Hey there everyone! I am so, so, sorry it has taken me so long to write this chapter. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with it, but I figured it out! I just wanted to thank all of you who have stayed tuned! I love you all! Hope you enjoy! Now onto the 7th Chapter!
"We should head back to Haven." Those six words repeated in my mind over and over again and I damn near squealed for joy. Haven, where there were beds and fire places. The place that even though it was a frigid ice box still may have been the closest thing I had to a home at the moment. I smiled to myself and patted Belle on the side of her neck before moving to my things to pack away in her knapsacks. A little after an hour we set off back through the Hinterlands. We passed many of the areas that we'd liberated, and the people we'd helped. Hollowly I touched the healed wound on my shoulder as we passed the spot where it happened. My eyes drifted from the area to the Herald. He was sitting tall and rigid, his head held high and straight as we carried on through the small town. A twinge of regret spurred me and I rolled my eyes at my own conscious. Maybe Varric was right? I should apologize to him…probably. I chided myself mentally as I thought over the way I spoke to him. I mean I wasn't wrong. He could've gotten the others seriously injured, and he could've died had I not been quicker. But, for the last 4 days he'd been very careful, I guess taking in my…advice to heart. I felt like kicking myself, I hated these awkward positions. I hated feeling bad for telling the truth. People should just accept that they're a handicap and get over it. Well that's not right. My mind corrected and I dropped my head as we bobbed along down the very poorly kept 'road'. We passed the Inquisition's camp and then we were in the thick woods leading out of the Hinterlands. My eyes darted in between the trees where the canopy made it especially dark and listened very carefully for anything like a bow being drawn or a sword being unsheathed, but nothing came. To be truthful I expected an attack. The Herald had made an impression on the Hinterlands, no doubt some people would be threatened and send someone to take care of him. Or Maker at least bandits, but so far we hadn't been unexpectedly attacked since we'd arrived here, and it made me very suspicious. I was constantly waiting for the other foot to fall. Bandits invade the camp, Mages or Templars trying to burn down our tents in the night. Nothing I couldn't handle, but it made me feel paranoid and I hate feeling paranoid. I also hated the fact that no one else seemed to be the same way. I'd stayed up nights making sure that I'd secured the area while the others slept carelessly in their sleep. Maker, I'd even taken sips of the Herald's wine and eaten a bite of his food, without him noticing of course, just to make sure it wasn't poisoned. Maybe they were just being sneaky about protecting him, like I was. But, if they were they are much better than me at it because I didn't notice once. Sure they were all too quick on the stick in the daytime when there was a bear or demon, but the threat I know the most about comes in the night. Only someone with clear advantage or an idiot attacks during the day. Hence, all the people that have attacked us yet are idiots. Was I paranoid…maybe? But, I had good reason. The Herald is basically defenseless without the four of us…and even with me constantly jumping in front of him it would only take one arrow and game over. I frowned at the thought, my thoughts continuously looping as I focused on the road around us. My hands were loose on the reigns. I was calm, but ready. Fights and people didn't frighten me, right now the only thing that frightened me was letting the Herald get himself killed. For the next two or three hours we trotted through the rock and dirt road, the horses hooves clopping and echoing off of the mountains as we neared Haven. I smiled to myself at the thought of finally getting to sleep in an actual bed instead of a cot or bed roll. Looking around us I waited for any sound other than the one of a horses' hooves against the rocky path. Everything was quiet, too quiet. The world seemed to have gone quiet for a moment and I noticed the Seekers shoulders tense up ahead of us and I gripped my dagger at my hip. Was it about to happen? Was there shit about to go down? I waited as we moved through the pass, but nothing came. Nothing at all. The entire time after we left the pass I felt like we were being watched. A heat on the back of your neck that makes you feel uncomfortable and cautious. I was stiff for the rest of the ride back until we rode into Haven and the people greeted us cheerily as we dismounted our horses and walked our separate ways. I walked towards the Chantry, but stopped when I heard shouting. I resumed towards the Chantry where the sound was coming from and jogged up the stairs to see Templars and Mages facing each other. Blazing eyes and weapons just yearning to be reached for. I shook my head. I'm surrounded by morons. Yes, let's erupt into civil war in the middle of Haven, sounds like a great plan. Damn, irresponsible sons of bitches. I chided in my mind as I moved forward quickly to stop the fight as they yelled at each other.
"Your kind killed the most Holy!" The Templar in front yelled and the Mage opposite to him scoffed.
"Wrong! Your kind let her die!" He yelled back in retort and the Templar tried to pull his sword as the Mage flicked his staff from his back. I gripped the Mages hand to stop him.
"Enough!" I yelled and heard it echo in a deeper voice beside me. I paused as I looked over to see Cullen standing next to me with his hand pressed against the shoulder of the Templar in a menacing way. I stepped away from the Mage and moved out of the Commander's way as he growled at the men around him. Leaning against the wall of the Chantry I watched as Cullen spoke angrily.
"But Knight-Captain!" One of the Templars yelled and Cullen's body stiffened.
