Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Age nor am I making money from this work. This is purely for entertainment purposes.

Notes: Inquisitor is female Lavellan, rogue, dual-blades that trained in the Way of the Assassin. Romanced Solas first then Cullen.

This work is not beta-read so please forgive any errors that are spotted

Consume

'Chapter 3'

by therapist

"No, no, no! This is all wrong." Dorian was pacing in front of him, down to his underthings - damn, he was wearing the silk ones he loved. Despite the temptation in front of him, he knew that Dorian would not appreciate the distraction right now.

"Kadan, you're wearing out the flooring."

Dorian gave him a withering look. "Because unlike some people, I actually care about our friend's relationship."

"A little too much," Bull mumbled. The sharp stare told him that he heard. "Fine, fine. Let's talk about this shit so we can get to the sex faster."

Dorian rolled his eyes. "How chivalrous of you."

"Hey, I haven't seen you in months. Can you blame me if I want to spend this time spanking your pert little ass rather than talking?"

A blush bloomed over his cheeks - he loved how dirty talk always made the man redden like a virgin.

"My ass is not little!"

Bull laughed then patted the bed. Sitting next to him, Dorian pressed himself flush into his side - he was never a cuddler but Dorian always enjoyed it and he eventually learned to love it as well. He watched as the smile on his face fell.

"Worried about her?"

Dorian sighed. "She wouldn't even talk to me. Just sat there, crying, staring at the mountains."

Bull was worried too. He knew she was having a rough go at things, shit, he would too if he went through half the shit she's been through. If Dorian couldn't make her talk, then he knew his chances were nil. His love was always better at this kinda stuff, while his solutions tend to be...more physical.

"Maybe she needs to hit shit."

Dorian huffed. "That may work for you, you ruffian, but El is not you."

Shrugging, he let his hand caress Dorian's side. "Hitting can be cathartic."

A little hitch in his breathing told him that his Kadan was enjoying his petting. Good. Because he was ready to go since yesterday. "I'm being serious here." There was an undercurrent of desire beneath his usual huffiness.

Bull growled. "I am too Kadan. I'm seriously trying to get you out of these clothes." He nipped at his throat, enjoying the way he was trying to seem unaffected despite the tenting of his silk underthings. "Now, do you want me to tie you up or spank you first?"

His blush deepened. "Fasta vass! You're impossible!"

Chuckling lightly, he squeezed a hip affectionately. "But you love that about me Kadan." Going in for a kiss, he swallowed whatever retort his lover was about to utter. Sometimes he talks too much and Bull knew exactly how to shut him up. A fire lit in his belly as Dorian returned the kiss, his arms tracing light patterns against his muscles.

"I guess you can spank me first."

Bull could only smile in response.

El twirled her blades in hands, the familiar weight a relief. It's been 3 days since she last spoke to Cullen and she was tired of crying and moping. Opting to do what she had always done, she pushed those feelings aside and suppressed the hell out it. Unable to stand her empty room - Cullen must've empty it before she came back - she decided to train.

The mark hadn't flared up since her last attack with Dorian and she was glad for small favors. She knew she needed to see Kya, to speak with her about her wounds and what had happened. Also, she needed to inform her about the residual pain in her stomach that seemed to be spreading further. It wasn't too bad, she was able to function without grimacing too much. However, she was worried when the pain didn't seem to be receding, instead, it was spreading further along. Before it was a small knot, the size of a coin, in her stomach, but now it was as big as a rock. Originally, she had planned to see her once she returned to Skyhold but...with everything that happened, she had pushed it aside in her grief. Honestly, she delayed going because she knew that Kya would not have good news and she didn't think she could handle it.

Which lead her to the training grounds. Seeing Bull, she gave a small smile as she approached him.

"Heya Boss. Care to do some training?"

She never really sparred with Bull before, opting to train or fight with Heir or Cole instead. But she needed to work out whatever emotions that was clawing at her.

"I would be honored, Bull."

He gestured to the sparring ring and they both walked over. Several soldiers gathered around and their excitement poured into her.

"Any rules?" She asked.

"No abilities and loser buy drinks."

Getting into her stance, she nodded. Bull lifted his maul - one she crafted from dragon's bone - and swung down toward her. she dodged the obvious blow and slid to the left. It seems like he was expecting that and he quickly adjusted the maul's trajectory.

