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“Where is she? That girl is never where I need her!” Cassandra said with an exasperated sigh.She walked through the Chantry in Haven, her brow furrowed as she thought of the places Evelyn could be. “Have you checked the stables?” Lileana asked. “Since Horsemaster Dennett joined us, she’s taken a special interest in the horses.” “I will check there.” Cassandra replied. “Get everyone to the war room. I’ll be back momentarily.” Cassandra walked out the doors into the cool air. She looked at everything they had accomplished over the last month. The tents were filled with people seeking refugee from the chaos of the land. Her eyes also constantly wandered to the rift in the sky. The large green rip in the abyss almost seemed to be looking back. Taunting her. She scowled at the rift and kept walking. She needed to find Evelyn. That girl was always missing. Cassandra still had a hard time trusting her, as much as she wanted to. They had met in less than ideal terms when Evelyn was accused of killing the Divine. Evelyn kept to herself and was very quiet when she first arrived. The girl in question was still shrouded in mystery. No one knew what happened that day, or how she walked out with nothing but the anchor. Cassandra had asked her question after question, being received with short answers and fear. The day Cassandra dragged her out of the ruins of the conclave, Evelyn was terrified. A small, husk of a woman with tears in her eyes and no memory of what happened is all that was left in Evelyn. All she knew was that Evelyn was a Trevelyan. Josephine knew of the house and had information about Evelyns family, although none of it seemed to match the way Evelyn presented herself. She lacked the gentry that usually came with nobility. ”Hey Seeker!” Varric shouted.The dwarf was sitting on a log in front of the fire by his tent. “You look like you’re wound tighter than normal”.”We need to hold a council meeting and I can’t find Evelyn.” Cassandra replied with a huff. “Oh. All business and no pleasure for you.””We don’t have time for pleasure Varric.” She snapped. “Maybe if you realized that, you would take this more seriously.” She scowled again. “I do take this seriously.” He replied. “If we all scowled all the time, this place wouldn’t really be a Haven, now would it?” Cassandra ignored his remark and kept walking towards the gates. “She’s at the stables!” He yelled. “ And stop scowling! One of these days your face is going to stay like that!”’That man is going to be the death of me’, she thought. She made her way through the gate and saw Evelyn in the stable grooming the horses with Dennett. “Evelyn!” Cassandra called out from the bottom of the steps by the gate. “The beasts can wait. You’re needed in the council room.”“I was afraid of that.” Evelyn said quietly to herself. She set down the brush she was using and turned away from the horse, plastering the politest smile on her lips she could muster. “What can I do for you, Cassandra?” She asked, striding towards her. “We need to discuss Val Royeaux.” Cassandra replied. “We need to decide on a course of action. We’ve been going back and forth on this for too long.” “Of course.” Evelyn agreed. Evelyn hated council meetings. All of this responsibility was thrown at her with little choice on her behalf. She wanted to do the right thing, but she was still unsure of her place in the Inquisition. Still unsure of her strengths and how much she could actually bring to the table. Still unsure if she was actually ‘The Herald Of Andraste’. So many people had put so much faith into her glowing, green hand, and she had no idea what to do with it. Important decisions that change the fate of the world rested on her shoulders. As she approached the gate, Commander was leaving the training grounds, heading to the war room. “Commander,” Cassandra greeted him. “Seeker Penteghast. Herald.” He said with a nod. She felt uncomfortable around most people in the Inquisition, aside from Varric. Out of everyone though, she was most uncomfortable around Cullen, and he seemed to reciprocate the feeling. He was used to leading armies and giving orders, and seemed very comfortable in his role. She however, was now in a position of decision making that she wasn't happy to be in. Cassandra and Cullen seemed completely in their element, both walking with purpose, and deep in discussion about their own views on how the Herald should take on Val Royeaux. As she followed behind them, she stared at the faint green, glow across her hand. The only evidence from the day the Divine died. Cassandra looked back from her conversation with Cullen and fell back to speak with Evelyn. “Does it trouble you?” She asked, gesturing to the mark. “If it wasn’t enough to close the breach, what good is it?” Evelyn replied. She was still figuring out how to use it, but was able to successfully close small rifts across the Hinterlands. She was told she was able to seal the breach with the mark, but had failed. ”You did everything we asked of you.” Cullen assured. His tone a little softer than before. She hadn’t noticed he had stopped a few feet away from her and Cassandra and was listening. “It still didn’t work.” said Evelyn, clutching her fist and unsuccessfully hiding the glow. ”What’s important is the mark is now stable.” Cassandra’s face had softened as she spoke. “You’ve given us time. And Solas says a second attempt might succeed. Provided the mark has more power. The same level of power used to open the breach in the first place. That is not easy to come by.” “What harm could there be in powering up something we barely understand?” Evelyn scoffed.”Hold onto that sense of humour.” Cassandra replied. "You may need it in the days to come." They opened small door to the war room. It was a dimly lit stone room with a table in the center. Small metal pieces littered the map covering it, and candles illuminated what they could. Josephine, The Inquisitions ambassador, was standing ever ready with her parchment and pen while Lileana was leaned over the map, deep in thought. Cassandra, Evelyn and Cullen took their places around the table. “I see you located her.” Lileana remarked coolly, not taking her gaze off the map. “Yes. She was at the stables, as you said.” Cassandra replied. “Never distrust our spymaster.” Josephine added with a smile.“Anyways,” Cassandra said, pursing her lips changing the subject.Evelyn didn’t know much about Cassandra, but she knew she didn’t like not being in control at all times. It suited The Seeker. She was always down to business.”I was just saying, we need to get more power to the mark to seal the breach for good.” “Then we should approach the rebel mages for help.” Lileana replied, leaning back off of the table and crossing her arms in front of her. ”And I still disagree.” Cullen replied. “The templars could serve just as well.” “We need power Commander. Enough magic poured into that mark-“ ”Might destroy us all." He said, cutting her off. "Templars could suppress the breach, weaken it so””Pure speculation.” Lileana interrupted. “I was a Templar. I know what they’re capable of.” Evelyn broke up their back and forth. "This arguing is getting us nowhere. After the incident in Val Royeaux, we need a solid idea. Atleast now we have something to work with on both sides.” “What do you suppose we do Herald?” Lileana asked.Everyone in the room looked at Evelyn, waiting to hear her answer. She looked at her council, taking in their opinions and forming her own. She ran her hands through her dark brown hair, pulling it back to the back of her head. After a moment she let out a breath. “I think we should contact the Templars. Although Leliana and Josephine make excellent points, I am inclined to agree with The Seeker and Commander.””We must approach the lord Seeker in Therinfall Redoubt. Convince him to bring the Templars out of exile.” Said Cassandra. “If we present a plan to seal the breach, the templars may ally with us.” “First we must prove ourselves the more attractive prospect.” Lileana added. Josephine spoke up. If there was one thing she was well versed in, it was nobles.”If it’s status the Lord Seeker seeks, The Inquisition will approach him after allying with the noblest houses in Orlais. They’ll come with us to therinfall and demand the Templars help close the breach.” “You believe that will work?” Evelyn asked.”Even the lord Seeker will find it difficult to ignore so many nobles on his doorstep.” Cassandra added. Leliana gave Cassandra a smile of approval.“Yes, especially when lead by the Herald of Andraste.”Cullen’s face twisted to a scowl. “With respect, after his appearance in Val Royeaux, hang What the lord Seeker thinks.” he barked, slashing his hand through the air in front of him. That was the first time Evelyn had ever heard him say anything of an insubordinate nature. It was out of his character to say anything negative about The Templars, no less their leader. Then again, he wasn’t a Templar anymore. He was the Commander of The Inquisition. ”We do not need the lord Seeker. We need his Templars, with or without his approval. The breach will not wait for our differences to settle.” Cassandra agreed.”Then it’s settled" said Evelyn decisively. "Josephine, you do what you need to do to get us contact with as many nobles as you can. When we have their support, we can go from there.””Yes, lady Herald. I’ll send word at once.” Said Josephine, now writing like a madwoman. You could see the wheels turning in her head. ”Excellent.” She said. “I’ll ready myself. Let me know when we have our support and what I need to do.””Of course, Herald.”Evelyn left the room and through the Chantry. She pushed open the doors and the bright sun shone on her, blinding her momentarily. She rubbed the bridge of her nose as she headed towards the gate. The war room always gave her headaches. The stress of responsibility, and the unknown weighed heavily on her mind. As she came up to the stables a smile grew on her face. She grabbed a saddle and threw it on the horse she had previously been grooming. Evelyn put her foot in the stirrup and pulled herself up. She pulled the reins and turned the horse around, galloping off down the road. She thought of nothing but the movement of the horse under her and the wind whipping her face. She rejoiced in these rides, and the horses did too. Her mind always felt clearer after ride. It was her escape when she was at home. Her moment to get away from her family and the expectations. She rode up the road and across the field to the other side of the lake. Evelyn pulled the horse up next to the water and dismounted.Looking into the water, she scooped some up and had a drink, then wiped her face. Her mind that was empty from the ride was now filling up with the events from the war room. She stayed out there for hours, mulling the plans over and over again in her mind. She was throwing a dagger at a stump, which was now reduced to roots and mulch. “Should we get back, girl?” She asked the horse, stroking its mane and neck. She pulled herself back up on the horse and took a slower route back to Haven. When she returned to the stables she resumed her earlier grooming. Taking the time to miticulously brush the dust off of the horse. The sun was starting to go down and her stomach was growling. With her mind elsewhere she had completely forgotten about eating. She put the brush down and gave the horse one last pat. As she approached the steps she saw Cullen out of the corner of her eye, ever vigilant, training his new recruits. In the training grounds he stood strong and confident. His back straight, his chest out, and his hand rested on the pommel of the sword on his side. There wasn’t any doubt why he was a commander. He was yelling orders at someone and barely noticed her walk up. He did a double take as she approached him. “Commander.” She greeted. “May I speak with you?” She asked.“Of course Lady Herald” he replied. “How are the new recruits?” She asked, trying to break the ice. “We’re getting more and more everyday. Locals from Haven, and some pilgrims. None made quite the entrance you did.” She didn’t know if that was a joke, or a snide remark. He was so hard to read.”Well I’m glad I’m making an impression then.” “You continue to.” he said, his eyes still avoiding her and scanning his recruits.“I just hope I can help.”He finally turned his head to make eye contact with her. “As do we all. It’s enough that you would try. I know you don’t take this responsibility lightly. This is a stressful time for all of us. Always work to be done.” he said, reassuringly. “I’m still getting used to this.” She said, gesturing to everything around her. “I’m not used to being a decision maker.””I can understand that.” He replied. “But we need you. And we trust your judgement. You’ve brought us this far.””It wasn’t exactly a choice. Or more that I had few choices.” “We all have a choice. You did have a choice, and I have faith that you will continue to make the right choices, whatever they may be.” She looked at his amber eyes and she saw sincerity. It was a different pace from the awkward commander she had known. “So what was your choice? How did you end up here?” Evelyn asked. “I was recruited to the Inquisition in Kirkwall. I was there during the mage uprising. I saw first hand the devastation it caused. Cassandra saught a solution. When she offered me a position, I left the templars to join her cause. And now it seems we face something far worse.” “I must have this mark for a reason. It will work.” “Provided we can secure aide. And I’m confident we can.” “So you really think the templars are the way to go?” “If you need insight on what the order is doing now, I’m afraid I can’t offer more than you already know. Anything else, I will answer as best as I can. But yes, I really do think they’re our best chance.” he assured. ”Thank you Commander. I appreciate your input.” She said with a warm smile. “I’ll let you get back to your training.”“Lady Herald,” he said with a quick bow, excusing himself back to his recruits. She walked away feeling like she had made some progress with Cullen. That was the longest conversation they had shared together outside of the war room. She headed back up to the gate to go to her quarters, where she had hoped food and rest would be in her itinerary. Entering her room she noticed on the table was a plate of food and a bottle of wine waiting for her with a note. -HeraldDidnt want you to starve to death on us. I also thought you might enjoy a bottle of my finest home brewed wine. -Varric She put the note back on the table and smiled. She had missed having a drink, and with nothing to do now but wait, she could finally have some and unwind.'I will have to thank Varric', she thought. The one friend she had who just treated her like a person. Not just the Herald. Then again, he was used to being around saviours. She had heard many stories he shared of the Champion of Kirkwall. Evelyn removed her gloves and daggers, placing them on the table before sitting and removing her boots. The leather straps kept the boots tight up to her knees, and it was a relief to peel them off and let her sore feet have some breathing room. She opened the bottle and poured some of the wine into her goblet and took a sip. It was bitter and made her face scrunch up, but it was Varrics thought that counted.She picked up her fork and began eating the various delicious things on her plate. The meat was succulent, albeit, cold. It appeared it had been placed there’s long before she showed up. The potatoes were roasted to perfection with various herbs and spices. The gravy was starting to congeal, but was still delicious. She used her bread to wipe the last of the food off of her plate, and sat back in satisfaction. Eating was always took a backseat to the other responsibilities of being the Herald, so she was happy that when she did eat, the food was made by excellent cooks. She took off her armour and pulled on her most comfortable tunic made of fennec, ready to wind down for the night and get some rest when she heard a knock at the door. She walked past the table and grabbed her goblet of wine, taking another bitter sip before opening the door. A scout was standing in the dark holding a lantern, simultaneously struggling to keep a grip on several scrolls. “I’m sorry to bother you Lady Herald,” she apologized.”Don’t be. I’m not bothered.” Evelyn replied. “What can I do for you? Is everything alright?” “Yes, Of course my lady.” The scout assured. “I was told to let you know the letters have been sent. We should hear from the noble houses within the next few days. Also, Commander Cullen would like you to meet him at the blacksmith tomorrow morning." “That’s strange.” Evelyn said, raising her eyebrow. “I just spoke with the Commander when he was training. Why didn’t he say that then?””I’m sorry Herald, I’m not sure. I was just told to come and tell you.” the scout shrugged. “Oh. Thank you.” She replied with a warm smile.”Then enjoy your night my lady.” The scout said, bowing and running off to her next assignment. Evelyn closed the door and walked back towards her bed. She crawled into the bed that had been calling her name since she finished her supper and curled up under the blanket. She laid there preparing her thoughts for the days to come and thought back to what the scout had said.Why didn’t the Commander say anything to me? What could this be about? She wondered. She closed her eyes and before she knew it she was asleep. The day had been long and she was exhausted.Exhausted from that day. That week. That month. The rifts and the breach. The Templars and Mages. From the day this all started at the Temple of Sacred Ashes.
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With the last of her things packed, she sat down on the chair to put her boots on. She slid her foot in the boot and pulled the leather straps as tight as she could, fastening them on the front. As much as she hated them being tight sometimes, she was happy they were made of soft leather and acted as a second skin. They weren’t cumbersome as metal and made moving and running a breeze. She slid on her hunter coat, made of a dark, thin, leather that was similarly light as her boots were. Evelyn checked around once more to make sure she didn't forget anything. She was nervous as to what Cullen wanted to speak with her about. He tried his best to avoid her unless he absolutely had to speak with her. A small butterfly was fluttering around in her stomach, making her feel uneasy. Evelyn buckled her coat as she walked to the door. As soon as she opened it, a cold gust of wind blew through her, nipping at her face and hands. Most days weren’t too bad, but today there was an icy wind blowing down from the mountains, chilling everything it touched despite the sun shining warmly. She walked down the pathway to the gate, her heart beating faster as her breaths became quick and shallow. The snow crunched beneath her boots as she picked up the pace. As she approached the smith, she could see Commander Cullen standing outside. The same stance he always had surveying the landscape. “Are you not cold, Commander?” She asked, running the short distance between them to stand under the overhang of the smith. “No, Lady Herald .” He replied. “I’ve been to much colder places in my travels. Training and armour keep the cold at bay as well.””I would imagine as much.” She said with a smile. “You wanted to see me?””Forgive me, I won’t keep you out here for long.” He said, gesturing for her to follow him.They walked together into the forge where they were greeted by Harriet the blacksmith with a nod. Cullen returned the greeting and then turned to Evelyn.“With plans to meet with the Lord Seeker, we need to be prepared for anything. Out in the field some of the officers have alerted me to the... state of your weapons.” He said, choosing his words carefully. “The state of my daggers?” She asked, raising an eyebrow. “If you can call those daggers.” He replied with a serious tone. Her mouth was agape. “Was that your attempt at a joke Commander?” She asked with a shocked smile. “Well, um... yes, I suppose it was.” He replied. His cheeks were flushed scarlet and he rubbed his hand on the back of his neck before clearing his throat.“Forgive my lack of professional decorum. I just meant that I wouldn’t expect my recruits to train against dummies with weapons in that condition, so I had some new ones requisitioned for you.” “Oh, that really wasn’t necessary Commander.” She implored. “I did not intend to offend Lady Herald. I’m sure your daggers have seen you through, but we need our Herald to be able to protect herself to the fullest extent. Who knows what we will be walking in to." He turned around to the table behind him and removed the cloth that was covering it. Beneath was two exquisite black dual blade daggers. The grip was wrapped in a tight black leather and bejeweled in white stones. A far cry from the sorry daggers she had brought with her. Her eyes looked over every piece of the magnificent work before her. “They’re beautiful, Cullen.” She barely got out. “Yes, they are fine pieces. What matters is if they work.” He picked up the daggers and held them out for her to take. “Let Harritt know if they need adjustments.”She took the blades from Cullen’s hands and gripped them tightly. They were surprisingly light. “What are they made of?” She asked.”Obsidian.” The Commander replied. She grasped her hands around the grips, giving them several squeezes to make sure her fingers fit in the grooves properly. She spun the daggers over her fingers, maneuvering the grip and blades over her hands, and back into their original position. Cullen was standing with his hands behind his back, watching Evelyn manipulate her new weapons. A small grin on his lips, proud of what he had done. “How do they feel?” He asked.”Like air.” She replied with wonderment. “Time to test out the blades.” He lead her out of the forge and to the training grounds. She barely noticed anything because she was in awe of her new daggers.”Go ahead.” He said, gesturing to the dummy. She assumed her stance, bending her knees low and turning the side of her body to face the mannequin. She gave the dagger a toss in the air before grabbing it and throwing it full force at the dummy’s head, sending splinters flying and leaving the face split down the middle. She let out her breath and smiled. She turned and looked at Cullen, who was watching her, still looking proud. It seemed around his recruits he stood taller, more controlled, always with his hand on the pommel of his sword.“They’re wonderful, Commander.” She said. “I’m glad they’re to your liking Herald.” He replied. “Thank you.” She said, putting her hand on his arm. She could feel him tense up, even through his armour. He just stared back at her dark eyes before clearing his throat.”Ahem. Yes, I wanted to be sure our Herald was armed properly. If there’s any issues be sure to see Harritt. In the meantime, I’m sure you have lots of other business to attend to.” He said, scurrying back to his recruits as cooly as he could manage. 'That was strange', she thought. 'Did I do something wrong?'She pulled her dagger from the wood, holstered them both to her back and walked back through the gate. She was still in awe of her new blades when she saw Varric sitting outside of his tent, writing on some parchment. “Varric,” She said as she approached him. “I wanted to thank you for the er, .... wine.”He looked up from his writing and gave her a smile.“No problem. You seemed like you needed it. Been out riding more often lately.”“It helped. Kind of. I thought you said it was your finest wine though?” She ribbed.”I did, and it is! I didn’t say it was the finest Orlaisian wine. I'm with limited resources here, but it will get you where you need to go.” “Well, either way it was a nice gesture. May I sit?” She asked, pointing to the log he was sitting on. “Of course, anything for the Herald.” He said giving her a coy smile as he moved over. She rolled her eyes at that remark and sat down with him.“Please, I would prefer just Evelyn.” “Oh? Okay 'Just Evelyn'. Herald not working for ya?””It gets a bit much. Everyone calls me Herald. I’m almost starting to forget what my real name is.” She replied, looking down into her hands. ”Okay. From now on I’ll make sure to call you Just Evelyn.” He promised with a copy smile. She rolled her eyes at his remark. ”Thank you. What are you working on?” She said, leaning over to look at his parchment. “Hey, hey. No sneak peeks.” He said, covering his hand over his writing. “Ah, What the hell. I guess if anyone could see, it could be the Herald.” He said with a wink. She squinted her eyes and pursed her lips at him.“Thank you.” She said dryly with a smile, taking the parchment from him and reading what he had written.”It’s very good, Varric.” She said, handing the parchment back to him.”I hope it is. I’m a published author.” He replied with a grin.”You are?””Yeah. Ever heard of ‘Hard in Hightown’? It’s my best seller.”She shook her head. “No. Back home I wasn’t allowed to read anything that wasn’t for education.” “Hold on then.” He said, walking to his tent. He disappeared into it and returned a moment later with a book. “Here. I’ll even sign it for you too.” He said, dabbing the tip of the quill on his tongue and scrawling his signature inside the front cover. She took the book and dramatically clutched it to her chest. “I’ll treasure it forever.” She grinned. “You should get on reading it. Maybe fix this whole thing between you and Curly.” He said, wiggling his fingers at her. “Curly?””The Commander.””What do you mean this whole thing between us?” Her face was curious. “I see you got new daggers.””Dont change the subject, Varric,” she sighed. “I’m not changing the subject. He’s been talking about them for a week and a half now. Basically worked Harritt like a dog to get those finished. Called in a lot of favours for them too.” “How do you know?” She asked. ”Leliana isn’t the only one around here who knows what’s going on.” He said with a smug smile. “Why wouldn’t he tell me that?” She inquired. “Because he’s Curly. He’s a closed off, stubborn ox. An awkward stubborn ox. He’s charming in the ‘I don’t know it’ kind of way.” Varric stood up and grabbed more logs to throw on his fire. “Keep up whatever you’re doing. It’s good material.” He said, casually tossing in a log. “Good material?””For my books.”She gave him a grin and stood up. “I’m done with this conversation, Varric.” She stood up with her new book and walked away, chuckling to herself about what Varric had said. “See you later, Evelyn. Enjoy you’re reading. Who knows? Maybe one day you’ll read a book that feels oddly familiar.” he yelled, wiggling his fingers in her direction. She sauntered away from Varric with a smile on her face. That dwarf liked to run his mouth and joke, so maybe he wasn’t serious. Although she had felt something between her and the Commander, she couldn’t say what it was, positive or negative. Most times he just seemed like he was trying to get away from her. The only time he ever seemed confident or comfortable with her was around the war table at council meetings. She went into her cabin and laid down on her bed, deciding to crack open her new book and start reading. At least now she had new ways to occupy her time until she heard the news on the noble houses. ———————————————---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Several days had passed before they heard anything back from the Nobles they had reached out to. Most had offered their support, a few denied, and a couple just didn’t respond. “Do you feel we have enough support, Josephine?” Asked Evelyn. “Yes, I believe we do Lady Herald. Several noble Orlesian houses will petition the Templars to help us stop the breach.” Josephine replied, looking through her parchment and smiling. ”Excellent.””Lord Abernache will approach you. Sign nothing he offers, but his gossip is reliable.” Josephine warned. “I hope he knows the Lord Seekers mood. The Templars will never help without his consent.” Leliana added. They left the war room to start immediate preparations to leave for Therinfall Redoubt.She had noticed even more than usual that Cullen had thrown himself into training. Perhaps it was because of her, or it could have been because he wanted to be prepared. Either way, she felt it best to just give him space and not bring up the daggers any further. She had thanked him once more in passing for the gift, but he seemed almost uncomfortable being thanked for them. “Thank you.” She said, avoiding his gaze as he held open the door for her. As she walked back to her cabin she noticed everyone in Haven seemed to be running around making their own preparations. She appreciated everyone’s hard work that this mission was going to take. Shortly after she arrived at her quarters, a scout knocked on the door and informed her that he was there to pick up her things. “Oh! Don’t worry about that, I’ve got it.” She said, grabbing the handles of her trunk and failing to lift it. “On second thought, I might need your help.””Of course, lady Herald!” The scout said and scrambled to help her lift the trunk. They each grabbed one end handle and lifted it with relative ease. She lead the scout and trunk to the door, opening it and holding the door open with her hip. They carefully carried the trunk down the path to the gates, slowly trudging through the fresh snow. Another scout held open the gate for them and they carefully made their way down the stairs, taking care to avoid the ice.They had reached the bottom step when she stepped on a patch of ice she didn’t see, sending her falling onto her back. The trunk hit the ground, cracking open and spilling its contents. “Lady Herald!” The scout gasped.As fast as she was on the ground she was being jerked up and placed back on her feet. “Herald, are you alright? You’re not hurt are you?” Cullen asked. She opened her eyes and she was face to face with the Commander. His face filled with worry. A new mask she had yet to see him wear. He had his hand firmly on her upper arm and was holding her in place.“Yes, Commander. I’m fine, just a little embarrassed.” She replied, squinting her eyes and rubbing the back of her head that had hit the ground. She could feel her face turning red. The scout just stood there looking terrified in concern. Cullen turned to the scout and shot him a look of disapproval. “Pick this up.” He ordered pointing to the ground, and the scout began scrambling to pick up the various items that tumbled out of the trunk. She bent down and began picking up her scattered clothing when Cullen stopped her. “No, lady Herald, I implore you to come with me to see a healer.””A healer? No, really Commander, I’m fine. I get injured all the time in the field. This is nothing more than an embarrassing blip that I'll continuously play over and over in my mind forever." She chuckled. “Are you sure you’re steady?” He asked, reluctantly releasing her arm. “Yes, I’m sure.” She replied, showing him she could stand steadily without assistance. Suddenly she started wobbling, trying to gain her balance. Cullen’s eyes went wide and he grabbed her arm before she started laughing. “I’m kidding!” She laughed. “I really am fine.” “Makers breath.” “You need to relax. You’re so serious all the time.” She said, regaining her balance and bending down to pick up her scattered belongings. He gave her a small smile. Even he couldn’t deny that he was tightly wound.“Thank you anyways Commander. I appreciate the concern.” “No trouble at all, Herald.” He said, turning and walking towards his own tent. Evelyn smiled to herself. He was coming around. Slowly, but it was still progress. She continued to the stables, still rubbing the sore spot on her head. “We have a horse ready for you. The others will be here momentarily and we can leave.” Cassandra said, pointing to a tacked horse. Evelyn mounted her horse with ease as always, and gave her steed a pat on its mane. When Cassandra finished commanding people around, she ungracefully mounted her own horse. “I should have taken the carriage..” she mumbled to herself. “Don’t like riding?” Evelyn asked, watching Cassandra fumble to grab her reins.”It is not ideal.” She said with purses lips, trying but failing to get her horse to go.”Move you stubborn beast! I command you!” She said with a stern look. Evelyn turned on her horse to see Cassandra’s eating grass, completely ignoring what she was saying. “You can’t command him Cassandra. Just give your heels a squeeze and pull up on the reins. Show him who’s boss.” Cassandra followed her instructions and the horse started moving. Evelyn waited for her to catch up and rode with her. She gave detailed plans of where they were stopping, and what their plan was for the lord Seeker. It seemed to keep her mind off of riding, which she clearly didn’t enjoy as much as Evelyn did. The journey would be long, but at least they would be prepared for whatever the Lord Seeker had planned.
