Chapter Twelve

After the Ambush (Part 2)

{-Ellaina-}

Ellaina woke to the feeling of cold stone. Her ankles and wrists burned from being bound. The place seemed familiar somehow.

"Ah, you're awake. Excellent." A voice bounced off the stone walls. A woman was crouching over Ellaina, a wicked grin revealing her crooked teeth. She was blonde, with green-grey eyes, her cheeks were freckled, she had a mole over her right eyebrow, she was lither than most women but not gaunt, magical energy pulsated around her, and Ellaina swore she knew her from somewhere. "Get up." She barked.

Ellaina tried to stand but found she was unable to use her legs. Terror coursed through her veins as she tried to move but was completely unable. She tried to speak but her voice was less than a whisper. What's going on? What's happened to me?

"Useless. Collect her and bring her upstairs."

Rough hands grabbed her arms and drug her up several flights of stairs. The stones were rough and they cut into her skin leaving gashes and drawing blood. At least she could feel. She was not completely paralyzed.

When the door opened in front of her she was blinded by light. Her eyes refused to adjust so she had to rely on her hearing to tell her what was going on. The men who had carried her from her cell threw her onto the ground. Hard. The light was still there blinding her as they began to kick her. Their armored boots digging into her gut and cracking her ribs. She coughed and sputtered choking on her own blood.

"Enough!" A voice she hadn't heard rung out. It was a deep and was louder than the din of training soldiers and armored footsteps.

Ellaina recognized the sounds from her many years of experience on training grounds. Her Templar training had allowed her to hone all of her senses including the detection of magical energies. There was plenty of magic in the air. Though no spells were being cast it tingled on her skin and made the hair on the back of her neck stand on end. This was no ordinary magic. It was constant, electric, and not at all like any kind of magic she had ever sensed before.

"You have brought her before me, weak, and broken. That is enough. I need no more assistance. Leave us."

Ellaina heard shuffling and armored footsteps retreat from behind her and she was pleased at the fact she was no longer being kicked. Yet, at the same time, she was terrified. Something here had her stomach in knots and her heart sinking to her toes like dead weight. Something was not right and she could not see nor could she remember enough to put the pieces together. A Holy Smite was building in her veins without her conscious effort, begging for release.

"Your abilities have no effect here Inquisitor."

Inquisitor? What in the Maker's name is that supposed to mean?

"Ah so you have indeed lost your memories. Good that will make taking more from you much easier. Tell me, do you know why you're here? No? It is because you threatened to ruin Corypheus's plans and rob him of my army. You threatened the One who would sew terror and chaos in the world and tried to end me!"

Who are you? Ellaina wracked her brain searching for any clue as to what the voice was speaking of.

"I am the Nightmare you forget upon waking, the embodiment of terror. You are just a foolish girl trying to steal back the burden I, so kindly, lifted from your shoulders. So now, you are nothing but fuel for the flame. With your help I will raise a new army to wreak havoc on this vile, disgusting world. The world will burn, and you will be the kindling. There is nothing you can do to stop it. Just like you couldn't save your sister."

The memories rushed back to Ellaina. She was fighting through the Circle Tower in Starkhaven. Not hesitating to bury her sword into anything that crossed her path, including her own twin brother. His mind had been taken, she reminded herself. The waking nightmare she had lived every moment since the moment Everett was slain by her own blade and Bryanne before her eyes replayed again for the hundredth time. The helplessness she had felt consumed her. She could do nothing but sit and watch, as her beloved sister became an Abomination. The vision changed. She was in the Fade, or some version of it. A redhead in chainmail with a purple hood held close to her armor by the Inquisition symbol. Her voice held a thick Orlesian accent. She had a knife in her hand and laughed as she circled Ellaina.

"Is this shape useful? Will it let me know you?" The voice was strange, distorted somehow.

"Who are you?" Ellaina prompted. Something wasn't right. She knew this person.

"Who I am is not your concern. I wish only to know you." The woman walked around her and picked up the head of a kneeling blonde man. With his hair in her fingers the man's face met Ellaina's. His golden eyes were seeing but not seeing anything at all.

"Cullen."

"Everything tells me about you. So will this. Watch."

"Stop these disgusting lies! How could you wear the skin of my friend! You're a demon aren't you?"

The woman, who Ellaina now recognized as Leliana, raised her knife to Cullen's throat. She stared at Ellaina for a moment, and slit his throat. Blood spurted out of the wound like water from a broken pipe. All Ellaina could do was sink to her knees. Once again she was forced to watch the person closest her heart die, all because she was helpless to stop it.

