Chapter Twenty-Six: Small Changes

"I will report to the Inquisition's advisors," Cassandra announces as we enter the courtyard back at Skyhold. "The mission is finished. I will let you know if there are further orders."

I smile at Cassandra. She's not a bad leader, I feel a little bad for having given her a hard time before. She smiles back. Since I'd protected her from the wyvern venom, she's taken a slightly different attitude with me. I wouldn't call us friends, really, but she's been friendli er , at least.

Sera pipes up, "Wanna get a drink, Ferox?"

"Too early in the day for that," I say, and get a funny look from her. "But I can meet you there later?"

"Alright."

Solas just gives a nod, and heads back into the keep. I still don't know what to make of him helping me, and I never got a chance to ask him about the lyrium. Maybe I'll get the opportunity to catch him alone soon.

We still have several days before Declan's team can be expected back at Skyhold, and I'm not quite sure what to do with myself. I decide a bath and a change of clothing is definitely first, and I haven't checked in with Tenebris or Etiam in some time. They will probably want to know how I'm doing, and I'm curious to see what progress Tenebris has made with the red lyrium.

I return to my room, dropping my bags just inside the door. There are two women bringing in a bath again. Leliana, so thoughtful. I need to thank you. I smile gratefully at the women and thank them for bringing it. Once they leave, I immediately step out of my clothing. The armor I had been wearing on the day of the wyvern hunt is ruined, and I'd been reduced to wearing the same clothing over and over. I feel filthy. A bath is just what I need.

Warming up my fire a bit so I won't freeze after getting out of the bath, I step into the tub and relax in the water. I sigh happily with relief at the warmth; it feels good on my tired muscles. I wish again that I could have just used my ring to return. All the travel by horseback is exhausting. But, at least my ring is still fully charged. That means I can check on Miracle or Serenade whenever I need. I'm excited about Serenade's eggs. New dragons! And if they are able to survive until adulthood, so much the better. They may turn out to be the ones to birth new magic into the world.

I watch the steam curl up from the surface of the water, reluctant to give up its warmth, even though it's making feel a bit sleepy. I should probably get out, but it feels so nice…

I'm awakened by a knock at the door. The water has grown a bit colder, but it's still warm, meaning I've only been out for a few minutes at most.

"Who is it?" I call out.

"It's Cullen, may I come in?"
"No!" I cry out, maybe a little too sharply. "Uh, sorry, I'm in the bath. Give me a moment."

"I...of course," he answers.

I dry myself off. There's no helping my damp hair, but I'm able to pull on a warm robe at least before going to open the door a crack.

"Yes?" I ask him. His cheeks are a bit pink.

"Sorry to disturb you. I just had a few questions, but I can return another time."

"How about I meet you at the viewing spot in a half hour or so?" I suggest.

"That will work, then," he states, gives a small bow, and leaves.

Well, that was unexpected. I wonder what he wants to ask me. I make quick work of finishing drying off, including using a bit of heat to help dry my hair. I don't bother doing anything else with it, leaving the dark wavy tresses loose. I dress in my blue armor I wore when I first got to Skyhold. I decide I have time to contact my brothers.

Opening the pendant, I add the touch of magic to bring it to life. No image from the Watcher's Well back in the Black City. "Etiam, are you there?" No response, so I wait a bit longer, but still nothing. Hm. Giving up on Etiam for the moment, I reach out for Tenebris, instead.

"Tenebris, please respond," I whisper hopefully. I know it's the middle of the day, he may be busy. Thankfully, he does answer.

"Ferox! I see that you have returned back to the keep. I trust all went well with the dragon?"

"Yes, the dragon is safe, and has probably laid her eggs by now," I say happily.

"She was ready to nest? That's magnificent! Good work, Sister."

"It wasn't easy. There were dozens of wyverns hunting in the area, terrorizing the poor thing. I got hit by a strange white wyvern. It's venom nearly knocked me out."

"A snowy wyvern? Those are rare. Ferox, you're lucky to be alive."

"You know what it was, then? I felt foolish admitting that Dragon Girl didn't know what to call it."

"Yes, they're a newer mutation. Snowy wyverns are often sought after, as their hearts and other parts are used in potions and for other magical arts. But their venom is said to be quite deadly. I'm glad you are well."

"Yeah, thanks to Solas," I admit bitterly.

"That trickster helped you?"

"I'm not sure what his agenda was, but yes. But anyway, enough about my mission. How is Kirkwall?"

