"Home, sweet home," Announces Varric as he, Arturia, Cassandra, and Solas arrive at the stables within the freezing temperature and snowing atmosphere of Haven, ready to put them away before dispersing for the day, "Or own personal icy hellhole. Whichever one prefers."
Cassandra rolls her eyes at this as she mounts off her stead, "Yes, yes Varric: we are all fully aware of how undesirable the base of operations Haven is. Just when are you going to stop vocalizing it?"
"Depends: when do I get to stop putting on two pairs of undergarments when I go to bed at night?"
The trademark noise of disgust of Pentaghast is what answers him.
"Regardless, the situation seems to have gotten all the more precarious considering what happened at Val Royeaux and the things that have occurred during our stay there." Solas speaks up as he finishes securing his horse. The Rift Mage turns to Arturia, who already finished doing her own horse and is now petting it gently, much to its clear delight, "I believe you, Cassandra, and the others will discuss the Inquisition's next move, correct?"
"That is the course of action we will take as soon as we get to the War Room," The blonde knight confirms without stopping her caressing of her horse's mane while thinking over current events.
Although Arturia's confrontation with Lord Seeker Lucius at Orlais' captital did not leave the Inquisition with an impression that would have eased their way into any sort of alliance, her group has managed to gain sympathizers among the people in the city upon her open kindness to the fallen Revered Mother Hervara despite the woman's antagonistic greeting and damning accusations, after which making contact with the Mage Rebellion's leader as well gained recruits with exceptional reputation and skills - the strange but resourceful Red Jenny agent Sera, and First Enchanter Vivienne; once advisor of Empress Celene and esteemed mage supporter of the Circle.
After the group finish up with the horses, they disband as Cassandra walks with Arturia towards the Chantry building.
There, they see quite the commotion.
A crowd in front of the keep and two males - a mage and a templar respectively, yelling at each other, both looking ready to go at it as the argument quickly got fiercer and fiercer.
"Your kind killed the Most Holy!" Shouts the templar.
The mage brandishes his staff angrily, rebuking with just as much feavour, "Lies! It was your kind who let her die!"
The templar reaches his sword, "Shut your mouth you-"
"That's enough!" Commands a new voice over them, who is revealed to be Cullen, rushing towards the center and trying to keep the men from pursuing for the other's throats.
The templar's teeth grits, "But Knight-Captain-!"
"That is not my title," Cullen sternly tells the other man. "We are not templars any longer. We are all part of the Inquisition."
"And what does that mean, exactly?" An oh so familiar voice breaks out from the crowd. The people part slightly, and there Chancellor Roderick comes forth. His face carved with smug typical of his ilk at the sight of inner turmoil he had just viewed.
"Him again…" Cassandra snarls as she picks up the pace, with Arturia not far behind and sharing her displeasure.
From the way his face scrunches up at the sight of Rodrick, as does Cullen. "Back already, Chancellor?" The ex-templar commander said in obvious distaste at the older man, "Haven't you done enough already?"
"I'm only curious, Commander. As to how your Inquisition and its "Herald" will restore order as you've promised."
"Of course you are…" Cullen knew well that the cleric before him will take whatever chance he can get if it means to dampen the image of the Inquisition. He decides not to humor the man and orders the crowd to return to their duties. As the crowd dispersed, Arturia and Cassandra approach the spot where the two men are just as Cullen and Roderick begin to discuss the lingering tension between the Mages and Templars, and their hatred to each other heightened through the blaming of Divine Justinia's death.
"Which is why we require a proper authority to guide them back to order."
"And who would take that position, Chancellor? You? Random clerics who weren't important enough to be at the Conclave?"
"And you think we ought to rely on the rebel Inquisition and its so-called "Herald of Andraste?" I think not."
Said Herald decides then to speak up, "The Inquisition has proven it's legitimacy time and time again. I am fine if you will not see me as Herald, it does not matter what I'm called or how I'm perceived for the pathway I am taking, so long as I'm doing what must be done in order for all of us to come out of this as unscathed as possible. Can we not agree that restoring order is in both of our best interest? Would you not be so willing for us to set aside our differences simply to focus on helping the people?"
"Perhaps. I might give you some considerations, if your Inquisition would recognize the Chantry's authority."
"There is no authority until another Divine is chosen," Cullen points out bluntly.
"In due time. Andraste will be our guide, not some little girl."
'Haven't heard that already,' The knight thinks bitingly. It is clear that there is no getting through the Chancellor, and Arturia had to prevent herself from letting her eyes rolled in annoyance; something she finds herself doing alot more lately. Once the Chancellor leaves after saying his peace, Arturia and the two advisors enters the Chantry.
