Hello everyone! I apologize for it taking so long for me to update! Life and school has been rough and has not left me with much time to write. Thank you all for sticking with me despite the long time between updates!
Chapter Eleven
After the Ambush (Part 1)
{-Cullen-}
Cullen stirred, surprised by the pain that coursed through him. If this is the after life then someone owes me an apology. He thought as he tried to open his eyes. It proved to be immensely more difficult than he remembered. He had a headache, but that was nothing compared to the pain in his chest. Grunting, he finally managed to open his eyes, and was greeted by the sight of a fire burning in a stove. Cullen had to take several moments before he realized where he was. There were many other wounded around him, men and women who were with them at Halamshiral. Realization dawned on him as the memories of the ambush came flooding back to him. He would have shot up if it weren't for the gentle hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry. She'll be alright." Cullen looked into Cole's face as his features were tightening with worry.
"What do you mean she'll be alright?" Cullen resumed his earlier mission of trying to rise, but he was met by another arm on his chest.
"Commander you need to rest. Your wounds are still healing." The surgeon gently pushed against his right shoulder.
"I need to see her. I need to know if she's ok." Cullen protested.
"You don't want to see her right now. You're both lucky to be alive. I closed her wounds and helped her as best as I could. It's up to her and the healers now."
"What do you mean? It's up to the healers?" Cullen was frantic. What had happened to her? He was desperate for answers and if he had to get them himself he would.
Just as Cullen was about to shove himself past the surgeon to get to Ellaina's chambers, Cole started mumbling. "Guilt, shame, should have protected him. Should have expected it. Nightmares haunting again."
"How badly was she injured? How long have we been out?" Cullen directed his questions to the surgeon.
"The worst of her wounds were to her abdomen. She had severe internal bleeding. She also earned several arrows to her right arm and back. The trauma to her head was, luckily, healed in the field or it likely would have been fatal. She's stable but I can't say for certain when she will wake. You both arrived here, unconscious and bleeding, about three days ago."
"Three days?"
"Yes. The arrows that pierced your chest were poisoned. Someone wanted you dead Commander, and they went through great lengths to achieve it. If you hadn't arrived when you did, they very well might have succeeded."
"Arrows? Poison?"
"Yes arrows. You likely didn't feel the ones in your left side or arm due to the pain in your chest, but you were hit several times."
"What kind of poison was it do you know?"
"A mixture of blightwasp and deep mushroom from what I was able to find."
"Crudus mortem." The door opened and Leliana walked in. "That's an Antivan Crow poison. It's meant to make its victims bleed to death. The poison seeps into the bloodstream and sets your nerves on fire as it makes the wound bleed profusely. Slightly counter productive if you ask me. You go unconscious long before the poison kills you."
"Leliana? I assume you've already been filled in on all this." Cullen mused.
"Of course Commander." Leliana replied.
"Then what is your assessment of all this?" Cullen asked.
"I think someone has put a high price on your life. Someone wealthy enough to hire the Antivan Crows no less."
"What are you on about Leliana?"
"Someone who obviously has a personal vendetta against you Commander."
Cullen was still confused. There was no one left that could have any personal reason to want him dead that Corypheus hadn't already disposed of.
"Does the name Camden Adair sound familiar to you?"
Cullen's eyes widened as he looked at Leliana's face. "The Trevelyan family retainer?"
Leliana nodded. "As well as Ellaina's betrothed"
"Her what?" Cullen winced at the pain when he shot up from shock.
"Ellaina was to marry Camden Adair. They had made this arrangement when they were both about 7 years old. The contract still stood even after Ellaina left with the Templars and her sister for the Circle. The Trevelyans and the Adairs have had a long‑standing relationship. From what I understand Ellaina's grandfather fought alongside Camden's to liberate Ostwick from Orlais. The families have been close ever since." Cullen nodded as Leliana continued. "As far as I'm aware Ellaina was under the impression that the agreement had been annulled. After she became Inquisitor she had asked me about the Adair family's standings in Starkhaven, after I gave her my report she spoke no more of it"
"So now he sees me as a threat."
"The Adairs have much to gain with an allegiance to Ellaina's family. The Trevelyans have trained legions of soldiers, including Templars and their military might is known far beyond the Free Marches. The Trevelyans are also not unlike the Couslands in being second only to royal blood as far as nobility goes. The Trevelyans have aided the Vaels in wars past and are planning to aid Prince Sebastian in his vendetta against Kirkwall as well."
"Ah so Sebastian still plans to send an army to hunt Anders."
