I do not own any characters. Our Maker Bioware created and owns them. Join me in praising Bioware. Hope you enjoy! Rated M for language and future lemons!

Chapter 4

I felt myself starting to come out of sleep as I breathed in deep, trying to get myself alert. I slowly opened my eyes and blinked a few times, confused at my location. I sat up quickly, remembering exactly where I was and the events from the night before. A slight throbbing pain in my palm reminded me of the sliver I earned last night. I held my palm up to my mouth, using my teeth to get the sliver out. The instant I managed to get it, the pain receded.

I took a real look around my upgraded cell. Wood and rocks were lying around everywhere. I glanced up at the roof, trying to see what time of day it was. It was just starting to get light out; the sun hadn't risen yet. I sighed and fell back on the cot, not knowing what to do. Would Cullen come get me? Was I to stay here all day?

The mess made my anxiety high. Even at home, my room had to be clean in order for me to have a good night sleep. I rubbed my eyes and forced myself into a standing position. I ran a hand through my hair, knowing it probably looked like a greasy rat nest. I surveyed the room, taking in what would be the best place to start. I decided on making a large area of debris in a nice pile and then I could pile all the rest of the pieces I could carry there.

I started the process with my usual amount of determination when cleaning. I hummed some songs to myself, picking up boards and throwing them in the corner. The rocks were more of a challenge, but I managed to at least roll a couple of them to the edge of the wall, out of the way of the middle of the room. I found a pot behind a couple larger rocks and realized it was the "chamber pot". Yuck. Of course.

It didn't take me very long to clear the area. A few hours and I was satisfied. Things got cleaned faster without a phone or TV distracting you. I grabbed the edge of the cot and dragged it to be under one of the holes in the roof, near the corner of the room.

"Excellent work Captain King," I told myself. I put my hands on my hips, taking in my newly cleaned area. Already I felt accomplished. I sat down on the bed again, gearing myself up for the day. "You got this, Kassy. You will be what you always wanted yourself to be in a fantasy world. Completely badass. Or just, you know able to stay alive until you find a way home."

I glanced down at my pants. They were covered in dirt, as well as my boots. My corset seemed to be the only thing dirt free. Miraculous. I felt something fall into my shirt from my bra and remembered Dad's necklace. I reached in, bringing the blue orbed necklace into view. I held it in my hand, gripping it tight. He bought this at one of his first visits to the Renaissance Faire. I was obsessed with it, so he gave it to me. He said to use it for good luck. I used it whenever I knew I needed luck or having a hard time. I also wore it every time I went to the faire, keeping it in my pouch for safe keeping. Seeing the necklace made the home sickness a little easier to bear. Luck would be with me.

I put the necklace on, vowing to not take it off. If I only had one thing that I didn't want them to destroy or have, it would be this necklace. Not destroying my car keys would be nice as well. I raised my hood over my greasy hair and squeezed the dragon claw, wishing it could communicate to my parents or my world. "I am Captain King and I am a force to be reckoned with," I said softly to myself with as much fierceness as I could gather.

"Captain?" A voice made me jump and I spun to face to its owner. I didn't even hear the key in the door. Cullen was standing with a hand on the hilt of his sword. His usual armor announcing his status as Commander. I glanced at the door, and realized these doors didn't have locks. That explains why he stationed so many guards.

"Commander," I greeted him with what I thought was nonchalance. "What brings you to my humble abode?" I gestured to my newly cleaned "room".

He was unamused and his eyes never left my face. His eyes were dark and he seemed to be in business mode. Already? Might as well get this over with. "Captain?" He repeated. When he spoke, his voice was very clear and low. Like the calm before the storm. Try to get yourself out this one Cap. I racked my brains trying to find an explanation for this. Do I keep going with the Captain thing or tell him the truth?

Truth was that I was obsessed with pirates and spent a lot of time studying ships and how they were handled. I always wanted to be a pirate captain and ever since middle school, I dedicated myself on knowing pirate laws and how a boat was operated with a crew. With my friends, I was Captain King. The leader of the scandalous group of hipsters and geeks.

"Yes," I replied as if he asked me my name before asking a question. "How can I help you Commander?" Alright then, I guess I was going with it.

