Apologies, this chapter is late! I try to upload every Monday but sometimes life just…lifes haha.

We're finally at Samson's lair plus more bonding between our Commander and Inquisitor.

There's also some other events plus a little surprise at the end.

Thank you to everyone who has been following along so far! I'm not sure how long this journey will be. I'd say we're about half way at the moment but who knows. I'm letting the story write itself out and however chapters that may be, may be. :)

—-

Chapter 25:

"This is it. The heart of Samson's stronghold," Cullen's voice boomed behind her.

It was a tucked away fortress holding only Maker knows how many secrets and horrors. Lara's stomach sank as she took in the fortress with red banners billowing in the wind. Smoke surrounded the courtyard in which they stood in front of. They were either walking into a trap or they were going to discover something sinister.

"It's awfully quiet," Lara commented, gripping her staff.

"Maker tell me he hasn't fled," Cullen's voice grew angry.

"I'm afraid to say that it seems he has. Coward that he is," Dorian replied, also getting his staff ready.

As they made their way through the courtyard, they were approached by Red Templars trying to stop them in their path. A Behemoth lay up ahead on the stairs. It wasn't going to be that easy for them. Lara immediately set up a barrier, protecting them, mainly Cullen. She tried not to focus too much on him and concentrate on taking down as many as she could before they could get to Cullen. She could hear his sword clashing and dared to look his way. He was in combat mode, swiftly maneuvering and dealing blows when they least expected it. Relief washed over her as she watched him move and defend. She now focused her magic on the remaining Red Templars, before turning to the Behemoth.

Ice to slow its path, electricity flowing from her staff to the monster in front of her, shattering it shard by shard. She focused all her energy on it, trying to handle it on her own. Soon she was joined by Dorian whose magic also chipped away at it. Bull was soon by their side and finally Cullen, and together, they flowed in sync as they took down the final obstacle in their path to the fortress.

"You're still leaving your blind side too open," Cullen pointed out, exasperated.

"As long as there are no demons here, I'm alright with that," Bull responded.

"What? Demon or not, you're still too open. You're asking to get injured," Cullen was annoyed now.

"Dorian can take care of that," He winked.

"Oh, I love how I'm supposed to be in the firing line. I'm too pretty to die, so no, I won't be risking my neck just to protect your blind side," Dorian glared at him.

"You had no problem sneaking your arm around my blindside and grabbing–" Bull started.

"Vishante Kaffas!" Dorian hissed.

Lara could've sworn smoke appeared from his body, how flustered he was. Cullen looked at her with wide eyes, perhaps replaying that incident in the tent in the Emprise when Lara had shrugged it off as an inside joke. This was not so easy to shrug off.

Dorian muttered angrily to himself while entering the fortress with Bull chuckling behind him. Lara avoided the Commander's gaze, who clearly was looking for an answer as to what was going on. Maybe she would tell him in private when this was all over.

—-

Lara's throat constricted at the fire and ash suffocating the halls of the fortress. That, combined with the taste of the red lyrium, made her stomach churn violently, whatever contents remained in her stomach threatening to spill out. Samson knew they were coming here and he most likely destroyed it himself or had his men destroy it for him. The flames mesmerized her even as it harshened her breathing. How good would it be to just burn everything as it was to the ground until only ash was left and start over again…

What is wrong with me…

The red lyrium. The hum, the Song, the pull, the power, the darkness. It was luring her in, clouding her mind with thoughts that weren't hers.

"It's already half destroyed," Lara said, looking at Cullen.

Different emotions danced across his face, Lara unable to identify them. Not even Cullen himself could put into words what he was feeling.

"He's hiding something here. Let's find what evidence we can and then leave," Cullen ordered as he made his way down the stairs.

They descended the stairs quietly. This mission hadn't been the success they hoped it would have been, especially Cullen. Samson must have had this place destroyed after they claimed the Keep and stole the quarry from under them. He must have panicked thinking they were coming here. He predicted correctly.

The hum grew louder as Samson's quarters were surrounded by giant crystals of red lyrium. She could feel the Song etching itself into her skin.

"Cullen…" Lara started, nervous at how this was affecting him. It must be worse for him.

Mages had a touch of lyrium but a diluted form. It was nothing compared to the dosage templars were given. Templars had taken more than their fill but the Order never batted an eye. Did Cullen ever take more than his fill?

"I'm alright," He sighed heavily, head lowered. He had taken a potion but it would be fading off soon, no longer offering protection.

