Vector Armendariz

A dark haired woman in a dark gown. The burgundy accent to it complimented her skintone and lips. The part that stood out the most. Her eyes. Bright, and far more yellow than any other’s that he seen. Any human or elf at least. Even as she, noticed him there. he had been there first, and sure enough he was, doing something. But he did not mind the company.

Charming. Though Morrigan didn’t care for the Balls Celene or her allies threw, she had learned to appreciate the atmosphere once she was able to accept that attempts on Celene’s life were mostly foolish attempts from the drunk allies. Why Celene bothered to continue to patch things with these power-hungry nobles, was beyond her.

She simply became accustomed to stealing moments for herself on one of the balconies every so often. One could not blame her, for a Ferelden, never mind her life as an Apostate, all the bother, fuss and commotion could become overwhelming. The fresh night air was more intoxicating that Celenes’ favourite wine, she found. 

Imagine her surprise when she encountered a stranger upon the balcony. She assumed he had come to escape the prodding of courtesans, or in Morrigans’ case, the Noble suitors Celene had arranged. 

“Such flattery. Should the Empress hear of that, she may remove your head.” Genuine flattery? In the Winter Palace? She wasn’t sure, not that Morrigan was in the market for a man. 

“Alas, your captivation has nothing to do with me, stranger. I am no temptress nor desire demon. I am Morrigan.” She replied, rejecting the idea of an ‘Orlesian greeting’ that Morrigan was expected to do, in favour for reaching for the Balcony.

Plus, he did resemble a predator circling his prey, subtly, on occasion. It was wise not to show that side too often. It made them nervous. And even a herd of sheep could be dangerous. He had no desire to be stampeded. 

“Ah, but how could she fault me for such a statement, I have not seen the good Empress’ face. It is always covered by that mask of hers.” he pointed out. Wiggling a gloved finger in the air for but a moment, then would place his glass down on the marble bench nearby.

That coy smirk lingered across his face, before it faded away to answer her. A woman with a sharp tongue and even sharper wit, this would prove fun. Perhaps even interesting. Maybe even, dared he even think it, titillating.

ayanelath:

The free men, such a farce. Like all other smaller rebel cults, they were run by deluded and absolutely insane people. Doing more harm than good. With greed as the leading narration behind it all. Vector watched Nolan. Another glance given to the freckled girl. Had they met? It was an uncanny feeling. It kept haunting him. pushing it in the back of his head, he’d simply nod.

“They serve no good, their ideals are good but their actions and lead corrupted. They have no place on my land. Sadly this will most likely mean they will simply move their business elsewhere.” he grumbled, lifted a glass of amber liquid. Whiskey, and sipped. 

Luckily the kind Nolan was a gentleman to assist his injured friend, and Vector would start to guide them down the hall. “Most redheads are stubborn Nolan…” he’d comment, a small joke or tease to the ginger. A goodhearted one at least. With a guard, he followed them down a hallway. Out to a small, and dimly lit room. It was a small room with chairs,a  table, some glasses, drinks. 

“I decided that some food will do you two good. You’ll eat, meanwhile a couple of the maids will ready your rooms. Women and men do not sleep in the same ones, obviously.” Pious? strict? moral? who knew, but he was convinced that this was a thing, and it was upheld under his roof. 

“So, all in all Ayane, was it? how are you feeling? Nolan?” he would gesture for the seats. Drinks were poured. The atmosphere was very casual and a bit stiff upper lip perhaps, but it was a nobleman’s mansion, and a nobleman in front of them.

“Do you two fancy games?” perhaps, the day after they could play some garden games if they felt up for it. The voices weren’t screaming at this one and his Queen, was being quiet. All in all, it was strange.

They followed Vector back down the hallway into the sitting room. Modest perhaps in comparison with Orlesian extravagance, but Ayane’s weary eyes brightened just a little as she examined the finely crafted table and richly colored upholstery. She’d never actually been in a mansion before. She was curious. Favoring her injured leg, she walked slowly over and carefully eased into a chair close beside Vector. 

Nolan followed a pace behind them with eyes that drifted absently over the walls before settling upon the far chair. He sat back, relaxing into the chair with a sigh and observed the other two.

Ayane smiled and listened to Nolan attentively. She found him a bit more curious than most noblemen she’d met. Friendly, straightforward, and the farthest from what she’d learned to expect.

This time, she did not wait for Nolan to speak. He appeared.. disengaged… lapsed into one of his strangely quiet moods.

❝ I’ll be alright. ❞ she insisted. ❝ You don’t need to worry, it’s nothing. I can be out of your hands by morning I’m sure. ❞

She of course knew it would take time to fully heal, but she would be well enough, with luck. She picked up a glass and relaxed back into the chair.

❝ I do enjoy games, though. What kind of game did you have in mind? ❞

As she sipped, Nolan abruptly rose and approached the table to get himself a glass as well, as though the presence of liquor had just occurred to him.

Neither of them worried him. They were merely astray. They’d stay, heal, and get him in touch with the Inquisition. There was little he wanted more at the very time being. 

