"Evelyn, darling, did you hear me?" She was still reeling from the hit, feeling the blood gush from her nose. She held out her hand trying not to get any on her clothes. Ilara took a step towards her, but Ryker held a hand up to halt her. "Answer me," he growled.
Slumped against the stained-glass window of her room, she watched as a few drops of blood decorated it, falling slowly like raindrops. Ryker had come in like a whirling tempest. She and Ilara had been getting ready to open a note sent by raven from Henley and Sorin. They knew it was from them when they saw the lightning ward sealing the note. The distinct feel of Sorin's magic was still strong so she knew it hadn't been tampered with. She had just dispelled it when the ex-Templar lunged at her and hit her square in the face with a hard blow. He was in such a rage that he didn't notice the note that Ilara had discreetly shoved under her carpet.
She winced, with a sharp inhale trying to clear her nasal passage, "I heard you.”
"And what did I say? Since you don't seem to want to listen!"
"That I have three days to either… bed you or you'll give Cullen red lyrium."
"That's right. I've found all manner of people through my contacts and one is a black-market alchemist. Now, she says she can take the glow and color from lyrium with one of her concoctions. All I'd have to do is just make sure he can't sense it, which will be simple enough to cover with my high lyrium intake and slip it in his drink." He laughed, "You should've seen him squirm when I spoke with him the other day, he could hardly stand me!"
He hadn't mentioned that he knew about Cullen not taking Lyrium, but regardless, she could not let him do it. "Fine, I'll do it. When..."
"Oh no, Trevelyan, you will surprise me. I want you to come to me willingly and your performance will need to be convincing or I'll make good on my threat to your dear Commander. As I said, you have three days to prepare yourself for the experience. I wouldn't want to rush you." He looked to Ilara, "You can tend to her now. I’m done here." Snarling, he stomped out and the Enchanter quickly bent to her task.
After at least a dozen of similar encounters, Ilara finally stopped crying afterward. She was developing a thicker skin, and while Evelyn regretted how it came about, she was glad to see her friend toughen up. After her nose was healed, she used extra mana to stop the bruising before it appeared. When she finished, the Inquisitor simply reclined back against the window taking some deep breaths. When her friend passed her the note, she asked her to read it, "It says, One down, one to go. How do they know there is only one more set?"
"They must've found something, maybe a note or letter saying as much. That just leaves the third and final set in Ryker's possession. We'll have to figure something out. We can't let him send them out before we kill him."
Ilara's eyes grew wide, "So, you are planning to kill him?"
The Phoenix stared straight ahead unblinking, "He will feel my wrath even if I have to get singed myself. And I'll make sure he's dead this time."
"Are you really going to sleep with him? Surely, Cullen can handle trouble? I've seen him around Aeron, he's suspicious of him, and he'd not want you to…"
"He's not taking lyrium, Lar! Maybe if he had been he'd have more tolerance to it, but I'm afraid if he took red lyrium he'd lose his soul to it! I know firsthand what it will do. Not to mention we don't even know how much Ryker has in his possession. Look at what a small amount did to Henley, I fear even a shot of it would be enough to take Cullen's mind. I can't take that risk." She couldn't bear the thought of him going through the madness she had endured. Paired with his past trauma, it'd be too much for him right now. "I have no choice, not when we are so close to thwarting him. If I have to sacrifice my dignity to save him, so be it. I'd gladly give more than that to keep him safe.. Besides, once Cullen finds out I even let Ryker breathe the same air as me, he'll never speak to me again."
"So…"
"So, in three days if we don't hear from the boys, then I'll have to go to him." She looked over to the assortment of alcohol about her desk, sighing heavily, "I may be needing a lot more of that, despite my mother finally leaving Skyhold."
"The Ambassador was able to do it then? When does she leave?"
Evelyn pointed up to the bottle of whiskey, still nursing her nose. As Ilara poured her a glass, she sniffled and spoke, "She was, I'm glad I enlisted her aid rather than do it myself. Josie is a miracle worker when it comes to these things and Lord Trumbull was even more thrilled that he'd have a sister-in-law marked by Andraste. She leaves in four days for Tantervale to help Ariella with her wedding preparations."
"I don't care how she did it, I'm just happy our dear 'Lord Armand' will be down an ally. Let him try and act like a noble now that his mentor is leaving."
"And let's pray Henley and Sorin are close to completing their mission. I'm worried sick for them. My gut can't help but feel Ryker has something brewing."
"You think he knows what we're doing?" Her voice was a whisper as they remembered they could be watched.
"I don't think so but, he seems to always have something worse planned each time I overstep." She sighed frustratingly, "I'm so tired, Lar." She leaned her head on the blonde's shoulder. Sipping her drink and closing her eyes, she let her friend fuss over her this time. It was the only love and affection she had to comfort her having distanced herself from all her friends. She was getting lonelier by the day as all of her companions were incredibly perceptive. Every interaction turned into an interrogation and she was mentally exhausted. All she could do was pray that it would all be over soon.
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Three days had come and gone with no word from Henley and Sorin. Evelyn had skipped dinner in the Great Hall to mentally prepare herself for what had to be done. She had only herself to blame for provoking Ryker, and now she needed to protect Cullen from a fate worse than death. She thought too that while there, she could find where he was keeping their phylacteries for when it was time to destroy them. At this point, giving him what he wanted in exchange for finding a way to rid herself of him for good outweighed her dignity. What was more shame piled on what she had accumulated over the past year and a half?
She took the decanter of wine and poured herself a glass, then another, and another until she had a bottle under her belt. The warm numbness of the wine was better than the cold numbness she had been feeling of late. With her pride and care drowning in alcohol, she stripped and went to the wardrobe to find the Orlesian silk nightgown Ryker had bought her. It was floor-length with a slit that went as high as the scar on her hip. The silk encompassing her upper body was pulled tight leaving little to the imagination. Unlike everything else he had bought her, it wasn't black but a deep blood red. She pulled a heavy housecoat around her, and before she could come to her senses, she descended the steps out of her room.
It was an hour before midnight when she glided through the halls to the guest rooms. Thankfully, the stairwell to her chambers connected directly to the hall of the guest wing. She opened the door a crack making sure it was vacant of any eyes. As swift as her swaying legs would take her, she turned right, heading for his door at the end of the hall. She stopped outside of it to steal herself, mind and body, for what needed to be done. Her mind absently wandered to Cullen and how much he'd hate her for doing this. She knew he'd rather die before she gave herself to this man, but Cullen's life was so much more precious to her. Knowing that he'd be safe was worth it, and hopefully, he'd never have to find out about this. When and if she ever told the truth, she knew he'd never look at her again. Perhaps it would make moving on easier for him, but the thought of seeing him with another woman nauseated her.
