Hello, Lovelies! Here is Chapter 15, I hope you all enjoy and if you like it let me know! I love hearing from you guys! -Batcat1020
"What were you thinking?" Cullen rumbled as he looked in between us, but mainly at the Herald. He's tense, more than usual. His brow furrowed, lips only a small pale pink line on his face. Even though my mind screamed otherwise I felt a sarcastic smile pull at the edge of my lips as I regarded him.
"Well hello to you too, Cullen. No, 'Are you alright, Quinn?' 'Would you like a seat?' 'Maybe a drink?'?" I replied with a short, flit of my hand. His eyes moved to me and I fought not to cringe at the annoyance I saw in them.
"I am in no mood for jests." He replied shortly as he looked back to the Herald. "You two could've been killed. Not to mention Cassandra and that scout." He grunted looking to Trevelyan who looked away with a frown. It was odd, he only seemed to be directing his anger at the Herald, but I couldn't figure out why.
"It was my fault as I'm sure you're already aware of. I decided to go in there. I told the Herald not to contact you. So, don't fuss at him." I interjected taking Cullen's gaze off Trevelyan as I stepped forward towards him.
"Oh believe me, I'm aware. However, this was just as much his fault as it was yours." He said as he shot a pointed look towards Trevelyan. "Do you realize how reckless this was?" He asked as he looked at me. "I expected this from her, but not you. You ran into an enemy stronghold blind and with no reinforcements. You could have died." He added as he folded his arms over his chest. He did have a point.
"Quinn was my reinforcement. She was sent by Andraste to protect me and I trust her with my life, so if she goes in I go in with her!" Trevelyan replied strongly and I froze in shock for a moment. What? Trevelyan looked back at me momentarily as a wide, cheesy grin appeared on my face accompanied by a minor blush. I looked at Cullen and shrugged as he looked to me.
"Yeah, what he said." If Cullen wasn't irritated before, he certainly was now. He pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head.
"That is not-"
"We had no choice. We didn't know what was going on. Cassandra could've been dead or dying for all we knew. We decided to act." Trevelyan interjected strongly and he stepped next to me. "I apologize for our recklessness Commander, but what Quinn did does not deserve such rebuke. She put her life on the line for a fellow Inquisition member who was in danger. I merely helped her." He said and my eyes widened as I peered over at him. Cullen looked at us both with an unreadable gaze. Huh, well this is not what I expected. Cullen gestured to me as he stared at the Herald.
"I am not negating the fact that she was sent by Andraste, however everyone has their limits. Even her. You must understand that even if she was there you could've been seriously hurt." He paused as he placed a hand down on the desk. "What you did was noble, but-"
"Commander, you should know he saved that scouts life and very possibly mine." I interrupted and noticed Cullen stop to look at me, his eyes drawing to the cut on my cheek as if seeing it for the first time. He took a long moment of silence as if contemplating what I was saying. I sighed and looked towards Trevelyan. "In fact,Trevelyan handled himself very well." I added and saw him turn to me with a smile.
"Thank you. That means a lot coming from you." He replied with a wide smile. I rolled my eyes and bumped him with my elbow.
"Don't go getting mushy on me." I replied with a grin on my face. Cullen looked between us incredulously when the tent flap was abruptly pulled open and both Trevelyan and I turned to look.
"Commander. We've assembled the search groups to go to the fortress like you said. They're leaving now." He informed to which Cullen nodded in response. The soldier then looked to the Herald. "My Lord Herald. You asked to receive notices on Lady Pentaghast's condition. She is still only slightly conscious, sir. But the healers say she you may see her if you want." He said before exiting the text with a bow. Trevelyan looked back to me with a short nod
"If you'll excuse me, Commander. I am going to go check on Cassandra." He said and placed his hand on my shoulder as he turned to leave. "I'll see you later, Quinn. Perhaps for that drink when we return to Haven?" He asked and I smiled up at him.
"I'd like that." I replied as he smiled back, his eyes flicking up towards the Commander quickly before exiting the tent. I watched him leave, before looking slowly back up at Cullen.
