All they could do was fight their hardest to keep the invading army at bay while they got the trebuchets working, which wasn't an easy task. They'd fight off one wave just for another to come along, Venatori seemingly of an endless supply. And the state of some of those trying to defend Haven really wasn't helping. Bull and Sera were drunk, Sera (usually a damn good archer) was missing about half her shots, and Bull… well, actually, he didn't seem to be doing too badly.

Solas, Varric, and Balckwall were doing their best to help people as they retreated to the Chantry, Dorian and Vivienne helping provide cover fire and other magical aid. Every now and again Jacquelyn would catch a glimpse of a slightly floppy hat darting around, either helping people retreat or neatly disposing of venatori soldiers.

Cassandra and Jacquelyn were doing their best to watch each other's backs, staying close enough so they could step in where necessary while also doing their best to defend citizens of Haven. Doubt started to creep into Jacquelyn's mind as she looked around at everyone fighting to defend their home. Everyone was already tired. How much more of this could they take?

The first trebuchet fired, but the second one didn't. Jacquelyn's thoughts had to be out on hold while she, Cassandra, Bull, and Dorian split off to check on the second trebuchets, freeing it from venatori control and then firing it, slowing and – hopefully – stopping the oncoming attack. At least for now, until they could send for help, something Jacquelyn hoped Leliana was already seeing to. With any luck, King Alistair could respond and send help in time. They needed assistance, urgently. Hopefully what had happened between Alistair and Siara wouldn't impact whether the king would help.

Just as people started letting relief flood over them, an odd, unidentifiable sound surrounded them. Everyone started searching the skies, not that they had to look for long. Horror and dread filled Jacquelyn.

"Move," she ordered. "Move! Now!"

Everyone dove for cover, the only real option they had as something resembling red lightning shot from the dragon that was diving towards them, the trebuchet being destroyed. Shrapnel hit Jacquelyn's shoulder, pushing her off balance and sending her tumbling into the snow. She rolled onto her back, clutching her arm, her sword having fallen nearby.

The dragon flew on past, Dorian rushing over to Jacquelyn to her feet, a soft green glow emanating from his hands as he quickly did his best to heal the bruise the shrapnel would have left, or at the very least lessen it, the Herald standing there thankful for her armour. She nodded her thanks to Dorian, then turned to watch as the dragon made its way around again. She shook her head, fear gripping her for a moment. They weren't equipped to fight a dragon, no where near it. And it could mean the start of another Blight, something that she couldn't deal with, couldn't fix.

But now wasn't the time for panicking. They had to get back within the walls of Haven, back to safety, or what safety was offered. They could help all they could on the way.

Siara was on the wrong side of the army. Well… sort of. She was off to the side slightly of Haven, which she wanted to get to. While she was a good fighter, she wasn't so good that she could fight her way through an army of Venatori single handed, even if she just had to fight her way diagonally across a corner. She had to admit it, she wasn't sure if the Inquisition was worth the effort.

Seeing the dragon, however, knocked something loose within her. Dragons frequently corresponded with Blights, right? And the last Blight had spelled the death of her sister. She wasn't going to lose anyone else she cared about to a dragon, especially not after finding that shit out. The other thing seeing the dragon prompted was the future that she and Dorian had fallen into. Trevelyan had been dead in that future. Perhaps the dragon had something to do with that. So Siara crouched lower in her hiding spot.

Sooner or later someone would walk past, someone who she could knock out and steal the armour of. Sure, she didn't like the idea, but it was the best one she had. She needed to move fast, and the fastest way to Haven was through this army. First thing to do after acquiring her disguise would be to hide her stuff. She wasn't going to lose her armour, or her clothes, money, other supplies…

Jacen's bow. As much as she wanted to keep it with her, especially so soon after getting it back, practicality said to get rid of. Hopefully it would only have to be temporarily.

The other thing she knew she would need upon reaching Haven was a plan, though that would be interesting to come up with. Siara had no clue what was going on within its walls, or how many Venatori were within them, or what state the buildings would be in, or even how many survivors there were. Or how much panic everyone would be in. She was going in blind, something she did a lot more often than she would like. It had always been Jacen and Mara who would make plans, anyway, Siara would simply follow them. Not that it was really an option any more.

On the other hand, it meant that she had nothing to lose. And going in blind could be fun, so long as no one close to her was being threatened. In this case there were people she probably cared about too much to have fun going in blind. She might not have any family members left to care for, but there was still Varric. Varric… she did give a shit about him. She settled herself slightly lower, preparing for what could be a long, boring wait. Though if this took too long, she was going to have to come up with another plan. With any luck, a good one.

