They were in the carriage making their way back to Skyhold and Maxwell couldn't wait for things to return to normal or as normal as it got at Skyhold.
"She trusts the last piece of herself to an old enemy, for she knows an old friend will come."
Maxwell blinked at Cole. He never quite knew what to make of some of the things he said. "How would you like to get out of here, maybe do something fun?"
He blinked. "I don't know. I've never tried."
"Come on." He offered him his hand, and he took it, and she led him out into Val Royeaux.
They walked through the market before eventually finding themselves at an outdoor dining area. A man at a podium saw him, and his eyes lit up. "Inquisitor! You honour us with your presence." He ushered him inside. "May I bring a sampling of fine cheeses for you and your guest?"
He glanced at Cole. He blinked. "I don't eat."
The man was not the slightest bit dissuaded. "Well, then, just a bottle of a fine Ghislain white to start." He herded them towards a table, and pulled a chair out for him before moving to the other side of the table to do the same for Cole. "Please enjoy your meal this evening, Your Worship."
"He saw me." Cole tilted his head as the man walked away. "They all see me."
"I'm glad you've allowed them to."
Confusion was evident on his features. "I don't know if I did." He gestured. "I find people when their pain leaves them open. I ease the pain. I leave. They forget. That was enough for me. Now they remember, and I'm not sure…" He stopped for a moment. "Ah." He gave a small laugh.
"Cole?"
"Ellana told you about Rhys, the mage who could see me. My friend. My only friend, for a long time. Evangeline showed me that templars could be kind, but even she…" He sighed.
Maxwell could see that this was causing pain. "Cole, if this is troubling, we don't have to talk about it."
"Gentle. You watch me walk into darkness over and over, and you always worry." He looked up at him, meeting his eyes. "Thank you." He leaned back in the chair. "But this isn't about them. It's about…" He put both his hands on the table. "When I found out I wasn't human, when I grew, I lost Rhys. I lost my only friend. That's why I was scared about letting all these people see me. That's why I laughed."
"You're laughing at yourself?" He leaned in towards him slightly.
"Yes." He gestured. "This world taught me that changing means losing your friends. But now I know that doesn't have to be true. I have enough self to know that what I felt was foolish." Laughter tinged his words. "Isn't it wonderful?"
Maxwell simply smiled. "It's another good step, Cole."
He leaned forward. "I might like being human. What do you think I'll learn next?"
Ellana didn't even try to ride in the carriage this time. Once again she pulled Solas up behind her.
"There are spirits hovering by the Veil to observe the thrones of powerful nations. The machinations, betrayals…" Solas spoke quietly as he rode behind her. "After our time in Halamshiral, I understand why. I had forgotten how I missed court intrigue."
Ellana laughed. "I'm pleased you had a good time."
"Political gambits, broken promises, half-truths? It is a palace full of motivation. And motivation is where great things happen." She felt him shrug. "In any event, Celene should now be a steadfast ally, and Briala as well, thanks to the Inquisitor efforts on her behalf."
"I hope Briala is able to use her position to help our people."
"How would helping Briala help…" He sounded confused. Then he shook his head. "Oh, you mean elves. I'm sorry, I was confused. I do not consider myself to have much in common with the elves."
Ellana frowned. "Who do you have in common with? Who are your people?"
There was a trace of sadness in his voice. "A good question. I joined the Inquisition to save the world. Regardless of who 'my people' are, this was the best way to help them." He shrugged. "As for the elves of Orlais, I believe Briala is doing quite well on their behalf. She is an admirable woman."
Ellana smiled. "You're an admirable man. Not many people know who they are the way you do."
"Thank you. Both are saying that and… for seen that. Few in this world can see me." He then gestured to their ears "… and only see a pair of pointed ears."
Cassandra was in the war room, going over the map. Maxwell walked around to the other side of the table. "Planning troop movements now?"
"I'm trying to imagine what it will look like when we're done." She touched one of the flags on the area depicting the Dales. "All of this once belonged to the Tevinter Imperium. Andraste changed that, as did the Blights." Cassandra straightened. "As for what will come next…" She shrugged. "I cannot guess the Maker's plan."
Maxwell smiled. "We make the world a better place."
"Because everyone agrees on what 'better' means." Cassandra fiddled with another of the markers. "I know I want a world where people trust the Chantry and that trust is respected. I want to respect tradition but not fear change. I want to right past wrongs but not avenge them." She sighed. "And I have no idea if my wanting these things makes any of them right."
"Even if they're not right, they're certainly admirable."
"Some would disagree. They would call it heresy."
"That didn't sound like the ravings of a heretic, Cassandra."
"Perhaps not, but it takes precious little effort to paint even an act of compassion as damaging." Cassandra strode to one of the windows, and looked out. "Tell me, what guides you? You make decisions that shake the world, yet always seem so assured. I wish I had your confidence."