"Shit!" Bringing up both daggers, she barely parried the blow. The action nearly knocked her weapons from her hands and the resulting clash reverberated up her arms as she strained to keep the blunt weapon away from her. Fuck, he's strong. She pushed back his weapon, making the large man take a step back. She growled as wasn't as far as she had hoped. Before he could attack her, she lunged forward. As her blades neared the flesh of his stomach, he deflected the blow with the haft of his weapon. She jumped back, wary. Bull heaved his maul up and rested it on his shoulder. While he wasn't as quick as her, his strength and stamina gave him the advantage over her.

They circled around the ring, his eye watching her intently. Her eyes did the same, looking for an opening. Sliding her eyes down, she noted the brace on his left ankle. Deciding to take advantage of that, she changed directions, forcing him to step out with his bad ankle.

While she knew she could keep fighting against him for a while, over time, her advantage would disappear. Being a rogue meant that she wasn't meant for endurance fights like warriors. Most of the time the battle was over after activating Hidden Blades so fighting beyond a few minutes wasn't something she was used to. Deciding to end this fight soon, she lunged forward as he was stepping. Bringing his weapon down, he blocked her blow as she knew he would. Summoning all the strength she could muster, she pushed as hard she could. Bull tried to compensate the force of her shove, but from his grimace, she knew that his injured ankle was giving him trouble.

"Very smart Boss," He gritted our as their weapons braced against each other. While it was tiring trying to hold off his strength, she was pleased that she could match the large man's strength.

"Thanks," she huffed, before pulling away suddenly. Bull stumbled forward and she took that opening to slip into his defense. Swinging her blade up, she stopped as it touched his neck.

"I think I win," she remarked.

"Did you Boss?"

Then she felt it, a blade pressed against her stomach. Sure enough, she glanced down and saw that he had drawn out a small dagger and pressed it to the side of her belly. Amazed - for she didn't even see him bring out the dagger - she pulled back before nodding. The spectators cheered and she grinned at Bull before bowing. Together, they headed into the tavern, along with the audience.

"So who's buying drinks?" One soldier asked.

El sighed dramatically and pretended to ponder the thought. "I guess drinks are on me. Bring out the good stuff!"

The roar of the crowd of deafening and she could only smile. Feeling better than earlier, she gave Bull a genuine smile.

"Thank you, Bull."

"Anytime Boss."

The former Ben-Hassrath spy noted as El slipped away, a small smile on her face, her steps a little wobbly. Though he had accomplished his mission - appropriately labeled as Make the Inquisitor Forget about her Shitty Life Mission - another concern had come forth. Glancing down at his weapon, he glanced at the indentations left by her blades on the head. One thing he knew was that dragon's bone was one of the hardest materials out there, much harder than the Inquisitor's everite dual-blades. Shit, he tested pretty much all materials and knew that there was no way that she should've been able to leave any sort of mark.

The only thing he could think of was her strength. When they sparred, he was surprised that she was able to hold him off and even push him back. Many soldiers - much larger and stronger than her - have tried, only to end up smashed or cleaved in half. His years spent as a spy kept the shock off his face but internally he was trying to figure out if she was always this strong. No. He had done a thorough investigation of all his comrades: their fighting styles, abilities, strength, stamina, dexterity, etc. and El should not have been able to do what she had done.

"Krem." His second came by, drink in hand.

"I need you to do me a favor."

"I told you chief, you need to find someone else to help you bind your bosoms."

He chuckled, before morphing into his serious face. Krem noticed the change and leaned closer to him. "I need you to watch El, see if she's does anything strange," he said in a low voice.

"The Inquisitor? What do you mean strange?"

"Change in personality, deviations in patterns or habits, displaying new abilities or strength, anything. Report only back to me and do NOT mention this to Dorian."

Krem nodded before finishing the rest of his drink. He left and Bull let out a small sigh. He didn't know why but he had a bad feeling.

El hummed as she walked through Skyhold. The lightness she was feeling was pleasant and she wasn't too inebriated where she needed help walking. Right now it made her feel like she was floating and she laughed, feeling more carefree than she should have.

With no destination in mind, she let her feet guide her and she found herself in the kitchen. A growl from her stomach and the scent of food made her suddenly ravenous. Grabbing some fresh bread, she tore into it, relishing as she chewed the soft, fluffy loaf. She stuffed the rest in her mouth, humming and enjoying it far too much.

