Again with the rewriting. Wasn't too happy with what I was doing so I went back over it. his is where we're at now. Moving forward.
Cullen's eyes opened to the sun shining through the ceiling. Looking at the obvious flaw in the architecture. His fingers reflexively reached up rubbing the bridge of his nose. He heard noise in the distance, someone shouting obviously for him.
Cullen felt heavy in his movements as he sat up, the stiff cot making his back ache as it reminded him of his age...He was in his 30's he wasn't old. But on days like this he felt it.
His feet swung over the cot touching the floor very gently as he tried not to pull away from the cold against his skin. Just a sudden reminder to how far they've come since Haven. When his feet used to touch tundra, or wet mud in the morning's instead of stone.
He heard the chatter begin outside the door, one scout to the other asking whether Cullen was awake.
"It's near mid-day, Sister Leliana has been up since dawn. " He could hear one man speak quietly behind the door.
"Have you ever seen Sister Nightingale sleep? I don't think it's possible." He heard a new voice join in. That of a quiet sounding woman.
"Well do you think he's awake? Sister Leliana told me to bring this matter to the Commander's attention.."
"Well I don't know, I don't guard the door why don't you knock?"
Cullen felt his hand against his face draw down as he fought back an angry groan. Finally giving into the quiet conversation outside. " I'm awake you know?"
He heard immediate silence followed by shushes and shuffling as Cullen found his boots, pulling them onto his feet.
The door swung open slowly as the scout poked his head inside, blue eyes looking bewildered and scared by the Commander hearing his conversation. "What do you need?" Cullen asked looking up at the man, his hand trembling with the note in hand.
"Of course, Sister Leliana sent this for you. Said it was urgent. "
Cullen outstretched his hand waiting for the note to find it's way into his hands. " She stated that you should look it over, it is specifically for the herald...I mean the Inquisitor.."
Cullen looked at the paper in his hand reading over the names. "Madame De Fer? How is this my concern?"
The scout stumbled nervously over his words, "She said...I can't...She's the Herald!? And you're the Commander..Sister Leliana just told me to deliver this to you.."
Cullen could tell that the scout wasn't prepared for this kind of treatment so late in the day, he did work for the Spymaster afterall. Cullen nodded his head half heartedly, "Of course, I'll look it over and deliver this to the Inquisitor."
The scout gave a relieved sigh as he stood up straight, his hand crossing over his heart, "Commander." He spoke before he left, shutting the door behind him, putting distance between himself and the Commander.
Cullen looked over the note, wishing the company of the Inquisitor at a house party hosted by Madame De Fer. He didn't see any suspicious indications, but trusted the decision of Leliana to bring this to his attention. Cullen wiggled his toes in his boots, standing up as he looked back outside over the courtyard. Today was going to begin.
He looked in the empty expanse, what was a mess of wooden beams and dust was now cleared, masons and carpenters working tirelessly to pull Skyhold from the depths of disrepair. He remembered the talk with Leliana and Josephine about the apartment at the top of the tower. Trying not to get his hopes up knowing the room wouldn't be his, but was instead given to Anara as some token of their appreciation.
He had hoped she liked the room. It was the only one with a legitimate bed, and had a full fledged fireplace. Oh how he missed a fireplace right now.
His fingers twitched as he stood outside the door, hoping that the room was warm and empty. He could just curl up on the floor like a cat then, without any silent judgement. His hand raised to the door, about to knock until he heard a noise come from within.
Not again please… He internally groaned.
But instead he heard the soft sounds of humming come from within. Something that sounded far more pleasant than ruining any more personal moments.
Cullen gently opened the door, his head poking inside only seeing the small stairway that moved up. "Anara?" He asked around, hearing no response from her expect the sound of humming.
It sounded like a sad tune, one he had never heard sung before. Cullen looked up the stairs, feet gently moving up, the note gripped in his hand like a vice.
"Anara?" He called out again, worrying now that he was intruding. But when he came to the top of the steps he couldn't find her in the room. The fire was going, papers and reports were already pouring in as they settled on her desk. He took note of everything in her chambers, a bed, a desk. a wardrobe...A….tub? He looked at the large copper monstrosity that stood out in the room. Within view of the windows and balcony that overlooked the courtyard.
