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The weather was more unsure of itself than a merchant in Val Royeaux for the first time. 

First came the sun, the soldiers revelled in it at first but then it became too much, burning their skin every step they took.

Second came the rain and it was a nice relief before the heavy thunder storms started, dampening morale and slowing us down. 

Then, came the promised snow, the only good thing about this was that it meant we were close to Haven.

Sharp winds drove at us again and again as we began the final ascent to Haven.

Before long, frost was nibbling away at each soldier with evil intent. The chattering of teeth could be heard echoing around the mountain tops.

The mounts were just as tired as the soldiers which was making them disobedient and unsteady as we marched up to the gates of Haven, this village where the Scared Ashes were found. Years before it was a simple village, filled with cultists but after the Ashes were discovered, it became a bustling village filled with the most faithful.

As if they had been watching the approach for a long time, the 3 advisors stood almost on ceremony, joined by another female and a male, both of which I did not recognise. 

We began dismounting to greet them, my soldiers staying beside their mounts as I hushed mine and stroked it.

A large gust of wind rustled us, my hair drifting around me and my cloak swooning and fluttering like an excited school girl.

My lieutenant stood beside me as I approached the leaders of the new-born Inquisition.

"My Lady Cousland, we are honoured to have you join us. We appreciate the journey must have taken quite its toll on you and your men." The woman smiled at me with a politeness I had not seen in a long time. It was clear she was not a Fereldan noble, there wasn't that much politeness about us, that and her accent was a dead giveaway. 

"I am Lady Josephine Montilyet - The Inquisitions political advisor, you are already familiar with Leliana, are you not?" 

Leliana stepped forward with a grin that I seemed to reciprocate without even realising it. She had changed a lot from when I first met her in Redcliffe with the Warden and Alistair. She had matured and made headway in her profession - She was the Divines left hand after all.

"Lady Athena, it is good to see you again, it has been too long. I am glad you have arrived so quickly" Her accent was not Fereldan, despite her birthright marking her here.

I chuckled and shook my head, "Please, Leliana, we shed blood together, Athena will be more than fine" I insisted.

In place of any response she bowed her head to me before turning to introduce the last advisor, "This is commander Cullen, leader of the forces"

The blonde haired man stepped forwards and bowed, "My lady" 

I smiled politely at his introduction. His voice was brassy yet smooth and held a sense of leadership in them. There was no wonder his men obeyed him. The scar on his lip sung as he smiled, only being emphasised by the stubble growing around it. 

"And this is Cassandra, previously a seeker of truth" A woman with dark hair and even darker eyes stepped forward, not sharing any words as she bowed her head. She had a serious expression on her face, as though the weight of the world was on her shoulders and was causing her great pain. "And finally, this is--"

"The guy with the glowing hand" A man plunged his hand forward for me to shake with a happy smile, "Elrind Trevelyan, a pleasure, we in the Free Marches have heard stories of your skills with a dagger" His face lit up, almost as bright as his hand as he chirped away, the smile on his face never fading. 

Lady Montilyet stepped towards me and began leading me through the Haven, pointing us in the direction of a row of tents that had been errected just for us. "Please, get some rest, you have had a long journey, and when you are ready, speak to the commander, he is eager to have you soldiers help train the troops, he has been rattling on about how helpful it will be to have soldiers of your standard among the forces--"

"I--Well,- We need the numbers" The commander stuttered as Josephine giggled.

The group of them began walking away as my soldiers began heading into the tents for some much needed rest.

A cold shiver ran uo my spine as I watched the advisors leave, the Commanders eyes lingering over at me for a second longer than they should have.

He seemed intrigued.

As was I.