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Title: Following Commands
Author: AllForFire
Game: Dragon Age: Inquisition
Pairing/Characters: Female Qunari Inquisitor Mhyrra Adaar/ Sera (Though it isn't the primary focus of this particular piece.), Roxanne Hawke, All of the Companions.
Disclaimer: Dragon Age characters, settings, and all in-game dialogue property of Bioware. I only own my Hawke, Roxanne, and my wonderful Inquisitor, Mhyrra.^^
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The group traversed through Crestwood at a hasty pace, doom and gloom the order of the day everywhere they looked.

“Excuse me.” Mhyrra stopped a passer-by. “Where might we find whomever is in charge around here?”

The man appeared momentarily stunned by the address, but his general state of despair proved an effective ward against potential awe, and he answered in a dull tone.

“Mayor’s office, top o’ the stairs, overlookin’ the whole village. Can’t miss it.”

“Our thanks, sir.” Mhyrra nodded.

A hop, skip and a knock later, Mayor Gregory Dedrick felt his face slacken as he opened his door to come face-to-sternum with the tallest woman he had ever seen, before lifting his gaze up at her bemused expression.

“The Inquisition caught wind that you good folk have a rather severe pest problem of an undead nature. How can we help?”

The gates of Caer Bronach exploded open, pieces slamming against the fort’s wall and ground, and blasting the bandits behind them off their feet.

“Surprise, piss-bags! No one expects the Inquisition!”

The taunt rang out just before arrows, bolts and blades began bounding in every direction, cutting down every bandit after brigand in their wake.

“Was that really the best you could come up with?” Dorian quipped as they sped across the walkway atop the dam.

“Shut it. Didn’t hear you lot comin’ up with anythin’ better!” Sera snapped.

“You could’ve gone with the classic ‘twisted knock-knock joke’.” Hawke chimed in.

Cole perked up. “Knock-”

“Not now, kid.” Varric sighed good-naturedly.

No one dared look, but just the thought of Cole pouting made Mhyrra loose a small laugh as she pushed open the door to where the dam controls were housed.

It promptly died as the twin gasps she heard within had her bear her staff forward, her companions bracing themselves similarly behind her.

“Who’s there? Show yourselves!”

From behind a stack of crates, two forms slowly stepped out. Two youths. A young man and a young woman. Both of whom blanched at the sight of so many hurty things pointed at them.

Mhyrra felt herself and her friends blink in unison as they lowered their weapons.

Slightly reassured that they were not about to be turned into mincemeat, the girl caught sight of the burning eye on Cassandra’s chest-plate, gasping once more.

“Maker, it’s the Inquisition!”

“Yes, indeed we are.” Mhyrra gestured to her group. “Here to right wrongs and save lives. As it is rather evident that you’re both from the village, my only question is: what in the name of Andraste are the two of you doing here?"

At this, they both gazed downwards, matching guilty blushes dusting across their cheeks.

The group stared. Hawke broke the silence.

“So you’re telling us that, in the middle of an undead scourge, you two snuck off, actually managed to sneak past all the bandits in the fort, and hide in here, all for a little ‘private time’?” Roxanne whistled lowly as she hoisted her hands to her hips and smirked lopsidedly. “One has to admit. That’s legitimately impressive.”

“And foolish.” Cassandra scolded harshly, crossing her arms as she glared at them. They understandably wilted.

“Aww loosen up, Cassie!” Sera cackled. She sauntered forward and slung her arm around the girl’s shoulder, leaning in conspiratorially. “Sooo…how was he?”

The girl flushed full red, but before she could begin sputtering, a light thwack rung out as Sera was lightly bopped on the head by Mhyrra’s staff.

“Behave, love.” Mhyrra admonished teasingly.

As Sera rubbed her head with a grin, Mhyrra turned to the nervous pair.

“You needn’t worry. None of us have any intention of telling on the two of you. Provided you head back immediately. It’s still a long way before ‘safe’ could be used to describe this region.”

They both nodded their thanks profusely, the girl even curtsying, before both of them scampered off.

“It is heartening, on some level, to see that even in such dark times, young love still finds still finds a way.” Dorian quipped merrily.

“Undoubtedly.” Mhyrra answered as she walked towards the turn-stone mechanism to control the dam. She braced herself against one of the four arms and began to push. Steadily and surely it turned as the metal clinked and grinded.

After a few seconds however, she paused, raising an angry stare at the lot of them.

“In case you’ve all forgotten, we’re in a bit of a hurry, so if some of you would be so generous as to lend a hand…”

Bull and Blackwall blinked, coughing abashedly as they took place at two other arms. Mhyrra turned to Cassandra.

“Well?”

Cassandra raised an eyebrow.

“You’re the human-shaped battering ram here, Cassandra! Now move your ass!”

Varric chuckled. Cassandra heaved her near-signature disgusted sigh, rolling her eyes as she took place at the final arm.

Mhyrra nodded. “One, two, three, push!”

As one, all four shoved forward, the mechanism now turning at a fast, fluid pace.

Barely ten seconds later, a resounding thud was heard as the sluice-gates were shut, the flow of water into the lake below halted.

“Alright, there we go. Draining of the lake: completed.” Mhyrra stated. “Now all that’s left is the ghost-town traversing, the cave spelunking and the Rift sealing!”

