20 – 26 Firstfall 9:33
Ariana and Elliot secured passage on a ship to West Hill early the next morning. As they boarded, Elliot’s nervous energy was palpable. He had barely slept the night before, and now his excitement and apprehension were bubbling over.
“I still can’t believe it,” Elliot said, glancing at Ariana as they found a place to settle. “I’m traveling with the White Wolf. I mean, I didn’t think… well… I’d be doing this so soon.”
Ariana couldn’t help but smile at his enthusiasm. She was only a few years older than him, but the wide-eyed awe in Elliot’s expression made the gap feel much larger. His nervous chatter and restless energy were endearing, a reminder of how much growing up he still had ahead of him.
“You know,” she said teasingly, leaning back as the ship’s crew prepared to cast off, “I’m not nearly as exciting as the stories make me out to be.”
Elliot shook his head, his auburn hair catching the sunlight. “That can’t be true,” he said earnestly, blue eyes bright with conviction. “You’re a legend. Everyone in Kirkwall talks about the White Wolf—the leader of the Silver Rangers, traveling across Ferelden and Orlais. People say you took on a horde of darkspawn single-handedly.”
Ariana chuckled softly. “Well, people say a lot of things. Most of them are exaggerated. And for the record, I didn’t take on any hordes by myself.”
He nodded, trying to absorb her words, but it was clear that the awe wasn’t going anywhere. She found his innocence refreshing. He was just a new recruit, eager to prove himself. Riley had hired him straight out of Kirkwall, and the fact that he had never even been to Ferelden only heightened his nerves.
“I’ve heard Ferelden’s nothing like Kirkwall,” Elliot said as the ship set off. “It’s… greener, right? Less stone walls everywhere?”
Ariana smiled, glancing out at the horizon. “It’s different,” she said. “You’ll see soon enough.”
As the ship set off, Ariana took a moment to study Elliot, his restless energy making it impossible for him to sit still. She leaned back against the railing, letting the sea breeze play with her hair, and decided it was time to get to know him better.
“So, Elliot,” she began, her tone light but curious, “why did you sign up to join the Rangers? It’s not exactly the easiest path to take.”
Elliot glanced at her, startled for a moment, before shrugging sheepishly. “I guess… I just wanted to make a difference. Growing up in Lowtown, you see a lot of people who need help, and no one ever seems to step up. I don’t have family left—just a few friends—but none of them really understand why I’d want to leave. I guess… I don’t know. Maybe I just wanted to prove to myself that I could.”
Ariana nodded thoughtfully, noting the flicker of determination behind his nervousness. “No family at all?” she asked, her voice softening.
“My parents passed when I was little,” he admitted, his gaze dropping to the planks of the ship. “It was just me and my older brother for a while, but he… well, he got mixed up with the Coterie and didn’t make it out. After that, it was just me. I managed, though.”
Her heart ached for him. She understood what it was like to lose family, though their circumstances were different. “I’m sorry,” she said quietly, her tone sincere.
Elliot looked up, giving her a small, grateful smile. “Thanks. But that’s part of why I joined. I didn’t want to end up like my brother, or stuck in Lowtown doing nothing. I want to help people. Maybe even be someone people can look up to, the way people look up to you.”
Ariana tilted her head, studying him. “It’s not an easy life, Elliot. There’s danger around every corner, and sometimes the people you’re trying to help don’t even want it.”
He nodded earnestly. “I know. But it’s better than staying in Kirkwall and doing nothing. I’ve seen what happens when people don’t try, and I don’t want to live like that. But you and the Rangers? You actually do something. I wanted to be a part of that.”
Ariana leaned against the railing, her gaze steady as she considered his words. “You’ve got a good heart, Elliot,” she said after a moment. “But good intentions only get you so far. What we do takes strength, focus, and sometimes making impossible choices. Are you ready for that?”
He straightened, meeting her eyes with a resolve she hadn’t expected. “I know I’ve got a lot to learn,” he said firmly. “But I’m willing to try. Whatever it takes.”
Her smile widened, a hint of pride creeping into her expression. “Good answer,” she said. “You’ll do just fine, Elliot.”
He grinned, relief and determination lighting up his face. “Thanks, my Lady.”
