Necromancy. Ellana had heard a little of the black magic specialization during her days in Clan Lavellan – rumors, really. An apostate mage who practiced necromancy had stumbled across their camp years ago. Ellana found even his description of the magic to be eerie. It was the darkest and most controversial magic a mage could practice without crossing the line to banishment within the Chantry. The Dalish held no such opinions, yet Keeper Deshanna had encouraged the clan to stay away from such things as it would only draw attention from the shems and Templars.

Now, she was to become a necromancer. Ellana hadn't yet processed her thoughts on the matter. She looked over at Cullen and grimaced; he had certainly made his thoughts on the matter quite clear.

Her mind flashed back to an hour earlier, when she and Cullen stood before Cassandra and the First Enchanter of Cumberland inside the small Inn.

"It will not cure you, fully." The man spoke, correcting Cassandra's earliest statement regarding the Litany of Adralla.

"What does that mean?" Cullen angrily stepped closer towards the old mage.

"A lingering darkness." He warned that the temporary grasp that blood magic had on Ellana's heart would leave a lingering darkness. Ellana lowered her eyes as she quieted her thoughts and quickly scanned her body. 'Fenedhis.' He was right – she felt something.

So now they were off to the main city of Nevarra, in search of a man who specialized in necromancy. The First Enchanter claimed he had quickly risen to being one of the top instructors in Nevarra; if anyone could teach her the fundamentals of the skill in such a short time, it would be him.

"Why necromancy?" Cullen had suspiciously asked the old mage. He and Ellana had a minor conversation on the trade sometime over the past year – it came up randomly in a conversation one afternoon in his office. He had made his position very clear that afternoon at Skyhold and reiterated the sentiment while they stood in the Inn: the Commander was adamantly against the practice.

It was close enough to the practice of blood magic that it could repurpose the lingering darkness within Ellana to something serviceable – a new skill to wield. Cullen's face had scrunched up at the First Enchanter's statement.

"Close enough to blood magic… sounds lovely." Alistair snorted.

They held a vote to see which of them believe the First Enchanter's tale and it was 3 – 0; Cullen refused to cast a vote and simply said he would support Ellana's decision. Ellana knew it was more or less him not wanting to take another stand against her… so really, the vote stood at 3 – 1.

Avexis stood by quietly listening before stating that necromancy was a widely accepted practice in Nevarra – it was not considered to be controversial or dangerous in this land. Ellana slightly startled at the Elf's voice – she hadn't spoken much to her sister since leaving the Cumberland Circle and felt uncomfortable in her presence. It was the tranquility, she told herself. How could you have a normal conversation with someone in that state? How could you reconnect with someone so important?

Ellana's thoughts were pulled back to the present time and she glanced ahead towards the long, windy road that led to the main city of Nevarra. The First Enchanter had mentioned the necromancy trainer was an Elf. Ellana hoped he would be accommodating and start her training at once. She was becoming exhausted and wanted to return to Skyhold at their earliest convenience. She didn't like what Nevarra was doing to her… didn't like what it was doing to her and Cullen. They hadn't spoken about his Templar abilities since leaving the Circle. She had heard him briefly mention it to Cassandra and so it appeared his abilities remained; had returned for good. Her practice of necromancy was only to drive them further apart, she was sure.

She glanced over at Cullen and cringed; Avexis was riding on his horse this afternoon, seated calmly before him while he held the reins. Ellana was struck by their mere difference in size: how tiny she looked in comparison to the Commander. 'Is that how we look?' How unnatural the two bodies looked beside one another, a strange sight. She furrowed her brow and looked away; when did she start caring about how they appeared to others? She cared for how it felt with him – and it felt… right… didn't it? She picked up her speed, eager to gain distance from the two and focus her thoughts on the task ahead: find the Elven trainer in the main city of Nevarra.

Everything would be better in Skyhold. She forced a lump down her throat and took a deep breath. They just needed to get back there. She could work towards curing Avexis, finally start to develop a relationship with her – finally hold a conversation; and Cullen – they would return to normal in Skyhold. It was this place – it made everything complicated. It made Ellana feel unhinged.

