Heading down the steps of the Chantry I felt a particularly cold burst of wind rush past me and I shivered violently. Damn it, I hate the cold! I cursed the wind and it seemed to blow harder as if it were offended by my thoughts. I glared up at the sky in response and pulled my arms tighter around me. I wonder where that Harrit man Cullen spoke of earlier is.
"Oh-My Lady!" My eyes snapped to the Lieutenant Rylen who was standing in front of me looking as if he'd just noticed me. The hand that was not clutching papers balled into a fist and placed it upon his chest. I nodded awkwardly, and gave him a smile.
"Lieutenant Rylen, how are you today?" He pulled his hand from his chest and looked down at the papers before dropping them to his hip.
"Good, My Lady. I was looking for the Commander, have you seen him?" I smiled and pointed over my shoulder with my thumb,
"He's-"I started, but noticed Ser Rylen straighten and I heard a voice cut into the conversation,
"Right here. Did you need something Lieutenant?" I looked over and saw Cullen walking down the steps his back straight and hands behind his back. Dare I say it he looked intimidating in that moment just by his stature. Commanding people's attention without even trying. Staring for a moment at Cullen I noticed his eyes looked tired and wondered why. Perhaps he's just had a long day? It was about mid-afternoon after all, and I imagine he'd be the type to be an early bird. Not to mention all the soldiers he was held responsible for. Averting my eyes I turned back to Rylen who quickly handed the papers over to him as he reached the ground next to me. He looked over the papers lifting up the first page before nodding and looking back to Ser Rylen. "Thank you Lieutenant." Cullen said and I looked to Rylen. His shaggy brown hair falling gently to his forehead as he once again planted his fist to his chest and turned quickly on his heels. "Were you waiting for me? If so, I'm sorry to keep you waiting, My Lady." I felt a blush creep up to my cheeks and I held my breath for a moment before turning my head to him.
"Oh no, I was trying to find the man named Harrit you mentioned earlier." I said as another cold blast hit me and he nodded quickly.
"Come, I'll show you where it is." I clutched my arms as I walked with the Commander down the path towards what looked like the front of the camp. "Were you alright earlier? In the meeting?" I felt my heart jolt in my chest in dread as the nightmare from this morning flashed in front of my eyes again for what felt like the millionth time. "My Lady?" I vaguely heard him say as I heard Tayen's words replay in my mind. "Quinn?" I snapped back to attention and looked over to him trying to hide my inner turmoil.
"Yes?" I asked and he scrunched his eye brows together and watched me for a moment. "Oh, yes I was fine, my hand was just starting to hurt again. Nothing serious." I lied coolly and he eyed me carefully for a moment before nodding and looking back ahead of us. I wonder if he knew I was lying, or if he thought that maybe I was lying about the pain…
"Perhaps I should get Solas to come check up on it anyway. It could feel like nothing, but it might be a problem." I sucked in a breath at his proposition and shook my head.
"No, really it's fine." I said and then held it up towards him, "See. Perfectly fine." He stopped and held my hand in his larger gloved one and inspected it for a moment, and I wished that he wasn't wearing his gauntlets. He looked down at me after dropping my hand and I gave him a wide cheesy smile. He shook his head a small smile stretching his pale pink lips. I pulled my hand back to my side and he pushed open the Gate allowing me to walk around him. Ahead of us were troops practicing striking and blocking, and some other maneuvers. I stared at them for a moment I watched their movements with a smile on my face. I wonder if that's where Trevelyan wanted to train… Cullen however, started to walk in the opposite direction.
"Those are the training grounds where you'll train if you wish to." He said off-handedly as if reading my mind. He raised a hand towards it, and then motioned ahead of us. "That is the blacksmith where you will find Harrit." I smiled and turned back to where he was standing.
"Anyone can train there?" He nodded and lifted an eye brow at me,
"Of course, it is open to all. Our soldiers just primarily use that one area." I grinned and shifted my weight to look at him,
"So you train there?" He lifted his other eye brow and a small unsure smile came onto his face.
"I-well sometimes. Mostly I overlook the progression of our troops training." I smiled before looking towards the training yard and placing my hands on my hips.
"Maybe you'd like to spar sometime?" His lip quirked up making his scar twitch, "You know just when you're bored or feel like losing a fight." He barked with laughter,
"I'm afraid that is something I cannot do." He said cordially and I felt like there was a bubble of happiness and he just popped it. Deflated and dejected I nodded, trying my best to internally and extremely blow it off, but saw his lip quirk up into a secretive smile. "Because I don't lose." He stated calmly with a smirk. I glared at him playfully the feeling of being completely rejected by him gone.
