A/N: Dramatic aren't I? Yes, yes. Mina has the mark. Happy days. Let's get on with the story, because I'm sure you all saw that coming. Oh, and I'm trying to deviate a bit from the script. I feel like it is copyright if I don't, even if I put a disclaimer. Of course, it's called FANFICTION for a reason, but whatever. Triple T, I actually have an idea for Mina's magic :D You almost read my mind~
Garrett. Get to Garrett. He's in danger. Have to help him before it's too late. Almost there… keep running.
Mina of Clan Lavellan opened her eyes feeling rather groggy and confused. She could have sworn she was fighting demons last time she was awake. She'd barely sat up when a little Elf woman walked through the doors carrying a crate of something. She saw Mina and dropped it.
"Oh! Forgive me! I didn't know you were awake!"
"Its fine, I just woke up. Why are you frightened? What happened? Um… and where am I?"
"You're in Haven, your Worship. I-I said the wrong thing didn't I? I didn't mean to."
The Elf fell to her knees and bowed to Mina, who was very confused.
"Please, don't do that. I'm an Elf too, and not an important one either, so…"
"I beg your forgiveness and your blessing! I am but a humble servant. They say you saved us. The Breach stopped growing, just like the mark on your hand!" she blurted out, still afraid.
Mina studied the thing on her left hand curiously. It didn't hurt nearly as much, and it seemed to have stopped trying to eat her whole arm. That seemed like a good sign. But… the woman had said 'stopped growing' not sealed. The mission was a failure. Mina's heart sank.
"It's all anyone has talked about for the last three days!" she babbled on.
"It was supposed to shut it completely…" Mina mumbled.
"I-I'm certain Lady Cassandra would want to know that you were awake. She said 'at once'."
"And where is she?"
"In the Chantry with the Lord Chancellor. At once, she said!" With that, the strange little Elf scampered off. Mina rubbed her temples and tried to think of what to do next. Surely, the Chancellor would see this as a failure and try to imprison her once more. And Cassandra would be furious… Solas might defend her, strange as it was, and Varric would fight tooth and nail to keep her away from the headsman's axe or a noose.
For now, she put that aside. She wanted to see what was going on outside, as she could hear a commotion from beyond her door. But first, she decided to take a peek inside the crate the Elf was carrying. She found three Elfroot and a health potion. Was this meant for her? She must've been worse off than she'd thought.
It was time to see the angry faces of Haven. Except, when Mina opened the door people were gathered around, waiting for her. Loads and loads of them. They didn't seem angry or ready to kill her at all. They seemed awed. And happy to see her. What in the world had happened to change these people's minds? Mina walked by them, slowly, glancing from side to side, wondering what they were doing. She heard an odd snatch of a whisper here and there.
"—Herald of Andraste!"
"She saved us all!"
"—Chosen by the Maker himself!"
Nothing cleared up what exactly had happened, but she'd ask Varric if she got the chance. She made it to the Chantry building all the while getting gawked at by everyone in sight. Such an odd experience. It made her very uncomfortable to be stared at in such a way by so many people.
She made it to the door she'd assumed was where Cassandra and the Chancellor were. Mostly because she could hear yelling coming from the other side.
"It failed Seeker! You were wrong!"
"Was I? It stabilized the Breach! What have you done, you pompous old fool?!"
"Excuse me! I have tried to maintain order. This pet Elf of yours needs to be taken into custody and—"
Mina pushed the door open with a shit eating grin on her face. She was being defended, and this was when she got to punch the old man with more bark than bite. 'I'm here, bitches!' she yelled triumphantly in her head.
"Well, good day to you, Chancellor," she purred.
"Chain her!" the Chancellor ordered to the two Templars on guard.
"Disregard that, and leave us," snapped Cassandra. The Templars saluted and walked out, leaving the four of them to talk. Mina hadn't noticed Leliana standing off to the side at first. She was probably there to mediate between the two hot heads as well as try and rephrase what Cassandra said to make it sound more appealing.
"You walk a dangerous line, Seeker."
"The Breach is still a threat. It is stabilized, but we do not know what it can still do. I will not ignore it."
Mina smiled and sat on the cabinet that Leliana was leaning against. She looked slightly amused and frustrated at the same time.
"They've been at it for hours, I take it," Mina said casually. She hadn't actually talked with the redhead directly before.
"Yes, and it's gotten nowhere. I do not know whether I find it comical or infuriating," she answered, her tone light.
Mina chuckled and turned her attention back to the arguing pair.
"You know, Roderick, I did everything I could to close the Breach. It almost killed me," Mina put in almost lazily.
"And yet, here you are. A great result as far as you're concerned," he said annoyed. She sniggered. Apparently not using his precious title irked him.
