“Now that we got a plan, we can go do what it is we need to do.” Sirena said stepping away from the table. She turned her back to everyone and started walking towards the door before realizing no one was following her. Her head turned back to look at them as her eyes blinked a couple of times wondering why they were still standing around the table. “Isn’t this meeting over?” The young woman asked with confusion.

“Yes, it is.” Trevelyan said before also stepping away from the table herself. “Cassandra, can you round up the others at the stables?”

“Yes, I can do that.” The seeker said before walking out of the room to get Varric and Solas. Evelyn looked at the three still standing around the table, giving them each eye contact before speaking again.

“If you need another mission send a raven to Sirena.” Josephine and Leliana bowed their heads acknowledging the order while Cullen stared at the modern woman with admiration. As soon as he felt his hand begin to shake, he placed his hand on the pommel of his sword while walking over towards the door with the other two advisors.

Everyone that was in the war room made their way out of the chantry and through the snow flurries to get to the stables where the Herald of Andraste and her so called “cousin” were meeting up with the others to leave Haven. As they got closer, Sirena saw two horses saddled up for her and Evelyn. She could already see she was going to have issues getting up onto the saddle without help. ‘Damn this cursed shortness!’ The young woman thought. When they were close to the horses, Evelyn immediately got on her mount while the American petted her horse’s neck. The Herald waited for the modern woman to get on her mount knowing full well that she was stalling.

“Blondie, are you going to get on the horse?” Varric asked what the others were thinking.

“Of course I will.” She said before sighing and moving to the horse’s side to climb onto the saddle. Her leg lifted up, but her foot couldn’t get into the stirrup. She even tried jumping. Seeing her struggle to get up, Cullen moved up next to the horse while trying to fight an amused smile.

“Well now I understand why she was stalling for so long.” The dwarf said feeling bad for the girl. Over time he felt a platonic relationship with Sirena almost like an uncle and niece kind which made him a little protective over her.

Out of the corner of her eyes, Sirena saw the Commander standing beside her next to the horse while her face became slightly red from embarrassment. She turned herself to face him to look up at him and immediately had a silent conversation. Her hands rested close to his shoulders as he placed his own hands around her small waist and hoisted her up on the saddle. After she was sitting on the hard leather, a deeper shade of red creeped up onto her face as she tried to act cool like her struggle didn’t happen. As she was sitting on the saddle, she felt a warm tingling sensation where his hands were which caused her to wonder what that feeling was. Her eyes glanced down at Cullen as she bowed her head communicating silently again. She quickly glanced at Leliana and Josephine, noticing they were smirking at each other. It was obvious to tell those two were up to something, but what? The young woman didn’t know.

Cullen backed away from the horse Sirena was riding on while noticing her posture. It looked like she already knew how to ride. As he watched the group trot off for Val Royeaux, he wondered where she learned her equestrian skills. He continued to watch them leave until they were out of his line of sight. The Ambassador and spymaster stood with him since they were all friends and there to support each other no matter their differences in opinion. The two women also knew he had feelings for the Herald’s “cousin” even if he was in denial about it.

“She’ll be okay Cullen.” Leliana said, offering him comfort. Knowing full well who she was talking about, he switched the topic over to the Herald to hide his feelings from them. He was grateful then that he passed a note to Cassandra without anyone noticing in the war room to give to Varric.

“The Herald is a strong woman, capable of taking care of herself.” Josephine giggled softly while shaking her head at him.

“Evelyn was not who she meant and you know it, Commander.”

“I know.” He said a bit defeated. ‘One can’t lie to a spymaster and a cunning ambassador’ he thought as he looked at them knowing they had more to say.

“We have noticed you and Lady Laurelet sharing glances and the way she avoided looking at you in the war room, something must have happened between you two for her to act in such a way.” Leliana put in since she was observing the girl to figure her out.

“Nothing happened between her and I. Can we please drop this conversation?” He said while rubbing the back of his neck before looking over towards the forces.

“Another time then.” Josephine said with a smirk. Both women walked away to do their jobs while plotting to get Cullen to admit his feelings for the young woman. Cullen walked off towards the training grounds as soon as he was able to, to do his duties and spar with his second in command. The advisors also sent a scout from each of their faction to get their missions done.

