HI EVERYONE, I'M SO SORRY I'VE BEEN SO BUSY WITH MY NEW JOB AND WITH THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN, I'M AN ESSENTIAL WORKER BUT I PULLED AN ALL-NIGHTER TO FINISH THIS CHAPTER UNTIL I PUT UP THE NEXT ONE IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS. THANKS FOR BEING SO PATIENT, AND PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK AND WHAT YOU'D LIKE TO SEE IN THE STORY.
The walk into the Throne Room was a bit much for Rainlily. People were throwing her suggestive winks; people were whispering as they looked at Cullen and herself; she knew that her day with Cullen was no secret. She blushed as she looked away, Cullen guiding her with his hand on her lower back. He swung the door open to Josephine's office, leading them to the back room, straight towards the War Room. Entering the War Room, the duo saw Leliana, Josephine, and the Inquisitor already standing in their usual spots. "Thank the Maker you're here, we were starting to get worried." Leliana said, smiling in relief. "I apologize for the confusion. What's this I hear about someone coming into my room?" Rainlily asked, trying hard not to look over to her brother. She could feel his eyes on her for a moment before looking back to Leliana as she spoke.
"Your scout was doing a patrol when he heard crashing from your tower. When he went to investigate, the first thing he noticed was your room was in a disarray. When he realized the invader was not you, the intruder and the scout got into a fight. He managed to subdue him though, surprisingly. I've learned not to think so little of Scout Aedan…" Josephine explained. "Indeed. I've had some alone time with our intruder. He spoke either nothing or Dalish to me." Leliana informed them. "Dalish? So, is he an elf?" Cullen asked. Josephine nodded, "Yes. He wore a standard Dalish hunter armor, and his body build, and ears were indeed elven." Josephine answered. "But are they connected to my clan?" Mark questioned. Rainlily frowned at his answer but looked over to Leliana. "Leliana, did he by any chance have a weapon? A dagger, or a bow? I would like to investigate it." Rainlily asked. Leliana nodded as she pulled a knife from the back of her robes, which Rainlily took happily. "What are you looking for?" Cullen asked.
She smiled as she looked up him briefly before looking down at the dagger. "Similar to the Dalish god June, each Dalish clan has a craftsman who makes our weapons. The hilt of this dagger for example has both iron and ironbark, which is a special item with a special ability to craft anything with ironbark. Also, some clans will engrave a marking for their clan. It's not always used of course, but for elite hunters, they will receive one for when they meet with other Dalish clans. It's to know who is from which clan." Rainlily explained. "You seem to know a whole lot." Mark pointed out, noticing her ignore him as she brought the hilt to her eye level. "If I remember correctly, our clan used to be well-known for their craftsmanship, as well as our hunting, which means this is the emblem of the June carved into the hilt. Our Dalish god June was the one who taught us to craft our hunting tools and taught us how to wield them." She explained, handing the knife to Cullen. Cullen looked at It closely, noticing how it was almost similarly carved to the one on his chest. "You're right…" Cullen agreed as he put the dagger down.
"Which means that the intruder that was in your room was from…the Inquisitor's clan?" Josephine asked, wanting clarity. "I had my suspicions, but that was very well-hidden. Thank you for sharing that with me, Rainlily." Leliana said with a smile. Mark couldn't believe what he was hearing; why would they attack his sister now? She wasn't a threat to Minrah anymore, why would the clan come after her now? He looked up at his sister, she looked worried, biting her lower lip like she usually does when she is concerned. "I'm not a threat though. Why come after me now?" she couldn't help but ask, Cullen rested a hand on her shoulder in support. "It's possible that with the reunion with your brother, she might be worried you might make him learn the truth of his past. There would be a mutiny in the clan, would it not?" Leliana assumed. Rainlily sighed, "Well he's remembering everything little by little since Adamant Fortress. Even if I wasn't here, he would've found out anyways." Rainlily pointed out. Josephine cleared her throat. "Yes well, for now, we need to put you somewhere safe and hidden." Josephine pointed out as she wrote it down.
