Author's Note: I have been trying to add on to this chapter some more but everything just seemed wrong. So I cut it down to the parts that felt right and left the rest out. I hope you enjoy it!

Shout Out to my new favorites/followers! Deelith29, mindlessmanic, valeliukas, and leenyx! I'm so glad you enjoy the story! Thank you for your support!

To my reviewers, thank you as well! I love hearing from you! :)))

AND AS ALWAYS A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS BEEN THERE IN THE PAST! I am so grateful to each of you for sticking with me through this story so far! You are amazing!

Chapter 20

The next day Elena woke to a Skyhold that was bereft of Marston. It looked the same. It felt the same. That's because it is the same. She scolded herself gently. It wasn't like Elena had expected the very stones and air of Skyhold to change because one of her friends had left its fortifications for good. Still, somehow, knowing that Marston wasn't there did make her feel rather down as she went obediently through her morning exercises before wandering over to the infirmary. The session with Healer Varmont went much better than she had hoped, though he did chastise her for drinking too much the previous night. Elena hardly felt the after-effects of the previous night's poor decisions, so she accepted the reprimand in good humor, pretending to really feel poorly for the healer's sake. This back-fired on her, though, as he forced her to drink some noxious tea that tasted like rotted Sulphur. After promising to keep her evening escapades to a minimum during her recuperation, she was finally dismissed.

She made her way into the main hall to find something to eat. Usually there was a plate of fruit and some rolls lying around. Her stomach rumbled quietly at her to hurry up and find something to eat. She was feeling much perkier today than she had in a long time. Perhaps it was the old-fashioned night out with her friends that caused this; perhaps it was the good weather and fresh mountain air taking affect. Elena wasn't about to question her good humor.

As she stepped inside the hall she noticed her brother standing off to one side of his throne deep in conversation with a taller, broad-shouldered man in plate armor. He had a shield strapped across his back and a mace dangled at his side. His large arms were crossed over his wide chest and he seemed to be conversing comfortably with Erik given their height difference. There was something vaguely familiar about the way his black hair curled against his fair skin at the nape of his neck and around his ears. The man threw his head back as he laughed loudly at some joke Erik had told him, grabbing onto Erik's shoulder and shaking him with mirth. The sound of his rich, deep voice flowed over Elena's ears like water on a duck's back. Suddenly she felt herself transported back in time… to when she had had that same hand holding onto her, steadying her as they laughed together after avoiding her father's attempts to send him back to the Circle. She could feel the warmth of his grip still; smell the faint scent of crushed pine emanating from him… He turned to look at her and as her eyes locked onto his she could feel his lips brush hers again.

"F- Fabien?" She stuttered out coming to a full stop at the foot of the raised dais beneath the throne.

Fabien blinked at her for a moment, the smile fading slowly from his face, "I'm sorry?" Erik nudged him in the ribs with his elbow, "Oh! Elena! You've grown into such a woman I hardly recognized you!" He said loudly, rushing down the few steps and enveloping her into his arms, "It has been too-long!"

"I'm glad you remember each other." Erik cut in as Fabien stepped back from her, "My sister is in delicate health after her last foray beyond Skyhold's lands. Be gentle with her you great oaf."

Fabien flashed Erik a winning smile, the two had always liked each other and had an easy friendship, "Have I ever hurt her?" Elena bristled, thinking of his unceremonious good-bye years ago.

"Just the one time... Honestly, I'm surprised she let you touch her." Erik stated laughing lightly.

Elena stepped further away from Fabien, "Yes, as I recall you left Ostwick to pursue a higher calling within the Order. Now, you've defected and joined the Inquisition?"

Fabien turned back to her, a sheepish look on his well-cut features, "You see, Elena, I did but I heard the Inquisition was in need of good, solid Templars with their absorption of the mages so I came to offer my services such as they are."

Elena crossed her arms over her chest and stuck up her nose at him, "You expect us to just let you join us?"

Fabien looked between her and Erik, "I wasn't aware you had any say in the matter. Erik's already accepted my petition to join and he's placed me under your command."

Elena looked aghast at her brother who stepped between Fabien and her, "Now, Elena, before you get all upset, think about it this way. You know Fabien well. You know how he handles himself in a fight and you know you can trust him. Plus you've just lost Marston. He's a good replacement. He can help you. Don't put on that stubborn face and pretend you're not happy to see him. Think of all the fun you two had back in Ostwick, all the trouble you got into, all the… good times."

