Belathen knew Cullen was a devout Andrastian. She never would hold it against him, couldn't find it in herself to question it too fully. It was part of what she loved about him in fact- that little cocoon of faith he wrapped around himself when the world was falling apart. Since she knew him so well, finding him at the feet of Andraste's statue in prayer at the end of her lengthy walk and discussion with Dorian was no surprise.

Bel let him finish the words, knowing he drew strength from the Chant. A plea, she heard. A want for guidance, for the world to be set to rights. To her ears it sounded as though he was halting, trying desperately not to waver.

Belathen was terrible at this. Oddly enough, Dorian was better suited to being the comforter between the three of them, and now that their argument had been... discussed and resolved out of necessity... he really ought to be here. Only he wasn't. It was just her, the Dalish hunter forced into a position of power she was never meant to hold, and the first man she loved- one of two she held close to her heart.

So Bel choked back her uncertainty and approached.

"A prayer for you?" she asked, coming up behind Cullen with a purpose in each step.

"For those we have lost," he clarified. "And... those I am afraid to lose."

Bel couldn't help the surprise in her voice. "You're afraid?"

"Of course I am! Corypheus possessed that Grey Warden at Mythal. What more is he capable of? It is only a matter of time before he retaliates; we must draw strength where we can." Then his eyes locked to hers, forcing Bel to still in her steps. "When the time comes, you will be thrown into his path again. Andraste preserve me, I must send you to him."

Bel reached to her neck, where a single coin turned to a medallion set on a chain and dangled close to her heart under her tunic. "There's nothing to worry about," she tried to assure. "I have luck on my side, remember?"

Cullen's laugh came out in such a way that the elf knew that the only reason it escaped was exasperation and the inability to choke the natural response down. It was followed by a simple acknowledgment of, "That's... less comforting than I'd hoped." Then, almost immediately, Cullen pulled her into a crushing hug. Belathen could almost feel the warmth of tears that refused to escape as he whispered an added, "Whatever happens, you WILL come back."

Belathen felt her heart aching. She wanted so desperately to agree, to tell him everything would be alright, but she knew better. She wouldn't promise anything that was so uncertain. "Cullen," she answered finally, careful with her words, "you don't have to..."

"Allow me this." It was a plea, and Bel knew she couldn't deny him. "To believe anything else would..." The words stopped briefly, his head shaking slightly before he finished, "I can't."

Belathen relented. She stood still, holding him close in silence for several minutes before finally relenting. "Cullen, ma'enasalin," she suggested, "you are right. When the time comes, I will be in Corypheus' path. No, don't. I need to tell you... I won't be alone, and neither will you."

"I don't understand."

"If I have a choice, I'm taking Solas. Not Dorian."

Cullen paled. "Bela, if this is about the Temple..."

"We've come to an understanding on that," Bel assured. "This isn't about Mythal. It's just that... if... if I... if Corypheus changes the future," Bel settled for, keeping her wording cautious for the moment, "I would rather know you had support. Love."

"What about you?"

"I know you don't trust Solas, but he has proven more than just a random apostate. Or even a hahren... sorry, teacher." Taking a deep breath, Belatjen admitted, "I may not know the man who is responsible for my birth, but Solas is more my 'ada' than that man ever would have been."

Cullen looked as though he might protest, but his mouth closed before it even fully opened. "If that is your wish, Inquisitor."

"Dorian disagreed vehemently," Bel noted. "I see you do as well. But especially with the voices from the Well... Mythal says he is trustworthy as well."

"Who am I to go question the judgement of both a Herald and a Goddess then?"

Belathen smiled widely, realizing she didn't want to let go either. Instead she pulled Cullen in even closer, breathing in his scent.

"Tomorrow," she whispered. "We start talking about looking in earnest tomorrow. Tonight... I need both of you."

Cullen's eyes widened. "Both of us? Are you certain?"

"Cullen, I desperately love two men. I know they love each other in turn. There may only be one more chance for this. It feels... right."