As we slowly made our way up the mountain, I could feel the difference in my body. No longer was I weak or overwhelmed by the exertion, instead I felt capable of what was set before me. I flicked my eyes to Cullen, where I could make out his golden hair and the fur of his mantle as he led the way, sending a silent thanks to him for his training and exercises that he had suggested.
I had gone from a soft mage to a body toned and strong. I still joined the recruits in their morning drills when I could, but otherwise I would do my exercises privately when my other duties took up my day. I glanced back at the mages I was striding ahead of, feeling sorry for them as the struggle was obvious on their faces.

"So as I understand it, you joined the Inquisition of your own free will?" Fiona's voice questioned at my side.

I turned to the elven female, finding piercing eyes looking me over. "I did."

"Where did you come from?" A dark brow quirked.

"I was a part of a Circle until the rebellion began," I offered. "Let's leave it at that."

"And what are your feelings on the rebellion?"

"I did not desire independence."

She was silent for a moment as she looked towards the Breach. "And now?"

"I am glad I had the choice to join the Inquisition. I believe in its cause and will give it my all to see it fulfilled."

"Its cause being to challenge the tenets of the Chantry and to restore order. Do you not think that is what we intended to do? To challenge the Chantry and the templars?" She quirked a brow at me. "I pushed for our vote to free the Circles of Magi, but I am not solely responsible for what followed."

I met her eyes. "I know it was what you intended, but your intentions and what actually occurred are so far from each other you must feel a little regret?"

She shook her head. "I regret only those that have been lost in this war pushed by the templars. Still, despite all the chaos, I would do it again. What happened had to happen"

I scoffed. "The mages have pushed their agenda just as much as the templars have." I shook my head. "No, enough of this. I am tired of this mage versus templar debate, fight, war, whatever you want to call it. The Circle was my home, some templars my friends - even more since I have joined the Inquisition. Both sides are at fault, both sides need to redeem themselves, but I hope that this divide can finally be put to rest. It is tiresome. That aside, I sincerely hope that both sides can find true change."

Fiona used her staff as a walking stick as the path became more of an incline. "I agree, but for it to have gotten to a place where it couldbe put to rest, I see no other course of action we could have taken. Like a bone that never healed properly, we had to break so we could be reset. Mages need to be free - to be given a chance to show that they can be free. The templars need to find another purpose beyond the one they have clung to for so many years."

"Are you crediting yourself with what the Inquisition hopes to set in motion?"

She gave me a wry smile. "And what is that? Bringing us together under false pretenses, demanding that we work together?" Her eyes narrowed. "We will help seal this Breach. I will tolerate the templars while we do so and after because of the larger threats we may yet face. That being said, the mages will always be my priority."

"Word has spread of what the Herald saw in the dark future that magister sent her to," I growled. "And you wish to lead the mages still after what your choices could have wrought upon the world?"

Her dark brow furrowed, her gaze staring me down. "I lead them by default because I am the former Grand Enchanter. The desperation we felt drove me to make a choice I am not proud of, but we were certain templars were coming to end us all." She looked away. "I did what I could to keep them safe, but my time as Grand Enchanter is done - it ended with the Circles of Magi. Perhaps the Circles will one day be resurrected, if so, another will take my place as Grand Enchanter, but until that time, I will do what I can for them."

"You would want the Circle of Magi brought back? After all that has happened? All that you fought for?" I quirked my brow.

"It depends on who the next Divine is and what she offers," Fiona met my gaze. "We can't go back to the way things were, but endless warfare benefits no one. That is why I agreed to Justinia's Conclave. There must be another solution." Fiona looked towards Ellana. "I should thank your Herald. The way things ended in Redcliffe, she could have demanded anything she wished. Yet, she chose to make us equal partners - even if there will be demands placed. I was not expecting that."

"If we had not had you join us, the people of Ferelden would have sought your blood. For not only giving Tevinter a foothold here and the ability to wield you as they saw fit, but also for all but taking Redcliffe captive," I stated. "The Herald believes the only way for the mages to have a chance to redeem themselves is to do so with their freedom intact; same with the templars."

"I care not for the common folk and their ire," Fiona frowned. "If change is to come, one must disregard those who do not understand your struggle."

