p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"(A/N: This was supposed to be one long chapter but I decided to split it in two for easy reading.)/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Time stood still. There was no clue as to how many days had passed, or if rescue was possible. Cullen's electrical prison held him fast, and all he could manage was pray for either release or a swift death./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Hello, my caged rat," a sultry voice greeted, interrupting his prayer. Opening his eyes, Cullen noticed a woman, with long black hair contrasting against her red robes, staring at him with smug smile. Standing beside her were three templars./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Maker, what have you done to them?" Cullen uttered weakly, his lips barely able to form the words./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""I am Beca and these are my play things. Surely you recognize your comrades in arms, yes? This lot is under my command," she said, motioning to those by her side. He did recognize them. Beval was a new recruit and had unmistakable shaggy red hair. Farris was a grey-haired senior templar. And Annlise had her sandy blonde hair pulled into a tight bun - all were friends of his. The templars stood like statues with eyes unblinking./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""They will not move unless I say, and will do what I say. For example..." With the wave of the blood mage's hand, the first templar in line drew his sword, placing it on the shoulder of the second./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""What do you want from me?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Beca answered with a sinister smile, "I know what you desire. I can give you your freedom. All you have to do is surrender your mind, body, and soul to me. Do that and your friends live."/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Cullen blinked hard, exhaustion, hunger, and thirst clouding his mind. "Various illusions have haunted me. You are no different. Leave me."/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"The mage cackled into the back of her hand like it would suppress the shrill sound as it bounced off the stone chamber. "So be it."/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"With the snap of the mage's finger, Beval turned toward Farris. The sword separated from Farris' shoulder only to come back with momentum. The sickening sound of blade cutting through flesh and bone rang through Cullen's ears as the templar's head fell from his shoulders, both falling with dull thuds. Dark blood sprayed all in thick specks of crimson./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Beca's wicked smile turned into a sneer. "There are two left. You can choose to save them... or not. "br /"You are not real..." declared Cullen, his voice weak and breath heavy./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""As you wish." The mage, waving her hand in the air, smirked as the red-haired templar drew a broad knife from his belt. The edged tip glistened in the dim light once before plunging in between the armor plates at the ribs. Giving the handle a sharp twist, Beval crumpled to the floor with a gurgling breath. Blood dripped from his mouth, pooling onto the floor./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""One left," Beca cooed whilst twirling a strand of hair. The trapped templar remained silent, concentrating on a desperate plea to the Maker./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Pausing for an answer, the mage paced in front of the magical cage. "I see you have decided."/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"br /Thrusting one hand up toward Annlise, a brilliant surge light flared throughout the chamber as flames spilled forth from Beca's palm. The fire engulfed the female templar, who remained motionless before falling to her knees. When the fire blast subsided, all that remained was a burnt husk of a body in singed armor./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""That was fun," she purred wearing a satisfied smile./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Maker... you should be gone..." he breathed, gathering enough strength to lunge into the force field. The electrical current pulsed through his body, throwing it like a rag doll as he painfully skidded on the stone floor./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Don't feel bad, my lovely, you couldn't have saved them... or could you? Hard to say..."/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Twitching on the frigid ground, Cullen forced his shaky arms to hoist himself upright. The mage cackled, enveloping herself in a harsh violet flame. Out of the flame emerged a humanoid demon. The creature's purple body appeared like a naked female, with only dangling gold jewelry covering her nipples and a thin criss-cross of cloth concealing her thighs. Twisted horns curved out from Beca's temples, and a scaly tail swished behind her./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Cullen?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"emIt was real... those people died... while I watched and did nothing./em Cullen, curling up, cried out in a helpless rage. Tears trickled down his cheeks as guilt washed over him./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"He awoke with a jolt, head jerking up from his desk and wide eyes darting around the room. The nightmare, thick and acrid, echoed in his muddled mind- his hands trembling, vision out of focus. A hand was on his shoulder, pulling him from the dream's haunting visages./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Cullen!"