"That is not my title! We are not Templars any longer! We are all part of the Inquisition." He stated as he pointed an accusatory finger at both the Mages and the Templars. I smirked at the back of his form, until I heard a weasel-like voice break into the conversation.
"And what does that mean, exactly? I think we are all interested in hearing it." The Chancellor asked and I scoffed at the same time Cullen did. Interested in the conversation I continued to lean against the wall.
"Of course you are." Cullen ground out before looking at the people gathered. "Back to your duties. All of you." He announced and I looked around as the people vacated the area only leaving him and the Chancellor before Cullen spoke. "The Mages and Templar were already at war, now they're blaming each other for the Divine's Death." He said. Because they're morons. Except you, Cullen. You're pretty…SMART. Pretty smart. You are pretty smart… I corrected in my mind as I saw the Chancellor nod as he placed his hands behind his back.
"Which is why you require a proper authority to guide them back to order." I rolled my eyes,
"Who you? A random cleric not important enough to be at the Conclave?" Cullen shot back quick as a whip.
"The rebel Inquisition and its so-called 'Herald of Andraste'? I think not."
"I don't know, the Inquisition seems as functional as any young family." Trevelyan shot back with a grin and I smirked, but it fell almost immediately. Family?
"How many families are on the verge of splitting into open warfare with themselves?" The Chancellor threw back at the Herald and I stifled a laugh. Have you even heard of the Chantry?
"Yes, because that would never happen to the Chantry." Cullen answered with a small chuckle amongst his words. He can read minds, can't he?
"Centuries of tradition will guide us. We are not the upstart, eager to turn over every apple cart." Chancellor Roderick replied haughtily making my eyes roll in response. Oh, whatever.
"Please remind me why we are allowing the Chancellor to stay here, Commander." The Herald asked and I stifled another laugh as the Chancellor looked over at me.
"Is there something you wish to contribute to the Conversation?" He asked and I smirked and leant a bit more against the wall.
"Nah, I don't have restraint as powerful as the Commander's. I might just end up contributing my fist to that weasel face of yours." I answered nonchalantly and he glared at me before raising his nose into the air.
"Well, it appears your Templar knows where to draw the line." He responded and I chuckled at that before Cullen spoke.
"He's toothless, no use making a martyr out of him for just running his mouth." He spoke and Trevelyan nodded before looking at the Chancellor.
"I will bring good news back from Orlais." He responded and I smiled as he walked past me. The Chancellor strode off and Cullen raised a hand to his temples. I grinned and shook my head as he turned to me.
"I was serious you know? I don't mind punching a prig in the face." I said with a smile and pushed off the wall. He shook his head and grinned.
"As much as I'd like to, that would only reflect badly on us." I nodded and sighed,
"Ugh, he's just so annoying. How do you deal with that and stay so calm?" I asked and he chuckled as we turned towards the Chantry.
"As you said, I have more restraint than you." He said and I glowered playfully at him before winking at him. Waltzing off towards the War Room where I'd seen Trevelyan go I smirked at the Commander behind me.
"You're probably right." I say with a wink in his direction before sauntering off towards the war room, but paused and smiled to myself. The Chantry was warm, not in temperature but in the feeling of it and for a moment I was back in the Conclave with Divine Justinia. The incense burning around us as she gave me a motherly smile. My hand trailed along the wall, the stone raising as if to my touch.
"Your help has been immeasurable, Lady Thedran." Divine Justinia told me as we walk down the hallways of the Conclave to her throne room. "Leliana has told me of your recent victory in Dumonde. Very well done." The memory of Dumonde and all the dead in the streets flashing horridly in my mind. The man I was ordered to take care of lying among the dead in the street. His eyes still wide in shock. I smiled despite the memory and shoved the thoughts into the back of my mind.
"Thank you, your Perfection." I bowed to her and she touched my chin lightly to get me to look at her. I obeyed and glanced up at her with an unsure smile.
"What's troubling you, child?" She asked me with a comforting smile. My heart sunk in my chest, she could always see through me. I'd been with her for 3 years and not one time had I gotten away with keeping something from her which was very disheartening for a woman of my particular talents.
"It's…well, your Perfection do you believe the Maker has his hand in everything?" I ask and she looked forward, wisdom crossed her eyes as she stared off towards a statuette of Andraste holding flames.
"I believe he does. Why do you ask?" She asked me and I dropped my head.
"I…I just find it hard to believe that if the Maker had his hand in everything that he would let all those bad things happen in places like Dumonde. Slaughter as I've never seen before women, men and children all killed in the streets caught in the crossfire of Mages and Templars." I paused looking up at her for answers. "Why would the Maker let that happen?" I added searching for my answer in her eyes, but instead found comfort.
"My dear child, I have asked myself that very question. Why would the Maker allow these acts to happen? The only answer I can offer you is that we may not see it, but the Maker's hand is in all things. It could be something as small as one child surviving the massacre or a hero saving as many as she can…" She said with a smile pointed towards me. I felt a blush stain my cheeks as I realized she was talking about me. "I believe the Maker sent you there to save those people." Her words washed over me, trying my very best to believe them as she did. But, there was no way I was an instrument of the Maker's will.