"So you'd force change on the people who outnumber us? Push their ire to the limit and then send mages out into that world expecting those you 'disregarded' to welcome them with open arms?" I chuckled without humor. "You would achieve nothing but the strengthening of prejudices they already hold. Instead, would it not be better to lead the mages towards redeeming themselves - proving themselves - in the eyes of those who fear them?"

"There is nothing for mages to prove. We are mages - born with magic. We can control ourselves and live freely. The common folk must be made to see that without us having to earn a place in this world that isn't a glorified prison."

"Only for us to end up dead or in a harsher prison than we had before," I muttered. "You were Grand Enchanter - you of all people should know the Circle could be more than a prison. You yourself said you'd see the Circle resurrected under the right circumstances. Does it need change? Absolutely, but I believe it has its place; not only for mages, but for achieving what we all desire: to be seen as people. If we took strides to disprove everything they think about us, would we not win more to our cause? Win more who are willing to support the changes we seek? There will always be those that hate us, but if we could make them the minority by proving our merit, would that not be a reward in itself?"

Fiona laughed without humor. "Ah, to be so young and idealistic again. Child, sooner or later you'll realize that people do not wantto change, so therefore they don't." She nodded her head towards the templars. "That Barris is putting a good foot forward because his pride was damaged. As soon as it's recovered, he'll turn back to the old ways and demand we be put back in chains." She nodded towards Cullen. "The Commander brought Kirkwall's mages to their knees before he lost faith in the Order, but he still holds its views on mages and magic. If we get too free, he'll demand the Inquisition put us back where we belong. Just wait. I pray I am wrong, but I know that I am most likely not."

I looked her square in the face. "People can change. They can unite under a cause, can shift the course of history. The Hero did it - an entire nation and all its unique peoples united to back a single woman. The Champion did it - a corrupt city producing a single light that stood for what was right and called others to do so. And now we have the Inquisition - will Thedas itself turn to us to lead the way into the future? I pray to the Maker that it is so."

Fiona shook her head. "As much as I admire your faith, I have seen too much of the world to share it."

"You had faith enough to lead the mages to freedom," I countered. "You had to believe that there was a chance for things to truly change - or did you help subject the world to chaos out of spite?"

She hesitated a moment before she murmured, "I hope, child. But hope is a dangerous thing."

"Then I pray for you, Fiona," I offered. "I pray that you see the Inquisition become what you have lost the will to truly hope for."

She looked stunned for a moment before collecting herself. She turned her face from me, but gave a slight nod. "You shame me. I had great hopes upon our arrival and when the more dire circumstance were explained to me, but...it is difficult to hope without doubt." Her eyes met mine once more. "I pray that what you have faith in comes to pass."

At that, she strode ahead of me as I let the throng of people pass by me until I wound up among the companions. I noticed Bull and the Chargers first, Asaala among them - it seemed the female had joined the Chargers officially while they'd been in Orlais. Her eyes landed on me as she finished laughing at a joke Krem had uttered.

She nodded, excused herself and came up to me. "How are you, little one?"

I smiled. "Well, how are you? We haven't spoken in some time."

"I have missed our spars together. I have heard you've made great strides in your magic," she offered me a small smile. "I hope to witness it." She looked back at the Chargers who were jeering at her, she rolled her eyes. "As for me, I have found a new family. They remind me of my own company, though they are far crazier."

I laughed. "I am glad for you. You seem happy - at least as far as I can tell."

She let out a rumble of a laugh. "I am, little one." Her eyes went towards the front of our procession, a smirk twisting her lips. "And I hear you've plenty of reasons to be happy as well - one in particular with a rather large sword." She flicked her white braid over her shoulder. "I wonder if that sword is to compensate for something else or if it is a statement to the men and women around him?"

I rolled my eyes as I blushed. "I have no answer for you."

"How disappointing."

I chuckled. "Even if I did have an answer, I would not give the Chargers more ammunition for their endless supply of crude humor. I'm sure they find more than enough ways to embarrass the Commander."

Her lips split into a toothy smile. "I've witnessed the man with a blush on his face a time or two - the sword joke a frequent cause of it." She leaned down to me. "I'll admit, they've even gotten me to blush and I grew up among mercenaries."

"I think that's the Chargers true mission in life."

She howled a laugh. "I would agree with you." A moment passed as we both chuckled. "I meant to speak with you earlier. Minaeve wanted to see you upon our return. She was able to procure what you asked for - she wanted to go over everything with you instead of just leaving them for you to sort through; she also wanted your thoughts on a few theories she's been working on."