"Yes, because I've made it a hobby to almost die. It's so much fun! You should try it," she said sweetly. It was a thinly veiled threat, which he understood. She was being nice so far and not hitting him. That, to her was great behavior since she absolutely could not stand him.
Cassandra gave Mina a look to try and shut her up. Mina made a face and shrugged as if to say, 'Well… he deserved it'.
"Have a care Chancellor. The Breach is not the only threat we face," the Seeker continued.
That is where Leliana decided to jump in, "Someone is behind the explosion at the Conclave. Someone Most Holy did not expect. Perhaps they died with the others—or have allies that still yet live."
The Chancellor scoffed at that, "I am a suspect? You cannot be serious."
Leliana narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms, "You and many others. I can assure you we are quite serious, Chancellor."
"But you do not suspect the prisoner?" he spat. Mina reveled in his anguish and kicked her legs back and forth like a child.
Cassandra spoke up again, "I heard the voices in the temple. The Divine called out to her for help."
"Her survival, and that thing on her hand are all, what? Coincidence? Unlikely!"
"Providence. The Maker sent her to us when we needed her most." Mina almost fell over when she heard Cassandra. The Maker sent her?! She didn't even believe in the Maker for fuck's sake! Was that why she'd heard people whispering about the Herald of Andraste? Was that what they were calling her now? Ugh. Terrible name, really.
"Sorry to contradict you, Cass, but… I'm not some chosen one. I don't even believe in your Maker," Mina said.
Cassandra stared at Mina thoughtfully for a moment. "The Maker works in mysterious ways," she said and walked over to a bookshelf.
"The Breach remains, and your mark is still our only hope of closing it," Leliana continued for the Seeker.
Roderick snapped at her, "This is not for you to decide."
Cassandra stopped back to the table and slammed a thick, really old book down. It had metal on the edges of it and an eye in the middle of the sun. Mina hopped up from her perch and looked at it with great interest.
"You know what this is, Chancellor. A writ from the Divine, Herself, granting us the authority to act. As of this moment, I declare the Inquisition Reborn," Cassandra backed the mouthy man against the wall, "We will close the Breach, we will find those responsible, and we will restore order. With or without your approval!"
At long last, Roderick didn't have an argument to come back with. He glared at them all, shook his head in disgust and stormed out.
Cassandra made a face as he left then turned toward Leliana who had her arms crossed sternly.
"Cassandra, you pushed them away. The Chantry isn't going to help us now," she sighed.
"We don't need them! We'll make them listen," answered Cassandra.
Mina picked up the old, metal edged book and examined it. "What exactly is this Inquisition?" she asked. The two women snapped to attention. It appeared Mina had asked the right question.
"It's a way to gather the people together to do what must be done!" proclaimed the Seeker.
"It is… a way to change how things are. It is what is necessary," Leliana stated as if she were talking to herself.
Mina nodded and traced the outline of the eye in the center of the sun. If it meant fixing the sky and proving that she didn't have anything to do with exploding the Conclave, she was all for it. Thwarting the Chantry's authority was a bonus as far as she was concerned. They were a bunch of rubbish, show offy, power hungry nuns. She never trusted anything that killed in the name of a religion. She'd rather shed blood for a good reason, like defending someone you cared about. Or, helping fight in the name of what was right. Of course, there were different views of what was 'right', so naturally that created all kinds of conflict. So was the nature of the people who inhabited that world.
"I'm in. Let's get stuff done!" she shouted excitedly.
"I was hoping you'd say that. It was the Divine's directive: Rebuild the Inquisition of old; find those who will stand against the chaos… We aren't ready. We have no leader, no numbers, and now, no Chantry support," Leliana said wearily.
"But we have no choice," argued Cassandra, "We must act now. With you, helping us."
Mina grinned and cracked her knuckles, "I'm always up for a challenge. I told you before, Cass, I'll do whatever I can. Whatever it takes. Plus, I made a promise to the Commander. I always keep my promises."
Leliana smiled and excused herself for a moment. Cassandra cleared off the table and spread out a map of Thedas. She began putting down different pieces and marking certain places. There was a raven, a hand holding… something, and a bell. Mina watched what Cassandra was doing with the little pieces. They seemed rather clustered together… If they meant what she thought they meant, this Inquisition had a lot to work to do.
"Hey, Cass?"
"It's Cassandra. What do you want, Herald?"
Mina made a face like she tasted something sour. "First off, what is this 'Herald' business? Second, is that all the troop coverage we have?"
Leliana answered her question as she re-entered the room, "The people are calling you 'The Herald of Andraste'. They believe that Andraste was the woman who was behind you in the Fade. The rumors are legion. Even if we tried to stop them from spreading—"
"Which we have not," interjected a tan, dark haired woman with a strange accent. Mina hadn't even seen her enter the room. Before her also stood the golden, almost glowing, Cullen. She'd been so focused on the map, she'd let two people get past her notice.
