"Needles and pins, needles and pins,
Sew me a sail to catch the wind.
Sew me a sail strong as the gale,
Carpenter, bring out your hammers and nails."
-Shel Silverstein

A/N: Hello, and welcome back! "The Howling Rift," has finally been updated!

Winds howled over the open ceiling, whistling a tune to the loft. A gentle snow blanketed the floor underneath, drifting lazily above the ladder. A crisp, icy morning greeted Naomi upon her waking, and it would have been cold if not for the mass of heat that clung to her.

Cullen mumbled in his sleep as she began to squirm. She too winced at the sun that worsened her throbbing headache.

"I'm too old ta' be drinkin' like that."

She looked at her slumbering Lion and rolled in his arms. Another breeze carried a shout, probably from Adibas.

"Ah, shite, we're liftin' anchor soon."

Naomi pushed on his shoulder, "Up with you, now, Commander."

He argued from his dreams, speaking something incomprehensible.

"Pst," She whispered in his ear, "Wake up."

His eyes fluttered, and he squinted below her, "Hmm…Oh. You're still here?"

"Was that not part of yer plan?"

"No, I just thought you'd climb out the gaping hole in my ceiling…" He yawned, "I've gotten used to waking up without you."

She scoffed, "Won't be makin' that mistake again."

Naomi went to stand, but his arms tightened around her waist.

"I never saidI liked waking up without you."

"You're awake now, eh? Let me g-"

She struggled, and he kept her restrained, "Ye know, I'd fight back, but you strike me as the lad who might enjoy that."

"There's only one way to find out."

His hair was flush against the pillow, and he looked so at peace. His tired eyes held a tint of excitement to them, and her heart grew warm. His lips were stuck in the slightest form of a grin, just enough to stun her.

"I do hate it when you look at me like that."

"How else am I supposed to look at you?" He brushed a strand of hair from her face, "I can hardly help but remind myself how fortunate I am every time I do."

She rolled her eyes, "And when you say shite like that, how do you ever expect me to leave?"

"Simple." He pulled the fur blanket over them, and the room went dark, "I don't."

He tickled her with kisses, and teased her with gentle nibbles.

"Damn it, Cullen!" She laughed, "Stop it!"

She was under him, and she inhaled sharply, "We have to meet me crew by the docks to-"

His teeth grazed her ear as he hooked her leg around his hip, "We're going to be late, Inquisitor."

…

Naomi watched her ship float in the frosty port. Her crew loaded provisions by passing crates down their manmade chain. Adibas crossed his elbows on the railing next to the extended bridge, and gave her a tired wave. She returned a nod.

"Cap'n." Christopher took to her side.

"Mornin', Kit."

"Thought fer sure you'd be in the company of the Commander." He grinned, his eye patch pushing up on his cheek.

She tossed the snow with her foot, "We were in each other's company through the night."

"Good for you, Cap. Means it." He gripped her shoulder and shook her, "Bout time you took pleasure in a man worthy of ye!"

"Aye, aye," She shrugged him off, "Let's not make a habit of screamin' it, yeah?"

"From what I hear, ye took care of that yerself!" He cackled, unscrewing the cap of his flask.

"It's the crack of dawn, lad. You feelin' the shakes again?"

"Nay, Cap'n. Need'ta warm me cold bones is all."

She huffed, "Quite."

Christopher took a swig and returned his flask to his coat, waving her goodbye as he joined the other sailors.

"Inquisitor!" Cassandra called.

Naomi took a step back, and turned to greet her.

"Best of the mornin' to you, Seeker…and mates."

The small army of Inquisition forces funneled out of the inlaid stairway leading up the cliff. Naomi narrowed her eyes at Solas, who looked away immediately. They huddled around her as the three Advisors traverse the steps behind them.

Leliana and Josephine led, and Cullen trotted carefully with Dullahan's reigns in hand.

"Glad to see the scaly bastard is still around."

Blackwall put his gloved hands on his hips, "It's about time you let me on this damned ship."

"I have awaited this moment too, Warden." Cole's hat tipped upwards as he eyed the length of The Dishonored's masts.

"She'll be happy to have you aboard, mates. Long as you don't get sea sick." Naomi snickered.

"Hope you have room for your dracolisk onboard." Blackwall tugged at his beard, "Couldn't get the other mounts to let him on the carrier ship this morning."

