Sometimes, our friends become so close to us that they're almost like our family. There are people that even though they haven't talked for a long time, they still remain friends, even if the last time they talked, things didn't end well.
"When are they arriving?" asked Josephine, panicking.
"Tomorrow night" asnwered Leliana, she continued "Relax, Josie. The King and Queen have never liked anyone acting so highly around them"
"Easy for you to say" replied Josephine "You met the before they became the King and Queen"
Leliana laughed, Rosy asked
"Is it safe for her? To travel?"
"Inquisitor, Queen Julissa is only eight months pregnant" sighed Leliana.
There was a short silence, then Josephine said
"I guess I should go and prepare for their arrival. Leliana,would you come help me?"
"Of course" agreed Leliana, then both women left.
Rosy and Cullen stayed in the war room, quietly. She could tell something was bothering him, by the way he had reacted when Leliana had told them of the visit. He hadn't said anything, all he did was look at the map.
"Cullen?" asked Rosy, as she placed her hand on his. He looked up, meeting her gray eyes, she asked "Is everything all right?"
"No" Cullen sighed, and turned to see the map. He looked at where the mages tower in Ferelden used to be, he continued "We met when we were fourteen. He had been sent from Redcliffe. The two of us became friends, and we promised that we would protect others no matter what. When he left for the Wardens, I was angry, I thought that he was breaking our promise"
Rosy kept listening, he continued "The last I saw him was when he came to the Tower during the Blight. I was still angry at him, so I pretended not to know him"
"Did you keep in touch with him?" asked Rosy.
"No" answered Cullen, he added "After he left, he would sent me letters, but I never replied I wonder if he still thinks of me as a friend"
Rosy came around the table, and stood by him. She told him "Well then tell me if after ten years you still consider him one"
Cullen turned to her, then after a sigh said "Yes"
Skyhold woke early the next day, or at least Josephine woke them, to prepare for the arrival of the Fereldan Monarchs. Cassandra, who had arrived the previous night to visit, spend most of the time keeping Rosy company, as her three advisors each had something to do to welcome the visitors. Both women went to the tavern before the arrival, after a few drinks, Cassandra asked
"So...how are things going with Cullen?"
"Are you trying to dig into the 'Swords and Shields' story?" joked Rosy.
"Funny, as always" replied Cassandra, she added "I just thought that there will come a time where Divine Victoria won't be able to stall the Exalted Council. I was only asking about your plans after that"
"I haven't really thought about it" answered Rosy, she added "For now, our main focus in meeting with King Alistar and Queen Julissa"
"I see" said Cassandra, and continued "I briefly met the King before the Conclave was called. Leliana and I were looking for the Hero of Ferelden to lead us. The King seemed...quite distracted, she had left a few weeks before our arrival"
Before Rosy could say anything, a messenger came, he then told them
"The King and Queen of Ferelden are here!"
Both women stood up,and went to receive them, joining Cullen, Leliana, and Josephine at Skyhold's entrance. The Royal carriage had been escorted by Iron Bull and his Chargers. Alistar and Julissa got off the carriage, and stood in front of the Inquisition members.
"Your Highnesses, I am Ambassador Montilyet. I hope that the escort arranged was to your liking?" asked Josephine.
"It was Ambassador, thank you" answered Alistar, then Julissa interrupted
"It was a nice change from the Royal escort"
Julissa Cousland had long, black straight hair, black eyes, and a caramel skin was a bit taller than Rosy, and like the Inquisitor, was a beautiful woman.
"I knew you would say that Juli" laughed Leliana, as she stood by Rosy. She continued
"Anyways, this is Inquisitor Trevelyan. That is Seeker Penthagast, and Commander Cullen"
"It is nice to meet you all, I've heard so much!" Julissa said, then quickly put one of her hands in her forehead as she started to lose her balance.
"Love, are you all right?" asked Alistar, as he quickly grabbed one of her arms, and placed his other hand in her shoulder.
"I'm fine, just a little dizzy" Julissa answered.
Cullen went ahead and stood on the other side of Julissa, he said
"Support yourself in us, Your Highness. We'll take you inside so you can rest"
"Thank you Commander" Julissa thanked Cullen, as she put one of her hands on his shoulder.
