"Is that right?" Speaks a lovely woman in her late thirties with silky vanilla hair, having just received confirmation of what she just heard, her tone is one that is dealing with the sudden unforeseen and unexpected.
What is most telling of her position and status in life is that she is currently being pampered by the servants surrounding her person, with her nails being done and her hair being brushed, sitting comfortably in a chair from the highest order of luxury, relaxing within her room of gilded, intricate designs and precious belongings while donning an evening gown fitting for a royal, or rather, an Empress such as herself. Given word from her Handmaidens concerning the resurrected faction known as the Inquisition, Empress Celene Valmont I is shocked to say the least at what was debriefed.
"Indeed," One of the Handmaidens agrees dutifully, "The Inquisition have successfully put a cease to the conflict raging all across the Hinterlands, and claiming many territories in the process under their flag."
"You say that this whole endeavor was led by a golden blonde girl with an equally golden sword, the one being advocated as the Herald of Andraste, correct? How old do you say this girl appears to be?"
Another maiden answers, "We do not have absolute confirmation, but from all speculation going around, she appears to be in her teens. Fifteen at the very most."
"An adolescent such as her is being championed as Herald of Our Lady Redeemer herself? AND was able to deal with the chaos plaguing the Hinterlands?"
Empress Celene is not only impressed, but also feels that she can resonate with the girl who has quickly put up a name for nearly every person in Thedas to hear loud and clear. For she too had been young when she had taken the throne of Orlais, right around this Pendragon's age in fact, for it was she who had made choices deemed not to be frowned upon, but to be absolutely revolting to anyone with any shard of morality within their conscience.
It was the most difficult of times, but Celene did what she had to do, what she believed was best in order to take the throne. Whether she had to bed with men and kill them in their sleep, gain popularity by feigning a certain image that was no more than a lie, or even orchestrate attacks and point to herself as the victim in order to stay ahead in the Great Game. She did everything she could, whatever she could, in order to win and rule over this country as its one and true Empress.
And she's most certainly not particularly proud about everything she has done, or the fact that it still applies to present day. If anything, she couldn't be more ashamed of herself for actually going through with these monstrous actions.
There are many things she carries as a heavy weight of shame: what happened with the elves is only one of the most atrocious things she has done, but now, her cousin and practically every elf in her kingdom wants her head in their own form of hidden aggressiveness.
Reverting her thoughts back to the golden blonde girl, the one named Arturia Pendragon, Celene is just baffled at how the girl, who is barely any younger than she was when she first rightfully took the crown, could accomplish such feats, and the star of this shocking news, this Arturia had done this without any deceit, no trickery or any attempt to even hide herself at a safe distance behind her army of the faithful - no, instead, she took the lead straight into battle, grasping total, undeniable victory.
Supposedly, Arturia has done it all in the name of honor, truth, and justice. Goodness, it is like reading a fairytale from childhood! How on earth did this girl managed to not get one speck of dirt found from her? Even for the rumors spread in an act to rot the image of Arturia Pendragon, it all fading away into the background as her feats as the Maker's Chosen keeps on expanding and expanding for all to know and praise.
This is where the similarities between Celene and Arturia stops.
Celene did what she could, no matter the price, and Arturia had done everything with her head held up high, no regrets holding her down.
'She could be useful...' The Empress declares in her mind, and ponders just HOW useful the Inquisition will be, especially in the War of the Lions and the future of Orlais.
Moaning and agonizing cries fills within this Chantry house.
People in severe, damaged conditions. Some near death's door, others who have preserved will be left crippled and utterly traumatized for the rest of their life. Those who have a strong position in the House of the Maker, the higher ups, or what's left of them, are basically dying in their own reserved rooms, whether they could be saved or not is left to their missing god.
Still, Revered Mother Hevara persists in her work to help the wounded, having constantly to go back and forth between those with painful cries in the holy house. It has been some time since the Conclave's destruction, and the after affects remains disastrous as when it first occurred. People are continuing to die, continuing to suffer, and in the midst of all this, her thoughts were intrude by the news concerning the Inquisition.
Unfortunately, what she is hearing from Chancellor Roderick, it would seem that the suffering shall continue.
"Are you telling me those traitors managed to put an end to all the madness in the Hinterlands?!" She speaks to the Chancellor, completely flabbergast at what she has been just told.
