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[phoray]

I don't even know who I should romance with Pike. 
 
In CR she and Scanlan, another Gnome are quasi-together (or something, atleast Scanlan keeps hitting on her) but there's no Scanlan in DAI. The closest to his character would be Zither.
 
So I'm now torn between romancing:

• Josie - loved her romance
• Sera - haven't done this one yet
• Harding - I know it's just flirts, but idc

I somehow don't want to romance Blackwall with Pike. I can't even explain it, it just feels like they don't suit each other.  And I don't want to romance Bull.

I don't know the character your Quiz is based on to make a suggestion. Are there distinctive personality traits? A childhood trauma?

[Gilli]

I don't know the character your Quiz is based on to make a suggestion. Are there distinctive personality traits? A childhood trauma?

 
This is Pike Trickfoot and her character introduction/breakdown
 

Spoiler

"Pike grew up in the outskirts of town, near the Bramblewood. Her ancestors were a family of deep gnomes with quite an unfavorable reputation. Thievery, destruction, and trickery left them with the curse of the last name of Trickfoot.
Sarenrae, the goddess of healing and redemption, had other plans for Pike's great-great-grandfather Wilhand, who left his family at a young age after a dream—a dream that changed the course of the Trickfoot family. Wilhand devoted his life to Sarenrae, and pledged from then on that he and his family would live a life of service and devotion.
As a child, Pike seemed to have an affinity to heal. Whether it was animals, people, or even flowers, she felt she had a purpose in making things whole that had once been broken. She studied and learned the ways to heal through divine magic. She lived a peaceful life, quiet and simple, until one day, Wilhand was captured and almost killed by a group of goliath barbarians. One of the goliaths took a stand against the murder of the innocent gnome, and he himself was beaten, bloodied, and left for dead, abandoned by his  herd.
Wilhand went to Pike for help. She prayed, and healed this barbarian as best she could, bringing him back to life. When he awoke, she discovered his name was Grog [Strongjaw]. After that, they were the best of friends—a rather unlikely pair. Little did she know that in a few years time, Grog would soon return the favor and bring her back from the clutches of death.
After being killed in battle, Pike felt angry. She wanted to be stronger, so that it would never happen again. She spent four months at sea, training with the men and women aboard a ship called The Broken Howl. Gripping her holy symbol in one hand, and her morningstar in the other, this time, Pike is ready." [source)

 
So she's faithful and helpful. (I'd say dying was kinda traumatic :P )

[phoray]

 
This is Pike Trickfoot and her character introduction/breakdown
 

Spoiler

"Pike grew up in the outskirts of town, near the Bramblewood. Her ancestors were a family of deep gnomes with quite an unfavorable reputation. Thievery, destruction, and trickery left them with the curse of the last name of Trickfoot.
Sarenrae, the goddess of healing and redemption, had other plans for Pike's great-great-grandfather Wilhand, who left his family at a young age after a dream—a dream that changed the course of the Trickfoot family. Wilhand devoted his life to Sarenrae, and pledged from then on that he and his family would live a life of service and devotion.
As a child, Pike seemed to have an affinity to heal. Whether it was animals, people, or even flowers, she felt she had a purpose in making things whole that had once been broken. She studied and learned the ways to heal through divine magic. She lived a peaceful life, quiet and simple, until one day, Wilhand was captured and almost killed by a group of goliath barbarians. One of the goliaths took a stand against the murder of the innocent gnome, and he himself was beaten, bloodied, and left for dead, abandoned by his  herd.
Wilhand went to Pike for help. She prayed, and healed this barbarian as best she could, bringing him back to life. When he awoke, she discovered his name was Grog [Strongjaw]. After that, they were the best of friends—a rather unlikely pair. Little did she know that in a few years time, Grog would soon return the favor and bring her back from the clutches of death.
After being killed in battle, Pike felt angry. She wanted to be stronger, so that it would never happen again. She spent four months at sea, training with the men and women aboard a ship called The Broken Howl. Gripping her holy symbol in one hand, and her morningstar in the other, this time, Pike is ready." [source)

 
So she's faithful and helpful. (I'd say dying was kinda traumatic :P )

 

 

Based on this, I would recommend Cullen because he needs some healing love and he's also very faithful. But you made a Warrior dwarf not an Andrastian Human or.. is there an actual name for the elven religion? She's not a creator loving elf either. Cullen doesn't do dwarves, the jerk. hahaha.

 

Okay lemme think. Female dwarf options are Sera, Jose, Blackwall, and Iron Bull. Blackwall may get something from your "she had a purpose in making things whole that had once been broken."  Sera only matures with time, not loving? Jose is pretty together, no healing needed, but hasn't ever come across as faithful to me. And there is nothing in me that wants to romance the Bull, so I'll never recommend that. ha! So, depending on if your gal wants healing to only be a thing she does outside relationships or can't help herself from taking on a Fixer Upper (cue 'Frozen' song:

Spoiler

 

) would make up my decision between Jose or Blackwall. 

 

Edit add: oh yeah, Harding.

 

HMMMMMMMMMMMMM....She's pretty darn cool. I've been a fan of her since end of JoH. So, so long as you plan on playing a down to earth equally cool person, I would approve of that. Nothing about Harding is flighty, and I can't honestly see her replacing Leliana (a crazy nut case of violence.)

[phoray]

Hmmm... That would be annoying.

 

Romanced Zevran

Spoiler

 

Morrigan had an old god baby with Alistair

Spoiler

 

Morrigan statement on the matter:

Spoiler

 

Unfortunately I didn't have a screen shot of Alistair saying my Gay Elf Warden was "walking a dark path." But I recall him vividly saying that, because I wanted to hear what he had to say about a world state where he did the deed with Morrigan at the behest of a friend. Always before, I'd romanced him, so I was really curious and paying close attention.

 

So, either the Keep can't handle Alistair doing the deed for a friend, or my game bugged.

[Melbella]

Went to the Shrine of Dumat, found Maddox, found some busted lyrium tools, and killed a bunch of Red Templars. Took everything portable back to Dagna and she made a pretty rune to make Samson's armor go poof! Now, to find the guy....

 

Marched to Arbor Wilds. Killed a bunch more RTs and some scrawny but super-fast freaky elves. Got lectured by Morrigan about all things elfy.  Left Solas back at the main camp and took my regular team. Found Samson but he ran away like a coward. Currently waiting to enter the inner sanctum after doing all the tile rituals. Abelas will have to wait until tomorrow to be grumpy.

[Gilli]

Based on this, I would recommend Cullen because he needs some healing love and he's also very faithful. But you made a Warrior dwarf not an Andrastian Human or.. is there an actual name for the elven religion? She's not a creator loving elf either. Cullen doesn't do dwarves, the jerk. hahaha.

