Chapter 6

In the newly designed training room, fully dressed in his Templar armor, the Knight Captain stands before his men, stern and confident. Stone walls covered with banners featuring the Symbol of Andraste and the blue flamed Symbol of the Templar order, surround the group of Knights.

"We are trying something different this evening." Cullen explains, his hands neatly tucked behind his back. "I believe it is in your best interest to be prepared for anything." The Captain glances over to Amell, her hound, Dagna and Wynne.

"The Warden has graciously decided to offer assistance in our new training sessions." He looks over the men before him. "These trials will not be easy. However, if you were to ever be faced with unknowing dangers, I will rest easier knowing you are well prepared."

Cullen tries to hold back a grin. "Today's exercise, you'll be faced with a challenge." He nods to Wynne and Dagna, they both step forward. "You're goal, protect the civilian from any attacks. Work with the enchantress as a team, let her aid you with her spells. Defeat the rogue mage..."

At this the Warden steps forward grinning.

"Without killing her. When faced with the task of bringing an escaped Circle mage back to the tower, know that they will defend themselves any way possible. However, as part of the Order, you are charged with bringing that mage home, unharmed. The Elders here and the Knight Commander will deal with their punishment. It is not your decision to make. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes Knight Captain!" The templars shout in unison.

"Sir, what if the mage turns out to be a blood mage?" Kailen steps forward.

"A blood mage, or abomination is to be terminated. No questions asked. However, if you use this as an excuse to deal with a rogue mage, you will be dealt with. There has to be proof of such accusations."

"Yes Knight Captain." The younger templar falls back in line.

"Alright, this is how it's going to work. I want three groups of five men. Each group will take turns. Remember, this is a practice scenario only. If I see anything other then that, well lets just say you'll have the warden to deal with."

A few hours later and down to the last group of templars, Selena is feeling drained. However, the young knights are doing better then she had expected. Cullen had pointed out after each session, what the men could have done better and what skills each templar should work on.

Now, down to the last training session, the Warden is beginning to tire, she has been doing as Cullen had asked, not taking it easy on the men. Wearing her Rock armor, she sends boulders and small ice cone spells towards her opponents. Deciding against using lightning against men in metal she would rather not fry.

The five men in this group seem to be more advanced. Kailen favors sword and shield and continues to protect Wynne from any on coming damage. Mikael with his long sword, slowly tries to make his way towards Amell, using the stone pillars for cover. The archer of the group, Rowin, whom she was recently introduce to, sends arrows her way with no intention of harm, while hovering over Dagna. The other long sword Templar, Garred, stands firmly in front of the dwarf.

Selena can see the other shield and sword Templar, Thomas, slowly creeping his way towards her behind the right hand side pillars. However, for some reason it's Garred that keeps her interest. There's something about the way his grey eyes behind that templar helm bother her.

Mikael jumps from a pillar and charges for her. Stepping to the side and dragging her staff, she trips the man. Turning over, he's faced with the sharp edge of her staff in his face.

"You just died." She explains. "One down, four to go."Mikael leaves the battle and watches from the side lines.

Grinning, the warden sends a shower of ice towards the other templars and Wynne. Kailen pushes the older mage aside and takes the brunt of the storm. Quickly rising to her feet, the enchantress sends a wave of healing towards her guardian.

Amell notices Garred side starring at the older mage. Catching him off guard, she sends a stone fist in his direction that only knocks him off his feet without any damage.

Bringing her gaze back to Thomas, she casts a few minor ice spells keeping the templar at bay.

It's now Garred's turn to take advantage of the situation. Enraged, he charges for the mage, his sword fully charged and glowing blue with Righteous Strike. Just feet away from his target he sets of a charge of Cleansing Wave, a bright blue shock wave is sent through the room, knocking Wynne to the ground and sending Selena crashing against the wall.

Briskly the templar marches over to his fallen opponent. "Bitch!" He raises his glowing blue sword. Slumped and trying to regain her composure, the mage is unaware of the danger unfolding.

Garred begins to descend his sword towards the warden, but instead of making contact with flesh, his weapon collides with something that makes a distinct 'Clang'!

Vision blurry, Amell looks up to try and focus on where the noise is coming from. As her vision regulates she can see the Knight Captain in a protective crouch just over her frame, guarding her from harm.

Brown eyes beaming over the edge of his shield and his sword pushing back on the attackers blade, Cullen begins to stand. Still using his sword and adding more force he slides the blade down Garred's weapon. "Stand down!"

