Chapter Text
INQUISITOR ADHLEA LAVELLAN
It is a widely known fact that many Dalish elves are savage in their ways, forever wandering the land and refusing to contact civilization. However, one small clan from the Free Marches unwittingly produced a figure that would take the Thedosian political sphere by storm.
Humble Beginnings
Adhlea Lavellan was born in 9:13 Dragon, in a small aravel travelling the borders between Antiva and Annsburg. Her father was a warrior known as Atrion, while her mother was a herbalist named Shaehra, daughter of Keeper Deshanna. There were high hopes for their new babe, as she appeared to take after her grandfather, and it was highly probable that she might grow to be a mage.
It is said that Adhlea was a bright and curious child, and had a fascination with both ancient Elvhen lore and tales of adventure in far-off places. The Dalish are raised wild, but by all accounts she was obedient and conscientious, often wanting to help with cooking or care for children younger than her. According to her cousin, however, there were a select few incidences of mischief where her curiosity caused her parents trouble. Once, a great panic occurred when her parents had discovered that the little elf vanished. She was found hours later, chatting animatedly with the Rivaini humans that they were escorting and learning words from their language.
Adhlea’s magical abilities manifested early, and she was soon appointed First of Clan Lavellan, and began a period of tutelage under her Keeper. She grew into an extremely skilled mage, herbalist, and diplomat – an elf perfectly groomed for leadership. She had made a name for herself at her debut in an Arlathvhen, in which she presented herself with tact and poise, and as a result received many proposals for betrothal. Adhlea, however, could not avoid the Lavellan trait of causing controversy. She conveyed her complete disinterest in men to her Keeper, and thus remained unmarried, much to the chagrin of surrounding clans.
I cannot comprehend your reluctance to allow your First to bond. You must know that we’d never demand such a talented young one away from you, and I am happy to send her suitors to your clan instead. Do not guard her so jealously. Yes, she is your granddaughter, but this is becoming ridiculous. She is three and twenty years old and not yet matched, the poor girl.
Leyren is a most suitable partner for her, and I insist that we allow the two to meet at the next gathering. He is an unmatched warrior and smith, and he has had many bond offers from other clans. I implore you to accept, as I cannot refuse these other clans for long.
I am sure that Adhlea will find him agreeable. She’s a beautiful young woman with a good head on her shoulders, and she must know a dashing man when she sees one. She already is so close to his sister; I have seen them alone and getting along most swimmingly. Think of what charming sisters-by-bond the two would make!
I will give you until the Month of Emerald Feasting to accept. Any longer and Leyren will have to be bonded with someone else.
-Correspondence from Keeper Narethali of Clan Serethlan to Keeper Deshanna. The letter is on full display inside Keeper Deshanna’s aravel as a sort of inside joke amongst Adhlea and the clan.
Adhlea had posed the unorthodox idea to bond with another woman, as opposed to a man. Keeper Deshanna and the rest of the clan readily agreed, yet they could not find romantically compatible or interested Dalish women in the area, to Adhlea’s great disappointment.
The Rivaini traders that had frequent dealings with the clan once offered to take Adhlea on a small trip to Rivain in order to let her see the sights there. However, her Keeper firmly refused, as Adhlea was the only other member of the clan that was a mage, and the risk of harm or kidnapping by slavers was too great. Adhlea showed disappointment, but deferred to her leader. As she reached her mid-twenties, the First of clan Lavellan had set her mind on a Dalish life of campsite herbalism and guidance to her clan. However, she never could quench her desire to see what Thedas had to offer her, and her yearning for further exploration weighed on her for years.
An opportunity for adventure arose in 9:41 Dragon, when news of a Conclave arose. The clan had already been affected by the aftermath of the mage rebellion by the influx of both travelling Templars and rogue mages into the north. Clan Lavellan and its allies elected to send representatives from each clan in order to spy on the proceedings and report back with the outcome. Adhlea readily volunteered to join this group. This was at first met with another refusal from her Keeper, but Adhlea had useful reasons to build her case for it. Clan Lavellan had a Second in the form of Adhlea’s cousin, and they had even more new mage members from former Circle mages who had joined their clan. Besides Deshanna, Adhlea was the only member who not only had general diplomacy skills, but also knew the basics of human religions and could defend herself effectively with magic.