"She can stay with me" Everyone looked to Mark, who was looking to Rainlily "It is in the corner of the Skyhold, with only one way in and out." Leliana nodded, thinking it over. "That is not a bad idea, and I can have my men stationed with her at all times. If anyone makes it in, no one will make it out." She said in a low, almost threatening voice. "I'm not comfortable with that" Rainlily interjected "Can't I stay with Commander Cullen? It's another safe place, his scouts will keep their eyes on me as well from there." Cullen nodded, "I wouldn't mind. My scouts are accustomed to her. It'd be no trouble for me as well." Cullen offered. Josephine and Leliana looked at each other with a knowing smile. "As much as that is a lovely idea, they will know of your relationship. You wouldn't be safe with him, not to mention the hole on the ceiling as well would be too easy to reach you." Leliana explained. Rainlily sighed, crossing her arms while she pouted, Cullen pulling her against him closely. "It'll be alright. My men and I will be taking turns being with you while your brother is away." He told her sincerely.
She smiled up at him, resting a hand on top of his, squeezing his hand in assurance before looking back at Josephine. "My concern is though is a scout sneaking in again. If they managed to sneak in undetected, then what about a second time? If they were in my tower looking for me, or for any information since they ransacked my room, won't they try to get into his room as well?" Rainlily pointed out. Josephine looked over to Leliana. "She does have a point. We don't know what they are truly planning or looking for." Josephine pointed out. Leliana sighed, nodding as she looked to the table. "The Inquisitor will be leaving as well, we can't really be certain someone won't sneak in there, but it will also be suspicious if someone enters the room though…" Leliana said. "Let's just try it temporarily. If you have been discovered, we will move you elsewhere." Josephine told the group.
"So be it." Rainlily sighed out loud. "Are you sure?" Mark asked. He was hoping to get her alone, to have a chance to speak with her. She refused to look at him though, he could tell his words still hurt her. "I'll be fine…I'll head over there in a moment." She said, looking to the war table. "We will begin preparations then. Cullen, can Leliana and I have a word with you?" Josephine said, pushing Leliana out with her; clearly seeing the tension between the two. Leliana followed her, but Cullen couldn't help but look back for a moment when he saw Mark going towards his sister, following the other advisors. Rainlily nodded to her brother before following them.
"Sister." She froze at his voice, her eyes glued to the door that now closed in front of her.
"Sister, please, talk to me. Look at me."
She turned to him, crossing her arms. "There is no need to."
Mark walked over to her, making her take another step away from him. "I am so sorry for hurting you. The memories were fresh in my mind, the feelings raw; I took my anger out on you. I know it was never your fault; it was Minrah and her family." He told her, placing a hand on her left shoulder. She looked over shoulder to him, unsure how to respond to this. "I love you, sister. We are all that we have left of our family. I want to be there when you have children, have a husband. I…want us to be there for each other always. Please forgive me this once…" He told her. She bit her lower lip, unsure how to answer him. His words cut her deep, it drove "I love you too, you fool!" she said happily. Mark pulled away from her, rubbing his sister's arms gently. "You are welcome to come with me on the journey if you'd like? Some bonding, no stress on attempt assassinations on you." Mark suggested. Rainlily giggled, "And face actual enemies who are simply trying to stop them for the daily activities?" she questioned. "Exactly! See, you get it! Solas, Iron Bull, and Varric and I are going, if it helps?" he counter-offered. She smiled, nodding.
"Very well, I will come along. How long are we expecting to be out?" she asked. "Well" Mark said with a click of his tongue "we need to go to Emerald Graves to find more information on the Red Templars so we can get more dirt on Samson, then we need to go to Emprise Du Lion to handle the increase the attacks and abductions by the red templars there, and once that's done. We will meet the advisors in Val Royeaux before heading the Winter Palace to stop the assassination. If we do this right, maybe about a little more than a month? We need to handle as much as we can out there, we don't know what is waiting for us. Will that be alright?" he asked. She nodded, "I suppose that's fine. I just need supplies…that I realize I don't have anymore." She said with a pout. He chuckled, "No worries," he told her "I had Josephine collect some for you." He held out his arm to her. "Let's say our goodbyes, sister."