 

Okay lemme think. Female dwarf options are Sera, Jose, Blackwall, and Iron Bull. Blackwall may get something from your "she had a purpose in making things whole that had once been broken."  Sera only matures with time, not loving? Jose is pretty together, no healing needed, but hasn't ever come across as faithful to me. And there is nothing in me that wants to romance the Bull, so I'll never recommend that. ha! So, depending on if your gal wants healing to only be a thing she does outside relationships or can't help herself from taking on a Fixer Upper (cue 'Frozen' song:

Spoiler

 

) would make up my decision between Jose or Blackwall. 

 

Edit add: oh yeah, Harding.

 

HMMMMMMMMMMMMM....She's pretty darn cool. I've been a fan of her since end of JoH. So, so long as you plan on playing a down to earth equally cool person, I would approve of that. Nothing about Harding is flighty, and I can't honestly see her replacing Leliana (a crazy nut case of violence.)

 

Yes, Cullen would've been perfect for her, but as you said, he's only into humans and elves. 

 

And yeah, Sera needs time and Pike wouldn't deny that maybe there could be some truth behind what they will find in the Temple of Mythal, so the'd probably clash in that point. 

 

As for the Healing in itself. In Pike's context it's meant literally. As a Gnome Cleric (I mean Critical Role Pike) she has Healing Magic. I know this is sadly not the case with DA Dwarves, but I thought about having her run around with Healing Mist all the time, as a replacement for her healing skills. 

 

But you got me thinking, Josie and Blackwall are really the two most fitting LIs for Pike.

I haven't romanced Blackwall so far and I had planned that if/when I romance him, the romancing Inquisitor would be faithful.

Hmmmm....

[Catilina]

 

Romanced Zevran

Spoiler

 

Morrigan had an old god baby with Alistair

Spoiler

 

Morrigan statement on the matter:

Spoiler

 

Unfortunately I didn't have a screen shot of Alistair saying my Gay Elf Warden was "walking a dark path." But I recall him vividly saying that, because I wanted to hear what he had to say about a world state where he did the deed with Morrigan at the behest of a friend. Always before, I'd romanced him, so I was really curious and paying close attention.

 

So, either the Keep can't handle Alistair doing the deed for a friend, or my game bugged.

It does not sound good ... But the fact that "Without him Kieran would never have been born" is true, even if he was only convinced Alistair.

[Rascoth]

I haven't romanced Blackwall so far and I had planned that if/when I romance him, the romancing Inquisitor would be faithful.
Hmmmm....

I found Blackwall - despite screwed up cutscenes - perfect for dwarves. With their basic background I feel like they'd be the ones to forgive him the quickest. And I think he can work nicely with faithful Inquisitor. Actually, my dwarf ladies were the only (somehow) faithful Inquisitors

[Gilli]

I found Blackwall - despite screwed up cutscenes - perfect for dwarves. With their basic background I feel like they'd be the ones to forgive him the quickest. And I think he can work nicely with faithful Inquisitor. Actually, my dwarf ladies were the only (somehow) faithful Inquisitors

 

Oh cool =D That's true and CR!Pike is part of a group of mercenaries, so doing stuff for money is understandable for her (tho murdering families not so much, but eeeh they'll figure that out somehow )

[Melbella]

Ugh, getting to the end game is taking me forever.

 

Finished up at the temple, let Morrigan drink (it was unanimous among all 3 companions), and ran through the eluvian before Cory could catch up. Brought Samson back for judgment (Cullen has a new pet project) and then ran around talking to everyone about what happened. Sera always annoys me during that chat because I can't ever bring myself to agree with her that "it's all lies".

 

I got a convo with Cullen I don't remember getting before without romancing him - the one where he asks how your life would be different if none of this happened. For a second I wondered if the game screwed up my romance  but there was no heart option response so I guess it didn't.  Then I went to talk with Blackwall and couldn't figure out why the griffin toy wasn't done yet, but I don't think that happens until after The Final Piece. That's where I left off - just about to go through the mirror to find Morrigan and Kieran.

 

Once that's done, I can go around talking to everyone again and then maybe, finally, get on with getting Cory deaded already. Unless I make the team new armor first? But maybe I'll save crafting until I'm ready to start JoH. I'll definitely need new armor for that!

 

Whoops! Forgot about Leliana's quest....I hate that it takes until almost the end of the game for it to pop up. I'm thinking, "Really, Leliana? You want to take care of this now? It can't wait until after Cory is defeated? I don't have time to follow you on this wild goose chase when we could be attacked at any moment!" Ugh. I'm tempted to not do it, but I have no idea who I'm going to get as Divine. Wishy-washy Leliana isn't a good one to have.

[phoray]

It does not sound good ... But the fact that "Without him Kieran would never have been born" is true, even if he was only convinced Alistair.

I'm just saying, there would have to be magical viagra because my Warden elf is very very homosexual.

 

All that aside, I was actually disappointed. There is like, one line about Zevran in the Hero of Fereldan letter. And I guess Zevran is hanging out with the Warden (good thing?), because I didn't get to help him kill the Crows at the War Table. I should be pleased? But why does dating the HOF mean no Crow Killing? And fewer War Table Missions? bah.

[phoray]

Ugh, getting to the end game is taking me forever.

 

Finished up at the temple, let Morrigan drink (it was unanimous among all 3 companions), and ran through the eluvian before Cory could catch up. Brought Samson back for judgment (Cullen has a new pet project) and then ran around talking to everyone about what happened. Sera always annoys me during that chat because I can't ever bring myself to agree with her that "it's all lies".

 

I got a convo with Cullen I don't remember getting before without romancing him - the one where he asks how your life would be different if none of this happened. For a second I wondered if the game screwed up my romance  but there was no heart option response so I guess it didn't.  Then I went to talk with Blackwall and couldn't figure out why the griffin toy wasn't done yet, but I don't think that happens until after The Final Piece. That's where I left off - just about to go through the mirror to find Morrigan and Kieran.

 

Once that's done, I can go around talking to everyone again and then maybe, finally, get on with getting Cory deaded already. Unless I make the team new armor first? But maybe I'll save crafting until I'm ready to start JoH. I'll definitely need new armor for that!

 

Whoops! Forgot about Leliana's quest....I hate that it takes until almost the end of the game for it to pop up. I'm thinking, "Really, Leliana? You want to take care of this now? It can't wait until after Cory is defeated? I don't have time to follow you on this wild goose chase when we could be attacked at any moment!" Ugh. I'm tempted to not do it, but I have no idea who I'm going to get as Divine. Wishy-washy Leliana isn't a good one to have.

 

Ooo, I remember that one. That was fun to chat about.

 

I never got a finished Griffon toy.   I thought it was an approval thing, but a trip to the Deep Roads netted nothing on that front.  Didn't happen before Cory death or after Cory death.

 

Is there a wishy washy version of her that is a third option of soft vs hard?

[Phonantiphon]

Finally made it to the plains! My Inquisitor has mixed emotions, being an Elf and all.

We traveled there more-or-less from the Emerald Graves with only a short stop this time in Skyhold, largely for some Smooch Time with Josephine (lol). As with everywhere the Plains appear incredibly content-rich.

(Cracks Knuckles and Prepares To Dig In)...

