The grand structure of Val Royeaux looks exactly how its name sounds: grandiose, and a bit ostentatious. It's magnificent, alluring designs takes the breath of even the King of Knights away. Her own capital in life was nothing short of greatness in size and sturdiness, yet viewing the massive artwork of a place as if carved from a mountain of gold, perhaps the builders and designers of her time should take note. A model choice no doubt done on purpose as it is after all Orlais' capital - Arturia could recognize the show of wealth and power for what it was. Fitting perhaps, for a city that was also the capital of the Chantry. The way to the plaza is lined with religious statues, most of them depicting Maferath, who was apparently the husband of Andraste, the woman the King of Knights is supposed to be hearlding.
"I've seen better."
Excalibur shares no similar first impressions. His words breaks Arturia from the spellbound and she looks at her sword skeptically. How would he know? The only time she could guess the sword to only have seen was the water where the Lady of the Lake gifted her this sword, and even the knight admits that her own castle fails in a show of extravagance by ten points.
Unless this sword actually existed beyond the waters from times far before his current wielder's own. What kind of story that would be, Excalibur refuses to say, evading with off-the-topic inquiries, a tactic that was made most effective due to his default, audacious personality. Truly, what a mysterious, and incredibly irritable sword.
"I take it that this is the first time you've seen this place?" Cassandra questions the knight, knowing her assessment is correct from just how the Herald reacts to the sights before them.
Clearing her throat, Arturia confesses, "Indeed. I'm impressed with it all, and I can only assume what the rest inside might hold."
For the warrior woman, this makes some sense. Arturia was raised in a farm, probably having only rare instance of seeing structures like these, Cassandra thinks that this must be stunning to the girl of a humble background, entering a place that may as well be fitting for nobles and other great titles to wander around.
In actuality, nothing could be further from the truth.
Arturia resumes her admiration of Val Royeaux, but it was only when the sudden stillness of two people ahead of them, catching her group's attention and then running the other way, that she remembered what they were here for. It was all settled back in Haven that lead to her arrival here…
Flashback…
Though the circumstances of the Inquisition's actions brought hope to the people victimized by the war and demons, things were still proving themselves to be troubling. The Inquisition were seen under a light of goodwill by the people who were helped by them, yet for those who held greater power such as the Chantry, they all still saw the reborn organization as nothing more than a blasphemous rag-tag group bent to take advantage of the disastrous situations across the lands of Thedas to their liking.
And while the Inquisition have gained phenomenal accounts of new recruits, capable warriors who are willing to have faith in this resurrected faction's goals, without support from recognized and well established groups outside their own, there may come a time of fear if those who oppose the Inquisition will think to form a temporary alliance with their enemies, or initiate separate attacks all at once to overtake them.
As if the timing couldn't be anymore perfect, a request - more so a demand - for the Herald's presence was sent by the clerics. It was a start, but many worries circulated this sole chance of igniting a proper, well-intentioned image for the Inquisition. An argument was exchanged between Josephine, Cullen, Cassandra, and Leliana, while to gain support is crucial, this very group who requested for the knight is very much a part of the Chantry that rejects the Inquisition, and may in fact be the ones who are spearheading the slanderous campaign. Cullen and Leliana brought up the concern of Arturia's safety, it would be like walking into a hornet nest they say. This request could be a plot to completely denounce Arturia outright.
The Spymaster and Commander's hearts were stationed at the right place, but it was unnecessary for the King of Knights. Other than the threat of the Chantry's words, that was all they have to dispose, they were nothing life-threatening, and Arturia says so as much.
"Don't be so sure," Leliana advised, clearly wanting the Herald to take a more careful approach, "An angry mob will do you in as quickly as it would for a blade." Even with her prowess, Leliana is certain that Arturia would never raise her weapon against those who can hardly fight. That would only prove their point, and the light over the Inquisition's reputation will be tainted.
Arturia's brows furrowed, "Be it as it may how they react to my arrival, this is what we sought for. Even though our faction has evolved considerably, without actual acknowledgement to our cause, we will be quickly branded as villains than anything else."
"But to send you there alone without sure security, even with the Chantry's using only words, their demands to see you could spread to those who seeks to take your life," Cullen reasons rightfully. Arturia is more than incredible with her skills, power, and instincts that assists her to evade any attacks that could mean her demise, but she is not invincible, and she knows this.
The reasons vary like that of a hero concealing their true names. A most exceptionally powerful warrior with skills surpassing humanity, and skin tougher than any armor known to man, can easily be defeated by finding a weak point - like the back of Siegfried, or the heel of Achilles. One strike at the right moment and at the right place is all it requires for total defeat, if not crippled them beyond recovery in that instant.
This would hardly be any problem for Arturia, if she had the ultimate defense mechanism of her time with her; Avalon. Something the knight is made painfully aware of with every breathe she takes.
"Then she will not have to go alone." Cassandra steps forth toward the table, turning her gaze to Leliana, "Mother Giselle said she could provide us names? We shall have to use them.".
"But why?" Asked Leliana, throwing her folded arms to her sides in agitation, "This is nothing but-"
"Arturia is right. We need this. Right now, no one else is willing to let us approach them for help with the Breach." The Seeker sighs and lowers her head on her shoulders, "The Chantry will continue to call us as they see us, but their share in helping the wounded may be the only bridge we can cross and come to an understanding." She continues tapping her finger on the table, "Use whatever influence we have to reach out all the clerics, and when they are ready, we will see this through."
The advisors found no other choice but to accept this, on the account that there would be more beside Cassandra to go with Arturia, but at Josephine's suggestion, Arturia should only bring her companions. They don't want to see themselves as an army declaring war.
To Arturia's newly gained knowledge in thanks to Josephine's teaching, Val Royeaux is centered in the capital of Orlais, and this city is well known for the many great merchandise fitting for the taste of the wealthy. At her asking, each of her companions offered her a small bag carrying the currency of this world to use in whatever the case she needs to purchase something.
She received another small bag from Cullen last, "You'll be going to Val Royeaux on serious matters, but it never hurts to enjoy a bit for yourself."
He handed the poach of money to the adolescent hands of Arturia.
End Flashback.
Arturia eyes the small bag of money in her palm in observation. It is so strange how similar the currency of this world is to how it was in her world and era, almost as if she could suspect the land of Britain to be just an ocean away. But as her studies shows from the available libraries within Haven, and the books she's looked through during her travel, there's not a name so akin to her lost country. Solidifying the fact that she is so far from her dead home and the world name Earth overall.
A pat to her arm catches her attention and she turns to Varric, "For all the shops here, I actually know a few ways to get some great stea-bargains! I mean bargains!" Varric quickly restates his wording when he sees the creasing frown upon the knight. There are still some touch ups to be made for the knight to obtain a sense of humor. "Anyway, you're gonna need my expertise, this place has the rep of being a money eater down to the clothes on your back."
"And how fair of an experience do you have in...bargaining?" Arturia asks suspiciously.
Whether it was another dose of humor and Varric simply loves messing with the knight or otherwise, the author answers as he not so subtly views his surroundings and leans forth for a whisper, "I may or may not have a few stories to tell, some of them haven't got into the final draft of my books."
"...Does that imply that the particular section of the book you've lend me, where it involves a short man and a deranged drunk, a dancer of unspecified gender carrying a bucket of rotten apples, and a prancing pony running through a market stand was not from that interesting mind of yours?"