She gave herself a mental slap as the wine stirred her feelings up distracting her from her mission. Loosening the opening of her robe made her stomach sour, as did the thought that she knew he'd like it. Before she could turn back she opened the door. She didn't bother knocking, why would she? She was the Inquisitor and this was still her home. Through the dark of the room, a soft glow emanated from the slit in the bedroom doorway. She could hear voices though his was more pronounced than the other. Who would he be talking to at this hour, especially when he was expecting her? Creeping forward she peered in only just making out Ryker smiling fiendishly on the bed. His chest was bare, and he occasionally reached a hand down to slap at a lump under the covers. As she watched for another minute, it became clear what was going on.
She barged into the room startling them, though her betrothed quickly recovered, merely looking at her with amusement. Ryker was in the center of the bed holding both arms out to either side as he welcomed her. The mumbling she had heard was giggles coming from the lump underneath the blankets. "Well, well look who's finally here. I'm afraid my dear, I'm a bit indisposed at present. I didn't expect you until later, but you are welcome to join us." Each maddening breath she pulled in brought forth more of her mana. Whoever was hiding beneath the covers was a mage and a young one at that. The thought that he was preying on her mages infuriated her, more than the fact that he had humiliated her. She fingered the edge of the covers, watching his face twist to a dark frown, "Don't..."
Grabbing the covers, even as he warned against it, she threw them off him and his bedmate. The blonde woman, no longer giggling at the sight of the Inquisitor fuming before her, jumped out and pleaded with her. Adverting her eyes from the naked pair, she merely commanded that she was 'dismissed' and without hesitation, grabbed her clothing and exited the room. Evelyn's chest heaved and her eyes were aflame as she started wildly at him waiting to hear the door to the hall close.
"How dare you disrespect me to my subordinates! I don't think you understand what you've done. This," she pointed between the two of them, "will become nothing but a joke - although it always was. Do you know how quickly gossip spreads here? You're going to ruin my credibility and reputation!"
He jumped out of bed slipping on his pants, but didn't bother to tie them, "I don't give a fuck about your credibility or Inquisition! If I had it my way we'd be back at my estate right now! The Inquisition is weakening the South by diving loyalties. The people should be looking to their monarchs, not some bannerless band of outcasts grabbing at power. Whose leader is a mage, of all fucking things, that uses our divine Lady to assume authority over the righteous!" Aggrieved by the interruption, an all too familiar look overtook his face and she suddenly felt as if she was back in the Circle. He grabbed her by the throat slamming her up against the wall. Her mana ignited, but so too did his Templar abilities and they readied themselves for a fight.
Before anything happened though, he kissed her. He pressed his body against her, trapping her between him and the wall where she had little to no room to pull away. His touch was like the Void, sucking the mana out of her like a siphon. She kneed him in the gut, just missing the groin, but he laughed maniacally undeterred. Knowing what he'd do, despite the consequences, she conjured a flame in her hand. As it surged with her magic, he drew back hitting her with the cold rush of his lyrium-fueled power, dispelling the flame.
Taking the hit well, she moved to the center of the room. A dangerous look caught fire in her eye as the overwhelming aura of her inner fire engulfed the room. Ryker paled for a moment as the heat swallowed him and knew how pathetically outmatched he was. "Touch me again without my permission and I will set fire to everything and everyone in this room until all that remains is ash." The pulsating glow of her blood looked more like small magma flows reaching up her neck. He tried to hide his rising fear with disgust, but it was already too late and it gave her the courage to go on. "I told you, you're going to have to take substantially more lyrium if you wish to control me. Even Seeker Pentaghast cannot silence me without the aid of other Templars." She stood her ground looking down at him.
"You're an abomination!"
"I may be a different monster than what I was back in Ostwick to you, but it's because I'm a survivor, and never underestimate one unless you know what they've done to stay alive." Her marked hand flickered to life, melding the orange and green into a haunting hue against the walls of the room. "I warned you, I'm a Templar's worst fucking nightmare," she slowly started toward him, "and before I allow you to ruin my friends and the Inquisition, I will pull you into this fire with me and we'll burn together." She increased the intensity of the magic crackling through the room. Ryker tried to protect himself in a barrier of his own, but she overpowered it easily.
Sweat dripped from him and he was beginning to have trouble breathing as the room became hot as an oven. "Stop!" He pleaded though it was not from weakness, "I will consider your punishment done if you just leave me!" Increasing the heat until he began to choke she finally relented quelling her aura. He ran to the window opening it up in a frantic quest for air. Sucking in the mountain air, it was her turn, as she grabbed him by the back of the neck and using a mind blast, shot him into the wall.
His nose cracked against it, instantly breaking, "Consider us even. Goodnight." The fury of a raging inferno gripped her she stomped out of the room and down the hall. If she had been thinking properly she would have returned the way she came, but the long hall satisfied her need to cool off her rage. Her magic crackled in the air around her, and the glow of fire pulsed through her veins made brighter by her lack of proper attire.
She all but tore the door to the Great Hall off its hinges as she entered. The sound of the door hitting the wall echoed around the vast space along with her unladylike language. All the fires in the dark room sputtered and flared significantly in reaction to the aura of rage that consumed her. Bringing her glare off of the ground, she stopped suddenly to find she startled the only two occupants of the hall. Dorian and Cullen both turned at the noise and froze looking at her as if she was the last person they expected to come through that door. They sat at the table in front of the large fireplace that was normally occupied by their resident author, with a game of chess in the works.
She considered for a moment how this must look to them, as a draft caught her and she remembered her robe was scandalously open revealing the silky nightgown. Not sparing a look at how Cullen was reacting, instead, she focused on Dorian and his roaming eyes analyzing her. She was sure whatever clues of what she was doing at this late hour that Cullen was missing Dorian would fill in for him. Thoroughly convinced that nothing she could say or do would improve their perception of her, she continued her brisk march back to her quarters as silk billowed about her legs.
She couldn't chance a glance at either of them as she passed; she didn't want to see the disappointment and disgust that was certainly there. She looked elsewhere about the room and realized all she wanted to do was break something. A tray of wine glasses had been left by the servants on one of the tables and in passing she grabbed it and cast a mind blast spell at the door to her stairwell, flinging it open. Looking back down the hall at the two men, she saw they were watching her - judging her - the whole time, so she made sure to slam the door behind her.
She set the tray on the stone railing, placing her hands on either side of it. Her simmering rage had created an inescapable aura that was suffocating even her now. How did it come to this? How did she let it come to this? Things were quickly spiraling out of her control. She was to blame after all, maybe she should've just killed him right there in the courtyard when he first arrived; act first, ask for forgiveness later sort of thing. Ethereal flames appeared around her as the eternal flame of her mana threatened to be unleashed. Her nails dug into the stone banister and she let out a small groan at the searing heat.
