I took my own advise when I thought about Dorian's words and ran like the clappers out of the village. If the Herald and co were already back at Haven and I turned up, horseless, dirty and in the same clothes I was in when they saw me last, that would raise questions. None to which I had answers and surprisingly enough, I was a terrible liar. At worst I'd be uncovered and the probably thrown out for going against orders or something like that. After all Leliana had no claim as my employer and the only other person who knew was Harding and I doubt she would drop herself in it along with me. At least, Leliana would tell me off for being late. I severely hoped that would happen. Yes, I didn't know what I'd do if they kicked me out now. I was too involved and Dorian needed me to get the Inquisition to Redcliff.
However, charging off into the middle of the night through a war torn Hinterlands was not the best idea I've ever had. I had to avoid the Templars and mages this time round because their groups were bigger and there was no way I could take them on single handedly. I walked along the river, hoping in vain that I'd find my horse again, but to no avail. I hoped that it managed to find its way back safely, or at least someone else had found it and would look after it. Only thing was, it had my other quiver arrows and that left me with only five in my current quiver.
Another reason why I had to avoid all manner of altercation unless it was completely unavoidable. Like that bloody pack of wolves I ran into. One of the bastards scraped my arm and fell into my head, so subsequently: I was head butted by a wolf.
They even chased me up a bloody tree and everything! Luckily it gave me a good place to shoot down from. However now I only had one arrow left. Yes.
Walking through the Hinterlands with one arrow! Splendid! Really! Well done, Nev, you do always know how to manage a disaster.
I was more or less sprinting over the hills and valleys only stopping when I couldn't catch my breath. I ran until sun rise and I knew I was close to an Inquisition camp then. I was sorely tempted to stop even for just a drink but that might have been too suspicious. If memory serves me well however, there was a small cabin up by the lake, maybe there was someone there who could spare a flask of some sort.
I climbed up over the foliage and shielded my eye from the sun, only to hear the familiar clang of steel and shouting of a battle straight ahead. At the cabin. And of course, who else would it be other than the Herald? Immediately I hit the ground, rolling over onto my back with an arm over my eyes, silently cursing my luck.
"Shit..." I hissed, that arm coming away and slapping the ground. No use in waiting around for them to finish their fight, I had to get back pronto. At least now I knew they hadn't returned yet. Hastily, I made my way back down the slope and onto the road, my pace not quite a sprint, barely even a jog because of how exhausted I was.
Gods' was I exhausted. And thirsty. Leaving my horse behind wasn't the best idea I've ever had. I wondered then if I'd ever had a good idea. Probably not. If I did I wouldn't be trudging up the ever more snowy roads that lead to Haven. I wrapped my arms tighter around myself to keep out the chill as evening was well and truly upon me now. Blast it all, I'd probably freeze to death now. It was three days now I had been travelling, none stop. It wasn't human or elvenly possible to do that. I should be a crumpled heap in the snow, but I am nothing if not determined. Unfortunately.
So I kept going, marching up and up until I reached the cobbled stones of the dilapidated bridge into Haven. The comforting flames on the village wall were a relief to see, so with a final long breath I picked up my pace and marched through the gates. It was late at night however and the village was all but deserted. A cool wind blew through it, carrying the hushed whispers of the guards on the wall and it felt peaceful. After a long time of being on edge, it was a wash of relief. Still, I had to report to Leliana and she would most likely be in bed. She slept in a small vestibule of the Chantry, tucked away from the rest of the people there. I supposed she liked her solitude. Another attribute we both shared.
As I peaked my head around the corner, I saw her sleeping soundly on her small cot. It felt quite strange watching her. She was so peaceful looking, and yet more vulnerable than I'd ever seen her before. I bit my lip wondering if I should wake her, perhaps I should wait until morning. But as I went to back out quietly, my foot shuffled only slightly and those snake like green eyes shot open to look at me. She sat up immediately and subsided her glare. I folded my arms guiltily.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you." I whispered.
She shook her head dismissively, "I'm glad to see you returned, it had been longer than I expected."
I breathed out a quiet chuckle, "Sorry, I... Well, the situation at Redcliff is a lot more serious than we first thought."
