I do not own any characters. Bioware the great and magnificent does. Thank you for all the follows and reviews! I'm sorry this chapter took longer to get out. Finals and such, so life is crazy here, but I finally found some time to get another chapter out! Hope you enjoy! Rated M for language and future lemons.

Chapter 10

"The wound seems to be healing nicely, Captain," Bran told me with a smile. After spending so much time a day with the man, I finally asked his name. I hated that I still had to see him twice a day, even though they used magic to heal me. Apparently, my inner guts were more twisted than I knew, so the magic couldn't heal as fast as normal. I gave a sigh of relief and a grin. "It is practically gone besides the scar. Give yourself one more day of rest and then you can pick up a sword," he teased with a smile.

"I have been a little pushy with wanting to train, haven't I?" I laughed, glad to not have a bandage on anymore. I missed being able to do things. We got back to Skyhold a couple days ago, making the journey in a quick four days. A whole week has gone by since I was stabbed with a fear demon spider leg, and I still dream about it every night. A nightmare that just keeps replaying. Now I knew how Cullen feels.

Bran nodded in amusement, wrapping the bandage up and putting it in a basket. He stood and put his hands on his hips looking at me with a stern expression. "No training today, and you need to start slowly tomorrow. No going at it like you are fighting the Blight. Your body went through a lot this past week and it would be a shame to yourself internally. Hear me?"

"Loud and clear," I replied with a nod. "No extreme training and swordplay. Got it." My body was ready to do anything other than sit around all day. I would go crazy doing another day of history with Dorian. I loved learning about this world, but Dorian seemed to make it almost feel like I was in a weird seminar. I wasn't quite sure which parts of the information he told me was real or his version of what happened.

"No swords today, Captain," he repeated, bringing me back to reality. "I mean it. I know you are ready to start, but one day more of complete rest."

I rolled my eyes. Bran talks to me as if I haven't been following his instructions precisely. "I know, Bran. I even stopped playing the lute so that I didn't irritate it. Please tell me I'll be able to play today?"

Bran got down to his knees to finish collecting the rest of his belongings, setting them in the basket with the bandage. "I suppose playing isn't such a bad thing. Just don't push yourself leaning over the lute and continue the potions I made you."

"Aye, aye," I replied enthusiastically, giving him a two- finger salute. "Am I free to leave?"

Bran chuckled. "Yes." I started to get up and walk away. "You forgot your potions, Captain."

I spun around and grabbed them from his outstretched arm. "Thanks again, Bran. I'm going to miss these really awkward moments of me sitting on a stool with my shirt up, while you touch any bruise you see possible."

Bran rolled his eyes and laughed. "I'm sure there will be more meetings."

"I know," I answered honestly. "Until then!" I waved to him and almost skipped away from the healing tents.

What to do with my new freedom? Well, almost freedom. One more day until freedom. At least I could play my lute again! I have missed it. These past few days have been kind of miserable. I hated that I couldn't do anything and even stayed away from the training yard and tavern, mostly keeping to the library. Everyone was busy with the after event of Adamant and so I have been keeping company with mostly Dorian. Solas has offered me lessons again, but Bran was insistent that I don't do anything that could affect my healing. This meant no magic lessons and no going to war council meetings, much to Branwen's dislike.

I made my way to my room, wanting to finish Swords and Shields, finally on the last chapter. I was very surprised with how much I like it. Dorian says that if I wanted to read something that would make me excited like Varric's smut, then he has a page of history that he wrote himself that would do the trick. I politely declined, but Dorian doesn't like no for an answer. I am learning more about Tevinter than I ever wanted to know.

The rain was falling lightly, almost like a mist as I made my way up the stairs, taking in the view of Skyhold in the rain. Yesterday and today were the first days I actually ever saw it rain here. I was beginning to wonder if it was only ever sunny. The mist stuck to my clothes lightly and made my hair slightly curl in random places. I glanced over at Cullen's office door as I made my way to the top of the stairs, sad that I haven't been able to talk to him privately since the forest.

Getting troops prepared and helping plan for the next move was the talk of the inner circle, according to Dorian. Branwen had everyone out scouting and finding information. Even Cole. I should talk to Cole today. That would be nice. Well, if Cullen doesn't visit while I am. Cullen had been busy with finding Samson as well, sending out troops to find Maddox. I wonder if he was going to go too. I wanted to see that lion helmet on him in person. Some quick smiles from across distances and a few "heys" were the most we have been able to have since returning.

