More Hinterlands exploration and a little background info on our Herald. And of course more tension between our Commander and Herald.

Apologies, this chapter is a bit long! I got carried away and didn't realize.

—-

Chapter 3:

Lara was walking into a shitshow. They managed to secure the Crossroads by eliminating the templars and were able to reach Mother Giselle. The sight before her amazed her. Mother Giselle was convincing an injured templar to allow a mage to heal him and ease his suffering. It took some time but eventually the templar allowed it. Lara immediately felt unworthy and it pissed her off. She was least deserving of being a Herald. This was not in her nature especially where templars were concerned. She was almost tempted to ask Mother Giselle to be Herald instead and lead the Inquisition.

Solas's words kept repeating in her mind. "We can only restore order by securing an alliance."

He stayed up with her the first night when they set up camp. He sensed she was uneasy about what they were walking into and the responsibility she was given. Lara was grateful Solas was the sensible one in the party. She was going to need someone like that rather than relying on her impulses alone. Suddenly she thought she should be impulsive. Maybe they'll hate her so much, they'll kick her out and then she can be free. She shook her head and buried that thought.

Mother Giselle surprised her in so many ways. She wanted her to show the Chantry members the positive she can do rather than fear her. To do that, she'll need to go to Val Royeaux. A Mother who actually believes in her. It almost gave her hope that she was capable. If it meant buying them time and having the Chantry stop putting everyone against the Inquisition, then maybe this could work. At least she agreed to go speak with Leliana in Haven. That will make the advisors happy.

She set out to Master Dennet and he agreed to provide horses for the Inquisition if they rid the area of the wolves and set up watchtowers. His son Bron agreed to help the refugees as well. Lara bit her tongue after Solas gave her a glare and got to work on getting rid of the abnormal wolves first before marking where the watchtowers will go with Cassandra. They sent word back to Haven and Josephine got to work in utilizing her connections to get the watchtowers built. Her body ached but was relieved once it was all finished and the deal was complete. Plus it won her new support for the Inquisition. Maybe she could do this after all.

Cassandra ordered her to send a letter to Cullen so he knew to expect Master Dennet and his horses. Lara cursed internally. She was trying to distance herself from the Commander, not write letters to him. What was she even supposed to say? Trying not to overthink it, she scribbled what came to mind:

Commander,

Informing you that Master Dennet has agreed to serve the Inquisition. He and his family have left with their horses to Haven. Please accommodate them accordingly.

Your so-called Herald.

Letting out a groan, she wrapped up the letter and gave it a scout to send to the Commander. She already regretted her signature but it was too late. She really should have asked Solas to write it.

—-

Val Royeaux was even worse than she thought. The hold against her was strong and she felt like any second they were going to burn her at the stake. If only they knew how much she didn't want any of this. To be a Herald, to have this mark, to save people, to be a leader. She remembered she wasn't here to win them over, but to have them doubt their opinions. It would buy them some time to show everyone that they are here to save the world.

A letter sent by arrow caught her attention and she immediately liked whoever this Friends of Red Jenny were. She needed to investigate even though Cassandra was against it. Whoever this person was, they wanted to help. Everyone else hated or feared them, so why not work with any alliance they had?

Another invitation to meet Madame de Fer, also named Vivenne, presented itself via messenger. At least some good was coming out of visiting Val Royeaux. This was Lara's chance to make some connections and recruit some agents, especially those in higher places.

Lara also met with Grand Enchantress Fiona who advised to turn to the rebel mages for help with closing the Breach. Lara told her that was her first choice and if Fiona could help them. Especially now that the Templars seem to have betrayed and abandoned the Chantry, they seemed more unstable to her than the rebel mages. She could not and would not rely on the templars for this matter.

"Consider this an invitation to Redcliffe and meet with the mages. An alliance could help us both, after all." Fiona offered and Lara couldn't refuse. Especially since it would annoy a certain Commander.

—-

Lara hated the idea of going back to Haven. She would rather go straight to the Hinterlands and speak with the mages. Cassandra said they were summoned by her advisors to discuss and it would be best. Of course, Solas agreed. She figured it would be good to rest for a few days before setting off but really wanted to avoid going back.

