Hey everyone! sorry for keeping you waiting for this chapter for so long! My entire family came down with a bad case of bronchitis so, being Mom, I had to do my best to make everyone else feel better while I, myself, was fighting the same illness! Anyways, I hope this was worth the wait! As always, I don't own anything. Only my Player Characters (Ellaina Trevelyan, Celestine Amell, and Elissa Cousland) are my own intellectual property.

Chapter 15

The Royal Entourage

{-Ellaina-}

It didn't take Ellaina long to get her armor on. She pulled her great-sword off the wall and sheathed it behind her back. She had to keep up appearances after all, and it never hurt to be prepared. She pulled her long waves out of her tunic, allowing it to billow down over her armor. Feeling satisfied with herself after looking in the mirror she headed back out to the courtyard. She found her advisors waiting for her. Seeing several of her companions heading into the dining hall reminded her; she had almost forgotten about getting a team ready for the departure to the Western approach in the morning, but it was well before nightfall so she had time. Soon the sounds of hooves hitting stone rang in the air and Ellaina got a look at who was leading the party. She recognized the King of Ferelden immediately.

"Quite the place you've got here, Inquisitor."

"King Alistair!" Ellaina bowed formally. "We were not expecting you, Your Highness."

"Best kind of surprise is a royal one. Wouldn't you agree?" he replied with a wink as he dismounted his horse. "At any rate, it's nice to get away from court every once in a while, however aside from your title I have no name to call you by."

"My apologies, Highness, my name is Ellaina. Ellaina Trevelyan of Ostwick."

To Ellaina's surprise, Alistair reached out and shook her hand. "It's good to make your acquaintance Inquisitor Trevelyan."

"The pleasure is mine Highness." Ellaina bowed again and turned to introduce her companions. "May I introduce my advisors? Lady Josephine Montilyet, Ambassador to the Inquisition."

"I've heard much Lady Montilyet." Alistair took her hand and kissed it.

"As I've heard much of your travels together during the Blight I assume you recognize the Inquisition's spymaster, Sister Leliana."

"It's been too long Leliana. I hope you are well." Alistair repeated the same gesture with Leliana.

"I am. Thank you Alistair." Leliana replied giving him a small smile.

"Finally, Cullen Rutherford, Commander of the Inquisition's army."

Alistair studied Cullen closely as he shook his hand. "I remember you. You were Meredith's second in command weren't you?"

"I was." Cullen replied curtly.

"Kirkwall was a mess. I'm glad you were there to help put things back right after she…stepped down, for lack of better words."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Now then, I believe I have an introduction of my own to make." Alistair gestured to the woman dismounting a horse behind him. "May I introduce the Ferelden Commander of the Grey and Senior Grand Enchanter, Celestine Amell?"

"It is an honor to make your acquaintance Commander." Ellaina stepped forward to shake her hand.

"The honor is mine Inquisitor."

Although the woman did not appear to be a mage, Ellaina could sense the tingle of magic in the air around her. She was also rather good looking. Her greying blonde hair was cut into a short bob and her bangs fell over her forehead and into her eyes. Her eyes were so light blue they were almost silver. She wore light mail armor instead of robes and carried a longsword instead of a staff, peculiar for a mage.

Commander Amell must have noticed Ellaina looking her over when she stated, "Ah, you must be wondering about my weapon of choice?"

Ellaina couldn't contain her curiosity. "I don't believe I've ever seen a mage favor a sword over a staff. So, I must admit to some curiosity."

"Indeed." She replied with a chuckle. "Perhaps we can have a discussion about it at a later time."

"I would like that." Ellaina noticed Celestine's eyes darting back and forth between Leliana and Cullen. "I apologize. I'm keeping you from formal introductions with my Advisors. Forgive me."

"It's all right." She replied with a lighthearted smile.

Josephine was the first to step forward. She bowed as she said, "It is an honor to make your acquaintance Commander Amell."

"I have heard much of you Lady Montilyet. Please, call me Celestine."
"Thank you, my lady." Josephine replied looking rather pleased with herself.
She turned to Cullen, giving him a long look up and down that made Ellaina more than a little

uncomfortable. "By the Maker I don't believe it. It really is you, Cullen. I see the little Templar from the tower has grown up to command an army."

