Jadell should have been more nervous about being the highest ranking officer left in Skyhold. As it was she had simply taken over Cullen's office for the weeks he was away, seamlessly melding into his organization method. She sighed as she sat back in the chair, pushing back any uncertainty. After all, while Cullen was away she did have the command. Nominally at least...

Not that any of that was particularly different from the last few months.

Jadell had her eyes and mind fully focussed on the incoming reports when the door breezed open. She spared a quick glance up to see to see the messenger running in. She simply reached a hand up to accept the page. She sighed as she ran her fingers through her hair, a nervous reaction she was surprised to find returned. She reviewed the new paper as the soldier headed out and blinked...

"Come back," she ordered, a harsh edge coming to her voice.

"Captain?"

"Tell Enchanter Kailynn and Patrick I need them here first thing in the morning." She sighed, leaning back in the chair. "See if Mereque can be spared as well."

The soldier nodded and exited to pass the messages along. Jadell stretched her arms up, hearing the light crackle that reminded her she had been at this far too long. She turned the candles out and exited to the stark darkness of the night and the light chill in the air.

Vincent was already leaning agains the wall outside the door. "Why was he in such a hurry?" When Jadell just drowned in response, he took her by the shoulder and shook gently. "Jade?"

"Forward team for Adamant." She sighed and leaned against the wall. "I am to remain here, but I have to send a team out. At least one from each of our corps." She frowned. "You were suggested. By name."

Vincent shattered to shake his head, then thought again. "It's not a bad idea, is it?" he relented.

Jade's voice was extremely quiet as she answered. "I wish it was." She considered her love a moment and asked, "How are the lessons going?"

In response, Vincent shot ice at the wall. "Well."

"I want Kailynn on the team as a healer. Can you work with her?"

Kailynn. Fiona's pet pupil. Vin's ex. "I don't like it but yes."

"Patrick will be with you every step. Try not to get out of control."

Vincent shrugged. "I don't fight with your reckless abandon love." He kissed her forehead, pulling her in s hug. "This is what's best."

Jadell knew that. She just didn't like it.

She liked it even less two weeks later when the quartet headed out to meet with Scout Harding and start the investigation into Adamant. All Jade could do was pray to the Maker that everything worked out alright.

- 0 - 0 - 0 -

Jade sorted the reports as she checked on her skeleton crew. It was easier than reading them. Usually she should have just filed them until Cullen returned but...

Casualty report.

It was winking at her. Finally she gave in, and Jade checked. There were far too many. Yet the team she had sent seemed to be safe. Cautious, she opened the next letter. A personal letter, to her from Cullen.

Captain- You will be pleased to know the advance team you set performed perfectly. They seem built for some stealth and capable in battle and emerged with nary a scratch. Excellent work. I especially thank you for your personal risk in this endeavor by including your elven mage. The choice did not go unnoticed. -Commander Cullen

Jadell smiled at the compliment and went to check the office and begin returning it to normal, feeling much lighter somehow.