The morning sun filtered in, throwing golden rays on Cullen's sheets. The commander lay, basking in the pleasant warmth, reflecting on the events of yesterday. The pain and traumatic memories had subsided, leaving only a dull ache in his knuckles from the bookshelf. 'You can' Silvia's gentle words of confidence echoed in his head. Cullen's mind shifted to her touch and his heart skipped a beat. The elf's auburn hair, usually brought together in a bushy ponytail, had a lovely hue that reminded him of Embrium flowers. The strands not long enough laid by her cheeks- her dainty pointed ears peeking out from under her hair. His mind drifted further, imagining her gentle hands, soft and warm, cupping his face with her slender fingers brushing through his hair. Her breath against his lips. The sigh of his name in her throat as he kissed her and felt the brush of her warm tongue against his own.

"Commander, are you awake? You're reports for Sister Leliana are ready for review," a female voice called from his office below. Cullen bolted, sitting stiffly upright, at the sudden intrusion.

"T-Thank you. If you could set them on my desk, I will give them to her shortly," he commanded, edginess leaking into his voice as he put his boots on.

"Certainly, Ser."

He secured the rest of armor, complete with the draping cloak that was secured it. Descending the ladder, Cullen gazed around the office. Where there was once a pile of books on the floor there was the bare floor. The shards of box and glass that had rested in the threshold had disappeared too. I will have to thank whoever cleaned the mess up.

'.'.'

"Here are your reports, Leliana," Cullen approached the spymaster as she sent a raven out the slitted window. She gave him a nod as she glanced in his direction.

"Thank you, Commander," the sharply accented voice replied, taking the papers in her hands and thumbing through the pages. After flipping through the report, Leliana turned her eyes towards the ex-templar. "You are still here?"

"Um... yes. I have a question, if I may."

"You may." She set the papers in a neat pile on the table beside her.

"Is the Inquisitor in Skyhold at present?"

"She and her party left for the Hinterlands this morning."

The commander hesitated for a moment, studying the scuff marks on the tips of his boots. "Did she- I mean- does she ever... talk to you?"

"Of course the Inquisitor does," Leliana giggled as a slow grin spread across her face, "Are you asking if she talks about you?"

"N-No...well... Does she?" As soon as the question tumbled out of his mouth, he regretted it. I'll never hear the end of it.

Leliana chuckled as she moved a strand of hair brushing against her cheek to behind her left ear."I do believe she has a soft spot for you, Commander Cullen."

The blonde ex-templar, feeling warmth spread across his cheeks, shifted his weight and crossed his arms. "W-why would you think that?"

"Who do you think cleaned up the mess in your office late last night?" Lelianna questioned as she arched an eyebrow.

"I... she did that?"

The spymaster leaned against the cool stone wall of the tower, with one foot propped against the wall. "And if I'm not mistaken, I believe you care for her as well."

"N-no- I mean yes- but not in that-," Cullen stammered, pausing to massage the bridge of his nose, "Even if that were true, what of the Inquisition? It comes first."

"Indeed, Commander," she said tilting her head slightly, "but I think two people can enjoy each other's company and defeat Corypheus. The two aren't mutually exclusive, as long as everyone does their job and know the risks involved."

"Um... Thank you, Leliana. I'll be... returning to my duties," muttered Cullen, turning on his heel to swiftly exit the spymaster's unrelenting smirk.

"Wait a moment."

Cullen groaned, turning to face the Leliana, "What?"

A raven perched on her shoulder as Leliana opened a tattered piece of parchment, crinkling as she forced it flat.. "There is a matter the Inquisitor wants us to attend to in the war room."

'.'.'

A gust of wind whipped in through the window, causing a few flurries to escape inside as Cullen leaned against the windowsill. Josephine, twirling the quill between her finger and thumb, stood opposite of him around the war table. The double doors creaked open, and Leliana stepped inside.

"I've received word from the Inquisitor," she reported while closing the door behind her, "It seems that bandits trouble clan Lavellan. Her clan has tracked her to the Hinterlands. Inquisitor Silvia is heading directly there from her current location, but wishes to send someone ahead."

Josephine dipped her quill in the ink well. "Only bandits? The Duke of Wycome could handle that easily."

"If that were really the case, then I suppose he could," the spymaster continued, putting a gold pin at the northern part of the map, "But the letter goes on to say these 'bandits' are heavily armed and armored, not to mention they outnumber the clan's hunters. That doesn't sound very bandit like."

