A/N: Not my best work last time, but eh. I'll make it work. Is it going too fast for ya'll? I know I've skipped a few things here and there, but also, there is a myriad of ways to do things. Moving on! Halfierra, you don't know how happy your review made me! I promise, this is not like Game of Thrones. That show is blood, sex, and sadness. The little baby bird will be safe. I'm not THAT cruel. And, again, I'm sorry I've been away for so long! College is harder than I thought. Hahaha. Enjoy the chapter, guys 😊
Hawke's lips pressed against her stomach once again. He was leaving with Stroud and Pan to help scout out the Western Approach and was very reluctant to leave Mina. She had gotten sick the past two days and was feeling a bit weak. She was due to leave for the Emprise du Lion that day for another mission. He would've rather gone with her, but she persuaded him—or rather, ordered him—to help Harding's bunch. They had gone there before, but from what she'd heard, the situation had become increasingly dangerous. That's exactly what the worst place in Thedas needed… more danger. She was worried, but if she let him know, he would argue with her about going again.
"Garrett, you're going to end up making them wait on you if you don't hurry. Just because you're the Champion and my…" she stopped and coughed, "The point is, you can't make people wait on you!"
Hawke pulled Mina's shirt back over her small bump and stood up with a smirk on his face, "Yes, my lady Inquisitor. Whatever you say." He received an angry pout as a response. She didn't like it when he didn't take her seriously. He kissed her slowly and gently, wrapping his arms around her to hold her against his chest.
"I'll be back when I can, or I'll see you in the Approach. Stay safe. And remember, you're always beautiful," he said before leaving her room.
Mina let her hand rest on her stomach where his lips had just been for a moment. She was afraid for her child… She had never had a mother, so she had no idea how to take care of a child. Hawke was definitely going to be a wonderful father. The state of the world was the root of her terror. Sure, the Inquisition was doing their best to make things better, but if the past was anything to go by, Thedas never stayed saved. Pan stopped the Blight, Hawke attempted to stop the Mage rebellion, and then there was her. The mighty Inquisitor, Herald of Andraste. She had the fabulous task of trying to kill this creature from the dawn of time. A creature so foul and arrogant that this Maker guy cursed him. If the Maker was even a real thing. She had seen more evidence of the Elven Pantheon than the stupid Maker. Of course, she'd seen two of the 'worst' Gods; Fen'Harel the trickster, and Dirthamen, the God of Deceit.
Good ol' Dread Wolf. He wasn't that scary! In fact, she could've really used his advice right about then. She had been staring out of one of her windows for some time and hadn't even noticed until Dorian's voice called her back.
"Mina, it's about time to go. I'm told that the people of the Emprise are in grave danger. Then again, who isn't lately?" he said as he sat on her desk.
Mina smirked and rolled her eyes. He was right, of course. It was always 'Inquisition to the rescue!' Their forces were beginning to get a little too thin for her liking. "Dorian, we'd be awfully bored without all these people to save. And, who else is going to do it?" Mina remarked, swinging on her long jacket. Dorian snorted and nodded in agreement. As much as they'd all like to have peace, they knew it was a long way off still. The Chantry would not rest until justice was done for Divine Justinia, Corypheus would not stop his mad quest for Godhood, and there were still plenty of small rifts to contend with. Mina frowned at the thought of what still lay ahead of them. It almost seemed impossible.
"Alright, enough with the mopey face! That's supposed to be Cassandra's job. Your job is supposed to be inspirational and beautiful! You're supposed to be strong and confident all the time. What's this mess about?" he chided.
Mina turned to the man that had become one of her closest friends and raised her eyebrows, "I'm not moping. I'm just worried. Dori. Seriously, get off of my desk, your ass probably smudged all the papers that weren't dry yet!"
"There she is! The fiery Inquisitor that we all love! Don't you worry about those papers. Everyone should be happy to see the shape of my ass any chance they get. And I wouldn't mind getting another glance at your Champion. He is delicious." Dorian had a way of making her laugh when she was not in the mood to do so.
"You leave my Hawke alone, Dorian. There are plenty of other good looking men to gawk at. Like Commander Cullen," she teased.
Dorian smiled wickedly at her, "Oh! You find our commander good looking do you? Maybe I should tell him! That would sure get Hawke all jealous."
