I do not own any characters. They all belong to the legend that is Bioware. Sweet, sweet Bioware. Thanks for all the comments and follows! I really appreciate it! Hope you enjoy the new chapter! Rated M for language and future lemons!

Chapter 14

Light streamed through the ceiling, making me see red behind my eyelids. I groaned, confused at where I was. I reached up a hand and felt Cullen's chest. Ah yes. You were sleeping with the Commander, Captain. Self five!

"Kassy!" Someone hissed and I opened my eyes quickly, blinking a few times. "Don't make me come up there!"

I sat up slowly, not wanting to wake Cullen. His face was peaceful and I realized he didn't have any nightmares last night. I heard someone starting to climb the ladder and I went to crawl to the end of the bed to throw my boots on. I tried to not make too much movement or noise as I slow motioned crawled to my boots. A head popped up and Dorian's smirk disappeared.

"I really thought I was going to walk in on something more…," he gestured to me, "naked."

I raised an eyebrow at him and rolled my eyes. I knew my face was red and I was glad Cullen was asleep. "Is this going to happen every morning?" Cullen asked groggily. Dorian's smirk was back and I hung my head in embarrassment.

"I'll probably miss the actual action and catch the afterglow," Dorian teased. "Especially on mornings when the Inquisitor wants to quest."

"I'll be right down," I assured him, glad he woke me so I wasn't late. Dorian gave me a wink and took in the scene before him one last time before heading back down with a laugh. I felt a tug on my shirt and I giggled, glancing back at Cullen with a smile. "Sorry."

"He's not wrong you know," Cullen said with a teasing grin. "We should do that naked." I stared at him with surprise, the smile gone from my face. Cullen just asked you for sex…well suggested sex? Either way he wants you naked. I didn't know how to reply. "That is…umm…if you felt that you wanted…well…Maker's breath," he mumbled, a hand slipping into his hair. "I didn't mean to offend you."

I sat back on my heels, keeping eye contact with him. "Is that an order Commander?" I asked with a wink, leaning toward him. Cullen's embarrassment disappeared and his hand left his hair and cupped my cheek.

"More of a request," he assured me, his voice husky. I leaned forward and kissed him, smiling like a teenager after the quick kiss.

"I need to get going," I sighed. I went to move again, needing to put my boots on and do some quick packing. Cullen grabbed my wrist, pulling me back to him and surprising me with a demanding kiss, making the butterflies in my stomach flutter. "Cullen, I need to go."

He sighed and nodded, knowing that I had a job to do with the Inquisition. Back to the real world now. I wasn't looking forward to it. I got off the bed, and grabbed my boots, opting to put them on once I got to my room. He watched me start to climb down the ladder, and I gave him a smile. "Later dude."

Cullen chuckled, and shook his head. "Later dude," he repeated with his heart breaking half smile. I stared at his hand as he rubbed the back of his neck, his eyes never leaving me as I started down the ladder. I jumped down the last two rungs and gave a smile at Dorian who was leaning in the doorway that leads to the rampart toward my room.

"I thought I would assist you with your packing," he informed me with a knowing smile. "If you and the Commander are finished saying goodbye."

I rolled my eyes at him, not able to keep the dumb grin off my face. I sighed, unable to keep Cullen from my mind. "Come on then," I muttered, slipping past him, bumping him with my boots.

"Aye, aye Captain," he chuckled. I shook my head. Well, at least he is getting the pirate lingo. Opening the door, I saw a bag already packed. I turned to Dorian, raising an eyebrow.

"You mean pack for me?" I laughed. I noticed an outfit laid out, along with my corset and cloak. "I don't know about the corset Dorian," I said hesitantly. I shrugged out of my shirt, slipping on the one he picked out.

"You look amazing in it and it will help protect your wound from any further damage," Dorian countered. "Stop arguing and just put it on."

I sighed, changing my pants. "Boots then corset," I quoted to him. I sat on the edge of my bed to pull my boots on and I felt like I was almost just getting ready to head to Ren Faire, not a journey to do who knows what.

Dorian held out the corset and I put it on, turning for him to lace me up. I forgot how confident boosting corsets were. My belt was next to follow and I noticed the missing sword. "Who?" I asked looking over at Dorian.

"Cassandra," he replied unsurprised. "After yesterday, her and Iron Bull decided that you shouldn't be using a sword until the wound is completely healed."

"I agree," Cullen's voice chimed in, and I twirled to look back at him. He was in his armor and holding my lute and staff. "Thought you might need these."

Dorian winked at me and his mustache twitched as he tried not to smile. "I'll be waiting by the stables," he informed me. I nodded with a smile, and Cullen moved aside to let Dorian pass, giving a goodbye nod to Dorian's farewell.

"Thanks." I stepped forward to grab the lute and staff, placing it on my bed. "Would have been a disaster if I forgot those." I glanced under my bed, seeing if maybe Cassandra just set it someplace else, not really taken it away.

Cullen laughed. "You aren't going to find it here," he informed me. "I asked her to keep it until the healer cleared you for vigorous training."

Vigorous training? I didn't know whether to go with an angry reply or sexual innuendo. "Cullen," I began, feeling a bit frustrated. "I'm allowed to carry a sword, just not fight. What if we got in a fight and I couldn't use my staff? I don't know how to fight with it yet." So, I guess I was just going with frustrated.

