Chapter 5

Athena slowly opened her eyes, unable to suppress the hiss that escaped her lips as she registered the throbbing pain that coursed through her body. She began to sit up, resting her weight on her elbow and taking in her surroundings. Mother Giselle was leaning over a table, reading some notes but turned her attention to Athena as soon as she heard movement coming from the bed. She rushed over, helping to support the Herald's weight and offering her a mug of water which had been placed next to the bed for when she eventually awoke. Athena gratefully accepted the drink, allowing the cold liquid to ease her dry throat.

"How long have they been arguing?" she inquired, nodding towards Cullen, Josephine, Leliana and Cassandra who were standing nearby, their raised voices drifting towards Athena's bed.

"A while now. But they have that luxury because of you. The enemy could not follow and with time to doubt, we turn to blame" she responded, her voice somehow still managing to sooth Athena in between listening to the argument commencing outside.

"Do we know where Corypheus and his forces are?"

"We are not sure were we are which may be why, despite the numbers he still commands, there is no sign of him. That, or you are believed dead. Or perhaps he is preparing his forces for another attack. I cannot claim to know the mind of that creature, only his effect on us".

"If they're arguing about what we do next I need to be there"

"Another heated voice won't help, even yours. Perhaps especially yours."

Unable to argue with Mother Giselle's argument, Athena lay her aching head back down and attempted to regain some of her strength. After a futile attempt, she could not stand to listen to their bickering any longer and pushed herself off the bed. Resting on the post, she looked at the scene in front of her. Once the others had noticed her, they stopped fighting, returning to separate areas of the camp's centre. They all showed the signs of stress, all of them unsure about how to proceed. Mother Giselle's voice drifted from the tent at that moment, softly singing whilst approaching the Herald of Andraste. People around began to take notice of her singing, looking towards both her and Athena. Unexpectedly, Leliana's voice was heard next, her past profession as a bard made obvious to all around as she sang beautifully along side the priestess. This encouraged soldiers nearby to join in and slowly the camp was filled with voices. Hope replaced the feeling of despair that had previously been shared with all who had survived and the people's spirits lifted as their voices mixed together in unison. Athena looked towards Cullen, her eyes instinctively seeking out comfort as she stood in shock. He too had begun singing, he's deep voice mixing with those who had already joined in. Soon Athena was surrounded by people, some kneeling before her, others standing, all singing to the woman who had sacrificed herself to save them. She looked out towards them, recognising all of the faces staring back at her. Tears began to fill her eyes, hope and happiness flooded her soul as the people continued to sing. But she did not let the tears fall, she remained strong. She knew that from this moment onward, she had to stay strong for everyone.

"An army needs more than an enemy, it needs a cause" was all Mother Giselle said as she walked into the crowd.


Solas had pulled Athena aside after that, informing her of the Elven artifact that had caused the breach and planted the anchor on her hand. He had also offered her information about a new place they could call home. The next morning, they had set off on their long journey to Skyhold.

Athena was leading the trek, followed by the other leaders of the Inquisition and her companions. She took this time to bond with the people she had been working with. Solas shared his knowledge of the fade, telling fascinating stories about the spirits he had met throughout his lifetime exploring the depths of the mysterious world. Varric told less informative stories about his time in Kirkwall, most revolving around the Champion of Kirkwall and many ending with humorous conclusions. Cole, a strange spirit in human form who had assisted with their escape from Haven, shared some of his insight on those she worked with, being able to feel their emotions and thoughts. This led to some of his victims becoming rather annoyed with him for invading their privacy and sharing their secrets. Meanwhile, Dorian and Iron Bull spent the majority of their time arguing over their difference of opinions on Tevinter and the Qunari, although secretly Athena believed that there was less bad blood between the two, even if they themselves could not see that yet.

The conversations Athena cherished the most were between her and the Commander. They discussed many things, from the Inquisition to family to their experiences in the circles. Athena had learnt many knew things about Cullen and they were beginning to become closer than they both knew would be acceptable, especially considering their position in the Inquisition. They were currently half way through their third day of walking; food rations were running low and they were acutely aware of the increasing need to reach Skyhold sooner rather than later. Athena was walking alongside Cullen in a comfortable silence. She glanced towards the man, examining his determined look and rugged appearance caused by days without shaving and the bitter mountain air messing up his usual tidy hairstyle.

"Thank you – for coming to look for me. You saved my life that night" she said and watched as he looked towards her with an astonished expression.

