Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Age, just love the world that Bioware has created. All characters, well mostly, are theirs and theirs alone... well mostly. Except Oc's, they are mine…but if Bioware wants to be awesome and one day use them, feel free! I hope you enjoy the story!

Chapter 1

Liara Amell, better known to the rest of the world as the Hero of Ferelden or even the Warden Commander, was not who she expected to see this morning. The tales spoke of a valiant woman. Full of spirt and great wisdom beyond her years. Justice was said to shine through her eyes along with the occasional lightning bolt. The mention of her name would send darkspawn screaming in terror back towards the deeproads. Friend of the Dalish, protector of mages, Champion of Orzamaar, the list could continue forever, for her heroics were plentiful. So plentiful in fact that she wondered how the weight of responsibility hadn't crushed her under its heavy burden. She had protected an entire country in its time of need. An amazing feat in itself.

It was something Celeste she could relate to. A whole world looking to you for answers. Praying and waiting with bated breath that you would be the one to deliver them from the edges of chaos. Celeste expected her to be taller though, but then again didn't everyone? She could only guess the same tales were said about her. The Herald should be taller! She imagined they would say, Varric no doubt helping to orchestrate half the tales that were being whispered as she passed. Honestly she wouldn't be surprised if the next story she heard was that she was really born from a dragon's egg. A giant shell sent here by the Maker himself, perhaps pushed through the Black City and given to her parents on the backs of griffons. Although that would be amazing.

Liara was a petite woman, a few inches shorter than her, with pale skin, a heart shaped face and the clearest cerulean eyes she had ever seen. Cullen had mentioned to her once that Amell was a 'lovely woman', and honestly looking at her now she could see how he was once enchanted by her. She carried herself proudly but didn't speak or have the air of someone who demanded everything she wanted, or was entitled to. Which most in power liked to do. She was soft spoken and polite, although Celeste herself experienced firsthand how good she was at subtly hinting at death and dismemberment towards her in letters. She had once made it politely clear that if the man she loved fell while helping her stop Corypheus's demon army, then a reckoning would soon follow.

Alistair Theirin, bastard Prince of Ferelden, turned Grey Warden and Amell's lover stood on the opposite side of the war table examining the large chest of map markers. The stones clicked together as he moved his hand deep within it. His slightly spiked blond hair reflecting in the candlelight as he bent over, a look of concentration etched on his handsome face. His brown eyes closed a moment as he felt around, shifting the pile within. Liara shook her head as she watched him, a soft smile spread against her lightly painted pink lips. It was a familiar look, one that she would catch Cullen with when he thought no one was looking. A look of deep admiration. Suddenly Alistair raised his hand up with a sound of accomplishment, his fingers squeezed around a griffon carved statuette.

"This may be too presumptuous on my part but you're going to let me have this, right?"

"Alistair." Liara said in a warning tone making Alistair grin and look at her innocently.

"What?'

"Forgive him Inquisitor. He sometimes speaks without thinking." Liara frowned crossing her arms over her chest. Alistair chuckled and slowly walked around the table towards them.

"She pretends she doesn't like it, but don't let her fool you. There's no one in this world who has put up with me longer then she has."

"At least you know the grief you have caused me." Liara sighed but then grinned playfully.

"Come on, we've fought and almost died together Inquisitor, that has to earn me something."

"And a map marker is all you want? I should have more friends like you." Celeste said crossing her arms over her chest making Alistair and Liara smile at her. She could already see the tension easing out of the smaller woman's shoulders. This was the first time they had officially met and knew the whole 'Herald of Andraste' title made people nervous. No doubt Liara was thinking that Celeste wasn't what she was expecting either.

"Alistair collects small figurines of mythical creatures. He's addicted to them."

"You make it sound like a bad thing. I can think of worse things, believe you me. Besides most of my collection came from Liara don't let her fool you. She likes my quirks." The blond man grinned, quirking his eyebrow at the other woman playfully.

"I would like to spare myself the comments that Teagan has planned if I send another figurine his way." Amell bit out making Celeste laugh a little at their banter making her more comfortable in their presence. It was refreshing to know a woman so highly regarded was still human after all. It made her feel more at ease.

"If you really like it, you can have it. Besides, I think I want to see how long it'll take Cullen to figure out its missing."

