The door slammed open as Dorian strode into the room with a flurry of robes. Varric instinctively reached for Bianca before realizing who had entered. Turning to the new arrival, the dwarf crossed his arms with a deep sigh. Didn't people realize that a closed door meant he was busy? Though to be fair, he had just hit a wall in his writing anyway.

Dorian looked positively smug as he stood there – more so than usual even. Arms crossed with fingers drumming and foot tapping impatiently, he was clearly about to burst with whatever news he carried. But Varric knew he was waiting to be asked. He let the mage suffer a bit longer before giving in.

"Something to say, Sparkler?"

"You will never guess what I just heard on good authority," Dorian could barely contain himself.

"They finally found a way to shrink your ego to a manageable size?"

"No," Dorian laughed appreciatively. "That would be an impossibility."

"Then you've got me," Varric shrugged.

"What if I told you that it involves our dear Inquisitor?"

"I would remind you that lots of things involve Stormcloud. She's kind of in charge."

"Hm. Fair point. But it also involves a certain former-Templar-now-Commander," Dorian wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. Varric's jaw nearly dropped.

"Wait, you mean they actually…?"

"Mhmmm."

"Details, Sparkler. What happened and how do you know? It wouldn't be the first rumor about those two."

"A messenger apparently ran across them together on the ramparts. It seems Cullen was quite perturbed by the interruption, so he left in a hurry-"

"Well that doesn't prove anything. They talk together all the time," Varric waved a hand dismissively.

"Ah, but you didn't let me finish," Dorian's eyes twinkled. "The messenger looked back when he'd reached the adjacent wall – and saw Cullen kiss her."

"No… Curly? He actually did it?"

"Planted one right on her!" Dorian crowed with glee. "And if our peeping friend is right, she certainly didn't mind."

"Well it's about time," Varric laughed heartily. "Now we just have to hope they can stay out of their own way enough to let it grow."

"Indeed. We may just have to help them with that," the mage winked. "Ah! I'm going to go tell Iron Bull. He can assist on that end."

Varric shook his head with a grin as Dorian dashed out of the room. This was great news. Stormcloud had been trying so hard not to get attached to any of them (and failing). But he'd still feared she would never let someone that close. Curly wasn't much better, always doubting himself and his worthiness. Sure, they were both broken – but they also held the ability to fix one another. Varric was glad he'd get the chance to see it. His eyes wandered down to Bianca. Some people deserve a happy ending.

Faydren slipped down the muddy incline, barely able to keep herself from falling face first into a puddle at the bottom. It had been a while since she'd come back to the Storm Coast, and footing remained as treacherous as ever. Somehow the others didn't seem to have any trouble - which only served to annoy her.

The whole situation had her a little on edge, to be honest. The Inquisitor couldn't believe it when Iron Bull told her the Qunari were interested in an alliance. This was a big deal. They would be very powerful allies. The offer garnered some suspicion as well, but everyone had agreed she should at least look into the matter. Hence why she was out here.

"All right, our Qunari contact should be here to meet us," Bull announced as they approached a small camp.

"He is," a chestnut-haired elf stepped out from the nearby foliage. "Good to see you again, Hissrad."

"Gatt!" Bull exclaimed happily. "Last I heard, you were still in Seheron."

"They finally decided I'd calmed down enough to go back out into the world," he grinned.

"Boss, this is Gatt. We worked together in Seheron."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Inquisitor," Gatt bowed slightly. "Hissrad's reports say you're doing good work."

"Iron Bull's name is Hissrad?" Faydren asked curiously, nodding a greeting.

"Under the Qun, we use titles, not names."

"My title was 'Hissrad', because I was assigned to secret work," the Qunari explained. "You can translate it as 'Keeper of Illusions'. Or..."

"'Liar'. It means liar," Gatt interrupted.

"Well, you don't have to say it like that," Bull frowned, clearly bothered by the harsh translation.

"I'm only here because we both want to stop Corypheus," the Inquisitor kept her voice even.

"Indeed. The Tevinter Imperium is bad enough without the interference of this Venatori cult."

"Yes. Filthy, decadent brutes, the lot of them," Dorian's voice dripped with sarcasm. "I'm certain life would be much better for all of us under the Qun."