"I shall leave that to your imaginations, young Herald," He grins widely.
"Unfortunately, there won't be any time to spare for shopping," Solas states as he points to the arriving scout.
"My lady Herald!" The scout approaches, and bows before Arturia. A young woman who is no doubt one of Leliana's people.
"What have you found out?" Cassandra questions.
"The Chantry Mother awaits you but...so does a great many Templars."
The information stuns Cassandra, "Templars? Here?!"
"The people believed that the Templars will...will protect them from the Inquisition. They're gathering beyond the other side of the market, I think that's where they intend to meet you."
"It was wise for us to accompany Arturia after all," Solas comments, a note of caution in his voice.
"Only one thing to do then," Cassandra marches forth, and the others follows behind. "Unbelievable. Protect the people from us? After all that we've done?"
"It seems they had intended to bait me, to overwhelm me with the sight of the Templars," Arturia surmises quickly. "I doubt that this would be a planned attack though, with civilians around."
"To fight or not, that's their choice," Varric says. "You think the Order's returned to the fold maybe? To deal with us upstarts?"
Cassandra shakes her head, "Not if Lord Seeker Lucius is around. He wouldn't come to the Chantry's defense, not after everything that's happened."
"Whatever the situation is, this may be something we can take advantage of," Emerald eyes glints as Arturia speaks her thoughts, "If we can convince the clerics along with the Chantry, and the Templars, we would have a commendable addition to our cause."
"I have a feeling it won't be that simple," Varric flatly states his doubts.
"But we should try nonetheless," Cassandra said, very much agreeing with the idea.
"Are you prepared for this, Arturia?" Solas questions the girl. Not to his surprise after the time spent knowing this girl, there is no faltering in Arturia's steps.
"We either convince all of them, one of them, or none," Is the King of Knight's answer, "But no matter what happens, even if we leave with nothing, we must remain strong in our cause."
The others nod to her words. Cassandra turns and addresses the scout at their side, "Send word to Haven, the others will have to be informed in case we are...delayed."
Catching her hint, the scout nods dutifully, "As you wish, my lady."
At the scout's departure, the group enters through the gate. The fuss of a crowd of people is heard on the other side of a large building at the center of Val Royeaux. The Inquisition moves around it, passing by empty market stands, and at their arrival, all went silent. At a voice, everyone looks to a woman upon a stadium, beside her was a man in armor, and another man dressed like her.
"Good people of Val Royeaux, hear me!" Hevara speaks loudly, "Together, we mourn our Divine. Her naïve and beautiful heart, silenced by treachery!"
A few sounds out their muffled sob, others heads lower in mention of the deceased figure.
"Divine Justinia is not naïve," Cassandra mutters as they weave through the crowd. The setting in the plaza honestly reminds Arturia of a public execution, perhaps the only things missing are the gallows.
Mother Hevara sneers as they approach. She and the rest of the Chantry officials were standing on a raised platform, subtly trying to assert authority.
"You wonder what will become of her murderer. Well, wonder no more..." Her eyes shoots to the approaching group, "Behold, the so-called Herald of Andraste! Claiming to rise where our beloved fell!"
Many eyes look to the Inquisition's way, some accusingly, others curiously, and the rest with fear.
"We say this: it is nothing more than blasphemy. A False Prophet! The Maker would not sent us a child such as her in our hour of need!"
When Hevara had saw the knight matching the description of the Herald, she could hardly believe it, even from Roderick. There wasn't a speck of maturity in her features, making it is all the more horrible for her to see. It brings Hevara no sense of righteousness or eagerness having to put this girl into this sort of position, but she could not take any chance if indeed this girl, by the accounts of her vicious and ruthless slaughterings, that she may as well have just as much of a part in the Divine's death.
"They seek to steal the Divine's place! To deceive you all, and bring ruin to our land!" Hevara will do what she can to break this girl through the pressure of a thousands gaze and words, so that she may conceive, and then the Inquisition will fall afterwards following their figurehead.
To her astonishment, Arturia neither flinches nor hesitates as she collectedly responds, allowing a hint of offense to seep into her tone, "To what evidence do you have for these accusations? We have not once threatened nor spoke of any interest in taking the Divine's place-"
"Have I mention such a thing?"
"Not in my presence," Excalibur confirms.
"-and I suggest you let us speak for ourselves instead of pushing your words into our mouths, as I assume such actions are not fitting for someone of your status. The Inquisition seeks only to return order and peace to this land, we have arrived here only to come to that understanding."
"It is true!" Cassandra joins Arturia, brushing her arm as she steps forward and continues the knight's efforts, "We seek only to put an end to this madness before it is too late!"
The heat of the people remarkably dies down, and questions murmurs throughout the crowd. Mother Hevara is aghast by the careful, calculative wording of Arturia, and more so that she is losing the people while the girl has quickly come to affect their minds.
No other choice then.
"It is already too late," Says Hevara as the sound of marching made itself known from the east gate.
"Heads up." At Varric's warning, Arturia looks to where the dwarf ells her to, and immediately clutches the hilt of her sword.
She keeps her face expressionless as the crowd parts, making way for the warriors to enter. A grey-haired man leads them, his expression seeming to be set in stone as the group of heavily armored men approaches the stadium. Each warrior well-beaten by the ruthlessness and experiences of battles, toughened with cool hard expressions, and heavy weapons at their reach.
"Templars," Cassandra whispers to Arturia, "And that man right there is Lord Seeker Lucius."
"See how the Templars have returned to the Chantry!" Hevara exclaims excitedly as the Lord Seeker, Conall, and another templar climb the platform. The other Chantry clerics behind her look incredibly anxious. Perhaps they didn't share Hevara's belief in the Templars.
"Good grief, will anyone shut this woman up?!"
As if unknown forces have answered Excalibur's wishes, one of the Templars comes to Hevara's side, looks to the Chantry woman in the eyes, and punches her by the chin.
The crowd gasps, some screamed. The Inquisition shares in on the various reactions, and Arturia's jaw drops slightly.
Ignoring the laughter echoing in her head by her holy sword, Arturia watches as Hevara falls to the ground while her supposed 'ally' walks pass her, and approaches his soldier who was internally debating if he should assist the fallen woman, but Lucius stops him with a sharp look.
"Still yourself; she is beneath us," The Lord Seeker's voice is firm. Cold grey eyes swipes the crowd, his expression impassive.
At Arturia's continuing silence, Cassandra calls to the man stepping off the stage, "Lord Seeker Lucius, it's imperative that we speak-"
"You will not address me."
Surprised by the tone, Cassandra could only try again, her face flushed with confusion, "Lord Seeker-"
Lucius stops her, "Creating a heretical movement, raising up a puppet that only beats the height of a dwarf as Andraste's Prophet. You should be ashamed."
"Now I take offense to that," whispers Varric, and is immediately hushed by Solas, who clearly agrees.
"You should all be ashamed," Lucius continues, "The Templars failed no one when they left the Chantry to purge the Mages!" Raising his arm and with the point of his fingers, he declares, "You are the ones who have failed! You who'd leash our righteous swords with doubts and fears! If you came to repeal to the Chantry, you are too late. The only destiny here that demands respect is mine."
"...If you were not here to support the Chantry, then what is your purpose?" With a cool tone and her words carrying no emotions, Arturia questions the Lord Seeker.
