Chapter Text
Diana lay soaking in her oversized bath, content from a long journey back to Haven. After clearing out the Fallow Mire location and rescuing the Inquisition agents, Josephine had arranged a private bath in her quarters. Everything ached. Going blade to blade against the Avvar was physically exhausting, as well as the lengthy ride back. Cullen had told her they had time to check on the information before the mages were prepared to seal the breach. That was tomorrow. For now, she had time to relax and try to let the aches fade away. With her neck hung over the tub’s edge she let the steam do its work. Half asleep she heard the firm rap of a knock on her door. ‘Commander Cullen or Cassandra.’ She sighed easing into a sit, “How may I serve?” Grumbling she crossed her arms. By now Cassandra would have burst in, uncaring for her state of dress. She’d done it twice already on their journeys. ‘Cullen.’ She made the internal bet as his voice resonated through the old oak door. “Herald, may I have a word with you, once you are free.”
“Of course. I shall seek you out Commander. Within the hour.” Dunking her head under the water, she ignored the muffled reply. She didn’t care what he was saying, she would find him within the hour. Or he could come in, sit and blush. Snickering quietly, she scrubbed the lotions from her hair. Dressing warmly, she made her way to the training field. He had to be there, he was always there. Looming over the men and women, barking his damned orders. Crossing her arms, she was prepared for whatever nonsense he was going to yell now. He already had his pound of flesh over the mages, she wasn’t about to give him another one. “Commander, what has you calling me so late?”
“I have word that the agents you sent into that strong hold have found some items of interest. They will be making the journey back to Haven in a few days. I wanted to thank you personally for rescuing our men. It is always a comfort to see them.” He had a warm smile upon his lips and Diana felt he was being genuine. “They deserved nothing less from the order they serve. While I appreciate the commendation Commander, is it not late for you?” Scanning him over she could see he was ashen, eyes darker than when she’d last seen him. “Are you ill, Commander? I may have something that can help you. If you’d just…”
“No, no, thank you. I am fine. Sleep has been secondary to the Breach and coordinating with the mages and the templars that have joined our ranks.” He gritted the factions out between clenched teeth as he rubbed at his neck. “If you could…”
“I’ll do my best to quell as may fires as I can. I hope you understand my decision Commander. Or do you still have an issue?” His reaction had set her on edge and now she was in a mood to fight. Seeing his eyes grow wide she waited for his response. “You know my stance on this idea. Letting them run loose, unchecked is a threat not only to them but to those unprepared. We are too close to the Breach. Demons can tempt even the strongest willed man….”
“If a naked woman walked up to you, and tried to proposition you, would you?” Seeing him choke she snickered. “Then there it is. A non-mage tempted with power is as dangerous as a mage tempted with power. There are weak ones on both sides, but strong leaders can pull them in line. I have faith that Grand Enchanter Fiona can maintain her people, there is also the fiery and fierce Madam de Fer to contend with. I put faith in those women to deal harshly with any issues. They want a chance to show Thedas they are not monsters. I believe they need this, and I have the utmost faith that they will not faulter.”
“You believe the templars wouldn’t?” He bit back at her clearly prepared to fight. “I am not arguing that there are weak men and mages. I am pointing out a fact. There is a heightened risk in dealing with magic so close to the torn veil. We do not have enough templars or men trained in dealing with abominations.” He glared her down eager for her to rise to his bait. But she would have none of it. “The risk is real for all of us. Veil or no veil. I have no issues with templars in general. I have an issue with demonizing people because of their birth condition. I thought you might understand such a sentiment. No matter. If this sits poorly with you, so be it. I thought perhaps you would understand better than others in this situation, but I am beginning to see my thought was wrong.” Diana scowled at him, seeing a flicker of embarrassment catch his eye before he hardened himself again. “I do understand.” Huffing out a long breath of air Cullen shook his head. “I do not see it that way. I am simply…”
“Looking out for the best interests of the Inquisition. I managed to remember that part. You repeated it more than enough times, Commander.” Rolling her eyes she shook her head. “We talk in circles, Commander. Do you have a problem with me and how I’ve handled this?”
