The journey to Adamant Fortress in the Western Approach was a long trek, covering countless miles while they had the light of day and lazily resting and nursing sore feet by night. The healers' tents always had a sizable line as they were busy tending to blisters and aching joints. Having grown up in a saddle, Evelyn was happy to spend the day atop Nelson rather than in a carriage. She liked being a visable presence mingling occasionally with her soldiers to alleviate some tension as they marched to battle. As she had done back in Haven with the patrols and even before that in Ostwick, she enjoyed speaking with people hoping to find common ground. Before it had been about easing the fear of mages, but now it was finding answers about the things in the world that were changing; The Maker, the anchor, Corypheus, the Mage Rebellion, it was all on the table. Her favorite thing about chatting with her troops was when they'd ask if she remembered them since last they spoke. When she did and she asked after something they previously discussed, they beamed at their comrades having been made to feel special by the Herald of Andraste. Her mother had imparted the importance of having a good memory and remembering people to always come off as polite and caring while using the collected knowledge to her advantage. However, Evelyn used it now genuinely to get to know her people and their aspirations within the Inquisition; It was how she was able to appoint an assistant for Quartermaster Morris so quickly before leaving Skyhold. Ever since she and Cullen agreed to delegate more responsibilities to their people, she had been on the hunt for promising recruits to promote.
Aside from that, there was very little for her to do except approve orders from the Commander occasionally, though she typically deferred to his judgment. All other business, unless considered vital, was put on hold until after the mission. Having put their drama aside, she and Cullen settled into a false friendship. Despite acting normal, Evelyn always found herself letting out a deep exhale when he left, relieved they had acted their way through another poorly scripted public scene. It was a hard thing to describe because she enjoyed being able to chat and joke as they used to, but it was empty of the accompanying emotions. Yet, she couldn't distract him from the mission, knowing that he had the whole weight of their success riding on his abilities as Commander. She did not doubt that he had painstakingly thought of everything, but she hoped when he gave her the go-ahead she was up to the task.
Knowing they could not delay the mission any longer, fully recovered or not, she was going into a fortress with possessed mages, demons, and a giant rift. Her hand ached at the thought of sealing it, even if she had yet to lay eyes on it herself. The further they traveled into the desert, the more the dry air was affecting her injured lung causing her to cough more than she would've liked to. In the evenings, Ilara had her inhale steam to help her sleep after one night of keeping Cassandra awake between her hacking and snoring. The more her best friend fussed over her, the more of an invalid she felt like, eroding away her own morale. Never in her life had she been so injured, so often that she began joking to the others asking when she could go on leave. Despite everything, inside Adamant she would have the support of her army and companions, not to mention the addition of the Champion and Warden Stroud.
The veteran Orlesian Warden was seemingly a gentleman with a soft but stern demeanor. With the trouble facing his fellow Wardens, he was quiet and thoughtful, busing himself in the evenings with corresponding with his contacts to try and figure out the extent of Corypheus' corruption. How he and Hawke had tolerated each other for this long working side by side to hunt Corypheus was beyond her. For the more she was in the Champion's presence, the more miraculous their companionship was. The thing binding them, not unlike herself and Cullen, was duty - that dualistically purposed word that was both a solemn oath and excuse. Garret was a rascal, mischievous yet respectable in his judgment when it mattered. When he had first joined them after settling into Skyhold, Cullen had said he was reliable but didn't offer much else. She thought at first it may have been because he didn't know him well, but after hearing numerous stories from the Champion when they were deployed in the Western Approach involving the former Knight-Commander of Kirkwall, she began to suspect there was a more turbulent side to their acquaintance.
For one, Hawke had hidden the fact that he was a mage. How he did that from Cullen, who no doubt was a skilled Templar, baffled her. Having hunted apostates herself, she noted a number of the signs of his unorthodox upbringing in his daily habits. Regardless of his status as their ally, she had a hard time completely trusting such a person, and the more she watched Garret's interactions with the Commander, the more she was convinced he felt the same. However, the Champion seemed to always be near her along their journey, wishing to speak with her about all topics, happy to debate her views on reforming the Circles. While he favored the freedom of mages, even he knew the system well enough to know the majority of the populace would not accept it. It would only end in more violence against mages, especially against ones without protection or the emergence of radical groups. While the topic was a distraction she was passionate about speaking of, engaging her in some deep conversations about the future of Circles, sometimes she wished she had some quiet.
His constant companionship warded away Cassandra, who seemed happy to stay with Cullen and Owayne, making her somewhat jealous of her tentmate as she consumed the attention of two of her favorite men. Henley and Ilara were busy with their duties, managing their charges, but thankfully Sorin was content to linger near her. Her fellow Knight-Enchanter was still acting as a quiet sentinel, on the lookout for trouble. Between Hawke and Cullen, she wasn't sure who grated on his patience more. She was fairly certain he did like the Commander, he was just unsympathetic to his side of the conflict. Having had no time alone to speak, from how well she knew her friend's body language, she'd say he was weary of the Champion's motives - as was she. While Garret could be entertaining, both Ostwick mages were aware of the looks he gave her. Evelyn, too brazen at times, only fueled his encroaching advances by not backing down as he clearly enjoyed a chase. She shouldn't have expected any less from a man who was the lover of a Riavini pirate for a few years, and the notorious Isabella at that.