Alistair laughed in triumph and put the statuette in his pocket. "I knew there was something I liked about you. Your good people."

"Didn't anyone ever tell you never to feed into someone's dangerous compulsion?" Amell sighed as she shook her head running a hand through her thick black hair. The edges resting midway down her back. Celeste had always wanted hair that long. At the circle she had kept it short, never letting it reach past her chin or mid neck. In the beginning it made sense, there was always that fear that it would catch fire when she was starting as an apprentice. But then as she got older and was able to control her magic, the act became so integrated that she started cutting it more out of habit then her own vanity.

Things were different now however, and she found herself having to pay attention to her looks like never before. Every single day was filled with meeting after meeting with ambassadors from all over Thedas. The Inquisition was a major source of power, and because of its status she found herself being implored upon constantly. But the door did swing both ways and many meetings also resulted in sworn allegiances and funded gold. Nobles wanted to make sure their money was well represented and her Ambassador was more than happy to help her transition. Gowns, makeup and of course Liliana's shoe obsession was now starting to take over her private chambers. But on the bright side, she was now able to grow her hair out like she always wanted. Her Ruby mass of waves now landing a few inches past her shoulders. She wondered how long it had taken the Warden Commander to grow her hair.

"Inquisitor if I may, how is Cullen? I mean…Commander Cullen. The last time we saw one another was…"

"During the Blight." Alistair finished for her as Liara trailed off deep in thought, bringing Celeste back to the matter at hand.

"That's right. Cullen told me the two of you grew up together in the Ferelden Circle."

"Yes, but we didn't speak much. The Templars in my tower made it a point to avoid all interactions with mages that weren't necessary, but by the end, I would have liked to have called us friends."

She had a look of nostalgia on her face, her eyes open but unseeing as if watching a memory within her mind. She envied her in a way. She had seen Cullen when he was a different man. When he was still innocent. Before all the betrayal and bloodshed had changed him forever. Before he was captured and tortured by demons when the Ferelden Circle fell, making him the lone survivor. Before he was sent to Kirkwall. With a hatred of mages so deep, it made him blind to the oncoming betrayal of his own Knight Commander. Who in the end wound up slaughtering hundreds of innocents in the streets, mages and so called 'sympathizers'. The stones ran red with blood and the Kirkwall Circle fell, setting in motion the Mage and Templar Rebellion in the Free Marches.

In the beginning it had made Celeste nervous to be working with someone who she had read about in a book. By that time 'The Tale of The Champion' had been a well-known novel and although Cullen was mentioned briefly it was jarring to learn that they were one in the same. She did not know about his experience in the Ferelden Circle until later and that event only a handful of people knew about. Most who were standing in this very room.

"I'm sure he feels that way. He was a friend who was once infatuated after all, am I right?" Celeste said teasingly making Liara grin.

"Did he say that?"

"His words not mine, but please don't repeat them."

"It makes me wonder what else he has said about me."

"Good things I promise you." Celeste said reassuringly as Liara looked away almost regretfully.

"There was a time I doubt he had anything good to say. I am glad he has not remained that way."

"Could I ask you what he was like before the Blight?" Celeste's curiosity piqued. She couldn't stop herself from asking. It was something she wanted to hear from someone else's lips for so long. Someone who actually knew him all those years ago. Liara gave her a knowing smile. Hidden questions and her own curiosity shining back at her. She couldn't get over how blue this woman's eyes were, like staring into an endless horizon.

"What do you want to know exactly?" Liara waited patiently as Celeste thought a moment. He never really spoke about his time in the Ferelden Circle and she didn't want to pry, but she really wanted to get a glimpse of his life before all the chaos and Amell was his best chance.

"Tell me about when he was still new to the Order. Was he always so…"

"Intense?" Liara asked raising an eyebrow making Celeste giggle softly. "No. Cullen was gentle. He was one of the Templars who cared deeply about his charges. He wanted to protect those who needed him the most. He was kind and soft spoken. He had many friends in the order, but he made most of the mages nervous."

"Why was that?"