Lucius evaluates her, and replies coldly, "I came to see what it was that made the old woman afraid, and to laugh. But seeing that you are supposedly the one figure the Chantry itself fears, it's beyond pathetic, hardly worth to call it a comedy."
"Lord Seeker," The man that is one stage, a dark male with dark hair, spoke to his superior, "What if...what if it is true? That the Maker did sent her; what if she is the Herald?" This man has heard stories of this girl, surely, they must mean something, right?
"You are called to a higher purpose," Exclaims another templar, "Do not question!"
"I will make the Templar Order a power that stands alone against the void. We deserve recognition. Independence!" Lucius looks to Arturia, and glowers at her as if she is lower than an ant. "You have showed me nothing. The Inquisition...is less than nothing."
Lord Seeker Lucius prepares to call his men to leave, that this place was unworthy of their protection, that they shall leave it and these foolish brigade, for they are hardly deserving of any respect in his eyes.
"...And you think you are in a position of such earned respect?"
He pauses when Arturia speaks.
"Because from what I have seen so far, you are hardly a man deserving of ANY sort of recognition."
The people around her looks in shock. The Templars react as if they were shot by her statement before they turn to anger. Offended by her audacity, Lucius responds, "What right does a faker, let alone a child like you have to say such things?!"
"The right that contradicts your poor claims," Stepping pass Cassandra who watches her curiously with more than an etch of worry, Arturia answers to the Lord Seeker, her eyes looking directly straight at the taller man's own pair.
"You say that the Inquisition has done nothing? Is less than nothing? I fail to see how that is possible, since all we've done up to this point was bring an end to all the chaos surrounding the Breach that has been spreading unprecedentedly across Thedas. How do you claim our nothingness to be true, when I have heard no templar doing anything to help calm and subdue the pure hell that has broken loose in Thedas? You claim righteousness, and yet you allowed your own men to assault a defenseless member of the Chantry who have went so far as to ask for your aid? Explain this to me, for I can't seem to comprehend how any of this upholds the justice that the Templar Order swear themselves to be."
Her piercing emerald eyes narrows like a true lioness of the wild that has found a new enemy, one profoundly unworthy of his position in the world, "By what right do you have to insult the Inquisition and call us nothing but a group of heretics, when it was the same Inquisition, whom all should know by now, that made an effort to keep the Hinterlands safe once more, whereas the Mages and your Templars have done nothing but cause bloodshed and destruction, involving the lives of innocents in the midst of it and leaving them behind to suffer and die? Where were your men when those people have cried for help? Where were your men when the suffering were left starving, bleeding, and their hearts grieving for the death of their loved ones? Answer me this, Lord Seeker Lucius: where were you, and what have you or your men done that the Inquisition has failed to do? Give me one reason why I should offer you the slightest bit of respect you so claim to deserve?!"
Silence. Utter silence.
With every word relayed by Arturia, the anger of the Templars slowly diminishes into that of thoughtfulness, and realization evolves into horror and the uncertainty of how to rebuke her undeniable truth. With every word said by the Herald of Andraste, the crowd around them exchanges looks of uncertainty, morphing into the agreement of her truth, and the deep contempt with hatred shot through their increasing glares towards the Templars.
And as the absolutely most shocking of them all, Lord Seeker Lucius could not come up with a proper rebuttal. He stood there, mouth agape, and widen eyes that stares at the one he dismissed as a simple girl.
Taking a deep breath, Arturia offers a glare of her own, one of disinterest and being nothing short of unimpressed, "I could cooperate with men that I don't personally get along with to an extent, that I know I am capable of. But you...repel me."
She turns her heels, the sudden movements of the King of Knights startling even her companions, but what is more shocking is where she goes.
Everyone watches, most with open mouths, as Arturia gently approaches the hurting Hevara with her frightened priests alongside. The knight's next action are as if something so incomprehensible that it must not be trusted, but she merely waits as she offers her hand for Hevara to take.
"Are you alright?" Arturia kindly asks.
With no sense of ill-will emitting from her, Hevara hesitantly, but steadily, accepts her hand.
Helping the old woman to her feet, Arturia then suggests, "I can have our mage heal you if you require it."
Rubbing her chin in a defeated manner, Hevara gazes into the young, intense eyes of Arturia, before shaking her head slowly, "I...I'll be alright."
The crowd sounds out their amazement, some even let out a smile. The Inquisition is far more revealing to their feelings in their expression: now here's someone whom they can indeed respect wholly.
"L-Lord Seeker...?"
One of the templars bravely asks of Lucius, whose fists trembles, and his grip so tightly around the hilt of his sword.
"...We're leaving. There's nothing worthy here for us to deal with," He attempts to pass off. But all can see the sheer rage and envy in equal measure boiling within his eyes. He gave his command, but the Templars leave in such low enthusiasm and moral, and to their additional humiliations, a few people within the crowd cheers, boos, and laughs at their quiet departure.
"I..." Hevara starts, taking a deep breath, "I am only trying to do what's right."
Arturia looks at her with soft eyes, "And do you think I am not?"
The woman studies the knight for a moment, and sighs. As she ensures Arturia that she can stand on her own, she is released, "...Do you believe yourself to be the Maker's Chosen?"
Ah. It is the same question over and over again, and Arturia's answer to this remains unchanged.
"I honestly don't know what brought me here, but...I'm here to help by my own accord, however I can."
Taking in her answer, Hevara slowly nods, "That's...more comforting than you can imagine."
The crowd slowly disperses one by one once the excitement and show was over, "I suppose it is out of our hands now. We shall all see what the Maker plans in the days to come."
Despite this, they are able talk for a while, as Hevara catches her breath. They spoke of the dreadful times, and how she continues to suspect Arturia of evil deeds, but as how denouncing is of no help to the Chantry, there really isn't much the Chantry itself can do to her even if many of their members - whoever remains, says otherwise. The discussion of the Templars led by Lord Seeker Lucius is brought up, and Hevara confesses how meaningful it was for Arturia to point out the things that were undeniably true. Hevara had hoped for the Templars to assist the Chantry, and to bring an end to this disaster, but as it has been revealed, they have other plans in mind.
"Now, without the Templars, and our own knights slain at the Conclave...there is nothing more we can do."
"Perhaps there is something that we can do," Cassandra spoke up as she, Varric, and Solas approaches Hevara and Arturia.
A humorless chuckle nearly escapes Hevara, "I like to believe that, Seeker. I truly would. I suppose we can at the very least expect renewed efforts against the rebel mages from him, and yet more chaos. I'd hope against hope, that if your group truly seeks to put an end to this madness, that you would, by the Maker's will, succeed."
Once Hevara was taken away by the other priests for care, the others speaks to Arturia as they go on to walk through the streets of Val Royeaux, "You were just incredible!" Varric said what is so, "Granted, you pretty much placed yourself in the templars' least likable people list. But that guy's face...priceless."
"It was only necessary," Solas assures, "Arturia merely lectured him the facts. Not so many are so willing to express the truth, it was only right that she had to point out the flaws in what he said and claimed so brazenly."
Cassandra steps close to Arturia, starting slowly, "I'm not sure how I should feel about what you've done, talking to him like that. Whatever chance we have with the Templars if we wish to allied ourselves with them, it will most certainly be impossible now."
