"You really need to stop fussing, my prince," Seneschal Granger said as he looked out the corner of his eye at the man standing beside him. "It's very unbecoming."

Sebastian tugged at the collar around his neck of his beige tunic. The gold trim was scratchy against the skin of his neck. "Why you insisted that I wear this is unknown to me."

"We must keep appearances," the advisor said. "Tonight, we will have a dinner with your…" He paused as he turned to look at the prince. "Betrothed and her family. Tomorrow we will make the announcement."

"This is all deceptive, do you not think?" Sebastian asked. "Why we could not have stopped it before it went this far."

"Because it would not have been appropriate. We need all parties here, in Starkhaven. We must uphold standards and political appearances, my prince. We can't just send a letter to say it's over."

Shaking his head, Sebastian tugged at the hem of his tunic to smooth it down again. The last missive he had received from Evelyn stating that she and her retinue were leaving Skyhold to Amaranthine. From there they would take a vessel out of the port city to Ostwick and from there Starkhaven. They should have been there three days ago.

Increasing concern, Sebastian arranged for his guard to go out and meet with the Ostwick party. It was another night before he heard back from his captain of the guard that they had found the members of the Ostwick party and would be escorting them the remainder of the way. Knowing Evelyn's concern with her father he found it strange that she would have traveled with him. That was not their original plan. Something was wrong and he was desperately needing to know what it was.

"This must be of great importance for you to carry on this way," came the voice to the left.

Granger had spoke with him several times while they stood there waiting. However, the man to the other side of him had been his usual stoic self. Standing still, poised and ready to attack at a moments notice. Sebastian trusted this man more than any other person.

"It is, Fenris," Sebastian said as he turned to the elf. "I've been a fool and now I'm needing to correct this."

Fenris nodded his head slowly. "Ah."

Frowning, Sebastian's eyebrows furrowed. "Ah?"

"I have seen you make a fool out of yourself many times that you have needed to correct," Fenris said, not looking at the prince. "I would think you were quite capable of doing this with ease."

Sebastian shook his head, rolling his eyes. A smile formed on his lips. "Have I reminded you that Varric Tethras will be accompanying Lady Trevelyan, Elf?"

The elf let out a deep growl as he clenched his hands into a fist. Hearing the chuckle from the prince standing beside him did not help. "This would have been helpful information this morning before requesting I join you."

Placing a hand on the man's shoulder, Sebastian gave a gentle squeeze. "I requested you as my bodyguard as well as a member of my royal guard to be here with me."

"That is what concerns me, Vael. Much like Hawke had, if you ask for me to be in attendance means that this will not go well."

Nodding, Sebastian turned away from the elf to look at the gates as they opened into the courtyard. "Aye. This will not go well, Fenris."

Fenris folded his arms across his chest and watched as the gates gave way to the approaching party. "It never does, does it?"

"Aye," was all Sebastian said as the black carriage rolled to a stop before him. Forcing a smile on his face, he waited until the door opened before moving forward. "Welcome to Starkhaven, Bann Trevelyan."

The bann stepped out of the carriage and moved forward to where Sebastian stood. "Thank you, Prince Vael," he said, shaking the man's hand.

Sebastian noticed the chilly touch of the man's hand as soon as he accepted the proffered hand. "Was your journey a cold one?"

Looking down at his hand, the bann shook his head. "I believe it is my poor circulation," Trevelyan said. He smiled as he looked at the prince. "Age will creep up on you quickly."

Nodding his head, Sebastian released the man's hand. Looking over the bann's shoulder, he watched as Captain Malloy helped a woman out of the carriage. Her movements were slow, unsteady. When he saw her trembling hands remove the hood from her head, he felt his lungs close shut, making it hard to breath.

"Eve," he whispered as he narrowed the distance between them. Taking her hand into his as he wrapped his arm around her waist to help her remain steady. "What is wrong? Are you ill?"

Her drawn eyes stared at her father briefly before turning back to Sebastian. "I just need to lay down. It's been a long journey."

Turning to look at Granger, he said, "I will escort Evelyn to her room. Please fetch a healer for me."

"She will be fine, Sebastian," the bann said as he stepped up beside his daughter to attempt to block Sebastian from getting to her side. "She just needs her rest."

"I will see to her needs," Sebastian said as he pushed past the bann. "As her future husband it is my duty." He diverted her away from her father as he led her towards the stairs into the castle. "Let's get you someplace to sleep."

Fenris stood to the side, keeping his eyes focused on the bann. This being the first time that he had met the man there was something different about him that he did not like. It was apparent why Sebastian wanted him there. The woman did not look healthy, he had seen similar sicknesses in the past in Tevinter but he could not remember what it was. There were still memory gaps that he struggled with from his past but over the years he had been regaining some of his memories.

