up on my hesitation.

"Etiam, the third, is known as Etiam the Wise, or more recently, the Fadewalker. He understands spirits better than anyone alive, maybe with one exception. He's highly intelligent, but sometimes, as I said, coldly logical. He cares for us siblings, but he often approaches life in terms of probabilities and risks, not emotions.

"Tenebris is the youngest. They called him Tenebris the Dark, or just the Darkness, and while most still revered and respected him, there were those who feared him. I believe they lacked understanding of how his knowledge could help us. Tenebris believes in the great balance, that all things will stabilize in time. That's why he studies the darker arts, to recognize when the balance is shifting and how to nudge it back in the right direction.

"But that's just who we are. It doesn't explain what it means for you and I. I am not the age I appear to be. As I said, we extended our natural lifespans through magic. That means that mortals live and die in what feels like the blink of an eye for us. Choosing to be with a mortal means accepting that you will grow old and I will not, and I will live on through the ages without you after your death, natural or otherwise. My brother, being my twin, will experience my grief on top of his when the time comes. That's why I tried to stay away from you."

Varric is silent, still behind me on the horse, hands resting lightly on my hips. I wait for his response, but I can feel my heart in my throat.

"I...don't know what to do with that."

"Oh. That's fair, I suppose."

More silence. I feel panic start to rise in my chest, and the sting of tears threatening to form in my eyes.

Finally, he says, "Ferox-"

Declan calls out, "Riders in the distance!"

So much for hearing what Varric had to say. He used my name again too. I like it when he does that. I sigh as Varric moves his hands to a more acceptable position, and I pull the mount up next to Tenebris and wait for instructions from Declan.

I peer off in the direction that Declan is pointing, and easily recognize the Inquisition colors on the horses. "It's the Inquisition," I announce. "Looks like that mount is here for you, Tenebris. Now I can have Darkforge back."

"He is a good steed. Perhaps I will keep him for myself after all."

"Oh, I'd like to see you try it, brother."

I move to dismount, and Varric stops me with a subtle touch on my waist. He turns his head away from my brother and whispers, "Wait."

Wait? Why would he...oh. It dawns on me why he might not want me to move from in front of him. Or rather, I can still feel it against my backside. I hadn't been the only one affected by our brief interlude. I readjust where I'm sitting, putting a little more distance between us, and he huffs again in amusement.

"I just need a minute," he explains.

I give a tiny nod, but we remain on his horse together until the Inquisition forces reach us. He then removes his hand from my waist and dismounts. He offers a hand to me to help me down, but Tenebris is already there, glaring daggers at him. I allow my brother to lower me to the ground.

I flash one last look at Varric, wanting to see his expression. His brow is crinkled in what appears to be confusion before it settles back into a pleasant smile. He's got his guard up again. I sigh, turning away. I understand what Hawke said now. I tried, I've done all that I can, and it's up to Varric if he accepts it or not.

Riding my own horse is a relief. My nerves are a bit shot after talking so much about my love life. And, I admit, I'm still a bit aroused from Varric's teasing. I probably shouldn't have allowed him to touch me like that, but I can't seem to say no where he's concerned. Surprisingly though, I find it easier to focus now, having clearly told Varric about the problem. He knows the truth and it's out of my hands. I find myself eager to get back to Skyhold and my mission with the dragons.

As I suspect, I don't get any more time alone with Varric. Tenebris sees to it personally, but I honestly don't mind. He hasn't tried to approach me yet, which tells me he's still thinking over what I told him. Time, I have.

I enjoy the ride back up into the mountains, and when we finally reach the bridge back into the keep I feel the excitement burning again. I can't wait to go see another dragon. Both my ring and my brother's are fully charged again. That's always a relief, knowing I can travel in the blink of an eye. I'll need to be more careful, though. Only my brother and Varric know about my ability.

I shiver and rub my arms for warmth. It's still quite cold here in the mountains, especially without the benefit of my powers, but it's beautiful. The day is clear, and the sun shines down on a recent coating of snow.

An agent arrives to take our horses back to the stables, and we look to Declan for instruction.

He states, "You can all go back about your own business for now. I'm going to consult with my advisors, and I'll give you your next missions. Except you, Ferox. I need you to come with me and report in. Tenebris, you should report to Fiona. She leads the mages and will be able to give you an assignment. We'll be looking to you for help soon, though, I suspect. She can usually be found in the upstairs library."

