Clip, Clop. Clip, Clop.
Our personal parade of horses trotted down the stone path to Redcliffe. It was a gloomy day, the clouds hanging drearily in front of the sun. It wasn't raining, and for that I was thankful. My eyes drifted to the path and the trees as we passed. Their colors blurring together as my eyes unfocused and refocused tiredly. I hadn't slept in days, however not for lack of trying. My recent nights had been riddled with nightmares of Tayen and the demon. I frowned and looked forward, my eyes falling on Cassandra and a tight glare contorted my face. She wasn't turned to me now, but I'd caught her glaring at me a couple of times throughout the trip and the days we spent at Haven. I flipped my hood up as I grimaced at her.
"...And...well yeah. I think that's everything." I finished retelling everything that happened the night prior, and for a moment the world was quiet. I looked to Leliana with a raised eye brow before looking back at Cassandra, Josephine and the Herald. They were all watching me with wide eyes, but remained silent. "You're taking this suspiciously well…" I pointed out as I looked mainly at Cassandra. She looked as if she were still taking it all in, maybe she's being rational for once? I almost laughed at myself for thinking that. But, just as quick as I thought it she burst forward pushing the Herald behind her and grabbed me by my collar shoving me into the wall. I watched her with an even gaze as she glared at me. The veins in her forehead nearly popped out of her skin, her face bright red and angry as she held me against the wall. I didn't fight back. To be honest I didn't see the point.
"You little snake! You could've gotten everyone in this camp killed!" She snarled in my face, her brown eyes piercing into mine. "Do you even care!?" She asked angrily, but I didn't respond. I didn't need to answer to her and I sure as hell wasn't going to try and reason with her.
"Cassandra stop." The Herald spoke up from the door. His cautious eyes on me as he frowned. "She saved my life!" He urged as he looked back and forth around the room. "Does that mean nothing to any of you!?" He asked outraged as his eyes fell on me again.
"It's alright, Herald. She won't listen so what is the point?" I asked as I looked down at her. The fire in her eyes sending a sharp sensation through me. I felt my palm spark again as anger twisted like fire through my veins. I closed my eyes for a second trying to calm myself. I hid my hand in my cloak as she held me against the wall. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5-
"With good reason. You are nothing but a liar and a thief. Not only that, but an assassin above all else. A cold-blooded murderer." She hissed at me, making my control slip only a little bit.
"Well, you're not wrong." I replied with a roll of my eyes. She snarled at me and pushed me further into the wall. Her fists digging the metal into my skin with bruising force, but I refused to let her notice. Abruptly Cassandra was ripped away from me and Cullen faced her as she stumbled back.
"That is enough Cassandra!" He rumbled and the shock I felt trumped the anger inside of me. He's…defending me? My mind swirled for a moment before Cassandra's scoff brought me back to reality. I tore my eyes away from Cullen's form and locked onto Cassandra with a glare.
"She does not even deny it." She continued incredulously before looking from Cullen to Leliana accusingly. "This is the type of person you ally yourself with, Leliana?" She asked and looked at Leliana with distaste.
"Yes, she is." Leliana replied, obviously annoyed by Cassandra's words. "And someone who the Divine herself chose to ally herself with, if you'll remember." She pointed out and I saw Cassandra stiffen.
"And she is now dead!" Cassandra burst and wheeled back around to me with an accusatory look. Cullen stiffened as well, his body either subconsciously or consciously moved a bit more in front of me. Which further confused me. "How do we know she wasn't behind it!?" She asked angrily and as if she didn't see the Commander there she suddenly approached me again. "She doesn't care about anyone but herself! She's going to get us all killed!" She fumed and I felt my control slipping. The anger was rising inside of me, anger I couldn't keep contained. My hand sparked loudly at her words as she glared at me. Maker I want to wring her neck. I brushed past Cullen and then her, knowing that if I didn't tear myself away I'd hurt her badly for insinuating such things. I moved towards the door with a snarl on my face. The Herald flinched next to me and as I brushed past him his hand flashed in unison with mine. I took little notice to it as I grabbed the door handle.
"I have told you all everything I know. We're done here." I hissed and moved towards the door.