"We all heard what happened at Val Royeaux," Cullen informs as they walk. "What you just saw wouldn't be the first among these groups to disagree openly, this would be the few times it hadn't escalated beyond that."
Arturia nods in understanding. It isn't so surprising that despite the disastrous situation that is the Breach, it wouldn't be enough to stall any problems such as the Mage-Templar War.
"We had also heard some…rather interesting accounts concerning you at the capital, Herald. Accounts that I'm sure have spread outside of Val Royeaux by now."
Arturia blinks, "I see. Do you think I've made an impactful impression of some sort? Something that would gain others attention, but in a good way that puts this organization in a good light?"
"I'd say you've done plenty of it."
The articulate voice that is unmistakably Josephine's reaches Arturia's ears, but her sight of her history teacher is blocked by the sudden introduction of an rather large bag thrown against her. Caught off guard by this action, Arturia's form falls to the ground with a echoing thud with the heavy bag she clutches in her arms resting on top of her.
"You've sent me quite the paperwork, otherwise a great number of supporters interested in our cause after your speech in Val Royeaux," There is a hint of mischievous satisfaction in Josephine's eyes upon seeing the knight's downed state. A little, harmless payback after receiving the great influx of letters she just had to deliver to Arturia personally.
Arturia simply remains fallen on her back, recovering for a moment to properly process what she just heard from her current position. "…I've reached an audience then."
"That you have," Leliana, as always, comes from the shadows. "My agents reported what they've gathered from the capital. Verbal supports from the citizens themselves, and even some ex-templars are making their way here as we speak. There appeared to be quite a number of those who whole-heartedly agreed with your standpoint."
"It truly is a shame though, how much the Templars have abandoned their senses, and their capital," voices Cullen, making his bitterness and disappointment in his former order clear.
"But now we have the opening we need to approach the Templars and the Mages," Josephine brings up.
"I'm not so sure about that," Cassandra dispassionately said, still remembering very vividly what happened at Val Royeaux. "Lord Seeker Lucius is no longer the man I remember."
"True," Agrees Leliana. "He has taken the order somewhere, but to do what? My agents haven't been able to gather much and the reports that I do get are…very odd."
"Perhaps it is a safer bet to reach out the Mages rather than the Templars?" The antivan diplomat offers up.
"That may as well be the easiest to do. We met with the leader of the Mage Rebellion; Fiona," Cassandra tells, recalling the meeting with the elf. "She is willing to speak with us at Redcliffe."
Light dances in Josephine's eyes, "That certainly is an open door of opportunity."
"Even still, you think the Mages are more united? Their involvement could make this ten times worse," Cullen argues. "I think that there are Templars within the order who does not agree with Lord Seeker Lucius' actions."
"Although, I can imagine Arturia would rather not deal with the Templars, with what she had experienced firsthand and said at the capital," The spymaster looks at the knight still laying on the ground. "I suppose you would prefer speaking to the Mages then Hearld?"
"No. It is my wish and desire to speak with both members."
Her words surprises the advisors. Pushing aside both the strange looks and mailbag on her, the King of Knights sits up to properly repeat herself, "I wish to meet with both groups. If we are to consider the problem that is the Mages and the Templars, than it is important that we should hear both sides of their perspectives. Despite my words against the Templars, specially Lucius, I do believe they can be of use for the better of everyone. The Mages may also be a formidable ally, however, there's no telling what they wish for the Inquisition to do, perchance to say that if we wish for their assistance, we are obligated to meet their demands. We must know what either sides stand for and what they intend to do, and, if possible, that there can be a truce that will last until the Breach is dealt with at the very least."
The advisors consider her thoughtful suggestion, once again caught off guard by the young girl's professionalism despite her confessed feelings of the Templars; Arturia would not let it cloud her judgment and be blind towards the potential help the Templars could offer as well as the possible consequences of siding with the Mage Rebellion.
Cullen strokes his chin in thought, "That…would be a very reasonable approach the Inquisition can work for. However, to involve both groups is a feat only a miracle can grant. Especially after what you said to the Templars, if we are to consider walking towards that solution, you'll have to drag both leaders in kicking and screaming if you desire them to be in the the same room, and that's only if we can prevent either of them from killing each other when they meet face to face."
Arturia nods at the taller blonde's reasoning, "This wouldn't be the first time I would deal with such a matter."
"Are you sure? Will you be so willing to work with the Templars despite your opinion of them?"