[Krypplingz]

Gurner finished DA2 today. The final fight was quite exciting. Carver went all anime like on the party, his hair turning shiny white. Meredith even grabbed Merrill and shanked her. Good thing she was a blood mage and used to ramming sharp objects through her chest cavity or things would have ended up very badly. 

Spoiler

You okay there Carver?

And yes. Merrill is a rock golem. Lyrium, not even once kids!

 

And a final wall of text from Gurner:

Spoiler

Gurner lay in one of Isabela's cabins, Merrill resting in his arms. Despite the defiant exit from the gallows, the escape from the city had been frantic. Grab just what you need. He had offered to help her carry the mirror to the ship, but she had refused, the words "it might kill you too" somewhere on her tounge but never released. He had tried to be supportive after Marethari's death and tried to push the blame of her, but murdering what essentially was her family was a knife not easily pulled out. And that mirror seemed awfully close to many miseries. So she hid it in a small hidey hole in her house, planning to retrieve it once things calmed down.

Varric had promised to keep an eye on it as well, that is if his eyes would stop wandering to the lyrium shard in his possession. He had promised to take precautions and Gurner had faith in his friend, but Aveline and Anders had apparently been nagging at him. He would also try to keep an eye on the mine which Gurner had purchased and try to either help Oranna with the house or get her employed with decent people.

Aveline had stayed behind in Kirkwall as well. She had Donnic to watch over and helping the innocent from an angry lynch mob was her job so she figured she'd keep her position. She had also offered to shelter Brother Burkel but Gurner wasn't ready to part with him yet. Maybe later when things had calmed down he'd drop him off to keep Brother Carver company.

The man from Darktown got a dagger in his back for starting the revolution, but his efforts had turned Gurner to help the mages in the fight that ensued. Fenris had not approved and Gurner was forced to kill him, thus murdering what was left of Fenris family. Isabela was probably mourning his death on the deck at the moment.

The last member of the merry murderers, Sebastian, had headed to Starkhaven, planning to push his influence to help Kirkwall rebuild after the whole demonic mess.

So with that, Gurner was once again on the run. But this time would be different, he was with the women he loved and even if Isabela would eventually part ways with him, Merrill would follow him to the end of the world. Together they would solve tons of elven mysteries while Gurner tried to gather intel on the lyrium from the Idol. Or well, he hoped it would go that way.

[phoray]

I plan on devoting today to writing and some work continuing education later. So multiple posts from me today!

--------

Last episode, Mara took two days to screw around with her companions. There were pranks, drinking, a fancy meal out, and some chess.

 

But after that little vacation, it was time to check in with everyone and make sure their head's were in the right place as the Advisors gathered our forces for the Arbor Wilds. Iron Bull, Dorian, Solas, and Josephine were all mentally prepared for battle. But everyone else? Not so much.

 

 

Morrigan's soft side

Spoiler

Leaving the game of chess with Cullen with a smile on her face, Mara was thinking heavily about what must be done next. So she didn't notice, of all things, the only child in all of Skyhold, approach her on her way out of the Garden Courtyard.

 

Her first clue was a quiet voice. "You're the inquisitor." Mara cast her eyes towards the voice and found a small boy, about ten, with brown hair and good clothes.

 

"Oh, Hello." Mara said to him, friendly, but confused as to his presence. 

 

 "I thought you would be scarier. Mother said you were scary." The boy said very seriously, looking her up and down.

Mara was amused, had nothing against kids. Playfully, she countered, "Some people seem to think I'm the most frightening thing in the world."

But instead of smiling or giggling or scoffing, a reaction any person may expect from a child, he instead got even more serious as he gazed at her. "Mother says they would think the same about me, if they knew."
 

Mara was nonplussed at that response. What could he possibly mean? Luckily, Morrigan walked up and interrupted what had become a bit awkward. "Kieran. Are you bothering the Inquisitor?"





 

Mara's brows raised in surprise. Morrigan? Mysterious witch, Court Enchanter to the empress....a mother?
 

Morrigan lovingly responded to her son. "I did see. It is time to return to your studies, little man."

Kieran shuffled off after a dramatic sigh.

"My son," Morrigan said with a smile shining with motherly affection, "never where you expect him to be, naturally."

An opportunity to express Mara's surprise. "I didn't know you had a son."

"Why would you?" That motherly smile faded, and the mysterious witch's exterior returned. "I take great pains to not let my own reputation affect him in anyway. To most of those in the Imperial court, he is simply a quiet and well spoken lad. Perhaps the heir of some distant family. But he goes where I go. Worry not, inquisitor. Kieran is a curious boy, but seldom troublesome."

Who would Morrigan even have a child with? Instead, more tactfully she asked, "Will his father be joining us as well?

Morrigan's face became even more stony. "I have raised Kieran on my own for quite some time now, as was my preference from the start. So tis But the two of us, Inquisitor. Your fortress is a large place, and you will scarce notice our presence."

The boy's unnerving gaze came to mind. "There something rather… Unusual about him." Mara finally remarked.

"There is." A hint of that motherly smile returned. "He's a special lad. It falls to me to protect him from anything and anyone that mean him ill." Her expression turned quite sad. "Most of all, he must be protected from myself. No one could harm him more than I." Morrigan changed the subject to Skyhold quite swiftly, perhaps realizing she was getting too personal.

"To think, until recently this place was decrepit, occupied only by the desperate and lost. Now, it is a party to events that threaten to shake the world. I wonder if it is pleased?" her tone was one of bemusement, but also an inkling of wonder towards a long past to the castle they stood within.

"It sounds like you've heard of Skyhold before." Mara prompted, hoping for more.

Morrigan obliged. "This fortress was built upon the remains of a site holy to the ancient elves. They called it Tarasyl'an: "The place where the sky is kept." It is said that from here, they reached up to the heavens to bring them down to rest. They abandoned it, as did the humans who came after them. Bones laid upon bones, silent until your arrival."

Ah yes. Skyhold. The place where Mara had found her friends, her love, a new life, a second home... She looked around her, the sky, the trees, the mountains in the distance. 

 

Morrigan seemingly approved of her comment. "The magic in this place has seeped into the stones, protecting it from darkness. Those who let it fall to ruin did not know what they possessed. You, I think, shall do it justice." A pause. "You are kind to welcome my aid, Inquisitor, even knowing as little of me as you do.. I will do my best to aid your cause with all the knowledge at my disposal. This, I swear to you." 

Goodness. Mara supposed she could see where the boy picked up his serious nature from.


My gosh, my Inquisitor is so darn pretty; yet not so pretty to scream model. Character. has great expressions too, that make her seem so realistic. Ahem. Return to scheduled program.


Morrigan ignored her amusement, taking on a tone of warning. "Some might think Corypheus is a mad man for seeking God hood."
.Love this shot for making her seem so mysterious.

"What I fear--- what all should fear--- is not that Corypheus believes he can succeed: but that he actually may."

 

Morrigan didn't have anything further to add on that subject, and she had succeeded at bringing Mara's mood down rather a few pegs. However, Morrigan was not quite through with her.