I frowned. "I have not been a very good friend to her as of late. I haven't even thanked her for helping C-the Commander and I sort out our problem."

"She understands," Asaala assured. "She misses you - we all do, but we knew your duties would pull you from us. Perhaps once this business is finished, we'll find a way to be together again more regularly."

"I sincerely hope so," I agreed.

"Adaar, your messing up our epic entrance," Bull shouted. "The Chargers charge as one." Asaala rolled her eyes again, shook her head before patting me on the shoulder in parting.

We made our way passed where the first rift I had witnessed had been. Remembering as Solas and Varric had assisted the Inquisition soldiers in slaying the demons pouring out of it. Working our way down a path and across thick ice, moving in small groups as mages kept the ice from cracking. While we waited, I felt a presence next to me.

I turned, expecting it to be Cole, but finding Solas instead. "A word?"

"What is it?" I questioned.

The elf's stormy eyes gazed down at me. He was tall for an elf. "I was told me of the aid you provided for the Herald. Of course, she does not remember what you changed, but she informed me that you entered her dreams."

I could not tell if he was angry or impressed. "I did."

"That was very dangerous," he scolded, his slender fingers gripping his staff. "You are untested in your abilities. You do not understand what you are capable of, what you could have done to her if you'd made a mistake."

I crossed my arms over my chest. "A spirit of purpose assisted me. He has assisted other dreamers before me." I glanced over him. "I changed one simple piece of the memory."

"There is nothing simple about the Fade," Solas disagreed, his brow furrowing.

"If you'd told her that you are a dreamer, maybe she'd have turned to you," I shrugged. "Then you could have done it correctly."

His full lips twitched. "I have used my abilities, wielded my magic for far longer than you have, so yes. However, this is a rather poor way of showing gratitude, is it not?" He leaned heavily on his staff. "I could see how it was burdening her - what she saw in that future. I attempted to get her to speak of it, but she refused. She seems far more settled, so I thank you for what you did."

"Of course" I inclined my head.

He looked toward the Breach, growing larger as we approached it. "Tell me, what did you think of the Fade? I spoke with your Purpose - he is...intriguing."

Feeling a little awkward as the elf and I had hardly spoken, I answered. "It was amazing and I owe much to Purpose for his help. What we are taught in the Circle is far inferior to what it actually is and I had already visited it once while awake during my Harrowing. The Fade I experienced then was nothing like the Fade I've experienced with Purpose."

He met my eyes. "I am glad to hear you say as much. I have tried speaking with the mages that have joined, to share knowledge, but they scoff at me." His lips twitched again. "They seem to believe I am 'mad' for the notions I hold about the Fade."

Curiosity getting the better of me, I asked, "Well, what do you know about the Fade?"

His eyes lit up as he fought a smile, "A great deal from my wanderings. There are few hard facts, as I'm sure you can imagine, but I can share what I have learned."

"As we are getting ready to seal it, I am curious about the Breach. Cole and the other spirits said it was loud and causing them pain, but what is it?"

"Simply put, it is a tear in the Veil between this world and the Fade, allowing spirits to enter the world physically," he began, "Small tears occur naturally when magic weakens the Veil or when spirits cluster at an area that has seen many deaths. It is painful for them because it calls for them to come to join the living, pulls them to it against their will." His eyes flicked to the Breach. "The Herald's Mark allows her to exert some control over the Breach and it's rifts; and now we know why - it was created deliberately by this Elder One."

"So what is the Veil? If it can be torn?"

"Circle mages call it a barrier between this world and the Fade, but according to my studies in ancient Elven lore, that is a vast oversimplification," he shook his head. "Without it...imagine if spirits entered freely. The Fade was not a place one went, but a state of nature like the wind."

The idea clawed at me. To be able to do what I could only in the Fade here in the waking world? "That would be...wonderful in a way, but -"

"Dangerous, yes," he agreed. "A world where imagination defines reality. Where spirits are as common as trees or grass. Instead, spirits are strange and fearful - and the Fade is a terrifying world touched only by mages and dreamers." He let out a breathy chuckle as he met my eyes. "I am glad I am not alone in seeing the beauty of such a world, along with the obvious peril. The Herald was far more apprehensive, but still found the idea fascinating."

