I thought I'd make a multi-chapter story! It'll be at least six chapters but quite possibly more. You can follow me on tumblr at a-j-aria to read more of my stories or send me any prompts!
This story is rated M for NSFW scenarios and violence.
She was awoken by the light streaming in through the cracks in his ceiling. Although, cracks was a bit of a generous term, as it was more of a giant hole. Cullen lay next to her, already awake, planting kisses along the back of her neck as he held her from behind. And though quite endeared, the Inquisitor cursed her lover for being such a morning person. Aislin, groaned, turning over in bed to face him. "Andraste's arse, Cullen, when are you going to fix that bloody hole in the ceiling?"
He chuckled, and she could feel his chest rumble underneath where her hands rested on them. "I haven't really put much thought into it, if I'm honest."
"How could you not? I'm freezing in here."
"Hmm," he hummed, "then allow me to warm you up." He moved his hands to either side of her head and hovered over her, a playful smirk on his face that only she was privileged to see in moments like these. And she treasured it with all her heart. Aislin leaned up onto her elbows, bracing herself against the mattress as she pressed her lips against his. He met her halfway, sucking lightly on her lower lip before moving his head to press kisses along her jaw, the feel of his stubble rough against her skin.
The blanket slid down as Cullen shifted closer, and she shivered as her bare skin was exposed to the cold air. Cullen smiled against her skin and pressed himself closer, warm breath tickling her jaw. "Mm," she hummed, tilting her head back and exposing the expanse of her neck as he moved to suck on the bruises he had made the night before. "You're so warm. Is that a Ferelden thing?" She mused aloud.
He didn't answer, choosing instead to move his hands to cup the sides of her face and press his forehead against hers. They locked eyes, and she gave him a heated stare as Cullen's thumbs rubbed circles against her skin. They were both breathing heavily as they leaned close before a knock from the door in Cullen's office area sounded through his quarters.
They both groaned simultaneously at the interruption. "It seems you are needed elsewhere, Commander," she whispered huskily and Cullen groaned as he leaned up, exposing his bare chest and making Aislin silently lament that she would not be enjoying more of said chest this morning, but sadly, duty calls. For the both of them unfortunately.
The Inquisitor shifted across the bed, grabbing her clothes and undergarments from the night before and shrugging them on as she watched Cullen do the same with his armor. He was carefully putting on the layers in an efficient, specific order. She sighed, it was truly a shame that a man with such a nice build hid it beneath so many layers of armor, but she had to admit that she did enjoy having the view of his body all to herself.
Aislin stretched as she got out of bed, slipping on her boots and fixing her hair to make it look like she didn't just spend a night in her lover's bed. Varric would probably comment on it anyways though, she didn't know why she even bothered. She shivered once more as she got out of the bed. The mornings at Skyhold were crisp, even moreso at this time of year as the winter season was coming. Although, in her mind, Ferelden was always in a perpetual snow. There were clouds outside this morning and some flurries were beginning to fall from the sky.
"Really, Cullen," she sighed as she turned her attention back to the giant hole in the ceiling. "You truly should consider getting that fixed as soon as possible."
The Commander, in full armor now and ready for the day, approached her from behind, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his head atop hers. "It's not nearly as bad as you're making it appear," he insisted.
"Cullen, it is quite literally snowing in here."
His brows furrowed and he sighed as he glanced upwards. "So it would seem. Perhaps some repairs should be made after all."
She rolled her eyes, although he could not see the action. "Good," she said pointedly, then raised her left hand as a flurry fell into her palm. Aislin frowned as she looked at the snowflakes. They were darker than they should be, more grey than white and they were not melting when they touched the heat of her palm. "Strange," she mumbled, as she studies the flakes, and Cullen peered from over her shoulder at what she was looking at. She was beginning to doubt the flakes in her hand were even snow at all. She picked up a flake onto the tip of her finger and touched it to her tongue, making a face at the bitter taste. Maker, that's awful, she thought. It tastes just like.. Her eyes widened as realization dawned on her.
Cullen must have sensed something off as he moved in front of the Inquisitor. "What's wrong?" he asked, concern etching his brow.
Aislin grasped his forearms, panic, clear in her eyes. "Cullen, rally your troops. Now."
"What?"
"There's no time, Cullen! You have to sound the bell, gather them in the courtyard. I will meet you out there."
"What? Hold on a – " But she was already moving past him. "Aislin!" The Commander moved in front of her, worried, hands moving to cup her face and get her to look at him instead of the skittish way they were moving about the room. "Look at me," he implored. "I need you to explain what's happening before I make any orders"
"The snow," she paused, catching her breath before shaking her head at his puzzled look, "it's not snow. It's ash, Cullen. Don't you see? We're about to be attacked." Cullen's eyes widened as her words finally began to make sense and the pieces began to click into place. He swore under his breath and she pulled away from his grasp and slid down the ladder, the Commander following after.
"Who would attack Skyhold?" He asked, frantic as he followed behind her, answering the door to the messenger and barking the order to ring the bells signaling an attack. If the Inquisitor was right.. But surely no army would be fool enough to attack the fortress, even Corypheus knew better than attacking Skyhold directly. It was too well fortified, their army too strong.
Aislin shook her head. "It's not who," she spoke, "it's what."
The Commander looked at her, thrown off by her cryptic words before the roar of a dragon sounded through the mountains.
