9 Wintermarch 9:34
The early morning sun streamed through the library windows, casting a warm, golden light over the scattered maps and documents spread across the heavy oak table where Ariana sat. The Divine’s letter lay at the center, its words etched into her mind she had memorized the words by now. She didn’t need the reminder, but some part of her clung to it anyway, as if holding the letter made the impossible task it represented feel more tangible. She leaned back in her chair, her brow furrowed in thought. Despite her hopes, her gut told her the Divine’s suspicions were correct. The trouble she had gone through to bypass the Seekers and reach Ariana directly spoke volumes. She doesn’t trust them. And she’s afraid.
The faint sound of footsteps echoed in the quiet space as Isabel entered the library, carrying a tray with tea and fresh hearth cakes. The soft clatter of the tray as she set it down on the side table brought Ariana back to the present, grounding her momentarily as she glanced at her friend with a small, grateful smile.
“What’s on your mind this morning, child?” Isabel said noting the worry in Ariana’s eyes.
Ariana sighed heavily, not knowing where to even begin telling Isabel what happened. What she had agreed to.
Isabel’s demeanor softened instantly. Her posture straightened as she settled into the chair opposite Ariana. “What happened with the Chantry?” she asked gently, her tone laced with concern.
Ariana didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she reached for a folded letter on the table beside her and handed it to Isabel. Watching as Isabel read, Ariana stayed silent, the sunlight from the windows highlighting her face.
“You met with the Divine?” Isabel finally asked, her shock evident. She lowered the letter, her sharp green eyes locking onto Ariana.
Ariana hesitated, her fingers tightening around the edge of the book. Taking a deep breath, Ariana leaned back in her chair. “The Divine,” she began, her voice steady but low, “asked me to investigate what’s happening in Kirkwall. There are rumors about the Rite of Tranquility being abused. About the power Knight-Commander Meredith is amassing. The Divine believes it’s outside the bounds of any Templar, but she cannot bring it to the Order herself. She needs someone like me—someone outside the Chantry, the Seekers, or the Templars.”
Isabel’s brows furrowed, her worry etched plainly on her face. “That’s dangerous enough as it is, but I have a feeling there’s more.”
Ariana nodded, her jaw tightening. “If the rumors are true, and mages are being sent to Kirkwall only to be made Tranquil without cause… the Divine wants me to intervene. To help those mages escape.”
Isabel inhaled sharply, her hand clenching the letter. “That’s no small ask, Ariana. The Templars—”
“—would come for me and the Rangers if they ever found out,” Ariana interrupted, her voice firmer now. “I know. I told her that. But she trusts me to handle it discreetly. To stay in the shadows. She said we cannot risk open defiance; it would destroy everything.”
“And you agreed to this?” Isabel asked softly, though the weight in her tone carried a deeper meaning—concern for the impossible task her charge was taking on.
Ariana leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table, her hands clasped tightly together. “I had to,” she said, her voice quiet but resolute. “If the rumors are true… if innocent people are being subjected to Tranquility…” Her voice hardened as she shook her head. “I couldn’t say no, Isabel. This is exactly what the Rangers are meant to do—help those who have no other way.”
Isabel studied her for a long moment, the sunlight streaming through the windows catching the worry in her green eyes. Slowly, she set the letter down and reached across to place a hand over Ariana’s. “You are a strong woman, Ariana. Stubborn, even. But this…” She trailed off, then gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Just tell me what you need. I’m here for you.”
Ariana looked up at her, her lips curving into a faint, grateful smile. “Thank you,” she said softly, her voice carrying a rare vulnerability. “This is not just about me anymore. If I fail… if the Divine’s trust in us falters… everything we’ve built could fall apart.”
“And if you succeed,” Isabel countered, her voice firm, “you could save lives. You could stop something terrible before it becomes unstoppable. Focus on that.”
Ariana nodded, the determination returning to her eyes. “You’re right,” she said. “I have work to do.”
Her voice softened as she added, “But what of Cullen? He believes in the Order…”
The weight of her words lingered, unspoken but heavy between them. Isabel sat back in her chair, her brows knitting together in thought.
