AN: Thanks to torroar for voicing his thoughts and helping me check, and Evillevi for driving...
I Never Expected the Inquisition (Dragon Age Inquisition/Skyrim SI)
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Part 1
AN: Thanks to torroar for voicing his thoughts and helping me check, and Evillevi for driving this idea and giving his own thoughts on it as well. So a different Vic, a different time. DAMN YOU STRESS FOR ALL THESE IDEAS. Also spoilers for DA:Inquisition so for anyone who hasn't played, you have been warned.
Also thanks to CV12Hornet for helping me clean this up further.
The moment I felt myself shiver I knew something was wrong.
Opening my eyes and getting a good look at my surroundings merely confirmed that. I mean one thing's for sure; I sure as fuck wasn't in the comfort of my tropical family farm. The light layer of unblemished snow that surrounded me was probably what told me that, and not the surrounding pine wood.
That would also fucking explain why I was shivering like crazy. I mean, it wasn't my first time with snow, but I live in the fucking tropics. All I had on me was my bag, a shirt, rain jacket, a good pair of pants and rubber shoes. While I had loads of fucking questions as to what the fuck was going on, I had to find some sort of shelter quickly.
I took a quick look around me. Lots of trees, and rock, I was probably on a mountain of sorts, though there was a trail of sorts. Hopefully it would lead me to some sort of… huge-ass lime green portal to hell in the middle of the sky.
I blinked unbelieving at what the fuck I was seeing, even slapped myself just make sure that all… this shit wasn't fake, hoping against hope that this was some weird ass dream.
When that failed, I had only one conclusion to make. I was looking at The Breach, and I sure as fuck wasn't on Earth anymore.
__
Despite my increasing desire to go and say "Fuck You" to the world repeatedly, I was rather worried that may attract unwarranted attention. So I had to trudge on through and accept it like a man and focus on more pressing issues like defending myself.
I mean, I was in Thedas, land of Giant Bears, Dragons, A Demon invasion, Darkspawn and all other sorts of nasties. Thankfully I had something for at the very least the short term in terms of defense.
I smiled as I hefted out the old 45. It was one of the things my grandfather had left for me before he passed, and well… I remembered his old lessons. Heck, he even taught me the way he was taught how to shoot, with one hand so your other hand could hold something else. He was a tough old bastard, and a few of his lessons sank back in as I methodically checked everything and carefully loaded the gun. I gave a brief chuckle as I remembered the story behind the gun. They built it to try and kill my ancestors, and now I'm using it to defend myself.
Then came the hard part, trudging through the cold towards what was hopefully Haven. Both a literal and figurative one. It was hard really, as I marched on, unprepared for the weather as I was. At best my rain coat kept the wind out, but it wasn't nearly as warm as proper layering. Yet somehow, I managed to keep moving. It was like… a part of me just told myself I could do it and I listened. Instinct I guess, kicking in to help me survive.
It took another hour of moving along as fast as I could along the path before I noticed a sign of hope. Smoke over the distance, I was getting close to safety, and more importantly warmth. I smiled as I saw that sign, still somehow fresh despite the trudge through the cold.
Then... then I heard a loud explosion, a cacophony of sound really, emanating from the source of the Breach…. then silence. Kinda like an explosion, one big flurry of initial sound… then a rumbling wait for the shockwave. That would never come. Somehow, that silent rumble that I felt, rather than heard was what I found scarier.
This was bad. Very bad. Like swooping levels of bad.
I had to warn them. I didn't know if they'd trust me, but I had to. At the very least because they were the only ones who knew of a way out of here and out of the way of a rampaging army led by that utterly mad bastard.
_
It took another hour, and the sun to almost set before I finally found myself at Haven. I was cold and miserable but I was finally fucking here. I could see that people were partying, drinking and generally enjoying the fact that the end of the world isn't coming. That they might live to see another day.
How fucking wrong they were.
"Maker what happened to you?" asked one Inquisition soldier as I stumbled into the outskirts of Haven. Thank God for small mercies as they didn't speak some gobbledygook language.
"Please," I mumbled, "I need to speak to Sister Leliana,"
"First we've got to get you somewhere warm," he replied as he gently shouldered my weight. "Come on, I'll take you somewhere with a fire eh?"
I managed to trudge along as he dragged me into one of the cabins. Thankfully a roaring fire was going, and I just availed myself of the glorious heat. I knew I'd need it as there would be another march through the mountains soon. "Thanks," I mumbled as the soldier went and handed me a fur coat.
"First, is the Herald back yet?" I asked as I wrapped myself with the coat, reveling in its softness.
"She just arrived a few minutes ago. Why?"
"Then you must summon her and Sister Leliana at once. It's important," I stressed as much as possible.
The soldier shot me a suspicious look, but seeing as I was cold and surrounded by dozens of Inquisition soldiers, I'm pretty sure he doubted my ability to you know, fight back.
I stood there for what felt like forever by the fire, anxiously waiting for either of them, or even Cassandra to show up and interrogate me. A part of me was idly wondering how I wasn't exhausted or anything like that, having just hiked quite a bit of rough terrain to get here, but I had more pressing things to worry about. I had to warn them, at least so that Roderick could drag me out towards whatever safety there was.
Sure enough, in came the three ladies of the Inquisition. The heavily armored woman with all the all the scars being Seeker Cassandra, the lovely ginger was of course Leliana, and finally, by process of elimination, the stunning blonde human with emerald green eyes was the Lady Herald.
"Who are you?" asked Cassandra, glaring daggers at me. Of course she would.
"I'm Vic de los Reyes, but that's not important now," I waved off. "What's important is that an army is marching here as we speak. We need to leave."
"An army? Why would King Alistair march on us? And you certainly don't look like an Antivan, let alone sound like one." Leliana asked.
Not that I could blame her for being suspicious. Asides from the fact that I was dressed strangely, I didn't even look Antivan. I was basically an Asian who was more paleish brown than anything and certainly shorter than many of the others around me.
"That's not important! Right now, we need to get out of here. The Elder One is-"
Bells. Bells started ringing as well as cries of panic. "We're under attack!" yelled some poor panicking bastard.
"I'm too late." I whispered as the cries of panic overtook the town. Cassandra and the Herald both drew their impressive swords, all while Cassandra continued to glare daggers at me.
"Cassandra," the Lady herald started. "We've other things to worry about now."
"It's the Elder One," I interrupted. "He's come for you." I pointed to the Herald.
"Me?"
"Yes, he wants… that." I said, pointing to her hand, glowing ever so subtly a lime green.
"Why would he want it?" She asked, a tinge of desperation creeping into her voice.
"Bad things" I grimly responded. "Right now though you have more important things to worry about."
"Right," The herald quickly responded. "Me and the others will try to buy time for the civilians to get to the Chantry."
"And we want you to stay here." Cassandra ordered. "Unless your assigned escort will say so." she finished.
"I… don't like it but fine."I sighed. I didn't want to argue this right now. "You need everyone you can out there either helping evacuating or fighting off the army but if I need to earn your trust by standing still then fine." I drawled.
"Cassandra…" the Inquisitor interrupted. "We need everyone out there. He has a point. I'd rather he help evacuate the rest of the villagers.'
"She has a point," Leliana added. "It's not like he can go anywhere anyway." Leliana ruthlessly added. Way to brighten the mood. "Might as well send him somewhere useful."
"Fine," Cassandra conceded. "Go to the Chantry and help villagers. We'll handle the army."
"I'll try," I responded as I quickly grabbed another two magazines and tucked them away in my pocket as quickly as possible. I've never… never shot a person before but at this point it would be them or me. "Just point me in the right direction."
"It's the biggest building in the village, can't miss it." The Herald smirked in response. Then the sounds of a large explosion came and I instinctively flinched. "Go!" the Herald ordered, and I left at a light run for the Chantry as they ran towards the gates.
The village was certainly bigger than shown in the game, but it was still relatively recognizable. Besides, the Chantry really was the biggest building around. It's stone walls practically towered over the wooden lodges. Not to mention the crowd of people coming in to seek shelter.
"Slowly now," I shouted in as calm a fashion as possible. "Don't push, elderly and children first!"
I herded the people that were making their way in as best I could really. I could see, and occasionally smell the fear in the air, but despite the sounds of clashing steel getting alarmingly louder as more and more panicked people ran in, I felt okay. Not... just okay like… like some part of me, instinct I guess, was taking over, doing things on auto-pilot. That didn't stop me from asking what the fuck I was doing though. Either the Venatori, mages who aren't gonna play nice, or Red Templars, Blighted bastards, are coming to kill me and everyone else in town, save for the Lady Herald. At least until Corypheus tries and fails to get the Anchor. Then they go try to kill her.
Try being the key word here.
Still, after what felt like the longest ten minutes of my life, herding panicked people like cattle into the safety of the Chantry, I heard the rumble of the avalanche. I smiled sadly as I watched the avalanche crush the army in the distance.
"She's done it," whispered an impeccably cultured voice beside me. I turned around to find myself looking at one rather handsomely mustachioed Dorian.
"I wouldn't think Corypheus would be that easy to stop," I replied in turn. "Come on we need to get the rest of the people inside."
Then… I felt something rise within me. Like… like those instincts that guided me here, that seemingly let me going towards my goal of Haven suddenly started blaring out "dragon" over and over again just pumping me up for battle. I even felt like I could take on the whole world as a viking choir chanted...
"Motherfucker," I muttered out loud. I recognized the chant. Dorian gave me a raised eyebrow, probably wondering what caused me to curse in such a manner. Obviously in much classier terms than that but I digress.
That viking choir was the probably my best sign telling me that I was Dragonborn. This could be either good or bad, depending on how I handled things.
So for a moment, I just stood there, eyes closed, absorbing the momentary sounds of cheering as slowly but surely, I could hear the beating of wings against the wind.
"He's here," I whispered, just as a piercing roar shattered the hopes of Haven's defenders. I tried to control myself, to go against these new instincts. I reminded myself that going against a dragon with a peashooter, Dragonborn or not, would be a bad idea. It'd just end with me as a charred stain on the ground.
"Come on!" Dorain roared, snapping me out of my reverie. "We've got to help protect the villagers."
"Yeah" I agreed as I ran towards the rack of weapons by the campfire. The 45 was only good for seven shots, and being completely weaponless wasn't an option for unarmored me. I grabbed a short sword, and hefted it, trying to remember all those arnis lessons I've picked up over the year, hoping it works as well with a sword rather than a stick.
I breathed as calmly as I could, forcing myself to focus. There it was again, the instinct somehow making lessons coming back clear as day and my body smoothly move into position, ready to shoot anything that gets in range or use the sword if necessary.
God help me, I knew I was about to start killing but it was that or getting killed. So… I braced myself, took a deep breath and calmed myself, focusing on old lessons.
Then came a cry of "Venatori!" from Dorian and I began my first life or death battle.
God I hope I wouldn't fuck this up.
Also thanks to CV12Hornet for helping me clean this up further.
The moment I felt myself shiver I knew something was wrong.
Opening my eyes and getting a good look at my surroundings merely confirmed that. I mean one thing's for sure; I sure as fuck wasn't in the comfort of my tropical family farm. The light layer of unblemished snow that surrounded me was probably what told me that, and not the surrounding pine wood.
That would also fucking explain why I was shivering like crazy. I mean, it wasn't my first time with snow, but I live in the fucking tropics. All I had on me was my bag, a shirt, rain jacket, a good pair of pants and rubber shoes. While I had loads of fucking questions as to what the fuck was going on, I had to find some sort of shelter quickly.
I took a quick look around me. Lots of trees, and rock, I was probably on a mountain of sorts, though there was a trail of sorts. Hopefully it would lead me to some sort of… huge-ass lime green portal to hell in the middle of the sky.
I blinked unbelieving at what the fuck I was seeing, even slapped myself just make sure that all… this shit wasn't fake, hoping against hope that this was some weird ass dream.
When that failed, I had only one conclusion to make. I was looking at The Breach, and I sure as fuck wasn't on Earth anymore.
__
Despite my increasing desire to go and say "Fuck You" to the world repeatedly, I was rather worried that may attract unwarranted attention. So I had to trudge on through and accept it like a man and focus on more pressing issues like defending myself.
I mean, I was in Thedas, land of Giant Bears, Dragons, A Demon invasion, Darkspawn and all other sorts of nasties. Thankfully I had something for at the very least the short term in terms of defense.
I smiled as I hefted out the old 45. It was one of the things my grandfather had left for me before he passed, and well… I remembered his old lessons. Heck, he even taught me the way he was taught how to shoot, with one hand so your other hand could hold something else. He was a tough old bastard, and a few of his lessons sank back in as I methodically checked everything and carefully loaded the gun. I gave a brief chuckle as I remembered the story behind the gun. They built it to try and kill my ancestors, and now I'm using it to defend myself.
Then came the hard part, trudging through the cold towards what was hopefully Haven. Both a literal and figurative one. It was hard really, as I marched on, unprepared for the weather as I was. At best my rain coat kept the wind out, but it wasn't nearly as warm as proper layering. Yet somehow, I managed to keep moving. It was like… a part of me just told myself I could do it and I listened. Instinct I guess, kicking in to help me survive.
It took another hour of moving along as fast as I could along the path before I noticed a sign of hope. Smoke over the distance, I was getting close to safety, and more importantly warmth. I smiled as I saw that sign, still somehow fresh despite the trudge through the cold.
Then... then I heard a loud explosion, a cacophony of sound really, emanating from the source of the Breach…. then silence. Kinda like an explosion, one big flurry of initial sound… then a rumbling wait for the shockwave. That would never come. Somehow, that silent rumble that I felt, rather than heard was what I found scarier.
This was bad. Very bad. Like swooping levels of bad.
I had to warn them. I didn't know if they'd trust me, but I had to. At the very least because they were the only ones who knew of a way out of here and out of the way of a rampaging army led by that utterly mad bastard.
_
It took another hour, and the sun to almost set before I finally found myself at Haven. I was cold and miserable but I was finally fucking here. I could see that people were partying, drinking and generally enjoying the fact that the end of the world isn't coming. That they might live to see another day.
How fucking wrong they were.
"Maker what happened to you?" asked one Inquisition soldier as I stumbled into the outskirts of Haven. Thank God for small mercies as they didn't speak some gobbledygook language.
"Please," I mumbled, "I need to speak to Sister Leliana,"
"First we've got to get you somewhere warm," he replied as he gently shouldered my weight. "Come on, I'll take you somewhere with a fire eh?"
I managed to trudge along as he dragged me into one of the cabins. Thankfully a roaring fire was going, and I just availed myself of the glorious heat. I knew I'd need it as there would be another march through the mountains soon. "Thanks," I mumbled as the soldier went and handed me a fur coat.
"First, is the Herald back yet?" I asked as I wrapped myself with the coat, reveling in its softness.
"She just arrived a few minutes ago. Why?"
"Then you must summon her and Sister Leliana at once. It's important," I stressed as much as possible.
The soldier shot me a suspicious look, but seeing as I was cold and surrounded by dozens of Inquisition soldiers, I'm pretty sure he doubted my ability to you know, fight back.
I stood there for what felt like forever by the fire, anxiously waiting for either of them, or even Cassandra to show up and interrogate me. A part of me was idly wondering how I wasn't exhausted or anything like that, having just hiked quite a bit of rough terrain to get here, but I had more pressing things to worry about. I had to warn them, at least so that Roderick could drag me out towards whatever safety there was.
Sure enough, in came the three ladies of the Inquisition. The heavily armored woman with all the all the scars being Seeker Cassandra, the lovely ginger was of course Leliana, and finally, by process of elimination, the stunning blonde human with emerald green eyes was the Lady Herald.
"Who are you?" asked Cassandra, glaring daggers at me. Of course she would.
"I'm Vic de los Reyes, but that's not important now," I waved off. "What's important is that an army is marching here as we speak. We need to leave."
"An army? Why would King Alistair march on us? And you certainly don't look like an Antivan, let alone sound like one." Leliana asked.
Not that I could blame her for being suspicious. Asides from the fact that I was dressed strangely, I didn't even look Antivan. I was basically an Asian who was more paleish brown than anything and certainly shorter than many of the others around me.
"That's not important! Right now, we need to get out of here. The Elder One is-"
Bells. Bells started ringing as well as cries of panic. "We're under attack!" yelled some poor panicking bastard.
"I'm too late." I whispered as the cries of panic overtook the town. Cassandra and the Herald both drew their impressive swords, all while Cassandra continued to glare daggers at me.
"Cassandra," the Lady herald started. "We've other things to worry about now."
"It's the Elder One," I interrupted. "He's come for you." I pointed to the Herald.
"Me?"
"Yes, he wants… that." I said, pointing to her hand, glowing ever so subtly a lime green.
"Why would he want it?" She asked, a tinge of desperation creeping into her voice.
"Bad things" I grimly responded. "Right now though you have more important things to worry about."
"Right," The herald quickly responded. "Me and the others will try to buy time for the civilians to get to the Chantry."
"And we want you to stay here." Cassandra ordered. "Unless your assigned escort will say so." she finished.
"I… don't like it but fine."I sighed. I didn't want to argue this right now. "You need everyone you can out there either helping evacuating or fighting off the army but if I need to earn your trust by standing still then fine." I drawled.
"Cassandra…" the Inquisitor interrupted. "We need everyone out there. He has a point. I'd rather he help evacuate the rest of the villagers.'
"She has a point," Leliana added. "It's not like he can go anywhere anyway." Leliana ruthlessly added. Way to brighten the mood. "Might as well send him somewhere useful."
"Fine," Cassandra conceded. "Go to the Chantry and help villagers. We'll handle the army."
"I'll try," I responded as I quickly grabbed another two magazines and tucked them away in my pocket as quickly as possible. I've never… never shot a person before but at this point it would be them or me. "Just point me in the right direction."
"It's the biggest building in the village, can't miss it." The Herald smirked in response. Then the sounds of a large explosion came and I instinctively flinched. "Go!" the Herald ordered, and I left at a light run for the Chantry as they ran towards the gates.
The village was certainly bigger than shown in the game, but it was still relatively recognizable. Besides, the Chantry really was the biggest building around. It's stone walls practically towered over the wooden lodges. Not to mention the crowd of people coming in to seek shelter.
"Slowly now," I shouted in as calm a fashion as possible. "Don't push, elderly and children first!"
I herded the people that were making their way in as best I could really. I could see, and occasionally smell the fear in the air, but despite the sounds of clashing steel getting alarmingly louder as more and more panicked people ran in, I felt okay. Not... just okay like… like some part of me, instinct I guess, was taking over, doing things on auto-pilot. That didn't stop me from asking what the fuck I was doing though. Either the Venatori, mages who aren't gonna play nice, or Red Templars, Blighted bastards, are coming to kill me and everyone else in town, save for the Lady Herald. At least until Corypheus tries and fails to get the Anchor. Then they go try to kill her.
Try being the key word here.
Still, after what felt like the longest ten minutes of my life, herding panicked people like cattle into the safety of the Chantry, I heard the rumble of the avalanche. I smiled sadly as I watched the avalanche crush the army in the distance.
"She's done it," whispered an impeccably cultured voice beside me. I turned around to find myself looking at one rather handsomely mustachioed Dorian.
"I wouldn't think Corypheus would be that easy to stop," I replied in turn. "Come on we need to get the rest of the people inside."
Then… I felt something rise within me. Like… like those instincts that guided me here, that seemingly let me going towards my goal of Haven suddenly started blaring out "dragon" over and over again just pumping me up for battle. I even felt like I could take on the whole world as a viking choir chanted...
"Motherfucker," I muttered out loud. I recognized the chant. Dorian gave me a raised eyebrow, probably wondering what caused me to curse in such a manner. Obviously in much classier terms than that but I digress.
That viking choir was the probably my best sign telling me that I was Dragonborn. This could be either good or bad, depending on how I handled things.
So for a moment, I just stood there, eyes closed, absorbing the momentary sounds of cheering as slowly but surely, I could hear the beating of wings against the wind.
"He's here," I whispered, just as a piercing roar shattered the hopes of Haven's defenders. I tried to control myself, to go against these new instincts. I reminded myself that going against a dragon with a peashooter, Dragonborn or not, would be a bad idea. It'd just end with me as a charred stain on the ground.
"Come on!" Dorain roared, snapping me out of my reverie. "We've got to help protect the villagers."
"Yeah" I agreed as I ran towards the rack of weapons by the campfire. The 45 was only good for seven shots, and being completely weaponless wasn't an option for unarmored me. I grabbed a short sword, and hefted it, trying to remember all those arnis lessons I've picked up over the year, hoping it works as well with a sword rather than a stick.
I breathed as calmly as I could, forcing myself to focus. There it was again, the instinct somehow making lessons coming back clear as day and my body smoothly move into position, ready to shoot anything that gets in range or use the sword if necessary.
God help me, I knew I was about to start killing but it was that or getting killed. So… I braced myself, took a deep breath and calmed myself, focusing on old lessons.
Then came a cry of "Venatori!" from Dorian and I began my first life or death battle.
God I hope I wouldn't fuck this up.
Last edited:
Part 2
AN: Thanks to @RedrumSprinkles and @Evillevi for helping me out in writing my greatest weakness. Fights. Expect updates to slow as exams and thesis approach.
It didn't take long for the Venatori to pop up.
The wannabe pyramid-heads came in charging from , more than a few deliberately targeting the villagers instead of any nearby soldiers. Bastards the lot of em.
Dorian was flinging fireballs from his staff left and right, causing the winter air to alternate between a searing heat and brisk chill. In a way I was glad for the shifts in temperature. It helped distract me from the screams.
The first Venatori bastard I took down was charging a couple of villagers and a chantry brother. Before either did anything stupid, I drew my gun,fast as lightning, and sent three shots down his way. The bastard dropped like a fly, blood quickly pooling around his body as the villagers and the brother just kept staring at the corpse as it stained the snow red.
"Go!" I shouted, breaking the group from their shock. "Into the Chantry!" I finished, before I turned around and caught sight of one Venatori charging straight for me.
I froze, like a deer caught in the middle of a road. He was moving fast, and in a moment, something… else took over.
"FEIM," I Shouted, right before the Venatori ran straight through me. Literally.
It's a weird feeling seeing something pass through you. For a moment I… wasn't there, yet there. No feel of the wind on my skin, no smells and most importantly, no pain. Just the sights and sounds of what was going on around me as the Venatori looked in my direction in confusion, wondering where I had gone. All faded. But a… feeling though told me that it was all temporary and I knew I had to act.
So before the Venatori processed what had happened, I thrust towards at neck before he his wits returned to him.
And like that, the world reasserted itself. The Venatori dropped like a sack of potatoes as the sudden introduction of a sword to his throat quickly bled him of his life. I didn't care to stop to watch or process the feeling of hitting bone. I had bigger issues at the moment, so I grabbed his sword and turned my attention back to the battle at hand.
Inquisition soldiers were fighting a losing battle. They were fighting like men possessed. covering the villagers as best they could, but there were still too many Venatori. I saw more than one Inquisition soldier be struck down as Venatori pushed, killing whoever got in their way.
I then noticed three of them break through the battle line,charging straight for me and Dorian. Dorian was otherwise occupied dealing with a couple of mages, so it was ultimately up to me to take care of them. Otherwise, I'd be dead. A lot of villagers too, but a dead me can't exactly mope.
Quick as lightning,I brought my gun to bear, pumping three rounds onto the lead charge. Before he collapsed, I had already shifted to the next nearest one and emptied the mag into him, luckily scoring a headshot, the poor bastard simply slumping onto the ground, bits of blood and gore leaking onto the otherwise pristine snow.
The last one was too near for me to do anything though by raise my sword to counter his. My head spun from the impact of his charge, as I struggled to shift his momentum away from me and towards the wall to no avail.
He disengaged and started a flurry of attacks with his blade while I let the old drills take over. I deflected and gave as much ground as I could, but the bugger was fast, and he certainly could afford way more mistakes than I could thanks to his armor. A coat won't do much against a blade of that length.
Then something hit me then as we locked swords for an instant. A… feeling, like that of a stern father shoving you aside to show you how things need to be done. I remembered and understood then.
"IIZ" I Shouted right as we both disengaged and backed off. I felt the air shift then, from brisk to freezing. The Venatori, caught directly in front of the blast practically froze instantly, turning a once threatening warrior into an ice sculpture.
I tried to calm remain calm. I had after all just turned a horribly murderous Venatori into an ice sculpture. No biggie. A few seconds of calming breathing later, and I turned my attention back to the battle. The fighting had hit a lull of sorts. The Venatori were certainly still pushing, but not as hard before, and it looked like there were no more civilians to save.
Then, my body after seeing all that shit, decided enough was enough and I hurled.
"Never killed before, eh?" quipped Dorian in that smooth English gentry voice of his.
"Yeah" I muttered before vomiting once more. God it tasted vile and it burnt a bit too.
"I never would have guessed honestly," he said as he helped me up. "You dispatched those four with that weapon of yours mite handily. It's like one of those cannon the Qunari are so fond of. Not to mention your magic? It's nothing I've ever seen before."
"She's a reliable weapon," I replied."And my magic is nothing anyone will be able to do. This much I can tell you." I finished as I silently slid out the magazine and replaced it with a fresh one. Fourteen shots left for now. I had more bullets in my pack, but that would require me removing it. Not exactly the safest proposition in the middle of a battlefield.
"Let's check on the Chantry, make sure everyone's as safe as possible." Dorian suggested.
I simply nodded and followed him. Inside though, I was… shaken to say the least. I tried as much as possible to go and not think about what I had just done for now. Remorse is something for after the battle, not during.
The first one to greet us as Dorian and I entered the Chantry was Cullen, his signature feather boa thing hanging around his neck and a bigass sword by his side. However the second person to greet us was that same Chantry brother I saved.
"Thank you son for helping us, if it weren't for you…" the brother said in thanks.
"It's nothing Brother…"
"It's actually Chancellor Roderick," he replied with a slight smile.
Welp, that's one way of disrupting canon. "Forgive me Chancellor," I replied with a bow.
"I'm afraid we have more pressing issues than titles," he grimly replied.
"The Archdemon for one thing," Cullen interrupted. "We have no means of taking it down. At this point-"
The door quickly opened, causing us all to turn around. Thankfully it was just the Herald and company who came in.
"All we can do at this point is make them pay for it," Cullen finished. "Herald," he said, turning towards her. "Our position isn't good. That dragon just cleared a path for their army. Any time you bought for us is now lost."
"The only thing he wants is you," I interrupted. "Corypheus, The Elder One, will take what he wants, and crush whoever and whatever is in the way. Namely the rest of us." I quipped.
"If it means stopping him from taking Haven, I'd give myself up." the Lady Inquisitor immediately offered. Thank God a good sign she was a decent person.
"That wouldn't stop him," Dorian added. "He certainly didn't negotiate with the mages in Redcliffe." he darkly chuckled. "Ah… if only you had another avalanche up your sleeve."
"Maybe…. we do," Cullen interrupted as predicted. "Right now, the only option is to turn the last trebuchet towards the mountain above us."
"But that will bury Haven!" the Herald protested as the rest of her inner circle went and busied themselves helping refugees.
"We can't survive this as is." Cullen stressed. "The only option we have left is to spite them before we go into the darkness."
"Not necessarily," Roderick interrupted. "There is a path into the mountains. Andraste must have shown it to me."
"What are you talking about?" the Inquisitor asked.
"Only those who have made the summer pilgrimage know it. Otherwise you wouldn't even know it was there. She… she must have shown me. So I can tell you all this," he proclaimed. "I never even meant to start it, I had only stumbled upon it."
"Like providence itself," I added grim.
"We have no time to lose then, I'll distract the bastard." the Lady Inquisitor interrupted as she bared her sword. "I cannot force anyone to join. We all know what's likely to happen but I ask...who will come with me?" she asked as she searched the Chantry for fellow brave souls.
Silently, a few figures joined her. Cassandra, someone who looked like Blackwall, even Solas I think. A tiny part of me was honestly itching to join her. And let's face facts, my Shouts would be a great asset. It would definitely be a good distraction. But I… well I'd be fighting a dragon. Not just any ordinary one, but one that's been hit by all sorts of fuckery to turn it into… well something monstrous. The rational part in control reminded me that I would be fighting a dragon, not to mention all the other Venatori that are rushing in, spoiling for a fight.
"Right, Inquisition, follow the Chancellor!" Cullen ordered. "Herald, don't fire until we're above the treeline. We'll signal you when it's safe."
She simply nodded as they reached her, before striding out into the cold night as I quietly turned my back. God help me, I turned tail at the thought I could very well die but… I would be facing something I was thoroughly unequipped to deal with. The four of them could handle things. I knew that…
At least that's what I told myself. I kept telling myself as we walked that… they would be alright. The lady Herald and the others would be fine. I kept telling myself that as we marched on into the dark unforgiving night.
__
"Talk about depressing," I muttered as we trudged along the 'Summer Path'. If you asked me it was less path, more tunnel, with two sheer rock faces that hung above us, blocking nearly all signs of the pale light of the moon as we all collectively trudged along. Other than that…
"This wedge leads all the way to the very bottom of the Chantry," Roderick grimly added. "Anything you can hear there is funneled by the path as echos."
The bang of clashing steel and the screams could still be faintly heard over, as the path carried it with us. A reminder of what we were leaving I guess. I tried my best to ignore it.
"And it… lasts for hours?"
