Sisters of Tevinter

Reinforcements

  "After all these years. You're still an asshole." Kaisen sipped from her cup. 

   "I'm sorry, shouldn't you be married?  Where's your ring?" Maxwell skipped his gaze over his youngest sibling. "I knew your sister would become a sad old spinster but not you. I heard you bailed on mom." 

    "So did you. Didn't see you at the funeral." 

    "I was busy." 

    Dorian shook his head and laid a hand on Kaisen's shoulder. "The Crow's been equally occupied." He was irritated with this warrior's disregard for his sisters' decisions. And his perfect jawline. It was as if the man had been carved from marble, all creamy white skin and a grin that could stun a dragon. 

    Max smirked. "I've heard. Killing kings, Kaisen? Shame on you."

    "It was one time. And he was a tyrant. I regret nothing." 

    "I don't suppose there was another reason you decided to leave Lord Sandith." The mercenary captain turned dancing green eyes to Dorian, his voice suddenly low with danger. It sounded like honey dripping golden and sweet over stones.

     Dorian blushed and cleared his throat, dropping his hand from Kaisen's shoulder. Gods above... "If you're referring to me, I'll have to disappoint you. Despite being a top tier example of a worthy suitor, your sister is wild." He managed to smile. "Not even I could tame her." 

     Kaisen laughed her crystalline laugh and punched Dorian's arm. "High praise." 

     Max relaxed slightly and glanced at Jor. A flicker of hurt crossed his face as he saw she was polishing her blades, not even looking at him as she spoke in hushed tones with Solas. Her expression was cold, exhausted, her fading bruises cast her face in shadow. Dorian felt a stab of pity for the girl.

      Bull was the first to speak again. "You know, it might be nice to keep you guys around." He elbowed Eadrik in the gut, causing the elf to wince with a heavy breath. "Despite all the twisty family drama, you'd get along with my Chargers."

      Anja glanced at her captain. Max rubbed his throat, considering the question. "...Sure. I wouldn't mind a better place to camp. What do you say, Inquisitor? You think you could use some reinforcements? We can guide your forces further into the Approach, we'll work together, you'll have all the information we can give you." 

      Kaisen snorted. Anja shot her a glare. 

    Jor only gave an elaborate shrug. "For the sake of the territory, you could be useful. I'll consider it. But I'm dragging you back to Skyhold and tossing you at Cassandra's feet." 

     Dorian winced. Noticing this, Max raised an eyebrow. "Who's Cassandra?" 

      Bull laughed. 

     Two days went by in the Oasis. Eadrik and Bull had become fast friends, discussing tactics in two handed combat. The elf was formidable opponent as they cleared the area of remaining rifts and demons, wielding an ornate war hammer with a shaft as tall as he was. Kaisen had been content with irritating Anja, asking her questions about the bangles she wore around her wrists and teasing her about her hair. 

       Anja had very nearly shot the Crow for that. 

      Max was an amicable leader, as much as Jor hated to admit it. He knew his men well. He worked effortlessly alongside them, tossing Argus weapons seamlessly in battle, defending Spook fiercely as the mage cast his signature fire magic, shouting orders to organize formations in a voice that could command mountains to move. Tails patched up any injuries, he didn't speak much but he stuck close to Maxwell's side always.