Chapter Seven

Discovery

There was a pounding at my door the next morning. Cullen shot up looking ready to fight as he stood. I muttered, "There's a robe over there – should fit you."

He put it on – looking damn sexy – and opened the door. It was Greagoir. I sat up while holding the blanket up to my chest, flushing.

"Uh… this is totally what it looks like…" I said.

Irving was there too – as were Solona and Alim. Greagoir said, "I… Cullen didn't show up for his… we couldn't find him. We asked Solona and Alim… he was here?"

I flushed, "I… after we had talked last night I…"

Solona turned on Greagoir, "We can at least let them get dressed Commander – we can wait with Ghost in the sitting area."

I heard my lazy dog bark from the couch as Greagoir stammered and said, "Make it quick."

I nodded. The minute Cullen closed the door, I began giggling, "Oh that was so much more satisfying than I thought it would be!"

Cullen flushed, "I missed my post – I'm in so much trouble."

I shook my head, "This aligns with Greagoirs interests – it'll be a light punishment if you get punished at all. We should get dressed I supposed."

He groaned, "I only have my Jacket here…"

I motioned to the Armoire, "I have some stuff for you in there. I had a vision of us… together a while back – it was one of the reasons I approached you that day in the mess hall when I saw you. I just… didn't know it would be so soon. I don't always know when things will come to pass."

He flushed, "So you had your dresser stocked with clothes in my size… just in case?"

"Preparedness is the key? Ahem, I… I didn't want you feeling like… like you had to feel shame after our night together."

He dug around in the armoire and came out with leather pants, boots and a low cut V-neck shirt that reminded me of some 'Pirate Cullen' fan art I had seen. I had put those in there for giggles, but… oh.

I was drooling as I headed over to my own section of the Armoire and said, "If we didn't have people waiting, I might be tempted to take you back to bed. You look dashing."

He was flushed, "I didn't realize the cut until… I just liked the color…"

I pulled out the matching belt-sash, sword and gloves, handing them to him and said, "Complete that outfit. Wear it today and I'll be sure to reward you later – I find I quite like that look. And it will help our cause with the rumors."

He nodded as his eyes darkened. "Reward me how?"

I winked and dug around for a matching ensemble – I had black leather pants, thigh high pirate boots, a vanilla colored 'billowy' V-neck top, and a leather under-bust corset in crimson with a matching sash and sword at the hip. I pulled out a pirate hat and said, "Hat or no Hat?"

He was staring at me in shock, "That… is quite the provocative outfit, Lady Vane."

I gave him a sensual smirk, "It's the match to yours, pirate Cullen." He flushed as he finally realized the truth of my words. He coughed, "No hat."

I put the hat back and pulled my hair back using a crimson bandanna before putting gold hoops in my ears and completing the look with black and red smoky makeup with bright red lipstick.

He groaned, "I will not be able to focus today…"

I smiled, "I will take that as a compliment."

He chuckled and we left the room. Solona whistled, "How'd you get him into that? I didn't know a Templar could look that good."

I smiled sweetly, "I didn't need to do anything – he picked the outfit himself."

Greagoir looked amused at the moment and said, "Why?"

Cullen flushed, "It was in the pile of clothes she had for me… and I didn't realize the… fashion until I was already dressed. We figured we shouldn't change when you were all waiting for us so…"

I gave Solona a smug smile, "I never thought he would grab that, but I am not going to complain about positive results. He looks… truly swashbuckling, right?"

Alim laughed, "Why dress him as a Pirate though?"

I shrugged, "A fantasy of mine – I thought he might look good like that, and I was right. As you can see, I have a matching outfit and all – it was right next to his, so here we are."

"Right – we will be speaking in Irvings office today – let's go."

We drew many stares from the Templars getting a bite to eat in the mess hall – it was still early so these people were getting breakfast or a snack. Seeing that Cullen and I were matching made people whisper. On the Mage floor, the whispers turned into shouts.

One mage shouted, "Oi – are two…?"

I gave a wink, "Perhaps."

Cullen flushed but put his arm around my shoulder possessively. That made people gape.

In Irvings' office, I sat in Cullens' lap – my sword facing the desk, of course.

Greagoir said, "So… you two are… betrothed?" his voice was tentatively hopeful.

I rolled my eyes, "You don't have to marry someone to… enjoy them, Greagoir. Cullen asked but I said… I said no because he does have some doubts. I told him that I would only say yes if he was absolutely sure."

Solona smirked, "Well, you've certainly got the rumor mill up and running – this is going to be the talk of the tower for weeks. People who have been waiting for you to loosen up will want to approach you, Val."

Cullen growled as his arms tightened around me. I smiled at him, "Sorry for them – I'm hooked; completely addicted to Cullen."

