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Tomorrow would bring new mysteries to unravel, new dangers to face. But for tonight, there was peace, and companionship, and the quiet satisfaction of a day well spent. As sleep finally claimed him, Daniel found himself smiling slightly. Whatever came next, they would face it together.
The first light of dawn had barely touched the horizon when Daniel emerged from his tent, stretching the stiffness from his limbs. The camp was already stirring, soldiers moving quietly about their morning routines. The air carried a crisp chill that promised to burn away as the sun rose higher. One by one, his companions joined him - Cassandra looking alert despite the early hour, Varric rubbing sleep from his eyes, and Solas appearing as though he'd been awake for hours, which he probably had.
After a quick breakfast of porridge and dried fruit, they set out toward the hills behind Dennet's stables. The morning mist clung to the ground like a shy lover reluctant to part, swirling around their boots as they walked. Max whickered softly as they passed the stables, as if wishing he could join them on this new adventure.
Varric yawned loudly. "Remind me again why we're doing this at the crack of dawn? An ancient artifacts don't keep banker's hours?"
Cassandra shot him a look. "The sooner we investigate, the sooner we can—"
"Return to Haven, yes, yes," Varric finished for her, waving a hand. "You'd think with all this 'Herald of Andraste' business, Daniel could at least get us decent working hours."
Daniel chuckled as they began ascending the gentle slope. "Next time I see the Maker, I'll put in a request for nine-to-five adventuring."
The joke died on his lips as they crested the hill. There, standing stark against the lightening sky, was the Ocularum - its skeletal frame even more eerie in the pale morning light. The skull at its apex pulsed with a faint blue glow, its hollow eye sockets fixed unerringly on some unseen point in the distance.
Solas moved forward first, his staff tapping softly against the ground. "Fascinating. This one appears to be attuned to a different frequency than the first we encountered."
Varric hung back, eyeing the device warily. "Yeah, fascinating. Also creepy. Why do the ancient things always have to involve skulls?"
Daniel approached the Ocularum, feeling the now-familiar tingle in his marked hand. "Let's see what this one shows us." He carefully positioned himself beneath the skull, aligning his gaze with its empty eye sockets.
The world shifted abruptly as the magic took hold. The landscape transformed before his eyes - ordinary rocks and trees fading into insignificance while certain points in the distance began to glow with an intense blue light. Daniel slowly turned, counting the luminous markers.
"Five shards," he announced, his voice sounding distant to his own ears. "Two more on these hills, one on the path behind Dennet's house, one near our first watchtower site, and..." He paused, surprised. "One right at Dennet's place itself."
As he stepped back from the Ocularum, the connection broke with an almost physical snap. The skull's glow faded immediately, leaving the device looking like nothing more than an oddly arranged collection of bones.
Cassandra frowned. "One at the farm? That seems... unlikely. We would have noticed something like that."
Solas ran a hand along the Ocularum's frame. "Not necessarily. The shards can be quite small when dormant. And their magic is subtle unless actively sought."
Varric clapped his hands together. "Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's split up and find these things. I call dibs on the farmhouse shard - that one at least comes with the possibility of breakfast."
Daniel shook his head with a smile. "We should stick together. We don't know what kind of protections might be on these shards."
They decided to tackle the closest shards first. The two on the hills proved relatively easy to find - one buried beneath a cairn of stones that Solas sensed was more recent than the shard itself, the other hidden in the hollow of an ancient oak. Each pulsed with a strange energy when handled, making Daniel's mark tingle in response.
[Acquired: 2 Mysterious Shards]
[Current Total: 5 Shards]
The third shard, located on the path behind Dennet's house, presented more of a challenge. It was wedged deep in a crevice in the rock face, requiring Cassandra's strength to pry loose. As she worked at it, Varric kept watch on the path.
"You know," the dwarf mused, "if these things are so valuable, why are they just lying around in the open?"
Solas, who was examining the first two shards, didn't look up. "They weren't in the open when they were placed. Centuries of erosion, landslides, animal activity... what was once carefully hidden becomes exposed."
Cassandra gave a final heave, and the shard came free with a shower of pebbles. "Got it," she announced, handing the glowing fragment to Daniel.