The other Templar doesn't respond, only adds more force behind his own blade. Not backing down, The Captain comes to a full stand. Using almost all of his strength, Cullen twists his own weapon with his wrist quickly dislodging the other mans long sword to the ground.

Shocked, Garred stares at his fallen blade. "She needs to be dealt with!"

"I said stand DOWN!" Cullen points the tip of his blade at the other mans chest.

Trying to press forward, Garred locks his shoulder and begins walking towards his Commanding Officer, believing that the other man will do him no harm.

With no option left, The Knight Captain smashes the templar in the helm with his shield, turns sharply and kicks out his leg tripping the soldier. Hovering over the younger man, Cullen presses his boot against the mans chest and rests the tip of his blade just over his adams apple.

"You're disobeying direct orders from your Commanding Officer!" Cullen spits out.

"But Sir...she could of killed me!" The fallen templar tries to argue.

"We are training. She's trying to prepare you for REAL dangers and REAL enemies. Not flatten you in front of a bunch of Templars who are more then capable of dealing with her, you IDIOT!" Cullen looks over to Kailen and Thomas. "Escort this excuse of a Templar to his chambers."

"Yes Sir!"

"Garred, as of tomorrow, you will be guarding the Chantry section, nights only! Also, you are to report to me every morning before heading back to your quarters." Cullen sheathes his sword.

"For how long Sir?" The younger templar asks bitterly.

His brow becoming more serious, The Captain closes in on his troupe. "Until I say otherwise. Do I make myself clear?"

"I...Yes sir." The three templars salute their Captain and leave the training grounds, with all eyes watching as they do.

Cullen heads over to Amell. "Maker, are you alright?" He offers her a hand and helps steady her as she begins to stand. "He hit you with a very large amount of that wave. Even I felt it in the air."

Legs like mud, she struggles to stand. "My head hurts..." She can feel warm liquid coming out of her nose and ears.

Worried, Cullen calls for the other mage. "Wynne! Help...please!"

"Oh dearest, let me look at you." Wynne gently pushes Amell's hair back. "Hmmm...he got you pretty good."

"What... about yourself?" Amell stammers.

"Me? This old bag of bones will be alright. Plus my guardian did very well at protecting me." She smiles. Looking over to the worried Captain, Wynne places a hand on his shoulder. "Do you mind bringing her to her quarters? I have a few things I need to gather."

"Of...of course." Scooping her up into his arms, Cullen looks over the rest of the Templars. "Trials dismissed for the day. Return to your duties. Rowin, follow me."

"Yes Sir." Rowin does as he's told and follows the Knight Captain out of the room.

"Uhm, will she be alright?" Dagna questions while watching the two men leave.

"Yes, she'll have a migraine for a few hours, but she'll be fine." Wynne reassures the young woman.

"So what did you need? I can help carry some stuff." Dagna looks up to the older mage.

"Hmm...? Oh nothing just some basic supplies, and I just wanted a moment to think." Wynne folds her arms, considering the events that just took place. "Alright, these brittle arms could use some help after all." She smiles warmly.

After Wynne's departure, Cullen had suggested that Dagna stay and watch over the warden, which she had happily agreed to. Then he took Rowin aside and ask that he and Kailen take shifts for the night and guard Garred's room.

Tired and nerves on edge, The Senior Templar returns to his room. Believing that he might sleep too well if he drinks Amell's tonic, he decides to rest without it.

Early in the morning, still exhausted, he returns to Amell's quarters. He knocks on the door and Dagna answers.

"Good morning Captain. I just made some tea, would you like some?" She offers.

"Uhm, no thank-you. I've just come to check on Selena, then I'm going to have a report to write." He rubs his temples. "How is she doing?"

"Fine, actually. She's just taking a bath, you know, to relax. She's got a few big blue bruises. Other then that, she's fine." The dwarven girl informs.

Blue...that damn color.

"I see." Cullen states kind of blankly and stares of into nothing.

Dagna rests a hand on his forearm. "She's fine. Honest."

He looks down at her little hand then to her face. "Alright, I better get going. Thank-you my lady."

"Anytime."

The Captain parts and Dagna locks the door behind him. Going past the archway to the bedroom, she climbs up onto Amell's bed and dangles her legs over the edge.

"Something happened...between the two of you. Right?" Dagna stares at her friend who's submerged in water all the way up to her chin.

