"Memories warm you up on the inside. But they also tear you apart."
-Hakuri Murakami
A/N: ***Some explicit sexual content and suggested non-con themes apply.***
A tremor shot through her sweat-soaked body as a low grumble shattered the silence around her. A man sat slumped, sleeping uncomfortably in a chair with his head resting on crossed arms next to her.
She leapt to her feet in escape.
The chair fell from beneath her captor as he responded with speed. Her breathing intensified, her heart pounded in her throat. She could hear a voice, muffled as it were.
Her eyes darted to the Pieces of Eden in the corner of the room. Lunging toward them, the strong arms threw her back onto the bed.
"You can't right now, you have to rest-"
"No!" She screeched, "Let go of me!"
"You're awake now. You're safe. I won't hurt you…Try to calm down. Everything is okay." He held his patience, "I won't let anything happen to you."
He remained strong for her, but inside, his gut was wrenched.
Slowly, her body relaxed. He let her go as she slowly turned towards him, peering into his eyes.
"Cullen," She choked his name between gasps for air.
"Yes, it's me, Inquisitor." He squeezed her hand, "Do you know where you are?"
She observed the stone room, trying to calm the panic that flooded her senses.
"Skyhold."
"Very good." He encouraged.
Gently taking the crook of her elbow into his palm, he directed her to the bed suggesting she sit. He picked up his chair, sitting down while lifting a rag from a bucket of water, "May I?"
Naomi looked at the dripping cloth in his hand, giving him a hesitant nod. He dabbed the cold water on her forehead.
She shook beneath his touch.
Her eyes slammed shut every time he made contact, as would an abused pup.
He replaced the cloth back in the bucket, moving it aside as he stood to his feet. Her hand shot out to his arm, "Don't g-go!" She begged, her voice shrill.
"I just need something from my desk," He rest his hand on hers, "I'm not going anywhere. I promise."
He retrieved a strange root, breaking it off into small pieces as he placed them in a bowl.
"This is Felandaris. Solas asked me to ensure that you ate it upon waking. Will you, please?"
The plant made her weary.
"It's fine, really." He took a piece to his mouth, crunching off a bit as an example. His face twisted at the poor taste, but did his best to make it seem appealing, "See?"
She returned a blank stare.
"Eat."Consus instructed.
Naomi extended an untrusting hand, taking the piece of herb between her fingers. She lifted the foul-smelling plant to her lips, eating it without reaction.
Cullen looked at her unexpectedly. The Felandaris was truly disgusting, he didn't know how she could stand it. The Inquisitor popped another piece into her mouth, then two at a time, and soon- the vessel was empty.
"Thank you." She whispered.
He moved the bowl to the floor, standing up and walking to a desk lined with flickering candles.
"Of course, Inquisitor."
The two of them lingered in the room awkwardly.
"The things I saw…the things I've learned," her emerald met his amber, "Cullen, this changes everything."
"Tomorrow."
With a strong "Huff," the candles went mute.
"You'll tell me after you've rested tomorrow."
She felt his muscles constrict around her waist before she could argue.
"For now, just…I feared…I thought that maybe- "He nestled his face into her saffron hair as he pushed her head into his chest, "Thank the Maker you're alright." His voice was shaking.
His gentle words brought the memories of their night together. Where he held her, embraced her, made her feel safe- even after she had made a drunken fool out of herself. She remembered when she woke in the middle of the night, when she looked up to see him looming over her, his arms draped on her side.
Her shaking hand ran through his hair, making him jump. She pulled back, fragile. "I'm sorry, I just…"
Cullen reached out for her hand, gently returning it to his head as they lay back together. She smiled at him, running her tremoring fingers about his blonde mane, losing herself in its wondrous color.
"Cullen?" She whispered, still petting him.
"Yes, my Lady Inquisitor?" He tiredly responded.
"Will you sleep with me?" She froze, "Not like, you know…but…like before, after I-"
"Drove me to the brink of insanity?" He chuckled, leaning up, "I would love nothing more."
The Commander scooped her up in his arms and pulled her close to him. Her shaking ceased at his embrace. The Shroud glowed between them, giving the two a warm, comforting sensation. She swallowed nervously, feeling embarrassed by her frail display. Cullen kissed the back of her head lovingly, resting his cheek in her hair.
"Sleep sweet, Naomi."
…
Naomi and Edward fell on their backs, landing in the sand on a secluded, uninhabited shore of Havana.
"Can you believe we outran them? Half the city watch?" She jested, "And how they got lost in that mangrove!"
Their chests heaved from sprinting across the rooftops, up the buildings, and down the lifts.
"Aye, after the things we find ourselves in, I can." He smiled at her, leaning up on one elbow.
He admired her captivating beauty against the powder-white snow. There had been something he wanted to say to her, and never found the right time to say it.
"You ever think about…What happens after this? After we're too old to be Captains, too old to be Assassins?"
Her grin faded when she saw the serious expression stretched across his scarred face.
