"What were you thinking? Turning loose mages with no over-site, the veil is torn open!"

The question was shot at her as she and Dorian joined Cassandra and the Advisors, and she couldn't help the frown that tugged at her face upon hearing the words. "Mages deserve freedom." She stated it simply and waited for the argument that she was sure would come.

Cullen didn't disappoint.

"Freedom has nothing to do with this. Without the veil to help there is nothing that is stopping the mages from being overrun by demons."

"Like I have been? Or Solas? Or Vivienne, or any of the dozens of mages that are already here?"

He gave a sigh and when he spoke again his voice was placating. "You're being idealistic if you think that only good can come of this."

She wanted to punch him. For the first time since she had met him weeks ago she wanted to bloody his lip instead of kiss it, which was surprisingly refreshing after the last few days.

She was so preoccupied with it that she almost missed when he turned to Cassandra and asked her why she had let such a thing happen. While she appreciated that the Seeker seemed to approve of her actions, or, well, not completely condemn them, she was annoyed that he would even say such a thing.

She stepped forward and shoved a finger into the metal of his chest, earning a surprised glance. "She couldn't have stopped me anyway. You all tell me to make decisions, tell me to do what I think is right, but then you're going to turn around and condemn my choices?" She stepped back, not waiting for an answer. "The rebel mages will be our allies and equal partners. If you don't like it, leave. Or find someone else to do your grunt work."

She turned to leave and almost ran smack into Vivienne, who had come out of her corner at all the shouting.

"You know, we could simply start to train more Templars. That would handle any problems that arise."

"We are not training more Templars," she ground out, her anger increasing with the first enchanter's words. "Believe it or not, mages have been able to go their whole lives without turning into abominations without Templar oppression."

"How would you know, my dear? The Dalish only allow three mages per clan, do they not? What happens to the others?"

"Don't presume to know anything about my clan!" She shouted the words, her temper lost to the differing opinions around her, all willing to condemn before giving a chance. "You know nothing about them. There are ass Dalish just as there are ass Shemlen. I came from a clan with 6 mages. 6 out of 30. Not a single one was sent to fend for themselves. I wasn't even given to another clan as their First until I was 15, years after my magic manifested. Even my clan now has more than just the three. You know nothing."

She felt a hand close over her arm and realized that she was shaking, her words still echoing through the high ceilings above them. She looked back to see Dorian, understanding on his face. He didn't even bother saying anything to the others, simply slid his hand over her neck and wrapped his arm around her shoulders before steering her out of the Chantry. "I need your help finding a place to put my things. I will need my own bed if I am to be staying."

"You're staying?" She managed to keep her voice level as she asked the question, her hopes lifting at the thought.

"Well, it seems you could use the backup, and I am more than willing to stand behind you, the view is lovely."

She smiled at the statement and started to reply when there was a discreet cough behind them. They both turned to see Cullen standing at a respectful distance from them, his hands locked at the small of his back. "Herald, if I might speak with you privately a moment."

She scowled, but Dorian bowed and stepped away from her. "I have no problems sharing her." He glanced down at her face and offered a reassuring smile. "Come and find me when you have the time, I'll be around."

She stared at the ex-Templar as Dorian disappeared down the path, unsure if she really wanted to hear what he had to say, but when he motioned towards the open door of a nearby house she sighed and proceeded him through the doorway.

She waited until he had closed the door with a soft click before speaking, her voice laced with the returning remnants of her anger. "Are we going to have a problem, Commander?"

She saw him sigh, his shoulders lifting and falling before he turned to face her. "No. No, of course not. I simply wanted to apologize. The things I said… they were unworthy of me. I didn't mean to make it seem as if I had a problem with the mages being here. I don't. I do not doubt that they are here to help, but they are not all like you, they are not all so strong. I am simply concerned. I want to make sure that everyone is safe, the mages included. Templars can abuse their power, but they can also keep order when others might lash out."

She felt her anger leave her as he spoke. It left her feeling empty and slightly cold. Of course he would feel that way, he knew nothing else.

"They cannot prove themselves, Commander, if they are never given the chance."

He nodded and looked out the window. "I understand that, but we cannot also assume that none will fall."

It was probably the best she would get. "Of course they will, but do you think that the others would simply let them run rampant. Let them govern themselves. Give them the chance. If it all goes to shit you can yell at me about it later."

He smiled, sort of, in reply, the scarred side of his lip tilting up before he looked back over to her and offered a slight bow. "I will defer to your judgement. You have yet to steer us wrong."

She couldn't help the laugh that bubbled out at that. "Give it time, Commander. I have not yet begun to show you all how very much I am capable of messing up."

He simply nodded and reached over to open the door again. "I will keep that in mind. I did have a request however."

"Oh?"

"I need to go help the mages settle in. I was hoping you would join me. It might help things go a bit more smoothly."

She paused before stepping through the door, the enjoyment of his nearness reinstating itself. "I would enjoy anything that allowed me more time with you, and making sure that you don't get set on fire."

"Yes," he mumbled, pleased embarrassment clear on his face. "It should be interesting to say the least."