Short chapter alert, at least for me. I wrote this scene as part of another chapter, but it was somewhat distracting. I did not want to just dump it, so I add it as an extra chapter. Most of the chapters to date have been from the Newcomer's perspective; I thought that the Quartet could use some love.

The language, particularly those epithets you may find offensive, is there for a reason; they are true to life and used every day. The question you should ask is, why? The answer is not as simple as you might believe.

Behind the Scenes

Between Duel and Disaster

Leliana listened to her friends chatter about the morning's duel. It was indeed a stunning demonstration, but the martial aspects were nothing compared to the less obvious implications. First, the Newcomers were far more dangerous than she had expected. Second, the presence of the Newcomers was sufficient to cause the Ben-Hassrath to burn an entire cell. That left several questions: were there so many cells in the Inquisition that it did not matter? Worse, why on Thedas would the Qunari want to kill the Herald, the only person who could close the Breach? Could this mean the Qunari were somehow responsible for the Breach itself? Leliana was very aware that Tal-Vashoth mercenaries had been employed as security for the Conclave, were they infiltrated? Could that be the key? Unfortunately, Cullen's most recent exclamation of admiration broke her train of thought.

"It was incredible! I never imagined anyone could fight like that." Cullen continued gushing admiration. He had been doing that since the group had met after the duel; he carried on as he was hefting one end of the last crate while Cassandra and Leliana lifted the other. They shifted it onto Leliana's bed and carefully placed it in the middle.

Leliana noticed Cassandra was watching Josephine, who was not lifting the boxes but carried her ever-present sheaf of paper, quill, ink, and candle on a device she designed herself. Leliana always wondered at Josie's dedication and ingenuity. Her gaze shifted back to Cassandra; she knew the woman respected Josie for her abilities. However, she was aware that Cassandra did not entirely approve of Josie, and even Leliana, especially their relationship, which appeared to intimate for her liking.

Cassandra always wore her shift, both in basin bathing and to bed. Cassandra had a lovely physique, but neither Leliana nor Josie had seen it more than once in the months they had shared the same room. An actual achievement in modesty given the close quarters. This evident discomfort with nudity prompted Leliana to ask Josie to be more circumspect with her state of undress just for Cassandra's benefit, Josephine had tried for a time. Still, Antivan's are an odd mix of modesty and exhibitionism. Leliana knew well that Josie slept nude since they often shared a bed. Leliana knew Cassandra was comfortable with neither Josies bed wear nor bedmates, although the Seeker had never verbalized her discomfort.

"It was indeed impressive." Josephine was sketching the strange markings on the crates; confident the markings identified them. She had asserted her plan to log all actions taken with each crate and ensure she knew which container was opened, when, and by whom. Josie hoped to inventory each in turn. She intended to guarantee no one gained access without permission, or worse, purloined any of their contents. "I have only seen the like in highly accomplished duelists, and only a few of them were so skilled in combat."

"Yes, it was impressive." Leliana had to admit her admiration, "I would have thought that the Qunari would have succeeded with at least one blow, but his punches might have been thrown tomorrow for all the effect they had this."

In her mind, Leliana replayed the combat, action, and reaction. John had used many novel moves, both offensive and defensive - each was efficient with minimal effort, energy, and movement; all very, very aggressive even in defense. She could not help but wonder how she would have fared against John Gray United States Navy; she thought she could easily best him ten years ago, but she hated to admit it - she was older, it might be a close thing. It was not a comfort to recall that she believed he was close to her age.

"Well, I suppose I should have been sorry to miss it." Cassandra's tone showed that she was not at all disappointed at the loss. "After all, it was so critically important to arrive before the duel so that the Herald could prevent it." The last comment was bitterly spat out, all the while she hoisted the crate to the middle of the bed.

"For the life of me, I cannot understand why we had to ride so. What would have been the difference? I also cannot imagine how the Herald knew that duel would take place at all; we had no news of it from Haven." Cassandra finished with a gesture toward Leliana and her famous feathered messengers.

Cullen backed away from the bed and its burden, hands on his waist he arched and stretched his back; he was unused to such labors these days. "I cannot imagine how they moved them all for such a distance, even with their wheels. They weigh a dozen stone." A burning pain reached from his mid-back down to his waist. He groaned slightly, "I will need to spend more time with shield and sword; I am getting flabby."