"If you are truly a mage, there is no need for a sword," he assured me quietly. He took a step forward, ignoring my anger.

"I don't want to be a mage," I argued. "I want to use a sword and be a badass." Can I change my class? I thought in my head.

Cullen stared at me for a second before laughing. "You don't want to be a mage?"

I shook my head. "I have no choice in the matter though."

Cullen's forehead furrowed, and his smile ran away from his face. "I didn't realize that some mages might not want to have magic."

I shrugged my shoulders. "It is what it is." I pulled on my cloak and Cullen watched me tie the strings together. "However, I guess I'll just embrace it and be the most kick ass one there ever was." I stopped and remembered Hawke. "After Hawke."

It was Cullen's turn to roll his eyes as he stepped forward toward me and pulled my cloak toward him, his other hand cupping my face, bringing me in for a kiss. His kiss was demanding and his tongue was there, surprising me. I couldn't say how long it was. A few seconds? Minutes? How could this kiss be better than the others? Where were my hands?

We ended the kiss at the same time and I smiled goofily. Ummm….thoughts? What happened to them? "I don't know what kick ass is, but unless you start three wars, you are already more kick ass than Hawke."

I laughed, my smile almost hurting my cheeks. "Was that kiss your way of showing me that?" Smooth Captain King. Nailing it.

"That was because I hate that I can't go with you to the Hinterlands," his tone sober. "I wish I could go, but I'm needed here with everything going on with the ball and Samson."

Cullen seemed anxious now and I reached a hand up to his cheek. So, my hands were on his shoulders during that kiss I guess. "I'll be fine. What can go wrong in the Hinterlands?"

"Many things," he began. "Thieves, bandits, rifts, and not to mention many types of creatures like bears."

I stared open mouthed, forgetting just how much was in the Hinterlands. "Maybe I'll bring a bear back as a pet," I finally replied.

Cullen rolled his eyes and ran a hand through his hair. "Maker's breath," he sighed. "Please don't bring a bear back."

I shook my head, moving my hair out of my eyes with my hand. "I can't promise that. If Baloo wants to come home with me, he is welcomed to."

"Baloo?" His scar twitched and I nodded.

"Yep," I replied, slipping away from him to throw on my lute, bag, and staff. I undid my messy braid and quickly rebraided it, wanting it to be tight for the journey. "If I die, you can keep him forever."

Cullen frowned. "No joking about that," he commanded.

"Yes sir," I mumbled, glancing around to make sure I had everything. I touched my chest to make sure I had my necklace on. I seemed to have everything…I hoped. "I should probably go meet Dorian now." I watched Cullen look around awkwardly. I doubted we would ever not be awkward. "I'll be back Cullen," I assured him.

"You better," he growled, pulling me to him again and holding me against his chest. I wrapped my arms around him, snuggling into the softness of his robe. "You shouldn't make the Inquisitor wait," he said in a low voice.

I never wanted to leave his arms. Dumb Hinterlands. I better find a fucking bear. "I'll see you soon," I told him, kissing him quickly on the mouth. He smiled softly, nodding. "La vie en rose, Cullen."

Cullen's teeth showed in his smile and I felt my heart flutter. Teeth in a smile? He was trying to kill me from his handsomeness. "La vie en rose, Kass." He grabbed one of my hands and kissed it lightly. I slowly pulled it away, knowing I had to break this spell soon. I started to walk to the door when I heard Cullen say, "See ya later, dude."

I laughed at that, winking at him before heading out the door and toward the stables, grinning the whole way.

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"So, you came to prove a point to Cullen?" I asked Hawke, surprised my legs haven't protested at the walking yet.

"Yes," he replied. "Curly was getting on my nerves and now, I am officially apart of the Inquisition."

"And you came along?" I turned to Anders.

"To find another chantry to blow up," he responded dryly.

"He used to be quite charming," Hawke commented with a grin. "Before that whole blow up the chantry business."

"I'm sure," I laughed nervously, glancing over at the blonde. "Or he is just missing his cat. I hear he has a bit of an obsession."

Hawke chuckled, slapping a hand on Ander's back. "She caught our secret. Captain Purr had to stay at Skyhold while we traveled."

"Apparently it was Captain Purr or Varric," Anders grumbled.

"And I obviously won," Varric responded with a grin. "Just like in Kirkwall, eh Blondie?"

Anders rolled his eyes and continued walking. Someone was moody without his cat. "It's been three days of traveling, when will you stop pouting?"

Varric laughed. "Prophet's got a point."

Anders glanced between Varric and me. I stared back, trying not to blink. "When did you two join forces?"

I leaned over to Varric and did a stage whisper. "Don't get him upset. Judgement might take over and we'll be screwed."

Anders furrowed his forehead and Hawke put a hand on his shoulder. "Justice, Captain."

"You know, Anders, if I could get you another cat right now I would, but….wait! Hold on!" I dug through my bag, pulling out a piece of paper and my ink. I leaned over a rock and quickly made a very cartoon like drawing of a cat. I put away the ink and sprinted to catch up with the others. I held out my drawing to Anders. "There you are, Anders. One cat. It should tide you over until Skyhold."

Anders took the drawing from me, amusement on his face. He slowly started laughing, his shoulders shaking from the laughter. I smiled, glancing at Hawke, who was grinning at Anders. "Problem solved," Hawke told me, giving me a wink. I blushed and felt a spasm in my head.

