Chapter Twelve

Sinfi Moon of the Vistani was perched on The Iron Bull's lap in the middle of the bustling tavern of Skyhold. Laughter bubbled from her wine stained lips as Bull held tightly onto her hip, keeping her from toppling over. Her normally dexterous poise had been forgotten after hours of drinking a mixture of wine and sips of his Maraas-Lok. Bull looked around the table with a half smile, to be fair to his Kadan, all of their friends were in a similar state of inebriation. Luckily for Bull, he was larger and could handle the large quantities of liquor that flowed that night.

So The Iron Bull sat there, holding onto the woman who had drunkenly moved from her own chair and onto a precarious spot on his thigh. Absentmindedly, his thumb ran against the abnormally warm flesh of her midsection that seemed to always be exposed. He was calm, he felt good, he was at peace.

"So I tell him," Dorian paused as he took a big gulp of wine. "Sir, I was drunk and I don't recognize your face. Maybe if you turn around, I'll have a better idea of who you are?"

"Now the question is," Mordecai used his mug to gesture towards Dorian as he looked across the table and into the mage's eyes. "Did he turn around and did you recognize him?"

"Well, I never forget an ass," Dorian smirked and gave the red tiefling a sultry wink. The table erupted into a fit of ruckus, Sinfi wiped away tears from the laughter.

"Maker's Balls, Sparkler," Varric chuckled softly as he looked at his cards. "Now, where the hell were we?"

That was a good question, Bull thought to himself as he tossed his bet into the pot.

They had come back from the Winter Palace to find that Sinfi's desk had turned into a small mountain of letters, gifts, and requests for her assistance. The majority were easy to facilitate with agents of the Inquisition, the Thieves' Guild, or a skillful letter in response from Josephine. Yet, there was one that stood out; a request from Mother Giselle. It was to secretly bring Dorian to a small tavern in Redcliffe to help mend a family. Against what had been requested by the chantry sister and his family, Sinfi brought the letter to Dorian. Together, they had gone into the unknown to meet with the retainer sent by House Pavus.

Instead of the retainer that had been promised, waiting for them in the empty tavern, it was one Halward Pavus. He just wanted to talk to his son, and make amends for what Halward had done. But no amount of apologies could right the wrongs of resorting to blood magic to try and change his only child's sexual preference. Upon the urging of Sinfi, Dorian did in fact hear his father out, but the man was not forgiven.

With the arrival of Sinfi's report, Varric had decided now was the time to round up everyone of the inner circle for a night of much needed fun. The Chargers had pushed two large tables together to make enough space for the large party. Bottles of wine, and multiple kegs had been brought over to their tables, creating their own corner away from the bar and other patrons. People came for the free booze, but stayed for the slice of normalcy that they had lost once the sky had split open. Madame de Fer, Solas, and Red had all made their own appearances but, after a glass of their poison, they disappeared into the night.

Now all that remained were the regular bar flies, a confused Cole, a flushed Cullen, and Josephine, who had been emboldened by liquid courage, cards all in hand as they passed around stories of times long gone.

"So, who's next?" Josephine asked as she drew a card and then discarded another. "I believe all we have left are Mordecai, Sinfi, and our very own story teller."

"I bet Mordecai has some great stories about Sinfi," Dorian said with a smirk, mischief glimmering in his eyes.

"Master Pavus," Mordecai said slowly as he leaned in towards the mage. "Are you asking me to betray my sister's trust as the keeper of her secrets?"

"Why, yes," Dorian said as he mimicked the gesture of the red tiefling. "That is exactly what I'm asking you to do."

"Well," Mordicai purred as a devilish grin curled on his lips. "Don't mind if I do."

"Remember, Firecracker," Varric looked up towards the red tiefling to his left. "Whatever you have on her, I bet she has just as much on you."

Mordecai held up his hands in defense. "The dwarf has a very valid point, but," golden eyes caught the matching pair from across the table, a smile crossed both of their lips. "There is one that I think the illustrious Mistress of Shadows will allow me to tell."