“Ah, do not worry about such things. I have time, and a place. Your leg won’t magically just be up and going tomorrow I suspect.” It would take, even with the assistance of magic, maybe two days. 

“Well, I am a simple man. Ball games, card games, occasional archery just for good fun. Won’t hurt with a bit of a fun bet, nothing big, not ven money just for laughs sometimes.”

A lopsided smile appeared on his lips.

“Do help yourself Nolan, you both had a long and quite dreadful day. A servant is readying your rooms as we speak.”

“Tell me about yourselves, favourite foods? colours? Where you are from?” this was a bit more meant towards Ayane. Her face and ginger locks were ticking at some part of his brain that contained old and almost forgotten memories. It was bizarre. Yet, he couldn’t find it in himself to straight out ask her either.

A dark haired woman in a dark gown. The burgundy accent to it complimented her skintone and lips. The part that stood out the most. Her eyes. Bright, and far more yellow than any other’s that he seen. Any human or elf at least. Even as she, noticed him there. he had been there first, and sure enough he was, doing something. But he did not mind the company.

Though, after all he heard about Dalish dishes, which was close to nothing, he found himself curious as to what it could be. Had he given an unfair challenge? did they even hav Dalish outside Tavis in their ranks?

It was at least, as far as he had been informed by that lovely maid, a dinner with the two of them. Perhaps their guards standing in their respective corners.Not that vector needed guards. His Qunari guard was more for show. To deter anyone from stupidity . Sadly this did not always work.

Upon finishing to style his hair. In the same combed fashion as before. sprayed inself in scented oil, the maid knocked on his door in time to escort him to dinner. The man was in fitted formalwear. The jacket was a half-turtleneck of sort. It seemed he mostly hid his body, but not his face, unlike other Orlaisans. He also always wore gloves. Always.

Sitting down across the table from Tavis. Looking at the table. Eyes darting over the surface to see what he would find. he stood still as if frozen, just for a few moments, as it seemed the are in front of him, moved. As if the ground was ho and the air just…distorted it above the floor. Looking around the walls would hiss at him, then fade away. Leaving faint images of ice by the corners of the room, that melted away [ Illusion].

“The room seems a bit cold to me, I am going to assume you did not decorate yourself?” 

He glanced at the food.

“So, do tell, since the table stands empty. What I can expect?”

“Oh, that was unexpected, but very exemplary of you.”he complimented, sounding  genuinely a little surprised. That was, because he was. Normally they’d make someone else cook it all and not participate much at all. looking at his given dish with great curiosity,he’d poke at it with his fork a little. Checking the consistency, what they were, as the ingredients were described to him. 

“All fresh, I will say, you have impressed me already.” They had a garden? Up there? in the mountains? How odd.  Vector helped himself to the vegetables, the heat danced on his tongue. It was, perfect. Perhaps he should request this if he ever hired a dalish to work for him in the kitchens.

At least it was a familiar wine, he wasn't sure if he could deal with Ferelden wine. The wine he had brought was a decent one too of course. 

“You are welcome Inquisitor. You are on the deserving side, after all, you are the only one who have chosen the path of trying to save the world, and not stand in the shit you made and whine about everything, like, certain other factions have.” it was quite obvious which ones he meant, but least it made vectors standing very clear on the matter. 

Lord DeMontraux did deserve a proper whopping. A murder would be too kind to him. Public disrgace however, was worse for people like him. So that was the route he wanted to take with all of this. Aeliana had understood the jist of it. So he merely nodded to her.

“I will have someone bring you a change of clothing. A servant will be by to escort you to your bath. You can dine with me. The cooks get grumpy when people start tinkering with their kitchen. They whine about how everything ends up out of place.” he let out an exasperated sigh, and waved his gloved hand around a little. “Chefs…” like they were some sort of alien breed of creatures that landed on the planet and just resided within the different mansions scattered across Thedas. Then he left.

Sure enough, a good 10 minutes later, a female servant, woman, human, would escort her. Carrying a change of clothing. nothing of finery, but it was clean.

———————————–Fast Forward some————————————–

The dinner table was decked. For two.  The table was absurdely long, Vector sat on one end, and Aeliana was place don the other. The food was divided and ready for the two. Some beside Aeliana, some beside him. Even each their bottle of wine.

“Ah, welcome, how do you find your room? and clothing? They did fit I hope?”

Why he even owned female clothing was a question-mark. He might have borrowed it off one of his servants, or bought it off them, who knew.

“Do take your seat” gesturing to the seat, all the way on the other end.

“I suppose we should discuss payment. Ah Steffon, can you pour her some wine?” A servant, young elf, city elf probably judging from the name, would quickly nod and obey the instruction.

“Thank you Steffon.” clearing his throat “ As I was saying, payment.. Steffon you may leave.”

The young lord must have truly disliked her to sit her so absurdly far from him across the full length of the table. That, or she had frightened him with all of her allusions to death and the true nature of her work, and Lord Armendariz had decided it would be best to seat his Tevinter assassin guest as far away as possible. Either way, Aeliana lifted her chin, straightened the simple dress she had been provided and slid gracefully into the chair opposite his.