Roderick responds, sharing her bafflement, "They're using that girl as their figurehead. No doubt about it, they're trying to use her and the deaths at the Conclave to take the Divine's place."
Horror stretches across Hevara's features at the plans of the Inquisition, no doubt being the devilish plot of those traitorous renegades at a time like this. It isn't so much the idea itself that's the issue as many, many times in the fruitful history of the Chantry has this occurred. It was inevitable actually, for this kind of rebellion to appear in the long past of this religion, and many, many times, they were crushed into the dust and swept aside into the forgotten pages of the past as by the will of the Maker himself.
However, what makes this so terrifying is that those traitors could actually succeed.
Current circumstances made it so that it is VERY possible that the Inquisition could very well get what they want. Thanks to the unparalleled tragedy that occurred at the Conclave when Divine Justina, in the purest of efforts, tried to put an end to the whole Mage-Templar War that was ripping Thedas apart.
In some twisted way, she had indeed got her wish as that deadly explosion that gave birth to that unholy Breach in the sky killed off not only the leadership of the Chantry, but most of the men and women who held the most powerful positions on both sides, effectively rendering the war itself moot at that one moment.
Even so, the bloodshed still occurs, previously, most prevalent in the Hinterlands, and if anything, the chaos of the war has worsen due to the holes in leadership caused by the explosion at Haven. Worse still, the Chantry itself is at complete shambles due to that event: with so many leaders dead and with so many of whose left having they're own agendas, the Church of the Maker of the World is now more divided than ever in the Ages since it was first conceived.
The perfect time for a new power to rise from all of this confusion and insanity.
The Revered Mother swallows thickly before finally giving her response to Rodrick, "We cannot let them succeed...Mother Giselle tells me of the Inquisition's seeking use in Val Royeaux. To negotiate with the remaining Chantry clerics in order to gain more support...this may be our chance. If we intercept them, we will put an end to their rally." "
They cannot be allowed to go any further now at the rate they are going. It is bad enough the Right and Left Hands of the Divine Justina V, the most beloved Divine in years for what she has done during her time, are heading this rebellion against the Chantry, they are now showing they are very much willing to take action to support whatever mad drivel they are feeding to the masses, using that clearly false Herald and her unknown powers to put themselves at an even better light than they ever could just by themselves.
It would be one thing if they couldn't actually back up their propaganda, but nothing is more dangerous than having asinine ideals and actually being able to back them up through action.
And nothing is worse than having action that actually affects a world gone completely mad.
Hevara looks to a scout, "You there! I need you to do something for me..." She said, the rogue Seekers of Truth and Templar Order might grant them some help. After all, the enemy of my enemy is my friend, correct?
And if all goes well in putting down the heretics, Hevara's place for the Sunburst Throne of the Divine shall be secure.
To say Raleigh Samson and Lady Calpernia are completely caught off guard could very well be the top contender for understatement of this Age.
"But, how can a mere child be capable of this?" Calpernia whispers to herself, once more reading over the paper in her hands.
The two generals of the Elder One were exchanging letters, updating current events in their base of operations when this particular piece came in. They expected Arturia Pendragon and the Inquisition to make some decent effect considering her power, but what truly blind-sided them is the news of her natural authority and accomplishment in settling the troubles all across the former hellzone known as the Hinterlands. With that recent success, the Inquisition are obtaining more and more territories that otherwise strengthens their advantage in ground-breaking time, making them not only a group that must be considered, but a group that proves to be a great threat to their leader.
"Her endeavors are nothing short of a commanding officer of the highest caliber. These actions are that of someone with experience," Samson comments, feeling the ever slightest astonished and intimidated at the information coming in, "None of this should be possible for an teenager such as herself. Have your spies simply not made a mistake of her age?"
"They had reconfirmed this countless times: she does not have so much as crow's feet."
"Then it's better to accept that she's older than she appears to be. She must have a lineage of generals, there can be no other explanation for this...this conquest!"
Calpernia looks up from the paper and gives her peer a sharp look in the eye, arguing back, "It can't be that. We've uncovered no such family connected to her." Thus, no way to hinder Arturia with the threat of her loved ones or some type of leverage over the knight. It's not one which Calpernia would particularly ever enjoy doing, but if they could stagger the girl into ceasing her fierce brigade, then she will be helping the Elder One immensely.
But alas, no such luck.
