Oh hey guys, remember last chapter how I said I wouldn't take forever to update? I'm so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, sorry. I gave y'all and extra long chapter 'cause I feel bad for it lol Hope you enjoy it, Lovlies!
Fire engulfed the earth that I walked on. Scorching the ground, murdering any life that once lived there. Now leaving nothing in its wake but charred and ashen remains. Screeches, like a thousand nails on steel echoed around me as smoke clouded my vision. I couldn't stop my feet from moving towards the horrid sounds, but as they got louder and louder I realized what they truly were. A green window opened up around me, reminding me of the fade magic I possessed. My eyes widened as the smoke cleared around me revealing charred bodies of people. Their bodies stationary around me. Embers for skin as they glowed like fiery coals, their eyes seemingly following me as I felt horror grip at my heart. I could hardly breathe as I choked on the smell of death in the air. I tried to run, but something kept my feet planted on the ground. I pulled at my feet as I tried to free myself praying they'd be freed. Snapping noises filled the air making my stomach clench as my eyes widened in fear as I chanced a gaze ahead of me. Immediately I regretted it. The bodies were making the snapping noise as they all turned towards me falling from their stationary poses and onto the cracked ground beneath them. Their fingers clawed into the ground to get to me, their horrifying gazes on me as their mouths hung open unnaturally wide. The horrible screeching noise from before rising from their charred throats. Screams...that sound was screams.
"No. No, please. Stop! Stop this!" I cried as I tried to back away, but my feet were still chained to the ground. I went for my blades to defend myself as they continued to crawl after me, but they were missing. My eyes widened as I came to the realization that this wasn't real. I shook my head placed my hands on my ears to block out the sounds as they seemed to get louder. My eyes were squeezed shut as I tried to wake myself up. Suddenly I was grabbed and dragged backwards away from the horrific bodies. I shook my head as I fought against the hands as they dragged me through the floor. I felt a cry tear from my throat as I fought for air.
"Lady Protector! My Lady please wake up!"
I woke with a start, my heart ramming in my chest as I snapped upwards in fright. My chest was heaving as I crawled backwards away from the person sitting in front of me. Their hand outstretched towards me, but was smacked away.
"Don't touch her! Can't you see she's scared?" Oran asked, my eyes flicking between the two.
"The Lady Protector doesn't get scared. She's just...startled. My Lady, it's me, Jim. You're safe you were just having a bad dream." Jim stated calmly as he looked down at me. I stared at him, my throat dry before I nodded and relaxed a little.
"I...I am sorry for alerting you both. I'm fine." I said as I calmed myself as Jim bustled about the cabin. He came back with a vase like glass filled with water. He handed it to me gingerly. I took it and thanked him quietly before sipping the water.
"Isn't that the vase she had on her desk?" Oran pointed out and I choked on the strange tasting water. Jim spluttered as he blushed heavily and scratched the back of his neck.
"I-I didn't know where else there was water and she looked thirsty. I didn't think it was that bad of an idea." He replied innocently making me internally facepalm at his explanation.
"Moron." Oran murmured as he pulled around a water skin from his hip and offered it to me. I thanked him and took a swig of the water before handing it back to him.
"Thank you, guys." I said as I looked to each of them making Jim beam with excitement that I'd praised him. I pushed myself off the bed as the two of them moved away.
"I'll go report to the Commander, he might want to know about this." Jim said and left in a hurry. My eyes widened as I raised my hand towards the door.
"Jim wai-!" He was already gone. "Ugh...great." I grunted as I shot a pointed look at Oran who raised his hands.
"Wasn't my idea. The Commander wished to be kept updated on your health. Jim takes it a bit too seriously. He's a big fan of yours." Oran explained as I pinched the bridge of my nose.
"How annoying." I muttered as I stood.
"With all due respect, he means well, the moron that he is. You've been having nightmares a lot, it makes him nervous." He explained further and looked towards the window.
"He shouldn't be bothering the Commander about such trivial matters." I replied with a shake of my head. My hand fell to my hip as I sighed, nodding in response.
"I don't think the Commander minds. He's a good man." He said making me smile slightly before nodding and grabbing my boots and sliding them onto my feet. My thoughts went to the night before and I felt a small smile pull at my lips. I looked up and Oran had shut the door behind him as he left. I continued to lace up my boots remembering Cullen and I on top of the mountain, his warmth next to me, him carrying me back to my cabin...It made my heart swell in my chest and a blush come to my cheeks. That man...He was something else. Staring at my wrist I tilted my head, regarding the pearl bracelet. It was funny. I'd received gifts of far more value than this simple bracelet. Back when I lived with my father I used to love expensive things. Maybe I'm just different now...maybe I've changed that much...or… Maybe it was because it was from him? I asked myself before shaking my head at the incredulous thought. No! No, no, no...No. I don't care for him like that. He is a friend, companion, nothing more. I argued with myself as I stood and walked towards my dresser and grabbed my daggers and sheathed them on my hips. Then how do I explain this feeling...this sensation I feel around him. A sensation that I didn't know how to explain… It had to just be everything that was happening to me lately. Yes. That must be it. My eyes drifted to the window, seeing the sun barely peeking out over the mountains. I sighed and stretched as I made to leave my cabin, but stopped when I saw the report Leliana had sent to me. Leon's name sticking out to me making my mind wander once more to my time in Dumonde. My hand fell to my hip as I frowned and shook my head. I didn't want to think about this right now, but memories flooded back to me that I hadn't thought of in years. With a sigh I left the cabin and shut the door behind me. I shivered as the cold hit me, snowflakes falling down from the sky. The girl still had my cloak… I frowned and looked over at Solas's cabin as I headed up the stairs, my eyes moving to the Chantry slowly. I saw a Templar helping a woman into the tall building making me stop completely. The memory of the first time I met Leon bubbling to the forefront of my mind…
Dumonde: 9:37 Dragon
My boots clicked against the cobblestone beneath me. The world deathly silent for a moment as I stayed in the shadows. I was wound tight, ready to pounce at anything and everything that dared get too close. Justinia's exact words were for me to scout out the damage that was taking place and report back to her. Nothing more, nothing less. Good. The faster I can get out of here the better. I'd heard of these abominations, but never fought one myself. Not that I wouldn't be up for the challenge if it presented itself, but these gruesome monsters…something about them gave me a strange feeling. Something like a profound hatred or fear, or somewhere in between. My black cloak hid my daggers as I continued to walk through the alleyways when suddenly an explosion rocked the ground. I stumbled against a wall of a stone building as my eyes searched the skyline for the explosion. My eyes widened when I saw the direction it was coming from. I scurried up a building to stare at the explosion of the circle tower that once stood at the edge of the city. I shielded my eyes as a shock wave blew past me. Screams of people in their homes and on the street raised to my ears.
"The Templars have destroyed the Circle Tower! They've saved us!" Some screamed while others mourned the death of the mages inside. I stared wide eyed at the horror that fear had caused. My eyes traveled down when I heard a little girl cry. I slid to the corner of the roof and saw a Templar pulling a younger girl along.
"Come on and keep your voice down." He told her as he dragged her through alleyway after alleyway avoiding the main streets. I followed them cautiously, my curiosity peaking, but also my fear for the young girl. I kept pursuing the Templar man as he suddenly stopped I did so too. My eyes traveled behind him noticing other Templars.