"I suspect you will have an opportunity for exercise soon, Cullen." Leliana responded, which brought up another point she had been contemplating, 'Why have they not begun weapons training? Surely, they must practice; we all must. I wonder if they believe they are not allowed? I suspect they still believe they are prisoners. How can we change …' Yet again, her musings were redirected, but this time by Josie.

"How so?" Josephine asked; she knew Cullen was so busy, he often slept only a few hours.

Leliana took this opportunity to give voice to her thoughts, "The Newcomers should begin training, if for no other reason than we need more information beyond boasting and stories of soldiers in the Maiden. We must find some way for them to help us to determine if they can be of use, and further, they need to get exercise as well." Leliana knew her reply was sharper than she might have otherwise given, but the Newcomers were a very tight nut to crack, and it was starting to wear.

"We must create points of access, ways to build connections between them and the Inquisition. Get them out of those Maker-forsaken buildings!" Her voice sounded harsh even to her; she was eaten up with frustration. No progress on the Breach, no closer to discovering who killed Dorothea, the Herald still acting as if she were fighting alone, and the Newcomers were playing coy with everything!

"I have noticed they are stronger than they appear. Just the other day, I watched one easily lift a load of iron ingots that two men had placed there just the day before." Josephine's comment showed she was clearly not listening to Leliana but focused on her reminiscence; her just as unmistakable shudder and blush showed where her genuine attention lay.

Leliana had noticed both and could not help smiling over her friend's… condition; perhaps her own situation was contributing to her foul mood, 'Josie is going to explode, I need to find her someone. Would a relationship between Josie and one of the Newcomers be a good idea?' Leliana loved her oldest friend dearly; however, she was not above using her if necessary. She would simply add it to her long list of regrets if it caused Josie pain in the end.

As Leliana considered Josephine, and Josephine remembered the display of masculine strength, Cassandra was standing back and reflecting on the crates' placement. She moved each of the boxes, left to right, front to back. Josephine and Cullen watched as well, primarily in wonder as Cassandra shifted each crate, a fingers width here, and a hand width there - on and on until she was satisfied that each container was sitting in the exact center of each bed.

Josephine had to restrain herself from commenting, but she did whisper into Leliana's ear, "My goodness, we simply must find her someone; she is going insane!"

Leliana watched as well, but in amusement, she had known the Seeker longer than Josie had, and she knew her better; no lover would make her less Cassandra; if anything, it would make her more so.

A quiet knock at the door and a young man entered the room; he ignored all but the Left Hand and moved silently to her; Leliana bent down to hear his words, he whispered his report into Leliana's ear.

"The leader of the Newcomers was on his way to the Chantry when the Herald's maidservant intercepted him; he accompanied the servant back to the Heralds cabin; he is now returning to the Chantry." The agent waited for her reply.

She considered for a moment; and whispered a reply. "Quickly summon Kitty and have her meet me in the Chantry. Quickly now." Without a word, the boy quietly left the room.

"I will go and greet our guest; I have had more conversations with him; perhaps he will feel chatty." Leliana did not wait for a reply from the rest of the Quartet but walked toward the door, closing it behind her, and she moved to the middle of the great seal just outside the War Room.

Adjusting her gloves yet again, she smirked at how much Cassandra hated the Quartet nickname given them by the Newcomers. Still, as a musician herself, she felt it was appropriate and wondered why she had not thought of it before.

Of course, Leliana had noted that Cassandra was not in a particularly good mood. She was undoubtedly saddle sore from the long ride back to Haven. The Seeker tried to pretend it was not so, but her careful stride and occasional winces had told the tale regardless of her protestations to the contrary. Worse, Cassandra was embarrassed that a pampered child of a minor Barron had been able to out ride her; she was confident she was the better horsewoman, and the ride back had shown her that perhaps that was not true.

The Quartet had agreed to bring out three of the smaller crates. The ones that Samantha had identified as containing lethal and non-lethal items but also were the most likely to hold the surgical equipment that the Newcomers healer was seeking. Samantha was uncertain of the exact contents. Apparently, the Newcomers were rushing to pack their gear due to an imminent attack of some kind, but she was able to narrow the search down to three, since she had helped fill the crates during the rush, and had packed the surgery kit in one of them herself.

