Chapter Text
"Drop your weapon. Now.” The cold curt command of Cassandra orders the elven male, his features furrowed at the warrior woman before him. Snow freely falls upon the slain demons, the faint shine of the blades the man carries shimmering from the eerie green glow of the scarred sky above. Cassandra eyes the man up and down, her sword at the ready for the cause of all this chaos.
"A demon attacked me. What was I supposed to do?” The rogue demands from Cassandra.
"You don’t need to fight.” Cassandra asserts.
"Are you saying it won’t happen again? Can you even promise that after that display?” The rogue demanded from Cassandra.
" …you’re right. I cannot protect you nor can I expect you to be defenceless. Take these potions, Maker knows what we’ll face.” Cassandra sighs, lowering her sword. Silus sighs slowly, lowering his breaths, taking a breath, calmly composing himself amongst the bloodied bodies of both demons and soldiers below. How had things come to this? One moment he was with his clan keeper the next he was in some eerie realm of green spiders scuttling snarling chasing after him as he took the strangely glowing figure’s hand before finding himself in irons…
Silus gasped, another harsh pulse breaking through from the rift above, a new wave of demons no doubt coming as Silus’ grip tightened on his blades. His features sharpened, he had to catch up, he had to get moving, he had to do something.
"Where are your soldiers?” Silus sighs after catching up with Cassadnra, armed and ready.
"At the forward camp fighting. We are getting closer to the rift. You can hear the fighting.” Cassandra admits just as Silus heard the harsh ring of metal on metal with the demonic screams of both demons and soldiers screaming for their lives.
"Who’s fighting?!” Silus panted, barely able to catch his breath.
"You’ll see soon. We must help them.” Cassandra readies her sword and shield as the two arrive at the battlefield of sorts.
"Could use more of those barriers hobo!” Silus’ eyes expand at the holler of a voice, his eyes wide at the white haired beauty almost dancing across the battlefield, cutting demons down left and right with her blades. Silus couldn’t help but stare entranced almost by the eerie blue glow of the markings adorned upon her skin as she cut demon after demon down.
"I am doing what I can.” The annoyed voice of the older elven mage rebuked, doing what he could.
"Then do it faster!” Impatiently, the white haired elf hollered, throwing her blade in the mage’s direction and yet the mage didn’t even bat an eye, irritated almost as he dives his head to the side, the demon trying to take the support down swiftly falling from the blade thrown his way.
"Come, we must help them!” Cassandra’s voice encourages seemingly snapping Silus out of it. Silus silently nodded, joining the fray as before he knew it…
Quickly before more come through!” Silus’ eyes expanded at the hand grabbing his hand, pushing it towards the now suddenly sealed rift. Silus staggers back taken aback at the display. He turns to stare at the bald man before him baffled.
"What did you do?” Silus frowns at the older man before him.
"I did nothing. The credit is yours.” The elf simply states.
"You mean this?” Silus looks down at his hand frowning.
"Whatever magic opened the Breach in the sky also placed that mark upon your hand. I theorized the mark might be able to close the rifts that have opened in the Breach’s wake and it seems I was correct.” He explained to Silus.
“Meaning it could also close the Breach itself,” Cassandra simplifies.
“Possibly.” The elf turns to Cassandra.
“It seems you hold the key to our salvation,” He turns back to Silus.
“Good to know! Here I thought we’d be ass-deep in demons forever,” Silus surprised turns to the cock of a crossbow turning to the smirking dwarf. The elf aloofly stood by the dwarf’s side looking over her blooded gauntlets.
“Varric Tethras: rogue, storyteller, and occasionally unwelcome tagalong.” Varric winks at Cassandra, who scowls.
“You’re with the Chantry? I didn’t know the chantry accepted dwarfs…” Silus says, surprised, earning a small coy chuckle from the white haired elf.
“Was that a serious question?” The elven woman chuckles coyly bemused by the question.
"Oh and the elf next to me is Fennic, she may look scary but like I said to Chuckles over there she’s a real kitten once you get to know her.” Varric smirks, gesturing to the elf quietly by his side.
"I can speak for myself Varric.” The tired voice of Fennic sighs, looking down at her gloved gauntlets.
"Then say something you can’t just stand there all stoic like.” Varric tiredly turns to Fennic.
"…You heard the dwarf, so you are?” Fennic steps forward turning towards Silus.
"Silus…” Shyly, Silus admits, a faint flush to his cheeks.
"Right well Silus nice to meet you, try not to die alright?” Fennic tells him.
"I’ll try…so what do we do now?” Silus smiles.
"Now we go to meet Leiliana.” Cassandra decides.
"What a great idea.” Varric smirks.
“Absolutely not. Your help is appreciated, Varric, but…” Cassandra steps forward frowning but…
“Have you been in the valley lately, Seeker? Your soldiers aren’t in control anymore. You need us,” Varric reminds her as Cassandra glances at Varric and Fennec. Annoyed,
Casandra releases a noise of disgust and steps down.
“My name is Solas, if there are to be introductions. I’m pleased to see you still live,” Solas smiles politely at Silus.
“He means, ‘I kept that mark from killing you while you slept.'” Fennic grunts, looking over her gloved gauntlets flexing.
"I brought you here to tell your story to the Divine. Clearly that is no longer necessary, “ Cassandra reminds Varric.
“Yet, here I am and with Fox to boot. Lucky for you, considering current events,” Varric smirks at the frowning Cassandra.
“You seem to know a great deal about it all.” Silus eyes Solas.
“Solas is an apostate,” Cassandra inform Silus.
“A stuck up one,” Fennec adds, earning a small slight glare from Solas not that it matters much to Fennic, still looking over her gloves.
“Technically, all mages are now apostates, Cassandra. My travels have allowed me to learn much of the Fade, far beyond the experience of any Circle mage. I came to offer whatever help I can give with the Breach. If it is not closed, we are all doomed regardless of origin,” Solas explains earning an eyeroll from Fennic.
"Like I said.” Fennic smirks looking over to Silus who couldn’t help his small smirk back bemused. The pair are unfazed by Solas’ look.
“Cassandra, you should know: the magic involved here is unlike any I have ever seen. Your prisoner is no mage indeed. I find it difficult to imagine any mage having such power.” Solas turns to her.
“Understood. We must get to the forward camp quickly,” Cassandra decides our next move.
“Well, Bianca’s excited!” Varric smiles.
“This will not end well then.” Fennic remarks.
"Pay her no mind Bianca, she's just jealous.!” Varric fusses over his crossbow.
"It’s a crossbow Var!” Frustrated, Fennic reminds him.
"Ignore her…she didn’t mean it.” Varric continues fussing over said crossbow.
“This way, down the bank. The road ahead is blocked,” Cassadnra orders.
“We must move quickly,” Solas reasons.
"That vallaslin of yours…that’s Sylaise correct?” Fennic asks Silus.
"That’s right.” Silus confirms.
"And your name Silus…i take it your parents were fans of that god.” Fennic presumes.
"Yes. My mother was a seamstress of sorts for our clan while my father often looked after the children.” Silus admits.
"How fitting.” Fennic hums.
"Isn’t it?” Silus smirks.
"So you are Dalish but clearly you are away from the rest of your clan. Did they send you here?” Solas speaks up.
"Solas…” Fennic gives him a look of sorts and yet the mage stands steady.
"What do you know of the Dalish?” Silus frowns at Solas’ tone.
"I have wandered many roads in my time and crossed paths with your people on more than one occasion.” Solas reveals.
"What do you mean by crossed paths?” Perplexed, Silus asks.
"I mean that I offered to share knowledge only to be attacked for no greater reason than their superstition.” Solas huffs.
"That’s probably because of the tone you’re taking now.” Fennic frowns at Solas.
"I have no idea what you’re referring to.” Solas huffs.
"Sure you don’t…” Fennic scoffs.
"Can’t you elves just play nice for once?” Varric sighs at the two.
"We are both of the same people, Solas.” Silus softly tells him and yet…
"The dalish I met felt…differently on the subject.” Solas thinks otherwise.
"Don’t let him get to you, he's just grumpy.” Fennic noting Silus’ furrowed frown of disappointment gently tells him as the group move ahead.
“So… are you innocent?” Varric asks, trying to start a conversation.
