Chapter Text
The cool breeze picked up the fragrance from the blooms in the courtyard as Lady Elayne Trevelyan and the Commander of the Inquisition Forces sat leaning over the chessboard on the table between them contemplating their next move. With the sun shining brightly through the heavy foliage twined around the trellis above them and the birds singing out to each other, the idyllic scene went unappreciated by the pair. Cullen's hand reached out and moved one of his chess pieces as the Herald started plotting her next maneuver. Smiling and leaning back, Cullen observed the Inquisitor while she was engrossed in deciding what to do. "You know, this may be the longest we've gone without discussing the Inquisition or related matters." Cullen mused aloud as Elayne looked over at him. Leaning forward in his chair, he rested his forearms on the table and looked up at her with an unreadable look in his eyes, "To be honest, I appreciate the distraction."
Elayne glanced down at the chess board and tried to sound casual in her reply, "We should spend more time together."
The Commander's eyes widened a little in surprise at her directness, "I would...like that."
Smiling at his surprise and response, Elayne looked directly at Cullen as she made her move on the chess board, "Me too."
Cullen's smiles were rare and a wonderful thing to witness. His voice grew softer and deeper as he turned his attention to their game, "You said that." Looking up the Commander in surprise, she saw his smile and returned it with one of her own. "We should...finish our game, right? My turn?" He asked as he studied the board with the pieces laid out once more after Elayne nodded.
Elayne sat back and started to appreciate her surroundings. It was no longer about a chess game, but about the comfortable company she had found in Cullen's presence. The sound of water trickling through the fountain nearby, the fragrance of the blooming trees and flowers hanging heavy in the air-it was easy to briefly forget the ordeals they had all survived to be able to enjoy this moment. For this fleeting moment, rather than recall those that fell in Haven, she was able to appreciate that so many had safely escaped to Skyhold and that she had played a part in that.
After some time had passed, Cullen looked over the board before declaring, "I believe this game is yours. Well played. We shall have to try again sometime." He reached out and started replacing the pieces back on the board and Elayne helped reset the pieces on her side of the board.
"I appreciate the game, you are a formidable opponent Commander." Elayne smiled at him as he stood there, the sun gleaming off his armor and making him appear every bit like one of the knights in tales sung by visiting bards when they stayed at her family's estate in the Free Marches.
Cullen inclined his head to her in appreciation for the compliment, "As are you Inquisitor. I will see you later." Cullen headed off in the direction of stairs that led to the Keep's outer wall as Elayne headed towards the armory to check in on stocks. As she walked away, she was thinking about what she had scheduled later that afternoon and didn't look back at the Commander who had paused to take in the sight of the Inquisitor among the flowering trees and shrubs, the sunlight dancing off her red hair. He watched the gentle swaying of her hips a few moments before he started up the steps. The downtime had proven to be quite a welcome distraction indeed.
*****
Six weeks had passed since that sunny day in the gardens and Elayne hardly spent any time at Skyhold since being named Inquisitor. Constantly traveling to close rifts, the Herald and her companions had crisscrossed many nearby regions eliminating the darkspawn and demons threatening towns and villages while building up the Inquisition's reputation and people's hope that the world wasn't ending. It always seemed like there was something more to be done, there were always people in need, desperate for help and unsure of where to turn to. The Inquisition was filling the void left by the Chantry's inability to help even itself after the destruction at the Conclave. The Inquisition brought hope to people who felt forgotten promising them that they would help keep the world from falling into darkness. The horrors and despair that the Herald and her companions faced made it hard to imagine there ever being an end to the chaos Corypheus had unleashed upon the world. No matter how much she accomplished, the Inquisitor found herself nearly overwhelmed by the constant onslaught of demons they had faced.
At camp, the Herald would sit and listen to the stories spoken by her companions and a few of the soldiers stationed at the outposts. Hearing them talk about their respective homelands and families reminded them all of happier times and what they were fighting so hard for, though it only kept the darkness at bay so long. After a long stretch of time spent traveling, the feeling of unending battle gave a sense of hopelessness to the companions that seemed to hang around them even after settling in at the camp after a long day. Even though Elayne wanted to return to Skyhold, the guilt she felt over leaving people in need that she had yet to reach weighed on her making her continue on. In truth, if it weren't for Josephine sending a dispatch to her in the Hinterlands regarding something that needed the Herald's immediate presence at Skyhold, Elayne would have been gone at least another few weeks with all the troubles she kept running into.