Hearing voices, she activated Stealth and settled into a corner. She wasn't forbidden from taking food - she was still the leader of the Inquisition dammit - but she didn't want another lecture from Josephine or talk to anyone about why she was shoveling food down her gullet.

"Did you see Commander Cullen this morning?"

Ears perking up, her heart sped up as the two women entered the kitchen.

"Yes with that woman, she did not waste any time after him and the Inquisitor broke up."

Her heart seized. Stuck between wanting to flee and sating her curiosity, her legs decided for her as was rooted to the spot when she tried to move them.

The other woman, younger of the two, nodded. "Can you believe it though? I never thought they would break up."

"Honestly can you blame him though? They were never a good match."

The other woman narrowed her eyes at the other. "What do you mean? I thought they were a cute couple."

The elder woman patted the younger one's arm. "My dear, she was an elf and he a human. They would have never lasted."

Swallowing the thick lump in her throat, she hated how she partially agreed with the older woman. Though she believed that any person is free to love another, despite race, it was another thing in practice. She had seen the looks and the whispers, from humans and other elves. It was taxing, trying to ignore it all and she wondered if all of it got to Cullen.

"I don't see why race has to do with anything," the younger woman stated.

"That's the way it's always been in Thedas. Now, Commander Cullen and Lieutenant Hart are much more suited for each other."

Lieutenant Hart...her heart sank. A gifted soldier, loyal, and absolutely stunning. Even El had been shocked when the Lieutenant removed her helmet. From the blushes that dusted her soldiers and companion's cheeks, she knew that they were quite taken by her beauty. Built like Cassandra, she wasn't as strong but made up for it with speed and grace. They had fought beside one another several times and each time it seemed effortless to her. And unlike many, she kept her hair long. One vanity that I had allowed myself - she said with a light laugh when the Inquisitor had questioned it. Complete with green eyes that stood out against her dark hair, El knew that the woman was gorgeous and had no shortage of suitors.

Knowing that she was pursuing Cullen - for she had seen the looks she had sent him - made her sad rather than angry. Before she wouldn't have worried about Cullen straying or leaving her. Now, she didn't even know…

Hearing enough, she slipped away from the chattering women and made her way back to the training ring. Each step she took, made the pain in her chest swell and she didn't want to think about Cullen or Hart or any shape or matter of them together but her mind was a traitorous thing. The woman's words kept repeating: They are more suited for each other. They are more suited for each other. They are more suited for each other. Over and over until her chest throbbed in pain. Trying to rein in that pain, she felt a swelling of anger in its stead and she let it flood through her. This hate, the rage, she didn't know who it was for. Maybe herself, for fucking up the best thing that had happened to her. At Cullen for not even having the guts to break up with her before moving on. At Lieutenant Hart for being just perfect and human, two traits among many that she had over her. With the attitudes and perceptions of people, because who cares if she was the Inquisitor and savior of the world, just being an elf negated all the good things about her. Probably a combination of everything, for her hate was immense.

Popping back out of Stealth, she took a deep breath but that did nothing to quell the fire that spread from her chest, down her arms, until everything thrummed with anger and energy. One hand reached for a dagger and gripped it tightly. Envisioning her anger as a target, she whipped it toward the stone wall, striking it with a resounding thunk. Walking away, she tried best to ignore the fact that for a brief instant she saw Cullen's face and that did nothing to sate her rage, in fact, she imagined that his handsome face was the target. She felt sick.

Krem returned a bit later, face casual but Bull just knew his second saw something. Nodding over to their usual area, they sat down on an empty table far enough away from any curious ears but close enough to the crowd to not seem too suspicious. Sliding over a tankard to Krem, he watched as he took a deep drink.

"Did she ever strike you as the angry type?" Krem finally spoke, mug blocking his lips.

El, angry? That was an adjective he wouldn't use for her. Bubbly, nice, far too good for this world, and a whole mess of other words before he used angry. "Nah, Boss is a lot of things but angry isn't one of them."

Krem gestured to outside and Bull finished off his drink. They ventured outside, save for a few guards patrolling, they were alone enough to not worry about being overheard. Krem leads him to the stone wall where Cassandra was usually seen destroying the straw dummies. When they were less than a few feet away, his eye caught something glittering off the moonlight. Upon closer inspection, he could see it was one of El's dual-daggers, the very same one used only a few hours ago.

"If I hadn't witnessed it, I wouldn't have believed it," Krem muttered. "She threw it straight into the wall, pissed at something."

