Sorry for the delay! My son is sick so sleep has been lacking in our house. By Monday night, I just passed out. Despite struggling in the nights, he literally just vibes during the day as if we've all been sleeping and nothing's wrong. Toddlers, lol.

Part II of the Temple of Mythal…with a cliffhanger at the end.
I stuck with a bit of what happens at the Temple but with my own twists here and there.
Hope you enjoy!

Thank you to everyone who has been reviewing, bookmarking, and just reading along for the journey. It means the world to me x

—-

Chapter 29:

A forest in the middle of the day with heavily suited armor and heavy weapons were beginning to take its toll. But there were worse places one could be. Cullen knew that well and he reminded himself of it the second he thought to complain. Thankfully most of the Red Templars had been taken out so there were only some stragglers to deal with. Some men scouted the area to provide updates. The rest of the men found a safe area to set up camp whilst also removing the Red Templars camps. They would be here for a few days and needed a place to rest and heal the injured soldiers.

He fidgeted restlessly with the coin in his pocket, worried about the Inquisitor's life. He almost regretted not letting her take it or slipping it into her pocket when she wasn't looking. She needed luck more than he did. He didn't let his men know that he was worried about her, but he sensed Rylen could see right through him. They knew each other too well. Rumors had spread about their relationship but Cullen did not want to confirm them so publicly outside of his men. He had other things to worry about like Samson. Samson was too powerful and he was sending her out there after him. How many more times did he have to send her out into danger? How many more times did she have to risk her life and he wait in agony praying to the Maker she made it out alive so he could get lost in those emerald eyes one last time?

A scout running towards him pulled him out of his thoughts. He held his breath, trying to prepare himself for the worst.

"Sir, an update," The scout approached, slightly out of breath.

"Well, go on," Culen tried not to sound annoyed.

"They were chased by the dragon and ran inside the Temple of Mythal. Only…" He trailed off.

"Only what?" Cullen said through gritted teeth.

"When they closed the door behind them, the door sealed itself with a kind of magic. We weren't able to get in, sir," The scout finished.

Cullen felt the blood drain from his body. He dismissed the scout and started pacing around. Magic he was familiar with. Elven magic, which he assumed this to be, not so much. The damn elf was with her again so he couldn't ask him for advice. Rylen was soon by his side and he cursed internally. Rylen had been annoyingly keeping an eye on him, which he could only assume was Lara's doing. He almost wanted to be angry at her for it.

"If she can make it through the bloody Fade and back, I think she'll manage a temple," He spoke with a smile.

"I don't remember asking you for advice," Cullen shot back. At least he could be himself with Rylen.

"Nae, I don't remember you asking either," He replied cheekily.

Cullen let out a groan, not in the mood for his antics. Any other moment, he would laugh, but with Lara's safety on the line, he had no capacity for sparring with Rylen.

"What's with the coin?" Rylen asked.

"It's for luck," He replied quickly.

"Whatever helps you sleep at night."

"Rylen, I'm not in the mood," Cullen snapped.

"Wasn't planning on bedding you. I'll save that for her," He chuckled.

Cullen only glared at him which wiped the smile off his face.

"Jokes aside, lad, she'll be fine…" He started.

"You can't possibly know that," Cullen's voice cracked, his jaw clenching. "I have no way of knowing how she is. I have no way of helping her if she needs it. If anything happens to her, I have to live with the fact that I am the one who sent her out there."

"She has people with her, she's not alone. How trustworthy is that witch?" Rylen asked.

"I don't trust her," Cullen answered, watching his men.

"Aye, well let's hope when they go through that eluvian, it'll lead them to the one in Skyhold," Rylen said.

Cullen turned pale, slowly turning his head towards Rylen. He immediately regretted what he just said, realizing now that Cullen didn't know about it. He cursed Lara internally. That was a piece of information he could have done with knowing.

"What did you just say?" He spoke low but Rylen still heard him.

"Uhh…Y'know, I think I might be mistaken…" He struggled to find a way to cover this up.

"There is an unguarded eluvian in Skyhold? Who ordered that to be put there?!" Cullen was seething.

"It wasn't Lara!" Rylen defended.