His gaze never changed. I forced myself not to blush, meeting his whiskey gaze with my blue ones. "The Inquisitor has more questions." He shifted his weight and crossed his arms now. "I have a few now too."

I gave a half smile. "I figured." After another minute of us doing a staring contest, I spoke again. "Did you want to ask them now or…?"

He nodded to me, his face still hard, and shut the door to my room. Turning to me he seemed to get taller and more intimidating. I felt my stomach get butterflies again. Enough stomach, we got our life to save.

"Care to tell the real story of the rift now? Or the reason you came through the rift, Captain." His voice was icy as he said Captain. I knew Captains here were usually Templar and important. He probably thought I was sent as a Captain to do some dastardly deed.

These questions seemed easy in theory to answer, but they seriously weren't buying me accidently falling through a rift. "Cursed with bad luck?" I decided to say. That was getting true with every hour.

"Why would they send a Captain? What is their plan?" He moved closer now, his voice echoed in the empty room.

"I think we have two different definitions of Captain here," I responded, wanting to make it clear I didn't have a bunch of Red Templars or something. Based on what I have observed, they hadn't gone with Hawke yet. I knew they were on high alert for people who might be associated with them. "I am a Captain of a crew. On a boat." I pray he'll buy this. "Bard as well," I added, hoping that might make me seem less threatening.

"A bard?" His tone implied that I was lying about it. Seriously, believe me pirate Captain but not bard?

"Why is everyone saying that as if it's impossible?" I asked in all seriousness. Do bards here have to go through a special initiation or something?

"You very obviously aren't dressed like a bard." He gestured my outfit. "You also don't carry any instruments on you. At all." I started to open my mouth but he continued, cockiness at catching me in a lie making him even more determined. "If you were a bard, why would your pouches me filled with jewels and mysterious objects?" He shook his head at me, a slight smile of condescension on his lips. "No, I think you are a thief or spy. My biggest question is why send a captain instead of a lower ranked one?"

"You think I work for someone as a captain? Captain is the highest ranked position on the boat my friend. No one oversees the captain," I declared in true Jack Sparrow passion. "Except for the sea." And rum, I added mentally.

He seemed to ignore this explanation, the gears in his mind obviously turning. "The Inquisitor is waiting," he finally said. He pulled some rope from his belt and wrapped it around my wrists, tying it tighter than Branwen had the night before. He opened the door and walked out, waiting for me to follow.

I kept my posture tall and strutted after him, keeping up with his strides as we crossed the rampart and down a staircase. I wondered why we were taking the long way. Many stared with excitement as the Commander led the prisoner to the main stairs of Skyhold. It then dawned on me the reason of taking this way. I was going to stand in front of the Inquisitor for judgement.

I felt anger rise in me. I thought we had a deal? I would give her information if she let me go. I didn't even ask to go, just to be able to roam around Skyhold without being in a cell. They must not think I have precious information. I'll prove them wrong.

I had a rush of adrenaline in me and I used it to make myself seem more important. I made sure the swish of my cape was evident and that my strides were purposeful and confident. I had no fear in me. I was almost positive this was a test. Even if it wasn't, I'm not going to let them make me their puppet.

As we entered the main hall, the crowd went quiet. I saw the inner circle near the front, mixed amongst the crowd. I kept my eyes forward and my head high. Josephine stood in the front of the crowd near the steps leading to the throne, clipboard and quill in hand. Leliana stood next to her, her focus on me. Branwen sat on the throne, her posture straight and intimidating. I noticed Solas near the steps to the throne at the edge of the crowd.

Cullen had me stop before the steps and he went to address Branwen. "Inquisitor," he greeter her, his hand on his pummel again. "I bring before you the woman who fell from the rift. We have learned very little about her besides her most likely being a spy and apparently, Captain."

Branwen's surprise made me want to smirk. Her gaze fell to me. "Captain? I thought you were a bard?"

"I am a woman of many talents," I replied. My voice rang clear through the hall. "One of them is honoring agreements." This last part was said with some venom and I glared at her. I wish I had my glasses so I could see her expression more clearly. Thank God, I could see decently without them. Things were just a tad blurry.

