Chapter Forty-Eight: The Advisors

Lucis and I are standing in the courtyard, our bags in our hands. Skyhold. I can't believe I actually missed this frigid place. I think it's growing on me. I wonder if they ever fixed that hole in the wall near the War Room?

"Hey, it's Dragon Girl!" a voice calls.

"Hello Threnn. Greeting people again, I see."

"Yeah," she sighs. "But who's this? A new recruit?" She looks at Lucis.

"Maybe, we'll see," I answer. "This is another one of my brothers, Lucis." He nods his head in a small bow. I continue, "We have urgent information for Sister Leliana. Do you know where I can find her?"

"I think they're all in the War Room. Heard something about a meeting, anyway," she answers.

"Thanks."

We walk toward the main keep. "Do you want to go see the advisors with me? They can be a bit of a handful, and I'm sure this report has all the details of my most recent fiasco."

He touches my arm. "I'm not leaving you to face them alone," he says, looking around him. "The whole idea of this place was designed around me and Andraste. I'd like to see to it that they're not dragging my family's name through the mud, especially when you've done nothing but try to help."

"Yeah...are you okay being here? I guess it probably makes you think about her. I hadn't thought of that."

"I think so. They do seem to revere her, or at least a version of what she might have become, given the chance. It could be worse."

"It's taken some getting used to for me, too. Lucis, you should probably know, they use your name and hers when cursing."

"So I've heard."

"At least Fen'Harel gets it from the elves, too. I've heard 'may the Dread Wolf take you' a few times around here."

Lucis shrugs. "That doesn't really help, but it's a nice reminder of how much has been twisted or forgotten. Let's go get this meeting over with."

I nod, and we climb the stairs to the main hall. I don't see anyone I know, thankfully, but I bet Vivienne is watching from her perch on the upper level, and I wouldn't be surprised if Leliana has already been made aware of our presence. I take the door on the left that I know leads to the War Room, passing through the cozy room that belongs to Josephine, and into the hallway beyond. Sure enough, the hole is still there. The War Room door is unlocked, so we enter.

The three advisors are standing near the War Table, but the conversation stops as soon as the door opens.

"Ferox?" Cullen asks, surprised. "How? You're not due back for weeks."

"Long story...but I have a mission report from Declan. You should probably read it before we start answering questions."

"We?" Josephine asks. "Is this one of the brothers?"

I nod. "This is the eldest, Lucis."

"The twin," Leliana clarifies.

"Yes," Lucis answers with a smile, and gives a deeper bow than he had given Threnn in the courtyard. "Before we speak of other matters, I want to thank you for taking care of Ferox and Tenebris. They are both...prone to acting first and thinking later."

I look downward, studying my toes for a moment. Cullen already knows a little about me, but the others don't. I hate these awkward bits, and I just want it to be over. I hand the report to Leliana. "I haven't read it, I promise, but things happened while we were out there, and it probably talks a lot about me and my family. I would like to know what it says so that I can know what questions you'll have."

"Ferox? What's wrong?" Cullen asks.

"Just read the report, then we'll talk."

"Very well, Ferox," Josephine states. She looks at Leliana, who has already started reading. Her expression remains blank, but she glances up at me a few times. It must be pretty damning. Why would Declan have me deliver this? Was it a test? To see if I returned to the Inquisition or ran away? I bite my lip nervously waiting for their reactions.

Leliana sets the paper down and looks at me. "I want to believe that this is fabricated...but no. That is his handwriting, and he and I have a secret code so that I know his reports are genuine. You would not have known it, but it is here. This is from the Inquisitor."

"I don't even know what it says," I assure her. "I only assumed it mentioned me and my family because of what happened out there in the Hissing Wastes with the dragon."

Jospehine comments, "You made it to the Hissing Wastes? But you could not possibly have gone there and be back by now. Not even the fastest horses could have made the journey that quickly." She reads the report, her eyes widening, then hands it to Cullen.

"Many things are possible with magic when you know what you're doing," I answer.

Cullen sighs as he reads, but when he's done gives a small smile. "You told them about being a goddess, then?"

Leliana turns to him. "You knew about this? Why didn't you say something?"

"Would you have believed it?" he asks. She crosses her arms over her chest, and her brow furrows in contemplation.

I ask, "Will you let me read it or tell me what it says now?"

Leliana nods. "It details the Seeker's account of your encounter with the dragon, and the accusation that you possess the soul of an archdemon. That your younger brother was found to be performing blood magic, and that your family all claim to be gods. It sounds like nonsense."