Upon joining with their forward troops - who had been sent ahead with the slow-moving siege equipment before her battle with Aeron delayed the operation - they arrived to find them battered and exhausted, having been woefully outnumbered by the enemy force for some time. Ser Hawthorne had once again made himself invaluable, having been summoned from Griffon Wing Keep nearby to assist the expeditionary force in repelling the Warden's attacks and maintaining the siege position. To survive the weeks of random encounters, it took every man they had to defend the camp. In the middle of the desert, there was absolutely no cover to be had. Building defenses out of their supply of wood, Hawthorne was careful not to spread the men too thin, using every advantage possible. The Wardens were not their only concern, however, as the men needed water and to conserve their supplies. Close to camp they found a dry riverbed and digging within it, found a supply of ground water. Once word was sent to the Commander that they had established wells, he diverted the Trevelyan cavalry that was headed to Skyhold to reinforce the camp. Making haste, the horsemen's presence all but stopped attacks on the camp, having the griffin-less Wardens at a complete disadvantage. With steady supplies being delivered thanks to Emperor Gaspard, they were able to last almost a month on their own until the bulk of the army arrived.
Now, with Adamant Fortress surrounded and the siege equipment in place, the Inquisitor gave the command to begin the siege. As the first volley was fired at the main gate, it set off a chain reaction from the other two camps who had their designated targets aimed at finding a way inside. It would take several days, but eventually, she'd have her way in to seal the large rift they had opened.
"The coordinated effort between the trebuchets will weaken the walls and bring down the gate in time. Based on research of past battles and schematics of the ancient fortress, we've aimed our attacks at its weak points where I believe the walls had been compromised." The Commander addressed his senior officers along with the Spymaster and Inquisitor in the Command Tent, "The main gate is our primary target, once it is weak enough to send the Battering Ram in, the trebuchets can then be adjusted to attack the walls, hence their off-centered placement. I'd rather not waste the time or men to move the bloody things to the other camps when they can hit the other targets from their current location." As she listened, she couldn't help but gaze at him proudly, which did not go unnoticed by the man himself when he did a double-take at her as he fielded questions. He had put everything into this operation for it to succeed, and she'd be damned if she failed him. He was inspiring in his own right, reassuring his soldiers that he had thought of every scenario and obstacle that could present itself. The confidence in his tone and his plan was felt by those present who would in turn pass it down the ranks. "Inquisitor, would you like to add anything?"
She looked up at him and then at the men and women gathered around the table, "I do believe you have thought of everything, Commander. I am confident in our ability to triumph and Maker willing, convince what Wardens we can to surrender." Henley was standing beside her and threw her a doubtful look.
"Yes," Cullen rubbed a gloved hand over his stubble, "should they surrender, you are to have some of your men escort them to this area here." He pointed to one of the large inner courtyards that had ample protection and security. "And for the love of Andraste, make sure none of them are mages." Though he didn't mean for his words to sound so harsh, it was a clear enough warning. "We do not anticipate the mages will be of sound judgment or mind, having been the ones binding the demons through blood magic."
He looked up to her grimly, not wanting to say what was needed, so she did, beating even Rylen to address it. It was better if the order came from her anyway, "As of now, until we have more information, all Warden mages are considered maleifcar and should receive no quarter. For the sake of your soldiers, do not hesitate. Is that understood?" The Inquisitor looked to each one of them for affirmation. When satisfied, she looked back over to the Commander who was visibly relieved at not having to cover the protocol for the Warden mages. She knew all too well it could've resulted in some form of post-traumatic hallucination taking him back to Kirkwall.
After calling for last-minute questions and dismissing everyone, she went to leave to relay the information to her companions. "Inquisitor," she froze, just turning her shoulder enough to see his face, "thank you." For one rare moment, the sincerity of the simple act burned through their conflict. Having sworn to never betray the trust of the things she knew of his past, like triggers, he was always safe from the darkness so long as she was near. Evelyn's eyes softened, giving a warm nod before once again continuing on her way.
The area of camp where her tent was located was safely nestled in the center of the main force's spot in front of Adamant's gate. Quartered around her were Leliana, Cullen, and all her companions. A few yards away were the healers and surgeon's tents for the wounded, then the Command Tent. As she sat beside the fire, Evelyn caught sight of Cullen's tent whom he shared with Rylen, shaking her head knowing that he'd never actually be in it for the duration of the mission. In having to bring more men due to the delay, everyone had to double up in tents, even the senior officers.
"There you are," a heavy Nevarran intonation called from behind, "there's a surprise waiting for you in our tent." With Ilara sleeping with the rest of the healers, she was free to bunk with Cassandra as they always did on the road.
"Oh? What kind of surprise? Something other than field rations?" Her eyes lit up thinking perhaps Josephine sent a surprise dinner on the eve of battle.
"You really do think with your stomach. No, this surprise is not editable, but far more useful." The two began walking as Evelyn's mind tried to fathom who would send her something and what it was.
Stopping just outside their tent, Cassandra held the flap open for her. Ducking into the darkened interior, she blinked a few times allowing her eyes to adjust, when a shine caught her eye. There placed on her armor stand was a beautiful set of dragon bone armor sculpted meticulously with golden-orange feathers adorning the helmet, pauldrons, vambraces, and greaves. She knew the odd green sheen of dragon bone when she saw it after the many hours spent studying the spirit blade Dagna forged for her. Running her fingers along the avian-looking embellishments in awe, she wondered at the cost of something so magnificent until her fingers landed on something that had been tucked into it. Sticking out was a note, with the Trevelyan seal:
My darling Evie,
I know you're already fretting over the cost of this armor, but there is no price I wouldn't pay to keep you from harm. May it serve you well my little firebird. Maker watch over you and the Inquisition.
Modest in temper, bold in deed.