Arturia considers this for a moment before responding, "I have worked with difficult people before, people I disliked for their means of reaching a goal or their personality. No matter our differences, I was always willing to work side by side with them for a common end."
There was Kiritsugu, the man who will do whatever it takes to win. Then there was Iskandar, his loud personality as well his open denouncement of her as a true king led her to deeply resent him, yet for his words, they had worked together and defeated the villainous and outright insane Caster who's mad plan involved the entire world. She was even willing to negotiate with the Tohsaka Master of Archer despite her absolute detestment of the golden Servant.
No matter what feeling she has towards someone or something, Arturia knows better than to let her emotions get the best of her when an important goal needs to be met.
"Even so, do you think that the Templars would even agree to meet with us after your denouncement of them?" The dark skin ambassador reminds, wondering what answer her student has to that.
"I didn't denounce them, Josephine," Arturia answers instantly. "It may have sounded that way, but I merely pointed out the contradictions of the Lord Seeker's claims. I planted the idea that they might not actually be living up to what their order stands for despite what they may say to others who see the clear truth in my words. If we nurture and spread that kind of influence already seeded inside the people, we can use it to make the Templar Order work with us. Whether or not they wish to, to not do so will not allow them to go on undamaged in the long run."
It is a silent moment that hangs over the room with all the advisors staring at her in stunned amazement. Arturia's subtle yet adept cunning that belongs to someone with a truly strategic mind, something that looks completely misplaced on someone as young as the emerald eyed girl looking back at everyone else in confusion.
Arturia for her part has no idea why all these eyes were on her, gawking at her. Is there something odd she said?
"I-I, uh….well, that DOES sound like something we can make happen," Josephine speaks up slowly, breaking the silence and finding herself re-evaluating the Herald of Andraste once again.
"I agree," Cassandra said all while eyeing the knight on the floor with a strange glint, "Looking into the Templars can also let us to discover what Lord Seeker Lucius could be up to."
"And there's no telling what the Mages might also be planning to do with the Inquisition," Although worth the risk, Josephine intakes Arturia's sound suspicion, seeing the reason for caution.
"Powerful as they are, they are more desperate than you realize," The Seeker answers, "and if there is a chance that the Mage Rebellion is responsible for what happened at the Conclave..."
"The same can be said about the Templar Order," Josephine argues.
"Right now though, if we do plan to meet both side, we have to figure out how either of them can agree to stay in the same room, and we need to have enough influence to approach the Order safely," Cullen claims rightfully.
Cassandra nods understandably at that statement, "Then the Inquisition needs agents in more places."
"In the meantime," States Josephine, "We should consider our options if we are to pull off this endeavor we are setting for ourselves."
As Arturia heaves the mailbag over her shoulder, the three of the advisors walk away, with Leliana remaining and waiting for the others to get out of earshot before she approaches the knight lifting herself off of the floor as she adjusts the heavy bag over her shoulder, looking curiously at the redhead in the hood directly in front of her, "There is one other matter, one I wish to discuss with you privately."
Leliana tips her covered head, and the two start walking towards the Chantry door, "Several months ago, the Grey Wardens of Ferelden vanished. I sent word to those in Orlais, but they have also disappeared."
Arturia slightly frowns. That would seem off, though she supposed Wardens weren't the easiest lot to track down in times that didn't heavily involve the evil and corrupt creatures that are called darkspawn, "The Grey Wardens…they are warriors with the purpose of dealing with Blights, yes?"
"Correct. Ordinarily I wouldn't even consider the idea they're involved in all this, but the timing is…curious. The others have disregarded my suspicion, but I cannot ignore it."
"If you believe that there is more to this, perhaps there is something to investigate," Arturia understands the Inquisition Spymaster's concerns. "How are we to proceed this?"
Pleased to be heard out, Leliana goes on to explain, "Two days ago, my agents in the Hinterlands heard news of a Grey Warden by the name of Blackwall. If you have the opportunity, please seek him out. Perhaps he can put my mind at ease."
The knight agrees, "Alright. I'll look into it the next time I leave for the Hinterlands. I'll see to it that your suspicions shall be answered to."
"Thank you Arturia. Should there be a chance that Blackwall may know something troubling…"
Leliana turns to the shorter girl, frowning in thought.
"... then there may be more than what we know to be going on."
Later in the day, Arturia heads towards the local tavern with the heavy mailbag over her shoulder. She wore her other outfit, the royally blue dress without her armor summoned, her hair in the kind of ponytail she has when she's not on a mission, that one strand of hair still managing to poke out. Indeed, she looks as every bit refine as she does look beautiful, causing eyes of others to follow her, wondering if that is indeed their Herald that usually had a more handsome look.
