She stopped to catch her breath, sweat rolling down her face. Closing her eyes she took deep breaths. Her muscles ached, but it just meant it was working, opening them she looked at him to start again. The young soldier sprinted at her, charging with
a dull sword. With her one dagger she pushed the sword away while spinning, hooking one arm around his throat, kicking out his leg and pinning him to the ground, the other hand holding another dagger to his throat. Satisfied she helped the young man
up. They were about to go again when Dorian stepped in.
"As much as I love you regaining your strength, you should take a break now and again."
"If I take a break, I might lose strength." She gave him a curt smile, before beckoning the soldier to begin again. Hesitantly he obeyed, lunging at her again.
"I was more talking to the soldiers you see keen on beating down." He stood off to the side, leaning against his staff watching.
"Well, maybe they will learn a thing or two and won't be so easy to beat." Shekicked the sword out of the soldiers hand, grabbing his left arm twisting it behind his back. Kicking out his knees, holding her dagger againto his throat. After
a couple seconds she released him, helping him up again. When he stood he held up his hands, suggesting he had enough, agitated she let him go, turning to Dorian. "Happy?"
"Not in the slightest." Her voice came out harsh, almost like a growl. He held up his hands.
"It is not me you're angry at love, remember that." She rolled her eyes, making her way back up to the castle.
"No, but you seem keen on agitating me." She emphasized the word keen, earning a small roll of his eyes.
"True." He took a couple long strides so he was now walking beside her. "I only do this, so when he does return, if he returns, you will punch him in that pretty little elf face before he says a word."
"And if I don't?" He smiled.
"Then I will, then Bull, Cassandra, Cullen, Se-."
"Alright, I get it." She shook her head, a small smile. "How is it you can annoy and make me happy?" He put a finger to his lips and smiled bigger.
"Ah, that my dear, is a secret."
With that he left, greeting Bull and Varric. She started to head to her quarters when she saw the study door was slightly opened. Curious she then turned and headed into the room, cautiously opening the door. The room was dimlylit, but no one seemed
to be in the room. She ventured further in, hesitating after a couple steps and then left the room. She couldn't bring herself to look around. She had made sure they kept the room clean, but made sure nothing was disturbed or moved out of place. Though
as much as she tried, she couldn't go in. It had been seven months since she saw Solas. The last thing he told her was that he had something he must do, but he would be back. That was it. There were no letters, no visits in the fade. Nothing, he just
vanished again. Anger now started to fill her. Shutting the door she made her way to her quarters, ignoring anyone who wanted her attention. The only one she seemed comfortable talking to was Dorian. They all knew what happened, she just couldn't
stand talking about it over and over with them, some how Dorian knew when it was ok to ask, and when to vere the conversation. Upon entering the room, she collapsed on the couch. A quick flick of her wrist and the fireplace lit up. No one could explain
how she suddenly had the ability to use magic, but it was kept amongst themselves, no one outside the Inquisition knew, and she was sure to only use it in private. She watched the flames dance and flicker. Anger flared again, causing her to stand
and pace. She was infuriated, how could he? After everything, he left without saying a word, again. Her fingers began to tingle with electricity. She walked up to the far wall and punched as hard as she could, electricity flowing in leaving a darkened
mark on the wall. As much as she loved that damn wolf, she was also very pissed. She flung away from the wall, storming to the balcony. The cool air hit her face, closing her eyes she took a deep breath and let the anger subside. Opening her eyes
she smiled, when he does show his face, she will show him anger.
-x-
She awoke with a loud banging echoing in the room. Peeking one eye opened it was morning, realizing it was the door, she sighed and pulled herself out of the bed. Looking down she had slept in her armor, rolling her eyes at herself she went to the door.
Unlocking it to see a worried Leliana.
"There is urgent news, please, come with me." Leliana grabbed her hand, yanking her along, leading her to the war room. The people in the hall were buzzing with talk, though most of their faces were worried. Before she could ask, Leliana pushed her into
the war room where familiar faces faced her. They were all gathered in the room, staring at her.
"W-what?" Leliana gave her a shove to the table.
"This is big. Not as big as Corypheus, but big." Josephine spoke, scribbling on a piece of paper, her brows furrowed.
She walked over to the table, nothing seemed out of ordinary, she looked up in confusion.
"I don't understand, what is so urgent that I didn't have time to at least do my hair." She began to braid it, causing it to fall over her right shoulder.
"Elves." She stared at Cullen.
"What do you mean elves? You told me they all but disappeared." Her eyes narrowed watching him, he shifted uncomfortably under her gaze.