Turning his head, he saw a familiar face in the crowd. The blond curls stood out in the crowd as well as the scowl on his face. The man was surrounded by the Ostwick royal guards which he found odd. If the man was part of the Inquisition where were those soldiers? Where was Varric who was to accompany them? Fenris walked through the gathering of Ostwick guards to reach the man, feeling the unwelcoming stares of the guards.

"Halt, elf," Captain Malloy said as he stepped between Fenris and the man he was attempting to approach. "What have you?"

"As a member of the prince's royal guard as well as the prince's personal bodyguard, I would like to welcome a friend," Fenris said as he squared up with the Captain. "Now, please step aside."

Malloy's eyes narrowed as he stepped toe to toe with the elf. His eyes glanced the length of the elf's body from head to toe and back again. "I've heard about you. You were one of the Champion of Kirkwall's misfits, weren't you?"

A smirk on Fenris's lips twisted his lips. "What of it?"

"So, is what they say about him is true?" Malloy asked as he looked back at Cullen.

Cullen folded his arms across his chest, nodding. "Maybe you should ask him for a personal demonstration, Captain Malloy. I'm sure Ser Fenris would be more than delighted to give you a firsthand display."

The frown on Malloy's face grew as he glared at the commander. His gaze returned to Fenris. "What do you want?"

"As I said, I would like to speak with the Knight-Commander," Fenris said.

"Just Commander now," Cullen said as his shoulder pushed his way past a guard that stood in his way. Holding out his hand, he accepted Fenris's to shake. "It is good to see you again, Serah."

Fenris accepted Cullen's hand and shook it. "Same to you, Commander." The hairs on the back of his neck lifted feeling the icy gaze from the Ostwick captain. "Come. Let's talk and catch up over a bottle of wine or two."

Hearing the captain behind him clear his throat, Cullen turned back to look over his shoulder at the man who had been nearly on top of him for nearly a week. The commander could not relieve himself without the Ostwick captain standing there with the cold stare that he had.

"I'm sure that Commander Cullen would like to return to his Lady's side to continue his duties," Malloy said.

Cullen's hand clenched tight as he turned to look at the elf once more. "I do need to ensure Evelyn is being treated to." He took the elf's hand again and pulled him close to his side as he wrapped his arm around the elf to hug him.

The awkwardness of the move startled Fenris. He had not been all too friendly with the other man, civil considering what had happened during their years in Kirkwall together. The embrace took him off guard. His eyes narrowed at the uneasiness as well as the brush of the commander's lips against his ear. It took every bit of strength he had not to do something immediately, but he was able to retain his composure.

"I will see you later, Commander," Fenris said as the man stepped back slightly. Placing his hands on Cullen's shoulders, he squeezed them gently. "When we the ability to have some alone time."

"I look forward to reuniting," Cullen said as he stepped back further. Nodding his head slightly, he turned to follow Malloy who was calling out his name. "This evening then."

Nodding slightly, Fenris folded his arms across his chest as Cullen stepped away to walk with the Ostwick guards. His eyes followed the men and noticed Malloy looking back at him briefly before turning to look at Cullen again. The captain said something to Cullen before they entered the castle.

"Father's allure has taken the family?" Fenris repeated in his mind. He would need to find out what that meant. His best guess would be start with Sebastian.

Turning, he waved at a pair of guards that stood beside the gates. The two men ran in his direction and stopped.

"Ser?"

"If you get word of a beardless dwarf running around the city asking questions, please let me know. He'll most likely be accompanied by a strange lot," Fenris ordered. "Notify me immediately. No one else."

"Beardless dwarf?" one of the guards said with a chuckle. "Is that possible?"

"Is it possible for a Tevinter elf to be the prince's bodyguard and member of the royal guard?" Fenris asked with a cocked eyebrow.

The two guards laughed, nodding their heads.

"Aye, ser," the other spoke. "We'll get the word out for this dwarf."

Turning back, he made his way up the steps to enter the castle. If he did not know that Hawke was somewhere in Orlais he would assume he was involved in all of this as well. With Merrill and Aveline still in Kirkwall all that left was…

"Isabela," he thought to himself with a groan. "She's probably involved somehow."

The elf made his way into the castle, taking two steps at a time. He needed to get to Sebastian's side to ensure that the prince was safe. Cullen did not want anyone to know what he was saying to him, especially the Ostwick captain. Something was eating at him deep down. The look of the bann, the captain. The sickly appearance of the woman that Sebastian had spoken of for days as being a vibrant, energetic woman who was being called the Herald of Andraste. And the suddenness of the templar's embrace.

