Author's notes:

I AM SOO SORRY FOR THE DELAAAAY!

WORK IS HECTIC FOR ME!

This is probably…going to be a little shorter than the last two chapters! Hopefully!

Our heroes are back in Skyhold!

Levy and some companions head off to Crestwood!

Solas and Levy getting frisky!

Ery in trouble, Cullen to the rescue!

Desire and Hope

It's only been a week since their return to Skyhold. Josephine now even more busy from all the petitions and pouring letters from nobles. Cullen receiving more new recruits to train. Leliana busy with overwhelming reports. Out in the courtyard, Josephine is talking to a Chantry Mother.

"The matter is urgent, Lady Josephine." The chantry mother said.

"I am well aware of that, Revered Mother."

"We will need them to return Val Royeaux as soon as possible. There are ceremonies-ordinations! Maker's mercy!"

"That's quite impossible at the moment. However, I will see to this matter as soon as possible."

Levy walked up towards them.

"My lady Inquisitor!" The mother greeted. "Please, may I have a word with you?"

"The inquisition never gets a break, do we?" Levy said, smiling at Josephine. "How can I help you, Revered Mother?"

"I…am sorry to place this burden on your shoulder, but you are the only one who can help. With the political turmoil put to rest, our minds turn to a single question: the next Divine. We cannot answer t without the Left and Right Hands of Divine Justinia V."

"Leliana and Cassandra?" Levy questioned.

"I have already told you, Revered Mother: Lady Leliana and Seeker Cassandra cannot be spared from their duties."

"But surely with the support of the empire, the inquisition will not be harmed by the loss of just two souls?"

"These aren't just any two people. They're key members of the Inquisition."

"For the sake of Thedas, we must ask you to make this-sacrifice—"

"This will have to be settled later," Josephine interjected. "The inquisitor has only just returned and has important business to attend to. You must excuse us. Revered Mother."

Revered Mother didn't say anymore. She bowed and walked away leaving Josephine and Levy alone. Levy sighed and shook her head, pinching her nose.

"There is always something right after another. Why can't they wait until…oh I don't know…when we save the fucking world?!" She hissed.

"I do apologize Inquisitor." Josephine said.

"No. No. Not your fault. Everything is just…crazy right now."

"Yes, it is. But at least now Orlais is on our side. That is a small victory to a bigger victory to come."

"I do love your optimism Josie!" Levy teased. Josephine blushed and coughed. "Do you...know how Ery is?" Levy whispered staring at the infirmary area.

"Yes. I read a report after the incident, she tended to an injured and someone leaned next to her ear, which she jumped and had her fire magic on hand."

"I read that sometimes they hear her scream in her room. At the tower." Levy said.

"Yes. I relieved her from duties as a healer for the time being until…she recovers."

"Good. I don't know anyone that can recover from something so…traumatic. But I'm hoping…she will. With all of our help and support."

"Of course. She is a dear friend to us all."

"I will need you to send letters to…Blackwall, Varric and…Solas. We leave for Crestwood tomorrow."

"Of course."

"Josie, take care of Ery while I'm gone?"

"We in Skyhold will take care of her Inquisitor."

"Thank you."

Josephine made her way up the stairs towards her office. Lavellan stayed in the courtyard for a bit looking around her surroundings then made her way towards the Garden.


Ery paced around her room. Ever since the incident days ago she has been staying in her room. She has not eaten, taken a bath or even changed her clothes. Sleep would have been her escape but even in dreams, she relives it. She refuse to sleep and made sure of it. She walks over to her mahogany table and poured some tea she made specifically to keep her awake. She pulled the chair back and sits down and put her head on the table staring at the walls. Her Orlesian queen size bed in the middle of the room, a closet and a dark brown Novara dresser by the left side of the wall. A soft knock made her jump from her seat and back up to the wall.

"Asa'ma'lin." Solas' voice, came through. "Are you there?" He asked in elvhen.

"Isa'ma'lin." She replied, voice cracking.

