I do not own any characters. They belong to Bioware….thank you Bioware. Thanks again for reading and hope you enjoy this chapter. I realized that as I write chapters, they are getting longer and longer. I apologize for that. I just can't help it! I have a feeling they are going to keep doing that…hope you don't care. Rated M for language and future lemons.

Chapter 7

"Higher King!" Cassandra ordered and I swung my blade higher as she instructed. "Now lunge to the left," she yelled. I followed her orders, never missing a beat even though my arms killed. "Good. Back to defense!"

Our swords clang as she came at me with full force. I pushed against it with all my strength as she taught me earlier. I grunted as I gave a quick shove against her at the same time, doing a spin like Bull taught me, almost landing it before her sword caught it. She quirked an eyebrow and I didn't let her distract me as I swiped my leg quickly under her, making her land on her back. I followed this with a move I saw in Merlin, the one where they step on the wrist of the sword hand, making the person drop their sword. I pointed my own at her neck as I snatched hers up.

"Well played," she told me, sitting up. I panted hard, handing her sword back to her. "Not something I taught you though." I shrugged. "That was just luck. Don't expect it to happen again."

I nodded and put a hand on my hip. "Of course," I joked. I was surprised it worked, but wasn't naïve enough to know it would again. She stood and adjusted her sword in her hand.

"Back to the basics," she directed, a hint of a smile on her lips. I felt proud at her being a little impressed with me. I turned to the practice dummy, practicing the moves she showed me this morning. We had been at this for a good two hours now and I was getting exhausted. That wasn't completely true, I was positive I would be ready to go again once I had a half hour break.

Recruits were training as well, sparring against each other. I paid them no attention, wanting to give Cassandra all my attention. I continued the maneuvers, her constant advice and instructions helping me forget about everything else. A half hour later she stopped me and I leaned on my sword, drenched in sweat.

"I must admit, Captain, I wasn't expecting you to impress me at all today." I stared at her with raised eyebrows. She was sweaty as well, her light purple undershirt darkened with perspiration. I glanced down at my own shirt, the white sticking to my skin, showing the flesh through the fabric on the more wet areas.

"It's Kassy," I panted. "Coming from you, I don't think I can ever get higher praise."

She laughed and put her sword on her waist. "You listen well and keep up. That's the important thing. That and not being easily distracted. You keep your focus and you keep an eye out for what is coming. Bull was right, it won't take long before you will be able to hold out against demons and shade."

"So, you'll keep training me?" I asked surprised. "I didn't know if you would, seeing how you think I might be a spy and everything." I felt hair stick to my brow and I wiped it away.

Cassandra looked me up and down. "The more I fight with you, the more I am convinced you aren't one. Yes, I'll keep training you. Every morning we will practice and once we get you armor made, we will start practicing in that."

"I wish there was something I could do to return the favor," I told her. She glanced up at me and regarded me, her brown eyes on my face.

"How much knowledge do you possess?" She asked.

I was intrigued by her question, wondering what she would want to know. "Depends on what it is on."

"Do you know what really happened at the Conclave? What happened to the Divine?" She studied me with a bit more apprehension.

"I do," I answered truthfully. "However, you will learn the truth about that rather soon." She seemed disappointed in my answer and I felt a need to please her.

"I do know that there is a certain writer who I might be able to persuade to finish a book," I hinted. Her face was red and she glared at me.

"How do you know about that?" She practically growled at me.

"It's nothing to be embarrassed about Cassandra," I told her with a smile. "I have been dying to get my hands on Swords and Shields, but unfortunately, there isn't a copy in the Skyhold library."

I saw interest light up in her eyes and she cocked her head. "You read books like Swords and Shields?"

I thought about my collection of books at home. "Most of my collection of books at home are like Swords and Shields," I informed her. "They are the best. Politics. Battles. Romance," I sighed. "It's too easy to get swept into a book like that."

Her eyes brightened and she gave me a genuine grin. "That is exactly how I feel!"

I felt a bond with Cassandra I didn't feel before when gaming. I rubbed my upper arm in shyness. "I usually don't tell people about that. Not very bad ass, ya know?"

Cassandra crossed her arms and shifted her weight. "Very much so." She kicked the dirt with her boot and observed me again. "You are very different than I thought you would ever be."