The food looked delicious. Orlesian cooking at its finest, without all of the despair. There was chicken slathered in a creamy butter sauce, fresh greens from the gardens, and – most importantly – wine. A full bottle had been set down next to her elaborate dinnerware and Aeliana wasted no time in filling her glass to the brim in a most unladylike fashion. Steffon huffed and narrowed his eyes at her. He had already filled it the appropriate amount. This was just… obscene!

“My room? Ah. It’s… more than enough for me.” In truth, most rooms in the estate seemed to be bigger than her entire apartment in Minrathous.

          (At least he doesn’t decorate them like some Maker-blinded fool.)

Aeliana had noticed that Orlesians tended to love flourishes in their decorating. Even flourishes that would make a home less comfortable and more like an art gallery. Beds with enough gilding to ensure that the sleeper couldn’t move without chipping gold leaf from the headboard. Enough scrollwork carved into the walls and moldings to make a fall a potentially life-threatening accident. Washbasins with the master of the house’s face painted in the bottom, so that it looked like he might stare you out of cleaning yourself properly.

“And they did fit, yes. Even in Tevinter, we – ah – frown on dining without clothes.” She gave a small smile, then realized he might not even notice across the length of the table. Aeliana took a deep breath and speared a piece of chicken with her knife.

Steffon’s footsteps faded as he exited through the servant’s door.

“I’ll admit – I’m… unused to arranging payment for anything less than dead.” Aeliana took a sip of wine. It wasn’t spiced as she would have preferred, but it was good. “I’ll reduce my fee for your – for giving me a room. And the food, of course. Assuming tonight goes well… I’m happy to take on other work you may have for me.”

The look on his face when she filled the glass to the brim, was one of quizzical puzzlement. Not confusion, but mild amusement. So she fancied her wine? That was handy to know.  Vector kept his wine glass, about half full, sipping occasionally, grabbing his cutlery. Then throwing a look to Aeliana. “I take it teviner wine is.....something you miss?” 

At least vector wasn’t colourblind. Though, his taste in clothing, like most orleisan noblemen, was, eclectic at best. “I love how you’re so high spirited and optimistic, when you say tonight. After all, it will take some time traveling to his land and get into his mansion. I do however have time, so I do not mind. You can always send me a raven with proof, or simply return with it. “

He was eating, helping himself to the food.  “Though payment of course, if done well, will be good. Death is, sadly not always the solution. It doesn’t help that I actually want him to perish, but the purpose would diminish if he did.” Clearing his throat he could hear the haunting soft songs and whispers coming from the wall behind him [[hallucination]]

“should you succeed, I have more work for you.” 

Vector lifted his glass to her.

Least the man seemed to have his good senses about him. Vector stood there, regal with chin up, slightly jutted as he tried to analyse the situation in the room. It seemed Rigel, one of his younger guardsmen did a good call on this. he had always been more of the sympathetic sort. 

The doctor was luckily a very capable man, and the arrow was removed with ease and care. He rubbed a cream and oil around the area to numb the pain, so it was easier to remove the arrow and arrowhead.  Any splinters and residue was also removed or cleaned away. vector did not really linger inside for this, but he did occasionally peer inside.

Though Nolan seemed to approach him, something that made him nervous. Not one to shake hands, or even get close to strangers, he’d hold his ground firmly in the doorway.

“Please sit, rest, do not worry, Nolan.” his eyes would flick to the ginger that looked vaguely familiar somehow. Face covered in freckles, eyes big and alert. “Let the doctor see to you and I will arrange for you to get a room and somewhere to rest. Not to mention food. you two must be worn out. “

The Inquisition. He had exchanged some letters in that direction. He favored them above al other institutions, even if they were in their mere meager beginning. The chantry had failed, the templars had fallen, the circle had gone unhinged. Everyone, had failed, and the leaders of Orlaid found it proper to wage war against each other, costing many lives. Wasted on hubris.

Lips thinned as the very thought dawned on him. He knew he had to do something.

“Oh really? That is, interesting. Perhaps I could speak to you more about this after you had some rest?” He was very interested in forging a secure alliance with them, despite the controversy that would drown in.He knew, it would freak the others out. It was the entire point of it. He had no time, nor want to join the nobles tomfoolery.

Nodding politely to Ayane, he’d look from one to the other. “I am Vector Armendariz.” His accent clearly rang from Nevarra, so it was all in all, an odd combination with the otherwise Orleisan sounds in the room. “I do wish for you to tell me where you met these freemen, I do intent to swipe the area. You are clearly both brave fighters, but I do not want them harming innocent travellers on my roads.”

“I have a servant preparing your rooms. You will be staying here until you are well enough to travel. I will contact the Inquisition and inform them you are alive and well. Though injured.”

Nolan had remained a good distance from the doorway and when Vector backed off waiting for the doctor, he did as well.. settling down to the chair. He was comfortable and content that Ayane was in good hands here.

Ayane felt a wash of relief at the removal of the arrow. Calmly waiting for the healer to finish and finally breaking her patience once he had finished… she simply smiled over to Vector and started up to her feet for all of her acting as though she was not injured and still in pain. “I am relieved you plan to take care of these fighters.”

