"You have a problem." Sera waved a hand haphazardly. "That, over there, is a full tavern. But everyone's drinking alone. They're all up their own arses about the Inquisition. I can't have fun with everybody whinging. And they'll fall on their swords before Coryphenus can push them." She made a punching motion. "I'm thinking pranks. Set a few up. Knock a few down. You in or not?"

Ruya looked out at her people. "You have an odd idea of preparation. I need to keep them at their best."

"What's 'best' then? Mopey? Constantly ready for death to fall from the gaping hole up there?" Sera shook her head. "I know people. Pissed off and fired up is better than dreary bleary. Come on."

Why not? "Lead the way."

"What, really?"

"Really?"

Sera giggled. "I knew you were different. Let's go."

#

Cullen's office was fortunately empty. Sera began looking around for something. "Alright, General Uptight is gone."

Ruya glanced at the bookcase. Maybe rearrange them? No, save that prank for Dorian. She didn't want to mess with his weapons. She glanced down at the desk and touched it lightly. He certainly kept it a lot less cluttered these days.

"What, the desk?" Sera wandered over. "Oh, yes. Center of the empire and all that. What to do, what to do..."

"All right, Sera. What do you want to do?" She watched the other woman.

"Thing looks heavy. Don't want to move or break it."

"Oh, it's sturdy." Definitely sturdy. Don't blush.

"I got it. Easy one. Just a slip of something under here." Sera shoved something under one of the legs. "There. Won't notice much, but it's just that little bit wonky. He's so in control that'll piss him royally." He wasn't always in control. Dammit, stop blushing. "I tell one of the soldiers, and boom. The general seems like people. And since he works for you, you seem like people." Sera grabbed her hand and began dragging her. "Come on, next one."

#

They waited for Brehan to leave his room, and crept inside. Sera began looking around. "Hmm..."

Ruya frowned. Brehan hadn't put much of a personal touch in his quarters. She checked the dresser. He was only using one drawer. Sera cackled when she noticed the empty space. "I'm going to need a raccoon."

"Believe it or not, I actually have a spell that can help with that." Sera gave her a disbelieving look. Ruya grinned. "I do have two elder brothers."

#

"Right, Little Lady Prissypants. Have a look for something she likes too much."

Ruya frowned. Disrupting anything to do with Josephine's desk was a bad idea. She crossed the room, and tilted her head at the door.

"What, just the door?" Sera's eyes lit up. "Where she greets every important idiot. Yes."

"Well, Sera, what do you have in mind?"

"Hmm..." Sera started giggling. "Get a bucket. Classic, yeah? Five minutes of sloppy boss gets you weeks of happy kitchen staff." She shrugged. "Except for the one who cleans it up, I suppose. But whatever. Next stop."

#

It took the better part of half an hour for them to get a chance to creep into the rookery. Leliana was a hard mark. All she found was a locked chest.

"What's that? A locked..." Sera shook her head. "No, leave that. Not interested in her hidden things. Not for just a bit of fun. Maybe..." Sera scratched her head. "Feed her messengers something gassy? No, birds don't parp. But they flap, and..." She frowned. "Uh huh."

From below came Solas's voice. "Who is up there?"

Ruya elbowed Sera. "Go."

They fled, giggling like a couple of idiots.

#

"That was fun." Sera clicked her bottle to Ruya's. "An Inquisitor of the people, still remembering you're one of them. If all they got was the Herald stuff, the serious bit, you'd start to sound pretty scary. That works, but not for long."

She took a drink. "Whatever it takes. I'd start throwing pies if it kept people inspired."

"Pies is so good. And Coryphenus would never do that." Sera cackled. "Godo thing for you, innit? Because from the bottom, everyone up top sort of seems the same." She drained her bottle. "Anyway, fun time, Inquisitor."

Behind them, a door slammed. Josephine entered the tavern, soaking wet and looking remarkably like an angry wildcat. "You."

"Oh, frig." Sera swallowed as Josephine started towards them. She shoved Ruya. "You did it." And then ran like hell, laughing every step."

#

"Rep..." Ruya blinked.

"Something wrong, Inquisitor?" Brehan asked.