I thought this over, confused. "Thank you?" I laughed. "Right back at you." We just smiled at each other awkwardly for a minute, neither one of us used to making friends. "So, did you want me to ask Varric for the book? I'll be discreet of course. He'll never know it's for you."

The Seeker's lips tipped up and she nodded. "If you don't mind." She glanced down at her boots. "I have a copy of Swords and Shields here if you would like to borrow it."

"Really?" I asked. "I would love that!"

"I'll bring it to your room later," she confirmed. "Take a break. I'm sure Iron Bull will have you training hard soon."

"Thanks again," I told her as she started to leave. She gave me a salute, heading to put on her armor to help train new recruits. Who would have thought I could be friends with Cassandra in real life?

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"This time, run at me and bash into the shield," Bull instructed. I stared at him with raised eyebrows.

"Yeah," I told him, hand on hip. "I'm not doing that."

"You want me to train you?" He snapped.

"I'm not in any armor and my muscles aren't like yours!" I argued. "I would be black and blue within five minutes!"

"This will help build it," he informed me. "Come on!"

"Alright," I shrugged. "You're the Captain."

He held his shield up and I ran at him, hitting the shield as hard as I could with my left shoulder, the pain radiating down my arm. "Fuck!" I groaned, keeping my sword in my hands still.

"Again!" Bull ordered. I backed up fast, and ran into it again, the result worse this time. "Again!" Bull repeated. I backed up as he instructed, angry at this exercise. I put as much force as I possibly could into the shield, swinging the hilt of my sword into his stomach at the same time.

He was surprised by the hit and only a little groan escaped. "That's what I'm talking about Rift!" He exclaimed. "Again!"

Bull had Krem face off against me, while I practiced my spin move. We practiced this move for about an hour before Bull deemed it quick enough. "I want you to do it that way every time," he informed me. I bent over, hands on knees wheezing from the enormous amount of exercise.

"No problem," I managed to rasp out. "Just letting me not cough up blood for a couple minutes."

He laughed, slapping me on the arm. I winced in pain, feeling the bruises already from the shield bashing. "You did good today, Rift," he complimented. "We'll have you kicking ass in no time."

I stood straight now, every muscle in my body aching. Five hours of sword play does that to a girl. "We're done? I asked hopefully.

"Practice the spin move on some dummies later, but yeah Rift. We're done." He chuckled. "Grab some water and give yourself a rest. Tomorrow we'll start again once Seeker has her fun with you."

"That sounds amazing," I agreed. "Later Bull." I gave a quick wave. "You too Krem," I called. Krem's ears went pink and I felt surprise. Did Krem think I was flirting?

I made my way to the water barrel, grabbing a much-needed drink. I leaned on a nearby fence, watching the troops spar against each other. I could hear Cassandra yelling at them in the distance, and a familiar voice. "Block!" It shouted. "With your shield! It's what it's there for!"

I searched the field for his armor, knowing I'd find the fur right away. There wasn't any though and I felt complete surprise as I saw Cullen without his armor, his white undershirt drenched in sweat. I felt my heart quicken and I had to think cold shower. "Dear God almighty," I whispered.

I drank another sip of water, hoping it would help calm my thoughts. I watched his muscles move as he swung at the recruit, sending them to the ground. "Keep your arm up," he ordered. "If I were your enemy, you'd be dead!" The recruit scrambled to his feet, sword a little higher.

His shirt stuck to his body, and as he turned to take down the recruit, I caught a glimpse of his abs through the drenched linen. "Good God," I mumbled to myself, glad no one was nearby. I quickly gulped my water, going to refill my tankard, my eyes never leaving the Commander's body. He was a lion when he fought. There was no way I could be turned on any more.

Unless his shirt was off, I told myself. Stop that, I reprimanded. Not now. What if Cole was nearby? My geek self didn't seem to care as I gawked, watching his sword reflect the sunlight. I filled my cup, going back to where I stood before. As I admired the Commander, I bumped the post of the fence and gasped in pain. "Fucking shield blocking," I grumbled.

I set my cup on the flat part of the post and turned my attention to my shoulder, wanting to see how bad it was. I glanced at the left shoulder, my bicep muscle twitching uncontrollably from the unusual amount of use the past couple days. I moved my braid and rolled my eyes at the sight of blood on the top of my shoulder. Of. Fucking. Course.