Nolan muttered and went to her side. “Ayane… where you think yer goin’?” He reached forward an arm to help her. She sighed and reluctantly let him help her just enough to steady herself. Then she let go and stepped carefully toward the door. Nolan just shook his head and watched. “Stubborn..”

“This is all so generous. If I were not all bandaged up and sore, I would show my gratitude with a little more energy.” She smiled gently, none too shy about approaching the handsome man. Vector was it? It sounded somewhat familiar to her, but she wasn’t really sure why.

“They serve no good, their ideals are good but their actions and lead corrupted. They have no place on my land. Sadly this will most likely mean they will simply move their business elsewhere.” he grumbled, lifte a glass of amber liquid. Whiskey, and sipped. 

Luckily the kind Nolan was a gentleman to assist his injured friend, and Vector would start to guide them down the hall. “Most redheads are stubborn Nolan...” he’d comment, a small joke or tease to the ginger. A good hearted one at least. With a guard, he followed them down a hallway. Out to a small, and dimly lit room. It was a small room with chairs,a  table, some glasses, drinks. 

“I decided that some food will do you two good. You’ll eat, meanwhile a couple of the maids will ready your rooms. Women and men do not sleep in the same ones, obviously.” Pious? strict? moral? who knew, but he was convinced that this was a thing, and it was upheld under his roof. 

“So, all in all Ayane, was it? how are you feeling? Nolan?” he would gesture for the seats. Drinks were poured. The atmosphere was very casual and a bit stiff upperlip perhaps, but it was a nobleman’s mansion, and a nobleman in front of them.

One step at a time. 

“The goal is to fix the sky, using any means necessary, save the world…” Esmald  retorted a certain edge in her voice tat earned her warning glance from the ambassador, she knew she had let her polite mask slip a bit but she felt annoyed with the man questioning their motives, how they represented themselves.

Esmald took in a breath, as if Vector’s mention of terms was an invitation to discuss them. His next question caught her off guard and her huff of the air in her lungs caused a few heads to turn her head. Ah yes, she had expected the question of course.

“I am not religious in the traditional sense, I do not pray or sing hymns“ Esmald started, regaining her compulsion as the well rehearsed words left her throat. It was rather deliberate to leave out any mentions of the old elvhen gods or of the Maker. “…But I am a woman of faith, faith that anyone could amount to greatness and that the world can be a better place if we all work together.”

”and yes, the facts, is a good place to start” Esmald concluded before tasting the meat and have a gulp of the wine, just a small one, she immediately reached for the glass of water to flush the sour taste of the red liquid away so she wouldn’t grimace.

“The facts, alright, I believe we both would greatly benefit from us establishing an.. should we call it, agreement?” Esmald voice went up a bit as the last word left her mouth, indicating she wanted him to continue along her line of reasoning. 

Esmald resisted the urge to take a bone from the hare with her hands and gnarl at it’s tender meat. Instead she shuffled the poor cooked creature around the plate, trying to get a mouthful on top of the fork before putting it into her mouth.

The terms always had to be discussed at first. Little else had his interest. They were always negotiable as well. He heard the sharpnes sin her voice. Had he  hit a button? Oh and by accident. Delightful. So he didn’t like her motives being questioned.

So she was not religious, but used the moniker, and let others use the moniker, herald of Andraste. This was a mild surprise to him. He was more surprised they had given it to a Dalish elf in the first place. Soft whispers lulled by his ear, and he would try to figure out why she was dancing around the situation like she was. Was she afraid?

“You are of course aware there are uncanny similarities in symbolism between the religions. They were perhaps all tied at one point...Or perhaps there was only really one to begin with...”

Neatly, and skillfully he would cut into his food. occasionally throwing a glance to the others to see if they were eating. Which they were. Then it was good of him to join in the meal. 

“Yes, the terms of the agreement is what I am curious about. After all, it was Lady Montilyet here who contacted me. So surely, you had something in mind?”  He looked between Josephine and Esmald. He was not one for prolonged speeches, just wanted the good nitty gritty and something to work with,

His lips curled up in a small smile once Tavis had unwrapped the present and approved of it. He felt pleased knowing he picked something suitable, and that the man liked the symbol of his homeland. the skull.

“I am pleased that you will treasure it Inquisitor.” he answered, he lifted his chin just a bit more now. Seeming extremely, pleased with himself. Though as he moved closer, it seemed that Vector’s eyes reflected some sort of tension. He did not want this stranger getting too close. As he stopped, he’d  slpi a little away, to feel like he was a safe distance. 

It was a relief to see the Orleisian masks exit, and some of the others. All but a lone dwarf by the door, and a few other workers. It felt, safer that way. Vector did not seem to think that it would a pleasant stay. It was cold. The place, although looking put together was old. But right then, he’d have to be happy to just get a room.

“I am certain it will be!” if not, he’d convince himself that it had been, somehow. “ Looking to the brunette before him, he nodded. He’d get some rest. He’d probably ask for a bucket and some things to be cleaned. But he’d get some rest eventually.  

