The Protégé

Chapter 1

My eyes fluttered open to the sound of fabric blowing in the wind. A sigh escaped my lips as I saw that I forgot to close the door completely last night. The curtains danced freely in the mountain breeze. I swung my legs out of bed and strapped on my mechanical arm. Magic seeped through it, giving me control of the device as a flexed the metal fingers. My feet led me over to the open door. The noise of fluttering fabric was silenced as I closed and locked them. I trudged over to the dresser for my clothes. A glint of metal caught my eye, and I saw Ameridan's armor catching the morning light. A bittersweet smile crossed my lips. I hoped he was enjoying his rest with his lover, a rest I feared I would be getting soon at this rate. The shitshow in Val Royeaux and the official dissolving of the Inquisition had left me completely drained. Luckily, both the Orlesian and Ferelden had decided to leave Skyhold in my hands. Still, I felt rundown. I shook myself out of my self-pity. The only way to the finish is forward. Once I had on my shirt, pants, and boots, I made my way to the great hall.

Surprisingly, the hall was still full of nobles going about their bustling business, whether it was playing the Game or trying to stabilize their status after the recent turbulence. There were rumors of the Qunari building strength against Tevinter, and Solas had made an appearance at Charter's meeting. Between that and Regret appearing in the rotunda, I was sure how much stress I could take. Hopefully, someone would have a good, old-fashioned adventure for me to go on. First, fresh air called to me from the garden. My feet wandered to a bench, and I took a seat. After a moment of relaxation, I saw a messenger running towards me through the garden.

"My lady," he greeted me. "Sister Leliana requires your presence in the war room."

Thank the Maker. I could finally get away from this cage. I nodded. "I'll go straight away."

I walked by Josephine's empty desk. She and Cullen had opted to return to their families after the dissolution of the Inquisition, and I certainly missed them both.

Walking into the familiar war room, I was hit with flashbacks of the many important decisions I made here. It was here that I thrived after Corypheus's attack on Haven when I gained mage allies, supported the Grey Wardens, bound the three powerhouses of Orlais to one banner, survived inheriting the power of Mythal, and finally beat Corypheus. It was also where I shared the truth of the giants below, though it was less satisfying than I had hoped. I was still left with questions on that front. I greeted Leliana, Charter, and Harding.

"It must be important for all three of you to be here," I half-joked. Dread prickled up my spine.

"We have a problem." Leliana handed me a letter. I was surprised to see the signature of the hard-to-find Warden Commander of Ferelden. After further scrutiny, I realized the contents of the letter discussed the reappearance of a darkspawn known as the Architect.

"A reappearance?"

"Indeed," Leliana replied. "She faced him once before and allowed him to escape. Apparently, he was like Corypheus."

"Just what the world needs," I told her dryly.

"If it makes you feel any better," Harding started. "You already dealt with one ancient magister. This Architect also seems to be a bit... different from Corypheus."

"Yes," Charter continued. "My reports say that he is followed by talking darkspawn, and that he seems to want to integrate them into our society."

"Odd," I muttered. "What do you need from me?"

"Sources say that he may be active in Amaranthine once more. We need you to go investigate the mines in the nearby woods there and talk to the local miners."

"Aw, a recon mission," I whined.

"You've been clawing at the walls to get out of here," Leliana giggled. "You're just like Cassand- I mean, Divine Victoria."

I cracked a grin. She was right. Any excuse to leave was good enough for me. "I'll make arrangements to leave right now."

I waved farewell after settling a couple of mundane matters and went around the castle gathering supplies, a mount, and gathered a couple of hands to join me. My old companions were out living their lives, and I didn't want to bother them with such trivial tasks. Varric had his hands full with being viscount, even with Hawke's help. Thom was out helping lost souls. Sera was doing a Red Jenny thing, and Cole was with Maryden. Vivienne was taking care of the Circle r something. Bull was traveling all over southern Thedas. Dorian returned to Tevinter to try and change things. The talking crystal he gave me was a comforting weight on my neck as two remaining agents and I rode out the next morning.