I slid the fabric away from the shoulder, wanting to see how bad the cut was. I couldn't feel the pain from that since the bruises throbbed from the hour of endless bashing. I hissed as the fabric took some dried blood with it, causing the cut to open again. Dark purple and red bruising started from the cut and went down past where I had the fabric pushed down. Figures. I always bruised easily. Curse my King blood!

I grabbed my cup and moved toward the more protected side of the fence, trying to be out of view. I poured water on the cut, trying to clear away the blood so I could see it better. I was no medic and cuts and medical stuff always made me woozy. I could never be a doctor. I honestly had no idea what to do with this cut, not even wanting to look at it. I hissed again as the water went over the cut, causing a severe burning. This wasn't like any cut I've had before. "Shit!" I gasped.

"Captain?" I heard Cullen's voice and I jumped as if I was doing something guilty. I pushed up my sleeve, self-conscious about my bruises. He had a cup in his hand, and I could tell he just came over for a drink.

"Hey Commander," I greeted him, keeping my voice steady. This close, I could see his abs and chest perfectly. Don't go down that path right now Kassy! Focus! I held my hand on the area covered in blood, covering it the best I could. "Training hard?" I regretted those words as soon as I said them. You are so lame Kassy!

"The recruits certainly are," he said, a bit of excitement on his face. "It's amazing how fast some of these recruits train. If we keep the training up, at this rate we will be ready for when we go to Adamant." I noted his enthusiasm and winced when my hand slipped a little. "Are you okay?"

I waved my free hand nonchalantly. "Just a little nick from training," I told him casually. "No big deal."

He raised an eyebrow and set his glass down. "Let me see," he ordered.

"Honestly, Cullen," I reasoned, taking a step back. "It's not that bad. I'll be fine by tomorrow."

"Prove it," he argued. "Let me see."

"You are so dramatic, Cullen," I told him, backing away toward the main part of Skyhold. "I've had worse," I lied. Does surgery count as worse? I would think so, right?

He took a step closer. "Kassandra King, I will see your injury whether you do it willingly or not."

Woah. He used my full name. Hot. God, damn it, Kassy. Focus. I rolled my eyes. "No need to use the full name," I told him. I sighed as I pulled down my sleeve, letting him see the cut on my shoulder.

He walked over quickly, his hands carefully looking at the gash. "What did you do? Run into some bricks?" Cullen softly touched the bruises on the top of my shoulder.

"Almost," I told him, biting my lip as he kept touching my bruise. "Iron Bull was teaching me shield bashing."

Cullen's gold eyes flickered up to me. "Without armor?"

"Yeah," I replied. "I was told to follow instructions, not question them. Building muscles, I believe he said."

He rolled his eyes, grabbing his own cup and pouring some water on the cut, wiping away the blood around it with my shirt. "It doesn't seem too deep. You will need a bandage but that's it." He was still lightly touching the bruising. "As for the bruising, you'll have to wait for that to go away unfortunately." He slid my shirt down more to see how far the bruising went. "Shit, Kassy! Is it only this shoulder?"

"Yeah," I answered looking down at my arm. The purple, red, and yellow bruising went to almost my elbow. "Wow, I didn't realize it went down so far! I'm kind of impressed." Cullen's eyebrows went up and I met his eyes. "Battle scars, Commander," I informed him.

He rolled his eyes, his fingers still on my arm. I saw his eyes travel to my somewhat exposed breasts, the top of my strapless beige bra showing a little from the fall of my shirt on my arm. I felt my stomach quiver and my breath go a little faster, the rising of my chest making that clear for him as well. Clearing his throat, he quickly stepped back and I pulled my sleeve so that the wound was the only thing visible.

"I'll just…I'll go…I umm will go find a bandage for you." He left quickly, his hand running through his hair, before I had a chance to object. I watched his shoulder blades move and I felt chills all throughout my body. I glanced around to make sure no one was around, a little embarrassed by our weird intimate moment. Things were awkward for me around him since our talk last night. I didn't want to seem too clingy or anything.

Soon, Cullen was jogging back to me, his focus on the bandage as he started to unroll it. His gold eyes flickered to my blue ones and he gave a small awkward smile. Alright, so we are both on the same page. His focus was on the cut now, and he moved the sleeve down enough to have space to wrap the bandage around my upper shoulder. I felt self-conscious about my armpit hair, not being able to shave here. I should grab a dagger and try it, just so I had some comfort.