"Athena, that day you faced Corypheus alone, fully expecting to die to save all of us. That was after you closed the breach and saved the entire world. Searching for you and carrying you back to safety was the least I could do. Your thanks is not required, believe me" was his response, amusement dancing within his eyes, clearly not expecting her to be so humble about what she had achieved over the past few days.

"I did what anyone in my position would have done. You on the other hand, went out of your way to help one person when you were not required to and I am grateful" smiling she looked away from him, focusing on the path ahead.

"Not just anyone" Cullen whispered a little too loudly.

"What?" she exclaimed, whipping her head back towards him, uncertain whether she had heard him correctly. It was clear from his expression that he did not expect her to hear, his mouth opening and closing a few times as he desperately tried to think of an explanation.

"I – I just meant because you are the Herald of Andraste. You're – the world needs you. I – we couldn't let you die!" he stuttered in a very undignified manner, rubbing his neck with embarrassment.

"Oh, okay. Well still, thank you for all you've done for me". He let her walk ahead after that, needing some time to himself to recover from his embarrassment.


It took another day's walk before they arrived at Skyhold. It was a monumental fortress and laying eyes on it for the first time was a truly breathe taking sight. Cullen looked across at Athena as they stood on the ridge of the mountain, looking out towards their new home. He was mesmerized by the smile on her face, and could not help but return that same smile at seeing her so happy. Over the next few days, everybody was occupied with organising Skyhold, making it into a functional base and beginning the long process of restoring it to its former glory.

On the sixth day, Athena was returning to the Great Hall after speaking to Blackwall who had decided to make his home in the stables. As she was reaching the stairs, she spotted Cassandra, Leliana, Cullen and Josephine talking and began approaching them. However, once they spotted her, the others walked away leaving Cassandra to greet her. They began walking up the stairs as Cassandra started talking.

"They arrive daily from every settlement in the region. Skyhold is becoming a pilgrimage. If word has reached these people, it will have reached the elder one". Athena could not prevent the slight dread that awoke within her at the mention of their enemy.

"The anchor has power, but it is not why you're still standing here. Your decisions let us heal the sky. Your determination brought us out of Haven. You are the creatures rival because of what you did and we know it. All of us". Athena was momentarily shocked at Cassandra's words but could hear the honesty in which she spoke them. As they reached the top of the walkway, she saw Leliana standing with a ceremonial sword resting in her arms. This added to Athena's confusion as she stood silently, unsure how to proceed.

"The Inquisition requires a leader. One who has already been leading it". Athena looked down at the courtyard, suddenly aware of the entire population of Skyhold staring up at her. Realisation dawned on her and she knew now what Cassandra was implying.

"You" came the woman's resounding voice behind Athena, confirming her belief.

"You all have that much confidence in me?" is all she could think of saying.

"All of these people have their lives because of you. They will follow"

"That wasn't the question"

"I will not lie, handing this power to anyone is troubling but I have to believe this is meant to be. There would be no Inquisition without you. How it will serve, how you will lead, that must be yours to decide". Cassandra took a step backwards after that, allowing Athena to approach Leliana and make her decision.

She looked down at the sword resting in Leliana's hands. It was beautiful; golden dragons wrapping around the shaft and gleaming in the setting sun. Even looking at it, Athena could tell it held so much power. It held more than power though, it was a promise. She slowly reached out and took it from Leliana. I have to do this, this is bigger than me. This is bigger than all of us. I will do all I can to stop Corypheus and restore peace. I promise. Although she did not speak her thoughts aloud, she made this silent vow to herself and to the Maker. She turned towards the waiting crowd.

"Have the people been told?" Cassandra yelled.

"They have, and soon the world!" Josephine responded.

"Commander, will they follow?" Cassandra directed towards Cullen.

"Inquisition, will you follow?" A resounding "yeah" erupted from the soldiers.

"Will you fight? Will we triumph?", again the soldiers yelled "yeah", even more enthusiastically.

"Your leader. Your Herald. Your Inquisitor!" he shouted, rising his sword towards her in a sign of respect and loyalty. Athena could not understand the warm tingling feeling she felt within her core as she watched the Commander address the army and call out her new title. He met her gaze with his own and smiled up towards her. He did not attempt to hide the pride he felt, looking up at Athena as she stood, strong and proud. A born leader. The roar of the crowd grew as she thrust the sword in the air. Everyone in that moment was filled with hope.


Hello, I hope you enjoyed the next chapter! I'm sorry I didn't upload sooner, I was ill all weekend but this is a longer chapter so hopefully it makes up for it. As always, feel free to review/follow ect :)