"It's good to see you again Celestine. I'm glad to see you are well."

"I am. Leliana said you were here, but I refused to believe it until I saw for myself. After the Blight and the horrible things we heard about Kirkwall, I..." she paused, considering what to say next. "I'm just relieved to see you doing so well."

"Thank you." Cullen nodded his head and returned to Ellaina's side. He put his arm on her shoulder briefly to reassure her. She wondered if he could sense how uncomfortable she was. The familiarity between the two of them made her squirm, but before she could blink Commander Amell was being tackled by Leliana.

"Save the best for last I see." Leliana said in a rather sultry voice.
"Of course, my love. I'm so happy to see you."
"And I you." They shared a brief kiss, clearly not caring who saw.
"Ahem." Alistair cleared his throat trying to get everyone's attention. "I hate to be the one to break up this lovely reunion, but I have my reasons for coming along as well you know."

"Yes, your Highness. I apologize; it won't happen again." Leliana and Celestine collected themselves.

"I understand. It's not like I didn't travel with the two of you during the Blight." Alistair's demeanor turned somber before he continued, "I know what it's like to be separated from the one you love for far too long."

"I'm so sorry Alistair." Leliana said. "I've been trying to track her down, but there is no sign of her."

"It's alright Leliana. Really."

Sensing the sadness that had fallen over the entourage Ellaina looked to Leliana. "If you would like to escort Commander Amell and the rest of her attachés to their rooms, I believe the King has matters he would like to discuss."

"Indeed I do, Inquisitor. That is why I came here after all."

"I understand, Your Majesty. If you would do Commander Cullen and me the honor of accompanying us to the War Room we can discuss any concerns you have."

"That sounds like an excellent idea. By the way, you wouldn't happen to have a place I could grab something to eat would you? Travel rations aren't exactly the most filling meals."

"Of course! I believe that dinner is about to be served in fact."

"Oh Alistair. There are lots of Orlesian cheeses in the kitchen's stockrooms. Help yourself." Leliana interjected with an impish grin.

"You know me too well Leliana." Alistair replied before turning back to Cullen, Josephine and I. "I believe we have some important matters to attend to."

"Yes, Your Majesty. I believe you mentioned that you wished to eat first"

"That sounds like an excellent idea, Inquisitor."

"Then please allow me to escort you to the dining hall."

Without another word the four of them entered the dining hall where the usual crowd of nobles were chatting over their dinner. Ellaina escorted her party to their seats and headed to the kitchens where she found several of the servants milling about. She recognized one of them and asked her for help preparing plates for her companions. She didn't mention that she would be dining with the King of Ferelden as Alistair seemed to be enjoying a bit of anonymity. She couldn't say she blamed him. Being famous becomes exhausting and she was certain that being swarmed by everyone in Skyhold was the last thing he wanted after the journey from Denerim palace.

Ellaina returned to the table in the dining hall to find Alistair and Cullen steeped in some debate. Their conversation, however, stopped abruptly when the food arrived. The young woman who had helped her make the plates helped her set everything on the table and dismissed herself in order to finish her work. Ellaina thanked her for her help and sat with her companions.

"You know, Inquisitor, you are the complete opposite of what I was expecting." Alistair said to between bites of food.

"What makes you say that Your Majesty?"

"First of all, please call me Alistair. I get enough of 'Highness' and 'your Majesty' all day long at court back in Denerim. It would be nice not to be royalty, at least for as long as I'm here."

Ellaina glanced over to Cullen who gave her a small nod. "Very well, Alistair."

Alistair smiled his thanks to her before continuing. "The reason I say this is because I was expecting someone much more, well, uptight and iron fisted."

"What makes you say that?"

"Well, I thought to myself: What kind of person does it take to put Gaspard on Orlais' throne? What kind of person would take Templars into their fold? What kind of person could face down Corypheus and his so-called Archdemon and not waver? Yet here you are, a kindhearted, caring, and gentle woman. I suppose I should not be surprised, but the things I have heard about your prowess in battle as well as the decisions you have made left me with many unanswered questions."