The roar boomed overhead just as they exited the door, looking up just in time to catch a good look at great leather wings beat overhead as a long neck craned a horned head to crow at the heavens, just before it vanished from view.

“…You forgot to add ‘deal with whatever random fit of insanity the world decides to throw at us’. In this case, dragon-slaying.” Hawke deadpanned.

“Now that’s the kind of random fit I can get behind!” Bull exclaimed, hefting up his axe.

Mhyrra sighed, rubbing her eyes. “One disaster at a time, everyone.” She resumed their pace forward. “For now the weather will keep it from giving the village too much trouble, so the order of affairs hasn’t changed. Purge the undead and the demons first, slay the dragon after.”

“And what then, I wonder? Rescue the damsel in distress?” Vivienne posed.

Everyone groaned.

Wet sand and mud plopping underfoot and rotting wood sprawling around them, Old Crestwood would have been silent as the grave, if only the corpses could remain buried rather than be raised by the handful of lesser demons still crawling about.

“Do spirits and demons truly not need to breathe?” Mhyrra asked as they made short work of them.

“I am uncertain. Truly the question has never been of much focus to me until now.” Solas answered.

They both looked at Cole, only to find him staring off intently.

“Cole? What’s wrong?” She asked.

He looked at her, before turning back and pointing. “There.”

She followed his direction, spotting the still-standing frame of a small shack, from which emanated a faint, eerie orange glow.

Mhyrra’s eyes narrowed as a strange feeling washed over her. She ordered the others to draw up behind her. “What is it?”

Cole remained silent for a moment, before he spoke quietly. “I don’t know. It just feels…familiar.”

Mhyrra found herself nodding the slightest. “I see. Approach with caution then.”

Carefully they all crept up to the shack, paused, then Mhyrra whirled into the empty doorway, staff at the ready.

Only to blink in surprise as she laid eyes on the glow’s source. Or rather, culprit.

A spirit, of that she was quite certain. No ordinary being of this plane of existence had their person tapper off into a wispy tendril from the waist down. Nor were they semi-translucent, orange and glowing, body shifting and shimmering each passing second. Said ‘body’ simply consisted of a torso, the slight pronunciation of the chest above the spectral ribs vaguely suggesting feminity. The face was similarly non-descript, barely enough features to get a rough sense of eye sockets that shined with burning light, and no physical mouth.

Yet the lack of mouth did not stop it from pointing and calling out at her the moment it spotted her, ‘eyes’ locking onto her immediately as if she’d been anticipating her.

“You! You there!”

And that voice confirmed that this was clearly a spirit that had not turned mindless, and that it was very much a she. Or at least saw fit to present itself as a she.

“I order you to tell me why nothing here heeds my commands!”

A very bossy she it seemed. Hearing the lack of clashing, the others slowly filed in to witness this singular scene, similarly transfixed for a moment.

“A lost spirit.” Solas was obviously the first to offer his voice. “This should-”

“Silence!” The spirit barked, focusing its burning gaze on him for a moment. “Let the other one talk.” Once more it focused intently on the Qunari woman in front of it.

Mhyrra’s eyes narrowed.

“You will not speak to my companions in such a way. And furthermore, this “other one” has a name, spirit. Mhyrra Adaar.” She intoned firmly, standing tall as she matched the smouldering stare.

This held for some seconds, until the spirit spoke again.

“Indeed you do. A strong name, a name you earned. I can hear it clear as bells, see it as the words are spoken and the Veil itself trembles.” Its tone was almost…proud. “A welcome sight in a world as decrepitly still as this!” The barking had returned.

A silvery brow quirked, but she put the thoughts aside for now.

“What, exactly, is so distressing to you about the real world?”

“It ignores me!” The spirit boomed. “I order the rocks to part, but they do not. I bid the sky draw close, and it stays still! I don’t know how you mortals stand it!”

Mhyrra tilted her head, then leaned towards Solas.

“Spirits are your expertise, Solas.”

“Then tell me why nothing here changes!” The spirit rounded on the bald elf immediately, oblivious to him being the very same person she’d impetuously ordered quiet moments before.

Solas did not even blink. “This realm follows different rules from the Fade.” He explained patiently. “Will alone cannot overcome what you see.”

“Then what’s the point of it?!” She pestered.

“A solid form is both shackle and strength.” He offered. “It affects more than you imagine.”

“If you doubt our words,” Mhyrra immediately added, “you’re not the first spirit in such a position we’ve encountered, nor would you be the first we’ve helped move past it somewhat.” She turned to Cole. “Maybe you can give it some guidance, Cole.”

The lad perked up, standing a bit straighter. “Maybe…” He moved to stand a bit behind Mhyrra as he spoke up to the other spirit in the room. “My name is-”

“Ugh. Compassion. Did I ask your name?” Said spirit spat with obvious disdain towards her fellow kin.

He immediately wilted, staring down. “Sorry…”

Everyone one else gazed in wonderment, however.

“So you ARE a Spirit of Compassion!” Mhyrra smiled, so did Solas, Dorian and Bull. “Well, at least that’s one question finally put to rest.”

“Huzzah…” Roxanne drawled wearily, Sera showing still showing similar wariness.

