A few days later, Fae could be found at the Herald's Rest, sitting on a table cross-legged and involved in an animated conversation with Varric, shamelessly taking pieces from his lunch while he half-heartedly tried to shoo her away. Since her recent reunion with Hawke and a letter from the Hero of Ferelden herself, her dark mood had finally lightened, just enough to get through one day at a time. Varric was grateful for that at least, even if his current predicament did not imply as such.

"All I'm saying is that even if this Rivaini amulet- No—I draw the line at nuggettes, keep your hands off the nuggettes." He batted Fae's hand away from his plate. "As I was saying, even if it does eventually make its way to Skyhold, there's no guarantee that it will work. Cole isn't like other spirits, even Solas said he hasn't met anyone like him before and the man practically lives in dreamland or whatever. Hey!"

"Do you have a better suggestion? Because—" Fae stops to actually chew and swallow the now successfully claimed nuggette. "There is no way that Ellethir or Solas would agree to bind him with blood magic, and as far as we know, Cole's right- if the Venatori discover his existence they would absolutely try to use that to their advantage. And spirits are all about feelings. Even if the amulet doesn't technically work, if Cole feels more safe with it, then it could be helpful after all. Besides—Oh shit-" Fae practically felt the tell-tale clack-clack of Josephine's court shoes and she clambered off the table in a hurry. "Lady Josephine! Ok, before you start, yes, I helped, but when Sera said "bees in her bonnet" I didn't think she literally meant—"

"Seer, if you would allow me to explain first?" Josephine held up a hand and effectively quieted Fae. "I require your assistance. My apologies for interrupting, Varric."

"Not at all," Varric said mirthfully. "Please continue seeking Shortie's assistance so I have a chance of finishing what's left of my lunch."

Fae pulled a face at Varric but allowed herself to be led away by Josephine, following her out of the inn and towards the Great Hall. "What am I assisting with, exactly?"

"We had made arrangements for the Inquisitor to sit in judgement today- I was going to ask that you be present anyway as her primary advisor, as you have done before, but something has come up and she is currently unavailable."

"Has she left for Emprise Du Lion already?"

"No, no. In truth," Josephine lowers her voice, her brisk pace slowing for a few moments. "The Iron Bull has been informed that the Qunari are considering an alliance with the Inquisition. They also sent word of a Venatori ship attempting to land on the Storm Coast, and offered to lend their assistance in intercepting it, in a show of good faith. Therefore, time was of the essence- the Inquisitor has already departed for the meeting point along with The Iron Bull and his Chargers." Josephine read the expression on Fae's face loud and clear. "I imagined you might have some…hesitance, when it came to the possibility of working with the Qunari, given your past experience."

"Well, yeah. Bull is…not like most other Qunari I've met. And, in spite of their military prowess, Ellethir and Dorian both saw a future where the Qunari had not been able to defeat Corypheus' army, once it had defeated the Inquisition. So, as much as I'd like to pretend otherwise, we do need all the help we can get."

Josephine nodded. "The Inquisitor did say something to that effect. But, that is by the by. In light of this development, we require you as her right hand to sit in judgement in the Inquisitor's stead."

Fae stopped walking altogether. "What?"

Josephine stopped as well, spinning on her heel with that famed diplomatic smile. "We have spoken of this possibility before, Seer. You are a public figure now, and the Inquisitor has already declared that she will back all judgements you make in her name."

"Can we not simply wait until she returns for her to hear today's cases?"

"We cannot," Josephine said sternly. "I have made extensive arrangements so that our presence at the Winter Palace may be as effective to our cause as possible, and the Inquisitor wishes for all other ongoing matters to be settled before she leaves for Emprise Du Lion. We are already having to make do with one single council meeting on the subject of the Winter Palace, as it is. And besides, all of our," Josephine huffed, and then calmed herself with a deep breath in, and out. "Well-wishing visitors, and patrons, will be in audience to watch the Inquisition's justice in action."

"So…we're putting on another show for the Orlesian nobles."

"If you like."

Fae sighed. "Alright. Lead me to my doom, then."

