The Pursuit of Excellence
By: Alabaster Crow
The Inquisitor and her Military Adviser are barely more than strangers, yet the undeniable attraction that began at first sight is pulling them together despite their attempts to take things slowly.
Chapter 1: Suddenly Cullen
Tahlya Trevelyan, Inquisitor, and the sole survivor of a singularity event that came to be known as the tearing of the veil, headed quickly back towards her chambers. Usually she made her rounds of the keep each night before retiring herself; however, it had been a very long and trying day.
In addition to being waylaid while on her way back from a meeting with one of the local lords, she'd ended up having to deal with an angry head groomsman.
"Damn that man," she muttered under her breath as she walked down the main corridor of the . "The audacity of him to suggest that I should not have ridden that horse so hard!" she muttered under her breath. "What would he have me do; stop to rest the poor thing so that we could both end up killed?"
She was annoyed, weary, sweaty, and no doubt smelly as well, after an entire day of riding around the countryside making her presence known to the locals. In truth there was nothing she wanted more at the moment than a hot bath, followed by a meal.
As she approached the end of the corridor, she slowed down and tried to move as quietly as possible. Sure enough, as she crossed the open doorway to the war room and looked inside, she found that Cullen, her military advisor, and the de facto general of her armies, was again working late.
He stood, bent over the large wooden table which held all their local maps, braced upon one arm, while his other hand stroked his chin thoughtfully. The light of the fire turned his reddish-blonde hair a molten golden color, and lit his face in such a way that he looked much younger than his 30 some odd years.
Tahlya shook her head as she all but tiptoed across the doorway. If he were to find out that she'd gone out unaccompanied… Well, she had no desire to have him face her down over this. Not that she had ever been on the receiving end of his displeasure, but having seen several of his soldiers taken to task, she certainly would rather avoid it. He had a controlled way of showing his displeasure that made those on the receiving end feel as though they were completely unworthy of his attention.
Having successfully snuck across the open doorway, she pressed her back against the wall and cautiously peered around the doorway, while at the same time berating herself for wanting to take another look at him.
He was now sitting back in one of the large chairs, his hands steepled before him, seemingly deep in thought.
It was the fourth night running that she'd found him here at this late hour. Did the man have no personal pastimes? Did he not drink? Did he not sleep? Had he not a single friend he might pass some time with?
Then it dawned on her that he had actually been spending time with her of late. Each of them had, in turn, found excuses to linger after meetings or chance encounters with each other. It was as though something powerful was pulling them towards each other; something neither of them seemed able to resist.
Although she did not know the man well, she was indeed attracted to his quiet demeanor, his unwavering moral compass and even to his intellect. That intellect itself was far above that of most other educated men she'd met.
And then of course there were his looks. Maker help her, but she'd never met a more attractive man. From the moment they'd first met she'd been rendered nearly tongue tied, and that was far from her normal way. In the month she'd known the former Knight-Captain, her attraction had only grown stronger, as they began lingering longer and longer together. The more she interacted with him, the more of him she wanted.
She frowned suddenly as she realized once again the folly it would be for an Inquisitor to fall for her military adviser. There was too much potential for disruption in the organization…
"What have we here?" came a whispered voice from the shadows behind her.
Wheeling around, she found Cassandra leaning on the wall behind her. The seeker was for once out of her armor and dressed in soft, expensive leathers instead.
Carefully moving to peer around Tahlya, she gazed into the room and then withdrew again into the shadows of the corridor. "Oh, I see," she smirked. "You really are taken with our former Templar, aren't you? Who could miss that how much time you two have been spending together of late?"
"Well, you have to admit there is something very different and appealing about him," she whispered back. "From what I've heard he's experienced more horror and sorrow then most people could ever tolerate, and yet his faith in himself and his fellow man seems unshaken."
"I've heard all the stories, and more," Cassandra replied. "Of over two dozen Templars trapped in the Kinloch circle tower, he was the only one who did not give in to temptation. He was the only who survived."
"Yes, so I've heard. And he then went on to become the Knight-Captain of Kirkwall. Quite an accomplishment, that. Still I know precious little of him beyond that and I am not exactly certain how to ease into asking him about his past."
"Then let us retire somewhere more private and I will fill you in," the Seeker offered.
"That sounds like an excellent idea" She answered readily. "I have a fine bottle of wine that I am willing to share with you in return."
"Ladies," Cullen greeted from right behind her.
She jumped and snapped around to face him, causing him to smile.
