Dragon Age Inquisition: In a Hopeless Place

Chapter Twenty-Nine

"Ah damn, this was my favorite ax." Iron Bull growled as he pulled his ax out of the ground only to have the blade fall off.

They had set out early the next morning to meet with Hawke's Grey Warden friend only to run into a small group of red templars shortly after leaving camp. They had put up a good fight but in the end Miklo and her companions were the more superior opponents. Their only causualty being Iron Bull's ax that had gotten lodged into the ground after a templar skillfully dodged his blow.

Miklo patted his arm comfortingly, "I'm sorry about your ax but maybe you could use this for the time being?" Miklo dragged a huge hammer from behind her.

Iron Bull's eye lit up, "Oh hell yeah, that will definitely work. Thanks Boss." He gave her a hearty thump on the back as he examined his new weapon. They continued on through the valley before they arrived at the cave Hawke had told them to meet him.

They instantly spot Hawke lingering near the entrance. The Champion of Kirkwall looked up as they approached and stood up straight. "Glad you made it. Just got here myself. My contact with the Wardens should be at the back of the cave." Hawke pointed out as he gestured towards the cave entrance.

Miklo glanced into the cave before looking back at Hawke, "We found a few Grey Wardens fighting corpses outside Crestwood. They claimed they were here looking for Stroud."

Hawke hummed, "I'm glad they haven't looked this far. They might well be good men but they've been given bad orders."

"Is he safe here?" Miklo asked in concern.

Hawke gave a firm nod, "For now."

Miklo nodded and then began to lead them through the cave until they came across a door at the back of the cave. Beside the door was the image of a skull with a red band across its eyes. Miklo glanced back at her companions before she pushed the door open and was instantly met with the sound of a sword being pulled out of it's sheath. Miklo paused and looked to see a tall dark-haired man pointing a sword at her. Before her companions could jump to her defense, Hawke appeared at Miklo's side.

"It's just us. I brought the Inquisitor." Hawke said calmly.

The dark-haired Grey Warden nodded and sheathed his sword, "My name is Stroud, and I am at your service Inquisitor." He backed away from the door to allow them in.

Miklo smiled politely, "Thank you Stroud, I am Miklo and I will take whatever help you can give me. I apologize for the timing; I know the Wardens have problems of their own."

Stroud nodded, "I fear a common enemy of ours may be the cause of that Inquisitor. When my friend Hawke slew Corypheus, Weisshaupt was happy to put the matter to rest, but an Archdemon can survive wounds that seem fatal, and I feared Corypheus might possess the same power." He turned away from her and moved towards a table with parchment strewed across it. "My investigation uncovered clues but no proof. Then, not long after, every Warden in Orlais began to hear the calling."

Hawke sighed, "I recall that being a bad thing, but I don't recall you telling me about all this."

Stroud shook his head, "It was a Grey Warden matter. I was bound by an oath of secrecy."

"Is the calling some sort of ritual?" Miklo had heard stories of the Grey Wardens but not much was really known about them, only that they were the greatest defenders against the Darkspawn and the only ones who could put an end to a Blight. She never heard of a calling.

Stroud turned to face them, "The calling tells a Warden that the blight will soon claim him. Starts with dreams, then come whispers in his head. The Warden says his farewells and goes to the Deep Roads to meet his death in combat."

"And every Grey Warden in Orlais is hearing that right now? They think they're dying?" Hawke asked.

Stroud nodded, "Yes, likely because of Corypheus. If the Wardens fall, who will stand against the next Blight? It is our greatest fear." His eyes were weary and filled with concern.

"And then they do something desperate." Hawke replied rubbing a hand over his face, "Which it is of course what Corypheus wants."

Miklo frowned, "Is the Calling they are hearing real or is Corypheus mimicking it somehow?"

Stroud shrugged, "I know not. Even as a senior Warden, I had heard only the vaguest of whispers of Corypheus. The Wardens believe that this Calling is real, and they will act accordingly. That is all we know for certain."

Miklo paused before asking, "Are you hearing the Calling?" All eyes went to Stroud; watching as the Warden turned away to face the blazing fire that burned in the center of the room.