Samantha had been most forthcoming with many valuable pieces of information; in fact, she had been eager to share her knowledge and from all reports had dramatically aided the Inquisition in many vital areas. Their assistance had drastically improved and increased their steel production to rival the smelters of Orlais; the armor and weapons of the Inquisition were rapidly becoming the best in Thedas.

Although she was grateful, Leliana was equally sure that Commander Gray would be most unhappy with Samantha divulging so much information. Much of that information Leliana could not comprehend. She had to admonish the woman not to share it any further, even with Quartet members. At least until she fully understood what the revelations meant and how it might be handled. If even a fraction of what Samantha had said was true, she started to understand why Commander Gray had been so careful in what he divulged. Even a fraction of that information would transform Thedas and profoundly impact every nation, indeed every being that called it home.

Commander Gray was a conundrum that deeply bothered and fascinated Lady Leliana Cousland. There was something in how he carried himself, but more than his bearing, his actions had impressed her profoundly cynical soul. His concern for Thedas and its people had touched her profoundly and reminded her of her youthful and vastly more idealistic self.

The Newcomers puzzle consumed too much of her thoughts; she recalled her conversation with Josie at tea just yesterday.

"He has shown more concern and care for the young elf servant; what was it?" Leliana paused; she had been informed that the Herald had insisted she take a new name but had only heard that name in passing as the person who reported it did not understand the importance.

"Gliril," Josephine answered the question as she prepared the things for tea. "The Herald insisted that the name given her was … inappropriate. Personally, given how frightened the girl constantly seemed, I thought it fit. Since the Herald has taken her for her servant, the girl has simply blossomed. Quite remarkable really."

"Gliril, yes, that was it. His interest is much more than is common, no? And a stranger besides…." Leliana tried to remain fully engaged in the conversation but was mulling over John's behavior, trying to understand his motivations; Josie simply smiled at her as she warmed the teacups with hot water.

"At first, I thought it was the usual sordid interest that men often fall to with their baser instinct." Leliana stood looking about the small rooms. "Charter thought that as well and was prepared to … have a conversation with him…"

Josephine's head snapped up at the comment, fixing Leliana with an icy stare; she was familiar with Charters' conversations' and their all too often gruesome results.

Leliana chuckled, "Do not fear Josie, I gave Charter strict instructions … besides, it was unnecessary. He was extremely kind and gentle with the girl. All too rare in our world; I can think of no one who would have treated her with equal care."

"Truly? I can think of someone, can you not?" Josephine went on while preparing the tea for them both. "Do you wish honey or jam?"

"Honey, where did you get honey!?" Honey was a luxury; there were no apiaries nearby. None were found in Haven, and there was no need to start one prior to the Conclave. Leliana noted the smug look on Antivan's beautiful face; she loved to watch Josie move; every action was so graceful, Leliana wished she could move with such ease. It must be the Antivan blood; she felt the klutz compared to the Ambassador.

"It was a gift from Gliril for services to our Herald." Josie passed the first cup of tea to Leliana. "She is so very devoted to the woman."

Josephine took up the plate of small Orlesian cakes, her little sin, and offered them to Leliana. "I have been awestruck with her dedication and hard work. That little elf is worth a dozen others. She is so industrious and dedicated; when she asked me to find several bundles of flowers, I insisted that she take them." Leliana tried to resist the cakes but could not, and greedily took two.

Josie moved to her seat with her tea. "She intended to pay with her own coin; Maker knows what the poor thing had to do for that snake Sigrid to get coin!" She shook her head; Leliana knew that Josie despised the man, but he was one of the few merchants who had stayed after the explosion.

Josie paused only a moment before continuing. "I could not help but wonder what she planned to do with them, but I thought it best not to pry."

Picking up the small silver spoon in the tiny honey pot, she allowed the amber liquid to drip from its tip slowly. "As for this, she found a large wild hive in the forest in a hollow tree. Remarkable, simply remarkable."

Leliana noticed that Josie was looking at her as she smiled warmly at her friend. Josie shook her head again as if to clear her mind of some thought. "Now, don't distract me; where was I? Oh, yes. You say you can think of no one?"