"A carrier ship came to port?"

"It did. Left just after Isabela and the rest of them. They've all got a longer ways to go, and Jader's miniature fleet came early."

"Surprised they could all fit through here."

"They did, one at a time. Two at a time once Isabela departed. It took a while."

"Sorry I missed it."

"Somehow, I don't believe you."

Leliana raised her hood, shivering at the cold, "Inquisitor, it is good to see you."

"Aye. And you, lass."

Josephine gave her a slight bow, and a wide smile graced her, "Can I just say how-"

"Excited ye be to get on the ship, aye?"

Dullahan bucked his head, pulling away from Cullen and giving him a low growl.

"Come 'ere, beasty!" Naomi clapped her hands, and Cullen let his reigns loose.

He ran to her, and the small crowd split in half to give him room. He rubbed his nose against her cheek, scratching her with his scales.

"Aye, missed you too! Gah- you stink!"

"Don't know how you let that lizard nuzzle you like that." Sera pursed her lips, "Might as well find a dragon and cuddle with it."

"I'd be down for that." Bull stretched his arms, "Can we go find one?"

Dorian elbowed his stomach, and he buckled.

"Great, now they're touching each other." Varric put his crossbow on his shoulder, "The Inquisition: Thedas's best matchmaking service."

"Jealous?" Naomi cocked her head.

"Who said I needed my match made?"

"You do seem quite lonely, my dear Dwarf." Vivienne shielded a laugh with the back of her hand, "The company of a lady might do you some good."

"Are you offering?"

"Absolutely not."

Cullen stood behind the others, chattering amongst themselves as the sailors continued to pass cargo into the hold. The remembrance of the fur from his hood was welcoming. As if answering her silent beckoning, he walked around the group and paused at the other side of Dullahan. He petted his nose, watching her.

"Your crew seems less than thrilled to set sail."

Naomi turned to the sailors, working diligently and mumbling under their breath.

"The cold's weighed on them. Aside from our journeys to Ireland, we rarely left the heat of the Indies." She looked back to him, "Best let them carry on and let 'em get it out of their systems."

He chuckled, "You're a fair leader."

"They haven't stuck around this long for the wages, that'd be certain." She took a deep breath of icy air, "Looking forward to see Her in action?"

"If by 'Her,' you mean you, then yes."

"Don't go makin' me nervous on me own vessel, love."

"You? Nervous? I can hardly imagine."

"You've got a point, Commander."

"Inquisitor," Solas interrupted, "May I have a word?"

Naomi's heart tripped, and she grimaced at the request.

"Aye."

"In private?"

She looked to Cullen, who studied the elf suspiciously.

"Fine."

Cullen took Dullahan's reigns, and the beast eyed Solas as she turned to follow him.

They walked the edge of the port, stopping far from prying ears.

"I was hoping we could speak about the other night."

"What is there to speak on? We spoke plenty when you called me in your dreams."

Solas paced slowly, "I didn't call you, Inquisitor. You summoned me."

She was taken aback by his statement, and wasn't quite sure how to respond.

"How would I have known what tattoos your skin bears?"

"When you treated me for the Anchor."

"I hardly stripped you of your clothing." He paused, "That was Cassandra's doing."

"Is this where you tell me I need your help? That my power grows beyond my reach?"

He nodded, and laughed quietly, "It seems we've crossed this path before."

"Where you make yerself seem like a necessity, no matter how much you betray the trust of those who place it in you? Aye, we have."

Her sailors passed the last chest in the stack, wiping their hands on their trousers and making their way for the deck. Cullen followed, Dullahan in tow. Together they paused, watching her from the ramp.

"Trust these two accounts, if only the pair." Solas regained her attention.

"Go on."

"I want to help you master the Anchor's abilities…and I want to see the Inquisition put a stop to Corypheus."

She snickered, "Ye want to know the Anchor's abilities so ye may learn how to put a stop to them, if raised against your favor."

"Inquisitor, please-"

"I've heard enough'o yer bargainin,' Pride."

"You put us all at risk with your carelessness." He sneered, "Who must die for you to realize that without the proper training, you will be the fall of all our efforts?"

Her fists tightened, ready to bury themselves in his pale skin.

"Will it be Adibas?"

"Yer walkin' a dangerous line, mate."