"You!" They cried and suddenly the Templar and the girl took off, running and sliding through alleyways. She cried out in fear as she jumped and skidded through the alleys. My interest peaked once more and I ran after them along rooftops to keep up. The shingles clicking underneath my feet as I continued after them. I looked straight up ahead and saw the Chantry standing tall with the city square just in front of it. The man and the girl ran as fast as they could to the Chantry. My eyes widened as I watched them and ran faster leaping onto a house, but I was a little too short and instead went through the open window on the top floor. I rolled upon landing and looked back at the window in surprise. Totally meant to do that. I heard a squeal and looked around to see a boy staring at me with wide eyes as he held his covers up to his nose in fright. I pushed myself up and ran over to his window and opened it.
"Uh...sorry." I apologized as I ran to the other window and opened it before leaping out and running off towards the Chantry. I slid next to the wall of the Chantry looking around it to see the Templar with the girl banging on the door, begging them to open up.
"You, Knight! Step away from the Mage." The Templar in front yelled as he stayed next to the mage. He looked down at her before looking back at the Templars.
"Knight! Did you not hear me!? I said step away from the Mage!" The same Templar yelled and I watched as the Templar with the girl turn fully towards the other Templars and pull the girl behind him.
"Stay behind me, no matter what." He whispered as he stared at the other Templars. I crawled up the bricks as I heard some one else coming down the alleyway I was in. Once I had scaled the wall I moved onto the ledge of the Chantry roof and squatted down to watch the scene play out. Maker, how interesting. "She is innocent. She's done nothing to deserve what happened to the others." He yelled and the other Templars looked at each other then at him with distaste.
"No Mage is innocent. You heard what happened in Kirkwall. Mages are dangerous and they need to be eradicated before they can hurt anyone." The same Templar spoke up again as the others nodded in agreeance.
"Don't let her poison your mind, brother. She is not innocent. Nothing magic touches is innocent anymore." He argued with the man and I looked down to the side to see some Templars hiding behind the wall, two of them and I assumed there were also two on the other side as well. These people are dead. "Give her to us brother, and we will forget you did this." He coaxed and I saw the other Templar shift his weight as he moved his hand to his sword discreetly. They weren't letting him go.
"Please. She's a good person, she'd never do anything like what those others did. I swear it on my life." The Templar with the girl cried as he seemed to be getting a little desperate, understanding fully what his morals have costed him. "Brothers, listen to me. Our orders are wrong. We can't just kill innocent people. There is still time to rectify this." He yelled as the men moved into view from behind the building. My eyes widened slightly as I watched, 1,2,3,4,5,6...10. Ten men for one Mage and Templar. I shook my head as I pulled some throwing knives out of my pocket. My hand paused though, hovering under my cloak. I shouldn't get involved. I should just stay out of this and report what I've seen. Let whatever is about to happen, happen. I told myself as I watched them silently, the knives still between my fingers. The men all moved in, the Templar with the girl backing away into the door of the Chantry. "Please, I'm begging you. Leave this woman alone. She's innocent. We're Templars, we don't hurt innocents." He pleaded as my eyes scanned the area noticing a Templar, a dirty blonde haired man staring at me. I felt like hiding all of the sudden, but I was already seen and he wasn't raising an alarm. I tilted my head to him in confusion and he frowned. He looked back down at the scene before him as the girl was pulled away from the man who was crying out her name. Once they were separated, the larger Templar with shining armor glared down at the man who had been protecting her.
"You're a disgrace to the Order." He hissed as he pulled his blade and held it towards the man. "If you want to save her, then you will perish with her as well." I watched him as he raised the sword over the man and brought it down.
Clang.
I shook myself back to reality as the door to the Chantry opened up, my eyes darting around me as people walked in and out of the massive doors. I shook my head, my eyes searching the people that walked around me to make sure no one had noticed me. I shook my head and moved forward towards Solas's cabin and saw a figure walking forward down the other path, blonde hair and fur mantle. I tilted my head as I noticed flowers in his hands. He walked up the stairs by the rocks as I moved through the space between the two cabins and he knocked on Solas's door. I lifted my eyebrow and strolled up next to the Commander with a small smile on my lips.
"Good morning, Commander." I greeted noticing him stiffen slightly as if he hadn't heard me approach and looked down to me.
"Good morning, Lady Protector. Did you sleep well?" He asked a little awkwardly making me smirk.
"I did, and you?" I asked in return noticing a wary look in his eyes directed towards me.
"Quite well actually." He replied, I could tell there was something more he wanted to say. There's no way Jim could've talked to him already...right? It was like 15 minutes ago. Solas came to the door and I smiled at him.
"Good morning Solas." I greeted with a small smile. He bowed his head to both of us with a soft smile.
"Good morning Lady Protector, Commander." He greeted and looked back into his cabin. "I assume you are here to check on the girls health?" I nodded in unison with Cullen. Solas stepped aside opening the door wide for both of us to enter. Once we were in the cabin, my eyes scanned the area till I found the girl lying on a cot in the corner. A bowl next to her head and a rag on her head. "Her condition is well. She should be fully healed in a couple of days. As for now she is stable." Solas said making a soft smile come to my lips.
"Thank you for all you did for her, Solas." I said and he nodded before looking towards the door.
"That reminds me, I must go retrieve something. Would you mind looking after her, I'll only be a moment." He said and I nodded in response as he walked out. I looked to the girl as Cullen stepped forward and placed the flowers he'd had in his hands in a vase on a nightstand. The girl slept soundly, a rasp in her breathing.
"I contacted the Scout Allen to update him on her status." He said quietly as he looked back towards me. "He asked me to thank you for what you did. For giving her a chance." He added making a frown come to my lips as I regarded her.
"I'd rather not take the credit for this." I said as I watched the girl's chest move up and down methodically with each rasp of breath.
"Why not?" Cullen asked me as he turned fully. "You saved her." He argued, but I shook my head.
"I settled a debt. She saved my life, I saved hers. It was for my own conscious. You however...you had no reason to help her and you did. You should be the one to get the credit." I said and he frowned at me, but he seemed to understand a moment later. He nodded as he looked back towards the girl.
"I think I understand." He said as he looked down at the girl. This girl who had impacted me so much with her bravery. Her selflessness. For someone she didn't even know. Someone like me. I was so sick and tired of people saving me. I ran a hand through my hair as I sighed. There's no way he could understand, however he was intelligent. He's called me out many times before and had seldom been wrong. Maker have I become that transparent? "However, I cannot say that I helped her for no reason. In fact, I mainly helped because you needed help. You forget I was going to leave here there to die in peace." He said as he watched her remorsefully. "I regret it now, but at the time...it seemed like the better option. You inspired me when you told me you'd help her even though the odds were against you. That you'd give her a chance because you'd want the same courtesy." He said with a nod, a serious look on his face as he crossed his arms and shifted his feet.
"Inspired you." I chuckled as I looked towards the girl.
"Why do you find that amusing? I think-"
"Lady Protector?" The girl spoke up. Her voice sounding like she hadn't drank water in weeks. Scratchy and dry from the damage the poison had caused...that I had caused. I frowned as I looked down at her. Her head was turned towards me, her eyelids slightly open. I crouched down to her and gave her a short smile. She smiled back as she took a deep breath. "Am I...Am I going to be okay?" She asked as she grimaced and touched her sore throat.
"Solas says you're going to live…" I responded and saw her nod as she took another deep breath and cringed before coughing. I frowned as I watched her convulse before relaxing and taking yet another deep breath and coughing again. I shook my head as I grabbed her arm. "What's-what's wrong with me? Why can't I breathe?" She asked through coughs. I saw panic in her eyes, a fear that I understood. Her hand curled into the covers as she choked. I heard Cullen's feet moving quickly.
"I'll get Solas." He threw over his shoulder as he jogged out of the cabin. I looked to the girl and shook my head, my eyebrows pinching together.