“Yes Inquisitor, I am. Do not worry too much of the cuisine. What do you think I have my staff prepare for me? Make it exciting. Perhaps we could try something Dalish? I never had that.”

With that he’d walk up to the woman, and he’d keep the same distance from her as he did Tavis. Asking her about getting cleaning supplies. Oh yes, he was going to clean. Who knew how this room had been used before him.

Though, after all he heard about Dalish dishes, which was close to nothing, he found himself curious as to what it could be. Had he given an unfair challenge? did they even hav Dalish outside Tavis in their ranks?

It was at least, as far as he had been informed by that lovely maid, a dinner with the two of them. Perhaps their guards standing in their respective corners.Not that vector needed guards. His Qunari guard was more for show. To deter anyone from stupidity . Sadly this did not always work.

Upon finishing to style his hair. In the same combed fashion as before. sprayed inself in scented oil, the maid knocked on his door in time to escort him to dinner. The man was in fitted formalwear. The jacket was a half-turtleneck of sort. It seemed he mostly hid his body, but not his face, unlike other Orlaisans. He also always wore gloves. Always.

Sitting down across the table from Tavis. Looking at the table. Eyes darting over the surface to see what he would find. he stood still as if frozen, just for a few moments, as it seemed the are in front of him, moved. As if the ground was ho and the air just...distorted it above the floor. Looking around the walls would hiss at him, then fade away. Leaving faint images of ice by the corners of the room, that melted away [ Illusion].

“The room seems a bit cold to me, I am going to assume you did not decorate yourself?” 

He glanced at the food.

“So, do tell, since the table stands empty. What I can expect?”

^_^

Clearing her throat Esmald quickly regained her ground, she convinced herself that Vector was too far away to notice the blush. He was, after all, sitting at the opposite side of a huge table.

“Allow me to introduce my companions” she new it was considered impolite to point so she choose a different approach that would hopefully be considered eloquent enough for this setting. “To my left we have The Iron bull, my personal body guard and to his right Solas, one of my arcane advisers” it was all terrible alien in her mouth, to reduce two individuals to a mere sentence when she had come to care deeply for them, for all of her companions.

Well, maybe not Vivienne.

“On my left we have ambassador Josephine Montilyet and next to you, Lady Cassandra Penthaghast, a fellow nevarran whom you might have heard of”

Vectors retort to her carefully chosen word made Esmald grimace internally, unsure what just had happened between the two nevarrens at the table, some private joke Esmald could not participate in. 

The hare, a symbol of their creators.. but no it was not a problem for Esmald, food was food. “The food looks delicious” Esmald commented, her eyes darting under thick lashes as she tried to figure out which utensils to use for this course. It was then she noticed the embroidered skulls in the tablecloth, odd. Esmald noted what manner of tools the ambassador was favoring and picked up the corresponding on from her own placement.

“Yes, as I was saying, I represent a military organisation, we need to keep our men feed, warm and alert. All those things require resources that faith alone could not ascertain. Therefore, we are reaching out to you my lord in good faith.”

“Ah what joy, and such a pleasure to have you all here. Even for a formal visit, it is truly a delight.” 

Vector clapped his hands, and servants entered carrying some bottles of fine wine. There was not even a question if they were going to drink or not, and everyone was served a glass.

“Winter’s breath, fresh and fruity, about 10 year old. Nevarran, coming from outside my homecity in Nevarra.” The way he spoke of it indicated passion and great love for the wine, and his home-country.

“Solas, interesting choice in profession.”  Eyes would hop from person to person “Iron bull? That is your name?” he pointed to the Qunari, questioningly, used to them having some form of odd names. Like his guard. his wife and child.

Cassandra was the one he gave the longest gaze. She like the inquisitor was a beauty to behold.  Just more dangerous looking. The, kill you if you say the wrong thing, sort of dangerous.

“I also hear you mingle with Madame De Fer, that must be a well of information. Certainly I recommend listening to her, no one is as capable as her to maneuver the dangerous waters of orlaisan nobility. “ Vector grabbed his knife and fork, and started to cut into the food, as if to say, please eat. If the host started, everyone could start. “The only one more gifted would be Celene Du Chalons fairly new arcane adviser.

He held a tight grip around his utensils. Smiling over to Esmald. Lifting his gaze. It was soft and warm, but the smile remained the same. It was getting a little unnerving perhaps for the small woman. 

“So Cassandra. How come you are still unwed?” he asked, looking to the Nevarran woman. What followed was an angry glare, and disgusted noise. 

Though the topic slid back to something slightly more serious, the inquisition.

“Military organization. No now, perhaps you should be careful in your phrasing when representing yourself. Even if you need men and troops, your goal surely isn’t entirely militaristic? Say that around any other noble and they will wet their pants, panic and stone you once you served your purpose.” He hnmed softly, almost amused. “but yes, I heard, I am willing to assist of course. On some terms....” 

Clearing his throat, after chewing the first piece of meat.

The guards were taken by surprise to see hear someone calling. Though did eventually trot to the gates, and found Nolan. The two did exchange words.

“Good day Sir, is all well?”

A conversation began, and soon enough, Nolan would return to Ayane with the good news, that they would be allowed to stay, and medical attention would be offered to help Ayane.