"Oh you don't?" I asked a laugh bubbling up through my throat, "You seem pretty confident in your abilities, Commander. Perhaps we shouldn't then? I would not wish to damage your ego." He folded his arms across his chest, a toothy grin splitting his handsome face.
"I do believe that sounds like a challenge, My Lady." I grinned cheekily,
"It should. In fact, I, Quinn Thedran, challenge you Cullen…er-"
"Rutherford." He filled in and I felt a familiarity from the name and squinted trying to remember where I'd heard that name before. For some reason a woman, dirty blonde hair and chocolate eyes and a kind smile flashed before my eyes. Who was she?
"Rutherford, huh?" I mumbled looking up at him not missing the slightly worried look he had on his face. Putting it aside for the moment I smiled up at him. "Anyway, I Quinn Thedran, challenge you Cullen Rutherford to a duel. Loser owes the Winner two favors. Any two favors." I grinned at him and he lifted an eye brow before sticking his hand out,
"Alright you have a deal." I took his hand and smirked at him. "Now, let's go talk to Harrit before you catch your death." He ordered and I straightened up and gave him a two fingered salute.
"Aye, aye Commander Ser!" He shot me a bemused smile before we both moved closer to the blacksmith's large open shack. I grinned to myself as I looked around before I saw a man with a beard and a bald head walk towards me.
"Commander, how can I help you?" The man asked in a gruff voice, not yet acknowledging me.
"Hello, Harrit. The Lady Protector needs some warm armor and new weapons." Harrit turned to me and inclined his head,
"My Lady, I have already prepared some things for you. Lady Nightingale came here with your measurements and said that you liked light armor and she threw in something special for you. Might just be my favorite part of the piece. Also she had me make you some proper daggers." I felt a smile quirk at my lips. Thank you Leli. Harrit walked away to retrieve a crate, and held returned holding it out to me and smiled, "Hope you like it." I smiled politely at him and took the crate from him,
"I'm positive I will. Thank you, Harrit." He smiled back,
"If you need anything further, just come find me here." I smiled at him and looked down at the crate before walking out next to Cullen. We walked towards the front gate and I smiled.
"I'm going to go put these on. Can you keep a look out for Trevelyan?" Cullen nodded with his hands behind his back. "Good, I'll be back." I said and ran off turning left immediately after the gate.
"Your cabin is the other way!" I heard him shout and I awkwardly ran the other way.
"Thank you!" I called back and saw him shaking his head at me an amused smile gracing his face. I moved through the buildings and found the cabin that was mine and walked in. Quickly checking to make sure no one was in there I placed the crate down on the bed and opened it. The first thing I saw were the daggers. Standard daggers with nice grips. I grinned to myself as I balanced them in my hands before placing them delicately down onto the bed next to the box. Next, I pulled the armor and smiled at it. It was rather nice. A black leather overcoat with a metal plate that clamps over the chest and long sleeves. A sleeveless white linen shirt that looked somewhat tight fitting, and a pair of black leather breaches to match, and a pair of knee high white Nugskin boots. Underneath however I saw a soft looking deep red material and I grabbed it and held it up. A cloak. I grinned, it was red my favorite color. It was long probably would hit the floor when I walked, and had a hood that was lined with pale silver fur. I quickly stripped the clothing I was wearing and pulled on the armor clasping everything in place before pulling on the cloak around my person and noticed the clasp made a dagger. I stared at it in awe, it was beautiful. I looked over and grabbed my daggers and tucked them into the loopholes on the breaches. I grinned to myself and turned to the mirror looking myself over. Dragging my hair into a high ponytail I smiled satisfied by my appearance and grabbed the door handle. Walking out of the cabin I set back out for the training grounds, I'd thank Leli for everything when I see here tonight, but I also didn't want to keep Trevelyan waiting on me, if he was even there. Continuing down the staircase I then walked out of Haven's Gate. Looking around the training grounds I spotted the Commander first, talking to a scout who handed him a clipboard. Walking over to him I noticed the scout that was facing the Commander look over to me and stare; I recognized him immediately. He was one of the troops that was with Cullen when he found Trevelyan and I. Shooting him a smile I saw Cullen follow his stare and looked me up before he locked eyes with me. I felt suddenly self-conscious under his stare and a pink tint shot across his cheeks before he looked back over to the recruit.
"You're dismissed." Cullen told the recruit who nodded quickly and looked back over to me and smiled. The scout bounded up to me and saluted. I smiled at him awkwardly and saluted him back. His smile grew and he dropped his hand.