Your loving father,
Bann Drexford Trevelyan
She couldn't hold back the tears that pooled in her eyes as she clutched the parchment to her heart. His genuine words and love were so sorely needed in this moment, a sob escaped. Her hand covered her mouth as her back hid most of the emotional display, while she heard the shuffle and shifting of her bunkmate and one other behind her. Owayne had joined them, coiling his arm around the Seeker's waist. Clearing her throat a few times and wiping her eyes, she turned back only offering the brief explanation of, 'it's from father,' for her lapse of composure.
Her brother smiled brightly, "It took some doing, but he had it sent to Skyhold before we left. We had to pack it and keep it secret. Thankfully, Cass can put the fear of the Maker in just about anyone to stay quiet." They smiled at each other smugly having succeeded in their ploy.
"Now I'm really in trouble when the two of you are plotting together." Her joking then transitioned into a heartfelt sincerity, "Seriously though, thank you both for this, I…" She paused, always careful of who she revealed her weakness to. Cassandra had become as close as Ilara was to her despite the lack of years of knowing each other. She attributed it to having forged their relationship through adversity on the road and sharing close quarters. "…I really needed something like this." Evelyn hugged both in turn, before adding, "Let's continue to keep this a secret. It'll be quite a shock for everyone when I step out in it."
They chuckled slyly before leaving her to fondle her gift.
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Sitting about the fire on the eve of battle as blazing missiles from the trebuchets hounded the gate and walls, Evelyn's friends quietly occupied themselves knowing what morning would bring. By tomorrow, they'd have their way inside the fortress and face a remorseless army of demons made by the sacrificing the innocent. It'd be a grizzly fight, for even without their summoned monstrosities the Wardens were great warriors. She had chosen her team and assigned her other companions elsewhere. With her would be Blackwall, Cassandra, Varric, and Dorian with the addition of Hawke and Stroud. Ilara, Vivienne, and Solas were to be stationed with the healers, not wanting to send all their mages into a fort full of maleificar. Evelyn and Dorian had extensive experience with blood magic and were the only exceptions to the rule. Sorin was able to resist possession as well, but he was to stay back in case his abilities were needed outside the walls. Owayne, under the command of Henley, was assigned to climb the ladders helping the men gain a foothold on the walls. Sera, Bull, and The Chargers were assigned to breach the Eastern Wall when it fell. And Cole was doing whatever it was he did, helping where Compassion was needed.
Everyone was engaged in small conversations about their private section of the camp, including herself who was occupied with Sorin, Varric, and Hawke. The two residents of Kirkwall and the Knight-Enchanters were swapping amusing stories of their exploits in the Free Marches, but Evelyn's mind was drifting in and out of the conversation. Occasionally, her eyes wandered over to where Cassandra and her brother were standing. He was charmingly annoying her, though the Seeker laughed at whatever he was saying after giving him a punch or a playful shove. The two of them openly enjoying each other's company brought a smile to her face, it only made her heart heavy thinking and wishing she could have the same.
"You alright there, Blaze?" She turned back towards the dwarf, who was appraising her with an astute eye.
"Why do you call her 'Blaze,' Varric? Aside from the obvious?" Hawke asked, eyeing her with a curiosity.
"Haven't you seen her mad?" She could see the Champion thinking back to their time spent in the Western Approach. "Everything is set ablaze from her eyes to blood and especially her wings. Hence, 'Blaze.' Not only that, it also refers to her temper." She shot him a hot look, "Whoa, I did not say it was a bad thing! I think every leader needs a healthy attitude if they want to get things done."
Just then, Cullen strode past with Rylen as they discussed the latest reports on the stability of the fortress. Evelyn eyed them, wondering if they would summon her, but Hawke reached over thumbing the scar on her chin then poked the one at her nose making her laugh slightly, "And how'd you get these?" The Commander's eyes fell harshly on her, cutting her laughter short.
"Oh, that's a bit of a tale, and same for the one on my nose," Sorin laughed listening to her vague explanation of the stories. "If you'd excuse me, I better check in with the Commander." Standing from their huddle, she walked over to the two men reviewing the parchment, "What's the latest?"
Rylen saluted, "Your Worship, the scouts have reported that there are far more demons than we anticipated, while the number of Wardens lessens' by the hour."
A chill ran down her spine, "More blood magic." He nodded grimly with an 'aye.' Her gaze turned dark looking over at the timeworn fortress, "How soon can we begin the assault?"
Standing tall, the fire in her eyes was alight meeting the Commander's molten orbs, "Tomorrow night at best." Her eyes widened and by his annoyed sigh, he knew the argument fighting to get out of her head, "These things take time, and as it is we are manning the trebuchets all day and night with three crews alternating shifts. The battering ram has been built and will be outfitted with the penthouse tomorrow morning in anticipation of an evening assault." With every word her hope of saving as many Wardens as was possible was diminishing. "Rylen and I are headed out to check on a few things." As he finished, their horses were being guided over to them. "I'll find you when I return once I have further information--"
"Commander! Inquisitor!" A young scout out of breath came sprinting towards them. She bent over gasping while supporting herself on her knees, "There's… something you must see. Sister Nightingale awaits your… presence immediately." A large black raven landed on her back squawking and turning, flapping wildly.
Already mounted on his large warhorse, he extended a hand down to her, "Rylen will see to the other tasks, we should go see Leliana right away." Pulling her up with ease, she situated herself behind him, placing her hands on her hips. "You can, and probably should, hold on to me."
She scoffed at him, "Cullen, I could ride standing on one leg while assaulting the fortress with fireballs." Realizing how obstinate she sounded, she placed her hands on his sides as he spurred his black Ferelden Forder forward. His mantle tickled her face with his scent, as she tried to keep eyes on Leliana's raven as it guided them to its mistress. Leading them away from camp and down into a canyon beside the fortress, they spotted the dark-cloaked figure in the distance.
