A new week, a new chapter! We have a dragon (much to Bull's excitement) and a bit more of Rylen in this one. And we're ending with some more tension of course because why not? It's a slow burn after all.

Thank you to everyone who has read their story so far, and favorited it. It means the world to me! I've been enjoying writing again and putting their story out there.

Any reviews/comments would also be appreciated. Don't be shy to say hello :)

—-

Chapter 12:

"Pain. Hurt. Why have they forsaken me? Their own flesh and blood. Inside empty and dark, like the four walls they encaged me in. Outside angry, unable to forgive. No one can love me…" Cole spoke, sat on the tavern table, his head down.

A shiver went down Lara's spine.

Is he…reading my mind?

Lara had a fitful night's rest plagued with dreams of her family after Cullen's confession of never letting anyone in. The scene played in her head repeatedly. Her family had tricked her. She was happy her parents were taking her on a family trip so she could have some alone time with them. They were usually occupied with her other siblings' lives that neglect was an all too common feeling for her. She often spent her time with her teachers and the staff in their house for company. Her parents avoided her even more when they discovered she was a mage. Silent. Until one day they approached her about taking a quick trip away. Little did she realize that trip was her send off. Her parents ridding themselves of her.

Her cries and screams echoed after them as they walked away without a second glance. Walked away from their child. Their own flesh and blood. If her own parents couldn't love her, then nobody would. It's why she always had her guard up, never became close with anyone even cutting her own parents off for good. It was her defense mechanism to prevent herself from ever experiencing that again.

"Kid, now is not the time to speak of people's pain. Especially out loud. People like to keep those things private," Varric spoke to him.

"But she's hurt. I want to help," Cole replied, looking at her.

Lara felt the tears stinging her eyes. She focused on her wine glass not wanting to give herself away. She wasn't so keen on the fact that Cole could read these things. She made a mental note to discuss boundaries with him.

"Not now, kid," Varric answered. Lara could feel the dwarf staring at her in sympathy.

—-

She set off to the Western Approach with Bull, Dorian, and Blackwall. Varric joined along only to meet up with Hawke and Stroud and then would make his way back to Skyhold. To no one's surprise, Lara avoided Cullen after their heated chess game. She was conflicted. Avoiding him was getting harder to do as the small part of her that wanted to see him was growing. They were becoming more connected, their chemistry harder to ignore.

There was no time to dwell. As soon as she arrived, she spoke with Harding about the area and what immediate missions needed to be done. It seemed like they were going to confront the Venatori here much to Dorian's dislike. The Western Approach was a desert scorching with heat. Thankfully, there was a slight breeze.

"Wardens involved in blood magic and Venatori running rampant. How delightful," He remarked sarcastically.

"Don't worry, Dorian. If I even hear a mumble out of those bastards, I'll kill them. I'll even flex my muscles for you while I do it," Bull replied.

Lara laughed and coughed at the same time after hearing Bull's comment. She knew there was something between them but Dorian didn't like to speak of it much. Either from embarrassment or too many people knowing. Bull on the other hand didn't seem to care much.

"Yes. Keep encouraging him," Dorian muttered to her.

"Payback for your little chess game you set up," Lara replied, still smiling.

"I suppose that's fair."

They met Hawke and Stroud outside the Ritual Tower. They were a few minutes too late, the ritual already starting.

"I guess we're gate crashing then," Varric commented, getting Bianca ready.

The ideal scenario would have been to stop the ritual from happening but now they were gate crashing instead. As long as they can interrupt it, then the Wardens should be safe. A Venatori magister who worked for Corypheus was leading the ceremony. He somehow tricked the Wardens into willingly doing the ritual. The ritual was meant to bind each Warden to a demon meaning a demon army that Corypheus could control.

"Wardens! This man is lying to you! He serves a Tevinter magister who wants to unleash another Blight!" Lara called out, getting their attention.

"What a serious accusation, Inquisitor. Let's see what the Wardens think," Erimond answered.

"It doesn't matter what they think. Corypheus has stolen their minds," Stroud spoke.

"They did this to themselves. The Calling had the Wardens terrified. They looked everywhere for help…"

"Even in Tevinter," Stroud finished.

"Yes. Since it was my Master who put the calling into their heads, we in the Venatori were prepared. I went to Clarel, with sympathy, and together we created a plan. Raise a demon army, march into the Deep Roads, and kill the Old Gods before they wake," Erimond replied with a smile on his face, clearly proud of what he was doing.