"Lady Protector!" He said excitedly and I smiled awkwardly,
"Hello-" He smiled brightly at me,
"Jim! I-I heard the soldiers, they can't stop talking about you! I heard there was a Demon! A hundred feet tall and you climbed up it to save the Herald and then killed it all by yourself!" My eyes widened and felt a blush starting to heat my cheeks. How preposterous. His eyes wide with excitement as he regarded me. Looking him over for a moment trying to figure out something to say I noticed he looked about 18 or maybe that was simply because he was so awestruck at the moment. Finding my words I shook my head to him.
"No, the credit should go to Master Tethras. He took the killing shot." He unexpectedly grinned wider at me and looked back at the Commander who was standing with a disapproving look plastered on his face towards Jim. I bit my lip to try and not giggle at this situation, my cheeks still threatening to burn bright red. Cullen's blazing stare still held on Jim as he continued his onslaught of excited questions.
"They said you came through a rift to save the Commander's life! Is that true?" My eyes widened a fraction and I looked over at Cullen once again, a coy smile pulling at my lips as I settled onto my back leg, the pink twinge of embarrassment spreading to my ears.
"Now that is completely true." I answered no longer looking at Jim. An eyebrow lifted on the Commanders forehead and a smirk played at his lips before his eyes widened a bit and he looked away a twinge of red embarrassment filling in his sun kissed cheeks. He suddenly looked very busy ordering soldiers with different commands. I looked back to Jim who was practically vibrating with excitement.
"I knew it!" He whispered to himself triumphantly and he smiled brightly up at me. "Alright, bye!" He said quickly giving me a quick salute before turning and heading over to a table nearby and instantly talking to a woman. I looked over at the Commander who was no longer looking at me instead he seemed to be fussing at a nearby recruit who dropped his shield by accident. Sauntering over towards him and he looked over and I pointed over my shoulder towards where Jim was and smiled.
"It appears you have a fan." Cullen said with a frown and I tilted my head to him in confusion, "I hope he didn't annoy you. I will have to have a chat with him-"I swatted his arm,
"Don't you dare, he was sweet." Cullen shot me an incredulous look,
"'Sweet'?" He scoffed searching for Jim among the troops. I shook my head and grinned,
"An odd sort of sweet." I explained with a grin. Cullen's eyes fell on me and he shook his head before looking past me as a hand placed itself on my shoulder. I twirled around and saw Trevelyan standing there sheepishly dropping his arm back to his side.
"Hello, sorry I didn't mean to startle you." I breathed out and smiled at him, "Wow, nice armor." He commented and I felt my eye brows lift and I stared at him for a moment.
"Thank you. Yours looks nice as well." I said with a small smile as I looked him over. He had shining armor with a metal a circular shield strapped to his back, a short sword dangling from his hip. His brown hair mussed just the slightest, and his green eyes sparkling in the sun. He awkwardly started to fiddle with his belt before giving me a smile.
"I just wanted to know if you'd like to go and spar now. If you weren't busy, of course." I stiffly turned my head shortly to spot the Commander who had disappeared into the crowd of soldiers and I turned back to Trevelyan with a nod,
"You're on Trevelyan." He grinned and we walked over to a training area devoid of any people. I smiled as we stepped into a ring made from fence posts. Pulling my cloak off, I delicately placed it on the post so that it wouldn't get damaged. Turning to him I rested my hands on my twin daggers as he pulled his sword from its sheath. "Are you ready?" He shifted into a comfortable stance and he looked down at his sword,
"I was actually wondering if you could help me with some things. Cassandra told me I was 'lacking in a few areas' since I'm lacking a lot of field experience and some other things…" he said slowly sounding very embarrassed. I grimaced at that, Cassandra could be so rude, he probably wasn't even that bad. I pulled my daggers from their loops and held my loosely in my hands. "Just tell me what I might be doing wrong, and don't hold back, okay?" I nodded to him and pulled my daggers up towards him,
"Let's see what you've got, Herald." He grinned and got into a stance as well. I looked him over and first noticed his shield was held a too far away from his body. A well placed arrow would prove that shield useless. Also, his hands too tight on his sword, but that might just be nerves. I watched as he approached and watched his steps. He mostly knew what he was doing. He swung his blade and I side stepped it quickly, and then ducked underneath of another swing of his sword not yet attacking, just dodging to watch his footsteps. Plus I was a bit worried about attacking him, he was leaving himself wide open on his left side. I continued to dodge and it seemed to be annoying him a bit. I grinned, and he swung his blade down towards my head and I held my blades up to stop the attack. Our weapons clanged together and swiftly I moved my foot between his legs and kicked causing him to tumble to the ground. He rolled backwards and onto his knees before standing his shield and sword in place. I assumed my defensive position with a relaxed demeanor, and he rushed me. I twisted around him caught his blade to the side with a dagger and pressed my other dagger against the left portion of his rib cage. He seized up and stared at me turning his head to the side to look at me. Dropping his sword back down to his side he panted heavily.