“I don’t remember what happened.” Silus admits.
“That’ll get you every time. Should have spun a story,” Varric smirks.
“That’s what you would have done,” Cassandra sneers.
“Please Varric wishes he could be that creative…” Fennic smirks.
“Madam you wound me.” Varric places his hand over his heart.
“Oh come off it you’re talking to the poor sod forced to read your sorry drafts.” Fennic reminds him.
“And forever am I grateful for the garbage you had to read. Besides, amnesia's more believable, and less prone to result in premature execution.” Varric reasons as just then…
“ARGH!!!!” Silus falls to his knees, seething clutching his flaring green hand.
"Kaffas.” Fennic, after cutting down the last of the demons, turns to the grimacing Silus, Solas rushing over to check the mark.
“Shit, are you alright?” Varric asks, alarmed.
“I’m fine.” Silus grimacing growls out.
“We must hurry, before the mark consumes him. My magic cannot stop the mark from growing further. For your sake, I suggest we hurry.” Solas explains as Silus stiffly nods.
“Hold on. We haven’t much further. I know it’s difficult, but we must keep moving, open the gate!” Cassandra encourages as she then orders the men at the gate.
"Yes seeker.” The two do so, opening the way for them.
“I hope Leliana made it through all this.” Casandra sighs, her brow creased in worry.
“Leliana is strong Seeker.” Fennic reminds her.
“Fox is right besides she’s resourceful, Seeker.” Varric agrees with Fennic’s point.
“We will see for ourselves at the forward camp. We’re almost there,” Solas assures.
Fennic grimaces briefly by the sickly stench of rotten flesh covering her nose noting the ash and burning wood, emitted from the corpses below. A burning wagon lays on its side with a burned corpse and many more corpses around as they walk past the stench.
“Another rift!” Cassandra points out.
“They keep coming! Help us!” Those around plead trying to deal with the demons.
"Shit.” Fennic draws out her blades.
“Hurry! Use the mark!” Solas exclaims as Silus uses the mark to close the rift, leaving the soldiers to deal with the remains of the demons.
“The rift is gone! Open the gate!” Cassandra’s voice booms over the heavy sways of ice cold air.
“Right away, Lady Cassandra!” the soldiers comply in unison they open the gate.
“We are clear for the moment. Well done,” Solas compliments Silus.
“Whatever that thing on your hand is, it’s useful.” Varric reasons as they head inside.
The Light shall lead her safely
Through the paths of this world, and into the next.
For she who trusts in the Maker, fire is her water.
As the moth sees light and goes toward flame,
She should see fire and go towards Light.
The Veil holds no uncertainty for her,
And she will know no fear of death, for the Maker
Shall be her beacon and her shield, her foundation and her sword
The chantry woman prays to the soldiers as Fennic makes her way into the camp with the group. The soldiers knelt before the chantry priestess.
Loudly, the wooden gates of the bridge creek forward with four soldiers (two on either side) are desperate; trying to help those wounded from our previous battle, a soldier on the left is quickly trying to retrieve the resources from the blazing wagon. Fennic picks up the scent of ash, smoke burnt wood and the stench of burning food. Fennic notes the canvas-and-rope-wrapped corpses on the left, looking horrified, sorrowful and disgusted.
Tired, three soldiers are sitting at a bonfire, desperate for the blazing comfort of the flames.
Silus crouches down to the supply cache, stocking on some potions. Fennic frowns when his ears perk up at the hushed desperate whispers of prayer as Fennic turns to a soldier, and a Chantry priestess, bowing and praying to Andraste for forgiveness…
Silently, Leliana scowls at the fool of the chantry man; she is wearing purple rogue armour with hints of iron pattern and a familiar eye crest on her chest plate. Leliana’s dark purple hood hides some pieces of her face but her bright orange hair dangles down, as her head bows purple gloved hands on the hard pale wooden table, tired of Roderick’s rambling. Leliana’s eyes hold layers of bags hidden under the makeup she wears, her tired grey blue eyes meet my steel turquoise.
"Oh boy…” Fennic exclaims.
"Something wrong?” Silus stands from the cache confused, concerned almost.
“Word of advice, ignore him,” Fennic gestures to Roderick as Silus frowns, puzzled by her words. Calmly, the group approach Leliana and Roderick at a desk in front of a tent. Past them, there is a fire on the left and at least three more corpses on the left, then at least two soldiers at the gate at the end of the bridge
“We must prepare the soldiers!” Leliana reasons.
“We will do no such thing!” Roderick refuses.
“The prisoner must get to the Temple of Sacred Ashes. It is our only chance!” Leliana explains.
“You have already caused enough trouble without resorting to this exercise in futility,” Roderick accuses.
“I have caused trouble?” Leliana scowls at the fool.
“You, Cassandra, the Most Holy – haven’t you all done enough already?” Roderick shouts at them.
“You’re not in command here!” Leliana reminds him.
“Enough! I will not have it! Ah, here they come.” Roderick turns to glare at the incoming group.
"Here we go…” Fennic grunts.
“You made it. Chancellor Roderick, this is–” Leliana begins but…
“-I know who he is. As Grand Chancellor of the Chantry, I hereby order you to take this criminal to Val Royeaux to face execution,” Roderick orders.
“'Order me’? You are a glorified clerk. A bureaucrat!” Cassandra insults the fool.
“And you are a thug, but a thug who supposedly serves the Chantry!” Roderick insults the seeker.
“We serve the Most Holy, Chancellor, as you well know,” Leliana calmly reminds the idiot.
“Justinia is dead! We must elect her replacement, and obey her orders on the matter.” Roderick asserts.
“Don’t talk about me as if I’m not here.” Silus scowls.
“You shouldn’t even be here! An elf has no right to speak of such matters” Roderick rebukes.
“My life is on the line here. I'll speak as much as I damn want!” Silus scowls.
“Call a retreat, Seeker. Our position here is hopeless,” Roderick ignores Silus turning to Cassandra.
“We can stop this before it’s too late,” Cassandra reasons.
“How? You won’t survive long enough to reach the temple, even with all your soldiers,” Roderick points out.
“We must get to the temple. It’s the quickest route,” Cassandra asserts.
“But not the safest. Our forces can charge as a distraction while we go through the mountains,” Leliana offers.
“We lost contact with an entire squad on that path. It’s too risky,” Cassandra argues.
“Listen to me. Abandon this now, before more lives are lost,” Roderick argues.
“How do you think we should proceed?” Cassandra asks Silus.
“Now you’re asking me what I think?” Silus scowls.
“You have the mark.” Solas reminds him.
“And you are the one we must keep alive. Since we cannot agree on our own…” Cassandra points out.
“I say we charge. I won’t survive long enough for your trial. Whatever happens, happens now,” Silus decides.
“Leliana. Bring everyone left in the valley.” Cassandra commands.
Leliana nods.
“On your head be the consequences, Seeker,” Spitefully, Roderick glares as the group head off.
"The tunnels should be just ahead. The path through the temple lies just beyond it.” Cassandra explains as they climb the ladder.
"What manner of tunnel is this? A mine?” Solas asks her.
"It’s a part of an old mining complex; these mountains are full of such paths.” Cassandra explains.
"And your missing soldiers are in there somewhere.” Varric assumes.
"Along with whatever’s holding them up.” Fennic grunts.
"We shall see soon enough.” Cassandra asserts as soon enough Silus had sealed another rift.
“Sealed, as before. You are becoming quite proficient at this,” Solas takes note of.
“Let’s hope it works on the big one,” Varric sighs.
"Thank the maker you finally arrived Lady Cassandra. I don’t think we could have held out much longer.” The soldier admits to the woman helping them up.
"Thank our prisoner lieutenant he insisted we come this way.” Cassandra looks back over to Silus.
"The prisoner then you…” The lieutenant turns to Silus.
"We have to get to the breach quickly.” Silus reminds them.
"To the breach? I don’t…” The soldier begins but…
"The way into the valley behind us is clear for the moment, go while you still can.” Fennic speaks up. The soldier turns to Cassandra. She nods.
"At once quickly let’s move.” The soldier leaves with her group.
"The valley up ahead seems clear of demons.” Solas takes note of.
