Chapter 7
The Red Jenny of Val Royeux
The song featured here is the translated version of Mou Ichidou by Kokia.
As someone who is neurodivergent myself, I hope Riella is written alright.
One criticism I found some time ago now from my last editor is that the weakest part of my writing is the dialogue back and forth when multiple people are talking. He said he was going to help with suggestions but never got back to me. I will try my best as is without editors now. I have been doing rp a bit with people in FF14 so I hope some practice there in my writing will improve some of my writing in the future.
The reason why Riella and Quen's other sibling's name is not mentioned is well… to quote River Song: "Spoilers!"
Tbh I know some people don't like Sera, but as someone on the spectrum, I understand some of her way of thinking and honestly wished the game had a "I totally understand you!" option. This fic was my way of being able to allow myself that.
Thedas. The Free Marches. 9:41 Dragon. A few months ago.
Night had fallen, and Riella still had not returned to the camp. Quen sighed. Taking along a few strips of dried meat and freshly baked bread, he left to follow the trail that his younger sister had left behind.
Walking quite a distance from the clan, he found Riella sitting on a large boulder under the bright stars. Riella had her knees tucked to her chest with her head down while she rocked back and forth in place, one of her ways to calm down. Beside her were a few branches of freshly picked berries.
Climbing up the large rock, Quen settled next to his little sister. Taking out the bread and meat in his lap, he sighed. "I'm sorry for yelling at you."
Riella slowly lifted her head, wiping her runny nose. "I... I'm sorry too... I don't hate you…"
Quen smiled gently. "I know you don't. You were just upset." Breaking the warm bread in half, he held out the larger piece to her with a few strips of dried meat. Riella took the food in her berry-stained fingers and began to nibble on it.
After a few silent minutes of the two eating on the boulder in the light of the moon in the night sky, Quen decided to speak up. "Keeper Deshanna is sending me as a bodyguard for the Shemlan. They depart tomorrow morning."
Riella froze mid-bite in the meat, lowering it from her mouth. "Oh…ok..." was her only reply before she went back to eating.
Quen hesitated. He could offer to have his sister come along anyway. If he talked to their Keeper, she might let them. Riella didn't have to be at the Conclave itself, but she could travel with him nonetheless. It would be an experience for her-a chance to grow.
But something in Quen tugged at his heart. He would have to keep a close eye on his sister. Her magic was very erratic at times, especially when she got emotional. Their Keeper tried to help her control it, but it was often like trying to put a thin cloth over a pot of over-boiling water. Riella's magic was powerful, but she still had trouble keeping in check.
Quen missed his father. If only their father was there to help Riella. Keeper Deshanna did what she could, but no one could replace their father, Haleir.
It was safer to stay with the clan, away from any Templars who could easily be triggered by an inexperienced mage like Riella.
Riella then murmured in a quiet voice that Quen barely heard. "I miss them…" She picked at the crumbs on her lap. "I miss Mom and Dad…"
Putting his arm around her shoulder, Quen tugged Riella close. "I know... I do too." As Riella snuggled closer, he placed a small kiss on her head, just near the headband that their mother made for Riella.
Closing his eyes, he began to hum a song. Eventually the words of the song that their mom taught them began to form, and Riella closed her eyes as well and joined in with him.
Remember this song,
Until we meet again.
I'm waiting to see you once more,
Even if we're apart, I won't forget you.
This song is for you.
This love is for you.
When the two finished their duet, Riella blinked, looking up at the stars. "Hey, Quen?" He looked at her. "Do you think Mom, Dad, and... our little sibling are watching out for us?"
Quen patted Riella on the shoulder and smiled. "I'm sure they are." He then let out a sigh. "Riella, when I'm gone, I want you to take care of the clan. Focus in your studies and help the Keeper whenever you can." As Riella pouted, he let out a little chuckle, reaching out to tickle her nose.
Giggling, Riella looked back at her brother and nodded. "You take care too, Quen." She then hugged him tight. "Be safe, brother."
"I will." Quen promised.
xoxoxo
Present
The winter wind howled outside the cave as the cloaked hermit dwarf finished boiling the water for his tea. Picking up the metal kettle with his thick leather gloves, he poured the hot liquid into five wooden cups.