He heard the humming once again, trying to pinpoint the sound, but instead confused on where the sound was coming from. He walked slowly towards the tub, the note gripped tightly in his hand.
He heard a gently splash as he saw heat rise from the copper monster in the room. He watched as a hand stretched out against the cold air, heat rising from the skin. The hand curling under the tub as magic flowed forth, conjuring fire against the tub, Cullen guessed that's how she heated her bath water. Magic.
Cullen couldn't help himself as he heard a relief filled sigh, as the humming continued. "That must be a handy trick."
Anara gasped as she turned to look at the Commander standing there nearby. A look of bemusement on his face. "Commander?" She gripped the tub as she moved closer, hiding her obvious scars from him. She looked at him as she spoke, " It is a handy trick, helps with fires, and warming a bath. Water never gets cold..Perfect for tea as well.."
Cullen felt himself chuckle just alittle imagining her using her magic to warm a cup of tea. He felt at ease in her presence even in such a situation where she felt embarrassed. Hiding herself from him in the warmth of the bath.
Cullen had to pull himself away, his feet wishing to move closer, to touch the warmth of her skin, but he was here on business. On what Leliana expected of him, of what his duty to the Inquisitor was expected.
" Inquisitor…" He spoke, stumbling over his own words as he spoke, feeling as if his hands would sweat ruining the letter caught in a death grip in his hand.
" Oh, it's Inquisitor now? I get a new fancy title and now I don't have a first name anymore?" She smiled over the tub. Cullen feeling a blush come across his face as he looked at her. He enjoyed her playfulness in this moment. Almost as if there was a sense of tenderness between them now, or that this is what being lovers was like.
Cullen looked at his hands pulling the note free from them as he looked at Anara. " The Spymaster Leliana gave me this message for you. You are requested at the behest of Madame De Fer. An Enchanter from the Orlais."
Cullen extended his hand out to her as she pulled the paper from his hand, their fingers gently touching as she pulled the message from him.
" Thank you Commander, I will be sure to look this over as soon as possible. If this Madame De Fer is of use to the Inquisition, or of no danger to us, then we shall move accordingly."
Cullen nodded as he looked at her, her hands opening the note as she rested her face against the edge, staring at the papers. His hand gently reached out, touching her cheek as her eyes looked up into his.
"Cullen?" She asked, confused by the Commanders tender actions when so recently she doubted his affections.
His hand gently pulled up her hand, unphased by her scars that now spread across it. His thumb stroked gently over the small marks raised in her skin. Reveling in the sight of it, but not disgusted or disturbed by the scars. His lips gently pressed against her hand, silently assuring her of his obvious infatuation still. Almost as if seeing her past and pain brought him only closer to her.
Cullen didn't like how it came about through magic, let alone through the magic of Solas, but he had seen something that he never expected. He had seen some of the darkest times in Anara's life, he sensed in his heart that it should be time that she learned the truth of his Lyrium addiction. But not here, and not now. The Inquisition was still too new to have a change in the chain of command. But he would tell her. Soon.
His lips pulled away, his eyes in contact with hers the whole time. He watched as she shifted in the bath, her skin warm as her breath hitched. The note suddenly of no interest to either party.
"My lady…" Cullen spoke under breath as he pulled away. Standing back up as he left with a bow. Turning his back to her as he walked away.
Anara's eyes became completely fascinated with how his breeches seemed to fit perfectly as he walked away. Her hand frozen still, the kiss upon the skin still burning within her. Her lips parted as her mouth became dry. A shiver coming over him as she heard the door close behind him.
"It seems the Commander is becoming more suave.." Anara looked up in the loft to see Solas sitting there amusement across his face as he closed his book.
" It seems the Commander is becoming more confident." Anara spoke as she looked at the letter still in her other hand.
Solas pushed himself from the chair as she heard him climb down the ladder, his steps coming closer to the tub as she turned back, her eyes focusing on her letter.
"Vhenan." She felt the words against her skin as Solas moved in, his lips pressing against her cheek. His eyes turned looking at the letter in Anara's hands.
