The Herald of Dragons (ASOIAF/GoT and Dragon Age

[Cirex101 AKA IRUn]

Under her father's bed, dressed in a nightshirt just her size, hiding, hiding from the men who came to kill them all. The door broke down, she could see boots, and the harsh voices of men. She covers her mouth, to hold in the whimpers, and silently prays to the Seven that they don't hear her; that they go go away, that they don't look under the bed, and that they don't find mother and baby Egg either. She wishes that Balerion was here. She wishes that Balerion could turn into a real dragon, and chase away all the bad men with fire.

He looks under the bed. Face like a pig, cruel, wicked and smiling. He grabs her arm, and pulls her out. She's screaming, so very loud, screaming for mother, guards, even father, though everyone says that he's dead. He raises the dagger, and brings it down. Warm blood is sprayed over her face.

Except it's not her blood. It's the cruel man's. A dagger tip pokes from the front of his throat.

It is a ghost.

A ghost killed him.

She sees it!

It's pale, so very pale, like it's sick; like her mother after she had Egg, but worse. It stabbed the cruel man. It has daggers in each hand, and is covered in blood. It's been killing the cruel man's friends.

It pulls out it's dagger from the cruel man's throat, and prys her loose from a dead man's grasp. She's screaming, crying.

Oh Seven!

She didn't want the cruel man to hurt her, but she doesn't want to be left alone with a ghost either!

It raises a hand to her head. Is this it? Has it come to take her away?

It opened it's mouth. It says a single word;

'Forget.'

===

"Wake up little one. It's time to wake up..."

Little Rhaenys Targaryen opened her eyes, meeting the gaze of her mother, Elia of Dorne.

Her head was resting in her mother's lap, and Rhaenys also saw that mother was holding Baby Egg as well.

"Mother?" Rhaenys asked, warily, "Are we safe?"

"Yes little one." Elia answered, tears forming in her eyes, "We are safe."

Rhaenys sat up and took in her surroundings. They were in a cramped wooden room, with a solitary small bed, and a single wooden door.

The whole room was rocking back and forth, and Rhaenys could hear the faint sound of the ocean outside the wooden walls.

"Where are we mother? Are we in the Holdfast?"

"No Rhaenys." Elia replied, "We are on a ship. A ship that is taking us far away from the Keep, the men who came to hurt us, and... and your Grandfather."

"How did we get here Mother?" Rhaenys asked as she turned to look up at Elia, "Last thing I remember was hiding under my bed when I heard the shouts, and then... and then..."

Elia wrapped her free hand around Rhaenys' head and embraced her daughter, "Shush little one. They can't hurt us now. I now it was terrible, but we are safe now. What happened to you-"

"But mother," Rhaenys interrupted, "I don't remember what happened after I hid under the bed."

For a moment Elia said nothing, "Perhaps that is for the best then child."

A gentle knock came from outside the door, "Princess Elia, are you decent? May I come in?"

"Yes, please come in." Elia said.

The door opened and in stepped a tall man. He was dressed in black long sleeved shirt, grey pants with leather boots and a red cape lined with silver. He had brown eyes, black hair, and a short beard, and looked to be about thirty years of age. An ornate dagger with a golden sun on it's handle hung from his belt, as well as a bastard sword, styled with a dragon motif.

"I'm sorry to disturb you Princess Elia, but the time has come for us to leave this vessel."

"We are making land so soon Lord Maxwell?" Elia asked, concerned, "We can not be very far from the coast."

Maxwell shook his head, "We're not docking, we are transferring to another ship, one of mine to be exact. We had to 'confiscate' the ship we are now on from her original owner in order to get you out of King's Landing, but it's sparsely supplied, and will run out long before we reach our destination. In about an hour we'll be boarding my ship, the Vinsomer. She'll be much larger than the tub we're on now, and we will be joined by a half dozen escort ships. The Vinsomer take us the rest of the way. It has enough supplies and fresh water to last for six months, and a larger cabin for you and your children. We're going through the Stepstones, so expect pirate attacks. Don't worry, my men and I shall protect you."

"Where is our destination exactly Lord Maxwell?" Elia asked with a raised eyebrow. "Are we going to Dorne, with my brother Doran?"

"No Princess. I fear there is no where on Westeros that is safe for you, or your children. Robert or Tywin will stop at nothing until you and your children are no longer a threat."

"Essos then? To Tyrosh?" Elia asked again.

"No, assassins could just as easily reach you there. We go far away; to a place beyond the reach of your children's enemies.

"We go my homeland; to Thedas."

"I... I see." Elia said, slowly nodding her head before looking Lord Maxwell in the eye, "We are in your debt your Lordship. Thank you for saving me and my children."

Maxwell bowed his head, "I am sorry that I could not do more for you Princess."

His brown eyes settled on Rhaenys, and he gave her a warm smile, "I see the little Princess is finally awake now."

Elia looked at her daughter and smiled, "Yes, she is. Rhaenys, you remember Lord Maxwell Trevelyan do you not? He's my friend."

Rhaenys nodded, "I remember him mother." she looked at Maxwell, "Thank you for saving us!"

Maxwell smiled, "It was my pleasure Princess Rhaenys."

===

"Come on people, we don't have long before we need to ship out for 'Thedas' Edge', and I don't want to be here before the Rebel ships come looking for us." Maxwell shouted on the deck of the Vinsomer as his crew scurried all around him, carrying the meager supplies from the ship that Elia and her children were on just minutes ago.

Elia was sitting on a bench, holding Aegon and keeping a hand on Rhaenys' (who was sitting next to her) shoulder.

When the Vinsomer pulled up alongside their starboard Elia saw that she was indeed a much larger ship; almost double in size, painted in black, and had a design entirely unlike any Elia had seen before.

Elia noticed several men and women carrying staffs and dressed in robes among the group that Maxwell had brought with him. She remembered several of them were part of the group that helped her and her children escape Maegar's Holdfast before Lannister soldiers could kill kill them.

She found it more than little curious that they wore no swords, or any kind of weapon for that matter.

"Lord Trevelyan!" one of the staff bearing robed men called to Maxwell. He was young, maybe in his mid twenties, and had long blonde hair and a short beard to match.

"The last of your party and the last of the cargo is on board the Vinsomer. Shall we sink the ship we arrived on now?"

"Leave no trace Enchanter." Maxwell said before walking over to Elia.

"You and your children will want to watch this your Grace. Few things are as impressive as watching mages work their magic."

"'Magic your Lordship?" Elia asked skeptically as she stood up, taking Rhaenys by the hand and followed Maxwell over to the edge of the deck, "Surely you jest. The pyromancers and charlatan wizards that my good-father Aerys was fond of could burn things as well, but I wouldn't call it magic. What will your mages do? Throw pots of wildfire at it?"

Maxwell smiled, "Just wait and see your Grace."

He nodded at the man he had addressed as 'Enchanter.' Enchanter raised his right hand, and motioned for the other men and women wearing robes and carrying staves to stand with him. Six men and seven women stood at the railings of the ship, gazing out on the ship that had brought them out of King's Landing.

"Mages!" Enchanter commanded, "Burn it!"

Moving as one, each mage raised their right hand. To Elia and Rhaenys' amazement fire emerged from their fingertips and shot at the smaller ship, setting the deck, sails, and other parts of the vessel aflame.

Enchanter raised his staff, and, as if he was gathering energy to him, conjured a giant fire ball in front of him, which then grew larger and larger with each passing second. He then released it, and the fireball shot forward and down at the other ship, exploding when it hit the deck, and setting even more of it on fire.