"I pray that the evening is treating you well?" He asked, his eyes locking with hers as he twitched his lips in amusement.
"Ah, Ser Cullen," Cassandra greeted him. "The inquisitor and I were about to trade stories of our exploits."
"Yes, I believe I heard a bribe of fine wine being offered?"
Tahlya's heart skipped a beat. Just how much had he overheard? With her face flaming, she did her best to cover. "Well you know Cassandra; she's quite good at gleaning information from others, but if you want her to share what she knows, you have to bribe her."
"I see. May I ask just who it is that she is passing information about?"
"You may not!" Tahlya replied sharply, which only caused the Templar to chuckle softly. He had intentionally baited her!
Before she could think of anything more to say, Cullen turned towards the other woman. "It seems you have a good thing going there, Seeker. I shall have to remember to extract a fine bottle from our Inquisitor should she ever seek to gleam information from me."
Cassandra nodded and then shot Tahlya a calculating look before addressing him. "I don't suppose you would care to join us? I'm certain you've many fine tales to tell."
At that the blond ex-Templar turned incredibly pale.
Tahlya, who'd been stunned by his flirty words, recovered enough to try to ease his obvious distress, "Peace, Ser. You are still welcome to join us if you wish. Your own tales can wait until such time as you wish to share them."
He bowed slightly at her. "Thank you, my lady. It is only that tales such as mine should never be told before bedtime. As to your invitation; you are kind to include me, however I've a few things to see to with regards to my men. Also the head groom wished to see me." The look he shot her let her know he had not missed her reaction to mention of the groom. "I bid you both a good evening," he finished, with another small bow. Then he turned sharply and stalked silently down the corridor towards the main gate.
"He even moves like a lion," she whispered to Cassandra.
"Indeed he does," the Seeker replied.
"He's a Templar no longer, and may lead his life as any man wishes, yet he seems loath to keep anyone's company," she reflected aloud, as she turned to face the Seeker. "He's pleasant, polite, intelligent, discreet and an incredible military strategist..."
"Don't forget to add very quiet to your list," Cassandra chimed in.
Tahlya nodded. "Yes it is amazing that someone who has no qualms about openly speaking his mind in public when it comes to military tactics, rarely speaks a word to anyone otherwise." She shook her head. "I find it baffling that he would hold himself so apart from the rest of us. He's never joined in any of our banter, or dinner conversations."
Cassandra fixed her with another of her famous smirks. "You know they always say to watch out for the quiet ones. But aside from that; he does not stay so apart from you, and it sounds to me as though you are both quite taken with each other."
She grinned back. "If I were not his commander, and if I even came close to matching his beauty, then I could at least consider trying for… a closer relationship," she sighed.
Cassandra seemed surprised and stared at her in a shocked manner.
"What?" she asked. "I'm saying that I will behave myself where he is concerned.
Cassandra looked her up and down, taking in her golden skin, long, blue-black hair and unexpectedly blue eyes. "Then you are a fool," the other woman finally replied sharply. "It is not only what you perceive that matters. You are in fact quite beautiful, and I believe that Ser Cullen favors you greatly. I've caught our good Templar's gaze lingering on you quite often when you are unaware, especially when he feels he can get away with it. And he goes out of his way to come up with reasons to gain your notice."
Tahlya stared at her. "You must be mistaken," she huffed.
"Not at all; I just thought you should know that I believe he would be receptive to you trying to get to know him better. I grow tired of watching you both dance the dance. It would be best for all of us if you two would sort yourselves out quickly, and have done with it."
She felt her face flush with embarrassment and then relaxed and sighed. This new information left her conflicted. It was one thing to observe decorum of her position when she felt there could not be something more with the former Knight, and another thing altogether when she'd just been told her feelings might be returned, and that their behavior was already distracting to the rest of the inquisition.
"Come," she spoke. "Let's retreat to a more private location. I believe I promised to share my wine with you... in exchange for information, and you have already whetted my curiousity."
Cassandra smiled; a rare thing indeed. "After you, Serah."
As they made their way up the stairs to the second level, Tahlya collected her thoughts. The truth was she knew little about Cullen outside of Cassandra's recommendation and the rumors they had all heard. From what she could tell, he was a brilliant strategist, who led by example, and his men made it clear they would follow him anywhere. His military advice thus far had been invaluable.
Should she risk her pride and flirt with him? At least his reaction would let her know whether he was truly interested. Still, the man was an enigma, and she was no fool; pushing for more could end up placing them both in an uncomfortable situation.