"Sadly yes, it lurks like a wolf in the shadows around a campfire." Stroud replied, rubbing the back of his neck, "The creature that makes this music has never known the love of the Maker but…at times, I almost understand it. We must uncover what Corypheus has done and end it. This cannot stand."

Dorian spoke up, "Just how can Corypheus make all these Wardens hear the calling?"

"I cannot say." Stroud answered, "We know little about him, save that he is dangerous. He is a magister and a darkspawn – and speaks with the voice of the Blight. That lets him affect the minds of the Wardens, since we are tied to the Blight ourselves. It must be how he created this false calling."

Iron Bull grumbled, "So the Wardens think they are dying and have stopped thinking clearly? Great."

Stroud began to pace before them, "We are the only ones who can slay archdemons. Without us, the next Blight will consume the world. Warden Commander Clarel spoke of a blood magic ritual to prevent future Blights before we all perished. When I protested the plan as madness, my own comrades turned on me." He turned and gestured to one of the pieces of parchment on the table and waited for Miklo to come closer before he pointed down at what appeared to be a map of Ferelden. "Grey Wardens are gathering at this spot in the Western Approach. It is an ancient Tevinter ritual tower. Meet me there and we will find answers."

Miklo nodded as she looked down at the map, "Alright, this is Skyhold, the Inquisition's base of operations so to speak." She pointed out. "It's on the way to the Western Approach from here. I need to check in with my people but give us a few days and we will rejoin you in the Western Approach."

Stroud nodded, "Very well, but we shouldn't wait too long Your Worship."

"I understand." Miklo replied. "You are welcome to join us back in Skyhold."

Stroud gave her a grateful nod, "I'm afraid I have things here that need to be done before I set out to the Western Approach but maybe when this is all over, I will take you up on your invitation."

"I will go with him." Hawke replied gaining Miklo's attention. He made his way over to Stroud's side and clapped his hand onto the Warden's shoulder. "Check in with your people, I will make sure Stroud gets to the Approach without gaining the other Warden's attention."

Miklo nodded in agreement and bid them farewell before leading her companions out of the cave.

"So this wasn't a wasted trip. At least we learned something coming here." Dorian remarked.

"If Corypheus gains complete control of the Grey Wardens, we are going to have more than just a crazy magister to deal with but also a never ending Blight." Iron Bull replied.

Miklo nodded, "We need to return to Skyhold, the council needs to hear what we learned. They may have an idea of how we can approach the other Wardens without putting Stroud in more danger." Iron Bull and Dorian nodded in agreement as they mounted their horses

As they made their way back through the valley they had came from, they heard a mighty roar come from above them before a wave of heat crashed into the other side of the hill beside them. Miklo and Iron Bull exchanged an excited look before they changed directions, leapt off of their mounts, and then darted up the hill, Cole hot on their heels while Dorian groaned, "This isn't going to bode well."

As they reached the top of the hill, a large shadow flew overhead a split second before the actual creature appeared. It was the dragon they had seen the previous day when they had left the Rusted Horn. A Northern Hunter. A massive bronze colored dragon that had a large maroon colored head and two incredibly sharp, violet colored horns.

Dorian groaned, "Oh, look a dragon. What a perfect way to ruin our day."

"Whoa, that's a Northern Hunter!" Miklo mused as a rather large dragon landed several meters before them.

Dorian looked at Miklo incredulously, "You know what breed that is? Why?"

Iron Bull growled in excitement, "Oooh this is gonna be good!"

Miklo actually giggled a little at Iron Bull's enthusiasm, "Never let it be said I don't take you to nice places Bull!"

Iron Bull chuckled, "No worries boss. First dibs!" He charged down the hill towards the Dragon's territory, with Miklo close behind on his heels.

Dorian and Cole remained on the hill, the mage staring after the two loons in a mix of irritation and concern. Cole mused, "She is very big."

Dorian glowered at the spirit, "No really?"

Cole nodded, "Yes really." His lips quirked slightly, "She is excited, finally she can be free of her mind for a moment. I want to help." He quickly darted down the hill to follow the other two.