"Frankly, I'm not sure if the Templars are a group we should consider. If they are not reliable to the people who needed them, how could we trust them?" Arturia offers her reasons, "I simply said what I had to. I spoke the truth for him to know, how he deals with it is up to him."
"It would seem so...I'm still so appalled how he acted. He was unlike this years ago."
Arturia looks to her distraught face in surprise, "You knew him personally?"
"He took over the Seekers of Truth two years ago, after Lord Seeker's Lambert's death. He was always a decent man, never given to ambition and grandstanding. How he is now...it was bizarre. I almost mistook him for someone else." Her thin black eyebrows gather in a furrow.
Arturia frowns deeply, if a man who was decent at first could change this much...what on earth happened then?
"Excuse me."
The group stops down a street heading out of Val Royeaux. They all turn to the speaker, concealed under a cloak and hood.
"Might I have a moment of your time?" The figure then turns to an alleyway. The Inquisition share a curious, warning look amongst each other, before following the woman sounding figure.
At their entering the spacious secluded alley, guard reasonably up, the woman pulls down her hood, revealing features of an elf and black short hair.
Cassandra squints at the appearance of the female elf, and her eyes widen in recognition, "...Grand Enchanter Fiona?"
"Leader of the Mage Rebellion," At Solas' words, Arturia brows raise considerably, "Is it not dangerous for you to be here?" The elven mage adds.
"I've come to see if the rumors of the fabled Herald of Andraste were true, and you've surpassed the stories themselves," Fiona said, clearly satisfied at what she has obseved, "Better yet, you've stolen the words of the Lord Seeker himself, I can't say that it wasn't enjoyable to watch."
Emerald eyes evaluate the leader of the Mage Rebellion, silently questioning her direct approach, specifically to Arturia if she wishes to speak to her.
"You seek to close the Breach, perhaps we may be of assistance to you," Fiona speaks for herself and her entire regime, answering Arturia's unspoken question.
The companions shares a look. The possibility of forming an alliance with the Templars became less than a moot in thanks to Arturia's fierce tongue lashing, and the reliance on the Chantry may have helped lighten the image of Arturia, but they don't appear so willing to assist either - nor do they have much essential for the Inquisition. The only gain they have received is that if word of Arturia's kindness spreads, than there will be less discrimination towards their faction.
However, the Inquisition is prepared to return to Haven without any valuable gain, until Fiona revealed herself to them. However, Arturia wouldn't simply allow themselves to jump at an opportunity instantly, there had to be careful considerations.
"I understand that you were not present at the Chantry," Cassandra speaks as Arturia collects her thoughts considering Fiona's words. The knight allows her to continue, "That was most fortunate, you've managed to avoid death." Suspicions are lace in her tone.
"I've sent my negotiator, as did the Lord Seeker," Fiona defends, "We both took to considerations that it would be a trap, and it seemed to be the case. I won't pretend that I'm not glad to be alive, but I lost a lot of friends at the Conclave that day. You Inquisition have spread your name throughout Thedas impressively, and I can only hope that you will do what it takes to make the Templars pay for what they did."
"You think the Templars were responsible for what happened at the Conclave?" Arturia questions.
"Why wouldn't she?" Cassandra said, "The Templars are the Mages' sworn enemy. They might as well blame the Templars for every evil existing."
"Lord Seeker Lucius seems hardly broken up about the loss of his men," Retorts Fiona, "You even explained it yourself, Herald, that all his group has done was spread bloodshed and nothing about the ones adding in to the mayham. Now you made it clear your position on the matter by mentioning my group, but know that the injustice against us was inexcusable. We had to fight back. Lord Seeker Lucius on the other hand, seems to be the sort that would happily kill the Divine if it would help obtain whatever he seeks. So yes, I think he did it. More than I think you did it, at any rate."
"Do you mean to say that your group is willing help the Inquisition?"
Answering to Arturia, Fiona says simply, "We will be willing to discuss it. Consider this an invitation. Meet us at the Redcliff. An alliance could help us both," she hands over a note describing their position. Arturia accepts it, "I hope to see you there. Au revoir, my lady Herald."
She bows briefly, and gracefully leaves the other way, concealing her face by pulling the hood over her head.
At her total departure, the group leaves the alley, and discusses what had just transpired. "You think something good out of this, Seeker?" Varric questions Cassandra.
"It's what we were hoping for...Herald?"
Arturia responds, "Of course, it is what we had come here for, only we never expected a mage - let alone the leader to approach us. Perhaps sealing the Breach is a common purpose we share, but there may be more to it." Trusting her instincts, Arturia believes that there is reasonable concerns in what the leader of the Mage Rebellion intended for her approach with the Inquisition. They can't simply expect comrades over a sole purpose, they may as well take advantage of the name 'alliance' for other purposes to satisfy their own hidden agendas. Quite frankly, Arturia has suspicions that there is a catch to the mage's interest in forming an alliance with the Inquisition.
Speaking her thoughts, the others slowly nods. "If we agree to meet with them, then we have to be cautious of what they plan to do," Cassandra advises.
"Excuse me!"
The group pauses as a messenger lady in a dress and mask you can only find in Val Royeaux approaches them, more so to Arturia. "You are the Herald of Andraste, correct?" The lady seems conflicted if she had approached the right person, but nevertheless continues, "I have an invitation for you."
After bemusedly accepting the paper invitation, the messenger lady leaves briskly. "What is it?" Cassandra inquires, looking over Arturia's shoulder.
"...An Enchanter by the name of Vivienne wishes to see me at her salon it would seem," informs Arturia as she shows the letter.
"First Enchanter de Fer herself invited you?" The Seeker quires with a hint of disbelief as she gets a closer look in Arturia's hands. Seeing the questioning look on the blonde knight, she elaborates on, "She is an Enchanter of the Orlesian court - former advisor to the Empress herself in fact, and supporter of the traditional Circles. If we can secure an alliance with someone as prestigious as her, it could benefit our efforts in Orlais and with the Templars, something we could most definably need considering what occurred today."
Arturia looks back at the letter, taking a moment to digest the information just given to her, very much seeing an opportunity that she cannot afford to be wasted.
"You sure are getting real popular now," Varric quips in usual fashion.
Just as if to confirm the author's observation, an arrow shoots over their heads. Arturia had already sensed the approaching stick, but felt no danger coming from it. Even so, she ducks her head with a hand to her sword's hilt, and the others were close to take out their weapons. "What was that?!" Cassandra shot looks to their entire surroundings. Is it an attempted assassination?! A warning?!
"...I think it's just another proof of how popular our Herald is," Varric points to the arrow, specifically the red handkerchief attached to it and where a note is stabbed in between it's point and the wall beside them.
Varric picks it up first, subtly inspecting it for any poisons before taking the note. He raises an eyebrow as he skims the text before handing it to Arturia.
"You probably want to see this."
Keeping their eye on where the shooter could be, Arturia slowly takes the note from the dwarf. "...Another invitation."
Reading the sloppy writing of this supposed 'Red Jenny Agent', Arturia finds it beyond baffling how...eccentric the method of the message sent and the character this sender appears to be by her writing. Showing off to the others the squiggles bordering the note, and a rather badly drawn map below the text. "But it seems this will occur until nightfall."
"That's one way to offer an invitation," Varric hums, "So, I guess we'll be sticking around here for a while now. Guess there will be time for shopping after all then."
