The Fade exploded before my eyes and as quick as it came it went. Out of the green light once more the world cracked open in front of me and I barely saw a flash of a silver armor before hitting something very hard. I felt arms encircle my waist as the person and I tumbled on the unforgiving ground. We bounced and skidded into the broken remains of a wall, a vice like grip latched onto my arm to keep me close. I whimpered quietly when I felt my back ache from the impact, and tried to pull away from the hand, but it wouldn't let go. Looking from the hand to the owner I spotted the Commander staring at me intently with a mixture of awe, shock and confusion in his honey eyes. I let out a sigh of relief, he was alive! I saved him!
"Maker's Breathe…how did you-what did you just do?" I searched him quickly for any sign of injury and found him to be completely fine.
"What are you talking-? " I paused. How did I get to him in time? There was no way I could have!
"You came through the Fade and… You opened a rift right in front of me…" His golden eyes glowed as he stared at me, his voice sending chills up my spine. Did he just say I came through the Fade? My eyes drew over to my hand in confusion. What was happening to me? "You saved my life…" His voice was so distant and I looked back to him with a short smile. His eyes shone brightly up at me and I felt my breath hitch in my throat. Suddenly a scream erupted from behind me and I spun from Cullen. The large beast was thrashing around madly with electricity whipping around its body. Trevelyan was hit by a giant hand and lifted into the air. My feet moved automatically and I bolted towards the Demon. Zig-zagging through the scattered demons and soldiers. I stared up at Trevelyan as Leliana aimed an arrow at one of the Demons massive fingers. Trevelyan tried to pull his arms free, but the monster only gripped him tighter. Looking over I spotted the Lieutenant with a grappling hook and rope hanging from his hip and I bolted over to him. I snatched hold of a grappling hook and ran up to the Demon swinging it over my head before sending it forth. It wrapped itself around the Demons wrist and once it was hooked I yanked hard. The Demon, taken by surprise, was off balance and its wrist came towards the ground. It stopped its descent, however, and yanked me up and I gasped in surprise. Raising its wrist high above the ground so that I could be level with its gruesome face. I looked down at the ground as I held onto the rope and groaned holding it a bit tighter. Shit that's far. The monster roared in my face and my free hand scrambled for my dagger as the monster brought me towards its face. I slashed my dagger at its face and it cried out as a long gash cut through 2 of its eyes. I held onto the rope tight as its arms flailed and its hand opened and Trevelyan fell from its clutches. The rope swung and I caught him as he fell towards the ground his hand gripping my wrist tightly. I grimaced as his sudden weight cause my grip on the rope to slip a little. My hand burning as the threads of the rope dug into the bare skin of my palm. The Demon flailed its arm again and the rope whipped making my grip and Trevelyan's slip and we both hit the ground heavily. I grunted as I flipped onto my feet and checked Trevelyan who was slowly getting up and dusting himself off. He gripped his short sword in his hand and held it at the ready, his shield forgotten somewhere. The monster glared at me as it held its face angrily. He sent an electric pulse towards me and I rolled to the side avoiding it as soldiers burst past me attacking its feet once again. It swung its large armored arm and that's when I saw it, a crack in the armor and I grinned and searched for Varric among the soldiers. I saw him standing on a crumbled pile of wall aiming his crossbow at the large Demon.
"VARRIC! I'VE GOT A PLAN!" I cried out to him and he stared in confusion as I pointed at the crack in the Demons armor. His eyes lit up as he ran over to me staying back far enough the miss the Demons flailing arm. My eyes drew to the Commander who was running forward swiping his blade across the monsters feet the forgotten grappling rope whipping about a few feet above him. Varric loaded his bow with an explosive arrow moving it trying to aim for the Monsters weakness.
"I can't get a clear shot! It's moving too much!" He huffed and I devised a plan in my head to try and get him a clear shot. First I'd have to get up onto the monster, again. That thing was tall, but if I could get to the rope I could climb up it. An idea sprung into my mind. If I vaulted off of the Commander I could grab the rope and pull myself up and somehow get it to open up to a shot.
