Varric waited until the Seeker had been dispatched from Skyhold with Cullen and a few other Inquisition members before approaching the Inquisitor. Nearly a week into her reign, the mage was doing a bang-up job in keeping morale at an all-time high. Now, it was time for Alex to get leads to take the fight back out into the field and to Corypheus. And Varric's informant would be the only person in Thedas to give them that piece of information and just who that informant was, was the sole reason he waited until Cassandra was nowhere to be found.

Alex jogged up the last few steps to meet the storyteller on the landing of the stairs towards the battlement east of the main gate. It was a bit out of the way from the public eye and made Alex wonder just what the rogue was up to. "I'm here, Varric." She happily announced though he didn't look all that pleased. He looked very anxious actually. Fear began to settle in her spine. Exactly who was he having her meet? And why was it taking place in the most deserted part of the Keep?

"You can wipe that look off your face, Freckles," Varric assured. "I brought you up here to meet a contact of mine. The only other person in Thedas that I think could give us a read on Corypheus."

Her brows shot up. "Are you talking about the Champion-."

"Of Kirkwall, yes he is." A voice coated in a Kirkwall accent had the mage turning in time to watch Hawke descend the last couple stairs from the battlement where he must have been hiding. Hawke gave her a charming smile. "Though I don't go by the title very much anymore. I find it only gets me into trouble."

"Like you need help in that department," Varric quipped. "Freckles, I figured it was about time you two meet."

"Still going on with the nicknames I see." Hawke offered his hand. "Please call me Garrett, though most do prefer to call me Hawke."

Alex shook his hand finding it calloused by years of battling with the twin blades on his back. The first thing she noticed about Garrett Hawke, besides his good looks and boy did he have them, was his piercing grey eyes. They had a spark of the youthful charm he spoke with, but she could see underneath it. Could see the tiredness. A look and feeling she knew all too well since falling out of the fade. "Well, Hawke." The Champion didn't look like she expected. In her mind, thanks to Varric's book, she pictured a tall dark and overly handsome man who could turn a woman's legs into jelly with one look. Now while he had looks and a smile buried beneath his thick ginger beard, matching his wild and thick hair that did make her heart flutter ever so slightly, she never pictured him being tall, lanky even, and slender. He did have tone muscles and scars that went along with years of constant battle, but he didn't seem as larger than life Varric made him out to be. Not that Alex considered that a bad thing. "I'm Alexandra, but people around here just tend to stick with Alex.

"Or freckles," Hawke added with another smile.

Well, Varric had written something right, the man had a certain charm about him. "Only Varric seems to be brave enough to call me that." Alex settled her gaze on the dwarf. "You better find a nice hiding spot to crawl in and stay in for the rest of your life when Cassandra gets back and finds out about this little meeting."

Varric held up his hands. "Don't you worry about me, Freckles. I'll pay the piper when it comes to facing the Seeker." He picked up a bottle that he had rested on a nearby barrel. "Right now, Hawke is the only one who has faced Corypheus besides you. I thought maybe you two could swap war stories."

Moving closer, Hawke leaned his hip against the edge of the staircase. "You dropped a damn mountain on his head from what Varric has told me. Not sure how much more advice I can give you after that."

"Any advice would be helpful." Alex agreed.

The humor dancing on his ruddy face died in an instant. "You want my advice? Did you hear what happened in Kirkwall?"

Her heart hurt hearing the guilt dripping from his voice and the furry stirring under his stormy grey eyes. "You did the best you could with an impossible situation. A lot of people were going to die either way. From what I heard, there are a lot of people alive today because of your actions." She shifted, forcing him to look up at her. "I'm in the same situation now. Any advice is better than none"

"What do you want to know?" Hawke wondered his anger seeming to dissipate under her soft gaze. He knew their conversation was serious and important, but he couldn't help but notice how wonderful she looked even with her one-sided braid that was completely frayed and the dust smeared on her cheeks.

"Corypheus has already killed the Divine, along with countless others… and he'll kill a lot more unless we stop him." The very thought kept her up most nights and walking the battlements until her body became too exhausted leaving her no choice but to sleep.