"Potentially," Roderick answered. "And it is quite a walk up. So if there are any prayers to be said, we have the time to say them. They will certainly be heard all the way till the end."
'"I know one definitely applicable here," I replied in turn. "Under my teachers, I was required to read scripture. I still know quite a bit from then."
"Oh? What particular part of the Chant would you use here then?" Roderick asked in curiosity.
"I'm not Andrastrian Chancellor. Just… just something from home.'Yea though I walk through shadow of the valley of death, I shall fear no evil, for thou art with me; your rod and staff comfort me'" I finished, the last of the psalm echoing throughout the path amongst the marching and the faints screams.
"Very…. interesting." he cautiously responded as we continued our march towards safety.
It took a few more minutes of guilty trudging along when I first saw that we had finally reached the end of the path and emerged beyond the treeline of the Frostbacks. I turned back around and managed to catch sight of a few fleeing stragglers running up the path, Cassandra and the others among them.
I turned my back towards them and joined the rest of the group in its continuing march to safety. I tried not to think about how I might have been able to help save a few more lives, or even just…. just help more.
So I ignored it as much as I could. Even as I felt the tremble of the last avalanche that rumbled downwards, crushing Haven and the Venatori army. I kept telling myself that she's alive down there. She's alive because canon says so.
Somehow that wasn't very comforting for the rest of the march.
It didn't take long for the Venatori to pop up.
The wannabe pyramid-heads came in charging from , more than a few deliberately targeting the villagers instead of any nearby soldiers. Bastards the lot of em.
Dorian was flinging fireballs from his staff left and right, causing the winter air to alternate between a searing heat and brisk chill. In a way I was glad for the shifts in temperature. It helped distract me from the screams.
The first Venatori bastard I took down was charging a couple of villagers and a chantry brother. Before either did anything stupid, I drew my gun,fast as lightning, and sent three shots down his way. The bastard dropped like a fly, blood quickly pooling around his body as the villagers and the brother just kept staring at the corpse as it stained the snow red.
"Go!" I shouted, breaking the group from their shock. "Into the Chantry!" I finished, before I turned around and caught sight of one Venatori charging straight for me.
I froze, like a deer caught in the middle of a road. He was moving fast, and in a moment, something… else took over.
"FEIM," I Shouted, right before the Venatori ran straight through me. Literally.
It's a weird feeling seeing something pass through you. For a moment I… wasn't there, yet there. No feel of the wind on my skin, no smells and most importantly, no pain. Just the sights and sounds of what was going on around me as the Venatori looked in my direction in confusion, wondering where I had gone. All faded. But a… feeling though told me that it was all temporary and I knew I had to act.
So before the Venatori processed what had happened, I thrust towards at neck before he his wits returned to him.
And like that, the world reasserted itself. The Venatori dropped like a sack of potatoes as the sudden introduction of a sword to his throat quickly bled him of his life. I didn't care to stop to watch or process the feeling of hitting bone. I had bigger issues at the moment, so I grabbed his sword and turned my attention back to the battle at hand.
Inquisition soldiers were fighting a losing battle. They were fighting like men possessed. covering the villagers as best they could, but there were still too many Venatori. I saw more than one Inquisition soldier be struck down as Venatori pushed, killing whoever got in their way.
I then noticed three of them break through the battle line,charging straight for me and Dorian. Dorian was otherwise occupied dealing with a couple of mages, so it was ultimately up to me to take care of them. Otherwise, I'd be dead. A lot of villagers too, but a dead me can't exactly mope.
Quick as lightning,I brought my gun to bear, pumping three rounds onto the lead charge. Before he collapsed, I had already shifted to the next nearest one and emptied the mag into him, luckily scoring a headshot, the poor bastard simply slumping onto the ground, bits of blood and gore leaking onto the otherwise pristine snow.
The last one was too near for me to do anything though by raise my sword to counter his. My head spun from the impact of his charge, as I struggled to shift his momentum away from me and towards the wall to no avail.
He disengaged and started a flurry of attacks with his blade while I let the old drills take over. I deflected and gave as much ground as I could, but the bugger was fast, and he certainly could afford way more mistakes than I could thanks to his armor. A coat won't do much against a blade of that length.
Then something hit me then as we locked swords for an instant. A… feeling, like that of a stern father shoving you aside to show you how things need to be done. I remembered and understood then.
"IIZ" I Shouted right as we both disengaged and backed off. I felt the air shift then, from brisk to freezing. The Venatori, caught directly in front of the blast practically froze instantly, turning a once threatening warrior into an ice sculpture.
I tried to calm remain calm. I had after all just turned a horribly murderous Venatori into an ice sculpture. No biggie. A few seconds of calming breathing later, and I turned my attention back to the battle. The fighting had hit a lull of sorts. The Venatori were certainly still pushing, but not as hard before, and it looked like there were no more civilians to save.
Then, my body after seeing all that shit, decided enough was enough and I hurled.
"Never killed before, eh?" quipped Dorian in that smooth English gentry voice of his.
"Yeah" I muttered before vomiting once more. God it tasted vile and it burnt a bit too.
"I never would have guessed honestly," he said as he helped me up. "You dispatched those four with that weapon of yours mite handily. It's like one of those cannon the Qunari are so fond of. Not to mention your magic? It's nothing I've ever seen before."
"She's a reliable weapon," I replied."And my magic is nothing anyone will be able to do. This much I can tell you." I finished as I silently slid out the magazine and replaced it with a fresh one. Fourteen shots left for now. I had more bullets in my pack, but that would require me removing it. Not exactly the safest proposition in the middle of a battlefield.
"Let's check on the Chantry, make sure everyone's as safe as possible." Dorian suggested.
I simply nodded and followed him. Inside though, I was… shaken to say the least. I tried as much as possible to go and not think about what I had just done for now. Remorse is something for after the battle, not during.
The first one to greet us as Dorian and I entered the Chantry was Cullen, his signature feather boa thing hanging around his neck and a bigass sword by his side. However the second person to greet us was that same Chantry brother I saved.
"Thank you son for helping us, if it weren't for you…" the brother said in thanks.
"It's nothing Brother…"
"It's actually Chancellor Roderick," he replied with a slight smile.
Welp, that's one way of disrupting canon. "Forgive me Chancellor," I replied with a bow.
"I'm afraid we have more pressing issues than titles," he grimly replied.
"The Archdemon for one thing," Cullen interrupted. "We have no means of taking it down. At this point-"
The door quickly opened, causing us all to turn around. Thankfully it was just the Herald and company who came in.
"All we can do at this point is make them pay for it," Cullen finished. "Herald," he said, turning towards her. "Our position isn't good. That dragon just cleared a path for their army. Any time you bought for us is now lost."
"The only thing he wants is you," I interrupted. "Corypheus, The Elder One, will take what he wants, and crush whoever and whatever is in the way. Namely the rest of us." I quipped.
"If it means stopping him from taking Haven, I'd give myself up." the Lady Inquisitor immediately offered. Thank God a good sign she was a decent person.
"That wouldn't stop him," Dorian added. "He certainly didn't negotiate with the mages in Redcliffe." he darkly chuckled. "Ah… if only you had another avalanche up your sleeve."
"Maybe…. we do," Cullen interrupted as predicted. "Right now, the only option is to turn the last trebuchet towards the mountain above us."
"But that will bury Haven!" the Herald protested as the rest of her inner circle went and busied themselves helping refugees.
"We can't survive this as is." Cullen stressed. "The only option we have left is to spite them before we go into the darkness."
"Not necessarily," Roderick interrupted. "There is a path into the mountains. Andraste must have shown it to me."
"What are you talking about?" the Inquisitor asked.
"Only those who have made the summer pilgrimage know it. Otherwise you wouldn't even know it was there. She… she must have shown me. So I can tell you all this," he proclaimed. "I never even meant to start it, I had only stumbled upon it."
"Like providence itself," I added grim.
"We have no time to lose then, I'll distract the bastard." the Lady Inquisitor interrupted as she bared her sword. "I cannot force anyone to join. We all know what's likely to happen but I ask...who will come with me?" she asked as she searched the Chantry for fellow brave souls.
Silently, a few figures joined her. Cassandra, someone who looked like Blackwall, even Solas I think. A tiny part of me was honestly itching to join her. And let's face facts, my Shouts would be a great asset. It would definitely be a good distraction. But I… well I'd be fighting a dragon. Not just any ordinary one, but one that's been hit by all sorts of fuckery to turn it into… well something monstrous. The rational part in control reminded me that I would be fighting a dragon, not to mention all the other Venatori that are rushing in, spoiling for a fight.
"Right, Inquisition, follow the Chancellor!" Cullen ordered. "Herald, don't fire until we're above the treeline. We'll signal you when it's safe."
She simply nodded as they reached her, before striding out into the cold night as I quietly turned my back. God help me, I turned tail at the thought I could very well die but… I would be facing something I was thoroughly unequipped to deal with. The four of them could handle things. I knew that…
At least that's what I told myself. I kept telling myself as we walked that… they would be alright. The lady Herald and the others would be fine. I kept telling myself that as we marched on into the dark unforgiving night.
__
"Talk about depressing," I muttered as we trudged along the 'Summer Path'. If you asked me it was less path, more tunnel, with two sheer rock faces that hung above us, blocking nearly all signs of the pale light of the moon as we all collectively trudged along. Other than that…
"This wedge leads all the way to the very bottom of the Chantry," Roderick grimly added. "Anything you can hear there is funneled by the path as echos."
The bang of clashing steel and the screams could still be faintly heard over, as the path carried it with us. A reminder of what we were leaving I guess. I tried my best to ignore it.
"And it… lasts for hours?"
"Potentially," Roderick answered. "And it is quite a walk up. So if there are any prayers to be said, we have the time to say them. They will certainly be heard all the way till the end."
'"I know one definitely applicable here," I replied in turn. "Under my teachers, I was required to read scripture. I still know quite a bit from then."
"Oh? What particular part of the Chant would you use here then?" Roderick asked in curiosity.
"I'm not Andrastrian Chancellor. Just… just something from home.'Yea though I walk through shadow of the valley of death, I shall fear no evil, for thou art with me; your rod and staff comfort me'" I finished, the last of the psalm echoing throughout the path amongst the marching and the faints screams.
"Very…. interesting." he cautiously responded as we continued our march towards safety.
It took a few more minutes of guilty trudging along when I first saw that we had finally reached the end of the path and emerged beyond the treeline of the Frostbacks. I turned back around and managed to catch sight of a few fleeing stragglers running up the path, Cassandra and the others among them.
I turned my back towards them and joined the rest of the group in its continuing march to safety. I tried not to think about how I might have been able to help save a few more lives, or even just…. just help more.
So I ignored it as much as I could. Even as I felt the tremble of the last avalanche that rumbled downwards, crushing Haven and the Venatori army. I kept telling myself that she's alive down there. She's alive because canon says so.
Somehow that wasn't very comforting for the rest of the march.
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Part 3
AN: Thanks to Atri for taking a look see at this. It's admittedly mostly a slow burn right now but hey. Good things take time.
The march to 'safety' did nothing to comfort me.
If anything, the general silence as we marched on further into the darkness made things worse. The only thing that broke it was either screams of agony from the dying or wounded, or the occasional bouts of fitted crying. It didn't help that the wind was starting to pick up, and despite being handed another coat to help stem off the cold, I was freezing.
To call it depressing would be an understatement worthy of an Englishman really. So despite the fact that I had indeed helped save a few lives directly, even with someone as important as Chancellor Roderick… it still all felt kinda hollow.
I mean… I was apparently Dragonborn, Dovahkiin. Elder Scrolls lore spoke of the great powers of the Thu'um, and despite all that I wasn't really able to do much than save a few lives. I mean… shit. I didn't do much at all. The Inquisitor went and bought time with nothing more than her sword and armor. I was supposedly capable of ascending to become a god or, failing that, slay one.
So far, I doubted I would be capable of either in my current state. Freezing my ass off in the middle of a set of mountains i didn't know of, following a group of battered and beaten refugees. Definite hero material right there Vic. Truly you are worthy of being the hero of legends.
I shivered a bit at the thought and pulled my coat ever tighter as we marched deeper into the night. We still had a ways to go before anyone felt safe enough to stop.
It took another couple of hours before anyone felt anything remotely close enough to comfortable to halt the group. Even then, I suspected it was less thinking that it was safe, but rather more 'we're dead tired'. Subtle difference, but an important one really.
Still, I was dead tired, and in no mood for conversation. So the moment I could, I tried to get myself a cot and some blankets. It took a little begging, but eventually Mother Giselle let me sleep in one of the cots in the tent she was looking after. I managed to very briefly thank her before promptly collapsing on the cot and falling into blissful sleep.
__
I woke up in a sweat that night. Blood and screams and clash of metal along with thunderous roars. Panting, I was about to reassure myself that it was only a nightmare when I realized I wasn't glazing into the four walls of my bedroom.
Instead I was looking at a large tent with several other sleeping, if quiet people. More than a few cries for their mothers in the distance and the stench of blood in the air amidst the otherwise quiet of the night.
The nightmare was real. I am stuck in Thedas.
"Fuck," I grunted as I dragged myself out of the cot. No use moping around on the bed all day, no matter how tempting the warmth of it gave me.
A quick look at the very edge of the tent and I was… well pleasantly surprised to stumble upon her, The Inquisitor, and tending after her was Mother Giselle.
"She okay?" I asked as I walked up to them.
"She's remarkably fine given what happened to her," Giselle replied, her eyes never leaving the Inquisitor. "Still, she needs a lot of rest. She was badly frostbitten when we found her."
"I'd imagine having a whole mountain's worth of snow would do that yes." I quipped as I moved to give her a once over myself. "Her heart's strong and steady, and her breathing seems regular," I commented. I couldn't say more than that really, I only had the faintest of idea of how to check for vitals, and all I could do then was let her rest, though I couldn't help but notice Mother Gisselle kept an eye on me the whole time.
"It is good that you care enough to check on her, but our best healers have already given her the best care they could. Only the Maker can help her now." she gently said as she moved by side.
"She's tougher than she looks." I declared. "Before the night ends she should be up and about."
"I pray that you are right ser…"
"I'm no ser." I finished. "Just a man in the wrong place at the wrong time."
"And yet if it weren't for you, Chancellor Roderick, among many others, would be dead." Giselle countered, clearly trying to reassure me. "Take comfort in what lives you have saved, the Maker has guided your path here."
"God works in mysterious ways," I mused out loud. "Maybe. Maybe not. Still doesn't change the fact I could have done more but didn't."
"Yet you had no duty to do anything. You could have run and hid,, yet you stood your ground as well as anyone." she pressed. "Ser, you have done more than you could have been expected to as is. Do not let yourself be distraught by what ifs. Let us worry about more pressing issues in the now."
I just nodded silently and took a peek out the window. The moon was high in the clear night sky, and while some people were asleep, there were many more just… sitting around huddled by the fires. the big chiefs, Cassandra, Lelianna, Cullen and even Josie were arguing by the fire in one of the more deserted areas.
I just sighed in frustration. I couldn't help them out, I had no authority, not to mention i was untested. No way they'd listen to me. "Could you… let her know I want to talk to her when she wakes?" I asked. "I've a lot I need to tell her."
"Of course,' Mother Giselle noded. "As soon as she's able."
I smiled in return and walked out towards the edges of camp. I needed a bloody walk.
__
That night, the moon shone brightly like a pale sun rising over a muted grey landscape. It was eerily beautiful in a way, but it struck me as unnatural. Gimme sun-drenched concrete jungle or ramshackle shanties. Either of those would make more sense to me than the emptiness I found here.
I mean, from the viewpoint I had, I could see the camp stand out amongst the pale snow, a little hub of oranges and grays amongst the paleish blue of the mountains. I couldn't hear a damn thing from down there, aside from the occasional wails of someone.
Not that I didn't find it useful. The quiet and isolation was great for processing all the fucked up shit that I have just found myself knee-deep in. I mean I'd just killed people. Sure they'd have gone and kill me without a hint of remorse but still… I don't think I could get used to it. Especially with how… easy I did it.
The Thu'um… Shouting. For some goddamned reason I could literally Shout my enemies to death. I laughed a little at the thought.
"Am I interrupting something?" interrupted a rather unfamiliar voice.
I turned around to find the Lady Inquisitor herself trudging up the hill. She wore a long coat, probably wool, and had her sword ready at her hip too. She may have just recovered from surviving a frikking avalanche, but she still looked ready for a fight.
"Good to see you're awake," I greeted with a smile. "I'm sorry that I didn't come sooner."
"You knew this was coming." she stated flatly.
"Simply put yes…" I replied before hesitating. Now for the hard bit, how to convince them I'm not crazy? It took a moment before inspiration struck me.
"I... had a vision so to speak. An army marching under the First Darkspawn, rushing in to smother the Inquisition in its crib."
"A vision? From the Maker?" she asked, her voice tinged with hope. As if I had answers to everything.
Well I only had some answers, not all of them.
"Of a future," I deflected. "Who or what it came from is irrelevant. What matters is that you," I pointed at her. "Are at the center of a whirlwind of events. We stand on the precipice of change Lady Inquisitor, and you… the world will tremble at the changes you will bring about."
"Like what?" she asked after a moment's hesitation.
"Corypheus' defeat is inevitable. You will defeat him. The question now is who will we lose? Who can we save and who can we destroy?"
"What does any of that meana?"
:For instance…" i continued ignoring her. " Empress Celene's ball. The person holding it, Duchess Florianne… She works for Corypheus. I have no hard evidence, and none of my testimony will work here. But forewarned is forearmed and all. Oh and, to what should be no one's surprise, everyone is planning on betraying everyone else at the talks when you arrive, Gaspard, Celene, even Briala."
"How do you know all this?" she wave around desperately.
"Like I said. A vision came to me. Though… I don't know all that much about you though."
"The same could be said of you." she retorted "All I know is that you're someone from far away with…. magic that isn't magic, weapons that sound like what a Qunari uses, and 'visions' of a future that make no sense."
""When you fought the Envy demon and met Cole… you saw a world where the Inquisition was twisted… it's power unlimited, it's rule unjust. Your friends tortured, destroyed by one who wore your face."
"What? How do you know that? You weren't even there!" she accused, immediately drawing her sword.
I raised my arms in response. "Like I said. I saw it." I replied truthfully. "Frankly I don't even want to be here, but now I'm stuck. So… I might as well help you."
"Help me?" she asked, the suspicion clear in her voice "Why?"
"Because if there's one thing the Envy demon got right," I continued, taking extreme care not to provoke her. She was after all the one with the business end of the sword out. "It's that the Inquisition will become one of the most powerful organizations in Thedas, one to rival kingdoms and empires. Nations will tremble at the idea of the Inquisition coming in but you won't use it to inspire fear. Where you tread, it'll mean something has gone wrong… and you're there to fix it."
"So why should I continue with this path then? Why bring about what I feared?"
"Because, as we both know. You wouldn't let it happen." I paused before the right phrase hit me. "Quis custodiet ipsos custodes, Who watches the watcher? You that's who. You're the watcher of the world, to make sure that no one gets their jimmies all riled up because of some punk with issues."
She actually laughed a bit at that end bit. Still had the sword pointed at me, but hey. she didn't look nearly as much like she was about to kill me. Points in my favor.
"So uh… do you mind putting the sword down?" I asked. "I'd really rather not be stabbed today. I rather like having all my blood inside me. Helps remind me I'm not dead you know?"
She smiled at that little bit. "Fine. But… I have to ask," she continued as she sheathed her sword. "Who are you? You're using magic that… isn't magic, unusual garb, you look like no one from Thedas... "
I cringed. "That… that's pretty complicated."
"I'm sure you can explain on the way to… wherever it is we're going. To me, Cassandra and the other mages." she snapped back. The unspoken threat of 'or else' was there too. "You must understand, if what your magic is.-"
"No demons are involved." i countered. "It's…. it's hard to explain alright?" I sighed in frustration as I tried to rack up in my head what lore I could remember about the Thu'um.
"Okay, quick version here before anything else. The Thu'um, my Shouts or magic if you prefer, is… a gift. A gift no one in my world has seen in… ages." I lied, No need to complicate things even more on my end, "No mage has been born to us for hundreds of years, all of it confined to myth and legend. I thought it didn't exist anymore like the rest of the world. At least until I found myself here and given a series of visions. All I know is that in the stories, Kyne, a god no one even worships anymore, gifted men the Thu'um to fight off enslavement by dragons. It is to channel the essence of the world, and then make it simply so."
"To expand on that… I can use the Thu'um in a way those who were gifted it by Kyne could only dream of. I can use it naturally, much like the dragons could… It's… like breathing. What takes years for one to master, I can do in seconds." I finished with a sigh. "Not that I asked for any of this… to be apparently Dragonborn."
"Dragonborn?" she asked. "You look nothing like a dragon or a Qunari. They certainly have the horns for it."
"Like I said… it's complicated." I sighed in frustration. "Look, short answer to that is that I'm the ultimate dragon slayer. In theory. I'm the only ones who can really permanently kill one. Give it a true and final death according to legend. Because I have a… shared soul or something. Look, a god, not even the one I worship has given me this and I'm having a pretty hard enough time trying to calm myself down having realized I'm something that has quite literally stepped out of fiction." I snapped before I got a hold of myself.
The Inquisitor on the other hand, kept staring at me, hand on her sword, ready to do what was necessary. "I'm sorry for that. But you must understand given the circumstances-"
"Of what your mages are vulnerable to and all," I finished. "Yeah I understand. But trust me, I can do things none of your mages can even come close to."
"Really?" she asked, eyebrows raised in doubt. "Care to demonstrate?"
I looked up at the darkening sky. Looked like a bit of cloud was starting to cover the full moon. I smiled. Something harmless and easy.
"A Shout that can clear the skies. Sky above, voice within." I chanted as the words came back to me. It seems having only seen and heard the words is enough to understand them. At least for me. I turned towards the moon and shouted.
"LOK VAH KOOR"
Within seconds, what was looking to be the start of a gloomier night ended as the clouds seamlessly parted, giving way once more to the moon and stars. I couldn't help but notice that the Lady Inquisitor was looking at the sight rather slack jawed.
"Never seen anything like that before huh?"
She quietly nodded in response, still staring at the skies. "Ask any mage, and I'm sure they'll tell you that wasn't magic like they know it. At least,as far as I understand. And trust me when I say that I can do so much more."
"What do you want?"
"Want?"
"In return." she replied as she turned back to face me. "Everyone wants something, and I'm sure you want to aid us."
"A way home," I chuckled. "Though i doubt you can provide me that. No one here can."
"Why?"
"I'm not only in the wrong place, but the wrong time. Not even the Thu'um could fix that. At least I think. The lore on it and what it can do is rather unclear."
"So," I sighed. "I think I'll settle for just a place to sleep, some food and well people to help me out figure out possible ways home. Or making life a little more comfortable because frankly… this place is…" I scrambled, searching for a way to describe Thedas that wasn't too insulting. "Nothing like home."
She smiled a bit at that before extending her hand. " I think I can settle for that."
"Thanks," I said as I shook her hand. "Though… I don't think I ever caught your name."
"Of course, I apologize. I am Lady Evelyn Trevelyan of Ostwick apparently Herald of Andraste, and if you're to be believed, the future Lady Inquisitor. Though you can call me Eve."
"Eve," I returned before introducing myself once more. "Once again, Vic de los Reyes, Dovahkiin and general layabout at your service."
" Wait a minute. Of the Kings? You're royalty?" she replied, clearly surprised.
I actually guffawed at that. "Jesus… me? Royalty? I'm not even old money. Ha! Don't even speak much of it to be honest. Yo no hablo mucho señora."
"You've got the accent down correct though."
"Linguistic similarities. I'm sure if I spoke my real mother tongue, the most you'd understand would be words like table, bathroom and so on so forth." I said, waving my hands about. I couldn't help but notice that she kept tracking my hands. Just in case I was doing something magicky. Couldn't blame her really. "Comes with the package of being under them for several hundred years."
"I guess." she finished before waving to follow. "Come on, let's get back to camp. I'm sure the others are agog to meet you."
I smiled at the thought. "I'm sure."
Well… that certainly went better than expected. I'm not dead, and I've still got all my bits and pieces. All in all, I think this may be the start of something not shit. Just merely bad.
_
By the time we had arrived back at camp, several familiar faces were gathered around one particular camp fire. They weren't quite like what I was used to, what being all flesh and blood now, but I could recognize several faces.
Dorian was there next to a beardless dwarf chatting rather animatedly about something. Bull was pretty hard to miss what with both an eyepatch and being a huge ass giant horned-man thingy. Of course, the woman with scars and the scowl directed at me could only be Cassandra. It helped that we met already, however briefly but still.
Finally lurking at the edges was one bald elf, wearing what could be best described as hermit chique. I was guessing he was Solas, but I couldn't really be sure till he walks up to me and says it out loud.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," Eve greeted, breaking up the conversation around the fire. "This is Vic. He'll be helping us in the fight against Corypheus. He's from…" she struggled before turning to face me for answers.
"Far away."
"Far away," she continued. "And I think he knows enough to help us bring everything Corypheus has planned to an end."
"Faster. You'd have been able to do it without me anyway." I interrupted.
"Anyway, a round of introductions is in order." Eve went on pointing to each member in turn. "The Qunari over there, the big guy is Iron Bull, the dwarf is Varric, you've already met Dorian I believe and finally Cassandra. The others are around camp but I'll introduce them to you eventually."
"Hey" i greeted with a wave. "So uhh… hi I'm Vic?"
"You don't look like you can do much." Bull started before anyone else could talk. "Bit on the scraggly side, though from what I heard you know which end of the sword to use at least. Don't see how much help you could be right now to be honest."
"When in doubt. stick em with pointy end." I quoted. It was good advice really.
"He's got you there Tiny." Varric interrupted. "I myself prefer to do the talking with Bianca here." he said as he patted the huge crossbow with affection. "Just point and shoot, and she'll do all the work for me."
"I can use a sword if need be, and I'm sorry to say Varric, but I've something that'll put your Bianca to shame." as I patted my gun in it's holster.
"Don't listen to him sweetie. You're still number one in my book," he cooed back as he rubbed the crossbow in a loving, almost creepy manner honestly.
"Yeah, I'll be saving her for emergencies anyhow." I continued. "Unless more ammunition starts falling from heaven, I doubt I'll be able to use her forever."
"Why what does it involve? Gaatlok?" Dorian quipped.
"Eh." I shrugged. "Something more complicated. I'm no chemist. No way I could make more of it. Really though what I bring to the Inquisition is knowledge and… well you noticed how it looked like it'd be snowing again a few hours ago?"
"Yes." Cass answered. "It looked like another storm was coming, we had everyone build more fires for the wounded. Then it all cleared up after what sounded like thunder."
"That was me."
"And your magic continues to boggle convention." Dorian interrupted. "That should be strictly impossible. Even with a massive ritual of sorts, or blood magic I doubt it could conjure enough power to do what you just did in presumably seconds!"
"If you'd rather have freezing snow and lightning, all you need to do is ask Dorian." I quipped in return. "Inclement weather is within my capabilities too."
"While I'm sure our Fereldan contingent would love to have something that reminds them of home right now, I'm afraid the same can't be said of the rest of the refugees. Namely everyone else." Dorian bit back.
That got a laugh out of everyone else present. A sorely needed one from what I picked up from the long march here.
"But seriously, can you do that?" Varric asked. "Not that I could tell the difference really between magic, what with that I'm a dwarf and all but can you?"
"The lore about the Thu'um, err my magic, tends to be tricky, let alone anything involving it's origins or how it works. What is clear though is that those that wielded it could be one man armies. At a shout, one could demolish castle walls in moments."
"Well. We could've used that a few hours ago." Bull grumbled.
"Sorry… it's just that…" I paused. It's hard really to describe that feeling of being pushed into something you'd never though, with powers beyond your ken, let alone control.
So i went with honesty.
"Well I don't actually know how to control this… this thing yet. I only learned this today mind and it will take experimentation to see what from the stories were true and what weren't. As is… I'm essentially running on instinct."
"And we can't always rely that your power will be safe to use." Eve voiced out. "How much do you know of fighting?"
"Not much," I shrugged. "Honestly what I do know beyond sticking them with the pointy end should be rather rusty. I only learned the basics a few years back, and not even intense training. I guess all that stress brought it back right out?"
"Well we'll have to change that." she smirked back. "We have some time before we manage to regroup somewhere safe. You and I shall spar, see what you know and don't know, and from there build up on how best to go about your training."
"If I may… I'd also like to request a few of your mages and well a templar's overview when I go and practice my own magic. "
"I for one would love for a chance to simply observe it in action in a controlled environment. The things we could learn…" he replied, animatedly stroking his chin in thought.
"Yes, well I was just hoping for thoughts on how to better control it."
"That sounds like a good idea nonetheless." Eve replied. "I'll see who'd be interested in keeping an eye on you."
"I myself shall oversee it. Just in case." Cassandra butted in, her gaze boring into me like a magnifying glass.
"Thank you," I smiled back. I couldn't blame her caution really, or any others. It's why I was asking for them in the first place after all. "I guess I'm part of the Inquisition now?"
"Indeed. Welcome aboard Vic." Eve acknowledged.
I sat down by the fire and took advantage of it's heat. In my mind, I couldn't help but wonder just what sort of shit I had gotten myself into. I'm now in the middle of what could be called an apocalypse level event, and now I just joined the one group dedicated to stopping that.