Breathing in the crisp mountain air as she stood overlooking the mountains on the balcony of her chambers Elayne felt a moment's peace and tried to hold onto that feeling as she closed her eyes. The anchor hummed with power, it always felt like small electrical bolts pulsing up her arm, but whenever she drew near a rift the feeling felt like an explosion of energy making her wonder if her arm had been ripped from her. For now she ignored the hum and pulsing light focusing on drawing in and out the fresh air and trying to become as calm and serene as the mountains surrounding her.
"A message for you Herald." Those five simple words destroyed the calm feeling she had been trying to build within herself.
Turning, she faced the messenger, her emerald eyes watching him as she held out her hand for the report he was carrying. "Thank you." Her manner and attitude was commanding, expecting, and belying the uncertainty she felt being looked at as something other than herself. She had to live up to the ideal even if she felt she wasn't what the people deserved. Opening the report, she saw the beautiful rounded writing of her raven haired adviser as the messenger left her room. The note was informing her that the war council had been summoned and were now awaiting her to join them. Walking by her desk, Elayne picked up the bundle of parchments she had place there before heading to the meeting.
****
All the advisers were standing by the war table talking idly until the she opened the door. The immediate silence that greeted her arrival into the room never went unnoticed by her. Their manners turned a bit more formal with the Spymaster crossing her arms over her chest and the Commander gripping the pommel of his sword with both hands. Josephine nodded her greeting as she angled her hip so that her arm holding the clipboard rested comfortably against her hip as the other hand held her quill at the ready, "Inquisitor, a request has been received from Denerim. As you know, the Inquisition needs to start focusing on building alliances and as much as the crown appreciates our help in Ferelden, we are now an armed force independent of their sovereignty within their borders. To say the nobles are all on edge is inadequate. Our growing influence is making many of them nervous, especially when many of the current nobles were standing on opposing sides with one another not long ago when the Blight nearly took Ferelden. The King of Ferelden and his adviser, Bann Teagan are currently on their way to meet the Inquisitor and to see the Inquisition forces for themselves. I thought it would be best for them to meet with us and see that the Inquisition isn't a threat to the king's sovereignty."
"So Skyhold is going to entertain the King of Ferelden and his retinue. I understand their fears, especially with the world thrown into chaos before they have finished with their rebuilding efforts, but I don't understand what my presence will add to this visit. Wouldn't it have been better if I were absent since it might put the King and his adviser on the offensive?" Political posturing and proving who is better than who was a trite old game that made everyone who played poorly look obnoxious, but it was a necessity to maneuver through that dance with others, especially when you resided within their borders.
Josephine looked at her parchment weighing her words before answering the Herald, "Ferelden wishes to build an alliance with the Inquisition before we grow larger and more powerful. They are in a delicate situation and our support and proximity would grant them as much of an advantage as it would for us, though possibly they would benefit a little more. The King needs to solidify his standing with the people as their ruler having only resided on the throne a few years and not having been brought up in court. The King of Ferelden is a bit..." Josephine tried to search for a word adequate to describe the King without sounding offensive.
"Rough around the edges." Leliana finished off for her. "King Alistair was raised by the Chantry and had been preparing to become a Templar before he was conscripted into the Grey Wardens." Elayne recalled that Leliana knew the King personally having traveled alongside him and the Warden during the Blight. "There are a lot of rumors and with Ferelden still rebuilding and recovering from the losses they sustained during the Blight, there are a lot of nobles looking to elevate their position." Leliana looked at Josephine thoughtfully, "I know the King, and he isn't one to waste the effort of putting in appearances." The Spymaster gave the petite adviser a calculating look and Josephine tried to pretend not to notice.