"Why was it you joined the Templars again?" Leliana had disappeared and was now behind her. "To protect people was it? Well you haven't done a very good job at that now have you? You're a helpless little brat who will never succeed at protecting the people you supposedly love."

"You're lying! You're a demon sent here to tempt me! You will not break me!" Ellaina shouted through tears.

"You will not break me!" Leliana mimicked her voice.

Another woman's laughter rang throughout the hall. "Being you will be so much more fun now than it would have been before you disposed of the Lord Seeker." The demon had taken Josephine's shape now and she was circling Ellaina, who was still kneeling. "Do you have any idea what you could become? You'll see. Once I'm through the Elder One will kill you and ascend. Then I will be you. Glory is coming, and the Elder One wants you to serve like everyone else. By dying in the right way." Josephine was brandishing the knife at Ellaina's throat, and then disappeared.

Ellaina gathered the strength to get to her feet.

"I am not your toy." Cullen's voice was behind her.

"Cullen!"

"I am not your toy!" Cullen repeated. "I am Envy and I will know you!" He was holding the same knife Josephine had just held to Ellaina's throat.

"Cullen! Thank the maker you're alive!"

"Yes I am very much alive. Come." His eyes were menacing, his face contorted into a scowl.

Ellaina began walking toward him, not caring about anything but the fact that he was alive, and not slain by one of her closest friends and her advisor.

"Tell me, 'Herald'. Tell me what you see." Cullen was closing in on her.

Ellaina hadn't noticed that he still had a tight grip on the knife until it was lodged into her abdomen. "Tell me what you feel." Cullen's voice echoed through her mind.

"Why?" She gasped.

{-Cullen-}

After Dorian left Cullen finally got a chance to bathe. Dorian had been kind enough to warm his water back up; since by the time he had finished healing him it had gone cold. The water served to help ease his tired, tense muscles. Despite Cullen willing himself to relax enough for Dorian to heal him his instincts were screaming at him to fight. It had been imbedded into his being since he was thirteen. He became a Templar to fight magic and keep mages in check. Yet here he was, despite everything, allowing a mage to heal him. Cullen laughed to himself. If someone had told him ten years ago that he would allow a mage anywhere near him outside the Circle, let alone heal him, he would have laughed and told them they were mad.

Cullen couldn't believe his luck. Within the Inquisition he had found lifelong friends, something he never though he could have. He had few people outside his family whom he kept in contact with. Alistair, well King Alistair, had been with The Hero of Ferelden when they rescued the Circle tower. He kept in touch, as did the Warden‑Commander. Well I guess she's the Queen now. The last he had heard from Alistair it had been a missive for help with "cultists" who had infiltrated the Palace in Denerim. He imagined that the King was none to happy with the events at Halamshiral, and that the Inquisition would be hearing all about that none too soon.

The Queen, however, had been more elusive. Cullen hadn't heard from Elissa Cousland since about the time the Conclave was called. Since she was a Templar, The Hero of Ferelden, Warden Commander, and above all Queen of Ferelden, her presence had been requested there. She had informed Divine Justinia that she would be unable to attend, something about a personal and Warden matter. Even Hawke, who had met Elissa several times in secret before Kirkwall was torn apart, hadn't heard from her. Perhaps Leliana would be able to track her down. She might know something useful, having dealt with awakened Darkspawn before.

Cullen climbed out of the bath and clamored for his towel as a cool breeze blew in from his badly repaired roof. I really need to have Gatsi look at that. Cullen mused as he dressed in plain clothing, still not feeling strong enough to wear his full armor, and draped his fur pauldrons about him. Walking was much easier and, while his arm was still weak, he could climb down the ladder with relative ease. He would have to remember to thank Dorian again later, but right now he wanted to check on the rest of the men that were injured during the ambush before returning to Ellaina. Cullen gathered up some of his reports for when he returned to her chambers and made his way across the battlements toward the infirmary. He found himself colder than he expected. He had grown accustomed to the warmth of his armor and rarely found himself with it off. Most of his troops didn't even recognize him as he walked past.