Bull put good money on what had pissed her off. The only question is what had set her off? El was easy going, slow to anger, he only ever saw her pissed when she witnessed something truly horrific or in battle or when her friends were hurt. Other than that, hardly anything ruffled her even those snooty high society nobles talked down to her.

But this - his finger traced the grip - this is rage. A solid four inches, at least, was stuck in the walls. Grabbing the handle, he pulled and just like he thought, it was stuck in the wall. Summoning his strength, he tried again, his arms straining as the wall did its best to hold onto the dagger. After several minutes, Bull yanked it out, stumbling back a bit. His breath came out in pants and he glanced down at his prize. The edges were chipped and he was surprised at how much was stuck in the wall. Even if he threw as hard as possible, he doubted he could get it stuck as deep. Glancing at the hole, he noted how tightly it pressed against the blade when he was trying to pull it out. His mind was looking for any explanation to...this. His first thought was that there was already a hole but remembering how tightly stuck it was, he knew that wasn't the case.

"What do you think Chief?" Krem asked, looking at the chipped blade.

He was thinking about a lot of things, none of them good. "I think we need to investigate this more." Because his mind was thinking of all possible explanations for sudden rage and explosive strength and none of the shit was good. "Watch her closely Krem."

The next day was spent avoiding anyone that wanted to talk and it seemed like everyone was seeking her out. El sighed, knowing she was being rude by avoiding those by disappearing and hiding but she was lousy company. The only positive was that she hadn't seen Cullen at all. Right now, she didn't know if she could see him without bursting into tears or cursing him. She didn't want to do either so like a coward, she hid whenever she saw blond hair. Luckily, she hadn't seen Lieutenant Hart either because El could barely keep the sneer off her face just thinking about her. The unbridled jealousy and rage surprised her. Because it was so unlike her. Confidence, in herself and in her relationship, had kept those unpleasant feelings from surfacing. It wasn't something she enjoyed feeling and she tried to quash it but every time her mind envisioned Cullen with that woman…

"El - I mean Inquisitor!"

The shout broke her from her inner thoughts and she glanced in the direction it was coming from. A man was waving at her and she tried to place him. Recognition flooded her as he jogged toward her.

"Sebastian! I didn't know you were coming here."

The man grinned, wide eyes gazing all over. "And miss seeing Skyhold and the Inquisition? Not a chance!"

She laughed at his exuberant answer. Just like a child, he gazed with wonder at everything within his line of sight. Remembering her similar reaction when coming upon Skyhold the first time, it made her smile fondly. "Would you like a tour?"

He grinned back before nodding eagerly. She laughed and was glad for the distraction. Heading left, she gestured to the stables and they head toward Dennet. Though she had offered the horsemaster an opportunity to return back to his home and family, he had insisted to remain with the Inquisition for the entirety of its existence. 'Who will care for these horses? My assistant? Oh, that's right, I have none.' El smiled at the memory. He was a little prickly but no one could have tended to these mounts better than him, so didn't mind his sometimes sharp, witty answers.

"Most of the horses have been redistributed to foreign lands as gifts. With many of our soldiers returning home, we found that we didn't need as many mounts."

His eyes drifted over to the unusual mounts in the stalls. "Do you ride?"

Smiling, she went over to her usual mount, her Avvar War Nug, a gift from Thane Svarah Sun-Hair of Stone-Bear Hold. Initially, she was wary of the large mount, for it was much larger than her and had turned away from her when she tried to pet him the first time. However, after spending time feeding, cleaning, brushing him, he allowed - for she doubted she could have done anything without his permission - her to ride him. His massive size made traveling much faster and he could carry much more than normal mounts. She stroked his muzzle affectionately and he snorted, before pressing his snout back into her palm.

"This one is my main mount. As for the rest...as you can see, many of these breeds are rare and I'm afraid of them ending up in the wrong hands. The more exotic ones will remain here and given to those that will not abuse or sell them."

"Damn right. Most nobles don't see them more than possessions," Dennet remarked, pausing from lifting a hay bale.

El nodded, remembering the correspondences Josephine had received after several nobles visited the stables. "Luckily, Master Dennet had agreed to take whichever ones do not find a home. He is truly a wonderful horsemaster and person."

The man didn't respond but El smiled at the light blush dusting his cheeks. Bowing before she left, she leads Sebastian to the kitchen, where they both swiped some fresh pastries.