"Stop it." I ordered as she choked. Her eyes widened as she looked to me. "Fear is useless. Listen to my voice and calm down." I stated adamantly as I stared into her eyes.
"I'm sorry." She choked as she tried to take a deep breath to calm herself. She coughed again, her eyes tearing up. I shook my head as I gripped her hand.
"Shallow breaths. Slow, shallow breathing." I urged as I tried to be gentler. She stared as she tried to start to calm herself down. "In through your nose, out through your mouth. Shallow, slow breaths." I said as I watched her. There was still panic in her as she could feel her scarred lungs contract. She jolted, but worked through it. I watched her as I heard footsteps running closer to the cabin. She watched me as I continued to breathe with her. She calmed down, her breathing back to normal as the Commander and Solas ran back in. They stopped however when they saw that the girl had calmed.
"I am sorry, Lady Protector, I did not mean to-"
"Don't apologize." I told her as I looked away and stood from my crouch.
"Ah, Lady Protector, I see you managed to calm her. Well done." He praised as he looked to me and the girl. I nodded and looked towards the door and was about to move to it when a hand grabbed my wrist, quick but gentle. I looked back down at the girl to see her eyes turned to me.
"I wanted to ask you, after I'm healed. I want to train." There was a pause as her eyes searched mine. Uncertainty in her own as her hand loosened on my wrist. "Would you train me?" She asked me, and it made my heart hurt. Odds are she'd never truly heal. She would be safer just staying as a scout. Maybe...maybe she could be a spy of sorts.
"That's something to talk to Sister Leliana about. I can't help you." I replied calmly, but she shook her head.
"Please. I already asked Sister Leliana when she came by last night. She said that she didn't have time to train another agent. I want to defend myself. I want to fight for the Inquisition. You can train me, can't you? " She argued as she stared up at me, a plea now replacing the uncertainty in her eyes.
"Then I'm sure the Commander can oblige. He has new recruits coming in every day." I recommended as I looked towards Cullen whose eyebrows were pinched together as he regarded me. She frowned as she looked between Cullen and I before settling on me again. She pushed herself up onto her elbows, but grimaced when she did.
"I am not a soldier. I'm a scout, but I can do more. I promise. I can help, I can fight, I just need to be trained. You can train me. You already trust me don't you? I saved your life." She argued with me making my temper rise slightly. Why did she want me to teach her so badly? Why did she want to fight? She has a perfectly good reason to not fight, to stay out of harm's way.
"Sorry, kid. But, I'm not going to train you. Find someone else." I told her and turned away before walking out of the door. She didn't want to fight, she didn't want this life. She has someone who loves her, who wanted to give everything to save her. If she becomes like me...she risks losing all of that. Just like I did… I couldn't do that to someone so innocent. I didn't want her to have to fight at all. Nothing good could come out of me training her. I was walking away, not bothering to look back. My temper had rose and I had not been kind to her. Part of me was annoyed by that, the other rationalized my reaction. She was being annoying, and she didn't understand what she was saying. Maker, I need to blow off some steam. I moved towards the training area, but saw someone running towards me out of the corner of my eye. I turned my head to them noticing that it was the Herald.
"Quinn!" He called out as he smiled at me, "Good Morning! I had a question for you." He released a heavy breath before smiling. "Well, Varric wanted me to ask you, well not just Varric, but Bull and Blackwall as well. They're having a competition of sorts, duels and they were wondering if you wanted to compete?" I lifted an eyebrow and smirked.
"Are you also competing in this tourney?" I asked and he blushed as he scratched at the back of his head.
"I kind of already lost." He laughed as he looked down at me. "But, I think as my champion you should do far better!" I lifted an eyebrow at that. His champion?
"Are you going to give me your handkerchief and a kiss as well?" I teased with a nudge making him chuckle and shake his head.
"I unfortunately don't have the first item handy at the moment, but as for the second…" He moved down quicker than I thought he would and gave me a peck on the cheek. My eyes widened making him chuckle again with a bright smile.
"Lady Protector are you speechless?" He asked me with a grin. I shook myself from my shock and glared up at him playfully. With a punch to his shoulder I walked past him.
"Flirt." I threw over my shoulder as I walked forward towards the training grounds. "I will compete in this tourney. It seems like fun."
With a swipe of my blade I won the fight. I grinned as I knocked the blade from Blackwall's hand and lifted that same blade to his beard. He chuckled as he looked down at his beard.
"Easy there, My Lady, I've been working very hard on this beard." He explained with a grin making me grin as well.
"I would never harm that masterpiece, my friend. Don't fear." I replied as I sheathed my blade. With a grin I looked to the sparse crowd around me who cheered for my victory. I looked to Bull as he stepped into the ring, a smirk on his face as he looked down at me.
"Looks like you're up against me next Boss." He greeted and I grinned as I nodded.
"If I beat you, I win right?" I asked and he nodded in response.
"That's right. But, don't expect to win. I've seen your moves." He replied intelligently making me smirk. I shouldn't underestimate him. I nearly lost to Blackwall because I underestimated him.
"Don't worry, My Lady! You just have to stand on his left side!" I heard Krem yell from outside the ring and I snickered with laughter as I looked from Krem to Bull.
"Good one, Krem. How long did it take you to come up with that one?" He snorted as he looked back to Krem.
"Two minutes, sir. Just about how long you lasted with that barmaid last night." He called back making me laugh harder. Shaking my head I readied myself for the fight as Varric shot Bianca off into the distance as a sign that the fight started. Bull pulled his axe off his back as I circled him looking for a way in. I'd seen him fight as well, he always waited for the first attack. I grinned and ran at him. I saw him bend his knees as he brought his axe up to guard, but instead of attacking I slid underneath of his block and pop up just behind him holding my dagger to his back. He turned quicker than expected for his size and blocked again. I flipped away as he tried to counter and landed a few feet from him. The snow crunched beneath my feet as I took a deep breath to steady myself. He ran at me this time, his axe at his side as he barreled towards me. I waited till the last possible moment and turned my dagger onto its flat side and pushed away from my body. I spun out of the way as his axe embedded itself in the fence post. The people surrounding the area backing away as he pulled it out.
"You're pretty quick, Boss." He applauded as he moved forward. I followed his movements, his axe, his eye as he moved. He let the axe cut through the snow and i knew it was my turn to attack. As fast as lightning I ran around the dueling area and then towards him gaining enough speed. He moved to block me again, but instead of going behind him I leapt onto the railing and shoved off. My legs wrapped around his neck and I swung myself grabbing ahold of his chest piece. I gasped, however, when my leg got hooked on his horn. I grunted in annoyance as I tried to leap off, but he caught my foot with his hand and held me upside down in front of him. I crossed my arms over my chest as I stared at Iron Bull. I placed my other foot on my calf. He chuckled at me as he lifted me up and down like I were a doll.. "Damn you're light." He laughed as he continued to lift me.
"Could you put me down please?" I asked making him chuckle louder. I rolled my eyes as I pointed my foot and used my other to kick his wrist. My hands flew out underneath me to catch myself and I rolled back up into a standing position. The fight carried on back and forth for a while and I had started to get impatient. I saw my opening suddenly. His movements starting to get just as tired as mine. I grinned and acted as if I were going to try and leap onto his neck again, but at the last second pulled my feet in towards his chest as he tried to block his neck. I went down with him and pointed my blades at his neck with a grin. He chuckled loudly as he smiled at me.
"Nicely Done, Boss!" He yelled and I grinned as he lifted himself up, me getting off his chest and sheathing my weapons. I held out my hand to him and he took it hoisting himself up. He thanked me as he clapped a hand on my shoulder. I shook my head, grinning up at the large man as cheers erupted from the crowd around us. I shook my head at them and looked towards the Herald who was clapping loudly. Varric stood on the fence smirking at the crowd.
