Heirs of the Inquisition Chapter 1, a dragon age fanfic

Hello, readers! Thank you for taking a look at this tale. It's set in a time after the defeat of Corypheus. Nadia Cousland is technically an original character (OC) because she's a new member of the Cousland noble family that does not follow the normal story of the games. There will be some mature content, but that's more later on. I hope you enjoy this story as it delves into what life could be like in Skyhold after the end of the game, Dragon Age Inquisition. Hope you enjoy! ~ladyinquisitor93

Running… running… running so far away… Panting… heart racing… head pounding… sweat slipping down her cheeks… Crashing… something was chasing her through the woods… Darkness… more crashing… A cliff… nowhere else to run… glowing blood red eyes surrounding her… Looking down… more darkness… no escape… Deep breath… leap of faith… Maker preserve me… Maker protect me… Darkness swallowing her… Cold… nothingness… Sudden fear… heart about to explode… She can't wake up… she can't breathe… Clawing for air… Can't reach anything… Falling into the abyss… Cullen, save me… Cullen… Cullen… Cullen!

"Cullen!"

The young maiden sat up in a cold sweat, her eyes wide with fear as she gasped for air, cringing up against the wall behind her bed. She looked around and realized she was still in her room, still in Skyhold. She began to relax a bit and was glad that she was back in the physical realm and not in the Fade of her dreams. She was glad, too, that she had woken up and her experience in the Fade did not cause her to forget who she was: Nadia Cousland, a young woman from the Cousland family of Highever, from Fereldan, who had gone with Matthew, a young man from the Trevelyan family, to the Conclave- as a mage supporter- and ended up getting caught up in the destruction of the Conclave and the death of Divine Justinia. During the chaos, Nadia and Matthew had become separated and she had managed to escape with the Chancellor Roderick. She was relieved to find him well and alive, but now he needed to prove his innocence. Many believed after what they had seen at the Conclave's destruction and after the Breach was sealed the first time that Matthew was chosen by Andraste to be her Herald and bring the world from chaos, to defeat Corypheus- the Elder One who claimed to be an ancient Tevinter magister who had seen the Black City- and close the Breach with the aid of the Inquisition. Nadia stood by him as he built up the Inquisition, closed the Breach, and led the people to Skyhold. They named him the Inquisitor, looking to him for guidance, advice, courage, hope. He was their Herald, their Inquisitor. He led the charge with Cullen Stanton Rutherford, the Commander of the Inquisition, and many of those who pledged themselves to the Inquisition. Nadia fought next to Matthew and Cullen, casting spells and healing the wounded. They managed to defeat Corypheus, destroying everything that he had ever tried to accomplish. Matthew Trevelyan had led the Inquisition to their greatest victory yet.

Now, almost three years later, Matthew continued his work as Inquisitor, aiding the people of Orlais and Fereldan, giving them aid, acting as a judge when asked, sending his troops to rebuild where Corypheus destroyed villages, cities, restoring ruins, and other things of the like. He was content with that; it gave him a different purpose, one that let him help people. Eventually, Leliana had been chosen as the next Divine and Cassandra remained the Right Hand of the Divine. Cassandra had also married Matthew and bore him two sons and a daughter. It seemed like even in troubled times, love could be found.

Nadia slowly got out of bed, her head still pounding. She went to her dresser and changed into a royal blue dress and her favorite pair of weathered, leather boots that were so old they could have been older than Tom Reinier. Nadia brushed out her hair and was satisfied with her appearance and left her room to go walk about the keep.

She felt like going to the infirmary and checking on a few patients. As she walked out and into the courtyard, Nadia noticed that a light was on above her on the battlements and she realized it was in Cullen's room. 'What is the Commander doing up so early?' she wondered and went to check on the patients. Many of them had been injured in missions to recover requisitions to repair Skyhold and others still suffered from the battle four years ago against Corypheus. Many of those had suffered severe head trauma and suffered post traumatic stress. She had always managed to ease their minds with a simple spell that allowed her to calm them without hurting them or they hurting themselves.