With her agents spread about watching out for the safety of their superiors, the two dismounted looking around them. Stopping dead in her tracks, Evelyn couldn't believe her eyes, "Maker, are those…" her words were cut off by the grotesque sight before them. The sunken earth had been turned into a mass grave. Bodies upon bodies were haphazardly dropped from above filling the canyon beside the wall. Obscured by some of the only vegetation for miles, the area was a natural defense for Adamant, which is why they hadn't seen this until now. Covering her nose they walked over to Leliana who didn't seem bothered by the stench or view.
"It seems they are not just sacrificing Wardens any longer," she nodded over to a plainly dressed elven woman. "By her clothes, she looks to be a servant of some kind, and that man there, clearly a mason. See the mortar plastered on his hands? They're desperate, sacrificing anyone they can or can't afford to feed."
"You think they were ill-prepared pending our arrival a month ago?" Cullen questioned.
"Erimond seemed like the type of man who didn't bother himself with the details of how he was going to supply a fortress in the middle of the desert, merely that he was following master's orders in creating his demon army. Regardless, we've clearly unnerved him as he's sacrificing anyone expendable enough. Let's just hope he isn't planning something bigger for us with that massive rift." The three exchanged concerned glances before looking back at the senseless waste of life. All these people died and lost their souls to demons for Corypheus. Erimond would pay with blood for his atrocities, and she would hear him scream in agony before ending his pathetic existence.
It was then a fresh body was thrown from the ramparts. The three quickly stepped behind a boulder, watching the flailing limbs tumble down the pale stone, its blood streaking down the wall helping to grow the existing red stain. After the long drop, it landed with a soft squishy sound accompanied by the snapping of bone. Wet gore shot into the air spreading it about to the others who gained another coat of blood and guts. The sight sent the Phoenix into a rage, as her fists clenched, knowing that this poor person was just trying to serve and was betrayed by their betters. She suddenly wished her wings could take her up these walls so she could strangle Erimond with his…
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
"Evelyn," the Commander lowered his tone, "your magic is overwhelming." Letting go of a sharp exhale, she shook herself from her violent thoughts. Even Leliana seemed to have been affected, looking dizzy as she staggered a step back.
The Spymaster glared resolutely at her with steel in her eyes, "You'll get your chance at them, Inquisitor, soon enough." Taking a knee before the abyss before them, Cullen began to pray for the departed. "Your prayers are wasted, Commander. Their souls belong to the Void now." Leliana's face contorted in a dark disgust at the gore.
"The bodies should be burned," flexing her hand, the Inquisitor conjured a flame but was halted by the redhead, who closed her hand into a fist.
"No, they will see. We will come back with a Chantry Mother and make sure the proper respects are at least paid to their earthy bodies." They both took a shaky breath, as Cullen once again stood looking out over the hundreds of bodies tossed from the fortress. "Let us leave this place and not speak of it until this is over. If word spreads of just how many innocent people have been murdered, I fear to think what fate may befall the Wardens. It may also give us some political leverage in Ferelden if we help keep news of this from spreading. The Wardens of Ferelden are having enough trouble as it is rebuilding their numbers since the Blight."
"You said yourself you share favors with the queen. Will this be shared with her?" Evelyn tilted her head partly to the side. She didn't mind her advisors trading secrets when they felt it was justified. Trusting them inexplicably to always place the Inquisition first, she never had to question their loyalties.
She leaned towards her slyly, "No, I would be remiss if I didn't keep something up my sleeve to use. I would expect nothing less from Elissa either." When a passing guard from above tried to peer down into the darkness at them, they knew they had lingered too long and quietly made their way back to the horses and then to camp.
Cullen dropped her back at their camp before riding off to catch up with Rylen who hadn't returned yet. With him distracted, there was one last task she needed to complete before the battle tomorrow. Peering into the darkness beyond their cluster of tents, she could see dark silhouettes against the sand embracing, no doubt exchanging favors of luck or protection before they'd be called to battle lines. Digging for her hand-embroidered handkerchief that she'd been carrying around all day waiting for an opportunity, she knew now was her chance.
Sneaking into the tent from the back to avoid her companions' sharp eyes, she folded and placed the delicate linen on his pillow. There would be no mistaking who it was from with the clever Trevelyan coat of arms and the initials 'EAT' on it. Evelyn couldn't help but chuckle to herself at the sight of her monogram, knowing that Cullen had probably never thought about the word which her initials spelled - how fitting they had several jokes about her eating habits as it were. To be safe, she folded it so the embellishment was on the inside of the first fold when he opened it and the color of the cloth matched that of the pillow. Maker forbid an attendant happened in and saw it, or someone meeting with him, but she couldn't place it anywhere else without a high chance that it'd go undiscovered. By delivering it to him secretly, he could choose without having to confront her or tell her if he accepted it. She could understand his decision either way, and part of her hoped he wouldn't say a word about it so she could believe in ignorant bliss that her token was tucked away somewhere under his armor tomorrow.
Not wanting to linger, she pressed a kiss to the fabric and whispered a protective prayer to the Maker and his Bride before departing and circling back around to her friends. As she rejoined them, her heart was fluttering thinking about what he would think about it when he returned. When he eventually did arrive back from the other camp, she quickly said her goodnights and retreated into the confines of her tent, not wanting to hear or see any form of reaction from him, knowing that despite thinking that she didn't care if she was rejected, that it would indeed crush her spirit.