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Evelyn was enjoying the ride even though she was nervous to meet with the Lord Seeker. Everything was on the line with this meeting. Seeing the sights and getting out of the cold definitely made the trip more bearable. They had been riding for two days at that point, and still had a few hours of riding the next day ahead of them. They made their way into a clearing that would serve as their camp for the night. Cassandra pulled the reins of her horse and dismounted. “Thank the Maker.” She sighed, stretching out her legs. “My bones cannot take more of this torture.” Evelyn dismounted and handed the reins to a scout who was taking the horses to the river to drink. Evelyn took a deep breath in and closed her eyes.The weather was warm, and the sun shone bright through the tree tops. The breeze was cool enough to fend of humidity, but wasn’t too cool. Just the way she liked it. She opened her eyes and smiled to herself. Moments like this were few and far between these days. She walked over to the carriage and started helping the scouts unload. She grabbed some wooden poles and started pulling them off the carriage when she was stopped by a scout.”Lady Herald, you must rest. We will take care of this.” He said, trying to take the poles from her.”It's no trouble,” she replied. “I want to help.” She continued pulling the poles until the ends slid off and hit the ground. She dragged them over to an open area where another scout was already going about starting a fire. She spent the next few hours setting up tents and helping the scouts as much as she could. She hated setting up tents, and she wasn’t much in the way of tying knots, but helping kept her mind occupied.And away from Cassandra. She stood at the corner of the tent, her brow furrowed and her hands determined to tie the knot she was working on. When the knot was in place she pulled the rope to tighten it. When she was satisfied with her work, she wiped the sweat that was forming on her forehead. She scanned the camp ground, amazed at the tiny home they had built in a once empty clearing. The sun was lower in the sky, making the clouds a cool violet colour. The Breach touching them with hues of green. "It's not enough to just be a benevolent being. You need to be a leader." Varric said, approaching Evelyn with a hot mug. "What do you mean?" She asked, taking the mug from him. "Well it's easy to be the boss. Sitting on your high horse, barking out orders. Actions say more than words. The people here believe in you, and not just because you're the savior of the world. You sure you come from nobility?" She gave a small chuckle and sipped the hot tea. "Unfortunately, yes.""Then how did you get into the dagger throwing business? It's not very lady like." He asked, raising an eyebrow. "Compromise, mostly. I was never comfortable in stuffy clothes, and I'm not exactly good with people. I can fake it well enough, but I'm more of a sprinter when it comes to that." She laughed. "If I was a good girl, did my readings, wore the fancy clothes and rubbed elbows with important people without making a stink about it, then I got to ride the horses and pursue things that actually interested me.""Aren't the Trevelyans all 'Templars and Chantry and all other things serious'? How did you manage to break away?""I didn't exactly break away. I was eventually to choose, and it was heavily leaning towards Chantry, but it didn't get that far. Fortunately, my mother did have a wild side. Well... wanted to have a wild side." Replied Evelyn. She looked into her mug and thought lovingly to her mother. "The nobility thing worked for her, but I often got the feeling she longed for more. She was very encouraging of my pursuits, but at the end of the day my duties were tied to the order." "Well good thing you only have the responsibility of saving the world now." He ribbed, shrugging his shoulders."I agree, having this thrust upon me does make deciding my fate pretty moot at this point." She chuckled. "Don't look now, but here comes trouble. Cassandra must have heard us smile." Varric whispered, slyly pointing in the direction of the Seeker. She was walking stone faced with purpose, as per usual. Only veering off her path to avoid a horse who decided to whinny in her direction. "Wretched beast", she muttered."Herald! What are you doing sipping tea? We have much to discuss! Preparations to be made for our meeting with the Lord Seeker!" She yelled, gesturing towards a large tent that was serving as a makeshift war room. "Come!""Duty calls 'Just Evelyn'. Let me know if you need something stronger than that tea when you're done." Varric said with a grin, taking the now empty mug from her hands. Evelyn offered him a grin. "You'll be hearing from me later, I'm sure." "I heard that you two!" Cassandra yelled. "Maker have mercy." ---------------‐-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------They met Lord Abernache at Therinfall Redoubt, along with the other nobles who pledged their alliance with The Inquisition. Lord Abernache seemed like a pompous man, dressed in fine silks and dawning and Orlesian mask, confident in his ability to sway the Templars to the cause. When they walked into the room to meet with the Lord Seeker, something already felt off. Evelyn could tell even Ser Barris, the Templar who had greeted them, felt uneasy under his own armour. While they waited for the Lord Seeker, a Knight-Captain and two other Templars entered, only adding to the feeling of unease. "You were expecting the Lord Seeker." Said the Knight-Captain."Knight-Captain. Lord Abernache. Honoured." said the Lord, bowing. "It's not unlike the second dispersal of the reclaimed dales. No doubt rank puts you above such things. A pity more people dont understand that." The Knight-Captain looked around the room and chuckled. "This is the grand alliance The Inquisition offers?" "Ser Barris," Evelyn whispered. "I assume the Knight-Captain has seen better days?" she asked. "The Lord Seeker had a plan but the Herald ruined it by arriving with purpose." The Knight-Captain hissed. Outside of the room, Evelyn could hear yelling and fighting, growing."Knight-Captain, I must know what's going on." Said Ser Barris as the yelling outside grew stronger. "You are all supposed to be changed. Now we must purge the questioning knights." The Knight-Captain replied. Evelyn looked at the other Templars who entered the room with the Knight-Captain. Their skin was sickly white, and large red and black veins ran across their faces, spreading from their dead eyes. More Templars entered the room and drew their weapons. "For once, I agree with ---" said Lord Abernache, before he was interrupted by a Templar shooting an arrow through his head."The Elder One is coming. No one will leave Therinfall redoubt." The Knight-Captain growled. One by one, the sickly looking Templars took out all the seemingly normal Templars in the room. "Makers breath," said Ser Barris, stepping back and unsheathing his sword. Evelyn unsheathed her daggers and jumped over the desk, sending herself flying down onto the Knight-Captain. He blocked her advanced and parried her backwards onto the desk, hacking and slashing while she blocked his attacks. Ser Barris and the others fought off the sick Templars as Evelyn worked on keeping herself alive against the Knight-Captain. He was about to bring his sword down over his head onto Evelyn when an arrow went through his wrist. It didn't stop him, but it did slow him down. "I've got your back Evelyn." Varric yelled, reloading Bianca. Evelyn was able to evade the attack and rolled behind him, jumping on his back and sinking her dagger into the back of the Knight-Captains neck. He let out a scream and started flailing his empty hand, trying to grasp Evelyn. He managed to grab her by the hair and pull her down over his shoulder, slamming her on the ground while Varric took another shot. The arrow hit the Knight-Captains hand, but he still didn't drop his sword. He brougt the sword up over his head again, intending to impale Evelyn when Cassandra swiftly ran up and blocked the blow with her shield. Evelyn jumped to her feet and swung her dagger upwards, impaling the Knight-Captain under the chin. He dropped his sword and fell to the ground, in a bloody pile with the rest of the bodies littering the room. "Andrastes ass." said Varric, reloading Bianca. "What is going on here?""I don't know. We need to find the Lord Seeker." Said Ser Barris. "Follow me." Evelyn and The Inquisition followed Ser Barris into the courtyard where they saw what all the yelling was about. It was Templar Vs. Templar in a bloody battle to the death. Ser Barris' eyes went wide as he scanned the battle, frozen and taking in what was before him. "We need to get to the Lord Seeker." she said, grabbing his arm and shaking him out of his shock. Evelyn ran up the stone steps while the war of the Templars waged below her. The screams and wailing of dying Templars rang in her ears. When she reached the top of the stairs, the Lord Seeker stood facing away from her, unmoving. She looked at Cassandra curiously who just shrugged her shoulders. Evelyn cautiously approached the Lord Seeker, who was still unmoving. She reached her hand out to touch his shoulder when the Lord Seeker spun around and grabbed her by the collar with an unsettling grin on his face. "At last." he hissed as he pulled them both into the door through a rift that had opened behind him. A white light blinded her and her entire body felt as if it was being electrocuted. She awoke on the ground in a room she had never seen before. It was dingy and foggy, and the air seemed to move around her. Stringgy grass grew all around her and a few small torches illuminated the path ahead. Evelyn scrambled to her feet and unsheathed her daggers, stepping slowly towards the torches. As she approached, to her shock the illuminated path was revealed to be bodies on fire, lighting her way. She walked through, looking at each disfigured body with their heads on fire. All seemed to be frozen in agony. When she reached the end of the path, she was met by Cullen and Josephine, staring blankly at her. Green and black sludge and smoke billowed from beneath them. Lileana stepped out of the shadows, with a sinister grin. "Is this shape useful? Will it let me know you?" The Lileana impersonator asked. "Everything tells me about you." She walked behind Cullen and grabbed him by the hair, pulling his head up and exposing his neck."Everything tells me about you. Even this. Watch" she said, holding a knife to his exposed throat and dragging the blade across. Blood poured out of Cullens neck and Lileana dropped his now limp body."What are you?" Evelyn demanded. Lileanas voice twisted into a deep laugh. "What are you?" it copied. "Why are you copying me?" Evelyn demanded again. "Why are you copying me?" It parroted in a deep voice, slinking into the darkness. Josephine stepped forward and giggled darkly. "Being you will be so much more interesting than being the Lord Seeker." She said, walking past Evelyn."Do you know what the inquisition has become?" Josephine growled in Evelyns ear. Evelyn took a startled swipe with her dagger, and Josephine was gone. "You'll see." the voice echoed around her. "When I'm done, the Elder One will kill you and ascend. Then I will be you.""The Elder One wants you to serve him like everyone else," said Josephines distorded voice as she walked past Evelyn and stood in front of her. "But you need to die in the right way.""This isn't real." Evelyn said, closing her eyes and holding her daggers tight. "This isn't real. This isn't real. This isn't real.""I am not your toy." the being hissed from behind her. She turned around to see that it had taken the form of Cullen. "I am envy, and I will know you." he hissed, staring daggers through her. He walked over to a black figure that resembled herself. "Tell me Herald. Tell me what's in your mind. Tell me what you think." demanded Cullen, stabbing the Evelyn figure in the back. She turned her head away from what the 'Cullen' was doing, but when she looked the other way she saw him there too, standing across from her at the war table. "Tell me what you feel." it hissed. "Tell me what you see." "No," She said shakily, running through the door and into another room. It was the day she had met Cassandra after the explosion at the conclave. She was in the dungeon, shackled with Inquisition soldiers surrounding her and Cassandra interrogating her. "You take me for a fool? Explain this. Do you deny it? Do you dare deny your crimes?""Please. No, I don't know what happened." the Evelyn form plead, tears running down her cheeks. "Tell me why we shouldn't kill you now." Cassandra hissed. "I don't know, I swear--""You're lying!" Cassandra barked.Evelyn ran out of the dungeon and through the door, into the next room. She was face to face with another Evelyn figure, who had her arms crossed and was staring smugly back at her. "Our reach begins to match my ambition. but we will strive for more." The Evelyn figure cackled. "No. This isn't real! None of this is real!" Evelyn shouted, slashing her dagger through the Evelyn impostor, causing it to explode. "When I am you, the people will never forget what you do to them." the envy demon cackled. "Do you see how glorious my Inquisition will be after you die at the hands of the Elder One""Hurting, helpless, hasty. What happens to the hammer when there are no more nails?" said a softer voice surrounding her."What are you? Get out?" the envy demon demanded at the mysterious voice. "This is my place."Evelyn ran through the room, avoiding the statues spewing fire around her. She saw a door that wasn't blocked by fire and ran in the room, slamming the door behind her. There was a large bed against the wall across from her, and tables and chairs were scattered on the ceiling. There was grass growing out of the floor, and water flowing down the walls. It felt softer than the other rooms she had been through, and she could no longer hear the Envy demon. "Envy is hurting you." she heard the softer voice say from behind her. "Mirrors on mirrors on memories. The faces can feel but can't fake."Evelyn looked around for the mysterious voice but found no one as she wiped the tears from her face. "I want to help you. Not Envy."She looked up to the ceiling to see a boy sitting cross legged. He wore patchwork clothes and a large, wide brimmed hat that covered his face."Who are you? I've seen you before, haven't I?" she asked, trying to place the familiarity."I've been watching. I'm Cole." Said the boy above her. "I'm scared, Cole. I don't know where I am." she said, anxiously. "We're inside you. Or I am. You're always inside you. It's easy to hear. Hard to be a part of what you're hearing. But I'm here. Helping. I hope." he replied. "Envy hurt you. Is hurting you. I tried to help. Then I was here. In the hearing. It's not usually like this." The door flew open behind her and she heard Envy hiss, as if he wasn't able to penetrate the room. She looked out through the door into the billowy, green smoke, hoping Envy stayed out there. She turned back to Cole who was now sitting on the headboard of the bed in front of her. "I was watching. I watch. Every Templar knew when you arrived. They were impressed, but not like the Lord Seeker." he said."The Lord Seeker is an Envy demon. It wants to be me." she replied."Yes. It twisted the commanders. Forced their fury. Their fight. They're red inside. You're frozen. Envy is trying to take your face. I heard it and reached out. And then In. And then I was here."The Envy demon hissed and cackled outside the door behind her, sending a chill down her spine and adrenaline into her chest. She put her hands over her ears and closed her eyes as tight as she could, trying to block it out. "I can make you forget. It helps." Cole said, seeing her struggling with her fear. "No. You need all of you right now to fight.""How do I get out?" She plead."It's your head. I hoped you would know how to stop it." Cole replied."Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit." she said, pacing around the room, trying to come up with an idea. "All of this is envy. People, places, power. If you keep going, envy stretches. It takes strength to make more." he said, jumping down off of the bed. "Being one person is hard. Being many people...more and more..""If we keep moving in my head, we tire envy into submission?" She asked."Maybe. It's more than sitting here, waiting to lose your face." he replied. She thought about what Cole said and unsheathed her daggers. She gave her shoulders a few shrugs to loosen up and walked over to the door. "I'm ready." she said, stepping out of Coles room. The statues in the room outside were spewing green fire, turning and spraying everywhere. "Ideas are loud here. Make them louder. None of this is real unless you let it be. Think of water" he said to Evelyn."Get out, thing! I am learning!" Envy hissed. Evelyn looked at the fire pouring from the statues and focused as hard as she could. She thought of the fire turning to cool water, trickling out of the mouths of the statues. Cole was right. The fire turned to water, and she was able to walk through the door leaving the room without being burned. She picked up the pace and ran through the hallways and down the steps, pushing open the next door. She entered a dungeon cell, where an Inquisition soldier was holding Cullen. "The Herald has questions for you, Commander." the soldier said. "What? Is it my turn to be branded a traitor for questioning what we have become?" Cullen asked. "I deserve it, for letting her turn the Inquisition into a butchers pit."She turned around to see Josephine locked in another cell across from him. "I wish the herald would tell me what she wants me to confess," said Josephine, crying in her cell. "It's dark, but its not real. Think of sparks. Keep going up. You're more you there than envy, and that tires it out. " said Cole reassuringly. She took a deep breath and ran into the next room, mentally preparing herself to remember that what she was seeing wasn't real. She opened the door and stepped out into a twisted, foggy forest. Skeletons were hanging upside down from the ground, and people were crying as Inquisition forces abused them. "You wish to be difficult? Then see the legacy of the Inquisition. Your members, demons. Your followers, ashes. Show me what you do with them." Envy echoed around her."Or don't. It cant make you. You're getting too strong." Cole said softly."Shut up!" envy hissed. "Keep going up." Cole assured. "It's angry, but that's okay. So are you." She ran down the forest path, ignoring everything she saw around her. A mother with a baby plead on her knees to Evelyn. "Herald, why would you do this to us?" she cried. "This isn't real. This will never be real." Evelyn repeated as she picked up the pace. She ran up the stone steps, avoiding green and black shards that were shooting up out of the stones. She jumped over the pools of black sludge that grew around them, and kept her pace up the stairs. "Almost there. Keep going up." Cole said.When she made it to the top of the stairs, she reached her hand out for the door. She was grabbed from behind and spun around, coming face to face with the Envy Evelyn. He slammed her up against the door and lifted her up by her throat as she kicked her feet and clawed at his hands. "Unfair, Unfair! That thing kept you from giving me your shape!" Envy screamed. "We'll start again. More pain this time. The Elder One still comes.""It's frightened of you." Said Cole, standing behind Envy. The envy demon turned it's head and looked at Cole, releasing his hold on Evelyn. "Get out --" Envy ordered Cole. Evelyn took her chance and grabbed envy by the collar, headbutting it. She pulled Envy back through the rift with her, once again falling into the white void. She and the Lord Seeker landed hard on the ground, inside the door where she had left the Inquisition. Cassandra ran over to Evelyn and grabbed her arms, pulling her up off of the ground and away from the Lord Seeker.She watched in horror as the Lord Seeker busted open and twisted into the envy demons true grotesque form. Large, naked limbs split out, and a disfigured head opened a disgusting mouth and let out a shriek. The figure contorted into a ball and disappeared into