Ariana raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile tugging at her lips. “Wolf is fine,” she replied with mock sternness. “And let’s save ‘my Lady’ for someone who’s more comfortable in ball gowns.”
Elliot chuckled, his posture relaxing slightly. “Noted… Wolf.”
She laughed with him, the tension in the air lifting as the ship cut through the waves. As Ariana watched him, his enthusiasm and sincerity shining through, she couldn’t help but think he might just surprise her.
~~~
As they rode through the countryside, Elliot’s nervous energy bubbled into curiosity. He leaned forward slightly in his saddle, glancing at Ariana with wide eyes. “So, how did the Silver Rangers get started? I mean, was it always the plan to create a mercenary group like this?”
Ariana’s lips curved into a faint smile as she glanced at him. “Not exactly,” she said, her voice carrying a thoughtful tone. “It started during the Blight. There were sixteen of us, traveling with another mercenary group for safety. After a while, we realized that their way of doing things did not align with what we wanted for ourselves. So, we parted ways.”
Elliot’s brow furrowed. “Why did you leave?”
Ariana hesitated, choosing her words carefully. “We wanted something different,” she said vaguely. “It was clear we were not the right fit for their approach, and we needed to strike out on our own. So, the sixteen of us decided to travel together, just trying to survive.”
“For how long?” Elliot asked, his curiosity undeterred.
“Several months,” Ariana replied, her voice softening with a hint of nostalgia. “It was a hard time, but we were close, like a family. Eventually, though, we realized that we could do more than just survive. One night, sitting around a campfire, we decided it was time to try something bigger. We wanted to help more than just ourselves.”
Elliot’s eyes widened. “And that’s when you became the Silver Rangers?”
She nodded. “That night marked the beginning. We took on the name later, once we had enough of a foothold to make a real difference. At first, we just took contracts to get by—protection work, escorting goods, things like that. But as we built our reputation, we started choosing the kinds of jobs that aligned with what we wanted to stand for.”
Elliot’s admiration was clear. “So, you went from just surviving to becoming… well, legends. That’s incredible.”
Ariana smiled faintly, though her gaze was distant. “It took time. But we made a choice that night, and we have done our best to stick to it.”
Elliot tilted his head. “What’s been the hardest part?”
“Learning that doing the right thing is not always as clear-cut as you would like it to be,” Ariana said quietly. “Sometimes, there is no perfect solution—only the best you can do with the choices you are given.”
Elliot nodded, absorbing her words. “It sounds like a lot of responsibility.”
“It is,” she admitted. “But it is also worth it. Every time we help someone who thought no one would stand for them, it reminds me why we started this.”
They rode in silence for a while, the sound of their horses’ hooves a steady rhythm on the dirt road. Elliot looked over at her, his expression filled with determination. “I’m glad to be part of this, even if I’m just starting out. I want to be someone who makes a difference too.”
“You will,” Ariana said with quiet confidence. “You’ve already taken the first step.”
Elliot smiled, his nervousness melting away into something steadier, and Ariana couldn’t help but feel a quiet pride in him. She turned her gaze back to the horizon, the familiar feeling of both hope and weight settling in her chest.
~~~
It took just over a week of travel, through ship and land, to reach the Silver Rangers’ manor outside Redcliffe. By the time they arrived, Elliot was starting to grow accustomed to Ariana’s quieter demeanor, though his nervousness remained.
As they approached the manor, Ariana could see that they had made quite a bit of progress on the renovations. Yet she felt a sense of familiarity and comfort wash over her. The faint hum of activity could already be heard, a blend of voices and the occasional clang of steel.
Elliot trailed behind her, his pace slowing as his eyes darted around, clearly awestruck. “This is… wow,” he muttered, taking in the sight of the manor and the Rangers milling about. “It’s bigger than I imagined.”
Ariana glanced back at him, unable to help a small smile at his wide-eyed expression. “It’s functional, not grand,” she said, her tone light. “But it’s home for a lot of us.”