Hours later, the group pulled over for a quick rest to stretch their legs and restock on water from a nearby lake. Ellana was absentmindedly staring off into the distance when she felt Cullen's arms wrap around her from behind.

"Your sister tells me she can ride." He whispered into her ear, "The Templars would bring her occasionally to the city and taught her how to handle a horse."

Ellana tensed, "Why? To make a mockery of her and send a signal of what will become of any misbehaving mage?"

Cullen loosened his grip and walked in front of her, "I hadn't meant to anger you. I meant – she could ride on her own, if you'd like. I thought you may want to…"

"Oh," Ellana sighed and dropped her anger. "I hadn't considered that. Um, yes… actually, I'd quite like that." She walked into his arms, lying her head down to rest on his chest and found herself surprised at how eager she was to ride on his horse for the rest of the afternoon, to feel him holding her close. "I need to feel connected to you." She whispered.

"You don't?" He glanced down at her with a surprised eyebrow raised.

"Physically, I meant." She corrected herself and lightly smiled. "I miss you."

"I'm right here, my love. Anytime you need a reminder of that, you have only to ask." He tightened his arms around her and placed a light kiss on her forehead. She furrowed her head closer into his neck and let her lips rest gently on his skin. She needed this.

…

Ellana threw her head back in defeat. They had been in the main city for two days now, searching for this so-called necromancy trainer. The First Enchanter had not given them a name, simply stating that if they arriving in the city and put the call out for his whereabouts, the mysterious Elf would hunt them out. Ellana and her companions had been asking for information on him for two days, speaking with every bar maiden, merchant, city guard – everyone! Nothing had happened. No one had contacted them; no one had hunted them down. This was infuriating! How were they to find one man in such a large city?

Ellana angrily sat down on a pile of crates in the alleyway where she had just exited from another shop. Cullen and the others were in other shops and buildings along this part of town - they were all to meet here once they finished searching this part of the city.

"Ellana." a man's voice called out from her right.

Turning her head, she widened her eyes in complete shock. "Silvhen…?" she could hardly believe it; her clan-mate, her ex-partner, he stood before her in shemlen city clothes with a smile on his face.

He walked towards her with a pleased smirk on his face, "I thought it may be… at the description: a blonde elf with markings on her face, asking for me. Couldn't be sure until I saw you. I hear you go by many names these days, Da'len."

"Many that the shemlen have given me, yes." She laughed, "I suppose Inquisitor is growing on me… much preferred to the Harold – but wait, what do you mean 'asking for you'?" Her mouth parted at her sudden realization, "Are you… the necromancy specialist?"

He smiled. Ellana was stunned – this was excellent! Her fear of having to persuade the mysterious trainer to help them quickly dissipated.

"Ellana." She heard Cassandra's voice call out and watched as the rest of her group turned the corner. Cullen gave the unknown male elf a scrutinizing look and Ellana's stomach dropped a little. Well, it was fantastic in some areas… Silvhen would certainly help her; Cullen however, would likely find another word to describe the coincidence of her ex-lover being the revered necromancy specialist.

Cullen set his gaze upon Silvhen as Ellana caught him up to speed on why they needed him to train her in the dark magic art. He was surprised that Ellana shared all of the details – including her partial possession from practicing blood magic. Clearly, she trusted his man… and so Cullen resolved to attempt the same. 'It was only a physical connection between us.' Her words torturously echoed through his mind, causing him to grind his teeth in defense. He hated standing before another man who… his jaw clenched – had Ellana, in that way, before. He found himself slightly surprised that Silvhen was another mage; Ellana hadn't mentioned that. Both Dalish and both mages…

The male elf was nearly the complete opposite of Cullen. Silvhen had long dark brown hair that fell shortly below his shoulders, held together in a clasp behind his neck. He was tall, yet not as tall as Cullen. His torso was slender and he had dark green vallaslin lines that spread across his face. Cullen wondered which God the markings represented – they were far more consuming of his face than Ellana's; hers were delicate and beautiful… this brought his attention over to her and he found himself instinctively shuffling closer, wanting to reach out and place his arm around her waist in a bold declaration. She glanced at him and fondly reached out for his hand, smiling as she turned to Silvhen and spoke of the Commander's role within the Inquisition. The motion calmed his nerves and he lightly stroked his thumb against her finger in appreciation.