Having had her eyes shut tight, fighting an inner battle, she jumped at the sound of her name being called from behind. The flames about her were pulled suddenly from the air as if a vacuum had materialized sucking it back in at the sound of his voice. She wiped her tears and running nose away with the palms of her hands before answering. Cullen was not supposed to see her like this, not in control. He was supposed to be out there venting his hatred of her to Dorian after what they had just witnessed. He didn't say anything but just looked at her with pity. Pity. What did he have to feel sorry for her about?
"I felt your magic spiking. Are you alright?"
She gave a sarcastic laugh through sniffles despite his sincerity, "Yes, Cullen, clearly I'm fine! Why the fuck wouldn't I be! Clearly…" her voice broke off after getting caught in her throat and she turned away from him sobbing. "If you knew what I've been forced to do--"
"Forced?" His expression darkened. "Forced?" He repeated it and she knew she made a mistake. He wasn't going to let it go this time as she instantly regretted her choice of words.
"You need to leave me, this is my doing."
"You're playing the protector again, aren't you? Who are you protecting and from what? Why are you doing it alone?" His questions sounded like pleas. He stepped close enough that she could see the jagged line of his scar through her teary eyes.
"Stop trying to save me, I don't deserve it!" Her lip quivered at the truth of it. She had caused so much emotional damage how could she ever be redeemed in his eyes?
"Are you truly so far into the darkness that you can no longer see? You are the Phoenix, where is your fire?" He looked at her with desperation. He knew her as well as she knew him. They had shared so much of themselves with each other, and in the past weeks, she had forgotten just how connected they had become. Yet, through it all their bond remained strong.
Spinning around, she flipped the tray of glasses off the railing. They shattered about the stairwell and the tray clattered around on the stone below. When the echo died, she wheeled around again. "You of all people should hate me for what I've done! Why--"
"Because I--"
"Don't say it!" She grabbed his shirt pulling him against her. Their foreheads touched, "Don't you dare say it." Undeterred, locking eyes with her, his lips parted to speak the forbidden phrase, so she kissed him instead. She didn't care about the consequences if someone was watching, she just needed to feel something she knew only he could stir within her. He returned her kiss with more fervent affection. Time slowed in his embrace, and her hands grabbed at any part of him they could from his hair to his waist. Cullen was doing the same, but moved his mouth to her throat as he liked, making her sigh his name like a prayer. Amid their passion, she touched an inner peace that cooled her fire, flushing from her mind of all other thoughts and worries. Only they existed in that moment, desperately trying to cling to it. Looking up at the tall ceiling of her tower, sense began to reassert itself and with a whine, she pushed him away. How could she be so stupid as to lead him on, "No, this is wrong. I can't do this to you."
"Maker's breath, Evelyn," he panted, "Tell me what's going on. Let me help you." The words were a promise to lift her out of the pit of darkness in which she was trapped. She wanted more than anything to tell him, to let him save her. Despite everything he hadn't given up on her. And yet...
"I can't." Her words had a finality about them. Tears began to swell up again and her voice barely squeaked out from her throat as she repeated the words. He let her go from his embrace taking the warmth with him. He made for the door only pausing for a moment before lifting the latch, seemingly having to force himself through the door.
Sagging to the floor, she gathered her robe around her, it now being her only solace, and sobbed until there were no more tears left to cry. No one was going to save her; she always knew it, but in that moment, she felt it more keenly than ever. What made things worse was the way she was hurting Cullen. The poor man had enough weighing on his mind without her breaking his heart. Somehow, she picked herself up and trudged up the stairs to her room emptied of emotion.
Sitting in front of the dying fire, she resigned herself to the unfortunate truth; there was no coming away from this clean either way. They were no longer in the Circle; he had no real authority over her, the Inquisitor. She didn't get that title from backing down from a fight. Ryker may have broken her wings, but he forgot about her claws. She was The Phoenix, and like the bird of legend, she'd rise from the ashes to fly again stronger than ever.
As night turned to dawn, the flames of the fire before her roared to life she felt a new resolve. An idea flickered to life in her mind. He thought he owned her, that she was a puppet to dance to his every command, but she would test the strength of those strings. Having already done so twice and seeing the fear that she could instill in him, she had some leverage. He would have to tread carefully if he wanted to keep up his charade and concede some of his power to her. As her plan was in full motion with her mother leaving today and hopefully the remaining phylacteries destroyed by now, Ryker had no idea of the reckoning coming for him.
She went to dress knowing everyone would be gathering for breakfast soon. Though she didn't have one wink of sleep, she was past the point of exhaustion, but her defiance fueled her every action. She inspected herself in the mirror seeing her red puffy eyes and splashed cold water on them. To her pleasant affirmation, Cullen had left marks on her neck like she was counting on. The spotting would no doubt draw her mother's attention, perfect, she thought. She took out a light cotton shirt she typically spared in paired with her unusual pants and boots. Tucking the shirt in, she fluttered the neckline about loosely until it rested so the smallest bit of the Commander's marks was visible. Quickly twisting her hair into a low messy bun, she was ready.
As expected, everyone was gathered at the table quietly enjoying their meal or reading reports. Ryker, Owayne, and her mother were seated at one end of the table, and Cullen and Dorian at the other. In between was Leliana, Josephine, Varric, and Ilara just as it used to be for dinners before her mother spoiled things. It seems they were all there to see her off, no doubt as excited as Evelyn was. There was a bowl of fruit perfectly positioned in the center of the table near her mother. Saying her good mornings along with a special greeting for her mother's last breakfast with them, the Inquisitor caught the attention of all as she nonchalantly reached for an apple nice and slow...
"Really, Evelyn, cover yourself up!" Her mother's eye for flaws had sprung the trap. Everyone looked up from their current occupation at Lady Trevelyan's scandalous phrasing. Ryker chewed on a sausage while looking her over with a critical eye. Despite the broken nose, it seemed he had got it healed and even put makeup on it to dull the bruising. It was still discolored enough if one looked closely to see something was off.
"What are you talking about, Mother?" She said in an indifferent tone, looking down at herself shrugging.
The matron tried to keep her voice down, pulling her daughter by the shoulder down close, but the others at the table were silent enough that she might as well have not even tried. "Your neck. The two of you need to practice more discretion before you're wed. We don't need any question when it comes to your virginity." Ryker looked up and his brows dropped down low as he noticed the spotting along the length of her neck. She watched intently as the color on his face rose.
With no tact whatsoever, she replied in her normal voice, "Oh, well that ship has long sailed, but not to worry mother, these aren't from him." Cullen choked and sputtered out the tea he was drinking. She smiled wickedly at Ryker as he looked from her to the Commander. The amused looks and suppressed laughter of all at the table were clear.
"Evelyn Althea Trevelyan!" She rolled her eyes at the use of her full name as if a child, "You are a lady and I expect you to act like one!"