"I recall your stories of your Warden; she worked so hard to save the Dalish clan in the Brecilian forest, lifting the curse? Did you not say that the Hero had expressly told you it was to allow healing for the elves, not to save the humans?"

Leliana sighed softly as she stirred her cup and watched the swirling surface. "Yes, she said that Zathrien had paid enough and that the only true victims were the Dalish who were trapped by the crimes of others," Leliana responded wistfully, remembering campfires and whispered talks by starlight; a small tear traced its way down her cheek.

"And again, at the Denerim Alienage, your Ellana fought a terrible battle against the Tevinter slaver, a Magister no less, when she could have easily bargained and allowed them to leave, even possibly gaining great abilities in the bargain?" Josephine took a piece of cake for herself, then stared into Leliana's eyes as she raised her cup to her lips. Leliana could not help but notice the full and beautiful lips; those lips would have distracted her far more at any other moment in time, but not today.

Leliana's smile at the memories, was forlorn yet somehow proud and joyful. Both battles were indeed terrible but were only two of so many. She had been frightened to paralysis more times than she could count but had always felt strangely safe with Ellana, regardless of the odds, even amid the most terrible battles. She thrilled to the ferocious visage of her soul mate in combat; how was it possible for that image to be incredibly terrifying and romantic at the same time? In her mind's eye, Leliana could see Ellana defeating the last of Magister Caladrius's minions, finally cutting down the mage himself even as he murdered his people to stay alive; she even managed to save Devera - Caladrius's elf slave - for no other reason than Ellana hoped she could be rehabilitated and wanted her to have that chance, slim though it was.

"Perhaps, my dear Lel, you see much of Ellana in our Newcomer leader?" Her point was made, but Josephine had not finished. "You are our spymaster, you never forget your duties, but perhaps your heart is getting in the way, clouding your vision?" She put down her cup and leaned forward to reinforce her point. "Write to her; perhaps her errands will allow a letter at least. Regardless, you can not ignore John Gray, we need to know what he knows, and you know it." Josephine warmed her tea and sat back to relax and allow Leliana a moment of silent thought.

'Is Josie correct? Is this the reason why my interactions with him are so painful? Is he so like Ellana?' It was all she could do to hold in her tears; they would come later, of course.

"Josie, will you hold me tonight, at least until I fall asleep?" Her voice sounded so much like a child she was ashamed. Josie put down her tea and moved to embrace her dearest friend.

"Of course, my Lel, whenever you wish." Josephine hugged her longer and tighter than Cassandra would have ever thought appropriate. "Cassandra will simply have to sleep on her left side." Both friends burst into tear-filled laughter, like the laughter they had shared when they were but girls, a youth that now seemed a lifetime ago.

As she now stood in the hall, Leliana acknowledged that she had avoided the man, that would have to change; Charter had agreed with Josephine entirely and told her boss as much earlier in the day.

"He is an honorable man, mistress; he will not dishonor himself or his people," Charter was usually deeply distrustful of humans in general, "but I think he needs assistance coming to grips with their position. The scholars are more adaptable but less cautious, something with which we must somehow deal. Gray, on the other hand, is a man who thinks long and has seen much, for a shem." The last remark was given with a sly grin, a grin returned by Lady Cousland's smirk.

Leliana was patient as a rule, but she had other duties to attend to, and aimlessly waiting was not one of them. She silently started tapping her foot and adjusting her gloves for the second time. Her messenger had told her about Commander Gray's encounter with the Herald's servant girl on the way to the Chantry, and Leliana thought he might be at the door even now, working up the courage to enter. She looked around; much of the iconography was meant to convey a sense of authority, of power, but not the compassion of Andraste or the Maker. She understood the why of it, but she was also aware of the consequences of it.

'It cannot be easy for him to enter such a place.' At that moment, Amalia arrived; Leliana had thought a little help might be needed to ease his entry into the Chantry.

"Amalia, thank you for coming. Are you packed?" Earlier, Leliana had given Amalia instructions to go to Red Cliff and investigate the rebel mage stronghold situation. Of course, she would have companions who would likely be turned away at the gate; Red Cliff was closed now; however, as a Sister, Amalia should be given admittance regardless.

The young sister acknowledged Leliana's orders with a nod, "Yes, I am ready to depart, oh and Charter asked me to give you this." Amalia passed Leliana the unopened note; however, she hesitated for a moment. Leliana held the envelope but focused on Amalia.