a puff of smoke, opening up portals at the other end of the hall. "What happened, Herald?" "That fake seeker was an envy demon. It wanted me too" Said Evelyn."Envy? Then the Lord Seeker...?" Cassandra asked."Is caged. Or dead. Maker." said Ser Barris. "And the Knight-Captain knew. Its the red lyrium isn't it?" "Red lyrium? Shit." Varric sighed."Help me end this." Said Evelyn with determination. "Templar, what is envy?" Asked Ser Barris."It studies. Makes less mistakes. But most of all, it hides." replied a Templar. "The Shrine of Offering." she heard in her head, a voice she recognized to be Cole. "I know where it is." Evelyn replied. Ser Barris and the other Templars stayed in the hall, fighting off the demons that were pouring out of the portals at the other end as Evelyn and her team headed out to the Shrine of Offering.As they approached the shrine, Evelyn heard that familiar cackle ring through her ears. Cole was right. The rain was pouring down and lightning spread across the sky, being followed by thunder that was so loud it shook the ground beneath them. Massive shards of red lyrium jutted out from the ground, surrounding them at every corner."Don't touch that stuff. Don't even go near it." Varric said as they walked down the steps. "I touched so much of you. But you are selfish with your glory. Now I'm no one." Envy hissed, rising from the ground as his true, disfigured form. His long legs stood him ten feet high, and four arms twisted out of his body. "Maker have mercy." said Cassandra in shock, staring up at the shrieking demon before her. "Dark and desperate. Death to make yourself alive." Said Cole, appearing and storming towards Envy. "I used to be like you. I'm not anymore. You shouldn't be either." Envy sent a hiss into the air and stepped forward, taking a swipe at Evelyn with it's long claws. Cole attacked envy before it was able to connect with her, and fought along side Evelyn as her and the Inquisition worked on taking him down. Envy slashed and swiped at every attack coming at it, and Cole did his best to distract Envy from Evelyn. Cassandra took a swing with her sword and chopped off one of Envy's hands, sending it into a frenzy. Envy picked up Cassandra and tossed her to the side, as it flailed its bloody stump around in the air. Varric shot Envy in the foot, pinning it to the ground as Envy shrieked a horrible wail. Green and black shards of the fade shot up all around them on the ground. Evelyn evaded each one as she ran towards Envy. Her fear turned to determination, remembering what Cole had said. "It's angry, but that's okay. So are you." Evelyn launched herself off of the ground and onto a crumbling wall. She leapt off of wall with her daggers above her head, determined to end Envy. She used all her body weight to bring her daggers down on the top of Envys head, and dug in. She held on tight and let herself fall, riding his skin with her daggers all the way down, splitting Envy down the middle. Black blood covered her as she landed on the ground and Envy crumpled into a heap behind her."Evelyn," Varric said, running up to her side. "Are you okay? Let's get you out of here." "I'm okay Varric," she replied, catching her breath. "Where is Cole?" "Who is Cole?" he asked."A young man. Blonde hair, big hat, dressed strangely? He was just here. He helped me." she said, looking around. "I don't know what to tell you, Evelyn." he said. "We'll look for him though. Let's go." Evelyn took Varrics hand and walked up the steps with him as the Templars poured out of the hall. "The demon is slain. Andraste be praised. She shielded us from its touch." said Ser Barris, approaching Evelyn. "We've numbers across Thedas but we let this happen. Our officers either failed to see this or were complicit. The Templars are ready to hear what the Inquisition needs of us." "There was corruption here. But I also see honour. And valor in each of you. Help the Inquisition seal the breach before it swallows us all." She said. "Rebuild as our partners. We offer you an alliance. Supplies, weapons, grounds to shelter you. All we ask is that you help seal the breach." "Do we take the Inquisitions terms, Brothers and Sisters?" Ser Barris asked the Templars. They all raised their hands and yelled in agreement. "The Templars will come." he said to Evelyn. "I hope your stronghold is ready." "We will be ready." she assured. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Evelyn sat on her horse, staring blankly ahead of her, still covered in the Envy demons black blood. When they arrived back, she grabbed clean underclothes and a tunic from her tent and walked away from the camp. "Are you alright, Evelyn?" Varric asked, catching up to her. "Do you want to talk about it? You have that thousand yard stare.""I'm fine Varric." She replied flatly. "I just need to get cleaned up." "Okay, Evelyn. But I'm here if you need me." He added. She walked down to the river and followed it to a secluded area. She stripped herself out of her bloodied armour and dipped herself into the water. She sat on a rock, slowly wiping away the black sludge from her body. The river water mixed with tears as she rubbed her face clean, sobbing into her hands. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- After what she had gone through with the Lord Seeker and the Templars, she couldn't get the images out of her head during the ride back to Haven. The red lyrium, the Envy demon, and the boy she had met in the fade spun like a cyclone, destroying everything through her head.No one had seen 'Cole', though she had been keeping her eyes peeled and asking anyone who was there. She had spoken to Solas, and he didn't have answers either. Demons don't normally help without asking something in return. She didn't feel that Cole was a demon either, but was left with more questions. Nightmares of what she witnessed in the fade plagued her sleep. Taunting her. Her waking hours were consumed with strategizing. She felt confident in her decision to recruit the Templars as part of the Inquisition. It was a means to an end to seal the breach that loomed over their heads. When they returned to Haven, Evelyn wanted nothing more but to curl up in her blanket and be left alone. Immediately, Cassandra was on summoning the council. Evelyn hadn't even had a moment to breathe before she was ushered into the war room. "Let the Herald have a break." Varric plead to Cassandra. "She's a human. She needs to process what happened in Therinfal." Varric had asked Evelyn what happened, but didn't pry. He offered no knowledge of the fade or Cole, but they did speak about Red Lyrium and the destruction he had seen first hand with his brother, Bartrand. "The breach won't wait so we can have our beauty sleep, Varric" she snapped. "The Herald can rest after our meeting." "Okay", Evelyn sighed reluctantly. "Cassandra is right." Evelyn followed Cassandra, who seemed to be walking with more purpose than usual, to the war room where Cullen, Josephine and Lileana were already waiting. Evelyn took her place and Cassandra entered behind her, slamming the door. Cassandra was furious. "We should have taken the Templars to tharsk! The crimes they committed!" Cassandra barked. "Were committed by their officers." Interjected Cullen. "The soldiers of the order will serve." "That's enough." Evelyn said, "I'm stopping this argument right now. It will get us nowhere."She turned to Josephine, cutting off the conversation before Cassandra or Cullen could begin arguing again. "How soon will they arrive?" She asked. Before Josephine could answer, a puff of smoke and a flash suddenly jolted their attention to the map on the table. Kneeling in the middle was Cole. "They're almost here." Cole spoke flatly. "Templars dont like to be late.""Maker!" Said Cullen, drawing his sword in unison with Cassandra and taking the place to the right of Evelyn. "Wait!" Said Evelyn, raising her arms in front of Cullen and Cassandra, barricading them from Cole. "I came here to help. I would have told you before, but you were busy." He said, meekly. "That's fine Cole. You just startled us, appearing out of thin air." Evelyn reassured. "I wasn't air. I was here. You didnt see me. Most people don't until I let them." , replied Cole, swinging his legs over the edge of the table and standing before Evelyn. "Call the guards," Cassandra ordered, her sword still at the ready. "This creature is not what he says.""A moment please Cassandra. I would like to hear why he came." Lileana spoke. "You helped people. You made them safe when they would have died. I want to do that. I can help." Cole replied. "Cole saved my life in Therinfal. I couldn't have defeated Envy without him.""But what does he want now?" Cassandra hissed, still not breaking her stare or lowering her weapon. "I think he really is trying to help." "I won't be in the way," Cole murmured. "Tiny. No trouble. No notice taken unless you want them to." Cullen looked at Evelyn with a mix of shock and appall. "You're not honestly suggesting we give him run of the camp?"Josephine, being ever the ambassador chimed in. "Not freely perhaps. But it seems a waste to ---, hold on!" She gasped, looking at the now empty spot where Cole was standing. "Where did he go!?" Cassandra demanded."I'm sure he will turn up." Evelyn assured. "Yes. We will make sure of that. I will have my people watch the boy." Lileana replied. "Let's not let this distract us from the breach.""We'll need your help when the Templar veterans arrive. Take time to prepare while you can." Said Cullen. Evelyn nodded her head. "I will Commander." Cassandra reluctantly put her blade away, but still held a firm grip on the hilt. "Go find that... thing, Herald. I don't want it popping up unannounced anymore." Cassandra said, checking the room with the corner of her eyes. Evelyn gave an apologetic smile. "Of course, Cassandra."Evelyn left the war room to look for Cole and was walking through the chantry when she felt a hand on her shoulder. "Herald, if I may have a word", asked Cullen, now awkwardly removing his hand from her shoulder and straightening himself. "Yes, what is it Commander?" She said. "Cole, or whatever he calls himself, may have helped at Therinfal but that doesn't mean we should trust him." He said, suspiciously. "I will vouch for Coles character. I'd like if you could give him a chance.""I'd rather he keep away from me." He muttered. "I'll let him know to give you space then." She smirked. "Anything else I can do for you?" "No my lady. Just...after what happened in Therinfal.. to have a demon manipulate your mind. It takes a strong person to walk away from that. It's good to see you well." He said, avoiding her eyes and rubbing the back of his neck. "Thank you. I have a great Commander leading a great army to back me up." She replied, gently placing her hand on his arm. His face flushed scarlet and he cleared his throat, straightening his back. "Well um... much to prepare before the Templars arrive." She realized she pushed too far and removed her hand. "Of course Commander." She said, looking to the ground and kicking herself for making things awkward. "I'm sure you have other matters to attend." He said, still flush as he quickly excused himself. She walked around Haven inside the gate for any sign of Cole, when she spotted him sitting up on the wall near Varrics tent.That didn't really surprise her. If anyone could make him feel comfortable, it would be Varric. They both shared the need and desire to be as far away from the Seeker as possible. "Hello Cole." She greeted, hopping up onto the wall to sit next to him. "You took in the Templars but made them yours. They won't make the same mistake.""I hope so." She replied. "We need all the help we can get to seal the breach.""I hope it hurts less. I'll help if I can, but I don't always say it right.""Thank you Cole. I'm glad you're here. If you need anything, come and find me." She said, dis mounting from the wall. "And don't worry about Cassandra and Cullen. They'll come around." She headed back towards her cabin for a rest before the Templars arrival. The last week had left her drained emotionally and physically. She needed a break, even if it was just in the quiet. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the days after the return from Therinfal, the Templars arrived and everyone was busy getting ready to seal the breach. Cole had settled into the routine of following Varric and taking his direction. The Inquisition had also gathered more supporters to it's cause, including a mercenary group lead by The Iron Bull, and Lady Vivienne. Evelyn was sitting next to Varric near his tent, discussing the book he had given her while Cole sat cross legged on the other side of the fire, looking at a deck of cards Varric had given him. Laying each one out individually in front of him after he inspected the pictures on them. Analyzing why every picture was the way it was. She looked over the fire and with the gates open, she could see Cullen preparing the soldiers. They hadn't spoken since that day in the chantry. She replayed that scene over and over in her head, cringing at how awkward it had been. He seemed to avoid her more now than ever. She got along better with everyone else in the Inquisition. Even though Cassandra did annoy her, they did have moments of friendship outside of the war room."You know, maybe if you want to break the tension with Curly, you should meet him on common ground." Varric chimed in. "What?" Evelyn asked, breaking her gaze. "Curly. You're both weird. I feel secondhand embarrassment watching you two talk." He ribbed. "Ill be right back." She said to Varric, standing from the log. "Make sure you remember every moment. I need as much authenticity as possible to make the story flow." Varric said slyly. "Don't forget the part where I make an idiot of myself and I make him avoid me. Again.", Evelyn replied, sauntering away. She walked down through the gates and towards the training grounds. Cullen didn't notice her approach until she was a few feet away. He was immersed in shouting commands to the soldiers. "Lady Herald. Is there um.. something you need?" He asked, turning his attention to her. "No. I came here to help you. With the soldiers." She gestured. She figured maybe Varric was right. Talking clearly wasn't working."That's not necessary Herald. I'm sure you are a busy woman." He flustered. "I insist. Show me what our army can do." She replied with a grin. She was surprised to see that a small smile crept onto his own lips. "If you insist, my lady." "Soldiers!" He yelled, grabbing everyone's attention. "The lady Herald would like to see what our newfound army is capable of. Who would like to volunteer to spar with their Commander?" "Oh no Cullen. I want someone to take on me." She interjected with her grin. "My lady?" He questioned. "It's Evelyn, if you please." She said, tossing her daggers to the ground beside her and picking up a set of wooden daggers. "I could use some practice." His face momentarily turned flush before he cleared his throat and stood in his Commander stance. "Very well Evelyn." He agreed, actually using her name. "Who volunteers?" "I do, knight-commander." Said a Templar they had just recruited from Therinfal, as he stepped forward. "I'm no longer the knight-commander." Cullen corrected. "We all fight for the Inquisition now. But very well." The young templar stepped forward, as the rest of the recruits backed up to give them room to fight. Evelyn spun the wooden daggers through her fingers and readied herself, sizing up her mark. Although he was a younger Templar, he was built large. Nearing 6 feet tall, and wielding a shield and a large wooden sword he seemed to swing with ease. Even the weight of his heavy templar armour didn't seem to be a bother to him. He towered over Evelyn in height and weight. She was barely 5'7, with a slender build. The Templar lifted his sword and ran at her, swinging it just as she ducked and evaded behind him. He turned around and swung the sword down over his head and met her daggers. She parried herself backwards and away from his shield he tried to bash her with. She quickly blocked every strike of his sword before kicking back off of his chest plate and landing in a crouch. The Templar charged again with his shield in front of him, holding his sword up ready to strike. Evelyn swiftly jumped over him, and as quickly as she landed, she spun around and sprang onto his back, knocking him onto the ground. The large templar lay sprawled out on the ground with Evelyn crouched on his upper back. She grabbed his hair and pulled his face out of the dirt to hold a dagger to his throat. "I yield, my lady." He panted, dropping his sword. "I yield." Evelyn let go of the Templars hair and got off of his back, offering a hand to him. The rest of the soldiers started clapping as the Templar took her hand and pulled himself to his feet. "That was a good round," she said, trying to catch her breath. "It was an honour." "The honour was mine Herald." The Templar replied, giving her a salute. She dropped the wooden daggers and picked hers up as Cullen approached her. "Well Lady Herald--""Evelyn." She reminded, brushing her hair out of her face and fixing her ponytail. "Right. Yes. Evelyn." He corrected. "That was quite the display. You took down a trained Templar in less than 2 minutes. Impressive.""I take my craft very seriously." She boasted. "I'm not just a pretty face." "So it appears." He agreed. She was quite taken back at his forwardness. Normally that would be the point he would blush and then scurry off to some assignment. "How long have you been training?" He asked, changing the subject back to something he could navigate better. "My mother let me start training when I was 6. It was the only way to get me to sit long enough to study." "I see her efforts have paid off." "Thank you, Cullen." She replied. "You were in Kirkwall, correct? Did you know Varric?" "Yes, I was. Varric was friends with the Champion of Kirkwall." He replied. "I've spent more time speaking to him since joining the inquisition, largely at Varrics insistence. Apparently I spend too much time with a serious expression on my face, and 'it's bad for my health'." He remarked with a slight eye roll. "And that's when you were a Templar? Why did you join the order?" Evelyn asked. "I could think of no better calling than to protect those in need. We are not to seek wealth or acknowledgement. We are to give our lives to The Maker." He replied with a sparkle of pride. "A life of service and sacrifice. Are Templars also expected to give up... physical temptations?" She asked, slightly blushing herself. "Physical? Why... why would you" he stuttered, clearing his throat. "That's not expected. Templars can marry. Although there are rules around it, and the order must approve. Some may choose to give up... more, to prove their devotion but it's not required.""Have you?""Me? I um... I have taken no such vows." He replied, flustered. "Makers breath. Can we speak of something else?" "Cullen. Relax. It was just a question. I dont know much about Templars. My destiny was headed in the direction of the Chantry," She smiled. "I should let you get back to training anyways." "Oh. Yes. Of course, Evelyn." He replied with a small bow before striding back to his soldiers. She walked away from the training grounds feeling a sigh of relief. She had broken the tension with Cullen, so hopefully their interactions from here on out left her with less of a pit in her stomach. At least he was referring to her by name now, so that was pomising. She passed Varric as she made her way up the steps towards the gate. His arms were crossed and he was leaning against the door frame. "Don't mind me," he smirked. "Just taking notes." "Varric." She scoffed, rolling her eyes. "I'm getting something to eat. Care to join me?" Cole suddenly appeared next to her, matching her pace up the steps. "What is a vow to give up physical temptations?" He asked. "And why did you want to know if Cullen had taken one?" Evelyn's eyes went wide as she shot a look from Cole to Varric. "What? So I sent the kid in for research purposes." Varric smirked. "Varric said it would help him. And I wanted to help." "No using Cole for your personal gain." She sassed. "And Varric will answer any questions you have Cole." She added. "Of course I will Cole." He grinned. "Shall we eat?"
