It was almost a year since the Circle at Ostwick fell. Since then, the surviving mages and Templars were forced to move around the Free Marches until they were able to secure passage to Ferelden. The Chantry had forsaken them. Believing them to be rebels, the group was not welcome wherever they went. They were doomed to wander the land like the Dalish. As to not draw attention, they never stayed in one place for more than a few days and established a number of campsites with supply crashes and gardens, which they hid upon leaving. This made moving around slightly easier. Supply runs into towns and cities were much riskier and done only when absolutely necessary. They bartered anything they had available or that the Tranquil could make with the little they had.
Their year out of the Circle not only challenged their will to survive but the divide between Templars and mages. It forced them to communicate better, and while there were disagreements, it proved to be nothing they couldn't overcome in the end. With no formal rules against fraternizing, some of the mage-Templar couples began families. There were three children born, and everyone made an effort to help raise the children. The children brought joy and life back to the outcasts, and not one person was unaffected by the little smiles and cooing accompanying them. At least some good has come from this, Evelyn thought, and she wondered how many other Circles were undergoing similar change.
As the war between the mages and Templars raged on throughout Thedas, Ferelden's wilderness became home to many of the displaced Circles - among other unsavories. Their arrival on the Storm Coast was about what anyone would expect from a place named as such - wet and miserable. She could already feel the air was much colder and made a mental note that they'd need to acquire cloaks and blankets as soon as possible. She knew from her travels that the cold killed the young and old alike indiscriminately. As their barge scraped against the rocky shore, she jumped out to help some of the Templars guide it further onto the shore. The salty waves broke over her thigh-high boots soaking her through to her skin. There was nothing worse than wet squishy boots. Sorin looked at her from the barge, leaning on an elbow while cupping his face. She did a double-take because he was giving her an odd look.
"Still being stubborn I see. You don't need to do this."
"I'm just helping." She knew the lecture that he was leading into. He gave it to her every so often when she was being particularly moody.
"I don't think anyone would've said a thing if you would've stayed in the boat. Henley and the others have it under control." She knew that, but something within her the past year had her restless. She still felt guilty for her part in the destruction of the Circle - even if she couldn't take full credit for it. Her shining reputation was in tatters as the rebel mages spread false rumors far and wide about her involvement with them. She was a wanted woman now. In the beginning, some of the other mages wanted to turn her in in exchange for proper shelter. She wanted to slap some sense into them, knowing that if they did that they'd all be arrested as apostates, but they didn't know any better. So she held her tongue and made herself as useful as possible. Sorin saw it as selfish pouting over her lost pride. In some ways, he wasn't wrong and it only furthered her shame. If she was being absolutely honest with herself, all that she worked for was to make her family, mostly her father, proud. Proud of the fact that even though she was the disgraced mage of the family, that she was doing good. What did her father think of her now?
Something about the Storm Coast reminded her of the day she had left for the Circle. It had been a stormy day as well when the Templars came to take her away. It had been a typical day at the Trevelyan estate for the most part. Ten-year-old Evelyn was hiding in their expansive garden when a storm blew in fast. She had been avoiding Lady Thindrel's daughter, Anika, who was visiting with her mother. She was several years older than Evelyn and wicked as can be. Upon arriving, Evelyn had seen her step from their carriage with her latest new toy, a whip. Evelyn was a small child, with no small amount of courage instilled in her by her two older brothers, yet the hulking figure of Anika made her tremble - and Anika knew it. She knew it when she taunted Evelyn with it when their eyes met, when she tested it on one of the horses, then again on an elven servant. That was enough to send Evelyn flying through the garden least she be next.
When the storm suddenly appeared she knew she'd have to return to the house. Passing by the stables on her way, she heard some of their animals making a ruckus. She figured it was due to the storm, but she'd try to quiet them anyway. She loved animals, every kind, they were just so honest and unconditionally loving. Her father was the largest and most well-known Free Marches Ranger breeder on the continent. The Trevelyans' fielded the finest company of calvary this side of the Waking Sea. They had acres of rolling fields and forests to breed and train Rangers. Aside from horses they also had several species of birds, cats and dogs. As she entered she heard the whimpers and nervous shifting of the animals coming from the far side of the barn where the kennels were located. At this time of day, the dogs would indeed be there before their feeding time. She picked up the pace breaking into a jog as lightning flashed followed by that loud crack of thunder. She jumped, though it was not at the thunder, but the illumination of splattered blood sprinkled along the dirt floor. Worry overcoming her petite features, she cautiously rounded the corner as an all too familiar laugh echoed through the stables. The sight made her physically sick, stifling a scream from her mouth with her hand. There Anika stood hulking over several of the dogs she had released from their kennels. They were bloodied, whimpering pleadingly for an end to their torture. The horses nearby had not gone untouched either, kicking their legs about. Anika cracked her whip making the dogs skitter and yip from one corner to the next upon seeing Evelyn.