He didn't seem to even be phased by it at all as he wrapped the bandage, his focus on his hands and my wound. His fingers grazed my bruises for a moment, before he tied the bandage and pulled my sleeve up. I moved my shoulder, the wound already feeling better from the pressure. "Thanks," I told him, rolling my shoulder.

"You're welcome," he said softly and I blushed, cursing him and his ability to do it so easily with just a glance. I was glad Dorian shared with me how they cleaned their teeth, being able to finally do it this morning. I handed him his cup awkwardly, grabbing my sword with my left hand. He accepted the cup and glanced down at my sword. "Left handed?"

People thought it weird here too? I never understood the big deal. "Uh, yeah," I answered hesitantly. "Am I going to be hunted down or something if I use my left?"

Cullen laughed. His eyes lingered on my own. "No, it's just that we don't often see left handed fighters."

I nodded in understanding, not sure how to respond. It's a skill I've been working on since birth? I heard a command from Cassandra to a soldier and I remembered what he was doing before he came to talk to me. "You should get back to training your men."

Those words seemed to snap him out of his trance and he glanced back at the recruits. "Yes," he said, his voice more Commander like. "You are more than welcome to join," he told me.

"As much I want to, I have a history lesson with Dorian." I grinned at him and gestured to my shoulder. "Thanks again for patching me up. Don't be too hard on your recruits." I smiled again and forced myself to walk away, knowing I would just stand and watch him fight if I didn't get away from the training field.

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"All in all, Tevinter has had its share of hard time," Dorian informed me, his voice beginning to sound like the teacher on Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

"I know you don't believe me Dorian, but I know this history," I informed him yet again. Probably better than US history. How sad. "I honestly just wanted to learn about the nobility, not your version of history of Tevinter."

He scoffed. "Fine," he huffed. "Have it your way."

"Why are you so pouty today?" I asked, closing the book he opened in front of me an hour ago.

He leaned against a chair, fingers gripping it tightly. "I was informed that Varric, Solas, and Cassandra will be in the Inquisitor's group once we reach Adamant Fortress."

I knew that had to hurt. I chose Dorian over Solas, but with her being in a relationship with Solas, she would bring him. "I'm sorry Dorian," I said honestly. "I would choose you over Solas any day."

Dorian's lip twitched but he still was upset. "That's nice to hear, but unneeded. I guess we must fight side by side under someone else."

I bit my lip guiltily. "Branwen is forcing me to go with her," I told him.

"Forcing?" He asked. I nodded and he gave a small chuckle. "No wonder you are trying to train until you drop."

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'm going to die there." I leaned my elbow on the table, chin in hand.

"I'm sure the Commander will keep you safe," he teased with a wink. I let him tease me, knowing he was hurt from being left behind.

"I doubt that he's sticking by my side," I countered. "There are probably a lot of other woman that have caught his attention. Probably more elven, or warrior like." I glanced back up at him and sighed. "I feel we argue more than anything. He's sweet and all, but he needs someone from Thedas."

"Thought a lot about this, haven't you?" Dorian asked, grinning.

I blushed, glancing up at him. "Yeah," I responded. "Have you seen that man train without his armor though?" My voice was dreamlike. Dorian's laughter cut my daydream and I glanced up at him. "What about you? I have a feeling you and Bull might do well together."

"Iron Bull?" Dorian asked in horror. "What a suggestion!"

"Whatever Dorian," I laughed. "You're curious, admit it."

He rolled his eyes, turning toward the bookshelves. "I admit nothing to you."

I stood up, stretching my arms as I pushed my chair back. I winced a little at my shoulder but the pain quickly passed. "I would love and do boy chat, but I have to do some Fade study with Solas then pass out."

Dorian briefly looked at me, then back at the bookshelf. "Don't be too hard on yourself with the Commander. According to Varric, he doesn't have much of a past with women."

"I'll keep that in mind," I told him with a smile, making my way to the stair way that leads to Solas' study.

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Solas had me sitting on the floor of his study, eyes closed in concentration. I was trying to connect to my powers outside of the Fade. I was starting to finally feel a little power, an hour into focusing. I felt the twinge of pain in my brain again and my eyes burned a little.

"It's starting to hurt, Solas," I told him, a bit of worry in my voice. The bastard probably likes that you're in pain. That way when I die, there is one less human to get rid of.

