Dragon Age: Inquisition

A Grey Snake

 Let the blade pass through the flesh,

Let my blood touch the ground,

Let my cries touch their hearts,

Let mindebe the last sacrifice.

--Canticle of Andraste 7:12

        "We will be traveling to Weisshaupt in the Anderfels," Cassandra said as she strode through the muddy streets on the outskirts of Tevinter. They were far away from the city now, enough that the cries of dying people were not but a muffled sound. "There, we'll meet with the Commander of the Grey and see if she has recruits to offer."

        Commander of the Grey. The title ringed in Kadan's ears, familiar yet not. The Arishok had been very vague in his description of his kadan, but he did mention she was rewarded with the Commander of the Grey title. Kadan found it to be an honor to finally meet the woman. The Arishok, however, failed to mention her race or exactly what she had done to become his kadan. Regardless, she was clearly honorable and therefore deserved the immediate respect of a Sten.

        "Would she be so willing?" Kadan asked, looking down at Cassandra. Naturally, she was taller than the human at least by a head. She found it hard to believe the Grey Wardens would be ready to pass up what little recruits they had.

        "I'm certain. And if not, we'll just have to search elsewhere." she replied.

        The trip to Anderfels was long and hard, spanning over the course of a week. Nothing of note went down during this week, spite for a few trifles with a band of thugs or pirates. Luckily for them, Anderfels wasn't far from the Imperium at all. Unluckily for them, however, that meant it was likely the tear in the Veil's next hit. It was all the more reason for them to quicken their pace. 

        They were greeted by guards standing on either side of the city gates. Both were fitted in shiny helmets, albeit dull, and in simple silverite armor with the Anderfels' emblem on their shields. The gates were much less flashy than those of Tevinter, merely a simple arc of stone and iron bars for the gates. 

        "Looks like they haven't heard." Cassandra muttered as they approached the guards.

        "No one is permitted into the city without official guidance due to the mages' rebellion." the guard on the left said monotonously. He was clearly bored of his job.

         That won't last long, Kadan thought. Cassandra hastily handed the guard a letter scripted with the official stamp of the Seekers, then he begrudgingly allowed them entrance. The iron gates swung open, and the city was behold to them at last. It was much less flashier than Tevinter, much to Kadan's relief, but the same stuck-up aura was still held in most of the passing civilians-- though not nearly as severe as the mages'.

        There were a lot less buildings, for one. Most of the houses were simple, small, and well spaced. They also weren't built out of porcelain stone, but rather cheap concrete that looked like it could be broken down by the simple force of a hammer. It seemed banners were common among this city; many houses held them above their doors in various colors with various emblems on them. Kadan assumed they were family symbols.

        It reminded her of the Arishok's description of Fereldan. The people were clad in simple dresses and tunics, carrying their wares to market stands or carrying children to the park nearby. There wasn't much grass to be seen unless they were in the yards of the houses, but it wasn't completely amiss. Lanterns hung on wires held up by wooden posts, of varying color and likely kept lit by magic.

        It was a rather small city, however. Kadan and Cassandra only had to pass through a few blocks before the palace came into view. An arc was built above the bridge, 'Hossberg' inscribed into the navy blue background. "What is this place?" Kadan inquired, gazing up at the castle in awe. "Besides a kingdom, I mean."