"Then let’s hurry before that changes.” Fennic turns to Solas who nods as they do so.
"So holes in the fade don’t just accidentally happen…” Varric asks Solas as they make their way over.
"If the magic is brought to bear it is possible.” Solas admits.
"Bloody brilliant…” Fennic huffs.
"But there are easier ways to make things explode.” Varric points out.
"That is…true…” Solas concedes.
"Yes but from the fade? I mean even if the explosion went off an explosion although powerful could not be as powerful as to tear into the fade, at least not without some semblance of magic.” Fennic frowns.
"We will consider how this happened once the immediate danger has passed.” Cassandra decides as they keep moving till…
“The Temple of Sacred Ashes,” Solas exclaims, his voice hoarse in a hushed whisper.
“What’s left of it.” Fennic remarks kicking a stray piece of rubble to the side as they approach the burnt seared bodies below, their eyes narrowing at the huge rift before them.
“The breach is a long way up,” Varric looks up at the sky above.
“That is where you walked out the Fade and our soldiers found you. They said a woman was in the rift behind you. No one knows who she was,” Cassandra informs Silus.
“You’re here! Thank the Maker!” Leliana approaches from behind with some soldiers.
“Leliana, have your men take up positions around the temple,” Cassandra orders Leliana who nods and walks away to give directions.
“This is your chance to end this. Are you ready?” Cassandra asks Silus.
"I’m assuming you have a plan to get me up there.” Silus assumes fist clenched, green glow sparking out slightly.
"No, the rift was the first and it is the key. Seal it and perhaps we seal the breach.” Solas explains.
"Then let’s find a way down and be careful.” Cassandra asserts as they all head down.
"Of course this crap is here…” Fennic frowns at the red lyrium.
"You know this stuff is red lyirum seeker.” Just as disapproving, Varric takes note of.
"I see it.” Cassandra asserts.
"And you clearly have no idea the damage this stuff can do.” Disgusted, Fennic frowns.
"What’s it even doing here?” Varric sighs.
"Magic could have drawn out the lyrium beneath the temple and corrupted it.” Solas admits.
"Varric…” Fennic looks worriedly at Varric.
"It’s evil. Whatever you do, don't touch it.” Varric tells Silus as they move on or try to when…
“Now is the hour of our victory. Bring forth the sacrifice…” A familiar voice draws out.
"Don’t tell me…” Fennic whispers, stopping, alarmed.
“Keep the sacrifice still.” The voice draws out.
“Varric…that voice…” Fennic asks Varric, the pair looking alarmed.
“Yeah,” Varric's uneasy eyes meet Fennic’s own as they continue forward, closer to the breach.
“What are we hearing?” Cassandra questions.
“At a guess. The person who created the Breach,” Solas reasons as they make it to the breach.
“Someone help me!” The voice cries out again.
“That is Divine Justinia’s voice!” Cassandra gasps in shock of the divine’s voice.
“What’s going on here?” Surprised, Silus’ voice resonates out.
“Run while you can! Warn them!” Justinia’s voice cries out.
“We have an intruder. Kill her now.” The familiar voice coldly commands, Varric and Fennic sharing an uneasy look.
“You were there! Who attacked? And the Divine, is she…? Was this vision true? What are we seeing?” Cassandra growls, stomping over to Silus, demanding answers.
"I don’t remember.” Silus squares up against Cassandra scowling.
“Echoes of what happened here. The Fade bleeds into this place. This rift is not sealed, but it is closed… albeit temporarily. I believe with the mark, the rift can be opened and then sealed properly and safely. However, opening the rift will likely attract attention from the other side.” Solas steps forward eyeing the breach.
“That means demons. Stand ready!” Cassandra warns the troops as the soldiers and archers get ready. Silus steps forward, his hand reaching out towards the breach as before the group knew it…
"Of course a pride demon would come out…” Fennic grunts grumpily glaring at the pride demon before them as more and more behind the demon begin bleeding out.
“We must strip its defences! Wear it down! Now!” Cassandra charges forward with the soldiers rallying behind her as the remaining archers and mage followers of the cause, fire with arrows and lightning at the sloth demons and other demons, escaping the fade.
Fennic frowns fading in and out from one area to the next striking demon after demon down, getting closer and closer to the pride demon. She sighs, flipping herself over one of the lanky demons making her way to the pride demon, her marks flaring as she grabs the pride demon by the horns tossing the beast to the ground.
“Seeker!” Fennic roars calling out to her and her troops.
“The demon is vulnerable – now!” Cassandra charges ahead her troops with Varric and Solas’ backup managing to deal with the demons, the demons oblivious to the cloaked elven rogue coming over to the breach, sealing it.
Quietly, Fennic sits on a barrel brow furrowed as she sets her chin to her knee, her brow furrowed clearly in deep thought, Varric by her side, unable not to think back of her younger self…
"Be this some dream I wake from? Am I in dwarven lands? Why seem their roads so empty? You! Serve you at the temple of Dumat! Bring me hence I must speak with the first acolyte…” The strange creature summoned before them called out proudly upon the platform looking around astonished.
"Dumat was the first Old God to become an archdemon. There hasn’t been a temple to him since ancient Tevinter…” Fennic had recalled Anders' words.
"You look human. Are you not citizens of the Empire? Slaves then to the dwarves? Why come you here? Whoever you be, you owe featly to any magister of Tevinter on your knees, all of you! Dumat lord tell me what waking dream is this!? Dumat have you forsaken me?! I am your faithful servant…” The strange creature had called out to the empty air, a still silence settling around them as his pleas fell to deaf ears.
"So…what’s the plan?” Fennic present day turns to Varric, in a low whisper.
"What do you mean?” Varric turns to Fennic.
"We both recognised that voice Varric…” Fatigued, Fennic sighs.
"The light…we sought the golden light. You offered…the power of the gods themselves. But it was…black…corrupt…darkness…ever since. How long?” Longingly, the creature's voice rings out throughout Fennis’ present day head, her brow furrowed from the thought of it all of the memories.
"The city it was supposed to be ours…it was supposed to be golden!” The creature cries out angry.
"That’s ridiculous! There were no magical bogeymen who trespassed in the Maker’s city! It’s a story.” Anders easily dismissed scowling.
"You don’t think a magister would be arrogant enough to challenge the maker?” The younger Fennic coolly challenges Anders, annoyed almost that she had to ask him that.
"You need to meet more magsiters…” Fenris smirks smugly by Fennic’s side as Anders just glares at the pair when…
"If I cannot leave with you I will leave through you!” The demonic darkspawn creature proclaims as next the group knew they were fighting the former magister.
"…It may not be him.” Varric present day argues.
"Var you heard that voice.” Fennic frowns down at Varric.
"Fen you saw what I saw that day we beat him.” Varric reminds Fennic.
"And what if we hadn’t? You and I both know something was up with that warden…” Fennic reminds Varric, making him sigh.
"Even I have to admit it was odd but even so we beat him once we can beat him again.” Varric admits.
"Hawke should at least know about this Varric.” Fennic gently tells him.
"…I know…” Varric sighs, slumping his shoulders, a still silence settling between the two watching the joyous people cheer at their so-called victory, just relieved the demons were gone, unaware of the singular threat out there.
"Oh…I didn’t know you were awake I swear!” The crisp clutter of bottles breaking echoes, the crate of supplies the elven girl had carried in was swiftly dropped to the floor. The elven woman was astonished at the sight of the now awake Silus.
"Is this another prison?” Silus unamused looks around.
"I uh no I…I don’t think so.” The elven woman shakes scared.
"Then where am I? Tell me!” Silus commands from the woman.
“I beg your forgiveness and your blessing. I am but a humble servant. You’re back in Haven, my lord. They say you saved us. The breach stopped growing, just like the mark on your hand. It’s all anyone has talked about for the last three days!” The elf informs Silus, falling to her knees bowing before him, quivering in fear.
"So a trial happens now, I suppose?” Silus huffs grumpily.
"I don’t know anything about that. I’m sure Lady Cassandra will want to know you’ve woken up. She said ‘at once’!” The elven girl slowly stands shaking.
“And where is she?” Silus asks curiously.
“In the Chantry with the Lord Chancellor. 'At once,’ she said!” The elven girl flees frightened for her life.