She got fully out of bed then and picked up her candle, "Not here." She whispered and lead me swiftly away from the main hall and down the steps into the dungeons. They were deserted, eerily so. Only the echoing dripping of water and the whistling of the wind outside could be heard. It sent a shiver down my spine. Leliana however seemed unperturbed and shut the door tightly behind her.
"I thought as much. What has happened." She said, her voice above a whisper now.
"Well, for starters, a Tevinter Magister called Alexius is currently bargaining the terms of the rebel mages loyalty, meaning that there is a Tevinter army residing in Redcliff castle." I saw her eyes widen then and I let out a bitter chuckle, a result of my exhaustion, no doubt.
"Oh no, it gets worse. The only reason Alexius got there so quickly was because he used time magic. Subsequently ripping a hole in time and causing all manner of strange rifts to appear. There is currently one in the Chantry by the way which I left under the guard of another Tevinter mage. He's alright though, Dorian Pavus, he's called. He helped me... Well, he helped me get to Val Royeaux to persuade the Herald to come to Redcliff to help." My tirade was stopped when I noticed her sudden frown.
"You went to Val Royeaux? In such a short time? You realise you you will have blown your cover." She said scoldingly.
"Well..." I stuttered. Unsure if I should tell her, unsure that she'd even believe me! "It wasn't exactly me who went. As I said I had the help of Dorian Pavus and he managed to disguise me as... Grand Enchanter Fiona." Her eyes widened then but she shook her head, shaking off her shock probably.
"You... How? I sincerely hope there was no blood magic involved, Nevalla."
"No! No, of course not. I had to pinch a few of her hairs but nothing to do with blood, I assure you. Dorian used the same sort of magic Alexius used to get me to Val Royeaux on time... That's what caused the rift to appear in the Chantry. It is as yet unopened and hopefully it stays like that. At least until the Herald can get to it."
To say Leliana looked shocked at my story would be an understatement. But credit to her as she believed it and within a few moments I could see her already ticking over the information and forming her plans.
"Alright..." She said finally. "Where your methods are slightly questionable, you did your job and more. A direct invitation from the Grand Enchanter will look much better against the Templars insults. It works greatly in our favour. Thank you Lavellan. You can leave the rest to me. I will do all I can to ensure we get the Herald to Redcliff. Now get some rest, truly you look terrible." She smiled at the last part and I laughed.
"I would be insulted if I didn't think it was true." Finally, I nodded my head and brought up two fingers to my forehead by way of a salute and made my way swiftly out of the chantry and back to my own shack. I opened the door and with a flick of my wrist lit the hearth, immediately chasing away the cold that had settled in my small home over the last few days. I sighed happily, kicking off my boots, throwing of my jacket and such and sink into my bed, bringing the blankets right up to my ears. Another contented sigh escaped me as I finally let my sore joints and muscles relax. It was blissful and eventually I felt my eyes grow heavy as I let myself fall into the sweet embrace of a well deserved slumber.
I had another dream that night. One that was equally unnerving and... Real. I couldn't understand these dreams, they were like another person's memories, not mine. Maybe it was something to do with the Breach, I'd never had them before. But this one was strange, it was far more disjointed. I just remember my mother holding my hand and smiling at me. Her face was bare, that was important for some reason. She looked happy, like the other the dream when we looked out over the forest. It was so strange. Other shadows moved around us, but they glowed. And they weren't frightening. I just remember feeling... Relieved. Happy. Like something was over. Then cool hands and a cool light over my eyes and my face and a soothing voice telling me I was free. It made no sense and before I knew it I shot awake. Or at least I thought I did. I was back in an aravel. It was dark but warm and... To my left there lay Elendal. It was just after Arlathvhen, he was from a same clan as the fabled grey warden and he liked to brag about how he knew her. But he was good in bed, and he wasn't bad to look at. Our dalliance lasted about a week until he went back to his clan and I wasn't bothered. But he was my first time, so naturally I felt a strange attachment to him. He had always said to me that I was different. That I looked out of place and I don't know why but it always stuck with me. He was kind all in all and I couldn't help but smile down at him. I reached down to stroke a strand of his ashen hair out of his eyes but the world grew hazy and I awoke.