"This is wonderful!" he remarked, mouth full.

El nodded as she bit into the pastry. The sweet cream and tart fruit were a wonderful contrast, it filled her heart with happiness as she finished it off. "Don't let them see you take them though. Josephine scolds me for eating so many of them."

He let out a hearty laugh, which made her smile widely. "Do not worry, your stealing habits will remain a secret."

"Stealing habits? Our Inquisitor?" Leliana remarked as they stepped back outside the kitchen. Standing a few steps below them, her grin grew at the panic she knew was apparent on her face. "Taking those pastries again?"

Leliana had an uncanny ability to be in the exact spot to hear something that she wasn't supposed to hear. Well, she is the Spymaster. Knowing that there was no use in lying, she nodded, before gesturing to her guest. "Sebastian is visiting and I had to let him sample these wonderful pastries as part of his tour."

Leliana chuckled lightly. "Just don't let Josie catch you or else you will never hear the end of it." Turning toward Sebastian, the Spymaster nodded slightly, which he returned. "Welcome to Skyhold Sebastian. I am Leliana. From the letters you sent, I was assuming you would be coming sometime next week."

The man smiled. "I couldn't believe it when the Inquisitor invited me to Skyhold. I couldn't wait another week."

Smiling slightly at his energetic response, she turned back to her. "After the tour, I believe Josie wanted to see you in regards to some correspondences from several nobles." She bowed slightly to Sebastian before walking away.

Unable to keep her face neutral, she made a noise in disgust. "More like letters begging me to parade around the town," she mumbled. Realizing she said it louder than she should have, she glanced over and he gave her a wry smile.

"Guess you don't like all the attention."

"All I cared about was saving Thedas. This fanfare...it isn't necessary."

Looking impressed, he asked, "What will you do after all of this over?"

Before, she would've followed Cullen, worked with him on opening the clinic. With everything all out of sorts, she realized that she didn't have any sort of plans for herself. It made her depressed, that her future revolved around someone else's dreams and not her own. Sensing a change in her mood, he apologized.

"No need for apologies. I just realized that I haven't made any sort of goals. Honestly, I don't know how much longer the Inquisition will be now that the threat of Corypheus is gone. Let's continue the tour."

She headed down the stairwell, past the shops and makeshift tents, and up the stairs that lead to the other half of Skyhold. But her mind was thinking about the future, her future, alone. All she had envisioned in her mind were her with Cullen, she never imagined it where she spent it partnerless. Ignoring the pain that flared in her chest, she suppressed the hurt until all that remained was the dull throb emanating from her stomach. Thinking about how everyone had gone their separate ways, gone on with his or her lives, how her companions each had a purpose. What was her purpose? All she knew these past few years was fighting, trying to prevent the destruction of the world. What skills could she offer a world that didn't need her anymore? What use does she have now?

"You guys have your own tavern. It's huge."

"Yes, Herald's Rest, where you can usually find most of my soldiers when off duty. The booze isn't the best but never runs dry."

"Shall we get a drink?"

El nodded and guided him inside. Greeting those that addressed her, Cabot handed her a bottle and two mugs before she could even ask. She thanked him and went upstairs, as it was usually empty. Gesturing to the seat across of her, she poured him a generous helping then herself one. Clanking his mug against hers, she took a big chug, savoring the burn as it slid down her throat.

"I must thank you, Inquisitor."

"Please, no Inquisitor, call me El."

"That I can do. My friends call me Bash because they said Sebastian is too long."

She laughed. "Okay Bash and you're welcome. If I'm being honest, I'm glad for a friendly face."

At that, his smile fell. "I know you we just met and you don't know me that well but my friends do say I listen quite well."

There was something so easy going about Bash, that made her want to spill everything but she shook her head instead. "You're my guest, I will be a terrible host if I bore you with my problems."

Shrugging, he didn't look convinced. "I found that talking things out always help and no offense El, you look like you need a good vent."

She sighed. If a practical stranger could see the problems written all over her face… "Okay but tell me if you get sick of me complaining."

So she found herself talking about everything. Solas, Cullen, the Inquisition, losing her clan, the recent troubles with the anchor. She talked more today than she had in the past month and the words just flowed from her. She didn't realize how much she needed a friendly ear to listen, without judgment or trying to fix everything for her. He did listen quite well, only interrupting to ask questions or when confused. She ended by telling him about what happened last night in the kitchen, the hurt, anger, and rage scaring her.