They crossed the courtyard, and Ariana spotted Riley emerging from the manor’s entrance. The lieutenant’s presence was hard to miss—her muscular frame, taller than most women, carried a weight of command. Her deep red hair was pulled back into a simple braid that fell between her shoulder blades, and her ivory skin bore a faint smattering of freckles across her nose. Dressed in practical leather armor that had clearly seen years of wear, she looked every bit the capable and battle-hardened leader Ariana relied on. Despite her rugged appearance, Riley’s dark green eyes sparkled with warmth as they landed on Ariana.
“Wolf!” Riley called out, her voice gruff but tinged with genuine relief. She crossed the distance between them in a few strides, clapping a firm hand on Ariana’s shoulder. “Took you long enough. I was beginning to think I’d have to drag you back myself.”
Ariana rolled her eyes, but her lips twitched into a smile. “I leave for a few weeks—”
“Almost two months,” Riley interjected, her annoyance obvious.
“Fine,” Ariana sighed dramatically. “Almost two months. But sending me a recruit is not what I meant by ‘send word.’ You knew that.”
Riley smirked, arms crossed. “I did. But I also knew you’d never leave a fresh recruit to fend for himself. You’d bring him back here, and look, here you are.”
“That is not the point, Riley,” Ariana replied, trying to sound stern but failing to suppress a grin. “I meant send a message—parchment, ink. Not an entirely new Ranger.”
“And I meant to get you back here as quickly as possible,” Riley shot back, her grin widening. “It worked, didn’t it?”
Ariana rolled her eyes, exasperated but amused. “Maker, why do I put up with this.”
Riley clapped a hand on her shoulder again, her tone softening. “Welcome back, Wolf. We missed you.”
Finally noticing Elliot standing awkwardly nearby, Ariana gestured toward him. “Speaking of, this is Elliot. Your new recruit. Happy training!”
Riley turned her sharp gaze on the young man, sizing him up. “So you’re the kid I hired,” she said, her tone a mix of scrutiny and curiosity. “You hold up alright on the road?”
Elliot straightened his posture, trying his best to look confident. “Yes, ma’am. The White Wolf—uh, Wolf—looked after me.”
Riley’s expression softened slightly as she glanced back at Ariana, a knowing look in her eyes. “She tends to do that. Well, welcome to the Rangers, Elliot. You’ve got a lot to learn, but we’ll see what you’re made of.”
Elliot smiled, clearly relieved to have passed whatever unspoken test this exchange was. Ariana shook her head, muttering under her breath. “I’m running a traveling recruitment service now…”
“You’re welcome,” Riley quipped, grinning.
~~~
As Ariana and Riley entered her quarters, the familiar scent of leather and wood greeted her. The room was simple but comfortable—practical, like everything else in the manor. A small desk sat tucked into the corner, accompanied by a modest cot and a sturdy trunk at the foot of the bed. The soft crackle of the fireplace warmed the room, pushing back the lingering chill from the outside air.
Riley couldn’t help but notice the shift in Ariana as they walked into her quarters. There was something lighter about her, something that hadn’t been there before. She had known Ariana for years now—fought beside her, trusted her with her life—and yet, this was the first time she could say that Ariana truly looked happy. There was a radiance in her, a spark Riley hadn’t seen even during their rare moments of victory.
“I found him, Riley,” Ariana said, her voice soft but brimming with emotion. “I finally found him.”
Riley blinked in surprise. “Wait… your friend? The one from before the Blight?”
Ariana nodded, her expression almost dreamy. “He was in Kirkwall all along. He’s a Knight-Captain now.”
Riley’s eyebrows shot up. “So, he really was a Templar,” she said, her tone light but tinged with realization. “I knew it.”
Ariana tilted her head, raising an eyebrow. “You knew?”
“Wolf,” Riley began with a knowing smirk, “the first thing you did when we escaped was drag us to the Lake Calenhad docks. There’s not much there except the Circle. So, it was either a Templar or a mage. And let’s be honest—you’re not exactly the ‘Circle-mage pen pal’ type.”
Ariana chuckled, shaking her head. “Always watching, aren’t you?”
“Always,” Riley replied, her tone teasing but sincere.
As Ariana sat on the edge of her bed, recounting her time in Kirkwall, Riley listened with a mix of curiosity and amusement. The way Ariana spoke about Cullen, the faint smile that tugged at her lips every time his name came up—it all made sense now. Riley had never seen Ariana drawn to anyone before, not like this. And now she understood why.