Her eyes widened, "No way he's that good – he was a new blood!"

I smiled with a flush, "I have got to thank Gran for those books."

Cullen coughed, "That… that's where you got the… descriptive books?"

I nodded and Alim said, "But… She's so… strict!"

I stood and poked my head out the door, "Someone send for Senior Enchanter Wynne, please."

There was flurry of movement as I went back to Cullens' lap. When she arrived, Greagoir was flushed as he asked, "Er… Wynne… did you perhaps… give… Valeria some books?"

She looked at me amused, "What have you been telling them."

"I told them the books you gave me were Smut."

She laughed, "They are – but let a woman have some guilty pleasures."

"I'm more concerned about her using that knowledge, Senior Enchanter Wynne!" Greagoir groaned.

Wynne finally took in my position on Cullens' lap with a sharp eye, "I see."

"I've read worse – but I do have to thank you. For the one you got me on my birthday at least."

She looked impressed, "He did that?" I nodded enthusiastically as Cullen flushed, "Tell me she doesn't mean…"

"She does. The book she got me on my birthday was… a how-to in that specifically."

He was bright red as he buried his face in my neck, "You're going to get me killed, my love."

I let out a laugh knowing I was the only one to hear his words – even Alims' elven hearing didn't pick it up. "Cullen, my dear – if I were trying to kill you, I wouldn't be so elusive about it; I'd tell Greagoir and Irving exactly what we're talking about. As it is, I plan to keep you so I'd use my martial arts to keep you safe."

"So you'll allow me to set a betrothal with Lord Cousland?" Greagoir asked. I shook my head, "No, I won't. Cullen isn't ready for that. The fact of the matter is, he and I already had this conversation last night – and it almost resulted in us not being together in… that way. So, we will allow the rumors of me being ruined – though they aren't rumors anymore – by Cullen specifically. Tell everyone for all I care. But if I hear anything about me sleeping with anyone other than Cullen, I'm beating the ever-loving shit out of people. I wouldn't like hearing rumors about Cullen with another woman, and he doesn't like thinking of me with other men – that's just the stone cold truth. We're both highly territorial people, Greagoir… do you catch my meaning?"

"… I'll have your things moved to his room. There won't be rumors of you with anyone else if you're sharing a room."

"Good enough for me – have it done by tonight? I'll allow you to add talks of marriage to the rumors."

"… I'll have Lane personally oversee the moving of your things while you have class this afternoon. Will that suffice?"

"Of course; now, Cullen missed his post this morning."

Cullen sighed, "I will, of course, accept full punishment for that."

Irving snorted and even Wynne looked amused – they both knew Greagoir was going to go light for my sake.

"Oh… right. This was your first offence, so… just make sure it doesn't happen again."

Solona started sniggering and Alim said, "Oh that will add to the rumors too. Everyone knows Greagoir adores Val – and it'll look like she asked for a light punishment for her 'betrothed'."

I looked at my students, "Be sure to help fan the flames, yes? Remember, we're in talks about marriage, he was caught in my room, and there was virgins' blood on the sheets… really go wild with those rumors."

Solona looked gleeful, "I know just who to tell. The rumors will get more outrageous when she tells it, too. She'll say things that will make people think you were caught in the act and there will be no more doubt."

Alim nodded, "I'll tell people you looked gooey-eyed and make people think Cullen is a god in the bedroom."

"Well… it's not a lie – I said go wild, Alim."

Cullen started coughing, "You are going to get me killed," he repeated.

I shook my head, "Cullen… last night was better that I've heard any damn book describe. If I gave Wynne details, she would likely agree… especially as it was a first time for us both. Do you know how terrible and awkward those are supposed to be?"

Wynne gave a sympathetic look, "Most men don't last more than a moment or two for their first time – the woman usually doesn't experience pleasure at all her first time."

I scoffed, "That's not how it happened. Three damn times for me! And that was just the first time."

Solonas' jaw dropped, "What? I only get that many when I'm with Anders!"

I wrinkled my nose at the thought of Anders as a bed-partner since he was so like a brother to me, but said, "Right? I knew it was possible in theory, but… I also know some women can't have more than one."

Alim looked intrigued, "How wild do you want those rumors, exactly?"

"I don't know – sex on the ceiling wild?" I shrugged. Cullen looked interested for a moment before coughing.

"What did you call it… circus acts?" Solona asked. I nodded, "Yes! That would be wild… say wild stuff; my clothes were in shreds, I was still tied up, there were strange items you'd never seen, describe strange items, you found us because of a noise complaint – someone is bound to come forward as the 'witness' no matter how big the lie gets – you found that the bathtub had water in and around it, I was blindfolded, he was blindfolded, or we didn't stop even when caught. Seriously, get wild with it."

