Chapter Eight

Contracts


Day 5 since leaving Haven: 2 days here, 1 day ill, and 2 for people to begin arriving. I was right as Rain by the time Cullen came marching through the portcullis looking worried. Solas had taken care of planting the seeds I had pulled out in the Garden and the Greenhouse. Skyhold would be completely self-reliant for food items if we could procure livestock.

Solas had informed me that they were arriving soon – did anyone else know he could take more than Wolf Form? I had been in awe at the beautiful black bird form. He had been happy to know that I didn't know everything.

Cullen saw me as I descended the stairs to the main keep – and he came marching over. I smirked, "Fancy meeting you here, Commander."

"Blake says you don't get sick often – I worried…" he flushed. I chuckled, "I don't get sick often. When I do get sick… well, it's usually serious but apparently, this was just Magic Depletion."

"You're not a mage…" he pointed out. I shrugged, "But I do have some strange ability to control the elements, yes? Solas says that is magic – it just isn't my magic. Apparently, I'm borrowing someone elses – without permission."

Axel came waltzing up, "We get your letter – well, Solas' letter – right? The Commander is all in a tizzy because Ser Blake says, 'that woman never gets sick – something must have happened'. It took no more than two hours for him and the Commander to get things ready to move. Captain Rylen being the only reason we stopped for sleep the whole way here; we had to eat on the move and catch up if we stopped for a leak."

I frowned, "That wasn't very nice, Cullen – they're only living people, they need rest."

"You were ill… and Lady Montilyet and Sister Nightingale all but chewed my head off to get my men here as soon as possible. I will be returning with you and Solas while the men set things up. I assume you've labeled the Areas for the Advisors and the Inner Circle?"

I nodded firmly, "Even the Queen and Nathaniels' rooms are labeled. Did anything interesting happen while I was gone?"

"There was a courier who arrived with a letter and a pin for you – from the King." He held out the mentioned items. One was a sealed letter with the sigil of the King in the wax – and the other was a golden broach with two Mabari Rampant over a silver crown. It was the seal of the Heir – the King or Queen had the crown above the Mabari.

I groaned but clipped the broach onto my shirt and opened the letter;

Dear New Sister – Celeste,

I hear you know much about me and I am curious to learn the secrets kept from me. I sent you the seal of the Heir – your new broach doubles as a wax seal.

I also hear you are as enthusiastic as I was when I got the crown – my sympathies, but as I have no other Heir, this must happen.

On another note… when we do officially meet, I have a proposition for you. Please note that this would be your sisters' idea, not mine – though when you hear it, I'm sure you'll know that anyway.

By the way – the Landsmeet isn't happy about you being named my Heir so… look out for potential assassins. The Maker knows we've had our share of them trying to get Anora back in power…

Much love;

Alistair Theirin – King of Ferelden

I rolled my eyes; what proposition could be so bad that he had to make sure I knew who was to blame from the get-go? I pressed the note into Cullens' hands – he was my partner now, so I didn't plan to hide anything from him.

Cullen frowned, "What could he possibly have to propose that would be so bad he throws his wife to the wolves?"

I heard Solas' quite snigger behind me. I grinned, "Calling me a Wolf now, dearest?"

"You're just as fierce and as loyal as one," he covered. I burst out laughing as the people around us sniggered. Solas was smirking, "A decent enough cover, I suppose."

"Well – the wolf was always my favorite animal; followed closely by Unicorns and Horses."

Solas – who had quizzed me on all things Earth – chuckled, "Do you wish to show the Commander his new office and what you so thoughtfully didn't fix?"

I stuck my tongue out and dragged Cullen along by the hand. He coughed, "Didn't fix?"

We headed up the ramparts to get to his office and I pulled him in, closing the door and moving up the stairs I had installed.

When we got to the top, he noticed at once. He chuckled ruefully, "You know about my fear then?"

I nodded and plopped down on the bed I had also made for him – it was a double bed, "You know what I fear? Centipedes – little bugs with 100 legs that are fuzzy and look like worms. I fear waking up and all this was just a dream – that I still have no family and no you. Also, I fear enclosed spaces."

He chuckled, "And the room you're set to have?"

"So big that I could host a ball in it if I moved the bed and desk – has very lovely windows that will not be closed while I'm in residence too," I grinned. He chuckled, "A perfect room for someone with our particular discomfort."