"You already sealed the breach. That's pretty damn impressive." He looked out over the courtyard as the bitterness replaced his cheery disposition. "I could barely get my friends to stop fighting with eachother. Still, if you think I can help…"

They spoke though, to be honest, it didn't really help much in finding Corypheus's weakness. Alex listened why Hawke told her about his first encounter with the Tevinter God and how he thought that they killed him. He talked about the Grey Wardens holding him and how Corypheus used their connection to the darkspawn to influence them. Both Hawke and Varric were worried that the once influence Corypheus had over the Warden's was back and had to be the cause of their disappearance.

"Fantastic." Alex rubbed the bridge of her nose fighting the headache that was brewing. "So, the bastard has the Venatori, Red Templars, and now possibly the Wardens as well? Well, shit."

Hawke's lips twitched at the Mage's attitude towards the whole situation. "I didn't come this far just to give you bad news, my dear Inquisitor."

She tried to ignore the effects that his words had on her. "By all means, don't leave me hanging."

"I've got a friend in the Wardens. He was investigating something unrelated for me," Hawke informed. "His name is Stroud. The last time we spoke, he was worried about Corruption in the Warden ranks. Since then, nothing."

Varric cut in, "Did your friend disappear with them?"

"No. He told me he'd been hiding out in an old smuggler's face near Crestwood," Hawke answered.

"There may be a chance your friend may have fallen under Corypheus's spell."

Hawke let out a long sigh. "I understand. I'll do whatever's necessary to stop him." His voice grew serious again. "Corypheus is my responsibility. I thought I'd killed him before. This time, I'll make sure of it."

Because she felt compelled to do, Alex gave his arm a friendly squeeze. "None of this is your fault."

Sighing and wanting to focus on happier times, or at least try to, he leaned fully against the ledge next to Alex looking down at the courtyard. "This view reminds me of my home in Kirkwall. I had a balcony that overlooked the whole city. I loved it at first. But after a while, all I could see were the people out there depending on me."

Alex leaned against the ledge next to him understanding his way of thinking completely. "If I thought like that I'd never get anything done." She would go mad with worry. If it wasn't for Cassandra's occasional interference, she would've dove of the deep end by now.

Hawke glanced over at her, study her face with his piercing gaze. "How do you put it out of your head?"

"Oh, you know," Alex shrugged her shoulders with a plastered smile on her face. "Try to keep up with the happenings of what is going on in Skyhold. What scandal is at the top and who is trying to sleep with who? Take parts in pools on who will see that their hatred for each other is something else. Soon that won't work, and I'll go out into the wilderness and find something or someone that wants to kill me. That mostly does the trick."

Laughing, Hawke turned to look back at the dwarf. "Does that mean there is one going on between Varric and this Seeker? I bet it's a massive one."

"That would be rather awkward seeing how she's all caught up on Cullen," Varric explained. "The former Knight-Captain Cullen may I add."

"Cullen is here?" Hawke wondered. "I never thought that man would ever leave the order."

"Certain events can change a man," Alex reminded. "I'm sure that is something we both can understand."

"You're right," Hawke replied.

"Would you care to join me for afternoon meal so we can talk some more a bit more comfortable?"

Hawke smiled. "That sounds wonderful."

00o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

"Why in Thedas did you pick this place of all of the areas around Skyhold?" Having returned with fresh supplies and new trade routes cemented, they made their way to the tower that Cullen claimed as both his office and his quarters. The desk had been made and put in place the day before. Already it was covered in rolls of parchment and other reports that she knew he needed to attend to.

Cullen placed his sack near the corner of the room by the armor stands. "This coming from the woman who took up in the forge."

"It's not like I'm going to spend a lot of time there as I'll be on the road most of the time with Alex," Cassandra simply argued looking up the ladder. "You, on the other hand, choose a place where you have to climb a blasted ladder up to a room that has a hole in the roof."

"It helps me feel less trapped." Cullen hadn't cared for small spaces since his time in the Ferelden circles. He unclasped his cloak and tossed it over the back of his chair before working on his boots. The trip hadn't taken that long, but it was more than he wanted to do today. Hopefully, the plans that he had set up in his absence had been taken care of.