"Good, I believe we will find the Newcomer leader mustering his courage somewhere near the door. Please reassure him, then say your goodbyes to Flissa. I will look after her while you are gone."

"Amalia, there something else, no?" Leliana suspected she knew what was troubling the girl, Flissa had been her longtime lover, and they had become even closer since Bella had been lost to a brigand. Leliana herself had avenged Bella; her vengeance was swift and brutal, for Bella was a dear friend.

"Flissa is thankful for the opportunity you gave her mistress, but I am concerned," Amalia was worried about how you say thank you, but no thank you.

Leliana gave the young woman a gentle smile; Amalia moved from one foot to the other just as she had as a girl.

"I know you are worried about Flissa. I will think about another place for her. She is dear to me as well and not quite as capable at keeping herself out of trouble as you." She looked directly into Amalia's eyes. "Does that allay your fears?"

Amalia visibly relaxed before replying, "Yes, mistress."

"Fine, now go, I have other duties, and I am growing weary of waiting on our guest. Hurry along now, your horse is ready, and your escort is waiting for your trip to Red Cliff; I want a report as soon as you are able," Amalia started for the door, when she was a few paces off, Leliana called after her, "Amalia, be careful. I would never forgive myself…" her voice trailed off.

Amalia turned back, seeing at once the young Leliana who had punished a queen for failing to protect her, a mother she had lost, and a woman with the weight of years and responsibilities beyond her due. "I will, mistress, I have Flissa to think of, and I want to be here for the Hero's return." Amalia waved, turned, and hurried to the door, trying not to jingle the daggers against her leather armor under her robes.

Leliana watched the young woman go; at once she saw the naked girl at the Pearl, the young pupil who was so proud of herself when she finally could throw a dagger as well as her teacher, now a strong, confident woman a Sister of the Chantry and one of Leliana's most trusted operatives. That thought brought her back to her own Left Hand's opinion of the Newcomers and Commander Gray in particular.

Something was going on there, and it made Leliana's palms sweat.

Charter was convinced that there was some entanglement between the Herald and the Commander; she didn't know what it was, but she was sure it existed. Of course, the Herald's actions in disrupting the Commander's interrogation could easily have been attributed to a soft heart, or it could be seen as some unknown emotional bond. Gliril had mentioned a few comments, snatches of conversations in the Herald's fitful dreams, and furtive looks that would imply such a connection. No one could say whence it came, but it was clear that there was something between them from the very first. There was no question in Leliana's mind about that; it was as clear to her as the Breach; what was as yet unknown was whether the Herald and Commander were aware of it, of that Leliana had seen no sign.

Leliana was uneasy with sending Amalia to Red Cliff; the reports from the village were at best - confusing. Much was going on there, it seemed, with extraordinary stories coming back from her few operatives there.

For the third time, Leliana adjusted her gloves, a gift from the Inquisition's Ambassador. 'I do not think Josephine spends as much time in practicality as she does fashion!'

From where Leliana stood, she could see Amalia hold the great door open, clearly speaking with an unseen person, probably John Gray; the acoustics of the Chantry carried much of the greetings. What she heard confirmed that indeed Commander Gray was finding it difficult to enter the Chantry, not for fear of the Chantry but out of deference to it.

'At least he shows respect for our beliefs. What must it be like to be thrust into such an emotional maelstrom?' She was unaware of the irony, given her crisis of faith over the last few years. So much pain and loss had caused her to wonder if there was a Maker and whether he cared for anyone but himself, no less so since the explosion and Dorothea's death. She realized how close she was to blasphemy and pushed the doubt down as far as possible.

Moments later, John Gray entered the Chantry. Leliana had been correct – again. 'Now, if I can only gain his trust.'

She watched him closely as he approached. Yes, the same confident movement, not swagger but something deeper a knowing of what he could do, restrained action, a constant tension between doing and knowing the consequences of action.

'There are days that I hate you Josephine Montilyet, but today is not one of them. Maker, you are right as usual. He does remind me of her.' Leliana watched the man cross the last few paces between them, a small tear threatened to burst its bonds. 'I will write to her.'

She smiled and tried to look as friendly as possible.