Elena could remember the times she shared with Fabien vividly. She had felt rebellious, dangerous even with him by her side. They wreaked a quiet sort of havoc on the upper-class in Ostwick, focused mainly on her father and Adrian, and had gotten out of more close-calls than she could reliably recall. It had been fun and easy with Fabien. Thinking about herself now, she couldn't remember why eighteen year old Elena had held onto such a fierce grudge against him when he left. He had explained himself and his desires to better his life to her and then left. Of course, that would have been fine if they had been just friends as everyone believed…

"I don't care!" She snapped, turning abruptly away, "He can't be in my squadron. What would—" She stopped herself short, regrouping before she blurted out about her current emotional involvement in front of the whole hall, "I mean to say think about how it'll look! 'Oh, here comes Elena getting the experienced Templar knight to add to her ranks when the rest of us get the green horns.' I mean, really, Erik, people do talk about me and my rise through the ranks as being less-than-legitimate already especially with my record…. Didn't you even stop to think about what this will do to my reputation?"

Fabien cleared his throat, "I haven't heard anything about you since I came. Surely you know I'd be the first to duel any bastard who thinks it a good idea to openly question your right to lead." Elena shot him a vicious glare, "Perhaps we should all speak later after some food, yes?" He offered, stepping around Erik and taking one of her hands gently in his, his forest green eyes searched hers with a tenderness specific to him. She felt her knees go slightly weak as he took a half-step closer to her. With him towering over her she felt herself once again transported back in time to that moment when he—

Elena tugged her hand away, "Perhaps you should go back to your tower. That's where you're happiest." She spun on her heel and went to go locate Cullen. There were things he needed to know. Things she should tell him before he heard about them from anyone else.

Cullen sat and listened quietly to Elena's story. His face remained impassive and stoic as he heard about her new troop and their shared history. Elena felt this was a bad sign and continued to pour words into his ears explaining that even though she had once felt a great fondness for Fabien she no longer did and who would when she had someone as fine as Cullen to call her own? So really, he needn't be worried. And Fabien was an excellent fighter and really they made a very good pair and so she would be much safer away from Skyhold with him as part of her immediate travelling companions. And wouldn't Cullen much prefer that to her being vulnerable until a more suitable replacement was found? Not to mention the fact that even Erik wasn't entirely sure there was or would be a more suitable replacement than Fabien… Cullen stood slowly, listening to her babble still. He walked towards her, grasped her by the shoulders, and kissed her with great purpose, effectively stopping the flow of words pouring forth from her mouth like a waterfall.

"It's all right." He told her softly as he drew back, "I'm not worried about him. He sounds like a good fit for your squadron."

Elena blinked up at him, "What?"

Cullen stepped away from her, moving towards the door, "I'm not worried about him. You shouldn't be either. A good soldier is a good soldier. I'd suggest you listen to yourself on this matter." He passed through the doorway without another word.

Elena started after him, "Where are we going?"

Cullen looked back at her, "Hmm? Oh, I've got a meeting with the Inquisitor to discuss the Arbor Wilds. I'm afraid you're not invited to it, but you can escort me there if you'd like."

Elena shook her head, "No. That's all right. I'll just… find something to do."

"The recruits could use some extra trainers if you're feeling up to it. Or I'm sure Quartermaster Segrit could use a hand with inventory." Cullen offered as they entered Solas's rotunda. "I know you hate being idle." Elena nodded and kissed him on the cheek as they parted ways at the main hall.

Fabien was at the sparring circle in the courtyard. He was doing his best to out-smart Porteur, a wily opponent. Years of playing the Game had made Porteur unusually adept at planning out strategies for one-to-one combat. He lacked the ability in larger numbers finding the myriad of possibilities with so many moving pieces difficult to navigate. Or at least that's what he had explained to Elena when she had asked why he wasn't a leader of his own squadron after a particularly difficult duel. She watched with interest as the younger, more lithe Porteur darted around Fabien's towering frame with ease, but Fabien was never behind the smaller Orlesian. He had been taught well by his masters. Others had gathered around the pair, pressing close against the wooden fence, cheering and jeering as they saw fit. Some even openly heckled the duelers. After what seemed an exceptionally long amount of time the pair came to the conclusion that the match was an equal draw and both men lowered their swords. Porteur noticed Elena in the crowd and saluted her, winking playfully as Reeves descended upon him. He bore the brunt of her fussing with gentle smiles and tugged her out of the ring so the next pair could enter.

Fabien, on the other hand, walked over to where she stood leaning against the fence and hopped onto the top-most rail. He stuck his sword into the ground before him and smiled charmingly at her. The white of his teeth flashing against his dark, close-cropped beard attractively, "That was some fun! That Porteur of yours is quite the talented fighter. With the three of us, we should be able to form a reasonable defense for your archer." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "Though, isn't she the Elf over there?" He jerked his thumb over his shoulder in Poretur and Reeves's general direction.

Elena nodded, reaching out and pulling him gently from the railing so the next duel could begin, "Yes, she is Elven. What of it?"

He shrugged his broad shoulders and rolled his neck, "Oh nothing. She just may not need so much coverage. Are you sure you want a mace wielder with you? Two swords, a mace, and an archer doesn't seem like a very balanced party."