The past few days, these spasms have been becoming more frequent. Also, the craziest dreams. I heard a voice talking in a hushed voice and I turned to see who it was. No one was behind me and I shook my head, deciding it was nothing.

"Captain, is everything alright?" I heard Branwen ask.

I glanced up at her and forced a smile. "Of course," I replied. The spasm was still pulsing and I clenched a hand into a fist. "Do I not seem like it?"

Branwen shook her head, her eyes studying me. "Not particularly," she answered, her blue eyes taking in my own. "Cullen made me promise to make sure you didn't strain yourself."

I raised my eyebrows. "Cullen has you babysitting me?"

"Babysitting?" Her beautiful face split into a smile. "It was an arrangement. I could take you with me if I made sure you didn't take on too much."

I rolled my eyes. "So, he just assumes he can make my decisions for me."

Branwen gave a chuckle. "Like most men."

I shrugged and felt my fingernails dig into my palm as the spasm got sharper, the pulsing going to the back of my eyes. I clenched my teeth, hoping I looked like I was upset with Cullen and not about to cry in pain.

"Inquisitor," Solas called. "We are almost to camp."

Branwen nodded at him, a small smile on her face. I knew that smile. That was the smile I had when I thought of Cullen. She kept pace with me and I saw the top of the tents in the distance. Thank God for the soldiers stationed here that had camps set up. "Umm..Branwen…," I began. Branwen's attention turned to me. "I need a couple minutes to you know," I lowered my voice. "Woman stuff."

Branwen blushed slightly and nodded her head in understanding. "Take your time," she assured me, and shooed me off. I stepped off the path into the forest, dodging behind some trees. My pace was quick as I searched for an area to sit, when suddenly the pain finally won and I sank to my knees.

I held my head, tears building in my eyes. I knew tears would only make the headache worse but I couldn't help them. Never have I felt a headache this bad. "Kassandra," a voice whispered.

I quickly opened my eyes, glancing around. There was no one around. Wait…they called me Kassandra. No one here called me that. I slowly tried to stand and felt the pain intensify. "Don't strain yourself, Kassandra. Sit."

I got to my feet and spun around, trying to find the voice. I whimpered through the pain. "Who's there?" I called meekly, my voice sounding like gasps. What was going on?

"Do you not recognize this voice?" The voice did sound familiar and I tried to figure out who it belonged to. "How could you forget me so quickly?"

I closed my eyes, focusing on the voice and I felt chills down my spine. I lost my balance and I fell onto my knees again. This couldn't be? How? Where was it? "The Fade," I whispered.

The voice cackled and I scanned the area again. "Impressive," it hissed. I kept alert, terrified I would see the spider like arm of the demon in the fade. Nightmare, I believe Solas said its name was.

"Where are you?" I asked, my voice shaky.

"You can't see me. You see, you thought you were so clever, sending me through that portal. Yet, here I am," Nightmare said in a hushed voice.

Shit, Kassy. What do I do? I had a demon talking to me. An invisible demon. Hold on…how was this happening? He was sent through a portal to a different part of the Fade. God, my brain fucking hurts.

"Kassy!" Dorian called. I glanced behind me toward the direction of his voice.

I swallowed and took a deep breath, the pain in my head receding a little. "Over here," I called back. I pulled myself up onto a nearby boulder, brushing the dirt from my pants. The spasm happened again and I put a hand to my head.

"Headache?" Dorian asked, his tone concerned. I looked up at him and gave a small smile, before another spasm made me gasp.

"Am I needed?" I questioned, my head throbbing. What the fuck did I do to deserve this headache?

"No," Dorian replied. "I was worried about you, given earlier circumstances." He leaned against a tree and crossed his arms. "I don't have many, but I care about the wellbeing of my friends."

Awe. Dorian. A warm feeling filled my chest and I smiled at him. "How did you find me?"

Dorian shrugged. "The Inquisitor said you had womanly problems, but we both know that's a lie."

"Shouldn't you be twirling your mustache?" I teased. I knew it came out half-hearted though and I put my other hand to my head. "Fuck," I hissed.

"You are just a hassle to travel with," Nightmare told me. "Eventually, your issues will cause them to leave you behind."

I glanced up then, looking at Dorian. "Did you hear that?"

Dorian shook his head, concern in his eyes. "Kassy, you're worrying me."

"You can't?" I asked. I heard the fear in my voice. No. No! That means…that means…

"Yes, I am in your head. Thanks to your blood magic," Nightmare told me.

I felt a tightness in my chest, and my breath became erratic. I felt tears come into my eyes and I felt my head begin to spin. No! No! How could this happen?! How?! Shit! Fuck! Shit, shit, shit! I put a hand to my chest and closed my eyes, my breathing heavier now. What was going on? I felt this overwhelming doom crash on me and I shook my head. The feeling was rapidly getting more daunting. "No," I gasped.

"Kassy?" Dorian's voice brought me back to reality and I opened my eyes to find him squatting in front of me. "What's wrong?"

"He won't understand if you tell him," Nightmare told me. "He'll think you a burden."

The panic attack increased and I felt tears falling down my cheeks. "Go away," I hissed. My mind not able to understand anything other than making sure Nightmare knew I was the boss in my mind. I felt the pain in my head recede and I sighed in relief

"I'm not going anywhere when you are like this," Dorian scolded me. I felt the panic attack reach full scale and I sobbed.