"Well High-" She stopped herself, "I mean Alistair, there is always two sides to one coin. I have no doubt you have qualms with the decision I have made with the throne of Orlais. I expected that much, but that conversation is best left to the War Room when there are not prying ears."

"Point taken. I still have my doubts, but I can say that I am grateful to you for giving the Orlesian Grey Wardens a second chance."

"The Grey Wardens are heroes. They acted out of fear and desperation. I know what it is like to be so committed to the ideal that your superiors know what they are doing. They were given bad orders and they followed them out of blind faith. The warriors, those whose minds had not been taken by Corypheus helped my men when the time came. It was a mistake that I pray they will not make again."

"Eloquently put, Inquisitor." Alistair said before finishing his meal.

"That's our Inquisitor. She's as fearless as she is silver-tongued." Josephine interjected.

"From what I've heard, she has lots of help in the leadership department." Alistair said, nodding to Cullen and Josephine.

"Do you doubt her abilities?" Cullen asked, a hint of anger in his voice.

"I apologize. It was not meant as an insult." Alistair bowed his head.

"You are correct, Alistair. I have been blessed with excellent advisors." Ellaina said before Cullen could get any more riled up. "I am ever so grateful for their council. I could have asked for no better. If you are ready, I believe now is as good a time as ever to finish our earlier discussion in the War Room."

"Agreed. On your lead, Inquisitor."

With that the four of them proceeded to the War room. The atmosphere was still tense, but Ellaina could sense their conversations over dinner had helped to alleviate some of that tension. Upon entering the War Room Alistair let out a low whistle.

"This is quite impressive, Inquisitor." Alistair commented as she, Cullen, and Josephine took their places around the table.

"Thank you." Ellaina replied in a professional tone.

"Right to business then I see." Alistair chuckled at Ellaina's change in demeanor.

"Our war councils usually are." Cullen interjected.

"Yes, we try our best to keep everything else separate from this room." Josephine added.

"As you can see, Your Majesty." Ellaina noticed the lift of Alistair's eyebrow. "Alistair. We do our best to keep everything organized. When we receive word of something that needs done in the field that does not involve a rift, or is a favor for one of my companions, we dispatch a team of those best equipped to deal with the problem efficiently and effectively. It could be diplomats, soldiers, or spies. Every single member of this Inquisition has strengths and we do our best to put those strengths into action."

"I see you have Grey Wardens helping as well."

"They excel at dealing with the Darkspawn, so yes we have dispatched them on several missions. Those who chose to remain have proven to be a valuable asset to us. I am grateful for their assistance."

"I have to thank you again for giving them a second chance."

"They were needed. There is no need for thanking me." Ellaina cut him off before continuing. "Now then. To continue our discussion about Orlais."

"Yes. I have a few questions first."

"The floor is open, Alistair." She gestured for him to continue.

"First of all, how did you uncover the conspiracy on Celene's life?"

Josephine stepped forward and answered. "When the Inquisitor went to investigate the Lord Seeker at Therinfal Redoubt she found a room with several documents containing evidence to the conspiracy."

"I see do you still have these documents."

"We do. Josephine rifled through a stack of papers before, evidently, finding what she was looking for and handing them to Alistair.

He read them over before continuing. "Ok, next question. How did you manage to get soldiers into the winter Palace? I assume you had an honor guard accompany you as is custom, but I heard that you got enough soldiers in to deal with those Tevinter cultists."

It was Cullen's turn to answer. "The Venatori yes. Their numbers were greater than we had anticipated, but we did know they were involved."

"And you found that information out how?"

Cullen looked at Ellaina, knowing that they hadn't found out about the Venatori involvement until after her capture. She nodded, giving him silent permission to continue. "After the fall of Adamant, the Inquisitor gained firsthand information on the plans of the Venatori."

"And how did she acquire this?" Alistair hadn't looked up from the papers and reports Josephine had given him. Clearly he wasn't picking up on the growing tension in the room either.

"I was captured." Ellaina stated curtly.

This caught Alistair's attention. "I hadn't heard this."