Still I guess, this sort of thing was a start. All in all, it could be worse I suppose.
The march to 'safety' did nothing to comfort me.
If anything, the general silence as we marched on further into the darkness made things worse. The only thing that broke it was either screams of agony from the dying or wounded, or the occasional bouts of fitted crying. It didn't help that the wind was starting to pick up, and despite being handed another coat to help stem off the cold, I was freezing.
To call it depressing would be an understatement worthy of an Englishman really. So despite the fact that I had indeed helped save a few lives directly, even with someone as important as Chancellor Roderick… it still all felt kinda hollow.
I mean… I was apparently Dragonborn, Dovahkiin. Elder Scrolls lore spoke of the great powers of the Thu'um, and despite all that I wasn't really able to do much than save a few lives. I mean… shit. I didn't do much at all. The Inquisitor went and bought time with nothing more than her sword and armor. I was supposedly capable of ascending to become a god or, failing that, slay one.
So far, I doubted I would be capable of either in my current state. Freezing my ass off in the middle of a set of mountains i didn't know of, following a group of battered and beaten refugees. Definite hero material right there Vic. Truly you are worthy of being the hero of legends.
I shivered a bit at the thought and pulled my coat ever tighter as we marched deeper into the night. We still had a ways to go before anyone felt safe enough to stop.
It took another couple of hours before anyone felt anything remotely close enough to comfortable to halt the group. Even then, I suspected it was less thinking that it was safe, but rather more 'we're dead tired'. Subtle difference, but an important one really.
Still, I was dead tired, and in no mood for conversation. So the moment I could, I tried to get myself a cot and some blankets. It took a little begging, but eventually Mother Giselle let me sleep in one of the cots in the tent she was looking after. I managed to very briefly thank her before promptly collapsing on the cot and falling into blissful sleep.
__
I woke up in a sweat that night. Blood and screams and clash of metal along with thunderous roars. Panting, I was about to reassure myself that it was only a nightmare when I realized I wasn't glazing into the four walls of my bedroom.
Instead I was looking at a large tent with several other sleeping, if quiet people. More than a few cries for their mothers in the distance and the stench of blood in the air amidst the otherwise quiet of the night.
The nightmare was real. I am stuck in Thedas.
"Fuck," I grunted as I dragged myself out of the cot. No use moping around on the bed all day, no matter how tempting the warmth of it gave me.
A quick look at the very edge of the tent and I was… well pleasantly surprised to stumble upon her, The Inquisitor, and tending after her was Mother Giselle.
"She okay?" I asked as I walked up to them.
"She's remarkably fine given what happened to her," Giselle replied, her eyes never leaving the Inquisitor. "Still, she needs a lot of rest. She was badly frostbitten when we found her."
"I'd imagine having a whole mountain's worth of snow would do that yes." I quipped as I moved to give her a once over myself. "Her heart's strong and steady, and her breathing seems regular," I commented. I couldn't say more than that really, I only had the faintest of idea of how to check for vitals, and all I could do then was let her rest, though I couldn't help but notice Mother Gisselle kept an eye on me the whole time.
"It is good that you care enough to check on her, but our best healers have already given her the best care they could. Only the Maker can help her now." she gently said as she moved by side.
"She's tougher than she looks." I declared. "Before the night ends she should be up and about."
"I pray that you are right ser…"
"I'm no ser." I finished. "Just a man in the wrong place at the wrong time."
"And yet if it weren't for you, Chancellor Roderick, among many others, would be dead." Giselle countered, clearly trying to reassure me. "Take comfort in what lives you have saved, the Maker has guided your path here."
"God works in mysterious ways," I mused out loud. "Maybe. Maybe not. Still doesn't change the fact I could have done more but didn't."
"Yet you had no duty to do anything. You could have run and hid,, yet you stood your ground as well as anyone." she pressed. "Ser, you have done more than you could have been expected to as is. Do not let yourself be distraught by what ifs. Let us worry about more pressing issues in the now."
I just nodded silently and took a peek out the window. The moon was high in the clear night sky, and while some people were asleep, there were many more just… sitting around huddled by the fires. the big chiefs, Cassandra, Lelianna, Cullen and even Josie were arguing by the fire in one of the more deserted areas.
I just sighed in frustration. I couldn't help them out, I had no authority, not to mention i was untested. No way they'd listen to me. "Could you… let her know I want to talk to her when she wakes?" I asked. "I've a lot I need to tell her."
"Of course,' Mother Giselle noded. "As soon as she's able."
I smiled in return and walked out towards the edges of camp. I needed a bloody walk.
__
That night, the moon shone brightly like a pale sun rising over a muted grey landscape. It was eerily beautiful in a way, but it struck me as unnatural. Gimme sun-drenched concrete jungle or ramshackle shanties. Either of those would make more sense to me than the emptiness I found here.
I mean, from the viewpoint I had, I could see the camp stand out amongst the pale snow, a little hub of oranges and grays amongst the paleish blue of the mountains. I couldn't hear a damn thing from down there, aside from the occasional wails of someone.
Not that I didn't find it useful. The quiet and isolation was great for processing all the fucked up shit that I have just found myself knee-deep in. I mean I'd just killed people. Sure they'd have gone and kill me without a hint of remorse but still… I don't think I could get used to it. Especially with how… easy I did it.
The Thu'um… Shouting. For some goddamned reason I could literally Shout my enemies to death. I laughed a little at the thought.
"Am I interrupting something?" interrupted a rather unfamiliar voice.
I turned around to find the Lady Inquisitor herself trudging up the hill. She wore a long coat, probably wool, and had her sword ready at her hip too. She may have just recovered from surviving a frikking avalanche, but she still looked ready for a fight.
"Good to see you're awake," I greeted with a smile. "I'm sorry that I didn't come sooner."
"You knew this was coming." she stated flatly.
"Simply put yes…" I replied before hesitating. Now for the hard bit, how to convince them I'm not crazy? It took a moment before inspiration struck me.
"I... had a vision so to speak. An army marching under the First Darkspawn, rushing in to smother the Inquisition in its crib."
"A vision? From the Maker?" she asked, her voice tinged with hope. As if I had answers to everything.
Well I only had some answers, not all of them.
"Of a future," I deflected. "Who or what it came from is irrelevant. What matters is that you," I pointed at her. "Are at the center of a whirlwind of events. We stand on the precipice of change Lady Inquisitor, and you… the world will tremble at the changes you will bring about."
"Like what?" she asked after a moment's hesitation.
"Corypheus' defeat is inevitable. You will defeat him. The question now is who will we lose? Who can we save and who can we destroy?"
"What does any of that meana?"
:For instance…" i continued ignoring her. " Empress Celene's ball. The person holding it, Duchess Florianne… She works for Corypheus. I have no hard evidence, and none of my testimony will work here. But forewarned is forearmed and all. Oh and, to what should be no one's surprise, everyone is planning on betraying everyone else at the talks when you arrive, Gaspard, Celene, even Briala."
"How do you know all this?" she wave around desperately.
"Like I said. A vision came to me. Though… I don't know all that much about you though."
"The same could be said of you." she retorted "All I know is that you're someone from far away with…. magic that isn't magic, weapons that sound like what a Qunari uses, and 'visions' of a future that make no sense."
""When you fought the Envy demon and met Cole… you saw a world where the Inquisition was twisted… it's power unlimited, it's rule unjust. Your friends tortured, destroyed by one who wore your face."
"What? How do you know that? You weren't even there!" she accused, immediately drawing her sword.
I raised my arms in response. "Like I said. I saw it." I replied truthfully. "Frankly I don't even want to be here, but now I'm stuck. So… I might as well help you."
"Help me?" she asked, the suspicion clear in her voice "Why?"
"Because if there's one thing the Envy demon got right," I continued, taking extreme care not to provoke her. She was after all the one with the business end of the sword out. "It's that the Inquisition will become one of the most powerful organizations in Thedas, one to rival kingdoms and empires. Nations will tremble at the idea of the Inquisition coming in but you won't use it to inspire fear. Where you tread, it'll mean something has gone wrong… and you're there to fix it."
"So why should I continue with this path then? Why bring about what I feared?"
"Because, as we both know. You wouldn't let it happen." I paused before the right phrase hit me. "Quis custodiet ipsos custodes, Who watches the watcher? You that's who. You're the watcher of the world, to make sure that no one gets their jimmies all riled up because of some punk with issues."
She actually laughed a bit at that end bit. Still had the sword pointed at me, but hey. she didn't look nearly as much like she was about to kill me. Points in my favor.
"So uh… do you mind putting the sword down?" I asked. "I'd really rather not be stabbed today. I rather like having all my blood inside me. Helps remind me I'm not dead you know?"
She smiled at that little bit. "Fine. But… I have to ask," she continued as she sheathed her sword. "Who are you? You're using magic that… isn't magic, unusual garb, you look like no one from Thedas... "
I cringed. "That… that's pretty complicated."
"I'm sure you can explain on the way to… wherever it is we're going. To me, Cassandra and the other mages." she snapped back. The unspoken threat of 'or else' was there too. "You must understand, if what your magic is.-"
"No demons are involved." i countered. "It's…. it's hard to explain alright?" I sighed in frustration as I tried to rack up in my head what lore I could remember about the Thu'um.
"Okay, quick version here before anything else. The Thu'um, my Shouts or magic if you prefer, is… a gift. A gift no one in my world has seen in… ages." I lied, No need to complicate things even more on my end, "No mage has been born to us for hundreds of years, all of it confined to myth and legend. I thought it didn't exist anymore like the rest of the world. At least until I found myself here and given a series of visions. All I know is that in the stories, Kyne, a god no one even worships anymore, gifted men the Thu'um to fight off enslavement by dragons. It is to channel the essence of the world, and then make it simply so."
"To expand on that… I can use the Thu'um in a way those who were gifted it by Kyne could only dream of. I can use it naturally, much like the dragons could… It's… like breathing. What takes years for one to master, I can do in seconds." I finished with a sigh. "Not that I asked for any of this… to be apparently Dragonborn."
"Dragonborn?" she asked. "You look nothing like a dragon or a Qunari. They certainly have the horns for it."
"Like I said… it's complicated." I sighed in frustration. "Look, short answer to that is that I'm the ultimate dragon slayer. In theory. I'm the only ones who can really permanently kill one. Give it a true and final death according to legend. Because I have a… shared soul or something. Look, a god, not even the one I worship has given me this and I'm having a pretty hard enough time trying to calm myself down having realized I'm something that has quite literally stepped out of fiction." I snapped before I got a hold of myself.
The Inquisitor on the other hand, kept staring at me, hand on her sword, ready to do what was necessary. "I'm sorry for that. But you must understand given the circumstances-"
"Of what your mages are vulnerable to and all," I finished. "Yeah I understand. But trust me, I can do things none of your mages can even come close to."
"Really?" she asked, eyebrows raised in doubt. "Care to demonstrate?"
I looked up at the darkening sky. Looked like a bit of cloud was starting to cover the full moon. I smiled. Something harmless and easy.
"A Shout that can clear the skies. Sky above, voice within." I chanted as the words came back to me. It seems having only seen and heard the words is enough to understand them. At least for me. I turned towards the moon and shouted.
"LOK VAH KOOR"
Within seconds, what was looking to be the start of a gloomier night ended as the clouds seamlessly parted, giving way once more to the moon and stars. I couldn't help but notice that the Lady Inquisitor was looking at the sight rather slack jawed.
"Never seen anything like that before huh?"
She quietly nodded in response, still staring at the skies. "Ask any mage, and I'm sure they'll tell you that wasn't magic like they know it. At least,as far as I understand. And trust me when I say that I can do so much more."
"What do you want?"
"Want?"
"In return." she replied as she turned back to face me. "Everyone wants something, and I'm sure you want to aid us."
"A way home," I chuckled. "Though i doubt you can provide me that. No one here can."
"Why?"
"I'm not only in the wrong place, but the wrong time. Not even the Thu'um could fix that. At least I think. The lore on it and what it can do is rather unclear."
"So," I sighed. "I think I'll settle for just a place to sleep, some food and well people to help me out figure out possible ways home. Or making life a little more comfortable because frankly… this place is…" I scrambled, searching for a way to describe Thedas that wasn't too insulting. "Nothing like home."
She smiled a bit at that before extending her hand. " I think I can settle for that."
"Thanks," I said as I shook her hand. "Though… I don't think I ever caught your name."
"Of course, I apologize. I am Lady Evelyn Trevelyan of Ostwick apparently Herald of Andraste, and if you're to be believed, the future Lady Inquisitor. Though you can call me Eve."
"Eve," I returned before introducing myself once more. "Once again, Vic de los Reyes, Dovahkiin and general layabout at your service."
" Wait a minute. Of the Kings? You're royalty?" she replied, clearly surprised.
I actually guffawed at that. "Jesus… me? Royalty? I'm not even old money. Ha! Don't even speak much of it to be honest. Yo no hablo mucho señora."
"You've got the accent down correct though."
"Linguistic similarities. I'm sure if I spoke my real mother tongue, the most you'd understand would be words like table, bathroom and so on so forth." I said, waving my hands about. I couldn't help but notice that she kept tracking my hands. Just in case I was doing something magicky. Couldn't blame her really. "Comes with the package of being under them for several hundred years."
"I guess." she finished before waving to follow. "Come on, let's get back to camp. I'm sure the others are agog to meet you."
I smiled at the thought. "I'm sure."
Well… that certainly went better than expected. I'm not dead, and I've still got all my bits and pieces. All in all, I think this may be the start of something not shit. Just merely bad.
_
By the time we had arrived back at camp, several familiar faces were gathered around one particular camp fire. They weren't quite like what I was used to, what being all flesh and blood now, but I could recognize several faces.
Dorian was there next to a beardless dwarf chatting rather animatedly about something. Bull was pretty hard to miss what with both an eyepatch and being a huge ass giant horned-man thingy. Of course, the woman with scars and the scowl directed at me could only be Cassandra. It helped that we met already, however briefly but still.
Finally lurking at the edges was one bald elf, wearing what could be best described as hermit chique. I was guessing he was Solas, but I couldn't really be sure till he walks up to me and says it out loud.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," Eve greeted, breaking up the conversation around the fire. "This is Vic. He'll be helping us in the fight against Corypheus. He's from…" she struggled before turning to face me for answers.
"Far away."
"Far away," she continued. "And I think he knows enough to help us bring everything Corypheus has planned to an end."
"Faster. You'd have been able to do it without me anyway." I interrupted.
"Anyway, a round of introductions is in order." Eve went on pointing to each member in turn. "The Qunari over there, the big guy is Iron Bull, the dwarf is Varric, you've already met Dorian I believe and finally Cassandra. The others are around camp but I'll introduce them to you eventually."
"Hey" i greeted with a wave. "So uhh… hi I'm Vic?"
"You don't look like you can do much." Bull started before anyone else could talk. "Bit on the scraggly side, though from what I heard you know which end of the sword to use at least. Don't see how much help you could be right now to be honest."
"When in doubt. stick em with pointy end." I quoted. It was good advice really.
"He's got you there Tiny." Varric interrupted. "I myself prefer to do the talking with Bianca here." he said as he patted the huge crossbow with affection. "Just point and shoot, and she'll do all the work for me."
"I can use a sword if need be, and I'm sorry to say Varric, but I've something that'll put your Bianca to shame." as I patted my gun in it's holster.
"Don't listen to him sweetie. You're still number one in my book," he cooed back as he rubbed the crossbow in a loving, almost creepy manner honestly.
"Yeah, I'll be saving her for emergencies anyhow." I continued. "Unless more ammunition starts falling from heaven, I doubt I'll be able to use her forever."
"Why what does it involve? Gaatlok?" Dorian quipped.
"Eh." I shrugged. "Something more complicated. I'm no chemist. No way I could make more of it. Really though what I bring to the Inquisition is knowledge and… well you noticed how it looked like it'd be snowing again a few hours ago?"
"Yes." Cass answered. "It looked like another storm was coming, we had everyone build more fires for the wounded. Then it all cleared up after what sounded like thunder."
"That was me."
"And your magic continues to boggle convention." Dorian interrupted. "That should be strictly impossible. Even with a massive ritual of sorts, or blood magic I doubt it could conjure enough power to do what you just did in presumably seconds!"
"If you'd rather have freezing snow and lightning, all you need to do is ask Dorian." I quipped in return. "Inclement weather is within my capabilities too."
"While I'm sure our Fereldan contingent would love to have something that reminds them of home right now, I'm afraid the same can't be said of the rest of the refugees. Namely everyone else." Dorian bit back.
That got a laugh out of everyone else present. A sorely needed one from what I picked up from the long march here.
"But seriously, can you do that?" Varric asked. "Not that I could tell the difference really between magic, what with that I'm a dwarf and all but can you?"
"The lore about the Thu'um, err my magic, tends to be tricky, let alone anything involving it's origins or how it works. What is clear though is that those that wielded it could be one man armies. At a shout, one could demolish castle walls in moments."
"Well. We could've used that a few hours ago." Bull grumbled.
"Sorry… it's just that…" I paused. It's hard really to describe that feeling of being pushed into something you'd never though, with powers beyond your ken, let alone control.
So i went with honesty.
"Well I don't actually know how to control this… this thing yet. I only learned this today mind and it will take experimentation to see what from the stories were true and what weren't. As is… I'm essentially running on instinct."
"And we can't always rely that your power will be safe to use." Eve voiced out. "How much do you know of fighting?"
"Not much," I shrugged. "Honestly what I do know beyond sticking them with the pointy end should be rather rusty. I only learned the basics a few years back, and not even intense training. I guess all that stress brought it back right out?"
"Well we'll have to change that." she smirked back. "We have some time before we manage to regroup somewhere safe. You and I shall spar, see what you know and don't know, and from there build up on how best to go about your training."
"If I may… I'd also like to request a few of your mages and well a templar's overview when I go and practice my own magic. "
"I for one would love for a chance to simply observe it in action in a controlled environment. The things we could learn…" he replied, animatedly stroking his chin in thought.
"Yes, well I was just hoping for thoughts on how to better control it."
"That sounds like a good idea nonetheless." Eve replied. "I'll see who'd be interested in keeping an eye on you."
"I myself shall oversee it. Just in case." Cassandra butted in, her gaze boring into me like a magnifying glass.
"Thank you," I smiled back. I couldn't blame her caution really, or any others. It's why I was asking for them in the first place after all. "I guess I'm part of the Inquisition now?"
"Indeed. Welcome aboard Vic." Eve acknowledged.
I sat down by the fire and took advantage of it's heat. In my mind, I couldn't help but wonder just what sort of shit I had gotten myself into. I'm now in the middle of what could be called an apocalypse level event, and now I just joined the one group dedicated to stopping that.
Still I guess, this sort of thing was a start. All in all, it could be worse I suppose.
Part 4
AN: Thanks to @RedrumSprinkles for helping me out in this new bit. Please tell me if you guys feel I've got certain characters off.
So far, the trip towards Skyhold was going a lot better than the trip straight out of Haven. Mind you, that's an incredibly low bar to set, but even with that in mind, people were certainly a lot more upbeat now a days. I even got to meet the rest of the circle in a totally non-interrogatory manner.
Sera, (once you got past the accent and attitude), was really a person whose heart was in the right place. She was certainly better than some people I knew back home, though it looked like she didn't trust me that much. Must be the magic I guess. Blackwall greeted me all stoic-like, so no telling what's up with him yet. As for the more magically inclined sector of the group...
"Right," Dorian said as he plumped down a staff next to a boulder. "I've attuned the lyrium such that it should react to any magic passing through the area.If my theory is correct then your magic shouldn't cause the staff to react. "
"And since it's all but certain to be wrong," Vivienne snapped back, "I suspect it will most certainly give us a result showing us that your magic is at some level manipulating the Fade, however slight."
"I on the other hand think that on some level the both of you are correct," Solas interceded. "And that his magic does what was clearly impossible."
"I hate to be a boor and interrupt," I started, gently waving my hand at the soon to be heated arguement. "But… I don't speak magic, well... figuratively in this case. So uh, if you don't mind, I'd like to figure out what the heck goes on with it as much as the rest of you guys. The five year old explanation of how this works would also be appreciated."
"Right," Dorian started as he glared at Vivienne before backing away. "So magic on every level of some sort has a connection to lyrium, it reacts to it. It connects the here and now to the Fade, and at the same time helps those with the gift to manipulate it. Magic at its essence."
"So, if I use mine, and if it's even tangentially related to yours, then the lyrium should react?" I asked as I approached the target. It was… well all I could really say was that it was big, about the size of a truck. Anything else, I could not say.
"Yes darling, though I do feel like we need more help around." Vivienne snipped. "Unknown magics require proper supervision and if what Dorian says is true..."
"There's a literal army of Templars and a Seeker not too far away from us. Not to mention the fact that I'm here." Eve piped up. "Between any mishaps that may happen and the four of us."
"Caution is certainly warranted," Solas agreed. "Though I I feel that the Herald is right in that this should be sufficient for a small test."
"If you say so," I shrugged. "I'm just the guy who does the magic."
"Right then," Solas started as the rest of the party backed up towards the safety of a barrier they constructed. "When you're ready, hit the boulder."
"Like do you want a full or half-assed bit of magic?" I asked.
"Gradually, until we get a reaction or we hit your peak." Vivienne asked, almost shouted from behind the safety of the barrier. Looked like they were erring on the safe side.
"Alright then," I muttered and turned my attention back to the boulder. All the words were there in my head. I could feel them, I knew them even in my life out of this madness, yet… they each had more meaning now than before. As if the concept itself was what I grasped now.
Change. The ability to do so, power in it's rawest form. I'd show them something really Dragon-like.
"YOL" I Shouted, sending a blinding wave of fire towards the boulder. The flames danced over the the boulder, instantly causing it to glow from the heat of my fire, yet no reaction from the staff. At least nothing to my eyes. Then, just as suddenly as they appeared, the fires stopped, leaving me with both my handiwork and spots in my eyes. The snow had melted in the fires path, and not only that, but the boulder still glowed red-hot from all the fire, steaming in the crisp mountain air.
"Again!" Dorian shouted. "Nothing yet!"
I took another breath and channeled what i knew. Inferno, Toor, fires that dance without restraint, to cause destruction, so that change may come again.
"YOL TOOR" i Shouted, once again, sending another wave of fire down towards the boulder. As the fires danced across the boulder, a resounding crack echoed above the roar of the flames. The boulder had actually cracked under the heat. Jesus…
"Still nothing!" Solas shouted as the flames once again died down. The earth had been blackened under the heat, and the boulder smoked. "Can you do more?"
"One last!" I shouted back as I prepared myself for one last burst. The Sun, Shul, it is life, it is also the hottest thing known to man. Life is Change, and Change is Life. The Sun shall provide that.
"YOL TOOR SHUL" I Shouted once more, unleashing the full power of the Shout as I understood it. I actually had to close my eyes as the fire burned so intensely they were blinding me. Still, I could hear the roar of the flames dance over the boulder. Soon the cracks and pops of a could be heard resounding over the fire as the flames died down.
I opened my eyes to find a peculiar site. the earth by the boulder had seemingly turned to glass, such was the flame's intensity. The boulder had splintered and fallen apart. Several smaller shards had fallen, revealing their shiny crystally interior to the rest of the world.
"Well, that was rather unexpected," Vivienne commented as she went to check on the staff. It looked slightly singed and all but other than that, seemed rather fine. "You were right Dorian."
"Naturally." he smirked back. "But this just raises more questions rather than answers." he said as he stroked his mustache. "Any other explanations you have on how your magic works beyond 'I will it so'?"
I gave that some thought while I rubbed my hands together to enjoy the radiant heat the devastation gave. The Thu'um was always vague, in what it can and cannot do. So I decided to go for what I figured was a safe guess.
"Well… it's magic? And that each Shout is is composed of three parts. Each is a word of power that brings forth a concept into the world. I think."
"For example," I said as I turned away from them. Just in case. "Yol, is fire. It is change given form, power at it's most primal. But without action or choice, it is useless, and simply there."
"Then you go and talk those in front of you to death," Dorian quipped once more. "The flames of that one was… incredible."
"Practically dragon fire," Solas said, with what sounded like amazement.How unusual. "Even in the Fade, I've never seen anyone perform this sort of feat the way you did."
"And I'll be honest, that was pretty amazing," Eve said as she surveyed the destruction.
"Thank you," I bowed with a flourish. "So… what now?"
"Well," Dorian said as she scratched his head. "This confirms my theory. Lyrium doesn't even react to it, as it does with all magic. This however just makes thing ever so mystifying. What are the limits of your abilities? I know you can do Ice, and some sort of ethereal quality.and weather control. Anything else? Perhaps summoning cakes or wheels of cheese?"
"Hmm…" I stroked my chin trying to remember before counting them off. "There's speed, making animals peaceful, detecting lifeforms, just plain force, disarm, fear, time manipulation, death, what may be necromancy, inspiring allies, know mortality, and finally, a shout I would use only the most dire times. Bend Will it is called."
"I guess that shout doesn't involve sunshine and rainbows by any chance," Dorian quipped while the three glared back at him. "What?"
"Please continue." Eve said as she glared at Dorian.
"In its weakest form," I went on. "Bend Will is meant to make others my servants. In its most powerful, it makes even Dragons bow to my will. From what I understand, its most powerful users have changed Fates, for both good and evil."
"And you didn't use it on that dragon… Why?" Eve demanded as she strode up to me. " We could have ended things then and there if you'd done so!"
"Because I don't even know if I can actually perform the shout." I said as I raised my hands. "Look, I don't know what would happen if you get a Shout wrong, but I'd rather not find out, eh?"
"So what then?" Eve asked. "What can we do to stop Corypheus?"
"What I know is this: Corypheus is like an Archdemon, but possibly worse. He can manipulate the taint in Wardens. And a Warden won't kill him. What we need to do is kill his dragon, and then he'll be vulnerable."
"Any ideas then on how to kill his dragon?" Eve asked.
"I… felt something when we first saw the dragon."
"I imagine it was natural all consuming fear if you're sane like the rest of us," Dorian quipped.
"No… more like a call to battle…" I sighed as the memory came up. "Like every part of me just wanted to rush it and take it on. LIke a battle for dominance. Imagine that animal response, that little bit of you that reacts in a life or death situation. your brain goes into overdrive, thinking fight or flight. This time? It was fight, as if my body was screaming 'Let's bring this motherfucker down!'"
"So why didn't you?" Eve asked.
"I was too afraid of what was going on." I replied, head down. I couldn't look her in the eyes knowing that. "I could fight for my life against the Venatori, they were an immediate threat. But… sense won over instincts here. I couldn't take it on as I was… am. So I ran."
Eve and the others just stood there for a while, silently staring at me. I could literally feel them wishing me dead then and there. for me this was practically worse than death, I could feel my shame just all bubble up inside me and I wanted to go and shrink down and hide forever away from everything and everyone and-
"It's alright," Eve said sighing. "I… understand."
"What."
"Look," she said rubbing her forehead. "It's clear to many of us that you aren't a warrior and that even for you, this magic of yours is a huge unknown. I… can't have expected you to have put your line on the line there and then."
"I… I don't know what to say." I said as I straightened up. It was like… she had taken one burden and replaced it with another. Now… now I owed her something I really couldn't place into words.
"Just… is there any way to help things along?" she sighed. "Make sure Corypheus doesn't gain any more power?"
I stroked my chin in thought before an idea came to me.
"Well… legend has it that Dragonborn, err… I can gain power by slaying Dragons."
"Wait. You want us, to help you, kill a Dragon?" Vivienne interrupted before chuckling. "I'm sorry darling, but I don't believe you're cut out for that sort of fighting."
"While the two of us may normally disagree, for now I must concur with her," Dorian added. "While you handled yourself decently enough in Haven, I'm sorry to say I don't think you'd be ready for a fight with a Dragon."
I sighed at the news. While true, it didn't help much at all to be told this. "Thanks you all for your honesty. To be honest I-"
"I think we should help prepare you," Solas interrupted.
"What."
"What you posses Vic," Solas continued as he leaned on his staff. "Is a frankly unprecedented power on Thedas. I have never seen anything in it's like in my travels throughout the Fade." Which is scary considering what Solas really is. "It could be the key to defeating Corypheus."
"You don't need me to beat him."
"I think we can make it easier if you help," Eve said as she walked up and put a hand on my shoulder. "Solas is right. While we may have a lot of work to do, I think we can help you get ready to take on a Dragon."
"Somehow I don't like the tone you're using." I replied, eyes squinted.
"It's simple," Eve said as she drew me closer. "The only way we can get you to up to fighting a Dragon is the old-fashioned way. Training."
"An oh so innocent word," I gulped. "Yet somehow when you say it it has such… horrible implications."
"It won't be that bad Vic," she said as she dragged me off towards a clearing. "Let me just grab a few of the others and we'll start right away."
"Help," I gasped towards the mages of the group. Unsurprisingly, they only smiled back as I was dragged off into the uncertainty of pain and torture.
_
"Hit me" Eve demanded right before she tossed a wooden sword at me.
I fumbled the catch, and I swore I could feel my cheeks just light up as some of the other members of Eve's circle just laughed. Bull's was the most obvious, him practically roaring his laughter for just about everyone to hear. Even Cassandra managed a brief laugh to break her usual dour mein.
So that brought us here. Me, Eve, Bull, Blackwall, Cassandra, and of course Cullen, here to see how I would do in a close in fight with swords and other rather sharp objects. Tagging along mostly just for his own entertainment I assume, was the resident storyteller Varric.