Carrying the cups on a tray, he laid his own next to the straw mat on the floor before walking over to the four pedestals in front of the mat. There was a different object on each of the platforms.
The first item was an old urn with a faded mark of the Chantry on it. The dwarf could feel a strong magical presence from the ashes within the clay vessel.
On the second pedestal, there was a wooden box with the Cousland Crest carved into it.
For the third item was another wood-framed box; this time one of the Dalish Crest was etched onto its lid.
The fourth and final foundation was a simple plain urn, holding the remains of the dwarf's friend who had passed just a few years ago.
For each marker, one of the cups of tea was placed. After finishing setting up the offerings to the stone platforms, the dwarf sat down on his mat and began to meditate.
Slowly opening his eyes, the dwarf felt the presence of his spirit friends appear from each of their respective items on the pedestals. "Things appear to be going well for them so far..." The spirits voiced their agreements before each speaking out their thoughts and what they had witnessed from afar. "It is expected that he'd be drawn to her, of course," The dwarf chuckled.
Suddenly, amidst his laughter, the dwarf broke out into a violent fit of coughing, his spirit friends moving around frantically around him as splotches of blood speckled his gloves. "It's alright …" He tried to reassure the four spirits. "I'm just old," He coughed again, more blood staining his beard. "My body was never able to adapt in this world well like the rest of you,"
When one of the spirits made a suggestion, he shook his head. "I cannot go to them now. It has not happened yet. If I show myself to her, who knows how it will affect the future?"
Once the fits had ceased, he let out a sad sigh before drinking his tea. "I may be old and ill, but I will last long enough for when I can reveal myself. I will still have enough strength to help them when the time comes."
xoxoxo
Val Royeaux. The capital city of Orlais and the Chantry. Quen had seen the city from afar when his clan passed by before, but being up close and walking amongst the towering, pristine white stone buildings was a different experience. He marveled at the Orlesian architecture that made up the metropolis. As the group walked down a long and wide avenue, Quen glanced at the various marble statues that aligned both sides of the walls.
Upon Josephine's suggestion beforehand, the Fae sisters all wore hooded cloaks the hide their animal ears and tails. Zyllian's horns were passed off as decorations while Eirai's rabbit ears folded on the top of her hair (Varric had asked if she was alright and she had replied that although her hearing was more muffled, it was no bother). Even with the four Elins disguised to avoid a greater amount of attention, many of the people had already recognized Cassandra and thus Quen as well and backed away in fear.
One of Leliana's scouts met up with the group, informing them that the Chantry Mothers, as well as a heavy number of Templars, awaited the Herald. Cassandra noted aloud that the people held onto a false hope that the Templars would protect them from the Inquisition. Eruno shrugged and skipped ahead of the others, making her way into the main marketplace.
In the center of the large square was a wooden platform, surrounded by a crowd. Atop the pedestal was one of the Chantry mothers, preaching aloud to the masses. Besides her, was a young, handsome dark-skinned Templar, his hand near his sword as he surveyed the circle of people. Eruno peeked her head through the gaps of human nobles, occasionally hopping on the balls of her feet to get a better look. Varric chuckled at the sight of the Elin jumping around while Cassandra rolled her eyes and made a loud, distinctive disgusted noise.
"People of Val Royeaux," The woman began in a loud voice. "Together we mourn our Divine. Her naive and beautiful heart was silenced by treachery!"
"Naive?" Eirai scoffed. "Seems as if some of the Clergy didn't view their leader in the highest of light."
"Many of the Priests were used to controlling the previous Divines." Cassandra answered, her lips curling into a small scowl. "Most Holy Justinia refused to be bribed by the gentry. They criticised her heavily for her liberal views."
As soon as their presence was noticed, the crowd parted, the Chantry mother turning her attention to Quen. "You wonder what became of her murderer? Well, wonder no more!" With that, she pointed directly at the elf. "Behold! The so-called Herald of Andraste! Claiming to rise where our beloved fell! And with him, he brought demons from another land!"
Loud murmuring broke out amongst the populace, all now focusing on Quen; the short hooded figures presumed to be dwarves that were part of the Inquisition.
"We say this is a false prophet! The maker would send no elf in our hour of need!" The disgust was evident in her voice now when she mentioned his race. Quen could almost feel the revulsion the shemlens dressed in their overly gaudy and fancy clothing gave him.