"Alright, just hang on!" I shouted as I ran forward and wove through the crowd of soldiers and saw Leliana, "Leliana tell everyone to stand back once I get up there!" She cocked her head in confusion,
"Up where!?" I didn't stop to answer her question as I burst forward towards the Commander, and took a step onto a high rock and planted my other foot onto the Commanders shoulder without warning and pushed off and grabbed the rope as it whipped right into my hand. I grinned in triumph and swung myself onto its monstrously large arm and looked down at Cullen for a split moment and shot him a smile with a two fingered salute before drawing my attention back to the Demon. It turned its nasty head towards me and it roared at me as it raised its claws and tried to swipe at me, but I dropped into a crouch to avoid it.
"EVERYONE STAND BACK!" I heard Leliana call out and I grinned to myself, but it fell as the monster moved its arm trying to get me off. I dropped down and gripped onto its rough armor and it growled at me unable to shake me off.
"VARRIC!?" I shouted, slightly nauseous from the shaking the monster was doing.
"STILL NO SHOT!" I groaned inwardly and looked down at the rope dangling from its wrist and then up at the demon and smirked. I pulled up the rope with my left hand and held the end of it as I ran up its arm. It scratched at me trying to stop me from running, but I dodged and continued to its shoulder and it reached its ugly arm up towards me.
"NOW?" I called back, as the arms flailed again and I barely held on.
"NOT YET!" I growled and scrambled up the shoulder with the rope in my hand and tied it to the end of it to a dagger. I swung around the back of its neck and pulled the rope with me. Quickly I tied the end of the rope to my dagger while dodging the hand of the arm that I was about to tie up. It brought its claw up, and I pulled the rope taught and drove the dagger in between its armored neck and shoulder. And then turned it sideways so that it couldn't pull the dagger from the crack. Ducking I leapt from my spot but the hand that was still free grabbed me by the foot and pulled me upside down. It howled as it tried to pull its other arm free, but couldn't. I smirked at it, and tried to pull my leg from its grip, but it squeezed my leg harder and I cried out in pain.
"VARRIC! ANY TIME NOW WOULD BE GREAT!" I shouted as I held my last dagger extended at the Demons' face. The monster opened its massive jaw and a dark chuckle poured out of its foul smelling mouth. I groaned in disgust as I dangled hopelessly, "Sweet Maker that stinks."
"GET OUT OF THERE QUINN!" He yelled back and I growled,
"NOW VARRIC!" An arrow sung by my head and I stared as it embedded itself into the crack of the armor. The Demons claws released me, but I gripped onto its hand and swung to the rope and gripped it at the back of the neck and cut it loose. Swinging from its arm I watched as it clawed at the hole in its armor trying to pull the ticking bomb out. It jerked its arm suddenly and I flew right at the ground as the rope snapped and I held my hand towards the ground and a rift opened up right in front of me and I fell through before another opened and I landed heavily on the ground with a grunt. I flipped over as the explosion went off over me and the Demon exploded outwards and I covered my face with my arms and waited for impact. None came. I opened my eyes and watched as it dissolved into the Fade rift above us. I blew out a whistle and stood. Looking around me I noticed the large crowd of soldiers that have surrounded me. The Commander pushed through as did Cassandra, Varric and Trevelyan. All of them stared at me in awe as I panted and put my hands on my hips. "That wasn't so tough. Piece of cake." I huffed out and I saw Cassandra rolled her eyes and the Commander snorted with laughter.
"You could have gotten yourself killed, Thedran." She reprimanded and I took a deep breath and let out a breathy laugh.
"But, I didn't." I shot back with a smirk. Exasperatedly she threw up her hands and spun on her heels.
"You're as crazy as I remember, Angel." He said with a chuckle and I grinned at him, but felt my leg jolt in pain and I looked down at it and grimaced when I saw the blood running from my outer mid-thigh. When did that happen? I thought to myself and shifted all weight onto my right leg. Varric looked at the wound as well and then back up at me. "Hang on, I'll go get Chuckles." He hurried off and I tried to keep all weight off of my hurt leg as I waited for 'Chuckles'.
"SEAL THE BREACH!" Cassandra cried as she brought us back to reality with a start. My eyes snapped up to the Breach just as Trevelyan walked up next to me. He gave me a short smile before looking ahead as well. We both knew I couldn't close rifts, he'd have to try this alone. I was useless once again.