"I can imagine it being difficult for those who cannot walk the Fade as we do to see anything beyond the danger," I offered. "But what of demons in a world like that?"

"Would they still be demons?" he wondered aloud as we moved across the ice, he and I keeping it from breaking. "Or would they be part of a natural environment, like a fast-flowing river? Yes, it can drown careless children, but it can also carry a merchants goods or grind a miller's flour." He leaned towards me, a passion in his eyes. "Thatis what the world could be if the Veilwere not present." He collected himself, looking away. "For better...or worse." I was beginning to understand what Ellana described of him - and why she could admire Cullen. Solas and Cullen both possessed a quiet passion that they hid away from others. They cared, deeply, but did not show it to anyone unworthy of their trust; and their trust was not easily gained.

"What do you think of demons?" I questioned. "The demons of our reality, not of a world that does not exist."

"The Dalish and the Circle say that demons hate the natural world, and seek to bring their chaos and destruction to the living," he frowned. "But such simplistic labels misconstrue their motivations and in so doing, do all a great disservice. Spirits wish to join the living, and a demon is that wish gone wrong."

I nodded as we ascended the stone steps. "I have come to that conclusion. Purpose said so himself - explained it so well that there is no other logical conclusion. However, some of the spirits I spoke with said they did not wish to join us, but to help us.

"That, of course, is true as well," Solas agreed. "There are plenty of spirits who dwell happily within the Fade, but there are those who do not."

"So, is there a way to coexist with the demons within the Fade and the waking world? To live with them? If not in peace, at least without such active confrontation?"

He shook his head. "Not in the world we know today. The Veil creates a barrier that makes true understanding most unlikely to all, but those who walk the Fade like you and I. Even we will not fully understand them." He glanced at me. "But the question is a good one and it matters that you thought to ask. Perhaps in your role, you could accomplish true study of the Fade and its inhabitants to share with your colleagues. Combating years of misconstrued, misconceived and blatant misinformation that has been repeated a thousand times amongst the Dalish and the Circle."

"Perhaps," I mused. "Yet all of this study would be coming from my word alone. That will not so easily dismantle the teachings of the Circle where hundreds have come to the same conclusions."

"True," he nodded as we approached the bridge that had acted as the forward camp. "But change will never come if one does not try."

"You are right," I admitted.

We were silent for a moment, but I turned to look at him. "Solas," he met my eyes. "Why do the demons not cause you pain when you are near them?"

He studied my face. "What kind of pain are you experiencing?"

I looked away. "When they are near me, it's as if my skin is burning - worse if they actually make contact. When Envy spoke to me at Therinfal, it felt as if my head was splitting apart. Then when it entered my mind, it was as if I could hardly stand to be in my own body - my mind started coming undone."

"That had to be very difficult," he murmured.

I gave a slight nod. "It happened again when I entered the Fade with Purpose. Their presence was overwhelming and the pain equally so - it was only because of Purpose that I could drive them off. Same with Cole when I faced Envy." I looked at him. "What do I do? I cannot afford to collapse in pain on the battlefield every time a demon is around."

He continued to study my face for a time, his eyes looking as if he were having a great debate within himself. "Would you allow me to train you? If nothing else, I could help you learn how to resist the pain so as not to put yourself in danger."

"You would...do that?" I quirked a brow.

He looked to the Breach. "It is...rare to meet another dreamer in this world. Our magic is difficult and though you seem to have overcome much on your own, I would not see you continue to struggle when I could help." His lips twisted. "Would not the Herald appreciate my giving you assistance in this?"

I chuckled. "Are you trying to gain her favor, Solas?"

"Not at all," his eyes glinted with mischief before he looked towards the Breach once more. "It is decided. Once the Breach has been closed, I will train you." He looked to me. "However, it may require us leaving for a time. You need absolute focus if you are to learn what I have to teach."

Hesitantly, I nodded. "Of course."

"You're different, Solas," Cole suddenly spoke. "Sharper. You're in both places."

"I visit the Fade regularly," Solas said to the boy as if Cole's sudden appearance was the most normal thing in the world. "Perhaps you are sensing traces of it. You are a spirit who crossed the Veil and took human form."

"Spirt or demon?" Cole questioned, unsure of the answer.

"The two are not so dissimilar, Cole," Solas cocked his head. "While the world may exert a pull in one direction or another, the choice is ultimately yours."