His hand curled into a fist. The last time he felt such hatred towards him was during the last Blight-from his father's clan years ago.
Outcast from everyone.
Despised for his very existence.
Shunned by all.
Anger began to rise inside him at an accelerating rate. Though his hands had gloves on them, he could feel a pulsing pain from the Mark on his palm. Erune noticed this and moved to grab his hand. Just as the clergy woman was about to spout more accusations from her mouth, Quen cut her off, ripping his hand from Erune's grasp, rage in his eyes. "I made NO such claim! I wasn't sent here by Andraste or your Maker!" Erune flinched as he stepped forward, challenging the Chantry mother. "I'm simply trying to close the Breach! It's a threat to us all!"
Cassandra, sensing the growing anger from him, immediately came to his defense. "It's true. We, the Inquisition, seek only to end this madness before it is too late!"
"It is already too late!" The Chantry mother jeered at Cassandra. "You Seeker dared to side with this elf, and those foreign people who claim to come from another world!"
"Well," Eruno countered back. "I honestly don't see any point in these silly hoods unless it's raining." With that, she flipped her hood back. Eirai tried to stop her, but it was too late. The rabbit Elin sighed and signaled for Erune and Zyllian to take off their hoods as well. There was no point in hiding anymore.
A loud gasp echoed throughout the plaza as the nobles took in the unnatural hair colors and animal ears and tails of the Elins.
'So it was true!'
'They look like children!'
'One of them looks like a demon!'
'Are they demons or monsters?'
The murmuring amongst the humans continued like a yammering flock of birds, an accurate simile to compare the well-dressed gossipers to. A few even dramatically fainted on the spot; whether it was acted out or not, Eruno evidently rolled her eyes at that. "Over-dramatic much?" She said aloud so the ones who were faking it could hear her mocking tone. Sure enough, a couple of the nobles made shocked gasps, some literally grabbing their pearly necklaces.
Sounds of armored boots drew everyone's attention to the side just then. A horde of Templars walked out, the large group responsible for the clanking noise from their armor.
Relief filled the clergy woman's face. "The Templars have returned to the Chantry! They will face the 'Inquisition' and the people will be safe once more!"
The sheer number of them was odd to say the least. There were too many for a simple patrol to break up a protest. It was as if the entire city force of them had come out. Quen noticed how the dark-skinned Templar looked confused the group.
At the head of the troop of Templars was a pale-skinned man, almost pale to the point of sickness. Although his complexion looked ill, the stern look on his face and the stiff military walk he held said otherwise.
"Lord Seeker Lucius." Quen heard Cassandra whisper under her breath. He remembered the Seeker woman telling him about this man. He was the Head of the Seekers of Truth Order, the military wing of the Chantry, and in turn, was responsible for supervising the Templar Order in the ongoing Mage-Templar conflict. The Divine had invited him to attend the Conclave, but he had refused, sending in a substitute.
Lucius ignored the Chantry woman as he stepped up onto the platform. As he walked by her, one of the Templars behind him suddenly grabbed the woman and punched her in the stomach. Nobles cried out in alarm as the Clergy woman fell over in pain, Quen and his crew surprised by such an exchange.
Just as the dark-skinned Templar moved to help the assaulted woman, Lucius patted him on the shoulder and forced him to stand up. "Still yourself. She is beneath us." He said with an eerie grin, shutting down his subordinate before he could protest. Quen was pretty much disgusted by the grotesque look Lucius gave. Compared to Cassandra, who was a righteous but kind and sincere woman, this man had an air of one who was overly proud of their power and position, one who loved to abuse such power and flaunt it.
As soon as Lucius looked at Quen, the Shem's smile grew even more. Quen saw a flash of recognition in Lucius' eyes, but Quen had never met or had seen this man before, until now. What he did know was this Shem was trying to show off. "Was that display supposed to impress me?" Quen asked as he crossed his arms.
"On the contrary," Lucius turned his full attention to Quen. "It wasn't for you at all."
"What. Was it for these gossipers?" Eruno said as a snide remark. "Cause I thought you're with those Chantry folks."
The head Seeker glanced at the Elins. Once again, another look of recognition, Quen noticed. "So, you four are the ones from the other world I see." A nasty chuckle came from Lucius's throat. "What a surprise…" The sarcasm was heavily evident.
