A Typical Romance: Cassandra and Adaar
The room's dim lighting made it hard for Cassandra to read properly. She strained as the days light began to disappear behind the mountains. Soon she would have to pry herself away for just a moment to light her lantern. Once the chapter was finished, she would definitely do that.
Maybe, once this cliff-hanger was resolved. She detested when Varric ended a chapter with some terribly theatrical scene; it was unnecessary and annoying. But, she figured it was a way to keep people wanting more. It was certainly effective, at least.
The mighty Seeker sighed as she flipped tirelessly through the pages of her novel. She was reaching the end, which meant having to pester Varric to hurry up with another edition. Which, was not an option, given the smug grin the dwarf had upon presenting his latest copy of 'Swords and Shields'. She almost felt like slapping both him and the Inquisitor for the way they looked so damn amused at her hobby; well, at least the Inquisitor seemed more supportive over her addiction. Curious even. Still, she didn't want to talk to Varric about his books. It was embarrassing enough he knew she read them, let alone loved them.
Oh but Maker, his novels were so good.
No, not good. Cassandra frowned at yet another racy and somewhat unbelievable exchange of romantic lines. These stories were terribly unrealistic, dirty, smutty and just plain silly. People didn't act like this, not in normal standards of society. These books were terrible.
Terribly good.
She sighed, giving up on her inner struggle to fling the book away. Simple fact, she liked them. It was even nice when Dorian was willing to read a chapter or two with her, though he eventually found the book 'dull and fake'. Cassandra even found enjoyment in reading to Cole from time to time; accept when the spirit decided he wanted to ask questions. Still, the enjoyment was there.
Although, she did however find it slightly less… exhilarating. What she once found absolutely stunning and romantic, now seemed to pale in comparison to what she had seen and felt. Again, she tried to dismiss these thoughts. She was over spending every waking moment thinking about that night in the little hidden grove by Skyhold. Their grove.
Who would have ever thought Cassandra Pentaghast, Seeker and Right Hand of the Devine; embodiment of all things righteous and a living powerhouse of hurt… would fall so easily for the Inquisitor.
The Inquisitor. Taurus Adaar, the mighty Herald of Andraste.
His very tale had already become a bit of a legend. A Tal Vashoth mercenary, a 'savage' to the Chantry, was rescued by Andraste herself and sent back as her Herald. Cassandra rolled her eyes, the reality was far less fanciful than the bards sung. No, the Inquisitor was just a simple man to the Seeker. It was perhaps his humble nature that she found compelling to begin with.
Originally, she doubted ever even trusting the Qunari. How humorous, that Taurus had not only befriended the battle hardened Seeker, but also won her affection.
Cassandra found herself unintentionally sighing, and not because the novels fearless Captain of the Guard had once again rescued her lover from harms clutches. No, she found herself smiling dreamily, recalling the romantic evening Taurus had planned for her some nights ago. She had to physically shake herself; this love struck girl routine was not something she wanted to be caught displaying. Still, it was a very pleasant memory.
She wondered if Taurus would have been willing to sit and read the novels with her; given his original curiosity to their contents. Probably not, given he didn't seem to understand romance all that well. Yet, he made their date rather pleasant. More than pleasant, in fact.
Cassandra sighed again; she would hold the memory close, imagining she probably wouldn't be granted another evening quite like it. Still, any moment she spent with Taurus was always enjoyable; well, aside from when they were facing down some form of impeccable doom.
She heard a quiet tapping on the glass of her room's window. She ignored it, Leliana's blasted messenger birds had recently decided the armoury was a nice place to get some air in the evenings. The tapping continued. Cassandra frowned and closed her book, watching the window intently. She was going to ring this persistent bird's neck; and then hide the body from Leliana. If anyone asked, she would say Cole did it.
Suddenly, a rock crashed through the window. Cassandra jumped into the air, knocking her chair flying. The stain glass window was shattered, glass covered the floor. She reached for her sword, wondering what in the name of Most Holy was going on.
"Shit! Sorry!" a sweet yet deep voice called from outside.
Cassandra placed her sword down and rushed to the window, careful not to crush the glass shards further. She peered out the window, and sure enough, Taurus stood below. He looked up, rubbing his neck awkwardly. His eyes met with hers and he smiled apologetically.
"Sorry again… I'll fix that, right away!" his grey face was darkened with embarrassment.
"What in the name of Andraste were you thinking?" Cassandra shouted down, more startled than angered.
"I was trying to get your attention…" he lowered his horned head, still completely embarrassed.
"Well, you certainly have it." Cassandra snorted. "It would have been easier if you simply came up to speak with me though."
"Well… yes…" Taurus chuckled. "But, then it would ruin the surprise." He grinned wide, his magnificent white teeth shining.
He turned, pulling from his shirt a rather large and slightly torn hat. Cassandra eyed him suspiciously as he placed the feathered and fancy Orlesian item between his horns. The object was clearly not designed to be worn by a Qunari.
Just as she was about to question both his fashion sense and his sanity, the tavern's minstrel stepped into view. She smiled up at Cassandra as she strummed her lute with talent the Seeker envied terribly. Taurus grinned and knelt down on one knee.