“That’s him…. That’s the Herald of Andraste. They said when he came out of the Fade, Andraste herself was watching over him.”
“Hush! We shouldn’t disturb him!”
“Why’s he got mud on his face?”
"Quiet child, that's the markings of the Dalish!”
"How can the herald be an elf?”
“The maker works in mysterious ways…”
Silus scowls as he tries to make his way through the bustling area of Haven, trying to ignore the eyes on him, glaring ahead as he tries to make it to the main building.
“Why did Lady Cassandra have him in chains? I thought the Seekers knew everything.”
“It’s complicated. We were all frightened after the explosion at the Conclave.”
“It isn’t complicated. Andraste herself blessed him.”
"A knife ear?”
"Shush! You shouldn’t call him that!”
Silus hears as he enters the building, the heavy slam of the door behind him finally letting him breathe.
“I do not believe that.” Cassandra's muffled voice comes out from the sealed door before him. Or so he thought.
"That is not for you to decide!” Rodrick’s voice followed.
The Chantry main hall is empty of people, but there are several clusters of candles around the pillars. On the left, near a doorway, is the text of A Chant for the Departed. Further left, in the alcove, is a book describing The Fade. Silus doesn’t bat much of an eye to either texts as he approaches the door.
"Your duty is to serve the chantry!” Rodrick reminds her, his voice carrying over as Silus stops before the door, curious to hear more.
"My duty is to serve the principles with which the chantry was founded.” Cassandra cooly countered as Silus sets his hand on the door opening it…
"Chain him. I want him prepared for travel to the capital for trial!” Rodrick orders the guards as Silus scowls ready to stand his ground against the surprisingly still knights.
"Disregard that and leave us.” Cassandra commands, the guards do so with ease leaving Silus, Leliana, Cassandra and Rodrick to it.
"You walk a dangerous line Seeker.” Rodrick tells her.
“The Breach is stable, but it is still a threat. I will not ignore it.” Casandra states the fact once more.
“I did everything I could to close the Breach. It almost killed me,” Silus argues.
“Yet you live. A convenient result, insofar as you’re concerned.” Roderick sneers.
“Have a care, Chancellor. The Breach is not the only threat we face,” Cassandra adds in, looking on the verge of punching him.
“Someone was behind the explosion at the Conclave. Someone Most Holy did not expect. Perhaps they died with the others – or have allies who yet live,” Leliana steps forward out of the shadows.
“I am a suspect?” Roderick gasps insulted by the idea.
“You, and many others,” Leliana shrugs.
“But not the prisoner,” Roderick hisses, annoyed.
“I heard the voices in the temple. The Divine called to him for help,” Cassandra reasons.
“So her survival, that thing on his hand – all a coincidence?” Roderick scowls at the idea.
“Providence. The Maker sent him to us in our darkest hour,” Cassandra corrects.
"So you’ve changed your mind about me.” Silus remarks.
"I was wrong. Perhaps I still am. I will not however pretend you were not exactly what we needed when we needed it.” Cassandra concedes.
“The Breach remains and your mark is our only hope of closing it,” Leliana reminds them.
“This is not for you to decide.” Roderick argues enraged only to falter under Cassandra's fierce flare.
“You know what this is, Chancellor? A writ from the Divine, granting us authority to act. As of this moment, I declare the Inquisition reborn!” Angry, Cassandra slams a big heavy thick book down on the table. Silus cranes his head back taken aback by the sheer sight of the book.
“We will close the Breach, we will find those responsible, and we will restore order with or without your approval.” Cassandra backs Roderick up against the wall, poking him in the chest as she continues. Roderick storms off clearly upset as he gives quite the stink eye to the frowning Silus before being kicked out as the door is slammed shut in his face.
“This is the Divine’s directive: Rebuild the Inquisition of old. Find those who will stand against the chaos. We aren’t ready. We have no leader, no numbers, and now no Chantry support.” Leliana explains to Silus.
“But we have no choice: We must act now. With you at our side,” Cassandra turns back to Silus.
“What is 'the Inquisition of old,’ exactly?” Silus asks curiously.
“It preceded the Chantry: People who banded together to restore order in a world gone mad,” Leliana summarises.
“After, they laid down their banner and formed the Templar Order. But the Templars have lost their way. We need those who can do what must be done united under a single banner once more,” Cassandra explains.
“But aren’t you still part of the Chantry?” Silus enquires frowning.
“Is that what you see?” Cassandra snorts as Silus raises a brow.
“The Chantry will take time to find a new Divine, and then it will wait for her direction,” Leliana answers.
“But we cannot wait. So many grand clerics died at the conclave… No, we are on our own. Perhaps forever,” Cassandra sighs.
“You’re trying to start a holy war,” Silus frowns from the thought.
“We are already at war. You are already involved. Its mark is upon you. As to whether war is holy… that depends on what we discover,” Cassandra reasons.
"We’ll see how this goes…” Silus scowls.
"That’s all we can ask.” Leliana asserts.
"Help us fix this before it’s too late.” Cassandra offers her hand out to Silus.
Silus sighs, shaking her hand agreeing to it.
Cullen, Cassandra, Leliana, and Josephine confer over the book at the war table.
Leliana sends off her ravens. Frowning, Varric and Fennic watch them fly away. The two share a look as one raven goes to Therinfal Redoubt, the other to Redcliffe Castle.
Confidently, Cullen nails the announcement of the reformation of the Inquisition to the Chantry door. A worried Roderick watches this and then leaves. Proudly, Cassandra strolls through town. In the background, soldiers practice fighting, someone hammers out a sword, soldiers snap to attention as she passes. Calmly, Cassandra approaches the Chantry where Silus and advisors are waiting on the steps.
The Inquisition banner drapes down over the door. Bravely, they all turn to look at the Breach, ready to fix things and bring some semblance of peace to the war torn skies of Thedas…
"Does it trouble you?” Cassandra couldn’t help but ask Silus after their announcement to the people of Haven.
"I wish I could get rid of it.” Silus admitted to Cassadnra, glaring down at his marked hand.
"We have need of it yet.” She reminds him.
"So you’ve mentioned.” Silus sighs.
"What’s important is that your mark is now stable as is the breach. You brought us time and Solas believes 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.” Cassandra points out to him.
"Clearly you have something in mind.” Silus assumes.
"We do. May I present Commander Cullen, leader of the Inquisition’s forces.” Cassandra enters the meeting room to introduce as Silus follows her inside.
"Such as they are. We lost many soldiers in the valley and I fear many more before this is through.” Cullen nods his head to Silus.
“This is Lady Josephine Montilyet, our ambassador and chief diplomat,” Cassandra introduces the woman in yellow.
"Andaran Atish’an.” Josephine smiles at Silus.
"You speak elven?” Silus says surprised.
"You just heard the entirety of it, I’m afraid.” Josephine admits.
“And of course you know Sister Leliana.” Cassandra gestures to Leliana stepping forward.
“My position here involves a degree of…” Leliana begins but…
“She is our spymaster,” Cassandra interrupts Leliana who frowns at Cassandra and sighs.
“Yes. Tactfully put, Cassandra,” Leliana sighs, sarcasm evident in her tone.
Cassandra tells me you have a plan.” Silus turns to the advisors.
“I mentioned that your mark needs more power to close the Breach for good.” Cassandra admits.
“Which means we must approach the rebel mages for help,” Leliana reasons.
“And I still disagree. The Templars could serve just as well,” Cullen argues.
“We need power, Commander. Enough magic poured into that mark–” Cassandra begins but…
“Might destroy us all. Templars could suppress the breach, weaken it so–” Cullen interrupts Cassandra.
“Pure speculation,” Leliana then cuts Cullen off.
“I was a Templar. I know what they’re capable of,” Cullen argues.
“Unfortunately, neither group will even speak to us yet. The Chantry has denounced the Inquisition – and you, specifically,” Josephine turns to Silus.
"And you can’t ignore them?” Silus frowns unamused.
"If only that were possible.” Leliana sighs.
“Some are calling you, a Dalish Elf- the ‘Herald of Andraste,’ and that frightens the Chantry. The remaining Clerics have declared it blasphemy, and we heretics for harbouring you.” Josephine tells Silus.
