DAI: Becoming The Inquisitor

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Daniel hesitated, wanting to say more—to offer something, anything—but the steel in Leliana's gaze warned him against pushing further. With a quiet nod, he turned away, leaving her standing alone beneath the fractured sky.

The fading light of dusk painted they sky as Daniel went back to his cabin, then when he went inside to his cabin, he methodically checked his gear. The Staff of the Dragon lay across his lap, its polished wood gleaming in the candlelight as he ran his fingers along the intricate carvings, ensuring every rune was intact. The Light Armor of the Dragon rested on a stand nearby, its reinforced leather and scaled plating meticulously cleaned and oiled.

He was tightening the straps on his bracers when a firm knock echoed through the small space.

Daniel set the bracer aside and crossed to the door, pulling it open to reveal Cassandra standing at the threshold, her posture rigid as always. Behind her, Varric leaned against the cabin wall with his usual smirk, while Solas lingered a few steps back, his expression unreadable in the dim light.

"We need to discuss our approach for Val Royeaux," Cassandra said without preamble, her dark eyes flickering over the scattered gear inside his cabin. "May we come in?"

Daniel stepped aside, gesturing them in. "I was just preparing for tomorrow."

Varric whistled low as he entered, eyeing the armor. "What a nice threads. Even thought I has look at it many time, it's still a good looking armor."

"It's practical," Daniel countered, though the corner of his mouth twitched. "And it was a gift."

Solas moved to examine the staff, his long fingers hovering just above the wood without touching. "The craftsmanship is impressive. The dragon motif is...unexpected for Dalish make."

"It is Dalish," Daniel admitted. "It was a gift from my family when I left the clan to go join the Conclave."

Cassandra cleared her throat, clearly impatient with the small talk. She pulled out a folded map from her belt and spread it across Daniel's small table, weighing down the corners with a dagger, a inkwell, and two stray arrows. "Val Royeaux won't be like the Hinterlands. We need to be prepared."

Varric leaned over the map, tracing a path with his finger. "First rule of Orlais: everything's a game, especially when it looks serious."

Solas folded his arms. "And the Grand Cathedral will be the stage for a particularly dangerous performance."

Daniel studied the map, noting the marked positions of chantry guards and potential escape routes Leliana's scouts had annotated. "So what's the play?"

Cassandra tapped the cathedral square. "We arrive quietly. No fanfare, no armed escort beyond ourselves. The moment we're seen as a threat, we lose any chance of convincing the clerics."

"Which brings us to problem number one," Varric interjected. "You." He pointed at Daniel. "Hard to be inconspicuous when you're the glowing-handed and dalish elf Herald everyone's talking about."

Solas tilted his head. "An illusion could mask the mark temporarily, but it would require constant concentration."

Daniel flexed his hand, the green glow pulsing faintly. "I'm not hiding it. If they want to see the Herald, they'll see the Herald."

Cassandra's lips pressed into a thin line. "That may provoke—"

"That's exactly why it might work," Varric cut in. "Right now, everyone's heard stories but few have actually seen you. If you walk in calm and collected, not some raging prophet, it undercuts their fear."

Solas nodded slowly. "A fair point. Perception is as powerful as reality in Orlais."

Cassandra exhaled through her nose but didn't argue. Instead, she pointed to another section of the map. "Regardless, we should avoid the market district initially. Leliana's reports suggest templar sympathizers have been stirring up trouble there."

Daniel frowned. "You think they'd attack openly?"

"In Orlais? No." Varric smirked. "They'll hire 'concerned citizens' to throw rotten fruit and call it spontaneous outrage."

Solas' voice was quiet but firm. "We must also consider the possibility that this is a trap. The templars have every reason to remove the Herald before he can gain more support."

A heavy silence settled over the group. Outside, the wind howled against the cabin walls, a reminder of the storm brewing beyond Haven's fragile peace.

Finally, Daniel straightened. "Then we watch each other's backs. Cassandra, you take point with the clerics—they'll respect your standing. Varric, keep an ear to the ground for any whispers we should know about. Solas, if you sense any magical traps or illusions..."

"I will deal with them," Solas finished.

Cassandra studied Daniel for a long moment, then gave a single nod. "This isn't a mission we can win with swords alone."

Varric chuckled, patting Bianca. "Good thing we're bringing a crossbow, then."

Daniel's fingers tapped a thoughtful rhythm against the edge of the map as he considered his next words carefully. The candlelight flickered across his face, casting shifting shadows that mirrored the uncertainty in his mind.

"There's something we haven't properly considered," he began, meeting each of their gazes in turn. "Why choose between the templars and mages at all? If we're going to Val Royeaux anyway, shouldn't we try to reach out to both factions' leaders?"