"There is a raccoon sitting on your head."

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Brehan folded his arms. The raccoon made a chittering sound as it parted his hair. He glanced at Josephine. "Do you know what she's talking about?"

"Not a clue."

Cullen sighed. "The strain of leadership may be getting to her."

"Tragic." Leliana gestured at the table. "Shall we get on with it?"

"Right." She shook her head and smiled. "Report."

#

Ruya went to visit Solas. He glanced at her. "Inquisitor. I was..." He started to turn, and then looked back at her. "Do you have a moment?"

"Of course."

They walked the ramparts rather than their customary circuit of the camp. Solas stared out into the distance, then turned back to her. "What were you like before the Anchor?" She glanced down at the mark. "Has it affected you? Changed you in any way? Your mind, your morals, your..." He shook his head. "Spirit?"

An interesting question. She'd changed, from the girl she had been when she'd gone to the Conclave. But the man in front of her had more to do with that than the Anchor. Him and the rest of her companions. This Inquisition. "If it had, do you really think I'd have noticed?"

"No. That's an excellent point." He stared out into the distance once more.

"Why do you ask?"

"You show a wisdom I have not seen since..." He hesitated. "Since my deepest journeys into the ancient memories of the Fade. You are not what I expected."

She smiled at him. "Sorry to disappoint."

"It's not disappointing, it's..." He sighed. "Most people are predictable. But you have shown a subtlety in your actions. A wisdom that goes against everything I know of your people."

Something was bothering him, though she had no idea what it might be. "I do what I can."

He gave a small laugh. "You are modest. So many would use the Inquisition as a blunt instrument in their rise to power. But not you."

"So what does this mean, Solas?"

"It means that I respect you deeply, Inquisitor. And I have disturbed you enough for one evening." He gave her a small bow, and then went back to his work.

#

Leliana was sitting at her desk, staring at a piece of parchment. Ruya raised an eyebrow. Leliana sighed. "A message from Divine Justinia."

"That's a shock. You're all right reading it?" Maybe she should get Brehan. Or maybe she should get anyone other than Brehan.

"Thank you for the concern, Inquisitor, but I am." Leliana folded her hands. "This message was written months, perhaps even years ago..." Leliana sighed. "To be delivered to me if she died. I've heard of such contingency plans. A sudden death often leaves loose ends. I'm to go to Valence, a small village on the Waking Sea. There is something hidden there."

"Do you know what you're looking for?"

"The Divine was a powerful woman who used her position to obtain all sorts of things. Whatever she hid in Valence would very likely benefit from the Inquisition and must be kept from falling into the wrong hands." Leliana stood. "If I'm lucky, she will have instructions for me."

"I'll help in whatever way I can."

"Wonderful. I was hoping you would agree to come with me to Valence." Leliana nodded. "One more thing: if what is hidden in Valance is as valuable as I think, we're not going to be the only ones looking for it. I shall meet you at the Chantry in Valence. Try not to delay."

#

The small Chantry was beautiful. Leliana smiled softly as she looked around. "It's just as I remember it."

"You didn't tell me you'd been here before."

"After the Blight ended, Brehan and I came here to see Justinia. She was just Dorothea then, a revered mother." Leliana touched one of the statues.

"It's peaceful here. You must have good memories of this place."

"It was a place of comfort. It is good to see it's still untouched by Corypheus."

"Leliana? Is that you?" A woman in Chantry robes came into the room.

"Sister Natalie. What are you doing her? I thought you were in Val Royeaux."

"No. I've been here since Justinia died. This place makes me feel like..." The young woman's breath caught. "Like she's still with us."

"Inquisitor, this is Natalie, a trusted friend." Leliana hugged the other woman, and met Ruya's eyes as she did. She gave Ruya the slightest of head shakes. Not so trusted, then.

Natalie stepped back. "Wait. 'Inquisitor?' You... you brought the Inquisitor here?" She knelt. "My lady, forgive me for not recognizing you earlier."

"I wish more people would fail to recognize me." Ruya kept a spell ready. A simple paralysis.

"Oh, I..." Natalie rose. "I see."