She said hello to the patients, changed the dressings on the wounds, used a spell to ease the minds of those reliving the events from four years ago, and when she was finished, she noticed that the sunrise was nearly upon the Keep. She bid the patients good day and hurried up onto the battlements to see what Cullen was up to.

At his desk, Cullen stretched in his chair and yawned. He had been working on the paperwork the Inquisitor gave him all night and it actually relieved him to stand and answer the door when a knock came.

"Nadia, good morning!" He said, surprised to see her standing there.

"Morning, Commander." She replied with a smile.

"You're up early." Cullen commented and ushered her inside.

"I couldn't sleep, so I went for a walk, checked on my patients, and saw your light was on." Nadia said, standing in the middle of the office as Cullen closed the door. "I thought I'd come say hello and see how you were doing."

Cullen looked at her and smiled. "I'm doing alright. It has been awhile since we last spoke."

Nadia smiled and noticed the large pile of papers on the Commander's desk. "Matthew gave you more paperwork?"

Cullen nodded and rubbed his neck. "Yes, the Inquisitor asked me to fill out requisition forms and go over several reports. I've been at it all night and I'm nowhere near finishing."

Nadia watched as Cullen took a seat at his desk. "If you'd like, perhaps I can help you finish your paperwork."

Cullen looked up at her. "What of your patients?"

"I've already redressed wounds and left instructions for my assistants. I have plenty of extra time to spend with you- to help you with paperwork." she replied, blushing.

Cullen smiled. "Well, if you wish, I'd appreciate the assistance."

Nadia smiled back at him. "Where would you like me to start, Commander?"

Cullen handed her the rest of the requisition forms. "Here, go through the rest of these and make sure the requests are in order and the proper locations are assigned. I'll finish up with the scouting reports."

Nadia nodded and took the stack of papers form him, then sat on the floor. She started to read through the requisition forms, matched the materials and locations for each request. She saw a lot of requests for weapon and armor upgrades, ships, tents, and many other things that the Inquisition needed. She made sure that each form was filled out correctly, then set the form in the completed pile and moved onto the next one.

As she went through the forms, Cullen watched Nadia as she sat there with her legs crossed and he smiled. She always worked hard to help out and to ensure that everything went smoothly. He read through his reports, but hadn't got halfway through the rest of them before Nadia had finished with the requisition forms.

"Commander, I'm done with these." she said, standing and setting the forms aside.

"You made quick work of those." Cullen noted, looking up at her.

She smiled. "Would you like me to look through half of those reports?"

Cullen sighed. "Here, take these. Perhaps then we can finally finish with this paperwork."

Nadia took the papers and paced back and forth across the room as she read through the reports. She noticed that many of them were simple scouting reports from local outposts and some were reports from allies. As she read through the reports, she looked up at Cullen to ask a question, but she found him rubbing his neck and wincing.

"Does your neck hurt, Commander?" she asked, setting the papers aside.

Cullen nodded and felt his neck tighten. "Yes, being hunched over these papers for hours seems to have given me a stiff neck."

Nadia came to stand behind Cullen and started to massage his neck and shoulders. "You shouldn't work so hard all the time, Commander, it's not good for you."

Cullen flinched for a second. "What are you-"

"Relax, Commander. I'm the resident healer, remember?" she said, then started to pour a little of her healing magik into her finger tips.

Cullen felt his muscles relaxing and he leaned back and sighed. "That feels amazing..."

Nadia smiled and looked down at him as he looked up at her. "You feeling better?"

He smiled and reached up to touch her cheek. "Yes, thank you."

Nadia smiled at him and leaned into his hand. "You're most welcome, Cullen."

"Oh, my..." someone said from the side of the room. "What do we have here?"

Nadia jumped back and bowed to where Dorian and Matthew stood, smirking as they leaned against the doorway with their arms crossed.

"Good morning, Matthew." she said, her face burning.

Cullen stood, his face equally red. "Inquisitor, we did not hear you come in."

"They were too busy making doe eyes at each other." Dorian said, teasing them.

Nadia and Cullen looked at each other and their blush deepened. Matthew laughed and came over, clapping a hand on his shoulder.