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Cullen followed the women to Josephine's desk, noticing packaged clothing and a chest of potions and rations on top of her desk. "What is all this?" he asked. Josephine looked over the items. "Since Rainlily's tower has been ransacked, most of her items and clothing have been destroyed, and took the opportunity to get whatever she might need." Josephine explained as she picked up a wrapped bundle of cloth. "Oh, I see." He said, not surprised in the least of her thoughtfulness. "This though, we got for you." Josephine said as she handed it to him. "For me?" he questioned, surprised. "Not for you necessarily" Leliana corrected "but for you to give to Lady Lavellan." Cullen slightly blushed, "I don't understand." Josephine giggled at his reaction, Leliana smiling at his face reaction. "Lady Josephine and I, as well as some of scouts, have noticed your…relationship…with Lady Lavellan before arriving to Skyhold. We also noticed she doesn't have a secure coat for these harsh climates and all those times you lent her yours, so, we made her one." Leliana explained.
Cullen nodded as he looked down at the package, wondering what it looked like. "I'll be sure to give to her as soon the opportunity arises." He said, smiling at the two in gratitude. "Are you serious about Lady Lavellan?" Josephine asked, her face becoming serious. Cullen looked at the two for a moment before he looked back down at the package. "I…I believe I am. It feels as if everything is moving too fast but when I am with her, it feels like it's not soon enough. I love her, but I don't know what the future has planned for us." He told them. The women looked at each other suspiciously from his words, unsure of his seriousness for the lovely elven woman.
The door opened near them, the trio looking to see Rainlily and Mark walking out together, there arms linked to one another. "Glad to see you two being siblings, the tension was driving us crazy." Leliana said, smiling at the two. Rainlily smiled, shrugging, "I guess our stubbornness is a family trait." She joked. Mark couldn't help but smirk as he looked to his sister before looking to Leliana. "Until we decide how to best protect her, Rainlily has agreed to come with me on the road." Mark informed the advisors. "I think that is a marvelous idea!" Josephine exclaimed as she wrote down on her board. "Are you sure you're ready?" Cullen asked her, concerned for her safety. Rainlily nodded. "I'll never know unless I go." She said.
"We should go to our mounts; we need to go as soon as possible." Mark told her. She sighed, nodding once more as he guided her out of the room, the advisors following them. At the gates, Iron Bull, Varric and Solas were already on their mounts and socializing with one another as Mark saw the two Harts coming towards them. "Oh, I missed you!" Rainlily exclaimed as she kissed the bridge nose of her hart, resting her head against his. "The damn hart gets more attention than us." Varric jested, smiling as he finally saw his favorite female elf. "Is everything set?" Mark asked as he secured his bag on the harness.
"Rain." She turned around to see Cullen standing before her, package in his hand "Cullen, is this for me?" she asked. He nodded, smirking as he lifted it up to her. She smiled as she pulled the strings off the package to untie it, causing her to gasp at what she saw. She pulled it out of package to reveal a beige coat that had the same fur texture of Cullen's coat; this was a lioness coat. Sadly, it had no mane like Cullen's, but the coat did have a collar that she could pop up for warmth, making her smile. She almost like a pirate captain, she just needed a pirate hat, but she loved that she had a coat that was a partner to her lover's coat. Cullen took it from her opening it for her with a grin on his face. She squealed in excitement as she slipped it on, turning back to Cullen as he adjusted it for her. "It looks beautiful on you." He said softly.
"Does it really?" she asked, happy that he loved it. He leaned forward, his hands gripping her arms softly as he whispered in her, "I prefer you naked in my coat, but you can do it now in this coat." She blushed as she looked to him. He smiled before kissing her on the lips, "Write me as soon as you can, and please, inform me if you want to come back. I will have scouts retrieve you as soon as I can. Be safe out there so you can come back to me." He told her. She nodded, smiling as she rested her hand on his cheek affectionately. "I will come back, I promise. I have your token with me." She said, showing his coin. He chuckled, "And I have yours." He said as he guided her up on her Hart. She smiled down at him as the gates open, sensing her brother beside her.