“So these two would claim.” Vivienne spoke up acidly. “That still leaves us the question as to the proper nature of this demon is.”

“Demon?” The spirit scoffed indignantly. “Those dolts who would suck this world dry? I am called to higher things.”

“Such as?” Mhyrra posed, genuinely curious. Besides, it’s not as though they could, in good conscience, let a wayward spirit roam around unchecked in times like these. “After all, I know that all powerful spirits represent something. Compassion.” A quick reassuring grin to Cole, who smiles weakly back, before returning forward.

“Justice.”

Varric unconsciously clenches his fist, face twisting as if he’d swallowed a shaved lemon whole.

“Wisdom.”

Solas inhales quietly, some sadness rising up, the pain of losing his friend to sheer idiocy still fresh.

“Valour…”

Here Mhyrra finally trails off, and the somewhat melancholic expression on her face gives her companions brief pause.

It shatters however when the spirit finally cuts her off with another scoff.

“Soft virtues, all. I am more. I am Command.” It spoke imperiously, drawing itself straighter and seeming to float a smidgeon higher.

“Or pomposity…” Solas muttered under his breath.

The spirit didn’t seem to hear him, her attention boring squarely into Mhyrra as her fiery eyes burned brighter, as if they were trying to burn right through her.

“What of you? I felt your coming. There is something alike in us.”

Quiet. Mhyrra does not flinch away from the spirit’s soul-searching stare.

“I’ve always strived to take command of my life’s course. To be the master of my fate, the captain of my soul. I became a mercenary, practically second-in-command since the moment I joined up. Not so terribly long ago, I was thrust into the command of a reborn order that is now this world’s best chance at peace. And here I am, leading those who would follow me and what I believe in to fight for their own fates.”

Her harlequin gaze burns just as bright as she takes a step closer, towering over the spectral torso.

“So yes, you could say that I’m quite familiar with concept of command.”

“I knew it!” The spirit seemed to become giddy, the thought alone almost boggling, never mind the sight of her ‘eyes’ lower lid curling up as if she were smiling. “Make your armies ready. Cleave to your loyal servants. You will need them all.”

Mhyrra’s eyes narrow, her left fist clenching as her Anchor flares to life.

Wham.

All blink, surprised as the sound of the back of Mhyrra’s left hand meeting the spirit’s ‘cheek’ rings out. Even the fires of Command’s eyes flicker as she recovers from the blow, no doubt stupefied that anything or anyone had actually dared to strike her, let alone that they had succeeded.

“The people who chose to follow me are my friends, you pompous windbag.” Mhyrra growls. “If not that, then they are my allies.

And if I ever arrive at the need to ‘march my armies’, it will be to defend and build. Not to conquer. Do I make myself clear?” She thunders down at the cowed wraith.

Command gazes up at the towering Qunari, before a dissonant calmness washes over her. Instead of answering, she lifts her right arm, floating higher to place her hand against Mhyrra’s heart.

Before anybody can react, a faint orange glow surrounds the two, ethereal golden motes wisping up from where their persons’ meet. It doesn’t last past a moment, as once more Mhyrra clenches her fist and the Anchor flashes, her eyes flaring green as Command is shoved back with the sound of a cannon blast.

“Myrri!” Sera shouts as she, Varric, Bull and Blackwall bring their weapons to bear.

Mhyrra raises her closed fist to order them to hold, not even turning away from the flickering form before her.

Command’s movement appear eerily human as she recovers, shaking her head as she puts a hand to her temple. When her gaze meets Mhyrra’s again, nothing but reflecting in the rekindled flames but that same bizarre sense of pride from earlier, her tone much calmer as she spoke again.

“You truly are a fascinating being, Adaar.” She spoke Mhyrra’s name with peculiar whimsy.

“Is that why you were trying to possess her?” Varric snarled.

“She wasn’t.” Mhyrra spoke, shocking them.

“But Myrri, it-”

“Sera, barring extraordinary exception, neither spirits nor demons can possess an unwilling host, at least not right off the bat.

Otherwise, why on Thedas do you think that demons bother spending so much time and effort trying to trick and sweet-talk those stupid enough to deal with them? Or that never accepting a demon’s bargain is the first thing Templars and the Circle teach mages? You’d think it would have sunk in from all the times you’ve heard Vivienne drone on about it.”

Sera and the others stall, registering that neither Vivienne nor any of the mages in the party, Cassandra or Cole had moved an inch, though all but the last still had their hands on their weapons.

“Oh yeah? Then wha’ was it tryin’ to do? Snag a free one?”

Command’s fires flickered again. “I do not even know what that means, nor do I wish to.”

She looked back at Mhyrra. “I merely wished to peer a bit deeper into what makes my dear acquaintance here tick. To see what it truly was that made her seem so…familiar. And I must say,” She held up her hand just as the last of the motes vanished into nothingness. “you truly intrigue me.”

“I’m flattered.” Mhyrra deadpanned. “But unfortunately, we are running low on time to deal with you, so perhaps we could simply cut to the chase as to why you haven’t gone back to the Fade already, if our world is so distressing to you?”

“I will not be denied.” The steel had returned to Command’s tone as she straightened herself. “I refuse to leave until something obeys my orders!”

