"Please, Cullen. I just need to see him before I leave. Consider it a last request."
Solona was not used to begging anyone for anything. When the Templars told her she would be punished, she didn't ask to be conscripted. It just happened.
All she could think of right now though was how to tell Anders, and how she wished he could come with her.
With a silent nod, Cullen had her follow him to the dungeons.
It had been almost two months since she was able to sneak down to see him. How would he look? Were they even feeding him? She grew nervous.
His cell was quiet except for the soft mews of the cat Greybeard, who always kept him company.
"You have one hour." Cullen opened the door to his sell and with a bow took his leave.
Anders was already standing when she rushed into his arms. "What's going on? I heard fighting upstairs. I was worried it was you."
Standing on her toes she kissed him deeply, pulling away to commit every line and stubble on his face to memory.
"I've been conscripted. Jowan destroyed his phylactery. I helped. I thougt we'd be able to escape. I wanted to free you." She had tried to come up with something more tactful, but words escaped her. They didn't have the time for lengthy conversation.
"Maker, Sol." His fingers ran over her lips, and he seemed to be committing her to memory as well.
"I want you to come with me." Her head was bowed, tears building in her eyes.
"But I can't. I understand. Well, if this is to be the last time I see you, let's at least make it a good memory."
They made love, slow and gentle. It was full of passion and need, and promises they knew they couldn't keep.
He told her he loved her as she slipped on her robes, and headed for the door. She said it back, and when Cullen closed the door to his cell, leading her back to Duncan, she knew she was ready for whatever came next.
She was ready to be a Grey Warden. Not because it was her duty, not even for the glory, but for Anders. She would taste freedom outside the circle, and one day, she'd come back for him.
It was the only promise after all, that she truly intended to keep.