I'll always worry about you.

Silvia's heart fluttered pleasantly at the memory of Cullen's words as she slid her boots on, tying the laces up tight. She recalled feeling ill the previous night, a mixture of the fever and the nights events to blame. After rescuing Ishall from death, Silvia's heart was heavy and she had not wanted to bear that night alone. Perhaps the commander sensed my unease... is that the reason he stayed without question? Putting on her armor, the Inquisitor made sure all the pieces fit snug.

"Hey, you alive in there?"

"Varric?" Striding out of the tent, the elven Inquisitor shielded her eyes against the blinding sun. "What time is it?"

The dwarf, putting his finger and thumb to his chin thoughtfully, cocked his head at the sky. "Oh... I'd say it's around midday."

"We should have left for Skyhold ages ago! Why did you let me sleep so late?" the Inquisitor scolded.

Varric chuckled and shrugged. "Curly said you needed your beauty sleep- not in those words of course."

"Ha, that I did. Where is our dear commander, anyway?" Her eyes wandering around the nearly empty camp. Dorian sat on a stump reading a book he had brought along and Cassandra struck her sword against the oak tree. A few soldiers had stayed as well, but most were involved with the bandit investigation.

"He left after receiving a letter from Ruffles muttering something about a damned party."

"Right, the ball is coming up and I still haven't the proper attire," Silvia smirked, "Shall we head back?"

"Lead the way, your Inquisitorialness," Varric said, sketching a brief bow.

'.'.'

For three days they traveled to Skyhold. Three tedious days spent breaking up verbal disputes between Cassandra and Varric. Three wearisome days spent enduring Dorian's lecture on Tevinter mages . Three exhausting nights trying to sleep with at least two of her companion's incessant snoring. Inquisitor Lavellan breathed in relief at the end of the fourth day when she gazed at her map and saw that Skyhold was half a day's journey.

Silvia devoured the last bit of stew, made from fresh meat of a ram she had hunted that evening. Her friends had finished their meal and sat around the campfire.

"-When Alexius finally tracked me down, he found me in the slave quarters in bed with three elven servants and a dwarf. You can imagine the look on his face!" Dorian recounted causing all but Cassandra to burst into laughter.

"That reminds me. I heard Curly has taken a liking to our Inquisitor."Varric stated with a chuckle.

"I bet you were eavesdropping again..." the mage said, smirking, "Although this would explain why I watched him spend at least ten minutes in front of the damn window fixing his hair in the reflection before handing in a requisition report to the Inquisitor. I thought he was going to rip his hair out."

Varric laughed, turning his attention to the elf, "You should tell him."

"Tell him what?" The elven Inquisitor blinked, tilting her head to the side.

"How you feel about him?"

"I don't know what you are talking about... He doesn't- I don't-" With elbows propped on her knees, Silvia rested her face in her hands, hiding her flushed cheeks.

"You are good at many things, but lying isn't your strong suit," the dwarf commented, leaning against a fallen tree.

She lifted her flustered face from her hands. "I admit, the commander does cross my thoughts more often than not."

"Since he was a templar, I doubt he's ever been with a woman,"added Dorian, wearing a smug smirk that broadened into a full grin, "Would you like me to ask him for you? I'm sure that I could teach him about-"

"N-no! That won't be necessary." the elven Inquisitor shook her head, giggling at the thought of Dorian giving Cullen lessons on sexual encounters.

"Besides, not all templars are chaste. In Kirkwall, you wouldn't believe how many templars I saw sneak into The Blooming Rose."

Shifting her gaze towards the Seeker, Silvia didn't know if Cassandra was going to burst out laughing or vomit. Her face twisted as she made a disgusted noise in the back of her throat.

"There is too much at stake," the Seeker stressed while clinching her jaw, "This is not the time to get involved with the commander... Besides, your the Inquisitor! The whole chain of command-"

"It's exactly times like these when people should get involved. Danger surrounds us on a daily basis. Shit, who knows how long any of us have? Whatever the Inquisitor choice, we will stand by her... right Cassandra?" Varric nudged the nearby Seeker with his elbow.

The female warrior expelled a sigh and shrugged. "You know I worry about Thedas, but I know I worry too much. Do what will make you happy." Rising from her seat, Cassandra shuffled to her bedroll. "Good night, Inquisitor," she called after a moment.

"Good night, Cassandra."

"It has been a long day, perhaps I should rest as well. If we leave early, we might reach Skyhold at a reasonable hour," Dorian said and arose. Varric muttered a 'night' as he collapsed on his bed.