"Can you keep a secret?" I asked him, my words almost understandable through my sobs.

Dorian's eyes squinted, but he nodded. "Of course."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. I licked my lips. Alright Kassy. Confession time. "I'm a blood mage."

Dorian's eyebrows raised and he tilted his head. "Did you have help, or did you teach yourself? Blood magic shouldn't be played with."

I shook my head. "Hawke helped me."

Dorian glanced at the ground, and I could tell he was a little upset by this. "People can use this kind of magic to try to change who someone is. Make them someone else. You do realize how serious blood magic is? How it's not to be used lightly and against someone's will?"

I heard the bitterness in his voice and I forgot his father used blood magic to try to change him. "I won't ever try making anyone be who they aren't."

His grey eyes held my blue ones and he nodded, still not happy with my choice, but I could tell he knew I would never force anyone to change with blood magic. "So, you decided to become a blood mage. I assume you don't want a certain Commander to know."

"Yes, but that's not the secret part. I mean it is a secret but…," I ran a hand through the hair that came out of my braid. "I messed up. I…I should have asked about consequences from it. I just never thought blood magic bad."

"And it is not," Dorian argued. "If done correctly, it's no different than any other magic."

I nodded. "I know," I told him. "But blood magic made a demon-."

"Enter your mind," Dorian finished, his eyes wide in horror. "With your unique magic, it's no wonder a demon would be attracted to the power. I can't imagine the type of effect your blood magic could have. If it would even behave like the blood magic we know."

"Dorian, it's worse than that," I said quietly. "Remember the monster that I sent through a portal in the Fade?"

Dorian moaned and wiped a hand down his face. "Nightmare," he confirmed.

"I don't know how he found me, but he said blood magic was the cause," I continued. "What do I do Dorian?" My voice was terrified and shaky. I wiped away the tears from my cheeks with the palm of my hand.

"You fight him with will power," Dorian told me. "For now, until I get my hands on some books that tell me more about this."

I nodded, trying to remember a situation like this in any of the games. The kid from the first game…what was his name? Connor or something like that? "The warden had to go into the Fade and destroy the demon that took over a boy during the last Blight to get the demon out of him."

Dorian stared at me in surprised confusion. "Should I ask how you know this?"

"No," I answered quickly. "I just do. And Dorian, there is no way we are going to defeat this demon."

Dorian shook his head. "If we think we can defeat Corypheus, then we can defeat Nightmare."

I gave a halfhearted smile and nodded in understanding. If Dorian says so, then we can. I hope. That would mean we would have to travel to the Fade again. Didn't Solas say it wasn't possible? "Cullen will never forgive me for this," I confessed to Dorian.

"I doubt that," Dorian argued. "The way that man looks at you."

I laughed and wiped my face again. "I think you're seeing things."

"Not so," Dorian teased. I saw the sparkle in his eyes and I was glad he was the one to find me. "Though the Commander will be very upset, he'll find it in his heart to forgive you. And if not, well then, I'm sure Blackwall is a great lover."

I laughed again, my smile even bigger. "Have I told you recently that you are the best?"

Dorian stood and crossed his arms. "Not recently no." He smiled and held out a hand. I took it and he pulled me up. "We'll figure this out," he told me. "Eventually we'll have to tell them."

"I know," I confessed. "When we get back to Skyhold."

"When we get back," Dorian agreed. His smile came to his face and he shook his head. "Now, if you can keep that demon at bay, I think we should go join the others."

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. I could do this. We would figure out a way to fight this demon. Why, oh, why did I think I had to be a badass blood mage? To prove a point? What if Cullen really did leave me because of this? Wait…don't let the fear from the demon win. You are strong. Captain King is invincible. I survived it once, I can outsmart it again.

I followed Dorian back to the camp, glad Cole wasn't here to accidently blurt out my thoughts. No one noticed our return except Solas, who eyed me with question. I gave him a salute and went to throw my stuff down by a tent.

"Everything okay?" Hawke's voice asked. He was coming out of the tent I threw my supplies by, and I almost felt tempted to blurt everything out to him.

"As okay as it can be," I told him honestly, slapping a smile on my face to reroute his suspicion. Hawke seemed dubious of my answer.

"Missing Curly?" His hands were on his waist now and he was looking down at me like a parent does a moody toddler.

"Um…not a lot," I replied. Wait, make him think that is the reason for your weird mood, and not a demon trying to possess you. "Actually, yeah. I miss him very much….so….very much so….so very much."

Varric stopped as he was passing by, hearing my so eloquent answer. "Wow, prophet. With your vocabulary, you should be writing books."

I rolled my eyes. "Har, har." I snatched up my lute and stood up.

Hawke laughed and his eyes lit up with mischief. "Ah, yes. She could call it, 'In case the bard thing doesn't turn out'."

Put these two together and the teasing never ends. I raised my eyebrows at them and put on the "I'm not amused" smile. "For your information, this bard gig will always turn out. Are you not always entertained?"

Varric grinned and crossed his arms across his chest. "I know I always am." He eyed my lute in my hands and nodded toward it. "You thinking of playing, Prophet?"

"If that is what it takes to stop the teasing, then yes," I laughed. I made my way to the fire, sitting on a log, finally realizing just how sore my feet were. I stretched them and curled my toes, trying to find relief from the pain.