I could tell Branwen wasn't expecting me to be so vocal today after yesterday. "How can I trust someone to be a part of the Inquisition when they refuse to tell who they work for? I would be putting the Inquisition at risk."

I restrained myself from rolling my eyes. "What answer are you looking for? Want me to say I work for Corypheus? How about Fen'Harel?" I lowered my voice and made my eyes free of emotions besides anger. "This is the last time I will tell you, I work for no one."

"Fen'Harel?" Branwen asked crossing her legs. "The Dread Wolf? How does someone from a foreign world know of a Dalish god?"

My gaze flickered for the briefest moment to Solas, his composure the same, before addressing the Inquisitor. "As I stated last night, I know a lot."

"Anything else before making my judgement?" She asked, her eyes thoughtful. She seemed to lean a bit to her right, her fingers drumming on the arm of the throne.

"You wouldn't believe anything I had to say anyhow," I said in a dismissive voice.

"What is your decision Inquisitor?" Cullen inquired, his stare on me briefly before turning to Branwen.

She adjusted herself in her chair and sat tall again. "She shall work for the inquisition and share her knowledge. If we find any evidence that she works for anyone, we have her beheaded for treason. She is to be under constant watch for the first week."

I heard the crowd murmur and I felt genuine surprise at this sentencing. The inquisitor stood and the crowd began to leave the hall except for Branwen's advisors. I stood numbly, feeling the adrenaline leave and knees start to go weak. The ache returned to my body and I only felt relief in my brain. I was safe. Cullen was suddenly in front of me, dagger in hand, as he cut the rope free.

"Welcome to the Inquisition, Captain," Branwen announced. She walked down to stand in front of me. She had a hint of a smile on her face. "I hope your information will prove to be useful to us."

I met her stare and I bowed my head. "You won't be disappointed Inquisitor."

Branwen addressed Josephine. "Let's have a bed sent to her room, as well as a trunk of clothing." She glanced over at me. "And a bath with a fresh set of clothes sent to my quarters."

"Right away Inquisitor," Josephine acknowledged, before going to perform the task at hand.

"I'll arrange for a watch right away Inquisitor," Cullen informed Branwen, before strutting from the hall.

"I hope you know what you are doing Inquisitor," Leliana whispered to Branwen, sizing me up.

"Do I ever?" Branwen joked. She gestured for me to follow her and we made our way to the door leading to her quarters. "While they get your room ready, I assumed you would want to get the dirt from our journey off you."

"That sounds glorious," I sighed. A bath. I couldn't wait. "Inquisitor? What made you decide your judgement?"

Branwen froze on the step, facing me. "Cole told me your thoughts during the judgement."

Thank the Maker for Cole. I almost nodded in understanding then remembered I was supposed to be playing dumb. "Who?"

"He's," she began. "Well, you'll get it once you meet him." She continued up the stairs. "I am not sure what happened with you and that rift, but I have a feeling the Maker sent you for a reason."

I kept silent, not wanting to say the wrong thing. She had me sit on the couch as she went to her desk looking at reports. I tried to contain my excitement at actually being in her quarters. The room was so much bigger than it seemed in game. I got up and went to the balcony, leaning on the railing as I admired the view.

I heard the tub arrived and buckets of water being poured in it. I reluctantly left the balcony, heading to the bath. Branwen had a couple reports in her hand and she waited for the servants to leave before addressing me. "I am heading to go over these reports with Leliana. When you are finished, you are free to explore. You'll be watched though so don't try anything."

"Of course," I replied quickly, just wanting to soak in the tub.

"We'll speak later Captain," she said on her way to the stairs.

"Inquisitor," I politely replied. I heard the door shut and I searched the room for the extra clothing. They were on a wooden chair by the bath. I held up the gray pants. They were going to be a tight fit, luckily, they seemed like legging material. The shirt was a white peasant shirt. The typical attire of the folk in video games. I undid my belt, throwing it on the pile of clothes along with my corset and bra. I was keeping that until it died.

I quickly stripped off the rest of my clothing, giving a sigh as I sank into the tub. It smelled like nature and I loved how clean it made me feel already. I bathed fast, wanting to explore Skyhold and the people. If they will even talk to me. I searched for something to dry off with and found nothing. Air dry it is. A fire was burning in the room and I went to stand in front of it, bringing my clothes along with me.

