The next morning, Alex did her usual rounds, speaking to everyone in her inner circle as well as Leliana and Josephine, before heading to Cullen's tower after speaking to Solas. The elf has been with her since all this began, and he became invaluable to her, his knowledge and his artistic tendencies an inspiration to her. As Varric had told her, Solas was a rather amusing elf despite his demeanor, often replying her quips with a witty answer of his own. They've also bonded over Solas' art around his rotunda, and she often watched him as he painted the walls in streaks of black, red and yellow, depicting his journey with her in defeating Corypheus.

After waving goodbye to the elf, Alex headed over the battlements that connected Solas' room to Cullen's tower. Cullen looked up, his amber eyes glinting with excitement, and his words burst from his lips before she could even speak, "We have him, Inquisitor!" he told her, giving her a map, "We've found Samson's lair." He left her to stand in shock at by the table as he gathered his shield and his sword, sheathing it on his hip before grabbing his helmet that was made to look like a lion. "My duties usually keep me here, but for Samson? I'll make an exception."

Alex looked at him worriedly, before coming forward and taking his helmet, making him stop and look at her. "Samson still has that red lyrium armor."

Cullen's eyes softened at her look, and he reached over and touched her cheek, "All the more reason for me to go. I would… sleep better, if I knew I would be at your side." He nodded at her, "We'll depart at your leave."

She sighed, looking down at his helmet, before nodding and giving it to him, "All right. I'll have Cass, Varric and Dorian come with us. Solona and the Hawkes are supposed to leave this morning, but…"

"But they won't be going anywhere, for the meantime."

Alex and Cullen looked at the door to see Solona, Marianna and Carver enter the office, armored and ready for battle. Marianne put a hand on her hip, "A soldier of yours told us that you've found Samson' lair, and we'd like to come along. I've met him during his time in Kirkwall. If I had known that his addiction had led him to this fate, I would've been able to correct that."

"If you're taking the Seeker, the dwarf and the Vint with you, we'll head over to them and give them time to prepare." Solona told her, "I've also told Dennet to prepare our horses."

Alex nodded, "If you could do that, I'd appreciate it, sister."

Solona and the Hawkes nodded, before leaving the office, leaving Alex and Cullen alone again. She sighed as she looked up at the commander, "Well, we'll have added protection, that's for sure. By the way…" She smirked at him, "Anything I should know concerning your… dismal loss at Wicked Grace?"

At the mention of his fate last night, Cullen's face turned red as he sighed in annoyance, "Only that I am never playing cards again, I still can't find my… it doesn't matter. I don't know how Varric talked me into that."

Alex chuckled a little, and she went forward and touched the armor on his chest as one of his arms wrapped around her waist. She bit her lip as she looked up at him, "That's too bad. Watching you lose made me want to play cards more often."

Cullen huffed as he rolled his eyes, "I do not need help embarrassing myself in front of you."

She grinned, "You were blushing. It was adorable."

His eyes widened as he blushed even redder, using his other hand to smack his forehead, "Maker's breath." He muttered out, causing Alex to laugh aloud before she pulled him towards her and kissing him teasingly and patting his shoulder.

"Well, if you ever feel the need to play cards again, I'm always happy to indulge you." Alex said to him as she walked backwards towards his door, "If I'm not mistaken, there is something you could win back from me."

Cullen blinked in confusion as she moved away, "What? What do you…"

"Think back, Commander." Alex said with a seductively teasing grin, "What is it exactly that you were missing last night?"

The man's brows furrowed as he thought, but he blinked up in shock at her, "Maker, you don't… you didn't… you have my… Alexandra!"

Alex laughed as she sprinted to a run, getting away from Cullen's grasp as the man continued to sputter in indignation and blush an adorable shade of red.