"There's someone here," Dorian nodded to a figure hunched in the corner.

A very short-haired man with a sun tattooed on his forehead sat leaning against the wall. He was dressed in fancy robes that must have cost a decent amount. There was something wrong with him but Lara couldn't place what it was.

"Hello Inquisitor," He greeted her with a smile.

A shiver ran down her spine. "You know me?"

"It's Maddox. Samson's Tranquil," Cullen kneeled down in front of the man, his features turning soft. "Something's wrong. I'll send for one of our healers," He continued.

"That would be a waste, Knight-Captain Cullen. I drank my entire supply of Blight Cap Essence. It won't be long now," He answered.

Knight-Captain. Kirkwall.

"We only wanted to ask you some questions, Maddox," Lara replied.

"Yes and that is what I could not allow. I destroyed this place with fire. We all agreed it was best. Our deaths ensured Samson had time to escape," Maddox replied.

"You threw your lives away? For Samson? Why!" Cullen's tone was vicious as anger was now apparent on his face.

"Samson saved me even before he needed me. He gave me purpose again. I…wanted to help…" An eerie silence loomed as Maddox's head bowed down, the Essence taking his body away.

Cullen's face shriveled up in anger. Pain. He shook his head as he stood up.

"We should check the camp. Maddox might've missed something," He said, void of any emotion. Lara had never heard his voice so empty before.

"We can't leave him here. He should be laid to rest," She said.

"I'll have someone take care of it. If Samson was there for him, then we can do no less," He answered but still showed no emotion.

Lara proceeded to look around although she wished she hadn't. Countless bottles of red lyrium, licked clean. A shiver ran down her spine. How much red lyrium was Samson ingesting? The answer lies in the scattered bottles; enough to be heavily resistant to it. It would drive him to madness sure enough. Tools were also discovered in Maddox's part of the fortress. Tools that could have been used to create Samson's armor. If they could pass these tools to Dagna, perhaps she could undo his armor.

"We have him," Cullen whispered behind her, sending tingles down her spine.

"There's another letter addressed to you," Lara turned around, handing him the letter.

Drink enough lyrium and its Song reveals the truth.

The Chantry used us. You're fighting the wrong battle.

Corypheus chose me as his General and vessel of power.

"If this is his version of the world, I much prefer yours," He whispered to her, his eyes locking with hers.

Her heart beat loudly in her ears at his confession. His eyes were unreadable this time, lost in too many emotions lurking underneath. Emotions that Cullen didn't know how to process. Lara felt hopeless that she was unable to help him. A smart remark about his Templar buddies wouldn't be helpful and would only set them backwards. They had done too much damage, enough that not even Cullen himself could process it. He was battling an internal war. Templars took an oath to serve. His own men, men from his past, were now taking pleasure in watching it burn and turn to ash.

—-

There was no reason to keep their journey hidden anymore so they stayed at an inn before reaching Skyhold to have a peaceful night's sleep after a mentally and emotionally exhausting journey. Lara was about to prepare a bath when she thought about checking in on Cullen first. On the ride back, he was quiet, his expression blank. He was lost in thought, in emotions, and most likely flashbacks of his past. The realization that this could have been hitting him hard terrified Lara. A figure moving just outside her window caught her eye; unruly blond hair, fur coat, heavy armor.

Abandoning the bath, Lara made her way down the stairs to the tavern below and towards the exit. She was drawn to him and allowed herself to gravitate towards him before she had time to think about it. The grass crunched underneath her boots, slashing through the silence of the night around them. He didn't turn to her but she approached him anyway.

"Can't sleep?" She spoke to him.

"Sleep is not very common for me," He replied, still looking out into the distance.

"Need a distraction?" She asked.

"It could've been me," He whispered but she had heard it.

"But it's not. You chose a different path," She stood closer to him, her voice firm.

"What if I hadn't?" He continued, his voice nearly cracking.

"Then the Inquisition would be missing out on a wonderful Commander," Lara answered.

His head swiftly turned to face her, his eyes blazing with raw emotions threatening to burst out at the seams. Lara froze under his gaze, struggling to get a read on him. She tried to assess him but too many guesses floated in her head, she didn't know which was right.

"Distract me," He pleaded.

She went with the first thing that came to mind. "How many women have you slept with?"

It had been on her mind ever since her first time. Ever since he handed her that potion. This may not have been the best time to ask, but he needed a distraction and this was what she could come up with. She was met with shock then laughter.