"Ah, I was wondering when the demon army was going to show up," Lara replied, not letting him have the upper hand.

"Knew about this, did you? Well, here they are. Sadly for them, the binding ritual I taught has a side effect. They're now my master's slaves. Once the rest complete the ritual, the army will conquer Thedas."

"That's a lie! The Grey Wardens are heroes! They would never do this willingly," Blackwall shouted angrily.

"Your Grey Wardens care about nothing save stopping Blights. They will do anything to accomplish that," Erimond replied without a care.

"You seriously want to see the world fall to the fucking Blight? What do you even get out of this?" Lara asked. This whole plan was chaos.

"You don't get it, do you? The Elder One commands the Blight. He is not commanded by it, like the mindless darkspawn. The Blight is simply a tool…"

"Someone is certainly a tool," Varric commented to the rest of the party.

"As for me, while the Elder One rules from the Golden City, we, the Venatori, will be his God-Kings here in the world," Erimond finished.

"Release the Wardens from the binding and surrender. I won't ask twice," Lara had enough of all this God-hood talk.

"No," Erimond laughed. "You won't."

He raised his hand, a red hue forming around it. In an instant, Lara fell to her knees as a sharp pain shot through her hand and up her arm, her mark now glowing a bright green. He was connecting his magic with hers but wasn't sure what he was trying to do.

"He showed me how to deal with you in case you tried to interfere again. That mark you bear? The Anchor that lets you pass safely through the Veil? You stole that from my master. He's been forced to seek other ways to enter the Fade…"

I can pass through the Veil? I need to tell Solas…

"When I bring him your head, his gratitude will be…"

Enough of this shit!

With a cry, Lara stood up trying to ignore the pain and used her anchor. Green electricity sparked from her hand, cutting off Erimond's magic and wounding him. She became more familiar with the powers her new mark had thanks to Solas. This was her using it for good. He collapsed backwards in surprise.

He stood up, clutching his arm. "Kill them!" He shouted, running away.

The Wardens that were bound as demons now stood in front of them, in demon form.

"Sorry Blackwall. We're going to have to kill your kind here," Dorian spoke up, staff at the ready.

"Better that than having them suffer at the hands of these assholes," He replied angrily.

"Well said," Varric chimed in.

These demons had incredible strength. Lara hated to think what was done to these innocent Wardens that were bound. Guilt coursed through her. She was killing innocent people who were manipulated. It was better this way but she couldn't help but feel guilty. If they had gotten here sooner, they could have stopped this altogether.

"So…that went well," Hawke said after they killed the last demon.

"You were correct. The mages are slaves to Corypheus," Stroud replied.

"And the Warden warriors? Of course, it's not real blood magic until someone gets sacrificed," Sarcasm bled through her words.

"Hawke, they were lied to. They were trying to prevent future Blights," Lara responded.

"Everyone has a story they tell themselves so they can justify their bad decisions. And it never matters."

"I believe I know where the Wardens are. There's an abandoned Warden fortress called Adamant. Erimond went in that direction. Hawke and I will scout out the area and confirm. Hawke will meet you back at Skyhold," Stroud continued.

—-

Next on her list was claiming Griffon Keep under the Inquisition. Another stronghold would do their influence good and may even keep the Venatori in check. It wasn't easy as the Keep was polluted with Venatori everywhere. They had more strength and resources than the bandits did in Crestwood. Lara was thankful they were well stocked with potions.

Blackwall helped Lara set up the Inquisition flag once they claimed the Keep. They needed to send word to Harding to bring soldiers over which also meant she had an opportunity to write another letter to the Commander.

Commander,

Another stronghold! If you have any men who love heat and sand, send them this way. We're going to need a lot of supplies here. I'm sure Harding will fill you in as well.

Your So-Called Inquisitor

Lara felt her letter was so plain, almost as if there was nothing between them. She didn't know what to write after their last encounter. The plainer it was the better even if she felt like she should write something more. She sent it off with a raven before she could overthink it.

—-

Griffon Keep was filling up with Inquisition soldiers. Lara went out with some of the soldiers to fight some wyverns and varghests that were messing with the water supply. If soldiers were going to stay here, they needed fresh water especially in this heat.