Sinfi made a motion allowing him to proceed. Quickly, Mordecai got up from his chair and circled around the table.

"As everyone knows, Oarsport is our home away from Vardo. About twelve years ago, Sinfi and I had just turned sixteen, our horses were trained, and we had just officially taken our places within the Vistani. This was a big time for us, so naturally, the first thing we did was go and celebrate with our friend, Ella. We went from tavern to tavern, drinking, singing, causing mischief, and just making a general ruckus through the city."

Mordecai paused as he leaned against the back of Dorian's chair, "I think we even stole someone's goat?" He shrugged slightly before continuing his circling.

"There were so many complaints that the guards were called on us," Mordecai paused as he took a sip from his mug, "We were detained, our hands put into shackles behind our backs, and questioned about the different reports. As we sat there, Ella got the bright idea that every time the guard turned around she would shift ever so slightly. Maybe a new nose, or different color eyes, each change small but over time she would look completely different. Confusing the guard and making the reports just off."

"Then Sinfi," the red tiefing batted at her nose as he passed by. "Decided to start and do the same thing with her own magical charm. I felt left out so I joined them with my own magic enchantments. This guard was so confused, he had to call in extra people to help create this one report because he kept getting it wrong."

"That is absolutely scandalous," Josephine giggled.

"Maker's Breath," Cullen looked between Mordecai and Sinfi wide eyed. "Did you get caught?"

"Well…at first no," Sinfi sighed slowly. "We were going to get away with it, until Mordecai decided to shift himself entirely so he looked like myself. I then quickly shift to look like Ella, and then she makes herself look like Mordecai. The guards were extremely confused the next time they looked at us, but they blamed it on late night patrol and lack of sleep… so we do it again and again. Every time the guards looked away we would shift to look like the others. Rotating who was who silently."

"It was marvelous," Mordecai exclaimed as he spun his chair around. Straddling the seat, he took a swig out of his mug before adding, "That is, until we lost our rhythm and ended up as three versions of myself. Therefore giving it all away."

"Luckily," Sinfi dovetailed off Mordecai. "I had picked the lock to my shackles and had passed the tools down the line so they could do the same while we were fucking with the guards. So once they saw three red tieflings and knew something was wrong, we all looked at one another, and then drunkenly bolted towards the sewers to hide out in the District of Secrets."

The table whooped with raucous laughter together as jugs of ale and wine were passed around to top off empty mugs.

"That can not be the end," Cassandra said quickly before bringing her chalice of wine to her lips. "Surely, someone must have found out about your little adventure?"

"Oh, someone did find out," Mordecai smirked towards the seeker. "Mother caught us sneaking into camp after we had brought Ella home. Vera Moon, Spymaster of our Vistani clan, was furious after she had been given copies of the reports."

Sinfi kept her eyes on her glass as she carefully filled it with the toxic liquid that was Baba's wine, "She brought us to Baba to be punished for our behavior. After Mama had explained what had happened Baba just looked between the two of us then back to Mama and said," She cleared her voice as she imitated the older Vistani's accent, "'Vera, my darling, when did you become such a stick in the mud?' and then Baba just starts laughing,"

"I thought we were going to kill Baba because she was laughing so hard," Mordecai smirked as he shook his head.

"Baba was the only reason why Mama didn't murder us that night," Sinfi pointed out as she looked around the table. "The only thing that is truly terrifying is that woman."

"I would like to agree with that statement," Cullen slurred slightly before he pointed his mug of ale and looked towards Bull. "You're only courting one, courting three is beyond terrifying."

Bull smirked slowly, "Cullen, I'm pretty it's the other way around. They're courting you."

Laughter filled the tavern and night.

"Amar, put me down," Sinfi slurred against his chest, causing Bull to chuckle as he continued to walk back towards their quarters with her curled in his arms. "I'm fine to walk."

