Summary: Trevelyan's visit their (new) son during the celebrations. Inquisitor is having the time of her life, Cullen is drunk and Varric wishes he was too. Between Dorian and his parents visit, for the first time in a long while, Tsion experiences what home really feels like.


As soon as Trevelyan stepped into the hall an explosion of sounds and a sight of cheery crowds welcomed him. The extraordinarily jovial mood was a refreshing change from the gloomy air that usual covered the throne room. Workers, nobles and alike sat around long tables which were fitted on either side of the pathway to the throne, with open caskets of liquor placed at every corner; It was difficult to make out the original Fereldan decor which had been swallowed and lost within the newly appointed ornaments for the celebrations.

Accompanying the crowds, a joyful music filled the grand hall, the bard singing a tune filled with such victorious deeds that it would shame any other hero's triumph. Unabashed by the complimentary songs, Inquisitor Lavellan stood before the bard, fingers tapping on her glass with the rhythm of the tune. A crowd of servants and workers was gathered around her, cheering noisily enough to make most of the nobles cringe. Lavellan joined in on the cheers, raising her glass and singing loudly with a surprisingly silvery voice. Trevelyan started muttering it along with them as he walked across the hall.

On the opposite side of the Inquisitor, A couple of people stood around a large table, amusedly observing the Inquisitor. All sorts of dishes awaiting to be eaten atop it. Though most of the food remained untouched, it was the wine and ale caskets that were running dry. Stomach grumbling, Trevelyan was drawn to it and he found himself trailing towards the said table, giving a curt nod at Cullen and sitting down before his still existing fatigue claimed him. It wouldn't do well to collapse in the middle of celebrations and ruin the good people's night.

Trevelyan helped himself to a glass of fine wine, with some aged cheese and bread. He positioned his chair with his back to the giant wolf statue in order to observe the people around him. A few of the inner circle were sitting around enjoying their own meals and conversations. The Bull was happily clinging his tankard with the Chargers', laughing at something Krem had said. Blackwall and Sera were stuffing their faces as if they were competing who could eat more than physically possible. He knew the winner would be Sera, of course, but Blackwall appeared to be extremely determined to eat half as much as she did. Trevelyan commended the man for it.

Varric had also gathered a small group around him, his excited voice carrying itself over the music and the endless chatter of the background. His eyes even caught Vivienne who was sitting with her back to the dwarf, listening his story without appearing to be doing so.

He smiled affectionately at them but honestly, his eyes were scanning the room both for Dorian and his own parents. His palms were sweating and his eye was a minute away from starting its nervous twitch. He didn't know which one he wanted to see first. On one hand he had left Dorian's room with a heavy heart and fear. Even if just to reassured himself of Dorian's presence and that he hadn't left for Tevinter, Tsion wished to see the young mage. On the other hand, he very much doubted that his parents were going to recognize him. A different sort of fear filled is heart with the thought of talking to them. What if they didn't like him? or decided to retract their support from him, now that the immediate danger was gone? What if they didn't accept him after all?

He shuddered with uncertainty and panic which was slowly building up inside him. The possibility of being denied of both Dorian and his family loomed over him like a death sentence. Short of anything else to do, Trevelyan downed the drink in his hand to its last drop. A false, ephemeral warmth spread across his stomach and he felt slightly less terrified.

"Take it easy, Trevelyan" Cullen called out to him, a slight red colouring his cheeks "The night is still young and we still got to dance apparently. I don't even know if I can at this point"

"All the more reason to drink" Trevelyan replied with a smirk "What better way to celebrate than with getting blind drunk and forget that this nightmare ever happened at all? You should focus on the Inquisitor though. Someone else might ask her hand for a dance before you do" He spared a glance at Lavellan who was busy gulping down a tankard of ale. As the people around her clapped their hands, for the first time since their meeting, Trevelyan saw the woman relaxed, carefree and enjoying herself. It was a good sight.