"She must be from off-shore," The former slave reasons, sounding unsure of even to herself at this moment, "There are no records of her even existing in Thedas."
"You can't disregard the fact that she has the mark training in the ways of war. This is not sheer luck on her side, nor can this even be considered some form of blessing despite what those ignorant rumors might claim. These are calculative moves that could be done only by someone who has truly lead before!"
Though Samson will not admit it out loud, he is impressed with the capabilities this young knight has displayed. Arturia has already reached feats that surpasses even some of those who have served Kings and Emperors, commanding armies in their stead. But while those who have pursued for this type of victory that would take years to reach, Arturia was able to accomplish many things in mere weeks.
There is more to this girl than what meets the eye, he is sure of it.
"But she's a child Samson! Clearly someone else is forming strategies while using her image as the Herald of Andraste as some sort of scape-goat and cover up - a distraction to lead us away from the true mastermind perhaps?"
"And you think my men's account of her leading the battle and unhesitantly cutting them down is just mad dribble?!" He accuses the blonde mage before him, who actually pauses at the sentence just stated.
...Well, that is certainly plausible.
"I know that look Calpernia." Raleigh growls, hating that the conversation has taken a turn to this topic, "Red Lyrium may have its...side effects, but I believe my men. We must quickly put an end to her at once. Her involvement is far too inconvenient, she is a clear threat."
A low voice - ancient and foreboding and all-knowing in it's presence - cuts in, "Yes, but we mustn't lose our heads now."
Once more, the duo are caught completely off-guard.
This time, it is at their leader's sudden arrival. They didn't even hear him come in. How long has the Elder One been present to witness the two's childish squabble? From the look that he gave, they ought to be embarrassed of themselves!
Thankfully, the Elder One is an infinitely patient figure, very fortunate for them to have someone as strong as their leader.
"Arturia is indeed powerful...but only with that sword in hand. Furthermore, she is a knight who believes in righteousness and honor overall; someone who values her chivalrous ideals more than anything else. This shows that she is still a human, and thus, can still be killed no matter what those ridiculous rumors surrounding her may say."
"Master, you...you speak as if you know this girl yourself." Calpernia treads carefully.
The Elder One gives a smile, one that shows of just how inhuman and above transient comprehension this being actually is at this point, "That's because I DO know this "girl" we speak of, Calpernia. I knew Arturia far before her newly knitted legend in Thedas. In fact, I dare say that I may be the only one who truly knows just who and what Arturia Pendragon is in this dying, mortal coil we currently reside in."
Samson and Calpernia are briefly speechless, but really, should this be a surprise for them at this point? With how great their leader is and has proven time and again?
"Please, tell us. Who is she?" Samson presses.
"That should be none of your concern." His question is immediately and calmly shot down, like a napkin quietly squishing a bug, "All that should matter is for our plan to proceed, you needn't worry about the "girl"."
They bow their heads, ceasing their curiosity.
"We will use Arturia for our gain, and once we are done with her, the Inquisition that continues to climb out of their grave will slip, and never rise again."
"Yes, Elder One."
Their leader leaves, and the air returns, having been momentarily sucked in by the dread and subdued malicious draining of the Elder One.
As the Elder Ones leaves, the would-be god wonders of what the King of Knights is doing. How utterly oblivious that girl must certainly be, that the bringer of their demise shall be someone she never will expect to see again...
The birds lightly chirp in a sing-song manner among the trees and some hiding in the bushes and branches.
The calm weather provides a cool temperature as snow gentle falls down from the sky.
Fishes are swimming in a large blanket of water in the middle of the forest, a piece of bait is bitten by one of them, and they are quickly pulled from the water by a long string, connected to a fishing pole, wielded by Arturia Pendragon, ponytail and all.
The King of Knights so enjoys the delectable good quality meals that it should be expected of her to seek out ingredients to conjure up more food for herself. She had gained this idea when she spotted this fishing pole at a vendor in town during her group's travels in the Hinterlands. Fishing is not only a way to receive food, but it is also a calming little hobby that Varric himself had suggested to Arturia during a conversation.
Indeed, what a relaxing thing to do.
"Are you not freezing in this weather?!"
If only it is as so all the way through.
"Why of all times do you decide to do this when it's coldest and the sun is barely up?!"
Arturia huffs, openly conversing with her sword since no one is around to hear, "Why are you even complaining? A sword shouldn't be bothered by the air's temperature, let alone an holy one of the Fairies."