/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Leaning against the corner of his desk, Silvia released her grip with her eyes fixated on the Commander's face with worry. In the short time since their confession on the battlements, they had seen each other less than he desired. Upcoming arrangements for the ball and guests had distracted the Inquisitor from enjoying his company./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""We leave for the Winter Palace within the hour. Are you well?" He noticed the Inquisitor was wearing a button down vermilion dress jacket, complete with blue sash, and her hair was back in a ponytail./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Cullen brought a palm up to rub his face, letting out a tired groan. "Just a slight headache, nothing to worry over," he responded gruffly, trying to push the remnants of the nightmare out of his head. A wave of pain lanced through his temple, causing Cullen to hiss a sharp breath and wince./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Here, I brought the tea I made. It should ease the pain," she said offering him a steaming mug filled with citron-colored liquid./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Oh, um... Thank you." He grabbed the handle and slowly took a sip. The warm drink tasted of sweet honey and citrus. "What's in this, if you don't mind my asking?" he questioned, taking another gulp./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""It is my own blend of elfroot, honey, and a little lemon. Sometimes I add other healing herbs as well." The elf couldn't help but grin as Cullen gulped his tea down./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Could you, if it's not too much trouble... make more for me again- I mean- when you have the time?" he asked setting the empty mug aside./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Of course, my dear Commander."/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"The endearment caused a smile to tug at the corners of his lips. Reaching over, he squeezed her gloved hand resting on the desk./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""How could I be so lucky?" Cullen uttered mostly to himself, caressing a thumb over the fabric, lingering before pulling away./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Get dressed and meet us at the main gate... unless you wish me to help you into your attire," Silvia giggled, giving a peck on his flushed cheek before retreating out of the room./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;" align="center"strong'.'.'/strong/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Cullen watched as the honor guard, selected from his finest soldiers, proceeded Inquisitor Lavellan through the palace gates. He was familiar with The Game, as the Orlesians fondly called it, and knew that Silvia was in grave danger- danger that would be difficult to see coming. The Grand Duke Gaspard led Silvia into the place. She kept him at arms length, entertaining him with playful jests or remarks, always armed with a smile. If she was nervous, she showed no sign. He felt a pang of fear hit the bottom of his stomach as she, accompanied by Sera, Cole, and Vivienne, disappeared behind the massive doors. emI will have to trust in Leliana and Josephine to keep an eye on the court, and hope I won't be needed./em/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""The Inquisitor is a Dalish- a savage!"/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Is this Gaspard's idea of a joke?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Cullen cringed at the whispered words of the Orlesian nobles while their eyes followed Silvia's every move. She, acting as if she hadn't heard, laughed and smiled while making polite conversation with the Grand Duke until their party was announced. He nearly busted a rib holding in a laugh at 'her ladyship Mai Bhalsych of Korse'. emI will have to thank Sera for that one./em/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"After announcing the guests, the festivities began. People danced, nobles gossiped, and elven servants flitted from room to room handing out refreshments./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Cullen, walking over to the back corner of the upper ballroom, stood guard while Josephine and Leliana mingled with the nobles. Shifting his weight from one foot to the other, he flexed his shoulder in his snug dress jacket./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""I should have this jacket let out a little," he muttered, flexing the other shoulder. He hated feeling useless./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"He had hoped that in assuming the strategic post in the back would give him a clear vantage point of the party, but he found his view blocked./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Oh, it's you! Can I get you a drink, Commander Cullen?" a masked woman approached./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""No, thank you," he answered. She didn't budge./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Another woman stepped beside him. "Smile, Commander. You're so handsome when you smile."/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""He's just as handsome when he doesn't," came a retort from a nearby man with a pointed mask./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"emUgh, Maker have mercy! Will I have to endure this party nonsense all night?/em/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;" align="center"strong'.'.'/strong/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Silvia approached the blonde-haired boy, leaning over the banister of the library, overlooking the party. "Cole? Are you all right? What are you doing?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"The youth watched the party below with unfocused eyes and somber expression. "I helped unil they made me stop. Now they've all forgotten."/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""You seem distracted. More than usual," Silvia frowned, giving a light pat on the shoulder. She had to admit, Cole appeared rather strange without his wide-brimmed hat. The enormous hat usually hid his messy golden hair that spilled down over his eyes in disarray./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Cole's eyes darted to the marbled floor while his fingers twisted the tips of his gloves. "Cullen is afraid. They're hunting him, following fear. He shouldn't be here."/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Is there a way to help him?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Closing his eyes, the blonde boy's expression relaxed. Cole's mind concentrated, listening for thoughts. "Safe and solid, protecting and proud. He feels quite stronger when you hold him... I hope that helps."