She swiftly walked towards the door and opened it. Solas walks in and sees the mess in her room. Parchments on the floor. Books have fallen from the shelf. Her bed, unmade. Food that a servant gave her uneaten and molded on the table. Solas almost gagged at the smell. He stared at his sister as she closes the door. She did not look like the sister he knew. Her hair is matted and unkempt. Skin that was once had color, now pale. Black circles around her eyes proved she has not slept. Solas cannot help but look at his sister with remorse.

"Ir abelas…I was not there to protect you." He said. Head held down.

"Don't be…it is no one's fault. If anything, it should be mine. I was not careful."

She walked over to her chair and took a sip from her tea. Solas sat opposite of her and looked at the pot. He smelled the tea she made.

"How long have you been drinking this?" He asked.

"Since...we arrived." She admitted.

"Then…"

"Yes. I have not slept. I cannot sleep! I don't want to sleep! Even in dreams, I am not safe!"

"You cannot let the events in Halamshiral to break your spirit. You are stronger than this."

"Don't you dare tell me that! You do not know what happened to me!" She hissed bitterly.

"Then tell me! Help me understand why this has shaken your spirit!" Ery shook her head.

"I cannot…I will not. I'd rather forget." She whispered.

"Sathan…Lileath…dirtha em…"

"Ir abelas…I cannot…not…yet. Not now." Solas sighed in defeat.

"Cullen. Have you talked to him about it? Has he asked you about it?"

"Din." Ery shakes her head.

"Have you two even seen each other since Halamshiral?" Again, she shakes her head.

Solas stared at his sister, who is now just staring at the ground. He could not bear to watch her like this. So, defeated. So, helpless. Lost. Uncertain. All the things she was not born to be. He gets up from his chair and stands in front of her. Ery looked up and watched her brother. His face that is usually composed was anything but that. Guilt. It was all over him. Solas leaned down and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. Ery closed her eyes and calmed her nerves from the sudden touch. Solas noticed and stepped back a few paces.

"I will speak to you later." He says and made his way out.

Ery watched her brother leave as he closed the door behind him. As soon as his footsteps disappeared Ery buried her face with her hands and cried. Backed up against the wall and slowly fell on the ground, sobbing.

Back at the rotunda, Solas found Josephine's letter on his desk. He opens the letter and reads the context. He neatly folds the paper and sat on his chair. They are leaving for Crestwood tomorrow. He could say no, but he is worried Lavellan would get herself into trouble, which she does so effortlessly. Looking out for two women he cares for deeply, is not a task that is easy.

Cullen. He thought.

Solas abruptly got up from his chair and started walking towards Cullen's office/room. He knocks on the door. No answer. He slowly opens it and finds the room empty. A recruit came in from another door holding a paper. She noticed Solas and greeted him.

"The commander is not here Ser." She says.

"Do you know where he is?"

"She and Seeker Cassandra are in the…armory room I believe."

"Thank you."

Without saying anything else, Solas quickly left and walked towards the armory. As soon as he opened the door he hears Cassandra's voice.

"You asked for my opinion, and I've given it. Why would you expect it to change?"

"I expect you to keep your word. It's relentless. I can't—"

"You give yourself too little credit."

"If I'm unable to fulfill what vows I kept, then nothing good has come of this. Would you rather save face than admit—"

Cullen stopped talking as soon as he sees Solas. Solas greets them both with a nod of his head.

"Am I interrupting something?" Solas asked.

"No. You did not." Cassandra replied.

"Commander. I wish to speak with you if you don't mind." He says.

"Of course. We can talk in my office."

"Actually…I am hoping to speak now. Here is fine."

"I should leave you two to talk then." Cassandra said.

"It is alright Seeker, you may stay." Solas said. Cassandra slightly nodded her head in response.

"Alright. What is it Solas?" Cullen asked.

"It's about…Erelan." Solas starts. "I am to accompany the Inquisitor to Crestwood to meet with Hawke and the Warden."