"Clearly, I say otherwise! Must we do this every morning?! Furthermore, why in the name of Vivian can't you just go on the water where you can get more fishes? You can literally walk on it!"
"You mean other than the fact that people would see me and question my humanity? I wish for them to know little by little rather than dump everything all at once and otherwise be condemned as another one of these demons," Though what exactly she currently is definitely should be up for questioning, but she knows better to show herself a friend rather than a monster.
"Besides," She looks ahead, "This brings back memories. Ones which keep me warm in this cold..."
Flashback...
In another world, a time that was long ago, a time when the King of Knights was but a child like any other.
It was cold in Britain, the weather, as well as the stability of the country were low. It was a time which people are expected to die from disease and little food, little ways to survive while their country is suffering through a crises of all sides.
The child name Arthur Pendragon - really a girl, but no one can know that other than her family - snuggles into his blanket that barely does anything to bring warmth as it did with his winter clothes, he watches in amazement as his father caught yet another fish. Filling yet another basket.
"How can you fish in something this cold?" The young one questions.
"Bearing through any conditions is a way to becoming a knight," He gently grasps his little hand, "Now, hold this," he helps Arthur in handling the fishing pole, "I want you to wait until a fish nibbles the bait, and when you feel it does, reel it in."
"But, how would I be able to know?" Arthur wasn't able to see the fish biting into the bait, all he saw was his father waiting patiently, quietly, and then suddenly reeling in the fish as if it came out of nowhere. "How can I tell when it would be the right time to pull it in, and when it wouldn't be?"
There was a long moment before her father answers, "Arthur..." So his father began, it was always a name he refers to him, it was a name Arthur felt nothing wrong with, and yet strangely, there was a hint of sadness in his father's eyes whenever he utters his name.
It is his name, what was wrong with it?
He couldn't ask once his father proceeds to answer his question, "There will come a time when you will decide what is right, even in times that are too cold to bear through. No matter how difficult the situation will be, you must remain strong. For there will be countless people who will rely on you greatly, and it will be your choice to how you can help them. No matter how difficult it may be."
Flashback Ends.
"...And I learn something new everyday about my King,"
Excalibur, for all his boasts in knowing every dark secret of his wielder, holds no knowledge to the life before her kingship, before she pulled out the Sword In The Stone. For as high of a pedestal he has put her on, she really is just a simple girl at heart, one who just so happen to feel the need to act on what she deemed to be right.
"...Oh FINE. I suppose if my King will withstand this weather, I shall too."
For all the betrayals his King has dealt with, if she were to lose all her men for their growing resentment to her perfection - the most arsine reason for treachery in his most humblest of opinions! - he will always be the sword that remains at her side, being a burden being the last thing in his age old mind.
And at last, Arturia's time in fishing has been peaceful.
Once she gathers enough fishes, she loads them into a one last small basket at her side, five in total, and begins to carry them back to the camp. She only reaches a couple of steps before halting, eyeing at a particular pathway of trees before relaxing.
"Leliana."
The woman appears from the shadows of the snow covered area looking as usual, except this time around her hood is down, revealing her locks of bright red hair.
Truthfully, she has been peeping once she heard of Arturia talking to another, but found it apparent that no one was near. Was it self-talk then? What a strange girl...well, it's not as if she herself is any better, when she only came just to see Arturia, and instead, let her acute practice take over out of habit..
"Your senses are sharp, Arturia," Leliana responds observantly, "And I see you have captured an good haul. May I be of some help?"
"...I don't mind it," The Knight answers stiffly. Although she remains in acting mature, she has not forgotten about that one conversation - or rather, argument - they had the day before. Yet, Arturia is willing to make amends to that. Leliana's heart was in the right place, it is just the knight's worry that if the Spymaster continues that path, that heart will turn cold and hollow.
Just like Kiritsugu.
Her former Master in the Holy Grail War met Arturia with nothing more than his agenda to save the world even if it meant to be the most vile human being there was or ever known. So, if there comes a person by her side who may follow his way of life and thinking, then the King of Knights will do what must be done in order to avoid that and save them from such self-destruction. Honestly, she genuinely likes Leliana, believes her to be a good person with a good head on her shoulders, even wishes to know more about her, and hopes to help her when it's needed.
