Chapter 17

All the usual disclaimers in regards to Elder Scrolls Online and Dragon Age apply.

Haven, 9:41 Dragon – Early Morning

The rays of the early sun chased each other on the open flap of Lenora's tent. Haven was too deep in the Frostbacks in order for the sun to warm to more than a cool day in the Hinterlands, but she welcomed the weak warmth. After the humidity and the staleness of the swamp water in Fallow Mire, the fresh smell of snow and crisp wind were pleasant distractions.

The amount of cooking fires had more than doubled since Lenora arrived with a group of pilgrims, who got lost on their way to pay homage to Andraste's Ashes. The cooks were huddled over the enormous pots containing this morning's porridge. Lenora nodded to a few of the cooks as she made her way past the fires towards the Chantry that served both as the place of worship and Inquisition's headquarters. The soft footsteps of messengers delivering missives, the hushed tones of the clerics clustered in little groups throughout the Chantry and the sounds of quills scratching on paper creating sanctioned Inquisition letters greeted Lenora as she walked towards the Ambassador's office.

A statuesque figure stepped in front of Lenora making her pause.

"Madam Vivienne."

The woman, dressed in tight white robes that complimented her smooth ebony skin inclined her head in greeting.

"Mistress Varelli. Might I have a word?"

An order disguised as a request was still an order and Lenora swallowed a less than gracious reply to in turn incline her head in agreement. She followed the enchanter to her alcove where 2 chairs stood next to a desk. Vivienne took the larger chair and motioned for Lenora to sit in the other one.

After a moment the older woman spoke.

"I've been meaning to talk to you my dear. Us mages do need to stay together to ward off any misunderstandings. Don't you agree?"

Lenora mentally apologised to both Thedas' Maker and his prophet for the swearwords she was currently forming in her mind in a place consecrated to them, but all she said was,

"It's always best to avoid misunderstandings Senior Enchanter."

"Wonderful, my dear. I'm glad we're of the same mind."

Lenora seriously doubted it, but again, kept quiet.

"You're one of the examples of a mage who had settled into a life that doesn't involve using magic. A fine example proving less power means a quieter life. Naturally, not every hedge witch has so little talent, but raw power doesn't equal skill. Still, I always found it a pity that the mages with barely any power were simply not given positions outside the Circle. Most demons would not approach them and a cook who can heat her master's cup without taking too long in the kitchen will always have work. Of course, they would still need some Circle training at first, but a life devoted to study won't be required."

Lenora was about to open her mouth to tell this dressed up doll with a staff exactly how much power and skill she could use when blasting her out of the Chantry, when she noticed the other woman watching intently. Well, that was one way to judge how much ability she had by starting a fight that would have to be broken up by former Templars in the Inquisition and she doubted The Iron Lady would stand idly by and not defend herself. She was surprised when she replied in an even tone.

"I'm not sure what you are suggesting my lady."

Vivienne looked pleased.

"Your cooking is wonderful considering what you have to work with. When this is finished, would you mind coming with me to Val Royeaux? I would like to hire you, after some time of testing your skills. If need be, I will train you myself in what you require. You'll have no shortage of work and we can show that not every mage needs to be in the Circle, especially if their talents are small and could do well when directed to less strenuous endeavours."

The gall of the Circle Enchanter in front of her was almost inspiring. She managed to insult and flatter Lenora in less than three minutes. Hedge mage! She finished the Imperial Academy in the top of her year, traversed the entire continent and realms outside it whilst encountering the most bizarre magical experiments and anomalies and this woman had the gall to…, she forced her teeth into a strained smile.

"It's a very tempting proposition my lady. When the Breach is closed, perhaps we may have that conversation again. Right now, I can't abandon my post."

Vivienne waved a gloved hand in a vague gesture.

"Of course my dear, wouldn't dream of stealing you when Lady Josephine needs you. That's all I needed to talk to about."

This was a dismissal and Lenora left the alcove as fast as she could. She glanced at her hands that were clenched so hard that the nails were making indents into her palms. Taking a few moments to breathe she continued to her original destination, knocking lightly and opening the door as soon as she heard the Ambassador's invitation to come in.

The olive-skinned Antivan was shuffling papers when Lenora entered.

"Ah, Mistress Varelli. The kitchens are running well I hope. The last few donations should solve a lot of the recent problems."

