She woke to find the fire cracking at her. She rose from the bed, groggily. Her clothes were wrinkled and her eyes watered when she yawned. She found her way out to the doorway to the balcony. The sky was black, but for the white stars studding it. Crisp, clean air chilled her and woke her enough for her to change her clothes.
When she descended the stairs, she found the hall empty. However, light and noise still emanated from the tavern. She didn't take to taverns. They were a new prospect to her, a human prospect. Besides, the two times she attempted to enjoy herself, she blended into the wall with a drink. It was hardly worth the effort.
Her stare found the throne. It commanded respect on its platform. Spikes protruding from the back made it look intimidating. From there, she held more lives in her hands. Prisoners died because she didn't have a plan for them. She sat down on the steps and crossed her fingers over each other. Within moments, someone found her. The tapping of shoes across the floor stirred her from her daydreaming.
Josephine stood before her. "Mistress Lavellan," she greeted. "I finally found you… and I finally remembered what it was I needed you for." She consulted the board that seemed to be an extension of her hand. She began to rattle off an invitation from a duke of somewhere or the other to yet another ball. "I understand you have a distaste for dancing, given your weak joints, Inquisitor but it would be of great benefit to the Inquisition for you to be there."
Kurana processed the situation for a moment and then asked, "One of the servants was feeding the fire in my chambers. Did you not ask one of them where I was. I would have liked to wake up."
Josephine thought for a moment and searched for the response. "No one knew where you were. An awful lot of people tried your chambers but the oddest thing…" She chuckled slightly and then began again. "I know that feeling, when you walk into a room with a purpose, only to forget why you went into the room at all." She shook her head. "Besides the point, I thought I might bring this to your attention as soon as possible, as I know how long it takes you, at times, to make decisions. Goodnight, Inquisitor."
She was about to turn and leave but Kurana asked her first, "Why are you still awake, Josephine?"
Josephine smiled proudly and responded, "Leliana, the commander and I have much work to do. Sometimes we must cut into our resting hours." She turned her head to face the open doors of the Hall. "If they can do it, so can we." With that, she took her leave, shoes tapping as she walked.
There was another poof of smoke beside Kurana when she was out of earshot. "I can start fires. It takes a long time though, so I started before the sun went down," he whispered. He sat close enough that his hat shadowed her. He scooted to the side and went on explaining. "The sleep was harder though. To make someone go to sleep you need to… disperse them, separate them from their consciousness."
Kurana pinched the bridge of her nose. "Why, Cole? I've had work to do all day. People were asking for me."
"It's okay. They didn't know they needed you when they left. There's always tomorrow, anyway." He put his knobby hands on his knees and stared at them for a time before speaking up again. "I helped. I can't make you feel better the way Cullen did, so I made you sleep. It makes the fears seem smaller. Next time, I'll bring him over and he can make you feel better. He's better at it. Next time you hurt… You hurt so often."
She leaned her head on her hand and shook her head. "I don't know what I'll do. Templars killing mages. Mages killing Templars. Meanwhile, a darkspawn demigod is eating the world and everyone looks to me to stop it." She looked over at him. He was silent still, resting his chin on his knees. "I was born just as they were, had a childhood, made mistakes."
"Water flows over freezing, frigid fingers fighting for life. Gripped tight. Please Mythal let her live."
"I took in the templars, but I still doubt myself on decisions I've already made. What had happened had I picked the mages over them?" She turned to see that he was gone, or at least appeared to be. She took this opportunity to visit with Cullen and see if he would be a better advisor. It was intensely more nerve-wracking than speaking to Cole about her problem. Cullen would remember, he'd hear what she was saying, not what was going through her head.
He was sleeping when she found him. Out of his armor, he just looked like a man, not a furry emperor of war. A loose tunic and pants were twisted around him from tossing and turning. She climbed under the blankets and shook him awake. "Commander," she whispered. His head lolled back and forth before his eyes opened hesitantly. At the sight of her, he startled a bit. He propped himself on his elbows and then laughed, "Maker, you frightened me half to death." He laid back down on his side to face her. "What is it, darling? Why are you in my bed?"
Kurana thought about her next words carefully. The wide eyes she gave him were a bit creepy, but he made an effort to ignore them and listen closely. "Commander, I've been wondering about my decision to take in the Templars."
He sniffled and turned on his back. "Excellent choice. They'll serve well against the demons in the rift. We- They're experts at dispelling magic." He closed his eyes as though he were about to fall asleep. "If you took the mages in, we could have had corruption in the ranks. Mages are a lot more unpredictable than Templars. At least you can take a templar's sword away." He opened his eyes and shrugged. "I suppose I could nullify the magic but I couldn't be the only line of defense against rebel mages in the Inquisition." He chuckled at the thought. She was still staring at him, unblinking, and he could feel it.
"You won't take away my magic, will you?," she asked fearfully. "Do you think I'm dangerous?" He gave her a sideways look and smirked. She trembled as he kissed her forehead.
"No, my darling." His forehead touched hers and he assured her, "I would never take your magic away."