"Natalie, listen. There is something hidden here. Something Justinia left for me."

There was just a bit too much eagerness in the woman's eyes. "Oh, really? What is it?"

"I don't know, but we'll find it. I'm curious to see waht brought us all here."

#

Following Justinia's instructions eventually unlocked a small hidden chamber. While they searched, Leliana chatted happily with Natalie. If Ruya didn't know what was happening, she would have taken it as simple friendly conversation. Leliana was interrogating the other woman. As soon as the chamber opened, Leliana drew a dagger and pressed it to Natalie's throat. "Sorry to keep you waiting."

"Leliana, stop. What are you doing?"

"I'm protecting us." Leliana's voice was harsh. "They never sing the Benedictions here on Fridays, Natalie. Something so simple, and you got it so wrong. I wanted to believe, but you were lying from the start." She tilted her head. "Keep that pretty mouth shut if you must, dear. You've already told me everything I need to know. The prickleweed burs on your hem, talking about the sun rising through the Breach. It all points to a single place: Morelle in the Dales. Grand Cleric Victorie's bastion. She sent you, didn't she?" Leliana smiled. "Victoire was always an opportunist."

"Who is this Grand Cleric? I've never heard of her."

"An experienced cleric. She never agreed with Justinia but kept her ideas to herself. I suppose now, with Justinia dead, she thought she could make her move."

"The Inquisition has turned Thedas away from the true Chantry." Natalie's eyes were hard. "It must be stopped."

"Stop us? You must be joking."

"Mother Victoire is well loved by many. The Inquisition has more enemies than you know."

"And Victoire thinks she can ally with them?"

"We don't have to be at odds, Natalie. You could come with us. Join the Inquisition." There was no need for blood. Especially not in the heart of a chantry.

"I was called to serve the Grand Cleric. I will not betray her." Natalie glared defiantly. "Kill me then. I'm not afraid to die for my beliefs. At least I still know what I believe."

"Release her, Leliana. She is no threat."

"The grand cleric..." Leliana started to shake her head.

"She is one woman. We are the Inquisition." And they would stand up for what was right.

"The Inquisitor has spoken." Leliana pulled her dagger away. "Run. Tell your mistress that she has a choice. The Inquisition is coming."

#

Leliana opened the box in the chamber, and stepped back. "No." She shook her head. "This can't be it."

Ruya blinked. The box contained a small, battered elven trinket. "It's not what you expected. That doesn't mean it's nothing."

"There's a message, carved into the lid. 'The Left Hand should lay down her burden.' She..." Leliana's voice went quiet, and she touched the trinket. "She's releasing me. The Divine has a long reach, but it is always her Left Hand that stretches out. A thousand lies. A thousand deaths. Her commands, but my conscience that bore the consequences."

"She apologized in the Fade. She said she failed you." Ruya started to lay a hand on Leliana's shoulder, but drew it back. "This is what she meant."

"All this time, Justinia carried the fear that she was using me, just like I'd been used in the past. But Marjolaine's games were trifles. Justinia gambled with the fate of nations. She needed me. No one else could've done what we did. She knows that."

She wondered if Leliana even knew she'd used the word we. Her eyes went back to the elven trinket. "Then you have to let it go. Let her go. You don't owe her anything anymore."

"If it were not for you, I would've killed Natalie and called it a good thing." Leliana closed the box, and held it gently as she turned. "Thank you for showing me what was right when I couldn't see it for myself. There are things that must be said, but not here. I will see you back at Skyhold."

#

Leliana watched Brehan's face as he held the trinket. "I didn't know you gave that to her."

He ran a finger over the carving. "Tamlen made it. After..." He swallowed. "I gave it to the Chantry mother, back in Lothering. Do you remember?"

"She showed it to the hunters, and they helped her get the children to safety." Leliana sat down next to him.

"I think..." He turned it over in his hands. "That's the moment I started to believe. That there was something guiding me. When she became Justinia, I gave it to her. It seemed..." He sighed. "It seemed important, then. Back when I would have done anything for her."

"I love you, Brehan Mahariel."

"Ar lasa mala revas. Ma sa'lath."