One by one, Silvia's friends had excused themselves, leaving her staring deep into the warm glow of the crackling fire, searching her soul for her next course of action. She longed to feel the comforting warmth of Cullen's embrace. Her heart flittered in her chest yearning for the gentleness of his touch and in that moment all she wanted- more than anything- was to hear his voice, gaze into his amber eyes, and hold him as close as her arms would allow. I could do nothing, and ignore this... whatever 'this' is. But if there is any possibility of feelings shared between us, I want tell him...

...and maybe things would be different between us.

'.'.'

"No, Commander, start with your left foot. Try again," instructed Josephine, with a hand on Cullen's shoulder and the other holding his gloved hand.

"We've been at this for hours,"the commander growled, "I am not one for dancing." Stepping back, Cullen released Josephine's hand. They had started mid morning, but the early afternoon sun now streamed into the diplomat's office.

"If the Inquisitor can learn all the typical Orlesian dances within a few days, surely you can learn this simple one," the Antivan retorted, perching her hands on her hips.

"I believe I have other important matters to attend to, if you'll excuse me." He gave a stiff mechanical bow before sharply turning toward the door.

"But Empress Celene's ball is less than week away!" she shouted after him.

"Between the assassination attempt on the Empress and the Game, I doubt the Orlesians will have time for dancing," Cullen shot over his shoulder accompanied with a dismissive wave of his hand.

Gripping the door handle, he gave it a vicious yank and came inches from walking into Silvia, who was still reaching for the handle.

"Inquisitor Lavellan!" Cullen nearly shouted, "I wasn't aware of your return."

"I have not been here long."

"There's um..." he let out a breath, fingers raking through his hair, "Could you come find me when you are free?"

"Are you all right?"

"Yes, I'm well. I needed to talk to you... about the other day, that's all." He briskly walked past her quizzical stare with hurried steps before she could call him back.

Cullen made his way to his office hoping that the Inquisitor would keep Josephine long enough that she would forget about him. Enthroning himself at his desk, the ex-templar shuffled through the parchment papers.

"You there!" he barked, eyeing the recruit, nervously shifting his weight, standing in front of him. "Where is the report from Leliana about red templar positions at Emprise du Lion?"

"I-I don't-" he squeaked.

"Go and fetch it!" the commander ordered, irritation in his voice,"I want it delivered without delay."

"Y-y-yes, sir!" the messenger stuttered, scrambling over himself to escape out the door.

Bringing a hand to his face, Cullen gave a small chuckle. There were no headaches today, and the Inquisitor had returned safely- the latter lifting a tremendous weight off his shoulders. He found himself in a good mood, despite the loathsome dancing lessons.

He rose out of his chair, ambling out to the door to the battlements. Leaning against the stone and closing his eyes, Cullen breathed deep the crisp mountain air. Hearing the steps of a person approaching, he turned to see Silvia approaching. It appeared she had gotten changed since she now wore a simple grey button-down shirt. Her hair, free from the typical ponytail, tumbled around her face and fell down to the middle of her back. Cullen had never seen the Inquisitor with her hair down and couldn't help but smile as she sashayed up to him.

"I wanted to thank you. When you came to see me—If there's anything—" he ventured. Bringing a hand up, he rubbed the tense muscles in his neck and sighed, "This sounded much better in my head."

Stifling a giggle, she offered a smile and asked, "I trust you're feeling better?"

"I—yes."

"Is it always that bad?"

"The pain comes and goes," he paused. Unable to meet her eyes, his gaze returned to the distant mountains. "Sometimes I feel as if I'm back there. I should not have pushed myself so far that day."

"I'm just glad you're alright."

"I am," he assured her with certainty, turning back to face the snowy peaks of the distant mountains. The elf took a couple steps forward, coming to stand beside the commander. "I've never told anyone what truly happened to me at Ferelden's Circle." "I was not myself after that. I was angry. For years that anger blinded me. I'm not proud of the man that made me. Now, I can put some distance between myself and everything that happened." Cullen's gaze met hers momentarily before falling to the stone. He hadn't told anyone about his horrific experience, and yet, he continued to explain his past, because she had been more than willing to face it with him. "It's a start."

"For what it's worth, I like who you are now," she said with a grin, warm and soft.

"Even after...?" Even after I almost gave in to temptation of lyrium? After you saw the worst of me? After I nearly belted you with the wooden box?

Silvia laid a hand on his arm, between the rerebrace and the elbow gauntlet, and lingered there. He could feel her touch through the fabric, which sent his heart racing. Her fingers, giving a small squeeze, stayed an extra heartbeat before returning to her side. "Cullen, I care about you. You've done nothing to change that."

His features softened, and a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "What about you? You have troubles of your own. How are you holding up?"