The Herald and her companions including Sirena rode out towards Orlais where people live lavishly. Evelyn thought her companions were being too quiet since all she heard were the horses’ hooves clopping on the ground as they rode out. Sirena glanced back at the bald elf never had actually talked to him or seen him for that matter. Evelyn looked over at her “cousin”, noticing her looking at Solas.

“Solas, this is my cousin Sirena Laurelet.” Solas bowed his head since it was all he could do at the moment.

“My name is Solas, if there are to be introductions.” He said with a smile yet the American took it as him being a smart ass. Biting her lip, she decided to stick with being nice.

“It is nice to meet you Solas.”

“Like wise.” Sirena then looked forward to where they were going while thinking to herself ‘he is so going to end up hating me’.

“How long is it going to be till we get to Val Royeaux?” She asked with curiosity since while she was playing the game the screen would go black with the green loading symbol on the bottom right corner of the television.

“It will take a few days ride to get there.” Evelyn answered with patience since she knew the young one wasn’t from where she was. The Herald hoped silently for her cousin to keep her anger and annoyance in check while they were in Val Royeaux, she had to get the clerics to side with them, if she can. If she doesn’t they would always be known as heretics and rebels. She wanted to prevent that at all costs since those who were in the inquisition were good people. They didn’t deserve to be persecuted because of her.

As their ride continued, they could see a change in the weather. It had stopped snowing finally. Where the group was, there was no more snow on the ground anymore, it was all dirt, grass, and trees that surrounded them. The sun was beating down on their skins causing them to sweat, especially the ones in armor. Sirena was lucky in that sense since she could still feel a breeze on her naked arms while her wavy blonde hair whipped around in the wind. In the distance they could all hear water flowing down a river which would lead to civilization. Evelyn and the American looked at each other with smiles on their faces having the same line of thought. They were surprisingly a little more than half way to Orlais. The Herald made her horse come to a halt and turned in her saddle to look at those who were behind her.

“We’re going to camp here for the night.”

“Alright.” Cassandra said complying before she unmounted her horse to help Varric even though he annoyed her.

“Thank you tall lady for helping little short me.” He said with a grin.

“Everyone is tall compared to you.” The seeker said while rolling her eyes before walking off to set up her tent. The dwarf let out a little laugh as he walked off to do his own thing. He really did enjoy getting a rise out of the seeker since she was the one to question him about Hawke in Kirkwall. In way this was his revenge with humor.

The last companion in the group watched the two women as he also dismounted off the horse he was riding on. He was observing the strange human girl who seemed like she didn’t belong in their world. Solas could tell immediately from the way she moved. She didn’t walk the way the seeker or the Herald did. Her posture was more relaxed yet very tense. The elf found her quite fascinating to the point he wanted to know where she came from. It was also plain as day that she could not hide her feelings even if she tried. In a way it made her look pure. He realized all this from just the short period of time he has known her.

Feeling a pair of eyes on her, Sirena looked over to find the elf staring at her which made her feel very uncomfortable. She turned her attention back to putting her tent up while trying to ignore the feeling he was giving her. After her tent was up, she walked away from camp towards the sound of rushing water, wanting to get away from everyone for the time being. The American was really missing her home and family back in Oregon again. She didn’t want anyone else to her see her down especially Solas. It was like he could see right through her. She hadn’t even said much to him and yet that was the feeling she got from him. After she was done spacing out, she realized she was next to the river and smiled. Looking at the enticing cold water, she took off her boots and socks as well as her leggings then wadded into the water.

“Man! That guy is creepy as fuck! What was he trying to do? Study me?” She said to herself as she shook her head. Looking around the area, she made sure she was alone. She untied her cape and set it under her boots so the cape couldn’t fly off even though it was made out of heavy material. Her hands then unzipped her black dress and pulled it over her head; she then folded it and laid it on top of her cape placing it under her boots as well, leaving her in her undergarments. Sirena walked deeper into the water before raising her hands over her head and dived into the cool river. She enjoyed feeling the coolness on her skin and her hair waving in the water’s breeze. The young woman used to swim all the time as a child, she felt like it gave her a sense of freedom especially when she swam with her legs and feet together like a mermaid. Though, that was a silly dream of hers to become one, but a dream no less. When she finally surfaced, she heard a twig snap causing her to spin around. As water dripped down her face, her eyes squinted into slits and noticed a figure walking out of the sparse woods towards her.

