"It's in our nature to want to forget the truths that keep us awake at night" – Fallout: New Vegas

~oOo~

You have to admit; I was getting better.

Every morning like clockwork I would wake up and jog around Haven. Sometimes, Cullen and a few of the recruits would come with me for a little morning training. Not that I mind at all. Out running men older than me is fun and running circles around Cullen is even better. It's even surprising that he even cracks a smile. Afterwards, I would grab breakfast with Leliana and Josephine with Cullen sometimes joining us when he cleaned up a bit from his training. I would take my bath after archery practice to which I would gain a few cuts on my fingers but nothing horrible. And then I would walk around Haven helping anyone or just trying to prove to people that I'm not a waste of space after all.

Jacob took a few weeks to get back and I was already missing Solas and Varric, including Jacob. Cassandra and I had yet to fully talk but I was going to correct that once that got back. If I'm going to survive here I'm going to need as many friends as possible to save my ass whenever I slip up. Which will be often if I'm not really ready yet to say that I'm good but I'm…descent…

When I wasn't practicing my archery I've been getting better control over my power. Everything I could think of doing in a battle I trained for. The tricks Erik showed me I made sure I got done perfectly and I even mixed up a few to get better results. I'll be ready for my next fight and I'll try not throwing up my stomach afterwards.

Cullen has been really supportive lately and I've never really realized how much Cullen cares about his men and everyone around him. In Origins he was a nervous wreck who you could make blush if you suggested that you and him go into the nearest closest to really see what's under that armor. Later he turns out to just be on a mage hating spree. In two, he's in Kirkwall but he's a little calmer but still wary of mages. Now, in three, he's left his post as a Templar to be commander of the inquisition and is trying to get people to work together.

But unlike today, something was going on in front of the Chantry. Cullen and I had just gotten done with breakfast when one of the men came to get us about the Templars and the Mages that were causing a ruckus. Cullen growled as he stood, telling me to continue without him but I followed him anyways. As we approached we could see Templars on one side and mages on the other.

"Your kind killed the Most Holy!" One of the Templars said.

"Lies-your kind let it die!" The mage challenged.

"Shut your mouth, mage!" The temple then went to pull out his blade when Cullen and I stepped in. I stood in front of the mage while Cullen stood in front of the Templar.

"Enough!" Cullen said, his voice booming.

"Knight-Captain!" The templar sounded scared when Cullen turned to face him.

"That is not my title. We are not Templars any longer. We are all part of the inquisition!" Cullen told both of them.

"And what does that mean, exactly?" Chancellor Rodrick said as he stepped forward with his hands behind his back.

"Back already, Chancellor? Haven't you done enough?" Cullen asked him, his voice tight.

"I'm curious, commander, as to how your inquisition and it's 'Herald' will restore order as you've promise. Not to mention having his pet mage running around with who knows how much power." He said with a sneer towards me and I clenched my fist.

"What did you call me?!" I yelled at him but Cullen stopped me with his arm.

"Who Aleera is, is none of your concern Chancellor for she is help far more than you are." Cullen said before returning his attention to the crowd. "Back to work, all of you!" He said but the three templars to his left wouldn't leave.

"He's right. We've heard the rumors about her. Who knows when she'll betray us just like all the other mages." He said and I rounded my attention on him.

"Smite me templar boy and we'll see whose calling who a mage when I get back up to kick your bigoted ass!" I said and I felt my hand become heated.

"Of course little mage. I wouldn't want to feel your wrath." He taunted but Cullen stepped in between us, his face stern but I could tell he was as angry as I.

"I said, that's enough. Report back to your post." Cullen growled and the templars stormed off. He turned towards me just as Jacob showed up but I bypassed both of them to go cool off. I heard my name being called but I needed to be alone for a while. After all I've been trying to do these last few weeks to make people feel like they didn't need to be scared of me! Hell, they idolize him and they think of me like I'm just some extra unfortunate mage who got sucked into this.

I. Am. Not. A. Mage!

Ughh! This is so annoying! Just because I don't use lyrium or mana to power my abilities doesn't mean I'm some freak mage. I mean, it could be worse. It could be like how it is at home; people practically advoiding me as I walk down the streets. I was even too scared to even move out of the town for fear of something happening to me in a much crowded area. My parents told me that with time things would blow over but it really didn't even put a dent into the towns people feelings for me.

I walked right out of the gates to Haven towards the empty cabin that I helped Adan find that apothecary notes after Jacob had left. I kind of made this cabin my little place to calm down and just think to myself. I had a break down last week so I came here so no one would see me cry. Everything has just been so hard even though they make it look so easy, no one truly understands until they get thrown into the fire.

I sat in the snow, trying to calm down, meditating just like Erik had showed me in case I felt my anger rising. He always told me that my anger could always get the best of me if I didn't get it under control. You don't know how many times I had to walk out of class because I felt like I could rip open the ground or blow up the building. It difficult being what I am.