"Anyone else feel like taking on the greatest fighter in all of Thedas?" He asked making me shake my head.
"Varric, I'm worn out. I'd rather not fight again." I said as I ran a hand through my hair hoping to shake out the snow from me tumbling to avoid Bull's attacks.
"Nonsense, I've seen you take on dozens of guys at the same time! Does anyone dare challenge the Herald's Protector? Bets are starting at 4 silver!" I smacked him, but laughed at him as I started to climb out of the dueling area. "Curly! Just the man I was looking for. Do you dare duel the Lady Protector?" Varric asked as he smirked at the Commander. My eyes went from Varric to Cullen who looked to me with a lift of his eyebrow. I looked back up to Varric as the crowd went quiet looking between us. I let out a small huff of annoyance at Varric's love for dramatics. Cullen looked around himself and I saw Rylen just behind him nudge him forward. Cullen glared at the man behind him.
"I apologize, Varric, but I do have paperwork to get to." The Commander called back, glancing at me shortly as he started to move away. Alright Varric, I'll play your game.
"I challenge you, Commander." I called out hearing the crowd 'ooh' around us. Cullen's eyes settled on me, a look of excitement in his eyes as he tried to keep his features neutral. "After all, what do you have to fear? You don't lose, remember?" I asked making a twitch of a smile come to his lips. "However, neither do I." He swallowed it and looked to the crowd noticing a majority of them were his soldiers. I grinned as I crossed my arms. The soldiers cheered as he stepped forward, patting his arms in excitement and encouragement. Hopping over the fence he looked to me before pulling off his mantle and hanging it over the fence.
"Now, this is interesting." Varric said as he hopped off the fence and looked to me with a wink. "You'll thank me later." He said as he smirked towards Cullen who was looking in between us. I glared at the dwarf as he moved next to the Herald who was now accompanied by Bull, and Blackwall. Bull raised his fist towards me and I smirked as I loosened up my shoulders and rolled my wrists.
"You've got this, Quinn!" Trevelyan called out and I grinned as I turned towards my competitor. My eyes widened a little when I noticed he'd taken off his armor and was now currently only in his pants and a linen shirt. Shit. He seemed to notice that I was staring and I noticed the smirk in his eyes although he kept a straight face. With a lift of my eyebrow I shirked off my jacket now only in my linen shirt as well.
"Now we're even." I said and he chuckled quietly to himself as he stepped forward, his shield and sword in hand. I pulled my daggers and Varric grinned between the two of us as he lifted his crossbow towards the mountains and fired signaling that the fight was starting. I grinned as I bent my legs slightly to get ready for any attack as Cullen resumed a defensive pose. One I'd seen many times in Dumonde, one I'd even been taught. I forced myself to focus on the Commander as he moved around me. I slid my daggers out of their sheaths as I closed my eyes waiting for the attack that I figured wouldn't come. He was taking far too long. Footsteps sliding through the snow, crunching with careful precision, ball of the foot to the back of the heel. Careful steps, carefully measuring me up when suddenly. There. I attacked. My blades snapped out towards Cullen. He blocked the attack with his shield and his sword, his eyes on me.
"I don't like making the first move, you know." I said casually making a smile come to his lips.
"Neither do I." He replied as he pushed me back away from him.
"Oh, I've noticed." I teased making him tilt his head to the side before he blushed slightly. I didn't let him sit there long however, I turned the blades in my hand and attacked again, but that confounded shield got in my way once again. I needed to get in close to him and take that shield away, but would I even be able to? He seemed impenetrable...I needed to see. I ran towards him, but quickly redirected the blow towards his side. His eyes went wide as he quickly pulled his sword to block the blow. Good I got past the shield- He brought his shield around and bashed me backwards. I skidded on the snow, my hand near the ground to stop myself before I ran forward again. This time rolling behind his defense and bringing my dagger up towards his back and nicking the fabric on his shoulder blade careful not to cut him in the short amount of time I had. Without the armor on, it was hard to see where the blind spots of Templars were, but now… Shit. He spun and I backed away before running forward again. I leapt upwards, but this time he raised his shield and backed away making me fall short. I landed and watched him with interest at him already guessing my moves. He way he was watching me made me itch a little. This intensity in his golden eyes that both looked playful and competitive. Anyway, I now visually had the two places every Templar was vulnerable, but I was now noticing that it did me little good. Cullen was intelligent, he'd already started to block me more with that blasted shield.
"How come every time I am in a fight with you, my shirts get torn?" He asked making me smirk at his joke that only I could hear.
"Perhaps I just want to get you out of them?" I returned making him chuckle as he looked away momentarily before looking back up at me. My eyes moved to his shoulder however, and I paused my attack. "How is your shoulder? I just remembered…" He smiled as he rolled it.
"Healed. Thank you for your concern." He replied and I grinned waving him off.
"Just making sure our fight is fair." I stated as I got ready.
"A little late for that, isn't it?"
"You could always surrender." I suggested as I ran towards him. He blocked as I attacked, but that's what I wanted. Leaping upwards I kicked him in his shield throwing him off balance and shoved as hard as I could. He stumbled backwards into the fence to catch himself as I flipped backwards and landed on a railing in a squat. He pulled the shield back onto to his correctly making me grin. His eyes found me, perched on the fence like a cat. He ran at me, his sword at the ready. I flipped over him, his sword barely catching me as I landed behind him and held my dagger to the back of his neck. He swung his shield around throwing me backwards. I growled in annoyance. Maker I hate shields. I rolled into a standing position and frowned as I looked down at my shirt to see a slit in the side of it. I showed him with an incredulous look. "Really?" I asked making him shrug in response. I took a breath and watched him as he got ready for the attack.
He had started to hold the shield further away from his body since I was constantly using it against him. Perfect. I ran at him and acted as if I were going to jump, noticing his shield tilt upwards as well as his sword. I quickly sheathed my daggers as I slid under his sword and up under his shield. Spinning quickly, my back collided with his front hearing a 'oof' sound come from his lips as I grabbed the shield from his arm, the shock of me being so close so suddenly loosening his grip. I grinned and yanked it free as he brought his blade down to attack. I spun away and held the shield up to blow the sword. The crowd went silent in shock as I stood from the assault of the Commander and smirked at him from behind it. He was watching me, shock apparent in his eyes, but he also looked impressed if not a little annoyed as well. I placed the shield against the fence as I pulled the daggers. "Now that that's out of the way we can have some real fun." I said as I pulled my daggers and ran at him. The sound of metal clanging as he blocked and countered with his sword against my daggers.
"So, when I win I get a favor from you, correct?" He asked and I paused giving him an opening as he brought his blade towards me. I slid away from it and attacked him. He stopped the blade as I brought my other around. His hand released the pommel and grabbed my wrist.
"That was the deal, wasn't it?" I asked and he nodded as he and I both pushed against each other. His strength was obviously winning, he could easily overpower me. "Why? Already have one in mind?" I asked him as I strained.
"Actually, I do." He panted as he looked down at me. "I win, you train the girl." He added making me stutter in confusion and giving himself the upper hand. I gasped as he shoved and my knees buckled. I fell into the snow and quickly placed my feet onto his abdomen. As we both hit the ground I let the momentum help me throw him off. I stood gracefully as he pushed himself up to his feet.
