Preface/Info:

The story is about Ackley, Cullen and Godric, who were friends from the Circle Tower. Cullen and Ackley were in love with each other, but never had the courage to confess their feelings to one another. Ackley is subsequently reunited with Cullen (as the Inquisitor) after many years and his feelings for the Commander is still as strong as they always were. Yet, after Kirkwall, Cullen appears to have changed...

Also, despite being the typical 'nice guy,' there's a dark part of Ackley that even he's not aware of…

Kaidan Alenko does feature in this story but you don't need to know anything about him, or his universe (nor will this story go into that). Ackley really needed a friend/'bro' to hang out with so he doesn't get too moody about Cullen. I couldn't imagine anyone more loyal and caring than Kaidan.

The story does feature sex scenes between men (which I've censor here on FF as I'm not too sure exactly what the rating allows). If you would like to read the full story (and look at tarot cards for the chapters) you can find it on archivesofourown (FF doesn't allow links for some reason...)

A thank you for brilcrist for providing the visual representation of Ackley.

Chapter 1: The Fool

Ackley had never aspired to be a leader. Politics, and the relentless desire for power did not interest the mage, and nor did he have the fortitude. He much preferred the company of a few close friends than to be heralded by a sea of people. However, it seemed that unexpected situations always tended to propel him to the forefront. During his days as a Circle mage, Ackley had been bestowed the title of youngest Senior Enchanter of the Circle Tower before he was transferred to Ostwick as a Ferelden representative. Though he might've been gifted in magic, Ackley never presented himself as someone who was superior to his fellow mages. Perhaps this was why his apprentices took advantage of his kindness and naivety so easily.

Ackley generally surprised people that encountered him. With his regal brown hair and dark, yet reassuring eyes, the mage looked as though he should be swinging a sword as the warrior son of a nobleman rather than wielding a staff and using the power of spoken words.

Though he came to the Circle as a goofy child raised in some backwater - hugging everyone, instead of clasping their hands, Ackley quickly learned how to adapt. He found, for example, that telling others that his childhood friend was a wolf, would have people quickly walking away from him, muttering under their breaths.

To survive in the Circle, Ackley learned that one needed ignorance. Thus, despite his knowledge of ancient gods and forgotten languages, he had to pretend that he knew nothing outside of what was taught to him by the Circle. Not that anyone ever suspected however, he was always that awkward, yet affable mage who smiled all the time.

His first friend when he arrived at the Circle, was Anders, a fellow mage who never spoke to anyone until he met Ackley. Anders never seemed to stop speaking after that. Ackley would listen to his friend's ramblings with one ear, whilst trying to focus on his book.

Subsequent to Anders, Ackley soon befriended Godric. He had no idea who the Couslands were, and the fact that Godric was related to them didn't seem at all important. He saw Godric as someone who was lonely and needed a friend. Though the rest of the tower feared even speaking to a potential Teryn, Ackley would tease and tussle with his handsome friend as if he were any other boy.

Unlike Godric, whom he hugged upon their first meeting, Ackley had learned by the time he met Cullen, that clasping hands was the appropriate form of greeting. His cheery smile, and reassuring eyes seemed to allay the nerves of the blonde Templar, and they fast became friends. What Ackley did not expect however, was to fall so madly in love with Cullen, that it pained him to even think of their initial encounter.

Great power lay at his fingertips though Ackley always kept such things a secret. It would send him straight into the Tranquil chambers if anyone were to find out that the kind hearted bookworm knew magic that was beyond the Circle's teachings.

Thus, it was quite rare to see his true magic in action, and even rarer, to see the darkness that lay deep within him...

It was the final battle against Corypheus that saw but a sliver of this...

Six tendrils of pure ice burst of the ground, rising further than any tower as they pierced the scaly hide of Corypheus' dragon, ending its insidious life instantly.

"That's impossible," Corypheus cried in horror, as he stared at his impaled pet. "Only the Old Gods knew of such sorcery!"

Ackley ignored the outburst, and with a wave of his hand, a ring of eight icy swords slowly formed from the ether, encircling Corypheus.

