New chapter!
I do not own Dragon Age or the song!
Asteria liked horses. Horses reminded her of Harts and Harts reminded her of papa. She also like Master Dennett, he was a good man. She stared at the horses in the stable, catching Dennett's attention.
"Something wrong with my horses Inquisition?"
"No, they're magnificent." She praised, a wistful look in her eyes.
"I hear a 'but' coming."
"They remind me of the halla and the harts. I was just feeling a little homesick. My papa taught me to ride on a Hart, my Keeper thought he was crazy, but I learned."
"A Hart huh? I've worked with them before, not much different than horses, other than their size and the antlers." Dennett remarked.
Asteria smiled, "I can't wait to ride a horse."
"Tell you what, you get those watchtowers built and come back here and I'll have one waiting for you."
"Of course! I'll return when the watchtowers are built!" The elf smiled and led her party back to the Crossroads.
"Herald, what did Master Dennett say?" Cassandra asked.
"He'll give us horses and join us at Haven if we have watchtowers built on the farms to keep them safe."
"That's not difficult. We can return to Haven and have the Commander look into it while we go to Val Royuex."
Her eyes sparkled with excitement, "Then we better get a move on."
"Asteria!" "Wait up Herald!" "Asteria don't leave yet!"
She turned at the sound of her name and smiled at the three brothers, "Hello da'lens, although you may be too old to be called da'len."
"What does that mean?"
"It means child or little one."
"We're not that little." Tabin retorted.
"Of course you aren't." Asteria teased, "What can I do for you boys?"
"We were wondering if you were leaving." Mikel asked.
"I have work to do. I hope I can count on you boys to help out here at the Crossroads?"
Colin bowed his head, copying the salute he'd seen the scouts give her, "You can count on us Herald."
She smiled, "Good."
"Asteria?"
"Yes, Tabin?"
"How do you say safe trip?"
"Dareth shiral."
"Dareth shiral, Herald of Andraste."
She bowed her head to him in thanks and led her group towards their original camp.
"You have a way with those boys." Cassandra noted.
"She does, doesn't she." Varric teased.
"Shut up Varric." Asteria growled.
When Cullen saw Asteria and the others return, he couldn't help but smirk at the annoyed look on the Herald's face.
He fell into step with Cassandra, "What happened?"
"Varric, Blackwall, and Solas have been teasing her the whole way here. I think she would've set them on fire had I not been present." Cassandra answered, mirth dancing in her eyes.
"About?"
"Those brothers I mentioned in my letter. It is actually very obvious that they have a crush on her, but they treat her with the utmost respect. Blackwall informed me that they mean no harm, its just amusing to them that the Herald can actually scowl since she is usually all smiles."
When the two arrived in the War Room, Asteria was already speaking with Josephine and Leliana.
"I'm still unsure about this whole, Val Royeux issue, but seeing as its necessary, I will go, it doesn't mean I'll be happy about it."
"They are the Chantry, they shouldn't be too difficult for you to handle. You did take on that Pride demon masterfully, after all."
"I doubt I can bring my flaming staff down on the heads of the Chantry and be praised the same way though." Asteria bit back.
"No you cannot." Cassandra stated with authority.
Asteria stuck her tongue out at her when she looked away earning a smirk from Cullen. She winked at him and turned away quickly when Cassandra looked at her again, suspicion in her eyes.
"Commander, I hope you know how to wield a hammer. Master Dennett needs watchtowers in these locations, to ensure the safety of his farms. Only once they're built will he not only supply us with horses, but he will come to Haven with them." Asteria explained.
"I'll have to reacquaint myself with the tools, but I'm sure the soldiers and I can get it done." He remarked dryly.
His retort earned him a twitch of her lips and she nodded at him, before turning to Cassandra, "So when do we leave for Val Royeux?"
"When you're ready."
"Right. Well, we might as well get it done tonight. We'll be there by morning, yes?"
"If we leave tonight." Cassandra agreed.
"Great, see you in a few hours."
Once she was gone Cullen noticed that the women were watching him.
"What?"
"I do believe that's the first time I've seen you publicly crack a joke." Leliana teased.
"That was not public."
"Then the first time it wasn't with us." Josephine pointed out.
"Maker's breath, is everything I do under scrutiny?"