[Acquired: 1 Mysterious Shard]
[Current Total: 6 Shards]
Their progress was interrupted by the sound of approaching hoofbeats. Bron rode up on a chestnut mare, his expression concerned. "Herald. We've got trouble at the farm."
Daniel tensed. "What kind of trouble?"
"Not the kind that needs swords, thankfully," Bron assured them. "But Master Dennet's was returned from his trip, and he's... less than pleased about some of the changes in his absence."
Varric winced. "Ah. Like us turning his pastures into an obstacle course?"
Bron nodded grimly. "Among other things. He's demanding to speak with you."
Daniel sighed, tucking the newly acquired shard safely into his pack. "Let's go smooth things over with Dennet, then we'll get the last two shards."
As they followed Bron back to the farmhouse, Varric fell into step beside Daniel. "You know, if we're lucky, maybe this mysterious farmhouse shard is actually in Dennet's prize cheese collection. We could kill two birds with one stone."
Daniel couldn't help but laugh, despite the impending confrontation. "Somehow, I doubt our luck is that good."
The scene at the farmhouse was exactly as Bron had described. Master Dennet, a broad-shouldered man with a salt-and-pepper beard and the bearing of a seasoned warrior, stood on his porch arguing animatedly with his daughter. Seanna, to her credit, was holding her ground.
"—and you moved my best training stakes!" Dennet was saying as they approached. "Do you have any idea how long it took to season that wood?"
Seanna crossed her arms. "They were just sitting in the barn! And it was for a good cause!"
Dennet turned at their approach, his sharp eyes taking them in. "Ah. The Inquisition." His tone made it clear this wasn't necessarily a good thing.
Daniel stepped forward, said as he his hand go forward. "Master Dennet. Your daughter was kind enough to—"
"I know what my daughter did," Dennet interrupted, though he shook Daniel's hand with a firm grip. "What I want to know is why the Inquisition thinks it's appropriate to turn my farm into a training ground without so much as a by-your-leave."
Before Daniel could respond, Solas suddenly stiffened, his head turning sharply toward the farmhouse. "The shard," he murmured. "It's close."
Dennet's eyebrows shot up. "What's this about a shard?"
Daniel saw an opportunity. "We're searching for ancient artifacts in the area. Our device indicates there's one here on your property."
To everyone's surprise, Dennet's expression shifted from anger to curiosity. "Ancient artifacts, you say? Would this happen to be a... glowing blue crystal sort of thing?"
Solas's eyes widened slightly. "You've seen it?"
Dennet stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Found something like that years ago, buried in the foundation when we were expanding the stables. Thought it was pretty, so I had it set into the lintel above my bedroom door. Been there ever since."
Varric burst out laughing. "Well, that solves that mystery. Herald, remind me to hire Dennet as our chief artifact hunter."
Dennet, now considerably less hostile, led them inside. True to his word, embedded in the wooden beam above his bedroom doorway was a glowing blue shard, its light barely noticeable in the daylight but unmistakable now that they knew to look for it.
[Acquired: 1 Mysterious Shard]
[Current Total: 7 Shards]
As Solas carefully extracted the shard, Dennet watched with keen interest. "So these things are valuable, then?"
"Potentially very," Daniel confirmed. "They may help us understand what's happening with the Veil."
Dennet nodded slowly. "Well then. Suppose I can forgive the obstacle course, given the circumstances." He fixed his daughter with a look. "But you're helping me cut new stakes tomorrow, young lady."
Seanna grinned, clearly knowing she'd gotten off lightly. "Yes, father."
With the farmhouse shard secured and tensions eased, they set out for the final shard near their first watchtower site. The morning had given way to a warm afternoon by the time they reached the hill overlooking the broken bridge. This shard was buried deeper than the others, requiring all of them to dig through layers of earth and roots.
When Daniel finally pulled it free, the shard pulsed brightly in his hand before settling into its usual glow.
[Acquired: 1 Mysterious Shard]
[Current Total: 8 Shards]
Varric wiped sweat from his brow. "Eight magical doohickeys. That's got to be worth something, right?"
Solas was examining the collection with something approaching reverence. "These are... remarkable. The energy patterns are unlike anything I've seen."
Cassandra looked between the shards and the distant Ocularum. "What do we do with them now?"