"What was that about?" I asked him watching him frown. "Usually you just yell at me." I added making him pinch the bridge of his nose. "I much prefer that in comparison. I almost felt a little left out." He grunted quietly as I leant against the table he was standing next to. I turned from him and played with a quill that was on the desk.
"There was no point in lecturing you. You do not listen." He replied from behind me making me grin.
"Still... I figured you'd at least try." I mumbled looking over at him with an inquiring gaze. He looked tired, like he hadn't slept in days. His hair was a bit disheveled accompanied by facial hair that looked like it hadn't been trimmed in a bit. Not that I was complaining, I rather liked the rugged look. I mentally sighed, but quickly scorned myself and drew my eyes away. Bad Quinn. He rolled his eyes as he placed his saddlebag on the table.
"I fear if I did, I'd only be repeating myself and I dislike doing that." He replied dismissively as he looked up at me. "However, don't think for one moment that I approve of your actions." He added gruffly as he looked me over. There it is. I grinned as I looked down at my hands which were still speckled with blood that wasn't mine.
"I knew you wouldn't and that's fine. Just be a bit less harsh on him." I said as I ran a finger over the soft feather of the quill. "He just wants to help. To feel useful. But treating him like a child doesn't help that." I admonished calmly and noticed him look towards the front of the tent and then at me.
"He is younger than most of my recruits and severely less experienced. If treating him like a child keeps him alive, perhaps it is not such a bad idea." He replied and I nodded.
"Point taken." I replied as I spun the quill tip against the pad of my pointer finger. "He handled himself well, though while I was...indisposed." I added drawing out the last part and noticed him move forward towards a stack of papers on a small table next to me. He paused however, and looked over at me, his eyes looked to my cheek again.
"Indisposed? What do you mean by that?" He asked and I busied myself with twirling the quill again.
"I guess I have you to thank for his improvement. He says that he has been attending some of your training lessons with the troops." I replied, blatantly ignoring his question. He gave me an odd look as he paused once more in his packing.
"I have not been training him." He replied making me shrug as he looked over the table, but then back at me quickly. "Wait. Quit dodging the question."
"What question?" I asked as I looked over my shoulder at the paperwork splayed out on the table. A letter to Leliana regarding my 'capture' catching my eye. He was about to say something else when I interrupted. "You know, I can only imagine how good he'd be if he were to have one on one lessons." I added as I looked back up at him, but he frowned with his arms crossed.
"I will ask him about that. Now, answer my question about the 'indisposed' comment." He replied in a grumble eliciting an eye roll from me.
"Oh that, truly it is nothing to discuss. A mere miscalculation." I replied nonchalantly with a little wave of my hand. "Now, back to the Herald-"
"The Herald can wait. Tell me more about this 'miscalculation'." He looked intent on getting answers, but I frankly didn't want to tell him. There was a serious chance I could've died. I couldn't move, couldn't breathe. I shook my head slightly annoyed at his persistence.
"Look, if it's all the same to you, I'd rather not talk about my shortcomings with you." He watched me as a frown spread across his lips. With a roll of my eyes I turned fully towards him. "I'm fine now. Is that good enough?" I asked as he drew his eyes back to mine and nodded.
"I guess it will have to be."He paused as if he was trying to form the words in his mind. Probably more complaints with my actions. "Q-My Lady, I apologize for being so harsh. Cassandra is a friend and a key member to the Inquisition, but so are you and the Herald. You had us all very worried." He said as he ran a hand along the back of his neck. "Honestly I am just relieved that you and everyone else are safe." He added as he looked back towards my cheek. "You are alright, aren't you? I noticed your cheek, are you otherwise damaged?" He asked as he took a step forward, but stopped as if he thought better of it. I kept the frown off of my face as I watched him, confused at why he'd stopped himself. He didn't seem to care before if he invaded my space, or I his.