"Honestly, I'm terrified. So many people depend on us. On me. Corypheus is still out there." Casting her eyes to him, Slivia's gaze flashed with a soft vulnerability that the commander had never seen.

"We've made great strides. Do not doubt yourself- or the Inquisition- just yet. If there's anything I can do, you have only to ask. Giving a fist to heart salute, Cullen bowed his head.

"There is something. I thought we could talk... alone." Silvia finished, subtly motioning with her head to the more ruined part of the battlements.

"Alone?" he breathed, eyes widening, voice rising with trepidation. What was so private they needed to be more alone than they already were? Clearing his throat, Cullen stammered, "I-I mean of course."

He followed her further past the destroyed towered that had yet to be repaired. The sun, hanging high in the cloudless sky, beat down on the battlements. Maker preserve me, she isn't saying anything! What could be the matter? Did he speak out of turn? Did she no longer need him as a commander?

"I-It's a nice day." he managed to stammer out while massaging his tightened neck muscles with his right hand.

"What?" Silvia, eyes unfocused with faraway thoughts, was pulled from her reverie and stopped, dragging her gaze to Cullen.

"It's-" the commander started to repeat his statement, but decided against it. "There was something you wished to discuss."

"Certainly not the weather," the elf beamed.

Cullen gave a chuckle and relaxed. "I assumed that much."

She blushed and glance fluttered away, chewing on her lower lip before continuing, "I find myself thinking of you. More than… well, all the time, really." She was coming to him not as the Inquisitor, but as Silvia.

"I can't say I haven't wondered what it would be like," he responded after a pause, taking a few steps away to hide his reddening face.

"What's stopping you?" Silvia bodily asked, moving to stand at his side.

Stopping, Cullen's eyes met her stare and took a step forward. "You're the Inquisitor. We're at war. And you… I didn't think it was possible." Is this actually happening, or is this some wild, but strangely beautiful, dream?

"And yet I'm still here," Silvia Lavellan shrugged, lifting an eyebrow.

"So you are…" he moved closer, daring to rest his hands on her alluring hips. A pleasant warmth spread through his body. Silvia's eyes shimmered bright emerald in the sunlight. With lips parted slightly, a soft smile formed at the corners of her mouth. "It seems too much to ask. But I want to-" Leaning in, Cullen's amber eyes locked on hers, he closed the small space between them. He could feel her shaky, shallow breaths on his lips. She smelled like fine, scented soap, and Cullen breathed deep- closing his eyes.

A door slammed open. "Commander!" The recruit had found him, report in hand. "You wanted a copy of Sister Leliana's report."

He stiffened for a moment, not wanting to let go of the moment, then turned toward the message runner. Silvia turned her head away, with chin hitting her chest and face reddened with embarrassment.

"What?" He growled through gritted teeth, letting all the frustration and anger enter his voice.

"Sister Leliana's report. You wanted it delivered 'without delay'," the messenger said, oblivious to the menacing tone.

Edging toward the recruit, the ex-templar glared through narrow eyes, face muscles tensed to a indignant scowl, and fists clenched by his sides.

"Or… to your office… right…" the intruder backed away, as if the commander was to lunge out and attack at any moment.

"Cullen, if you need to—"

Pivoting back to her, with one swift motion, he cradled the back of her head and crashed his lips into her's, swallowing her muffled gasp. He let the moment take him entirely- nothing else in Thedas mattered. Her arms held stiff in the air, but soon shifted into his kiss with hands coming to rest on his sides.

Realization of his actions jogged back into his head. He attempted to pull back, but the elf did not release her grip. "I'm sorry. That was… really nice."

Silvia held his gaze with as much sparkling wonder in her eyes as he probably had in his own. "I believe that was a kiss... but I can't be sure. It's all a blur," she teased with a wide grin.

Cullen gave a warm, hearty laugh, releasing all tension from his body. "Yes, well…" he slowly pressed his lips against her's tenderly. Silvia tilted her head up, with fingers tangling in his hair, deepening the kiss. His arms wrapped around her waist tightly, and let all that was her take him in.

When their kiss parted, they stayed in the embrace of each other. Cullen held her tight to his chest, as if she were to stop his galloping heart from breaking free and flying away.

"You have made me the happiest person in all of Thedas," Cullen said, putting a strand of hair behind her pointed ear.

"I do believe that title is mine this day," Silvia laughed rubbing her hand over the fur on his mantle.

Cullen responded with another hearty laugh, shifting slightly to be able to gaze into her eyes. "You faithfully have my heart, my lady."

"And you hold mine, kind sir," she giggled, light and airy, and raised a hand to his cheek. Caressing the skin, her thumb grazed the scar near his top lip. His heart felt light, free, and genuine as Cullen's lips came to meet hers once more.