Adult-FanFiction.org : Games

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
- 29
- 30
- 31
After she had stepped out into the fresh air, the young woman felt relieved after the conversation she had. She was glad that he had accepted things. Sadly, the relief she was feeling had vanished quickly when she thought about her next destination, the area where Cassandra practiced her swordsmanship at. Her heart beat faster as she approached the training area grounds, more specifically where the dummies were at. It made her wonder how mad the seeker was going to get. Perhaps it was better to get the woman drunk. Of course, the woman was all work and no play which meant getting her intoxicated was out of the question.
Once she made it to where she needed to go, the young American watched the older woman slash her sword into a dummy like she was pissed off about something. The woman intimidated her and that was putting it lightly. Sirena waited till the woman was done slashing and hacking. When she noticed Cassandra had stopped working, the young woman glanced down afraid to even speak up. Alas! Sirena knew what she had to do. Finally raising her eyes up to look at the short dark-haired woman, she noticed Cassandra was looking at her with a raised brow. It was clear that she was waiting for the girl to say something.
“Cassandra, I need to have a talk with you.” The young outlander said with confidence that she did not feel whatso ever. Though, as the saying goes: fake it till you make it. During the conversation, she was going to need it.
“And what might this talk be?” Her arms crossed over her chest like she was looking down at the one who was younger. Did the short haired woman already know what younger one wanted to chat about? Sirena nodded her head to indicate to the Seeker to follow her. She made her way toward a building that wasn’t in use. Once she entered the place with the intimidating woman, the door was shut behind them.
“So, I’m sure you have heard the rumors…” Was that a nod she saw in the semi darkness? Before she could think too much on it; it was now or never to tell the strict woman about the relationship she had with Cullen. “Here goes nothing… The rumors are true. Cullen and I are seeing each other.” Her blue-green gaze remained steadfast on Cassandra. It was very clear to Sirena that the woman was not at all pleased by the information she had received.
“I do not approve. The relationship can be a distraction from your jobs for the Inquisition.” At least it was something she had expected. However, it still didn’t make it things easier for her. Was there a way to prove otherwise? Cullen was in his early thirties; he should be trusted to make wise decisions. Now, she understood if she couldn’t be trusted for, she was young and may choose her lover over the greater good if that was ever to be the case.
“If we can prove that we can have a relationship and focus on the Inquisition, will you approve then?” At that point, Sirena felt like she had something to prove. Though, at the same time, she felt like she shouldn’t have to put up with those who disprove. It wasn’t their business to begin with.
“If you both focus on work as well then, I won’t stand in the way of you two. But if you don’t succeed then I will voice out my opinion more loudly than I am now. More preferably, you two will realize that the relationship is folly.” The seeker paused as it looked like she was carefully thinking about her next choice of words. “In the off chance that things do not work out, what’s going to happen then? One or both parties will be hurt.” What the dark-haired woman said did make sense to the blonde if one was a logical thinker.
“I will take your concerns into consideration.”
“I really hope you do. The Inquisition needs the Commander.” With that, Cassandra walked away, leaving Sirena where she stood; alone in the building. Did that woman really made her negativity make sense? While shrouded in silence, the young woman made her way out of the place and headed towards the stables. She really needed to go for a ride. Of course, she wasn’t going to go too far; only far enough to get her thoughts straight.
Her tread was silent for the most part. The only sound there was were her feet kicking the loose pebbles that were on the dirt path. She soon had approached the small area where the merchants sold their wares to customers. Some had even called to get her attention. When they noticed she was ignoring them, they gave up. Since the stables were close by, Sirena quickened her steps to get to her destination faster. Just ahead, she saw her Friesian horse, Hwan Sang. As soon as she had made it to her stallion, the young woman grabbed the bridal from the wall then placed it on her horse’s head. That day, she did not want to waste time by putting on a saddle. Instead, the outlander decided to ride bareback.
With effortless movements, the young woman mounted her steed and left Skyhold’s fortress in a trot. Once she exited the metal gate, her horse’s, Hwan Sang’s gate turned into a canter. Due to her blonde hair being loose, her locks waved and bounced in the wind along with her majestic creature’s movement. She finally felt some freedom. It had been months or possibly less when she somehow left her world and came to Thedas. That also meant she hadn’t been on the computer or any electronics for a while. At first, the urge to get on a computer or her PlayStation was strong to the point of nail biting, irritability, and anxiousness. Sadly, for Sirena, she was cut off cold turkey. Because of her addiction, she was filled with worry and fear all the time and even had to fight depression which she knew wasn’t healthy for her but she couldn’t help it. The constant reporting accounts and deleting comments that spoke ill of her that were filled with nothing but defamation and libel. There was nothing she could do to stop it and that made it worse for her. Luckily, Thedas had saved her. Literally, it had saved her life and mental health. In fact, she was very much grateful.