"I will not be bound like they," The villain hissed, as he defiantly raised a barrier around his gangly body. Corypheus' thin lips then twisted into a wicked smile as he stared back at the young mage. "Your heart still aches for your Commander doesn't it? It must be painful to know that the man you love would strike you down the moment he learns the threat you pose to this world,"

Corypheus hoped his words had broken Ackley's concentration. The icy swords spinning around him faltered, half disappearing back to the ether.

"As expected," Corypheus sneered. "How a pathetic child could be blessed with powers of the ancient times, I shall never know. Not that it truly matters when I finally take my place in this world as its god! I shall savour the moment when I rip out your Commander's beating heart as his corpse falls to the ground,"

"Do. Not. Dare threaten him!" Ackley spat back through clenched teeth.

The brown haired mage folded his fingers inwards. The blades of ice that had encircled Corypheus reverted to their material form before they tore into the gangly man's torso. Whatever barrier had been drawn proved useless. Corypheus screamed in pain as blood began to flow from his wound. The orb in his feeble fingers flew from his grasp and into Ackley's awaiting hand.

The brown haired man studied it curiously for a moment, feeling its energy emanating against his. He lifted the orb to the sky, sending a surge of energy pulsing upwards.

The seam closed in a thundering shockwave and the orb fell from the mage's hand to the ground, in pieces. Snarling, Ackley turned his eyes, glinting in fury, back to Corypheus. The gangly man would finally get his wish. The Fade awaited him, just as it did the Old Gods...

"You should have seen her my dear," Vivienne sniggered as she recounted her tale to Ackley. The pair of mages were taking their usual stroll along the distant plains outside of Skyhold. It was a period of lull for the Inquisition, and many of Ackley's companions had opted to visit their homes or fulfill other duties. Though Vivienne could've returned to court, she found the young mage's presence quite refreshing. He was like the sunshine she never had growing up in the Montsimmard Circle. She would never admit to such things of course.

"The poor fool opts for a dress more appropriate for a lady of the Red Lantern district than a gala attendee," the enchantress continued. "Josephine made such a poor decision in inviting her. She usually has such excellent taste,"

"Yolande is quite beautiful Vivienne," Ackley pointed out.

"You would think the Commander has more integrity. Perhaps he is as base as any other man,"

"I'm not so certain about that. It's quite pleasant to be surrounded by beautiful things," Ackley shrugged with a cheery smile.

"Your flattery won't divert me from this issue Ackley," The enchantress smiled. "It's endearing how you still care enough for Cullen to defend him on this matter. I know quite well that the only person suited for him, is you, dear boy,"

"Y-You shouldn't say such things," Ackley stammered in embarrassment, feeling his cheeks flush.

"You are ever so delightful when you act the part of the love-struck puppy," Vivienne teased.

"She's a lady of Amaranthine," Ackley pointed out. "Surely it's the appropriate choice for him,"

"My dear boy, the adopted niece of a feeble, forgotten Bann is hardly worth the time. You however, are Inquisitor of Skyhold, and Senior Enchanter of both the Ferelden and the Ostwick Circle. I also thought that given your history, the two of you would be the perfect pair,"

"I did think that at one time, he and I…" Ackley faltered, feeling a clenching pain in his chest. He remembered the time when Cullen's lips had been so close to his…

Ackley quickly shook away the memory.

"Never mind," He said hoarsely. "It was probably foolish of me to think that he had feelings for me. It's... quite clear that Cullen has never cared for me in that way. I shouldn't keep dwelling on this subject,"

"Quite right. I'd say the Arl of Amaranthine is a much better suitor for you,"

"W-What?"

"Oh do drop the pretense Ackley. You cannot have me believe that the Arl rallied his men to journey here simply to stare at a stone castle. You are clearly on his agenda,"

"Godric and I were friends from the Circle. He was a Templar, as was Cullen. But that was years ago, I'd hardly think he'd foster feelings for me after all this time,"

"Speaks the mage who is still infatuated with his Commander,"

Ackley gave a relenting sigh. "I won't be able to outwit you on this subject, will I?"