“He’s a man of conviction,” Isabel said carefully, her tone contemplative. “When we spoke about the Rite of Tranquility, he admitted he didn’t think it should be applied more widely, that the Harrowing has served well for centuries. But…” She hesitated, her gaze steady on Ariana. “He also acknowledged there’s a case for it in some instances. He mentioned that Hawke’s interventions made him uneasy, even if he didn’t outright disapprove.”
Ariana’s jaw tightened, her gaze turning away as she absorbed Isabel’s words. She could picture Cullen’s struggle—his unwavering sense of duty clashing with his humanity. It was one of the things she admired most about him, but it also made her worry. Would he understand the choice she had made? Could he reconcile what she might have to do with the beliefs he held so close?
Isabel leaned forward, her voice softening. “Cullen cares for you, Ariana. Deeply. I saw it in the way he spoke of you when you were gone. But…” She gestured subtly toward the letter from the Divine still resting on the table. “This will test that bond. He’s a good man, but his loyalty to the Order will always weigh on him.”
Ariana’s fingers tapped lightly on the table, her thoughts racing. “If he knew,” she said quietly, almost to herself, “what the Divine has asked of me… what I might have to do… I don’t know if he could see me the same way.”
Isabel reached out and placed her hand over Ariana’s, her touch steady and reassuring. “Then let him see you as you are. Strong, determined, and willing to fight for what’s right. If his heart is true, he’ll come to understand. Maybe not immediately, but in time.”
Ariana met Isabel’s gaze, her eyes filled with a mixture of doubt and hope. “And if he doesn’t?”
Isabel smiled gently, squeezing her hand. “Then he’s not the man you think he is. But I don’t believe that’s the case. Have faith in him, as he has faith in you.”
Ariana nodded slowly, but the uncertainty lingered. “You mentioned Hawke intervened in something? What did she do?”
Isabel hesitated, her expression shifting as she weighed her words. “It was about the Rite of Tranquility,” she said finally. “A Templar had requested that it be applied more widely, claiming it was necessary for order. The request was denied… officially. But then the Templar was found dead under suspicious circumstances.”
Ariana’s stomach tightened, unease prickling at the back of her mind. “And Hawke?”
“Hawke investigated,” Isabel said, her voice tinged with caution. “She went digging into matters the Order would have preferred to keep buried. From what I’ve gathered, she uncovered some unsettling truths. Cullen mentioned it once—he didn’t outright disapprove of what she did, but he wished she had stayed out of it. The Order doesn’t take kindly to outsiders meddling in their affairs.”
“It sounds like she has a knack for uncovering things,” Ariana said, her tone thoughtful.
Isabel quirked an eyebrow. “You’re thinking of trusting her with this?”
“I was already planning to ask for her help,” Ariana admitted, her gaze distant. “If she’s already crossed paths with the Templars over the Rite of Tranquility, she might know more about what’s really happening in Kirkwall. And Maker knows I can’t do this entirely on my own.”
Isabel’s expression softened as she nodded. “Hawke is resourceful. And she has her own… unique sense of honor. But be careful, Ariana. Bringing someone like her into this is a risk. For both of you.”
Ariana tapped her fingers lightly on the table, her mind already turning over strategies. “The risk might be worth it. If the rumors are true, this isn’t just about me or the Rangers. It’s about lives—mages being subjected to something worse than death. If Hawke can help me stop that, I’ll take the risk.”
Isabel studied her for a long moment before finally smiling faintly. “You always were the one to take the weight of the world on your shoulders.”
Ariana chuckled softly, though the tension in her voice remained. “Someone has to,” she said lightly, though the truth of her words ran deeper than she let on. “I’ll have Varric bring Hawke and the Rangers here tomorrow morning. I have a feeling we have a lot to discuss.”
“To the estate?” Isabel asked, her tone tinged with alarm. “What if Cullen comes by?”
Ariana shrugged, though her expression flickered with unease. “Cullen is usually busy in the mornings with rounds and training recruits. Let’s hope he doesn’t break that habit tomorrow.”