She smiled as she pulled the envelope close, reading aloud, "It seems that we are invited to meet a..Vivienne De Fer.." She waved the note around looking past it, "Orlesian this and Orlesian that. Fancy words for fancy people."
"Can she be trusted? What are the specifics?" Solas looked to her, his eyebrow cocked in question.
" That I go alone. I'm invited to one of those Orlesian affairs that they have."
"A soiree?" Solas asked knowing the Orlesians distrust of elves.
"Why not." Her hand swung the envelope around as she pulled herself onto the edge of the tub, hanging over the side as she looked at Solas. " A soiree.." The words stumbled from her lips. Orlesians…
"Vhenan.." He pulled his hand away as he pulled the necklace from his tunic. " I know you hate being in Orlais, and I know even more you will not like this, Soiree."
He pulled the jawbone over her head, resting it gently against her skin. His fingers dragging against the jaw bone as his fingers grazed over her skin, " Take this, and I will be with you." His hand pulled up to her face, his thumb rubbing against her cheek as he leaned in. His lips gently pressing against hers pouring himself into his kiss before she would have to leave. Fearful of the unknown that awaited her in Orlais, but confident in her abilities.
When he pulled away his heart weighed heavy as he looked at her. As her hands gently held his necklace to her skin.
"Solas.." She spoke, trying to argue against him and his wishes. He stopped her words in mid sentence as he pressed his finger to her lips. Her body now shivering to the cold coming in from the window. He shook his head, knowing what she was going to say.
"Don't speak Vhenan. I will be close to you, even if you're not in my arms."
Anara nodded gently as Solas pulled away, letting Anara sit in peace in her tub, allowing herto soak before being sent to Orlais.
Cullen felt himself brace against the wind as he stood atop the battlements, his eyes looking out towards the frozen lake looking over the people that now flocked to the inquisition. His hands braced against the stone wall as he was lost in the thought of what was his just so recently.
He remember the feel of her hand pressed against his lips. The sweet smile on her lips as she spoke.
"Commander." He heard an old familiar voice behind him as his back stiffened. Remembering that very voice that called for his aid in Meredith's madness.
"Hawke.." He spoke, his words seemingly neutral as she braced the wall beside him.
"How long has it been Commander?" She asked inquisitively, knowing full well the extent of lyrium addiction thanks to Samson.
" How do you?" Cullen asked, suddenly wishing not, it was loaded question it felt. Something that was so easy to answer.
" You're eyes seem tired, and red, your body seems rigid and broke. Your spirit…." She paused as she looked him over. "Seems as strong willed as it was back those years in Kirkwall. But.." She looked over him again, " You are not as fearful or suspicious of mages as you were then."
Cullen turned towards her, " What can I say? " His eyes looked towards the door as he looked at Anara walking from the great hall. " A mage leads the inquisition. Her guidance is what brought us here. Saved us from Haven.." His eyes watched as her long coat swept behind her as he looked at her brown tresses flowing in the wind.
He watched as she walked through the courtyard, her hand extending the note to Cassandra who stood there like a hardened statue. A scowl upon her face as she looked over Varric, her eyes flickering towards Hawke and the Commander. Anger and disappointment smattered all over her face. A thin line as her lips pressed, her body signaling that she was absolutely fuming at them all.
Cullen's eyes ran over the necklace now present on Anara, jealousy becoming present on his face as he looked to Solas, noticing the necklace the elf would wear no longer present. His eyebrows furrowed as he tried to pull the jealousy from his face, not letting himself be exposed to the world around him.
"She was willing to die to save us Hawke." Cullen pushed the feelings down as he looked to Hawke, her eyes also upon Anara.
" I can see where you leave your prejudices Commander." Her hand rested upon his shoulder as she nodded, pulling herself away from him. "Fenris.." She spoke turning back towards him. " Last I heard from him he was in Wycome. Heading towards Ferelden. I implore Commander, that he come here. To see the world that we're trying to build."
Cullen nodded gently as he turned back towards Anara, looking at Cassandra's eyebrow cock up in question as she looked over the invitation.
" All I ask Cassandra is we stand our ground here. All I need is a small group to move into Orlais. To ensure this isn't a trap."