"Like..." Cole looked at me. "What do I call you when you look like that?"

I smiled at Cole. "Talitha."

Cole looked back at Solas. "Like Talitha and Purpose. Purpose was fighting because he felt the ties, but Talitha let him decide."

"Exactly," Solas nodded.

Cole's face twisted as he looked at the Breach. "It's brighter here. Glittering. Glaring. Glinting. I can't..."

"Focus on what is here, in this world," Solas instructed.

"But...what is here?" Cole questioned.

"Feel the ground, the breath in your lungs, fabric rustling against your skin."

Cole took a deep breath in and planted his feet firmly. He calmed. "Thank you."

"It's nothing," Solas dismissed. "It can be overwhelming for anyone." Cole disappeared.

"You...you helped him," I observed.

Solas met my eyes. "I have spent enough time amongst spirits to know how to help. You could learn to do the same, in time." He studied me a moment before looking away. "If you'd excuse me," he pardoned himself as he strode off. I watched him, Cole appearing at his side once more as he walked on. They conversed hurriedly and in hushed whispers until Cole disappeared again.

We followed the path to the temple ruins. I had to gasp as we entered the temple proper, the ruination unsettling to behold. Months ago, the dead that had decorated the area around the temple had been properly laid to rest. There were still spots along the remaining walls where the shadows of people could be made out - ash permanently burned into the stone where they'd been incinerated.
I could feel spirits and demons pressing against the Veil, could almost hear their whispers. The mutilated mountain pulsed with the Breach, cracks in the stone glowing that same green. Red lyrium dotted around the temple space. In the middle a statue of Andraste remained standing, the broken pieces swirling the base on the magic emanating from the Breach.
Cullen directed the soldiers to their positions around the temple before leading the templars and mages through. The mages were directed to position themselves upon the lower wall, while the templars circled the rift that had first opened on the ground directly beneath it - the rift Ellana had fallen out of when all of this had begun. Solas and Cassandra came to stand beside Cullen and Ellana as we all got into position.
I stood amongst the mages, I could feel their nervousness and anticipation as they murmured to each other. Whispers spread about the Breach as eyes glanced up at it and around the temple. I noticed the templars fidgeting in their armor. Both factions had ingested lyrium prior to entering to ensure that their pools of stamina and mana were filled to the brim. With everyone in position, Cullen saluted Ellana before moving to stand among the Inquisition and Fereldan soldiers.
Ellana turned to face the rift, raising her palm to where she could examine it as she willed the Mark to life. I noticed the flicker of pain across her face as the Mark burst to life upon her palm, but she quickly willed it down. Wiggling her fingers and twisting her hand as she examined the Mark, Cassandra watched her - awaiting her signal that she was ready. Solas stood next to Cassandra, leaning against his staff as he, too, waited.
Ellana met the Seeker's gaze, her face serious before she strode confidently towards the rift. My heart beat nervously for her as she'd expressed her fear over what this could do to her; the pain she would have to endure. Yet, she'd held her head high, her eyes fierce, her jaw set with determination as she assured me she would see this done - no matter the cost. She had that same stance now as she stared down the Breach. Cassandra and Solas split off at Ellana's signal - Cassandra to direct the templars, Solas to direct the mages.

"Templars!" Cassandra commanded, to which the templars stood at attention. "Focus upon the rift, suppress the magic emanating from it just as you did at Therinfal!" The templars drew their swords and one by one their blades began to glisten with the white light of their abilities.

"Mages!" Solas commanded, raising his staff above his head. The mages looked to him. "Focus past the Herald, let her will draw from you!" As one, we palmed our staves, summoning all of our mana around us to push to Ellana.