"And let the Inquisitor embarrass herself in public by falling over like a drunken mess?" Bull said with a smirk as he glanced down towards the flushed tiefling. "Never, Kadan."

She was silent as she grabbed tighter onto the leather harness across his chest. Strands of her black hair had escaped the ribbon that tied the mass into a ponytail and fell into her eyes. The first streaks of daylight would break the sky any moment. The group had lost track of time in between rounds of stories, cards, and drinks. Slowly the group had broken apart after the Commander had lost all of his clothes to the Antivan Ambassador, allowing Cullen some semblance of privacy to run back to his quarters.

"But that happened while leaving the tavern," she whispered quietly against his chest. Sinfi had been able to keep up her appearance of grace and charm until she had stepped into the cool night air, once her feet hit the uneven earth she went face forward into the dew covered dirt.

"Which is why you've lost your walking privileges," Bull said as he carefully shifted her weight into one arm, allowing him to open the door to the stairs leading up to their now shared bed chambers.

"No one saw right?" she asked cautiously. Sure enough it had only been Bull to see her stumble. They had left with Mordecai and Dorian, but both were… distracted as they slipped into the night and towards a single Vardo on the outskirts of the Vistani camp.

"Just me," Bull smirked. "And I won't let you live it down."

She let out a giggle as Bull made his way up the last steps, carefully setting her back down onto her feet on the carpeted floors. He watched as she stumbled her way towards her desk and looking glass, slowly unclasping and untangling every piece of jewelry connected to her body. Bull sat on the edge of the bed watching her nightly rituals from the corner of his eye.

"You know," Sinfi whispered as her bangles were dropped into their designated dish. "I saw something strange tonight."

"And what's that?" Bull asked as he quickly undid the laces to his boots and knee brace before kicking them to the side.

"Well," Sinfi started as she slowly started to unwind and untangle the thin gold and silver chains wrapped around her horns. "Mordecai and Dorian are becoming close."

Bull grunted slightly as he undid the harness and belt, "That doesn't surprise me, from everything you've told me that is."

It was true, Mordecai was a free spirit with a lover in every major city. Race or gender never being a deterring factor so long as they were an interesting soul. Each one knowing and accepting of his wandering affections, yet when he was with a partner, he was with them and nothing else mattered.

"That's the interesting part," Sinfi smiled softly as she placed the chains into the dish before the multiple sets of earrings followed. "His thread has changed directions."

Bull paused as he worked on undoing the straps to his eye patch, "It changed directions?"

"Yes," a lazy drunken smile spread onto Sinfi's lips as she slowly slipped off her silks. "He's starting to find his direction."

"Huh," Bull sighed as he tossed the iron eye patch onto the bedside table. It landed onto the surface with a small clank. He looked back to Sinfi as she swayed towards him and the bed. Bull was unsure if the swaying was due to inebriation, part of her normal seductress charms, or a mixture of both. He smiled slowly as he eyed the one piece of jewelry that stayed on her no matter the time of day, a golden chain with a split dragon's tooth. "So they're…" his voice trailed off.

"Their threads are about to become bound," Sinfi finished for him as she gently ran her fingers along the scarred side of his face. Bull reached out and pulled her to him as the candle light magically dimmed.

"Should we say something?" Bull asked as he laid back into the bed with her in his arms.

"Interfere in this and I will murder you in your sleep," Sinfi mumbled sleepily against his chest.

"10-4, Boss." Bull smirked as the candles extinguished.

The Iron Bull froze as he watched Sinfi fall into the swampy water. The world fell apart in a heartbeat as the dragon's front claw hit her square in the chest, sending her flying back. Blood streaked through the air in her wake. They had been separated during the fight, he had taken his eyes off her for too long and had lost her within his blood lust against the beast.

His fault.

He was running as fast as he could across the battlefield. His bad leg burned with every movement, but Bull ignored it. Her body floated atop the water, the ripples caused by the fight lapped at the sides of her face. Her hair had become loose at some point in the fight and floated around her like an inky halo. He skidded to a stop before dropping to his knees, lifting her ragdoll like body out of the water and into his arms.