With careful steps, Leliana grabs and carries two of the baskets of fishes and Arturia carries the other three. The walk back to their camp is a quiet one, and awfully tense.
"...If I had offended you, then I truly am sorry." Leliana begins, breaking the suspenseful silence, surprising Arturia, "Yesterday, it seems as though I had angered you."
This is her chance. If the Spymaster cannot unveil the secrets of Arturia Pendragon through means of finding her background, then she will have to discover it by talking to her directly. By dealing with her face-to-face, the former Left Hand could catch any noticeable quirks, see what else makes her tick. Perhaps she can uncover some truths about the knight.
Arturia's eyes soften, guilt being noticeable in those pair, "Yes. I seem to have let my temper get the better of myself."
"If it is not too much, I would like to understand why. So to avoid any complications in the future."
Arturia thinks about it and...yes, this would be for the best. She can't let whatever personal problems she had before completely affect her actions in this world now. It could condemn the lives of those allied and befriended. But, as always, she can't say too much, she's not ready...or rather, they still aren't ready for what she has in store for them.
But she will reveal her source of displeasure, unburied from yesterday's situation.
"...I know a man who has a similar thought process as you," Arturia begins remembering the moments she has spend with that man, as short as it was, "I...worked with him for a certain time. His name is Kiritsugu, and he was...a very troubled man."
She searched for the right words to say, "He seems to have sought for something benevolent, but his means to reach it were underhanded, the kind you'd see from a true villain. He would kill a few in order to save many, and believes that those who sought for righteousness are nothing more than murderers. He belittled me and my ideals and all that I stand for in life, seeing me not as a knight but as this - this problem in the world that causes war and destruction like I was their enabler instead of their preventer. He would never even speak to me directly, would never try to know the kind of person I am."
Leliana sees the grimace as her shorter companion goes on, the buildings of Haven closer and closer to view, "I soon understood that no matter what, even though we both had a similar objective, we would never get along. Even so, I bared through it, hoping to understand him somewhat. But in the end..."
"What happened?" The redhead tactfully encourages on.
Arturia hesitantly answers, "...He betrayed me. I don't know why, and I demanded to know, but...he simply bid me away as if I was nothing more than a tool for him to discard...like what he always saw me as, I suppose."
"Was this what you meant when you in chains? When we first met, you explained your situation..."
Arturia nods in answer, "We were supposed to work together towards the same objective. But in the end, I couldn't understand that man, not a bit. Not especially when we were separated by his decisive reclusiveness, and our presence next to each other was nothing more than a cold wind, much colder than the air right now."
"...And I remind you of this man?"
Arturia nods again, slower than before, "Just that one moment. It took me back, and...I reacted rashly, but I was worried as well. I couldn't understand Kiritsugu no matter how much I wanted to, and he didn't have any interest to understand me. I don't wish for that to happen to us."
She faces the spy, "I enjoy associating with you, Leliana, and my fear was that if I had let you do what you had plan to do, you would have followed the same path as that man, and we would be on opposite ends with you becoming something to regret. I want us to be friends, Leliana, not simply means to each other to accomplish a common goal. And if our friendship develops into something more, I would gladly accept it, if the feeling is mutual."
Despite the years of her bloody work hardening her, Sister Nightgale cannot help but be touched. So the reason for Arturia's reaction was not due to her need to uphold her ideals in righteousness, but because she was worried what it would do to Leliana had she gone through with it.
And to honest with herself...Leliana knows she would have changed, and if not by much, but in someway, somehow, under those circumstances, and at that moment, it certainly would have been the stepping stone to what Leliana sees to be a dark future. One which sends a shiver just imagining how different would she become.
The two goes on to walk in silence, both content with the current quiet until they reach the main village of Haven, when the Spymaster spoke up.
"Then how about this," Leliana states, breaking the silence hanging in the air once again, "If I wish to make an effort to understand you, then I would wish for you to do the same for me. I'm humbled by your words, Arturia. Truly, I would be rather honored to know more about you."
Arturia smiles, and what a rare smile she shows. Leliana has only seen the girl with a stoic or stern expression, but to see this otherwise new emotion bloom from the girl, it is...
Like the coming dawn had finally arrived.
"I accept the terms." The knight expresses in a very pleased voice.
A wave of warmth swarms from within Leliana's heart of hearts, unintentionally accomplishing in bringing some form of joy to the girl for the first time, "I look forward for this some other time then, I have a meeting with Josie to get to. I'm sure you are aware how we are by now."
