Hello readers! I apologize for this chapter taking so long! I have been detained due to circumstances beyond my control. I decided to work on Halamshiral so I split up the Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts mission into two chapters. I had no intention of doing this, but some things cannot be helped! Regardless I hope you enjoy! Oh and don't worry there is more story to be had and this is the only campaign mission I will be focusing heavily on. As it is, in my humble opinion, the most important. THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS SPOILERS! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
Chapter Eight
Halamshiral
{-Ellaina-}
Soon after the meeting in the war room they were headed to the Winter Palace. Ellaina felt out of place in the ornate military uniforms Josephine had procured. She'd had dealings with nobles in the past but Orlesians had always baffled her. She was not looking forward to this. Loren and her parents had always adored politics, but Ellaina never cared for them. She tried to muster up something; anything from all those etiquette classes her parents had put her through as a child. Don't screw this up Trevelyan! The Inquisition needs this alliance! Ellaina's escort of soldiers parted, fists over hearts, to make a path from the gates of the Winter Palace.
"Ah Inquisitor Trevelyan! It is an honor to finally meet the woman behind the banner. The rumors coming out of the Western Approach say you battled an army of demons."
"In more ways than one Grand Duke. The pleasure is all mine." Ellaina bowed deeply to him.
"Just imagine what the Inquisition could accomplish with the full support of the rightful emperor of Orlais. I am not a man who forgets his friends. You help me, I'll help you."
"I'll keep that in mind Grand Duke."
"Please, call me Gaspard. My Lady, are you prepared to shock the court by walking into the ball accompanying a hateful usurper? They will be telling stories of this into the next Age."
"I don't imagine these people have seen anything as exciting as us in their entire lives."
"I believe you are right, My Lady." Gaspard sighed and lowered his voice to a whisper. "As a friend, there is a matter I would like for you to investigate for me this evening. This elven woman, Briala, I suspect she has intentions to disrupt tonight's negotiations."
"What makes you say that Gaspard?"
"My people have found these 'Ambassadors' all over the fortifications. Sabotage seems the least of their crimes."
"That does seem suspicious. I'll look into it."
This elicited another sigh from the Grand Duke. "Be as, discreet as possible. I detest the Game, but if we do not play it well our enemies will make us look like the villains."
"As you wish, your grace."
Gaspard raised his voice, "We are keeping the court waiting, Inquisitor. Shall we?"
As Ellaina followed the Grand Duke towards the gates of the Winter Palace, Josephine pulled her aside.
"Is something the matter, Lady Montilyet?" Ellaina was worried. It wasn't like her Ambassador to approach her so callously.
"Nothing, well at least not yet." Josephine replied.
"What is it then?"
Josephine sighed. "Pardon my forwardness, My Lady, I am sure you have had dealings with nobles in the past. The Game, however, is an entirely different beast. It is no simple matter of etiquette and protocol. Every word, every gesture is measured and evaluated for weakness. They will be picking you apart all night."
"Well that sounds exciting doesn't it?" Ellaina replied with a chuckle.
"This is no laughing matter, Inquisitor. The Game is like Wicked Grace played to the death. You must never reveal your cards. When you meet the Empress the eyes of the entire court will be upon you."
"I'll keep my guard up Josephine. Don't worry. You might want to have a word with the others, though. Especially Cassandra. She's not exactly the type for cautiousness or subtlety."
"I'll have a few, discreet, words with her."
"Everything will be fine Josephine." Ellaina continued to the grand ballroom, but not before hearing Josephine mutter:
"Andraste watch over us all."
Ellaina, with party in tow, made it to the grand ballroom and met the Duke. He along with Ellaina and her party took their places at the stairs, and the introductions began.
"And now presenting, Grand Duke Gaspard de Chalons." The Duke bowed toward Celene at the foot of the stairs.
"Accompanying him, Lady Inquisitor Trevelyan. Daughter of Bann Trevelyan of Ostwick." Ellaina took her bow and the announcer continued. "Shepard and leash of the wayward Order of the Templars, purger of heretics from the ranks of the faithful, and Champion of the blessed Andraste herself."