"That's Inquisitor to you. Who. Put. It. There." He enunciated his words harshly as he closed the distance between them.

Rylen swallowed hard. "Morrigan."

"I wasn't aware we were taking orders from the witch now!" Cullen yelled as he stormed off.

Lara goes MIA, and Cullen goes off the rails. He knew Cullen was snapping out of worry, not to mention the lack of sleep and exertion he just did. He had no lyrium in his system to manage it which Rylen admired. He didn't know how Cullen did it half the time. Now Rylen gave him something else to worry about: the safety of their home base. What if Corypheus managed to get through? There weren't enough men there to defend it.

"Lara's gonna fuckin' kill me…" Rylen sighed, rubbing his face with his hands.

That was supposed to be a secret but he didn't realize that it was a secret from Cullen.

—-

The room was more sacred than the gardens. The gold decorated room they entered was pristine, almost untouched. Intricate details surrounded them through the tiles and walls, decorated with elven statues and a high altar up top, almost like its own terrace. Lara's eyes scanned all around, trying to absorb all the details. She would never see anything as beautiful as this ever again. Suddenly, she stopped in her tracks as she felt a presence behind her.

"We're being watched…" Lara muttered to her friends.

A tall man, who Lara assumed to be elven and the leader, paced on the altar. He was lean and agile. A hood covered his head and he was covered in gold armor. He stopped in his tracks, looking directly at Lara. She could see the markings on his face, almost like a tree on his forehead.

"You…are unlike the other invaders. You bear the mark of magic which is…familiar. How has this come to pass? What is your connection to those who first disturbed our slumber?" The elf spoke.

"I am not like them. They are my enemies, as they are yours," Lara replied.

"I am called Abelas. We are Sentinels, tasked with standing against those who trespass on sacred ground. We wake only to fight, to preserve this place. Our numbers diminish with each invasion. I know what you seek, like those who have come before you. You wish to drink from the Vir'Abelasan," Abelas explained, pacing again.

"'The place of the Way of Sorrows'. He speaks of the Well," Morrigan whispered eagerly.

"It is not for you. It is not for any of you," Abelas emphasized.

"I am not interested in drinking from the Well. But…you're ancient elves? Before the Imperium destroyed Arlathan?" Lara asked in disbelief.

She had remembered briefly what she read from some books Gabriel had brought her. She didn't think ancient elves still existed. Something wasn't adding up with what she believed she read but surely the books wouldn't be wrong?

"The shemlen did not destroy Arlathan. We elvhen warred upon ourselves. By the time the doors to this sanctuary closed, our time was over," Abelas answered.

"Wait…that's not right. What are you saying?" Dorian asked, confused.

Lara was glad she wasn't the only one.

"You would not know truth. Shemlen history is as short as the pool of your years."

"What did the Imperium do, then? Are you saying it wasn't a war?" Dorian was shocked.

"The 'war' of Carrion feasting upon a corpse, yes. We awaken only when called, and each time we find the world more foreign than before. We endure. The Vir'Abelasan must be preserved," Abelas answered.

"I don't understand. What is the Vir'Abelasan exactly?" Lara asked.

"It is a path one walked only by those who toiled in Mythal's favor. More than that you need not know."

Well that's as helpful as Morrigan's speculations…

"Solas, perhaps he'll listen to you," She turned towards him, hopeful.

"What shall I say to him? Would you have me sway him from a millennia of service by virtue of our shared blood? He clings to all that remains of his world, because he lacks the power to restore it," Solas responded.

Before Lara could respond, Abelas spoke.

"And you have invaded our sanctum as readily as the shemlen."

"No. We knew this place was sacred. We've respected it as best as we could. I don't want to destroy this place but they do and I need to stop them," Lara spoke confidently, hoping it would get through.

Moments of silence passed and Lara could only hear her heart beating in anticipation.

"I believe you. Trespassers you are, but you have followed the Rites of Petition. You have shown respect to Mythal. If these others are indeed your enemies, we will aid you in destroying them. When this is done, you will be permitted to depart….and never return," Abelas answered.

Relief washed over Lara. She closed her eyes and let out a sigh. She looked back at Solas, who gave her an approving smile.