"And to think you're supposed to be a Dragon slayer," Varric chimed between laughs in. "At least Merrill would've caught that and then start being distracted by something. Or do some magic thing."
"Now, now, guys," Eve chided after her own quick laugh though I noticed she didn't let me out of her sight. "Give him a chance." Dressed in only a thick coat to stave off the cold, and with a shield and a wooden sword, she didn't look as deadly now. It just went from, 'I'm armed to the teeth,' to more of a subtle 'I can kill you with my eyes closed,' sort of way.
"Well first off, I wouldn't have started with this for your information." I stated in my defense as I swung a few practice swings. "Instead… I would've done…"
Fast as lighting, (or at least as I like to think it was), I drew out my gun and aimed at her. "Bang bang bang. Dead." I declared, my fingers never on the trigger. "Just like that."
"I like his style." Varric chirped back. "Why get your hands dirty when you can take them from afar? Not to mention he fights dirty. I like that in a person."
"Very good," Eve said right before she lunged straight at me with her own wooden sword. My old footwork exercises came back like it was yesterday, and I smoothly moved back while I parried her sword. "Though that's much better."
"Why fight fair?" I quipped back. "Never saw much sense in that."
"Well he's got the right attitude for it at least," Bull said. "Need more practice though. I can see some basics, something like those duelists in Rivain or Antiva."
"Forgive me for making use of a skill that's essentially a sport back home," I hissed as I continued my retreat from Eve. Her attacks continued, a swing here or there, clearly controlled so that she could gauge my reactions. Still, I managed to retreat or parry well enough to avoid the worst of any of her blows, but it was clear to me from the stares I was getting that it wasn't good enough. She hadn't even upped the ante one bit.
"Definitely needs work," Blackwall chimed in as I started my own attack. "I can see some foundations are there. Faint and rusty, like an old door hinge, but there."
"Well I hope this is all entertaining for you," I panted as I lunged, sticking to the basics of fencing. "But I'm finding this rather hard, you know? "
"She could've easily decapitated or skewered you a couple of times you know?" Cullen shouted as I dodged a thrust. "But we're here to see what needs to be worked on and… it's looking to me like a lot," he finished as I lunged into her sword. I winced as the blow knocked the air of me and I dropped to my knees. For a moment, I realized what the phrase to see stars meant. Spots danced in my vision as I gasped for air.
"Well, at least you grazed me," Eve said after a while before offering her hand. I took it and stood up. "Though we've got a lot of work to do before I think it'll be safe for you to fight with us on the front."
"Thanks." I wheezed. "Well that's what the magic's for. To cheat. Can we try that again though?"
She smiled back. "And you have the proper attitude too! Perhaps we'll make something of you yet."
Even though I was in a large amount of pain, the fact that she seemed to think I was worth all that effort made me smile. Maybe this will be all be worth it.
So far, the trip towards Skyhold was going a lot better than the trip straight out of Haven. Mind you, that's an incredibly low bar to set, but even with that in mind, people were certainly a lot more upbeat now a days. I even got to meet the rest of the circle in a totally non-interrogatory manner.
Sera, (once you got past the accent and attitude), was really a person whose heart was in the right place. She was certainly better than some people I knew back home, though it looked like she didn't trust me that much. Must be the magic I guess. Blackwall greeted me all stoic-like, so no telling what's up with him yet. As for the more magically inclined sector of the group...
"Right," Dorian said as he plumped down a staff next to a boulder. "I've attuned the lyrium such that it should react to any magic passing through the area.If my theory is correct then your magic shouldn't cause the staff to react. "
"And since it's all but certain to be wrong," Vivienne snapped back, "I suspect it will most certainly give us a result showing us that your magic is at some level manipulating the Fade, however slight."
"I on the other hand think that on some level the both of you are correct," Solas interceded. "And that his magic does what was clearly impossible."
"I hate to be a boor and interrupt," I started, gently waving my hand at the soon to be heated arguement. "But… I don't speak magic, well... figuratively in this case. So uh, if you don't mind, I'd like to figure out what the heck goes on with it as much as the rest of you guys. The five year old explanation of how this works would also be appreciated."
"Right," Dorian started as he glared at Vivienne before backing away. "So magic on every level of some sort has a connection to lyrium, it reacts to it. It connects the here and now to the Fade, and at the same time helps those with the gift to manipulate it. Magic at its essence."
"So, if I use mine, and if it's even tangentially related to yours, then the lyrium should react?" I asked as I approached the target. It was… well all I could really say was that it was big, about the size of a truck. Anything else, I could not say.
"Yes darling, though I do feel like we need more help around." Vivienne snipped. "Unknown magics require proper supervision and if what Dorian says is true..."
"There's a literal army of Templars and a Seeker not too far away from us. Not to mention the fact that I'm here." Eve piped up. "Between any mishaps that may happen and the four of us."
"Caution is certainly warranted," Solas agreed. "Though I I feel that the Herald is right in that this should be sufficient for a small test."
"If you say so," I shrugged. "I'm just the guy who does the magic."
"Right then," Solas started as the rest of the party backed up towards the safety of a barrier they constructed. "When you're ready, hit the boulder."
"Like do you want a full or half-assed bit of magic?" I asked.
"Gradually, until we get a reaction or we hit your peak." Vivienne asked, almost shouted from behind the safety of the barrier. Looked like they were erring on the safe side.
"Alright then," I muttered and turned my attention back to the boulder. All the words were there in my head. I could feel them, I knew them even in my life out of this madness, yet… they each had more meaning now than before. As if the concept itself was what I grasped now.
Change. The ability to do so, power in it's rawest form. I'd show them something really Dragon-like.
"YOL" I Shouted, sending a blinding wave of fire towards the boulder. The flames danced over the the boulder, instantly causing it to glow from the heat of my fire, yet no reaction from the staff. At least nothing to my eyes. Then, just as suddenly as they appeared, the fires stopped, leaving me with both my handiwork and spots in my eyes. The snow had melted in the fires path, and not only that, but the boulder still glowed red-hot from all the fire, steaming in the crisp mountain air.
"Again!" Dorian shouted. "Nothing yet!"
I took another breath and channeled what i knew. Inferno, Toor, fires that dance without restraint, to cause destruction, so that change may come again.
"YOL TOOR" i Shouted, once again, sending another wave of fire down towards the boulder. As the fires danced across the boulder, a resounding crack echoed above the roar of the flames. The boulder had actually cracked under the heat. Jesus…
"Still nothing!" Solas shouted as the flames once again died down. The earth had been blackened under the heat, and the boulder smoked. "Can you do more?"
"One last!" I shouted back as I prepared myself for one last burst. The Sun, Shul, it is life, it is also the hottest thing known to man. Life is Change, and Change is Life. The Sun shall provide that.
"YOL TOOR SHUL" I Shouted once more, unleashing the full power of the Shout as I understood it. I actually had to close my eyes as the fire burned so intensely they were blinding me. Still, I could hear the roar of the flames dance over the boulder. Soon the cracks and pops of a could be heard resounding over the fire as the flames died down.
I opened my eyes to find a peculiar site. the earth by the boulder had seemingly turned to glass, such was the flame's intensity. The boulder had splintered and fallen apart. Several smaller shards had fallen, revealing their shiny crystally interior to the rest of the world.
"Well, that was rather unexpected," Vivienne commented as she went to check on the staff. It looked slightly singed and all but other than that, seemed rather fine. "You were right Dorian."
"Naturally." he smirked back. "But this just raises more questions rather than answers." he said as he stroked his mustache. "Any other explanations you have on how your magic works beyond 'I will it so'?"
I gave that some thought while I rubbed my hands together to enjoy the radiant heat the devastation gave. The Thu'um was always vague, in what it can and cannot do. So I decided to go for what I figured was a safe guess.
"Well… it's magic? And that each Shout is is composed of three parts. Each is a word of power that brings forth a concept into the world. I think."
"For example," I said as I turned away from them. Just in case. "Yol, is fire. It is change given form, power at it's most primal. But without action or choice, it is useless, and simply there."
"Then you go and talk those in front of you to death," Dorian quipped once more. "The flames of that one was… incredible."
"Practically dragon fire," Solas said, with what sounded like amazement.How unusual. "Even in the Fade, I've never seen anyone perform this sort of feat the way you did."
"And I'll be honest, that was pretty amazing," Eve said as she surveyed the destruction.
"Thank you," I bowed with a flourish. "So… what now?"
"Well," Dorian said as she scratched his head. "This confirms my theory. Lyrium doesn't even react to it, as it does with all magic. This however just makes thing ever so mystifying. What are the limits of your abilities? I know you can do Ice, and some sort of ethereal quality.and weather control. Anything else? Perhaps summoning cakes or wheels of cheese?"
"Hmm…" I stroked my chin trying to remember before counting them off. "There's speed, making animals peaceful, detecting lifeforms, just plain force, disarm, fear, time manipulation, death, what may be necromancy, inspiring allies, know mortality, and finally, a shout I would use only the most dire times. Bend Will it is called."
"I guess that shout doesn't involve sunshine and rainbows by any chance," Dorian quipped while the three glared back at him. "What?"
"Please continue." Eve said as she glared at Dorian.
"In its weakest form," I went on. "Bend Will is meant to make others my servants. In its most powerful, it makes even Dragons bow to my will. From what I understand, its most powerful users have changed Fates, for both good and evil."
"And you didn't use it on that dragon… Why?" Eve demanded as she strode up to me. " We could have ended things then and there if you'd done so!"
"Because I don't even know if I can actually perform the shout." I said as I raised my hands. "Look, I don't know what would happen if you get a Shout wrong, but I'd rather not find out, eh?"
"So what then?" Eve asked. "What can we do to stop Corypheus?"
"What I know is this: Corypheus is like an Archdemon, but possibly worse. He can manipulate the taint in Wardens. And a Warden won't kill him. What we need to do is kill his dragon, and then he'll be vulnerable."
"Any ideas then on how to kill his dragon?" Eve asked.
"I… felt something when we first saw the dragon."
"I imagine it was natural all consuming fear if you're sane like the rest of us," Dorian quipped.
"No… more like a call to battle…" I sighed as the memory came up. "Like every part of me just wanted to rush it and take it on. LIke a battle for dominance. Imagine that animal response, that little bit of you that reacts in a life or death situation. your brain goes into overdrive, thinking fight or flight. This time? It was fight, as if my body was screaming 'Let's bring this motherfucker down!'"
"So why didn't you?" Eve asked.
"I was too afraid of what was going on." I replied, head down. I couldn't look her in the eyes knowing that. "I could fight for my life against the Venatori, they were an immediate threat. But… sense won over instincts here. I couldn't take it on as I was… am. So I ran."
Eve and the others just stood there for a while, silently staring at me. I could literally feel them wishing me dead then and there. for me this was practically worse than death, I could feel my shame just all bubble up inside me and I wanted to go and shrink down and hide forever away from everything and everyone and-
"It's alright," Eve said sighing. "I… understand."
"What."
"Look," she said rubbing her forehead. "It's clear to many of us that you aren't a warrior and that even for you, this magic of yours is a huge unknown. I… can't have expected you to have put your line on the line there and then."
"I… I don't know what to say." I said as I straightened up. It was like… she had taken one burden and replaced it with another. Now… now I owed her something I really couldn't place into words.
"Just… is there any way to help things along?" she sighed. "Make sure Corypheus doesn't gain any more power?"
I stroked my chin in thought before an idea came to me.
"Well… legend has it that Dragonborn, err… I can gain power by slaying Dragons."
"Wait. You want us, to help you, kill a Dragon?" Vivienne interrupted before chuckling. "I'm sorry darling, but I don't believe you're cut out for that sort of fighting."
"While the two of us may normally disagree, for now I must concur with her," Dorian added. "While you handled yourself decently enough in Haven, I'm sorry to say I don't think you'd be ready for a fight with a Dragon."
I sighed at the news. While true, it didn't help much at all to be told this. "Thanks you all for your honesty. To be honest I-"
"I think we should help prepare you," Solas interrupted.
"What."
"What you posses Vic," Solas continued as he leaned on his staff. "Is a frankly unprecedented power on Thedas. I have never seen anything in it's like in my travels throughout the Fade." Which is scary considering what Solas really is. "It could be the key to defeating Corypheus."
"You don't need me to beat him."
"I think we can make it easier if you help," Eve said as she walked up and put a hand on my shoulder. "Solas is right. While we may have a lot of work to do, I think we can help you get ready to take on a Dragon."
"Somehow I don't like the tone you're using." I replied, eyes squinted.
"It's simple," Eve said as she drew me closer. "The only way we can get you to up to fighting a Dragon is the old-fashioned way. Training."
"An oh so innocent word," I gulped. "Yet somehow when you say it it has such… horrible implications."
"It won't be that bad Vic," she said as she dragged me off towards a clearing. "Let me just grab a few of the others and we'll start right away."
"Help," I gasped towards the mages of the group. Unsurprisingly, they only smiled back as I was dragged off into the uncertainty of pain and torture.
_
"Hit me" Eve demanded right before she tossed a wooden sword at me.
I fumbled the catch, and I swore I could feel my cheeks just light up as some of the other members of Eve's circle just laughed. Bull's was the most obvious, him practically roaring his laughter for just about everyone to hear. Even Cassandra managed a brief laugh to break her usual dour mein.
So that brought us here. Me, Eve, Bull, Blackwall, Cassandra, and of course Cullen, here to see how I would do in a close in fight with swords and other rather sharp objects. Tagging along mostly just for his own entertainment I assume, was the resident storyteller Varric.
"And to think you're supposed to be a Dragon slayer," Varric chimed between laughs in. "At least Merrill would've caught that and then start being distracted by something. Or do some magic thing."
"Now, now, guys," Eve chided after her own quick laugh though I noticed she didn't let me out of her sight. "Give him a chance." Dressed in only a thick coat to stave off the cold, and with a shield and a wooden sword, she didn't look as deadly now. It just went from, 'I'm armed to the teeth,' to more of a subtle 'I can kill you with my eyes closed,' sort of way.
"Well first off, I wouldn't have started with this for your information." I stated in my defense as I swung a few practice swings. "Instead… I would've done…"
Fast as lighting, (or at least as I like to think it was), I drew out my gun and aimed at her. "Bang bang bang. Dead." I declared, my fingers never on the trigger. "Just like that."
"I like his style." Varric chirped back. "Why get your hands dirty when you can take them from afar? Not to mention he fights dirty. I like that in a person."
"Very good," Eve said right before she lunged straight at me with her own wooden sword. My old footwork exercises came back like it was yesterday, and I smoothly moved back while I parried her sword. "Though that's much better."
"Why fight fair?" I quipped back. "Never saw much sense in that."
"Well he's got the right attitude for it at least," Bull said. "Need more practice though. I can see some basics, something like those duelists in Rivain or Antiva."
"Forgive me for making use of a skill that's essentially a sport back home," I hissed as I continued my retreat from Eve. Her attacks continued, a swing here or there, clearly controlled so that she could gauge my reactions. Still, I managed to retreat or parry well enough to avoid the worst of any of her blows, but it was clear to me from the stares I was getting that it wasn't good enough. She hadn't even upped the ante one bit.
"Definitely needs work," Blackwall chimed in as I started my own attack. "I can see some foundations are there. Faint and rusty, like an old door hinge, but there."
"Well I hope this is all entertaining for you," I panted as I lunged, sticking to the basics of fencing. "But I'm finding this rather hard, you know? "
"She could've easily decapitated or skewered you a couple of times you know?" Cullen shouted as I dodged a thrust. "But we're here to see what needs to be worked on and… it's looking to me like a lot," he finished as I lunged into her sword. I winced as the blow knocked the air of me and I dropped to my knees. For a moment, I realized what the phrase to see stars meant. Spots danced in my vision as I gasped for air.
"Well, at least you grazed me," Eve said after a while before offering her hand. I took it and stood up. "Though we've got a lot of work to do before I think it'll be safe for you to fight with us on the front."
"Thanks." I wheezed. "Well that's what the magic's for. To cheat. Can we try that again though?"
She smiled back. "And you have the proper attitude too! Perhaps we'll make something of you yet."
Even though I was in a large amount of pain, the fact that she seemed to think I was worth all that effort made me smile. Maybe this will be all be worth it.
Part 5
AN: Thanks once more to @RedrumSprinkles for helping me out in this. Kudos to her!
When we reached the Inquisition's new home, I gotta admit, even I was awed by what we found. Perched atop the edge of a small plateau, Skyhold looked to me like Man's middle finger against the elements. That they could build something as grand and sturdy as this, amidst both the altitude and the sheer geography. It's more than earned its name I think.
"Jesus Christ," I whispered as I took in the sight.While it was no Eyrie, it still screamed 'bring it motherfuckers'. A single imposing tower guarded a single narrow bridge that led into the keep proper. There were probably all sorts of other nuances of castle architecture I was missing out here, but it still looked damn impressive for an abandoned castle to me.
"I'll just assume that's some sort of thing you whisper when you're in awe," Eve said as she walked up beside me. "I admit, it is rather amazing right?"
"Damn right it is," I said as I just let it sink in. "I mean… to see it briefly in visions is one thing, to see it before you. To know it's real… that's another."
"I can't say I really know the feeling," she admitted. "Though, I feel like there's still so much more to discuss beyond the immediate."
"I imagine there's a lot more to talk about than 'you're holding your sword too tightly' or ' faster, again!'" I mimed her training voice.
That actually got her to laugh a bit. I imagine that caught a few stares from the caravan as it moved along the road while me and Eve took in the view.
"Well yes," she continued. "Like… where are you from? What's it like there? So many questions, so few answers."
"Well I have questions of my own milady," I said as I turned to face her. "The visions only say what happens, and that you're at the center of things. But… I don't know that much about you. So, I propose a trade then," I smiled. "A question for a question."
"Fair enough," she smiled back. "May I start?"
"Ladies first."
"Alright then," she said as she started walking along the road, by the caravan. "I've already gathered that you're from somewhere else not on Thedas, somewhere without even regular notions of magic, but could you kindly elaborate? At this point I know about distant Tevinter or the Qunari more than where you're from."
"That's fair," I said as I followed along. "Well, to be honest, I find everything here so…" I struggled, searching for a word that wouldn't convey too much offense. "HIstorical?"
'What do you mean?"
"We stopped using swords and shields in war centuries ago," I continued. "Everything I've seen here speaks of… an older time. Before my generation, or even my Grandfather's or great grandfather's."
"Imagine if you will, great towers of stone and glass, roads smoother than any cobblestone path, people able to travel from one end of the country to the other in hours, rather than days. People from two parts of the world talking to each other at the same time all without magic"
"It's rather hard to picture I admit."
"It'd be easier to show you," I said as I stopped and brought out my phone. "With this."
"I thought your people didn't have magic," she said as she took a look at it. "A shiny mirror, I assume it can show things?"
"Not magic despite how it may appear." I said. "Just… really really advanced technology. The process of centuries of work and innovation. I can't really begin to explain how it works really. Designed so that just about anyone could make use of it."
"May I?"
"Of course," I said as I handed her the phone. "You'll need to remove your gloves to use them. Just touch the glass and follow my directions."
Thankfully it looked like whatever script they used here, it was something that looked enough like english that she managed to unlock the screen without my aid. One less job for me then.
"Right, just press the err… picture button." I said as I peeked over her shoulder. "That will show you a lot of portraits of where I'm from."
She managed to do so well enough, and ended up opening my gallery of landscape pictures. What can I say, I like taking them of every city I go to.
"Maker..." she whispered. "I've never heard of such places, let alone seen something like this."
"Like I said, I feel like I'm in another time here." I shrugged. "Now fair's fair and all, my turn."
"Alright," she said as she handed me back my phone. "What would you like to know?"
"Well…" I struggled, seeking for a more amicable way of putting it before just ploughing on through. "I understand that you helped bring the Mage-Templar war to a close. You chose to seek the aid of the Templars in sealing the giant hole in the sky."
"The Breach you mean," she corrected. "And yes, I did."
"Well, why then? Why pick the Templars?"
She stopped walking then at the end of the question. I feared I may have crossed some line before she motioned for me to follow, away from earshot of others.
She brought me once more to the edge of the mountain, Skyhold (our soon to be home), still stood there, though the wind was beginning to pick up again. From here, I could make out tattered banners of some long dead lord still flapping with the wind.
"I'm a Trevelyan you know," she started as we stared out at the view. "We're a large family, and we've always been devout Andrastians, in both faith and service. My Uncles were Templars you know, and they always told me stories about the order. About how they were supposed to be champions of the just, protectors of the people. I was destined to join the order till the war started."
"At the Conclave… I remember I was supposed to meet them again you know?" she said as she turned to me. "They always believed the war was foolishness, and that we should instead seek a better way to handle the Mages than the current system. Kirkwall showed that it could be prone to abuse. "
"That's where it all started right?"
"Yes. It was then my uncles tried their best to keep tensions down but…" she shrugged. "I guess we all know how that turned out. The Conclave was supposed to be the answer to the war. It just prolonged, possibly even worsened it."
"So I went to the Templars, in the hopes of finding men like my uncles. Instead…"
"The Red Templars," I finished. "I'm so sorry."
"It was a hope." she continued. "A childish one perhaps, but it was a hope. People like my uncles… I think they would have despaired, much like many of the other survivors to have seen them brought so low. I know I did." she finished as she turned back to face Skyhold.
After that little bombshell, a deafening silence hung between us. She stood there staring as the wind continued to howl on, drowning out the march of the caravan as they made their trek towards Skyhold.
I was about to excuse myself right before she turned to face me. "So... I think it's my turn for a question."
"Well yes. In fact I feel like I owe you two for something… well like that." I mumbled as I looked away from her.
"It's fine. Really. " She waved. "Since now you know so much about me then… tell me more about yourself Vic de los Reyes. I mean it's obvious you're no warrior, but not much else is obvious."
"Well…" I started, as I turned towards her again, her face noticeably more…. solemn I guess. "I'm from a family of architects. I never really was into actually making buildings though. I mean I could certainly appreciate the beauty of them, but… well let's just say I can't draw for shit," which earned a small bit of laughter from Eve. "Anyways, I tried to make my own way into something else. Business. I studied for years before seeking work… Which, come to think of it, I never found before all this."
"That doesn't explain your proficiency with either of your weapons."
"Well…. I learned how to fence for a while a few years back. I was middling at that, but some lessons stick. As for my gun… it's a legacy of my family. A heirloom from my grandfather. Before I was dragged into the whims of fate, I was off to the family farm to… well reflect. Take time off, retreat from the rest of the world and look at myself and my faith I guess."
"That brings me to my next question I guess," she said as she resumed her walk. "Who do you worship? The Maker?"
"In a manner of speaking I suppose," I shrugged. "I've listened to a lot of your scripture these days thanks to those Chanters of yours. There are certainly similarities to my own faith."
"Please elaborate, I'd really like to know more."
"Well," I said as I stopped and set down my pack and starting fishing for my bible. "Explaining the basics might be a good review I guess."
"Right," I said as soon as I found and brought it out. "This here is The Bible, our holy book. This is all of scripture. Like your Chant of Light I guess."
"So it tells the tale of your prophet then?"
"Prophets, and only in part. It's… complicated. Just that most of it, the Old Testament, tells the tale of the savior's people before it became His story in the New Testament."
"Anyways, I grew up Catholic, My family's always been pious I guess. As for me? Well my parents follow it more out of habit, and because they were raised that way. I had to study parts of scripture, and what the Church, our Chantry I guess, says about them and their reasoning thanks to my school."
"I thought you were preparing to be a businessman? It sounds like you were raised to become a priest or a lay brother."
"Well my school taught a lot of secular things. Math, sciences, literature, philosophy. The deal was, you also had to go and learn about your faith as well. Over half my life learning under them really…' I paused as memories of that wonderful time came in.
"But none of this explains the basics." I continued. "There is one God, The Father. creator of Heaven and Earth. Jesus Christ, The son, conceived by the Holy Spirit, and who we… err killed."
"And like us, your God won't come back until your faith is spread everywhere I imagine because of that admittedly huge mistake?"
"Not… quite. You see, Jesus knew he was going to be sacrificed. He had all the power to go and stop it from happening. He let it happen, such was his love for all of man, that God would sacrifice His only Son so that we may be saved from our sins. He came back from the dead three days later anyway, and taught his disciples to spread the Word (which was basically don't be a dick) before ascending to Heaven. Now all Christians, provided they live as good and decent people , go to Heaven when they die. Anything more complicated… and well you'd need an actual priest for that."
"That… doesn't really make that much sense. I mean… you killed him."
"To be specific, nailed him to a cross after flogging him, and then let him die."
"So… after a slow death-"
"Jesus still asked God to forgive us. That was the great thing about him, he hung out with the people no one would touch and preach salvation for all, so long as one was a good person."
"So yeah. Christianity in a nutshell," I shrugged as I turned towards her. "There are lots of different err… disagreements between churches much like yours and Tevinter. Though I really really feel like this is missing a lot of nuances that are involved. Much like how I doubt I'll get to understand Andraste as much as you do too. Like Catholicism, one of the older ones, specializes in guilt. 'Jesus died for your sins, so be good or the devil will be after you!'" I mimed my old parish priest. A stark contrast to the school chaplain's be good to your neighbors schtick.
"What is the 'devil'? A demon of sorts?"
"Think fallen from grace angel… no that doesn't work work you don't have those. Think Chief Demon. Yeah, Big Kahuna demon and all who used to be one of God's… lieutenants. That's what angels are, his lieutenants. But none of this even touches the fact that I may be actually be blessed by Divine powers, but not of my God... thanks to me being Dragonborn and all."
"I mean… they're myth." I turned back towards Skyhold.Come to think of it, the place did look like that hold up on the Throat of The World, that Everest on steroids, where the Graybeards lived. "No one's ever found evidence they actually existed." What with it being a game. "No bones, no records. Just tales. Just stories. So we just thought them that. Stories, meant to help man not be monster. To know valor in the face of darkness. Yet here I stand, proof that something is messing with me."
I paused here as the… thoughts swam through. Strange ones. Troubling ones. Yet… I felt like I had to let it out. It just… wanted to be set free.
"It's things like this that make you doubt you know?" I shrugged as I turned towards her again. "Things that shake your belief… your faith in what you know. If… if what you are what you think you are. Who you believe to be. I know that right now… that retreat I planned is shaking me up far more than I ever thought it could." I finished with a grim chuckle.
I shrugged. "But that is the nature of faith I guess. You can't have faith without doubt. My teacher told me that once. I guess I'll have all this time to figure that out. Maybe you could help me out yourself?"
"I could use that myself." she shrugged as we both stood there amidst the wind and snow. "You're blessed by a god you don't believe in, I'm supposedly the second coming of Andraste herself."
"Together, we fight crime!" I joked earning a brief chuckle from her. "But yeah. We've some… similar experiences now that I think of it. I could use another perspective in this sort of thing you know?"
"A deal then," she said as she extended her hand. "We'll talk about our own little faith related incidents. Just talk. I think… it'll be good for our peace of mind."
I hesitated before I shook her hand, nice and firm. "Deal." Everything's better shared after all right?
When we reached the Inquisition's new home, I gotta admit, even I was awed by what we found. Perched atop the edge of a small plateau, Skyhold looked to me like Man's middle finger against the elements. That they could build something as grand and sturdy as this, amidst both the altitude and the sheer geography. It's more than earned its name I think.
"Jesus Christ," I whispered as I took in the sight.While it was no Eyrie, it still screamed 'bring it motherfuckers'. A single imposing tower guarded a single narrow bridge that led into the keep proper. There were probably all sorts of other nuances of castle architecture I was missing out here, but it still looked damn impressive for an abandoned castle to me.
"I'll just assume that's some sort of thing you whisper when you're in awe," Eve said as she walked up beside me. "I admit, it is rather amazing right?"
"Damn right it is," I said as I just let it sink in. "I mean… to see it briefly in visions is one thing, to see it before you. To know it's real… that's another."
"I can't say I really know the feeling," she admitted. "Though, I feel like there's still so much more to discuss beyond the immediate."
"I imagine there's a lot more to talk about than 'you're holding your sword too tightly' or ' faster, again!'" I mimed her training voice.
That actually got her to laugh a bit. I imagine that caught a few stares from the caravan as it moved along the road while me and Eve took in the view.
"Well yes," she continued. "Like… where are you from? What's it like there? So many questions, so few answers."
"Well I have questions of my own milady," I said as I turned to face her. "The visions only say what happens, and that you're at the center of things. But… I don't know that much about you. So, I propose a trade then," I smiled. "A question for a question."
"Fair enough," she smiled back. "May I start?"
"Ladies first."
"Alright then," she said as she started walking along the road, by the caravan. "I've already gathered that you're from somewhere else not on Thedas, somewhere without even regular notions of magic, but could you kindly elaborate? At this point I know about distant Tevinter or the Qunari more than where you're from."
"That's fair," I said as I followed along. "Well, to be honest, I find everything here so…" I struggled, searching for a word that wouldn't convey too much offense. "HIstorical?"
'What do you mean?"
"We stopped using swords and shields in war centuries ago," I continued. "Everything I've seen here speaks of… an older time. Before my generation, or even my Grandfather's or great grandfather's."
"Imagine if you will, great towers of stone and glass, roads smoother than any cobblestone path, people able to travel from one end of the country to the other in hours, rather than days. People from two parts of the world talking to each other at the same time all without magic"
"It's rather hard to picture I admit."
