Happy Monday & Happy February! :)

Sorry for the slight delay in posting. I started a course which takes place on Monday and Wednesday evenings and today was the first day. I somehow am always adding things to my plate as if I don't have enough already lol. But it's only for three months so we'll get through it.

NSFW at the end of the chapter ;)

This is the pre-chapter to the Deep Roads and then the next one will be the descent. We're in for a few darker chapters but I promise there will be a light at the end.

In the meantime, hope you enjoy and thank you for all the love xx

—-

Chapter 39:

"Again!" Blackwall shouted as Lara hit the floor for what felt like the hundredth time.

She let out a frustrated sigh as she watched the clouds gliding above her. They had agreed that he remained Blackwall. It was a title of sorts, much like Inquisitor was her title, and made for an easier transition while he discovered who he really was after a life of secrets and hiding. He insisted that she learn how to train before going into the Deep Roads. It would be littered with darkspawn and magic wouldn't always save her when they crept up on her. She needed to defend herself and who better to teach her that than Blackwall. He may not have been a Warden but he had experience with darkspawn.

Lara grunted as she got up again. Her sword and shield were still heavy in her hands even if Blackwall had chosen something lighter for her till she was accustomed to it. Her body ached with the impacts of each hit, her muscles not prepared for this level of training. Earlier turmoils were slowly working their way out through physical exhaustion. Blackwall had handed her a way to heal without realizing it. Perhaps this is why Cullen trained so much; to exercise away his demons.

"Any reason why Cullen couldn't train her?" Bull raised an eyebrow as he watched them.

"There wouldn't be much training if he did," Blackwall replied.

"Mmm, especially if he was shirtless," Bull chuckled.

"Shut it you!" Lara narrowed her eyes at him.

"That's it. Work up that anger," Bull encouraged her.

Bull was there supporting, yelling out hints to guide her while she fought. He was actually a good spotter and had helped her on quite a few techniques. Blackwall was already in position, charging towards her. Lara swallowed hard but raised her shield and prepared her stance.

"Focus on his movements," Bull commented, eyes darting between them.

She focused as hard as she could, trying to anticipate his next move. As he neared, she lifted her shield to clash with him. The impact sent shockwaves through her causing her to grit her teeth. The shine of his sword glistened in the sun and her sword met his with a loud ring. For now, she was focusing on defending rather than attacking. She needed to keep herself alive. Together they flowed as their footsteps moved in tandem, their swords clanging at every turn. Lara tried to keep her breathing steady, her lungs not used to this exertion, her muscles burning with every move. Finally, a window of opportunity showed itself. As she turned her body to the side, her sword arm rose, pressing into his chest, her blade pressed against his neck.

"Well played, my lady," Blackwall smiled at her.

Bull was clapping in the background, shouting his own praises. A familiar voice appeared behind her, causing her to turn around.

"How I detest manual labor," Dorian sneered.

"It may serve you to defend yourself in the Deep Roads," Blackwall approached him.

"I'm a necromancer, in case you've forgotten," Dorian replied.

"I don't think the darkspawn gives a shit about what you are," Blackwall shook his head.

"Since you're teaching her, she can defend me," Dorian pointed to Lara.

"You're counting on me to defend you? Your funeral," Lara remarked.

"Don't worry, I've got you big guy," Bull winked at him.

Dorian muttered under his breath, flustered. Lara didn't miss the slight tint in his cheeks he fought to hide. She smirked, causing him to glare at her. Sometimes they communicated silently, a testament to how well they knew each other. Lara appreciated him greatly.

"Again," Blackwall banged his sword against his shield.

Lara groaned, her body slumping. She was dripping in sweat under the sun and all she craved was a warm bath to soothe her aching muscles. Still, she removed her outershirt and assumed her position, bracing herself for the next impact. Maybe she should train more often when she was deep in conflict.

—-

Cullen could hardly believe the sight before his eyes. His symptoms were barely noticeable today so surely he wasn't hallucinating. Others were also watching the scene which confirmed that this was indeed real. Lara was training with Blackwall although she was doing more defending than fighting. Still, he knew this sort of training was new for her and for her first attempts, they weren't half bad.