Josephine looked at the Herald a little embarrassed, "The request from Denerim requested that the negotiations should consider the possibility of an alliance through marriage so that the Inquisition and the Crown have an unshakable treaty and one that would benefit us even after we dissolve." At the news, Cullen shifted his feet uncomfortably, something Elayne didn't notice though the Spymaster had as she suddenly grew interested in the exchange.
Elayne frowned thoughtfully at Josephine, "I can understand their worry of our forces, but do you honestly think that Cassandra will agree to an alliance like this?"
"I believe that the Inquisitor, leader of the Inquisition's forces is the one they seek in this alliance." Leliana had answered for Josephine not wanting them to dance around the matter. It was an intriguing idea to have the King and Inquisitor ally through marriage though Cullen's reaction to it piqued her curiosity.
Elayne looked at Josephine in wide eyed disbelief as that meaning behind Leliana's casual answer sunk in, "Cassandra's a Nevarran princess and integral to the Inquisition. She is a stronger candidate for this alliance. I am only a noble from the Free Marches. Surely they are asking after our Seeker for this alliance?"
Cullen had blanched a little at the Herald mentioning her nobility status. He had never thought...he couldn't believe he had never considered it before. To him, her being the leader of the Inquisition was something he had yet to reconcile with how he felt about her.
Josephine's confirmation interrupted his thoughts, "The request stated that they were interested in allying the King of Ferelden with Lady Inquisitor Trevelyan." Josephine knew this would be a delicate matter to broach and she shot an accusing look at Leliana for bringing it up so coarsely. Reassuring the Herald, she continued to explain, "This is only a request, a suggestion. It isn't something you would be forced into, only an opportunity that should be considered. I thought with your presence here it would help ascertain whether such an alliance would be a possibility as well as have you meet with the Ferelden dignitaries to put their fears to rest. As you can imagine, the stories of you are...fanciful. I believe it would put them at ease to meet you themselves."
Elayne's mind was still reeling at Josephine's news but she maintained her composure to cover the fact that she was caught complete off guard with something so personal being discussed in the same manner as any other matter needing her to address it. "I appreciate you bringing this opportunity to my attention. I believe that I'll need a little time to adjust to the possibilities this would bring to our cause."
Cullen gave a small cough and Leliana was now keenly aware that this subject had made the general a little uncomfortable by the flush on his cheeks as he shifted his feet once more. "My scouts have been shadowing their caravan and estimate that they will arrive early tomorrow evening." Leliana looked over at the map and placed a marker down to represent the caravan. Directing the attention of her fellow advisers towards another marker, Leliana decided to move on to start reporting on other reports she had received from her scouts in surrounding areas, "According to the latest reports we've received from Crestwood..."
***
It was late by the time the meeting finished and Elayne was looking forward to the bath she had requested to be drawn. Entering her bedchambers she was greeted with the pleasant sight of a large tub sitting off to the side of the fireplace with a view looking out of the windows of her balcony. The steam rolling off the water's surface looked inviting and she shrugged out of each article of clothing laying them carefully out on the bench. She placed a hand in the water testing it and sighed with anticipation before stepping in slowly and sinking into the depths of the bath. The scented oils that had been added swirled along the surface of the water shimmering in the firelight. All the tension in her body seemed to relax and melt away as she took the slip of cloth and the soap off the chair placed by the tub. Lathering suds into the cloth, the refreshing smell of mint and herbs greeted her as she dragged its wonderful scent all over her body. Bubbles accumulated on the water's surface mixing with the floral scents of the oils. Elayne dunked her head underwater and washed out her hair with the soap, her fingers pressing hard into her scalp to relieve the tension there as well. It was a wonderful luxury to have the hot water and scented oils to permeate her senses. Washing was more utility and necessity when traveling. Elayne never appreciated a hot bath before traveling for the Inquisition and now it had become something she savored for as long as the water still held its warmth.