"You wish to see if I can take care of Erelan?" Cullen asked.

"I am hoping that you will. After all, …YOU are her partner." Solas said as a matter of fact.

"What's the sudden interest of her well-being?" Cullen asked with growing irritation in his voice.

"I am just concerned for a friend, that is all."

"Cullen, everyone is worried about Erelan. It is only natural for any of us to ask." Cassandra interjected.

"Not only am I to take care of the new recruits but her as well?!" He blurted it out.

"I would but I will be gone for who knows how long. Besides, Commander, you are the one person she needs more than ever. Unless I am mistaken and you care nothing for her well-being." Solas replied curtly as he stared at Cullen with a stern look.

"Maker…forgive me…I…I need air." Cullen started walking towards the door, but before he left he turned around and spoke to them. "I…forgive me…I will…talk to Erelan and…look out for her." Then he was gone. Solas looked at Cassandra and she sighed.

"You heard the stories about the rebellion in Kirkwall have you not?" Solas nodded. "I recruited Commander Cullen after it. Since joining the inquisition he has stopped taking lyrium." She confesses.

"But…the withdrawals he goes through or is going through…will he be alright?"

"He has proven himself in these past months. Now that he has Erelan by his side, he is starting to remember how it is to be free…from that life."

"Let us hope it will be enough, for both of their sakes."

Cassandra just hummed in approval. Solas excused himself and walked back towards the rotunda.


Lavellan just finished talking to Morrigan about Skyhold, and a little bit about Morrigan. She makes her way inside the hallway and stopped by the rotunda door. Varric is not at his usual post. She opened the door and walked in. She sees Solas already sketching on a new mural. Up on the wooden scaffold, back turned. She makes her way towards his chair and stares mostly on his sexy ass. She tilts her head a bit to get a good angle, thinking Solas hasn't noticed her.

"Enjoying the view Vhenan?" Solas asks without turning around. Levy almost fell off the chair as she composed herself and coughed.

"How…have you known I've been here?" She asks.

"Yes. From the moment, you opened and tried to sneak your way towards my chair." He chuckles and stops sketching and turns around to face her.

"Here I thought I did pretty good." She muttered.

"With practice, you will get there." He assures her.

"Pfft. Sure. So, are you pack and ready for tomorrow?" She asks, playing with the letter on his desk.

"Yes. Do you know how long we will be gone?" He gracefully jumps off the scaffold and lands perfectly on his feet, barely making any sound.

Creators! How does he do that?! She thought.

"Unfortunately no. We won't know for sure until we talk with Hawke and this Grey Warden."

Solas walked over to her and stands stops in front of her. She looks up and smiled at him.

"After our time in Halamshiral. I had forgotten how I missed court intrigue." He slips out.

"You…never told me you've been to court before." She replies, surprised. Solas caught himself.

"The fade shows much Vhenan. I have watched dynasties form and empires crumble. It is sometimes savage, sometimes noble. And always fascinating."

"Hmm…I do recall you owing me a tour of one of your fade explorations." She said.

"If you have some time now I would gladly show you."

"Ah...unfortunately after what happened in Halamshiral, petitions, letters and pledges of alliances has me…booked up for today. I'm lucky to even have little time to enjoy your company." She smiles at him sweetly.

"You enjoy my company?" He quirks an eyebrow.

"Do I detect a suspicion? Do you find it hard to believe I love spending time with you?"

"No." He shakes his head and cups her chin. "I enjoy every little moment we have with eachother as well." Levy blushes and averts his stare. Solas smirked.

"Such a sweet talker." She muttered under her breath. Solas grinned and leaned down close to her ear.

"I can do more than talk." He purred. Levy felt her body shiver.

"S-solas…"

"Yes Vhenan?" He nips the tip of her ear. She bit her bottom lip.

"Y-you are not…playing fair."

"How so?" He whispers as his left hand traveled down her back to her butt and gave it a squeeze. Levy yelped in surprise but caught herself.