When the person got close enough, she could tell it was a figure of a woman. After getting a closer look, she saw that it was the Seeker Cassandra. She slapped her hand to her chest in relief happy that it wasn’t the elf, Solas. The seeker noticed Sirena in the water before taking off her own armored booted and sat on a rock with her feet dipped into the river.

“It looks like we had the same line of thought.” Cassandra said conversationally. “I can also see you know how to swim.”

“Yes, my grandfather taught me how to swim when I was young.” The younger woman answered the last statement. With a smile on her face she began talking again. “The heat was becoming too much for me so I needed to cool off in the nice cool water.” She had laid on her back in the water and let herself relax while floating. “Do you know how to swim?” The young woman asked Cassandra.

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“No, I never learned how to swim; I was too busy for it.”

“I am sorry to hear that. I’d be happy to teach you if you want.” Sirena offered to her.

“No, thank you. I won’t really have the time to swim anyway.” Cassandra said declining her offer gently.

“Okay, if you ever want to learn, the offer still stands.” She said as she got out of the water and put her dress back on and draped her cape over her arm as well as her leggings before putting her socks and boots back on. She had no problem showing her pale white legs that were made to be athletic. The modern woman walked back over to the camp site and set her things down in her tent before sitting in between Varric and Evelyn around the fire. Solas sat across from the Herald, staring thoughtfully into the flames. As soon as Sirena sat down, everyone noticed her wet braided hair.

“Do I see some brown in that hair of yours, Blondie?” The dwarf asked curiously with an intrigued look on his face. Evelyn then looked more closely at the natural brown locks hidden within the fake blonde.

“Even I can see the brown now that I’m looking for it.” The Herald admitted while looking over towards Varric then to Sirena.

“The brown is my natural hair color.” The new rogue admitted though she didn’t say anything else.

“It looks nice when you can see the mixture between the two colors.” Evelyn complimented not wanting to know further. The elf mage looked at her hair and added another odd thing about the woman to the list in his head. After the three looked at her hair, Evelyn made dinner for the group as Cassandra walked up and sat next to Solas and sat down.

“Look who decided to come back.” Varric said with a grin as Evelyn gave food to the seeker.

“Yes, now I have to be tortured listening to you.”

“Well I think I’m going to wash this dish and then go to my tent and relax.” Sirena said as she stood up. She walked away towards the river again and washed out the dish while frowning a bit. “Too bad there is no soap to wash this in.” The American muttered to herself as she got up and walked back to the camp. She set the bowl down with the others and stepped into her tent quietly then sat on the ground. Her hands went and grabbed her bag which she assumed someone fetched for her since she was in the war room. She then ruffled through her things when she came across a folded up paper. Her hands quickly unfolded the paper and realized the content on it was a letter.

Dear Sirena,

This is your first time out with the Herald and you most likely don’t know what to expect. If you ever need anything or just wish to have someone to talk to, you are welcome to write to me anytime. I wish you the best of luck Sirena.

Sincerely,

Cullen

After reading the short letter, her mouth gapped open in shock. She couldn’t understand why he wrote the note. What really baffled her was how did he get it into her things? She shook her head but still couldn’t stop thinking about his words on the parchment as she folded the paper back up before putting it away so she didn’t lose it. ‘Does he actually have feelings for me?’ The woman thought as she looked through her bag again and noticed a wooden box that she knew wasn’t hers. Grabbing the box in her hands, she pulled it out feeling its weight as she struggled to take it out of her inventory. She placed it in front of her and lifted the lid up noticing immediately all the paper with an ink well and a quill to write with. The young American woman didn’t think at first where it came from as she picked up the writing utensil.

“What the fuck…? How the fudge do people write with this?” Sirena asked herself in confusion as she looked at the quill. “Shit! I have to relearn how to write. It’s going to be like kindergarten all over again.” With a sigh, she pulled out a piece of paper, opened the ink well and dipped the tip of the quill into the ink then began writing a letter back to the Commander.

Dear Cullen,

I thank you deeply for your sentiment and concern. I guess it would be nice to have someone to write to and share my thoughts with. My first thought is about the apostate elf. Is he always creepy? Or is today a special day for him? Currently as I’m writing this, we are at camp. I do believe we will arrive in Val Royeaux tomorrow. I do hope you are doing well Commander.

