Chapter 4: Val Royeaux
The group returned from the Hinterlands to Haven, Ruby very excited to show Yang everything. Ruby was unbelievably happy that Yang was here, and it could mean that Weiss and Blake were somewhere around Thedas. She brought Yang to Harrit so he could get some measurements for some more… appropriate clothing.
"So, you're the Herald's sister?" Harrit questioned as he took the measurements. He always took several measurements to make sure that it was correct, since he was a perfectionist with his armor. Yang held out her arms as he measured her and she answered.
"Yep. Always looking out for my little sis." Yang responded.
"Well, now Ruby is looking out for the world. A lot of people are looking to her to save us. Hell, she's already stopped the Breach from spreading."
"Yep, Ruby is doing big things here."
Harrit finished his measurements and took down his notes, asking Yang a series of questions that would determine how her armor would be made.
"Alright, it should take a few days to put the armor together. I would recommend wearing something… more… while you're here." Harrit advised, glancing at Yang's clothing… or lack of clothing. "Don't need you freezing to death."
"I'm good. It's actually not bad. Well, thanks for armor and the talk."
Yang and Ruby started walking through the camp, Ruby introducing Yang to everyone, everyone happy to meet the older sister of the Herald. The happiness ended when they got to the Chantry and saw the Mages and Templars at each other's throats.
"Your kind killed the Divine!" The Templar argued, pointing a finger at the lead Mage.
"You were supposed to protect her! Your kind let her die!" The Mage argued, pointing his staff at the Templar. The situation started to escalate when Ruby spotted the Templar grab the hilt of his sword. Ruby reacted quickly and yanked out Crescent Rose, firing a round over the top of the Chantry. Everyone stopped what they were doing and jumped from the sound of gunfire.
"Enough!" Ruby barked, walking over to the group as they started to recover. "I don't care what either of you think. None of us know for sure what happened, and pointing fingers and fighting each other isn't going to help."
"But-." The Templar tried to argue. Yang watched as Ruby delivered a Weiss level glare, one that would freeze you in place it was so cold.
"No, shut up. We don't know and we don't care. Our only mission is to close the Breach and fix the world." Ruby exclaimed, both sides looking around awkwardly since they were being scolded by a child. "Now, we can either make nice or the Inquisition is going to fall apart. Understand?"
All of the Mages and Templars mumbled, heading back to their normal duties while the other onlookers sat and stared at Ruby with fascination. One on looker decided that he needed to have his own input, and it was Ruby's least favorite person.
"So tell me, Herald… how do you plan on fixing everything?" Chancellor Roderick questioned, crossing his arms as he waited for an answer. Ruby wanted to give an answer, she really did, but she still had very little information on this world. Luckily for her, Cullen was there to help her out.
"Leave Ruby be, Roderick. She's done more than any of us could ask for and is still doing more than what the Chantry has done." Cullen argued, earning a scowl from Roderick.
"The Chantry will take action once a new Divine is chosen!" Roderick barked, pointing at Cullen, who frowned and looked like he was ready to punch him in the face.
"And how long will that be?" Ruby questioned, standing up to Roderick. "We can't just stand around and wait while the world goes to hell!"
"That isn't your decision, child!" Roderick barked again, pointing at Ruby. That was the wrong decision as Yang's eyes turned red and she grabbed him by the front of his robe. "Unhand me!"
Yang reared back, ready to clock Roderick in the face, but Ruby caught her arm and prevented her from smashing his face in.
"He's not worth it, Yang. Just let him go." Ruby advised, Yang doing it and lowering her fist. Roderick brushed himself off as Cullen chuckled and walked to Ruby's side.
"There's no point in making him a martyr. Besides, he's harmless. Now-." Cullen added. He was about to add more to his statement, but his sentence cut off as he looked at Yang, and her lack of clothing. Most people were put off since it was snowing and most people actually wore clothes that covered their bodies.