 

"I understand that you have spared the Grey Wardens from destroying what good will has left them?" But it was obviously a rhetorical question. "Still, should one day a true archdemon arise, they will no doubt be needed. Or so they would have us believe." 

 

That last sentence had Mara raise one brow at her. What was that supposed to mean? Mara had no firsthand experience of the Blight of Fereldan but she was pretty sure it was Wardens that had ended all of the Blights.

 

"One thing that had me curious." Morrigan continued. "Did you encounter the Hero of Fereldan at Adamant Fortress?"

 

Mara cocked her head at Morrigan. "Was the Hero of Fereldan a friend of yours?"

 

"We traveled together for a time as he fought the Blight. I helped him, and he helped me. Without him, Kieran would never have been born." Morrigan replied. Mara wondered if she'd accidentally landed on the information of Kieran's father. The Hero of Fereldan, possibly having a son hidden away from society?** Juicy stuff. "Regardless, did you see him?" Morrigan asked.

 

Mara blinked. That place had been a mess. She hadn't exactly "met" anyone before falling into the Fade, and had been quick to return to Skyhold afterward. To put it simply, "I met no one by that title."

 

"That begs a question. If the Hero of Fereldan was not at Adamant, where is he? My suggestion? Track him down. He could either be a formidable ally against Corypheus... or a terrible foe to the Inquisition."

 

Well. That was a lot of information to chew on. Mara escaped before Morrigan could further bring her mood down.

----------------

**Actually, the world state I put forth was that my elf talked Alistair into doing the DR, but it seems to have bugged, because Alistair said my elf walked down a dark path. Which is what he's supposed to say if the HOF did the deed. I guess the deciding factor would have been the conversation between Alistair and Morrigan, but I didn't do Winter Palace before Adamant, so didn't see this conversation.

 

I guess that whole speech about the HoF was just to get the player to be curious. I realize now the "Ally or Foe" was over sold. We got a letter (a Zev romance was shortchanged) and a forgettable item gift.

[phoray]

Continued:

 

----------------

"Bianca"; a Bow by any other name-- kills just as many people.**

 

Spoiler

Mara went to Skyhold's main hall, intending to start her companion rounds. And found a guest, a hooded female dwarf next to Varick seemingly to be Having an argument. A quiet one. She couldn't help but over hear.

"I appreciate the warning, but you shouldn't come yourself. What if the guild found out? Or what's his name?" Varric demanded.

"Are you worrying for me or for yourself?" A feminine voice replied.

"A little of column A, a little of column B. I am the expendable one, after all."   

"Awww. Don't worry. I'll protect you. We'll just have to--"

They both noticed Mara's presence and turned to her.

"Well, this is a surprise. You're the inquisitor, right? Bianca Davri-- at your service."

"Her name is Bianca?" Mara asked, looking at Varric with a smile. More juicy gossip was always fun among friends.

Bianca chose to answer instead of Varric. "It's a common name. Half the girls in the merchants Guild are named Bianca. The other half are named 'Helga'. I lucked out."

Possible juicy gossip aside, they looked nervous. "Why do you both look like cats that got into the cream?" Mara asked

Varric's tone was serious. "She's taking a huge risk coming herself. Maybe for both of us."

"You're such a worrier! There's a giant hole in the sky. I think the Merchants Guild has bigger things to worry about."

 

Varric obviously say Mara's confused look. "Bianca's got a lead on where Corypheus got his red lyrium."

 

Mara was pleased to hear this. Bianca filled her in further. "The site of Bartrand's Folly, the thaig Varric found, has been leaked." Mara was not so pleased. "There is a deep roads entrance crawling with strange humans carting out red Lyrium by the handful."

 

Mara frowned. Where exactly was this information coming from? "I take it Bianca is a good friend of yours...?"

 

"Any friend of Varric's is welcome here." Mara declared. "But more seriously; how do we know they're not using multiple entrances to get to the thaig?" Mara asked.

"Navigating the Deep Roads is nothing like the surface. There are no accurate maps of the whole system, and there are cave-ins, Darkspawn, lava floods... If you find a good entrance to where you're going, you don't deviate. Trying to find another way could be deadly."

Mara saw no reason to asking any further questions. This was a problem. "We need to deal with this. As long as he has the source, Corypheus is that much more powerful."

"I couldn't agree more." Said Varric.

I'll keep an eye on their operation. If you're interested in shutting it down, you've got my help." Bianca assured her. Then turned to Varric, "Try not to leaving me waiting too long, Varicc. I've got my own work to do, you know." And then she left.

Varric has a bemused expression on his face. "Right, that's not going to be trouble at all. Look, let me know when you want to head to the entrance."

 

"I think we should go immediately, to be honest." Mara replied. And went to go tell Dorian and Iron Bull they were heading out.

----

The team ended up going to a place that Mara had actually been to before, amazingly enough. They must have missed that people were mining red evil lyrium, sneaky bastards.

"Finally was starting to think you weren't coming." Bianca said behind them, startling them.




"Well, I did wait, so let's make this quick. Those idiots are Are carrying the red Lariam out in un protected containers. We don't want to stick around long enough for it to start talking to us."

Hmm. Mara was starting to get a princess vibe from this Dwarf. She'd encountered enough nobility to recognize it. Still, it didn't matter in the scheme of things. These things need to be handled so they can move on to the arbor wilds.

"Let's get started."

There were a few Carta Dwarves, mostly archers, but nothing that wasn't easily handled. Bianca and Varric bantered back and forth like old friends. Amusing, but their relationship was theirs and Mara left them to it.

They reached a door quite locked, and blocking the way to their destination.

"I built these doors. They probably shut this one from the other side when they heard the ruckus we were making.....Tada!" She announced, as the door opened.

Mara frowned, suspicious. "You have been here often enough to renovate the cave?"

Bianca turned towards them. "You already know I've used this entrance in the past. I don't know if Varicc has told you, but the merchants guild is cutthroat. Literally. I built the doors to keep rivals from following me down here and arranging 'accidents.'"

Mara relaxed, enough to tease her about the TaDa. "Admit it, you've been waiting to do that since we arrived."

Bianka laughed. "Of course I was." Bianca indicated that we should continue on through the doorway. "After you. "

Wandered through a few more doors, around a few more corners. Then found a key among the belongings of one of the Carta Dwarves that proved promising.

Finally, they reached another of Bianca's doors standing wide open, this time. For some reason, however, they stopped as Bianca dug in her pockets.

"There you are." Then she pulled the key they'd found out to lock the door.  "They won't be able to use this entrance again." She declared, sounding satisfied.

What the hell?! Varric realized at the same time as Mara. "Bianca..." he said, disappointment lining his voice. Mara was upset, but let Varric handle his friend. Bianca kept her back turned on them, her shoulders set guiltily.

"You want to say something, Varric?" Mara encouraged.

"Andraste's ass, Bianca! you're the leak!" Varric yelled a bit. Bianca turned to them.

"When I got the location, I went and had a look for myself. And I found the red Lyrium, and I… Studied it." Bianca's tone was definitely that of someone guilty who'd gotten caught trying to explain themselves.