"Alright, I think that's enough. Good work Enchanter, she'll sink soon now." Maxwell said, and the mages ceased their bombardment of the smaller ship.

Enchanter bowed to Maxwell before he left, the other mages following close behind. Maxwell turned and smiled at the stunned Elia and Rhaenys.

"We do not have charlatan wizards in Thedas. We have real magic."

===

It was nighttime now, and the only lights came from either the moon and stars, or from the torches lit by the sailors.

Rhaenys, sitting on a crate, looked out over the railing of the ship to the northwest; the direction of King's Landing and Dragonstone, where her life had been.

Lord Maxwell had given them a new room; much larger than the one she had woken up on. There was a big bed as well, large a comfortable. Mother was asleep on it now, holding baby Egg tight least he be pried from her like so much else had these past few weeks.

It was all gone now. He rooms, her clothes, her friends, her toys. She thought of her old life, and found herself missing her rooms, her friends, her toys, and her dresses.

But most of all, she missed her cat, Balerion. She prayed to the Seven that he was all right.

Everything she had known was lost to her. Back in the Holdfast she had overheard the servants talk how it was her father's fault; how if he hadn't abducted the Stark girl, the war wouldn't have happened. Rhaenys couldn't believe that her father would do such a thing; kidnap a girl, and cause a war that got him killed, and would have gotten mother, and her, and Baby Egg killed with him.

'Did father even care about us, when he did what he did?' Rhaenys thought to herself, 'Was he thinking of us when he took the Stark girl?'

"Your father loved very much Rhaenys."

Rhaenys almost jumped out of her skin when she heard the voice. Quickly, she turned around, and came face to face with a pale skinned boy.

He looked sick, but not scary, and he wore a odd wide brimmed hat. He was dressed in clothes that were even odder.

"He loved you, even though he never said it out loud." the boy said, "You, and Egg, and your mother were in his thoughts. 'A dragon must have three heads.' He did what he did for you, though what he did didn't make sense, and he got a lot of people hurt. His intentions were good though."

"I..." Rhaenys said, "Thank you for your kind words Sir..."

"Cole." the boy said, "My name is Cole, and you don't have to call me sir. I'm not a knight."

"Cole..." Rhaenys whispered under her breath.

'Cole' smiled, "Yes, Cole. I help the hurt when I can.

"Here." he said, and he raised both hands to the brim of his hat and took it off.

Curled up on his head was a black cat. It raised it's head and looked at Rhaenys before immediately jumping off Cole and landing in Rhaenys' lap.

"It's- it's-" Rhaenys stuttered as the cat purred and rubbed it's head against her.

"It's Balerion!" Cole exclaimed as he put his hat back on his head, "I knew you would be lonely without him, so I got him for you out of Maegor's Holdfast."

"Balerion!" Rhaeny's exclaimed as she hugged the cat close, petting the cat's head before freezing.

"What happened to his ear?" she exclaimed. Balerion was, in fact, missing an ear, and white bandages covered his head.

"I'm sorry," Cole apologized, "Soldiers hurt him. He was trying to protect you, and the hurt him. I dressed his wounds. The Inquisitor helped. I'm sorry, but I couldn't save his ear."

"It's alright." Rhaenys said as she hugged the cat even tighter. She looked at Cole, "Thank you so much Cole. You have no idea how happy this makes me!"

"Oh, I may have an idea." Cole said with a smile. WIthout another word, he walked off, leaving Rhaenys alone with her cat.

===

"That was very good thing of you to do Cole." Maxwell said as he observed Rhaenys and Balerion from the shadows.

"I am Compassion Inquisitor, I help the hurt, you know that." Cole said as he sat down next to Maxwell.

"I know Cole, I know. Still it is remarkable; you carrying around that wounded cat in your shirt all throughout the fighting, just to make a lonely girl who's lost everything fell a little less lonely. You, my fiend, plan far in advance."

"I try Inquisitor." Cole replied.

"I noticed that when you were speaking to Rhaenys, you refered to me as 'Inquisitor' like you're doing now."

"I did?"

"Yes."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot that I'm not supposed to over here."

"It's alright Cole. Elia and her children are going to have to find out sooner or later. I'll tell them tomorrow. For now, they need sleep. We all do."

"I don't." Cole said, and Maxwell chuckled.

---

OOC: I'm a novice writer so please, be gentle.​

 

[Cirex101 AKA IRUn]

"So let me get this straight..." Blackwall said as he nursed a mug of ale, "You break into the Holdfast, kill at least two dozen men, abscond with Rhaegar's wife and children, and then you got the mages to burn that part of the castle so as to cover your tracks, all the while the Lannister army is sacking the city. Then you steal a random boat, and just sail out out Blackwater Bay like nobody's business. That about right Inquisitor?"

"That's about right." Maxwell said with a smirk.

About a half hour ago the Vinsomer had met up with it's escort ships; a half dozen swift caravels, all flying a banner featuring a white horse swimming in a blue sea, with two shores between it; the symbol of the Amaranthine-Sunset Trade Company. On the lead caravel was Blackwall, a member of Maxwell's Inner Circle. Blackwall had come aboard with the other captains so they could receive their marching (sailing?) orders from their Inquisitor. After this Blackwall had stayed behind in Maxwell's cabin, where they were catching up.

"Well then I'm sorry that I wasn't there to see it!" Blackwall exclaimed, and he drained the mug in one gulp, "It sounds like you could have used me, or any of the old crew there with you."

"My chosen agents and I were more than sufficient Blackwall. The only real challenge was Ser Gregor Clegane, who fell all the same."

"Clegane..." Blackwall said with a snarl, "I never liked that man. He was nothing more than a violent brute, entirely undeserving of knighthood. Now I'm really sorry that I wasn't there; I would have liked the chance to end his miserable existence myself."

"What's done is done Blackwall. Clegane is dead, along with his fellows, and their bodies are probably burnt to a crisp by now, along with at least half of the Holdfast. No point in spitting venom at a dead man."

"Of course you're right. Tell me though," Blackwall said, leaning forward on his chair, "When are you going to help them reclaim their metal chair?"

"By 'them' I assume you refer to Elia and her children?"

"Of course that's whom I refer to. A Princess of Dorne, and her children by Rhaegar Targaryen. You, the Inquisitor, rescued them, investing Inquisition resources, and slaying more than a few Westerosi in this endeavor. I understand that you're a friend of Princess Elia's, but that alone can't be it. Why else would you go to such lengths unless you mean to help them reclaim the Iron Throne?"

"Maybe one day Blackwall, but not today, tomorrow, or even next year." Maxwell replied, "The Inquisition doesn't have the manpower on this side of the world to fight a war against half of Westeros. Mace Tyrell will most likely throw his lot in with Baratheon when he receives the news that King's Landing has fallen, the Mad King is dead, and Princess Elia and her children all burned to death in the Holdfast. That leaves only the Martells, and you and I both know that they could give a spear to every Dornishman and still not have enough fighting strength to win against the combined armies of the Stormlands, the North, the Vale, the Riverlands, and now the Westerlands and eventually the Reach. No, Dorne will bend the knee to Robert Baratheon as well.

"Besides," Maxwell said as he leaned back in his chair, "I'm not entirely convinced that Westeros needs the Targaryens as their kings. Aerys was a madman in every meaning of the word; he lost the right to be king when he killed those Starks. We will see what kind of king Robert Baratheon will make. If he is a good king, we will do business with him like we did Aerys. If he or his heirs are unworthy of being king then... we'll have a replacement."