"You did grow up with sisters, right Commander?" Cassandra smirked.
"I hate the three of you."
"Lions are good, strong and powerful, very territorial. You could do worse."
"Papa, I just met the man, and he isn't even my friend yet."
"I'm glad you're still focused on friendships first. It'll make the transition to being with him less awkward."
"Papa, why are we having this conversation?" Asteria asked, an embarrassed blush on her cheeks.
"Then we can talk about those brothers you saved. You saved their lives, da'len. I'm proud of you."
"Thank you papa." She smiled and handed him a flower.
"A lily, you always did like them."
"Because you did, papa."
She watched the skin around his silvery blue eyes crinkle as he smiled, "They reminded me of you and your mother."
Asteria frowned at the mention of her mother, but did not say anything else. She felt papa's eyes on her but he didn't mention her look, instead he kept talking.
"She was a lioness, you know. Much different than you though."
"You always say that."
"Most little girls want to be like their mothers, and you are like her in some ways, but you are very different, stronger in a different way. I haven't figured out what you are yet."
"What I am?"
"Your mother was lioness. That Commander is a lion. The Spymaster is a bird of some sort. Something you can relate to, da'vhenan. I'll figure it out either way." He kissed her hair, "Rest, da'len."
Banners were flying as soldiers marched. The sound of metal hitting metal rang all around her and she could hear shouting and cries of pain.
What was happening?
She looked around as soldiers all around her fought demons and monsters.
Her eyes spotted Cullen, he was yelling orders and swinging his sword at anyone who approached. He was magnificent.
Fear erupted within her when she saw the giant shadow.
"Run!" She screamed, forcing her body to move.
A loud roar echoed around her, shaking her to her core as she screamed.
"Wake up! Wake up! Asteria!"
Her eyes shot open and she looked around wildly, her form shaking.
"Are you alright?"
She stopped long enough to realize that Cullen was in her room. Her hands flew to his body, checking him for wounds.
"Are you alright? You aren't hurt?" She asked in a hurry.
He grabbed her hands, "I asked you that. Are you alright?"
She met his amber gaze and tears welled in her eyes before she broke down, taking him even more by surprise.
"Asteria, its alright, everything is fine." He whispered soothingly, his gloved hands rubbing hers.
"I—I'm sorry, I'll be fine, it was just a nightmare." The elf answered, looking up at him with tears streaming down her face.
Without thinking, he reached for her and wiped them away, causing her breath to catch in her throat as her heart raced away in her chest. She stared at him with wide eyes, memorizing every inch of his face.
Cullen realized that he was holding the Herald's face and he pulled away like he'd been burned, "I'm sorry, I didn't-"
She shook her head, "Its fine. Thank you for waking me up."
"Why were you checking me for wounds?" He asked before he could stop himself.
"I dreamed there was fighting, everyone was fighting and I couldn't find anyone. The only person I found that I could recognize was you and then….." She stopped, face paling in horror as she remembered what she had seen.
"I'm right here, Asteria, it wasn't real."
Her gaze captured his as her lips pulled into a happy smile, "You called me Asteria."
"I-that is your name, right?"
"You have no idea how refreshing it is to be called by my name. I don't mind being everyone's Herald, but I'd like to still be me."
"Well, I'll call you Asteria in private, but in public, you are the Herald." He compromised.
He watched her think over his words before she nodded, "Alright Cullen, I shall do you the same courtesy."
"You should be getting ready for the trip to Val Royeux. Cassandra is waiting for you." He stated as he stood up.
"Cullen?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you." She smiled at him.
He bowed his head, "You're welcome, Asteria."
When Asteria emerged from her temporary home, she could hear shouting coming from the Chantry. Out of fear that something was happening, she rushed over there, only to hear some Templars and mages arguing. Anger erupted within her when she saw the smug look on Roderick's face; it was bad enough that he didn't like her but he didn't have to instigate any fighting in Haven.
"What is going on here?" She demanded using her best authoritative voice.
"They're fighting because the Divine is dead and no one has paid for it." Roderick stated angrily.
"And you standing there instigating fighting amongst Inquisition members is going to find her killer? Where's the logic in that?"
"The Inquisition is a joke! You have no Chantry support and-"
"You were just leaving." Cullen growled as he stepped out of the Chantry. He gave the Templars an icy look and they balked in fear.
