CULLEN:

Days passed, then weeks and soon whole months went by. The city began to recover, physically at least. Repairs were complete in Hightown, the work in Lowtown taking longer, but nearing the end. The docks had suffered the worst of the damage due to the fires, and much of the area still in shambles, but ships were being brought in again and trade was once more underway. Though it would be months more before the area was fully functioning again. For the time being the Templars were no longer needed to oversee the work.

Though Meredith did have words to spare regarding his decision to insist on including the mages in the defense of Kirkwall, she had been too busy filling in at the keep to offer a true reprimand. Cullen could not regret his decision, regardless. He believed that had the mages not been present both the Templars and the guard would have suffered much heavier losses, not to mention they were able to keep destruction of much of Hightown to a minimum, and likely prevented much of the destruction of Lowtown as well.

However, he was not so foolish as to not see the rift his decision had caused between he and his commander, who did in fact, seem to hold him with far less regard than previously. What trust she had in him previously was certainly less now, which was no doubt the cause for her insistence that she personally see to appointing a second for him while he oversaw the gallows.

A second who any could see was clearly her lackey, and one he would have never chosen for himself.

He had never liked the Karras, nor did he trust him. The feeling was, without any doubt, mutual, as there had always been an undercurrent of animosity between the two. He expected the reports Karras was giving to Meredith were anything but glowing and would not be surprised if certain situations were exaggerated, if not lied about entirely.

Prior to Karras' appointment Thrask had been seeing to many of Cullen's former duties. He had been handling the position well, and he also had seniority, and Cullen attempted make Meredith see reason. Unfortunately, she would not budge on the issue, and he was not fool enough to push her too far.

Fortunately for him, Karras might be Meredith's eyes, but even he couldn't keep tabs on Cullen at all times.

In what little free time he was given he took every available opportunity to slip, hopefully unseen, into Hawke's estate. Their time together was sporadic at best, sometimes going a week or more between visits due to the demands of both of their schedules, but each and every moment he spent with her was... well, treasured, to say the least.

"You've been in a good mood of late," Thrask commented one morning in the practice yard.

"Is that so?" Cullen replied. He had been in a good mood, with good reason.

"I'm not the only one who has noticed," the older man continued, "a few of the men have mentioned it as well. Those who aren't terrified of you, at least."

He continued to swing, considering the reasons had been in such fine spirits.

"Most have surmised that you're simply content now that the difficulties with the Qunari are finally over with," Thrask continued to speak, Cullen continued to ponder.

He switched arms, feeling a ghost of a smile touch his lips when he felt a twinge in his shoulder. He'd jarred it a few nights ago carrying Hawke to the nearest flat surface he could find and had tripped on some discarded piece of clothing along the way, falling with her in his arms. He had twisted to prevent her from being crushed under his weight and had landed on his shoulder., wrenching it badly

"Understandable, of course, a stressful situation for the entire city," Thrask seemed to be saying, though Cullen was still recalling his tumble with Hawke and was paying very little attention to the other man's words.

When he had hit the ground with her on top of him he had let out a brief, but colorful string of curses. Hawke had stared at him wide eyed for a moment before she had burst out laughing, saying that she didn't think the 'the pious Captain,' even knew what half those words meant.

"Though I have to wonder if it isn't something else," the older Knight said, though the words didn't quite register.

Despite Hawke's laughter at the time, or because of it, he'd then proceeded to prove just how depraved the pious Captain could be, turning her laughter into low moans and breathy gasps. They never did make it off the floor.

"Oddly enough, I've heard the same thing said about Hawke just recently."

The offhand use of her name being said jerked him back into the present, and he hesitated mid swing, disrupting his balance. It was enough for Thrask to notice, causing the other man to let out a low laugh. "Nothing to worry about though. I wouldn't want to be responsible for starting such a rumor."

Cullen could feel a brief heat stinging his face, "I appreciate your discretion."

"Yes, well, just be certain to continue with your own. That information would not be welcomed by some."

Of that he was certain. "I do not doubt it, though I have to wonder how you came by this knowledge."

"I happen to be part of an ongoing card game with Varric Tethras."

"The beardless dwarf," Cullen commented dryly.

