"Try and Try"

"Time passes differently in the Fade. For what felt like 20 years for Jade, was probably centuries for you." Solas had explained, "It might come back to you, in time. It might not."

He then explained the similarities between her situation and Cole's. How Cole was now more human than spirit, and how he no longer even remembers his time in the Fade due to that.

So Liz's 'I'm not human' statement might not even be true, at that point. She wasn't entirely sure. She never remembered her time in the Fade, afterall. Was she? Wasn't she? What was she? She didn't know. She didn't know…

Cole

Cole sat up in a tree overlooking the small camp. Maxwell and a majority of the others had long since left that morning. The usual hustle and bustle of the camp had died down, due to there only being a few scouts that lingered behind. Jade was still in no condition to leave the medical tent.

His legs swung back and forth as he peered around, marveling at how quiet it was in his own mind. When he truly tried, he could still hear the whispers inside of people. Their hurts, tangled tight—tearing at their cores. But, now. Like this.

Silence.

The wind licked his blonde locks and pushed against his pale features. At first it had unnerved him. His slow change into what he now was. But, now it didn't bother him quite as much. The young rogue was learning and adapting, thanks to the help of his friends and Liz.

"Have you eaten today yet, boy?" A gruff voice spoke from below him. Cole blinked and peered down, seeing Blackwall holding what looked to be a stew he'd thrown together with the catches from the snares. Blackwall, no. Thom. But he preferred to hide behind the name. Not his secret to tell. He wouldn't hurt anyone.

"Boy..." Cole muttered, his eyes drifted down at the False-Warden. He said boy, thinking he was young. A child. 'Just a boy in a man's body.' He thought. It was, unfortunately, what some of the Inquisitor's companions have gotten to thinking. Usually it didn't bother him and he knew Blackwall meant well, but he felt his lips twist into a frown at that. "I am not a boy."

"It's right. Don't let that demon fool you into thinking it is what it's not." He heard Vivienne's voice cut in from near the fire. She was seated upon the log, gracefully. Her cold words only served to cut deeper than usual, due to his lack of sleep the night before.

Normally, he would have expected them. Seen them coming, even. But he hadn't even seen the cold mage seated near the fire.

"Just because something doesn't make sense to you doesn't mean it's not real." Cole spoke, trying to keep his tone as it usually was. Though that didn't stop the edge from biting through and he saw the women look away from the fire and look up to him curiously. She said those things, he knew, because she didn't think of him as a person. Didn't think he was real. But he was!

"Well, dear. That's where you're wrong. I see you for what you are."

"Now now, you two. I just came here to make sure the lad had eaten today. No need to-" Blackwall was cut off by the woman before he could properly finish his sentence.

"You cannot possibly believe the demon needs to eat like you or I. It is not even human."

"I'm not so sure about that..." Blackwall mumbled and turned his head away, trying hard not to meet the cool gaze of Madame de Fer.

"I was going to say, I am not a boy. I am a young man." Cole muttered to himself, though it seemed the two of them heard him as they both looked up. His voice sounded different, less soft as he uttered those words and squinted down at the cold mage and the warrior. Blackwall simply shook his head and walked off. Vivienne stared him down with that cool gaze of hers and he met it equally.

The young rogue slipped off the branch, falling into a crouch. As he stood, he met the woman's gaze with a frown. Eyes hardened in determination. "I am here, like you. I feel, I want, I need. I am a person." He repeated what Liz had told him all those times in the past. He swallowed and said it, even though sometimes he didn't believe it, "I am a person and I deserve respect like one. I am not a thing."

The hard look in Vivienne's eyes seemed to falter, if only a little as she took in his words. She stared, though didn't say anything.

"I saw what you caused at The Spire. You caused the deaths of many. Killed people. You are a demon and you will not convince me otherwise." She squared her shoulders and spoke.

"Solas… once told me that everyone does things that they regret. Bad things. I'm not that, anymore. I'm better. I'm trying." He explained softly, feeling a little hurt that she brought that up. But he knew that there was no way his past actions could ever just disappear. He couldn't pretend it never happened, either. Cole wrung his hands and his blue eyes flicked away for a moment before he looked back up at her, "And I have everyone. Everyone, even you. To help me. And make sure I don't make that mistake again."

He said it, even though he didn't fully believe it. Especially with what happened directly after he killed the Templar that killed the Real Cole. It was something that Serana had told him to try. Say it enough times and he'll believe it. Or, that's what he hoped.

The rogue felt his eyes itching as tears built up, but he refused to look away. He couldn't. He needed to stand his ground. If not for himself… for those around him. 'I won't be that again. Never.'

The Enchanter stood there and seemed to study the young man for a few moments before she turned and walked off without a sound. Her elegant dress fluttered as she spun and made her way toward the tent to read.

Cole let out a breath he didn't even know he was holding, hand coming up and yanking on his blonde strands anxiously. What just happened?

Did she do that on purpose? To try and bait him into getting angry? But he didn't get angry. He didn't… feel anything malicious toward the woman. If anything, he kind of respected her. Despite the fact that she treated him that way. For the most part, she seemed to leave him alone. At the Inquisitor's behest. Sure, the woman kept a keen eye on him. As did some of the others.