She leaned against the wall, crossing her arms. “But seriously… he’s not just a ‘friend,’ is he?”
Ariana met her gaze, holding it for a moment before her smile widened, soft and unguarded. “No. He’s so much more than that. He’s… the part of me I never knew was missing.”
For once, Riley was at a loss for a clever remark. She only smiled, nodding as Ariana continued to fill her in on the last two months. When Ariana described her mother’s dramatic entrance with the mercenaries, Riley couldn’t help but laugh.
“Wait—she actually brought mercenaries to drag you back?” Riley asked, incredulous. “You are trouble.”
“Oh, she tried,” Ariana said, grinning. “But Cullen handled it. Honestly, watching her realize she couldn’t intimidate him was worth every second.”
“And what were you doing while he was ‘handling’ it?” Riley asked, her tone teasing. “Sipping tea?”
“I was unarmed, it seemed to make him happy to handle it,” Ariana shot back, though her grin didn’t falter. “Besides, it’s nice to let someone else take care of things once in a while.”
Riley smirked, shaking her head. “I’ll believe that when I see it.”
Before she could press further, a knock at the door interrupted them. Riley called out, “Enter,” and a young ranger stepped inside, carrying a large trunk.
“Your belongings, Wolf,” the ranger said, setting the trunk down with a respectful nod before leaving.
Riley arched an eyebrow, her gaze shifting to the ornate trunk. “Did some shopping in Kirkwall?” she asked, her tone dripping with mock suspicion.
“It’s just a change of clothes,” Ariana replied casually, though her expression betrayed her amusement.
“Uh-huh.” Riley crouched by the trunk, running her fingers over the polished wood. “Because you’ve always needed this many clothes. This isn’t like you, Wolf.”
Ariana hesitated, then sighed. “Alright, fine. I might have bought a few things. But it’s all practical.”
“Practical,” Riley repeated, her smirk widening as she eyed Ariana’s new armor. “Is that why you’re wearing that fancy set? Because it looks very… practical.”
Ariana rolled her eyes, though a faint blush crept into her cheeks. “Can we move on now?” she said, her tone exasperated but playful.
“Alright, alright,” Riley said, straightening up and folding her arms. “So, what do you want to hear first? The nobles or the Chantry?”
Ariana leaned back against the desk, her arms crossed. “Let’s start with the nobles. Did anything go wrong with the jobs?”
“No,” Riley replied, her tone shifting to something more serious. “The work was flawless, as always. But these nobles…” She rolled her eyes. “Maker save me, Wolf, they refuse to pay until the White Wolf ‘himself’ makes an appearance. They claim they paid for the best, and they want to see the best in person.”
Ariana groaned, rubbing her temples. “Orlesian dramatics. Of course.”
“Right?” Riley said with a wry grin. “So, what’s the plan? You going to humor them? Fancy new gear and all?”
Ariana sighed, shaking her head. “Yes, fine. Just give me the names, and I’ll add ‘babysitting Orlesian egos’ to my itinerary.”
“Good,” Riley said, visibly relieved. “They’ll be easier to handle if they meet you.”
“And the Chantry?” Ariana asked, her voice steady but curious.
Riley’s expression shifted, her smirk softening into something more serious. “That’s where it gets… interesting.” She pulled a sealed letter from her belt and held it out to Ariana. “This is what I didn’t tell you in my message. It’s not just any letter, Wolf. It’s from Divine Justinia herself.”
Ariana froze, her breath catching as her eyes locked onto the wax seal. Slowly, she reached out, her fingers brushing over the Chantry’s insignia. “The Divine,” she murmured, her voice quiet but filled with the weight of realization.
Riley gave her a moment before speaking. “Whatever it’s about, it’s big. And knowing the Divine, she’s not the type to waste time on pleasantries.”
Ariana nodded, breaking the seal with careful hands. As she unfolded the letter, the crackling of the fire seemed louder, the room falling into an expectant silence. Whatever awaited her in those words, one thing was clear—this trip to Orlais was about to become far more complicated.