"Chaotic. It's a strange city, Ferox, all convoluted, both in the twisting streets, and the people. Things did not fare well here after the explosion. The people are scared."

"Have you seen Bartrand?"

"Yes. His condition is quite unfortunate. I tried using a cleansing spell, and it helped a little, but he's still barely coherent at the best of times. Even now, this red lyrium seems to affect him, even though he hasn't touched it in years. He says it sang to him, that he wants to 'hear the song again'."

"That sounds like the call of an Archdemon."

"My thoughts originally, as well, but as far as I can tell, there aren't any dragons involved. I do, however, think that Blight magic might be. I believe I'm onto something, but I want to run a few tests."

"Good luck brother, I'm glad to see you are making progress, as well. I cannot speak further, I have a meeting I must get to, but I wanted to see that you fared well."

"Another time then, dear sister. I will keep you apprised of my progress."

"Until then," I say, and end the magical connection.

I'm glad Tenebris is working on this. So the red lyrium has a call like an Archdemon, Corypheus corrupted a dragon, and he's using the Calling to make the Grey Wardens think they are dying. I know Corypheus is a darkspawn, but these things seem more and more like they are not a coincidence at all. Someone is manipulating the magic of the Blight, and it's not just the magister. But, if anyone can figure this out, it's Tenebris.

I need to get to my meeting with Cullen. The quickest route - I think - is by Solas's quarters, and up through the library. That means I might be able to ask Solas my question, and, with any luck, see Dorian on the way. Today is shaping up to be better than I expected.

Solas is in his quarters, so I step inside. I find him seated at the table, reading a book.

"Solas," I say, getting his attention.

"Greetings, Ferox," he responds, setting the book down gently and standing to face me.

"Can I ask you a question?"

"I assume you wish to ask me why I healed you?" he questions.

"That's part of it," I admit.

He thinks for a moment before he speaks. "I never held animosity for you. My creation of the Veil was about my quarrel with my own people more than it was about yours."

"I find that hard to believe. We suffered because of what you did."

"As did I."

I'm silent at that, trying to understand what it must have been like for him to seal his own people away. I think of my family, and I can't imagine anything worse.

He says, "So to answer your question, I assisted you because I wished to do so."

"And the lyrium potion you made me drink?"

"It helped you, did it not?"

I sigh. Talking with Solas makes my head hurt. "Maybe a little. I thought you did it to hide me from Seeker Cassandra."

He just smiles. I still don't trust him.

"I need to be going," I state, and take a few steps toward the door.

"Farewell, friend."

I look back at him at the word "friend", but he's already turned around to return to the table and his book. Friends with Solas? Not likely. I take the stairs to the second level, and am surrounded by the familiar smell of dusty tomes again. Dorian isn't in his usual spot, and I admit, I'm a little disappointed. I enjoy my banter with the Tevinter mage, and I was looking forward to sharing the information I had just heard from Tenebris.

I continue on and find my way to the spot on the ramparts where Cullen and I had once met in the dark of night, looking at the stars. It's daylight now, and the view of the sky is less impressive due to encroaching cloud cover. Not my fault this time, at least. It appears I've arrived first.

I lean against the stone wall, waiting. What could Cullen possibly need from me? I knew Cassandra had gone to report to him. He should have all the information he needs about our mission. Maybe it's something about Serenade?

I don't have long to wait. The templar-turned-commander is punctual, at least. He sees me, and smiles.

"Have you been here long?"

"No, I just got here."

"Good." He looks out over the wall. "Still a pretty view, but I think I prefer it on a clear night," he comments.

"Yes, but you didn't ask me here to discuss the weather. What is it, Cullen?"

"I heard about what happened from Cassandra. Are you feeling alright?" he asks.

"After the the wyvern fight, you mean?"

He nods.

"Yes, I am well. Solas is an excellent healer," I admit.

"That is a relief. Did I hear correctly that you got the dragon to talk to you by dancing?"

"She was agitated, I had to distract her from it."

"Ah. Okay, so to get to the real reason I asked to see you...when the Inquisitor gets back, there is a grand ball being held at the Winter Palace held by Empress Celene. The Inquisition is planning to make an appearance. I was hoping to convince you to go."

"You've got to be kidding!" I cry out, immediately regretting it when Cullen looks as though I've slapped him. I try to explain. "You obviously haven't been talking much with Josephine or Vivienne about me. They'll tell you how I can't even manage a simple dinner without losing my temper. I'm not fit for fancy parties."