"Relax, Commander. We're only teasing. Besides, it's time you did something about this sexual tension between you." The Inquisitor said, laughing.

Nadia glared at him. "Matthew Trevelyan!"

Matthew threw his hands up in defeat, knowing it was no use arguing or pushing things further. "Alright, alright. I'm serious though, you two would be good together."

Dorian chuckled. "Nadia, sweetheart, I need your help with something in the library. Can I steal you away for a while before you start flirting again?"

Nadia's blush seemed to get deeper and deeper and Dorian laughed, fearing her head would explode with embarrassment.

"And Cullen, I need you to look over a few more requisition requests and approve them. After that, I promise there won't be anymore paperwork for awhile." Matthew said.

Cullen nodded. "Of course, Inquisitor."

Nadia sighed. "Matthew, you really should take it easy on him with the paperwork." She said, joining Dorian by the door. She looked at Cullen and smiled, blushing. "I'll see you later, Commander."

Cullen smiled as she followed Dorian out of the office and Matthew chuckled.

"You two really would make a cute couple, Cullen." Matthew said, looking at him. "Have you told her how you feel yet?"

Cullen blushed and shook his head, sighing. "No, I haven't had the time to lately."

"I suppose I'm at fault for that." Matthew said, rubbing his neck. "Tell you what, Cullen. Finish that last bit of paperwork, then you can take some time off. I'll put Cassandra in charge of our forces while you are away. You've long since earned it."

Cullen looked at the Inquisitor and nodded. "Thank you."

Matthew smiled. "Of course. I'll see you later, Commander. Just have your assistant bring the paperwork to me."

Cullen nodded and quickly got back to work. It didn't take him long- just another hour or two- and as he finished, he had a thought. He looked up as one of his assistants came into the office. He asked that the paperwork be brought to the Inquisitor and asked that Nadia meet him by the stables. The assistant nodded and set about following the orders and Cullen went up to his room and packed a few bags.

Nadia sat with Dorian in the library going over some books about Tevinter with the magister. "Are you certain it's in here, Dorian?"

"It must be, I've looked everywhere else." Dorian said, sighing as he crossed his legs.

"Well, I can't find it anywhere." Nadia said, then looked up as the assistant Cullen sent came over. "What is it?"

"Lady Nadia, Commander Rutherford asked that you meet him at the stables. Right away, ma'am." he said.

"Thank you." Nadia said. "Is there anything else?"

The assistant shook his head. "No, ma'am. Nothing else to report. Shall I tell the Commander you'll be on your way?"

"Oh, yes, please do. Let him know I will be right there." Nadia said, smiling as the assistant took his leave.

"Well, sounds like someone has a date with the Commander." Dorian said, slyly.

Nadia blushed and stood. "Oh shut it, you." she said, giggling. "I need to go, will you be alright here?"

Dorian nodded. "Of course, sweetheart. Now go enjoy your little date."

Nadia blushed and hurried to go meet with Cullen. As she moved down the stairs of the keep from the library to the the stables, Nadia felt herself smiling.

"Cullen!" she called when she saw him saddling his horse.

Cullen looked up and smiled, waving her over. "Nadia, I'm glad you came. I wanted to see you before I left."

Nadia stopped next to him. "Where are you going?"

"The Inquisitor gave me some time off after I finished the paperwork." Cullen said. "I'm going to Ferelden for a bit."

"How long will you be gone?" Nadia asked.

"It takes three weeks to get to where I plan to go from Skyhold and I plan on staying awhile. Things are slow here and Cassandra has been put in charge while I'm away." Cullen replied.

Nadia's face fell a bit. "So you'll be gone for a couple months, then?" she asked, looking to the ground with her hands clasped together behind her back.

"Yes, but I-" Cullen started to ask before one of Leliana's assistants come up to Nadia and presented her with a letter.

Nadia looked up at him, surprised. "Thank you." she said as the assistant bowed to her and left.

Nadia opened the letter and read its contents, her eyes tearing up a bit.