"Good luck." I said with a nervous smile and he nodded in response as he moved forward a couple more steps and raised his hand. A familiar green beam shot into the Fade and he seemed fine for a few moments, but he started to shake violently. Varric was back with the elf from before, Solas I believe his name was, and he nodded to me before looking down at my leg and his hands lit up a strange color of blue. He worked on my leg, but my eyes flew to Trevelyan as he let out a howl of pain and sunk to the ground on one knee. I thought he could close these things!? Why was it hurting him? I thought for a moment and then I figured it out. "It's too much for him." I whispered and before I could think I broke away from Solas's ministrations hobbled towards Trevelyan. He looked like death warmed up as he stared at me in confusion. Giving him a short smile I then turned my eyes towards the rift. My hand snapped up towards the sky my own green bolt flashing up into the Fade. For a moment there was no pain, and then I felt a scream ripple through my throat as excruciating pain electrified my blood. I grabbed my hand and snapped my eyes shut and clenched my jaw, willing myself to not scream again as waves of pain crashed against me.
"Quinn-STOP! I'll be fine! JUST STOP!" Trevelyan screamed at me, but I couldn't, not even if I tried. There was a pull from the Fade so strong I felt like I was about to be sucked into it. I opened my eyes slightly and saw him now standing his color slightly back. I was helping! I had to keep going.
"YOU DON'T KNOW THAT!" I yelled at him, and his worried green eyes held mine for a moment before a new wave of pain flashed through me and I bit back a scream. It felt like my organs were being lit on fire. My heart rammed in my chest painfully. I could barely breathe, but it appeared that I didn't have to, because in that moment a final great pulse left my hand leaving me breathless. A greater pain than any other I'd felt thus far rolled through me and I crumbled when the Fade released me. I looked up at the Fade as it pulsed with green power and then suddenly shot up into the Breach. The rift above us was sealed, but the Breach was still there. Through my hazy eyes I looked over to Trevelyan who was lying unconscious on the ground. I moved towards him and pulled two fingers to his neck and smiled. He was alive, his pulse was slow, but he was alive! I looked up to see people in front of me all staring once again. Is that all these people do? Cassandra pushed to the front as she walked towards us.
"Is he alright?" I stared at her ignoring the exhaustion that was consuming me and nodded. She now stood in front of me. "You are hurt, you need medical attention." She added as I wobbled lightly, and I nodded slowly as I warily stared up at her from my sitting position. "Now."
"Him first." I mumbled and she called over two soldiers who had a makeshift gurney ready and slid him onto it before picking him up. She looked to me and offered me her hand with a stern face. I bit back the sarcastic comment that was threatening to come out, and I took her hand and she hoisted me up and steadied me.
"I'll take him back to Haven." I nodded stiffly, but stood stalk still scared that if I moved even one more muscle that I would collapse. My hand was vibrating at my side, but I tried to ignore it as my eyes lulled shut for a moment. I wobbled and before I even fell I felt an arm around my waist and my arm pulled around a shoulder. My eyes snapped open and I looked to see Leliana holding me up.
"You looked as if you needed some help, my friend." She mused and I grinned sleepily at her as I shrugged,
"You know…now that you mention it a piggy back ride sounds amazing." I joked and she chuckled quietly,
"I am not sure if I'd be able to, but maybe the Commander could-"I glared at her half-halfheartedly,
"Leli….no more playing matchmaker. Remember last time?" Her head fell back as she laughed and nodded to me as we walked towards the exit.
"Yes, I do. What was that poor souls' name again?" I shook my head as I looked around the Temple as we exited.
"I believe it was Desmond?" We both laughed and she pulled me along towards the camp. As we were growing closer I could feel myself weakening, and much to my displeasure my legs gave out on her and she jerked trying to catch me. My head was so fuzzy and the exhaustion was setting in heavily. Abruptly, but gently I was hoisted up and tucked safely in a pair of arms. The world was spinning around me and I felt nauseous. "Thank you, Leli." I said lazily as my head flopped against a very big toned muscular arm and my eyes flew open. "You're not Leli." I murmured and I heard a chuckle resonate from above me. I stared up at Cullen as he grinned down at me and I felt a small smile come to my face before I heard a light laugh.
"Quinn, dear, we are almost back to camp." I nodded and my head lobbed over to where the sound of Leliana's voice came from and saw her walking just ahead of us.