"Dorian, no!" she cried in embarrassment. He was cackling at how red her face was. She had thought Cullen was attractive, but she had Garrett, and she cared for him a great deal. Not to mention…
"That would be highly inappropriate considering I'm carrying the Champion's child," she squeaked out. Dorian jumped up from her desk and took her hands in his, eyes sparkling with happiness.
"Congratulations are in order, I suppose. Children are a nasty business. I detest the little monsters, but you, I think, will be an excellent mother. Am I the first to know?"
"Not exactly… I told Solas and my sister, but they kind of ruined it. I assumed you heard them shouting about it yesterday. But, you're the first that I'm happy to tell!" He had a smug look on his face. Apparently he was pleased that Mina was happier to tell him than Solas, but still a little miffed that he hadn't been the very first one.
"That egg is nothing but a buffoon and an apostate hobo. I swear if he said something vile to you, I will freeze his ears off!"
"That's not necessary, but thank you. He does kind of look like a hobo now that you mention it," she giggled and looked out of her window where the sun was climbing the sky. "We really do need to get going now," she said feeling much lighter thanks to the ever-flamboyant Dorian.
Mina put her darker thoughts aside for the time being and gathered up her team: Dorian, Cole, and Bull. They were going to be her initial team for Emprise du Lion. Blackwall was going to switch out with Bull if need be, and Solas was going to switch with Dorian. Cole would be fine and Mina had to go with them anyway just in case there were rifts. There were always rifts.
The Inquisition had been in the snowy, freezing craphole of Orlais for almost a week before they had finally driven out just about all of the Red Templars. The last group of them she had to deal with was in Suledin Keep where the Desire Demon, Imshael was waiting. The fighting had been intense to get to him with the giants blocking the way. Tough buggers. Not only had this demon helped Corypheus, but it had terrorized the people of Sahrnia, and one of his rage demons had burned Dorian quite badly. Now, it had the balls to try and make a deal with her. He was, as Bull put it, talky and annoying.
"True to my name, I will show you that you have a choice. It doesn't always have to end in blood," he slithered.
Mina hoped that she could get some information out of him if she pretended to be interested in what he had to say. But, at the same time, she didn't want him to try to get in her head, so she stayed guarded.
"Talk plainly demon. Tell me what you think you have to offer," she replied. The Herald could almost feel the burning gazes of her friends behind her. Cole wanted her to know that the demon hurt too many people. Bull just wanted her to kill it, and Solas couldn't believe she was still talking to it.
The Demon grimaced and hissed, "Choice Spirit!" before laying out what he had to offer, "We don't fight. I grant you power. Shower you with riches. Or maybe Virgins. Your pick."
Mina almost couldn't contain her laughter. She had enough power as it was, plenty enough money for the Inquisition was flowing in, and sex wasn't exactly something on her mind at the moment. That's all he had to offer, and no information on Coryphy-shit.
"I find your offers amusing at best. I thought you were supposed to tell me what I desired most. Guess not. Time to die, demon!" Imshael let out a roar of frustration and morphed into a nasty looking fear demon. The Inquisitor recoiled with disgust at the sight of the spider-like legs that grew from its back. No wonder they called it a fear demon; Mina absolutely hated spiders. That wasn't what she was most afraid of, but it was still rather unnerving.
Bull charged in, knocking the blighter over, Solas cast an ice spell at it while Mina readied a rock spell for him. Cole waited for Imshael to get up before sinking his daggers into the demon's back. Imshael thrashed wildly and disappeared, conjuring a swarm of spiders in his stead. They weren't difficult, just annoying. A burst of flames around her feet got rid of most of them, but she had gotten distracted by taking care of them and did not see Imshael hurtling towards her, spider leg ready to impale her. She'd barely begun to try to dodge, knowing full well that it would be too late, and Imshael would stab the spider's leg right through her.
"No you don't, you demon piece of crap!"
Bull ran in front of her and cut the leg off with his axe. Mina's heart thudded in her throat. That was way too close for her liking. "Thanks Bull," she said as she hurled a fireball at Imshael. Bull grunted and ran at the demon who was now transforming into a rage demon.
"Looks like he needs to cool off," Mina commented. She heard Solas groan at her pun. He was such a stick in the mud!
