The next morning Aden was leaning and staring at the war table, his eyes slightly clouded over as he day dreamed and the others were talking and planning.

"What happened to this?" questioned Cullen frowning as he gestured to a broken war marker, "And this was not where I had left it. Half these markers are in the wrong place!"

Josephine was biting her lip and staring determinedly at her report before her, muttering something about a shipment of elfroot.

Leliana looked at her curiously, then glanced at Aden who was still staring off in a world of his own, smiling lightly. "Inquisitor?" she said, a small smiling playing around the corner of her mouth.

Aden looked up suddenly, "Hmm?" he said quickly, "What did you…the…uh, eluvians?"

Morrigan raised her eyebrows and Aden shook his head. "Sorry, not much sleep. What did you say?"

Josephine began to scribble hastily on her parchment.

Leliana smirked, "Just wondering if you have any idea why half the markers on the war table are so…confused."

Aden looked over the table, unable to stop the small smile from spreading across lips. He shrugged. "No idea."

"Hmm…" mused Leliana, "And you Josie? You seem to be a little frazzled about something?"

Josephine looked up, "Me?" she said, her voice a little higher than usual. "Not at all," she continued, her eyes flickered to Aden who looked confused, then she blushed furiously and looked back to her report.

"What is going on here?" Cullen demanded, thoroughly confused.

"Oh, I'm just beginning to wonder if a certain rumour is true, that's all," Leliana said in amusement.

Aden looked at her suddenly and Josephine dropped her quill. "Uh, what?" he said trying to appear seemingly uninterested.

"Well this fun…" muttered Morrigan under her breath and Cullen just looked between the two bemused.

Aden cleared his throat quickly, "Uh, actually, Cullen have you received word from Rylen yet?" he asked, trying to change the subject.

"So it is true, Josie?" Leliana continued, smiling with enjoyment.

"Leliana!" hissed Josephine, mortified. "I have no idea what you are referring to, but perhaps we should get back on track-"

Leliana bit her lip in amusement. "Fine, fine…you know I'll find out anyway."

Aden frowned, then unable to help himself he said, "What does Josephine have to do with the rumour?"

Leliana grinned evilly. "Oh so you know which rumour I'm talking about?"

"Wha- No. I just," Aden stopped, "never mind. Josie's right, let's uh, get back to work."

Cullen looked between the three of them. "Is someone going to fill me in here?"

"Honestly, Cullen," Aden said quickly, "I'm not sure what they're talking about, but uh, you probably don't want to know."

"Doesn't he?" smiled Leliana, "But how would you know, my lord?"

Josephine was blushing furiously, holding her board very close to her chest now and shuffling the sheets of parchment noisily.

Aden frowned at Leliana, then turned to Josephine. "Honestly, Josephine what's wrong?" he asked concerned.

"Nothing at all, Inquisitor," she squeaked, dropping her quill on the table again. Aden raised his eyebrows and she gave him a look, her cheeks flushing. "I merely… went to take my report to the war table last night," she explained slowly, "but wasn't able to… because of certain matters and so this morning everything is just in a bit of a mess."

Aden's eyebrows slowly disappeared into his hair, his mouth forming the shape of an 'O' and his cheeks flushed warmly.

"Certain matters?" frowned Cullen.

Leliana giggled.

"Oh my dear Commander," sighed Morrigan in exasperation, rolling her eyes to the ceiling. "Put it together. She's flustered, he's embarrassed, I am sure you have heard some of the rumours and the war table is a mess."

Cullen dropped the war piece he was holding all of a sudden, taking his turn to flush a deep pink as realisation dawned on him.

"OK!" Aden said loudly, his cheeks still scarlet. "You all know. Fine. Was it a wise decision? Maybe not. Do I regret it? No… so let's just put that aside now and get back to work. Oh and," he glanced at Josephine bashfully, "sorry about uh, if you… did you… see?"

Josephine's cheeks flushed again and she muttered, "Everything…"

Leliana laughed gleefully and Aden stared at Josephine his eyes wide with surprise. "Oh," was all he could say while he could swear he heard Cullen chuckle. Aden cleared his throat, "Right… well, uh, sorry…"

Josephine shook her head quickly, "No, no Inquisitor it's fine," she said quickly in her diplomatic voice, "Really, you're both… very attractive men."

