I leaned my hands on the wood and stared down at the War Table, my brows knit in focus. Around me, the advisors watched silently as I made my decisions. There were so many pieces on the board, each begging for our attention–for my attention. To say that I was a tad overwhelmed was the least one could argue. However, the work needed to be done. I pushed a wooden carving that we used for Cullen's forces toward a pin in the map. "Send your forces there to resolve the blockage in the Exalted Plains. I suspect there's more hiding there than we know. Could lead to something."

"Of course, Inquisitor. I'll ready my–" Cullen groaned and my head snapped up.

The Commander braced himself on the War Table, his other hand going to his head.

"Cullen?" Josephine queried, her brow pinching with worry.

"I'm fine…" he began.

I made it around the massive table in time to catch the man when he stumbled. I hooked my arm around his and hauled him back to his feet. Then I placed my hand on his back and guided him slowly to a chair behind us. I knelt in front of him as he placed his elbows on his knees.

"Are you alright?" I asked.

"You need to tell her," Cassandra stated bluntly.

I glanced between her and Cullen and pursed my lips at his obvious discomfort. He couldn't look at me and only now did I notice the slight sheen of sweat on his brow.

"Can I have the room for a moment?" I asked.

Josephine and Leliana nodded and stepped out of the room quietly. Cassandra lingered for a moment before following suit. I turned my attention back to the man before me and said, "What's going on, Cullen."

"I suppose I should have told you sooner. I…I've stopped taking lyrium."

My brows rose. "That's dangerous to stop like that. How long?"

"Since we formed the Inquisition, so a few months now."

I sighed, "You should have told me."

"I know, Inquisitor," he said, a pained expression twisting his features. "But my decision is for the betterment of the Inquisition. I made Cassandra promise to watch me and if she finds me unfit for my duty, she will remove me."

I placed a hand on his shoulder. "I don't only care about how you can benefit the Inquisition, Cullen. Are you alright?"

He huffed out a bemused laugh. "I've had better days."

I smiled and asked, "Can you stand? We should get you back to your chambers."

A blush blazed across his face and he stood up abruptly. "I can manage myself, Inquisitor."

"Cullen," I admonished. "Let me help you."

The Commander sighed heavily and said, "Fine. Just don't let the soldiers see me leaning on you. You're half my size and the Herald of Andraste. My image will be tarnished."

I laughed and patted him on the back, "Okay, for your image I will simply walk beside you."

I walked the battlements with the Commander toward where he had stationed himself. He insisted we didn't need to go all the way to his room and that his office had a couch he could lay on. He was easily ruffled and I laughed often at how easily he blushed. For the most part, Cullen managed to walk on his own just fine. He didn't need my help, but I kept an eye on him all the same.

When we approached his office, a pair of soldiers took one look at us and scurried off. I thought it odd that they would leave their posts and I opened my mouth to admonish them.

"Don't. They think we are…coming here for a respite of sorts," the Commander said softly with a furious scarlet blush.

"What kind of respite?"

"The carnal sort."

I blinked until his meaning struck me and I tossed my head back and laughed.

"Is that such a laughable offense?" Cullen murmured as he opened the door to his office.

"Are your soldiers hoping for something to happen between us?" I asked, ignoring his question and stepping into his space.

Cullen took a step back and away from me, wobbling slightly on his feet.

"Sit," I demanded, pointing to his couch.

He did as instructed and groaned softly, his eyes closing against the pain. I stepped up to him and tilted my head. He was sweating again. I reached out and unhooked his cloak. Immediately, his fingers snatched at my wrists.

"What are you doing?" he blustered.

"You're sweating and this heavy cloak isn't helping. We need to get you as comfortable as possible."

"I am perfectly capable of doing so myself," he insisted.

I smiled smugly and watched him struggle to free himself from the fabric. When he was done, he tossed it to the floor in a huff and leaned back against the sofa.

"I'll just take a short nap and then head out to the Exalted Plains in an hour or so."

"No, you won't," I insisted.

