Cullen felt his eyes open, the light coming in past the curtains that held the darkness in the room. He breathed deeply, sighing as he exhaled The bed was soft and warm, he could hear the rustling of life around him. His body suddenly jerked up, instantly regretting it as his body ached, his head throbbing.

Cullen rubbed his eyes, trying to adjust to the world that now surrounded him. He looked over the couch, and the empty glasses around the room, the bottle of Orlesian Spirits resting on the table. He looked over the clothes discarded on the floor, the blue samite, and his suit. He looked across the room to see Solas standing there in silence, drinking tea as he stared into the the remaining embers of the fireplace.

He turned to the bed to see Anara still sleeping, her hair tangled across her face as she slept.

"Commander." He heard Solas speak from across the room, cup still in hand as he looked at him. "How did you sleep?" Cullen looked down at Anara again, her body shifting as his hand gently reached out, moving the hair from her face. He smiled to himself, silently answering Solas's question.

He couldn't help himself but lay down next to her, his arm wrapped around her, pulling her closer to his body. His hand wandering on her skin, How many nights did he spend dreaming this? How many nights he spent waiting, wishing, and dreaming to tell her how he felt.

He felt her shift in his arms, his eyes looking over her parted lips, how she slept so quietly; barely making any sound. He could feel himself harden as he remembered last night. How her body moved with his, rising and falling on him. How her body pulled back, Solas's hand upon her body as Cullen grabbed her hips.

Cullen pulled himself back, looking at Anara's sleeping figure, his hand running down her body, fingers grabbing her hips. Wishing only to bury himself in her again, repeating last night.

He leaned in his lips achingly close as his tongue touched her lips, testing the waters before kissing her deeply.

She gave a soft moan, Cullen taking the response and running with it. His lips pressed against hers, his tongue grazing, pulling moans from her lips as his body pressed against her's. He was lost within the feel of her, lost just like the night before. His body ached as he rolled over, his body on top of her's as her eyes opened, her body responding in kind.

Cullen felt himself pull away, his lips hungry now for Anara. "Cullen." He heard her say quietly, still waking up after the night. Cullen couldn't help himself anymore as his lips kissed her neck, causing her to moan, her back arching into his body, aching for his touch.

Solas looked across the room, setting his tea down as he heard the shuffling in bed. Listening to Anara moan quietly as Cullen pressed himself against her. His fingers reached out, touching her cheek, pulling her chin up as he leaned down, capturing her lips as Cullen's lips trailed down her shoulder.

Anara's hand came up fingers gently running across Solas's jawline. Sighing contently as she felt Cullen's tongue trail across her skin, causing her body to shift in response. She closed her eyes, feeling her back raise off the bed as Cullen's hands gently raked against her skin.

They were lost in the motions, against bringing themselves down into passion until there was a knock on the door. The loud noise pulling them quickly from the feelings surrounding them.

" Lady Trevelyan.." A thick Orlesian accent was heard through the door, they could already feel the intrusion.

Cullen sighed, his head resting against her chest as he was exasperated. It was a new day, and this day demanded their leave back to Skyhold. Cullen could feel himself move, pulling away from Anara as she hit her head against the pillow, groaning, annoyed beyond belief.

" Inquisitor?" The voice became familiar, the thick sound of the Antivan; her ambassador, and adviser Josephine.

Her hands rubbed her eyes as Cullen rolled off, his body feeling the cold air on his body as he tried to find his clothes on the floor. Hoping to make it back to his room undetected.

Solas chuckled as he pulled away, turning back towards his cup of tea. A bemused smile on his lips.

" I'm awake…" Anara spoke, her hands pressed against her face, letting out an irritated groan as she pushed herself up from the bed, Solas still sipping his tea.

"Solas.." She whispered, looking at him watch The Commanders frantic attempts at dressing. He nodded gently Heading towards the side door that lead the to a few rooms, sneaking through to the hallways literally undetected by the other elves that filled the Winter Palace.

Cullen pulled the shirt back over his shoulders as he looked flushed, hearing the knocks sound again on the door. "Inquisitor? Are you ready? We must be going, I assume the Commander is already halfway to Skyhold by now."