Everyone seemed to be off, getting ready for our assignment tomorrow. I still had no clue what it was, but we were heading toward the more forested part of the Hinterlands, which meant, most likely we would see bears. I glanced around while strumming quietly, seeing how they really operate in real life at an actual camp.

Branwen was standing over a map with Solas, discussing quicker options to get to our destination. Dorian was buried in a book, his forehead wrinkled in concentration on a nearby rock. Anders was going through his bag, making sure he still had all his medical inventory. Varric and Hawke were still at the tent, laughing with each other and moving their hands very animatedly.

My fingers wanted to start playing chords and for some reason, all I had in my head was Safe and Sound by Taylor Swift. The lute made the song a little more daunting which added to the way I felt about the demon. I guess my mind just decided to find a song to help me get through this.

I saw Anders glance up from his inventory when I began to play and I acted as if no one else was there. Right now, I wasn't putting on a performance, I was mentally healing. "I remember tears streaming down your face when I said I wouldn't let you go. When all those shadows almost killed your light. I remember you said don't leave me here alone, but all that's dead and gone and passed tonight."

The chorus seemed to speak to me and how it made me feel better I don't really understand. I mean, I guess this song could be healing but it was kind of a sad fucking song. Typically, Taylor didn't speak to me, but I was too grateful for the normalness I was feeling while playing. Dorian made his way over to the fire, admiration in his eyes. His thumb was marking the page in his book, and it seemed so natural to see that, a scholar pausing to observe a show. I was lucky to have him for a friend. Gah! Too mushy. Focus on the song King. I closed my eyes as the ooohs came from my throat and I could feel the emotion rush through me.

"Just close your eyes, the sun is going down. You'll be alright, no one can hurt you now. Come morning light, you and I'll be safe and sound." I heard the crack in my voice as I finished out the song. Wow. I was never affected by a song in that way before. Like listening, yes. Playing? No.

"Shit, Prophet," Varric spoke into the silence. I opened my eyes and saw most of camp looking at me. Some had sadness on their face, other's wonder, and from a few, pity. I caught Ander's eyes and his seemed to tell me that he understood exactly how that song made me feel. Of course, he would.

I cleared my throat and set the lute down, signaling the end of my performance. Everyone seemed to get the hint and it was like a spell broke. Most everyone went back to doing their own thing, but I could feel the eyes of my group on me. Dorian was reading again, but he peaked up at me from his book before returning to its content.

"I thought I'd fill you in on tomorrow," Branwen said to me and I gestured for her to take the seat next to me. She smiled and sat, her legs longer than I remembered. "You sang beautifully by the way."

I blushed, still not used to accepting compliments. "Thanks," I responded. I tucked some loose hair behind my ear and leaned my elbows on my knees. "What mission are we doing?"

Branwen got a mischievous grin on her face and she leaned toward me, her weight resting on her hand. "We are trying to help Bianca."

Wait…if we were helping Bianca, why were we near the Grand Forest? Shouldn't we go to the door to the deep roads? We were literally on the opposite side of the map than where we should be. Did Branwen get the wrong location? Focus, Kassy. Okay, Branwen is waiting for a response. Remember Captain King, you don't know who Bianca is…wait…would I? It could be plausible that Varric told me. Who was I kidding? Varric didn't like talking about Bianca unless it was his crossbow. I guess we are doing the usual. Play dumb. Why do I refer to myself as we? Stop talking to yourself and answer the Inquisitor woman!

"His crossbow?" I asked, using the confusion already on my face to emphasize it in my voice as well.

Branwen laughed. "I thought for sure someone would have told you about it. After all, Skyhold loves gossip." She seemed to sigh at that last part. Apparently she was tired of the gossip already. "She's a friend of Varric…but I suspect more to the story."

"Hmmm," I played along, trying to act as if this wasn't already something I knew. "Is she hiding somewhere in the forest out here?" Lame, Kass. However, maybe she'll take the bait and help me figure out why the fuck we are in the Grand Forest.

"No," Branwen replied, sitting straight now. "We are looking for a key that opens the door to the deep roads. According to a note we found, it's here somewhere."

"The Mercenary Fortress," I replied without thinking. I mentally swore and kicked myself. Branwen's eyes were wide.

"You really do know everything, don't you?" She turned herself toward me, throwing a leg over the log. "When are you going to tell me how you know all this? How do you obtain all this knowledge?"

Seriously? I tried to think of something but nothing came up to tell her. Come on King. Think of something! Anything! "We have a deal," I decided on. It was true.

Branwen sighed and put a hand to her still perfectly intact intricate hairstyle. "You're right. Of course."

I nodded, feeling a little bad that I couldn't share this information with her. I should give her as much information as I could remember on the key. "Did you want any advice on the fortress?"

She studied me, her eyes never leaving my face. I didn't blink, letting her know that I had nothing to hide, but adamant in my decision to keep them being a video game a secret. Bring it on, Inquisitor. "Do you know the location of the key once we are inside the fortress? It isn't in some demon is it? I feel like everything I need to get lately is from the remains of darkspawn."

I guess I never thought about that. All the things I needed for potions, were collected from demons. I shook my head. "Sitting on a table on a balcony. However, there is a tough dude guarding the room, so that will be fun."

She rolled her eyes. "Thieves seem to be everywhere. I am seriously tired of them." I noticed her eyeing my stomach. "I don't want you doing any of the fighting. Understand?"