"Finally, something more fun to try this on than your stupid animals." Evelyn stood paralyzed with a flood of emotions overwhelming her little person. Terror, rage and sorrow was all ten-year-old Evelyn could comprehend at the time, and her body didn't know which to act on. She felt as if she was going to explode while watching Anika stomp ever closer to her.
She locked eyes with one of the wounded dogs. She loved all their animals, but Arrow, as they called him, was special to her. He was born the runt of the litter. Not knowing if he'd survive, she visit him every day to tell him she believed in him, that he'd make it. That just because he was small like her, didn't mean he couldn't grow up to become the greatest hunting dog. Sure enough, he became one of her father's best, to which he gave Evelyn full credit for and allowed her to name him. He was light cream in color with pure white paws and an angular marking between his eyes. She thought about naming him after one of her favorite desserts but then thought the other dogs would make fun of him for having such a sweet name. He was to be a fierce hunting dog, not a pastry. What about Ghost, she thought, no, too scary. Looking into the pup's bright eyes, the mark on his face became more prominent to her. It only took her a moment to decide upon 'Arrow.' It was perfect and so was he.
Now he was hurting. The memory and the present collided in her mind, and it became clear there was only one thing she could do. No more running. The fear on her face was replaced by rage. It became so hot suddenly she felt as if she was on fire. Whatever change Anika saw come over Evelyn made her stop dead in her tracks. Now Evelyn stalked towards her.
"Stay back! I'm warning you..." Anika's voice sounded rattled. She raised the whip up, but seeing that Evelyn wasn't deterred, stumbled backward making her way for the door. Taking a strange pleasure from seeing the fear on Anika's face, her pace quickened and she felt the sting of the whip hit her. The first strike just grazed her cheek. The trickle of blood was liquid fire as it dripped down her face. The second strike she was ready for and she caught it around her forearm. She looked down at the tanned braided leather coiled tightly around her. She hated it. Hated what it did and who wielded it. She pictured it burning so clearly in her mind it was as though it was real. An odd smell wafted into her face, making her blink a few times. The whip was burning, it was actually on fire!
Flame shot up the whip to Anika's hand. She screamed and dropped it after it singed her. Evelyn concentrated on the destruction of the whip. She knew she should have been afraid of what was happening, but the release of the flame felt so natural. She didn't hold the rage back, she let it flow freely until ash was all that was left of the torturous whip.
"You're a monster!" Anika screeched at her.
"No." Her voice was strong and calm. "You're the monster. I'm a mage." Anika tried to run. Out the door she flew, slipping in the puddles as her heavy footfalls landed clumsily. Evelyn caught her with little effort, taking her down as her brothers had taught her to do. She muddied their expensive dresses, rolling them so she landed on top. Immediately she began throwing punches down on Anika. Rage consumed her as she failed to understand why anyone would want to hurt animals - her animals. Why was it so hot? The world went red as the sight of her wounded furry friends burned in her mind. She deserved this and more. The smell of burning cloth and another unfamiliar scent entered her nostrils. She looked down to see it was Anika's dress and arms that were on fire. Evelyn jumped off her immediately, but the damage was done.
Anika face was bloodied, the hem of her dress on fire and the skin on her forearms burnt badly. If it had not been pouring rain, Anika most definitely would have still been aflame. Evelyn wished she still was. It wasn't enough, her rage boiled on, but she knew deep down she had to stop. Her mana threatened to lash out again, but with no target to direct it at, it engulfed her instead. Screaming, flame shot to the sky as it enveloped her.
After what felt like an eternity, Evelyn dropped to her knees exhausted as the grip of her newfound power diminished. Upon looking up she saw her father, mother, her older sister Odette, Lady Thindrel and a number of others from the household and the Thindrel servants. Her father was the first to approach, gesturing to the rest to keep away. She watched him carefully studying the concern on his face.
"Evie?" He stood a few feet from her waiting for a response. "Evie, say something sweetie."