"Just a few scrapes. Takes a lot more than sub-par Mercenaries to take me down. I did however leave a few interesting finds for your soldiers." I replied with a wide grin. He tilted his head in confusion as I let out a giggle.
"What did you do?" He asked suspiciously and I was about to tell him when a yawn interrupted me. I covered my mouth as it passed and shook my head.
"Sorry, you'll just have to wait." I apologized as I rubbed the sleepiness away from my eyes. "Andraste's ass I'm tired. Killing baddies really takes it out of ya'." He chuckled quietly and nodded seeming a bit more relaxed than before.
"I can imagine. Or maybe you're just out of shape." He joked and my eyes widened at the realization that he'd just joked with me. I let out a breathy laugh and folded my arms as I clicked my tongue as I pushed away from the desk.
"Huh, no one has ever accused me of that and I've been accused of a lot." My comment elicited an eye roll from him as a grin lifted that sexy scar up his face. "Well, I guess we'll just have to test that, won't we?" I asked with a grin to match his, noticing his falter slightly. I side-stepped him humming to myself as I moved to the tent flap and looked back at him briefly noticing a blush on his cheeks. He straightened as he looked over at me as I bowed my head respectfully, but was interrupted yet again by a yawn.
"Perhaps you should get some rest." He advised with a twitch of a smile on his lips as I turned back to the tent entrance and pulled it open giving him a short wave.
"You read my mind." I agreed tiredly, but he held up his hand.
"Oh, fair warning. Bull and Varric were none too pleased that you left them behind. Bull said something about leashing you to the campsite next time." He said with a hint of laughter in his voice. I rolled my eyes and nodded as I walked out of the tent. My eyes went to the Healer's tent that Lisette was in, a scout pacing outside of it looking worried. That's the Scout she was talking about and from earlier...what's his name again? I walked over to him, but he didn't notice. "Scout Allen?" I asked making his head shoot up to look at me.
"Lady Protector! I'm sorry, I did not hear you approach." He replied quickly before wringing his hands.
"Not a problem. What's the matter?" I asked making him cringe. His brow furrowed and his hands twitching as if he was trying desperately to remain calm, but failing miserably.
"The Healers won't let me see her. They said they needed to further examine her." He replied as he looked back to the tent. I lifted an eyebrow, but my mind flashed to when Lisette had been thrown over the table like a rag doll. A frown graced my lips, but noticed my reaction made his worse, his hands wringing worriedly. I grabbed ahold of his shoulder and forced a confident smile onto my lips.
"Hey, she's a tough girl. Tougher than most I've met." I replied trying to offer him a bit of comfort. He looked over at me a small smile working at his lips. "Are you…together?" I asked and he blushed looking away quickly.
"Uh...No ma'am. I...Well, I haven't gotten up the courage yet. Do you think...do you think I should try?" He replied eliciting a nod from me before another voice broke in.
"Get her flowers, I hear that always works." Varric piped up from behind me. I turned my head to regard him as he smiled at Scout Allen.
"Pink. Ladies love pink." Bull added next to Varric, the two nodding in contempt at their own idea. I smiled, looking back at Scout Allen who nodded.
"Will that really work?" He asked making me smile.
"Flowers work on every girl." I reassured and he nodded with a bright smile before running off towards the open field outside of camp. I turned to my companions, but when I did I saw both of them with their arms over their chests looking mildly displeased. "Uh...Hey guys." I greeted awkwardly as I looked around for an escape route. "You know I was just about to go take a nap. So-" I turned, but Bull grabbed me by my collar and picked me up only to place me back right where I was standing before.
"Oh, no you don't, Boss. When I signed up I expected to do some fun stuff like killing mercenaries. Not sit in a camp on my ass while you have all the fun." Bull grumbled as he looked down at me.
"I-well to be honest I didn't know what was going on until we got to this camp. There was little time so I couldn't very well sprint back to get you." I replied and he snorted, but nodded in an understanding way.
"I'm surprised Curly let her out so quickly. We imagined you'd be in there for another hour." Varric replied as he nodded his head towards Cullen's tent. I shrugged to them with a short, apologetic smile.