"You seem fairly confident in your abilities, Commander." I replied as I got ready for an attack. His feet turned in the snow as he ran at me. "I am also fairly confident. If I win, you join us for drinks later." The crowd cheered around us for both the Commander and me. He didn't seem to notice as he ran at me, his blade at the ready. I dodged the blow easily and countered, but he was ready as he deflected it. The metal of the sword flashing at me in the light of the sun and breach, giving it an odd look as it came towards me. Just as quick as it came towards me I'd moved behind him and was about to attack when I caught a figure out of the corner of my eye. It was only a second, but I saw it. A red bird, one that I knew flew just over the crowd. It was enough to distract me for the moment as this feeling of familiarity overwhelmed me. When I came back I saw Cullen's elbow speeding at my face. I couldn't move fast enough and it collided with my lip and I skidded away my hand going to my lip. I touched it and saw blood on the tips of my fingers and tasted it in my mouth. His eyes went wide as he looked towards me taking a step forward.
"Maker's breath! My Lady I apologize-" I grinned as I touched it and then at him. I heard Varric chuckle from the corner.
"Oh, you've done it now, Curly." Varric called out with a laugh, "I've seen that look before." He added and it made me smirk as I regarded the Commander. It made me wonder for a moment what he was referencing. There was no need to really fight Cullen. I wasn't the only one holding back after all. His eyes on me in confusion as I tucked my dagger away using only one and a small throwing knife. He tilted his head to me making me smirk as I slid my foot back and assumed my own offensive stance. One moment I was there and the next I was speeding towards him. He flinched at the speed I was at and I grinned as I flipped over him and kicked him in his back. He fell forward and I grinned as he recovered and stumbled before turning towards me. My hair was coming loose from the band as I burst forward, my hair whipping behind me as I leapt forward, my dagger embedding into the ground swinging myself at a rapid speed. My legs were extended knocking Cullen's feet from underneath him. I abruptly stopped myself with my foot throwing myself upwards. He scrambled for his sword as I did and he swiped it just I got close. He brought it up towards me and I pushed against his strength, but it was futile. In fact, it was almost funny the way he was able to keep me up without struggle. "Damn your strength." I cursed with a slight laugh as I struggled to gain the upper hand. He chuckled as he shoved me away with an infuriating ease. I rolled onto my back kicking his hand holding his blade and it fell from his hand. I rolled up and as he scrambled for his blade. I threw my throwing knife forward and embedded the now loose from the slits I'd made. He jerked against the knife ripping his sleeve as I ran towards him. He tore the knife out and grabbed his sword. He spun to me and countered my blow bringing his blade towards me. I spun into him to dodge and went under his arm, my blade coming towards his back. He slid to the side and drew up his sword. My heart beat faster and faster in my chest as he spun and blocked again. Suddenly he took me by surprise and went to sweep my feet with his left leg. I grabbed a hold of his shoulder, my leg hooking around his other leg to keep myself up. My dagger at his neck.
"I win." I laughed and he smirked down at me as his eyes moved to his hand which was holding the knife that I had embedded in his shirt. I rolled my eyes as I panted and laughed. He chuckled as well and looked to the crowd as they cheered. "I guess it is a draw then." I said and he smiled as I backed away from him, his hand sliding past my hip. Maker he was a good fighter. We looked to the crowd who cheered loudly making me laugh a little more as he did next to me. He leant down next to my ear,
"Perhaps next time we have a duel you will not take it easy on me." He said with a smirk that I returned.
"Same for you, Commander." I teased making his smirk widen as he shook his head.
"As you wish, My Lady." He chuckled as he picked up the various articles of his attire and hopped over the fence. Soldiers patted his shoulders and his back cheering for their champion as I heard my friends cheering.
"Maker's breath that was one of the best fights I've ever watched!" Trevelyan exclaimed as he smiled at me. "You almost beat the Commander!"
"Actually, we were fairly even. I'm not sure what would've happened." I replied with a secret smile on my lips as my eyes followed the Commander who was moving to his tent. I hope we do this again, Commander. It was fun. Varric and Bull looked to me as they waved their hand.
"Come on, Boss. Let's get some drinks." He chuckled and I nodded in agreement as we set off towards the tavern. I stopped however, my eyes lingering on the spot where I'd seen the bird appear and disappear during the fight. Perhaps it was a figment of my imagination, but...it still stirred this uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. I looked around myself once more to make sure the figure wasn't still lurking when I heard my name called.
"My Lady, is something wrong?" Blackwall called out as he turned back towards me about halfway up the stairs. I pulled my eyes away from my surroundings, shaking my head in response.
"I'm...honestly not sure..." I responded quietly as I moved forward and smiled at him. "Shall we?" I asked as I held out my hand towards the tavern. He nodded and we walked forward together up the stairs.
Empress of Fire, In the reign of the lion
Eclipsed in the eye of the empire of we Orlesians.
Empress of Fire, What season may come
We fight for the day, You'll restore our heart and bring us to glory
We are forever in our graces.
The bard's tune was a delightful background noise to pair to the cheering and laughing of my companions. For the life of me though I couldn't figure out why they were so excited, so happy. Did they not worry about what would happen tomorrow? Did they not fear for the Herald's life as I did? Tomorrow...facing Alexius in his-Teagan's castle. Maker knew what kind of trap he had ready for us. For the Herald… My eyes shifted back to my companions in front of me. Their jovial manners making a small smile come to my lips. They were doing this for the Herald's sake. If they are not worrying he should not either, right? Come to think of it… My eyes scanned my companions and each were sticking fairly close to the Herald, engaging him in conversation and joking with him. More so than usual. I felt a small smile come to my lips as I watched them converse when I heard Varric settle onto a chair next to me.
"How do you think the kids doing?" He asked me. I took a swig of my ale, looking to the Herald and then at Varric.
"I think our companions are doing a great job at distracting him." I replied eliciting a smile from him. "I think he's nervous though. Rightfully so. Magisters are nothing to turn your nose up at...I know better than most." I added as I looked back at the Herald who laughed as if we weren't walking into a suicidal mission tomorrow.
"Are you worried?" He asked.
"For myself? No. For him...yes." I replied with a shake of my head. "I am not very good at protecting people." I admitted as I looked down at my hands clutching the beer.
"I don't know about that. You've been doing a pretty decent job so far." He replied with a smirk. His eyes went to the Herald as I looked to him. "He talks about the many times you've saved him in the month that you've known him. How brave and selfless you are." He explained as he looked up at me. "If anyone could keep him safe, Angel, it's you." He added without a hint of a lie in his eyes.
"I guess I'm worried. The world depends on his survival and I'm charged with it...what if I fail? What if I screw up and he dies?" I asked as I looked down into the foamy drink, seeing a bit of my reflection in it.
"You're not alone in this Quinn. We'll help you keep him safe." He said with a small appreciative smile. He moved his hand to my shoulder. "I've never seen you so worried before." He added as he looked over me.
"I just have a bad feeling about this." I replied with a frown towards my drink. I sighed and shook my head. "But, why fear tomorrow when you can live today, right my friend?" I asked and he chuckled as he raised his mug to me. They clinked together softly and I smiled as I chugged it before slamming the mug down on the table. All eyes were on me as I stood with my mug. "Another round for my companions!" Bull cheered loudly followed by Blackwall and Trevelyan. "Bard! Play something lively!" I called out and the Bard looked to me with a smile as her fingers started moving faster on her lute. I grinned as more drinks came and we all clinked our mugs together and downed the contents. Trevelyan gasped loudly after he downed it all and ran his sleeve over his mouth. Bull slapped his back laughing loudly as we continued to drink and joke together. Varric started to tell a story about Hawke. Something about this first time Hawke was stopped in public about being a mage after lighting a man's pants on fire. I chuckled to myself, my hands flying to my sides as they started to ache from Varric's story.