"At the time, they were. But now." Josephine handed him a piece of paper. "We have heard reports. We sent out more than one scout to confirm it." He now handed her the paper.
Spymaster,
We don't know why, or how they appeared, but there is a massive band of elves, easily enough to be an army. They do not seemed armed in any way, dressed in casual clothing. There are women and children in the midst.
There seems to be a leader of sorts marching them on. He has fur drapped around his shoulder, head shaved on both sides with long black hair down the center. There seems to be some sort of small skull on the top of his forehead.
It seems the force marches towards Skyhold, the path they take only makes sense. We will watch them for as long as we can.
Scout Harding
She read the letter at least three times, going over each word. Why would they march to Skyhold? If they were unarmed were they no longer a threat? Or was that the idea. Who was this man leading them? It was Dorian who spoke next.
"We believe it to be him. Though, the description is, well, not him. It would make sense no?" She looked up at them, anger starting to rise, but she maintained it as best as she could.
"What do you mean." Her voice came out harsh. Dorian just gave her a soft look, but he looked at Bull.
"We travelled to the ruins no? It took us weeks to travel there and a couple days to search the area. Imagine entire tribes. They would have to stop and rest far more often then four of us would. Plus we had horses. They have children who need rest as
well as the mothers." She breathed in slowly, letting her senses come to her.
"If, IF, it is him, it still wouldn't take this long to travel, couple months maybe."
"Yes, but imagine telling a large group of people to leave another home. It would take time to convince each one again to follow him, plus you would have to watch over the people going through the mirror." Bull pointed to the map, causing them all to
look down. "You would also have to steer clear, mostly, of peering eyes, but close enough to water. They would most likely follow the sea, maintaining a safe distance not to be seen by Val Royeaux. You also wouldn't risk getting to close to the plains
or Lion. They would follow the sea until they reached the base of the mountains, making their way through the center, covering them from both sides." She looked up at Bull with a questioning look. "I, uh, may have researched." He gave a nervous laugh
before stepping back.
"Our problem is, we don't know if this is a friendly force, or…" Leliana casted her gaze to the map, biting her lip.
"Or a new war." She pinched the bridge of her nose. "If it is a trap, I have to stay here and protect what people I can. Send Dorian, Cassandra, Bull and Vivienne. Hopefully friendly faces won't enforce an attack. Plus, Dorian has an amulet which we can
contact through giving us an immediate report." She looked up, they were all staring at her. It was odd, but then again, this was the first time she was giving orders in 2 years. "Sorry.."
"No, no, that's actually a nice plan. I just have a question though." Cullen looked down at her, raising an eyebrow. "Why send two mages, wouldn't it be wiser to keep one behind?"
"No, if we send to they can cast barriers giving us a little more time. Their magic is strong, and stronger together." She gave a small smile, trying to be reassuring, but she didn't fully believe it would work.
"We will be ready to leave in 2 hours. I'll send word as soon as we can. How far out are they now?" Dorian looked to Leliana.
"It will be 2 weeks, more or less depending how fast they travel. I can send some of my scouts to meet you there and give you aid if needed." They all started to file out, leaving her and Varric in the room. She picked up the letter again, not really
reading it this time.
"What will you do?" She blinked up at him, stopping the tears from falling.
"I…. I don't know…" She placed the letter down, her finger trailing on the map of the route they would take. "If.. If it is a war, I fear the worst, I fear I will have to do something I never thought I would." She looked up meeting his gaze. "If it's
not? Would I really turn down these people? My kin? Women and children? I wouldn't think of turning down any others, but I fear most would not share my ideals." She huffed in frustration.
"In either case, you know you have people that will stand by your decisions. We have this far. And do you know why?" He placed a hand on her arm. "It's because we believe no matter how hard the choice, it's for the greater good, not for your personal
gain." She smiled at him. "Now, that doesn't mean you still shouldn't punch him, how did Dorian put it… ah yes! That pretty little elf face." She then laughed, wiping away the one stray tear.
"I will, Creators know I am angry with him." He gave her a soft squeeze of the arm, before disappearing.
She walked over to one of the large windows, peering down the mountain side. It was a beautiful day, surely. One last glance she walked out of the war room. Anger still lingered but there was something else deep down, something she didn't expect to feel.
Curling her hands into fists she smiled as she walked down the hallway. Excitement.
I know it's a short chapter, but the next one will be longer, it might be the last chapter or second last, I'm not sure yet. Thanks for reading!