"It seems that way."
"Maker's breath I should have killed that damned mage the moment Hawke first brought him to the Gallows with her."
"Cullen are you truly so heartless that you would deprive Hawke of the one she loves? This isn't Kirkwall; that battle is over. We have bigger problems to face here. Need I remind you who the real enemy is?" When Leliana got no response she continued, shaking her head. "Here's a hint, it isn't Anders and it isn't Hawke."
Cullen sighed. "You're right."
Without another word Leliana stood and walked out of the infirmary, leaving Cullen to his thoughts.
Cullen gave in to the surgeon urging him to lie down and rest. She promised him that if he rested for the day and got some food in him she would have some of his men take him to Ellaina. He was wrought with worry. It had been three days and she was still unconscious. It took all his willpower and a great deal of "encouragement" from the nurses for him to remain in the infirmary all day. After eating a large bowl of beef stew, he was surprisingly hungry, he felt better. The nurses applied different poultices to his wounds, changed his bandages, and gave him some kind of tea Solas had prepared for him.
"It will help the pain and give you a dreamless sleep." Solas had offered as he insisted that Cullen drink the concoction.
It was not particularly tasty, but it wasn't terribly offending either. Cole had laced it with honey when he wasn't looking because the second cup was sweeter than the first. As much as Cullen tried to be wary of the spirit he was beginning to understand that he was true to his nature. Ever since Ellaina had acquired an amulet, at Solas's insistence, Cullen could relax a little more around him. He had certainly become, what was the word he was looking for? Stranger. Yes far stranger since his adventure with Solas, Ellaina, and Varric. Cullen was glad that Ellaina had chosen not to ignore his magical vulnerabilities.
Must be the Templar in her. She knows better than to just let spirits run amok.
Cullen chuckled to himself. Ellaina certainly had a soft spot for Cole, however. He had helped her out of the Fade on more than one occasion. Cullen still wasn't able to necessarily trust Cole. Cullen's mind wandered back to Ellaina, seeing her over him as his vision blackened. Tears had been streaming down her face as her face contorted with fear and pain. He prayed that she would be all right. He began to feel the drowsiness set in, and, after fighting sleep for a time, he fell into a peacefully dreamless sleep.
Cullen awoke from his slumber feeling more rested than he had in…Maker, he couldn't remember the last time he slept that well. His chest was still heavy, but the pain had lost much of its bite and sting. Enough of his strength had returned in order for him to sit up. It took great effort and, as he swung his legs off the cot, an unexpected pain greeted him in the back of his thigh.
Ah that's right. Someone must have sliced through my tendon.
He doubted he would be able to walk on his own for a while. He managed to put on his boots with some effort. The surgeon was walking in as he was pulling his tunic over his head.
"I see you slept well." She beamed at him.
"Very. Do you have some crutches I could borrow? My right left leg seems to be indisposed." He said, he would have been amused at the fact that an entire side was nearly indisposed if it weren't for the fact that he was consumed with worry for Ellaina.
"Certainly, Commander. I will also see to it that you have a full escort."
"That won't be necessary."
"It's at the Nightingale's insistence Ser." She argued with him.
"Very well. I'm too weary to engage in an argument with Sister Leliana at the moment."
"Good. I will speak with Rylen and get those crutches for you."
"Thank you Margaret."
She looked surprised that he remembered her name, bowed to him, and promptly walked out of the infirmary only to return moments later with the crutches and a full guard as promised.
"Here you are, Commander." Margaret said as she handed him a crutch to prop under his good arm.
Cullen took a moment to adjust to having his weight lopsided. He was still weak so the extra help was certainly appreciated. He was, after all, going to need the help getting up all those damned stairs. Cullen groaned inwardly as he thought about it.
"Any news on her condition?" He asked.
"There was no change this morning."
Cullen sighed, deflated, he had hoped…no he didn't know what he'd hoped. She had been through so much. He prayed she would make it through this as well. The Inquisition needed her now more than ever. He needed her even more.
"Thank you Margaret. I will send word as soon as there is a change."
"You'll be staying with her then?"
"Yes." Cullen answered simply and half hobbled, half hopped, out of the infirmary.