"He actually didn't fuss at me that much. He seemed sort of relieved..." I replied thoughtfully, but caught the smirk they shot at each other. I looked in between them in confusion. "What was that look about?" I asked cautiously as they looked back at me.
"Nothing you need to worry about, Angel." He replied making me lift an eyebrow.
"That sounds very vague and unconv-" I was interrupted however by another yawn. My eyes formed tears as the yawn subsided and I rubbed them away with my sleeve. Bull chuckled at me as I wobbled slightly. "Shit, I'm tired." I groaned looking around at the cramped camp. It was still dark out, the sun probably not rising for another couple hours. I looked back towards the tents, but shook my head. The soldiers needed beds more than I do. "Hey, I'm going to take quick cat nap." I said and they looked at me oddly as I walked to the front of the camp. My eyes drew to the tent that Cassandra had been placed in and I paused. I wasn't sure why I did, maybe out of curiosity if I'd hear anything. But, it was silent except for the occasional movement. Part of me wondered if she'd thank me for saving her...Hah. Good one, Quinn. Nugs would start flying if that ever happened. I smirked at my own joke before looking around to see if anyone saw me stop before continuing into the clearing. I sat down in the middle of some grass and flowers on the opposite side of the small hill. My body rolled and relaxed, each muscle feeling a tad painful as they loosened. My eyes drew up to the sky, the stars winking at me as the calmness of the world lulled me. The blackness of the sky now turned slightly green from the Breach that consistently mocked me. The Herald would close it, and when he did the world would go back to normal. But, what will I do? After everything is done and the Herald has defeated the threat… They wouldn't need me here anymore. I pondered it for a moment, I could stay and help with any leftover rifts and demons, but they have soldiers for that. Maybe Leliana would have work for me? No, probably not...My eyes closed as I came to my conclusion. I'd leave. There's no reason for me to stick around if I'm not needed. I cause too much trouble. My heart clenched and shoulder ached at the thought of the demon. The knowledge that he was still coming for me and that he wouldn't stop; it was troubling to say the least. But, I have killed him before and I can do it again. Last time, I nearly died. If Tayen and my Father hadn't done what they did, I would have. Now they're both gone. Speaking of which, these people that killed my Father, they were also still a problem. I'd take care of them myself. Alone. Same with the demon. I wouldn't hesitate this time. They would fall and I'd finally be free. Or would I? Would my life be a constant battle to stay alive? To run and hide and fight. Maybe one day I'll find peace, but that day seemed like a hazy dream. It was probably wrong to think about stuff like that. A form of personal torture. But, still I imagine myself by the ocean living in a small cabin with a mabari. I smiled to myself at the familiar hopeful dream I've constructed over the years. Ever since Tayen and I got engaged, I imagined myself standing by the rocks as the ocean crashed softly. The spray splashing on me gently as the sun set under the horizon. Sometimes I can still imagine him with me, but over the years his face has faded from my mind. My train of thought halted for the moment. Beside me I heard footsteps moving through the grass, the loud footsteps almost covering up the second pair. They plopped down next to me on either side.
"Mind if we join you, Boss?" Bull asked and I shook my head as I looked up to Bull and Varric.
"By all means." I replied as they both laid down on their backs and folded their arms behind their heads. I smiled fondly and closed my eyes again.
"Hey Quinn." Varric spoke up and I opened my right eye to look over at him.
"Yeah?" I asked him as he nodded to himself.
"Good job saving the Seeker today. Felt like someone should say it to you." Varric said quietly next to me, a small smile coming to my lips.
"That was the Herald." I replied quietly to which Bull chuckled and patted my head a tad roughly.
"Sure it was, Boss." Bull rumbled eliciting a soft laugh. After that everyone was silent letting the sounds of nature lull us to sleep.
"Let me go! Don't you realize who I am?!" Knight-Commander Jorgens cried angrily as I pushed him through the hallways of the Conclave.