Anara swung her legs over the bed, feeling the cold stone on the ground as she stepped towards Cullen, her hands running over his stomach, as she felt the hard muscles on his chest.

"Yes…" She spoke, looking over Cullen's body as her hands worked on the suit, helping him pull himself together. "Half way to Skyhold…"

Cullen's hands touched her skin, feeling the warmth of her body against the cold of the air in the room. Josephine walking in on this wouldn't be the weirdest thing in the world. The Commander could live with these sorts of rumors running around Skyhold. It'd certainly keep the Orlesians and their proposals at bay. Cullen looked down at Anara, her eyes looking at the scars on his chest, her fingers gently running across them. Her eyes turned to his as she gently smiled. He felt a flutter in his chest as he looked at her smile. The gentleness played across her lips, remembering the spent passion between them that night before.

His fingers gently tucked her hair behind her ear as he leaned in. Reveling in the feel, in the knowledge that this smile was only for him. No longer on show in public, no longer a reminder of what he couldn't have. It was his, she was his for as long as he would hold on she was his. He pressed his lips against hers, feeling the sweetness and tenderness between them pour out in that kiss. His mind would race for the rest of the day, maybe for the rest of his life now, forever in need of her. Like she was a far off sanctuary away from the turmoil of the world around them.

He felt his lips pull away, hearing another knock on the door pull them out from their daze, "Inquisitor! We must leave!" The Antivan accent still thick, but this time with urgency.

" I understand.." Anara spoke gently as Cullen stepped back, his head gently bowing as he turned to the door, his mind forever remembering every curve and trace of her body.

She heard the door gently shut when she finally looked over her clothes, glad that Solas was able to procure more reasonable clothing.

Josephine felt her patience wane as her hand raised to the door, her foot stamping in a pattern. "Inquisitor, we don't have time for thi-"

The door opened as Anara slung the dresses over her shoulders. Taking note to never let Vivienne take her shopping again, heavy fabrics, gilded in color, too many layers.

" Oh good, I was beginning to worry." Anara began to walk through the hall, Josephine quickly behind her as she read off her notes.

" Empress Celene is grateful for our services, and will bring all the support of Orlais behind you."

She felt the stone under her boots as she walked, sensing both her lovers reach out to her, both of them feeling like a warm embrace as she walked. Bracing her from the cold that awaited them outside, she looked over the group gathered. Watched as items were packed, and horses were prepared for the long march back to Skyhold. She looked to a Soldier being talked to by the Commander. Josephine exclaimed as she walked forward.

"Commander! There you are! We assumed you left early. Being stuck in Orlais, I know how much the nobles here bother you."

Cullen handed off the reports to the scout next to him, his hand rubbing the back of his neck as he spoke. " I went for a walk early this morning, had to clear my head of last nights events."

He looked up to see Anara looking him over, a smug look of satisfaction on her face as Cullen tried to shield his sudden embarrassment.

"That would explain why you never answered your door!" Josephine chastised him, "You haven't even changed Commander! You know how the Orlesians hate old attire.." He groaned, almost rolling his eyes. She was an ambassador, and more versed with the Orlesians than he was, but still. Cut the man some slack.

"Josephine.." Anara spoke, "We've all had a very long night. I think the Orlesians can forgive him this one time." Josephine huffed, nodding to Anara.

"Of course, be it the will of the Inquisition." She strode past her, gold satin and all as she walked towards the carriage that awaited her. Shutting the door from the cold as the conversation closed behind her. It was beginning of their trek back to Skyhold.

The cold winter winds ripped through her hair as they moved through the mountains, looking upon Skyhold in the distance, the trek taking so much from them as they moved. She looked over to see The Commander huddled in his furs for warmth, feeling the waning presence of his Templar abilities run against her. Like a reassuring arm running up her body.

Solas preferred to walk still, regardless of the long trek. Elves liked the feel of the dirt on their feet he'd say. But she wondered how they felt about snow, all that cold must do something. But she ignored the thoughts that passed through her head as she felt Solas's magic too, pulling her back like an attentive lover.

