So Sorry for the delay between chapters. Ran into personal issues and a writer's block. Enjoy!

Tired, Aiden and his small band of scouts returned to the main camp. They'd been fighting their way through Red Templars to gain their footing in the Arbor Wilds for days now. To Aiden it felt like months. It had to be the mark. He flexed the glowing hand, the green light cutting through the darkness of the night. Each use took more out of him since bringing Alistair back through the rift. He was so exhausted. To the point he nearly caved to start taking his potions again. But, Aiden resisted as hard as that was. He was going to meet his end sober and with dignity.

"Allison." Aiden found his sister near the medic tent on the outskirts of the camp. He took in her dirty face and bloody clothes. "You went out into the field?"

Allison looked up from her supply back. "After the skirmish. They didn't have enough hands to bring the injured back." She pushed to her feet, searching the Inquisitor for injuries. Besides looking bone tired, he was relatively in good health. "What news do you bring back?"

"We're close," Aiden informed. He could fee a powerful ancient magic building in his veins as they made their way through the darkness tonight. And it wasn't because of the few rifts lingering in the area. "We should be able to make the final push to the temple in the morning."

"I'll make sure the healers are prepared."

Aiden caught her by the arm. "Alli," His voice grew serious. "Tomorrow, I want you to stay back at camp."

"I am more skilled in battle than you think."

"Allison, please. I can't worry about your safety. I need to know you'll be out of harm's way."

She squeezed his hand. "I promise. You be safe out there, brother."

"I always try to be." The corner of his scarred lip tilted upwards. "Just doesn't end up that way."

"Try harder."

Chucking, Aiden dropped off his bow and quiver at the armory tent to be checked and resupplied. Most of the occupants were asleep. A few fires burned for those who couldn't find the solace of sleep. A hard task with the sounds of battle in the distance. Aiden knew sleep wouldn't come for him tonight.

Who knew, it might be his last.

Aiden found Cullen leaning over a table near one of those fires studying a map of the area. His always kempt curls were wild and his brow creased. Aiden figured the Commander was another person who wouldn't find sleep tonight. Cullen was still donned in his tarnished armor and clutching the hilt of his sword as if any second he would go charging back into battle.

"You know, no matter how much you stare at it, the map won't change." Aiden stepped up next to the table to look at it himself. There were marks of all kinds that he could only conclude were troop movements.

Cullen let out a long sigh. "I want to be ready. How was the scouting?"

"Red Templars seem to be holding up near the temple." Aiden pointed to the spots on the map. "Small pockets of them. I saw no signs of Corypheus or Samson."

"If Corypheus plans on attacking the temple that means Samson is here leading the charge." There was heat behind his words as he thought of the ex-Templar. "He is out there somewhere. You must be prepared to meet him in combat."

Aiden didn't push any further on the subject. He already learned about the pairs past and how much it haunted Cullen that Samson allowed himself to be seduced by Corypheus. "At least we found the key to weaken him. It maybe just be the upper hand we need to stop what they seek in the temple."

Cullen glanced up. "You think it's more than the mirror?"

Flexing his hand, Aiden's gaze scanned the darkness of the forest. "I don't know… Maybe. It seems like Corypheus is going through a lot of trouble for a simple mirror. There is ancient magic here. I can feel it."

"Why didn't Morrigan mention it?"

"I'm not sure she knows."

"I doubt that," Cullen corrected. "According to Leliana, that woman always has her own agenda to everything."

"Regardless, tomorrow is the day we reach the temple."

Cullen nodded in agreement. "The troops will be for the final push. I will lead the charge myself to pave your way."

Aiden touched a hand to the Commander's shoulder. "Be safe out there, Cullen."

"I'm ready to give my life to take this bastard down."

"I know, but I don't want it to come to that. The Inquisition is going to need you."

"Why does this feel like a goodbye?"

"Because it might be." Aiden swallowed the emotions building in his throat. "If I don't make-."

"No." It was Cullen's turn to grasp Aiden's shoulder. "We all started this together and we're going to finish it together. Now, go find your wife and get what sleep you can."