"Vivienne De Fer is no simple nobel in Orlais Anara. She is a mage of the White Spire, a close friend to the Empress, and very much a Loyalist." Cassandra watched as Anara's lips pressed into a line as she looked over Cassandra.
"An ally is an ally. Vivienne has many allies in Orlais, and her name carries weight. If she is of use to the inquisition. Then why not?"
Cassandra nodded, agreeing to her thoughts, knowing what Anara's intentions meant for them as a group and in the long run. Mages helped close the breach, and perhaps mages will be needed to end Corypheus.
They all stood there, watching as the gate opened to Anara and the few scouts that left with her. Bracing against the winds and snows that would meet them within the frostbacks. Anara braced her staff as she moved, heading towards what she feared would be an unfortunate meeting.
The nights passed and Cullen stood there looking to the moon. Watching as it hid behind the clouds like a shy lover, his mind was elsewhere as he looked up towards Anara's room, the glass doors shut as the fire still burned inside, keeping the warmth in her room, waiting for her return. Cullen felt the cold grab hold of him as he stood there, like a silent titan holding the line against the world outside. He stood there, listening to the world around him come to life under the gaze of the moon.
He heard the birds from Leliana's perch, the roaring fire from within the blacksmith. The gentle neighing of horses in the stable, and the life that echoed out from the tavern. His eyes looked over the fires that burned in the distance in the camps below them, life was there as well, songs and sounds of people. Cullen could hear in the distance the music coming from the tavern, from a bard that stood with them since Haven.
" I feel sun through the ashes in the sky.."
Cullen looked above himself his mind going back to the sight of Haven in flames, of Anara's body collapsing before him, of her slowed heart and fading magic. How it had only made his anger and fear boil over to the world around him. Exposing himself to those around him, to Cassandra, Leliana, Josephine. How they had seen the anger on his face, how the tears threatened to leave his eyes. How he pretended it was all from the snow and the ash.
How he was so close to losing her, to feel her body limp in his arms as he tried to cradle her.
"Where's the one, who will guide us into the night?"
Cullen was lost in the music, his mind wandering through the lyrics as he remembered Haven. How she survived through all she endured. Cullen remembered when Solas had placed him in her memories, within her. To seek the answers and the truth within her mind of her mistrust. Of the mark that was burned into her flesh, and the pain that came with it.
"Ame amin.." Cullen was pulled back from his thoughts by the words that were beside him. His eyes looked over to Solas standing beside him. A look upon his face of confusion. "The song, it's an elven song. Ame amin...I am the one.." Solas turned his head towards Cullen, " She is alright Commander..She is far, but she is safe."
Cullen nodded silently, trying to go through his mind trying not to wrack himself over guilt from days earlier. But not to forefront jealousy as he looked at the necklace missing from Solas's person. The moments passed between them as they stood, silently guarding the wall that looked out over the mountains. In the distance the scars from the breach still within the sky, it's green hue like another moon shining light upon the world.
" I will be seeing you later Commander." Solas spoke gently as he looked back at Cullen, his hands uncomfortably gripped into the stone. " You should get some sleep, being without Lyrium for so long can be damaging. I suggest elfroot mixed with tea. Should take the edge off."
He felt the door shut behind him, his back against the door as his head hit the wood behind him. His eyes looking at his templar case that held the remainder of his lyrium addiction. Cullen's teeth clenched as he approached his desk, his arms knocking the wooden case across the room as he yelled. The case clattered across the floor, the empty lyrium vial clattering against the stone floor.
Cullen fell to his knees, his hands bracing against his temple as he groaned, his eyes shutting wishing to escape the world around him, wanting to be back into the memory of Anara's sweet smile.
She stood outside the door to the large chateau. The noise of party life within as people spoke and danced. Her feet struggled with the idea of walking inside, not wishing to be apart of the Orlesian game. Her hands clenched as she looked at the door, her body wishing to flee from the situation. It had been too long since she was in seen in court, her last memories of it was before she was placed in the circle in Ostwick. She felt just as nervous now as she did when she was a child. Her hands twitched as she began to move towards the door her hands reaching towards the heavy metal handle.