"My friends at that time said there was something about his eyes. They made people uneasy. I didn't notice it at first, but after a while I saw what they meant. Cullen is smart and astute. Knowledge is power and Cullen was sharp witted and always quick to think. I knew he was meant to rise within the Order. He watched and learned and he studied constantly, but he did it with a naivety and he believed wholeheartedly with what the Order represented. He stuttered when he spoke to women…and he blushed every time he spoke to me. He was there during my Harrowing. Did he ever tell you that?"

"He did mention it to me. He said he had never seen someone finish so quickly before."

"I was lucky, I could sense the demon almost immediately but seeing Cullen in that room…The look on his face…" Liara chuckled for a moment as Celeste watched her gaze become far away again. "You already know when you're called for your Harrowing, its random and not expected. When I walked into the room…he made me think I had done something wrong and was walking into a slaughter. He was so worried and he made me so nervous. He was the one ordered to kill me if I did not succeed."

"He never told me that. He just said that he had attended. Do you think he would have been able to do it? To kill you If you had failed?"

Liara looked at her hard. Her gaze empty of all warmth, only hard truth and bitter reality.

"Yes. Without any doubt. He was sworn by duty. He would have followed through, but I am not so easily overcome and I know you aren't as well." Amell was silent for a moment and she sighed deeply. Pulling herself completely out of the past. "We were very young, not even in our twenties and when the Circle fell….well…"

"He was an asshole." Alistair spoke suddenly joining in on the conversation. Celeste raised her eyebrows in surprise trying to hide the smile that tried to break free. Liara threw him an angry look putting one hand on her hip as she glared at him in disbelief.

"After what happened would you have expected anyone to be anything less?"

"Yes well…demons and abominations can make anyone edgy." Alistair sighed crossing his arms in front of his chest.

"Cullen is a very private person. No one really knows about his past, but he did tell me a little about when the Circle fell. How you two saved him. How he regrets that he was never able to thank you." They both exchanged a look and blinked at her in awe.

"He said that to you?" Amell asked softly. Celeste smiled gently and nodded.

"People need time to heal. It was a long time ago and angry would have been the right choice of words." Celeste chuckled as Liara took that moment to elbow Alistair in the side making him grunt in pain. "He's a different person now."

"I saw him briefly when we fought at Adamont. We did not speak but, your army was a sight to behold. That kind of loyalty shows much in a leader. The way they fought shows how capable your Commander is. I didn't mean anything by that comment." Alistair spoke up rubbing his side in pain. The way they both looked at her now though made her realize that no matter what, most people would try to tip toe around and try to appease her. She needed to make sure they knew that she did not need more subjects, she needed friends.

"I was not offended and I don't want you to feel like you need to hold back from insulting me, speak your mind. As your friend I assure you I will do the same." Celeste looked away to mask her emotions as she felt warmth cover her cheeks. "He means a lot to me. I value him greatly. I would not have been able to defeat Corypheous without his support."

She could tell Liara sensed something and smiled softly at her reaction. Her eyes filled with understanding as if she had experienced the same thing at one time. Maybe in a way she felt a similar feeling with Alistair. When the Warden had first met Celeste he spoke about Liara like she was his whole world and what Liara said in her letters, surely anyone would get the idea of what one meant to the other. Perhaps it is impossible to stand against any evil without someone's love to return to. Duty or not.

Before any of them could speak again the doors flew open and the other two women they were waiting for finally made their appearance. Her Ambassador and Spymaster walked in slowly, both wearing matching expressions of hidden secrets shared. She knew the two had a deep history with one another, being friends since they were young and often sharing gossip whenever they could. So Celeste didn't think much of it when both woman came in giggling and grinning towards her. Alistair and Liara smiled brightly after they spoke their greetings and Leliana walked over and quickly hugged Liara.

"It has been too long my friend."

"It has" Liara said as Lilliana let her go turning to Alistair to hug him as well.

"And you didn't say goodbye. I was worried when I did not receive any word from Weisshaupt."

"Yes well, that's why we're here actually."

Celeste took her position at the center of the war table. Ready to get this meeting started. She ran her hand over the map her gaze lingering on the surroundings of Weisshaupt and the jagged terrain of the Broken Tooth. She really wanted to know what the Grey Wardens were up to now. The rumors coming out of Weisshaupt were worrisome and she had hoped the two Wardens in front of her now would shed light on some of her questions. She almost exiled the Wardens once after they unknowingly helped to raise Corypheus's demon army, but faith and understanding stayed her hand. She trusted Alistair and he trusted Warden Commander Amell. It was enough for her. How would the world survive without trust and belief?