"You too, Commander. We can't have you falling asleep on the battlefield."

"Three to a tent make for a crowd." Cullen laughed at the Inquisitor's halfhearted blow. He waved his friend off. "Go."

"Blessed be the Maker." Cassandra's prayer spilled out from their tent. Aiden stood outside, listening to his wife asking the Maker for victory in the upcoming battle. For protection of the troops. She prayed for so many things and for everyone else but herself.

Merthin, laying down and keeping guard, lifted his head from his folded paws. He titled his head at the sound of the Seeker's voice.

Aiden bent down to stroke a hand over the hound's head.

Merthin sighed and laid his head back down, his hazel eyes scanning the darkened surroundings.

Quietly, Aiden ducked under the flap of the tent to find the Seeker on her knees clutching a small Chantry medallion between her hands. He knelt next to her, finishing the prayer, taking her by surprise. Sheepishly, he shrugged his shoulders. "Can't hurt."

"I'm taking it we're moving out in the morning?"

"If we don't, we risk Corypheus getting his hands on that mirror." And whatever laid within the temple. Aiden shifted until he sat before her. "It's not much time for our troops to rest."

"They will fight. For the Inquisition. For Thedas." She lifted her gaze to his. "For you."

"I'm only a man, Seeker. They fight against the evil trying to rip the world apart." Wanting to change to subject, Aiden uncurled on of her hands and plunked the medallion from her palm. "You never told me why this is so important to you that you never go into battle without it."

Cassandra watched him play with the tarnishing medal. "It was a gift from Justinia. She-she gave it to me the night before the explosion." Cassandra grew quiet for a moment, remembering her last moment with the woman. Still, well after two years, thinking of Justinia pained her greatly. "We talked about the Inquisition, that it was needed now more than ever. She made me promise that no matter the outcome of the meeting I would see it through. It was almost like she knew something was going to happen."

"She'd be proud of you."

"I hope so."

Aiden slipped the chain over her head. "You've done extraordinary things, Cassandra. Never doubt that or yourself." He brushed a tender kiss over her knotted brow. "We would never have gotten this far without you. You are the heart of the Inquisition."

"Come." Blushing under his praise, Cassandra began to work on the buckles of his leather armor. "We should try to get what sleep we can."

Aiden let her undress him to his under tunic and leathers. "You sleep, Lass. I'm afraid none will come for me tonight."

"What troubles you, Trevelyan?"

"Tomorrow might be it," He confessed. "It might be the day I come face to face with Corypheus. Who knows the outcome."

She took his hand in hers. "Whatever tomorrow brings, we'll face it together. Like always."

Aiden pressed his brow to hers. "Tomorrow, if anything should happen, make sure you stay safe. That everyone stays safe."

"Your fate isn't sealed, Aiden."

"We both know better," Aiden corrected. "I know we need rest, but will you let me have you?"

She drew him closer, her lips dancing across his scarred ones. It was a gentle coupling. Cassandra sighed at each gentle caress. Savored each deep, soul searching kiss. She could taste the desperation. The fear that this would be their last night together. She could taste the small hints of hope that they were wrong about the mark. As they came together, Cassandra held him tight, praying for the same thing. Praying for more tomorrows.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Aiden knew the way to the temple wouldn't be easy. He just didn't think it would be so damn chaotic. Inquisition soldiers. Red Templars. Rogue mysterious elves that back one hell of a punch. They were far too nimble for him to get a shot off.

Cursing, Aiden found himself backed into a corner and teetering on his ledge. He couldn't reach his sword, his bow had been lost in the struggle. The mysterious elf bashed its weapon across his face, knocking him off balance. He hit the ground below with enough force to leave him dazed and void of breath. He couldn't move. Too paralyzed by the pain and leaving him open for a killing blow. On a soft prayer, Aiden closed his eyes.

The clashing of metal had them snapping open to see Cassandra locked in battle with the attacking elf. He thanked the Maker for giving him such a woman who always saved his sorry ass.

Cassandra was losing her leverage, the tip of her weapon dropping towards the Inquisitor's throat. "Move, Trevelyan!"

