Chapter 60: Trouble with Trevelyans

A week later Cullen, Calenhad, and Scout were finally out of bed and able to get around Skyhold without assistance – not that he'd taken any of the help offered to him anyway. The two pups flanked him all around the Keep, happy to finally be out in the crisp mountain air and busily making rounds. Making sure they didn't push it, the Commander lingered in conversations or by the training grounds longer than he would so they kept up their strength. Both pups seemed to have imprinted on him, having all suffered alongside each other through their withdrawal. The Mabari brothers seemed happy to share their new master, with Calenhad staying so close that Cullen had to watch where he stepped, and Scout guarding his perimeter.

With his face buried deep in the latest report from the Inquisitor, Cullen marched across the Lower Courtyard heading for the stairs to his office. Enthralled in the news from the meeting with the Qunari on the Storm Coast, the caravan of carriages that had pulled in escaped his notice. He was vaguely aware of the people standing outside of the carriages watching him.It was what they typically did upon arriving at Skyhold to see for themselves - the home of the Inquisition. To them, he was like some sort of animal to inconvenience and observe in its natural habitat. Since the rumors of his affair with the Inquisitor out of the Emprise du Lion, more and more people whispered as he passed. With their actions having lent credence to the gossip constantly surrounding them, he worried their every interaction would be under closer scrutiny.As his plans for their future progressed, he hoped his efforts to buy land and begin to build a homestead went unnoticed. Josephine and his family knew, but they were the only ones and he was hesitant to tell anyone else for fear that his plans would only fuel the rumors or Evelyn would find out before he could tell her himself."Commander Cullen," an airy voice called to him from the tall staircase of the Main Keep where he had just come from. Holding a board like her superior, the woman - whom he had encountered many times before - had a thicker Antivian accent than Josephine, making him have to concentrate more on her words. He swore Josephine sent her to him on purpose to help with his 'people skills.'He stopped, finally looking back after hearing Calenhad growl as she caught up with him, "Yes? What can I do for the Lady Ambassador this morning?" Scout ran over sniffing the woman cautiously making her lift a foot uncomfortably. With a whistle, the Mabari perked up and ran back to his side, sitting at attention with his brother.The woman bowed her head, "With respect, she requests your presence for a tour of the Inquisition's barracks and training grounds with the Comte de Cleron."He huffed in annoyance, "She will have to forgive me, for I haven't the time. The field report from the Inquisitor has just arrived and it takes priority." He almost let it go, but having been bothered with more and more requests like this, he continued unable to resist, "Not to mention, this is a working fortress, not a theater production for the nobility to gawk at!""But she–""Please remind Lady Montilyet that we are at war, and until we achieve victory, I have more valuable uses of my time than entertaining every stuffy noble who waltzes through the gate!" The woman balked at his barking and swiftly left not wishing to be treated like one of his soldiers. Cullen sighed heavily knowing that he was starting to take his frustration out on the staff, but the needs of the Inquisitor far outweighed whatever coin Josephine was hoping to get out of the Comte.Maker, he missed Eve. Her presence was calming and after everything that happened in the Emprise du Lion, he ached for her in more ways than one."Excuse me, did I hear her address you as Commander Cullen?" Turning to face the source of the inquiry, he found a tall man with the lean build of a horseman studying him. His hair was almost completely steel gray except for some faint auburn streaks. His face...Oh, sweet Maker!A woman abruptly exited the carriage behind him with a shrill huff, "Drexford, did you not hear me? Drex-- Oh, my dear Commander Rutherford! How lucky we are to have stumbled upon you on this bleak morning." She held her hat to her head looking towards the cloudy sky with displeasure.He gaped as he bowed slightly at the waist, "Ah, Lady Bann Trevelyan, how... good it is to see you again." Scout once again ran over to the woman claiming his attention, vetting her."Oh, shoo!" With a whine after being batted with a fan, he retreated towards his master.Evelyn's mother was lucky Scout was more personable than his brother, otherwise she could've lost her hand. Good first impression to the Bann, Rutherford, your dog mauls his wife."I see Evelyn has done nothing about this mud," grumbling and turning up her nose, she lifted the hem of her dress out of the dirt... which really wasn't mud for it was dried. It was uneven, yes, but not messy which he considered more inconvenient."You must forgive my wife, Commander." Drexford threw her a sideways glance, bending to pet the brown Mabari sitting and making eyes at him. "What a fine animal!"Cullen laughed to himself, Of course, Scout would approve of Evelyn's father."I find no offense in your... Rhiannon, this is hardly what I'd call mud." Cullen bit back a chuckle having just mused on that point, helping to quell his nerves. He remembered multiple people having told him of Drexford's reasonable nature. The Bann shook his head looking