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The banter continued as they finished their meal and made final preparations to leave. When the time came to mount up, Daniel found himself surprisingly reluctant. The Hinterlands had been their proving ground, the place where they'd truly begun to function as a team. Whatever awaited them in Haven would be different—more politics, more responsibility, more eyes watching the so-called Herald of Andraste.
Daniel turned to Lieutenant Arens, who was overseeing a group of workers unloading stone blocks from a wagon. The lieutenant straightened as Daniel approached, wiping sweat from his brow with the back of his hand.
"Lieutenant," Daniel said, keeping his voice low so as not to disrupt the bustling activity around them. "While you oversee the watchtower construction, make sure the soldiers continue regular patrols of the area. The last thing we need is bandits or rogue templars disrupting the work."
Arens nodded sharply. "Understood, Herald. I'll rotate shifts so the men stay fresh but keep the perimeter secure."
Daniel hesitated, then added, "And if the Crossroads requests additional soldiers, send a few—but not too many. We can't leave the watchtowers unprotected, and I don't want to spread our forces too thin."
Arens gave a knowing smirk. "Ah, so you've noticed how the refugees keep finding reasons to 'borrow' our men too. Don't worry, I'll handle it. They'll get enough help to stay safe, but not enough to make them dependent."
Daniel clapped him on the shoulder. "Good man."
With final instructions given, Daniel rejoined his companions at the edge of the camp where their horses waited. Max stamped his hooves impatiently, clearly eager to be on the move again.
Cassandra adjusted the straps on her saddle before mounting. "Where to first? Straight to Haven?"
Daniel swung himself onto Max's back, gathering the reins. "No, we'll stop by the Crossroads on the way. I want to check on the refugees before we leave the Hinterlands."
Varric groaned as he hauled himself onto his own horse. "Of course. Because nothing says 'quick trip home' like detouring through the most crowded, chaotic place in the region."
Solas, already mounted, arched a brow. "If you prefer, Master Tethras, you could always wait here and assist with the construction efforts."
Varric shot him a glare. "Nice try, Chuckles. But if I'm choosing between blisters from hammering nails and blisters from saddle sores, I'll take the horse."
With that, they set off, the sounds of construction fading behind them as they followed the dirt path toward the Crossroads. The journey was peaceful, the late morning sun warming their backs as they rode. The landscape had changed subtly since their first arrival—fewer signs of immediate danger, more farmers working their fields, even the occasional trader's cart moving along the road. It wasn't prosperity yet, but it was stability, and that was a start.
Daniel took the weathered letter from Varric, carefully unfolding the creased parchment. The moment his fingers brushed the paper, his interface flickered to life:
[50 EXP Gained - Letter Discovered]
As he read the contents aloud, Varric leaned against a nearby tree, arms crossed. "Found it tucked in the pocket of some poor bastard's coat up on that hill where we dug out the third shard. Figured it might be worth a look, given our luck with mysterious notes."
Cassandra frowned. "Bear claws? What could anyone want with those in such quantity?"
Solas, ever the scholar, stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Certain alchemical recipes call for bear claws as binding agents. There are also... darker rituals that utilize them."
Varric whistled. "Cheery thought. So we've got dead hunters, mysterious shards, and now someone collecting bear parts for Maker-knows-what. This just keeps getting better."
Daniel folded the letter carefully, tucking it into his belt pouch. "We'll look into it after we return from Haven. If there's some scheme involving these bear claws, we should investigate it."
The Crossroads had transformed since their first arrival. What had once been a desperate refugee camp under constant threat now bustled with organized activity. Makeshift tents had been replaced with sturdier structures, and the central square was alive with merchants hawking their wares instead of frightened refugees huddling for safety. The oppressive tension that had hung over the place was gone, replaced by cautious optimism.
Daniel dismounted Max, taking in the changes as his boots hit the packed earth of the main thoroughfare. "This looks... good," he remarked, surprised at the difference.
Varric swung down from his horse with considerably less grace. "Yeah, well, turns out people stop trying to kill each other when you remove the templars and mages shooting fireballs at everything that moves." He gestured to the distant hills where both faction strongholds now flew Inquisition banners. "Nothing like a little regime change to encourage good behavior."
Cassandra scanned the crowd, her brow furrowing. "Mother Giselle isn't here."