It opened outwards, startling her as she stood there, a man standing there in front of her a mask on his face as she stood there, her hand recoiling back slowly.
"Lady Trevelyan? Mistress De Fer awaits you." His hand extended, coaxing her inside as she turned back to the scouts that stood behind her. Waiting on her word, nodding silently as she turned back, her body moving towards the party.
The door shut behind her as she stepped forward, looking over the Orlesian fashion that stood before her. Hard corsets and billowing skirts, she looked at them wondering how women were even able to move let alone breathe in those contraptions around their waists. Her hands reflexively gripped at the necklace around her neck as she stepped forward. Looking around at the masks that hid their faces and their true intentions from the world around them.
She watched as the life around her began to die down, going silent as she approached the room. Her staff echoed through the room as it died down, eyes now upon her as she stood there. Silently being judged, judging those around her.
"Lady Trevelyan of Ostwick, representing the Inquisition." She could hear the murmurs beginning to strum as their suspicions were met.
She felt as if she was being surrounded by finery and by words as people began to prod her with questions of her past. Of her actions within the inquisition.
" I have heard the most curious tales of you. I cannot imagine half of them are true." Anara struggled to listen through her thick Orlesian accent.
She looked over them for a brief moment. Knowing how much the Orlesians enjoyed playing their game. Making one feel out of touch with the rest of the world, Orlais knew how to do that, how to make people feel uncomfortable. But through clenched jaw Anara looked to the woman, desperately trying to find her eyes. "Everything you've heard? Completely true."
The woman looked aghast as she pulled back, " Better and better. The Inquisition should attend more of these parties."
Anara struggled with the idea of smiling as she turned to look towards the stairs, a man walking down them as he seemed fuming with anger.
" This inquisition? What a load of pig shit!" Anara found no more humor in anything around her as her face became serious, too serious. "Washed-up sister and crazed seekers? No one can take them seriously." Her hand clenched into a fist as he began to approach her, moving past as he started at Anara, sizing her up in his movements.
Her lips became a line, her eyes narrowed as she looked at him, feeling the magic within the mark pool and begin to grasp out.
She wanted to punch him, to set him ablaze and see him run out the door. But she was in Orlais, and she had to play the game. " The Inquisition is working to restore peace and order in Thedas."
She could see his lip snarl upward as he began to speak, " Here comes the outsider, restoring peace with an army!" He began to move towards her, his hand holding upward, either threatening, or preparing to strike Anara knew she would have the advantage if her mark would flare. It was an accident she could say, She couldn't control she could lie. How many Orlesians would actually miss this man? She wondered if he reeked of too much wine, or if he just had a chip on his shoulder.
"We know what you 'inquisition' truly is. If you were a woman of honor, you'd step outside and answer the charges!" He moved closer, trying to be intimidating. Anara looked him dead in the eyes, whispering under breath.
" I have no fear of a man hiding behind a mask." She could feel the mark begin to burn as she looked up careless of what Orlais would speak of her after this very night.
He was taken aback, seemingly insulted by her words. She scoffed, holding his arm up as he tried to grab his sword. Anara stood back as she saw ice begin to cover him, encasing him like a statue.
"My dear Marquis.." Anara looked up to see another mage making her way down the opposite side. " How unkind of you to use such language in my house...To my guests."
She seemed to slither down the stairs like a snake preparing to strike, like a wolf in sheep's clothing she stood there, adorned in lace and brocade. Her hat was horned, reminding her of Iron bull and his chargers. She wore a mask, like everyone else in Orlais, something that seemed to confuse and annoy her. People fearing to show their true intentions and faces in court it seemed. She hoped this wasn't something that became routine in Ostwick, or the Free Marches.
" You know such rudeness is...Intolerable." She moved past him, slithering her way as he began to stutter, falling over his words as he struggled to find what to say.
" Madame Vivienne, I humbly beg your pardon." Anara could see the crowd, they were captivated in yet take aback by the marquis actions, and the near frozen state that he was in.
" You should." Vivienne turned towards the Marquis, looking over him as she spoke, "Whatever am I going to do with you, my dear?"