Cassandra did not notice Lucius's strange behavior as she stepped up to him. "Lord Seeker, it's imperative that we speak with-"
"You will NOT address me." Lucius interrupted her, sneering as he walked past.
"Lord Seeker!" Cassandra insisted.
Lucius paused and glared back at her, scowling. "You started up a movement that is completely blasphemous to the Chantry, then you parade around a puppet as Andraste's prophet alongside with foreigner outsiders? You should be ashamed." He then swerved and raised his voice louder to be heard by the others. "You should all be ashamed! The Templars did not fail the people when they left the Chantry to purge the mages!" Lucius eyed back to Quen and Cassandra. "You are the ones who have failed! You who try to use fear and doubt to still our righteous swords! You came to appeal to the Chantry, you are too late! The only destiny here that demands respect is mine."
"Well, if you're not here to help your Chantry, then you just came here to make speeches?" Quen demanded.
"Me? I came out to see what frightened the old women so," Lucius looked at the Elins as he said this, instead of at the elf. "And to laugh."
"You got a problem or something?" Eruno snorted, tapping her finger on her other arm impatiently.
"Actually, now that I've finally seen the five of you in person, I am assured that the endless chatter about you is meaningless." To that, Eruno, Eirai, and Quen raised a brow.
The dark-skinned Templar gathered some courage and decided to speak up. "But Lord Seeker... What if they were really sent by the Maker? What if-"
"Do I really need to hear you questioning me, Barris?" Lucius growled out the name of his lower subordinate. Barris cowered at the immense authoritative aura his superior held. "Did you not hear my orders earlier to join up with the others? Instead, I find you here, acting as a silly bodyguard for a shrieking hag, whose only sole purpose is to continue to preach. Words do little in a time of crisis. Action is what the Templars do." He then turned to speak once again to Quen and the others. "I will make the Templar Order a power that stands alone against the void. My people deserve recognition and independence! You have shown me nothing, you, those silly little foreigners, your Inquisition, less than nothing."
With that, he departed, signaling to the rest of his order. "Templars!" He shouted above the noise of the murmuring nobles. "Val Royeaux is unworthy of our protection! We march!"
The sounds of the clanking armor picked up once again as the Templar Order (along with Ser Barris who took one look back at Quen's entourage before following after) accompanied the Head Seeker out of the plaza.
Varric shook his head as he watched the towering humans go by. "Charming fellow, isn't he?"
"Ehhh... I'd say he's got a golden statue of himself shoved up his ass, if you ask me." Eruno snorted, to which the Dwarf snickered behind his hand. Eirai shot a glare at her younger sister.
"Has the Lord Seeker gone mad?" Cassandra said with a mixture of anxiety and puzzlement in her voice. "He was always such a decent man. He never gave in to ambition and grandstanding. This is... very bizarre."
"Well, there went our Templar option." Eirai crossed her arms.
"We still have the Mages we can appeal to." Quen added.
Cassandra spoke up again. "Are you sure we should write the Templars off so quickly though? There must be those in the Order who see what he has become."
"I'm not so sure about that, Seeker." Varric said. "You saw those people. They don't seem to care what your Lord Seeker has turned into."
"I suppose so... either way, we should head back to Haven as soon as we can and inform the others. The Inquisition has procured some lodgings for our agents."
"Staying here, huh? This place reminds me of the cities back at home. Allementheia, to be exact. Full of snobby nobles and politicians." Eruno chuckled aloud.
xoxoxo
Zyllian's nose wrinkled in disgust. So many smells. So many people. It was stifling. But something wasn't right. There was a scent. Something she knew, a smell she was sure of. But it was muffled. She couldn't pinpoint the location or recognize what it was. All she could knew was that it was causing the hairs on the back of her neck to stand up.
If she tapped into the shadows, maybe she could...no, it would draw too much attention. Eirai was already keeping tabs on her. There was too much of a scene here already and using her powers would set off the Templars. Sure, the ones back at Haven were less on edge, but they still were wary of the Elin with the demonic horns. The ones here in the plaza were too many. She couldn't put her sisters in danger just for her own selfish gains.
The moment the Lord Seeker departed though, she noticed the scent became even more diluted and eventually dissipated. She looked in the direction the Templars had taken off to.