Leliana nodded to acknowledge the tan woman and continued, "They would not stop talking or believing. You cannot change someone's belief very easily with force."
Cullen chimed in, "And, yes, those are all of our troops. I'm sure we will grow once we start gaining a real name for ourselves."
Cassandra introduced each of them, Josephine Montilyet their Ambassador to deal with the political side, Commander Cullen, leader of the Inquisition's army, such as it was. And then, there was Leliana, the Spymaster. That explained why she always seemed so calm and she usually looked like she knew something you didn't. That was also why Mina felt incredibly uncomfortable around her. But… that name rang a bell in her head. Of course! In Dragon Age: Origins, Leliana had been one of the Warden's companions! Mina had played it in Texas with some of the boys. What happened to her…?
"Herald, we think you would be the best one to inspire people to join us. We'll figure out the details of it and let you know," informed Cullen.
Mina grimaced, "Please, don't. That sounds too much like I'm on a pedestal. Call me Mina. Or at least Lavellan after my Clan."
Cullen flushed and nodded, "Uh… Lavellan, then. We will inform you as soon as we figure out the specifics."
Josephine chimed in happily, "For now, why don't you get familiar with Haven? I'm sure there are those who would love to speak with you."
Mina smiled and excused herself. Josephine had a great idea. Anything to stretch her legs and get away from what would probably be a boring meeting. The people of Haven bustled around, working on fixing things, making armor and weapons, and the usual things people did in a city square. They sold their wares, they bartered, and they yelled after their children. They went on with life however odd it had become. Mina admired that about the people of that world. They were tough. And they did the best they could with what they had. The nobles were a different story most of the time, but not always.
A few people waved or smiled as she walked by, to which she returned graciously. It was a complete turnaround from the last time she walked the streets of Haven. She ended up helping the requisitions officer with some materials, had the blacksmith start on making her new Inquisition armor, and was roaming around outside of Haven, looking for something the Apothecary wanted. He'd mentioned that his master liked to go out to a barn and think in peace. So far, she'd found nothing but snow and trees. And of course, the frozen lake. She'd fallen on it several times that day.
She almost gave up when she heard footsteps behind her. That had happened a few times and turned out to be a goat, but this time, it sounded different. "Oi! Quit skulking about or you're likely to get a lightning bolt to the face," she warned.
And out stepped Varric, Bianca on his back. A most welcome sight. She hadn't been able to talk to him freely since they'd seen each other again.
"Hello, brother," she said with a grin.
"Hey there, Kitten. Getting into trouble, as always I see," he said, smiling.
She ran over and hugged him tightly. She had a piece of herself back again. It felt wonderful!
"I've missed you so much! There's so much I have to tell you! So many questions…" she gushed.
Varric hugged her back and started laughing, "Woah! Slow down there. One thing at a time, ok? Why are you even out here?"
"I'm looking for a barn or something. The Apothecary said he needed some notes that were left there.
"I'll help you look. Meanwhile, we can talk. You tell me what's been going on with that crazy Clan of yours and then I'll tell you what happened while you were gone. Deal?" Mina nodded excitedly and began telling him about training with the Keeper and the magic she and Ceras had acquired, leaving out the blood magic part, and how she dealt with those who had threatened her Clan. He was surprised that she had still completed the mission he'd sent her on after all that had happened. Mina just winked and said she'd made him a promise. Becoming the First of Clan Lavellan was her favorite memory of her time with the Elves, and she recounted it with perfect detail. From the vow to protect the Clan and guide them wisely, to the feast, to the dancing around the fire and prayer to the Creators. She finally felt a part of something, however it wasn't exactly what she'd wanted. In her heart, she'd felt like she had much more to do. Apparently that entailed becoming the Herald of Andraste.
Varric looked at her, surprise clear in his eyes. His face shone with pride though, he'd never get soft enough to say that he was proud of her. They didn't do that the closest they got was calling each other brother or sister. They understood they meant the world to each other and they would protect each other with everything they had.
"You've certainly been busy. Well, the news about Kirkwall won't be nearly as fun," he said. His face looked even more tired when he talked about his home. Something even worse than fighting Meredith and Orsino and seeing his city be plunged further into chaos.
"Varric, if you don't want to talk about it, that's fine," Mina soothed.