"Onwards!" he yelled as the group left, and Cullen noticed his scouts looking at him with big smiles on their faces. "Get back to work!" he yelled, his commander threatening voice causing them to scurry about. He felt a familiar presence behind him, and before he could turn around, Leliana whispered:
"Now's a good time to think on your future with Lady Lavellan, for your sake and hers."
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The venture had been long journey for them, for a month and a half now, and much was done. Strongholds were taken, red templars were taken care of, the Dalish had been helped, Solas had his closure in his personal quest. And they had even defeated a high dragon! Back at Skyhold, Skyhold was lively, they had received an invitation to the Winter Palace with only a week to prepare. While the female advisors kept themselves busy with obtaining outfits for the event, as well as preparing for their hasty trip, Cullen spent his time in his tower. The reports were endless, it seemed like the Inquisitor and his companions were on a warpath to leave the locations. He also received many letters from Rainlily once every few days, reading her tales of the red templars, the crazy Pride demon she had to fight at the recently captured Stronghold, and even the excited Iron Bull who finally got to kill a high dragon. He tried to write back as much as he could, but he couldn't help but miss her with each passing day. He smiled as he pulled at his glove, taking a peek at her tattoo on his wrist, thankful to have those days with her in his tower. Their relationship was still new to him and although he knew that for more than four months, he couldn't help but wonder why everyone was asking of his seriousness of their relationship.
!
The trip to Val Royeaux, though planned in haste, was a speedy and pleasant trip. Cassandra was left in charge of Skyhold with majority of their forces to defend the fortress. The advisors only took a battalion with their mounts, they had to show they were a force to fear. When they arrived at their designated location, the advisors went into the city to dress and make final preparations. At the tavern was also an inn, where the advisors saw the Inquisitor and his companions sitting down, speaking with one another as they had ale. "Inquisitor, I'm surprised to see you all here." Josephine jested as the advisors stood at the end of the table. Mark looked up to them, smirking as the table looked to the three advisors. "We just arrived from Emprise du Lion. The recent location we were at has too many events goings on, and despite that, we had to force ourselves away before trouble followed us; we have to go back after the gathering at the Winter Palace is done." Mark explained to them.
"Thank the Maker you did, the event is this evening! Are you men ready for this evening?" Leliana asked, noticing as a few of their men scrambling in and out of the inn. "Indeed, we are going to our rooms in a moment while they are readying our baths. No doubt my people will want to know what the outcome will be." Iron Bull said before he took a huge gulp of ale. "Where is Lady Lavellan?" Cullen asked, looking around the open tavern. Mark smirked as he threw a thumb over his shoulder, nodding his head, suggesting he look. Cullen looked over to the water fountain to see Rainlily crouching before a little boy and a little girl wearing noble wardrobe, smiling at the elven woman who held out two brownies for the children. The children gasped and giggled with happiness; their smiles bright as they gave her a group hug.
Cullen couldn't help but smile; he'd never seen her play with children before. Her smile was infectious, her eyes glimmering, and the joy she gave them. He imagined her playing with kids of her own, offering them one of her baked goods, helping them dress for the day as he chopped wood for their fireplace.
His eyes widened at the thought. Maker, he thought of having children with her.
As the children ran off waving goodbye, she stood up on her feet, patting her knees before turning to him. She wore her outfit that was like Vivienne's once more, which was acceptable in Val Royeaux but, he wasn't a fan of this outfit in public. "Commander Cullen! When did you arrive?" she asked cheerfully as she walked over to him. "We only arrived momentarily, are you alright?" Cullen asked her. She smiled warmly, but her eyes seemed to be almost distant, a hand over her stomach. "I'm just…a little under the weather. There was a lot going on before coming…" she said, shrugging as she hoped he wouldn't look too into it. "Did you want to talk about it?" Cullen asked her. She shook her head, smiling apologetically. "Oh, no, real-" she slapped a hand over her mouth as she hunched forward, running passed him into the inn. Markhallan followed her, Leliana and Josephine running after them as they worried for Rainlily's sudden condition. Cullen attempted to follow, but Iron Bull stopped him, his large Qunari hand gripping the human's arm firmly. Cullen looked over to him, looking at him with a questioning glance.