Varric disregarded her rationalization. "You know what it does to people!"

"I was doing you a favor. You want to help your brother, don't you? I just… Wanted to figure it out." Bianca said, tone unchanged.

Mara was fed up. "How did you go from studying read Lyrium to giving the location to Corypheus?"

"I didn't...not exactly." But then Bianca disregarded Mara, turning her gaze on Varric. Wanting and needing him to stop being so upset with her. "But more importantly, I found out that red Lyrium… It has the blight, Varric! Do you know what that means?"

Varric was still upset. "What? that Two deadly things combined to form something super awful?"

"The lyrium is alive! Or… Something like it. Blight doesn't infect minerals. Only animals. I couldn't get any further on my own, so I looked for a grey warden mage. Blight and magical expertise in one, right? And I found this guy, Larius. He seemed really interested in helping my research. So I gave him a key."

"Larias? He was the gray warden we met in the prison that held Corypheus… Oh, s#it." He looked down, frowning, then muttered. "I knew something seemed off."

Mara really had no idea what they were talking about. She just knew it wasn't good.

Bianca continued. "I didn't realize until you said you found red lyrium at Haven. I came here and… Well… Then I went to you."
 

Mara wasn't comfortable not having a clue, so she asked Varric. "That name mean something to you, Varric? "

"He was at the Gray Warden in the prison where Hawke found Corypheus. And he definitely wasn't a mage before." Varric answered, half distracted.

Okay then. Didn't much clear it up for Mara, but gave her some context. Back to Bianca. "You had to know we would figure out what happened, Bianca. Why did you insist on coming with us?"


"Varric told me what people were doing with the red Lyrium. I… Had to help make this right." Her expression was contrite.


Mara inwardly shook her head in disgust. This woman had done so much damage. Images of all the dead and dying people with red lyrium bursting from their skin filled Mara with anger but she kept her tone calm.





Bianca seemed to reject that idea. "I know I screwed up, but we did fix it! It's as right as I can make it!" She looked repentant. Mara knew all those people wouldn't come back to life, and sucha  shallow emotion brushing off all the death was disrespectful.

Mara was pleased when Varric laid into Bianca. "This isn't one of your machines! You can't just replace a part and make everything right!"

Bianca seemed to be done feeling contrite, and her face screwed up in anger. "No, but I can try, can't I? What am I supposed to do? wallow in my mistakes forever, kicking myself, telling stories of what I should've done?"

This argument was obviously going the personal direction, Mara observed.

"As if I would tell stories about my own mistakes!" Varric countered, even in anger, his comedy coming through.

However, Mara didn't feel like watching Ex's bicker. "The Lyrium is out. Closing the entrance doesn't undo that."

Varric sighed. "We've done all we can here, Bianca, You'd better get home before someone misses you." His tone was dismissive and at the same time, clearly said he was tired of dealing with Bianca.

Bianka seemed sad. "Varric…"

He waved his hand at her as if he didn't want to listen anymore. "Don't worry about it."

Bianca took a step closer to Mara, watching as Varric walked away. Then she glared at Mara. "Get him killed, and I'll feed you your own eyeballs, Inquisitor." Mara was only taken aback slightly. Whatever, Mara didn't like the Dwarf, either.

The walk out of the cave was awkward, and Bianca and the team parted ways at the entrance.

 

Well. While they were out, Mara wanted to handle that favor she'd agreed to for Madam de Fer. 

----------------------------

** Hahahaha, Bianca the Dwarf did kill as many people. Seriously, how did she find Larius? Wouldn't you write a letter to Weisshaupt and ask for a Warden Mage? Larius just happened to hear about her Lyrium research? Bianca is either naive or blind to little details.

[phoray]

Continued:

 

----

Madam de Fer's Favor; Two Lizards, One StoneTrip.

 

 

Spoiler

Mara took her team to go after the "Snowy Wyvern". After 4 dragon battles, a Wyvern would seem tame by comparison. nevertheless...Some action after drama with Bianca in the Deep Roads would give some energy back. But Varric declined to come.   So, Mara dragged Vivienne in on her own favor.

 

But shortly after taking care of the pale Wyvern and carving the heard out of the beast herself with one of her two blades... and after several standard wyvern deaths as well, Mara and Iron Bull were both pleased to find a dragon nearby. Not a wasted trip after all! Madam de Fer was very useless during this battle, as she had not been along on any of the previous Dragon Battles or actually any battles. Mara mostly let her take a nap while Dorian and Iron Bull assisted her.

 

 

After this, Mara felt it was safe to call it a day. A trip to the deep roads, clearing a Wyvern nest out of a swamp, and taking care of a Dragon seemed like enough accomplishment for any Inquisitor. Right?

 

After changing, she headed over to Madam de Fer.

 

"What can I do for you dear?" Vivienne had her back to her, gazing out as she stood on her balcony. "Is it too much to hope that you have brought me the heart of a snowy wyvern?"

 

In spite of the woman accompanying them on the trip, she suspected Mara of withholding it? Well... if it was a hostage situation, Mara would demand answers.

 

 

"I'll do you one better, darling. Give me the heart, and I'll show you."

 

Mara considered, suspicious. But what was she going to do with a bloody wyvern heart anyway? And handed it over.

 

Vivienne disappeared for an hour, then came back, dressed to go out. Mara changed as well, and followed Vivienne to the Skyhold Carriage, curiosity burning through her, but knowing that Madam de Fer would not answer.

 

They arrived at quite a grand estate. Servants helped Vivienne and her from the carriage and they headed in. Vivviene seemed to know the place intimately, and went straight to chambers on the second floor.

 

The room was quite beautiful, better than what Mara had seen at the Winter Palace, even of Empress Celene's rooms. Probably the lighting.  The only people who don't love ceiling to floor windows were the servants having to keep the fires going in winter, eh?

 

 

Vivviene rushed, still graceful, to the bedside. Mara finally realized there was a man lying there. With a tenderness Mara had never seen on the noble mage's face, Viviene leaned over the man to help him drink from a vial in her hand. Moments later, his eyes opened and he found Vivivenne's face before his own. He seemed very weak, but he mustered some words.

 

 

But then his eyes closed and he went...far stiller than just sleeping.

 

"My Darling? Bastien?" Viviene cried out to his still form. 

 

Mara was shocked. What had just happened? Has she helped? Made things worse?!

 

 

Mara's lady like comment seemed to remind Vivviene that she was not alone and the woman composed herself.

 

However, even Mara could see tears shimmering in the mage's eyes. "There's nothing here now." And she strode from the room. Mara could do nothing but follow, closing the double doors on the dead man out of respect on her way out.

 

The carriage ride back was quiet, and Mara didn't dare say anything. Trying to comfort the very formal woman she had hardly hung out with was a terrible idea if shed ever thought of one worse. Well, Maybe that time when she'd volunteered to distract Cory's dragon. That had been a terrible idea...

 

The sun had set, it would soon be night. Mara couldn't let that whole event go un discussed, despite her better judgement. 