“Chancellor Roderick’s doing, no doubt,” Cassandra accuses.
"It limits our options. Approaching the mages or Templars for help is currently out of the question.” Josephine sighs.
"They aren’t more concerned about the breach? The real threat?” Silus scowls unamused.
"They do know it’s a threat. They just don’t think we can stop it.” Cullen explains to Silus.
"The chantry is telling everyone you’ll make it worse.” Josephine adds.
“There is something you can do. A Chantry Cleric by the name Mother Giselle has asked to speak to you. She is not far, and knows those involved far better than I. Her assistance could be invaluable,” Leliana explains to Silus.
"She asked for me? You don’t think that could be an ambush?” Silus frowns.
"I doubt it. From what I know of her she is a kind soul and not the sort to involve herself in violence. You’ll find Mother Giselle tending to the wounded in the Hinterlands near Redcliffe.” Leliana admits.
“Look for other opportunities to expand the Inquisition’s influence while you’re there,” Cullen advise making Silus nod.
“We need agents to extend our reach beyond this valley, and you’re better suited than anyone to recruit them,” Josephine adds.
“In the meantime, let’s think of other options. I won’t leave this all to the Herald,” Cassandra sighs as Silus heads out to the Hinterlands…
"Solas there’s something I don’t quite get about you…what’s your problem with the Dalish? Allergic to halla?” Fennic attempts to joke as they roam through the Hinterlands, Silus dutifully collecting elfroot.
"They are children acting out stories misheard and repeated wrongly a thousand times.” Solas sneers.
"Oh, but you know the truth, right?” Fennic flatly assumes.
"While they pass on stories, mangling details, I walk the Fade. I have seen things they have not.” Solas swears it to Fennic.
"The Dalish are trying to restore elven history. If you know something new, share it.” Fennic encouraged him.
"You think it so easy? You think I had not tried? Why do you even care about them? You don’t claim to be Dalish.” Solas huffs heatedly.
When did I say you had not tried? And as for your question, I neither claim to be Dalish nor city elf or Dalish but even I am curious to know the roots of which made us who we are as people.” Fennic admits to Solas.
"Even if those people simply spit at you, calling you a flat ear and chase you out?” Solas sneers.
"Look I get it the Dalish have not all been kind to me either but even so what about the alienages, do they not deserve a chance to learn what you’ve seen?” Fennic argues.
"Why? What would it benefit some poor man in a Fereldan alienage to learn that his ancestors strode the land like gods? It would only make him bitter, or inspire him to take a foolish risk and get himself killed.” Solas huffs.
"You’ve decided his reaction for him. You cannot decide how a person feels, let alone reacts to Solas.” Fennic tells him, a still silence settling until…
"Perhaps I have…” Solas considers, having much to think over.
"I hear reconstruction is progressing well in Kirkwall.” Cassandra hums as she, Varric, Silus, Fennic and Solas continue to venture through the Hinterlands.
"I know things are bad there.” Varric huffs.
"I wasn't trying to…” Cassandra begins but…
"You weren't trying to remind me how bad it is in Kirkwall? So you decided to talk about it?” Varric frowns.
"About its recovery!” Cassandra stresses.
"What you're talking about are the buildings, and even then that will take years. People don't recover so easily.” Varric tells her as Fennic couldn’t help her own furrowed features.
"Some people don’t ever recover at all…” Fennic couldn’t help but let slip as they approached a familiar banner of sorts, a campsite already at the ready with soldiers waiting for them.
“The Harold of Andraste, I’ve heard the stories, everyone has. We know about what you did at the breach, it’s an honour to meet you my lady. Inquisition Scout Harding I all of us here will do whatever it can to help.” Harding bows her head to Silus and co.
“Harding huh? Ever been to Kirkwall’s Hightown?” Varric smirks.
“Varric,” Fen warns him, only making his cheeky smirk wider.
“I can’t say I have why?” Harding questions, intrigued.
“You’d been Harding in a-no never mind,” Varric sighs seeing her not getting the joke.
"Urgh.” Cassandra grunts just done as they arrive at a small little village of sorts.
"You’re saying the templars attacked your husband?” Silus says, surprised, eyeing the clearly upset elven woman.
"Aye. He was digging out a stump, the fools couldn’t tell a shovel from a mage’s staff. Had to be safe they said. Rebels everywhere attacking by surprise. Sick bastards. They took the ring I gave him on our wedding day in case it was magic.” The woman admits anguished to the group.
"We’ll get it back.” Silus swears it as the group heads out.
"It must be nice to dream…” Fennic hums as they venture through the Hinterlands.
"Pardon?” Solas turns to Fennic.
"I said it must be nice to dream, being able to lull yourself into sleep without any semblance of fear even as you explore the fade.” Fennic admits.
"…I could help you if you weren’t so stubborn…” Solas sighs.
"And have you waste your time on me when you could be exploring the fade?” Flippantly, Fennic dismisses him.
"You wouldn’t be wasting my time…we could even explore the fade together.” Solas offers.
"Explore the fade? I’m no mage.” Fennic scoffs.
"But you have a clear interest, I’d be more than happy to help you Fennic.” Solas points out.
"I…you shouldn’t waste your time on me. It’s best you keep to your path as I keep on with mine.” Fennic turns away, pained, unaware of Solas’ firm frown.
“We should get to business, the situation is pretty dire. We came to secure horses from the Redcliffe horse master. I grew up here and people said Dennet’s herds were the strongest and fastest this side of the Frostback’s. But with the mage and Templar fighting getting worse, we couldn’t get to Dennet. Maker only knows if he’s still alive. Mother Giselle is at the crossroads helping the wounded. Our latest report says they spread their too, corporal vale and our men are doing all that they can to protect the people, but they won’t be able to hold out very long. You best get going, no time to lose,” Harding tells them how it is as the group set out to find Mother Giselle.
"It looks like they are trying to help the refugees, let's help them!” Cassandra calls out as the group rush over dealing with both mages and templars alike, Silus perking up at a certain ring amongst the fallen bodies of templars.
"And here I thought I finally got away from this mage templar crap…” Fennic sighs sheathing her blades as she eyes the chaos below.
"You think you can run from such an issue so easily in these times?” Solas frowns at Fennic.
"A girl can hope can’t she?” Fennic simply shrugs as the group make their way back to a certain elven woman…
"This is it. Praise to you and the inquisition for giving my husband justice. It won’t bring him back but his spirit will rest easier now. As will mine.” The elven woman thanks Silus as the group leaves her residence.
"She seems to be holding up well, considering.” Solas couldn’t help but take note of.
"Yeah, she’s keeping the front up quite well all things considered…” Fennic couldn’t help but concede.
"You believe she was suffering more than she let on?” Solas turns to Fennic.
"She lost her husband Solas.” Fennic frowns at Solas.
"I did not take you as a romantic of sorts.” Solas hums.
"It’s not about me being a romantic of sorts, Solas. It’s about being alive. That ring might comfort her when the country gets too quiet, but it won’t dry her tears or let alone bring some semblance of companionship in the night. She’ll still be in that bed…alone without her husband’s company as a comfort.” Fennic explains to him.
"Some wounds only time heal.” Solas asserts.
"And they always seem to leave ugly scars.” Fennic couldn’t help but look down at her own scars oblivious to Solas silent eyes upon her as they continue moving forward, heading towards a certain refuge camp, where a woman quietly tends to the wounded.
"There are mages that can heal your wounds. Lie still,” Giselle softly instructs as a mage approaches from behind, wearing the typical mage robes form the circle.
“Don’t. Don’t let them touch me mother their magic is-” The boy goes to protest but…
“Turn to noble purpose; their magic is surely no more evil than your blade,” Giselle reasons calmly.
“But-” The boy tries but…
“Hush dear boy. Allow them to ease your suffering,” Giselle softly whispers as the soldier complies and lies on the bed, where the mage uses his healing capabilities to heal the now fully healed soldier, resting in the cot in a slumber.
“Mother Giselle?” Silus approaches.
“I am. You must be what they are calling the Herald of Andraste,” Mother Giselle walks over to Silus, leaving the mage to tend to the wounded soldier.
“What you said to that soldier…” Silus begins but…
“We do not teach that magic is evil. We teach that pride is evil- and does not corrupt only mages. But I did not ask of you to come simply to debate with me.” Mother Giselle exclaims.