"Ma emma lath. Ma vhenan'ara."

#

"I'm told that Ambassador Montilyet is pleased with the..." Kels hesitated. "Restraint you showed in Valence."

Leliana rolled her eyes. "Ugh, she's positively beside herself. I will never hear the end of it." Leliana's voice became an uncanny imitation of Josephine's. "Niceness before knives, Leliana. Haven't I always told you?"

"Will that be all, my lady?"

"For now."

The young man dashed off. Ruya shook her head. Some days she felt a little bad for Kels and the messages he had to deliver. The other day she'd heard him try to pass a message from Sera that had apparently considered of several minutes of evil laughter. "How have you been feeling since Valence?"

"Good. Wonderful. Valence was something of a rebirth for me." Leliana straightened. "If you hadn't been with me at Valence, I would have killed Natalie. I'd have told you that I didn't have a choice, but there is alway a choice. I am more than this. I am more than what Justinia made me."

"Do you resent Justinia for what she did?"

Leliana shook her head. "How can I when there is so much between us, when she gave her life for peace? No, I believe her intentions were pure. Most intentions are."

"What does this mean for my Inquisition? Will you still be my spymaster?"

"Of course. I would not give up my post, not after everything we've built. I just know now that I shouldn't ignore my heart. Mercy is not always a weakness."

"You've exceeded her. She could never have imagined the power you now hold."

"And now I will know how to use that power wisely. I have to stay true to who I really am - before a spymaster, Left Hand, or bard. I almost lost myself."

Ruya smiled, and walked away. She stopped on the ramp, and glanced back over her shoulder. Leliana was singing. A deeper voice joined hers, and she saw Brehan come up behind Leliana. Leliana leaned into him, and he put his arms around her as they sang.

#

"You wanted to see me?" Ruya walked towards Iron Bull. He started to nod, and then turned as the soldier walking up behind him suddenly attacked. "Bull."

"I got it." He sounded more annoyed than anything. He tossed the first man off the ramparts.

"Ebost Isalla, Tal-Vashoth." The second man managed a glancing blow with a knife.

Iron Bull grunted, and tossed him over the side to join the other one. "Yeah, yeah, my soul's dust. Yours is scattered all over the ground, though, so..." He grunted as he looked at the wound. "Sorry, boss. I thought I might need backup. Guess I'm not even worth sending professionals for."

"Are you all right?"

"Fine. Hurt myself worse than this fooling around in bed."

"What if they used poison?" Her fingers glowed as she wove the healing spell.

"Oh, they definitely used poison. Saar-qamek, liquid form. If I hadn't been dosing myself with the antidote, I'd be going crazy and puking my guts up right now. As it is, it stings like shit, but that's about it."

"You knew the assassins were coming?" She sighed. What was with her spies and not telling her pertinent information?

"Little change in the guard rotation tipped me off." He shrugged. "Thought there'd be more."

"Why didn't you tell me ahead of time?" She folded her arms.

"You go through years of Ben-Hassrath training to hide facial expressions when I wasn't looking?" He narrowed his eyes at her. She glared back at him, and he grinned. "See? Like that. If I'd warned you or the guards, the assassins would've been tipped off."

"I hoped the Ben-Hassrath would let you go."

"They did."

He shook his head. "Sending two guys with blades against me? That's not a hit. That's a formality. Just making it clear I'm Tal-Vashoth. Tal-Va-fucking-shoth."

"Tell Cullen, Leliana, and Brehan what happened. We'll tighten security."

"Will do, boss." He smiled. "Boss? Whatever I miss, whatever I regret... this is where I want to be. Whenever you need an ass kicked, The Iron Bull is with you."

She started to walk away, and then saw Brehan come up the stairs. He glanced over the side. "Seriously?" He shook his head at Iron Bull. "Tell me you are going to clean that up."

Iron Bull glared. "They got past you, you clean them up."

"Kadanshok defransdim vashedan. If I hadn't let them past, you'd be complaining I didn't let you have any fun." Brehan shrugged. "The other two are in the cells, if you want to question them."

"How'd you capture them?"

"The Ben-Hassrath didn't invent poison, just so you are aware."