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
As they approached the rubble that was once the Conclave, Evelyn felt the knot in her stomach tightening. Solas had assured, as much as he could with the knowledge he had, that sealing The Breach was doable. Even still, she feared what they would possibly encounter. Could this make this worse? Tear it open more? She had used her mark to close small rifts throughout Ferelden, but those were a drop in the bucket compared to this.The shards of red lyrium stuck out of the ground 10 feet tall. Their red veins spreading to everything around them. She looked at the wreckage of what once was. How it was poisoned now. The Templars positioned themselves around the Breach, standing at the ready for their directions. She took her place below the breach with Solas and Cassandra by her side. Her companions were behind her, ready to lend aid if it was needed. She looked once more at the mark on her hand. It sparked and cracked, feeling it was close to The Breach. She could feel her heart beating faster and harder at the anticipation. Her palms grew sweaty, waiting for the moment they had been building up to these last two months. It was all on her shoulders now. The weight felt crushing. "Are you ready?" Solas asked, staring up into the breach. "Yes." She replied. There was no turning back now. Failure wasn't an option. The butterflies in her stomach were flapping their little hearts out, but it was time to close The Breach for good. "Templars!" Solas shouted. "Foccus past the Herald. Let her will draw from you." The Templars in unison took a knee and held their blades vertically in front of them. They all bowed their heads and focused their abilities to The Breach, slamming their swords into the ground. Her hair whipped around her as she raised her hand, the mark still cracking and glowing, shooting green electricity towards the breach. She opened her palm and the power from her mark connected to The Breach, pulling her forward. She stood steady, pouring as much power and foccus as she could into The Breach. She pushed forward, connecting as much as she could to get a good hold on the green rip in the sky. The Breach seemed alive. Resisting and pulling around her. Green light danced and shot out above her, fighting her will. When she felt she had enough of a hold, she held her power in a fist and pulled back, causing a large explosion of emerald sparks. The explosion threw everyone back onto the ground, and sent Evelyn to her knees. When all was calm, Cassandra stood up and pushed her way through the Templars to Evelyn. She grabbed her arm to help her up, looking into the sky where the bright green hole once loomed. "You did it." Cassandra said softly, helping Evelyn to her feet. Evelyn looked up to where The Breach was now just a bad memory. She looked at Cassandra and smiled, amazed at what she had done. Amazed at what they had done. Everyone broke out in applause. The group roared at their accomplishment. Evelyn had stared into the fade and shown the Maker what she was made of. She turned and stared at everyone before her. Pride swelled in her chest as she scanned the crowd. They had brought all these people together and accomplished their goal. The Inquisition was an amazing group she was happy to be a part of. Varric sauntered up to her, his hand outstretched with a flask. "Well, well, well. Looks like people will be singing tales of the Herald for years to come." "Did you just have that on you?" She asked, taking the flask and tossing back a burning swig. "Of course. Either I was going to have one last drink before we all met the Maker, or I was using it in celebration. I knew it would be the latter." He ribbed with a grin. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Back at Haven, the party raged on. People were dancing and drinking, relishing in their success. Evelyn walked the camp, shaking hands and enjoying the sights of everyone's happiness. Happier than she had seen them in her time with The Inquisition. The Iron Bull and his mercenaries had cracked open a cask and were sitting around a fire, sharing stories of their triumph. The Iron Bulls booming laugh carried through the camp. Cassandra approached her as she stood looking down at the celebration before her. "Solas confirmed the heaven is scarred but calm. The breach is sealed. We have reports of lingering rifts, and many questions remain. But this was a victory." Cassandra said, sighing in relief. "Word of your heroism has spread." "I'm glad everyone is celebrating, but we don't know what caused this. We can't rest easy or let our guard down.""I agree. One success does not guarentee peace. The immediate danger is gone, and for some, so is the necessity of this alliance. We must be wary. The Inquisition will need new foccus." Cassandra said as they both stared out over the camp. Before Evelyn could reply, the bells started tolling, signaling danger. Cullen ran through the gate, "Forces approaching! To arms!" He shouted at the soldiers. The people celebrating stopped and scattered in a flurry of shouting and cries of fear. Evelyn's companions stopped what they were doing and ran to her side, awaiting the Heralds orders with confusion. "We must get to the gates", shouted Cassandra, drawing her sword. "What's going on boss?" Asked The Iron Bull. "I'm not sure yet." Replied Evelyn, grabbing her daggers. "I've got your back", he said, following her down the path.When they reached The Commander, the look of fear was twisting even harder into Cassandra's normally stone face. "Cullen?", she asked. "One watch guard reporting. It's a massive force, the bulk over the mountain." He replied, pointing through the wall. "Under what banner?" Josephine asked. "None." She looked at him with shock. "None?"They were interrupted with banging on the gates. "If someone would open this, I would appreciate it." Said a voice she recognized as Dorian Pauvus, the mage they had met in Redcliffe. She ran to the gate with Cullen close at her heels. She pushed open the gate and saw Dorian at the bottom of the steps on his knees. "I've come here go warn you. Fashionably late I'm afraid," he panted as Cullen helped him to his feet. "There you are," he said to Evelyn. "I came to tell you what happened with the mages at Redcliffe. You're not going to like it.""They're under the command of the Venatori. In service to something called 'The Elder One'." He said, turning and pointing to the mountain. "The woman is Calpernia. She commands the Venatori. And that," he said with a pause, "is The Elder One."Evelyn and Cullen looked up the mountain where Dorian was pointing to see a woman standing in the snow. Beside her, a figure stepped out of billowing smoke. A large, distorted figure. Tall and skeletal, with shards of red lyrium shooting up from his disfigured face. A look of disdain pierced from his eyes into Evelyn as his army marched in front of him to Haven. "They were already marching on Haven. I risked my life to get here first." Assured Dorian. She didn't take her eyes off of The Elder One as she spoke. "Cullen. Give me a plan." She demanded. "Anything.""Haven is no fortress. If we are to withstand this monster we must control the battle. Get out there and hit that force with everything you can." He replied, drawing his sword. "Soldiers, gather the villagers. Fortify and watch for advanced forces." He commanded to the soldiers. "Inquisiton, with the Herald, for your lives! For all of us!" He boomed, raising his sword in the air. The soldiers cheered and broke off to their respective duties. "Dorian, come with me." Evelyn said, turning toward the gate. Varric and Cole were standing at the gate, waiting for their orders. "Cole, I need you to help the villagers. Make them safe", she ordered. "Varric, I need you with me. We need to get to the trebuchets.""Let's go," replied Varric, Bianca already loaded and in his hands. Evelyn, Dorian, Varric and The Iron Bull fought their way through Haven, taking down any Venatori already in their way. When they finally reached the trebuchet, Venatori soldiers and mages were already there. "Cover me." She said, bolting to the large wooden catapult. "You got it, boss." Shouted The Iron Bull, following her and knocking back any soldiers that came towards her. Varric followed closely, picking off anyone from a distance with Bianca before they got too close. When she reached the crank, she pulled off the soldier slumped over it with an arrow in the back of his neck. She turned the slow, creaky wheel, grunting with every turn, pulling the loaded sling into position. When it was finally taut, she turned around in time to see a Venatori assassin running towards her. He jumped in the air ready to strike when Dorian hit him with ice, sending the Venatori crashing to the ground and shattering into little pieces. She took that moment to hit the lever, sending a giant boulder rocketing into the mountains. She looked on, watching the rock hit the side of the mountain, sending a massive blanket of snow collapsing down on the approaching army. The Inquisition soldiers cheered as the impending army was drowned in a blanket of snow. Suddenly a shrill screech deafened Evelyn, and a massive fireball came barreling at them and crashed into the trebuchet, sending them flying to the ground. Pieces of burning wood rained down around them, as they scrambled to their feet. They watched with horror as a large, black, decrepit looking dragon soared over their heads. Evelyn couldn't believe what she was seeing. "Move!" She shouted, running from the burning trebuchet back to the Commander. Cullen was down at the gates, ushering the soldiers back into the confines of Haven before closing the doors. "We need everyone back to the Chantry. It's the only building that might hold against that.. beast" he said, waving his arm into the sky while he made his way back up the steps. He turned and looked at Evelyn with fire in his eyes. "At this point, just make them work for it." He growled. She followed him up to the Chantry, picking up straggling villagers and wounded soldiers on her way. Chancellor Roderick opened the doors of the chantry for them, holding his side and wheezing. His face bloodied and his eye swollen shut. "The chantry is your shelter." He panted, ushering people in before collapsing to his knees. Dorian picked him up and swung the chancellor's arm over his neck. "A brave man. He stood against a venatori." Dorian said, leading him to the wall and sitting him on the ground. "Briefly. I am no Templar." The Chancellor panted. "Herald." Said Cullen approaching Evelyn. "Our position is not good. That dragon stole back any time you may have earned us. There has been no communication, no demands. Only advance after advance.""There was no bargaining with the mages either," said Dorian, crouched down by the chancellor. "This elder one takes what it wants. From what I gathered in Redcliffe, it matched all this way to take your Herald." "I don't care what he wants. How do I stop him?" She asked. "Trust me, that is not information I would keep to myself. And such a promising start with the landslide", Dorian chuckled. "If only trebuchets remained an option.""They are." Said Cullen. "If we turn the last of them to the mountains above us."Evelyn turned to Cullen with a look of shock. "We're overrun. To hit the enemy, we would bury Haven." "This is not survivable now. The only choice we have is how spitefully we end this." He replied, solemnly. "Well. That's not acceptable." Said Dorian, striding towards Cullen and Evelyn with his hands on his hips. "I didnt race here only to have you drop rocks on my head." "Should we submit? Let him kill us?" Asked Cullen, sarcastically. "Dying is typically a last resort, not first. For a Templar, you think like a blood mage." Hissed Dorian. "There is a path," wheezed Chancellor Roderick. "You wouldn't know it was there unless you'd made the summer pilgrimage as I have. The people can escape." The three turned their attention to the bloodied man now struggling to stand. "She must have shown me. Andraste must have shown me so I could tell you." He said to Evelyn. "What about it Cullen?" She asked. "Could it work?" "Possibly. If he shows us the path. But what of your escape?" She turned her face away from his. She didnt have an answer for that. "Perhaps you can surprise The Elder One," Dorian interjected. "Evelyn?" Cullen asked again. "What of your escape?"She looked into his pleading eyes. "You need to get the people out or we all die." She replied, avoiding giving him an answer. He paused for a moment, thinking about what she said. "Inquisiton, follow Chancellor Roderick through the Chantry." He said finally. "Herald. If you are meant for this, if The Inquisition is meant for this. I pray for you." Said chancellor Roderick, placing his arm around Dorians neck. "Keep The Elder Ones attention until we're above the treeline." Said Cullen. "Okay." Replied Evelyn, turning to go towards the door. Cullen grabbed her hand and stopped her. "If we are to have a chance. If you are to have a chance, let that thing hear you." He growled. He released her hand and followed Dorian and Chencellor Roderick to help the people. Evelyn grabbed her daggers off of her back and took a deep breath. She kicked open the door and walked out into the wreckage that was once Haven. Tents were destroyed and fires burned all around her. Bodies of soldiers and villagers littered the ground. Above her head the dragon circled. His beady eyes searching for anything that remained untainted. She started running to the last remaining trebuchet, jumping over debris and avoiding fire. She reached the crank, holstered her daggers and started turning with everything she had in her. Her heart was pounding in her chest and her eyes scanned the skies, making sure with every turn of the wheel that she could keep the dragon in her sights. With the final turn, the dragon finally spotted her. It turned and headed straight towards her with a breath of fire leading it. She started running and dodged out of the way just in time for a fireball to explode next to her, sending her to her back. As she opened her eyes, fires raged around her. She scrambled to her feet as she saw a figure appearing through the flames. A figure she recognized. The Elder One. Behind her there was an explosion and the dragon emerged, crushing everything in its path. It strode towards her, letting out a mighty cry screeching into the air. "That's enough." The Elder One boomed. "Pretender. You toy with forces beyond you, no more."The Elder One towered over her. The fire illuminating the hatred in his eyes and flickering on the shards of red lyrium jutting out of his skull. "What are you? Why are you doing this?" She demanded. "Mortals beg for truth they cannot have. It is beyond what you are. What I once was. Know me. Know what you have pretended to be. Exalt The Elder One. The will that is Corypheus. " he growled."You will kneel." He demanded, pointing a long, sharp finger at Evelyn. "I will not." She spat back. "I ask for nothing, because it is not within your power to give. But that will not stop me."He held up his hand and revealed a glowing red orb. "I am here for the anchor. The process of removing it begins now." He hissed. He held out his hand, and the mark on Evelyn went crazy. Her hand started vibrating and pain shot to her elbow. "It is your fault, Herald. You interrupted a ritual years in planning, and instead of dying, you stole its purpose."He clenched his fist and pulled, jolting her arm up and magnifying the pain. "I dont know how you survived, but what marks you as touched, what you flail at rifts, I crafted to assault the very heavens."Corypheus clenched his fist even harder, causing her mark to glow shades of red and send her to her knees. "You used the anchor to undo my work. The gall." He said, appalled. Corypheus strode towards her as she clenched her teeth through the pain. When he reached her he grabbed her by the wrist and held her in the air. "I once breached the fade in the name of another. To serve the old gods of the empire in person. I found only chaos and corruption. Dead whispers. For a thousand years I was confused. But no more. I gathered the will to return under no name but my own. " he hissed. He held her up high off of the ground, face to face with his deformity. "For I have seen the throne if the Gods, and it was empty." He bellowed, tossing her at the trebuchet. She hit the wood hard, letting out a cry as she fell to the ground. "The anchor is permanent. You have spoilt it with your stumbling." He growled, stepping towards her with his dragon by his side.She crawled forward and grabbed a sword that was on the ground and wielded it in front of her as she stood to her feet. "So be it. I will begin again. Find another way to give this world a nation and God it requires." He promised. As he was staring down on her, she saw the flaming arrow signal she had been waiting for. The beacon of hope that the people were going to safety. She looked to the ground, gathering the courage she needed. The strength to keep faith. "And you. I will not suffer even an unknowing rival. You must die." She stood with both hands on her sword in front of her. A smile crept onto her face as she stared back into the face of hate. "If I am to die, then I'm taking you with me." She grinned, lunging towards the lever of the trebuchet and sending the boulder flying. She watched the boulder soar and connect with the mountain, sending the final avalanche sliding towards her. She ran as fast as she could in the other direction, looking for any escape she could find. There was no way she could outrun the avalanche, but she kept running. She ran until she found a small bunker with some broken planks over it and she jumped in. Corypheus looked on with disgust as the avalanche came racing towards them. His dragon scooped him up in his wing and flew off, just as the snow barreled down and covered Haven. She landed hard on her feet in what was revealed to be a cave. She picked up the pace and kept running as snow filled the entrance behind her, sealing her in. The walls trembled and the ground shook beneath her feet with every step. Suddenly, all went quiet and stopped shaking. The silence was deafening. She did it. Evelyn sat down on a rock against the wall and tried to catch her breath. Gulping in the air as it burned in her lungs. Her heartbeat slowed as she sat calmly, taking in deep breaths. When the adrenaline finally wore off, she started shaking. She had survived Corypheus and the avalanche, but now what? She couldn't dig herself out. Her only option was to follow the tunnel that hopefully lead out of the cave. She stood on shaky legs, and used the wall to steady herself as she walked, holding one of her daggers in her other hand for protection if needed. Nearly two hours she walked through the tunnel before she felt a gust of cold wind. 'An exit', she thought to herself. When she finally found the mouth of the tunnel she felt tears welling up in her eyes. At least now she didn't have the possibility of starving to death sealed up in a cave. She stepped out of the tunnel into the freezing cold wind. It whipped her face and the icy winds bit at her exposed skin. She pulled her collar up as high as it would go and tucked her hands under her armpits, holding her torso and trying to keep as much heat as she could. She struggled forward as the snow and wind whipped around her. The snow was past her knees and made walking even more difficult. Her feet felt a numbing cold as she pressed on. After a few hours, the snow and wind finally died down. She was able to walk without the resistance of the wind, but she still had to contend with the deep snow. Her extremities were now burning from the cold and her heart was pounding. She stumbled through the snow, taking it one drowsy step at a time. She no longer had to fear starving to death in a cave, but freezing to death was starting to look like her unfortunate fate. She blinked her heavy eyelids as she saw a small black spot in the distance in the snow. She trudged forward to get a better look and found a small firepit. 'Its still warm.' She thought excitedly, looking at the small embers that remained. At least she knew she was headed in the right direction. She pushed her way up the hill, panting hard as she pulled her battered body through the snow. Cresting the hill, she looked into the valley down below and fell to her knees, weeping. The Inquisiton and the villagers had made it out and set up a temporary home. She picked herself up and stumbled forward. She tried to yell but all that came out was a hoarse whimper. She tried to take a few more steps and fell into the snow. She was so close and had come so far. She waved her hand in the air, trying to get anyone's attention. When her efforts appeared in vain and her arm refused to work, she lowered her head and held her body as tight as she could. Her eyes were heavy and her body was exhausted. She laid down in the snow and closed her eyes. She had finally given up. After all she had gone through, this is where her fate took her. The world was going fuzzy around her when she heard a familiar voice. "It's the Herald!"She laid in the snow with her eyes refusing to open. Evelyn felt herself being scooped up and carried down to the camp. She relished in the heat from the body that was carrying her.'Thank the Maker," she thought, snuggling in closer and feeling soft fur on her face. Apparently Andraste had more plans for her than freezing to death on the mountain.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
"Enjoy your beauty sleep?" Varric asked as her eyes fluttered open. The tent she was in was toasty as the sun warmed it. He was a sight for her sore eyes. "I've never been happier to see you," she mumbled. "Same here, Evelyn." He smiled. "How long was I out for?" She asked. "About a day. You must have needed it. You didn't move the whole time," he replied. "You were with me the whole time?" Asked Evelyn, sitting up on her cot and pulling the blanket up around her, trying to fend off the chill she had in her bones. "Nah, nothing that romantic," he chuckled. "I just kept coming to check on you.""Thank you Varric," she said with a smile. "What did I miss?" He sighed and leaned back on his chair."Nothing noteworthy, I'm afraid." He replied. "Cassandra, Curly and Sister Lileana have been at each others throats. No one can agree on what to do next."She pulled her blanket down and swung her legs over the edge of the cot. "Woah there, Evelyn" he said, standing and putting his hands on her shoulders. "I'm under strict orders to keep you resting.""Strict orders?" She said quizzically. "But I'm starving." "Yep. I'm supposed to inform Vivienne when you wake up. I think Curly wouldn't hesitate to quarter me if I didn't follow his orders." He said with a grin, leaving the tent. 'What was that supposed to mean?' She thought. She decided to do as she was told and stay in the tent. Mostly because her body still ached, and even standing was a struggle. She looked down at her bare feet and hands which were cracked and swollen. She lifted her shirt to reveal black and purple bruises covering her torso. 'That explains the pain,' she winced as she pulled her shirt down. She hobbled over to the chair Varric had been sitting on and sat down slowly. When Varric had returned, he was followed by Vivian and Cassandra. "Herald," said Cassandra storming into the tent. "What happened? Is Corypheus dead? How did you escape?" "Cassandra, one question at a time." Varric interjected. "Give Evelyn a minute before you start demanding answers." "I'm fine Varric," said Evelyn with a reassuring smile. "Corypheus flew away with that... thing, and I escaped through a tunnel under Haven." "Maker have mercy," Cassandra whispered. "So Corypheus remains a threat?" "Unfortunately, it seems that way." Evelyn replied. "Okay, okay, enough questions Cassandra. Let Viv have a look." Varric insisted. "You can torture her with every question you have when shes not black and blue." "Varric!" Cassandra snapped with a scowl. She paused for a moment before she spoke again."You are right." She finally said reluctantly, before leaving the tent. Varric rolled his eyes. "I better follow her to make sure she actually goes." He sighed. "You owe me one Evelyn." "I always do Varric," she said assuringly as he left the tent. Vivienne took her place by Evelyn's side, checking her over. "You have healed nicely," she said, inspecting the toes on her feet. "I was worried you would succumb to frostbite." She produced a bottle of some kind of salve and started rubbing it on Evelyn's feet and hands. Her skin was momentarily tingly, and then the salve started to do its magic and soothe. "Thank you, Vivienne," she said, rubbing the salve into her hands. "No thanks are needed. I can only heal so much. Time must heal the rest." She replied, checking her bruises. "Put these on. And do get some rest, won't you dear? You look absoloutely dreadful." She said, handing Evelyn a pair of exquisite looking silk slippers. As Vivienne walked towards the door, she turned to Evelyn. "You should be proud my dear. What you have done will not be forgotten." Evelyn slipped on the slippers Vivienne had provided to her. They were lined with soft fennec fur that cushioned her healing feet nicely, even when standing on them. She decided to stretch her legs and lightly work the muscles that were now sore from not moving while she slept. She pulled back the flap of the tent and was greeted by the Commander, pacing just outside of her door. "Oh! Cullen, you startled me," she said, holding her side. "Heral-, I mean, Evelyn. My apologies." He said, flushing red. "I didn't mean to intrude, I just-""Protecting because she consumes you. Burning because she can." Said Cole, appearing next to Evelyn and interrupting him. "Makers breath!" He gasped. "I thought I asked you to stop doing that Cole?" "You asked me to stop sending you letters." Cole corrected. "No, what I asked you to was stop --, never mind," he sighed exasperated, looking around for Cole who had once again disappeared. "How are you doing?" Cullen said, turning his attention towards Evelyn. "I've definitely been better." She replied, gesturing to her battered body. "I'm glad that you.. I mean, so many made it out alive." "As am I," He said, quietly. "When I found you in the snow, I feared you were already gone." "You were who found me?" She asked. "Yes. I was looking --, I mean, I saw you and --" he mumbled, rubbing his hand on the back of his neck."The fur." She whispered, looking at the black and burgundy fur that lined his cape. "I remember the fur on my cheek."There was a moment of comfortable silence as they stared at each other before she spoke. "Well, I should be getting to Cassandra. I don't want to leave Varric at the mercy of her for too long." She chuckled awkwardly, holding her side still. She began to walk away when Cullen gingerly grabbed her wrist. "Evelyn. You stayed behind. You could have..." he sighed. "I will not allow the events of Haven to happen again. You have my word."She placed her hand on the fur of his cape and gave it a gentle stroke with her thumb, remembering his warmth cradling her freezing body back to camp. "I know." She replied with a gentle smile, removing her hand from the fur. "I should let you get going," Cullen said, clearing his throat. "Dorian has been asking about you as well.""Oh right!" She said, shaking her head. "I should find him then." "Are you able to walk?" He asked, holding out his hand for her. "I'm fine Cullen. I walked all the way here from Haven, didn't I?" She chuckled. A smile curled in the corner of his mouth as he lowered his hand. "I suppose you're right, Evelyn. I shouldn't doubt you." He replied, giving her a bow and making his exit back to the advisor tent. She scanned the newfound camp looking for Dorian when she spotted him standing with The Iron Bull and the Chargers. She walked slowly towards his direction, with Cullen on her mind. The feelings of awkward uncomfortableness were now being replaced with excitement? Intrigue? Something new, and not at all bad. "And there is our Herald of Andraste!" Dorian bellowed with a flourishing wave at the sight of Evelyn. He approached her and began going on a sarcastic tirade. "Brilliant, isnt it? One minute you're trying to restore order in a world gone mad, that should be enough for anyone to handle, yes? But then, out of nowhere, an arch demon appears and kicks you in the head! what? You thought this would be easy? No, I was just hoping you wouldn't crush our village like an anthill.""Sorry about that. Archdemons like to crush you know. Can't be helped. Am I speaking to quickly for you?" He added. "I was.. distracted. That's all", she replied. "Distracted? By my wit and charm? I have plenty of both." He said, meeting her in his arms with a soft hug. "Or could it be our Commander?" "It's good to see you too, Dorian", she said, blushing and avoiding his question. "Oh! You wound me." He said, holding her at arms length. "I shouldn't be surprised though, besides Haven, it's the whispers of our little travelling family." "You've been talking to Varric too much." She said, rolling her eyes. "No. Well, maybe a little. But that was only after witnessing it first hand." He replied. "The man has been circling your tent since he found you." "I believe we have more pressing matters at hand, Dorian." She reminded. "Of course. We'll have plenty of time to gossip later." He assured. "I always assumed the Elder One behind the Ventatori was a magister, but this is something else completely. In Tevinter, they say the Chantrys tales of Magisters start in the blight are just that. Tales. But here we are." "Whatever Corypheus is, we have to stop him." Evelyn replied. "I'm thankful you came to warn us, and I'm glad you're here with us now. Thank you.""Corypheus needs to be stopped. Men like him ruined my homeland. I won't stand by and let him ruin the world." He hissed. "No one will thank me, whatever happens. And no one will thank you, you know that, yes?" "That's not why I'm doing this. There comes a time when you are faced with doing something, or doing nothing. If I do nothing, everyone dies." "I knew you were a clever one." He grinned."Now let me escort you back to your tent. I want to hear the tale of how you made your grand escape." Dorian said, holding his arm out for her to take. -------------------------------------------------------------Evelyn lay on her cot with the tent flaps open, watching over the fire and listening to the advisors arguing with each other. Their voices cutting through the darkness. "What would you have me tell them? This isn't what we asked them to do." Said Cullen. "We cannot simply ignore this. We must find a way!" Cassandra demanded. "And who put you in charge? We need a consensus or we have nothing." Replied Cullen. "Please! We must use reason." Josephine implored. "Without the infrastructure of the Inquisition-- ""It can't come from nowhere." Cullen spat. "She didn't say it could," said Lileana, stepping between them. "Enough!" Interjected Cassandra. "This is getting us nowhere." "Well we're agreed on that much." Replied Cullen, throwing his hands in the air. Evelyn leaned up on her elbow and looked to Mother Giselle who was sitting beside her silently. "I should help.""Hush. You need rest. Another heated voice won't help." Mother Giselle replied, putting her hand on Evelyn's shoulder. "You already helped. We have the luxury of this, thanks to you. There is time to doubt. And with time to doubt, we turn to blame. Our leaders struggle because of what we survivors witnessed. We saw our leader stand, and fall. And now we have seen her return."Evelyn sat up on her cot, thinking about what Mother Giselle was saying. Her head was swirling with more thoughts than she could keep track of. "The more the enemy is beyond us, the more miraculous your actions appear, and the more our trials seem ordained. That is hard to accept, no? What we have been called to endure. What we perhaps must come to believe." Mother Giselle said, looking out into the darkness of the mountains. "I don't know what to believe anymore, Mother." Evelyn sighed. "I don't know what happened at the Conclave. I didn't know how to use the mark or what it even was. If I even am 'The Herald of Andraste'. I never wanted to be part of any of this." "The people know what they saw. Or perhaps what they needed to see. The maker works both in the moment, and in how it is remembered.""Mother Giselle, I just don't see how what I believe matters. Whatever people believe, Corypheus is a real, physical threat. We can't match that with hope alone." Said Evelyn solemnly, rising from her cot. She walked out into the cold and darkness, thinking on what her and Mother Giselle had spoken about. She held herself tightly as she looked around. The advisors had separated, hopefully taking a moment to cool off from their arguing. She looked to the ground and closed her eyes, the solemn wind from the mountains nipped her face, reminding her of her escape from Haven. The silence was broken by Mother Giselle speaking. Wait, no, singing? as she approached Evelyn. "Shadows fall, and hope has fled. Steel your heart, a dawn will come. The night is long, and the path is dark. Look to the sky for one day soon, the dawn will come." Lileana looked up from having her head in her hands and joined mother Giselle in song. One by one, the people of the Inquisition joined, chanting along and moving in closer to Mother Giselle. Evelyn watched as people emerged from their tents, their faces illuminated by the fire as they mouthed along. She scanned the crowd in awe of how a simple chant had given life to so many people without hope. Even the Commander had joined in song with the rest of the Inquisition. To her surprise, the people were approaching her on bended knee, still chanting their song of strength. Pledging themselves to the Inquisition. To her. Evelyn felt an overwhelming feeling of warmth within her. A fire was ignited that was not there before. And if it was, it was just coals. Mother Giselle was right. They saw her as their defender. Their 'Herald of Andraste.' "An army needs more than an enemy. It needs a cause." Said Mother Giselle to Evelyn before walking into the crowd that was now talking and laughing. The cold, somber camp was now warm and full of life. Solas approached from behind her as she was relishing in the wonderment of what Mother Giselle had done. "A word?" He asked as he kept walking. Evelyn and Solas had spoken on very few occasions outside of the necessary, but something about him rubbed her the wrong way. By the way things felt, he seemed to feel same way about her too. She followed him into the darkness where he lit a torch with the flick of his hand. "A wise woman. Worth heeding. Her kind understand the moment that unify a cause. Or fracture it." He said, looking out into the mountains. He told Evelyn what he knew about the orb Corypheus carried. How it was Elven in nature and he had seen them in the fade. 