"Did you see their faces? Priceless!" The Grand Duke whispered to Ellaina.
"Accompanying the Inquisitor," The announcer continued without pause. "Seeker Cassandra Allegra Portia Calogera Filomena-"
"Get on with it!" Cassandra cut off the announcer.
"Pentaghast! Fourteenth cousin to the King of Nevarra, nine times removed, hero of Orlais, right hand of the Devine."
Cassandra seemed thoroughly perturbed at the announcer for throwing out all her titles in one sitting. "I can't wait to get out of this place." She mumbled.
"Renowned author Varric Tethras!" The announcer continued with his introductions, "Head of noble House Tethras, member of the Dwarven Merchant's Guild."
"Well, that was swift wasn't it?" Varric spat.
"Lord Dorian Pavus."
"Here we go." Dorian mumbled under his breath.
"Member of the Circle of Virantium, Son of Lord Magister Halward Pavus of Azaria."
Dorian breathed an audible sigh of relief as the announcer began introducing Ellaina's Advisors.
"Ser Cullen Stanton Rutherford of Honnleath. Commander of the forces of the Inquisition, former Knight-Commander of Kirkwall." Cullen began his decent to the ballroom floor.
"Lady Leliana. Nightingale of the Imperial Court, veteran of the fifth Blight, and left hand of the Devine."
"Lady Josephine Cheret Montilyet of Antiva City, Ambassador of the Inquisition."
Well, that's about the most elaborate bunch of titles I've ever heard.
"I'm glad that's over with." Cullen whispered to Ellaina as they walked toward the center of the ballroom.
"Don't be silly. The night has just begun, Commander." Leliana replied in equally hushed tones.
Once they had reached the stairs in front of Empress Celene, the Grand Duke bowed to Celene again. "Cousin, my dear sister."
"Grand Duke. It is always an honor when your presence graces our court." Empress Celene bowed to the Duke.
"Do not waste my time with pleasantries Celene. We have business to conclude."
"We will meet for the negotiations after we have seen to our other guests." Celene replied and Gaspard bowed with a flourish. "Lady Inquisitor, we welcome you to the Winter Palace. Allow us to present our cousin, the Grand Duchess of Lydes. Without whom, this gathering would have never been possible."
The Grand Duchess bowed to Ellaina. "What an unexpected pleasure. I was not aware the Inquisition would be part of this evening's festivities. We will certainly speak later, Inquisitor." The Grand Duchess turned on her heel and left without another word.
You didn't? Seems odd that your brother wouldn't clue you in that he invited us here. I will definitely be having a word with you soon.
"Your arrival at court is like a cool wind on a summer's day." Empress Celene addressed Ellaina once again.
"I am delighted to be here your majesty."
"Much of your exploits have reached our ears, Inquisitor. They have made grand tales for long evenings. How do you find Halamshiral?"
"I've never seen anything to equal the grandeur of the Winter Palace."
"We do hope you find time to take in some of its beauties. Feel free to enjoy the pleasures of the ballroom, Inquisitor. We look forward to watching you dance."
Oh, I'm sure you do. I'm like a damned animal in a cage, only here for your entertainment.
Ellaina did her best to contain her anger as she bowed to the Empress yet again.
As Ellaina walked back up the steps to speak with the nobility in the ballroom, Leliana stopped her. "Inquisitor. A word when you have a moment?"
"Certainly Leliana, but there are some things I must see to here first."
Leliana nodded and walked toward the Vestibule.
Ellaina searched the ballroom to find Cullen. She had every intention on asking him whom he supported, but apparently her mind had been taken over by other thoughts.
"Save me a dance?" She asked him.
"No, sorry." Cullen replied curtly.
"Oh, alright then."
Realizing what he had said, a shade of embarrassment spread to his face. "I'm sorry. I've heard that question so many times tonight I'm automatically rejecting it."
"So then what's your real answer?"
