One Step And More To Go (Book One Of The Steps Books)

Harsh Disagreements

Upon leaving Val Royeaux, Felix was stopped by an Elven Mage, he recognized.

"Herald, may I speak with you?"

"Grand Enchanter?"

"I would ask you to meet me in Redcliffe, to speak of an alliance with the mages, if you would," She seemed antsy to him.

"Of course, the mages have my support," He smiled. "I must be going but I will meet you when I have the chance."

----

Felix stepped into the small hall, greeting the party goers, in a suave manner. Varric would have killed to see the rogue calm and collected. He could deal with being civil. He was just here for a party, not a life saving mission.

"Ah The Herald of Andraste!" A guest said, looking at Felix.

"Yes. King at your service, My Lady." He bowed slightly and took her hand in his and kissed it lightly.

"Oh my!" She smiled, the corners of her mouth lifting slightly. "Such manners. Now tell me are you here for Duke Bastien or Madame De Fur?"

"We all know why he's here. This whole 'Herald' thing is just a grab for power." A man said.

Felix looked over, his eyes narrowing. "We want justice for the Divine and to close the breach."

"Why don't you-" he stopped as he was frozen by ice magic.

"My dear, how dare you be so rude, and to my guest." Vivienne said smoothly. "You are the wounded party what would you have me do dear?"

"Let him go. I'm sure he's learned his lesson." Felix said, staring off behind her.

"Come with me my dear," She motioned for him to follow her. He strode quickly behind her, head held high to show his confidence. His nerves were actually starting to hum inside him again. He set his shoulders back a bit to try and get them to settle, it wasn't helping, actually doing the opposite. He looked down quickly to see his shaking hands.

"Not now..." He murmured to himself.

"What dear?" Vivienne looked back at him. She seemed to immediately notice his shaking and the look on his face. "Oh dear, let's get you sat down," She ushered him into the large dark room.

He stared at her silently as he sat down. His hands were shaking and his vision was blurry and unfocused. His head throbbed. The migraine setting in right behind his eyes causing his anxiety to surface more. Vivienne stood at the wall beside him, seeming to sense that touching him right now wouldn't help.

What felt like hours to Felix passed before he had regained enough consciousness to speak again, "W-what did you want?"

"Oh my dear, just to offer my help." She smiled suavely.

"And that of the loyalist mages?" He lifted an eye brow.

"Ah yes. Is that a problem?"

"Mm. Well let's just say I agree with what the Champion's friend did.." He murmured softly while glaring into her eyes.

"You agree with the murder of innocents, Dear?"

"They weren't innocent. They helped turn mages who had done nothing wrong tranquil!" He growled. His eyes were alight and he bared his teeth slightly.

"You.. feel quite strongly about this then?" She pursed her lips. "Then I shall only offer my help."

"I'll take it because I know how important you are to our story." He nodded and offered his hand for her to shake. "Just don't expect my support for The Circle."

"That is clearly indicated, Dear." She said, with a hint of bitterness.

"Welcome to the team." He said smoothly. She nodded.

-Later that day.- (1st person)

"Varric, I'd like you to meet Vivienne, our Circle mage." I smiled at him and sat beside him in the garden.

"Ah, hello." He nodded at her.

"Dwarf," She smiled softly.

I gently laid my head on Varric's lap, spreading out on the bench. "Where are the others?"

"Mm. I'm not sure completely. Last time I saw Seeker, she was in the café. Chuckles, is probably brooding somewhere."

"Another broody elf?" I grinned toothily.

He looked stunned for a moment, before nodding and sending me an equal grin. "Apparently."

"Speaking of.. how was Fen last?" I bit my lip softly.

"Well Garret had just dumped him for-" He stopped speaking as my lip started to quiver.

"I'm a horrible person.." I closed my eyes and muttered softly.

"Oh fuck.. Miss De Fer, excuse us." Lifted me and walked my to a small empty area, sending the agent following us a glare that made me shrink back slightly.

"I'm sorry... So sorry.." Salty tears streamed down my face.

"So let me get this straight.. you made Hawke break up with Fenris?" He pieced together slowly. I nodded and let out a sob.

"Y-yes.."

"Which means... You're basically Hawke?"

"No not really.. I'm the opposite.. I'm just the person who made some of the choices.." I grasped my hair and pulled softly. I growled out in frustration.

"Sting calm down. It's okay. You didn't know." Varric gently pried my hands away from my hair. "Broody is alright."

"Mm..." I sighed softly and wiped my eyes. I stood up and sighed softly. "Come on we need to go round everyone up." I walked quickly, my head down. Motioning for Vivienne to follow, I headed to where Varric said he saw Cass.

"Ah Herald-"

"How many times?" I laughed softly and sat in front of her.

"Ah, yes, King." She smiled and nodded. "I see we've gained a companion."

"Vivienne, meet Cass, Cassandra, Seeker." I murmured softly. I yawned and waved Solas over as he walked down the street.

He smiled slightly and walked over, "Hello."

"Hey Eggy. Meet Vivienne. She's a mage."

"Nice to meet you all. Now Herald, where are we headed next?" She said suavely.

"Here." I showed them the map and notes. "We've got someone to meet."

(I know it's a little shorter then usual.)