The battle with Imshael left them all tired. No one had gotten any life-threatening wounds, just scrapes, cuts, a burn here and there, and Bull had a small spider bite which he'd taken a potion for already. They were resting a moment before calling some Inquisition troops in to claim the keep as their own. Solas had just finished healing Mina and was patching Cole up when Bull plopped down beside Mina.
"I don't want to push, Boss, but I was wondering when you were gonna tell me. I know you've already told Dorian and Solas; they've been extra careful about guarding you. And the kid already figured it out with his freaky mind thing," he said gently. The Inquisitor took in a deep breath and looked at her Qunari friend. He was Ben-Hassrath, of course he noticed, just like Leliana would have noticed.
"I'm sorry, Bull. This is beyond uncharted territory for me. I've been meaning to say something, but we've been a little busy," she replied. He smiled and put an arm around her, almost covering her up completely.
"I wish you would've told me sooner so that I could make sure to protect the little thing… and the baby too!" he teased.
Mina punched his side and made a face. She was barely less than half his height and definitely a quarter of his weight, but most people were smaller than him! Bull laughed at her and squeezed her tightly to him.
"Be gentle, The Iron Bull. You do not want to hurt the baby!" Cole said.
Solas nodded sternly and kept looking around.
"Don't worry kid, I won't hurt either of them."
Mina gave Bull another punch to the ribs and wriggled out from his arm, laughing. Bull leaped up and tried to grab her, but she was too fast. Cole watched them play like children with a curious look on his face.
"Mina…" he called to them as they raced to and fro, "She likes it when you are happy. She—"
Mina stopped in her tracks and stared at Cole, "She?" The word echoed around Suledin Keep as if the world around them were holding its breath just as the Inquisitor was.
Cole ducked his head bashfully. "I didn't mean to... I shouldn't have said anything."
Mina blew out her breath and put a hand on her growing stomach. "No, Cole. Thank you. I was going to ask Morrigan when we got back anyway. So, I am having a little girl?"
"Yes. She is doing very well," Cole said, visibly brightening.
"Congratulations, da'len," Solas said. Mina glanced at him, still upset about what he'd said when she first told him.
"She's going to be the most protected child in all of Thedas," Bull said standing a bit taller with a gleam in his eyes.
Mina was practically glowing with happiness. She would have a daughter. And, she would try her best to be a better parent than hers had been… wherever they might be. "You've got that right, Bull. Which reminds me, I need to tell everyone now, I suppose. That'll be fun."
After Imshael was taken care of, the rest of Emprise du Lion was pretty dull, except for the two dragons the Inquisition spotted circling over a bridge. They landed on top of colosseum-looking structures occasionally. "That must be their nesting grounds," Mina mused. Bull practically bounced with delight when the dragons swooped overhead. "Boss! C'mon, Boss! We have to fight them! Can we?" he begged like a little boy. The Inquisitor was supposed to keep the people safe, and Mina wanted to continue her dragon hunting… But she had to think of the life that grew steadily stronger inside her.
"Hmm… Maybe some other time, Bull. I don't think I'm quite up for dragon hunting today. Plus, we should be getting back to Skyhold soon," she answered a slightly disappointed Bull.
The grey stone walls of Skyhold greeted the returning Inquisition troops like an embrace from the mountain itself. Mina could feel the soldiers relax as they passed under the portcullis. They believed that the heavy iron bars and high walls would protect them from anything. That, and they truly believed the little Elf woman they followed was the Herald of Andraste. Though Mina did not believe it herself, she proudly rode her Tirashan Swiftwind, Pepper, to the stables. Pepper was by far Mina's favorite mount. She was a sweet girl that had endless patience with Mina's awkward riding and ferocity when an enemy came too close. As Mina dismounted and fed Pepper some alfalfa and oats, one of Leliana's scouts ran up to her.
"Lady Inquisitor! We are glad to see you are back. Lady Nightingale would ask you to confirm the report that she was given," the scout greeted her nervously.
"Thank you. I will do that. But, would you mind summoning my war council? And my inner circle. There is something I need to share with everyone," Mina said with a smile.
