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Dawn of Beginning	By : EunjiMinJeon Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 2459 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Age world nor characters.

Chapter List
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A few days later, the Herald received word from Orlais that a few of the Orlesian nobles would in fact be visiting Haven. Both Evelyn and Sirena were in the room getting fitted for their new clothes to wear for the nobles’ arrival. The American who wasn’t so new to Thedas anymore, glanced over at Evelyn, seeing she was able to stand still while she, herself, was struggling.
“Darling, you must stand still.” Vivienne said sternly which caused Trevelyan to let out a little snort. Her fake cousin looked over at her with a glare while mumbling under her breath. She did what she was told either way and stood up straighter to her full height so she wouldn’t get scolded again.
“Why do we need new outfits again?” Sirena asked wanting a reminder since she really hated trying on clothes and what not. “What’s wrong with our usual outfits?” The mage gave her a look that said the answer should have been obvious.
“The nobles will need to be impressed and in order to do that you two need to be dressed fashionably.”
“I have fashionable tastes…” She said adamantly. “It’s just not fitting here…” Josephine who was standing in the room raised a brow at the girl and shook her head in disproval.
“Vivienne is right and we need to do our best to get the nobles bedazzled. They are already impressed with the influence we have.” The Ambassador said while she looked at the women’s outfits. The Herald wore leather pants and armor that had the inquisitions eye on the front and her cape also had the eye. Sirena was wearing something similar to her cousin which caused her to wrinkle her nose in distaste.
“Looks good darlings; they fit nicely.” Vivienne commented as she looked the two women over in their new clothes. Sirena decided to ignore the compliment that was given since she personally hated what she was wearing and would rip it off if she could.
“Are the nobles coming soon?” The American asked knowing what would come after they came to Haven for a hopefully short visit.
“They should be here by evening and on the morrow, we will be going to Therinfal Redoubt.” Evelyn explained to the new Trevelyan so she could know the plan of what was to come.
“Joy…” The youngest woman said sarcastically since she knew what was going to happen. What she didn’t know before hand was that fact she was going with the Herald’s party until that day. The American stepped down from her pedestal, done with the fitting. “Am I free to leave then?”
“Yes, you may go.” With that dismissal from Evelyn and disapproving looks from Josephine and Vivienne, Sirena ran out the door while mumbling to herself when she was outside.
“This is real cruel for them to make me wear this god awful looking outfit. Talk about a fashion four-one-one crisis.” With a sigh, she walked at her normal pace towards the gates of Haven while listening to the sound of crunching when her feet stepped into the snow. For once the small village was slightly quiet except for children’s laughter. The adults including the army were doing last minute preparing for the Orlesian nobles. Sirena herself felt like she should stay out of the way as she roamed around a bit when she heard a voice call out to her.
“Hey! Blondie!” Her head turned towards the direction of the voice knowing full well who it belonged to. With a smile brightening up her face, she made her way over towards the bonfire where Varric was sitting to keep himself warm from the chilly air.
“Hey Varric, are you ready for the stuck up nobles arrival?” She asked with fake enthusiasm which had earned her a laugh from the dwarf. It was plainly obvious that mostly everyone was in fact not looking forward to it except for the few who were already used to it.
“No, and I don’t think anyone is.” He said shaking his head also just wanting this to get done and over with.
“Sadly, it has to be done. Have you seen Cullen?” The American asked while looking around. She had a feeling he would be commanding the troops as usual.
“On first name basis now eh?” Varric asked jokingly. She looked down after looking around and realized he was holding paper and a quill which made her wonder if he was writing another book.
“Yes, we are on first name basis. Are you writing a book about our adventures?” Sirena asked knowing full well he didn’t answer her first question.
“You will have to find out like everyone else.” He said with a smirk before answering her first question finally. “The Commander is with his troops doing Maker knows what.” She nodded her head silently.
“Thank you. Perhaps you could give me a few books to read that are not boring dry reads.”
“I’ll be sure to do that Blondie. Now go look for your Commander.” Her jaw dropped as her face turned pink from his boldness.
“He’s not- I mean- He isn’t my Commander.” She stuttered out as her face became redder. “I’m gonna go now.” The American said before walking off and letting her face get back to normal. Though, her face may keep the pink tint due to the cold. She made her way past the wooden gate to see Cullen’s back to her. With determination, she walked over to him to where she was behind him. She placed her hand on his arm and saw his head turned towards her.