Once settled back in Haven, Lara walked with Cassandra in silence to the War Room. As soon as they entered the Chantry building, Josephine stopped them.

"Glad you have returned. We heard of your encounter," She walked over to them.

"You've heard already?" Lara asked, confused.

"My agents in the city sent word ahead, of course," Leliana walked over to them with Cullen by her side. Lara felt her stomach knot.

Of course they did, she thought. Then they must know I'm going to meet the rebel mages.

"It's a shame the templars abandoned their senses as well as the Capitol," Cullen looked agitated.

"Well at least we know where they stand. Now we know how to approach the mages and the templars," Lara spoke, keeping her eyes on the Commander. He looked back at her.

"Do we?" Cassandra asked. "Lord Seeker Lucius is not the man I knew."

"He has taken the Order somewhere, but to do what? My reports have been…odd," Leliana shook her head.

"Or the Herald could simply go to meet the mages in Redcliffe instead," Josephine added.

Bless you Josephine. That's one advisor on my side at least.

"You think the mage rebellion is more united? It could be ten times worse!" Cullen turned towards Josephine.

Figures. The templars just abandoned their senses, are not following orders, and left the Capitol…and he's still defending them. Ex-templar my ass.

"Right now, your templars haven't given us much faith. We can't rely on them. The mages deserve a chance for us to see for ourselves. I'm going to meet them while you guys bicker amongst yourselves," Lara glared at him, her blood boiling.

Cullen turned towards her. His rich golden eyes melting her on the spot despite the cold look he was giving her. She wasn't going to let him get to her but she needed to put him straight. She couldn't help but notice the dark circles under his eyes seemed more prominent than last she saw him.

"I agree," Cassandra responded before Cullen could.

"We shouldn't discount Redcliffe. The mages may be worth the risk," Josephine added.

"If some of the rebel mages were responsible for what happened at the Conclave…" Cassandra started.

"The same could be said for the templars," Josephine sternly added.

Cullen let out a sigh and was pinching the bridge of his nose. Clearly this was frustrating him as much as it was Lara and that satisfied her.

"Alright. You've made your point. Right now, I'm not certain we have enough influence to approach the Order safely," Cullen said.

"Then we need more agents in more places. That's where you come in," Cassandra nodded to her.

"In the meantime, let's consider other options," Josephine started scribbling away leading towards the War Room.

Lara watched her advisors make their way and let out a sigh. That at least went better than expected. Leliana, however, stayed behind with her.

"There is one other matter I wished to discuss with you. Some months ago, the Grey Wardens of Ferelden disappeared. I sent word to those in Orlais but they have vanished as well. Ordinarily, I wouldn't even consider the idea that they are involved in all this, but the timing is…curious," Leliana spoke to her, almost hushed.

Grey Wardens weren't exactly Lara's area of expertise.

"I agree. That is rather odd," She responded.

"The others have disregarded my suspicion but I cannot ignore it. Two days ago, my agents in the Hinterlands heard news of a Grey Warden by the name of Blackwall. If you have the chance, please seek him out. Maybe he can put my mind at ease," Leliana asked, almost smiling.

Lara liked Leliana and if the other advisors won't help her then she would.

"What if he can't?" Lara asked.

"Then there is more going on than we thought."

—-

"Ah, Lady Trevelyan. May I have a moment?" She heard Josephine call from her office.

Lara felt an unwelcome twist in her stomach upon hearing her name. Solas had been helping her remember parts of her past she had forgotten since the destruction of the Temple of Sacred Ashes. Since this mark appeared on her hand. She nearly forgot her name and family but thanks to Solas and his visits in the Fade, she was piecing things together with him even if she didn't want to.

"That's me…" Lara said walking into her office.

"I'd like to discuss your parents," She continued, reading through papers on her desk and scribbling away.

"They're from a most illustrious family in Ostwick. Surely you know all about them already. You don't need me for that Ambassador," Lara rolled her eyes, really wishing not to discuss her parents or family. She was the youngest child and the only mage. She was sent away to a Circle while her siblings were allowed to stay. She didn't want to remember that part of her life but Solas deemed it important.

