Chapter 10

The sound of laughter drifted through the tent, stirring Athena from her peaceful slumber. She clamped her eyes shut, desperately trying to cling to the last remains of sleep, unwilling to face the new day. That's when she felt it. A heavy weight resting over her torso, a weight that was not usually there. The sound of soft snoring reached her ears as the world forcefully dragged her to attention. Her eyes shot open. But it was just a dream? Cullen lay next to her, oblivious to the compromising situation the pair found themselves in. He looked years younger as the peaceful sleep eased away the signs of stress and exhaustion from his handsome face. His hair fell out of place, a ringlet resting rebelliously on his forehead, something he would never have allowed if he were conscious. Strong arms wrapped around her as he tried to protect her from the world around them. Although she knew she needed to end this now, she could not deny the flutter she felt in her stomach at his touch. Finding themselves alone in her tent, Athena allowed herself time to study Cullen's handsome features. She let her eyes wonder down his face, exploring his dirty blonde locks, his long eyelashes resting on his sculpted cheekbones. And finally his scar. The way it rested on his lips made her body tingle. She wondered how soft his lips would be. She could only dream of feeling them trail gentle kisses down her neck as his rough stubble scrapped along her sensitive skin. Watching as he ventured down her stomach, making his way tantalisingly slowly to the one place she wanted those lips to be.

She mentally shook her intrusive thoughts from her mind and averted her gaze away from his soft lips. However, she found herself staring into deep, golden orbs and let out a gasp as she realised the man had caught her admiring him. Quickly she scrambled onto her knees pulling the blanket with her and hugging it to her chest. Cullen lay looking momentarily dazed until her sudden movement brought him back to reality and he sat up swiftly.

"I'm sorry, Inquisitor, I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable" he gushed. Was that hurt she saw deep in his eyes? She couldn't tell.

"It's fine. Do not worry yourself, Commander" she responded, but they both knew she was distancing herself. Cullen watched her as she curled up at the bottom of the bed, tucking her knees under her chin. He sighed and began to move to the door.

"I'll leave you be, my lady" was all he said as he exited the tent.

"Curly, sleep well?" Varric shouted across the camp in a teasing manner, only to receive a glare in response as Cullen disappeared into his own makeshift quarters.

It had been a long and trying day. Cullen had accompanied the party, however even with the extra man power, it had been a struggle. They had achieved what they had come here to do and regained control over the mines, killing most of the Red Templars who had invaded the place, the rest fleeing for their lives. They wouldn't get far before the Inquisition scouts shot them down. A few Inquisition soldiers were left to guard the area before they could set up properly the next day, however Athena and her companions had traveled back to the initial camp to get some rest. No one suffered serious wounds, although a few health potions were needed during the battle form time to time. Athena stood by the requisition table, examining materials she needed to gather the next day in order to improve conditions for the soldiers. Although it was commonplace to see her performing this very action every day, tonight she had a different agenda as she was desperately trying to keep herself busy so that she wouldn't have to discuss this morning's events with her Commander. She knew it wouldn't be long before he sort her out. A few minutes pasted before she caught sight of him making his way over to her and she subconsciously took a deep breath, preparing herself for the conversation to come. He stopped next to her and had already began rubbing the back of his neck with his hand.

"Inquisitor" he said, with an awkward nod.

"Commander" she replied, looking anywhere but his eyes.

"I…was hoping you might accompany me on a walk? I have something I wish to show you. Only if you wish to, of course" he gushed, his cheeks becoming more flushed by the minute. Athena didn't reply for a moment, a mixture of panic and shock causing her to temporarily lose her voice.

"Of – of course" she replied confused but more than a little curious and followed his lead. They walked for some time in an awkward silence, neither knowing how to address the events that had occurred that morning. Neither wanting to be the first to admit to what had occurred. It was only when they lost sight of the last glimpse of light from the camp that Athena realised Cullen was carrying a bag with him. Curiosity got the better of her and she decided to break the awkward silence.

"Where are we going?". He turned to look at her, clearly not expecting her to speak.

"I think it would be better if I just showed you". He offered her a side-ward smile that was almost charming enough to make her forget about the awkward atmosphere the pair found themselves in. For the rest of the walk they said nothing, settling for a more bearable silence than before, as they lost themselves in their separate thoughts. Suddenly Cullen came to a stop, startling Athena from her wondering mind. She looked up to see where they had traveled to and found herself staring out towards a frozen lake, the icy depths reflecting the starlit sky and the freshly fallen snow glistening in the moonlight. It was a breath-taking sight. The tranquil surroundings calmed Athena's frayed nerves and she let out a breath she hadn't realised she had been holding. She suddenly became aware that Cullen was standing next to her and she turned to him, about the question why he had brought her here.

"I know your role as the Inquisitor does not allow you much time to step back and gather your thoughts. Sometimes we forget that you are only a woman – an incredible woman – but you have your limits. You have been working too hard and I want to make sure you're okay" he placed the bag he had been carrying on the snowy ground and crouched down to begin pulling out the content, "I thought you might enjoy this. I know it is probably a stupid idea, and well, I understand if you would rather go back to camp but…". Cullen's shyness crept back as he showed her what he had been carrying. He pulled out two pairs of ice skates. The first pair she recognised as her own. The second, a bigger pair she had never seen before but she could tell they had been made by the same hand. He remembered? After everything we have been through he still remembered?

