Chapter Nine

Two weeks later, the Guard-Captain paid Evelyn a visit.

"Aveline, what brings you around?" The Viscountess could imagine exactly what her friend was going to ask, but it was an issue she didn't care to deal with at the moment...or ever, really.

"Your Grace, it's been several days since I've sent you the final list of charges for Anders. My office is just downstairs, you know. I had expected to receive your approval by now," Aveline said as she accepted the seat offered to her.

Evelyn sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose, "I know, but some of the charges the Knight-Commander has recommended will have to be stricken, or at least amended. I need to discuss it with him. Afterwards, both of you would have to sign off on the sentence."

Aveline contemplated Evelyn for a few seconds, then leaning forward, "Don't you think that the sooner you get it over with, the better? It's doing nobody any good keeping him locked up there."

"He can rot in that cell, for all I care," she gave an exasperated huff, "Even though he deserves it, I can't recommend death because that's what he wants. I won't make a martyr of him. I also don't think that we should have the burden of constantly having to watch over him," she looked at Aveline and gave a small smile, "I guess I've just been waiting for the right answer to magically fall into my lap."

"Might I ask what charges will have to be stricken? I'm surprised anything the Knight-Commander would recommend would be inapplicable. I'm not really familiar with Templar jurisprudence, but if the charges also concern the law, I may be able to help you work through them."

"It's not Cullen's fault. I've been sitting on information that I probably should have shared long before now. I've just been holding off because it complicates the situation." Evelyn went to her bookcase and opened one of the books. She pulled out the letter she had received a week after the events in Kirkwall. "This arrived shortly afterwards." She handed the letter to Aveline, along with the list of charges. "Read the letter, then take a look at Cullen's recommendations, I'll think you'll understand."

Aveline furrowed her brow as she opened the letter. She was obviously surprised by its contents, but then took a look at the list of charges. Then she took another look at the letter, examining the date. "I see exactly what you mean. Had this arrived a bit sooner..."

"It wouldn't have changed anything, I don't imagine," Evelyn sighed, "and it doesn't matter to speculate now."

"Does anyone else know about this?"

"No, just you and I, that's all."

"So, this is your doing? How in the world..."

"It wasn't just me. The opportunity presented itself last year, and I simply took advantage of it."

Aveline thought back to the previous year and slowly nodded, "Of course, I see...," Aveline folded up the letter, along with the list, and gave them both back to the viscountess. "He should know. And he should hear it from you. I'll come with you, if you'd like."

"No, although I appreciate the offer. I think this is a conversation I need to have with him alone. I've just been dreading it for so long..."

"Are you going to go to the Knight-Commander first? I think that maybe you should."

Evelyn bit her lip, "Then he'll have questions. And he'll want to accompany me himself."

Aveline grabbed Evelyn's hand and squeezed it, "I understand why you did it. He will, too. Besides, you need to tell him anyway and being up front about why you're there is better than having him think you're visiting Anders behind his back."

Evelyn considered that and nodded, "You're right. I hadn't realized how it might appear..." She stood and put both documents in her pocket, then took a deep breath, "No time like the present, I suppose," and smiled weakly at Aveline.

"Good luck," Aveline said as she gave her a hug, "you're going to need it, I'm afraid."

Evelyn smiled gratefully and walked out the door, heading straight for the Gallows.

On the boat ride over, she noticed that there was less an air of oppressiveness and realized that the statues had come down since the last time she had been there. She smiled to herself. At least that was done.

After she arrived at the dock, she made her way to Ser Cullen's office. The door was shut, so she knocked. After receiving no response, she started across the hallway to the First Enchanter's office, but he met her at the doorway.

"Ah, your Grace, I thought I'd heard a knock here," he smiled warmly at her. He was an older gentleman who was originally from Lothering himself, but had been stationed in Orlais since the blight. He peered at her through pince-nez glasses. When he moved his head, the few tufts of white hair on his head moved to and fro.

"First Enchanter Dunand, good to see you. Are you settling in comfortably?," Evelyn smiled sincerely at him.

"Yes, your Grace. I was a bit overwhelmed at first, but the Knight-Commander has helped very much, indeed. I'm actually amazed at how welcoming everyone has been."

"Excellent! Good to hear it," Evelyn made a mental note to thank Cullen for ensuring that the First Enchanter was off to a good start.

"Speaking of, I'm assuming you were looking for him?," the First Enchanter's eyebrows went up quizzically.

"Yes, actually, I was. I have a pressing matter to discuss with him. Do you know where he would be?"

"I think I overheard him say that he would be training new recruits in the rear courtyard today. That's probably where you'll find him," Dunand smiled at her, "You're more than welcome to wait in my office, if you'd like."

"Thank you, but I'll have to decline the offer. I'd rather speak with him immediately."

"Nothing too serious, I hope." Was he being courteous, or prying?

"No, just matters that I've put off long enough, I'm afraid. Have a good day, First Enchanter."

"You as well, Your Grace." Dunand gave her a quick bow and went back inside his office.

Evelyn slowly walked to the rear courtyard. On her way, she made note of the changes she saw. Granted, last time she was here, the halls were filled with demons and abominations, so anything could be considered an improvement, but there was also something that made it feel different from when Meredith was in charge. Maybe she was just biased, but since Cullen's changes started taking form, even the air seemed lighter than before.