"How long has that been on your mind?" He asked, seeing right through her.

"You wanted a distraction so answer," She avoided his question.

"Only two before you but they weren't just one time. There were multiple times with them," He confessed.

"Were they allowed to touch you?" She asked.

"Only if necessary. It was just an exchange as sad as that is to say. I told you there was no one that ever captured my interest. Not like you have," He answered honestly.

"Why won't you let me touch you?"

Cullen arched an eyebrow. "I let you touch me. More than I ever let anyone."

"You know what I mean," She rolled her eyes.

"Where, Lara?" A hint of a smirk played on his lips.

"Oh no you don't. We're not having sex, I don't have to say it," Her cheeks flushed.

"Say it or I won't answer your question," He looked at her intently, holding on to make sure he could hear her.

Lara turned her head, heat rising in her cheeks. She shifted uncomfortably, regret washing over her as she had to ask that question knowing he would possibly turn the tables on her.

"Your…your cock," She whispered harshly, shutting her eyes tightly as if it would make the embarrassment go away.

Cullen responded with a dark chuckle at hearing the words come out of her mouth. The chuckle subsided and a deafening silence took over. Lara braved a glance at him, and a tortured expression was written all over his face, his fists clenched, knuckles turning white. Flashbacks and images of his past taking over him.

Way to distract him…

"I told you I was tortured. A desire demon," He swallowed hard as if trying to bury the memory.

Finally, it clicked. "Sexually tortured?"

Cullen nodded slowly. "I've never…" He sighed heavily. "I've never shared this with anyone. You are the first. I want to bare my soul to you but–I don't know how. That's all I can say at the moment. Forgive me," He stepped closer to her.

Lara closed the distance between them, and planted a soft kiss on his lips while her hands rested on his arms for support.

"It's enough for now, Cullen," She spoke to him.

He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her in for another kiss. It was fierce yet gentle as if she could take his pain away from him. She was his reason for living, she grounded him. He held her as if he would never let go while his lips captured hers. His hand then cradled her head to his chest, holding her there, resting his head on hers. Protecting her. She could hear their heartbeats beating in tandem and unfamiliar feelings washed over her as his words replayed over and over in her head.

I want to bare my soul to you.

—-

The first stop Lara made when she was back in Skyhold was Dagna. She handed Maddox's tools to her and explained what they found in Samson's lair. Dagna was only too eager to get to work, admiring the tools and unable to contain her excitement at getting to work with such instruments. Lara wasn't able to understand her fascination with anything arcane but as long as there was someone who was able to, then she was fine with that. It meant they would be able to stop Samson and give his armor a run for its money.

Cullen had needed some time alone to gather his thoughts after the incident. No doubt Samson's letters targeting him were getting under his skin. His past coming back to haunt him, to torture him. Lara requested for Solas to keep an eye on him in the meantime while she gave him his space. It had been a few days since their return and she wasn't sure when the best time would be to see him. Instead, she stayed with Dorian mostly to pass some time.

"Can you believe that I made a whole rehabilitation center up and running? Granted it wasn't my ideal but it was my execution!" Dorian exclaimed delightfully.

Dorian had really taken on bringing the center to life for the templars who wished to break their leash and no longer serve the Order. He made it his life mission at this point and Lara was relieved the turnout was great. Cullen was a role model to his men and a hope that they too had the opportunity to change their lives. That quitting the addiction was possible for them. The only real hiccup had been getting them accustomed to mages using their magic on them during the process.

Before Lara could realize it, Dorian headed for the railing.

Oh shit…

"Solas? I hope you're listening because I've just proved you wrong!" Dorian's voice boomed.

A slamming noise followed by some rustling could be heard from down below. No doubt, he had interrupted whatever Solas was doing.

"Fenedhis! Good for you. I'm sure everyone else is willing to hear about it but I most certainly am not," Solas hissed from down below.

"Lara created the College for you but I created a rehabilitation center for the templars! Naturally, it's a success," He continued on boasting.

"It wasn't your ideal if I recall," Solas replied back, annoyed.

"No, but it was my execution. Either way, I did it. One point for Tevinter and zero points for…well, wherever it is you come from," Dorian waved his hand in the air.

"It is irrelevant to you where I come from nor would I tell you," He snapped.

"Can you stop pestering him? We are actually friends unlike you and him," Lara teased.

"Oh, but it's so much fun! I love proving people wrong," He smirked at her.

Lara rolled her eyes.