Isabel nodded slowly, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Very well. But I do wonder how long you can keep this tangled web before he figures it out.”
Ariana gave a half-smile, her eyes carrying a weight Isabel could see. “Not as long as I’d like, I imagine. But I need to gather what I can first. If anyone can help me uncover the truth in Kirkwall, it’s Hawke.”
Isabel’s expression softened further, her voice gentle as she replied, “Be careful, Ariana. You’re walking a fine line.”
Ariana met her gaze, the flicker of determination in her hazel-green eyes burning brighter. “I know,” she said simply. “But it’s a line I need to walk. Someone has to.”
Ariana couldn’t help the guilt twisting in her chest as Isabel left the room. Her fingers tightened around the edge of the table, her thoughts running in circles. What she was doing—keeping Cullen in the dark—felt like a betrayal. Her thoughts turned back to the night before“You don’t have to tell me right now. I’ll wait. For as long as you need.” She was certain he had meant it, or thought he did. But how long would he wait? Deep down, she knew she couldn’t bring herself to face him with half-truths. Not now. He’s the Knight-Captain of Kirkwall… she thought to herself. All she could hope for was that he would never be involved in something like this.
She sank back into her chair, letting out a slow, measured breath. If I tell him now and I am wrong… if the rumors prove unfounded… it would risk everything for nothing. She rubbed her temples, the weight of her choices pressing down on her. And if I wait too long and he finds out another way… The thought of his hurt, his disappointment, was almost unbearable.
Ariana pushed herself up from the chair, pacing the room as her mind continued its relentless debate. He believes in the Order… in what it stands for. How can I ask him to even consider that something as vile as abusing the Rite of Tranquility might be happening under his watch? Her steps slowed, her gaze shifting to the bookshelves lining the room.
But even as she wrestled with the guilt, a deeper part of her rationalized the need for secrecy. I need more. I need proof. Otherwise, it’s all speculation, and Cullen deserves better than baseless accusations.
Her hand drifted to the pendant she wore, her thumb brushing over its surface absentmindedly. “I will tell him,” she murmured to herself, her voice barely above a whisper. “I just… I need to do this first.”
~~~
Ariana adjusted her cloak, stepping out into the bustling streets of Hightown. The morning sunlight warmed the stone pathways, but her focus was firmly on the task ahead. Setting up a base of operations was essential—somewhere secure and discreet, a place where they could lay the groundwork for what was coming.
The Hanged Man was as lively as ever, with the sounds of laughter, clinking mugs, and the occasional brawl filling the air. Inside, Valentina, Lamberto, and Linnea sat at a corner table, their expressions a mix of anticipation and guarded curiosity. Varric, meanwhile, leaned casually against the bar, chatting with Corff. Bianca was propped beside him, as always, a silent reminder of his readiness for anything.
“You’re late, pup,” Varric called as Ariana approached, a teasing smirk on his face. “Your merry band of misfits has been waiting.”
Ariana rolled her eyes, but her lips twitched into a small smile. “You’re awfully vocal for someone who wasn’t even invited to this meeting,” she shot back, sliding into a seat.
Linnea cut to the chase, her sharp eyes flicking between Ariana and the others. “What’s this about?” she asked, her voice low but commanding.
Ariana glanced at the group, folding her hands on the table. “We need a base—somewhere secure, with good access to the docks and Lowtown. The kind of place that doesn’t attract attention.”
Varric ambled over, pulling up a chair and gesturing for Corff to bring over drinks. “So, you’re setting up shop,” he said, his tone casual but his eyes sharp. “Mind telling me exactly what kind of shop we’re talking about here?”
Ariana hesitated, the faintest flicker of a smile crossing her face as she deflected. “I’ll tell you later, Varric. For now, secrecy and access are all that matter.”
Varric raised an eyebrow, his expression equal parts curiosity and skepticism. “Secrecy and access,” he repeated, leaning back in his chair. “Sounds shady. I like it. Lucky for you, pup, I happen to know a thing or two about Lowtown real estate.” His grin widened as he added, “And I might just know a couple of places that fit the bill.”
