Sisters of Tevinter

Empress of Fire

       The bard was playing a low, melodic tune on her lute, singing. The little tavern was packed with soldiers- a small knot of them were treating injuries. 

        "I told you to block!" One was chastising, dabbing at their companion's bruised and blackened eye with a damp cloth. 

         "How the hell am I supposed to focus on matching blades with the Lion with you bellowing at me from the sidelines, Cherisse?" 

         Jor smiled slightly. "The Lion?" She glanced down at Varric as he lead her weaving through the tables. The scholar tried to ignore the people's eyes on her. "I hope they don't mean Cassandra." It was easy to see the Seeker being a little rough with those who were learning. 

          Varric laughed. "No. They mean your commander."

           "Cullen?" Jor fought a grin. "Oh, he's not a cruel teacher is he?" That was less easily seen.

          "No, but he's got a hell of a roar." Varric smiled. "Wait til you hear him doing his actual job." 

         Jor was suddenly standing on a dark cliff face, surrounded by crystals of red lyrium and frightened soldiers, and Cullen had bellowed into the Breach to begin the attack. Jor nodded slowly. "He's earned his place as a commander. We are lucky to have him." 

           "Mhm." Varric lifted his hand to catch the attention of shapes at the rear table. He approached and nudged out a chair with his boot for Jor as he plopped into one of his one. 

           "Hey, boss. We thought you'd gone and died." Bull smiled slightly frown where he leaned back on his chair's two legs against the tavern wall. Krem was drinking deeply from his stein, looking solemn. 

            Jor sat slowly. "...Not yet." 

            "Oh, well if you had plans-" 

           "Ha-ha." Jor deadpanned, fighting a smile. "Yeah, here's my plan; I'll be eighty five with all my limbs and organs intact- and have a stroke while reading a good book." 

            "Nice plan. I'd like to go out in a blaze of blood and fire, you know? Just squish me. It's quick and I'll have a weapon in my hand." 

             "Dragon?" 

             "If I have to lose to one, yeah." The qunari grinned. 

             "Squished by a dragon." Jor snickered. "They'll write epics about the Iron Bull, Ben Hassrath who was stomped to death by a reptile."

             Krem snorted into his stein, shoulders jerking as he almost spit out his ale. 

              "At least I won't live to be old." Bull shook his head. He turned to Cassandra, who sat in silence with a clay cup of tea cradled in her hands. "What about you, Seeker?" 

             "I have yet to give it thought." Cassandra sipped her tea. 

             "Probably better that way." Varric chuckled. "There's something about surprises that just..." He clutched his heart. "Good stuff." 

              Jor's chest ached from suppressed giggles. She sank down in her chair with a sigh, smiling. 

              "I disagree." Kaisen interjected, stepping suddenly into the light. 

              Bull jumped, turning in his chair with a scoff. "We need to get you a bell." 

              The Crow grinned and slumped into a stool beside Cassandra, leaning on the Seeker's arm. "Bells are for sheep and children who bite."