The throne room had undergone a grand transformation since the Inquisition first arrived in Skyhold. Where there had been rubble, there were now thick crimson carpets with gold trim, and where there had been a stiff wind blowing through the destroyed back wall, there were now great stained-glass windows set into newly-laid stone. One depicted Ellethir being gently laid on the ground before the rift by a golden spectre of Andraste, and in another, Ellethir held a golden sword, facing a dark mass representing Corypheus.

The audience sat in pews along either side of the impossibly long carpets, separated by a barricade of heavy velvet ropes. And, in front of the windows, on a platform raised by a short set of steps, sat the throne itself, the grand jewel in the room's crown. The seat itself was gold-plated stone, with a shimmering gold-trimmed red velvet cushion and two padded armrests on either side to match. The chair's back was tall, and was carved into spirals of gold fire which partially enveloped a polished stone effigy of Andraste Herself, gazing up to the high ceiling imploringly with her hands outstretched.

Ellethir had sat in judgement three times, so far. Once, when the throne first arrived in Skyhold ready-made (it seemed that Divine Justinia had been planning for the reality of a renewed Inquisition for some time), and Fae had stood by her side, quietly discussing the cases before them that had not been addressed before the destruction of Haven. The second time was after they had returned from Crestwood, and the third almost immediately after their return from Adamant. Ellethir was tall for an elf, and her snow-white hair and pale violet eyes made her a striking figure. The throne convincingly looked as if it was made for her specifically, encouraging both the religiously fanatic and the wealthy in search of inspiration to see what the Inquisition wanted them to see: a practically otherworldly being, chosen by divine providence to mete out justice in an increasingly lawless world.

Fae, however, was not so easily impressed. She being short even for an elf, was convinced that her sitting on the throne would look ridiculous, like a child king or queen, decided by birth to rule but not yet ready to learn their letters. The audience already sitting and chatting amongst themselves did nothing to quash her nerves. Before she could step inside, Josephine put a hand on her arm.

"Seer," she said softly. "I cannot expect you to relax, nor would it be wise to do so, but you must at least appear confident. Remember, you are not just an elf, nor a mage. You are Lady Faellathi Tabris, family to the Hero of Ferelden, the Right Hand of the Herald of Andraste and Andraste's chosen Seer. You are blessed with Her Sight, and both Andraste's authority and the Inquisitor's is yours. Leliana's little birds have done their job well. You are a figure of controversy, yes, but also mystery. Convince them that they are the first to see you properly, that they are special just for being in your presence."

Fae swallowed, her mouth suddenly as dry as parchment. "Leliana did mention that you two knew each other as bards," she whispered back. "You must have been a good one."

"I was," Josephine smiled. "I'm certain that you would be, too. After you, Seer," she said, guiding Fae inside.

Fae straightened her back as all eyes turned to her. She walked as confidently as she could towards the throne, vaguely remembering Isabela's lessons about how to swagger. Her height, it appeared, would not be a direct issue- A small matching footrest now lay in tandem with the throne itself. She sat, adjusting her pose slightly to accommodate for the footrest, and doing her best to play it off as getting comfortable. Josephine's heels clacked contentedly behind her as the ambassador took her place to the left, ready to address the curious audience.

"Welcome, friends of the Inquisition," Josephine said brightly. "We are delighted that you have all taken an interest in our holy work, and that you have entrusted the Maker's justice to Andraste's Chosen for our common cause. Unfortunately , Inquisitor Lavellan has been called upon once more, and will not be in attendance. Therefore, her most trusted advisor, our Lady Seer, will be passing judgement on the cases heard today."

The crowd began to whisper amongst themselves once more, with one or two people standing up to leave, and Josephine cleared her throat. "All judgements passed today will be with the Inquisitor's blessing, and will be upheld. Let us begin. Lieutenant Dubois, if you would…?"