As she got closer to the rear courtyard, she heard the sound of metal striking metal. She stepped into the doorway and paused to watch. Two recruits were sparring, while Cullen looked on and critiqued. The other recruits were watching and waiting their turn, everyone in full armor. The recruits who weren't fighting held their helmets under their arms, and Cullen wasn't wearing his either. She took a small step forward to get a better view.

When she did, as the sunlight fell on her all the recruits that were looking on came to attention. Noticing this, one of the recruits fighting lowered his weapon and came to attention as well, then the second. Finally, Cullen turned around to see what the disturbance was about. When he saw her, he smiled, gave a small bow, and casually saluted her with the sword he'd been holding.

She hadn't thought about it, but she was dressed in what had become her normal daily attire and today it was a dress of deep burgundy that must have been immediately noticeable against the gray walls and greenery of the courtyard. She took another step forward, her hands nervously clenched in front of her now, "No, please continue, I didn't mean to..."

Cullen looked back to the recruits and told one of the Knight-Lieutenants to take over, then he turned around and walked to Evelyn, "I'm assuming you were looking for me?," he said smiling at her.

"Yes, I was, but I didn't realize...I had thought to just watch and wait here until you were done," she felt embarrassed and fidgeted with her hands, blushing.

Cullen laughed at that, "My lady, you should know by now that you cannot step into a room without attracting the attention of everyone in it. I'm afraid your days of being a spider under the table are over." He took a step back and extended his hand through the doorway, "My office?," he asked.

"Yes, I think that would be best," Evelyn stepped through the doorway and started walking slowly, allowing him to come up alongside her. As they walked, he removed his gauntlets and tucked them into his belt. When they arrived at his door, he opened it and allowed her to step in first. He closed the door behind them, "What I can do for you, my lady?"

Evelyn gave him a small smile, then reached into her pocket and pulled out the parchments, "I've told Aveline about this, but only her. I should have brought it to your attention sooner, and I'm sorry that I didn't. I've been procrastinating because I was still trying to decide what should be done. For that, I apologize. I realize that this will change many of the charges you recommended, so I couldn't delay any longer."

Cullen furrowed his brow and gave her a quizzical look, then took the letter and read it. He gave her a long stare, "When did you receive this?"

"A week after...everything."

He looked at the date. It was dated two days before the Chantry exploded, "You said Aveline and I are the only people who know. What about him, does he? Or, to be more correct, is he expecting it?"

"No, he doesn't know anything about it. I didn't know how it would be received and I didn't want to add fuel to the fire, in case of a rejection, so I didn't say anything. By the time I received this letter, it seemed pointless to rush to tell him about it."

Cullen folded the letter up and looked at her sternly, "I can see you have a bad habit of getting things done in secret, don't you?," he sighed deeply, "I understand why you did it, of course. Might I ask you how? These aren't just casually handed out, you know. And, I seriously doubt that even with the title of Champion you acted alone."

Evelyn shook her head, "No, I didn't. I had help, of course. Do you remember last year when King Alistair visited? If you will recall, he's sort of my cousin-in-law. His wife was the Commander in Amaranthine. She was Anders' commanding officer when he was with the Wardens, but also knew him from the circle in Ferelden," she paused a second and looked at Cullen, "I'm sorry, you were at Kinlock Hold, that's how you knew Anders, so you would know her as well."

Cullen nodded his acknowledgment, "I know the Queen from the circle, yes. As a matter of fact, I had a bit of a crush on her while she was there," he smiled and looked at Evelyn, "When the circle was in crisis, it was the King and Queen who helped resolve the situation. It was when they were still fighting the blight, before they took the throne, of course."

Evelyn smiled back at him, "Oh dear! I'm afraid I owe you an apology. When she told me about her crush, and how he'd blushed and run away from her as quickly as possible, we giggled like the schoolgirls we were. She never said his name, so I had no idea it was you."

Cullen grinned at the memory, "Well, that was many years ago and I'm no longer that shy young recruit, thank goodness." he took a step towards her, "Otherwise, I'd never be able to do this," he bent down and placed the most delicate of kisses on her lips. He stepped back and grinned devilishly, "Please, continue."

Evelyn sighed contentedly before continuing, "So, when he was here, I got with the King and he got with my cousin who supported the idea. All three of us petitioned the Divine and you hold the result of that petition in your hand."

Cullen thought about it, "No doubt the three of you had lavish praise for him to achieve it. He didn't only betray your trust, but that of the King and Queen as well. I believe once this is granted, it cannot be rescinded, so that's not an option." He considered the consequences, "You're right, it is a complication, but it's not that bad. I'll amend the erroneous charges and we can proceed from there."

"Aveline thinks that he should be told, you know."

"And what do you think?"

"I think she's right. I was thinking that today is as good a day as any."

Cullen nodded, "How do you think he'll react?"

Evelyn shrugged, "I don't know. I don't think it'll change anything, if that's what you mean. I doubt it'll create any more remorse for his actions."

"Did you want to tell him, or did you want me to take care of it?"

"I think that he should hear it from me. It would be better that way."

Cullen sighed and nodded, "Alright, then. You won't have an objection if I come with you, would you? Just in case anything should happen..."

Evelyn paused only briefly, then considered it, coming to a decision, "No, not at all. I think I'd like you by my side, actually."

Cullen smiled at that, "Speaking of, you didn't have to wait so long, you know. I'm here if you need me. I always will be," he picked up her hand and gave her fingers a kiss, then opened the door, "Shall we?"