"I'm sorry father!" Evelyn sobbed. He leaped to her embracing her as she nuzzled her face into his shoulder. He hushed her, letting her know that there was no reason for tears, he just wanted to know what had happened. Between sobs, she told him about the scene she stumbled upon in the barn and what she had done to Anika, but that more importantly that there were animals in need of care. His face was one of pure disgust. He turned to his stable hands and told them to see to the wounded animals before shooting a glance at her mother's company. Evelyn's mother was gesturing wildly ordering servants about and trying to help Lady Thindrel comfort her daughter. "I failed you. I'm a monster!"
"No, you made me proud," whipping tears and the blood from her cut cheek away, "I don't think a monster would have put herself in harm's way to save innocents."
"But… I'm a … I'm a mage!" She sobbed harder. "Mages are evil. How can I do good when I'm inherently evil?" He pushed her back at shoulder's length studying her hard.
"Who told you that?"
"Mother Maeve, she speaks to us often at the Chantry about the evils of magic and those who wield it. She says mages cannot help their wicked nature and that even the Maker's light cannot save them." He shook her head at her slowly, and another disgusted look overtook his features.
"Now don't you listen to her. You know I once saw her mount a horse backwards. Would you ever trust the word of someone who can't seat themselves on a horse properly?" A small, but audible laugh broke through her sobs. "I won't lie to you that some mages are dangerous, but I don't believe they are inheritably evil. I believe the world has done something to them to make them so. You are good, and will do good my Evie." His eyes glimmered lovingly at her and she knew his words would be forever part of her.
"Drex!" They heard her mother approaching. Her heels clicked scattering the small pebbles of the courtyard about as she trotted along. "Drexford, I've called the Templars from the Circle. They should be here presently."
"You did what!?" A very familiar rage erupted in her father. "Maker's breath Rhiannon, this could've waited another day or so! Can't you see she's in shock?"
"She almost killed sweet Anika, how can you say that?! The poor girl will never find a husband with those burns on her, she's ruined her!" The two fought back and forth for a bit while the reality that the Templars were coming for her. To take her away from all she knew. She snapped out of her numb state to hear her father definitely end their spat.
"I want the Thindrels off my property immediately and I never want to see them here again!" She huffed at him, but turned and followed his command. He didn't say anything, nor did his scowl waver away from the flabbergasted looks the Thindrels shot his way. Evelyn watched from beside him as the wailing Anika was carried to their carriage. When they were out of sight, her mother and middle sister, Odette, stomped into the house. Family lines had been drawn.
Evelyn and her father then hurried over to the barn to assist with the animals. They were happy to find that the situation was well in hand, with only superficial injuries to contend with. Arrow greeted her upon entering and she bent to give the dog a big long hug, knowing it could be the last. When things were settled, they made for the house. As they reached the door, a small cart with the clanking of heavy armor skittered to a stop behind them. The Templars had arrived. With a motion for her to stay put, her father went to speak with them. Their private conversation seemed civil and good-humored, ending with her father attempting to discreetly push a coin purse to the senior officer before waving her over.
"Evelyn, this is Knight-Captain Tobias. I've explained what has happened and he'd agreed to come back tomorrow." She looked shyly up to the Knight-Captain. He had kind eyes from what she could tell through his graying bushy eyebrows.
"Lady Evelyn, please don't be afraid of us, though we aren't mages we understand a bit of what you may have experienced today. I'll be back tomorrow to travel with you to the Ostwick Circle, but until then just keep yourself calm and your powers will not endanger you. You'll receive training there to help you control your abilities. There are many others your age who are learning to do the same. Myself and fellow Templars will be with you to make sure no harm comes to you as you learn. I look forward to talking with you more tomorrow, good evening." He nodded to the two of them and spurred their horse back the way they came. She gave her father's hand a squeeze looking up at him with a smile. He had bought her one more day. One more day to say her goodbyes, soak in her freedom and ready herself for her new life. To do good.
A strong wave checked her from behind drowning her out of her memories. Salty water inundated her senses while strong hands hulled her back up on her feet. She stared gapping at the handsome face of Ser Henley.
"The fuck Trevelyan, how about putting those nice legs to work?" Finding her foothold she stood back up, biting her lip in embarrassment. He gave her a wink and a dashing smile before helping the others disembark. Sorin tried and failed to hold back his laughter as he hopped out of the barge keeping relatively dry.
"How do those socks feel?"