"Cullen, meet my big sister, Yang. Yang, this is Commander Cullen, he leads the Inquisition's military forces." Ruby introduced. Cullen was still at a loss for words since… well… no one in Thedas wore as little clothing as Yang did, not even the women of the night.
"Nice to meet you, Cullen. Nice to meet some of the people who have been taking care of my baby sister." Yang greeted as she held out her hand. Cullen cleared his throat and collected his thoughts, focusing on speaking rather than staring since yang really left nothing to the imagination.
"A pleasure to meet some of the Herald's family. Are you feeling okay? Need any… warmer more covering clothing?" Cullen questioned, looking just about anywhere but at Yang. Yang sighed and rolled her eyes since she was tired of everyone making comments about her wardrobe.
"Why does everyone have a problem with my clothing?" Yang groaned slumping her shoulders. Cullen patted Ruby on the shoulder and headed off to the training yard while Ruby stepped a little closer to Yang to point out the obvious.
"Um, Yang… most women here don't… show off… like you do. The amount of skin you show makes people… uncomfortable." Ruby pointed out, pointing to all the other women around Haven. Yang couldn't help but note that all of the women had themselves covered in clothing to keep warm and to keep themselves modest. Yang looked down at herself and saw how most people could see her show of skin a little… distracting. "Don't worry Sis, we'll get you some more… appropriate clothes. Maybe some armor too."
"I've got some armor. I just need something like what Harrit is making for me." Yang responded as she tapped on the torso armor under her arm, the one that held Ruby's bloodstained cloak. Yang knew that Ruby loved that cloak almost more than life itself, since it was given to her by her mother, who was gone now. Yang planned on washing the cloak later, getting the crusted blood off and giving to Ruby, but that would have to wait a minute. "Is there any place I can stay?"
"We can ask Josephine. She's the ambassador for the Inquisition and basically runs this place." Ruby answered as she started to lead Yang into the Chantry. The two entered, Yang admiring the craftsmanship of the place as they approached the back. Ruby went to the room Josie worked out of to find she was speaking with a man who looked like he was headed for a masquerade ball.
"I'm sorry, but I can't allow Haven to be a place for some… heretical movement!" The man argued. Josie was wearing her usual gold and blue dress and carried a clipboard with an inkwell and candle on top.
"Marquis, I can assure you that Haven is not being used for that purpose, but also as a refuge for those looking for a safe place." Josie replied in a calm manner. The Marquis shook his head as Josie jotted down a few notes.
"Lady Montilyet, I can't allow this Inquisition to remain in Haven."
"The Inquisition was founded by Cassandra and Leliana, doesn't that count for something?" Ruby pointed out and questioned. The two turned to them, Josie smirking as she built off of what Ruby stated.
"That is correct, Ruby. The Inquisition was founded by the Left and Right Hands of the Divine. This would be a matter of honor against Lady Cassandra. Shall I schedule a duel with her? Say, around noon?" Josie responded as she made a few more notes on her board.
"What?! No! That won't be necessary. The Inquisition can remain here." The Marquis stated as he walked out, leaving the sisters alone with Josephine.
"Could he really just evict the whole Inquisition?" Yang questioned as she leaned in the doorway.
"His wife does have the holding to Haven, but it would require the Empress of Orlais, Empress Celine, to become involved. And with the current state of her country, I doubt that she would do so. Now, what may I help you with, Herald?" Josie questioned as she cleared her clipboard and took a seat behind her desk.
"Ambassador Montilyet, I would like to introduce my big sister, Yang Xiao Long. Yang, this is Josephine Montilyet, the Inquisition's Ambassador." Ruby introduced. Josephine stood up with a smile and did a small curtsies to Yang, the blonde brawler mimicking the gesture.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Xiao Long." Josephine replied.
"Nice to meet you too, Josie." Yang answered.
"Yang is joining us, so she's going to need a room." Ruby pointed out, hoping Josie could do something. Josephine sat back down and started jotting more notes down as she started flipping through other notes.
"Unfortunately, our situation is not as ideal as we wish. We aren't able to house everyone in a single room." Josie updated.