"No mother. I'm the Inquisitor, let's not forget that," she set her raptor gaze on her fiancée, "let none of us forget that." The hour bell rang and the advisors rose from their seats to head for the War Room for their morning meeting. Josie passed her some notes that she began shuffling through delaying her from following the council in.
Ryker shot up looking ready to shred her to pieces, "My lady, may I have a private word with you?"
She looked up from the letters looking unamused and unflinching. His face contorted in rage, but he reluctantly quelled it as those around her tensed ready to come to her defense. All eyes were on him, and she could tell by his nervous ticking that it was uncomfortable for him. He was a Templar grunt, not born of the nobility with a real penchant for attention except in front of few. Now he stood among her friends, her allies, all deadly and dangerous in their own rights. With her mother leaving soon, she wanted him to know just how alone he was.
Looking to her advisors who were now waiting by the door to Josephine's office, she told them she'd be a moment. "Would you like another scone while we wait, Josie?" Leliana said light and airy.
"Yes, I think I would. Commander, there's one blueberry left, your favorite?"
"Thank you, Ambassador." The three stood watching them in solidarity. Though their expressions were calm on the surface, there was no hiding the threat beneath.
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"Come, my lord, just over here." She led him to the dais and faced him away from their watchful eyes so he could spew whatever threats at her he wished without them seeing. She knew her Spymaster and Ambassador could read lips, so even she would need to be careful. With that in mind, and with a stern look as she put herself close to his face, she spoke trying not to move her lips too much, "Before you threaten me, keep in mind we are being watched closely by two experts of The Game. Every move and sound you make could give you away."
"Fine, " he said clenching every body part of his so tightly, she thought he'd explode like gaatlok, "What in Andraste's fucking name do you think you're doing?"
She placed her marked hand gently on his chest, knowing it made him uncomfortable, "As much as you believe you are in control, you're frightened of me." The mark on her hand sparked as he eyed it, "Without me, you're nothing, you have nothing. Last night, you damaged my reputation and by doing so, hurt the Inquisition. That mage is no doubt telling everyone she knows about what happened. A relationship goes two ways, and if you'd like to be spiteful and vengeful then I will too."
"Do you forget who has your phylacteries, you stupid whore, before you spread your legs for him?"
"No, I didn't. But if you forfeit them, then you give up the one thing you want and need the most. Me. As you can see, one word and my friends here will have you torn to shreds. The only thing stopping them from doing so is my good will. I wonder, are you willing to sacrifice me so readily?" They held each other in an intense gaze. She was taking a huge risk, but he had built a future for them in the Free Marches and if he had to guess, it would take more for him to destroy his well-laid plans. He went to speak, but she shushed him, "For the record, I kissed him, nothing more."
"What about before all this? Did you let him fuck you?"
"No, I've never laid with him." She knew it was a sore point for him, and that perhaps if he knew that it would temper his reaction. He paused narrowing his eyes at her, mulling it over in his head. "Now, if you don't mind, my lord, I have work to do."
"One more thing," he halted her, getting even closer now, "I knew you'd do something stupid like this, so I no longer feel guilty about sending Ser Ryker Aeron's account of the fall of Ostwick's Circle to every important person Lord Armand knows and to the White Spire. It was his last testimony before succumbing to his fatal wounds inflicted by you. It does not paint you in a very flattering light. It'll probably take some time for news to circulate, but give it a few days and all of Thedas will be prattling on about it." Her eyes grew wide at the realization of what he had done, "I assure you the account is quite damning and it will take all the influence of the Inquisition to get you out of this one, including enlisting the help of your dearest fiancée. " She stuttered her gaping mouth, "That's right darling, you keep thinking that you have power over me. Take care, or you will find every Templar here with a copy of it in their hands, and we'll see then how you like it when I set fire to your own home. Now, run along to your little meeting." He swaggered away over to her mother who wore a worried expression as if he was calling off the engagement. With a sigh of relief, he hooked arms with her, and the two waltzed out of the Great Hall.
"Inquisitor?" While the ladies had already started for the War Room, the Commander stayed behind. She shook herself, scrambling as to what to do about this new development. Should she tell them? They would want to know how she knew and the truth of it was messy. A hand went to rub at her forehead, trying to sort through the pieces, completely ignoring the man walking now beside her. When they were alone before the War Room doors, he stopped her with an arm corralling her gently up against the wall. She winced, becoming used to what usually comes next, "Maker, what do you think I'm going to do to you? I wasn't going to," he hushed his words, "kiss you again. I just want to know what in the Void that was out there?"
She relaxed slightly, but her mind was still far away working the problem, "What are you talking about?"
"You used me for whatever game you're playing with your fiancée," he was scowling at her. "So, since you've involved me, you'll tell me what's going on, now." He wasn't asking, it was a command.
"I can't do this now, Cullen. I have a bigger problem."
"A bigger--" he clamped his jaw shut tight before, as his anger rose, "I can't bloody keep up with you! I find you all but losing control last night and you kiss me, then this morning you're throwing my feelings to the wind - not to mention in Armand's face - uncaring of how I feel now that everyone knows about us!" He paused to let it sink in, "Damnit Evelyn, tell me what's going on?!"
She could still feel that her eyes were wide and her breathing was shallow. Looking down at her feet feeling ashamed that she had done that, having only thought about revenge, she couldn't meet his eyes, "Last night before you saw me, I found him in bed with another woman."
Reluctantly, she raised her gaze finding his full of apoplexy, "So, I was just revenge then?"
"No!"
"I was… To think I thought for a moment…" The look of immense disappointment on his face and in his tone was like a dagger to the heart.
"No, you weren't! Cullen…" He looked as if the wind was knocked out of him. "Maker, that's not what it was, I--" She placed both hands on his breastplate, "I swear at that moment, I had no intention of it. I don't care who he beds! How do I explain..."
He grasped her wrists, pulling them off of him, "Why do you not care? Right, I forgot nobles sleep with anyone but their spouse. I suppose Armand saved me from that fate."
Her head snapped to him, suddenly enraged at what he was implying. She slapped him, "How dare you! I--" A swift and thundering rage overwhelmed her as a fireball formed in her fist and she threw it at the far wall, "Fuck!"
"Evelyn," it was a warning, knowing he was feeling the swell of her mana bubbling to the surface.
She growled, "You have no idea, what I've been dealing with!" Her mood swung suddenly, as her rage was replaced with despair. A sob escaped her, "This meeting is postponed, tell the others." He called after her but she had run down the hall through the Ambassador's office and out into the Great Hall. Quickly heading up into her room, she locked the door and sat out on the balcony that faced out to the vast nothingness of the Frostbacks. Breathing in the cool air to temper her inner fire, she threw her head back against the stone wall. Things were out of control from recent events to her emotions, and chaos reigned. Maker, what was she going to do?
