Chapter Text
The Inquisitor sat at her desk, her half-eaten breakfast pushed aside and reports spread out in front of her. She hummed to herself as she read a merchant contract, then Josephine's and Ser Morris’ notes.
She was so engrossed, she missed a knock at the door of her apartments -- not hard to do, as the door was a floor below -- only realizing someone had entered when he cleared his throat. Her first thought was her staff, leaning against the wall beside her. She had been jumpy since the assassination attempt on Bull. She reached out for it, even as she looked up.
Cullen stood at the top of the stairs, cradling a wicker basket against his broad chest.
She relaxed and looked down at her paperwork to hide her blush. She found herself seeking him out often and once missed Leliana's entire report while staring at him. It was embarrassing, but she had a crush on her commander.
"Commander, I'm pleased to see you. Can I help you with something?" She desperately tried to remember if she had brushed her hair that morning.
"No. I mean yes." The tips of his ears were pink. "I ... I brought you something." He gestured to the basket. It was small, and the lid jumped as something inside moved.
"You brought me a present?" She schooled her expression, hoping her delight wasn't obvious.
He rubbed the back of his neck. "I hadn't thought of it that way. I suppose so." He crossed the room and sat the basket on her desk. The lid jumped again.
"It doesn't bite, does it?"
"No. Well, it shouldn't."
That was promising. She lifted the lid to reveal a baleful pair of golden eyes glaring at her. She lifted the tiny creature. It was small enough to fit in her palm, white and exceedingly fluffy. It also was hissing for all it was worth, hackles raised. "A kitten?"
"Um ... you told Leliana that you'd wanted a pet of your own as a child. You mentioned that you would have liked a kitten, but your clan only had mabari."
She blinked, trying to remember the conversation. It had been weeks ago. He had remembered?
"I'm sorry, Inquisitor. I'll take him to the kitchens. They can always use another ratter." He reached for the kitten, which had arched his back and spat.
"Don't you dare!" She smacked the commander's hand. "He looks like a little cloud with feet!" She picked the kitten up and cooed at it. "Who is a fluffy little white cloud, hmm? Such a pretty kitty!"
He shifted. “You like him?”
“I adore him. I could just kiss you!”
Cullen turned brick red. “I don’t think that would be appropriate … “
“I was talking to the kitten.”
“Of course. I am pleased you like it, my lady.”
The kitten had calmed down and batted at the quill she had dropped when he entered the room. “Very much. Thank you, Commander. It was thoughtful of you to think of me.” She ran a finger over the top of the kitten’s head, and it pushed its head under her hand, closing its eyes and purring.
“Of course, Inquisitor.”
The kitten yawned, showing off a pink mouthful of tiny fangs.
“I think I will name him Fen’Harel.”
Cullen raised his eyebrows. “You’re naming your kitten after the Dread Wolf?”
"I didn't know you were familiar with our myths, Commander."
He crossed his arms. "Yes, well, it seemed, ah ... I thought I ought to know about your ... I thought I ought to know more about the Dalish. But you were saying, my lady?"
“Yes, look at his cute little fangs. Fen'Harel is perfect.”
He chuckled. “Quite fearsome, my lady. Fen’Harel it is.”
She cuddled the kitten against her chest. “Aren’t you cute?” She looked up at her commander. “The kitten, Commander.”
He nodded. “Of course, Inquisitor. I never thought otherwise.”
It only took her two days to teach Fennie to perch on her shoulder as she went about her duties at Skyhold. The castle’s inhabitants were becoming used to seeing the Inquisitor with a kitten napping on her shoulder.
The Inquisitor hurried through the atrium, Fennie balanced on a shoulder, intent on a conference with Leliana in the rookery.
“Inquisitor, I see that Commander Cullen gave you a kitten,” Solas said. He put down a book and looked at the kitten with interest.
She blushed. “Yes, well, I mentioned wanting one as a child and … and he remembered.”
Solas reached out, but the kitten hissed at him, claws digging into her shoulder, and she flinched.
She frowned. “I’m sorry, Solas, Fennie is usually very friendly.”
Solas shrugged and stepped back, putting distance between himself and the kitten. “Cats don’t like me. His name is Fennie?”
“It’s short for Fen’Harel.”
Solas choked. “You named your kitten after our trickster god?”
“Well … yes.”
“It’s a cat, not even a canine!”
“Yes, but cats are clever and solitary, just like Fen’Harel. Also, he’s got cute little fangs.”
“Cute … little … fangs … ?” Solas pinched the bridge of his nose. “Please excuse me, Inquisitor, but I just thought of something that requires my attention. By your leave?”
“Of course.” Solas bowed and left for the great hall.
As soon as he was out of sight, Fennie settled back down on her shoulder. “That’s odd.” She rubbed Fennie under his chin. “Behave yourself when we see Leliana. No more begging for treats, you naughty kitty.”
The kitten purred.