The reaction was immediate. Cassandra's shoulders tensed, her jaw setting in that familiar stubborn line. Varric let out a low whistle, while Solas' eyebrows arched slightly—the closest the elf ever came to showing surprise.

Cassandra was the first to break the silence. "That's...not how this conflict works, Daniel. The templars and mages have been at each other's throats for years. After the Conclave explosion—"

"Which neither side caused," Daniel interrupted gently. "We know that. They don't." He straightened, gesturing toward the window where the Breach pulsed ominously in the twilight sky. "That thing up there? It's not a templar problem or a mage problem. It's everyone's problem. What if we could make them see that?"

Varric rubbed his chin. "Kid's got a point. Nothing like an apocalyptic sky-hole to make old grudges seem petty."

Solas folded his arms, his voice measured. "An intriguing thought, but logistically problematic. The templars are now at Val Royeaux, and the mages—"

"Are holed up in Redcliffe, last we heard," Cassandra finished. Then she paused, considering. "Though...there are rumors some high-ranking members of both factions have been spotted in Val Royeaux recently. Seeking Chantry support, most likely."

Daniel seized on the opening. "Exactly. If we could arrange meetings—separately at first—we might find common ground." He turned to Solas. "You've studied the Breach more than anyone. Would having both templar and mage assistance increase our chances?"

Solas didn't hesitate. "Undoubtedly. Templar abilities could stabilize the Fade energy, while mages provide the raw power needed for the counter-spell. Together?" He gave a rare, small smile. "The synergy would be...considerable."

Cassandra began pacing the cramped cabin, her boots scuffing against the wooden floor. "Even if we could arrange this—which is a monumental 'if'—you're talking about convincing two groups who've been trying to exterminate each other to suddenly work together."

"Not suddenly," Daniel corrected. "Reluctantly. Temporarily. Just long enough to save the world." He offered a wry smile. "I hear that's a compelling argument."

Varric barked a laugh. "I like this plan. It's gloriously insane." He leaned forward, elbows on knees. "Here's how we play it—we use the Herald's shiny new celebrity status. Get the clerics talking, then let word spread that you're willing to hear out both sides. The key is making it seem like their idea to approach us."

Solas nodded slowly. "A sound strategy. Pride often overcomes prejudice when one believes they're gaining an advantage."

Cassandra stopped pacing, her expression torn between skepticism and reluctant hope. "This could backfire spectacularly. If we're seen as playing both sides..."

"Then we're no worse off than we are now," Daniel pointed out. "But if it works? We get double the resources, double the expertise." He met Cassandra's gaze squarely. "Isn't that worth trying?"

The silence stretched as Cassandra weighed the risks. Outside, the wind howled around the cabin's eaves, an eerie counterpoint to the crackling fire. Finally, she exhaled sharply.

"Very well. But we proceed cautiously." She began pointing at locations on the map. "Varric, your contacts in the Merchant's Guild might know which taverns the mages frequent. Solas, the elven alienage often shelters rebel mage sympathizers—you could make discreet inquiries there."

Daniel blinked. "Wait, you're actually agreeing to this?"

Cassandra's lips quirked in what might have been a smile. "Against my better judgment, yes. But make no mistake—this will require careful maneuvering. The moment either faction suspects we're playing mediator..."

"Oh, they'll lose their collective shit," Varric finished cheerfully. "Which is why we don't let them find out until it's too late to back out and of course if they want to listen to us first."

Solas moved to examine the map more closely. "There's another consideration. If we succeed in bringing both parties to the table, we'll need neutral ground for negotiations. Somewhere outside Val Royeaux proper."

Daniel snapped his fingers. "Well here at Haven. It's remote enough to prevent surprises, but fortified enough to ensure safety."

"Assuming Cullen can keep the templar recruits and mage refugees from killing each other in the meantime," Cassandra muttered. Then, louder: "This is madness. But...perhaps the kind of madness we need."

Daniel's hands spread across the map, fingers tracing the distance between Val Royeaux and Haven as if measuring the impossible gulf between war and peace. The firelight caught the green pulse of his mark, casting eerie shadows across the parchment.

"I'd rather spend a month stopping templars and mages from killing each other," he said quietly, "than one more day watching demons pour through the Breach." He looked up, meeting each of their eyes in turn. "If there's even a chance we can get their leaders to meet with us—first separately, then together here at Haven—we have to try."

Varric leaned back in his chair until the wood creaked in protest. "You're talking about playing peacemaker to a war that's been brewing for centuries, kid. The Divine couldn't manage it at the Conclave, and she had the Chantry's full backing."