When he entered the infirmary more empty beds than he had expected greeted him. Upon asking the surgeon she informed him that most of the injured Inquisition soldiers had recovered enough to be released into light duty. Most of those whom remained had a good chance of recovery, but there were a few she was unsure of. Cullen signed off on her report and spoke to all of his soldiers, wishing them a speedy recovery and offering prayers to those few who may not recover. After he had left the infirmary Cole was waiting outside for him. Cullen appreciated his unusual discretion, as he didn't just pop into the infirmary when he was seeing to his wounded men.

"She's reliving it again." Cole said simply. "Fear, despair, closing around like walls, chains, cold hard anger, fire burning in my chest but bones ache from crying." He was mumbling now, his eyes looking at Cullen but seeing something else. "Go to her." And then Cole disappeared.

"I really wish he could teach our spies how to do that." Cullen mumbled before turning on his heel toward the grand hall and up to Ellaina's quarters.

Several of the nobles greeted him as he passed, but he paid them no mind. He didn't have time to involve himself in their drivel. When he reached Ellaina's bedchamber Cassandra was standing over Ellaina, focusing completely on her. She didn't even hear Cullen close the door behind him.

"Cassandra. What's going on?" Cullen demanded, the worry evident in his voice.

"Commander! Thank the Maker you've returned. She's completely out of control. I had to bind her again but she is too strong. I can't hold-"

Before Cassandra could finish her sentence the seriousness of the situation became evident. Ellaina's eyes were opened and tainted with a fear more ferocious than Cullen had ever seen there. She broke though Cassandra's binding and lashed out at her. Cullen reacted from instinct and grabbed Ellaina above the elbows binding her arms behind her. She kicked and writhed beneath his grip screaming and trying her best to get free from his grasp. It was all Cullen could do to keep his grip on her. She unleashed a spell shatter that shook the entire room and broke the ornate stained glass windows. Glass was flying everywhere cutting Cassandra, Ellaina and Cullen in their mayhem.

"Send for Solas! He's the only one who might be able to help her!"

"Are you sure Comma-?"

"Go! Now! Before this gets worse!"

Without another moment's hesitation Cassandra ran out of Ellaina's bedchamber toward the rotunda. Cullen forced Ellaina onto the floor on her belly, sat on her buttocks and secured her legs beneath him.

"Let me go! I will not be held captive any longer! You cannot keep me here! I WILL NOT BREAK!" Ellaina was screaming as tears fell from her eyes. This was not how Cullen had imagined she would wake up. He had never seen such desperation in her. Had never heard her voice so cracked and broken. What kind of hell was she living in? The lyrium should have helped keep the dreams at bay and keep them from haunting her. Unless…

"Commander! I brought Solas." Cassandra spoke from the door.

Solas walked to Ellaina's side. "Cole and I will confront her in the Fade. It's the only way to awaken her."

Cullen looked from Solas to Cole and was disturbed to find that Cole was silent. Staring into Ellaina's eyes, wringing his hands and clawing at his knuckles.

"We need to hurry!" Solas exclaimed.

Cole threw some knock out powder over Solas and then sat down and went into a trance like state. Since becoming more of a spirit Cole could enter the Fade as he pleased. Ellaina continued to struggle beneath Cullen but his ears were ringing so fiercely her screams were muted. After several minutes that seemed like hours her struggling decreased. She wasn't screaming anymore but she was still writhing beneath him. The waiting was agony. Cassandra was standing by the glass-covered love seat biting her nails. Cole was still deep in meditation and Solas would surely receive cuts from the glass on the floor where he was sleeping. Cullen didn't know how long he sat there, restraining Ellaina. Eventually she stopped struggling altogether. Cullen slowly released his grip on her and knelt beside her. Whispering prayers to anyone that would listen that she would come out of this in one piece. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity Solas and Cole returned to consciousness.

"She will waken shortly. It would be best for you not to be here when she does." Solas said to Cullen.

"What? Why?" Cullen demanded answers.

"She has repressed the experiences that nearly killed her at Therinfal Redoubt. The recent battle with the Red Templars has brought those blocked memories to the forefront of her consciousness. She was able to outlast the Nightmare's charade when it became you because that was one of its last resorts. The Envy demon however, used you against her in every way imaginable in order to gain insight into her being. That is where we found her. She was reliving Therinfal again."

"I still don't understand Solas. That doesn't tell me why I cannot be here when she awakens I need to know she'll be alright."

"You underestimate the depth of her love for you. Having that love used against her has consumed her with fear. She has not yet fully recovered from everything she has been through, no matter what she has told you. On top of that she refused to take the lyrium any longer after Therinfal, aside from the incident at Adamant. It was making her dreams worse, as well as making her hallucinate. I theorize this is because the unique strength of her Templar abilities without the use of lyrium."