He gives a small laugh, and that grin is back. "That's kind of why I want you there. I hate these things. I always feel like I'm somehow...on display. At least with you there, I'd have someone to talk to. And you obviously know how to dance, I so thought…"

"It's not a bad thought, sorry. I didn't mean to offend you. It's been awhile since I've been anywhere like that."

"So you'll go with me?"

"Oh, with you...I…"

"You're seeing someone," he concludes, nodding. "Of course you're seeing someone."

"Yes, well, I think so...sort of," I finish, wincing at the awkwardness of my statement.

He raises an eyebrow. "Alright, I won't pry. But the offer still stands, if you change your mind. It would be nice to have a friend there. Or, if your 'sort-of' suitor invites you, perhaps you'll rescue me for a few moments by dancing with me."

"If I go, then it's a promise. Of course, it'll be awkward."

"Why is that?"

"Because you're too tall, that's why!"

He laughs. "No wonder you always look up," he comments, still chuckling. "It's because you can't see over things."

"Hey! Okay, maybe you're not a nice person, after all," I pout, but it lacks any real anger. "Oh, you know who probably would appreciate an invitation, though..."

"Who's that?"

"Seeker Pentaghast."

"What?!"

"I've just spent several days watching her. She has a surprising feminine side that she doesn't show to many. I bet if you ask her the way you asked me, you'll see her blush. Plus, she could reach your shoulders a lot better than I could."

"I'll...keep that in mind." He looks away, then his eyes widen, apparently thinking of something. "Oh, do you play chess?"

"There's another thing I haven't done in ages. My brother Etiam loved it, but he was too good and I always lost," I admit with a shrug. "I'm not sure I even really remember how to play."

"I could teach you, and I think my sister could probably give your brother a run for his money. It might be a relief to play against someone I could actually defeat."

"That sounds enjoyable, but I promised to meet Sera for a drink. I'm afraid I don't have the time right now."

"Perhaps tomorrow afternoon, then? In the garden?"

"You're on. But I warn you, once I get the hang of it again, I won't go easy."

"Then I look forward to the challenge." With a small bow, he turns and heads back toward his office.

I shake my head. To think, a few days ago, I'd stopped wanting the friendship of these people. I was wrong. It's worth the risk.

I make my way back, and take one of the many staircases down from the ramparts. I head toward the Hanged Man. When I open the door, I can hear the hinges squeak, telling me just how empty the place is today. It's a major change from the last time I was here, when Hawke and I couldn't even find a seat. Sera is sitting at Bull's table with Krem. The Chargers are missing again today. They must be out on another mission .

"Hail, Dragon Girl!" Krem shouts upon seeing me, raising his mug of ale. Sera twitters, and Bull just smiles.

"Come, tell us the tale of your date with a dragon," Bull calls, waving his hand to encourage me to come closer.

I look at Sera as I walk over. "I've been back what, a couple of hours, and people know already?"

"It's a good story, innit?"

"Did they also hear about my epic battle with the snowy wyvern?" I ask, my voice low and dramatic.

"Your epic failure, you mean," she says with a snort. "But I guess you saved the leader, so that should count for something. Wait, you said 'snowy' wyvern?"

"Yeah, I found out once I got back that they're a bit different."

"Oh, those things are badass," Bull cheers. "I wouldn't have minded handing its ass right back to it."

"Well then, instead of another Ferox talks to dragons story, let's hear the one about how the mighty Sera killed the scaly beast and saved the day," I suggest, attempting to get the attention off myself.

"Well, I was pretty good," she admits, and launches into storytelling mode. I'm happy to sit back this time and let her have the limelight. She's not as good as Varric at reenacting stories, but she does sound effects, which makes everyone laugh. I have a couple of drinks and a meal with them before deciding it's time to retire to my room.

"This was fun," I announce, to agreement from table.

"Nearly as much fun as that time in Jader, with the girl with the one-"

"Not now, Krem," Bull says, cutting him off. "That's not a story you tell in front of ladies."

Krem looks at us. "I bet Sera wants to hear it."

Sera does, indeed, look very interested.

"Sounds like that's my cue. You guys enjoy the rest of your evening."

I bow my head, and walk back to the keep. My trip is uneventful this time, and I make it to my room without incident. I start up the fire with a quick spark from my hand, and crawl into my bed. It's slightly lumpy, but far more comfortable than a pallet on the ground. With one last thought about how long it will take Varric to get back, I drift off to a restful sleep.