Then again, the only reason she stayed behind was because she was adept at dealing with demons. Along with the few Templars smattered within the scouts. It didn't go unnoticed by him, no. But it didn't worry him, either.

Was it a test? Was she trying to see how he would react? If he would turn into the demon she so feared he was? Although, he didn't feel as much disgust and disdain filtering off of her, like before. Sometimes she even worried about him. Him, not what he could be.

Madame de Fer was confusing.

So he went off to find someplace quiet to think. Last night left him feeling lethargic, like he didn't get enough sleep. Even though he was sure he did.

Liz was still in the Medical Tent with Solas, tending to Jade's needs and trying to help build the barrier in her mind. To keep her from remembering her past life.

Cole sighed and sat down outside of the tent, the grass and dirt crunching as he knelt down. Something wasn't quite right about the whole thing, though. Jade had mentioned something about not trusting the Wolf. She knew about Solas' true identity. Of which he had yet to even tell Liz. That wasn't his secret to tell.

Nothing was ever revealed to the Dwarf to make her go to that conclusion. Back when she fell into that muddled mess—mind crumbling from the strain of it all, he saw. He saw some of what Elise saw. What Elise thought. A cry out to her sister, not to get too close to the fire. Lest she get burned. Again.

Elise knew something about Solas that even Cole did not. Something that set her into a blind rage, causing her gut reaction to be to kill him.

But why? He only wanted to help. Right? He only wanted to make it right.

Cole's brows scrunched as he stared at the ground, biting his lip and picking at his sleeves as he sat. Sat and began to doubt his perceptions of the elven mage. If he wanted to help, why did he see the world set to destruction. The sad look on Solas' face as he talked to countless versions of what the Inquisitor could be. Things that Elise thought, seen, said… She hated him. With all of her being.

And even deeper. She felt betrayal. Fresh, like an open wound. The same thing he's felt emanating off of the broken hearts of ex lovers. What did it mean? It had all happened so fast… he couldn't piece it all together. Not alone.

'Maybe Liz would know...' He thought to himself, brows knitting.

He was there for what felt like ages, before the tent flap even deigned to open. He'd even asked the tent if they were close to done, yet. But then he remembered the world didn't work like that. Not anymore.

Time seemed so different now. Even though he knew time wasn't real. Technically. It was a concept that people came up with. But even still, everything seemed to move sluggishly. Or at times, when he was happy and talking. Having fun. It would go faster.

Now, though. Now, as he sat outside everything seemed to pass by so slowly. Quietly. It was almost maddening.

The rogue ignored the odd looks he got from the few scouts that were left behind. He was used to them. The Inquisitor had told Sera to remain behind, due to her keen eyes and knowledge of the way to Val Royeaux. Much like Vivienne. The two of them would ensure that the little group didn't get lost on their way to Jader. Blackwall was to keep the scouts in line and help with organization. Serana had left with the Inquisitor, much to her hesitance, because they needed a healer just in case something went awry. Leaving Liz to her 'nurse' duties, as she dubbed them.

Sera had insisted on being left behind, if he remembered correctly. She didn't really want to leave the dwarf behind in her condition. They were friends.

Cole thought that was nice of her.

He smiled and drew figures in the dirt, mind drifting. Trying to pass the time, now that things were different. What did people usually do to pass time?

It was then he wished Varric was there to tell one of his stories. He liked stories.

That day was mostly spent situated as they were, the camp quiet and not as lively as it once was now that a majority of the others had left. The somber atmosphere due to the dwarven warrior's condition lingered in the air like a damp blanket. Cole had brought it upon himself to ensure that the fire was always restocked. Oftentimes he would skitter out of camp to grab dry wood and check the traps, just like Liz taught him.

The sun set below the trees, shadows stretching across camp as Cole returned with a rabbit in tow. A small frown was upon his face as he handed the dead animal over to the scout near the fire. Jim smiled thankfully and began getting to work with putting together a stew of sorts.

He turned, hearing an arrow thudding into a makeshift target somewhere off to the side. Liz was practicing with her bow, a concentrated look on her face. He tilted his head and watched, seeing the second arrow sail too wide, hitting the tree behind it.

Sera, who had been watching the whole ordeal, let out an amused snort at her efforts. Cole remained silent, knowing what was about to transpire. Much like other times.

"Even your aim is shite." Sera jeered from her spot near the fire, a half eaten bread roll sitting in her hand. She stood up and took another huge bite out of it, speaking through a full mouth as she sauntered up to the mage, "Maybe ya should eat a bit more, build up some muscle. Yer even skinnier than me, tha' ain't healthy."

Even Cole knew she was just trying to get under Liz's skin. He couldn't feel any concern coming off of her, at all. If anything, he could even feel a slight tinge of malicious intent beneath her words as she spoke. But he stayed back, remembering that he didn't always have to intervene.

"I never claimed to be the best archer." Liz stated blandly, propping the bow against the tree beside her. She turned and glared at the elf, bags evident underneath her brown eyes. She looked utterly tired, irritated even. "You know what I can do, though?"

She let her storm magic flicker and thread through her fingers harmlessly, a small grin forming on her tired face when she saw Sera go pale. The blue light blinked and danced, causing the elf to flinch away.

