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With final goodbyes to the Crossroads' inhabitants, they mount their horses and set out, the settlement fading behind them as they followed the winding path south. The first leg of their journey passed in companionable silence, the only sounds the steady clop of hooves and the occasional call of birds in the trees. The journey to Haven had begun.
The rhythmic clop of hooves against the dirt road created a steady cadence as the party made their way toward Haven. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the path, dappling the ground with golden light filtering through the trees. Cassandra had galloped ahead to scout the road, her figure growing smaller in the distance, while Solas rode a few paces behind, seemingly lost in thought but undoubtedly listening to every word exchanged between Daniel and Varric.
Varric shifted in his saddle, wincing as he adjusted his position. "You know, I swear this horse is conspiring against me. I think it's deliberately trotting in a way that makes my backside feel like it's been used as a punching bag."
Daniel chuckled, patting Max's neck. "You get used to it after a while."
Varric shot him a skeptical look. "Says the man who actually enjoys riding. I'm a city dwarf, remember? My preferred method of travel involves cobblestones and a good pair of boots."
Solas, though silent, arched a brow in quiet amusement but remained focused on the road ahead, his sharp ears undoubtedly catching every word.
Varric stretched his arms behind his head, sighing dramatically. "So, Herald, since we've got nothing but time and aching backsides, let's have a real conversation for once. Something other than demons, rifts, or the impending doom of Thedas."
Daniel smirked. "What did you have in mind?"
Varric's grin turned mischievous. "Oh, I don't know. How about this—do you like the Seeker?"
Daniel's grip on the reins slipped for half a second, and Max sidestepped in surprise, nearly unseating him. He quickly righted himself, shooting Varric an incredulous look. "What do you mean?"
Varric laughed, clearly enjoying the reaction. "Oh, don't give me that look. I saw how you were looking at her sometimes back in the Hinterlands. You know, when she wasn't glaring daggers at everyone."
Solas, though he didn't turn around, made a quiet noise that might have been a stifled chuckle.
Daniel exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "I don't look at her in any particular way. She's a skilled warrior and a valuable ally. That's it."
Varric leaned forward in his saddle, resting his chin on his hand. "Uh-huh. So when she was wiping blood off her sword after that fight near the river, and you were staring like she'd just recited poetry instead of cleaving a bandit in half—that was just professional admiration?"
Daniel felt heat creeping up his neck. "I was making sure she wasn't injured."
"Right. And when she took off her helmet after closing that rift, and you nearly walked into a tree because you were too busy watching her shake out her hair—that was just concern for her well-being?"
Solas, unable to resist, finally interjected dryly, "I believe the technical term is distraction."
Daniel groaned. "You're both impossible."
Varric's grin widened. "Come on, Herald. It's not a crime to appreciate a strong, capable woman who could probably bench-press a druffalo. I mean, sure, she's got the personality of a brick wall sometimes, but even brick walls can be charming if you chip away at them enough."
Daniel shot him a glare. "You do realize if she hears you talking about her like this, she'll feed you to that druffalo, right?"
Varric waved a hand dismissively. "Please, she's all bark. Mostly. Okay, maybe some bite too, but that's part of the appeal, isn't it?"
Solas, ever the observer, tilted his head slightly. "The Seeker is... an intense individual. But intensity often masks deeper sentiments. She is not as unyielding as she appears."
Daniel blinked at him. "Wait, are yougiving me romantic advice now?"
Solas's lips quirked. "Merely an observation."
Varric clapped his hands together. "See? Even the ancient elven sage approves. Face it, Herald, you've got a type—tall, brooding, and capable of killing you with their pinky finger."
Daniel groaned again, rubbing his temples. "I regret this conversation already."
Just then, the sound of hoofbeats signaled Cassandra's return. She slowed her horse as she approached, her sharp eyes scanning them. "The road ahead is clear, but we should make camp soon. There's a good spot near the river up ahead."
Varric smirked. "Perfect. Plenty of time for more enlightening discussions around the fire."