Ellana slowly made her way beneath the rift. As she did, it looked as if the thing were fighting against her, pushing her away. It began to crack and spit, green spewing down upon her, but Ellana kept pushing. The Mark was burning in earnest now, her entire hand alight with it as it echoed the rift.
Solas turned to watch her progress, once she seemed unable to press forward, he gave the signal. Just as Cassandra signaled the templars, we mages slammed our staves upon the ground, pushing our mana out from us to empower Ellana. The templars kneeled, their blades stabbing into the ground as the light emanating from them became glaring.
Light began to swarm around Ellana as she entered the middle of the magical vortex the rift was creating as she willed it to close. I could feel her, feel her struggle - the rift was trying to open, demons trying to get through. Those cracks in the dam were fighting to spread as she willed them to heal. Further and further she pushed, her strength only growing as the rift's magic grew weaker. The cracks began to heal, the demons hissing as they fled, and that door that was the rift began to close; as it did, I felt Ellana pull with all her power.
I dared to look and I watched as she threw her marked hand up at the rift. Connecting her to the rift were great tendrils of light that seemed to take from her very essence as she fought to grab hold of that door. The magic of the rift began to swirl in earnest, it's green light becoming too bright to look upon.
Ellana struggled for only a moment, the Mark having a mind of its own, but she grasped the magic pouring from her hand just as it grabbed ahold of the rift. With all her might and an internal cry of pain, she pulled the tendril and slammed the door closed. As she did, the rift burst apart and the wave of energy from it closing threw us all back.
A few of us mages threw our hands out to grab the falling debris to stop it from crushing those beneath it. Groans and pants issued all around the temple as we stood once more. I panted as I felt drained, but I looked for my sister. Cassandra was pushing her way past the templars who were struggling to stand to where my sister was now rising.

Cassandra helped her up, staring up at the sky as a smile of relief spread on her face. "You did it."

Ellana said nothing as she blinked up at the sky. The rift was gone and the gaping hole that was the Breach was now healed. The heavens stilled swirled where it had been, but that crushing weight that had hung above us for so long, that tear in the Veil that had haunted us was gone. I had not realized how heavily it had weighed upon me until the weight was no longer there - my mind quieting, my body feeling lighter.
Cheers and cries of victory rang in my ears as everyone within the temple celebrated our achievement. We had done it - Ellana had done it. We had finally closed the Breach. It had been done without any more losses, without any more bloodshed and with the help of the mages and templars.
The mages hugged each other and laughed, the templars clasped arms or shoulders. The Chargers broke out into song while Sera could be heard swearing vulgarly up at the Breach as she made equally vulgar gestures at it. Vivienne planted her hands upon the remaining railing of the temple, looking down upon the templars and soldiers celebrating. Elizabeth ran up to Henry and Barris, taking them both in an arm as she kissed their cheeks - Henry pushing his sister off, while Barris rubbed the back of his neck.
Fiona watched the mages with a proud smile on her face as she leaned against her staff. Varric was sitting upon a rock, furiously writing upon a piece of parchment. Cole sat up on one of the higher walls, his feet dangling off as he swung them. Blackwall's booming laugh could be heard above the noise. My eyes searched for Cullen only to find him watching me with a small smile on his face. I smiled back at him until he was bombarded by Inquisition soldiers hauling him off to celebrate.
The procession down the mountain moved quickly as everyone was ready to enjoy our swift victory. The Chargers sang - getting nearly everyone to join in with them. Laughter could be heard everywhere and I drank it all in. I'd even brought along my sketchbook, trying desperately to sketch out everything I'd been wanting to draw as of late, but focusing on the scene before me. Joy, relief, and high spirits flowed through the throngs of people and I did my best to capture the mood. The way up had been more akin to a funeral procession, the way down was nothing short of a party.
Upon returning to Haven and night falling, the real party broke out. Casks of ale were brought out and Flissa assured that drinks were flowing. Fires had been setup every few feet with choice cuts roasting. Those who knew how to play instruments and had them, began playing lively folk music. The village was near to bursting with the amount of people packed within its walls, yet still they found a way to separate awkwardly to avoid dancing.
Elizabeth laughed gaily before she began grabbing people to dance - to my utter glee, she purposely paired mages and templars. She grabbed Solana and Barris, who to my shock, danced happily together, despite their obvious embarrassment. Then she grabbed Bethany and Henry, Henry twirling Bethany around with ease. Then she ran to me, ignoring my desperate attempts to wave her off as she put me with Rylen.
The Captain laughed as he took my hand in his and put another hand at my waist before leading me around the fire. Soon, others joined us. Soldiers, mages, templars, Haven's people, the Chargers - everyone. Everyone had a reason to celebrate and were taking the opportunity to do so.
I watched as Elizabeth and Bull danced, trying to outdo Asaala and Minaeve in some ridiculous routine. I even noticed my family join in, dancing in the more traditional Dalish fashion. Soldiers danced as well, swinging each other around at their joined arms. I had to chuckle at myself as I was sure Cullen was brooding somewhere, running from the idea of being pulled into the merriment.
Ellana observed it all as she sipped from her goblet, a contented smile on her face as she leaned against the tavern. Rylen was a great dance partner, making up for my poor skills until he turned me over to Henry. Henry smiled down at me and we spoke politely until he passed me on to Solana. We laughed merrily as we spoke about what had occurred up on the mountain, neither of us believing that it was already done with; I teased her about dancing with a templar. She glared at me, but said nothing before booting me off to Bethany. We swung each other around as the soldiers were doing, joking about how mages and templars seemed to be able to solve their problems through dance. I noticed as Solas approached Ellana, the two conversing in low tones. I even witnessed Solas lean to whisper something in Ellana's ear that made her smile softly before following him away from the crowd. Bethany released me to Minaeve.