"She hasn't been feeling well for the past few weeks, just give her a moment. Besides, with the other women around, I doubt you will get any alone time with her. We need to get ready soon." Iron Bull explained. Cullen sighed as he sat down, Iron Bull and Varric across him with Solas on his left side. "How did she become unwell?" Cullen asked the men at the table. "We haven't been sleeping too well, if at all. We also took down a dragon, so that caused a strain on our supplies. She didn't get hurt but having two mages in the party strained the quantity of lyrium we had brought with us. Then there was a bloody pride demon that grabbed her, but thankfully she was able to shoot the demon in the eye before it could take her too high. She just needs to rest, but I'm surprised she is feeling this way, if I am being honest." Iron Bull explained. Varric nodded, "Yeah, but we have been doing this for so long. She still is quite new to all of this." Varric suggested. Cullen sighed once more, looking over to the tavern in concern.
Rainlily vomited into the basin beside her bed, feeling her hair being held back away from her face. Once she was done, she coughed violently, her hands, feeling familiar arms wrap around her. She fell back into the embrace, Markhallan wiping her mouth clean with his sleeve. "How long have you been feeling like this?" he asked her, sounding so soft and empathetic. "For a week now, but it's been very stressful these past few days for Solas and I with the lyrium potions and over-exertion. I'm sure this will pass…" Rainlily answered, looking over her shoulder to see Leliana and Josephine looking at her in concern at the doorway, Markhallan pulling her hair back gently. "Lady Lavellan, have you using any…herbs before you lay with Cullen?" Josephine asked. Rainlily looked at her horrified, "N-No, it's never been planned. Do you…think I'm…?" Rainlily asked. Josephine nodded. "It could very well be possible, from the recent kindle of your relationship." Josephine answered as she and Leliana walked into the room. "But it could also be that you over-exerted yourself with your magic, you're still adapting to this new lifestyle. It could explain why you are more drained than the others." Leliana countered.
"Let me call for Dorian-"
"No don't" Rainlily countered "There's no need for that, not now anyways. There are too many people to listen." Leliana and Josephine looked at each other suspiciously before giving a brief nod. "You're right, too many ears here." Leliana pointed out. "Come and sit, sister, while we get your clothes." Rainlily looked at her brother nervously as she obliged him, the Inquisitor guiding her to sit beside her on the bed, taking her hand into his. "Are you feeling any discomfort?" Markhallan asked her. She smiled and shook her head. "I am fine, really. I just need to take it easy until this is over." She assured him, noticing Josephine pull out an exquisite dress from the closet. "I'm afraid you'll have to leave, Inquisitor. We should be getting ready soon." Josephine stated as Leliana pulled him up to his feet. He winked to his sister and left, feeling his sister to the rest of the women.
The Winter Palace was truly nerve wrecking for the Lavellans. Markhallan wore his black and white formal uniform that had gold touches here and there, but his eyes were watching over his sister. Rainlily wore a white ball gown dress with a slim skirt with a low chest cut, revealing her cleavage. It came with a gold corset with silver leaves designed on the corset for her, noticing her corset pushed up her breasts, popping out slightly. The advisors wore their standard red and blue formal uniform, but all eyes were on the siblings for the entire night. It hadn't been long before he and his sister were pulled into conversation, but he needed a distraction, but the Orlesian nobles had refused to leave them alone.
Rainlily could feel her brother's desire to leave and smirked at her brother. "Brother, I wish we could visit Val Royeaux a bit longer, it's such an entertaining city!" she exaggerated. "How do you like the city, my lovely Lavellan?" one of the noble men asked. Rainlily looked over to the many noblemen before her and smiled. "The city is marvelous! Truly the Maker looks kindly onto this city, I can't wait to finish exploring the city after this!" she answered. As Josephine and Rainlily continued to speak with the noblemen, Dorian leaned in to whisper to Mark. "We need to start our investigation while your sister is creating a distraction." he told him. Rainlily heard them and clasped her hands together, "I don't suppose it would be too much trouble to perform a song would it?" Rainlily suggested. The noblemen gasped with one another, whispering to each other. "W-We did not realize you had such a gift, my lady!" a nobleman stated. Rainlily giggled, "But, of course! Come, let me sing you a song in honor of the Inquisition." she said as Josephine motioned her to follow. She gave a wink to her brother as she followed Josephine; she would buy him some time.