"No," She sat up, embracing her knees, "I don't believe you're ever done bein' a Captain; bein' an Assassin."
"You know what I meant, don't get clever." Kenway smirked.
She leaned her head on his shoulder as he wrapped an arm around her. The Dishonored and the Jackdaw lay anchored in the distance, out passed the mangrove bush they found themselves behind. They inhaled the moment of peace among the hectic pace they'd grown accustomed to.
Naomi thought about what came next quite often. She knew one day she'd have to tell Edward the truth.
"Aye. Sometimes." She admitted to him, "It usually ends up with me bein' alone in Dublin as some old, jaded Mentor in the Bureau."
"Alone? You tryin' to tell me something?"
"You're reckless. And daft. I doubt you'll live alive long enough to see me retire." She teased him, gleaming into his sapphires.
He chuckled, not denying the claim. Her face was a constant reminder of the truth of her words. Edward's hand reached to Naomi's face, tracing her scar with his thumb.
"Come now, I made a promise to you…the day the Sage split your face because of my foolishness. Does your memory fail you so easily?"
"I reckon' you're askin' 'cause you don't remember?"
"Nay, I mighty do-clear as day." He pressed his lips against hers, his tongue sinking into her mouth as it slithered in passion.
She nibbled at him, falling into ecstasy at his kiss.
"I promised you…" Edward grabbed a handful of her hair, pulling her head back to caress her neck with his mouth, "…to follow you to the ends of this Earth, and the next."
The buttons below her waist became undone as his kisses trailed down to her chest.
"Edward," She moaned in delight, "What about the-"
He turned her over, resting his hands on her hips, his mouth returning to the back of her neck. Naomi laughed as he pulled her pants below her thighs.
She closed her eyes as his hips rocked against her gently, giving short and quick sighs of pleasure. His ragged breathing quickened in her ear as she arched her back. The adrenaline-ridden Assassins made love amidst the chaos, the waves behind them crashing into the sand.
"We made a deal, girl." The words echoed, forcing her eyes open as she was violently rolled onto her back. Her wrists were pressed firmly against a wooden floor.
The Anchor flared, her anger trifled. The light gave way to Captain Abbey's Quarters on the H.M.S. Zealand.
"This isn't real," She told herself, her voice was maddening as if losing her sanity, "You're not real. You're dead. I killed you-I blew your brains onto the splinters'o this very floor!"
She felt blood drip down her thigh as she placed the glowing hand the side of his head, "And I'll right fuckin' kill you again, demon!"
"Wake UP!"
Green light rippled around them, concentrated around the Anchor pressed to her suitor's face.
"Naomi, you have to-"
The hands gripping her tightened.
"I-I didn't mean'ta hurt you, I-"She began to shake violently, "I almost-"
"It's alright, sh…" Naomi was immediately pulled into his bare chest, "You must calm yourself."
The Anchor retreated into the innards of her palm.
Her face went flush when colliding with him, her cheek lay nestled under his chin. A warmth spread through her as his hug tightened.
"Do you trust me?"
Cullen's sweet voice interrupted her processing thoughts.
"A-aye." She choked, her voice muffled by the mess of limbs it sprang from. Tears stung her cheeks and her eyes were sore, as if she'd been crying for a while.
Still embracing one another, they gently fell backwards onto the bed.
"There's somethin' bout you that…soothes me…" She sniffled as her finger traced a scared, muscular patch of skin around his heart as his naked arms cradled her.
His eyes locked with hers as she looked to him for security in her vulnerable state.
"I will always be here for you any way that I can." His scared lip raised into a gentle smile, touched by her frailness. His usual professional tone melted away, revealing care and love.
"Rough as it sounds…how unlucky of you." She returned a nervous grin.
"'Unlucky?' You do yourself great injustice."
Naomi blushed across her cheeks.
"Ah, right, well…" She cleared her throat, "Off to sleep we go, then."
She rolled over to face away from him, taken aback by his intimate words.
"Good night, Cullen."
He pulled her close to him as he whispered softly into the dry, winter air. She didn't object.
"Good night, my lady."
…
The sun lit all corners of the room, waking the Captain from her peaceful sleep. Her arm was hooked to Cullen's side; her leg wrapped on his waist. Her ears were filled with the sound of his heartbeat as his chest rose and fell beneath her head. She inhaled sharply as her eyes parted, blinking tiredly as her breath left her.
"Good morning…" Cullen rubbed her shoulder as he spoke, "How are you feeling?"
As Naomi leaned up on her elbow to face him, his coddling touch slid to her side, not letting her go.
"Better." Her face was pained. She held his hand with her shaking palm, "Don't make ill with me, I didn't-"
"I know. I'm only glad you returned to me-er…us."
She chuckled, resting her head back down on him. Cullen held Naomi close to him, as if someone might take her from his possession.
"During my time in the Circles, I've seen more than one Harrowing turn sour."
"Did they all end with you in bed with a woman?" She laughed, brushing her nose against his slacked jaw as she cuddled into the crook of his neck.