/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"She stood in silence for a minute, thinking on the words. A low chime rang in the distance- the bell that signaled for the guests to return to the main room. "Thank you, Cole," the Inquisitor nodded, flashing a smile,"You have been helpful, as always."/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;" align="center"strong'.'.'/strong/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Are you married, Commander?" the lady asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Not yet, but I am... already taken," he replied, not bothering to hide his smirk./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""So, still single then," she tittered to the other masked nobles. Cullen's smile fled, realizing that the statement hadn't deterred any of them./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Silvia had returned to the ballroom, gracefully weaving through the crowd as she approached./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Inquisitor! Did you need something?" emPlease need something!/em/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""You've attracted quite the following. Who are all these people?" Silvia asked giving sideways glances to the flock of people that had encroached on the Commander's personal space./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""I don't know, but they won't leave me alone." Sighing in exasperation, he rubbed his temple hoping to relieve some of the building tension./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"She gave a slight close-lipped smile while raising an eyebrow. "Not enjoying the attention, then?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Cullen scoffed. "Hardly. Anyway, yours-" he paused, clearing his throat. He moved to her- so close that he could feel her breath- and skimmed the back of his fingers down her cheek before continuing in a hushed tone, "Yours is the only attention worth having."/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Blushing with a growing smile, her eyes fluttered to the floor. Her reaction made Cullen's heart skip./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""I don't suppose you'd save a dance for me?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""No. Thank you," the Commander responded without hesitation./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Oh." Silvia's expression fell./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""No! I didn't mean to- Oh, Maker's breath. I've answered that question so many times I'm turning it down automatically," he exclaimed, scratching his head and glancing away, "I'm not much for dancing. The templars never attended balls."/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"The Inquisitor gave a nod and a smile. "I need to check out the servant quarters. We'll talk later."/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""I await your signal. Be careful." He watched as the elf sauntered back through the crowd until she melded into the crowd./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"emPlease, for Andraste's sake... and mine, be careful./em/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Time stood still. There was no clue as to how many days had passed, or if rescue was possible. Cullen's electrical prison held him fast, and all he could manage was pray for either release or a swift death./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Hello, my caged rat," a sultry voice greeted, interrupting his prayer. Opening his eyes, Cullen noticed a woman, with long black hair contrasting against her red robes, staring at him with smug smile. Standing beside her were three templars./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Maker, what have you done to them?" Cullen uttered weakly, his lips barely able to form the words./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""I am Beca and these are my play things. Surely you recognize your comrades in arms, yes? This lot is under my command," she said, motioning to those by her side. He did recognize them. Beval was a new recruit and had unmistakable shaggy red hair. Farris was a grey-haired senior templar. And Annlise had her sandy blonde hair pulled into a tight bun - all were friends of his. The templars stood like statues with eyes unblinking./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""They will not move unless I say, and will do what I say. For example..." With the wave of the blood mage's hand, the first templar in line drew his sword, placing it on the shoulder of the second./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""What do you want from me?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Beca answered with a sinister smile, "I know what you desire. I can give you your freedom. All you have to do is surrender your mind, body, and soul to me. Do that and your friends live."/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Cullen blinked hard, exhaustion, hunger, and thirst clouding his mind. "Various illusions have haunted me. You are no different. Leave me."/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"The mage cackled into the back of her hand like it would suppress the shrill sound as it bounced off the stone chamber. "So be it."/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"With the snap of the mage's finger, Beval turned toward Farris. The sword separated from Farris' shoulder only to come back with momentum. The sickening sound of blade cutting through flesh and bone rang through Cullen's ears as the templar's head fell from his shoulders, both falling with dull thuds. Dark blood sprayed all in thick specks of crimson./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Beca's wicked smile turned into a sneer. "There are two left. You can choose to save them... or not. "br /"You are not real..." declared Cullen, his voice weak and breath heavy./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""As you wish." The mage, waving her hand in the air, smirked as the red-haired templar drew a broad knife from his belt. The edged tip glistened in the dim light once before plunging in between the armor plates at the ribs. Giving the handle a sharp twist, Beval crumpled to the floor with a gurgling breath. Blood dripped from his mouth, pooling onto the floor./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""One left," Beca cooed whilst twirling a strand of hair. The trapped templar remained silent, concentrating on a desperate plea to the Maker./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Pausing for an answer, the mage paced in front of the magical cage. "I see you have decided."