As she reached the door of her suite, she stepped aside to allow her guest to enter first. The entire front room was a comfortable sitting area, with chairs on the opposite wall, in front of a very large hearth, and a table and chairs further away in the room to the right. The double doors leading to her chamber were on the left. There were two great windows, one on either side of the fireplace, which were covered in thin muslin curtains. These were drawn to the sides during the day and pulled closed at night. Tahlya moved to a side table and opened the wine, then poured it into two fine glasses. Gesturing for Cassandra to make herself comfortable in one of the large chairs in front of the fireplace, she followed and then offered her guest one of the glasses.
Sinking down into her own armchair, she watched the fire as she took in its warmth. It did much to relax her tired bones and sore joints.
Cassandra took a sip of her wine. "Mmm... and this is really good," she sighed, relaxing into her armchair as well. "Thank you."
Tahlya took a sip of the wine as well and smiled softly. "It is very good, isn't it?"
For a while they sat in comfortable silence, enjoying the wine and warmth. Then Cassandra began to speak, "I learned of Ser Cullen through Varric."
"Yes, he likes to remind us all of how you two met."
The Seeker actually sighed, "And at every conceivable opportunity I might add!" Then she sipped her wine and continued, "As for our favorite Templar, by the time I actually met him, he and his remaining men had already retaken Kirkwall. Along with Captain Aveline and the city guard, order had also been restored, however it had been a brutal battle and in the process Kirkwall's defenses were decimated.
What few people realize is that Ser Cullen was actually the de-facto acting Knight-Commander during that time, and though he keeps it to himself, that is his actual, sanctioned final Templar rank.
I found him holed up in the Gallows, both sleeping and working out of his former superior's office. He was badly injured; you can see but some of it on his face. He'd fought and patrolled the streets until he could no longer stand. Then he slept and went out until he was again unable to continue. He was a figure that the populous rallied behind and in the end it was the willingness of the citizens to help patrol and fight that won the day. I was told he also refused a healer; not because he distrusted them, but because he said such events should never be forgotten. He told me later that it was his penance that his person should bear the reminders of that battle; that his scars should remind himself and everyone else of the dangers of inaction."
Tahlya raised an eyebrow. "So he feels he missed an opportunity to avert the disaster?"
Cassandra nodded, her face suddenly grim. "Let me tell you the entire story, from the time he was stationed at Kirkwall until the time you first met him. As for what happened at Kinloch Hold; I have but the written account as put to paper by Knight-Commander Gregoir. Only Cullen himself knows the full story, and I'm not certain that it is one he will ever tell…"
Three hours later Tahlya sat before her fireplace combing her fingers through her long hair as it continued to dry. She'd changed into a pair of deep fawn colored, knee length boy's breeches, topped by a light blue, long sleeved dress shirt that hung down over her hips. Buckskin suede knee high boots completed her ensemble. It was comfortable, and a look few women would dare, but one which she knew she more than got away with.
After Cassandra had taken her leave, she'd had the servants draw her a hot bath and then spent a long time relaxing time in it, only emerging once the water was cool.
She'd spent the entire time in the tub ruminating over the stories Cassandra had told of Cullen. She was no longer surprised by his manner of holding himself apart from the rest of them. Indeed she could well imagine the trauma he still endured. Quite honestly she was surprised he was so functional. Her esteem for the man had grown considerably, but so had her doubts about his stability.
The minutes ticked by, and eventually she realized that her hair was dry enough. If she left it down it would be completely dry by the time she turned in for the night. She also realized that she was starving; she'd missed dinner due to her late return from her ill-fated tour of the gentry, and had been too busy to notice until now.
It was well past midnight and she reasoned that no one would be about to see her in such casual attire, and with her hair down and still damp. It was time to do something she often times did; raid the larder. If any of the cooks had left some dinner warming near the hearth in the kitchen, she would consider taking that as well.
She moved quietly and steadily down the second floor corridor, down the stairs, through several main floor corridors, and then down the long winding stairs to the kitchen areas in the lowest level. When she made a sharp right turn, intent on entering the larder, she unexpectedly collided with someone exiting that very room; someone large. Stunned, she struggled to maintain her balance, but fortunately a strong hand shot out and grabbed her upper arm, steadying her.
It was only then that they got a good look at each other in the shadowy corridor.
"Ser Cullen?" she exclaimed, staring up at him.