"Inquisitor, I am fully capable–"

"Go to sleep, Commander. I will watch the soldiers at the Exalted Plains with a sharp eye. I need you at your best. Take a few days to rest."

"Inquisitor–" he stopped himself and sighed. "Fine. Take the men and go. Just make sure you bring Solas with you."

"Why him?" I asked, my eyebrow lifting in confusion.

"He can protect you."

"Fully capable of doing it myself," I muttered.

"That is my stipulation. I will sit here and rest if you take Solas."

"That means no paperwork and no conferring with military forces," I haggled.

Cullen groaned. "What am I supposed to do for several days then?"

"You need a hobby, Commander," I teased. "Work out, paint roses, write poetry, I don't care."

Cullen swiped a hand down his face with exasperation. "Fine, I will agree to your terms."

I stuck out my hand and he took it, giving it a firm shake.

"See you in a few days, Commander!" I called as I stepped out of his office.

I chewed on my lip, my head tilted back as I watched the clouds and my legs swung back and forth. I was perched on the base of a statue and dreadfully bored. We were all paused for a lunch break and I was going out of my mind with the lack of things to do. I guess it was nice to have a moment to breathe though, considering the chaos I was used to. The soldiers were kind and polite. The work of removing the rubble from the collapsed cave-in was hard, but not mentally taxing, so spirits were high. The area was free of demons and Freeman of the Dales for the moment, so all was peaceful.

My mind mulled over one thing over and over again though, "Remind me again why Solas was needed for this?"

Varric was standing by the cave in, his eyes roving over the work still to be done. At my words, however, the dwarf turned and grinned smugly, "Cullen wants Chuckles to protect you the way the Commander cannot."

"How chauvinistic," I muttered. "I told him I could protect myself."

"If you do not enjoy the extra time with me, Inquisitor, please just say so," Solas teased from his spot on the grass by my feet, a book in his lap.

I gently prodded his shoulder with one of my boots and grinned down at him.

"Inquisitor!" someone shouted.

I lifted my head to see a pair of scouts jogging up to me. Their reports had held nothing surprising or worth noting over the course of the last few days. I expected more of the same until one of them said, "We spotted a Dalish camp near the stream, Inquisitor. They looked worse for wear."

I perked up at the mention of my people and asked the scout where exactly they had spotted them. She marked it on a map and handed it over to me. My blood thrummed with excitement.

"Inquisitor, don't get all excited. You promised you would watch the soldiers," Varric warned with a non-serious tone.

I hopped down from my perch. "Hush, Varric. I only mean to go speak to them for a bit. Bull is at the main camp with the Chargers. I'll run by and send them over to watch the workers."

As I moved to bolt towards camp, Solas caught my wrist and I turned to find him smiling. "I'm your protective shadow until the Commander feels well again, remember?"

I rolled my eyes, but I wasn't really all that upset about having him around.

Our camp was nearby–just a quick jaunt across the plains. When I told him about my plans, the Iron Bull simply nodded and said, "Sounds like you guys have elf stuff to do. I get it."

Solas opened his mouth–probably to correct Bull–but I grabbed his arm and pulled him along before he could get anything out. Eventually, I slid my fingers through his as we walked, swinging our intertwined hands slightly.

"Someone is in a good mood," Solas noted. "Do the Dalish excite you that much?"

"It sounds like the Dalish need help."

"Ah, so it is simply good will that makes you act so giddy," he said with suspicion.

"I would be a liar if I said I wasn't also looking forward to getting out of a boring assignment," I admitted sheepishly.

"There's the truth of it," Solas

I shoved at him playfully and continued following the stream until we saw the aravel.

"How are we supposed to find one fancy halla amongst a sea of regular halla? Are we even certain she exists?" I sighed, exasperated.

We had been tasked with finding a golden halla–one the Dalish had named Hanal'ghilan. Keeper Hawen was a stubborn old man and not keen on mixing with outsiders. There were a few amongst his clan that wanted to help the Inquisition, but were afraid to anger their Keeper. I had a plan though, which is why we were out searching for a non-existent animal.

