Chapter 3: Recruited

(Crossroads)

"When she said she wouldn't be worth shit, she meant it, "said Varric in a worried tone as he put a damp cloth on the feverish forehead framed by tight black curls.

The Elven healer, walked in and checked her over. "She just exhausted herself, "she said, "Once she wakes up she'll need plenty of food and some more rest but she'll be right as rain after."

"Thank you, "said the Inquisitor leaning against the wall, arms crossed. The Elf bowed slightly and then walked out of the room. Maxwell sighed and said, "I thought finding the Demon was suppose to solve a mystery, not create a new one. What the hell was that thing? A demon?"

"No not demon, not spirit, "said Cole appearing out of thin air next to Varric, sitting down on the ground with a hand over the woman's, "Something else, not from here. Not from the Fade. It hungers, it hates, it FEARS her."

"Why the hell would that thing be afraid of me, "groaned the Demon as she opened up her dark brown eyes and tried to sit up. Varric hurried help her and placed another straw filled pillow behind her back, "All I can do is put up a few shields and knock things around."

"Have you ever seen it before, "asked Maxwell, "It seemed to know you."

Hand on her head, the Demon shook her head negatively and then said with a wince, "I don't know anything from before two years ago. I was found in a pile of rubble just this side of dead and in some strange tore up armor. That's why I'm so interested in your friend, Cole, here. I…have nightmares which I can't seem to remember when I wake up. They might be about how I ended up like this."

Cole tilted his head and said hesitantly, "I make people forget, but I can try helping you to remember. Dreams will bring up memories long forgotten. I can try to see, feel, hear them as you sleep."

With a half-smile, the Inquisitor said, "But Cole is a valuable member of the Inquisition; we can't just leave him here."

The Demon snorted and then flinched in pain, "I wasn't planning on staying anyways. Whatever that thing is, it's after me and willing to use hostages. I plan to make it well known that the Demon is leaving the area and most likely never coming back. "

"Joining the Inquisition, would lend some credence to that news, "added Varric with a smile.

The sound of a grumbling stomach interrupted the discussion as the Demon blushed and asked, "Why don't we talk about this over lunch?"

(Road to Skyhold)

"But how do you perform such actions without using magic, "asked Solas riding on a pale horse, "Are there any side effects?"

"I don't know and yes there are side effects, "answered the Demon, who now goes by her true and the less ominous sounding name of Jane, "I need to eat a whole lot more than most people and if I overdo it, I get headaches or fall on my face."

"Her power sings, but a different song. Deeper, Darker, Colder. Not connected to the Fade. Not evil. Cold, but not like ice, "said Cole not far behind Solas. His face suddenly went blank and he said in a panicky voice , "Cold and dark like the space between stars, air leaking, can't reach the air hose. Joker safe, they are all safe. No air left…can't breathe.."

"Cole! There is plenty of air. Breath! "ordered Solas grabbing hold of Cole's horse's reins when the boy started to choke, "That is in the past, not here. Not now. It is a dream, a nightmare. You can fight it, Cole."

Cole took a deep breath and started to cough, "Sorry, "he said shyly.

"What the hell just happened, "asked Varric as his pony shuffled over to the small group, "Did he pull that out of your head, Janie?"

"Maybe, "she said with a concern look, "I've had dreams, nightmares, of suffocating in a cold lonely place. I don't remember the details, only the feelings. Maybe it's not a good idea to have Cole…"

"No! I want to help, "said Cole firmly, "You need me to help."

"Cole, "said Jane in a calming voice, "I've lived without my memories for two years. I can go one without them."

"No! He is in your memories, "said Cole, "He'll hurt other people, if I don't help."

"He has a point there, "said Maxwell, "but no more dream chasing until we get back to Skyhold. Okay?"

"Agreed, "said Solas, "At least there was can put some safety measure in place."

"Sounds good to me, so no more trying to read the pretty lady, Kid, "said Varric, "Instead you can try and help me think of a new nickname for her. Demon or Janie just doesn't work for me."

"But she wants to be called 'Jane', "said Cole scratching his forehead.

As the dwarf and young man moved on, Jane looked towards Solas and asked, "Does he get trapped in a feeling or memory often?"

"No, not really. He is usually very good at being able to break free of what he is sensing, "said Solas as he signaled his horse to start moving, "I'm not sure who to be more worried for if more of you past is like that one memory; Cole who is going to experience them or for you who will have to live with the memories."

"Don't worry about me, Solas. I'll survive, "said Jane emotionlessly. Then with a small smile, "Now it's my turn to ask questions?"

With a small, smile Solas said, "Of course, but there is not much more about the Inquisition I can tell you than what you have already been told."

"What the heck is this Fade I'm hearing so much about? It's as if everyone assumes I should already know about it but I don't, "Jane asked.

"Oh you did not just do that!" said Varric looking back with a horror fill look on his face, "Now we're gonna have to hear Chuckles lecture about the Fade all the way back to Skyhold."

To be continued….