Mhyrra couldn’t help but snort. “A woman of her principles. I suppose I can’t help but respect that.” She waved her hand out. “So, what? Say we were to accept helping you, what exactly would you have us do?”

“Find some poor hapless fool to serve as its vessel, no doubt.” Vivienne touted.

Command turned a disdainful gaze at her. “Hardly, fop. I shudder at the very thought of spending another moment in this nightmarish realm, especially if it is in the company of ghastly-dressed, slime-souled vermin such as you.”

Vivienne did nothing save curve her lips into a small scowl. Command ignored it entirely as she readdressed the Inquisitor.

“I have only one command. A creature made of rage had the gall to chase me across the lake. It now hides within the caverns below. Destroy it in my name, and be rewarded!”

Some were surprised, not expecting of such a seemingly righteous demand.

“A simple enough request.” Solas voiced everyone’s thought. “It is within our path, and the Rage Demon might threaten others as well.”

“Killing a demon is worthy of us at least.” Cassandra acknowledged begrudgingly, before she turned to Mhyrra. “But I would still exercise caution, Inquisitor. “Harmless” spirits do not always remain so.”

“Preaching into the choir, Seeker.” Roxanne ground out, Varric forming similar thoughts

“Nonsense. I am in control of my fate!” Command rebuked.

“I was not addressing-!” Cassandra gives up continuing, sighing noisily.

That got Mhyrra thinking, however.

“If we’re indeed to strike an agreement, it would only be right that both parties address each other by their proper names. You already know mine. What is yours?”

Command fire-flickered again, in an action that they were quickly beginning to equate to blinking.

“I have told you, I am Command.”

“No, that is what you are, not who.” Mhyrra cut off. “You say you are in control of your fate. Nothing and no one without a name to call their own could rightfully claim such a thing.”

The spirit stayed silent. Mhyrra pondered for a moment.

“Kara.”

This time everyone blinked.

“What?”

“It’s from ‘Karasten’, the Qunlat word for ‘Infantry Commander’. I think it rather fitting, no? Admittedly, it’s the part of the word that means infantry, not commander, but I don’t find ‘Sten’ to be a proper name for a woman, don’t you think?”

A deafening, pregnant silence.

“You’re…giving it a name?” Cassandra sputtered, practically all of the others wanting nothing more than to express similar sentiment. Cole in particular could only look on in silent marvelling.

“I’m giving her a name.” Mhyrra corrected sternly, sweeping her gaze over all of them before focusing back on the woman in front of her.

“…Kara. Kara.” She was rolling the name off, tasting it as if it were a new, unique treat, flickering with each enunciation. “Kara, Spirit of Command.” She finally came down to earth, so to speak. “I…approve of it. You have my thanks, Mhyrra Adaar.”

Mhyrra allowed herself a small smile. “You’re welcome, Kara.”

“So do we have an understanding then? You slay that foul beast in my name, and you can rest easy that I will depart and cause you and yours no further concern, as well as an additional boon from me.”

Mhyrra shook her head. “No.”

Flicker-blink. “No?”

“I accept to help you. To be your ally. Not your servant. Not to do this in your stead. If you are truly Command, then you should be the first to know that true commanders lead from the front, stand amongst their fellows. You lead us to where it is, we fight alongside you to slay it, and you can return to the Fade knowing you, Kara, Spirit of Command, personally stood triumphant over your foes in the end.”

She holds out her hand, Anchor glowing again, but this time much softer.

“Do you find this acceptable?”

Kara stands – floats? – still for a moment, looking between Mhyrra’s face and hand. It clicks in Mhyrra’s mind what might be the matter.

“Amongst we ‘mere mortals’, it is customary to finalize an agreement by shaking the hand of the other party.”

“Whatever for?”

Mhyrra shrugs. “A myriad of reasons. Often to denote respect between equals.”

Another pause. A spectral hands reaches out to clasp Mhyrra’s larger one, motes once more flying from where their palms meet.

“I suppose it would only be proper that I follow to assure that my commands are carried out correctly. I accept your terms, Mhyrra Adaar.”

The Qunari woman refrains from rolling her eyes. Instead she breaks the handshake, steps back and gestures with her staff.

“Show the way then.”

Kara seemed to glow brighter, sweeping her burning eyes over the entire group. “Follow my lead.” She boomed imperiously, floating off towards parts unknown, Mhyrra beginning to trail after her, until she noticed the others hadn’t yet moved to follow.

“Are you all not coming, then?”

“We really jus’ goin’ to follow some glowy-floaty thing?” Sera fretted.

“There’s no more reason to be scared of her than there is to be of Cole, Sera. And we’re not following her, we’re heading in the same direction regardless, and see no reason not to aid her along the way if it means slaying a dangerous demon. Are you going to tell me getting to bash in a demon’s face wouldn’t make us all feel better?”

Sera paused, whilst Bull huffed. “You always know how to make a compelling argument, boss.”

“I try. Any other concerns?”

“To what end? Clearly there will be no persuading you otherwise.” Cassandra puffed, already moving past her.

Mhyrra and Varric both smirked. “Glad to see you’re learning, Seeker.” The latter remarks.
Cassandra groans exasperatedly.