Jacquelyn frowned slightly, thinking. There was only one choice. She hated it, was terrified by it, but there was no other option. They had to give the now refugees time to get out. If Jacquelyn could do that, then she would.

"Perhaps you will surprise it, find a way," Cullen sounded hopeful, but not like he overly believed what he was saying. The Herald turned and smiled at him as reassuringly as she could.

"I shall certainly try my best. I have no intention of dying today."

She could see her words did little to comfort him, the look in his eyes giving him away. He cared about her, probably about as much as she cared about him. But there was nothing else that she could do. The only viable option was to get out there and slow that dragon down, giving everyone – including Cullen – the head start they needed. She chewed her bottom lip, then stepped forward and threw her arms around Cullen's neck. For once he didn't hesitate, wrapping his arms around her and holding her for a moment, just breathing in the scent of her hair. He recognised it as being crystal grace, something that he thought was quite fitting for the Herald.

Jacquelyn reluctantly pulled away, Cullen's grip loosening. She let her hands fall to rest on his chest, smiling up at him.

"I will come back."

He just nodded. Before Jacquelyn could change her mind, she pressed a quick kiss to his lips, taking him by surprise. She pulled away, striding towards the Chantry doors.

"Bar the doors after us, give yourselves as much time as you can. Bull, Dorian, Varric, with me."

"Herald –"

Jacquelyn shook her head.

"The people need both hands of the Divine, Cassandra. You must help them."

After a moment, Cassandra grudgingly nodded. She knew Jacquelyn was right. The Herald took in a deep breath, refusing to look back at Cullen, though her body was screaming at her to turn around now, to stay with him. She knew if she snuck even one glance at him, she'd change her mind. She twirled her sword experimentally, making sure she had a suitable range of movement still, lifting her head, shoulders back.

Bull moved to stand next to her, Dorian and Varric flanking them as the two ranged fighters. As soon as they were out of the Chantry the doors closed, a sickening thunk ringing out behind them as the bars closed, leaving Jacquelyn with a feeling of dread sitting in the pit of her stomach.

"No turning back now, eh Boss?" Bull asked, his voice low and rumbling, a dangerous edge to it. Jacquelyn nodded silently, her mouth suddenly going dry, the mark on her hand sending shooting pains up her arm.

No turning back.

And probably no chance of survival.

Cole went with Roderick at the front, leading the newly made refugees along the path. The priest was going to die, anyone could see that. And it quite possibly wasn't going to be pretty. Blood loss wasn't the nicest way to go. But there wasn't any time, nor the supplies, to heal him. There was only enough to keep him going for a bit longer.

Those who could help others along the path did, many people unable to walk on their own. It didn't matter whether it was from shock or injury or a combination of both. Those who weren't affected in some way and weren't helping others were keeping a look out for trouble, making sure that nothing was going to attack them. Wolved had been seen in this area many times, even if it was doubtful that they would attack a group of people this large.

Cullen and Cassandra took up the rear, helping those who struggled, trying to keep them moving and with everyone else.

"She'll be all right, you know," Cassandra said as they walked. "She is resourceful, she'll find a way."

"We hope."

"She is Andraste's Herald! The Maker wouldn't just let her fall."

"We don't know anything. Not for certain."

"Cullen –"

"No. We don't know for certain that she is chosen, and we don't know for certain that she'll survive this."

He turned a steely gaze on Cassandra, wanting her to understand. Needing her to understand. He cared for Jacquelyn, prayed that she would make it through this, but he wouldn't get his hopes up. Not again. He wasn't going to believe that she was destined to survive just to have that torn away. It had happened before, he didn't want it to happen with Jacquelyn.

Cassandra fell silent. Maybe she could read all this on his face, maybe all she could do was guess at the turmoil in his head, the kiss still playing over and over in his mind, seemingly on an endless loop. It had been so quick, yet at the same time… Maker, please let her survive. Cullen wanted her to survive more than anything. He shouldn't have let himself get attached, not so fast to such an important woman as the Herald of Andraste. But he suspected it was too late for that.

And now he needed her to survive. He paused, looking back at Haven, heart pounding in his chest when he saw the dragon having landed. He couldn't make anything else out other than the flames surrounding the area, but he didn't need to. He could guess where Jacquelyn was. Cassandra rested her hand on his arm, giving him the will power to look away. There was nothing they could do except for hope that the Maker had heard their prayers.