“Do you need something Lady Laurelet?” He asked in a professional tone meaning he was in his commander mode.
“I was actually wondering if we could talk?” She asked ignoring the fact he had called her “Lady Laurelet”. The American was not at all used to the formalities that were required in the medieval times. Nor did she care to get used to it. In fact she hated it since it made her feel weird about it.
“Uh yes; lead the way.” Commander Cullen said before Sirena lead him over to an area where they could be away from eavesdroppers since people didn’t like to mind their own business. She then noticed his demeanor had changed from the commander to just the man which made her smile. As unobservant as she was, she seemed to notice little things about him. “Is there something wrong?” He asked with concern in his golden brown eyes as he looked at her.
“Oh! No! Nothing is wrong. As you know I will be leaving with Evelyn to Therinfal Redoubt…”
“I did in fact know that…” Cullen said slowly wondering where she was going with the conversation since she was repeating common knowledge that the important people knew about.
“I was wondering if maybe you could come with us…” The not so stranger said as she looked up at him since he was a foot taller than her while biting her lower lip. Hope had swelled in her heart as she waited for his answer.
The little inquisition party rode on horseback towards what looked like a large keep by the name of Therinfal Redoubt. Everyone could see the nobles waiting at the stone bridge for the Herald and her companions. After they had got closer, the party dismounted off their horses and walked the rest of the way towards the big group of Orlesian nobles. They were then escorted across the bridge when they heard a yell come from a man.
“The Herald of Andraste!” Evelyn stopped walking to face the person who called out to her. Her companions followed her lead. “Lord Esmeral Abernache; honored to participate. It is not unlike the second dispersal of the reclaimed Dales. Ah! Lady Vivienne! We met at last summer’s ball? The Duke introduced us.” The lord said turning his attention to the enchantress.
“Indeed, I could not possibly forget the occasion.” The mage replied with eloquence which Sirena felt she could never master. She watched as the woman walked away which made the Lord put his attention back on the Herald.
“The Lord Seeker is willing to hear our petition about closing the breach. A credit to our alliance with the inquisition. Care to mark the moment? Ten Orlesian houses walk with you.”
“The inquisition values this alliance, Lord Abernache. The Templars must see reason. We can’t let the breach endanger us any longer.” Trevelyan responded getting on the noble’s good side.
“Oh yes, ghastly-looking thing. The Lord Seeker can’t think we’re ignoring it.” The noble said while walking over towards the keep. “Speaking of which; I don’t suppose you’d divulge what finally got their attention? Rumor will if you want.” The Herald walked beside the man with Sirena in tow.
“What do you mean?” When the blonde woman heard their leader’s question, she slapped her hand against her forehead while shaking her head.
“The Lord Seeker won’t meet us until he greets the inquisition in person; quite a surprise after the spat in Val Royeaux.”
“The inquisition only asks the Lord Seeker help us close the breach.” Andraste’s chosen explained to the noble who seemed to be prying for information.
“Then it’s all been arranged by your ambassador. Let the diplomats work their magic if you trust them. Between you and I, the chantry never took advantage of their Templars. Wiser heads should steer them.” When Therinfal Keep’s gates came into view, Sirena’s stomach flipped-flopped nervously as she glanced at the man beside her to get a little comfort. She was happy that the Commander had decided to go with her, but at the same time she was very much afraid.
“Here we are! Therinfal Redoubt.” There were a bunch of nobles on the bridge waiting for the Herald of Andraste. Sirena and Cullen walked up to the two men and woman, getting ahead of Evelyn.
“It screams, “I hate fun and kick puppies”, doesn’t it?” Varric asked the others as he looked up at the foreboding stone building known as the keep.
“To me it screams “supernatural hotspot”.” The American answered hoping to get rid of some tension that was in the air.
“That was a rhetorical question Blondie.”
“You should have made that clear Shortie.” Blackwall then let out a grunt and shook his head in disproval.
“Does this happen often between the two?” Vivienne and Cullen shrugged their shoulders not knowing the answer themselves since it was the first time they have seen the two interact. It seemed, during the banter, everyone but Varric had paid attention to what was happening, especially the Commander, who tensed up after hearing the noble next to the Herald say something.
“It appears they’ve sent someone to greet you. Present well. Everyone is a little tense for my liking.” The noble said before walking off.