"That is the Fade in you," he responded. "Try again."

I did as he asked, focusing as I did in the Fade. I felt even more power swirl in my head and I had to put my hands on my skull once the migraine came on. "Damn!" I exclaimed, the pressure behind my eyes tremendous. There was a spark of green in my head, as I cursed and I felt light headed.

"Push yourself harder," he told me. "If you are ever going to be useful in battle, you will need to understand this power."

"Enough!" I gritted through my teeth. "It has only been two days of trying this and you are expecting me to have it perfected? There is more to this than just you thinking it will be useful in battle." I stood, my head aching. I glared at him, our blue eyes like ice, realization dawning on me. "You think this will help you get into the Fade and find other elven artifacts." How could I be so stupid as to not think of this until now? I knew what my powers did yesterday.

Solas observed me, his eyes trying to put pieces of me together. I knew that I was a frustration to him and that my pieces weren't fitting correctly. "That's preposterous. What would I want with elven artifacts?"

I crossed my arms in front of my chest, shoulder aching as I did it. "I don't know, Solas. What would the Dread Wolf want with them?" I quirked an eyebrow and narrowed my eyes.

A messenger came into the room, addressing Solas. "The Inquisitor requests a meeting with you Solas."

"I shall be right there," Solas replied, his eyes never leaving mine. "I'm surprised you are worried if that is what you think. With your knowledge of the future, I would assume you know his next move."

I waited for him to leave, deciding silence was best in this situation. The headache was strong and I felt a little sick, the cheese and bread not sitting well in my stomach from the evening meal. I needed to get some anger out and practicing Bull's spin move seemed like a good outlet.

I slammed the door to the rampart shut, frustrated with that stupid bald elf. I felt my anger in every step, eager to grab my sword from my room. Without thinking, I opened Cullen's door, not knocking. He glanced up at the intrusion, dressed in his usual armor again.

"I'm glad you're here," he informed me, standing straight. "We received word from Hawke to head out. We leave in the morning." I felt panic in my chest on top of the anger.

"Tomorrow morning?" I wouldn't be ready to fight those fucking demons! I was going to die.

"Yes," he informed me patiently. "I have the smith working on your armor as we speak and he says it will be finished before we leave."

I nodded in understanding and felt relief with having decent armor. "Thank you," I said yet again to him today.

"No need to thank me," he said casually, a grin on his lips. "The Inquisitor wants you to be prepared."

I felt another twinge of pain in my head and my eyes began to lose some focus. "Of course," I said weakly. "Makes sense." I saw the concern in his eyes as he looked at me and I forced a smile to my face. "As usual, nice chatting with ya."

"Are you okay?" His voice was hesitant.

"Don't worry about me Cullen," I ordered, not meaning to be snippy. "I just…need to go practice." I exited his office, shutting the door behind me and passing the guard that paced the area during the day. "Jim," I said casually.

"Uh, hi," he said surprised and uncertain. I dashed into my room, shutting the door and falling immediately onto my bed. I grabbed my pillow, letting a scream of frustration escape into it. It was times like this when I would call my parents and talk to them. What would they say?

"You can only do the best you can do babe." Dad would say. "Whenever you put your mind to something, you go until you get it." Mom would encourage. I thought about my siblings and what they would say about the Solas and Cullen situation. Karen would tell me to punch the prick in the face. Good old Karen. Riley would probably ask why I haven't jumped Cullen yet. I missed their sound advice.

I sat upright, throwing the pillow at the headboard. I grabbed my sword, heading out of my room and down the path that would lead to the training dummies. I felt purpose in every step and I ignored the dull pain of the bruises on my shoulder, positive I would get an injury far worse than this.

As soon as I approached the dummies, I started swinging. That's right Solas dummy, have another chop! I made every stroke stronger with my anger and I lost track of time, engrossed with trying to murder the Solas dummy.

"You know that it isn't real, right Prophet?" A voice said behind me. I recognized it as Varric's and I stopped my swings, focusing on him.

"Varric right?" I asked, leaning on my sword. I felt the sweat drip down my back and I hoped I could get a bath tonight. Wait…did he just call me Prophet? YES! I earned a Varric nickname!

"That's me," he confirmed. "Curly told me you were down here."