When Cullen finally reached her room he was not prepared for what he would see. Most of Ellaina's companions excluding Iron Bull, Blackwall, and Sera were lying on palettes on the floor. Dorian, Vivienne, and Solas looked completely exhausted; no doubt the result of efforts to heal her. Cole was seated on her bed, staring at her face, seemingly lost in thought. Varric and Bianca were on the loveseat; undoubtedly he was the only one who could sleep comfortably on the small seat. Cassandra was seated by Ellaina's left side, holding her hand and whispering prayers to the Maker on her behalf. When Cullen closed the door behind him Cole and Cassandra jumped. Cassandra glanced at him and then bowed her head to continue her prayers as Cole walked over to greet him.
"How is she?" Cullen directed the question to no one in particular as he looked at Ellaina.
"She is not resting well. Her dreams are plagued and she cannot heal because of it." Solas replied half asleep.
"She needs you." Cole said with a pleading look in his eyes.
"Andraste's tits, Curly it's about time you showed up." Varric sat up slowly in the seat. "Sparkler and Vivienne are out cold. They put all their energy into stabilizing her. I think they gave more than they had. They'll need to rest up for a while before they can greet you proper."
Varric's words were just a whisper in the back of Cullen's mind as he went over to Ellaina's bed. He sat beside her and brushed the hair away from the bandages on her forehead. She didn't look at all like she usually did when she slept. She wore a pained expression and she was glistening from sweat. She had a fever that was for sure, but Cullen didn't know if that was from her injuries, sickness, or lyrium. He looked at Cassandra. She had tears in her eyes and it was clear that she was trying to hide that from everyone else by keeping her head bowed in prayer. Cullen never realized how close of a bond the two women had formed. He realized he was grateful for this. They likely wouldn't have gotten this far with them at each other's throats. Cullen took Ellaina's hand and leaned down and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead.
Almost immediately her expression softened. She was still clearly in pain but she did relax a little bit.
"Talk to her. Tell you you're here. She'll hear you." Cole said.
Cullen looked at Solas who was examining Ellaina closely. Solas nodded.
"Ellaina, my love, I'm here for you. I'm safe thanks to you. You are strong and will make it through this, and when you do I'll be sitting right here beside you. Please rest and heal. We need you. I need you."
"That's it. Her mind is calming."
Cullen didn't know what else to say so he raised her hand up and placed a gentle kiss on her fingers. Her hands were bandaged and he hoped he didn't hurt her by doing it. He sometimes forgot how fragile she was, despite everything they had been through recently. She was still human. She still bruised, bled, and she could… No, he wouldn't think about that. She would come through. She had to.
{-Ellaina-}
Just when she thought her nightmare was coming to an end it got worse. She remembered everything that had happened and had been sleeping dreamlessly until now. Her body was not yet strong enough to allow her consciousness to return to it. She wasn't sure how she knew this or how she could have such control over her dreams. Solas mentioned this once. It's the anchor. She looked down at the magical green mark emblazoned into her left hand. It felt warmer somehow, she couldn't tell why but it seemed as though she was being held.
Ellaina continued to walk in her dream. She was climbing a mountainous pass in the Free Marches. Where? She wasn't sure. All she knew was that she had to keep moving or else something terrible would happen.
"Ella!"
Ellaina hadn't heard the voice for so long she almost didn't recognize it.
"Everett?" She turned to see her twin brother standing in front of her. He was wearing his Templar armor just as he had been the day…
"Ella! It's so good to see you! I thought for certain you had died in Starkhaven. When my patrol got the news, I was terrified."
"Everett, but you're, I…" killed you. Ellaina finished the sentence in her thoughts.
"Ella I'm not dead. I was with the others in my squadron apprehending a maleficar remember? I wasn't at the Circle when the mage and his thralls came. It was on your orders Ella."
Ellaina tried to recall the memory but she could not.
"No, I remember your face. You had…you had changed. I'm so sorry Everett. I had no choice."
As the words came from Ellaina's mouth the tears spilled from her eyes and the vision of Everett, her dearest brother, blurred in front of her. Then it happened. Everett was morphing, changing into the abomination he had become, but this time it was different. He was one of the Red Templars and retained his humanity, to an extent.
"No, please no. Just let him be dead. Let my memory be right. I can't…" Ellaina lowered her face as she gripped the longsword at her side.
"Ella, we can be together again! I've missed you so much sister."
"Everett the red lyrium, it's a poison, a curse."
"No Ella, the Chantry used us, kept us on a chain for their convenience. They leashed this power because they knew that was the only way they could control us."
No, please no. Just let him be dead. Let my memory be right. I can't… Ellaina lowered her face as she gripped the longsword at her side.
"Ella, we can be together again! I've missed you so much sister."
"Everett the red lyrium, it's a poison, a curse."