Asteria gave an equally upset look at the mages who couldn't meet her gaze.
"I cannot believe you. There is a hole in the sky that connects to the Fade and could destroy all of Thedas, and you're here accusing each other of killing the Divine. She is no longer here, Maker watch over her, but you're fighting is threatening the very Inquisition she planned had talks failed."
The mages and Templars looked embarrassed as Roderick glowered.
"I will be journeying to Val Royeux to see if the Chantry will support us. With or without them, the Inquisition will bring peace to Thedas as the Divine wished. I will see to that." Asteria promised, eyeing her hand.
"I'll keep the peace here while you're in Val Royeux." Cullen stated.
"Thank you Commander, I trust everything will be in order while I'm gone and upon my return." Asteria's eyes darted over everyone who had witnessed the argument. They all avoided her gaze. She gave the commander one last nod and went off to find Cassandra.
Asteria decided that she did not like Lord Seeker Lucien. He was shady and dark and unfriendly. In fact, her body still ached from his attack. The len'alas lath'din was not worthy of joining the Inquisition, though she did not want to punish the rest of the Templars along with him, but very few had been upset when he had attacked the Mother that was speaking before everyone.
Even after that, the woman still denounced the Inquisition and called her a heretic. After she had offered to look at her injuries! Humans were absurd.
"You alright there, Song?" Varric asked, worry in his voice.
"No. My body is very upset because of what that seth'lin did."
"What does that word mean?" Blackwall asked.
"It means thin blood, an elvhen insult." Her eyes darted to Cassandra who was sitting further away from them. "Although now that I think about it, it would mean nothing to him, as he is not an elf."
"I can see the problem with that."
"Then he shall forever be len'alas lath'din; dirty child no one loves."
Varric whistled, "That's harsh, but it suits him."
"I apologize on his behalf, I had no idea he would try and attack you Hera-"
"Cassandra, I really do believe we are beyond titles, especially now, so please, I beg you, call me Asteria."
Cassandra eyed her, "I am sorry, Asteria."
"Thank you. I'm glad it took that man attacking to get you to finally use my name."
"You aren't going to let that go."
"The attacking part I can get over, but the fact that you're finally using my first name, I'm thrilled." The Herald teased.
The Seeker sighed, "You're impossible."
"So Val Royeux was not fun. The only exciting thing that happened was I recruited Sera and I was attacked by the Lord Seeker. It is currently the worst trip I've ever been on." Asteria informed the council as she entered the War Room, Cassandra close behind her.
"What?"
"He attacked you?"
"What happened?"
Cassandra gave the Herald an unamused look but Asteria didn't care.
"Cassandra, what happened?"
"He attacked the Chantry mother that was speaking and then he led the Templars away. Asteria tried to defend the Mother and he attacked her. It was not pretty."
"You weren't on the receiving end of that attack." She pointed out, eyeing the map in front of her, tracing some paths.
"If I had known-"
Asteria raised her hand, "I've already forgiven you Cassandra. However, this does make my job easier. I plan on recruiting the mages."
"You can't be serious."
"Commander, I understand where you are coming from, and I don't know about you, but if you were attacked publicly to prove a point, would you then go and recruit those people to join your Inquisition and trust them to have your back?" Asteria demanded, all playfulness leaving her face.
"I would not."
"Besides, the First Enchanter was present and she invited us to speak with her. She extended her hand, I plan on taking it and seeing what we can work out. But before I do that, I just met a lovely…person and they say that a group of mercenaries is willing to join after they show off their strength. I plan on going to the Storm Coast to find out. Anything I need to know before I head out?"
"We have some spies in the area, and they have alerted me to some missing soldiers. Would you-"
"I'll look into it." Asteria nodded.
"Also, this came for you from Clan Lavellan." Josephine replied, handing the letter over to Asteria.
She took the letter and opened it quickly, a neutral look on her face. "They're glad I'm alright and they wish me luck. If we ever need anything, they will see what they can do."
Everyone filed out of the room except for Asteria and Cullen. She met his gaze, "I hope you aren't angry with me, Cullen."
He sighed, "I do not agree with recruiting the mages, but the Templars attacked you, I can understand your reluctance."