The guard, whose name was Rigel, would head out with another guard to help Ayane and take her into the mansion. The insides reflected much of the outsides. It was clean, tidy, everything in place. But so silent.

As they ventured further towards the medical wing, they’d hear a girl giggling somewhere in the distance. The music coming from a violin. It echoed softly though the hall.

“-Rigel, go tell the Lord, I am certain he’ll want to know. Hopefully he won’t punish us for this.”

The young brown-haired guardsman disappeared as the other Tomas, guided them to the medical wing. To be seen by a big-eyed and surprised doctor. Fidgeting with his glasses and fumbling with herbs and bandages. Readying tools.

They were going to attempt to help Ayane, inspect her wound and at least clean it out, remove any possible shrapnel. Though, as they started to remove a few items of clothing to get to her wound, a man would peek into the doorway. Simply looking n.

Dark hair combed down, holding a violin in his hand.

“-How curious. What happened di dyou say?”

“-They said freemen M’Lord…”

“-Do send someone to clean up the hills, go talk to that man about where they were. I want no such things on my land…”

Then he casually entered, throwing his arms open.

“Ahh, it is good to see you are not in worse shape. I will have two rooms ready for you” After all, a man and a woman did not share rooms, common sense. It was, improper. “Could you offer me your names.?”

She perked slightly at the sights within the hallway and looked curiously as they passed an open door to admire the fine decor. Truly she just appreciated and found beauty in many surroundings, but the more elaborate home decoration so enjoyed by human noble families was part of a world that she had lived most of her life without any exposure at all.. only fanciful stories that sounded too outlandish to be real.

Nolan found a place to sit and observe as the healer tended Ayane’s wounds. Once the arrow was properly removed and the injury cleaned out, it should heal up with ease. The arm was in worse shape, deeply cut below the shoulder. With luck she it would heal in time and she would regain use of it. But at that moment, the muscle was torn and the arm propped up against a table as she patiently watched the healer clean it out. Nolan stood to greet Vector, by his dress and demeanor, this had to be the estate owner. He did not want Ayane disturbed while she was being tended, but they would of course need to show respect and appreciation to the man for his hospitality. He inclined his head slightly. “Name’s Nolan, Ser.” he held his palm up over to Ayane. “She’s Ayane. Thanks for lettin’ us stay. The Inquisition’s in yer debt. Suren be that will count for somethin’ once we’ve a chance to speak with Lace.”

Nolan’s interception of the noble did not escape Ayane, either. She looked up and met Vector’s eyes. Her wide, gold-flecked green eyes met his and she gave him a small, polite smile. She spoke up gently, ignoring the side glance from Nolan as she addressed the nobleman. “Hello. It’s very nice to meet you. It’s kind of you to do all this for us.” she grimaced slightly. “I hate to think what we would have done without your help.”

The doctor was luckily a very capable man, and the arrow was removed with ease and care. He rubbed a cream and oil around the area to numb the pain, so it was easier to remove the arrow and arrowhead.  Any splinters and residue was also removed or cleaned away. vector did not really linger inside for this, but he did occasionally peer inside.

Though Nolan seemed to approach him, something that made him nervous. Not one to shake hands, or even get close to strangers, he’d hold his ground firmly in the doorway.

“Please sit, rest, do not worry, Nolan.” his eyes would flick to the ginger that looked vaguely familiar somehow. Face covered in freckles, eyes big and alert. “Let the doctor see to you and I will arrange for you to get a room and somewhere to rest. Not to mention food. you two must be worn out. “

The Inquisition. He had exchanged some letters in that direction. He favored them above al other institutions, even if they were in their mere meager beginning. The chantry had failed, the templars had fallen, the circle had gone unhinged. Everyone, had failed, and the leaders of Orlaid found it proper to wage war against each other, costing many lives. Wasted on hubris.

Lips thinned as the very thought dawned on him. He knew he had to do something.

“Oh really? That is, interesting. Perhaps I could speak to you more about this after you had some rest?” He was very interested in forging a secure alliance with them, despite the controversy that would drown in.He knew, it would freak the others out. It was the entire point of it. He had no time, nor want to join the nobles tomfoolery.

Nodding politely to Ayane, he’d look from one to the other. “I am Vector Armendariz.” His accent clearly rang from Nevarra, so it was all in all, an odd combination with the otherwise Orleisan sounds in the room. “I do wish for you to tell me where you met these freemen, I do intent to swipe the area. You are clearly both brave fighters, but I do not want them harming innocent travellers on my roads.”

No act would ever come close to intimacy, as killing did. Once you killed, you would discover who you were. All sides about you would start to reflect, and it would speak to you and others about whom you were, who you are, and whom you’d grow to be as a person. Vector had experienced this. It had brought clarity to him. Set confusions aside. It was of course nothing he’d recommend for everyone to try, but if you first decided to take that step, you had to be strong.

That smell of blood. It reeked of iron, you could almost taste it sometimes if the room had gotten splattered with it. If you had been careless. “You would know all about this no?” he said, the serious tone, suddenly turned and sounded, pleasant, friendly, polite.