Cassandra frowned. "What discussions?"
Daniel shot Varric a warning look, but the dwarf just grinned wider. "Oh, nothing important. Just debating whether the Herald here has a death wish or just really bad taste in—"
"Varric!" Daniel cut in sharply.
Cassandra's frown deepened, her gaze flicking between them. "What are you two talking about?"
Solas, with impeccable timing, said, "They were discussing the merits of perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds."
Cassandra nodded, seemingly satisfied. "A worthy topic." She turned her horse back toward the road. "Let's ride a little farther before stopping. I'd prefer to put more distance between us and any potential threats."
As she urged her horse forward, Varric leaned toward Daniel and whispered, "See? She does care."
Daniel groaned for what felt like the hundredth time that afternoon. "I hate you."
Varric just laughed. "No, you don't. You'd miss me too much."
Solas, the voice of reason (or mischief, depending on the day), added, "And so would the Seeker, in her own way."
Daniel buried his face in his hands as Varric burst into another round of laughter. The road to Haven was going to be very long.
The sun had dipped below the horizon by the time they reached the campsite Cassandra had scouted—a sheltered clearing near a gently babbling stream, surrounded by tall pines that would block the worst of the night wind. The last golden light of dusk filtered through the branches, casting a warm glow over the small clearing as they dismounted and led their horses to a cluster of sturdy trees to tether them.
Max snorted and nudged Daniel's shoulder as if to say, Finally. Daniel chuckled, giving the stallion an affectionate pat before loosening the saddle straps. "Rest up, boy. You've earned it."
Varric groaned as he slid off his horse, rubbing his backside dramatically. "If I never see a saddle again, it'll be too soon."
Cassandra, already unbuckling her pack, shot him an unimpressed look. "You'll live."
Solas, ever the pragmatist, set his staff against a nearby tree and surveyed the area. "I'll gather firewood. We'll need enough to last through the night."
Cassandra slung her bow over her shoulder. "And I'll see about finding us something better than dried rations for dinner." Without waiting for a response, she strode off into the trees, her movements silent despite her armor.
Daniel watched her go for a heartbeat too long before turning to the pile of supplies they'd unloaded. Varric, of course, noticed immediately.
"See? *That's* what I'm talking about," the dwarf said, grinning as he hauled a tent bundle out of his saddlebag. "You've got it bad."
Daniel rolled his eyes and grabbed his own tent. "Just help me set these up before it gets dark."
Varric chuckled but obliged, and the two of them worked in companionable silence for a while, the only sounds the rustling of leaves and the distant murmur of the stream. The tents went up with practiced efficiency—Daniel had spent enough nights on the road to know how to pitch one in his sleep, and Varric, despite his complaints, was surprisingly adept.
Solas returned first, arms laden with dry branches and kindling. He set to work arranging the firepit with methodical precision, stacking the wood in a way that would ensure a steady burn.
"Where'd you learn to do that?" Daniel asked, watching as Solas struck a flint to spark the tinder.
The elf's expression was unreadable in the flickering light. "The Dalish teach their children to respect fire. It is life and death in the wilds."
Before Daniel could respond, a rustling in the underbrush announced Cassandra's return. She emerged from the trees with a young ram slung over her shoulders, its throat cleanly slit.
"Impressive," Varric remarked, eyeing the kill. "Did you punch it to death, or did you actually use the bow?"
Cassandra dropped the ram near the fire with a thud and fixed Varric with a glare that could have melted steel. "Would you like to find out firsthand?"
Varric held up his hands. "Tempting, but I think I'll pass."
Daniel hid a smile as he drew his hunting knife and knelt beside the ram. "I'll dress it. You've done enough."
Cassandra hesitated, then nodded, wiping her hands on a cloth before sitting on a nearby log to clean her blade.
The next hour passed in quiet industry—Daniel skinned and butchered the ram with efficient strokes, Solas tended the fire, Varric rummaged through their supplies for seasonings, and Cassandra sharpened her weapons, her gaze occasionally flicking to the surrounding trees out of habit.