The Ambassador was making small talk. Whilst never rude, she made it clear that she trusted Lenora to do what's needed to be done without unnecessary chatter and panic. In another lifetime she may have been a friend, but being one with a subordinate erased the lines that might have been better left undisturbed.

This means another talk was in the works.

"Thank you my lady. They did help."

Ambassador stilled and then tapped her quill against her clipboard. She was clearly waiting for Lenora to carry on talking so she could bring up whatever it was that was bothering her. This was precisely why Lenora kept quiet. They stared at one another for a time until Josephine sighed and stuck her quill back into the ink pot.

"You must know why I summoned you here!"

Lenora raised her eyebrows in a show of surprise, but didn't say anything. She could guess, but she wasn't going breach the subject with her superior.

"Your relationship with the Herald, it must stop!"

This time the surprise on her face was real.

"What relationship?"

"You deny it?"

"If a few conversations about general well-being and food are considered to be a relationship, then I have a relationship with a lot of people, yourself included."

It was somewhat rude as replies to one's superior went, but her tact was still recovering from the impromptu chat with Enchanter Vivienne.

Ambassador pressed her lips into a thin line and aimed a sceptical look at Lenora.

"Aedan is a kind man, but he flirts a great deal. I can understand why these signs of attentions may mean to someone of a lower position. And if you remember when you followed him in Fallow Mire …"

She paused, both of them startled by a noise coming from outside and the sound of the gates opening wide.

Lenora used the distraction to stop the white flickers of lightning running on top of her hand produced of sheer irritation. Whatever gossip was passed from the Fallow Mire camps, it was clear that the Ambassador received a very garbled version of it."

"I did no such thing Lady Montilyet. If you were to ask me, I would have told you that I was simply looking for more blue vitriol to bring back to Haven. When I was made of aware of cultists I fought before were aiding the Avvar, who challenged the Herald I hurried to warn him and his party."

She hoped that Josephine, didn't read all the reports about Fallow Mire, especially those that detailed the particular challenges of exploring the swamp or what has happened when Aedan fought that Avvar chieftain wannabee.

"From that point, I stayed away from the main battle and once everyone was rescued, healed and back in camp I travelled to Haven when you requested it. If you were hoping to hear about wild love scenes I have to disappoint you."

Josephine huffed.

"Aedan and his friends are skilled in battle, I hardly think they couldn't handle a few more enemy soldiers."

"Those were very skilled and experienced enemies, If A…Herald didn't have or heed the warning he risked being overwhelmed and those he tried to rescue killed off. Were it not for the additional reinforcements brought by the Sky Watcher, the battle might have gone very differently."

She wasn't sure what Aedan put in on his report and after his last words she didn't particularly want anything to do with the man. From Josephine's words, she surmised that her involvement didn't feature prominently, if she was mentioned at all.

Josephine still looked sceptical, but Lenora knew that the Ambassador would not have believed any gossip without any concrete proof. Which means the conversation was her way of checking at least one version of the facts.

Still, her face showed doubt. Fortunately, there was more information Lenora could impart to get the skilled diplomat, who had never been in battle, to at least let the Fallow Mire matter drop.

"Do you know what would have happened to the Herald and the others if the cultists with the Avvar had won Ambassador?"

Not waiting for the other woman to respond she continued, "Perhaps not the Herald at first, he I think, would have been saved for last. They would have used a convex stone, possibly an altar left over from the time the castle was occupied and then stripped their victim, tie them to the altar so that their chest will be pushed upwards and then use a sacrificial knife to cut into the ribs below the victim's left breast and pull out their still beating heart."

Josephine paled, revulsion and fear crossing her features. Lenora carried on, seemingly not noticing her reaction.

"They would have probably started with Blackwall first, then worked their way up to the Herald. I dealt with these cultists before, they wouldn't have cared about the good the Inquisition is doing or Herald's ability to close rifts."

Josephine clutched the side of her clipboard, her face taking on a sickly pallour.

"I will consider your words Mistress Varelli. If you are indeed correct, then we shouldn't speak of this further."

She was maybe a little sorry to have been so graphic, but gossip always did more harm than good to those involved. Just a few weeks more, once the Herald made the alliance with the mages and the Breach would be closed. She would be rid of the flirty brunet and that would be the end to that particular story.

The door to the office was flung open, one of the Chantry Sisters panting as she stepped inside.

"The Templars! They're here!"