"That's okay, she can stay with me!" Ruby cheered. The two had already shared a room back home, and then again at Beacon, so what was the harm in doing it again? "It will be just like Beacon!"
"Yes it will Ruby. So, show me where I can drop my stuff." Yang replied. Ruby took Yang to her room while Josie got to work on acquiring a bed for Yang. Yang set her armor aside, keeping Ruby's cloak hidden from her. "So Ruby, what's the next step?"
"We're going to Val Royeaux to talk to the Chantry. Try to get them to lay off of us so we can try and fix the Breach." Ruby answered as they exited the Chantry.
"Sounds good. Mind if I tag along? Kinda like to see what this world has in store for us." Yang answered as she looked around as they walked around.
"Of course! It's gonna be a day or two to get everything ready."
"That's okay. It'll give us plenty of time to talk about those two boys you seem to like."
"Oh boy…"
A few days later…
The group consisting of Ruby, Cassandra, Varric, Solas and Yang arrived at Val Royeaux, Ruby and Yang ogling at the large marble city. The two of them were basically tourists to everyone, staring at the statues of Andraste that lined the entrance. Yang got her armor from Harrit, scale armor that offered protection as well as mobility. The chest and waist had the metal plates held together with chainmail while her stomach was covered by leather armor. She also wore metal bracers and greaves with black long underwear, so she was now acceptably dressed for Thedas.
The two were too busy looking around to notice the scout Leliana sent ahead to make sure no one was going to kill them.
"My Lord Herald." The scout proclaimed as she took a knee in front of Ruby. She could only guess that Leliana sent the scout ahead to ensure that they weren't walking into a trap.
"So, what's going on?" Ruby questioned, unsure of how to officially respond.
"The Chantry awaits you... and so do a great many Templars."
"There are Templars here?" Cassandra questioned as she stepped up to Ruby's side.
"Yes, Seeker. The people think they are here to protect them… from the Inquisition." The scout reported. Ruby and Yang looked at each other with very confused looks.
"Why would they need protection from us? We haven't threatened them." Yang pointed out.
"I don't know, but they are on the other side of the market. I believe that is where they intend to meet you." The scout continued.
"Then let's go see what they have to say." Ruby exclaimed as she started down the path. It was relatively easy to find the Chantry, since they were up on a stage with a large crowd standing around them and two Templars on each side of the stage.
"Good people of Val Royeaux, hear me! Together, we mourn the Divine! Her voice, silenced by treachery!" The Cleric preached, people clearly rallying to her. Ruby made her way to the crowd, the Cleric's eyes focusing on her. "You may ask what will come of her killer! Well ask no more! This so called Herald of Andraste! Claiming to have risen where she fell! We say this is a false prophet! The Maker would not send a child to deliver the Maker's Word!"
"I didn't hurt the Divine! I just want to close the Breach!" Ruby argued, even though she knew it wouldn't help. "We need to work together to seal the Breach before it's too late!"
The Cleric looked like she was about to say something when she looked to her side, everyone's eyes following her. A group of armored men led by another, Ruby only assuming that they were the Templars. The man in the lead had white skin that had a tinge of yellow with gray hair pulled back into a ponytail.
"It is already too late! The Templars have returned to face the "Inquisition" and protect the people once more!" The Cleric cheered. The lead Templar walked past her and went to the Templar at the far side while another approached her from behind. Ruby watched as the Templar reared back and struck the Cleric in the back of the head, knocking her on her face. Ruby immediately scowled and reached for Crescent Rose, but Cassandra caught her wrist.
"I know you want to help, but breaking out into a fight with the Templars won't." Cassandra urged. Ruby relaxed a bit, still not happy about the situation. Sure, the Cleric was just talking shit about her, but that didn't mean she deserved to be punched in the back of the head.
"Still yourself, Brother. She is beneath us." The lead Templar urged to the other, who looked distressed about what just happened.
"What was that for?!" Ruby barked, wanting to know what was going on.