Alistar looked at Cullen, and nodded his head. Both men then began to go to the great hall, with Leliana, Josephine, and Cassandra.
"Hey Boss, join us at the tavern when you have a free moment" yelled Bull, as he and his chargers went to the tavern.
Rosy then left to join the others at the great hall.
"Are you feeling better, Your Highness?" asked Rosy, as she came up to Julissa, who was sitting.
"Don't worry Inquisitor, it happens a lot" Julissa reassured her, giving her a friendly smile, she continued "Along with cravings and some intolerance to certain food and smells"
"And some morning sickness" joked Alistar.
"Perhaps I should take you both to your quarters, Your Highnesses" recommended Josephine.
"No! " interrupted Julissa, she added "I'm fine, Ambassador"
"Perhaps I should excuse myself then, I will be in my office if anyone needs me" said Josephine, and left to her office.
"Leliana, I must ask about the reports..." began to ask Cassandra, and Leliana interrupted
"Of the seekers! Of course. We'll be right back"
Both women left, leaving the Fereldan Monarchs with the Inquisitor and her Commander.
"It is good to see you are doing fine Commander" Julissa told Cullen.
"Thank you, Your Grace.I am happy to see that you and the King are well too" replied Cullen.
"Is it true you stopped taking lyrium?" asked Alistar.
"Yes" answered Cullen, he added "I am not longer a templar, after all"
"Are the both of you...cured from what made you Grey Wardens?" asked Rosy.
"Yes, thank you for your assistance in that matter, Inquisitor" Alistar thanked her "The curing process didn't just involve the potion. Julissa arrived to Denerim completetly cured, and took care of me while the taint was taken from me"
"How did you find the cure?" asked Rosy.
"I went to the Deep Roads shortlt after you did. I was joined by an elderly mage warden named Avernus, and by three of my first recruits ,Sigrun, Nathaniel, and Anders" explained Julissa.
"Anders..." started to ask Cullen, but Julissa interrupted
"Yes Commander, the mage that blew up the Chantry in Kirkwall. He joined me just as Hawke was on her way here"
"Have the two of them...?" tried to ask Rosy, who had always been curious about the love story of these two mages.
"Yes, they were in Denerim . They helped me in my treatment" answered Alistar.
"Anyways" continued Julissa "When we discovered the Cure, both Avernus and Anders made a few potions. The taint took about six months to disappear off my body. Alistar took about a year"
"I'm sure the treatment wasn't easy" assured Cullen.
"It wasn't" said Alistar, he added "The last weeks before the taint was completly gone were the worst. I was unconcious and feverish for about three weeks"
"How was leaving lyrium for you, Commander?" asked Julissa.
"It was hard, all I could keep thinking about as I stopped taking it is how much I wanted it" Cullen answered,then barely turned to Rosy, he continued "But I found a huge reason that helped me get past it"
"Good for you Commander" said Julissa, noticing how hard it was for him to not look at Rosy.
There was a brief silence, then Alistar asked
"Inquisitor...what are your plans after the Inquisition ends?"
Cullen turned to see his old friend, then turned to see Rosy, who answered "I don't know yet, Your Highness"
Before anyone could say anything, Leliana , Cassandra, and Josephine came back, and dinner was served. After dinner, there was more conversation, all about Julissa's pregnancy, a few hours later, evryone decided to go to sleep.
Once everyone retired for the night, Rosy went to Cullen's tower.
"Cullen..." said Rosy, as she came inside, she asked "Are you all right?"
Cullen was standing behind his desk when she came in, he went up to her, and held her.
"I'm fine" he said, still holding her, he continued "It's just...when the Queen asked you about your plans for the future..."
"I love you,Cullen. That dream you had...the one where I'm pregnant and our daughter is there...it's my dream too. I'm going to stay with you once the Inquisition ends, but you haven't told me what you have planned" interrupted Rosy.
Cullen gave her a quick kiss, then told her "It's a surprise"
Cullen woke earlier than usual the next day, he carefully got out of bed to not wake Rosy. He got dressed and went down to his desk, where there was a small, black box. He opened the box, and saw a beautiful diamond ring.