"Will it be Cullen?"

She grabbed him by the neckline of his shirt, and pulled him within an inch of her face, "I've heard enough."

He raised his hands, "Have it your way, Guardian."

She pulled him closer, reluctant to release him, "I'm going to let you go, and walk back to me ship. You're to wait a minute before following. We clear?"

His eyebrows pinched, "Yes."

Naomi shoved him away, and yanked the flaps of her Captain's coat to straighten them.

She swallowed her anger in an attempt to rally herself together before rejoining the others.

"I'd trust Kenway with a chest'o gold before believin' anything that treacherous elf has to say."

…

Cullen paced the Deck, anxious to get the journey over with. He'd never been a fan of sea travel, and hoped the larger ship would lessen his worries.

"Keep that up and you'll have the whole crew on alert."

Adibas watched him from above, leaning on the railing next to the Helm.

Cullen rubbed the back of his neck, "It's been awhile since-"

"Captain on Deck!"

The crew stopped what they were doing, saluting and cheering as Naomi stepped foot on The Dishonored.

"Kit," Her neck snapped to Christopher, "We ready to hoist anchor, mate?"

"Aye, Cap'n." He jogged to her front, "Yer pet's been held up in the forward cargo hold away from the supplies. Blackwall's with 'im, gonna keep 'im from chewin' on the wood."

She shielded her eyes from the sun, looking up to the ship's sails, "And did we get the ice off the masts?"

"Aye, Riggers standin' ready."

She knelt on one knee, and pinched the deck. A dusty substance sprinkled from her fingers, "Lay another round'o sand. Winds are high, waves are goin' to be fierce. Can't let ice take over."

"Aye, Cap'n." Christopher cupped his mouth, "Bring another bag'o sand from Cargo, lads!"

"Aye-Aye, KIT!" A man from the opened doors on the floor called out.

"Tad!" Naomi shouted as she rose.

"Yes, Cap!"

"Retract the lower cannons, away from pryin' eyes. Cover the mortars 'nd make sure we don't let snow clog 'em up." She turned to him, "But keep the gunmen on alert. We don't know what we're gonna' run in to out on open waters."

"I'll see it done, Cap'n!"

"Pull the bridge!" She ordered.

A group of men did as she commanded.

She rested one hand on the hilt of her Sword, and raised the other in the air, "A'right, mates! Raise the anchor! Today, we sail to Val Royeaux!"

Cold shouts of, "YAR!" followed her declaration.

Turning on one heel, she walked through the now-bustling crewhands to the stairs near Adibas.

Cullen tore himself away from the display, watching bold men take hold of the rope ladders on each side of the ship. They climbed until they reached the top, where their legs poked through the topmost squares as if sitting on the rungs.

One woman continued to climb, seemingly to the top of the tallest mast.

"I can't imagine what the winds are like up there."

She placed herself in the Crow's Nest, and pulled a hood over her head.

"Captain at the Helm!" Adibas shouted.

The energy shifted amongst the crew. They were no longer scrambling to get in position. Their breaths were held, and the chatter was minimal. Cullen could hear his own heartbeat, with muting winds the only sound to drown it out.

The ship began to drift, and a loud thud came from below.

"Anchor onboard, Captain!"

Naomi spun the ship's wheel, and it began to turn. Cullen stumbled in place at the sudden movement.

Her hands flexed and tightened around the spokes, as if waiting for something. She was focused and patient, determined but relaxed. She broke into a counter-steer, bringing a golden handle to her front.

The air grew still. The water lapped at the sides of The Dishonored. And when the slightest hint of breeze swept over them, her shout was carried over it.

"Set the mains free!"

The men who'd been sitting pulled themselves up, and tugged on a rope holding the sails. They plummeted towards the deck, and the sails roared to life as the breeze strengthened into a gust.

"Off we go, mates!" Adibas called out, "Stay focused and you'll make this voyage a simple one!"

…

The Dishonored broke through open water, and a light snow fell from the clouds. Cullen pulled his coat closer to his body. They'd only just broken free of the inlet leading out of Skyhold Port, and the ship's speed pulled the wind harder than he imagined. The waves were fierce, sending cold broth up and over the hull. The crew wrapped scarves around their mouths, and tightened the rags on their heads.

"Now I understand why the rest of them rushed below deck."