As far as conversation enders were concerned, this was one of the more effective ones. Josephine took off, Lenora following closely behind. The gates to Haven were open, a force of fully armoured Templars filling the gap between the gates and stretching outside them. A tall Templar without his helmet, his face somehow familiar despite Lenora's lack of acquaintance with any active member of the order approached Cullen. He most likely arrived just before the Ambassador and stood with his soldiers behind him, swords out of their sheaths but not pointing at the newcomers.

"I'm Knight Commander Trevelyan and I demand to speak to your Herald!"

Haven, 9:42, Dragon – Early Morning

The flap on her tent was still closed. Only a year ago there would be sunlight trying to get through the thick material, but these days only a sickly green glow greeted both day and night.

She felt a hand wrap around her waist and a body pressed itself against her.

"Morning," she felt his breath tickling her ear. "Isn't it too early to get up?"

She smiled and turned towards him without breaking the embrace.

"We have a little bit of time left. Maybe we should get some sleep."

Warm amber eyes looked at her disbelievingly.

"Sleep? Where is the fun in that?"

She laughed and ran her hand through his short blonde hair.

"You have a better idea?"

He grinned and placed a kiss to the corner of her mouth, his hand moving up her spine creating a tingling sensation that made her smile.

A loud voice screaming commands outside the tent startled both of them. He sighed and closed his eyes.

"Our own wake up call. Do you think he can moderate the loudness so the rest of us can get some badly needed rest?"

She laughed and dragged her nails through his hair, lightly scratching his head. He smiled widely, but kept his eyes closed.

"We weren't planning on resting and Cullen isn't doing it to annoy you."

He grumbled, "You don't know him as well as I do. If he knew how much it annoys me he would do it all the time."

She rolled her eyes at him and sat up. Bracing herself for the cold she crawled out of the tent and got up.

Haven's air was still crisp as it was a year ago, but the Breach's green light coloured even the whitest snow creating the perception that it polluted the air itself with a heavy and unpleasant smell.

She nodded to Cullen as he came up. His face was pale from lack of sleep, but he was smiling broadly.

"Lenora, good news. More refugees came safely through the portal last night. Somewhat disorientated at first, but the guides reported that they've settled in nicely."

She smiled back. "Your family was with them?"

He nodded. "I feel like a burden is finally off my shoulders. Took a while to convince Mia and her husband, but once they agreed the rest of the family followed. I feel better knowing they're away from this."

"Glenumbra is good for farming. Your family won't regret it, I promise."

"I know and I cannot thank you enough. If it weren't for your connections, many would have given up by now."

"You can start by resting after this meeting. Less shouting of commands and more resting makes a happy Commander."

His eyebrows rose: "I recognise the sarcasm."

This was becoming tiresome.

"His name is Karl and can you please just be polite to him? Just enough so we don't have an argument every time you two speak? It'll free up time if nothing else."

"As long as he tries not to annoy me on purpose, I'll be professional." He grumbled.

"He won't, I'll talk to him." He rolled his eyes, but didn't say anything more on the matter. "I'll see you at the meeting Lenora." With that, he walked away.

"I work with children." She sighed and got back into the tent.

"You work miracles, the silence is wrapping around me like a warm comfy blanket."

She sighed and sat next to him.

"Would you mind just being polite to Cullen? He is willing to be the same to you. Just so we don't waste that much time listening to you two arguing. Please?"

He pulled her down to him, lightly kissing her in the neck and then sighing, his warm breath brushing her check.

"If it means so much to you, sure. I'll be polite to the man with a stick …"

She pressed her finger against his lips.

"Thank you."

She felt his grin against her neck.

"The price is a bit steeper than just a thank you."

She smiled into his shoulder, "Wouldn't dream on skipping on the payment."

It was later that morning when she finished packing. Charger's spies reported that Leliana was moved back to the castle a few days back. If they did not get her back, dead or alive, the Elder One would use the information his minions could torture out of the Spymaster with deadly effect, including thousands of refugees who were fleeing Thedas to Tamriel. The irony of the situation was not lost on her, but she supposed it was better to live with some enemies that to see demons pouring out of the Breach to demolish everything in their path. Unfortunately for her, Tamriel was not an option.

She hefted the pack and walked towards the rescue team. In addition to the few scouts and warriors volunteering for the rescue, Cullen had joined them despite various protests from other commanders. She spotted Karl not too far away from him checking the wrappings on his staff.