"Cullen..." he heard Rosy calling him.
"I'm down here" he answered, closing the small box and hiding it under some reports.
Rosy came down a few minutes later, with Cullen waiting by the ladder. He held her, as she put her arms around his neck.
"I love you, Rosy" he told her, still holding her.
" I love you too" she said, as she kissed him.
The two of them kissed for a while, shutting down everything around them. To the point to which neither of them heard the door open...
"Commander..." asked Alistar.
Cullen stopped kissing Rosy, and turned to Alistar, who looked at both of them, embarrassed.
"...I'm sorry, I..." tried to say Alistar, but Rosy interrupted
"I should leave. I'm sure our Ambassador will start looking for me soon...Your Highness"
Rosy left, then Alistar said
"So the rumors were true...You and the Inquisitor..."
"We are in love, Your Highness" replied Cullen, he asked "Is there anything I can help you with?"
"Cullen...I do not think we should hide behind titles. There is a stronger reason as to why I am here other than the negotiations between the Crown and the Inquisition" explained Alistar.
"Very well. What can I do for you?" asked Cullen.
"Once the Iquisition is over, I want you to come to Denerim. I have secured a title for you in Court" answered Alistar, he continued "I want you to become the Commander of the army of Ferelden"
"What hapenned to your old Commander?" asked Cullen.
"After a really short time of being given the title, she became pregnant with my child" replied Alistar.
Cullen walked behind his desk, and starred out his window, he asked
"What made you think I would agree to that?"
"In politics, there are no friends or family. Julissa's brother, Fergus, has supported me throughout these years. He and Eamon are the only ones that tell me things the way they are, but my brother in law lives in Highever. As for Eamon...I have always had the feeling he tells me what I want to hear. After the attempt on my life by the cultists, I realized that the assassins' could not have arrived without help, and now it is not just my life at stake. I must protect Julissa and our child no matter what, but I need someone that will tell me everything that there is to tell me, no matter how hard it is to hear. Cullen...I need a friend in my Court to help me keep the most important things in my life safe"
"I have planned a future for me and Rosy. I...I'm going to ask her to marry me. Then we are going to move to the lands that were given to me by Divine Victoria" Cullen told Alistar.
"Cullen...please think about it. You will need funding for your clinics, if you accept my offer, you will have it. I'm asking you as a friend...even after all these years, I always thought of you as my friend, as a brother" replied Alistar.
"I guess...we both have kept our promise" said Cullen, he added "We both have fought for the survival of Thedas, protecting the ones who made it possible"
"We both played our parts in history, but Julissa believes something worse is coming. She thinks that there is a greater danger coming that will be worse than anything that has happenned. She believes that Thedas will once again need an army, and that we must be ready" Alistar explained.
"Forgive me for asking, but you believe her?" asked Cullen.
Alistar laughed, he then answered "When you marry her, you'll know the answer to that question"
"I think I'm already onto that" said Cullen, laughing.
Suddently, one of Leliana's messengers came in, running. She said
"Comander, have you seen...Your Highness...your wife...the baby's coming!"
Both men left the tower, and ran to the chambers where the King and Queen were staying. By the time they arrived, Leliana told Alistar
"The healers and the inquisitor are inside"
"Your Highness...your Royal Guard has arrived" Josephine joined them, as the four of them went inside.
"I cant deal with them now Ambassador" replied Alistar, and moved to his wife's side, who was lying down on the bed, he told her "Love..."
"Where were you? " asked Julissa, looking at him as he took her hand.
"Taking care of a personal problem" replied Alistar, he added " But I'm here now"
"Our baby's coming" she whispered as he kissed her forehead.
Alistar smiled at her,placing his forehead on hers.
"Commander, Inquisitor, Leliana...we should wait outside. There are too many people here" recommended Josephine.
"Your Highness, I need you to leave too " said the healer.
"No...this is my wife and child!" yelled Alistar,standing up.