He considered joining the others down below but thought against being a distraction for her. Last thing he needed was for her to slip up and get injured. He wouldn't forgive himself. Before he realized, Lara had stripped down to a thinly strapped under shirt. His cock twitched at the sight, painfully aware it had been some time but she had rightfully been in such a state the past week. It was the first time she had ever ran to him. By some miracle, she hadn't resorted to avoiding him. Instead, she sought out his comfort and protection and that's exactly what he gave her.

For reasons he couldn't explain, seeing her maneuver and defend, seeing her train for battle was turning him on. Jealous as he may be, he knew it was better for Blackwall to train her. Being in such close proximity with her scent filling him and with little layers between them, watching her body move the way it did now would have resulted in him training her in other ways that didn't involve a sword and shield.

A window of opportunity made itself known and he knew Lara had caught onto it. She didn't hesitate and swiftly brought her blade to his throat. It made him wonder how many training sessions of his she had spied on besides the one in Haven. The onlookers applauded in acknowledgement, some whispering between them. Cullen couldn't help the wide smile that spread across his face at her victory.

"That's my girl," He said proudly.

—-

The Deep Roads was looming over her head and she could've sworn she felt darkness swirling around her. The aspect of not seeing sunlight and being stuck underground for days, weeks even, terrified her. Blackwall's training was a nice distraction from her thoughts and a way to exercise not only her body, but her fears as well. She was surprised at how easily she was getting the hang of it but Bull's encouragement definitely aided her.

Today she had a day off from training even though her muscles still screamed in protest. The sun casted Skyhold in a warm glow which Lara and Dorian took advantage of soaking in the beautiful weather before they would be deprived of it. A small but loud crowd was gathered around watching some sort of spectacle.

"I'm feeling quite nosy," Dorian commented.

Lara laughed, linking her arm with his as they made their way to the crowd of mainly soldiers. They squeezed their way to the front, trying to get a good view of what all the fuss was about. The sight wasn't what Lara was prepared for and it took her breath away.

"Is that all you've got?" Cullen called out, smirking.

There stood her Commander, sweaty and shirtless. Sword in hand, the other hand placed on his hip. Heat rose to her cheeks, her heart beating wildly. He was hers in every sense yet it was as if she was seeing him shirtless for the first time in Haven. She'd be lying if she said she didn't watch him train in secret, even in Skyhold. Even if it made her look like a teenager with a crush, she couldn't help it.

"Your dashing Commander in all his glory. I see the appeal," Dorian purred in her ear.

Lara turned to glare at him. She could no longer resist Cullen and she was relieved she didn't have to anymore. That she had finally put that part of her to rest. Indeed, he was appealing in every sense of the word. His muscles defined, his scars adding a rugged look to him, the unruly blond curls, those honey hues that could melt her in an instant, those calloused hands that demonstrated expertise and years of experience. The sun shone a golden halo around him, highlighting his features. The sight was mesmerizing, her eyes unable to peel away from the power that emanated off of him. It was addicting watching him in his element. Her blood danced in response to that very power that thrummed from him.

"Don't get too cocky. I was just warming up," Bull teased.

As the two men maneuvered around each other, swords clashing together, Lara caught sight of the freshly knitted scar on Cullen's side. An addition to the other scars that littered his body, a new story to tell. But it was one that Lara knew, one that she was a part of. This scar she didn't study with fascination. It was a reminder to her of what she nearly lost. It would always remind her of him collapsing in a pool of his own blood.

She darted her eyes away, stopping her mind from going down that hole. He was alive. He was here. Fighting. And Maker, was he beautiful. His movements were fluid, his muscles contorting with him. There was no sign of the broken ex-Templar suffering from withdrawals. No sign of the man waking up in cold sweats from nightmares. Here was the Commander, in full control, in full power. The Lion of Ferelden if such a title existed.

Bull let out a groan, bringing her attention to the present. He had lost by a hair, his blind side being the culprit. Bull was good, but Cullen was better. There was no doubt that he had perfected his combat skills. Even without the help of lyrium, he triumphed. Cullen smirked at his victory, indeed letting it get to his head, running a hand through the unruly curls. That sight alone erupted the butterflies in her stomach. As if he could sense her, his eyes immediately locked on hers causing a small gasp to escape her lips. She swore she wouldn't let him catch her again, but she was too mesmerized to walk away. His gaze held her still, as if she were under his power.