"This!" She hissed.

"I thought you like it when I do this." He teases, licking her ear slightly. Levy let out a soft moan but quickly shuts her mouth.

"I—we are in public."

"Ah…I believe Dorian is in the tavern with the Iron Bull. Spymaster Leliana is with the Ambassador. We are currently alone."

"Oh. Well…uhm…I…"

"If you wish me to stop just say the word." He whispers at her ear.

"No. Don't…stop."

Levy pulls Solas' shirt towards her. Solas hold onto the arm chair and holds her chin up. He kisses her sweetly, she kisses back. The kiss that started sweetly turned into a heated one. Levy bit on his lower lip. Solas, answered by biting back. Levy wraps her arms around his neck and pulls him closer, deepening the kiss. Solas licked her lips, begging for entrance. Her lips parted slightly and he slid himself in, their tongue battling for dominance. With one free hand, he slowly unbuttons her high collared tunic. He breaks the kiss and starts kissing her neck. She softly moaned. He kisses lower on her neck down to her collarbone and playfully bites them. She let out a small gasp. As her tunic finally comes undone, he slowly moves down to her chest. He fully opens her tunic, revealing her wraps. With swift move, her wraps came undone and revealed her supple wanting breast. Levy starts covering them, and Solas shakes his head, moving her hands away. He then leans to one side, kissing along her breast as he moves until his lips reach her tender but hard nipple. Gently, he caresses it with his tongue, rubbing her other nipple gently with his hand. Levy moaned in pleasure.

"Solas…"

Solas softly bit her nipple as he gives the other a pinch. Levy almost cried out but covered her mouth with her hand. Solas moves a little closer, his erect member brushing against her knee. She looks down notices his growing mass in his pants, as if struggling to get free. Solas catcher her eyes and sees where her gaze has fallen. She looks at him and smirked. She grabbed both his arms and with one swift move their position changed. Solas, caught off guard fell onto the chair with her sitting on him, his member brushing against hers. Solas grabs both her breast and starts massaging them. She lets out a low growl as she leans on his ear and give the tip a nip. He let out a small gasp. His body shivered, as she licks from his ear down to his neck. She starts undoing his pants as she slowly gets off him. Finally, she lets his member sprung out. Gently and sweetly she grasps it with her hand and then her other. He lets out a soft sigh as her grip slightly tightening in excitement. His member fully erect, twitched and throbbed in nervous anticipation.

"Vhenan…" He moaned.

She leans and kisses him with passion that made them both moan into the kiss. With both hands in place upon him, she begins her work. One hand twists, the other stroking. Softly and slowly at first., but quickening in pace with his now heavy breathing. Solas breaks the kiss as he arches his back a little. She pauses for a moment to take notice of his tip, dripping with want. Recalling the day, he finally confessed and gave in to his desires she grinned at him. Solas looked at her confused for a moment. She gets off him and parts his legs, and then she takes him into her mouth, wrapping her tongue around it like a silk blanket.

"Ah! Vhenan…!"

Solas' gripped on the arm chair tightly, his knuckles turning white. She moves her head up and down with her tongue wrapping it as she goes. Solas growled as the pleasure in him build up. Levy worked, twisting, stroking, licking, and sucking. Her tongue now quickly lashing out constantly upon his rock-hard form. With his pleasure now charging through him, building and building he grasps a handful of her hair, as if not knowing what else to do. Harder and faster she worked, she could feel his beast nearly convulsing, his pleasure nearly at a crescendo, his grip on her tightened. He could hold back no longer. He let out a near growling moan, throbbing harder than ever as he unleashed his essence unto her. She gladly received it, taking it all. Lapping it up, tasting it and rolling it around her tongue. She looks into his glinting eyes and he hers. A silent moment passed, she smiled, and then swallowed. Solas, panting and breathless felt his body giving out. Levy smiled and sat on his desk, facing him.

"Now who is playing unfair?" He breathed out. She giggled.