"I accept your offer, Abelas," Lara replied, hoping her voice expressed her gratitude.

"You will be guided to those you seek. As for the Vir'Abelasan, it shall not be despoiled, even if I must destroy it myself," He replied coolly, departing from the altar.

"NO!" Morrigan screamed as she ran towards the altar.

"Morrigan!" Lara yelled running after her.

In a swift movement, a purple flash surrounded her stopping her in her tracks and Lara saw a raven take flight after Abelas. Cullen's words replayed in her head again.

"Damnit!" Lara swore.

"Remind me why we just had to bring her along?" Dorian asked.

Solas let out a sigh. "I am only saying this once because it is an exceptional circumstance, but I am of the same opinion."

Dorian turned to him, smirking. "Is that your intellectual way of saying you agree with me?"

"Do not mock me," Solas glared at him.

"Oh, contrary. Just merely confirming that you are indeed agreeing with me. This is one for the history books indeed. Maybe your children will one day find it in a book about us that their elven father agreed with a Vint," He boasted.

"How unlucky it is that Varric isn't here to document that for you. It will have to be buried with the rest of the secrets of this place," Solas retorted.

"The sooner you admit you actually like me, the easier it will be for you," Dorian looked smug.

A green spark snapped both of them out of their spat, causing them to look at Lara. Blackwall chuckled behind them.

"I will obliterate the both of you in five seconds," She gave them both a death glare.

They did not utter another word.

—-

Their guide was an old ancient elf, if that was even possible. He walked with a stick, slightly hunched and carrying a massive book close to him. He didn't utter a ward but guided them through the many other golden tiled rooms. Streams flowed in some, while others held more statues. Mosaic walls representing more elven gods were present and Lara let Solas inform her about each one. The guide said nothing but simply waited for them to finish. Unfortunately some rooms held Red Templars. How they managed to snuck in was beyond her.

"I'm so sorry," She whispered to the guide as they destroyed them all.

The guide still said nothing and led the way.

They soon entered a room covered with mosaic walls and a fire in the center of the room almost as a shrine. Lara didn't miss that one of the walls was again none other than Fen'Harel. A knot twisted inside her stomach and she felt unease. Why so many of him when this belonged to Mythal? What was the reason for it?

The Sentinels were holding off the Red Templars scattered inside the Temple as best as they could but they were no match for them. They were not prepared for this world. Lara tried to reach them in time and save as many as she could from dying unnecessarily. She wanted to preserve their lives but she knew it was impossible. Guilt racked her as she felt like she was letting them down after accepting her into their Temple.

—-

A rush of cold air engulfed her as they stepped outside again. The lush greenery and magic in the air welcomed them and the sight before her as she reached the railing took her breath away.

"The Well of Sorrows…" Lara whispered out loud, taking in its beauty. Its purity.

"So Mythal endures," Solas spoke as he stood beside her.

As they descended the stairs, Samson's voice sent a chill down her spine. He sounded desperate which meant they were stalling him.

"Fight on! An army of these bastards won't stop us!"

"How will you get to the Well, General?"

"Tell me you brought some damned rope!" Samson yelled.

Rope? Is he serious?

"Someone is ill-prepared for the task," Dorian commented.

"Good. Makes our job easier then," Lara answered.

As he came into view, he was surrounded by Red Templars and Behemoths. They were killing the last of the elves that attacked and anger flared through Lara, the mark on her arm turning a dark sickly green color. The pull of magic traveling up her arm, ready to strike.

"You tough bastards – A day's march, hours of fighting, and still fierce as dragons. The Chantry never knew what it was throwing away," Samson looked around at the elves that scattered the floor.

"Ser! Watch out!" A Red Templar pointed at them as they approached.

Samson turned, a nasty smirk on his face. He was a greasy bastard and looked the part as well.

"Inquisitor. You and those elves don't know when to stop. You've hunted us half across Thedas. I should've guessed you'd follow us into this hole," He sneered.

"Funny, I can say the same for you. This is a Temple by the way, not a hole. In case you were confused. I spoke with your Tranquil, Maddox. He sacrificed himself for your cause," She spat out the last word.