"Shut it Sorin or I'll just happen to fall again and take you with me."
"Children, let's behave now." Henley had become close with the trio since they fled the Circle. While he still spent most of his time with his men, he made more and more effort to hang around at the end of the day with the three mages. While his motivation was largely due to a certain female's presence, he had made a genuine effort to be friendly. That night as they made camp to rest from the crossing, Henley joined them under a large pine tree who's needles were thick enough to slick the water out away from the center so they could stay dry. Evelyn sat on the ground cuddled in a large blanket. Eyeing over at her, she opened up half for him to join her.
"Ugh you're wet! Don't come in here until you dry. Go bother Ilara." He blushed shooting a shy glance over at her, but still tackled Evelyn with a playful growl.
"You do know we're on the Storm Coast still, hence why I'm wet. Someone had to make one last round to make sure everyone was settling in fine for the night. I wasn't going to have my men do it, they're already soaked to the bones." Henley had always been good to the men under his command. He worked his way up through the ranks of the Order on his own, without the help of money or politics. He knew the burdens he placed on his men and never ordered them to do something he wouldn't do himself. She admired him for it and made putting up with his perfection tolerable. "Wait, why are you bitching at me when you are still wet as well?" He patted his hand up and down her torso playfully.
"Damp. I'm damp and drying, but this," she motioned down his body, "is not going to help."
"Tough, you owe me for pulling you out of the drink earlier." She rolled her eyes with a smile while the others laughed. Henley then shared that he and his men had discussed a possible route into the Hinterlands. Lake Calenhad was directly to their south, so they'd need to take the road east or west around it. The western road would take them through narrower passes at the base of the Frostbacks and eventually to Redcliffe. The eastern road had the better geography to disappear into, and would eventually lead them to Lothering. "I've heard back from some of my brothers in the order, it seems activity around the small village of Haven is picking up. Word is the Divine is looking to hold some sort of "Conclave" between the rebels in hopes to stop the violence. This letter," he held up a soggy piece of parchment, which made Evelyn lean away as he shook it about, "is from a good friend of mine from Starkhaven. If he says it'll be worth the long journey south. We may even get to meet up with the other Circles there. That means the western road would be the shorter route."
"But not the safest," Sorin interjected. Henley just nodded knowing it'd be putting a lot of stress on the thirteen Templars and two Knight-Enchanters to protect the group of fifty mages and Tranquil. Sorin and Evelyn shared a knowing look. "Have you reconsidered our offer to train more of the mages in offensive magic?" She was glad he asked, for she really didn't want to broach the subject again after their last fight about it. A few months ago she and Henley had a heated debate which caused a bigger issue than she anticipated. Naturally, it became a Templars versus mages issue, causing the mages to make shied comments about the Templars oppressing them… again. The issue seemed to have finally died down, with its all but inevitable return now upon them.
"I don't have the men nor the lyrium to safely train anyone. We are barely scraping by on the lyrium we have. I have it on good authority from Rylen that there is a steady supply of lyrium at Haven already." He massaged a finger over his temple.
"And here I thought you an idealist." He was not amused by her comment. Evelyn understood their need lyrium, but she hoped he wasn't making a decision based off of his addiction.
"I do hope the Divine succeeds…"
"Which she won't."
"Thank you Sorin, always the fucking optimist," Henley's mood seemed to sour and he took his leave, saying they leave at first light for Haven. The three talked amongst themselves about the implications that these "peace-talks." They knew the war would only end if the mages agreed to surrender. Chances are however, they would find the other loyal Circle mages. Though they had lost theirs, perhaps among the survivors there were Senior Enchanters still alive who could help steer the future of the Circles. The loyal mages would need to ban together and show a united front. She shook her head, You are thinking way too far ahead Trevelyan. Let's just get to Haven first.
"Evie you best go after tall, dark and brooding. I'm sure he's over there sulking. You know how I have a knack for these things." Ilara flicked her head to Henley's solitary tent. "You did poke fun at his lyrium addiction." Evelyn sighed, knowing she was right. "We won't wait up for you," Ilara's melodic voice came with a wink as Evelyn slunk off into the rain, cursing the Maker for why he felt Thedas needed a Storm Coast.