"It's what you get." She teased.

Solas was about to start his revenge when they hear the doorknob click. Swiftly both elves covered themselves. Levy didn't have time to put her wraps back on, she couldn't anyway Solas had cut them up. She quickly buttoned her tunic, while Solas quickly tied his pants. A recruit came in and handed Solas another item they have found in their expedition. The recruit greeted and said goodbyes to both Levy and Solas.

"I…should get to work. I still have a lot of papers to sort through." She said.

"Of course. If you need anything I'll be here." He replied.

They kissed each other one last time before departing. Solas watched her leave. He recalls the event that just happened and felt his member start throbbing. The way her tongue felt on his made him want for more, he wanted her. He knew this little foreplay will become more than it is. They almost did. This time he knows for sure, if a day should arrive that they are alone, there is nothing that will stop the beast in him. He wanted to devour her. Mark her. Possess her. He wants his scent all over her. The thought of it made his member throb with want. He sat back on his chair and started to think of other things to calm himself down.


As nighttime fell, everyone in Skyhold returned to their rooms or in the tavern for the night. Cullen, who had been busy training the new recruits, sighed and slumped on his chair. He rubbed the bridge of his nose, shaking his head. The inquisition agents have found some of Samson's men in Emerald Graves, looting red lyrium. He wanted to tell the inquisitor about his findings, but since she and some companions are headed to Crestwood to meet up with Hawke and her warden friend, he will have to tell her another time. He shuffled through his papers, organizing them when the door on his right opened. A servant holding a plate full of food walked in hurriedly. She noticed Cullen and stopped to greet him.

"Messere."

"Did you just come from Lady Erelan's room?"

"Yes, Ser."

"Is that for her?" He pointed at the plate. She nodded. "Why...is there food still on the plate?"

"I…I didn't…go in Ser. I couldn't. I knocked but she didn't answer. I tried opening the door but its lock. Even used the key Lady Montilyet gave me, it seems she used magic to keep the door lock." She explained, fear showing on her face.

"Are you alright?" Cullen asked, noticing her shaking. "What happened?"

"I…do-don't know. I saw…a blue light behind the door…then heard her cry…and then she screamed. I ran…after that. Forgive me." She bowed her, ashamed for abandoning Ery.

"It's alright. Give me the plate, I'll go to her." He said as he walks up to her, holding out his hands.

She hesitated for a moment looking at Cullen. He smiled at her politely and gently took the plate. She nodded again and left hurriedly. Cullen walked towards Ery's room. He could feel her magic, emitting through the door. The girl was right, Ery used her magic to stop anyone from opening the door. He took a deep breath and knocked.

"Ery?" No answer. He knocked again. "Ery it's me. Cullen." Nothing. "Ery! Please! Open up!" He banged on the door, dropping the plate of food. Panic running through him.

Maker I hope she didn't harm herself! He thought.

"Ery! Ery! Open the door!"

Cullen kept banging on the door, hoping she would release the spell, but to no avail. He grunted in irritation and ran back to his office and took out his lyrium box. He stared at it for a moment as he starts opening one of the vials. He took a deep breath and chugged it all. After months of not taking it, the surge of energy flowing in him made him stumble for a moment. He put his hands over his head as he calms his nerves. He shook his head and then ran back towards Ery's room. He unsheathes his sword and with the one swift slash the door along with the barrier that held it fell apart.

He walked inside and is horrified at the scene. Ery on the ground, crouched as blue aura surrounds her. A despair demon hovering over her, sucking in her magic. Cullen cried out for her, but nothing. He ran towards the demon, sword at a ready. The demon quickly evaded his sword and hissed at him. Cullen stood ready to protect Ery, as she is still unconscious. The demon threw an orb at him, but he quickly countered it with his sword. Cullen charged up his stamina and used his skill Wrath of Heaven which stunned the demon. He charged towards it and with one swift slash, the demon cried out and vaporized into nothing. He fell on his knees, using his sword for support. The effects of drinking lyrium have him feeling sick, but he held himself together. He looked over to Ery's unmoving body and crawled towards her, dropping his sword. The moment he touched her, the blue aura around her disappeared. Cullen held her body on his lap.