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"It won't be long now, I'll send the battering ram in within the hour to finish off the gate. Once engaged, it's hard to estimate how long before the men breach them. It could be a half-hour or could be several hours." Cullen looked up from his reports scattered all across the table in the Command Tent, "We'll have those doors open for you, Inquisitor." Evelyn was joined late the next afternoon by Leliana, Cassandra, and Rylen around the table finishing up their final meeting before the battle would commence.
"I shall ready my team. I want to be the first through the gate, Commander," she nodded resolutely crossing her arms.
He grumbled, probably expecting her to say as much, "Allow me to at least send an advance force in to assess the situation before you go in."
"We will act as your advanced force. If there are Grey Wardens who would surrender seeing Stroud and Blackwall, then we should give them every chance to do so. How many lives have already been wasted by Erimond?" She gave him a knowing look following her words in hopes he remembered last night's excursion to the mass grave.
His jaw flexed, "And what of your safety and health?" His stern gaze penetrated her as she choked out a badly timed cough, "There will be blood magic and arrows flying, not to mention demons everywhere. It will take time for the men to get a foothold atop the walls, leaving you at the mercy of the enemy. This is your first real fight since your injury, and I would advise you to not overdo it just walking through the door!"
She thought over his words, but they both knew she had made up her mind, "I need to speak to the Commander privately, leave us and prepare yourselves for battle."
They held each other in an intense glare until they were left alone. He was the first to speak, rounding the table to stand before her, "Andraste preserve me, Evelyn, see reason! You do not have to lead the army in such a manner. Our soldiers are with you, come what may!"
"It has nothing to do with that, and everything to do with saving as many lives as possible from needless death. Everything we do deals with it, and I'm about at capacity. Before you tell me that such is the price of war, remember that those men and women also swore an oath to give their lives in protection of Thedas as we have." Cullen seemed to have lost some of his temper at her words, "If there is a chance that the Wardens will see reason, we must take it, and who better to do it than members of their own order."
"And if they do not surrender? You know their mages are already lost."
"Then we do what needs to be done. I'm a trained Knight-Enchanter first and foremost. I'm an expert at killing demons and maleificar, there is no one better for you to send in first with them. If I wasn't the Inquisitor, it would be entirely senseless not to send me! I'm also a crazy fireball thrower with new abilities sprouting up every time someone pisses me off," she gave a halfhearted smirk not wanting to fight with him.
He frowned snapping back, "Yes, with a talent for finding trouble."
She shrugged it off casually, "I'm fairly certain that whole fortress is full of trouble already, so it makes no difference." He opened his mouth to argue again, but she wasn't having it, "Enough Cullen, I'm going to get my armor on and ready the others. You know I'll just do what I want anyway."
Anger welled up flushing his face with a tinge of red as he took a step closer to her lowering his voice to a growl, "Because you're too insufferably stubborn to listen to those who care about you!"
She stared into his hard amber eyes wanting to say the plethora of things that she was holding inside her since she resumed consciousness back at Skyhold. Now all of a sudden he decides to share his feelings, even if they were not as passionate as she hoped for. Evelyn was sick and tired of the false pretenses, and even though she loved him, he made her want to have them strap her into the sling of the battering ram and bang her head against the gate. Or she wanted to throw something at him, like his pile of reports, a chair… maybe herself. He was standing too close, causing her body to react traitorously as her eyes slid up and down his handsome face. Ignoring the emotions and the urge to ask if he saw the token she left him, she replied quietly, "I've given you my orders, Commander," holding his gaze for a moment before leaving quickly.
Needing to just be alone and calm down, Evelyn sat for some time observing the comings and goings of her companions, wishing them luck as they headed to their assignments. The Iron Bull had left with Sera and the Chargers for the Eastern Camp earlier in the day and she stopped in on the healers to see how they were faring with preparations to receive the wounded. A few cots had already been filled by messengers who got themselves within range of the enemy's arrows as they were running between camps. They would recover under the healing touch of Ilara, but the Inquisitor still left her well wishes with them before sharing a long hug with the Enchanter. Owayne and Cassandra were suspiciously absent as were the others, though the sounds coming from the surrounding tents indicated most were getting their last few winks of sleep in. With everything in order thanks to the Commander's tight planning and coordination, all there was to do was wait.
Cullen had done an incredible job, there was no doubt about it. The constant rhythm of the trebuchets launching missiles beat in the background like a steady war drum. The camp was a hive of activity, but the layout was designed with efficiency in mind allowing soldiers, wounded, and supplies to move to where they needed to be with as little traffic as possible. Even if they had been unconscious and distant for days, the hours and all-nighters she both heard and didn't hear of paid off. Though he had combat experience, his knowledge of battle came from his studies. The Commander had a mind for the coordination of the various elements of the battlefield. It was like a large chess board, and unbeknownst to his older sister Mia, she had been instrumental in preparing him, teaching him to anticipate his opponent's moves and counter them. Evelyn knew how important this was to him, especially after the defeat at Haven. There had been a chip on his shoulder ever since then, one that put a resolve of steel in his actions. His first command of a siege and battle was going to go his way, as his fingers rested on the pulse of the operation.
As she gazed at him across the camp pouring over the progress reports, a small warm smile settled on her face. "I've seen that look before," the Champion's voice startled her, "there were many who looked at him like that back in Kirkwall. Trust me, your attention is wasted there."
Evelyn quirked up an eyebrow at him, "I'm simply admiring all the hard work he has done for this mission. It is quite the feat."