She flushed under his gaze, but he remained sturdy as his eyes locked with hers, taking her in. A slow smirk crept on his face, causing that flush to travel throughout her body. Her clothes suddenly felt too warm. She wondered if he too was remembering the first time she had stumbled at his feet mid-training in Haven. The memory was forever etched into her brain. The sight of him then fired off every nerve ending in her body as much as it did now. The world dissolved to nothing around them. Only the other existed. She barely registered numerous pairs of eyes darting between them.

"You failed to mention this level of intensity in your debriefings," Dorian muttered beside her, snapping her back to reality.

Cullen and Bull returned to another round of training, much to her relief.

—-

Bull had won this round, winking at Dorian and flexing his muscles. Dorian scowled but Lara didn't miss the faint blush and the gaze he gave him. It seemed both of their men had the same effect on them. She was too busy admiring their interaction that she missed Cullen striding towards her. The familiar scents of elderflower and oakmoss mixed with sweat reached her first, causing her heart to skip a beat.

"How many times have you watched me train?" He spoke so only she could hear, cocking his head to the side.

"A lady never kisses and tells," Lara bit back, not wanting to give him the satisfaction.

"Maybe I'll have to find other ways to get it out of you. You were very forthcoming on my ladder," Cullen smirked.

Lara flushed again, looking away. Since when was he this bold in public? But he was in his element, his power known, his title as Commander earned. This was his territory. It was where he was safe.

"Who would have thought that you were so ungentlemanlike," She replied, challenging him.

Cullen shook his head, his smirk widening. He leaned in closer, his breath hot against her ear causing goosebumps to form on her skin.

"There is nothing gentle about me when I make it known that you're mine," He said huskily.

Her breath hitched in her throat, a gasp escaping her. Her nipples hardened underneath the fabric, her body awakening to his words. Needing more of his proximity, more of his words that sent her tumbling off the edge.

"C'mon Cullen! I bet I can beat you again," Bull was preparing for another round.

"You got lucky," Cullen faced him, shouted back.

"I think he can," Lara blurted.

Cullen turned around quickly, assessing her. He raised an eyebrow at her, but rose to the challenge all the same.

"Is that so? Are you willing to bet on that?" Cullen teased.

"What if I am?" Lara now cocked her head, feeling more confident.

"And what will that bet be, Inquisitor?" He closed the distance between them.

"I can't spoil all my fun. If Bull wins, then I name my prize at a time of my choosing," Lara answered.

"Ah, there's the Orlesian in you," Cullen chuckled, shaking his head.

Lara cringed internally. She was playing a Game with him. Not the Game, but a Game of her own. Her own politics, where only the two of them were involved. She hated how naturally it came to her.

"If I win, then I claim my prize at a time of my choosing," Cullen replied.

"We have a deal, Commander," Lara nodded.

His smirk grew, his confidence radiating off of him. That challenge she laid on the table for him gave him an edge he didn't have before. She nearly regretted challenging him in a talent that flowed so easily through him. His power returned, stronger than before, now with a prize that Lara had dangled in front of him. She wouldn't back down now. Whatever it was he claimed, he would always protect her.

The two men resumed their stances, swords at the ready. Their movements were swift as they danced around each other, forwards and backwards, their swords meeting each other at every strike, neither man allowing a chance for the other to triumph. Lara held her breath as she watched, feeling her body suspended in time. Cullen was focused, determined, agile, quick. Bull was matching him in every way possible. It continued on for what felt like agonizing stretched out minutes with the soldiers watching in anticipation, no doubt having monetary bets of their own on who would win. Lara bit her lip as she saw an opening. Cullen saw it too. And wasted not a second more in claiming his prize.

—-

Cullen's eyes were nearly amber in the sunlight, glowing with his victory. There was little distance between where they stood and Lara ached to close it, to trace her fingers along his chest, his muscles, to feel him tense beneath her touch. To kiss every part of his scarred skin. The effect he had on her was unnerving at times.

"You'll know when I've claimed my prize," He smiled at her.

"And how will I know that?" Lara asked.

"I can't spoil all my fun, can I?" Cullen repeated her words to her.

He pressed a kiss to her forehead before making his way to his soldiers. The air sent a chill down her spine as his warmth disappeared. She craved his closeness again. The anticipation of what he could possibly claim also sent another chill down her spine, but one that ignited a fire within her it almost escaped her fingertips.

"You must tell me what he claims or I will be very disappointed in you," Dorian was now by her side.