She raised a brow at him. "And what if it rains?"

"I'll put a bucket or two down. Come on, it's not that bad. I'll show you." Cullen started up the ladder hoping the Seeker would take the hint and follow. His throat tightened as panic bubbled to the surface. Blackwall had promised that the bed would be delivered today and he even enlisted Dorian's help in setting up an extra surprise to share with Cassandra. It was his first attempt at a romantic surprise and he wanted everything to go right. Or at least remotely so, since things never did work out the way the every planed. Thankfully, all those worries were sent flying out the window when he saw not only the luxurious bed but the table set up with an afternoon meal accompanied with candles and the brightly colored flowers he'd found outside of Skyhold's walls.

"Little help," Cassandra asked reaching up through the hatch for him to assist her in scaling the last few rungs of the ladder. Why Cullen would choose to do this on a daily basis was a mystery to her. She opened her mouth only to close them when she found whatever she was about to say lost at the romantic sight before her. "Cullen?"

The Commander strode over to the small dining table Dorian set up for them. "I promised you one day that we would have a proper night with each other and I wanted to do this right. I know it's not much as rations are still low, but-." His words were muffled against her lips that were pressed hard against his. He hooked his arms around her waist, pulling her flush against him beyond grateful that they travel in light gear so he could feel the curves of her body. Cradling the back of her head, Cullen drew back. "Surprise."

A smile blossomed across her face. "This is why you were so insistent on my coming with you this morning."

"That and I wanted to spend time with you. Since naming Alex Inquisitor, it seems life has become crazier than before. Things are starting to move and I know our time together is fleeting." He brushed the back of his hand over her cheek. "Plus, I think so far we haven't really had a lot of romance."

She began to tug on the laces of his leather chest piece. "I think this is a great start. I'm assuming that Dorian had a hand in this."

Her lips were already working their way along his jaw making it incredibly hard for Cullen to think. "Well… Mostly." He took her by the hips, pressing his already hardened arousal against her hips. "I did manage to replace the flower you lost in the destruction of Haven."

She glanced over her shoulder and found four brightly colored flowers that reminded her of a sunset. "Orange."

"Your favorite color," Cullen finished as his piece of armor fell carelessly to the ground. She was already working on his bracers. "I would ask if you wanted to start with the food, but I feel like you're hungry for something else."

Smiling, Cassandra nipped at his bottom lip. "I'm famished."

The way she pulled at the edge of his tunic, Cullen figured exactly what it was his Seeker was hungry for. Smiling, he whisked his tunic over his head. "But not for food."

Her ravenous gaze fell to his bare chest elated that there was proper light to be able to see him. Cassandra had been dying to get a full look at him since he already got his fill that day in the hot springs. She took a step back. "Lose the pants, Commander."

A lump formed in his throat. All the sudden he became nervous under her intense stare. He wasn't particularly shy about his body. He was in decent shape, a bit on the skinny side from the stress of the last month and the withdrawals. Of course, there were scars, but he had long ago come to terms with them. Yet, Cullen found himself fighting a sense of bashfulness as he stripped down until he was standing there completely exposed for her. He found himself slightly embarrassed that he was already fully aroused.

She had seen her fair share of naked men, granted not in this fashion or close, except for one, and knowing that this beautiful man was hers was enough to leave her breathless. Cassandra found it endearing the flush that was starting to creep over his fair skin. Most women would compare lovers to one another. Cassandra wouldn't. Couldn't really as Galyan held a part of her heart that Cullen would never be able to touch with the mage being her first. Not to mention the two men couldn't be any more different both in personality and looks.

"You're blushing."

"I'm beginning to feel like a prize stallion on display," He whispered.

Touching a hand this his chest, Cassandra shifted closer letting her gaze take in every inch of his face neck and upper torso. It would all be too easy to look down and inspect his manhood, but since she was already somewhat acquainted with that certain part of his body, Cassandra wanted to explore what she didn't know.