The first case brought in was mercifully straightforward: a farmer had lost half his herd of cattle, and nearly his own life, to the dragon in Crestwood, and had been promised recompense by the Inquisition soldiers who'd saved him. By the time he reached Skyhold, the Inquisition army had already left for Adamant, and his case had been pushed back by more high-profile cases during the Inquisitor's last time sitting in judgement. Fae agreed that he would be compensated as promised, and the man bowed awkwardly before being escorted out by the guardsmen. Not every case heard that afternoon was so uncomplicated, but it seemed to be going well- the murmurings among the crowd after each pronouncement did not sound particularly disgruntled, at any rate. It seemed, however, that Josephine had saved the most politically sensitive case for last.

Two guardsmen, one on either side, brought in a Grey Warden, hands bound, but otherwise in full armour.

Josephine stepped forward. "Another of the lingering pains of Adamant, Lady Seer. Ser Ruth is a senior Warden of the Order. She—"

"I was under the impression that no senior Wardens who were present at Adamant were still alive? Is that not why Haw—The Champion of Kirkwall is leading the survivors, for the time being?" Fae interrupted, leaning forward.

"Not quite, Lady Seer. Ser Ruth surrendered to Inquisition forces almost immediately after Lord Erimond turned on Warden-Commander Clarel. This Warden has been in the Inquisition's custody since our forces returned to Skyhold, and therefore has been…unavailable."

Fae frowned, thinking. "Why was Ser Ruth in custody in the first place? The Inquisitor has declared the Grey Wardens our allies."

"It is as you say, Lady Seer," Josephine conceded. "Ser Ruth was not the only surviving Warden who slit the throat of another to bind a demon, but she personally requested to be placed under arrest, and to be shown no mercy. She wants the public justice of the headman's axe."

"So, she has insisted on being treated as a prisoner, but still wants to decide her own fate?" Fae looked unconvinced.

"There is no excuse for my actions!" Ser Ruth blurted out, finally lifting her gaze from the floor to make eye-contact with Fae. "I murdered another of the Order! That blood marks me more than the Blight ever could."

The throne room buzzed with quiet mutterings which steadily grew louder as the audience shared their opinions with their neighbours; some disapproving, some with solemn respect.

Josephine raised a hand, and the whispers quieted. "It is important to note that, excepting their actions while thralls of Corypheus, many treaties allow Wardens any extreme, if it opposes the Blight," she reasoned.

"No," Ser Ruth said firmly. "I can't use the greater good to justify my crimes, as if it would create a future I could be a part of! It is wrong that this broke me. I've done worse with full sanction! I can do nothing, except be an example of the cost," she pleaded, voice cracking on the last few words.

Josephine looked to Fae, who was lost in thought, fingers drumming on one of the padded arms of the throne. The elf finally sighed, still staring absentmindedly at a tiny mark on the throne's arm, and spoke. "Those treaties you speak of, Lady Josephine, are to protect the Grey Wardens, even, as it seems, from themselves. Their purpose is to oppose the Blight, and it is known that the Order must continue to exist so long as the Blight remains a threat. Every Blight is a threat to everyone, and Grey Wardens are the only reason that each one the world has faced so far has been ended." Fae looked up, meeting Ser Ruth's gaze. "Ser Ruth, as a senior Warden I assume you know that if the Wardens ever fail to end a Blight, there will be no future at all, whether you would be a part of it or no. The amulet each Warden wears is a reminder of the cost of that future you protect, is it not?"

Ser Ruth looked thoroughly taken aback. "How did you know about tha—?"

"You will only answer questions, Warden, not ask them," the guardsman to the left of Ser Ruth rumbled.

The murmurs began again.

Fae caught one of the whispers from an Orlesian noblewoman just within earshot. "Perhaps these visions the elf is granted by Andraste have given her knowledge of secret Grey Warden business. How thrilling!"

"Poppycock. It'll be 'er cousin, the Warden, who told her everything."

"How? They've been across the sea from each other for years, and besides, the Hero of Ferelden would hardly have told a child about such things. Surely—"

Josephine raised her hand, and the crowd settled once more.

Fae tried again. "Then, you do have your amulet, Ser Ruth?"

"I—I do, my lady."

"Should you not check this one's telling the truth, Lady Seer?" A man called out in a broad Free Marcher accent.

The guardsman on the right of Ser Ruth went to check her neck, and Ser Ruth instinctively jerked away.