Who... just who was that man?
xoxoxo
The marketplace was quite a sight. There were rich merchants and vendors selling expensive spices whose smells wafted into the air, precious tapestries and bolts of cloth imported from Antiva and Tevinter, fine dwarven crafts direct from Orzammar (as the dwarven merchant liked to repeat over and over incessantly), and many more lavish goods fit for a wealthy city. Just as the crew was about to explore down the cobblestone road that cut through the stalls, an elf dressed in mage robes came forward. "If I have a moment of your time?" Her voice was thick with a heavy Orlesian accent.
Cassandra blinked at the elven woman. "Grand Enchanter Fiona?"
An elf Fiona was, and also a mage, a combination of two shunned types. She was the leader of the Mage Rebellion. Like Lucius, she was invited to negotiate about the war at the Conclave and like him; she had also declined and sent another in her stead.
"Is it not dangerous for you to be here?" Solas stepped forward.
"I had heard of the gathering here at Val Royeaux, I wanted to see the fabled Herald of Andraste and the young women from another world with my own eyes. I understand you are seeking help with the Breach. My Mage brethren would be a wiser option compared to the Templars."
Eirai raised a brow. "How so?"
"Lord Lucius showed little concern about the terrible incident that took place. His aspirations for greatness tell enough. It would not surprise me if the Templars were the ones behind the explosion at the Conclave and the death of the Divine. Such a move gives Lucius more freedom to pursue his own goals. I think he is the one who did it. More than I think you did, at any rate," Fiona looked at Quen.
"The Mages didn't want to speak to the Inquisition before. Why now?" Quen asked.
"Because now I've seen what you are. What the young women are. And I've seen the Chantry for what it is.
"The Chantry will do little to help you, and Lucius's own refusal to aid you leaves you at limited options yes? I am willing to step forward to lend a hand to the Inquisition.
"Consider this an invitation. The Mages and I will be waiting at Redcliffe if you care to discuss an alliance with us. Such an alliance benefits the both of us." The Grand Enchanter turned away. "I hope to see you there. Au revoir, my Lord Herald." She then walked away.
"To be honest, I prefer this lady over that pompous Seeker." Eruno said to Quen before stretching. "Anyway, let's get some food. I wonder what Orlesian cuisine is like?"
Varric chuckled. "Here Apples, let me help you find the good eats of this city. Come along Blueberry, you too." By now, despite being the shortest people of the group, the Dwarf and the squirrel Elin started walking at a fast pace through the plaza.
"S-sir Varric! Please wait!" Erune started to run after the two.
Eirai's rabbit ears twitched suddenly. She shouted to her little sister. "ERUNE!"
Just as the little Elin skidded to a stop, an arrow sliced through the air in front of her, embedding itself into dirt of the cracks in the stone tile. Erune squeaked in alarm as she fell back on her butt.
"Erune! Are you alright?" Quen ran to Erune and helped her to her feet. She nodded shakily.
"I-I'm okay…"
Zyllian was by their side in seconds, ripping the arrow out of the ground. "Someone sent us a message." She held up the arrow, a note wrapped to it by a red scarf.
xoxoxo
In a dirtied alleyway, far from the rest of the city populace and any prying eyes, Lucius waited, finally finding a place to separate himself from the exodus of Templars. They would still continue ahead to their destination and he would catch up after.
A set of footsteps caught the Lord Seeker's ears. From the shadows, the Enchanter mage elf, Fiona, stepped out. "How did it go?" He asked her.
The voice that came from the Enchanter's mouth no longer sounded like a woman with a thick Orlesian accent, but a mangled demonic mash-up of different voices talking at once. "The white-haired Elin seemed distressed by your presence, but not mine. As for the boy, he is an interesting sort. The Anchor seeps an interesting power. A mash-up of power from the Fade and the power from your world...it's intriguing to say the least. The magic from your world is much stronger than what I can gain from the Fade. It was... delicious…" She licked her lips, her mouth grinning abnormally wider than a normal human could. "I am very interested in what your world has to offer…"
"Indeed." The Head Seeker rubbed a hand across his face, allowing part of his glamor disguise to undo itself. "Once the Elder One has completed his plan, we will have unlimited access back to my world. You may thrive on the unsuspecting fools there."
"But... What about those girls?"