"Knock, knock Ser," was the only warning she gave before entering his tent. He was sitting on the edge of his cot, as Ilara said, sulking. He didn't look at her. "I wanted to apologize, I had no intention of making light of your… lyrium situation." He turned a heated glare at her and she straightened looking dead ahead waiting for the dressing down. A few silent moments passed before he shot up, getting right up in her face, He was at least six-foot tall to her five-foot ten inches. She softened her voice, before continuing, "I really am sorry, I can't imagine you all aren't suffering from withdrawl symptoms."
"I make sure the men have it. I can… deal with it. It's been making me moody. And this fucking headache…"
"Sit," she motioned over to his cot. They sat facing each other, "I've picked a little up from Ilara, though if you went to her when the headaches come I'm sure she could do better. I'm just a crazy fireball thrower." He gave a slight smile at that.
"Ain't that the truth." She smacked his chest before holding her hands up next to his temples to alleviate his pain. She was no healer, but she couldn't help but pick up some of what Ilara was always going on about. When she was done, she could see it helped as the heaviness in his eyes had gone. Before she could leave he pulled her back down on the cot. "Why don't you stay tonight. It's still raining."
"It's always raining here, and no."
"Is it because of what I said last time?"
"No and yes." She stood and slowly paced before him. "No because, believe it or not, even though you said the name of my best friend in the middle of sex I was not offended. You and I were never about feelings. Whatever it is you need to think of to get it done doesn't bother me. The fact is that the girl is stunningly gorgeous. There are hundreds of women in Orlais who would kill, and they do that you know, to have her looks." Ilara and Evelyn were opposites when it came to looks. Ilara was petite with alabaster soft skin and long tightly curled blonde hair. Evelyn was tall and toned, had her signature brown bayalage wavy hair with skin was touched in various ways from the sun and battle. Both women had trim hourglass figures, but Ilara was the embodiment of femininity. "And I say yes, because why in the Void are you wasting time with me when she's right over there? I see the looks you give her. Don't tell me you're shy? You weren't with me at first."
"Well, that's because you're… different." She looked at him as if she stepped in Drufflo shit. " I really didn't see you as a woman.. I mean, we are more like comrades, right? You certainly smelled like one. Feelings weren't an issue for us so…" It was after his babbling had ceased when it dawned on him that his selection of words was not the greatest, as she stared daggers over at him.
"Well now, let me get this straight… you never saw me as a woman because I smelled from being out on the road and fighting because I'm a comrade." She took a long pause before cracking up laughing. At first, he gave a nervous laugh, but seeing hers was genuine, knew she took what he said well. "For the record, you smelled like man sweat and dirty socks, but I didn't say anything. You might want to do something about that for Ilara." She thought she knew what he was poorly trying to say, which was that neither saw the other as romantically compatible, they were just satisfying a need. When she posed it that way to him, he readily agreed that that was what he was indeed trying to say. She felt a weight come off of her now that they officially severed ties. She had hoped that having to be in his company constantly for the last year hadn't made him think they were going anywhere in their relationship, if one could even call it that. He may be utterly attractive, but there was something missing that he couldn't fulfill for her that she just couldn't get past.
After letting him know he was a hopeless cause, she then agreed to help him get things rolling with Ilara. It had been some time since their last dalliance, time enough if Ilara asked about it, but even she knew she never had romantic feelings for Henley, just physical. She told Ilara everything.
"Now don't go around telling everyone what my ass looks like and I won't tell them where you're ticklish." He gave a throaty chuckle glad they could joke about it.
"Thank you, Trevelyan." She looked back at him with raised eyebrows from his tent opening as she took her leave. "You're a good friend, even if you do smell." She shook her head throwing an 'arse' back at him. Things were as they should be.
The next day, the whole camp was eager to head inland to better, though colder weather. They stuck to their plan to head to the western road hugging the Frostbacks. They found occasional trouble along the way, but nothing they couldn't handle. With the news of the upcoming Conclave on everyone's lips, traffic on the road had picked up according to the regular traveling merchants they encountered. Thankfully they were traveling early enough after the announcement before the rebels and bandits in the area could gain a foothold.
They made good time, and by the fifth day they were expected to arrive in Haven before nightfall. During one of their stops to gather food and herbs, Henley had Evelyn and Sorin scout ahead. Word on the road was that rebels mages were about, and thought it best if they went instead of him or his men as not to provoke an attack.