"Eavesdropper," Lara glared at him.

"My dear, that chemistry between you two is entirely impossible to ignore. Not even his soldiers could look away," Dorian replied, unbothered.

Lara rolled her eyes as she watched Cullen walk away with his men by his side. Bull had even joined them to celebrate his victory. Indeed some of the men glanced between her and Cullen. It was a rare interaction that was held so publicly. There was little time to linger, however, as duty called. As it always did.

—-

A few days had passed before the dreaded War Meeting took place. The one that would start her journey to the Deep Roads. Training with Blackwall had been brutal but her body slowly grew accustomed to it, her muscles protesting less. The physical exhaustion caused her sleep to be dreamless although she could have sworn she dreamt once that she was in the Fade, only it was different in a way she couldn't explain. There was no sickly green hue suffocating her but a light blue aura, almost like starlight. Lara felt her stomach twist in knots as she made her way to where her advisors were gathered, waiting for her.

Taking a deep breath, she opened the grand oak doors to the War Room and hoped the meeting would be brief.

"Inquisitor," Josephine greeted her.

"Lara is still fine, you know," Lara smiled.

Josephine smiled back at her, already scribbling away on her clipboard. Leliana remained still. She didn't like the idea of sending her down there more than Lara did. At least there was someone who shared her sentiments.

"I trust work is ready?" Josephine asked Cullen.

"Indeed. Inquisitor, our men have finished building the lift that will take us down to the Deep Roads as well as other work that needed to be completed. Some of the soldiers will be with you. Others will be stationed to keep watch. Anything else that needs building down there, you send word and our men will get it sorted," Cullen spoke to her.

"How bad are the tremors?" Lara asked no one in particular.

"They seem to be getting worse as time passes. They are worried that whatever barricades are in place blocking darkspawn might collapse," Leliana replied.

"Why us?" Lara now asked Leliana.

"Because we are the only force available to respond. The Wardens haven't responded to them. I'm sure you can imagine why," Leliana shook her head disapprovingly.

Corypheus. He had manipulated their minds, occupying them, taking them away from their duties. Now they fought with the Inquisition.

"Some of the groups of soldiers will have Grey Wardens amongst them that are willing to fight for our cause," Cullen added.

Lara nodded. They definitely would be needed if there were any darkspawn roaming about. Knowing her luck, the Roads would be littered with them. All of them waiting for her to arrive to torture her. She fought a shiver at the thought. She didn't have much experience with them, but she had requested some reading material for the journey to learn whatever she could about them.

"Have you decided who will be accompanying you?" Josephine asked.

"Blackwall, of course. Dorian. I can't survive it without him," Lara winced at the thought.

Josephine nodded, understanding her meaning.

"And Bull," Lara finished.

"Then it's settled. Are the men prepared to leave?" Leliana turned to Cullen.

"Yes, some have already departed. The rest will depart with the Inquisitor and her party. I will be with them as well," Cullen crossed his arms across his chest.

Lara bit her tongue. They had disagreed about him coming there. Fought even. Eventually, she let it go. He had always let her walk into danger and never held her back. It didn't feel right caging him in just to protect him even if the idea terrified her. He had enough darkness of his own swirling inside of him, she didn't want him physically going into darkness. His demons were enough.

"It has already been agreed," Cullen studied her, waiting for a reaction from her. None came.

"Be careful, Inquisitor," Leliana spoke, her tone a warning one.

Lara nodded as the lump in her throat grew. It was time to face her fears. Her advisors began gathering their items as they left the War Room. She made her way towards the doors after Leliana and Josephine until his voice stopped her in her tracks.

"Inquisitor, a moment alone please before you leave," He commanded.

Leliana gave her a small smirk as she closed the doors behind them. Anticipation began building inside of her as she walked over to lock the doors.

"That won't be necessary," He interrupted her movements.

She swallowed hard. She knew that tone; his Commander tone. A delicious shiver ran down her spine but she hid it from him not wanting to reveal her response to his words. It could very well not be what her body was anticipating. Was this his prize? Claiming her on the War Table? Surely he wasn't that brave…

"Come here," He commanded again.

Lara turned towards him, unable to stay away. Before she would have stayed there, fought to stay there, to resist him. Not let him get too close. Now all she wanted was him close to her, not wanting to be apart from him. She strode over to the table, remaining on the opposite side. Suddenly, she couldn't help herself.