"We did our best to keep the incident within the Inquisition. I have a report written on it if you feel the knowledge is necessary to have."

"No, I'll take your word on it. My apologies. Please, continue."

Cullen took his cue and continued on. "We infiltrated the Palace with the help of Leliana's agents. We gradually brought in soldiers via the servants quarters throughout the length of the evening. When the Inquisitor gave the signal, that's when we mobilized."

"Makes sense. Leliana certainly does have eyes and ears everywhere doesn't she?"

"She does."

Alistair nodded his head as he continued. "So far, everything you've told me makes sense and I've heard much of the same from people who were there on my behalf. I do have one more question, however. I want to know why you chose to put Gaspard on the throne. I know you're a Marcher, but you're nobility so I assume you've been steeped in our history enough to know what exactly has happened between Ferelden and Orlais. Enough to know that Gaspard was one of the more powerful Generals who ordered the march on Ferelden against my father's armies." Alistair was trying to keep his emotions under control, but it was clear he was getting worked up.

"Yes, Your Majesty I have been well educated in the history of all Thedas." Ellaina tried her best to keep her tone flat, as she knew this was a sensitive matter and it should be handled delicately. She also knew that Alistair would accept no other answer than her own. "It was my education in such matter that lead me to my decision. Gaspard had claim to the throne as Emperor Florian's first-born. He had been raised to be Emperor so he had all the training necessary. I also knew that as a leader he would offer little to no deception as he is not a master player of the Game like Celene and Duchess Florianne were. Additionally there is the fact that, like yourself, he is a soldier first. He knows how to handle and lead an army. That was the stability I was looking for. Orlais needs its military united to stand against the threat of Corypheus. In my opinion the best way to do this was to put Gaspard on the throne."

Alistair had not met her eyes and her explanation was met with an uncomfortable silence. He continued to stare at where Orlais was marked on the map before finally replying with a quiet: "I see."

Ellaina thought she was going to be sick. She could see the anger clearly written all over Alistair's face. He was gripping the table relentlessly as he continued to stare at the map. Ellaina opened her mouth to apologize, but Josephine jumped to her rescue.

"King Alistair, I can sympathize with your reaction to the decision the Inquisitor has made. However, I believe it was the right one. She did not do this on a whim and she expressed deep remorse over the loss of Celene. However, if we are to stand against Corypheus then we will need, as the Inquisitor said, the united might or Orlais' military. I believe that you will agree with me when I say that would not have been possible under Celene's rule."

Alistair's features softened a small measure. "You are probably right. That's not to say that I approve, but I can't disagree with your reasoning. I just hope Orlais' military doesn't get too strong"

"Your Majesty, if it is invasion you are concerned about, I can assure you that so long as the Inquisition stands you need not fear it. Ferelden has suffered a Blight and Orlais a civil war. Gaspard sees that and has assured me that they have no plans to march on Ferelden."

Alistair nodded before a broad smile shone over his tense features and he clapped his hands together. "Well, I think that's enough serious talk for one day. I've heard what I came to hear and I'm satisfied."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Ellaina replied bowing to him and ignoring the raised eyebrow.

"If you would like, I could escort you to your quarters for the evening. Certainly you are tired from your journey." Josephine offered.

"That would be lovely. It might be a little early to retire for the evening, but I would certainly like to get this armor off." He replied as he allowed himself to be escorted out of the room.

Ellaina had been studying the map, looking at all they still had to do. So she was quite surprised when, after the door had closed, Cullen came to her and tilted her chin up to meet his gaze. He didn't even give her a chance to gasp before he took her into his arms and kissed her sweetly. She melted into him and was grateful to him for silently willing her to relax.

"Now then. We both have work to do, so I should let you go."

"Do we have to?" She asked giving him the same pouty face he had given her that very morning.

"I'm afraid so my love." He bent down to give her a final peck on the cheek before turning and departing.

"Well, I suppose I should go find Varric, Dorian, and Cassandra. We have a trip to plan."