"Remember not to use your real name or do your little fancy fire display if you run into anyone. There are bound to be some sort of protection in place for the Divine, but until we know more or get to Rylen, you're not The Phoenix." Evelyn tied her hair up in a tight bun so people would not notice it, but her "fancy fire display" would be harder to hide since she never had had control over it in the first place. She was still a wanted woman for apparently leading the rebellion in the Ostwick Circle. One day she would set the record straight, but for now she would just have to wait for the right opportunity.
The Hinterlands were heavily forested and hilly. The ruins that dotted the landscape made it feel ancient, when in fact the ruins were what was left of old fortifications decimated in Ferelden's war with Orlais. Evelyn and Sorin came across such a ruin that seemingly had a tower or two that could be of use. The two mages split up looking for a path up to one of the high vantage points, saving them the time of combing through the surrounding wilderness themselves. Evelyn heard Sorin whistle, and she hurried over to his position, but before she could get too close he raised up a cautionary hand. She froze listening in place for movement but heard nothing. He suddenly shot a look over at her, tapping the center of his chest signaling for her to use her mana. As she did, she immediately picked up what had him frozen. Templars.
It was weak, but she sensed the lyrium. Sorin, still a few yards away from her crouched behind a bush, flashed numbers on his fingers - one, two, one, two - it was a question. He was asking if she sensed one or two of them. She signaled a 'one' back. The lyrium was so weak, she wondered if the Templar was hunting for lyrium in his depleted state. Odd that there was only one. Evelyn had her back up against a ruined wall covered by rashvines. Nervous any movement from her would ruffle the vines giving away her position, she only swiveled her head around, not able to see much. When she swiveled back to look at Sorin, her mana surged forth with urgency upon seeing a woman in heavy armor standing over him. She must have used a spell purge on him, and the lack of mana had left him barely conscious on the ground. But she wasn't the Templar they sensed.
Starting towards him, mana still building, a sword swung out in front of her halting her instantly. It made a clinking sound at it the rock and Sorin hearing it looked back at her.
"How many more of you are there?" She turned to look at the man holding the sword. He was tall and blonde with a scar cut through his upper lip. He was not in Templar armor, but he was who they sensed. "Answer me." His voice was low but intense. She spat at the ground in front of him. As he looked down, she let rip a mind blast spell dazing him just long enough for her to get a foothold on the crumbling ruin hoisting herself up. She didn't look back she just climbed. Above her was a stable landing where she could have some cover to reign fire down on them from. As she began pulling herself up, a hand grabbed her ankle. She was no match for his strength and she was torn from the ledge. As she fell, she grabbed her staff from her back knowing what was awaiting her when she hit the ground.
The moment she impacted, the cold sweep of a Templar's spell purge rushed through her, but oddly enough did not fully drain her. Shaking off the effect, she thrust her staff head into the gut of the man. Wincing from the blow, he staggered back while she jumped to her feet spinning to see that Sorin was still down. As she stumbled to Sorin, a shield knocked into her feet. I can't catch a break! Flipping on her back she encircled Sorin and herself in a wall of fire. As she did her Phoenix wings shot forth. Maker, please let them not have seen that. She was low enough on the ground she hoped the flame wall hid her signature wings. Finally standing on her own two feet for more than a few seconds this time, she stood tall facing the Templars. Except, they weren't wearing Templar armor. In fact, she now noticed the woman was a Seeker and the man, though he attempted to use a spell purge on her, didn't look like a Templar - or if he was he was a bad one. The man gave a whistle and a number of other soldiers appeared surrounding them.
"Hold, we are not apostates!" Reason dictated that they must be hunting for apostates and if she could prove it to them, perhaps they'd let them go without a fight now that she could see that they were vastly outnumbered.
"Why should we believe you? Surrender now and no harm will come to you." The woman's accent was heavy Nevarran. Evelyn extinguished the wall of flame and placed her staff on the ground, hoping they saw it as a gesture of good will. She was, of course taking a chance that these people were not bandits, and that she was in fact a true Seeker. Judging by the look of Sorin though, she was indeed a Seeker of great skill.
"Our Templars are nearby they will vouch for us. Our Lieutenant sent us to scout the area ahead to Haven, that's why they aren't with us." The poor excuse for a Templar and Seeker looked at each other.
"Who is your Lieutenant?" The Templar looked skeptically at her.
"Lieutenant Byron Henley of the Circle of Ostwick." He leaned over to say something to the Seeker and she nodded then he ordered the others to stand down. Evelyn let out a sigh of relief as everyone put their weapons down. She bent to help Sorin up, allowing him to lean on her as he regained his strength. She cupped his face studying him with a worried expression. He blinked a few times before giving her a look to stop her fussing, to which she gave him a gentle slap. The two looked up from their exchange to see the Seeker and Templar watching them closely as they approached.