He stayed silent, almost fearful of the enchanters mind and abilities.
"My lady, you're the wounded party in this unfortunate affair. What would you have me do with this foolish, foolish man?"
If she killed him the Inquisition would be seen as aggressive, formidable, but no better than the Templars now. She preached peace and order within Thedas, but if she killed one Marquis every time the Inquisition was insulted the Orlesians would be looking towards Nevarra or worse Tevinter for eligible men.
" I think the marquis has seen the error of his ways." Anara looked as relief suddenly filled his eyes. Fearful of what she could've said and done instead.
Vivienne stepped forward, her hand gripping his chin as she pulled him to her view, "By the grace of Andraste, you have your life, my dear. Do be more careful with it." She snapped her fingers as the Marquis began to cough, feeling the heat begin to return to his bones.
Vivienne stepped toward Anara as she looked at her, " I'm delighted you could attend this little gathering. I've so wanted to meet you." She turned away, almost silently beckoning her to follow.
Anara felt awkward walking through the empty halls of such a large place. The only comparisons she had was her home in Ostwick and Skyhold now. Both seemed to pale in comparison to the large glass windows and the marble walls. Ferelden's and Free Marches seemed to have the same architecture and style. Fur, stone, leather and simplicity, function over form it seemed, much different than the Orlesians.
Everything was large and important. Like the only way to show one's influence and power was in your attire, and your estate. That even the most meager of nobles could scratch out a living in a chateau with servants. Those with more money could easily find themselves an Orlesian Bard.
Their steps echoed out in the empty hallway, as Vivienne stopped before an open window, basking in the air that came through. She breathed out slowly, looking towards Anara's inquisitive face as she took all the sights in.
" Allow me to introduce myself, I am Vivienne, First Enchanter of Montsimmard and Enchantress to the Imperial Court."
She looked as Vivienne's face became more serious to Anara's attempt at humor. It seemed the First Enchanter didn't find her all too funny. Anara tried again, "Charmed, Lady Vivienne."
Her face changed, and it seemed all that Vivienne wanted was some flattery and acknowledgement of her titles. " Ah, but I didn't invite you to the chateau for pleasantries. With Divine justinia dead, The Chantry is in shambles." Anara was wondering where this conversation was going. Cassandra warned her that Vivienne was a Loyalist, sticking solely and closely to The Chantry like feathers to a bird.
" As the leader of the last loyal mages to Thedas. I feel it only right that I lend my assistance to your cause." Anara could feel her teeth grit as Vivienne spoke, trying to wiggle her way into the Inquisition, watching their movements from the inside.
She was caught at an impasse, she just had to tell Cassandra an ally is an ally. That Vivienne's name carried weight in court, and would bring us new allies. She had hoped that the Enchanter would bring Celine on board with the Inquisition, but that seemed like a stretch.
She fought deeply with her words and her mind. knowing that regardless of the Enchanters stand with The Chantry, she would be a valuable ally in the end.
" The Inquisition will be happy to have you, Lady Vivienne." Anara tried to pull it off as natural, not trying to sound like she spoke through gritted teeth. Vivienne was a snake in the grass and she knew, Vivienne knew it, all of Orlais KNEW it. She would be a great piece in this battle, and they all knew it.
" Great things are beginning, my dear. I can promise you that." She leaned back against the marble pillar, her fingers crossing over one another. "Now, if you don't mind me saying, if you expect to get anywhere in Orlais, you must change your outfit my dear. This will simply not do." She shook her head as Anara slowly looked at her clothing, she was confused to say the least. Function over form she reminded herself. Function. Over. Form.
Vivienne continued to shake her head, " Oh no, this will not do at all. Not in court. Oh my dear, it seems like we must prepare you for Orlesian Court."
Anara's face turned questionable as she looked at Vivienne's face, " And how does one...prepare for Orlesian Court..?"
Vivienne threw her hands up in exasperation, " You must LOOK the party my dear, which means we must stop in Val Royeaux. They have the best looks for erm…" Vivienne looked Anara up and down as she thought out the words. " All types of people.." She could see a forced smile spread to Vivienne's face as she spoke.
No. Not Val Royeaux..