{-Cullen-}

Cullen had been chuckling to himself almost all the way back to his office. Maker, the look Ellaina had given him! It was too much and Cullen chuckled again as he recalled it to memory. Upon entering his office he was surprised to see a familiar face rifling through the papers on his desk.

"Celestine?"

"Oh! Cullen! I didn't…I mean I wasn't…" She clutched her temples in her hands, "Maker's breath this looks awful."

Cullen crossed his arms. "I can't disagree with you there."

"I'm so sorry. I was looking for the report on Adamant. Leliana told me you probably still had it? I'm starting to think she sent me on a wild goose chase."

"You would be correct on that count. The Inquisitor has all the reports on Adamant."

"I see. Sly little minx. She set me up." Celestine smiled and shook her head.

"How has she been since…?"

"Since?"

"Since the Conclave. Since Justinia died?"

"She's been dedicated to her work and to our cause. She's given herself little time for much else."

The smile on her face faded when she heard this. "I see. So she's burying herself in her work in order to escape her grief. I figured as much, but I had hoped. If you'll excuse me, Commander, I need to seek out the Inquisitor."

Cullen almost let her leave, but something stopped him. There was too much unspoken between them. He couldn't allow that to stand. Not with everything that had happened since the Blight.

"Celestine, wait." She turned, her expression was one of cautious surprise. "I think we have a few things to discuss."

She sighed. "You're probably right."

Silence fell between them. Neither really knowing what to say, where to start. There was so much that had been buried for over a decade.

"I owe you an apology." Cullen started, being unable to bear the silence between them any longer. "What I said to you the day you left. You could have died…I was angry…" he struggled to find the words. "Maker's breath, this went so much better in my head."

"Still flustered in the presence of beautiful women I see." Celestine let out a small chuckle. "Cullen, you weren't the only one in the tower who was subjected to Uldred's twisted games. "I almost wish Elissa had annulled the tower. Almost."

"She made Uldred pay for his crimes."

"And you would have had us all pay them." Celestine spat.

"I…" Cullen was taken aback by her sudden change in tone. "Yes. At the time I would have had all mages pay for his crimes."

"The actions of a few overshadow the actions of the majority. It's always the same. It will always be the same. Especially with the Templars. They see us all as objects to be feared. I thought you were different, but I was wrong."

"No you were correct. Celestine, I am not a Templar any longer. I left the Order to join the Inquisition."

"And what of the Inquisitor herself? She is a Templar no? Did you choose her because of her shared hatred of all mages? So that you could suffer through life and struggles of faith together? Give me a break Cullen I know enough."

"So she has a past!" Cullen felt his anger building. No one, not even Celestine Amell would insult Ellaina in front of him. "What you know of her wouldn't fill a thimble! You are awfully quick to judge her considering your own choices."

"Leliana was betrayed! She had no power over what happened to her! It destroyed her!"

"And you just assume that Ellaina has made every decision in her life willingly?"

"She had every right! She was a noble in Ostwick. Her name carries enough weight there to get whatever she wants!"

"You have no idea the hell she has been through! You have no right to judge her!" Cullen was livid. Who was this woman? Certainly not the same mage he had been charged with back at the Circle.

Celestine's face changed from angry to somber. "You love her don't you?" She let out a small chuckle. "You really have grown up from that little Templar in the tower."

"You are absolutely correct. I do love her; more than I ever thought possible." Cullen sighed before he continued. "I have grown up, and you have changed."

"It seems the Blight changed us both." she said.

"It did indeed." His voice still held some of the anger he was feeling.

"I should go." Celestine turned to leave. "You should know I'm happy for you; truly. Love is hard to find, especially in times of tragedy. Cherish that love."

"I do." Cullen was about to leave it there, but something kept him talking. "I wanted to tell you I'm sorry, that I regret what I said to you the day you left to join the Wardens."

"I know Cullen. I hope that we can get to know each other again. To be friends like we used to be." She hadn't turned around but Cullen could hear the small smile in her voice.

"I don't know Celestine…" Cullen was hesitant. He was unsure how Ellaina would react. He knew that he felt nothing for Celestine anymore, but convincing Ellaina would be a different story. "That might not be a wise decision. We both have obligations now and our past…it might be too much."