"My dearest cousin, Nadia:

I fear that your mother and father have not been doing well these past few months and I fear that their time left in this world may be running short. The doctors have been trying to treat them, but they have given them no more than a few more months left to live. I must ask that you come to Highever as soon as you can so that you can say your goodbyes and see them off before they pass. I wish you safe travels and hope to see you well soon.

Sincerely Yours, Fergus"

"I need to go to Highever." she said, folding the letter back up and looking at Cullen.

"Is everything alright?" he asked.

Nadia felt the tears about to slip down her cheeks and she nodded, trying to hide them. "My mother and father have been sick lately and I haven't had the time to go see them." she said. "They are dying and Fergus asked that I come to see them before it's too late to say goodbye. He said the doctors gave them a few more months to live, but that's it."

Cullen pulled her into a hug. "It'll be alright. I'm going to be stopping in Honnleath, near Redcliffe, but if you would like some company while you're there, I can come to Highever with you."

"You would do that for me?" Nadia asked.

Cullen looked at her and smiled. "Of course. I'd do anything for you."

Nadia smiled, blushing a little. "Thank you, Cullen."

Cullen smiled back. "I'll wait for you by the inner gate."

Nadia nodded. "Of course, Commander. Let me get my things together and leave instructions for my assistants, then I'll meet you over there."

Cullen smiled and watched as she ran off to get her things together. 'Now's my chance to spend more time with her, to tell her how I feel. I just wish it were under happier circumstances to start with.'

While Cullen readied a second horse, Nadia put together a few bags- enough things to last a couple months- and went to speak with her assistants, Lucy and Stephen.

"Lucy, Stephen, I'm going away for awhile and I need you to look after the patients and all our affairs while I'm away." Nadia said. "Take care of things until I get back. Remember what I taught you and you will be fine. I will see you in a couple months."

"Yes, Lady Nadia. Be careful and come back safely." Lucy said, hugging her.

"I will, Lucy, I promise. Thank you." Nadia said, then smiled.

Nadia left her assistants and went to join Cullen. He helped her load her bags onto her horse and mounted into his saddle. Nadia mounted into hers and she looked at Cullen. "Ready when you are, Commander."

Cullen smiled. "Then let's be off." he said and urged his horse forward. Nadia followed suit and they were off to their destination.

"It's so good to see Ferelden again!" Nadia said, smiling as she looked around. It was nearing the end of their journey to whatever destination.

Cullen looked at her. "It is indeed. Are you going to be alright, Nadia? When we reach Highever?"

"I think so. I just need to prepare myself for what condition my parents may be in. I haven't seen them since Matthew and I left to attend the Conclave. It'll be so nice to be back home with Fergus and everyone else. I think Elissa is going to be there, too." Nadia said, looking at him.

"The queen?" Cullen asked.

Nadia nodded. "Aye. Did you forget she was a Cousland? She's Fergus' sister and my cousin, too. She and Alistair met during the Blight and she was the one who killed the Archdemon. I was relieved to see that she survived and was overjoyed when she and Alistair were married." She looked over at Cullen, curious about something. "Does it bother you that I am from a noble family?"

Cullen shook his head. "No, of course not."

"I only ask because I know you are uncomfortable around nobles. I remember what happened in Orlais, at the ball. You made quite the impression on the Orlesian ladies." Nadia said, smirking.

"Oh, Maker, don't remind me." Cullen said, chuckling. "I have you to thank for saving me that night, though."

The Winter Palace was magnificent. Nadia gazed around at the walls, the drapery, the people dressed in their funny clothes and masks. It was all too surreal for her liking, but she never got a chance to play dress up lately, so it was kind of nice. She herself had on a soft blue gown with a white corset front, white frills bordering the collar and waist. An even lighter blue pattern of filigree leaves and a soft white cross-check pattern overlay it. On her wrists she wore silver bracelets that protected her forearms, at her neck was a simple blue silk choker with a sapphire jewel at its center with a silver accent piece that possessed two tiny wings on either side of the jewel, at her ears she wore simple diamond dangle earrings, and her hair was left half up in braids pinned tightly at the back of her head while the rest draped down her back in a cascade of soft brown hair. Adorning her hair was a pin of three soft white feathers and a headpiece with diamond tipped pins that matched her earrings placed strategically around her braids to make it look like she had stars in her hair.