"You truly believe that? That the Maker would send someone like me to those people? After all I've done?" I asked her incredulously expecting her to explain her reasons for saying those things. She gripped my shoulder gently.
"Lady Protector." She said, but it wasn't her voice. "My Lady?" I was jerked from my thoughts and looked over to see Cullen standing just in front of me with his hand brushing past my shoulder as if he realized he shouldn't have touched me.
"I apologize, Commander. I zoned out, was there something you were saying?" I asked politely as he pulled his hands behind his back in a very formal way and inclined his head.
"Yes, the Herald has summoned a War Council. Will you be attending?" He asked as he looked towards the door in the back of the Chantry. I nodded sending him a lopsided smile.
"Sure, why not? Nothing like chatting about foreign policy and military strategy to spice up your otherwise uneventful day." I chimed in sarcastically noticing him smirk out of the corner of my eye.
"Good to see someone shares my enthusiasm." He responded with a chuckle. I rolled my eyes as we walked forwards towards the War room. The door opened blocking out the scent of incense only to be greeted with the scent of old books and ink. Looking around the War room I took notice that Leliana was watching me carefully. Her eyes flickering over my face before a worried look flashed over hers only briefly. I paused and looked to her with concern, but saw her nod shortly before pulling her attention to the Herald as everyone got in their usual places for War Meetings. Cullen in the middle, Leliana to the left, Josephine to his right. Then Cassandra to the left of the Herald and me to the right. Looking to Leliana I felt a twinge of confusion hit me. Why did she give me that look? Was something wrong? Was the Herald in danger? Was I? I'd sent her the ring from the dead Templar. Maybe she'd found something out about it. But, why that look?
"Master Dennet's horses are a fine addition to the Inquisition. I will see they are well tended." Cullen said, breaking my train of thought. I looked to the Herald as he looked down at the War Table for a moment. His eyes lingering on Val Royeaux. He moved the Inquisitions token onto it and I saw Josephine crack a smile.
"Having the Herald address the clerics, is not a bad idea." She voiced as she scribbled on her papers. I stared at her incredulously. She thinks it's a good idea to just waltz the Herald into Val Royeaux where there are numerous sisters and clerics that would see his head on a pike? And yours. My mind reminded me and I paused.
"You can't be serious." I huffed and it echoed again with Cullen's much deeper voice. I paused and looked at him before looking back to Josephine. She looked in between us before nodding.
"Mother Giselle isn't wrong. At the moment the Chantry's only strength is that they are united." She stated sternly giving Cullen a pointed look. I rolled my eyes as Cullen rubbed his neck seeming very irritated.
"And we should ignore the danger to the Herald?" Leliana asked in the same tone as Josephine. Josephine turned to the Herald and smiled.
"Let's ask him." She responded. The Herald looked to me as if asking what he should do before looking back at Josephine.
"What can they do? It's just talk." He answered bravely and I squeezed my eyes shut. Oh, their 'talk' can do much, Herald.
"You underestimate the power of words. An angry mob will do you in as quickly as a blade." Leliana interjected gravely, and she wasn't wrong. The Herald tensed at her words, and almost immediately Cassandra stepped forward.
"I will go with him." She said seriously and I rolled my eyes, but tensed when I saw the Herald look to me.
"Will you go too?" He asked. It was the first time he'd spoken to me in days other than to alert me in battle. I was a little shocked he wanted me to go at all. I shot him a quick grin and nodded,
"Of course I will. I wouldn't miss out on the chance to punch a cleric." I responded with a grin and herad Cassandra scoff in a disgusted manner.
"We are going there to speak peacefully, Thedran." She hissed at me. Her brows pulled tightly together on her forehead. I smirked,
"No, you are going there to speak peacefully." I commented and saw her start to fume.I silently congratulated before she scoffed once more.
"Mother Gisselle said she could provide names. Use them." She stated, directing her words at Leliana.
"But, why? This is nothing but a-"
"What choice do we have, Leliana? Right now we can't approach anyone for help with the Breach. Use what influence we have to call forth the Clerics together. Once they are ready we will see this through." Cassandra interjected as she looked to all of them. As much as I hate to admit it, she was right. We wouldn't last a month if we didn't have some support. The meeting was adjourned, but Leliana looked at me and spoke up.
"Lady Protector if you would please hang back. I have some matters to discuss with you." She said very cryptically and I nodded and leant against the wall as the others left. Once the door was shut Leliana pulled a letter from her pocket and handed it to me. "This was found in your cabin. We don't know who it is from…nor how it got there." She said slowly and my heart started to beat very fast in my chest. If this had Leli worried…I probably should be too. Opening the letter I sat against the table for support.