Sincerely,

Sirena Laurelet

P.S. I promise my writing isn’t this bad all the time.

P.P. S. I write a lot better than I can talk.

Sirena folded the letter up and put it in an envelope that she grabbed out of the box as well. Her eyes again, looked into the box to find something to keep the flap of the envelope closed so the letter could get sent to him without it falling out. She finally found what looked like wax and a seal. Her eyes blinked a couple of times before picking up the items to look at them more closely.

“This is freaking cool! An actual real seal and wax!” She said excitedly while still remaining quiet. Looking down again, she saw a candle and two rocks that looked like they were used to light a fire. Sirena set the seal and wax down before grabbing the candle and flint. She then set the candle down on a flat surface and tapped the two rocks together like she saw in movies and lit the candle. “I really miss having lighters and stickers for this… I took the small things for granted.” Sirena said to herself as she held the wax above the candle flame to liquefy it. She poured a little bit of wax on the flap of the envelope and pressed the seal down on the wax like she had seen in medieval movies. When she lifted the seal up two letters were seen “SL” in fancy script. Immediately, she recognized her initials. Her eyes widened in surprise as she raised a hand to her mouth as she thought to herself while having a gut feeling that the Inquisition’s Commander was behind this. “Oh Cullen, you really shouldn’t have.”

Sirena blew out the candle and let the wax become solid before putting everything back into the mahogany box. She then picked up the heavy box and carefully put it back into her bag where it would be safe. While still dumb founded from what she assumed was a gift from the Commander, she picked up the letter and walked out of her tent. As she walked over towards the ravens, she noticed Solas was now the only one who was still awake other than herself of course. After she made it to the message station where the ravens sat, she began tying the letter to one of the bird’s ankle’s when she heard footsteps behind her.

“Sending a letter to a loved one already?” Solas asked way too close to her which made her feel uncomfortable again.

“No, just sending a letter to someone who has been very kind to me.” The American answered while finishing the tie to the black bird’s leg. She bent down to whisper for only the raven to hear. “Give this letter to Commander Cullen Rutherford.” When she stood back up and watched the bird fly away she heard another footstep.

“You are very unusual Lady Laurelet.” Solas said confronting her which made her tense up even more than she already was.

“Oh?”

“Yes, are you by any chance a spirit?” Slightly stunned from his question for a few seconds, she then began to laugh which gained her a glare from him.

“No, I’m quite the opposite really. I’m totally a demon.” The American woman laughed even harder from her smart ass remark.

“That isn’t something to joke about.”

“And you need to lighten up and live a little. Goodnight Solas.” Sirena said dismissively before walking away to her tent.

Once it was morning, Sirena packed up her things and exited her tent; she immediately took down her tent and packed it up as well. She looked around and noticed everyone was waiting on her. ‘Good going Sirena, you couldn’t have woken up earlier.’ The young woman thought while growling at herself internally. After she attached her things to the saddle, Cassandra kneeled down and placed her hands on her knee to help the girl. The young woman placed a foot in the Seeker’s hands and Cassandra helped her up into the saddle.

“Thank you, Cassandra.”

“You are welcome.” The seeker said before getting on her horse. Evelyn looked around the camp site quickly to see if they missed anything. She noticed a raven was missing and looked around at her companions before asking the question that was in her head verbally.

“Did anyone send a message to anyone?”

“I did.” Sirena said as she looked at the Herald. “I had received a letter and I wanted to return one back to the sender.” She said vaguely so Solas wouldn’t know the details. Evelyn slightly glared at the American girl which made her mouth out Cullen’s name to her cousin. The Herald then nodded her head in understanding then looked at everyone after she was satisfied when she got answers she needed.

“Is everyone ready to go?” She asked while giving everyone eye contact.

“Yes.” Everyone verbally answered back to her. Evelyn quickly looked things over again in case she missed something. Not seeing anything else missing, she tapped her horse’s side to tell it to walk. After she started moving, the others had followed suit. Soon everyone was in a trot again to get to Val Royeaux quickly.