"Alistar" whispered Julissa, as she took his hand. He turned to see her, she told him "It's all right. We'll be fine"
"Since you have told the King he can't be here, I would like to remain" suggested Leliana
The healer nodded her head. Rosy had been by Julissa's side since she was brought there, but when she moved to leave
"Can Inquisitor Trevelyan remain too?" asked Julissa.
The healer sighed, then answered "Yes"
Rosy looked at Cullen, surprised, the healer added " You have to leave now, the babies are coming"
"Babies?" asked Alistar.
"Alistar...she just told me we're having twins" Julissa told him, groaning.
"You have to leave now!" the healer insisted.
Cullen looked at Rosy, who nodded her head. Josephine approached Alistar, who kept looking at Julissa.
"Your Highness..." tried to say Josephine, but Alistar walked out of the room, with both Josephine and Cullen walking after him. Once outside, Josephine added "Your Highness, I will see that your Royal Guard are taken care of"
"Thank you, Ambassador" Alistar thanked her, then Josephine left.
Shortly after Josephine left, Alistar stood up, and began to pace. Cullen had been standing by the door to the chambers all along.
"How did you two meet?" Cullen asked Alistar, after he froze as Julissa started screaming.
"We met at Ostagar, about twelve years ago" Alistar answered,then laughed softly, he began tp pace again, he continued "I couln't believe how beautiful she was, I was attracted to her from the first moment I met her. I remember the emptiness I saw in her eyes, it was almost like she was dead deep down. The man that recuited us both into the Grey Wardens told me what had happenned to her family"
"The massacre of the Couslands" said Cullen.
Alistar nodded his head, he continued "We both survived Ostagar, and as we kept going forward, we fell in love. We both had lost everything, but had found each other in the darkness. You know, I didn't want to be King, Julissa said that I would be a good King because I was a good man and treated everyone equally. She put me forward as King in the Landsmeet, also announcing that we would get married"
Julissa kept screaming, as Cassandra arrived with...
"Fergus" said Alistar,as Julissa's older brother approached.
"How is she?" asked Fergus.
"She's having twins" answered Alistar, he added "She's in there, but I wasn't allowed to stay. I'm going crazy"
"Well, if you don't stop pacing, you're going to make a hole on the ground" joked Fergus, then added "You need to calm down, Alistar. You getting nervous is not going to help, you'll see them soon"
"I must excuse myself, the Ambassador asked me to help her with the Royal guard" Cassandra told Cullen.
"Thank you for escorting me here, Seeker Penthagast" Fergus thanked her, as she left.
"Fergus..this is Commander Rutherford. Commander, this is my brother..." began to say Alistar, but was interrupted when Leliana came out.
"Spymaster..." tried to say Cullen.
"The both of them are healthy, you three may go in now" smiled Leliana.
The three men went inside the room, where Julissa had one of her twins, and Rosy was carrying the other. Alistar went to Julissa as soon as he went in,he sat in front of her as she told him
"It's a boy and a girl!"
Alistar kissed her cheek, then looked at his son, who had his mother's black hair and light caramel skin tone, but he had his father's brown eyes and nose. Rosy brough him the other twin, she said "Your daughter, Your Highness"
Rosy carefully gave Alistar his daughter, who had his light brown hair and his brown eyes, but had Julissa's skin young King looked at both his children,he turned to Julissa,then said "After all this years...we finally have a family. You did it...and not just one, but two!"
"Mother would be so proud of you" Fergus said, approching them.
"Thanks Fergus" Julissa told him.
After Rosy gave Alistar his daughter,she went and stood by Cullen, who kept looking at his old friend with his family. Rosy grabbed his hand, he then also grabbed hers.
"Your Highnesses, Teyrn. The Inquisitor and I will excuse ourselves. Congragulations" said Cullen.
"If you need anything, I'm sure that the healer will let us know" Rosy told them.
"Of course Inquisitor, I will see to it that the Queen and her children will be properly cared for" agreed the healer.
"Thank you" Rosy thanked the healer, then left with Cullen.
The two of them walked quietly, going towards her chambers.
"Rosy..." said Cullen,as they went inside her chamber, wrapping his arms around her waist.
"Yes Cullen?" Rosy sighed, as he started kissing her neck.