"I understand. I just hope there can be less animosity between us." With that she turned and shut the door behind her in not so gentle a fashion.

"Maker's breath." Cullen sighed as he collapsed back into his chair. He picked up the report on top of the stack. It was another report from Magdalena on Crestwood.

I swear I read at least ten of these a day. Doesn't that woman get tired of writing reports? Maker knows I get tired of reading them.

Just as he was about to forgo the idea of finishing any more work for the day a small knock sounded at his door.

"Enter." he spoke to the door before delving head first back into his report.

"Buried in paperwork as usual I see?"

Recognizing Ellaina's voice, Cullen looked up from his paperwork to greet her. "Of course. Someone has to do all the reading."

"Planning on chiding me for neglecting mine Commander?"

"Chide you my dear? Perish the thought."

"Mhmm." Ellaina grumbled in a dismissive tone.

Cullen noticed she was still in her armor which meant she hadn't returned to her quarters. He also noticed that her brow was scrunched and her chin held a wrinkle that was only present when she was angry.

"Is something wrong?" He instantly regretted asking.

"No, Cullen, nothing is wrong." She spat.

"Then why are you upset?" He was questioning why he thought it was necessary to continue to prod her when she was clearly angry.

"Oh, no reason. I'm simply wondering why I found Celestine leaving your office alone not too long ago?"

"Oh, that."

"Yes! That! Care to explain?" she crossed her arms in front of her and leaned on his book case, effectively blocking the texts he was going to need very soon.

"Will you listen to my explanation?"

"Depends on what's in it. I might have you write a report and add it to the ever growing stack on my desk." She mocked him.

"Yes well let's try to avoid that shall we?" He kept his tone even as he explained. "Celestine was here looking for your report on Adamant. After coming to the conclusion that Leliana had sent her here despite knowing that the report is in your quarters, she made to leave."

"But?"

"But I stopped her. It's been ten years since the Blight and I needed to apologize for the things I said and did then. I began to do so and we got into an argument. She insulted you and I wasn't going to allow that to stand. I don't expect she'll be back any time soon. I made it clear that I would not tolerate any insults towards you, regardless of our past history. She asked if we could try to reconcile and set aside our differences for the sake of working together. I told her I was uncertain, but that I would work with her for the sake of the Inquisition. No more, no less."

Cullen sighed and waited in silence as Ellaina mulled over his explanation.

"It'll do, Commander. I still want a written report on my desk by nightfall."

"Understood, Inquisitor."

"On one condition."

Cullen didn't miss the spark of mischief in the placid expression she was trying so desperately to keep her features in. "What would that be Inquisitor?"

"You must deliver it personally. I have not renounced my request for you to stay in my quarters until the imminent danger the Adair's pose to you has passed."

Cullen thought on it for a moment. Her request had not left his mind, but he wasn't sure it was appropriate. They were engaged now. How much more public could they get?

"As you wish, Inquisitor."

"Good. I'll expect it with due haste." With a wink she turned on her heel and marched out of his office.

"Maker's breath." Once again, Cullen collapsed in his chair.

—

It had been two weeks since Ellaina, Varric, Dorian, and Cassandra departed for the Western Approach. Night had fallen upon the Inquisition fortress of Skyhold. Cullen expected the party to return in the morning, but the waiting was maddening. He had done his best to catch up on his paperwork while Ellaina was away, but he couldn't really concentrate for long periods of time. His nights had become increasingly plagued with nightmares in her absence, and he was constantly being pulled away to train the most recent influx of new recruits. He saw Celestine speaking with Morrigan on more than one occasion during his visits to the gardens. He would never understand those two women, nor would he ever understand how they seemed to get along so well. Ellaina had tasked him with helping the young elven woman take care of the plants. He had harvested more elfroot and embrium in the past two weeks than he probably had his entire life. It was barely dusk but Cullen was already eager for sunrise; he knew it would be several hours before that and several more before Ellaina and her party returned to Skyhold. He decided to visit the small chapel they had set up in a room near the gardens and pray, once more, for their safe return. Cullen recited the verse that he had memorized so many years ago:

"Though all before me is shadow,

Yet shall the Maker be my guide.