The drinks arrived, and after a quick round of agreement from the group, they set off with Varric leading the way. The streets of Lowtown were a stark contrast to Hightown’s orderly paths—narrow, grimy, and teeming with activity. Merchants called out their wares, children darted through the crowds, and the air carried the faint tang of saltwater and smoke.
Varric led them through a series of winding alleys, his movements confident, as though he knew every brick and shadow of the district. Finally, he stopped in front of a weathered but sturdy warehouse. Its facade was unremarkable, blending seamlessly into its surroundings.
“This,” Varric said, gesturing grandly, “is option one. Plenty of space, easy access to the docks, and best of all, no one asks questions about what happens here. Lowtown’s golden rule.”
Ariana stepped closer, inspecting the building with a critical eye. “How secure is it?”
Varric shrugged. “It’s Lowtown. Security’s what you make of it. But the location’s solid, and there’s enough room inside to set up for whatever grand plan you’re not telling me about.”
Valentina crossed her arms, nodding approvingly. “It’s got potential. We’d need to make some adjustments, but it’s workable.”
Lamberto ran a hand along the doorframe, frowning slightly. “We’ll need better locks, maybe reinforce the walls. And guards—rotations at all times.”
Linnea scanned the surrounding area, her gaze sharp and calculating. “Escape routes are decent,” she said. “And it’s not too conspicuous. That’s a point in its favor.”
Varric’s grin widened, clearly pleased with their reactions. “I’ve got another place to show you, but I’m betting this one’s already your favorite.”
Ariana smiled faintly, nodding. “Show us the next one. I want to be sure before we commit.”
As they continued deeper into Lowtown, Varric fell into step beside her. “You know,” he said, his tone lighter now, “you’re really leaning into this whole ‘mysterious leader’ routine. Just saying, I’ve seen it before, and it always ends with people asking more questions.”
Ariana smirked, her voice low enough for only him to hear. “Then I guess I’ll have to keep you busy enough not to ask.”
Varric chuckled, shaking his head. “Secrecy and access,” he muttered, his tone dripping with mock exasperation. “This had better be good.”
Ariana glanced at him, the faintest hint of gratitude flickering in her eyes. Whatever was coming, she knew she’d need every ally she could trust—and Varric, for all his questions, was firmly on that list.
~~~
The group followed Varric as he led them deeper into the winding streets of Lowtown. The atmosphere shifted the closer they got to the edges of Darktown. The air grew heavier, carrying a faint tang of rot and damp earth. The streets became narrower, darker, and less inviting. People moved quickly, avoiding eye contact, and the shadows seemed to linger longer than they should.
“I hope this second option is worth the smell,” Valentina quipped, wrinkling her nose.
Varric turned back with a grin. “Ah, Darktown charm. You either love it or hate it. Mostly hate it.” He stopped in front of a building tucked against the side of a cavernous stone wall. “Here we are. Option two.”
The warehouse was smaller than the first, but its location offered a significant advantage: it was well-hidden, almost impossible to spot unless you knew exactly where to look. The thick stone walls of Darktown enveloped it, and its inconspicuous entrance blended seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
“It’s not as roomy as the first,” Varric admitted, motioning for the group to step inside. “But it’s out of the way, practically invisible to anyone not actively searching for it. Plus,” he added, gesturing toward the faint sound of rushing water nearby, “there’s an underground access point here that connects to the docks. Perfect for keeping secrets.”
Ariana stepped inside, her boots echoing faintly on the stone floor. The interior was surprisingly clean for Darktown, with high ceilings and a few sturdy support beams. Crates and barrels were stacked neatly in the corners, indicating that it had been used recently but wasn’t currently occupied.
Linnea was the first to speak, her sharp eyes scanning every corner. “It’s defensible. Only two entrances that I can see—one here and one leading to the underground passage. That makes it easier to secure, but it also means limited escape routes if we’re compromised.”
Lamberto nodded thoughtfully. “The underground passage is a huge advantage. We’d need to scout it thoroughly, make sure it’s safe and free of any… surprises.”
Valentina ran a hand along one of the support beams, inspecting its integrity. “It’s small, but it could work for covert operations. Not ideal for training recruits, though.”