"As we were a-fishin' off Happisburgh Light,
Shootin' and haulin' and trawlin' all night,
In the windy old weather,
Stormy old weather!
When the wind blows,
We all pull together!"

He remembered when Naomi's crew first arrived, and the sickness that had onset among most of them. They wore short-sleeves and hardly owned a pair shoes at that point. But now, they were lined to the neck in fur and leather.

"Bring us to full sail, lads!"

"You heard the Captain! Drop the tops and gallants!"

The Riggers above responded with an experienced quickness, and the rest of the sails dropped free. The ship moved faster, and the winds became almost too much to bare.
He shivered, and looked at the hatch leading inside.

"Commander." Naomi called, "Join me?"

She turned the wheel, and the ship adjusted accordingly. He waited until it stopped moving to make his way to the railing.

"Yes, Inquisitor?"

"Up here." Adibas nodded.

Cullen gave him a nervous smile, and made his way onto the Captain's Deck.

"You're shiverin' like a street pup on a winter's night." She grinned under the fur of her hood.

"I didn't expect the ship to move so…fast."

"Aye, she's a quick one. It'll be colder as we get farther out."

The ocean was faded at a distance, lost in a quickening bustle of flurries.

"I can hardly wait…"

"It's plenty warmer below deck, Commander." Adibas turned to him, "No one would blame you for joining the others."

"I've been wanting to see The Dishonored crew work since you've arrived. I wouldn't miss the chance…"

Naomi raised a brow, "Not even for a bit of warmth?"

"If I didn't know better, I'd say you didn't want me here."

"On the contrary, Commander." She nodded to the wheel, "Go on, then."

"Erm…"

"When up jumped a herring,
The Queen of the sea!
Says, 'Now, old Skipper, you cannot catch me!'
In the windy old weather,
Stormy old weather!
When the wind blows,
We all pull together!"

"Captain?" Adibas squinted, "What are you…"

"Stand next to me," She pulled Cullen over, keeping one hand in place, "And take the Helm."

"Inquisitor, I can't. I haven't-"

"It's just for fun. I won't let go, promise." She winked.

The compass in the middle stuttered, and she rocked the spokes until it fell back in to place.

"Alright." Cullen pushed steam from his mouth, and reached out to where her other hand once rested.

The Dishonored's power seeped through the Helm's metal plating in the form of resistant vibrations.

The compass tilted, "A'right, spin down on it, now."

She pulled the other side, raising it slightly. He had to exert more strength to lower his spoke, the Helm pushing back harder than expected. It was heavier than it looked.

"How do you spin this wheel so quickly?"

"Practice." She snickered, "Being under fire teaches you how to maneuver rather hastily."

"I can imagine."

A gust bellowed in the sail, and the ship jerked to the right. She gripped the wheel with both hands then, her feet sliding a bit at the hard turn.

"Winds pickin' up, I'll take it from 'ere."

"Thank the Lord." Adibas pinched his temple.

"Ey, he didn't do so bad."

"That was…" Cullen ran a hand through his hair, "Insightful, to say the least."

"I could have a more boring job." She laughed, "Now, why don't you find yerself a nice stool below and keep warm. Yer lookin' rather pale, Commander."

"Is that an order, Inquisitor?"

"Captain." She winked, "And aye, that's an order."

He smiled, "You know where I'll be."

"That I do, Commander…That I do."

…

A guitar strummed in the back of a mob of collected bodies. The blizzard's bright light cascaded inside from around the cannons, reflecting off their golden plating. Lanterns swayed overhead, flickering from the draft.

The rest of the Inquisition sat on barrels, chests, crates – anything they could turn into a chair. They talked amongst themselves and kept away from the working sailors. A man cleaned a stand on the end, and a pot of something that smelled delicious boiled atop a stove.

"Commander!" Leliana waved, "Over here!"

The mob of heads turned to him, and he sighed at the whispering gossip that followed.

"It might be warmer down here, but much less quiet…"

The ship creaked and ached, and the waves roared outside.

"Cole left to keep Blackwall company. I doubt it was well received." Cassandra smirked as she wiped her mouth, holding a mug of something hot.

"That burly Warden does keep to himself, doesn't he?" Vivienne sat with her legs crossed, and her hands folded upon her knee.