/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"br /Thrusting one hand up toward Annlise, a brilliant surge light flared throughout the chamber as flames spilled forth from Beca's palm. The fire engulfed the female templar, who remained motionless before falling to her knees. When the fire blast subsided, all that remained was a burnt husk of a body in singed armor./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""That was fun," she purred wearing a satisfied smile./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Maker... you should be gone..." he breathed, gathering enough strength to lunge into the force field. The electrical current pulsed through his body, throwing it like a rag doll as he painfully skidded on the stone floor./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Don't feel bad, my lovely, you couldn't have saved them... or could you? Hard to say..."/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Twitching on the frigid ground, Cullen forced his shaky arms to hoist himself upright. The mage cackled, enveloping herself in a harsh violet flame. Out of the flame emerged a humanoid demon. The creature's purple body appeared like a naked female, with only dangling gold jewelry covering her nipples and a thin criss-cross of cloth concealing her thighs. Twisted horns curved out from Beca's temples, and a scaly tail swished behind her./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Cullen?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"emIt was real... those people died... while I watched and did nothing./em Cullen, curling up, cried out in a helpless rage. Tears trickled down his cheeks as guilt washed over him./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"He awoke with a jolt, head jerking up from his desk and wide eyes darting around the room. The nightmare, thick and acrid, echoed in his muddled mind- his hands trembling, vision out of focus. A hand was on his shoulder, pulling him from the dream's haunting visages./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Cullen!"/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Leaning against the corner of his desk, Silvia released her grip with her eyes fixated on the Commander's face with worry. In the short time since their confession on the battlements, they had seen each other less than he desired. Upcoming arrangements for the ball and guests had distracted the Inquisitor from enjoying his company./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""We leave for the Winter Palace within the hour. Are you well?" He noticed the Inquisitor was wearing a button down vermilion dress jacket, complete with blue sash, and her hair was back in a ponytail./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Cullen brought a palm up to rub his face, letting out a tired groan. "Just a slight headache, nothing to worry over," he responded gruffly, trying to push the remnants of the nightmare out of his head. A wave of pain lanced through his temple, causing Cullen to hiss a sharp breath and wince./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Here, I brought the tea I made. It should ease the pain," she said offering him a steaming mug filled with citron-colored liquid./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Oh, um... Thank you." He grabbed the handle and slowly took a sip. The warm drink tasted of sweet honey and citrus. "What's in this, if you don't mind my asking?" he questioned, taking another gulp./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""It is my own blend of elfroot, honey, and a little lemon. Sometimes I add other healing herbs as well." The elf couldn't help but grin as Cullen gulped his tea down./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Could you, if it's not too much trouble... make more for me again- I mean- when you have the time?" he asked setting the empty mug aside./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Of course, my dear Commander."/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"The endearment caused a smile to tug at the corners of his lips. Reaching over, he squeezed her gloved hand resting on the desk./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""How could I be so lucky?" Cullen uttered mostly to himself, caressing a thumb over the fabric, lingering before pulling away./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Get dressed and meet us at the main gate... unless you wish me to help you into your attire," Silvia giggled, giving a peck on his flushed cheek before retreating out of the room./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;" align="center"strong'.'.'/strong/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Cullen watched as the honor guard, selected from his finest soldiers, proceeded Inquisitor Lavellan through the palace gates. He was familiar with The Game, as the Orlesians fondly called it, and knew that Silvia was in grave danger- danger that would be difficult to see coming. The Grand Duke Gaspard led Silvia into the place. She kept him at arms length, entertaining him with playful jests or remarks, always armed with a smile. If she was nervous, she showed no sign. He felt a pang of fear hit the bottom of his stomach as she, accompanied by Sera, Cole, and Vivienne, disappeared behind the massive doors. emI will have to trust in Leliana and Josephine to keep an eye on the court, and hope I won't be needed./em/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""The Inquisitor is a Dalish- a savage!"/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Is this Gaspard's idea of a joke?