"Indeed, perhaps we should make visit to whatever archive this city has available," Solas offers. "What do you wish to do...Arturia?"
All look over to see the young appearing knight, and find her staring at a glass window where rows of delicious pastries, sweets, and cakes are seen. Her eyes are practically devouring the various sweet treats put on display as they glaze over in pure desire at the very sight of the desserts, an most uncharacteristic sight of drool slowly crawling from the corner of her agape mouth from her typically stoic face.
...It is an appalling vision of her to behold truth be told, especially after an arrow was shot near her, one that silences the Inquisition, save for Varric who's holding back a laugh. "Looks like she knows where to start," catching the knight's attention, he leads the still star struck Arturia through the door of the cake store and offers to reveal his means of 'bargaining'.
Solas unveils a mixed curiosity and amusement, and Cassandra simply blinks her brain still processing at something she could hardly believe she just saw.
For in that instance, Arturia really appeared to be like a girl of her age.
In her designated office, Josephine has completed writing and sorting her round of paper work for this week, grabbing them in rows that could make them looks like a book together and tapping their bottoms against the table for straightening. As she is setting them down, Leliana enters her office, a raven perched on her forearm.
"Leliana! ...You know how I feel about those birds being around, not every one of them would have the same temperament for everyone apart from you."
Scratching the chin of her animal, Leliana responds simply, "I know, but I have them tamed around others...well most of them anyway." She did not tell if this raven is part of that supposed tame flock, as the bird lets out a squawk that led Josephine to jump in her seat. Sighing, and moving her chair as subtly as she could away from the bird, Josephine gives her old friend a look that asks for the reason for this visit.
"...I was wondering, just how is your lessons with our young Herald coming along?"
Perked in remembrance of the class, Josephine answers in high-attitude, "She's a very astute student. Remarkably eager to learn everything she could. We have already completed the basic history of Thedas, and I was just considering to write out a test for her to take to see how fair she's understand so far."
The conversation about her temporary student visibly brightens her mood as the Inquisition's resident antivan starts smiling as she continues on, adding, "She also requested to spend some time with me personally to bond over matters beyond our jobs. She's becoming quite warm around others as of late, faster than I thought she would to be perfectly truthful." It is what she had hoped for, to let the girl be comfortable of others, and somewhat more trusting, even sociable despite the tales of her strange behaviors that determines her unfamiliarity with communication that isn't strictly professional. Perhaps she should teach Arturia on the subject of socializing outside of the work environment and with others sharing her age group?
Oh what days that would bring!
"It's good to know she's doing this well," Leliana said, though by the sound of her tone, she is in deep thought.
Josephine nods in agreement, "Yes, it makes me wonder if she ever had any friends in her childhood."
"...Or perhaps her reclusive attitude is due to a personal experience, something like betrayal."
Josephine pauses her actions in putting away the written papers, hearing the low, self-whisper of Leliana, "...And where did you get that idea?"
The Spymaster freezes, realizing her mistake at revealing personal information she was just in trusted with, quickly falling into her professional demeanor, Josephine looks up and narrows her eyes. "That mask. I know it. What did she tell you?"
"I haven't the faintest clue what you are talking about," She tries to play it off.
Josephine says nothing but her eyes never leaves the Spymaster. The Ambassador drops her quill back into its well and leaned back, folding her arms over her chest.
"You are a terrible liar. Which is surprising given your vocation."
Leliana snorts dismissively, "I'm actually a very good liar. I'm just terrible at it with you."
"Good, and may it ever be so. Now, are you going to tell me what you haven't told me?"
After a brief moment and realization that she isn't getting out of this one, Leliana, with a sigh, tells her friend of everything Arturia has told about the man named Kiritsugu.
Hearing the story, Josephine is shocked and sadden that such a thing had been experienced by the Maker's Chosen at such a tragically young age. This man sounds efficient, cold-heartedly so, and with manners that obviously conflicts with the character of their young Herald. However, hearing this man, Josephine inwardly speculates if this is the 'betrayal' Arturia said in her interrogation Leliana had mention after finding the girl from within the destruction of the Conclave. There are still missing variables in the mystery of Arturia, but this is the beginning of putting together the elaborate puzzle scattered about the girl's past.
"Have you searched for this man?" The diplomat questions as she stands up and starts pacing. Leliana drops into a chair, quietly grateful that someone else had taken over for her when it comes to uncovering the secrets of their figurehead.
"My people are still looking into it. His name sounds foreign enough, it could be that he returned to his own country, or remains somewhere in Thedas. So far, there hasn't been any clues, but I suppose by the sound of this man, he might as well be as elusive if not more so than our Herald."
And yet how can they make such a debate when they have yet to find anything about Arturia?
"I don't think she made this man up either," Leliana continues, confident in her ability to find the line between truth and lie. "And I would continue so, even if nothing comes up. She was genuine when she told me...she even said that she worries I would follow the same path as this man."
This surprises Josephine the most.
"For someone such as her, the one believed to hold the Maker's will himself, to be open with her worries...have I let myself and my faith fall so far?"
In that instant, the mask of Sister Nightgale slips off, leaving behind the true face an shaken and lost Leliana.
"When did I become such an horrible person?"
Josephine stops pacing, her features softening, "You know that isn't true. You can lose all sense of decorum at times but you are not a horrible person."
"Aren't I?" She demands, "Would the Maker reward a good person with so much death? I am surrounded by it. Half the time, I bring it. If death is the Maker's only gift, than I am his courier."
"A very dramatic statement, but wrong. The Maker's first gift was light. His second: love. I do not think there is any reference to death being the only divine dalliance the Maker has with his children."
Leliana glowers, "That may very well be, but it does not explain why my walk with the Maker has been so blood soaked."
"Perhaps it is because you have wrapped yourself in it," Josephine says simply and sat back down at her desk.
"I- No, I haven't…" Even as the words came out of her mouth, she recognizes the duplicity in them. She lets her statement fall.
With softening eyes, Jospehine goes on honestly, something very much appreciated by Leliana, "I don't know whether or not this will hold true in the near future, especially in these uncertain times. Many of us are capable of anything...but I swear that I will not abandon you if you ever need me."
Letting a smile come it's way, Leliana can't help but confess to herself how glad she is to hear that.
Night reaches the capital of Orlais. Arriving at the place where the Red Jenny girl insisted for them to come, they walk through the quiet streets until reaching their destination that hides beyond the large doors.
Arturia opens the doors, and is immediately introduced to a ball of fire that almost scorches her face.
An Orlesian noble in heeled boots and a puffy hat, wearing a gold mask stands before them, Weapons drawn from the group as the caster of fire exclaims, "Herald of Andraste!" he places one foot across the other standing like a dancer, his hands on his hips, "How much did you expend to discover me?" He straightens his back and jerks his head in a nod, the jewels on his mask sparkle in the torchlight, "It must have weakened the Inquisition immeasurably!"
Glances are exchanged between the companions, and Arturia is the first to ask, "...Who are you?"
He spins on his heel and bends his knees in a fencer stance with his hands still on his hips, "You don't fool me! I'm too important for this to be an accident." In a fluid motion he swipes his foot back across his other leg and stands like he has to use the restroom, then throws his jeweled gloved hands in the air shaking his head, "My efforts will claim victories against you and elsewhere!"
"I don't know who you are…." Arturia responds dumbfoundedly as they all walk into the courtyard.