"...and Hawke says to the Templar. "I don't know what you're talking about. That man was lying. It must have been an act of the Maker." He finished making everyone at the table laugh including me. It was then that I heard a deep voice over my shoulder.
"Is this seat taken?" Cullen asked from behind me and I turned to see him looking down at me and then the empty seat politely. I grinned and shook my head as I scooched towards Varric more.
"Not at all, take a seat." I told him earning a smile from him as he took a seat.
"Well, well Curly it's been awhile since I've seen you in here." Varric called out alerting everyone of his presence. Cullen's lips cracked a smile at Varric.
"Yes, I apologize for not being able to make it earlier. I've been fairly busy." He replied to Varric, nodding his head to our companions.
"No need to apologize. You're here now." Varric replied looking to me sneakily. I looked towards Bull as he patted the butt of a busty barmaid.
"Go get the Commander a drink! The man deserves one after that fight today!" She grinned and walked off to the bar.
"Ah, yes! That fight was incredible. You and the Lady neck and neck until the end." Blackwall agreed in excitement as he looked towards us.
"Fights like that really get my heart pumping." Bull grunted from the opposite side of the table as he grabbed the bum of the busty barmaid as she passed him to give Cullen his ale. "Plus giving these people something to watch, it's a good thing. Especially to see their Commander and Protector square off. Really helps moral." Bull added as he looked to us with the barmaid now perched on his lap. I nodded with a grin. Cullen and I both knew about that. I'm sure he did. If he'd won people would have looked down on me slightly as the Heralds Protector, but if he'd lost they would've lost a little faith in him. A draw was the best way to go about it. Cullen chuckled and took a swig of his ale and it made me thirsty. I took a swig of mine as well.
"I agree with you on that one Bull. Ingenious of you Varric to set that up, you must know the people have been nervous about us approaching the mages. Tourneys are historically an excellent method of distraction." He said to Varric as I set my drink down.
"Thanks, Curly. I thought it was a pretty genius idea as well." Varric replied as he nudged me. I rolled my eyes as I took another swig of my drink, a smile coming to my lips.
"You're incorrigible." I muttered to him. He chuckled at me and shook his head. I looked to Cullen as I set my drink down. "You should not encourage him, Cullen. If his head gets any bigger he'll start to tip." I joked making Cullen laugh. I relished in the sound of it as I laughed with him. We continue to talk and laugh and joke as the night went on.
"No, no seriously! Dare her to do anything and she'll do it! Quinn is the queen of dares!" Bull chuckled and leant against the table.
"Alright Boss, I dare you to walk over and kiss that Bard.." Bull said and I lifted my eyebrows. Cullen next to me choked on his ale.
"I don't think that the Lady Protector should be made to do such-"
"Eh, why not?" I said with a wide grin as I planted my hands on the desk. "A kiss means nothing." I stated as I stood and walked over to the Bard. She looked to me as her song slowed. I grabbed her gently by her shirt and pulled her into me. She was wide eyed as I dragged my lips to hers. She stared wide eyed before her eyes closed and she kissed me back. I pulled away, the Bard following me slightly before she opened her eyes again. Her cheeks were bright pink as the crowd around us cheered.
"You have a beautiful voice." I whispered close to her noticing her swoon a little.
"I...um thank you. I c-can sing for you again. I mean if you want me to...of course." She stuttered as she looked between my eyes and my lips. I giggled at her and shook my head.
"Thank you. What's your name?" I asked making her blush more.
"Alera." She said and I smiled and nodded to her as I turned.
"Thank you for the kiss, Alera. It was wonderful." I told her as I walked back to the table to see my companions all with shocked faces, all except for Varric who was simply smirking. He held out his palm to Bull who dug into his pocket for some silvers. "That should prove that you should never bet against me." I replied haughtily as I took a swig of my ale. A second later the table erupted into chatter as Bull laughed loudly and gave me a high five.
"Nice job, Boss." He said before he looked to the woman sitting on his lap and whispering something in her ear. She blushed a bright red and looked at him with a bright smile.
"Why you brute!" She laughed and he chuckled loudly as he suddenly slung her over his shoulder before turning to us and nodded. I laughed and took a swig of my ale before shaking my head. I followed Bull with my eyes and noticed the bird from earlier sitting on the window sill, watching me. My eyes widened slightly as I stared back at the bird. Why did it seem so familiar? It's red feathers glistening in the light of the candles.
"What is it, Quinn?" Cullen asked me as he made to stand up. I placed my hand on his shoulder and shook my head.
"I just need some air. Stay here, I'll be right back." I said as I got up from my seat and walked towards the bird, feeling the eyes of my companion on me as I walked towards the window, but it flew away. My eyebrows knitted together as I walked out of the Tavern to find where the bird had gone. I frowned as my eyes scanned the area, just then I heard the chirp of the bird. I moved towards it, my hands ready to snatch my daggers at any moment. My heart beat in time with my silent steps as I moved through the shadows and towards the sound of the bird. I saw it as it flew over the gate to Haven and I stopped. Was it a trap? More than likely. Should I go? I paused thinking about before I nodded and leapt onto the gate looking around as I saw the little red bird flying towards the southern Gate to Haven. I tilted my head as I ran towards it. The snow crunching beneath my boot as I moved forward towards the gate. I passed torch by torch when I noticed that the torches closest to the gate were blown out. My hand slid to my dagger and I held it behind my back. I stepped forward as my eyes moved to the shadows and I felt my pulse jump when three throwing knives split the air towards me. With three precise movements I deflected them as my eyes shifted to the shadow next to the Gate. A black hooded figure step out from behind a boulder, the little red bird flying past him and landing on the rocks with a little chirp. I lifted my eyebrow as I pulled the dagger behind my back ready for another attack.
"It's interesting that you came that easily." The man spoke, a voice that sparked a strange feeling of recognition in me. Please Maker...don't let me be right. "Are you really Quinn Thedran?" He asked as he paced to the left watching me. "Your father might be a little disappointed in you." He added, my guess was that he was trying to get a rise out of me, but I stayed impassive towards his efforts.
"My Father is dead." I replied calmly, but my heart burned in my chest. I tried to ignore the buzz of the alcohol in me, but the cold air was doing a great job at sobering me. "But, my Father's disappointment comes as no surprise to me. You're not telling me anything new." I replied as I leant against the boulder next to me. The hooded man chuckled.
"Oh, I don't know about that. From what I remember he treasured you more than anyone. You were his best pupil and the best assassin to ever pass through the guild. That is until you abandoned us, Sparrow." He replied nearly cracking my perfect impassivity.
"What do you want? It's fairly late and I've got a big day tomorrow. So could we wrap this up?" I replied boredly as I folded my arms over my chest. I heard an annoyed growl from the person.
"You think you're so much better than us, don't you? Your father's precious Sparrow. You got everything while the rest of us were left with nothing! No one was good enough after you!" His voice raised at me and I could hear the snarl in his voice. I smirked as I watched his hooded form.
"Oh, I am much better than you. You know who I am, which means that you were in the Guild while I was." I started as I looked to the bird. "It's interesting, I knew a boy there who went under the name of Avis. He had a thing for birds, in fact would train them to lure his enemies to him right before he kills them." I said as I watched the man stand completely still as if he were in shock. "Tell me Avis, what does a B-rank Assassin like you think you can do to an S-rank like me?" I asked as I watched him was fighting so hard to stay impassive. If it was truly Avis...Maker just please don't let it be Avis. He was still, completely still, his anger evident. An assassin's worst fear is to be known and I knew him well.
"How-What gave me away?" He asked, his voice shaking.