Description
body div#devskin0 hr { }

Title: Following Commands
Author: AllForFire
Game: Dragon Age: Inquisition
Pairing/Characters: Female Qunari Inquisitor Mhyrra Adaar/ Sera (Though it isn't the primary focus of this particular piece.), Roxanne Hawke, All of the Companions.
Disclaimer: Dragon Age characters, settings, and all in-game dialogue property of Bioware. I only own my Hawke, Roxanne, and my wonderful Inquisitor, Mhyrra.^^
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The group traversed through Crestwood at a hasty pace, doom and gloom the order of the day everywhere they looked.

“Excuse me.” Mhyrra stopped a passer-by. “Where might we find whomever is in charge around here?”

The man appeared momentarily stunned by the address, but his general state of despair proved an effective ward against potential awe, and he answered in a dull tone.

“Mayor’s office, top o’ the stairs, overlookin’ the whole village. Can’t miss it.”

“Our thanks, sir.” Mhyrra nodded.

A hop, skip and a knock later, Mayor Gregory Dedrick felt his face slacken as he opened his door to come face-to-sternum with the tallest woman he had ever seen, before lifting his gaze up at her bemused expression.

“The Inquisition caught wind that you good folk have a rather severe pest problem of an undead nature. How can we help?”

The gates of Caer Bronach exploded open, pieces slamming against the fort’s wall and ground, and blasting the bandits behind them off their feet.

“Surprise, piss-bags! No one expects the Inquisition!”

The taunt rang out just before arrows, bolts and blades began bounding in every direction, cutting down every bandit after brigand in their wake.

“Was that really the best you could come up with?” Dorian quipped as they sped across the walkway atop the dam.

“Shut it. Didn’t hear you lot comin’ up with anythin’ better!” Sera snapped.

“You could’ve gone with the classic ‘twisted knock-knock joke’.” Hawke chimed in.

Cole perked up. “Knock-”

“Not now, kid.” Varric sighed good-naturedly.

No one dared look, but just the thought of Cole pouting made Mhyrra loose a small laugh as she pushed open the door to where the dam controls were housed.

It promptly died as the twin gasps she heard within had her bear her staff forward, her companions bracing themselves similarly behind her.

“Who’s there? Show yourselves!”

From behind a stack of crates, two forms slowly stepped out. Two youths. A young man and a young woman. Both of whom blanched at the sight of so many hurty things pointed at them.

Mhyrra felt herself and her friends blink in unison as they lowered their weapons.

Slightly reassured that they were not about to be turned into mincemeat, the girl caught sight of the burning eye on Cassandra’s chest-plate, gasping once more.

“Maker, it’s the Inquisition!”

“Yes, indeed we are.” Mhyrra gestured to her group. “Here to right wrongs and save lives. As it is rather evident that you’re both from the village, my only question is: what in the name of Andraste are the two of you doing here?"

At this, they both gazed downwards, matching guilty blushes dusting across their cheeks.

The group stared. Hawke broke the silence.

“So you’re telling us that, in the middle of an undead scourge, you two snuck off, actually managed to sneak past all the bandits in the fort, and hide in here, all for a little ‘private time’?” Roxanne whistled lowly as she hoisted her hands to her hips and smirked lopsidedly. “One has to admit. That’s legitimately impressive.”

“And foolish.” Cassandra scolded harshly, crossing her arms as she glared at them. They understandably wilted.

“Aww loosen up, Cassie!” Sera cackled. She sauntered forward and slung her arm around the girl’s shoulder, leaning in conspiratorially. “Sooo…how was he?”

The girl flushed full red, but before she could begin sputtering, a light thwack rung out as Sera was lightly bopped on the head by Mhyrra’s staff.

“Behave, love.” Mhyrra admonished teasingly.

As Sera rubbed her head with a grin, Mhyrra turned to the nervous pair.

“You needn’t worry. None of us have any intention of telling on the two of you. Provided you head back immediately. It’s still a long way before ‘safe’ could be used to describe this region.”

They both nodded their thanks profusely, the girl even curtsying, before both of them scampered off.

“It is heartening, on some level, to see that even in such dark times, young love still finds still finds a way.” Dorian quipped merrily.

“Undoubtedly.” Mhyrra answered as she walked towards the turn-stone mechanism to control the dam. She braced herself against one of the four arms and began to push. Steadily and surely it turned as the metal clinked and grinded.

After a few seconds however, she paused, raising an angry stare at the lot of them.

“In case you’ve all forgotten, we’re in a bit of a hurry, so if some of you would be so generous as to lend a hand…”

Bull and Blackwall blinked, coughing abashedly as they took place at two other arms. Mhyrra turned to Cassandra.

“Well?”

Cassandra raised an eyebrow.

“You’re the human-shaped battering ram here, Cassandra! Now move your ass!”

Varric chuckled. Cassandra heaved her near-signature disgusted sigh, rolling her eyes as she took place at the final arm.

Mhyrra nodded. “One, two, three, push!”

As one, all four shoved forward, the mechanism now turning at a fast, fluid pace.

Barely ten seconds later, a resounding thud was heard as the sluice-gates were shut, the flow of water into the lake below halted.