Resting her head back, her dark red hair gleamed in the firelight as fat droplets of water rolled off the curled up ends dropping onto the floor. Her hooded eyes looked out at the stars dusting the night sky, the mountain peaks looked as though they were glowing in the moonlight. It was easy to forget the turmoil the world at rare moments like this. Her mind wandered as she tried to empty it and relax, but faces haunted her behind closed lids. Better to stay somewhat alert than to completely let her guard down and let the nightmares swallow her whole. The anchor on her hand glowed under the water, a constant reminder of her responsibilities to the world. It would never let her forget her promise to defeat Corypheus. She liked how Varric had explained it-she was cursed with the worst bad luck, the only person to walk out of the Fade, survivor of the destruction of Haven after she had brought the mountain down to give the Inquisition time to evacuate the innocents. It was sheer dumb luck that she lived through those things. She still couldn't remember what happened at the Conclave. Every time she tried to recall the events leading up her arrival at the Conclave it was like her memories were taken away from her. Now she had the possibility of marriage to the King of Ferelden. What would her parents think? Never would such an arrangement have been considered before. She would have to send word to tell them about it. She started mentally composing a letter to help her find the right words when she realized the water was growing cold. Standing up, she took the towel off the chair next to the tub and started drying off. The heat of the fire kept her warm, though every now and then a slight draft would catch her and make the wet places on her skin prickle up at the cold air. Rather than feeling relaxed, her mind was too alert and awake to have hopes of falling asleep. She walked to the wardrobe and opened it to grab an outfit out when she realized there were more clothing options in the cabinet than when she had left. Quickly glancing through them, she picked out one that was casual and practical, though the colors drew her as well, the creamy white and crimson cloth making her smile. Drying out her hair as best as she could, she slipped on the new outfit and headed out of her chambers to the Herald's Rest. It felt wonderful being clean and in clean clothes and she welcomed spending time with her friends to take her mind off of what was coming the following day.
****
Cullen had been working on reports after the war room meeting. So many papers on his desk to finish reading and reporting on and somehow he nearly got through them all before the words started blurring on the papers before him. Standing up, he went outside for fresh air and to check on the guards stationed on and around the battlements. They were all still green, many had joined after Haven and had missed most of the fighting so far. He needed a little more time before he felt that they were ready to venture out on some of the missions the Inquisitor would send the forces on. He didn't realize he was rubbing the back of his neck when he thought of the Inquisitor as he continued his perimeter check. Rounding down the stairs by the tavern, he noticed the Inquisitor heading into the tavern though she didn't notice him with the bright light blinding her to the dark shadows and corners of the keep. He didn't frequent the tavern as a patron himself, though he often checked in with the bartender to make sure his soldiers weren't giving any of the patrons or staff trouble. Thankfully the recruits were awestruck following the Herald of Andraste that they stayed in line feeling as though the Maker were more keenly watching them making them more disciplined that he had expected.
The return of the Herald certainly added to the amount of patrons in the tavern from the sounds coming from it as he crossed the practice yard heading down to check on the gatehouse guards. As he stood at the bottom of the stone staircase, he remembered when they announced the Inquisitor to the crowd of soldiers and survivors gathered below in the yard to witness the Herald accept the mantle of leading the Inquisition. They had cheered in approval as she stood overhead hoisting the sword above her head in answer to their shouts of approval. He also recalled the conversation they had after in that same spot, of how she had worried for his safety after fleeing Haven. Cullen had heard the concern and saw her try to cover up her words by hurriedly correcting herself and he couldn't help but smile recalling the way it made him feel that she had worried in particular over him.
Cullen recalled leaving her there to face Corypheus and his dragon while he was working on covering up the escape of those leaving through the secret passage. After closing the tunnels behind them as best as he could trying to ensure the forces behind them had to fight and work to reach them should she fail he crested the ridge behind everyone making sure they were all clear before he sent up the signal letting her know they were safe. When he sent up the signal, he hoped to see a sign that she was still alive, that she was still fighting. After several long heartbeats of waiting, his answer came in the form of the trebuoche firing and for a brief moment, he felt hope seeing proof that she still stood and was fighting before a loud rumbling noise punctuated with tremors shook the ground beneath his feet signaling the collapse of the mountainside nearby. A wall of rock and snow moved to engulf Haven faster than he could have imagined, much quicker than he hoped making Cullen realize that the Herald had no time to escape or find shelter. The mountain just collapsed over Haven and took out everything so quickly that it was impossible for anyone to have survived it. As he watched the dragon fly off. he knew that the threat still remained for them to face. When they had made camp and taken stock of the wounded and their provisions and things looked bleak for their survival having lost the Herald, the one person who signaled hope that they might see this through. The people following them were afraid of what was to become of them and he could see they were giving up, their spirits broken. The feeling permeated the air in their encampment. Then a scout approached him and the other advisers about someone spotting movement nearby. Pulling his sword from its scabbard, he and Leliana went to take a closer look at who or what was heading towards them. Looking at the shivering figure, he spotted the green glowing anchor shining like a beacon in the snow storm as her hand stretched out towards them.