I left my door open when I entered the room, going to open the other door as well. I loved the smell of the air when the rain fell. Noticing the still burning torches, I felt almost at home in this odd bedroom. I missed all my old things though. My books, trinkets, and blankets. The things that hung on your walls and sat on your dresser and bookshelf, telling the world exactly who you are. My room screamed geek, but nothing beat having the window open on a rainy spring day, cuddled up in my fuzzy red reading blanket, drinking a cup of tea, and smelling a soothing candle as I read a book.

Swords and Shields laid on my trunk, and I grabbed it before crawling on to my bed. I kicked off my boots, hating the feeling of them on when I read. For some reason, my feet needed to be free. I curled my toes a couple times on the blanket, and flopped onto my stomach, ready to do some hardcore reading. I put my feet in the air, crossing them at the ankles, flipping open the book to a few pages before the last chapter ended, reminding myself what happened. I put my chin in one hand, fingers tapping my mouth as I read, a habit I hated, that I started as a kid when reading.

I tried to read slowly, wanting to spend as much time as I could with this book, knowing that Varric hadn't quite finished the next one. Ending books was always so hard. I hated that I devoured it and reread the last couple pages again to feel the emotions throughout me one more time. This was all I could do for the last couple days. Read Swords and Shield and history lessons. Today just started, and I refused to have another history lesson. I needed the new book from Varric. Now. Or another book like this. I was obsessed and there was no Pinterest to help ease the pain of not having the characters with you anymore. Cassandra would have something, and she needs to read Varric's new chapter before me.

I was determined to spend the rest of my day in this room, barefoot, hair down, and smuggling some food in so I could avoid having to leave my book. I needed to travel to a different fantasy place. Without a second thought, I grabbed the finished book, hurrying out of my room and toward the quickest path to Varric.

Right now, he was probably in the main hall drinking. That was his thing. I opened Cullen's office door, hearing Jim talking to him. I tried to hurry past, determination making my stride faster. "You forgot your boots," Cullen called to me as I opened the door toward Solas' study.

I glanced back at him, walking backwards. "No time for boots! I have to talk to Varric," I explained. He shook his head in amusement, a smile on his face. His eyes seemed more tired today. "If you needed to talk though," I told him, stopping as I touched the door handle.

"I have to finish a couple things. Maybe later," he answered, his whiskey eyes making me get butterflies.

"Cool," I answered lamely with a grin. "Bye." I shut the door, running down the rampart and through Solas' study. "Hey dude," I greeted Solas casually, earning a perplexed reaction. Solas had been busy the past few days, trying to figure out more about the Fade, and was often sleeping while doing it.

I quickly entered the main hall, glancing around as I shut the door behind me. Verric sat at a table, Hawke with him. Both deep in conversation. At this point in game, doesn't Hawke go and help some place? He didn't follow us back.

I strutted up to the table, putting the book on the table and stared Varric down. Varric and Hawke looked up in surprise, both amused and confused. "Looking good today Prophet."

"Finish it, Varric," I replied, my hands leaning on the table. "I need to know and I'm going to go crazy if I have to sit through more history with Dorian. I need to know what happens to the Captain and I'll take anything you can give me."

Varric's eyes widened for a second and he started to laugh. "Not where I thought that conversation was going to go Prophet."

"I didn't realize you were a fan," Hawke chuckled, glancing at the book. "Of Varric's less charming books."

"I can't help it, they are addicting," I said with a hint of begging. "How long until you have it done Varric? I know we have been through a lot and you've been a little preoccupied but how often do you get fans begging for your next book?" I looked down at my feet. "Bootless."

Hawke and Varric looked under the table at my feet, laughing hard at seeing that I was in fact barefoot. I waited for the laughing to calm down, both of them crying tears. "They come running bootless for your books, Varric!"

"This is a first, Prophet," Varric informed me, wiping a tear from his eye. "I'll finish it by tomorrow night. I'll meet you at Herald's Rest after dinner."