Once finished, she took a deep gulp, her throat parched. Glancing outside, she was surprised it was getting dark.

"I'm sorry Bash, I didn't mean to talk for hours or keep you here, listening to my problems."

"Your life hasn't been easy but it's much more interesting than anything that Skyhold has to offer. About Cullen, I think you need to speak to him. Nothing gets solved by ignoring problems."

Oh, she knew but the last thing she wanted to do is see Cullen. Mostly because of fear, she was scared that if she did, their relationship would end.

"And there's no time like the present," he added after finishing his drink.

"Huh? No!"

He topped off her drink and encouraged her to finish it off. "Nothing like a little courage booster. Let's find Cullen!"

Grabbing her arm, she allowed herself to get tugged up out of her chair. She grumbled but let him guide her toward the exit. His grip transferred from her elbow to hand as he dragged her out of the tavern while she laughed at his antics. Her laughter drew the eyes of the soldiers and she didn't see Bull's eye follow her form as she left.

Together they headed toward the hall, only when there did he release her hand. Trying to suppress her laughter, she asked the guard on duty if he spotted Cullen.

"Inquisitor, I spotted him in the garden." He hesitated a bit before adding, "with Lieutenant Hart."

Instantly, her joy sank and she was plunged into the depths of rage. Not wanting to show her new guest/friend the darkness in her heart, she thanked the soldier before taking Bash's hand. She leads him to the door on the left, making sure not to look at the Fresco paintings, up the stairs and to the door that opens to the balcony that Vivienne used to frequent. Bash gasped and awed at it all, making some of her anger die at his innocent wonder. Finally, she guides him to the upstairs balcony that overlooked the garden.

"Why are we here?" He asked.

She shushed him and pointed to the pair that was downstairs under the gazebo.

Cullen inhaled deeply, trying to sort his nerves but failing. These last few days had been trying, and he needed to set something right before he could heal and process what had happened. The garden had always been one of his favorite spots, peaceful and where he could relax and not be Commander but plain Cullen Rutherford from Honnleath.

"Commander, you asked to see me?" Lieutenant Hart appeared, and he gave her a small smile before guiding her toward the gazebo. Noting the blush on her cheeks, Cullen's nervousness roared back and he could feel his stomach clench in uneasiness.

"Lieutenant Hart, I've noticed that - um - Maker's breath, I thought this would be easier."

The woman smiled and if Cullen were not mourning, he would've thought it beautiful. "Commander Cullen, please call me Eve when not on duty."

"Er, yes, Eve. As I said, I've noticed that you have been around a lot more these past few days…"

Eve shocked him by pressing a finger on his lips, effectively silencing him. Then she closed the distance, hands gently cradling his face and brushing her lips against his. Unable to comprehend what was happening, a few moments pass before he gently grasps her arms and pushes her away from him. Her eyes were wide in a variety of emotions, shock, hunger, lust, and then disappointment.

"Forgive me, Eve. You are a wonderful woman, however, I am-"

"In love with the Inquisitor." A sigh of defeat left her lips before she nodded in understanding. "I understand Commander and forgive me for being so forward."

A huge weight lifted at her words, he had prayed that she would take the news well. There were many stories he heard about what happens when someone is spurned, and he thanked the Maker for keeping it civil, the discomfort a small price to pay versus the alternative. However, now he wondered if he had given her the wrong idea. Before his interactions with the Lieutenant were work-related but when she started appearing by his side more often, he didn't question it. It was only after Leliana had mentioned it that he noticed. The looks, her curiosity about his life, bringing him meals, Andraste forgive him for being dense.

"If I had lead you on Eve, then please forgive me."

The woman blushed. "I'm sorry, I had heard rumors that you had left the Inquisitor. Someone had said that you were interested in me. Maker, I was a fool!"

The quiver he heard made him feel awful and he grasped her hand. "You are a wonderful woman Eve, and you are one of my most loyal and skilled warriors. Any person would be lucky to have your affection."

At his words, she gave him a brilliant smile, cupping a cheek tenderly. It was intimate, with him holding her hand and her so close but he allowed it as he knew that it was comforting to her. "You are a good man Cullen. The Inquisitor is a lucky woman."

Grabbing her hand, he allowed a genuine smile to grace his face, something that had been missing these past few days. "I am the lucky one." He released her hand. "Good night Lieutenant."