They were close to the gates, her legs swinging from her Charger as she patted the light armor on it's body. Pulling the reins in as she began to walk across the drawbridge that welcomed them back into the arms of the mountains.

Anara looked up to see the figures of Orlesians and Ferelden's standing along the battlements. Their eyes looking down on them as she heard their applause, glad that they stopped the assassination attempt against the Empress.

Master Dennet took the reins from her as they entered the courtyard, pulling the Charger to the stables. She stood there looking across the battlements until she saw the familiar shield propped up on the wall. She looked at the shield in the morning sun, looking at the now familiar face of Le'sondar, her black hair and green eyes staring back at them. Anara turned to look beside Le'sondar seeing another man stand beside her, his white hair blowing in the breeze. She remembered the stories from Varric about the broody elf.

Tanned skin, white hair and tattoos that covered him from head to toe. Lyrium burned into his skin, magic in his blood. Broody, angry elf, Hawke's lover, fighter, and friend.

She looked to her, watching as she nodded to them. Anara turned to see the Commander approaching her, " It seems duty never rests for the Inquisition.."

She gave a half hearted laugh looking at him, " The Inquisition never rests. Though the Inquisitor would like some rest.."

Cullen felt himself pull closer to Anara, a coy smile spreading across his face, "Didn't get enough sleep Inquisitor? I wonder why…"

She felt a tightness in her chest as he spoke, suddenly aware of everyone around them. Open flirting wasn't her thing, especially now since they were in the open, for all to see. She only smiled, nodding as she pulled away, still feeling both lovers hold close to her as she walked away, her body moving towards the war room, leaving the Kirkwall lovers to their own affairs.

Darkness had fall as everyone slept, all but a select few, their minds occupied with the task at hand. Cullen looked over Josephine's room, filled with books and scrolls. His eyes moved to the couch to see her asleep parchment close by, as if she fell asleep writing to some nobles.

Cullen's hands gently scooped up the papers, his eyes looking over the writing.

'My Dear Marquis,

I regret to inform you that this time the Commander Cullen is not interested in the prospect of marriage. Although your family name would be kindly added to the Inquisition I do ask that you assist the Inquisition in another way beyond that of..'

Her handwriting scratched out several different kinds of words all in which she seemed confused on what to write.

'Marriage? Engagement? Physical….Pleasure?'

It seemed the words were hard to write.

He looked over several other stacks that seemed to have the same thing written on them. Letting out an annoyed groan at the countless marriage proposals between him and some comtesse, or some Marquis somewhere.

His hands slipped on a small note, one responding to a Free Marcher order.

'Lady Lucille,

It is with great joy that I write to you about your great niece. You inquired earlier about how she is doing, and how her breeding is. I must say that she is still as noble as the Trevelyan blood coursing through her veins. I do appreciate you and your families continued relationship with the Montilyet's and will report to you of her desires in marriage and her adventures. There is no need to be sending young suitors to Skyhold, it is a cold and barren place and no place for arranged marriages.

Sincerely,

Josephine Montilyet,

Ambassador and Adviser of the Inquisition'

Cullen felt his hand rub against his face as his eyebrows furrowed. So far away and they still try to control her. Sheltered her for years within the tower and now that she stands as the Inquisitor they take interest in her.

Cullen felt his head begin to pound as he placed the stack of papers upon Josephine's desk, turning to see the fire slowly die in the room. Cullen felt restless as he walked down the hallway, his eyes looking towards the large doors of the War Room.

He was tense, strategy was something he was good at, something that he knew would help him sleep in the long run. Corypheus was out there still, plotting and planning against them, using the Templar's and even Samson for his plans. They had the advantage, they had seen a future and they had already changed it's course. Cullen knew that if he planned, if he looked over the reports that have been pouring in daily they could be a few steps ahead. They could have the chance at defeating Corypheus.

He opened the doors to see the light enter the room. He looked out to see the moon through the glass. Looking over the across the mountains that stretched out all around them. His eyes fell to the map of Thedas, seeing the key pieces of the Inquisition played out like chess pieces. A dagger or two stuck in spots of most importance, reminding them all of their decisions and their motives now more than ever.