"Why didn't she tell me?"

"Likely for the same reason you didn't tell her. She didn't know if she could trust you fully at the time. Then after time went on and you fell for each other, she was afraid of how you would react if she did tell you. When she comes out of the Fade she will still have much piecing of herself together left to do. So it is likely fear or desire will present itself first. This is why I must insist that you are not here when she awakens. Seeker Cassandra can stay and watch her. I will do my best to make her mental and emotional recovery as quick as possible."

Cullen was angry with Solas. Regardless of what had happened between them or what she had kept from him she was still the only thing keeping him grounded. He had to be here to make sure she was ok. To make sure she was taken care of.

"Cullen, I think Solas has a point. We cannot afford to risk her lashing out again. She will be well looked after I promise you."

Cullen didn't speak and he didn't know if Cassandra had seen his nod. He didn't care. He turned on his heel, reports in hand and stormed out of the Inquisitor's bedchamber. He was furious, and he felt betrayed by his closest comrades. They were keeping him from his love as if they had the authority to do so! Cullen didn't know where he was heading but he had to put as much distance between himself Cassandra, and Solas as he could. His mind was reeling and the migraine that had been building was making its vengeful presence known. Cullen decided some fresh air was in order, outside the walls of Skyhold. So he headed for the stables and grabbed Judex's tackle. When he returned to Judex's stable he was met by Dorian holding on to the rains of his own horse, Equinor.

"Going somewhere?" Dorian pried.

"In fact I am, and, if you don't mind, I'm going alone."

"With your injuries? I think not."

"You said yourself that I'd be in top shape by the end of the day."

"Well it's not the end of the day now, is it? Besides, we can't have you going out on your own when there's a price on your head. You're much too precious to the Inquisition and its leader."

"Apparently not precious enough to be around when she awakens." Cullen replied bitterly as he buckled Judex's harness.

"You know that's not the case. There are extenuating circumstances."

"Extenuating circumstances my ass! I've had enough with being kept away when she needs me most! I've failed her enough I will not allow it to continue to happen!"

"Calm down Cullen." Dorian warned.

Cullen checked the buckles on his saddle and mounted. "You're telling me to calm down? What if that were Bull? Wouldn't you do anything to be there for him when he needed you? Would you not be furious as well? Tell me Dorian!"

Dorian's silence was enough of an answer for Cullen and it only served to fan the flames of his fury. He kicked at Judex's haunches. They galloped toward the gates of Skyhold out into the snow and cold mountain air. He felt like a foolish boy, sick of everyone telling him what he could and couldn't do. Being kept from the one person he cherished above all others in this world. The cold air burned his face but it was no match to the flames burning in his gut. He commanded Judex to go faster. By the time they reached their destination they were both panting and covered in sweat. Cullen tied Judex's reins to the same tree as he had the last time he was here. Except then it had been a happier occasion. The pond still had a thin layer of ice covering it and it cracked and broke under the force of Cullen's fists as he slammed them into the hard surface. His tears flowed freely and he wasn't sure as to whether or not the burning in his eyes was fueled by the pain in his head or the anger and despair in his heart. He lifted his head and with a roar unleashed the Wrath of Heaven. He was angry and for the first time since the events during the Blight he allowed his anger to blind him completely. The skill made his nerves go on fire, and the tension from his head spread throughout the rest of his limbs. He collapsed into the snow on his back and stared at the sky.

"Feel better?" Dorian asked as he knelt beside Cullen.

"Not at all." Cullen snarled. "I thought that getting some of it out would make me less angry but…" His head hurt. Every muscle in his body ached. The fury coursed through his veins like fire threatening to burn him from the inside out. "I don't know what I'm going to do, Dorian. After everything we've been through. I've almost lost her twice now dammit! I can't…I can't…"

Dorian crouched beside him and place a hand on his shoulder. That's when Cullen lost control. He sobbed and screamed, his body wracked with emotion. Anger, fear, despair, they all took control despite Cullen's attempts to keep them at bay. He hadn't felt this out of control since the time he told Ellaina exactly what happened at Ferelden's Circle. His very soul ached with fear. He couldn't bear the thought of losing her.

"I didn't do a good enough job. I didn't protect her well enough." Cullen whispered through the sobs.