His fault.

Vivienne and Dorian worked together on distracting the dragon, allowing him time to save her. He reached down to his belt for a healing potion or anything that would get her back up.

Not like this. He was out of potions.

He couldn't lose her like this...The group had been ambushed by the dragon while hunting for the Snowy Wyvern. The fog on the water had concealed it until it was too late. The high dragon had turned into the hunter and they were the prey. They had killed two high dragons together by now, all of them felt confident in their abilities as they readied for the onslaught of electric charges.

They had just become something solid...As the fight had continued they realized they were outmatched, but had nowhere to run, the massive beast had blocked the escape route and Sinfi's magic was tapped out. With every hit that landed on Bull, it fueled him to hit back harder. The fight was grueling but it also invigorated him, he danced around the beast, swinging his axe, slashing and crushing any open weakness. Joy, he had felt joy, but it crashed around him the moment he realized the shadowy rouge was not behind him any more. She was across the field from him, wide open and unprotected.

He needed more time with her… They had not been prepared for this fight. They hadn't even known a high dragon had made her nest in these waters. Yet, here they all were, bloody and broken, fighting a creature that outmatched them. If they had known they would have made sure to have enough supplies. Sinfi would have brought extra charms and saved her energy for this fight.

Bull ran his fingers along her face, her eyes were shut and as he pressed his fingers against her neck. He couldn't find a pulse. Quickly, he reached down towards her belt for hopefully one last potion. His missing fingertips hit the leather and ran along the surface for the worn fabric where the bottles were stored.

One… two… three… four… He counted the empty pockets.

five… six… He refused to take his eyes off of her.

Seven… and Bull did something he would have never in a million life times considered. He prayed.

He called on the Mists. Invoked the Threads of Fate. He begged Andrastate and the Maker. He implored all of the unknown deities in every world. He prayed to anyone above who would listen for a single damn potion.

Then, his fingers hit the cool glass in the final spot. Just one potion left. Quickly, he unlatched the glass bottle and uncorked it with his teeth. He pressed the glass against her lips and forced the liquid down her throat. She laid unmoving in his arms, body growing colder as they sat in the murky water.

"Not like this Kadan," Bull whispered.

Silence filled the air.

"I still have plans for you, Sinfi Moon."

His fault.

His fault.

His-

His fingers felt a single heartbeat on her pulse point. Then a second pounded quickly after as her heart began to restart. Water and blood were coughed out of her lungs. The pair of eyes he knew too well, opened slowly and looked up to him. Confusion crossed her features.

"Bull?" she whispered.

"Thank the Fates, Kadan," Bull let out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding and pulled her to him. Hugging her body tightly against his. Their dragon teeth clinked against one another. She smelled of embrium mixed with blood and swamp water. He didn't want to let go, he had to feel her against him. Bull needed her. Yet the roars of the beast reverberated around them and their friends needed them more.

He helped Sinfi up before grabbing his axe from the ground. They looked towards the dragon and the two weary mages. They only had one more chance. He looked back to Sinfi as she grabbed her daggers, spinning them in her hands as she readjusted to their weight.

"We do this together, Amar," she said as she looked back up to him. Bull gave her a smile and nodded as they rushed together back into the fray. They protected each other's backs, dodged together as one against the incoming attacks. Slowly, they chipped away the dragon's defenses until the beast collapsed, letting out a pained gurgle before the life drained from its body.

They stood there, breathing heavily as they stared at the dead creature. No one said a word out of fear that the moment one was uttered, the dead eyes would ignite with life. They went about stripping the beast of every material they could reasonably carry before they would have to call in reinforcements. Bull stayed at Sinfi's side, always in an arm's reach.

The four of them were bruised and bloody, but they were all alive as they limped their way back to camp.