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Something had to be done. He could no longer stand by and watch her destroy herself over this man, nor did he wish to be a pawn in whatever in the bloody Void she was doing. Especially when she so obviously still had feelings for him as she proved to him last night. At least he thought so. Things were unclear, and although he had been wounded by her, he knew with certainty that she was fighting Armand.
He tried to wrap his mind around the e events since the man's arrival. Everything seemed to have changed within the span of a day from their relationship to her personality. Then there was the paranoia associated with her personal staff, the heavy drinking, mood swings, and overall recklessness.
Cullen paced the length of the hall outside of the War Room like a caged lion, trapped by options due to his inaction. The best he could come up with was that she was being blackmailed, but he was missing key pieces to the puzzle. She had said she was being forced to do something. But what in Andraste's name could Armand be holding over her to make her not ask for his help, let alone that of the Inquisition? Whatever it was had made her desperate, mostly likely because she was protecting someone or the Inquisition, and wanted no interference. He wondered despairingly what would kill her first, her stubbornness or her unwavering loyalty.
There had to be someone who knew, someone she confided in. Both Sorin and Henley were away on leave - leave which she had granted them personally and had extended with no explanation. Giving very little in the way of details as to what they were doing, he wondered if it was just another lie to cover up whatever it was she was scheming. If she were to trust anyone with secrets it would be her closest friends from Ostwick, Henley, Sorin, and... Ilara. Why didn't he think of her before? Perhaps because she was quiet, but now that he thought about it, he had hardly seen the mage, except for in Evelyn's presence. Wheels began turning in his mind, trying to find the connection, but he needed help.
He quickly popped his head into the room telling the other two he'd be back in a few minutes. He hurried to go fetch Owayne and tell him about last night, having no choice but to profess to the man that they had been seeing each other previous to Lord Armand's arrival. After the show at breakfast, however, her brother had assumed as much.
"I knew it! Let me guess, since Haven?" He was still dressed in his breakfast clothes, no doubt an attempt to appease his mother before seeing her off. Any other time Owayne looked rough, not being completely clean-shaven with well-worn garments and leather armor, but today he had on a royal blue silk shirt with a fine tan leather vest, pants, and boots.
"What? Maker, no! Since we went to Crestwood. I had only just met her at Haven."
"I can't believe she actually got one past me."
"Excuse me?"
He waved his hand dismissively at him, "I appreciate you telling me, although I knew the moment we met back at Haven she'd be drawn to you - don't let her tell you otherwise, I called it! You're exactly her type," Cullen raised an eyebrow at him, "But I digress, you're a good man, Cullen. I hope whatever it is that she's done it doesn't come between you." He just gave him a pained look, prompting Owayne to pat his shoulder before they went to find Cassandra.
Arriving at the sparring ring, she was watching a duel when the two approached, asking her to walk as they explained. "I see," she kept looking over at him, so he asked what she was staring at, "Are you feeling well your cheek is bright red?"
"Oh," he replied brushing some fingers across the area, "she hit me, but I deserved it."
Owayne stopped, causing the other two to do the same in the middle of the Great Hall, "And just what exactly did you say to Evie?" A tinge of anger was in his voice. "I may like you, but she's still my sister."
"Now's not the time. And keep your voice down, our... relationship should not be made public. Her safety is what's important now. Come, time is short." The nearly-identical sibling took a step closer to him as if trying to intimidate him, but backed down after Cullen raised his chin standing much taller than him.
"Oh, please," Cassandra rolled her eyes giving them both a shove, "Let's go or I'll punch you both." The men looked at each other shaking their heads, both knowing they wouldn't have done anything, they were just being men. Cassandra, however, wasn't having it and they both walked on using the momentum of her hard shove.
When the three arrived, it did not go unnoticed that there was one person conspicuously absent, though another Trevelyan had been brought in her stead. "Will the Inquisitor be joining us?" Leliana asked curiously.
"No," the Commander's simple answer garnered curious looks from the two advisors. "I've called this meeting because something needs to be done about the Inquisitor. I believe we've let this go on long enough, but the situation is now getting out of hand. Aside from the personal distress she seems plagued by, Lord Armand had interfered with our mission at the Winter Palace and potentially Evelyn's ability to steward us. For the good of the Inquisition's leadership and the Inquisitor, I propose an intervention of the council." The ladies looked at each other with knowing looks, making him believe they had similar thoughts.
"Agreed," Leliana spoke for them, "We've tried to speak with her about it but she insists she's alright, despite mounting evidence to the contrary. Just the other day, I stopped her from drinking a new acid for coating weapons Dagna developed."
"And Blackwall did quite a number on her sparring," Owayne stated while Cassandra and Leliana nodded. "The poor sod was beside himself."
"I hadn't heard, what happened?" Josephine's worried expression matched that of the other women as they drew in deep breaths. Cullen had heard there was an incident, but after being told she was fine, he didn't ask for particulars. Now, he couldn't help but wait with bated breath as Owayne went on to tell them about the bashing she took. And though the brother had not seen it personally, the account Bull gave said that she had purposely dropped her barrier before the hit.
When the Ambassador removed the hand from over her mouth, she went on to relate that she had enlisted her help in giving Lady Trevelyan incentive to leave Skyhold, to which Owayne folded his hands giving silent thanks. "The Inquisitor has always held duty above all else, including her own welfare," Josephine waved her quill about the air elegantly, "I'm sure if we present it to her that we believe her arrangement with Lord Armand is impeding her effectiveness as Inquisitor, she will--"
"Not listen and give us some excuse," he cut in a bit too harshly, wiping a hand down his face.
"Or slap us," he gave Cullen a coy pointed look. Cassandra punched his arm hard, though he looked like he enjoyed it.
Ignoring him, he continued," If she doesn't want to talk, then we find someone who will." Leliana perked up with a smirk at his words.
"Commander, you do impress me at times. What do you propose? Lord Trevelyan here knows nothing, we've already questioned him to a degree." Owayne scoffed at his easy dismissal.
"I know, that's not why he's here. I've asked him here because he is her brother and has every right to be involved in this." Cullen had siblings, he understood what he must be feeling watching his sister self-destruct helpless to do anything about it. "He's also going to bring Enchanter Ilara here for questioning immediately."
Leliana shook her head, "If you press her for answers, you risk raising the suspicion of the Inquisitor." Her steely blue eyes stared hard at him for a moment before catching on to where he was going, "But, if we are going to confront the Inquisitor either way, then…" Her gaze turned to Owayne, who nodded and all but ran to the doors.
"Oh dear, it seems Cassandra has fainted listening to the poem I wrote for her, I should go find a healer," he glanced back with a wink, slipping out the door, just dodging a thrown tankard from off the war table. Cassandra blushed, but the color seemed more due to embarrassment than anger.