Cullen walked beside her as she accompanied Matthew down the stairs to speak with some dignitaries. He excused himself to go take his position as look out, leaving Nadia to discuss politics with Matthew and the Orlesian nobles. After a while, Nadia excused herself to go find Cullen, knowing he wasn't used to these kinds of things. Matthew smiled as he watched her walk away, searching for the Commander. When Nadia found Cullen, she found the poor man surrounded by Orlesian ladies and he was mortified.

"There you are, sweetheart!" Nadia said, coming over to Cullen and looping her arm through his. "I've been looking everywhere for you!"

"N-Nadia, what are you doing?" Cullen whispered to her.

"You owe me a dance, my dearest. You promised you'd dance with me tonight." Nadia said, ignoring him. "Forgive us, ladyships, but I must still my husband away from you now. I do hope that you enjoyed his company, though. He is such a dear." Not even waiting for an answer, Nadia led Cullen away and pulled him to the dance floor and into a dance.

"What was that?" Cullen demanded, letting Nadia lead him into a waltz. "Your husband?"

Nadia blushed and looked down. "You were squirming under their flirting, so I did what I could to get them to back off. I'm sorry if you didn't want this."

Cullen looked down at her and sighed. "Nadia, it's fine. I, uh, do appreciate the rescue. And the husband part was a nice touch. I think that may have saved me for the entire night."

Nadia looked up and smiled. "You're welcome, Commander."

The night went on and the two enjoyed themselves. When the Grand Duchess tried to assinate the Empress, Cullen and Nadia joined Leliana and Cassandra as they fought off the harlequins that had begun to attack the nobles while Matthew, Solas, Cole, and Blackwall went after the Grand Duchess.

"Nadia, are you alright?" Cullen asked, rushing to her side.

Nadia nodded. "Yes, just overused my magik a little. I need some air." She said, hurrying through the throng of people until she reached the outside.

Cullen followed after her and found her standing outside on one of the patios. She hugged herself and took deep breaths as she tried to calm herself down. "Nadia..."

"I'm alright, Commander, I promise." she said, not looking at him.

He came over to her and pulled her into a hug. He held onto her and felt her relax. "I know you can take care of yourself, but I was so worried about you. I feared the harlequins may have gotten to you."

Nadia smiled into his chest and giggled. "I set a few of them on fire. No need to worry about me, Cullen."

Cullen looked down at her and smiled, blushing a little. "Would you care to dance once more tonight?"

Nadia's smile grew. "My, my Commander. Two dances in one night?"

Cullen shrugged. "I owe you for saving me from those dreadful women."

Nadia giggled and nodded.

They could hear the music coming out from inside the ballroom and Nadia let him lead her into the dance. Cullen gazed down at Nadia and felt his cheeks flush as he realized how beautiful she looked in the moonlight.

"Maker, you're beautiful..." He said.

Nadia smiled and blushed. "You're quite handsome yourself, Commander."

Cullen wanted to kiss her in that moment, to embrace her and tell her how he felt, but in the back of his mind he feared it would just hurt her all over again.

Nadia felt herself beginning to fall back in love with the Commander, but she wasn't sure she could risk trying to rekindle what they once had.

Before things could go any further, Matthew came to get them and told them it was time for them to leave. Cullen and Nadia nodded and watched as Matthew left them alone again.

"We should get going, then." Cullen said, his arms still around her even though they had stopped dancing.

Nadia felt the comfort of his arms around her and blushed. "Cullen, you'll need to let me go."

"What? Oh, right." Cullen let his arms relax, but he still held her close, his blush deepening.

"I had fun tonight." Nadia said, her hands on his chest now.

"As did I." Cullen replied, leaning in a bit.