Mark and his companions went towards the entrance, Cullen walking over to the railing as he heard a piano beginning to play; seeing Rainlily standing at the stage on the staircase with what felt like an endless group coming to watch her. She looked around to see all eyes on her, but she wasn't nervous in the least. Once the pianist nodded to her, she nodded back and looked forward, taking a deep breath as the piano began to play.
"No time for rest
No pillow for my head
Nowhere to run from this
No way to forget"
Mark loved the way her voice sounded, sounding almost soothing. He wished to stay longer but slid out of the room as she sang.
"Around the shadows creep
Like friends, they cover me
Just wanna lay me down and finally
Try to get some sleep
We carry on through the storm
Tired soldiers in this war
Remember what we're fighting for"
She took a quick breath, continuing,
"Meet me on the battlefield
Even on the darkest night
I will be your sword and shield, your camouflage
And you will be mine
Echos and the shots ring out
We may be the first to fall
Everything can stay the same or we could change it all
Meet me on the battlefield"
Everyone looked at her in awe, drowning themselves in her voice as she continued,
"We're standing face-to-face
With our own human race
We commit the sins again and our sons and daughters pay
Our tainted history, is playing on repeat
But we could change it if we stand up strong and take the lead
When I was younger, I was named
A generation unafraid
For heirs to come, be brave
And meet me on the battlefield
Even on the darkest night
I will be your sword and shield, your camouflage
And you will be mine
Echos and the shots ring out
We may be the first to fall
Everything can stay the same or we could change it all
Meet me on the battlefield"
She looked around the room, and saw, Cullen, who was staring at her with loving eyes.
"We carry on through the storm
Tired soldiers in this war
Remember what we're fighting for
Meet me on the battlefield
Even on the darkest night
I will be your sword and shield, your camouflage
And you will be mine
Echos and the shots ring out
We may be the first to fall
Everything could stay the same or we could change it all
(We can change it all)
Meet me on the battlefield
Meet me on the battlefield
(We could change it all)"
The Winter Palace erupted into a cheer, making her smile as she was guided by Josephine back up the stairs. For a short time, it was enjoyable for her, talking to nobles kept her mind off of her brother but she wasn't sure how she was going to keep distracting for her brother.
"Ah, Lady Lavellan!"
She sighed mentally as she smiled to the noblemen who stood before her. He was close to her height, a rather thin man, who bowed to her. "I am Duke Marviel" he spoke with a heavy Orlesian accent "I would be pleased to dance with you, if you will allow me to?" Rainlily nodded, offering her hand, "But of course, my Duke. I would be most honored." she said sweetly. He chuckled as he took her hand gently, "The honor will be all mine, my lady." he said as he escorted her to the dance floor. There were dance partners all around them, but she had to stay focused; this was a game for the Orlesian, a game of politics.
The dances were simple until Duke Marviel pulled her against him from the waist, causing Rainlily to control her reaction as much as possible. If she shows any surprised or facial expressions, it could be used against her instantly. "You are quite beautiful, my lady" he whispered to her, his mouth against her forehead "I have long been searching for such a partner." Rainlily smiled, trying to keep herself calm; she was already fighting the chills and his closeness was irking her even more so. "If you seek partnership, you can speak to Lady Josephine. She handles all our affairs." Rainlily told him. He chuckled as he twirled her before pulling her back against him. "I'm afraid I'm not speaking of a business partner." he corrected her. She looked at him curiously. "What kind of partnership do you seek?" she asked him. He smirked and whispered, "A wife, my lady." She blinked, unsure if she heard correctly. "Your forces require more men, do they not? In exchange for your hand, I can offer your forces men, supplies, and even trebuchets; whatever your forces desire." he explained. The song had ended, taking her hand as he guided her back to Josephine, "Do think of my offer, won't you? I will bring this up to Lady Josephine, so you don't forget." he said, winking at her before he released her. Rainlily looked to Josephine for help but frowned when she saw many noblemen giving her scrolls, asking for her hand in a dance.
