Right after the battle and her being named "the Hero of Ferelden" (a title she disavowed and was disgusted to have since she never made the Ultimate Sacrifice), she disappeared without a trace. The Templars had tried to seek her out, in the case she had turned into a blood mage, but she had found her phylactery and took it with her to properly dispose of it. There was no trace of her for years until a certain ex-Templar had stumbled upon Harleen Amell.
It was a stormy night but that didn't stop the Hero of Ferelden from pushing into the lively inn and walking towards the counter. It had been, at least, twelve years since the fateful battle that took place on top of Fort Drakon and about a year since the Inquisitor had killed Corypheus. Everyone seemed to forget about the battle with the Archdemon but Harleen could not. No matter how hard she tried, she would always remember the sacrifice her love made for her and it would send her into a fit of tears. This is what turned the great Arcane Warrior, Warden-Commander, and Hero into a drunk.
She sat on a stool and waited patiently for her ale.
"That will be a couple of coppers, Miss." The innkeeper said as she dug out her pouch and placed two coppers onto the wooden counter. He placed a tankard full of ale in front of her and she gripped the cold metal with her bare hand. The years had been, surprisingly, kind to the Warden even if the taint had affected her body before she cured it. Her blonde hair turned a light gray but she still managed to look beautiful. Her blue eyes were still bright as ever and a scar that plagued her smooth face seemed faded but less noticeable than newer ones.
A slight breeze moved her robes and someone took a seat beside the Warden.
"I would like a room but, importantly, some wine would do." The innkeeper nodded, took a sovereign and a couple coppers off the table in front of the man, giving him a key, and walking off to fulfill his request. The voice beside Harleen sounded familiar and she turned to face him.
"Cullen?" She spoke in a hushed tone but he heard her and also turned to face her.
"By the Maker, Warden-Commander Amell." His cheeks turned a slight red and his gaze turned away from her. "W-where have y-you been these years?" The innkeeper put a tankard full of wine in front of Cullen and he walked away to serve another man who was yelling "ANOTHER ROUND!" Harleen noticed that all these years passed and he still seemed to have an infatuation with her. She closed her eyes for a moment and let out a small sigh before opening them once more.
"I've been on a mission of my own, Cullen. Or should I call you Commander now?" She found it easy to be at peace near him, even if he was supposed to strike her down if she failed her Harrowing. He was flustered around her.
"No. No. That isn't needed..." He paused for a moment. "You could've been the leader of the Inquisition." The Warden shook her head quickly.
"I wouldn't have accepted it. I had been looking for a cure to my Calling for years. I had no time for leading any group..." She bit down on the inside of her lip.
"But we needed the Hero-." Cullen protested before Harleen snapped at the mention of the title.
"I am no Hero, Cullen! My love sacrificed himself on top of that damned tower to save me. He couldn't imagine a life of kingship without me being by his side since "magic was made to serve man, not to rule over him."" She angrily stood up and turned towards the door. Tears began to form in the corner of her eyes as she trotted towards the door. Harleen pushed it open and ran outside. Here she was, supposed to be strong but she was left with a broken heart and no sensible way to bring her love back to her.
The inn door opened and out stepped Cullen.
"Harleen, I know what happened at the top of the tower and I am sorry for your lost. I apologize for bringing anything up. I just wish to know what the mission you were on. Let us talk. It has been too long." Cullen's voice seemed to be holding sadness back and that's what hit her.
"L-Let's talk… But not here…" The rain hit the top of her hood and she folded her arms over her chest. Cullen walked over to her and hesitantly wrapped an arm around her. Which she didn't protest against and she quickly buried her face into his chest and wept.