"Its the Herald!" He called out in a commanding voice alerting the camp as he and Leliana closed the distance towards her. The Herald wasn't dressed to walk through ice and snow and her skin had a sickly pallor about it. Her emerald green eyes rolled up and closed as her body fell forward into the snow, but Cullen managed to catch her in his arms as he fell to his knees and pulling his cloak about her as best as he could. Standing up, he carried her to the camp, people surrounding him to see for themselves that indeed the Herald still lived. He watched her eyes flutter beneath her eyelids as he brought her to the area set up to care for those injured. Behind him, a murmur of people talking excitedly as the Herald returning to them started to build until an energy buzzed about the camp. The hope they all felt at having her return to them was palpable though their situation remained dire. After remaining at odds at what action to take next he heard Sister Gisselle and those around him singing a song full of hope, of finding the light in the darkness. The fire drew them towards its warmth as they sang and he found himself singing along, feeding into the feeling of hope as he shed the feeling of helplessness and despair watching the others do the same. They all looked to the Herald as they sang and many bowed or kneeled before her by the end of the song as she looked out over them all in silence. He didn't know when it started exactly, but at the moment he realized that he saw the Herald as something more than a figurehead of the Inquisition. He had known it when he had to leave her at Haven and had it confirmed when he saw her falling to her knees on the mountain pass.
They had talked a few times while in Haven and he knew she enjoyed teasing him to see him flustered, but he wondered if her teasing was something more than just friendly flirtation. He talked himself into believing he had imagined her interest until she expressed her relief at finding him safe and well. To know that she cared and thought of him the same way, he shook his head to clear out the flights of fancy it would lead to. Whatever it was between them, nothing had materialized from that afternoon spent playing chess in the garden. They had both been too busy and unsure of how to proceed that now it may be too late for him to ever find out if there could have been anything more. With the Ferelden entourage arriving the following evening, he knew that he needed to step back and let the Inquisitor do what was best for her and the Inquisition. He had nearly forgotten of her noble birth, it was easy to forget since she never brought it up or treated everyone from commoner to noble with respect. After checking in on the gatehouse and the barracks, he headed into the tavern to check in on the bartender before heading back to his office.
****
Elayne sat with Bull and Krem enjoying the company of the Chargers. They were a good group and very likable. Bull was proud of his men and well he should be. The Chargers were a specialized group, though Elayne hesitated to use the word mercenaries since they had a better code of honor and moral obligation than those they ran into on the road. The Inquisition brought hope and purpose to people who didn't want to stand around and wait for the end to happen. People wanted to do something, to make a difference and the Inquisition beckoned them with opportunities to do so. Drinking helped dull the pain in her hand and blurred the faces of those she had failed to save. So many people, it didn't matter how many she helped, she couldn't save them all. Drinking and enjoying the company of those around her, she felt the pangs of guilt lessen with each cup. Too many people in too many places and not enough people for her to send to them, so the choice weighed on her shoulders who was to live and die. Those she had to leave to their own devices, she knew what fate she had given them. By the time she reached them, the burned out shells of homes they passed by that they swept looking for survivors often turned up charred or strung up bodies or grisly remains. They would stop and inter the remains and bodies in the hopes of bringing their souls peace; it didn't matter how badly she felt, they were dead because of her and their souls were uneasy for having been abandoned by the Herald. Drinking helped her forget all of that.