"Whatever you say" Cullen slurred and reverted his gaze back towards the Inquisitor "Such elegance. I'll dance with her" Trevelyan would have laughed at the Commander's ironically drunken chatter but he was busy reaching out and filling his second glass from the wine casket.

"Why doesn't any of our children have my hair? It is such a waste." Hearing the thick, rich Free Marches accent halted Trevelyan's hand. His hands started shaking and he feared spilling the wine for a second but somehow without making a mess of the floor, he managed to cautiously turn around. There, on the other side of the table was his father and mother. Standing tall and as resolute as ever. Both of them were eyeing him with equal measures of curiosity and worry, that must have matched his own.

Bann Trevelyan was correct on the account that Tsion had inherited his mother's hair just like his sister and his brother had. Yet, Tsion's facial features bore a remarkable similarity to his father's. Upon seeing this with their own eyes must have baffled his parents both causing them to remain silent for a long few minutes. A terror was growing with each second they kept their silence. He knew he had to speak up before they labelled him a simpleton but words eluded him.

In the mean time, uncaring of Tsion's inner panic and true to his word, Cullen pushed himself off of the table and with a slow nod of his head to the Bann and Lady Trevelyan, he made his way to the Inquisitor on wobbly legs. He bowed low, asking for her hand for the next dance.

This got Trevelyan out of his stupor. "My apologies, I am..." Tsion started and hesitantly, he greeted his parents as he rounded the table after putting his glass down. As was a feeble attempt at breaking the awkwardness between them, he extended his hand to Bann Trevelyan who took it with a surprising eagerness.

"Remarkable" he commented as he shook Tsion's hand and turned to his wife "Darling, next time we have a child, do let me know before they grow into such fine men"

Unable to hold it together, Tsion laughed out loud accompanied with a similar laugh from his mother. He gently grasped her gloved hand and placed a kiss on top of it.

"Tsion, is it?" she asked tenderly "A well chosen name. I must congratulate my other self."

"So you know the details?" Tsion replied, he was unable to believe that Josephine would have informed them of all the gory and unpleasant details of his journey to this timeline.

"When a mother is informed of having a child that wasn't born from her womb, she inquires about that child's past most ardently." Lady Trevelyan shot a pointed look at her husband and Tsion felt a little sorry for putting his father through a predicament over a massive misunderstanding. "Alas, that marvellous hair could only belong to my family and that strong jaw is unmistakably yours, my dear. "

Speechless, Tsion swallowed thickly and smiled at them both. It had been so long since he had seen them both and yet, they had remained unchanged mostly. They were just as he remembered them from back when he was a child except for the crows feet at the edges of their eyes and his father newly grown grey beard. The same air of nobility which he recalled from before, still surrounded them and Tsion realized that this was the first time he had met them since before the Conclave. A sadness washed over him as he regretted never directly contacting his parents, who remembered him, when he was the Inquisitor. There hadn't been time to see or talk with them and now that chance was gone forever. Yet, it wasn't completely gone. Bann and Lady Trevelyan stood before his eyes, didn't they? Pleased and ready to accept him to their family. All hope wasn't lost, after all.

"I must agree, it was disconcerting hearing about a stray child of ours" the Bann mused "Rather unbelievable, as you may have guessed but your Ambassador was very convincing in her letters. She went through a great deal to get us to acknowledge you."

"Yes, she is like that" Tsion replied with a tiny bit of shame "I am sorry that she had pushed you to do that"

"Apology accepted but honestly, it would have been easier for all of us if she had just introduced us instead of sending letters. There is no one in this world who could deny our familiar resemblance. So I have been wondering, what do you say when people ask you about your past?"

"Once I suggested claiming that he was raised by the wolves and then was found by travelling minstrel apostates who taught him the secrets of arcane arts." Varric chimed in "No one listened to me of course but it would have made for a striking background"

"There are no travelling minstrel apostates" Tsion argued.