"It'd be easier to show you," I said as I stopped and brought out my phone. "With this."
"I thought your people didn't have magic," she said as she took a look at it. "A shiny mirror, I assume it can show things?"
"Not magic despite how it may appear." I said. "Just… really really advanced technology. The process of centuries of work and innovation. I can't really begin to explain how it works really. Designed so that just about anyone could make use of it."
"May I?"
"Of course," I said as I handed her the phone. "You'll need to remove your gloves to use them. Just touch the glass and follow my directions."
Thankfully it looked like whatever script they used here, it was something that looked enough like english that she managed to unlock the screen without my aid. One less job for me then.
"Right, just press the err… picture button." I said as I peeked over her shoulder. "That will show you a lot of portraits of where I'm from."
She managed to do so well enough, and ended up opening my gallery of landscape pictures. What can I say, I like taking them of every city I go to.
"Maker..." she whispered. "I've never heard of such places, let alone seen something like this."
"Like I said, I feel like I'm in another time here." I shrugged. "Now fair's fair and all, my turn."
"Alright," she said as she handed me back my phone. "What would you like to know?"
"Well…" I struggled, seeking for a more amicable way of putting it before just ploughing on through. "I understand that you helped bring the Mage-Templar war to a close. You chose to seek the aid of the Templars in sealing the giant hole in the sky."
"The Breach you mean," she corrected. "And yes, I did."
"Well, why then? Why pick the Templars?"
She stopped walking then at the end of the question. I feared I may have crossed some line before she motioned for me to follow, away from earshot of others.
She brought me once more to the edge of the mountain, Skyhold (our soon to be home), still stood there, though the wind was beginning to pick up again. From here, I could make out tattered banners of some long dead lord still flapping with the wind.
"I'm a Trevelyan you know," she started as we stared out at the view. "We're a large family, and we've always been devout Andrastians, in both faith and service. My Uncles were Templars you know, and they always told me stories about the order. About how they were supposed to be champions of the just, protectors of the people. I was destined to join the order till the war started."
"At the Conclave… I remember I was supposed to meet them again you know?" she said as she turned to me. "They always believed the war was foolishness, and that we should instead seek a better way to handle the Mages than the current system. Kirkwall showed that it could be prone to abuse. "
"That's where it all started right?"
"Yes. It was then my uncles tried their best to keep tensions down but…" she shrugged. "I guess we all know how that turned out. The Conclave was supposed to be the answer to the war. It just prolonged, possibly even worsened it."
"So I went to the Templars, in the hopes of finding men like my uncles. Instead…"
"The Red Templars," I finished. "I'm so sorry."
"It was a hope." she continued. "A childish one perhaps, but it was a hope. People like my uncles… I think they would have despaired, much like many of the other survivors to have seen them brought so low. I know I did." she finished as she turned back to face Skyhold.
After that little bombshell, a deafening silence hung between us. She stood there staring as the wind continued to howl on, drowning out the march of the caravan as they made their trek towards Skyhold.
I was about to excuse myself right before she turned to face me. "So... I think it's my turn for a question."
"Well yes. In fact I feel like I owe you two for something… well like that." I mumbled as I looked away from her.
"It's fine. Really. " She waved. "Since now you know so much about me then… tell me more about yourself Vic de los Reyes. I mean it's obvious you're no warrior, but not much else is obvious."
"Well…" I started, as I turned towards her again, her face noticeably more…. solemn I guess. "I'm from a family of architects. I never really was into actually making buildings though. I mean I could certainly appreciate the beauty of them, but… well let's just say I can't draw for shit," which earned a small bit of laughter from Eve. "Anyways, I tried to make my own way into something else. Business. I studied for years before seeking work… Which, come to think of it, I never found before all this."
"That doesn't explain your proficiency with either of your weapons."
"Well…. I learned how to fence for a while a few years back. I was middling at that, but some lessons stick. As for my gun… it's a legacy of my family. A heirloom from my grandfather. Before I was dragged into the whims of fate, I was off to the family farm to… well reflect. Take time off, retreat from the rest of the world and look at myself and my faith I guess."
"That brings me to my next question I guess," she said as she resumed her walk. "Who do you worship? The Maker?"
"In a manner of speaking I suppose," I shrugged. "I've listened to a lot of your scripture these days thanks to those Chanters of yours. There are certainly similarities to my own faith."
"Please elaborate, I'd really like to know more."
"Well," I said as I stopped and set down my pack and starting fishing for my bible. "Explaining the basics might be a good review I guess."
"Right," I said as soon as I found and brought it out. "This here is The Bible, our holy book. This is all of scripture. Like your Chant of Light I guess."
"So it tells the tale of your prophet then?"
"Prophets, and only in part. It's… complicated. Just that most of it, the Old Testament, tells the tale of the savior's people before it became His story in the New Testament."
"Anyways, I grew up Catholic, My family's always been pious I guess. As for me? Well my parents follow it more out of habit, and because they were raised that way. I had to study parts of scripture, and what the Church, our Chantry I guess, says about them and their reasoning thanks to my school."
"I thought you were preparing to be a businessman? It sounds like you were raised to become a priest or a lay brother."
"Well my school taught a lot of secular things. Math, sciences, literature, philosophy. The deal was, you also had to go and learn about your faith as well. Over half my life learning under them really…' I paused as memories of that wonderful time came in.
"But none of this explains the basics." I continued. "There is one God, The Father. creator of Heaven and Earth. Jesus Christ, The son, conceived by the Holy Spirit, and who we… err killed."
"And like us, your God won't come back until your faith is spread everywhere I imagine because of that admittedly huge mistake?"
"Not… quite. You see, Jesus knew he was going to be sacrificed. He had all the power to go and stop it from happening. He let it happen, such was his love for all of man, that God would sacrifice His only Son so that we may be saved from our sins. He came back from the dead three days later anyway, and taught his disciples to spread the Word (which was basically don't be a dick) before ascending to Heaven. Now all Christians, provided they live as good and decent people , go to Heaven when they die. Anything more complicated… and well you'd need an actual priest for that."
"That… doesn't really make that much sense. I mean… you killed him."
"To be specific, nailed him to a cross after flogging him, and then let him die."
"So… after a slow death-"
"Jesus still asked God to forgive us. That was the great thing about him, he hung out with the people no one would touch and preach salvation for all, so long as one was a good person."
"So yeah. Christianity in a nutshell," I shrugged as I turned towards her. "There are lots of different err… disagreements between churches much like yours and Tevinter. Though I really really feel like this is missing a lot of nuances that are involved. Much like how I doubt I'll get to understand Andraste as much as you do too. Like Catholicism, one of the older ones, specializes in guilt. 'Jesus died for your sins, so be good or the devil will be after you!'" I mimed my old parish priest. A stark contrast to the school chaplain's be good to your neighbors schtick.
"What is the 'devil'? A demon of sorts?"
"Think fallen from grace angel… no that doesn't work work you don't have those. Think Chief Demon. Yeah, Big Kahuna demon and all who used to be one of God's… lieutenants. That's what angels are, his lieutenants. But none of this even touches the fact that I may be actually be blessed by Divine powers, but not of my God... thanks to me being Dragonborn and all."
"I mean… they're myth." I turned back towards Skyhold.Come to think of it, the place did look like that hold up on the Throat of The World, that Everest on steroids, where the Graybeards lived. "No one's ever found evidence they actually existed." What with it being a game. "No bones, no records. Just tales. Just stories. So we just thought them that. Stories, meant to help man not be monster. To know valor in the face of darkness. Yet here I stand, proof that something is messing with me."
I paused here as the… thoughts swam through. Strange ones. Troubling ones. Yet… I felt like I had to let it out. It just… wanted to be set free.
"It's things like this that make you doubt you know?" I shrugged as I turned towards her again. "Things that shake your belief… your faith in what you know. If… if what you are what you think you are. Who you believe to be. I know that right now… that retreat I planned is shaking me up far more than I ever thought it could." I finished with a grim chuckle.
I shrugged. "But that is the nature of faith I guess. You can't have faith without doubt. My teacher told me that once. I guess I'll have all this time to figure that out. Maybe you could help me out yourself?"
"I could use that myself." she shrugged as we both stood there amidst the wind and snow. "You're blessed by a god you don't believe in, I'm supposedly the second coming of Andraste herself."
"Together, we fight crime!" I joked earning a brief chuckle from her. "But yeah. We've some… similar experiences now that I think of it. I could use another perspective in this sort of thing you know?"
"A deal then," she said as she extended her hand. "We'll talk about our own little faith related incidents. Just talk. I think… it'll be good for our peace of mind."
I hesitated before I shook her hand, nice and firm. "Deal." Everything's better shared after all right?
Part 6
AN: Thanks to @RedrumSprinkles for helping me out immensely in this fic. Kudos to her!
Skyhold was… a lot bigger than expected. It was also (amazingly enough) warm up here, like a pleasant tropical winter. It was almost shorts weather in fact. Trees, bushes, and even herbs grew in this area, despite the raging winds that surrounded this fortress.
That and… something else was in the air. A tingle if you will. I couldn't quite place the feeling but it was like each of your hairs was standing on end. That knowing sense that there's a storm coming. That but… gentler. More like the smell before rain comes.
"Weeping, hurt, so much power, yet so much death," droned a voice behind me. "So much seen, so much known, yet so much unknown."
"Hello Cole," I sighed as I turned around to face a young paleish man, messy straw hair covered by an enormous wide-brimmed hat. But I knew he was anything but human. "I was wondering if you were around."
"Hello Vic," he said,. "You are… human yet… Something else. Different."
"I"m sure you can see quite a bit."
"Yes," he said as he tilted his head, almost like an owl. "I see pain, and try and fix things. You're like that too…but you're afraid."
"Yes," I said. "You can sense why too I bet. What with being a spirit of Compassion and all."I shrugged as I turned away from the spirit who became a boy.
"Something… else is with you. I can't see what. I can't see a lot with you either. Another song, rumbling, growling, a... new one?"
"I honestly don't know what that's about." I sighed as I turned back to him. "I hope I can figure it out before things get worse."
"You can be much better," he encouraged. "Wee-"
"Stop, please."
"But… I want to help," he said before pausing, entering into a trance. "Smell of coffee brewing, long nights asking what's-"
"Stop," I demanded. "Not now."
He paused before speaking again. "I'm sorry, I pulled on the strings too hard let me-"
"No Cole," I sighed. "Let me remember. Just… let it go."
"But-"
"It's alright Cole. Just…go and help someone else for now alright?"
He hesitated before nodding. Soon, he quietly slinked of sight to God knows where to provide his own unique brand of… 'help'.
I sighed once more. Cole was… well, I never could figure out what he was. Unique was the best word I guess. Neither spirit nor demon. I just gave up that line of thought to go and stake a claim to a spot before all the nice ones are taken.
_
"Well," I sighed as I put down my pack. "This seems like a good enough spot."
What I'd found was a decrepit room in the keep's corner tower, overlooking the garden. After most of the caravan had passed through and Eve was declared the Inquisitor, I thought it prudent to set up. It had a great view of the valley below, and if I counted the rest of the alcove before the castle walls, one of the garden as well. Not to mention, it looked like I might have the tower to myself.
Well, if I could call it a tower. The furniture was in shambles, save for a stool and a sturdy table. The stairs and floors leading to the top of the tower seemed safe enough though, since they didn't creak when I gave them a test.
With a lot of tender lovin' care ™, I imagine that it could be nice enough pad. Certainly bigger than my old room, possibly even my old apartment. That though, was work for later. Now… now was the unpacking.
I sighed as I slung down my pack to take stock of what I had.
I gently removed everything I had in my pack. The clothes I had were useless here, as most of them were tropical summer weather. So that was reserved for the unlikely event we would move towards Par Vollen or Tevinter.
The Bible was there, along with my heavy-duty solar charger, bluetooth speaker and earphones. Never could trust the electricity there, so my preparedness paid off in spades today. I had my travel laptop too, a tough little bastard. She wasn't equipped for gaming, so she didn't have the game itself, but she did have a shitton of space and my movie library. Considering that these may be the last little bits of home, I would be keeping her here for a long long time.
Next up was the kit for my pistol. A clean rag and about 3 boxes of ammo. That brought me to less than 300 rounds of ammo, so the pistol was definitely reserved strictly for humans. Or elves, dwarves, qunari, maybe darkspawn. Although maintenance was at least going to be simple enough, so long as I kept it blood free.
Last, but not the least were the luxuries. Tiny, travel-sized hygiene products that have now been dragged and forcibly drafted into long term duty. God I hope Skyhold has a bathtub . Somewhere quiet, and warm enough that I don't freeze my ass off the moment I step out.
I sighed and sorted them out onto the table. As I was doing so, I heard the door creak open and someone stepped in.
"I see you're settling down now," Eve said as I turned to face her. She was dressed in a black and silver pants-tunic combo, formal attire I guess.
"Yeah," I said as she walked up to the table and begun to inspect my stuff.
"All bits and pieces of home," I shrugged. "The last I'll see for a good long while I bet."
"A lot of these look or smell familiar," she said as she passed over my stuff. "Clothes, soap, bottles of sorts, but these…" she said as she hefted up my speaker. "I have no clue what they are. More of your 'advanced technology' I guess?"
"Yeah, and possibly the only way you'll ever get to have a sense of what my home is like. I've a copy of dozens of… plays in my laptop there."
"A what?"
"Think… a bigger phone." I said as I brought the phone out. "But capable of doing a lot more, and holding a lot more."
"Oh," she said understanding. 'So you can read things there and see portraits too? I imagine Varric would be interested in reading them."
" Well yes and no," I said as I shook my head and started it up. "Yes it stores portraits and stories, but the plays I have here are different. I mean, you can see it with your own eyes. Those portraits I showed you on my phone? Well, on that laptop, I can show you moving pictures… they're like plays that can be seen anytime, anywhere." I finished as it finally finished booting up.
She stood there, silent as a mouse just staring at the screen, an image of Rome's Imperial Eagle and SPQR standing proud against a sea of scarlet in glorious HD.
"It's amazing," she breathed out.
"I haven't even played anything yet."
"It still looks so real… and you say I can see these plays, as if I'm in a theater?"
"Pretty much," I smiled. "Any preference for first sights? What we think are our epics? Everyday life sort of thing? Come on, I know you're curious."
"Well…." she hesitated. "Alright, give me something heroic. Something that would be immortalized forever here in Thedas."
"Hmm…" I gave it a few seconds thought, before I remembered something fitting. "Alright, let me show you one of my favorites." I said as I loaded up The Return of The King and prepared Theoden's last charge.
"Alright, some context since I don't think you've got three hours to watch a play," to which she nodded. "Okay then. The city in the background is Minas Tirith, they've been under siege for a long time and these monsters,orcs," I pointed on the screen. "Have breached the walls. It is possibly the city and the kingdom's final hour. Now I'm sure you're gonna point out all sorts of things that can't have happened but just… watch and enjoy. Remember, none of the actors were hurt."
"Okay then. I'm ready."
"Right," I nodded and checked the volume. Didn't want it to be too loud so that the entire keep would hear. Satisfied at the proper volume the little beep gave, which gave Eve a puzzled look. "Relax, that's just where you'll hear the sound."
"Now… enjoy the show," I smiled as I hit the play button and watched with her.
Horns blared as a line of horsemen gathered on the screen. Immediately Eve was transfixed by the sight. (Which let's be honest, was pretty damn heroic). Though I could hear her gasp at the following: A sea of black laying siege to a burning white city.
"Maker's breath," she gasped as the scene progressed. Even now I could see that she was mesmerized at the scene as Theoden gave his final speech. As the charge started, I could feel her tense as the horse lords built up momentum for their finest hour. She winced as each of the orc volleys landed, devastating riders. Yet I could feel her grin from my spot as their fear became apparent. Until…
Impact. The music stops, and all that remains is the symphony of death that Rohan leaves, trampling all underfoot as the music builds up again and we are given a clear look of the swathes they cut across the battlefield.
Then I hit the pause button.
"Wait!" she shouted, jabbing a finger at the screen. "I want to know what happens next!"
"You're watching the end of a long story. You'll only feel more confused."
She sighed at that, and turned to face me. "Fine. Maker's breath… that all looked incredible."
"Yeah. We've gotten very good at making these." I shrugged. "Lots of visual tricks, a little bit of illusion generation with techniques on the portrait itself, and voila: a masterpiece. An expensive one, but one that makes boatloads of cash."
"I can't really begin to imagine that, let alone how it's done... Maker." she sighed. "I mean… bits of it seemed off, like how actors play at fighting in the theater, but it still feels real enough."
"And that's a sign of it being a great." I smiled back. "I've a whole host of films here I'm sure you'd love to watch. Heck, everyone else who's interested could watch too, though it is a rather small screen. I'll have to figure something out for that."
"I'm sure just seeing such sights would be enough," she said as she stood up.
"Well to some. Others dream of being in it. Heck I can make some film right now if you want. Show you the basics of how it works." I said as I drew out my phone and pointed it at her.
"Go on, say something heroic or some such."
She hesitated before she posed, hands and her hips and said in what was probably her most bombastic voice, "I am the Lady Inquisitor."
"Nice," I smiled as I ended the recording and called her over to show the results. "Now watch yourself on glorious video."
She leaned in closer as I hit the play button, and I could tell that she was entranced. "Maker," she breathed. "It's better than anything Great Aunt Lucile ever got us. I hated those, like the rest of the family. Just standing for hours as the painters tried to finish as quickly as possible. Ugh, she may have been a great party host, but her one price of admission was the 'Great Trevelyan Portraits'."
"Well, if I had a printer, I could make copies of these. Alas, I didn't predict all… well this." I shrugged.
"It's alright I guess. It's just… the more you show of your world, the more amazing it seems everyday. Instant portraits, moving pictures, these devices..."
"It's not all rainbows and sunshine, that I can assure you." I replied, as I shook my head. "We had terrible shit going on too. And the sad part was, often no one was willing or capable of doing anything about it."
"Still… most of it seems so unreal… If it weren't for the fact that you were showing me parts of it yourself, I wouldn't have believed your stories." she shook her head. "Anyways, I should go. I've still got to check on some of the others. Would you happen to need anything?"
"Yes, as it happens, would you happen to know where I can go and err… relieve myself?"
She paused before a look of understanding crossed her face. "Oh. A toilet? Cullen's still fixing that. Most of that part of the castle is in ruins so I'm afraid we'll have to make do. The well's perfectly fine though, so drinking water and bathing shouldn't be a problem at least."
"Wait." I paused as the words sank in. "Toilet? There's plumbing here?"
"Nothing like the old Tevinter stuff I'm afraid. Just holes where our waste falls out of the castle."
"Oh ye porcelain throne," I mimed. "How I weep in memory of thee."
"I'm- You know what, never mind. You sure there's nothing I can do to help? Anything at all to make you comfortable?"
"No...no I think it should be fine." I said, waving her off. "Go and check on the others. I'm sure they'll have some requests that are more pressing than mine."
"Alright then," she said as she turned around and left. "I wish you well in adjusting" she said before closing the door.
"Thanks," I mumbled as I sank to the floor and looked at the ceiling. I'm no architect, but I could tell that it looked ancient. Spiderwebs cris-crossed the rafters, the wood almost black with age, cold air leaking in from the mountains. A stark contrast to… well home.
Really, there was only one way to describe the situation, as the word quietly crept out of my mouth as the situation continued to swallow me. "Fuck."
Skyhold was… a lot bigger than expected. It was also (amazingly enough) warm up here, like a pleasant tropical winter. It was almost shorts weather in fact. Trees, bushes, and even herbs grew in this area, despite the raging winds that surrounded this fortress.
That and… something else was in the air. A tingle if you will. I couldn't quite place the feeling but it was like each of your hairs was standing on end. That knowing sense that there's a storm coming. That but… gentler. More like the smell before rain comes.
"Weeping, hurt, so much power, yet so much death," droned a voice behind me. "So much seen, so much known, yet so much unknown."
"Hello Cole," I sighed as I turned around to face a young paleish man, messy straw hair covered by an enormous wide-brimmed hat. But I knew he was anything but human. "I was wondering if you were around."
"Hello Vic," he said,. "You are… human yet… Something else. Different."
"I"m sure you can see quite a bit."
"Yes," he said as he tilted his head, almost like an owl. "I see pain, and try and fix things. You're like that too…but you're afraid."
"Yes," I said. "You can sense why too I bet. What with being a spirit of Compassion and all."I shrugged as I turned away from the spirit who became a boy.
"Something… else is with you. I can't see what. I can't see a lot with you either. Another song, rumbling, growling, a... new one?"
"I honestly don't know what that's about." I sighed as I turned back to him. "I hope I can figure it out before things get worse."
"You can be much better," he encouraged. "Wee-"
"Stop, please."
"But… I want to help," he said before pausing, entering into a trance. "Smell of coffee brewing, long nights asking what's-"
"Stop," I demanded. "Not now."
He paused before speaking again. "I'm sorry, I pulled on the strings too hard let me-"
"No Cole," I sighed. "Let me remember. Just… let it go."
"But-"
"It's alright Cole. Just…go and help someone else for now alright?"
He hesitated before nodding. Soon, he quietly slinked of sight to God knows where to provide his own unique brand of… 'help'.
I sighed once more. Cole was… well, I never could figure out what he was. Unique was the best word I guess. Neither spirit nor demon. I just gave up that line of thought to go and stake a claim to a spot before all the nice ones are taken.
_
"Well," I sighed as I put down my pack. "This seems like a good enough spot."
What I'd found was a decrepit room in the keep's corner tower, overlooking the garden. After most of the caravan had passed through and Eve was declared the Inquisitor, I thought it prudent to set up. It had a great view of the valley below, and if I counted the rest of the alcove before the castle walls, one of the garden as well. Not to mention, it looked like I might have the tower to myself.
Well, if I could call it a tower. The furniture was in shambles, save for a stool and a sturdy table. The stairs and floors leading to the top of the tower seemed safe enough though, since they didn't creak when I gave them a test.
With a lot of tender lovin' care ™, I imagine that it could be nice enough pad. Certainly bigger than my old room, possibly even my old apartment. That though, was work for later. Now… now was the unpacking.
I sighed as I slung down my pack to take stock of what I had.
I gently removed everything I had in my pack. The clothes I had were useless here, as most of them were tropical summer weather. So that was reserved for the unlikely event we would move towards Par Vollen or Tevinter.
The Bible was there, along with my heavy-duty solar charger, bluetooth speaker and earphones. Never could trust the electricity there, so my preparedness paid off in spades today. I had my travel laptop too, a tough little bastard. She wasn't equipped for gaming, so she didn't have the game itself, but she did have a shitton of space and my movie library. Considering that these may be the last little bits of home, I would be keeping her here for a long long time.
Next up was the kit for my pistol. A clean rag and about 3 boxes of ammo. That brought me to less than 300 rounds of ammo, so the pistol was definitely reserved strictly for humans. Or elves, dwarves, qunari, maybe darkspawn. Although maintenance was at least going to be simple enough, so long as I kept it blood free.
Last, but not the least were the luxuries. Tiny, travel-sized hygiene products that have now been dragged and forcibly drafted into long term duty. God I hope Skyhold has a bathtub . Somewhere quiet, and warm enough that I don't freeze my ass off the moment I step out.
I sighed and sorted them out onto the table. As I was doing so, I heard the door creak open and someone stepped in.
"I see you're settling down now," Eve said as I turned to face her. She was dressed in a black and silver pants-tunic combo, formal attire I guess.
"Yeah," I said as she walked up to the table and begun to inspect my stuff.
"All bits and pieces of home," I shrugged. "The last I'll see for a good long while I bet."
"A lot of these look or smell familiar," she said as she passed over my stuff. "Clothes, soap, bottles of sorts, but these…" she said as she hefted up my speaker. "I have no clue what they are. More of your 'advanced technology' I guess?"
"Yeah, and possibly the only way you'll ever get to have a sense of what my home is like. I've a copy of dozens of… plays in my laptop there."
"A what?"
"Think… a bigger phone." I said as I brought the phone out. "But capable of doing a lot more, and holding a lot more."
"Oh," she said understanding. 'So you can read things there and see portraits too? I imagine Varric would be interested in reading them."
" Well yes and no," I said as I shook my head and started it up. "Yes it stores portraits and stories, but the plays I have here are different. I mean, you can see it with your own eyes. Those portraits I showed you on my phone? Well, on that laptop, I can show you moving pictures… they're like plays that can be seen anytime, anywhere." I finished as it finally finished booting up.
She stood there, silent as a mouse just staring at the screen, an image of Rome's Imperial Eagle and SPQR standing proud against a sea of scarlet in glorious HD.
"It's amazing," she breathed out.
"I haven't even played anything yet."
"It still looks so real… and you say I can see these plays, as if I'm in a theater?"
"Pretty much," I smiled. "Any preference for first sights? What we think are our epics? Everyday life sort of thing? Come on, I know you're curious."
"Well…." she hesitated. "Alright, give me something heroic. Something that would be immortalized forever here in Thedas."
"Hmm…" I gave it a few seconds thought, before I remembered something fitting. "Alright, let me show you one of my favorites." I said as I loaded up The Return of The King and prepared Theoden's last charge.
"Alright, some context since I don't think you've got three hours to watch a play," to which she nodded. "Okay then. The city in the background is Minas Tirith, they've been under siege for a long time and these monsters,orcs," I pointed on the screen. "Have breached the walls. It is possibly the city and the kingdom's final hour. Now I'm sure you're gonna point out all sorts of things that can't have happened but just… watch and enjoy. Remember, none of the actors were hurt."
"Okay then. I'm ready."
"Right," I nodded and checked the volume. Didn't want it to be too loud so that the entire keep would hear. Satisfied at the proper volume the little beep gave, which gave Eve a puzzled look. "Relax, that's just where you'll hear the sound."
"Now… enjoy the show," I smiled as I hit the play button and watched with her.
Horns blared as a line of horsemen gathered on the screen. Immediately Eve was transfixed by the sight. (Which let's be honest, was pretty damn heroic). Though I could hear her gasp at the following: A sea of black laying siege to a burning white city.
"Maker's breath," she gasped as the scene progressed. Even now I could see that she was mesmerized at the scene as Theoden gave his final speech. As the charge started, I could feel her tense as the horse lords built up momentum for their finest hour. She winced as each of the orc volleys landed, devastating riders. Yet I could feel her grin from my spot as their fear became apparent. Until…
Impact. The music stops, and all that remains is the symphony of death that Rohan leaves, trampling all underfoot as the music builds up again and we are given a clear look of the swathes they cut across the battlefield.
Then I hit the pause button.
"Wait!" she shouted, jabbing a finger at the screen. "I want to know what happens next!"
"You're watching the end of a long story. You'll only feel more confused."
She sighed at that, and turned to face me. "Fine. Maker's breath… that all looked incredible."
"Yeah. We've gotten very good at making these." I shrugged. "Lots of visual tricks, a little bit of illusion generation with techniques on the portrait itself, and voila: a masterpiece. An expensive one, but one that makes boatloads of cash."
"I can't really begin to imagine that, let alone how it's done... Maker." she sighed. "I mean… bits of it seemed off, like how actors play at fighting in the theater, but it still feels real enough."
"And that's a sign of it being a great." I smiled back. "I've a whole host of films here I'm sure you'd love to watch. Heck, everyone else who's interested could watch too, though it is a rather small screen. I'll have to figure something out for that."
"I'm sure just seeing such sights would be enough," she said as she stood up.
"Well to some. Others dream of being in it. Heck I can make some film right now if you want. Show you the basics of how it works." I said as I drew out my phone and pointed it at her.
"Go on, say something heroic or some such."
She hesitated before she posed, hands and her hips and said in what was probably her most bombastic voice, "I am the Lady Inquisitor."
"Nice," I smiled as I ended the recording and called her over to show the results. "Now watch yourself on glorious video."
She leaned in closer as I hit the play button, and I could tell that she was entranced. "Maker," she breathed. "It's better than anything Great Aunt Lucile ever got us. I hated those, like the rest of the family. Just standing for hours as the painters tried to finish as quickly as possible. Ugh, she may have been a great party host, but her one price of admission was the 'Great Trevelyan Portraits'."
"Well, if I had a printer, I could make copies of these. Alas, I didn't predict all… well this." I shrugged.
"It's alright I guess. It's just… the more you show of your world, the more amazing it seems everyday. Instant portraits, moving pictures, these devices..."
"It's not all rainbows and sunshine, that I can assure you." I replied, as I shook my head. "We had terrible shit going on too. And the sad part was, often no one was willing or capable of doing anything about it."
"Still… most of it seems so unreal… If it weren't for the fact that you were showing me parts of it yourself, I wouldn't have believed your stories." she shook her head. "Anyways, I should go. I've still got to check on some of the others. Would you happen to need anything?"
"Yes, as it happens, would you happen to know where I can go and err… relieve myself?"
She paused before a look of understanding crossed her face. "Oh. A toilet? Cullen's still fixing that. Most of that part of the castle is in ruins so I'm afraid we'll have to make do. The well's perfectly fine though, so drinking water and bathing shouldn't be a problem at least."
"Wait." I paused as the words sank in. "Toilet? There's plumbing here?"
"Nothing like the old Tevinter stuff I'm afraid. Just holes where our waste falls out of the castle."
"Oh ye porcelain throne," I mimed. "How I weep in memory of thee."
