A/N) I have a confession. I suck at writing combat. I tried this chapter several different ways and settled for... well, this perspective jump. Even with that I'm not sure I like how even this version turned out. Sorry :(

- End A/N -

By the time Vin arrived with the bulk of the Inquisition's forces they could hardly ignore the revelry. Corypheus was defeated, the Inquisitor triumphant. Not that he actually cared about that. While word had gotten to them as they trekked forward of the success, penned by spymaster Leliana's hand, others had received personal messages. Vincent was worried. Even if she was busy, Jade would have written with the others. Maybe her duties had been too numerous or taxing?

The dread only increased as he scanned the gathered crowd and didn't see her there. He was very glad for Kailynn's presence at his side- as his friend, she simply reached to squeeze his hand. "Why don't you put your pack away and meet me? I should see if they could use a healer after yesterday's battle."

Vincent nodded in thanks, glad Kailynn could still read him. He needed the support of he was going to start hunting in earnest. Commander Cullen had disappeared upstairs with the Inquisitor already, and he would have been the only other person who Vin could have found to ask about Jade's whereabouts. Instead Kai had just volunteered to snoop around in case of the worst scenarios. Vincent was extremely grateful for that much. He headed towards the room he shared with Jade, tossing his pack on the bed; it was still unmade and a bit of a mess. He shook his head as he quickly dashed back out to where Kailynn had promised to meet him.

When he got there, Vincent was surprised to see how few injured there actually were. After a major battle with so few troops available he had figured a large number would have been killed or injured, but it seemed that was not the case. The plan had obviously still been successful. Jade must be pleased...

"Vin!" Kailynn was calling out from the back, obviously deeply involved in something while looking for him. Vincent walked towards her location quickly, the motion turning to a run when he saw the dirty blonde mop of hair she was looking over.

Vincent knelt down on the other side. It was unmistakably Jade, and from the twisting of concentration on Kai's face the information wasn't good. He put one hand on her shoulder gently, noting the lack of reaction. She always moved into his touch. "Kailynn, talk to me."

There was a green pulse almost immediately, but the Orlesian shook her head. "Vin, I'm sorry. I can't... this is too much. If there had been a healer stationed at Skyhold who could have gotten to her immediately then maybe, but at this point..."

Vincent immediately pounded his free hand into the ground. "Don't say that, Kai. There has to be something you can do."

Kailynn tried another spell, feeling out the progress. "I can't, Vincent. There just isn't enough time."

As Kailynn spoke, Vincent reached into his pocket and felt his fingers wrap around a talisman. The thought struck him. He had used it before in fights, experimenting with the edge time manipulation could give him in battle. The others had described it as if everything had stopped around him, so maybe...

Vincent didn't think about it any longer. He grabbed Jade's hand and folded the item in, letting the magic flow through to the pendant.

Kailynn panicked for a second. Suddenly there was little presence, and she could feel Jade's body seeming to simply stop function. She looked up to Vincent, ready to explain, but saw him let Jade's hand go and meet her gaze. "Does unlimited time help?" he asked, hopeful.

Kailynn blinked, realization hitting. Stasis. Brilliant. "Yes, it does."

Two hours later, Kailynn sat back in exhausted acceptance. Vincent hadn't moved, adding his limited knowledge and mana for some of the process when he could. As Kailynn pulled away, Vincent looked up expectantly.

"Kai?"

"You can drop the stasis field now," Kailynn whispered with a tired stretch.

Vincent did as Kailynn suggested, slipping the talisman back in his pocket as he broke the magic around it. He caught something like a gasp as the manipulation dissipated, and when he slid his hand back into hers he could feel her attempt to squeeze back. Vincent let out a sigh of relief as he pulled his lover closer. "Thank the Maker." He paused and met Kailynn's tired eyes. "And thank you."

"It was... a worthy goal," she noted. "I'm going to get some sleep. I suggest you try to do the same."

Vincent shook his head and simply found a more comfortable position. It was a basic blanket on the ground, and it would certainly be painful in the morning, but there was no way he was leaving Jade's side. No matter what.