"No Ella, the Chantry used us, kept us on a chain for their convenience. They leashed this power because they knew that was the only way they could control us."
"Everett, don't you see? You'll die!"
"To the contrary, Ella. This is the most alive I've ever felt." With that Everett lunged at Ellaina. He was fighting her, and it wasn't like the duels they had when they were children. This was a fight to the death and she knew it.
"Everett! I don't want to fight you brother!" Ellaina dodged Everett's attacks and kept a grip on her longsword. She had killed him. He was dead! How was this possible?
"You cannot stay your hand Ella! Our parents always favored you! You were the one who was going to succeed where even Loren couldn't! Oh they were so disappointed when they learned about what you had done."
"That's not true! Loren was the best Templar we had ever trained! Father was so proud of him! The only reason I left for the Circle was so that I could protect Bryanne! Or have you forgotten about her too?"
Everett flew into a rage. "How dare you? I loved Bryanne more than anyone! She was my little sister! When I learned what our parents had done I begged them to let me go with the two of you, but they refused. Father trained me until I was 'ready' to take my place in the Circle. By that time by twin sister was already Knight-Lieutenant! You stole my glory! That position was meant for me!" Everett began morphing again. He changed into all of her companions resting on Cullen for a moment before changing into her shape.
This is just like the envy demon.
"I see through you demon! You will not trick me!"
The demon launched another volley of assaults. Ellaina had no choice but to draw her sword and attack. She parried the first blow, rounded, and ran her sword through its armor just as the demon returned to Everett's form.
"I'm so sorry, Brother." The tears fell from Ellaina's eyes as Everett's blood pooled around her.
Everett collapsed into a pile in front of her and Ellaina fell to her knees sobbing over his bloodied corpse, still warm. She didn't know how long she lay there before she heard it.
Ellaina, my love, I'm here for you.
Cullen's voice echoed through her entire consciousness. The warmth of it enveloped her as she lay over her brother's body. Then she felt his hand on her shoulder, his voice no longer part of her mind, but now taking form as part of her dream.
I'm safe thanks to you. You are strong and will make it through this, and when you do I'll be sitting right here beside you. Please rest and heal. We need you. I need you.
{-Cullen-}
Cullen woke earlier that morning than usual. He went to the kitchens and grabbed something to. His pile of reports lie forgotten beside the love-seat. He hadn't been able to concentrate on them at all last night. After grabbing his bounty of snacks he hobbled back up to Ellaina's room. He was glad to see she was resting peacefully. He grabbed the first report off the pile and began reading aloud. Since there was nothing else to fill the silence he had started reading reports to Ellaina. It helped kept him focused and also, somehow, seemed to keep her calm. It had been 2 days since he had awoken in the infirmary
Why am I even trying? I can't get any work done like this.
Cullen set aside the report he had just picked up and sat beside Ellaina on the bed. He brushed the hair away that had fallen into her face. He longed for her to open her eyes so that he knew she would be all right. His injuries were healing rather quickly but sleeping on the tiny love-seat was doing him no favors. Yet he could not bear to be away from her. Cullen let out a sigh and decided he should probably bathe. He had been so consumed with worry he couldn't remember the last time he'd taken a warm bath.
He walked down the stairs toward the main hall and asked the guard stationed there to find Cassandra. As soon as the soldier left Cullen walked back up into the room to wait for Cassandra to arrive. He picked up his pile of reports and attempted to straighten them. He gathered the rest of the belongings he'd had with him including a change of clothing and a blanket and set them on the love-seat. Finally when all that was done he sunk into Ellaina's desk chair with the same report in hand that he had attempted to read earlier. It was an update from Knight-Captain Rylen about their progress in the Western Approach. Their forces were well entrenched there now that they had access to an unpolluted water source. They had established trade routes from the hissing wastes as well as Val Royeaux and all seemed to be going well. The Darkspawn threat still remained, however. Cullen would have to talk to Josephine about sending some allies to the area to keep the Darkspawn at bay until Ellaina returned to them. Cullen signed off on the report just as the door to Ellaina's bedchamber opened.
"You requested me Commander?" Cassandra entered. She looked as exhausted as he felt.
"Yes. Would you mind watching her for a while? I can't remember the last time I had a bath and, frankly, I can't get any work done here."
"Certainly. Try to relax for a while before diving back in if you would." She smiled at him and there was sincerity in her brown eyes.
"I will try. Thank you, Cassandra. Please let me know if anything changes."
"If anything happens, you'll be the first to know."