"I'm- You know what, never mind. You sure there's nothing I can do to help? Anything at all to make you comfortable?"
"No...no I think it should be fine." I said, waving her off. "Go and check on the others. I'm sure they'll have some requests that are more pressing than mine."
"Alright then," she said as she turned around and left. "I wish you well in adjusting" she said before closing the door.
"Thanks," I mumbled as I sank to the floor and looked at the ceiling. I'm no architect, but I could tell that it looked ancient. Spiderwebs cris-crossed the rafters, the wood almost black with age, cold air leaking in from the mountains. A stark contrast to… well home.
Really, there was only one way to describe the situation, as the word quietly crept out of my mouth as the situation continued to swallow me. "Fuck."
partr 7
AN: Thanks once more to RedrumSprinkles for helping me out immensely!
"Again! Don't be afraid to go for the extremities, you've the aim for that," Blackwall chided as I once more lunged towards the dummy, ducking and slashing at its ankles.
"Good! You can take a break now," he said as I panted.
It had been about two weeks since setting in Skyhold. While we had leads to go on to stop Corypheus, it turned out Empress Celene's peace negotiation ball wasn't to happen for several more months. As for the demon army that the Wardens were seriously going to try and summon at Adamant, acting on that now while the Inquisition was so disorganized would have been disastrous... to put it mildly.
So here we were at Inquisition, slowly reorganizing and building up our strength. Which translated to endless training for me, while others tried to leverage their connections and such to help rebuild.
"Finally," I said as I moved towards the wall and dropped the sword. "Please tell me I'm improving so I could remove the armor." I panted. "I'd hate to have ruined dummies for no good reason."
"You've got good aim on you so I'd say yes," Bull commented. "And your footwork is good enough for your average grunt. Everything else, well that's what armor's for, so you've still got to keep it on. That or your weird magic… thing."
I groaned at that. While it may be lifesaving stuff, that doesn't mean I have to like wearing it. It was certainly heavier than anything I was used to, though two week's worth of training while wearing it was starting to fix that.
"You may complain now, but that armor will save your life." Cassandra said as she continued her own training regimen... Which was all she ever seemed to do these days. An effortless swing here and there, and yet one more dummy turned to so much chaff.
"I prefer not getting hit at all," Varric quipped from his now usual spot on top of a barrel, just sitting and enjoying my suffering. Bastard.
"I can get behind that." I sighed.
"So would everyone else," Blackwall said. "But this is the reality of it. So keep it on when we train. We'll continue tomorrow."
"Oh thank God," I panted as I started to remove the coat of chainmail around me.
"So Vic," Cassandra said as she sheathed her sword and walked up to me as I sat on the grass. "I'm curious about your worship of the Maker. I've heard you worship him albeit… differently."
"I'll say," I grunted. "I just call him God, emphasis on the capital G, not to mention a different prophet."
"Well yes… I've heard. He claimed he was the son of the Maker?"
"Jesus was the son yeah, also technically God, and God's Spirit at the same time. It's… complicated."
"And I thought Andrasteism had issues," Bull whined. "Your religion makes them look positively normal in comparison. Did your prophet at least do anything beyond that "Love and Tolerance" stuff? Raise an army, conquer an empire, et cetera?"
"Not really, no. In fact, he stopped a disciple from doing so in his name."
"Ugh, now that just makes it sound boring," he continued. "At least Andraste had an interesting story."
"Jesus did miracles too you know," I continued. "Banished demons from people, healing, raising the dead, rising from the dead"
"That just sounds like a mage to me," Varric said as he slapped the air in front of him.
"Turned water to wine-"
"Now that's interesting," Bull interrupted. "One notch up in my book!"
"What?" Cassandra gasped. "How are you interested in that rather than any of the other 'miracles' he did?"
"He turned boring everyday water to sweet sweet wine," Varric replied.
"So a wedding wouldn't be ruined too," I added.
"See? More proof he was a great guy and all. I can get behind someone like that."
"Hear, hear!" Bull thundered.
"So, asides from that," Cassandra said after a while, ignoring the other two's comments. "Your… 'church' was a peaceful one then?"
"Oh no. Anything but." I said as I shook my head. "I know enough history to say that. We had our own Exalted Marches, Crusades against non-believers and such. Convert or die etc. Periods of extreme corruption, opulence, downright violating the tenets of the faith etc."
"What happened? Did someone come in and reform it?" Cassandra asked as I turned to face her. It was then I noticed… well something in her eyes.
"Not exactly. People went off and started new sects.We started killing each other over whose interpretation was right. Then the reforms came in, but by then it was too late." I shrugged. " Took a few centuries for that to mostly die down. Now we live and let live. Mostly."
"Oh…" Cassandra said, shoulders slumped.
"Home was anything but sunshine and rainbows ladies and gents." I shrugged. "We've still got wars and shit going on too. So long as there are people, there will be shit. God or no god."
"Speaking of war," Bull interrupted. "I'm curious about that."
"Bull," I cut him off before he got any further with that. "Please please tell your superiors I don't know how to make gaatlok without blowing myself up."
"No I wasn't going to ask that." he replied, waving that off. "But don't worry, that was in the first report back. I'm more curious about how you do it? You know, wage war and all. I imagine it's a lot more different than how we do it now."
"Yeah Talky," Varric chimed in. "You keep describing a whole different world, and I'd personally love to know more about… well everything. Take a few notes too!"
"As far as I know, the person who has the most boom on his side tends to win." I shrugged. "Though… I could show you guys I guess."
"Oh?" Blackwall chimed in, "Was that the sounds I heard coming from your room then? Sounded awfully a lot like mages tossing fireballs around."
"Wait, all this time you could have shown us this?" Varric
"Err… no," I muttered. Guess last night's movie. "Different kind of mov-play involving criminals."
"I'd like to see that!" Varric piped in. "You didn't tell me you could actually show it to us!"
"It's a matter of logistics Varric. Also, I'm sure you'd like to see if you could pick up some tricks from them. But yeah, I've a few that'll interest everyone I imagine." I paused to check my watch. "If you guys have three hours to kill, I can show you guys a movie about a band of soldiers during the biggest war of all time back home."
"I'm always up for an interesting story," Varric said.
"We've the time, "Blackwall said as he pointed to Bull and Cassandra.
"Well, call in some of the others who might be interested too then Varric."
"Sure," he said right before scampering off. Cassandra and the others just followed me as we made my way back towards my pad. Man i hope they don't get too freaked out
_
"Alright," I said as I finished setting up things. "Standard disclosure, no magic is involved, and no one was actually killed in the making of this. Though it is based on real historical events. A shit load of people really did die on that beach decades ago."
Everyone present nodded at that. Nearly all of the inner circle was here, save for Solas and Vivienne. Solas was off painting, and asked not to be disturbed. Vivienne on the other hand didn't seem interested. According to Varric, she was busy studying some tome of sorts and projecting a look of "do not disturb".
"Okay guys, can you see well enough?" I asked. Everyone nodded, even Varric, who had front seat privileges what with him a dwarf and all.
"Okay some historical context first. The world is at war. I mean that literally. Millions of people died here, like fifty five million people I think."
"Now you're just pulling our leg Talky," he said waving his hands. "Even for the entire world that's a lot of people. No way so many died."
"We had a lot of time to… err get busy. Besides which, we have the records to show it. Here… well, the nature of war has changed thanks to weapons like mine. Just that the guns are bigger, and fire faster. Not to mention a lot more advanced cannons. A lot more advanced."
"So, what we're about to witness is one of the greatest invasions of all time, in one of the most well defended beaches. An amphibious assault," to which Bull and Blackwall winced. "Yes, even back home they were some of the toughest challenges an invader must do. But do it they must, if they were to liberate their allies."
"So without further ado, I present to you 'Saving Private Ryan'" I bowed before hitting the play button. "Oh and just so we're clear. You can leave or ask to stop it any time. I'll understand."
Everyone just ignored that comment. As the movie started. Everything went quietly, till they saw the graveyard full of white crosses. "So uh… what's with the crosses Vic?" Varric asked.
"It's a graveyard." I replied. "You know, where you bury the dead?"
"Huh." Eve grunted. "No one but the Nevarrans bury their dead. And even then, in mausoleums."
"Well each of those crosses or stars mark a person who died in the campaign." I pointed out as Ryan dropped to his knees and the sounds of the ocean took over.
Everyone picked up that the action was starting as the pre-battle scene started. The looks of fear on those men's faces translated universally I guess. The tension in the room started to increase though as the sounds of artillery continued to increase, and the sea sprayed onto the men.
A whistle, then death as thousands of rounds flew killed dozens in seconds. It was butchery, as men fell in droves.
Already I could feel them wince as the sound of gunfire and bullets whizzing through the air continued endlessly as men died again and again.
They cursed quietly under their breaths. Sera stomped out of the room then. I couldn't blame her really.
They quieted down again when they saw the medic, I never could remember his name just cry out in frustration, desperate to just save one life.
Still, they soldiered on until the end of the bunker assault, when they and the other soldiers realized that it's over. They're alive, and damn happy to feel that, some literally crying over that.
"Maker, I need a break," Eve finally said, to the agreement of just about everyone.
"I understand," I said as I hit the pause button. "I couldn't take it when I first saw this either."
"Just… damn." Bull commented. "That was… l've fought under fire from a dreadnaught, while fighting Vints… That wasn't pretty at all, but what I just saw… looked worse."
"You did ask how war is fought back home." I shrugged. "It's like that. Lots of men, armed with guns, trying to kill each other. Typically, the one with more still wins. Even if this was dramatized a bit, thousands did still die on that beach that day. "
"Yeah… that's usually the case." he sighed.
"Remind me never to go fight a war wherever you're from Vic," Blackwall said. "I would not like to be in it."
"No one wants to fight a war," I muttered. "That's why people make films like this. To remind them of a saying we have. War is hell."
"Maker…" he muttered, before shaking his head and leaving. The others did in short order except Eve, who just sat there staring at the laptop. Silence hung in the air as she just… sat there, unmoving like a statue.
"How did they do it?" she asked after a while.
"Do what?"
"Just… charge in, and order people to die. Knowing that they are facing certain death."
"I honestly don't know," I shrugged as I turned to face her. "Like… Captain Miller over there, I figured he thought it was a death sentence to do nothing. So… he made do."
"Still... " she sighed. "Maker, I don't know if I'll be up to it."
"Up to what?"
"Leading… Being the Inquisitor and all. You've seen me lead the Inquisition and even defeat Corypheus in your visions, but… I don't know if I'm up for it. The responsibility… The captain there… Miller, looked like he would break down as he saw the slaughter around him with a just few hundred men.With the numbers I'll be leading..."
"It is a difficult burden to bear," I finished. "I've seen a lot of stories about that. Heard them too. Just, I can't really say just how exactly you'll deal with it." I sighed. "I'm sorry I can't help in that. "
"No… no it's fine Vic." she said, eyes closed. "Just… was it worth it in the end? The war?"
"I wouldn't be around here if the war went in favor of the Germans, the grey uniformed ones." I grinned. "Their allies invaded my country. Killed and raped thousands. My grandfather was almost a victim in fact. So forgive me if I go and give a definite yes."
"Well, at least we have that." she smiled as she stood up. "Let's try something happier next time eh?"
"Yeah," I replied. "I'll think of something."
"Night Vic," she bid before leaving, walking out into the gloom of the night alone.
"Again! Don't be afraid to go for the extremities, you've the aim for that," Blackwall chided as I once more lunged towards the dummy, ducking and slashing at its ankles.
"Good! You can take a break now," he said as I panted.
It had been about two weeks since setting in Skyhold. While we had leads to go on to stop Corypheus, it turned out Empress Celene's peace negotiation ball wasn't to happen for several more months. As for the demon army that the Wardens were seriously going to try and summon at Adamant, acting on that now while the Inquisition was so disorganized would have been disastrous... to put it mildly.
So here we were at Inquisition, slowly reorganizing and building up our strength. Which translated to endless training for me, while others tried to leverage their connections and such to help rebuild.
"Finally," I said as I moved towards the wall and dropped the sword. "Please tell me I'm improving so I could remove the armor." I panted. "I'd hate to have ruined dummies for no good reason."
"You've got good aim on you so I'd say yes," Bull commented. "And your footwork is good enough for your average grunt. Everything else, well that's what armor's for, so you've still got to keep it on. That or your weird magic… thing."
I groaned at that. While it may be lifesaving stuff, that doesn't mean I have to like wearing it. It was certainly heavier than anything I was used to, though two week's worth of training while wearing it was starting to fix that.
"You may complain now, but that armor will save your life." Cassandra said as she continued her own training regimen... Which was all she ever seemed to do these days. An effortless swing here and there, and yet one more dummy turned to so much chaff.
"I prefer not getting hit at all," Varric quipped from his now usual spot on top of a barrel, just sitting and enjoying my suffering. Bastard.
"I can get behind that." I sighed.
"So would everyone else," Blackwall said. "But this is the reality of it. So keep it on when we train. We'll continue tomorrow."
"Oh thank God," I panted as I started to remove the coat of chainmail around me.
"So Vic," Cassandra said as she sheathed her sword and walked up to me as I sat on the grass. "I'm curious about your worship of the Maker. I've heard you worship him albeit… differently."
"I'll say," I grunted. "I just call him God, emphasis on the capital G, not to mention a different prophet."
"Well yes… I've heard. He claimed he was the son of the Maker?"
"Jesus was the son yeah, also technically God, and God's Spirit at the same time. It's… complicated."
"And I thought Andrasteism had issues," Bull whined. "Your religion makes them look positively normal in comparison. Did your prophet at least do anything beyond that "Love and Tolerance" stuff? Raise an army, conquer an empire, et cetera?"
"Not really, no. In fact, he stopped a disciple from doing so in his name."
"Ugh, now that just makes it sound boring," he continued. "At least Andraste had an interesting story."
"Jesus did miracles too you know," I continued. "Banished demons from people, healing, raising the dead, rising from the dead"
"That just sounds like a mage to me," Varric said as he slapped the air in front of him.
"Turned water to wine-"
"Now that's interesting," Bull interrupted. "One notch up in my book!"
"What?" Cassandra gasped. "How are you interested in that rather than any of the other 'miracles' he did?"
"He turned boring everyday water to sweet sweet wine," Varric replied.
"So a wedding wouldn't be ruined too," I added.
"See? More proof he was a great guy and all. I can get behind someone like that."
"Hear, hear!" Bull thundered.
"So, asides from that," Cassandra said after a while, ignoring the other two's comments. "Your… 'church' was a peaceful one then?"
"Oh no. Anything but." I said as I shook my head. "I know enough history to say that. We had our own Exalted Marches, Crusades against non-believers and such. Convert or die etc. Periods of extreme corruption, opulence, downright violating the tenets of the faith etc."
"What happened? Did someone come in and reform it?" Cassandra asked as I turned to face her. It was then I noticed… well something in her eyes.
"Not exactly. People went off and started new sects.We started killing each other over whose interpretation was right. Then the reforms came in, but by then it was too late." I shrugged. " Took a few centuries for that to mostly die down. Now we live and let live. Mostly."
"Oh…" Cassandra said, shoulders slumped.
"Home was anything but sunshine and rainbows ladies and gents." I shrugged. "We've still got wars and shit going on too. So long as there are people, there will be shit. God or no god."
"Speaking of war," Bull interrupted. "I'm curious about that."
"Bull," I cut him off before he got any further with that. "Please please tell your superiors I don't know how to make gaatlok without blowing myself up."
"No I wasn't going to ask that." he replied, waving that off. "But don't worry, that was in the first report back. I'm more curious about how you do it? You know, wage war and all. I imagine it's a lot more different than how we do it now."
"Yeah Talky," Varric chimed in. "You keep describing a whole different world, and I'd personally love to know more about… well everything. Take a few notes too!"
"As far as I know, the person who has the most boom on his side tends to win." I shrugged. "Though… I could show you guys I guess."
"Oh?" Blackwall chimed in, "Was that the sounds I heard coming from your room then? Sounded awfully a lot like mages tossing fireballs around."
"Wait, all this time you could have shown us this?" Varric
"Err… no," I muttered. Guess last night's movie. "Different kind of mov-play involving criminals."
"I'd like to see that!" Varric piped in. "You didn't tell me you could actually show it to us!"
"It's a matter of logistics Varric. Also, I'm sure you'd like to see if you could pick up some tricks from them. But yeah, I've a few that'll interest everyone I imagine." I paused to check my watch. "If you guys have three hours to kill, I can show you guys a movie about a band of soldiers during the biggest war of all time back home."
"I'm always up for an interesting story," Varric said.
"We've the time, "Blackwall said as he pointed to Bull and Cassandra.
"Well, call in some of the others who might be interested too then Varric."
"Sure," he said right before scampering off. Cassandra and the others just followed me as we made my way back towards my pad. Man i hope they don't get too freaked out
_
"Alright," I said as I finished setting up things. "Standard disclosure, no magic is involved, and no one was actually killed in the making of this. Though it is based on real historical events. A shit load of people really did die on that beach decades ago."
Everyone present nodded at that. Nearly all of the inner circle was here, save for Solas and Vivienne. Solas was off painting, and asked not to be disturbed. Vivienne on the other hand didn't seem interested. According to Varric, she was busy studying some tome of sorts and projecting a look of "do not disturb".
"Okay guys, can you see well enough?" I asked. Everyone nodded, even Varric, who had front seat privileges what with him a dwarf and all.
"Okay some historical context first. The world is at war. I mean that literally. Millions of people died here, like fifty five million people I think."
"Now you're just pulling our leg Talky," he said waving his hands. "Even for the entire world that's a lot of people. No way so many died."
"We had a lot of time to… err get busy. Besides which, we have the records to show it. Here… well, the nature of war has changed thanks to weapons like mine. Just that the guns are bigger, and fire faster. Not to mention a lot more advanced cannons. A lot more advanced."
"So, what we're about to witness is one of the greatest invasions of all time, in one of the most well defended beaches. An amphibious assault," to which Bull and Blackwall winced. "Yes, even back home they were some of the toughest challenges an invader must do. But do it they must, if they were to liberate their allies."
"So without further ado, I present to you 'Saving Private Ryan'" I bowed before hitting the play button. "Oh and just so we're clear. You can leave or ask to stop it any time. I'll understand."
Everyone just ignored that comment. As the movie started. Everything went quietly, till they saw the graveyard full of white crosses. "So uh… what's with the crosses Vic?" Varric asked.
"It's a graveyard." I replied. "You know, where you bury the dead?"
"Huh." Eve grunted. "No one but the Nevarrans bury their dead. And even then, in mausoleums."
"Well each of those crosses or stars mark a person who died in the campaign." I pointed out as Ryan dropped to his knees and the sounds of the ocean took over.
Everyone picked up that the action was starting as the pre-battle scene started. The looks of fear on those men's faces translated universally I guess. The tension in the room started to increase though as the sounds of artillery continued to increase, and the sea sprayed onto the men.
A whistle, then death as thousands of rounds flew killed dozens in seconds. It was butchery, as men fell in droves.
Already I could feel them wince as the sound of gunfire and bullets whizzing through the air continued endlessly as men died again and again.
They cursed quietly under their breaths. Sera stomped out of the room then. I couldn't blame her really.
They quieted down again when they saw the medic, I never could remember his name just cry out in frustration, desperate to just save one life.
Still, they soldiered on until the end of the bunker assault, when they and the other soldiers realized that it's over. They're alive, and damn happy to feel that, some literally crying over that.
"Maker, I need a break," Eve finally said, to the agreement of just about everyone.
"I understand," I said as I hit the pause button. "I couldn't take it when I first saw this either."
"Just… damn." Bull commented. "That was… l've fought under fire from a dreadnaught, while fighting Vints… That wasn't pretty at all, but what I just saw… looked worse."
"You did ask how war is fought back home." I shrugged. "It's like that. Lots of men, armed with guns, trying to kill each other. Typically, the one with more still wins. Even if this was dramatized a bit, thousands did still die on that beach that day. "
"Yeah… that's usually the case." he sighed.
"Remind me never to go fight a war wherever you're from Vic," Blackwall said. "I would not like to be in it."
"No one wants to fight a war," I muttered. "That's why people make films like this. To remind them of a saying we have. War is hell."
"Maker…" he muttered, before shaking his head and leaving. The others did in short order except Eve, who just sat there staring at the laptop. Silence hung in the air as she just… sat there, unmoving like a statue.
"How did they do it?" she asked after a while.
"Do what?"
"Just… charge in, and order people to die. Knowing that they are facing certain death."
"I honestly don't know," I shrugged as I turned to face her. "Like… Captain Miller over there, I figured he thought it was a death sentence to do nothing. So… he made do."
"Still... " she sighed. "Maker, I don't know if I'll be up to it."
"Up to what?"
"Leading… Being the Inquisitor and all. You've seen me lead the Inquisition and even defeat Corypheus in your visions, but… I don't know if I'm up for it. The responsibility… The captain there… Miller, looked like he would break down as he saw the slaughter around him with a just few hundred men.With the numbers I'll be leading..."
"It is a difficult burden to bear," I finished. "I've seen a lot of stories about that. Heard them too. Just, I can't really say just how exactly you'll deal with it." I sighed. "I'm sorry I can't help in that. "
"No… no it's fine Vic." she said, eyes closed. "Just… was it worth it in the end? The war?"
"I wouldn't be around here if the war went in favor of the Germans, the grey uniformed ones." I grinned. "Their allies invaded my country. Killed and raped thousands. My grandfather was almost a victim in fact. So forgive me if I go and give a definite yes."
"Well, at least we have that." she smiled as she stood up. "Let's try something happier next time eh?"
"Yeah," I replied. "I'll think of something."
"Night Vic," she bid before leaving, walking out into the gloom of the night alone.
Part 8
AN: thanks once again to RedrumSprinkles for helping me out immensely with this fic.
The next day, I woke up all nice and early to some bastard knocking on my door as if they had every god given right to. I rolled out of bed mumbling and stretched, letting out a mighty yawn in the process. I took my sweet time slowly trudging towards the goddamn door to see who the hell wanted me to see me so early in the morning. Judging from the light of the window, it was just sunrise. Man was not meant for this sort of thing, dammit.
"Morning," Eve said as I opened the door.
"Oh umm... hi," I mumbled. "What's up Eve?"
"Sorry to bother you and all mister lazybones but, well… Varric's friend who knows more about Corypheus has arrived today. I'd like you to come with me and talk with him."
"Sure," I shrugged. "Gimme a minute to get dressed."
She simply nodded and turned around while I closed the door and scrambled to make myself presentable. A minute later, I strolled out of my tower and followed Eve's lead.
Soon we found ourself on top of a tower overlooking the keep's courtyard, with Varric waiting. "Talky," he greeted. "Nice to see you here."
"Mornin' to you too Varric," I replied as we walked up to him. "So... Where's Hawke?"
"What?" Eve said as she turned to me.
"You know, Hawke? Champion of Kirkwall? Perpetual Bad-luck magnet?"
"Personally, I'd rather not have that last title thank you," a voice said behind me. I turned around to find myself face to face with a bearded man, black hair and crystal blue eyes. Strapped to his sides were a pair of wicked looking short swords, like teeth taken straight out of a dragon's mouth.
"Talky, Inquisitor, meet Hawke." Varric introduced. "Hawke, meet the Inquisitor and Vic, our resident seer and otherworldly traveler."
"I've heard of you," he said as he faced Eve. "You threw half a mountain on the bastard already. You on the other hand," he said as he faced me. "I haven't. You're a seer?"
"Of sorts," I shrugged. "I just hope to prevent a lot of needless deaths. Preferably without getting hit."
"Well, I hope to help you kill Corypheus," he sighed. "I let him out of his cage. He's my responsibility."
"You want that, you've gotta take out the dragon, it'll make him vulnerable at least for a while." I stated. "Problem is killing the dragon, then Cory in short order. We need your help, Hawke."
"How? You threw far more than I ever did at the bastard. A literal mountain side I must add. Anything I can do pales in comparison."
"You saved a city from rampaging qunari." Eve said. "Not to mention your actions right before the start of the war, if Varric's to be believed."
"Demons, rogue templars, blood mages," I listed. "That's practically everything we should expect to fight on Corypheus' side."
"Hmph," he grunted. "Well then, that does make me the expert around these parts."
"Which is why we need your help," Eve said as she crossed her arms. "You're an excellent warrior yourself. Anything you say about your fight against Corypheus could be useful."
"I killed him the first time around," he shrugged. "I mean that literally. Bastard was dead no way around it. And yet here he is."
"Definitely like an Archdemon," I muttered. "Need a Warden for that."
"A problem considering he manipulated the Wardens in his prison," he retorted. "Played with their minds somehow, making them fight each other."
"Even then, I'm certain he knows ways around that," I finished.
"Yeah… and I let the bastard out." he muttered. "He's my responsibility."
"Our responsibility," Eve said. "He threatens Thedas now, Hawke"
"Then our first step must be to find the Wardens," he replied as he turned towards us. "If the Wardens have disappeared, then he may very well have them on his side."
"Done. They gather at Adamant Fortress to summon a demon army using blood magic," I replied.
"Maker's breath!" he cursed, slamming his fists on the wall. "Do they not know what they're doing!?"
"They're perfectly aware. it's just that Corypheus is manipulating them. Using the Calling against them." I continued, facepalming. "Clarel fears the death of the order before a Blight. If the order dies before the Blights are ended forever then the world will come to an end."
"I don't understand," Eve said. "Yes Wardens have saved the world from Blights five times now, but I don't see why their deaths would lead to that.."
"Because I know some of the Warden's greatest secrets," I whispered. "Something the Wardens keep secret for a very good reason."
"The Calling… it is when the Wardens know the Taint is going to overpower them soon. You see their Joining ritual involves taking in the darkspawn taint. It is a death sentence, as in time it will eventually overcome them. That is the Calling, to hear what the darkspawn hear, and become a ghoul. That is when they normally go down into the Deep Roads, to fight and die one last time. For all of them to hear it, means that the order may very well die. You see, an Archdemon, like Corypheus, if not killed properly, will simply reappear again. A Warden,one that has gone under the Joining, must deliver the killing blow against it, otherwise the Blight will continue. With the death of the order-"
"Comes the death of the world," Eve finished. "Maker, only they know the secrets of the Joining."
"Then we've no time to lose," Hawke said. "We must meet my friend in Crestwood, from there we'll make our way to Adamant fortress."
"We'll see you there," Eve said. "I must organize the Inquisition for the battle to come."
"Of course," he said before bowing and running off. "Maker help us all."
"Yeah… we'll need it." I replied sighing. "Something tells me that my visions won't be as accurate when we get to Adamant."
"I hope not," she replied, leaning against the wall. "So far they've allowed us to allocate what resources we have into the right places. Based on the reports Cullen and Josephine gave, we've gathered a considerable force in Orlais."
"We can only hope it's enough." I sighed. "Well… at least it's not a proper Blight."
"What makes you say that?"
"Not enough darkspawn." I grunted. "So wait, does this mean we're leaving soon?"
"Yes," she sighed as she turned to face me. "Come with me to the War Room, we need to discuss the details with the other heads."
"Me?" I said eyes wide. "I mean, I know I can be helpful at times but really… me? The guy who's not even from Thedas? "
"Yes Vic," she said. "It'll be good to go over the plans while you are there, take advantage of your accounts as we plan for the assault."
"No two ways about it, it'll be a blood bath even with the visions. We both know this."
"I know," she sighed as she turned to face the keep. "That's why I want you there. Anything you could give could potentially save more lives."
"... Alright then." I sighed.
"Thank you," she said as she turned once more to me. "We'll go now. Josephine and the others should be there already."
I hung my head and followed her into the keep. As we passed the main hall, I couldn't help but notice all the sights and sounds of construction even this early in the morning. The slight itching in my nose telling me there's sawdust, the hammering of nails, and the shouts of our local dwarven mason. It was the smell of my childhood as I we passed it and Josephine's office towards the war room.
Inside, a giant map of Thedas lay across an ancient table, the only piece of furniture in the entire room. Cullen was all dressed in plate and brooding over the map, while Josephine and Lelianna were discussing something.
"Ah Inquisitor, it's good you've arrived." Cullen greeted, briefly looking at us eye to eye before going back to the map. "And Vic, nice of you to drop by, though I'm sure you should be out on the yard training now."
"I've been asked to provide my advice, such as it is." I shrugged. "You ask me, I'm about as useful as a television."
That earned me a few confused glances but they waved it off. "So, what's the plan stan?"
"We've managed to recover and gather some support for the Inquisition now." Josephine started. "Several nobles from both Orlais and Ferelden have pledged their support in light of the attack on Haven."
"Do we have enough to begin the march to Adamant Fortress?" Eve asked.
"Currently no," Cullen replied, shaking his head. "While we have indeed gathered an impressive force, we still require more men and allies if we are to assault such a structure. It may be old fashioned, but it's still a fort that will require more than mere trebuchets to take."
"Could we gather support by securing the Imperial Highway?" I asked, staring at the map of Thedas. "that road connects Ferelden and Orlais, I'm sure a significant number of soldiers are busy guarding it, rather than helping us."
"Yes," Lelianna replied as she pointed to a spot on the map. "You are going to Crestwood, are you not?" Eve simply nodded in response. "Then if you were to secure the old fort here, it would be a perfect position for the Inquisition to secure the passage between Orlais and Ferelden. This should buy us enough favors to aid in our assault on Adamant."
