Leliana trades in information, and to that end she likes to always keep an ear to the ground. As the resident wildcard of the Inquisition, Evelyn Trevelyan is her current object of scrutiny.
The Herald is sparring with Cullen in the training yard just outside Haven's walls, and the recruits watch the match out of the corners of their eyes while attempting to run through drills of their own. Ever since her encounter with the rift, Trevelyan had thrown herself into training with gusto. Leliana supposes that gaining larger-than-life titles have that effect.
The brunette is a rogue, like Leliana herself, wielding two shortswords opposed to Cullen's broadsword. She is quick and opportunistic, though to Leliana's trained eye she lacks grace and calculation. Cullen attacks in a vertical slash that she parries rather than dodges, her muscles straining under the impact. The two stay locked in that position for a long moment. Trevelyan's foot slips, and Cullen senses an opening and pulls back to strike again. Rather than recovering, Trevelyan uses this chance to charge forward. In a flurry of movement, the two clash. Trevelyan's swords end up pressed to Cullen's neck, with Cullen's sword at her chest.
A draw. Impressed murmurs echo through the training yard.
"Hah! Good match, Herald!" Cullen says with a small smile, letting his practice sword fall to his side.
Trevelyan grins back, sweat beading on her face. "One day I shall best you, ser." She vows, and Cullen smirks. "Until then, thank you for indulging me." She nods a farewell and then turns and walks back toward Haven. Cullen focuses his attention back on the recruits, barking orders that they scramble to fulfill.
Trevelyan nears where Leliana is standing by the gate to Haven's outer wall. The younger woman's steps are ever so slightly shaky and her breath is ragged, though a grin is still tugging her lips.
"I believe you are out of their line of sight now," Leliana calls. Trevelyan, to her credit, does not seem surprised to find the red-head there. She merely flops onto the ground, letting out a sigh.
"If I didn't know better, I'd say you were exhausted," the older woman remarks as she makes her way to the other woman's side, hiding a smile.
"Maker, my bruises have bruises!" Trevelyan exclaims, wincing. Leliana smirks down at her, to which Trevelyan narrows brown eyes playfully at her. "This moment of weakness is a secret between us."
"Hmm." Leliana taps a finger to her lips. Secrets are the spymaster's trade. What is one more added to her collection?
"Of course, Herald."
I know Inquisitor x Leliana is a crack ship, but I can't help but adore it. I've been wanting to write about these two for forever. I'm not entirely sure where this is headed, however...