I raised an eyebrow at him. "Looking for me? Didn't realize I would get such an honor."

He chuckled and leaned against the wall of the forge. "Wanted to see what the fuss was about. Everyone is whispering about this woman that falls from a rift and has information that gave her a slot in the inner circle."

I didn't realize people were whispering about me. Wait. I'm in the inner circle? Self-five Kassy. "So naturally you assume prophet?"

He crossed his arms, adjusting Bianca on his back. "I'm in the inner circle too Prophet. I hear things."

I laughed and wiped the sweat from my forehead. "Should I even bother telling you my name, or is that nickname going to stick?"

"You can tell me, but yeah, the nickname is going to stick." He looked at me and smirked. "Obviously, you are busy."

"Wait," I quickly said. "I have a favor to ask of you."

He raised his eyebrows and his face had a lopsided smile. "What?"

"So, I have been reading your book," I easily lied. "And I noticed that you left Swords and Shields on a cliffhanger." I gave a serious face.

"And?" He asked amused.

"I need to know what happens! Please tell me you are almost finished with the next one." I gave my best fan girl desperation.

"I actually didn't know people read that one," he told me. "Almost lost money writing it."

"I read it!" I exclaimed. "I need to know Varric! Please!" I begged.

He laughed and his eyes held a sparkle. "I'll see what I can do Prophet."

I thought of what I would do if I met a real author that did this for me. "I would hug you if I knew you better." I told him with a huge grin, satisfied that Cassandra would get her sequel.

"Yeah, yeah," he muttered and I swear I saw a hint of pink in his cheeks. "Well, nice talking to you Prophet."

I gave an awkward nod as he turned to leave. He was always easy to befriend. Just don't make fun of his secret lover Hawke. I gave the fake Solas one last swing and headed to find out where someone could wash up at.

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I couldn't sleep most of the night, worrying about what would happen at Adamant. I knew it would probably take us a week or so to get there and that only added to my anxiety. I sat up, deciding that if I couldn't sleep, might as well play some music. Dad said that always helps him. Singing to the stars.

I grabbed my lute and headed to the rampart, surprised that there weren't any soldiers out here. I sat on the ground, adjusting the guitar on my crossed lap, strumming a few notes. I did this for a couple minutes deciding what song to sing. No one was listening and I felt like doing a song that was soft and I didn't have to think about playing. I started "Dream a Little Dream of me", playing it the way my Grandpa taught me.

I sang softly as I stroked each note, focusing on the stars and mountains. I felt the usual calmness that came with playing by myself and home felt a little closer. I smiled to myself, closing my eyes as I got to the second verse. Music was in the King's blood, my Grandpa used to say. I finished and glanced over at Cullen's room, a light shining under his door. Must still be planning. That or his nightmares are keeping him up.

"La Vie en Rose" came to mind when I thought about Cullen. I giggled and strummed the chords, my fingers knowing where to go without thinking. The lyrics came out and I felt they meant something different as I sang to the stars again. "Give your heart and soul to me. And life will always be, La Vie en Rose". I ended it with the flourish, my chest feeling tight from an unfamiliar feeling. There was no way I was having intense feelings for Cullen already. It's only been a few days, even if I have known him in game. Game Cullen and real Cullen are two different people.

I sighed and laid my lute in my lap, staring up at the mountains and stars, content to sit under them all night. I felt my eyes getting heavy and I headed back to bed, knowing I'd be awake within a few hours.

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Cassandra was helping me into my armor, showing me how this particular type worked. The smith made it in a mix of rogue and warrior, not knowing what I actually did. I loved the way the outfit looked, making me think of the armor rogues wear in the game. The outfit was made of great bear skin and the cloth, silk brocade being the material underneath. Long black gloves were given to me and I felt like a badass in this outfit. I grabbed my cloak, throwing it over my shoulders, glad for new boots and more comfortable pants.

I finally understood how the armor fastened together and I gave a triumphant cheer. Cassandra seemed unamused and she put her hands on her hips. "How have you never learned how to put on armor?"

I threw my lute and sword on my back, hardly wincing at the bruises on my shoulder anymore. "We didn't wear armor. We were more over coat and corset type of people. We didn't battle." I told her honestly.

"Interesting," she muttered to herself. She handed me a bag and I took it from her, puzzlement on my face. "I figured you didn't have one. It has some supplies in it, bandages and such." Her lips tipped up in a small smile. "And a certain book."