Tipping up her cup finishing off the last swallow left in it she saw Bull smiled in approval when she set her cup down, "Another round!" he called out and after a few moment a fresh mug of ale was set down before her. The stuff tasted nice enough, it wasn't her favorite drink though it went down easy and didn't hit her as hard as other drinks could. Iron Bull held up his cup and toasted, "This toast is for us all. After the shit we've just lived through, we deserve to find a little enjoyment here for ourselves before we go back out and do it all over again."
Elayne smiled over at Bull no longer surprised at how well he could read her thoughts. Ben Hassarath had trained him well and for that she was grateful to have he and his Chargers at their side. Raising her mug up in recognition of the toast, Krem clanked his mug against hers causing her to slosh a little of the ale over the side of the mug. She took a long swallow of the ale before setting the cup down before her. Bull winked at her knowingly and she smiled in return appreciating his efforts in help her lift her spirits. Standing up, she went towards the bar to wipe up the spilled beer on her hands with, something cleaner than the dirty rags the serving girls walked around mopping everything up with. She nearly ran into Cullen talkng with the bartender since she wasn't paying attention. Cullen put out a steadying hand on her elbow instinctively as her other arm shot out to grab hold of the bar top to keep from falling over.
"Cullen!" her face grew red realizing she had called him by his given name-loudly at that since she had been surprised. Taking a steadying breath she tried again sounding less surprised and more composed, "Commander."
Cullen let go of her elbow seeing she was no longer in need of it and instead rubbed the back of his neck nervously, "Inquisitor, nice evening isn't it?" he mumble in a low voice.
She leaned in closer towards him, a confused look on her face, "What?" She asked trying to hear him over the sounds around them.
He realized she couldn't hear him and just shook his head dismissively at his awkward words not wishing to repeat them. "Nothing. I-I should be going." he said instead more clearly this time.
"You are welcome to stay and join us. Krem promised to regale us with a story of one of the Charger's more interesting jobs. He promises it will clear up why the Bull is squeamish around..." Elayne's words trailed off as she noticed how uncomfortable he looked. "Is something the matter?" Her brows knitted together as she watched him.
Rubbing the back of his neck again, he stammered a little, "T-thank you for the invitation, but I have some work to finish up. I should be going." Cullen turned and left without another word as Elayne stood there watching with no idea what she had said that made him run off like that.
"Words falter, stutter. Always wrong." Blinking hard, she realized that Cole was sitting beside her, but she never saw or heard him take a seat. Elayne faced him, the confusion on her face evident of what she was thinking. "Hot breath on my face, warm body to hold. Hope blossomed and now gone. Must leave and not spoil it."
Cole was silent as Elayne tried to decipher the words but their meaning escaped her. "What does it mean Cole? I haven't the ability right now to riddle out your meaning."
Frowning slightly, Cole explained, "It hurts within and without. Chains need breaking but they are too strong." Elayne shook her head unable to make sense of it still. "Bright light. Weight pressing down. Drowning but won't ask for help. Pride is strong, too strong to break. Eyes watching, dead and alive. Time is measured in blood."
Elayne understood his last explanation since it dealt with her. Closing her eyes to shut out the truth he bared to her, she closed her eyes a moment to clear her head, the cool air felt good and refreshing. Opening her eyes, she found herself on the battlements unsure of how she had gotten there. She had been at the tavern, and somehow... She looked around and saw a door to one of the towers nearby. She could descend the stairs there, reaching for the handle, she tugged and realized it was locked. She had no idea the tower doors could lock She tried once more to make sure it was locked and not just stuck. It remained steadfast and she huffed in frustration before turning around to head towards the next tower hoping her luck would improve.
"Inquisitor?" A voice called out to her and without turning around she knew it was Cullen's.
Turning around slowly, the whole world seemed to be spinning on its own, she turned to face him. "Oh, Commander. Is this..." she looked up realizing and getting her bearings a little better, "Is this your office? I seemed to be a bit turned around and lost." Cullen frowned slightly at her making her feel acutely self aware and embarrassed at how she was presenting herself. "My apologies, I didn't mean to disturb you at this late hour." She turned to head away and the world spun around again once more making her feet stumble. After a few steps trying to regain her balance, she felt an arm around her waist instantly righting her on her feet.