"Is this where you claim your prize?" She asked.

"Would you like me to?" He cocked his head to the side, studying her.

She braced herself, willing her body to not respond so obviously. Her attempts failed, her body language giving her away.

"You have no idea how many times I've thought of taking you on this table," Cullen chuckled darkly.

She swallowed a whimper down. The thought had crossed her mind as well. All the times she fought with him over this table, she secretly wondered when his tolerance would snap. At the time, she swore it was hatred for him. For his kind. The truth was she was testing his resistance to her. How long it would take for him to snap and put his hands on her. That part of her she repressed, wanting to deny any attraction to him. She didn't admit it, she had already admitted enough to him on the ladder.

"How forthcoming of you," She smirked.

Cullen laughed, shaking his head.

"I admit I haven't been very forthcoming with you. Anything you'd like to know?"

"Have you…ever…finished yourself off to me?" She asked awkwardly.

"Yes."

His reply was instant. So confident. Her mouth suddenly went dry.

"When was the first time?" She continued, wanting to know more.

Cullen flushed, his hand reaching behind his neck in response. A giveaway that he was nervous.

Oh…

"That time you scolded me," Was all he said.

"After I used magic on you?" Lara's eyes widened.

"Not quite. After the shock had worn off. Maker, I wanted to show you what was between us even if you were so bent on hating me," He explained.

Words escaped her, evaporating into thin air. He had felt it perhaps even more than she had. They had wanted each other for months even though Lara had fought so hard against that happening. Fought and failed quite miserably.

"You can show me now," Lara dared, not wanting to stop him from what plans he had now.

"I intend to," The confidence returned to his voice.

"The door isn't locked," Lara started nervously.

"I'm aware. I don't care who walks in," Cullen replied instantly.

A very dangerous line. One that she found herself walking across as she slowly made her way over to his side of the table. Her fingers lightly brushed against the territories, excitement and nerves both dancing throughout her body simultaneously. His eyes watched her intently, studying her movements as she stood in front of him, looking up at him. His fingers on her were warm, only building that fire within her. Carefully spinning her around, he closed the distance between them till he was pressed against her back. She steadied herself on the table as his lips trailed kisses across her jawline, down her neck, sending shivers down her spine. Her body arched into him in response as he slowly savored her.

Her pants loosened as he unbuttoned them, sliding them down her legs. Another trail of kisses down her exposed skin as he pulled them down to her ankles. She bit her lips trying to silence her moans, not trying to get caught. Worship. That's what it was and her heart bloomed at the gesture. Her underwear slid down next as he left another trail of kisses down her other leg. A moan escaped her, louder than intended. The anticipation alone as he dragged out his movements was already building her up.

A firm grasp on her hips bent her forward, exposing herself to him. He made no comment on how wet she already was but instead acknowledged it with a sweep of his tongue along her folds. Moaning, her back arched further, pressing herself into him, needing more. She no longer cared who heard her. She could've sworn she heard a chuckle from him before his tongue swept over her again. More moans were her only response.

His fingers found her clit, pressing lazy circles around the bundle of nerves while his tongue worked her. Her hips began to roll, needing more friction. The sensation was overpowering, too much, too consuming, with his fingers and tongue working her between her legs.

"Cullen," She pleaded.

More. She needed more. She needed him. A firm grip steadied her from her movements, driving her even more insane, unable to get friction. He was working her up, dangling her over that edge but not letting her let go. Not yet.

"Hmmm," Was his response to her plea.

The noise rumbled between her legs causing her to gasp at the sensation, her fingers gripping onto the table. His prize was torturing her it seemed, and he was succeeding in it. Each movement of his fingers and tongue a slow and delicious torture. A string of moans filled the room as she was losing control of her body.

Suddenly, he stood behind her, giving her what she needed. Or so she thought. His fingers replaced his tongue, one finger sliding in first. Her walls clenched around him in desperation. Another finger. Slowly pumping in and out of her, preparing her for him, slowly hovering on that spot that would be her undoing but not quite hitting it.

Maker…he's going to drive me insane…

"Cullen…please," She pleaded again, her body trembling.

"How many times have you watched me train?" His voice was husky, demanding.

Fuck.

Teasing her for answers. He knew what she needed but he was hovering around it, dangling her over that edge. Her answer would be her salvation. Her answer would lead to having him.