"You're not going anywhere." She hissed and I heard her footsteps following me, but I didn't turn.
"Cassandra." Cullen warned, but Cassandra didn't stop as she grabbed hold on my shoulder. A spark of pain lit my skin as her calloused hands dug into my still sore shoulder. Without even thinking my body reacted anger pulsing through my veins making my hand flash up brighter. Faster than lightning, I drove her face into The Hinterlands and wrenched her arm backwards. She struggled against my hold, but she couldn't move. Everyone was quiet in the room save for Cassandra who was grunting trying to free herself. I could feel the surprising heat of Cullen's eyes on the side of my face, but I didn't hear him speak.
"I said we're done." I muttered with a deadly hiss. She stilled beneath me and I pushed away from her refusing to cast looks at anyone in the room. Without a word from me or anyone I swiftly moved from the War room my cloak flapping around me as I slammed the door.
My hands tightened on the reins and I felt a snarl twist my lips. My breathing became somewhat erratic as my heart pounded in my ears. My hand flared up, but I hid it underneath my cloak, retracting my arms in to hide my anger better. I wasn't ashamed of who I am. I knew what I was, what I've done and who I have become isn't something most would be proud of. I also knew that I probably deserved all of their angry words and slanderous terms. But, she had brought the Divine into the argument and insinuated I'd been an instrument of her demise. She knew it would anger me, and I'm sure that's what she wanted.
"You alright, Angel?" Varric asked at my elbow, shattering my thoughts. I turned my head to him forcing my breathing to calm followed by my heartbeat. He was a clever dwarf, his eyes catching things very few could. He already knew what was wrong. "The Seeker will cool off. Just give it some time." He added in his usual gruff tone. I turned my head away from him, my eyes locking onto the black head of Cassandra bobbing out in the front of the group.
"I don't care about her." I hissed quietly as my eyes moved down to the reins in my gloved hands. "Her disdain for me is nothing new. This is just yet another reason for her to justify it." I added, my lips falling into a scowl. It was the truth too. I didn't care what she thought of me, her mind would never change. Besides…I had far too much to deal with. Like a fucking demon coming after me for Maker knows what reason.
I stared down at the pentagram still drawn in the blood of those soldiers on the dungeon floor. My hand kept sparking randomly. Anger and fear battling wildly inside of me making me feel like flame in the wind. The fear nearly extinguishing my anger, but my pride wouldn't let it. I didn't dare set my foot inside of it, instead I stood just on the outer circle. The demon's words fresh in my mind coming from Tayen's mouth. I sank down to my knees staring at the ground.
"You know…your Father had a similar expression on his face." I could practically hear the taunts being murmured around me as my hands clenched into fists at my side. "Try all you like, you cannot defeat me." My hand wandered to my shoulder and I frowned as I gripped it angrily. I was weak. I couldn't even hurt him.
"What do you want with me?" I whispered to myself knowing I'd get no answer from him. I wanted to know so badly. I wanted to know why he would kill my Father for seemingly no reason! I wanted to know how he could possibly kill my Father. The man who taught me everything I know. How to fight. How to kill. How to survive. I snarled angrily and punched the hard stone floor. How could that man possibly be dead!? I gasped at the pain that suddenly splintered up my arm spreading from my knuckles. "Fuck." I muttered as I pulled my hand into me.
"That was not very wise." A voice called out from behind me. I flinched, but didn't turn around as I heard footsteps approach. "You are still technically under my employ and I cannot have you injuring yourself." I felt a sarcastic smile cross my lips at Leliana's words, but I didn't respond. I heard her boots fall against the ground as she moved closer. "Besides, what did the floor do to you?" She asked and I knew this was her attempt at cheering me up. It had the adverse effect though.
"What does he want with me Leli?" I asked, my voice breaking as I tried to stop the sob. Maker I so badly didn't want her to see my like this. She stopped moving towards me remaining silent for a moment as I stared at the circle ahead of me. "Will I ever be free of this?" I asked. I knew she wouldn't have the answers, but it was the only thing I could think to say. Abruptly I heard her kneel down next to me and touch my shoulder. I turned my head to her and in slight confusion before she pulled me into a quiet hug. I froze, feeling very awkward for a moment before hugging her back tightly.
