Chapter 3

The time had come. She looked up towards the giant tear that scarred the sky. Everything she had been working towards, everything they had all been working towards, was for this moment, this very chance that the Maker blessed her with now. She could sense the tension rising in her friends as they stood around her. They all knew they would not receive a better chance again. And they all looked towards her, waiting with bated breath for her to reach up with the anchor and save them all. A bead of sweat slowly crept down her forehead, as she made her way forwards, bracing herself for what was to come. The mages that the Inquisition recruited stood behind her, ready to supply her with enough power to close the breach. This better work, she thought as she stared at the deadly mark. She looked back where her companions waited. Cassandra gave her a stern nod, a sign Athena believed signified the respect the women held for her. As she began turning back towards her target, her eyes locked on Cullen. He wore the stress of the past week on his face, yet his eyes still expressed a fondness she had came to expect within them. Immediately some of her anxiety slipped away a little as he offered her a small smile. He believed in her and for some reason that meant more to her in that moment than all the encouragement she received from other members of the Inquisition.

I can do this.

She reached towards the breach, the eerie green light shooting up from her palm. It took all of her strength just to remain standing, as she confronted the energy waiting to be released from the tear in the sky. Gritting her teeth, she took a step forward, digging her feet into the earth and praying to the Maker that she could endure the pain coursing through her arm. She began sinking towards the ground, unable to support her own weight any longer. Stray tears began falling from her eyes but she paid no attention, focusing all her energy on the task at hand.

Cullen stared at the woman as he held his breath in anticipation. As the pair had worked alongside each other, he had grown to admire her greatly. Not only was she strong and level headed, she would stop at nothing to do the right thing, even if that caused her a great deal of suffering and pain. Watching her battle with the breach was almost too much for him to bear. He could see the pain it was causing her and all he could do was watch. He had never felt so useless before. What he would give to be able to run to her and help in any way he could. Maker, he would have even taken her place if it meant she did not have to suffer so. Yet here she was, facing the worlds greatest threat alone. How does she do it? How does she endure? was all he could think as he watched the events unfold before him.

In that very moment, Cullen found himself blown off his feet. He landed a few feet away from where he was originally standing, knocking the breath from his lungs and unable to contemplate what had just happened. He quickly sat up, reaching for his sword as he surveyed the area for demons. Once he realised they were in no danger he instinctively looked for Athena. He saw her, laying on her side in the dirt. Without a second thought he raced towards her lifeless form as panic quickly took over his actions. As he came to a stop before her, he fell to his knees and gently turned her towards him. Placing a hand on her cheek, he turned her face towards him and felt for a pulse. You can't be dead. He felt a slight beat under his fingertips and gradually her eyelids fluttered open. She looked up at him, her green orbs searching for his golden ones. For a few seconds, all either of them could do was look at one another, unable to express themselves with words. Surely, he was only so relieved she was alive because they had become friends. Surely.

"Athena are you alive?" came Cassandra's voice, breaking whatever spell was keeping the two together. Athena began to awkwardly move out of Cullen's grasp and as she moved to stand up, Cullen could not ignore the disappointed feeling that filled the empty void.


Safely back at Haven, the celebrations began. Crates of ale where brought from the tavern to the center of the camp and the local bard supplied music as couples danced. It was a joyous occasion and hearts were light for the first time in months. Athena stood at the top of the camp, looking out at the party that was unfolding. She did not feel like celebrating, exhaustion replacing the constant stress she had been facing. As she stood, footsteps approached her and she could sense the Commander standing next to her even before she had seen him. She turned to look in his direction, taking in his professional stance, hands clasped behind his back as he looked out to the mountains beyond. Eventually he turned to face her,

"Do you not feel like celebrating, my Lady?" he asked.

"I think I am too exhausted to dance. Anyway, I did my part, let the people have their fun now" was all she replied, a humble smile making its way onto her face as she once again turned towards the people below. There was a slight pause before Cullen asked his next questions.

"Did it hurt? Closing the breach?"

Not expecting the question, Athena thought for a moment before replying.

"Yes. But the pain I would have felt if I had sat by idly would have been far worse". Cullen gave an agreeable nod to that, understanding her point of view completely. Athena could see him fidgeting from the corner of her eye but chose not to press the matter, not wanting him to give up his attempt at saying whatever was on his mind.

"I'm – " his hand instinctively rubbed the back of his neck as he looked towards the ground, "I'm glad you're okay. It would not have been a victory if we had lost you". She looked towards him, opening her mouth to thank him just as a soldier rang the bell. They were under attack. At once they both looked toward the sound, immediately locating the mass of torches that were winding their way towards their camp.

"We're under attack!" yelled Cassandra as she raced towards the pair.

"Under who's banner?" Athena commanded, trying to suppress the panic from her voice.

"No banner" was the only response she got.


I hope you enjoy the next chapter of my story! I know it's slightly different to the events in the game but this is what I believe should have happened because, lets be honest, we all want more Inquisitor&Cullen moments! Thank you for the reviews so far, I'm always open for advice and opinions and it's nice just knowing you're enjoying the story as much as I am!