Upon finding the Snowy wyvern, Madame de Fer had made her way back to her lover. Unfortunately, they were too late. Vivienne had made it back in time just to see the Duke in his final moments. Sinfi stayed in the shadows behind her, offering a quiet comfort to the woman made of Iron. Sinfi had decided they would stay in Val Royeaux for a few days, saying it was to stock up on materials and potential upgrades to the keep. In reality though, it was to give Vivienne time to sort through arrangements with Duchess Nicoline by her side. Together, the two women would mourn and continue on after their lovers' passing.

There had also been other developments to arise while in Val Royeaux. Even though both Bull and Sinfi had put out their feelers regarding their Warden companion due to her superstition, nothing in the reports that had come back were out of the ordinary. It wasn't until after Blackwall's disappearance after the ball that Sinfi and Bull had started their digging once again. It was Red who found the direction Blackwall had gone. They found him in Val Royeaux, in the process of stopping a hanging to save a man's life. In doing so, Blackwall revealed he was not the beloved Hero Warden they had come to know, instead a traitor named Thom Rainier. He was no longer the man who had talked about honor and doing one's duty, in reality, it had all been an act.

Sinfi had worked with the advisors to get the man, formerly known to them as Blackwall, released into the Inquisition's custody. The Vistani spy saw an opportunity; there was a traitor of the Inquisition who looked to be almost a dead match for the man they knew as Blackwall. With quick hands and money to grease palms, the Vistanti and Thieves' Guild were able to slip Blackwall out, and leave the traitor in his stead. The man in question was bound and gagged, forced to take Blackwalls place. The world believed Thom Rainier paid for his crimes and was no longer. No one was the wiser regarding the switch and the real traitor was in the Inquisition's hands.

Now Sinfi sat upon the throne in Skyhold. They had both become accustomed to this ritual, but something about the way she looked up on the throne with power at her fingertips caused Bull to stand there in awe every time. Light flickered through the stained glass windows, the multi colored light painting the scene. Sheer dark blue silks with intricate bead work covered her and any areas that would make a Fereldan blush, the ornate jewelry on her horns created what looked to be a makeshift crown, but unlike previous times, a dragon's tooth now hung prominently between her breasts for all to see.

"For judgment this day Inquisitor, I must present Captain Thom Rainier," Josephine took a deep sigh as she appeared on Sinfi's right hand side. "Formerly known to us as Warden Blackwall."

The man in question was led in by two guards, shackles at his wrists in front of him, eyes downcast to the cold stone floor.

"His crimes..." Josephine started softly, her voice dying as if she was unable to actually say it. "Well, you are aware of his crimes. The decision of what to do with him is yours."

The Ambassador's eyes were glassy as she walked down from the dais, betraying her own hurt. Blackwall looked up at the Antivan woman as she passed him, her gait slowed slightly but she refused to return the look. Whispers echoed in the hall about the exchange.

Bull had quickly learned gossip and rumors were the Vistani's sport of choice. Everyone in the troupe knew what and who everyone else was doing, and the more grandiose the rumor, the better it was in their minds. While spending time with Sinfi's exact troupe there had been whispers within the circle of travelers that many had caught the Ambassador or Blackwall sneaking back and forth to the others' chambers late in the evening and early in the morning. Yet, almost none of the other residents of Skyhold had known of the secret love affair, but the Vistani saw all.

"There is a phrase and superstition in the Vistani," Sinfi said slowly, her gaze finally fell on the man in front of her. "It loosely translates to: Never tell a lie around a horse or else it will bite you, and funny enough, Casimir bit you the first time we met," she let out a sad laugh. "You know, I looked for the lie up and down, but couldn't find it… I'm impressed. So, well done, friend." Sinfi was glaring at the man as she tilted her head in a slight bow.

Rainier was silent, causing Sinfi to sigh and let the facade of court drop from her features, "I… didn't think this would be easy, but I also didn't imagine that it would be this hard either."

"Another thing to regret," Blackwall said slowly and looked up towards where Sinfi sat on the throne. "Using your ties to the underworld to free me, letting another man die in my place. You're a criminal, same as me. The world will come to know what you've done to get the Inquisition to where it is now."