Ariana frowned slightly, her arms crossed as she considered both options. The location was excellent for staying hidden, but the lack of space and limited access points gave her pause.
Varric leaned casually against the wall, watching her deliberate. “So, what’s the verdict, pup? This one’s a little less glamorous, I admit, but it’s got its perks.”
“It does,” Ariana replied, her tone thoughtful. She glanced at her Rangers, reading their expressions. Linnea seemed intrigued by the secrecy of the location, while Lamberto and Valentina both looked less convinced. “We’ll need to weigh our priorities. Security and discretion or space and accessibility.”
Varric nodded, his smirk widening. “Sounds like you’ve got some thinking to do. Take your time. Both locations are available, so there’s no rush.”
Ariana’s gaze lingered on the underground passage, her mind already spinning with possibilities. “Let’s head back for now,” she said finally. “I need time to consider.”
As they made their way out of Darktown, Ariana couldn’t help but feel the weight of the decision pressing on her. Both options had their merits, but whichever she chose would shape the Rangers’ presence in Kirkwall—and their ability to operate undetected in a city already brimming with tension.
~~~
The group made their way back to the Hanged Man, the tension of the decision hanging over Ariana’s shoulders. By the time they reached Varric’s suite, the familiar din of the tavern filled the air, offering a brief reprieve from the weight of their work. Ariana sank into one of the chairs, her fingers tapping lightly against the armrest as she looked to Varric.
“Alright,” she began, her tone brisk but thoughtful. “Let’s talk about the price difference between the two warehouses. What’s the gap?”
Varric leaned against his desk, arms crossed. “The first one? It’s about thirty percent more expensive. Like I said, it’s bigger, and its location in Lowtown makes it more visible. This one,” he gestured toward the general direction of Darktown, “is cheaper, discreet, but, you know, comes with all the charm of Darktown’s… ambiance.”
Ariana nodded, her fingers still tapping. “And if we go with the second option, we’ll need to make sure the underground passage is secure. Any risks we should know about?”
“Nothing immediate,” Varric replied with a shrug. “It’s mostly stable, but it hasn’t been actively maintained. You’ll want to scout it first. Make sure nothing’s lurking down there. Darktown’s full of surprises.”
Ariana turned to the Rangers. “Once it’s dark, I want you to scout the passage. Take a full sweep—entry points, stability, any potential risks. Report back to me in the morning.”
Valentina nodded, her expression serious. “Understood.”
“Good.” Ariana shifted her gaze back to Varric. “In the morning, I’ll need you to bring them to the estate. Hawke too.”
Varric raised an eyebrow, a sly grin tugging at the corner of his lips. “Hawke? Planning something big, Pup?”
Ariana smirked faintly, though her expression remained focused. “I think we’re going to need her help. There are still some things I need to fill you in on. The more eyes and ears we have on this, the better.”
Varric chuckled, pushing off the desk. “You got it. Hawke loves a good mystery.”
Rising from her seat, Ariana smoothed her cloak, her mind already moving to the next task. “I’m heading back to the estate. If anything urgent comes up before morning, send word.”
“Will do,” Varric said with a nod.
Ariana offered a small smile before leaving the suite, her steps quick and purposeful as she exited the Hanged Man. The cool night air greeted her as she made her way back toward Hightown, her thoughts swirling with plans and contingencies. By the time she reached the estate, she was ready for some rest, though she knew her mind wouldn’t allow it to come easily.
~~~
The library was quiet, the only sound the occasional crackle of the fire in the hearth. Ariana sat curled in the armchair, a book resting on her lap and a glass of wine in her hand. She wasn’t reading, though. Her gaze was unfocused, staring into the flames as her thoughts wandered back to her conversation with Isabel. The weight of the Divine’s task still lingered heavily on her shoulders, and no matter how she tried to distract herself, her mind always seemed to circle back to the same questions.
The sound of footsteps broke her reverie, and she looked up to see Cullen entering the room. His golden eyes softened when they met hers, but his brow furrowed slightly, as though he could sense her unease.
“You’re still up,” he said, his voice warm but tinged with concern. “It’s late.”