'Old magic', he called it. "By attacking the Inquisition, Corypheus has changed it. Changed you." He said. "Scout to the north. Be their guide. There is a place that waits for a force to hold it.Skyhold." ----------------------------------------------------------------- In the days to come she had regained her strength. Not just physically, but her strength in herself. The people of the Inquisition had inspired her to find the Evelyn within that she didn't think was there.And she liked this new Evelyn. Her body healed and whatever salve Vivienne used on her had worked its magic. She was able to put her feet into her leather boots once again, and strapped herself into her leather armour. She stepped out of her tent into the campsite. The sunshine and air felt lighter, like there was more hope. She saw Cassandra at the makeshift war table with her brow furrowed, staring intently down at the map. She strode over to Cassandra, knowing what would get her attention off of the Inquisition. "Evelyn, we have been making strides in preparing for our journey to Skyhold." Cassandra said as she approached. "Are you feeling well enough to travel?" "Come with me," said Evelyn, gesturing to the open. "Let's find out." "Evelyn, we don't have time for this." Cassandra scowled. "We have time, Cassandra." She replied. "I could use this."Cassandra rolled her eyes and stood up straight. "Very well. If you insist," she said, reluctantly. The pair walked into the open area outside the camp."I don't see how this is --" Cassandra said, before she was cut off by Evelyn coming at her with her daggers. She blocked Evelyn effortlessly with her sword and parried her backwards. Evelyn landed in a kneel on her feet, taking comfort that her feet had healed and she still had it. "Oh really?", Cassandra said with a grin, readying her sword and shield. "Show me what you've got, Seeker" said Evelyn smugly. The two trained in the snow, blocking and slashing, and to Evelyn's surprise, even laughing. After the two were out of breath, they sat down on a rock. "You're kind of a force of nature, aren't you?" Said Evelyn with a chuckle, catching her breath. "When I need to be." Cassandra replied, coolly. "Its impressive.""You flatter me." Said Cassandra, flatly. "I'm trying." Evelyn ribbed. The pair sat in silence and looked out over the beauty of the mountains, taking in the one quiet moment they had. "Did I do the right thing?" Cassandra asked, breaking their silence. "What does your faith tell you?" "I believe that no one is doing anything about this but the Inquisition, and no one cares too. They stand in the fire and then complain that it is hot. But is this the Makers will? I can only guess." Said Cassandra, shaking her head. "There's no way to know Cassandra." She replied. "All we can do, is all we can do." "I suppose you're right." Said Cassandra, standing to her feet. "It wouldn't be having faith if we already knew the answers." "This was nice Cassandra. Thank you," "Yes, I must thank you too, Evelyn." She replied. " I think you have proved that you are well enough to travel." "I think so. I'm ready when you are," said Evelyn with a grin. She was more ready than she had ever been. Ready to get to Skyhold. Ready to defeat Corypheus. And ready to become this new Evelyn.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
"I've heard things about you, Vivvy" said Sera. "It is properly, Madame Vivienne, official mage of the imperial court." Vivienne corrected with her nose in the air."Yes that's what I heard. Not the title, the snotty bit." Said Sera, wiggling her fingers in Viviennes direction. "How ever shall I recover from your condemnation." Replied Vivienne, rolling her eyes. "You're still doing it. Can you even turn it off?" Sera asked."For you my dear? No." Vivienne replied, looking down at her surprisingly manicured fingers. Evelyn loved her little band of mismatched friends she had acquired. Vivienne and Sera were like oil and water. They were so much alike in strength and personal opinion, two sides of the same coin. They both bothered the hell out of each other. "Are we almost there yet, Evelyn?" Varric asked with a sigh. "I can't take much more of these two." "I'll scout ahead." She smiled. "Make sure Vivienne doesn't turn Sera into an ice sculpture, will you?" "And get caught between a volcano and an avalanche? I don't think so." He ribbed. Evelyn trotted her horse up to the front of their convoy, and then took off galloping. She felt the familiar feeling of the wind whipping through her hair with the sunshine warming her. She kept pushing and pushing, long until the convoy was out of her sight and she reached the peak of the trail. Over the treeline she could see it. A long, stone bridge leading to massive stone walls and a large castle, sitting atop the peak of a mountain. There it was. Skyhold. She pulled the reins back and turned her horse around, galloping back down the path to share the news. This was what the people of the Inquisition needed. They had travelled for 3 days in shifts, not stopping to make camp. Everyone's deserved to see the dawn had come. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Evelyn looked around in wonderment at the beautiful fortress before her. The people were carrying supplies to their respective locations, and chatting happily. Skyhold held all the opportunity they needed to grow and become successful. She took a deep breath in and stood straight, silently sending a prayer to the Maker for providing. The Inquisition had gone from a handful of misfits trying to do better, to a family. A village, of people trying to make things right. Even after disaster, they had persevered. She looked over to see the advisors all watching her. Cassandra waved her over and, was she smiling? That was something to put in the history books. She walked over and Cassandra gestured her to follow her up the steps. "We have the walls to put up a fight here. But the threat is far from over. This is not the war we anticipated. But we now know what allowed you to stand against Corypheus. What drew him to you." Cassandra said. "The anchor?""The anchor has power, but it is not why you're still standing here. Your decisions let us heal the sky. Your determination brought us out of Haven. You are the creatures rival because of what you did. And we know it. All of us." Cassandra continued as they walked up the stairs. As they approached the landing, she saw Lileana holding a sword with a dragon sculpture wrapped around it in front of her, on her open palms. "The Inquisition requires a leader. The one who has already been leading us."Evelyn looked down into the courtyard where the Inquisitions people had gathered. She scanned the faces of the people who had followed her blindly out of the mountain and into their new home."You." She looked down at the crowd, beaming back up at her. "Its unanimous? You all have that much confidence in me?" Evelyn asked, wide eyed. "All of these people have their lives because of you. They will follow." Cassandra assured. "That's not what I asked Cassandra." Evelyn reiterated. "I will not lie, handing this power to anyone is troubling," she replied, gesturing to the sword in Lileanas hands. "But I have to believe this is meant to be." Evelyn stepped forward, and Lileana held the sword out closer with a smile on her face. "There would be no inquisition without you. How it will serve, how you lead, that must be yours to decide." Said Cassandra, standing proud. She looked down to the sword presented before her, and took it in her hand. She held it up, and looked at the intricate design on it, and what it represented. "Have our people been told?" Cassandra yelled down to Josephine. "They have. And soon, the world." She replied with a wide smile. "Commander, will they follow?" Cassandra asked Cullen. Cullen unsheathed his sword and turned to rally the crowd. "Inquisition, will you follow?" He asked, and the crowd cheered. "Will you fight?" He asked, and the crowd cheered again. "Will we triumph?" He yelled, and the crowd roared. "Your leader. Your Herald. Your Inquisitor" he boomed, raising his sword to the sky for Evelyn. Evelyn raised her sword and the crowd broke out in a roar of applause and support. Josephine was jumping up and down, yelling and waving her arms in the air, until she caught herself. She straightened herself and exchanged her excitement for a regal clap. She looked down at all the faces of the people who believed in her. All the people who had made getting this far possible. To all the people who made her find this Evelyn. This Inquisitor. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------They walked into Skyhold and saw the wreckage before them. Rubble and broken glass littered the floor. Birds flew throughout the hall and bugs scurried into the dark corners where light couldn't touch them. Busted up tables, chairs, and broken chandeliers were scattered all about. "So this is where it begins", said Cullen. "It began in the courtyard. This is where we turn that promise into action." Lileana corrected. "But what do we do? We know nothing of this Corypheus except that he wanted your mark." Josephine asked. "Someone out there must know something about Corypheus," Evelyn added. "Unless they saw him on the field, most will not believe he even exists." Cullen replied. "I know someone who can help with that," interjected Varric, walking up behind them. "Everyone acting all inspirational jogged my memories, so I sent a message to an old friend. She's crossed paths with Corypheus before and may know what we're dealing with. She can help.""I'm always looking for new allies. Introduce me." Evelyn replied. "Parading around might cause a fuss," said Varric, looking around."It's better for you to meet privately. Trust me. Its complicated." He said, walking away and shaking his head. Lileana and Josephine looked at each other. "I know one thing. If Varric has brought who I think he has, Cassandra is going to kill him." Said Lileana with a look of disappointment. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------‐---------The people of the Inquisition had worked tirelessly to get the decrepit castle into a home to be livable. Everyone had settled in nicely, and all had a space to call their own. Evelyn's room was beautiful. A far cry from the cabin and tent she had been used to as of late. Word had spread of the events at Haven, and the Inquisitions new leader. Many nobles who had shown support were more than happy to boast the Inquisitions success. They used their position to send supplies and gifts, including a disgusting flaunt of wealth with a hand carved orlesian bed, inlay with gold for the Inquisitor.Distant relatives of the Trevelyans hoping to cling to a shred of success to boast, sent an armoire with the finest clothes money could buy. She looked through the armoire and found a black leather, long lace sleeved tunic with a high lace collar. The front was cut out to reveal her chest, but kept her cleavage covered. Around the part that was cut out was silver embroidery, shaped like the flames of the Inquisition symbol. She found leather pants and knee high boots to match, inlaid with silver buttons and lace. She went to the Tavern to see how her companions were settling in. Iron bull and the chargers, Sera, and Cole had all found their places in there. She saw Iron bull sitting with Dorian at the bar, laughing and talking. "So boys," she said, taking a stool next to Dorian at the bar. "What do you think?" "I think it's refreshing that you've finally decided to change out of your shabby old leather," said Dorian, gesturing to her new apparel. "This organization is being lead by the Inquisitor Trevelyan, not some vagrant we picked up in low town.""Three more over here," Bull said to the bartender. "Have a drink with us Inquisitor.""Wine please." She replied. "Whatever you want, Boss." He said, tossing his pint back. The bartender handed her some wine and she sipped it, listening intently to The Iron Bull and Dorian trade tales of their lives before the Inquisition. She scanned the room and noticed Varric walk in with Josephine. She greeted them with a wave as they walked over to her. "Care to join us for a game of Wicked Grace, your Inquisitorness?" Varric asked. "I'm not one for cards, but I have the feeling Josephine is going to give you a run for your money." She smiled. "I'll watch."She sat at the table watching Varric get more and more flustered as, as she predicted, Josephine took him for all he had. "Commander!" Josephine yelled as Cullen walked through the door. "Join us." She said, waving to the empty seat next to her. "I can't Josephine, I have much to do." He said, walking in with a handful of parchment. "I really just need you to look over these documents." Josephine sighed and reluctantly started to stand up. "I can help you, Cullen." Said Evelyn. "What do you need?" "Well. I uh.. I suppose you could with some things." He stuttered. "It's really not necessary.""Well she is the Inquisitor," Varric said. "She'll have to look over everything eventually, right?" "I suppose that's true." He said, awkwardly. "Stay here and relax, Josephine." Evelyn said, standing and walking towards Cullen. "This is the first time I've seen you have fun in... ever." "Shall we?" She asked Cullen, gesturing to the door. "Yes, of course, my office is just up here." He replied, pointing up a set of large stone steps. When they reached his office, Cullen took his place behind his desk and started organizing his reports, and Evelyn sat in the chair opposite him. His office was a dimly lit, drafty room, with book shelves lining the walls by the window. There was a ladder leading to a loft and a large hole in the ceiling looking out into the sky. "Soldiers have been assigned temporary quarters. I'm waiting for an update on the armory as well," he said, handing her a report to look over. "We set up as best we could at Haven, but could never prepare for an arch demon or whatever it was. With some warning, we might have..." he sighed. "We were all shaken by what happened at Haven." She replied. "If Corypheus strikes again, we may not be able to withdraw, and I wouldn't want to. We must be ready." He said, handing her another report. "Construction on Skyhold is underway, and guard rotations are established. We should have everything on course within the week. We will not run from here, Inquisitor." He assured. "How many people were lost?" She asked, looking over the report in her hand. "Most of our people made it to Skyhold. It could have been worse. Morale was low, but has improved greatly since you accepted the role of Inquisitor," he said, looking up from his desk to her. "Everyone has so much faith in my leadership," She said, blowing out her breath and sitting back in her chair. "I hope I'm ready.""You won't have to carry the Inquisition alone." He replied. "Although it must feel like it.""Inquisitor Trevelyan. It sounds odd, don't you think?" She chuckled."Not at all." "Is that the official response?" She said with a smirk. "I suppose it is." He said, chuckling and relaxing his back. "But it's the truth." She looked down into her hands and stared at the report in front of her. "Hey," he said seriously, as her eyes wandered back up to meet his. "We needed a leader, and you have proven yourself." "Thank you, Cullen." She replied, giving him a warm smile and handing him back the reports in her hand. Evelyn and Cullen went over every report he had on his desk that she could help with. As the sun went down and the moon took its place high in the sky, the pair's serious conversation of the Inquisition reports morphed into them talking for hours, of everything but reports. "Sera brought me a piece of cake. Said I looked hungry." He said."Why are you telling me this?" She replied, pulling her leg up to her body and lacing her fingers together around her knee. "Because it was either an act of kindness, or a trap. I was hoping you knew which." He said, seriously. Evelyn stifled a giggle before she burst out in laughter. "What's so funny? He chuckled. "I couldn't even begin to fathom why. To be safe, just don't eat anything Sera gives you." She giggled. Just then there was a knock on the door. "Come in", said Cullen. The door creaked open and they saw scout Harding sheepishly enter. "I'm sorry to bother you Commander. Inquisitor." She said, offering a quick bow."Ser Tethras asked me to deliver this." She said, placing a bottle of wine on Cullens desk and handing Evelyn a piece of parchment. Evelyn rolled her eyes and took the note from Scout Harding. "Thank you," she said, blushing. "That wasn't necessary." "Ser Tethras was ... very insistent I deliver this." She replied awkwardly, taking her leave. Evelyn reluctantly unfolded the note and read it to herself.'I have a feeling this will be one of my best sellers,
-Varric'
"What does it say?" Cullen asked. She gave a small grin as she looked down at the note."Instructions on how to strangle a dwarf." She replied, sarcastically. "I should get going." She added, standing from her chair, realizing the frenzy this would ensue in Varrics mind if she stayed any longer. "Oh, yes, of course." Cullen said, standing as well and gesturing to the door. As she walked to the door she heard Cullens armour shuffle out from behind the desk. "We should spend more time together." he blurted out. Evelyn turned to look at the Commander with a puzzled look. "What I mean is, uh -- Makers breath." He said, flustered, rubbing his hand on the back of his neck. "It has been nice to have your company." "I agree," she replied with a smile, holding the door open. "Goodnight Cullen." "Goodnight Inquisit-- Evelyn." He corrected. She closed the door behind her and headed back to her room. She looked up to the stars that filled the sky, happy to no longer be looking up at the breach. As she walked through the hall of Skyhold, she was met by Varric sitting at a table by the fire sipping a mug of beer and writing on some parchment. He looked up from his writing and gave her a sly smile. "Go to bed Varric." She said flatly, returning his grin as she strode by. "You'll thank me one day, Inquisitor." He replied, turning back to his writing.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
"Inquisitor, meet Hawke. The Champion of Kirkwall."A woman with choppy black hair stood opposite her on the battlements. She had a red streak of blood? Paint? From cheek to cheek across the bridge of her nose, and stunning blue eyes. She wore red and black armour with black fur pauldrons, and stood with confidence. "Although I don't go by that title much anymore." She replied. "And this is Fenris," said Varric, gesturing to a tall, broody, white haired elf in sharp grey armour. He stood with his hands crossed over his chest and gave her a cordial nod. "Hawke, The Inquisitor." "Evelyn," Hawke said, reaching out to shake her hand. "I've heard a lot of stories about you." "And I about you," she said, taking Hawkes hand. "I figured you could shed some insight on Corypheus. You and I did fight him after all." Said Varric. Hawke walked over to the edge of the battlements and looked over the wall into the castle courtyard. "Impressive view," she said. "I had a balcony like this in my home in Kirkwall. I loved it at first. But after a while all I could see was the people out there depending on me." "I understand that feeling all too well." Evelyn agreed. "Does it ever get any easier?" "I'll let you know." Hawke chuckled, shaking her head. "I don't envy you Inquisitor, but I may be able to help you." She added, turning to face Evelyn. "Varric said you fought Corypheus before." Evelyn replied."Fought and killed." Hawke corrected. "The grey wardens were holding him, and he somehow used his connection to the dark spawn to influence them.""Corypheus got into their heads. Messed with their minds. Turned them against each other." Interjected Varric, taking a swig from a bottle of wine and wiping his mouth before handing it to Fenris. "If the wardens have dissapeared, they could have fallen under his control again.""If that's what's happened to the wardens, do you think we can free them?" Evelyn asked. "Its possible, but we need to know more first. I've got a friend in the warden's. He was investigating something unrelated for me. His name is Stroud. Last we spoke he was worried about corruption within the ranks. Since then, nothing.""Corypheus would certainly qualify as corruption. Did your friend disappear with them?" Varric asked. "No. He told me he would be hiding in an old smugglers cave near old crestwood." She replied. "Then we start there. Thank you, Hawke." Evelyn said, sincerely. "Corypheus is my responsibility. I will make sure he's dead this time." Hawke said, furrowing her brow with determination. ------------------------------------------------------When Evelyn walked by the barracks she heard yelling and banging. She ran in and up the stairs to see Cassandra yelling at Varric. "You knew where Hawke was all along!" Cassandra screamed as Varric shuffled around the table away from her. "You're damned right I did." He replied, puffing out his chest. "You conniving little shit!" She bellowed as she took a swing at him. He ducked under her arm before she connected and ran past her, taking cover behind another table. "You kidnapped me! You interrogated me. What did you expect?" He yelled. "Enough!" Evelyn boomed, putting her arms out to keep the two apart."You're taking his side!?" Cassandra shrieked with anger."I said that's enough Cassandra," Evelyn replied, standing firm. "We needed someone to lead this Inquisition. First, Lileana and I searched for the Hero of Ferelden, but he had vanished. Then, we looked for Hawke, but she was gone too. We thought it all connected but no. It was just you." Cassandra spat. "You kept her from us.""The Inquisition has a leader," said Varric, gesturing to Evelyn. "Hawke would have been at the Conclave. If anyone could have saved Most Holy--" Cassandra plead. "Varric is not responsible for what happened at the Conclave." Said Evelyn, giving Cassandra a disapproving look. "I was protecting my friend." Varric gruffly. "Varric is a liar Inquisitor. A snake." She said, turning to Evelyn. "Even after the Conclave, when we needed Hawke most, he kept her secret.""She's with us now. We're on the same side." Varric said."We all know who's side you're on, Varric" said Cassandra, throwing her hands in the air. "It will never be the Inquisitions.""That's unfair Cassandra. Varric has proven himself." Evelyn interjected. "Ha! Exactly!" Varric exclaimed, pointing a finger at Evelyn. "And you," Evelyn growled at Varric. "You better not be keeping anything else from us." "I understand." Replied Varric with a flustered sigh. Cassandra shook her head and walked away from Evelyn and Varric to lean over the railing and put her face in her hands. "I must not think of what could have been. We have so much at stake." She sighed. "Go Varric. Just.... go." Varric shook his head and started walking towards the stairs. "You know what I think? If Hawke had been at the Temple, she would be dead too. You people have done enough to her." He said finally, taking his leave down the stairs. Cassandra turned to Evelyn with tears of frustration in her eyes and sat down at the table. "I'm not sure Hawke would have even become Inquisitor. She supported the mage rebellion. She wouldn't have trusted me for a second." Cassandra sighed."This isn't about Hawke, or even Varric. Not truly. I should have been more careful. I should have been smarter. I don't deserve to be here. I'm such a fool." She said, defeated as she sat forward in her chair. "Have you looked at our Inquisition, Cassandra?" Evelyn replied with a chuckle. "We're all fools here." Cassandra chuckled and wiped her eye with the back of her hand. "Is that supposed to make me feel better?" She asked. "More at home maybe?" Evelyn ribbed. "I want you to know, I have no regrets." Cassandra sniffled. "Maybe if we had found Hawke or the Hero of Ferelden, the Maker would not have needed to send you." Evelyn reached out and grabbed Cassandra's hand, offering her a warm smile. Cassandra gave her own small smile before standing and straightening herself. "But he did. I admit, you're not what I pictured. But if I've learned anything, it's that I know less than nothing." ---------------------------------------------------Evelyn hadn't seen Cullen all day, and when she asked around, Scout Harding confirmed that he had been holed up in his office. 'Thats strange', she thought. Normally Cullen was out at the crack of dawn training the soldiers. She ventured up to his office and knocked on the door."Come in." He said, flatly.She opened the door and found him standing with his hands on his desk, looking into an open box in front of him. "Is everything alright?" She asked, slowly stepping into the room. "As leader of the Inquisition, there is something I must tell you." He said with hesitation. "You can tell me anything, Cullen." She replied."I know." He sighed. "Lyrium grants Templars our abilities, but it controls us as well. Those cut off suffer. Some go mad, others die. We have secured a reliable source of lyrium for the Templars here.""But I no longer take it." He said, looking down into the box in front of him again. "You stopped?" She asked."When I joined the Inquisition. It's been months now.""Cullen, if this can kill you --" she said, walking around the desk to stand next to him. "It hasn't yet." He replied flatly, still avoiding her gaze. "After what happened in Kirkwall, I couldn't. I will not be bound to the order, or that life, any longer.""Whatever the suffering, I accept it." Cullen said, turning his head to look at her. "But I would not put the Inquisition at risk. I've asked Cassandra to... watch me. If my ability to lead is compromised, I will be relieved from duty." "Should anything happen, I will defer to Cassandra's judgement." He said, standing up straight. "Are you in pain?" She asked, placing her hand on his neck and giving his jawline a gentle stroke with her thumb. "I can endure." He assured, placing his hand on hers and giving it a gentle squeeze. He looked into her deep brown eyes, and she looked back, drowning in his honey coloured eyes. Evelyn and Cullen stared at each other in silence for a moment, until they were interrupted by Cole's familiar voice. "Safe and solid, protecting and proud. He feels like quiet, stronger when you touch him." Cullen stiffened up and looked past Evelyn to see Cole standing a few inches behind her. Evelyn dropped her head and sighed. "Hello Cole." She said. Cullen quickly removed his hand from hers and went flush, shuffling back over to his desk to move papers around inconspicuously. "You weren't at the tavern." Cole said. "You said you would be at the tavern." "I know Cole." She said. "I was just on my way there."Cullen cleared his throat and still looked down at his papers. "We will speak another time, Inquisitor." He mumbled. "Of course." She said, turning and putting her hand on Coles shoulder. "Let's go." Evelyn left the Commanders office with Cole, and when the door was closed, Cullen let out a breath and sat down.He rubbed his temples, trying to calm the dull headache he had been fighting all day.