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Cullen cringed at the whispered words of the Orlesian nobles while their eyes followed Silvia's every move. She, acting as if she hadn't heard, laughed and smiled while making polite conversation with the Grand Duke until their party was announced. He nearly busted a rib holding in a laugh at 'her ladyship Mai Bhalsych of Korse'. emI will have to thank Sera for that one./em/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"After announcing the guests, the festivities began. People danced, nobles gossiped, and elven servants flitted from room to room handing out refreshments./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Cullen, walking over to the back corner of the upper ballroom, stood guard while Josephine and Leliana mingled with the nobles. Shifting his weight from one foot to the other, he flexed his shoulder in his snug dress jacket./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""I should have this jacket let out a little," he muttered, flexing the other shoulder. He hated feeling useless./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"He had hoped that in assuming the strategic post in the back would give him a clear vantage point of the party, but he found his view blocked./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Oh, it's you! Can I get you a drink, Commander Cullen?" a masked woman approached./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""No, thank you," he answered. She didn't budge./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Another woman stepped beside him. "Smile, Commander. You're so handsome when you smile."/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""He's just as handsome when he doesn't," came a retort from a nearby man with a pointed mask./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"emUgh, Maker have mercy! Will I have to endure this party nonsense all night?/em/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;" align="center"strong'.'.'/strong/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Silvia approached the blonde-haired boy, leaning over the banister of the library, overlooking the party. "Cole? Are you all right? What are you doing?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"The youth watched the party below with unfocused eyes and somber expression. "I helped unil they made me stop. Now they've all forgotten."/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""You seem distracted. More than usual," Silvia frowned, giving a light pat on the shoulder. She had to admit, Cole appeared rather strange without his wide-brimmed hat. The enormous hat usually hid his messy golden hair that spilled down over his eyes in disarray./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Cole's eyes darted to the marbled floor while his fingers twisted the tips of his gloves. "Cullen is afraid. They're hunting him, following fear. He shouldn't be here."/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Is there a way to help him?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Closing his eyes, the blonde boy's expression relaxed. Cole's mind concentrated, listening for thoughts. "Safe and solid, protecting and proud. He feels quite stronger when you hold him... I hope that helps."/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"She stood in silence for a minute, thinking on the words. A low chime rang in the distance- the bell that signaled for the guests to return to the main room. "Thank you, Cole," the Inquisitor nodded, flashing a smile,"You have been helpful, as always."/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;" align="center"strong'.'.'/strong/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Are you married, Commander?" the lady asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Not yet, but I am... already taken," he replied, not bothering to hide his smirk./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""So, still single then," she tittered to the other masked nobles. Cullen's smile fled, realizing that the statement hadn't deterred any of them./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Silvia had returned to the ballroom, gracefully weaving through the crowd as she approached./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Inquisitor! Did you need something?" emPlease need something!/em/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""You've attracted quite the following. Who are all these people?" Silvia asked giving sideways glances to the flock of people that had encroached on the Commander's personal space./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""I don't know, but they won't leave me alone." Sighing in exasperation, he rubbed his temple hoping to relieve some of the building tension./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"She gave a slight close-lipped smile while raising an eyebrow. "Not enjoying the attention, then?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Cullen scoffed. "Hardly. Anyway, yours-" he paused, clearing his throat. He moved to her- so close that he could feel her breath- and skimmed the back of his fingers down her cheek before continuing in a hushed tone, "Yours is the only attention worth having."/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"Blushing with a growing smile, her eyes fluttered to the floor. Her reaction made Cullen's heart skip./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""I don't suppose you'd save a dance for me?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""No. Thank you," the Commander responded without hesitation./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""Oh." Silvia's expression fell./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""No! I didn't mean to- Oh, Maker's breath. I've answered that question so many times I'm turning it down automatically," he exclaimed, scratching his head and glancing away, "I'm not much for dancing. The templars never attended balls."/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"The Inquisitor gave a nod and a smile. "I need to check out the servant quarters. We'll talk later."/p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;""I await your signal. Be careful." He watched as the elf sauntered back through the crowd until she melded into the crowd./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.8004px;"emPlease, for Andraste's sake... and mine, be careful./em/p