Oddly enough, the smell of sela petrae crossed his memory. If that memory resurfaced, Fenris knew things were going to go bad.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"I want to see her?" Cullen said through clenched teeth as he walked along side Malloy. The Starkhaven guard that was assigned to escort them to their quarters was further ahead, leading them through. "I want to see her now."

"You are not in a position to make demands," Malloy said, trying to keep his voice low.

Stopping, Cullen turned to look at Malloy. "It is not above me to make a scene if that's what it takes."

Dark eyes focused on Cullen's amber eyes as he stood in front of the man. "I will not hesitate to gut you right here, dog. You will do as I say."

A lopsided grin twisted Cullen's lip. "Don't you think that Prince Vael as well as his personal bodyguard whom I am dear friends of both won't find it suspicious that I am not joining in the wedding festivities? Why I am not by the Inquisitor who I am sworn to protect?" Stepping forward, he glared at the captain. "You have me and Evelyn surrounded at all times. We have been following your demands whether we want to or not. If you don't think someone will be curious why I'm not with her then you'll be wrong."

Malloy gritted his teeth as he stepped away from the commander. "I knew I should have strung you up when I had the chance." He turned to look at two of his men. "Stay on him. Take him to his room." Turning back to look at Cullen he aimed a long, crooked finger at the other man. "I may allow it tonight and if you do anything, I will play with her until she wished she had blown up with the rest of her family."

That was a small win for Cullen in his mind. He followed the escort along with the guards that were ordered to stay with him. The dinner party tonight would be an opportunity for him to speak with her or at least see her. What he had seen of her when she stepped out of the carriage worried him. She looked sickly, her skin pale, her eyes sunken. Whatever they were doing to her they were slowly killing her.

There was no mage near her that he could see. No signs or hints of blood magic that he could see. He did not feel that familiar surge that he had when he was around magic. Yet there was something in the air that was not right, not natural. Something oddly familiar from years gone by. Like a faded memory, a dream that was there but not remembered.

Stepping into the room, he heard the door close shut as soon as he stepped inside. Pulling his arms out of the coat that he was wearing, he tossed it to the bed and walked towards the windows. Drawing back the curtains, he looked out to find himself overlooking a long drop. Unlocking the windows, he rested his hands on the windowsill to lean out to look around more. The ledge was extremely narrow for his large feet, even if he wanted, he would not be able to climb across the ledge to get to another room. He slammed his fist onto the sill before closing the windows.

Turning back around, he jumped seeing Cole again.

"I'm going to tie a bell around your neck, Cole," he said, trying to catch his breath.

Cole twisted his head, looking at him through the tangled tendrils that hung down his face. He was sitting on the top of the headboard, looking down across the room. "But a bell would tell everyone I was here? You said to stay low and quiet."

Closing his eyes, Cullen pinched the bridge of his nose and slowly exhaled. Nodding his head, he said, "Yes. Yes, I did." Opening his eyes, he turned to look at the spirit. He had moved across the room and was now standing in the corner of the room. "Please tell me you've been able to speak to her."

"Longing to be held. Soft kisses, touches. Warm like the sun. Smell like fresh rainfall. Memories that can not go away but stay behind a door."

Judging to what the spirit boy said he had been near her but that did not answer the many questions that he still had. Running his hand through his hair, he released another heavy exhale. "Is she well?"

Looking down at his palms as if he were holding something that could not be seen. "Cold inside. Mind like walking in a fog that has no end. Weak, hard to keep eyes open. Must do what told to keep him alive."

A moment of relief washed over Cullen. She was alive and still fighting whatever it was that was doing this. Turning to look at Cole again, he placed his hands on his hips. "Please, keep an eye on her if you can, Cole. Just be careful."

Cole nodded. "The bright light does not like what I am," he said. "He fears what took his family from him." Scratching the side of his head, he lowered himself down to squat. "The one with magic in his veins doesn't either." Cole paused and looked at Cullen. "He scares me."

Laughing, Cullen nodded his head. "Fenris scares me, too, Cole. But he's on our side. Just stay hidden unless I call you or Evelyn does." He closed his eyes again as he covered his mouth to yawn. When he opened his eyes, he found Cole gone again.

"Seriously, need to put a bell on him."

o-o-o-o-o-o

Sebastian sat on the edge of the bed, holding her clammy hand. As soon as she entered the room, she placed her hand against her forehead, closed her eyes and nearly passed out. Scooping her into his arms, he laid her on the bed and had only left her side long enough for the ladies in waiting to help remove her clothing so the healer could examine her.

"She will be fine," Bann Trevelyan said as he stared out the window of the room, looking out into the courtyard. "This Inquisition has been a weight on her shoulders." He turned back to Sebastian, frowning. "We should leave her be."