Cassandra thought he was confident? That he was assured? "You almost sound like you admire me."
"I absolutely do." Cassandra turned back to give him a level look. "I may not always agree with your decisions, but how many could do what you have done? You were a prisoner, accused and reviled, yet you've emerged from every trial victorious. The Maker's grace does not make you immortal. You live or die by your own hand. That is worthy of admiration."
Maxwell rubbed the back of his head. "I'm not that assured—I just make it up as I go."
Cassandra chuckled. "Let all your followers take heart."
Maxwell shrugged. "What can I say? It's worked so far."
A smile came to Cassandra's face. "When we first met, if someone told me I was pleased to have you lead me, I would have throttled them. But I am. The Maker chose well."
"I don't know if I deserve that. Who knows where I could lead us?"
"We'll have to see, won't we?" said Cassandra and she kissed him on the cheek. "We still have a long road to travel, Inquisitor. Wherever it takes us, I'm glad you're here."
Maxwell greeted Morrigan when the woman arrived, and showed her to a room. After offering to give her a personal tour once she'd settled in, Maxwell left the woman to her business. He was on his way to the great hall when he saw Josephine and Ellana arguing with a Chantry mother.
"The matter is urgent, Lady Josephine, Guardian Lavellan."
Josephine had her stubborn face on. Polite, warm, even friendly. And absolutely not budging an inch. "We are well aware of that, Revered Mother."
"We are facing a grave threat," said Ellana, keeping her composure.
"We will need them to return to Val Royeaux as soon as possible. There are ceremonies—ordinations! Maker's mercy!" The revered mother was all but throwing up her hands.
"That's quite impossible at the moment," said Josephine.
"We need them both in order to combat Corypheus, who is trying to destroy our world," Ellana reminded.
"However, I will see to this matter as soon as possible."
The revered mother glared, then caught sight of Maxwell. Her face became hopeful as she called out. "My lord Inquisitor!" She gestured emphatically. "Please, may I have a word with you?"
Maxwell strode over to back up his ambassador and guard. "How may I assist you, Revered Mother?"
"With the political turmoil put to rest, our minds turn to a single question: the next Divine." She gestured dismissively at Ellana and Josephine. "We cannot answer it without the Left and Right hands of Divine Justinia V."
There was a hint of impatience in Josephine's voice. "We have already told you, Revered Mother: Lady Leliana and Seeker Cassandra cannot be spared from their duties."
"But surely with the support of the empire, the Inquisition will not be harmed by the loss of just two souls?"
Leliana and Cassandra weren't exactly filling unimportant roles in the Inquisition. Leliana was their spymaster, and frankly, Cassandra was one of their most well respected commanders. "Why do you need Leliana and Cassandra?"
"They were her Holiness's most trusted advisers. They represent her legacy, her hopes for peace in Thedas. They would rally the grand clerics to follow as no candidate from the clergy has been able to."
His eyes lit open. Cassandra and Leliana candidates? "Are the grand clerics truly unable to elect a Divine?"
"Everyone with the political support to succeed Justinia perished alongside her. Those who remain are unable to gather the majority of votes from the Conclave of grand clerics. They have been deadlocked for too long. Lady Leliana and Seeker Cassandra were Justinia's most trusted friends and advisers. Our late Divine is still held in high esteem. To honour her, the grand clerics might support one of them as successor."
"Leliana and Cassandra would have to make that decision for themselves," said Ellana.
Josephine nodded. "And they certainly will. At a later date." She gestured at Maxwell. "The Inquisitor and his guard have only just returned and has important business to attend to. You must excuse us, Revered Mother." She waited for the revered mother to start walking away before glancing back at Maxwell. "Don't let them detract from your victory at Halamshiral. We've beaten his Wardens and stopped his intrigues. Soon, Corypheus will have no place to hide. Cullen is hoping to press our advantage. We'll plan our next attack when you're ready."
A boy was standing in the garden. His blue eyes met is as he walked by, and he found himself stopping. He'd never seen the child before, but there was definitely something odd about him. "You're the Inquisitor." He tilted his head at him. "I thought you'd be scarier. Mother said you were scary."
"Some people seem to think I'm the most frightening thing in the world," he said smiling at him.
"Mother says they would think the same about me, if they knew."
"Kieran." Morrigan's voice came from behind him. "Are you bothering the Inquisitor?"
"Of course not." The boy waved a hand at her. "Did you see what's on his hand, Mother?"
"I did see. 'Tis time to return to your studies, little man."
The boy gave a dejected sigh, and walked away. Morrigan watched him go, smiling fondly. "My son. Never where you expect him to be, naturally."
"I didn't know you had a son." There had also been no mention of a husband, come to think of it.