He'd been looking her over, and his admiration gave way to a stunned expression when he recognized her voice.
"Inquisitor!"
"Relax, Ser," she laughed. "I believe we are both off duty right now."
With a soft sigh, he did just that. "I... What brings you to this part of the fort at this maker- forsaken hour?" Releasing his grip on her arm, he instead captured a damp lock of her hair, playing it through his fingers as he regarded it in a distracted manner.
Completely taken off guard, she managed to clear her throat, which seemed to bring him back to himself. He quickly withdrew his hand and met her gaze. "Are we really raiding the pantry at the same time, both of us having just bathed?"
It was only then that she realized his hair was wet and combed back to dry. Numbly she nodded. "Apparently so."
He shook his head in amusement and lowered his voice into a conspiratorial whisper. "I myself am here for the cheese." At that he held up a small wheel of the item in question and removed a loaf of bread from under his arm to show her as well.
Tahlya found that she was having a hard time keeping a straight face. "I see I am not the only one who missed dinner! As for myself; I heard that there was a shipment of fresh pears," she admitted. "I've another bottle of wine that will go well with the fruit."
Cullen smiled, but then his assured demeanor suddenly seemed to vanish. "Urr... perhaps we could share our pilfered spoils?" he suggested tentatively. "We could take our late meal together? After all, I did dress down the head groom on your behalf."
She groaned. "Uh… thank you. As to dining together; that is an excellent idea," she replied. "Keep watch a moment while I find those pears..."
It took her only a minute to locate the burlap bag of pears and liberate two. When she met back up with Cullen in the corridor, he gestured for her to lead the way. She led them straight to the kitchen, where she was able to snag a still warm pot of stew. Cullen took it and carried it for her as they made their way up towards the main level.
Once they'd exited the stairs, Cullen went on ahead, stopping at the war room. "Shall we?" he gestured in the doorway.
"You're not very good at sneaking, are you?" she teased. "What good is it to carry out such a raid when we could easily be caught in this huge room? Come along; I've a private sitting area where we can enjoy our spoils uninterrupted."
To her chagrin he remained rooted in place and turned positively scarlet. "Um... I couldn't possibly..." he sputtered, painfully embarrassed. "It would be unseemly. Perhaps the dining room instead?"
Ex-Templar or not, Tahlya was taken aback by his reticence. "There is no need to fear for my reputation, or your own Serah," she replied. "My sitting area was set up for the express purpose of chatting informally with my advisors. You need have no worries of us becoming the latest gossip."
Rather than setting her advisor at ease, her statement seemed to discomfort him further.
"Oh, urm... ," he fidgeted, "then perhaps we should make certain that the servants are aware of your sitting room's purpose?" he suggested, nervously.
"What do you mean?" she asked more sharply than she had intended.
He looked her right in the eye, suddenly seeming more like the self-assured tactician she knew him to be. "It pains me to say, my lady, however you should know that there are already wild rumors circulating about you and Liliana," he explained.
Her mouth hung open as she was temporarily rendered speechless.
"Ah," he continued. "I know of Liliana's… proclivities, as do most of the staff, but I placed no credence to the rumors. I sincerely doubt anyone who truly knows you would believe a word of it."
"Why am I only hearing about this now?" she ground out. "And why is it that it was left up to you to tell me? Surely Lil knew about this? That is her job; knowing secrets and rumors."
He fidgeted uncomfortably. "You are too professional to risk your reputation for the sake of a… dalliance with an adviser," he reassured, with a strange intensity. "Am I not correct?"
His real meaning hit her instantly, and she took a deep breath as understanding dawned. Somehow the correct words left her mouth nearly without conscious thought, "For a mere dalliance; no," she replied, looking him in the eye. "However I have no problem with those working for this organization acting out of love. It may well be the end times, Ser, and love that is not selfish or misplaced could well see us through the worst of it. I ask only that people remain discreet and that such relationships not be allowed to interfere with our mission."
She had the satisfaction of seeing his blush fade, as a small smile lifted the corners of his mouth. He nodded to her, his eyes never breaking contact with her own. "Well said, my lady. Well said."
She allowed herself to smile back. "And on that note, please allow me to go fetch the wine."
As she turned to go, he spoke softly, "Lady Trevelyan, please allow me to accompany you. If you don't mind, I've changed my stance on making use of your sitting room."
She nodded over her shoulder and continued on with him following close behind, while butterflies danced in her stomach.
To be continued….