Once I dressed, I went to her wardrobe looking for a comb. I found it with a cry of triumph and ran it through my hair, grunting at the snarls. Eventually I got it to almost knot free, which was good enough for me. My arms got a work out from that hair. I went to the fire again, letting it dry my hair. After a half hour, I got impatient, quickly putting my hair into a French braid. I held the end of it as I searched for ribbon or a cord to tie it. I found a black cord in the desk and tied a tight bow at the end of the braid. That would do for now.

Throwing my boots back on my bare feet, I did a quick check of myself. The pants felt a little off, and they were a little stiff, but I got them on and that was what mattered right? The shirt fell long enough to cover most of my butt, even with the corset on, making me less self-conscious of how tight the pants were. Not having anything on my belt felt wrong, and I knew the first thing I was going to do. Get my stuff back.

I went and folded my dirty clothes, laying them on the chair, unsure of what to do with them. I checked to make sure I had everything, touching my neck to make sure the necklace was still there. I threw my cloak over my arm, knowing I couldn't stay in her quarters any longer. I hurried down the stairs, taking a deep breath and preparing myself for the public. Social anxiety at its finest.

I opened the door, grateful no one was over on this end of the hall right now. I shut the door behind me quietly, not wanting to draw attention to myself. I straightened my shoulders and blew out a deep breath. "Show on Captain King," I whispered. I felt more like my old self with my hair clean and braided, and felt less embarrassed about how people see me.

I ignored the stares of the residents, making my way toward Solas' study since it was the quickest route to my destination. I smiled to myself as I spied Varric writing at the table near the study entrance. He didn't notice me as I quickly grabbed the handle to the door, giving it a tug. I made sure to grab the handle behind me closing it silently, searching for Solas. I felt relief at his absence and sighed admiring the painting on the wall in person.

"You are a curious mystery," Solas said behind me. I jumped, holding my hand to my chest.

"Didn't see you there," I gasped. He stood in his usual attire, his eyes making me uncomfortable. "Can I help you Solas?"

"How did you attain knowledge about Fen'Harel in a different world?" He seemed to be asking himself this question.

"Maybe I'm a god," I whispered, waiting to see the disapproval on his face. I was not disappointed. "You seem like an elf who loves a good puzzle, so I wouldn't want to spoil it for you." I started to walk backwards towards the door leading to the rampart. "See ya," I said, grabbing the handle to the door and waving. I shut the door fast, before rubbing a hand to my forehead and then to my cheek. That went well.

I smiled, looking at Cullen's closed door. If I was going to be stuck here helping the inquisition, I might as well have some fun with it. I prepped what I was going to say in my head, feeling a swagger in my walk as my hips got into the flirtatious mode. Thank the Maker I had Branwen and Solas be a couple.

I knocked on the door, waiting for a reply. After waiting a couple minutes, I knocked again, almost hoping he wasn't there so I can just grab it from his desk. "What?" He bellowed, clearly annoyed. This will be a lovely conversation, I could already tell.

I entered his office, pushing the door shut behind me. I began to speak before facing to speak to him, wanting to say my speech I had been rehearsing in my head before I forgot anything. "Hey Comman-." I froze as I observed what was happening in front of me, putting a hand to my mouth to cover my smile, speech completely forgotten.

Cullen's armor and desk was covered in pixie dust. I only remember buying the black one, where did the gold and white come from? Then I remembered. I had front pockets in my black pouch and I bought the big fairy dust necklaces to give to the twins for their birthday in a couple months. I left them in the bag so I wouldn't lose them. This was priceless. "What?" He asked again, anger in his voice.

I cleared my throat, not able to hide the smile. I approached the desk, wondering how he could possibly gotten it on everything. I saw the cork off one and an empty vial. The two larger ones looked like they broke in my pouch and was dumped onto his desk when he went to shake out the pouch. "I was coming for my stuff, but I see you literally used my whole supply of pixie dust." I raised my eyebrows at him. "Not cool Commander."

"I didn't know there was so much in the pouch," he muttered. "It's all over everything and I can't get it off my clothes or hands." He ran a hand through his hair then, causing it to sparkle in the light. "Cool?"