No longer shy, Cullen watched her with great interest as her dark eyes moved over him before her hands began to slide over the plains of his chest to his one of his wide shoulders. Though there was a serious tone to her expression, there was also a faint smile on her face and lust blazing in her eyes. He figured it showed great restraint on his part to stay still and not take her in the arms and take full advantage of the bed. He followed her, turning his head as she moved until she escaped from his view. Her hand never left him, trailing along his bicep to his back, stopping to stroke a few lines of hard cartilage. A few of them had been sustained in battle, the others were left by the few lashes he received in Kirkwall after questioning Meredith one too many times.

Her hand drifted, tracing the plains of his back and the sharp curve of his arse. He let out a surprised noise when she gave it a quick squeeze. "Seems you found something you like."

Cassandra hummed in agreement her hand trailing along his waist as she made her full circle. She traced his hips and down his thighs, never touching his harden cock that begged to be touched. "I found a lot of things I like."

Cullen wasn't prepared for her to lean forward and press her lips to the center of his chest and was nearly knocked off balance when she trailed downward. "Cassandra," He croaked out her name unable to say anymore. Swamped with emotions, he threaded his fingers through her hair and glanced down. Seeing her down on her knees peppering kisses along his thighs, so close, yet so far away from his arousal, was almost too much to handle. Her hands trailed up his calves to his thighs, caressing until she filled both of them with his arse cheeks. "Cass."

"Shh." She nipped at his left hip bone and could feel him trembling. "I'm exploring."

The hand in her hair tightened and he fought the urge to guide her to where he wanted to feel her touch the most. Maker, she was driving him mad and they barely started. "When do I get my turn?"

"You already did in the springs."

"That ah… Doesn't." Feeling her hot breath fan across the head of his cock had his tongue growing thick. Cullen had spent plenty of nights touching himself while imagining her like this, on her knees, and driving him crazy with her wonderful mouth. He tugged on her hair forcing her to stand. If she were to touch him like that now everything would be over all too soon. "Maker in heaven."

Concern crossed her face. "Was I doing it wrong?"

"By the light no!" He pressed his damp brow to hers bringing both of his hands to her face to caress her cheeks. "We've waited for this moment and I don't want it to end just yet."

"Oh." Her eyes rounded in understanding and found her heart hammering in her throat. "Do you find me that desirable?"

"Fuck, Cassandra." Cullen took her head, bringing it to down. To feel his rock-hard cock and the arousal coating it. He rutted against her palm, pleasure having his breath quicken. "Andraste's flaming sword, the mere thought of being with you is enough to bring me over the edge. I've wanted you from the first moment I laid my eyes on you."

Cassandra pressed her lips to his, swallowing his sounds of pleasure allowing it to fill her and had to the heat already pooling in her belly. "Bed," She breathlessly instructed. "Bed."

Cullen released her and took a step back. "You're a bit overdressed, my love."

The corner of her mouth lifted. "Are you going to help me? It would be the gentlemanly thing to do."

His amber eyes narrowed. "Believe me there is nothing gentlemen like about what's I'm going to do to you when you're naked."

"Promises, promises, Cullen."

Taking her by the hips, he led her towards the bed and tucked it away under all of his sexual thoughts to thank Blackwall for helping make today possible. "Tunic."

Cassandra couldn't move fast enough to yank the damn thing over her head and fumbled to remove her breast band. The groan that escaped from somewhere deep in his throat made her blood turned to liquid fire. Before she could try to remove any more clothing, Cullen lunged forward taking her mouth in his and cupping her breast in his sword calloused hands. The kiss was bruising, yet his touch was gentle as he dragged his thumbs over her hardened nipples. He traced small circles, teasing them until she was pushing harder into his touch clearly wanting more.

"Bed," He whispered against the lips more like he was reminding himself. Without breaking contact, he wasn't that strong yet, Cullen walked her backward until the back of her legs hit the edge of the bed. That's when he let her go. "Sit."

She wordlessly replied.

Kneeling between her legs, Cullen's hands were on her breast again kneading and exploring like he'd wanted from their first night together. This time he didn't just use his hands. He used his lips, sucking and nibbling on her left breast doing anything to draw out the low whine from the Seeker that she was trying to swallow. "Blessed Andraste, you're so perfect. And all mine." Cullen kissed his way across her chest to give her other breast the same lavishing treatment until the hands in his hair twisted painfully making him ease up. He could tell by her flushed face that she was overwhelmed.