"I know a group of bandits control the fort right now," I supplied. "Highwaymen, preying on the caravans that go along the old highway."
"And you said you wouldn't be useful at all," Cullen replied smiling. "I doubt they'll have the numbers to properly man the fort."
"Worst case, I just blow down the fort doors." I shrugged. "One good shout, and no more gate. I'd prefer not to though. That involves me getting shot at."
"Well walking catapult," Eve chided. "Those bandits will have the gate locked, so unless you know of another way in,"
"I don't," I sighed.
"Then you'll have to be our gate opener," she replied patting my back. "Cheer up Vic. While this will be your first real mission on the field, you should be fine. The mages will help in making sure you're all nice and whole."
"God I hope so." I sighed. "Alright, so we go find Hawke in Crestwood, take the fort, save the town from the local rifts, then what?"
"Send a raven back to me when you've taken the fort," Lelianna replied, "Josie and I will make the appropriate arrangements."
"From Crestwood," Eve continued as she pointed on the map, tracing our path.. "We should take a ship at Jader, and make our way to Val Royeaux where we will rest and gather supplies before we ride to the Western Approach, and then finally, Adamant Fortress where Cullen and the rest of our forces will meet us."
"Aye," he said nodding. "By that time, we'll have gathered enough to make an assault on the Fortress."
"Wait," I said pausing. "Don't go for ladders, when you prepare for the assault. Build siege towers."
"Siege towers?" Cullen asked, eyes raised. "That will take more time."
"Yeah, but it'll also mean more men to establish a beachhead" I countered. "They'll be summoning a demon army remember? We'll need as many as we can get for the fight ahead."
"Aye, a good enough point." he conceded. "I'll prepare accordingly."
"So if there's nothing else," Eve said as she clapped her hands. "I think that's enough for now. Anything else to add?"
"Wait," I said as a memory came to light. "I just remembered," pointing onto a spot between Val Royeaux and Adamant Fortress. "Between these two areas is an old Grey Warden outpost, I have seen it. The Venatori gather there."
"It could be a good staging ground for any future operations in the area," Eve said as she stroked her chin. "If nothing else, we should take it to secure our flank from attacks as we prepare. We'll take it on our way then."
"So it's decided then," Cullen sighed. "Maker guide us."
Eve bowed her head a bit in response before rising. "Let's get to work people," she said as she dismissed the council.
The next day, I woke up all nice and early to some bastard knocking on my door as if they had every god given right to. I rolled out of bed mumbling and stretched, letting out a mighty yawn in the process. I took my sweet time slowly trudging towards the goddamn door to see who the hell wanted me to see me so early in the morning. Judging from the light of the window, it was just sunrise. Man was not meant for this sort of thing, dammit.
"Morning," Eve said as I opened the door.
"Oh umm... hi," I mumbled. "What's up Eve?"
"Sorry to bother you and all mister lazybones but, well… Varric's friend who knows more about Corypheus has arrived today. I'd like you to come with me and talk with him."
"Sure," I shrugged. "Gimme a minute to get dressed."
She simply nodded and turned around while I closed the door and scrambled to make myself presentable. A minute later, I strolled out of my tower and followed Eve's lead.
Soon we found ourself on top of a tower overlooking the keep's courtyard, with Varric waiting. "Talky," he greeted. "Nice to see you here."
"Mornin' to you too Varric," I replied as we walked up to him. "So... Where's Hawke?"
"What?" Eve said as she turned to me.
"You know, Hawke? Champion of Kirkwall? Perpetual Bad-luck magnet?"
"Personally, I'd rather not have that last title thank you," a voice said behind me. I turned around to find myself face to face with a bearded man, black hair and crystal blue eyes. Strapped to his sides were a pair of wicked looking short swords, like teeth taken straight out of a dragon's mouth.
"Talky, Inquisitor, meet Hawke." Varric introduced. "Hawke, meet the Inquisitor and Vic, our resident seer and otherworldly traveler."
"I've heard of you," he said as he faced Eve. "You threw half a mountain on the bastard already. You on the other hand," he said as he faced me. "I haven't. You're a seer?"
"Of sorts," I shrugged. "I just hope to prevent a lot of needless deaths. Preferably without getting hit."
"Well, I hope to help you kill Corypheus," he sighed. "I let him out of his cage. He's my responsibility."
"You want that, you've gotta take out the dragon, it'll make him vulnerable at least for a while." I stated. "Problem is killing the dragon, then Cory in short order. We need your help, Hawke."
"How? You threw far more than I ever did at the bastard. A literal mountain side I must add. Anything I can do pales in comparison."
"You saved a city from rampaging qunari." Eve said. "Not to mention your actions right before the start of the war, if Varric's to be believed."
"Demons, rogue templars, blood mages," I listed. "That's practically everything we should expect to fight on Corypheus' side."
"Hmph," he grunted. "Well then, that does make me the expert around these parts."
"Which is why we need your help," Eve said as she crossed her arms. "You're an excellent warrior yourself. Anything you say about your fight against Corypheus could be useful."
"I killed him the first time around," he shrugged. "I mean that literally. Bastard was dead no way around it. And yet here he is."
"Definitely like an Archdemon," I muttered. "Need a Warden for that."
"A problem considering he manipulated the Wardens in his prison," he retorted. "Played with their minds somehow, making them fight each other."
"Even then, I'm certain he knows ways around that," I finished.
"Yeah… and I let the bastard out." he muttered. "He's my responsibility."
"Our responsibility," Eve said. "He threatens Thedas now, Hawke"
"Then our first step must be to find the Wardens," he replied as he turned towards us. "If the Wardens have disappeared, then he may very well have them on his side."
"Done. They gather at Adamant Fortress to summon a demon army using blood magic," I replied.
"Maker's breath!" he cursed, slamming his fists on the wall. "Do they not know what they're doing!?"
"They're perfectly aware. it's just that Corypheus is manipulating them. Using the Calling against them." I continued, facepalming. "Clarel fears the death of the order before a Blight. If the order dies before the Blights are ended forever then the world will come to an end."
"I don't understand," Eve said. "Yes Wardens have saved the world from Blights five times now, but I don't see why their deaths would lead to that.."
"Because I know some of the Warden's greatest secrets," I whispered. "Something the Wardens keep secret for a very good reason."
"The Calling… it is when the Wardens know the Taint is going to overpower them soon. You see their Joining ritual involves taking in the darkspawn taint. It is a death sentence, as in time it will eventually overcome them. That is the Calling, to hear what the darkspawn hear, and become a ghoul. That is when they normally go down into the Deep Roads, to fight and die one last time. For all of them to hear it, means that the order may very well die. You see, an Archdemon, like Corypheus, if not killed properly, will simply reappear again. A Warden,one that has gone under the Joining, must deliver the killing blow against it, otherwise the Blight will continue. With the death of the order-"
"Comes the death of the world," Eve finished. "Maker, only they know the secrets of the Joining."
"Then we've no time to lose," Hawke said. "We must meet my friend in Crestwood, from there we'll make our way to Adamant fortress."
"We'll see you there," Eve said. "I must organize the Inquisition for the battle to come."
"Of course," he said before bowing and running off. "Maker help us all."
"Yeah… we'll need it." I replied sighing. "Something tells me that my visions won't be as accurate when we get to Adamant."
"I hope not," she replied, leaning against the wall. "So far they've allowed us to allocate what resources we have into the right places. Based on the reports Cullen and Josephine gave, we've gathered a considerable force in Orlais."
"We can only hope it's enough." I sighed. "Well… at least it's not a proper Blight."
"What makes you say that?"
"Not enough darkspawn." I grunted. "So wait, does this mean we're leaving soon?"
"Yes," she sighed as she turned to face me. "Come with me to the War Room, we need to discuss the details with the other heads."
"Me?" I said eyes wide. "I mean, I know I can be helpful at times but really… me? The guy who's not even from Thedas? "
"Yes Vic," she said. "It'll be good to go over the plans while you are there, take advantage of your accounts as we plan for the assault."
"No two ways about it, it'll be a blood bath even with the visions. We both know this."
"I know," she sighed as she turned to face the keep. "That's why I want you there. Anything you could give could potentially save more lives."
"... Alright then." I sighed.
"Thank you," she said as she turned once more to me. "We'll go now. Josephine and the others should be there already."
I hung my head and followed her into the keep. As we passed the main hall, I couldn't help but notice all the sights and sounds of construction even this early in the morning. The slight itching in my nose telling me there's sawdust, the hammering of nails, and the shouts of our local dwarven mason. It was the smell of my childhood as I we passed it and Josephine's office towards the war room.
Inside, a giant map of Thedas lay across an ancient table, the only piece of furniture in the entire room. Cullen was all dressed in plate and brooding over the map, while Josephine and Lelianna were discussing something.
"Ah Inquisitor, it's good you've arrived." Cullen greeted, briefly looking at us eye to eye before going back to the map. "And Vic, nice of you to drop by, though I'm sure you should be out on the yard training now."
"I've been asked to provide my advice, such as it is." I shrugged. "You ask me, I'm about as useful as a television."
That earned me a few confused glances but they waved it off. "So, what's the plan stan?"
"We've managed to recover and gather some support for the Inquisition now." Josephine started. "Several nobles from both Orlais and Ferelden have pledged their support in light of the attack on Haven."
"Do we have enough to begin the march to Adamant Fortress?" Eve asked.
"Currently no," Cullen replied, shaking his head. "While we have indeed gathered an impressive force, we still require more men and allies if we are to assault such a structure. It may be old fashioned, but it's still a fort that will require more than mere trebuchets to take."
"Could we gather support by securing the Imperial Highway?" I asked, staring at the map of Thedas. "that road connects Ferelden and Orlais, I'm sure a significant number of soldiers are busy guarding it, rather than helping us."
"Yes," Lelianna replied as she pointed to a spot on the map. "You are going to Crestwood, are you not?" Eve simply nodded in response. "Then if you were to secure the old fort here, it would be a perfect position for the Inquisition to secure the passage between Orlais and Ferelden. This should buy us enough favors to aid in our assault on Adamant."
"I know a group of bandits control the fort right now," I supplied. "Highwaymen, preying on the caravans that go along the old highway."
"And you said you wouldn't be useful at all," Cullen replied smiling. "I doubt they'll have the numbers to properly man the fort."
"Worst case, I just blow down the fort doors." I shrugged. "One good shout, and no more gate. I'd prefer not to though. That involves me getting shot at."
"Well walking catapult," Eve chided. "Those bandits will have the gate locked, so unless you know of another way in,"
"I don't," I sighed.
"Then you'll have to be our gate opener," she replied patting my back. "Cheer up Vic. While this will be your first real mission on the field, you should be fine. The mages will help in making sure you're all nice and whole."
"God I hope so." I sighed. "Alright, so we go find Hawke in Crestwood, take the fort, save the town from the local rifts, then what?"
"Send a raven back to me when you've taken the fort," Lelianna replied, "Josie and I will make the appropriate arrangements."
"From Crestwood," Eve continued as she pointed on the map, tracing our path.. "We should take a ship at Jader, and make our way to Val Royeaux where we will rest and gather supplies before we ride to the Western Approach, and then finally, Adamant Fortress where Cullen and the rest of our forces will meet us."
"Aye," he said nodding. "By that time, we'll have gathered enough to make an assault on the Fortress."
"Wait," I said pausing. "Don't go for ladders, when you prepare for the assault. Build siege towers."
"Siege towers?" Cullen asked, eyes raised. "That will take more time."
"Yeah, but it'll also mean more men to establish a beachhead" I countered. "They'll be summoning a demon army remember? We'll need as many as we can get for the fight ahead."
"Aye, a good enough point." he conceded. "I'll prepare accordingly."
"So if there's nothing else," Eve said as she clapped her hands. "I think that's enough for now. Anything else to add?"
"Wait," I said as a memory came to light. "I just remembered," pointing onto a spot between Val Royeaux and Adamant Fortress. "Between these two areas is an old Grey Warden outpost, I have seen it. The Venatori gather there."
"It could be a good staging ground for any future operations in the area," Eve said as she stroked her chin. "If nothing else, we should take it to secure our flank from attacks as we prepare. We'll take it on our way then."
"So it's decided then," Cullen sighed. "Maker guide us."
Eve bowed her head a bit in response before rising. "Let's get to work people," she said as she dismissed the council.
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Part 9
AN: Thanks to @RedrumSprinkles for helping me out immensely in this fic. Kudos to her!
The ride out from Skyhold was a muted affair. No teary goodbyes for us, just a few farewells from soldiers on duty at the gate and wall.
For the eleven of us, we needed a wagon to carry our gear and supplies for the trip to Crestwood. Half of us, (me, Varric, Sera, Bull and Cole) were on the wagon. Everyone else was mounted on Inquisition horses.
Otherwise, the trip to Crestwood was a quiet affair down the mountains and onto the old imperial highway. We'd ride, chat on occasion, make camp, repeat. Well, most of us. I, being the least familiar with both the local plants, (and camping in general), was on training while the others supervised. On the plus side, no turn on watch for me. I was out like a dead man right after dinner.
So here we were, along the Imperial Highway, when Varric turned towards me and asked an oh so innocent question. "Say Vic, why can't you ride? I mean, Buttercup and I are city folk at heart."
"Nature's rubbish," Sera pointed out with a nod.
Varric nodded in agreement before pointing to Bull, "Tiny would probably break the poor horse's back!"
"Hey!" Bull grunted. "I'm not fat."
"Yeah, but you're about as heavy as an Ox while the Kid… well the Kid is the Kid."
"I never needed to." I shrugged.
"Wait," Varric said as we slowly trudged along. "You can't ride because you never needed to? I can't believe you walked everywhere you went. You muttered and cursed enough on the way to Skyhold to convince me of that, and you claimed to have traveled a lot in your home."
"Well yeah," I replied. "Like you remember those boats in the movie? Well they're run by engines, which are like machines that turn wheels. We use the same engines to power carts. I learned to drive one long ago." I sighed. "Man, mine could go at an incredible speed compared to this."
"Oh really?" Bull snorted. "What, twenty miles a day?"
"That'd be a slow day," I replied. "I remember going at about err…" Goddamn imperial measuring, " Sixtyish an hour? Assuming your miles are the same as mine."
For a while the only sounds around us were the steady clip clop of hooves along the stone highway. I had the distinct feeling that even as I leaned back along the cart, that everyone was staring at me.
"...You can't be serious," Cassandra said, breaking the silence. "How could you even measure, let alone control that?'
"We've gotten good at building things," I shrugged. "Besides, that's nothing impressive for a car back home. The real crazy stuff can easily go twice that speed in seconds."
Now I could feel their stares on me. "You know what Vic," Varric said after a while. "We'll take your word for it."
"Engine thrumming, music blaring, 'Ah, should get there in an hour,'" Cole helpfully supplied. "You liked to go fast. Travelling. Now we're slow, like turtles."
"Yeah Cole. Thanks for backing me up." I sighed. "Could go from one point of the world to another in two days guys. That's like from Ostagar to Seheron, I think? "
"Impossible," Dorian said. "Wait, unless… was flying involved?"
"Yeah."
"Maker's balls Talky," Varric breathed. "I shouldn't be anymore surprised at this rate but somehow you never fail to do so."
"You guys did ask," I shrugged.
"That explains the number of cities I saw," Eve said. "I thought for a while you grew up on the road. Maybe with a group of travelling brothers, but the more you describe things the more they make sense."
"You don't really appreciate what you have till you lose it I guess." I sighed. "So how much farther to Crestwood?"
"Another day's ride," Eve replied. " We'll have to make camp tonight, which means Vic," she said pointing at me. "That you'll have to practice."
"Ugh, more swording." I groaned as I facepalmed. "What fun."
"No, it means you should be practicing your magic… thing." Eve replied as she turned back towards the road.. "Dorian and the others should be able to supervise you while we set up."
"Oh goody! I get to trade in stabbing things for shouting." I said, as I clasped my hands in 'praise'. "I'd have thought I still needed to work on my drills more based on Blackwall's comments."
"At this point Vic, I'm confident in your ability to survive," Blackwall commented, his eyes never leaving the road. "Only experience can teach you more."
"Thanks for that Uncle Blackwall," I replied, smiling. Nice to hear such a compliment from the old soldier. "I'll try to stab the right people when we're on the field."
He grunted at that little comment, earning me a laugh from Dorian. I turned around to find the Tevinter mage as usual, twirling his mustache as he rode along.
"So Dorian, fellow magic users," I said turning to the rest of them. "Any preference as to how I shall continue to astound and baffle you tonight with my magic?" I said, giving my hands a little salesman's twirl. "Perhaps I'll start the campfire without any of this whole flint and tinder thing?"
"Surprise us, darling," Vivienne replied. I could hear her smirk from here. "We'll see just how many you can throw before exhaustion sets in."
"Alright," I said as I leaned back. "My guess is that my voice will give out way before that."
"Judging from your habit of talking I somehow doubt that," Dorian countered, earning a laugh from everyone.
"Touché Dorian," I smirked before turning to Solas. "Solas, anything to add? Have your travels in the Fade revealed any possible answers?" I said, putting on my best wizened wizard voice.
"Strangely nothing," he sighed, shaking his head. "Mayhaps we are simply in the wrong places for such things. Perhaps an ancient elven or Tevinter ruin could provide the right answers."
I shrugged. "You're the expert here Solas, what with being the wise and learned elf in the group. Sera certainly isn't providing that."
"At least I'm not all magicky and such," Sera countered, wagging her tongue at him and the other mages. "No demons for me."
"Thanks?" I shrugged.
"She's right you know," Dorian replied. "You'll never have to worry about the wonders of a demon trying to possess you." he sighed. "The Desire demons are often the most diplomatic ones, a few nice chats, a most wonderful dinner, and then they try and murder you for you bodies."
"It could be worse. At least they buy you dinner first." I replied.
He chuckled at that. "True. The Rage demons just try and take me as is."
I just sighed and relaxed myself. The air was crisp and cool, though I could smell rain not too far off. The highway was mostly empty save for the occasional traveler, and we hadn't had anything try to kill us in a while.
Life was good (for a given value of good) for now, and I had every intention of enjoying for as long as possible.
_
That evening we set camp by the highway. I wasn't an outdoorsman, but even I could tell that this was an oft-used campsite. An old campfire was still there, though the people who last used it were gone already. While Bull and the others went to set up camp, Cassandra and the mages led the way to a clearing where I was to work my magic so to speak. Cass was mostly there to give a templar's observation on my magic. Where a mage fails, perhaps the answer lies with their keepers
"So," she began as we arrived at an empty spot. "I've only heard the reports. I'm not sure what there is for me to contribute."
"Just observe," Vivi said as she prepared a barrier. "At this point, we're mostly supervising to see where his magic may be most useful. You may provide some fresh insight as to how his magic works."
"If you insist," she sighed.
"So uhh… guys?" I said as I walked towards the single tree in the meadow. "May I start now?"
A slight shimmer rose around Cass and the mages. Solas threw a single bolt of magic at it, and satisfied with the results, gave me a nod.
I breathed in, and turned to face my target: the tree. It was gnarled, ancient, decrepit, and could've been taken straight out of a horror movie set. I'd have bet solid money that it was dead... if I had any to begin with.
I figured it best to not destroy it in the first go.
"FO KRAH DIIN" I shouted, launching a wave of pure white frost towards the tree. What moisture there was on the air quickly turned to snow, as the wave hit the tree. At the end, we were treated to an usual sight, a single snow-covered tree amongst a spring field (haha).
"You get that?" I shouted, towards the mages in the barrier.
"Another if you please darling!' Viv replied. "Something non-elemental for a spell would be a nice change of pace."
"Alright then," I said before I took a breath. Time for my favorite one.
"FUS" I shouted, releasing a wave of power towards the tree. The old tree... just snapped, like a storm had gone and reminded the tree who was the mightier force. I couldn't help but grin after the shout though. That was way more awesome than I ever thought it would be. Waaay better than doing it in Skyrim.
"So," I said as I turned back towards them, arms wide. "Would that be sufficient? I'd have tested the other two words but well…" I waved towards the tree. "There's not much left to test on."
"That'll be enough, thank you," Solas replied. "Any other shouts you could possibly demonstrate?"
"Hmm..." I said as I stroked my chin till an idea hit me. "I'll need a… err, how to put it lightly-"
"Test subject?!" Dorian supplied. I nodded in turn and Dorian took that as a sign to go and shove Cassandra my way. "Well Cassandra, you've just been volunteered," he said.
"Do that again, and I'll show you what a Templar is supposed to do," she growled before striding towards me.
"So uh…" I said as I rubbed the back of my neck. "We'll start with the ones that are relatively harmless. Draw your sword please."
She glared at me before she drew her sword and took a ready stance. "When you're ready." she growled, her face emanating 'Nothing funny now. Or Else.'
"I'll try and disarm you with this one, so hold on tight." I replied before taking in a deep breath. Like that the Shouts, just came to my head, like it was always there, ready to be tapped in need.
"ZUN" I shouted. Her sword still stood fast in her grip, though I noticed it tightened.
"You alright?" I asked.
"I'm fine," she said, waving me off. "Though… that was strange."
"Well that's a very good descriptor of magic in general, so could you kindly elaborate?"
"It felt more like… a templar was using his abilities, not a mage's."
"Well," I sighed. "Chalk one up to more confusion. I guess the lore on it wasn't kidding when it said 'Impose your reality on the world'."
"Well," she sighed as she took another ready stance. "I'm ready for the next ability."
"I'm not done. We're gonna test this the old fashioned way. 'Till we get results!" I smirked.
"ZUN HAAL" I shouted. This time the sword clattered to the ground, having slipped through Cass' grasp.
"You alright?"
"I'm fine," she grunted as she bent to pick up her sword and took another ready stance.
"Well, we might as well test the shout at full power." I said before I prepped myself. "Are you ready?"
She nodded before I unleashed the full power of the shout on her.
"ZUN HAAL VIIK"
This time the sword flew out of her grip, actually impacting against the barrier Dorian and the others had set up before clattering to the ground.
"So," I said, rubbing my hands. "I guess I know which one to use eh?"
"I would hope so." she sighed as she went back to grab her sword. "That would be our lives on the line in the field. I hope you remember to aim."
"I'm uhh… pretty sure they'll only disarm those I want to." I shrugged as I followed her. "I think. No way to test but on the battlefield?"
"The worst kind of test," she sighed, shaking her head before we headed back to our spot where what was left of the tree. "Well, let's get on with the rest of these tests." she sighed.
"Preferably without someone throwing swords at us!" Dorian shouted.
"If it will make you feel better," I whispered. "I'll make sure they never learn of your reading habits." I winked. "The visions showed a lot of things Cass."
"I don't know what you're talking about." she growled, almost like a tiger ready to grab it's meal.
"Exactly," I grinned before I began the next round of tests.
The ride out from Skyhold was a muted affair. No teary goodbyes for us, just a few farewells from soldiers on duty at the gate and wall.
For the eleven of us, we needed a wagon to carry our gear and supplies for the trip to Crestwood. Half of us, (me, Varric, Sera, Bull and Cole) were on the wagon. Everyone else was mounted on Inquisition horses.
Otherwise, the trip to Crestwood was a quiet affair down the mountains and onto the old imperial highway. We'd ride, chat on occasion, make camp, repeat. Well, most of us. I, being the least familiar with both the local plants, (and camping in general), was on training while the others supervised. On the plus side, no turn on watch for me. I was out like a dead man right after dinner.
So here we were, along the Imperial Highway, when Varric turned towards me and asked an oh so innocent question. "Say Vic, why can't you ride? I mean, Buttercup and I are city folk at heart."
"Nature's rubbish," Sera pointed out with a nod.
Varric nodded in agreement before pointing to Bull, "Tiny would probably break the poor horse's back!"
"Hey!" Bull grunted. "I'm not fat."
"Yeah, but you're about as heavy as an Ox while the Kid… well the Kid is the Kid."
"I never needed to." I shrugged.
"Wait," Varric said as we slowly trudged along. "You can't ride because you never needed to? I can't believe you walked everywhere you went. You muttered and cursed enough on the way to Skyhold to convince me of that, and you claimed to have traveled a lot in your home."
"Well yeah," I replied. "Like you remember those boats in the movie? Well they're run by engines, which are like machines that turn wheels. We use the same engines to power carts. I learned to drive one long ago." I sighed. "Man, mine could go at an incredible speed compared to this."
"Oh really?" Bull snorted. "What, twenty miles a day?"
"That'd be a slow day," I replied. "I remember going at about err…" Goddamn imperial measuring, " Sixtyish an hour? Assuming your miles are the same as mine."
For a while the only sounds around us were the steady clip clop of hooves along the stone highway. I had the distinct feeling that even as I leaned back along the cart, that everyone was staring at me.
"...You can't be serious," Cassandra said, breaking the silence. "How could you even measure, let alone control that?'
"We've gotten good at building things," I shrugged. "Besides, that's nothing impressive for a car back home. The real crazy stuff can easily go twice that speed in seconds."
Now I could feel their stares on me. "You know what Vic," Varric said after a while. "We'll take your word for it."
"Engine thrumming, music blaring, 'Ah, should get there in an hour,'" Cole helpfully supplied. "You liked to go fast. Travelling. Now we're slow, like turtles."
"Yeah Cole. Thanks for backing me up." I sighed. "Could go from one point of the world to another in two days guys. That's like from Ostagar to Seheron, I think? "
"Impossible," Dorian said. "Wait, unless… was flying involved?"
"Yeah."
"Maker's balls Talky," Varric breathed. "I shouldn't be anymore surprised at this rate but somehow you never fail to do so."
"You guys did ask," I shrugged.
"That explains the number of cities I saw," Eve said. "I thought for a while you grew up on the road. Maybe with a group of travelling brothers, but the more you describe things the more they make sense."
"You don't really appreciate what you have till you lose it I guess." I sighed. "So how much farther to Crestwood?"
"Another day's ride," Eve replied. " We'll have to make camp tonight, which means Vic," she said pointing at me. "That you'll have to practice."
"Ugh, more swording." I groaned as I facepalmed. "What fun."
"No, it means you should be practicing your magic… thing." Eve replied as she turned back towards the road.. "Dorian and the others should be able to supervise you while we set up."
"Oh goody! I get to trade in stabbing things for shouting." I said, as I clasped my hands in 'praise'. "I'd have thought I still needed to work on my drills more based on Blackwall's comments."
"At this point Vic, I'm confident in your ability to survive," Blackwall commented, his eyes never leaving the road. "Only experience can teach you more."
"Thanks for that Uncle Blackwall," I replied, smiling. Nice to hear such a compliment from the old soldier. "I'll try to stab the right people when we're on the field."
He grunted at that little comment, earning me a laugh from Dorian. I turned around to find the Tevinter mage as usual, twirling his mustache as he rode along.
"So Dorian, fellow magic users," I said turning to the rest of them. "Any preference as to how I shall continue to astound and baffle you tonight with my magic?" I said, giving my hands a little salesman's twirl. "Perhaps I'll start the campfire without any of this whole flint and tinder thing?"
"Surprise us, darling," Vivienne replied. I could hear her smirk from here. "We'll see just how many you can throw before exhaustion sets in."
"Alright," I said as I leaned back. "My guess is that my voice will give out way before that."
"Judging from your habit of talking I somehow doubt that," Dorian countered, earning a laugh from everyone.
"Touché Dorian," I smirked before turning to Solas. "Solas, anything to add? Have your travels in the Fade revealed any possible answers?" I said, putting on my best wizened wizard voice.
"Strangely nothing," he sighed, shaking his head. "Mayhaps we are simply in the wrong places for such things. Perhaps an ancient elven or Tevinter ruin could provide the right answers."
I shrugged. "You're the expert here Solas, what with being the wise and learned elf in the group. Sera certainly isn't providing that."
"At least I'm not all magicky and such," Sera countered, wagging her tongue at him and the other mages. "No demons for me."
"Thanks?" I shrugged.
"She's right you know," Dorian replied. "You'll never have to worry about the wonders of a demon trying to possess you." he sighed. "The Desire demons are often the most diplomatic ones, a few nice chats, a most wonderful dinner, and then they try and murder you for you bodies."
"It could be worse. At least they buy you dinner first." I replied.
He chuckled at that. "True. The Rage demons just try and take me as is."
I just sighed and relaxed myself. The air was crisp and cool, though I could smell rain not too far off. The highway was mostly empty save for the occasional traveler, and we hadn't had anything try to kill us in a while.
Life was good (for a given value of good) for now, and I had every intention of enjoying for as long as possible.
_
That evening we set camp by the highway. I wasn't an outdoorsman, but even I could tell that this was an oft-used campsite. An old campfire was still there, though the people who last used it were gone already. While Bull and the others went to set up camp, Cassandra and the mages led the way to a clearing where I was to work my magic so to speak. Cass was mostly there to give a templar's observation on my magic. Where a mage fails, perhaps the answer lies with their keepers
"So," she began as we arrived at an empty spot. "I've only heard the reports. I'm not sure what there is for me to contribute."
"Just observe," Vivi said as she prepared a barrier. "At this point, we're mostly supervising to see where his magic may be most useful. You may provide some fresh insight as to how his magic works."
"If you insist," she sighed.
"So uhh… guys?" I said as I walked towards the single tree in the meadow. "May I start now?"
A slight shimmer rose around Cass and the mages. Solas threw a single bolt of magic at it, and satisfied with the results, gave me a nod.
