A/N: So this is how the friendship between Dorian Pavus and my warrior Inquisitor Corana Lavellan formed and evolved in my head and I hope you like it! Constructive criticism is welcome, all characters belong to Bioware.
The first time Corana Lavellan laid eyes on Dorian Pavus, she felt disdain and annoyance. A Tevinter Magister come to offer his aid? She'd had her sword at the ready even after he'd burst through the front gates of Haven a weary and injured mess. It would be a lie if she said she hadn't considered putting him out of his misery right there. Her advisors would never have approved. When he offered his help, she wanted so badly to say no.
She didn't.
When Dorian Pavus took up residence in the library, Corana avoided it at all costs. Even though reading was one of her favorite past times, she would not go where he was if she could help it. On the incredibly rare occasion that she ran into him outside of his sanctuary, he would try to strike up a conversation about anything under the sun. It took him six attempts to finally get the Inquisitor to engage in his conversations. She found herself enjoying his company.
She was not happy about it.
The first mission Dorian Pavus tagged along with was the expedition to the Western Approach. Corana was briefing the Iron Bull and Sera on their mission and asking who they thought she be the fourth member of their party. Bull suggested the Tevinter mage at the exact moment he burst into the tavern looking for the Inquisitor. He was ecstatic to finally be of some help and practice his magic.
He was less ecstatic when he started getting sand in his mustache and unmentionables.
Corana was unsure of when she became fond of Dorian. If pressed, she might have suggested it was around the time she caught him mooning over Bull as he trained in the courtyard with Krem. The absolute adoration in his eyes and the way he sighed longingly every time he faced Dorian's direction was what gave him away. It took quite a bit of needling before he admitted his crush. In her excitement for him, she confessed her attraction for their resident Fade expert.
That was when she knew she trusted him.
Dorian saw Corana cry for the first time when she returned to Skyhold after Solas explained the history behind her vallaslin and told her he couldn't see her anymore. The way her entire body shook and she held onto his shirt as though she might lose herself in her sorrow broke his heart. It took a lot of work and several venomous glares at passerby to get the Inquisitor back to her room without being bothered. He helped her into bed and stayed when she asked. Just before she fell asleep, he offered to have Solas killed or even teach him a lesson with his own two hands. Corana told Dorian she loved him and let sleep embrace her. The next morning, everyone gawked at a strange sight in the Great Hall: Solas was making his way to his room sporting his usual cup of tea, a black eye, and a split lip.
Dorian denied any involvement, while grinning like he'd won a fabulous prize.
When the battle with Corypheus was over and no one could find the Inquisitor, Dorian felt his heart stop and couldn't remember how to breathe. He knew she was his best friend and she was important to him, but he didn't realize just how much until he thought she was gone. The moment she stepped out of the rubble, his relief was so great that he let out a sob. Without warning, he ran over to her and swept her up in his arms. He didn't know it, but she was just as relieved to see him alive and well.
Dorian told her he loved her back.