Chapter Inspired by: Tristam - My Friend

Eventual romance between my female warrior Inquisitor and Cullen. Begins after the events of Haven. Most aspects are cannon, but at this point I've manipulated a lot of dialog and events to fit my needs, and to make it feel less mechanical and video gamey.

Enjoy!


The evening was dreadfully cold, the night sky overcast with clouds stretching far of into the distance. It was getting late yet the courtyard below still seemed busy. Soldiers and civilians still trying to settle down in their new home at Skyhold.

It wasn't as if it was planned, Vaelyn thought to herself morbidly. If it were not for Solas and his invaluable knowledge, they'd all be sleeping in the snow right about now. At least the buildings and towers were mostly intact. No one would be getting frostbite this night.

The past three days had bee exhausting for the newly promoted Inquisitor; moving supplies, assigning sleeping accommodations, assessing current situations and exploring the areas around and inside Skyhold, and bloody paper work. Vaelyn hadn't slept a wink, never having the chance to find a secluded spot where there wasn't someone asking after her about something. Even now, sitting on the battlements of this fortress she found her self unable to doze off.

She tugged the ratty blanket tighter, armor allowing, around her upper body and huddled closer into the corner where the walls connected.

Maker's balls was it cold.

She insisted to bear the cold, only to steal time alone for herself. Ever since the events of Haven, people oogled and ogled her at every turn, asking if she was ok, or what it was like facing down a Darkspawn and his Archdemon. The whispers we grating on her nerves. She had half a mind to draw her great sword and flay people. Vaelyn chuckled quietly, what would the people think of her then?

"Might I inquire what you find so funny, my lady?"

Vaelyn shot a look towards the intruder whom invaded her stolen moment of peace, shooting a glare. It was Cullen, there was a crooked smile on his face. It was rare to see such a stoic man as him, smile even a little.

She decided to humor the commander, "I was thinking about using my sword on the next person who interrupted my peace and quiet."

The commander stood there for a moment and considered the statement, his crooked smile morphing into a mischievous grin. "I come bearing a peace offering then," holding up one of the ceramic cups in his hand, steam rising out of the opening.

Vaelyn thought about it for a moment then tilted her head a bit to the right, motioning for Cullen to have a seat. The inquisitor decided that she didn't mind it so much if the commander kept her company for a bit.

Cullen made his way over to Vaelyn, handing over one of the cups filled with a dark tea which she accepted gratefully. He sat down next to her as she took a sip of the scalding liquid.

"How did you find me, Commander?" Vaelyn asked, wrinkling her nose as she drank her tea, it burned her throat on its way down. Heavily laced with whiskey she noted.

Cullen watched her out of the corner of his eye as he took a large gulp from his own cup. "You aren't very good at sneaking about." He stated wryly.

Vaelyn snorted derisively, ignoring the levity of her adviser. Her mind swirled a bit, Cullen must have put more alcohol than tea in the cups, she felt a buzz coming on; she welcomed it, and appreciated the thought. They both fell into a comfortable silence, and Vaelyn relished it. It was not likely that she would have more moments like these, the storm was just beginning with no calm in sight. It would be a miracle if she'd ever have peace again.

Vaelyn also wondered silently how the Commander had such a calming presence about him. It was refreshing and intriguing, taking another gulp of her tea. She was certain that she was tipsy now. "You may have put too much whiskey in the tea." Vaelyn mumbled into her cup, finishing the last of her drink.

"It was intentional, I assure you, inquisitor." Cullen replied with a slight mirth in his voice, finishing his own cup. She couldn't hold alcohol well it seemed.

Exhaustion was finally catching up to her, her eye lids began to droop and her head began to bob. Cullen kept a careful eye on her, plucking the cup from her slackened hands just before she dropped it to the stone. He knew she hadn't slept since they'd arrived, wondering all the while how she was able to carry out so much labor with out dropping to the ground like a felled tree.

Vaelyn let out a big yawn, unable to control herself any longer. Sleep sounded fantastic right now. "I would prefer it if you used my name, not one of those stupid titles..." She slurred in a whisper before passing out. Her body leaning into Cullen's side, head sagging on to his fur mantle covered pauldron.

He found it rather endearing.

"As you wish, my lady." He smirked, bringing up his free arm to brush stray hair from her face. "Vaelyn." He whispered.

It wasn't really an ideal spot to sleep, but for now he'd stay like this and be the sturdy rock that she needed. For the first time in a long time Cullen felt oddly content, sitting here like this; perhaps he would make a habit out of it.

A yawn escaped from him, allowing his head to rest against Vaelyn's, falling into his own, rare peaceful bliss.