I look her in the eye. "I swear, everything there is the truth. We were worshipped as gods by the humans in Tevinter long ago; we are all over a thousand years old; and I have a dragon's soul. The blood magic was cast on me at my request. It was a binding spell to keep me from unleashing a dangerous wave of magic, or turning into an Archdemon while he helped me. It was necessary."

"How did you get here so fast?" Cullen asks.

I glance at Lucis, who nods.

"A very complicated spell, used to enchant an item," I answer, toying with the ring on my finger. "It allows for instantaneous travel for one or two people, but we can't use it very often as it's limited and must recharge. It's why Declan asked me to bring the message directly instead of sending it through his usual means."

Cullen turns to Leliana. "It matches what it says." She nods, still seeming to ponder her thoughts.

I ask hesitantly, "What do you mean? Cullen, what else does it say?"

Cullen reads aloud. "And if Ferox delivers this herself, the timeliness of the delivery will offer sufficient proof to these statements. If this task is accomplished, then it is my wish that Ferox and her family be welcomed into the Inquisition."

I can't believe it. "Oh, Declan, thank you," I whisper.

Josephine is quiet for a moment, thoughtful. "Tevinter gods working with the Herald of Andraste. I...I'm sure there's some way we can use this information."

"That part doesn't interest me; I'm not here for diplomacy, ambassador. Besides, we've seen how awful I am at social niceties. You can tell or not tell whomever you like. My mission here hasn't changed."

"You wish to save the dragons," Josephine responds.

I nod. "Well yes, but ultimately I want to save the world."

That gets a smile out of her, as well as Cullen. She says, "That's a mission I believe we can all get behind."

Lucis reaches out and puts his hand on my shoulder. I look over at him.

"What was his speciality again?" Leliana asks.

"Creation magic," I tell him.

"I'm a healer," Lucis adds, "and I'm good with plants and animals."

"All very useful talents," Cullen nods. "We normally would have you tested by Fiona just to determine your abilities, but if Ferox and Tenebris are any indication of your potential, that would probably end up being a waste of time."

"I'd like to return to teaching while I'm here," I announce. "I was helping some of the mages before I left, and I want to see how they're progressing."

"But if you have the Taint, would it be safe? Even I know the Blight sickness is contagious," Josephine states, her pretty brow wrinkled in confusion.

"Are we talking about a plague?" Leliana asks.

"No," Lucis assures her. "It's not Ferox's body that's sick. We've been able to keep the corruption at bay for centuries."

"Of course," Cullen acknowledges. "I hear the mages spoke highly of your lessons. We've had some new recruits, quite a few of whom are apprentices that never made it to their Harrowings in their Circles before the rebellion started. I'm sure they would greatly benefit from your instruction. Lucis, will you be teaching, as well?"

He stiffens. "No. I...have had bad experiences with pupils in the past. I'm not sure how long I will be staying, truthfully, but I wanted to see the Inquisition for myself before I made any judgements about it. I would be happy to offer my skills as a healer during my stay."

"We would be foolish not to accept," he confirms. "Healers are always in short enough supply."

"And Lucis is the best there is," I say proudly.

"I think we need to consider the risk that this archdemon could pose," Leliana interrupts. "I was there when the Hero slew the archdemon. They are nightmare made flesh."

I nod, and announce, "I agree." Everyone turns to look at me. "It shouldn't happen. It only occurs when I try to use complex fire magic, which I have no intention of doing again anytime soon. I've already planned to speak to Alistair about it."

Lucis frowns at me with concern. "You were going to arrange for a Grey Warden to kill you? Oh Sister." He wraps his arm around me in a gesture of comfort. "Toth will stay restrained. We'll see to it," he promises.

"I know, but it's good to have a backup plan."

Josephine sighs. "It is a most unpleasant thought, but I am glad you are being reasonable about it."

"Alistair, not Blackwall?" Cullen asks.

"Alistair has given me reason to trust him. I barely know Blackwall." Not to mention he's not even a Grey Warden. This seems to satisfy Cullen, as he nods.

Leliana speaks up. "Ferox, may I speak with you privately?"

I look at her. I'm not going to like what she has to say. "Yes, but I have something else to tell you all first."

I have the attention of everyone in the room. I take a deep breath. "I know where the Wardens are hiding. They've taken over an old Grey Warden fortress called Adamant in the Western Approach."

Leliana smiles. "That matches the intel that Hawke gathered following Erimond's men from the Tevinter ruin."

"Oh, you already knew about it," I say. I thought I'd be bringing them news. Of course, Leliana's spy network has information.

"Yes, but your answer tells me that you are trying to be truthful and forthcoming, at least," she responds.

