"In the meantime, it would appear we are to expect company." Dorian gestured lazily out of the window towards three cloaked figures riding rapidly up the estate's drive.

Seren squinted at the horizon trying to make out any indication of the visitors' allegiance, her tired eyes protesting against the dawn light. "Why at this hour?", she groaned.

"No rest for the wicked, my dear." Without another word Dorian sauntered off down the hall, more than a little unsteady on his feet, leaving Seren staring out of the window with a bad feeling in her stomach.

Or perhaps that's just the alcohol. As if summoned by the thought alone, a wave of nausea threatened to consume her. Ugh, okay, just don't think about it.

After a few more seconds watching the riders approach at speed, there was a flash. No, more of a glint. Sunlight catching on silver plating- Armour. But something else, something different, something identifiable. Masks… Chevaliers.

Seren spun on her heels as the knights rode through the main gates, heading for the entrance hall. Regardless of their exact purpose here, the Chevaliers' presence meant trouble and as far as Seren was concerned, trouble could wait. At least until after breakfast.

By the time she reached Vivienne's grand entranceway, the knights had been welcomed inside by a nervous servant. Having noticed the Lieutenant on the landing above, the servant quickly excused herself and scurried out of sight and mind. Seren caught a glimpse of her dishevelled self in a nearby mirror, suddenly very aware she was not about to make a good first impression. She came to a halt at the top of the stairs, took a steadying breath and cleared her throat.

"May I help you?" Her voice echoed around the large room, drawing the attention of the three chevaliers in the hall below. The knights were dressed alike with matching masks and armour, although one stood before the others accentuating their differing rank. Though more challenging to tell male from female, Seren hazarded that the Commander was male, being both taller and broader than his companions. He observed her for a couple of seconds before speaking.

"We seek an audience with the Inquisitor." It was the Commander who spoke, his voice clear despite his helmet.

"I see," Seren said. "Unfortunately, the Inquisitor is currently indisposed."

"Well make her disposed." The Commander spoke carefully, with an arrogant undertone that suggested he expected Seren to turn on her heels and scamper away in search of the Inquisitor that very second. She instead stood her ground.

"I expect your ride has been tiring and considering the hour, that you would appreciate something to fill your stomachs." As if by magic, a servant appeared from the direction of the kitchen, already eager to assist. Vivienne really does run a tight ship. Seren gestured in the serving girl's direction, careful to maintain a smile. "My friend here will help in that regard, and once the Inquisitor is amenable…"

"I request an immediate audience on behalf of the Empress. By her will, we seek the Inquisitor's aid and by the Maker, I swear we shall have it. Do I make myself clear?" The Chevalier's voice boomed around the hall, his words hanging in the air as Seren tried to contain her anger. Determined to maintain composure, the Lieutenant began her ascent down the staircase, with a levelled expression and what she hoped was an air of authority.

"Careful now, I wouldn't like us to fall out. The Inquisitor will grant you an audience on her time, not yours."

"And who, exactly, do you think you are to deny the request of Celene Valmont, first of her name, Empress of Orlais?"

"Lieutenant Pasquet, second to the Commander of the Inquisition," Seren said flatly. "You'll have to excuse my state of dress and the lack of a welcome party, but we weren't expecting company. I assure you that I will personally make the Inquisitor aware of your presence and the urgent need of her assistance once it is possible. But in the meantime, the least I can do is offer you breakfast." She paused for a moment before adding, "I could go and wake Commander Rutherford if you would like, but he'll tell you exactly the same thing. Just a tad more grumpily I imagine seeing as he, like the Inquisitor, is currently asleep."

The knight hesitated, seemingly taken aback by this revelation. When he finally spoke, his tone was miraculously more respectful, if a little terse.

"Very well. A meal would be greatly appreciated considering, as you say, the hour. Thank you, Lieutenant." The Commander nodded to Seren before he and his knights trailed after the serving girl into the depths of the house.

Alone, Seren took another deep breath and retreated back upstairs, desperate to change into something that didn't smell like she'd spent the night on the floor of a brewery.

Having eaten their fill and ultimately passed on Celene's message, the Chevaliers left in less of a hurry than they had arrived, if only marginally so. Maegan and her companions left for Emprise du Lion soon after, worse for wear and agitated by the report of the Red Templars' occupation of Sahrnia. As a precaution, Stitches, Krem and Grim had remained behind to assist with Rainier's transfer back to Skyhold; trouble wasn't expected, but then again, it rarely ever is.