"You're certainly invited to use my room, Commander – preferably when I'm here too," I didn't expect his next move. Perhaps I teased a fair bit too much.

He stepped up to me and cupped my cheek as he knelt beside the bed, "Is that an open invitation, Inquisitor?"

I felt a light flush on my cheeks, "If it means you might take it then yes – it is open."

He chuckled and said, "A pity then that we have to leave for Haven as soon as possible."

I heard my breath catch and said, "Oh? Are you finally taking me up on my offer, Commander?"

He went red and rubbed at the back of his neck, "I-I… I just meant… it might be nice to… see your room…?"

I gave him a pout, "Such a pity – we are next to a bed after all… and we'd get to see the smug grin on Varric fall for once as he realized he lost the bet…"

He looked contemplative and shook his head, "Those are not very good reasons to share a bed, Inquisitor."

"Cullen, my dear – you really should keep calling me Admiral so that it will have a bigger effect when we announce my new title. I do have a better reason for getting you in bed – if you would like to hear it?"

"I'll tell you what – you give me a reason I can agree with and I will share your bed," he growled out. I chuckled, "Those stories never mentioned how much you love to gamble, my dear."

"And glad I am to know that I'm not entirely predictable – and that I may have a chance of winning some bets with you," he smirked. I was mesmerized by that scar. My hand came up to cup his cheek – my thumb lightly trailing it.

He stiffened and watched me. The predatory look gone; now replaced with calculating hesitation. I hummed, "I used to have one that covered from my left eye to the right side of my neck. I got that in my early 40s when I fell into a table."

He barked a laugh before coughing, "A table?"

I grinned, "It was a fierce opponent – I think I lost since I didn't do any damage in return and I was out cold for two days."

He grinned, "So then… you don't mind the scar?"

"I think scars are sexy – I used to have many of them myself. I figure that scars simply mean that you lived through what might have otherwise killed you. I had more than Blake and he was always attracting trouble. I feel a bit… naked without them, actually. Having them for so long – believing that you will always have them – you learn to get comfortable with them and just… I suppose I'll gain more over time. You wouldn't… mind that, would you?"

He shook his head and pressed his forehead to mine, "Of course not – many of the women at the Rose didn't like the scars and that was why I usually chose men. I see them the same way you do – as a sign that I lived through what was trying to kill me. Meredith gave me this one when she drew that blasted Red Lyrium sword in Kirkwall. She nicked me when she pointed it at me while she threatened the Champion. I have… many others. From my time at Kinlock mostly – but some occurred while I hunted the streets of Kirkwall."

I put my arms around him, "The one on your lip is actually very sexy. I like how it's on the side that lifts when you smirk or smile or laugh. It makes me want to kiss you very much when I see it twitch in amusement… like that."

He was giving me a look of both amusement and disbelief. He shook his head before leaning in to kiss me. As per usual, the kiss gained heat quickly and I was soon on my back on the bed. He was breathing hard as he pulled away, "W-we… need to be going…"

"I suppose so. And I will give you my reason when I return from the Hinterlands – enough time will have passed then for you to hopefully accept my reason."

He looked confused as he moved to stand up, "What reason could you have that I may not accept."

I shook my head, "Uh-uh – I'm not telling you just yet, Commander. A woman has to have some mysteries – but I will tell you if you guess it right."

He flushed and shook his head, "I'd put my foot in my mouth so many times before I ever guessed it right. I'm not quite that innocent, Admiral."

I winked, "I didn't say you were. Now, let us be off before I try to seduce you again."

When I turned toward the stairs he grabbed me and pulled me back for another kiss. I didn't pull away.

When the kiss ended, he sighed, "Is it so wrong that I find myself already falling for you? We've known each other so little time – less than two weeks – and already I feel things for you that I've never felt before… at least, not so strongly. There was a mage at Kinlock, as I'm sure you're aware… Neria was my first crush. I suppose it could have blossomed to love if I hadn't been so damn awkward when I was a boy of 19; but then the tower fell and… she died helping another mage – Amell was his name – save the children. Amell lived back then, but he was at the Conclave with the 'loyal' mage group out of Montsimmard – Amell was always one for the rules. He helped Irving catch Jowan and the Priest Initiate."