"Oi, you get that magic shite away from me!"

"What's wrong, Sera? Can't stand the sight of it?"

Cole sighed, now knowing why Liz pinched the bridge of her nose so often when she was at work. Or when Scout Kyle always came in with a new form of injury. He felt that urge right then as he watched the situation escalate unnecessarily. Why wouldn't they just listen to each other? Why couldn't they talk and understand? Was it truly that hard?

"H-Hey! Stop it." The blonde archer pulled out her bow and notched an arrow, aiming at the little mage. That's when Cole began to stride forth, "I ain't gonna have none of that, ya got it?"

"I can control my magic now, don't worry." Liz stated sourly, remembering the young woman jeering at her many times before about the incident with Auri. The irritation finally bubbled over. The brunette spoke darkly, "But I couldn't back then. If I had stayed, you would be dead too you know."

He flinched, pausing as flashes of what could have been popped forth into the front of his mind. Auri died, but Sera lived. Because she ran, she was alive. Because...

"Shut up!" 'Thunk!' The arrow released, burying itself into the tree next to Liz's thigh. Cole's eyes widened, anger pulsing through his chest. Only for him to pat it down. Sera hadn't meant it. She hadn't—but it barely missed. What if? What if she'd hit her? What if it had sailed too high?

Blood. He saw blood trickle down the side of her thigh, her leather pants torn from the arrow grazing her. He saw Liz's eyes narrow, the air thick as the two seethed. It was always like this. Always.

"Wait-" But his voice fell upon deaf ears,

The young woman clenched her hands, focusing on the bow in the rogue's hand. For just a moment, it was electrically charged. Sera let out a cry and dropped the thing, her feet dancing side to side as it hit the grass harmlessly. She looked back up at the little mage with widened eyes, teeth clenched in anger and fear.

Only to meet the business end of Liz's staff as it hit her upside the head. He saw her swing it almost like a sword.

'THUD'

"Ow! What the shit!" Sera covered her head and glared down at the little Trevelyan. Who stepped back, still with it in her hands.

"Next time I won't be so lenient."

"You shouldn't have been flashin' that shite in my face, then!" Sera snapped back, fists clenched in fury. Which only seemed to aggravate the offending mage. Neither even noticed the sound of his footsteps as he strode up. That is, until he spoke up.

"You know that Sera is afraid of magic. That wasn't very nice, Liz." Cole scolded the little woman, hands wringing as he peered between the two. Trying to act as a mediator. He turned his cool gaze upon the archer, unable to hide the glare that flickered through. "And you just wanted to pick a fight. 'Talk shit, get hit.'"

At the repeated phrase Sera and Jade used, the blonde elf looked flabbergasted at the fact he'd literally just thrown it in her face. The surprise soon melted into irritation. Especially when Liz let out a snort at his comment.

"Wha' shut up, Creepy! I never frigging asked you!"

"'Actions have consequences'" He repeated something Solas had once told him, "What she did was wrong, too. You're both wrong. It isn't hard to just say sorry, you know. It might even help."

"I'm not apologizing to… to that!" Sera jabbed her finger in Liz's face, who just stared at her with irritation. She whipped back toward Cole and practically screeched, "And I don't have to listen to your stupid snarky face, either!"

With that, she turned and stomped off. Face red with rage.

He let out a puff of air from his nose and turned to Liz, gaze softening at the guilty expression on her face too. Cole placed his hand upon her shoulder, gently leading her away from the other woman. Sera was still flinging profanities as she sat down near the fire, next to a very surprised Blackwall.

"She's never going to learn if I just let her walk all over me." Liz said as they were an acceptable distance away.

"That wasn't the right way to do it." He stopped and turned to her, a small frown on his face, "You were both wrong."

There was a pause. She looked over at the young man and nodded, eyes downcast. "Yes… I—I should have a talk with her when we are both calm. If I don't, neither of us will."

She grit her teeth and looked over at the irritated elf, who was now pouting. The Warden next to her hesitantly handed her an apple. To which she snatched and tore into like it'd personally wronged her.

'Anything I try to say will sound like just an excuse. Would she even listen to me?' He heard Liz think sadly.

"It's better than not trying at all, right?" Cole asked, fidgeting nervously, "That's what you said to me, once. Varric says it sometimes, too. Try and try. Keep trying, never give up. I think—I hope she will understand."

"…. I hope so too, Cole…"

It had taken all morning and through most of the day, but Jade was stable. He could hear her, when he sat next to her on the cart. She was quiet. It wasn't normally this quiet when people slept. Dreams and thoughts, worries abound. But not now.

Cole squinted down at her as he crouched next to her, slowly patting away the sweat that dripped down her forehead. Liz dozed off right beside her, in a semi-seated position. Her little brunette bob rocked back and forth with the sway of the cart. Occasionally the Hart named Rin would snort, causing the mage to jump into alertness. Before she dozed off again.

He turned and smirked at the Hart, which was trailing behind the wagon. She didn't even need to be tied to the cart. She didn't even have her tack on, yet she followed. He could tell, even from here, that the animal cared much for the little mage.