I sigh, my dream of a hot bath fading quickly, but I do want to get moving on convincing the Inquisition and hopefully saving more dragons. Tenebris gives a small bow, and exits. Everyone else scatters: Hawke heads toward the keep, no doubt back to his tower room in the upper ramparts; Varric follows him, presumably to sit by the fire, or return to his own room, and the Iron Bull strides off toward the Herald's Rest.

I square my shoulders and follow Declan. We don't head straight for the keep, to my surprise, but toward one of the side staircases that leads up to the ramparts. As we pass one of the stalls, I hear a female voice say, "That's her, the dragon girl!"

I glance over, trying to locate the source of the comment, and see two merchants talking with one another, a sharply dressed woman in Orlesian fashion, and a man with stylish hair and tight-fitting pants.
"Oh, pardon the comment, my lady, but is it true?" she asks. "Did you really talk a dragon down and ask it to leave?"

Declan grins. "That's right. Thankfully, she's on our side."

The two begin whispering between them and we move on. "You didn't help stop the gossip, you realize," I tell him.

"I didn't mean to stop it. It's good for morale to let them talk," he answers.

I shrug. "I suppose I am 'dragon girl', so it doesn't offend me, really."

I hear the term "dragon girl" a few more times before we reach Cullen's office. "Why are we meeting here instead of going to the War Room?" I ask.

"I've found it's faster if I just call them to the meeting myself rather than wait on messengers."

"You're a hands-on leader. I respect that," I comment.

He grins, and opens the door, allowing me to enter first. Cullen is alone, pacing in his office. He smiles awkwardly when he sees me, and is a bit relieved when the Inquisitor follows me in the door.

"I'm happy to see you made it back safely," he says in greeting. "I've read your reports, and I have to say, I'm surprised that you indeed accomplished what you said, Miss Ferox."

Reports? When did Declan send reports? Oh, the ravens. That makes sense. He must have been communicating back home, the same as I was, only he was using ravens.

"I'm hoping my area of expertise is a bit more understood now, Commander. I'm eager to offer my assistance to the Inquisition."

"I am glad to hear it," a voice says from the doorway.

I turn to look, and see a formidable woman in plate armor. She is not currently wearing a helm. The symbol of the Inquisition is emblazoned on her chest, and she carries a longsword at her hip. Her dark hair is encircled with braids. Her physique and the small scars that line visible portions of her skin mark this woman as a warrior.

"Cassandra, glad you could join us," Declan welcomes her, putting a hand firmly on her shoulder.

"Ah," the woman says, seeing me, "this must be the 'dragon girl' I've been hearing about."

"And you must be Seeker Pentaghast. The name is Ferox, but I suppose Dragon Girl is a fine enough title."

She smiles. "I was hoping for a moment of your time. I'd like to ask you about your ability."

Cullen interjects, "That can wait till later. We need to discuss the clearing efforts in the Exalted Plains. Ferox, it's actually good that you're here to hear this. We've managed to clear the tunnel, opening up passage to Ghilan'nain's Grove and the Crow Fens. Only problem is that there's a dragon living there, defending the area. We've not been able to get any closer."

"A swamp dragon?" I ask excitedly. "Did someone get a good look at it? What kind was it?"

Cullen tolerates my questions patiently, and states, "I don't know. Frederic or Minaeve might know more. I do know one of the agents sketched a picture. Perhaps your dragon knowledge will be of use here."

I look at Declan. "I'm in on this one, right? Oh please?" I ask, practically begging.

He laughs, "Of course...but I have to go with Hawke to the Western Approach to deal with the Grey Wardens. I won't be able to lead this mission. Cassandra, will you take a team out to let Ferox work her magic on the dragon?"

"Yes, it will give me time to ask the questions I want answered anyway," she says, a small smile crossing her face.

"Excellent. Assemble the members you want, set out tomorrow. Ferox, I suggest you go meet with our former creature researcher, Minaeve, and Frederic of Serault, a professor of Draconology at the University of Orlais."

"A dragon expert? Don't mind if I do," I respond with a chuckle. "Ten crowns says I know more than he does."

"I don't think I'll be taking that bet," Declan laughs.