Varric simply raised his glass and winked at him. "That you know of" He sipped his wine as Tsion shook his head unbelievably. He faced his parent again but found his mother's eyes following after departing the dwarf. He raised a questioning eyebrow.

"Was that writer, Varric Tethras? Oh my, I should have introduced myself. I am a big fan of his latest work" His father sighed and Tsion didn't have the courage to ask about which of Varric's novels she was referring to.

"Oh, I am certain he would spare more than a few moments for a lovely lady such as yourself" an amused voice ringed through the crowded area and Dorian, in his eye catching blue tunic, stepped forward. He had a half full glass of wine just like the most of the people around them. His face was flushed but he still walked gracefully and when he bowed down to kiss Lady Trevelyan's hand, he did so with a flourish that caused both male Trevelyan's to snort in amusement.

Dorian's head snapped upwards, raising an amused brow at them both. "Lady and Bann Trevelyan, I presume. I am Dorian Pavus of Minrathus, a pleasure to finally meet you" he greeted them with his most charming smile.

"A pleasure to meet you as well, Ser Pavus" the Bann replied as the Lady continued blushing.

Dorian's lips curled upwards and he slightly tilted his head toward Trevelyan "Tsion"

"Dorian" Tsion said in return. Suddenly he could feel the fluttering in his stomach and unable to stop himself, Tsion's smile spread into a full grin. Their eyes locked and without thinking he snuggled closer to the young man until their shoulders brushed. Tsion had the strongest urge to throw his arms around Dorian and claim the man for himself. It would have been too inappropriate to do so in such a crowded area and he managed to hold himself back. The fact that he didn't know how his parents would react to it didn't make it any better either but more than that, he didn't know how Dorian would respond to his claim.

"This is quite the fetching outfit, you have, Ser Pavus" his mother said and efficiently broke their longing gaze.

"On such an important day, it was only appropriate to dress in one of my finest outfits"

"Liar" Tsion intercepted "You always dress impeccably. Tonight is no different"

"You only say that because someone gave the Inquisitor the idea that the grey pyjamas she is wearing was good and for some unknown reasons you decided to follow her example. I am surprised to find you wearing such a fine doublet, for a change."

Trevelyan chuckled and brushed invisible dusts from his red doublet "Well, it is a special night. I had to impress"

"Yes, I can see that" Lady Trevelyan muttered. There was a knowing edge to her words and Trevelyan took half a step back from Dorian. Bann Trevelyan cleared his throat and adorned an amused smile much similar to that of his wife's.

"Are the rumours true then;" He felt Dorian stiffen, probably thinking the directed question was about their relationship "that you can turn into a giant red dragon?"

The young man visibly relaxed and Trevelyan would have delved into the tale of his dragon transformation but his legs were beginning to shake with his rapidly draining strength. Having noticed his tiredness, Dorian pressed himself against his side, an arm sneaking around the small of his back and offering a much needed support. Trevelyan beamed at him and nodded his head in regards to the earlier question. He promised the couple that Varric could give them the most detailed and exciting version of the tale. Lady Trevelyan was very ecstatic to hear that, much to the Bann's dismay.

"We have taken enough of your time for tonight, my boy." he said with a sigh "You younglings should enjoy your victory while we mingle with people of our own age. I still intend to find Lady Montilyet and scold her for not introducing us earlier."

"Of course" Tsion replied. The words mother and father were at the tip of his tongue but he refrained from using them as he bowed after their retreating backs. Someday he would gather the courage to use them but tonight neither he nor they were ready to hear those words.

Trevelyan meant to turn to his side fully to face Dorian but his fatigue finally caught up with him. Shooting out a hand to grab the nearest chair, he staggered on his feet. Dorian's arms were around his waist in an instant, steadying and guiding him towards the seat.

"Are you alright?" he asked, concern edging on his brows.

"Yeah" Trevelyan replied and made for grasping Dorian's hand. Dorian tensed for a second before squeezing back and Trevelyan was glad to notice that the young mage was responding well to his advances. He still had a thousand other problems but knowing that Dorian was there with him while he faced his parents had helped calm his nerves. Of course the remaining half of his troubles included Dorian so he reached for two glasses of wine before even bothering to open his mouth.

