시작의 새벽/Dawn of Beginning

Chapter Forty-Three

Here they were, back in Orlais for official and possibly last inquisition business. The exalted council had been called by Divine Victoria who was once known as Cassandra. Sirena didn't really need to be there, but went for the commander's sake. Her friend Chiara had already gone back home and pleaded with her to go back with her to their time and lives, which she had declined. The now twenty-five-year-old woman made a home with Cullen and she felt her place was next to him. Which brought her to the Winter Palace. It obviously wasn't the first time she was there. But it was the first time she got to look at it in daylight and got to roam around. The place was very extravagant.

Sirena found herself walking around and looking at everyone who the inquisition had helped. Of course, she couldn't wear anything plain. She wore an ivory silk underdress that had subtle floral prints and a hot pink over robe also made of silk with a sash around her waist. Every now and again, the American woman glared at the people who now either want to control or turned their backs on the inquisition. They all seem ungrateful to her. Everyone was looking out for their own benefit which was selfish and quite corrupt in her eyes. Fereldon was the bigger offender due to the King's uncle, Teagan. When her blue-green eyes met with his briefly, she gave him a harsh glare before looking away. As she continued to walk at a leisure pace, the outlander had spotted Varric, someone whom she hadn't seen for two years. With a smile, she approached the dwarf.

"Varric! How wonderful it is to see you again! Are you staying out of trouble?" The outlander asked catching up to an old friend of hers.

"Well after becoming Viscount of Kirkwall, I have been nothing but busy trying to rebuild the city. How have you been? Has Curly tied the knot with you yet?" It surprised her to hear that he had become a leader himself. Though, she did know that Kirkwall was his home and it was in dire need of repair.

"I've been very well. It's nice living the tedious life after all the fighting." After a couple of years of being with the same man, she thought he would have proposed by now. Her head shook sadly. "No, um, we haven't gotten married nor has he proposed." Sirena noticed Varric shaking his head in disappointment.

"I thought he would have by now. I'm sorry, Blondie; I'm sure it will happen eventually." It was then a man in grey had come running to speak with the viscount. "I'd love to talk more, Sirena, but I have business to attend." With a nod, she gave a small wave and walked off. It was good to catch up with her dwarf friend but it wasn't enough time. A soft sigh had escaped her lips. Of course, letters were exchanged, but even then, she sometimes needed more. People had lives and he clearly had a lot on his plate and she knew that responsibility always came first.

As she walked around, the American woman glanced over at the detailing of the palace. Just like at Skyhold, there was gossip all around. It annoyed her then and it annoys her now and yet it also intrigues her. Though, sometimes, she knew gossip could be harmful. It can ruin someone's reputation and livelihood. Words may be just words, but they had power especially when people gave them. While ignoring those who gawked and talked, she made her way towards a covered open building that seemed to look like a spa. She then felt a pair of eyes on her. As she approached the building, Sirena saw Vivienne whom everyone didn't like, but she did. In a way, the woman looked out for her during their time in the inquisition.

"Hello, my dear, you must have had a long ride. Have you gone to the spa yet?" The outlander shook her head before peering behind the woman. "Well, you must join me then. I have already set up a reservation." The grand enchanter then pulled Sirena toward her and led her over into the building. There were people moving about. Vivienne walked her over towards a screen. Understanding the hint, the American woman stepped behind the screen and saw a towel. She had a blank look on her face.

"Viv, what am I supposed to do? There's only a towel."

"My dear, you are supposed to only wear the towel." Hearing that answer made her turn red as she slowly took off each article of clothing before wrapping a towel around her body. "It can take years to get an appointment here. Enjoy getting pampered!" The outlander grew puzzled. Did Vivienne know something that she didn't? With a sigh, she stepped out from the screen feeling quite self-conscious. Holding the towel up with her hands, her eyes looked around to where she wanted to go, when she caught sight of her reflection in a mirror. Her hair had grown out a lot and she saw her natural dark brown color which made her nose wrinkle. Immediately, the American moved over to the hair station and sat down. A hair stylist had come over to where she sat.