"I've never really been one for dancing. You know Templars never attended balls. However, I'm sure, being nobility, that you attended many balls in your youth…Oh who am I trying to fool?"
Ellaina laughed. "Certainly not me. Don't worry. I won't make you dance if you don't want to."
"Despite everyone wanting to see you dance?"
"You know that isn't going to happen."
"Yes. I know. You'd better go find Leliana. She has some important information for you. I'll be here when you're ready."
Ellaina nodded and headed toward the Vestibule to meet Leliana. It took all her strength not to turn around and kiss him in front of the entire gawking court.
Once Ellaina had entered the Vestibule, Leliana took her aside. "Good. I was hoping I would catch you."
"Cullen said you have some information for me." Ellaina replied.
"I do, but first, what did the Grand Duke say?"
"He points the finger at the Ambassador."
"Briala is certainly up to something, but she can't be our focus right now. The best place to strike at Celene is at her side." Leliana sat on the arm of a rather expensive looking armchair.
"Alright. I'm listening." Ellaina crossed her arms and leaned against the closest wall, trying to look discreet.
"Empress Celene is fascinated by mysticism—foreseeing the future, speaking with the dead, that sort of rubbish. She has an 'occult advisor' an apostate who charmed the empress and key members of the court, as if by magic. I've had dealings with her in the past. She is ruthless and capable of anything."
"Wait, you said she's an apostate? How can Celene openly shelter an apostate within the Court?"
"The Imperial Court has always had a position for a mage. Before now, however, it held little more power than court jester. Vivienne was the first to give that position any real power. When the Circles rebelled, technically, every mage became an apostate. The word holds much less weight than it has in the past."
"Well, that certainly sounds like someone who could hide an assassin right under the Empress's nose."
"She's worth investigating. We can't be sure of anything else just yet, especially not here. However, both of our leads point to the guest wing. It's a promising place to start. In the meantime, I'll coordinate with our spies to see if I can find anything better. I'll be in the Ballroom should you need me."
After Leliana had taken her leave Ellaina began her search. It lead her to all the dark and dirty places of the Winter Palace. Letters, eavesdropping, even strange elven statuettes Ellaina left no stone unturned. She wanted to hang out everyone's dirty laundry. Being nobility made the job even more enjoyable. After climbing a trellis and breaking in to what could only be the Court mage's quarters Ellaina grabbed all the evidence she could and headed back to the Ballroom to share her findings with Leliana, and to see if their spies had turned anything else up. Just as Ellaina was opening the doors to the Ballroom a strange voice stopped her.
"Well, well what have we here? The leader of the new Inquisition fabled Herald of the faith. Delivered from the grasp of the Fade by blessed Andraste herself." Ellaina, unable to hide the grin spreading to her lips, turned to see the owner of the voice descending from the stairs. She was somewhat petite, with her black hair pulled into a simple up do, blazing hazel eyes, and was covered from head to toe in jewels. "What could bring such an exalted creature here to the Imperial Court, I wonder? Do even you know?" The woman's voice was dripping with sarcasm.
Naturally, Ellaina reciprocated the woman's sarcastic tone. "We may never know. Courtly intrigues and all."
"Such intrigues obscure much, Inquisitor, but not all. However, where are my manners? I am Morrigan." The woman, calling herself Morrigan, bowed to Ellaina. "Some call me advisor to the Empress on matters of the arcane. You have been very busy this evening. Hunting in every dark corner of the palace. Perhaps you and I hunt the same prey?"
Ellaina decided to put her trust in this woman, for now. "I hope so. I could certainly use another ally here, and you don't seem to be conspiring for the death of the Empress."
"Certainly not, and an ally would be most useful. Considering recent events."
"What recent events, exactly?"
"Recently I found and killed an unwelcomed guest within these very halls, an agent of Tevinter. So I offer you this Inquisitor, a key, found on the Tevinter's body. Where it leads I cannot say. Yet if Celene is in danger I cannot leave her side long enough to search. You can."
"I think I have an idea of where this key leads."