“No!” He half shouted, his hands came up to defend his position. “No. You have done an incredible job with the limited parameters you have been given. You have garnered respect and aid where none was thought obtainable. You have gathered resources, secured coin for the coffers and the mages to seal the Breach. You personally dueled an Avvar barbarian to return our men. I couldn’t be more pleased with your progress.” His voice softened and for a moment Diana let her guard down. “Thank you, Cullen. That’s… really kind of you to say.”
“I meant every word.” He stood unmoved by the table outside his tent. “You should rest, Lady Trevelyan. Tomorrow will be trying and the journey more so.” He bowed his head, ever the professional as he awaited her response. “Thank you, Cullen. Please, call me Diana. I detest titles.” This was the calmest she’d seen him and the kindest he’d been. Unsure if it would last she was more than content to soak up the current soft interaction.
“My apologizes. I am used to titles. They serve their functionality in my line of duty.” Tipping his head, he excused himself and returned to a pile of scrolls. Swiping up several of them before marching past her towards the Chantry building.
Sighing heavily Diana watched the puffed cloud of her breath disappear along with the Commander. There was something different about him. A softness she was certain she caught under that hard armor. “What is your story?” She wondered out loud before a shiver crawled up her back. Bed. There was a roaring fire in the hearth of her chambers and sleep sounded perfect. Stuffing her hands into her pockets she paced back towards the hut she called home.
Come morning all of Haven seemed to buzz. Readying herself best she could she felt no different than the day before. Only that today was the marked day for travel to the cinders of the Temple of Sacred Ashes. Groaning loudly, she cursed as she dressed. With Cullen leading the march she knew it would be a blistering pace and she dreaded it. “Rush me to my possible death. Not like everything could back fire in a heart beat.” Lacing up her knee-high boots she looked about the room one last time. Caution tickled her temples and the familiar gut instinct lit up. “Nothing’s ever easy.” Snatching her hip pouch, she filled it full of healing herbs, potions and bandages. Lest something go wrong she would be prepared.
Grabbing a shoulder bag, she filled that too. Something drove her hand as she put a warmer cloak inside and thick snow gloves. Grabbing a heavy winter cap, she topped up the bag. “Silly, but best to have than not. I am no mage.” Slinging it over her shoulder she slipped her sword into its sheath upon her left hip and secured her buckler to the bag. “Ready.”
Out into the cold mountain air she calmly took her place in the group set to head out. “Did you rest well?” Solas stood tall beside her, leaning upon his staff. “Not as well as I would have liked, but how does one sleep when faced with their own gallows.” Diana tried to keep her face neutral as they walked. “There is no guarantee of your death. Do you believe you will fail?”
“I believe I know so little about this area, hahren. I am much more accustomed to being in control of my environment. In one way or another.” Diana looked up to see the stunned look on Solas’s face. “I apologize. I spend a long time with the Dalish outside of Ostwick. Their Keeper was very kind. I would supply whatever aid I could and in return she taught. I was a very good listener and I picked up some of the language along the way. I believe hahren is teacher, right?”
“Very impressive. Did you learn anything else?” Solas keenly listened in as Diana told him how she’d met the Keeper. Exchanged food, blankets, other items for a chance to learn. They’d taught her how to cultivate herbs and essences from plants and trees. How to speak some of the language and of course the old tales. “I really loved hearing the history. It’s truly a crime they have lost so much to time.” Crossing her arms, she grumbled. “Men want what they cannot have, then take it by force. It is no less wrong and yet to the winner goes the spoils. And the pen to erase what they’ve done.”
Solas nodded, his lip curled into a slender smirk. “You have quite a mind for these things. And what do you think of magic I wonder.”
“Magic is no less harmful than my sword. In the right hands it can cure, heal and save. In the wrong hands? It can butcher as mindlessly as any other weapon. Why persecute someone for being born that way? I do not and have never understood. Father had to deal with several Chantry Sisters scolding me for my ideas on Shartan and mages. I suppose this all sounds strange coming from a Shem.” Diana let out a snicker as Solas nodded his head. “I have a very open mind about things. Since we are on the topic of magic and mages, have you found anything on this mark? This ‘Anchor’ as Alexius called it. I know you said you’d try, but I worry the Breach may make it dangerous for you.”