Somehow, Aiden managed to get the signal to his brain to comply. He painfully inched his way out of the scuffle, looking around the battlefield for his bow.

Merthin roared and charged forward, sending the elf crumbling to the ground.

Bull rested against his large sword. "Who the fuck are these guys?"

Dorian swiped the sweat from his brow. "They're crafty felloes."

Panting, Cassandra glanced down. Besides the nice gushing laceration along his left cheek, the rogue appeared to be unharmed. "On your feet, Trevelyan."

He let out a disgruntle huff. "Let me get right on that." Aiden tried to shift only to curse to the heavens and back. "Why are you just staring at me, 'Vent. I know you have a healing draft."

"We need to conserve," Dorian insisted. "I didn't anticipate fighting two enemies. Only drink half. It should do the trick."

Once on his feet, Cassandra thrust the fallen elf's full quivers into her husband's chest. "Take it since you broke nearly all your shafts. How is the bow?"

Aiden exchanged quivers. "Your concern for my wellbeing is touching, Seeker." But, because he asked, Aiden checked over his bow. The damn thing was splintered. "For fuck sakes."

This time, Cassandra was gentler when she passed the elf's finely crafted bow. Jaw tight, she drew closer until their noses brushed. "We didn't get this far for you to fall to your death."

Merthin huffed in agreement.

"So, please." She touched a hand to his chest. "Be careful."

In the mist of battle and chaos, Aiden pressed a gentle kiss to her brow. "I am trying, Lass."

The corner of her mouth twitched. "Try harder."

"For you, my love." He side stepped, avoiding her punch. "Anything."

"Dangerous words there, Trevelyan," Dorian teased, kneeling down beside the dead elf. "Before you know it, she'll have you tied to the bed watching-."

Merthin barreled into the mage's side, cutting off any vulgar things left to be said.

Aiden gave the string of the bow a test, finding it perfectly tuned. He inspected the grove. He could see the magic seared into the weapon. "Who the blight are these people?"

Using her staff for balance, Morrigan crouched down. "These are not common markings. They're not dalish. Much older than that. If I am correct, they are guardians of the temple."

Cassandra's brows drew together. "I thought it was abandoned."

"As it should be." Morrigan stood. "Mythall is an ancient elvhen god. There are few places of worship still standing."

"We can pondering all of this after we stop Corypheus from getting his hand on this magical mirror," Bull suggested. "The others near the temple need our help."

The Qunari was right. In front of the entrance, Cullen and his men struggled against both Red Templars and more temple guardians. With his companions fanning out, Aiden notched a bow, the shaft and tip instantly engulfing into flames. He nearly dropped it out of fear of catching himself on fire, but was surprised that the flame flickered but never spread. Working with the enchantment, Aiden fired at the oncoming Templar.

Merthin darted around the Inquisitor, helping form a radius of protection.

As Red Templar after Red Templar fell, more of the guardians took their places. The Inquisition battled relentlessly, gaining very little ground. The elves fought with no remorse or regards for their lives. They were protecting the temple and what laid within to their last breath.

Hearing his faithful companion whimper, Aiden turned and fired.

Whining, Merthin crumbled to the ground.

"No!" Heart in his throat, he shot across the battle field, dropping to his knees. There was a gaping wound to the hound's torso. He stroked a hand over his head. "Hang in there, Merthin."

Merthin whine, nuzzling into the rogue's touch.

"Watch out!" Cullen warned.

It came too late. In his moment of distraction Aiden failed to heed the Seeker's first battle lesson and lost track of his surroundings. A guardian struck. But it wasn't Aiden who paid the price for his neglect.

Cullen surged forward, knocking the Inquisitor out of the path of danger.

"Cullen!"

The Commander stumbled, his sword arm dropping, revealing the dagger embedded into his stomach. His legs shook a moment before they gave out. Cullen leaned heavily again his weapon to remain upright.

Seeing red, Aiden snatched an arrow knocked loose from his quiver and jumped to his feet, stabbing the elf through the throat. He turned back to the injured man before the guardian's body hit the ground.