"You're leaving your left side open. When you are not attacking make sure you keep your arms in tight. Also, your shield is too far out, you need to keep that close to you, and just under your line of sight." He nodded affirmatively and I backed away and noticed him pull his arms in tight around him and I grinned. "Also, don't forget about your back, try to keep your enemy in front of you at all times." He nodded and raised his sword as he charged once again and I moved around him swiftly dodging his blow and kicked him in his back. He stumbled forward before whipping around and staring at me before nodding and stood stiffly waiting for me to attack. I huffed, I hate making the first move. I smirked, but ran forward and he moved forward as well his shield coming forward to block the attack as his sword sliced through the air down at me. I slid through his legs, his blade missing completely and planted my foot into the ground so that I'd pop up into a stand right behind him. Now standing behind him I placed the dagger to the back of his neck, but he twirled and knocked my arm away and I smirked at him as he swung his sword at me. Quickly I raised the daggers up to stop the blow, and as my twin knives caught his blade he brought his shield forward and tried to bash me with it. I dodged the shield and brought a dagger towards his heart, and stopped right before it touched him. He glared down at me and I pulled the dagger back and he swung his sword again. Grinning I tried the same thing I did earlier to see if he'd learned. Spinning to his left side to dodge the sword I brought the dagger towards his left side, but he twisted and brought his shield towards me to hit me with. I laughed as I flipped away from him and stood straight and clapped. "Great Job, Trevelyan! You learn fast!" I praised and he dropped his fighting stance and smiled brightly at me.
"Thanks! But, not quick enough I couldn't even land a blow on you! You're too fast!" I grinned at his compliment and looked down at my daggers before clearing my throat.
"Do you want to keep going?" He nodded quickly and held up his sword again with a smile. I grinned at him and held up my daggers at the ready. "Alright, let's go then!" I challenged and he smirked and swung his sword forward, then pulled his shield towards me to trap me. I ducked down when he brought forward his sword and rolled to the side before bounding up beside him and bringing my blade to side of his neck, "Got ya!'" He backed away and circled me. I grinned staying in one place as he moved behind me his sword held flat in his hand pointed towards me. "So, Trevelyan, where are you from?" I asked, I still didn't know much about him and he was pointing a sword at me. He was behind me a few paces. I still had my back to him waiting for the attack.
"Ostwick, yourself?" My eyes opened wide as I heard the strike coming and I twirled to the opposite side and grinned as I faced him and he poised his sword again,
"Val Foret." I said and his eye brows scrunched together.
"You're Orlesian? You don't seem Orlesian." I grinned as I held my left dagger up towards him and he squinted his eyes in concentration.
"You are too kind to me, Herald." I teased as I circled him this time and he blushed a bit before laughing. I watched as he turned as I moved in and brought my daggers down towards him being careful not to aim anywhere I could actually hurt him. He was pretty okay, but he had a lot of room for improvement. Suddenly he did something strange and instead of bringing his sword forward he backed away and tried an assault with the blade over my head. I dodged stepping to the side and watching as the blade sliced directly in front of me. That actually was pretty close. I smirked to myself as I moved away from him as he balanced his blade in front of me. We danced around like this for a while, him trying to catch me, and I trying to show him all his weak points that he needed to watch out for. About a half hour later he held up his hands as he panted heavily. I leant against the post of the fence and grinned at as I took deep breaths. "You're did pretty well!" He toothily grinned up from his hunched position,
"Yeah, you did kind of alright. Few areas you need to work on." I stared at him before he started to laugh and I joined in with him. "Only joking." I rolled my eyes,
"Oh, so the Herald has jokes, does he?" He chuckled before looking up over my shoulder and looking up towards the Breach. He looked so sad in that moment it was hard to think he was still the same man who was just joking around with me.
"Maker, I just wish that thing was gone. Maybe once it's gone we can be free of these." He said in a daze as he stared at the Breach and held his hand face up. I cringed, ah there it was. Reality. That Breach was still there and we needed to close it.
"Me too. But, we'll seal it." He frowned still looking up at it and I felt so dumb. We'll seal it? That's it…all the comfort you can offer the man with the world's salvation placed upon his shoulders…or hand rather. His eyes found mine as he spoke.