My dearest Quinn,
I hope this letter finds you well. Even though I know you nameday is not for another two days, I could not wait. I wish I could be there to see your beautiful face when you read this letter, but alas I cannot. My darling, it has been far too long since I have had the pleasure of being around you. That is why I wish to arrange a meeting. Just the two of us. I understand you're part of the Inquisition now, and you can let them know no harm will come to you. Meet me tonight in the pass just outside of Haven and I will give you all the information you desire. But, only if you come alone. Yours and forever. T
Looking back up at Leli I saw her drawing her hands together as she watched me. I placed the letter down in front of me, my mind working quickly as I thought over every scenario as to why and who sent this to me. Could it be the people that my father warned me about? But, why approach me like this? And who was 'T'? I looked to Leliana once more and grimaced.
"Well…looks like I have a date with this…'T' person." I said and she let out a small laugh. "What?" I asked her incredulously. She smiled and shook her head,
"That was not the response I imagined when I told you." She said and I tilted my head in agreement.
"Well what do I have to fear? The letter said that whoever 'T' is, is not going to hurt me, and even if they tried they couldn't." I said confidently and she smiled crookedly as she lifted the letter to her to read it again.
"The one thing that worries me is the names this person is calling you. 'Dearest', 'darling'? And then 'yours and forever'? This person sounds like they're in love with you." She stated and I nodded leaning against the wall, wondering if I should be a bit nervous about this. But, my pride wouldn't let me be. I straightened my shoulders a bit looking to Leli again as she handed it back to me. "This is a trap." She stated simply and I nodded nonchalantly.
"Oh, certainly. But, I must say I'm curious as to who this person is. Plus, if this person is linked to the people my Father was speaking of then he is going to answer every question I have, willing or otherwise." I responded with a sly grin. She grinned back and headed towards the door.
"I will have my best scouts look for traps or any sign of this mystery person." She noted as she opened the door. I nodded as I walked with her out of the War Room.
"Thank you, Nightingale." I thanked bowing my head to her and she bowed her head back to me.
"You're welcome, Sparrow." She responded quietly with her tell-tale smirk cast upon her lips. We walked wordlessly out into the square of Haven before we parted ways. Alright, what to do. I could take a nap, or I could prepare for tonight. Was there anything to prepare for though? It most certainly felt trap-ish. Walking down the steps I saw Varric standing by the campfire and he immediately turned to me as I smiled to him.
"Hello, Varric." I greeted and he shot me a quick grin back accompanied by a nod.
"What's up, Angel?" He asked as he sat down on a bench. I sat down across from him and leant forward as I adjusted myself to the unforgiving cold wood.
"You know, not much. Kicking ass and making friends. The usual. You?" I asked as he chuckled. He smiled at me before shaking his head.
"Maker, you know I'm glad you're here. I'd be a bit bored if you weren't." He confessed making me chuckle with him before pointing up at the Breach.
"Oh yes, I can see how fighting against a big, green hole in the sky could get boring. Especially with this lively bunch here." I responded jutting my thumb in a general direction. He followed the thumb and I did as well noticing Cassandra had just walked by and was scowling at us. "Well that was perfect timing." I said with a grin and saw her scoff in disgust before striding off. "You know I'm really concerned for her." I added empathetically and he lifted an eye brow at me.
"Oh? And why is that?" He asked sounding very confused. I fought the urge to smirk as I looked seriously at Varric.
"That stick has been up her ass for a long time. I'm concerned it'll start causing internal damage." Varric stared at me for a moment before laughing heartily and falling out of his seat on the bench. I started laughing as well more out of his response to my joke than to my actual joke. He sat back in his seat and wiped his eyes.
"Andraste's ass I needed that." He said as his laughter subsided. I grinned before looking over and seeing Cullen walk past the gates of Haven and towards the blacksmith's. I paused my thinking as he looked over at me and I turned back to Varric trying to play it cool. Even though I'm fairly certain it looked like I'd nearly broken my neck with how quick I whipped my head. Varric noticed, but didn't say anything, instead he did something significantly worse and smiled at me. His cunning mind already figuring out that I thought that Commander was especially good looking. "I guess I'm not the only one who is glad you're here." He added quietly and I shot him a glare before rolling my eyes.
"Oh please, I just think he's hot." I replied and heard him laugh.
"I never said who I was talking about." He responded with a haughty grin and I paused. Damn you, Varric.
"You didn't have to. I know exactly who you were referring to." I shot back with a grin to match his. He chuckled and stood up and I followed him. I looked over towards the training grounds and looked back to Varric. "I'm heading to train, head down there if you want to join me." I said and he grinned and nodded,
"If I don't, I'll be in the Tavern." He said with a wave before heading off. I trotted down the steps and to the blacksmiths and almost exhaled when I noticed I didn't see Cullen. Part of me however was a little upset I didn't. I liked talking to him, but at the same time he did something strange to me. Like suddenly I was tripping over my own tongue. Was it because he was hot? No, that couldn't be it. I'd met plenty of men of equal hotness, so what was it about this guy? It was positively infuriating. He was infuriating. I strode towards the blacksmiths and immediately went to the workbench and grabbed some schematics and looked for a new dagger grip. Mine was okay, but it could always be improved. I found one and grinned as I pulled the leather strips and began to assemble the grip. Pulling off my jacket and cloak I hung them up next to me as I worked. It was too hot in here with the forge. Finally finishing the grips I held them in my hands and smiled satisfied at my creation.