"I told him not to — he died as one of us, then. One of the faithful. Corypheus chose me twice. First as his General, and now as a vessel for the Well of Sorrows. You know what's inside the Well? Wisdom. The kind that can scour the world. I give it to him, so that he can walk into the Fade without your precious anchor," Samson raised his hands to the sky.

Wisdom, huh? Keep him talking, Lara.

"Sounds like you've been demoted to do his dirty work. Why can't he have it if he wants to walk into the Fade?" Lara asked. Clearly Corypheus was using him.

"I will be carrying its power to Corypheus. One more task entrusted to me. Being force-fed Chantry lyrium was good for something. This armor makes me a living fortress – mind and body. Corypheus will be unstoppable," Samson answered.

"You can't possibly be that blind? Once Corypheus is that powerful, he'll cast you aside. You'd only be slowing him down after that," Lara crossed her arms over her chest.

"You dare say that to my face? After you butchered my men?" Samson turned, approaching her.

"Yup, and I'll fucking say it again. You don't frighten me," Lara stood her ground.

"Ha! You're no match for Corypheus! Even if you did drink from the Well, you'll never master its wisdom as he could!" Samson yelled.

A clinking sound erupted as a red hue emanated from him. He spread his arms as if activating his armor. The hum now surrounded her and she could taste it in the air.

"This is the strength that the Chantry tried to bind. But it's a new world now. With a new god. Shame your Commander isn't on the winning side," Samson's voice deepened, nearly echoing as the red lyrium glistened through his armor.

"So Inquisitor? How will this go?" He smirked at her.

Time to wipe that smirk off your face, asshole.

"The thing about power is that it's temporary. You have it until it's taken away," Lara smirked back.

She pulled out the rune Dagna created using Maddox's formula to destroy his armor. With a force, the rune activated and a sharp sound vibrated as it destroyed the armor. With a loud, painful groan, Samson collapsed from the impact, losing his strength in a second.

"What did you do? What did you do? You bitch! My armor…I need the lyrium – I need it!" He licked his lips as he panted.

Maker…it's only been seconds. How much fucking lyrium was in that thing?

"KILL THEM ALL!" His voice echoed angrily.

The Behemoths roared to life as the Red Templars closed the distance between them. Dorian immediately set up a barrier, and Solas began working his Fade magic. With a build of electricity coursing through her, she released her staff, setting each bolt free till it ran up its target, stunning them. Blackwall did not hold back in slashing his ax in the nearest enemy he could find and Dorian used his necromancing powers. Together they flowed seamlessly, but Lara had to evade when she could as Samson was on her trail. His target was only her. Revenge for stealing his life force, his addiction. She stripped him clean of his power, and his chance to prove himself to his Master. Lara saved her Rift magic for last, it would be her way of defeating him, her way of showing to him what Corypheus lost out on. He was nearing the end, and with a cry, a green hue hovered over them, removing any traces of red. Blackwall was on him in an instant and with one last spell from Lara, he was done.

"You bitch…not the Well…you don't deserve…it belongs to…Corypheus," Samson spoke as he collapsed.

Inquisition soldiers soon approached.

"Take him to Skyhold as a prisoner. His judgment will be held there," Lara addressed them.

They saluted her.

A flash appeared behind her, and she turned around. Abelas stood looking up at the Well. A light green hue surrounded him as stairs appeared in front of him allowing him access to the Well.

"Abelas! Wait!" Lara shouted as she ran after him. Solas, Dorian, and Blackwall followed hurriedly.

As they reached the top, the same raven flew past and with a purple flash, Morrigan appeared in front of the Well, blocking Abelas. Abelas turned from Morrigan to Lara, annoyed. He was trapped between them.

"You heard his parting words, Inquisitor. The elf seeks to destroy it," Morrigan spoke.

"So it has been despoiled at last," Abelas stepped away.

"You would have destroyed the Well yourself, given the chance," Morrigan approached him.

"To keep it from your grasping fingers! Better it be lost than bestowed upon the undeserving!" Abelas sneered at her.

"Fool! You'd let your people's legacy rot in the shadows!" Morrigan snapped.

