Across Worlds

Ch 12 - The Western Approach

After ten long days of travel, they were finally in the desert known as the Western Approach. Cullen was leading them toward a small fortress Evan had claimed called Griffon Wing Keep. She found her stomach in knots at the thought of finally seeing him again after a month apart.

According to the news spreading amongst the troops, Evan had had his hands full dealing with not just the Wardens, but darkspawn, bandits, and a cult of mages from Tevinter called the Venatori that were helping Corypheus. Not to mention the dangerous wildlife. What is it about deserts that make everything want to kill you? she thought, as she guided Cisco toward the sandstone-colored structure that marked their destination.

While they moved to set-up camp around the fortress, Cullen and the senior officers went inside to meet with Evan. She tried to focus on her tent after she had Cisco cleaned, watered and resting with the other horses, but her eyes kept drifting to the keep and she wanted nothing more than to go inside and see Evan. She managed to be patient and finished her duties, but as soon as she had, she headed inside.

The inside of the fortress was bustling much the way Skyhold did with messengers carrying orders, smiths repairing armor and weapons, and people preparing the evening meal. Wren made her way up a set of stairs to the second level of the fortress, her eyes scanning the people around her. She finally stopped a passing soldier and asked him where the Inquisitor was. He pointed the way up another flight of stairs that led to a large tower that was built atop the rock formation that the rest of the fortress surrounded, serving as the main watch tower.

She passed Cullen's officers coming down the stairs. "The Inquisitor's around the corner to the right," one of them told her with a knowing grin.

She mumbled a hasty 'thank you' and tried to hide her blush. She found Evan where they said she would. His back was to her as he spoke with Cullen and it was clear he had pulled him aside from where Cassandra, Bull, Dorian and Varric stood to the right under a canopy that was covering a table laden with maps.

"Cullen, how's Wren doing?" she heard him ask. "I've written, but she's only responded once."

She caught Cullen's eye over Evan's shoulder. "Perhaps, you'd like to ask her yourself?" he replied to Evan, nodding his head in her direction.

Evan spun around, the look of confusion on his face blossoming into a smile as his gaze found her. The sun of the desert had tanned him, bringing out a smattering of freckles across his cheeks. She couldn't believe how happy she was to see him again. She had been so busy at Skyhold that the ache of missing him had dulled, but now that he was in front of her again, she was reminded of just how long it had been and she couldn't help the broad smile that came to her face in response to his.

"Wren!" He closed the distance between them and surprised her by sweeping her into a massive hug, which she gladly returned. "It's good to see you, little bird. What in the Maker's name are you doing here?" he asked stepping back from her.

She proudly replied, "I'm here to help stop the Wardens."

"You're joking," he said, the look of confusion returning as he took in her light armor and the sword in its scabbard at her hip.

"Funny, Cullen said the same thing."

"You sanctioned this?" Evan asked him.

"I did. She's a fast learner, Evan, and a good soldier. As good as anyone we've had with us for far longer. Plus, with all due respect, I'd like to see you tell her no."

"Wren, you can't possibly have trained and learned enough in one month to fight with us," Evan maintained.

"I most certainly have and I can prove it," she said defiantly, "I'll get Dawson and Carter and you can watch us spar. I can beat them almost every time, now."