"How do you know?" I smiled and walked towards him as he stood up straight. He was a couple inches taller than me having to look down only slightly to watch me approach. I placed a hand on his arm and smiled,
"Because I hope that it will. I have faith that we were given these marks so that we can save the world." He smiled, but looked up at it again and his smile dropped again.
"I don't think I can have that much faith in myself." His voice sounded so devoid of emotion that it hurt to listen to it. I nodded to him before giving him a bright smile.
"Well then I guess you'll just have to have some faith in me. I'll try not to let you down." I said in a tough voice and he smiled down at me.
"Thank you, Quinn. I guess I got pretty lucky to find a friend like you here." He sheathed his sword and started to walk away a few steps. My eyes widened, we were friends? That quick?
Friends… I thought to myself with a smile on my face. He was a peculiar person. Calling me his friend before he knew anything about me really. I pushed off the railing and moved towards my cloak and clipped it as I stared at the orange and pink sky in front of me. I smiled, it was beautiful, and somewhat hopeful. The world kept on going no matter how bad things got. There's a damn tear in the sky, but the sun somehow still sets and rises every day. I closed my eyes and basked in the sunlight's last rays before it fell behind the mountains. A bell behind me rung and I opened my eyes and quickly looked around to see if anyone was panicking, but no one was. Instead most were walking in from the blacksmiths and Cullen was releasing his troops.
"Oh, the dinner bell I assume." I stared at Trevelyan for a moment before he smiled. "Are you hungry?' I nodded as I touched my stomach.
"Maker, yes." I said with a grin and he laughed before jumping the fence. I jumped it as well and walked next to him as we approached the front gate. I stopped however and looked towards Cullen who was watching as his troops left. Papers in his hand as he started to march towards his tent. "Hey, just a minute." I said to Trevelyan before turning back and saw that Cullen had already retreated into his tent. I frowned and turned back to Trevelyan, "Never mind." I stated flatly. He squinted past me before nodding to me and we turned into the gates and headed towards the Tavern following the line of soldiers. When we entered the Tavern I grabbed a bowl from the corner of the table and handed one to the Herald who quietly said thank you. Pouring some stew into the bowl and grabbing a piece of bread I then walked back to the table where Varric was sitting and I greeted him.
"Hello Varric." He smiled to me and inclined his head as he took a spoonful of food and shoved it into his mouth.
"Hey Quinn. How was your spar with the Herald?" I looked over to see him walking through the crowd a bard rubbing up on him drunkenly. I smirked and turned back to Varric.
"How did you-? Never mind. It went sort of well, he's had very little practice in the field, but he learns fast." He smirked and nodded,
"Cassandra said something similar to that. Looks like you have your work cut out for you, Lady Protector." I shook my head and nodded quietly saying back,
"Perhaps. I'm just worried about him Varric, he's rather young." Varric stifled a laugh as he gulped down his drink. I glared at him as I took it from him realizing I'd forgotten to get my own and took a swig of it. "What are you laughing at?" I asked him seriously and he laughed heartily.
"Says the woman that started her line of work when she was much younger than he is." I glared and shook my head but realized he had a point. Lifting my hands in defeat I noticed the door open to the tavern and looked over the Commander popping up in my head, and I hoped he was one of the few that filtered into this noisy place. He wasn't. I looked back down at the table and took a few sips of the stew and nibbled the bread. "Are you waiting on someone?" Varric asked and I looked to him and then over to Trevelyan who was still trying to break away from the intrusive bard traipsing herself over him. Chuckling lightly to myself as I watched him squirm I shook my head,
"No…" I said looking back as the door opened again and cursed myself mentally for doing it. I barely knew this guy and I was already hoping he'd walk through the door so I could see him once again. To talk to him, see him smile. It was pathetic and annoying. My inner battle must've shown on my face because Varric laughed,
"Are you sure?" I glared at him and he rolled his eyes and took another swig of his ale. I nodded to myself, but noticed Trevelyan sit beside me and I smirked over at him,
"Sorry, I got a little hung up." He said with a scowl and I burst out laughing.
"I can see that. What's wrong Herald? You look a bit pink." I commented cheekily and he dropped his head and his face grew a bit redder. Varric laughed hard and smirked to me,
"Quinn stop teasing him, or I'll have to share the story of how you got kicked out of The Hanged Man." He said with a chuckle and I smirked placing my hands under my chin,
"Do not forget Master Tethras you are not the only one with embarrassing stories. Besides, that man had it coming. He grabbed my ass." I added nonchalantly and Varric laughed and Trevelyan's eyes widened,
"And you broke both his arms!" I rolled my eyes at him and scoffed,
"Well he shouldn't have touched me. And I even warned him! It's not my fault!" I said through a laugh and he chuckled as well and shook his head.