"Ery. Please wake up." He whispered.

He brushed away strands of hair on her face. With the moon's light shining through her window, it looked as though she is dead. He leaned over her face and felt her breathing still. He sighed in content, knowing she is still alive. He held her there for what felt like forever until he felt her body jolt. Ery let out a soft groan, as she starts opening her eyes. Cullen, who has been watching her closely, looked at her with wide teary eyes. Ery opened her eyes and sees Cullen. Surprised, she pushed him back, which knocked him over and she crawled away from him.

"Ery! It's me. Cullen!" He said, holding up both hands.

"C-Cullen?" She replies with a hint of confusion.

"Yes. The demon is gone." He explains.

"Demon? What?" She tilts her head. Cullen looked at her confused.

"There was a demon, hovering around you. Taking your magic…" He trails off. Ery gasped and shook her head.

"No. no. no."

She starts crawling towards the wall and banged her head on it. Cullen rushed towards her and pulled her away. She squirmed on his grip. Her eyes glowed blue as she turned around to face him. She held out a free arm to conjure up a spell, but Cullen quickly dispelled it as he held her wrist. Her eyes returned to normal and stared at him wide eyes.

"You…drank…lyrium…" She breathed out.

"I had to." He admitted.

"You took lyrium…because of me?" Realization kicked in. "Oh…no…I- Cullen." Tears start falling down on her face.

"Ery. No. Please. If I didn't you would…you would have died." He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.

"I'm so sorry Cullen…I…this was my fault." She buried her face on his chest.

"No. It's not. Don't blame yourself. Please. I did it to save you. I couldn't bear to lose you, not now, not ever."

He loosened the embrace and cups her chin. He tilts her head up, tears still falling from her eyes. He gently leaned in closer and plants a soft kiss on her lips. He felt her body tensed for a moment. He lets her go and stared at her. Ery closed her eyes and exhaled heavily. She opened them and looked at Cullen.

"Sorry…I'm still…you…know…" She started. He smiles sweetly at her.

"I know…no need to apologize. I should…apologize…I shouldn't have…done that without…warning."

"Don't be…I miss…you." She leaned her head on his chest. Cullen wrapped his arms around her.

"And I miss you." He whispers on her ears. Ery shivered from the slight breath he let out. Cullen noticed and chuckled. "Forgive me."

"It's fine."

They stayed in each other's arms. Both missing each others touch.

"We…are two broken people aren't we." Ery said, staring at nothing. Cullen kissed her forehead softly.

"As long as we have hope, everything will be fine." He replied.

"Hope." She repeated.

Cullen sighed and tightened his arms around her. Ery nuzzled her head on his chest.

"Will you stay with me tonight?" She blurted out.

"Of course. I will always be by your side no matter what happens." He replied. She nodded her head in response.

But will you stay when you find out the truth about me. She thought.

As the night goes on, Cullen and Ery fell asleep together on the floor. The Tavern now closed for the night is overwhelmed with drunk people, sleeping and snoring on the tables, chairs, ground and even outside the door. Levy fell asleep on her desk with papers scattered everywhere. Solas, checking up on her shook his head and picked her up. He gently lays her down on her bed, he was about to leave when her hand abruptly grabbed the back of his shirt, stopping him.

"Hmm…Solas…" She mumbled in her sleep.

He chuckled and settled next to her. Like a baby she curled up to him and held on his shirt. Solas wrapped an arm around her and held her marked hand with the other. He sighed contently and drifted to sleep. Everyone in Skyhold, aside from the guards, all slept peacefully.


Levy, Solas, Blackwall and Varric all packed up and ready to head out to Crestwood. Horse Master Dennet reined in the mounts for the journey. Everyone in the inner circle gathered to say farewell. Except for two noticeable missing people. Cullen and Erelan.