"Why would you? I take great pains not to let my own reputation affect him in any way. To most in the Imperial Court, he is simply a quiet and well-spoken lad. Perhaps the heir of some distant family. But he goes where I go. Worry not, Inquisitor—Kieran is a curious boy, but seldom troublesome."
"Will his father be joining us as well?"
"'Twould be…" Morrigan looked down at her hands and fiddled with a glove. "Most unlikely. 'Tis but the two of us, Inquisitor. Your fortress is a large place, and you will scarce notice our presence."
There were other children running around, both the camps and the fort. Undoubtedly Kieran would be able to find some friends. "He seems like a fine young man."
"But not the sort one might expect a woman like me to raise?" Morrigan's voice became quiet. "No son of mine would be raised in a marsh, bereft of contact with the outside world. His future will be difficult enough without my adding to his burden." She looked up at the structure that had become the Inquisition's own mage tower. "To think, until recently this place stood decrepit, occupied only by the desperate and the lost. Now it is party to events that threaten to shake the world. I wonder if it is pleased?"
He looked around the fortress. "I like this place. I've made it mine."
"The magic in this place has seeped into the stones, protecting it from darkness. Those who let it fall to ruin did not know what they possessed. You, I think, shall do it justice." Morrigan smiled at her. "You were kind to welcome my aid, Inquisitor, even knowing as little of me as you do. I will do my best to aid your cause with all the knowledge at my disposal. This I swear to you."
"I appreciate whatever help you can give us."
"Some might think Corypheus a madman for seeking godhood. Yet one must ask: what were the Old Gods? What secrets of theirs did the ancient magisters know? What I fear—what all should fear—is not that Corypheus believes he can succeed: 'tis that he actually may."
Theron and Leliana had told him of Morrigan. Flemeth's daughter. Unfortunately, they weren't entirely sure what to make of her either. Both agreed she was capable of anything. And both agreed that whatever her true motives were, she had fought at their side during the blight, and fought well. For now, at least, he would take the woman at face value, and trust that his spymasters would keep an eye on her.
Erdic headed into the tavern. Iron Bull was off sparing with his Chargers, and he walked upstairs to check on Sera.
Sera was apparently practicing her archery. On the door. "One for the empress. For Gaspard. Briala. The duchess." An arrowhead actually pierced the wood. "And Coryphefuss, right in the dangle-bag!"
"Well, remind me to stay on your good side," said Erdic waited for Sera to open the door rather than risk an arrow to the face.
"Don't worry, you're sparkling compared to that lot," said Sera as she threw herself onto her bench. "A cook here, a footman there. What's it matter, right, so long as there's a butt for the throne?" She tucked a leg under her. "A pretty one, sure. But how many lives are worth one empress's arse. Ugh, that place. Should have just thrown in some bees and slammed the doors."
Five of their soldiers had died saving the empress. They'd made reparations to the families, but it never seemed like enough. Dying in battle was one thing. Dying for politics was just… Killing the duchess hadn't made it better. "I don't know. You want to stop a party, I think you go earwigs."
Sera's laughter was infectious. "Eww, I hate those things, with their little pinchy butts. Josephine should add that to her paper threats. You know the real lesson from all this? Never sleep with an empress. That and Briala being an idiot. The whole thing would've gone different if that little piss-up wasn't in the middle."
"That was a mistake on their part. It made everything worse," Erdic nodded.
"Wrong way around, Inquisitor. It started worse. Lots of people died before there was a hole in the sky. That's who you're saving. If you get a chance, maybe remind them not to be idiots."
"Isn't that what we keep you around for?"
Sera cackled.
"You seemed remarkably comfortable at the Winter Palace, Bull," Dorian said as Adaar join them for a drink.
"I do my best," Iron Bull shrugged.
"You didn't knock over a single priceless statue, or fart even once near the dessert table," he said looking quite surprised.
Iron Bull smirked. "That you know of."
Dorian frowned. "I'm surprised you never spent time in the Tevinter courts. They would adore you."
"I did. After awhile, the saddle just got too heavy."
Adaar shook her head and looked at Iron Bull. "I have something for you."
Dorian could see where this conversation was going and decided that point to leave, which was probably the wisest choice.
"Really?" Iron Bull blinked. He then picked himself up and smiled at her. "Well, I think I've got something for you, too." He then slapped her ass. "Come on, I'll go first."
An hour later they were in her chambers and she was at the moment right on top of Iron Bull, completely naked. She was moving her hips with such ferocity that any normal person would have collapsed within five minutes.
Iron Bull was rubbing his hand against her ass as she moved her hips with passion. Then the two of them came practically at the same time and Adaar felt a rush of warm liquid in her womb and removed herself from his length.
"There we go," said Iron Bull. "No inquisition. No war. Nothing outside this room. Just you and me. So, what'd you wanna talk about?"
Adaar was about open her mouth when the door swung open and Cullen walked in looking down at the clipboard.
