[Dragon Age] Letters To Henry

25 - A Better Secret

Lady Pentaghast grips the piece of parchment tightly in her hands as she walks, following the gravel path that has been carved through the lush lawns of the Trevelyan estate towards the front gates. She ignores the sound of the stones crunching beneath her boots as she walks, too busy re-reading the letter that has been left for her, trying to understand exactly what it was supposed to mean. The Seeker lifts her head for a moment enjoying the warm sun on her face, she was happy to take advantage of it as long as she could before they returned to the mountains and the snow she was sure will have gripped Skyhold in their absence. Cassandra had woken early that morning hoping to spend a few hours in that blissful place between wake and sleep, dosing in Lord Trevelyan's arms and pretending for a few hours more that they weren't going to have to be leaving for Skyhold soon and the long journey that they had ahead of them. They both wanted to get home and they both knew that they couldn't ignore the dangers they faced as The Seeker and The Inquisitor for much longer, but it had been nice to spend a small amount of time pretending they were just like any other noble couple that could enjoy some peace and each other.

The Seeker places her hand on the tall metal gate, wrapping her fingers around the cool bars and pulling it open enough to slide through making sure to close it tightly behind her with a loud clang of metal on metal. She gives a small smile to the guards that stand vigilantly at the entrance to the interior of the estate as they all stand to attention at the sight of her. Cassandra spots that they are joined by two of The Commander's soldiers that have been positioned to protect the Trevelyan's and their very important guest, The Inquisitor. They were currently safe in Ostwick and had managed to remain almost entirely unnoticed on their visit, but the sight of the soldiers reminded her of the danger. Her lover had many friends but many more foes.

"Good morning, Lady Pentaghast." One of the Inquisition Soldiers announces with a bow of his head in her direction, trying to show her both respect for her position in the Inquisition and at Lord Trevelyan's side. Cassandra sees his smile widen when she looks at him returning his nod, clearly happy that she has noticed him.

"Good morning.." The Seeker replies trailing off into a question of his name, she had tried so hard to remember the names of everyone that had joined the Inquisition but unlike The Inquisitor and The Commander, she was finding it difficult to memorise them all as their ranks swelled. "Forgive me, I don't recall your name?" Cassandra adds knowing he would understand and forgive her ignorance.

She could reel off a list of the names of all of the tradesman, requisition agents and skilled workers at Skyhold but the military was Cullen's domain. She could tell by the way that he fidgets slightly more than the others and the way that he holds himself; he must be one of the newer arrivals into their army. She takes in his appearance for a moment; he looks just old enough to be away from home and can't have been away for very long. His complexion is still smooth and lacks the weathered and always sun or wind burnt ruddiness that the rest of the Inquisition members posses. She had lost count of the number of balms and lotions she had handed out to try and protect them all from the unforgiving weather and elements.

"Inquisition Recruit Ramsey, My Lady." The recruit beams again that she has even taken the time to question his name, Cassandra watches him bow his head again as he informs her of his name and rank.

She watches his fellow soldier giving him a nudge as if telling him he should be keeping his mouth closed and not be speaking too much to The Seeker. Cassandra knew they still whispered about her and still called her an Ice Queen, but they respected her and they knew that she had worked hard to earn her place.

"Where is your Commander?" The Seeker asks glancing around wondering where her best friend might be, the note she had received hadn't been very specific of his location but she wondered if his men would know more than she did. "Have you seen him this morning?" Cassandra asks again looking back to Recruit Ramsey.