Cole sighed and sat with his back against the front of the cart, hands picking at the supply box next to him as he hummed.

It was afternoon by the time they left. But the group decided to set out, anyway. Since they would likely reach Jader by the time it got fully dark. That is, unless there were any problems along the way.

It was overcast, the grey in the sky making everything that much gloomier. Cole peered up underneath his giant hat, feeling small droplets beginning to fall upon his face as the sky began to darken. The fresh smell in the air that he'd come to associate with rain filled his nostrils and he closed his eyes, the rain slowly picking up.

"You think we should make camp?" He heard in front, followed by-

"No, we really can't risk stopping here!"

"Aye!"

Cole took off his hat and set it on Liz's head. It was large enough to cover most of the upper part of her body along with Jade's face. Fortunately. After digging around a bit, he even found a blanket that he tossed over her sleeping form.

His blue gaze met sleepy brown ones just as he finished tucking her in.

"You really didn't have to do that." She mumbled, voice sounding scratchy from lack of use. He flinched, as if a kid caught with his hands in the cookie jar.

"Sometimes you dream about a man." He blurted, feeling his face redden. Why couldn't he just say normal things for once? When he was nervous, it just seemed to come out. Whatever happened to be on his mind.

"Huh?"

"S-Sorry. No. That came out wrong." He leaned back and sat on the other side of the sleeping dwarf. The rain wasn't getting heavier, but he could already feel his blonde hair sticking to the side of his face. He thought, trying to remember, "A man, made of metal—different. But the same. Kind and noble, they were made to protect, provide, piece together what was broken."

He stopped, getting the picture in his head of it. It wasn't anything like he's seen before. This man. But his name, "Doesn't Optimus remind you of Maxwell?"

"….Seriously? Transformers?" She muttered, slowly putting herself into a fully seated position. Though she didn't move to take off his hat or the blanket that he'd given her from one of the supply boxes. His hat was already huge, but it was almost ridiculous on her small head. "I won't even ask how you know that…. Because I have an idea."

She still sounded so tired.

"Part of you will always be there. That is you. It's stronger when I am near you, though." He stated and rocked back and forth a little before looking over to her, "Do you think Maxwell would like red and blue?"

"I'm not so sure it works that way."

"It was a nice thought, though." He smiled and then it faltered for a moment, remembering how she'd been these passed few days, "Don't push us away, Liz."

"I think I just need to recover from last night, Cole. I'm sorry for worrying you." She sighed and leaned her head against the wood siding, his hat angling oddly as she did so. "It's…. just a lot to think about…"

"You're still you."

"Yes… I'm still me." A tired smile.

Liz

She was sleeping again. She must've dozed off on the wagon, once more. Though this time she knew she was dreaming. 'Hah. I'm getting better at this.'

Liz moved around, squinting as she acclimated to the area. It wasn't… the same as before. She wasn't surrounded by green or hearing the chuckle from the thing that seemed so obsessed with her. Had Solas truly pulled her away from it?

Where before she always dreamed about the same place. A building, usually one she'd lived in, trapped with the green mist on the outside. Unable to leave for the fear of getting seen or grabbed by the giant entity that lived there.

Now, she was in her Mom's backyard. Even in the dim light from the flickering streetlight, the grass looked dull and dark. Patches were brown and flattened. A swing set from when they were little sat on the edge of the yard, falling apart. Aged and rusted. The alleyway at her right was that of gravel and dirt, leading into a crumbling street underneath the streetlights.

The faint sound of the city seemed to follow, cars beeping and moving in the distance. The lights from the buildings afar were alight. Liz sighed and looked up, seeing the light pollution and feeling… sadness.

Something in her chest clenched at the sight of it all. She could still smell the city, even in this dream.

In a way, she supposed, it was homesickness. Liz wasn't going to lie to herself and say everything was okay and that she was doing fine as she was. Because she knew a major part of her will always miss the modern day luxuries that living on Earth provided. Her old life.

Then, she felt shifting next to her. Though she already knew who it was. His shoulder brushed against hers and she smiled, turning to get a better look at him. Here, she was nearly the same height as him. His blonde hair shifted as the cool wind caressed the sides of their faces.

"Is this… your home?" He asked, blue eyes reflecting some of the tall buildings within the city. He twitched when a car rode by just on the other side of the fence, the alleyway gravel crunching as the giant contraption continued its prowl.

It was then that he returned his gaze to her, almost seeming to drink in her appearance. No doubt he was looking at her original self. Unlike Erin's small body, she used to be tall and strong. Long dull black hair, tired brown eyes. Lightly tanned skin with scars and blemishes abound, mostly from her past self-destructive tendencies. Something her new body didn't have. Thick rimmed glasses sat upon her pert nose, a familiar feeling.

"Yes. Well. It was." Liz said quietly, pushing up her glasses and turning around to look at her mother's home. The house she'd lived in for most of her childhood years. The large beat up looking two story house sat quietly amongst many others. She never did live on the 'best side' of town. But it wasn't as bad as it could have been, she supposed.

"Is this going to happen every night?" Cole wondered aloud, still staring over at her.