"You're the best Varric!" I squealed, genuinely excited. "Thank you so much! I need to find another book in the meantime." I backed away, smiling to myself. Now to find Cassandra and let her know. I was about to go out the front door and remembered boots, quickly swinging back towards Solas' office. Confusing Solas with my greetings, was my favorite hobby lately, and so I wasn't disappointed with the genuine look of confusion when I gave a slight head nod and "hey brah". I had to use that one more often.

I ran through the now, heavier rain, into Cullen's office, bumping into him as I opened the door. "I'm so sorry," I exclaimed. "I should have knocked, I keep forgetting." I ran a hand through my hair, the wetness from the rain, helping to keep it back a little. I looked at the ground and saw a broken box. "Cullen?"

Cullen ran a hand through his hair, his face pale and sweaty. He bent down and picked up the box, placing it on his desk. I shut the door and locked it, not wanting anyone to come in and see him like this. I knew he probably hated me seeing him like this. "I'm sorry. I don't seem to be quite myself right now." He muttered a quiet maker's breath before sitting on the edge of his desk, hand on the bridge of his nose.

"Don't apologize," I said awkwardly. Do I tell him I know about his lyrium withdrawal? That he stopped taking it and that I think it's the best decision? "I'm glad you didn't give in to it," I decided to say, knowing this was going to be awkward either way. I bent down and picked up the couple stray tools that came from the kit, placing them on his desk, next to the broken box.

Golden eyes that were above black bags, stared at me with surprise. "How did you know?"

I shrugged and glanced down awkwardly at my bare feet. "I just did." I noticed another tool under his desk and I bent down to get that as well. His eyes were still on me when I glanced at him as I put the tool on the desk with the others. "I won't intrude on your time anymore."

"I just don't want to be like the others," he said quietly. "What happened there, I-."

I took a step toward him, putting a hand on his arm. "I know," I told him honestly, not wanting to have him relive the story.

Cullen glanced down at the hand on his arm and back up to me. "How?"

"I just do," I replied again. "I know a lot of information about this world remember. That bit happens to be part of it."

His eyes seemed lost and puzzled. "I should be taking it."

I thought of the game and the dialog options. I wasn't expecting to be doing this conversation with him. I felt panic in me. My first real talk with Cullen about himself and his addiction and I go stupid. Typically, I would say something to lighten the mood and make the person laugh, but he needed to talk. Okay, Kassy. What would Captain King do? Sit here awkwardly while he tries to share his personal feelings, or try to say something encouraging. Say something. Do something. Literally anything!

"Don't do it," I told him, reaching for his hand and pushing back a curl from his finger ridden hair. "Keep fighting. I'll be right next door to help you if you need a friend on the rough days."

Cullen let go of my hand. "The Inquisitor thinks I should keep taking it."

Branwen did? What the hell? I always wondered what the conversation would be like, but I didn't realize one of my Inquisitors would do that. "She did?"

He nodded, turning to put away the tools into the bottom part of the box. "I spoke with her yesterday evening."

I glanced at the broken box. "I think she's wrong. We both know that isn't what you want either."

"What I want is to have the Inquisition succeed. If that means I take lyrium to help that become a possibility, then I must," he said forcefully. His attention on the desk.

"Not if it goes against who you are, Cullen." I argued. I wanted him to make this decision. I hated that in game, you really could choose. I was glad there was the What do you want option if you romanced him. "Just remember why you stopped taking it in the first place."

I felt myself start to shiver a little. I should have put on boots and a cloak before leaving my room. I wasn't going to leave Cullen if he wanted to talk. I crossed my arms, rubbing the tops of them, trying to get some warmth. My bed sounded good.

"I don't expect you to understand how it works here," he whispered. Cullen turned to me. "The Inquisitor is my leader and I must do as she says for the sake of the Inquisition."

"It's your mind and body that is effected by this this though. Wouldn't it be better to have you with a more peaceful mind?" I asked. It now just occurred to me that everyone literally just does as the Inquisitor says, no doubts or questions. I guess that it why the approval system is in the game. To let you see just how bad you were. "You should get some sleep. You don't look so hot."

"I don't look so hot?" He asked, eyebrows raised. "Does everyone talk like you from, Michigan, did you say it was?"

"Sort of," I replied, thinking of my little sister, who perfected the art of cutting down almost every word to one syllable. I recently told her to stop doing it around Dad who was trying this out, telling me everything was "perf" the last time I talked to him. "Not important. The important thing is that you do what you want to do. When it comes to your mental wellbeing, that is your decision only Cullen."

