Chapter Eight

Harvestmere 9:29 Dragon

Another 2 months had passed. Cullen had advanced in his training with me quite quickly, actually – more so than Solona had. I knew he was to practice forms in his plate while I was away, but his latest letter said that Solona wanted me to test him to the next belt rank. He had yellow by the time I left, so if he passed the test, he'd be orange.

Becca had given her word to me, so she was now a student being taught by both myself and Solona and Alim.

When I arrived, Cullen was there to greet me… wearing a leather vest over a linen shit and leather pants. Fucking A – he was going to kill me looking like that. I wouldn't be coming back in Herring – not after a vision that showed Howe would be visiting and the blight would begin then. I was ticked – I was hoping the blight would wait until Wintermarch, but apparently not. I dismounted and rushed into Cullens' arms.

He chuckled, "I've missed you."

I smiled up at him, "I've missed you too. Father found out about us. He says I have until Guardian to… make the betrothal official or he will force the issue. Marden couldn't keep his fat mouth shut."

The guard in question looked uneasy, "If it was really just a rumor, I would have, Valeria – you know that. But you moved into his room – that's not just a rumor."

I stuck my tongue out, "Derrek didn't say anything!"

"Derrek pretended not to know a thing about it when I reported to Lord Cousland – so he avoided punishment. You had a week of peace because he wrote to Greagoir to confirm first."

I smirked, "And this is why Derrek got the good present!"

Derrek was laughing as Cullen said, "Well, we could always get married… now…"

I flushed, "Oh? Have you…?"

He shook his head, "Most of my doubts are gone, but… I do have one or two still…"

"And what was my condition? I can withstand Lord Bryce Cousland, but I refuse to marry a man who isn't perfectly sure about me. I love you, Cullen – I can wait until you're truly ready."

He leaned in kissed me, "And I am a lucky man for it."

Derrek finally spoke, "My own wife was never that understanding. She ambushed me with a Revered Mother one morning and suddenly I was married – had no clue until it was all over."

Marden snorted, "That explains a lot."

Cullen started laughing, "More than a little, actually – like how he was so good at pretending not to know about the rumors?"

I nodded, "Men get good at keeping secrets when they're married. I could never do that – keep a secret from my husband."

"Nor I; not unless it was a surprise for you; I don't see the point otherwise," Cullen shrugged. I gave him an amused look but Marden was the one to say it, "You just essentially called her your wife, Cullen. Should we start calling you Lord Cullen now?"

He cursed softly, "I just meant… if I were married… I couldn't…"

Derrek laughed, "That's the kind of logic that my wife jumps on every time – I'll say something casually, and she'll analyze it in a half a second."

I giggled, "Don't worry about it, love – I like that you're thinking that far ahead."

He flushed as we headed inside. I noticed Jowan – he was 5'10 with shaggy black hair, green eyes and pasty skin – had finally gained that aura of blood magic; which meant… he had finally met Lily. I knew he didn't use blood magic until it was because he wanted to escape with her. Shit – this wasn't good. He was planning.

I knew he'd wait for Lona and Lee to go through the Harrowing – they were literally his only Mage friends. He thought I was a friend too. I would have to warn Lona and Lee to go right to Irving – I didn't want them in trouble for doing this. I knew how Greagoir would know about it too – the basement door itself had wards. Greagoir and Irving would know the minute it was opened – every time. That's why people had to check with one or both before going down there.

I said, "Let's go put my trunk in our room."

Cullen knew at once that was a code for us needing to talk – our first stop would have been our room anyway. He smiled, "Good idea – it's that or we lug it around for a while."

I chuckled, "And we can't have that!"

Once we got to the fifth floor – my guards had stopped in the Mess Hall to get food – he said, "What's wrong?"

"I need to talk to Greagoir – now. There's a blood mage in the Tower."

He looked horrified, "Mage or apprentice?"

"Apprentice, thankfully. Sadly, it's a friend of a friend of mine."

He flinched, "That's not good. I'll take your trunk, you go see Greagoir – he's over there sparring with Lane."

I nodded and went on tip-toe while pulling him down to kiss his cheek. He smiled at me and I headed over, "Greagoir, we need to talk; now." He faltered but still blocked Lanes' advance. When they didn't stop I stepped in without a weapon and stopped them myself using Judo. I got a sword to the shoulder but pretended not to notice, "I said now Greagoir – there's a blood mage in the tower."