"….I don't know. I've been remembering everything in my dreams ever since…." She paused, brows scrunching, remembering the conclusion she'd came to nights ago, "I might be subconsciously pulling you here with me, since I feel… alone. I don't … I don't like feeling alone."

It was the first time she'd admitted it aloud. Though she was sure Cole knew that already. If not because he'd been getting better at reading people without digging in their heads, but also because they were on some level connected. Which, she still needed to investigate at some point. Though she wasn't sure how, exactly, she was supposed to investigate that.

She felt the pad of his thumb softly caress the side of her cheek, pulling her out of her thoughts as she turned to make eye contact with him. A soft gaze greeted her. The tiny pull of his lips, he smiled and spoke in that soothing lilt of his, "You're not alone. I'll always be here."

Liz's face burned under his ministrations, even in her dream state, before she sputtered and looked away nervously, "I-I know that… it was an irrational thought. That's all. I just-"

The words died with a squeak in her mouth as he leaned in and kissed the tip of her nose softly. When he pulled away and looked at her with that smile of his, she couldn't seem to think of anything to say. It was almost like the thoughts in her head died out at that moment.

'God, he has the most handsome smile.' She found herself thinking. Which, seemed out of character of her. In all honesty. But a lot of things seemed out of character of her when it came to Cole. Liz… hadn't expected many of the curve balls this young man seemed to throw at her. Nothing. 'What did I ever do to deserve him?'

Everything just seemed… right. Which was an odd thing to say, seeing as how she was just reminiscing about her time on Earth and feeling so lost and lonely. But. Cole…he made things better. And she found herself thinking that she wouldn't have changed any of it at all. Not even for the World. Because it all led her here. With him. Right now.

And that was okay.

Cole pulled her into a warm embrace, her face pushing against the rough fabric of his patchwork shirt. Liz felt her eyes flutter shut as she clutched onto him.

Everything was okay. And that's all she could ever ask for.

She was awoken by Scout Jim from her little nap when they finally reached Jader, that night. The sun had long since dipped low in the sky, the clouds burying the moon and almost making it impossible to see. If not for the torch the young Scout held, she wouldn't have seen him. Amongst the inky blackness, she heard the sounds of people unloading from the carts and the sounds of tired groans as people finally walked around and stretched. Torches from other Scouts flickered and moved about as they either checked on or woke up the inhabitants of the carts.

Liz cracked her back as she stretched and thanked the man, before he skipped off to do his job. Cole was barely waking up and rubbing his eyes as she turned to look at the still form of her dwarven friend.

The little mage assisted the group with transporting Jade to a more comfortable place until they could find safe passage to Val Royeaux. That would all come the next day, however. As it was too late in the day, now.

The night itself passed without much hassle. Although much of it was spent with her sitting at the dwarf's bedside as everyone else slept. Even Cole was asleep, snoring lightly in one of the beds of the shared room they'd rented. Liz, for all she tried, couldn't sleep. Not that night, anyway.

Silently thankful for the power nap she took on the cart, her mind wandered. Liz thought to herself… she'd always wondered why her storm magics were so powerful. Or why she seemed to be able to draw more magical energies before tiring. More than the normal person, that is. Athras had commented on it more than once before while she was learning how to harness her energies. She'd thought it was perhaps just her being lucky or Erin's body being better at channeling the Fade.

But it had been her, all along.

It was rather unfortunate, she had concluded. Unfortunate because had she not been so preoccupied with trying to stay alive and being able to protect herself. Perhaps she could have been more proficient at healing than dealing damage? Kind of like Serana and Hope. They were an oddity, altogether. A mortal host with a spirit inhabiting. Helping.

But her? Being what she was. What could have happened, should she have taken that route? Would she have been able to raise people from mortal injuries in the midst of battle? Would she have been able to cure illnesses that were otherwise incurable? Would she have been able to save more people instead of hurt or kill? What if?

So Liz sat and thought. Lamented over the what ifs and the maybes. She knew that it was counterproductive. But she couldn't help it. Not after the life changing revelation she'd made the other day.

The boat seemed to creak and sway with the waves that lapped against the edges. Though docked, Liz could already tell that she was going to get seasick. Ugh.

She was standing a safe distance away as the Scouts helped load some of the supplies onto the boat. It was a large boat, the sails reaching high into the sky. Though closed, she could tell once they opened they would be rather large.

Apparently the only reason the Captain of this ship had taken them on with such short notice was because he was Madam de Fer's contact.

Of course he was. The boat itself even looked Orlesian in make. How did Liz know, you might ask? The pointless embellishments.

During her observations, she idly listened to the small group as they conversed near the rails. Blackwall, Cole and a very stoic Solas stood in a little line as they watched people move about. Blackwall drank from the tankard, gulping greedily as the sweat beaded from his brow. Obviously having just gotten done with the manual labor.

The Warden looked over at Cole, who was looking out at the docks and watching the seagulls fly by and pick up some bread as a few kids threw out crumbs from a nearby building.

"So, you're already eatin' huh lad?" The gruff voice of Blackwall rung out from his spot. Cole, who had been idly picking at the hard roll in his hands turned and looked at the bearded warrior. He leaned down and tried to get a better look at Cole from underneath his floppy leather hat. "There's a cask of ale, if yer thirsty. It's nice and cold, too!"