"I want not just one of them " Cullen answered, he continued "I want to father as many as the Maker sends us, just not yet. I want us to be together after the Inquisition, I want us to have a family"
"Me too" giggled Rosy, then asked "How did things go with the King?"
Cullen sighed, then told her "Let's go upstairs, and I'll tell you"
He let go of her,and both of them went upstairs. The two of them sat in the small sofa after they got a bottle of wine and two glasses.
"Well, how did it go?" asked Rosy.
"It went really well, the two of us talked about the lives we've had, and how we kept the promise we made. I'm really glad we got to talk, it seems that after all these years, we still considered each other friends"
"That's wonderful!" Rosy laughed.
"Yes it is, apparently, we both have also met the same future" Cullen chuckled.
"Which is?" Rosy teased.
"We both fell in love with the women that have saved Thedas, we both have been very lucky indeed" Cullen explained.
Rosy smiled at him, then kissed his cheek as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He hugged her around her waist and kissed her.
"I love you Cullen" Rosy told him, as she gasped for air.
"I love you too" he said, also catching his breath.
The two of them stayed in each others arms for some time before they decided to go to sleep. Rosy was able of going to sleep quickly, but Cullen couldn't. He kept picturing Rosy carrying the princess of Ferelden, thinking about how beautiful she looked, and about how much he wanted to see her carrying their child. He then remembered the dream he had months ago, where he was carrying their daugher and she was pregnant, and was happy to know that she also dreamt of a family with him after the Inquisition.
Oden and Ellie were the names picked for the prince and princess of Ferelden, who became the new center of attenttion in Skyhold for the weeks that The Royal family and their escort stayed.
At the same time, the negotiatios beween the Crown and the Inquisition were successful, with the first thing on their plan was to follow Jason Trevelyan's idea of schools for young mage children and to find mages that didn't have a home a place to stay. Alistar thought it would be good if a nation took an iniciative at a change before the Divine approved of the plan, and with Cassandra's help, the new order of Seekers was going to help make sure mages would be safe.
The Royal family of Ferelden remained in Skyhold for about three weeks, Josephine had arraged for Iron Bull and his chargers to help their escort take them to Denerim. The healer that had helped Julissa give birth was also asked to go to Denerim, to which the young mage agreed.
"Thank you for everything, Ambassador" Julissa thanked Josephine, with her daugher in her arms as they walked towards the Royal carriage.
"We were happy to have you all here, Your Highness" replied Josephine, then added " I'm afraid I must leave right away"
"Of Course Ambassador" Julissa nodded, knowing that Josephine had a lot of work.
"Thank you for everything, Inquisitor" Julissa thanked Rosy, who had young Oden in her arms, she added " Especially for helping me with these two"
Rosy smiled, nodding her head. Julissa turned to see Alistar, who was speaking with Cullen. Rosy also turned to see both men, Julissa continued
"I'm glad he survived and found happinness, he seemed so broken the last time I saw him. Alistar was upset because he believed that he hadn't done enough to help him"
"Cullen refused to talk about it when we first met" Rosy told her "One day, he told me everything. He was going through a withdrawal and was on the verge of going back to it"
"But you helped him through it, didn't you?" asked Julissa.
"I couldn't bear seeing the man I was falling in love with suffer. There was no way I was going to lose him to lyrium" Rosy answered.
Julissa turned to her, then turned back to see both men
"That's what I kept telling myself when the nightmares came" Julissa chuckled "I wasn't going to let the taint take any of us easily" she sighed, and turned to see Oden, then Ellie "Now that I have these two, I am happy I never gave up" she turned to see both men, who were still talking, she added "I am so glad those two are friends again"
"As am I" Rosy said, as Oden slept in her arms.
In the meantime...
"Cullen, thank you for everything" Alistar said, as both him and Cullen stood in front of the steps to the keep, he added "I am glad Julissa convinced me to come out here"
"She convinced you?" joked Cullen.