"You play a long game Inquisitor. One could mistake you for being Orlesian." Blackwall said, "So the Iron Throne isn't a priority at the moment, that's fine, but what do you intend to do with them in the meantime?"

"I'll take them to Skyhold. Elia will want for nothing, and her children will grow up safe and happy. I'll instill good traits and virtues in them. If the day comes that the Baratheons prove unworthy of kingship then I'll put Aegon VI on the Iron Throne. But until that day comes, they'll live in Thedas."

"Speaking of Thedas Inquisitor, just how much have you told Elia and her wee ones about how we're going to get there?"

"They know that we're sailing there."

"Saying that we're sailing to Thedas is like saying that a lit match is the same as a bonfire."

"Aptly put."

"You'll have to tell them before we reach 'The Edge'. It's not like you can just confine the lass and her little ones to that fancy cabin you gave them so they don't see it. They'll feel it. We all feel it whenever we go through. Feel it in our gut, no matter how far below deck we are. No use hiding it. Besides, from what you told me they've already seen Rion and his apprentices light up that wreck you 'borrowed' from King's Landing. Hopefully it won't come as too much of a shock."

"I intend to tell them when we get to the Edgefort Blackwall."

"I'll hold you to it Inquisitor." Blackwall said as he leaned back in his chair, "Since they don't know how we're getting there, is it safe to assume that Elia, and by extension the rest of Westeros, don't know who we really are?"

"You're correct Blackwall." Maxwell admitted, "As far as they know, we're simply the Amaranthine-Sunset Trading Company, making our fortune from carrying and selling wares from Thedas to Westeros and back. They don't know about the Inquisition, or who I really am yet, let alone that I'm the Herald."

Blackwall grunted, "You'll probably want to tell them that to. Wouldn't do for them to wonder why everyone's bowing to you and asking for blessings when we reach Ostwick."
​

 

[AZATHOTHoth]

It's Good, but who was the ghost?

 

[NeverDies]

It's Good, but who was the ghost?

Click to shrink...

It was probably Cole. Rogues can turn invisible in the game.

 

[Cirex101 AKA IRUn]

Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock, Shield of Lannisport, and Warden of the West, was not a happy man.

Mad King Aerys was dead, slain by one of his own Kingsguard, Jaime Lannister, Tywin's eldest son. Rhaegar was dead as well, killed on the Trident by Robert Baratheon. King's Landing was under the control of Tywin's army, and the remains of the Targaryen armies were standing down across the Seven Kingdoms. There was only one problem;

Five Targaryens were still unaccounted for.

The pregnant Queen Rhaella was missing, along with her son Viserys. Rumor had it that they had fled to the Targaryen's ancient seat of Dragonstone. Princess Elia Martell, wife of Rhaegar and mother of his two children, was also missing, despite all intelligence saying that they were still in Maegor's Holdfast.

Of course, the Holdfast did go up in flames. After three hours of fighting the fires Tywin's men finally put it out, and were able to search for Rhaegar's family, or their burnt bodies.

They found nothing except the charred bodies of Lannister men, including a barely recognizable and Ser Lorch (though miraculously, Gregor Clegane lived, albeit horribly burned, barely breathing, and unlikely to live much longer). Thus Lord Tywin was unable to confirm whether or not Elia and her children were dead or not.

Now Tywin had to deal with Lord Stark, who had arrived shortly afterward with the Northern host, and Tywin didn't have as large a token of fealty to Robert as he had initially wanted.

The death of Aerys would no doubt please Baratheon greatly, but Rhaegar's children still on the loose... that may damper his gratitude towards the Lannister contribution.

===

"My Lord Lannister!"

Tywin looked up from his desk and set his gaze upon the hapless page boy. He was in his tent outside King's Landing, which was still burning, studying maps of the Red Keep, Maegor's Holdfast in particular, hoping to divine where Elia and her children had went, all the while cursing Maegor himself for killing the builders of the secret passages in the Keep, so that only he would know them. Needless to say, this made the task of finding the Princess very difficult.

"What is it?" he snapped before turning his attention back to the maps.

The page bowed his head low, "A thousand pardons My Lord, but the Maester told me to update you on Ser Clegane."

"Well? Has he finally died then?"

"Actually, my Lord, he's awake. And he's talking, in full sentences no less!"

Tywin looked at the page. This was surprising news. Clegane should have died from his burns hours ago, and at the most should be screaming bloody murder, not speaking in full sentences. If Clegane was lucid then maybe he might be able to offer an insight as to where Elia and her children went.

"Take me to him at once!"

The page nodded and left the tent, Tywin close on his heels, followed closely by a half dozen guards.

===

"Ser Clegane. I hear you're not dead."

Gregor Clegane, know as the "Mountain that Rides," or simply "the Mountain," opened his eyes and looked at his liege lord Tywin Lannister. Gregor was lying on a cot much too small for a man of his size, and his body was covered head to toe with bandages and wrappings, though every now and then one could see the burned skin. They were in a covered tent, and the ground was covered in bloody bandages, while a maester knelt next to Gregor.

"My Lord Tywin," Gregor said, bowing his head (or attempting to), "How may I serve?"

"From what the maesters tell me is that between your wounds, the fire, the smoke, and a number of other details is that you should be dead ten times over. They were ready to hand you over to the Sisters at any moment. Yet here you are, not only alive, but also talking in full sentences."

Tywin began to pace, "This should be impossible. If I were a foolish man, I'd say this was a miracle; a blessing from the Seven. If I were a foolish man I'd say this was incredibly good luck. I am neither, but the hows and whys of your survival are of secondary importance to me now. What is important, is that you tell me everything that happened in the Holdfast. Now."

Tywin looked at his guards and the maester, "Leave us."

After a quick bow of their heads, they filed out of the tent, leaving Tywin alone with Gregor.

"Start from the beginning," Tywin said, "I gave you the task of infiltrating the Holdfast with Lorch and a dozen others. What happened then?"

"We did as your Lordship bade and scaled the walls. Lorch and I split up, each taking half of our men. I searched the lower levels and he took the top. I found Elia and her son and moved to kill them when I was ambushed."

"By whom?"

Gregor shook his head, "I don't know your Lordship. They wore armor, but no had heraldry or distinguishable markings of any kind. One of them did have a Thedan sword though. It was flaming-"

"That doesn't tell us anything." Tywin interrupted, "There must be somewhere between nine hundred to one thousand Thedan enchanted weapons in the Realm now, and it is safe to assume that there will be more in the years to come. Of these weapons most of them swords. Half the knights in Westeros have a flaming sword, my son Jamie has a flaming sword, Aerys made sure that all his household guard had a flaming sword, Rhaegar had a flaming sword, I have a flaming sword, Ned Stark has an freezing sword, Robert Baratheon has a warhammer that spits thunder and lightning."

Tywin sighed, "Is there anything else that you can tell me about the men who attacked you, or where Elia and her children have gone?"

Gregor shook his head, "No your Lordship."

"Then we're done here." and with that, Lord Tywin Lannister left Ser Gregor Clegane.

===

"I've finished talking with him." Tywin said to the maester outside the tent, "You may continue your ministrations."

"At once my Lord." the maester said, and barely walked a step towards the tent when Tywin grabbed his shoulder.

"Will he ever be able to fight again?" Tywin asked.

"It is too soon to tell your Lordship." the maester replied, "The deep wounds he sustained would kill most lesser men, and the fire that wracked his body burnt the flesh down to the bone in some places. It's truly a miracle that he's alive at all. Right now all we can do is give him milk of the poppy to numb his pain. The rest is up to the Seven."

Tywin said nothing at first. Then he nodded, let go of the maester, and began the walk back to his tent, followed closely by his guards.