Cole's nose wrinkled, no doubt smelling it as the warrior brought a cup to his own mouth. Taking a long drink before lowering his arms and leaning against he rails.

He turned away and made a noise. Liz had to suppress the urge to smirk at the face he was no doubt making. She remembered the first time he tried to drink alcohol. He hadn't been too fond of the taste.

"Oh, so you've had some? Don't like it?" The warrior queried, a small smile barely visible underneath the fluff of his beard and mustache.

"No. It's bitter and it makes my head feel funny."

'Or, it just tastes like ass.' Liz thought to herself as she walked over to one of the Inquisition's crates and grabbed an apple. She saw him give a faint nod, as if agreeing with her.

"Oh, are we at that stage? Spitting everything up? At least you've mastered walking." Blackwall laughed and slapped his thigh, "Already jumping into ale. Soon you'll be a real man. Any interest in girls, yet? Guys?"

At that, the rogue seemed to shift. His head seemed to unconsciously shift toward Liz and her stomach fluttered. She did, however, notice the way Solas' ears seemed to twitch at that question. A curious look filled his eyes as he peered over at Liz from his spot near the two. She averted her gaze altogether, taking an inconspicuous bite out of her apple. 'Nothing to see here, Solas.'

Cole smirked slightly at the hairy warrior, a small glint appearing in his eyes. Oh, boy. Here it comes. "You seem to know a lot about girls."

Ah, the art of deflection.

"You're supposed to stop looking in my head." Blackwall didn't notice the subtle shift in the subject that Cole had did. The rogue's lips twitched as he tilted his head at the warrior, appearing as innocent as can be.

"Sweet, soft, and silky. Her dress, and also under her dress. Are you going to talk to Josephine?" Cole asked and Liz choked on a piece of apple she'd been nibbling on.

"Cole!" She coughed, high pitched, trying to scold him for speaking those things aloud. He should know by now that—his gaze flicked to her, a smirk playing on his lips. He knew! She muttered and looked away, "Why, that little..."

"Maker's balls, get out of my mind, would you?" The warrior unconsciously shifted away from the lanky rogue, arms crossed, "You make me sound like a dirty, old bastard!"

"Make you? You are!" Liz accused, face red. She was trying so hard not to laugh at his expense, as bad as it sounded.

"Those are private thoughts, thank you very much. I'm sure we're all entitled to them." Blackwall shot back, trying his best to brush off the awkwardness of the conversation. "And it ain't like I go around sniffin' breeches or anything….Like a certain someone."

"Hey, don't bring me into this!" The small group heard Sera yell from further on deck, having obviously been listening in.

"Sometimes you stand outside of her room." Cole chirped. The duo got into a small whispered argument that Liz ignored in favor of looking over at her elven friend.

Solas seemed almost scandalized for a second as Cole mentioned Josephine and the thoughts in Blackwall's dirty old mind. Before his features schooled into stoic indifference. He turned away. But Liz could see the slight rumble of his shoulders, telling her that he thought it was funny too. This whole situation.

He turned and looked to Liz, who had a grin on her face as she looked between him and the two bickering silently. She just shrugged and shook her head, as if saying she had no idea any of this would happen. Or that Blackwall was as perverted as Cole was making him out to be.

It wasn't but a minute later before the apostate elf chimed in with his own idea, once their murmurings came to a stop, "Perhaps we could teach him how to play cards, yes?"

"Oh no, I ain't gonna fall for that again." Blackwall said, holding his hands up. "Last time I tried to play with you, I ended up leaving the Tavern with nothing but a bucket for my bits."

"Oh, Lord." Liz muttered, trying to shake the thought out of her head.

Cole laughed, then. Eyes crinkling in amusement as he heard the story. And no doubt saw it, himself. She hadn't noticed it until she thought to speak up, but she'd slowly drifted in their direction.

"That seems to be a common occurrence. Leaving card games with nothing, that is. The other night I saw the Commander booking it to his office. I was just trying to get some fresh air." Liz said, finger to her lip as she thought about it.

"Evil, the lot of ya!" Blackwall said, though with a smile, "He and Lady Josephine know the ins and outs of those games."

"I'll remember that, next time they try to rope me into one of their games." Liz nodded sagely.

The rest of the morning was passed with lighthearted conversation and laughter. Liz even participated, herself. Feeling the weight on her heart slowly lifting as the day went on. Even better when she went to check on her friend, only to find both Sera and Jade conversing.

The dwarf turned to look at Liz as she entered and waved, a big smile on her face. "Hey there, Erin! How's it goin'? Sera here was tellin' me I hit my head or some shit. The hell kind of hunting trips you takin' me on?"

"Sorry..." She apologized, feeling her lips twitch as anxiousness bubbled in her gut. But still, it felt good to see her sitting up and talking. She was alright. Everything was alright. It's okay. "Admittedly it was almost entirely my fault, since I didn't tell you the snare was there in the first place."

The lies seemed to spew out, as if second nature. She tried not to dwell on it too much.

"Oh yeh, remind me not to come along on one of yer huntin' thingawhitchavers." Sera said, pouting as she turned away. Quite obviously disappointed in Liz's sudden appearance while they were talking.