"I was going to tell you...but then we started training, there wasn't exactly any private time..."

"So something did happen!" Dagna smiles and pats her knees. Crossing her legs, she leans against her elbows. "Now you gotta tell me. My little heart can't bear the excitement."

"Dagna, really. It's not like that." Selena pulls up a wash cloth and rings out the water. "It's not like we're in a relationship or in love."

"But that guy cares for you. A lot. And he's so adorable. Not too mention, really easy on the eyes. And wow, can you say impressive, the man's a machine." Dagna edges on.

"You have no idea..." Selena covers her face with the warm cloth.

Gasping, Dagna's eyes widen. "What was that?"

Realizing her mistake, the mage sighs and lowers herself further into the water. "What? Nothing...I just meant that I've seen him fight before."

"No. That's not it at all, you said that with mischief in your tone..." Dagna looks up to the ceiling, pondering. "Oh Andraste, you didn't!" She exclaims, a little too thrilled. "You slept with him, didn't you? When?"

Letting out a little groan of disbelief, Amell tries to shrug her off. "I haven't the slightest idea what you are referring to."

"You so did! Look at you being all dodgy." Dagna claps her hands together.

"I am not being dodgy. I just think you're..."

"Oh quit it Amell. It's alright. I won't saying anything. But you have to tell me this, when and why the change of heart?" Dagna pulls up a pillow, like a small child waiting for a bed time story.

"There was no change of heart. It was convenience. We were both vulnerable, and needy." Selena sighs heavily and dunks her cloth back into the warm water.

"He loves you." The little dwarf states.

"I know." The mage rings out the cloth and places it back over her face. "He knows I don't feel that way for him. I care for him a great deal, just not like that..."

"You think."

"Yeah..." Clearing her throat the mage continues. "He told me he understands that I'm kind of getting over someone else. It was my choice, and he was ok with it. So we decided to just...well just the one time. Hopefully, now it's out of his system, he can just move on or something."

Dagna shifts on the sheets of the bed. "What about you?"

"I...I just needed to feel something, I guess. I was tired of feeling like I need to be punished. It was nice. Nice to feel needed and loved. Even just for a little bit."

The dwarf considers this, then begins to smirk. "So how long's a little bit? He is a virgin, but yummm all that templar training. He must have stamina, discipline and maybe even a nice..." Dagna can't finish she's ambushed by a wet clothe to the face. "Oh very mature Amell, very mature."

Both girls begin giggling.

A few day later at the Royal Palace in Denerim.

Your Highness,

Ha look at this, 'Your Highness', guess I won't be calling you Royal Bastard anymore, or maybe I will. Can you arrest me if I do?

Anyways, I hope all is well. As you know, I've made my way back home, to the Tower. Thanks to you, things here are much more civilized and free. I'm happy to know that you are sending many Templar Recruits and mages my way. I look forward to meeting each and everyone of them. I'm sure everyone will be more at ease with the way the tower is now functioning. It's my hope that you someday make your way here to see the difference you've made.

Now for the hard part. I'm sorry. I hope you can find a way to forgive me and my actions. I know it's not enough and that you've already heard my apology. I will say it again in person when I see you next, I will keep saying it as long as I have to. I truly am sorry for what I've put you through.

It is my regret that I didn't allow you to choose your own path. It's only recently that I realized that I was being selfish and trying to protect you the one way I thought possible. Only now do I realize that by protecting you, I've probably put you in more harm.

Not to mention the added stress of running a country.

However, I wouldn't have done it if I didn't think you capable of doing such a thing. You are one of the most carrying and understanding people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. I know that if there are decisions to be made, you will place the interest of the people first. You above all understand war and the threat of darkspawn. I am confident that your rule will be long and beneficial to the people of Ferelden.

There will always be a special place in my heart for you, but as a mage, my place regrettably is not at your side. I just need to know that you are happy, and well. I have to let you go, and you need to do the same with me.

Grey Warden Commander,

S. Amell

P.S If it's alright with your Royal Highness, I plan on visiting with in the next few months.

Alistair deposits the parchment onto his desk and lets out a shaky breath. He knows she only did what she thought was right. She was acting like a grey warden, protecting the people the best way she knew how. Even if that meant putting someone she loved on the thrown, only to never be with them again.

She had sacrificed more then anyone he has ever known, all for the good of people who hated and feared her.