"Were you trying my dear?" Vivienne laughed. "I hear the Arl's quite the romantic,"

"I hardly think 'romantic' is the appropriate term," Ackley gave a cheered grin at the memory. "He's always been quite the flirt,"

"Given your expression, I see your relationship with him is not as cordial as you portray,"

Ackley was not given the opportunity to rebut Vivienne's rather accurate observation, for at that moment, both mages heard a male scream from above. The brown haired young man looked up only to see a body hurtling towards him. The figure from the sky quickly collided with Ackley, bringing both men to the ground with an 'oomph.' The stranger that lay atop Ackley was broad shouldered and held a masculine physique, eliciting a groan before he opened his hazel eyes and stared down at the mage.

Their eye contact didn't last long however, for the man was quickly hurled off Ackley by an invisible force, landing a few metres away on the grassy field. Vivienne loomed over Ackley's side, with one hand outstretched towards the stranger.

"Get away from him, you odious fiend!" the enchantress sneered.

The stranger didn't stay down however. He quickly got to his feet, and with a roar, a great surge of power erupted from the hazel-eyed man. Vivienne barely managed to erect a barrier around her, which shattered instantly, sending her falling back with a sharp cry.

Ackley stared in curiosity at a blue aura that now radiated from the stranger's body. The mage could hear Vivienne stirring in the background. Anticipating her next move, Ackley tapped into the spirit of winter and directed his attention towards the stranger.

Vivienne appeared as if out of a wisp of smoke in front of the stranger. A golden, spectral blade drawn against his neck. Ackley appeared a fraction of a second later in a draft of frost, his body shielding the man. The ethereal blade was also pressed against his neck.

"Move aside, Inquisitor," Vivienne commanded.

"Vivienne don't,"

"It is a demon spawned from a rift. I saw it with my own eyes."

"I'm not a demon!" The stranger shouted in a raspy voice.

"A demon that denies itself as one. How quaint," Vivienne scoffed.

"Vivienne. Surely if he was a demon, he would've killed me by now, or at the very least, used me as a shield to flee," Ackley defended.

"Very well," Vivienne sighed in surrender, lowering her arm. The blade faded back to its ethereal realm.

"I apologise for the misunderstanding stranger," Ackley turned to the hazel-eyed man behind him. "I don' think falling from the sky is the usual way people meet one another" He chuckled

"I am Ackley, and this is Vivienne de Fer, Imperial Enchantress to the Orlesian court,"

"As you will," Vivienne nodded with frosty acknowledgement.

The stranger stared at the both of them, his mouth opening and closing silently as if he was contemplating a response.

"Alenko," He finally managed. "Major Kaidan Alenko,"

"A pleasure to meet you Major,"

"That isn't my name." The man chuckled. "It's just... Kaidan,"

"I'm sorry Kaidan." Ackley apologised. "You must excuse my ignorance. Clearly I'm not familiar with the customs of your people. From where do you hail?"

"Vancouver,"

Ackley looked to Vivienne in the hope that she might have some clue as to where such a place might lie.

"It sounds like an utterly barbaric place," Vivienne sneered in response.

"It's not barbaric!" Kaidan cried.

"Judging by how its people behave, I'd say I've given a rather fair assessment,"

"Let's not start another fight here," Ackley tried calming the situation with a nervous laugh. "Do you remember what you were doing before you fell from the sky, Kaidan?"

"I dunno," Kaidan shrugged. "I suppose we were waiting to be evacuated from that planet the Normandy, our ship, crash landed on,"

"I'm... sorry?" Ackley replied, trying to sound sincere, but it came off as thoroughly confused.

"By the Maker," Vivienne sighed. "Clearly the poor fool has it his head,"

"I'm not a fool," Kaidan replied through gritted teeth.

"She says that in jest," Ackley lied, with a reassuring look on his face. "Where did you learn to do such magic?"

"What magic?" Kaidan responded, looking at Ackley as though he was insane.

"The spell you used to repel Vivienne."

"You mean my biotics?"

"Biotics?"

"You know. Implants? In your head?"

"Can we please just leave this fool to his babbling before my migraine becomes any worse?" Vivienne suggested.

"…So you didn't use the Fade as the source of your spell?" Ackley questioned.

"What the hell is The Fade?"

Ackley frowned. The young mage had thought that the battle against Corypheus had put an end to the trouble with rifts, but clearly, this stranger's sudden appearance told him that perhaps, they were only truly beginning.