Cullen stands at the edge of South Reach, the village nestled against the backdrop of the Brecilian Forest. This is where his family moved after the Blight consumed most of southern Ferelden. While he has written to them many times, he hasn’t seen them in almost a decade.

His heart races as he approaches the modest wooden cottage where his family presumably lives. The sun casts a warm glow on the weathered roof, and he can see the smoke curling from the chimney, a sign of life and warmth within. Moments later, the door swings open. His mother stands there, her hair now streaked with grey but her familiar eyes wide with surprise and joy. “Cullen!” she exclaims, her voice cracking with emotion. Without hesitation, she rushes forward, enveloping him in a tight embrace.

“Mother,” he murmurs, the word feeling foreign yet comforting on his tongue. He hasn’t realized how much he misses this simple warmth, this sense of belonging that had eluded him for so long.

His siblings follow after their mother, their joyful voices creating a symphony of excitement around him. Mia, his youngest sister, clings to his arm, her eyes sparkling with delight as she bombards him with questions about his travels, his adventures, and everything he has seen. “Did you fight dragons? How was the Herald of Andraste?” Her enthusiasm is infectious, and Cullen can’t help but smile at her innocence and curiosity.

His older brother steps forward, offering a firm handshake and a warm smile, the kind that speaks of brotherly pride and unspoken words. “You’ve changed, Cullen. It’s good to have you back.”

Cullen returns the sentiment, feeling the warmth of family wrap around him like a protective cloak. But then he notices another figure standing in the doorway of the cottage, watching as his family swarms him.

It's Cullen's turn to be surprised, his jaw going slack. “It's you...” The words come out as a breath, filled with disbelief and a rush of emotions he thought he had buried long ago.