By the time the meat was roasting over the fire, the scent of herbs and searing flesh filling the clearing, the tension of the day had begun to ease. The flames crackled, casting dancing shadows across their faces as they settled around the fire.
Varric produced a flask from somewhere inside his coat and took a swig before passing it to Daniel. "Here. Might make the Seeker's cooking taste better."
Cassandra scowled. "I didn't cook it."
"No, but you killed it, and I've seen how you handle a blade. Pretty sure that ram died of sheer terror before the arrow even hit."
Daniel snorted, taking a pull from the flask. The liquor burned its way down his throat, warm and familiar. "That's terrible."
Varric grinned. "But true."
Solas accepted the flask when Daniel passed it to him, sipping with surprising grace before handing it to Cassandra. She eyed it skeptically but took a measured drink, her nose wrinkling at the strength.
"Ugh. That's worse than Orlesian swill."
Varric clutched his chest in mock offense. "That, my dear Seeker, is Kirkwall's finest. Show some respect."
Daniel laughed, leaning back against his pack as the firelight played across their faces. For the first time in days, it felt almost... normal. Like they weren't just a group of strangers thrown together by fate, but something closer. Something like friends.
And if his gaze lingered on Cassandra a little longer than necessary, well—Varric was the only one who noticed. And the dwarf's knowing smirk was absolutely worth ignoring.
The fire had burned low, its embers pulsing like a drowsy heartbeat in the dark. Around them, the forest had settled into the quiet hum of night—crickets chirping, the occasional rustle of leaves as some small creature scurried past. The air was cool but not biting, thanks to the ring of pines shielding them from the wind.
Solas had already retired to his tent with a murmured goodnight, his silhouette disappearing behind the canvas with the quiet grace of someone who'd spent a lifetime moving unseen. Cassandra lingered only a moment longer, her sharp eyes scanning the tree line one last time before she stood, rolling her shoulders with a tired sigh.
"Try not to wake the entire camp if you see a shadow," she said dryly, though there was no real bite to it.
Daniel smirked. "No promises."
She shook her head but didn't argue, turning toward her tent. The firelight caught the edges of her profile—the stubborn set of her jaw, the scar along her cheekbone—before she vanished inside.
For a moment, the clearing was silent save for the crackle of dying flames. Then Varric let out a low chuckle, stretching his legs out toward the warmth. "So. First watch, huh? You sure you didn't just volunteer so you could stare at her tent all night?"
Daniel groaned, rubbing a hand over his face. "Andraste's ass, Varric. Give it a rest."
The dwarf grinned, unrepentant. "Oh, come on. You're not even trying to deny it anymore. That's progress."
"There's nothing to deny."
"Uh-huh. And I'm the Divine."
Daniel shot him a glare, but there was no heat in it. He knew better than to think he could out-stubborn Varric in a battle of wits. The man had made a career out of needling people—and, unfortunately, Daniel had given him plenty of material.
Sighing, he leaned forward, elbows on his knees, and kept his voice low. "Look. When we get back to Haven, just… lay off, alright? No teasing. Not in front of her."
Varric's eyebrows shot up. "Whoa. You're serious."
"Dead serious."
For once, Varric didn't immediately fire back with a joke. He studied Daniel for a long moment, then nodded slowly. "Alright, kid. I can do that." He paused. "Mostly."
Daniel groaned again.
"Kidding, kidding." Varric held up his hands in surrender, though his smirk said otherwise. "But you gotta admit, it's funny. You, of all people, getting all tangled up over the Seeker."
"I'm not—" Daniel cut himself off, dragging a hand through his hair. "It's not like that."
"Sure it isn't."
"It's not."
Varric just looked at him.
Daniel exhaled sharply, glancing toward Cassandra's tent. The canvas was still, no sign of movement. Good. "It's just… complicated."
"Complicated," Varric repeated, deadpan. "Right. Because you're overthinking things."
"Shut up."
