Leliana noticed the change from rural farmland to the distinct buildings of the city. The trip took a few days, but they had breezed by like the wind. She was surprisingly happy with the company Brady had commanded to go with her, even though she detested the idea at first. She'd have to thank him whenever she saw him again, she thought.

Denerim changed little over the years. It was still the holy city she remembered, it's people cluttered in the marketplace and petty thieves completely prepared to pickpocket anyone they were able to. She could see the Palace grow closer as they rode deeper into the city. Bull was sleeping on the far end of the coach. Blackwall slouched in his seat, his arms crossed while his eyes took in the view.

When they were just outside of the palace, a burly guard stopped them. "What's your business?" His voice was rough.

Leliana peaked her head outside and greeted him with a gracious smile, "We are the Inquisition, ser. We have requested an audience with the King."

He narrowed his eyes, "A moment."

She nodded and watched him join two other royal guards near the gates. She saw him point to her. One of the guards leaned forward and then slapped the man's helmet, passing inaudible words to him.

The guard shook his head the entire time he walked back towards Leliana. "I'm sorry Sister Leliana, I had hardly recognized you."

"It's quite alright." She mused.

The guard gestured for them to enter the gates. Leliana fell back into her seat in the coach. The palace looked marvelous in the Denerim light. She was always astonished at Ferelden's natural charm- dogs and dirt included.

The coach stopped in front of the two story palace doors. She tapped Bull's chest, and he shot up. Blackwall let out a laugh.

"Calm down." Leliana grinned, "We're here."

"I am calm, red." He nodded, and jumped out of the coach. Blackwall and Leliana followed behind him.

"This way." A sentinel said. Two palace guards drew the doors open. The sentinel pointed down into a gigantic foyer for them to enter.

Iron Bull looked around with a slight awe in his eyes, "Do you see this stuff, Red? It must be worth a fortune."

Blackwall shared Iron Bull's interest, but kept himself in check. He particularly took interest in the vivid paintings of King Calenhad in his enchanted silver armor. Leliana had seen these things one too many times to be taken back by them. However, she always enjoyed seeing the Ferelden art and historical relics that cluttered the foyer.

She continued to stroll forward, Black and Bull treading one step behind at both of her flanks. Two guards were stationed at the doors of the throne room.

"Sister Leliana," one of the guards smiled, "King Alistair waits for you inside."

"Thank you." She grinned with warmth and slightly bowed her head. She looked to Blackwall and Iron Bull, "Perhaps you two should stay here."

Blackwall narrowed his eyes at her, "Is that your polite way of saying we'll embarrass you in front of your friend?"

Bull added, "I'm offended, Red. Really."

"You're not even wearing a shirt, Bull." She pointed out, making him look down at his bare chest with a proud grin.

"Point taken." He grinned at her. "Say no more, We'll just look at these pieces of art over here."

"And keep our hands in our pockets." Blackwall added in a mocking tone, his lips supporting a grin.

She shook her head and turned back to the guards. They opened the doors for her, and with a slight glance back to Iron Bull and Blackwall for sanity's sake, she entered the throne room.

She saw Alistair slouching down on his throne from the far side of the room. His head rested in one of his hands, supporting it upward. "Your Majesty." Leliana said aloud, her voice echoing through the room.

He perched up and smiled with squinting eyes, "Leliana."

She continued forward. When she was close enough, she bowed down to him.

"Your ambassador didn't share much details on why you needed to see me." Alistair shifted on his throne, "I'm just going to assume this isn't an assassination attempt." She allowed a smile to hold on her face, but her head bowed. He noticed and leaned forward, "I've seen that look before. Leliana, what is the matter?"

"I wish I was here on better circumstances, Alistair, But Damon has been imprisoned in Weisshaupt."

Alistair's face contorted, "Maker's breath, why?" He thought for a moment, then his eyes widened with realization, "Oh, he found it, didn't he? A cure?"

"He did. Though, the First Warden doesn't agree with a cure for the Calling." She explained, keeping her voice even despite the fact that Alistair was losing his composure with every word.

"That's madness. Why would anyone disagree with this blessing?" He rubbed the bridge of his nose, "Some wardens, I will never understand. All about being martyrs and no fun. I bet they don't even like griffons, honestly."

"The Inquisitor is ready to secure both Damon and the cure... but he doesn't believe he can do it without both Orlais and Ferelden's support." She kept her voice even.

"Leliana," He gripped the ends of the arm rests of his throne, his knuckles turning a shade of white, "I need that cure. I can't lead a Kingdom with my impending doom right around the corner." He got up from his throne and descended the couple steps that led to Leliana. His eyes attached to hers, and she noticed the worry in his eyes. It was the same look she had seen him wear during the Landsmeet years ago, or when Morrigan tread too closely to him during the Blight.

"Some wardens are prepared to do whatever it takes to release Damon and take down the First Warden."

"Take him down?" He furrowed his brows, "Is it that bad in the Anderfels? I mean, sure- I get it. Take down the evil First Warden and save the Order from itself." He closed one eye and tilted his head, "What do you need from me?"

"Well," She shifted her weight to the side and looked up to him, "Your support, for one. And your forces."

"Done." He clapped his hands together. "I wish I could come, honestly. Things have been stale here. I don't even think they've changed the cheese tray in the foyer for weeks."

"You could come if you really wanted to." She smiled, "It would be like old times."