Lara collected the necessary shards and artifacts, set up camps around the Approach as well as claiming areas with the Inquisition banner. They were going to be in the Approach longer than Lara anticipated but soldiers were coming from Skyhold to set up here. That meant Cullen received her letter but didn't respond. Supplies were also arriving thanks to Josephine's connections no doubt.

Harding's latest reports sent them to the Still Ruins, where the Venatori were now operating and trying to seek artifacts from an old magical experiment. A Breach was present there which meant Lara needed to close it. Time to get to work.

—-

"Boss, I want you to know: you're the best," Bull spoke eagerly.

As per Josephine's request, they helped out Professor Frederic who studies Draconology at the University of Orlais. They cleared out the areas he needed to conduct research as well as helping him set up traps for the Abyssal High Dragon. Which they were now going to have to fight.

The dragon lowered herself down to the ground before them and dread was forming in Lara's body. She was about to fight an actual fucking dragon with absolutely no plan at all. They were willingly putting themselves at risk even though Bull was going to explode from excitement over it.

"What a beauty!" He roared.

A fire breathing dragon…fantastic…

They started with the dragon's legs first, weakening her there. They tried to evade any swipes the dragon took at them with her talons, which could be fatal. They focused a leg at a time, running for cover whenever the dragon would move from the pain. She broke down any objects they had a chance of hiding behind, not to mention her lethal fireballs that exploded in their path which thankfully they avoided thus far.

Lara was so focused on freezing its leg when she could that she missed a talon being swiped at her. She flew backwards due to the impact and cried out in pain. Her hand immediately soaked in blood when she tried to put pressure on the wound. The others didn't seem to notice.

"Fuck!" She cried out, her eyes stinging from the pain. She ripped off part of her clothing and shakily tied it around her arm to stop the bleeding. She casted ice on her arm and chest to help freeze it until she defeated the dragon. It wasn't the best idea she had but she needed to get through this. She downed a potion quickly.

She limped over to the others and helped as much as she could but she was still bleeding. The gashes were too deep. She could feel her clothes clinging to her with blood. Her vision was becoming blurry. The potion did nothing to aid her. She could suddenly hear cheers, the dragon out of sight.

"I feel alive! What a rush! Boss? Boss!" Bull called after her.

She could hear footsteps running towards her and then darkness.

—-

Her eyes fluttered open to unknown surroundings. A dimly lit room welcomed her. She sat up but struggled. Looking down, half of her upper body was completely bandaged. She lay in a bed but this didn't seem to be Skyhold. Awkwardly, she sat up after a few minutes, only being able to help herself up with one arm.

The door swung open. Rylen gave her a cheeky smile upon seeing her.

"You're going to give your Commander a heart attack, lass," He said amused.

Cullen?

"What happened? Where am I?" Lara asked, trying to remember but her head felt fuzzy.

"Got mauled by a dragon you did. You're in Griffon Keep. Been asleep for three days."

"Three days?!" She croaked.

"Aye. Been keeping an eye on you as per his orders," Rylen nodded, leaning against the wooden desk that sat on the other side of the room.

"He knows?"

"Aye. You lost a lot of blood but at least we had some mages here to heal ya," He answered.

"You're close with the Commander I take it?"

"Aye. I was stationed in Starkhaven. After Kirkwall…well, exploded, Starkhaven sent aid. I coordinated rescue efforts and met Cullen while he was trying to command what was left of Kirkwall's templars. We kept in touch and later he offered me a job with the Inquisition. Anything to help stop this bloody madness," Rylen explained to her.

"I wasn't very Herald-like when I first came across you. Sorry about that," Lara admitted. Rylen actually seemed pretty laid-back.

Rylen let out a laugh, "It was amusing watching you put him in his place. Especially in front of the recruits."

Lara smiled and looked away, heat rising to her cheeks. Not her best moment.

"He's not a bad lad, eh? Had some messed up shite happen to him but that's what makes him so admirable. Not to mention him cutting off lyrium. Wish I can one day," Rylen continued.

"You sound like you're trying to convince me," Lara gave him a look.

"I know there's something between you both. I'm not an idiot. You're a bit too hard on him. He's not a Templar anymore, lass," Rylen started walking towards her, taking a letter out of his pocket.

"Here. This was delivered to me specifically from Cullen. It's for you," He handed her the letter.

