While Mia sat with her husband and Branson's wife as they watched the children, Cullen and Branson chopped wood for the fire, and Nadia helped Rosalie in the kitchen as they prepared a roast, potatoes and carrots, bread, and several other delicious dishes- enough to serve an army.

As they worked, Branson looked up at Cullen. "So, brother, what's the story with you and Nadia?"

Cullen looked at him, blushing a bit. "We've known each other a long time."

Branson chuckled. "Aww, you're blushing!" he teased. "I think it's great you found someone to make you blush like that. Does she know how you feel?"

Cullen sighed. "I told her when we were stranded in Rainesfere. We're heading towards Highever to see her parents. They're very ill and don't have much time left, but Nadia needs to see them before they go. I offered to go with her, but as far as me telling her how I feel about her, there are things she still is upset about that have happened over the years."

Branson nodded. "My condolences then. You should make things right with her, though, before you return to Skyhold. She seems like such a nice girl and it's easy to see how much you care for her."

"I want to, but her parents are more important right now."

"I understand. Whatever happened between you two?"

Cullen sighed and began to tell him all about Nadia and what happened between them. Inside Nadia helped Rosalie and Mia with dinner.

"So, you and Cullen...?" Mia asked.

Nadia blushed and shook her head. "No, we're not."

"I know that look," Mia said. "It's the same look Rosalie had when she met her husband for the first time. You love Cullen."

Nadia blushed even deeper. She didn't know what to say.

"Whatever happened between you two?" Rosalie asked.

Cullen was still outside with his brother, so Nadia told the two women everything that happened from the night she first kissed Cullen to the day she saw him again at the Temple of Sacred Ashes.

"Cullen, I wanted to talk to you about something." a young Nadia said, blushing as she walked into a secluded part of the library.

"What is it, Nadia?"

"I really like you..." She started. "You're one of the nicest templars here and you've always looked out for me. We spend a lot of time together and I can't help but feel a bit attached to you."

Cullen blushed and looked at her. "R-Really? I, uh, feel the same way."

Nadia smiled. "I know our roles keep us apart, but you mean a lot to me. More than a friend would. I just wanted to tell you that."

Cullen smiled and pulled her in closer. "Nadia, you're all I think about sometimes. I can't get you out of my head."

"Cullen..."

"I don't want to ever let you go."

"Then don't."

Cullen leaned down and kissed Nadia, his lips gently brushing against hers. It was a soft kiss and it seemed right. He smiled down at the young mage girl and tucked her hair behind her ear. "I should go before anyone starts to get suspicious."

Nadia nodded and smiled to herself as Cullen disappeared around the shelves and headed out of the library. She hummed happily to herself as she searched through the shelves to find the book she was looking for.

The hours went by and it was quickly the next morning. Nadia was called into the First Enchanter's office and felt her stomach knot when she saw the Knight-Commander there as well.

"You asked to see me, First Enchanter?" Nadia asked, her hand clasped behind her.

"Yes, thank you for coming, my dear. There is an issue that must be addressed." Irving said, looking at her from his desk.

"What might that be, sir?" Nadia asked, hoping it wouldn't be about her and Cullen kissing.

"Don't play dumb, girl," Gregoire said, his tone harsh. "We know about you and Cullen."

Nadia's face flushed and went pale at the same time.

"Your silence is our confirmation, girl. This is fraternization and will not be tolerated," Gregoire said.

"You are to be transferred to the Circle of Starkhaven, effective immediately," Irving said.

Nadia was at a loss for words. It was one little confession of affection, one little kiss. "I understand. If I may, First Enchanter, who told you?"

"Cullen."

"Cullen did what?" Mia asked, dumbfounded. "How could he do that to you?"

"Being a templar and following the rules was more important to him," Nadia said.

"What happened when you went to Starkhaven?" Rosalie asked.

"Well, they transferred me to the Circle of Starkhaven, then after the Blight ended and the refugees began to pile in, they transferred some of my students and I to the Circle of Kirkwall. That's when I saw Cullen next."