Dorian sighed and placed his hand over his eyes, "Andraste give me patience…I am dealing with children." Dropping his hand, he looked to see the dragon standing at least twelve feet away from his companions and the fight began. "I hope I don't regret this." He ran down the hill towards the fight just in time to see the dragon slam his tail into Iron Bull's stomach sending the Qunari flying directly at him, "Oh shit!" He ducked and the warrior flew over his head and hit the hillside with a loud thud. Not bothering to look back at the idiot, Dorian continued to make his way down the hill.

Adrenaline raced through Miklo's veins as she jumped out of the dragon's swiping range and then retaliated with a quick swipe of her short sword across the back of it's claw. It roared, probably more out of irritation than pain, and moved to strike out again when a fireball hit it in the face. A hand grabbed the back of Miklo's hood and she was yanked backwards. "I am not going to let yourself get eaten before I can yell at you." She was yanked back behind a fallen pillar and shoved against it. She blinked owlishly up at Dorian, whose face was full of irritation.

"Ah you're being a pansy. Knock it off and let's crush this bad girl." Iron Bull boomed from behind Dorian and leapt over the pillar.

Dorian and Miklo locked eyes and Dorian sighed as Miklo's eyes flicked back towards the dragon. "Fine."

He let go of Miklo and the elf quickly leapt over the pillar. Before Miklo could even move towards it, the dragon let out a terrifying roar and began to flap it's wings causing a wind vortex to swirl around it. Miklo's eyes widened as she felt herself being pulled into the vortex and closer to the massive beast. Once she was in striking range the dragon slammed it's massive tail into Miklo's stomach "Whoof!" Sending her flying into the air and down into Iron Bull's arms.

The Qunari smirked, "Fancy meeting you here, come here often?"

Miklo playfully punched him in the shoulder and he quickly let her go. He charged towards it and managed to land a blow on the beast's claw before it backhanded him away from it with the other. Another fire ball struck the dragon in the face, briefly blinding it. Miklo caught a glimpse of Dorian standing a few feet behind her, his staff moving swiftly in his hands. She felt a familiar presence brush against her and out of the corner of her eyes found Cole standing beside her, his eyes focused not on the dragon but her.

"Are you…alright?" The spirit murmured.

Miklo went to reply when she caught sight of the electricity crackling in the dragon's maw. "Move!" Miklo shoved Cole away from her and lunged out of the way as the stream of lightening flew between them and slammed into the rock wall behind her. She briefly panicked when she remembered Dorian had been standing behind them and sighed in relief when she spotted the mage hunkered down behind yet another fallen pillar. She took a deep breath and then she dashed away from the wall and towards the dragon. It's orange eyes locked onto her form and it let in a deep inhale. It's breath caught fire and Miklo quickly rolled out of the way from the massive stream of flames. The flames abruptly cut off as Iron Bull had leapt into the air and brought his new hammer down on the beast's snout. Miklo quickly jumped onto the head of the dragon and only had time to desperately grab onto it's horns before it began to buck.

"WHOA!" Miklo hollered as the dragon furiously shook it's head, trying to buck Miklo off of it. It's movements forced Iron Bull and Cole back away to avoid being hit. It's claws caught the hood of Miklo's tunic and the elf was flung off of the beast. She hit the ground hard and only had only a moment to roll onto her feet before the dragon clamped it's jaws onto the back of her tunic and she was flung into the air. As she fell, she caught sight of the dragon's huge maw opening wide open below her before darkness enveloped her.

"MIKLO!"

Iron Bull watched in horror as the elf disappeared into the jaws of the dragon and felt rage build inside him, his previous excitement was replaced with anger. The dragon let out a muffled roar and Iron Bull roared back angrily and saw his opening when an equally angry Dorian shot a fireball directly into the dragon's eye making it rear back on it's two hind legs. He charged forward and swung his hammer as hard as he could into the dragon's stomach. The Northern Hunter gagged and then began to thrash, it's wings starting beating rapidly, forcing the men to stay back much to their anger and dismay. After a moment of this the dragon reared back and let out a gurgling roar before it vomited out a blood and slime covered Miklo.