A passing chantry priest overheard and paused. "You seek the Revered Mother? She departed for Haven three days past. Said her presence was needed more there."
Daniel exchanged glances with his companions. Mother Giselle wouldn't have left without good reason—not when she'd been so dedicated to helping the refugees here. "Did she say why?"
The priest shook his head. "Only that she'd received word from your Lady Montilyet. Something about preparing for your return."
Solas's eyes narrowed slightly. "Interesting timing, given Cullen's summons."
Varric clapped his hands together. "Well, this is all very mysterious and foreboding. Can we at least get some food before we ride off to whatever doom awaits us in Haven?"
Daniel chuckled despite his growing unease. "We should check in with the local scouts first. See if there's anything else we need to know before we leave the Hinterlands."
As they made their way through the settlement, the difference was even more apparent up close. Children laughed as they chased each other between tents, their faces no longer pinched with hunger. A group of women worked at a communal oven, the smell of fresh bread filling the air. Nearby, a blacksmith repaired farming tools while singing off-key to himself.
The Inquisition scouts had set up their command post near what remained of the old chantry—now being rebuilt with fresh timber. A grizzled veteran named Rylen looked up from his maps as they approached.
"Herald," he greeted with a crisp salute. "Good timing. We've had reports you should hear before you leave."
Daniel leaned over the map table. "What kind of reports?"
Rylen pointed to several marked locations northwest of the Crossroads. "Templar remnants mostly, though they're more bandit than holy warrior now. But there's something else." He tapped a spot near the river. "Hunters have been going missing in this area. Three in the last week alone."
Varric's eyebrows shot up. "Let me guess—they were all hunting bears?"
The scout looked surprised. "How did you—?"
Daniel pulled the letter from his pouch. "We found this on a body near one of the shard sites. Someone named Jasker was sending hunters after bear claws. Big ones."
Rylen's expression darkened. "That fits. The missing hunters were all experienced trackers, the kind who'd go after dangerous game." He rubbed his chin.
Cassandra's hand rested on her sword hilt. "We should investigate this before we leave."
Daniel considered. Between Cullen's urgent summons and Mother Giselle's unexpected departure, whatever awaited them in Haven was clearly important. But people were disappearing here now.
"We'll send a squad to secure the area and post warnings," he decided.
Varric nodded approvingly. "Finally, someone with priorities. I was starting to think we'd be hunting bears next."
Rylen saluted again. "I'll organize patrols to keep people away from that area until you return."
As they left the command post, the sun was beginning its descent toward the horizon. The Crossroads took on a golden hue in the late afternoon light, the sounds of rebuilding and recovery creating a hopeful hum in the air.
Daniel paused, taking it all in. They'd done this. The Inquisition had brought stability to this place. It wasn't perfect—there were still threats, still mysteries like the missing hunters—but it was progress.
Cassandra came to stand beside him. "You're thinking we should stay."
He sighed. "Part of me wants to. But you're right—Haven can't wait. Whatever's happening there is bigger than one missing hunter."
Solas joined them, his voice low. "The shards may hold the answer to both mysteries. Their power is... unusual."
Varric groaned. "And there goes my hope for a quiet ride home. Can't we just once have a simple trip from point A to point B without ancient mysteries or impending doom?"
Daniel clapped him on the shoulder. "Where's the fun in that?"
The Crossroads had transformed since their first chaotic arrival days ago. Where there had once been panicked refugees and the ever-present threat of violence, now stood a bustling, if still rough, settlement. The tents were sturdier, arranged in neat rows rather than haphazard clusters. A proper market had sprung up near the central firepit, with merchants hawking goods from makeshift stalls. Children played between the tents, their laughter a stark contrast to the fearful silence that had dominated before.
Daniel dismounted Max, taking in the changes with quiet satisfaction. The Inquisition banners fluttering from posts throughout the camp were more than just symbols—they represented real protection now. The destruction of the templar and mage strongholds in the region had sent a clear message: the Crossroads was under the Inquisition's wing, and attacking it meant facing their full wrath.
Varric stretched as he slid off his horse. "Well, this is a pleasant surprise. Last time we were here, I was picking arrowheads out of my coat."
Cassandra scanned the area with a critical eye. "The defenses still need work, but it's progress."