Fae's expression darkened. "That is unnecessary, guardsman. Do not overstep your duty."

"Blessed by Andraste or not, what a brazen attitude the knife-ear—!" "Shh!"

Fae paused while the audience chattered amongst themselves, then continued. "To murder a Grey Warden is to threaten their Order's success, and, by consequence, potentially threatens every living thing. The Inquisition's decision to oppose the Wardens in battle was a difficult, painful, risky choice for that very reason. It's also one of the reasons that the Inquisitor was doing her best to minimise the casualties- why the Inquisition sought you as allies even after everything the Grey Wardens have done to themselves, and could have done to others. If nothing else, we would be hypocritical to say the least by claiming that ordering our own soldiers to fight and kill Grey Wardens was necessary but your own order to do so was a crime."

Ser Ruth looked conflicted. "But I was not ordered, my lady. I listened to the Warden-Commander's plan and I agreed. I decided the sacrifice was acceptable. I ordered my subordinates to follow my lead. And now, all I can do is be an example one last time."

Fae considered her next words carefully. "Warden Ruth, were you ordered to join the Grey Wardens, or did you choose this path for yourself?"

Ser Ruth's expression was grim, but she nodded. "I chose it, my lady."

"And is it not true that your connection with the Blight will one day lead to your Calling, where you will go to the Deep Roads to finish your days fighting darkspawn?"

"That… is also true, my lady."

"So you have already given your life to the Grey Wardens. We cannot take a life that has already been given. Especially when it was given for the thankless task of protecting our own lives.'

"But—"

"Besides, you are already an example of the cost," Fae pointed out. "Your death is already predetermined- executing you would not be the lesson to your fellow Wardens you want it to be. If you want to send a message, send this one: whatever you are looking for; punishment, forgiveness, vengeance- you are looking in the wrong place," she emphasised. "If you believe you have wronged the Wardens, ask them for these things. If you've wronged the Maker, ask Him. Or Andraste," Fae patted the arms of the throne, then her voice took on a lower, more serious tone. "By the Inquisitor's decree, every Warden is welcome in the Inquisition. But we are not a pyre to throw ourselves on to absolve guilt. We mean to save Thedas, even from itself." Fae leaned back in the throne again. "Something the Grey Wardens have in common," she shrugged.

"Then, what is your judgement, Lady Seer?" Josephine asked, quill already poised on her clipboard to make a note of it.

"My judgement is that you shall live, Ser Ruth, for as long as your status as a Grey Warden allows. As a suggestion, I'd start with seeking out the Champion of Kirkwall and offering her your assistance. She will need it if she is to set the Grey Wardens to continue rebuilding the Order."

Ser Ruth bowed her head solemnly. "I will not lie to you, my lady, the task you have set for me will not be easy. But, as you say, I decided what my life would be for long ago. I will do my best," she bowed, and Fae motioned for the guardsmen to unbind Ser Ruths' wrists.

At long last, Josephine announced that the day's session of sitting in judgement was over, and the crowd gradually began to disperse. Fae stood up and stretched, relieved to no longer have all eyes on her. At least for a moment.

"You did well," Solas said approvingly, deftly weaving through the crowd to greet her. "I cannot say I would have made the same decision in the last case, but you demonstrated a natural aptitude for assessing a situation quickly and decisively, and deciding what needed to be done."

"Uh, thank you?" Fae couldn't tell whether to be flattered by the compliment or offended that Solas seemed to be surprised by her quick thinking.

"You are welcome."

"It felt…weird. Sitting up there with everyone looking at me. I have even more respect for Ellethir than I did before. Ugh, it was so awkward."

Solas laughed. "You did not appear awkward, believe me. I believe this was good practice for what is to come."

"What do you-? Oh. The ball. The fancy ball with all the fancy people." Fae groaned.

"Just so."

A/N: Hello! The next Main Quest/Big Plot Time is coming up and will probably be across multiple chapters, so it will probably be a little while before the next update 3

Also thank you Judy for pointing out the editing mistakes a couple of chapters ago ':D My fault for re-using character names for other stuff on the same day I was writing for this. But ily Judy you and everyone else's comments keep me going ^-^