An alive, conscious, and very angry Miklo. The elf let out a growl and leapt back onto her feet while the dragon glowered down at her angrily. "Try that again I dare you!" She challenged and the dragon spat out the sword the rogue had jammed through it's tongue in order to keep her from sliding down it's throat in response. Miklo swooped up the sword and darted towards the dragon. It reached out to snap at her and she quickly jumped onto it's head and settled herself on the back of it's neck. The beast began to thrash again and the guys quickly reacted, Dorian made a cone of ice appear at the dragon's feet, briefly immobilizing it while Iron Bull and Cole began their own assault. Cole savagely made his way behind the beast and quickly severed the tendons behind it's legs, causing it to collapse and roar in agony before Iron Bull cut it off by striking the beast across it's face with his hammer. There was a sickening crunch as it's jaw broke under the heavy hit. Deciding to put the beast out of it's misery, Miklo tightened her leg's grip on the dragon's neck and with all her might, brought her sword down into the dragon's skull, killing it instantly as the blade penetrated it's brain. Miklo jumped off of the beast as it's head hit the ground with a loud thud.

Cole watched as Miklo panted heavily, her eyes fixed on the dragon as if it was going to pop back up at any minute. He watched her body begin to tremble and he quickly darted forward to catch her as all the adrenaline fled from her body. With a carefulness he didn't know he had, he lowered her to the ground and cradled her protectively against his own body. He could feel her heart racing in her chest as she panted against him. With his entire being focused on her, he didn't notice another presence behind him until it touched his shoulder. Acting on instinct and without fully letting go of Miklo, he grabbed one of her swords and turned slightly to press the tip of the blade against a thick grey neck.

"Don't move." He warned and his grey eyes narrowed as the large Qunari froze and held his hand up in a placating gesture. He could see the warrior's lips moving but the ringing in his ears prevented him from hearing what was being said. There was movement behind the Qunari as a dark-skinned human male appeared. His lips were moving as well, but still no words reached his ears. Not that Cole cared. He watched the two males exchange a look when a gentle touch to his cheek tore his gaze away from him and onto the elf leaning into him.

Green eyes were staring up at him. Miklo's hand moved from his face to the sword being held against Iron Bull's throat. Her movements were gentle as she coaxed Cole to lower the sword but didn't take her hand off of his wrist. Her lips were moving and Cole strained to hear her words over the ringing, "Eath Cole." She took a deep breath and Cole subconsciously found himself doing the same before she let out the breath and he did the same. For a few moments they continued, she would breathe in deep and then exhale and he followed her and found the ringing in his ears began to stop. He could finally her hear speak, "That's it Cole. Just breathe, it's okay." His body began to relax and he realized he was holding her tightly against him. He relaxed his hold on her and finally allowed the other two males to move closer. Iron Bull's eye met his and Cole allowed him to put his arms under Miklo and lift her up onto her feet.

He felt a soft touch on his shoulder and looked up to see Dorian beside him, "She's alright, good job." Cole nodded and stood up, watching Iron Bull hold Miklo up as she slowly regained her faculties.

"You alright Boss?" Iron Bull asked as he allowed Miklo to lean against him. His own adrenaline rush began to leave him but he remained upright, not allowing his body to give in to the sudden weariness creeping in.

Miklo nodded, "Yeah, thanks guys." What a trip! She thought as she turned to look at the slayed dragon. We did that.

"You did that Boss." Iron Bull rumbled and Miklo realized she had spoken out loud. "Not a bad kill either." He grinned down at her and when he felt she regained recovery over herself, he made his way over to the dragon. "Not a bad kill at all."

A light touch tore Miklo's gaze away from them and onto Dorian's concerned face. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, a little itchy and achy and kind of smelly, but good." Miklo replied as she caught a whiff of the dragon's blood and other unpleasant smells coming off of her.

Dorian nodded, "Good." He brought his staff up and smacked her in the back of the head with the end of it. The elf yelped and grabbed the back of her head, Dorian held his hand up and then waved it, freezing Cole's feet to the ground as the mage felt the spirit try to make his way over to them. "Then don't you ever do that again. I am too pretty to have wrinkles already and I refuse to let you give me any. Is that clear?" He waited for the wide-eyed elf to nod before he moved away from her. "Now if you don't mind, I am going to be over there making sure I didn't develop any grey hairs." He stomped his way over to a small pond partially hidden by another fallen pillar.

"Boss, come look at this!" Iron Bull called in excitement. Miklo sighed and lightly tapped Cole's arm before she made her way over to the dragon with Cole right behind her.