A gargle of a dying man takes their attention, and all looks to the fall of the strange man's comrade, and behind the dead man is a scrawny, blonde elf wearing a torn tunic of clashing faded red and gold. Her pants gold, brown plaid weave and end at her calves. An arrow is pulled back by the string of her very crude wooden bow.
"Just say what."
"What is the-"
Before the noble could finish his sentence, the elf plummets the arrow right into the eye slot of his golden mask. He gurgles and falls to the ground dead, blood staining his adorned silk shirt.
The strange new girl, clearly that of a rogue class, sounds in disgust. "That was a squishy one. But you heard me right?" She asks as she approaches the body, the Inquisition remains their hold of their weapons, "Just say what. Rich tits always tries for more than they deserve. Blah. Blah. Blah. Obey me! Arrow in my face! That kind of stuff."
She pulls the arrow from the dead man's face, and finally looks at the Inquisition, who all stare at the peculiar girl as if she was the oddest being of their life. "So anyway, you lot are the Inquisition right? So which one of you is the Herald? Let's see if I got the details right and..."
She finds the Herald.
The completely normal and human Herald.
Boring.
Or she would think so, if not for how old this Herald is, she couldn't be more than fifteen, completely unflinching under Sera's shrewd gaze.
Well, ain't that something?
She lists off the clues that dictates the small blonde girl to be the Herald. Invisible weapon in her palms. Check. Blonde hair and green eyes. Check. Looks sort of boyish but the hair-bun tied with a blue bow gives it away, as well the other signs since the elf - Sera, has a knack in knowing. So most certainly, this girl is the Herald. And one more thing so prominent about her.
"...You're a tiny thing, aren't you?" Sera grins.
An amused snort ripples through the bald elf. He keeps his lips tight together and looks down at the marble.
"Chuckles!" The dwarf gapes, "I'm surprised at you!"
"I've no idea what you're referring to," The elf tells him.
The knight succeeds in making her face into something composed and indignant, instead of looking sheepish like the vast majority her age would. Her hand no doubt tightly clasping on that invisible golden blade rumored all around, experienced emerald looking straight into Sera's eye.
"Well, not that it matters. You've followed my notes, so that means you are something."
"And you're a lot stranger than your letters depicts you," The Hearld shoots back, her tone somewhat miffed, "What is this about?"
"No idea," As if oblivious to the tenseness surrounding the group, the blonde elf woman continues, "Just said by my people that you folks should take a look at this man and what not. Name's Sera by the way!" She giggles, "I mean it's all good innit? The important thing is: you glow? You're the Herald thingy?"
"...What's happening right now?" The Hearld asks, her tone in a slight daze. Sera simply looks at her with silent anticipation. The knight pinches the bridge of her nose, "Sure why not? I 'Glow'. What's going on your people? Do you mean the elves?"
She laughs and animates her hands with her speech, "No, people people. This is cover." she clumsily waves her hands towards some crates, "Get round it. For the reinforcements. Don't worry. Someone tipped me their equipment shed," She lowers her head and voice, "they've got no breeches." She smiles like an unsupervised child in a market full of candy booths.
An arrow flies by the Herald's shoulder. Soldiers in nothing but chest armor and plumed hats run down the stairs, "Why didn't you take their weapons?!" Arturia exclaims as the elf draws her bow.
"Because no breaches!" She giggles louder, cartwheeling into the hallway evading their attacks. She circles around a crate then jumps backwards onto it simultaneously sending an arrow into the eye of one of the guards.
There's only a few and they have no problem defending themselves. Once the last soldier falls, Sera paces around in a circle, "Friends really came through with that tip. No breeches." She giggles to herself before she stares at Artruia's boots, "So, Herald of Andraste. You're a strange one," her eyes snap to Arturia's face, "I'd like to join."
"How about we get to know each other first? Names and such?" The knight clearly has no idea what to make of this odd little elf before, not that such a thing deters said elf in the slightest.
"One name. No wait. Two. It's…well. It's like this. I sent you a note to look for hidden stuff by my friends. The Friends of Red Jenny. That's me. Well I'm one of them," Sera picks at her left sleeve which is rolled up although her other is not, "So is a fence in Montfort, some woman in Kirkwall. There were three in Starkhaven, brothers or something. It's just a name yea? It lets little people, "friends" be part of something while they stick it to nobles they hate. So here, in your face, I'm Sera. 'The Friends of Red Jenny' are sort of out there. I used them to help you, plus arrows."
"The Inquisition has spies already, can you add to these professionals?"
She smirks and holds her palms out, "Here's how it is. You 'important' people are up here, shoving your cods around. 'Blah blah I'll crush you. I'll crush you'". She proceeds to make kissing noises, much to the increasing, visible bewilderment of the Hearld, "'Oh crush you.'" she clears her throat, "Then you've got cloaks and spy-knives. Like this tit!" she gently kicks the dead man by her feet, "Or was. He one of the little knives, all serious with his, little knife. All those secrets and what gave him up? Some houseboy who don't know shite, but knows a bad person when he sees one. So no, I'm not all knifey shivedark, all hidden. But if you don't listen down here too, you risk your breeches, like those guards, I stole theirs." She giggles once more, "Look do you need people or not? I want to get everything back to normal, like you?"
"Back there you wanted to know if I glowed, why?"
Sera shrugs, "That's what you do innit? You walked out of somewhere and now you glow. Andraste's Herald. True or not, it seemed like the easiest way to know it was you."
"True or not?"
"Well that's what they say and all. Look don't get ahead, yeah? I want to help this…whatever it is, Inquisition," She looks hopeful.
The blonde knight looks to her companions, their own baffled expressions lending no guidance, leading to her to answer, "Alright Sera," she begins with a tone that hopes she doesn't regret this, "I can use you and your 'friends.'"
"Yes!" Sera shuffles her feet, "Get in good before you're too big to like. That'll keep your breeches where they should be. Plus extra breeches because I have all these…you have merchants who buy that pish, yeah? Got to be worth something. Anyway, Haven, see you there, Herald. This will be grand!" She smiles and throws a sack over her shoulder, a pant leg dangles from the opening of it as she runs through the gate.
Sera has join the Inquisition, and it is her personal mission to make the Herald stand up a little less stiffy like one of those damnable nob tits in this city of nob tits.
Still, with a Herald like that on the scene, Sera thinks there might be hope for this world that has gone insane around her.
'...I thought I only had to deal with one strange talker in this world,' Arturia looks to her sword after the retreating figure of Sera disappears in the night.
"Thank goodness you have MY majestic voice to bring sense to your soul, or else who knows what kind of effect that loon would have your psyche!" So proudly says Excalibur.
Oh Lord, give her strength.
Arturia is meaning to correct her sword, but then decided not to fan the flames. She is SO done with this day. At least until she makes for Vivienne's invitation.
"I hope you know what your doing." Cassandra remarks disapprovingly, "Let us return back to the inn."
"She sure was peppy," Varric comments about Sera as he sits on a chair, having carefully set aside Bianca and now is taking off his boots. The entire group had returned to their rented room at an inn. Their Herald had excused herself to get ready for the gathering that is due soon.
"Yes...quite," Solas decides to go with that, as he cannot think of another word describing that woman of same race.
"I'm a little concern how she will do for the Inquisition," Cassandra admits, but with more recruites, the better substantial the Inquisition is placed in.