She rolled her eyes, "It's just like you to think only of yourself at moments like this. I've a whole squadron to choose from. If we need more variety I can ask someone to switch out."

"Have you ever?" He asked, when Elena blushed he nodded knowingly, "I didn't think so. You're like your brother. You get attached to who you travel with and don't want anyone else. The only difference is he's wise enough to fully balance his party."

"I don't have to fight Corypheus. My party is largely for reconnaissance and an occasional small skirmish. We will do well enough as we are."

"Apparently you haven't." Elena felt her whole body turn into a frown at this remark. Then Fabien clapped her on the back, sending her forward a step, "Not to worry. I'm here now. You won't have any of those kinds of problems anymore." He moved off, picking his sword up and twirling it, "You want to come to the Templar tower with me? I need to pick up my mace and go to see the Quartermaster."

Elena shook her head, "I better not."

Fabien stopped moving, "Oh? Would you accompany me as my guide then? It's only my second day here and I'm afraid I still don't know where everything is." His forest green eyes quietly begged while his words were so polite. Elena knew that likely after his visit to the Quartermaster he had a wicked plan brewing. His eyes never got that soft, liquid look unless there was trouble and mischief to be had.

Her resolve to keep a professional distance between them relaxed at the familiar sight, "Fine. But after I will need to go back to my quarters for a rest."

Fabien rolled his eyes as they started off towards the Quartermaster's office, "Of course, of course, you are a delicate flower. You best not get too much sun or else you might wilt."

"I am not."

"Really? Judging by the amount of bandages I can see peeking out of your collar and sleeves you are…" He twirled a finger at the white linen strips crisscrossing Elena's exposed chest and wrists. "But as I've said before, you've no need to worry about being delicate any longer. You're knight in shining armor is here to protect you once again!" He struck a heroic pose outside of Segrit's tower base.

She shrugged; there was no use in trying to explain what had happened to Fabien when he was in this kind of mood, "What do you need from here?" Elena queried pushing the door open to admit them into the torch-lit interior.

"Oh! Lieutenant Shaw, I wasn't expecting you so soon." Segrit fussed, bustling around and gathering some packages together. "You're lucky; your supplies just came in." He set the packages down on his work table and picked up a board with papers attached to it. He rifled through them until he found one and presented it to Fabien with a quill, "Sign here, please."

Fabien took the quill and signed the parchment, "Thank you for your speed on this matter." He smiled warmly at Segrit as he gathered the packages into his arms and then left. Elena waved to the Quartermaster as she hastily followed her massive friend.

"You could have warned me you were going." She huffed behind him. Her ribs ached as she sped along behind his back. Fabien was moving quickly up the stairs towards the new Templar tower and she was finding it rather difficult to get her healing muscles to cooperate. "Can we please stop?"

Fabien halted at the top of the stairs and turned to look at her. Upon seeing her half-way down the stairs and leaning forward, bracing herself on her knees, he sighed and set his things down before descending to her level. "I was kidding about you being delicate, you know." He said calmly as he picked her up, cradling her against his broad chest gently. "It seems I was a bit more accurate than I thought. What exactly happened to you?"

Elena shook her head, refusing to meet his gaze as he placed her on the battlements, "It was bad." She leaned against the wall and let the breeze cool her face. Fabien stood next to her in silence, waiting. "Listen all you need to know is I got captured and it wasn't an easy imprisonment. I'm still recovering from it so I can't move about like a giant. I've got to go slowly up stairs and such. And you're not allowed to pick me up again. I don't like it." Though, if she had been being totally honestly with herself she did like it a little bit. It was always nice to be so high up and so safe at the same time.

Fabien chuckled, "You always say that. And yet, you never protest when I do." He stepped closer to her, "Do you think about what might have happened had I not left?" He asked, his voice a low, sultry whisper. "Where we might be? What we might be doing?"

"I don't need to wonder about things like that. I know what would have happened." She replied in what she hoped to be an obstinate voice, but something about his closeness, the timbre of his voice, the distant longing in his eyes, caused her to waiver.

"Oh? Care to enlighten me?"

Elena swallowed and took a half-step back, "Father would have seen to your removal from the Circle and we would never have seen each other again. Adrian told me he had had it in the works for months before you left. He had just needed a couple more days to finalize some things."

Fabien frowned and looked away from her, "I always knew he was scheming against us. Staid old bastard that he is… Do you really believe Adrian?" Elena made a noncommittal noise, "I see." He turned and gathered his things, "I'm going to the Tower now. Are you going to be all right to make it there? It's a lot of stairs."

Elena made a face at him, "Oh ha ha. Yes, I'm coming. Just walk slower you stinking moose." Fabien smiled brightly and turned to go walking at a snail's pace, "Oh get on with it!"

Author's Note: Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed it! I will write again soooooon! Love you guys! Peace and blessings! -Danbamina