Two candlemarks later found them relaxing at Caer Branoch. When they had arrived, they quickly found Scout Harding and briefed her before they went their separate ways. Iron Bull had decided to go get a drink and relax with some of the other warriors, Dorian and Cole had seemed to disappear for the time being, while Miklo with the help of the requisition officer had managed to locate a basin for water and a clean tunic for Miklo to wear after a much needed bath.

Currently, Miklo was resting in a willow tree just outside of the fortress. Despite all that had happened that day, fighting the red templars, meeting with Stroud, and the fight with the dragon; only one though was on Miklo's mind.

I miss Cassandra Miklo thought as she laid back against the tree trunk, the thick branch underneath her held her as if she was nothing but a feather. I adore the boys…but I miss Cassandra's presence. She should have been here today. I should have never left Skyhold without her. Miklo knew she loved the warrior but she didn't know that love would make her miss the woman this much.

"Do you want to go to her?" A voice interrupted her thoughts and she looked down to see Cole gazing up at her.

Miklo gave him a smile before she resumed her previous position, "Of course I do, but I promised I would allow us to rest before we head back to Skyhold."

Cole scaled the tree and perched himself on the branch above Miklo. "But you miss her."

"I do, and it hurts to wait but the guys are enjoying themselves." They watched as Iron Bull roared with laughter along with a groups of soldiers milling about while Dorian seemed to be in deep conversation with two of the female soldiers. "I can wait a little longer."

They sat in silence for a few moments before Cole began to speak, "I think I was frightened." Miklo looked over at him to see him gazing back at her with a lost look on his face. "She tried to eat you and I think I was…scared. Then I think I was angry. Why did I feel scared? What made me angry?"

Miklo smiled, "I can't tell you that Cole. Why do you think you felt scared?" She countered softly, always interested in what Cole had to say. The way his mind worked fascinated her.

Cole blinked, "He was angry, his excitement turned to anger. The Iron Bull. Dorian was scared and then angry. Both so angry." Cole shook his head and brought a hand up to touch his face. "Darkness swallowed you whole and then spat you out. You were standing and then you weren't. I caught you, I was scared." His tone was filled with confusion but Miklo couldn't help but feel warm from his words.

"It's because you care." Miklo answered as she shifted slightly to fully face Cole. "You felt scared because you were worried for my wellbeing and you became angry when you thought I was hurt. It's because you care."

"I care." Cole murmured. He has cared for others in the past but never had he ever felt such a swell of protectiveness towards another. He remembered watching the elf disappear into the mouth of the dragon. Anger. His, maybe Iron Bull's and Dorian's. Relief when she reappeared relatively unharmed. Worry when she began to fall and the desperation to catch her. Protective as Iron Bull moved to touch her. He has cared for others before. He has worried about others before but never with red in his vision, never before did his ears ring. "I care…for you." His chest felt light as Miklo smiled at him and moved closer to lightly touch his wrist. Cole nodded to himself, "I was scared, I was angry because I care."

Miklo nodded, "Just as I care about you Cole. It's okay to feel scared and it's okay to feel angry. It's perfectly normal."

"I…think I understand." Cole replied. "Will you teach me more?"

Miklo tilted her head in confusion, "Teach you?"

"Teach me how to feel. My feelings." Cole answered as he looked down at the slender hand gently holding his.

Miklo smiled in understanding, "I can try but just don't be afraid to let yourself feel Cole. All those odd emotions you pick up on from others, allow yourself to feel your own emotions." She waited for Cole to nod before she let go of his wrist and turned to leap down off of her tree branch, "Now I think it's about time we head home, what do you think?"

Cole gazed down at her before jumping down, "Yes."

It didn't take them long to convince Iron Bull and Dorian that it was time to leave Caer Bronach to return to Skyhold. They packed up their mounts and rode towards Skyhold at a steady pace. The sky was already darkening by the time they left but they had decided to ride through the night so they could reach Skyhold by midmorning.

The sun was high in the sky by the time they reached Skyhold. Commander Cullen was waiting at the entrance of the fortress, no doubt having received word of their arrival.

Cullen greeted Miklo and her companions at the gates of Skyhold, "Inquisitor, I trust all is well?"

