Prologue

She shone, bright like a beacon on a dark stormy sea. It hurt to look at her, she was that bright. He looked anyway. Watching in fascination as she charmed everyone she came into contact with. Even he was charmed by her, and he had yet to meet her. He watched in silence as she debated politics with Vivienne, pulled pranks with Sera, discussed magic with Solas, flirted with Blackwall, and always, endlessly placated her advisors.

It amazed him how different she was around each of her companions, playing on their interests and strengths. She knew how to appeal to all of them in a way to get each of them to do as she wanted but never making it seem like manipulation – just friendship.

He ached to know what that was like. Not friendship, he knew what that was like. Her friendship. He shifted, noticing the cloud of loneliness that surrounded her. All the people surrounding her and she was still lonely. He understood that, wanted to fix it. Then she confronted the Templars and he saw his chance. Guiding her through the world of Spirits, he felt her fear and anger burn through her and he knew he had to help her, to stay with her until the end.