"You don't think I'd remember you, Avis? I remember all my brothers and sisters. You may forget, but I helped to train you." I pointed out with a kind tone in my voice for my assassin brother.
"I am not your brother! You left me! Left us!" He yelled as he approached me. "We needed you and you were nowhere to be found!" He yelled at me as he kept stepping forward.
"You know why I left Avis." I reminded as I looked him over. He snarled at me as he moved forward.
"You left because you didn't care about the rest of us!" I shook my head.
"That's not true and you know it, Avis. You are my brother."
"I AM NOT YOUR BROTHER!" He yelled as he pulled a dagger. I waited for him to come closer, my dagger at the ready. "You don't have the right to talk to me! I am a loyal Assassin to the Guild! You're a deserter!" He yelled as he ran at me. I shook my head as I deflected his strike easily. Brother or not I'd kill him if I had to. He growled as I deflected another one of his strikes, his blade glancing off mine before I counter struck. He was wide open on his side and I slid my blade against his unprotected side hearing him gasp in pain. I was behind him now. I kicked his knees in from behind and pulled my blade to his neck. He stilled, his hands frozen in front of him. "Do it. Kill me!" He yelled, but I shook my head as I threw him away from me.
"No." I stated as he stumbled away from me. "I will not shed any more blood for the Guild." I replied as I stared at him. "You didn't come here to attack me, you came here to die. I'll have no part in it." I added as I turned from him. "Go home, Avis. You're done here." I told him as I turned and walked back towards the front gate to Haven. I didn't want to hurt him, Maker knows I didn't. Please Avis, don't make me.
"NO! I won't go back! I'll kill everyone in that town if that's what it takes for you to take me seriously! Do you hear me!?" He screamed and I paused as I looked at him over my shoulder.
"No, you won't Avis. Now, I will give you one last chance to go home. If you attack these people. I'll have no choice." I replied as I turned around again.
"DON'T YOU TURN YOUR BACK ON ME!" He screamed as he ran at me with a great amount of speed. Instinctively I pulled my other dagger. My left hand blocked the attack aimed towards my heart as I brought my other hand forward with the dagger in it and felt it sink into his flesh. He gasped as he stared at me with wide, pained eyes. I felt sorrow for the boy I knew before me as a dribble of blood came from his lips. His blade dropped from his palm and he collapsed. I eased him down to the ground and held him up against me as I ran a hand over his hair closing my eyes.
"I'm sorry, Avis. I'm so sorry I left you." I whispered hearing him choke and gag on his blood. His eyes started to leak tears as I held onto him gently. My hand ran over his hair as I held him up with my arm over his chest. He convulsed as I held him trying to comfort him in his last moments. "Maker I'm so sorry." I whispered to him as he gasped for air before he eyelids shut and his breathing nearly stopped. "Et obumbratio receperint vos, Brother." I whispered to him as I laid a kiss on his forehead. Suddenly I heard the sound of footsteps, only one pair come forward and I looked up from Avis to see another hooded figure. He slowed as he walked forward, but he seemed out of breath.
"I'm too late…" He whispered as he moved towards me. I laid Avis down gently in the snow, the red and contrasting so darkly against the pure white snow. Red chirped madly as he circled around Avis's body before landing on his shoulder and nuzzling his head against him. "This shouldn't have happened." He added as he leant down to Avis and looked him over.
"He gave me no choice." I replied as I watched the man kneel down next to Avis. "I gave him his last rites." I added making the man look up at me before he nodded and looked back down to Avis. The hooded man lifted Avis into his arms and nodded to me.
"As I said, this should not have happened." He responded as he watched me turn from him. "You remembered him, though?" He asked making me pause. I knew his voice, but I couldn't place it...
"Of course I did, I remember all of my brothers and sisters." I said, repeating myself from earlier. The man nodded as he looked down at Avis again. I took a breath as I turned back to him completely and with a stern look I raised my dagger. "My name is Quinn Thedran, daughter of Aliterus Thedran, former S-rank assassin of the Assassin's Guild, you witness this and tell the others who mean to cause me or these people harm. This will be the fate of anyone or anything that attempts to harm the people of this town or myself. If I find any more of the Guild sneaking around here I will seek you out and kill all who have means to cause me or the Herald of Andraste harm. There is no more need for meaningless bloodshed. Now leave and never return." I hissed as I lowered my blade now covered in the blood of my brother.
"I understand, Sparrow. You will see no more of these attacks. You have my word." He said and with a rush of wind he was gone. I felt my hand shake as I looked down to the blade in my hand. Sorrow gripping at my heart at the realization that I'd killed Avis. The boy that I trained from the moment he came into the guild.
"The shouts came from over here, Commander!" My eyes widened and before they could see me I dissapeared from view and gracefully swung over the gate landing next to my training grounds without a sound. My hands continued to shake and I collapsed next to a post. Leaning against it I looked down at the dagger in my hand, staring at it in distaste.
"Hey, you! Get out of here! You don't belong here!" Tayen yelled at a boy who was hiding behind my mother's rose bush. He was shaking in fear as we walked up to him.
"Wait, Tayen hang on." I called out as I moved past him. I knelt down to the boy, my hand outstretched towards him.
"Quinn, he could be dangerous." Tayen warned from behind me as he cautiously watched the young boy. I ignored him as I smiled at the boy.
"Come on out. You can't hide here." I said with a smile noticing his wide brown eyes darting left and right looking for an escape. "What's your name?" I asked and he frowned as he stepped out of his hiding spot.
"Avis." He replied as he looked around shyly. "Maybe you can help him. My friend…he's injured." He said as he opened his hands. Inside was the tiniest bird I think I'd ever seen with it's wing splayed out. I frowned as I looked down at the small bird.
"We should take him to our healer. If anyone could help your friend it's her." I said making the boy smile brightly.
"Thank you! Thank you! His name is Red…"
I felt a tear fall from my eye that I quickly wiped away with resentment. I shouldn't be sad. He attacked me. I was merely defending myself. But...it was Avis. The boy I found and helped. The boy who sang to birds and cared so much for life and love...The boy that had become my brother. What happened to that boy that made him attack me? Why did the world have to twist and corrupt such innocent souls? When he was in the Guild he even cried the first time he killed someone. I had to hold him all night till he had ceased his tears. My father reprimanded him for it. Telling him he'd never be a good assassin if he cried after every kill. That he needed to be uncaring. My father was a fool. Avis was perfect just the way he was. I almost wished I'd never found him or that I'd listened to Tayen by telling Avis to leave. He would never had this happen to him. Never had to trade his innocence for a dagger and a hood. Never had to kill. Had I done this? By doing what I did...did I lead Avis down this road?
"Lady Protector!" I didn't look...I couldn't tear my eyes away from the dagger in my hand. The blood drying on it now a darker shade of red. "Maker are you alright?" No. No I wasn't alright. I didn't know how to say it though. I didn't know how to tell him that I was hurting. I knew I shouldn't feel it. That I should shove it down deep inside myself and never let it surface. But it hurt. "My Lady?" Cullen asked as he moved down to me, now kneeling on the ground. "Whose blood is that? Is it yours?" He asked as he looked over me. I shook my head fearing what my voice would sound like. "We heard shouting by the gate and we found blood in the snow…" He asked as he moved in front of me. His hand moving to my hand holding the dagger before gently lowering it. "Were you attacked?" He asked me quietly and I nodded in response. "Quinn...talk to me." He pleaded quietly as he stared towards my eyes. I looked up at him, noting the urgency in his eyes. In that moment it felt like everything was bubbling to the surface. I tried to push it back down, to hide it away from him. From the world. My heart was squeezing so tight in my chest that it made it hard to breathe.