Aden's eyebrows shot up his forehead in surprise while Leliana giggled, "Josie!" she said, amused. "Sometimes you are too polite!"

Aden did not know how to respond to this while Morrigan rolled her eyes and Cullen seemed to be struggling very hard with the urge to laugh. He cleared his throat quickly, rubbing the back of his neck, "Nothing uh… wrong with having a little fun, Inquisitor," he said, a small smile curling at his lips.

"Perhaps next time not on the war table…" Morrigan added, "You know, where we all have to…touch things."

Leliana laughed and Josephine could not seem to look at the Inquisitor.

Aden let out a small laugh himself and said, unfazed, "Can't make any promises," he shrugged, "And, I'll have you know, Dorian and I are very clean, you don't need to worry," he added with a smile causing Josephine to finally drop her mountain of papers and Cullen was now snickering unashamedly into his hand. "So… Arbor Wilds," he continued, looking at the table before anything else could come of this conversation. "Very important. Where do we start?"

"I have a great deal of respect for you, Inquisitor," Solas was saying as he examined Aden's hand with the mark, casting subtle spells that Aden did not know upon it.

Aden looked at him in surprise. "Where did that come from, Solas?"

Solas didn't reply, instead he released Aden's hand back to him, "There," he said, "that should have settled it down. How are you finding your control over it?"

"Thank you," Aden said gratefully, looking at the anchor. "It's fine normally, just recently with particular emotions it…flared up."

Solas allowed a slight smile to tweak his lips. "Yes I heard about the incident with your paramours… ex paramour," he said simply.

Aden looked annoyed. "How-?"

"Varric."

Aden shook his head. "Of course."

"Aside from then, has it caused you any pain? Flared up out of your control?"

Aden shook his head, "No, not really. I only feel a sort of pain from it when I am near a rift…rather like my nerves are on fire," he said frowning.

"To be expected," Solas said, nodding his head to the side.

"So, if I…run in to Dorian's ex...'paramour' again…" Aden said slowly, "will it be more stable?"

Solas gave a rare chuckle, "Possibly," he said, "though that depends how 'mad' he makes you."

Aden narrowed his eyes. "Pretty mad."

Solas regarded Aden curiously. "Interesting," he said, amused. "That is the one trait in you that I find most surprising."

Aden looked at him. "Oh?" he said dubiously, "Why's that?"

"Well, you have impressed me by being so level headed and you seem to make…wise, well thought out decisions," Solas said seriously, "yet when it comes to an old flame of Dorian's… you become erratic and most unreasonable."

"So I don't like thinking of him with other men," Aden said in irritation. "What's wrong with that?"

"It is the way of life, Inquisitor," Solas replied.

Aden scoffed. "Yes, I know that," he said frowning. "Doesn't mean I have to like the thought of it."

Solas inclined his head. "You see?" he said smiling, "Unreasonable."

Aden rolled his eyes. "Are you telling me you've never been jealous?"

"Not when there is no reason to be," Solas answered.

"Well then you're just a bit perfect aren't you?" Aden scolded.

Solas chuckled, "If you say so."

Aden smiled and stood up. "Thanks for helping me with the mark, Solas," he said seriously.

"You are most welcome, Inquisitor," Solas said nodding briefly.

"I'll see you in the morning when we head to the wilds?"

"Of course."

Aden nodded and moved away to the main hall. He saw Varric and Cole sitting at a table, Varric still trying to teach him how to play wicked grace properly. Cole had really taken to Varric ever since the incident with an amulet Solas wanted to get for him so that he couldn't be bound. Aden and Varric had figured the boy was too human to be bound or for the amulet to work.

"Inquisitor!" called Varric happily, "Care for a game?"

Aden smiled, walking over to the two. "I could never say no to that," he said taking a seat.

Varric dealt out the cards. "So did Chuckles fix your hand issue?" he asked with a smirk.

Aden gave him a look and Cole said, "What's wrong with his hand?''