"Now if only I get the rest of you to keep to yourselves." Dorian leaned against a wooden beam with his arms and ankles crossed, "Perhaps I'd be able to rid myself of this migraine."

"I've got something for your migraine." Bull winked at him.

"Oh, I bet you do. Does it come with horns?" Sera poked him, "Like a little mini pair, all pointy."

"Part of its pointy. And we don't call the pair that comes with it, 'horns,' Sera."

Dorian frowned, "How disappointing."

"Perhaps a change of discussion is warranted." Solas cleared his throat.

"And lose out on all this great dialogue?" Varric huffed, his legs crossed on a low table in front of him, "Not a chance."

"Do you write everything you hear?" Cullen wrested an arm on a nearby post, shifting his weight to one leg.

"It's all in here." Varric tapped the side of his head, "And yes. Everything."

"A memory like yours would certainly make my job easier." Josephine drank from her cup.

She seemed more relaxed than she did back in Skyhold.

"Must be the Antivan in her, feeling so comfortable on a ship."

She swallowed before continuing, "Keeping family names in line, events, the treasury-"

"Yes, yes, we know your job is quite difficult." Dorian grinned, "And we love you for it, 'Josie.'"

"Excuse me? Only Leliana has the right to call me that, Sparkler."

Dorian scoffed, and let it go.

"Stew is ready once I take pot off flame." The chef behind a counter barked.

He was a strong man, and Cullen had seen him in the kitchens of Skyhold once or twice.

"You take bowl to Galley and clean up after yourself. Vlad is not barmaid. You leave mess? Vlad will know. Do not let Vlad find mess."

The Inquisition looked at each other, and gave him a nod in return.

"Good."

…

The flurries had evolved, and a blizzard caught The Dishonored in a snowy trap. The sails flapped, crinkling under the weight of the gusts. The cold ocean embraced the ship, frosting the railing and making the deck slick.

"Drop us to half sail and check yer lifelines, Riggers!"

She could barely see her crewhands as they pulled the rope, lifting the sails into a roll. Experienced as they were, it was times like these where she feared for their safety.

"Kit, how's the ice down there?!"

"We're doin' all we can to keep the Deck clean, Cap'n!" He swept alongside the sailors, "Havin' a hard time with the snow!"

"Keep at it, mate!"

"Aye-aye!"

"We sighted a thrasher-a-slashin' his tail,
'Time now old Skipper to hoist up your sail!'
In the windy old weather,
Stormy old weather!
When the wind blows,
We all pull together!"

The wind stung, and the snow slapped against her skin.

"Might have to wait it out." Adibas pulled his vest over his nose.

"Wouldn't be opposed to it." Naomi mumbled, "Can't feel me hands…"

"I can take the wheel for a bit, Captain. Take a moment in your Quarters to warm them."

"What about you?"

"I've had them in my pockets." His cheeks tugged his eyes in a smile.

"How fortunate..."

A gust pushed her hood off, and her hair snapped in her face.

"Goddamn-"

"Go on, Captain. We will trade once you feel fit to do so."

"Aye," They traded spots for the Helm, "Shout if you need me, yeah?"

"Of course."

…

The diversity of Naomi's crew had been lost upon Cullen, not having spent much time with them in such close quarters. He found himself amused by their friendly banter.

"It is Indian silk, you buffoon. You cannot just wash it."

"You been wearin' that garb since we brought you on. 4 years woulda' thought you'd learnt not to wear it then, mate!"

"What am I to do? Abandon the ways of my country? Do you so easily forget the treasures of England?"

"Pfft, treasures, he says. You know what treasure I found in England?"

"I do not, but I feel as though you are inclined to tell me."

"Oy, I am. 'Er name was Delilah. She had a pretty little treasure to share, ey me boys?!"

The sailors slammed their mugs on the table, and drank after shouting.

"Egypt has treasures abound." A beautiful woman with bronze skin and honey eyes raised an arm at the man, "Perhaps I could teach you the ways of my people."

"OOOO-" The man turned in his seat, "Pasha, don't go playin' my dreams as a fool's."

"I'd never do such a thing."

Cullen shook himself out of his daze, and took another spoonful of stew in his mouth.