"I'd believe you if you weren't so upset now." She stated, studying his face.
"It's not our fault, Herald."
She frowned, "Already giving up on our deal, Commander?"
He flinched, "No, Asteria. I just have a headache, and I'm upset that they attacked you. It was uncalled for and unnecessary."
She studied him, wondering what was really bothering him. They weren't close enough friends for that.
"I hope you feel better soon."
"And you, Asteria."
She watched him leave, "Good night ma sa'lath."
The Storm Coast was wet. Water everywhere. Oh and the giant and a dragon. A dragon! She was partially excited about that last part. Mythal was rumored to have been a dragon or had a dragon, depending on what parts of Elvhen lore one was studying.
She had watched the dragon fight the giant until it was obvious neither would die. However once the dragon was gone, Ironbull and his fighters rushed off to challenge the giant and she wasn't about to be left out; they killed the giant.
"I don't know if it counts when we killed it after the dragon finished with it."
"Are you kidding me, Song? That thing wasn't even hurting from the dragon's attacks." Varric remarked.
"It was a glorious battle! The Chargers did their part; they do me proud!" Ironbull cheered and the Chargers cheered with him.
Asteria laughed, enjoying the way they all interacted with one another.
"Out of curiosity, Boss, why does he call you Song?" Ironbull asked.
"Because I'm always humming, there's always a song itching to escape my soul. Papa called them my soul songs." She answered.
"Soul songs, that's interesting. What kind are they?"
"Well it depends on what words come to me immediately."
"Think you can sing one for us?" Krem inquired.
She stared at them, "You want to hear one?"
"Well why not? You are the boss now. It wouldn't hurt to get to know you." Ironbull added.
She glanced at Blackwall and Varric, having only brought them along this time. Solas had wanted look into something elsewhere and Cassandra had to come to terms with what happened in Val Royeux.
"Well give me a subject and I'll see if anything comes to mind."
"Only one subject?" Varric asked teasingly.
"Nothing rude!" She added.
"I'm just playing with you Song, I doubt I could stand hearing you say anything vulgur and ever looking you in the eyes without laughing."
She shoved him playfully, happy that he understood.
"Something heartbreaking." Ironbull finally answered.
"Really? You want to end the night on a sad note?" Asteria asked.
"Well the way I see it, your da meant that your soul songs reach anyone who hears you. So if you can, we'll feel it."
"So you think I can't do it."
"It's a bet I'm willing to make." The Qunari mercenary remarked with a smirk.
"I'll take that bet." Asteria stated, shaking hands with the mercenary.
"Oh, this is going to be good."
She pondered the words a few more moments, hoping that papa wouldn't be upset with her for abusing her soul songs.
I'm so tired of being here
Suppressed by all my childish fears
And if you have to leave
I wish that you would just leave
Cause your presence still lingers here
And it won't leave me alone
She wasn't sure where these words came from, they weren't her song, they weren't words she ever thought she'd say, but they just poured from her lips.
These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
And I help your hand through all of these years
But you still have all of me
Varric watched her in awe as her words washed over him. There was raw pain in her voice and it clung to the words. Was she talking about someone in her life?
You used to captivate me by your resonating light
Now I'm bound by the life you left behind
Your face it haunts my once pleasant dreams
Your voices chases away all the sanity in me
These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase
Blackwall was floored by what he was hearing. He'd known the Herald was special, but this gift, it was more than he thought possible. She was sharing pain with them, allowing them to be pulled into whatever world this pain came from and she shared it with them.
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
And I help your hand through all of these years
But you still have all of me
She was so afraid of where these words were coming from but she continued singing.
I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone
But though you're still with me
I've been alone all along
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
And I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have all of me
Ah me…all of me…all of me…..
When she finally stopped singing and looked around she felt so guilty to see the Chargers and Ironbull in tears.
"Why is everyone crying?"
"That was beautiful. You- I have no words." The Qunari whispered, wiping away a tear.
"Varric?" She looked at him questioningly.
"That was amazing, Song."
"You could probably sing to the Breach and it would heal itself." Blackwall added.
"You're joking." She stated.
"Why can't you believe that we're floored by your soul song?"