"Speaking of templars, we should have a celebratory drink! You've tampered with his plans and now you're heading for his armor. He doesn't stand a chance," He winked at her.

—-

Lara had missed their tavern meetups. Life had gotten in the way but she was grateful they were together now. Bull was in charge of drinks again and Sera came down to join. Solas declined so he could have some peace and quiet without Dorian calling him down the staircase. Lara didn't blame him. Blackwall and Varric joined as well. It was just like old times.

The tavern was surrounded by a cheery atmosphere, which included Lara and her company. Drinks and laughs went all around as everyone had their guard down and their armors off. It was just themselves in their real form having a good time. Lara was on her third glass of wine and was already feeling the effects. She should slow down on the alcohol while she had so little food in her system.

"Oh, your carefree self is back. How I miss her sometimes," Dorian commented.

"Hey! I'm right here," She giggled, her cheeks flushing with heat from the alcohol.

"We should get you drunk more often, Boss," Bull commented.

"Save it for next time. We have Wicked Grace coming up and I'm trying to round up as many people as possible. Including Curly," The dwarf winked at her.

"Trying to insinuate something there Varric?" Lara eyed him suspiciously.

"Don't think I don't know there's something going on between you two. I am a writer of romance and adventures after all," He responded.

"Looks like you'll never know," Lara responded happily.

"Not unless Wicked Grace gets him to spill. You're more guarded. Curly is easier to crack," Varric chuckled.

Lara took a swig to hide her cheeks from reddening even further. Wicked Grace was starting to sound like not the best idea anymore. Quickly she remembered Hawke and the agreement they had made in her honor. There was no backing down. She was soon abruptly torn away from her thoughts.

"Inquisitor, a word please," Rylen's voice boomed behind her, as he walked away.

"If I wasn't already occupied, I would have that in my room," Dorian commented, watching Rylen.

Lara nearly spat out her wine. "Since when were you this open about who enters your bedroom?"

"Since my fourth glass of wine. Or fifth? Maker knows I've lost count. It's something about his accent. I wouldn't mind hearing that moaning my na–"

"For fucks sake!" Lara shouted, covering her ears. "Go back to your discretion!"

Her crew around her burst into laughter. The alcohol had clearly gotten to all of them.

Lara stood up from her seat slowly, trying to hold on to the world as it went a little fuzzy around her. Dorian shot her a knowing wink. He clearly knew that if Rylen was here, it had something to do with Cullen. She ignored him and walked over to where Rylen now stood, away from anyone eavesdropping.

"He's in his office wanting to speak to you, lass," Rylen announced, looking around to make sure no one was listening in.

"You run personal errands for him now?" Lara smirked.

Rylen laughed. "No. He's not a fan of taverns and there's too many people. He'd rather keep your personal affairs private if you know what I mean. You should go now before he leaves."

"Leaves? Where is he going?" She asked, confused. Cullen never left his duties.

"He's in his office," Rylen repeated, nodding his head as if to say go speak to him. He left her there.

Feeling pathetic for leaving her friends behind, that's exactly what she did.

—-

The fresh air woke her up from her alcohol induced daze, but not enough to wipe it out completely. Her mind went a million routes as to where Cullen would be going. Was it another trip? He hadn't invited her to anything like he had done previously when they went to Ferelden. Her thoughts occupied her as she soon came face to face with his office, the door wide open. She entered, seeing a packed bag by the side of his desk.

"You really are leaving?" Lara asked, confused.

He looked up at her with a weak smile.

"Yes," He let out a sigh. "I need some time before our next battle. The previous events have shocked me more than I thought it would. I decided on a last minute trip to finally see my siblings again. It's been so long and I think I just need to visit home for a bit," He replied with a softness to his voice.

"I'm sure they'd love to see you again," Lara said. A pang of loss gnawed at her at his sudden departure but she buried it.

"Come with me?" He asked, his eyes shining with hope.

Lara's eyes widened at his request. He took a few steps towards her, searching for an answer. Was he asking her to meet his family? It was too soon. They barely knew each other. Lara knew more about him than he did about her. She didn't let him into her life just yet. The idea of a family threatened to suffocate Lara. It was something she never had and something she couldn't bear to see others have. It reopened her wounds, forcing her to face what she never had the courage to face. It was better to avoid than to battle with the truth.

"I–I can't. It's so soon. I'm not–do they even know?" Lara stammered, not able to form a proper response at his request.

