Chapter 2

Cullen froze as the name left Dorian's lips, and silence fell over the office. But not for long, Cullen could feel the tingle of magic as Dorian stormed over and slammed his hands on the now clean desk. "Answer me Commander!" Cullen didn't dear to look at the angry mage, he couldn't bear to see the expression on his friends face. " you hated mages until recently. Have you been lying this whole time!?" Cullen took a deep breath. "No- I- it was a long time ago." Cullen fumbled with his words, he had hoped all this would have stayed in the past, forgotten, but of course fate is a cruel mistress.

"Do you still love him?" Dorian asked, voice calmer now. "you could try to find him, I'm sure with the inquisition's resources it wouldn't be difficult." Cullen looked up at the mage and said with a sigh. "no, I could not." he stood, took out a similar looking letter from his desk drawer and set it in front of Dorian. "I had hoped none of this would come to light but you need to understand." Cullen walked over to one of the doors leading to the battlements. "I need some time, please read the letter Dorian, then you will understand why I kept this hidden and why I can not look for him." and with that he left.

Dorian stared at the letter, the same elegant writing, the same hint of magic, but there was something different, something darker, Cullen told him to read it but he was hesitant. He took a deep breath before opening the letter, he wanted to understand, to be able to help his friend, and so he began to read.

'Sir Cullen Stanton Rutherford

All I have known since leaving the circle is war and death, I am no longer protected by the tower and the Templars within, by you. Things didn't go as I would have liked when I left, and I know you never understood why I accepted Duncan's offer. I was loyal to the circle, I betrayed my friend for the circle, yet Knight Commander Gregor could still not overlook the fact that I aided a blood mage, even if it was under order. I was afraid, so when Duncan asked me to become a gray warden I could not say no.

I am working hard to bring peace, for you, for Ferelden, for all of Thedas. And to do that I will make the ultimate sacrifice, it is my duty as a gray warden. Morrigan may call me a fool for choosing death, but I am finally at peace. I know I will not survive tomorrows battle and I am not afraid, but I can not leave things as they are, you never responded to my previous letter and I can understand but once again I want you to know I forgive you and I hope you can find happiness.

With all my love and more

Darien Amell'