Anger flashed across her face, "I have never denied who or what I am…Thom Rainier." Silence filled the chamber. Blackwall grimaced slightly before Sinfi's features chilled once again as she regained her composure.

"I wish there had been another way," her voice was filled with regret. "But, my options were limited and I knew this would work for everyone."

"You could've left me there," his voice was filled with anger and frustration. "I accepted my punishment. I was ready for all this to end."

The bearded man looked away shaking his head, "Why would you stop it? What becomes of me now?"

Sinfi was silent as she watched their companion, someone they had thought of as a friend for almost a year, before simply saying, "What happens next is that I will give you to the Wardens. You follow through with the lie and join them. We still have use for you, Thom Rainier, you will be released to them once we defeat Corypheus."

"As you command," he nodded once before looking back towards Sinfi. She looked him over with parted lips before continuing.

"Blackwall gave you the chance to atone through action, not merely punishment," Sinfi paused. "I find I can do no less."

"I am... grateful for this, Inquisitor," Blackwall nodded his head slightly in contemplation. "And will serve for as long as I can."

They watched as Blackwall knelt before Sinfi, pledging his allegiance to the Inquisition once again, this time as Thom Rainer.

Bull looked upon the human man with a cool glare. He may have been forgiven by the Inquisition and considered a free man, but Bull would never look at him the same. The Iron Bull may have once been named Hissrad, but it was Blackwall who truly deserved the name.

Bull found her bent over the war table. Hands clutching on to the edge of the wood as she glared at the different iron pieces scattered about the map of the southern portion of Thedas. The sun had since set and night had fallen. The candles in the counsel room had been lit and wax dripped slowly off the different candelabras. Sinfi made no movement as he appeared in the doorway, eyes continued to flicker in the dying light as she worked through something silently.

An untouched plate of food sat off to the side. One of the advisors must have had a servant bring something to her since she had missed dinner.

"Kadan, I think it's time for a break," Bull said softly as he shut the door behind him, the sudden noise breaking her from the spell. Sinfi muttered a string of curses as her eyes glanced out of the night darkened windows.

"I lost track of time," she sighed as she closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. Bull's eyes ran over the map as he lumbered towards her, trying to quietly piece together the problem she was working to solve.

In front of her sat the letter and old reports from Briala in Thieves' Cant along with the new markers for the Thieves' Guild. Some of the iron pieces had already been placed on the board, showing the already established network; where the ones closest to Sinfi were to show the pool they had in reserve.

"Something doesn't make sense," she whispered as Bull came up behind her. His large hands reached out and slowly started to work out the knots that he knew had formed in her shoulders.

"Talk to me," his voice reverberated in the stone room.

"Briala had sent everything to Ejasia and even documented it," Sinfi started as she picked up a report. "Yet Ella said nothing had come back to them."

Bull grunted slightly as he continued his work, the knots and tightness Sinfi held in her body slowly melting away in his hands.

"Either someone or something has intercepted them or," Sinfi took a ragged breath. "Or Ella lied and is trying to cover something up."

Bull let out a slow breath through his nose, "Ella seemed genuine when she gave us that information. She had no reason to give that up freely."

"You don't know her like I do," Sinfi picked up a metal piece. It sat upright in her fingertips as she studied it, turning it back and forth under the light, "Her very essence is a lie. She is a mirror and will morph into what she believes you want to see. Yet you're right, there's no real reason to lie about reports."

"Florianne was an agent for Corypheus," Bull stated as his hands ran down Sinfi's curves. He dipped his head to the shell of her ear, "It's possible she knew about the Thieves' Guild and was intercepting the messages in Orlais." Bulls lips slowly traveled down her neck.

Sinfi grumbled slightly as she became more pliable in his hands, "Possibly."

"Very possible," Bull turned the woman around so she was facing him, his lips shifted to a flirtatious smirk. "Now, about that break?"