"Her claim to authority is an insult, much like your own." The Templar responded as he walked off the stage. Cassandra immediately went after the Templar, but probably just to talk instead of fighting.
"Lord Seeker Lucius." Cassandra called, attempting to gain his attention.
"Do not address me." The Lord Seeker responded. Cassandra stopped as the Lord Seeker turned towards her. "The Templars failed no one when we left the Chantry to purge the Mages. You failed us, Cassandra. You who'd sheath our swords with fear and doubt while you raise some heretical prophet. If you came to appeal to the Chantry, you are already too late. The only destiny that demands respect is mine."
Ruby wasn't sure what was going on other than this "Lord Seeker" was the one in charge of the Templars, and he didn't seem too keen on working with the Inquisition. But, no one got anywhere standing on the sides and letting things happen.
"We need your help to close the Breach." Ruby argued.
"Oh the Breach is a threat, but you don't have the power to do anything about it." The Lord Seeker argued. The Templar that was pulled off the stage stepped up behind the Lord Seeker, clearly wanting to express his doubts. He was just as tall as the Lord Seeker, but had a shaved head and brown skin.
"Lord Seeker, what if she truly was sent by the Maker?" The Templar questioned.
"You have been called to a higher purpose. We Templars deserve recognition! Independence! You have shown me our Herald is nothing! And the Inquisition, less than nothing! Come Templars. Val Royeaux is unworthy of our protection!" Lord Seeker declared before leaving, the Templars following him like a shadow.
"Charming fellow." Varric grumbled as he took a spot by Ruby's side.
"I've met Grimm that made my skin crawl less." Yang commented as she crossed her arms.
"Cassandra, do you think he'll join us?" Ruby questioned, looking to the Seeker for any kind of answer.
"I hope so. If not, there must be others in the order that would be willing to join our cause." Cassandra sighed, looking a little down from what Lord Seeker Lucius had said. Ruby put a hand on her arm, doing her best to comfort her friend. Cassandra jumped a little from the touch, but smiled at Ruby's attempt. The group started to walk away, clear that they weren't going to get any support from the Templars. As they made their way to the entrance, they were stopped by a woman.
She was as tall as Cassandra and had dark hair that was pulled back into a bun. She had pale skin and wore dark blue robes, but the biggest feature about here was her ears; she was an elf.
"If I could have a moment of your time." The woman called, gaining everyone's attention.
"Grand Enchanter Fiona?" Cassandra exclaimed, helping the two visitors know who this woman was.
"Leader of the Mage rebellion. Is it not dangerous for you to be out here?" Solas questioned as he took a step towards the woman.
"When I heard about this gathering, I had to see the fabled Herald of Andraste with my own eyes. If it is help with the Breach you seek, perhaps you should look to the mages." Grand Enchanter Fiona exclaimed. Ruby was happy that someone was finally willing to lend some assistance. With the Chantry busy declaring her a false prophet and the Templars going rogue, friends were in short supply.
"Are you willing to help us?" Ruby questioned, hoping for a yes.
"We are willing to speak with the Inquisition. Come to Redcliffe, and we will talk about an alliance. Au revior, Herald." Grand Enchanter Fiona answered before walking away. Ruby took a deep breath and sighed since they were still no closer to closing the Breach. Her spirits were lifted a bit as Yang put a hand on her shoulder and gave a few encouraging words.
"Look on the bright side. The Mages are willing to talk with us, and we've seen some of the Templars don't agree with their boss. It's a start, right?" Yang pointed out. Ruby smiled since Yang was right, they didn't exactly make zero progress.
"Right. Let's head back to Haven and figure out our next move." Ruby announced as she started walking. Everyone followed, unsure about what they would do next, but they would figure it out.
A/N: Sorry for the wait everyone. I've been preoccupied with life. I know what you DA fans are thinking, and yes, the rest of the Val Royeaux events will be covered next chapter. Anyway, PM or review with any thoughts comments of concerns. Until next time!
-Chief