"You can't let guilt take control. There was nothing you could do. You never could have seen this coming. Even Leliana just dug up all the dirt on Camden. Don't beat yourself up. You have to allow her time to heal, and you need time for yourself too. How do you ever expect your relationship to grow? You have to face your demons and she has to face hers. Once you both take that first step then you can embark on the rest of the journey together. You know better than anyone here what she's going through."

Cullen nodded his head finding himself still unable to speak. He knew that hell was all that awaited them, but he would fight through it if it meant the chance to be with his beloved. He would fight by her side as often as she allowed him to and he would love her through it all.

{-Ellaina-}

She was awake. Fully and consciously awake, but she refused to open her eyes. Her bed was warm, soft and the familiar scents of lyrium and lavender wafted into her nostrils. She detested the way the substance's scent lingered. She hadn't used lyrium for months now. She was in the thick of the withdrawals but she was able to hide the symptoms. She'd seen countless Templars go through the withdrawals. That was part of her family's training, that's what begot their reputation for the best Templar trainers in all the Free Marches. It never affected her, never bothered her, not until she met Cullen, He had been through hell. He chose to stop. It wasn't required of him. He had nothing to push him through mentally. There was not preverbal light at the end of the tunnel for him. It was an unending hell that he lived in day and night.

Then she had seen the Red Templars. She had seen how easily manipulated the need for lyrium was. It was wrong to manipulate their addictions. They were victims, all of them. And they had been used. That had made her blood boil. She would not stop seeking a way to help them. They all deserved a second chance. At one point in time they had served a greater purpose, committed themselves to it. If they could be helped then they might reconsider where their loyalties lied. When the Circles were restored, Maker willing, then they would be needed.

Ellaina finally opened her eyes. The light in her room was dim, lit only by the fire crackling happily in the hearth. All of her windows were covered with heavy cloth and Gatsi was sweeping up what looked like glass.

What in the Maker's name happened?

She tried to remember what had happened but it was all fuzzy. The last thing she remembered was the dream she had, and she pushed that to the back of her mind. Determined to forget it. She sat up and looked around the room, searching for answers.

"Oh, you're awake!" Cassandra's voice made Ellaina jump.

"Cassandra? What are you doing here? What happened?"

"I've been here ever since they brought you back from the infirmary. Do you remember what happened after Halamshiral?"

"I…I remember…" Ellaina tried to think back to he Winter Palace. She had put Gaspard on the throne and they had danced and toasted in her honor all night. The return trip was fuzzy. She remembered A Colossus, but everything else was fuzzy and disconnected. Ellaina grabbed her forehead and grimaced in pain. "Was there a fight? Everything's fuzzy."

"There was an ambush. Most of our men made it out unscathed thanks to yours and Cullen's efforts."

Cullen. With a flash her memories flooded back to her. The attack on the carriages, the blood staining the pure white snow, and then, Cullen. He had been shot in the chest and was bleeding badly. She ran to his side, cutting down a Red Templar Shadow after it revealed itself and ran one of it's dagger-like appendages into her abdomen. She endured many arrows to the back and arms, holding on to him and what little consciousness remained in her to make sure he was ok. She remembered seeing his eyes roll into his head.

"Is he okay? Has he recovered? Maker, Cassandra please tell me if he's alright!" Ellaina was desperate, fear shaking her to her very core as all of her dreams rushed back to the forefront of her mind. Seeing him alive even as he was running her through, she held on to that image with a desperate hope, praying to whomever would listen that he was alive.

"You needn't worry. He has made a full recovery thanks to you and our Tevinter mage friend. The majority of his wounds healed within a couple days, but Dorian helped to ensure he would not have anything permanent." Cassandra refused to meet Ellaina's gaze.

"There's more isn't there? How long has it been since we returned from Halamshiral?"

"It's been almost 6 days now, and, well, let's just say that today has not been your best day."

"What are you on about Cassandra?"

"You 're psyche sin't make it completely out of the Fade until now. When you awoke last it was all that Cullen and I could do to keep you from destroying Skyhold."

"That's why I saw Cole and Solas."

"Yes. They went into the Fade to try and help you. Solas said that your fear presented itself first because of what you were seeing in the Fade. Restraining you would have been impossible without Cullen's help. You certainly managed to do a measurable amount of damage. You would think that I would have learned not to underestimate the strength of your abilities."

"I did all of that? Maker's breath, Cassandra. I'm so sorry."