"I still love you." He whispers. "And Maker, you're always right." He snorts, running his hands through his hair. "Uhhh, alright Amell...alright." He comments, as if she's there. "I'll try to move on, you do the same my love. Please do the same."

The door to his office opens and Teagan steps in. "Alistair, you've been up here for hours..."

"I know. I know." Clearing the groan from his throat, Alistair glances out the window beside him, staring down at the trees. "Can you arrange a meeting between me and Miss Cousland?"

Shocked, Teagan begins to stutter. "Of...of course my Lord. But why the sudden change of heart?"

Smiling tiredly, the king looks to his Uncle. "No change. Just moving on, is all."

The wooden door to Selena Amell's quarters burst open. Dagna stands in the doorway holding some letters looking out of breath.

"Amell! They replied!" The young woman explains. "For your green house..."

"Really? So soon. That's amazing." The mage rushes over to her friend and they open the letter together.

Grey Warden,

Not only will we take on this project, but we will make sure that it's fit for royalty. You were gracious enough to send an advancement along with your request, which we greatly appreciate, in return we will commence as early as next month.

We are currently stocking up on the best supplies and dwarf power available. The tower's green house will be the envy of all towers.

King Harrowmont

"We did it..." Amell whispers.

"Do you have enough coin to pay for all this? I mean I saw the order you sent to Denerim for you mage stuff..." Dagna lifts a weary brow in the mages direction.

"Ha! Of course. Trust me on this. After all this is done, I will still have quite a bit left over." Selena offers her friend a quick wink. "Thanks for running this all the way up here. It's the best news I've received all week."

"Hey that's what I'm here for, to spread joy and ...who am I kidding, I'm here to study you guys, that was just a perk." Dagna pulls at the corner of her dress taking out most of the wrinkles in her clothing, then adjusts her hair. "Alright, there. Now I shouldn't look like I just ran a marathon."

Dagna rolls her head from side to side then claps her hands together. "Now back to the library, there's a few more things I want to arrange before all those mages arrive."

"That's right. Just a few more days." Selena doesn't know if she's anxious or nervous. So many new faces, so many new challenges. Is she really up for it? "Well guess I better get busy too. Wynne said she got word that she's being made Senior Enchantress. So that means I will be made an Enchantress...phew..."

"No pressure Amell." Dagna laughs as she heads to the library.

"Right...no pressure." The mage begins rereading her notes on plant biology.

"Come in." The warden hears a knock at her door but has her hands full of new books. "My hands are full, just come in."

The Knight Captain pokes his head in and starts opening the door. "Uhm, good evening Amell."

"Oh Knight Captain. Hello. Please make yourself at home." She gestures to the chairs with her chin while trying to balance all her books.

Shaking his head in disbelief, he closes the door and makes his way over to help her. "Here I'll hold those and you can sort them." Gently he takes the ancient books from her tiny arms and stands stone still.

"Thank-you Cullen." Cheeks turning pink, she tries not to look at his face. "What brings you here?"

"I was suppose to stop by a few days ago...you know...to try that new tonic." He tries to look at her over the stack of books in his arms. "But...well, I've been occupied trying to make sure everything is ready..."

"Ahh...for the new arrivals. I see." Selena stands on her tip toes making sure that the books of poisonous plants and potions are well hidden and up very high. "So how have you been sleeping?" She asks without turning to see his expression.

"Honestly?" He coughs.

"Mmm Hmm." The mage studies the cover of a red book with a lifted brow. "You haven't been sleeping at all. Have you?"

Cullen lowers his head. "No." He rotates his shoulders and steadies himself. "I've been trying. You know. An hour here, half hour there."

Concerned, Selena takes the books from his hands and places them safely on her study. Her warm hands frame the Knights face and forces him to look at her. "Oh Cullen, look at you." Studying his face, she notices the dark circles under his eyes are back, and his face is a bit pale and drained. His posture isn't as solid as it usually is and his shoulders are a bit slumped.

Fingers make their way to the back of his neck and begin to make small circles. Letting his chin lean forward to rest on his breast plate, he lets out a low groan.

"You've been getting migraines again, haven't you?" She leans her head to the side, concentrating on examining her patient. "I can feel the swollen muscles here. You need to get some rest so that your body can heal itself."

After checking his neck, she tilts his head back up and gets him to open his eyes. Blood shot and tired. She exhales heavily, disappointed that he's not taking very good care of himself.

