Chapter Thirty-One: Setting the Pieces

I hastily clean up and change my clothes. Putting on armor feels strange after the intentional femininity of the day before, but I wear the set in shades of pink again, hoping it balances it out. I cast my healing spell, and my features relax a little as I see in the mirror that my kiss-bruised lips are returning to normal. I hadn't relished explaining that to either brother. I brush and braid my hair into two simple plaits, one on either side of my head, ignoring the unruly curls that always escape.

Sitting on the bed, finally feeling presentable again, I open the pendant and allow the magic to connect. I'm glad I took the extra time today, as it's Etiam's face that appears in the blue glow from the water.

"Why did you not answer?" he questions.

"I could ask the same of you. I've been trying to contact you for days, Etiam."

"I've been doing as you asked and trying to delay Lucis. He discovered quickly that you were both gone, and convincing him to stay has not been easy."

I feel guilt about leaving Etiam to deal with Lucis. "The time has been productive, brother. I helped a nesting dragon have a safe place to lay her eggs. The Inquisition now trusts me, and consults with me about dragon-related matters." Keep the conversation away from what Tenebris learned. I look at Etiam, and the question enters my mind: could he be the one helping Corypheus? I have a hard time imagining any of my brothers assisting one of the magisters of old. Maybe Tenebris was wrong, or maybe Mythal or someone else has a hand in this.

"I am pleased you were able to convince them, Sister, but Lucis...has not been well. The generals speak of his restlessness. If you choose to remain among the mortals, he will insist upon coming there, and I will not be able to stop him."

Shit, Lucis showing up here would not be good. "Maybe it would help if I return home for a visit."

"You should come home for good; but I have said my piece on that, and you have chosen to ignore the level of risk."

The thought hits me, feeling like a punch in the chest. I'd always assumed I would be going back home once I saved the dragons and convinced the Inquisition to stop hunting them. Now, Varric and his kisses are all I can think about. I want to stay with him, I don't want to go home. But Etiam's right, Lucis will eventually come to bring me back, whether I like it or not.

"Thank you for warning me, but I can't leave yet."

"I expected you would say that," he admits.

"I need to be going. I'm already late to meet with someone." I want to ask him about the Wardens summoning demons. He would probably give some good advice about it, but I don't know who to trust anymore. I hate this feeling.

"Be careful, sister. I will keep him here if I can, but I cannot make you any promises."

The connection ends.

I need to hurry. Maybe if I can show Lucis that I'm successful here, he will allow me to stay. Even as the thought passes through my mind, I know it to be a false hope. Tenebris saw the danger inherent in the red lyrium, but Lucis detached from this world a long time ago. He won't care that it's dying. I do miss Etiam and Lucis. Being here has helped me understand the importance of other connections, but it had been just us four and the generals for centuries. I'm still not used to life without them.

I'm not leaving. Not without a fight. The small promise to myself makes me feel better. I straighten up my room, knowing there probably won't be time later today before Varric comes over. I smile, thinking about it, and head out the door.

I don't make it to Fiona, getting waylaid by Cassandra first. "Where have you been? No, don't answer that, I can guess. Just hurry. The Commander has been looking for you."

Cassandra and I enter the War Room. I've never been in here before; it always seemed like some kind of insider Inquisition club where I wouldn't be welcome. Cullen is there, next to Josephine, who already looks anxious seeing me, and Leliana, who gives me a blank stare. Declan enters behind me, and gives me a warm smile.

"Oh good, Seeker, you found her," Cullen says.

Leliana looks at me, "Yes, happy to see you up and about finally." Her tone is carefully neutral, but I blush anyway. Given what Dorian has told me about Leliana, I'm fairly certain Cassandra isn't the only one who figured out where I spent last night.

"Let us get started, shall we?" Josephine suggests.

"Right," Cullen replies. "Our operations in the Hissing Wastes have been halted due to the appearance of a dragon. We can't get into the temple as it seems to be guarding the place. Frederic has identified it as a fire type, but he doesn't know much else. Here is the sketch from our agents."

