"Cullen, you could go easier for now," Leliana said, shaking her head. "Anders said to not exert the inquisitor."
Cullen lowered his sword, much to Brady's dismay. "Leliana, please. He's been through worse." Cullen got closer to Brady, "I can only assume how rough you two are from what we hear through the walls." His words were only loud enough for Brady to hear.
Brady laughed and rose his sword. "Do your worst, Commander. Boredom is going to defeat me before you do."
They continued to spar. Each of them knew each other's moves all too well. It was more of a chess game than a sword fight when they would compete.
Hawke and Damon walked up together and stood next to the spectating Leliana.
"I want a crack at him," Hawke smiled and almost grabbed her staff.
Damon laughed, "As do I."
Brady overheard, and answered while continuing to challenge Cullen, "I could beat you both."
His cocky tone carried and brought over some of the near companions to listen in.
Isabela began to watch; bringing Merrill, Varric, Anders, and Zevran over with her.
"Is that a wager, I hear?" Varric smiled.
Zevran replied, "That is what I also heard, dwarf."
Isabela smirked, "I'm in... but Hawke, the Inquisitor is... quite formidable. He could command and conquer me anytime."
"That is quite enough," Leliana said. Her tone was sharp enough to make Brady chuckle while he parried a strike.
Merrill spoke aloud, "Hawke would win... Right? No. Yes, Hawke would win."
"I would win, is this serious?" Damon scoffed and crossed his arms. "You do remember I stopped a blight with a few companions and my dog... right?"
"The warden is my bet." Zevran said with his confidence swelling, "Hawke and Trevelyan never slayed an archdemon."
"You're right," Brady interjected, "I slayed a red lyrium dragon." He returned to his fight and swiped Cullen off of his feet with a sweeping strike, stepping on his chest and pointing his dulled blade at his friend's throat, "Or maybe slaying a would-be God is more impressive." He helped Cullen and walked over to all the spectators, "I could go on, should I go on?"
Anders sighed, "Maker."
Brady's lips stretched into a smirk as he approached Leliana. "Who would you bet on?"
Before she could speak, Damon chimed in. "Leliana was there when I killed the archdemon. It would obviously be me."
Brady looked at her, holding a grin and shaking his head with a subtly only she could see. "You don't have to say anything, I know you'd pick me."
She pursed her lips, "Actually, Hawke did defeat the Arishok. Not to mention taking on Orsino and Meredith." She looked at Hawke with a smile, "She would win."
Both Brady and Damon through their heads back and groaned, causing a simultaneous laugh from the company surrounding them.
"We're going to settle this one day," Damon promised. "When all of this is over."
Brady nodded, "I can't wait to kick both of your asses."
"When I win, you'll both owe me an ale." Hawke said with a cocksure grin.
With agreement, they all shook hands.
"You don't mind if that becomes a short story, right?" Varric asked. "I could see it now: The Warden vs. The Champion vs. The Inquisitor, by Varric Tethras." He laughed at himself, "This stuff sells itself!"
"After all of that, I have forgotten why I had to get you, Inquisitor." Damon rubbed his chin, then a spark lit in the back of his mind. "Right, Hawke and I wanted to discuss a plan of attack."
Brady gestured in front of them. "Age before beauty, Warden," He grinned.
Damon chuckled, and led the way to the table. Morrigan stood, leaning forward against it.
"Where's Briala?" Brady asked.
"She went through the Eluvian to report back to Celene on any progress." Morrigan informed.
Hawke looked down at the map and pointed at a barren area between the fortress and the camp. "The plan to draw them out to here."
"We don't have a chance to storm the Keep while they're at full strength." Damon added, "We need to weaken their forces on the open field, then infiltrate when they have whittled away enough."
Brady looked down at the map and studied it. "We have to cut their numbers quickly. We lack the skill that they have. The Ferelden and Orlesian soldiers are going to be fodder to a skilled warden." He looked up and looked at the others that surrounded the table. "The casualties are going to be great."
They all shared the same grim look.
"Sometimes, it's unavoidable." Cullen dropped his head looked at the map. "If we can draw them out, we could hide troops behind these hills here." He pointed at them and continued, "Then, we could easily flank them."
"The question is, how do you draw them out?" Leliana asked.
Brady had the same question resting on his mind, but when his eyes connected with Hawke and Damon's, he knew exactly what they were planning. "With us."
The entirety of the company at the table swallowed hard. Damon saw Morrigan flinch from the corner of his eye and did his best to ignore it. Leliana's back straightened and she looked at Brady, but he refused to meet her eyes. Anders tensed up, and looked at Hawke, who was looking right back.
"Hawke," Anders said. His voice was quiet, "That is madness."
"The First Warden is pompous. He has scouts that are supposed to keep an eye on us. If he sees the three of us alone, he'll do anything do see us dead." Hawke said, never breaking contact with Anders' worried eyes.
"Even send his entire army to detain us." Damon added, "The man is insane, but he isn't dumb. He knows who we are. The Inquisitor and Hawke along were able to cut down many of his wardens without much effort. He knows he'll need an army to take us down, and that's exactly what he's going to use."
