The group stayed and rested, but only for a short time as they knew they needed to continue on to save the First Enchanter. Wynne was the driving force, with Cat helping though she didn't share why she was pushing them. Every so often she caught Duran looking at her questioningly, and she knew her time of silence was coming to an end.
As they reached the room where Cullen was imprisoned, Cat pulled Duran aside.
"I'd like to stay here with him," she said, nodding towards Cullen. "Perhaps I can give him hope that his suffering is almost over."
"That's fine with me," Duran said. "But what's the real reason?"
Cat smiled an embarrassed smile. "I may be more of a hindrance than a help for this one," she said quietly. "I'm not quite ready for abominations and pride demons." With that, she turned to let the others know that she would be staying behind.
They all accepted readily, and headed towards the stairs to the Harrowing Chamber, Duran giving Cat a last glance.
"Still here?" Cat heard Cullen ask himself quietly. "What form have you taken now demon? You will not tempt me with beauty, I will overcome!" His voice growing stronger as he gave himself courage.
"Hello," Cat said quietly, as she sat down on the floor in front of the cage of light, facing him. "I know it seems like demons and visions or whatever, but we are actually here to destroy those." She settled in, getting as comfortable as she could. "I know things have been horrible for you, but once my friends kill Uldred, you will be free again."
"No more!" Cullen whined, squeezing his eyes shut, and massaging his temples with his fingers. "I cannot chance to hope, I cannot take the disappointment when it is revealed to be false!" he moaned.
Cat wasn't sure how she could help, she seemed to be making it worse. So she did what she always did when trying to calm her nephews down; she sang. Granted, she felt silly singing children's songs to a templar warrior, but she figured if it worked for a three year old, it should work for him too. Especially when keeping the melody quiet and the rhythm slow.
Cullen froze as he heard her begin to sing, trying to keep the foul words away, but found himself slowly relaxing. Was she singing about a star? This was unlike anything the demon had done before. He stiffened again in worry before realizing something. He had never heard this song before, which meant that the demon could not have pulled it from his mind to torment him. All too soon, she was finished and went silent.
"Again, please," he asked, practically begging. Cat opened her eyes, and saw that Cullen was much calmer, looking almost relaxed.
Perhaps she was helping after all. So she began again, "Twinkle twinkle little star…"
It seemed like an eternity, but the cage holding Cullen eventually dispersed, and she crawled forward to him. She stopped before touching him however, as that could be disastrous.
"Are you… okay?" she asked. "You are free now." She let the words hang in the air, watching him, worried he may not be truly calm. He opened his eyes slowly, and she gazed into them and smiled warmly.
"You are… real?" he asked. "I thought I was dreaming," his voice slightly slurred as he was exhausted.
"Not this time," she replied softly. "The nightmare is finally over," she was sorry as soon as she said that, as he stiffened in response. She scooted back slowly, wanting to give him room and knowing that anything could set him off. They both looked up to the stairs as the door opened, and her friends emerged, followed by several others she didn't recognize supporting First Enchanter Irving.
"You were successful," she said, though she kept her eyes on Cullen.
"Yes," Zevran came up behind her. "The abominations have been purged."
"There is no way of-" Cullen began, stiffening again.
"Would you like to join us?" Cat asked loudly, interrupting Cullen's tirade. "We are heading back to the templars, and we can assist you if you'll allow it," she added motioning to herself and Zevran.
"T- the templars?" he asked, confused and hopeful at once.
"Yes, let us help you, Ser," she replied.
"All… all right," he said. "Can you sing some more?" he asked, and Cat flushed as Zevran smirked at her, delighted with this new knowledge.
"Perhaps later, but let's just focus on walking right now, okay?" she answered, knowing she would never be able to sing while helping him down the multiple staircases.
Cullen and Zevran both gave her pouting looks, and she almost burst into laughter at the sight. "Come on boys, let's get downstairs," she said moving to Cullen's left side, and placing his arm over her shoulders, while Zevran took his right side. Slowly, they helped him walk and they descended through the tower until they were finally at the great doors.
The others had been quicker, so that the doors were already open when they got there, and a few templars ran over to take Cullen from them, and help him to a cot. One templar even stopped them to thank them, and Cat recognized him as one of those that had given her the most trouble earlier.