"It gets all worked up when Aden is jealous," chuckled Varric.

"Why would Aden be jealous?" continued Cole.

Aden sighed wearily, "Why do you do this, Varric?"

Varric grinned at him. "Because he doesn't like meeting people that his paramour has been with…"

"Been with?" repeated Cole confused.

"Er," Varric looked at him, "in a…romantic sense, kid."

"But Dorian doesn't want to…'be with' anyone, but Aden. Why would Aden be jealous?"

Varric laughed and Aden blushed, but couldn't help the small smile that crossed his lips.

"Cause he's crazy," chuckled Varric.

"No he isn't," countered Cole.

Aden laughed, "Thanks, Cole. I need you with me more often."

Varric chuckled again, "How is your illustrious lover anyway?"

Aden smiled, examining his cards. "He's very good," he said simply. "Which I'm sure you know, you live here too."

"Yeah…but he lives like… right with you now," Varric pointed out. "You two are practically inseparable."

Aden's smile grew; Varric was right. Dorian had basically moved into his quarters now, and Aden loved it.

"You feel warm, comfort, happy… it's good," said Cole.

Aden looked at Cole curiously, then asked, before he could stop himself, "How does Dorian feel?"

"Snoop," coughed Varric and Aden smirked unashamedly at him.

"Happy…" Cole began, "Happy, loving and loved. He doesn't want it to stop, but he's scared of losing it all."

Aden smile faded and he frowned, "He's afraid?" he asked quietly, his heart aching in his chest at Cole's words.

"He doesn't want you to fight…but he knows you have to," Cole continued, "He-"

"That's OK, Cole," Aden said quickly, feeling bad for prying. "I shouldn't have asked you that. I'll talk to Dorian."

But, Cole continued, "He doesn't want to tell you, doesn't want you to think he's worried…" he rattled off, "he's never cared so deeply, never knew it was possible. Never had so much to lose…"

"Well, this is personal…" Varric said gruffly, he leant across to pat Cole's arm. "Alright kid, that's enough of that, remember we talked about not saying what people are feeling?"

"But, he asked."

"Yeah…" muttered Varric, throwing Aden a look. "But, he shouldn't have. Even if people ask about other people's feelings, you should keep it to yourself. It's their business, remember?"

Aden tapped his fingers on the table, frowning. "He really doesn't let that show…" he muttered mainly to himself and Varric sighed.

"I'm…sure Sparkler would prefer it if you were talking to him about this…not us," Varric said slowly. "But, I mean… it's hardly a surprise is it?"

"That he's worried?" questioned Aden. "Well no… I mean, I'm worried. But, well, you know how he is; he jokes a lot."

"Just like you do," Varric pointed out. "Making some people think you're not taking everything seriously."

"Yes, but…" Aden sighed, "I'm just saying I didn't realise how much he…"

"Cares?"

"No," Aden said quickly, "I know how much he cares…" he paused, "I…feel bad for not realising how concerned he is…" he finished finally.

"He doesn't want you to feel bad…" frowned Cole, "he knows there's nothing he can do…nothing you can do…"

"Ok well, this," Aden said quickly, his heart throbbing again and he looked between them, "...'conversation' is rather breaking my heart so…I'm going to abandon this game and uh… go find Dorian."

Varric chuckled lightly, "Good idea…" he said, "Night before the big journey to the Arbor Wilds… It's a very romantic time."

Aden rolled his eyes, "Try not to spread rumours about this one?" he said, "Dorian doesn't mind the sex rumours, but he might mind if word gets out about what a softy he is."

Varric winked, "I wouldn't dare, Inquisitor."

Aden narrowed his eyes.

Varric laughed, "Really, really. I won't."

Aden still looked skeptical, "I'll see you both tomorrow," he said. "Try and…get a good night's sleep."

He turned away, frowning a little as his mind thought about the events that were to take place in the next few days. He hadn't really thought about the…bad outcomes that could occur. He had just been thinking about what they needed to accomplish. Now he couldn't get it out of his head, his mind creating the wildest and most terrible things that could happen causing him to begin stressing out completely as he searched the castle for Dorian.