"There's no need to apologize. However, there is another matter at hand, but it can be discussed after you've had some time to rest."

"I need to see Cullen."

"I don't believe that would be wise." Solas entered the room, accompanied by Cole.

"And why is that Solas?" Ellaina huffed. She was getting angry. This whole situation put a bad taste in her mouth, but she knew what she needed, what she wanted.

"He has appeared in you nightmares often yes?"

"Yes, but what does that have to do with anything?"

"Your spirit is disconnected, and it is still healing. It is best that you do not see him right now. It could make matters worse." Solas replied with little emotion in his words. This fueled Ellaina's fury.

"And who are you to decide what is best for me?" Ellaina demanded angrily of Solas. Ellaina was standing now, face to face with the elf, ignoring the near unbearable pain that took hold of her body. "You do not rule over my life Solas. I decide what is best for me. No one else!"

"Stop it!" Cole exclaimed above the argument. "You're hurting and this isn't making it any better!"

Ellaina and Solas turned to look at the young rogue. He was staring at his hands as he rubbed them together.

"You were torn, fragmented, confused. You couldn't find your way out so Solas and I came in and helped. Your angry and sad and scared. Old fears and new ones swimming in your head. You see their faces as you were forced to kill them. Their minds not their own, even your brother. Then you see him, the one your soul calls out for in the darkness, as he hurts you again and again." Ellaina sunk down onto the mattress, hot tears welling up in her eyes as Cole recounted the hell she'd been living in. "It's not your fault that Envy made you fear him. It's not your fault the Nightmare made you see them again and plagued you with the dreams. The lyrium used to help but you didn't want to forget anymore. I want to help but your hurts are heavy, like stones in your chest, there are so many I don't know where to start."

Ellaina's tears flowed freely now, as her cheeks flushed red at Cole sharing with everyone in the room the causes of her pain. She couldn't find any words although she opened her mouth to speak as Cole approached her and held his hand over her heart.

"I want to help. I can help if you'll let me. It will only be a little, you have to face the rest on your own. I won't make you forget because I know that isn't what you want but I can lessen the pain."

Ellaina nodded and she felt relief wash over her. Cole alleviated the pain in her chest, making her heart feel less like a deadweight. She opened her mouth to thank Cole but no words seemed sufficient.

"Inquisitor, Ellaina, I…I don't know what to say." Cassandra. Her dearest friend approached her with such sorrow and worry etched in her face that Ellaina could barely stand to look at her. Ellaina dared not speak lest her voice betray her, but her sobs betrayed her just as easily. Cassandra drew her into a tight embrace and said, "I'm here for you my friend. Whatever you need."

Ellaina nodded and hugged Cassandra back with added fervor. Ellaina had her closest friends by her side. Despite their best effort to help her there was only one person who could fill the void that was growing inside her. She tried to tell everyone how grateful she was and how badly she needed Cullen, but the words wouldn't come. It was as if her voice had run away from her.

It would be days before she spoke again.

Ellaina was signing reports as her chamber door opened. Leliana entered and the look on her face told Ellaina that she wasn't coming to bring her good news.

"Can I assume that Cassandra hasn't told you the situation with the Adair family?" Leliana asked.

Ellaina replied by shaking her head, refusing to look up from her work. She had received a letter written in Camden's hand, but she had only glanced at it after seeing what the request was for. She hadn't seen her brother since he left for Templar training. But Leliana had informed her that the Adair family was in good standing in the Free Marches. She hadn't heard any differently and no one had formally contacted the Inquisition with a request for aid. So Ellaina could only guess at what was happening with the family.

"I'm afraid you will not like the news I bear. The Adairs have had their reputation severely tarnished by a certain member's recent action against the Inquisition."

Ellaina was puzzled. She looked up from her pile of reports.

"They really haven't told you anything have they? I suppose you wouldn't have gotten to the reports about the ambush yet. You're understandingly behind on your paperwork. At any rate I suppose it's far past time someone filled you in."

"I should think so." Ellaina said trying to keep her confusion and unexplainable anxiety at bay.

"It's Camden. He ordered the attack on the carriages out of Halamshiral."

"What do you mean Camden ordered it? Talk sense Leliana." Ellaina's anger was rising. She was becoming impatient.

"Camden ordered the attack." Leliana repeated. "It seems that he also hired the Antivan crows to assassinate Cullen."

Ellaina did her best to choke back her fear. "Why would Camden do that? I assumed our engagement agreement was null and void after my becoming Inquisitor."