"Ah, Lady Protector. I thought I'd find you here. Sister Leliana told me you liked to tinker at times." I smiled to Harrit as I held the hilts out to him with a grin. He looked at the grips and nodded with a grunt. "Looks good. Very skillfully done, Lady Protector." He commended. I smiled brightly and whipped them back into their loops and pulled my jacket back on, but felt him stop me. "Is that a hole?" He asked and I nodded before shaking my hair out of it. "Well, that just won't work. Here, I made a new design. Figured someone would like to try it, and it just might fit you. You are a rather small thing." He said and quickly walked over to a crate and came back with a beautiful deep red overcoat with a metal plate that clamped together in the direct middle. The metal curving up around the shoulders and down the arms to create wrist band. I grinned brightly at the man as he held it up to me. "Here try it on." He said and pushed the garment into my hands. Quickly pulling it on, I clamped it and grinned as I moved around. It was perfect.
"Harrit you are magic." I praised as I moved around. "How much do I owe you for it?" I asked and he waved his hand,
"It's free. I'm just glad to see it getting some use." He said with a smile before grabbing my old jacket and mumbling something as he stuck his finger through the hole in the shoulder. I pulled my cloak off the hook and swung it around me before leaving the blacksmith's hardly containing my excitement to try out my new jacket. Walking towards the training circle I swung my cloak onto a post and gripped my daggers in a ready position and began assaulting the dummies.
"You are quite the force of nature aren't you?" I heard a voice ask from behind me and I stilled my assaults and turned towards the voice and saw Trevelyan standing there with a smile. I smiled back a bit confused as to why he was talking to me. "I'm sorry for what happened in the Hinterlands. I wanted to thank you for saving me, again. And I also thank you for showing me how stupid I was being." He said as he shuffled his feet and tapped his blade. "But, I wanted to make it up to you! I saw you training over here and thought you might want a dummy that could fight back." He added quickly and I looked to the dummy behind me before smiling at him.
"You're on, Herald." I responded and flipped my daggers in my hands and leant against the broken dummy. He pulled his sword and shield out and readied himself. We circled for a moment before I attacked. Both daggers extended towards him, but they were stopped by his shield. I twisted and slashed towards his waist and stopped the dagger from connecting with his armor and grinned. Jumping away quickly I held up a dagger to stop the sword that sped towards my head and grinned as I allowed the sword to get close to my face. "Nice." I said before flicking the blade away from me and flipping around him. We fought like this for a while. I was mostly testing out how much he'd learned, and was very pleased to see it was a profound difference from the last time we fought. Suddenly, his sword went to slam into my side, and I twisted too quickly and kicked his shield up. Accidentally kicking it a bit too hard it jumped up and collided with his forehead. He backed away and dropped to his knee gripping his forehead, moaning in pain. "Oh sweet Maker-" I cursed before dropping to the Heralds side I looked at his forehead and grimaced when I saw the red mark along his forehead. "Uh…I'm sorry. I didn't think it'd…uh, you know…do that." I said with a wince and he chuckled as he rubbed his forehead.
"It's probably my fault. I didn't expect you to kick it." He laughed before wincing and rubbing his forehead again. I lightly patted his shoulder before pulling him up to stand.
"C'mon Herald, Upsy-daisy." I grunted as I lifted him to his feet. He wobbled, but steadied quickly as his hand rubbed his forehead. "I think that's enough training for today. Why don't you go to Adan and get that bandaged?" I asked as I noticed droplets of blood falling from his eyebrow. He wiped it away and smiled,
"I think that's the best course of action. I'll see you later at the Tavern?" He asked and I grinned,
"I'll try to see you there." I said, but I knew I probably wouldn't be able to. I had a meeting with an anonymous 'T'. He walked away and jogged up the stairs entering Haven and exiting my view. My eyes, however, traveled to the Commander who was standing tall in front of all his troops. I smiled, but looked up and saw the sun already setting. Sorry, Commander. I'll have to postpone flirting with you. I mused to myself, but noticed Leliana striding down the steps and her eyes immediately found mine as I walked over to the stables. I noticed that she was following me and smiled to myself as I started to saddle Belle up.
"Are you ready, Lady Protector?" She asked and latched a buckle on the saddle. I nodded with a confident smile.
"Oh yeah. I'm actually feeling a bit giddy about it." I grinned back at her as I clipped the last of the buckles in place. Tugging at the saddle to make sure it was secure I then swung onto it as the sun sank below the mountains. Leliana patted the saddle. An expression too hard to read crossed her features as she looked up at me. "What's wrong, Leli? You're not worried are you?" I asked her as a smirk pulled at her lips.
"If it were anyone else, yes, I would be. But, you can handle whatever is waiting for you in that pass." I grinned and patted her hand.
"Thanks for the pep talk. I'll give you a full report when I return." I responded and rode the horse out of the stalls and past the Commander as he strode towards his tent. He turned as I galloped past him and looked as if he were about to say something, but I was already gone. Belle's long strides beating against the snowy ground as I directed her towards the pass. We arrived and I swung off of her and walked into the pass slowly. I could hear my footsteps echoing off of the walls. The crunch of snow sounding obnoxiously loud in my ears. My hands tightened on my daggers as I waited. "Well, I'm here. Oh cryptic one." I said loudly and heard a chuckle as a response.