"It would be helpful to claim your kinsman as friends," Josephine looked at her sadly. "How should we approach them? Would a formal approach work?"

Lara sighed, knowing she didn't leave her family on good terms. She was rebellious as a child and it only became worse once her family abandoned her and put her into a Circle. They could've had someone train her in private and keep her magic a secret. She was their child, surely they should've protected her? Ostwick Circle wasn't the worst place to be but her family barely kept in contact after she left. Her parting words with them weren't so nice and she cut ties with them as to get back at them for abandoning her.

"With the Trevelyans, my presence is not welcome. Nor will it open any doors. They'll remain closed," Lara said bitterly, wanting to end this conversation immediately.

"I am sorry to hear. I will not press on the matter, but others will. Your lineage has been noted in Val Royeaux. It gives the Inquisition some legitimacy but not as much as we hoped," Josephine explained. "You are from Ostwick after all. Orlesians consider the Free Marches to be…quaint."

Lara scoffed. "Orlesians are just baffled Free Marchers governing themselves without an empress holding their hand."

Josephine looked up at her immediately. "A peasant may get away with the insult, but not someone of your stature. Speaking of which…I should thank you for your patience with your living accommodations in Haven are surely rough for someone of your birth."

"I could say the same for you Josephine," Lara smirked at her.

Josephine gave her a genuine smile. "One adjusts. I stay busy to keep away from our surroundings. And the cold. And the wildlife. And the lack of civilization for miles…" She let out a small giggle and then looked serious.

"I apologize again for bringing up your family. I wasn't aware it was a delicate subject for you. Leave it with me and I will see what I can do. I will not get you involved," Josephine concluded.

Lara was grateful that was the end of that. She gave her a weak smile and turned to leave her office and suddenly couldn't move. Cullen stood at the entrance, his golden eyes on her. Panic rose in her chest. How long had he been there? How much did he hear? He looked at her with pity or embarrassment. She couldn't decide. She looked back at him with fear and anger. She didn't want him knowing anything about her. The more she kept him at a distance the better.

"Ah, Commander. Did you need something?" She heard Josephine behind her and took that as her chance to run out of her office and out of the Chantry building as fast as she could without looking back. She wouldn't dare look back at him.

—-

Lara was relieved to get out of Haven again after a few days' rest. She avoided the Commander after their silent confrontation. She made way to the Hinterlands again with Solas, Varric, and Cassandra to reach out to Warden Blackwall. Hopefully he would have some information or join the Inquisition at the very least. Then it was off to speak with Fiona about an alliance.

Lara was relieved the Hinterlands was becoming safe. All thanks to the Inquisition. Her influence was helping and that was enough for her at the moment. Maybe the Chantry would even shut up if she was lucky. They finally found what looked like a Warden training some young men. Lara walked right up to him despite Solas opting for a more gentle approach since it seemed the Warden didn't want to be found.

"Blackwall? Warden Blackwall?" Lara called out.

The bearded man turned towards her and started walking her way. Lara wasn't going to back down though. She gripped her staff behind her just in case he attacked.

"You're not – how do you know my name? Who sent…" He started and a whooshing noise came from somewhere around them. Immediately, he put his shield up protecting them from the arrow aimed in their direction. He gave her a stern look behind his shield and she couldn't help but look at him in awe.

"That's it. Help or get out. We're dealing with these idiots first!" He barked while signaling to his trainees.

"Your call boss," Lara smirked at him while getting her staff ready. Solas, Varric, and Cassandra were already prepared by her side.

After defeating the bandits and ensuring the area was safe, Blackwall congratulated his recruits and advised them to go home. Lara admired his leadership and that same feeling of unworthiness creeped up on her. She wasn't meant to lead like he could yet here she was. She sighed, angry at herself for not trying harder to lead. Sure enough everyone else will see that she's not capable.

"You're not a farmer. How do you know my name? Who are you?" Blackwall started making his way towards her.