Grabbing his wine, Dorian scooted closer until their thighs were touching under the table. Trevelyan relished in the contact and his free hand stroked Dorian's thigh lovingly.

"Thank you" he said after finishing their glasses in companionable silence "For everything. I couldn't have made it to this point or achieve any success' if it weren't for you"

"I should be the one thanking you, Amatus. It was you who risked his life to soar the skies and put down Corypheus' pet for good. I, on the other hand, didn't do much but put up some barriers and sent a few well aimed fireballs" Trevelyan let out a weary breath. As brilliant as Dorian was, sometimes Trevelyan thought that Dorian lacked the ability to acknowledge his own success' when it truly mattered. Not always, but enough times. Especially when it included saving Trevelyan's life.

"You don't believe me do you? When I say, I couldn't have done it without you. I mean it Dorian. It was your presence in this world, in this timeline which gave me the strength to go on. If you weren't here, I doubt I would have the courage or the willpower to leave the dungeons I first woke up in"

"Your belief in me is both astonishing and worrisome, Amatus" Dorian replied and laced their fingers together on his thigh. "You put far too much trust in me."

"Nah" Tsion smiled and nuzzled closer to Dorian, bringing their interlaced hands up to his lips and kissing the back of Dorian's hand. "It's just about right, love." He sighed heavily and dropped their hands back down. Despite his tries to forget everything and enjoy the night, Trevelyan's thoughts once again wondered to a previously closed off territories of his mind. He knew he wouldn't be at ease unless he and Dorian had a heart to heart discussion about their future. He was exhausted of going around in circles in his own head, he needed to hear Dorian out before he got consumed by it.

Dorian must have felt his discomfort and after giving Tsion's hand an affectionate squeeze, he cupped the mage's face, slowly lifting his gaze towards him. Feeling bold enough, he tilted his head and without a pause Dorian stole a chaste kiss from Tsion. Shoulders relaxed and tension melting away, Tsion, prevented the kiss from ending by holding and messaging Dorian's neck. A soft moan left the young mage's lips as he was released from the hold, yet he didn't move away.

An inch separated their faces and Dorian once again marvelled in the beauty of his Amatus. "I'll be honest, I was already considering returning to Tevinter." he blurted out. Tsion's gaze darkened but he didn't break away. Instead he reassuringly caressed Dorian's cheek, encouraging him to continue.

"I wanted to ask you something even before came the revelations about my country's history. Well, here goes nothing..." Tsion frowned and waited for Dorian to gather his thoughts "Would you care to accompany me to Tevinter? Don't get me wrong, I need to be the one bringing my country down on its knees and it would give me great pleasure to do so but I need not do it alone. It would be my honour to do it with you by my side."

Dorian was happy to notice that Tsion's gaze had softened. A slight tremble went through his body as he leaned their foreheads together, gaze never breaking away. He did his best to appear confident as Tsion's eyes searched his own for the sincerity of his question. In his opinion, it was unnecessary to even question his genuineness over such a serious matter. He wouldn't have asked it if he hadn't meant it.

Pleased with whatever answer he had found, Tsion's lips formed a small, sad smile. Dorian couldn't decide whether to be scared of it or be happy about it.

"Not that I fear your countrymen or their opinions but I am somewhat nervous about accepting your offer. I know you probably don't mean much about this but..." Trevelyan replied, his hands never ceasing to shiver as he spoke.

"You have been impossibly cryptic all day long, Tsion. Just tell me what you really think. I promise I won't bite." Dorian cut him short with a sneer. His anxiety was finally surfacing and exploding upon Tsion's inability to express himself properly.

"Fine" Trevelyan snapped back "Going to Tevinter with you is the same as venturing into domestic mutuality. The very thing you have been avoiding all your life. Accepting your offer and being with you, means a lot to me but in your case it is different because you do not grasp the gravity of such a proposal."