"Go away Solas. I don't want to talk to anyone." I said and said elf appeared from the tree.

"How did you know?" He asked as he stepped closer to me even though I told him to go away.

"Do you really think I've survived this long without practicing how to sense people?" I told him. "Please go away." Solas didn't leave however. "I said go!" I yelled, waving my arm to move the snow towards him. I only wanted to scare him or force him to go away but he simple shrugged it off.

"Are you going to act like a child as well as be silent?" Solas said and I glared at him.

"I am not a child." I said to him but he just chuckled.

"Apparently you still are if you are acting like a pouting child." He grinned and I stood up.

"What did you call me?!"

"A pouting child who's throwing a fit because someone called her a mage. How sad. I thought higher of you." He said and without thinking my hand shot out, releasing a small burst of fire. I froze in fear but Solas had it under control. "Is that call you got?"

"Fine then." I smirked and threw another attack at him. And that's how it went for maybe a good hour or so until I lay on the ground breathless. Solas stood over me, slightly winded but he smirked above me; leaning against his staff with one arm stretched out so I could take it. "You tricked me."

"I figured it's been a while since you late let your frustration out. From what your letters were about I guessed that some of the templars were giving you a hard time." He said and I allowed him to help me up. Wet with both snow and sweat we slowly walked back to Haven. I limped slightly due to the fact that Solas isn't as weak as he looked if you over thought him being a wild apostate.

"I try, I really do."

"Why must people's opinion both you so?"

"It's not really their opinion but rather their actions towards me. I told you before, my life back home was hard as it is and now that I'm here I want to make sure people don't get the wrong idea of me. Sure, I get a little ticked about being called a mage but it's the fact that that's all they see is what really bothers me." I told him and Solas patted me on the shoulder.

"I understand your frustration but you must take better care you hide your anger. Many of the templars will cry demon if you show your rage."

"Rage demons. Of course, I forgot about those things. It's been a while since I've played the game." I sighed and as we approached the gate Jacob was there; talking with Cassandra. When they saw us emerge from the tree line they stopped talking to wave us over. I felt bad for the way I acted in front of them but Solas gently pushed me towards them, telling me that it was ok. I watched him walk away from me to go back to where his usual spot is.

"Hi Jacob." I said shyly.

"I hope those templars are not giving you hard time Aleera. Both Cullen and Leliana have been saying your training has been coming along nicely." Jacob said with a soft smile.

"I guess. I try to help around here but they always watch me like I'll turn into a demon or something. Only the kids seem to like me." I said and Jacob started to chuckle.

"I wonder why." He said and then asked me to walk with him. "I need to ask a favor of you." He said as we headed towards the tavern.

"Does this favor mean I can leave Haven?" I asked and Jacob chuckled again.

"Maybe."

"Really?"

"The reason why it took such a long time to get back was because I just happen to pick up two more people for our cause. And the favor I need to ask of you is that you represent me in going to recruit the Chargers for the inquisition. The Iron Bull, leader of the Chargers is waiting for you in the Storm Coast should you decide to take it. I still have dealing in the Hinterlands so I have to go back and thought that it would save us time if you went for me."

"But, if you're going to take Solas and Varric again, who am I supposed to take with me?" I asked him.

"Do you honestly think that I'll let you go by yourself?"

"Maybe?" I gave him a weak smile and he shook his head.

"Solas volunteered to go with you as did Cassandra so I thought that maybe you could take Sera with you while I take Vivienne and Varric to go pick up Blackwall. He may know why the wardens are vanishing." Jacob explained.

"The wardens are missing? How is that even possible? Don't you guys need the wardens in case another blight decides to pop up?" I asked him.

"That's exactly why I'm going to find this Blackwall. If the wardens are disappearing, then maybe it has something to do with the Divine's death but we don't really know what until I ask him." Jacob said.

"That doesn't sound so good. Do you really think that they're involved?"

"I don't really know. After all that's been going on it could be true but I really don't see the wardens plotting the Divine's death." He turned towards me right before we entered the tavern. "So are you up for it?"

"Sure, why not? This place is making me stir crazy anyways." I told him and we entered the tavern.

"Great." He said and lead me towards the table where two ladies sat. One was with dark skin and funny clothing while the other one had blonde choppy hair. He clothing was a bit more…common and messy? I can't really describe it but they describe her. "Sera, Vivienne I would like you to meet Aleera, the other person who came through the rift with me. Aleera, this is Vivienne," he said pointing to the dark skin woman. "and this is Sera. She'll be going with you when you leave for the storm coast."

"Nice to meet both of you." I said to them and Vivienne politely bowed her head. Sera however…

"So do you have a thingy like herald here or do you something to make you special?" Sera asked and Vivienne just rolled her eyes.