"Knight-Commander Jorgens. 5"12', brown hair, drinking problem ever since your son, William, died in the last Blight. Your wife is Elaina Jorgens, but you're fonder of your mistress, Valeria Coruse. A court mage. How very kinky of you." I commented as I pressed the dagger into his back. He yelped quietly as he turned his head towards me with a glare.
"You bitch! I'll see you hanged for this!" He cried making me smirk.
"I think you'll be beating me to the noose on that one, Knight-Commander. Unless you can somehow swing the vote with the Divine and the Council." I replied, noticing him stiffen greatly.
"Wh-what do you mean?" He asked as he looked back at me briefly.
"The Divine knew someone was planning something naughty. That's why I took time out of my busy schedule to do some thwarting. She has already written up a statement of execution for whoever was trying to carry out such nefarious plans. She was hoping to not have to use it. I imagine she'll be very disappointed." I replied as I pulled him around the corner.
"You don't understand! Mages are a curse on this world! They're dangerous and need to be eradicated!" He cried making me roll my eyes.
"What a cliche. You know, it was kind of difficult to defuse your plan I think I deserve some originality." I grumbled as I pushed him forward towards the Divines chamber. She said she would be waiting in there. We approached the door that the servants would take around back and noticed two men standing guard. I squinted at them in confusion. Odd. I walked up to them and nodded. "I am here to speak with the Divine. She is expecting me." I announced and they looked at each other and then back at me.
"The Divine is not feeling well at the moment. Come back later." The man on the left instructed. I looked them over cautiously. They're lying. From inside I heard cries, muffled by the large door but it sounded like the Divine.
"Someone! Help me!" Her cry for help made my fingers twitch next to my hidden blades. They looked at each other and then back at me. I looked to the Knight-Commander and threw into the man on the left and sliced the throat of the man on the right. The man on the left pushed the Knight-Commander into a wall, but wasn't quick enough to stop me as I drove my blade into his chest. He gurgled with eyes wide as he fell off my blade. I looked to the Knight-Commander who was unconscious on the ground before I pushed the door open with my daggers at the ready. However, when I entered I saw not the Divine nor anything really. Just a black hallway swirled with green. I stepped in and looked around in confusion when suddenly I heard a voice.
"We have an intruder." The voice rumbled as red eyes lit from the green and black darkness. I reached for my daggers, but they were missing. I squinted as I saw someone at the end of the hallway. Their flashing green hand catching my eyes. Trevelyan?
"Stop it! Who are you?!" He cried as I ran forward towards him.
"Trevelyan!" I yelled and saw his head turn towards me.
"Quinn?" He asked as he started to move towards me. My eyes widened exponentially when Tayen suddenly appeared behind him. I shook my head and ran faster.
"Tayen no! Leave him alone!" I ordered, but he didn't seem to care. His smile was menacing, his teeth gnashed together. Trevelyan looked to me in confusion as he reached out to me.
"This was your fault." He whispered as he brought a dagger up to Trevelyan's unguarded back. With a swift movement Tayen ran Trevelyan through, the tip of the dagger peeking out of his chest.
"No!" I felt the scream tear through my throat, but it sounded distant as I watched Trevelyan fall to the ground. I skidded onto my knees next to him and placed my hands over the wound trying to stop the bleeding. His blood soaked my clothing as Tayen laughed coldly. I shook my head as Trevelyan choked out my name sounding afraid. "You're going to be alright. I won't let you die. I promise."
"Oh don't make promises like that to the boy, Quinn. This may only be a nightmare, but it will happen. And if it is not me then it will be my master." He laughed as he walked around us. I snarled at him before snapping my eyes back to Trevelyan. "You would be wise to give him what he wants. Everyone has their price. What is it you desire? Power? I can give you that." As abruptly as a curtain being torn away, the black and green swirled hallway was gone. Now I sat in the middle of a leveled city. Ruins burning around me, demons crawling from rifts everywhere. The Breach had consumed the sky, its sickly green color making everything look more horrific.