"Has anyone seen the Commander and Lady Erelan?" Josephine asked, looking around.

"I'm sure they'll be here soon." Leliana assured her.

"Well…I'm sure they have good reasons not to be here." Lavellan grinned.

"Who wants to make a bet that either they make it or not? Start your bet!" Varric said.

"Really?" Blackwall said.

"What?" Varric chuckled.

They all laughed. Then they hear a door opening and closing. Footsteps running. They all turned around and saw Cullen and Ery running towards them.

"Speaking of the devils…" Dorian said.

"Bout time!" Sera yelled out.

Cullen and Ery stopped in front of them. Both breathing heavily.

"Forgive us, we lost track of time." Cullen managed to stay.

"Oh…I bet." Bull teased and winked.

"BULL!" Solas and Erelan both cried out in unison.

Everyone else raised an eyebrow. Levy stared at Solas, Cullen looking at Ery. Both elves composed themselves and coughed.

"I just thought it is inappropriate conversation out in the open." Solas explained.

"I agree." Josephine said.

"Welll…either way I'm glad everyone is here. I shall keep you all updated." Levy said smiling at them.

Dorian walked up to her and gives her a hug.

"Be safe! Don't get into trouble without me!" He looks at Solas. "You! Better keep an eye on her."

"Of course." Solas nodded.

"Varric! You better be there to stick arrows at bastards that get in the quizzy way!" Sera demanded.

"Don't have to tell me twice, buttercup!"

"Levy!" Ery walked past the others and hugged her. "You better come back to us in one piece!" Levy hugged her back.

"Of course!" She whispers. "I'm sorry I wasn't there for you when you needed me." Ery shook her head.

"It's alright. I'm fine. Don't blame yourself." Ery gives Levy a soft kiss on the forehead as she lets her go.

"Time to head out!"

Levy, Solas, Blackwall and Varric all rode their mounts. Everyone stepped back a little to give them room.

"When you return we must talk about your outfit of choice my dear." Vivienne said.

"Does fashion really mean anything?" Levy asked.

"Fashion is everything my dear." Vivienne replied.

Levy muttered something under her breath, Vivienne just shook her head. All four of them waved at everyone as they rode off. Solas, looking at his sister, saw she and Cullen holding hands. He smiled to himself.

She will be fine. He thought.

Once out of Skyhold, they all kicked their horses and off they go to Crestwood.

"Well...Crestwood really has changed from the last time we were here." Lavellan said, looking around.

"You did close the rift, drained the dam, and helped the people find peace." Solas replied.

"The Inquisitor: Hero of Crestwood." Varric said. "That would be a nice book to write."

"I better sound awesome in that book!" Levy grinned.

"Of course! You are the heroine after all!" Varric replied happily.

Levy held out the map Hawke had given and traced the map. They are on the right track and making good time. Hawke and Fenris left Skyhold the day they left for Halamshiral. She wonders if they have stayed and waited for her and the company, or left without them. Either way the only way to find out is to see for herself. After some time, they finally reached their destination. Levy was the first to see Hawke and Fenris outside the hidden Cave.

"Hawke!" She waved at them.

"About time you got here! I thought you would never come!" Hawke yelled back, waving at them.

Levy and her party got off their horses and started walking towards them.

"I'm so sorry! A lot of things to take care of before I could come." She replied, giving Hawke a hug and shaking Fenri's hand.

"Ah...the work as the Inquisitor is never done." Hawke smiled. "Hey everyone!" She greeted the others, and they waved back.

"So... this is where your friend is hiding?" Varric asked, walking towards Hawke and Fenris.

"Yeah. The other Wardens have been trying to track him down." Hawke replied.

"We should go, there isn't much time." Fenris said already walking back in the cave.

"He's right. Come, I told the Warden the Inquisition is going to help the Wardens." Hawke said, leading Levy and the others.