He sat down on the log close beside her, so much so his every movement jostled her. He smelt of tobacco and spiced rum, but it wasn't a stale smell, but rather warm and comforting. "I'm curious to know if it was your order to give no quarter to the mages or his?"
"Mine."
He gave a huff, "I do not disagree with it, for I've seen my fair share of what blood magic used enthusiastically can do, but I expected that sort of order from the former Knight-Commander, not you."
By his feisty tone, she was unsure what he was getting at. "Those decisions rest with me, or did you forget that I'm a Knight-Enchanter."
"You mean a witch hunter," he whispered amused at his own words having successfully evaded members of her order for years. "I'm more surprised Rutherford takes his orders from a mage, given his hatred of them. I suppose he has no choice if he wants to keep his position. He's had plenty of practice schmoozing his superior in Kirkwall." Hawke turned to look at her for a reaction, but she endeavored to not react emotionally to his blatant attack.
She couldn't stop her jaw from clenching, not wanting to discuss such personal matters with him, "Cullen is not the same man he was in Kirkwall. In the end, he saw through Meredith's corruption and what it did to him. She fed him ridiculous amounts of lyrium to keep him compliant and used the horrors he had seen before transferring to manipulate him. The man you knew had desperately sought meaning and new purpose for his sacrifices for the Order, only to be further led down a path against everything he devoted his life to."
The Champion stared at her seemingly unconvinced, his black hair falling rebelliously from his forehead, "I grant you, he does seem more sedate here than back at the Gallows, but if you had known him as I had, you wouldn't be so easily fooled by his reprieve from "Knight-Commander Rutherford." He and I had many discussions over the years about mages rights and he was right at home with the Kirkwall Templars - especially Meredith. I had to hide the fact that I was a mage because he could not see us as people worthy of his time or understanding. We are an infection to him, breeding more pestilence every day." He spat at the ground looking into the fire. "I may have sided with him when the Qunari invaded and when Anders blew the Chantry to the Void, but it was for the good of the innocent people being slaughtered in the streets. From what I saw, Meredith didn't have to do much to convince him to follow her orders like the faithful Mabari he was to her."
Evelyn looked back to where Cullen had been standing, but he was gone, so she turned her head to face Hawke. "May I ask what the Void brought all this on?" He shifted studying her face closely, "I mean really Hawke, what the fuck?"
"You and I spent weeks together out in the Western Approach, and never once had you acted so," he paused searching for the correct word, "careful. I've seen you pay closer attention to his every reaction as if he were a primed gattlok bomb about to explode. The Order is not your master any longer. Do not let his command of this mission make you think otherwise."
She balked baffled by his observation, then narrowed her eyes at him, "I assure you it has nothing to do with that."
"Well, he sure as hell wouldn't see a mage as anything but an abomination, which gets back to my original point, don't waste your time with Rutherford."
She rolled her eyes, "And you'd be wasting your time with me."
He chuckled looking away and she eyed his untamed beard. He truly had a rough look to him, seeming like he'd be more at home in a port town than in their current setting. Pivoting to meet her stare, she was hit by his smoky and spicy scent again, "We're mages and powerful ones, and that's not just because of our magic. You never know when the Chantry is going to decide we no longer fit their narrative. We should take pleasure where we can find it." His finger tugged at a loose strand of her hair, trailing it down her face to hook her chin. "It's just a bit of fun, something Rutherford wouldn't know the first thing about," he smirked a bit with a wink.
She was about to retort, when a voice from close behind interrupted them, "Hawke," both turned to look at the Commander's scowl. He didn't say more - he didn't need to - simply placing a hand to rest on the pommel of his sword.
Garret gave a sly chuckle, "I see you're still keeping a watchful eye on your charges, Knight-Commander." The two of them slowly stood from the log, though the Champion stepped up into Cullen's face, losing some of his humor.
"I was simply walking by and heard my mention, it's not my fault if you can't keep your mouth in check. Never could, in fact," the Commander's tone was one she had heard when disciplining the soldiers. Unsure as to whether she should interfere, she stood back observing for now. Cullen held his ground glowering down at the man before him, "If you have an issue with me or my command, be a man and speak with me first. You can't hide behind Aveline here."
"I'm not one of your soldiers…"
The Inquisitor butted in before he raised his voice any louder, pushing both of them a few inches back from each other. She addressed Hawke first, "No, you're not one of his soldiers, but an ally. I have no issue with the way Cullen commands my army, and since as you say you're not part of it, then no one fucking cares what you think." Despite the chastisement, Hawke stared at her unaffected. Spinning to now address her senior council member, his amber eyes only flickered to her briefly before locking back on to the Champion's. "And you, Commander, I trust not to cause an incident with our ally with a battle before us." When he didn't say anything or look at her, she added, "Understood?" After the blonde verbally consented to her order, she dismissed them both sternly out of her presence.
Sitting back down, she absently fingered the scar on her cheek wondering just what Hawke's game was. As he went to armor up, he pinned up the flaps of his tent. When he took his shirt off and made a point to catch her eye, she faced away from him chuckling pitifully at his persistence. For the time being, Cullen had his back to the camp speaking to a messenger who ran into the Command Tent, but if he saw Hawke's strutting, she could only imagine the shade of red his cheeks would take on. The three weeks they spent in the Western Approach had been light and full of sarcastic joking; Could he have taken it as flirting? Surely, Varric knew better, and yet even if Hawke had heard rumors of something between her and Cullen, he didn't seem like the type of man who cared. He was a bundle of contradictions, both rational and unpredictable. In battle he was fierce, fighting as if each skirmish was his last. The magic he wielded was questionable, as were the origins of where he had learned it, but she dismissed it because, well, he was the Champion of Kirkwall - a hero.