Cat took a moment to stretch her sore arms and back, noticing that Duran was in a conversation with Greagoir and Irving. She figured they would be leaving soon for Redcliff, with mages coming to join them soon after.
Zevran came up and put his arm around her shoulders, and asked conspiratorially, "Now, Little Dove, point out these consoling templars for me, if you would be so kind."
Cat laughed, and moving away patted his arm in sympathy. "Not this time," she said. "But you can come with me to the quartermaster. I need to pay him for my new weapon, and reclaim something of mine."
Many hours later, and one more boat ride across the lake, Cat found herself in camp with the entire party in front of a large fire. She breathed a huge sigh of relief, finally able to truly relax now that they were out of the tower, and away from the templars.
"I still can't believe I missed all the excitement!" Leliana said as she prepared dinner over the fire.
"I can't believe you actually helped those… sheep" Morrigan sneered in reply, "It would have been much better to simply leave them to their fate."
"And how glad I am, that you are not in charge Morrigan" Wynne said as she walked up to sit next to Cat. "I much prefer being alive and not possessed after all" she quipped with a wink at Cat and Leliana.
Morrigan gave a sound of disgust, and turned away. Cat remembering suddenly the book in her pack, called out. "Morrigan, hold on, I have something for you!"
Morrigan turned back, impatient and cross but Cat could see the curiosity in her eyes as well. She opened her pack and walking over, handed Morrigan the wrapped book. "I hope I grabbed the right one," she said as she walked back to the fire.
Morrigan opened the parchment, and looked at the tome in surprise. "Mother's grimoire? But, how- how did you know? I did not have a chance to speak of it to the Warden." Cat was surprised to see Morrigan so flustered, and it in turn made her flush.
"Well, I just found what looked like a book of magic, so I grabbed it for you," she said trying to play it off, but seeing Morrigan focus harder on her.
"You grabbed a random tome that had to have been somewhere locked away, and thought, a woman I have hardly spoken to would like that?" she asked incredulously.
"Well, when you put it like that…" Cat trailed off, uncertain of what to say. She hadn't thought about the repercussions, only that Morrigan wanted the grimoire.
"I think I can answer that," Duran interrupted, and everyone turned to face him with looks ranging from confusion (Morrigan) to dread (Cat).
"It's simple really," he continued. "Cat knows much more than she has told us."
Cat looked at Duran, her heart beating erratically, unsure of how to proceed. To have survived through the tower, to now be left behind, or worse have Sten kill her? Zevran didn't believe her, why would any of the others?
"It's all right Little Dove, just tell them what you told me," Zevran said behind her quietly. Raising his voice he addressed the group. "You may not believe what you will hear my friends, but I assure you, it is the truth." He then sat down and gave Cat a go ahead gesture with his hand.
Cat stared at Zevran, a guarded expression on her face. This was new. Did that mean he believed her now? What had changed his mind? And, if he did believe her, would the others?
Cat looked around again, too nervous to say anything, mouth opening slightly but no sound coming forth. Duran took pity on her, and tried to start the conversation.
"I mean, it's pretty obvious Cat," he began. "Firstly, we've never had to explain anything to you, not about who we are, or where we are going. You don't ask any questions, you just already understand what's going on."
"Second, you knew about Wynne before we had even entered the tower," the others including Wynne all looked at her in surprise "and you knew which book in an entire tower full of magic books was Morrigan's mother's." Duran's grin grew as he spoke, seeing the increasing look of angst on Cat's face. He gave a nod to Zevran, passing the conversation on to him.
"She also knew about the contract for your heads before it was announced to the Crows," Zevran added helpfully, and had Cat glaring at him.
"How?" Wynne asked. "How is this possible?"
"You must have been touched by the Maker," Leliana said reverently. "A kind of Oracle sent to help us!"
"What?!" Cat gasped, "No. No no no. That's not it at all." She kept shaking her head, hoping to dissuade everyone to forget that Leliana had said something so ridiculous.
"So explain it then," Morrigan demanded.
Cat sighed, knowing there was nothing else she could do at this point. She turned to Zevran and begged, "Just don't let them kill me, okay?" before turning back to the group and starting. He kept her eyes down at her hands, as she didn't think she could say it all if she looked at them. "Like I told Zevran, I'm not from Thedas…"
"How can you not-"
"Let her get it all out, Morrigan" Duran interrupted. "Then you can ask questions." He ignored the scowl she sent his way, and nodded to Cat to continue.