She took it nervously. It was unopened. Cullen's trust in Rylen was not misplaced. They were closer than Lara thought. Suddenly, she was curious as to what their conversations were like. Rylen must know more about Cullen than she did but asking too many questions would be suspicious. Rylen gave her a nod and exited her room.

She tore the seal off gently, peering through the parchment. Her heart fluttered wildly in her chest.

My So-Called Inquisitor,

She rolled the parchment shut. Her heart leaped into her stomach.

My? No! Stop looking too much into it.

She let out a few deep breaths as if to steady her heart. She cursed herself for being this nervous but was grateful Rylen let her do this in privacy. She was also grateful she was alone. Dorian would've ripped the letter open by now and read it aloud to her.

"Lara, it's just a fucking letter. Stop being an idiot…" She mentally prepped herself and unrolled the bit of parchment, reading the first letter Cullen ever sent her.

My So-Called Inquisitor,

It dawned on me that I have never replied to your letters despite you writing me many. I appreciate the gesture. Writing letters does not seem to be my strong suit.

I wish this letter could be on better terms but I'm afraid it isn't. What is this I hear about you being severely injured because you fought a dragon? A dragon! Has the magic from your mark gone to your head? We can't have an Inquisition without you.

Luckily, Rylen is there so he can check on you. My orders. Do not give him a hard time. I wish I was able to go but my duties keep me here. Please come back to Skyhold in one piece. That is also an order.

Green is still my favorite color.

Your Commander.

That last line sent a jolt of electricity throughout her body.

—-

Cullen's orders didn't stop at just Rylen checking on her. She spent a week in Griffon Keep while Bull, Dorian, and Blackwall finished up the last of the tasks they needed to complete and ensured Venatori were cleared from the Approach. She was annoyed that she was being kept on bedrest so she gave Rylen a hard time just so he could report it back to Cullen. Rylen, however, would just laugh and didn't seem to mind.

Damn him…

She was relieved that it was time to go back to Skyhold. She was done with the Approach and wanted to be back home. Home. It really had become that to her.

Dorian handed her a note from the Red Templars that they found. They destroyed the bodies they were mining with red lyrium. Lara's stomach churned as she remembered the bodies in the Elder One's future; her friends being subjected to that very same mining. She kept that note with her so she could give it to Cullen. She was secretly using it as an excuse to see him even if she wouldn't admit it. This was something he would want to see.

Dorian also informed her they found and killed Leo of Lucien Bay and they sent word to Cassandra. Lara was grateful for them carrying on but was also annoyed she couldn't be with them. She was their leader after all yet here she was still bandaged up even though she was healing nicely.

Once back in Skyhold, Leliana and Cassandra awaited them by the gates. They mostly assessed Lara to see how she was.

"I'm fine, honestly," Lara rolled her eyes.

"This was Bull's doing no doubt," Cassandra was not pleased.

"If you're expecting an apology out of him, don't. Killing the dragon was worth it to him," Lara offered a smirk.

"I will speak with him," Cassandra answered, still not amused.

"I need to speak with…" Lara started.

"Our Commander, I presume?" Leliana answered with a smile.

A heat that had no business being there rose to her face. Leliana knew more about them than she let on but she wouldn't be a spymaster if she didn't. She wondered what Leliana knew. Or suspected.

"He's in his office," Leliana continued.

Lara nodded, not wanting to entertain Leliana further, and made her way up the stairs that led to his office. She walked through the battlements enjoying the fresh air and the scenery Skyhold had to offer. Her mood instantly improved. She hoped they had some time here before they were off to their next adventure.

Taking a deep breath, she opened the door to his office. There he sat reading through his reports, tea and some food sat on the side. He looked pale, the bags under his eyes still there, hair unruly. This wasn't the worst Lara had seen him, but he didn't look as healthy as he did when they played chess. He lifted his head up to look at her.

"There you are. I thought you'd never come in here again," He gave her a smile.

"What makes you say that?"

"Usually you're bent on avoiding me," He responded.

Her heart skipped a beat. He noticed. He knew.

"Well here I am," She said walking up to his desk, leaving the door open. Closing the door would make them too close. She liked knowing there was an exit.

"Here you are," His eyes remained locked on her as he set the reports back on his desk.

Heat was pooling in her lower half the more intently he stared at her. His effect on her was instant. This was all so new for her. So scary. No man ever had this effect on her. Of course, it had to be a Templar. An enemy.