'Makers breath. What just happened?'
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Evelyn and Hawke had managed to track down Stroud. The news of the Grey Wardens hearing "the calling" was not the news they were hoping for.By the time they reached Skyhold, the sun was going down and the team had gathered in the tavern. Hawke and Evelyn had a lot in common, aside from fighting the same demigod. They had formed a friendship, and it was nice for Evelyn, and Hawke, to have someone who understood the crushing weight of responsibility. With Cassandra aware of their presence, Hawke and Fenris were free to walk Skyhold, although Varric did avoid the Seeker for fear of her wrath when he could. "If we make it out of this alive, I'm writing a story about you two. And it will start with both of you having impeccable taste in finding handsome dwarf best friends." Varric laughed, tossing back his goblet of wine. "He's not lying." Hawke said to Evelyn, sipping her cup. "I read your book about me, Varric." "And?" Varric asked. "Comments? Criticisms? Accolades?" "You're prone to embellishment." She replied. "Did you really defeat the Arishok in one on one combat?" Evelyn asked. "Yes. Maybe not as colorful as Varric describes it, but yes." Hawke replied."I wrote down what I saw and the information I had at the time. Anything else I had to fill in the blanks for." He chuckled. "But I digress. Have you gone to see Curly, Evelyn? I bet he's been missing you." "Curly?" Hawke asked, raising an eyebrow to Evelyn. "Are you and Cullen...?""You might as well tell him what he wants to know." Added Fenris. "It's nothing," Evelyn replied."Varric is just looking for new material, and apparently isn't discerning on where he finds it." She added, furrowing her brow."Yes, Evelyn. That's it. You busted me. I see you around Skyhold stealing glances with everyone in the Inquisition." He rebutted, rolling his eyes. "Evelyn and Curly are still playing that 'will they, won't they' game. You know all about that, don't you Hawke?" Varric said, turning to Hawke. "I agree with Fenris. Tell him what he wants and get it over with. He's relentless." Hawke shrugged, downing what was left in her cup. "Are we talking about Evelyn and Cully-wully?" Said Sera, decending the stairs and sitting down next to Evelyn. "Lots of men under him. Needs a woman over him. Because positions," she cackled. "If you'll excuse me," Evelyn said, rising from her chair. "I have to be anywhere but here right now." Varric and Sera burst into laughter as Evelyn walked away. "Awe, Evelyn. Where are you going? We're just kidding! Well. Kind of. Not really." Sera laughed. "I'm going to sleep. Enjoy your night. You guys have earned it." She replied, before heading back to her quarters for a good nights sleep in a real bed. -----------------------As Cullen scribbled on his parchment in front of him, he kept the box in the corner of his eye. He had already tried, and failed, to get some sleep. He couldn't get the lyrium out of his mind, so he figured doing some work could occupy him. His headache raged on, and his body was sore. Even the knuckles in his fingers were in pain using his quill. Though he tried, he couldn't keep his mind off of the box. 'I need some air.' He thought, standing from his chair. He walked out of his office to the battlements, where the moon was high in the sky and the crisp air provided some surprising relief. As he closed the door behind him, he saw a figure standing in the dark corner, staring out over the battlements. "Who are you?" He demanded. The figure in the dark was taller than any of the patrolman he knew of. "Calm down, Cullen." Said a deep and familiar voice he recognized as Fenris. "Oh, Fenris." He replied, relieved. He walked over to Fenris in the shadows and stood next to him, looking over the battlements. "How have you been?" Fenris asked. "I'm well, thank you." He replied. "You don't look it." Said Fenris, handing him the bottle he was drinking out of. Cullen took it and reluctantly had a swig. "Is it that obvious?" He asked, with a sigh. "You need that more than I." Fenris gestured to the bottle of wine. "I have another." He turned and looked at the castle as he opened the other bottle. "This is quite the little operation you have going on here," he added."I agree. The Inquisition is unlike any army I'm used to, but I do not regret leaving the Order." Cullen replied. "It's always one fucking thing after another." Fenris sighed. "We killed Corypheus once. I was there. I helped Hawke do it. There was no doubt in my mind that he was dead." "I'm confident in our Inquisitor." Cullen replied, proudly. "She hasn't let us down yet. I have full faith that she can pull us out of this.""Its difficult, isn't it? Watching someone you care about risk their lives." Said Fenris, looking to Cullen. "I uh-- yes. I mean, it's hard to be the commander of an army and watch any of your people--""Cut the shit, Cullen." He snapped, taking another swig. "This is possibly the end of the world. I have followed Hawke through this world and the fade. I would die for her. And now I've followed her here, knowing full well that if this fails, if we fail, this is it.""What are you--" "I wasted years." He said seriously, turning to Cullen. "I was a fool. A coward. I think back to all the wasted time and hate myself for it. You may not have that luxury." Cullen looked down into the bottle of wine, thinking back to what he knew about the time he had spent with Hawke and Fenris in Kirkwall. How even he was surprised they all made it out of there. "I'm sorry we had to meet again under these circumstances, Commander. But there won't always be a cause. And when the cause is gone, you'll be left with nothing. Don't squander the something you have." Fenris said as he walked away from Cullen. He watched Fenris stride down the stairs back to the tavern, where he was greeted by Hawke, looking up to him and wrapping her arms around his waist. Fenris brushed the hair off of her forehead and grabbed her face, planting a gentle kiss on her lips. Cullen walked back to his office holding the bottle of wine, which he admit, did take the edge off. He climbed the ladder to the loft and set the bottle on his bedside table before crawling into bed. He laid in bed, staring at the bottle that brought back memories of the night with Evelyn where she helped with reports. The way she sat in the chair across from him and laughed. She looked so relaxed with her knee pulled up to her body and her brown hair falling around her shoulders. The day he told her he no longer took lyrium. The way her hand felt on his skin, and the depth of her eyes staring back at his. The relief he felt when he found her in the snow after Haven, and the pain that preceded that when he had to leave her behind to fight Corypheus. He closed his eyes and the words that Fenris said rang through his head. 'You may not have that luxury.' The luxury he was already granted thus far with time to waste. He wasn't going to squander it any further. ---------------------------------------Evelyn slept well, exhausted from the previous days events. She woke up early and looked out the large windows in her room. The sun was just peeking ouy over the mountain, tinting the clouds with bright red and purple rays. She dressed and decided to go down to the stables and see the horses, a quiet hobby she had been neglecting as of late. As she walked out the door into the main hall of Skyhold, she spotted Cassandra in the corner, reading a book by candle light. "Good morning, Cassandra." She said softly. "Oh! Inquisitor!" Cassandra said as she fumbled to hide the book she was reading behind her back. "What are you doing awake so early?""I could ask you the same." Evelyn said with a smirk, crossing her arms in front of her. "Good book?""I don't know what you're talking about." Cassandra feigned. "We're really going to do this Cassandra?" Evelyn asked."Oh, that. Just .. um.. reports. From Commander Cullen." Cassandra stuttered, trying to sound as believable as she could. "You're an excellent liar." Evelyn said sarcastically. "Its of no interest to you, I'm certain." Evelyn shook her head and gave Cassandra an exasperated smile. "Its a book." Cassandra said, finally. "It's one of Varrics tales. 'Swords and Shields'. The latest chapter.""The latest chapter meaning, you've read them all?" Evelyn asked."Not... since this all began. We've been busy." "She's read this one three times." Said Cole, appearing next to Evelyn. "You! I told you to stop spying!" Cassandra barked at Cole. "You read it out loud to me. I don't like the captain either," he said softly as he walked away. "I never did that!" Cassandra denied. Evelyn smirked at Cassandra, knowing that Cole was basically incapable of telling nothing but the truth. "Its literature. Smutty literature. " Cassandra admitted reluctantly. "Whatever you do, don't tell Varric," she plead. "I only started reading them when I began looking for Hawke, as research." "Its okay Cassandra." Evelyn said, smiling and placing her hand on Cassandra's shoulder. "They're terrible. And magnificent." She sighed, holding the book close to her."And this one ends in a cliffhanger. I know Varric is working on the next. He must be." She added, with more excitement in her voice than Evelyn had ever seen. "You! You could ask him to finish it! Command him to!" She said to Evelyn, her face alight with her brilliant idea on how to get her hands on the next chapter. "Cassandra...really?" Evelyn asked, raising her eyebrow. "Pretend you don't know this about me." Cassandra said, sitting back down and cracking open her book. "Of course, Cassandra." She said with a smile.Evelyn strode away from the main hall with a grin. Cassadra fangirling over one of Varrics books was not a twist she saw coming. When she got down to the stables Cole was already there waiting for her. The horses walked to the front of their stalls when she approached, each waiting for some attention. "You like the horses too, Cole?" She asked, walking up and patting the mane of the horse Cole was standing near. "Yes. I can't hide from the horses. They always want to see me." He replied. "When you look at the horses, what do you see?" She asked. "Proud." He replied. "Missing their homes, but they know they're bigger here. Important. Unable to hold a sword, but fighting just the same.""I'm proud of them too," she said, giving the horse she was petting a kiss on the snout. "What do you see when you look at me?" "You're too bright. Like counting birds against the sun. The mark makes you more, but past it you reach across, mindful, meaning, you pull it through to this side. You make it real here." He replied. "I haven't the faintest idea of what to make of that Cole." She replied, shaking her head and giving Cole a smirk. She made her way down each stall, freshening the horses water and changing their hay. By the time she was finished, the sun had rose in the sky, warming the dew off of the grass. She headed back to Skyhold when she saw Scout Harding leaving Cullens office with a stack of scrolls. She hadn't seen him since before she left for Crestwood to find Stroud, so she decided to stop in and see how he was doing with his lyrium withdrawls. Her heart was pounding in her chest and she had butterflies as she ascended the stone steps to his office. What Cole said that day played over in her mind in the days since, trying to decipher what it meant. As she approached the door she raised her fist to knock but before she could hit the wood the door opened. Cullen was standing there, dressed in his armour and black and red fur pauldrons, looking better than he had been when she had seen him days before. "Inquisitor. I mean Evelyn, I was actually just coming to find you." He said, surprised to see her standing right outside his door. "You were?" She asked."Yes, well, I -- it's not important. What can I do for you?" He said, going flush. "I was just wondering if you had some time to talk." She replied. "Would you like to go for a walk with me?" "Uh..yes, of course." He said, closing the door behind him and gesturing for her to lead the way. Evelyn and Cullen walked the battlements as Evelyn told him about her time in Crestwood with Hawke."Hawke said she knew you back in Kirkwall." She said. "Briefly through the years we had spoken." He replied. "She was with the mage rebellion. Makers knows how she convinced Fenris to join in that." "Yes, I've noticed that. It took some convincing for him to promise not to kill Dorian." She chuckled. "I hope it was good things she said," he added. "It was." Evelyn smiled. "She painted a picture of a very caring Templar. That's how I knew for sure it was you she was talking about." "That means a lot, Evelyn." He replied sincerely. "I'm glad to see you're doing well. I've been worried," said Evelyn, placing her hand on his chest. "I should let you get back to your duties." She turned and started walking down the steps with Cullen behind her. "It's a nice day," he said awkwardly, trying to find anything to say to keep her from leaving just yet as they reached the bottom of the steps. "What?" She asked, looking to him with confusion. "I just -- There is something I wished to discuss." He said quickly. "Okay, I'm all yours." She replied, leaning back against the wall next to her. Cullen cleared his throat and looked around awkwardly. "I can presume this wasn't about the weather?" She ribbed. "No." He chuckled, taking a step towards her."I can't say I haven't thought about what I would say to you in this sort of situation." He added, awkwardly looking away from her, trying to find the words. Evelyn was pretty confident that she knew what this was about. It had to be personal. Cullen had no problem discussing anything related to the Inquisition with her. "I find myself thinking of you more than... well, all the time really." She said, taking the plunge and hoping for the best. His eyes shot up to hers with a look of disbelief. "I cant say I haven't wondered what it would be like...." he replied, turning his head away from her and backing up. "Then what's stopping you?" She asked. "You're the Inquisitor, and we're at war. And you.." he replied, pacing in front of her. "Could you ever think of me as more than the Inquisitor?""I could -- I mean, I do Evelyn." He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I didn't think it was possible." "Cullen." She said, grabbing the fabric of his armour and pulling him into her. He felt her chest rise and fall as her body pressed against him. "It seems too much to ask... but I want to..." he breathed, closing his eyes and leaning in. Before their lips touched, they were interrupted by a scout looking down at the report in his hand, clearly oblivious to what was happening in front of him. "Commander. You wanted a copy of sister Lileanas report." He said, holding the report out in front of him. "What?" Cullen growled in frustration, turning away from Evelyn. "Sister Lileanas report. You wanted it delivered without delay." The scout reiterated. Cullen stepped towards the scout, looking down on him with a furrowed brow and scathing eyes.The scout cowered back slightly, contemplating what he could have done to earn the look he was getting, when he noticed Evelyn standing behind Cullen. She was looking around awkwardly, avoiding the scouts gaze. "Or...to your office... right." He stuttered when he put two and two together. The scout turned on his heels and hurried off to Cullens office. "If you need to --" she started to say before she was cut off by Cullen grabbing her face and kissing her. She was taken back by this brazen move by Cullen, but her hands found their way to his pauldrons, pulling him in and deepening the kiss. "I'm sorry." He blushed, taking a breath and smiling. "That was um... really nice.""That's what you want to hear." She said sarcastically as she smiled. "Really nice." "Yes, well." He chuckled, planting another gentle kiss on her lips as she wrapped her arms around his neck."I should go, before Varric catches wind and has a heyday." She said, giving him another soft kiss. "Of course." He said, bringing her hand up to his face and kissing her knuckles. "Another time then." He moved out of the way, leaning his side up against the wall. A grin spread across his face as he watched her walk away, thankful that he finally took the plunge. --------‐----------------------------The coming days were agonizing, waiting for reports from the scouts about the lead Stroud had given them. Fortunately for Evelyn, the trainers had arrived at Skyhold. Most of her time was spent training in the way of the assassin, and honing her abilities. Cullen watched over the battlements by his office as she trained. She was never as confident as she was when she was using her daggers. She had come out of her shell from the quiet woman who escaped daily on horses to avoid responsibility, to the confident, almost aggressive, woman who pulled him in and made him admit his feelings on the battlements. "Our little Evelyn is quite the force, isn't she?" Dorian said, approaching Cullen. "Yes." He replied, not taking his eyes off of her. "I'm happy we were able to secure the trainers. She's going to flourish." "No doubt she will." Dorian replied confidently. "I'm going to get down to brass tacks here. Are you and the Inquisitor...?""What? I uh -- we are.. what I mean is --" he stuttered, trying to carefully pick his words. "Oh Commander, I already know. Next time you're having a steamy tryst, try not to do it on the battlements for everyone to see." He said, dramatically. "It's all very romantic, isn't it? 'The Commander of The Inquisition and The Herald of Andraste'.""You wouldn't believe how quickly gossip spreads through the barracks." Cullen scoffed, thinking about the scout who caught them. "And from Cole. Poor thing doesn't even realize he can't shut up. He just hears something in his head, or however that whole thing works, and says it." Dorian said, waving his hand. "This piece of something was particularly juicy." "What did he say?" Asked Cullen as nonchalantly as he could muster. "I believe it was 'He feels naked without the name on the armour. But she wants him naked.'" Dorian grinned."Yes. Well." Said Cullen, clearing his throat and turning red. "I would prefer that my -- I mean, our, private affairs stay private." "I can't speak for the rest of the Inquisition, but your secrets are safe with me Commander." Dorian assured. "Commander." Said a scout approaching. "Sister Lileana has recieved word from the western approach. She's asked that you meet her in the war room." "Excellent news." He replied. "I'll be there right away." ---------------------------------------------Evelyn walked into the war room, and this time it felt... different. Like everyone was staring at her. "Inquisitor. We were ---" Cullen said, sensing the tension. "Eagerly awaiting your presence. Some of us more than others." Lileana said with a grin. "I wasn't-- I mean, I was-- Makers breath." He sighed. Evelyn gave him a smile that made him blush even more. "You've recieved word from your contacts?" He asked Lileana, changing the subject. "Yes. We will leave as soon as possible. Prepare your people Inquisitor." Lileana replied. Evelyn walked out of the war room and into the hall to find Varric. Cassandra would be staying behind, and she wanted to give her a gift before she left. She spotted Varric sitting at his usual seat by the fire, chatting with Hawke and Fenris. Varric seemed happy to have his friend back. Sera had ragged on him enough about being friends with the Champion, and she could see why he talked about Hawke as much as he did. The two were as thick as thieves. "Do you have a minute, Varric?" She asked as she approached him. "For you Evelyn, I'll give all the time you want." He replied, leaning back in his chair. "What can I do for you?" "I have a friend who is waiting for the next issue of swords and shields." "Is this one of those things where you say it's for a friend, but it's actually for you?" He asked. "Huh. Never pegged you for the type." "No, it's not for me Varric. It's actually for a friend." Varric sat up straight in his chair and put his finger on his chin. "Who is this friend?" He asked. "That... I can't tell you." She relied, looking at her feet. "Hm... it's someone I wouldn't expect then." He replied, trying to think who it could be. "It's not Dorian, he told me he dropped IQ points after suffering through the first few pages.""It's...Cassandra." she whispered, reluctantly. "I must have heard that wrong. It sounded like you just said Cassandra read my books?" He replied in disbelief. "She's a pretty big fan, infact." "Are we talking about the same Cassandra? Tall, grumpy Seeker, likes stabbing things?" He asked, still in disbelief. "Wait, were talking about the romance serial? She'll be waiting for a while then. I haven't finished it and wasn't planning to. That book is easily the worst I've ever written. The last issue barely sold enough to pay for the ink." He added, sitting back in his chair. "Well Cassandra seems to be hooked on it." She replied, shrugging her shoulders. "And I thought a hole in the sky is the weirdest thing that could happen." He chuckled. "So, you want me to finish writing the latest issue of my worst serial? For Cassandra?""Yes." "That's a terrible idea. I have to do it." He agreed. "On one condition. I get to be there when you give her the book." He added, pointing his finger at her. "Guarentee you can have it done by tomorrow morning?" She asked. "You have my guarentee Evelyn." He replied, holding out his hand. "You've got a deal then," she said, shaking his hand. "I'll get straight to work," he said, standing from his chair. "You know, the fact that the book is terrible makes it all worthwhile somehow?""Whatever gets it done Varric." She replied. "We'll speak later."She left Varric and went to see Dorian upstairs. He was sitting in a comfy chair in the library, enthralled in the book he was reading. "Hello Dorian," she said, leaning her side against a book shelf and crossing her arms. "You want to go on a little trip with me?" "Of course my lady Inquisitor." He replied, gently closing his book. "Why do you insist on calling me that?" She asked with a smirk. "Why? Because if I'm following you on a suicide mission to fight an archdemon, I'm at least going to drag on your coat tails and extort the benefits of being the best friend of the most talked about woman in Thedas while I'm still alive to enjoy it." He replied smugly. "You think you're my best friend?" She asked, raising her eyebrow. "I know I'm your best friend." He replied, standing and striding towards her. "Who else knows all your dirty little secrets?" "I don't have any dirty little secrets Dorian." "So you and Cullen necking on the battlements in broad daylight isn't a dirty little secret?" He said, smugly.Her face went flush and she looked at the floor before sighing."Oh come on Evelyn. The lure of command. Noble names. Classically arousing in every sense." He boasted."Are you coming with me or not?" She asked, avoiding his question."That's what I thought," He grinned. "Well best friend, what Maker forsaken hell hole are you dragging me to now?""The Western Approach.""Of course. You won't be happy until you've dragged me all over Thedas, will you?" He sighed dramatically. "Well right now I'm dragging you to the undercroft. The Inquisition was able to fill requisitions for new weapons. You could use a new staff." She said, holding out her arm. "Little prezzies are the extorted benefits I was speaking of, my lady Inquisitor." He said wiggling his fingers at her. "I love you Dorian." She chuckled. "Of course you do, Evelyn. How could you not?" He said, linking arms with her and walking down the steps. --‐-------------------------‐-‐--‐----‐--‐------------------------------"I believe this is yours Commander. It's addressed to you." Said scout Harding, handing him an envelope. "Who is it from?" He asked, taking it from her. "I'm.... not sure. It was in my hand?" She said, confused. "I know who it's from." He sighed. "Thank you." He said, opening the envelope. 'The center never changed. Safe, like a coin in your pocket.' Cullen pulled out a piece of parchment and scribbled down his reply before folding it and handing it back to Harding. "Take this to Cole." He said. "For who Ser?" "Take it to the tavern near the stairs and ... wave it around or something." He replied, waving his hand. "Someone will figure it out." "Oh. Um. Okay Ser." She said, as she walked away looking confused at the parchment in her hand and even more confused at the instructions she was given. Evelyn passed Scout Harding as she was headed to Cullens office. "Everything alright?" Evelyn asked, looking at the confusion written all over Harding. "Yes, Inquisitor." She replied. "Just a strange day." She mumbled, shaking her head and heading off to deliver the note to Cole. Evelyn gave a light knock on Cullens door before poking her head in. "Are you busy?" She asked. "I'll always make time for you." He replied, standing. She entered his office, carrying a meat pie in front of her."What was that about?" She asked, gesturing to the door. "Cole keeps sending me letters with Scout Harding and making her forget him." He replied, walking up to her and giving her a kiss on the cheek."I sent her with a letter telling him to stop making her forget. Poor girl must think shes losing her mind." He chuckled. Evelyn placed the plate on his desk and pulled out his chair."Sit. Please." She said, pointing to his chair and sitting in the chair across from him. "Thank you, Evelyn." He replied, sitting in his chair. "You're not eating?" "I already ate Cullen. Four hours ago at dinner with everyone else." She chuckled, shaking her head. "Do you ever stop working to eat?" "When a beautiful woman brings me food in my office, yes." He replied coolly, digging into his food. "Wow Commander, that was surprisingly smooth." She said raising her eyebrows, impressed. "Surprisingly?" He asked, stopping midway to a bite on his fork. "You have a different kind of charm," she smiled. "I'm not very good at this, I fear." He sighed. "If I seem unsure, it's because it's been a long time since I've wanted anyone in my life.""I understand how you feel, Cullen. But you're doing fine. You've got me hooked." She assured, pulling her knee up to her body."I'm glad to hear it." He smiled, taking another bite of his pie. Evelyn and Cullen chatted about the Western Approach, and the new weapons Dagna had enchanted for the team while he finished his dinner. "Should we go to bed?" She asked when he was done. "Yes, we should get you back to your quarters. We have quite the journey ahead of us." He agreed. "No Cullen." She said, standing from her chair. "I mean together." "Oh, you mean --?" He replied, wide eyed. "Makers breath Evelyn, I don't think--""Not like that." She corrected with a grin. "Just sleep." "Oh, yes, right." He said, rubbing the back of his neck and letting out his breath. "I suppose. Yes, I would like that." "Let's go then." She replied, stepping onto the ladder that lead to the loft. "I'll be up in a moment." He said, walking to his armour stand. He watched as Evelyn climbed the ladder to his bed, 'Makers breath.' He thought. He had shared his bed with a woman few times in his life, and wasn't expecting to tonight. He unclipped his armour and pauldron, and placed it on the stand in front of him before sitting and removing his boots. When Cullen was done he let out his breath and walked to the ladder. He had faced abominations in Kirkwall and fought his red lyrium crazed Knight-Captain, but intimacy of this level was new for him and Evelyn. And it scared him. He reached the landing and pulled himself up off of the ladder. Evelyn was laying on her back in his bed, staring up through the hole in the ceiling with her arm behind her head. She smiled at him and rolled onto her side, propping herself up on her elbow as she pulled the blanket down next to her. All the nerves he had climbing the ladder washed away from him as he saw her there in his bed. He took a moment to breathe in the sight before him. Her hair fell over her shoulders, and her undershirt was showing a teasing peek of cleavage. "Is everything okay?" She asked with a look of concern. "Yes." He breathed, a smile curling on his lips. Cullen pulled his undershirt over his head and threw it on the floor. He slid into bed onto his back next to her, wrapping his arm around her and pulling her into him. Evelyn snuggled in close to his side, resting her head on his shoulder and placing her hand on his chest. He pulled her in even tighter, stroking her hair and breathing her in as she wrapped her leg around his. He kissed the top of her head and let his lips linger for a moment, enjoying the softness of her hair on his face as he drifted off to sleep.