Ariana blinked, glancing toward the window, where the darkness outside hinted at just how long she had been sitting there. “I lost track of time,” she admitted, offering him a small smile. “What about you? I didn’t expect to see you tonight.”
“I wanted to check on you,” he replied. His gaze lingered on her, studying her face with the careful attention of someone who knew her far too well to be fooled. “And I haven’t seen you all day, and… well, I missed you.”
The admission caught her off guard, and she felt a warmth rise in her chest. Before she could respond, Cullen crossed the room and crouched in front of her, his smile softening further. “You seemed… preoccupied yesterday. Is everything alright?” His voice was steady, but the flicker of worry in his eyes was unmistakable.
Ariana hesitated, her fingers tightening slightly around the stem of her glass. “Just tired,” she said, though her voice lacked conviction. She could tell by the way his brow arched slightly that he didn’t believe her.
“What happened in Val Royeaux?” he asked, his tone quiet but probing. “The Chantry summoning you—it’s been weighing on you since you returned, hasn’t it? What did they want?”
Ariana hesitated, her fingers tightening slightly around the stem of her glass. She felt the weight of his question, the weight of everything she couldn’t tell him, pressing down on her chest. “They brought up my… obligations,” she said finally, choosing her words with care. “My family’s reputation with the Chantry is still tied to the engagement I ended. They wanted me to reconsider it.”
Cullen’s frown deepened slightly, his eyes searching hers. “Are you?” he asked, his voice steady but unsure.
Ariana shook her head quickly, her smile growing more genuine. “No, Cullen. I assured them I had made my choice long ago.” She leaned closer to him, her hand brushing his cheek in a gentle, reassuring gesture.
She couldn’t let Cullen press any further—his questions might tread too close to the truth. Instead, she latched onto a lighter story, one that, if anything, would amuse her and distract him. “Speaking of Val Royeaux… did I tell you a noble there propositioned me?”
Cullen blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift. “What?”
Ariana’s smile widened, and she crossed one leg over the other, settling more comfortably into her chair. “A Comte, actually. He offered to be a very… generous benefactor in exchange for me becoming his mistress.”
Cullen’s expression darkened instantly, his jaw tightening as his brows knit together. “He did what?”
“Oh, yes,” she said breezily, clearly enjoying his reaction. “He was very insistent. Said his mistress had recently left Val Royeaux and that he found himself with more leisure time. Apparently, I was to help him fill it.”
Cullen’s fists clenched at his sides, and he took a step back, his voice low and edged with jealousy. “And what did you say?” Cullen took a breath, trying to temper the jealousy flaring in his chest. He trusted her, of course, but the thought of another man propositioning her stirred something primal within him.
She tilted her head, her smile turning playful as she watched him stew. “Why, Knight-Captain, are you jealous?”
“Ariana,” he said, his tone carrying a warning, though the faint blush creeping into his cheeks betrayed him.
Finally relenting, she stood and closed the distance between them, her movements slow and deliberate. She couldn’t help but feel a flicker of satisfaction at the way his gaze softened as she approached. “I told him my heart already belonged to another,” she said softly, her hazel-green eyes locking onto his. “And that I wasn’t in need of additional… entertainment.”
Cullen’s breath hitched slightly as she stepped closer, her hands coming to rest lightly on his chest. She rose onto her toes, leaning in to brush her lips against his in a soft, lingering kiss. When she pulled back, she smiled up at him, her voice barely above a whisper. “You have nothing to worry about.”
The moment was brief but carried the weight of her unspoken truths, her quiet promise that despite the secrets she held, her feelings for him were unwavering. Her smile returned, brighter now. “You’re the one I want,” she said simply, her words carrying a rare vulnerability that made Cullen’s heart ache.
Cullen exhaled slowly, his hand lifting to gently cup her cheek. For a moment, he simply looked at her, as though trying to commit the moment to memory. “And you’re the only one I could ever want,” he replied, his voice quiet but sure.
The fire crackled softly behind them as they stood there, the weight of her secrets hanging between them. For now, though, the warmth of the moment was enough to push everything else aside.