===

Starkhaven

"... and with Wycome under siege, that brings three Marcher city-states that have suffered attacks by of the so called "Queen of the Marches" and her "United Marcher Army", all within a month of each other. Needless to say, this is troubling news."

Cullen looked out across the chamber. The nobility of the Free Marches were seated around a very long table in the palace of their host, the Prince of Starkhaven, Sebastian Vael, to discuss the latest threat to their continued existence;

The self styled "Queen of the Marches." No one knew for sure who she was, or where she came from. All that was known is that she was the greatest threat to Marcher independence since the Qunari first landed.

This 'Queen' had incited unrest among the commoners in Ansberg and Wycome, before seizing power in Hercinia, wresting control away from it's Countess. Less than a day later a mob had broken into the Margrave of Ansberg's keep, and hung him from one of his own chandeliers, along with his brothers and eldest son. The leader of the mob then swore fealty to the Queen.

It was then that the Queen had sent heralds to the rest of the Marcher City-States with a single message; submit to her or die screaming. The Duke of Wycome sent her Herald back to Hercinia in pieces. The Queen promptly made Wycome her first target, gathering up her "army," really more of a mob numbering in the tens of thousands, and set out to Wycome, raiding farms and villages along the way to keep her horde fed.

Wycome was currently under siege. At the latest intelligence, she had launched no attack yet... but that could easily change in the coming days.

The heads of the most powerful city-states decided that something must be done. Emissaries and leaders from Tantervale, Kirkwall, Ostwick, Markham (the city closest to the Queen's growing 'domain'), and other cities had gathered there in order to create a plan of attack against her.
Also in attendance were representatives from the Inquisition, specifically Commander Cullen and his staff.

"What we need to do now," said Sebastian Vael, clad in his iconic white armor, bow strapped to his back, "is raise our armies, march on Wycome and put an end to this 'Queen' before she raises Wycome to the ground and puts it's citizens to the sword."

"No one's debating that Prince Sebastian," said the Teryn of Ostwick, a heavy set man in large armor and a full red beard, mace strapped to his side, "Ostwick stands ready to end her reign."

"I respectfully disagree sirs." said the Lord Chancellor of Tantervale, who came dressed in Orlesian finery, "Is an army really necessary? The only thing holding this band of rabble together is the Queen herself. Should she die then logically her band of killers would implode. I can hire the Antivan Crows to do this. They are very reliable-"

"Like hell they are." Garrett Hawke, Champion and Viscount of Kirkwall interrupted, "The Crows have been trying to kill me for years but I'm not dead. I wouldn't trust them to kill the rats in basement let alone something as delicate as this."

"An assassination could make a martyr out of her." warned the Margrave of Markham, "It could propel her followers to new heights of depravity and violence. A defeat on the battlefield however will break their spirits. The only question is who would lead this coalition force?"

Sebastian spoke up, "I nominate myself. Starkhaven has the largest army in the Free Marches, it makes sense that we lead the coalition."
Immediately cries of disagreement and outrage erupted.

"I'd sooner hand over the keys to my city than march behind a Starkhavener!"
"Tantervale should lead!"
"Markham's the closest to them! We're the most at risk!"
"I won't stand for this!"
"Might as well bring in the Orlesians!"

It was at this point that Commander Cullen began pounding his fist on the table, "Order! We will have order! In the Maker's name stop this childish arguing!"

"Right!" Hawke yelled, "What he said."

Cullen glared at Hawke, muttered 'Typical Marchers' under his breath and waited for the yelling to die down before continuing, "If the thought of becoming subordinate to another City is too much for you to bear, then maybe the Inquisition could take overall command of the allied armies. Is this agreeable to you all?"

There was some general muttering among some of the rulers before the Teryn of Ostwick stood up, "I'll concede to the Inquisition's command."

Cullen let out a sigh of relief, "Thank you Teryn. Now, what about the rest of you?"

Sebastian and Hawke both stood up;

"Starkhaven concedes to the Inquisition command."

"Yes yes, so does Kirkwall."

Cullen nodded at them and turned to the rest of the rulers, "Three cities have agreed to this. I would have your answers as well."

===

"Shouting down a room full of Marcher Lords. Wish I could do that more often, but alas, as a Viscount I'm expected to maintain an air of... dignity! Yes, that's the word."

Cullen, Hawke, and Sebastian were sitting in one of the palace's lounges. Hawke was already drinking heavily while Cullen and Sebastian abstained.

"I don't think I'll ever get used to this life," Hawke said as he drained his second tankard of ale, "I fear that my friends may no longer recognize me after I become a 'dignified' noble."

"Don't worry Hawke, no one here would mistake you for a dignified noble." Cullen said with a smirk on his face.

"Ooo, good one Cullen." Hawke said sarcastically, "Good to know that all your time with the Inquisition gave you a sense of humor."

"Speaking of the Inquisition," Sebastian interrupted, "Cullen, I assume that you'll be the commander of this coalition?"

"You assume correctly Prince." Cullen replied, "With Inquisitor Trevelyan's continued absence overall command of the Inquisition's armies falls to me."

"How many years has it been since he left us for what's-it-called? Westeros?" Hawke asked.

"Three years Hawke." Cullen answered, "The Inquisitor has been on business in Westeros for three years."

"Forgotten all about ol Thedas hasn't he? Can't say I blame him. It has been five years after defeating Corypheus, and almost singlehandedly reestablishing order. After all that, this continent seems a bit dull by comparison. Adventuring in another world sounds exciting though. Maybe I should abdicate Kirkwall and take Isabela to see the new world. Perfect honeymoon if you ask me."

"Hawke, there is no way that we're letting you through that portal so you can go gallivanting off in Westeros. Knowing you you'd cause another war."

"Hey! I thought we agreed not to point fingers in regards to the mage rebellion. Unless those fingers are pointed at Meredith's statue/corpse thing. In which case that's okay. By the way, it's been almost ten years, and still, no one's brave enough to poke Meredith."

Cullen rolled his eyes. Then there was a knock at the door.

"Enter." Sebastian called out. An elven servant opened the door and walked over to Cullen before holding out a scroll;

"Message for you Commander. Urgent."

Wordlessly Cullen took the scroll and unfurled it, his eyes widening as he read the inscriptions.

"Good news?" Hawke asked, half jokingly, half hopefully, "I do hope it's good news."

"For once Hawke, it is." Cullen said smiling.

"In about two weeks time the Herald of Andraste will land in Ostwick."

 

[Shujin]

I really do like this, I dimly recall seeing an idea posted about a DA/ASoIaF cross with the Inquisitor rescuing Elia and her kids. I don't know if it was you or someone else, but I liked it then and I like it now. Tywin's little rant about everyone and their grandmother having an enchanted weapon did make me snort. Nothing seems off so far, guessing this is silly!Hawke. A bit odd as to be Viscount, silly!Hawke sided with the Templars? I wonder what their sibling is up to, hopefully living sibling at least.

Please continue.

 

[mistakenot]

It's Good, but who was the ghost?

Click to shrink...

It was probably Cole. Rogues can turn invisible in the game.

Click to shrink...

Cole is also a spirit (with human characteristics), so the comparison to a ghost is even more apt.

A bit odd as to be Viscount, silly!Hawke sided with the Templars? I wonder what their sibling is up to, hopefully living sibling at least.

Click to shrink...

On SB, IRUn said Hawke sided with the mages. I guess being appointed as Viscount of Kirkwall must be a post-Inquisition development, in this story. Carver's a Grey Warden.