He turned to her, taking in the scent of her hair, hypnotized by her presence.
"Only yours." He sighed, "I am…glad you did not undergo the Rite of Tranquility."
"I…I didn't want to risk losing the Inquisition to Corypheus. I felt it just, putting the risk to bed. It seems Consus would have it another way."
"I can't say I disagree with him."
She looked up, sensing hesitation, "What is it?"
"He…spoke to me. Before you drank the Lyrium Philter."
"What did he say?"
"He told me his names- Prometheus, Dirthamen, Consus."
"Aye, they're a package deal, Consus and the Shroud. History has given him many'a names."
Cullen paused for a moment.
"If my memory serves me well, 'Dirthamen' is an Elven god. Some of the Magi in the Circle studied him…I do not remember what he represents, but I found it…alarming. More alarming than him calling me 'Friend.'"
Bells tolled from the main hall, awakening the Inquisition to the dawn. They echoed across the mountains, giving the valley a sense of serenity.
"The others only know you changed your mind and took the Philter. When they woke up and tried to drag you away, I demanded you be placed under my care. Alone." He smiled mischievously, crossing his arms beneath his head.
"How dreadfully devious." Naomi jokingly bopped him on the nose, "I'll make a right proper scoundrel out of you, yet."
Cullen took her hand and placed a kiss on the top, "We shall see about that."
Her heart pounded in her chest as another bell chime gave way to the wind.
She looked away, blushing, "We should probably…"
"Right." He agreed.
The Commander slowly rose, walking to his armor stand. He began strapping the metal pieces into place. Naomi studied him patiently.
"What?" His face flushed as he strapped his chest piece on.
"Oh, nothing."
"Something." He argued.
"Admiring you from afar, I suppose. Shame, really."
He blushed brighter, smiling and rolling his eyes to the ceiling, "How 'dreadfully devious.'"
Naomi removed her tunic, tossing it onto the chair. She flipped through the pile of folded clothes and armor, looking for her blouse.
"So," she began, "Who changed me into your clothes?"
"Cass-" He looked to her as he began the conversation, his eyes widening at her naked back.
Black ink covered it wholly- a perfect depiction of The Dishonored stretching between each of her shoulder blades. Two wolves howled from the base of her hip, as if the ship were the moon. A compass rose planted itself in the center of her lower back. He had seen her arms before, but hadn't noticed the two large Assassin insignia's emblazoned on the back of her biceps where skulls sat firmly where the symbols split at the bottom.
She put her blouse on, blocking his view. He shook himself out of his daze, focusing on what he was saying, "Cassandra."
Turning to face him, she slipped her bodice over her shoulders, pulling it down and tucking away her sizeable breasts into their cups. The collar on her shirt opened ever so slightly, showing him familiar tentacles that extended lower than her collarbone.
"A wasted opportunity!" She jested, tucking the white shirt into her breeches and securing her belt.
"You've got to know me better than that, by now." He sat on the edge of the bed, buckling his plate armor to his legs.
"Oh, I know." She snapped her gloves on, slipping her fingers through the sockets on her hidden blade bracers, "I simply enjoy the chase." Naomi extended a blade, observing it in the sun.
"The chase?" He worked on his other leg.
Naomi extended her arms into her Captain's coat one arm at a time, buttoning it as she spoke, "Makin' underhanded comments, takin' advantage of a right gentleman as you are, watching you squirm-that sort of thing." She sat, dragging her boots passed her calves and up to her knees.
"You know what I think, Inquisitor?" He grinned, looking up to her as he fondled a strap at his ankle.
"What's that?" Naomi slung her pistol holsters over her shoulder, and around her waist, placing them in their slots one by one.
"I think you're not used to being the one doing the chasing,and that makes you squirm."
Her eyebrows raised themselves.
"You, I-"She huffed, "No." She slung the Staff's sleeve on her back, "I've chased plenty of men."
"Uh-huh."
"What?" Her brow furrowed, placing the belt with the sword sheaths around her waist.
"You've never been told 'no' to sex before."
She shook her head, placing her swords at her side.
"Well…I-"Naomi blushed. The Captain strapped her utility belt, tying Consus over it with haste.
"Have you ever been properly courted, Inquisitor?" Cullen was fully clad in his armor, putting his coat on as he taunted her.
She looked to the side, grabbing the Staff and swinging it into the sleeve.
"Well?" He asked again.
She scoffed, smiling at their bickering.
"Now is hardly the time for this." Naomi tried to shut him down, tried to change the subject.
"Ah. I see." Cullen smirked.
The Inquisitor climbed the wall, using cracks and iron-clad lantern hooks for grips. The calmness had begun to fade as she remembered the anxiety and darkness of the previous night.
"Until next time, Lion." Her voice was quieter, the humor leaving her to be cold and and empty.
The Commander was saddened to see her leave.
"Of course, Inquisitor." He answered.
She had already slipped through the opening in his roof, leaving Cullen to reflect upon his own experiences of the night.
