Dorian was a man called many things. At home he was the Black Sheep, or the preferred 'Embarrassment to House Pavus'. Outside of the Tevinter Imperium he was called 'Magister' (Maker did that annoy him to no end), or 'The Vint'. He liked to call himself a formidable enemy, a damn fine mage, a handsome daredevil, and a generous lover. For the first time in many years though, he also called himself a loyal friend.
The last thing he expected when he initiated contact with the Herald was for the bearer of that title to be Evelyn. A sweet and delicate thing, with large grey eyes, dark red hair, and high cheekbones that left no doubt she was of noble birth. Put her in a dress, and she could be another simpering, unimpressive noble woman. It wasn't until she spoke did Dorian finally see why she was the Herald of Andraste.
There were no deception in her words, nothing in her wasn't genuine or honest. For someone who grew up in world where words were honey disguising poison and every action was for the sake of proving that one is better than others, well it was certainly a refreshing change. Whenever anyone spoke to her, no matter their rank, Evelyn would hold their gaze and listen as if it was the single most important thing in the world.
It was a gift she had, and he didn't mean the mark on her hand. She was able to hold herself with authority and grandeur without belittling others, and she really cared. That was what inspired people to leave their lives behind and come help the Inquisition; that was what made people believe in her. All her friends fought as much for her as they did for themselves.
Dorian knew she would, well technically already had with the attack on Haven, laid down her life to save them. In turn, every single one of the Inquisition would do the same for her.
For all those reasons and more, Dorian cared for this woman more than he ever had for any other woman. Sure, it drove him nuts that she was willing to take anyone, and he did mean anyone, into the fold. They always went out of their way to help people with little things when really there was much more pressing business to take care of. He wanted to shake her for being so trusting sometimes. Honestly, he wondered where she would be if not for the few suspicious friends. She also had terrible taste in books (Really, how many times can one person read cheap mystery novels?). Her little quirks would never be enough for him to change his mind about her.
Those protective instincts that flared when it came to the young Mage had Dorian walking as casually and nonchalantly as possible to Cullen's office. Oh, he knew that Evelyn would not be pleased at all with him, but frankly he did not give a damn. She deserved better than to be treated like that.
Dorian walking into the side door of Cullen's office, who was so busy shuffling paperwork that he didn't even notice the door opening.
He leaned his shoulder against the wall, crossing his arms, waiting to make sure he could startle the Commander at the perfect moment.
"Tell me, Commander Cullen, do you prefer Solas or that fellow from the chargers, Stitches I think?" The former Templar jumped, clearly having not noticed him at all.
"Dorian- What?"
"I was just asking if you prefer me to get Solas or Iron Bull's charger to heal you after I decide to blast some sense into you." Dorian fingers sparked lightly with magic, Cullen stiffening up all over again.
"What are you on about? Why would-"
Dorian let out a heavy and exaggerated sigh, effectively cutting Cullen off. "Oh come now Cullen, let's not play stupid, you're better than that. Despite your actions, you are not an idiot. You know exactly why I said that."
He pushed himself off the wall and sat in the chair in front of him. In the time since he came to Skyhold, Dorian had forged a friendship with Cullen. It didn't start off too great, being that the former Templar mistakened Dorian's relationship with Evelyn as romantic. Once that was cleared up, they found an easygoing friendship. Often one might find them playing chess in the courtyard, and Cullen was always welcome at Dorian's usual table in the tavern on the rare occasion the Commander took a break from his duties.
"After all the death glares and underhanded threats I had to suffer through when you thought I was courting the lovely Inquisitor, I would think you would take your own advice and, oh I don't know… not hurt her?" He sat back in the chair, studying the ragged and worn look Cullen had been carrying the past several days.
Cullen let out a heavy sigh, running a gloved hand over his face. "It wasn't anything against her. I just… didn't expect for the fabled Hero of Ferelden to show up."
"Why not? We already have the Champion of Kirkwall here, as well as Sister Nightingale. Evelyn is currently the most current and talked about Heroic figure. I'm not a bit surprised he showed up. Not only that, we march on Adamant in a fortnight. The timing makes absolute sense."
Cullen slumped in the chair across from Dorian, looking defeated and worn. "The last time I met the Warden-Commander, it wasn't under the best of circumstances. I had just watched all my templer friends tortured and killed. I was so full of hate for magic, only to have him spare the mages that appeared unaffected." This was not an easy thing for him to talk about, and in normal circumstances, he would not have said a word about it. Seeing the Hero of Ferelden forced a slew of some of his worst memories to slam him full force.
"Yesterday I… told Evelyn about it in full. It was all still fresh today, I suppose I didn't have the best reaction." Cullen sighed heavily again. "I should apologize to her. She's been nothing but wonderful."
The bubble of anger that Dorian had when he first stepped into Cullen's office was gone, replaced by a concern (which he was still not used to) for his friends. "Yes you should. She has enough weighing on her as it is, and the poor woman can only take so much. You know, as confident as Evie is about, well most everything really, you make her into a nervous wreck."
That made Cullen's head snap up, and Dorian almost scoffed at the disbelieving look on his face. "What?!"
Dorian just waved him off. "Oh please, you cannot tell me you haven't noticed. She's half convinced that the fact that she's a mage is what's going to scare you off. According to her, the fact that she's a noble is already against her. Preposterous really, but she won't believe me when I tell her that."
"Maker's breath... And here I thought...," Cullen trailed off, completely taken aback at the idea that Evelyn could be nervous by anything, let alone his feelings for her.
"My, you two are hopeless aren't you?" Dorian smirked, satisfied with himself for going out of his way to set the Commander straight. He reached over to uncork the bottle of fine Brandy that looked like a gift, helping himself without asking. "You both owe me at least a drink at this point. Or you could introduce me to some eligible templars. That skirt part of the uniform must be good for something."
Cullen chuckled, taking the drink that Dorian poured for him. "I'll see what I can do."
Notes: I love Dorian so SO much. I was so disappointed that only men could romance him on my first playthrough. The dialogue between him and Cullen always makes me crack up.
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