“I appreciate your concern, and sadly you are correct. With the Breach being so near, I cannot speak with those I need to. The odd pieces I have led me to only further questions. I am not entirely sure about much of it. To wield such a thing, with no innate link to the Fade like a mage is fascinating. May I?” Solas held out his hand and waited. Diana tugged free her glove and placed her hand in his. “By all means, if you see something let me know. So far it only acts as a mildly annoying night light. I am grateful for now that is all it has been.”
They walked and continued to talk, Solas still intrigued by the mark as it seemed to flicker and hum along to the Breach in the sky above them. Arriving at the base of the building Diana drew in a deep breath, “tell me I’ll be ok, Solas. Tell me you know what’s going to happen.”
“I am confident things will be fine.” Solas laid a hand upon her shoulder. “Forgive me but I must direct the mages. Take your place at the base of the rift. Do as you have done before and seal it. We shall focus on the rest.”
Looking up at the shifting, glowing crystalline nature of the Breach’s source she shivered. The last time she tried she felt a crushing force upon her, then darkness. Only to awake several days later in Haven. Everyone and everything drowned out around her. The forgotten and tossed away daughter of the Baron Ulrich Trevelyan. Staring up she felt small, far smaller than she wanted to. Digging her feet into the earth she caught the familiar black and red fur of Cullen’s mantle as he paced about, his sword drawn, and eyes locked on the mages. He and Cassandra traded a look and soon Cassandra waved at Solas to begin. Whatever he said to them, went right through Diana. Feeling the surge of power, she lifted her hand and prayed.
Sitting on the wall over the campfire, Diana still couldn’t believe how smoothly it all went. She hadn’t returned her items, or removed her armor, it just felt too quiet for her. Far too quiet. “You did well. It is a miracle you managed to have the templars and mages work together.” Cassandra sighed as they watched the merriment below. “Well it wasn’t easy, and I can’t take all the credit.” Diana shrugged pointing to her hand. “The glowing thing in my hand had a fair share of the lions work. Whatever the hell it is.”
“Herald, I…” Warning bells cut off Cassandra’s words as men came rushing towards the gate. In an instant Cassandra and Diana had drawn their blades and rushed forward as well. “Cullen what…”
“I don’t know. All that I’ve heard is an army is marching towards Haven. They seek nothing, but they push towards us. Weapons drawn.” Cullen grit his teeth and Diana could see the colour drain from his face. “Haven is no fortress and our only way out is blocked. We need…”
“The trebuchets.” Diana motioned towards them. “If we can bring enough of the mountain down we can slow them, maybe even force them back.”
“Let me in. I cannot come in unless you open.” A young man’s voice came from behind the gates. Without a second thought Diana rushed forward and threw wide the door. Crumpling before her, dead lay a man in odd armor. Behind him a youth sheathed two daggers. “He’s coming for you. You took his mages and now he’s angry.” Thrusting his finger upwards, Diana and their group followed his direction. Cloaked in a thick mist stood a man towering over another. Diana couldn’t see him as clearly as she wanted to but gauging by Cullen’s reaction she knew things were dire. “We need to move the people back to the Chantry.” Cullen flew through the gates and back to the mass of templars, soldiers and mages. As he bellowed his orders, Diana stared for one moment longer. Whomever that was she knew it didn’t bode well.
The fighting carried on and for a brief moment they thought they had the advantage. Pushing the enemy back they were set to begin an offensive strike when a dragon entered the fray. Cullen immediately ordered a full retreat to the Chantry building. Diana and her people scattered, scouring the battlefield for any civilians they could. Returning to the Chantry, the young boy helped haul in a heavily injured Roderick. After a brief discussion she made a hard call. “If that bastard wants me, I’ll run to him. Perhaps it will…”
“It won’t save the people. He’ll destroy the village anyway.” Cole’s gaze bored through her. “But Roderick can help. He wants to. Before he dies.”