"Really my dear, we would have heard something if she had the same thing." Vivienne then turned towards me. "It's a pleasure to meet you my dear, Jacob has told us all about you on the way here." I looked over at Jacob with narrow eyes as he chuckled nervously.

"Only good things I swear!" He said.

"Uh-huh, whatever you say." I said to him and returned towards Sera.

"Would you like to join me for dinner Sera? I'd like to get to know you before we leave for the Storm Coast." I told her and she seemed surprise but this weird smile came across her face.

"Oh really?"

"Sure. I know Cassandra somewhat well and Solas I talk to on a regular basis whenever I see him. He's been helping me adjust to all this." I told her.

"Adjust?"

"I'll tell you over dinner. It's a rather long story." I told her.

"Ooo juicy bits ya? I'll listen." She said.

And that's how I ended up telling a half-truth story of how I got here over a bowl of stew. Jacob had left to go attend to business and to make sure the horses would be ready to leave in two days. Two days until I prove to Jacob that I can do this. Sera kept asking me questions over my story and I tried my best not to give too much away for fear of word getting out about me knowing events about the past two games. Sera is actually not that bad to talk to but her speech is something to get used to. It's a little bit hard to understand but I can make some of it out.

But she is fun to be around!

~oOo~

Two days were quick to get things ready for the travel to the Storm Coast. My bags were packs and I met the others at the stables when I noticed Cullen talking to Cassandra but they stopped when I approached them. Cassandra smiled and said that there's nothing to worry about it before getting on her horse.

"Hi, Cullen. Come to see us off?" I asked, giving him a smile of my own. Cullen took one of my bags to show me how to attach it to the saddle.

"Of course. I'd like to make sure my student is situated before she leaves." Said and I felt like it was a complement but I just shrugged it off.

"So I'm one of your students now am I?" I asked and he chuckled nervously by rubbing the back of his neck.

"Well…you know…that is…I hope you have a safe trip." He said with a smile and I smiled back at him.

"Thank you Cullen. When I come back will you still come jogging with me in the morning?" I asked him.

"Only if you continue to help me with my paperwork." He joked and I knew he wasn't. Whenever Cullen was working late I would bring him some dinner to his office in the chantry. In staying with him per his request I would just somehow look over at his paper work and just help organize it so that next time he looked at his desk it didn't seem such a mess when he came in from training the recruits.

"Deal." I said and set my hands on my hips. "I also told Leliana to make sure you eat while I'm gone. We both know how much you like to skip meals."

"Now I'll never hear the end of this." He said.

"Well if you didn't skip meals so often I wouldn't have to worry." I told him. Just before Cullen opened his mouth to counter Sera opened her to hurry me along. "I'll be fine. You worry too much."

"Just be careful Aleera." He said, helping me into the saddle.

"I will. You'll see me in a week or so I promise." I told him and with that we left for the Storm Coast.

And of course no one told me that the Storm Coast was really just like his name. Wet, rainy, stormy, and oh not so fun to be in. Scout Harding told us that a group of bandits was making trouble for the inquisition, not to mention that a group of our scouts hadn't returned at all; making the search for the gray wardens even harder. I told scout Harding that I would look into it as soon as I talked with the Iron Bull. She said that she has seen a group of people down by the beach that could be but she also saw another group approach them.

"I'll check into it. Can you send a message to Jacob and Leliana that we arrived safely?"

"Of course." She said and after that we gathered our things to head for the beach. Carefully we walked down a rather muddy path until we hit the sandy beach.

"Over there!" Sera called out and in the distance we could see some fighting in the distance. Cassandra ran ahead to give them a hand while we gave them covering fire for a distance. Sera fired arrows, Solas went out energy attacks, and I…I got an idea to use the sea next to use to drag their archers to the ground so Cass could impale them.

I will never get over the sight of dead bodies and blood but I kept telling myself to only think of this as a game. That…even though they were dead that they were going to try and kill us. I asked Cass is she was alright and she just patted my armored shoulder with a smile.

"Aleera, the Iron Bull is over there." She said and pointed to a very large man talking to a shorter man with half of his head shaved.

"What!? A qunari?! Jacob didn't tell me that the Iron bull was a qunari!" I exclaimed.

"Is something the matter?" Solas asked.

"Let's just say that the qunari I faced weren't really nice and are not people you should trust." I told him and he chuckled.

"You are not wrong there but you are in Jacob's place so you must talk with him." Solas said, giving me a push towards the large ox man. Oh boy, what am I going to do now? Let's just hope he's like Sten in the first game and not like the others in the second game. Look at his horns! His name really suits him!

"Umm, excuse me, Mr. Iron Bull sir?" I tried to get the qunari's attention. The man besides him smiled at me as his boss I believe turned to face me as well.

"And you are?" He asked, his voice booming as he held his large axe on his shoulders.