"I do not have the answers no matter how badly I wish I did." She replied softly. I felt tears fall down my cheeks as she hugged me and I hugged her a bit tighter. "But I promise you my friend, we'll figure this out and keep you safe." She added as I fought to hold back the tears from falling as my hands balled into her clothing.
"Thank you Leliana." I replied through tears in my eyes.
I shook the memory from my head, I'd distracted myself well these past couple of days trying to distract from my issues. Training day and night and occupying myself in the Tavern. It…helped. I shook myself mentally again, I didn't need to worry about that now. I needed to focus on the mission. Focus on the Herald. Varric was watching me with his intelligent eyes making this sense of suspicion run through me. I sighed releasing the breath I'd been holding, my hands loosening on the leather straps. "Do you know?" I asked, my eyes flickering over to him. My clever friend looked ahead and nodded. Figured as much.
"Curly told us what happened. He wouldn't tell us much, but I figured you would fill me eventually though." I stiffened at his words. Cullen told them? "He asked Bull and I to keep close to you just in case anything were to happen." I looked back down towards the reins, my hand no longer sparking from underneath the glove. I wasn't angry that Cullen told them, in fact it made it easier on me. They had every right to know who they were fighting with and what was going on, and I was thankful I didn't have to explain it to them. I had a hard enough time explaining it to myself, let alone Leliana and Cullen. I felt a frown pull at my lips as my stomach sank. Cullen…
Bang, Bang, Bang!
"Come in." I called out without looking at the door, the hinges squealing in response to my invitation. I covered the present up with a blanket and turned my head to the door. There in the gaping doorway stood Cullen awkwardly staring at me as he cleared his throat. "Yes?" I asked as I stood, closing the trunk as I did. "Can I help you, Commander?" I asked not unkindly noticing him straighten with a stern nod.
"I came by to inform you that the Herald is leaving for Redcliffe, and he has requested you attend along with Cassandra, Varric and Bull." He said as I rummaged through the desk in the corner of the room for writing supplies. I nodded as I held up a hand pointing to nightstand.
"I know. Leliana informed me last night that the Herald had asked her personally if she thought it was safe for me." I responded as I continued to look for my things to put away in my pack. "He's very considerate." I murmured to myself as I tossed a volume of swords and shields onto the bed and grabbed a bundle of clothing. I looked to Cullen briefly as he watched me with confusion.
"He did?" He asked and I nodded as I straightened back up and strode over to the traveling pack on my bed and stuffed them in. "I was under the impression he wanted you to stay here." Spinning on my heels I nodded curtly before walking over to the shelves in the far corner of the room.
"I assumed you knew." I responded nonchalantly as I rummaged through the shelves and drawers. "Apparently he thinks I'm safer with him." I added saucily, placing my hands on my hips trying to think of anything else I needed in this room.
"I was not aware. But, I suppose it does make sense if the Herald thinks you are safer with him, who am I to argue?" He replied his voice trailing off slightly, either not recognizing my tone or not caring. "I have asked Bull to watch after you on the mission. If anything happens he will let me know, since I am sure you would not." He added making me pause to look at him briefly. Was that a joke?
"Really?" I asked flatly as he looked around me cabin. His eyes flicked to mine and he nodded as if not getting that I was quite annoyed by the fact that I had to be 'watched'. "Babysitting? That's just great." I grumbled as I continued rummaging. "Finding it really hard to kick those Templar habits, huh?" I asked, but noticed out of the corner of my eye he stiffened ever so slightly. His eyes stopping their scan of the room and focused on the broken mirror I'd placed on the floor. "You know, you can't control everything. Right? Whether Bull is there babysitting me or not random crap could still happen." I added as I crossed the room. I looked to him briefly, noticing a strange look flash through his eyes, but it was gone too quick. I pretended not to see, but it sparked an interest in me.
"If it bothers you that much we could not call it 'babysitting'. Either way, Bull has his instructions not to let any harm come to you and inform me of everything that happens." He replied in his 'Commander' tone. "Which means-"
"Yeah, yeah I got it. I sneeze you hear about it. Sounds like buckets of fun." I grumbled as I slammed shut a desk drawer annoyed before strolling over to the nightstand, grabbing a roll of paper and placing it into the pack.