~~~
To the Esteemed White Wolf,
Word of the Silver Rangers’ deeds has reached me for some time now. It is said your company has become a force for good in these troubled times, bringing aid where others cannot or will not. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, particularly your willingness to extend a hand to those who walk difficult paths—mages seeking refuge and Templars abandoned to dangerous fates.
Your actions have shown a rare balance of strength and compassion, qualities I find lacking in many who claim to serve a higher cause. It is this reputation that compels me to reach out to you now.
A situation is developing, one that requires the aid of an outsider—someone free from the ties of the Chantry, the Seekers, or the Templars. I must be cautious, as even the most trusted circles may have ears in places they should not. I cannot risk the details of this matter falling into the wrong hands.
I ask that you come to the Grand Cathedral in Val Royeaux with haste. There, I will explain the gravity of what is at stake. Rest assured, this is no small task I ask of you. Should you choose to take up this matter, know that your efforts will not only help those in need but may shape the fate of many.
I await your arrival, White Wolf. May the Maker guide your path.
-Divine Justinia V
Ariana leaned against the desk, the Divine’s letter still in her hands. She reread the words, her brow furrowing deeper with every pass. No matter how many times she went over it, the meaning remained elusive. Why would the Divine need an outsider for such a task? The Rangers had garnered a reputation for helping both mages and Templars, but this felt far beyond anything they’d encountered before. Every possible scenario ran through her mind, but none provided clarity.
Riley, leaning casually against the edge of the desk, watched her friend with a sharp, discerning gaze. “You’re going to burn a hole through that parchment if you keep glaring at it like that,” she said, her tone laced with dry humor.
Ariana sighed and handed the letter back to Riley. “Read it for yourself. Maybe you can make more sense of it than I can.”
Riley took the letter, her lips pressing into a thin line as her eyes skimmed the elegant script. Ariana stayed quiet, observing her friend’s reaction. The subtle tension in Riley’s jaw and the flicker of unease in her expression told her enough.
When Riley finally lowered the letter, she looked at Ariana and quirked an eyebrow. “You know, Wolf, maybe you should’ve done more shopping. If you’re meeting the Divine herself, you’ll need more than just fancy new armor.”
Ariana smirked, leaning back in her chair. “Aren’t you glad I picked up a few things now?” she teased, gesturing toward the neatly packed gear by the door.
“Sure,” Riley said, her tone light but her eyes still serious. “But you might want to toss in that famous white fur cloak of yours. You’ll want something dramatic. Orlesians love a bit of flair.”
Ariana rolled her eyes but laughed. “And here I thought I’d left all the dramatics behind.”
Riley placed the letter on the desk and crossed her arms. “What do you think she really wants, Wolf? She mentions mages, Templars… but she’s careful. Too careful. Whatever this is, it’s not something she wants written down.”
“I don’t know,” Ariana admitted, standing and beginning to pace. “It could be political, or it could be something much worse. Whatever it is, she’s keeping it vague for a reason. And I don’t like walking into a situation blind.”
“Careful or paranoid,” Riley mused, watching her pace. “But let’s be honest—she’s not wrong to worry. We’ve seen how fragile trust is these days.”
Ariana stopped pacing and turned to face Riley, her decision made. “I’ll leave first thing in the morning. Have someone take care of my horse and make sure it’s ready to travel.”
Riley nodded, already making mental notes. “Consider it done. And Wolf…” Her tone softened, a rare moment of vulnerability breaking through her usual stoicism. “Watch your back. Orlais has its dangers, even without whatever mess the Chantry is dragging you into.”
“I know,” Ariana replied, her voice steady, though a flicker of unease passed through her eyes. “I’ll send word as soon as I can.”
Riley smirked, crossing her arms as she leaned against the desk again. “If you don’t, I’ll just hire a fresh recruit out of Orlais and send them after you.”
Ariana couldn’t help but laugh, shaking her head. “You would, wouldn’t you?”
Riley grinned. “I would.”
With that, the tension eased just slightly. As Ariana began organizing her thoughts for the journey ahead, she felt a flicker of reassurance. Whatever awaited her in Val Royeaux, she knew she had people she could trust to keep things together in her absence.