Solas nodded toward a group of soldiers patrolling the perimeter. "The people feel safe enough to rebuild their lives. That is no small thing."
Daniel approached a Chantry priest who was distributing bread to a line of refugees. The man looked up, his tired eyes widening slightly in recognition. "Herald! We didn't expect—"
"Where's Mother Giselle?" Daniel cut in gently. "I'd hoped to speak with her."
The priest's shoulders slumped slightly. "She left for Haven three days past. Said her presence was needed more there." He lowered his voice. "Truth be told, I think she went to advocate for more aid to be sent our way. We've stabilized, but winter is coming, and our stores..."
Daniel clasped the man's shoulder. "We'll see what we can do." He turned to his companions. "Let's make the rounds, see what else they might need before we head to Haven."
As they moved through the camp, the difference was even more apparent up close. Where before they'd been met with wary stares or desperate pleas, now people nodded respectfully or offered small smiles. A group of children even ran up to show Cassandra the wooden swords they'd carved, much to the Seeker's bemused approval.
At the healer's tent, they found the resident apothecary grinding herbs with renewed vigor. "Herald!" the elderly woman exclaimed. "Your soldiers brought those elfroot cuttings you promised. Already got half of them planted near the stream."
Daniel smiled. "Good. And the lyrium potions?"
"Arrived yesterday." She lowered her voice. "Though between you and me, some of the templar refugees still don't trust them. Think it's some mage trick."
Varric rolled his eyes. "Of course they do. Because nothing says 'evil plot' like free medicine."
Their tour complete, Daniel gathered his companions near the edge of camp. "It's better," he admitted. "But they're still barely getting by."
Cassandra nodded. "We'll report the situation to Josephine. Perhaps she can arrange more supply caravans."
Then the group made their way to the central cookfire where a stout woman with flour-dusted sleeves was ladling out bowls of thick stew to a line of refugees. The rich aroma of herbs and roasted meat made Daniel's stomach growl in anticipation.
"Ah, Herald!" the cook beamed as they approached. "Just in time. Got a fresh pot going—venison stew with wild onions and a bit of thyme. Not fancy, but it'll stick to your ribs."
Varric inhaled deeply. "After weeks of camp rations, this smells like a five-star Orlesian banquet."
They took their bowls and found a relatively quiet spot near the edge of the camp to eat. The stew was hearty, the meat tender, and the warmth of it spread through Daniel like a balm. Around them, the Crossroads hummed with life—children chasing each other between tents, merchants haggling over goods, soldiers sharing stories over their meals. It was still a refugee camp, still rough around the edges, but it was no longer a place of despair.
Cassandra ate with her usual efficiency, though Daniel noticed her pause to savor a particularly flavorful bite. "This is good," she admitted, sounding almost surprised.
Solas, who had been quietly observing the camp, turned his attention to his food. "It's remarkable what people can rebuild when given even a small measure of safety."
Daniel nodded, watching a group of children present a bedraggled bouquet of wildflowers to one of the Inquisition soldiers. The gruff man accepted it with exaggerated solemnity, tucking one of the flowers into his belt to the children's delight.
As they finished their meal, the sun began its slow descent toward the horizon, painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson. Daniel stretched, working out the stiffness from days of riding and fighting. "We should get moving if we want to make decent progress before dark."
Varric groaned but didn't argue. "Right, right. Back in the saddle. My backside's going to be permanently dented at this rate."
They returned their bowls to the cook, who pressed a wrapped bundle into Daniel's hands. "For the road," she said with a wink. "Some bread and dried meat. Can't have the Herald of Andraste going hungry, now can we?"
Daniel thanked her and led the way back to where their horses were tethered. Max greeted him with a soft nicker, nudging his shoulder as if asking why they'd taken so long.
Cassandra checked her saddlebags with practiced efficiency before mounting. "If we keep a steady pace, we should reach the old Imperial Highway by nightfall. From there, it's a straight shot to Haven."
Solas swung onto his mare with effortless grace. "And what of the shards we carry? If what we saw today is any indication, we may not be the only ones seeking them."
Daniel secured the pack containing the mysterious artifacts, making sure it was tightly fastened to Max's saddle. "We'll keep watch in shifts while we travel. No fires once we make camp."
Varric patted Bianca affectionately before stowing her. "Nothing like the threat of mysterious attackers to make a journey more exciting."
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.
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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