"I am Seeker Pentaghast and this is Commander Cullen of Divine Justinia's forces. We are trying to secure the area for the upcoming Conclave. I assume that is why you're traveling to Haven." Evelyn nodded. "You're a few weeks early, we only just arrived ourselves."
"We are Knight-Enchanters Sorin and Althea." She lied without skipping a beat. She knew the basics of The Game, both from her mother's lessons and the little time she spent in Orlais. She heard her mother's lessons echo in her head, Keep to the truth as much as you can, only lying when necessary. Don't voluntarily give up information, but be seemingly cooperative. Althea was her middle name after all. She absentmindedly kicked the shield that the Commander threw at her in their little scuff. She began to bend to pick it up, but he stopped her.
"Please, allow me. I hope I didn't harm you?" She shook her head, finding it a bit amusing that he'd think that. Now able to get a better look at him without a sword in her face, he had the most remarkable amber eyes. They had an intensity to them as if they analyzed everything before them; that they saw everything, remembered everything. She wasn't sure why, but a warning fired off in her head after having just lied to him. She would have to be careful with him. Odd she didn't feel the same about the Seeker, who was just as intense and well, she was a Seeker.
"I apologize for silencing you Knight-Enchanter Sorin. It's hard to determine friend from foe out here." He offered a nod in understanding. "Are you camped nearby?"
"Yes, just beyond those trees."
"I will take a few men and go with her. If there are Templars there I would like to talk with them. We'll meet you back at Haven."
"Very well, Commander. We'll continue on." The Seeker nodded and led half the men away with her while the Commander and his men followed the mages to their camp. Upon arriving, Henley and the Commander were introduced and the whole of camp was packed up to proceed to Haven. Henley spoke with the Commander the whole way there, even laughing occasionally. Seems he was already cozying up to his new Templar brother, only glancing back a few times at his charges. She figured if anything, Henley being close to the Commander was a good thing, especially if or when they found out who she really was.
Haven was anything but a haven. It was a snow-covered village barely large enough to house the Divine's guard, let alone their group. Since the Divine claimed the walled village as her own, everyone else was forced outside the walls. Even more disappointing was the fact that no other Circles had yet made it to Haven, which made her stomach sick with worry. They couldn't be it, could they? No, there were still several weeks until the Conclave, they were early. It was nice to think that for the next four weeks they were staying put. It'd be the longest time in the past year they ever stayed in one place. When Henley addressed the group it was made clear that the Ostwick Circle was to be temporarily conscripted into the Divine's Guard as healers. He also addressed the issue of Evelyn's wanted status. He warned them that willing or no, they were now all guilty by association and that if they didn't want to be arrested they'd keep quiet. Their first official order was to set up a temporary infirmary. While the Commander was not expecting mass casualties, they had already had some injuries from soldiers on patrols. The Ostwick mages were well known for their advanced healing skills, but Evelyn wasn't a healer. When she and Sorin approached Henley about it, he said they'd have to pull their weight by collecting herbs, washing bandages and linens, among other menial tasks for the healers.
"The Commander is having you and the other Templars join them for patrols, why can't we come along?"
"Because he didn't ask for your help."
"Maybe he doesn't know he needs it. I will go speak with him."
"Oh no you don't!" Henley put himself right in her direct path. "If you have a request, you can pass it up the chain of command through me. No pulling your nobility crap here." She huffed and rolled her eyes.
"But you're not going to ask him! I can't spend the next four weeks cleaning linens… I'll go insane! I thought we were a team?"
"We are a team, but I'm not in charge here and we are guests of the Divine now. Let's try not to cause any trouble here and make them regret giving us a chance. Keep in mind they are providing us with rations and other much needed supplies. Plus, you of all people are supposed to be keeping your head down, remember? You start throwing fireballs and showing off you're bound to catch the attention of Seeker Pentaghast. We are all your accomplices if you get caught, so keep that in mind. And besides, thankfully for you, I put Ilara in charge of the infirmary, I'm sure she'll go easy on you two."
She wasn't thankful. She felt useless without a purpose and like a nobody without her identity. Her hands were tied. She'd have to suck it up for now if she didn't want the entire Circle arrested for harboring a fugitive. It was going to be a long four weeks.