"And look how that turned out," Daniel countered, his thumb brushing over the map's depiction of the ruined temple. The gesture wasn't lost on any of them.

Solas, who had been silent for several minutes, steepled his fingers. "There is precedent. During the Storm Age, warring Tevinter magisters temporarily united when the first Blight threatened Minrathous itself." A wry twist touched his lips. "Of course, they resumed trying to assassinate one another the moment the archdemon was slain."

Cassandra made a frustrated noise in her throat. "So even if we succeed, it would only be a temporary solution?"

"Isn't that better than no solution at all?" Daniel pushed away from the table to pace the cramped cabin. "We don't need them to like each other. We just need them to point their weapons at the Breach instead of each other long enough for us to seal it."

The wind rattled the shutters, a reminder of the unnatural storm still churning above them. Somewhere in the distance, a recruit shouted orders—Cullen drilling the new soldiers late into the night.

Varric scratched his chin. "Alright, say we pull this off. How do you propose getting the templars' leadership and the mages' leadership in the same room without bloodshed?"

"Very carefully," Daniel deadpanned. Then, more seriously: "Separate quarters at opposite ends of Haven. Templar and mage guards kept to strict numbers. Neutral ground for negotiations—maybe the Chantry? And we'd need..."

"Full security sweeps," Cassandra picked up the thread, her tactical mind engaging despite her reservations. "No weapons at the negotiation table. Templars stationed far enough away that their anti-magic fields won't interfere, but close enough to intervene if..." She trailed off.

"If the mages decide to turn us all into toads?" Varric supplied helpfully.

Solas gave him a flat look. "Transmogrification requires significantly more preparation than—"

"Not the point, Chuckles."

Daniel rubbed his temples. "We'd need Leliana's people vetting every attendee. Josephine handling the formal invitations and protocols. Cullen coordinating the security details." He exhaled sharply. "It's a logistical nightmare."

"But possible," Cassandra conceded grudgingly. "If—and this is a very large if—we can first convince both parties to entertain the notion."

Solas tilted his head. "The key will be presenting it as mutually beneficial rather than a concession. The templars crave order; the mages desire agency. If we frame this as both sides gaining something..."

"Then neither has to admit they're compromising," Daniel finished. He returned to the table, tapping the map. "First step: Val Royeaux. We identify and make contact with ranking members from both factions. Feel them out separately."

Varric grinned. "Ah, the classic 'accidentally' running into them at a tavern approach. Works every time."

"More likely we'll need formal introductions," Cassandra said. "They won't deign to meet with us in some back alley."

Daniel nodded. "Which is why we start with the clerics. Their blessing—or at least their neutrality—gives us legitimacy. From there..." He trailed off, realizing the enormity of what he was proposing.

Varric clapped him on the shoulder. "Don't worry, kid. If this goes south, we'll just tell everyone it was my idea. I've got a reputation for terrible plans to maintain."

The tension in the room eased slightly. Even Cassandra's stern expression softened at the edges.

Solas studied Daniel with new interest. "You understand this may fail spectacularly."

"I do."

"And yet you still wish to try?"

Daniel met his gaze squarely. "If we don't at least attempt peace now, when the world is literally breaking apart, then when?"

The fire popped, sending up a shower of sparks. Outside, the wind carried the distant sound of laughter—some of the mage refugees and templar recruits sharing a drink together, oblivious to the centuries of bloodshed between their orders. A small, fragile hope.

Cassandra straightened abruptly. "Very well. Tomorrow we ride for Val Royeaux. We'll approach the clerics first, as planned." She fixed Daniel with a look. "But the moment either faction shows signs of violence—"

"We retreat and reassess," Daniel agreed. "I'm not looking to get anyone killed."

Varric raised an imaginary glass. "To glorious diplomacy, then. May it be slightly less painful than a crossbow bolt to the knee."

Daniel exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck as he considered the implications of their plan. The firelight flickered across his face, highlighting the exhaustion in his features. "Before we set anything in stone," he said, turning to Cassandra, "we should run this by Leliana, Cullen, and Josephine. I don't want to ambush them with this when we return from Val Royeaux—not if there's even a chance it could work."

Cassandra nodded, her expression shifting from reluctant strategist to something more resolute. "You're right. If we're going to attempt something this... ambitious, we need their insights. Especially Josephine's—she'll know how to frame it in a way that doesn't make us look like we're playing both sides."

Varric smirked. "Ah yes, because nothing says 'trustworthy peacemaker' like a clandestine meeting with two factions actively trying to murder each other."

Solas, ever the pragmatist, added, "Leliana's network will also be crucial. If we're to approach the templars and mages separately, we need to know who among them might be receptive—and who would see this as an opportunity for betrayal."