It probably would look rather strange that a teen such as her is heading for the bar where they should only serve alcohol, but she's been meaning to see the latest new recruits that just came in. Hoping to properly greet them even if she were not given the chance to say hello to everyone of them, but the effort to have herself familiar with the people is one she will happily take if she wishes to further stray from how she went about it in her original life.
"Excuse me."
A latin accent stops her, with Arturia turning to the speaker who is a…male? With short cut hair, and armor from torso to feet. He(?) speaks to her. "I've got a message for the Inquisition, but I'm having a hard time getting anyone to talk to me."
"And you are?"
The man(?) answers, giving Arturia an easygoing smile, "Cremisius Aclassi, with the Bull's Chargers Mercenary Company. We mostly work out of Orlais and Nervarra. We got word of some Tevinter Mercenaries gathering out on the storm coast. My company commander, Iron Bull, offers the information free of charge. If you like to see what the Bull's Chargers can do for the Inquisition, meet us there and watch us work."
The blonde knight tilts her head, "Interesting. What should I know about your commander?"
"Iron Bull? He's one of those Qunari. The big guys with the horns?"
Ah yes. Arturia has heard whispers of them here and there, but never seen or met one since they are one of the many things native to Thedas. The idea that a race of such creatures as them exist intrigues her.
"He leads from the front, he pays well, and he's a lot smarter than the last bastard I worked for," Cremisius continues on. "You're the first one he's gone out of his way to pick a side."
Arturia considers this for a moment, "Tell me more about your group."
And he did. As he explains and answers every question Arturia gives him, Cremisius having that pleasant unexpected surprise to meet with this teen's forward sense of professionalism and maturity. He honestly doubted the rumors of the great knight leading the Inquisition to be led by a girl who shares the same appearance as the one he is talking to right now, but there's no ignoring the respectable air this girl had about her.
Iron Bull might be on to something here, and he hasn't even met this girl.
After hearing everything, Arturia nods, "Thank you. We'll consider your offer."
"I appreciate it. If you do accept us, you'll find us the best there is. Come to the Storm Coast and you can see us in action."
With that, Cremisius leaves. Arturia will have to bring forth this news to the advisors another time, perhaps ask Cassandra if she has heard of this group or this man named Iron Bull. Well, there are now two things Arturia will be looking forward to in her first journey in the Storm Coast. As she makes her way to get to her planned destination, Arturia thought back on the man she met, and now understood how her knights must have felt when they first met the King of Knights in her younger years.
The knight proceeds into the tavern. Inside, people greets her, saluting her, and Arturia goes on to make small chats with them, though no matter how hard she tries to, failing to phase out of her professional stature and tone as they were born from habit. More or less accomplishing her task in getting to know the new recruits even a little bit, the blonde spots an available seat at an empty table, but stops at a soothing musical voice that fills Haven's tavern.
Arturia finds the singer, a female of short dark hair, in a light-wear clothing fitting for someone who is a bard. Quietly listening to the peaceful and hopeful song, the singer comes to the end of the music, greeting the knight with a soft smile.
"A pleasant song," Arturia compliments, "Might I know your name?"
"Maryden, my lady," The bard answers. "I would be happy to take requests from you, Herald. Is there a preference in a song you like to hear?"
"Another of what you have just sung would be nice. Thank you," After her answer, Arturia moves to sit at the empty table. Maryden began her next piece, and unbeknownst to the new denizen of Thedas , it was a very popular song, one very fitting for this time of age.
"Shadows fall, and hope has fled.
Steel your heart, the dawn will come.
The night is long, and the path is dark.
Look to the sky, for one day soon…the dawn will come."
Faintly hearing the song as some of the people began to sing along, while others chose to just simply listen and relax, Arturia opens the bag, and begins taking out and looking through a few of the letters Josephine had bestowed upon her, a few among the many. She had just opened one letter when a certain figure suddenly invites herself on the other side of the table and sits down, drink in hand. Looking up, Arturia finds Sera, the very peculiar blonde elf she had recruited back at Val Royeaux.
"So…this is it, huh?" The elf starts, wearing more casual clothes than last seen. "The main base for the Inquisition…I'd imagined it be bigger. Well, it's probably bigger for you?" She laughs out loud at her joke, "That be even funnier if you were a man. Right? Wasted."
Arturia silently twitches at the returning blow of her height, the Red Jenny invoking a feeling of déjà vu with her all too familiar personality, "This camp has been holding us so far, and we've managed to conduct our operations well enough."