"I'm… I'm…" Cassandra couldn't seem to find her words.

Cullen kissed the tip of her nose, smiled, and bend down to unlace her boots. Though he was ashamed to count his time at the Rose in Kirkwall apart of his sexual experience, Cullen had to remember that Cassandra had only been touched by one other man. After removing her boots, Cullen looked up at her as his hands fell to her hips waiting for her permission to continue. He found it endearing that she was reverting back to shyness. Especially after their time together in the tower.

Once she nodded, Cassandra found herself completely naked and laid out on the bed with Cullen looming over her. His amber eyes were dark and blown wide with lust. She reached up to touch his stubbly cheek. "I love you, Cullen."

Turning, he placed a kiss in the center of the palm. "And I you." Cullen followed his confession by lowering himself to her, his lips startng at her collarbone, down the valley of her breast, and to the spot right above her mound. He cupped her, slipping a finger into her scolding hot sheath. "You're positively dripping, my love."

"Cullen, please." Her fingers dug into the flesh at his shoulder not sure what she was actually pleading for. She wanted his touch, wanted everything he wanted to give. His lips passed over her center and Cassandra's back arched off the bed. "Oh, shit."

Smiling against her slick folds, Cullen eased another finger inside her. "I take it no one has ever touched you like this."

"No." Breathing hard, Cassandra's hands found their way into his disheveled curls trying to anchor herself. "I've read about it and always wondered."

"Read about it?" He glanced up with a glint of a laughter in his eyes and like he was ready to devour her. "Just what types of books do you read?"

"Can we please save this conversation for another time?" She harshly demanded unsure how much longer she could stay teetering on the edge.

Cullen let out a soft chuckle. "Of course, of course. Now, where was I?" Slowly dragging his fingers against her slick walls, Cullen's mouth closed over the bundle of nerves at the apex of her thigh. The hands in his hair tightened, pulling him harder against him wanting more. Cullen was all too happy to oblige. Maker, he felt like he waited a lifetime to be able to touch her like this. To taste her. To drive her crazy until she was begging him not to stop.

And Cassandra was doing just that. Lost in the throes of passion, Cassandra shifted her legs open to give him full access to her body. "Oh, Cullen. Don't you dare stop." He was building her up, using his lips, teeth, tongue, and oh so clever fingers and soon it was almost too much to remind herself to keep taking in breath into her body. Head lulling to the side, Cassandra found his wild amber gaze focused on her like she was the only thing that existed in the world. His gaze, nearly black already, darkened as he watched the erratic movement of her breasts with each of her shuddering breath and every time a plea fell from her kiss-swollen lips.

Her release blindsided her. She felt it building but wasn't prepared by how fast it snapped inside her. Heels digging into the soft matters and hands twisting harder in his hair, Cassandra arched against him as the wave of pleasure took her over. Cullen kept tormenting her wanting to prolong her pleasure until he milked every ounce of her release. The stimulation was almost too much, but she couldn't bring herself to push him away. This was so much different than anything she'd ever experienced before not only with him but Galyan.

Cullen slowly withdrew himself from her when she fell back onto the bed limp like putty. Maker! He stroked a hand down his aching shaft hoping to ease some of the pulsing, being careful not bring a premature end to things once again. "That was." Cullen kissed her trembling thigh and started his lazy journey back up her body. "The most amazing thing I've ever seen in my entire life."

She was struggling to even his breathing. "Is it always like this?"

Shaking his head, Cullen nuzzled her nose. "No." He kissed her, hearing her make a noise he'd never heard before as she tasted herself on his tongue. His cock twitched, begging him to find release. "It's never been like this before with anyone. I think this is how it's supposed to be when there is a deeper connection. Beyond lust. Even beyond simple love. Because this is more, Cassandra."

"So much more," Cassandra whispered brushing her lips over his again. "See you can be both charming and romantic."

Smiling, he brushed her sweat soaked hair from her brow. "Don't let it get around. I have a reputation to protect as the might Commander of the Inquisition."

She brushed her fingers over his chin. "Please, Cullen. I want to feel you inside me. Maker, I know you have to be aching."