“Oh his skeletons are all over the place if I be honest. Fond of his maids, if you see a child running about who resemble him, do not be surprised. And there are more of course. Bribery. betraying people he done business with. Backstabbing nobles. Oh it would be fun if you informed them of his mischief.” Vector clapped his hands together and cooed. He seemed delighted at the very thought.

“i am not a sealion!” he insisted “A nug is a far better choice. kind creatures. majestic beings! Which is why I only allow hunting for them during seasons. they seem to manage their own numbers rather well.” or the other animals seemed to be able to eat them quickly enough thus contributing to a living variety of animals: of course, vector did not think that far.  

Stalking down the hallway, he once more gestured for Aeliana to follow him. he did have rooms. Plenty of them. Then there was of course the small issue of finding one for a assassin, that may or may not be there to murder him. Regardless, she did need that bath. She had practically rolled around in dirt, and she smelled like she had a long journey too. Eventually he’d stop in front of a door. They were on the second floor by then.The room itself, was the size of a normal room. Everything inside was as neat as everything else that had been seen and represented. nothing out of place. Had a bed, washing stand, closet, drawers, everything was in the category of ‘nice’.

“Settle in, and Arsahlan will take you to your bath later on. Do not fret, he won’t peek. His wife would punish him if he did.”

The young lord had said enough when he mentioned the maids for Aeliana to know she would enjoy bringing this DeMontraux man to his knees. She had known Magisters who would do the same with their slaves. Those unfortunate enough to have limited access to witherstalk tea would soon swell with the children of those unions. The lucky ones would be allowed to raise them in the slaves’ quarters. Others would be forced to give the babe to an orphanage or the Magister would simply dispose of the child in some more gruesome fashion. The most desperate among them would smother the baby to save it from a life of bondage. Too many times Aeliana had watched desperate women do even more desperate things, while the Magisters who abused them took their pleasures without a care.

She felt a shudder of rage course along her spine and Aeliana ground her teeth together, as if she could gnaw the memory from her mind. Lord DeMontraux may or may not have been taking advantage of his maids, but he would certainly pay for his indiscretions. Her hand tightened around the leather-wrapped hilt of her dagger.

“Gratia tibi, Lord Armendariz.”

She inclined her head respectfully as she slipped past him and into the room, her eyes twinkling slightly at his last words. “I – trust that you’re right.” Aeliana hadn’t been concerned that the Qunari would have any desire to spy on her bathing. He’d barely seemed to want her in the house. But the idea of his wife having words with him about it was enough to make her smile.

It was easy to forget that Southerners didn’t share Tevinter ideas about bathing as a public ritual. There was no shame or inherent sexuality in the act. Indeed, Aeliana was used to bathing with hundred – even thousands of others at the larger state-funded bathhouses. Some of the altae had taken to wearing elaborate bathing costumes in order to display their wealth, but Aeliana was not so frivolous. She imagined that Lord Armendariz would not appreciate the baths, but thoughts of the steam-filled houses filled Aeliana with a pangs of homesickness.

“I will have someone bring you a change of clothing. A servant will be by to escort you to your bath. You can dine with me. The cooks get grumpy when people start tinkering with their kitchen. They whine about how everything ends up out of place.” he let out an exasperated sigh, and waved his gloved hand around a little. “Chefs...” like they were some sort of alien breed of creatures that landed on the planet and just resided within the different mansions scattered across Thedas. Then he left.

Sure enough, a good 10 minutes later, a female servant, woman, human, would escort her. Carrying a change of clothing. nothing of finery, but it was clean.

-----------------------------------Fast Forward some--------------------------------------

The dinner table was decked. For two.  The table was absurdely long, Vector sat on one end, and Aeliana was place don the other. The food was divided and ready for the two. Some beside Aeliana, some beside him. Even each their bottle of wine. 

“Ah, welcome, how do you find your room? and clothing? They did fit I hope?”

Why he even owned female clothing was a question-mark. He might have borrowed it off one of his servants, or bought it off them, who knew. 

“Do take your seat” gesturing to the seat, all the way on the other end. 

“I suppose we should discuss payment. Ah Steffon, can you pour her some wine?” A servant, young elf, city elf probably judging from the name, would quickly nod and obey the instruction.

After the deep, and somewhat dramatic bow, he rose to a standing posture. under his arm was a wrapped gift. Decorated with an extravagant bow, that was almost the same size as the gift itself. He held it out to the Inquisitor as an offering.

“I brought you this, also a casket of wine from my orchards, but it is outside, it was too difficult to carry up the stairs.” He’d wait for Tavis to take the present, then draw his hands back to his sides. Looking to the left of the throne, stood a girl in a golden blouse. Large poufy sleeves. Looking, from the style at least. Rather Antivan. That was probably Josephine Montilyet. Whom seemed to be giving of a nervous vibe. her face didn’t show it, her body, less so. But that deathgrip she had on her writing-board, and quill gave it away.

“Thank you Jim for escorting us.”  nodding to the young scout. It was hard to restrain the sarcasm. After all, how hard could it be to find the main hall in a hold. The only hold in at least 100 miles radius. 