at him, "It's as if she hasn't lived with horses for the majority of her life." Cullen saw where Evelyn got her mannerisms and attitude from. "Well met, Commander. It's a pleasure to finally meet you after hearing so much about you from my children." Standing, Evelyn's father extended his hand out and he grasped it firmly."Nice to meet you as well, ser and please, call me Cullen." Like a flip of a coin, his nerves were back. Still in shock over their unexpected appearance, he suddenly didn't know what to do prolonging their awkward handshake. The Bann was here! He needed to tell Josephine..."Commander!" The silky and stern voice of Madame Vivienne floated over the din of Skyhold. She walked with purpose over to where they stood, placing her hands on her hips, with a haughty sway, "Cullen, darling, the Comte is waiting... oh, Lady Trevelyan how lovely to see you again, my dear." The family matriarch greeted her in kind. "Is this your husband?" Lifting her chin with guile and extending out a manicured hand, the Bann took it and bowed his head in respect. "First Enchanter Vivienne de Fer of the Circle of Montsimmard, Mistress to Duke Bastien de Ghislain, and close friend and companion to the Inquisitor, it is a pleasure.""As you can see, Enchanter, I am currently engaged—" he nearly choked on the word trying to shake his nerves, quickly adding, "—with settling in the Trevelyans as the Inquisator is away. I've also had word from her regarding the current mission on the Storm Coast which takes precedence over diplomatic matters."Looking put off, she pouted, "Is there not someone equally as qualified as you to show the Comte around the barracks and training field?"Just then, the perfect man for the job walked into his view on his way to the Infirmary. "Knight-Captain Henley!" He waved him over, but the Templar caught sight of Evelyn's relatives.Meeting the gaze of the Bann, the two beamed with warm familiarity. "Ser Henley! Or is it Knight-Captain now? Good to see you in good health!" They embraced briefly with stout pats on the back.Byron laughed heartily, "And you, ser! Evie didn't tell us you were coming otherwise I would've been the first to greet you!""Ser Henley," Lady Trevelyan said coyly, "handsome as ever. The ladies of Ostwick are certainly missing seeing you at our Harvest Ball – though I can't say the same about your charge." Drexford shook his head, trying to hold back his ire at the slight against Evelyn. It seemed to come so naturally off Rhiannon's tongue, making his heartache at the childhood memories his love shared with him about her mother.Byron gave a gracious bow grinning at the compliment, "Thank you, my lady. It is truly good to see you both after so long. We are living in strange times, and Evie seems to be in the thick of it." Cullen and Vivienne both quietly observed the conversation before them, dissecting it for a glimpse into the relationship between the three Marchers. "And you know where she goes I follow – as well as all these people now too. It truly is extraordinary what she has accomplished as Inquisitor.""Well, I rest easier already knowing you are here keeping her safe." At Drexford's words, Cullen couldn't help but feel a stab of jealousy. Rightfully, he had no need to, yet the Trevelyans obviously liked Henley, already possessing a close relationship with him; even Lady Trevelyan was gracious towards the Knight-Captain, who was a commoner despite his rank.Henley was charismatic, which is the reason he had summoned him for this particular task of playing tour guide to the Comte. He seemed comfortable speaking with anyone, another trait the Commander lacked unless they were in armor. His inadequacies began to weigh on him, causing his expression to darken.Sensing his mood sour, Vivienne placed a hand on his shoulder, "Commander, perhaps you can move this reunion along?" The Enchanter's iron eyes directed him pointing over to the gathering. When he gave her an unsatisfactory 'um,' she tutted at him, pulling him along by the arm. "My apologies my Lord and Lady, but I require the presence of the Knight-Captain."With that lead-in, Cullen found his voice, "Yes, Madame Vivienne needs someone to show the Comte de Cleron around our military facilities, I'd like for you to assist with the tour.""I'd be happy to, Commander," he brightly smiled as he saluted. Prickles of jealousy prodded him as he watched the reaction of the women to the Templar, and he couldn't help but envision Evelyn enraptured by that same look. She didn't talk much about her relationship with him and their casualness, as if pretending that they were 'just friends' annoyed him at times. Yet, he had not even known her when they were 'close' so what justifiable right did he have to make a fuss over?"The Comte de Cleron, you say? I haven't seen him in ages! May I join, I am the mother of the Inquisitor after all. Surely, it will be a benefit when she is absent." Lady Trevelyan raised her chin walking with airs. At least now Josephine would be alerted to the Trevelyan's arrival.Vivienne's jaw slightly flexed, "Of course you may. Come, we must make haste, he is still waiting." With a nod to the Commander, the three were off, with Henley escorting Evelyn's mother by the arm.Wanting to bury his face back into the field report, he remembered he was not alone..."Well, Cullen," the aging lord quirked up an eyebrow having been left in each other's company, "I believe we have a matter to discuss unless I'm being as much of a nuisance to you as the Comte is today?""No, ser, I..." he looked from the Bann to the report