I wrung my hands in front of my belt outside Commander Culllen's office.
'Oh Maker preserve me. I hope this goes well.' I had never been a fan of Templars in the Circle, but Commander Cullen was always polite, at least, and tried to make sure both the Inquisitions Templars and mages got along. However, it wasn't him I was worried about.
'You're a fool for opening your big mouth and suggesting this in the first place! You know he's a monster, a shell of his former self! He served that, that magical darkspawn thing! Cut down your brethren and Inquisition alike! You should have never suggested healing him!' But as much as my mind cursed my choice, my heart and conscience felt pity, a little guilt even. The feeling and knowledge of being used by the Chantry is not something I am a stranger too. Losing your faith, as well, is not new to me.
'Besides, you can't stand hearing people arguing.' It was lady Enchanter Fiona, Commander Cullen and the Inquisitor who squabbled over Samson that, even when the man was still in the room!
'At least have the decency to argue over him when he's not present!' That's what triggered my outburst. I had heard that the Inquisitors judgement of Samson was to keep him here, under the Commander's watch, and see if we could pry any useful information from him while the Arcanist studied his armor. At the time, it seemed no useful information was coming from the man while he was cut off the lyrium. I had walked in at hearing the three of them argue what could be done.
'Let me heal him!' the room went silent, and for a moment, even Samson's eyes looked up. Commander Cullen and the Inquisitor exchanged looks, both quirking a brow.
'Heal him?' Cullen questioned, 'He's falling down into the oblivion of lyrium withdrawals. There is no "healing" him even with all the lyrium we have in Skyhold!' But the Inquisitor held up their hand,
'Allow her to talk, Cullen. I at least want to hear how this could be accomplished.' It was then Fiona's turn to talk to me,
'Darlana, are you really suggesting what I think you are?' Her tone was soft, but there was a warning note to it.
'Yes Enchanter; I am.' I collected myself and shot a quick glance over to the lyrium addled mess of man in the corner. His eyes were distant but still seemed curious. 'Commander Cullen, Inquisitor, I have helped Templars recover from lyrium addiction before.' Commander Cullen's eyes widened, 'I discovered the technique by accident, but it seems to work. However I am unsure if it will be as effective on someone who has…dabbled with red lyrium.' Samson snorted at that and Cullen shot him a nasty glare before returning to me.
'What is the technique, exactly?' He rested his hands on his sword's pommel,
'It involves a type of spirit healing, Commander. I could demonstrate it on you, if you would like.' He stole a worried glance at Fiona who gave a firm, reassuring nod.
'Very well then.' I cleared my throat.
'It's more effective if I have clear access to the skin above the heart, ser.' I watched as the Commander grasped my words, a bit of blushing panic covering his face, 'but I can try it without that as well.'
'Do what you must.' He stood there, not moving to take off his over drapery and armor, so I moved to him, one hand on the back of his neck the other over his heart.
'Just hold still Commander, and tell me when your head clears.' I begin the process. Green magic comes out of my right hand, sinking into his neck, blue spirit magic pours into my left, dipping past his armor and into his heart. I hear him let out a low sigh, his always tense muscles relaxing, hands coming off of his sword. He seemed to enjoy the sensations.
'I feel my head again, and my fingertips too, thank you.' His usually serious voice was filled with happiness and he even smiled at me, his whole demeanor changing, like a weight taken away from his shoulders. I bowed my head slightly to him, feeling my cheeks heat under his warm amber gaze
'You are most welcome Commander. That is what Samson would go through, though I am not sure if it will work as well.' The Inquisitor spoke up then,
'That was quite the display, Miss Darlana. You've given us much to think over.' Fiona's voice soon followed,
'Indeed dear, go rest, and let us deliberate.' I turned then and walked back to the mage tower that was built for us. About an hour later a messenger came, telling me that the Commander would see me in his office at my most earliest convenience.
And here I stand. I gather myself, force my hands down to my sides and open the door. Commander Cullen is alone with Samson who sits in a chair in the corner.
"Ser Commander? You wished to see me?" I can feel the nerves rising already as Cullen turns around.
"Yes Miss Darlana. After your showing of magic it was decided that we will allow you to try to help Samson." His tone told me it was not his choice, and that he was most likely outvoted. Both of our eyes met the dark haired man in the corner, who looked between us before chuckling low,
"As much as I am grateful for help, don't you think it's too little too late, Cullen?" There was a soft mocking undertone to his words. Cullen was across the room and pulled Samson out of his chair before I could register the movement.
"It's Commander Cullen to you now, Samson." The last word was a hiss, poison from the ex-templar's mouth, "and this was not my choice. I would have this woman's talents better spent on other Templars who need her. But I will abide by the decision that was made."
"You always were the obedient one, Commander." Samson was thrown down with a swear from Cullen. I wanted to run to Samson's side to check for injuries, but was paralyzed by fear to where I stood.
"Umm, ser Commander?" I managed to eek out. Cullen turned at me, his face became awash in embarrassment.
"My apologies, Miss. It was not my intention to see me react that way." Samson chortled a bit, but was otherwise silent after a nasty glare from Cullen. His hands returned to his blade's pommel, air of professional distance resuming. "Enchanter Fiona suggested a schedule for Samson, once we figure out if this will work for one, and how much healing he will need for two."
"That makes sense. It is what we did with the other Templars too." Cullen nodded before continuing,
"At my insistence we will have you guarded by not only myself but one other mage and two regular soldiers as well whenever you heal him."
'A little extreme, but it was probably the only way he'd agree to all of this.' I nodded,
"Very well. When do we begin?" Cullen glanced at the door as the guards arrived,
Right now.