"You warned him?" Trevelyan asked and I stifled another laugh and nodded,
"Yes, she said "if you touch me I'll break both your arms"." I grinned and shrugged as I took a final swig of Varric's spicy ale.
"What? I'm a lady of my word." Varric chuckled and the wide eyed Herald laughed too. We sat there for a while after that and shared stories, mostly Varric telling his wild stories mostly made up I believe. Trevelyan was absolutely dazzled, but I was a bit distracted. I hadn't seen the Commander come in yet, and I felt slightly dejected every time door opened and it wasn't him. I hated that I felt this way, it was so pitiful and such a cliché. He won't even want to talk to you when he finds out the truth about you. I growled under my breath, Damn my stupid girly feelings to the Void. I don't want them. Trevelyan got up announcing he was going to go and get another drink. I looked to Varric and he looked back to me thoughtfully.
"You know Quinn, you could just go talk to him instead of waiting for him to come in." He commented as he took a sip of his ale. Excuse me?
"I'm not sure who you're talking about." I stated staring down at the food in front of me and picking at the small bread crumbs and flicking them onto the table.
"Sure you don't. Okay, Angel then why don't you tell me why you've been staring at the door for the past hour." I ground my teeth together. Damn. I clenched my jaw and looked down at my plate of half eaten food.
"I'm just-ugh fine. The Commander hasn't come in yet to eat. There are you happy?" I asked cocking an attitude with him and he grinned while slurping down his ale,
"Oh, you probably won't see him here. He hardly eats." He stated as he took another bite of his stew. Looking back at the door I grimaced. I should bring him food, I mean he brought me food right? It was the only decent thing to do. "Where're you going?" He asked and I looked back at him,
"He brought me food earlier…I should return the favor." He smirked at me, but I didn't know why. I had the feeling I was going to have to slap him later for whatever was going on in his twisted mind.
"You go do that, Quinn." He said with a devilish grin. Wait-why did he say it like that? Did he know something I didn't? I went over to the Taverns bar and got a bowl of stew, some bread and a glass of water and walked out giving Varric a short wave before going. Opening the Tavern door the blistering cold hit me and I pulled the stew close to me so that it wouldn't get too cold. I came to the front of the Commander's tent and I frowned. What was I going to say? What if he'd already eaten and I'm left there standing like a damned fool? Stop it, you've got this Thedran. He's just a guy. I encouraged myself still standing outside his tent. A very hot guy. Ugh, why did I suddenly feel so awkward? Rolling my shoulders back I spoke in a hushed voice. "Knock, Knock." The low candlelight that was burning in the tent flickered and I heard him answer,
"Come in." I stiffened, but felt a grin spread along my cheeks at the sound of his voice and opened the flap with my free hand,
"Hello, Commander." I asked and he chuckled sounding a bit tired as he looked up at me from his desk.
"Lady Thedran, is there something I can do for you?" He asked, his eyes staring at me in question as I walked very slowly forward. He looked down at my hands as I walked forward and placed the bowl and piece of bread on his desk before folded my arms across my chest. How was I going to word this? I didn't want him to know I'd been waiting for him to come in!
"I was informed that you didn't get any food. So, here as a way of saying thank you for bringing me food this morning." He glanced down at the food and looked a bit surprised. Nicely done, Thedran.
"Thank you. I guess I lost track of time." I grinned and waved my hand in a nonchalant manner,
"Yeah, yeah. Just don't do it again. This-," I motioned to the food and then to myself with a smile, "One time thing." I teased and his lips curled into a small smile and a low rumbling chuckle resonated through his tent.
"Now there is a sad thought." He teased back and I let a small laugh out before pulling on my serious face which was an awful failure.
"Isn't it?" I asked with a smirk as I looked around the room. It was a rather roomy space, a couple candles lit around on a barrel and on his desk. A lot of books and papers scattered everywhere. A military strategy book lying forgotten on the barrel next to me. A small cot in the corner next to his desk. He was sitting down in a chair facing me. I smirked as I looked around, "Nice place you've got here. Very you. Or what I imagine is you-ish" I added off-handedly and heard him chuckle. I looked back to him as he grinned at me from his desk.
"Thank you, My Lady."
"Quinn. There is no one around, call me Quinn. Too much of this 'My Lady' is going to make my head implode, and that won't be pretty." He looked a bit hesitant before nodding,
"Alright, Quinn. Was there something else I could help you with?" He repeated and a little voice whispered in the back of my head. Oh, so many things. I forced the provocative thought away back to its place in the back of my mind and nodded.