"Isn't it beautiful?" He asked in awe, his eyes turning back to me with a gleeful gleam in them. "You will bring this on the world, my sweet. You can rule beside me and my master." He added with a wide grin. I stared up at him in confusion before looking back down at the Herald as he stared with half-lidded eyes.
"No. I won't. I would never do that." I shot back angrily but he grinned ever wider and grabbed my chin dragging my face to his. My eyes blew wide as his lips, cold and dead landed on mine, but I was unable to move. He pulled away from my lips and smiled.
"Then you will die with the rest of them." He breathed, still so close to my face, when suddenly the floor opened up and swallowed me whole. There was little I could do as I plunged into crimson water. My arms struggled to get back to the surface only to find a barrier above my fingertips keeping me below.
"Quinn!" A familiar voice called as I thrashed in the water as my hands pounded on the barrier, but to no avail. Abruptly I was yanked through the water again and I left out a startled gasp. Arms of those I killed, and hands of ones I couldn't save dragging me further down. Their fingers biting into my skin as I fought for air. Tayen laughed above me as he looked straight down. Inexplicable mirth in his charcoal eyes as he watched me drown. My lungs burned as the water turned cold and I watched as a golden figure cut through Tayen. It's blade like the sun's first rays as Tayen blew away in a cloud of smoke, but it was too late for me. I convulsed as the air left my body as fingers gripped onto my shoulder.
I gasped awake, my heart throbbing painfully in my chest as a sheen of sweat coated my forehead. My eyes were wide as I coughed and held my waist. My lungs burned as I sat up inhaling and exhaling shakily. My hands shook as my lip quivered. My throat dry as my eyes watered, but I swallowed the tears. My heart pounded in my ears as I balled my fists up and forced them to stop their trembles. The long healed scar on my abdomen burning slightly in an uncomfortable way as if in reaction to seeing him in my dreams once again. I took in a few more deep breaths, putting those memories and nightmares into the back of my mind. I stood, a bit shakily, making sure to keep quiet as I looked over at Bull and Varric who were sleeping soundly.
"You alright, Boss?" Bull asked making me jump. I glanced over at him to see he still had his eyes closed. I took a deep breath before nodding.
"I'm fine. Just a nightmare." I replied as I started moving again. "Rest. I'll wake you both when we are about to leave." I added and he nodded as he wiggled his shoulders to get comfy again. I looked around for a moment and frowned with two fingers rubbing each temple. These dreams are getting worse. Images from the nightmare burned into my mind. I jumped slightly when a branch brushed my leg, growling in annoyance at my stupid fear I kept moving towards the camp. I needed to do something about them. Maybe sleeping potions? That might work. I'll ask Adan about it when I get back to Haven. I pressed my fingers to my temples harder and groaned at the headache I felt coming on. I sighed and went into the camp looking for elfroot powder and maybe some tea. It'd be nice, but it's more than likely not going to happen. I looked around for an herbal bag, but all I saw were crates of various potions. I continued my search, but paused when I heard a discussion going on in front of the Commander's tent.
"Commander, here is the report on what we encountered in the Villa the Mercenary group was utilizing." A soldier said as he handed the Commander papers. I looked over for a moment before returning to look for the elf root and tea maybe even some food.
"Thank you. Did you encounter any difficulties?" The Commander asked as I opened up a bag and frowned when I saw it was just rags. I heard the soldier let out a short laugh.
"None, ser. When we entered the villa almost everyone was dead. One man was just waking up from being knocked out, we brought him back for questioning. We sent him ahead with the soldiers you ordered to head to Haven. However, when we questioned him he said he didn't really see who'd done it, but that it had been a woman. Then...We found something very interesting." He said and Cullen nodded for him to continue as I looked over at him.
"Go on." He replied as he folded his arms.
"Uh...Well there were two men who we found hog tied on top of tables with apples stick in their mouths. Like...Pigs sir." He explained and I chuckled as I high fived myself. "They were barely conscious, but a man kept murmuring about a girl in red. We believe he might've been talking about the Lady Protector." He said and I smirked as I looked back towards Cullen who was looking at me.