Thus, Adhlea was permitted to join her fellows, and made a life-changing journey to the Divine Conclave.
Herald to Inquisitor
Adhlea’s presence in the Temple of Sacred Ashes altered the course of Thedas’ history. She had wandered the halls during the intermission of the proceedings, only to overhear the Most Holy’s cries for help.
Following the voice, she came face to face with an ancient Darkspawn Magister assaulting Divine victoria with unknown magic. Lavellan immediately intervened, yet she could not stop the explosion that claimed the lives of all others in the area. However, by the will of Andraste herself, Adhlea was returned to Thedas through the Breach, a glowing gift in her palm that allowed her to seal Rifts. This unknown Dalish elf had found herself crowned Herald of Andraste.
While she herself stubbornly clung to her heathen gods, there was no question as to why Andraste had chosen her. Unwittingly, Clan Lavellan had raised the perfect Herald for the world. Adhlea readily agreed to assist the newly formed Inquisition in order to stop the chaos that was spreading. During her first months, Adhlea lead Inquisition forces through the Hinterlands, offering aid to refugees and saving countless lives.
I am convinced that Andraste chose Mistress Lavellan for good reason. The Herald is humble, competent, and selfless. In the face of hate and prejudice, she stands in calm but firm opposition, as Our Lady did against Tevinter so long ago.
You may not believe, but you will see my perspective as soon as you meet her. Blessed Andraste makes no errors, and I swear that I witness the Maker’s work when I see the Herald’s achievements. You, too, must bear witness. We sit at the precipice of history, and it is not for any of us to decide whom Andraste deems worthy. Reject a gift from the Maker at your peril, and remember the consequences that such a disastrous decision will bring.
-An excerpt of a letter from Mother Giselle to Mother Aletta, urging her to allow an audience between the Inquisition and the Chantry in Val Royeaux
The Herald of Andraste only grew in influence as the Inquisition brought the end to the Mage-Templar war, both through destroying violent members of both groups and recruiting Fiona, the leader of the Mage Rebellion. With her came an army of mages, all with the power to help seal the Breach. The attempt was successful, but drew the attentions of the darkspawn magister Corypheus, who was responsible for the Breach and had declared himself a god. Like a hero of old, the Herald of Andraste stood bravely against the abomination and his blighted archdemon.
Though the defeat at Haven dealt a mighty blow to the Inquisition, The Herald’s stand against Corypheus inspired her followers even more. They established themselves in the Frostbacks, at a fortress known as Skyhold. From there, they grow even further in fame and power, enough to pose as a real political presence in Thedas. The Herald herself was appointed Inquisitor by unanimous vote from Seeker Cassandra Pentaghast, Commander Cullen Rutherford, Lady Josephine Montiliyet, and Lady Leliana.
Inquisitor Lavellan only grows in influence. She is known to associate with a puzzlingly wide variety of individuals, from noble courts to underground riffraff. Her personal life appears to be on display for all to see, as she regularly meets with members of the general public and is often on the frontlines of many of the Inquisition’s operations. According to members of her inner circle of companions, she has a fondness for the culinary arts, and aspires to publish a cookbook in the future.
Many have decried Inquisitor Lavellan and her supporters as a dangerous personality cult, and the Inquisitor has been accused of taking advantage of the chaos for her own means. Other critics say that reports of the Inquisitor’s exploits are mere propaganda, as no lowly elf could accomplish such deeds. A select few believe that Inquisitor Lavellan herself was responsible for the explosion at the Conclave and the subsequent Breach in the veil. However, many more have sworn by the Inquisitor’s benevolence, and those who have personally dealt with her find their testimonies being positive more often than not.
Time will tell to whether or not Inquisitor Lavellan continues to live up to her relatively good name.