Miklo gave him a tired smile, "Yes, thank you. I would like to speak with you, Leliana, and Josephine when you all have a moment."

Cullen nodded, "Of course, but if I may; I believe you should go unwind a bit, you look a bit tired."

Miklo nodded, giving him a grateful look before taking her leave, trusting the ex-templar to gather his fellow council members for a meeting later on.

Iron Bull and Dorian went their separate ways; the Qunari decided he wanted a drink while Dorian was desperate for a bath. Deciding she wanted some time alone, she encouraged Cole to see to the still injured soldiers and citizens of Haven. He was hesitant to leave her side but after a few words of encouragement, Cole accepted his task and returned to the injured without a complaint.

She made her way towards the castle, suddenly eager to crawl into the warm welcoming embrace of her bed. As she entered the great hall, she spotted Varric at his usual spot by the fireplace. The dwarf caught sight of her and grinned before making his way over. "Hey Mik, got a minute?"

Miklo gave him a tired but genuine smile, "Always."

Varric pulled a book out of his pocket and held it out for her to see. "Here, the latest chapter of Swords and Shields. It's all yours."

Miklo's eyes lit up, "You finished it?" The book Cassandra likes…She'll be so happy. A rush of excitement flowed through her followed by a desperate need to see the warrior. It took all she had to focus on the Storyteller rather than loose herself in the thought of the beautiful Seeker.

"Yeah, well it could probably use some more proof reading but I told myself I would finish it by the time you returned. So here you go." Varric had replied, holding it out to her. When she reached for it, he pulled it back somewhat and gave her a stern look, "I believe you promised me something."

Miklo sighed and nodded, "You can be there when I give it to Cassandra."

Varric grinned, "Well no time like the present." He gestured for them to move outside. "So Sera went on a pranking spree –"

His voice faded away as Miklo looked up and felt her heart stutter as green eyes met brilliant amber. Wave upon wave of emotions washed over her; giddiness, relief, excitement, sadness, and finally love. So much love for the warrior it briefly overcame her feeling of heartbreak of the Seeker's rejection. What surprised Miklo more was the sheer look of relief that came over Cassandra's features followed closely by awe.

Varric quickly noticed Miklo's lack of attention to his story and followed her love-struck gaze over to Cassandra. He grinned and lightly nudged the elf, chuckling when the elf's ear twitched but she didn't remove her gaze from her object of her affection. "Mik, let's go give her the book."

Miklo briefly tore her gaze away and looked do at Varric. She nodded, "Right, okay."

Cassandra couldn't take her eyes off of the Inquisitor. She had returned. Cassandra looked the elf up and down, noticing a few new scrapes and bruises here and there but otherwise she had seemed unharmed; much to Cassandra's relief. As her eyes met Miklo's, Cassandra felt her heart speed up in her chest. Those beautiful green eyes, always filled with such awe and open adoration whenever they rested on the passionate warrior. Excitement, relief, and a sudden bout of nervousness all fought for dominance within her but was quickly overpowered by an overwhelming amount of love for the little elf.

As Miklo began to move closer, Cassandra finally took notice of the other rogue at her side. Trying to seem unaffected by Miklo's presence, she looked down at Varric and frowned, "What have you done now?" She asked as they stopped in front of her.

Varric sighed, "I get it Seeker. You're still sore after our little spat." He started in a condescending tone.

Cassandra scowled, "I am not a child Varric. Do not suggest I am not without reason."

Varric held his hand up, "A peace offering; The next chapter of Swords & Shields. I hear you're a fan." He held the book out for her to take.

Cassandra looked down at it in feint disinterest before her eyes met Miklo's. "This was you're doing."

Though her tone was accusing Miklo could see the excitement flare in those deep amber eyes. Oh those eyes… She nodded shyly, "It may have been."

Varric gazed back and forth between the two women, thoroughly amused. The adoring puppy dog look on Miklo's face made him bite his cheek to keep from grinning. The longing look in Cassandra's eyes was a bit of a surprise however. There had always been a spark between the two women but now it seemed that the spark was becoming a blazing fire. They have it bad… "Well if you're not interested, you're not interested. Still needs editing, anyhow." He lowered his hand and turned to walk away when Cassandra called after him.