Pulling on the reins, the Friesian horse halted in his steps. The outlander tilted her head back and looked up at the blue sky that was filled with white fluffy clouds. She took a deep breath in and slowly let it out as the feeling of her personal peace washed over her. For the first time in months, the young woman was able to finally smile. A real smile. That was, until the conversation she had with the seeker sank in. It seemed to be one thing after another in her life. Still, it wasn’t as bad as the other thing. The American had her stubbornness and perseverance that would ger her through everything. They had thus far. And of course, knowing Cullen, he’d focus on his work anyway. He’s the type to be diligent and benevolent; therefore, Cassandra had no reason to object their relationship on his end. Though, the misfit had been around for a while, it was obvious that some still did not trust her. If she were in their shoes, she wouldn’t trust herself either. Why would she? Thinking like how they would, she wouldn’t trust someone that popped out of nowhere and have no history in their land. The girl was a complete and utter stranger. Sirena knew she got lucky from the beginning of her journey in Thedas. Worst case scenario, she could’ve been burned as a witch or executed as a spy if they had deemed so.
The more Sirena had thought about the recent events, the more she felt gratitude towards the people around her. If only she could convince some of the companions to have more faith in her. Perhaps in time she could, but for the time being she’d have to be satisfied and continue to earn their trust. That’s really all the girl can do during that time. At least she found some peace in the world she was currently in. Finally, with a soft sigh, the young woman stopped looking up at the sky and patted Hwan Sang’s neck.
“It’s time to go back to the fortress, Skyhold.” With her hips swaying to the rhythm of the steed’s walking gate, she was able to guide the horse back towards the keep with ease. Just because she felt like weight had fled off her shoulders, didn’t mean that her problems had magically disappeared for the most part. The young woman had finally reentered Skyhold with a new outlook which made her feel fresh and vibrant. A smile that showed how free she was in that moment.
As soon as she made it back to the stone fortress, Sirena dismounted off her beautiful steed when she felt someone was standing behind her. The young American slowly turned around to face the quiet person only to see them bow to her. Due to the person looking austere, the outsider noticed a stable hand who was conveniently close by, almost like it was planned, but she handed the reins over. Once the man began to lead Hwan Sang away, her attention went to the page who was patiently waiting. Most likely someone acquired her attention since the Inquisitor was still on her mission. With Evelyn gone, it was her responsibility to make decisions or do the judgements which she found out quite recently.
“You are needed, My Lady, in the great hall to judge.” A soft sigh escaped from between her lips as she nodded her head.
“I shall get ready then. Have the advisors gather people into the hall.”
“Yes, My Lady.” After the exchange between the two, the page bowed before leaving her behind. It was honestly surprising to her that despite some of those in the inquisition didn’t trust her, yet they let her make the big verdicts. Some trust was better than nothing at all. The young woman took the short cut by going through the grounds and kitchen. Sadly, there was no secret path to get to the chambers. The blonde made her way across the Great Hall where people were already beginning to gather. Her steps quickened as she made it to the door of the stairs that led to where her room was located.
Once she had opened the door and stepped into the area that had nothing but stairs, the twenty-three-year-old shut the door behind her and immediately made her way up in a hasty fashion. It was best not to keep the crowd waiting for she knew that there are some who were not patient at all. Of course, from what the young lady learned from the game; it was okay to be a little late. Once she made it to the top of the stair case, Sirena entered her chambers in such haste that she startled the woman who was to help her get dressed.
“I’ll be wearing the dark blue robe with the gold head piece.”
“Yes, My Lady.” The human woman made her way to the closet where her fancy clothes were while the American was trying to take off the clothes, she was wearing previously but ended up fumbling around. In the end of all the struggling, she tripped and fell down with a small thump on the floor. Why of all people did she have to be a clutz? When her blue-green eyes glanced up at the lady-in-waiting named Maryanne, she noticed the woman holding back her laughter while carrying her garments. Her cheeks turned a soft pink from embarrassment as she stood back up and removed the item that made her fall in the first place.