Everyone froze. Greagoir straightened with wide eyes, "You can really feel it?"

"I never lied about it, Greagoir! The shifting of Elements in their body alerts me to it. What the fuck have you been doing to allow someone to practice blood magic? I warned you to get those damn books out of the second floor Library – I told you this would happen!"

Cullen rushed over and saw Lanes' sword still in his hand and my shoulder. He moved to dislodge it gently. I rolled my eyes and gripped the blade, ripping it from my shoulder and looking at Lane, "Go get Wynne – send her to Greagoirs' office. I could heal the wound myself but that would take longer." He rushed off, still holding the bloodied sword.

"How would you…?" Greagoir asked.

"Blood is made of water, iron, plasma and 2 other elements. I can manipulate that to heal."

"You can use… blood magic?" Cullen asked. I shook my head, "No, I can manipulate the elements to stimulate healing and such – I can cast no spells with it."

He nodded – believing me just like that. I smiled at him before turning a hard gaze on Greagoir, "You and I have to talk about this blood mage, Greagoir. I am very disappointed in you."

He flinched and nodded, "Let's step into my office."

We got to Greagoirs' office. "Alright, talk then." he said.

"Jowan is your blood mage. Unfortunately, he's not exactly alone in his future plans. You will have to wait. Schedule him for the Rite of Tranquility for late Herring – close to first day. Preferably that day will fall three after Alim and Solona take their Harrowing. Leave the papers showing both the dates of those Harrowings and the Rite of Tranquility on your desk for a priest initiate to see. This will cultivate in catching the traitor too."

"There's a traitor in the tower?" he slammed his hand on his desk, "How could I let this happen?"

"Just do as I said and all will work as intended – do you understand me?"

He sighed and nodded. Cullen had been using a rag he'd gotten from somewhere to dab at my blood as it spilled from my shoulder. Wynne knocked on the door and came in, "I was told there was a training accident?"

She saw me and looked floored that I was the one bleeding. "Valeria, you only just got here – how did this happen?"

"I had important news for Greagoir; he wouldn't stop sparring with Lane so I stepped in and caught a sword to the shoulder to stop the fight."

She tsked under her breath but began healing me. Greagoir said, "You were right, Valeria – we tested it. Cullen and Becca are more resistant to malignant magics – fire, entropic, cold and the like. Surprisingly, good magics like heal and rejuvenate still work – better than before even."

I narrowed my eyes, "Tell me you did not test it personally. Tell me that it was accidental hits of magic, or I will be more cross that I am now, Greagoir."

Cullen coughed, "I… it was on purpose, but it was light things at first – a small flame held in a mages palm for Becca or me to place our hand over and…"

I shot him a glare, "Don't justify it, Cullen – you are mine and you two are still low level in Tai Chi. You could have gotten very hurt. I was going to wait to have that tested until you were at least green belt! Greagoir was out of line – I didn't clear you for that! You didn't get to hold a sword until you were deemed ready, right? This is similar to that. Wynne can say if someone can't fight due to their injury, I am saying they can't have that kind of testing yet!"

Cullen was surprised at my outburst – I'd never yelled at anyone so everyone in the tower thought I was the most docile seeker ever. I stood up when Wynne told me she was done and began to march out of the room.

I stopped at the now open door and said, "If you ever go behind my back and test my people without my knowledge or permission again, I will make you regret it, Greagoir. You think me tame because I am calm – but there is calm before every storm; and I am that storm. I am an Air Sign – born under the sigil of the Water Barer, Aquarius. Let me tell you what that means, Greagoir. When I am dark in my thoughts – angry, let's say – I can be a true ice queen who is cold-hearted, aloof, bitchy, and always ready to match wits with everyone. You see, when I get mad – I get furious. If you continue to walk this path, do not blame me when I retaliate."

My voice had been cold and I knew the elements had reacted to my subconscious demands – making the room colder to match. He shuddered as my face was devoid of emotion.

Cullen – trying to diffuse the situation – said, "What sign was I born under?"

"You were born under Gemini, another Air Sign – the twins; Adaptable, outgoing, intelligent, and impulsive."

He smiled, "So you listen to the stars?"

I gave a smirk, "Why not – Gemini and Aquarius are compatible signs."

"Well, that's good for us." He said as he stood and approached me. I smiled, "True enough."

Greagoir relaxed in my peripheral vision so I said, "I do hope I've made myself perfectly clear today, Greagoir. Implement my plan, and you're forgiven this time. But do this again, and you won't have such a light sentence."