"It was for me, after the Qunari rescued me from slavery in Tevinter. I was eight," Gatt narrowed his eyes at the Tevinter mage. "The Qun isn't perfect, but it gave me a better life."

"Yes, one free from all that pointless free will and independent thought. Such an improvement," the remark was snide.

"Arguing about the war between your two nations isn't going to help anyone right now," Faydren shut down the growing argument. She hadn't considered the possible issues that might arise from bringing Dorian.

"I'm not here to convert anyone. All I care about is stopping this red lyrium from reaching Minrathous."

"With this stuff, the Vints could make their slaves into an army of magical freaks," Bull actually sounded worried. "We could lose Seheron... and see a giant Tevinter army come marching back down here."

"The Ben-Hassrath agree. That's why we're here."

Gatt took the next few minutes detailing out the plan. They would need to split into two teams in order to shut down both Venatori encampments before the ship came in. The enemy mages would be the biggest threat and should be focused down first. Once all resistance was cleared out, they could signal the dreadnought to come in for the kill.

"What do you think, Bull?"

"Don't know. I've never liked covering a dreadnought run. Too many ways for crap to go wrong. If our scouts underestimate enemy numbers, we're dead. If we can't lock down the Venatori mages, the ship is dead. It's risky."

"Riskier than letting red lyrium into Minrathous?" Gatt asked pointedly. Bull and Faydren looked at each other. It was the best plan available.

"Let's go hold up our end of this bargain, then," she nodded.

"I'll go with you, Boss. Krem can lead the Chargers. Let me fill him in."

The Qunari headed towards his Chargers. Varric and Dorian followed after him, having some sort of debate in whispers. Faydren stayed back next to Gatt and looked at him intently. She was curious.

"How did you meet Bull?"

"Iron Bull and his men attacked my master's ship in Seheron and killed him, as well as his soldiers. Bull set me free."

"He never told me about that." The story wasn't surprising, knowing Bull. She was never comfortable asking him about his past though so it was nice to meet someone who'd known him for so long.

"One of the few things he hasn't shared with you, I gather. 'Sure, Bull. Share the secret Ben-Hassrath reports, but keep that bit where you saved the elf boy to yourself,'" the words held a hint of annoyance.

"Is Bull going to get in trouble for passing those reports on?" Faydren was immediately concerned.

"The Ben-Hassrath aren't pleased with how forthcoming Bull has been..." Gatt admitted. "But he was one of their best agents. He kept the streets clean in Seheron longer than anyone before him, or after. He fought until it nearly killed him. The Ben-Hassrath trust him enough to accept how he joined the Inquisition, even if they don't like it."

"Oh. I see," she shifted uncomfortably. "I'll go check that they're ready."

Iron Bull was still speaking animatedly as she approached. Krem stood with his arms crossed, nodding occasionally while the rest of the Chargers listened closely behind him. Faydren had an inexplicable sense of foreboding looking at them. She wasn't a tactician and she trusted Bull, but splitting up their small force felt like a mistake.

"Just... pay attention, alright?" Bull finished. "The Vints want this red lyrium shipment bad."

"Yes, I know. Thanks, mother," Krem joked, but Bull remained serious. Did he feel it too?

"Qunari don't have mothers, remember?"

"We'll be fine, Chief."

"Alright, Chargers. Horns up!" The Qunari bellowed.

"Horns up!" The Chargers shouted back.

"Hit 'em hard and hit 'em fast! When this is over, drinks are on me!"

"You got it, Chief! Chargers, double time! Let's move!" The lieutenant led his men off toward their assignment.

Rain continued to fall as they trudged towards their own goal in relative silence. Dorian and Varric had stopped talking when she approached - the two gossipmongers had probably found out something she'd regret later. Bull and Gatt had a short discussion when they started out but they'd gone silent as well. Faydren could feel the tension growing.

"You must wish you were back in Tevinter, mage," the elf spoke from her right, eyes straight forward. "No soldiers to guard you here. No slaves to wait on you."

"It's the lack of fashion that really strikes fear into my heart," Dorian quipped from her left. She'd tactfully placed herself between the two of them when they started walking. Her decision was paying off.

"You know nothing of fear..." Gatt growled, coming to a stop and turning to glare at the Tevinter.

