The following is an attempt to resolve a question that I couldn't ignore when I played Inquisition again. Characters you recognize are Bioware's; Jade and Vin are mine. (If you've read my stories you may recognize them from a deleted story I began; this turned out a better starting point and more interesting...)

- End A/N -

Cullen didn't pay much attention to the duo that rode slowly into Haven. There were far too many things needing to be done, and this was just another couple of people entering the Inquisition's home. He wouldn't have registered them at all if the cloak the woman wrapped around her shoulders hadn't fallen to reveal a tattoo on her upper shoulder. Her companion pulled it up quickly, but Cullen had already recognized the Templar mark and made a note to seek her out after the day's training. Since the mages had come to Haven it was rare to see a member of the Order, but those who did should feel welcome and provided for.

He found her that evening laying down on a bedroll under a tree, an empty one beside her, turning a chess piece over in one hand. The Circle Tower. Cullen approached, crouching beside her and watching a moment as she twirled the piece, oblivious to his arrival.

"Do you play?" he finally asked, causing her to drop the piece.

Now he got a closer look, he could see she was young- probably eighteen, twenty at the oldest. Most would have argued she was somewhat plain, with blonde hair that must appear perpetually dirty cut to just kiss the edge of her ears, and blue eyes that were overly brilliant. Cullen was jarred himself, though as much by her sudden temperament change as she sat bolt upright to meet his level.

"Commander."

Cullen chuckled slightly. "That I am. Commander Cullen, miss..?"

"I'm... Jadell." She scrunched her nose a bit, as if debating something. Then, finally, she added, "From Starkhaven."

Cullen contained his gasp, but not the surprise. "I heard the Free Marches were the first to have problems with tainted lyrium supplies," he noted, almost a question.

Jadell nodded. "They... WE... were." She took a deep breath. "You already knew didn't you?" Cullen gestured to her arm. She'd since found more suitable clothing, but a palm briefly raised to the sleeve that hid the mark anyway. Shaking her head, the girl sighed. "Getting here was rough. I didn't expect it would be that obvious."

"If it's any consolation I think your companion ensured nobody else saw. Is he..?"

The blonde woman laughed. "Maker no!" Then, softer, she added, "Vincent is a mage, Commander Cullen, and I owe him my life." She moved a hand to her side, a subconscious act that spoke volumes as she added, "And likewise I suppose, though he'd probably never admit it."

Cullen had to chuckle at that. He clapped a hand to her back, a welcoming gesture that hopefully instilled confidence. "I do hope you'll join our forces, Ser Jadell."

Jadell bit at her lip, beating a smile. "Just Jadell, Commander. For now I was planning on introducing myself in the morning, at least watching your training exercises. I probably shouldn't participate quite yet."

Cullen frowned. "You were hurt?"

"Coming through the Hinterlands road," she clarified. "It wasn't uneventful."

Cullen could tell there was something more in that story, but before he could think to pry the other member arrived. He was an elven male with impeccably maintained thick brown hair. He handed his companion a warm bowl of stew and kissed her cheek as he sat. "Sorry for the delay love. Fiona recognized me when I walked by." The accent wasn't quite Orlesian, but close enough that Cullen thought he may just be used to disguising his origin.

Jadell sighed. "Cullen, Vincent. Vin, Commander Cullen."

The strange elf offered his hand. Cullen took it, shaking it while still riddled with confusion. "So wait. You two..."

Jade nodded. "Three months on the run, and almost a year together at the Starkhaven Circle as the last two sane minds. Nothing like a war to bring people together."

That Cullen had not expected. He could see the care between them, awkward as it seemed. His mind drifted to his brief encounters with Elanna Trevelyan, Ostwick mage that she had been. He had been dismissing her flirtations out of hand, certain nothing could come of it, yet here was proof to the contrary.

"Tomorrow." Cullen stood, ready to head out as much to give himself time to speak as let them be alone for a while. "I'll take whatever time you can give Miss Jadell."

The girl nodded, using one hand to put a finger to her lover's lips before he could think to argue. "I'll be there, Commander," she promised. "And by the way? Yes. I play." She tossed the Tower piece to him, watching as he caught it and walked away.

When Cullen passed the duo later he saw the elf was sitting upright against the tree trunk resting with a book, the woman laying comfortably asleep on his lap while he ran fingers soothingly through her hair. It was so tender he couldn't help but want it for himself someday. Maybe when this was over...

"Commander Cullen?" The Herald's light voice spread to him, the gentle lilt captivating his attention. "I was hoping you had a moment."