Brady met eyes with Damon and nodded, "I understand."
"I knew you would." Damon smiled grimly. "This happens tomorrow. Cullen, Leliana: You make sure the troops are ready. Morrigan and Anders: You are in charge of the mages. Make sure they have all of the lyrium they need."
"Of course." Cullen nodded.
"Then we have our duties, Maker bless us." Damon said and walked away from the table.
The night sky peaked on the camp. The sun was disappearing as fast as it came in the morning, simply slinking away. The soldiers began to retire, knowing that they needed their rest. There was a fight among them, that was known. But, the severity was still a mystery that weighed in the back of their minds, creating a unwanted thought to pop up every single time more news from Weisshaupt arrived.
Brady, Hawke, and the Warden Commander did their best to keep their own morale high. All three watched the sky, and prayed to the Maker to be blessed with a peaceful night.
The sun began to dip underneath the treeline, and Damon let out a sigh.
"Are you coming to bed, my warden?" He had heard Morrigan say a few steps away.
He turned to her and shot her a small grin. He said nothing as her fingers wrapped around his bicep and gave him a gentle tug.
Her eyebrows scrunched together. Her hand found his face and laid soft against his cheek. "You look troubled."
"I'm alright," He looked in her eyes and saw the familiar look of her disbelief in his words. He sighed again, "I just- I don't know."
Her face fell and she took his hand, guiding through the camp and pushing him into his tent. He sat and ran his fingers through his dark locks and looked up at her. "You don't need to worry."
She crossed her arms, "Tis' not I who is worried, that is obvious."
He chuckled, but the concern in her face didn't let up. "We're going to lose a lot of people, and the thought that it might not be worth it is just-" His head fell, "Am I doing this for myself? Just trying to prove a point to the First Warden?"
Her shoulders fell and she slunk next to him on the floor, cuddling up to comfort him. "Losses are expected, warden, but do not doubt yourself now. This cure is going to save more than who we lose."
"I suppose you're right."
"One question, though, my love..."
He turned his head and saw the inquisitiveness in her golden eyes. It was a sight he missed, and he had almost smiled because of it. He nodded for her to continue.
"You know what consists of a cure, do you not? Why wage a war with the rest of the wardens? Can we not simply distribute it ourselves?" Morrigan asked. "I support your decision to rid the First Warden from Thedas, my love. I am just curious."
"If it were that simple, I would have done it." He breathed. "Many requirements are obtainable: Dragon's blood, darkspawn bone, concentrated lyrium... but there is one thing we need the fortress for."
"Do not leave me in suspense. What is it?"
He looked at her, knowing what her reaction would be once the words came out of his mouth. "Griffon's blood."
Her face dropped, just as he anticipated. "Griffon's are extinct. Have you gone mad?"
"A few years ago, a few wardens stumbled upon undisturbed griffon eggs. They are being taken care of in the fortress." He said, then laid down on the bedroll. "I need to take control of the fortress, it is the only way-" He stopped, and took in a deep breath. "I refuse to die because of my calling. I refuse to leave you and Kieran. It isn't an option."
She laid next to him and pressed her head against his chest. "That was never an option."
He wrapped her arm around her and closed any space between them. "Maker, I love you."
Her chest vibrated against him with delight, "I love you, my warden."
He felt his eyes get heavy as her body heat caused him to become too comfortable. Soon, he was lost to his own nightmares.
Hawke hurried to her tent, only to be stopped by an entire group blocking the exit. Isabela, Varric, Carver, Merrill... they all stood with the same look on their faces: Fear.
Hawke cracked a smile, "I would love to play Wicked Grace, but I have a big day tomorrow, so-"
Anders walked up from behind and cut her off, "Hawke, no jokes for a moment, please?" Anders touched her shoulders and then joined their friends in front of the tent.
"We heard what you're planning, sister." Carver spoke, "It's suicide."
"I know where this tale is going, Hawke... and it isn't one with a happy ending." Varric said, the solemness in his voice striking a chord with every single one of them.
Isabela stepped forward, "We have never backed away from a fight, but this? Hawke, this is the only time I honestly believe we aren't going to come out of this."
"Listen to Isabela and Varric, Hawke." Merrill pleaded, "I want you to go home alive."
Hawke looked at them and took in their words. She knew they were scared for her, but that couldn't stop her. She had started this, and refused to let it go. At Adament, she made a promise to make sure Stroud's sacrifice wasn't in vein. She was going to finish this out, no matter what anyone said.
Still, seeing her friends like this brought back horrible images. Kirkwall came to mind, where they all stood around and couldn't predict the outcome. But, they were in it together, and they still were.
Hawke's mouth was void of moisture. She cleared her throat, "I understand you guys are worried, but-"
"Hawke," Carver's voice cracked. "You do not understand. I cannot lose any more family... Especially you."
Anders walked up and grabbed her hands. His eyes drooped ever so slightly. "We have given a lot to this cause... I won't give them your life, too."
Hawke dropped his hands and pushed him away, "Do you not understand, Anders?" She looked to her little brother, "Carver?"
