Dragon Age: The Silences Song

Chapter 5

Cullen hadn't joined Elizabeth in their quarters. Instead, he found himself wandering down to the kitchens, seeking something to eat. His stomach had been in knots since last night. He hadn't touched any food, and the wine he'd consumed had left him with a pounding hangover and a desperate need to fill the emptiness. Anything would do at this point.

The rich scent of fresh stew filled Cullen's nostrils, and he silently sent up a prayer of gratitude. In the empty kitchen, a cauldron simmered over the flames, the aroma tempting him forward. Glancing around to ensure no one was watching, he stepped closer, grabbing a bowl and ladling it full of the hearty stew.

A sudden clearing of the throat behind him startled Cullen, and he nearly dropped his bowl. He spun around to find a slender young elf watching him with amusement. Her sharp eyes gleamed, and the strange staff at her side marked her as a mage—an apostate, no doubt. Her lips curled into a faint smile as she took in the scene before her.

"Stealing from the kitchen, Commander?" she asked with a hint of playful sarcasm, raising an eyebrow.

"I, uh..." Cullen cleared his throat, shifting awkwardly. "Just getting myself a meal after a long day. I've been told to make myself at home.

"Is that so?" she replied, leaning casually against the doorframe.

"Who are you?" Cullen's tone grew more serious, his gaze sharpening.

"La'el," she responded, stepping forward with a casual smile. "Pleasure to meet you." She extended her hand.

He hesitated for a moment before accepting it. "Cullen Rutherford."

"I know," she said, her smile widening, a hint of mischief in her eyes.

"Can I help you?" Cullen asked.

"As a matter of fact, yes," she replied in a chirpy voice. "I heard you're going into the Deep Roads. I want to join."

"There is no way I'm taking an apostate into the Deep Roads."

"A Grey Warden," she corrected. "And a mage. A mage who can protect your lady."

"She is not coming," Cullen scoffed.

"Try stopping her," La'el raised an eyebrow.

Cullen sighed in defeat. He knew she was right. The way Elizabeth fought back showed an unexpected fire—one he knew he could not bliss.

"Why do you want to go into the Deep Roads?" Cullen asked, his tone skeptical.

"Occupational duty," La'el said with a shrug, a hint of mischief in her eyes.

Cullen frowned in response.

"Okay, fine. I've been with the Wardens for months, and all they have me doing is studying ancient texts and spells. I want to get out of here and see some real action."

"The Deep Roads are dangerous, La'el," Cullen warned.

"So you told your lady earlier, and like her, I plan on not listening to you. I'm a knight-enchanter, and I haven't had a chance to put my skills to use."

Cullen studied her for a moment, weighing her words. "Your enthusiasm is admirable, but enthusiasm won't keep you safe down there. You need to be prepared for the worst. Darkspawn, traps, and who knows what else are lurking in the shadows."

La'el crossed her arms defiantly. "I understand the risks, Commander. I wouldn't be asking to go if I didn't believe I could handle it. You need every able-bodied person you can get for this mission, and I promise I'll be an asset, not a liability."

"Look," she let out a sigh. "I know the other two soldiers will be heading back to report to your Inquisitor, and I know you and the lady will be heading into the Deep Roads alone. Let me come with you. Please?"

Cullen hesitated, weighing the risks against the potential benefits. "Very well. But at the first sign of incompetence, I will send you back to the surface. I don't need errors on this mission."

La'el's expression brightened, a triumphant smile spreading across her face. "You won't regret this, I promise! I'll make sure to prove my worth."

"Just remember, this isn't a game," Cullen cautioned, his tone serious. "The Deep Roads have a way of testing even the most experienced warriors. Stay close and follow my lead."

"Understood, Commander," she replied, her enthusiasm tempered by the weight of his words. "I'll be ready."

She hurried out of the kitchen to get ready. Cullen sighed and took a bite of his stew. The warmth melted in his mouth, and he almost let out a moan in response.

"That was kind of you."

Cullen turned to see his wife standing near the doorway.

"It was not kindness; I'm basically sending that girl off to her death."

"She can handle this. She seems capable enough."

Cullen placed his bowl down, his face grim. "I'm now responsible for both of you. If anything were to happen to you two, I won't forgive myself."

"Nothing will happen. You don't know me or my skills. Neither do you know her and her skills. I wasn't raised as a noble in a pampered house. Heck, I bet I have even more experience of the world than you do. Put some trust in us."

Cullen was at a loss for words.

"Come." She spoke again. "The servants are about to flood this kitchen, and the Wardens are already waiting at the dining table. Come eat with the rest instead of sneaking around and avoiding me."