Cullen nodded to her as he gathered his belongings and walked out the door. As much as Cullen wanted it to be false, his leg was still bothering him. He thought it would have healed by now, but it didn't seem to be getting better. The wounds in his chest and arm were healing at a much quicker pace, despite the weapons being coated with poison. Perhaps a warm bath and a change of clothes would help him heal. Cullen had begun to read another war report as he walked toward his office. He was not about to take all of those Makerforsaken stairs down into the courtyard and up to his office so he opted for a walk through the rotunda.
"Commander." Solas greeted him.
Cullen had hoped the elf would not notice him walking through. However foolish a notion he knew that would be. "Good to see you Solas."
"How are you feeling?" Solace asked, a hint of concern in his voice.
"Well, I've certainly been better."
"Yes, I'm sure near death does wonders for one's health!" Dorian yelled down.
"That it does my friend." Cullen rebuked sarcastically.
Solas shook his head, doing his best to ignore Dorian, and continued. "If you need anything at all please let me know."
Cullen hesitated for a moment. "Actually if you have some of that tea you gave me in the infirmary I would certainly be grateful for it."
"Yes, certainly. I'll bring it to your office if you'd like. I have a few things I need to take care of first." Solas said with a smile.
"Thank you, Solas." Cullen nodded and exited the rotunda onto the walkway that connected it to his office.
When he stepped outside the cool mountain breeze rustled his, already unkempt, hair. He breathed deeply, taking in the view and scent of early spring in the Frostbacks. There were beautiful wrens and finches flying over the castle walls. Their melodies mixed with the constant din from the ravens in to a harmony that even Cullen was surprised to hear. It was odd for songbirds to be at this altitude so early. Then again, it had been unseasonably warm recently. Cullen opened the heavy door to his office and found it, uncharacteristically cluttered. He had been absent for only a few days after gathering the massive pile of reports that his soldiers had left for him. Ironically he was now replacing that same pile onto his desk.
After ridding himself of paperwork again Cullen gathered his clothing and prepared himself for the trek up the ladder to his quarters. It would have been one thing were only his leg or arm injured, but with one of each out of the running he had to come up with a creative way to limp up the ladder. Luckily for him both of his injuries were on the same side so he could use his left arm for support while he put his weight on his right leg. It was slow going but he did manage to make it up. He removed his tunic in order to gain access to the bandages wrapping around his chest and arm. Removing the bandages was an agonizingly slow process as the salve had dried and now his skin was sticking to the gauze. It must have taken longer than he thought, for as soon as he was finished he heard a knock on his door.
"It's your faithful chess mate. May I come in?" Dorian called through the cracked door.
"You may. I'm upstairs." Cullen replied.
"You mean 'up ladder' I presume?"
Cullen sighed and shook his head as he sat on the bed. "You have horrible timing."
"I beg to differ, I should think my timing is always impeccable." Dorian said as he made it to the top of the ladder.
"If by impeccable timing you mean that you meant to arrive just as I was undressing then I suppose you'd be right." Cullen chuckled, the motion making him wince slightly.
"I brought the tea you requested from Solas. He went to check on Ellaina." Noting the look of concern on Cullen's face he continued. "Just to make sure it remains stable, nothing to worry about."
"Thank you." Cullen reached out for the tea instinctively with his right arm but as soon as he lifted it so his hand was level with his navel, a bolt of pain coursed from his fingertips through his chest.
"Still having pain? May I?" Dorian gestured to his injuries.
Cullen looked toward the wound. It was infected, he was certain.
"I only want to look at it, but I think this is beyond our surgeon's area of expertise."
Cullen looked at his friend. He knew Dorian was right, but he had his reservations about being healed, let alone inspected, by a mage no matter how much he trusted him
After a moment more of hesitation Cullen nodded.
Dorian knelt next to Cullen's right side so that he could get a better look at the wounds. He manipulated his arm and watched Cullen's reactions carefully. After what seemed like hours of torture Dorian leaned back onto his feet. "Well it's definitely infected, but I think you already knew that."
Cullen nodded.
"But your shoulder is dislocated, you have severe muscle damage, and a torn tendon. The fact that you can move your arm at all is a miracle. If this isn't tended properly you'll be lucky to ever be able to fight again, let alone use this arm ever again."
Cullen reeled. The thought of never being able to lift a sword again terrified him. That was all he'd ever known. He gulped. "What do you suggest?"
"Well first of all, this arm needs to be set. And so long as you're refusing magical treatment of any kind, it needs to be bound and slung as well. If you allowed me to heal you, you would be good as new as early as tomorrow and as late as the weekend."