"Enough," Lara spoke.

"You cannot honestly…" Morrigan turned to her shouting.

"I said, enough!" Lara's shout echoed, her anchor activating with her emotion.

"Lethallan," Solas warned her, concern etched on his face.

Abelas did not miss the endearing term the elf used for a human. Or shemlen.

Lara took a deep breath, the anchor subsiding, the pull on her arm lessening.

"The Well clearly offers power. If that power can be used against Corypheus, can you afford not to use it?" Morrigan spoke calmly.

"Do you even know what you ask?" Abelas turned towards the Well. "As each servant of Mythal reached the end of their years, they would pass their knowledge on. Through this. All that we were. All that we knew. It would be lost forever," Abelas turned towards her.

"Is it better that that knowledge remains in the Well? Never to be passed on? You'd rather destroy it?" Lara asked, confused.

"There are other places, friends. Other duties. Your people yet linger," Solas encouraged.

"Elvhen such as you?" Abelas looked at him with distaste.

"Yes. Such as I," Solas responded.

"You have shown respect in Mythal. There is a righteousness in you I cannot deny. It is very odd for a shemlen. Is this your desire? The Vir'Abelasan in order to fight your enemy?" Abelas asked her.

"Not without your permission, Abelas," Lara answered.

"One does not obtain permission. One obtains the right."

Abelas walked away, towards the magic staircase he created. He stopped just before he descended and turned back to give a warning.

"The Vir'Abelasan may be too much for a mortal to comprehend. Know this: you shall be bound forever to the will of Mythal."

"Is it possible that Mythal is still alive?" Lara asked.

"Elven legend states that Mythal was tricked by Fen'Harel and banished to the beyond," Morrigan spoke.

"Elven legend is wrong. The Dread Wolf has nothing to do with her murder," Abelas corrected.

Morrigan actually looked like someone had slapped her.

"Murder?" She paused. "I never said —"

"She was slain, if a god can truly be. Betrayed by those who destroyed this Temple yet the Vir'Abelasan remains. As do we. That is something," Abelas finished.

Dread Wolf wasn't involved with her murder. Did he protect her? Is that why his statues are here? And so many of them?

"Malas amelin ne halam Abelas," Solas spoke to him as he walked away.

The two exchanged gazes and nodded before Abelas departed.

"His name. Abelas means sorrow. I told him…I hope you find a new name," Solas clarified.

Morrigan coughed, catching everyone's attention before Lara could answer. Solas was reluctant to translate before, but now was willing. Maybe because he was fond of Abelas. Lara wasn't sure.

"You'll notice an eluvian still intact. I was correct about that at least," Morrigan spoke.

"Not quite. It still wasn't what he was after," Dorian shrugged.

"Can he still use it to travel to the Fade?" Lara asked.

"Remember on our journey together I mentioned that each one requires a key. The Well is the key. Take its power and Mythal's last eluvian will be of no use to Corypheus. It will just be glass," Morrigan clarified.

Lara let out a sigh, unsure if this was even the right thing to do. Taking something that did not belong to them.

"I am willing to pay the price the Well demands. I am also the best suited to use its knowledge in your service," Morrigan added.

"Or more likely to your own ends," Solas glared at her.

"What would you know about my 'ends', elf?" Morrigan shot back at him.

"You are a glutton drooling at the sight of a feast. You cannot be trusted!" Solas raised his voice.

"Can you honestly tell me there is anyone better suited?" Morrigan asked her.

"Solas?" Lara turned to him.

"No. Do not ask me again," His response was cold and abrupt.

Another shiver crawled down her spine.

"Dorian?" She turned to her friend. Her comfort.

"My dear, are you trying to cause chaos? I alone couldn't even handle that the war had been a lie. You want me to drink a whole bunch of other truths I'd rather not know?" He arched an eyebrow.

"Enough deliberation. Give me your answer," Morrigan interrupted.