Cullen stood up from his place crouched in the snow and his hand automatically found the back of his neck. He let out a gasp as Athena threw herself at him unexpectedly, wrapping her arms around his neck and hugging him tightly. He wrapped his arms around her waist, smiling into her shoulder. Gradually she pulled away from him, a stunning smile filling her face with pure joy.

"Thank you, thank you so much!" she gushed as she flung her own boots off to replace them with the ice skates. Excitement coursed through her as she finished tying the laces and took her first strides on the ice. By the second step her body had become one with the ice and every movement was intrinsic. She tilted her head up to the starry sky and let the cold air blow over her eyelids. For a second, she let her guard down. She forgot about the world around her. She just focused on this present moment. The feel of the ice under her blade was like returning home after a tiring day at work. Oh, how she had missed the ice.

She turned to face where Cullen was standing. He had replaced his own boots with the larger ice skates and was still sitting on the snowy ground, a lopsided grin on his face as he watched Athena lose herself in the moment. She skated over to the man and reached out a hand to help him to his feet. At first he just started at her outstretched hand, uncertainty flickering across his eyes before determination set in and he laced his fingers with hers. With minimal effort he made it to his feet, only to start to lose balance immediately as his blades touched the slippery surface. Athena quickly wrapped an arm around his waist, laughing at his clumsiness and steadying the man.

"I am not good at this, am I" he laughed with her, "And you made it look so simple!"

"I have had a lot of practice. Come, I will teach you!"

They began slowly making their way to the middle of the lake, Cullen gripping onto Athena tightly as he stumbled alongside her. She tried to suppress her giggles, but it was an impossible task as the man fumbled along like a new-born Halla taking it's first steps. She decided to place herself in front of Cullen, offering him both of her hands as she skated backwards and kept him balanced. After a few shaky laps, he eventually gained confidence and began making more bold strides. Athena let go of one of his hands and took up a position next to him, quickly matching his strides. The couple lost track of time as they skated hand in hand, the awkwardness of this morning forgotten as they relaxed and chatted happily, basking in each other's company and treasuring the feel of the others warm hand in their own. Eventually, a chill settled over the frozen lake and Athena could not suppress a shiver. Noticing this, Cullen guided the pair to where they had left their boots, knowing it was time for them to make their way back to camp.

"Thank you for tonight, Cullen" she said gently as she sat next to him, replacing the skates with her winter boots. He looked at her and smiled, his eyes going soft with affection as he took in her beauty.

"You do not need to thank me, it is enough to see you happy. I don't think I have ever seen you are carefree as I did tonight. It was wonderful to get to share that time with you". It was Athena's time to blush as she looked back down at her feet, unused to receiving such compliments.

"I'm glad I was able to share this time with you too" she whispered, just loud enough for him to hear. He reached out his hand and squeezed her own, uncertain how far he should take their relationship but unable to resist feeling her touch on more time. He knew once they reached camp, he would have to maintain a professional manner with her, at least until they were back at Skyhold. He was relieved to feel her squeeze his hand in response.

By the time the pair returned to camp, most of the soldiers had retired to their tents. However, Iron Bull's boisterous laugh could be heard emanating from the fire. They both made their way to where Varric could be heard telling a rather humorous story about a young drunk who had found himself in a brothel for the first time, his embarrassment forever recalled by the dwarven storyteller.

"Tiny, you should have seen his face! All red and dripping with sweat, he was so nervous!". More laughter erupted from Iron Bull and Blackwall. Varric caught sight of the couple and waved them over.

"You two have just missed one of my best stories! I hope you have a good reason" and he winked at the pair as they settled down around the fire. Cullen's cheeks began to burn and Athena just let out an awkward laugh as she reached for some of the cheap beer the soldiers had brought to the camp to celebrate their victory.

"We were debating sending out a search party for you two" Blackwall joined.

"We were just searching the perimeter. I thought I saw something on our journey back to camp and knew it was best I brought it up with the Inquisitor" Cullen tried to lie, sounding unconvincing but grateful when no one pushed the matter further.

"Well you're back now, time to share a story Boss!" Bull demanded and slapped her on the back, a little too hard as per usual.

The group spent the next couple of hours telling absurd stories, laughing and drinking the cold away. Eventually, Varric let out a yawn and looked up at the night sky.

"I think Bianca and I should hit the sack" he said as he picked up his prized crossbow and headed for his tent. The others quickly said their goodnights and went their separate ways. Cullen and Athena were the only two left as the fire began to die down and the chill of the night began to sting their cheeks.

"Will you be okay? Tonight, I mean" Cullen asked quietly, not wanting anyone else to overhear and learn the Inquisitor's secret. She smiled at him, yet the smile did not quite reach her eyes.

"Of course, I always am" she replied, however he could hear the uncertainty in her voice. She stood up, clearly not ready to continue the conversation tonight.

"Goodnight, Cullen. Thank you again, for tonight". She rested one small hand on his shoulder, which he was quick to cover with his own. Before he could reply, she had disappeared, retreating from the freezing wind into her tent.

Chapter 10! Can you believe it! I was only meant to write a quick story but here we are. I hope you're all still enjoying the story. I'm sorry for the slight delay, I was meant to upload this a few days ago but life got in the way. Please feel free to leave a review/follow ect, ect. Thank you and until next time, my fellow internet people :)