"Yes, you are." The voice was distorted crackling in my ears coming from seemingly everywhere. "Hello, Quinn darling." The voice said again sounding closer this time. I felt anticipation for the fight set into my bones. Excitement forcing my mind into a state of intense clarity. The wind coming through the pass whipping my cloak around me. A hand came out of nowhere and touched my hair as it blew gently around me, and then just like that it was gone again.
"Well aren't you a creepy one?" I asked the air with a roll of my eyes and heard yet another chuckle, but no response. "Why don't you show yourself to me?" I asked, and could feel the tension in the air for a moment. Like a thread being pulled tighter than it should before the voice responded.
"No. But, I will answer every question you desire." I grinned and walked around to each shadow and felt for the mysterious person behind the distorted voice.
"Alright. Who are you?" I asked slowly as I walked towards another shadow.
"Come now, I think you have more pressing questions than that. Besides you already know it. I am 'T'." The voice responded ahead of me and I grinned as I neared the shadow, but found nothing. Jackass.
"Right, are you associated with the people that are murdering assassins in Val Foret?" I asked and the voice made a sound that sounded very pleased.
"Ah, there we are. Now you're asking the right questions. The answer is yes and no. In some ways I am, and in some ways I am not." He answered in a sing song type of way. Rolling my eyes I crept through the shadows.
"Well I was right about you bring cryptic that's for damn sure. Alright, do you know who I truly am?" I asked the voice and there was a silence. Perhaps the voice was trying to figure out what it was going to say. I waited and for a moment I was sure the voice had left until it finally responded.
"Yes. I do." It responded and I knew I was nearing the fight. Slipping a single dagger from its holster I hid it in my cloak and grinned.
"Is this a trap?" I asked confidently as the air seemed to be sucked from the pass.
"Yes, but not meant for you." It said and I deflated a bit in confusion. Not for me? "We are not after you just yet, and didn't I say no harm would come to you?" It added to my confusion. I walked towards another shadow and saw the figure of the voice slide out of view.
"Then who was it meant for?" I asked loudly, annoyed with the cryptic answers I was receiving. But, the voice seemed to ignore my question.
"We know where your Father is and who he is. I respect the man and you. That is why I am offering you a trade. I will bring your Father safely to you." He said and I raised an eyebrow. "All you have to do is let the Herald die tonight." He said and I felt a pang in my chest. Like something in my heart had snapped at the thought. I couldn't let the Herald die! He was innocent and good and we needed him to save the world. But, my Father…
"And if I refuse?" I asked the shadows and felt the person behind me. The voice in a low hiss now.
"A life for a life. If the Herald lives, your Father dies." The voice hissed close to me ear. A chill ran down my spine and my blood turned to ice in my veins. My father for the Herald? "At the moment the Herald is standing on the ice in the pond beside Haven. Normally it would be safe, but if it was tampered with…well that could cause some problems." The voice said and my throat seemed to close up. Maker…no. "Stay here, Quinn. If you try and save him now, you could die. I would never want to hurt you-" I whipped my blades out behind me catching something like skin or fabric and heard the voice cry out in pain.
"Not a wise sentiment on your part." With that said I burst from the pass and threw myself onto Belle. My heart pounding in my chest as I raced back with Belle full speed. The voice was lying. It had to be. Someone in Haven would've stopped the Herald. Belles' hooves beating faster and faster down the path to Haven before reaching the gates and emerging from them to see people gathered around the lake. NO, no, no, no, no. I ran between them and emerged at the lake and saw Cullen standing on the ice as Cassandra stepped beside him. I shook my head, Why are they out there too!? Maker is everyone a moron? I jumped down onto the ice and moved forward quickly past them.
"Stay back the ice has been tampered with!" I barked at them and they both looked up at me in shock.
"Lady Protector!" Cullen said before gripping my arm. "Don't go out there! We cannot afford to lose both of you!" He fussed, but I wrenched my arm from his grip.
"I know, that's why I'm going to save the Herald." I stated before moving forward and looking at the Herald as I slid each foot ahead slowly. "Hey there Trevelyan." I said with a smile as I moved my feet forward very slowly avoiding all cracks. He looked up nervously at me and shook his head and held his hands forward.
"Quinn! Stay back! It's too dangerous, you could fall in!" He cried nervously and I smiled calmly,
"It's alright. No one is falling in. You're going to be fine, I promise. But, you have to do exactly as I say, okay?" He nodded, but stilled when the ice cracked a bit more under his feet. I froze up as well and stopped moving completely. I was too far away to reach him. "Alright, very slowly I want you to lie down on your stomach. Spread your arms and legs out wide and stay very still." He nodded and did as I said. Sweat dripping off of his skin out of fear. I smiled and did the same and looked at my palm and tried to make the mark spark up, but it was no use. It hadn't sparked up in a while. Like ever since the day I saved Cullen. Grimacing I looked around for an idea, but couldn't think of any. He was too far away to reach, and if I tried to walk out there I'd surely make it crack faster. "Alright, try crawling towards the pier." I said noticing where the least amount of cracks were and saw him start to move, but the cracks only got worse and he called out nervously.