In the war room, Mina casually gazed out of the window while she waited for everyone to arrive. Cullen was pacing restlessly. Leliana and Josephine chatted quietly. The only two people they were missing were Sera and Ceras. Even Morrigan stood in the corner, cautiously watching everyone. Not too much later, Sera barged in laughing, quickly followed by a disgruntled Ceras who looked like she'd been the butt of a prank the blonde Elf had constructed. Ceras had dried mud all the way up to her thighs and a look in her eyes that said she wanted to murder Sera. Before her sister had the chance, Mina took her place in the curve of the war table. Everyone was curious, worried, or already knew exactly what Mina was going to say. She took a moment to look each of her strange group of friends in the eyes, stopping at Varric who had tried to get a hint out of her earlier. She wouldn't budge. He was one of the ones who was worried. Along with Cass and Cullen. Of course.
"I know we're all tired, but thank you for stopping whatever it is you were doing—" she paused and gave a pointed look at Sera who wiggled her eyebrows unapologetically.
"I would have preferred to have Garrett here as well, but it'll be a while yet before we see him. Some of you already know, and Leliana, I know you've probably known for a while, though I haven't told you." Mina took a deep breath to try and calm her nerves. She'd thought about it and thought about it, and decided she wanted to tell everyone else at once, but now… It seemed a bit daunting. Soon, the guests in Skyhold would know, and the gossiping pair would be going on and on about it, adding in their own ridiculous details. She caught Dorian's eye. He smiled encouragingly and nodded for her to go on.
"Everyone, I have big news to announce," she finally declared, "Champion Hawke and I are going to have a baby!"
Gasps and shouts of congratulations came from everywhere, even those who already knew. Varric rushed over to her and hugged her. She swore he was almost in tears. "Maker, this is…" he chuckled.
"Well, this is wonderful news! Do you want me to write the others? I'm not sure how Broody will react, but I think he'll be happy in his own way. Daisy is going to cry for sure—you know how she is. Isabella will try to steal the baby. Aveline will be happy and maybe get away from Kirkwall to visit for about thirty seconds. I'll let Hawke tell Bethany."
"Thank you, Varric. I'd appreciate it a lot. It'll take some stress off of me," she said and kissed her adopted brother on his cheek.
Cassandra scooted over, awkwardly. "Um… congratulations, Inquisitor. I'm not sure how I can help with a child, but I promise you they will not be harmed."
"Thank you, Cass. She will be well looked after, I'm sure."
"She?!" Morrigan asked with surprise.
Mina looked at the witch and nodded, "Yep. Cole told me when we were in Emprise du Lion. I think he sensed something about her."
"Tis a little early to be able to say for sure, but I suppose it is possible," Morrigan said with a ghost of a smile. She slipped away, making room for the others. Bull gave her a hug and wandered out to go grab a drink. Vivienne gushed about how she would need to order some baby clothes from Val Royeaux soon. Dorian hugged her as well and told her that he needed to be consulted about names when Mina finally decided. Solas murmured his congratulations again and left. He knew she was still mad at him. Ceras hugged her sister tight and looked at Mina proudly.
"I am so happy for you, Mina. You're doing so much good in this world, and I have a feeling your baby will be your pride and joy. She will be the best thing you've given to the world. I just know it!" Ceras praised.
"Thank you, sister. I hope I can be a good mother to her," Mina said skeptically. Ceras nodded, "You will be. And don't worry about mistakes you make. You are a new mother. Mothers still make mistakes. Now, I must say goodbye for a while. I am being called to places far away from Skyhold. I promise I'll come and visit you when I can." Mina scowled at Ceras. She'd just gotten there, and Mina was not keen on letting her go after she thought Ceras was dead. "But—" as if he'd known, Keter came racing into the war room. Mina had few moments with the big pup since he'd arrived with Ceras. She gave him a good scratch behind the ears.
"Alright, fine. You both go by the kitchen and tell Cara to give you extra rations for your trip per me," Mina ordered.
Ceras looked like she was about to protest, but Keter barked happily. "I guess I have to since Keter is going to expect decent food now," Ceras said with a smirk. The sisters embraced each other for a long moment before Ceras took her leave.
Josephine and Leliana waited patiently for their turn to see the expecting mother. "I was wondering when you'd make the announcement," Leliana said. Josephine shot her a look. "I wish you would have told me! This is most happy news, Inquisitor! I will have much to plan for you: Baby showers for both Orlais and Ferelden, maybe even Nevarra. Sending invitations, readying thank you cards, party favors…" Josephine ducked her head embarrassed.