I shall not be left to wander the drifting roads of the Beyond.

For there is no darkness in the Maker's Light,

And nothing that He has wrought shall be lost."

"Maker, hear the prayers of your servant. You have given me much in recent days and I am ever so thankful. I pray that you bring Ellaina home safe to the Inquisition and to me. Watch her and keep her as well as her companions in your sight. You may look upon the world and see a mistake, but she is a shining light of Your truth to all Your creation. Andraste chose wisely when she appointed her as her chosen and gave her the gifts she would need. I only hope that I am deserving of her choosing of me. Thank you for her and thank you for always bringing her back to me." Cullen blew out his candle and stood to leave the chapel.

"That was nice." Celestine was sitting in one of the pews in the back of the chapel.

"It was meant to be private." Cullen said with more venom than he meant.

"I apologize. I didn't mean to intrude. I came to pray for Jowan."

"Yes. I remember Jowan. I also remember the investigation order on you after the events of his escape."

"Yes, well, thanks to Uldred that investigation never came to fruition." She looked dejected as she recalled what happened to her friend. "You know they executed him? After we turned him in, again, for conspiring to kill Arl Eamon."

"Yes, I knew."

"They wanted him made Tranquil, but I begged Elissa to vouch for him. He was given the option of Tranquility or the executioner's block."

"I see…" Cullen wasn't sure what to say. He had been at the Circle when all this had happened. Had heard about the Knight-Commander following up on leads to Jowan's whereabouts, but he never knew what became of the apprentice. "I'm sorry."

"Shove your sympathy, Cullen."

"Fine." Without another word Cullen left the chapel.

He heard her muffled cries echoing throughout the gardens, but refused to waste his time on such a stubborn and ungrateful woman. His feet took him automatically back to Ellaina's chambers where he had been staying, at her behest, in her absence. The entire room smelled like her and it was a small comfort while she was away. Without really thinking about it Cullen undressed and fell into her bed. It was soft and welcoming and covered in her scent. It didn't take him long to fall asleep.

His dreams were peaceful enough. He dreamt about his home back in Honnleath, and the time he spent with his siblings there. When his brother and sisters would chase him around, mocking him for wanting to be a Templar so badly. He dreamt of his training, taking his vows and his early days at Ferelden's Circle. These pleasant dreams never lasted long, however. Soon enough he was witnessing Celestine's Harrowing, a memory he that always made him anxious. He remembered looking over her while she fought against the demons of the Fade, dreading the moment she might fail and he would have to strike her down. The triumph and pride he had felt for her when she passed was indescribable. He had cared deeply for this woman and her talent shined like a beacon in the darkness that often surrounded the Circle tower. The weeks that passed after her Harrowing were peaceful enough, and then Uldred returned without the rest of the senior enchanters. Cullen had felt something was different about Uldred, and spoke of his concerns to Greagoir but the Knight-Commander would hear nothing of it.

It was not long until his worry came to fruition. He had done his best to protect his charges, but soon enough Uldred had imprisoned him and most of the other Templars left in the tower. Visions of his torture accosted him in his dreams. His chest tightened at the memories as he tried in vain to rouse himself. Much sooner than he remembered Celestine herself was standing before his prison. Demanding he tell her where the rest of the mages were. She tried to break Uldred's prison, exhausting all her mana in the process. Cullen had begged her not to go into the Chamber, but she had. He remembered seeing the pain in her face, and the tears in her eyes as she turned to leave him.

Flash forward several years after the Blight and Cullen found himself in Kirkwall. Serving in the Circle wasn't without incident before Anders' little scheme. Cullen often found himself investigating mages and Templars alike. There were always meleficar to hunt and Harrowings to attend so it wasn't surprising that he didn't see Meredith for what she was long before she went completely mad. It wasn't until the Champion stood with them that he finally decided to act on his gut. The battle played out in the dreamscape as he stood in front of the Champion to defend her against Meredith. When Cullen looked back at Meredith, however, he saw a more familiar face. Ellaina. Cullen never realized how much she truly resembled Meredith. She was obviously much younger and more beautiful, but she had similar bone structure and her hair was the same color. Her expression was nearly the same as well, however, as he looked upon her he saw more malice there than he had ever seen. Her blue eyes were shining with a mad determination, but her nose and brow wrinkled in anger. He turned to look upon the Champion to make sure she was with them, but again his dreams had tricked him. Celestine stood behind him instead.

