Across Worlds

Ch 27 - War

Despite the lack of a good night's sleep, Wren got to the stables early amid the hustle and bustle of the rest of Skyhold making to march southwest into the Arbor Wilds. They would join with the Empress' army on the other side of the Frostbacks and engage the Red Templars together.

Evan approached her just as she finished saddling Cisco. "Wren?" he asked, somewhat hesitantly.

"Hey," she said, wanting to take his hand, but holding herself back.

He didn't hesitate though, reaching forward and taking her hands in his, "I missed you last night."

She bit her lower lip, feeling a little guilty. "I just needed some space."

"If this is about what my mother said..." he started.

"You know she's right, Evan," she interrupted. "She just said aloud what everyone else is thinking."

"And how many times do I have to tell you, I don't care what they think, Wren, or what they say," he replied emphatically.

"I know. Soon it won't matter anyway. I'll be back on Earth and your mother won't have anything to worry about," she tried to force lightness into her voice, but couldn't help noting how Evan's face fell. "We should probably think about putting some distance between us in the meantime. It might make it easier when the time comes."

Evan gave a rueful chuckle, "Because it worked so well for me after Adamant?"

"True," she conceded with a small smile.

His hand came up and caressed her cheek. "I know you're leaving, little bird, and I won't force you to stay, but that's all the more reason I want every moment I can have with you while you're here." He rested his forehead against hers and paused. "Please don't push me away," he whispered.

She closed her eyes and leaned into the warmth of his hand on her face, tilting her head up slightly to press her lips to his. The kiss was soft and gentle, but Wren felt it resonate deep within her. "I won't," she replied softly.

He smiled down at her and took a step back. "Well...it's not how I want to spend our last days together, nor is it in any way romantic, but...shall we go to war together, my love?" He gave her a gallant bow and his devilishly handsome smirk as he extended his hand to her.

She smiled back at him and took his proffered hand, replying, "There's no one else I'd rather kick ass beside, honey."

They walked hand in hand to the center of the lower courtyard where Master Dennet was holding Xander's reins. Evan mounted up and she did the same, moving Cisco to where Carter and the rest of her unit were mounted and waiting. They rode into the army's camp outside the gates of the keep where row upon row of soldiers stood ready to march out. Cullen sat mounted at the head of the troops and Evan joined him.

"Inquisition!" Evan's voice rang clearly over the gathered army. "Corypheus and his Red Templars have taken much from Thedas...from us. They continue to threaten the safety of our world. But we have thwarted them at every turn!" A chorus of cheers went up from the soldiers. Evan continued once they had settled back down. "Now they seek to threaten Thedas again, but I tell you we will be there to thwart them again!" Another cacophony of cheers rose up as swords and banners were lifted skyward in support. Wren felt her own spirit lifting as Evan's words bolstered the troops. He unsheathed one of his daggers and held it up in one fist over his head. "Inquisition, FOR THEDAS!" he yelled, rearing Xander up as thousands of voices, including her own, yelled back.

"FOR THEDAS!"

The army started marching forward, beginning the week-long journey to southern Orlais. The days passed much as they did on their way to and from Adamant, only this time when their duties were done for the day, she and Evan had each other. They sat together around the campfire listening to stories and she shared Edgar Allen Poe's Annabelle Lee with them. And every night, despite the fact that she had a tent with her unit, Evan led her to his and wrapped her in his arms to sleep.