"Then why am I here?” Silus’ eyes narrow at the woman.
"I know of the chantry’s denouncement and I am familiar with those behind it. I won’t lie to you. Some of them are grandstanding, hoping to increase their chances of becoming the new divine. Some are simply terrified. So many good people taken from us,” Giselle sighs.
"And that’s an excuse? They’re making things worse.” Silus frowns.
"They don’t know that. This is my point.” Giselle affirms.
"Go to them; convince the remaining clerics you are no demon to be feared. They have heard only frightful tales of you; give them something else to believe,” She tells Silus.
“You want me to appeal to them? They want to execute me and you think I should just walk up to them?” Silus scowls insulted almost at the thought.
"You are no longer alone. They cannot imprison or attack you.” Giselle points out to Silus.
"They could try.” Silus argues.
"Let me put it this way. You needn’t convince them all. You just need some of them to doubt. Their power is a unified voice, take that from them and you will receive the time you need.” Giselle explains to Silus.
"You make it sound simple.” Silus sighs.
“I honestly don’t know if you’ve been touched by fate or sent to help us but I hope. Hope is what we need now. The people will listen to your rallying call as they will listen to no other. You could build the inquisition into a force that will deliver us…or destroy us. I will go to Haven and provide Sister Leliana the names of those in the Chantry who would be amenable to a gathering. It is not much but I will do whatever I can.” Mother Giselle tells Silus before going back to tending to the wounded.
"Solas, have you always lived alone? Out in the wilderness, as an apostate?” Cassandra asks Solas.
"For the most part.” Solas shrugs.
"Would that not be incredibly trying?” Cassandra asks.
"People can be trying, mankind most of all.” Solas sighs.
"That... is an excellent point.” Cassandra concedes.
"You’re with the Inquisition? Corporal Vale. Thanks for your help. The mages and templars don’t seem to care who gets caught in their war. The refugees here are in dire need of help. If the war doesn’t kill them, cold or starvation will.” Vale thanks the group before him.
"What other problems do these refugees face?” Silus asks.
"We’ve got some injuries that go beyond stitches and elfroot. I know healers are in short supply, but if you can find someone in Redcliffe to help us, it would save a lot of lives.” Vale responds as the group goes off to find an extra pair of healing hands.
"Fox we gotta talk about the closet…” Varric sighs.
"Wha…what’s wrong with the closet?” Fennic frowns.
"You can’t sleep in there!” Varric tells her.
"Why not?” Fennic asks.
"Cause you keep scaring the poor scouts!” Varric says.
"Not my fault they get so jumpy.” Fennic shrugs.
"How else would you react to someone coming out the closet?” Varric frowns.
"I’d congratulate them?” Fennic frowns.
"Not like that! Fox, you have a bed.” Varric points out.
"But I like the closet.” Fennic shrugs.
"I’m sure you do but wouldn’t a warm cozy mattress be even better?” Varric coaxes.
"Why?” Fennic frowns.
"Cause it’s soft.” Varric frowns.
"The wardrobe is soft.” Fennic states.
"How?” Varric asks, baffled.
"I don’t know, I just feel safe there. I don't feel safe in beds…or on them.” Fennic grimaces.
"…Right. I’ll talk to Leliana.” Varric sighs.
"Thank you.” Fennic hums as they make their way out of the refugee camp.
"Too many people dying for want of simple herbs…” The elven woman tuts pacing back and forth fretfully in her hut as the group enter.
"Pardon me…?” Silas speaks up.
"My apologies, can I help you?” She turns to Silas.
"There are refugees at the crossroads who would benefit from a healer.” Silus admits.
"Of course they would. These attacks by the templars have endangered countless innocent lives. But if I go to the crossroads to help. I might end up in danger myself, not to mention the lack of healing supplies I could bring..” The woman tells Silas.
"You’re low on supplies…?” Silas perks up at the news.
"That’s right. Besides I doubt those refugees would risk their lives for a Knife Ear. Why should I risk mine for them?” The woman sneers.
"Have people actually called you a knife ear?” Silas asks, astonished.
"You’re truly Dalish aren’t you? Then you don’t know humans like I do. Perhaps they fear your mark and have shown you respect. I have no such protection. These villagers only tolerate me because templars killed their human healer. I doubt the humans at the Crossroad would be any different.” The healer scoffs.
"People are afraid right now. I haven’t been called a knife ear as often as I had expected. Mostly all the humans say is thank you. I expect you’ll find the same…and change some minds in the process.” Silas tells the woman.
"Alright if the inquisition soldiers are there. I might be safe regardless. I’ll see you at the crossroads soon. Just give me a moment to gather my things.” The elven woman requests as Silus and co do just that.
"So, who do you think is the toughest: Josephine, Leliana, or Cassandra?” Varric blurts out after they leave the woman to it, Silas silently collecting elf root along the way.
"I'm right here, you know.” Cassandra huffs.
"That doesn't rule you out, Seeker.” Varric smirks.
"Cullen's not up for consideration?” Solas innocently asks.
“You…you’re kidding right?” Fennic turns to Solas smirking.
"Curly? They just keep him around to look pretty.” Varric adds amused as they then turn to a pack of rabid wolves, swiftly cutting them down.
"Poor guys…” Fennic whispers looking sadly down at the fallen creatures.
"They tried to kill us…” Cassandra frowns.
"Yes but you have to admit even that behaviour was strange, wolves don’t just pounce like that they’re not that reckless.” Fennic argues.
"The breach might have made them mad. Or perhaps a demon took command of the pack.” Solas looks down at the bodies below.
"Still poor guys…” Fennic repeats looking sadly down at the creatures below as they march forward.
"I suppose this must be master Dennet.” Varric eyes the stable house of sorts they go inside.
"So you’re the inquisition eh? Here you’re trying to bring order back. It's high time someone did. Never thought it’d be a Halla Rider from the Wildlands though. Name’s Dennet. I served Arl Eamon for thirty years as horsemaster. I hear your inquisition is looking for mounts.” Dennet greets them.
"If you want what’s best for Redcliffe, you’ll provide us with horses.” Silus asserts annoyed almost.
"I do want what’s best for Redcliffe but you got some work to do first. I can’t just send a hundred of the finest horses in Fereldan down the road like you’d send a letter. Every bandit between here and Haven would be on them like flies on crap. You’ll have mounts once I know they won’t end up as a cold winter’s breakfast.” Dennet decides.
"You’re wasting my time.” Silus scowls.
"Better than you wasting my horses.” Dennet asserts as the group soon enough do the tasks necessary to earn Dennet’s steeds.
"These must be the wolves master Dennet’s wife warned us about!” Varric hollers crossbow at the ready as the group put the possessed pack out of their misery, swiftly sealing the rift within as they head back to Haven with Dennet’s steeds in tow.
"Your kind killed the most holy!” The templar blames the mages.
"Lies your kind, let her die!” The mage accuses the templar.
Silus frowns at the cross crowd he returns to. Quietly handing the reigns over to a nearby soldier taking the steeds to their makeshift stable of sorts.
Enough!” Cullen breaks it up.
"Knight captain!” The templar gasps.
"That is not my title. We are not templars any longer. We are all part of the inquisition!” Cullen reminds both of them.
"And what does that mean exactly?” Roderick steps forward frowning.
"Back already Chancellor, haven't you done enough?” Cullen glares at Roderick.
"I’m curious commander as to how your inquisition and its herald will restore order as you’ve promised.” Roderick sneers, a fair few faces looking warily at Cullen.
"Of course you are back to your duties all of you.” Cullen calms the people down as Silus heads inside…
“The Inquisition cannot remain, Ambassador, if you can’t prove it was founded on Justinia’s orders!” The furious voice catches Silus’ attention as he heads inside.
“This is an inopportune time, Marquis. More of the faithful flock here each day,” Josephine tells the masked man as Silus enters the tow turning to him.
“But allow me to introduce you to the brave soul who risked her life to slow the magic of the Breach. Master lavellan this is the Marquis DuRellion, one of the Divine Justinia’s greatest supporters,” Josephine introduces.