"Roger," I answered, annoyed that Cullen had babysitters for me. I am so finding a bear and bringing it back now.

"Who?" She asked, looking around. I contained a laugh, knowing that she would think I was making fun of her.

"It means got it," I explained. I seriously need to remember the lingo here. I glanced over at the tent where my staff and bag was. I should probably put those in a tent.

"I'm making you leader once we get to the fortress. I suppose navigator is the more correct term," Branwen informed me. I felt surprise that she wanted me to be a bigger part in the quest.

"It's only because she doesn't know who you truly are," Nightmare taunted. No. No! Don't even answer him. Ignore him. If you even have a hint of belief in what he's saying then I am screwed. Be stronger than Nightmare. "I am Captain King, Nightmare, and I am a force to be reckoned with." I felt my fingers automatically grab my necklace.

"Sounds like a plan, Stan," I said, coming out of my mental conversation. Seriously, that was one of the worst sayings you could have chosen. No. The worst is "cool Mcgruel", a personal favorite of my father. "I mean, sounds good."

Branwen laughed and she slowly stood up, amusement on her face. "I hope your sayings catch on at Skyhold. It would certainly be more entertaining there."

"More entertaining than war meetings and public executions? Never," I responded with a grin. I felt the ache in my feet again and I stretched them again. I didn't realize how tired my body was. My brain was. "Which tent is mine?"

Branwen nodded toward a tent to her left, a couple down from where my things were. "Dorian claimed you as his tent mate, so you'll be sleeping with him." I glanced over at Dorian, who was still immersed in his reading. "Don't worry. He'll only read you boring facts from his books while you sleep, claiming it makes you know the knowledge subconsciously." She winked at me before saying a quick goodnight and heading back to her map.

I was relieved Dorian was my tent buddy. That way, if any weirder shit happens, he can help stop it. Me and my stupid wanting to show off with being a bad ass! Well, technically, isn't it the rift's fault that I'm in this situation. What did I do to make you angry gods!?

Are you done with your pity party? I asked myself. Yes. Yes, I am. With a groan, I reached over and grabbed my lute, using it to help me push myself up. My thighs yelled at me in anger. Chill thighs. We have a lot of walking to do yet. Even though we did that stupid quest to get the horses for the Inquisition. Well, I hope they did that mission. I mean task…what do they call the quests here?

I walked, rather grandmotherly, to my pile of stuff. I glanced down at it, debating if I truly cared if anything gets stolen from it. Was it worth squatting to pick it up? Before I could decide if I wanted to truly feel the burn, a hand reached down and handed me my bag. Ander's face had a small smile as he held my bag out to me. "Thank you," I said surprised.

Anders shrugged his shoulders, leaning on a leg. "You seemed to be debating bending down or not, so I thought I'd give a little help." He leaned to his right, grabbing the staff and handing it to me. "So you decided to go with blood magic."

I glanced over at him, after putting the staff on my back. "Hawke tell you?" The man told me not to tell anyone.

He shook his head. "No, the staff. I've seen enough blood magic to know if a staff contains it." His arms crossed over his chest and he took a step toward me, making me instinctively take a step away. "I can tell in someone's eyes if they hear others as I do." I blinked and glanced up at his brown eyes. They seemed to peer into my mind, as if he can see Nightmare standing there, banging against my pupils. "Control is your only option."

I nodded, already knowing this. For once, just once, I wish Dragon Age had a demon that could be defeated with an act of true love, like Frozen or any fucking Disney movie. Life here would be so much easier and everyone would be looking for their true loves so they can defeat a demon, and the only way to defeat Corypheus is to have two true soulmates do a passionate make out session. That sounds fun, right? Love conquers all!

"I'll make sure to do that," I assured him. I ran a hand through the escaped hair and wished for an actual shower with my coconut shampoo and conditioner and Bath and Body Works body wash. To smell like a girl again would be glorious. "I'm pretty beat, so I'm going to bed."

Anders smiled, pulling out my drawing from his pocket. "We'll see you in the morning," he said with a smile, his eyes crinkling on the edge. So, Anders was once upon a time a funny dude…well…he still could be. Then again, he did go through some serious shit.

A;lkjdfklajsdklfj

"Look, I'm just saying, if you wanted 'beauty sleep', you should have stayed at Skyhold," I told Dorian as we tracked through the Great Forest. I didn't hear him come to the tent, but I knew he was up late reading. I knew how only a couple hours of rest makes you feel even more tired, but it's worth it for a good read.

"For your information, I don't need beauty sleep. I'm this attractive naturally. Also, I had to watch your ass." He raised his eyebrows at me and I fumed inside.

"The Commander is going to hear a few choice words when we get back," I told Dorian. He snickered and his outfit flashed in the sunlight. "Also, your wardrobe attire keeps almost blinding me."

"Good. It's one of my defense techniques," he said with not a hint of sarcasm. I gave him a, I'm not buying it look, and he just gave me that tilted smirk. "I've had worse defense techniques."

Our conversation was cut short by the sound of a fight up ahead. I forgot that the Grand Forest is full of awesome bandits and the like. Dorian and I ran to catch up to the others, not realizing how far we dragged behind during our conversation.

A couple thieves laid on the ground and the other five were going against a bear. I froze, terrified. The bears were bigger than in the game. Dorian had his staff out as soon as we were in view of the bear. He was helping and here I was, frozen. Move, my mind told me. You defeated giant spiders but you are terrified of this bear?