Cullen had grown quiet at breakfast, clearly troubled by the Chevaliers' revelation regarding Emprise du Lion and eager to return to Skyhold for the full report. His concern etched itself into his features when he thought no one was looking, deepening the fine lines that traced his forehead and bringing new shadows into his eyes. Keen to keep their new relationship secret for the time being and unable to find a moment alone, the pair had only shared passing civilities where the Commander had downplayed his worries. Seren still offered gentle reassurances with a tender smile but wished she could have been of more comfort to the man she loved. But there would be time later, she just hoped that was enough.


They'd arrived in the muggy streets of Val Royeaux in the early afternoon and Seren's mood had gone downhill dramatically from there. A headache had taken root, threatening to become a migraine at any moment, and her stomach was churning so badly it was a struggle to keep what little breakfast she had forced down, well, down.

"Good morning, Lieutenant."

"Krem." Seren acknowledged the Charger who had appeared at her side without turning to him; even the slightest movement of her head caused the world to wobble in the most disturbingly nauseating way, so her gaze remained fixed on the jail door. Krem smirked.

"Late night?"

"Rather a very long day." She replied, before admitting, "And night."

"And another one coming your way."

"Please don't remind me." Skyhold and her comfy quarters were still many, many miles away... She just wished they could hurry up and get on the road. But the Orlesians must have been stalling.

Something behind Seren caught Krem's eye. "What in Thedas…?"

Seren followed the Charger's gaze to where two young soldiers were navigating a large caged wagon from the yard behind the jail into the small square towards them. Holy shit, you've got to be kidding…

"Looks like we're in for a subtle journey home." Krem joked.

"Not if I have anything to say about it." Seren bristled, already striding her way into the soldiers' path, nausea be damned.

"Hi there. Lieutenant Pasquet of the Inquisition, lovely to meet you both." Deliberately ignoring the confused looks that met her introduction, Seren barrelled on. "Very sorry that you've had to wheel this all the way out here but it's a no from me. So, if you could just turn that contraption around and wheel it all the way back where it came from, that would be greatly appreciated."

The soldiers exchanged looks before one plucked up the courage to speak.

"We have orders that this is how you are to transport the prisoner."

"No," Seren replied flatly.

"No?"

"Exactly. Thank you for your understanding! Now, as I said, let's turn this hunk of jun– I mean, hunk of prisoner containment equipment around and we can all go about our lives."

"We have strict orders–", the soldier tried again.

"Yes, yes. Heard you the first time. But you now have new strict orders, see? I know it's early and you've pushed it all the way here and everything, but I've had very little sleep and my patience is about the width of a… you know, a thing… a thingy!" The soldiers only offered blank stares in return. "Not even going to try and give me any suggestions, huh? Okay then, fine. Well, something very, very small. So, on that note, let's get this show on the road…"

Seren stepped forward, taking hold of the metal bars and began trying to push the wagon back in the direction it had come from. It wouldn't budge. The Orlesian soldiers simply watched on, uncertain of how to proceed. So, she tried again, gritted her teeth and shoved using her entire weight. The wheels squeaked as her feet slipped out from under her, but the wagon rolled back barely an inch. For fucks sake.

"A hand? Please?"

"We have strict orders–"

"Are you stuck on a loop or just trying to piss me off?" Seren glared at the soldiers, squaring up for an argument she was determined to win despite her pounding head and churning stomach.

"Lieutenant, is there a problem?" Cullen had exited the jail, though neither Josephine nor Rainier followed. Still stalling then.

"Commander, just the person! Please tell these kind gentlemen that we won't be needing–"

"We're taking it, Lieutenant. It is part of the arrangement." Cullen said, firm but clearly uncomfortable.

Seren snorted. But when Cullen didn't admit his ruse, realisation dawned.

"Oh Maker, you are serious?! We're taking the birdcage?"

"Lieutenant, check yourself." He said sternly, giving her a look that begged her to drop it. "This equipment has been generously loaned to the Inquisition to ensure the safe transportation of a dangerous criminal. We are very grateful. Thank you, gentlemen, for bringing this out to us. We can take it from here, you are both dismissed."

Hesitant but also unwilling to question the authority of the Commander of the Inquisition, the soldiers retreated the way they had come, risking a few awkward backwards glances at him and his eccentric Lieutenant. "Fereldens." One muttered to the other, earning a laugh as they disappeared around the back of the jail.

Orlesians. Seren rolled her eyes and turned to Cullen. Sure that the soldiers were out of sight and not quite willing to back down despite his warning, she said in a lowered voice "You cannot be serious?"

"Seren, please. I am just as displeased about this as you are, but we have no choice. We need to be seen to be taking this situation seriously and we can only do that by accepting their terms."

"It's a fucking birdcage!" she hissed.

"It's not a birdcage–"

"Are we looking at the same thing? It may as bloody well be! Like Krem said, it's not exactly the subtlest way to travel home."