"And do you intend to teach me?" There was a challenge in the words as Dorian met his gaze without flinching.

Faydren remained between them, eyes moving from one to the other as her static began to increase. Now was not the time for this. Bull and Varric were further ahead and hadn't noticed the group stop. The staring contest lasted a few more moments before Gatt backed down.

"No. You serve the Inquisition, and the Ben-Hassrath wish an alliance. For now, that is enough."

The response wasn't exactly reassuring, but there was little time to worry about that. Bull and Varric had crouched down and were waving them forward. They'd reached their destination. Peering through the sparse foliage, she spotted them - Venatori. And a rather sizable group at that.

The cultists were camped near a cliff overlooking the inlet. There was at least one wielding a staff, but the rest consisted of mostly warriors and archers. Everyone already knew the plan, so Faydren only waited for the reassuring hum of Dorian's barrier spell before summoning lightning into the mass of soldiers. The ones at the epicenter were thrown to the ground, screaming as electricity surged along their metal armor.

Iron Bull charged forward next, ignoring the arrows glancing off his barrier as he made himself the biggest target and threat for any melee fighter there. Dorian set a few archers ablaze while Varric unleashed a bolt into the neck of the staff-wielder. Gatt glided around with dual blades, taking out enemies that strayed too far from the fray.

Faydren fadestepped next to Bull, spirit blade manifesting in her hand. Her sparring with Helaine and Cullen continued to pay off as she easily blocked incoming blades and countered with powerful attacks. The mage and Qunari had a newfound synergy in battle after she'd become a Knight Enchanter, cutting a path of mayhem through enemy ranks.

The rush she got from being in the middle of the battle was amplified by his chaotic bloodlust. They made for an intimidating sight – a horned giant covered in blood and grinning like mad, flanked by a young woman with glowing violet-ringed eyes who wielded both mage staff and an ethereal golden greatsword. The Venatori kept coming though, urged on by their fanatical belief.

The sheer number of them still made for a difficult encounter. This red lyrium shipment was of great value to have sent so many. The archers had all been defeated, meaning Dorian was focused keeping a barrier up on the melee fighters while he and Varric took shots at provided openings. Hopefully the Chargers were doing as well.

Faydren's focus broke as a cry rang out behind her, followed by a string of Tevinter curses. Whirling around, she spotted Dorian on the ground holding his right arm – it was coated in ice. Varric fired off a few bolts while he attempted to help the mage to cover, narrowly dodging another ice spell as it froze the stone next to him. The Inquisitor's eyes darted to his target. Another spellcaster had arrived. She could see flashes as Varric's shots impacted the barrier.

The man was preparing to cast again and there was no guarantee of a successful dodge this time. Bull and Gatt seemed to have things under control on this end, so Faydren fadestepped right before the spell was released. She appeared in front of Varric just in time for a blast of ice to impact her barrier, spreading a sheen of frost across it before vanishing.

"Nice catch, Stormcloud."

Not taking time to respond, the Inquisitor charged straight for the startled Venatori mage. He raised his staff in an attempt to block her blade but was obviously unaccustomed to doing so as it was batted aside easily. If it weren't for the barrier, she would have had him dead to rights. As it was, the barrier cracked and fizzled but managed to hold while the man staggered backwards.

A hood with a silvery mask covered his face, but she could almost taste his sudden surge of fear. However, now he had time to prepare for her second assault. She had hoped the first strike would be enough to shatter the barrier at least. Lightning was a better choice at range, but it likely wasn't enough to break through and he knew it.

This could be tricky. Faydren's fade shield was back up after absorbing some of the energy from his barrier, but it would only take one solid hit. Her eyes darted to the other fighters – looked like they were about done. With any luck, they'd be ready...

Faydren ran straight at the mage again. A massive fist made of ice shot toward her, smashing into the fade shield and momentarily impairing her vision as the two spells exploded into a mist. Not stopping, she barely saw the staff blade in time to sidestep. The blade sliced across her side and she grit her teeth at the pain. It was a shallow cut thanks to the thicker leather armor she'd begun wearing but damn, it stung.