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The two didn't move all night. They stayed in their position, wrapped up in each other as the cool wind blew through the hole in the ceiling. When Evelyn awoke, Cullen still had his arms around her and was tracing his fingers over her shoulder. "Good morning." She mumbled, smiling up at him. "Good morning to you." He replied with his own smile as he gently grabbed her chin and pulled her face up for a kiss. She snuggled into the crook of his neck and placed her hand on his chest. He ran his fingers over her arm, tracing his fingers over every goose bump before moving down to her hand. He grabbed her hand and turned her palm up, looking for the mark. "It's gone?" He asked."When I'm not around a rift, it just... disappears." She replied. "Does it hurt?" He asked, gently rubbing her palm with his thumb. "Not really hurt. More like... my nerves are on fire." she said, trying to find the right words to describe the sensation. "That doesn't sound pleasant." He chuckled, pulling her hand up and giving her palm a kiss. "It sounds worse than it is." She assured. She let out a sigh and started to sit up when Cullen stopped her. He rolled her onto her back and rested his body on top of hers."Not yet." He breathed, brushing her hair out of the way and cradling her face. "The Inquisitor leaving the Commanders office after spending the night. Can you imagine the scandal?" She giggled."Yes. Well... I would regret it more if there was nothing to talk about." He replied, kissing her deeply. "Okay. Five more minutes and then I need to go. Got it?" She chuckled. "Got it." He agreed, holding her hands down above her head and kissing her deeply. ------------------------------------------------------------ Evelyn finished packing her things and went to find Varric. "Are you finished?" She said, approaching him at his usual table as he ate breakfast. "You had my word, didn't you?" He replied, reaching down beside him and holding up the next chapter. He placed the book on the table and leaned back on his chair. "Shall we?" Varric and Evelyn headed down the stone steps of Skyhold and past the training grounds to where Cassandra was. "What have you done now?" She said suspiciously as Varric approached her. "I get it Seeker. You're still sore after our spat." He replied. "I am not a child Varric, do not suggest I am without reason." She replied, furrowing her brow at his comment. "A peace offering. The next chapter of 'Swords and Shields'. I hear you're a fan." He said, holding the book out for her. Cassandra looked at the book in his hand, and up to Evelyn with disapproval. "This is your doing." She scowled. "Well, if you're not interested, you're not interested. It still needs editing anyhow." He shrugged. Varric started to walk away with the book when Cassandra stopped him. "Wait!" Varric turned around and chuckled with a smug grin. "You're probably wondering what happens to the Knight-Captain after the last chapter." he said, holding the book up. "Nothing should happen to her! She was falsely accused!" Cassandra plead. "Well, it turns out the guardsman ---""Don't tell me!" She interrupted, snatching the book from his hand. "This is the part where you thank the Inquisitor. I don't normally give sneak peeks after all." He said, crossing his arms.Cassandra looked down at the book in her hands and a grin spread across her face. "I...thank you. I wonder if I have time to read the first part?" She said, fawning over the book. "Don't forget to tell all your friends." Said Varric."If you have any." He added, mumbling under his breath to Evelyn.Cassandra sat down and cracked open the book, immediately immersing herself in it. "Completely worth it." Varric sighed as he and Evelyn walked away. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------"I think I have it. let me try again." Cole said to Varric."Okay kid, lets see what you've got." he replied, sitting down next to Cole."knock knock.""who's there?""Cole.""Cole who?" said Varric, rolling his eyes. "It's me. Cole. That is my name." Cole replied confidently. "No. No, you're still not getting it. Sorry kid." Varric sighed, patting Cole on the back. Lileana and Evelyn watched over the fire as Varric tried desperately to help Cole grasp the simple pleasure of a knock knock joke. "These are the people who are going to help us save the world." Evelyn grinned smugly. Lileana gave Evelyn a grin and shook her head as she walked away. "There you are." said Cullen, approaching her. "Were you looking for a moment alone with me?" she asked, coyly. "Yes. I mean, no." He back tracked, awkwardly. "I was hoping you might accompany me, if you can spare the time of course.""Is something wrong?" she replied, placing her hand on his arm. "What? No. I would rather explain there, if you wish to go." he asked. "I would love to go with you." she smiled. "Good. I'll ready the horses." Evelyn and Cullen rode their horses away from the camp and into the woods. They rode for about an hour when Cullen stopped them."Its just over there." He said, pointing to a lake in the distance. By the time they arrived, the sun had gone down and a thin sheet of fog billowed off the lake. Where are we?" She asked as they dismounted their horses. "You walk into danger everyday. I wanted to take you away from that, if only for a moment." He said, pulling a bottle of wine out of his saddle bag. "Wine? Really Cullen?" She asked."Do you remember that night you were helping me with reports?" He asked, taking her hand and leading her towards the dock."Yes." She smiled. "Is that the bottle that Varric sent?""Yes. I thought it was about time we enjoyed it.""I was kind of wondering whatever happened to it." She grinned."Safe in my desk drawer. I was hoping we would finally get to share it one day." He said, setting the bottle down on a crate with a lantern on it. "I grew up not far from here. This place was always quiet." He replied, leaning up against a post at the end of the dock and looking out over the lake. "Did you come here often?" She asked. "I loved my siblings, but they were very loud. I would come here to clear my head. Of course, they always found me eventually." He chuckled. "You were happy here." She smiled, thinking of a young Cullen being tormented by his sisters and brother. Even as a child, he seemed serious."I was. I still am." He said, closing his eyes and breathing in the lake air. "Especially now." He added, taking Evelyn's hands in his. "The day you kissed me on the battlements, how long had you wanted to do that?" She asked."Longer than I should admit." He chuckled, looking down into her hands and rubbing his thumb over her knuckles. "The last time I was here was the day I left for Templar training. My brother gave me this." He said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small coin. "It just happened to be in his pocket, but he said it was for luck. Templars are not supposed to carry such things. Our faith should see us through.""You broke the orders rules? I'm shocked." "Until a year ago I was very good at following the rules. Most of the time. This was the only thing I took from Ferelden that the Templars didn't give me." He said, holding the coin up in front of him. "Humor me." He said, placing it in her hand and closing her fingers around it. "We don't know what we'll face before the end. This can't hurt." She looked down at the coin in her hand and tucked it into her breast in her armour. "Thank you." She said, cradling his cheek and rubbing her thumb on his stubble. "I can get myself out of trouble though. I promise." "You're rather good at getting into it as well." He said, grabbing her waist and pulling her into him. "I've read the reports on your adventures." Evelyn ran her fingers through his hair, gripping it and pulling him in for a kiss. "I'll always come back." she breathed. "Good. I don't want to have to turn Thedas upside down to bring you home, but I will." he assured, pulling her in closer to him and staring into her eyes. ----------------------------------------Evelyn and Hawke arrived at in the Western Approach. A desert landscape seemed to never end. Every time you made it to the top of one hill, you were going back down into a dune. They had managed to take over Griffon Wing Keep, and Cullen set it up to be run by Knight-Captain Rylen and his men. "There are 'vints everywhere," Iron Bull growled. "Every other fucking person out here is a 'vint.""I have noticed that as well." Leliana replied. "My agents have confirmed that the Venatori are crawling all over the approach." "That doesn't bode well." Hawke replied. "We need to get to Stroud." "Bull, Cole and Dorian, you're coming with me." Said Evelyn, looking at the map. "I'll hold down the fort with Curly" Varric chimed in. "This is going to be a shit show. I can feel it." The group traveled to the place where Stroud said he would be. As they crested the hill, they could see a large stone bridge leading to a decrepit ruin in the distance. "I'm glad you made it in time, but I fear they may have already started the ritual." Stroud said as they approached the site. "Blood magic, I'd wager. You can smell it." Replied Hawke. "You take point. We'll guard your backs." Evelyn nodded her head in agreement and gestured for her team to follow. She lead them through the large stone pillars and across the stone bridge, into the ruins where the Wardens were starting their ritual. In the decaying ruin were several Wardens standing with demons, staring up at the man giving them orders. "Wait...no..." a cowering warden in the middle stuttered, backing away from the magic being summoned before him. "Warden Commander Clarel's orders were clear." The man giving orders barked. "This is wrong." The Warden plead, backing away from the man in front of him. "I'm sorry." Another Warden said before stabbing the fearful Warden in the stomach. The Wardens body crumpled to the ground and a rage demon spawned from the pooled blood, rising up with an ear piercing shriek. "Good. Now bind it, just as I showed you." He instructed. The Warden held up his hand and used his magic on the demon. It shrieked and arched its back, before standing blankly in front of the Warden. Evelyn and her group stepped into the open part of the ruin, shocked by what they had just witnessed. "Inquisitor. What an unexpected pleasure. Lord Viviticus Erimond of Virantium, at your service." The man giving the orders said, with a dramatic bow. "You are no warden." Stroud growled, furrowing his brow at Erimond. "But you are. The one Clarel let slip. And you found the Inquisitor and came to stop me? Shall we see how that goes?" He replied, getting the Wardens attention. "Wardens; hands up!" He demanded, as the Wardens followed his commands. "Hands down." "Corypheus has taken their minds." Stroud said somberly. "They did this to themselves. You see, the calling had the wardens terrified. They looked everywhere for help. And since it was my master who put the calling into their heads, we at the Venatori were prepared." Erimond snickered. "I went to Clarel full of sympathy, and together, we came up with a plan. Raise a demon army, march into the deep roads, and kill the old gods before they wake." "You tricked them!" Evelyn growled."Sadly for the Wardens, the binding ritual I taught their mages has a side effect. They're now my masters slaves. This was a test. Once the rest of the Wardens complete the binding ritual, the army will conquer Thedas." he cackled. "You think you can stand against me with just demons and a fade rift?" Evelyn scoffed. "Did Corypheus not mention what I did to the breach?""He did. He also noted what he did to you at Haven." He said, holding out his hand which started spewing red sparks. She felt the anchor light up her nerves and send that familiar pain down her arm, sending her to her knees in a cry of pain. Erimond smiled and clenched his fist, sending searing hot pain down to her elbow and up to her shoulder. "He also told me how to deal with you in the event you were foolish enough to interfere again. That mark you bear? The anchor that let's you pass safely through the veil? You stole that from my master. Hes been forced to seek other ways to access the fade." he snarled. As Erimond prattled on, she couldn't help but think of the pain and the memories it brought back. Everything he spoke of put her back to the day of Haven. The people they lost. The fight she went through. The day she changed. She gritted her teeth and fought the pain, using her own willpower to gain control of the anchor. She struggled to a stand and held her hand up, using the anchor to grip the fade rift. She attached herself, pushing her strength through her. "When I bring him your head, his gratitude will be ---" Erimond declared before he was cut off by an explosion caused by the fade rift closing before him, sending him to the ground on his back. "Unfortunately for Corypheus, I'm not the same woman I was the last time he saw me." Evelyn grinned smugly. "You'll have to do better than that.""Kill them!" He demanded, scrambling off of the ground and slinking away. The Warden mages and their demons turned and stared with their red eyes, and advanced upon the group. The mages and their demons were no match for the Inquisition. They quickly took them and their demons down one by one. "So. That went well." Said Hawke, sheathing her daggers. "You were correct." Said Stroud, turning to Hawke. "Through the ritual, the mages are slaves to Corypheus.""And the Warden warriors?" She asked. "Oh. Of course. It's not real blood magic without a sacrifice." "Erimond lied to the Wardens. They were trying to prevent future blights." said Evelyn, trying to play devils advocate. "With blood magic and human sacrifice." Fenris scowled. "The Wardens are wrong, but they had their reasons." Said Stroud, reassuringly. "All blood mages do." Hawke snapped, crossing her arms. "Everyone has a story they tell themselves to justify bad decisions, and it never matters. In the end you are always alone with your actions." "I know Hawke. We'll stop this." assured Evelyn, placing her hand on Hawkes shoulder. "I believe I know where the Wardens are your worship." Interjected Stroud. "Erimond fled in that direction. Theres an abandoned warden fortress that way. Adamant.""Stroud, Fenris and I will scout out Adamant and see if the Wardens are there. We will meet you back at Skyhold." Hawke said to Evelyn. --------------------------------------------------------------- "Makers breath." Said Cullen, mulling over what Evelyn had said. "Raising a demon army?""Yes. They said this was a test. And it seemed to work." Evelyn replied. "Well shit." Said Varric, shaking his head. "I've got more bad news." Lileana added, holding out a scroll for Evelyn. "I've recieved word from Josephine that Empress Celene is holding a soiree to host peace talks with Grand Duke Gaspard. We need to get back to Skyhold." "Of course she is." Said Dorian, throwing his hands in the air."Demon army? I'm sorry Corypheus, you'll have to wait to take over Thedas so we can prevent the Empress from being assassinated. I hope that works for you? Festus bei umo canavarum." he muttered angrily.