"And rightful honour of Haven. House DuRellion lent Justinia these lands for a pilgrimage. This ‘Inquisition’ is not a beneficiary of this arrangement.” He adds annoyed.
"Demons are pouring from the sky and you’re worried about land claims!?” Cross, Silus scowls at the noble, a part of him not even surprised.
"Haven is House DuRellion’s rightful property!” The noble stresses scowling.
"Has Empress Celene officially acknowledged your possession of Haven? I was unaware her imperial majesty had conferred with Fereldan’s monarchs on this matter.” Josephine asks him.
"The empress….has not yet the opportunity to do so.” The noble relents.
“We face a dark time, Your Grace. Divine Justinia would not want her passing to divide us. She would, in fact, trust us to forge new alliances to the benefit of all, no matter how strange they might seem,” Josephine explains to him.
“I’ll think on it, Lady Montilyet. The Inquisition might stay in the meanwhile.” DuRellion leaves.
"Let’s hope his arrogance doesn’t return.” Silus sneers, a part of him unable not to frown from the familiar sense of frustration free flowing through him, how many nobles or mercenaries had he had to run out for his clan’s safety with the rest of his hunters, how many of his friends and family had fallen thanks to lords such as him kicking them out to dry just for the sake of pride. Even should he leave, the marquis will share his thoughts on us upon his return to Val Royeuax. Every guest we receive and we will receive them-will spread the inquisition’s story. An ambassador should ensure the tale is as complimentary as possible,” Josephine explains.
"If every noble wandering by is as stubborn as the marquis, what good is it talking to them?” Scowling, Silus demands from Josephine.
"Every kingdom is subject to its lords. The inquisition will require their goodwill to survive. But please excuse me. I've much work to do before the day is done.” Josephine smiles as Silus leaves, needing some air….
"I see you’ve returned…” The healer at the crossroads tending to the wounded noted Silas.
"I recall you mentioning being low on supplies.” Silas admits.
"Yes we’ve many injured from attacks by those cursed Templars. I need the herbs to treat people’s wounds. But it’s too dangerous to go hunting through the hills to gather more…” The healer sighs.
"Yes, on my travels I collected some…” Silas hands them over.
"This is exactly what I need…! How!?” The woman asks, astonished.
"Back with my clan I often collected these sorts of herbs for the clan leader.” Silas admits.
"Thank you, you have no idea how many lives you’ve saved from these herbs!” The woman tells Silas.
"Just glad I could help.” Silas stands leaving her to tend to the wounded.
"Solas… “ Fennic calls out as they venture through the hinterlands once more.
"Yes?” Solas turns to her.
"Stop coming into my dreams, it's creepy.” Fennic scowls at him.
"…Who said I was coming into your dreams? Perhaps you were dreaming of me? “ Solas suggests.
"Oh please, as if I would dream of you.” Fennic scoffs.
"It’s a simple possibility.” Solas states.
"Sure and ogres are as cute as nugs. Just get out of my dreams alright?” Fennic sighs as they carry on through the Hinterlands, Silus noting the note below in an "abandoned campsite.
"Come to me, my love. The dreams have guided you this far, and now I write these words with your own hand, for you to read when you wake. You are so close. Come to the tree on the hill where the stone lady stands, bearing felandaris so that I know you, and we can finally be together forever….
Silus furrows his brow by the note.
"Have you heard from any of your Kirkwall associates Varric?” Cassandra asks as they approach a statue of sorts, Silus firmly focused on the details of the note he had picked up, eyeing the stone lady statue waiting for them almost.
"You're asking me? So you don't read my letters?” Varric says surprised.
"You're no longer my prisoner, much as you like to act like it.” Cassandra huffs.
"Yet I still get all the suspicion.” Varric remarks.
"I am not without sympathy, especially given recent events.” Cassandra admits.
"Why, Seeker, I would never accuse you of having sympathy! By the way I tend to refer to my "associates" as "friends". Maybe you're not familiar with the concept.” Cheekily, Varric smirks at the just done Cassandra.
Cassandra simply sighs as before she knew it, she and the rest had arrived at the very place the letter spoke of, swiftly cutting down the wraith waiting for them…
The cold crisp of Haven’s winter breeze nips away at Silus cheeks and yet it isn’t an unwelcome sensation, the heated elf couldn’t help but fume from the thought of the noble prior to it all. Even after his errands around the Hinterland his mind still lingered upon the pompous noble.
"You look stressed.” Fennic notes as she comes over.
"Just had to deal with some bloody shem.” Sneering, Silus scowls.
"Might wanna tone the shem talk down if we need something from the guy.” Fennic advises.
"So I have to be all nice and polite to a man evicting us? Tch, this is just like back home…” Bitterly, Silus sneers.
"Guessing the duke paid you a visit.” Fennic assumes.
"He sees what we’re all doing and yet just decides to uproot us as demons are all over the place!” Silus fumes furiously at Fennic.
"So long as it doesn’t affect the noble, the noble doesn’t care.” Fennic shrugs.
"But that's okay? I mean that’s…” Stressed, Silus begins…
"Not fair?” Fennic ends.
"…” Silus goes quiet.
"Look I get your frustration but sometimes you just gotta smile and bear with it.” Fennic gently tells him.
"How can I bear with it when all I want to do is pierce my arrow through his head?” Silus scowls.
"Would some hunting help?” Fennic offers.
"…I’d welcome the escape.” Silus sighs, slumping his shoulders.
"Then let’s go.” Fennic smirks as the two set off towards Haven’s forest.
Quietly, the crisp crunch of snow echoes, both Silus and Fennic crouched down amongst the bush and trees, their bows at the ready eyeing the tracks below, both of them sharing a look. Silus makes a motion, Fennic follows him nodding as they follow the tracks towards a lone ram. Silus eyes the ram minding its own business as Silus reels the arrow back and fires but the ram takes off leaving them to it.
"Fenedhis!” Silus curses cross at his miss.
"Hey it’s alright we’ll find another there’s no big deal.” Fennic assures Silus.
"…I’m normally better than this.” Silus sighs frustration free flowing through him, he was one of the clan’s best hunters back home.
"We all have our off days.” Fennic assures.
"Why do you care?” Confused, Silus frowns.
"Hm?” Fennic hums.
"Why take me out here? Why go to this much length for me?” Silus frowns at Fennic.
"Because you’ve been through a lot and you’re clearly stressed.” Fennic simply shrugs.
"But what does that have to do with you?” Silus asks.
"Nothing really.” Fennic just shrugs.
"Then why do all this?” Silus continues to probe.
"I guess…you just reminded me of Hawke a bit.” Fennic admits.
"Hawke? As in the champion of Kirkwall?” Silus perks up at the name.
"Hawke wasn’t always a champion you know? They were just like you and me heck they still are. But to get to where they are now…wasn’t easy as it was stressful they went through a lot.” Fennic admits.
"I’m not that bad…” Silus scoffs.
"You literally woke up to being in chains and then having to fight some demons to being some figurehead for the inquisition if that isn’t giving you even a fraction of stress you’re lying.” Fennic scoffs.
"…I never asked for this. I just want to go back home…to my clan. Make sure they’re okay.” Silus sighs sadly.
"I’m sure they’re fine.” Fennic assures.
"How do you know that?” Silus scowls.
"I don’t.” Fennic admits.
"Then why say it?” Silus frowns.
"To make you feel better? Look it’s a shitty situation but maybe if you hang on for just a bit longer get some stuff done with maybe you can use the inquisition resources to find your clan and see if they’re safe.” Fennic offers.
"You think I can do that?” Silus asks.
"I don’t see why not.” Fennic shrugs.
"…Thanks.” Silus sighs.
"Hey no problem. Now come on. We’ve got some game to hunt.” Fennic reminds him as the two carry on with their hunt.
“You can’t be serious!” Cullen frowns at the idea proposed as Silus back from the hunt stands in the meeting room after reporting his findings to the rest.
“Mother Giselle isn’t wrong. At the moment the chantry’s only strength is that it's united in opinion.”
“And we should ignore the danger to the Herald?” Leliana argues annoyed.
"Let’s ask him.” Josephine turns to Silus.
"What can they do? It’s just talk.” Silus huffs.
Don’t underestimate the power of their words. An angry mob will do you in just as quickly as a blade.” Leliana warns Silus.