'We'll make do." Cullen gave her a pointed look, making it clear the discussion was over. A tense moment passed, neither sure how to continue. He then smiled, diffusing the whole situation with, "Have I ever told you how charming you are when you're angry?"

"You're funny." Surprised by the turn in conversation, Seren felt her lips twitch up at the corners. That's it, time to accept defeat. She took a breath before mumbling, "I'm sorry, I'm tired."

"And grumpy."

"You try being up all night drinking your body weight and then being here! In this humidity. With a birdcage. You'd be grumpy too!"

"You didn't make it to bed at all then?"

"Do I look like I did?" Seren sighed, "Actually, don't answer that."

Smiling softly, Cullen leant close; close enough to whisper, but not enough to reveal their newly uncovered intimacy to any prying eyes. "You're beautiful even when hungover and grouchy. Just remind me never to get on the wrong side of you."

"Smooth, very smooth." Seren swallowed back her smile.

"Showtime," Cullen said; Josephine had appeared in the doorway, shadowed by two more Orlesian soldiers escorting a shackled Rainer. With it still hard to fathom how they had reached this point, Seren's heart sank further at the sight of their new prisoner being loaded into the wagon. Bloody Orlesians.

Before she could stop herself, she'd caught the Commander's arm, "Cullen?"

"Yes?"

"We lose the birdcage when we cross onto Ferelden soil," she said, firm but quiet enough so as not to be overheard. "At least until Skyhold."

For a moment he studied her. Then, with a brief smile and a nod, he agreed.

With that finally settled, Seren excused herself to find a discreet place to throw up.


As promised, at the Ferelden border, a horse was acquired for Rainier and the wagon trailed along empty in their wake. His wrists remained shackled, though Seren thought even this was unnecessary; Rainier was a broken man who barely spoke, ate or slept. He wasn't about to make a run for it and he certainly wasn't a threat. But there was no point pushing the issue; custom dictates prisoners be bound. The Inquisition couldn't be seen treating a murderer with any further preferential treatment.

Their arrival at Skyhold was sombre. Rainier was once again caged as they made their approach. Many watched on in an eerie silence, jarred by one of their own being unceremoniously led down into the dungeon.

Seren found the gossip that ensued unbearable. Without Maegan, Rainier's trial was on hold indefinitely which left a lot of room for conjecture; the gossip of servants echoed in the draughty halls, the banter of soldiers occupied the barracks and the scruples of the visiting nobility were impossible not to overhear. The Lieutenant had found herself glancing towards the gates more often than she would care to admit, wordlessly pleading for the Inquisitor to return and put an end to it.

Adding insult to injury, within minutes of their arrival Cullen was swept up with new reports from Sahrnia. In the weeks that followed, he threw himself into his work, uneasy about the developments coming from the Dales and desperate to track Samson. By nightfall each day, the strain would catch up to Cullen. Seren knew he was overdoing it, but she also knew better than to voice her concern; he needed to do this. So instead she chose to do what she could from the side-lines, ever nearby but never a distraction.

Seeing as their schedules were rarely overlapping, Seren took to stealing fleeting moments; a second between briefings here, a quick kiss a top the battlements there. At the end of each day, she would check in with a pot of tea and whatever sweet treat she could scrounge from the kitchen. They'd talk, she'd glance through reports he tossed her way, and he'd ask about the day's training as she'd picked up his slack. When the pot was cold and their eyelids had grown heavy, Seren would leave. Whether due to exhaustion or his focus on Samson, Cullen's nightmares were mercifully being kept at bay so Seren stayed away; they both needed their sleep. And Cullen had not asked her to stay…

Which is fine, he is busy. Plus, I have zero intention of adding fuel to gossip wildfire that's already blazing through Skyhold.

Although the pair had not explicitly discussed it, revealing their fledging relationship to the rest of the keep was far from a priority. It didn't feel like the right time – there was so much new and unknown that they needed to work through together. And, though she may not want to admit it, Seren grew increasingly unsure as to whether there would ever be a right time, but that was a hurdle for later. Cross that bridge if and when Seren…

The news of the Inquisitor's imminent return finally reached Skyhold a little under a month after the Inquisitor had set off for the Emprise du Lion. Hearing the news over dinner, Seren wolfed down the contents of her plate and dashed in the direction of the kitchens, determined to intercept Lilly on her way to Cullen's office with his meal; an emergency meeting of the inner circle would surely steal away their usual time alone together later.

Plate in hand, Seren scurried across the courtyard to Cullen's office and darted through his office door as a perfectly timed recruit left.

"Good evening Commander," she said, nudging the door shut behind her. "I come bearing a rather delicious roast dinner."

Cullen glanced up from the reports littering his desk. "You're not my usual server."