"Oh?"
"Briala's people have been whispering about disappearances in the servant's quarters. I'm willing to bet this key leads there."
"Very well. Before you go, a warning Inquisitor. Be wary. Enemies abound, and not all of them aligned with Tevinter. What comes next will be most exciting." Morrigan bowed gracefully again to Ellaina and headed back to join Celene.
Ellaina returned to the ballroom briefly to chat with some of the nobility as well as share with Leliana what she had found. She noticed more eyes on her than before and it made her rather uncomfortable. Itching to leave again, Ellaina decided to search the servant's quarters. She let Varric, Dorian, and Cassandra know and they promised to meet her there. After finding a councilman with a dagger whose hilt was donned with the Chalons family crest they soon found themselves in combat with Venatori agents. After digging up some more dirt in the servant's quarters and liberating the area from Venatori and Chevaliers Ellaina found herself face to face with the woman she had been suspicious of all night. Briala.
"Fancy meeting you here. So, you're inquisitor Trevelyan? I'm surprised they managed to get you sobered up and dressed for this party. We haven't been properly introduced have we? I'm Ambassador Briala."
"Impressive shot, Ambassador."
"Welcome to the Imperial Court, friend. This is our diplomacy at work."
"Oh so we're friends now?"
"Aren't we? Well, you certainly cleaned this place out. It will take months to get all the Tevinter blood off the marble. I came here to save or avenge my missing people, but it seems you have beaten me to it. I take it the council of Herald's emissary in the courtyard isn't your work. Or is it?"
"And what if it was?"
"I wouldn't believe you. You arrived here with the Grand Duke, but you don't seem to be doing his dirty work. Gaspard is getting desperate. I knew he was smuggling in Chevaliers, but Killing a Council emissary? Bringing Tevinter assassins into the Palace? He must be planning to strike tonight."
"I'm still not convinced he's behind this. He was awful easygoing for a man plotting treason."
"Don't let his charm blind you. He's Orlesian. That smile is his mask."
"I'm aware of that, however, Gaspard is not playing the Game like anyone else."
"At any rate, I misjudged you Inquisitor. You might just be an ally worth having. What could you do with an army of elven spies at your disposal? You should think about it."
"You certainly know how to make a sales pitch, Ambassador. I'll give you that."
"I do don't I? I know which way the wind is blowing. I'm willing to bet coin that you'll be part of the peace talks at the end of the night, and if you happen to lean a little bit our way? It could prove advantageous to us both. Just a thought." Briala leapt from the balcony with grace as she spoke the last of her words.
"Every major player has tried to bribe you tonight Ellaina. In Orlais that means you've officially arrived." Varric seemed impressed.
"I suppose so, but I'm still not sure who is behind all of this."
"We'll figure it out soon."
"Alright. I'll meet you all back in the ballroom."
As Ellaina made her way back into the Vestibule she noticed several guards standing in front of the trophy room. Now is my chance to get in there. Ellaina thought as she approached the guards.
"Good evening gentlemen."
"Good evening, Lady Trevelyan." Replied one of the guards. "Is it true what they say? You are the Inquisitor, are you not? We've heard stories of your accomplishments!"
"Some of those might have gone a bit far." Ellaina said earnestly.
"I told you, Philippe."
"Not everyone fights an Archdemon and lives to tell. It is an inspiration!" The guard, apparently named Philippe, exclaimed.
"If you'd like, our Commander has all the details on that particular battle. He's in the ballroom."
"Really? But…I shouldn't leave my post."
"You'd only be gone a moment." Ellaina was using all her charm to get these guards to move.
"Philippe, the world is coming to an end. If we don't hear this story now, we will never get another chance!"
"You're right. Thank you, Inquisitor. Let's go!"
Ellaina waited until the guards and headed into the trophy room. Finding little more than notes in the first room she entered the door to the rear of the room and found a small journal. There was a letter to Philippe between the pages:
Philippe,
Move to the western wing of the castle when I send you three shots of brandy. Not taking any chances.
Gaspard.