It wasn't the bear though. It was the fact that these bears never came as just one in this forest. Oh no, there were always more, and from the direction you wouldn't expect. I glanced around, knowing that I really wasn't truly needed to defeat the bear. Besides, Branwen told me no combat.

I didn't see any signs of a bear army, and I heard Hawke call out that it was dead. I turned my attention back to them and the dead bear. That's some nice fur. What if I made a cool mantle like Cullen's. In a dark blue maybe…with some tall black boots. I should have Leliana pick some out for me. When I get the gold. Do we get gold? How do I get gold? For tall black boots? Obviously, my money issues haven't changed.

I followed Dorian to the others, Varric and Branwen looting the body of the thieves. "Should we take the fur?" Varric asked Branwen, motioning to the bear with his head.

She glanced over at it and shook her head. "Not unless you have something you want to make with it," she told him. "I just want to grab the key and go. Josephine made it very clear that we have to be back in time to travel to The Winter Palace."

Varric raised his eyebrows at her and chuckled. "Since when was Josephine in charge of the Inquisition?"

"Not the Inquisition, just our time schedule. I messed up not getting to Redcliffe on time last time, so I'm trying to actually not get to sidetracked with other missions," she answered, putting the items she found in her bag. "Besides, we have a lot of bear fur at Skyhold."

She led the way and we all followed like her little ducks, Solas of course taking lead duck. They were lucky they got to travel together. Sleep in tents together. Do couple things on journeys together. I thought about the bear fur and what material I would use to make the cloth part of my mantle robe thing. Maybe royal silk? Or highweaver? Wait…which one was the dark blue again? I wanted that one…I just had the name at the tip of my tongue and now it's not even in my brain. What was it? God this was going to bug me.

I ran into Hawke in my thoughts, not realizing how far we walked. I literally just dream walked for who knows how long, putting together an outfit and figuring out the name of a dumb fabric. "Sorry," I mumbled, taking a few paces back. Hawke turned around at the impact and gave me a quick smile.

I peered around his shoulder, figuring out why we stopped. The fortress was coming up, and Solas and Branwen were assessing the situation. Ooh. It's my cue! "Excuse me," I said, sliding between Hawke and Varric. I strutted toward the couple, purposefully trying to eavesdrop before letting them know my presence.

"Are you positive she knows for certain it's here?" Solas asked. "It could have been moved."

Branwen glared at Solas. "We discussed this. After the Fade, I am never not trusting her again. If she says it's here, it will be."

In your face wolf. I had a love hate relationship for Solas. "It is," I confirmed, making them both jump.

"Captain, I didn't realize you were there," Branwen said, turning toward me. "Doesn't look like much defense but we can never be too certain. Are you ready?"

I nodded, my gaze on Solas as I answered. "I was born ready." His grey eyes held mine and I knew a challenge was made. I would find this key and prove to Solas that I'm legit. That he should listen to me. That his Dread Wolf plan wasn't going to work well for him.

Branwen whistled for the rest of the party and they headed for us. I made sure I had everything securely on me before leading the way toward the fortress. The hill was rather steep and the burn in my thighs was very loud. Well, my thighs will be shapely after this. Definitely toning up with this Dragon Age World workout. Someone should have thought of that back home.

I didn't look back at the others as we approached the fortress. If I remembered correctly, there would be some thieves at the entrance. Being ready for an attack, I reached a hand behind me to grab my staff, but there were no demons or thieves once we reached it. Interesting. This was different. Still cautious, I kept an eye out, heading toward the stairs.

I didn't pay attention to the details around me, knowing I would get distracted with the way some parts crumbled or had plants growing on it. Instead I led them to the second floor where the leader would be. Seriously, where were all the people? There was a dude that dropped a belt before that guarded the room. Where was he?

Branwen was by my side as I stopped at the archway of the room. "Grab the key," she ordered. "We'll keep watch."

I took a deep breath, praying that the key was there. If the dude wasn't here, the key might not be as well. I ran toward the balcony, careful to keep an eye out for anyone. There on the table was the heavy key. "Thank you, God!" I quickly grabbed it, gripping it as I jogged over to Branwen, handing her the key. "Let's go before he finds out we are here," I told her, heading toward the exit.

She gestured for the others to follow. I noticed Solas staring at the key in Branwen's hand in disbelief. That's right, Solas. I know what I'm talking about…mostly. I hurried toward the stairway, almost slipping when the heel to my boot began to come off. Damn! These were my favorite!

We got to the open area and Branwen threw the key in the air and caught it in her hand with a smile. "Well done, Captain." She put the key in her bag and looked over at Varric. "Seems like we will be able to help Bianca after all. After the ball though. She's welcome at Skyhold for as long as she cares to stay."

Varric gave his usual smile and adjusted Bianca on his back. "Glad to hear it." I could tell that everyone was trying to see if he had any reaction to Bianca's name. Of course, he had none besides his usual attitude.

"Not that this adventure through a creepy abandoned fort wasn't fun, but please tell me that wasn't the only reason we traveled out here," Dorian said, addressing Branwen.

Branwen put her hands on her hips. "I thought it would take longer to locate the key. Luckily, we got Captain over there, that made this process a whole lot faster. I think we should head back to Skyhold and figure out what exactly we are going to find in Valammar."