"If you so much even look at the wine pool…" Josephine pushed the loose bits of hair from her forehead, "Sera, please-"

"Listen, you." Sera pointed her spoon at her, "They can't just leave a wine pool out in the open and expect people not to swim in it. That's like…That's like-"

"Capturing bees without making a grenade." Varric finished for her.

"Exactly!"

"Ugh…" Josephine cupped her face in her hands.

"Relax, Josie." Leliana put a hand on her shoulder, "We'll be fine."

"Speak for yourself." Cullen sighed, "I think I'd rather take on Corypheus with little else than a broom handle than go to the Winter Palace…"

"What a meek comment from the grizzly Fereldan." Dorian shook his head, "You're a master at chess. This isn't so different, you know."

"Except he Game is played with real pawns, with real consequences." Vivienne corrected.

"Yes, while the rich and the fat dance the night away to their elven-enslaved backdrop." Solas glared.

"Great. Just friggin' great. You got him started on the elfy stuff." Sera groaned, "They're not so helpless, magey."

"Because you've spent so much time with them?"

"More than you, probably. City elf, remember?" She pointed her thumb at herself, "Red. Jenny."

The hatch at the end of the hall opened, and the guitar strumming stopped. The heads of the Galley turned, and Kilean marched to the Inquisition's table.

"Need one of you in Navigation." She found Cullen, "You'll do. Let's go."

She pulled his coat, and his bowl tipped over. The contents splayed on the table, and the sailors gasped.

"Will you just wait-"

"Nay."

Vlad crossed his arms, his anchor-tattooed muscles pushing his apron up. He whispered something under his breath with knives in his eyes. Kilean ignored it and kept dragging Cullen until a wall hid him from sight.

"I hope they clean that up."

…

Naomi slammed the door behind her, rubbing her arms to try and null her shivering. Her teeth chattered, and her clothes became more soggy as the snow on them began to melt. She plopped in her chair, and ripped her gloves off. She blew in her hands before rubbing them together, her thawing nose burning on her face.

"Winter in Thedas makes Ireland's snow feel like a bathhouse."

She remembered the sauna rooms she'd taken part in during her stays in Kingston, and the hot steam cleansing her pours. She'd gone there with Edward a few times.

"And up jumps a slipsole as strong as a horse,
Says now, 'Old Skipper, you're miles off course!'
In the windy old weather,
Stormy old weather!
When the wind blows,
We all pull together!"

Thaddeus's muffled song slipped through the overhead planks.

"How fitting…"

Naomi held her hand out, and her thumb rolled the ring on her finger.

"Still don't know what this blasted thing does…"

It looked like the ring Mary wore.

"Can't imagine he'd part with that."

She sighed, and looked around her Quarters.

The white light cast an eerie glow on her room. It was aged, perhaps a bit dusty. There were so many memories of home, and at one point, they'd filled her with comfort and a sense of belonging. Now, they felt foreign, as if hung in a different life.

"Christ."

She hacked a wet cough, and massaged her chest.

"Home sounds nice right about now."

She wondered how Cullen would fair in the heat, on the beach, or what laying with him in the sand would be like.

"He'd burn to a crisp the first day."

The image of a sunburnt Cullen forced her to smile. She leaned back in her chair, and closed her eyes. The ship ramped up before coming down a steep decline.
Naomi jumped, and gripped her armrests.

"Blizzard's getting' worse…"

…

Aquila's desk was covered by a map of Thedas. A compass spun madly in the corner, a strange tool clicked the table under his hand, and his finger traced where the sharp points danced.

His pipe dangled from his mouth, and he pushed his spectacles higher on his nose.

"Found this one in the Galley." Kilean shut the doors behind them, and marched to Aquila's side, "How goes it?"

"Ah, Cullen! Splendid." He gave him a wave.

"Evening." Cullen rubbed the back of his neck, "How may I be of assistance?"

"Well, you see-"

"Then along comes a plaice who's got spots on his side,
Says, 'Not much longer- these seas you can ride!'
In the windy old weather,
Stormy old weather!
When the wind blows,
We all pull together!"

"Goddamn that man." Aquila reached behind him and grabbed a long, wooden walking stick.

He beat it against the roof, "SHUT YER MOUTH UP THERE!"

"Quil, please." Kilean took it from him, "It's not like he can hear you."