I climb the stairs one at a time after Leliana, and I can't help but wonder what questions she'll have for me this time. I remember that this is the woman who had played up on Varric's insecurity and made him doubt my intentions toward him. But when I look at it rationally, I can't summon any anger about it. If someone else had gotten close with my family, I would want to know who that person was what and that they were after, as well. And Varric loves me, accepted me after learning my darkest secret. Nothing will shake my trust in him now. Not my brother, and certainly not this former Chantry sister.

Lucis went to meet with Fiona to fill her in on his abilities, but it was clear he would likely be working with the Inquisition's surgeon, healing the injured and ill. I hope it will help him feel useful, connected to the people more. I'll need to check on him later. But first, my talk with the spymaster.

We reach the top level, and she surprises me by opening the door to an outside walkway. I follow. Leliana leans against the stone railing and speaks while looking out over the interior of Skyhold. "According to the stories, you've been alive since before the rise of the Tevinter Imperium, yes?"

I nod. "Longer than that, but yes."

She's quiet for a moment before softly saying, "Then you were alive when she was...Andraste, that is."

"Yes." I smile. I think I know what she wants to talk about now.

"I'm still not sure if I believe your story, but I would like to know your answers to a few questions, if you don't mind."

"Alright, I'll answer whatever you ask, but please make sure you want the answers before you ask."

"Did you know of Andraste back then?"

Careful. "Yes."

"What was she like?"

"Brave, determined, loved dogs...oh, and a little crazy."

"What?! Are you are implying that you knew her personally?"

I nod. "I did. She was traumatized by something early in life, an incident that happened with her sister. I hear she was different before then, but she was also a natural leader, a good-hearted person, and she loved the Maker very much."

She purses her lips. "Do you believe the Maker really abandoned his people?"

"Not completely, no. I believe he's still watching, thinking about returning." In fact, he came here to get a closer look.

"Yes, I believe that also. The Chantry called my beliefs heresy, that one such as I could feel his will…"

"Ah yes, your vision."

She pauses again, looking at me before continuing. "Seeing the dream of the darkness swallowing everything is what helped me have the courage to leave with the Warden. I have only told a few people about my vision, but I suppose it is not unthinkable that you learned about it through one of them."

"No, none of your circle divulged your secrets, at least not to me. I have to admit, though, it took me longer than it should have to realize that you were the same Leliana I remember from Lothering. You've changed."

"You knew me? I think I would remember you."

"No, we never met before Skyhold. Back home, we have a way of observing important events that happen here. It's how I knew where the Wardens were, and how I knew that the Inquisition was hunting dragons. It's where I saw first saw you."

"How do I know that any of what you say is true?"

"Ask me a question about that day that no one else would know."

She's quiet again, thoughtful. "If you were watching, then you will know what I did first when I woke from the dream, yes?"

Ah yes. "You pulled the blankets up from the bottom and examined your feet before getting up."

Her jaw drops. "I never told anyone that...if even half of what you say is true, what does it mean? Other gods...this should not be possible."

"The Dalish would disagree with you," I state with a grin, which prompts a smile of her own.

"Yes, I imagine they would," she acknowledges.

"There were once many beings that were called 'gods'. Were we really? Or did we allow ourselves to believe along with the people? I'm not sure I have the answer, really. But I know as time progressed, the stories changed, became altered from the original events."

"Like the game of whispers," she remarks.

I shake my head. "I don't know that one."

"It is a silly game that children play. You start with a phrase and whisper it in the ear the person next to you, they repeat it to the next, and by the time it gets to the last person, it is nothing like how it began."

I nod. "That's not a bad description, really. Still, even if the particulars of history are full of inaccuracies, if that belief makes someone a better person, it's probably not all bad." Another smile from the spymaster.

"I owe you an apology," she says, holding her hands together in front of her. "I thought you were a spy planted by Tevinter, or a saboteur."

"I understand why you had suspicions. I want to protect the people I care about, too."

She nods her head once in agreement.

I continue, "To be fair, I wasn't sure if the Inquisition would understand about the dragons. If Declan hadn't listened...we might have ended up enemies."

"Yes," she says, looking away uncomfortably. "He is quite remarkable."

"I didn't say all that to worry you. 'The Destroyer' is on the same side as the Inquisition. I want to help, truly. And maybe...we could be friends."

"You are quite straight-forward, aren't you? Truth be told, I have not had many friends that I could trust."

"So...not entirely a no," I say, narrowing my eyes at her in a teasing gesture. "But not a yes, either."

She laughs, and I'm amazed at how girlish it sounds. She always seems so intimidating, it's hard to imagine such a sound coming from her. "We shall see. But, you had planned on speaking with Alistair, yes? I believe I last saw him in the garden with Morrigan. I will walk you, if you like."

"Perfect, I wanted to see her too."