"Lenora," Solas approached her from the right, his usually expressive eyes heavily lidded hinting at the lack of sleep. She smiled at him. He spoke softly,

"Thank you for assisting me. I know that a feeling that something is wrong and if you come it will be righted isn't the most concise reason, but I'm glad you listened."

"Solas, in the past year your help and your friendship has been invaluable. Sometimes, it's difficult to vocalise what your magical instincts are telling you. It must have been extremely frustrating to try to explain it to Cullen considering his background."

Solas gave a wan smile.

"He was more understanding than I realised. Spending almost a lifetime in the Circle rubbed off on him despite his lack of magic and his history with it."

She nodded and then asked,

"Do you have an idea what we're looking for since we last talked? The feeling that something's not right is fairly general. Demons walking outside the Fade aren't natural either, but that's been common enough these last 18 months."

Solas shook his head.

"I hope you don't mind that I use a food analogy Lenora. Imagine you're are having supper, but all you're served are breakfast foods. There is nothing wrong with the food, but it shouldn't be there. I think I'm asking you to look for the suppertime stew and vegetables despite the food spread before you."

Lenora smiled.

"I think I understand, despite not having cooked for about a year. I still have looks from some of the nobles wondering how about the Inquisition cook having so much influence on Tamriel."

"If it's any consolation, there are plenty of soldiers and scouts missing your touch with their food, despite knowing how important you've become. I had only heard a little about you from the Tamrielic guides, but your achievements and help you provided to Tamriel in the past are exceptionally impressive."

She shrugged, she wasn't ashamed of who she was, but if all her deeds were revealed, she'd never be able to rid herself of sycophants hoping to make their relocation to Tamriel easier by claiming to know her.

"Good luck Lenora. I wish I was coming with you," he waved at his tightly bandaged arm, which was the only reason he was not holding a pack similar to hers.

She smiled, touched his shoulder gently and walked towards the rescue team. There was still enough time to get to Sulcher's Pass if they pushed their horses.

Redcliffe Castle, 9:42 – late evening

Aedan yanked his sword out of the body of the Venatori soldier.

"Did you find the cell key?" he called out to the other man.

The darker skinned man produced the heavy rusted piece of metal with a flourish.

"Assuming it doesn't break from turning it in the lock from all the rust, we will not be staying in this fine room after all."

Fortunately, the key didn't break and they trudged through the dank dungeon looking for another exit.

"So much for Fereldan hospitality. Do you think they reserved this suite just for non-Fereldans or were we let down due to me being from Tevinter?"

It wasn't bad as quips went Aedan had to concede, as he and his new ally examined every single cell available whilst looking for an escape.

"You should try the cells in Haven, no muck whatsoever. A little cold if you're not used to it." He responded absently. They took the stairs on the left and found some potions that Dorian declared usable, even if he couldn't recommend the taste. Seeing a dead end wasn't encouraging, but they went back to an earlier intersection and took the stairs to the right.

Dorian stopped in mid-grumble about the state of the castle when they spied the first living being since arriving to the castle dungeons, locked in a cell. Aedan barely recognised the elven mage he saw a few days ago near the Redcliffe tavern. He approached the cell and fought back revulsion when he saw the red glowing crystal growing out of the mage. Red eyes blinking, the elf chanted the same verse from a Chant of Light over and over again. Aedan backed away and glanced at Dorian. The Tevinter Altus looked stunned, his face twisted in pity looking at the other man. Aedan looked around, spotting an entrance into a natural cave from the room. He pulled on Dorian's sleeve, who glanced at the affected elf one more time and followed Aedan into the cavern, pulling a dim torch from one of the sconces on the wall.

Notes:

Well, it's been a while since I updated. Caught the dreaded lurgie and was sick almost non-stop for the past 5 months or so. Add to that being a sick mom to a new baby and well, here we are. Hopefully I'm over the worst of it.

The details on the pulling the heart out from a living victim isn't new. This description comes from the Aztec sacrifices, but they certainly weren't the only ones to do so.

Playing around with time is always fun, unless you're writing a fic where you have to sync so everything happens in more or less the same time, before and after the time travel magic is activated.

If people guessed who Karl is – please don't let the others know, no matter how outrageous you think I'm being.

This should be a 4-5 chapter arc. It's all planned out, so hopefully should be quick.