She knew she had a long night ahead of her.
Mark had arrived once more to the Banquet Hall, dealing with Briala and dealings in the servant's hall was a bit of a surprise to him but not unexpected. He endured the dance with Florianne when he saw his sister dancing with some random noblemen. He knew he had to be cautious with Florianne and he had to disappear once more, but he wanted to spend time with his sister. The way she handled things; however, he knew that her times being a servant were being put to us in this event; he knew she was safe. When the dance was over, he bowed to her before he walked over to Rainlily. His sister smiled as he took her hands into his, pulling her to him as the beat of the music slowly began. He slid one of his hands to her back, the other clasping her hands with his as he pulled her into the dance. She began to realize he was dancing with her, placing her free hand on his shoulder as she began to move with him.
"How are you holding up?" he asked her softly. She smiled as he twirled her in the dance, a waltz they both knew. "I have been better." she sighed. He chuckled as he watched her pout, "Oh yeah?" he teased. She sighed, still pouting, "Too many of these nobles have asked for my hand in marriage." she admitted. Mark couldn't help but chuckle once as he pulled her back, twirling her back closer to him. "Well now, I suppose Cullen will have to defend your honor before I can." he jested. She giggled, "Now now, let's leave him out of this, shall we? If the nobles find out, it could possibly be used against us." she pointed out to him. He nodded before he whispered in her ear. "Do you think you're with child?" she gasped her face shocked before she quickly recovered. "Not here." she urged him. He simply smiled as the song ended, bowing to one another before he guided her back up the stairs to Josephine. He kissed her forehead once more before he left her; he had one more visit to make.
Empress Celine was alive.
Empress Celine, Briala and Duke Gaspard agreed to work with one another for now until the threat was over, with Florianne taken away; the Inquisitor was not the type to kill people easily. Rainlily sighed heavily as she sneaked out to the balcony, attempting to get away from her many suitors. She rested her hands on the railing, sighing in relaxation as she took in the beautiful night scenery before her.
"There you are" she looked over her shoulder to see Cullen walking towards her "everyone has been looking for you. Are you alright?" She smiled at him as he rested a hand on her back. "I'm fine, it's just, tonight has been very long…" she said as she dropped her head, her feet and body exhausted from the all the dancing she had to endure. "I'm just glad you're alright. It may be foolish, but I was worried about you." He admitted, sliding his hand up to her shoulder. She smiled, resting her hand on his. He looked at the palace behind him before he took a step back. "I don't know when I'll get another chance but," he curtesy bowed, offering his hand "may I have this dance, my lady?" She blushed as she took his hand, Cullen pulling her against him as he began a slow waltz with her. "I didn't know you could dance." She said as looked into his eyes. He smirked, taking in her gaze, "I don't but, for you, I'll ty."
There dance was, feeling as if time had slowed down for them in that moment. Cullen smiled as the song had ended, but he refused to release her as he pressed his lips against her forehead tenderly, he body shielding her from the ballroom. "I was…not happy with that Orlais nobleman so close to you, nor any of them, for that matter." He whispered to her. She smirked, putting a hand on his cheek. "I did not like those men and women throwing themselves at you either, but I suppose I can't blame them…" she said, teasing him.
"Oh?"
She slid her hand from his cheek to his chest. "There is something about this attire that makes you look more…appealing." She said, biting her lower lip. He chuckled as he wrapped his arms around her waist, hearing her make an 'eep' noise, brushing his mouth against her ear. "If you only knew what seeing you in this dress does to me…" he whispered, causing her to shiver in response. She played wit his sash before looking back up to him, feeling her face grow warm; she knew she was blushing madly. "I don't suppose we can take this back to the inn, can we?" she asked. He smirked, "I'll meet you at the entrance shortly."
SHOULD RAINLILY BE PREGNANT?
WE STARTED WITH THE SCARE, THE IDEA OF IT.
But I need to know what you guys would like?
If no comments, by default, I'll simply make her pregnant, because hey, why not?
THANKS FOR READING, PLEASE COMMENT BELOW!