 

[inirlan]

Interesting... I'm eagerly awaiting moar!

 

[Cirex101 AKA IRUn]

"My Lord Trevelyan?" a voice said through the closed door, followed a series of swift knocks.

Maxwell looked up from the cyvasse game he was playing with Elia. They were in his cabin, along with her children. Rhaenys was admiring the tapestries while Aegon slept in his crib.

"Yes, what is it?" Maxwell asked.

"Pardon me your Worship, but the lookouts have caught sight of 'The World's Edge.' We'll be landing there shortly."

"Thank you, that will be all." Maxwell said with a wave of his hand.

"Well your Grace," he said to Elia, "We're at the halfway point of our journey. Once we dock and resupply at the Edgefort we can be on our way to Thedas."

"That is good news." Elia replied and moved one of her elephants, "As comfortable as the cabin you've provided us, I miss the feeling of solid ground under my feet."

"A sentiment that I share your Grace. There are some things that I must tell you though; critical information about my homeland."

Elua leaned back in her chair, "By all means Lord Maxwell. I'm always fascinated when you tell me about Thedas."

"It's less about Thedas and more about my... business."

"Oh? Just your business then? Well, go one then; tell me more about the Amaranthine-Sunset Sea Trading Company."

"Alright then." Maxwell said as he leaned forward, hands clasped together, "First off, the Amarantine-Sunset Sea Trading Company is a front."

"A front? A front for what?"

"For the Inquisition. My real organization. The Company's real alright; it's just a branch that handles the trade between Thedas and Westeros."

"I don't understand," Elia said with a perplexed look on her face, "Why have a front organization in the first place?"

"Your father-in-law mostly." Maxwell said bluntly, "He was paranoid, delusional, and murderously sadistic. Do you really think he would have taken kindly to a group calling itself 'the Inquisition' on his shores?"

"No, probably not." Elia replied, "But when your first ship landed in Lannisport they introduced themselves as your front, and it was another two months before you were granted an audience with the King. How could you have possibly known that Aerys was mad then?"

"An Iron Islander ship tried to rob us." Maxwell said, "They failed. We interrogated the survivors. Turns out even the lowliest Ironborn reaver knows that Aerys was mad."

"Hmm." Elia looked at the cyvasse board, "I suppose that makes a certain degree of sense. Fine. So, what is it that your Inquisition does?"

"We're essentially keepers of the peace. Our diplomats keep conflict from breaking out, our spies roots out threats, and if need be, our armies crush them. We're also a very young organization. We were founded five years ago in response to a world gone mad. Since then I can say without ego that we are the most powerful organization on the continent."

"I see." Elia said, thoughtful look on her face, "And what station do you occupy in this 'Inquisition' of yours?"

"I'm the Inquisitor, the supreme leader of the Inquisition. On paper that means I lead it's armies, dispatch our agents, and meet with kings and empresses. In reality, I spend most of my time with three or so companions, where we then walk through monster infested dungeons, fight bandits who are stupid enough to attack me, and generally juggle dozens of social engagements a month. Most of my job involves going from one trouble spot to another, putting out fires, and making sure that everyone plays nice.

"It is tiring work, and truth be told, these last three years here in Westeros was my holiday, and it'll probably be another ten years before I get my next one."

"A holiday that has you infiltrating a hostile keep, and fighting your way through Lannister men. It seems that your work found it's way back to you." Elia said with a chuckle.

"Don't I know it." Maxwell grumbled, "On the bright side however, I did make a fortune selling enchanted weapons or enchanting weapons to half the knights in Westeros. And I did manage to get you and your children out of the Red Keep before... something happened. All in all, I'd say this holiday wasn't a complete loss."

===

"There it is, the Edgefort." Maxwell said to Elia as he leaned on the side of the Vinsomer, pointing at the island fort.

Elia looked at the direction he was pointing. What Maxwell called 'The Edgefort' was a stone fortress on an good sized island, which the Inquisition had named "The World's Edge'. It had four towers, and inner keep, and tall walls. It was lightly manned, and it flew the colors of the Amaranthine-Sunset Sea Trading Company. Built on grey rocks, the fort guarded a lagoon that, curiously enough, had a large arch that emerged from the water, went up for a good seventy feet, and then came down again into the lagoon. The arch was large enough that four Vinsomers could pass through it side by side and barely scratch the arch. The stone the arch was made out of was covered in ancient murals, depicting sea serpents. In fact, the arch itself was carved so that it looked like the spines of a sea serpent.

Elia took a closer look at the arch and realized something; the space between the arch was reflective. It wasn't an arch at all. It was a giant mirror! It was, however, unlike any mirror she had seen before.

"What is that large mirror coming out of the water?"

"That, your Grace, is what we Thedosians call an Eluvian. Constructed long ago by the Elves of Arlathan, it is a portal... between worlds."

"Between- do you expect me to believe that Lord Maxwell?"

"No, not really. Physical proof is far more convincing than words after all."

The Vinsomer sailed right into the lagoon, heading directly to the Eluvian, not diverting course, and that was when Elia began to get worried.

"In the name of the Seven Maxwell, stop the ship! You'll hit the glass and sink us!"

"Have faith your Grace. I didn't come all this way just to kill us all now."

When the Vinsomer's bowsprit was mere inches from the glass Elia threw up her arms to protect her face; surely this was it.

Instead nothing happened. There was no terrible sound of breaking glass. She lowered her arms and saw it;

The bowsprit was inside the glass, the area where it entered rippled like water. As the ship kept moving forward, the eluvian kept swallowing more and more, engulfing crates, and crew members alike. Maxwell was smiling at her before he was swallowed as well. Nervously, Elia put her left hand out in front of her, ready to touch the mirror's silver surface-

===

And the next thing she saw was Maxwell standing in front of her, still smiling.

"What... what happened?" Elia asked as she looked around, "I feel so very odd. Like a gust of wind blew through the pit of my stomach..."

The ship was in another lagoon, nearly identical to the one they had just been in. There was another fort as well, constructed in the same style as the Edgefort, except it was more heavily manned, and flying a curious banner; that of an eye inside a sunburst, with a flaming sword behind it.

"We are in the lagoon of an island that we call 'The Edge of Thedas' your Grace." Maxwell explained, a smug look on his face, "As for how you're feeling, well that's a side effect of passing through this eluvian. Truth be told none of the others made me feel like this." he mubled the last part before noting the incredibly confused look on Elia's face.

"That is a story for another time though. Congratulations are in order Princess Elia! You're the first Westerosi that we've let come through the portal. In two weeks time we'll reach my homeland."

Maxwell held his arms out, "Welcome to my world Princess Elia. Welcome to Thedas."

 

[Cirex101 AKA IRUn]

Ostwick

"There it is your Grace, the dual walled city of Ostwick, my birthplace."

The Vinsomer had finally made it to the Free Marcher city of Ostwick, and solid ground beneath their feet after several long months at sea would wonderful for more than one crewmember.

As she held Aegon and kept Rhaenys (who held Balerion tight to her chest) close, Elia looked across the harbor at the gigantic walls that protected the city from outside attack. They were impressive, but not quite the same level as the walls of King's Landing.

"When we dock, we'll move into a manor owned by the Inquisition." Maxwell explained, "We'll spend a few nights while the ship resupplies. Then we'll set sail for the Terynir of Highever in Ferelden. The rest of the journey to Skyhold is then overland. Without any trouble we should expect to be there within two weeks time."

"And with trouble?" Elia asked.

"With trouble, anywhere between three weeks to a month." Maxwell said, "But you need not concern yourself your Grace, I don't expect any trouble on our journey to Skyhold."