"Her name was Lily – and I believe she was sent to Aeonar for her transgression. She hadn't known he was a Maleficar – she was just a girl in love with the wrong man."

"As you know – Jowan was later caught and made Tranquil. It was a very near thing though; the Hero Queen wanted to conscript him to the Wardens. I believe the only reason she didn't was that the King objected strongly on the matter – and she knew his lineage by then so she knew she needed to keep him in the group. My point in all of this was… I don't think this is merely a crush or a fascination. When I heard you suffered an illness, my heart… I've only felt so scared once – during the ordeal with Kinlock Hold."

"Well… it seems you've guessed my reason. I told you that I'd never taken a lover… I've never been on more than one date with a man and it was usually set up by Blake. I care for you already Cullen – and maybe it is due to my knowing so much through that story but I do…"

His breath fanned against my lips as he whispered, "That is yet another bet I've lost then, Admiral…" my heart thumped against my ribs until we shot apart as someone – Solas – called up, "The horse is ready, Admiral – we are set to leave."

It was faint, but I could hear the smug amusement that told me he had been listening for just a bit – enough to know when to interrupt. Ugh – I cursed, "Fenhedis Lasa, HarellanBellanaris Din'an Heem."

His laugh echoed, "Banal Nadas, Da'len." (Nothing is inevitable, little one).

Cullen looked confused, "What?"

"I threatened his life and he basically dared me to try." I grumbled as we headed down the stairs. Cullen chuckled, "You speak Elvhen quite well – down to the accent."

Solas nodded, "Among Elves, this is common – there is a rhythm in the words that is natural for elves to pick up. Our Inquisitor has a natural flow like any elf would – it is surprising in a human."

I shrugged, "The Stories had audio and visual – so I was watching and listening to Origins, 2, and Inquisition. I've always had a tendency to learn 'fictional' languages, so I also know some written languages that don't exist here or officially exist on Earth. I also know a few languages that were made up for other books or 'stories'. One that I know is called Dothraki; another is a form of Elvish from another story called 'Lord of the Rings'. The main written one I know is more of a code called Fairy Language – crafted by a man named Eoin Colfer for his series Artemis Fowl. I also know a variant of Orlesian since that is close to French from Earth and I chose to learn that language in my schooling."

"That will come in handy for the Orlesian Ball you've said we must attend." Solas nodded.

Cullen coughed, "Is there any way around people inquiring after my birth origins?"

I smirked, "You could get married – it is the only way. Even if we're courting they will take that to mean things may not 'work out' so it would be open season on the Commander. They make the inquiries in hopes that if you break up with me, they will be considered. Since marriage is non-reversible here without a damn good reason, they won't bother you too much. You may still get one or two inquiries, but otherwise…"

He groaned, "Marriage is not something to take light… is it reversible where you were raised?"

I nodded, "Divorce, dissolution of marriage – call it what you will. Mostly it was done if people just didn't want to be married anymore or in instances of cheating. Spousal Abuse was another reason – a damn good reason in my opinion. One partner abusing drugs was another common reason. Let's see… there was also difference of religion, lack of familial support, health problems and financial problems, getting married too young and just lack of commitment."

"People would divorce over health?" Cullen sounded appalled and Solas looked curious as we made our way down to the main gate. I nodded, "Being sick – usually with terminal illnesses such as cancer – created a lot of debt since there was no cure or magic to heal people. Especially in the country I lived in – where healthcare wasn't paid for by the collective and the price was highly inflated for such things. 3 days in the health center for a minor cold could cost 10,000 dollars without insurance. To put that in perspective, a loaf of bread cost two dollars. I made almost 200,000 a year due to my experience and 'heroism'. That was about 16,500 a month. Meaning I could afford it – especially with my Tricare; my military insurance which meant that a lot of my bill was covered by that. But the average person couldn't afford that."

"So… if someone was dying then there was a high chance they would die alone?" Cullen looked upset.

I nodded, "Yeah – especially if they were young, uninsured, and had no immediate family. It was a saying after a while – the leading cause of divorce is marriage. It made no sense to me. I can see some of the reasons – the abuse, the infidelity or such – but when you say 'Till Death do us part', in my mind you should mean it if they aren't lying, cheating, abusive assholes. If I get married then I only want to be married once… or is that a fools' dream here too?"