She looked uncomfortable, "While papa believed in my soul songs my clan did not. They were not traditional Elvhen songs and they tolerated some of my words, but not all. This would not be one they would've appreciated. In fact, many of my soul songs would be frowned upon unless they were closely related to some form of Elvhen tradition."
"Then they don't know what they're missing." Ironbull stated.
"Thank you, that means a lot." She smiled at them all. "I have to ask, please keep this between us for now. It's not something I share easily."
Cullen wasn't sure what to make of the Qunari and his mercenaries when they first arrived at Haven. They talked and joked and introduced themselves and Asteria seemed to get along well with them. She seemed to enjoy their company, Varric and Blackwall seemed to like them as well. He figured Sera would get along with them just fine.
"Hello Commander."
"Herald, it's good to see you again. I take it the Storm Coast was a successful trip."
"I managed to recruit the Chargers, they're a good group. Very handy against giants." She remarked.
"What?"
"Oh you didn't hear? We fought a giant. After it fought a dragon. I had no idea dragons still existed. I can't wait to see one again." Her eyes were shining in excitement and he felt the desperate need to stop her from ever wanting to see one again, but he was still trying to wrap his mind around the fact that she had fought a giant.
"You fought a giant?"
"Only after Bull and the Chargers went after it and the dragon flew away. It was a huge beast, so powerful and beautiful. It reminded me of the legends from home, about Mythal and the dragons." She replied wistfully, and his face softened, realizing that she was missing home.
"Commander what was Templar training like?"
"Why do you ask?"
"I was speaking with Blackwall and Varric about it. Varric suggested I speak to an actual Templar." She answered.
"I'm no longer a member of the Order." He corrected gently.
"Yes, I know that, but I was wondering about them anyway. Did you decide that you wanted to be a Templar at a young age?"
"I did. I always wanted to serve the Maker, so I decided to join the Order. It was a decision I made early on. My family tried talking me out of it, but it didn't work. I used to beg the Templars from the local Chantry to train me. When I was old enough I was recruited." He answered.
She took in his words, mulling over them. He watched her out of the corner of his eye before turning his attention back to his troops.
"So you hunted down mages?"
"No. I served in a Circle in Ostwick, after that I served as Knight-Commander in Kirkwall."
"So there were no vows like "I promise to hunt down all the mages'?" She asked.
He chuckled, "No nothing like that. There are vows, but not for that. Templars usually only hunt down apostates, but that was never my job."
Her silvery-blue eyes studied him, "What about vows regarding relationships? Did you have to take those?"
He nearly choked on the breath he took. Maker, what was she asking him?
"W..What?"
She blinked at him innocently, "I'm asking if there were vows you had to take about having a relationship. Was that not obvious?"
Maker why was she asking him about that?!
"Uh..well…there are vows-"
"Oh so you took them."
"No! I mean…what…No. I did not take them. It is not against the Chantry for Templars to get married."
She nodded, not at all realizing how this conversation sounded.
Her eyes studied him and she saw how he was blushing and he was nervously rubbing the back of his neck. Her lips twitched as she tried not to smile. He was adorable.
"Ma serannas, ma'arlath." She smiled at him and walked away.
"What does that mean?"
"Which part?" Asteria countered.
"All of it."
"I'll only tell you half. The first half means 'thank you'."
"And the second?" He asked curiously.
Her smiled turned playful as she winked at him and walked back towards Haven.
"Herald, the watchtowers have been built and Master Dennett sends his thanks." Cullen informed her during war council.
"Ma serannas, Commander. Leliana, what of those missing men in the marshes?"
"They've been kidnapped by the local Avvar, who are demanding to meet you. I can have my scouts out there trying to find out more information."
"Alright, I'll return to the Hinterlands in the meantime. I will speak with Master Dennett and then I will see the First Enchanter Fiona. I want to hear the mages out before I decide to recruit them. Fair enough?" She asked them as a whole, but her eyes were on Cullen.
"A wise decision." He advised.
She nodded at him and turned back to the map. "I'll be taking Varric, Blackwall, and Ironbull, if that's alright with you Cassandra."
"I planned on sparring with some of the new recruits."
"Cassandra, we want them to serve the Inquisition not quit." Asteria teased.
"You're so funny." The Seeker remarked dryly.
"I like to think I have a better sense of humor than Varric." She paused before shaking her head, "I'll be leaving in the morning."
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