"Lord Maxwell," Rhaenys said, pointing with her finger at the docks, "Who are those people in black armor standing on the dock?"

Maxwell looked at the docks; sure enough there was a six and ten figures in black armor. Squinting his eyes, he could make out a white in in a sunburst design on each of their chests.

"Seekers?" he muttered, "What are they doing here?"

"Do you know them Lord Maxwell?" Elia asked.

"Yes I do. They belong to the Seekers of Truth, an order of men and women who serve Divine Victoria, the head of the Chantry. I told you about the Chantry didn't I?"

Elia nodded, "You did. Why are they here though? To welcome us?"

Maxwell shook his head, "The Seekers are too few in number and too important to be a mere welcoming party. Something must be wrong."

Maxwell noticed the concerned look on Elia's face, "It's me that they want to talk to your Grace. I wouldn't worry about you or your children. Regardless of what happens next, you will be on your way to Skyhold just as planned."

"I hope you are right Lord Maxwell."

===

The Vinsomer docked and the gangplank was lowered and Maxwell was the first to depart. Waiting at the other end were the Seekers. At their head was an elven women with black hair and pale skin. She was armed with a longsword whose pommel was engraved with images from the life of Andraste.

"Inquisitor Trevelyan?" the elf asked, "I'm not sure if you remember me, but we've met in the past. I am Sidona Andras, Seeker of Truth and Right Hand of the Divine. Her Holiness, Divine Victoria, is in Ostwick. She wishes to speak with you regarding current events. Only you."

"Cassa- I mean, Victoria is in Ostwick?"

"Yes your Worship, and she suggests that you come speak to her at once."

"I see." Maxwell said, "Very well, take me to her."

He turned to the Vinsomer "Captain Jonas?" he called out.

"Aye Sir?" came the reply from the ship.

"Have Blackwall round up a few dozen men to take Princess Elia and her children to the manor. Tell him to wait for me there. I have some business with the Divine."

===

Seeker Andras led Maxwell through the surprisingly empty streets of Ostwick to the manor house of House Wesec, tenth most powerful family in Ostwick, and supporters of the Chantry.

"Bann Wesec graciously lent Most Holy his manor while he and his family are away on holiday." Andras explained as she opened the front door to the manor, "Many things have changed while you were away Herald. Not all of them good. Or, most of them."

"That sounds ominous." Maxwell supplied as he looked around the manor. It was filled with clerics, servants, and even more Seekers, mostly human men and women, but also a few elves and, most surprisingly, one Qunari.

"It seems that the Seekers are more open with their membership these days." Maxwell observed, "But I doubt that is what Victoria wants to talk about. I get the feeling that whatever it is that she does want talk about has to do with why Ostwick seems to be almost empty."

"That among other things your Worship." Andras replied before opening another door.

"Your Holiness," she called out, "Inquisitor Trevelyan has arrived."

"Good." came the blunt reply, "Send him in, then leave us."

Andras bowed her head, and motioned for Maxwell to step in. He did so, and Andras closed the door.

Divine Victoria was dressed in her signature black robes and hat, as well as a sword at her side. She was tall and as formidable now as she was back when Maxwell had known her as Cassandra Pentaghast back during the early days of the Inquisition.

"Your Holiness." Maxwell said as he bowed his head, "It is good to see you again. It has been a while."

"Three years Inquisitor Trevelyan." Victoria said, "It has been a long time, and I wish that our reunion were under happier circumstances, but that is not to be. We have work to do."

She motioned at one of the couches in the room, "Have a seat, there is much to discuss."

Maxwell walked over to the couch and sit down, Victoria taking grabbing a chair and moving it to directly face him before sitting down herself.

"Your Seeker Andras said that much has changed since I was gone." Maxwell said, "Does it have anything to do with the fact that half of Ostwick is hiding in their homes?"

"Indeed." Victoria replied, "There is trouble in the eastern Free Marches. A women calling herself "Queen of the Marches" has taken over two city states, and is laying siege to a third. She has publicly announced her intent to bring the other Marcher city states into her 'domains.' She has a mob numbering in the tens of thousands which she passes off as an army, and she has used the wealth stolen from Ansberg and Hercinia to bring several sellsword companies under her banner. Every city in the Free Marches fear that they'll be next."

"That's insane!" Maxwell shouted, "How could anyone take over two Marcher cities so quickly?"

"There are those of us who suspect that she's a maleficar, and that she used magic to sway the people of the Marches to her 'cause,' but none of us know for sure."

"If she is a maleficar, how could the Chantry let her get away with all this for so long? Isn't that what the Templars are for? For that matter, how could the Inquisition let her take over two cities right from under our noses? These are the Free Marches for Maker's sake, not some backwater like the Kocari Wilds."

Victoria looked at her hands, "Things are more fragile than any of us would like to admit Inquisitor."

"How do you mean?"

"The Templar Order and Circle of Magi have been reformed yes, but both groups are severely undermanned. Corypheus took control of the rebel Circle Mages during the War, and controlled at least half the Templar Order through Red Lyrium. Most of those Templars who remained uncorrupted remain with the Inquisition, save for a few dozen who train the new recruits. We've only just managed to reestablish the Circles in Ferelden and Orlais, but those in the Free Marches, Nevarra, Antiva, and the Anderfals still lay empty save for a handful of mages and Templars."

"What of the Inquisition?" Maxwell asked, "Our agents were everywhere during the Venatori Conflict, including the Free Marches."

Victoria shook her head, "Though she would very much like us all to believe it not even Sister Leliana has eyes and ears in every corner of Thedas. You'll have to take the matter up with her, though the blame shouldn't fall solely on her shoulders."

Maxwell nodded his head, "So, is there a plan to deal with this Queen?"

"There is." Victoria replied, "The remaining cities are gathering their armies under the banner of the Inquisition at Starkhaven. Commander Cullen has taken temporary charge of the coalition, but I want you to relieve him."

"Me?"

"Yes Inquisitor, you." Victoria said with a demanding tone of voice, "You have been in Westeros for three years, and many in Thedas say that you have been neglecting your duties as the leader of the Inquisition in favor of adventuring in a foreign land. There are opportunists who have taken advantage of your absence.

"Factions within Orlais that seek to oust the Inquisition from their borders. Templar and mage holdouts from the Rebellion still fight with one another in corners of the Free Marches. And your extended absence raised the question of who will lead the Inquisition when you are gone. The Qunari are becoming more and more belligerent with each passing year. They look at this unrest in the Free Marches and no doubt see an opportunity."

"These people who think I have neglected my duties... are you one of them Cassandra?"

Victoria said nothing.

Her silence spoke volumes.

"I see..." Maxwell muttered, clasping his hands together, "So, you want me to lead this Marcher alliance to show the world that I back, and that I take my duties to Thedas and the Maker seriously?"

"More or less."

"I understand. You are right of course." Maxwell said, standing up, "I have been away far too long. It's time to go back to work."

He walked over to the door and grabbed the handle before stopping, "I have some guests that I brought with me from Westeros. I'll need to make arrangements to see them safely to Skyhold without me. It shouldn't take more than a day at the very most. When I'm done with that, then I'll ride to Starkhaven to take command."

Cassandra nodded, satisfied, "Do what you need to, but don't take to long. Time is a luxury we don't have."

===

Practice Field, Castle Cousland, Highever

"... then I said, not if I cut your head off first, you sodder!"

Thunderous laughter broke out among the soldiers. The elven messenger paid them no mind. She had heard the dwarf tell that joke a million times before, and as long as he was here, she'd probably hear him tell it a million more times.