Ruya folded her arms. "Did it at any point occur to either of you that I might like to know there are assassins targeting my people?"

"Inquisitor, there are assassins targeting Josephine."

"Both of you, clean up that up." She stalked off.

#

After another excursion out to fight demons and seal a rift, she was looking forward to a night in a real bed. She was halfway to her room when Varric stepped in front of her. "There you are. I've been looking all over for you. You're just in time. We almost had to start without you."

"What exactly were you starting without me, now?"

Varric grabbed her arm, and led her to the smaller of the dining halls. "I found her, Ruffles. Deal her in."

Josephine began shuffling a deck of cards. "I do hope I recall the rules. It's been ages since I've played a game of Wicked Grace."

"Grab a seat. We're ready to start."

Ruya sat down across from Varric.

"We playing cards or what?" Iron Bull refilled his drink.

"Are three drakes better than a pair of swords? I can never remember."

"Seeker, remember how I said, 'don't show anyone your hand?' That rule includes announcing it to the table." Varric collected his own cards.

"There's a crown on his head, but a sword, too. His head didn't want either."

"Don't talk to the face cards, kid."

"You seem to have enough people. I have a thousand things to do." Cullen started to stand, but Varric caught his sleeve.

"Losing money can be both relaxing and habit forming." Dorian collected his own cards. "Give it a try."

"Curly, if any man in history ever needed a hobby, it's you."

"Dealer starts. Ooh... I... believe... I'll start at... three coppers. Do you think that's too daring?" Josephine held the coins. "Maybe I'll make it one... No. Boldness. Three it is."

Iron Bull shook his head. "Seriously? Who starts at three coppers. Silver, or go home."

"Sounds good. I'm in." Blackwall tossed some coins in.

"Bolder the better, right?" Dorian threw his coins in. "I'm in."

"Me, too." Varric glanced across at her. "Well, are you in?"

Ruya threw her coins in. "Just remember I'm still new to this game."

"Don't worry, you'll pick it up in no time."

"So shiny..."

#

"The poor recruit ran out into the dining hall in nothing but his knickers. And this... profound silence fell over the hall as seventy mages and thirty templars all turned to stare at once." Cullen gestured. "Then a slow round of applause began. And spread until every soul was on their feet. A standing ovation."

Josephine giggled. "What did he do?"

"Saluted. Turned on his heel. And marched out like he was in full armor."

Laughter and denials came from every corner of the table.

"That's how you know it's true." Varric shook his head. "I could never put that in a book. Too unlikely."

Ruya took a drink. "I've got one for you. It was the night of my Harrowing. I was standing in the middle of a room full of templars and senior enchanters. As the knight-commander read me the Chant, I got the nagging feeling something was missing..."

#

"They put me in the Ostwick Circle history book, which the first enchanter kept under lock and key, and never spoke of it again."

"Not bad." Varric shook his head as he spoke over the laughter of the others. "You don't mind if I steal that one, do you?"

"I liked the part with the rabbit. There should be more rabbits in stories." Cole was stacking Josephine's winnings.

"That was scandalous. It would ruin the Inquisition if anyone found out." Josephine grinned. "Tell it again." She showed her cards. "And the dealer takes everything. I win again."

Several groans greeted the news. Cullen narrowed his eyes. "Deal again. I've figured out your tells, Lady Ambassador."

Josephine pressed the cards to her heart and looked scandalized. "Commander. Everyone knows a lady has no tells."

"Then let's see if your good fortune lasts one more hand."

Ruya shook her head. "I'm not losing any more coin to Josephine, but I have got to see this."

#

"Don't say a word, dwarf."

"I tried to warn you, Curly."

"Never bet against an Antivan, Commander." Josephine's smile was catlike.

Cassandra was trying very hard to look disapproving, but was having trouble keeping a straight face. "I'm leaving. I don't want to witness our commander's walk of shame back to the barracks."

"Well, I do." Dorian grinned, and Ruya threw a copper at him.

Cole was staring. "It comes off. I didn't know it came off..."