"Cullen." Aiden caught the warriors falling form. "Maker, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

The Commander gripped the lapel of Aiden's hunting coat. "Samson," His voice shook as he spoke. "He breeched the temple."

The news didn't registered. Aiden's focus was on getting the man help. "Dorian."

"Trevelyan, listen to me. You have to stop him. Leave me."

"No," Aiden argued. Looking helplessly between Cullen and Merthin. Guilt hit him hard. His neglect resulted into possible mortal injuries of the people he loved.

A fresh wave of Inquisition soldiers came charging across the shallow river, driving back the guardians and finally securing the area in front of the temple. Warriors set up a line of defense, archers took post on the broken walkway while healers and mages rushed to help the wounded.

"Aiden." Cassandra collapsed beside the two men. "We have to move. Let the healers take care of them.

"I can't." Aiden's voice trembled, emotions clogging his throat.

"We must," Cassandra insisted with Cullen grunting in agreement. Her fellow warrior knew how important their mission was. "Trevelyan on your feet."

"Go. We've got him." Allison arrive, satchel of supplies in hand with a small group of healers.

Aiden was still locked in a daze. "Merthin."

"Will be fine," She assured.

Very reluctantly, Aiden laid Cullen down on the bank of the river. The man was bone pale and fighting to stay conscious. No one was supposed to meet their end today but him. That was his fate. Not Merthin's. Not Cullen's. Especially for his neglectfulness. For protecting him.

"C'mon, Boss." Bulled pulled the Inquisitor to his feet.

Cassandra took a moment to run a soothing hand through Cullen's damp curls. "We'll see you soon." She did the same for Merthin. The hound whine, his pain filled gaze pleading with her. "Don't worry. It's my turn to protect him now. You rest."

Merthin let out a small huff of breath before letting his eyes close.

Picking up the bow, Cassandra handed it to Aiden, dragging him towards the temple. "I know, Aiden. Look at me. Look!" She waited until glowing blue eyes settled on her. "I know, but we must press on. So, focus. Okay?"

Aiden took his bow. He'd seen men die before. Both by the hands of monsters and in the mist of battle. Seeing someone he cared about nearly broke something inside him. If snapped, Aiden feared it would drive him from the light and back into the darkness.

"Aiden!" Cassandra took him by the shoulder. "Okay?"

Blinking, he refocused on the Seeker's battle hardened face. "Okay."

"Good." Adjusting her grip on her weapon, Cassandra took point. "We have to hurry."

O0o00o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

The power of the blow sent Aiden flying. They caught up to Samson and thankfully their trick worked in disabling the man's armor. But Samson still proved to be a powerful opponent. Grunting, he slid across the pavement before rolling into the shallow canal of water, losing his grip on his weapon. Fuck! He pressed a hand to his side to come away with blood. Not good. Another grunt and splash nearby had his head snapping up. "Cassandra?"

The warrior laid face down in the water, motionless and staining the liquid crimson.

"No!" Scrambling to his feet, Aiden waded through the water to the Seeker's side. He carefully flipped her over, finding her armor tarnish and split from shard of red Lyrium. Aiden lifted her out of the water, leaning down to check for signs of life. His heart shuttered with relief when he felt her faint breath fan across his ear. It wouldn't last long with the gaping wound bleeding profusely from her side. "Dorian."

Dorian twirled his staff, casting another barrier spell around Bull. "Kind of busy."

Aiden snatched up his wife's sword and rushed forward into battle. He blocked the Red Templar's blow and used his nibble frame to side step his counter strike. "Take care of Cassandra."

The mage complied.

"You are weak, Inquisitor," Samson taunted slamming the tip of his sword against the ground, sending the Qunari warrior sailing into the air. "Corypheus has given me the means to be strong. To be invincible. You and your companions will not defeat me."

Mark sparking, Aiden surged forward. Samson was obviously the master swordsmen in the battle. The rogue struggled to block and parry the warriors blow. "Can't you see that he's using you?" Aiden panted between gulping breaths. He locked swords with his opponent, giving him the moment to try to reason with the man. Though he was sure that the Templar's mind was too far gone. "Don't you see what he has done? He's poisoned the order, killed thousands. What will happen if he gains the power of the well?"