“Okay, ready to put on the robe.” Maryanne began with the underdress which was both a light and dark blue color. The top part had a gold heart design. After the underdress was slipped on over her, a matching dark blue belt was put around her waist before the over dress was draped around. In Sirena’s opinion it was nice to wear silk, it was both light and heavy material. Her lady-in-waiting made her way over to the vanity and waited for the second in command to grab what she needed. The outlander slipped on her socks and shoes before going to the vanity herself. The outlander sat in the red velvet chair before Maryanne began to work on her hair by brushing and pinning it up to the point all of her hair was off her neck. The woman had put a gold pin with a dangling part on the side of her bun while the coronate hair piece went in the front. Softly smiling at the person who had helped her, she gave her a nod of approval. “This was a job well done. I wish I had more time to talk, but I have made the community wait long enough.”
“I understand, My Lady.” The lady in silvery-white 1500’s renaissance style dress curtsied to the one in dark blue. It was still weird to the American to see formality towards her. At that point, she figured she’d never get used to it. Sirena stood up from where she was sitting and made her way out of her chambers with her lady-in-waiting following her. At least the new robe she chose to wear wouldn’t make her trip. Once she approached the door that led to the great hall, she heard a lot of voices. It took her a few moments before she nodded to herself to show she was ready while a soft sigh had escaped her lips. Maryanne taking it as a signal, opened the door to reveal the American girl who had begun walking towards the throne.
Once the young woman sat on the golden throne that was meant for the Inquisitor, her blue-green eyes peered around the room to get a glimpse of everyone including the advisors. Sirena had no idea who she was judging since she had not been out with Evelyn after the event at Haven. Finally, one of the advisors approached the seat which the blonde girl was sitting on to address the issue. Her curiosity almost got the better of her when the ambassador chose to speak up.
“Mistress Paulin of Sahrnia is accused of aiding and abetting the red templars in the Dales.” Now she knew where the Inquisitor was at. Of course, by now, the location could have been changed when the prisoner was getting transported to the keep. When was Evelyn going to come back to the fortress? “She sold a quarry to them for a handsome sum. They used the quarry to grow red lyrium by enslaving the townspeople.” As Josephine spoke, Sirena’s attention turned to the woman in what looked like a goldish brown, natured color dress with a hat covering her head. “The only extenuating circumstance: Mistress Paulin was procuring supplies to keep the remaining townspeople fed.” At least the woman tried to do good unlike the mayor of Crestwood. She wanted to hear what the Mistress had to say.
“If you’d like to explain your intentions, speak.” The outlander who was second in command made herself speak with an authoritative tone. It was good for people to take her seriously in times like she was in. Her eyes glanced over at her boyfriend who also looked pretty severe. The more her eyes drifted around, she noticed people were either whispering behind their hands or they were watching silently with a poker face. She sat up straighter to appear more intimidating but she felt like a fool in queen’s clothes.
“My only crime was misjudgment! The land sale was meant to bring prosperity in hard times.” Before the one in Asian style clothing could say anything, Josephine had stepped in.
“Surely, it was clear you were selling to the enemy.”
“We were starving, and they told me they’d reopen the mines! Selling the quarry so hastily was a mistake. I did what I could to rectify it.” Sirena could hear the woman’s pleas. She understood why the elder woman did what she did. It was hard times in Thedas. At the same time every action had a reaction and therefore a consequence. Silently and carefully, the one on the throne pondered through her options.
“You will rebuild your town with the funds you had gained from the red templars as well as from selling the quarry.” Feeling satisfied with her verdict, Sirena rested her hands on her lap while wondering if the one on trial was going to accept the punishment or not.
“My Lady, I will do my best to repair what I have done.” The outlander then watched some soldiers remove the shackles from the woman; setting her free. The American, first watched Paulin walk away before looking towards the three advisors. With a motion of her hand, she moved them over to her. Luckily for her, they were not too far from her.
“Are there anymore judgements to be made? Or am I done?” She asked in a low tone once they had approached her. All the young woman got was a summons with no details at all and she didn’t want to sit on the throne all day for no reason. In her opinion, she’d look rather foolish sitting on the fancy seat with no one to judge.
“There is no one else to judge for the day.” Josephine answered after they all had shaken their heads at her question.