"Indeed, you two do appear to be very close companions," Arturia states. Ushering to retrieve the baskets Leliana held, insisting that she can manage on her own, "I'll be making a visit to Josephine myself later this day."
"Then all I can ask is if you try not to do anything," Leliana playfully japes.
"I certainly can't promise a thing like that," Arturia responds in kind.
The two women share a chuckle and part.
As Leliana leaves in amusement, she finds her thoughts wondering to and about the man named Kiritsugu. Truly, she is at a lost at how a man like that could ever betray someone like Arturia.
Just what could have happened to him to actually make such a decision?
"I thank you immensely for taking your time to lecture me the history of Thedas, Josephine." Arturia expresses, sitting in a small desk in the diplomat's office with pen in hand along with papers Josephine herself has graciously provided, representing herself as an most studious student, ready to take notes in class and take in all the information being presented.
"It's no trouble at all. It would be best for our Herald to know the most important things, lest you may end up causing a commotion due to ignorance, which, given your current status, can be easy to achieve." Josephine responds, standing over her desk to gather the items that will aid her in educating Arturia properly, "If you wish to have a complete and nuanced understanding of the current situation we face, then I will have to cover everything and do my best. Ah, and this should be it!"
In one swift motion, the blonde jumps when a stack of thick books practically slamming against her desk, her emerald eyes widening at what looks to be at least over five hundred pages each of texts directly in her line of sight.
Though, the knight is mildly surprised, she would hardly called herself intimidated. She's dealt with much more fierce training; this will simply be yet another method of sharpening her mind and increasing her intellect to increase her overall effectiveness and competence.
"Well, if you need my aid, I shall be resting. Grand beings such as I need all the rest they can get in order to be nothing less than the very best!"
Arturia lightly kicks her sword that settles beside her chair, "If I'm to go through with this, so shall you."
"Now then, shall we begin on the subject concerning the antagonist relationship between the Mages and the Templars?" Josephine takes her own seat, opening up a book of her own that held valuable information concerning the lesson.
"Long ago, the Templar Order had formulated an organization when the people of Thedas were born with the use of magic, itself being a very dangerous ability if left unattended and immature. Should there be no supervision of those who have recently discovered their potential, they would end up causing great damage, unintentionally or not."
Arturia diligently writes down the key points in this history lesson as Josephine continues on, calmly fascinated, all the while openly making the occasional comment on how troubling this is as time goes on.
She soon obtains the knowledge that in order for the Mages to be under put control, the Templars would sent these newly gifted children to the Circle of Magi, where they may learn to control their power, but at the same time, what is being described here is nothing more than a prison, to which if the slightest bit of suspicion that one of the Mages is influenced by a demon, they are to be executed. What's more, there is no communicating with family members or old friends; the Mages at a young age, if discovered, are taken without hesitation, and never to associate with society again until they have completely honed in their abilities, which even then, requiring special permission.
"I can understand where these Templars are coming from," Arturia states as she continues writing, bringing forth a blank page before going on, "But this is rather excessive, is it not? Some may even say tyrannical." The discrimination against Mages is clear, and it doesn't seem as if the Templars are acting to actually try and help these Mages, but more so to keep them far away from civilizations simply for security, and perhaps be used as weapons.
"You would not be the only one, hence, how the tension between Mages and Templars takes root. Of course, while the Mages are under constant surveillance with hopes that they would not lose themselves, the Templars suffers their own issues. In order for them to combat any Mages that have gone rogue, or simply finds the need to execute them and they are met with resistance, they supplement themselves with the substance of lyrium."
Arturia pauses in her writing, quite taken aback but professionally shows no such signs in her expression, "...Is that material not dangerous?" From what she has gathered during the trip in the Hinterlands, lyrium is this world's own form of a drug that, if taken even once, you will never live your life without it.
"Their thoughts are if they take only a few, it would be enough, but soon, they thought it wise to intake more in order to place themselves at a better advantage against the Mages."
Arturia frowns, "And I can assume that there are withdrawals?"
Josephine nods in confirmation, "Many Templars are often found in the slums. In some cases, the withdrawal would cause them to die simply without some lyrium. It helps them, but at the same time, it only feeds their addiction."