"Sorry to disturb your rest, Adaar, but our fortif—" It was at that point that he looked up and saw the naked bodies and quickly shielding his eyes. "Oh, sweet Maker!"
"Cullen. How's it going?" Iron Bull asked as if nothing had happened.
Then Josephine walked in. "Is Adaar awake? I thought perhaps we…"
She stopped dead in her tracks when she saw Adaar standing there completely naked and liquid dripping out of her womb and at the sight of Iron Bull's length standing to attention.
Adaar simply sighed, this was not how she wanted to present her gift. In fact it was the exact opposite of how she wanted to present a gift.
"I am so sorry," said Cullen, still looking away.
"I cannot move my legs," said Josephine standing there transfixed.
Cassandra then walked in. "Is there something the matt—Ah!"
"Oh, for fuck's sake!" Iron Bull groaned.
"Do you see this?" Cassandra asked looking at Cullen.
"No," he said as if trying to convince himself more than Cassandra.
Cassandra then looked back at them. "So, I take it—"
"Actually, she's the one who's been taking it," said Iron Bull gesturing to Adaar.
Cullen snorted with laughter.
Cassandra looked at Adaar apologetically. "I apologise for the interacting to what I assume was a…" She then gestured to Iron Bull's length. "Momentary diversion?"
"Nothing wrong with having a bit of fun," said Cullen.
"Who wouldn't be a little curious?" said Josephine.
Cassandra and Cullen then stared at her and she turned slightly pink.
Adaar placed her hands on her hips and look to them. "This was more than just a momentary diversion, and Bull and I intend to continue." She then narrowed her eyes. "Is that a problem?"
"No!" said Cullen, a little too quickly.
"Not at all!" said Josephine, whose cheeks were still pink.
"A surprise, I'll admit," said Cassandra. "But not a problem."
"We'll leave you be," said Cullen as he quickly turned around and walked away as quickly as possible.
"Yes. Do you enjoy yourselves," said Josephine and Adaar swore she had heard a sting of jealousy as she left.
Cassandra than follow them outside and closed the door behind.
Iron Bull sat upright on the bed and Adaar sat there next to him. He sighed as he looked at her. "You okay, boss?"
"I believe we may have blinded poor Cullen," she said shaking her head.
Iron Bull just smiled as he shook his head.
Adaar then bent down to a box on the floor and opened it. "But since we have a moment…"
"What's that?" Iron Bull frowned.
Adaar then pulled out the dragon's tooth she carved. "A dragon's tooth, split in two." She then looked into his eyes. "So no matter how far part life takes us, we're always together."
Iron Bull looked at her as a loss for words. "Not often people surprise me, kadan."
"Kadan?" Adaar frowned.
"Kadan. My heart?" said Iron Bull as he lay her down onto the bed.
"Kadan."
Then once again the two of them experienced a sensation the likes of which they had never felt before.
Theron watched Morrigan walk through the garden. He never really trusted her, but it was safe to say that Corypheus was as much a threat to the woman and her plans as he was to the rest of the world. She'd fought at their side, and fought well, during the Blight. He didn't doubt she'd do the same here. However, he was more focused on her son, Kieren for he had a strong idea who his father was.
He made his way over to Morrigan. "So that's his little boy?"
Morrigan looked at him without piercing gaze he knew very well.
"Please, the boy's ten years old, you disappeared the moment I killed the archdemon," said Theron crossing his arms. "I can put two and two together Morrigan and I have a strange suspicion that he is the reason that I'm still here."
Morrigan looked at him for moment and then nodded.
"Did he…" Theron took several breaths. "Did they ever meet?"
"We live together, for a time. Somewhere safe, far from this world."
Theron frowned at her. "This world? How many worlds are there?"
"We needed only one. We were happy there."
"Until you left him," said Theron crossing his arms.
Morrigan narrowed her eyes. "I was not the one that left."
Theron closed his eyes and then looked back at her. "What's his name?"
"His name is Kieran." Her voice was gentle.
He swallowed. "Kieran? Nice name." He started to turn. "He's changed you."
Morrigan looked insulted. "Don't be absurd."
"So he's Daylen's son," said Leliana.
"She says he knew and they lived together."
Leliana nodded. "You did say he was tracking Morrigan, I suppose he was successful."
"Apparently he's vanished again, I imagine that he still studying the blight," said Theron.
Leliana then looked at him and he could see tears in her eyes. "So, he's the reason that you're…"
"Yes…" He wrapped his arms around her, and she buried her face in his shoulder. "And it appears that it was for the best, I mean have you seen the difference in Morrigan I have a feeling that both of them had a hand in that."
Leliana smiled into his shoulder. "I suppose love is the most powerful magic in the world."
Theron then leaned towards her ear. "And I thought you danced beautifully at the Winter Palace."
Leliana then pulled away and looked at him. "I can say the same for you."