 

She found Viviene on her balcony, changed back into her lounge wear. The woman turned to her, grief marring her face and breaking her control. "Bastien is dead... I can hardly believe..." She seemed to choke on her words, trying to stem the tide. Successfully regaining control again.

 

She told Mara about their love affair; how they'd met, how much Bastien had meant to her. Mara commented that it all sounded quite romantic...but after sharing Vivienne went quiet. And Mara, knowing the lines of their relationship, calmly excused herself. "I won't take up more of your time." Mara tilted her head in respect as she left. so much sympathy for a woman she just couldn't personally connect to... sigh. Time for bed. This Inquisitor was worn out.

----

 

Wonder if I'll ever make a Quiz that actually likes this woman. The Quiz I deleted, Viv ended up liking her, but that seemed very happenstancy.

[phoray]

Continued:

--------------

 

Cullen's "little" Problem.

Spoiler

It was a lovely morning, and more fresh air seemed nice, so she lingered on the ramparts on her way to Cullen's office.. She stopped and looked at the mountains. The events of the prior day were still quite clear in her mind. Some day, old age would take someone she loved... Sigh. Onwards.

 

Cullen was looking pretty serious, as usual. But when he saw her, his face got tense. uh oh.

 

"As leader of the Inquisition, you…" He sighed. Started over, "There's something I must tell you."

Goodness. "You're being especially serious today. We were just playing chess two days ago." Mara replied, wondering what was up.

"I know." He sighed again. Seemed to collect himself. "The lyrium grants Templars our abilities, but it controls us as well. Those cut off suffer… Some even go mad, Others die. We have secured a reliable source of lyrium for the Templars here. But I… No longer take it. I stopped when I joined the Inquisition. It's been months now."

Huh. Well, he'd done pretty good so far...what was the issue? "You've never complained." Mara said, with a questioning tone.

"Why would I complain? I chose this." He replied. She realized he was staring down at a box with the very liquid they were discussing within. "After what happened in Kirkwall, I couldn't… I will not be bound to the order---Or that life---Any longer. Whatever the suffering, I accept it." Cullen straightened, no longer looking at the lyrium. "But I would not put the Inquisition at risk. I have asked Cassandra to… Watch me. If My ability to lead is compromised, I will be relieved from duty."

Mara was a tad alarmed to hear all this. "Are you in pain?" she finally asked.

"I can endure it." He assured her.

Mara considered what to say. She'd seen people addicted to things before, but she had never thought her oldest brother...half of her cousins...did this apply to all of them?

 

"Thank you for telling me. I respect what you're doing." She declared, sympathy in her tone.

"Thank you, inquisitor. The Inquisition's army must always take priority. Should anything happen… I will defer to Cassandra's judgment." he cleared his throat. "Now that I've told you that. I have another matter. The papers you found on the Red Lyrium smugglers were exactly what we needed. We have the location of the red Templars' main supply of lyrium." He smiled a little. "You'll never guess where."

 

Mara was terrible at guessing, so decided on silly.

-This was so effing hilarious I watched it three times.- I shall have to remember to clear out Emprius De Lion/Sahrnia first before talking to him every time.


"Actually, it's better. Sahrnia. You already dealt with the red Templars there." But he was amused too. he couldn't hide it.

"That was Sampsons Red lyrium supply?" Honestly, the stuff was everywhere, could be mined from the Deep Roads, as she'd found out just the day before.

"The past tense is apt. We should send some people to sit through what's left. With some luck, we can track the shipments from the Quarry to Sampson's headquarters." Cullen concluded.

Mara was pleased as she left his office. Ha! She'd already done twice as much good stuff without even knowing it.

 

----

Time for real life responsibilities. Till next time.

[Melbella]

Is there a wishy washy version of her that is a third option of soft vs hard?

 

Definitely. I played one game where I never spoke to her other than during required cutscenes (Blackwall recruit, post-Adamant, etc.) and so I never did any of her quests. Also missed out on Calpernia that time since you need to speak to Leliana to even get the quest to show up. Anyway, she ended up neither the hardened, murder-pope nor the softened, inspired-pope, and it was telling in the epilogue and in Trespasser. She was ineffective either way. That game was also my first run through Trespasser and a Solas-mance so it was bad all around.  

[phoray]

Definitely. I played one game where I never spoke to her other than during required cutscenes (Blackwall recruit, post-Adamant, etc.) and so I never did any of her quests. Also missed out on Calpernia that time since you need to speak to Leliana to even get the quest to show up. Anyway, she ended up neither the hardened, murder-pope nor the softened, inspired-pope, and it was telling in the epilogue and in Trespasser. She was ineffective either way. That game was also my first run through Trespasser and a Solas-mance so it was bad all around.

Does it say something about my dislike for her that I'd almost intentionally choose to do this because I want her to fail?

Why did you not talk to her?

[Melbella]

Why did you not talk to her?

 

Just to do something different since that was like my 7th or 8th game. Also, I head-canoned Tanith not liking her very much so avoiding her if she could. It wasn't until later I realized it would affect the Calpernia quest line but I stuck with it. Tanith was a very elfy elf and kind of thought of Circle mages the way Abelas thought of her: "You are not my people." That's why she picked Templars.

 

The Keep is bugged, though, in that it doesn't allow those options. It assumes if you do CotJ that you find out about Calpernia's past. I couldn't pick that and "didn't learn about it" even though it is possible to do in-game. You aren't required to do the quest in order to progress the story; you just don't get the option to talk her down and are instead forced into a fight (she still gets away).

[phoray]

Just to do something different since that was like my 7th or 8th game. Also, I head-canoned Tanith not liking her very much so avoiding her if she could. It wasn't until later I realized it would affect the Calpernia quest line but I stuck with it. Tanith was a very elfy elf and kind of thought of Circle mages the way Abelas thought of her: "You are not my people." That's why she picked Templars.

 

The Keep is bugged, though, in that it doesn't allow those options. It assumes if you do CotJ that you find out about Calpernia's past. I couldn't pick that and "didn't learn about it" even though it is possible to do in-game. You aren't required to do the quest in order to progress the story; you just don't get the option to talk her down and are instead forced into a fight (she still gets away).

 

Huh. Other than Solas, I haven't thought to do a "I hate that person to the point of not talking to them" playthrough. But I'm not on my 7th PT, so maybe that's why.   Speaking of Solas, I need to find that person who romanced him while including the scene with the punching. That sounds amazing.

 

Is there an entity to report these problems to or is there essentially no Keep support until they release a trailer for DA4?

[Melbella]

Ehhh....there's a feedback forum but who knows if anyone relevant actually reads it or bothers to correct the issues?

 

*****

After chasing down Kieran with Morrigan, and learning that Mythal is real and actually Morrigan's mother (head trip!), Andreia went off to Valence to meet Leliana. Short version: Natalie lived. I did the follow up convo with Leliana to complete the quest, but didn't talk to her the final time, where she realizes she can be Divine and you have to pick either "I support you" or "Your ideas are stupid" as a response. I hate binary choices like that. Anyway.....

