A week had come and gone too fast for him.

Cullen busied himself with reports, ensuring the soldiers of the Inquisition were at their absolute best. With the help from a recent Tranquil joining the Inquisition who was responsible for the research on latest creatures to help give them the edge, things were going quite smoothly. Cullen had received word from the Inquisitor had just arrived in Crestwood, meeting with Champion mage Hawke and Grey Warden Stroud. Leliana was ensuring that scouts were on the field trying to get any information the Inquisition could use in Crestwood, while she sent others to after Rainlily for the same purpose, information. Cullen had received a report she had arrived in the Hinterlands, however, he still hadn't received a message from her. He was sure she was busy, being the sister of the Inquisitor would no doubt draw attention to herself, but he couldn't help but chuckle.

She did not like being the center of attention.

Before she was brought to Haven, she spent most of her life in the shadows, trying to blend in. From a slave, turned mage, he felt guilty that she had to adapt, in the Circle of Magi in Kirkwall that was not known for being kind, no less. Cullen had begun his morning like he normally did today, looking to the reports dropped off while he slept as he drank from his mug, hovering over the desk as he fought a painful headache when he heard his door swing up.

"Report, sir."

"Just leave it on the desk, scout."

"This one is from the Hinterlands, Lady Levallan's no doubt!"

The scout placed it in front of his view, running off with a huge smile on his face as Cullen grabbed the letter, almost too urgently. He tore open the letter and smiled as he began to read:

Commander Cullen,

I hope all is fair back in Skyhold. I believe I promised to write to you when we had arrived, but I regret that I couldn't keep my word. It turns out, everyone here loves my brother…and his helping hand. I was gifted, upon my arrival, such a graceful task: rescue a talking ram! I thought perhaps the family went mad, since the mage and templar rebellion was on their front door, but alas, I was wrong! I had to walk the damn thing back home to ensure its safety, but we were attacked! The talking ram shouted at me to save him. I guess, as a mage, I have not seen everything because when the ram was struck by a lyrium smuggler, it turned into a rage demon!

…I'm really at a loss of words here.

No worries though, family was mad but on the bright side, we got enough ram meat to feed the village. Strange that the villagers who tried to kill me are going to survive because I got them food. Irony, huh? Did I ever tell you how, or why, they tried to kill me? We can speak of it when I return to Skyhold. Anyway, how is Skyhold? I kind of miss it, the warmth anyway. I really need to get a new coat, or a cloak. The one I had bought was destroyed back in Haven, and the one you lent me was returned to you once we arrived in Skyhold. Skyhold is enormous, but it feels so empty…so lonely.

How are you feeling though? I worry about you sometimes. I know you say you can endure it and that you've adapted, but I still wish I could be there in case you need me. I assume Cassandra and Vivienne are behaving? I can't imagine those too doing anything else, but I have been wrong before…like with the blighted ram!

We have secured the ram meat for the villagers, we have secured the mage caches, and now we are securing additional agents for the Inquisition, so your job can be a little easier for you. We need to head out soon, apparently some mages are attempting to meet up and try and flee. And there have some greedy templars who killed a man and took his wedding ring; his wife wants the ring back. Who am I, the sister of the Inquisitor, to ignore the people in need? Please rest when you can, I'd hate to see you fall ill. I wouldn't forgive you.

Worried Elf,

Rainlily Lavellan

Cullen chuckled at her humor, smiling uncontrollably as he pulled out a blank parchment. He wanted to write to her as soon as possible, feeling relief overwhelm him as he began to write his reply.

Lady Lavellan,

It's kind of you to worry about me, but I assure, I have this under control. Cassandra checks on me to ensure I am alright. I told her to render her judgement on me: If I am not doing my duties, she will dismiss me. So, no worries, all is well. I am beyond relieved that you arrived safely to the Hinterlands, so don't worry on the late reply.

I am just glad you did.

The weather in the Hinterlands can be brutal, I will ensure you get a coat for your moments of coolness. I would hate for you to get you sick. I imagine your brother, the Inquisitor, would no doubt be hovering over you until you are well, and that is something we both do not want. The Inquisitor has notified me that he is heading home once he is done tending to some of the issues that Crestwood is enduring right now. He, indeed, loves to extend his helping hand. It must run in the family, since you extend yours so easily. I am glad you are safe from the 'blighted' ram, you must take care on healing yourself and maintaining your supply of lyrium.