The mage leads the templar over to her sofa and forces him to sit. "Stay here, relax I will go make that tonic for you. By Andraste, you better sleep tonight." She begins to make her way back to her plants, but Cullen catches her wrist. "Knight Captain..."

"Selena, please don't call me that when we're alone." Gradually, he gets her to inch her way towards him. Leaning the side of his face against her abdomen, he wraps his arms around her waist.

"Capt...Cullen. You're exhausted. You need to get some rest. Let me get these ingredients ready for you. Alright?" Fingers lazily drag through his short hair.

"Mmm? Just a few minutes." His arms squeeze a little tighter.

Continuing to run her fingers through the Templars hair, she sighs. What is she to do with this man? Cautiously, she comes to a sitting position on his lap. "We agreed not to do any of this anymore." She places a thumb lightly on his chin and turns his face.

"I know." His shoulders slump further. "I don't know what to do. To be honest, I'm too tired to think of anything..." His eyes look heavy and puffy.

The warden turns away and stares at the floor, knowing if she continues to study his features, they'll give in to each other. "Look, I really should..."

The Knight Captain pulls her close and presses his lips against hers. Gauntlets wrap around her tiny frame. Selena's hands cup the sides of his face. Soon both become breathless.

After a few minutes of arguing within herself, Selena votes against better judgement and straddles the man beneath her. Pushing him to lean up against the back of the couch. His gauntlets begin pushing her robes north.

"Selena...the door... it isn't..." He breathes out.

"Locked...I know..." With that she gives her hound a quick glance, who then makes way for the door. With a push of his snout, he places the bolt in the slot and then heads for her bedroom, giving the couple some privacy.

"Smart hound." Cullen smiles.

A few minutes later and Amell has the bottom portion of her Knights armor moved aside so that she can access him. Taking her time, with her hands firmly against his shoulders and her naked thighs against his sides, she lowers herself onto him.

The templar hisses in pleasure. Licking her lips and flicking her hair to the side, she begins working her hips and kissing his throat. Cullen tilts his head back, gasping for air. Gauntlets now discarded, he grips her tiny waist, helping her keep a steady rhythm.

The wood of the sofa creeks lightly as the mage moves above her Knight. Green eyes focused on brown ones, both flushed pink in the face, panting as her movements become more rapid.

"Selena. You're gonna have to stop..." Cullen puffs out.

"Why? Worried?" She licks his throat up to his chin and he moans.

"Of course."

"You...weren't a few days ago." She continues her movements.

"I know." He can feel that pressure building. Mouth hanging agape, he begins breathing more rapid. He tries to move forward. "Selena..."

"It's alright." She shushes him and pushes him back against the frame of the sofa. "Wardens...are different."

He nods and lets her continue. Her thighs begin to tighten around him and her skin begins to heat up and sweat. "Cullen..."

Trying to figure out a way to remain as quiet as possible, the templar pulls Amell towards him and buries his tongue into her mouth. Moaning into his kiss, the mage thrusts become harder. His arms wrap around her torso and he begins to stiffen.

"Maker..." He whispers against her lips as she thrusts faster.

Using one hand against the frame of the couch for leverage, Selena leans forward allowing a deeper penetration. Arching below her, Cullen releases himself into her, groaning wildly into her skin. As his skin twitches and hums, Amell's walls clamp around him and she tosses her head back, exhaling his name.

Cullen kisses the skin just between her breasts, still shaking from their workout. Licking his lips, he can taste the salt from her skin.

Selena's hands cup the captains face gently. "There, that should help you sleep." Lips meet for a sweet carrying kiss.

"Agreed. However, I should still leave with that tonic." He winks.

"In case of questions." Amell agrees. "Two minutes." She adjusts her robes, and allows hims to reattach his armor while she fixes his mixture.

"Here you are Knight...I mean Cullen. Same directions as last time." She watches as he lines up his breast plate.

Smiling lovingly, he takes the tincture. "Thank-you Selena." Her hand lingers on his for a moment and she studies his warm chest nut eyes and laugh lines.

She knows.

"What?" His features begin to drop. "What's wrong?"

Shaking off her stare, she places a soft kiss on his lips. "Nothing." She replies softly and kisses him again. "Sleep well."

"I will." He places a gentle kiss on her forehead. Leaving her room he glances over his shoulder. "Goodnight My lady."

"Goodnight, Knight Captain."

He closes the door.