"I swear that man just never shuts…Right." He took a deep breath and collected himself, "As I was saying. We've hit a –"

"Then up comes a conger as long as a mile,
'Winds comin' East'ly,' he says with a smile!
In the windy old weather,
Stormy old weather!
When the wind blows,
We all pull together!"

Aquila looked at Kilean, "I've never murdered a man before."

"Deep breaths. Remember what we talked about."

Cullen gulped.

"Crazy old man."

"Alright." Aquila adjusted in his seat, "The Dishonored might be outfitted for just about anything, but this storm is getting worse as we continue. Just how bad can blizzards get in Thedas?"

"Well…" He crossed his arms, "At this time a year, it's hard to say. They can come and go in an instant, or-"

"I think what these fishes are sayin' is right,
We'll haul up our gear now an' steer for the light,
In the windy old weather,
Stormy old weather!
When the wind blows,
We all pull together!"

Cullen shot the ceiling an irritated look, "Hand me that stick."

"Commander." Kilean pinched the bridge of her nose, "Please…"

"I've never seen a snow storm of this magnitude. And although Naom-" He cleared his throat, "Your Captain has reduced the ship to a crawl, I can only wonder if that will be enough."

A heavy wave shuddered the wall of Aquila's office as if to emphasis his point.

"Very well. Come, come." He beckoned Cullen over, "I don't see any charted cities, and my calculations predict we are…here." He pushed his tool into the charted map, "So tell me, where would it be safest to drop anchor and wait out the storm?"

Cullen eyed his mark from over his shoulder, not breaking his focus before answering his question, "Where would you say we are, as of this moment?"

"The compass has been unreliable to say the least, but if I had to guess…" Aquila pointed, "Right above Emprise Du Lion, Commander."

Cullen rubbed his chin.

"The people of Emprise Du Lion wrote of damning cold, but I didn't think this is what they meant..."

…

The sailors sang as they cleared the Deck of snow. There'd been so much that Naomi felt the crunch under her boots upon exiting her Quarters, and deep marks were left from where she pushed her doors open. She could barely see the ocean; the blizzard had picked up such speed.

"Adibas!" She turned to shout at the wheel.

"Captain! I don't know how much more she can take!"

A clap of thunder shifted the breeze.

It was out of tune with the rest of the storm, not quite carrying the same tones as the gusts.

Naomi bit her lip, shielding her eyes from the frozen onslaught. A second clap came vibrating through.

"Adie…" She mumbled, dashing up to his side, "Adie, I think there's a-"

A deafening screech passed over The Dishonored. It rattled her eardrums, and shook the frost off her bones.

"DRAGON!" She hollered, "To arms, mates!"

The alarm bell rang, a chattering metal sound that failed in comparison to the beast on approach.

"Captain, what exactly do you expect to do against a dragon?"

"I don't know yet!" She took the wheel, "But we need more speed!

The last of her shout was muted by the roaring dragon in the sky.

"Angle the sails with the wind!" She cranked the Helm to keep the ship steady, "It's time we siege the squall, lads n' lassies!"

The doors leading down to the Galley slammed against the walls that framed it, and the Inquisition's party poured out.

"Not another one…" Cassandra groaned, drawing her sword.

"Mages!" Naomi yelled below deck, "Do yer…mage things!"

Dorian returned her a cocked grin, "Mage things, you say?"

"Shields? Barriers? I don't know!"

The Dishonored's sails dropped. They filled with wind as the Riggers rotated them, bellowing and blanketing them in their shadow.

Cullen took the shield from his back, "Here it comes!"

The flapping wings grew closer.

Naomi wasn't lying, she didn't know what to do…

But they couldn't die here…not with the Inquisition's victory so far on the horizon.

"Get ready!"

She aimed the side of the ship at the direction of the sound, and a handful of her crew gathered on the Deck's cannons.

"FIRE!"

The farthest one sounded first. And then the second.

The row of ignition crackled in the storm, sending cannonballs soaring at the white blanket of a target. A screech followed, and Adibas covered his ears.

"I think we hit it!"

"Aye, I'd be obliged to agre-"

A light-blue ray of ice brought spikes along the surface of the ocean, giving life to a jagged trail that raced towards the ship.

"One mage thing, coming right up!" Dorian shot his staff forward, and a shield covered the ship's hull.

"Oh, dear…" Vivienne raised her hand, giving height to the barrier, "And where do you plan to put this beast's breath once it's been caught?"