She bowed slightly towards him. "Goodnight Commander." Then she left.

Once alone, he let out a huge sigh. That was ended as well as he could have hoped for but he would not want to go through that again. If there are rumors, then I must speak with El before I leave.

Walking toward the inquisitor's bedroom, she noted the muffled sounds coming from within and she knocked. There was shuffling before Sebastian opened the door a sliver and he sagged in relief. She was surprised to see the man up here but kept her face neutral. Opening the door wider, she saw that El was laying down, face turned away from her. The slight shaking of her shoulders told her all she needed to know. Tilting her head to the man, they stepped outside her door.

"What happened?" she asked once the door was shut.

The man grimaced. "It was Cullen. She saw something..."

Leliana swore lightly, remembering that she saw that woman entering the garden where Cullen was waiting. When the Inquisitor and Cullen had initially started seeing each other, she was ecstatic because she didn't think that El would ever move on from Solas. She had seen how much damage the apostate did to the Inquisitor and she didn't know how to comfort the woman during that troubling time. Those sort of things were more Josie's specialties, however, the Inquisitor didn't seek out anyone for advice or to talk. But now… It made her want to shoot some arrows at the Commander. This is the worst possible timing! Her spies had told her of whispers among the nobles about the Inquisition. They were worried about such a large army, under no banner, and close to their borders. She had a feeling that they would be called upon soon. Any show of weakness would kill the Inquisition and though many believed their fight to be over, she could feel trouble brewing in the horizon.

"I understand. Please tell the Inquisitor to speak with either me or Josephine when she's ready."

The man nodded before entering back into the room. Leliana huffed in irritation. She wanted to shake Cullen but she doubted she would stop at just shaking him. When she saw the woman making those doe eyes at him, and him being his usual blind, obtuse self, she had to speak up and say something. What she had hoped was him to tell the woman to get lost - honestly, the Inquisitor could have asked her to do it and at this point, she was thinking about doing it without any prompting. El wasn't like that, she was kind, kinder than most people in her position. And now they were left with this...situation to deal with.

Heading back down, she needed to inform Josie of what happened and maybe she would speak to the Inquisitor on her behalf. Opening the door that opens to the hallway, she was surprised when Cullen's face appeared before hers. The man yelped as he stepped back, which would have been comical if not for the current situation.

"Commander."

His eyes narrowed at her cool tone, but he didn't question her. "Is El in her room? I need to speak with her."

Resisting the urge to roll her eyes, she nodded. "However, she's requesting no one to bother her at all. She's had a very trying day." The last part she made sure to add a little venom.

Cullen's face fell and a sliver of compassion sparked her as she looked at his expression. "I can leave her a letter if you wish." That made him perk up and he rushed off in a hurry. Leliana waited by the door, guarding it and making sure that Cullen remained far away from the Inquisitor. She may not know what to say but if she could do anything, she could try to give her privacy and time to heal. Cullen returned a few minutes later, a letter clutched in his hands, which he handed to her.

"I also need to inform you that I'm leaving Skyhold," he stated once she tucked the letter safely away.

Unable to keep her shock contained, she blinked and stared at him incredulously. "Leaving?" What was going on?

"Not permanently. I received a letter from my sister today. My brother, Branson, is ill. She's asking for me to return home and for assistance. I was hoping that the Inquisition can spare one of the healers."

Her anger deflated at the news and she nodded. "Speak with Kya. I hope your brother recovers."

Worry covered his face, the man sighed. "Thank you Leliana. Please ensure that El reads the letter." He soon left her alone, probably to prepare for the journey. Though her previous anger hadn't completely dissipated, she prayed for Branson and that they could heal him.

She headed back upstairs and knocked on the door. Sebastian opened it much like the first time, only a sliver before opening it to step out. Pulling the letter out, she didn't say anything when she handed it to him. He nodded in thanks before going back inside. Leliana sighed, today had been exhausting. Maybe I can convince Josie to take a break with me. She had some leftover wine that was calling to her.

Things are about to get rolling. One more chapter before the events of Trespasser and a lot of shit is going to go sideways for our Inquisitor. Next chapter will have Cullen's return to home, El's continued downward spiral, Kya's diagnosis and other stuff crammed in there. Thank you to those that read, kudo, and comment on this. Y'all are amazing! Though the next semester is starting soon, I know I'll be procrastinating like I always do and writing instead :D