"Well, Cullen, there's actually nothing you can help me with for now except maybe eat that food before it gets cold." I said with a smile and he smiled politely before looking back down at his papers hesitantly and then at the stew.
"I think I can manage that." I grinned and grabbed the flap of the tent, but heard his words as I exited. "Quinn." I poked my head back into the tent and he smiled, "Thank you…for the food." I smiled toothily, and noticed him blush deeply. Well that's adorable. I smiled happily as I pulled at the front flap of the tent.
"You're welcome." A smile spread across his handsome lips as I sucked in a breath and inclined my head towards him and shut the tent behind me. I walked up the steps of Haven remembering that Leliana wanted to see me in her tent. Now trotting up the steps around the short wall and up another set of stairs I turned right to see Leliana's massive tent closed but a dim light burning. I stepped up to the flap to open it and I prepared myself for whatever she had to say that made her so serious. Maybe you're just overreacting. It could be nothing. I groaned, yeah could be. Highly unlikely though. I cleared my throat ready to face whatever she had ready for me and I called out into the quiet tent.
"Lady Nightingale, may I enter?" I asked and I heard her voice from behind the flap,
"Of course." She pulled open the flap and I entered and looked around with an appreciative smile at how roomy this place was. Her desk in the corner, a bed in the other corner, another table with a bunch of lists and books, and that's when I saw a beautifully wrapped box with a note lying on top of it.
"Oh Leli that's so sweet of you. But, my nameday isn't for another week!" I said with a smiled, but she shook her head at me and with a serious tone she said,
"It is not from me." She looked at it and then to me with a small nod. I squinted at her waiting for her to explain, but she never did. She walked over to the box and then handed me it with a frown. I stared at her and took it from her and pulled the note off of it. Opening it slowly I read the contents of the letter.
"To my Dear Daughter,
I am writing this letter to you to apologize for all the mistakes I've made, and all that I've pushed you to do. But, that said I call upon you to help the Guild once more. There is a threat against our lives, 6 of our agents have already been murdered. Attached is a letter from the people committing the murders. The Guild needs you, as do I. It's time to return to who you really are."
I looked over the letter my hand clenching at my side, and then pulled the piece of parchment that was attached to the back of the note.
"The murders that you have witnessed within your Guild will continue. We will not stop until you and the rest of your assassins are wiped from existence. We are a force that cannot be stopped, and you will know us soon enough. I suggest you say the Maker's Prayer to repent for your sins among the people of Thedas before it is too late."
"Well they get right down to the point, don't they?" I ground my teeth together and glared at the paper before opening the box. My heart leapt into my throat at the sight of the objects inside it. I almost dropped it. My hands shaking as I pulled the bladed gauntlets out of the box. My mothers. Their beautiful design concealing a deadly blade that snapped out on command. I stared at them in appreciation, but saw something fall from them, briefly flashing in the light. I placed the gauntlets on the table next to me and grabbed the chain attached to the object. I pulled it up and emotion choked me as I saw my nameday gift from my mother the day I became the Guild of Assassin's second in Command. A silver sparrow with a ruby encrusted tail. I gripped it and quickly pulled it around my neck and clasped it. Holding it in my hand I looked down in the box and saw yet another note with a ring tied to it with a pretty ribbon. The ring was gold encrusted with the Guild of Assassin's seal on the top. Two Daggers crossed and engulfed in a holy flame. Holding it up, I pulled the paper free from the seal while holding the ring in my fingers.
" My little Sparrow, consider this your early nameday present, your mother would want you to have these. When you are ready put the ring back on as a symbol that you are yet again one of us. I hope one day you can forgive me for all that has come to pass between us. I want you to know that I love you, just as your mother did, just as I always will.
Love, Your Father Aliterus Thedran."
I held my breath, return to who you really are. I fought to control myself as my mind ran over that last sentence. I love my Father, but I could never forgive him for what he made me do. Maker I hardly forgive myself. I clenched and unclenched my hands as I placed the box on the table and counted back from five trying to keep my anger in check. I looked up at Leliana as she stood in the corner of the room with an empathetic expression. I placed the letters back in the box and grabbed the gauntlets and placed them in there too.
"I'm assuming you've already read them?" I asked dismissively as I placed the box on the table. She nodded to me,
"I have. Except for the note inside the box, I thought that was a bit more private." She explained and I nodded and looked down at the ground,
"He wants me to rejoin the Guild, go back to being an assassin." I glared down at my fists.
"Are you going to?" She asked walking a bit closer. NO! My mind screamed, but my Father didn't ask for help often, and if he did it was important. I sighed, maybe? But why did he need me? There was something else he wasn't telling me.