Bracing his weight on his hands on either side of his head, Cullen kissed her, swallowing her sounds of delight as he eased into her until he was at full hilt. He stilled, staring down at her taking in her flushed face and loving gaze. Maker, he adored this woman. He was enamored by her. He realized in that moment he didn't have the words the tell her exactly what was in his heart. Pressing his brow to hers, he began to move nice and slow this time, almost torturous. There was no need to hurry, even if his body was screaming at him to move faster to find his end. "Look at me, Cassandra." The demand was gentle but still had some steel behind it.

Cassandra forced her eyes open and was immediately trapped in his loving gaze.

"I raise my sword to fight for the Inquisition. To protect those that we can from Corypheus and his agents." Shifting, he put all his weight on one hand so he could cup her cheek. His thrusts became stronger, faster as he pressed her harder into the matters. Cullen fought to form words between his labored breathing. "More importantly, I raise my sword and shield to fight and protect this. You. The woman I love." The only woman he ever truly did and ever would.

Wetness clinging to her lashes, Cassandra drew him against her. She could feel his hot breath against her ear in between his sounds of pleasure as he chased his release. She held him tight basking in the warmth of his words and feel his body pressed into her. Duty always came first for the both of them and they both had no disillusion that there was a happy ending waiting for them at the end of their quest. Thedas was in turmoil and danger lurked around every corner with death close behind. His vow to fight left her reeling. When she felt him tense and his cock swell inside her, Cassandra pressed her lips to his temple to whisper into his ear. "I will fight, Cullen Rutherford," She vowed holding him tighter when he began to tremble. She welcomed his weight as he was unable to bear his own anymore. "I'll fight until there isn't a breath in my body for you. For this. For us."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Still basking in the glow of their love making, they decided to finally get to lunch. Cassandra sat in nothing by Cullen's crimson tunic while Cullen wore untied leathers. They had been chatting away about this and that, swapping childhood stories, anything but about awaited them the moment they descend the ladder.

"Cullen."

The serious of her tone had Cullen look up from his plate. "Yes?"

"There is something we need to discuss, about us."

He swallowed the lump forming in his throat. "Alright."

"Our focus has to be to help Alex and find a way to defeat Corypheus once and for all."

"I know it does," Cullen assured uncertain where this conversation was going. "If you think I'm going to suggest as Commander to keep you out of the field-."

Cassandra waved that thought away. "I know you'd never do such a thing even if you want to in order to keep me safe." She reached across the table to take his hand to stop him from drumming his fingers against the wooden surface. His tell that he was nervous but trying his best to hide it. "We need to be careful when we're together."

"What-Oh!" Cullen felt the tips of his ears burn. "Of course, you're right. I'm sorry I didn't think of that. Well, I can't think of much of anything when you're in my arms."

"And that can lead to something that can't happen," Cassandra's voice lowered as she added, "at least not yet."

His gaze snapped to hers. "Yet?" He echoed.

Fear filled her dark eyes. "I mean – I thought… Well, maybe if you wanted." She averted her gaze. "I didn't think…"

It was his turn to grasp her hand silently urging her to look back up at him. "Are you saying that you've given thought to having kids?" Cullen softly asked emotions flooding his voice.

She nodded. "I mean not until recently."

"Blessed Maker and all his glory," Cullen prayed tugging her around the table until she was seated on his lap. He needed to feel her. To make sure that this moment in time was real. He never thought that this conversation would ever occur in his life. "You-you want to have a child? My child?"

The astonishment in his voice made her heartache because she knew that he thought himself unworthy of such a miracle in his life. Cassandra took his face in her hands and pressed her brow to his. "Being with you has given me pause and made me rethink what I thought was important in my life. I always thought it would be duty and I would sacrifice something like a family, something I was okay with. Then I did something stupid and dropped a mountain on my head and I nearly died missing out on the best thing in my life. You."

Tears gathered in the corner of his eyes. "Cassandra."

