"Andraste is too a virgin, how could she not be?"
"But how do you know? She did have a husband. She could have had dozens of children whom she kept as slaves."
"She's the bride of the Maker!"
Doesn't the Chantry say we are children of the Maker? I'm not positive, but I think there's only one way to make children."
Maxwell threw a book at Dorian, who dodged it effortlessly. He smirked as the Herald grabbed another one. It missed by a couple of feet, making Dorian burst into laughter. Fiona gave them a wide berth as they filled their hands with books. They could feel her glare as they carelessly tossed the ancient texts back in forth, paper flying everywhere. Mother Giselle purposely avoided meeting their eyes as she passed by. It was a normal thing by now. Everyone always looked at them with disdain. The Inquisitor and Herald of Andraste had fallen in love with the dashing Tevinter mage. Of course, most believed Dorian had used blood magic to brain wash him. The Inquisitor didn't take their opinions to heart. Mother Giselle had tried to persuade him to end the relationship on many occasions, but Maxwell couldn't stand being away from him. Dorian acted as if the criticism didn't faze him but even now, his eyes skirted to the priestess as she scurried away. Maxwell took the opportunity to throw the last book in his hand. It smacked Dorian right in the face and he fell backwards in a heap. The Herold rushed over, terrified that he had gone too far. Mother Giselle had stopped to stare as Maxwell fell to his knees on the floor. Dorian laid there, his hands covering his face.
"Dorian? I'm so sorry, are you hurt?"
He didn't move. Maxwell leaned closer and placed a hand on his face, caressing his cheek.
Just as the Inquisitor decided to get a healer, Dorian suddenly shot his hands up, grabbing Maxwell's arms. He kissed him with a surprising amount of force and then ran. Maxwell sat there in shock. He could here Dorian chuckling across the room. Mother Giselle let out a exasperated breath. Despite her ideals, she was still smiling as she walked away. She stopped only to pick up a rough book, it's pages ruffled. Maxwell grimaced sheepishly.
"These books are older than you are, dear. The Inquisition leans on their knowledge more than you may think."
"Don't worry Mother, we'll clean this up."
With a Lopsided grin, he dashed around her to look for Dorian. The musty smell of the library surrounded him. They had made a bigger mess than he thought. A few books had gone over the banister, falling down a story. He could see Solas looking agitated below, trying to recover the texts off the floor. Maxwell desired to find Dorian before anyone else pointed their glares at him. It took little time to find Dorian sitting in a plush chair, a book in his hand. The rest of them were strewn around him. He smirked devilishly.
"That was just cruel." Maxwell playfully scolded him. "You should be ashamed, giving me such a scare."
"All is fair in love and war." He waved the book like a fan in front of his face. Maxwell flopped onto the floor next to his chair. The books and papers didn't make the floor comfortable, but with Dorian around it was easy to ignore.
"I don't think a book fight counts as a war. Besides, you started it."
"Me? And just how did I cause this monstrosity of a mess?"
Dorian leaned forward and grabbed the book with Maxwell's head on it. His head hit the floor with a soft thump. Maxwell sat forward with annoyance, ready to confront Dorian, but his face was pressed into the book. He wrinkled his nose.
"To think, not one book about Tevinter. But at least twelve copies of the Chant of Light." He tossed the book back down with little care. Maxwell had to swerve out of the way as it flew past.
"It could be worse. What if it was another one of Varric's books?"
Dorian snorted. "If only you knew how many Hard In Hightown books I've found." He stretched and slid out of the chair with grace. Maxwell stood by his side. On impulse, he slid his hand into Dorian's. He looked down and smiled slightly. Maxwell gave him a goofy grin.
"You shouldn't let these things get to you, Dorian."
He didn't respond. Eventually he smiled again. Maxwell could still see the tension in his eyes but his usual swagger was back. They would have to talk about things sooner or later. But for now, Maxwell wanted to enjoy the peace. Dorian interrupted his thoughts without warning.
"So, I won the book fight, yes?"
"What? No way, you cheated."
"Cheated? I don't recall a rule against fainting, or kissing for that matter."
"It was still quite cruel."
"Oh, hush you."
Dorian planted a kiss on Maxwell and sauntered off. Maxwell sighed. It's hard to stay mad at him. Dorian has always had such undeniable charm. Maxwell's love diminished as soon as he turned around. His eyes rested on the large pile of books. Somehow Dorian had gotten away with not picking up a single one.