"How did you manage to climb up the stairs without killing yourself?" Cullen wondered aloud mystified she was even there in the first place.
Elayne shrugged as the drink kept her from measuring her words before speaking, "Varric has this insightful theory he is working on to explain it. It is called stupidly bad luck...or stupid divine luck...or something to that effect." She waved her hand dismissively. "He promised I could read the final draft before he sends it to the printers." She heard Cullen snort in amusement at her glibness. Usually she tried to keep a professional and more formal appearance up in front of others, only her companions knew the person behind the Herald's mask. It was too hard travelling and being around them for so much time and keep up appearances the whole time, but she maintained that appearance in front of her advisers worried they would doubt her decisions or question her actions should she not keep her guard up and consider her words carefully before voicing them.
"I wouldn't trust the luck that saved you in Haven to keep you safe on your return down those steps. You may have used all of your luck up after that particular miracle." Cullen joked as he carefully guided her towards his office, his mind plotting out the most direct way to return her to her chambers. "We'll take a shortcut through Solas' office to avoid as many stairs as possible."
Elayne tried to stand on her own pulling a little away from his firm grip on her hip, "I can do it on my own. You shouldn't worry about escorting me to my quarters, you have more important matters to attend to...like commanding an army." She used a broad sweeping gesture of her arm unbalancing herself causing her to lean into the Commander more than before. "I can manage." She objected when his grip didn't lessen on her hip as he continued to guide her across the battlements and through Solas' office. They approached her chamber door and Elayne realized that Cullen meant to help her walk up the stairs to her room. "Commander." She tried to make his title sound like a command, "I am capable of managing things from here. I appreciate your assistance, but I can see myself to bed. Good evening." Cullen's feet hesitated at her determined words and her dismissal. Sensing his hesitation Elayne continued on, "Imagine what people will say if you enter my quarters at this hour General." She quirked an eyebrow up at him trying to drive her point home, "I'll be fine." she assured him stepping through the doorway. As she closed the door, she backed into the bottom step causing her to stumble backwards.
Cullen's reflexes were quick and he caught her before she fell and hurt herself trying to hide his amusement. "Inquisitor, if you are worried about your reputation just keep in mind the quicker I help you up the stairs, the sooner I'm able to take my leave." Not waiting on her to reply, Cullen swept her up in his arms causing her arms to circle around his neck as he ascended the stairs. His hair tickled the back of her fingers and she sighed in resignation at being carried as she stopped struggling against him. The fur of his collar provided a soft cushion against her cheek in marked contrast to the cold metal breastplate that her hip was hitting against. She felt his fingers tighten on her and heard the leather of this gloves creak a little as he crested the remaining step entering her bedchambers.
The scent of jasmine and mint hung heavy in the air enveloping them in its heady fragrance. The bath she had taken earlier was still as she had left it in her room, it wouldn't be removed until the morning. The fire had died down a little from a hot bright glow to a low burning fire casting long shadows in the room. The towels and clothing she had discarded were on the bench with her small clothes in plain view of the commander having been laid out carefully. Burying her face a little further into his mantle in embarrassment she heard his breath hitch slightly causing her to look up at him. His amber eyes held hers as the firelight cast a halo around his head. His brow was drawn down as were the corners of his lips and she found herself staring at those lips now so close to her, the scar on his upper lip and drawing her full attention. Her fingers tightened behind his neck and he shifted her slightly in his arms before setting her gently on the bed. She sat there looking up at him expectantly and she saw that expectant look mirrored back at her. Elayne's lips parted, her tongue darted out to wet them and Cullen's gaze stood transfixed on her glistening full lips. They both stayed like that for a few heartbeats, as though caught in a spell where time stopped.
A loud pop in the fireplace broke the spell startling them both to their senses. Cullen nervously rubbed the back of his neck, "I'll take my leave. Is there anything you needed before I go?"
She shook her head, "If I can't manage things from here then you may never take your leave before the morning. Thank you Commander for making sure I made it to my chambers safely. I am sorry that I disturbed you this evening."