"The afternoon before the destruction of Haven, Leliana told me that I always put duty before everything. And that there will always be another cause another mission to see through. That I shouldn't shut myself off for the things that life has to offer." Seeing the tear slid down his stubbly cheek made her own burn in the back of her throat. "I love you and I know who knows what tomorrow will bring or what awaits us at the end of this mission, but I know what I want. I want you. I want a life with you and everything that goes with it."

Cullen pressed his lips to hers, pouring everything he could into the kiss as he didn't have the words to. When he signed up for the Inquisition he'd never in a million thought it would bring him this. Bring him her, the woman he loved with every breath in his body. "I love you, Cassandra. With all my heart. Who knows what fate has in store for us, but I want this. I want everything I could possibly have with you." To assure himself that he wasn't in fact dream, Cullen kissed her. "I will love you well, my dear Seeker. For all my days that the Maker sees fit to grant me and even after then."

"There you go." She nuzzled his nose. "Being all romantic again."

HE gave her a gentle smile. "We'll be careful. I'm sure there are herbs and potions or some other method a healer knows that will help us have any surprises."

"Meaning we'll have to control ourselves until we have such conversations."

"That just means sex is off the table." Cullen drew away to see his lover grinning down at him. He rushed the tips of his fingers over her lips. "Plenty of other things we can do."

"Hmmm. I might need a demonstration."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0oo0

After they finished their meal, Cassandra left Cullen to his duties while she set off to find Dorian. Of course, the mage was in the spiral tower library. It still amazed her that the books had held up so well that had been left by whoever inhabited Skyhold before them. The empty shelves were slowly being filled with books people had on their person and those who made the pilgrim to Skyhold from the far reaches of Ferelden. Seeing the people was uplifting, but it also brought Cassandra great fear. If the people knew where to find them then it was only a matter of time before Corypheus could as well.

She tried to push that from her mind as she reached the landing and found Dorian exactly where she knew she would. Lounging on a chair with a book in his lap and a scowl on his face. He had been very vocal about his displeasure of Skyhold's selection of books. "What's wrong this time?"

The mage looked up and his expression changed as he gave her a charming smile. "Too many things to count. My, don't you look positively happy and glowing I might add."

Though she fought it, Cassandra could feel herself blush. "I think you're just jealous." The more time she spent with the man the more he reminded her of Galyan.

"Or there is no doubt about that," Dorian assured closing the book. "I hope you didn't come all the way here to gloat that you're sleeping with one of the most handsome men in Thedas."

"One?"

His grin grew. "After me, of course."

Cassandra rolled her eyes. "You take pride in your arrogance, don't you?"

"Do you really need to waste your breath by asking such questions?" Dorian was pleased by the disgruntled noise he provoked from the Seeker. "Now, I feel like you've sought me out for a reason other than to see my pretty face. What can I do for you, Lady Cassandra?"

"Will you take a walk with me?" Cassandra softly asked as this wasn't a conversation to be had with others so close by.

Without hesitation, Dorian set the book aside and pushed up from the chair. "I could take in some fresh mountain air."

"You are the one who chooses to stay with the dusty books." Cassandra leads him down the flight of stairs, through Solas's domain, and out to the walkway from the Keep to the battlements. "I have a question of a personal nature."

The tone of her voice made Dorian sober up and listen intently as they walked the battlement and away from any prying ears. "Okay."

"Being a mage and having some knowledge in healing herbs and such, you must know…" Her face felt like it was on fire despite it being near freezing outside. "I haven't been with many men in my life leaving me not to worry about such things. I was wondering if you would know of any herb or potion that could prevent pregnancy."

Twisting the one end of his mustache, he thought for a moment. "I know of some practices in Tevinter and nothing has lead me to believe that Ferelden is any different. I'll do some research, but I know of an herb that is widely used. I can see where they grow and now that we have supply lines started, I'll get some if we can't find them out in the Frostbacks."

"Thank you, Dorian."

"I would make a great uncle though."

"Oh, I'd have no doubt." Cassandra shook her head laughing. "Have you seen Alexandra?"

"I saw her about an hour ago to tell me about her meeting with Hawke," Dorian spoke without thinking and when his words caught up to himself, his eyes rounded and sought Cassandra. To say that the Seeker was shocked and royally pissed was the understatement of the year. "Oops."