Ruya looked across the table. Cullen sighed, and then looked over to where Josephine was walking away with his clothing over her shoulder. Ruya shook her head, caught Dorian's ear, and dragged him over to where Varric was warming his hands by the fire. She caught Cullen making a dash for it out of the corner of her eye. Iron Bull made a cheering sound. Dammit, she'd thought he was passed out. Dorian was laughing as she let go of his ear.

Varric glanced up at her. "I'm glad you decided to join us tonight. It's too easy to mistake you for the Inquisitor."

It was good, relaxing with her friends. Forgetting there was a world outside. "I enjoyed this."

"See? That's what I mean." He gestured. "It's easy to forget you're not just an icon or symbol, like one of those statues of Andraste holding bowls of fire." Varric shrugged. "At least it is for me." He raised his eyebrows in challenge. "You up for another game when this is all over, Inquisitor?"

"Every time I play, I increase the odds of winding up like Cullen." She should get Josephine some chocolate.

"You're never more alive than when you're about to lose your pants, my friend."

#

She stopped in to check on Cole, and found him cuddling the raccoon as he fed it bits of carrot. "He likes my hat," Cole said.

"Perhaps we should get him one of his own."

"He was hungry until you called to him. The drawer was warm and safe, but he likes here more. Brehan said I could keep him."

"I didn't know you wanted a pet." Ruya extended her hand gently, and the raccoon let her pet him.

"The cat meant home and safe, but they took it away and made it dark again. It wasn't fair."

"What's his name?" She gestured at the raccoon.

"I don't know. He hasn't decided yet."

#

"I received a letter from the House of Repose, your worship." Josephine leaned out over the railing. "They acknowledge their contract is null and void. There's no longer a price on my life."

"I'm glad you don't have to live your life looking over your shoulder anymore." She stood next to Josephine, admiring the view.

"I regret we were forced to deal with them. That you were endangered by my part in the Game." Josephine was quiet for a moment. "Did I ever mention I used to be a bard?"

She had a very hard time picturing Josephine doing the kinds of things Brehan and Leliana did. "You were a singer?"

"Bards entertain the Orlesian courts. They sing, play music, make charming conversation, and spy. Many young nobles put on a mask and practice playing the game in such a fashion."

"You seem a bit..." Ruya shrugged. "Steady for such an outgoing lifestyle." Though the woman had apparently thrown a party for a corpse.

Josephine laughed. "The life of an entertainer didn't suit me at all." She folded her arms. "During one particular intrigue, I encountered a bard sent to kill my patron. We fought. Or perhaps 'scrapped' is the better word. Both of us terrified. We were at the top of a steep flight of stairs. The other bard drew a knife, and I pushed him away from me..." She swallowed. "You can imagine the result."

Ruya put her arm around the other woman. "You were only defending yourself."

"But it was such a waste, Inquisitor. When I took off his mask, I knew him. We'd attended parties together. If I'd stopped to reason, if I'd used my voice instead of scuffling like a common thug..." Josephine leaned into her a little. "I'll always wonder who that young man would have grown into."

"He seemed willing enough to murder you for the game."

"Perhaps. I feel I'm the last to judge whether or not he would have actually used the blade." Josephine sighed. "In all the commotion..." She stepped back a little. "Forgive me, I don't believe I ever thanked you for helping me with this."

"Hold on to it. Don't lose sight of why you came here." She needed Josephine. Someone to help remind them that there were peaceful solutions. It was too easy to forget, sometimes.

"I will never forget you helped saved the House of Montilyet, Inquisitor." She gestured grandly. "And should you ever visit Antiva, stories of the welcome we'll give you will be told for years."

"Well, I admit, it appears I do have a personal stake in your family's wellbeing." Ruya took a breath. "I got a letter from my father."

"And I got one from my mother." Josephine shook her head and then laughed softly. "She is somewhat put out. Apparently, she was already in the midst of negotiating a match."

"Lukas said Otwin got wind of that, and he and Yvette decided to take matters into their own hands." Ruya gestured. "So, does this make us sisters now?"

Josephine grinned. "I like that idea. Now we just need to calm our parents down."

Ruya rested her head on Josephine's shoulder as they stood on the balcony, laughing.