Spinning away from the staff, she brought her spirit blade around in a wide arc. It was a glancing blow as he moved away, but the connection was strong enough that she saw the barrier fall. Dropping her staff, she continued the spin and lunged forward to grab his mask. The metal was so cold that it burnt her fingers to touch, but she held long enough to unleash a blinding flash of light in his eyes.

He cried out in pain and surprise but still managed to grab the front of her jacket, shoving her backwards as he swept her feet out from under her. Faydren landed hard on her back, the stones all over the ground making their presence known. The mage tore off the mask to rub at his watery eyes vigorously before blinking at her with an angry glare. He raised his staff but she just smirked at him. That had been enough time.

"Bull!"

"Got it, Boss!"

The hulking Qunari charged in, swinging the flat side of his greataxe into the Venatori's chest and launching him off the side of the cliff. Panicked shrieking lasted for a couple seconds before silence. Bull practically lifted her to her feet with one hand, and she brushed herself off – or tried to anyway. Dorian and Varric approached with the Tevinter still holding his right arm close against him. It was no longer frozen since Dorian had probably thawed it out with his fire magic, but the pain clearly still remained.

"Everyone still mostly in once piece?" Faydren asked.

"It'll probably be a few hours before my arm is completely back to normal, but it should suffice for now," Dorian sounded more annoyed than anything.

"Not bad," Gatt approached, wiping off his blades. "You choose your allies well, Hissrad. But then, you always did."

"We're clear, Gatt," Bull didn't acknowledge the compliment, but he looked pleased.

"Right. Signaling the dreadnought."

"Chargers already sent theirs up. See 'em down there?" Pride filled the mercenary captain's voice.

"I knew you gave them the easier job," Gatt commented. Bull just smirked.

"There's the dreadnought. That brings back memories," the Qunari almost seemed like a little boy as he caught sight of it.

Faydren could see why. The massive ship sailing into view was like nothing she'd ever seen. It was dark and intimidating with vicious-looking horns sticking out from the bow. As it approached, great spheres of fire launched from the deck and landed with an explosion on the Venatori's merchant boat. The flaming wreckage quickly sunk.

"Nice one!" Bull exclaimed before movement caught his eye on the shore and his face fell. "Crap."

A large Venatori contingent moved along the beach towards the Chargers' position. There were even more cultists than what had been stationed on the cliff, plus at least three spellbinders. They must have been expecting trouble and waited to make their move until the dreadnought showed itself.

"The Chargers can't stand against that kind of force," Faydren pointed out nervously, checking for a quick way down the cliff – there was none.

"No, they can't..." The mercenary said quietly.

"Your men need to hold that position, Bull," Gatt broke in, pointing emphatically.

"They do that, they're dead," Bull growled.

"And if they don't, the Venatori retake it and the dreadnought is dead. You'd be throwing away an alliance between the Inquisition and the Qunari! You'd be declaring yourself Tal-Vashoth!"

Bull grimaced at the words, but refused to make a decision. Faydren didn't know what to do. It should be Bull's choice, but could she really let him? This was forcing him to choose between people he cared about or his entire way of life! The guilt would be terrible. Or maybe she was being selfish. The Chargers were her friends too – her people. She didn't want them to die...

"With all you've given the Inquisition, half the Ben-Hassrath think you've betrayed us already!" The elf continued. "I stood up for you, Hissrad! I told them you would never become Tal-Vashoth!"

"They're my men," pain filled Bull's voice.

"I know. But you need to do what's right, Hissrad... for this alliance, and for the Qun."

That did it.

"Right now the Chargers work for the Inquisition. That makes them as much my men as they are Bull's," Faydren cut in, fuming. Her eyes glinted angrily. "Alliance or no, I will not sacrifice them. Call the retreat."

"Don't!" Gatt argued, but the mercenary captain didn't need to be told twice. He sounded the horn for retreat and the Chargers responded, moving out quickly.

"They're falling back," Bull couldn't hide his relief.

"All these years, Hissrad, and you throw away all that you are. For what?" Gatt asked accusingly, moving in close as the big Qunari remained silent. "For this? For them?"

Faydren took one step and punched the elf across the jaw, laying him out flat. Bull looked at her in shock, but she was too focused to notice his reaction. Her rage was so obvious that Dorian put a cautionary hand on her shoulder. She shrugged it off, electricity crackling around her fist as she glared down at Gatt.