Finally he found him drinking in the tavern with Bull, Blackwall, Krem and Sera.

He walked over to them wearily, Sera spotting him as he came over.

"Here he is!" she said, raising a glass. "Bout time you showed up, do I win the bet?"

Aden raised his eyebrows and Dorian turned around to smile at him and shake his head as if to say, 'don't ask'.

"Bah," grunted the Iron Bull, "well I'm on to my 5th drink and you said he would be here by my…oh shit, my 6th. Damn it…"

Sera laughed gleefully. "I told you he couldn't stay away longer," she said, then looked at Aden, "This one's been pinin' for you," she said happily, nodding her head at Dorian.

"I have not been pining," Dorian said defensively, but Aden smiled contentedly. He leant against the bar, right next to Dorian, putting his arm around the back of the mage's chair and leaning in to kiss him swiftly on the cheek. Dorian could not hide the small smile that reached his lips.

"Bleegh," scoffed Sera, "You two are waaaaay too sweet."

Aden rolled his eyes, then caught Blackwall's gaze and nodded briefly in greeting. Things had been a little…awkward to say the least since his trial. Sera and the Iron Bull had been the quickest to treat him normally again, for the most part.

"So," he said, breaking his gaze, "You've all decided to drink yourselves into a stupor the night before we all head out to the wilds then?"

"Seemed appropriate," said Krem, "Got plenty of time to sleep it off on the way there. But we won't have the supply of liquor!"

"Yeah…" muttered Bull, "Again Krem…we can keep some of that to ourselves in front of the Inquisitor."

Aden grinned, "Come on, Bull, when have I ever been opposed to a night of drinking?" he said, moving to pull up a chair and squeeze in between Dorian and Sera, then ordering a drink off the bartender.

Blackwall seemed a little uncomfortable, and Aden noticed. He had noticed that a lot recently, the man would be fine around most of his companions (the ones that had forgiven him more easily…Cassandra was still quite a tough one) but when Aden came along, he couldn't seem to relax.

"Yeah, that's true…but last time we had to carry you to bed," smirked Bull, taking a swig from his drink.

Aden shrugged, "No regrets," he said smiling and downing his whiskey in one, long, harsh gulp.

Dorian looked at him in amusement, "You know, sometimes I worry that you're an alcoholic," he noted.

Aden scoffed, "Me?" he said shocked, "Says Mr. Let's drink brandy at 11 in the morning."

Dorian smiled unashamedly, "That is brandy. Perfectly acceptable."

Aden grinned and leant over the bar peering at Dorian from the side. He had missed him. Even though he had seen him that very morning. He couldn't believe how ridiculously… attached he was. He thought back to the conversation he had with Cole and Varric just earlier and his heart throbbed in his chest. He wished he could speak with Dorian alone.

Aden hesitated for a moment, wondering what their friends would do if he were to kiss Dorian right now…he wasn't sure if he cared…he really wanted to kiss him, perhaps that would portray some of the words he was unable to say right now.

Then, suddenly, he made up his mind. He turned quickly and placed his hand behind Dorian's head before swiftly pulling him in and kissing him firmly and longingly on the lips, taking him very much by surprise.

"Whoah!" said Sera, startled by the sudden movement, "Well that went straight to his head, gimme some of what he's drinkin!"

Aden broke off, catching Dorian's surprised gaze and smiled, placing a hand on his knee.

"You don't need that, Fuzzhead," Blackwall was chuckling, "We all know how that will end."

Sera scrunched up her nose, "Frigg on you, Beardy, you can't talk," she said, "I always knew you were up to something, you know."

Blackwall sighed sadly, "Sorry…"

"For what?" continued Sera, "Trying? Better than most do."

Blackwall looked at her curiously, the smallest of smiles tweaking beneath his bushy beard.

"You could've made a good charger, you know," Bull threw in, "you've got the right stature… attitude. Must feel good getting the burden of that lie of your chest, huh."

"And exchanging it for the burden of everyone hating me?" Blackwall said, "Yes. So much better."