"And the Leader?" Cullen asked and I smirked as I shrugged and looked away.
"We found him on the rocks…he took a great fall from the balcony at the top of the Villa." The soldier said and I folded my arms over my chest as I stood up straight. I couldn't find the stupid elfroot, but thank the Maker we have useless embrium. I mean really, what would we do without that? I sighed and rubbed my temples, but let my hands fall as a healer walked out of Lisette's tent and moved towards me.
"My Lady." She announced and I stood straight to regard her. "You were the one who brought the scout back, correct?" She asked, her eyes showing concern. I looked around me and nodded.
"Um...Well, yes." I replied and she nodded as she looked me over.
"I thought so..." She replied with a frown pulling at her wrinkled face.
"Is something wrong with her?" I asked and noticed her frown stomach twisted slightly in confusion as I looked down at the older woman. Her greyish green eyes revealing a deep sadness.
"I cannot do more for her here. Where I am a healer I lack the kind of healing she needs. I fear only a Mage can help her now." I shook my head as my eyes widened slightly.
"I thought she was fine." I replied, my voice more confused than I would've expected. "Other than being unconscious she did not seem otherwise harmed." I folded my arms awaiting her answer as she sadly clasped her hands in front of her.
"I'm afraid her injuries were more severe than we thought. We healed up the bruises on her body, but there was internal damage. She is coughing up blood sporadically, but we cannot seem to find the cause of it. She also has a fever that won't go down. Her health is diminishing quickly. I wish there was more we could do, but there isn't." The Healer said and I frowned as I folded my arms over my chest.
"Oh… That's too bad." I responded as I looked towards the tent. "She seemed like a nice person." I added and suddenly someone made a sound of indignation from behind me. I looked over as did the Healer and noticed Scout Allen standing there with an angry glare in his eyes.
"That's too bad?! That is all you have to say?! You were supposed to save her and now she's dying and you don't even care?!" Scout Allen questioned as he got closer and snarled in my face. His nostrils flared, eyes narrowed. I kept an impassive look on my face, but internally the comment had pissed me off.
"Am I supposed to?" I asked coldly and I noticed him stiffen with wide eyes.
"How heartless could you possibly be?" He asked crudely. I was about to respond when I heard someone break in from behind me.
"Hold your tongue, Scout. You are talking to the Lady Protector." Cullen's voice appeared over my shoulder, but Scout Allen didn't seem affected. His eyes kept their constant glare on me. His chest was heaving as his hands clenched and unclenched.
"To answer your question; if by heartless you mean that I am not jumping at the idea of prolonging her suffering like a fool. Then yes. I am a black, empty pit inside." I replied with a slight glare, but otherwise masked my emotions well.
"She has time! The Healer said she has enough time to maybe get back to Haven. Please. You have to try. I-I love her." He professed and I stared at him with my arms still folded over my chest. "Please. I'm begging you to help her. She's a good person."
"Good people die all the time, Scout Allen. Loved ones die just as often." I retorted and he started to shake, tears coming from his eyes.
"Please, Lady Protector. She told me about you. She looks up to you. Why won't you save her? Why won't you save someone who really needs saving?!" He wept making me flinch. I looked from him to the Healer with a frown. "I'm begging you. I'll give you all the coin I have." He begged, and tore my glare away from the boy to the Healer.
"Could she make it to Haven?" I asked to which she frowned.
"Not in a caravan, but if you were to ride with her on a horse. You might just get there, or it is a very real chance she could die on the way there." She said scornfully, pointing it at Scout Allen. "She could stay here. Die in peace and comfort." She told me, but directed it mostly to Scout Allen. He shook his head and looked to me, his eyes still puffy with tears. He looked to me.
"Please." He begged me. I pinched the bridge of my nose
"Will she be good to carry?" I asked and the Healer frowned and nodded.
"Perhaps." She said sounding questionable as she looked back at the tent.