"Yes, Seeker Vane." He said. I knew he was using the title because he saw me as being a 'seeker' right now – I had flexed my authority over the tower today and he knew it. He had to do it.

"Good – I will be going to check in on Lona and Lee now. This goes for all of you – just because I am easy-going most of the time does not mean I am a push-over or weak! Do I make myself clear?" I said with a raised voice.

"Yes, Ser!" was chorused back to me by the Templars on the floor. I gave a firm nod.

Cullen had his arm around my shoulders as we walked away from Greagoirs' office. His lowered voice whispered, "That was… hot…"

I gave him an amused look – oh, how sexy, the confidence he had gained since our first night together… I loved him. "What was?"

"When you take charge like that. I didn't know you had such a… dominant side."

"It's called the dark side of Aquarius – all of the star signs have one. Aquarius gets cold, aloof or very dark when angry. Anyway, how have you been, my love?"

He smiled, "Training hard – Greagoir has been accommodating to us having Tai Chi lessons daily. 1-4 of regular Tai Chi then Solona and Alim help me train in Plate Armor for 2 hours – they don't have Becca doing it because you didn't say…"

I shrugged, "I don't care if Becca does so or not – she's a great girl and a great Templar, but I'm not as worried about her as I am about you."

He flushed, "I worry for you too when you are not here. Your letters have gotten… darker."

"Something is coming – I just don't know what. You know the Darkspawn are appearing in the south – I'm terrified that we may end up in another of the Blights soon. My visions indicate that I must… stay home in Herring – at least for the first two weeks – and then… they shoot to me coming here? I don't understand – they've never been so vague. It's like… like I need to be home but if I knew why I'd try to prevent it – so what terrible thing is going to happen? Cullen… I'm scared."

He stopped us on the stairs leading to the Mage floor and pulled me into his arms, "If anything happens – I'm here for you. I will do all that I can to help you – no matter what."

I let him hold me – I needed the comfort and reassurance that his presence brought me. I knew what needed to be done – the fact that my visions really were like that showed the truth in my words. I had to let Bryce and Eleanor die. But then there was… I also had a vision that I could save Oren. Little Oren would live and that was the best I could do for Fergus. Damn it.

We moved on again – finding Solona and Alim in their class. I walked right in, "I'm taking Amell and Surana – now."

Both stood up without hesitation. Their teacher, Senior Enchanter Sweeney looked incensed at the interruption. "What is the meaning of this?"

"Orders from my superiors are to train them harder in Tai Chi; Solona, Alim, Cullen and Becca need to be better for a potential blight that is coming. We're not sure – the Wardens are getting restless and that's never a good sign. It may have been 400 years, but we do know that there are still 3 Old Gods that haven't been tainted – and there are Darkspawn appearing in the south. With the massive benefits to Tai Chi for both Mages and Templars, the Right Hand is having me pull all four of them from regular duty for consistent training while I'm in the tower. They may go back to 'buissness as usual' when I'm not here, Sweeney."

Whispers rose up from the students. Cullen coughed, "Greagoir isn't going to like this…"

"Greagoir can stuff it in his pipe – I'm angry with him for his misconduct and…"

A cough sounded behind me – I glanced and saw the Commander himself, "When were you going to tell me these orders?"

I handed him the letter from Cass and said, "I suppose now. I was going to let you come to me when Cullen and Becca stopped showing up for their posts due to higher orders. This is what happens when I get angry, Knight-Commander – I become like any irrational female and start withholding information."

He flinched at the reminder of what he'd done. He looked over the letter – it was completely official; seal of office, full titles, authorization from the divine for my escapade since we had such wonderful results already, and even the Divines' Seal.

His eyes widened as he shoved the letter back at me as though it had burned him – stunning the people around us. "You have the… that was signed by the Divine, Valeria!"

Gasps rang out as I gave him a smirk, "Like I said – my superiors want this done since the Wardens' are giving mummers about potential blights. This comes' straight from the top. They want me to take more students – preferably Templars – but I told Cass that I couldn't reasonable train more than 5 at a time if she wanted good results and to think of this as an experiment – who knows what might happen if they do get to Black Belt Fifth Stripe? Solona is already getting close – she hit black belt before I left, and may get to fifth stripe before I leave again. Now, if you will excuse me Commander, I have recruits to teach – as of this moment, they are my people and report to me until I leave."