I would have to be more careful with my lingo. "Not alright," I rephrased, setting my cloak on his ladder before returning to his desk. "I did warn you Commander. Did you not believe me?"

"Obviously not," Cullen replied. "What on earth would you use that for?" He kept trying to brush it off his fur.

"Magic," I replied with a serious tone. He narrowed his eyes on me and I rolled my own. "Calm down, it's just glitter. Here." I made my way around his desk, grabbing one of the papers with a pile of glitter on it. I took the couple steps to the window and shook it out, watching the glitter blow away in the breeze. The paper had only a few sparkles left on it and I repeated the process with the remaining papers, stacking them in a pixie dust free zone. I grabbed my black pouch, using my hand to sweep the rest of the pixie dust into the bag. The desk was as pixie dust free as it was going to be. I pulled the strings on the pouch, tying it tight and hung it on my belt.

I wiped a piece of hair away from my cheek and turned to Cullen. I felt myself lightly blush as I realized he was probably watching me that whole time. "I'm taking this with me," I patted my pouch, wanting to smack my forehead for sounding so lame.

"Uh…yes," he said, coming out of his thoughts. He cleared his throat. "Thank you for the assistance in removing it Captain." He started to lay his papers out again, still trying to dust some of the sparkles from his glove.

I suddenly felt extremely awkward. I knew this was going to happen. I couldn't let myself get a crush on real life Cullen. There was no way he'd ever want to be with me, and even if he did. What if I found a way to get back? Nothing could come of it. But then again, it's Cullen. Might as well try. If you can ever talk again. Have I been silent too long? Say something! "It's Kassy," I blurted, kicking myself internally for acting like I've never talked to a man before. But he wasn't any man.

His head popped up to focus on me, a small smile on his lips. There go those butterflies. "Kassy?" He asked.

"My name," I replied, swiping the same piece of hair from my cheek again. "It's Kassy."

"Kassy," he repeated, standing straighter.

"So, am I able to get my other stuff back?" I put a hand on my hip, looking for my other bag. "Wait," I quickly surveyed the room. "I don't understand. You had my other belongings checked, but not the pixie dust?"

He blushed at being caught and he shifted his weight to his right. "Not all of your other belongings." He grabbed the daggers out from under an open book. "These are horrible by the way."

"I know," I replied. "They weren't meant for fighting."

"You have daggers not meant for fighting?" He seemed genuinely confused.

"That would be correct," I answered, sighing at not getting my bags. At least I have my pixie dust. "I guess when they are sent back soon because they aren't cursed or magicked or anything, drop the pouch off in my room please."

"I'll have someone return it," he replied, Commander mode again. "I never did welcome you into the Inquisition." His whiskey eyes went soft again and I felt myself unable to speak.

"Glad to join," I offered, not knowing what else to say. "I'm going to head to the tavern now and leave you to your work."

He nodded his acknowledgement and watched me as I went to leave through the door that connected to the rampart to my room. "Oh, and the glitter should come off in a couple days. It's a good look for you though, Commander." His scar twitched when he chuckled, and I took a mental picture of this man glittering in the light.

I started to close the door when I heard him say, "It's Cullen." I could feel the smile in my cheeks from how big it was and I squealed with glee on the inside as I finished shutting the door, not able to talk.

There was a skip in my step as I walked to my room, my emotions on cloud 9 and I knew I would be there for a while. I opened the door and froze in shock. A bed like Cullen's was sent in here and there was a trunk in the corner. A rug laid on the floor and the pile of wood seemed to have gone down.

I set my cloak on the bed, pixie dust from my hands fell to the blanket, making me smile. I hadn't been able to stop doing that since he told me his name. I sat down falling backwards onto the bed, arms out. Dad was right. Everything would be okay. Or as okay as it could be.

I felt a little guilty lying about my past. What a boring life I had compared to these people. I never did anything, and they all are important people to the Inquisition. How do I explain to them how I know everything about them? Well, almost everything.

I wished for a guitar right now so I could sing my heart out. I forced myself to my feet, quickly brushing down my outfit and adjusting my pants. I left the room from the same door Cullen led me out of this morning, humming to myself as I followed the ramparts to a staircase. I felt the constant surveillance of the guards and pretended I didn't know they were there.