"Then he will rule Thedas as a new God and I will sit at his right hand." Samson shoved the rogue away. "You should have chosen to join him when you had the chance. Now, you will watch as the world you tried so hard to save burn before he kills you."

Aiden swiped a hand over his bleeding brow, clearing his vision. "Cullen said you were an honorable man once."

The man sneered. "Cullen knows nothing. He is nothing."

The Inquisitor caught movement out of the corner of his eye as Bull lumbered his way around the edge of the cannels of water. Aiden readjusted his grip on his sword. All he had to do was keep the man distracted until Bull got in position. "He is a far better man than you could ever hope to be."

Roaring, Samson charged.

The first blow knocked Aiden back. By some miracle he managed to not only remain upright, but to keep a hold of his sword. He brought up his weapon to block Samson second blow. It bringing him to his knees. The air around them crackled as the mark came to life. The pain shot up his sword arm causing him to drop his weapon, leaving him wide open for attack. Gritting his teeth, Aiden thrust his left hand up to tear at the veil above Samson.

The Templar looked up wide eyed.

Aiden struggled to maintain the connection. The pain was too much in his current state. "I'm giving you your wish, Samson." He brought up his right hand to support his left. "A front row to Corypheus' kingdom."

Samson fought against the pull of the rift. "You're not strong enough. I can see it. You're growing weaker."

The bastard was right. Aiden couldn't hold on for much longer. "Any time, Bull!"

The Qunari charged forward, sliding his large blade into the Templar's back. Samson let out a scream of pain as bull withdrew and dove out of the way.

A moment later, the rift was gone and so was Samson.

Weak, Aiden crumbled to the ground.

"Boss!" Bull rushed to the Inquisitor's side.

He could barely keep his eyes open. "Cassandra?"

Bull glanced over his shoulder. "Dorian's got her right as rain. Just lay still till he gets to you."

"Well," Aiden crocked. "We need to get to the well before Morrigan."

"We need to get you on your feet first," Bull argued.

Aiden shook his head. "No time."

Grumbling, Bull hooked an arm around the rogue's waist and hauled Aiden up to his feet. Bull dragged him forward. "We need to move."

"We should-."

Whatever argument Dorian had died when he saw a crow streak by a head of Abelas.

Dorian forced another potion down Cassandra's throat. "Up you go, Seeker." He helped her up, keeping her steady until the mixture gave her the strength to bare her own weight.

By the time they made it up the stairs, Morrigan already manifested back into human form and standing off with the elf.

Aiden leaned heavily against the Qunari. "What are you doing?"

The witch frowned. "You heard his parting words, Inquisitor. The elf seeks to destroy the well."

The ancient mage sneered in disapproval. "To keep it from your grasping fingers. Better it be lost than bestowed upon the underserving!"

"You fool!" Morrigan shot back. "You'd let your people legacy rot in the shadows!"

Aiden squeezed his eyes for a moment, willing away the darkness that wanted to claim him. "Enough!" He shouted. His gaze connected with the witch when she continued to argue. "I said enough! We didn't nearly die to listen to you two squabble like children."

Morrigan wasn't done with her argument. "The well clearly offers power, Inquisitor. If that power can be turned against Corypheus, can you afford not to use it?"

"Do you even know what you ask?" The elf wondered. "As each servant of Mythal reached the end of their years, they would pass their knowledge on…. Through this."

"That's all fascinating." Aiden hitched himself up straighter. "Is Morrigan right? Can we use it against Corypheus?"

After some inner struggle, Abelas answered. "It can."

"Then let us use it instead of destroying it and all the knowledge it holds." Dorian stated. "If you do that, then all of your people's knowledge is gone forever."

The elf turned to look at the weak Inquisitor. "You have sown respect to Mythal, and there is a righteousness in you I cannot deny. Is that your desire? To partake of the Vir'Abelasan as best you can. To fight your enemy."