Solas tugged me to a stop and motioned for me to sit down.

"Are we giving up?" I joked.

"I've found that the best method sometimes is to let the creature come to you," Solas whispered.

I pressed my lips together firmly to try and hide my grin. "This feels awfully like we are giving up."

"It is a tactic," Solas corrected.

I plopped down into the lush grass, letting loose a sigh that would scare away any nearby halla. Solas sat next to me as he placed his staff to the side and rested his forearms on top of his bent knees. I took in our surroundings, my fingers twining around a flower stem as it blew gently in the wind. The plains consisted of a sea of grass and ancient ruins speckled with halla and snoufleur. It was undeniably peaceful.

"Dirthavaren", I whispered, my eyes roaming the land before me wistfully. That was what Keeper Hawen had called the Exalted Plains.

"A splendid place for sure," Solas agreed as he laid back into the soft grass.

He put his arms behind his head, one of his knees bent and the other relaxed. I threw myself backward into a similar position and savored the touch of grass and flowers against my exposed neck. I wasn't quite comfortable yet though, so I tugged at Solas's sleeve until he released one of his hands and offered it to me. I clasped his hand with mine and instantly earned a smile from him. I stared into his eyes, feeling more content than I had in ages. I brought our joined hands to my lips and placed a kiss on his knuckles.

"You are a wonder," he whispered.

"Sweet talker."

I let my eyes drift closed as a warm breeze washed over us. I relished in the sensation and felt my entire body relax into the soil. We laid like that for what felt like hours in silence, communicating through our joined hands with light squeezes.

I would have fallen asleep, except for the slightest touch of a wet nose to my cheek. I nearly jumped out of my skin, but when I cracked open my eyes, I noticed her: Hanal'ghilan.

She was radiant and regal for a beast. I stared up into honey-colored eyes. She cocked her head to the side, taking me in as much as I was her. She backed away a bit, startled by me sitting upright. She didn't go far, however, and she kept a watchful eye on us as she strutted over to the stream. She moved like she knew she was magnificent. Her shining neck bent down to lap at the waters of the stream.

"How are we going to get her back to the Dalish camp?" I whispered.

Solas hadn't moved a muscle and looked content to stay where he was. "You could try asking her."

I cast him a disparaging look and then had an idea strike me. I rummaged around in my pockets and pulled free a wrapped up cloth. Inside were a handful of candied berries. It was a delicious snack out in the field and I had eaten my way through most of my stash, but I had a few berries left. Perhaps halla also liked candied berries?

"Ah, you've found that bribery works much better," Solas remarked.

Tentatively, I held one out to her between my thumb and index finger. She was on me in seconds, her long tongue lapping up the berry in the blink of an eye. Her adorable face lit up as she chomped on the treat and I leapt to my feet.

Her little nose wiggled as she sniffed the air around me, searching for more treats. I jogged a few feet away and held out another berry to her. She followed, unable to resist the temptation of sugary sweets. I grinned wildly and continued to guide her back to the encampment.

The Dalish had been overjoyed to have Hanal'ghilan in their midst and had promptly decided to have a bonfire and celebrate. I had brought rations from our own camp to help the Dalish stock up–they might actually survive out here now. Keeper Hawen was more than thrilled with our help and had allowed several of his willing members to join the Inquisition. It was truly a time to celebrate.

Music pulsated and I clapped my hands in rhythm to it. I stood off to the side with Solas sitting on a stump at my side. His arms were crossed and he was definitely sulking. I giggled softly and poked my finger against his cheek. When he glanced up at me, I motioned for him to smile.

He sighed heavily, his eyes closing with concentration. "I'm sorry, vhenan. I don't feel comfortable here."

"We could leave if you'd like," I offered.

He shook his head and opened his mouth to say something, but I was quicker. I pulled him to his feet and closer to the bonfire. He looked like he would rather be anywhere else, but when I put my hands into his, intertwining our fingers, he cracked a small smile. I moved our arms to the sound of the music, shuffling my boots in the grass as we danced with the other Dalish. I lifted our linked arms high and stepped under them in a twirl. One of the elves whistled in appreciation and I tossed back my head and laughed.

