"Are you sure she can help us track down Solas? The stories you have told me about the Hero of Ferelden — well it doesn't sit right with me, Leliana."
Cassandra Pentaghast stood next to one of her most trusted friends and watched the busy road from the balcony attached to one of their many safehouses spread across Thedas. It was on the top floor of what had once been a Chantry and a refugee gathering place. A place of presumed safety during the height of the Fifth Blight.
"Athariel hasn't been responding to my ravens. I've tried to track her down in Denerim but since joining Sera she's refused to involve herself." Leliana's gaze was hardened for a moment and Cassandra let out a sigh, "I told you. She needs time."
"We don't have time!" The spymaster snapped, waving her hand across the expanse of the rebuilt town of Lothering. It was a stark reminder of what happened when politicians and churches didn't listen to their people and ignored the Grey Wardens that had passed through here once. It was Leliana's personal reminder of what the Darkspawn was capable of. But Cassandra was no fool she knew why Leliana chose this place and why she was worked up. This was the start of her journey and where she met the Hero of Ferelden. The rumors about Vethari Tabris alone could quiet a room. Cassandra felt that Leliana must be desperate to call on her old comrade like this.
"I am just worried about you, Leliana, even if I trust you…"
"Vethari is difficult, yes, but if we can get her to actually do something we'd make faster and better progress. I love Attie, I know she needs to process - but we can't stop now Cassandra."
Cassandra frowned slightly as if trying to work it out in her head. "You are right, I guess a part of me still feels guilty about being the one to drag Attie into all of this. She deserves the break."
"We all do." Leliana added, catching Cassandra's gaze. The two women were silent for a few moments; they agreed on one thing at least - the Inquisitor was just using the Red Jennys' as a distraction for herself. A way for her to process her shattered faith in her gods and the betrayal of the elven apostate who lied to them all.
Despite this, Cassandra didn't want Leliana to forget who Inquisitor Athariel had been to them and still was.
"Leliana, I believe that Attie would not give up on this fight. I know we do not know Solas's next moves, but she is our friend and has sacrificed herself tenfold for us all. We just need to wait, her very belief in her gods was shattered." Leliana scoffed, but Cassandra could see she was listening and understanding, so she pressed further. "You of all people should understand what it means to lose faith."
"Oh alright." Leliana relented and entered the room that the balcony was attached to. Ravens lined the walls some were loose and ready to take flight while others waited in their cages. It was far from the rookery she had in Skyhold and now only one or two agents were rifling about. Her people were scarce but they did their due diligence and were leaving reports, going over maps, and sending messages to the scouts that were spread thinly all across Thedas. Cassandra followed after, observing the spymaster as she accepted a message from an agent. Cassandra couldn't tell by her face if what she read was good or bad news.
"Vethari can take her place in the meantime. She isn't as compassionate, but she gets the job done. All we need is one lead." The Spymaster muttered, her eyes flicking over the words in her hand before she held it over a nearby candle and burnt it so that the ashes crumbled around the table surface that it rested on.
"I know I shouldn't keep pestering you, but are you truly able to face her again?" Cassandra touched Leliana's arm, showing her that she wasn't alone in facing the Warden-Commander. For a brief silent moment, they shared an understanding. These were the moments that showed how slithers of vulnerability could open up a pathway to safety. They formed this bond thanks only to the Inquisitor. It was no secret they had been close, but Attie pushed them closer their friendship strengthened.
"Yes. I am sure."Leliana nodded, "I know you hate to be away from Hunterhorn so long, Cass. So — thank you for meeting with me, all things considered, it is good to see you again."
Cassandra smiled and set a hand on her friend's shoulder, squeezing it. "It is good to see you too, my friend. Will Cullen and Josephine be joining us too?"
"I sent them messages but Cullen is near Kirkwall. He is cleaning up the mess he left behind and setting up that center for ex-Templars. And you know Josie, she's restoring her family's name."
Cassandra softly laughed, thinking about Josephine. She missed her, even if she thought all the sweetened words and ruffled clothes were frivolous.
"I am proud of them and I am especially proud of Cullen for finally facing his past and making it better for others who suffered as he had."
"So am I."
The door to the room slammed open, and the ravens let out screeches and flapped their wings. Agents halted their work. All eyes were on a disheveled messenger boy.
"She is here."
Leliana stared at the messenger before her and turned her head to Cassandra, "Ready to meet the Hero of Ferelden?"
"I am. Let's see what she can offer us."
"- and what we can offer her in return." Leliana visibly steeled herself. "You can send her up."