"Remeber when I told you that twelve years ago I didn't want to be King?" asked Alistar, then continued "I used any excuse I could to not spend time at Denerim in Court. Julissa and I would take trips quite frequently. When the nighmares started, she taught me about politics, then left to find the Cure. When we discovered she was pregnant, there were words in Court about political marriages, the nobility began to try to engage our child to theiirs"
"But you have a problem with that" Cullen told him.
"Could you imagine your life without her, Cullen? What if her parents had married her off instead of sending her to the Conclave?" asked Alistar, he continued "I fell in love with Julissa before I was even considered to be King. We got married because we were in love, and I would love my children also marry for that reason"
"I guess you're right" Cullen agreed "I can't imagine a future without her" he turned to see Rosy, who was carrying Oden and speaking with Julissa as both women looked at them.
"As can't I" Alistar agreed, also turning to both women, he added "Her brother told me about her engagement to Sebastian Vael. Cullen, you have my full support in case he tries anything against either of you"
"Thank you, Alistar" Cullen thanked him.
There was a short silence, then Alistar asked "When will you propose?"
"I don't know yet. I haven't even told my family that I'm in love with her" Cullen answered.
"I'm sure that they heard the rumors" joked Alistar.
"Just as you did, my friend" Cullen laughed.
Both men laughed, then Alistar continued
"Anyway, we came to get away from Court. Julissa wanted to give birth at a peaceful place, without the nobility breathing down our necks. She contacted Leliana, and she with the Ambassador arranged everything"
"I'm glad the Bull and his chargers got you here safely" Cullen told him.
"As do I. They remind me of the people that helped us during the blight. I'm happy that they will help escort us back to Denerim" replied Alistar.
"I'm sure that once you get there, the nobles won't leave you alone" said Cullen.
"You're right, they won't" agreed Alistar, then added "Cullen...please promise me you will think about my offer. After everything, I'm not sure I could trust anyone but you"
"All right" answered Cullen, he added "I promise I will think about it"
Both men approached Julissa, Rosy and Leliana, who had joined them.
"Are you ready, love?" asked Alistar, as he took his son from the Inquisitor.
"Yes" answered Julissa, then answered "Try not to wake him. The Inquisitor just put him to sleep"
"Inquisitor, thank you for your help" Alistar thanked Rosy, who nodded her head, smiling.
"Are we ready to go yet?" asked Fergus, who arrived with Cassandra.
"Yes, brother. Seeker, will you be joining us?" asked Julissa.
"Yes" answered Cassandra, she added "I have sent word to other seekers to meet me at Highever"
"I'm sure that's what it is" Leliana teased Cassandra, who blushed slightly.
"Anyway, I will be back in a few weeks" said Cassandra.
"All right, have fun Cassandra" Rosy joked.
Cassandra left as Julissa and Alistar, with their twins, got in the carriage. Fergus was placed in charge of the Royal escort, so he also left as Bull came up to Rosy.
"Well then...I guess I'll see you guys later" said Bull.
"Yes, thank you for all your help" Leliana told him.
Bull left, joining Fergus and Cassandra at the front after closing the carriage's door. After getting in his horse, they began to lead the carriage away. Rosy, Cullen, and Leliana stayed until they were gone. Leliana left once the carriage was out of sight, with both Rosy and Cullen remaining.
"Did things go all right with the King?" Rosy asked.
Cullen came behind her, and wrapped his arms around her. After kissing the back of her head, he answered "It all went well. It turns out he always considered me a friend as I considered him. He offered me his support in case your bethrothed tries anything against us. How did you get along with the Queen?"
"She's a great woman. I'm glad I got to meet her" answered Rosy, she continued "Her children are adorable, I hope I see them again"
"You care for them, don't you?" chuckled Cullen.
"I saw them being born" Rosy told him, she added "I fell in love with them"
After a short silence, Cullen asked
"How do you think ours will look like?"
"They'll problably have your curls, you know" Rosy teased.
"And your black hair" Cullen joked.
"I suppose we will have to wait until we have them" Rosy said.
Cullen chuckled as Rosy sighed, then remembered what Alistar had told him about not wanting to be King, and about how he had to do it, not just for the good of Ferelden, but for his future family. Cullen knew that his clinic would be a great way to help others, but he also knew that he had to do something for the future of his family.