"It is for your own protection." He reassured making me choke on laughter.
"My protection or the protection of everyone else?" I asked as I straightened for a moment to look back at him. "Last time I checked you were only interested in the latter." I added, punctuating it with a slam of another drawer. His gaze turned fiery as it locked onto my own aggravated gaze.
"You know that is not true." He argued, swiftly meeting my step. "Where I do care about what happens to the people of Haven, I also care about what happens to you." He replied sternly making me cock an eyebrow in response. "As a member of the Inquisition of course." He added quickly before crossing his arms over his chest. I scoffed and walked away to my pack and began moving things around in an orderly way. I could practically hear his temper rising as the temperature in the room seemed to rise a little. I snuck a peek at him seeing his eyes closing as he pinched the bridge of his nose and taking a sharp intake of breath through his nose. "How would you have had me handle the situation?" He asked trying to keep the agitation out of his voice as he looked back down at me.
"Better than you did! You didn't even let me explain myself before you blew your top." I shot back throwing caution to the wind as I shoved the bag away from me and moved to the table with my daggers.
"What was there left to explain? Was there something else you were keeping from me?" He asked with a surprising amount of anger in his tone. My eyes narrowed as I stared down at the gleaming daggers in front of me.
"That's not fair." I ground out trying to hide the anger that was bubbling through my veins.
"Why not? If I were hiding something like this I'm sure you'd give me the same scrutiny." He reasoned, my teeth grinding together in response, refusing to speak. "Am I wrong? Because if I am I will apologize for every word I said to you." He replied icily as he approached me. I gripped the edges of the desk trying to settle the anger lighting the blood in my veins. "Would you not do the same?" He asked a bit louder and I spun on him angrily.
"I would understand! I'd give you a chance!" I growled as I pushed him away from me. He stumbled slightly, shocked by burst of anger. But, I didn't stop my advance as I pushed him again, except this time he didn't budge. "I wouldn't judge you for something in your past you couldn't control or who you were." I shot back, my voice breaking a bit at the end of my argument. Much to my displeasure he noticed the slight crack in my armor and he visibly softened at the slip-up. I faltered at the sudden compassion I saw in his eyes and looked away embarrassed.
"I am not talking about you being an assassin or the demon…" He replied, his voice less calloused than before. The gentle timber of his voice plucking a dusty string in my heart.
"Then what are you referring to, Cullen?" I asked, my anger settling for the moment as our eyes connected.
"You lied to me." He replied plainly as his hands settled on the pommel of his sword.
"So?" I scoffed, looking up at him with a silent irritation in my eyes. "I've lied to lots of people." I finished, trying my earnest to keep my anger in check after I'd blown up at him again. Maker he gets under my skin.
"I do not care if you lie to other people. I want you to be honest with me." He said, making my right eyebrow cock at him.
"Why does this matter to you so much?" I asked suddenly very interested in what he had to say. He sighed and gripped the pommel of his sword a bit tighter.
"Because I want to trust you, Quinn. But, the fact that I can't tell what is truth and what is lie coming from your mouth is troubling." He responded and I shook my head at him, the irritation back.
"Beautifully put Commander, but let's face it. You wouldn't believe me even if I told you your hair was blonde." I replied, noticing the intense displeasure that crossed his eyes as he frowned down at me. His eyes no longer holding a sliver of compassion.
"You think very little of me don't you?" He asked and I laughed shortly before looking back up at him.
"No, of course not. I just think you're terribly hypocritical, annoyingly self-righteous, and prone to thinking the worst of people especially one with questionable background." I stated as I watched him evenly. "You do have nice hair though." I commented with a defiant smirk on my lips as he turned away and ran a hand along the back of his neck.
"I do not have time for this. I must attend to other important matters." He muttered, but he didn't move.
"Well don't let me stop you." I replied sassily as I moved back to the table and grabbed my daggers, along with a few extra knives and supplies. Just behind me I heard him swiftly turn on his heels and march towards the door. I didn't hear it open however, as I busied myself with stowing away the weapons. Why was he hesitating? I heard the door finally open with a loud creak.