Vector let his eyes travel across the room, hearing soft whispers from the walls. none that made sense, so he’d just focus back onto Tavis. It would probably be noticed that he had zoned out for a brief moment. It could be attributed to his long journey of course. The elf was wearing shoes. The vallaslin on his face pointed him out as Dalish. That was odd. Perhaps he was trying to fit in more?

“I am rather exhausted, and cold. Could you have someone show me my room?” he was, just rather assuming he had been assigned one. That, food and something to drink. Warm tea for example. “We can discuss business after?” 

His lips curled up in a small smile once Tavis had unwrapped the present and approved of it. He felt pleased knowing he picked something suitable, and that the man liked the symbol of his homeland. the skull.

“I am pleased that you will treasure it Inquisitor.” he answered, he lifted his chin just a bit more now. Seeming extremely, pleased with himself. Though as he moved closer, it seemed that Vector’s eyes reflected some sort of tension. He did not want this stranger getting too close. As he stopped, he’d  slpi a little away, to feel like he was a safe distance. 

It was a relief to see the Orleisian masks exit, and some of the others. All but a lone dwarf by the door, and a few other workers. It felt, safer that way. Vector did not seem to think that it would a pleasant stay. It was cold. The place, although looking put together was old. But right then, he’d have to be happy to just get a room.

“I am certain it will be!” if not, he’d convince himself that it had been, somehow. “ Looking to the brunette before him, he nodded. He’d get some rest. He’d probably ask for a bucket and some things to be cleaned. But he’d get some rest eventually.  

“Yes Inquisitor, I am. Do not worry too much of the cuisine. What do you think I have my staff prepare for me? Make it exciting. Perhaps we could try something Dalish? I never had that.”

With that he’d walk up to the woman, and he’d keep the same distance from her as he did Tavis. Asking her about getting cleaning supplies. Oh yes, he was going to clean. Who knew how this room had been used before him.

@oferebus

What was supposed to be a routine surveying expedition had turned into an ugly fight as Ayane and her company of scouts struggled to evade the Freemen. Ever since discovering the compound, they had been followed. There was always that risk when scouting enemies. With their base compromised, they had been relentless in their pursuit. The scouts needed to be silenced before they could make a report. 

They had finally been caught and surrounded in the foothills. Her allies pierced and blooded the Freemen soldiers while Ayane weakened them with poison and targeted ligaments and limbs to cripple them. 

A searing hot pain wrenched through her shoulder and she cried out as it stabbed down her now limp arm. She spun on her attacker and used her remaining arm to swipe her dagger across his belly, catching him by surprise. He staggered back and clutched his belly. Novice. They were lucky these men were not better trained. They were green and struggled to control their reflexes. But looking on at battle she groaned. Both sides were in bad shape, but without her arm this fight was already lost. Two freemen were bearing down on Nolan, and the rest of their allies were either dead or unconscious. 

Ayane dashed over to Nolan’s side. “Hold your breathe” she whispered to him, then loosed a smoke bomb that filled the air with a thick, foul smelling haze. She grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the smoke and away from the fight. “We can’t stay.” she urged. He did not argue. The soldiers slowly lumbered out from the haze, disoriented from the vapors. One pulled out a crossbow and aimed for them. The arrows flew far and wide, except for one. “Fuck” Ayane cursed as it dug into her leg. They couldn’t stop moving, and they did not. Nolan glanced sidelong at her and reached around to help support her weight. Every step sent a stabbing pain down her leg, but she moved as quickly as she could. 

The guards were taken by surprise to see hear someone calling. Though did eventually trot to the gates, and found Nolan. The two did exchange words.

“Good day Sir, is all well?”

A conversation began, and soon enough, Nolan would return to Ayane with the good news, that they would be allowed to stay, and medical attention would be offered to help Ayane.

The guard, whose name was Rigel, would head out with another guard to help Ayane and take her into the mansion. The insides reflected much of the outsides. It was clean, tidy, everything in place. But so silent.

As they ventured further towards the medical wing, they’d hear a girl giggling somewhere in the distance. The music coming from a violin. It echoed softly though the hall.

“-Rigel, go tell the Lord, I am certain he’ll want to know. Hopefully he won’t punish us for this.”

The young brown-haired guardsman disappeared as the other Tomas, guided them to the medical wing. To be seen by a big-eyed and surprised doctor. Fidgeting with his glasses and fumbling with herbs and bandages. Readying tools.

They were going to attempt to help Ayane, inspect her wound and at least clean it out, remove any possible shrapnel. Though, as they started to remove a few items of clothing to get to her wound, a man would peek into the doorway. Simply looking n.

Dark hair combed down, holding a violin in his hand.

“-How curious. What happened di dyou say?”

“-They said freemen M’Lord...”

“-Do send someone to clean up the hills, go talk to that man about where they were. I want no such things on my land...”

Then he casually entered, throwing his arms open.

“Ahh, it is good to see you are not in worse shape. I will have two rooms ready for you” After all, a man and a woman did not share rooms, common sense. It was, improper. “Could you offer me your names.?”