Lucius laughed as he moved his hand to don his mask of the Head Seeker back on. "I am not surprised that They were the ones sent here. They are no matter. Pests in the past, and pests now. I will take care of them after I'm done dealing with the Templars. Your invitation to the Inquisition was perfect. Felix should also be playing his part now. Now, there are other matters to attend to. Care to join me?"
Fiona's body began to morph itself into a Templar with a helmet covering his face. "Of course."
xoxoxo
People say you're special. I want to help, and I can bring everyone.
There's a baddie in Val Royeaux. I hear he wants to hurt you. Meet me at this location tonight at the third watch to talk. Bring swords.
Friends of Red Jenny
Eirai looked over the crummy attempt of a map from the arrow note once more. "Whoever this 'Red Jenny friend' is, their art skills are… unique... Eruno draws similarly."
Quen, Cassandra, Solas, and Eirai were the only ones who decided to look into the meeting with this unknown associate. The rest stayed back at the Inquisition's Val Royeaux residence. Eruno was completely passed out on the bed after stuffing her face on third helpings of delicious food Varric helped procure for their dinner that night.
Quen chuckled as he looked over Eirai's shoulder to see the squiggly lines with the occasional crude doodle.
Each landmark had a little comment or nickname for it, such as:
Fat Lady with yappy dog house (When they reached that part on the map, they overheard a dog barking on the other side of the garden fence.)
Ugly man who cheats on wife constantly house (The sounds of a woman moaning came from the windows of the bedroom upstairs; Quen heard Eirai murmuring to herself how thankful she was that Erune wasn't there to hear the racket. The poor Elin was very much an innocent child to such affairs.)
VERY PINK HOUSE (The name spoke for itself. It was garishly pink all over and stood out in the night sky of the city.)
They finally reached the location marked on the map. It was a generic wide open space between the buildings; the moonlight shining down to illuminate the area.
"No one's here." Cassandra remarked as they looked around.
The emptiness was short-lived however, as a group of mercenaries jumped out of the shadows, attacking the small crew. Quickly, Quen and the other three drew their weapons, ready for the fight. Their skills far outmatched the large numbers that the mercenaries and the ambush were over within minutes.
Just as Quen cut down the last lackey, Cassandra jumped in front of him to block a small fireball blast with her shield. Out of the darkness of the night, a nobleman stepped forth, his mouth curled into a scowl. "Herald of Andraste!" The Shem barked. "How much did you expend to discover me? It must have weakened your Inquisition immeasurably!"
"... what?" Quen looked dumbfounded. "I don't know you!"
"Enough!" The Shem noble waved his hand nonchalantly. "You don't fool me! I'm too important for this to be an accident!" If Eruno was here, she'd be rolling her eyes visibly by now. "My efforts will survive in victories against you elsewhere!" Striking a ridiculous pose, he turned to depart with his tail between his legs.
As he turned to head to the only exit behind him, the one remaining mercenary who had stayed behind to protect the egotistic noble fell over dead. Taking the dead man's place was a young female elf with shaggy blond hair and uneven bangs.
"Just say: 'What?!'" She snickered as she drew her bow.
"W–what is the-" The nobleman sputtered just before an arrow was shot right at his face, killing him instantly.
The female elf made a face as she lessened his battle stance. "Ew!" She remarked before strolling over to the dead nobleman's body to retrieve her arrow. "Squishy one. But you heard me right? 'Just say 'What''." Laughing, she nudged the dead corpse to the side. "Rich tits always try for more than they deserve. 'Blah, blah, blah! Obey me! Arrow in my face.'"
Quen had no words for what he just witnessed. He took a moment to blink. "Uhh…" Was all he could say.
"So, you followed the map well enough. Glad to see you're…" As the elf girl finally looked at him, she rolled her eyes. "Augh, you're an elf!"
"Is... that a problem?" Quen was utterly confused at this point.
"Just...don't be too 'elfy' to me okay? If you're one of them Dalish or what-not. Not my thingy." Made sense... sort of... some city elves didn't care about their ancient heritage. Quen had met a few in the past. Solas also seemed to somewhat fall under that category or at least, he seemed to be more critical about the modern Dalish customs compared to ancient ones. But like this elf in front of him, not all elves wanted to be part of such culture.