Skyhold does feel empty at times, but I busy myself with reports and ensuring Inquisition soldiers are being sent out for their training, as well as protecting the Inquisitor…and yourself. I look forward to speaking with you when you return..

Whatever you wish of.

Commander Cullen

Cullen sealed the note as he looked to his dwarf scout, who was smiling at him with her biggest grin he had ever seen. "As soon as possible?" she asked as she walked over to the desk, her hand extended as he slowly placed it in her hand. "Yes, see to it." He told her. She continued grinning as she ran out of his office, and he looked back at his reports…his left hand resting over Rainlily's letter.

It had been another week, and Cullen was growing concerned for the Inquisitor. Mark had established a stronghold in Crestwood, but not without injury. He had received a blow to his left rib cage by a large mallet from raiders, who had a recent claim on the place. Luckily, Solas was there to tend to his injuries. They had finished some of the important issues in Crestwood and had decided to return to Skyhold, with an additional guest to add to the list.

Cullen had wakened up earlier than usual, his eyes on his desk but he didn't feel ready to look at the reports just yet. He was worried about Rainlily, who had yet to write back to him. He didn't know how, or when, but he knew he was no longer in his office. He blinked out of his little trend, and realized he was now in Rainlily's room. He looked around the room, her scent barely there but he felt somehow tranquil here. He smirked as he made his way to her made up kitchen, her jar of chocolate on the corner table. He loved it when she made hot chocolate for him, made him feel relaxed, as if though all the problems in Thedas were gone in the time he drank her hot chocolate…

When he was with her.

Cullen had lingered for a bit longer before he left the tower, sighing as he heard the soldiers beginning to train below him. Cullen was leaning against the rampart, looking at the morning sky, his eyes closed as he enjoyed the cool wind hitting his face when he heard steps from coming behind him.

"What is it now?" he asked, slightly annoyed as he slowly opened his eyes. 'Never ending reports…' The scout behind him cleared his throat as he moved to the right side of the Commander, fidgeting a bit. "Another report sir. Sent by-"

"Just leave it on my desk. I'll be there in a moment."

"But sir-"

"Now, scout!" the scout flinched as he ran off, Cullen pinching the bridge of his nose as he felt a headache coming on. He made his way back to his tower, enjoying the peace he could have; despite how short lived it was. When he took on the role of Commander of the Inquisition forces, he knew he would have a lot of responsibilities, but he didn't realize it would be to this extent. I missed the calmness when he was a templar, but he knew he was making a difference with the Inquisition; something he never felt with the Templar Order. He entered his room and picked up a random report, failing to notice that a certain report had fallen to the floor, with a certain elf's signature on it.

It was near nightfall, and Cullen couldn't help but think of Rainlily once more. Two weeks had now passed, and she still wasn't back. She hadn't written back to him recently, which was making him nervous.

Did we write something inappropriately?

Did she find something offensives?

…Was she okay?

He was so heavy into thought that he didn't realize his red-headed dwarf scout, that usually stood at the corner of his room, ready to follow any errands that were too important to wait, had come into the room, smiling at him until she noticed his frown. "Why are you so down? Did something happen to Lady Lavellan?" the dwarf asked. He shook his head as he rested his hands on his desk, bending forward on the desk as he hung his head. "Nothing as far I know, I am still waiting on her report." He told her softly, he felt more drained than usual. The dwarf looked at him cautiously. "Commander, we received her report this morning…" she said carefully. He looked her sharply, his eyes widened in surprise before he narrowed his eyes at her. "Who has the bloody report then, because I haven't received it?" he asked loudly, clearly outraged. "I gave it to Scout Aedan after we saw you leave Lady Lavellan's tower. He informed me reported that he left it on your desk…by your request." She informed him. He looked at his desk, gazing over it frantically as he muttered for "Scout Aedan's punishment" to be served by his hand. The dwarf jogged to open the door, looking out as she saw two nearby scouts laughing with each other.

"You two!"

The two young male scouts looked at her with an alarmed look on their faces.

"Get in here and help us with the reports!" The two scouts ran into the office, noticing that their Commander was opening one report after the other, before looking at the scouts himself. "We have a missing report from Lady Lavellan in the Hinterlands. We need to find it, now!" he told them as he threw them both reports. "Reports that have been signed off, pile them to the left of me! Reports not signed, put it to the right of me…on the floor!" Cullen told them as he picked up one report, then throwing it to the left as the scouts circled around his desk.