The message she carried bore the seal of the Herald of Andraste, and it's intended recipient was just as, if not equal to him in fame.

Near the training dummies were two sparring humans; one adult clad in blue and silver armor, the other a boy of perhaps fourteen years of age, who dressed in purple and maroon clothes. The boy held the practice sword expertly, demonstrating many long hours of practice.. The man wielded his blade as if it were an extension of his arm. It seemed like no effort went into his swordplay.

"Commander Cousland?" the elf called out. The two sparrers stopped and the man turned around.

He was in his mid-thirties, and had blue eyes and closely shaved brown hair. His face possesed years of experience.

"I have a message for you Commander." the elf said as she held out the message in question, "It's from the Herald."

"So it is." Cousland said as he took the letter, "Thank you, that will be all."

The elf bowed low and left. Cousland opened the letter and read it, a smirk forming on his face.

"What is it father?' the boy asked.

"It's from the Inquisitor. It seems he requires me to hold onto my end of the bargain by escorting his "guests" to Skyhold."

He turned and looked at the boy, "How do you feel about a road trip Kieran?"

"Can mother come as well?" Kieran asked.

"That's up to her, son."

 

[Shujin]

Yay Warden!

 

[Cirex101 AKA IRUn]

Highever Port, Highever, Ferelden

"Right then your Grace, watch your step, the gangplank's a bit wobbly."

"Thank you Captain." Elia replied as she walked down the plank, holding Aegon in one arm, and holding onto Rhaenys with the other.

Maxwell had to leave them at Ostwick, explaining that a war to the east required his attention. He had promised them safe passage to Skyhold though, and he would deliver. He had informed them that a party of seasoned (and most importantly, trusted) warriors would escort them the rest of the way.

"Mother, why does everything smell like a wet dog?" Rhaenys said as she scrunched her nose.

"I may have an idea..." Elia replied as she saw a pack of dogs run past.

A small group of men and women in amor walked up the docks in their direction. They wore blue and silver armor, each one decorated with a two headed griffon.

"Princess Elia?" the apparent leader, a man with a short black beard and shoulder length black hair, said, "I am Senior Warden Nathaniel Howe. I'm to escort you, your children, and your belongings to Castle Cousland."

He motioned with his arm, "Please, follow me."

"I thank you Warden Howe." Elia said, and did as she was asked. The other soldiers formed a close circle around them as they made their way to the castle.

Maxwell had informed her that the people escorting her to Skyhold were called 'the Grey Wardens,' an independent military order devoted to fighting something called 'darkspawn.' Apparently they could recruit anyone at any time to fight these darkspawn, and Elia's mind instantly drew comparisons to the ancient brotherhood of the Night's Watch. Maxwell said that there were several key differences between the Wardens and the Watch (the key being that both men and women could serve the Wardens), but he could think of no better comparison. Elia did not know what the darkspawn were, but suspected they were to the Thedosians what the WIldlings were to the Seven Kingdoms (the North specifically).

Speaking of the North, in several ways Ferelden reminded her of the North. Fereldens dressed plainly, eschewing the fanciful dress she had seen among the nobility of Ostwick, or heard about in Orlais, preferring leathers and furs, much like the North. However, Fereldens were much more personable and friendly compared to the grim Northmen, and perhaps her comparison between the two peoples was an unfair one.

It took about ten minutes of walking before they reached the Castle. The gate was closed, and several guards stood watch.

"Halt! Identify yourself and state your business!" one of them called out.

"Raydrik you daft bastard, you know full well who I am!" Howe shouted back.

"Sorry Nathaniel, but orders are orders." Raydrik said, 'Just tell me your name and state your business."

"Fine then." Howe said in an annoyed tone, "Senior Warden Nathaniel Howe, bringing the guests of Teryn Cousland and Warden-Commander Cousland to the main hall."

"There, was that so hard?" Raydrik asked as he knocked on the gate. A second later, the gate slowly opened.

"Go on in!"

===

The great hall was filled with the people of Highever, from the local nobles sworn to the Couslands, wealthy merchants, and the leaders of the Highever Alienage; men and women from all walks of life (as well as a dozen dogs) looked at Elia and her children as they were escorted to the Teryn, Fergus Cousland.

Fergus Cousland stood at the end of the hall, where instead of a throne, there was a great fireplace. Cousland was dressed in high quality leathers and furs, and had shoulder length brown hair and a bread that went down to the bottom of his neck.

Next to the Teryn was a man wearing Grey Warden plate armor. His hair was cut extremely short, and he carried an unusual blade at his side.

"You must be Princess Elia Martell." Fergus said, arms outstretched, "I welcome you to Highever, I am Teyrn Fergus Cousland, but you might have already known that."

He gestured to the Warden standing next to him, "And this quiet one here is my brother Aedan, Commander of the Grey Wardens of Ferelden." Aedan didn't say anything; he just nodded politely.

Elia smiled, "I thank you , Teryn Cousland, for opening your hearth and home to my children and I. If I may, could I ask that you, the Commander, and I speak privately?"

"Of course." Fergus replied, "Please, right this way."

===

"I admit, when I heard that the Inquisitor had brought over a 'guest' from Westeros I didn't know what to think." Fergus said as he poured some wine for Elia, "And that he requests that my brother and a dozen of his best Wardens escort this guest back to Skyhold? I must say, this has becoming very interesting."

The three of them sat at a table in a private room. It was decorated with a painted wooden carving of some ancestor of the Couslands fighting in a battle. The fires from the torches were the only source of light.

"We can talk about how this is all so 'interesting' later Fergus." Aedan said, refusing wine, "Right now we must plan our journey to Skyhold, if that is alright with you Princess Elia."

Elia nodded, "Yes, it is. I am eager to end my long journey."

Aedan pulled out a large scroll from his pouch and unfurled it, revealing it to be a map of Ferelden.

"Right now we're here, in Highever City," he said, tapping on the icon representing Highever on the map. He then pointed at the icon representing Skyhold, which just so happened to be in the middle of a mountain range, "and here is Skyhold, our ultimate destination, and probably the most securely defended location in Thedas.

"We'll leave tomorrow morning, after breakfast. You and your children will travel in a horsedrawn carriage, while the possessions that you brought with you will be placed in the baggage train behind your carriage. My Wardens and I will then lead you to Skyhold. We'll take the Imperial Highway as close to the Frostbacks as we can, and if we make good time each day, we'll stop at designated inns nightly. Eventually however, the we'll have to leave the highway and travel on rough terrain. Provided we don't run into any trouble on the road, we should manage to reach Skyhold in a week's time. Do you have any questions your Grace?"

"No, the plan appears sound." Elia said, "I thank you for agreeing to Lord Maxwell's request to escort us Skyhold Commander Cousland."

"You're quite welcome Princess." Aedan said as he bowed his head, "Maxwell did a great service to my Order once several years ago. This is how I repay him."

"Well now, with all that out of the way, I must ask," Fergus interrupted, "Did you really come through an eluvian? Come from another world?"

Elia blinked, "How do you know about the eluvian? Lord Maxwell said that it's one of his Inquisition's most closely guarded secrets."

"I know because Aedan told me." Fergus explained, "And Aedan knows because his wife is the foremost expert on eluvians. She was the one who helped the Inquisition control it."

"First, Morrigan isn't really my wife." Aedan explained, "We've never actually gotten married."

"Well she might as well be little brother." Fergus replied teasingly, "You do have a son together and you keep no other women."

"She is your paramour then." Elia interjected.

"Paramour your Grace?" Aedan asked.

