Cullen woke. The moon was still high in the night sky. He turned onto his side and saw Adela lying next to him, sleeping peacefully. He put his arm around her and held her close before drifting off to sleep again.

At breakfast, Raven ate everything that was placed in front of her. Blackwall would say later,
"I thought Sera was bad – but the Hero of Ferelden put her to shame with her appetite!" Adela smiled as Raven wolfed down her breakfast.
"Did you sleep well, Raven?" she asked.
"Very well, thank you, Inquisitor. Wonderful room."
"Call me Adela, please. You are amongst friends now. Have you seen Alistair lately?"
"No," replied Raven, "We sometimes go long periods without seeing each other – part of being a Grey Warden. I'd like to take a walk after breakfast and explore the fortress. Would that be okay?"
"Certainly; make yourself at home."

After breakfast was over, Raven stepped through a doorway into a circular painted room. She traced her fingers over the paintings, trying to understand the stories being told. By this time, everyone knew about Corypheus – ancient magister and darkspawn built into one. Raven felt a little guilty about this. Corypheus was a Grey Warden problem. She knew she'd had an obligation to help. Especially after losing friends to Corypheus – and nearly losing Alistair. But there was also a part of her that felt like she'd done more than her fair share of saving the world. She'd been busy trying to find a cure for the Calling. None yet. She sighed and left the room, opening a door leading onto a bridge. She crossed it and found herself in an office. Cullen was sitting at the large desk by the window.

He stood up instantly.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realise this was your office. Am I intruding?"
"Not at all, Lady Amell."
"Raven." He smiled at her when she corrected him.
"Is there anything I can do for you, Raven?" he asked. She coughed slightly.
"Actually, there is something. May I speak frankly, Cullen?" He started a little. It was the first time he'd heard her say his name in over a decade. He nodded.
"When you knew me as a Circle Mage, I had a feeling that you had a crush on me," she said. Cullen could feel the blush rising to his cheeks, as she continued, "The other mages were always talking about it. To be honest with you, I had a crush on you too. Then I got taken away by Duncan and became a Grey Warden. By time I returned to the Circle, Uldred had taken over."
"Raven, I know my beha-"
"Please wait, Cullen. You did say some awful things, but I really do not blame you at all. None of that was your fault. You know that, right?"
"Thank you. I wasn't myself. I thought that the Maker was punishing me for being a Templar who had feelings for a mage." Raven put her hand on his shoulder.
"I am so sorry for what those abominations did to you. You are so strong, Cullen. Look at everything you've been through – and you're still a good person."
"Thank you for saying that. It means something," said Cullen, smiling gently, and he added,
"If it hadn't been for Adela, I don't know if I could have pulled through it. I don't take lyrium anymore. She helped me when the withdrawal from it was at its worst. She stayed strong when I wavered. When I told her about the Circle in Ferelden, she listened and understood, even though she was a mage herself and could have taken the other side. She loved me even knowing the mistakes I've made. She is everything."
"I'm so glad you're happy. That much is obvious just from looking at you, as well as the fact you put something in your hair because it isn't curly anymore!" They laughed.
"Is It hard for you, Raven? Being away from Alistair?" She nodded.
"You get used to being apart. Doesn't mean I like it. We talked about getting married but we never get round to it; never in the same place at the same time long enough to organise it. He writes one hell of a letter, though!"

Later on, Josephine and Adela were talking on diplomatic matters when Cullen came to visit them.
"Cullen, what can I do for you?" asked Josephine.
"I've had an idea," said Cullen, "Do you know where Alistair Theirin is?"
"No, but I can find him. What's the reason?"
"I was just talking to Raven, and she mentioned that she and Alistair have wanted to get married but are never in the same place long enough. Get Alistair here, and we can stage a wedding for them."
"Wow, Cullen! You're a romantic!" cried Adela.
"The Hero of Ferelden and Alistair marry at Skyhold? It would be a great expense – and if we're keeping it a secret… I love it!" exclaimed Josephine, but added, "I wish Leliana was here, she'd be able to do it quietly."
"Cullen, get word out to Alistair. We must find him. Your scouts can do it. As long as he's not too far away, we can get this organised before Raven leaves at the end of the week. Josephine, I trust that you will be able to get the other details sorted?"
"Of course, Inquisitor. Leave it to me."

And so, it was settled.