"Quinn." He called out quietly from the door making me still in my movements. I turned my head to him with an eye brow lifted. What did he have to say now? A saucy comment about my attitude? Maybe some more angry words? "I'm sorry about your Father." He replied softly tenderly and I felt my heart halt in its beats for a moment before painfully ramming against my rib cage again. My eyes widened and my mouth hung open slightly in awe. His golden gaze held my unbelieving green. I expected anything but that. Especially from him. I turned quickly from him and stared at the far wall of the cabin trying to collect myself. I couldn't look weak in front of him or any of the others. I had to be strong.
"Assassins are prepared for death since the day they're born." I responded as my hands balled into fists at my side.
"Regardless…he was your Father." He replied gently as if he was afraid I'd shatter like glass. I shook my head, I didn't want to talk about this anymore.
"I thought you were leaving. Something about more important matters?" I snapped and for a moment there was absolute silence before I heard his footsteps retreat and the door swing shut.
I let out an audible sigh and pulled my hand away from the bracelet. What is it about him that allows him to get underneath my skin? And when he'd brought up my Father…it had affected me so much and I couldn't explain why.
"So what's your deal with Curly anyway?" My head turned at an unnatural speed and I stared at Varric with a look somewhere between shock, embarrassment and anger.
"I don't have a 'deal' with him." I replied with a gravelly tone.
"That's not what Tiny said. He said you two were getting pretty cozy on the beach." I felt my embarrassment stain my cheeks and it worsened when I saw the Herald's ears literally perk up. I turned my head to Bull and glared daggers at him before turning my head back to Varric.
"How would he know? He was drunk out of his mind." I hissed, noticing Varric only smirk as he looked away from me. "Oh no you don't. You don't give me that look and then get all silent. Tell me what you're thinking in that twisted little brain of yours." I demanded quietly and he chuckled as he looked up at me.
"I was just thinking that it's a shame it's not true. It'd be great material for a book, something better than anything I could come up with." He said before shrugging as he bounced in his saddle. "But, if you say nothing happened. Nothing happened." He sighed before short chuckle rumbled from his chest. "You and Curly would be weird together anyway. He's too straight-laced and well...your laces are long gone." He finished with a smirk. I lifted an eyebrow at him before leaning back in my saddle. We'd be weird together? I fought the frown from my lips and instead focused on the trail ahead of us. WAIT! Why do I even care!? I don't like Cullen like that! I didn't even think of him like that! Okay...maybe once or twice. I internally smacked myself as we continued to bob down the road. I have so many bigger things to worry about and I'm thinking of that guy? I'm hopeless.
"Redcliffe Village should be just up ahead. We walk from here." Lady Cassandra called out and I looked from her to the Herald as we all hopped off of our horses. We strode forward once we'd tied off our hoses by an abandoned barn, but both the Herald and I faltered when our hands sparked in unison. My hand was concealed under the gloves I wore, but his sparked loudly and brightly as if it were proud to be part of him. Leliana had given me explicit instructions not to reveal my mark to anyone while we were here. The Inquisition only knew about my mark since they only publicly spoke about Trevelyan's. I didn't mind it. At least I wouldn't be in the limelight. My eyes widened, the familiar, painful pull of the Fade yanking at my palm. He looked to me with worry as a green slit about ten feet up burst open. I flicked my daggers from their loops and got ready to attack. The rift would only hurt me if I tried to close it, right? So let's not try that. Demons suddenly emerged from the gushing, green sacs on the ground. Their disgusting faces, twisted and snarling as they neared the Herald. My pulse jumped in my veins as my adrenaline kicked in. Finally I get to fight something. I burst forward without a second thought and drove my blade through the demon getting too close. Suddenly, this energy like substance flew past my head and I flinched as I looked to the demon to my right. A wisp. I ran forward and slid underneath of an attack before popping up and with an intense burst of speed I ripped my blades through the demon. It screeched in pain as another screeched towards me. Everything for the moment seemed to move twice as fast as I ripped my blades through an unsuspecting demon and threw an extra knife through another demon on the opposite side of the fight. I stared down at myself in amazement confused at how fast I was, but that's when I noticed this glowing circle around me. I stared down in confusion at the circle, inspecting it a bit closer. Everything in the circle seemed to move faster, like time itself was sped up in this one place.