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When they reached Skyhold, Josephine had already secured invitations for them to the Winter palace. Josephine had gathered Evelyns team in her quarters to get fitted for their attire. "And you're sure you want to bring them?" Josephine asked reluctantly. "Yes." Evelyn answered from behind the partisan. Dorian was standing in front of the mirror, posing and inspecting his new attire from various angles."Dorian, am I handsome?" asked Cole, who had been intently watching Dorian preen."Are you what?" said Dorian, turning away from the mirror."You say you're handsome all the time. Am I? I can't tell." Cole replied, turning his body in an awkward attempt to mimic Dorian. Dorian looked him up and down and shrugged his shoulders. "You're alright. Might want to rethink the hat.""But I like my hat." He said quietly, looking at the ground."Seriously?" Said Josephine, raising a questioning eyebrow to Evelyn as she emerged from behind the partition in her court attire. "Of course." Said Evelyn smiling as she wrapped her arms around Cole. "I like your hat too," she whispered in his ear."Okay Inquisitor." She said reluctantly. "How does it fit?" "Very well, thank you Josephine." She replied, looking in the mirror at the beautiful tunic Josephine had commissioned. It was snow white with delicate gold embroidery and a black sash that wrapped around her waist. It was lose enough to cover her armour, but stylish enough as to not cause suspicion. "Excellent." Said Josephine, scratching her quill across her parchment. "It took some favours, but I finally managed to track down a seamstress who could make one for The Iron Bull." "I can't imagine that was an easy task." Replied Dorian. "And getting him into it will be even harder. The man owns nothing that doesn't expose his chest." "Yes. I've put that task on Lileana." Josephine replied smugly. "She frightens him. Almost as much as demons." Said Cole. "Yes, well he would be wise to be afraid of her." Said Dorian. ‐----------------------------------- Evelyn sat behind her desk as the fire crackled in the fireplace, illuminating her room as she went over reports about the intel Lileana had about the negotiations at the Winter palace. Dorian sat quietly on the chaise lounge, reading a book, sifting through the pages for anything that could be of use to them. "This is ridiculous." He huffed, snapping the book shut. "Is everything alright, Dorian?" She asked, looking up from her reports."All these 'gifts' to the Inquisition and the best they can do is the Malefica Imperio? Trite propaganda." He replied, tossing the book aside. "But if you want twenty volumes on whether Divine Galatea took a shit on Sunday, this is evidently the place to find it.""That's the Dorian I know; Critiquing every book in my library." she chuckled."I wouldn't have to if you could find some rebellious heretic archivist to join the cause."He said, walking over to her desk. "I'll make sure to keep my eyes peeled for one." she smiled, looking back down to her reports. "It never ends does it?" He scoffed, leafing through the piles of paper in front of her. "It seems that way." She sighed, leaning back in her chair. "I swear, all I dream about it responsibility. I can't even escape in sleep." "With all these lackies running around, you'd think you would get better treatment. Living like this is basically squalor. No one has even peeled a grape for me in weeks.' He replied, dramatically. "Yes, we're pretty much prisoners." She said, sarcastically with a smile. "Do you miss your home, Dorian?" "I miss being pampered. Do you miss yours?" He asked. "Sometimes. It seems like it would have been simpler to stay, but I probably would have hated it staying there." She replied, looking down at her hand. "I don't regret it though." "It doesn't seem like you had much choice in the matter." He said, grabbing her hand and looking into her palm for the mark. "I think Cassandra would have dragged you here against your will if you had refused." "I can assure you, that's absoloutely what would have happened." She chuckled. "Why did you stay? With everything going on, we haven't really talked much about that." "Yes, you accepted me with open arms without question." He said, sitting on the corner of her desk. "If it wasn't in my best interest to not question your decisions, I'd wonder if you were competent." "I think I have a very good sense of people." She replied. "That is up for debate." He chuckled. "You're bringing a Tevinter, a Qunari and .... whatever Cole is, to the Winter palace. If making an impression is what you're going for, then you're on the right path." "The old Evelyn would not have been so brazen." She smiled. "What was the old Evelyn like?" He asked, leaning his chin on his fist. "Fearful." she replied. "Fearful? You expect me to believe the same woman who runs around Thedas closing fade rifts, fighting archdemons and chumming it up with Tevinter mages was fearful. Out of her mind is believable, but fearful? Not for a second." "If you had told me I would be doing any of that, I would have called you crazy. The things I've done... I'm astonished." She said, looking down into her own palm. "I'm not. And if anyone ever questions your abilities, I'll melt their face off." He chuckled. "Look at you now. Leading an army and charming the small clothes off of our Commander.""There have been no small clothes coming off Dorian." She assured. "Not yet at least." He chuckled. There was a knock on the door and Dorian and Evelyn heard Cullens voice echo up the stairs. "Inquisitor. I have more reports from Leliana. She said you were in here." Cullen called out from down the stairs. "I'm up here with Dorian." She answered back. "Not sending a scout?" Dorian whispered coyly. "In the middle of the night?" "Hush." She replied. "The sun went down not too long ago. Reign in your imagination." Cullen ascended the steps into her quarters and Dorian and Evelyn turned their attention to him. "I apologize if I'm interrupting. Leliana has recieved new intel --""And you decided to hand deliver it. How charming." Dorian interrupted. "Yes. Well, I was hoping the Inquisitor had a moment to talk." Cullen said awkwardly, rubbing his hand on the back of his neck."Ha! Just wants to talk, he says." Dorian laughed as he stood up. "Of course, Commander. I'll leave you and dear Evelyn, alone. In her quarters. To talk in a romantic ambiance. About Inquisition business, I'm sure?" "Well, I was just -- there's some things --" Cullen stuttered, turning flush. "Don't mind him, Cullen. Dorian was just leaving." She said, furrowing her brows playfully at Dorian. "Of course I was." Dorian said, striding past Cullen. "Much to prepare for, I'm sure." "You wanted to talk?" She asked, walking up to Cullen and taking the parchment from his hands and tossing it on her desk with the rest of the reports. "It can wait a moment." He replied, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her into him. "I've missed you." She said, turning her face into his hair and breathing him in. "As have I. Everyone wants a piece of you these days." He whispered, tilting her chin up to give her a soft kiss. She grabbed his fur pauldrons and pulled him closer, deepening the kiss as his hands grabbed her back and pulled her in tightly. She ran her fingers through his hair as pulled tighter at her, and his hands explored under her shirt, moving their way up the skin on her back. She pushed herself into him and could feel a hunger growing. "Evelyn," he breathed. "We should stop." "Oh." she said, loosening his grip on him. "No, that's not it." he said, clasping her face in his hands and kissing her softly. "I want to. Maker, do I want to." he sighed. "We don't have to rush into anything." she said, placing her hand on his and stroking his knuckles with her thumb. "Makers breath. It's...complicated." he replied, stepping away from her. He reached into his waistband and pulled out a folded piece of parchment."I've received a letter." He said, handing it to her. "A letter? From who?" She asked, taking it out of his hand. She opened the letter and recognized the stationary immediately. "Your mother.""My mother?" she said in disbelief, reading the letter. "It was... well, you'll see." he said, slowly pacing and rubbing the back of his neck as she kept reading. "Abandoning the Order? No title? Your intentions? Andraste preserve me." she said, sitting down on the chaise lounge, trying to wrap her mind around what she just read. "Does this bother you?""I hadn't considered your title. I have no title outside of the Inquisition. I hope that doesn't bother you -- I mean, does it bother you?" He asked nervously. "Why would it?""I don't know. I thought perhaps you would be questioning my intentions, as she is, after reading that." "Should I?" She asked. "Evelyn," he said seriously, sitting down next to her and taking her hands in his. "Do you remember when we met? When you joined the Inquisition?" "Yes. You said a lot of people died to get me to the breach." She chuckled. "Such a warm welcome." "Well ... Yes, I suppose I did say that." he said, looking down awkwardly. "But I meant when we met. When we really met." "In the war room?""Yes. I had heard rumors of a prisoner. The one accused of the explosion the conclave. There was little time between that and when Cassandra figured out you could close the breach. So when I met you briefly, and said that, we were still uncertain." "As was I." She agreed. "But that day in Haven. When you walked into the war room ..." he shook his head. "Makers breath." "That's very strange to hear you say. For months you seemed to actively avoid me." "I did." he replied. "You did? Why?" she questioned. "Because it was ... wrong. What if it went bad? What if you didn't reciprocate? There is so much riding on the Inquisition, and us. Could I justify my selfishness over the greater good?" he replied. "I should have been working, not daydreaming." "Really Cullen? Daydreaming?" She asked, raising her eyebrow playfully. "Remember when you asked me how long I had wanted to kiss you? Longer than I should admit was the correct answer." He chuckled. "What made you change your mind then?" "The day we lost Haven ... the day I thought I lost you." he said, pulling her up to straddle his lap and kissing her softly. "It has been a long time since I've wanted anyone in my life. I didn't expect to find that here. Or with you." "I know how you feel." She breathed, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him deeply. His hands pulled her in closer, caressing her back and lacing through her hair. "Evelyn, I don't know what my intentions are for the future --""Shhhhh..." she whispered, stifling him with a kiss. "I don't need to know. Nor do I care right now. Let's just go to sleep, okay?" "Okay." He grinned into her kiss.He gripped her tightly and stood up, her legs still wrapped around his waist as he carried her to the bed. She stifled a startled giggle into his shoulder as he laid her down, and gently brushed the hair out of her face. She smiled at him, watching the glow of the fire flicker over his features and illuminate the gold of his eyes. "I don't know if I'm Andrastes Herald," She said, stroking her thumb over his jawline. "Or if this is all part of the Makers plan or what the future holds, but I'm happy with where we are now." "As am I." He replied, laying down next to her and pulling her in close. -------------------------- "Inquisitor," said Grand Duke Gaspard approaching the Inquisition. Evelyn and The Inquisition had made it to the winter palace. Leliana and Josephine had briefed her on 'the game', although Cullen couldn't offer up much in the way of help in that department. With Evelyn's background, she had spent some time in various courts with her family, although it was usually just as a tag along guest to her mother in father. She would enjoy the refreshments and dancing, but she never had to partake in the politics and actually playing the game. Then again, that was the old, timid Evelyn. Inquisitor Evelyn was stronger and more confident, and it showed in her stance and posture. When they entered the gates of the Winter Palace, she saw a sea of nobility, relishing in the wealth of the finest silks and materials, all hiding a sneaky grin behind a mask. As she walked through the crowd she could hear people gossiping about nothing of real importance. Mostly of who had bedded who, and she tried to remember to tell Leliana, although guessing by the look on the spymaster face, she was already making mental notes. "Did you just hear --" "Yes. Keep walking. Smile Inquisitor," Leliana said, plastering a fake smile on her own face. "The people are enamored with you. Give them what they want. Leave the rest to me." Evelyn smiled and waved as best she could, remembering that she had her team behind her. She looked around and Cole was gone, which was not surprising. The crowd of nobles were enamored with the Inquisiton, gaping their mouths at the Iron bull and Dorian. It didn't seem to bother them in the slightest, in fact, Dorian seemed to relish in it. The Iron Bull stood proud, towering over the crowd with no fear. "Just wait for them to announce you, and walk with purpose. You are a guest of honour here." Said Josephine, giving Evelyn a gentle reminder of confidence. "Shall we Inquisitor?" Grand Duke Gaspard asked, holding his arm out for her to take as they stepped into the grand ballroom. "Grand Duke Gaspard du Chalon, and accompanying him, Lady Inquisitor Trevelyan, Herald of Andraste, and Leader of the Inquisition." The announcer called out as they entered the ballroom. The grand duke walked proudly down the steps and through the empty dance floor to greet his cousin. The confidence he had approaching her, even with the unspoken tension that he was actively trying to usurp the throne, was actually admirable. Evelyn stepped into the spotlight and confidently walked down the stairs. That was the first time she had heard her title spoken fully. She bowed to Empress Celene, who gave her a polite curtsey. "Did you see their faces?" The Grand Duke whispered, soaking up the intrigue of the court. She made her way to the side as the announcer introduced The Iron Bull, Dorian and her advisors. If the Grand Duke was looking for shock at his company, he definitely was getting it. As the Empress made her speeches, the Inquisition took their places, spread out throughout the palace. Leliana held Evelyn back to give her some last minute pieces of advice and intel on some guests. From the other side of the ballroom Cullen was standing awkwardly, trying to avoid conversation with the men and women who were enamoured with him. "Can I get you a drink, Commander Cullen?" One of the ladies fawning over him asked. "No, I'm fine, thank you." He replied, avoiding her gaze and scanning the ballroom. Evelyn was walking towards him and he took his opportunity to escape his objectification. "Inquisitor! Did you need something?" He said, stepping towards her and through the group of people surrounding him."The sooner we track down this infiltrator, the better." He said, side eyeing the people around him. "I see you've attracted a following," Evelyn grinned, raising her eyebrow. "Who are all these people?""I don't know, but they won't leave me alone." He scowled. "Not enjoying the attention then?" "Hardly. Anyways, yours --" he cleared his throat and whispered, "yours is the only attention worth having." "I don't suppose you would save a dance for me?" Evelyn asked. "No, thank you." He replied flatly. "Oh." "No, I didn't mean to -- Makers breath," he sighed in frustration. "I've answered that so many times, I'm rejecting it automatically. I'm not one for dancing. The Templars never attended balls."Cullens eyes went wide and he turned around in shock. "Did you just grab my bottom?" He asked the man standing behind him, with surprise. "I'm a weak man." The masked noble said coyly. "Are you married?" "Not yet, but I am taken." He replied quickly, turning his attention back to Evelyn. "So you're single then?" A woman added, cozying up to his side. "I see you have problems of your own, Cullen" she ribbed. "I have to go." "I await your signal." He said to her, uncomfortably shifting himself so his back was against the wall and away from the people groping at him. He watched Evelyn walk away, keeping a close eye on the people in the ballroom. He scanned for any sign of anything out of place, but besides the usual weirdness of the court, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. As time went on, he fended off advances from his admirers as he patiently waited for any word from Evelyn. Though the more time went on, the more anxious he got that Evelyn had not spoken to anyone in the ballroom. Two women walked by and Cullen just so happened to overhear a rumor of fighting in the servants quarters. 'Makers breath," he thought. "What has she gotten herself into now." He anxiously watched the entrances, hoping for any sign of her, when she entered with Duchess Florianne. They spoke for a moment before she took the Duchesses hand and made her way to the dance floor. He looked to Leliana who gave him a nod and focused her attention back to Evelyn. He could see that the two were talking, but couldn't make out what they were saying. No doubt Leliana could read their lips though. When Evelyn and the Duchess were done dancing, they bowed and the court applauded their display. "Excuse me," Cullen said, slinking his way through the crowd to Leliana. "You were dancing with Duchess Florianne?" Leliana asked Evelyn. "More importantly, what happened in the servants quarters? I heard there was fighting." Cullen said. "I hope you have good news. It appears the peace talks are crumbling." Josephine added. "I ran into a group of Venatori. And Gaspards dagger." Evelyn replied. "The man would truly do anything to become Emperor." Josephine said, shaking her head. "Then the attack on the Empress will happen tonight." Cullen added. "What did Duchess Florianne tell you?" Leliana asked. "She said Gaspards mercenary captain is in the royal wing, and that he knows about the assassination." Said Evelyn. "Which could be a trap." Said Josephine, looking to the other advisors. "Or a lead. You should search the private quarters in that wing for clues." Leliana said. "Then get me access. And in the meantime, get your soldiers into position." Evelyn commanded. "At once. Be careful Inquisitor." Cullen said formally, but pleading for her with his eyes. He watched Evelyn walk out of the ballroom once again with a pit in his stomach. It was easier when he had something to do to distract his mind, but waiting around made him nervous. "She'll be fine, Cullen." Said Leliana, reassuringly. "We're not sending her out alone." "I know." He replied, walking back to his post. He knew she was right, and that Evelyn would be fine. If there was anyone he could trust to get her back alive, it was her team. If anyone cared about her as much as he did, it was Dorian. "Commander, you should smile more! You are so handsome when you smile," said a noblewoman who had been eagerly waiting his return. "He's handsome even when he's not smiling." Added a noble man who was waiting with her.Cullen took his spot with his usual routine of dodging advances and looking out for any threats. Time achingly crawled on, and he was starting to prefer the headache he was developing to the company he was keeping when he was approached by a timid looking elven woman. "Are you Commander Cullen?" She asked shyly. "Yes, I am." He said. "The Inquisitor said you would keep me safe." She replied, looking around anxiously. "What is going on?" He asked, pulling her to the side. "Ambassador Briala... she sent an assassin after me. The Inquisitor saved me and went after the assassin." "Makers breath. Stay with me." He said, looking around the ballroom, suspicious of everyone around him even more than usual. A short time later, Evelyn returned with Dorian and The Iron Bull. They weren't wearing their court attire, but their armour. She quickly strode to Cullen with a serious look on her face. "Thank the Maker you're back. The Empress is about to make her speech. What do we do?" He asked, breathing a silent sigh of relief. "It's not Briala or Gaspard. Its Florianne. She's working with Corypheus. Don't let her anywhere near the Empress." Evelyn demanded. "The Duchess? At once Inquisitor." He replied, leaving to exact her orders. "Let all who gathered attend. Her imperial majesty will now address the court." Said the announcer, presenting the Empress. "Lords and Ladies, as a nation we mourn our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, friends and lovers, claimed by war. The sky is torn open, our Divine is dead, and many fear the end of all things is coming," said the Empress, looking out over the crowd. "Orlais must stand as a bastion. A bulwark that all Thedas may take shelter. So has it stood for a thousand years." The people erupted in applause as Evelyn made her way through the crowd, keeping her eye on the Duchess. "This would not have been possible without the efforts of many. Dear cousin, please step forward." The Empress gestured to Florianne. "Grand Duchess, stand down!" Evelyn commanded, unsheathing her daggers and darting to the Empress. Two soldiers of the Inquisition pushed the Empress out of the way and held their swords to Florianne. The duchess quickly pulled a knife and stabbed the soldier behind her, fending off the attacks from the other soldiers and killing them in the process. "Now! For Corypheus! Kill them all!" Florianne commanded, as Venatori started killing Inquisition Soldiers and Chevaliers on the dance floor while she fled out the doors and into the garden. "Cullen, protect the people!" Evelyn yelled, following Floriene outside. "Yes Inquisitor." He said, unsheathing his sword. As Evelyn chased after Florianne, the Dutchess dropped a smoke bomb and dissapeared. "Where did she go?" The Iron Bull asked, looking around and taking swings with his maul. "She's still here." Said Cole, "I can feel her." The Duchess reappeared on top of the fountain, out of her large, eccentric ballgown and into something more practical for an assassin. She stood strong, holding her bow at the ready, pointed at Evelyn. "Beaten at every turn. You've taken the moment of my victory and left me in disgrace. And now you've chased a defenseless woman into the garden. Are you proud of yourself?" Hissed Florianne. "You were about to murder the Empress. We both know you're not defenseless." Replied Evelyn, crossing her arms and standing coolly. "True. You never did fall for my helpless damsel act. But the night is still young. All I need to recover, is to kill you, Inquisitor. So good of you to attend my soiree." She smiled, releasing her arrow at Evelyn. Evelyn quickly dodged out of the way and Dorian cast a shield of invisibility on her as more Venatori entered the garden. Cole and The Iron Bull focused on clearing out the Venatori as Evelyn focused her efforts on Florianne with Dorian as her backup. She dodged every arrow the Duchess shot at her in rapid fire succession as she closed the gap between them. As she leapt up to the top of the fountain, Florienne traded her bow for daggers and met Evelyn's attacks with her own. Florianne and Evelyn were face to face, both slashing and blocking each others attacks. The Duchess kicked Evelyn in the stomach, sending her to the ground on her back. She jumped off the fountain with her daggers over her head, ready to come down on Evelyn when a fireball knocked her out of the air. Florianne screamed as she got off the ground, holding her face. The mask she was wearing had melted, and the molten metal ran down her face, searing her flesh and hand. She shot a furious look at Dorian, who only looked pleased with himself as he started conjuring another fireball with his staff. Florianne dodged the next one he fired at her as Evelyn leapt to her feet and made a run at the Duchess. They were face to face once again and Evelyn could see the damage Dorian had done. The mask had melted to her skin and her cheeks and neck were bubbling in blisters. "Once I kill you, I'm going to torture your mage," she hissed. "He will beg me for death." Evelyn blocked another dagger attack from Florianne and pushed her backwards. As the Duchess ran back at her, Dorian cast another invisibility shield on Evelyn. "Where are you, you coward!?" Florianne demanded, swiping her daggers through the air around her. She dodged the fireballs Dorian was throwing at her, and shot arrows back at him that he blocked with a shield he conjured. "And when I'm done with your mage, I'll work over your pretty little Commander. I would have offered a quick mercy death, but you've decided to be difficult. You've sealed their fates," she screamed. "I will make them suffer!" Evelyn reappeared in front of Florianne, grabbing her by the collar and sinking her dagger through Floriannes chest and out her back. The Duchess dropped her bow and her eyes went wide as she tried to grab at Evelyn with weak hands. She tried to stutter something and only blood bubbled out, dripping down her chin."The only one who will suffer is you." Evelyn growled, looking at her with fierce eyes and twisting the dagger. Florianne gurgled once more as the life drained from her eyes. Evelyn pulled the dagger out, letting the Duchess' body fall to the ground in a twisted heap. Evelyn and Dorian turned their efforts to help Cole and The Iron Bull fight off the last of the Venatori. When there was no living Venatori left, the team ran back to the palace. Inquisition soldiers and Chevaliers had the Empress surrounded, and the entrances were all sealed and being covered by soldiers. "What happened?" Asked Cullen, running up to Evelyn and taking her bloody hands in his. "Are you hurt?" "I'm fine Cullen," she replied, "The Duchess is dead." "Inquisitor," said the Empress approaching her with Grand Duke Gaspard and Ambassador Briala. "Your sister attempted regicide in front of thr entire court." Briala spat at Gaspard. "You are the spymaster. If anyone knew this atrocity was coming, it was you." He replied. "I knew nothing of Floriannes plans. But you, you knew it all and did nothing.""I don't know which is better. That you think I'm all seeing, or that you're trying to play innocent, and failing." She said nonchalantly. "Enough! We will not bicker while Tevinter plots against our nation. For the safety of the empire, I will have answers." Demanded Empress Celene. "Gaspard brought hired thugs into the palace for an attack, and murdered an emissary.""Mercenaries? So much for your chevalier honour cousin. Thank you Inquisitor. There can be no doubt of your treason Gaspard.""No. It seems there cannot." He replied, shooting a look to Evelyn. "In light of overwhelming evidence we have no choice but to declare you an enemy of the empire. You are hereby sentenced to death.""Long live the empire." He said flatly, as he was escorted away by Chevaliers. "Thank you Inquisitor. For all of your efforts tonight. I owe you my life, and Orlais owes you its future." Said Empress Celene. The Empress walked back into the palace and made a grand speech about the efforts of the Inquisition, and the treason of her cousin. The crowd applauded and went back to their soiree, as if nothing had even happened as Chevaliers cleared the bodies out around them. Evelyn leaned on the balcony looking down over the garden at the Venatori that littered the ground and just shook her head. With all that Leliana and Josephine had taught her, nothing could have prepared her for this night. "There you are," said Cullen from behind her. "Everyones been looking for you. Things have calmed down for the moment. Are you alright?" He asked, placing his hand on hers. "I'm just worn out. Tonight has been... very long." She sighed. "For all of us. I'm glad it's over." He said, remembering the fear he had of not knowing. "I know it's foolish, but I was worried for you tonight." She looked up at him and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "You have nothing to worry about." She smiled. The party raged on inside and people cheered and clapped as the orchestra started up another song. "I may never have another chance like this, so I must ask," said Cullen with a grin, stepping away from her and holding his hand out. "May I have this dance, my lady?" "Of course," she smiled, taking his hand. "I thought you didn't dance?" "For you, I'll try." He replied, pulling her in close to him. ------------------------------------------------- "You asked for my opinion and I've given it. Why would you expect it to change?" Said Cassandra, standing strong. "I expect you to keep your word. It's relentless. I can't--" Cullen said, exasperated. "You give yourself too little credit." She implored. "If I'm unable to fulfill what vows I've kept then nothing good has come of this. Would you rather save face than admit --"The door creaked open and Cullen and Cassandra turned to see Evelyn enter the barracks. "Forgive me." Cullen said solemnly, walking by Evelyn. "And people say I'm stubborn. This is ridiculous." Said Casaandra, gesturing to Cullen as he walked out the door.Cullen walked through the courtyard and up the stairs to his office, thinking on what Cassandra had said. He placed around his office, sweating under his armour as pain radiated through his bones. His head was pounding, and the flashbacks wouldn't stop torturing him. He couldn't take it any longer. With sweaty hands he reached up atop his book shelf and pulled down the box he had tried to hide from himself. He placed the box down on his desk and opened it, staring down at the lyrium. It was within his reach, ready to cure him. Singing songs of relief. He had come this far, was he really willing to give it all up in a weak moment? The decision tortured him, screaming through his head. Was this right? Should he do this? What about the Order? And what happened in Kirkwall? And the Circle? And the torture? And the pain? And the confidence Cassandra had in him. She was wrong. Or was she? What would Evelyn think? What could he bear more, hurting her or hurting himself? But the lyrium called to him. He couldn't take it anymore. Cullen picked up the box and threw it as hard as he could across the room, smashing against the wall next to the door and sending broken pieces scattering all over the floor, just as Evelyn walked in. "Makers breath, I didn't hear you enter. I --- Forgive me." He panted apologetically, shaking his head. "Cullen, if you need to talk..." "You don't have to --" he groaned, staggering and catching himself on the side of his desk. "I never meant for this to interfere." He said, turning his eyes away from her. "Are you going to be alright?" She said, walking towards him. "Yes.... I don't know." He sighed, groaning and standing up straight. "You asked what happened in Fereldens Circle. It was taken over by abominations. The Templars --my friends -- were slaughtered." He rubbed his hands over his face and walked to the window, still avoiding eye contact with Evelyn. "I was tortured. They tried to break my mind. How can you be the same person after that?" He asked rhetorically. "Still, I wanted to serve. They sent me to Kirkwall. I trusted my knight-commander. And for what? Her fear of mages ended in madness. Kirkwalls circle fell. Innocent people died in the streets." He said in frustration. "Cant you see why I want nothing to do with that life?" Cullen plead. "Of course I can. I--""Don't. You should be questioning what I've done." He growled. "I thought this would be better. That I would regain some control over my life. But these thoughts wont leave me." He said, pacing back and forth in frustration. "How many lives depend on our success? I swore myself to this cause. I will not give less to the Inquisition than I did the Chantry. I should be taking it." He yelled, pu ching the book shelf in front of him, causing Evelyn to jolt. "I should be taking it." He sighed. "This doesnt have to be about the Inquisition. Is this what you want?" Evelyn asked. "No." He sighed, unclenching his fist. "These memories have always haunted me. If they become worse... if I cannot endure this..." "You can." She said reassuringly, placing her hand on his chest. "Go to bed. I will take care of training for the day." "But --" "I said go." She said firmly. "I've got this, and you've got this. Just take some time." "Alright." He sighed. Evelyn left the room and he removed his armour reluctantly and climed the ladder, ignoring the mess he made on the floor. As he reached the top, he saw a piece of parchment folded in his pillow waiting for him. He opened the note and recognized the shaky, messy writing inside as Coles.
They didn't hang you there, you can walk away.
Cullen sighed and laid down in his bed, staring at the writing on the page. He rubbed his temple and closed his eyes, hoping Evelyn and Cole were right as he fought through the pain.