"It isn't worth it-"
She cut Anders off, "There is a cure to the Grey Warden's curse. That means you and Carver will be able to live long lives without hearing your calling and having to throw your lives away." Her eyes darted between the two of them. Her eyes began to swell, but she kept her strength. "I refuse to lose any more family either."
She pulled Anders by his jacket and pulled him into a deep hug. He wrapped his arms around her and held her as though she would fly away if he let go. Soon, they all joined in.
"I love you," She whispered into Anders' chest. "I love you all."
"This is getting sappy, but I'll allow it... considering you're on a suicide mission." Isabela jested.
Merrill let a small sob out, "Isabela please don't bring up that part up, please? thank you."
"Now you got Daisy crying, Rivaini. Great." Varric added.
Hawke laughed and seperated from Anders' chest. "Everything is going to be okay." She looked at all of her friends and gave them a reassuring grin. "We'll endure. We always do."
Brady stood with Cullen and watched the last of the light in the sky disappear.
"It's remarkable here. I might have to build myself a home in the Anderfels." Cullen commented.
Brady kept his eyes on the sky and replied, "I prefer the Free Marches. Less Grey Wardens."
Cullen laughed, "The Free Marches breed crazy people. I mean, look how you turned out growing up in Ostwick."
"True, but I imagine growing up in Ferelden leaves a wet dog stench on you forever."
Cullen continued to laugh, making Brady join in. After a quick moment, they stopped. Cullen spoke up, "You've faced worse things than a whole army ready to kill you, you should be fine tomorrow."
Brady shrugged, "After Haven, I'm almost positive anything that happens pales in comparison to that."
"Leliana and I will have your back, once the bulk of the wardens are out to get you three, our soldiers will charge in." Cullen nodded.
Brady turned to Cullen. His lips pulled on a slight frown. "Make sure she's safe, Cullen."
Cullen chuckled, "She can take care of herself, Inquisitor."
"I know, but-" Brady shook his head, "If anything happens, just make sure she's okay."
Cullen clasped his shoulder, "You have my word, friend."
"Thank you, Cullen."
Cullen looked over his shoulder and grinned, "Speaking of..."
Brady turned to see Leliana walking closer to them. He could barely see her face against the darkness of the night.
"Should I give you two a moment?" Her accent fluttered in the words she spoke, "It looks like it's getting intimate."
Brady laughed, "We were, but I could make some time for you."
"I'll give you two some space." Cullen smirked, and walked towards the camp.
Leliana walked up to Brady and rested her gloved hands on his chest. His hands found her waist and pulled her towards him. Her face was just close enough for him to make out her expression. Underneath her hood, she looked worried; scared even.
He kissed her forehead, and a slight hum came from her chest. He grinned against her skin and let out a chuckle.
She looked up to him and saw him grinning, the dimples on his cheek prominent even in the dark. When their eyes met, his smile disappeared. She watched as wrinkles showed up on his forehead.
"Leliana," He said softly.
"Don't." She scolded.
"If I don't come back-" He pressed on.
"You will come back," Her eyebrows pulled down. Her hand found his face and caressed it. "You will come back," She repeated. "You made a promise to stay with me, whether as friends or more." Her lips pulled on a smile, "You have never broken a promise, Inquisitor. Don't start now."
He couldn't help but kiss her. His kiss was desperate, and she could feel it. He tasted like uncertainty and felt like rose petals. She could read his mind through the way he pressed gently onto her mouth over and over again. She felt everything, and not one part of it felt like it was goodbye.
He pulled away, and watched her eyes open as she licked her bottom lip. "Why'd you stop?"
He smiled with a brightness that made her mirror it. "Because," He kissed the tip of her nose and swiped her off her feet and secured her in his arms, "I wanted to do this."
She laughed, and he took her into his tent. Gently, he laid her body on his bedroll and positioned himself just above her. A lantern sat close to them, lighting the entire tent with a yellow-orange tint.
He looked at her and took her in. Her hood was pulled down, exposing her tangled red hair. He could feel her hands begin to undress him, but he couldn't stop smiling into her ocean blue eyes.
She pulled his shirt off and placed her arms on top of his shoulders. With impatience, her hand pulled on the nape of his neck. Her fingers ran through his short locks while her ruby lips found his once again.
He worked her out of her clothes and felt her shiver when her bare skin touched his. Her heart quickened when he moved his lips to her neck, his slow breaths against the sensitive skin almost rendered her helpless.
He kissed her jaw and nipped her ear with a slow breath, "I love you."
She caught her breath and brought his face to hers. Her tongue parted her lips as her eyes closed, "You can't mean that."
His crystallized blue eyes doted on her as he flashed a smile, "I do mean that." He lowered his head and pressed it against her forehead. His voice lowered to a soft whisper, "You don't have to say it back, but I needed you to know that." He kissed her deeply and pulled away, once again leaving her wanting more.
She looked at him and held a warm smile, "Thank you."
He grinned, putting his dimples on display. He pecked her lips and continued his kiss, losing himself to her for the night.