"Up." Solas slammed his staff on the deck, and the tip glowed green.

When the dragon's ice met the shimmering screen, he steered it towards the sky.

The ship shook violently, and Naomi slipped. She caught the Helm, balancing herself with its handles.

"Damn it-" She growled, glaring at the faint shadow of the dragon, "Buggers' got a punch to it."

"More than a punch." Varric fired his crossbow, "I'd say it even bites!"

"Cannons ready to fire, ser!" A crewman shouted, "On your mark, Cap'n!"

Naomi chewed the inside of her cheek as the masts ached on the wind.

"Can't break the-"

Another roar echoed to their front, a new pair of wings shattering the rhythm of their assailant.

"What is this?!" She shouted in disbelief.

"They could be fighting over territory," Cassandra's voice fought with the storm, "They're very protective!"

"Well tell them to protect somethin' else!" Sera argued, firing her bow.

"Yes, allow me to just send a raven to the dragon." Leliana scoffed, reaching for another arrow, "We'll put in a nice request!"

Naomi laughed, "You'd be the best Spymaster in my books if you could!"

"I'm already the best Spymaster, Inquisitor!"

A bright flash blinded her for a moment, and a stretch of lightning tore the sky in half. A boom of thunder followed with a delay, and a gust of wind threatened to send the ship off-course.

"They're definitely fightin'!" She steered the Helm away from the conflict, the silhouettes of the battling dragons coming and going between shots of lightning and ice.

"Let them, then! Better that than us!" Cullen shielded his face from the snow.

"I agree with the Commander," Bull gripped his axe, "What I would love to battle that beast face-to-face…"

"Which one?" Dorian redirected a misplaced streak of lightning away from the ship.

"Either would do, really."

"Well I'm glad you're enjoying yourself!"

The blurs collided, hovering in the sky. They remained in a molded, combined mound before plummeting towards the ocean. Their trajectory was far too close for comfort.

"Brace yerselves!" Naomi warned.

They spun in a mess of snapping jaws, winding necks, and fluttering wings. Their tails whistled above them as they approached.

The waves splashed, and the ice that bounced between them shattered. The ship rolled from the quick interruption of it's current, and Cullen gripped his stomach.

"It had to be on water, didn't it…"

Naomi chuckled, "Here be dragons, Commander!"

One of them emerged from the water, sending cold sprays over the deck and stinging Naomi's face. She grimaced, rubbing her cheek on her shoulder.

A pair of black and white wings stretched alongside it's hulking body, keeping the scaled creature suspended.

"Hold your fire!" Naomi shouted, sprinting away from the Helm.

"Captain?!" Adibas took her place, correcting the spinning handles.

She slid on the deck, gripping the railing to halt her momentum.

"That dragon-"

"Is about to attack!" Cullen jumped in front of her, shoving her behind him, "What are you thinking?!"

The dragon hovered above the water, watching them patiently. Naomi wasn't sure if it was toying with them, planning their demise, or simply observing…but she was sure she recognized it.

"That's the Vinsomer from the Storm Coast…" Cassandra muttered, taking to Cullen's side with her own shield drawn, "Has it been following us?"

Naomi watched from her manmade barricade, humbled by the massive size and overwhelming power of the dragon.

"Sintesla…"

Much to Naomi's surprise, or perhaps not, she rose higher with a mighty flap of her wings. She continued to do so until she was out of the cannon's range, and turned to the right.

"What was that?" Cassandra put her shield on her back and sheathed her sword, watching the Vinsomer fly towards the distant shore, "Dragons don't…they don't show mercy."

Naomi was speechless. She didn't have words for the moment they'd just shared with a creature she'd only recently encountered.

"That one did…"

She sighed, stretching the crook in her neck.

"Now if you'd ask me why, I'd have little an answer…"

A/N II:

I sincerely apologize for the long wait. I went through a time of discouragement only because I know how rough the earlier chapters are. If you've made it this far, well, thank you for giving me a chance.

I'll do my best to update at least once a month like I was before, even if they're shorter chapters like this one. It's only because of the encouraging feedback I've received (even the new subs) that pulled me out of my rut with this fic. So, thank you again, and I look forward to writing the next chapter, "Wicked Eyes," which will be the first of two chapters involving the Ball.

See you then! :)