"In my homeland, there is an epic tale of adventure, humor, romance, what have you. It is the best story I have ever heard, for many reasons." Cat took a deep breath, and continued before she lost her nerve. "There were many characters, but it began with a man named Duncan," she paused as she heard Alistair's sound of surprise. "He had been recruiting for the Wardens in many different places."
"He didn't have much time, so he took his newest recruit to Ostagar, where the King's army was gathering." She noticed that everyone was focused on her, enthralled in what she was saying.
"The army went out to fight the darkspawn, but due to a horrendous act, their plan was never fulfilled and most of the wardens, the King and even Duncan lost their lives. The remaining wardens were saved, and set out to gather a new army to fight the blight. They travelled to many places, gathering allies of dwarves, elves, men and even a qunari to join their cause. Mages, rouges and warriors, even an assassin," she smiled at Zevran and he smirked back, "joined together to destroy the scourge upon their homeland."
"Is.." Cat interrupted her own tale as she could smell something burning. "Is your food done, Leliana?"
"Oh!" Leliana moved forward to take the overcooked ram off the fire. "Sorry everyone," she said, looking at her failed dinner.
"It is still better than Alistair's" Sten murmured.
"Hey!" Alistair griped, while the others snickered.
"Let me see if I am understanding correctly," Morrigan began coming back to topic. "You have somehow been told the story of the blight, of all of us, before it has happened? And you somehow travelled here, to Thedas, and became part of this same story?" She rolled her eyes. "You do know how preposterous that sounds, yes?"
"If I may add something," Zevran said before Cat could reply. "When I first met the little dove, she told me that I was not real." He smirked at the memory. "In fact, she was quiet convinced that she was dreaming."
Several looked to Cat for confirmation. "That- that's true," she admitted. "I imagine it would be something akin to waking up one day, and being introduced to Andraste," she turned to Duran, "or Endrin Stonehammer," she said. "It took some time for me to believe I was actually here."
"So," Wynne ventured, as the others began plating out their dinner. "If you know this story, you know how it ends?"
Everyone stared back at Cat at this. "Well, yes and no," she answered. She took in the disappointed looks and scowls. "I mean, I know that it ends with the archdemon defeated." She saw a few hopeful looks return. "However, I don't know who kills it, or how. One thing you need to understand about this story, is that there are many versions."
"Many versions?" She didn't even know who asked that.
"Yes, because of choices made," she said. "One time, the story started with Duncan visiting a noble family by the name of Cousland. They were besieged by enemies, and only their youngest child escaped, with Duncan's aid. That child was recruited into the Wardens and became one of the two surviving that ended the blight."
"Instead of me," Duran said, glaring at his food.
"Yes," Cat responded. "I have heard many different versions, so I cannot know what happens here. Some things were the same each time, such as the companions that joined," she nodded at Wynne. "And the blight was ended in each one," she added seeing Alistair with a hopeful look on his face.
"That's good news for us then," Duran quipped. "Be sure to share any other good news you can remember."
"Wait, you… you believe me?" Cat asked, astonished. The others stopped their eating to look at Duran.
"I don't think you are lying, even though I don't understand it all, and it seems pretty far-fetched" he replied. "Probably wise not to mention it to anyone else though," he said with a smirk.
With that, everyone dropped it, and continued to eat, starting new conversations. Cat watched as Morrigan went to her tent with her food and new grimoire.
Leliana called out, "Cat, if you want to eat, you should hurry! These Wardens will finish off whatever is left!"
That snapped her back to reality, because she was starving. "Don't even think about it Alistair!" she said fiercely.
She grinned at the astonished look Alistair suddenly sported.
After dinner, Cat was staring into the fire, lost in thought when Leliana came and sat down beside her.
"I've been thinking," she began and Cat looked up. "And I have a few questions, if you will indulge me."
"Go ahead, though I cannot promise any answers," Cat replied.
"Fair enough," Leliana consented. "Firstly, if you are not from Thedas, how did you come to be here? And will you be returning home?"
Cat gave an uneasy smile. "I'm not sure, to both" she said, then elaborated. "The last thing I remembered, was going to bed in my pajamas at home. When I woke, I was fully dressed and found myself in a strange place, finding out later that it was Antiva." She frowned as she continued. "I don't know how I even got here, or where here is in relation to home, so I have no idea how I would get back, or even if I could."