Cullen nodded in understanding, his eyes going back to his kit. "I think I need to be alone for a while."

I got that. Big decision to make and I hoped he would sleep. I told my feet to start moving to the door, but my body had other thoughts. I was taking another step to him, and then I was hugging him. I felt the softness of the fur on my cheek and the scent of him enveloped my senses. Cullen seemed surprised at first, unsure of what he should do, before his arms folded around me. My dad always told me, that when you felt at your worst, a simple hug from someone who cared, could make it seem a little better.

The art of hugging isn't a science, but King's were trained to give the most comforting hugs. Our hugs seemed personal and reassuring. Probably from always giving them whenever anyone left or came to visit or any family gathering. No one could hug better than my dad though, however, I was starting to think differently in Cullen's arms. I gave a quick squeeze, before starting to pull back, but he held on. "Just a little longer, this helps," he breathed into my ear.

I waited until he let go just a minute later and I stepped back with red in my cheeks. "Sorry," I said louder than I needed to. Come on Kassy! Check yourself! "I'm going to go get boots on and see Cassandra."

The smallest smile came to his face as he looked down at my feet. I was in desperate need of a pedicure. "It was nice talking to you."

I gave a warm grin, and opened the door towards my room. Rain was starting to fall heavier and I shut the door quickly before sprinting to my room, sliding a little on the slick stone. I pulled on my boots and cloak, wondering where Cassandra would be when it rain. I was guessing the usual place in game. I carefully made my way down the steps, hurrying to find her, Cullen's embrace bringing another smile to my lips.

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I laid in bed again, the pillow under my stomach, as I turned the page to a new book Cassandra told me to read. I had to agree with her, not as good as Swords and Shields. Varric has a unique writing style that makes you feel like you are in the moment.

I heard the rain falling a little heavier outside my open door and I wish my mind would let me have one peaceful night of sleep. I was now to the point of avoiding sleep because of the haunting of being stabbed by Mr. Spider Arms every night. The same fear of being alone in the Fade and dying with no one claiming my body was always present with the dream. I know I volunteered myself to die, but I want to let my family know at least. I should start researching portal travel. Maybe the mirror? Could that work?

I rested my feet on my pillow, feeling the coldness of the fabric on my skin. I needed a pedicure. Badly. I missed my younger sister and her love of going to get them done. The massage chair and a Starbucks were her favorite part. Oh, how I wish I could hear Sadie call me by her favorite nickname for me, Koosy, right now. I closed my book, sat up and reached over for my lute.

I strummed the chords to one of our favorite artists Josh Groban. I decided not to sing, content with the sound of the chords as the rain fell. I closed my eyes, thinking about what she would be doing. She would probably be watching "The Office" with her girlfriend, and texting one of the sisters to see when we would do a Treat Yo'self day. God, I missed her.

I changed the chords to "Hallelujah", and it took me a minute to get the key right on the lute. I finally got it and I played it softly, remembering the way we would belt it out together. Without realizing it, the lyrics were coming out of my mouth and I heard Sadie's voice with mine. She always had the softer voice like Mom, while I had a more belting voice like Dad. I wasn't thinking about anything else but her as I sang and I stared out the door, at the falling rain, trying to picture Sadie's face. Only away for not even a month, and I couldn't picture her clearly. Only the parts that stood out most. Her blue eyes, big smile, and curly blonde hair. I heard her voice in my head perfectly, and her laugh ringing in my ears as if she was there.

Easter was this month sometime and I could picture all my siblings together. Teasing and laughter filling my parents' home. I could see my nephews running around, looking for eggs outside and then eating all their candy before Easter dinner, causing massive stomach aches. I heard my parents at the table, thanking God for having all of us there with them. I heard my brother in law telling me to lower my standards and settle down. I pictured Liam and my dad with their guitars, playing requests and people joining in while the others talked or played a game of pool. I could almost smell home and I needed to feel my Dad's arms around me, telling me he was glad I was home and that he loved me. I needed family and a sense of belonging.

I finished the song, leaning the lute against the wall, before a sob escaped my lips. Oh no, here we go. The water works. The tears came faster and soon I couldn't stop the sobs from filling the room. God fucking damn it, Kassy. You told yourself you wouldn't do this! No pity! Find a way home and until then be strong. But how could I when I can't stop thinking of them? When I can't even send them a note or have my ashes be with them if I died. They wouldn't know. I wasn't made to be away from them so long, without any communication.