"What we need are soldiers to give the Dalish support. I can lead troops north to deal with these so called 'bandits'," Cullen suggested as he approached the map.

"I could easily send agents to-"

" You and your agents have several matters that are being attended to as it is."

Leliana raised an eyebrow. "That is true, but you said lead. You are going too? Commander... are you sure you are well enough?"

"I am elves are the Inquisitor's clan, an extension of her. A threat to them is a threat to us. We need to send a message to these so called bandits that we will not tolerate these offenses. I can do this," the ex-templar leaned on the table to study the map closer. If I left now, we could arrive within the week."

"This tactic could work, on the bandits and any others that oppose the Inquisition," the Antivan nodded, glancing up from her scribbled notes.

"Then we are agreed," Leliana's lips formed a smile as she spoke.

"Good. I will begin the preparations immediately."

'.'.'

Several days passed as Cullen and his soldiers made the journey. He prayed nothing would happen in his absence, but trusted those he left in charge. They had set up camp early in the evening to prepare for the battle ahead. A few scouts had been sent out to search for the elven clan. The commander sat on a stump stoking the fire. My reasons for going to the Free Marches may have extended beyond mere strategy. She helped me far more than maybe even she knows on the day I nearly lost myself. There were things that went unsaid. Perhaps this is a start to make amends.

Jogging up beside him, a scout approached breathing heavily. "Commander! The bandits have been spotted, ser!"

"Their numbers?" Cullen stood up, adjusting his armor.

"Thirty-eight and counting, ser."

"What of the Dalish?"

"They are holding out, but they won't last another attack."

"We must move quickly. If we delay, the consequences will be dire."

He gathered his forces on a hill overlooking the battlefield. The Inquisition's banner flapped lazily in the wind. Cullen, on his horse, paced the front line. All eyes settled on him. Scanning the valley below, he saw that with the Inquisition's soldiers combined with the Dalish would make the bandits far outnumbered.

"Today, let us show these 'bandits' that we are not to be taken lightly," The commander unsheathed his sword and held it high, "For the Inquisition!"

Repeating the cry, the soldiers charged down the hillside. Both Dalish and enemy froze at the sight. On his horse, Cullen charged with them. The elven people, realizing aid had come, rallied with the Inquisition forces. The edge of the Commander's sword sliced into the neck of the first bandit, dove deep into the chest of a second, and his horse knocking down a third. He swung his sword precisely as he cut through the battlefield. The Inquisition soldiers flanked the enemy, overpowering them with ease.

"Inquisitor?" He stopped his horse short. The battle was nearly over. There were only a few stragglers left.

"Did you forget I was on my way?" Silvia asked as she flashed a smile. Varric, Cassandra, and Dorian had come with her and were scanning the grounds for wounded.

"No, but I was hoping to have this battle over with before you arrived."

"So you could have all the fun?" The Inquisitor gave a small laugh. The Dalish elves were regrouping, many of the hunters were heading back to their camp.

"Silvia! I did not expect to see you among the soldiers," a grey-haired elf approached, draped in red ornate robes and wooden staff in hand, "And this is?"

"Commander Cullen Rutherford of the Inquisition," Silvia replied as she motioned to the commander to come forward. He bowed his head slightly, unsure of the elven customs.

"I am Keeper Istimaethoriel Lavellan. If it wasn't for you, the battle would not have turned in our favor. Ma serannas."

"M-ma serannas," the commander repeated, hoping he pronounced it correctly.

A young hunter approached. His short black hair was a spiky disarray and his leather armor was missing chunks.

"You! It's you!" the hunter spat marching up to them, "You dare show your face after Kyllen?" the elf was shaking with rage.

"Ir abelas. It was an accident," Silvia spoke managing a deadpan expression.

"Your 'apologies' will not bring my brother-"

"Inquisitor! A rift has opened by the Dalish camp," Cassandra interrupted, speaking quickly, "Monsters have started pouring out. We need to act now so the remaining can be saved. "

"Save the guilt trip for later," Silvia snapped at the hunter. She whistled for her horse, a black and white Dalish All-Bred, and it obediently cantered to her side. Her horse stopped abruptly causing dirt and dust to fly. The Inquisitor hopped on it, and together they galloped toward the sparking green horizon