"Your Templar buddies are up to no good. We found a note that I thought you may want to see," Lara handed him the letter.

Cullen grabbed it gently from her, unfolding it and reading it. His expression turned angry as he read the letter.

"The Red Templars are not my buddies. They are not Templars or what Templars stand for. Mining bodies? Innocent people? Madness," He spat out, throwing the letter on his reports.

"Do those names ring a bell?" Lara asked, feeling guilty for her remark.

"Fortunately, no. There is still a chance I may come across a familiar one. I pray not," Cullen responded, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Maybe I shouldn't have brought this…"

"No. I am grateful. We have a new direction. We'll send some scouts to the area, see what we're dealing with. Also, this letter brought you here," His warm honey hues looked at her.

His gaze melted her again, rendering her speechless. So much she wanted to say to him, ready to explode. The other part of her shoving it down. It didn't need to be said. He needed to be kept at arm's length, even though she was failing at it. This time, she sought him out and he knew that. She was unintentionally giving him more the more her barrier slipped.

He stood and walked over to her. She took some steps back.

No!

"You seem to be healed, thank the Maker. Your recklessness could have gotten you killed. What were you thinking?" He spoke and Lara swore she detected worry in his voice.

"We needed to acquire an agent and satisfy Bull's bloodthirst. Job done," Lara stated.

"At your expense! We need you. I -" He stopped abruptly, swallowing hard as if ridding himself of the words he wanted to speak.

"Enough about me. What about you? You're in pain again," Lara changed the subject quickly.

"The nightmares still persist which hinders my sleep. Paired with the never ending reports on my desk. I'll admit I haven't been taking the tea regularly," He responded with a sigh.

"Eggs?" Lara asked, taking note of his plate.

Cullen let out a low chuckle. "Pickled eggs. A Ferelden remedy."

"Don't let Josephine see you eat that. All the best food and drink she's brought here and you're eating pickled eggs," Lara raised an eyebrow at him.

Cullen laughed and it was a glimpse of him being carefree. The sight made her stomach flutter.

"Thankfully she doesn't regularly visit my office."

"You miss home?" Lara asked nervously. She definitely did not miss where she was from.

"When I have time to think about it, yes. It's been so long since I visited home and my family. Perhaps when this is all over, I may pay them a visit," Cullen answered, crossing his arms across his chest.

"Did you leave anyone else behind?" She asked before she could stop herself.

"Uh…anyone else?"

"Anyone special that caught your interest? A lover?" Lara continued, her heart pounding. Surely she wasn't the only one captivated by his looks.

"No. I told you I never let anyone in before," He stared at her intently.

Lara couldn't help but stare back. She was relieved that there wasn't anyone else. That there was a chance. But it didn't mean he cared for her in that way. Or did he? So many parts of the Elder One's future were being put into place but she couldn't tell if the part between her and Cullen was true.

My love.

A shiver went down her spine at the memory, her throat constricting.

"How about you? Anyone that caught your interest? A lover?" He repeated her question to her.

"No. I don't do relationships," She answered, trying to sound as stern as possible but his gaze was melting her.

Maybe that will warn him. Put him in his place.

"Is that meant to deter me?" He asked, not breaking their gaze.

Lara couldn't stop her heart from racing even if she wanted to. He was showing such a different side of him to her. One that was never displayed in public, only in private. Only for her. He was so sure of himself. Confident. Bold. It set off a flame inside her.

"It should."

He took a few steps towards her, his eyes never leaving hers. His scent reaching her nose, filling her. Her body aching to reach out to him, to have his strong arms wrap around her like he did before. To sink into his warmth, his touch.

"It doesn't. Lara, you can't deny…" He whispered to her but they were interrupted.

"Sir, I have a report from Leliana for you about…oh, Inquisitor," The scout bowed his head.

Cullen stood up straight, annoyance clearly visible on his face. He walked over to the scout, taking his scent and warmth with him, letting the cool air hit her and wash away their encounter. She heard him exchange a few heated words with the scout about knocking and took that as her cue to leave. She felt Cullen's gaze on her as she quickly made her departure.

She welcomed the fresh air to drift her out of her daze with the Commander. To wake her up and make her realize she was making a mistake. She was letting him get too close, her guard was slipping. She couldn't control what he made her feel and he was noticing. She walked into Solas's rotunda where she knew she would be safe from the man who was breaking down her wall brick by brick.