"She is rather odd to say the least, but if she can provide valuable assistance, then it's been a motto of mine not to judge solely on the first appearance."
Hearing Arturia come in, heads turns to her direction, and all eyes in the room widen.
"Oh my..."
Hearing the quiet gasp from Casandra, Arturia resumes in knowledge of their reaction. She can imagine how utterly strange she may appear in the wear that she will dress for De Fer's salon. Arturia had actually kept the suit that Irisviel had chosen for her to wear when she had acted as Arturia's fake Master for the Holy Grail War, not wanting to waste such an item that is practical yet most definitely tasteful for many kinds of occasions one would find themselves going to, very happy she still had access to the full set clothing.
It most certainly doesn't hurt that she looks damn good in it to boot.
Now, wearing the formal outfit, Arturia looks more so like a boy than any one of the Inquisition members could ever imagine. A very dashing black vest over a dark grey dress shirt, the black dress shoes with heels that clicks at her every step as her hands covered in a pair of slick, black gloves came up to adjust the silk necktie of the same color around her neck for better comfort. It is so incredibly modern beyond the era of this world, to the point where one would call it alien.
So uncommon this style is, let alone for a female to wear it, that by the sight of it, her companions stares silently flabbergasted.
"I'm off to answer Vivienne's invitation. If ever something comes up, you'll know where I'll be." The blonde states without missing a beat as she begun to take her leave.
"And hard to miss at that," Varric said, even for his momentary halt in the mind, he hadn't lost his timing to quip. He DID have a reputation to uphold afterall.
"A-Are-" Cassandra shakes her head, snapping out of her stunned reaction, "Are you certain you want neither of us to go with you?" It's not that Cassandra doubts Arturia's skills, but the girl is even leaving behind her sword! If something happens...
"I'll be alright. It shouldn't take me no more than a couple of hours." With those parting words, Arturia leaves.
And to no one's ears but Arturia and her mental connection with her sword, the knight casually ignores the screams of Excalibur, "Unbelievable! Leave me here while you alone go to enjoy luxury?! This is cruelty! I demand you get back here and take me with you!"
"Nay."
Arturia needs to focus on speaking with this Vivienne alone, she must brush up on her negotiating skills in this new world, starting by respecting the invite of going alone.
"You know Seeker," Varric starts, and Cassandra already senses the coming annoyance she is about to hear from the dwarf, "You're becoming a lot like a mother hen." The signs are so often, you think Cassandra is acting like a nanny indebted to look after a child without the presence of their parents.
The warrior is not amused, "Oh shut it, you pot."
The party swarms the designated vicinity with high-class nobles and the like. Many adorning golden color masks, and wearing beyond nice outfits.
And from her shadowed, quiet location, dressed in resplendent white with silver draped over her body, a hat that leads her to appear like she had horns, and a golden mask over her eyes, Vivienne looks out over the soiree, waiting for the right moment. Her face is pulled into the most neutral expression she could manage as she waits.
All she knows of the newly-titled Herald of Andraste is from the latter's actions in the Hinterlands, gossip of her peers, and that utter debacle earlier today that was the Chantry clerics' summons. She would admit, openly, that she wants to join the Inquisition to get close to the people in charge and exert some sort of power over what happens next. Underneath it, though, part of her was insatiably curious to see Arturia Pendragon, the sole survivor of the Conclave and supposed Chosen of the Maker.
'She's fifteen years old. She's still so young. Perhaps I can help guide her.'
"Introducing the Herald of Andraste, Lady Arturia Pendragon."
However, once Arturia arrives, the girl's attire catches everyone's attention, and within a moment, people of great fashion-interest comes to Arturia in a mob-sort of like behavior, but with great interest and admiration to Arturia's strange wear.
Vivienne stares out as the young girl quietly steps inside the manor, looking about with subtle curiosity, dressed in the most severe looking suit the hostess has ever seen, and quite frankly having the look of an blonde Ferelden woman, and yet, oddly enough, pulls off the strange but very tasteful and somehow appropriate outfit that honestly looks rather good on her. With proper curtsey not seen in the kingdom one would assume she would born from, she holds her one silk black gloved hand in front of her, as she politely bows to anyone who bows their head in acknowledgement.
Madam de Fer couldn't help but smirk at the paradox the image her most esteem guest presents for all to see and be confounded at, more than added by her choice of clothing making her look more male than female. Handsome bastard.
She carries herself much more well than one would expect from her age, not at all showing the signs of stress Vivienne knew. Without feeling the least bit overwhelmed, Arturia takes their questions of her choice of wear, where she obtain such a unique thing, and admiration in strive. In the eyes of the nobles, she is a mysterious sir with manners surpassing their expectations, immediately believing her to be an individual of their class and questions persisted in what family did she hail from. Her Mark, which Vivienne couldn't help but stare at, glowed ever-so-slightly, illuminating her hand from underneath its conventional-looking cover.
Answering only politely and with great suave as if she is a king rather than the expected princess, one who has learned all that there needs to be at a gathering such as this, Arturia proceeds to make her way, no doubt in search for Vivienne, but then the young woman is intercepted by a pair of nobles who seem eager to speak with her, and while Vivienne couldn't hear what exactly was being spoken, it appeared to be civil coming across two individuals who has approached the girl and asks the reason of her coming, while also admiring her exotic yet simple wear.
One conversation leads to another, the topic of her Inquisition comes up, and carries on for but a few moments, until a very familiar and disdainful voice rings through the hall, catching the attention of all. Vivienne's lips curls into a scowl as she hears it.
All of a sudden, a man waltz right in, ""The Inquisition! What a load of pig shit." the Marquis scoffs, approaching the Herald, "Washed-up sisters and crazed seekers. No one can take them seriously." Arturia quietly side-steps as the man is about to push past her, and he continues speaking as he turns to face her, ready to duel. Arturia's facial expression remains neutral as possible as the man continues, "Everyone knows it's just an excuse for a bunch of political outcasts to grab power."
"The Inquisition is working to restore peace and order to Thedas." The girl responds coolly and immediately, looking as though she was about to say more when the man scoffs and speaks first.
"Here comes the outsider, restoring peace with an army!" The Herald doesn't move or react; she just stares at him, lips purses as he approaches. The Circle mage is please to see she isn't one to fall for his taunts so easily, clearly trying to bait her to bring some form of recognition unto himself.
Arturia looks to be just about done with this man as she resumes her way in search for the First Enchanter, who has been slowly approaching as he spoke, ready to cast her magic and froze the foolish man in place.
"Walking away? And here I thought knights weren't supposed to be cowards."
That puts a stop to the knight. In sync, Vivienne held back her spell, curious to see what will unravel.
"If you were really a woman of honor, you would answer to the charges."
Arturia turns around, silent fury clear in her emerald eyes, "...And how do wish for me to answer?"
He suggests a duel outside. Arturia accepts without hesitation, much to Vivienne's disappointment as she is revealed of the girl's temper. The Enchantress came to doubt if this girl is as she is cut out to be by the stories swarming all around Thedas.
Marquis had with him his two swords and tosses one of them for Arturia to use, jeering at her, outright questioning if she could actually wield, or even lift such a thing with her tiny hands.
His fate is sealed the moment he said those words, if Arturia hadn't mean to fight him seriously to prevent harming him severely as she clearly outclasses him, she will now.