Nadia felt her own blush deepen and she leaned in and kissed his cheek. Lingering there for a moment, she stepped back and bowed to him. "Thank you for the wonderful evening, Commander. I enjoyed spending time with you tonight." She said, then left the Commander alone on the patio, his hand touching his cheek and feeling the warmth of her kiss.

Nadia blushed as she came back from the memory of that night. "I had fun. I miss dancing like that. It's been awhile since I've had that much fun."

Cullen smiled. "I had fun, too. We should do it again sometime."

Nadia looked at him and smiled. "Thank you, Cullen, for coming with me."

"Of course, Nadia. You need someone there to help you through this." Cullen said. "I know your family will be there, but I want to be there for you too."

Nadia blushed. "That means a lot to me, Cullen."

Cullen smiled, then looked up at the sky. "It's getting dark. We should make camp."

Nadia pulled out a map to double check something. "We're actually near Rainesfere, so we can stop by the inn and stay the night there if you want."

Cullen nodded. "That's an excellent idea. How close are we?"

"Perhaps five miles out." Nadia said, checking the map and looking around at their surroundings. "We should be there by nightfall."

"Then let's be quick. I don't want to be caught out in the open after the dark if something were to happen." Cullen said.

Nadia nodded and folded up the map, then stuck it back in her bag and looked up at Cullen. "Lead the way, Commander."

Cullen smiled and urged his horse forward, Nadia close behind.

It did not take them long to reach the inn at Rainesfere, but it had started to rain. They hurried to get to the stables where they paid the stable hand to take the horses and feed them. They grabbed their packs and rushed to get inside the inn. It was crowded, many people trying to escape the weather as it picked up.

"Good evening, travelers!" the innkeeper said, greeting them. "What can I do for you tonight?"

Nadia smiled in greeting. "We need two rooms, if you have them."

The innkeeper frowned. "I'm sorry, I have only one left. It's a little bigger, one bed, but plenty of room for two."

Nadia looked up at Cullen. He blushed and seemed uncomfortable answering. She looked back at the innkeeper and smiled. "That'll be just fine. How much do we owe you?"

The innkeeper smiled. "Don't worry about the payment tonight. Pay before you leave. You are welcome to stay as long as you need, though I suggest you wait out the storm. It's that time of year around Rainesfere where the weather gets bad and the storms last for days. I will send my daughter with you to show you the room."

"Thank you." Nadia said and followed the innkeeper's daughter as she came up.

Cullen followed close behind, his face burning. 'We'll be sharing a bed?' He remained silent even when they reached the room.

"Thank you for your business, travelers." the innkeeper's daughter said. "My name is Marilee, my parents are Grace and Marcus. If you need anything, please ask one of us. Here is you room key. Is there anything else I can do for you tonight?"

Nadia shook her head. "No, thank you, Marilee. We are just fine."

Marilee smiled. "Of course. I will go to the kitchens and fetch something for you. I must apologize for our large number of guests. We are a little over our inn's capacity- with the storm and all- so we are trying to manage as best we can."

Nadia smiled. "It's understandable. Thank you again, Marilee."

Marilee smiled. "I will return soon with food and drink for you. Please, make yourselves at home."

Marilee closed the door, leaving Nadia and Cullen alone in the room, and hurried to the kitchens. Meanwhile, Nadia and Cullen set about unpacking their bags, putting their things in the empty drawers of the wardrobe on the left side of the room. As Nadia put aside a change of clothes for each of them, Cullen looked around the room. There was the large wardrobe, but also a chest at the foot of the bed that housed extra blankets and pillows. The bed itself was large enough for three adults to share, so perhaps it wouldn't be as uncomfortable for them to share it. There was a large fireplace on the right side of the room and two armchairs and a table sat placed in front of the fireplace. There was a window on each side of the bed, soft green velvet curtains hanging over them. In one corner on the left side of the room was a bathtub and a divider that created a bit of privacy.

Nadia looked over at Cullen and saw him standing stiffly, as if he was incredibly uncomfortable with sharing a room with her. She giggled at that thought and caused Cullen to look over at her, confused.

"What?" he asked.

Nadia giggled again. "You're so adorable when you're flustered." she said, then handed him the clean and dry change of clothes. "Here. Change into something dry and put your wet clothes by the fire."