"Wh-what are you doing?" Cassandra felt blush spread to her cheeks as a small crowd began to gather to see what was going on.
Taurus didn't even seem to notice; his attention, as always, was completely on Cassandra. Another thing that made her heart flutter, how the broad warrior only ever seemed to have eyes for her.
He cleared his throat, then began in his bellowing voice, to recite a poem that Cassandra had yet to hear before.
"But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks?" he smirked, waving his large hands about theatrically.
"You're what breaks my window." Cassandra snorted.
"It is the east, and Cassandra is the sun." Taurus continued, his toothy grin never faltering. "Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, who is already sick and pale with grief…" he held a vengeful fist up to the now rising moon. Cassandra rolled her eyes.
"Really?" she couldn't help but chuckle. "I think you have made your point."
The many who had gathered to watch the display were torn between bouts of laughter and smiling to themselves. Everyone in Skyhold knew Taurus was the biggest softie to ever live; and Cassandra knew a few hearts had been broken when it became common knowledge he only cared for the Seeker's affections.
As he continued his odd and foreign poem, Cassandra noticed familiar faces amongst the audience. Lady Montilyet had her hands clasped together and smiled joyfully at the display, Leliana stood close beside a rather amused smirk on her face. Cassandra groaned quietly when their eyes met; she would never hear the end of this. Vivienne and Dorian watched smugly, both clearly amused at Taurus and his lack of consideration for what others thought. Bull stood outside the tavern with a large gathering of drunkards that attempted to mime along with Taurus. Sera watched from her own window, giggling and making kissing faces at the Seeker. Cassandra had to groan in annoyance. And then, she noticed Varric. Varric, the son of a pot-bellied nug, was taking notes!
"Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven. Having some business, do entreat her eyes to twinkle in their spheres till they return." Taurus continued relentlessly. Cassandra sighed in defeat and leaned on her hand and watched the romantic gesture unfold. "What if her eyes were there, they in her head?"
"That doesn't make sense, speak normal!" Sera called in amusement. "Go back to calling her pretty and shite! We don't want to miss the good bits!"
Cassandra groaned in embarrassment, feeling her cheeks redden. Taurus paused and eyed his audience off suspiciously.
"Hmm…" He mused, turning back to Cassandra. "Perhaps I should recite this to the fair lady in private?"
The audience erupted into a protest; all were clearly enjoying the show. Taurus chuckled at the many who shook their heads, hoping not to miss the display.
"Now, now." Taurus chuckled. "I think a private show is definitely in order."
"Sweet Maker, yes!" Cassandra sighed in relief. "Please do!"
At this, the crowd burst into a fit of laughter. Cassandra clamped a hand to her mouth, realising how her words might have sounded. Taurus looked torn between amused and embarrassed. Both Bull and Sera puckered their lips and mimicked kissing gestures while others keeled over in laughter. Cassandra attempted to hide her face in her gloved hand as Taurus's grey cheeks darkened. He quickly thanked Maryden for her help and rushed into the armoury; followed by the sounds of his gathered audience calling out "ooh" with amusement.
Cassandra glared them down, despite knowing she was inevitably not all that intimidating at present. By the time Taurus reached her makeshift room, his cheeks returned to their natural colour.
"Mind telling me what the big idea is?" Cassandra turned, eyebrow raised.
"Well…" he chuckled taking a step towards her. "You wanted to be romanced. Poetry is romantic, and the book I read this poem from was set outside a windowsill… So, I thought I would be romantic and do just that. Because you like romance…" he rubbed his neck as he rambled.
"We already did that, remember." She smiled with amusement. "And, I am still thoroughly romanced from our last poetry reading…" she added with a sly smirk.
Taurus grinned and took another step closer, reaching out to stroke Cassandra's cheek. For one who found the idea of holding hands bizarre, Taurus was getting comfortable with affectionate acts rather quickly. Cassandra smiled and kissed his large hand, she really did love the big, hopeless lug.
"I don't intend to stop being romantic with you, Cassandra." Taurus grinned, almost challengingly. "I enjoy seeing you smile, it makes me happy. And, I happen to think I am getting rather good at this romance-thing, wouldn't you agree?"
The Seeker rolled her eyes and closed the gap between them, reaching up on her tippy toes to kiss her beloved giant. He smiled and leaned down to make the kiss easier on his small partner.
"You are very good at it." Cassandra chuckled when the kiss ended. "But perhaps, no more hats."
Taurus laughed as Cassandra yanked the horrid looking thing from his horned head. His untamed silver hair spiked up upon release. She attempted to reach up and kiss him once more, but Taurus opted to simply grab her around the waist and gently lift her into the kiss. She squealed slightly, but chuckled into his lips.
Cassandra couldn't help but blissfully think her life was far better than some poorly written romance novel. She smugly thought Varric definitely should take notes from Taurus.
A/N:
Hope you like the first instalment of this short series :D
If anyone has some cute little head cannons or ideas of romantic scenes, send me a message :D Always love hearing ideas to write down.
