Vincent was actually nervous as he went with Dorian to the research area of the new mage tower. They had passed several of the Tranquil on the way, and a few mages who had dedicated their life to understanding their gift rather than projecting it aloud. It was uncomfortable for him here. As he looked up however he could tell that his fellow mage was infinitely more disconcerted here.

"We don't have to..." Vincent started.

"You need an edge," Dorian interrupted. "Your temperament is perfect for this. This is necessary."

Vincent just nodded. He had discussed several possible specialties with his mentor over the past week since returning from Adamant. It was agreed he should find one but nothing seemed to match his abilities quite right. That was until Dorian had the strangest idea ever. It was that inkling that led them up the stairs and to the deepest corner of the mage's research labs.

Their arrival to the final destination was quiet. "Alexius?" Dorian's voice was hesitant, uncertain. The older man turned.

"Who is this? Your servant?"

Vincent chuckled, shaking his head. "His pupil actually."

Alexius huffed. "Leave it to YOU to decide to mentor an elf."

Dorian shook his head. "Always stuck on the small picture, Alexius. A shame really. But it turns out there are some things you are better suited to teach than I. Potentially impossible things?"

The former magister shifted. "What are you suggesting?"

"That not all your research has to be for nothing. Or go to the wayside." At that Dorian took the amulet he had fixed and set it on the table. "We know it works, but I have no desire to master the craft and you can't do it safely. I believe Vincent can."

It was exactly what they had discussed. Time magic. Dangerous, uncertain, but ultimately a tool. To be able to properly wield it would take no small amount of ability; to do so safely took an inherent fear of what it could do. Vin had always been a more tentative mage, always preferred the Circles and the order they represented. It would make him cautious, or so Dorian theorized. That was enough. And it would ensure a very potent magic didn't die out immediately.

It was a risk. A calculated risk. When Alexius gave his surprised, gaped-mouthed nod it was obvious that this was one risk all three were willing to take.

- 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 -

"You seem well, Commander." Cullen could practically hear the snicker behind Jadell's calm questioning. She wasn't even breaking a smile but the knowing laugh was hidden there. He knew her well enough to sense it even as she lost at chess. Actually lost. At least he was fairly certain she wasn't losing on purpose anymore. She concentrated more. Ellana and Dorian had been playing him enough Cullen chalked it up to better practice. "Check, by the way."

Cullen moved a piece. "I am well today. Checkmate."

She considered, flushed slightly. "I... damn, I had something for this."

"Obviously not."

"Apparently." She smiled though, finally. "I am glad things are better."

"Much."

"Does that have anything to do with Lady Trevelyan leaving the tower through the hole in the roof this morning?"

Cullen sputtered as Jade spent the last of her willpower to keep a straight face.

"Andraste's mercy, you're worse than the soldiers I put under your command!"

Jade shook her head in an attempt to keep looking innocent. She also shrugged. "I'm sure I have no idea what you mean Commander Cullen."

The two worked together to put the game away, cleaning up taking much less time than the set-up. As they finished Cullen gestures to his office where he sat down and allowed her to pull up a space at the corner of his suspiciously clear desktop.

"You know about the upcoming trek into the arbor wilds," he opened.

"I am aware of it, yes," Jadell confirmed. "I read the strategy report." She wrinkled her nose. "I FIXED that strategy report."

"That's the thing. Your ideas were brilliant. You suggested our strategy of separated forward teams could be expanded and I believe you are correct. I hoped you might be willing to set up a training regimen..." As he finished, Jade reached into her bag and pulled out a weighty stack of papers. "Or I can just sign these."

"Good idea."

Cullen stalled then. "Rylen will be commanding the main bulk with me. I would suggest you come but Skyhold needs someone behind in case of emergency."

"So I'm waiting again." She huffed, but shrugged. "I can't say I'm surprised even if I would rather get out in the field sometime."

"I may have an answer for that." With that, Cullen reached into his desk and handed Jadell what could almost be considered a book. "This is the contingency plan for Corypheus attacking. Right now it is... sweetly lacking."

"Ah." Jade opened the front and glanced through the pages quickly. "Is it as rudimentary as it seems at first glance?"

"That's why I didn't show you before now. It's in initial stages, but he could attack any time."

Jade looked up as understanding dawned. "You're entrusting me with making this into something workable?"

"And I intend to have you at the forefront when it happens to be able to adapt on the fly. You can handle it."

Jadell picked up the book, weighing the notes. "You realize this plan will probably be completely annihilated."

"I count on it."

"Very well." She frowned again. "You want my forward team again, don't you?"

Cullen sighed. "I know it can't be easy..."

"It's fine," Jadell cut off. "Just.. don't try to get them killed, alright?"

- 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 -

Arbor Wilds Action Summary Ending:

A small command group is returning with utmost speed to arrive at Skyhold within a fortnight. The majority will be a week or two behind our pace. The success of this action will allow momentum for future endeavors to reach their full potential.

(Addendum- personal note. Vincent wanted to return with the forward group, but in the Inquisitor's absence his team is needed to take point on the mop-up operations. He sends his love and reminds you not to do anything stupid.)