It seems that not only do the Mages require some attention to their obvious call of distress and accusation of being considered as nothing human, but even the Templars suffer through their narrow-mindedness and clouded judgment due to in taking substance that proves to bring more harm to their own men than it does to help.
'Something must be done about this.' So thinks the King of Knights.
The lesson continues on, the older looking woman making damn well sure her student isn't misinform in her education due to any mistake or oversight on her part. There is the occasional exchange of personal opinions to which Josephine agrees with Arturia, and when it doesn't come to agreement, the Antivan finds herself considering the thrown out, thoughtful ideas given by Arturia who does the vice-versa, surprising the older looking woman on how the girl at her age could come to such smart conclusions in such little time and be willing to take in consideration other point of views carefully.
'She should really consider focusing her path into becoming a diplomat.' Josephine thinks, 'At least I'd get more helping hands in dealing with all the paperwork in this frozen wasteland!'
In the next hour, the class session concludes. Arturia has only managed to acknowledge the first part of Thedas' troubles and how it came to be that way in very deep and thorough history, and the girl with the golden sword is already in deep thought about it all.
"Thank you again Josephine. I look forward for the next time we come together for our next lesson," Arturia thanks gratefully. Indeed, she is very satisfied having some bit of understanding that she would otherwise feel like a fool for not knowing before.
"Anytime, Arturia. I'm actually quite impressed how quickly you've taken everything." Josephine replies pleasantly. It is very reassuring to know that the Herald has taken an interest in such a divisive topic she will no doubt be confronted with in the near future.
The Knight stands up and pauses, as if considering what she is going to say next, "...It would be more appreciable though, if, and only IF it is by your permission, we can come together in some other ways. Er, that I mean...as friends."
Josephine blinks at this, taking a moment to take in what the shorter girl just offered before breaking into a lovely grin.
"Why of course! I would be happy to get together that way."
Arturia smiles back shyly, relief clear in her features, "Then I will see you another time." With that, she politely excuses herself from her new Antivan friend.
After her leave, Excalibur speaks up to her telepathically, the first time since the lesson begun.
"I must confess that I am utterly appalled by the situation. I have thought this place to be troubling with what we have encountered so far, but to think that the situation at hand is actually far more damaged than I could have ever imagined is almost inconceivable!" Excalibur comments, Arturia nods in agreement with her sword. While she did suspect that there would be no easy solution to this Mage-Templar War, she expected to have find herself in the middle of quite the grey area. Yes, there are truly many problems, but someone ought to be able fix them somehow...
"..I know that look."
Arturia tilts her in a bit of confusion, ""That look"?"
"Yes. You always have a certain look in your eyes whenever your forming a plan in that brain of yours; a gleam in yours eyes that has been absent for a long time. It is the gleam of careful consideration. The gleam of contemplation. It is the look you get in your eyes whenever you are scheming something."
Arturia couldn't help but give a bit of an amused smirk at this observation, "I take it you don't approve of this type of face that I apparently make a habit of wearing?"
"It is devious and makes you look like a villain. Even so, speak your thoughts oh King! I as your sword have a right to hear what goes on in your clever and scheming mind."
"First of all, I don't scheme. If anything, I plot." Arturia insists before moving on to confess, "And yes, I do have a few ideas. But I need to understand the society of Thedas more in order to make sure that it would work and actually have the right effect. I know time is not our ally for the moment, so I will have to make due and collect whatever books I can gather at the library." She looks to her hand that carries the Mark, "Then there's also the topic of me needing to understand this power I have. If I can get it under complete control..."
Well, it would seem that there's no better time than now to pick up on Solas' offer for tutoring.
Meeting Solas in an area away from all other activities occurring in from the main camp, would it seem only the two of them are present in all of Haven.
Relaxing and taking in the daily cold iconic to this land, Arturia is eager to begin her practice of honing in the magic that circulates within her like blood stream from her Magic Core, now mixed with the Fade world's own magic through the Mark. Solas leads her to a target which one would use for archery, and he instructs her that if she wishes to hit it from the distance she is currently, she must form the magic from her hand, drawing it from beyond the Veil that separates two worlds.
"Now, in order for you to release a certain amount of controlled power, you will need this," The elf brings over a small, white wooden staff. "I know you are best in wielding a sword, but rest assure, this is only temporary due your own special circumstance, up until you have enough of a grasp of your power where you may release it without needing this."