Garret had also lived as an apostate, unknowing of what life was like in the Circle. To him, it was a simple matter of viewing Templars as the jailers and mages as their prisoners. Yet, it was so much more complicated than that, something people who had never spent time in a Circle couldn't understand. Part of her fumed thinking that he thought she was being submissive to Cullen when she was simply trying to not 'distract' him from their mission with the mess that was their relationship. Of course, she wouldn't disclose that to Hawke, but if he persisted in his advances, she may have no choice without insulting an ally as she just scolded the Commander for doing. Yet, she didn't want to give Cullen any reason to doubt her faithfulness, wanting to still gain back his trust.
"Evelyn?" The Seeker's hand on her shoulder broke her from brooding. "Come, the Commander sent the battering ram to the gate. We need to prepare." Standing and doing as she bid, she sighed trying to refocus on what was to come. "What is Hawke doing?"
Evelyn turned to look back over, he was leaning against the tent's center post eating an apple - shirtless - watching them. The Inquisitor huffed, "You don't want to know." Leading her tentmate with a gentle push into their quarters, she tied the flaps closed for privacy.
"Why don't I want to know?" Cassandra was now suspicious.
"I'm fairly certain he's trying to bed me."
The Seeker made a sound as if she choked on her spit, "What?!"
"Shh," she stepped closer to her friend staring at her incredulously, "he was rather forward about it and somehow managed to insult Cullen in the process, who overheard, and I just had to separate the two of them before they began butting heads like two rams."
"So, that's why he was outside… shirtless?" she pointed in the direction of Hawke's tent. Nodding together in understanding, she added, "I wouldn't trust him, Evelyn. He may be the Champion, but from what I uncovered about him during my time in Kirkwall, he lives to dance on the line of good versus bad. He's Varric's best friend after all, that alone should make you wary."
Her eyes widened, whispering harshly, "How could you-- I wasn't even thinking of entertaining the notion! My issue is that Cullen may think I am."
The Nevarran tilted her head, taken back, "Surely, not. He would know how absurd it is."
Having had her armor layers laid out on the bed, the Phoenix began to undress, "I don't know what he thinks anymore. I do know that Hawke isn't helping. If Cullen says anything to you, you'll tell me, won't you?"
"Of course, and I'll certainly tell him it's ridiculous."
Out of the corner of her eye, she immediately noticed a token of affection tied on Cassandra's arm which she knew to be Owayne's handkerchief. "You really do like him, don't you?" The Seeker turned her head back at her while lacing up her vambraces. Nodding to the favor on her bicep, "My brother. I can hardly get you to myself anymore."
Facing away she took a deep breath before answering, "I think I do."
"You think? What exactly do you think you like about him?"
"I suppose… I enjoy his humor and his different perspective. I had no idea that he was so intelligent or pious until I stopped and actually listened to what he was saying… outside of all the cursing and sarcasm." Evelyn couldn't help but laugh to herself at the description. "The heavy drinking is… a bit much at times, but it only makes him emotionally more… endearing." It was true, at least when he was sauced he was an affectionate drunk.
"I hope you have no notion he'll give that up."
"I have no desire to change him, for I don't believe things will ever go that far." She turned around with a sour look on her face, "I don't mean… I didn't--" Besides struggling with her words, she was also fighting with her armor strap. The thought of either of them getting married struck her as odd, let alone being wed to each other.
"It's alright, Cassandra. I didn't mean to put you on the spot. What happens between you and Owayne is your business, though I will say it again, I do believe you are good for him." Her new dragon bone armor was surprisingly easy to put on without help - just the way she liked it. Having finished she did her final checks to make sure she had everything tightened comfortably.
With a huff, the Seeker's shoulders slumped in frustration still fussing with the stubborn strap. Seeing this, her bunkmate strode overtaking the leather and buckles away from her gingerly, "This fucking thing--"
"Whoa," Evelyn chuckled, "you may be a good influence on him but I'm not sure his mouth is beneficial for you."
"His mouth? And what of yours? I'm getting twice as much Trevelyan influence now." Evelyn was laughing harder now, grateful for the distraction. When she finished, the two women's eyes met, "That armor on you is truly beautiful," the look in Nevarran's eyes was sobering as the gravity of the situation began to press down upon them. It was in these moments with her friends that she felt the burden of the Inquisition was shared.
"You think it'll inspire our soldiers? Do I look like I belong leading them?" The Phoenix turned and spun as if wearing a ballgown. "Andraste's pyre, we are attacking the Grey Wardens."
"Evelyn," she grasped her shoulders, "you are and have been leading them, and they do not hesitate to follow you. I know I do not question your ability. Do not allow doubt to haunt you."
Sharing a heartfelt smile, she said quietly, "I'd hug you, but with all these feathers I'm afraid I'd scratch up the polished shine on your armor. And I remember what you did to Varric when he jokingly said he dinged your armor with Bianca…"
The Seeker snorted a laugh, "Perhaps when we are back here after the mission then we can embrace in victory, my friend."
"Deal."
With another look up and down, brushing off her shoulders, she gave Evelyn a resolute look, "Now, let's show everyone what a true Phoenix looks like."
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Atop a platform he had constructed to see out over the battlefield, Cullen watched as his plan proceeded without any undue surprises. The various elements were in place and the gates were almost open - at least he hoped. The night sky was clear only dotted by the clouds from the smoke of their fires. The sappers on the battering ram had been at it for a while now and would soon tire. He had another crew ready, but switching them out put the men in danger - which is also why he had assigned at least three more men to the relief team, expecting to lose at least that many. Their swings were still strong, but even so, to let up the assault was to give the enemy time to reinforce the gate. They couldn't afford any more delays as the men were as eager to begin the assault as he was. The trebuchets that had been focused on the gate were now turned to the walls of Adamant as planned. The initial bloodletting that the gate would provide distraction enough for Henley and his men to take the ramparts beside the gate, while the siege engines made two more points of entry for the army.