"Now that everyone is here, are we ready to begin?" Celeste spoke up turning the conversation toward the matter at hand. She picked up a map marker and waited for one of the Wardens to speak.

"Not everyone is here Inquisitor." Josephine cut in, her Antivan accent thick as she smiled back a laugh, exchanging a coy look with Leliana who turned towards her and grinned widely.

"Oh, that's right. I had almost forgotten."

"What a liar you are Leliana." Both women giggled. Celeste sighed and crossed her arms over her chest shaking her head. These two are incorrigible she thought.

"Are we really going to do this right now?"

"I assure you, this is someone you don't want to exclude."

"Ok. I'll bite, who are we missing?" Celeste asked rolling her eyes at the two women probably knowing where this conversation was heading.

"The Commander is not here." Josephine spoke matter-of-factly. Celeste sighed one more.

The last few weeks her two advisors had delighted in the fact of teasing her about Cullen absence. Joking with her and saying how sad she looked or told her he was right around the corner waiting for her. They had even held onto one of his correspondence for two days before delivering it. She wanted to strangle them and right now she really wasn't in the mood for games. He had already been gone for over a month and she was starting to worry. Surely things were calming down in Denerim now that the Inquisition was lending support.

"Ha, ha, yes I know he's not here. Can we start our meeting like grown up's now?" She said in rising anger but Lilliana just continued to grin her secret smile and glanced at Josephine. She could already see there banter was contagious making Liara and Alistair fight back their own smiles.

"But did you know my scouts just reported of his arrival?" Celeste sobered almost immediately.

"I'm not falling for that again." She said evenly making Lilliana laugh.

"I promise you. I am telling the truth this time. Go see for yourself."

Celeste eyed the red head suspiciously as she walked around the table slowly waiting for the two women to laugh and say 'Just kidding! Got you again!' But when she approached they just moved out of her way and motioned her towards the door. She could feel her heart beat quicken in hope when she saw the truth clear in Lilliana's eyes. Running a hand through her deep ruby hair she hesitantly glanced down at her brown and black nobles dress. Fashioned more towards a Ferelden style she fidgeted with the long sleeves and straightened the bodice nervously, fixing the sleeves that left her shoulders and collar completely bare.

She approached the two women carefully still unsure if they were joking or not. When she glanced at Alistair and Liara they both wore curious expressions on their faces watching her while she stood near her Spymaster.

"Would you allow us to continue this meeting a little later?" She spoke hesitantly knowing she was having trouble containing her budding excitement.

"Of course, Inquisitor." Liara spoke softly a smile spreading across her lips. Celeste bowed her head in respect to the both of them before whispering to Leliana, even though she knew everyone heard her.

"How do I look?"

"Beautiful now go." Her fellow red head laughed pushing her towards the chambers open doors.

"He will love the dress I assure you." Josephine added in making her smile broadly as she turned to leave, it took everything to contain herself from sprinting towards the main hall.

"Are those two…?" Alistair said curiously, all of them watching the Inquisitor reach Josephine's office and receiving room.

"Oh? You didn't know?"

"I was starting to have my suspicions." Liara said quietly. Josephine turned towards them resting her pen down on the writing board she carried with her to every meeting.

"Those two are quite the couple, caused an interesting uproar when their relationship became romantic. The Herald of Andraste and the Commander of the Inquisition. You can imagine how quickly the gossip spread."

"I'm actually more interested in the fact that the Inquisitor is a mage. The last time we saw Cullen, mages weren't exactly his favorite people." Liara said thoughtfully watching the Inquisitor with disbelief. Josephine turned towards the Warden Commander reassuringly.

"I did not know the Commander before the Inquisition, but he is a capable man and has not given any cause to make us believe otherwise."

"So I hear."

"I know one thing though. I am not about to miss this reunion." Leliana said rushing out of the war chambers suddenly to catch up with her leader. Liara grinned as she shared a look with Alistair.

"I take it you want to go too?" He asked playfully as Liara paused only a moment before bolting after her longtime friend.

