A/N This grew from a little idea I had while playing. I hope you enjoy...

Commander, not exactly what you want to hear, I know, but I'm not doing so well out here. Actually, the truth is more like I'm nearly useless. I can hunt just fine, but stags don't usually fight back and I was never stupid enough to try taking on an angry boar with my bow.

Elle

Herald, I will arrange a training schedule to commence upon your return.

Thank you, Commander.

Thanks are not necessary. This is part of my duties.

I didn't realize holding the Herald's hand because she's inept was part of your duties.

Protecting her is. I will have the training arranged.

Still, thank you. And don't argue with me not to say it. I'm the bloody, blessed Herald of Andraste, remember? I can choose to bestow my grace wherever I damn well please.

Cullen forced himself to unclench his jaw. She could be downright infuriating. She made no secret that the title "Herald of Andraste" chaffed. While she allowed the people their symbol, she fought the acknowledgment. To her credit, though, she seemed as passionate about the Inquisition as any of them. Enough to listen graciously when he got carried away extolling its virtues in any case.

He'd seen her reciting the chant and Cassandra believed her faith to be real. But he didn't know what to think about it all. Her survival could only have been due to some kind of miraculous intervention. He could determine no other explanation. No one else in the vicinity of the temple even came close to surviving. Some very powerful mages had been present and they had died with all the rest.

The idea that Andraste herself saved Eleri baffled him. Why an unremarkable, presumably unimportant, noblewoman and not the Divine? As genuine as her faith might be, it was nothing extraordinary. Skill with a bow, even excellence with such a weapon, did not make for a great champion.

Not that he wasn't pleased Eleri was alive. It just made no sense. There had to be something more, some detail he'd missed or perhaps it was something that hadn't yet been revealed.

But who was he to question the Maker?

"Commander?" Josephine asked.

"I don't know," he answered. "Shouldn't Cassandra's and Leliana's opinions be the ones that matter?"

"Perhaps," the Ambassador concurred. "If they could agree," she mumbled in addition.

Cullen took a deep breath. "I can't speak to the claims that it was Andraste the people saw. I do not have that kind of authority or understanding. But Lady Trevelyan has made no attempt to abuse the title. She's clearly not seeking any kind of personal gain from it. On the contrary she questions it every chance she gets. So what does it matter what a former templar thinks? The Chantry surely wouldn't respect my opinion."

"Perhaps not, but we do," Josephine countered. "Both Cassandra and Leliana want to know your opinion. As much as you defer, your position is just as important as theirs."

He looked out the window to the broiling green tear in the sky. "Somehow it must be the Maker's will. She's our best chance of dealing with the Breach. Maybe our only chance. That has to mean something."