Arturia accepts the staff that is as long as her forearm.
"Now then, have your eyes on the target."
She follows his command, raising her staff and closing her eyes as Solas continues on with his instructions.
"Focus the energy into the staff. If you feel a slight change in yourself and your perspective, remain calm, and proceed." If ever something does go wrong, he will be here to make sure she doesn't blow her head off.
Just as Solas had warned her, the blonde feels as if there is a ripple in reality, but she remains in control. The use of magic of this world surely is different from that of her world; usually, she would feel the travel of prana akin to a sort of pipeline due to the system of Magic Circuits running through her body.
Instead, it is as if a wave of something out of this world washes over her, and very cautiously, she collects this strange energy coming in towards her glowing hand, pushing it into the training staff.
The staff glows a mixture of bright green and blue light, its activation causing a noise that sends a unfamiliar rumble to her skin, her eyes open and firmly sets her sights on the target up ahead, and with a clear mind, she fires.
A green orb of offensive magic is shot out, and burns the side of the target. It isn't quiet perfectly dead on, but for Solas, it is rather impressive for an amateur of the Fade to cast. He certainly can't wait to see what happens when he has her become fully adept in this craft.
The practice continues for another thirty minutes until Arturia feels utterly exhausted, huffing slightly with sweat pouring down the side of her face. "That will do for today," Solas comments, and sincerely adds, "Well done. You certainly have the potential of a mage unlike any other. Have you yet to consider on devoting yourself to that pathway?"
"I appreciate the compliment, but I would remain with the weapon that I have," She glances at the weapon sitting on the side.
"Then perhaps there can be a way for you to combine your magic from the Mark with your sword. That battle against the Pride Demon may have been luck, but if you were to hone that sort of attack, you may be able to unleash it again. Of course, as I have seen, it would take a great amount of your energy, so if we aim for that, we should have you display only a small part of it."
Arturia nods, "Very well. So this concludes our lesson?"
"For now, but before you go, I have one last thing to give," Solas hands over a note. "If ever you wish to have whatever potions you have become something more, I recommend going to this man.
Arturia looks to him quizzically, "Who is he?"
"He is the responsible for the Inquisition's Apothecary. Despite being a healer, Adan sees himself more as an alchemist who creates various types of potions that has various magical effects and otherwise. I'm sure that paying him a visit and observing his works could raise your knowledge in crafting your own potions, as that would be the next assignment I would encourage for you to do, if you wish to know more about the inner workings of being a mage. Creating potions does not make you a certified mage, but I believe doing this would help you compare and contrast the act of an alchemy and magic, which should help you understand and even expand your use of magic further."
The Knight finds herself intrigue, "I see. Well now, I'm quite curious to know how I'll fair with alchemy."
"As am I. But do try your absolute best to not overdo the work you're still unfamiliar with. It'd be rather inconvenient that the death of the Herald would be due to an explosion born from simple curiosity. Then where exactly would all my own efforts have gone to?"
'...Arse.'
There are times when Arturia thinks Solas is being considerate in a blunt sort of manner, and other times when he seems so smug about everything he says.
"And so the cycle begins yet again. How do you keep ending up with these kind of teaching, magical peasants who dress like dirty rags given true form? I mean, just LOOK at the fool!"
The blonde quietly shushes the utterly offended and fashion sensitive sword in her head, "A sound advice. Thank you Solas. I look forward for our lessons to continue, and if not, perhaps simply to get together and exchange some form of acquaintanceship."
"If there is time. Until then, Arturia. You may keep that staff, it is yours until the time is right when you will not need it any longer."
The Knight bids the elf mage goodbye, picking up her holy blade, and goes on her way to meet with the apothecary. Today has been a day of exceptional progression: she has made amends with Leliana, learned more about the history of Thedas while spending time with Josephine, and has been revealed the great potential her casting magic that can empower her sword into staggering results.
Truly, is has been a good day and a good way of mending the mistakes of her previous life.
Of course, this is only a perfect representation of a calm before the storm. It can only be assumed if the King of Knights will triumph, or suffer.
So, has anyone else notice that while the Fate series has ALOT to say about the definition of a hero and what it means, it never specifically has anything to say about villains?
Like, is it just me or does that series really does not dive into villainy that much? Am I wrong or am I right? Due tell what do you guys think about this topic! No need to be shy here, all thoughts on this idea is welcomed.