"That would be the one," Thrask admitted, "It did not take long for the two of us to put the pieces together. Though Varric takes most of the credit. I didn't actually believe him at first, you and Hawke are... well, not very much alike."

"Oh that we agree," he admitted. What was it they said about opposites attracting?

"Just... be careful. I'm sure you realize you're being watched, but I don't know if you realize how closely."

"Something I'm not aware of?"

"Karras has a squires on his payroll I believe. I don't doubt yours is a good lad, but... boys will talk. Just, use caution, even when you think you're alone."

He nodded once, "I will take that under advisement."

"Speaking of Karras, onto other things," the other knight intoned more seriously. It was not uncommon for the two of them to discuss matters of business during their morning training sessions. "The missing apprentices," Thrask said, face suddenly grim.

Over the past six weeks two apprentices had gone missing. The boys, both youths of no more than fifteen, had simply vanished. Though escapes happened from time to time, both boys went missing in the middle of the night, while secured in their quarters. That in itself was highly unusual. Typically when mages escaped they did so during specific times. When they were released from their cells in the morning, when they were returned to them at night. Meal times, during the crush in the narrow halls when there was an assemblage or they were going to prayer.

But never in the middle of the night.

"Its Karras," Thrask stated blankly.

"How can you be sure?" Cullen asked, though he did not completely doubt the accusation.

"When I was reassigning the guard, some of the mages came to me with suggestions as for whom to remove from the roster," Thrask said. "His name was mentioned with alarming frequency, though I had few details, the mages, I promise you, do not trust that man. There was definitely an undercurrent of fear in regards to him."

Cullen sighed and was reminded of the letter he'd received from Irving, and thought to himself, 'because they were afraid to.'

"And of course none came to speak out about him before you started your task," It was a statement, not a question.

Thrask answered anyway, "No, they did not. Nor have there been any formal complaints about him. However, the timing cannot be denied. Now that he's your second he's once again enjoying more freedom on the roster and more access to the mages, and two apprentices go missing in the middle of the night without any trace. Suspicious, yes?"

He had to agree on that. "Keep an eye on him," Cullen said, nodding. "Keep several eyes on him, if you can. If you hear or see anything let me know. If we find suitable evidence I'll have him sent to Aeonar myself."

Thrask snorted, "You think the Commander would allow one of her favorites sent to prison?"

"To the void with what she thinks," he said, ignoring the way Thrask's brow rose to his hairline. "I'll see that honorless cur out of the order," he stated just as firmly.

"Of course, Captain," Thrask said, a satisfied smirk on his face. "You can trust that I take very seriously."

Their conversation was interrupted when a shout rang out through the training yard, urgent and clear. He and Thrask shared a look before quitting their positions, sheathing their weapons and running towards the source of the commotion. They both knew what that cry meant, and they both dreaded the sound.

The small courtyard behind the mage quarters, his hair stood on end as the lyrium in his blood began tingling with the magic in the air. Just through the gates they found their quarry. Already one young knight was down, twitching and writhing in agony against the paving stones, likely near death, or worse, possession. The sight did not hold his gaze long, however, for the worst of his fears was realized in the form of silvery flesh and sensual grace. A desire demon, in the circle, his circle, again.

He'd not faced one of its kind, not since then. Not since Kinloch hold. Others, assuredly; rage demons and fear demons and envy demons aplenty, and even once a hulking pride demon which had nearly destroyed the main hall and cost one knight and three recruits their lives. But since Ferelden he'd not once been forced to face the creature from his nightmares.

The second he stepped foot into the courtyard it looked at him, it met his eye like it knew, as though it was the very same creature who haunted his memories to this day. He felt, for a moment, a urge to freeze under it's knowing gaze, his training failing him momentarily in his very present and very real fear. Once more those words so memorable echoed in his mind, once more those doubts it had filled him with surfaced.

He felt bile rise in his throat but did not allow his fear to overtake him, raising one hand before him he drew on the power he had within, and with the other, he drew his sword. Karras at his side did the same, they parted, circling it.

The demon never stood a chance.

Afterwards he retired to his quarters to gain some control over his racing heart and frayed nerves, but could find no purchase. After a time he decided another balm would would go far in soothing him, and instead sought out the one person who could put both his mind and his body to ease.

Unfortunately, frayed nerves did little to ensure precaution from vengeful eyes.