I tried to wipe the tears away and stood, not knowing what was wrong with me. Why now? Was it because I had a near death experience? Was it because I felt wrong here, and that no one really knew me besides Cole. He didn't really understand though. The guilt in my stomach twisted and made my anxiety trigger, causing a whole new round of tears. They think you a Captain, but you're just a nanny. Nothing more. People like the fake version of me, not the real version. Corypheus or Fear demon or whatever the hell was in the Fade was right. I'm a fake. I felt frustrated, angry, and sad that I was in this situation.

I heard my Dad's voice tell me to calm down and take a deep breath. Think it through. Don't get yourself worked up. I grabbed my dragon necklace, squeezing it tight, as I cried, my chest hurting from the intensity of the bawling and my breath was hard to catch. I shut the door that led to the ruined rampart, not wanting to wake anyone with my crying. I took a deep breath, turning to close the other door. I felt the sobs quieting, and I was left with cry hiccups and non-stop tears. My eyes were broken. I made it to the doorway, about to close it when a figure was running down the rampart, Cullen's office door open, the light shining out onto the rampart. Shit! I woke Cullen.

He got closer to the room and I saw him without his armor. You had to be a baby and wake him from his sleep. Congratulations. "Cullen? Go back to bed," I told him through the rain as he approached.

Cullen side stepped me, coming into the room. "Are you alright? I heard your crying." His blonde hair was damp from the rain and wet spots were on his shirt. His eyes were full of concern, looking me up and down for any bodily harm. "Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine," I said, wiping tears from my eyes. "Seriously, it's stupid and…" I hiccupped and ran my hand over my cheeks again. My voice wavered a little and I rolled my eyes looking toward the bed. "I'm so sorry I woke you."

"I wasn't sleeping," he tried to comfort me. He reached out a hand to touch my arm and I almost broke down again. "I was actually debating for a few minutes coming over," he confessed.

I turned to him, sniffing. "You must think I'm stupid! Crying like an idiot," I responded. "It won't stop," I told him, my voice breaking. "You're the last person I want to see me like this."

"What happened?" He asked, visually searching the room. I almost laughed. Did he think someone was in here?

"It's the same thing as usual. Just hit harder tonight than before," I answered quietly. "I'll be okay, Cullen. Go back to bed. I'm feeling better already." I gave a halfhearted smile.

Cullen raised an eyebrow, reaching out a hand to wipe away the tears from my face. "You don't seem okay."

I gave a weak chuckle. "Compared to your issue, mine isn't anything." I felt his calloused fingers on my face as he brushed away the tears and it helped keep the tears away. Finally! What the hell tear ducts!

"I talked to the Inquisitor about that," he informed me, his eyes going to mine, his hand left my face. "You were right. She understood my reasons for not wanting to take lyrium. I just need to take a few minutes to myself sometimes, she said." He had a half smile. "Seems everyone thinks I just always walk around with a serious expression."

"I'm glad you made the decision you wanted, Cullen." I congratulated him, feeling a little better. My chest was able to finally breathe without the hiccupping. "And I wouldn't say all the time."

"I'd like to know what you are thinking though," he said quietly. "What's keeping you from sleeping tonight?"

I blushed, embarrassed by my nightmares. "I haven't been able to dream about anything other than the Fade since I made it out of there." I sighed. "Mostly the whole Fear demon part."

Cullen's eyes darkened with understanding and he leaned against the door frame. "I understand those. Nightmares."

"I know," I replied lamely. "Did you sleep yet?"

"A little," he answered. "Did you want to talk about why you were really crying?"

I ran a hand through my hair, shaking my head. "It was a moment of self-pity and I won't let it happen again."

"Self-pity? What does the hero of Adamant Fortress have to pity about herself?" Cullen asked with a small grin.

"Dorian spreads that fast," I muttered. "Honesty time Cullen," I began, taking a step toward him. "I'm not what you guys think I am. Captain isn't what people called me back where I'm from. I never learned to fight back home, and I am pretty sure I would accidently shoot an arrow into someone's eye or ass if I was told to fire one. I don't dress like this ever, except for when going to certain themed events, and I now have a very passionate fear of spiders, that never was there before."