No one stopped to talk to me as I walked to the tavern. I took my time, taking in the atmosphere, smells, sounds, and people. As I approached the tavern, I mentally prepared myself for the whirlwind amount of people I would be surrounded by. I boldly walked through the door, taking in the site before me. It was like a glorified Renaissance Faire pub and I loved it. There was laughter everywhere and I heard a couple people cheer.

"I wasn't expecting the Inquisitor to recruit you, however, I would have missed the entertainment you provide," Dorian spoke behind me. I faced him, my smile returning.

"I'm just as surprised," I admitted, then I laughed. "I didn't realize I had such a flair for entertainment. If you say so though, then it must be true."

His laughter made me feel at ease and he motioned for me to follow him to the bar. "Two ales," he told Cabot. Soon I had an ale in hand and he was leading me through the crowd toward his table. "Look who I happened to run into!"

Iron Bull and Krem sat at the table, their conversation halted with our arrival. "The prisoner!" Iron Bull called.

"Hey," I greeted them with my most "play it cool" voice. "It's Kassy actually."

"Yes," Dorian chimed in. "The woman has the same name as the Right Hand and yet she would rather shorten it."

"Give me time, I'll think of something better," Iron Bull announced, raising his glass to me. "Welcome to the crew."

I raised my tankard as well, surprised with how good the drink was. I felt my stomach grumble and realized I was starving. There was a loaf of bread on the table that Dorian grabbed a piece from, offering me one too. "Here, eat this. You have a few hours of drinking ahead."

I didn't object, accepting the slice of bread from him. "Is this how you initiate all the new recruits?"

"Just the ones that fall out of rifts," Bull joked. "That's a story in itself, huh Rift?"

"That's what you came up with? Rift?" I laughed. "I like it." It could have been worse.

The hours wore on and Bull and Dorian were placing drink after drink in front of me and making toasts. I felt normal with these two, as if I had known them more than a few hours. "What happened to that bard?" Bull asked as Dorian came back with another round.

"Must have had things to do. She only knows a few songs anyhow, I find them rather tiresome now." Something caught Dorian's eye and he left the table, returning only a few minutes later. "For you," he announced, handing me the lute Maryden was playing on earlier.

"Thanks Dorian!" I exclaimed, my head dizzy from my drunken state. I tested out the feel of it, never actually holding a lute before. It felt very much like a guitar especially this version of lute. "It sounds so beautiful!"

"Play," he ordered, hiding his smile behind his mug.

"Any particular type?" I strummed a few notes, testing out if the chords were about the same as guitar. I adjusted myself so that I could hold the lute better, satisfied that it would be very much like guitar chords.

"Surprise me," his mustache twitched and I racked my brains of all the songs I knew. I began to play "I Need a Hero," in the style of Jennifer Saunders, a favorite of mine to belt out in the shower. Bull and Dorian seemed amused as I began and as the song picked up pace and I let my voice get louder, causing more people to stop talking to listen.

I saw Sera on the stairs, the same scowl on her face as the first time I played, however, her foot was tapping in time. I never had so many people listen to me before, and I knew the amount of ale I had helped keep my performance strong. I felt pleasantly surprised as I saw Cullen strut in, his hair still somewhat sparkly. He took in the tavern, concern on his face as he searched for the reason of the growing crowd. His appearance fueled my performance and I was determined to prove I could be a bard. I looked down at the lute making sure to not mess up on the bridge.

"Up where the mountains meet the heavens above
Out where the lightning splits the sea
I would swear that there's someone somewhere
Watching me

Through the wind and the chill and the rain
And the storm and the flood
I can feel his approach
Like the fire in my blood"

As I switched to the chorus, I scanned the tavern, surprised to see so many people smiling or watching entranced, gathered closer to know who was singing such an odd song. I felt disappointed when I didn't see Cullen, then blonde hair caught my attention as he leaned against a post, amusement on his face. I grinned at him as I sang, my drunkenness giving me superpower like confidence. I finished the song, turning to Bull and Dorian who applauded.