in his hand, remembering his own words. This was not how he imagined this going. "This report from the Inquisitor truly does take presentence, if you would allow me to read it first?"He chuckled heartily, "Of course, duty comes first – especially when it is my Evie who beckons. Is there somewhere we may talk in private then or would you prefer I wait elsewhere?"He stared at the man for a second paralyzed. Josephine should be here or the Bann should've sent word that they were coming. Did Evelyn know? A glance around the Lower Courtyard saw none of the Ambassador's staff around to help him... he would even settle for Dorian at this rate."N-no that's unnecessary. My office is right over here.""Excellent, lead the way." At that, Calenhad and Scout barked and ran ahead, having one of their few spurts of energy. They nearly knocked over a soldier on their way up the narrow staircase.Disturbing Loren from her paperwork, he cringed seeing the large stack of nonsense that he had once been plagued with. The dwarf usually worked at a table that was set up in a corner of his office, hardly actually sitting there for long before rushing out on an errand. She was a woman of few words, blunt, and starkly honest which were traits he typically admired making her the perfect person to help him administer the office of the Inquisition's Commander."You must be hungry after your long journey, Bann Trevelyan. Loren, would you have the kitchen prepare something for the Bann to tie him over before lunch?"Their guest looked back over his shoulder at her, "Coffee, in particular, would be much appreciated, Loren."They smiled politely at each other and she gave a bow. Leaning around Bann she asked, "Shall I make that two, Commander?"He leaned back, straightening out his coat, "Make it a pot, the Inquisitor sent a long report on the situation on the Storm Coast, so it's bound to be a long day as I sort through it." Calenhad grumbled but made himself comfortable at his feet.After she left, an awkward silence filled the air, but just as it happened at the start of their relationship, the ease of the Trevelyan way of conversing dispelled it. "Would you mind if I perused your books while you read the report, Cullen?""Not at all." The many titles resting on the shelves flashed through his mind hoping they would be up to his standards. He was a fellow soldier, so at least he'd appreciate the lack of variety. Scout, seemingly taking on the role of ambassador, accompanied him to the shelf sitting and watching him curiously peruse the collection. Focusing back on the task at hand, Cullen unfolded the letter attached to the front of the report once more:Commander,There will be no alliance with the Qun. In short, everything had gone according to plan until a large Venatori force threatened to eliminate The Chargers. I ordered Bull to sound their retreat, causing the enemy to focus fire on the Qunari ship in the inlet, sinking it with efficiency. Saving our people over the Dreadnaught will cost us the alliance, as well as earn Bull a Tal-Vasholth rank, but I couldn't allow our people to be slaughtered. My full detailed report is enclosed and I hope the council will understand my decision.The only solace comes from the fact that we were able to dismantle the smuggling operation on the Storm Coast. And there were no major injuries having taken the enemy by surprise.We are en route back to Skyhold with all haste, as Bull believes an attempt on his life is imminent, and doesn't wish for me to be caught in the crossfire. I trust you and Sister Nightingale can prepare Skyhold for such an incident.See you in a few days,Inquisitor TrevelyanWith a deep sigh of relief, Cullen sat back in his chair, garnering the attention of the Bann. "I trust Evie is alright by the look on your face?"He nodded in confirmation, "Thank the Maker, she is unharmed, but the mission..." He pinched the bridge of his nose, supposedly an alliance with the Qun was too much to hope for. After a contemplative silence, he called out to one of his soldiers who waited outside, "Wellard!" The young man popped in with a salute, "Take this letter to the Spymaster. Tell her that I intend to station extra guards and alert the gate guards to question anyone entering the Keep thoroughly. No one will be allowed to pass unless they have an express invitation." He made a mental note to himself to inform the Lady Ambassador of the change as well.Striding over to retrieve the parchment, "Right away, ser!"Just as he opened the door to deliver his message, Loren returned with the aromatic coffee setting it down on his desk. "Loren, find Dane and tell him the Inquisitor is en route back to Skyhold. I want the north road secured from a possible ambush. The safety of the Inquisitor is paramount.""On it, Commander."The Bann raised an eyebrow in the same manner as his Eve walking back to his seat to partake of the tray of assorted pastries. "Expecting trouble? Both my youngest have relayed that there's never a dull moment here.""I assure you, your family is in no danger. For once, it was not a threat made against the Inquisitor. Still, it would be foolish to take any chances. Owayne is with her, and between him and The Iron Bull, they should be able to sense an attack before it happens."I trust my son to protect her above himself, as I know you are as well." The love for his daughter glistened in his eyes, "I pray for her safety through all of this. I assume more enemies wish her ill than just the Elder One?" It was as if the words caused him physical pain.Cullen's face tensed at the