Sirena glanced over at Cullen before squaring her shoulders to try and appear taller than she was. It seemed like nothing was going according to plan. It was no wonder everyone was so tense. The American stayed back with the other companions while following their Herald.
“I see the nobles are wetting themselves. Lovely.” They heard Blackwall say, clearly also trying to ease down the tension that was still building.
“The Lord Seeker changed his mind about us rather quickly…” Evelyn said with slight suspicion as she started to run across the bridge. Everyone could hear the first enchanter speaking but couldn’t quite hear what she had said; especially Sirena who’s heart was beating loudly in her ears. The American stayed by the Commander’s side as the nobles talked amongst themselves. In the distance, thunder could be heard which made her jump. She really hated storms. Her eyes glanced up at the sky and noticed it got slightly darker like the rain was going to pour down.
Near the entrance of Therinfal Redoubt, the Herald walked over to the group of nobles to hear what they were saying. Being slightly observant, Sirena noticed all the Orlesian nobles wore masks all the time which made her ponder why they have that style. They finally walked to the gate house. As the short woman looked around, she could see stables on either side which she knew immediately were supposed to house horses but the stalls were surprisingly empty. She chose to stand still as she watched the Herald run around a bit.
“What is she doing?” Cullen asked quietly into her ear so only she could hear while watching Evelyn. His breath against her ear sent shivers down her back.
“I have no idea; probably looking for things.” The American responded just as quietly. She knew what was going to happen and she sure as hell was not looking forward to it. At all. It finally looked like the Herald was ready to do business since she walked up to the man who looked like he was waiting for the party. The noble somehow was able to sneak up beside the Herald as everyone followed her.
“I present Knight-Templar Ser Delrin Barris, second son of Bann Jerrin Barris of Fereldon.” Knowing then wasn’t the right time to make any comments, the American decided to keep her mouth shut for once which was apparently a wise decision considering no one else had spoken up. “Ser Barris, may I be so honored as to present Lord Esmeral Abernache…” The peasant said introducing the two parties. The Templar then walked up to the Herald with purpose before speaking himself.
“I’m the one who sent word to Cullen.” He glanced at the Commander who gave him a nod to continue to speak. “He said the inquisition works to close this breach in the veil.” Barris paused to look over at the other companions before continuing. “I didn’t think you’d bring such lofty company.”
“Barris… Moderate holdings, your family, and the second son?” The nobleman scoffed at the Templar causing both Cullen and Sirena to roll their eyes. It was clear that the noble thought Barris was beneath him. It disgusted the American since she didn’t come from a rich family herself. Even the dark Templar looked like he disproved.
“This… Promise of status has gathered interest from the Lord Seeker, beyond sense. The sky burns with magic, but he ignores all calls to action until your friends arrive.”
“Will the Templars stand with the Inquisition against the breach?” The Herald asked in her diplomatic voice since she had the training for as she grew up in a noble family.
“Only if we are allowed to leave and uphold our pledge.” Barris looked like he wanted to say something else but decided against it and instead stood right in front of the Herald. “The Lord Seeker’s actions make no sense. He promised to restore the Order’s honor, then marched us here to wait? Templars should know their duty even when held from it.” The young woman looked up at Cullen after Barris spoke and saw his jaw was clenched. She could tell he agreed about what was said.
“A Templar who remembers his responsibility; I am reassured.” Vivienne said, butting into the conversation. At that point the American was proud of herself for keeping her mouth shut since someone else couldn’t, it was actually a relief to her since it seemed she wasn’t the only loud mouth in the party.
“Win over the Lord Seeker and ever able-bodied knight will help the Inquisition seal the breach.”
“I get the feeling the Lord Seeker will need some convincing.” The Herald said with a bit of humor that even made both Varric and Sirena snicker quietly as best as they could.
“I wish I could reassure you. Lately, he sees no one but the officers, we’ve been asked to accept much after that shameful display in Val Royeaux. Our truth changes on the hour.” A gate could be heard closing in the distance to keep people in which made Sirena’s heart beat fast in her chest. The noble standing next to the Herald, snapped at Barris which earned him quite a few glares.
“Don’t keep your betters waiting, Barris. There’s important work for those born to it.” Barris glared at the noble before walking away. This was it. The point of no return. She clenched her hands into fists to keep them from shaking before anyone could notice. Everyone made their way inside the keep when the American saw the flags. She knew what they were there for.
“The Lord Seeker has a… Request before you meet him.”
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Dawn of Beginning