"I'm not sure. I don't have a life there anymore. But, he must be desperate to call on me like this, and that worries me. He is still my Father." I ground out trying to hide the anger that I felt for the whole situation. I didn't want to go back to that life or to that place. I thought I found a purpose with the Divine, not just killing for money, but killing to protect people. I guess…if I helped out my Father I would be doing the same thing I did with the Divine. I would be saving lives, but who says that we deserve to live? The bunch of murderers we are. I looked up at her as she picked up the box and handed it back to me. I took it back from her and placed the ring and the note back inside gently.
"Will you be leaving if you choose to rejoin?" Her voice sedated and slightly saddened. I shook my head flashing her a quick smile,
"Of course not. I could not possibly leave now. What would you do without me?" I said trying to lighten the mood and saw her face light up with a smirk momentarily and a small laugh blew from her lips. "Besides things here are just starting to get interesting." She chuckled and eyed me for a moment.
"You could never resist an adventure." She stated coyly and I chuckled at her. I couldn't. It was a problem. "I have something else that I need to discuss with you as well." I nodded to her and shifted my weight. "Do you remember Pierel, my senior agent?" I nodded to her again,
"Yeah, bald guy with a scar on his chin? A bit twitchy around magic?" I asked remembering bits and pieces of the guy she was asking about.
"Yes, him. I received word yesterday that he was murdered, but I do not know by who. We are currently investigating the situation." She said,
"Okay….so what does that have to do with me?" I asked and she frowned,
"I need you to keep an eye on any of my agents around here, and report back to me if you see anything suspicious." I nodded to her and bowed my head to her and her to me.
"At your service Nightingale." I said and clutched the box in my hands and she smiled to me,
"As I am at yours, Lady Protector. I will have my most trusted agents guard you immediately." I sighed and looked at her seriously.
"Okay, can you do me a favor though? Can we not discuss this with the others? Any of them? If anything becomes of this threat then we can, but the last thing I need is Cassandra having yet another reason to breathe down my neck. I can already hear her cursing my name and lineage to the farthest sanctums of the Void if anything becomes of this threat." Leliana shot me a glance slightly amused at my words before stiffening her back.
"I will keep your secret. But, you should not keep this to yourself. It is your decision to make, my friend, but I can think of a few people who'd be very displeased to find out you're withholding a plot against your life." She spoke quietly and I stared at her for a moment before looking back towards the tent opening.
"I'll think on it." I said with as I started to walk towards the tent. "If that is all, Leli. I'll bid you good night. I wouldn't want the scouts around your tent to think such an extended late journey to your personal tent to be more than friendly." I quipped suggestively wagging my eyebrows before laughing as she barked with laughter with me.
"I hardly think they'd come to that conclusion. I am not your type." She said with a wicked grin and I lifted my eye brow at her,
"Oh?" I asked challenging her. She rose to the challenge as she calmly reclined against a support beam.
"Yes, I am neither blonde nor Fereldan." I felt the hair bristle on the back of my neck and my cheeks felt as if they were on fire. I stood stalk still, trying to fight off any signs of embarrassment. I glared at her though my blush made it more amusing than I'd wanted it to. "I am sorry my friend, it has been such a long time since I've seen you blush. It is quite a rare sight to see." The blush spread to my ears and I stuck my tongue out at her trying to collect myself.
"Yes well here it is. Get a portrait done, it'll last longer." I said with a scowl, and she grinned at me. Rolling my eyes I shot her a quick smile as I grabbed the edge of the tent. "Goodnight, Leli." I walked out of the tent and heard her murmur a goodnight as I closed it. Looking down at the box in my hands I felt a fire light in my stomach as the anger started to come back to me. Taking heavy steps towards my cabin I reached for the door hurriedly. I walked in slowly, checking every corner quickly and slammed the door shut behind me. I tossed the box onto the mattress and glared at it. I didn't want to go back to that life. To the memories that I've tried so hard to push to the back of my mind. To face my father again after I said I never would ever again. I clenched my hands and punched the wall angrily glaring at it as objects rattled on the mantle on the wall. I sank onto the mattress and stared at the box cross legged. Time to return to who you truly are. My jaw clenched at that, but I sighed and looked at the box once more before taking it and placing it in the trunk at the foot of the bed. Closing my eyes I sucked in a heavy breath and released it calming myself down. I need to sleep. I'd worry about this in the morning. I laid down on the bed and stared up at the ceiling of my cabin and slowly closed my eyes. Tomorrow we'd head to the Hinterlands, we'd find this Mother Giselle and, if the Maker be willing, be one step closer to closing that infernal gaping hole in the sky.