“I will go with him. Mother Giselle said she could provide us names, use them,” Cassandra tells Leliana.
“But why? This is nothing but a-” Leliana goes to protest but…
“What choice do we have, Leliana? Right now we can’t approach anyone for help with the breach, we should use the influence we have to gather the clerics and see this through,” Cassandra reasons shutting Leliana down as they all go silent in agreement.
"How do you know Varric?” Silus wonders.
"Var? I met him in kirkwall a few years back, been with him since.” Fennic admits.
Where are you from then?” Silus questions.
"If you’re asking where I was born? Minrathous…probably.” Fennic admits.
"Probably?” Silus probes.
"It’s complicated.” Fennic admits.
"What do you make of the other people here?” Silus asks.
"Josephine, she means well. She tried talking elven to me at first. Her face when I told her I didn’t speak elvhen…” Fennic chuckles.
"Cassandra…she means well. She may be rash but deep down you can tell she cares. “ Fennic exclaims.
"Cullen?” Silus asks.
"Blondie? Yeah I knew him back in Kirkwall. He…he’s done a lot to become better as a person, he’s still getting there but he has his reasons for feeling the way he does when it comes to mages.” Fennic responds.
"Leliana? I don’t quite know…I mean…she’s alright. A bit of a chantry nut but she’s not that bad…” Fennic answers.
"Solas? He’s…pretty smart, kind to in his own way. He just…well he can be pretty stubborn but the only issue I really have is the way he talks, sometimes he can be a bit much to people or well when he talks down to people without knowing. I don’t think he knows that sometimes I hope not…” Fennic sighs as soon enough Fennic and Silus are heading out to Val Royeaux.
Quietly, Silus and co approach Val Royeaux, the bright golden gates gleam in the hot sun matching the golden, white and mint green colour scheme of the city, the capital and Chantry land. Silus raises a brow at the numerous stoic stone statues, each wielding their own weapon.
"The city still mourns.” Cassandra tells Silus, almost attempting to warn him as they try to head inside, a distressed masked woman gasping at the sight of Silus fleeing for her life.
"Just a guess, Seeker but I think they all know who we are.” Varric remarks.
"Your skills of observation never fail to impress me Varric.” Cassandra sneers sarcastically as a scout approaches bowing before Silus.
"My lord Herald.” She kneels before them.
“You’re one of Leliana’s people. What have you found?” Cassandra recognises.
“The chantry mothers await you but so do the Templars,” the scout reports.
“There are Templars here?” Cassandra says surprised.
“Of course Templars would be here,” Fennic grunts tiredly.
“People seem to think the Templars will protect them from…from the inquisition. There are gatherings on the other side of the market. I think that’s where the Templars plan to meet
you.” The scout stands up after her report.
“Only one thing to do then,” Cassandra asserts.
“Can’t keep the templars waiting.” Fennic sighs as the group heads inside.
“People of Val Royeaux, hear me. Together we mourn our divine, her naive and beautiful heart silenced by treachery. You wonder what will become of her murderer? Well wonder no more, Behold the Herald of Andraste, claiming to rise where our beloved fell. We say this is a false prophet. The Maker would send no elf in our hour of need!” The woman declares glaring at Silus.
“You say I am the enemy. The breach in the sky is our true enemy. We must unite to stop it!” Silus tries to argue.
“It’s true the inquisition only seeks to end the breach before it’s too late,” Cassandra affirms.
“It is already too late! The Templars have returned to the chantry and they will end the inquisition and the people will be safe!” The chantry woman declares as the Templars take stage however as they do so…
"Argh!” The chantry woman proclaiming Silus to be the problem is swiftly tossed to the side, the hit clear as day as the woman of faith falls, taking everyone aback.
“Steel yourself she is beneath us,” the captain of the Templars orders the templar that was supposed to guard her.
“She is beneath us, those words don’t sound foreboding at all,” Fennic mutters sarcastically.
“No, that phase is perfectly suitable for the Templars,” Solas exclaims.
“I’d much prefer the phrase, “there’s nothing you or anyone else can do to stop me!” Varric admits, the trio in the back sharing a small smirk of sorts.
"I was about to do that myself.” Silus speaks up, eyeing the captain however…
"As if I would do anything for your pleasure.” The captain glares at Silus.
“Lord Seeker Lucius, it’s imperative that we speak,” Cassandra approaches.
“You will not address me,” Lucius rudely remarks.
“Lord seeker?” Surprised, Cassandra stops.
"Creating a heretical movement, raising up a puppet as Andraste’s prophet. You should be ashamed, you should all be ashamed. The Templars failed no one when they left the chantry to purge the mages. You are the ones who have failed and to use a mage as Andraste’s prophet, pathetic. You, who unleash our righteous swords with doubt and fear, if you came to appeal to the chantry you, are too late. The only authority that demands respect is mine,” Lucius declares.
“Templars, one of your own commands the inquisition forces! Join us as he did!” Silus urges.
A staunch and loyal member of the order. So loyal he abandoned them for a false Herald.” Lucius sneers.
“But lord Seeker was if she really was sent by the maker what if-” The one who was told to steel himself speaks up, eyeing Silus.
“You are called by a higher purpose do not question me boy. I will make the Templar order, one that stands alone against the void. We deserve recognition, independence, you have shown me nothing! The inquisition less than nothing, Templars Val Royeaux is unworthy of our protection, we march!” Lucius proudly proclaims. Together, the Templars leave.
"Welp that went well…” Fennic remarks.
"On what level did that go well?” Silus frowns at Fennic.
"I mean you didn’t die, no one died so…yeah there’s that.” Fennic offers only to falter from Silus’ stern scowl.
“Charming fellow isn’t he?” Varric mutters sarcasm evident in his tone as he eyes Lucius’ fleeting figure.
“Has lord Seeker Lucius gone mad?” Cassandra frowns, puzzled by his cold attitude towards her and his actions.
"I take it you know him.” Silus turns to Cassandra.
“He took over the seekers of truth two years ago after Lord Seeker’s Lambert’s death. He was always a decent man. Never given to ambition and grandstanding, this is very bizarre,” Cassandra explains.
"But not surprising, once a templar has even a bit of power they tend to go on a whole power trip. I wouldn't be surprised if there was some sort of corruption.” Fennic remarks.
"No impossible! I refuse to believe it.” Cassandra refuses.
"Seeker think about it, the world is rife with chaos now, from years of fear mongering over the mages and now with the chantry as it is, now is the perfect time for the templars to come up to proclaim themselves as some sort of stabilising influence when all it is, is a means of power of dominating the rest of Thedas.” Fennic explains to her.
"But seeker Lucius he’d never do such a thing! Something is wrong…very wrong.” Cassandra stresses shakily watching Lucius leave.
"Fortunately the templars aren’t our only hope.” Silus speaks up.
"I wouldn’t write them off so quickly. There must be those in the order who see what he’s become.” Cassandra presumes.
"Even if they do what makes you think they’ll speak out? It takes a lot for someone to do so, especially if they are in a position in which they would benefit from their leader or faction rising in power.” Fennic points out.
"Because not all templars are corrupt there are those well meaning who wish to fight for justice for the ideals the chantry and seekers were founded from.” Cassandra explains.
I’m sure there are but whether they act or not is up to them, Seeker.” Fennic reminds Cassandra, making her sigh.
"Either way we should first return to Haven and inform the others.” Cassandra asserts as the group turns to leave when…
"If I might have a moment of your time?” A voice calls out, the group turning to the elven mage.
"Grand enchanter Fiona?” Cassandra says surprised.
“Leader of the mage rebellion, is it not dangerous for you to be here?” Solas approaches, frowning, curious of her presence.
“I heard of this gathering and I wanted to see the fabled hero of Andraste with my own eyes. If it helps with the breach you seek perhaps you should look at the people as the wiser option.” Fiona suggests.
"And what do you want in exchange for the mages help?” Silus asks Fiona.
"Oh I haven’t promised the inquisition our help yet. Consider this an invitation to Redcliffe. Come meet with the mages, an alliance could help both sides after all. I hope to see you there au revoir my lady Herald,” Fiona smirking leaves the group to it.
“Come let us return to Haven,” Cassandra asserts as they all head back to Haven.