Across the way, Emery was just happy to see that Cullen's appetite was where it should be. She could tell that he'd had difficulty sleeping lately, so she made sure to take extra care with the meals and ensure that there were plenty of nutritious ingredients added to each meal.

After chatting a bit, Emery leaned back against the log that Cullen had been sitting on and smiled at the revelry before them.

"It's nice to see that we can still have moments like this despite everything going on."

"It helps morales, that much is for certain."

Emery gestured towards one of the female soldiers who had gone off alone with Vernon. "Aye, but so does that."

Cullen followed her gaze and saw the two disappear into a tent. "There's a time and place for everything..."

Emery chuckled and nudged his knee a bit. "Oh, come off it, Commander. Let them have their fun. It's perfectly natural and healthy for two people to give in to their more primal needs when such a need arises."

"Maker's breath, Emery, really?"

"What? Don't tell me you'd turn down a lovely partner for a stick up your arse instead?"

Cullen groaned and glared at her playfully. "Must you be so blunt? It's not very ladylike."

Emery shrugged and shot him a wink. "At least I know how to have fun."

"I can have fun, too, I'll have you know."

"Oh? And what sort of fun do you like, good ser? Aside from training, reading Chantry scriptures, and grooming your hair?"

"You're quite the bratty one, aren't you?"

"Only when I want to be," Emery chuckled. She noticed Leah watching them and took a swig. "What're you going to do 'bout Leah?"

Cullen's gaze shifted to where Leah sat with the mages. "Honestly? I have no idea. I shouldn't have snapped at her the way I did, but her recklessness is irritating and I don't like how worried she makes me feel at times."

"Because she goes off alone a lot, or is it the mages?"

"A bit of both, I suppose. She's right to ask for the mages' help with her plans, but I cannot ignore years of training and personal experience."

Emery watched his shoulders sag a bit. She finished her drink and then stood. "Come on, let's go for a walk." She offered him a hand up, then pulled him to his feet when he accepted.

Cullen set his mug to the side and followed after Emery as she led the way along the outskirts of the campsite. They walked in silence for a bit before Emery asked him why he was hesitant to talk with Leah.

"She has been a good friend to me, but..." Cullen sighed, rubbing his neck. "It just feels like she's trying to fix me somehow if that makes any sense?"

"I mean, she is a healer after all. That's sort of her job, innit?"

"I suppose..."

"Does it feel more like she's trying to erase the problem without actually taking the time to understand it?"

"A bit, yes..."

"That's likely the root of it, then." Emery looked up as the stars started to peek through the clouds overhead, as brief as it was. "You can't treat an ailment without identifying the root cause. Her actions, while admirable, might end up doing more harm than good."

Cullen chuckled at that. "It amazes me how perceptive you can be."

"Mum was a healer when she was alive, did her best to help everyone who came across her path," Emery explained, smiling sadly at the memory of her mother as it resurfaced. "She was always big on getting to the bottom of things before coming up with a treatment and she liked to listen to her patients. Even the most insignificant detail would become significant for her."

"She sounds like an amazing woman."

"Aye, that she was."

Cullen sensed there was more to it, but didn't want to press for further details. "It's quite admirable to apply what you learned from her in your own way."

"'Tis one of the few ways that I can honor her memory, so I do my best." Emery looked at him. "What about you? Your parents teach you something profound?"

Cullen chuckled. "They taught me many things, all of which I still take to heart even now."

"Are they still around?"

Cullen shook his head. "Sadly, no. They did not survive the attack on our village during the Blight. I am fortunate, however, that my siblings did and have safely made a home in South Reach."

"Where are you from?"

"Honnleath is where I grew up."

"Really? That's where Leah is from, too, right?"

"Indeed. It was quite the surprise when I learned that."

"I bet it was," Emery laughed. "It's crazy how things work out sometimes, innit?"

Cullen smiled at that. "It most certainly is. And what of yourself? Where are you from?"

"A small village in the West Hills called Elmridge."

"Just south of Redcliffe, correct?"

Emery nodded. "It managed to survive during the Blight, but we faced other threats like Avvarian raids and bandits. Thankfully, the arl is a good man that takes care of his people and trade is good with the West Hills being so close to Orzammar."

"That would indeed be a major asset to the region."

They chatted a bit more as they continued their walk, slowly circling the camp a few times. After some time, Cullen noted that he was surprised by how at ease he felt around Emery. She treated him like she would any other person, without the constant babying or posturing. It was refreshing. As they started to reach the thicker patch of trees near their camp, a rustle came from nearby and Cullen immediately grabbed Emery's hand to pull her out of view. He stood protectively around her, one hand on the hilt of his sword while the other rested against the stone behind them.

Emery heard the rustle and nodded when he motioned for her to remain silent, waiting until he gave the OK.

Cullen watched the area where the rustling had come from and noticed a rather large tusket emerge from the brush. He sighed with relief but kept an eye on it until it moved on.

"It's only a tusket, Commander," Emery whispered.

"That may be, but I won't take any unnecessary risks. Not after what happened with the bear," Cullen responded, looking down at her once the tusket disappeared back into the brush.

Emery looked up at him, standing nearly nose-to-nose with the man. "Fair enough. I do feel safer with the mighty Lion of the Inquisition protecting me, even if it was just a tusket." She teased, patting his chest plate lightly.

"'Lion of the Inquisition', eh? That's quite the moniker."

Emery smirked. "Don't tell me you've never heard yourself referred to as such."

"I don't believe I have."

"Well now, that's a shame. It suits you rather well." She reached up and playfully ruffled his fur pauldrons. "You've got the mane and everything." She curled her fingers into the fur, surprised by the feel of it. "Maker, how do you keep it this soft?"

Cullen was taken aback by her forwardness and was grateful that the failing light was enough to hide his flusteredness. "With extra care," he joked. He stepped back as Emery moved closer, letting her have her moment of intrigue.

"It feels divine, no pun intended," Emery noted. "I'm honestly a bit jealous."

"Oh?"

"Aye, furs like these are hard to come by, and for those of us who're commonfolk, you make do with what you've got."

Cullen watched her for a moment, then chuckled. "Well, perhaps you'll find yourself a good pelt for yourself someday."

"Not likely, but it's a nice thought."

An owl's call sounded nearby and they finally noticed just how dark things had gotten.

"It may be time to head back, Commander, what say you?"

"That would be best." Cullen met her gaze once more. "I appreciate the company, Emery. If not for you, I'd have buried myself in work again."

Emery grinned at that and reached up to pat his cheek. "I'm telling you, Commander, it does you no good to focus solely on work. You ought to take more time to yourself to relax, even if it's just a nightly stroll to clear your head." She winked and added, "Good company does help, though."

"Indeed it does."

Emery could feel the contours of his jawline beneath her hand, the slight tickle from his stubble against her palm. "You know, Commander, it's a wonder you haven't landed yourself a good partner by now. You're a handsome man with a good heart."

Cullen chuckled. "Handsome, eh? I doubt that."

Emery shook her head. "Nope, none of that. I'll have none of your modesty here, good ser." She reached up to ruffle his hair, smirking when she noticed his annoyance. "Anyone would be lucky to have a partner like you." She stepped away and gestured for him to follow her. "Now, come along, we best return to camp before they send out a search party."