Cullen had a light flush as he shook his head, "I feel much the same – and most people who get married stay married. What about that 'Till death do us part' thing – what is that?"

I smiled, "Part of the mainstream Wedding Vows. You know; 'to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part' – and once both say the vows, there's sometimes a little bit with the exchange of rings; because marriage included wearing a band on the left fourth finger due to an old belief that it was the only finger to have a blood vein that ran directly to the heart. It was said by the groom as he would place the ring on the Brides' finger… it went; 'with this Ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."

"I think I like those vows – though it is ironic that they specifically mention sickness and health…" Cullen remarked drily. Solas nodded as we collected the horse and began walking toward Haven – Axel would be staying behind to get people set up around Skyhold and more people would arrive soon enough. I had noticed Cabot – the bartender for The Heralds' Rest – was already among them… go figure.

I shrugged, "I intend those vows to mean something. That's why I never found anyone worth my time on Earth anyway."

"But you would have married to negate issue with your family if they didn't believe…" Cullen began. I nodded, "And I still would have meant my vows had I given them. I can grow to love someone, I suppose – but if I had caused problems for the Inquisition… that couldn't be fixed easily with my looks being so similar to the Queen. I was lucky things worked out and that they were my family."

"If it means anything, I was prepared to marry you if that had been the solution you chose for that." Cullen smirked at me. I chuckled, "Damn – I finally have a family and here I am selfishly wishing they hadn't accepted me. I wouldn't be a Princess and I would have been married to the Commander of the Inquisition! Missed opportunities, I tell you."

Solas chuckled, "I do not believe there is anything stopping you from getting married – it would be best if you did it before people find out that you are the Inquisitor as well as the Princess."

I smirked at Cullen, "What do you say? I'm recruiting a Revered Mother in the Hinterlands who will be… discreet. It will be the same Revered Mother who wishes to speak with Maxwell – Mother Giselle. We could avoid all that trouble at the Winter Ball and explore this relationship… since we've already determined we care for each other more than simple lust would account for."

Cullen flushed but Solas nodded, "People have gotten married in less time for the same."

I chuckled, "Arranged marriages were still a thing in some places back on Earth – and some people could even chose to have an arranged match made for them through a company that would measure compatibility through common traits or likes. I believe we're quite compatible."

"Makers' Breath – people would talk…" Cullen muttered with a red face.

I smirked, "Not if we use Fergus or even the King as an excuse. Shit – we could say that my parents arranged the match before I was born and my disappearance merely delayed it."

"I'd have to tell my sister to play along… she's older…"

"All your family documents were burned with Honnleath, right? For all your family knows, it is possible that you had an arranged marriage that was never mentioned because your bride vanished so it was never mentioned. I'm only 5½ years younger than you, dearest – Mia would have been 7 or 8 at the time of the 'betrothal' right?"

"Yes – she's 2 years older than me. I know she doesn't remember that time so well – she was knocked around during the Blight and many of her childhood memories were… gone. And our farm burned down. We could talk to Fergus about possibly drawing up the papers and using the Cousland Crest… Maker – I can't believe we're actually talking about this," he coughed.

I grinned, "Just think – if we do get married, it will throw off the betting pool. No one would put their money on us getting married so soon and I know they added marriage to the betting pool when you started formally courting me… we'd get the whole pot since all bets would be wrong. Axel told me so. Besides – I can't say I would mind marriage to you."

Solas coughed lightly, "If I may? I would say that you two do seem quite compatible. I've had plenty of time to learn more of Lady Cousland over this past week and she seems quite taken with you Commander. I've learned more about you than I ever wished to know. I do not think I needed to know that you style your hair – or that you have a preference for Oakmoss and Elderflower."

I went red – the ass! He had asked what I knew about Cullen – and he said every detail so I told him everything. Cullen groaned, "You know that I style my hair?"

"… Varric calls you curly for a reason, my dear – your hair is naturally curly, not wavy. Yes, I know you style your hair and I like it that way – then again, you look good with curly hair too. The only reason I'm not bitching about my hair being long is because length gets rid of curls – when it's short, I look like a poodle; curls everywhere. I admit that I tried to cut my hair upon waking to find it longer than I've ever had it in my life, but this isn't so bad."

"You couldn't cut your hair?" Solas asked. I shook my head, "I broke the scissors when I tried – as though this mess of soft hair was stronger than diamonds."

