AN: Sorry for the delay, life got in the way. And no matter how much I tried this chapter just didn't want to be written. I'm still not completely happy with it, but I really felt the need to get something up. One more chapter before they actually meet up! Thanx for being patient.

Lace Harding sat down as she finished helping set up camp. They were just a day away from Skyhold, tomorrow sometime in the afternoon they would be arriving, and her nervousness was kicking into high gear. Thoughts and fears ran through her as she tried to figure out exactly not only what she would say to the Inquisitor, but how she would even act around him. She knew things would be different now, she felt it. As a sheep herder for her neighbor, she had been quite happy with her life, she'd had no suitors, but also had never really been interested in anyone before. She was satisfied with her life. Then the breach appeared and everything changed. When she first met the Inquisitor, she felt an immediate attraction but made nothing of it, he was The Herald of Andraste, a human noble out of the free marches, what could he possibly ever see in her? Their conversations at first had been casual and friendly, she appreciated that of him, he was there to do a job and no more. Then things started changing, he started spending more time with her, trying to make more conversation, and she found herself looking forward to every time she would have a chance to see him. She definitely made a few more trips than she needed to Skyhold. When she received flowers from Josephine she had actually thought they were from him, as much as she appreciated them, she was a bit disappointed in that small fact. Of course she scolded herself afterwards for even thinking that he would send her flowers.

"Harding, looks like we got a message coming."

Lace looked up and saw a raven approaching, and recognized him immediately. She stood up and walked to the edge of camp where she extended her arm to let the bird land. Glad she had kept her gloves on she removed the message and set the bird down, "Ritts get him something to thank him." She walked towards the place where she was sitting opened the message and read, her eyes growing wider as she did.

Scout Harding.

Message received. Just wanted to let you know The Inquisitor is eagerly awaiting your arrival. He has decided that after all the hard work you, and your party have done a well prepared meal is the minimum you deserve, and I happen to agree completely with him. Also on a personal note, He is most definitely waiting for you. I know about your plans and wanted to let you know that I will do my best to ensure you both some privacy while you are here. Of course some time alone is needed no? and of course you will have some time off before you need to head out again, so no need to rush into anything if you understand my meaning. Be prompt and stay safe, see you soon.

Sister Nightingale

Lace put the note down, and just stared. He was waiting for her, he actually was, and it seemed like he had already planned for some kind of reunion. Now she really started to get nervous, what would she do when she got there? But to make matters worse, sister Leliana knew about it! Of course she shouldn't be surprised, Leliana knew everything going on around Skyhold, keeping a secret from her was something that was not easy. But how did she know? Did he speak with her? Or did someone over hear their conversation? Not that it mattered. She wasn't planning of running away from this, she liked him, and it was apparent to her now more than ever that he liked her. What could come of this though she still didn't know.

"Harding, you alright?" Ritts asked for the third time finally getting her attention.

"What? Yeah I'm fine, why?"

"Well, it looks like you got some bad news or something, don't tell me we have to turn back and head somewhere else?"

"No, nothing like that just surprised is all, apparently the Inquisitor wants to throws a little thank you celebration of some sort, nothing big, but just a thank you for the hard work." She smiled as she thought about him, standing there with his day clothes just looking as amazing as he always did.

"Well isn't that nice of him? He really does think about everyone doesn't he?"

"Yeah he really does."

"Well even more to look forward too when we arrive tomorrow."

"You have no idea Ritts, you have no idea."

"What does that mean?" Ritts asked looking inquisitively at the dwarf.

"Nothing, forget I said anything. Just get some rest; I'll take first watch tonight."

"You won't hear an argument from any of us tonight."

Ritts walked away from Harding, wondering once again what was going on through her mind. Ever since they started making their way back to Skyhold she had been acting strange. The war was over, the work wasn't that much was understood by everyone, but with the big bad gone, it wasn't a big surprise that they had been called back. Maker knew they needed a few days rest. But Harding wasn't acting like her usual self. She was quiet, nervous even, traits which were not normal for her and as much as Ritts tried to figure out why, she couldn't do it. Maybe once they got back to Skyhold things would change.

-J-

Lace sat down to take the first watch. She needed some time alone and so she decided that taking watch would be the best time to do it. She was nervous and excited, looking forward to tomorrow, and at the same time terrified of what might happen. No need to rush into anything, if you understand my meaning? Leliana had said, she understood, oh that she did, completely, but. Was that something that would actually happen? Was that something the Inquisitor was expecting to happen? She didn't know and that terrified her. Being that close to him, the idea brought thoughts and feelings she had never really felt before. It would also be her first time. That more than anything scared her, if it came to that, what would she do? What if she did something wrong? Would he be disappointed? All these thoughts were running through her mind, and she didn't know how to make them go away. All she could do now was hope for the best, why? Why did Leliana have to send this message? Lace was not looking forward to a sleepless night, but she knew that was what was waiting for her.