"Are you done playing, Thedran!?" Cassandra snapped and I froze for a moment before turning back and seeing a large demon assaulting her while the Herald fought off one to his left. Cassandra drove her blade through the large gangly demon, but it didn't do much. The demon brought around its large clawed hand down towards them as I whipped my daggers along the side of the monster. It screeched in anger and sunk into the ground and out of sight
"Where'd it go?" Trevelyan asked as the demon he'd killed was sucked into the Fade. Slowly, all looked around. I glanced about, when suddenly the demon threw itself from underneath my feet knocking me onto my back. I grunted as I scrambled to get up and away from the demon. Its claws embedded into the ground next to my leg as I scuttled backwards. It raised its claws and I held up my daggers to stop it, but arrows and a large battle ax came down and decapitated the demon before it touched me. It dissipated into the Fade revealing Bull and Varric around it. I dropped my head back slowly with a grateful sigh. The Herald moved over me and held out his hand to me to get up. I did and he pulled me to my feet gently with a smile. "Are you all right?" He asked and I nodded as I slid my daggers into their loops and swept stray hairs out of my face.
"Yes, thank you Trevelyan." I replied and looked down at his palm and mine glowing as the rift sparked. I nodded and moved aside for him as he moved forward and extended his hand up towards the rift. A pulse of fire shot up my arm, but it was not nearly what it was before. The rift suddenly snapped shut and the strain left my palm. I looked around and then to the others. "Did anyone else notice the speedy circle things?" I asked and he shrugged his shoulders as he looked down at his palm.
"I don't know. But, something wasn't right. That was no normal rift." He said and I nodded at that as the gates opened.
"Maker have mercy! It's over; open the gates!" A woman called from the opposite side of the steel contraption. Cassandra pushed to the front of the group looking to an Inquisition scout as they ran up.
"Lady Cassandra. We spread word the Inquisition was coming, but you should know no one here was expecting us." The scout said to us as we gathered inside the gate. The Herald visibly flinched as he moved beside Cassandra blocking my view of the scout.
"No one? Not even Grand Enchanter Fiona?" He asked as he shifted his weight onto his right leg. The scout shook his head as he shifted his posture as well.
"If she has, she hasn't told anyone. We've arranged use of the Tavern for the negotiations." The Scout replied with a swift nod. Suddenly from around the corner came an elf in all brown looking right at us.
"Agents of the Inquisition, My Apologies! Magister Alexius is in charge now, but hasn't yet arrived. He's expected shortly. You can speak with the former Grand Enchanter in the meantime." He cut in, leaving just as quickly as he'd arrived. I stared at him as he went going over his words in my head. Wait, did he say Magister..? What would a Magister be doing in Redcliffe? We walked forward, the scout nodding for us to follow. We were walked through the town and I took notice to all the people that were here. They looked afraid, terrified really. Hiding out from the Templars… I frowned to myself as we brushed past large groups of people clumped together in small groups near houses and what looked like a market. The scout took us further into the heart of the town, climbing up the stairs until we got to a wooden building with a sign swinging on the post just above the entrance. 'The Gull and Lantern'It read and the scout bowed his head to us and moved aside for us to go in. I guess we're here. We all filed into the cramped Tavern and walked forward when we saw Fiona sitting in the corner. She stood upon seeing us and nodded her head shortly.
"Welcome, Agents of the Inquisition." She greeted and I smoothly swept through the room beside Bull careful to not draw any attention to myself. I looked to Trevelyan as he nodded back to her in response. "What has brought you to Redcliffe?" She asked as she stared directly at the Herald.
"We're here because of your invitation back in Val Royeaux." The Herald shot back in a cordial manner. Ever the noble. Fiona frowned and tilted her head to him.
"You must be mistaken. I haven't been to Val Royeaux since before the Conclave." She explained with a twinge of genuine confusion in her voice. I squinted at her looking for any signs of a lie, but there was none.