“Alright, there we go. Draining of the lake: completed.” Mhyrra stated. “Now all that’s left is the ghost-town traversing, the cave spelunking and the Rift sealing!”

The roar boomed overhead just as they exited the door, looking up just in time to catch a good look at great leather wings beat overhead as a long neck craned a horned head to crow at the heavens, just before it vanished from view.

“…You forgot to add ‘deal with whatever random fit of insanity the world decides to throw at us’. In this case, dragon-slaying.” Hawke deadpanned.

“Now that’s the kind of random fit I can get behind!” Bull exclaimed, hefting up his axe.

Mhyrra sighed, rubbing her eyes. “One disaster at a time, everyone.” She resumed their pace forward. “For now the weather will keep it from giving the village too much trouble, so the order of affairs hasn’t changed. Purge the undead and the demons first, slay the dragon after.”

“And what then, I wonder? Rescue the damsel in distress?” Vivienne posed.

Everyone groaned.

Wet sand and mud plopping underfoot and rotting wood sprawling around them, Old Crestwood would have been silent as the grave, if only the corpses could remain buried rather than be raised by the handful of lesser demons still crawling about.

“Do spirits and demons truly not need to breathe?” Mhyrra asked as they made short work of them.

“I am uncertain. Truly the question has never been of much focus to me until now.” Solas answered.

They both looked at Cole, only to find him staring off intently.

“Cole? What’s wrong?” She asked.

He looked at her, before turning back and pointing. “There.”

She followed his direction, spotting the still-standing frame of a small shack, from which emanated a faint, eerie orange glow.

Mhyrra’s eyes narrowed as a strange feeling washed over her. She ordered the others to draw up behind her. “What is it?”

Cole remained silent for a moment, before he spoke quietly. “I don’t know. It just feels…familiar.”

Mhyrra found herself nodding the slightest. “I see. Approach with caution then.”

Carefully they all crept up to the shack, paused, then Mhyrra whirled into the empty doorway, staff at the ready.

Only to blink in surprise as she laid eyes on the glow’s source. Or rather, culprit.

A spirit, of that she was quite certain. No ordinary being of this plane of existence had their person tapper off into a wispy tendril from the waist down. Nor were they semi-translucent, orange and glowing, body shifting and shimmering each passing second. Said ‘body’ simply consisted of a torso, the slight pronunciation of the chest above the spectral ribs vaguely suggesting feminity. The face was similarly non-descript, barely enough features to get a rough sense of eye sockets that shined with burning light, and no physical mouth.

Yet the lack of mouth did not stop it from pointing and calling out at her the moment it spotted her, ‘eyes’ locking onto her immediately as if she’d been anticipating her.

“You! You there!”

And that voice confirmed that this was clearly a spirit that had not turned mindless, and that it was very much a she. Or at least saw fit to present itself as a she.

“I order you to tell me why nothing here heeds my commands!”

A very bossy she it seemed. Hearing the lack of clashing, the others slowly filed in to witness this singular scene, similarly transfixed for a moment.

“A lost spirit.” Solas was obviously the first to offer his voice. “This should-”

“Silence!” The spirit barked, focusing its burning gaze on him for a moment. “Let the other one talk.” Once more it focused intently on the Qunari woman in front of it.

Mhyrra’s eyes narrowed.

“You will not speak to my companions in such a way. And furthermore, this “other one” has a name, spirit. Mhyrra Adaar.” She intoned firmly, standing tall as she matched the smouldering stare.

This held for some seconds, until the spirit spoke again.

“Indeed you do. A strong name, a name you earned. I can hear it clear as bells, see it as the words are spoken and the Veil itself trembles.” Its tone was almost…proud. “A welcome sight in a world as decrepitly still as this!” The barking had returned.

A silvery brow quirked, but she put the thoughts aside for now.

“What, exactly, is so distressing to you about the real world?”

“It ignores me!” The spirit boomed. “I order the rocks to part, but they do not. I bid the sky draw close, and it stays still! I don’t know how you mortals stand it!”

Mhyrra tilted her head, then leaned towards Solas.

“Spirits are your expertise, Solas.”

“Then tell me why nothing here changes!” The spirit rounded on the bald elf immediately, oblivious to him being the very same person she’d impetuously ordered quiet moments before.

Solas did not even blink. “This realm follows different rules from the Fade.” He explained patiently. “Will alone cannot overcome what you see.”

“Then what’s the point of it?!” She pestered.

“A solid form is both shackle and strength.” He offered. “It affects more than you imagine.”

“If you doubt our words,” Mhyrra immediately added, “you’re not the first spirit in such a position we’ve encountered, nor would you be the first we’ve helped move past it somewhat.” She turned to Cole. “Maybe you can give it some guidance, Cole.”

The lad perked up, standing a bit straighter. “Maybe…” He moved to stand a bit behind Mhyrra as he spoke up to the other spirit in the room. “My name is-”

“Ugh. Compassion. Did I ask your name?” Said spirit spat with obvious disdain towards her fellow kin.

He immediately wilted, staring down. “Sorry…”

Everyone one else gazed in wonderment, however.

“So you ARE a Spirit of Compassion!” Mhyrra smiled, so did Solas, Dorian and Bull. “Well, at least that’s one question finally put to rest.”