"Minaeve!" I greeted as we danced to the upbeat tune playing. "I have to tell you thank you!"

"What for?" she smiled broadly, her eyes alight.

"For helping C-the Commander and I sort out our problem," I flashed her a huge smile.

She blushed. "I only got him into trouble."

I laughed heartily. "True, but without that we never would have...gotten where we are."

Her brown eyes looked at me through her lashes as she gave me a shy smile. "I'm glad I could help."

I hugged her tightly and whispered in her ear. "You did. You have brought me such happiness by being a good friend. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart."

"Of course," she whispered. "I wish you two every happiness."

I felt a strong hand push me gently away. "Alright, I need my dance partner back," Asaala grinned toothily, to Minaeve's blush.

I backed away, laughing as they continued their dance, their height difference making things a little difficult. I felt a hand on my waist before I was being swept away, finding myself back in Rylen's arms. I met his eyes which held a glint of mischief.

"Not the former templar you were hoping for, my lady?" He asked, a knowing smile on his mouth.

"You're an excellent dance partner, Rylen," I assured. "Forgive me for not matching your skill."

He chuckled. "You're doing fine, my lady, but forgive me if it's bold to say that I think a certain lovestruck lad wants to spend some time with you." He smiled wickedly. "And you know he's not gonna do it dancing - try as I might to coax him."

I blushed. "We can't, Rylen, you know that."

He scoffed. "Everyone's so high in spirits and-" he looked around, "-very soon to be drunk. So long as you aren't pinnin' him to a wall, I doubt anyone would care if you two danced, let alone talk." I blushed harder. "Come on, my lady." He stopped dancing, taking my hand as he laced it into his bent arm as we walked away.

He led us towards the front of the village, away from the noise and the crowd. I spotted Cullen, standing near the trebuchet, his back to us as he stared up at the now scarred sky. His gloved hands were clasped behind him as he stood tall, observing the soldiers as they checked over the weapon.
My heart fluttered and stomach filled with butterflies as we came closer, but Rylen stopped us before getting too close. He took my hand and kissed it lightly before striding up to Cullen. I watched as the two of them talked, Cullen smiling at his friend as they shared a laugh. Then Rylen said something to him that made Cullen whip his head back to where I stood.
My heart beat faster as I watched Cullen's face turn incredibly soft before he glared at Rylen. The Captain held his hands up defensively before ordering the other soldiers to patrol the furthest wall. Cullen continued to glare at Rylen who only shoved him towards me and I had to hold back a giggle as Cullen stumbled, looking embarrassed.

His eyes found mine, his face softening once more. "Talitha," he breathed.

"Commander," I said softly. "He...thought you'd like to see me."

"I always want to see you," he admitted before looking away. He sighed deeply. "Talitha, there is...there is something I must tell you."

I studied him. He'd become nervous, his back too straight, his eyes averted in shame as his brow quirked with uncertainty. There was guilt in his countenance and I became nervous. "You're being especially serious tonight."

He met my eyes. "I know." He sighed again, but didn't continue. He was fighting with whatever he wanted to tell me. He wanted to speak, but was...afraid to tell me what was on his mind.

"Cullen, you can tell me anything," I murmured. "I am always willing to listen."

He studied my face. "Right, thank you." He stood straighter. "Lyrium grants templars our abilities, but it controls us as well." Well, that was not what I was expecting. He was afraid to talk about lyrium? "Those cut off suffer- some go mad, others die. We have secured a reliable source for the templars here, but I..."

His next words hung in the white vapor of his breath on the cold air as warning bells rent the quiet of the night.

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