"If it wasn't you who invited me here, who was it?" Trevelyan asked and I felt a surge of adrenaline kick up in my blood, an itching sensation that I wanted to scratch so much. It felt like a trap, and we walked right on in. I didn't move, however, we were surrounded by Mages and it made me uncomfortably aware that I couldn't take out all of them.
"I… I don't know. Now that you say it, I feel strange…" She trailed off as she looked down at her feet and shook her head. "Whoever...or whatever brought you here, the situation has changed." She stated as he green eyes scanned over us only briefly flashing over me as I tried as much as possible to go unnoticed. I was best in shadow, and thanks to this places shoddy lighting it was working pretty well for me. "The Free Mages have already...pledged themselves to the service of the Tevinter Imperium." She declared and upon that I felt Bull stir next to me.
"This right here is why you can't trust mages." He grumbled as he shook his horned and looked away. I nodded as I stared at her in confusion and anger. Why would anyone want to be allied with those wrist slitting maniacs?!
"Andraste's Ass...I'm trying to think of a single worse thing you could've done and I've got nothing." Varric said as he crossed his arms over his chest. Cassandra was next as she shook her head with wide eyes.
"An alliance with Tevinter? Do you not fear all of Thedas turning against you?" She asked incredulously and for once I agreed with her. This was absolutely crazy.
"As one indentured to a Magister, I no longer have the authority to negotiate with you." She replied looking back to Trevelyan who'd been strategically quiet. He nodded appearing very calm as he took a deep breath.
"Very well. Who's in charge now?" As if on cue the door opened and shut with a clang. We all looked over and I briefly noticed that Bull had moved in front of me, shifting our positions so that I was the closest to the wall and farthest from view. I cast him a confused gaze as the man entering the Tavern spoke up.
"Welcome, my friends! I apologize for not greeting you earlier." He greeted and I looked at him from around Bull. Well there's a suspicious character if I've ever seen one.
"Agents of the Inquisition. Allow me to introduce Magister Gereon Alexius." Fiona introduced and my eyes followed the red clad man as he stopped in front of the Herald looking absolutely awe-struken.
"The Southern Mages are under my command. And you are the survivor, yes? The one from the Fade? Interesting." He added as he looked over Trevelyan with scrutiny. I was almost glad he didn't look at me, but what bothered me is that he said 'survivor'. Not 'one of the survivors'. Did he not know I also survived that shit!? Part of me wanted to correct him, but the more dominant part of me was extremely happy I wasn't getting the attention.
"I'd like to know more about this alliance between the rebel mages and the Imperium." Trevelyan replied looking extremely level-headed considering this Alexius guy was practically standing on top of him.
"Certainly. What specifically do you wish to know?" Alexius asked as he took a few strides back. I let out a silent sigh as my concealed hand released the grip of my dagger.
"I haven't seen any sign of Redcliffe's arl or his men." Trevelyan pointed out bluntly and I smirked as I shifted my weight onto my left leg. Alexius's smile never left his face as he nodded in understanding.
"The Arl of Redcliffe left the village." He replied simply, but I felt something very off about that. Arl's don't just leave.
"Arl Teagan did not abandon his lands during the Blight, even when they were under siege." Cassandra pointed out on the opposite side of Bull. I watched Alexius close as he nodded once more.
"There were...tensions growing. I did not want an incident." He replied with a grin that made my skin crawl. I was already on edge because of the fact he was a magister, but that grin would most definitely made it worse.
"Is it just me or is this guy giving off some seriously creepy vibes?" I asked barely above a whisper and saw Bull nod accompanied by Varric.
"The Grand Enchanter told me she was "indentured to a magister"." Trevelyan said with a frown tipping his lips.
"Our southern brethren have no legal status in the Imperium. As they were not born citizens of Tevinter, they also must work for a period of 10 years before gaining full rights. As their protector, I shall oversee their work for the Imperium." He replied swiftly, as if he'd rehearsed it in the mirror a thousand times.
"I'm not clear on when, exactly, you negotiated this arrangement with Fiona." Trevelyan asked as he looked Fiona over before turning his head back to Alexius.