Quen was one of the ostracized few alongside his sister who wanted to learn about and be a part of the Dalish. If this elf didn't want to learn about such things, that was fine. He would respect that.
She shrugged. "Eh, well the important thing is: you glow right? You're the Herald thingy? The one with the girls with animal ears?"
"I... yes I guess? Though I don't use the Herald title myself." He then moved to the side to gesture to Eirai. "This is one of those women by the way. They are called Elins."
Eirai nodded to the female elf. Before she could open her mouth to speak, the elf girl shrieked in a tone that was both terrified and excited. "Andraste's tits! I thought those were for decoration-but they're fucking real?!" Eirai raised an eyebrow, surprised by the series of strange profanity from the elven girl's mouth.
"How do they work? Do you hear twice as much cause you have like, you know, human ears and animal ears? Do your animal features affect what you eat? You're a rabbit right? You eat meat? Do you have a tail? Can you control the movement of them animal bits? How'd you get your hair that color? Is it dyed or natural?" Quen was forgotten at this moment as the female elf archer began barraging Eirai with numerous questions. He looked at the Elin with a sympathetic look.
Eirai managed to keep calm through the series of inquiries. She waited until the female elf finally ran out of any more questions to ask.
Realizing she was the only one talking, the elf woman coughed. "You the quiet type?"
The Elin smiled. "No, I just was waiting until you were finished. I didn't want to interrupt. I can answer all your questions if you want. But first, could you explain who you are and who that man was?" She gestured to the dead nobleman to the side.
"Him?" The female elf glanced at the corpse and wrinkled her nose. "No idea. I don't know this idiot from manners. My people just said the Inquisition should look at him."
"Your people?"
"Yeah. My people people. Our group is called the Red Jenny. They tipped me off where those mercenaries' equipment were. I stole their breeches!"
Quen couldn't hide the amused smile on his face. This woman was very much like Eruno and his sister, Riella. "You really took those?"
She turned to him and laughed. "Ey, it's fun to tease those uppity people being paid by those richy rich nobles now and then."
"You were the one who sent the note right?"
"Yeah, that was me. Sorry if I spooked that little one with ya. She's one of them Elins too right? I saw that black tail stick up to the sky from where I was. Maker, those things are so WEIRD!"
Eirai's rabbit ears wriggled in response. "Is it an issue for you?"
"Kind of? I don't know. I don't like new things or different things, or elfy things. They're just... too weird for me…I don't know!" She threw her hands up in frustration.
The Elin nodded in understanding. "I can hide them if you so wish." As she said this, her ears and tail disappeared. Everyone around her nearly jumped in shock. "A simple glamor magic. Though it requires constant maintenance."
Solas interjected. "Wait a moment. If you could do just that, why did you even bother wearing the cloak?"
"My sisters don't know such a spell, and as I said, it requires a constant output of magic."
The elf girl's face turned disgusted. "Magic? No, no, no! That's just as weird!" Her brow furrowed. "Look, you don't have to hide what you are alright? I'm just…"
"Not used to it?" Quen offered.
She spun on her feet to face him. "Exactly!"
Eirai smiled and let her rabbit ears return. For a moment, Quen thought he saw the faint hint of a scar on the Elin's lips, but then it was gone; perhaps it was the light.
"Ya know, Herald of Andraste or whatever, you're a strange one. I'd like to join."
Quen thought for a moment. "Are you offering the Red Jenny services too? I mean, the Inquisition seems to be well equipped with enough 'people in high places'."
"Well, see it's like this, your people tend to be focused more on the big guys. My people, we look to the locals, the farmers, bakers, those who are being hurt by said big guys. We work in smaller areas and the works.
"So no, I'm not Lord Poncyfart, all ruffled. But if you don't listen down here too, you risk your breeches. Just like those… Look, I just want to get everything back to normal. Like you?"
Quen looked back at Cassandra. "While her means seem... unconventional, the Red Jenny 'friends' do seem helpful, especially since we will have enemies both high and low." The Seeker said.
"Cassandra is right. We can use all the help we can get." Quen held out his hand. "My name is Quen Lavellan."
"Name's Sera. No last name or whatever." She shook his hand back eagerly. "Can't wait to meet the rest of your crew and them Elins!"
Eirai chuckled. "I think you and Eruno will get along just fine."