He crossed his arms over his chest and bowed – all grievances with me forgotten with the seal of the Divine, "By your orders, Seeker Vane."

I whistled, "Knight Lake – retrieve Hunter Becca and have her report to the Dojo at once."

"Yes, Seeker Vane!" he saluted and scurried off to find her. Solona and Alim trailed behind me like full on honor guards and Cullen walked beside me like he wasn't quite sure what just happened.

When everyone was gathered, I locked the door to the Dojo and stripped. Cullen gaped, "What… what are you…?"

"Get changed – all of you. I'm doing testing on belt colors first. Solona, how much did you teach Cullen?"

"He progressed faster than I would have thought, but since I'm not authorized for Belt testing, I just… I taught him up to green in cloth and he can… he's able to do up to green in plate as well."

I was highly impressed. I looked at Alim, "Beccas' status – report."

"Orange Belt, Sensei." He said. I nodded, "Lona, have you been practicing your own forms?"

"I believe I'm ready for a stripe."

"What about you, Alim?" I asked.

"I'm ready for my red belt." He'd finally taken purple before I left. I nodded, "Like I said – get changed. Cullen was done changing first – he gets tested first. Then I will test Becca."

Becca sat off to the side already – in the way I taught them when we had spectators. I looked at Cullen, "We test on Orange belt first then green. I know you've been learning the moves for Dark Blue as well – do you think you're ready for that?"

"Not with certainty – I'd say about half ready." I nodded, "Then after I finish testing everyone, I will move to train you more. This next month is going to be brutal – we will only be stopping for meals and bed time – and you will only have one off day each week if you want it. Get used to sweat and exhaustion, because I plan to have you all in the higher belt colors before I leave – no more 'relaxed' method. Solona and Alim should already be at black-five – but I was relaxed in my teachings."

Becca hissed a breath, "You mean… you've been treating them like beginners?"

"No – I've been treating this all as meditation, not life-saving techniques! If I had realized that another damn blight was coming, I would have pushed them harder and made them take their own classes – get it?"

Becca nodded, "You've been treating it as a hobby, not training."

I nodded back, "Correct – Cullen, begin."

Cullen passed Orange and Green. Becca did go to Orange. Alim was now red and Solona got her first stripe.

I moved around the class room showing each of them what needed to be done before going to Solona, "You have mastered the wind chasing fan. Now you must learn Five Elements Broadsword and Five Elements Flute. Despite the names, these have nothing to do with magic or element – hence why even Templars will be able to learn it. This is your sword for the practice and this… well this is your 'flute'," I handed her a sword and a long cylindrical stick. She nodded seriously.

I showed her the steps to broadsword first, and made her practice. I moved to Alim and showed him how to do the Long Sword Form. He could practice that for a moment. Becca was shown Plum Blossom Fan to try before I moved to Cullen. He flushed, "That form had been… embarrassing – mostly because I liked the feel of the fan."

I chuckled, "It's addictive to play with it, right?"

"If I hadn't gotten so caught up in playing with it, I may have advanced faster."

I loved that he'd admit that so openly to me. "Right, the next form you get to practice is called 40-form. Like this." I demonstrated.

He nodded, "Solona showed me the forms already, but I… I do like seeing you in motion."

I flushed, "Professionals in the Dojo, my love. You all practice – I will retrieve lunch."

The all nodded.

I made it to the mess hall when Irving intercepted me, "I hear we have a Maleficar loose in the tower?"

"Jowan – but tell no one. I only want the rumors of blood magic – if people know who then it will be wondered why he is not captured at once. I have a trap in place for now, Irving – when Lona or Lee comes to you about it…"

I told him the plan after making sure no one was listening. His eyes widened, "You can't just tell Greagoir who the Traitor is? You said it's one of the Chantry people…"

"You think he would believe that the traitor isn't a blood thrall? Not even from me, Irving. He'd want proof – so we give it to him. Do I make myself clear?"

He nodded, "Perfectly."

"Good – help me carry these trays for lunch." He did so. I carried three he carried two. I could have taken all five.

When we got back to the room I said, "Lunch Break."

That's how it went for the next two weeks. We trained hard. Solona had reached Master – her black jacket gaining a gold stripe along the borders to show that. Alim was just a step away. Becca reached only Purple because she decided she wanted to try in plate armor like Cullen too. Cullen had reached Brown-Five. Constant training had improved them drastically – this was no longer a meditation, it was war… of a sort. They had all become more determined to learn knowing that the Divine had approved this venture and that there was a possible war coming. I just hoped that the Tai Chi would have enough benefits to help save Cullen when the tower fell.