Stepping further into the room, Granger clasped his hands behind his back and looked at the bann. "Lord Trevelyan, we have many issues that will need to be addressed immediately regarding the nuptials. Since your daughter is unable at this moment, I would like to discuss it with you."

"She's sleeping," the healer said as he removed his hand from her forehead. "She's feverish. She is under great stress." He looked at the prince, shaking his head. "I don't understand the thing on her hand. I would need to contact someone that is familiar with it from the Inquisition."

"Commander Cullen is here," Sebastian said quickly. He looked at the mage. "Please find him. He would be able to tell you about it or who you would need to speak to."

"That will not be necessary," the bann said, waving a dismissive hand. "Come, Granger. Let's make preparations." Trevelyan made his way towards the seneschal and paused. Looking back over the shoulder, he turned to Sebastian. "I would like to deny this Commander Cullen any access to my daughter. He is very…inappropriate around a woman who is about to be married."

Turning his head around, Sebastian stared across the room at the bann. His head slowly nodded as he watched the man. "Very well," he said. "I will ensure that she is well protected."

Seneschal Granger opened the door and escorted the bann and the healer out of the room. Turning back to look at Evelyn, he brushed her hair back from her face and looked down at her. Taking in a long deep breath, Sebastian slowly blew it back out.

"What is going on, Eve?" he said softly.

"Sebastian?"

The prince turned around to find Fenris standing in the doorway. "Please shut the door."

Fenris stepped into the room, shutting the door behind him. Walking across the room, he stopped just behind Sebastian and stared down at the sleeping woman. "I've seen this before," he said. "A sickness that's not a sickness."

Nodding, Sebastian kept his blue eyes focused on her sleeping body. "Aye. I wished I could remember when."

Rubbing his chin, Fenris tried to focus on memories of years past. "Kirkwall. It was an elf boy."

"She's a dreamer?" Sebastian questioned, surprised. He turned to look back at Fenris again. "Eve is no mage, Fenris." He pulled the blankets back to take her left hand into his and bring it out from beneath. Looking down at her hand, he held it tightly in his as he examined the mark. "We need to speak with Cullen. He may know something."

"That might be a difficult request," Fenris said. "I believe that this Captain Malloy is trying to keep the templar from this woman. The captain is not very friendly to say the least."

Reaching his free hand out, he placed the back of his hand against her forehead. Her fever apparent against his skin. "I agree." He lowered his head to brush his lips against her forehead. "What have we gotten ourselves into, Eve?"

"Something awful I would presume," Fenris said. Folding his arms across his chest, he tapped a finger against his upper arm as he thought. "We will need to speak with Cullen. We will need to send a message to this Skyhold where her people are."

Nodding, Sebastian released her hand as he stood up. "I want only our guards on this room, no one else." Turning to face Fenris, he stepped forward. "No one is allowed in here without my approval."

Fenris nodded. "I did speak with Cullen briefly before the captain surrounded him. He said something about her father's allure has taken the family." Shaking his head, he shrugged. "I thought you'd know about this."

Repeating the words in his head, Sebastian felt his hands trembling. The wind knocked out of him. "My family was killed by the Flint Company. They were hired by Lady Harrimann to kill them, to try to take the throne by placing my cousin Goran as ruler and marry him to her daughter." Turning he looked down at Evelyn. "Hawke, Varric and Isabela went with me to confront her. We found she was in league with a desire demon that called itself Allure."

His eyebrows furrowed as his markings began to give an eerie blue glow. "Demons? Here?"

Turning back, Sebastian stared at the elf. Any other person that would see Fenris enraged, to see his lyrium brands glow would be frightened. Sebastian had seen it for years, had seen Fenris in a blood lust. The display before him was mild, under control. "It is possible. Therefore, we must speak to Cullen. We need more information."

"Very well. I also have guards looking for Varric and anyone else that may be coming for them." Fenris looked at his friend. "If there are demons involved then we will need to be prepared."

Running his hands through his hair, Sebastian groaned. "I am such a fool. This is all my fault, Fenris."

The elf nodded. "Yes, it is. I told you as much."

"Aye," Sebastian replied. "Little did you know by taking a role to train my forces and to be my bodyguard would become fighting demons and deceptions."

A lopsided grin twisted the elf's lips. "And this is any different than following Hawke in Kirkwall?"

Sebastian chuckled. "Aye." He moved to return to his spot on the side of the bed beside her. Taking her hand into his, he held her cold hand between his palms. "Please, Fenris. Do what you can."

Nodding, Fenris turned to walk away. "And here I thought my days of chasing slavers, demons and crazed cultists were over."