"Quinn…" I looked around and saw Cullen standing not far from me and flipped onto my back. The ice cracking behind me, each one bringing the Herald closer and closer to his grave.
"Cullen push me!" I called and he looked at me incredulously. "Push me really hard towards the Herald!" I yelled and he moved towards me quickly and placed his hands close to my feet.
"Are you sure about this?" He asked, his face white as the snow covering Haven. I shook my head,
"Nope." I replied as I looked back at Trevelyan. The ice was breaking faster and faster as he tried desperately to crawl away. "NOW!" I yelled and shoved off of Cullen's hands as he pushed me and I shot towards the Herald, my back sliding along the ice. I was like an arrow fired from a bow as I lifted my hands above my head to push the Herald away when I got close and felt my hands connect with him and my momentum stopped as the ice broke and Trevelyan skidded off into the rocky shore. Safe. The icy water hit me like a slap in the face and my eyes flew wide open as I tried to swim back above the surface, but the pieces of ice had already frozen back over. Drawing my daggers I stabbed the ice from underneath as I held my breath for as long as I possibly could. The water was numbing my body as I punched the ice and saw Cullen kneeling over the ice chopping at it with his blade, but nothing seemed to work. It was enchanted. That's what the voice had meant by 'tampered'. Frantically Cullen stabbed at the ice, but it wasn't even chipping. I pounded my fists against it my heart beating faster and faster as the oxygen in my lungs depleted. I heard his cries and the cry of others smothered by the ice and water around me. My body was too numb to keep pounding and I placed my palm up to the glass. Cullen's palm came to mine on the opposite side of the ice. His eyes wide with fear. My eyes started to close before a flash of green erupted under my palm and suddenly I could breathe again as I fell through the air and toppled onto something fluffy and hard. The person beneath me groaned a bit before turning over and looking at me in shock. Cullen's eyes were still so wide as he grabbed hold of my soaking form. "Sorry, I'm sorry." I whispered, apologizing for toppling onto him. His eyes were wide as I shivered relentlessly. My breath coming out in short shivering huffs. Sweet Maker I'm cold. He suddenly helped me up.
"We need to get you warmed up." He said as he helped me to my cabin. I was a shivering mess soaked in my own clothing. His body heat not doing much to keep me warm. He pulled me into the cabin and sat me down in front of the fire place and went over to my trunk and opened it. I paused and shook my head when I saw his eyes drift to the present, but he moved past it and grabbed some of my extra clothing. He laid some down next to me, "I'll be right outside, call when you are done changing your clothing." He said before leaving and shutting the door. I quickly changed and moved closer to the fire.
"Uh, you can come back in." I called out through shivers and heard the door open up behind me and close just as quickly. Cullen's heavy boot steps falling until he was right next to me and suddenly I felt something heavy, warm and fluffy covering my shoulders. A warm musky and citrus scent filled my nose as I looked up at him and tightened the fluffy thing around me. "Thank you." I whispered as I combed my fingers through my matted, soaked hair. He smiled at me as he sat down on a chair.
"You're welcome." He murmured back as I turned back to the fire with a faint blush on my cheeks. He suddenly straightened. "That was very reckless of you." He said very abruptly as I vibrated from the cold slowly seeping from my bones. I groaned audibly,
"You're just upset you didn't think of it." I shot back with a grin, but realized it was the wrong thing to say a bit too late. Cullen didn't smile, instead huffed at me and ran a hand along the back of his neck.
"I cannot tell if you are the most reckless person I've met, or the bravest." He replied sounding angry, but I took it as a compliment. I grinned and shrugged at that as I felt my body start to warm up.
"To be honest, it's probably a bit of both." I responded and looked into the fire. Suddenly the door opened again and Cullen moved slightly behind me to block the cold as the door slammed shut.
"Quinn! Quinn are you alright?" The Herald asked as he moved towards me. I looked over my shoulder at him as he smiled nervously. Cullen stood and I noticed a look of anger cross his face.
"Herald, now that you are safe. It is time to explain what exactly you were doing on that ice." Cullen asked very pointedly and Trevelyan seemed to shrink under his piercing gaze.
"I…I was at the Tavern and Quinn never showed so I went to the training grounds and I didn't see her there, but I heard something coming from the lake. Like someone was calling for help and I'd been across it before and it never cracked…so I went and checked it out, and when I got to the middle it started to crack." He explained and I groaned,
"You could have died going out on that ice!" He reprimanded the Herald and I turned to both of them.
"He could have, but I stopped that from happening." I interjected hoping to lessen Cullen's wrath. Instead he pointed it at me and glared. Bad idea, Quinn.
"And you almost drowned under that ice! I couldn't get you out and you almost died!" He yelled and I stood with his cloak falling against my shoulders. Moving between Cullen and the Herald, I glared at the Commander.