"That's good. I'm getting sleepy." I whispered to myself and I snuggled closer into the Commanders chest too tired to care about embarrassing myself. He stiffened however and I heard another muffled laugh. But no one spoke up, and I felt myself drifting away in his arms again. I could definitely get used to this.
"We're here, My Lady." My eyes refused to open and I couldn't put together any coherent sentences in my head.
"Put her down on the bed, and let the healers help her." Leliana said from behind us and I felt myself being lightly placed down on the bed and I managed to open my eyes just long enough to see the Commanders face inches from mine. Perhaps it was the exhaustion but he looked like an angel in the pale candlelight. He moved away and I watched him go as two healers rushed to my side. He turned to me before leaving and I saw him holding the door open his golden eyes fixed on my blue before walking out. The world swirled with darkness and I let the exhaustion take me.
Stalking through the buildings I saw myself in the reflection of the glass windows and for a moment I hardly noticed myself. My auburn hair wound into a tight braid, my hood shrouding most of my face as I moved through the shadows and my black and red tight fitting uniform clinging to my every curve. I moved past it and saw a person shoot past me and I grinned at the person, but felt a sense of dread as well.
"Quinn leave admiring you up to me." I playfully glared at the black haired man in front of me.
"Well, Tayen, perhaps you need to do more admiring?" He barked a laugh as he ran with me before stopping and planting a kiss on my lips. I smiled happily, but suddenly I felt a slickness against my hand and I opened my eyes to see him spitting up blood in front of me and he grabbed his chest.
"Why did you do this to me?" I backed away from him and he grabbed for me and I jumped further away from him.
"Tayen, no." I whispered as he collapsed onto the ground and I dropped to my knees with him. His bright blue eyes welled up with fresh tears as he reached up to touch my cheek.
"I loved you." Tears poured down my cheeks, and I wiped them away immediately.
"I loved you too. But, I had no choice." I cried as I held his dying form, but suddenly the white of his eyes filled in black and he launched forward at me-
I jolted awake gasping for air. My heart pounding in my chest feeling as if it were full of lead as it rammed against my ribs. I pulled a balled fist against my chest as I tried to control my breathing and rocked myself slightly trying my hardest to calm down. Tayen...I held back the tears that threatened my eyes, it's been almost 3 years since then. Why won't it stop haunting me?
"Oh! You're awake…" My head snapped to the side and I stared at the sitting form of the Commander and stared in confusion. "You were…I was- are you alright?" I looked him over hoping he didn't notice my distress, but knowing full well he did.
"I'm fine, just a dream." I muttered as I turned onto my side. My mind flashed back to the events that happened just before I passed out. The Demons, the rift, saving Cullen, and- "The Breach!" I exclaimed and jerked, but he held up his hands and I stared at him in confusion as I eased back down against the bed.
"Is stable, but not closed." I closed my eyes in annoyance, damn it.
"Of course it's not. That would be too easy." I commented sarcastically mostly to myself, and he nodded a sympathetic smile on his face. My eyes slid from him over to a plate of food that was sitting on a small table next to him. "Did you bring me food?" I asked and he looked to the food and then nodded slowly not looking back at me yet.
"Yes…I figured you might be hungry when you woke." I smiled at him and he offered me a smile back as I stared hungrily at the food. He abruptly stood and brought the food over to me and I sat up stiffly trying not to move too much. He sat it next to me on the bed before retreating back to his chair. The food wafted into my nose making my stomach rumble and mouth water. In that instant I didn't care who was looking as I dug in to the mound of food satisfying my aching belly. I bit into the apple in my hand and I smiled to myself happily.
"Maker I love apples. There was a large portion of my life where basically all I ate was apples." I said with a laugh and he chuckled as well. I looked down at the plate of food and noticed there was still so much food left on the plate so I motioned for him to have some. "Have you eaten? There's plenty left." He tilted his head to the side some of his blonde hair falling into his face as he did so.
"Oh, no I've already eaten. But thank you." I smiled at him and placed the plate of food next to me on the bed and took another bit of my apple. "Also, thank you for saving my life. I'm still not quite sure how you did it, but I'm lucky you did." I waved my hand at him with a grin,
"Don't worry about it, I'm excellent at saving damsels in distress." He chuckled and ran a gloved hand through his hair.