"Yes!" I exclaimed, peeking in the bag with a smile. "I can't wait to start it!"

"You won't be disappointed," Cassandra told me. "I have to help the Commander with the troops. I'll see you down there."

Skyhold was crazy with the amount of people coming to Adamant Fortress. I jumped out of someone's way as they passed by with an armful of swords. I found Bull, who was instructing the Chargers on a mission he received for them to do for the Inquisition while we were gone. Krem gave a confirming nod, smiling at me. I grinned back at him, surprised that I couldn't even tell he was a girl in person.

"Looking good, Rift," Bull told me admiring my new armor. "Ready to kick some demon ass?" He nudged my left shoulder and I gritted my teeth. He seemed concerned and he folded his arms. "Hurt Rift?"

I shook my head. "Just a little bruised from the shield bashing, it will go away in a couple day." I hoped. I tried to make my voice convincing, honestly not worried about this injury.

"Good," he replied, looking over my head at the army. "Looks like we are almost ready to go. Boss says it will be a week journey at most." I grunted in response, knowing he wasn't really paying attention to me anyhow. He seemed to be searching for something and I tried to follow his gaze. It landed on Dorian and I grinned to myself. Knew it. The troops were heading out, Inquisitor in the lead and I felt a knot in my stomach.

Time to go fight some demons and get out of the Fade. I followed Bull through the crowd, realizing we were heading toward the edge of the group. Dorian spotted us and waved us over. I couldn't hear anything the two of them were saying once we reached him and I observed the scene around me. Everyone seemed to know what to do as if it was routine. The army was in impeccable order and formation, each soldier in a certain place. I felt odd standing away from the group, but the two of them knew where to go, heading toward Branwen.

I saw Cullen toward the middle, observing the men, his voice booming over the crowd. "In position men! We head out on the Inquisitor's signal."

I searched for Branwen, seeing her talking to Cassandra earnestly in the front of the troops. We were near them now, and I heard Varric and Bull exchange a few words. Cassandra was constantly looking back at Cullen, waiting for some sort of cue. I turned to see what it would be but I must have missed it. She spoke to Branwen, gesturing to Cullen. Branwen saluted Cullen and she gestured for us to start heading out.

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The journey was uneventful for the first couple days. Branwen said we were making good progress and I knew I needed to somehow warn her about the spider demon in the Fade. We needed a plan and she needed to be prepared to say goodbye to someone in her party if she wouldn't listen. I spent the first few nights by myself near the fire, pretending to read, but really going over what exactly happens in the Fade. I wish I knew how to tell her what will happen, but I knew a plan was needed before approaching her.

I thought about her anchor. If she created a rift to get us into the Fade, could she create one to get us out? If we could create a rift for us to escape through, before seeing the demon, then we could have everyone safe. Or maybe we could sneak by. We needed to have as much magic we could on our side. We needed Dorian to come with us instead of Varric. More magic would be able to immobilize the demon enough for us to escape through the rift.

"You should get some rest King," Cassandra's voice suggested. "We will be arriving at the fortress tomorrow."

I looked up at her with a small smile, "No way, I just met the Captain."

She gave me a knowing smile but I could tell she didn't believe me. "You haven't turned a page in a half hour."

"Slow reader?" I suggested. She rolled her eyes.

"Keep this up and you'll sleep with the Tevinter." I glanced back at our tent, ready for some sleep.

"I have to talk to the Inquisitor first," I told her. "Don't wait for me though, you seem tired as well." She nodded in understanding and I stood up, handing her the book. I headed to Branwen's tent, hoping she'll have an open mind and listen. "Inquisitor?" I called softly at the flap of her tent.

"Come in Captain," she replied. I entered, not surprised to see Solas standing near her, looking down at the map.

"I was wondering if I could speak with you Inquisitor," I inquired, turning my eyes to Solas. "Privately."

Branwen glanced up at me then, her blue eyes looking worried. "Of course," she said. Solas took the hint and left the tent with a quick goodnight to Branwen. "What is on your mind?" She gave me her focus, all thoughts about the map gone.

"There are some things you should be prepared for before we get to Adamant," I started. "I have been deciding what exactly I should and could tell you, and ended up with the most important things."

Branwen nodded in understanding. "You seem awfully nervous. I won't bite," she joked. I forgot she was a jokester.