"Will it hurt?"
"What me healing you? It can't hurt any worse than it already does can it?"
"I suppose you're right."
"Cullen, I promise, the moment you feel slightly uncomfortable, just say the word and we'll go the more traditional route. I have precious few friends and I would not hurt or betray the trust of any of a friend."
Cullen looked at Dorian. For the first time since he'd met the man, Dorian wore a very serious expression. There was a fierce sincerity in his eyes that he had only seen them hold once or twice usually when the mage was speaking of the depravity in his homeland. Cullen decided that trying a magical approach couldn't be any worse than being in constant pain.
"Very well Dorian."
"Alright, lie down so that you're comfortable."
Cullen did as Dorian asked. However he was tense, so he was as comfortable as one could expect him to be.
"I know it's difficult, but it will be much easier if you try to relax. You have muscle trauma so the less tense you are the faster they'll heal. We need to set your shoulder first. This will hurt but I promise I'll begin healing you with soothing magic as soon as I'm done."
Dorian grabbed a washcloth and wetted it in the washbasin next to Cullen's tub. Dorian offered the cloth to Cullen who took it knowing precisely what it was for. As soon as Cullen had the cloth in his mouth Dorian grasped Cullen's wrist.
"I'm going to do this fast so be ready."
Cullen only had time to nod once before his vision blurred and blotted white. Cullen bit down hard on the washcloth and his groan was muted behind it. As soon as the pain had set in he felt a cool energy on his shoulder. The hair on the back of his neck stood up. Something long forgotten and distant rumbled in his gut, a warning of imminent danger. The spell shatter automatically started to build up as his instincts called upon his Templar abilities. He shot up and broke out into a cold sweat. Dorian kept to his word and stopped immediately.
"I'm almost finished if you want to relax and try again."
Cullen's throat was too dry to speak. He swallowed, willing his salivary glands to begin normal function again. He sat up and grasped his forehead trying to get his bearings as the room spun blurrily around him. Cullen tried to piece together what had happened the past few moments. There was the cloth, then his shoulder, then…what? Magic. It had to have been magic. There was nothing else that would awaken that kind of feeling inside him. His entire body felt like it was on fire and he realized all his muscles were tensed.
"I take it you've never been healed magically."
Cullen willed his vocal cords to work. "No. I've only ever fought against magic. The only time I've ever been touched by it in combat."
"That would explain the reaction then. I've done what I can on the major injuries, but if you're not comfortable continuing I can take you back to the surgeon and make sure you're properly tended to."
Cullen thought for a moment. He focused past his instinctual reaction against the magic and focused on the feeling of the energy itself. It felt like cool water pouring slowly over his injuries, accompanied by a vibration that Cullen was familiar with. All mages emitted that kind of pulsating energy. That was one of the best ways Templars could identify apostates when they were hiding amongst crowds of people. But it hadn't felt bad. In fact, the longer Cullen thought about it the more he realized it had, in fact, felt rather good.
"What do you think?" Cullen turned to Dorian, not really needing his opinion, but more something to distract him long enough to relax.
"If you're asking my opinion I will tell you what I already have. Magic will have you up and going by the end of the day. I have a feeling you aren't really asking my opinion though. Besides, I will only do what you are comfortable with Commander. If Ellaina awoke to a distressed lover and found out I was at fault I would not want to face her wrath." Dorian replied with a subtle wink.
"I think we could try again." Cullen said, still somewhat hesitant.
"If you're sure." Dorian's concern was evident and endearing. Cullen was lucky to have him as a friend.
"I'm sure."
"All right. Lie back down and relax. It won't work as well if you're tense."
Cullen nodded and lay down on his back. He felt the pulsating energy first and the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end again. Cullen fought against the adrenaline rushing into his veins. He forced his muscles to relax and kept his breathing slow and steady.
"That's it. You're doing great." Dorian spoke.
Cullen forced himself to focus on the soothing sensation the magic had. How it was just cool enough to soothe, but not cold enough to numb or be uncomfortable. The vibrating energy Cullen had been taught to prepare to fight against became a balm to soothe his aching muscles. He felt his arm getting stronger as the muscles and ligaments were repaired out of sight beneath his skin. The pain receded as he focused on the energy of Dorian's spell. He was able to fully relax despite the knots forming in his stomach. The spell faded and Cullen sat up slowly.
"All done. If I had been able to heal it sooner it might not have scarred, but you can always just count it as adding to your collection." Dorian winked. "Now let's have a look at that leg."