"I just came to stop by and check on your bandages, then I'll let the two of you talk. Apologies for interrupting." Liz spoke, trying her best to smile and shrug it off.

"Yeh, whatever."

"Hey, you two still got that stick jabbed up your asses? Why don't ya kiss and make up, already? Yeesh." Jade said, crossing her arms as Liz checked underneath the bandages. Although she'd known there wasn't a cut there, it was part of their little coverup story.

"Looks like it healed up pretty good. Solas is pretty good at his job." Liz said, not even answering her question or acknowledging Sera as she made a gagging noise at Jade's statement. She backed away and smiled down at her friend, "I'll be back later with some water and food. Try not to move around too much, okay?"

"Yeah, yeah! I got it." She waved her off and turned to Sera, "So, anyway. About that time I was stuck in Dwarf Jail…"

Liz shook her head and left the room, shutting the door just as Jade started explaining how she dug her way out with only a spoon.

Some of the stories she came up with, seriously.

'So much like Elise….Wait, no. I can't think things like that. It isn't fair to Jade, right? I can't just… do that to her. Jade is Jade. Not Elise. Not anymore.' She shook it off as she left, spending the rest of the day trying to keep her mind busy.

A few days passed as they slowly inched toward their destination. There wasn't a land mass in sight as the ship rocked and swayed with the Sea.

Liz was sitting on the upper deck, listening to the waves slosh against the side of the ship as they made their way deeper and deeper into the Sea. The sky was darkening, as expected. She leaned against the railing and sighed, cheek pressed against her arm as she looked out at the empty expanse of water.

Cole had been kind of avoiding her ever since she told him she didn't want to talk to Sera. Let her know why and try to explain things. He didn't seem to… agree with the way she was going about things. She'd sort of chickened out one night and just told him she wasn't going to do it. Too afraid of being lashed out at. The elf was a rather loud one, afterall.

'But you aren't even trying!' She remembered him raise his voice at her, eyes full of an emotion she wasn't sure she'd ever seen on his face. Was it disappointment? Maybe. Or perhaps it was something else. It had been rather uncharacteristic of him. He'd given her a stern talking to, before. But never really raised his voice.

She didn't really take offense, however. It seemed the young rogue was also having issues being at sea, since she'd caught him on more than one occasion leaning over deck and releasing the food he'd eaten not even an hour before.

Brilliant. Seasickness.

Liz still felt bad, though. Not just because of that, no. She'd been sitting on this can of worms since Sera first arrived at the Inquisition. The two of them had a history. A bad one, at that. She sighed, hearing some rolling thunder in the distance. The wind seemed to pick up slightly, the ship rocking and groaning.

At the ominous sound in the distance, she felt her stomach go cold. She trusted that the Captain would probably know how to take care of the ship during a storm. But judging by the enormity of the clouds and how much the wind was picking up, she just wasn't sure.

But it was also her fear of the dry heaving that would likely ensue once the rocking got worse.

"Oh Lord, have mercy on my soul." Liz muttered, staring up at the clouds as they rolled on in.

In the minutes before and the first quarter of the storm itself, she found herself hunched over in the latrine trying not to get knocked over as she dry heaved. On shaky legs, once her bout of sickness ended, she stumbled on out and went to check on her friends.

Much to her displeasure, she couldn't catch sight of her favorite spirit friend—er—boyfriend. Nor of Sera, not that she'd been looking in the first place. They knew they were supposed to be below deck as the Captain and his crew kept the boat from capsizing or rolling during the storm. Being up on deck posed many threats. They wouldn't, would they?

So Liz ascended the stairs, seeing some water slosh in from underneath the door above. She could hear the yells of some of the sailors as they shouted orders and went about their business. The upset feeling in her gut didn't go away as she opened the door.

The door had muffled the sound of the roaring winds and the cracking and rumbling of thunder. But now it was almost deafening. The rain didn't help. It was absolutely pouring as she stepped out on deck.

It was almost impossible to see out further than ten to fifteen feet. "Why didn't we just walk… Oh Gods."

She felt herself wanting to get sick again as the anxiety threatened to spill out. But she heard familiar voices in the distance, amongst the roaring rain and roiling thunder of the storm.

Then Liz saw a shock of blonde hair. Two, in fact. She squinted and moved to the side, barely able to dodge Cole's hat that seemed to sail passed her and into the wall behind her. It slid through the small gap in the door before it was slammed shut. She knew then, without a doubt, that the two of them were out here.

Those idiots!

"Cole!?" She called out, but she could barely even hear the two of them. They looked to be arguing—then a flash of lightning. It was almost blinding, causing the young mage to shut her eyes and cover her ears.

It cracked and roiled, the ship swaying as the wind picked up. The little woman stumbled, almost losing her footing before she opened her eyes and pressed forward. She steadied herself on the deck and held her hand up, trying to keep some of the rain from getting into her eyes.

"Cole! Sera!" She called, "GET YOUR ASSES BACK INSIDE!"

The two of them seemed to have stopped talking and turned to look at her. She couldn't see their expressions in the haze of rain and wind. But they'd noticed her, at the very least.