When a hush fell over the rowdy soldiers around him, he turned to witness what had them so enraptured. Striding confidently through the parting army was the Inquisitor in a set of beautiful armor glinting in the moonlight. At first, he thought it was made of pure gold, but it gave off an off-colored sheen when she passed the men's torches, like oil on water. As she approached him, he knew it now to be dragon bone forged masterfully to look like a great bird-- a Phoenix. Sharp feathers decorated her shoulders but grew into scale-like chainmail in other places so as not to compromise its utility. He couldn't help but stare in awe at the resplendent figurehead of the Inquisition feeling the adrenaline pumping through him to fight for their cause - and for her. For a moment, as her eyes were set on him even with the scene unfolding around them, that same warmth spread through him as if he were the only man in the world.
Holding her stylized avian-themed helmet under her arm, she traipsed up the platform steps to him with a serene mask of calm in the face of the storm ahead, "Commander, how fares our men at the gate?" Her voice was strong and steady as she peered out over the masses before her towards the soldiers in question.
Never had he ever felt more at one with the title 'Commander' as he did in this instant. "Inquisitor," he said with a respectful bow aware of all the eyes on them. He switched his helm to the opposite arm as his armor and weapons chimed as they met, "They've been at it for half an hour under extreme duress. I'm considering switching the men out, for I'm not sure how effective they are after all this time. It seems Adamant is living up to its namesake." She nodded and he added quietly, "As, by the look of it, you are."
He watched from the corner of his eye as her lip twitched up for but a second. "A gift from my father," she whispered back, not looking at him, but she didn't need to explain for him to understand the significance of the words.
"It suits you."
"As does yours, Rutherford," she said flicking her head down to his lion helm. It struck him suddenly how much he missed the way she said his name, unable to bite his cheek in time to quell a smirk that she satisfyingly caught. He was pleased that she wasn't holding a grudge against him after eavesdropping on her conversation with Hawke earlier.
Cullen didn't like how forward he was being with her of late, and his jealousy may have gotten the better of him after all the time they had been spending together having left his work to find out what they were speaking of. He was glad he did too, even if Evelyn didn't seem to be buying into Hawke's charms, he needed them to know that whatever was transpiring between them had not gone unseen. There had been no time to speak privately about it with Evelyn, it being exactly the kind of distraction he didn't need, but the more he saw them together, the more the uneasiness festered within him. Cullen knew what kind of man Hawke was, and while he knew Evelyn had experienced such men in her past, she didn't have to suffer through his attention now. If it meant revealing to Garret that there was indeed something between the Inquisitor and himself, so be it. For the many things Hawke was, he was no gossip, only caring about his own affairs.
A loud resounding crack from the gate of Adamant helped push such thought back to deal with the present. Having finished their discreet and private conversation she turned to face him, clearing her throat, "My team and I are ready. We will await your signal at the front."
"I shall accompany you there." With a surprised nod, he led Evelyn and her companions through the center of the main force. Upon reaching the active warzone where the enemies could potentially hit them with projectiles, he donned his lion helm encouraging them to do the same.
"What a shame, it seems I left my animal helmet at home," Dorian commented from the back as Cullen and the Phoenix looked back at him before meeting each other's gaze. She rolled her eyes before looking forward as the Altus continued, who was now looking the Seeker next to him up and down, "I'm thinking a bear."
Cassandra grunted, "For you?"
"No, you dear. Since all you like to do is charge and hit things and most of the time you embody the attitude of one." Dorian flashed her a provoking smile, "What? I don't think I've ever seen you more than ten feet from a training dummy at Skyhold. Until Lord Trevelyan came along, I honestly thought you were in love with one of them."
Cullen chanced a look at Evelyn who was looking up to the heavens mouthing a prayer to the Maker. "Are they always like this during missions," he whispered over. The Inquisitor gave a weary sigh and nod in answer.
Cassandra wasn't finished with the mage yet, her voice becoming venomous, "And you'd be a peacock, Dorian. A ridiculously decorated bird who screeches most annoyingly for attention, as if people wanted to hear you--"
Evelyn cut her off in good humor, "Enough you two, save it for the demons."
"Thank you, Inquisitor, I'd be afraid of what he'd say about the rest of us," Blackwall commented.
Dorian balked, "Afraid? I assure you I had a wonderfully splendid, and accurate, one chosen for you."
"Perhaps, when you stop referring to me as the 'hairy lummox' I'll believe you."
"Really? When did I do that?"
The bearded Warden sighed recalling the last few instances, "In the last week… the tavern, the Smithee, to the servants, you even said it to the gate guards as we left Skyhold."
"That does sound like me." Dorian shrugged unaffected.
As they passed through the last of the men to the front, the Inquisitor nodded to the soldiers resolutely. "Dorian, barrier please!" Complying, he threw a barrier around them as a precaution as they inspected the men on the battering ram. The Commander shook his head, explaining to the Inquisitor the reason why he was refraining from switching the crews just yet. She nodded in understanding, but he could tell her mind was conjuring a plan.
Placing a hand gently on him, she yelled over the cacophony of the battlefield, "Keep the others here, I'll be back!"
"No, Inquisitor!" Before he could stop her, she was already gone, having materialized into a puff of ethereal smoke.