subject, knowing the feeling and hating the long list of adversaries they still have to deal with. Even with the largest threats like Floriene, Ryker, Erimond, and Samson defeated there was a long list of people who'd like to see harm come to the Inquisition, and Evelyn in particular. Not to mention the anchor eating away at her arm.Unaware of how the Bann studied him when their eyes met, his narrowed for a moment before continuing, "You care for her a great deal."Cullen knew his cheeks were reddening at the statement of fact; damn him and his fair hair and skin! Without averting his gaze, he managed a strong, "I do."The answer fell woefully short of his true feelings, yet it was not something men talked of in length. Her father, like him, was a soldier; men of action, not frivolous declarations of love. The Bann would glimpse more into his love for Evelyn through his training in the army, his strategy, and most of all, his interactions with the woman herself. He would see the lengths he went to ensure her safety and to ensure her victory over the Elder One."Tell me," he took a sip of the fortifying beverage, "will she survive this?" Cullen took a breath ready to answer, but the Bann stopped him, "Man to man, Cullen, I want to know what I must prepare for. She would not tell me the truth if I asked her, you must know this." The man looked as if he aged in the short time it took him to form the sentence."I have no doubt she will defeat the Elder One, but the cost of victory..." The Commander looked to Scout who had laid next to his brother. The Mabari gave a pitiful whine putting his ears back and his head down. "The anchor is unstable and it is causing irreversible damage to her arm."Drexford nodded solemnly, again pausing to sip his coffee before answering, "And is there nothing to be done?""Not that we aren't already doing. We have at our disposal the best minds of the Southern mages, an elven apostate well-versed in ancient magic, allies in Tevinter thanks to Altus Pavus, and a brilliant Archanist all of who have been working relentlessly on studying it. The more she uses it, the more powerful its magic becomes. She cannot physically withstand its effects no matter how hard her mana fights it." Cullen's heart sank in his chest, staring at her father intensely, "I fear her every success is also leading to her doom."***They were a day's ride from Skyhold when they were attacked by their own soldiers.Evelyn had been informed by a patrol of theirs that the Commander had ordered the road to be secured after the threat made against The Iron Bull. Inquisition soldiers had made their presence known to everyone traveling, and while the Qunari kept telling her the formality of Gatt's official declaration that he was Tal-Vasshoth was nothing, she had not taken it so well. No one threatened her friends and left unscathed. She remembered her words well, having left a bitter taste on her tongue:"Tell your superiors that if they wish to not make an enemy of me, then they will let the matter rest. One day they may need my help to seal the rift spreading to the north, and I may choose not to hear their pleas."Gatt scowled at her, "The Qun begs no one for help."The Inqusitor's gaze was heated, "Oh? Well, remember that when demons pour from the rifts continually with no reprieve terrorizing your land, killing everything in sight. They will be a blight upon your land, one in which your people will not recover from. Tevinter and Orlais will see the opportunity and invade as you are all backed into a corner waiting to be slaughtered. And in that moment, you will realize that all Par Vollen had to do was leave my ally be." The weather and the mission's partial failure had put her in a foul mood that only fueled her words."As I hear it, the Sarabaas are already working on something that will close rifts. You may be obsolete soon, Inquisitor."She shook her head gravely, "You play with forces beyond your understanding. Opening rifts have proven to be far easier than closing them." Evelyn stepped closer to the elf, batting off Bull's large hand when he tried to stop her wrath from surfacing. "For now I'm your only hope, and you've just pissed me off. Good fucking luck." She turned glancing at Bull who glared at his former friend before following."Maybe you should call her Gaatlok instead," Gatt shouted at their backs, though no one looked back.They had been distracted with making camp for the night when it happened. She and her companions – Bull, Owayne, Cassandra, Solas, and Sorin – had their heads down busily going through their packs as the Qun agents approached Bull from behind. The Qunari hardly made a sound that would signal he was being attacked, grunting as they stabbed him with their poisoned daggers."Shit!" Came Owanye's voice as he pushed Cassandra to safety, throwing a knife of his own at one of the assailants.Evelyn turned to see the shredded skin of Bull's back, before trying to make sense of why her soldiers were attacking him. As the man her brother killed fell to the ground in a heap, the other woman tried to escape. Before she could do so, lightning struck and she jerked about before joining her comrade.In the quiet that followed the companions looked around at the other Inquisition soldiers sent to reinforce them. "Would anyone else like to do something stupid?" Evelyn's gaze lingered on each person. In turn, they voiced a 'No, Inquisitor,' before nervously looking at their feet. "Pack up, we're not stopping tonight. Get the horses watered and fed and then we push on to Skyhold. And someone get me a raven."