"Don't tempt me, Leliana." He pursed his lips and shrugged, "Unfortunately, I have this whole King business to do here. I know- boring. But, I trust the Inquisition can handle it." He rested a hand on her shoulder, "Just be careful? Keep me updated as well." He shot her a small smile, "And try to visit more. Maybe bring the Inquisitor next time."

She pulled him into a hug, and he complied. "It was nice to see you, Alistair."

"I'll send my soldiers to Skyhold." He separated from her and kept a smile. "And tell Damon I said, 'you're welcome.'"

"Should I gloat to Morrigan on your behalf?" She said with a laugh.

"Is that even a question? Of course." He smiled, turning back and retaking his seat on the throne. "I'll talk to you soon, Leliana."

"Same to you, your majesty." She bowed again, and began to exit the throne room. The doors opened for her and she rejoined Blackwall and Iron Bull in the foyer. Iron Bull stood at a silver cheese tray, popping one after another into his mouth.

"That was quick." He said in between bites.

"I hope that isn't the old cheese tray Alistair mentioned." She said, looking at the tray with a slight disgust.

Iron Bull stopped for a moment, then shrugged, "Tastes fine to me."

She looked to him with a grin and shook her head, "Come on."


Briala sat across from Brady in Josephine's office. The fire in front of them cackled and cracked, the sound echoing through the silent room. The sun was setting in the glass stained windows, causing the light to evade the room more and more each second. He sat in the plush chair, gripping the arm rests and moving with restlessness.

Briala watched the fire while Brady's eyes ending up lingering on the Marquise. He couldn't quite figure her out. Celene was simple- for the most part. She was a politician overall, keeping her interests in front of most of the things in her life. But Briala was a different story. She had a sense of mystery- her intentions and priorities were never completely clear. Her mask was off, showing off her olive skin and slight freckles that were exhibited by the light from the fire. The flame danced against her green grey eyes.

"How long do you plan on staring at me, Inquisitor?" She asked, her eyes staying on the flame in front of them.

"I'm sorry, your Grace-" He coughed into his hand and leaned forward, "I just- don't really know what to make of you, honestly."

She turned her head and pitched him a slight smile, "I assume a lot of others feel that way, as well." She looked down between her knees and continued, "I'm curious to see what you have gathered, though."

"Well," He turned his body to her, leaning his back against one arm rest and kicking his feet up against the other, "You have a look to you- I don't know how to describe it, really... Like I could trust you." He narrowed his eyes, "But you're dangerous, as well. Like crossing you would only get me a slashed throat in my sleep."

She pursed her lips, "You know, Inquisitor, you'd fit well with the Orlesian nobility. You could put their attempts at playing the Game to shame."

He chuckled, "I believe I've been there and done that, your Grace."

"I suppose that charm is exactly what your spymaster sees in you." She raised her head and placed her nose in the air, her eyes staying on him.

He raised a brow, "Is that your attempt at getting information out of me?"

"No. But you did just confirm my suspicion."

"We're not-"

She interrupted with a small laugh, "I'm sure."

He threw his head back and looked to the ceiling, "Your Grace, I assure you, Leliana and I are associates, nothing more." He brought his eyes back to her, "At any rate, you don't see me bringing up the Empress."

"That's because you already know, Inquisitor. Celene and I are hardly a secret anymore- it would be pointless." There was a cockiness in her voice that he didn't overlook. "And besides, don't think I haven't forgotten that duel with the chevalier at the soiree a month ago. Truly, if that wasn't a blatant giveaway to the entire court, you must be daft."

He looked down and mumbled, "Well, that's a little harsh."

She shot him a smirk, "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, Inquisitor."

"You didn't-" He stopped and sighed, brushing his stubble with his hand. He let out a soft chuckle, "Enough out of you."

Briala turned her attention back to the fire. The room had grown dark with the absence of the sun now upon Skyhold. Brady leaned back against the arm rest, his head dangling back.

The office door opened, and Josephine entered. Their attention attracted towards her and she looked to both of them. "Celene's soldiers have arrived, Inquisitor." She turned to Briala, "The elves you requested came with them, Your Grace."

"Thank you, Ambassador." Briala nodded with a smile. She straightened out her emerald dress and stood up. "Now, I believe it's about time you show me this Eluvian, Inquisitor."

He groaned, and slowly picked his body up from the chair. "Follow me."

He exited the office and worked his way through the busy main hall. Briala followed at his side. They maneuvered through the crowd and he opened the door that led to the garden and let her through first.

In contrast, the garden was calm. Besides a few sisters chanting, there was barely a sound. He pressed forward and opened a door to the room that held the Eluvian. They both entered and looked to the large mirror that towered over them at the back of the room.

"Alright," He crossed his arms and looked over to Briala. "This is it."

She tossed a glare over to him, "Is it now?"

He threw his head back and then brought his attention to the eluvian. "Uncalled for."

Briala couldn't help but allow a small chuckle to escape her lips. "With Celene's troops arriving, we could get started on getting to Weisshaupt if you'd like."

"Leliana hasn't returned with the Ferelden soldiers yet." Brady pointed out, "How would she get to Weisshaupt?"

"Oh, don't worry, Inquisitor. A few elves and I will come back for them and make sure they get there safely. Then, we can assault the fortress and end all of this."

"You suggest we leave today then?" He cocked an eyebrow at the Marquise.

"I do. Any later is just wasted time." She connected her emerald eyes on his. "It's your decision, however."

"I'll tell Cullen to ready the troops for departure in the morning. We could use some sleep before we head through this... thing." He turned and walked back to the garden, leaving Briala with the Eluvian.