That's when things started to turn south. Sera slipped as she screamed at Cole, eyes full of what looked like tears as she swiped her hand at him. She fell and hit her head against the ground, body sliding as the ship rocked.

Liz ran forth, only to stumble and fall onto her knees. "Shit, grab her!"

"Sera!" She almost couldn't hear Cole's voice over the roar of rain as he pounced toward her, barely able to grab her wrist as she slid through the railing. Her body was dangling off to the side, the violent waters sloshing and splashing against her legs.

Oh, Gods! They were going to get themselves killed!

Liz scrambled forward. Hoping. Praying that she would get there in time. Her bare feet pattered against the soaked wood and she could have sworn she heard someone screaming at her to come back, but she ignored it. It was almost like she had tunnel vision. The only thing she could see was Cole as he slipped further and further on the other side of the railing, refusing to let Sera go.

The little woman slid against the floor, hand grasping against the rogue's jacket. Trying to find purchase. It was near impossible.

"Cole, hang on!" She called, wrapping her arms around his and trying to pull. Her gaze fluttered between him and the still form of Sera as she dangled over the edge. Blood seeped through her blonde choppy locks and she appeared to be regaining consciousness. Her blue eyes slowly slid up, seeing her predicament.

The Jenny's eyes widened. The sea beneath her seemed greedy. Reaching out at her legs. Wanting. Needing. It was the last thing Liz saw as Cole lost his grip and the elf fell overboard. There was screaming. Calls for help. But the waves swallowed both of them whole. Cole had fallen too, she realized, in her haze of adrenaline.

Her grip had slipped, muscles slackening at the loss of tension. It all happened so fast. The terrified looks on their faces were cemented into her memory.

"Fuck!" Liz screamed, hand held out as if it would do anything. She turned, seeing the horrified look on Blackwall's face as he stood near the door before she turned. Her eyes hardened in determination, head swiveling to look down at the violent waters. She wouldn't let it end like this.

And in she went. Without much hesitation. Liz jumped, heedless to the calls from the Warden behind her.

It was cold. The waters were violent, thrashing and turning as she tried to keep her head above water. She saw two blonde beacons, one limp and being held by the other. Though it looked like this time it was Cole who was unconscious.

"Sera!" Liz called, latching onto her. Even though they were so close, it was still so hard to hear. The ship was slowly inching further and further away. Liz felt a stone settle in her gut. Was this how it was going to end? "Sera, what happened? Why isn't he moving?"

"The shit wouldn't let go of me!" She nearly screeched back, her voice cracking. "Oh no. No no no no, we're gonna die. We're gonna-" She sank a little and started to flail, panicking. Lightning cracked in the distance, deafening them for the slightest moment before Liz began to yell.

"No. No we aren't. Damn it, Sera! Pull yourself together. We're both—shit. Shit he's sinking!" Liz realized, watching as it became harder and harder for the elf to keep the other rogue afloat.

"It's his damn coat." She gurgled, before inhaling water.

"Hang in there, I have an idea!" Liz called out, refusing to let go of either of them. In these conditions it would be too easy to lose them in the whirling waters. To add onto the fact that they had to strip Cole of his leathers, as they seemed to be weighing him down.

Sera didn't even miss a beat and began helping Liz take off his armor. Her fingers were halting and movements sluggish, which made her think she may have a concussion, but she was able to help nonetheless.

It wasn't quick work, mind you. Liz could feel the trio sinking more and more. Soon enough they were under water, breath running out fast. The waves rolled passed, sending them into a swirl of movement. Making her feel sick. She could see bubbles furiously exit Sera's mouth as she got the wind knocked out of her.

Thankfully, the jacket came loose and floated down. His body was freed as they swam up and up. When they broke the surface, Cole was choking and the other two were gasping and coughing for air. Sweet sweet oxygen. The little mage felt relief, seeing the bleary look on the young man's face as he opened his eyes. Only to realize their predicament as he looked around. Seeing no ship. Nothing. Just open water.

"What'dya think yer thinkin'!? Now we're all dead!" Sera yelled over the waves, before they were pushed under again by a big wave. "Ya didn't have to jump in!"

"There's no time for this, Sera! Later!" They struggled for a time before Liz called out, "I'm going to transform. Just—hang onto me!"

She couldn't think of a way to shift into anything aquatic, since most of her studies had been on land mammals. So she thought of the only large mammal that she'd studied during her lessons.

A bear.

Her body grew and grew, hair sprouting out and her skin growing thicker. Her bones shifted and her sight seemed to sharpen. She could have sworn she heard Sera scream at the display, but she played it off pretty well. As soon as Liz turned to look at the elf, she was pale but she held onto her coarse fur nonetheless.

She was afraid of 'magic-y bullshite' but this was life or death. It's not like any of them had a choice at the moment.

It was a bit easier to stay afloat after that. She was right that the form of a bear would retain buoyancy a lot better than two skinny women and an equally skinny beanstalk of a boyfriend of hers. That, and bears knew how to swim quite well.

So, it would have to do.

AN: I know it's been forever since I updated this. A lot's been going on and I don't even know if anyone will even continue to read it. But out of sheer want to just finish it, I'm going to push through. I'm sure I have it in me to finish this story!