He tried to remember in Haven when he kissed Anara, when she tempted him before. With Solas preventing him from escaping. He remembered her lips before they helped seal The Breach, but Cullen didn't have time to wander in his memories. He had to live in the present, his eyes looking over the map, trying to find the stack of reports that he would go over every morning.

Cullen felt his temper begin to shorten as he moved pieces around, looking under stacks of maps, moving cups, and strange skulls. He began to rustle and make noise, a noise that seemed to come from the very corner of the room.

"Evening Commander.." Cullen felt himself tense for a moment, somehow always expecting Leliana to lurk in the dark. But was instead met with Anara focusing intently by herself, surrounded by papers and a single candle burning low.

" Anara? I thought you were asleep." She breathed in deeply as she closed her eyes briefly, setting the unread papers down beside her as she stood up, walking towards the War Table with a few reports in hand.

"You said so yourself, the Inquisition never sleeps…" She placed the few papers on the table in front of them as she leaned over the table, trying to pop her stiff back. "Varric is asking for a personal favor in Kirkwall, someone has been ghost writing his books." Cullen seemed to frown at the report that she pulled aside.

"Josephine needs us to find our way into Emprise Du Lion. There have been reports of red templar's there, and there is talk of a mining facility. I imagine we will send Scout Harding for that.." Cullen nodded agreeing silently to her terms.

"Finally.." Her hand rested upon a final piece of paper, "Hawke gave us this information regarding her Grey Warden friend. She says that the Wardens are in danger, and that they may have suffered from the hand of Corypheus."

"What makes you think that?" Cullen asked, pulling the paper up to read.

Anara leaned, resting her face in her hands as she remembered the words Hawke told her in their first meeting. "She told me that the Grey Warden's sealed Corypheus away, that must mean that he is linked to the Warden's somehow...Especially if he is a Magister after all.."

Cullen set the paper down looking over Anara's tenseness. Her shoulders were heavy with the burden that fell upon her. With each feat that they accomplish, the more heroic she would become, how it would appear that she is divine in all senses. Cullen's hand reached out, resting gently on her shoulder, feeling as she let her breath out. Feeling as if for a moment she wasn't alone in all of this.

"Anara…" He said pulling her attention away from the maps and the reports, knowing now the toll that her responsibility could cause. He looked into her tired eyes, how her body seemed to pull back and ache. He grabbed her hand gently feeling her fingers gently grasp under his. He pulled her arm towards him, pulling Anara from the War Table. It had been a long night for them all, but standing here now wouldn't change anything. This war would wait for them until the morning.

He pulled her hand in, the rest of him gently ushering her in as he embraced her, his arms wrapping gently around her shoulders as she rested against him.

He was a rock, a standing foundation in which they could all turn to. She had known that his dreams were plagued by memories, haunting nightmares of choices and decisions that he had made long ago. She had hoped that his dreams would no longer be plagued by such, but she knew better than the dwell on hopes.

She felt her face press against his chest, feeling the rough spun tunic on her face. It was after hours, he no longer needed to have his commanding uniform. But instead seemed at ease now in the comfort of silence and darkness.

Her hands twitched, still uneasy with the decisions ahead of her, she knew Corypheus had something to do with the Wardens. Now she had to do something about it. Her eyes flickered over Crestwood, the next marker on her map as she sighed into the Commander's chest. Feeling his strength in his arms, his reassurance in his warmth and his tenderness in his words as he spoke.

He pressed his lips to her head, the smallest sign of affection that he had for her. Not wishing to push her past her exhausted edge. She quietly moaned at the kiss, feeling the affection, even if it was in her hair. Cullen could feel himself become possessive in that moment between them in the stillness of the night. Wishing to remind her each and everyday the feeling he had for her.

His hand pulled her chin up, looking her in the eyes. Wanting to strip away all the burden's that rested upon her. He leaned in, closing in the distance between them as her eyes closed, wishing for the warming comfort of a lover's touch.

As his lips closed their distance, he could feel the heat boil in his belly as his words fell from his lips, sealing their kiss.

"I love you Anara…"