The atmosphere changed then, and everyone seemed to talk at once. The tavern seemed lighter and the crowd went back to their tables, waiting to see if I would play anymore. I suddenly felt very dizzy and I knew I hit my drink limit. "I don't usually care for music, but you should play more often," Krem complimented, raising his tankard.

"I agree," Dorian interjected. "Your songs are like a breath of fresh air compared to what we usually hear. Though I could give you a few hero suggestions." He smiled at me wickedly.

I blushed, setting the lute down. I finished off my drink and stood up, balancing myself with the edge of the table so I didn't fall over. "I appreciate the drinks fellas, but I am going to head back to my room while I can still walk."

Bull chuckled at that and Dorian waved me off with a smile. "Your lute!" He called. "I paid a lot of gold for that!"

"You bought it? For me?" I heard the wonder in my voice. "Why?"

His grey eyes almost looked at me in pity. "Someone who could sing a song and make me feel like you did in the mountains, needs a lute to share that feeling with others." He then smiled. "Enough of the heart felt talk. If you want a drinking companion here in Skyhold, I am always willing."

I grabbed the lute, giving him a warm smile, waving to Bull and Krem, earning a loud "Later Rift!" before heading out into the fresh air a little unsteadily. The air felt great on my face and already I felt a little soberer. I gripped the lute tightly, thanking whatever god was listening for Dorian Pavus. The sky was dark and I couldn't believe I spent such a long time in there with Bull and Dorian. No wonder I was so drunk.

I tried to focus on my walking, making a pretend straight line to follow. I felt myself stumble a little as I walked, but I kept going, keeping my eyes on my feet. I stopped and looked around, seeing how far until I got to the stairs to the ramparts. I blinked confused. Where was I? I turned in a circle. This was so much easier in the light and with a map and quick travel.

My brain tried to register landmarks, but in real life, buildings were different. I never really used the paths, I just clicked on the quick travel and went my way from those spots, or jumped off the edge of buildings to the quickest way. A wave of dizziness hit me and I knew I had to sit before I threw up. I hadn't drunk this much since two years ago on my twenty second birthday. I knew I had to get a little soberer before I could keep walking and find my way to my room.

Picking up the lute, I strummed a few notes on it, learning the feel of how it played. The strumming reminded me of Liam. He always had a bit of a strumming introduction before any song he played. "Take it from your big brother, people like an introduction before a song starts. Helps them prepare for the awesomeness they are about to hear."

My heart had a sudden pang of longing for my brother and I felt my fingers start to strum the introduction he used for one of his favorite songs he played. I felt tears in my eyes as I began to softly play "Viva La Vida" by Coldplay. I heard his voice in my head as I sang along to it. I slowed it down like he did and let myself focus on only the song.

As his favorite verse came up, I felt a tear fall from the corner of my eye against my will. Liam's voice seemed to be as if he was beside me singing and playing his guitar.

"It was a wicked and wild wind
Blew down the doors to let me in
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
People couldn't believe what I'd become
Revolutionaries wait
For my head on a silver plate
Just a puppet on a lonely string
Oh who would ever want to be king?"

The lute's chords softly echoed in the silence around me as I finished the song. I leaned the lute against the bench and wiped the tear from my cheek, glad no one was around for that performance. You promised yourself you weren't going to cry anymore, I reprimanded myself. It was the alcohol, my mind whispered back. I glanced up at the darkened sky, taking comfort that the stars here were like the ones at home. My head was getting clearer and I recognized the gazebo outline in the dark. How did I get to the gardens? I heard a twig snap and my head swiveled to see who it was.

Cullen stood still for a moment as if deciding if he wanted to come over or not, knowing I saw him. I focused my attention on the flagstone on the ground, embarrassed that he probably witnessed that performance. I forgot in my more drunken state that I was under surveillance for a week. "I thought you had troops that watched me," I said quietly, my voice louder in the nighttime silence.

"It seems that my recruits had one to many ales during their watch." His voice was closer now. "Apparently spending 7 hours in a tavern with Wicked Grace influenced them."

I felt a giggle come out of my throat and I stood up, grabbing the lute. "Well I am sorry they couldn't resist the temptations. I was just heading back to my room." I finally got the courage to peek at him, hoping the embarrassed blush was gone from my cheeks.