"Hey, I don't hate you," Bull laughed, "You and me? We're good. Now that you know who you are, you can stop doubting yourself and start hitting crap again."

"Let's hit a few more of these bottles first, huh?" suggested Blackwall and Bull laughed in agreement.

Aden looked at Blackwall curiously then said, "Want to play a game, Blackwall?"

Blackwall looked at him in surprise, that slight wall going up immediately. "Er…what kind of game, Inquisitor?"

Aden frowned. "For starters it involves you calling me Aden, and continues with a drink or an answer. You answer my questions or have to finish your drink."

Bull laughed loudly, "Careful…these types of games tend to get a little…naughty, fast."

"No boss," Krem said humorously, "That's only when you're playing."

"Alright," said Blackwall gruffly, "I take it you're starting."

Aden grinned, "I get three extra questions on you. Fairs fair."

Blackwall inclined his head, "True," he said simply.

"Good," said Aden, "So, why are you being weird around me?"

Blackwall looked taken aback and Sera made a face, "Awkward…" she said.

Aden raised his eyebrows at Blackwall and he struggled for a moment then sighed and said, "I'm…sorry, I'm not meaning to be."

Aden frowned, "But you know that you are, then."

"Yes…" agreed Blackwall slowly. He sighed again, "You…gave my life back. You've shown me the kind of mercy no one should be show. I… don't know how to react."

Aden sighed too, "Just… be normal Blackwall. I don't want anything from you."

Bull chuckled, "That's why you're so weird, boss." Aden looked at him and Bull shrugged, "It's a good weird. That's why everyone wants to follow you through with this whole thing."

"Ok…" began Aden slowly, "well, that's nice…" he said, a little unsure. He turned back to Blackwall, "You're my friend, Blackwall," he said, "but that's not why I made the decision I did. I did that because I thought it was the right decision and I believe you are a different person to who Rainier was. Not as a favour or anything like that… you don't owe me anything. Judgement was made and that's it." He paused, frowning, "So what I am trying and obviously failing to say is… don't treat me like the Inquisitor, just…treat me like one of your friends."

Blackwall paused for a long moment, looking at Aden seriously, everyone around them quite silent as they watched the exchange, then, "Is it my turn to ask you a question then, Aden?" he asked, offering a tiny smile.

Aden grinned contentedly.

"Phheeewph," said Sera, banging her pint down on the counter, "that was tense…"

"Keep in mind I still have two extra one's for you," Aden said happily, "but fine, your turn."

"How did you come to terms with being thrust into all this? The Herald? The Inquisitor?" asked Blackwall, "I can't imagine it, myself."

Bull scoffed angrily, "Ah come on, that's no question. Ask him something juicy!" he cried, "Like…has he ever been with a woman?"

Aden shrugged, "I'll answer both," he said simply, "I haven't come to terms with it still, it still seems crazy. And no, Bull, I haven't."

"Ah, you don't know what you're missing…" Bull said shaking his head. "Beautiful creatures…"

Aden gave him a look. "I don't disagree, I'm just not…interested like that in them," he said, then turned to Sera, "It's not so crazy, Sera have you ever been with a man?"

"Bleegh!" cried Sera laughing a little crazily. "Nope, no bananas my way."

"See?" Aden said, turning back to Bull. "Just different."

Bull shrugged, "I like both worlds…"

Dorian rolled his eyes, "We know, Bull," he said.

Bull chortled. "Just cause you think I felt your ass that time-"

"You did feel my ass that time."

Bull grinned, "Doesn't mean I'm coming on to you."

Dorian raised his eyebrows, "How exactly does it not?"

"Trust me…" Bull said, "You would know if I was coming on to you…"

Dorian grimaced.

Bull laughed, "Anyway, I wouldn't step in the Inquisitor's business…"

Aden laughed, "Thanks Bull, I appreciate it."

"Only cause I know you'd lock me in the fade or something if I did," Bull added with a smirk.

Aden sighed in exasperation, "I'm not that bad," he said annoyed.

"I dunno, Inquisitor, I think your hand would disagree," came Varric's amused voice from behind them.

"Varric!" cheered Sera, toasting her glass in the air, the contents going flying.

