Chapter Text
Night had fallen over skyhold, what was left of the sun reflected over the snow capped mountains and bled into the horizon. Lydia slowly walked towards herald’s rest, letting herself stop and take in the beauty of her now home. “Inquisitor!” The familiar voice carried through the courtyard. Lydia spun to greet her ally and dear friend.
“Blackwall! How have you been?”
“Well enough. Bull said he would meet me for drinks, I take it that is where you are headed as well?"
“I suppose I am now, if you don't mind the intrusion.” Lydia said, not wanting to be rude.
“How could I say no to the woman who is saving the damned world?” Blackwall reassured her with a smile.
Blackwall and Lydia had entered through the doors of the busy tavern, the smell of booze and cooked meat made the air heavy and warm, candles flickered, filling the tavern with a soft orange light, throughout every corner Lydia could see people gathered, laughing, talking, sharing stories. But behind the joy and freindliness there was also sorrow, a feeling that had become a constant since the breach. She could see families mourning, veteran soldiers who were wounded and terrified, and right beside them new recruits who felt the pressures of war now weighing down on them. I haven't done anything Lydia thought. People are dying and I'm sitting on my ass playing politician. Behind her, she could feel blackwalls hand rest on her shoulder for a short moment, providing comfort before she got lost in the guilt.
“Lets go find the bull, Lydia”
he spoke in a kind and deeply understanding tone.
“Boss! Blackwall!”
bull’s booming voice carried through the tavern he stood, giant hands already carrying a cask of ativan wine for them.
“Sit! We have much to discuss!”
About an hour passed, many drinks had been had and the Iron Bull was engaging in one of his fantastical stories
“The trees were walking, Blackwall. If you can believe this, how do you believe all the crap the wardens tell!”
Bull jokingly remarked.
“The wardens* aren't a group of random people you find on the street.”
after saying that aloud Lydia could see Blackwall knew that was a lie, but he kept up arguing anyways.
“The chargers, though respectable fighters, could say anything!”
Bull kept quiet, even though Lydia could tell Blackwall would never hear the end of it later. “Boss?”
Bull turned to Lydia, changing the topic entirely. “What ended up happening to that dragon in the mountains? Hakkon, right?”
“We will get to him eventually, bull, our priority lies in finding corypheus, I hav-”
“mhm fine.” Bull cut her off, clearly disappointed.
Comfortable Silence settled across their table. Blackwall chose to start the conversation again.
“Lydia, What is your plan after this is all done?”
He asked. Lydia sighed, she really hadn't thought about it, running around half a thedas doesn't give one much time to think about the future.
“I plan on disbanding the inquisition, if my help is needed I will do it personally. Josie has offered to let me live with her and her family in Antiva. I think I would like that.”
Lydia smiled fondly thinking of her beloved Josephine, though she cherished this time with her friends her heart ached to be with her. Before she let her mind wander towards other places, the bull interjected.
“Antiva hm? But Josephine? I didn't know you two were that close. Though I guess I can't be surprised, with the way you have been looking at her.”
Bull said with a smug grin on his face.
“And I wouldn't be surprised if you went all the way to Tevinter, with the way you have been looking at Dorian."
Lydia said back, smiling through her mug. The Bull let out a thunderous laugh.
“You aren't wrong kadan*! Tevinter might be calling me, only if he follows*! The things we do for love, eh, boss?”
“And you Blackwall? How do you think things will fair with the wardens?” Lydia asked.
“You never know. If I'm lucky, I will survive the joining and hopefully help those who need me. Just continue what I am already doing I suppose, under another banner.” Blackwall said with a soft smile.
The night carried on, Lydia grew tired and longed to fall asleep alongside her love. Yet knowing Josie, she likely had mountains of work that would keep her up until the early hours of the morning, despite Lydia’s best efforts. The end of the world waits for no one, I suppose. Lydia thought while climbing the steps towards her room. Shutting the door behind her.