It took a little less than half the day to get to the city called Val Royeaux. Sirena looked at the architecture in awe. She saw white buildings with gold trimming with some blue color splashes here and there making a beautiful blend. As soon as they got to the first gate, everyone dismounted off their horses and made their way across the bridge. As the group followed Trevelyan, Cassandra talked after a couple looked at them.

“They still mourn.” When one of the people shrieked and ran away from them in panic, the dwarf looked up at the seeker with amusement.

“Just a guess Seeker, but I think they all know who we are.” Varric said while Solas looked at him.

“Your skills of observation never fail to impress me, Varric.” She said back sarcastically. When they got to the entrance of the city, a scout ran up to them in a rush and panting.

“My lady, Herald.” She said kneeling down at Evelyn’s feet.

“You’re one of Leliana’s people. What have you found?” Cassandra asked recognizing the agent.

“The Chantry mothers await you but… So do a great many Templars.”

“There are Templars here?”

“People seem to think the Templars will protect them… from the Inquisition. They’re gathering on the other side of the market.” The agent informed them feeling like they needed to know this information. “I think that’s where the Templars intend to meet you.” She said before getting up from kneeling.

“Only one thing to do then.” Cassandra said as she walked ahead with the Herald trailing behind her. Sirena assumed they were heading towards the other side of the market where the agent said the people would be. As they walked deeper into the city, they saw a group of people surrounding what looked like a makeshift stage. The Herald and Cassandra walked through the crowd with the others following them when they finally heard a voice speak out.

“Good people of Val Royeaux, hear me!” The Chantry mother called out to the citizens. “Together, we mourn our Divine. Her naïve and beautiful heart was silence by treachery!” Sirena raised a brow wondering what else the old woman was going to say that might end up pissing her off. “You wonder what will become of her murderer. Well, wonder no more!” Varric immediately grabbed the young woman’s arm to keep her from hitting someone and when Solas noticed this, he too, grabbed her other arm. Standing in front of the crowd, Evelyn shook her head while looking at the old crone. “Behold the so-called Herald of Andraste! Claiming to rise where our beloved fell. We say this is a false prophet! No servant of anything beyond her selfish greed.” She said trying to convince the crowed since they were already scared of the Inquisition.

“We came here in peace. Simply to talk and this is what you do!” Trevelyan said angrily with a lot of disappointment of the Chantry. “I implore you. Let us sit down together to let us deal with the real threat!”

“It’s true!” Cassandra said trying to convince everyone while standing up for their Herald. “The Inquisition only seeks to end this madness before it is too late.” Sirena leaned in close to Varric and spoke softly for his ears only.

“The bitch will end up making it too late if she doesn’t accept us or if something happens to her.” Varric shook his head and laughs softly.

“You have a lot of anger within you, Blondie.” He responded as he continued to watch the scene in front of them.

“Well of course Shortie, when the world is filled with idiots, it’s hard not to get pissed off.” She muttered, making her point.

“It is already too late.” The old woman said while pointing to the Templars while also validating what the American woman said. The soldiers walked up to the woman as she continued to talk. “The Templars have returned to the Chantry! They will face this “Inquisition” And the people will be safe once more!” She said with a lot of conviction before a Templar punched her in the head knocking her to the ground which made Sirena smirk while she thought ‘you got what you deserved’. The Herald and her companions watched the leader of the Templars walk across the stage.

“Still yourself, she is beneath us.” He said trying to comfort an uncomfortable Templar.

“You’re not here to deal with the Inquisition?” Evelyn sneered at the man sickened by his disrespect towards the Chantry mother.

“As if there was any reason to.” He said walking off the stage to a place less crowded.

“Lord Seeker Lucius, it’s imperative that we speak with-“Cassandra was saying before she was interrupted by the man who looked like he had greasy hair.

“You will not address me.” He said while still walking away to a corner.

“Lord Seeker?” The dark haired woman asked in confusion as she looked at the man.

“Creating a heretical movement, raising a puppet as Andraste’s prophet. You should be ashamed!” Lucius sneered to Cassandra then looked at the crowd. “You should all feel ashamed! The Templars failed no one when they left the Chantry to purge the mages!” The crazy man then pointed at Trevelyan trying to pin the blame on the Inquisition. “You are the ones who have failed! You who’d leash our righteous swords with doubt and fear! If you came to appeal to the Chantry, you are too late. The only destiny here that demands respect is mine.”