"Josephine, we'll take care of that in due time," Mina assured her, "For now, I just want to make sure that we can save everyone. Corypheus isn't going to sit by so that I can have a baby."
Leliana nodded in agreement, "She is right you know. We can spread the fun parts out so that no one gets too down. Plus, the more parties we have, the more likely it is that we can gather useful information. Maybe we can even find out who has a young son—"
"Leli. I am not having an arranged marriage for my daughter. Garrett would be just as against it as I am. The blackmail is fine, but leave my child out of this," Mina scolded.
The Spymaster laughed, "I was only teasing. I would never use such a precious gift like that! It's barbaric. I will, however, dig up the best blackmail. Excuse us, Inquisitor, I need to see to any reports my scouts have brought back."
"And I must start making the announcement to all the Noble Houses," Josephine said.
Sera bounced over to Mina, mischief in her eyes. "I'll have another partner in crime, yeah? Ooh! I'll get to teach her all my tricks. Brilliant innit?!" Mina rolled her eyes. Of course the goofy Elf would see this as a way to spread her shenanigans further. Not that Mina minded it… much. Mina had helped Sera more times than was "proper" for someone of her status. Sera didn't even wait for Mina to reply before yelling and running out of the War Room like a madwoman. "Woooooh!"
Cole smiled at her shyly, "I am happy that you are happy. This will be a good thing, I think. A lot of people seem to like new babies."
"Thank you, Cole," Mina said as he disappeared. It was weird, but Mina almost thought of him like a son. She felt an overwhelming need to keep him safe and make sure that he was well taken care of. He was a sweet boy, and tried his best to help everyone. Sometimes, it got him into trouble, but he meant well. He'd learn eventually, just like a child. Blackwall interrupted her thoughts by clearing his throat.
"Hello Blackwall."
"Hey there, Duckie. I can't believe it… You're going to be a wonderful mother, you know. And a fierce one too!"
"I'll try my best. I'll have plenty to help. And, hey! You're going to be a grandpa!" Mina exclaimed.
Something flashed in Blackwall's eyes before he smiled, surprised. Mina tilted her head, trying to decipher what it was that he had tried to hide from her. Fear? Regret? Guilt?
"I am, am I? I'll not be called a grandpa quite yet. I'm not that old," he said with mock irritation.
"How about Pawpaw instead, hmm? Pawpaw Blackwall," Mina giggled.
"That's more like it. I think I'd be alright with that. And so long as Hawke takes care of you and her, I won't have to knock some sense into him." Mina gave him a little shove. She happened to look over his shoulder to see Cullen standing there, looking very uncomfortable. "I'll talk to you later, Blackwall. I think I need to talk to Cullen a moment," she said. The relief on Cullen's face made it clear that something was up. Blackwall looked at Cullen and Mina with raised eyebrows. "Hmph. I'll talk to you later, Duckie," he said casually. He'd noticed something weird too.
A few seconds after Blackwall left the room, Mina turned to her Commander.
"What's wrong, Cullen?" she asked gently. She was honestly worried. He looked like he wanted to get sick.
He fidgeted before answering, "I, uh… well… I'm just worried about you going out and putting yourself in danger. What if something happened to you? Or your child?" He had crossed the room and stood close to her. His bright golden brown eyes shone with sincerity. Mina opened her mouth to say something, but Cullen put a hand on her shoulder and continued.
"I know you're the Inquisitor— the Herald of Andraste— but not even you are untouchable. You're a very skilled fighter, magic or no, and I know you can handle yourself… But I care about you too much to see anything happen. We all care about you too much to let you put yourself and your child in too much danger."
Mina smiled at him. He was so sweet, even if he worried like a mother hen. The fact was that they were at war, and she was Corypheus' main threat. Nothing, save cutting her hand off or killing him, would change that. Mina was certainly not going to chop off any limbs.
"Cullen, thank you for worrying. Really. But, I'll be fine. I've got the best team in all Thedas. In all the world, and any world other than this one. I'd happily bet my life on what the Inquisition has become, and is growing into.," she answered.
The commander sighed and rubbed his eyes with one hand, "Please, just promise me that if you get into trouble you're not sure you can handle… you'll run. Just run. Don't try to be a hero. Order whoever you have with you to run as fast as they can and don't look back."
"Alright. I promise I'll run. No one will die on my while I'm around."