Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Age or the characters, they belong to BioWare
Chapter 1
10 years, 10 years since the blight, 10 years since the tower and the hurtful things said to the one he had loved, 10 years since the hero fell, 10 years of regret and now it is all brought back by a man from Tevinter with a similar name and appearance. Though they were nothing alike, seeing the mage brought back memories and feelings Cullen had thought were long forgotten.
It was painful, so much regret, of words spoken, of apologies that could never be given, and actions never taken. Over time he pushed these feelings aside, though they still scratched at the back of his mind whenever Dorian was around. It wasn't until they got to Skyhold, after Dorian and Cullen had developed a friendship, and found an old letter that things got complicated.
Dorian had complained about what a mess Cullen's office had become and threatened to tidy the room for him if the commander wouldn't do so himself. And so Cullen was now cleaning his admittedly very messy office, with Dorian's assistance of course. All was well and normal until Dorian found a box of letters Cullen had long forgotten about. Dorian was a curious person by nature and the elegantly written 'Sir Cullen Stanton Rutherford' caught his attention. He took the letter from the small box and began to read its contents.
'My dear Knight
I know we didn't part on the best of terms, and that is understandable given what you went through. I know you didn't mean what you said, and I want you to know that I forgive you. I will always love you Cullen, remember that, always.
Farewell my love
Darien Amell'
What was this, he could feel traces of magic still lingering on the paper, it was written by a mage, a mage that loved the commander. Dorian's chest felt tight as jealousy washed over him. From the sounds of it this mage had once had the commander's affection as well, but Cullen had hated mages until recently. Who was this Darien Amell anyway? Without looking at the commander, Dorian placed the letter back in it's box, stood, and posed his question. "Who in the Void is Darien Amell?"