"You might have came here that way, but you earned the title Captain," he answered, no doubts on his face. Cullen straightened when he talked to me, his posture determined, like when he was talking about the recruits in the game. "You trained like no other recruit I have seen, by not only Cassandra, but also Iron Bull. You went to battle demons you knew you probably couldn't take on, but you did it without fear and with determination. And even after the Inquisitor and I both doubted your plan about the Fade, you helped get the others out without them having much damage. You stayed and created a portal. Stroud told me in great detail, what exactly you did."

"I didn't do that-." I tried to interrupt, but he kept talking.

"It doesn't matter what you were back where you are from. You had to change to adapt to a new culture and world. You had to learn to defend yourself and the Inquisition. You sing songs that make people feel emotions. You had to leave a family and life behind. Knowing what little I know of your past, doesn't change how you handled yourself at Adamant. I don't tend to judge people based on their past." His voice burned with a passion as he spoke, each word trying to make me understand. "You've earned the title Captain."

I didn't know what to say to that. Cullen had moved closer as he spoke, neither of us noticing until now. I felt a tightening in my chest. An emotion that is hard to put words to. Not love, but in that vicinity. All I knew is that I wanted to kiss the Commander right then. Before my brain could register proper thoughts or movements, I closed the space between us, grabbing his shirt and bringing him in for a kiss.

I'm kissing Cullen! I'm. Kissing. Cullen. Oh my God! It was so much better than I thought it was going to be. He hesitated at first, surprised, but then his arms were around my waist, as he returned the kiss with the same amount of passion I was. We both pulled away at the same time, my hand still fisting his shirt and his arms around my waist. "I'm so sorry," I started to apologize, looking up into his eyes. "You were just saying those words and I had to do it."

"I'm glad you did," he said smiling. "I wanted to do that since you walked through my office barefoot."

I laughed. "Bare feet do it for you?" I let go of his shirt, letting my hand rest on his chest.

"It wasn't your lack of boots," he chuckled. "It was the energy you had coming from you. The excitement and relaxed personality. You seemed happy, and I never saw that yet."

"I was happy," I replied. "But I think this beats Varric's book."

He pushed the hair from my eyes. "You should sleep now," he told me gently. "Are you going to be okay?"

I nodded, starting to walk out of his embrace. "Good night then Cullen. I promise I won't wake you with any more hysterical sobbing again."

He pulled me to him again, giving me another kiss, this one more fierce than the last. I grabbed his hair, loving the feel of the thick curls in my fingers. "Goodnight," he whispered when he pulled his lips from mine. I still had my eyes closed as he removed his arms from my waist. My fingers slowly left his hair and I felt all my worries from earlier disappear. I opened my eyes, finding his whiskey ones on my face.

Cullen gave me a smile over his shoulder as he made his way out of the room. I watched him from the doorway as he walked back to his office, looking back at me as he closed the door.

That man was just….just…wonderful.

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"I figured you might have an easier time if you did long range combat," Dorian informed me. "You may not be a mage, but Sera could teach you a few basic moves with a bow."

"Right I can, yeah?" Sera pulled out her bow and arrows. "So, you point the arrow at the thing that's running around and shoot."

"For some reason, I feel it's a bit more than that," I quipped back, trying to adjust the bow and arrow in my arms.

"Shouldn't she keep going in the training she already knows," Iron Bull commented from behind us.

"I agree with him," I answered, eyes on Dorian. "A sword might-."

"Just shoot the bow, huh?" Sera said loudly. I adjusted the bow in my hand, aiming it at the dummy. More like pointing the bow in that direction. I wasn't even good at this on the Wii. I drew back the drawstring, and the arrow fell out. "Give it another go," Sera told me. I adjusted the bow again, placing the arrow in the string. I brought the string back, able to keep the arrow in this time. I let the arrow go and my bow shifted a little almost hitting a passing Cullen.

"That is getting old Sera!" He called, glaring in our direction.

"Oh, back off Wanker!" Sera hollered back.

"My bad!" I shouted, a small smile on my face. I thought about how he talked to his recruits. "If you were my enemy, you'd almost be dead!"

Cullen glanced over at the arrow and then at me, the arrow a couple inches from him. He raised an eyebrow, shaking his head. "Stick with swords."