"Thought I'd come see what I was missing out on," Varric said, pulling up a chair and wiping Sera's ale from his nose. "Cole's reckons he's still not quite ready to try his hand at 'liquor' though, so had to leave him behind."

"Hah," laughed Bull, "One day I am going to get that kid plastered."

Aden rolled his eyes and took another drink before turning to look at Dorian. "How was your day?" he asked him quietly.

A small smile played around Dorian's lips, "How domestic," he commented.

Aden gave him a dry look. "You're supposed to say, 'all the better now that you're here.'"

Dorian laughed, "Oh am I? My apologies," he said smiling, "Here, let me try again. My life felt as though it were on hold, in limbo… and only truly began when you entered the bar."

Aden smirked, "Some would say that's a little too much…" he said amused, "but I'll take it."

"Hmm…too clingy?"

Aden smiled, "No, well it's me we're talking about. I perfectly understand."

Dorian laughed again, "And everyone says you're so modest."

Aden shrugged, still smiling. Then he said quietly, "I missed you…"

Dorian raised an eyebrow in surprise, but looked quite happily satisfied by his remark. "Can't get through a day without me, hmm?"

Aden chuckled, "Well I'm sure I could…" he muttered, "Doesn't mean I want to."

Dorian looked at Aden, a smile still playing beneath his moustache, but his eyes had gone hard with worry. "I missed you too…" he said softly after a while. His chest was filled with emotion so strong it still amazed him he could feel this way. It was terrifying, he had never before been so afraid of losing something.

But, he had to push that thought aside. He almost sighed; it would have been far simpler and easier (particularly on his emotions) if he had not fallen in love with the Inquisitor.

But, he would never take that back. He had never been happier, never loved like this before. Aden was worth the fear and emotional turmoil…he would just make sure to enjoy every minute he had with him, in case it should be one of their last.

Dorian smiled softly, he could almost hear Aden calling him dramatic in his head. But it was true! How many more times could they, and especially Aden, escape the very near clutches of death that kept pursuing them?

"Dorian?" asked Aden quietly as he watched Dorian's eyes slowly cloud over.

Dorian looked at him, "Sorry…" he mumbled, laughing softly and shaking his head. "I…am tired."

Aden's eyes swept over Dorian's face and he could see the worry that Dorian kept trying to hide. "Let's retire to our quarters then," he said, wanting to finally talk to Dorian alone.

Dorian perked up at this all of a sudden, "Our quarters, amatus?" he queried cheekily.

Aden laughed, "Well it is really, isn't it," he stated, though his cheeks flushed a little.

Dorian smiled widely. "Yes…that sort of just seemed to…happen, didn't it?" he mused. "Am I intruding on the Inquisitor?"

Aden laughed and shook his head. "I hope you'll notice that I could have teased you here, but instead I will honestly say I couldn't be happier," he said warmly.

Dorian's heart gave a warm throb in his chest. "Oh good," he said simply. "Because I like it far too much to leave."

"Me or the room?" queried Aden, smirking.

Dorian gave a small laugh. "Now I could tease you," he said happily, "And say I hate you and am only here for the finer comforts," he said chuckling as Aden frowned sadly. "However, seeing as you restrained yourself I will say this: whether you slept in a hovel, haystack or in those very luxurious quarters… I would not want to leave," he said, Aden's heart swelling in his chest. "Because of you… if that wasn't already evident enough," he added with a teasing smile.

Aden smiled, "Good to know that if I become homeless and destitute one day you'll stand by me," he said teasingly.

Dorian shrugged, standing up from his chair. "There are worse things..." he said simply.

Aden stood up too, still smiling and they bade goodnight to their friends, exiting the tavern to sounds of "Down to Coryphyfish!" as they went.

A/N Thank you SO MUCH again SnowHelm and Loriwarwick220 for your reviews :) super appreciated! You guys are the awesomest.

Some of the banter between Sera and Blackwall and Iron Bull and Blackwall in this chap about him now that he is not a grey warden etc was taken from party banter in the game, not exact, but just a couple of bits of it. Just so you know I'm not stealing XD