“Good, I don’t have to sit here all day.” The young woman stood up from the throne and made her way down the small steps. “Well since there will be no more judgements for the day, you all may be dismissed.” Her eyes caught sight of the dark short haired woman in purple. Was it just her? Or did she look surprised in how she handled the situation? Her attention was turned once she heard the ambassador begin to speak when out of the corner of her eyes, she saw movement from the Seeker.
“That was a job well done Sirena! You’re improving quite a bit from when we first met you.” The Ambassador smiled with approval. “I was thinking as a small celebration for your growth, we could have a tea party!” Sirena heard Cullen and Leliana groan which made her think tea parties were that boring.
“You know… I’m grateful for the offer but… I’m not about that life. I prefer drinking alcohol and playing drinking games with belching competition.” It was difficult for the young American to keep a straight face when she saw Josephine’s face which was filled with disgust. “It’s more fun being one of the guys.”
“Ugh, why do I bother to try?” The Ambassador walked away while mumbling to herself while the other two let out a sigh of relief. That made her wonder what went on in those little parties of Josie’s. If she were a child, she’d give it a try but as time went by, the young girl grew up.
From behind her, Sirena heard someone clearing their throat. It wasn’t much of a surprise to see who it was for she saw the woman making her way towards the group previously. What she wanted was a mystery to her. When her gaze flicked to Cullen, the young woman noticed a look of confusion on his face. Didn’t Cassandra talk to him about her feelings regarding their relationship? Or was it just her due to confronting the woman about it? Maybe she wanted to talk to him then. Though, if that was the case, why did she come up behind her instead of beside the Commander?
“Can I talk to you?” Cassandra asked with a bit of hesitancy in her voice. Her voice was what caught the American’s attention. Was she asking her? Why did her vocals sound like that? This was a woman who always sounded confident all the time which was the reason it baffled the young woman. Silently, she nodded her head before following the older woman through a door way and down a spiral staircase. It was one of the few places in the keep she never went to due to being so barren.
“You wanted to talk?” Sirena wanted to cut to the chase as soon as they had stopped moving. Her guard was even up as she faced Cassandra. It was needless to say that she was getting ready for another disappointing conversation with her.
“Yes, I may have been a bit too quick to dismiss the idea of you and the Commander Cullen being together. I still have my reservations about the two of you, but I saw I made my judgement too early; therefore, I will remain quiet until I get my full consensus.” Her eyes widened from surprise until she composed her features to be more stoic. After all her time in Thedas, she learned it was sometimes better to mask one’s emotions especially when there were a lot of gossipers around.
“Well thank you for the sort of apology if that was what you intended it to be.” To her, it was a back handed apology. Perhaps the Seeker was too ashamed for what she had said earlier. The American already knew she had a difficult time admitting her wrong doings; though, those with a lot of pride tend to be that way. At least she tried and that was all the young woman could hope from her and others like her. With a nod of her head, Cassandra left, leaving Sirena behind with her head tilted to the side while blinking her eyes a couple of times. “Well, alrighty then.” With a shrug of her shoulders, she made her way back to where she was with the other two only to find Leliana had already left which meant Cullen and her were alone.
“What was that about?” He questioned as soon as she had approached him. In a silent response, the younger blonde shrugged her shoulders.
“I really do not know myself. To me, it seemed like a partial apology.” Sirena looked at the man in front of her wondering how much he knew. “Has she spoken to you at all about our relationship?” All it took was a simple nod to know that the judgmental Seeker had indeed spoken to her boyfriend. “Mind telling me what was said?” Her curiosity will always get the better of her no matter what; at least that much of her hadn’t changed.
“The Seeker spoke about her displeasure about our relationship, very adamantly, I might add. I understand where she is coming from, if I were in her shoes, I’d be the same way.” That answer of his had piqued her interest. His golden-brown eyes looked around to make sure no one was eavesdropping on their conversation. “I’m going to assume she had also spoken to you about us.” The outlander nodded her head even though she went to the woman and not the other way around.
“To be fair, I sought her out to get the conversation over and done with for I knew she wouldn’t approve. Though, I did hold some hope that she’d accept us.” She admitted causing her to gently bite her lower lip which had caught Cullen’s attention, making him distracted for a short time.
“Uh that was um…” His hand went to the back of his neck and rubbed it. “That was quite mature of you to do that.” How could a simple action get him so flustered? After he had cleared his throat, he motioned with his hand in a silent way of asking if she wanted to walk with him.
- 29
- 30
- 31
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Dawn of Beginning