Solona and Alim were powerful now – they had complete control over their magic. Alims' healing was almost on par with Anders – who was still somehow better, though no one knew why. Solona was a Primal Mage, so she had elemental mastery – though mine was better and yes I was bragging about that.

Cullen, as an almost black belt, had gained an impressive control of his Templar abilities – his Holy Smite could be narrowed to one person or include a whole tower floor (That had been a fun test), he could drain a mages mana completely, his cleanse was powerful enough they had to re-set Wards on the basement (oops), his magic resistance was at 70% (Even in inquisition, max was 50% and he was still only a brown belt), he could utilize 'Wrath of Heaven' – an ability that summoned a pillar of light to stun demons and mages.

He was godly in his Templar abilities. I told him to keep most of them quiet for the time being because I didn't want him forced into anything. He told me he would keep it quite just because he knew it would impact me – people forcing me to teach more.

I was lying with Cullen one night when he said, "Damn it."

I looked at him, "What's wrong?"

He sat up and I took only a moment to admire his improved physique before sitting up with him. He looked at me, "I've been thinking…"

"That's never a good sign," I quipped. He laughed, "No, I suppose it isn't. Regardless, I was thinking about… the wardens, the potential blight, and us… and… I still don't… have a completely clear mind about it, but I want you to marry me. If this is a new Blight, we may not… get the chance later down the road. I love you, Valeria."

I put my arms around him, "And I love you – more than words or actions could ever express. But I don't want to risk you regretting it later – which is why I want you to be sure."

He growled, "I'm sure I want to marry you. Perhaps it isn't the best time, but I do want this. My doubts are not about you."

I was shocked, "What are they about then?"

"I… well, I mean… I'm… you're a noble woman, beautiful and courageous and strong… and I'm… I'm just a boy from a farm in a town many have never heard of, and… I'm just a Templar Lieutenant."

I sighed, "I thought you might… react like this. Cullen – I'm an Orphan with bad memories or baggage, as some people call it. Many would find my quirks off-putting. I'm quite overweight despite my constant exercise and proper eating; my hair would make many think twice because it's too… unique. My eyes are purple – not the normal green, brown, blue or what-have-you. I'm short – enough that I have trouble reaching things if I don't use my elemental abilities; some people find that off-putting because I'm human but short enough to be an elf. Despite the fact that the Couslands' fostered me, my claim to nobility died when I did."

He flinched at the reminder that I had been killed at one point – because that was how the spell worked. "You're lovely, Valeria – I love your hair and the way it turns colors in the light, your eyes remind me of my favorite flower and you fit quite well in my arms so your height is actually rather nice. As for weight, perish the thought that it makes you any less – it just means people will underestimate you. And you are fostered by Lord Cousland – regardless of your circumstances that does make you a noble woman in Ferelden."

I flushed, "Fine – putting all that aside… I love you, Cullen. If I married someone else, it would only be political. I'd be unhappy and you can't tell me that you would enjoy the thought of me in someone elses arms if you love me. I know I would rip the hair out of any woman who thought to attempt to take you from me."

He smiled at that last bit though his eyes had darkened when I mentioned the possibility of me being with someone else. He took a deep breath, "You're sure… you're positive that you wouldn't… find someone else more… suitable?"

I snorted, "No other man at least. Maybe if you leave me I'll try things out with Lona."

He snorted, "You know most men actually fantasize about that."

"What, about two women in bed together? Oh I know – ever since our 'show' 2 months ago when Lona implied she and I were together she's gotten more offers for tumbles. I have too but honestly, I only want you. Unless you're telling me you want to watch me with Lona…"

He flushed, "The… I mean… it may have crossed my mind… once… but no, I… I love you, Valeria – and if you really believe that you wouldn't be happier… with someone else… then I want you to marry me – I want to marry you, to call you my wife, to show everyone that they can't have you and I can."

I straddled his lap, "Mmmh… call me that again…"

"What… my wife?" he asked in confusion. I kissed him roughly, "I think I like that… very much."

He groaned – we were both naked so I could just… move a little and… "Oh, Makers' Breath… is that a yes?"

I whimpered, "Yes… when I turn 18 in Guardian, provided there's… oh… nothing pressing…"

His arms came around me and he buried his face in my neck, "I can't wait."