To even call it a fight is to suggest the marquis had a chance in the first place.
In an astounding less than a minute, the knight had not only defeats Marquis, she'd even cut the belt around his trousers and it fell for all amazed bystanders to view and laugh at his humiliating loss, the whole building echoing throughout the capital for all to hear.
Vivienne certainly got her show at Arturia's victory and the Marquis' humiliation as the latter, at his defeat, tries constantly to keep his trousers up as he fled in shame. The knight returns to the party with applauds after her, and Vivienne decides to now introduce herself to her most esteem guest, making sure her accented, elegant, composed, and powerful Orlesian voice reaches Arturia's ears.
"What an interesting show you've given."
Arturia looks to the speaker as Vivienne steps down from the stairs, "Allow me to formally apologize for Marquis' behavior. Many chevaliers were chosen to compete for Markham, and he was not one of them. I suppose he had hopes to regain some pride by combating you, the Herald of Andraste."
"Normally, I wouldn't allow myself to easily accept taunts, but I will not deny the challenge against my knighthood, even if such decisions isn't the most wisest of choices at times." So she's more self-aware than what meets the eye, mm? Most fascinating, "You know who I am, but I know not your name."
"The court found it fitting to call me Madam De Fer." The mage of Riviani heritage says, her voice thick with honey and etiquette, "But you may call me Vivienne."
The knight did well to hide her surprise in meeting with the woman who had invited her, clearly never seeing a mage so clearly in control of herself, something that makes the hostess smirk slightly in pride. "First Enchanter of Montsimmard and Enchantress to the Imperial Court," Arturia lists off the titles before bowing her head respectively, introducing herself, "Arturia Pendragon, member of the Inquisition. Je suis reconnaissant de votre invitation à cette belle reunion."
Arturia speaks the Orlesian language surprisingly fluently, gently taking Vivienne's hand, a kiss being pressed at the top of her backhand as it is natural for one such as her properly raised to be an knight, to know what it means to act like a gentleman.
"You certainly are well-versed in manners, and someone who knows Orlesian as well," Vivienne comments, her intrigue in the girl going up a couple of notchs. Many people here would truly think that Arturia is a boy, but not only did her name reveal the truth of her gender, there were small hints that Vivienne need only to focus on before confirming that this is indeed a female. Interesting indeed...
"I'm rather pleased to have this meeting of ours be more lively than I anticipated. Come, let us talk somewhere more private."
Arturia follows Vivienne to an empty hallway, the activities of the party faint to their increasing distance as they move into the quiet corridor, illuminated only by a scant few candles, the moonlight streaming from an open window, and the light of the Mark.
"You need not worry of Marquis. His aunt will surely reprimand him. He has a reputation in causing commotions such as these, rest assured, this will be the last...unless you think he deserves a more harsh penalty?"
"He does not interest me," Arturia states flatly, her tone showing she couldn't care less what happens to the man. "I am here to answer your message."
"Indeed. This is simply not to make any pleasantries," Getting straight to the point, Vivienne starts, "With Divine Justinia dead, the Chantry is in shambles. No matter what rumors surrounds your group, I believe the Inquisition might restore sanity and order to our frightened people." She smiles wryly, "As the leader of the last loyal mages of Thedas, I feel it only right that I lend my assistance to your cause."
"So you still support the Circle, then?"
"I think you know as well as I what the alternative is, Herald. Mages wield a great power. It would be folly to turn them loose with no training. The Circle is a necessity that my fellows have unfortunately decided to turn their backs on. It's all quite foolish."
Arturia finds herself smiling before she can help herself, "I… admit I was not expecting you to think in such a way."
Vivienne waves her hand. "The mages have convinced themselves that their desire for freedom is worth more than stability and safety." The forgotten commandment that magic is to serve mankind comes to mind, and that spurs her to go even further, "The events at Kirkwall should have been denounced as an act of terrorism. By deciding to disband the Circles, they have essentially given their support for the destruction of the Chantry, and only given the people of Thedas more reason to fear them. Had they thought it through, they might have looked beyond their own selfish desires and realized the best thing for all, mages and non-mages alike, is the Circle."
"I agree wholeheartedly," Arturia replies, looking more than satisfied and relieved at Vivienne's genuine wish to bring order and peace, a look the dark skinned woman is glad to see increase at mention that there is support for the Circles, and when Vivienne reveals her many talents and commendable connection to the court that could prove to be immensely useful for the Inquisition, Arturia sees the truly most useful potential ally at hand.
After more questions, Arturia ponders for a long moment, and then comes to a decision, "The Inquisition will be happy to accept you as an ally, Lady Vivienne. Your skills and connection will prove to be invaluable."
Grinning at her success, the Lady of Iron answers, "Great things are beginning, my dear. I can promise you that."
"Then may I hope to see you see at our camp," Her suave returning, Arturia smoothly takes and kisses the hand of Vivienne again, "Jusqu'à la prochaine fois, Lady Vivienne."
Charmed much more than she thought she would be by this meeting, Vivienne responds, "I look forward for our time together, Lady...ou peut-être devrais-je dire, Sir Arturia?"
It is a...curious title. By the way the knight merely accepts the title, she seems to very much approve of it. Perhaps she should keep it then.
"So it's settled then. I'll have someone send for my things." Vivienne wrinkles her nose. "I suppose Haven's rather chilly this time of year, is it not?"
"You may want to pack shoes m'lady."
Somewhere, outside the village of Crestwood, Grey Warden Shroud is in search of someone, meeting them in a secluded place far from others.
He at last, meets the figure, hidden in cloak.
"I'm glad to see the rumors are true," the impressively mustached man begins, "Have you heard the Calling as well?"
"I have," The other man answers. "It had only came to me once I entered Orlais, but...something is very wrong here."
"Indeed. The Commander has been resorted to deal with an Tevinter Magister."
The figure is taken aback. "The situation has gone worse than I thought...I will have to stay then, put off my search until we can figure out just what is going on."
Shroud nods, "I certainly can't do this alone...I hope that we will unravel what is happening, before it's too late." Turning around, he leaves with parting words, "Until another time; Aeden."
Aeden Cousland nods under his hood, and briskly leaves the other way.
Translations:
Au Revoir: Goodbye
Je suis reconnaissant de votre invitation à cette belle reunion: I am grateful of your invite to this lovely gathering
usqu'à la prochaine fois: until next time
ou peut-être devrais-je dire: or perhaps I should say
A/N: Hello everyone! Thank you for you patience for this next chapter! I would like to make an announcement...
I am actually working on this story with another writer. Together, it makes the love and passion for this story all the more lively, but since I'm not personally that attached to AKTAI (A Knights Tale as Inquisitor), it'll be a while before I can post another chapter. We will be passing each other ideas and what not in where this story shall go, and I sincerely hope you readers will enjoy it!
Also, as you can tell, I will be switching to the POVS of every companion when they first meet Arturia, since I find it most interesting to see and write what exactly goes on in their heads when meeting someone like our dear King of Knights. Do tell how are we doing on that front so far and if there is anyway that it can be improved?
In addition to that, I do consider each Companion and Advisor a Foil to Arturia since I find comparing and contrasting her such a fascinating experience when I actually thought about it, much more than I thought I would. Do your own reflections of similarities and and differences, and let me know what you find when you do it, no need to be shy!
Please leave a kind and honest review! Have a wonderful day!