"When the Conclave was destroyed, these poor souls faced the brutality of the Templars, who rushed to attack them." Alexius replied calmly as he looked back at Fiona. "It could only be through Divine providence that I arrived when I did." He added with smugness in his tone that almost passed for humility. Fiona pursed her lips, her eyebrows creasing as she looked over him.
"It certainly was...very timely." Fiona said slowly as she looked over at the Herald. I frowned to myself at this whole situation. Something seemed horrifyingly off about this Magister, my eyes however drifted from Alexius to a man around my age looking right at me. I stared back noticing something off about him too, but not in the same way. He seemed...sick. His skin was pale and he had a sheen of sweat on his forehead. He quickly looked away from me and focused on Alexius. I looked in between the two and suddenly it hit me. A father and son…?
"I'm here to get mages to close the Breach." Trevelyan replied, swiftly steering the conversation back to the matter at hand.
"Right to business. I understand, of course." Alexius agreed as he nodded and with a wave of his hand they both moved to the table together. "Felix, would you send for a scribe, please? Pardon my manners, my son Felix, friends." He said as the man walked forward and he dipped into a bow towards the Herald. Alexius looked back towards the Herald again. "I am not surprised you're here. Containing the Breach is not a feat that many could even attempt. There is no telling how many Mages would be needed for such an endeavor, ambitious, indeed." Alexius said as he looked over the Herald with interest. It was so...creepy. The way he was looking at the Herald like he wanted to kill him and praise him at the same time.
"I'll take every mage you can give me." The Herald returned evenly. Alexius nodded as he placed his hands on his thigh and leant forward.
"There will have to be-" He cut off as he looked towards Felix whose eyes were glazed over as he faltered. The Herald stood followed by Alexius as Felix stuttered in his steps and collapsed against the Herald. Trevelyan caught him with ease, but I noticed something interesting with Felix. His hand grazed against the Herald's and pushed something into the Herald's palm. Trevelyan noticed and closed his hand around it. Alexius gasped as he moved towards his son. "Felix!" Alexius's alarmed voice rang out through the Tavern, his hand extending towards him. Felix ran a hand over his forehead and shook his head back and forth.
"I'm so sorry! Please forgive my clumsiness, my lord." Felix apologized and I smirked at Felix, but it fell when Alexius stepped forward.
"Are you all right?" He asked as he touched his son's shoulder making me pause. Perhaps I was right...maybe Felix is sick.
"I'm fine, Father." Felix replied quickly, but Alexius didn't seem to buy it.
"Come, I'll get your powders." Alexius murmured to Felix before looking to all of us. "Please excuse me, friends. We will have to continue this another time. Fiona, I require your assistance back at the castle." Alexius announced before moving towards the door.
"I don't mean to trouble everyone." Felix said as he walked towards the door with his Father. Alexius turned just as he was about to open the door and looked to all of us.
"I will send word to the Inquisition. We will conclude this business at a later date." He said as he opened the door and left. I frowned as I looked to the Herald. His hand unraveled and I noticed the slip of paper in his palm.
""Come to the Chantry. You are in danger."" He read aloud as we moved around him. I placed my hands on my hips and grinned down at Varric.
"Sounds like a party." I chortled looking back up at the Herald as Varric chuckled.
"Try and take this seriously, Thedran." Cassandra grumbled as she looked to the Herald. "This could be a trap." She said to which the Herald nodded with a contemplative look.
"Or just someone being helpful." I pointed out with a smirk. Trevelyan looked in between us and nodded.
"Either way it is worth looking into." Liam declared and I slapped him on the back.
"That's the spirit!" I encouraged quietly and saw him shoot me a bemused smile as we walked towards the front of the Tavern. The Herald however stopped when a man stepped towards him. I felt my hand discreetly slide to my dagger, but I let it fall when I saw the man's forehead. A tranquil? He quietly spoke to the Herald as I stood in the shadows of the room watching. Bull moved next to me and leant against the opposite side of the post that I was leaning against.
"Am I the only one who's got a bad feeling about this whole situation?" Bull asked next to me and I folded my arms over my chest shaking my head.
"Nope." I replied shortly as I sighed, my eyes settling on the Herald as he shook hands with the Tranquil, the cryptic note still clenched in his opposite hand. "However, I am intrigued."