Bull glanced towards the closed door before giving Sinfi a playful wink. She rolled her eyes before grabbing onto his harness, bringing him down closer to her level. Their lips connected as fingers ran along muscle and scars. Quickly he hooked his hands under her thighs, lifting her onto the war table.

"Luca check your form, getting lazy means an opening against you," Bull barked out as he circled the training ring. "Nicu, good block."

Bull stopped and crossed his arms in front of his chest as he watched the youngest set of twins spar. Sinfi had been called into a meeting with the advisors, Vera, and the witch. They had discovered Corypheus' next moves and, with the added information found in Emprise Du Lion, they had been able to hone in on Sampson's weakness. Thus, the severity of this meeting meant leaving Bull in charge of training the two spitfires, Luca and Nicu while their sister was doing a more important job for the day, organizing an army to march on the Arbor Wilds and finding the Elven artifact before the dark spawn magister.

Luckily for everyone involved, the two young tieflings had started to follow him around like a pair of lost puppies and were more than happy to be left in Bull's care. If they were not in training, the matching pair would somehow always find their way to the vicinity of Bull, even if it meant following in Bull's wake. It had gotten to the point where Krem had made jokes about The Iron Bull being renamed "The Iron Hen" because of how they trailed after him, asking questions non stop.

It was the sound of hoof beats on the draw bridge that made Bull look away from the twins. Bull felt his heart skip a beat as he eyed the new arrivals. Banners with two crimson Mabaris announced the one and only Alistair Theirin, King of Ferelden. Bull felt his stomach drop and his mouth go dry. The one person Sinfi had been worried about arriving at Skyhold all along had arrived.

"Shit," Bull whispered to himself before looking back at the two boys, who continued their practicing as he had instructed. Both unaware of the shit storm encroaching upon them. All of the people equipped to handle this new situation were currently occupied. Bull had to think quickly, he had to get them away somewhere safe before they were found. Then he had to alert the advisors of the potential problem in the making.

"Boys," Bull said quickly as he walked towards them. "I think that's enough sword training for the day. Let's go to the tavern and get you whatever it is that kids drink."

"But," Nicu looked over to Luca. "Mother said we're not allowed in the tavern any more."

Luca looked back up to Bull, "Not since we were caught stealing Sera's coin purse."

"Well, Vera will live," Bull sighed as he took the rapiers and tossed them towards the side before grabbing the boys hands. "Besides, I give you permission to practice on Krem and the Chargers. Hell, I'll let you cast magic on them."

The pair beamed up towards the Qunari and eagerly let him lead them away from the ring. The three walked across the courtyard quickly, Bull's eyes trained on the tavern door. If he could get there, he could give the boys to Krem, then he could go to alert Sinfi and the advisors. It would work, he just had to . .door.

"Excuse me, Ser... um, Qunari?"

Fuck, Bull stopped at his tracks. He had only heard that voice once before, but it was enough to recognize the source of the complications. Bull let out a curse in Qunlat under his breath before turning to face King Alistair, who was trying desperately to catch up to him. Bull pushed the twins behind him slightly, helping to obscure the pair from the visitor.

"You were one of the people who helped stop the magister at Redcliff, right?" the King asked as he caught up to the Qunari who towered over him. Bull gave a curt nod as he kept his face neutral.

"I'm looking for someone and was wondering if you might be able to direct me," Alistair paused as he looked up towards the man. "Pink woman with curly horns, golden eyes, spitfire personality, and probably would like to see me dead?"

"The Inquisitor is inside," Bull nodded towards the keep before starting to turn back to his goal.

The King hissed slightly and rubbed the back of his head slightly, "Maybe I should have been a little more clear. I need to speak with Vera."

Bull just watched the human look towards the keep and then back to Bull, "I heard rumors about the Vistani making their way around Thedas, I didn't think she would come back after… um, the Blight. Then, I heard whispers she was spotted at the Winter Palace with the Inquisition."

Bull gave another nod as he crossed his arms, "She's inside with Sinfi."