"Is this what you have been panicking over? How did you know I was going to ask you to accompany me?" Dorian stuttered. He had to stop himself from withdrawing back in surprise yet he was glad to finally understand the thing which truly has been bothering Tsion.

"Cole gave me a heads up."

"Of course he did"

"Look, Dorian" Trevelyan said and grabbed Dorian's hands, placing chaste kisses over the knuckles "I love you and it would be my honour to be by your side in your cause. But I don't want to start the next stage in our relationship with a misunderstanding."

"No, there is no misunderstanding, Amatus" Dorian smiled "I don't know how much of my heart Cole shared with you but I am a smart man. I fully knew the implications of what I was asking. It is a shame that he got to steal the pleasure of seeing your face upon hearing my words."

"Dorian, all eyes would be on us. I may not be the Inquisitor anymore but my glowing hand still gives away a great deal about me and it might end up hindering your cause."

"If you are worried about tarnishing my reputation, trust me, I do that plenty on my own." Dorian laughed "You are the second Herald of Andraste, with your marvellous glowing hand. You are already more than just a name, Amatus; a strong, influential name but it is just a word. Regardless of our victories here, I give no promises that the ride would be without its obstacles. Magisters and alike will want to hunt us down and silence us at every corner; this I am certain of."

"Nothing new for us then" Trevelyan replied "We did clean up a lot of the Venatori. Perhaps it would be a ride smoother than you anticipate it to be."

"Does that mean-?" Dorian started with a hopeful tone.

"Dorian, if you'll have me, I will be more than happy to accompany you to wherever fate takes us"

"It would be my pleasure, Amatus" Their hands found each other's and despite being amidst a crowd, Dorian pulled Tsion towards him, kissing with such a ferocity that their lips bruised. He poured all his heart to the kiss, feeling his shyness disappear with each passing second. Tsion's heavy breathing was the real music to his ears and he could feel nothing but the fingers cradling his head, the warmth of his body reminding what a true home should feel like; What it is going to feel like.

As he reluctantly pulled away to catch his breath, he felt Tsion's lips move against his jaw and settle on his ear. Dorian placed a small kiss on Tsion's neck, content enough to just hold the man in his arms. "I suppose this is the point where I ask you about your promise to Cullen. You did mention helping the Inquisition with those rifts and all"

"I did but there is no point in staying here if there is no you" Trevelyan answered honestly "I will probably bolt after you as soon you leave Skyhold!"

Dorian chuckled and kissed the soft neck once more. "I have good news then. I've decided to stay here for a while longer. The Inquisition can still benefit from having two exceptional mages such as you and I."

"You mean it?" Trevelyan asked with an incredulous voice. It betrayed his lie and proved Dorian that Tsion indeed had wanted to stay and help. To think he had fallen for someone so noble still baffled Dorian but it also made him proud. Proud of his love and their choices.

"My real home is you, Amatus." he confessed and the arms around his waist tightened "Nevertheless, Tevinter isn't going anywhere. I can assure you that there is no hurry to return back home. When we are done here and you are ready to move on, then we'll go."

"Dorian, thank you. It means a lot to me" Tsion mumbled into the crook of his neck. Because of the cracked voice he was hearing, Dorian figured out that the man was on the verge of tears. Now, that wouldn't do.

"But of course. Just next time make sure to tell me what you really want, instead of over thinking about pointless things and overexerting your precious mind. I am here for you."

"I know, my love" Tsion replied with a genuine smile that warmed Dorian's heart.

The sounds of the celebrations, the bard's singing and the endless chatter hadn't quietened down but somehow, at that moment their world was only consisting of each other; Their breaths were coming out ragged, mixing and filling the inch of space between them while their hearts beat in unison. No better place to be than in each other's company, regardless of wherever that may be.

"Then, we'll stay around for a little while longer, Amatus"

"Yes, love, a little while longer."