Cullen took the bundle from her and looked at her. "You're changing, too?"

Nadia nodded. "Yes, and before you start to turn red as a cherry, I will go behind the divider and change out of sight. You don't need to worry about too much tonight, Commander." She smiled and went to change.

Cullen sighed and set the clothes on the bed. He pulled off his pauldrons and cloak, then his boots. He slipped out of his pants and tunic and pulled on the dry and warm clothes. He was actually amazed that their stuff stayed so dry within the packs with as much rain as there was outside. He smoothed out the fabric and set his things by the fireplace. A knock came at the door and when he answered, Marilee handed him the tray of food.

"There's a bowl of stew for each of you, some bread, a pitcher of cider, and some mugs for you. Is there anything else you will need before you turn in for the night?" Marilee said.

Cullen shook his head. "No, that will be all. Thank you."

Marilee smile. "Good night. Breakfast will be at sunrise, but feel free to sleep in. If you choose to, we can bring food to your room. Just let us know."

Cullen thanked her and closed the door as she walked away. He set the tray on the table and poured the cider into the mugs. He smiled when he saw that it was hot cider.

Nadia had changed out of her blue dress into a soft white cotton nightgown with blue embroidery. She took her boots and her clothes and stepped out from behind the divider and set them next to Cullen's things by the fire. Looking up as he took a seat in one of the chairs, Nadia saw the tray of food.

"Have you tried it yet?" she asked, sitting in the other chair.

Cullen shook his head. "No, I was waiting for you to join me."

Nadia smiled. "Well, I'm here now and I don't know about you, but I am hungry."

Cullen handed her a bowl and poured her a mug of the hot cider. "Then let's eat."

The two sat there and watched the fire dance in the hearth. They enjoyed the warmth and heartiness of the stew, the hot apple cider sweetened with honey slipping down their throats. As they sat there and ate, Cullen wondered if he should tell her how he felt. They had been traveling for a few days and he really wanted to tell her, but he wasn't sure when would be a good time to tell her.

Nadia looked over at him. "Is something on your mind, Cullen?"

He looked up at her and sighed. "It's nothing."

Nadia set down her mug and leaned forward, setting a hand on his knee. "Are you sure?"

Cullen blushed a little and stood. "Y-yes." he said, rubbing his neck and thinking to himself, 'Maker, I'm making a mess of things.'

Nadia stood and stretched, feeling the warmth of the stew and the cider pulling sleep towards.

Cullen looked at her and sighed. She was so beautiful in the light of the roaring fire, her soft brown hair glowing with an earthen tone and her green eyes glistening in the dancing firelight. He wasn't sure if now would be a good chance to tell her how he felt.

"If you are sure..." Nadia said, a little disappointed he wouldn't tell her. She covered her mouth as she yawned and looked towards the window. It was still raining hard outside, pouring down as if the Maker were crying. The crack of thunder sounded and lightning flashed in the blackened night sky.

"Are you getting tired?" Cullen asked.

Nadia nodded. "Aye, we had a long day. Will you be coming to bed as well?"Nadia giggled when she saw Cullen blushing. "I won't bite." she said, teasing. "If you won't come to bed now, just don't stay up too late." She reached up and kissed his cheek. "Good night, Cullen."

Cullen blushed. "Good night, Nadia." He watched as she went to the bed and pulled back the covers. As she slid into the bed and pulled the covers up over her, Cullen felt the pangs of tiredness pulling at him, so he took the tray of finished food and cider and set it out in the hallway on the buffet table against the wall. Closing the door of their room, Cullen added some more wood to the fire and went to the other side of the bed. He pulled off his tunic and set it on the side table before he slid under the covers next to Nadia. The bed was still fairly large, fitting enough for three grown adults, so there was a lot of room between them.

Nadia had laid down facing the middle of the bed and had pulled the covers to her waist. Cullen looked over and smiled when he saw that she was already passed out. He reached over and tucked her hair behind her ear and pulled the covers up to her shoulders before he laid back. He stared at the ceiling and put his hands behind his head. He had many thoughts he needed to sift through, but eventually he managed to fall asleep. It was a good start to a well earned peaceful rest, but it did not last long.

