Vincent was not particularly surprised to wake up curled up in the bed he and Jadell had commandeered for the time being with her nowhere in sight. He looked out the window to see Jade was down by the training dummies, sitting against the wall with Skyhold's resident Seeker having what appeared to be a barely restrained civil conversation. Neither of them appeared particularly pleased with the discussion.

Vin stretched and hurriedly put himself together. Skipping breakfast he dashed across to the main hold and up the stairs to the library. Dorian was already there, nose in a book. The Tevinter man didn't even raise his head as Vincent skidded to a halt in front of him. "You are a little later than I expected," he noted with a tisk. "I abhor tardiness."

"Apologies, sir. It won't happen again."

"Late night?" Vincent grinned a little on instinct before smothering the expression. "No need to be coy. Love is nothing to be ashamed of."

"Discretion does have its place until the Keep is finished. Too many shared places."

"Ah. Then by all means, continue your carefulness. Now, after that experience yesterday I have reconsidered the direction of our lessons. Your Templar friend- is it all magic that causes such a fierce reaction?" When Vincent nodded, Dorian continued. "Then I expect you to know at least the basics of all four main schools of magic. Do you have anything but fire right now at your disposal?"

"Nothing else really took..."

"Then we need to rethink how you have been taught, won't we?"

- 0 - 0 - 0 -

Jadell and Cassandra converged on Commander Cullen in a single instant, the Seeker bodily forcing him into a quiet area where they could talk. The trio stared at each other for several long moments before Jade broke the silence.

"Commander Cullen, I've considered your... suggestions and discussed them at some length with Seeker Pentaghast. We both have some very strong concerns for your well-being and that of the Inquisition."

"You're being an imbecile," Cassandra inserted instead. "The Inquisition..."

"Needs a Commander who is truly able to give it his all. If I'm forever tied by this... leash to the Order..."

"Ser." Jade's voice was still even, but somehow felt suddenly ten times as forceful. "I presume you mean to do this whatever we say." Cullen nodded, and she sighed loudly. "Explain what you meant by permanent posting?"

"I want you to stay at Skyhold to train and assess recruits, as well as overseeing those stationed here." When she balked, he added, "I don't expect you to do it alone of course."

Jadell blinked. "That's still a lot of trust, Commander."

"Trust I presume will be well-placed."

Cassandra made to object. "She is far too young for the kind of command..."

"I've seen the look out soldiers give her, Cassandra. They will listen to her." He smiled. "And I will guide as often as I am able."

There was no reason to say no. "I'll accept that part of the deal then, Commander. As for the other... If you insist on stopping the lyrium, I will help you understand. I've been speaking with Mi'lady Seeker and what I experience is quite different from what she describes. I'm not sure..."

"I am. Will you help me? Both of you?"

Cassandra frowned, but nodded.

Jade actually smiled. "Ma'nuvenin, Commander." As you wish.