"My name is Aleera. Jacob, the herald as some people call him, sent me to inquire you about joining the inquisition."

"Ah, so you're the one who will agree to take us on?" He asked.

"Yes. Jacob trusts me to settle this while he is in the Hinterlands working on finding out more about the wardens. I'll also be staying here to see what else I can find as well." I told him, keeping me head high as I talked to him.

"Well then let me ask you this, you've seen us fight. We're expensive but we're worth it…and I'm sure the inquisition can afford us." The Iron Bull said.

"How much will this cost us exactly?"

"It wouldn't cost you anything personally, unless you wanna buy drinks later. Your ambassador…what's her name…Josephine? We'd go through her and get the payments set up. You or the herald wouldn't have to do much but continuing on to what you're doing and that you know that all that matters is that we're worth it." The Iron Bull said.

"The Chargers seem like an excellent company. I've seen few that work together so well." I told him and he grinned brightly at the complement.

"They are. But you're not just get the boys, you're getting me. You need a frontline bodyguard, I'm your man. Whatever it is, demons, dragons? The bigger the better. And there's one other thing. Might be useful, might piss you off. Ever heard of the Ben-Hassrath?"

"Your part of the Ben-Hassrath?!"

"So you've heard of us?" He asked me and I kept my mouth closed. Of course I know of the Ben-Hassrath! I did a paper on them for my English exam just for fun but it turned out that I knew very little when I wrote it. All the stuff I looked up, all the codex's I reread, and all the theories I researched as well proved that the qunari are no laughing matter. If they really wanted to, a simple invasion would cripple Theadas. Just look at what happened in Kirkwall! If it wasn't for Hawk, that whole city would've been lost.

"Let's just say I know what I need to know. What I'm going to ask is why join us or even tell me about what you are."

"The Ben-Hassrath are concerned about the Breach. Magic out of control, like that could cause trouble everywhere. I've been ordered to join the inquisition, get close to the people in charge, and send reports on what's happening. But I also get reports from Ben-Hassrath agents all over Orlais. You sign me on, I'll share them with your people." He said and from what I could tell, he was telling the truth. Sure, he might have been placed with the liars but I can smell one a mile away.

"Why are you even telling me this if you were ordered to get close to the people in charge?"

"Whatever happened at the conclave thing, it's bad. Someone need to get that breach closed. So whatever I am, I'm on your side." He said. Again, he was telling the truth.

"You still could have lied about it."

"From something called the inquisition? I'd've been tipped sooner or later. Better you hear it right up front from me."

"Good to see that some people have some morals in this world." I told him and he chuckled. "So, what exactly would you be sending in these reports?"

"You are really taking this seriously aren't you?" He asked.

"I was trusted with this job and I'm not going to do it half assed if that's what you're asking." I told him.

"Well, I'll be sending them enough to keep my superiors happy. Nothing that'll compromise your operations. The qunari want to know if they'll need to launch an invasion to stop the whole damn world from falling apart. You let me send word of what you're doing, it'll put some minds at ease. That's good for everyone." He said.

"Yeah, a qunari invasion isn't something we really need to worry about right now." I said. "So, in these reports we get, will there be information that will benefit us?"

"Enemy movements, suspicious activity, intriguing gossip. It's a bit of everything. Alone, they're not much but if your spymaster is worth a damn, she'll put them to good use."

"She?"

"I did a little research. Plus, I've always had a weakness for redheads." He admitted and I snickered.

"Leliana's not gonna like that you know about her. She likes to keep this air of secrecy to her so it's best not to say anything about you knowing just yet. And you best let her see these reports you send just in case as well. If you send anything she doesn't approve of, she'll have your head." I told him.

"Thanks for the advice. So, what do you think?"

"I think you'll be an excellent addition to our cause Iron Bull." I stuck my hand out for him to shake. Even with his strength I could easily over power him but he shook my hand with a good grip.

"Krem, tell the men to finish drinking on the road. The Chargers just got hired." Iron Bull said and his second rolled his eyes.

"What about the casks, chief? We just opened them, with axes." He said in annoyed tone.

"Find some way to seal them. You're Tevinter, right? Try blood magic." He smirked and I rolled my eyes, knowing full well that it wouldn't work. "I'd like you to meet my lieutenant, Cremisius Aclassi."

"Hello, nice to meet you." I said to him.

"Nice to meet you too." He said and went to sat something else but someone was calling Bull's name. We turned to see a bright red haired elf running towards us.

"What gives Bull? First you say to open the casks and now you're telling us to close them?"

"We're on the move Amanda. We just got hired by the inquisition." The Iron Bull said.

Amanda….

The red haired elf turned towards me just as I did and I felt all color drain from my face.

Her face…

Her face….it can't be…

"Amanda?"

"Aleera? You're…you're alive?"

~oOo~