"Prepare her for travel." I ordered and she nodded. Scout Allen's eyes widened and he looked to me with a gaping mouth.
"Thank you! Thank you so much!" He cried, but I moved away from him. He then reached into his pocket and I listened to the slight jingle.
"Keep it. I'm not doing this for you or your coin." I replied icily and he nodded mutely as he looked back to the tent, his eyes lingering.
"Haven is more than a five hours away. If her health is declining as badly as the Healer said... She won't make it." Cullen voice said from over my shoulder. I jumped a little as I turned to him forgetting he was there.
"I have to try." I responded adamantly noticing the unsure look in his eyes. "Scout Allen was correct, whether he realized it or not." I added and saw something in his eyes change.
"I understand that you want to save her. But, my Lady she could be in pain the entire time. Perhaps we should lay her to rest here like the Healer suggested. Where she is comfortable." He responded and I felt my temper rise. I didn't want to argue over this. I would feel wrong if I didn't at least try. Scout Allen couldn't have known, but she did save my life and if I didn't attempt to repay that debt...Well, let's just say I don't need yet another black mark on my conscious. "Are you listening to me?" He asked as his hand went to my shoulder. I shrugged it off and nodded as I looked up at him.
"She didn't leave me and she could have. I'm indebted to her." I replied as I looked up at him. He looked as if he were about to retort, but I shook my head. "If it were me, I'd personally be very pissed at you if you hadn't even attempted to give me a fighting chance. I imagine you'd be the same way." I added silencing his arguments with a look before sweeping off into the tent. Lisette became slightly conscious as she looked up at me. Her forehead was covered in a sheen of sweat. I flashed her a short smile trying to offer her some sort of comfort.
"My Lady? I feel hot. What's wrong with me?" She groaned making me frown as I looked up at the Healer.
"Can you give her something for the fever?" I asked and she nodded as she dug through a medical pouch. She handed me a flask of fluid before gently pouring the contents of an identical flask down her throat. Lisette moaned quietly as she relaxed. The Healer continued to prepare her for travel making sure she was covered in the scarce amount of clothing she was in, probably to try and lower her temperature. I heard the tent open and felt Cullen's familiar presence at my back. Looking over my shoulder I saw him look from me to the girl.
"Is she ready?" He asked earning a strange look from me. Was he coming?
"She is." The Healer said and pulled the covers away and I noticed the many spots of dark red blood on the linens underneath. The healer pulled a different blanket over her like a cocoon as my hands reached out to grab her. Cullen's hand touched my arm and pulled me back slightly in a gentle way.
"I'll carry her." He offered and moved in front of me, lifting her gently off the bed. Her head lobbed and I fixed it before walking from the tent and making for where the horses had been. Scout Allen looked at us as we crossed the camp and nodded.
"I would like to come with you." He stated and I looked to Cullen briefly. We shook our heads in union with each other and looked back to Scout Allen.
"No, and before you try and get all whiny and argue with me, I'll make this abundantly clear: I don't care if you love her or not. My priority right now is to get her to safety. You would slow us down. You will wait here and we will send word of her progress." I replied and we strolled past him. I stopped for a moment and looked back at him. "One more thing. Wake Iron Bull and Varric Tethras for me. Should they need any sort of explanation tell them I had to return to Haven with the Commander. That should suffice." I added and walked forward taking notice of two horses already prepared for travel. I looked to him and nodded. "Commander-"
"You can save your breath. I'm coming with you. Don't argue with me." He cut me off and I felt my eyebrows knit together.
"I was going to say thanks, but alright." I replied and was about to leap onto the horse on the left, but he stopped me and pointed towards the horse on the right.
"You'll ride on my horse. He's faster." He said and I stared at him for a moment before swinging myself into the saddle gracefully. I held out my hand for her and we gently helped her sit in the saddle in front of me. It was lucky for me she was so small. It would've been difficult had she been much bigger. I looked towards Cullen as he leapt with grace onto the other horse and with a nod from him we were off.