"Nothing bad about it. It's fine, yeah? But I'm thinking if the Inquisition becomes more, it would need a lot of room. Stopping wars should earn more sovereigns than this. Need things back to normal for coins to be flowing again."
Arturia can see the reasoning in that, she concedes.
"Yeah," After taking a swing of her drink, Sera continues on, "And that's just another reason the Templars and the Mages needed to be sat down."
Arturia pauses her reading of the letter in her hand, raising both eyebrows at what she just heard, "The Templars and the Mages?"
"I know all that rubbish old saying: "Pick a side" and all that. Most people do that, but then most people are stupid," states Sera, nodding to herself at soundness of her own logic.
"You're saying you support both groups causes?"
"Not all the way. In the middle," Sera explains after taking another sip, "You know what I hear about mages? Nothing until one goes all demony. Know what I hear about templars? Nothing, until they take "Maybe-mages." They're too busy to look up where the real questions are."
"And that question centers around what's causing all this?" Arturia questions, beginning to see the taller girl's thought process.
"Maybe. I don't know," The elf rogue shrugs, "First things first, right? I help you, march-march-arrow-kick, then people stop being stupid, and everything starts to make sense again. Sound good to you? All touched lady Herald?"
Although the manners of this elf are rather…unorthodox, Sera could prove herself to be of great asset, and her views on the matters between the Mages and Templars is interesting. Arturia nods at her question, "We will need all the help that can be required, and I believe you will offer a substantial amount of assistance for our cause."
Her response is a brief raspberry blow, "I believe you will offer a substantial amount for our cause," Sera mimics, her tone completely mocking. "That sounds so stiff! You should take things around you with a bit more fun, you know? Like how your supposed to be."
Curiouser and curiouser. Sera is now utterly convinced that this young Herald is weird. So mature, and so upright and less like the typical headstrong teen that should be aiming to cause trouble or whatnot. Can't have that staying around for long, Sera had seen Arturia trying to make friendly with the new recruits and it was done so badly that Sera would have loved to laugh and sounded out her disgruntled cringe at the same time. Well, she'll have to see to it that this super serious phase of hers can be tampered with and thrown out the window, and THEN she'll see to it that this girl could have the kind of fun every kid her age should have.
Arturia blinks, and had begun to respond when Sera cuts her off quick, "First thing we got to focus on: all that "Herald" calling and crap? Yeah, we're gonna need to work on that. Anyway, I gotta go and do some things, see ya around Turi!"
After emptying and setting down her mug, the elf rogue leaves swiftly, leaving the speechless knight, baffled yet again by the Red Jenny agent, and the nickname she apparently decided to call the knight.
"…Things are certainly going to be more lively around here," Arturia deduces.
Still, she prays to God she doesn't make a habit of using "Turi". The King of Knights can do without people stupid nicknaming thank you very much.
In his own little house, one Varric Tethras, causing the papers over his desk to scatter all over the floor.
"Well isn't this just great?! This is what happens when someone talks about me behind back!"
After her conversation with Sera and finishing up reading ten letters, Arturia travels to the apothecary in Haven and is met with a rather bitter alchemist by the name of Adan. Despite his hostile attitude, when he did confess having a part in helping stabilize Arturia's condition after her leave through the Rift at the Conclave, she thanks him properly, and he seemed to ease up a bit, with only a curt response that she'll do whatever she can to fix everything that's happened.
The alchemist is an interesting man with a variety of knowledge in potions, Arturia learns from Adan by reading through recipes that offers well-established potions with impressive effects both defensive and offensive besides the standard healing. From grenades that have the ability to unleash all kinds of elements and effects when facing off against foes to tonics that can help restore, tone and invigorate systems in the body and the differences between them. It is then that she learns more about Adan, and his request to gather the specific ingredients following the recipes. Arturia accepts the task, and she leaves the apothecary.
If she could gather the ingredients needed for any of these potions to be made, this can and will improve the Inquisition army tenfold, not to mention, Arturia will learn quite a bit about making potions and take her first steps on a path she never thought would be open for her. This can be useful…
She should plan to leave for the Hinterlands soon, and ponders about bringing along Sera to see her skills first-hand. Now then, the recipes Adan gave her requires an item known as 'Elfoot'.
It's a wonder how many she may be able to gather and where she will even be able to find it…
So...apparently a certain someone made a TV Tropes Page for this story!
*Happy Dance*
In light of this, please go check it out and add on anything that can be added to that page as this story gets bigger!