"Fascinating… may I?" he asked. I nodded and moved to look at my hair. He chuckled, "You hair is Fade-touched. I thought that only happened with animals and minerals – not people and certainly not just a part of a person."

"Well, humans did evolve from monkeys so… did you know the average human shares 99% of its DNA with a Chimpanzee or a Baboon? Baboons being the ones with bare, red asses that like to fling their shit at people and Chimps being the ones that are bare faced and are rather large. Basically – humans are animals."

Solas chuckled, "And you know this…?"

"Because humans are very advanced in their scientific research on Earth – they learned the evolutional origin of humans a few years ago. They learned how to do a lot of things – the greenhouses and the outhouses are prime examples. Electric lighting, electric heating and cooling, long distance communication at an instant, and even horseless carriages – humans in a world without magic have long since learned how to harness electricity to make life easier. The world was a big place – Ferelden would be about as big as one of the smaller countries there – it was called England and they even had the same accent. You notice my accent is a bit different that either of yours. Orlais is like France and Starkhaven sounds like Irish to me. For me, this is common knowledge – taught to every child."

Cullen looked surprised, "Really?"

"Mmmh – basic Math, History, reading, writing, science, social studies such as government, geography and economics, at least one 'second' language such as French or something similar to Antivan, and two elective courses that can include Art, Music, electronics, or such. Oh – and we are made to take physical education to keep the kids in shape and exhaust them for the parents. My electives were music and art – which is why I can draw those clothing designs so well."

"Makers' Breath – you're better educated than most nobles here." Cullen said. I nodded, "I know that – and that was just the mandatory teachings that last from age 5 to 18. I also took further education – medical practice. As I said, I graduated early due to my impeccable memory. I got bored so easily that I would read the textbooks of the older children in the Orphanage – which is how I learned so much so fast and was able to pass the special test telling me I completed the mandatory schooling at a young age. This earned me a full scholarship – meaning the government paid for my higher education. I even assisted in many surgeries as I learned – including 7 gender reassignment surgeries; I wouldn't call myself an expert – I didn't perform them, I just assisted – but I know the basics."

Solas spoke up, "What is that?"

"So if someone born as a male says they're a woman – or the other way around – there are surgeries to make those people look more like what they are. That would be Gender Reassignment – turning a dick into a vagina or the other way around. It requires 5-6 individual surgeries in the process of doing. I could do it here – I would just need two or three assistants that I could train in which instruments are what and when to hand me the tools as I call for them. It'd be more dangerous here since I don't have access to heart monitors but also easier in the sense of Magic healing and knocking people out. I wouldn't recommend it but I could do it – in theory… but it would be dangerous. I was a general surgeon – meaning I had no real specialization – which is why I was even taught that to begin with."

"Your education alone is impressive. What musical instrument do you play?"

"I can play the Piano and the Guitar… and I sing but I won't subject you to my voice this early in the relationship."

Solas chuckled, "Your voice is lovely, Lethallan – not the best but it is lovely. It has a clear and lyrical quality even when you merely speak."

"You heard her sing?" Cullen looked a bit jealous.

I chuckled, "Aww – jealousy is adorable. And if you must know, I had a high fever and started singing in my delirium… certainly not my proudest moment and most definitely not my best singing since I was so out of it. If you want me to sing for you then find me a piano or a guitar and I will. My songs are better with accompaniment."

Cullen relaxed with a flush, "I-I…"

Mischief flashed in Solas' eyes and I knew he was doing this on purpose now that he was more comfortable with me. There was a reason he was called 'The Trickster' damn it.

Solas would never consider me as a romance partner – I wasn't an Elf and he had Ellana while I had Cullen – but that didn't mean I couldn't be his friend. And as his friend, he would feel more open with teasing me especially because I knew who he was.

I coughed lightly, "A bit of jealousy is cute, Cullen – just don't go overboard with it. I'm the kind of person who commits. We're officially courting so I'm committed to you – and if we get married, then I'd be yours and no one elses… not without permission anyway."

He looked confused, "Permission?"

"Well – say we took another woman or man into our bed? That would be one scenario where I'd be with another person with your permission. Let me tell you – there is one Qunari I know of that certainly wouldn't mind being shared by us… and he has a thing for red-heads."