As they listened to Owayne's footsteps fade, Leliana reached over to touch his arm. "Cullen, while I agree it is time to act, what happened to make you want to do this now? Does it have to do with what was said this morning?"
Josephine leaned in despite the four of them being alone, "And what you two were arguing about before we were supposed to meet?"
He pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling a sharp breath, "You two are worse than my sisters at times, always prying into things, you know that?" They smiled, sharing one of their conspiratorial looks. "Cassandra at least leaves me alone about it."
She gave him a side glance, but then walked over to the group, "I'm well aware you know Evelyn and I share a tent among other things. I can keep a secret, unlike the two of you." She glared at him, and it dawned on him that Evelyn possibly told her about laughing at her choice of books.
Leliana crossed her arms, giving him a pointed look like one he'd expect from Mia, "It's only because we care, and love some good gossip. Strictly confidential gossip, that is."
"Besides, Lady Bann Trevelyan was right, you weren't very subtle about it. There will be rumors to contend with, but so long as they just stay rumors, then there is no harm. There is plenty of speculation out there about the Inquisitor and her private affairs to hide the truth." Josephine scolded as he blushed up to the tips of his ears. There was little he could do after spitting his drink out at breakfast paired with the evidence on her neck to deny they were together last night.
"I didn't know she was going to just announce it! It was a bit of a shock." They suppressed their laughs, knowing full well how flustered he gets. He cleared his throat and tried to calm the spread of heat on his face, trying to get back to the trouble at hand, "More seriously, she was in a bad way last night. I'm worried she's going to do something rash, something she'll regret. For the love of Andraste, she was in the stairwell throwing glasses at the wall with her magic spiraling out of control! When have you known her to act like that?" Their looks sobered, knowing that he was right. Even Cassandra's face dropped with a heartfelt sadness taking in his eyes. They all had seen things that concerned them, otherwise, they wouldn't have agreed so readily to proceeding with his plan. Evelyn was many things, but she tended to keep her more destructive emotions in check.
The thoughtful silence that followed allowed them to pick up voices coming from the hall outside the War Room. Cassandra walked over and placed her hands on the war table while the other three straightened and waited throwing glances back and forth to each other, readying themselves for what they were about to do. They were about to cross the divide between professional and personal privacy to demand answers from their leader. It wasn't a mutiny, but it damn well felt like one, especially when the Inquisitor's wrath was bound to come down upon them like the avalanche she caused at Haven. And had it not been for her reaction earlier to his words, he wouldn't be as anxious as he was now. She was potentially the most powerful mage in Thedas and he felt no shame in being partially frightened of what she could do to him.
In these types of situations, Leliana usually led, so he was resigned to letting her do her job, but one way or another he would have the answers he so badly wanted. The latch on the door clinked open and Ilara's slender frame stepped in with purpose until freezing at the sight of her supposed patient standing and seemingly fine. Her large blue eyes surveyed the room, and in seeing all the attention was on her, began smoothing down her enchanter robes.
"Seeker Cassandra… I, um… do you require assistance?" Owayne abruptly shut the door behind them and she jumped. Her long blond ponytail whipped around looking from Owayne to the advisors, her eyes widening with each pass. "What's going on? Where's Ev-- the Inquisitor?"
"Enchanter Ilara, please sit." As Leliana spoke, Owanye slid a chair over from against the wall, gesturing to her to obey. Cullen could see a slight tremble in her hands as she took the arms to sit. The Nightingale, having caught the scent of fear, sauntered forward. "We apologize for the way in which we brought you here, but we have an urgent matter to discuss with you regarding the Inquisitor."
"So, she doesn't know about this?" The woman looked like a frightened doe with her widening eyes as panic rose up. None of them answered which was enough for her to assume as much. "W-what could I possibly know that you do not, Sister Nightingale?" The Spymaster simply stared at her emotionless. It was a steady glare, but as seconds passed it grew colder and more frightening. "Please, you're asking me to betray the trust of my best friend!" Well, at least he was right about one thing, something was going on and Ilara knew what it was. Watching her crack without much prodding made him realize why Evelyn kept her close, no doubt foreseeing this outcome.
"We aren't asking." At Leliana's words, she looked pleadingly to each of them, though it felt like she lingered on him longer. He didn't break though, gripping his sword tighter in anticipation.
Josephine stepped forth, tapping a hand on the Spymaster's shoulder. Leliana spun and walked back to stand beside him before the Ambassador continued in her formal diplomatic tone, "Enchanter, we are formally using our right as the council to convene an intervention on the grounds that the Inquisitor has been compromised, and thus so has the mission of the Inquisition. As a senior member, you are hereby asked to recant your oath of secrecy for the good of the organization and your friend." Ilara blanched. This time she looked to Owayne for pity, but he had none to give joining in their solidarity.
"Let's start with simple yes or no questions, shall we?" Leliana took back the reins of the interrogation, "Is the Inquisitor's life in danger?" Ilara swallowed hard looking down to the floor warring with herself in her head whether or not that question betrayed her friend's trust. No one said anything as they waited to see if she'd answer them without more persuasion. "Is the Inquisitor in danger?"
"Yes." Everyone stiffened and shifted uncomfortably at the quiet but telling answer. "She is in great danger."
"Does the danger have to do with Lord Armand?"
"Yes."
"Blackmail, yes?" Ilara nodded. "Is she protecting someone or the Inquisition? Is that why she's going along with his plan?"
"She's protecting herself, me, and the Inquisition. Though recently she'd had to deal with a threat against the Commander." Cullen sighed and clenched his jaw tight, but held his tongue. Maybe Armand did know about them that day he came to his office asking about the red lyrium. Slowly, the missing pieces of the puzzles were being filled.
"I suspected as much. Is the mother involved?"
"Unknowingly." Every answer proved to be taxing on the delicate mage.
"Why doesn't that surprise me," Owayne chimed in rolling his eyes as he paced a few steps away in disgust. Leliana crossed her arms, ignoring Owayne and narrowing her gaze to Ilara who squirmed beneath it.
"I have not found much on this Lord Armand, and nobles always have plenty of secrets, which leads me to believe that is not his real name. Yes or no?"
"No." The three looked back and forth at one another again, as she asked the obvious next question.
"Who is he then?" Cullen noticed the slightest bit of terror which gripped her. It was the same distant look Evelyn had sometimes during their talks. Ilara opened her mouth but the words were having trouble forming. Her eyes closed and her lips drew together as if steeling herself to say his name.
"His name is," it was as if saying his name would come with some kind of physical retaliation, "Ser Ryker Aeron."
"W-What did you say?" Cullen's words faltered as the realization of what he thought she said raced through his mind. He had to hear it one more time. He took a few steps toward her, all but beside himself in disbelief, and by the tears welling up in Ilara's eyes he knew he heard correctly.