"Wonderful," the human noble looked back towards the keep but made no movement. Slowly he let out a breath before looking back to Bull, "How… Did she...Is she well?"

"I'm fine, Alistair," both of the men looked up towards the new arrival of the woman in question. Her head was held high as golden eyes looked the King over. Unlike at the ball, Vera was completely in the light, all magic to keep her concealed gone entirely. Bull could see the little wisps of grey in her long, straight hair and the few crows feet that hinted to her age. No matter her age, there was no question of beauty in the older woman.

She walked towards them slowly, "a little nightingale told me you had arrived possibly looking to talk."

"Vera, you look…" Alistair's voice died as his warm brown eyes studied her.

"Old?" A smile curled on to her lips.

"No," Alistair said quickly, eyes becoming wide as a blush rose upon his cheeks. "You look well… better than well in fact."

Vera laughed slightly as her eyes rolled at his response, "I do hope you're better at public speaking then that."

"Well, I don't always put my foot in my mouth, all thanks to you," the pair smiled at one another slightly. Bull cleared his throat before motioning to the tavern.

"We're going to go over there if you need us, Ma'am." Bull motioned to the tavern with his thumb. The two old lovers glanced towards Bull, Alistair's eyes shifted down towards where the two tiefling boys were peeking out around Bull's legs. He could feel their tails twisting back and forth anxiously as they watched the king and their mother.

"Well, hello there," Alistair said softly as he knelt down to be eye level with the two boys. "Who might you be?"

"Luca and Nicu Moon," The twins said in unison. Alistair froze as he looked upon the pair, the gears slowly turning and processing the information. He looked towards Vera, eyes wide as he got off the ground. He watched her face looking for either confirmation or denial.

Vera motioned for the boys to come to her. They quickly obliged and scampered towards her and out of Bull's protective circle. They stood at either side of their mother, tails still curling to and fro nervously. Vera put a hand on each of their backs, rubbing each to help settle the nerves. She looked down at them with a soft smile and warm eyes, "They're my youngest."

"Are they..?" Alistair didn't get the final words out but they all knew the unasked question.

She glanced between them and Alistair. Slowly she knelt down and, in Infernal, whispered for the boys to go play a prank on the triplets in secret. They watched the pair look between the three adults and with devilish smiles run off towards the Vistani caravans.

"They are," Vera confirmed softly as she watched the pair run off. She pushed herself off the ground and dusted her knees off of the dust, "I know what you're going to ask, and yes, I knew when I left. I was angry but couldn't bring myself to… disrupt a kingdom. So, I chose to leave."

Bull could see the hurt cross the King's face. The bastard had done the one thing he had never wanted, create more bastards, "If I'd known-"

"If you had known," Vera said softly. "You would have unraveled all of the work we had put into securing your position. You would have forfeited your throne and followed me to Ejasia."

"And if I wanted that?"

Bull watched as Vera stood straighter as she looked the King up and down, "Alistair, we both know our threads were never supposed to tangle." Golden eyes landed on Bull, "Filius, if you could escort me to the horses, I would appreciate that."

Silently, Bull walked towards Vera and held out his arm. She pulled her hood over her horns, shielding her from the world. She took Bull's arm without looking at Alistair. Slowly, the spymaster and mercenary captain started to walk away, their backs to the King. Vera paused mid-stride, she didn't look back at him but she turned her head enough so Alistair could see part of her profile.

"They're good boys, I thank you for blessing me with them," Vera bit her lip before continuing. "If you want to get to know them, you may. The Vistani will welcome you day or night to see them, but our threads can never intersect again."

With that, Vera looked forward once more and they continued towards the horses. Bull took a cautionary glance down towards the smaller woman gripping onto his arm, silent twin streaks of tears ran down her cheeks, but she continued forward never looking back. They left the King standing in the middle of the courtyard behind them, watching them fade into the bustling keep.

Note: Thank you all for reading! More chapters coming soon!

Latin Translations:

Amar- Love

Filius- Son