"Oh," Leliana breathed out softly. "I am so sorry for you, though I cannot help but be glad that you are here." Cat looked up questioning, and Leliana giggled. "Is that so hard to believe? That we have enjoyed having you along with us?" she asked.
"Actually, yes," Cat admitted with a smile.
"Well, it shouldn't!" Leliana stated, then lowered her voice so only Cat could hear. "Especially the Warden, he has always seemed so burdened down. True, there is much on his shoulders, but he has seemed lighter since you and Zevran have joined us."
Cat smiled. "Yeah, Zevran has that effect on people," she said.
Leliana giggled. "Yes, he does," she agreed. "But not only that, if you haven't noticed, our wardens have a bit of an issue when it comes to helping people."
"An issue?" Cat asked, curious.
Leliana's smile softened. "They want to help everyone," she said. "And it eats at them when they cannot. Helping you, has eased that burden somewhat as well, and I thank you for it. Part of me feels that perhaps you have been sent to us."
"I… I don't know what to say," Cat stammered.
"There is no need to say anything my friend," Leliana replied. "Now, secondly," she said leaning back and speaking more clearly, "if you are not sure how long you will be staying here with us, we should give you some sort of back story. Otherwise, you will be questioned everywhere you travel, and your answers will not satisfy. That could lead to trouble down the road."
"Very true," said a voice behind her.
"Zev!" Cat gasped as he had snuck up on her again. "Don't do that!" she punctuated this with a slap on his shoulder, as he chuckled.
"It appears we must revisit some lessons," he drawled and had Cat groaning as she remembered their travels to Fereldan.
"I have to be on guard in camp?" she asked dramatically.
"Always be aware, Little Dove. Always," he replied as he sat down facing her, next to Leliana.
"As I was saying," Leliana continued with a grin. "I'm thinking perhaps your home was destroyed by the blight, or maybe the daughter of a noble who has run away-"
"Why a noble?" Cat interrupted with a frown. "Everyone assumes that, and I don't get it. Do I act rich and snooty?" she asked irritatingly.
"No my dove," Zevran answered. "It is more how you look than how you act."
"How I look?" she asked. "I look just like everyone else here," she said, looking down at herself. "I mean, these are common clothes aren't they?" she asked. She had simply taken the clothes Zevran had procured for her in Denerim, and hadn't thought that they may make her look noble.
"Yes" Leliana agreed. "But it is not just how your wear the clothes, it is also your hair. It is longer than most commoners, well past your shoulders and so thick and shiny too," she gushed. "Your skin is smooth, and your hands are not calloused," Leliana grabbed her hand, and Cat could feel the deep callouses she sported in comparison to her own hands.
"Not to mention, you are very healthy," Zevran added with a large smirk. "The clothes simply show it. It is no wonder you gain attention every where we go."
"What? Healthy…" Cast gasped as she understood. "Did you just call me… fat?!" her hand covered her heart as she practically swooned. This was not happening.
"Fat?" Zevran asked Leliana.
"No Cat," Leliana tried to calm her. "He is saying your body is pleasing to look at."
"What? Oh…" Cat breathed a sigh of relief, then glared at Zevran. "For future reference, a better term is curvy," she said making an hourglass shape with her hands.
Zevran grinned at her. "I will be sure to not make the mistake again, darling" he purred. "Your curvy-ness is very pleasing… just so you know."
Cat tried to stay calm, but she felt her face flame red. "I'd prefer to not gain any attention, if that is possible," she told Leliana.
"We will have to go shopping," Leliana's eyes lit up as she said it. "But I am certain we will find clothes that will help you to appear more common, if that is what you would like."
"Yes please," Cat urged, glaring back at Zevran as he continued to chuckle.
"My dove, I so enjoy the lovely flush you get when I tease you," he said smoothly. "But I think I should retire." He gave her a wicked looking smirk before saying innocently, "would you perhaps, sing me to sleep?"
Cat winced as Leliana grinned at her. She watched Zevran chuckle as he started walking away, and before she could blink she had pulled off her tennis shoe, and thrown it at his back. She gave him a smirk of her own, when he turned back, rubbing his shoulder where it had struck him.