"Ser Ryker Aeron," she sniffled out looking up at him painfully. He felt as if he had been shot through the heart by a crossbow. The crushing reality of every interaction, everything that he had seen in the past weeks of her with him paralyzed him. Ilara's glassy eyes didn't leave him, nor his hers as he processed this revelation.
"Why is that name familiar?" Cassandra spoke up finally from behind them. While the four of them chatted, shuffling papers to seek answers, he and Ilara were having a silent conversation. He shook his head slowly, and she nodded back so weakly he almost didn’t catch it. The dark anger which he sought never to release again was breaking free of its cage and he felt his face heat. The betrayal, lies, separation, everything had been because of a ghost that had come back to haunt her. One he knew about intimately, and whose transgressions against her he could not let pass regardless of their falling out.
Suddenly, the oversized doors were thrown open by a powerful force, making all of them jump. The silhouetted form of the Inquisitor strode in with a menacing look on her face. The air crackled with heat and magic as she stepped forth into the light.
"Lar? Are you alright? I felt your distress." She looked first to her friend making sure she was unharmed, then turned her raptor gaze on the others, "I thought I said we'd meet later, unless, of course, this is one I wasn't invited to." Her words had a venomous bite to them. He didn't care though, his anger was on the verge of becoming violent brought on by the sight of her wearing one of the tasteless dresses Armand, no Aeron, had bought her. It was of course black, as everything he ever gave her, with a deep heart neckline plunging low. The tulle sleeves were accented with floral lace. For once the sleeves hung from her shoulders and the skirt was full, so unlike everything else he had gifted her. She wore only charcoal on her eyes, pleased to see she didn't cover her scars, the most prominent being the ones on her lower cheek and shoulder junction from the attack on Haven. Ilara ran to her embrace, nuzzling her head into her shoulder with muffled apologies. The Inquisitor soothed her though kept her hardened stare on her advisors.
Josephine seemed to be getting her speech ready when Cullen's voice boomed through the room. "Aeron?! That… man is the Ser Aeron, the one who…," he stopped himself realizing the lines of personal and professional histories were being blurred aloud. He reached for his sword, but his hand had already been gripping the pommel, and without another word charged briskly for the door. Ilara gasped as he passed them, but Evelyn quickly grabbed onto his arm and coat trying to halt him to little effect. He could hear her yelling at him, cursing him as he dragged her along in many yards of fabric billowing out from her dress toward the door. He had almost reached it when a hard punch threw him against the wall. Dazed for a second and feeling the distinct heat of her mana, old wounds mixed with new ones in his state of blinding rage. "Did you just…?" He said rubbing the back of his head, "You used your magic on me?"
She tipped her head down and held a hand out in warning, "Whatever it is you think you're going to go do, I will stop you. I cannot allow you to interfere now, not when I'm so close." The others gathered together watching them with bated breath. For Cullen, the others' presence barely registered. He was still out for blood, even more so after such a betrayal as she used her power on him.
"Blessed Andraste Evelyn, why wouldn't you say something!? The least of all to me!" He pushed himself off the wall and stood imposingly in front of her. She wasn't having it though and defiantly lifted her chin to meet his seething rage.
She slammed the doors shut with another spell trying to make a point, "Stand down, Cullen, or I'll--"
"Or what? What more could you possibly do to wound me?"
"If you two wouldn't mind," Owanye butted in, "would someone care to explain to us what the fuck is going on?! Who is this Ser Aeron?" Despite his interruption, the two of them were still having their private battle. He had sufficient answers to justify his need to run Aeron through and ask for forgiveness later.
He unsheathed the top of his sword enough to emphasize his seriousness. "As Commander, I have the authority to--"
"Don't," those subtle cracks in her Inquisitor mask began to appear again as anger transformed into hurt. He watched it slowly melt away until both of them shared an all too familiar look, one that churned his gut at the shared pain. Needing some form of release, he spun with a growl and punched the bookshelf, causing a few history volumes to fall to the ground. He hardly felt the throbbing pain through all the adrenaline pumping through him. Leaning a hand on the wall, he hung his head shaking it.
Through the moment of quiet, he heard the rustle of Josephine step forward, explaining to Evelyn about their official inquiry into Lord Armand. "We know you are being blackmailed. If you would further enlighten us, Inquisitor," Evelyn glanced over to him before gliding forward to rest her hands on the back of the chair gripping it tightly with her nails. "We only wish to help you."
Evelyn took a deep breath as Ilara came to stand beside her. She hooked their arms and the petite mage rested her head on the curve of her shoulder. He tore himself away from the wall to stand with the others awaiting answers, though he had to pace until his anger subsided.
"You recognize the name because he is the Templar who assaulted me back in Ostwick. The one who has stalked me for years. The one who," she looked down to Ilara briefly, "who I thought I killed when he and two others came to rape us the night the Circle fell." Cullen's rage was paired with gut-wrenching guilt. He knew better than anyone the hurt she relived with every mention of his name.
Her eyes shot to her brother who had become as incensed as he had. He pulled a dagger out from a concealed pocket and took a step towards the door before Cullen grabbed him by the back of his leather vest.
"Of all people Cullen, you should be coming with me to gut that whoreson!" He turned to Evelyn now, "And you, how could you let him get away with this!?" He swatted at Cullen's firm grip on him, hesitantly letting him go to stand toe to toe with his sister. "Why wouldn't you have said something!? I could've helped you back home! How long had this been going on?!" Her gaze met his with an unreadable face. After some time, she looked away, he knew she wasn't about to tell her brother of the years of abuse that happened right under his nose.
"No one could've helped me." Unlike Owayne her voice was a steady anger compared to his which matched Cullen's fury. He found it strange that she was helping Ilara into the chair to sit, but he knew, yet again, her protective nature towards her friends was always first and foremost in her mind.
"So what, you just laid there and took it?!" She slapped him. Had his mood been better, he would've laughed at Owayne now being slapped for the same kind of boneheaded comment he made to her earlier.
"If you’re done making an arse out of yourself, may I explain?" Her sharp glare enhanced by the black smoke around them snapped his mouth shut before his next comment could find its way out. "Of course, I fought back, but Circle politics and law isn't as easy to navigate as you think. You've never lived there." Frustration made her voice waver, "Aeron is a snake with a silver tongue who manipulates those around him and leaves no evidence of his treachery! Knight-Commander Tobias never had sufficient evidence against him to take action." She straightened and smoothed her dinner gown down gathering herself to address the room. "Yes, he is blackmailing me, but there's more. Maker, look at the mess I made." She shook her head holding a hand to cover her eyes. She was shaking, but it was only after she placed it on her chest he realized it was from crying.