"Not according to your or the Adair families." Leliana stated blankly. "I assume that's what this was about." Leliana handed her the same letter she had glanced at weeks before she was kidnapped.

"Maker's breath. I didn't think Camden was capable. He was always such a sweet, loving young man." Ellaina shook her head. "I don't understand."

The door to Ellaina's chambers opened again and she questioned her sanity when she heard a voice of a man who should surely be dead. "I think I can shed some light on that."

Ellaina rose from her desk. "Everett is that really you?"

"Nice to see you again sis." Her twin brother had made it to the top of the stairs.

Ellaina pinched herself. She was seeing a ghost. "But you can't…I….you're…" she couldn't find the words.

"I know. I'm supposed to be dead. Surprise surprise, I'm not."

Ellaina reached for her greatsword prepared to smite this demon who had taken her brother's shape. "No you're dead. You were at the tower when I…" Tears were welling up in Ellaina's eyes as she recalled when she struck down her own brother.

"Inquisitor! Stand down!" Leliana's voice shook her out of her thoughts.

She didn't realize she had advanced on 'Everett' so far as to dig the blade into his throat. She had a spell shatter building in her veins and her mark was on fire as her emotions ran rampant.

"Release the spell shatter. You'll see it has no effect on me." Everett's voice was calm as blood trickled down his neck. "Do it!"

Ellaina obliged, the skill shaking the sturdy stones in her quarters and causing her reports to fly across the room. Ellaina closed her eyes as tears began to present themselves again. She wanted to keep the vision of her brother in her memory. She didn't want to open her eyes and face the demon that Everett would have morphed into.

"It's ok Ella. It's me." Everett's voice rang through her consciousness as the blood pulsed into her temples. She was becoming faint. She dropped her sword and her guard, not caring what happened to her. She couldn't bear to face this demon. She had been through too much.

"Inquisitor?" Leliana's voice was calm but laced with worry.

As Ellaina's throbbing head threatened to claim her consciousness she heard her chamber door slam open as the unmistakable sound of Cullen's gait entered the room.

"What in the Maker's name happened here?" Cullen demanded angrily as he gathered Ellaina up into his arms. The sound of him drawing his sword reverberated through her entire being as the dull throb of her headache traveled down the length of her body. "Who are you and why are you threatening the Inquisitor?" Cullen roared at Everett as Ellaina mustered the strength to speak.

"Cullen, it's ok." Ellaina's voice was barely above a whisper but she was beginning to regain some control over herself. "He's no danger to us or me. Please love, you have to trust me."

As Ellaina spoke she felt Cullen's muscular arms relax. He sheathed his sword but didn't let his guard down. "What's going on?" Cullen demanded again.

"I can explain Commander." Leliana replied.

"That won't be necessary Sister Nightingale." Everett chimed in. "I have been living as a dead man for over a decade now. It is no surprise to me that my twin sister would react this way after believing I was dead for all those years. I was at Starkhaven's circle when it was destroyed, however as you can see, I am very much alive. I came after hearing the Adairs refusal to forgo the engagement agreement and after learning of Camden's plan. My goal was to warn your forces before the attack could take place, but I was delayed after having a run in with the Crows myself. I can tell you with great assurance, Commander, these attacks will not stop unless we deal with Camden and the rest of the Adairs directly."

"Maker's breath." Cullen exhaled.

Ellaina had finally overcome the shock that wracked her and managed to sit up on her own. "What do you suggest we do Leliana?"

"Actually, I have a plan. I am still in contact with a previous member of the Crows, by the name of Zevran. He is trustworthy and I believe we can reach out to him for help."

"What do you plan to do?"

"Do not worry Inquisitor. Leave it to me."

"Very well, I trust you." Ellaina nodded in dismissal to Leliana and then turned to Cullen. "I need to be alone with my brother."

"Is that wise?" Cullen was understandably worried.

"Trust me."

"'ll not leave your side so easily again. After you awoke and I thought I would never see you again I can't bear to be away from you again."

"You have to allow me this Cullen. I beg you."

"Very well. I will stand guard outside."

"Just don't go anywhere alone."

"I promise you I won't." Cullen bent down and kissed her before giving Everett a warning glance and leaving Ellaina's chambers.

Ellaina had regained her strength and faced her twin brother with anger and ferocity, despite her growing headache. "Now then, we have much to discuss."

"Quite so sister."