“Huzzah…” Roxanne drawled wearily, Sera showing still showing similar wariness.

“So these two would claim.” Vivienne spoke up acidly. “That still leaves us the question as to the proper nature of this demon is.”

“Demon?” The spirit scoffed indignantly. “Those dolts who would suck this world dry? I am called to higher things.”

“Such as?” Mhyrra posed, genuinely curious. Besides, it’s not as though they could, in good conscience, let a wayward spirit roam around unchecked in times like these. “After all, I know that all powerful spirits represent something. Compassion.” A quick reassuring grin to Cole, who smiles weakly back, before returning forward.

“Justice.”

Varric unconsciously clenches his fist, face twisting as if he’d swallowed a shaved lemon whole.

“Wisdom.”

Solas inhales quietly, some sadness rising up, the pain of losing his friend to sheer idiocy still fresh.

“Valour…”

Here Mhyrra finally trails off, and the somewhat melancholic expression on her face gives her companions brief pause.

It shatters however when the spirit finally cuts her off with another scoff.

“Soft virtues, all. I am more. I am Command.” It spoke imperiously, drawing itself straighter and seeming to float a smidgeon higher.

“Or pomposity…” Solas muttered under his breath.

The spirit didn’t seem to hear him, her attention boring squarely into Mhyrra as her fiery eyes burned brighter, as if they were trying to burn right through her.

“What of you? I felt your coming. There is something alike in us.”

Quiet. Mhyrra does not flinch away from the spirit’s soul-searching stare.

“I’ve always strived to take command of my life’s course. To be the master of my fate, the captain of my soul. I became a mercenary, practically second-in-command since the moment I joined up. Not so terribly long ago, I was thrust into the command of a reborn order that is now this world’s best chance at peace. And here I am, leading those who would follow me and what I believe in to fight for their own fates.”

Her harlequin gaze burns just as bright as she takes a step closer, towering over the spectral torso.

“So yes, you could say that I’m quite familiar with concept of command.”

“I knew it!” The spirit seemed to become giddy, the thought alone almost boggling, never mind the sight of her ‘eyes’ lower lid curling up as if she were smiling. “Make your armies ready. Cleave to your loyal servants. You will need them all.”

Mhyrra’s eyes narrow, her left fist clenching as her Anchor flares to life.

Wham.

All blink, surprised as the sound of the back of Mhyrra’s left hand meeting the spirit’s ‘cheek’ rings out. Even the fires of Command’s eyes flicker as she recovers from the blow, no doubt stupefied that anything or anyone had actually dared to strike her, let alone that they had succeeded.

“The people who chose to follow me are my friends, you pompous windbag.” Mhyrra growls. “If not that, then they are my allies.

And if I ever arrive at the need to ‘march my armies’, it will be to defend and build. Not to conquer. Do I make myself clear?” She thunders down at the cowed wraith.

Command gazes up at the towering Qunari, before a dissonant calmness washes over her. Instead of answering, she lifts her right arm, floating higher to place her hand against Mhyrra’s heart.

Before anybody can react, a faint orange glow surrounds the two, ethereal golden motes wisping up from where their persons’ meet. It doesn’t last past a moment, as once more Mhyrra clenches her fist and the Anchor flashes, her eyes flaring green as Command is shoved back with the sound of a cannon blast.

“Myrri!” Sera shouts as she, Varric, Bull and Blackwall bring their weapons to bear.

Mhyrra raises her closed fist to order them to hold, not even turning away from the flickering form before her.

Command’s movement appear eerily human as she recovers, shaking her head as she puts a hand to her temple. When her gaze meets Mhyrra’s again, nothing but reflecting in the rekindled flames but that same bizarre sense of pride from earlier, her tone much calmer as she spoke again.

“You truly are a fascinating being, Adaar.” She spoke Mhyrra’s name with peculiar whimsy.

“Is that why you were trying to possess her?” Varric snarled.

“She wasn’t.” Mhyrra spoke, shocking them.

“But Myrri, it-”

“Sera, barring extraordinary exception, neither spirits nor demons can possess an unwilling host, at least not right off the bat.

Otherwise, why on Thedas do you think that demons bother spending so much time and effort trying to trick and sweet-talk those stupid enough to deal with them? Or that never accepting a demon’s bargain is the first thing Templars and the Circle teach mages? You’d think it would have sunk in from all the times you’ve heard Vivienne drone on about it.”

Sera and the others stall, registering that neither Vivienne nor any of the mages in the party, Cassandra or Cole had moved an inch, though all but the last still had their hands on their weapons.

“Oh yeah? Then wha’ was it tryin’ to do? Snag a free one?”

Command’s fires flickered again. “I do not even know what that means, nor do I wish to.”

She looked back at Mhyrra. “I merely wished to peer a bit deeper into what makes my dear acquaintance here tick. To see what it truly was that made her seem so…familiar. And I must say,” She held up her hand just as the last of the motes vanished into nothingness. “you truly intrigue me.”

“I’m flattered.” Mhyrra deadpanned. “But unfortunately, we are running low on time to deal with you, so perhaps we could simply cut to the chase as to why you haven’t gone back to the Fade already, if our world is so distressing to you?”

“I will not be denied.” The steel had returned to Command’s tone as she straightened herself. “I refuse to leave until something obeys my orders!”

