A/N) Just a warning for Dorian fans. From this point forward we will be dealing with an interesting theory- to be voiced by none other than the Iron Bull next chapter! Why the warning now? Because there are some things that, in examining his character, don't quite mesh between what he says and how he acts to me. Anyone I know who played a female Inquisitor had a similar experience- and I am happy to explain my thoughts on the matter if anyone wants to PM.

Just... you can't say I didn't warn you that from here on things will be a bit different and may feel arguably more divergent than what came before.

- 0 - 0 - 0 -

Dorian's observance and wondering concerning Bel's ferocity towards the training mannequin was put to the test as soon as they exited Sahrnia. It turned out that her anger at the dummy and the way she attacked demons or Red Templars were worlds apart. She was faster than he could have possibly imagined. Not only that, she grinned with each take-down with a strange flourish. It should have been disturbing, actually. Instead he found himself looking forward to that large, triumphant smile.

It wasn't until they created the main courtyard of Suledin Keep that there was a real challenge. Dorian almost warned Belathen about the demon, but she raised a palm to hold back any comment as she approached the being with what Dorian could only describe as a 'wild calm.'

"Ah, the hero arrives," the demon greeted. "But is it hero or murderer? It's so hard to tell."

"So you are the demon called Imshael. Somehow I thought you'd be more imposing." Bel was roguishly reckless, looking almost bored by the encounter.

"Choice. Spirit." It seemed offended.

"Either way you won't exist in a minute," the Inquisitor clarified, pulling out one of her daggers.

"Wait! Wait!" The nervous clamor was amusing, as was Belathen's quick change of maneuver to pick at her nail with the sharp edge. She glared as Imshael continued, "True to my name, I would give you a choice. It doesn't always have to end in blood."

Bel scoffed but still gestured got the thing to continue. Dorian finally spoke up. "That might not be the wisest course of action, Lavellan."

"I will hear his alternative nonetheless."

Imshael seemed pleased. "Simple. We don't fight, and I grant you power, shower you with riches, or virgins. Your pick."

The Inquisitor had the strangest reaction. She threw her head back and laughed, the sound echoing through the Keep. "Oh demon, you should study your quarry better. I'm a Dalish huntress in my heart; I have more power than I could have dreamed, and more resources than I can rightly wrap my head around. As for... virgins..." She rolled her eyes, turning slightly to glance at Dorian. "I suppose it depends on your definition. The last thing I need is the only fumbling novice in Fereldan to fall for me."

Now it was Imshael's turn to laugh. "And if I offered what you really want?"

Belathen paused for a moment, fighting to steady her breath. Then, suddenly, she lunged forward in a chaotic strike of sheer speed and purpose. She landed a single stroke before the demon slid from her onslaught; Dorian took the moment to get a barrier up before she attacked again and again. Cassandra and Bull struggled to keep up, but it seemed Bel was somehow able to manipulate pockets of time and catch her enemy time and again.

As one of those altered moments ended, Dorian hunted for her only to find the hits had finally caught up with the rogue. Iron Bull charged, between him and Cassandra pulling the demons attention elsewhere as it began its death throes.

Dorian's first thought was that Cullen was going to be enraged. Dorian was here to protect Lavellan after all, and he had failed. The second thought was to truly pray she was still breathing because he couldn't even pallet the alternative. He breathed out in relief to find she was in fact alive, verified as he heard Cassandra eliminate Imshael completely.

"The Inquisitor?" asked the Seeker, tentative.

"She lives. But she needs a proper healer." The mage reached for his back, grabbing one of the blankets and throwing it over the Inquisitor. "We shouldn't move her until someone more knowledgeable comes to assist."

It took a full hour before the medic arrived, and another hour after that before they found it safe to bring Belathen into a warm spot in the Keep. Even then the Tevinter felt somewhat bound to stick by Belathen. The medic was relieved, explaining that it was better if someone stayed at her side overnight. Just in case.

That was precisely the way the future changed, seemingly overnight.