I look at it. "Oh, she's massive...he's right about it being a fire type. I'm not surprised he didn't know it; that's a Sandy Howler. They're quite rare." I sigh, looking at it.

"What's wrong, Ferox?" Declan asks, noticing my expression.

"Fire dragons are nastier, more difficult. They take a lot out of me, and this one looks to be an Elder. It won't be easy."

"You don't have to do this," Declan says.

"No, I'll do it," I state. "That's an Elder dragon that has the potential to live to become an Ancient, giving birth to new magic in the world. I'm not letting anything happen to her if I can help it."

"We are sending two teams this time," Leliana interjects. "There is an installment of Venatori digging in an area near the temple again. We need to know what they're after. I've already sent some of my scouts ahead. Inquisitor, Dorian was quite helpful in identifying the Tevinter artifacts last time. Might I suggest bringing him along?"

Declan nods. "Dorian would be a good asset."

"And Ferox, your team will be handling the dragon, of course," Josephine says. "Cassandra will lead, as before. Frederic of Serault has been most insistent about observing your technique in person, and will be accompanying you, for scientific study. But, we have another problem. Empress Celene's party is quickly approaching. The Inquisition must make an appearance. Inquisitor, we need you there."

"And we shall attend. We will stop at the party and continue on after," Declan decides. "I'm sure one of the nobles will be nice enough to let us store our provisions?"

"I will arrange it," Josephine nods, taking notes.

"We must prevent the future you saw, Inquisitor, at any cost," Leliana adds.

"What are you talking about?" I ask.

Declan looks at me. "That's right, you joined the Inquisition after it happened. It's a rather involved story. The short of it is, I got sent forward in time, and saw what happens if we fail. But don't worry, we're already taking action against the two main events that were the catalysts."

"That seems like the 'overly simplified' version."

"I'll tell you the details on the road, when we have more time. We'll prepare to leave in the morning," Declan announces. "That should give us plenty of time to get to whichever supporter ends up housing our belongings, and present ourselves at the ball. Ferox, of course you are invited to the party at the Winter Palace, too."

Josephine studies her agenda carefully, avoiding either looking at me, or speaking to me.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" I question. "You saw how I acted at dinner."

"I doubt the nobles are going to be talking about dragon hunting. You'll be fine. That's the only time you really lose your temper."

I forget how observant he really is. Declan really is perfect as Inquisitor. His unassuming nature keeps people from putting up their guard, and he's able to get more out of them.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence anyway. Sounds like I'll be along for the ride, might as well eat the expensive food at the party."

"You have your assignments," Declan announces. "Cassandra, feel free to choose one or two others for your team. I will be taking Dorian, of course, and Bull won't want to pass up a chance to fight 'Vints'. I believe I will take Cole on this one, and leave the archers to you. Let me know who you choose. You are dismissed."

"Seeker, if I may have a moment of your time?" Cullen asks. Is he really going to ask her to the party? I wish I could stay and watch.

I decide to wait, and take a slow walk through the corridor. Sun beams in through the hole in the wall. They use this room so much, you would have thought they would have either fixed that, or made it a proper window by now. I've missed morning training with the mages already. I'll need to explain to Fiona, but I can just tell her that Cullen needed me in the War Room.

"Ferox," a voice calls from behind me. I turn and look, and see Cassandra walking toward me, an intense expression on her face. "Did you, or did you not, suggest to Commander Cullen that he invite me to the empress's party?"

"Sorry, I thought you would like it!" I wince, instantly regretting trying to play matchmaker.

"I...wouldn't say I don't like it, I just…" she trails off. Is she blushing?

"So you said yes, then?"

"I will allow Varric to be on our team. This makes us even. But if you let it distract you, you'll regret it."

I beam at her. "Thank you, Cassandra!" I have an impulse to hug her, so I do. She seems put off by it, and I stop, but nothing can contain my happiness right now.

"Go and tell him to prepare, and the Champion as well."

"Sure thing, Seeker," I respond.