"You're right. I hadn't meant to scare you, I just hoped…nevermind," Cullen replied, hand behind his neck again trying to cover his embarrassment.

"It doesn't mean never, just not right now," Lara confirmed, shifting uncomfortably.

A flash of hope crossed his features at her words. His eyes were a warm golden honey color, shining in the rays of sunlight that beamed in his office. Lara was starting to attribute his different shades to his emotions. Golden when he admired her, when he was happy. Dark during lust. Pale when he was sick. It was her way of decoding and understanding the complexity she was now tied to. She was never this close to someone to memorize so many miniscule details, but with him, she couldn't stop observing and learning. Always wanting to dive deeper and see what else she would discover beneath his armor. His eyes held her, drinking her in, memorizing every detail of her to take with him on his journey. Nerves kicked in the longer he held her gaze, her body feeling warmer than it's usual. Or maybe that was the alcohol.

"It's rude to stare you know," She said, breaking the silence.

"Honestly, I couldn't keep my eyes off you even if I tried," He responded.

"Why are you so insistent on saying things like that?" Suddenly she felt the room closing in on her.

"Because it's the truth," He answered, taking a few steps towards her.

Lara swallowed hard as he approached her. The tension electrified the room, threatening to shock anyone who dared intrude on them. She felt that pull towards him as she always had, but this time it was something more. It was a longing, a need for him that could never be satisfied. She always wanted more, needed more, even if she would never admit it. The way his touch sent delicious tingles all over her body, the way his voice caused her heart to skip a beat, how his arms were her safe place where she was protected, the sensations he caused in her when he was in charge of her body. Cullen had a hold on her the second she laid eyes on him despite how much she convinced herself she hated him, that he was her enemy. The resistance was too much now; she was so fucking tired her body ached. It ached from fighting, from resisting. No matter how much she fought, it only brought her closer to him.

"Stop resisting me, Lara," He whispered on her lips.

Gently, he pulled her into him, his lips claiming hers in a gentle kiss as he poured in what words couldn't in this moment. Words that might scare her off again as she was still holding onto that last thread, that last glimmer of resistance. The kiss was a reminder of her feelings, her attraction to him, her need for him. It was a way to get her to surrender. Slowly, her body melted into him, reveling in the taste of him, the feel of his arms holding her. Home. Their tongues danced together in a slow rhythm, pulling emotions buried deep within her to the surface. Lara tried to ignore them, not wanting to give them any attention. Her hand found its way to his hair, running her fingers through his blond locks, bringing him closer to her. Heat pooled in her lower half, a fire running in her core at his proximity, his taste, his scent. She wanted more, needed more. The intoxication of wine was easily replaced with the intoxication of him.

"I will miss you," He spoke, breaking their kiss, resting his forehead on hers.

Lara tried to get a grip on herself as she was left reeling after that kiss. Now wasn't the time to jump into his bed before he left, as much as she had wanted it. Not when there was so much on his mind and he needed to get away.

"Don't take too long," She responded.

Cullen let out a laugh. "Is that your way of saying you'll miss me?"

"Possibly," She smirked.

"I'll take whatever you give me," He pressed a kiss to her forehead.

The air rushed out of her lungs. His words alone held so much power over her. She wasn't sure if it was the words themselves, or how he said them but each time it managed to take her breath away. Is this the same man who said he couldn't write letters?

In a second, Cullen had grabbed his bag and exited his office leaving her there as she struggled to collect herself with all her nerves and emotions running haywire. She missed him already but thankfully the admission didn't slip.

—-

Lara had made her way back to the tavern where, thankfully, all her friends were still there. She huddled up with Dorian, where she had another much needed glass of wine, and caught him up with all the details of her and Cullen.

"I mean it when I say that man has the patience of Andraste herself," Dorian muttered.

"Oh, so you've professed your love to Bull already? I know you resist him. You're not one for emotions," Lara shot back.

"I have, actually," He said seriously.

Lara turned around quickly to face him, her eyes wide. She wasn't sure if she heard him correctly or if the wine was impacting her hearing. Maybe she shouldn't be drinking so much while on so little food still.

"What?" Lara whispered.

"I'm not proud of it, but somehow, he has brought out a side of me I never knew was possible. I both hate and love that about him. I never profess anything publicly, of course, but when it's me and him alone, the world doesn't exist. I don't need to have my guard up. I can just be with him," He continued, staring into his glass of wine.

"You told me," Lara said.