Daniel pushed himself away from the table. "Then let's not waste time. Cassandra, you should speak with Cullen—he'll need to prepare Haven if we're going to host negotiations. I'll find Josephine and Leliana."

Cassandra hesitated, then gave a firm nod. "Agreed. But we present this as a *possibility*, not a certainty. We still need to see how Val Royeaux reacts to us first."

"Of course," Daniel said. "One step at a time."

Josephine was exactly where Daniel expected to find her—buried under a mountain of correspondence in her office, her quill flying across parchment with practiced efficiency. She looked up as he entered, her dark eyes sharp despite the late hour.

"Herald," she said, setting down her quill. "I wasn't expecting you. Is everything all right?"

Daniel closed the door behind him. "We've been discussing an idea. One that might require your expertise."

Josephine arched a delicate brow. "That sounds either promising or deeply concerning."

"A bit of both," he admitted, taking the seat across from her. He laid out their plan—approaching both the templars and mages in Val Royeaux, feeling out their leadership, and, if possible, bringing them to Haven for negotiations.

Josephine listened without interruption, her fingers steepled in front of her lips. When he finished, she exhaled slowly. "It's... bold."

"That's one word for it," Daniel said dryly.

She tapped her quill against the desk. "The logistics alone would be a nightmare. Safe passage for both delegations, neutral terms of discussion, assurances that neither side will use this as an opportunity to strike..."

"But is it possible?"

Josephine leaned back, considering. "With the right framing, yes. If we present this as a temporary alliance—not a peace treaty, but a ceasefire with a singular goal—then perhaps." She frowned. "The templars will be the harder sell. The Lord Seeker has been... uncompromising, to say the least."

"Which is why we need Leliana's input," Daniel said. "Do you know where she is?"

Josephine gestured toward the door. "Last I saw, she was in the rookery. I'll draft some preliminary talking points while you speak with her."

The rookery was quiet, save for the occasional flutter of raven wings. Leliana stood by the window, her hood drawn up against the cold, staring out at the Breach. She didn't turn as Daniel approached.

"You've been busy," she said, her voice calm but edged with something unreadable.

Daniel crossed his arms, leaning against the stone railing beside her. "Cassandra told you?"

"A bird did," Leliana replied, her lips quirking slightly. Then, more seriously, "It's a dangerous gamble."

"Is it worse than doing nothing?"

She finally turned to look at him, her piercing gaze assessing. "No. But that doesn't make it safe."

Daniel exhaled. "I know. But if there's even a chance we can get them to stand together long enough to close the Breach..."

Leliana studied him for a long moment before nodding. "I'll see what my agents can uncover. There are whispers that not all the templars agree with the Lord Seeker's methods. And the mages... well, they're desperate. Desperation makes people unpredictable."

"That's what I'm counting on," Daniel said.

She gave him a faint, knowing smile. "Just be prepared for it to backfire spectacularly."

Cassandra found Cullen on the training grounds, overseeing the night drills. He dismissed the recruits with a sharp command before turning to her, his expression guarded.

"You look like you're about to deliver bad news," he said.

Cassandra crossed her arms. "Not bad. Just... complicated."

She laid out the plan. Cullen listened in silence, his grip tightening on the pommel of his sword. When she finished, he let out a long breath.

"You realize this could go wrong in a dozen different ways."

"I do."

He rubbed his temple. "If we're to host both factions here, I'll need to double the patrols. Separate quarters, staggered training times, strict rules on weapons..."

Cassandra nodded. "Daniel knows the risks. But he believes it's worth trying."

Cullen's jaw worked. "I don't like it. But if there's a chance..." He sighed. "I'll start preparing. But if things turn violent—"

"We pull back immediately," Cassandra finished. "Agreed."

They reconvened in the war room an hour later. Josephine had already covered the table with new missives and maps, her quill scratching notes in the margins. Leliana stood by the window, her arms crossed, while Cullen paced near the door, his armor clinking with each step.

Daniel took a deep breath. "So?"

Josephine spoke first. "It's risky, but with careful negotiation, possible."

Leliana added, "My agents will scout for potential allies in both factions. But we must be prepared for betrayal."

Cullen's voice was gruff. "Haven isn't a fortress. If this goes badly, we'll be overrun."

Cassandra crossed her arms. "Then we make sure it doesn't go badly."

Daniel looked at each of them in turn. "Then we're agreed? We try?"

A pause. Then, one by one, they nodded.

Josephine smiled faintly. "To peacemaking, then. May it be less bloody than war."

Daniel exhaled. Let's hope so.

The stage was set. Tomorrow, they rode for Val Royeaux—and whatever awaited them there.

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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