Mhyrra couldn’t help but snort. “A woman of her principles. I suppose I can’t help but respect that.” She waved her hand out. “So, what? Say we were to accept helping you, what exactly would you have us do?”

“Find some poor hapless fool to serve as its vessel, no doubt.” Vivienne touted.

Command turned a disdainful gaze at her. “Hardly, fop. I shudder at the very thought of spending another moment in this nightmarish realm, especially if it is in the company of ghastly-dressed, slime-souled vermin such as you.”

Vivienne did nothing save curve her lips into a small scowl. Command ignored it entirely as she readdressed the Inquisitor.

“I have only one command. A creature made of rage had the gall to chase me across the lake. It now hides within the caverns below. Destroy it in my name, and be rewarded!”

Some were surprised, not expecting of such a seemingly righteous demand.

“A simple enough request.” Solas voiced everyone’s thought. “It is within our path, and the Rage Demon might threaten others as well.”

“Killing a demon is worthy of us at least.” Cassandra acknowledged begrudgingly, before she turned to Mhyrra. “But I would still exercise caution, Inquisitor. “Harmless” spirits do not always remain so.”

“Preaching into the choir, Seeker.” Roxanne ground out, Varric forming similar thoughts

“Nonsense. I am in control of my fate!” Command rebuked.

“I was not addressing-!” Cassandra gives up continuing, sighing noisily.

That got Mhyrra thinking, however.

“If we’re indeed to strike an agreement, it would only be right that both parties address each other by their proper names. You already know mine. What is yours?”

Command fire-flickered again, in an action that they were quickly beginning to equate to blinking.

“I have told you, I am Command.”

“No, that is what you are, not who.” Mhyrra cut off. “You say you are in control of your fate. Nothing and no one without a name to call their own could rightfully claim such a thing.”

The spirit stayed silent. Mhyrra pondered for a moment.

“Kara.”

This time everyone blinked.

“What?”

“It’s from ‘Karasten’, the Qunlat word for ‘Infantry Commander’. I think it rather fitting, no? Admittedly, it’s the part of the word that means infantry, not commander, but I don’t find ‘Sten’ to be a proper name for a woman, don’t you think?”

A deafening, pregnant silence.

“You’re…giving it a name?” Cassandra sputtered, practically all of the others wanting nothing more than to express similar sentiment. Cole in particular could only look on in silent marvelling.

“I’m giving her a name.” Mhyrra corrected sternly, sweeping her gaze over all of them before focusing back on the woman in front of her.

“…Kara. Kara.” She was rolling the name off, tasting it as if it were a new, unique treat, flickering with each enunciation. “Kara, Spirit of Command.” She finally came down to earth, so to speak. “I…approve of it. You have my thanks, Mhyrra Adaar.”

Mhyrra allowed herself a small smile. “You’re welcome, Kara.”

“So do we have an understanding then? You slay that foul beast in my name, and you can rest easy that I will depart and cause you and yours no further concern, as well as an additional boon from me.”

Mhyrra shook her head. “No.”

Flicker-blink. “No?”

“I accept to help you. To be your ally. Not your servant. Not to do this in your stead. If you are truly Command, then you should be the first to know that true commanders lead from the front, stand amongst their fellows. You lead us to where it is, we fight alongside you to slay it, and you can return to the Fade knowing you, Kara, Spirit of Command, personally stood triumphant over your foes in the end.”

She holds out her hand, Anchor glowing again, but this time much softer.

“Do you find this acceptable?”

Kara stands – floats? – still for a moment, looking between Mhyrra’s face and hand. It clicks in Mhyrra’s mind what might be the matter.

“Amongst we ‘mere mortals’, it is customary to finalize an agreement by shaking the hand of the other party.”

“Whatever for?”

Mhyrra shrugs. “A myriad of reasons. Often to denote respect between equals.”

Another pause. A spectral hands reaches out to clasp Mhyrra’s larger one, motes once more flying from where their palms meet.

“I suppose it would only be proper that I follow to assure that my commands are carried out correctly. I accept your terms, Mhyrra Adaar.”

The Qunari woman refrains from rolling her eyes. Instead she breaks the handshake, steps back and gestures with her staff.

“Show the way then.”

Kara seemed to glow brighter, sweeping her burning eyes over the entire group. “Follow my lead.” She boomed imperiously, floating off towards parts unknown, Mhyrra beginning to trail after her, until she noticed the others hadn’t yet moved to follow.

“Are you all not coming, then?”

“We really jus’ goin’ to follow some glowy-floaty thing?” Sera fretted.

“There’s no more reason to be scared of her than there is to be of Cole, Sera. And we’re not following her, we’re heading in the same direction regardless, and see no reason not to aid her along the way if it means slaying a dangerous demon. Are you going to tell me getting to bash in a demon’s face wouldn’t make us all feel better?”

Sera paused, whilst Bull huffed. “You always know how to make a compelling argument, boss.”

“I try. Any other concerns?”

“To what end? Clearly there will be no persuading you otherwise.” Cassandra puffed, already moving past her.

Mhyrra and Varric both smirked. “Glad to see you’re learning, Seeker.” The latter remarks.
Cassandra groans exasperatedly.