Sometime in the night, Nadia began to have nightmares again. She rolled onto her as she dreamed, but she began to thrash in her sleep and Cullen woke up. He looked over at Nadia and moved to her side, trying to wake her.

"Nadia, wake up!"

"Cullen!" Nadia called, waking with a start and sitting straight up, drenched in sweat.

"Nadia, I'm here." he said, putting a hand on her shoulder.

Nadia looked over at him, her eyes still fearful . "Cullen..." she started, but the dream was still fresh in her mind and she couldn't help letting loose the tears in her eyes.

Cullen pulled her into his arms and held her, letting her cry into his chest. He rubbed her back and stroked her hair, trying to calm her. "It's alright, you're safe."

Nadia felt comforted by his presence, his arms encircling her providing warmth, but the nightmare was ever insistent and it would not leave her alone. "I'm sorry, Cullen, if I woke you." She said, pushing herself back from his chest.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

Nadia looked up at him and nodded. "I think so. I feel better with you here."

Cullen smiled at that, but it quickly faded. "I was worried when I couldn't wake you."

Nadia pulled her knees up to her chest. "I didn't mean to worry you, Cullen. I'm sorry. These nightmares keep coming back, getting more intense."

Cullen sat back against the headboard of the bed and looked at her. "How long have these been going on?"
"Since Haven fell. For some reason, it's like Corypheus is sending his demons after me in the dreams. I'm running and running, nowhere to escape, darkness enveloping me and these red eyes following me wherever I go. I know Corypheus is dead, but something keeps prodding my mind." She said, getting out of bed and standing by the window. She looked at him and sighed. "I don't know how to get rid of them and I've tried everything I could think of."

Cullen stood and came to her side. "Whatever is causing these nightmares, I promise we'll find the root of it together."

Nadia looked up at him and smiled. "Thank you, Cullen." She looked out at the rain, still a down pour outside.

Cullen put an arm around her shoulder. "Of course, Nadia. We're friends after all."

Nadia blushed. 'I don't want to be just friends, Cullen.' she thought to herself. She turned and looked up at him, feeling her blush deepen. "Cullen, I care for you and I-" she started, then sighed, looking away.

Cullen looked at her and blushed a little himself. "What's wrong?"

Nadia looked up at him. "You left the Templars, but do you trust mages?" she asked. "Could you think of me as anything more than just a friend?"

Cullen looked at her. "I could. I mean I do... think of you. And what I might say in this situation." he replied, blushing.

"What's stopping you?" Nadia asked, putting a hand on his chest.

"With the war, I didn't think it was possible to find someone, but then you came along. You protected the Inquisitor and never doubted him. You protected us each battle we faced, healed our wounds. You've always been there for the Inquisition." Cullen explained. "I have wanted to tell you how I feel for a long time, but something always seemed to get in the way and I wasn't sure if you would feel the same for me."

Nadia blushed. "And yet I'm still here." she said, smiling.

"And so you are." Cullen replied, smiling as he reached up to touch her cheek. "It seems too much to ask."

Nadia leaned into his hand and blushed a little. Outside, a crack of thunder shook the inn, making Nadia jump.

"Maker, that was loud!" she exclaimed. Looking out the window, she sighed. "I don't think this storm will be letting up any time soon."

Cullen watched the rain smacking against the window panes. "I think you may be right. It'll take us longer to reach Highever at this rate."

Nadia looked back at him. "We should try to get some more sleep."

Cullen kissed her forehead and nodded, then led her to the bed. Nadia slid under the covers and waited for Cullen to join her. He lay on his back and put an arm up, offering her a spot on his chest. Nadia scooted closer to him and laid her head against his chest. They lay there together, the heavy covers keeping them warm as the storm raged outside. Cullen wrapped his arm around her and held her closer to him and quickly fell asleep. Nadia wasn't far behind, comforted by his presence and his scent. It seemed like it would be a good night's sleep.