Clan Sabrae

3rd POV:

Since Surana's departure from the Clan to be inducted into the Grey Wardens, Clan Sabrae has long wandered the forests of Ferelden on its own, occasionally trading with Humans at villages and towns accepting enough of their kind. At times, they stopped to rest and resupply at Ostagar, currently under the rule of Clan Ecthelion with Bann Valasan as its current ruling Lord.

Letters were occasionally exchanged as Keeper Marethari maintained correspondence, though with the recent disappearance of the Grey Wardens those letters became scarce and precious as gold.

So when news came that he slew the previous Inquisitor and took over the Inquisition, there was much surprise and debate as to his reasons why, though none could deny how useless and lazy the fat Inquisitor was.

Still, in recent months Clan Sabrae was feeling increasingly uncertain of its safety with the recent outbreak of conflict, and with maddened Templars and Mages attacking them sporadically, they had to engage in several skirmishes that, while thankfully ending with no deaths, began to take their toll on the Dalish.

"Keeper, I must question why we are going deeper into the Frostback Mountains. Will our salvation truly be found there?"

Ioranni, Marethari's First, was not what one would call a very insightful woman, being prone to acting first rather than thinking first. Still, she was only chosen for her great magical talent, and Marethari hoped to straighten her out in due time.

"For now, it's the safest place compared to the rest of Ferelden," Said Marethari, "It's quiet and isolated, and few if any outsiders pass by here."

"But the mountains are cold and unforgiving, and we've barely stocked enough provisions for the journey," Said Ioranni, "And why say that when there are clearly signs of travelers along the paths we've travelled?"

"Because these travelers come not from outside the Mountains but within," Said Marethari, "And they have many Dalish Elves among their number; they'll welcome us."

"Our Clan and the others?" Ioranni questioned, looking at the long column of Dalish Elves behind them.

"There aren't many other places we can go anyways, given the chaotic situation on the ground," Said Marethari, "And I doubt the Dwarves have the space and resources to accommodate us."

Ioranni nodded, though she was visibly displeased.

"Keeper, when you said there would be a sanctuary for us all, I did not imagine that you were referring to the very stronghold of the Inquisition itself!" Ioranni exclaimed.

Many of the Dalish Elves were surprised at their destination, some even feeling slight trepidation at their possible treatment as they hotly whispered among themselves.

Alaras Surana rode out to meet them at the head of a column of Inquisition Guards, and he moved to shake hands with Marethari smilingly.

"It's been so long, little boy," Said Marethari warmly, "How we've missed you."

"I'm sure you have," Said Alaras, who looked at the trailing column behind her, "So this is all you managed to gather?"

"Yes, Alaras. Six thousand in total," Said Marethari, "I wish I could get more, but..."

"No need, this is plenty," Said Alaras.

Ioranni then chose to interject, saying, "And where are you going to house all of us, then? Clearly Skyhold is not big enough for all of us."

"Ioranni! Be quiet!" Marethari reprimanded.

Ioranni shut herself up, wincing at the harsh tone in Marethari's words.

"Forgive Ioranni, my First is rather headstrong," Said Marethari.

Alaras simply nodded, saying, "As with regards to settlement, I already have a solution. But first, I need you and Ioranni to follow me inside to the War Room."

"As you wish," Said Marethari.

2nd POV:

"Hold on, you're actually building new settlements into the mountains?" Asked Marethari.

"Less building new settlements and more reclaiming old ruins," You said, "According to Harding and the other scouts, there's a collection of old outposts dating back to the time of the Dwarven Empire, and Elven ruins from before the time of the Dales. We didn't find much in the way of old arcane arts or technology, but it's empty space waiting to be used."

"Are you serious?" Said Ioranni, "I beg your pardon, Lord Inquisitor, but you brought us here to recolonize abandoned ruins?"

"Yes, because with how unstable Ferelden really is, it will be weeks before I can bring it fully under control, and I want the Inquisition to have a strong power base of its own," You said, "I don't trust the politicians of Ferelden and Orlais to do their job, and for that reason I want us to have the bargaining power at the negotiating people."

"What do you expect? They're Human nobles," Said Ioranni.

"Ioranni, that's enough," Said Marethari.

Ioranni nodded and went silent.

"Disregarding her attitude, she does bring up a valid point," You said, "I cannot trust the majority of them to have the interests of their people at heart above their own, such is the nature of politicians."

"I see," Said Marethari, "Ioranni, please leave us. I have something to discuss with Alaras in private."

Ioranni nodded and left, and both you and Marethari were left alone.

"Between you and me, I plan to forcibly conquer Ferelden and subjugate it for the Inquisition," You said.

"That's... very ambitious and daring," Said Marethari, "Are you sure about this?"

"We Elves have always been treated as the bottom rung for too long, but frankly it's not just because the Humans are generally taught to do so, we Dalish have become too divided to truly represent a united front," You said, "Yet to truly achieve a home for us all, we simply have to work with the other races for our mutual benefit, and we as both a people and species must unify under one leader."

"There are many Clans who would chafe at the thought," Marethari warned, "I've met many Keepers over the years, and some have developed fanatically independent mindsets, while others have become downright intolerable. You'll have your work cut out for you."

"I know, but isn't that half the fun?" You said smilingly.

"Huh, glad to see you've never lost that side of you," Said Marethari.