Abruptly, Solas jerked me toward him until I was pressed to his chest. He bent down until his lips were touching the shell of my ear and said, "I'm glad I stayed to see you like this."

I wanted to blame the fire for the raging current of heat that tore through me, but that award lay squarely with the man who had my heart. I bit my lip softly and turned my gaze up to his. He was staring at me with such desire in his eyes…

I stood on tip toe and pressed a kiss to his lips. He eagerly returned my kiss and released my hands as they came up to cradle my face. My eyes drifted closed as we kissed and I felt my pulse quicken.

"You are everything," Solas whispered so softly I barely heard him.

"You have my heart. Forever," I returned, ready to drag him off to the plains and have my way with him.

"I don't deserve it."

I captured his face between my index finger and thumb so that I had his full attention. "Whether you deserve it or not, it's yours. I gave it to you of my own free will."

A look of pain crossed Solas's face, but instead of saying what had given him such a look, he bent down and kissed me again. Surrounded by the sounds of revelry and people, only the apostate before me held my full attention. I was lost to him.

I walked into the library entry way and smiled softly at the sight I beheld. Solas was stretched out across the small couch in the space, his long limbs hanging off of the furniture. I slowed my pace, creeping up to his side silently. His breath rose and fell rhythmically and I found my smile growing and my heart warming

I moved to step away, but a hand lashed out–long fingers curling around my wrist–and tugged. I collapsed onto Solas's chest without a shred of elegance and he laughed as he clutched me to him. I squirmed, indignation making my cheeks flare red.

"You were pretending to sleep!" I squeaked.

"I was asleep. You woke me." His arms circled tighter around me as he positioned me more comfortably on his body until my head rested on his chest and my legs were entwined with his.

Suddenly aware of the position we were in, my heart hammered against my breastbone. Solas, however, seemed completely content. His hand rested atop my head, his fingers playing with my hair.

I bit my lip before speaking, "Can you tell me more about your adventures?"

Solas chuckled and I felt the sensation along my entire body. "You continuously surprise me, vhenan."

My skin came alive–a tingling sensation starting at my head and going all the way down to my toes–at the sound of his term of endearment.

"It shouldn't be a surprise that I'm nosy," I huffed.

"It's not a common trait amongst people, I'm afraid. Your curiosity reminds me of the wisps in the fade–endless and without boundaries."

"Wisps?"

"Spirits of curiosity; they embody it, personify it."

I hummed and moved aside his bone necklace (that he refused to talk about) and snuggled in deeper to his frame. The sound of his voice from this position–where I could hear and feel it at the same time–was exhilarating.

"Wisps are perhaps my favorite in the Fade to meet. They are adorable to see. Just bits of energy happy to be present at all times," Solas effused. "They are unlike anything you can imagine."

"You love them more than wisdom spirits?

"I don't believe in ranking such love, but do curiosity and wisdom not go hand in hand? The curious become wise and the wise are curious."

I chuckled softly and placed my hand on his chest, my index finger absently drawing elven letters on his shirt. "You have a point. Are wisps like the spirits we've seen?"

"No, they do not appear human-like. They are quite literally just little wisps of energy that float in the air. If there are many of them in one area, it is truly a sight to behold."

"I would like to see them one day."

Solas's body stiffened beneath me.

"Have I said something wrong," I asked.

"No, vhenan. It is just that wisps are not easy for mortals to see."

"Oh, so I couldn't fall asleep right now and see them?"

"You may fall asleep here, but I doubt you will see any wisps."

"I would like that–to sleep in your arms."

At that, Solas finally relaxed and his arms drew around me in a tight embrace. He pressed his lips to my hair, "Sleep, vhenan. We shall talk when you awake."

I closed my eyes, focusing on the beat of his heart beneath my cheek. This was becoming a slippery slope and I wasn't sure I could catch myself in time.