Aiden bit back a curse of frustration. "Can't you see that I'm willing to do anything to take down Corypheus?"

"It might be too much for a mortal to comprehend." Abelas' gaze flickered to the mark still twirling around the rogue's left hand. "But maybe the magic already within you will keep you safe."

Cassandra took a shuttering breath, "Will… Will it stop the mark from killing him?"

"Perhaps, but I cannot say for certain," The ancient elf replied. "Brave it if you must, but know this: You shall be bound forever to the will of Mythal."

"Good thing I don't have much time left," Aiden huffed Abelas left after some elven words. Willing himself to stand, he pushed away from Bull and stumbled forward. He could hear the voices of the well calling for him. To drink and bare the knowledge within. If they used it and opened the mirror, Corypheus would be trapped empty handed.

"You heard him, Trevelyan. It's not meant for a mortal too bear. I am willing to pay the rive the well demands." Morrigan stepped forward before the Inquisitor could get to close to the water. "I am also the best suited to use its knowledge in your service."

"I don't trust you enough not to take the knowledge and leave," Aiden confessed. His gaze settled on the worried one of his wife. The elf stated it might stop the spread of the mark. That was a slight hope he desperately was going to cling to despite the ominous warning from Abelas. "I will drink from the well."

"And let all this knowledge go to waste?" Morrigan demanded.

"Who says it will go to waste." Aiden argued. "Morrigan, this is the only way to defeat Corypheus. I will take that burden."

Cassandra stepped forward to catch Aiden when he stumbled. "Are you certain?"

He laid a hand against her pale cheek. "When will you stop worrying about me, Seeker?"

"Never," She whispered.

"I have to do this."

"I know." Cassandra helped her husband kneel at the edge of the small pool of water.

Slowly, Aiden dipped his hands into the water, cupping them together to trap enough to drink. He brought it to his lips, took a small breath, and gulped the liquid down.

Cassandra heard his screams of agony before a blast of magic sent all of them flying away from the Inquisitor. When her vision cleared, she looked up. The water from the pool had turned to mist and ebbed and flowed around the hunched over rogue. He was shouting something, something Cassandra couldn't make out. But she could hear the plea in his voice, the pain. Maker! What was the magic doing to him? His screams sounded like he was being ripped apart.

"Cassandra, no!" Dorian caught the Seeker around the waist. There was no telling what could happen if she touched Aiden while he took in the magic of the well.

There was another wave of energy, followed by a cry of anguish as the Inquisitor fell on his back in a daze.

Slipping free from the mage's grasp, Cassandra scrambled to her husband's side. "Aiden?" She grasped him by the collar, forcing him to look at her. His eyes remained wide and unfocused.

He blinked, taking in a straggled breath. "What happened?" His gaze swept his surroundings before he looked back at Cassandra. "Who are you?"

Andraste's Mercy! What did the well do to him? Cassandra struggled to speak. Had the well erased the memories the mark was slowly consuming?

"We've got to go, Seeker." Bull warned, hauling the Inquisitor to his feet once again.

Cassandra barely had time to look back at the fast approaching Corypheus before she fell through the mirror and landed hard on the ground on the other side. "Aiden." Body aching and bleeding, she crawled to where her husband was sprawled out on his back. Cassandra took hold of his collar once again. His eyes fluttered open and she watched as his eyes changed from green too blue. The knowledge of the well and the ancient of the mark was coursing through him. The veins spreading up his neck and up his cheek were glowing brightly.

Aiden continued to pass in and out of consciousness.

"Aiden." Cassandra used her teeth to pull off her glove before touching his marred cheek.

"Cassandra, you're bleeding." Dorian tried to push his way closer, but the Seeker only resisted. "You're going to bleed out."

"Aiden… Trevelyan." Gently, she tapped his cheek until his lids lifted fully. His glowing gaze settled on her face, wide and unfocused. "Trevelyan?"

A moment passed before he blinked and his eyes focused. Weak, Aiden forced himself to move to brush his fingers over her chin. "Cassandra?"