"I want to see how much he's changed!" She yelled back excitedly making Alistair laugh motioning for Josephine and him to follow as they jogged to catch up with his beloved.

Celeste picked up her skirts in both hands as she raced toward the throne room and main hall. She could feel her chest tighten in giddy excitement and tried to control herself from running out in full speed. The shoes Josephine was making her wear had taken some getting used to, the high heels cracking hard and purposefully against the stone floor. Sharp sounds reverberated as she passed causing a few turned heads and interested stares. Were these shoes about to break? Silently she prayed to the Maker not to let her trip. The last thing she needed the visiting dignitaries to see was the Inquisitor sprawled out on the floor with her skirt in the air from a single misstep. She had finally gotten use to wearing all the dresses and didn't need any further wardrobe malfunctions.

Still nodding and continuing her greetings to everyone she passed, her movements picked up a little more when she approached the main doors of the castle. She saw Varric look up briefly from the table he normally worked at, a curious look on his face as he dropped his pen and slowly rose from his chair. Only to flash her a look of confusion when she passed him hurriedly without stopping. She could just imagine the things he would say when he found 'curly' had come back. The tales of intrigue the dwarf would spin upon hearing of his travels to Denerim.

Stopping at the halfway point between the two main staircases she took a moment on the platform to catch her breath through the confines of her corset. Walking towards the edge she stared out towards the main gates of Skyhold. A few dozen soldiers gathered around talking and welcoming friends back. They laughed and joked, couples embraced. She smiled at the joyous scene loving to see her people happy and content but continued the rest of her decent when she didn't spot Cullen.

As she approached the main entranceway she smiled and greeted her soldiers welcoming back everyone who politely addressed her, until she spotted Ser Barris wave at her through a crowd of parting Templars. He smiled at her softly his deep green eyes shining at her in warmth and kindness. He dismissed the two lingering Knights and approached him in greeting.

"Welcome back Ser Barris." She said brightly.

"Thank you, Lady Herald. It is an honor to be serving you." He bowed his head politely.

"No need for formalities Ser Barris. I am happy to count you among my friends. I hope your trip was as pleasant as it could be made?" She returned his softening expression with a smile of her own.

"It was, thank you. The Commander is a good man."

"He is only as good as the men he commands. I am the one honored that you decided to stay with us. It eased my mind to know he was traveling with someone he considers a close friend. I knew if anything went wrong, you would stand ready beside him."

Ser Barris coughed into his hand embarrassed by her praise, his dark brown skin taking on a slight crimson hue. Celeste grinned at his demure trying not to be too obvious as she glanced around again for her Commander. She knew if Barris was here giving orders then she had most likely already missed Cullen. Maybe he had returned to his office? Before she had time to say anything her attention was brought back to Barris when he coughed again and leaned into her. His voice was low as he tilted his head down for others not to hear.

"He's at the stables." He said plainly pulling away just as she grinned. Her expression made Barris chuckle knowing fully well how obvious she was being. She thanked him quickly and turned on her heels running toward the location of Skyhold's stalls. When she came across the last corner she slowed her pace as she spotted him near the end of the merchant's lane, exactly where Ser Barris said he would be. In front of Dennet's stables.

She felt her heart beat heavily against her chest as the mere sight of him made her chest tighten in anticipation. He was turned slightly away from her. A few soldiers huddled nearby as he conversed, most likely giving orders and getting a quick up date of anything important he might have missed. She waited a moment, not sure if she should approach or not, suddenly feeling nervous, but then a soldier standing next to him made eye contact with her and whispered to him.

Cullen's attention turned towards the lane, his gaze searching the crowd quickly. The moment he spotted her a grin spread widely across his lips. He held a hand up and excused himself, the small group of soldiers all nodding at his dismissal. Some even sprouting smiles of their own when they realized she was there. He turned and began marching purposefully towards her. Celeste couldn't hold herself back any longer, gathering up her skirts she sprinted towards him. Shoes be damned! Nothing else mattered now except the man she had yearned to see during these long unending weeks.