"Noted," I called, watching him walk away with a grin. I turned to Dorian. "Maybe he's right."

"Nonsense," Dorian stated, while Bull said "Rift should" at the same time. They stared at each other. "It doesn't take much skill to swing a sword around," Dorian taunted.

"What would you know of it Mage?" Bull challenged. "Here." Bull grabbed an extra sword from the training stock and held it out for Dorian.

"Let's get this done with," Dorian smiled with a tinge of excitement. "Watch this." He told me, leaning his staff against the wall. "Don't let anything happen to it! I shined it so it reflects my face perfectly."

He strutted over to Bull, grabbing the sword and taking a stance. "I bet on the big one," Sera said excitedly.

"Don't tell Dorian, but me too." I whispered back with a chuckle. She laughed hard looking on at the fight, sitting on a barrel. The swords began to clash and I was surprised by how well Dorian could hold his own. Sera shouted in excitement, her hand hitting Dorian's staff, making it fall to the ground.

I reached down, not wanting Dorian to see his freshly polished staff in the dirt. I put my fingers around it, feeling a distant thrumming beneath them. Weird. I stood, adjusting the staff in my hand, so I wouldn't drop it. Suddenly, a ray of purple came out of the staff, hitting Bull. Bull fell down and I quickly dropped the staff with a scream.

"Rift!" Bull shouted, groaning as he got back to his feet. Dorian stared at me with wide eyes, mouth open fully.

"I'm so sorry Dorian!" I blurted, hand to my face. "I didn't mean to break it. I'll try to find money to get you a new one! I don't know what I did, but I swear I will never touch a staff again." I felt panic in my chest, and felt like when you had to tell your Grandma you broke her favorite picture frame.

"Well that will be difficult, seeing you are a mage," Dorian told me with his eyebrows raised.

"No, I'm not!" I said instantly. In my head, Mage Rights Activist shone in bright letters. "I can't. My world doesn't have magic users."

"I'm sorry to remind you, but you aren't in your world," Dorian argued, glancing down at his staff. "I think we found your weapon."

I glanced down at the staff, grabbing my necklace. This couldn't be real. Me a mage? Doing magic? I thought about the possibilities. Blood magic. That would be cool. I would be down with learning that and Dorian approving of that and all. Wait. No? Back up a step? How did I not know? "Doesn't it take a long time to learn magic? How did it only work with the staff?"

"You should ask Solas," Bull told me. Dorian rolled his eyes.

"He might know the Fade, but I am also a scholar. If what I have gathered about you is correct, your type of magic needs actual spark to ignite. The Fade had to be present to really work for the rift and now the magic in the staff helps magnify the magic in you." Dorian leaned on his staff, looking at me with great intensity.

"So, that was my magic magnified? It's not very good," I questioned with a frown.

"That was what happened with you only touching the staff. Imagine if you focused!" Dorian said with excitement. "Your magic is different. It's not from here. Imagine what it could be like when joined with the magic of this realm?"

I glanced over at Bull who shrugged and then I glanced to Sera who stared at Dorian with furrowed brows. "You're crazy," she simply said.

Dorian ignored her, his focus still on me. "Let me train you and help you see what abilities you possess. You can also train with Bull and Cassandra still if you want, but at least then you would have a backup."

I studied Dorian, trying to find a flaw in this. In game, I trusted him completely, but I didn't really know him. I knew that if I was going to need someone's help with finding a way home, he would be a very good place to start. "All right Dorian. I'll give it a go; however, I have a favor to ask in return."

Dorian raised an eyebrow. "What is this favor?"

"I need your help to find a way back home to my world," I answered with determination. "You know where to look in books to help me, and I prefer not to ask Solas."

Dorian tilted his head, his eyes staring into mine. "I'll do my best to help with that."

I felt a huge weight lift off my chest. I ran to him, flinging my arms around his neck. "Thank you, Dorian!" He was hesitant at first, but his arms came around me in a tight hug. I pushed away with a grin. "When do we start all mighty mentor?"

"In between your combat with Cassandra and Bull," he returned with a twitch of his mustache, lips in a small smile. "Be prepared for training you never had before."

"Come on Rift," Bull sighed, as he rolled a shoulder. "Let's go to the tavern and get you some food."

Maker's Breath! The tavern! Varric better have that new chapter ready!