"Don't talk about them like they're nothing," the Inquisitor's voice was cold and dangerous. "And his name is Iron Bull."

"I suppose it is," Gatt rubbed his jaw and got slowly to his feet, scowling and giving her a wide berth before heading down the path.

She didn't bother turning to watch him go. Instead, her eyes focused on the Venatori mages preparing their spells. The dreadnought stood out starkly against the water, an easy target. Her shoulders sagged, the anger simply draining out of her. She was about to witness the immediate consequences of her actions.

"No way they'll get out of range," Bull said quietly. "Won't be long now."

"Bull, when the dreadnought sinks..." Faydren sounded apologetic

"Sinks?" He interrupted. "Qunari dreadnoughts don't sink."

The water lit up as spells lanced out from the shoreline. One hit the dreadnought. Then another. Fire rained down on the ship until finally it erupted in a great conflagration. The sound of the explosion echoed across the Storm Coast.

Faydren's mouth fell open, eyes wide in awestruck horror. A gust of wind rushed past them moments later, laced with the smell of Gaatlock and burning. The Inquisitor was trembling. There wouldn't be any survivors.

She couldn't force herself to look at Bull.

"Come on. Let's get back to my boys," he sighed and she heard his heavy footfalls move away.

Dorian and Varric had remained unusually quiet during most of this mission, but now they both stepped up next to her. The Tevinter's hand on her shoulder was one of comfort this time. Faydren didn't shrug it away.

"Are you alright?" Dorian spoke softly. She shook her head.

"You did the right thing, Stormcloud," Varric gave her a friendly nudge. "Let's get out of here."

The day after they returned to Skyhold, Gatt arrived with an official message from the Qunari. Even though the decision was obvious, they insisted on protocol. He approached Bull and Faydren, making sure to stay outside her reach. She eyed him coldly.

"Inquisitor, it is my duty to inform you that there will be no alliance between our peoples. Nor will you be receiving any more Ben-Hassrath reports from your Tal-Vashoth ally," he put special emphasis on the last part.

"You under orders to kill me, Gatt?" Bull's tone practically dared him to try and Faydren bristled with energy at the suggestion.

"No. The Ben-Hassrath have already lost one good man. They'd rather not lose two," Gatt gave a curt nod before swiftly taking his leave.

"So much for that," the Qunari grunted.

"I'm proud of you, Bull," the Inquisitor offered quietly.

"Thanks, Boss," he chuckled but there was no heart behind it. Krem approached and Bull turned his attention. "You're late."

"Sorry, Chief. Still sore from fighting off all those Vints," he rolled his shoulders. "Good to see you, Inquisitor."

"That fight against the Venatori was a bit dicey," she tried to play it off lightly. None of them had told the Chargers the choice they'd had to make.

"We knew that you and the Chief had our back, Your Worship," Krem grinned. "Chief's even breaking open a cask of Chasind Sack Mead for the Chargers tonight."

"Damn it, Krem, that's the kind of thing you don't have to mention to the Inquisitor."

"Sorry, Chief..."

Faydren moved away as the two began sparring with Bull tossing out critiques now and then. She had no particular destination in mind, but ended up at her usual spot on the gatehouse tower. It had been a while since she'd spent any time up here. As she gazed over the snowy mountain landscape, her mind wandered to a conversation she'd had with Krem the previous night. One comment in particular stuck with her… Shame the alliance with the Chief's people didn't work out. He hasn't said anything, but he's feeling it.

Iron Bull was a Tal-Vashoth now. He hated Tal-Vashoth. She should have let him make the decision. It was his life after all. Instead she was selfish and made the choice herself because she couldn't bear the thought of him choosing the other option. Even the advisers were unsure if she made the right decision.

The boisterous Qunari hadn't been the same since they got back and Faydren barely talked to him at all. The meeting with Gatt was the extent of their interaction. What if he resented her now? As a professional, he wouldn't leave so long as the contract remained but… what if he didn't want to be here anymore?

The Inquisitor sighed heavily. She sat down, arms crossed and back against the cool stone. It felt nice on her sore muscles and the bruises from that rocky landing. This whole being in charge thing was never what she wanted. They had made a mistake appointing her. Iron Bull surely saw that now. It was only a matter of time before everyone else realized too.