Just outside of Haven

Benjamin Trevelyan kept his horse in line with Patricia's as they both rode up a slight hill. The young mare, if nothing else, seemed to be enjoying the exercise. From being cooped up for weeks, to being able to run all the way from Northern Ferelden to its South Western border. A little out of the way hamlet in the middle of nowhere. So isolated that it had been centuries before anyone had come across it. Until the Hero of Ferelden, that was.

Their journey from Nevarra was a long, though unproductive one. It had been almost a month since Patricia ran head long into his camp. Slowly, but surely, they made their way almost due south. Until they crossed the border into Ferelden, and, as luck would have it, ran into a group of rebel mages personally loyal to Fiona herself.

Though Ben was still uncomfortable about the situation and the existence of the rebels he had to admit they were perhaps more organized then he originally gave them credit for. And organization indicated structure, structures indicated plans.

Not that people with plans always make the best plans. He frowned in thought. The Tevinter Magisters had plans too.

But, at least the company was pleasant. And, at least they had made a rapid pace as soon as they reached Ferelden, down through to where they were currently.

"And there it is," Patricia announced snapping Ben out of his reverie.

They had, quite without him realizing it, had crested the hill. They were now overlooking Haven, perched atop its hill, the town's chantry perched above it, and somewhere beyond it was the Temple of Sacred Ashes.

It was small, and unimpressive given the history and the importance of the place, but what was impressive was the seeming counter town that had sprung up on the approaches. Groups and knots from over a dozen major countries and organizations, hundreds of people. Haven was now a major economic center in the region.

Not an unimportant hole in the wall town of radicals, but maybe important in determining generations of the future of Thedas.

Though it looks like not everyone here is an official business, Ben thought looking at a small knot of people with hoods, men, women, some with rather large and untidy beards, some of them cackling.

He tugged at his own beard, and Patricia followed his pulling.

"Nice beard, by the way." She said.

He smiled. He was able to obtain a trim shortly after crossing into Ferelden, and get it cleaned. Instead of a deep brown of sludge and dirt, it was back to his normal sandy color, and closely kept to his chin. Looking quite neat.

"Thank you," He acknowledged, "And that is certainly a…impressive sight isn't it?"

She nodded, "Sure," She waved almost dismissively, "but it is just a veneer. A Chantry veneer."

Ben sighed, and smirked whimsically, "I thought you liked the Chantry leadership in this case?"

She shrugged, "They have a lot of history to make up for, one Divine helping us…secretly…is not going to make up for centuries of abuse."

Ben sighed, "Right, continue to hold grudges for battles fought decades and centuries before we were born? That seems…wise." He leaned over and patted his horse on the back. "Come on, let's go."

The horses broke out into a small trot. I like her…but. But she was a bit acerbic on a great many subjects. Centuries of abuse had taken its toll on certain people. Though Ben could only consider what had happened to him, some people could feel the weight of their collective histories weighing them down through the eons. They could feel the pain of their people. And while Ben sympathized, while Ben styled himself a historian, he preferred learning from the past as a guide to build the future.

Hopefully, finally, this will be the beginning of a new history. Ben thought.

"So tell me, honestly, do you really think this conclave will work?" Ben asked Patricia.

She frowned, "I hope so," She sighed, "but it seems most of the major players aren't here. And I do not trust…the people who aren't here to not live up to their word when we finally do make it out of here. The only person of real consequence who was at this meeting is Divine Justinia. Which," She smiled, "makes all of this seem rather… desperate? Pointless. All this pointless posturing and gathering of so many people for something which, can, at best, be just a beginning. Nothing will be solved here."

Ben smirked, "That is grim…but surprisingly astute."

She shrugged at him playfully, "I suppose you are finally rubbing off on me."

He smiled, then frowned, "still if this is a beginning then maybe it will be worth it after all. The beginning of peace. If nothing happens here maybe it will convince both sides that they can trust each other to build a new world."

She nodded, as they continued to ride down in silence for a number of moments. They were slowly passing what looked like a beggar woman.

Suddenly she turned on them, her eyes wild looking. "It comes! The beginning! But an end! They come! The sacrifice is laid bare, and is in position! And they come to open the sky! And with it bring about a new age!"

The horses bucked slightly and whickered nervously. Ben and Patricia cooed at them trying to calm the two steeds.

"Hush, it is ok." Ben turned back towards the woman, hand still on its flank, "What is coming old woman?"

"They are…they are."

"Who is they?!" Ben demanded, almost feeling like he was going to jump off the horse and going towards her, without realizing it he was half way out of the saddle.