"A Damsel? I do believe this is the first time I've ever been given that title." Was he joking back? My eyes widened and I snorted with laughter. Abruptly we both burst out into a fit of laughter.
"Yes, well you played the role right well. Better than most." I added with a laugh and his chuckle subsided and he looked towards the door and he cleared his throat.
"Oh, Cassandra has called for a meeting in the Chantry. Trevelyan, Leliana and Josephine are waiting on us. " I smiled and inclined my head to him as he stood. I swung my legs over the bed, and suddenly felt very woozy. Bringing my hand to my head I held it there for a moment. "Are you alright?" He asked and I heard his footsteps approach and I looked up at him, but dropped my head again and pushed myself up away from the bed, but hit something in front of me and a pair of hands gripped my biceps. Looking up from under my eyelashes I saw Cullen staring down at me with those beautiful whiskey colored eyes. A musky spiced scent with the faintest hint of citrus wafted around me I couldn't help but melt just a little. "Am I going to have to carry you again?" He asked with a smirk and I rolled my eyes.
"No, I already feel pathetic enough having passed out in your arms twice already." I retorted playfully with a smirk and he chuckled softly and let me go so I could stand on my own. "Plus you wouldn't want to break any more of the women's hearts around here, at least no more than you already have." I commented with a smirk as he backed away from me he looked me up once to make sure I wasn't going to collapse. A shy smile spread across his scarred lips and a hand went to the back of his head and rubbed it while looking away.
"We should go, they are waiting." I smiled and looked over towards the door and nodded.
"Alright, let's go." I agreed and walked behind him and he opened the door for me. Feeling the sudden blast of cold air on my skin made me shudder and wrap my arms around myself as I walked out around him. I huffed out a breath,
"This place is a frigging icebox." I muttered through shivers, and he chuckled. I glared up at him and he held up his hand to rub his stubble ,
"Indeed. I guess we will have to get you some warmer clothes. I believe if you talk to Harrit he could make you something." I nodded as I walked with him towards the chantry and couldn't help but notice the lines of men and women that were watching us in awe.
"See Cullen, look at all your admirers they are literally lining up for you." Another slightly louder chuckle came from him.
"They are not mine." He said with a smirk and I looked at them and then back at him,
"MINE?" I practically shouted and he nodded with an amused smile.
"Your actions at the Breach have caused quite the stir among the people here." I felt my heart start to pound fast in my chest and my cheeks were aflame. This had happened to me before, and I hated every minute of it. The people knowing you part and the connections weren't bad, but the awed fans creeped me out. "You are a hero to these people, and to the world." I groaned and slapped my forehead,
"Makers Balls…" I muttered and looked back at them, "Surely they know I wasn't the one that stabilized the Breach. That was Trevelyan! I couldn't even close a little one." He nodded in agreement,
"But you did save my life and Trevelyan's as well as destroying the Demon…" I shook my head and looked down at my mark as we continued towards the Chantry.
"That was Varric-"He raised an eye brow at me,
"He may have taken the shot, but it was you who noticed the crack, and gave him the shot. We lost a lot of men that day, but it would've been more had you not done what you did." I grimaced and looked at the people who were whispering and smiling at me.
"Huh, well they certainly change their minds fast. I believe only a day ago they wanted to burn me at the stake." He chuckled and grinned at me,
"Yes, well you had a very incriminating situation." I snorted with laughter as we walked up the steps of the Chantry and he pushed the doors open and we walked in. I looked around the dimly lit area and inhaled the sweet smell of incense and candle smoke. The Chantry was empty, thank the Maker, as we walked together all the way to the end of the building and he stopped and opened another door for me. I smiled and thanked him as I moved past him and into the small room. Looking inside the room I saw a large table in the middle of the room and around the table was Trevelyan, Cassandra, Leliana, and another woman. Antivan by the look of her.
"Ah, Good now we can start." Leliana said with a smile as Cullen crossed the room and stood in the middle of the table opposite to Cassandra, Trevelyan and I. I looked at Trevelyan who gave me a friendly smile and wave. I smiled back at him sending a small wave back before turning my attention to Cassandra who folded her arms to regard Trevelyan.
"I believe you have already met Commander Cullen." I turned to him with a grin and Trevelyan regarded him politely as they exchanged glances.