"Hmm, that depends. I've been called a lot of things lately by a lot of people," Lara answered back while placing her staff behind her.

"Well I'm asking. Stop dancing," Blackwall came closer.

"We are the Inquisition. We're trying to find out why the Wardens disappeared and if it has anything to do with the Divine's murder," Cassandra answered, giving Lara a look.

I wish people would stop being so disappointed. I can't lead…I'm not a leader. Maybe I'm the problem here. I think I need some etiquette classes from Josephine…I may have to ask her.

"Maker's Balls? The Wardens and the Divine? That can't…No, you're asking so you don't know," Blackwall started pacing.

Ha…Maker's Balls. That's a good one. Bookmarking that.

"I didn't know they disappeared. We do that though. No more Blight, job done, Wardens are then forgotten. One thing I will tell you: No Warden killed the Divine. Our purpose isn't political," Blackwall continued on.

"We're not accusing. Just needing information. So far we only found you. Where are the others?" Lara spoke up, trying to take the lead in whatever way she knew how.

"I haven't seen any Wardens for months. I travel alone, recruiting."

The same as me. I work alone. But I can't say that. Not in front of the others. Not as Herald.

"Do you know where they could have gone?" Lara asked.

"Maybe they returned to our stronghold back at Weisshaupt. In the Anderfelds, a long way north. I can't imagine why they would all disappear at once or where they would disappear to," He answered.

"How come you didn't disappear?" Lara was curious as to why he was here.

"My job was to recruit on my own. Planned to stay that way for months. Years even."

"Well you've given us nothing. Sorry to bother you, we'll be on our way," Lara started walking off and she could feel Cassandra and Solas burning a hole in the back of her head. Varric chuckled at her side.

"I like your plan Lucky. Make him beg," He told her and she gave him a look. Lucky?

"Inquisition – agent, did you say? Hold on a moment," Blackwall started walking after her. She smiled and turned around, her plan working.

"The Divine is dead and there is a hole in the sky. Events like these, thinking we're absent is almost as bad as thinking we are involved. If you're trying to put things right, maybe you need a Warden. Maybe you need me," He looked at her sincerely.

"Welcome to the Inquisition Warden Blackwall," Lara smiled.

"My lady," he said bowing, taking Lara off guard. "Perhaps I've been keeping to myself for too long. This Warden walks with the Inquisition."

"No need to bow. I'm not royalty, just a mage. Make your way to Haven. Our spymaster Leliana will be expecting you and no doubt wanting to discuss the Wardens," Lara explained.

Blackwall nodded and walked into his cabin to begin packing his belongings.

—-

Deep down, Lara had this nagging feeling that she was walking into a trap at Redcliffe. Her advisors also sensed it was a trap. Leliana said Alexius was so complimentary she was sure he wanted to kill her. Lovely.

Cullen straight out told her if she goes in there she will die. "I won't allow it," The desperation that sounded in his voice caused her stomach to flutter. She couldn't tell if it was because the only means to seal the Breach would be lost or because he didn't want her to die. She buried that feeling deep where she could never find it. Along with the dreams that he cropped up in. She stopped working with Solas in fear he'd discover her dreams about the Commander. She wanted to forget the way he looked at her when he said those words.

Lara should've known it wasn't as simple as just meeting with Fiona. It angered her because it would mean the Commander was right about not trusting. She buried that thought. They couldn't trust the templars either. No one could be trusted. Was she being blind by siding with the mages because she was a mage? Was she being selfish by fighting for her freedom? Was she not seeing the bigger picture? Solas reassured her there was no harm in negotiating but something in her was screaming at her. That she was throwing herself in the deep end with nothing to save her once she was in.

Fiona had no recollection of ever meeting her in Val Royeaux, much to everyone's confusion. Not only did she have no recollection, but she gave the rebel mages to Tevinter. Varric couldn't name anything worse than that and Solas…well, Lara had never seen Solas so mad. She could feel his energy and it wasn't a nice one. None of this made sense and Lara was beginning to realize something sinister was going on in the background. She could not trust a single word Magister Alexius was telling her. Her intuition was telling her he was corrupt. Something would happen to those mages and it won't be good. She was already in this trap so she might as well stop it. She couldn't walk away now and accept the mages in the hands of Tevinter. Or this man.

