Cullen and Dorian shared a bottle of wine after lunch while remaining at a second floor table in Herald's Rest, playing a quick game of chess while peeking out at the practice dummies and the lone remaining assailant. Belathen had taken her daggers early this morning and started hacking away at a single modified dummy. Courtesy of Sera, it had a gained dark hair and a beard, and written across the chest in bright red letters was the word "Arsewall." It was nearly noon and Bel didn't seem to have lost steam yet.
"Remind me never to get the Inquisitor angry," Dorian noted as he finally made his move on the board. "I think- yes, that's the head just come clean off." He sat back and looked out the window, trusting his lover's honesty implicitly and not worrying about cheating. "I wonder if this is what she's like against demons."
"You'd have to ask Solas or Cassandra. Maybe the Iron Bull. I've never really seen her outside of combat training." Cullen watched as one dagger found its way into the false head that fell to the ground, the other buried in the approximate placement of a human heart. "She is extremely upset though."
"I wouldn't want to be Blackwall when he is brought from Val Royeaux, that much is certain." Dorian watched as the elf finally slumped on the nearby bench, Cassandra instinctively leaving the location to avoid her.
"If she didn't think it would reflect badly on how the Inquisition treats our allies she'd have left him to hang," Cullen admitted. "It appears she does not take betrayal well."
Dorian simply nodded at the display. "Sorry to say this amatus but I suggest we call our game. You are going to win, and it appears your particular brand of tact might be of use."
Cullen paused. "Are you sure? I just got back and technically it IS our night..."
Dorian peered out the window again. "Cullen, I may want you, but she quite obviously needs you. I'll be fine."
Cullen breathed a sigh of relief and gathered the pieces. He shared a quick kiss with Dorian before disappearing down the stairs.
Leaving the Tevinter wondering a bit why he had done that. At least until he caught sight of Cullen approaching and pulling the elvish Inquisitor into his arms tightly, offering the strength only he could. She let him gather her up and sweep her from her feet with a flourish, and their kiss was anything but chaste or gentle. It was very much born of a deep need. And instead of jealousy, Dorian simply felt relief that Cullen was able to be everything she needed and still manage to be there for him when necessary as well.
It wasn't until the next day that Dorian found out how much the evening had really taken out of the commander. Cullen started the day looking exhausted, and the situation only worsened as he went about his duties. Dorian watched his amatus carefully as the morning wore into afternoon, and by just after lunchtime interceded by dropping unannounced into Cullen's office and depositing himself in the older man's lap. "Upstairs," Dorian directed. "Now."
Cullen shook his head. "Not right now..."
"Now. I'm guessing you barely slept at all, and you will make a mistake if you don't manage yourself better. So nap. I'll reroute and prioritize for an hour or two. If anything requires your attention I will make sure you are made aware. Now GO."
Cullen grumbled, but did follow directions. When he awoke later he saw it the last of the evening sun peeking above the hole in his roof. Downstairs was... almost too quiet. He peeked down with a bit of trepidation.
To see he needn't have worried. Dorian was there as promised, though the mage had taken to the floor in front of Cullen's desk. At his side was the Inquisitor- actually, Bel was not so much at his side as laying down while Dorian messed with stray strands of her hair where her head lay in his lap. Her night hadn't been much better than Cullen's, and the commander was pleased to see that she had actually fallen asleep as well.
After pulling himself together, Cullen came down quietly as possible. Dorian turned his was to look and nodded a greeting, but made sure to retain the silence. Cullen didn't even think about it: he simply leaned on the desk beside the duo, squeezing in to grab Dorian's more idle hand.
"How long has she been here?" Cullen asked curiously.
"A little over an hour. I suggested we sit and talk- this happened about ten minutes after." Dorian chuckled lightly. "It appears I'm good for something."
Cullen nodded. "You put us both at ease," the male asked. "I say that's a rare talent considering you're talking about two of the most stubborn workaholics in Thedas." The blonde got serious from there, considering his next course of discussion. "Look, I hate to ask- and if it is too much, please tell me- but... you see, this mess with Blackwall has made me realize how few people either of us can really trust even in Bel's inner circle. There's Cassandra, there's me, and then there's you... and that's about it."
Dorian considered. "I thought she considered Solas close."
"We still know almost nothing about him, realistically." Cullen paused, shaking his head. "I have my soldiers here. Out in the field Bel's alone with whoever she takes with her. I can't go with, but Cassandra can." The warrior met the Tevinter's eyes, very serious as they exchanged looks. "You... could."
Dorian found his eyebrows furrow, unsure. "You want me to go?"
"Maker no! But... yes." Cullen struggled to find the words. "I love both of you very much. I know that in spite of how little you say there are always barbs towards you here, and those hurt as badly as anything physical. I'd feel more comfortable for both your sakes if I knew you had each other's backs. There will always be danger for everyone in the Inquisition; if I must send either of you into the thick of it I prefer you looking out for each other."
Dorian considered the concept. "I know she is leaving tomorrow morning after... well AFTER. Solas is already slated to go with her and we overlap in fairly crucial areas."
"I'll talk to him. Just switch out I suppose. That should do it, yes?"
Dorian nodded. "If you want me watching out for her, I'll watch out for her. Just promise me you'll take care of yourself while we're gone."
Cullen sighed happily in thanks. If it would keep Bel safe and Dorian from some of the gossip he knew the mage abhorred it would be well worth the little loneliness.