He laughed at her eagerness, and as she got near and called his name in joy he held his ground and gathered her when she jumped into his arms. Wrapping her arms around his neck she buried her face in the fur of his armor her forehead brushing against his thick blond beard, tickling her skin. It was the first time she had ever seen it grown in so full. Cullen held her hard against his chest, her feet hovering over the ground. She knew that everyone in the marketplace was watching them, including his lingering battalion of soldiers, but she didn't care and kissed him fully. Her lips telling him exactly how happy she was to see him. Her fingers burying deep in his hair. The soft silk bunching under her palms.

He responded quickly his grasp on her tightening, his lips returning his own passion back at her, his mouth devouring hers in overwhelming heat. She wanted to taste him deeply, wanted to savor him and feel him take her over completely. She didn't want it to end, but all too soon he settled her down upon the ground. His eyes lingering over her face as if trying to remember every detail.

"Welcome back." She whispered, her hands trailing down the furs of his collar and over his chest plate. He sighed deeply, resting his forehead against hers. She closed her eyes a moment and blocked out the world taking a second to have his presence engulf her.

"Maker I've missed you."

"And I you." He touched his lips to hers once again, this time more chastely, His hand running softly over her cheek, his gaze full of adoration as he took her in. The warm leather sliding over her skin and through her hair as his fingers swept through her wavy red tresses. Cullen looked down bashfully his honey colored eyes moving down to glance at her dress. His took his hands and reached for her fingers until he noticed a small statuette clutched tightly in one of her fists.

"I see you've kept yourself busy with strategy while I've been gone." He joked his voice light as he released her and took a step back motioning towards her hands. She had completely forgotten that the marker was still clutched one hand. Celeste took a moment to collect her thoughts before grinning brightly back at him.

"Well someone had to play with the map markers while you were gone. They were lonely. We mixed them up, marched them across the Ferelden map. It's a shame you missed it. You would have felt very patriotic by it.

He laughed softly, a rich deep sound that she missed more then she cared to admit.

"I'll make sure I'm there for the next one." He reached his hand up again to cradle her face. His expression was soft and peaceful while he ran his thumb over her cheek. "You look beautiful." His said his voice turning husky and Celeste could feel the warmth flood through her. Her face growing hot. She covered his hand with hers and leaned forward lowering her voice making sure no one heard what she was about to say. Despite their current display of public affection she knew Cullen did not usually like their relationship to be in view of others. He felt that intimacy should be a private matter meant only for the others eyes.

"If you're trying to charm your way into an invitation to my quarters later. It just worked." Cullen gave her a lopsided smile, giving her a look that was all male. "I'm going to hold you to that."

He slowly pulled his hands away, the smile leaving his lips as his gaze moved over her shoulder towards the main gates of Skyhold. Celeste turned around as his body language became rigid and professional. Back to being the Commander of her armies. Ser Barris, Liliana, Josephine, Alistair, Liara and even Varric were all standing at the entrance of the Markets Lane watching them. Each sporting their own smiles. When they all saw that they had been spotted, each of them turned quickly accidently bumping into the other. Sheepishly they turned one by one and made their way back towards the castle. Celeste giggled softly trying to lighten the mood, looking back towards Cullen.

"Well at least we put on a good show."

She smiled but he didn't react to her and stayed silent, his expression darkening when he realized who the other two people were.

"Was that…?"

"Warden Commander Amell and Warden Alistair. They arrived last night. We were just about to have a meeting when I heard of your arrival."

Cullen scratched his chin deep in thought. His fingers running through his beard. "I see, give me a few moments to finish up here and I will head to the war room."

"What? Are you sure? You have only just arrived. I think Skyhold will still stand if you take some time to rest." Cullen looked back at her softly his demeanor easing from her concern.

"I'm fine, besides I am curious to see what brings the Wardens back to Skyhold. Has there been any word from Weisshaupt?"

"No. I was wondering about that myself. I don't know why they're here, but I plan on finding out." Cullen nodded in approval placing his hand on the hilt of his sword. She knew his mind was racing with a thousand questions.

"If their Commander has made an appearance then I doubt they are here on vacation."

"We will wait for you then. Do what you need to do and I will see you upstairs."

Cullen nodded to her giving her one last smile before turning to make his way back towards the group of soldiers that waited patiently for him to return. Without another word and her own smile she couldn't hide, she too turned and started her trek back towards the castle.