 

Andreia finally finished off Coryface. Woohoo! Took a few attempts since the first time, I got just to the beginning of the fight after the cutscene and the game crashed.  After I restarted the game and reloaded, I had sound effects but no music in the background, so I reloaded again. Grr...stupid game....it always makes things tougher than they need to be. Beating Cory and his dragon was easy once the game worked.

 

I got a couple of the results I was (sort of?) hoping for. I ended up with Viv as Divine  (first time for that, so Trespasser will be verrrrry interesting). I tried to stay neutral while talking to everyone about it (and that's the reason I skipped the final convo with Leliana since you can't be neutral there). I also got a diplomatic Inquisition instead of my usual military one.

 

Then Andreia ate a ton of tiny cakes and went up to her room with Rainwall in tow (I think she took some cakes with her for later too).

 

Next up: crafting armor for my standard party and then heading to the Frostback Basin to dig up some buckles. Or something.

[Addictress]

I read dirty Solavellan fanfic, which I don't usually do. I'm concerned I'll just become more and more accustomed to it and then I'll be one of those.

 

I also tried looking for other people vent to or talk about it with but... no one is interested. I can't just keep this to myself. It is as if sharing my experience with others will cleanse me.

[phoray]

Continued:

-------------

Investigating the Seekers; You mean that guy who punched a Chantry Sister?

Spoiler

 

Mara  sought out Cassandra. Dear Cassandra. Mara wondered if she'd finished that book Varric gave her by now. Probably so, Mara could just imagine her burning candles to get to the end. 

 

However, Cassandra was not in her usual place by the battered practice dummy and Mara had to wander for a time before she found her in the War Council Room, of all places. Pouring over the map of Thedas that had been pinned to the large wooden table.

 

Cassandra noticed her entrance, of course, and straightened. "I can keep staring at this, but I won't get any closer." She said to Mara.

 

Mara didn't know what she was worried about, other than the whole Arbor Wilds thing coming up. But encouragement never hurt. "Keep banging your head against the problem. It will go away eventually." She said, a little smile playing at her lips.

 

Cassandra smiled a little. "Right... Well. We have never found the Lord Seeker among Corypheus's generals. Indeed, I've seen no hint of any seekers amongst the Red Templars. Or anywhere else. I have a growing suspicion Corypheus has imprisoned them."

 

Huh. Sounds like a lot of effort for good ol' Cory. "Why imprisoned? He could just as easily have killed them." Annnnd judging from Cassandra's facial expression, Mara was reminded that tact was not her strongest suite.

 

"Not easily. But, yes, they may be dead. Still, there must be a trail we can follow... yet so far I have only discovered hints." Cassandra, if ever her mouth opened, it was always passionate words that flowed out.

 

"Finding them obviously means a lot to you." Mara replied.

 

Cassandra nodded. "I left the order, but I can never abandon them. I cannot even claim that rescuing them would be beneficial… They would not look kindly on the Inquisition. But even so... if there's a chance…" Cassandra came around the table and then started walking out towards the exit. Mara walked with her. "If we can spend resources to follow up on these leads, Inquisitor, I would appreciate it."

 

They parted ways. Cass didn't know it, but Mara immediately sought out Josephine and put her on the case.

 

But what to do in the meanwhile? They'd need at least a day to track down any leads, even if Leliana helped with her crows and agents to get the letters out to various nobles.

 

Speaking of Leliana... A brief interlude from seeking Seekers... 

 

Spoiler

Time to check out that particular woman's concerns. Sigh. Mara did not get along with Leliana. Her tactics were...harsh and always so full of intrigue. Did she always  have to be so...spy mistress ish?

 

She found Leliana, hands clasped, gazing at a sheaf of papers on her desk. Mara looked at her questioningly. 

 

"A message from Divine Justinia." Leliana said softly.

 

Mara briefly considered her next words, but not very carefully. "Dead people don't usually send messages." (  Sorry, I'm still laughing.)

 

Leliana glared at her. "And I see you feel it necessary to inform me of this." 

 

Alright, Mara deserved that. Leliana continued. "This message was written months, maybe even years ago...To be delivered to me if she died. I've heard of such contingency plans. A sudden death often leaves loose ends. I'm to go to Valence, a small village on the Waking Sea. There is something hidden there."

 

Okay. Well. Sounded like a personal thing. "Is this you asking permission to leave for a bit?" Mara didn't much mind if the spy lady took a break for a while. So long as it didn't slow down Jose finding rumors of the Seekers for Cassandra.

 

Leliana stood at her question before answering. "Well, yes. I can't imagine I'll be away from my post very long." She tilted her head, shifting her weight to one foot and peeking out from under her hood. "One more thing: If what is hidden in Valence is as valuable as I think, we won't be the only ones looking for it. I shall meet you in the Chantry in Valance. Try not to delay."

 

Mara frowned, but Leliana had already turned away to coo at one of her crows. Soooo.... Wait, when did this personal thing become her problem? Sigh. Whatever. As she'd said before, time to go after something. Again. Mara didn't figure fetching whatever it was would be difficult, so she didn't bother rallying the troops. They headed straight out.

 

A few hours later, they walked into a Chantry. Mara hadn't been in one in a long while. Leliana kneeled and nodded at the Andraste statue up ahead. "Just as I remember it. I've been here before. After the Blight ended, I came here to visit Justinia. She was still Mother Dorothea then." Leliana said.

 

Oh. Well, there was very much a goal to this trip and Mara was atheist soo...

 

 

Leliana laughed. "That's what I like about you, Inquisitor. Straight to business."

 

A chantry sister wandered around the corner. She seemed to recognize Leliana. "Is that you?" 

 

Leliana smiled and stepped forward. "Sister Natalie! What are you doing here?" Her smile faded a bit. "I thought you were in Val Royeux."

 

Sister Natalie came forward, closer to Leliana. "No, I've been here since Justinia died. Being here makes me feel like... like she's still with us." The two of them hugged. And Mara just barely caught Leliana shaking her head over the Sister's shoulder. Mara felt a sudden jolt of adrenaline. Something was up.

 

There fraindly embrace ended, and Mara stepped forward, not certain where her and her blades should be. She didn't see any places for archers. Leliana introduced her, obvoiusly keeping up a front of nonchalance.

 

"Inquisitor, this is Natalie, a trusted friend."

 

"Wait," Natalie exclaimed, turning to really look at Mara with alarm on her face. "Inquisitor?" She seemed to catch hold of her tells at this point, and forced a smile and a calm tone. "You brought the Inquistior here?"

 

Suddenly Natalie kneeled on the floor before Mara. Whoa. Awkward. "My Lady, forgive me for nto recognizing you earlier." Natalie was all apologies.

 

What was worse, having an actual Chantry sister kneeling before her as the Herald Mara had been denying she was since the start? Or that it was feigned due the actual belief that Mara expected it? What were people saying about her? Either way, she had no patience for it.

 

 

The Sister seemed almost startled, but stood up, to Mara's relief. 