"It...he was a member of my guild. When I was an assassin…" I whispered as I leant my head against the post behind me. "He was just a boy." My voice came out in a whimper as I looked back to the dagger in my lap. "His name was Avis." I added as I shook my head and threw the knife away. "I killed him. He was just a boy and I killed him." My heart clenched as I shook my head. Maker why did it hurt so badly? It shouldn't hurt this much.
"You're not harmed, are you?" He asked as he looked me over, his hand moving to my chin to tilt it out of the way to look for damage.
"No. I'm not hurt." I choked out as I pulled my chin back down. "He had no chance. He was barely a B-rank assassin. He attacked me, but I didn't have to kill him and I did. He threatened these people. You. I-i couldn't let him live…" I whispered mostly to myself before I closed my eyes and tilted my head upwards.
"Who was he to you?" He asked me and it made my heart stutter.
"He was my brother." I whispered making Cullen still, his eyes widened as his hand hovered over my arm. Almost as if he wasn't sure if he should touch me or not. I dropped my head as I looked down at my hands that were covered in blood. Avis's blood.
"I'm sorry, Quinn." He apologized as his hand came to my arm. Usually it might feel comforting, but now it felt like he was pitying me. I looked up at him.
"I left him to the cruelty of my Father. Avis was a good kid. Kind and gentle and compassionate and I left without a second thought to him. I was so selfish...and just now... The boy I saw just now. The boy that screamed at me, the boy that tried to kill me… it wasn't the same boy I knew. Because of me." I choked on my words as I shook my head. "And now I've killed the monster I created." He shook his head as he moved closer.
"You didn't make him attack you. You didn't force his blade. He did that all on his own. We all have a choice in life. He made his." He responded as he looked down at me with compassionate eyes. "You cannot blame yourself for someone else's actions. It'll tear you apart." My eyes flicked to his making my heart stutter. His thumb moved over my cheek wiping a tear away.
"There shouldn't be any more attacks. They know they cannot beat me. None of them." I said as I looked towards my dagger. "I need to go speak to Leli." I said as I tried to think of procedure. I stood and placed my hand against the post to steady myself. My emotions were running too high. The Divine's and my Father's murder, the demon coming back for me, now this… I dropped my head as another tear slid down my cheek, but I shook it away.
"Maybe you should just take a moment…" Cullen asked as he stood as well.
"No. Procedure states that if there is ever an attack on any personnel that it is to be reported to Leliana immediately. All information that you could gather from the encounter should also be relayed." I said as I took steps forward. His hand moved to my arm.
"Quinn, procedure aside...I think you should take a moment." I shook my head.
"I've already taken a moment. I must report this." I responded as I pulled on a steely guise and jogged to Leliana's tent. Cullen jogged just behind me and I stopped at Leliana's tent before knocking on her post.
"Come in, Lady Protector." I nodded and pushed aside the tent flap.
"Leliana-"
"Are you alright, my friend? My scouts reported that they saw you and a hooded man squaring off. They said from what they heard it was a personal matter and they didn't interfere."
"I was attacked. It was a member of the Guild, Avis. He was a B-rank assassin." I said with a frown.
"And he attacked you!?" She asked incredulously. I nodded as I continued to keep my steely exterior intact.
"Yes. He was...angry. What I'm assuming is that he was tipped off about my location. The man that came after him...I have reason to suspect he is also part of the Guild, I remembered his voice vaguely and he had on similar as Avis. He said there would be no further attacks."
"They fear you?" Cullen asked, but I shook my head.
"Fear me? Assassin's do not fear their enemy, at least that is what my Father taught me and my brothers and sisters. But we respect them and understand when we cannot win a fight. It would take at least half of the Guild to take me down." I replied as I looked down at my hands again.
"Thank you for letting me know. I will have scouts stationed along the gates." She said as she looked down at her papers. "Are you alright, my friend?" She asked with a look of concern in her eyes. "I know that they were your brothers and sisters…" She added as she looked me over. I nodded as I looked away from her.
"I will survive. Thank you for your concern, Lady Nightingale." I said as I turned on my heels. "I am going to retire to my cabin for the night. I apologize for any inconvenience I may have caused." I added as I moved past Cullen.
"Commander, please escort the Lady Protector back to her cabin." I paused and looked back at the Commander and Leliana.
"He doesn't have to-"
"It's no trouble, Lady Protector." Cullen intervened, but I held my hand out to stop him as he moved forward.
"No. I wish to be alone." I told him sternly and moved out of the tent and quickly going to my cabin. I saw Oran and Jim. They both stood a little straighter as they saw me, but I hardly paid them any mind as I passed them and shut the door behind me. I moved to the fire place and stood in front of it staring into the fire.
"Quinn! Quinn look at me!" Avis called and I turned my head from my practice. He smiled brightly as he held his throwing knives up and threw them towards the middle of the target with a whip of his arm. The first one hit where the heart would be, the second in the artery of the leg and one where the neck would be. I smiled and clapped for him as he looked back at me. His eyes squinted from the size of his smile.
"Well done, Avis!" I praised as I looked at the target with a grin. It was still a little off, but it was a major improvement.
"I've been working at it really hard." He said as he smiled up at me. I ruffled his hair with my hand making him giggle.
"Do not praise him so easily, Quinn. Your last knife was off. Your last blade should always be aimed towards the chest to ensure death." My Father interrupted as he walked forward with his arms behind his back. "You should work harder, Avis, or you'll never be a good assassin." He stated eliciting a frown from me.
"He's just a boy, Father. He's learning. He'll get it, I'm sure." I told my Father with a reassuring hand on Avis's shoulder. He scowled at me.
"Not with you babying him, he won't." My Father shot back with an angry look in his eye towards me. He didn't like it when I stood up for Avis, but I wasn't about to let him yell at the poor boy. "No matter. Sparrow, I need to speak with you about your next mission. Meet me in my study in five minutes." He said before briskly walking away, giving Avis one last disapproving look. I shook my head as I looked down at Avis, his eyes watering a little. I dropped down to my knee and looked up at him.
"Oh, Avis. Don't worry about what he says." I told him as he stared down at the ground rubbing his sleeve over his eyes profusely. "Hey, look at me." He did so and I felt a new hatred for my Father when I saw those puffy eyes and dripping nose.
"I'm sorry, I'm not a good assassin." He murmured as he sniffled and rubbed his eyes. "I read in a book in the library that in the bottom of the neck there was a pressure point that would paralyze the person so… so they didn't feel pain…" He whimpered. I looked up at the target and felt my heart warm at the compassion of this young boy.
"There's nothing wrong with that, Avis. You keep practicing that and don't listen to Father." I said with a bright smile. "You're doing so well." I added as I tapped his nose with the pad of my finger just as my mother used to do to me. His eyes widened and he threw himself forward at me giving me a hug. My eyes were wide, but I hugged him back anyway.
"I love you, Sister." He proclaimed in my ear and I hugged him tighter.
"I-I love you too, Avis." I whispered.
My heart clenched in my chest at the memory of the boy I used to know. The boy that I loved like a brother, the boy that I trained and protected. I leant against the mantle feeling more tears fall down my face as I bit my lip. The boy that I'd never see again. In my mind, I still imagined him sitting on top of the gate waiting for me whenever I came back from a mission. A toothy smile that squinted his eyes as he waved and welcomed me home. More tears fell from my eyes and I didn't even bother to wipe them away. I collapsed onto the ground one hand on my face and one on the ground as I continued to cry. I love you, Brother.
Hey guys! Let me know what you thought of the Chapter! See you later, Loves! -BatCat