He quirked an eyebrow at me. "You were on your way back to your room? Through the garden?"

The blush returned and I put a hand to my forehead. "I was a little drunk trying to find it," I admitted, feeling myself start to spin again. I leaned a leg against the bench to help with the balance. "I am feeling soberer now though and will be going to my room now." I heard the slur in my room now and hated that I could sing drunk but talking was an issue. I was standing still too long and I felt the dizziness get worse. I sat on the bench leaning my head into my hand. "At least I thought I was soberer."

I felt the coldness of his armor against my arm as he sat next to me on the bench. I gripped the lute tighter, my heart racing. "Your first day free and you go get drunk."

I didn't want to see the expression on his face so I opted to close my eyes. The dizziness got worse. Bad idea. "Dorian and Bull wouldn't take no for an answer," I explained opening my eyes. I turned my head towards him. "They are the only ones that seem to agree with the Inquisitors decision." I shrugged, looking at my lute with a small smile. "I'll take friends where I can. Especially here."

There was silence for a few minutes before Cullen spoke. "I um…I wasn't expecting…I rather liked your song," he said with the awkwardness I've only heard in game.

"Dorian likes to be entertained and I knew he would enjoy it." I replied, before realizing I should have just said thank you. "I mean thank you." God, Kassy. I hate when you talk drunk.

"That wasn't the song I had in mind," he whispered. I felt the heat in my cheeks and I met my blue eyes with his whiskey ones.

"I...," I stumbled for words in my head. "Thanks."

He cleared his throat and looked at his hands. "Are you okay?"

I felt my heart race even faster and I wanted to reach out and touch his hair. I smiled at the pixie dust still settled in the bear fur and parts of his armor. "I think I will be." He met my eyes again with a small twitch of his scar.

We both stared at the garden and sat in silence for a few minutes, our breathing the only sounds I could hear. I felt my eyes start to fall with sleep and knew I needed to get to bed before I fell asleep here. I got to my feet, gripping the lute tighter. Cullen was on his feet before me and he waited for me to make the first move after our chat.

I surveyed exactly where we were and was proud of myself to realize which door led to the main hall of Skyhold. I led the way, happy I wouldn't be making myself look any more of an idiot in front of him. I focused on my walking again, not wanting to swerve the whole time. The hall was mostly empty besides a couple people at a table near the throne. I crossed the hall to Solas' study hoping he was sleeping somewhere with Branwen doing Fade stuff. My luck was off. He sat at his desk and looked up as we entered.

I decided to take the take it smooth approach instead of just awkwardly walking through. "Hey Solas," I offered, waving to him as I fast walked to the rampart door, acting like this was a natural thing. He nodded his head in acknowledgement, his eyes full of questions.

I didn't look back to see if Cullen was following me, knowing I had to get to my bed soon to lay down, the nausea coming back. The hangover was going to be bad tomorrow. I felt a pain on the top of my ribs and knew this bra had to come off soon. I put a hand to my stomach, and this corset.

Cullen's office was dark as we entered and I blinked confused in the darkness. My eyes adjusted to the dark and I saw the outline of his desk, bookshelves, and ladder. I strode across his rug to the door that led to my room. I turned then, seeing if Cullen followed me in here. His silhouette was tall in the darkness, and the light that came in from his windows shone on his armor and hair.

"Uh, goodnight Cullen," I softly said in the darkness.

"Goodnight," his voice lower in the dark. Or was I imagining it? "Kassy, I ah… I hope you know I could be a friend here too." He paused and I could see him slide a hand in his hair. "If you wanted."

"Thanks Cullen," I replied with a grin, knowing he couldn't see it in the darkness. I stepped out and closed the door behind me. I felt the smile pull wider as I entered my room, falling onto my bed. I felt the sleep start to hit me and I took a deep breath, feeling the annoying pinch of my bra. I sat up unhooking my corset and reached under my shirt to unhook my bra. I grabbed them and threw them on the ground next to my bed. As I went to lean back into my pillows I realized I left the door open. Not wanting to move again, I ignored it, not caring if it was shut or not at this moment. I felt my lute on the bed beside me and I smiled to myself as I felt myself drift into sleep.

Maker's breath, the morning was going to be rough.