 

Leliana regained Natlie's attention." Listen. There is something hidden here. Something Justinia left just for me."

 

"Oh?" The Sister feigned surprise. "Really? What is it?"

 

You know, Mara wasn't a huge fan of Leliana, and had seriously begun to doubt her skills after two sets of assassins got in...not to mention, the Blackwall fiasco... But Mara had to give her points for being a better spy x 100 than this "sister" was.

 

"I don't know, Natalie, but we'll find it. I'm curious to see what brought us all here."

 

At this point, Mara ditched the pair. It was obvious to here that she should search while Leliana kept the "Sister" busy. Over the next few minutes, Mara's sharp eyes found odd buttons near statues and paintings as Leliana discussed sunsets and Chanting Dates. After depressing the buttons, a wall folded outward. Then the mural behind that lifted up. 

 

And before Mara's gaze was a pretty golden box. That is when Leliana made her move, backing up Natalie against the center statue with a blade against her neck. Mara stood still; seemed Lel had it pretty handled. Natalie was unlikley to reach for a hidden blade with that dagger against her throat.

 

"Sorry to keep you waiting. "Leliana darkly said to her. 

 

Mara was the taunting type. "Good old Leliana was playing you the whole time. Didn't you realize?" Mara added.

 

Leliana laid the woman's bad spying skills out for her. "They never sing the Bendictions here on Fridays, Natalie. Something so simple, and you got it so wrong. I wanted to believe, but you were lying from the start." 

 

Natalie's expression went from slack jawed surprise to resolute determination. Leliana continued, "Keep that pretty mouth shut if you must, dear. You've already told me everything I need to know. The burs on your hem, talking about the sun rising through the Breach. It all points to Morelle in the Dales; Grand Cleric Victoire. She sent you. She was always an opportunist."

 

Natalie finally felt compelled to speak. "The Inquisition has turned Thedas away from the true chantry. It must be stopped."

 

Leliana scoffed at her. "Stop us? You must be joking"

 

"Mother Victoire is well loved by many. The Inquisition has more enemies than you know."

 

"And she thinks she can ally with them?" Leliana replied, but her tone; it was obvious she thought this would fail.

 

Huh. Leliana was redeeming her spy skills more and more. "Good work. Knowing the name of our enemy is half the battle."

 

"I was called to serve the Grand Cleric, and I will not betray her." Natalie said softly. Her expression changed again. Acceptance. "Kill me then. I am not afraid to die for my beliefs. At least I still know in what I believe." 

 

Whoa whoa whoa. Mara was confused. How did killing play into this? All the political prisoners Mara had worked with thus far, there was no need for killing some Sister who had differing religious philosophical beliefs. Mara didn't even believe in the Maker! The idea was ridiculous! Still, Mara saw Leliana move incrementally closer with her blade.

 

 Mara stepped forward, talking softly to Leliana. "We don't have to kill her."

 

Leliana half turned her head to look at Mara in surprise. Then her face twisted. "No. I must protect the Inquistion. She is an enemy."

 

So many things went through Mara's mind. That the Inquisition was not the Chantry or some poor weak person. That we were a strong organization. Damn it, of all the times to be tongue tied and bad at speeches! Why hadn't she brought Varric.

 

Sister Natalie began to pray as Leliana raised her arm for a blow the woman didn't or wouldn't even defend against.

 

 

Mara was useless. Wasn't she... the head of this organization and her own...spy master just countermanded...and killed what seemed to be an unarmed Chantry Sister turned poor spy... a sword, held only once before, the tip digging into wood as blood dripped down...

 

And Then Leliana just stepped over the body. And headed for that stupid golden box. Mara's eyes just gazed at the woman's body, horror sweeping through her. 

 

This quick little treasure hunt wasn't fun anymore....Leliana called out to her from the small room, business as usual. As if she hadn't just murdered someone.

 

"No! This can't be it!" Mara finally dragged herself away from looking at the body, and came up behind Leliana. "There's nothing here!" Leliana shook the box as if something would fall out.

 

Mara felt numb. She was on auto pilot. "Check again. Maybe it's a sort of puzzle. She was the puzzling sort."

 

"There's a message, carve in the lid. The Left Hand should lay down her burden." Leliana read out. She paused. "She...She's releasing me. A thousand lies. A thousand deaths. Her commands but it was my consioence that bore the burdens."

 

Does this release come with less killing? Maybe now words would wake Leliana. "She apologized in the Fade. She said she failed you. This is what she meant." Never mind that Mara didn't believe, she needed Leliana to.

 

"All this time, Justinia carried the fear that she was using me. Just like I'd been used in the past. But Marjolain's games were trifles."

 

Who was Marajolaine? What?

 

"Justinia gambled with the fate of nations. She needed me. No one else could have done what I did. She knows that."

 

It seemed the time to have changed Leliana's mind was long gone. She would not try to comfort a murderer. "Sacrifices are sometimes necessary. You know that."

 

Leliana discarded the box as so much garbage, and turned around with a smile. "I know. And hearing you agree gives me the courage to do what must be done."

 

Sigh. So bad at words. That's not what Mara had meant. Leliana walked away to leave, but then stopped.

 

"Justinia tried to save me. But all it's done it made me realize I don't need saving. There's work to be done. I'll see you back at Skyhold" And left after that.

 

Mara looked at the body one more time. Surely they should notify someone? It'd be alarming to just walk in on this...

 

When Mara arrived back at Skyhold, she cautiously approached Leliana again. She needed to know the mind state of her Spy Mistress. She walked in on her giving orders to one of her agents to kidnap Grand Cleric Victoire's cousin. Great. The bad would just continue. MAra had to speak up.

 

"You're dealing with a little harshly, don't you think?" But Mara knew it was a lost battle.

 

"Harsh times call for harsh methods, Inquisitor. See? When I'm ruthless, it gets us to where we need to be. It's something to be proud of. Why fix it?"

 

Was Leliana trying to convince Mara or herself? Because the former wasn't happening.

 

"How funny that Justinia's regret is what finally put my own to rest. I chose to ebcome her Left Hand. I knew what it meant. It was my weakness that stopped me from fully committing to my task."

 

"You have a good heart, Leliana." When she wasn't rationalizing murdering Chantry Sisters. "It's not a weakness."

 

Leliana scoffed. "You're too kind, Inquisitor. Call it what it is. The Inquisition needs me, just as the Divine did, to do what no one else will. Death and deception are my trade. It is what I am." And with that, Leliana simply turned away, dismissing her.

 

Mara had been complaining about Leliana's spy skills and now.. now her only complaint was that what little that hadn't been spy within Leliana had just died with the Chantry Sister.

 

Mara was a tad depressed at this point and decided to give herself the rest of the day off. To ruminate about the awful people she'd met since all this started. If there hadn't also been so many good people in her life? She didn't even want to think about that.

 

----

Almost done with all the personal side quests. Then Arbor Wilds. Then a few companions stuff. Then Final Battle, PArty, slides... JoH, and Trespasser.

 

I am itching to play Origins already but I'm making myself wait. ^^