Diana didn’t pay much attention to what Roderick said. Only that she had a task to do. “Lady Herald? Diana?” Cullen grabbed her arm, snapping her from her train of thought. “If what Roderick says is true then we have a way out through the rear pass. But in order to do that…”
“You need a diversion and that creature wants me. I say he can have me. Get the people out Commander. I shall try my best to see you later.” She offered a weak smile, but Cullen’s grip tightened. “Diana, if you are to survive, if we are to survive let fly the trebuchet. It will force a landslide and bury Haven, but it will make any attempt by those soldiers impossible. We would be safe…” He trailed off, his eyes shimmering as he spoke. “You…”
“Get the people to safety, Commander. I shall tend to the creature. There will be time to argue with me later,” squeezing his arm back she felt his hand twitch before he released her and began to aid the young man with Roderick.
That was the last thing she remembered as she woke inside the mining tunnel. Carefully as she could she rose and checked her injuries. “Dislocated left shoulder, rotator tear, several broken ribs, severe bruising of the hip, possibly down to the bone.” Using her right arm, she hauled herself into a kneel. Her bag was still around her body. Digging through she was thankful to find her warm supplies in tact. Wrapping herself best she could in her winter gear she grabbed a few elfroot leaves from her pouch. “Enough to kill the pain, not set the bone. Shit.” She knew well enough she was in dire straights. “Need to get out of here and find the others. Shouldn’t have gotten too far.”
Progress was slow, combating the ache and chill setting in through her body. “Shock, it’s just shock. Need to think of something else. Right, Cullen owes me an argument.” Smiling forced her lip to crack open, her left eye was swollen half shut and she was confident her face was a mess. “Must have landed on my face after I bounced off my hip. Damned lucky.” Gritting her teeth, she ran her tongue through her mouth. “Least I still have all my teeth. Couple wiggly ones but that’ll stiffen up in a day or two. Soup for me.” Weakly chuckling to herself she gripped her side. “Ah, fucking ribs.”
Finding the exit to the cave she was walking straight into a snow storm. “Well, if I believed in the Maker, right now I would be asking what I did to piss him off. I’m beginning to think you have a thing for damsels being roasted and destroyed. Adding frozen bitches to your list of likes?” Snarling she stepped into the snow. Several feet ahead she caught the dying light of a fire. “Damnit, focus.” Her vision blurred, and she had to squeeze her eyes shut. Opening them again she used her skills. “No tracks because of the snow drift. But if this wagon is pointing in the direction they travelled I can use the debris to lead me.” Continuing her slow pace, she bit back a bitter laugh, “Cullen must be in his glory right now. The damned Baron’s brat out of his hair. Finally, some peace and quiet to get some really Inquisiting done. The Inquisitional way!” Mocking his voice, she needed the humor to spur her forward, the reality that she might just die here, alone in the cold was too much. “Oh, and now I can read this missive, hmmm damnit Master Tethras I cannot read your writing.” Switching her voice to mimic Varric she continued, “well balls Curly that’s because it’s not my writing. You need spectacles old man.”
Finding that to her amusement she caught the stir of steam ahead. “Trace of a fire. Someone is leaving me a breadcrumb trail. When I find out who, I’m going to kiss them. At the least. First I’m stealing their damn heat.” Shivering again she was nearly up to her thighs in snow. “Please be close, I can’t keep this up. Are you happy now, Maker? Making me suffer as you have. Blood, right? You have a thing for Blood! Makes me wonder if you have a fancy for those damned mages with sharp blades.”
Pushing through further she thought she caught the sound of people up ahead. With her throat dry she tried to call out, only a weak whimper came out. ‘Now you take my voice. Special kind of God you are, aren’t you? Might have been better off praying to Fen’Harel!’ Dropping to her knees she caught the familiar fur mantle of Cullen’s cloak. “Blessed Fen’Harel. I mention you once and you give me Curly. It’s better than that Maker tit. You have my vote.” The edges of her vision began to blur and darken. “I have you Diana.” Cullen’s voice broke through the fog as his arm came carefully about her. “She’s seriously injured. I need healers, make way!” He bellowed over his shoulder.
“Always so loud.” She barely croaked it out, “glad to see you… Cullen.”