Cullen frowned, "You're trying to make me jealous."

I grinned, "Well, if we don't take him to bed, he ends up with the Tevinter Altus we'll recruit later – the gay best friend."

Solas chuckled, "I take it you are speaking of the one who will spend his time in the tavern and will be our 'Qunari Contact'?"

I nodded, "Yeah – him. It's actually amusing; a Qunari and a Vint falling in love when their people are at War… romantic."

"And I think this is where I change the subject. One of the main reasons I was sent to 'retrieve' you from Skyhold is to discuss a protection detail. You are the Princess of Ferelden and a Cousland."

I groaned at Cullens' words, "I can handle myself just fine, Cullen. Did you bring a Raven, by chance?"

"Don't think you can change the subject – but yes, I did. It has been following us from above. You will need protection against the assassins that the King mentioned…" I pulled out a pen and paper and began to pen a note to Fergus.

"Look, sweetheart, this isn't my first rodeo – I've had people trying to kill me for more than 30 years. I get that it only takes one lucky hit, but do you really think Leliana won't have her ear to the ground about assassins – for both me and the Herald of Andraste? And honestly, Josie is a former bard too. Neither woman would be ignorant about threats to my life – social or physical."

He blinked, "I was unaware of Lady Montilyets' former status. Still…"

"Look – in the Hinterlands, I will have Solas, Maxwell, Ellana, Cass and Varric with me. if something can take out the whole group then we were never meant to live in the first place… especially since Solas is a master at Wards, Cass is descended from Dragon Hunting Royalty, Ellana never misses a shot, Varric is hard to see when he wants to be stealthy and Maxwell is dang strong to be using a two-handed axe. My guns can kill a man at range and if someone managed to get close, my martial arts are unique enough to off-balance them while my Cousland Strength is enough to overpower when mixed with those arts. So no – I don't believe I need a detail when the group I will be traveling with will be so overpowered that I almost feel bad for our enemies."

Solas nodded sagely, "She does have a point – Ellana never missing a shot is what she gained from her trip to the fade too. Just as Maxwell gained the mark and the Admiral gained her elemental control. Miss Lavellan may not realize that she is augmenting her shots with a newly gained magical ability since it will seem natural to her as an archer. I only realized it after speaking with our Inquisitor over the past few days."

Cullen looked thoughtful, "That does make sense – even the best archers will miss a shot or two out of ten. But mistress Lavellan hits the center of her target every time – even splitting her previous arrows when she takes more shots. I did hear her remark on that once…"

I finished the letter and sealed it. Cullen asked, "What is that?"

"A letter I said I would send to Fergus about 'finding' a betrothal contract." I said innocently.

Solas barked a laugh and Cullen flushed. Solas said, "You are shameless, Lethallan."

I smirked, "I have to do it before he changes his mind, Lethallin. People can be so fickle."

Cullen didn't say anything but I saw a slight smugness in his face. Solas chuckled, "And if he does not wish for that?"

Cullen finally spoke up, "I do! I-I mean… I can't say that I would mind it… but it has only been just over a week… would it even be okay to marry so soon?"

"I can think of no reason indicating why not. People marry after knowing each other mere hours back on Earth. Can you call down the Raven or should I destroy the note?" I asked.

Cullen coughed, "Hours?"

"Viva Las Vegas – what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. The gambling and marriage capitol of the world – you get drunk and wake up married to a complete stranger. It's so common that no one bats an eye about it these days. I like you, Cullen – a lot more than would be considered acceptable in polite society with how little time we've known each other. I was never one for the sappy romance idea of love at first sight, but… maybe there was something to it."

Cullen thought for a minute before he gave three short whistles and a bird flew down to land on his arm. I tied the note to his leg and whispered, "To Highever…"

Come to find out that the Ravens in Ferelden were very smart – almost as smart as Mabari. Give them a location they had been taught and they would go there. I was told that Lelianas' ravens all knew the most prominent places – Highever, Val Royeaux, Denerim, the Circles, and so on. The bird chirped and flew off at once.

I grinned, "There you have it – we'll likely have a response by the time I leave for the Hinterlands anyway."

"And that is your final answer on the matter of a protection detail?" Cullen asked – going back to his second reason for coming in person.

I nodded, "I don't need it – any enemy that wants me dead will have to work for it."