Tears blurred her vision as she shook her head. "Yes, it's me."

"Skyhold?"

"That's right," Cassandra assured.

"Hurt," Aiden managed to crock out.

"Just lie still and Dorian will look at you."

The inquisitor shook his head. "No you, hurt. Dorian."

"Let get Princess Stubbornness to the infirmary." Dorian slipped an arm around the Seeker's waist and helped her up. "Bull, get the Inquisitor."

"I can walk," Aiden argued.

"I doubt that, Boss. Up you go." Bull warned before hauling the rogue to his feet.

Aiden didn't get two feet before he passed out.

00o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

"Dorian, please hurry." Cassandra gritted against the pain as Dorian chatted mindlessly to distract while he used his magic to heal the large gash to her side. Her gaze was glued to the Inquisitor laying on a bed a few feet away. The man was agitated. Twitching on the cot and muttering in his sleep. Most of it was gibberish, to her at least. Every once and in a while, Cassandra could make out word or two only it was in elven. She wasn't aware that Aiden knew a single phrase of it.

"If you would stop moving, that would be great," Dorian shot back, ducking to avoid Cassandra's swinging elbow. "Blight it, woman! Stay still are you going to undo all my hard work. You've already lost too much blood."

"Excuse me." A guard came running into the infirmary. "I have something for the Inquisitor."

"Give it here," Cassandra softly demanded and took the wax sealed parchment from the flustered man. She promptly broke the seal and unfolded the message to find the words written in the Commander's hand. "It's from Cullen."

Dorian's brows drew together. "How?"

"The mirror distorts time," Cassandra explained checking the date on the top of the letter and requesting the current one from the guard. "Eight days. He states that the Red Templars had fled the shrine and have scattered. Some of our men have taken to track them down. The others are marching their way back to Skyhold. Cullen, the Wardens, and a few others took off the moment they realized we were gone and plan to ride hard through the nights to get back here."

"Does it say anything about Corypheus?"

"No." Cassandra placed the letter aside. "It's safe to say that he won't stay hidden for long. I fear with the power of the well now within the Inquisitor, he has only one option left."

The mage frowned. "To attack Skyhold."

"We must make plans." Without waiting for Dorian to finish, Cassandra threw on her tunic and moved to sit on the edge of her husband's cot. He was down to his shirt and leathers with all superficial wounds healed, but he remained unconscious and paler than death. She could see the ancient magic of both the well and the anchor pulsating. All the veins on the left side of his body were glowing bright. Curious, Cassandra pressed a finger to his skin and felt a sharp shot of pain flow through her fingertips.

The connection seemed to be enough to draw Aiden out of his slumber. The Inquisitor blinked a few times, turned his head, and spoke. "An'daran atish'an."

Cassandra's brows drew together. "Aiden?"

"Vir sumei," Aiden spoke.

"Dorian." Cassandra looked to the mage for help. "Do you speak elvhen?"

"No," Dorian informed. "I didn't think he did either."

"He said 'they are close'." The guard broke in, shifting closer to the rogue's bed side.

"Nuvenas mana helanin, dirth bellasa ma."

The guard shrugged. "I don't know. It's not common elvhen he's speaking."

"I'm going to get Solas," Cassandra announced.

Aiden's hand shot out to grasp her arm, keeping her from moving. "Penshra! Ghilas vellathan."

"He doesn't want you to leave," The guard translated. "He feels calmer when you're near."

"Is it the well or Trevelyan speaking?" Dorian asked.

Cassandra's heart stopped as they continued to decipher Aiden's words. Had the well taken over Aiden completely? Was there nothing left in him but the ancient magic? Abelas warned them there was a price to pay for drinking from the well. This wasn't she had imagine when she thought of what that price might be. She pressed the heel of her hand to her eye to keep her tears from falling. Keep a level head. They needed to focus on Corypheus and how to take him down. To figure out a plan of defense if he decided to attack the keep.

"Ir abelas… Cass… Cassandra…" Aiden's glowing eyes refocused as he searched the room. His grip tightened almost as if he didn't trust what he saw. "Cassandra?"