"Well I hope you're not disappointed."

"Hardly." The pair shared a smile as Seren approached the desk and deposited the plate of steaming food carefully between his papers. "I'm assuming you've heard the Inquisitor is due back any time?"

"I have. Which is why I'm bringing you dinner in a bid to steal a minute or two with you now." Seren tidied a few papers into a pile and hopped up to sit on the edge of his desk. "Et voila!"

Cullen glanced at his meal. "Looks good."

"Oh, it is. May have pinched a pig-in-blanket on my way up here."

"May have?" He asked, eyebrow raised.

"I definitely pinched one."

"Don't know why I'm surprised," Cullen laughed.

"You got three!" Seren complained. "Everyone else only got two – there is favouritism at work here!"

"So, you rectified the situation by eating one of mine?"

"Spot on."

"Meaning you got 3..."

"Payment for bringing my handsome, yet rather spoiled Commander his dinner. Now tell me, how much are you bribing the kitchen staff?" Seren teased.

"Not a penny, I am innocent on all accounts. You know, Lilly doesn't steal my pigs-in-blankets."

"Well no, but Lilly doesn't do this either." Seren leant across, stealing a kiss.

"No, she doesn't." Without warning, Cullen pulled her down from the desk onto his lap, eliciting a squeal of surprise from Seren. They laughed and he cradled her closer, their lips delightfully meeting again.

"I'm sorry we've not had much time together since– well, all of this." Cullen said, his amber eyes studying her face.

"That's okay. You've got a lot on your plate and it's important. We'll have time later." She added, only half joking, "Just as long as you haven't gone off me by then."

"After more than half a lifetime of loving you, I thought you would know that is impossible." Cullen spoke without hesitation, his expression so serious that Seren's heart skipped and she felt her cheeks flush.

"I don't know, I can be seriously annoying."

"This is true."

"Hey!" Seren playfully slapped him across the chest with the back of her hand and they laughed together before Cullen's lips once more met hers.

"Seren." He murmured softly against her lips, arousing a delicious ache deep inside his Lieutenant.

"Ser?"

Caught, the pair froze. Well shit. Their eyes met, wide and unsure.

Equally surprised, if not more so, Wilson stopped awkwardly in the doorway he had unceremoniously forgotten to knock at a moment before. Seren was grateful when Cullen broke the silence first.

"Don't you knock?" With a glare, Cullen barked at the soldier at the door; to this, Seren hid her face in his shoulder and desperately fought to supress a laugh.

"I er... I was… it's ur-urgent Ser." Wilson stammered, his eyes darting in any direction away from that of his Commander and Lieutenant.

"Well?!"

"The uh-Inquisitor has ar-arrived- Ser."

"Soldier, you're dismissed." Cullen growled.

"Yes Ser!" With his tail between his legs, Wilson dashed out like his life depended on it, the door left to bang shut behind him.

Still trying to contain her amusement, Seren said, "Well, that cat is well and truly out of the bag."

"You don't say." Cullen rubbed his eyes; deep lines traced his forehead. "It's going to be all round Skyhold before breakfast."

"I give it an hour. Tops. On the plus side, he is definitely going to knock next time." Seren joked lightly.

"I'm glad you find this amusing."

"I'm mortified! But unless you want to hide a body with me, we've been well and truly outed." Mulling over Cullen's reaction, she added, "You're not regretting this, are you?"

"No! Maker's breath, no!" Cullen exclaimed, instantly calming Seren's anxieties. He cupped her face with his hand and began gently stroking her cheek. "I was just hoping for more time, just the two of us."

Again, he tipped her face to meet him, his lips caressing hers and tongue exploring her mouth. Cullen's mouth was sweet and hot, and the fingers of one hand now tangled in her hair while his other hand gripped her body tighter to him; Seren lost herself to the moment, content to let everything else slip away. At least, that is, until the niggling feeling of their responsibility grew too loud to ignore.

"Okay, okay." Seren breathed heavily, reluctantly trying to create space between the pair. "Duty calls. You need to eat, and I need to go… somewhere, anywhere else because you're in for a long night debriefing. And I won't be strong enough to leave in a minute." Seren smiled, disentangled herself from Cullen's hands and hopped off his lap. "Goodnight Commander."

"Goodnight Lieutenant." Cullen watched her leave with a warm, gentle smile; at the door, Seren met his gaze, offered a playful smile and a wink in return before slipping out into the night.


A/N: How has it been 4 years O.o

I promise I am still working on this story - I just now have 2 jobs and very little time to write. One day this story will be finished - you have lockdown to thank for this update. I hope you enjoy it!

I hope you are all safe and well during these bizarre times 3

Also, Dragon Age 4 looks so promising - the excitement is real.