I breathed in, and turned to face my target: the tree. It was gnarled, ancient, decrepit, and could've been taken straight out of a horror movie set. I'd have bet solid money that it was dead... if I had any to begin with.
I figured it best to not destroy it in the first go.
"FO KRAH DIIN" I shouted, launching a wave of pure white frost towards the tree. What moisture there was on the air quickly turned to snow, as the wave hit the tree. At the end, we were treated to an usual sight, a single snow-covered tree amongst a spring field (haha).
"You get that?" I shouted, towards the mages in the barrier.
"Another if you please darling!' Viv replied. "Something non-elemental for a spell would be a nice change of pace."
"Alright then," I said before I took a breath. Time for my favorite one.
"FUS" I shouted, releasing a wave of power towards the tree. The old tree... just snapped, like a storm had gone and reminded the tree who was the mightier force. I couldn't help but grin after the shout though. That was way more awesome than I ever thought it would be. Waaay better than doing it in Skyrim.
"So," I said as I turned back towards them, arms wide. "Would that be sufficient? I'd have tested the other two words but well…" I waved towards the tree. "There's not much left to test on."
"That'll be enough, thank you," Solas replied. "Any other shouts you could possibly demonstrate?"
"Hmm..." I said as I stroked my chin till an idea hit me. "I'll need a… err, how to put it lightly-"
"Test subject?!" Dorian supplied. I nodded in turn and Dorian took that as a sign to go and shove Cassandra my way. "Well Cassandra, you've just been volunteered," he said.
"Do that again, and I'll show you what a Templar is supposed to do," she growled before striding towards me.
"So uh…" I said as I rubbed the back of my neck. "We'll start with the ones that are relatively harmless. Draw your sword please."
She glared at me before she drew her sword and took a ready stance. "When you're ready." she growled, her face emanating 'Nothing funny now. Or Else.'
"I'll try and disarm you with this one, so hold on tight." I replied before taking in a deep breath. Like that the Shouts, just came to my head, like it was always there, ready to be tapped in need.
"ZUN" I shouted. Her sword still stood fast in her grip, though I noticed it tightened.
"You alright?" I asked.
"I'm fine," she said, waving me off. "Though… that was strange."
"Well that's a very good descriptor of magic in general, so could you kindly elaborate?"
"It felt more like… a templar was using his abilities, not a mage's."
"Well," I sighed. "Chalk one up to more confusion. I guess the lore on it wasn't kidding when it said 'Impose your reality on the world'."
"Well," she sighed as she took another ready stance. "I'm ready for the next ability."
"I'm not done. We're gonna test this the old fashioned way. 'Till we get results!" I smirked.
"ZUN HAAL" I shouted. This time the sword clattered to the ground, having slipped through Cass' grasp.
"You alright?"
"I'm fine," she grunted as she bent to pick up her sword and took another ready stance.
"Well, we might as well test the shout at full power." I said before I prepped myself. "Are you ready?"
She nodded before I unleashed the full power of the shout on her.
"ZUN HAAL VIIK"
This time the sword flew out of her grip, actually impacting against the barrier Dorian and the others had set up before clattering to the ground.
"So," I said, rubbing my hands. "I guess I know which one to use eh?"
"I would hope so." she sighed as she went back to grab her sword. "That would be our lives on the line in the field. I hope you remember to aim."
"I'm uhh… pretty sure they'll only disarm those I want to." I shrugged as I followed her. "I think. No way to test but on the battlefield?"
"The worst kind of test," she sighed, shaking her head before we headed back to our spot where what was left of the tree. "Well, let's get on with the rest of these tests." she sighed.
"Preferably without someone throwing swords at us!" Dorian shouted.
"If it will make you feel better," I whispered. "I'll make sure they never learn of your reading habits." I winked. "The visions showed a lot of things Cass."
"I don't know what you're talking about." she growled, almost like a tiger ready to grab it's meal.
"Exactly," I grinned before I began the next round of tests.
part 10
AN: Thanks to @RedrumSprinkles for helping me out immensely in this fic!
The next morning, I woke up nice and early. The sun was just cresting over the horizon, the sky was slowly beginning to bleed over from purple to red, though I could see rain clouds in the distance. I crawled out of my sleeping bag, and treated myself to a nice long stretch.
"Morning," Eve greeted as I trudged over to the dying campfire to grasp a little bit of extra warmth against the chill of the morning. "Morning," I greeted back.
"Judging from the shouting yesterday, I assume things went well?"
"Well yeah," I smiled as I turned to face her. "Cassandra was all pissed and such, more so than usual I mean, but that's mostly against the mages for 'volunteering'" I air quoted, "her to be my err… test subject."
"So what did you learn then?" she sing songed.
"Well Miss Trevelyan," I sing songed back "No amount of Templar anti-magicry can save her from being disarmed in two words." I chuckled. "I imagine that'll be useful later"
"Most definitely!" she said, with a light slap on my back. "I'm sure you'll definitely be at the forefront when things get sticky."
"Well yeah!" I smirked back. "I'm feeling real confident these days. The training you guys gave me, combined with my magic," I sighed. "I feel like a million bucks."
For a while she give me a weird look before waving it off. "I'm sure," she said before I started to pack up.
"Say Vic," she asked.
"Yeah?" I grunted, slinging the bag over my shoulder before heading towards the cart.
"I'm curious about something,"
"Well," I said, just before slinging my pack. "I kinda picked that up about you what with all the questions about home and all."
"Ha ha," she replied, following me. "I mean, not about that but… I know right now your plan is to help the Inquisition and all, but… what about after?"
"What do you mean?" I asked as I leaned against the cart.
"You know, after helping take down Corypheus? What are your plans then?"
Silence hung in the air after that. Birds chirped, camp was packed, someone cooked breakfast. Me? My mind was a blank.
"Vic?" Eve asked, her eyes betraying her concern. "Are… are you alright?"
"Shit." I breathed. Did I really have no plan for after beating the shit outta Cory?
I let my mind process the question again. Maybe it just caught me by surprise?
"Shit." I repeated. No luck. "Shitfuckshitshitmotherfuck." I hissed, dropping the bag to the ground.
"Vic?"
"Fuck," I whispered. "I… I don't think I have one."
"What?" she asked, eyes wide. "I can't believe that. You? Mister know the future and all? From a land of wonders, and you have no plans for your own future?"
"Well yeah," I sighed. " I… I don't know what to do. I mean… go home I guess? Figure out a way out of… this?" I waved.
"If… if it makes you feel better," she sighed, arm around my shoulder. "We'll help you find a way home Vic."
"Really?" I asked, turning to face her. "I mean… there are better uses for the Inquisition's resources."
"You've helped enough I think to earn our help for this," she smiled. "Now, pucker up. We're on the last leg to Crestwood."
"Thank you," I said as I returned her smile. "At least I have that to maybe look forward to."
"Any advice for Crestwood by the way?" she asked before I hauled myself up the cart.
"Undead. Lots of it." I replied. "Oh and… a rift under the lake."
"Wonderful," she sighed. "Simply wonderful."
__
The approach into Crestwood could've been described in one word: depressing. Rain clouds took over the sky, and though it was noon by my watch, it looked and felt more like it was early evening. Rain drizzled, pitter pattering onto the ground. There was a breeze but a gentle one, more like a caress rather than a bitchslap.
It kind of reminded me of home. The rain wasn't like God pissing on you, more like a gentle leak from the heavens. I could get used to this, I smiled before thoughts of going home leaked in again.
Could I get home? Was there a way home? The closest to dimension jumping I could think of in Thedas was possibly, vaguely, an Eluvian, and even then I wasn't exactly the most informed person to speak of such things.
"Hey Talky," Varric said.
"Huh?" I said, realizing Varric had been talking to me.
"You've been awful quiet lately. You okay?"
"I'm fine."
"Ooh." Bull tsked. "Definite sign of not fine."
"Rain pouring, winds blazing, freedom from the heat, this is life." Cole droned. "You miss home."
"Yeah," I sighed. "And it doesn't help that all this," I waved around. " Reminds me of home."
"What the smell of wet dog?" Varric joked.
"No," I waved, chuckling. "I mean, the rain. The smell of it, the wind caressing you, taking away all the heat of the day." I smiled, eyes closed. "I lived in what we called the concrete jungle, bleeding hot most of the time. But when it rained…" I sighed. "It was great. It may have flooded parts of the city but by god, it was my favorite time of the year. The rains..."
"And now…" I sighed. "Now I'm wondering if I'll ever see it all again."
"I'm sorry about that," Varric said, just as the cart slowed to a halt.
"What's going on?" I asked, shoving all thoughts of home aside.
"The Inquisitor signalled for a halt," Bull supplied.
"Everyone, gather your weapons and armor. We're here." Eve ordered.
We all nodded and followed along, before heading towards her and some grunt in Inquisition armor. "I'll take care of these while you handle your business in Crestwood," he said as I passed by. I just nodded and stretched out a bit, the armor was nice and all but in the rains it was starting to get heavier than usual.
She nodded and signaled us to follow towards a small camp by the roadside. From the looks of things Inquisition people had been here a while. A few tents were set, the remains of a fire were visible, and course the number one sign that this was an Inquisition camp, were the banners bearing the Inquisition colors flowing with the wind.
"Vic," Eve called. "Come with me, I need your thoughts."
"Sure," I shrugged and followed her down towards the edge of camp, overlooking part of the lake. Even from here, I could make out the eerie lime-green glow at the very edges of it.
"Well," I shrugged, I pointed at the rift. "There's your problem."
"Yes," a young woman's voice said behind me. "That rift is a problem." she sighed. "Scout Harding, at your service."
I turned around to find myself in front of a young(?) dwarven woman, with her ginger hair tied up in a bun. Personally, she screamed farmer girl to me, yet at the same time, I knew she could find her way out of a labyrinth easy. "Pleasure." I said, before bowing.
"Vic," Eve started. "As I'm sure you're aware now, this is Scout Harding. She normally leads the Inquisition scouts in their initial forays into an area." she said before turning to the dwarf. "Scout Harding, your report."
"Undead prowl the area, Inquisitor," she began. "Mostly ever since that appeared," she pointed at the great lime-green glow. "Corpses have been climbing out of the lake and attacking the village. You'll need to get through them to get to the cave you will meet your friend, Hawke, in."
"Vic?" Eve asked. "Anything to add?"
"Just that I know that we've got to close the rift to stop the hordes of angry undead from ravaging the defenseless village," I shrugged.
Eve sighed and facepalmed. "Well, I guess we'll have to fix that, along with whatever Rifts we find then." she said before turning to Harding. "Anything else to report? Venatori, or Red Templars in the hills perhaps? Dragons?"
"Some Red Templars are up to something in the hills," Harding replied. "But otherwise, not much from them."
"We should take care of them anyway," Eve continued before turning to face the rift. "Just to make sure. Thank you Harding."
"A pleasure, Inquisitor." she bowed before walking off to see to her other duties, whatever they may be.
"So uhh…" I began as I walked next to Eve. "What do you want to know?"
"Any thoughts on how to get to the rift?" she started, still staring at it. "Preferably without drowning?"
"If we had some diving suits we could swim towards it." I started. "But since we don't, I know there's a dam that we can use to drain the lake. The mayor should know all the details."
She sighed at that and just leaned on the walls. "I'm sorry I can't be of further help,"
"No," she waved. "It's fine. It's just that we can't leave without making sure that the village is safe at least."
"So much for me earning that ticket home," I sighed.
"Vic," Eve said as she turned round to face me. "You've earned your keep already, and will continue to contribute. I'm sure of it." she smiled. "Now let's get out there and save some villagers."
I nodded and followed along. Hopefully, she'll be right about it.
_
We walked along the shimmering surface of lake Calenhad for a while, following the King's road towards Crestwood. At least until we heard the distant clangs and clashes of battle just as we were climbing a hill
"Everyone," Eve ordered as she drew her weapons, "to me!" she roared before charging into battle.
I drew my own sword and followed her and the others over the hill. it was there on the top that I found myself staring at a horrible sight. Shambling corpses, most so rotten that they're more skeleton than zombie, armed with rusting, jagged weapons were battling against two figures in shining silver and blue along the crossroads.
"It's the Inquisitor!" one of them yelled as Eve slammed her shield into one of the shambling archers.
"WULD" I shouted, charging into the fray into one of the zombies. A quick slash through its neck, and the damn thing dropped dead. Again.
"Goddamn Zed," I roared as I dodged an attack from another zombie. "Jesus, they're faster than they look!"
"Yeah," grunted Bull as he bisected one with his giant ax. "It's because they're possessed by demons!"
"Oh," I said as I backed away from another zed's swipe. I risked a peek beyond my own fight to check on the situation. I found that I had managed to find myself on the right flank of the clash. Several of the zombies were shambling forwards in their long gait, and if I didn't do anything, trouble might abound. A good a time as any \ to perform some wizardry.
"ZUN HAAL" I shouted, forcing many of the zed to drop their weapons to the ground. Already the rest of the group used this to their advantage, with the warriors slashing apart the now defenseless zombies, while the mages burned or froze the rest with impunity. Varric and Sera provided covering fire, literally pinning down the few armed zombies left with well aimed shots.
Me? I went and joined Eve in slashing apart Zed like there was no tomorrow. Just, cutting and thrusting even as zed tried to dodge against our push. If it weren't for all the heavy armor around, and the zed actually trying to dodge, I'd have thought we were in a zombie movie.
By the time we had finished, Bull and Cassandra had finished off the stragglers and everyone else was gathering around the silver and blue individuals. Then I noticed the griffon emblazoned on their armor. These guys were Wardens.
"Inquisitor," one of them greeted. "It is an honor to meet you."
"What are Grey Wardens doing here in Crestwood?" Eve asked.
"We're searching for one of our own, Loghain… Warden-Commander Clarel has ordered his arrest." the first replied.
"Personally, I wouldn't mind if we had to kill him." the second said. "The bastard left many of ours to die."
"Aye, but orders are orders, friend." the first nodded. "And I think we've spent too much time here already."
"Could you stay?" Eve asked. "Help defend the village? It'll just be like the Hero of Ferelden at Redcliffe."
"I'm afraid we cannot," the first sighed. "Our orders prevent us from doing so… dark times are upon us Inquisitor." he bowed. "Farewell."
Eve sighed but bowed in return nonetheless, even as the Wardens marched off back the way we came.
"Goddammit," I muttered. "Can't figure out a way for them to join us," I muttered. "Too low on the totem pole to actually know anything about Corypheus I bet."
"They don't sound enthralled to me," Eve said. "Cassandra, any chance they are possessed?"
"No, I saw no signs that they were." she replied.
"Like I said, their fear drives them now." I sighed. "Good men, bad orders, and the fear blinds them to that."
She shook her head, and I noticed Blackwall cringing as well. "Let's just make our way to Crestwood," Eve said. "Maker knows they need our help now."
_
A few minutes walk along the road led us to the outskirts of the village. Even I could tell that it was mostly abandoned, save for this one elf those Wardens had saved. We'd convinced her to go join the Inquisition instead of the Wardens, so there was that at least.
Still, as we walked through the empty houses, wind howling through them, I couldn't help but feel extra jittery. My hand was twitching over my sword all the time, even though we had no sign of any zed so far.
"Wait," Eve said, signalling us to halt. "Trouble ahead." she said as she drew her sword. "To me!" she shouted as we once more followed her, around the corner and into a battle.
From the looks of things, we had just caught the beginnings of a battle between the village militia and the zombies. Already, dozens of corpses littered the field in front of the village palisade, and the only thing between the zombies and occasional demon were the militia holding on to dear life as they struggled against the onslaught.
So it was once again our job to save the day. "Inquisition!" Eve roared as she charged once more into the fray.
This time I was more prepared for zed's tricks. But the demons were something new. One of them, charged at me like a dark purply spirit, with a face that screamed horror movie and claws that could probably make mincemeat out of me STAT. I sidestepped its first swipe and took a slash at its rear, spraying ichor onto the ground.
"Well if it bleeds," I said as I dodged another attack. "We can kill it."
"Well said," Dorian said as I jumped out of the way of another swipe from the thing. Though I knew I couldn't keep it up forever. It was relentless in its fury and too fast for me to do anything but dodge. So I decided to cheat.
"TIID" I shouted, just as the thing began an attack.
Like that, everything just… slowed down. Inch by inch, I saw that thing's hands move ever so slowly towards me. This was bullet time. I smiled as I moved to its side and slashed it until time resumed its normal pace. By then, the demon had evaporated into nothing, and I turned around to face the rest of the battlefield. Everything was going well. The undead were being driven back, the demons long dispatched and everyone looked alright so far.
Then, a thump hit my chest. I looked down to find an arrow sticking out of my armor. "Well that can't be good." I muttered as everything faded.
The next morning, I woke up nice and early. The sun was just cresting over the horizon, the sky was slowly beginning to bleed over from purple to red, though I could see rain clouds in the distance. I crawled out of my sleeping bag, and treated myself to a nice long stretch.
"Morning," Eve greeted as I trudged over to the dying campfire to grasp a little bit of extra warmth against the chill of the morning. "Morning," I greeted back.
"Judging from the shouting yesterday, I assume things went well?"
"Well yeah," I smiled as I turned to face her. "Cassandra was all pissed and such, more so than usual I mean, but that's mostly against the mages for 'volunteering'" I air quoted, "her to be my err… test subject."
"So what did you learn then?" she sing songed.
"Well Miss Trevelyan," I sing songed back "No amount of Templar anti-magicry can save her from being disarmed in two words." I chuckled. "I imagine that'll be useful later"
"Most definitely!" she said, with a light slap on my back. "I'm sure you'll definitely be at the forefront when things get sticky."
"Well yeah!" I smirked back. "I'm feeling real confident these days. The training you guys gave me, combined with my magic," I sighed. "I feel like a million bucks."
For a while she give me a weird look before waving it off. "I'm sure," she said before I started to pack up.
"Say Vic," she asked.
"Yeah?" I grunted, slinging the bag over my shoulder before heading towards the cart.
"I'm curious about something,"
"Well," I said, just before slinging my pack. "I kinda picked that up about you what with all the questions about home and all."
"Ha ha," she replied, following me. "I mean, not about that but… I know right now your plan is to help the Inquisition and all, but… what about after?"
"What do you mean?" I asked as I leaned against the cart.
"You know, after helping take down Corypheus? What are your plans then?"
Silence hung in the air after that. Birds chirped, camp was packed, someone cooked breakfast. Me? My mind was a blank.
"Vic?" Eve asked, her eyes betraying her concern. "Are… are you alright?"
"Shit." I breathed. Did I really have no plan for after beating the shit outta Cory?
I let my mind process the question again. Maybe it just caught me by surprise?
"Shit." I repeated. No luck. "Shitfuckshitshitmotherfuck." I hissed, dropping the bag to the ground.
"Vic?"
"Fuck," I whispered. "I… I don't think I have one."
"What?" she asked, eyes wide. "I can't believe that. You? Mister know the future and all? From a land of wonders, and you have no plans for your own future?"
"Well yeah," I sighed. " I… I don't know what to do. I mean… go home I guess? Figure out a way out of… this?" I waved.
"If… if it makes you feel better," she sighed, arm around my shoulder. "We'll help you find a way home Vic."
"Really?" I asked, turning to face her. "I mean… there are better uses for the Inquisition's resources."
"You've helped enough I think to earn our help for this," she smiled. "Now, pucker up. We're on the last leg to Crestwood."
"Thank you," I said as I returned her smile. "At least I have that to maybe look forward to."
"Any advice for Crestwood by the way?" she asked before I hauled myself up the cart.
"Undead. Lots of it." I replied. "Oh and… a rift under the lake."
"Wonderful," she sighed. "Simply wonderful."
__
The approach into Crestwood could've been described in one word: depressing. Rain clouds took over the sky, and though it was noon by my watch, it looked and felt more like it was early evening. Rain drizzled, pitter pattering onto the ground. There was a breeze but a gentle one, more like a caress rather than a bitchslap.
It kind of reminded me of home. The rain wasn't like God pissing on you, more like a gentle leak from the heavens. I could get used to this, I smiled before thoughts of going home leaked in again.
Could I get home? Was there a way home? The closest to dimension jumping I could think of in Thedas was possibly, vaguely, an Eluvian, and even then I wasn't exactly the most informed person to speak of such things.
"Hey Talky," Varric said.
"Huh?" I said, realizing Varric had been talking to me.
"You've been awful quiet lately. You okay?"
"I'm fine."
"Ooh." Bull tsked. "Definite sign of not fine."
"Rain pouring, winds blazing, freedom from the heat, this is life." Cole droned. "You miss home."
"Yeah," I sighed. "And it doesn't help that all this," I waved around. " Reminds me of home."
"What the smell of wet dog?" Varric joked.
"No," I waved, chuckling. "I mean, the rain. The smell of it, the wind caressing you, taking away all the heat of the day." I smiled, eyes closed. "I lived in what we called the concrete jungle, bleeding hot most of the time. But when it rained…" I sighed. "It was great. It may have flooded parts of the city but by god, it was my favorite time of the year. The rains..."
"And now…" I sighed. "Now I'm wondering if I'll ever see it all again."
"I'm sorry about that," Varric said, just as the cart slowed to a halt.
"What's going on?" I asked, shoving all thoughts of home aside.
"The Inquisitor signalled for a halt," Bull supplied.
"Everyone, gather your weapons and armor. We're here." Eve ordered.
We all nodded and followed along, before heading towards her and some grunt in Inquisition armor. "I'll take care of these while you handle your business in Crestwood," he said as I passed by. I just nodded and stretched out a bit, the armor was nice and all but in the rains it was starting to get heavier than usual.
She nodded and signaled us to follow towards a small camp by the roadside. From the looks of things Inquisition people had been here a while. A few tents were set, the remains of a fire were visible, and course the number one sign that this was an Inquisition camp, were the banners bearing the Inquisition colors flowing with the wind.
"Vic," Eve called. "Come with me, I need your thoughts."
"Sure," I shrugged and followed her down towards the edge of camp, overlooking part of the lake. Even from here, I could make out the eerie lime-green glow at the very edges of it.
"Well," I shrugged, I pointed at the rift. "There's your problem."
"Yes," a young woman's voice said behind me. "That rift is a problem." she sighed. "Scout Harding, at your service."
I turned around to find myself in front of a young(?) dwarven woman, with her ginger hair tied up in a bun. Personally, she screamed farmer girl to me, yet at the same time, I knew she could find her way out of a labyrinth easy. "Pleasure." I said, before bowing.
"Vic," Eve started. "As I'm sure you're aware now, this is Scout Harding. She normally leads the Inquisition scouts in their initial forays into an area." she said before turning to the dwarf. "Scout Harding, your report."
"Undead prowl the area, Inquisitor," she began. "Mostly ever since that appeared," she pointed at the great lime-green glow. "Corpses have been climbing out of the lake and attacking the village. You'll need to get through them to get to the cave you will meet your friend, Hawke, in."
"Vic?" Eve asked. "Anything to add?"
"Just that I know that we've got to close the rift to stop the hordes of angry undead from ravaging the defenseless village," I shrugged.
Eve sighed and facepalmed. "Well, I guess we'll have to fix that, along with whatever Rifts we find then." she said before turning to Harding. "Anything else to report? Venatori, or Red Templars in the hills perhaps? Dragons?"
"Some Red Templars are up to something in the hills," Harding replied. "But otherwise, not much from them."
"We should take care of them anyway," Eve continued before turning to face the rift. "Just to make sure. Thank you Harding."
"A pleasure, Inquisitor." she bowed before walking off to see to her other duties, whatever they may be.
"So uhh…" I began as I walked next to Eve. "What do you want to know?"
"Any thoughts on how to get to the rift?" she started, still staring at it. "Preferably without drowning?"
"If we had some diving suits we could swim towards it." I started. "But since we don't, I know there's a dam that we can use to drain the lake. The mayor should know all the details."
She sighed at that and just leaned on the walls. "I'm sorry I can't be of further help,"
"No," she waved. "It's fine. It's just that we can't leave without making sure that the village is safe at least."
"So much for me earning that ticket home," I sighed.
"Vic," Eve said as she turned round to face me. "You've earned your keep already, and will continue to contribute. I'm sure of it." she smiled. "Now let's get out there and save some villagers."
I nodded and followed along. Hopefully, she'll be right about it.
_
We walked along the shimmering surface of lake Calenhad for a while, following the King's road towards Crestwood. At least until we heard the distant clangs and clashes of battle just as we were climbing a hill
"Everyone," Eve ordered as she drew her weapons, "to me!" she roared before charging into battle.
I drew my own sword and followed her and the others over the hill. it was there on the top that I found myself staring at a horrible sight. Shambling corpses, most so rotten that they're more skeleton than zombie, armed with rusting, jagged weapons were battling against two figures in shining silver and blue along the crossroads.
"It's the Inquisitor!" one of them yelled as Eve slammed her shield into one of the shambling archers.
"WULD" I shouted, charging into the fray into one of the zombies. A quick slash through its neck, and the damn thing dropped dead. Again.
"Goddamn Zed," I roared as I dodged an attack from another zombie. "Jesus, they're faster than they look!"
"Yeah," grunted Bull as he bisected one with his giant ax. "It's because they're possessed by demons!"
"Oh," I said as I backed away from another zed's swipe. I risked a peek beyond my own fight to check on the situation. I found that I had managed to find myself on the right flank of the clash. Several of the zombies were shambling forwards in their long gait, and if I didn't do anything, trouble might abound. A good a time as any \ to perform some wizardry.
"ZUN HAAL" I shouted, forcing many of the zed to drop their weapons to the ground. Already the rest of the group used this to their advantage, with the warriors slashing apart the now defenseless zombies, while the mages burned or froze the rest with impunity. Varric and Sera provided covering fire, literally pinning down the few armed zombies left with well aimed shots.
Me? I went and joined Eve in slashing apart Zed like there was no tomorrow. Just, cutting and thrusting even as zed tried to dodge against our push. If it weren't for all the heavy armor around, and the zed actually trying to dodge, I'd have thought we were in a zombie movie.
By the time we had finished, Bull and Cassandra had finished off the stragglers and everyone else was gathering around the silver and blue individuals. Then I noticed the griffon emblazoned on their armor. These guys were Wardens.
"Inquisitor," one of them greeted. "It is an honor to meet you."
"What are Grey Wardens doing here in Crestwood?" Eve asked.
"We're searching for one of our own, Loghain… Warden-Commander Clarel has ordered his arrest." the first replied.
"Personally, I wouldn't mind if we had to kill him." the second said. "The bastard left many of ours to die."
"Aye, but orders are orders, friend." the first nodded. "And I think we've spent too much time here already."
"Could you stay?" Eve asked. "Help defend the village? It'll just be like the Hero of Ferelden at Redcliffe."
"I'm afraid we cannot," the first sighed. "Our orders prevent us from doing so… dark times are upon us Inquisitor." he bowed. "Farewell."
Eve sighed but bowed in return nonetheless, even as the Wardens marched off back the way we came.
"Goddammit," I muttered. "Can't figure out a way for them to join us," I muttered. "Too low on the totem pole to actually know anything about Corypheus I bet."
"They don't sound enthralled to me," Eve said. "Cassandra, any chance they are possessed?"
"No, I saw no signs that they were." she replied.
"Like I said, their fear drives them now." I sighed. "Good men, bad orders, and the fear blinds them to that."
She shook her head, and I noticed Blackwall cringing as well. "Let's just make our way to Crestwood," Eve said. "Maker knows they need our help now."
_
A few minutes walk along the road led us to the outskirts of the village. Even I could tell that it was mostly abandoned, save for this one elf those Wardens had saved. We'd convinced her to go join the Inquisition instead of the Wardens, so there was that at least.
Still, as we walked through the empty houses, wind howling through them, I couldn't help but feel extra jittery. My hand was twitching over my sword all the time, even though we had no sign of any zed so far.
"Wait," Eve said, signalling us to halt. "Trouble ahead." she said as she drew her sword. "To me!" she shouted as we once more followed her, around the corner and into a battle.
From the looks of things, we had just caught the beginnings of a battle between the village militia and the zombies. Already, dozens of corpses littered the field in front of the village palisade, and the only thing between the zombies and occasional demon were the militia holding on to dear life as they struggled against the onslaught.
So it was once again our job to save the day. "Inquisition!" Eve roared as she charged once more into the fray.
This time I was more prepared for zed's tricks. But the demons were something new. One of them, charged at me like a dark purply spirit, with a face that screamed horror movie and claws that could probably make mincemeat out of me STAT. I sidestepped its first swipe and took a slash at its rear, spraying ichor onto the ground.
"Well if it bleeds," I said as I dodged another attack. "We can kill it."
"Well said," Dorian said as I jumped out of the way of another swipe from the thing. Though I knew I couldn't keep it up forever. It was relentless in its fury and too fast for me to do anything but dodge. So I decided to cheat.
"TIID" I shouted, just as the thing began an attack.
Like that, everything just… slowed down. Inch by inch, I saw that thing's hands move ever so slowly towards me. This was bullet time. I smiled as I moved to its side and slashed it until time resumed its normal pace. By then, the demon had evaporated into nothing, and I turned around to face the rest of the battlefield. Everything was going well. The undead were being driven back, the demons long dispatched and everyone looked alright so far.
Then, a thump hit my chest. I looked down to find an arrow sticking out of my armor. "Well that can't be good." I muttered as everything faded.
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