Everyone walked quietly in the cave. Hawke stopped infront of a door and did a secret knock. Another knock is heard from the other side and then the door opened. Hawke gestured for Levy to go in first. Levy cautiously walked in and looked around. Inside was a table full of papers and warden artifacts. A fire with a cauldron that is already half empty and a bedroll on the side. The next thing she knows the sound of a sword being unsheathed can be heard. She turned around and saw a middle-aged man, with a sword pointed at her.

"Stroud! Stop this is the Inquisitor I told you about!" Hawke intervened. Stroud put his weapon down.

"Forgive me, I was not aware the...Inquisitor is-"

"An elf? I get that a lot." Levy interrupted.

"Sorry." Stroud replied, looking down.

"No worries." Levy smiled at him.

"My name is Stroud, and I am at your service, Inquisitor."

"Your help is appreciated. I know the Wardens have troubles of their own. I do wonder...if this has anything to do with Corypheus?"

"I fear it is so. When my friend Hawke slew Corypheus, Weisshaupt was happy to put the matter to rest. But an Archdemon can survive wounds that seem fatal, and I feared Corypheus might possess the same power." He walks over to his map. "My investigation uncovered clues but no proof, then, not long after, every warden in Orlais began to hear the Calling."

"Maker! why did you tell me?" Hawke gasps.

"It was a Grey Warden Matter. I was bound by an oath of secrecy." Stroud replied.

"Forgive me...but...is The Calling some sort of Grey Warden ritual?" Levy asked.

"The Calling tells a warden that the blight will soon claim him, starts with dreams. Then come whispers in his head. The warden says his farewells and goes to the deep roads to meet his death in combat."

"And every Grey Warden in Orlais is hearing that right now? They think they're dying?" Hawke asked.

"Yes." Stroud replied, with sadness in his voice. "Likely because of Corypheus. If the Wardens fall, who will stand against the next Blight? It is our greatest fear."

"So Corypheus isn't controlling them. He's bluffing them with this Calling, and they're falling for it."

"You say all the Wardens hear the Calling...does that include you?" Levy asks Stroud then turns towards Blackwall. "And you as well?"

"Sadly, Yes. It lurks like a wolf in the shadows around a campfire. The creature that makes this music has never known the love of the Maker but...at times, i almost understand it." Stroud replied. "We must uncover what Corypheus has done and end it, this cannot stand."

"I do not fear the Calling, and worrying about it only gives it power. Anything Corypheus does will only strengthen my resolve." Blackwall said.

"So...the Wardens think they're dying...that will not go well." Levy said.

"We are the only ones who can slay Archdemons. Without us, the next Blight will consume the world. Warden-Commander Clarel spoke of a blood magic ritual to prevent future Blights before we all perished. When I protested the plan as madness, my own comrades turned on me. Grey Wardens are gathering here, in the Western Approach. It is an ancient Tevinter Ritual Tower."

"So...to Western Approach we go then." Hawke said.

"Just like old times Hawke. Except for this time with new...allies." Varric said, smiling at his old friend.

"Well then...we should all head back to camp, have a good night rest and head to Western Approach before dawn." Levy said.

"We should probably write what we uncovered Inquisitor." Solas said.

"Right. I'll do that when we get to camp. I'm sure Leliana would like to hear all about our discovery here."

Everyone agreed to the plan. Levy and her party said goodbye to Hawke, Fenris, and Stroud before leaving for Camp. Hawke insists on staying with Stroud in the cave just in case, Fenris stayed because of Hawke. Once at the Camp, Levy started writing a letter to Leliana and what they have found out so far about the missing Wardens. As soon as night fell, everyone ate their food and headed to bed. Starting tomorrow, they will have a long journey ahead of them.

Author's Notes:

Again! I apologize for the HUUUUUUGE delay!

Thank you thank you! for being patient with mee! I love you all!

I will try my best to put up the next chapter soon!

Next Chapter:

Levy and Company heads to Western Approach

and...learns everything is worse than they thought!