"It was only a moment on the field, I'm pleased you survived." Cullen said cordially as he inclined his head to Trevelyan. Trevelyan nodded back as Cassandra continued.
"This is Lady Josephine Montiliyet our Ambassador and Chief Diplomat." She looked to each of us politely and inclined her head with a smile.
"A pleasure to meet you both." I nodded back to her with a smile.
"And of course you know Sister Leliana." Leliana eyes washed over me for a moment before settling on Trevelyan.
"My position here involves a degree of…" Leliana began, but it seemed she couldn't quite find the words that fit.
"She is our spymaster." Cassandra filled in forcing a grin onto my face,
"Yes, tactfully put Cassandra." Leliana seemed to share my amusement and I stifled a laugh, tactfully put indeed.
"Pleased to meet you all." Trevelyan said with a smile and I nodded along with him as I leant against the back wall. I watched Trevelyan closely he seemed to be rather chipper considering what we'd just gone through. He was tough, I'd give him that.
"I mentioned that your mark needs more power to close the Breach for good." Cassandra said addressing Trevelyan and I focused on her suddenly feeling like a complete outsider. They didn't need me, they needed Trevelyan. Why was I even here? All I need to do is protect him, I didn't need briefing on that.
"Which means me must approach the rebel mages for help." I snapped back to attention. The Mages!? A rush of emotion hit me like an angry wave and the nightmare played in my head again. Tayen. A little voice whispered in the back of my mind, but I tried my best to ignore it and stay focused. The Commander across from me stiffened and shook his head gripping the pommel. Nervous habit perhaps?
"I still disagree. The Templars could serve just as well." He rumbled and I stared at him and wondered if he once had to do the same thing I did. He was a Templar after all, he probably had to deal with that kind of thing before.
"We need power Commander. Enough magic poured into that mark." Cassandra drawled as she cast a defiant gaze at the Commander and I stiffened the memories wouldn't stop flashing in front of my eyes. You killed the man you loved. My mind seethed at me and I balled my hands into fists, but what I didn't expect was the Commander to look at me and I saw a look of concern cross his eyes before looking back at Cassandra.
"Might destroy us all. Templars could suppress the Breach, weaken it so-"He protested, but Leliana cut him off.
"Pure Speculation." Her words were final, but the Commander insisted.
"I was a Templar, I know what they're capable of." I felt sympathy for him, they weren't truly listening to him. So I decided to speak up.
"I agree with the Commander. I have fought among Templars before, they are excellent fighters and they can suppress magic, and the Breach is magic so logically speaking, he is correct." I said confidently trying to hide my unease. Cullen looked at me with curiosity and I shrugged and looked towards the others who raised an eye brow at me. Even Trevelyan was staring, Josephine thankfully broke the momentary silence.
"Unfortunately neither group will speak to us yet. The Chantry has denounced the Inquisition, and you two specifically." She said her voice calm, but with a sense of underlying dread. I rolled my eyes, who cares about the Chantry?
"Can't you simply ignore them?" Trevelyan asked and I grinned as he voiced my own thoughts. But, Leliana only shook her head at him.
"If only that were possible." She said with an annoyed tone. I grumbled lightly, I mean we could. I highly doubt they'd hate us anymore than they already do.
"Some are calling you the Herald of Andraste," Josephine explained looking to Trevelyan before turning to me and adding, "…and you the Herald's Protector. That frightens the Chantry. The remaining clerics have declared it blasphemy and we heretics for harboring you." I was only half listening at the moment my mind still stuck on the Mages. My heart beating rapidly in my chest. Wait-what did she just call me? The Herald's Protector? And Trevelyan was the Herald of Andraste!? What in the Void was that bull?
"Chancellor Rodericks doing no doubt." Cullen's voice pulled me from my thoughts and I looked at him and then to Josephine.
"It limits our options. Approaching the Mages or Templars is currently out of the question." She said calmly and I stared between everyone amazed at how no one seemed to question our new titles.
"The Herald of Andraste?" Trevelyan asked incredulously and looked at me a faint pink line spreading across his cheeks and the bridge of his nose. "And the Herald's Protector?" He asked as he regarded me and I shrugged dumbfounded, mine made some sense, but his now that was out there. Cullen looked at us both,
"Quite the titles, what do you think of them?" He asked and I couldn't help but let out a snort of laughter.