Lara let out a sigh, walking towards the Well. She could feel the power, the hunger it gave off. Whispers floated in the depths beneath her. Is this what it would be like? Constant voices in your head whispering truths of the past? Lara nearly contemplated drinking it herself but the mark of the Anchor was already such a burden, it was already killing her. It would be a huge risk bounding herself to the will of Mythal, whatever that will may be. Too much of a sacrifice when she sacrificed so much already. That part of her was so curious to know the truth for herself but it would take over her life forever and it wasn't the path she wanted for herself. Morrigan actually did seem the best suited, much to her annoyance, but there was the issue of whether she could trust her. She was already not very forthcoming, would she be even more reluctant to share what she knew? Regardless, they needed to take this power. Leaving it here was too risky with Corypheus still wreaking havoc.

"It's yours," She said before she could overthink it any further. She just prayed she would not regret this.

Morrigan looked at her in disbelief that she had actually agreed, however, she didn't waste any time walking towards the Well. Uncertainty still remained in Lara if this was the right decision. Regardless, the Well needed to be taken. There couldn't be any chance that it was left to Corypheus to take. Slowly as her foot entered, a blue coloured hue erupted in the Well, its shadows dancing around Morrigan as she entered. Lara could hear the whispers increasing in speed and sound. Lara stepped back as Morrigan moved towards the middle of the Well. Morrigan turned around, wisps surrounding her as she stood with her arms wide open. A very proud and achieving smile on her face. In a second, she knelt down, submerging herself in the Well. The water suddenly began to bubble above her, threatening to spill. Before they could move back, the water rushed up to where they stood, splashing over them. Lara grabbed onto the nearest thing she could find which happened to be Dorian.

"What have I done?" Lara whispered.

"My dear, regardless of your decisions, I will always be by your side supporting you, irrelevant of whether I agree or not," Dorian confided in her.

"No one is going to approve of this," Lara continued.

"That sounds like their problem. I doubt any of them would be willing to volunteer. Morrigan isn't the best option by far, but she's the only one," Dorian answered.

As Lara turned around, the Well had been emptied save for Morrigan who lay on the floor. Lara released herself from Dorian and rushed over to where she lay.

"Morrigan? Are you okay?" She asked as she knelt down beside her, shaking her gently.

With a shudder, she awoke.

"Ellasin selan! Vissan…vissanalla…" She started.

"She said there is so much. It hurts," Solas translated.

She stood up, holding her head, looking around.

"I am…intact," Morrigan spoke.

Suddenly a black cloud erupted from Morrigan, blue wisps flying around. That same cloud surrounded Lara and her friends from below the waist down.

"This can't be good," Blackwall commented.

It wasn't.

Lara caught sight of Corypheus approaching where they once stood when they entered the outside of the Temple, before reaching Samson. He had indeed survived which worried Lara. He looked around, no doubt looking for where Samson was and if he had accomplished his mission. His vision spotted Lara and Morrigan in particular and he let out a shrilling scream of rage as he ascended into the air, a similar black cloud surrounding him.

Oh fuck…he can fly…

"Why of course he can fucking fly," Blackwall spat, reading her thoughts.

"The eluvian! Quick!" Solas ordered.

They turned and quickly made their way to the eluvian. Lara stood at the magic that emanated off of it, covering her in the same blue hue. One by one she counted as her friends made their way through. The water from the Well gathered to form a wave, a figure standing in the middle controlling it. Lara wondered if it was Mythal but there was no time to investigate as Corypheus was nearing. She flew through the mirror hoping they wouldn't be followed.

—-

Lara laid on the ground confused but unable to open her eyes. The whirring of the travel unsteadied her. Her ears were soon surrounded by the same sounds of the Wilds. Opening her eyes slowly, she realized she was indeed in the Wilds. She sat up quickly, accounting for everyone, and sighed in relief. Last thing she needed was for everyone to end up in different locations. Eluvians were still new to her and she wasn't sure how they navigated. Her friends soon awoke and rose to their feet. Now they just needed to find Inquisition soldiers.

"It is done," Morrigan confirmed.

"What about the eluvian in Skyhold?" Lara asked.

"'Tis inactive. You surely did not believe that I would leave it open for anyone to enter?" Morrigan questioned.

"No harm in checking," Lara mumbled.