"Which means having a conversation with Bianca about everything she knows," Hawke thought out loud. "Deep Roads and I are old friends."

Varric half laughed, half coughed and shook his head. I'm sure if I played Dragon Age II I would understand what they were talking about. I saw the smirk on Anders face and figured he must know the meaning behind this too.

"Alright team," Branwen called to us, none of us realizing she was walking away. "Let's head back to Skyhold."

"Shortest trip ever," Dorian mumbled to me. I giggled, and bumped into him.

"Look at the bright side, we got some quality bonding time in. Aaaand, we get to design a hella awesome surprise for a certain Commander," I said with a wiggle of my eyebrows.

Dorian's eyebrows wiggled back and he looped my arm through his. "Is this for him or for him?"

I blushed and bit my lower lip. "I didn't think about doing it for him until you said it," I admitted. "But, we'll see if he wants it for him after I tell him about Nightmare."

"Nightmare?" Solas asked from behind us. I jumped in surprise, not realizing anyone was behind us. I figured he was up with Branwen like usual. His eyes narrowed on me. "What about Nightmare?"

My mind went blank for an answer and I struggled to find words. My eyes went to Dorian in panic, hoping he'd help me out. "He might be able to help," Dorian told me, guilt in his eyes. "He knows the Fade better than I do."

I ran a hand through my hair, panic in my chest. So long for waiting to tell anyone until Skyhold. I let go of Dorian's arm and turned to face Solas, all of us stopping. I glanced behind me to make sure the others were far enough ahead not to hear.

"Hawke helped me become a blood mage, and because I did that, somehow Nightmare is…here," I explained pointing to my mind. "And he's strong."

Solas' expression didn't change, and I kind of admired how he could stay so collected hearing this type of information. My face was an open book. "You're a blood mage?" I nodded. "And Nightmare said he found you because of the blood magic?"

"Yes," I confirmed, looking behind my shoulder to see if we were getting too far behind. "And the only way the hero could kill a demon in a boy's head in Redcliffe, was by entering the Fade and killing the demon."

Solas seemed impressed I knew this knowledge and he nodded in understanding. "Yes, that is typically the only way to get rid of one." He kept his eyes on me while he thought, and I swear I saw the light reflect off his head. "The rift you sent it through, somehow the magic connected it to the rift in you. That's how he found you."

I felt myself growing frustrated. "So, I have no way of truly getting him out?"

Solas slowly shook his head. "No. There is a way. I will find one once we are back at Skyhold. Right now, we need to catch up with the others."

Solas brushed past Dorian and I, looking like Jack Skellington walking up his graveyard hill. "Not as helpful as I thought, but he might find an answer," Dorian spoke, breaking the silence.

The walk to camp was faster than the walk to the fortress, which I was grateful for. Dorian and I threw our belongings in our tent and headed over to the fire for food. I grabbed a plate from a soldier stirring a pot, thanking him before going to sit on a boulder near Varric.

"Captain, a word," Branwen called from the other side of camp. I glanced down at my plate of food, and shrugged my shoulders, opting to bring it with me. I crossed the camp toward Branwen, wanting to eat, but knowing I'd spill food on me if I tried to while walking.

"Inquisitor?" I asked, stopping in front of her. She grabbed my plate from my hands, placing it on a rock near us. I felt a little disappointed, like a toddler that had a piece of candy in their hand, but had it taken away. I was starving.

"Let's go someplace more private," she told me. She led me through the trees, well out of earshot distance. Branwen turned to me, crossing her arms. "Solas told me."

Fucking elf. I should have known he was going to fucking tell Branwen. I was in trouble. I was either going to get punished for blood magic or the demon. Probably both. "I didn't realize how frowned upon blood magic was unti-."

Branwen held up her hand. "I don't care that you're a blood mage. If done correctly, they can be useful. As Hawke has told me, don't let the balance be off. I'm more concerned about Nightmare. Not for me though. For you."

I ran a hand down my face. "Wait," I sighed, trying to process this. "You aren't upset that I didn't tell you?"

Branwen tilted her head as she evaluated me. "We all have secrets we need to keep. This one though can't be secret. You need the Inquisition's help to get rid of Nightmare." She licked her lips and put a hand on my arm. I glanced down at it and back at her. "You were the one that saved us from Nightmare. You were the one that made the sacrifice. Let us help you."

I had so many thoughts and emotions flying through my head. I would have to tell Cullen. It would have to be the first thing I did when I got back. What if I refused the Inquisition's help? I felt tears in my eyes and I blinked them away. "Do I get a choice in this?"

Branwen shook her head. "No," she answered. Her eyes filled with pity and I hated that look. I wasn't one to be pitied. "As part of the Inquisition, we need to address it. As soon as we get back to Skyhold."

I felt the panic in my chest. He couldn't find out in a war meeting. No. I glanced down at the ground, knowing the return to Skyhold was going to be hard. My eyes flickered up to her face and I nodded. "Alright," I began. "But please, let me tell Cullen before you say anything."

She thought about my request for a moment, before nodding. "One day. After that, I'm going to have to tell the War Council."

"Thank you," I whispered, suddenly not hungry anymore.

Branwen rubbed my arm and threw her arm around my shoulder. "Let's get you back to camp and see if Varric has some ale. You look like you could use some."

Maker's Breath! I definitely could use some.