"I think it's the last time anyone should allow Varric to have a say in picking titles." I commented sarcastically and heard the room erupt into a short laugh. Looking over I noticed Trevelyan switch back to a serious look.
"Will the Chantry attack us?" His tone serious if not a little worried,
"With what? They have only their words." Cullen grunted and I eyed him for a moment contemplating his words. The Chantry could do a lot with just their words.
"And yet they can still bury us." Trevelyan nodded to her and Cullen seemed to be completely annoyed by the conversation. He wasn't alone, I say we send the Chantry a letter that simply addresses that they are idiots in big hats. I guess that's why Josephine is here, so she can say just that but in fancier and nicer words than I can.
"There is something you can do." Leliana said drawing me back to the conversation. "A Chantry Cleric by the name of Mother Giselle has asked to speak with you." She said to Trevelyan and then to me, "Both of you. She is not far and knows those involved far better than I. Her assistance could be invaluable." I nodded standing a bit straighter and felt a bit of déjà vu in that moment. Just like old times. She grinned at me seemingly feeling the same way.
"I'll see what she has to say." Trevelyan responded with a stern nod.
"You'll find her tending the wounded in the Hinterlands near Redcliffe." Leliana added, picking up a stack of papers in front of her.
"Look for other opportunities to expand the Inquisitions influence while you're there." Cullen added and we both nodded to each other.
"We need agents to extend our reach beyond this valley and you're better suited than anyone to recruit them." Josephine advised,
"In the meantime, let's think of other options I won't leave this all to them." Cassandra interjected just before the meeting ended and Trevelyan caught up to me as I exited the room first.
"Hey! Quinn wait up!" I stopped and turned to him as he gave me short smile, "I didn't get to thank you for saving me the day we tried to close the Breach. The doctor told me you almost died from it, and I-can't thank you enough. I was sure I was a goner." I smiled at him and he smiled back,
"Don't mention it, I am the Herald's Protector after all. Besides I told you I'd get you out of it alive." I said jokingly, but suddenly he enveloped me in his arms and I sucked in a breath. My eyes wide in confusion as he squeezed and I patted his back awkwardly a blush threatening my cheeks. Looking over Trevelyan's shoulder I saw Cullen staring with a quirked eye brow his hand full of letters frozen in place at his chest like he was reading it just moment ago. Sending him a bemused smile I then shrugged and felt Trevelyan let me go.
"I'm sorry I'm just very grateful for what you did for me and I don't know how else to express my gratitude." I laughed and he did as well, it was a fairly nice hug.
"Don't be sorry, I'm just glad I don't have to protect a total prig." He chuckled and awkwardly rubbed his hands together,
"Well, I…uh…have to go prepare for our trip to the Hinterlands. Cassandra says that we'll be leaving tomorrow morning." I nodded to him and he smiled before rushing out of the Chantry. He stopped at the door and turned back to me, "Oh, would you like to spar later? I asked Cassandra, but she has a lot of things to attend to." I thought on it for a moment and shrugged,
"Sure! Meet you later?" He nodded enthusiastically and jogged out of the Chantry doors. I chuckled at his retreating form, He's an odd one. I mused to myself and looked over my shoulder to see where the Commander had gone and noticed him talking to a man dressed in a scout uniform.
"Funny one, the Herald." I jumped and turned to Leli who laughed at me,
"Andraste's tits Leli! Are you trying to give me a heart attack!?" I reprimanded her and she rolled her eyes at me. "When in the Maker's name did you get there anyway?!" She scoffed and cast a knowing glance towards Cullen.
"While you ogling our Commander." She stated bluntly and I glared at her,
"I wasn't ogling!" I whispered harshly at her and she laughed.
"Of course you weren't." She agreed before smirking at me and adding, "It's alright, he ogles you also." Was she teasing me!?-Wait, really? Hot damn! I composed myself and folded my arms over my chest.
"Did you want something Leli? Other than to tease me?" She nodded and started to walk out of the Chantry and I followed her.
"Come by my tent tonight I have matters to discuss with you." She said quietly and seriously making my grin fall, but I nodded to her to show I understood.
"Of course, Lady Nightingale." I replied stiffly. Well that's never a good sign.