They were about to negotiate when his son Felix fell ill and secretly gave her a note. She realized now he was pretending to be ill.

"Come to the Chantry. You are in danger."

Well they were already ass-deep in this mess, as Varric put it, so why not investigate further?

They walked into a Chantry building, a mage stood before them fighting demons and a rift inside the building. Lara felt the unwanted pulling feeling in her arm, hating her connection with it.

"Good! You're finally here. Now help me close this, would you?" The well-groomed mage spoke to her.

Lara and her party got to work helping the mage destroy the demons while Lara focused on disrupting the rift. She couldn't help but notice this rift acted differently. Almost like it was warped. It took her longer to disrupt. Some demons were moving fast, others slow. Are the rifts different then? Once it was closed, she looked over at the mage.

"Fascinating! How does that work, exactly?" He asked in fascination.

"My friend Solas would be able to explain that better than I. I just point my hand at it and close it," Lara shrugged. "Who are you exactly?"

"Getting ahead of myself again, I see. Dorian of House of Pavus, most recently of Minrathous. How do you do?" Dorian introduced himself.

Cassandra made a sound. "Another Tevinter. Be cautious."

"Suspicious friends you have here. Magister Alexius was once my mentor. My assistance will be valuable – as I'm sure you can imagine."

"Where's Felix? He told us to come here," Lara asked looking around.

"He was supposed to meet us here after ditching his father. I'm sure he'll be here soon."

"Remind me why you're betraying your mentor…" Lara looked at him suspiciously.

"Remember the part where I said he was my mentor? Meaning he's not any longer. Not for some time. Look, you must know there is danger. You didn't need the note to tell you that. Let's start with the Magister claiming the allegiance of the rebel mages from under you. Almost as if by magic, yes?" Dorian started off. Clearly this guy knows his charms.

"Go on. I'm listening," Lara crossed her arms.

"Well you'd be exactly right. To reach Redcliffe before the Inquisition, Alexius distorted time itself," Dorian continued.

"That is fascinating, if true…and almost certainly dangerous," Solas replied.

"That rift you closed just now…you saw how it twisted time around itself? How it sped some things up, and slowed others down? Soon there will be more like it. Even outside of Redcliffe. The magic he is using is wildly unstable, and it's unraveling the world. What I don't understand is why he is doing it. Ripping time to shreds just to gain a few hundred lackeys?"

"He's not doing it for them," Felix entered the room from the side entrance.

"My father's joined a cult. Tevinter supremacists. They call themselves the Venatori. All I know is whatever he's done for them, he's done it to get to you," Felix looked at her concerned.

"I'm flattered…" Lara rolled her eyes. Felix let out a laugh.

"They're obsessed with you but I don't know why," He continued.

"You can close the 's a connection. Or perhaps they see you as a threat," Dorian added.

"If the Venatori are behind those rifts, or the Breach, then they're even worse than I thought," Felix continued, shaking his head. "I love my father but this…what he's doing…cults? Time magic? It's madness."

"Right…well considering there is already a hole in the sky, let's not have him rip another one through time. Do you have any suggestions?" Lara sighed, annoyed that this all went south so soon.

"You're his target. Expecting the trap is the first step in turning it into your advantage. Alexius doesn't know I'm here and I'd like to keep it that way for now. Whenever you're ready to deal with him, I will be by your side," Dorian nodded at her, making his exit.

"I'll be in touch," Lara called after him, ready to go back to their lodgings and call it a day. Tomorrow, they were facing a mad magistrate who was part of a cult and enjoyed fucking around with time for fun. Lovely.

Hopefully we don't wake up in a different dimension tomorrow.

—-

Apologies again for the long chapter. I wanted to fit it all in so the next chapter will be when they go through time itself. What Lara sees in the future is interesting and rocks her to her core.

We're starting to go away from the storyline and the next chapter will definitely as well.

Please leave a review if you're enjoying it!