Her task was done; stop Corypheus and save the Temple. Now he neither had the Well or the eluvian to aid him in his quest for the Fade. The world was a tiny bit safer for now. Everyone could live another day in the world that they knew, not a world of chaos. Her only quest now was to find Cullen and ensure he was safe. She still couldn't shrug off the worry that he was in danger and she had no way of knowing if he was safe from inside the Temple. That worry intensified as they walked on through the forest trying to locate their soldiers.

The adrenaline from earlier had subsided and Lara was left exhausted now. Morrigan looked lost in her thoughts, no doubt the Well speaking to her. Dorian looked annoyed to be back in nature again. Blackwall was determined as she was to find their men. Solas was unreadable. She was unsure what was going through Solas's head and right now, she didn't have the capacity to ask. He was different when they were in the Temple, as if he knew more about the elven secrets than he was letting on. The only difference was he wasn't keeping it for selfish gain. He was keeping it safe from others that did not deserve to know. She hoped in secret that he would confide in her. Perhaps a visit to the Fade when this was all done was needed.

"There is danger ahead…" Morrigan said sadly.

"Danger? What kind?" Lara turned quickly.

"I cannot be sure. There is so much to sift through…but there is danger," She shook her head.

That worry now grew inside her as she quickened her pace. Solas seemed to gather what it was about and was by her side, matching her pace. Unwelcome thoughts of Cullen injured, Cullen submitting to his need for lyrium, Cullen lying dead on the floor, covered in blood. Tears pricked her eyes and she continued on, her body now shaking with fear. She was sure she caught a green hue from her hand but she ignored it. Her only mission was him.

—-

They had reached the makeshift Inquisition camp that was set up just outside the Temple. This was where she confided in Rylen, where Cullen made a speech honoring her. Except now, there was no sign of either man.

"Well, this certainly was not the welcoming I was expecting to find. How underwhelming," Dorian snorted.

Lara's stomach sank as the Inquisition soldiers looked at them confused, and looked amongst each other. Was there no celebration to be had? They did just emerge victorious and defeated Corypheus yet again.

"Something is amiss," Solas commented.

No sign of Cullen. The urge to throw up overtook her, that lump in her throat returning.

"Inquisitor, they managed to rescue you then?" A soldier approached her, confused.

"Rescue me? From what?" Lara asked, just as confused.

The expression dropped from the soldier's face as he now realized what was going on. He now held his sword in hand looking towards the Temple, where it had all started.

"Where is Cullen?" Lara's voice shook.

"Where is the Bull for that matter?" Dorian now asked.

"Fuck," The soldier muttered.

"I believe she asked you a question," Solas snapped.

"A soldier told the Commander you were in danger, surrounded by Red Templars. He gathered some men and went to fight. Rylen was with him as well as Iron Bull. We found it odd that we had never seen this soldier before. We figured he was a new recruit," He answered anxiously.

All the blood drained from her body. Her fear had come true. Her intuition had been right. There was a trap laid out for him. Someone had either played with Cullen's duty as Commander of her forces or knew of their affair, playing on his connection with her. Playing with his blind spot where he was sure to leap to her defense. They were right. If it was the second…

Samson must know…

The thought sickened her of Samson knowing. He knew Cullen personally and was touching on his weaknesses; his lack of lyrium, his love for her. How did he know this? They hadn't interacted in front of him unless there were spies. There were always spies.

Immediately she sprung into action, her staff in hand, ready to run to Cullen's defense and save him from whatever trap he had unknowingly gotten himself into trying to save her. Her friends were behind her, weapons also at the ready. Some men close to them who had also realized grabbed their weapons and joined them in their dash to save their Commander and Second in Command. Dorian no doubt was worried about Bull and his aim was to save him. She just hoped that they weren't too late.

And I'll keep saying them to you for as long as the Maker lets me live.

A tear spilled down Lara's cheek as the noose around her neck tightened, the air leaving her body. She couldn't breath, she was choking. She quickened her pace, as Cullen's words echoed in her head. She didn't fully believe in the Maker, yet here she was praying.

Maker please do not take him from me. Let him live. I need more time with him. I will close every rift in Thedas if you allow me more time with him.

"Please," Lara whispered shakily as they entered the long tunnel leading back into the Temple.