"Come on Ben," Patricia said laying a hand on his arm. "She's not worth it, just a deranged old woman."

"Right," He grumbled to himself, then shook himself clear. "You're right, let's go."

But yet, he couldn't help hear the words rolling around in his head, and they come to open the sky. It chilled him to the bone.

But they were now on the opposite slope of the mountain, able to look down at Haven and the sprawling encampment in front of him. The snow drifts. The many flags and knots of people leading up to the town. Templars, Mages, and representatives of almost every major nation in Thedas.

Ben felt something catch in his throat, he recognized one of the flags. Of the House of Trevelyan. He was a Trevelyan, once, a long time ago before his magic was discovered and he was spirited away to the Circle in the dead of night. I wonder if my sister is there, I remember liking her…though I wonder if she has changed and has become as distrustful of mages as most people seem to be.

"Ben?" Patricia asked.

He shook his head, clearing it, and smiled up at her, "nothing my dear, come on, let's go, we have a lot to do, I suppose."

After about another hour later they were crawling up the slope towards the 'mage encampment.'

Some of the mages looked at them curiously, on horses. Their staves were plastered to their back though making it clear they were not a threat to anyone. They were in fact a member of the 'good guys' a pair of people with the good blood, the blood of magic.

They went over to a small ring of horses, and they dismounted, tying them to a post.

"Ah, home sweet home." Patricia exclaimed clapping her hands together dramatically, and with great joy.

Ben looked around and couldn't help but grin himself, "I haven't seen this many mages since the Circle…perhaps ever. It feels good to be back…and surrounded by friends. If nothing else, thank you for finding me."

"You are welcome Ben," She nodded.

The two of them shared a moment, but only a moment, as suddenly a voice broke out over the air.

"Is that who I think it…Ben! Patricia! It is good to see you two! I knew it was you."

The two of them whirled around on the voice, and smiled.

"First Enchanter Marchand." Patricia smiled warmly.

He joined them, and smirked grimly. "'First Enchanter' is not exactly my proper title now, I am just Mage Marchand…not even a senior member of a fraternity, or too important in the Rebellion, though maybe I am one of the most senior members here."

"You don't sound happy," Benjamin commented.

Marchand frowned for a second, and then shook his head. "No, I am not. In truth I am uneasy about this conclave…not the idea itself mind you…but the numbers. Many people have gathered here, tourists, onlookers, and concerned members of governments and the two warring organizations who actually belong here. But despite the leaders of the war not showing up, there are dozens…perhaps hundreds…of mages. The whole thing makes me…uneasy. We are a perfect target."

"But who would attack us?" Patricia asked, arching an eyebrow.

"I don't know," Marchand shrugged, "even then, all these mages and Templars in the same place…even the civilian's. It's begging for a powder keg. Just waiting for a spark."

Ben put a hand to his lips and thought, "Sounds like you aren't exactly in favor of the rebellion."

Marchand scowled, "I wasn't, but I am now. The Templars proved themselves they were beyond the pale. Once and for all. They proved that they cannot coexist with us without them abusing their privilege." He shook his head. "But this many of us, in one place? It seems a nightmare is waiting to happen. For a place, to happen."

Benjamin felt a small shiver creep up his spine at his words. "Is everyone here?" He asked.

Marchand scowl deepened. "Yes, everyone who is coming. Despite my reservations it seems…odd that Fiona isn't here personally. The Lord Seeker isn't either. The only one with any real leadership potential is the Divine. Which means, nothing is going to be solved here…should make me less nervous but…I don't know. I would feel better if we can get someone here to know something and solve the problem. Instead, this will just be a preliminary. Makes all this," He gestured around him, indicating the surrounding tents and groups of people, "Seem all that more…dangerous. And for no real purpose."

"You're worrying for nothing," Patricia smiled assuring.

I wouldn't be sure of that. Ben thought.

"Come on, I'll show you around." Ben said taking them both around the shoulder and guiding them further into the encampment.

Further to my destiny. Ben thought.

Notes:

Well, this has been a long time coming and I am officially wrapping this up. This is perhaps my most buggy fan fiction to date which, saddens me. Posted it in the wrong order, wrong chapter names on places…oops. And I did not even notice until weeks later. So that was one of the reasons I have not finished it until now, almost a month after release, a prequel, hence compounding the error. Also, I notice in editing my latest chapter, this chapter, the last chapter, that some of the events no longer coincide with Inquisition proper…oh thee well.

Do enjoy and review anyways.