"In my homeland of Dorne a paramour is the unmarried lover of a noble. It is more than being a mere mistress. A paramor is given a degree of social status, and some are treated as a wife in all but name."

"That sounds like you and Morrigan little brother." Fergus said with a wry smile, "Perhaps you should start using that term. Certainly sounds better than what you use to describe yourselves now."

Aedan grunted, "Back to the eluvian, the Inquisition doesn't actually control it. It's more like an open door; one may pass through it, but cannot open and close the door at will. Also, we're not entirely certain about Westeros' position relative to Thedas."

"How do you mean?" Elia asked.

"The eluvians were built by the ancient elves. They built no roads, but the eluvians served as a travel network; the lifelines of their empire. All eluvians are connected. Most lead to other places in Thedas, some go to different worlds entirely. The huge eluvians that the Inquisition uses to travel to Westeros and back... are strange."

"Strange?" Fergus said curiously, "In what way?"

"In that they're only connected to each other, and, as far as Morrigan can tell, not to any of the other, smaller, eluvians. As if they're part of their own, separate network. Morrigan doesn't know why the ancient elves would want to create an eluvian separate from the rest of the network, but it may have to do with their size; what with being large enough for ships to sail through.

"Which brings us to our next point; the position of Westeros to Thedas. Inquisitor Maxwell suspects that our two continents are on separate worlds. There is some evidence to support this; your seasons can last for years, and you have no mages like we do, and the tales of magic Westerosi have say absolutely nothing about demonic possession."

Aedan leaned back in his chair and crossed his finger, "However, some elements of the Inquisition believe that both Westeros and Thedas exist on the same world, and that the eluvians simply exist to cut down on sailing time."

"I'm sorry to interrupt," Elia interrupted, "but what was that about mages and demonic possession?"

===

"Balerion! Balerion! Where are you?" Rhaenys called out.

It was nighttime, and the young princess was looking for her cat, who had somehow gotten out of their room and was now wandering the halls. It was up to Rhaenys, of course, to find him and bring him back to her room, before something, like the dogs (they were everywhere!) found him.

She had been searching for fifteen minutes, and by now her short legs were beginning to tire. If she was out for much longer she didn't know if she could find Balerion and make it back to room.

She had just entered another hallway when she saw it; a one eared black cat, perched on the helmet of a suit of armor, set out on display. Rhaenys' joy at finding her cat soon turned to horror when she saw what was below him;

A dog. A huge dog, with a short tail, large muscular legs that propped up an even bigger body, and a huge head with an equally large mouth, with teeth the size of her pinky finger.

It was in front of the armor, and every few seconds it barked at Balerion, before getting up on it's hind legs and placing it's front paws on the chestpiece, making sniffing noises as it tried to smell the much smaller cat. Balerion hissed at the beast and swiped at it, but the dog was out of clawrange.

RHaenys froze; her cat was being attacked by a dog bigger than she was tall, and no one was around to help! Balerion was one of the few things she had left from her life in Westeros, and she couldn't lose him as well! So she did the only thing she could do...

Scream.

"Stay away from my cat!" she yelled at the dog.

The dog turned towards her direction, and tilted it's head when it saw her.

"You leave him alone, right now!" she demanded. She was buying time, hoping that someone, a servant maybe, would hear her voice and come to help her and Balerion.

"You should be ashamed of yourself, picking on a little kitten like that!" she scolded the dog.

The dog responded... by flattening it's ears and whining, shrinking away from her. Balerion took this opportunity and jumped off the helmet ran over to Rhaenys, and leaped into her arms.

Rhaenys started to step away from the dog, when she backed into something solid. She looked up and saw a tall boy staring down at her.

"Now what's going on here?" he asked playfully as he walked over to the dog. The dog stopped whining and ran over to the boy before standing on it's hind legs and began licking his face.

"Down Rabbit, down!" the boy laughed, and the dog did as he was told. The boy then cast his gaze on Rhaenys and a shaken Belerion.

"I apologize, he was just trying to say hello. Unfortunately, Rabbit forgets that not everyone's as big as he is. He still thinks that he's a big puppy, don't you boy?" he said as he wrapped his arms around the dog's neck and kissed it on the head. 'Rabbit' let loose a happy bark.

Rhaenys calmed down considerably. It wasn't a mean dog trying to eat her cat. He was just trying to say hello.

The boy addressed her again, "You're Princess Rhaeneys Targaryen aren't you?"

She nodded, "Yes, I am."

"I thought so." he said as he scratched behind the dog's ears, "My name is Kieran Cousland. My father and I are going to be escorting you and your family to Skyhold tomorrow."

He looked at Rabbit, "Say you're sorry to the Princess and her cat Rabbit."

The dog let loose a confused whine and tilted it's head, "It doesn't matter if you didn't mean it, you still scared them. The only polite thing to do about it is apologize."

The dog walked about halfway to where Rhaenys was standing and let loose a series of short barks.

"That's dogspeak for I'm sorry." Kieran explained.

"How does he know what you're saying?" Rhaenys asked as she slowly approached Rabbit, holding out one of her hands. Rabbit closed the rest of the distance and sniffed her hand, before covering it with his large tongue. Rhaenys giggled.

"He knows because he's a Mabari. Mabari aren't just dogs, they're magic dogs. A long time ago, mages created them to have humanlike intelligence They say that a mabari is clever enough to speak, but wise enough not to.

"I'd go on, but it's late, and you, Princess, have to get up early like the rest of us if we want to make good time tomorrow."

Rhaenys nodded and turned around. She started walking, but then stopped suddenly.

"Is something wrong?" Kieran asked.

"I... I don't remember where my room is." Rhaenys admitted.

"Well we can't have you sleeping here in the halls now can we?" Kieran said, 'Let me see if I can't help."

He bent kneeled in front of her and cupped his hands together. To Rhaenys amazement, a small green flamed appeared in them. The flame then took the shape of a butterfly, flapping it's wings. It flew away from Kieran, and went around the corner of the hall, Rhaenys' eyes following it.

"Follow it," Kieran instructed, "and it will lead you to your bed. Do you understand?"

Rhaenys nodded, and dutifully followed it around the corner.

When she was out of sight, Kieran turned his eyes towards the other end of the hall, and smiled.

"I see you Compassion." he said, "Did the Inquisitor send you to keep an eye on them?"

Cole stepped out from behind the suit of armor, "The Inquisitor did." he answered, "Elia is his friend, and he wanted to make sure they were safe. So he sent me. I'm quiet, and no one notices me unless I want them to. I help. I protect."

"I know you do Compassion, it's your nature." Kieran replied.

Cole shook his head, "My name is Cole. Please, call me that."

"Very well then, Cole it is." Kieran let loose a short whistle and Rabbit came to his side.

"How did you know I was there?" Cole asked, "I'm usually very quiet."

Kieran shook his head, "You don't have a connection like mine, and not have it leave an impact on your... outlook."

===

He hid behind a pillar, eyes on the Wardens and their "guests." THe Wardens were saddling up their mounts, while servants loaded supplies onto the baggage train. The foreign princess and her brats were climbing into the carriage.

At long last, their day had come. He needed to send a messenger bird to the Knight, inform her that their target was leaving Highever for Skyhold.

At long last, justice would be done.​

 

[Shujin]

You've got a random paragraph with a smaller font (at least at the time I'm writing this, dunno if you caught it). Be careful of redundant phrases, like so:

Speaking of the North, in several ways Ferelden reminded her of the North.

Click to shrink...

Here, for example. The second 'North' really isn't needed and interrupts reading flow. That being said, the end was strange. I'm wonder who has a stick up their butt?