Varric chuckled but mercifully let it drop, taking a swig from his flask before passing it over. Daniel accepted it, the liquor burning a familiar path down his throat. For a while, they sat in silence, listening to the night.
Then Varric sighed, stretching his arms behind his head. "For what it's worth, I think you'd be good for her."
Daniel nearly choked. "What?"
"You heard me." Varric's tone was uncharacteristically thoughtful. "She's all edges and armor, and you're… well, you. Stubborn, but in a way that doesn't make people want to punch you."
Daniel stared at him. "That might be the nicest thing you've ever said to me."
"Don't get used to it." Varric smirked, but there was something softer in it this time. "Just saying. If you were into her—hypothetically—I wouldn't judge."
Daniel rolled his eyes but didn't argue. There was no point.
After a moment, Varric tilted his head. "So. Just between us and Chuckles, huh?"
Daniel shot him a warning look. "Yes."
"Relax. Your secret's safe with me." Varric's grin returned, sly but not unkind. "But if you do decide to make a move, I expect details."
"I'd rather face a high dragon."
"That can be arranged."
Daniel laughed despite himself, shaking his head. Varric was incorrigible, but—damn it—he was also impossible to stay mad at.
The night stretched on, quiet and uneventful. The fire dimmed further, leaving them in near-darkness save for the faint glow of embers. Somewhere in the distance, an owl called, its mournful cry echoing through the trees.
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Name : Daniel Carter
Race: Elf
Level 5 : 2183/2500 EXP
Professions: Mage
Gold Coins: 2289 coins
Weapon: Staff of the Dragon
Armor: Light Armor of the Dragon and Templar Scribe Scowl
Accessories: Token of the Packmaster and Belt of Health
Inventory: Acolyte Ice Staff, Morning Star, Stiletto, Hunting Longbow, Fire Resistance Cowl, Mercenary Coat, Acolyte Fire Staff, Disciple Lighting Staff, Apprentice Armor, Qunari Battleaxe, Raider Hatchet, 2 Disciple Fire Staff, Apprentice Mail, Qunari Buckler, Medium Adventure Armor, Mindleech Staff, Soldier's Nemesis, 2 Recruit's Dirk, Reinforced Dagger, Sledgehammer, Disciple Lighting Staff, Apprentice Armor, Exacting Longbow, Barbarian Lord Maul, Lifeward Amulet, and Grenade Belt
Crafting Materials: 37 Elfroot, 62 Iron, 2 Blue Vitriol, 1 Dawn Lotus, 11 Silk, 17 Lambswool, 3 Royal Elfroot, 10 Ram Leather, 23 Drakestone, 4 Fire Essence, 3 Blue Vitriol, 11 Canine Leather, 4 Plaidewaive, 2 Frost Essence, 1 Fade-Touched Iron, 4 Blood Lotus, 5 Embrium, 10 Spindleweed, 16 Onyx, 3 Ironbarks, 2 Crystal Grace, and 1 Serpenstone
Upgrades: Sigil of the Gamordan Stromrider and Sigil of Deathroot
Valuables: 2 Shadow Essence, 1 Ram Horn, 1 Dreamer Rag, 5 Weapon Fragment, 2 Bowstring, 8 Mysterious Shards, Nevarra Skull, 1 Wisp Essence, and 1 Wolf Fangs
Potions: Lesser Health Potions x8, Lesser Regeneration Potions x5, and x5 Lyrium Potion
Skills: Chain Lighting, Flashfire, Barrier, Winter's Grasp, and Energy Barrage
Armor Schematics: Shokra-taar Schematic, Antaam-saar Schematic, Avvar Armor Schematics Acquired, Stone-Bear Armor Schematics, Vanguard Coat Schematic, Sturdy Defender Coat Schematic, and Scout Mail Arms Schematic
Weapon Schematics: Curved Dagger Schematic and Hunting Bow Schematic
Potion Recipe: Lesser Regeneration Potion recipe and Lyrium Potion Recipe
Bottles of Thedas: Vint-9 Rowan's Rose and Carnal, 8:69 Blessed