"Only in Haven," She bit back her smirk. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction.

"Hmm, I think you're lying," He replied, plunging deeper.

"Maybe," She gasped, shutting her eyes.

"You are. The way you trained…I know you've been watching me," He growled against her ear.

Huh…

"Very forthcoming today," Lara let out a small laugh.

Another growl from him as he plunged deeper, realizing his error. She had played her cards well it seemed as he admitted to watching her as much as she had watched him. But she no longer cared about the admission or hiding the truth. He was hers to admire as she pleased. He was only vulnerable with her. Only in the safety of his office did he let his armor off for her. Not even in this War Room would he take off his armor, even as he claimed her on the table.

"Does it even matter? You're mine," Lara answered finally.

Those words were his undoing. In one swift movement, he freed himself from his trousers and entered her, burying himself to the hilt, hands firmly grasping her hips, holding her in place.

"I'm yours in whatever way you'll have me, Lara," He groaned as he thrusted into her.

Her heart swooned at his words, emotions brimming as he took her. A slash of pain hit her at the thought that he didn't think he was enough for her. That he didn't think of himself as deserving. As deserving of her. When she was the one who was undeserving.

"In every way possible," Was her reply.

Another groan escaped him as he thrusted deeply inside her. She didn't miss the emotion in that sound but instead, she surrendered to the sensations as he claimed her relentlessly. Each thrust a reminder that she was his and he was hers. Her hips met him at every thrust, bringing them both to that edge. Together. A fierce emotion overtook her; love. The way he claimed her yet did so lovingly. The way he worshipped her. The way he kept her safe whether he was her Commander or her lover.

Together they were reaching that edge. Together they would fall apart as he thrusted into her deeply, hitting that spot that made her see stars. That made her clench and lose all sense of control over her body.

"Cullen!" She pleaded as her climax overtook her.

Wave after wave hit her as she shattered around him. She barely registered her name as Cullen filled her. All she could focus on was the feel of him, as his cock twitched inside her with each rope. That feeling of fullness overwhelmed her but her body craved it more than she cared to admit. Time escaped her and she had no idea how long she laid there, how long it took for her to come back down. Cullen held her the entire time, gently massaging her lower back. Slowly the room began to come back into focus causing her to stand up.

"Shit! The markers…I don't remember where they go," Lara blushed.

"Neither do I," Cullen huffed out a laugh.

They had been so lost in each other, she hadn't realized they knocked the markers off the table in the process. Cullen slowly pulled out of her causing her to wince. He pulled up her pants, dressing her. Her heart warmed at the gesture. WIth a sigh, she walked over to collect the pieces, that blush intensifying. It was definitely obvious what they had done. Lara turned to study the map, her brows furrowed, trying to remember where the markers went. A carefree laugh left Cullen.

"What?" She frowned at him.

"You're cute when you concentrate," He chuckled.

"That doesn't help me," She narrowed her eyes at him.

She was only met with more laughter as he walked over to her, grabbing some of the pieces from her, placing them in different regions.

"Wait, so you did know!" Lara exclaimed, pouting.

"Not really. I'm only guessing," Cullen shook his head, a smile still on his lips.

Lara rolled her eyes and placed the remaining ones wherever she felt they should go. Leliana and Josephine could reorganize it if they really wanted to. A sudden sadness washed over her knowing her next steps would be underground as Cullen placed a marker there. To the Deep Roads.

"Talk to me," Cullen spoke softly.

"I don't know how I'm going to survive down there. I have a horrible feeling about it," Lara shook her head.

"I don't enjoy sending you down there anymore than you do. Blackwell did well to train you," Cullen placed his hands on her arms.

"Must you go down there?" Lara asked, looking up at him.

"Yes. They are my men. I need to be there for them. I'll be alright," He stroked her cheek with his thumb.

"Less than a day?" She asked, hoping for his word.

"Yes. Once the men are settled and plans are finalized, I'll be on my way back to Skyhold. Rylen will be down there with you," Cullen confirmed.

Letting out a deep sigh, she sunk into his hold, pressing her body against his. On demand, he wrapped his arms around her tightly, gently swaying her. Doubt still niggled its way in, her intuition ringing off an alarm if it could. Plans always go to shit, Varric had said, and she had no doubt that this was one of those times where indeed everything was going to go to shit.