It has been almost an hour now and the reports were continuing to be piled up, the left larger than the other, but that didn't matter to Cullen. He tried to remain as calm as he could as he looked through the last remaining reports. The scouts never peeped a word, but Cullen noticed that whenever that they made eye contact with him, they looked away from like a frightened halla.

"I still think your jacket is intimidating."

He smiled as he threw his report to the left, thinking of Rainlily once more…he really needed to find her report. What if she was writing for assistance? Was she in trouble? Was there a new development that needed his attention. He shouldn't feel like this but he knew that in the two weeks she was gone…that he wanted to see her.

More than anything.

"It's not here, Commander." Cullen snapped out of his thoughts as he looked to his female dwarf scout. "Could someone have taken the report without us knowing?" one of the scouts asked. "It's possible…maybe to harm the Inquisitor through Lady Lavellan?" the second scout answered with a question. "Silence, you two!" Cullen shouted, he didn't want to think of the absolute worse right now. "Let's get rid of the reports. Take them to the blacksmith so he can dispose of them properly." The red-headed dwarf as she went to the right-side pile. "Sorry Commander." The two scouts said as they left with arms full of reports. "I can't believe we lost the report." Cullen said as he sat down, resting his elbows on the desk as he buried his hands into his hair, frustrated with himself. "I'm sure it'll turn up." She said as she bent down to grab some of the reports, when she noticed something in the corner of her eye. She turned towards Cullen's desk to see a report on the floor.

"In fact," she said softly "I think it's been under your foot this whole time."

Cullen looked at her questioningly until he saw her looking at his feet. "Under my foot?" he looked at his own feet and saw, right in front of them, another report. He grabbed it, almost too quickly, and smirked as he saw his name with her delicate handwriting.

"Maker's breath…"

The dwarf chuckled as she stood, taking the reports with her as she noticed him tracing his hand over the letter delicately, as if the letter itself was going to break or disappear before him. "I'll handle the rest of these with Leliana, okay Commander?" she told him, but smiled when she got no reply. Cullen ignored the sound of his door closing as he opened the letter, seeing Rainlily's signature once more.

Cullen,

I'm enjoying my time out here! I get what you mean now, making a difference with the Inquisition, I am proud to be a part of it. We have managed to help so many people out here, but it's also a little frightening…I've run into unusually large amounts of demons, but I guess with the Breach recently closed, this is now the new normality. We managed to clear out a stronghold and, no lie, I was ready to flee and ask for your help. Cole was the hero today though. I was nearly struck down by a dagger from a rogue, when Cole pulled me away as he stabbed them in the chest. I still get shaken at the sight of death from time to time, but I have begun to adapt to it. The point is, the pathway is clear of them but now there is an increasing number of lyrium smugglers on the road. You might need to send some scouts out to cut them off…I don't know where they were sending them to. They are clearly not our agents.

On this trip though I have learned that I love this group. Sera asked me a few…personal questions. I swear, I think my cheeks are permanently red! Iron Bull, well, he can take a lot of damage and do a lot of damage too! The only issue is, is that he kept eating my rations of food when I wasn't looking! But darling Cole has been by my side most of the time. He likes that I'm helping people. He says things out loud that are meant to be private, but he's a child to me: he's trying to learn right and wrong.

I wanted to thank you though. One of the scouts gave me a cloak with the mark of the Inquisition on the back and I knew it was from your request- which I was more than happy to take. It has been easier to sleep. Apparently though, we had to search for requisitions on tents and blankets. Poor rams, I feel bad killing them for their fur, that's why I've been using the cloak to sleep. Some more good news, we have finished as many requests as we could (mostly because no one is asking us of anything) and we are coming back to Skyhold. My brother informed me that he also on his way to Skyhold, so I can't wait to see two of my closest people. I wonder if I can't beat him to Skyhold?

We are going to find out!

See you soon,

Rainlily Lavellan

Cullen chuckled at her playfulness, imagining her, Iron Bull, and Sera racing to Skyhold while Cole followed, wandering what was going on. He thought about writing back to her, but stopped himself, realizing that she was probably left the Hinterlands by now. He was just relieved to know she was coming back to them, safe and sound. One thing was for sure.

He missed her.