"Wait!" Feeling a bit overwhelmed, Cassandra briefly allowed herself to get swept up in the mild excitement she felt over the book and reluctantly tore her gaze away from Miklo and looked after Varric.

Varric was careful to hide the smugness in his voice as he replied, "You're probably wondering what happens to the Knight-Captain after the last chapter."

Cassandra shook her head, allowing herself to become excited about the book she had been desperately wanting to read days ago, "Nothing should happen to her. She was falsely accused!"

Varric hummed, "Well it turns out the Guardsman-"

"Don't tell me!" She stomped over and took the book out of his hand and held it against her chest.

Varric grinned and then gestured towards Miklo, "This is the part where you thank the Inquisitor. I don't normally give sneak peaks, after all." He watched Cassandra turn her gaze back onto Miklo, who hadn't looked away from the warrior for second since she had first laid eyes on her moments ago. The world seemed to fall away for the two women and deciding to give them some privacy, Varric took his leave with a satisfied grin on his face, "So worth it."

His departure went unnoticed as Miklo and Cassandra stood there, taking in every feature of the other girl. Finally something within Cassandra snapped and she darted towards Miklo, the elf meeting her halfway. Cassandra threw her arms around Miklo's neck, while Miklo's arms went around the raven haired woman's waist. They held on to each other tightly, both relishing the feel of the other in her arms.

Cassandra lightly pressed her forehead against the side of Miklo's, "Please don't do that again…Don't leave me behind again."

Miklo closed her eyes and held Cassandra tighter against her, "I won't, I'm so sorry." Now that she had Cassandra in her arms she couldn't imagine ever leaving the beauty behind again.

Cassandra shook her head, "No, it is I who is sorry. I was fighting how you made me feel…I should have just been honest with us both. I just…" She was struggling to speak, her words wouldn't come out.

Miklo seemed to sense Cassandra's panic as she began to tenderly run her hands up and down the warrior's back and buried her face into Cassandra's neck; taking in her warm, comforting scent. Her heart soared when the Seeker's words sank it, "It's okay, really…I-I'm so sorry I left without you, it hurt so much to be away from you." She couldn't help but admit.

The pained admission struck deep in Cassandra's chest and she couldn't help but hold Miklo tighter against her. Her hand came up to the back of Miklo's head and held it gently against her. They simply held one another, both relishing the close proximity of the other when Cassandra turned her face slightly and hesitantly pressed her lips against Miklo's. The elf startled a bit but quickly responded, pressing her lips back against Cassandra's. The kiss was gentle and chaste, both women simply pressing their lips against one another's.

Miklo's heart was racing as she kissed the woman she loved more than anything. The feel of Cassandra's full lips against her own made her heart race and warmth spread throughout her entire body.

For Cassandra it felt like her heart was going to claw its way out of her chest with how erratically it was beating. Just being held in Miklo's arms had made her feel more content than she had ever felt before, but now to be fully pressed against her, body and lips; she felt more alive than ever. Exhilarated even. She pulled a breath reach away from the rogue's soft, full lips and rested her forehead against Miklo's, relishing the close proximity of the elf, "You must be patient with me, I am not good with acting on my…affections."

Miklo placed a finger over Cassandra's mouth to shush her before she cupped the warrior's cheek in her hand, "You're perfect." She smiled lovingly when a light blush appeared in Cassandra's cheeks. She reached down to grab ahold of one of Cassandra's hands and brought it up to press over her heart. "Feel that? You do that Cassandra, you are the only one who has ever made me feel this way. I have never felt for anyone as I do you." Her thumb caressed Cassandra's cheek, "We will figure this out as we go. Together."

Cassandra smiled, "Together." She placed her lips against Miklo's once more.

A/N: So it occurred to me I almost forgot about that mage that Cassandra was in a relationship with before the events of Inquisition. He supposedly died during the conclave when the Temple of Sacred Ashes was destroyed. Now part of me just wants to make it that they were just good friends, for Cassandra doesn't seem to be too filled with grief other than her initial fury at the start of the game. So I may write it as they had something before but it didn't work out so they remained friends. What do ya'll think?

Also I have no idea how to write Cole. I adore him but he is such a complex character it's kinda hard to write him. So I am sorry if he seems too odd.