This is wrong! What is going on? Neither of them should be here!

His confusion swirled and he felt his chest tighten again. He couldn't fight Ellaina, he just couldn't. He loved her more than anything in the world and he couldn't be the one to strike her down, despite seeing the madness in her eyes. He turned to Celestine to see a serene expression plastered on her face like a mask. She was hiding her emotions, guarding herself. He looked between the two of them as the battle commenced. He was trying desperately to get through to Ellaina, but she wouldn't hear him. Celestine had finally advanced to her and the two crossed swords. Celestine being an Arcane Warrior, she didn't rely as heavily on her magic as she did her prowess with a blade, but she was no match for Ellaina. Cullen sprinted and arrived between them just in time to block Ellaina's killing blow. He was guarding Celestine's unconscious body as he tried again to get through to his love. She flew into a rage and he was exhausted at this point. Soon enough she had him in a compromised position and was able to strike his right shoulder. The pain seared into him and white hot pain permeated his chest as he stared up into the eyes of his love. She had pulled out the dagger she always kept in her boot and was bringing it down upon him. He closed his eyes, not wanting to see what she had become, submitting to the release of death.

Cullen shot up with a sharp intake of breath. He was drenched in sweat and it was pitch black in his room. He felt a hand on his shoulder and immediately jolted away from it.

"Who are you? I demand an answer!" He practically leaped off the bed to grab his sword. When he didn't receive an answer he pulled the sword from its scabbard and demanded again. "Tell me who you are!"

"Cullen, calm down. It's me." A calm, female voice answered.

His head was still spinning, he could barely stand, and his eyes still hadn't adjusted to the darkness surrounding him. "Tell me your name!" Cullen demanded yet again as he brandished the sword toward his attacker.

"Cullen, it's me Ellaina."

"It can't be you! You should still be days out from Skyhold."

"Yes, well we decided not to stop in the Emerald Graves like we had planned, so we got back a few days early. It's just after nightfall and a storm had rolled in. Needless to say I'm glad that we returned when we did. Commander Amell and Cassandra greeted us at the gates and told me that they had heard you screaming in your sleep again, so I came as quickly as I could."

Cullen's eyes were finally beginning to adjust to the lack of light and he could make out a silhouette of a female warrior.

"I don't know if I can believe you…" Cullen was still wary.

"May I come close to you?" Ellaina asked.

"Leave your weapons where you are."

"Very well."

Cullen heard a small clang as a large sword hit the ground. He also heard the sound of a longsword and a small dagger hitting the stones, she even went so far as to remove her armor. This made Cullen feel much safer.

"Satisfied?"

"Yes. I'm not sure what you wish to accomplish, but you may approach."

"I only want to prove that it really is me." She said as she walked toward him. She approached slowly and cautiously, never letting her guard down completely. Soon enough she was close enough to touch him. She held his left hand in her right and put her left hand on his chest as she continued to step in. Soon he felt the heat coming off of her as she folded into him. He took in a deep breath, she smelled like sweat, and lavender. The scent of lyrium was still there, but not nearly as strong as it had been when she was taking it all the time.

"It is you." He cried as he dropped his sword and took her into his arms. "I am so sorry my love. Forgive me." He fell to the ground as all the tension drained out of him and left him exhausted. His cries wracked them both, but she held him until his emotions were spent.

"I'm here now. Why don't you lie back down and try to get some rest. I'll start the fire back up and take a bath then I'll join you I promise."

"I'll start the fire. You go bathe. I'm sure you're anxious to get all the sweat and grime off of you after all that traveling." Cullen managed a small smile.

"You're right. Thank you."

They rose together and after Cullen lit the fire and Ellaina had had her bath they laid down together to sleep. They both had peaceful dreams for the first time in months.

12