Daniel carefully stored the final shard with the others. "We take them back to Haven. Maybe our resident experts can make sense of them."
As they began the walk back to camp, the weight of the shards in Daniel's pack felt significant in more ways than one. Each one represented another piece of the puzzle, another step toward understanding the larger forces at work in the world.
The group's return to the outpost camp was met with considerably more activity than when they'd left at dawn. A bustling crowd of workers swarmed the area, unloading carts piled high with timber, stone, and various construction supplies. At the center of the organized chaos stood Lieutenant Arens, his usual gruff demeanor replaced with an air of focused efficiency as he directed the newcomers.
Daniel and his companions paused at the edge of the commotion, taking in the sudden transformation of their previously quiet camp. Varric let out a low whistle. "Looks like Cullen didn't waste any time."
As they approached, Arens spotted them and broke away from a group of carpenters. "Herald," he greeted with a crisp nod. "These are the workers Commander Cullen sent to begin construction on those watchtowers you surveyed." He gestured to the bustling activity around them. "They arrived not an hour ago with a full complement of supplies and a message for you."
Daniel felt a twinge of unease. "What message?"
Arens produced a sealed letter from his belt pouch. "The Commander requests—well, orders really—your return to Haven. Says your presence is required for matters of 'utmost importance.'" The lieutenant's tone suggested he'd read the message despite the seal.
Cassandra frowned. "Did he specify what these matters were?"
"Not to me," Arens admitted. "But the messenger seemed... urgent."
Solas, who had been quietly observing the construction preparations, turned his attention to the letter. "Given the timing, it may relate to the shards we've collected."
Varric crossed his arms. "Or maybe they just miss us terribly back at headquarters. I know Josephine gets cranky when she doesn't get her weekly dose of sparkling wit."
Daniel broke the seal and scanned the contents. The message was brief and to the point—Cullen's usual style. Beyond recalling him to Haven, it mentioned only that "new developments require the Herald's immediate attention."
He looked up at his companions. "Whatever it is, Cullen's not being specific. But if he's pulling us back now, it must be important."
Arens cleared his throat. "I've taken the liberty of having your horses prepared. The roads should be clear enough for a swift return, provided you leave before midday."
Daniel nodded, tucking the letter away. "We'll depart within the hour." He glanced at the bustling workers. "You have everything in hand here?"
The lieutenant's chest puffed out slightly. "Of course, ser. These watchtowers will be standing within the fortnight, mark my words."
As Arens returned to his supervisory duties, the group made their way to their tents to gather their belongings. Varric groaned as he hefted his pack. "Just once, I'd like to stay somewhere long enough to unpack properly."
Cassandra, already efficiently packed, was examining a map. "If we go now, we can reach Haven by nightfall in two days."
Solas approached Daniel, his voice low. "You feel it too, don't you? The way the shards resonate with each other?"
Daniel nodded, feeling the subtle vibration from his pack where the eight shards were carefully wrapped. "Like they're part of something larger."
"Indeed," Solas murmured. "I suspect that's why we're being recalled. Someone at Haven may have discovered their purpose or there another matter that you need to attend."
The packing completed with soldierly efficiency—a benefit of traveling with Cassandra—they gathered for a quick meal before departure. The camp cook, a grizzled veteran missing two fingers on his left hand, served up a surprisingly flavorful stew.
"One last decent meal before we're back to trail rations," Varric declared between bites. "Though I'll miss the Hinterlands' charming hospitality." He gestured broadly to the muddy ground and ever-present drizzle.
As they ate, Daniel found his gaze drawn repeatedly to the workers preparing the watchtower materials. There was something satisfying about seeing the tangible results of their efforts—knowing these structures would protect the people they'd met here. Master Dennet and his family, the refugees at the Crossroads, even the wary farmers they'd encountered—all would be safer because of what they'd accomplished.
Cassandra followed his gaze. "You've done good work here," she said quietly. "These people will remember what the Inquisition has done for them."
Daniel smiled slightly. "We did it, you mean. All of us."
Varric raised his waterskin in a mock toast. "Group effort. Though I maintain my contributions were the most valuable."
Solas actually chuckled at that. "Your modesty is, as always, inspiring, Master Tethras."
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.
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Name : Daniel Carter
Race: Elf
Level 5 : 2133/2500 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