"Because I trust you. You're one of the few that I do. Never repeat that or I will deny it," Dorian smiled, taking a swig.

Lara joined him and downed her drink. Was she even ready to confess anything to Cullen? She hadn't even had a grasp on the emotions running through her where he was concerned. The fear of him ever leaving her like everyone else was too much to bear.

"My dear, if you don't ever tell him, you will regret it. Tell him before it's too late," He continued.

"What if he abandons me like everyone else?" She asked, staring into her empty glass.

"Everyone is not your family. That mentality will destroy your life if you let it."

Before she could even form an answer to that, a scout had approached her. Leliana was requesting her presence urgently. Duty calls again. Dorian nodded and moved closer to the others. Taking that as her cue to leave, Lara stood up, the world again feeling more fuzzy than before, and walked out of the tavern welcoming the fresh air to cleanse her from that heavy conversation.

—-

Leliana was in Josephine's office. The two friends were chatting away happily together and suddenly Lara felt like she was intruding on their conversation. She almost was about to step away until Josephine caught sight of her. Leliana turned around, a smile on her face.

"Inquisitor, it has been done if you would like to proceed," She greeted her.

"What has been done?"

"Your brother. You requested him here, did you not?" She arched an eyebrow.

Lara's eyes widened. "Already?" She was not prepared for this.

"Yes. He is here in one piece as you requested. No kidnapping, I promise," Leliana smirked at her.

A different kind of nerves took over her, sending her into fight or flight mode. Was she ready to face her brother? What would she even say to him? What did he even look like? She was being thrown into her past without warning, without any means of survival. She collided with her wounds head first and already the pain was searing her body.

"Where is he?" She barely recognized her own voice.

"Follow me," Leliana said, leaving Josephine's office. She followed her blindly.

—-

They walked through Skyhold in silence. Panic was overtaking Lara, her footsteps uneven, her breathing irregular. Suddenly, this seemed like a bad idea. Dorian's words replayed in her mind. If she didn't do something, it would have a hold on her life forever. The Inquisition was an opportunity for second chances; perhaps this meant for her and her brother as well. A chance to start over, to be proper siblings. To write another chapter together in order to heal the old ones.

As Leliana turned to face her, Lara took in her surroundings. They were on the farthest section of the battlements with nothing but a small tower in sight.

"I figured you wanted somewhere secluded. You're welcome to stay on the battlements if you prefer. He is inside waiting for you. Would you like me to stay?" Leliana asked gently.

"No. I don't think anyone is at risk of being thrown off the battlements. We'll be okay," Lara nodded.

Leliana smirked at her comment and departed. Taking a deep breath and trying to steady her nerves, Lara placed her shaking hand on the door. Another deep breath. She opened the door and found a man there, admiring the collection of paintings in the tower. It was a small but open tower which would be perfect for a watchtower in case any enemies approached. Perhaps Cullen already used it for such. There was enough space to keep them apart, thankfully. She took him in, disbelief that her own brother actually stood in front of her. He had the same stature, the same stance, the same tousled light brown hair. She felt like she was being thrown back in time into her past. The alcohol had drained from her system now as adrenaline and fear took over her. He soon turned around to face her, sensing another presence in the room.

Their eyes locked, blue with green, as they took each other in for the first time in years. The moment was surreal to them both, not believing that the other was really there. Lara felt the blood drain from her body as she faced her hurt, her past, her family.

"It's really you. How much you've changed," Gabriel spoke.

Words escaped her, her voice deserting her. He took a few steps closer to her, still taking her in as if she wasn't real. She tried to search for her anger towards him, since anger seemed to be her motivation. All she could find was hurt. A deep hurt that silenced her.

"I don't expect that this visit is you forgiving me," He continued.

The anger now came. "Damn right it's not," She finally spoke.

His laugh echoed around them. "There she is. My little sister. How about we talk? You can ask me any questions you'd like. I'm sure you have plenty," He finished.

That laugh made her nostalgic for her childhood in an odd way. He was the only reassurance in that household for her. He was no longer that teenage boy. All hints of him had been erased with time. Age was beginning to show on his face as his appearance had matured.

"One condition. Don't fucking lie to me," Lara narrowed her eyes at him.

"I have no reason to. I told you I no longer have a connection with Mother and Father. I haven't for quite some time so there is nothing holding me back. No threats being held over my head," His answer was strong. Sturdy.

Lara studied him for a beat before making her way over to the makeshift seats that Leliana had most likely prepared for them.

Here goes nothing…