"This isn't something that can be learnt in mere days!" Silvhen laughed, "Months, maybe – if you're lucky. Mastered in a year, perhaps."

"I'm not looking to become a master." Ellana shrugged her shoulders, "are you sure it can't be… expedited? I can't remain here for months, we have work which requires us back at Skyhold."

Silvhen gave her a contemplative stare. After a few moments of silence and quiet study, he lightly chuckled. "I've becoming bored of this place. I'll accompany you to Skyhold – we can begin your training along the way and finalize it at your settlement. I'll stay until you have a handle on the trade and then I'll take my departure; not looking to get involved with your righteous crusade to bring peace upon Thedas – hope you'll understand." He flashed a smirk towards her.

Ellana glanced at the rest of her companions – namely Cullen and Cassandra. "A word." Cassandra mumbled and motioned for Ellana and Cullen to follow her to a further spot ahead in the alleyway.

"Will this be… problematic?" Cassandra shifted her gaze from Ellana to Cullen.

"Will it?" Cullen deflected towards Ellana.

"I don't think so," she laughed, "we are old friends. He will help us and depart without causing much trouble. He's a good man and we can trust him." She turned towards Cullen, "Friends – that is all he considers us to be; I can tell."

Cullen grunted and nodded his head. He didn't have much choice in the matter other than to trust that Ellana was correct.

The trio returned to the rest of the group and accepted Silvhen's offer. While heading back towards their horses, Cullen hung back and watched as Ellana chatted with Silvhen about his journeys since leaving the Clan.

"He looks quite different from you." Alistair chuckled, "I don't know – does that make you feel better or worse?"

Cullen grumbled for Alistair to drop the subject. Not one to give in so easily, Alistair continued by turning towards Avexis. "Is he attractive? For an Elf – is that what you would consider to be appealing?"

"I no longer hold space for those feelings." She impassively remarked.

"Leave her alone." Cullen grunted.

"Ah," Alistair lifted his hand to his neck, "That's right… sorry about that, Avexis."

"I have taken no offense." She noted before continuing, "I can say objectively, yes – he is what most Elven women would find attractive."

Cullen clenched his fist and gave Alistair an angry glare.

A few moments later, Cullen was attaching the last bag to his horse when a noise from behind startled him. He turned around to find Silvhen standing before him with a friendly smile.

"Commander, is it?" The Elf cautiously approached him. Cullen curtly nodded his head and continued packing.

Silvhen thoughtfully smiled at Cullen before leaning closer to make eye contact with him. "I'm sure you are aware of my… history with Ellana."

Cullen halted his movement and turned towards Silvhen; he stood tall and squared his shoulders, wondering where the elf was going with this…

"I'm not interested in – " Silvhen was clearly searching for the correct words, "…pursuing her. We are friends. It was an arranged bonding, I'm sure she has told you this?"

Cullen slightly relaxed and noticed he had instinctively placed his hand on the hilt of his sword. Removing his hand, he allowed it to rest gently at his side.

Silvhen's eyes flashed towards Cullen's sheath, "I'm not a fool. Not interested in going up against that." He grinned, "Really – no need to worry. I am not trying to… interfere with what you have going on with her. She seems happy."

Cullen studied the elf's face and found himself somewhat believing the sincerity behind his words. He partially lowered his guard and nodded towards Silvhen. "I care for Ellana to be fully cured. If you can help her, you will have my appreciation."

The dark haired elf smiled and nodded before turning towards his horse. Ellana had lent her steed to Silvhen for the trip home and Avexis would ride with Alistair. Cullen found himself relieved as he mounted his horse and wrapped his arms around Ellana's waist to grab the reins. She leaned back, allowing her head to rest gently on his chest plate and body to seamlessly mold into his.

'Mine.' He defensively thought while glancing over at Silvhen. It would do well for their new companion to have been honest in declaring his platonic intentions with Ellana… for Cullen would not take an intrusion from the Dalish mage lightly.

Meeting the ex is never fun :/