"Yes, Trevelyan." She laid a hand against his bearded cheek. "It's me."

"The well… It's so loud."

"You were speaking in elvhen. Do you know what you were saying?"

Aiden frowned. "I don't know how."

"It must have been the voices of the well," Dorian explained. "It was some type of warning."

Aiden shot up in bed, his mark flaring, and his cries of anguish echoing around the room.

Instinctively, Cassandra reached for her sword, grasping nothing but air. She cursed. Her weapon had been discarded by Dorian somewhere along the way to the infirmary. "Aiden?" Her voice trembled as she spoke. Every vein in his body glowed. "Trevelyan?"

"I-I'm still here," Aiden stammered, breathing hard through the pain. "I'm still… Still me."

"Talk to me."

"I don't… Don't…" It was hard to think with both the voices of the well and the screams of the fade rattling around in his head. They both were fighting each other for control of his mind.

Cassandra surged to catch his falling form as he failed to stand on his own two feet. She took his face in hers. "Focus. Listen to my voice, okay?"

"This is different." Aiden leaned forward, his head falling to her shoulder. "No! Stop it!" He screamed hoping to quiet the voices down and allow himself to focus on the Seeker's soothing one.

"What is it?"

"The well…" Aiden struggled to pull air into his lungs. "They're trying to fight the magic?"

Fighting it?" Hope filled her voice. If that magic could control the ancient one of the mark, than maybe, just maybe, Aiden had a chance to survive.

"Corypheus."

"You can hear him?"

Aiden shook his head. "They're saying he's on the move to Skyhold."

"How long till he's here?" Cassandra softly demanded. They were about to find themselves stuck between a rock and hard place. The bulk of the Inquisition forces were a week if not two from returning from the wilds. They only left a small line of defense of soldiers at the keep. At best they had a handful of them and in worst case scenario, those citizen who were willing to fight. "Aiden try to concentrate."

His gaze travel to the open window. "Judging by that, I say a day. Two at most."

Dorian followed his gaze, his voice going soft. "He has another orb."

"Help me dress, Lass." Aiden swayed on his feet. "We need to meet with who we can."

"No." Cassandra force him to sit on the edge of the bed. "You can't stand and you're in pain."

"We don't have time for you to coddle me, Seeker."

Cassandra set her jaw, knowing that he was bright.

"We need to prepare. To plan." Aiden fought against his wife's hold. "Listen to me, Cassandra. We need to get the people out of the way. Get them to safety before Corypheus attacks. I won't repeat Heaven."

This was it. This was the end of all things. Corypheus. The breach. All of it. Cassandra swallowed the lump rising in her throat. Even Aiden. "Come on." She reluctantly helped him to his feet. After all, the Inquisitor was right. They had to warn the people and do what they could to protect them.

"Come." Dorian ushered everyone he could from the room. "We've got a lot to do."

As Cassandra helped her husband with his armor, she did everything within her power to stay the stoic warrior she needed to be. Her guard slipped, flinching at touching his arm engulfed by magic. A sharp pain shot through her hand and nearly sent her to the floor. And Aiden stood there somewhat firmly on the ground, only showing mild discomfort. This small sliver of pain she experienced must be excruciating to him. How did the man cope?

"Not to worry, Seeker."

The corner of her mouth lifted. "Every time those words come out of your mouth, there is something I should be worried about."

Aiden touched a hand to her scarred cheek. "I don't plan on being too stupid."

"By that you mean facing a half god hell bent on Thedas' destruction?"

His face grew sober. "It's what has to be done, Cassandra. This will be done once and for all."

Tears prickled at the corner of her eyes, but she didn't let a single one fall. "And I'll be at your side. No." Cassandra sharply spoke when he opened his mouth to speak. "I will not stand back to protect the people or any other reason you can come up with. We're going to finish this together."

He brushed a tender kiss across her brow. "Together, like always."

"And forever."

Sadness deepened his voice. "I wished that was a bit longer."

"Me too."

"Come, Lass. The glowing mark in the sky is a tad hard to miss. We must make sure all is calm as it can be."