Hugging herself she turned from them as she sobbed. Ilara shot up out of her chair, nearly tipping it over to get to her. He could hear some of the Enchanter's soothing words as she tipped Evelyn's chin up wiping tears from her cheeks and dabbing them with a handkerchief. Despite their kiss last night, he was still hurting. Anger and rage over her sudden decision to spurn him and now lie about it helped to keep him at a distance from her.
After composing herself, guided by her best friend, she was ready to speak, "Aeron has our phylacteries. His terms were for me to marry him or have them sent to Corypheus." She paused allowing the gravity of those words to sink in. Andraste preserve them, who knows what that creature would do with their blood. Not one person in the room seemed unaffected by the implications. "Not only that, but he had a blood mage make copies, hiding them in secure locations. Henley and Sorin have been hunting for them, I could trust no one else with this. Aeron has been manipulating our staff and bribing them to spy on me." Suddenly so many things were becoming clear regarding her behavior and actions. The argument over their leave flashed through his mind.
"That's why you needed your attending staff constantly rotated, smart," Leliana nodded slowly crossing her arms.
"Yes. I've had to do what I could to thwart him without giving away that I've been doing so. I apologize for acting like a psychopath, but I couldn't afford any of you to question my decisions either. There is one other thing he's been holding over me, and it's something that could harm the Inquisition." Evelyn's eyes closed as she let go of a breath, trying to hold herself steady in the wake of such personal revelations. "I killed Knight-Commander Tobias. The rumors were right, and I couldn't bring myself to tell you at the times you asked back at Haven because I needed to protect my friends. He threatened to expose me right as we were trying to obtain our invitation to the Winter Palace. I couldn't let him ruin everything we had worked so hard for, so I… I agreed to his terms."
"So, that night when I saw you both with him…" Cullen's stomach was churning, knowing he could've ended the man then and there saving both mages weeks of torment.
"He was dictating to us his terms."
"Evelyn," anger and heart-wrenching pain laced his voice, "Maker, I could've helped you!"
"No!" She moved out from behind the chair to stand before him, "No, you couldn't have! Don't you think that I too could've killed him at any moment? He has a contingency plan. Should he die, those holding the other phylacteries are instructed to send them to Corypheus! That is why they need to be destroyed before anything is done. I just hope this," she mentioned to all of them in the room, "has gone unnoticed by him and his spies, otherwise you've just doomed us. I'm still waiting to hear word from Henley and Sorin if they've destroyed the second set. That'll only leave the set he personally holds."
"Well, now that we know the truth of things, how can we help you?" Leliana's coaxing tone held the Inquisitor's tired eyes, "This is your plan, we'll do what you need us to do." The three advisors lined themselves up before her, joined by Cassandra and Owayne as if they were soldiers mustering for inspection.
"I need you to do nothing until Henley and Sorin confirm they were successful. After that, I'd like nothing more than to burn the flesh off that man inch by inch until..." she stopped herself as the dark grip of revenge took hold. He could see the bloodlust taking hold of her countenance, and even in that gown she still looked as lethal as ever. Sighing, it seemed she was trying to let the rage go, "I'm open to suggestions, now that you know the extent of the situation."
"I'm not sure murdering another Templar publicly, even one that has abused you, would help the situation once word spreads that you killed the Knight-Commander." Josephine was already scratching something on her parchment. "I would recommend a trial."
"A trial?" He was of the same mind as Evelyn and would gladly watch the bastard's capital punishment.
"Yes, one which we carefully script and execute to do the least damage to not only the Inquisition but Evie as well." She turned towards their fallen leader, trying to lift her spirits with a compassionate smile and reassurance, "Leave every detail of it to me, Inquisitor." Slowly, it was as if an incredible weight was being lifted off her shoulders.
"There's one more diplomatic issue to deal with, which is that this morning Ryker sent to his noble contacts an account of what transpired at the Tower. I don't know what it says, but he mentioned it tells how I killed the Knight-Commander. I don't want to lie any longer, but I don't want to hurt the Inquisition. I just want us to prepare for the fallout."
"We should speak with the newly appointed Knight-Commander Barris to speak on behalf of the Inquisitor. I'm sure he'd be happy to stand with the Inquisition in this matter."
"I agree with the Commander. This is something that should be discussed in person. I will send an invitation for him to come to Skyhold," He watched the Ambassador add it to her list.
"In the meantime, I will personally investigate which of our people have been taking bribes and... deal with them case by case. I'll also find where he is keeping the last set of phylacteries, so when the time comes we can destroy them," Leliana added.
He sighed, supposing it was his turn to offer assistance, even if all he wanted was to run him through and be done with it, "Increasing the guard would only tip our hand, but if a few men, say Bull and--"
"Me," her sibling volunteered.
"And Owayne, ones who can be discreet and lie well enough if need be, near him when it's time to arrest him, so it's done quickly before he has a chance to flee."
"Gladly," her brother had a murderous look on his face.
"For the safety of the Inquisitor, someone should stay with her at all times so it is difficult for him to get her alone. I'd recommend all of us take turns to make it seem as natural as possible." He wasn't about to let that man near her any more than he needed to be until his time of reckoning came. All agreed, except for one.
"I can't, he... likes it when I'm there so he can--"
"Lar, no," Evelyn shook her head with a frown.
"What?" He found himself speaking without thinking, "No more lies or secrets."
The two mages exchanged pained looks, "He likes me to be there to heal her, to hide the evidence of when he punishes her. If you heal the injuries using magic immediately, there is no bruising or scaring." Ilara's gaze rested on her best friend, who had her eyes shut tight grimacing. Her words were enough to set Owayne off on a tangent of curses, all sentiments that Cullen shared. As for himself, his resolve finally broke, striding quickly over to embrace her. She pulled part of this mantle over his armor and buried her face in it, while he rested his chin on her head. He knew how past encounters with Aeron tormented her, he couldn't imagine now what having him here was doing to her mentally - and physically.
"I'm sorry, I know how difficult this must be for you," he muffled into her hair.
She pushed off him, frowning with defiance, "I'm still standing, aren't I? Still fighting." It seemed her tears had gone and were replaced by a bitter anger. She was independent and trying to prove to herself she was strong enough to handle it, as she had done in the past with her problems. She was a survivor, but she didn't need to do it alone anymore.
He sighed keeping his voice low, but he was aware everyone was listening to them, "I know, but now you have all of us behind you. We'll take him down together. Promise."
"Thank you," she popped her head out around him, "all of you." She broke away from him to smooth her dress down, "Now, I'm due to meet up with the bastard to bring him with me to my meeting over the siege equipment for Adamant with--"
"Lady Seryl of Jader, yes. I will accompany you. We should go with all haste, she appreciates punctuality when conducting business. Perhaps, Lord Trevelyan would also like to come, your charm would be welcome in conversation as "Lord Armand" can be rather abrasive at times."
He spit at the name with a snarky smile, "It'd be my pleasure."