"No. You need to know, Mina. After Meredith turned into a giant red lyrium statue, things were understandably rocky. A lot of people wanted Hawke to become the new Viscount, but he declined, of course. People got mad, mages and Templars couldn't wait to blame each other for how things ended up. Aveline had her hands more than full… She was the one to go to after Hawke, like always. Isabela decided it was time to get back to the sea. I get a letter from her once in a while. She's calling herself an Admiral now," he paused and chuckled at that, "I think she just gets to wear a big hat. Daisy started to help the Alienage Elves. I think she's started to teach kids or something equally good hearted. We thought it was bad then. Hah! Eventually there was a larger faction of nobles that started blaming Hawke for what had happened. The new Viscount, some noble from house such and such, tried to defend Hawke. It didn't work out too well. He's still the Viscount as far as I know, but he became significantly less popular. People had started to get sick… at first it seemed like nothing serious, but then they started to hear strange noises and eventually they went mad. People died. It was from the red lyrium."
Varric took a long minute to gather his thoughts. Mina almost didn't think he was going to continue. She wished she'd been there to help put things back in order. She was happy that Aveline and Merrill had done so well, and wasn't at all surprised that Isabela decided to leave. At least for a while. She had the heart of a gypsy, and proudly indulged it.
Varric continued his story quietly, "Hawke got all kinds of hate walking down the street in Hightown. Lowtown and Darktown still loved him, but it was really hard on him. He had one lady throw a bottle at him. He caught it, but it busted and cut his hand open. That was when Fenris demanded that Hawke get a bodyguard. Or, rather, Fenris decided to guard Hawke himself. But, Hawke would have none of it. He hung on a few more weeks before he decided he was going to leave Kirkwall for good. He'd given everything to that damned city, and it damned him. It took what he had and demanded more."
Mina felt her heart hurting for the man she cared for more than anyone. She wanted nothing more than to hold him close and shield him from those who wanted to hurt him. Knowing Garrett, he probably made a joke about it and took it with a smile. At least in front of everyone.
"Varric—"
"He broke down, Kitten. He actually came to me, sobbing. He'd lost his brother, his sister, and his mother. And, he'd lost you too. He had nothing. He didn't go to the estate in the end… he sat with me in the Hanged Man and more often than not, he fell asleep in a chair. That was the most frightening thing I've ever seen. Hawke was the Champion… he was a hero who got to live on after his story with something. But, he was broken. He and Fenris left two years after you did. I don't know where they are now."
Varric looked so sad. He looked like all the energy had been taken from him. Mina hated seeing him like that. That wasn't how he was supposed to be. He was the one that listened and cheered everyone up. What happened when he couldn't anymore? How could she help her brother? They ended up walking around, swapping stories for another hour before they found the barn and the notes Apothecary Adan wanted. It was nearly dark and getting cold rather quickly, but neither of them really noticed. They were having a good time, despite Varric's complaints about being out in the wilderness and having no proper path to walk on.
Mina spotted a torch through the trees. "What's that? It's coming from the direction of Haven, but it's smaller and moving," she wondered aloud.
"Let's find out," suggested Varric.
They came to a clearing at the same time the torch bearer did. It was the Commander.
"Hey there, Commander. Out for a nice stroll?" asked Mina with a friendly smile. She hoped he didn't mind she was a mage. Better to be friendly either way.
"Ah! No, I was actually looking for you. Are you out here alone—?" He stopped when he saw Varric, "Guess not. Good. Uh… We, Leliana, Josephine, and I, have received a message for you, Herald. Um, that is, Lady Lavellan."
Varric shot Mina a look that all but told her he was laughing internally at the awkward man. Mina couldn't help but chuckle a little, "Thank you, Commander. Varric was helping me retrieve something for our Apothecary. I'll be glad of more company on the walk back to camp."
Varric coughed and spoke up, "Actually, I have something I need to take care of. I'll be back in Haven a little later." He raised an eyebrow at Mina and shook his head.
Mina furrowed her eyebrows and shrugged. He had no idea what he was trying to get at. This was a chance to prove that she wasn't such a 'bad mage' and to maybe win Cullen over. She jogged over to where the Commander was standing and warmed her hands on his torch for a second.
"I guess I was gone for quite some time. I got a little lost…" she admitted sheepishly.
Cullen cleared his throat and began to walk slowly, "That is surprising. You've lived among trees and such. I thought you might pick up the lay of the land right away. You could've gone pretty far in the time you were out."
Mina almost growled at him. Was he accusing her of trying to escape? She wasn't a prisoner any longer. She was there because she wanted to be! How dare he?! Her mood plummeted dramatically. Maybe he had harder prejudice against mages than she'd thought. Kirkwall was a good reason for it, but not every mage was like that. She thought she'd proven herself by trying to fix the breach. She was seething.
"I could've, but I guess I'm the one Elf who doesn't have a sense of direction, and the one mage who doesn't want to escape to 'freedom'!" she snapped. He gave her a bewildered look and started to stammer something, but she didn't want to hear it. He'd pissed her off, and if she stuck around much longer, he'd have a broken nose. Maybe more. She lit a fireball in her hand and stomped off, fuming, all the way back to Haven and her room.