Cullen shifted from one foot to the other a little uncomfortably. "I-I should go." Turning on his heel he headed down the stairs. Behind him he heard the Herald sigh punctuated by the sound of her falling onto the bed that creaked slightly beneath her. He hurried his steps so that he couldn't continue to imagine her sprawled out on the bed. When he returned to his tower, he locked up as always before heading up to his bed. Her parting words still echoing in his mind, he undressed before he fell into bed succumbing to sleep. It was the first time in a long while that he fell asleep with a smile on his face.
****
It was late morning by the time she made it to the practice yard.
"You're late Inquisitor." Cassandra's statement was a fact, but the woman knew how to make the words twist guilt in your guts.
Elayne smiled apologetically at the Seeker, "I made the mistake of trying to keep up in drink with Bull and his Chargers. You can imagine the headache I awoke to." She shrugged playing it off and acting as nonchalantly as possible about it.
Cassandra made a disgusted noise, "Don't use the excuse of not feeling well when I best you in the ring." Elayne and Cassandra were both proud and competitive relishing their victories over the other in the sparring ring.
Rolling her eyes in response, Elayne retorted, "Please, as if luck doesn't always favor the 'Herald of Andraste'." she said pitching her voice high on the title mimicking a prim Chantry sister voice causing Cassandra to smile in response. The two ladies readied their swords and shields in preparation for their match drawing many onlookers eager to watch the prowess of the Inquisitor against her Seeker. They were well balanced in styles and were an evenly matched duo. On the battlefield they fought side by side remaining protective of the other synchronizing their movements in battle to better defend against the ebb and flow of the pitched fighting around them. Cassandra smacked her shield with her sword signaling she was ready and Elayne did the same before they started to slowly circle around one another beginning the match.
While all eyes were on the pair in the center of the ring, Sera made her way easily through the crowd toward the fence surrounding the practice yard to watch the match herself. Every now and then Sera would make a bit of coin placing wagers with the onlookers, but today she had something else in mind-something that had required some advance preparation and planning. Enlisting and mobilizing help was something Sera excelled at though not everyone appreciated her talents when they ended in a prank. The Inquisitor running a little late had made her worry that she had gone through all the trouble for nothing, but now that she was here things were back on track. Perching herself on the fence, she looked around happily at her plan falling into place. These matchups could get boring and there was a sizable crowd whenever the Seeker and Inquisitor stood toe to toe in the ring. Sera waited until the fighters hit their groove in fighting and fending off the other which started to bore her. Giving a quick signal to those waiting on it, soon the sounds of water splashing from dozens of buckets that had been placed around the perimeter of the fighting ring could be heard as the fighters quickly found their footing becoming more hazardous as dirt became mud in a matter of moments.
Cassandra used the elf's name as a curse, "Sera!" as Elayne now concentrated harder on keeping her footing through the now muddied ring. She knew Sera enjoyed creating distractions and she tried to ignore them and fight as though nothing had happened. Cassandra's brows knitted together as now they both had to hold their arms out a little to keep sword and shield balanced to maintain their footing. "I am going to kill that elf the next time I see her." Cassandra muttered the threat when her foot slipped allowing Elayne the opportunity to strike and throw her off balance. Cassandra landed on her backside in the mud with a surprised look on her face.
The Herald laughed at the sight, "You could yield now Seeker and avoid further embarrassment."
"Come closer Herald and I'll whisper my words of surrender to you." Even sitting in mud Cassandra's training wouldn't give Elayne a good strike and she had the advantage of sweeping Elayne off her feet if she drew too near. Seeing the Herald not rise to the bait, Cassandra carefully stood back up readying her stance and flashed the Herald a smile that was predatory.
Before Elayne could adjust her stance in the mud to defend against the attack she knew was coming, Cassandra lunged striking her shield directly, the force of the blow causing Elayne to stumble and fall on her side in the mud, though she kept her sword up catching the downward strike that Cassandra had followed up with. Bracing up on her knee keeping her guard and sword up, Elayne stood back up with a wicked smile of her own, "You want to fight dirty Seeker? Let's do this." Sera's laughter peeled over the cheering crowd as the ladies no longer worried about the mud and fought hard against the other determined to be the one left standing.