"But, I didn't. If you haven't noticed I'm still alive. The Herald is still alive. I understand you were freaked out, but it wasn't his fault. You know something was up with that ice! It was a trap, there's no way the Herald could have known." I argued back my hand moving on its own volition as it placed itself on his chest. He stared down at me heatedly,
"Where did you go?" He asked seriously and I faltered, huh?
"Why is it pertinent to this conversation?" I asked just as seriously and saw something new flash in his eyes. He looked disappointed in me and a bit offended that I didn't offer my secrets up on a silver platter.
"How did you know the ice had been tampered with?" He questioned even more seriously than he had before. His eyes molten gold burning through my soul looking for answers. I felt the Heralds eyes on me as I threw up my hands. I almost froze to death, I gave up my Father's life, and now I was being treated like a child? Ridiculous. "What are you hiding from us?" He growled and I had to hold myself back from slapping him in the face. Sweet Maker he's asking for it. I owed nothing to these people. My secrets are my own to bear, no one else's. Coldly, I sneered at him,
"Commander, don't you trust me?" I asked him and saw him sneer back at me. His eyes burning brighter than before. He looked as if he were thinking over his words in his head before he spoke again. His eyes searching my face.
"I would trust you more if you told me what you're hiding." He ground out between his teeth and I laughed at the man before me. His form towering over mine imposingly, but he was the least of my worries.
"I bet you would." I hissed and looked down at my hands for a moment before looking back up at him angry at his stupidity. "But, you see, I'm not an idiot. I'm not going to give over my secrets just because some pretty boy Templar asked nicely! In order for me to tell you my secrets, I have to trust you." I growled as I neared his face, standing on my tippy-toes. "And I don't." I added and saw his eyes glare tightly at me before pushing past from me and storming from the room. Maker that stupid handsome idiot! I heaved out a loud sigh trying to calm myself before hearing Trevelyan shuffle behind me.
"Quinn…I, uh, I'm sorr-"
"Get out, Herald. Please, I wish to be left alone." I grunted and without a word the Herald left and shut the door behind him. I sighed and dropped down to my knees in front of the fire Cullen's mane-like cloak falling off my shoulder again. Staring down at the fur I balled a hand into it in anger in a failed attempt to control myself. I sat like that by the fire for what seemed like ages, the heat of the fire washing over me harmlessly as I petted the fur on Cullen's mane to keep calm. Maybe this is why he wore it? So he didn't strangle infuriating people like me. I mused before I heard a knock at the door. "Go away." I called out to the person at the door and to my shock it opened and a familiar red head popped through the door.
"Well, I have to give it to you my friend you have done the impossible." She said with a lopsided grin and I lifted an eye brow at her.
"I hardly call surviving being drowned by a frozen enchanted lake impossible." I grunted and she laughed,
"Oh no, I meant pissing the Commander off. I don't think I've ever seen him as angry as he was stalking out of this very cabin." She confessed and I groaned, "I know you're good, but I didn't know you were that good." She added with a wide grin.
"Not. Helping. Leli." I stated as I looked towards her with a scowl on my face. She pointed at me with glee, more than I'd seen in her ever.
"Oh! Yes that was the look he gave me when I asked if you were alright!" I rolled my eyes at her words and shifted against the wall of the cabin. "My friend, what is wrong?" She asked as she moved towards me before sitting down next to me against the wall. Looking over at the fire I recapped all that had happened in the pass. Her eyes widened and she shook her head, "But that is impossible. Your father is one of the greatest assassins in all of Thedas. They could not possibly defeat him, much less capture him. This has to be a trick of sorts." She told me trying to comfort me, but it didn't help. Who's to say these people couldn't take my Father? Unexpectedly a tear fell from my eye and I paused in astonishment and touched my cheek. The tear soaking into the pad of my finger. No. I wouldn't break down. My Father was a bastard. All the things he'd done to me, and I didn't even know for sure if this was a trick or not. He could be alive. But, did I really want that? So many conflicting feelings rushing through my head as I looked down at the floor. He's still my Father. Even more unexpected than the tear Leliana pulled me into the shortest of hugs and I stilled. Mostly confused. "It will be alright, my friend." She whispered as she let me go and I let out a laugh and smirked at her. "What?" She asked,
"You were so nice for a moment I thought you were going to murder me." I laughed and she punched me in the arm. Rubbing my newly bruising arm with a small laugh I added, "Just kidding, you'd be so sad if you murdered me." I grinned before leaning my head against the wall of the cabin and she did the same.
"I don't know, I feel it would certainly be quieter around here." She responded slyly and I laughed,
"If you wanted quiet you should've stayed in the Chantry, Sister." I shot back nudging her side as we stared at the opposite wall. We stayed like that for a while and I appreciated her presence. She had been my greatest friend through the years, and I had missed her when I was out in my missions and away controlling her network where she couldn't. "I've missed this Leli. Spending time with you like this." I confessed and she grinned and turned her head towards me.
"Are you going to murder me?" She asked and I laughed,
"Very funny."