"This information stays between us," I told her with all seriousness. "If the others knew they would likely back out or stop you from going."

"What is it?" She asked me.

"More than likely we are going to end up in the Fade," I began. She started to talk but I held up a hand. "When I'm finished, I will answer your questions. This is important that you focus and heed my words." She nodded. "In the Fade, you will remember what happened with Corypheus," I told her, noticing she wanted to interject with a question but held her tongue. "He will know you are there and send wraiths, spiders, and other creatures to keep you from escaping through a rift. The rift that we need to get to is guarded by a spider demon. It is huge, powerful, and will most likely kill us. From the knowledge I have, someone would be sacrificed to save the rest of us. You would be making that decision." Her face fell a little and she swore under her breath.

"I have a plan though. If you listen it will work," I told her. She glanced at me with a hard stare and I knew she was trying to decide if I was lying or not. With Cole left behind at Skyhold, there was no one to convince her. "You need more mages. You need Dorian. Let Varric go with Cullen, and have Dorian go with you. With three mages and your rift power, we will be able to stun it long enough for us to get through the rift." I took a step closer to her. "Listen to me Inquisitor, you will regret it otherwise and have to make a decision on what man to send to their death."

Branwen seemed to go from confused, to angry, and then worried within five minutes. I waited for her to respond, standing still. I adjusted my weight to my right leg, never letting my eyes leave her face. She needed to listen. "I will think on it," she told me with a sigh. I started to speak but she looked up at me with troubled eyes. "I thank you for your heeding, but I would like some time to think this over if you will."

I gave a small bow, not knowing why I bowed, and left her tent. Well you tried. She needed to listen. If she didn't we'd be screwed. I took off to sit in the clearing near camp, needing to get some air and space. Tomorrow. I have been practicing with Cassandra and Bull whenever we made camp, alongside the Inquisition's troops. Cassandra said I should be able to get by at Adamant and to just keep close to her.

"Nervous for tomorrow?" Cullen's voice was near me and I turned on the rock, looking up at him.

"Yes, even though I know what will happen." He sat on the boulder opposite me. "How about you Curly?"

He rolled his eyes at the nickname. "Varric talked to you I'm guessing." I grinned, letting it answer the question. "Have you been graced with one yet?"

"Prophet," I informed him. He snickered and I felt my anxiety about tomorrow lesson with him near me. "You avoiding the question Curly?"

He shook his head in silent amusement. "I usually don't get nervous, knowing it's my duty and must be done. However, sending the Inquisitor in and with your predictions, I am unusually nervous." He looked down at his feet with a blush. "What does la vie en rose mean?"

I felt embarrassment take over my body and I cleared my throat. "I didn't… I didn't realize you could hear me." I stumbled the words out. "I'm so sorry, I'll refrain from playing in the middle of the night anymore."

Cullen glanced up at me, his eyes warm. There was something different about this look. "Don't apologize," he said softly. "I enjoyed hearing you. Especially the last one. What does it mean?"

"Life in pink," I told him. "It means having an optimistic view on life."

"I like that," he almost whispered, a soft smile on his face. I felt my heart race and I grabbed my necklace. He glanced down at the necklace, his attention suddenly focused on something above it. "You survived someone slitting your throat?"

I looked at him in confusion for a second before remembering the scar I had from my thyroidectomy. How did you explain to someone from here that they slit it open to remove a bunch of masses that were threatening your windpipe? "Sort of," was the response, my fingers touching the scar. It was the truth.

Cullen seemed impressed and that look came back to his face. Admiration? "Be careful tomorrow," he whispered. His voice was almost more of a plea than an order.

"I'll try," I responded and I cleared my throat, removing my fingers from my neck. "We should get some sleep Commander," I told him, standing up as I spoke.

He seemed to come back to himself and he cleared his throat as well, his hand going to his hair. "Yes, of course," he said quickly. He stood and looked back at the camp. We walked in silence to the camp, his tent the first one that we pass by. Cullen glanced at me, his face unreadable in the darkness here. "Goodnight, Kassy."

"Night, Cullen," I answered, watching him go into his tent. I smiled to myself, entering the tent I shared with Cassandra. I quietly got into my bed roll and laid, staring at the tent ceiling.

Maker's breath, I didn't want to die tomorrow.