Cullen was bright red and stammering, Wynne looked intrigued, Greagoir was flushed, Alim and Solona were all but taking notes and Irving looked scandalized.

"Where do you get such ideas? No one will believe…" Greagoir started. Solona scoffed, "They will totally believe it, Greagoir – just watch." She stood up abruptly and walked out shouting, "I can't believe you didn't tell me, Val."

I rushed after her, causing others to follow too. People stopped talking all around us to listen. "Lona, darling – you always knew I preferred men." I was improving. She ran with it.

"You brat – if you had said something, I would have loved to join in! But no – you broke up with me for him!" she shoved a finger toward where Cullen was standing.

He stammered, "I… I didn't realize you two…" he knew we weren't.

"Oh – you didn't know? And if that wasn't bad enough how did we find you? Makers' Breath… I would have done that if you had asked Valeria!"

I made my cheeks flush, "I'm not quite sure it would have… worked with another woman, Lona."

"Don't you 'Lona' me, Val!"

"Darling, are you really upset that I broke it off… or are you mad I didn't invite you to join?"

"You know damn well we were casual – of course I'm pissed I didn't get an invite. Seeing you both like that… well…" Her cheeks flushed and she looked bashful.

I looked at Cullen with a torn look on my face, "Perhaps… we could invite her next time?"

He groaned, "Makers' Breath… I can… barely keep up with you… I mean!" he quickly stammered, realizing he'd said something he didn't mean to. I gave a look of surprise, "Oh… really?"

Solona shrugged, "When you get going… even with all that fancy training you give me, I can hardly keep up."

I flushed – she was such a liar. She was doing well in Tai Chi, and she knew it. I rubbed the back of my neck, "Darling… I mean, Lona… I suppose you should… take this up with Cullen. I promised him we'd be exclusive so…"

She gave me a look of horror, "Exclusive? You only… you told me you'd only do that if you were thinking about marriage, Val!" nicely done, Solona!

I coughed, "Well… it was a thought…"

Cullen flushed and put his arm around my shoulder. Solona sighed, "I'll… think about it."

"I'd ask you not to tell anyone, but I suppose it's too late for that…" I motioned, seemingly helplessly, to where we were. She pretended to be confused before saying, "Oh… I am… so sorry. Finding you like that was… it was a shock to say the least. I actually didn't know that was possible so…"

Oh she was good. Cullen rubbed at his face in embarrassment – he knew he was going to get teased and pressed for details later. But he was a gentleman so I doubt he would say anything – but getting red and stammering would fan the flames more.

I sighed, "Can we get some lunch? I'm starving…"

Solona snorted, "I can imagine – you missed breakfast and had a… vigorous work out."

I gave a look of horror when I saw Alim heading downstairs and cried, "Alim… oh shit – I didn't tell him to keep it quite! Everyone will know what… damn it."

Cullen tightened his grip on me slightly, "It'll be okay, love."

Solona rolled her eyes, "Yeah – no one will believe half the things we found in that room anyway."

I saw several people begin to make their way down the stairs at that; our work here was done.

After lunch, the rumors were wild. Alim had outdone himself – people were saying I was blindfolded, tied up and hanging from the ceiling. Cullen was already being hailed as a sex god because we were supposedly caught while I was mid-orgasm and apparently the outfit he was in helped because it showed off part of his chest – and people were happily checking him out. The hickeys and scratch marks helped a lot.

We headed to the Dojo with Greagoir and Irving both following behind us. Word of Cullens 'slap on the wrist' had gotten out too. This spurred the rumors of our marriage talks and reinforced that Cullen had Greagoirs' blessing to be with me. Some of the rumors I heard actually made me blush – which I didn't think was possible since I had come up with the base for these rumors.

Cullen was red – like, if you put him in a line-up with a strawberry, tomato and a cherry and asked me to pick the lightest red one, Cullen would lose. We got to the Dojo and I instantly whirled on Greagoir and Irving. Solona and Alim were already taking off their shoes to trade for slippers. Seeing that, Cullen got to work too. I pointed down, "No shoes in the Dojo – slippers only."

Irving looked surprised and Greagoir said, "We don't have…"

I pointed to the shoe rack on the inside of the door, "I have slippers – pick a pair – but no shoes on the mats."

Irving got to work as I slipped off my own boots. I sighed and shouted, "Free Spectating match today on the condition that those who watch do not attempt."

People rushed forward. I looked at Solona, "You get to pick who comes in. when there are no more slippers, no more in."

She nodded and moved to be the bouncer. I went behind the changing screen and got into my outfit before Alim did the same with a blue jacket and matching belt. Next was Cullen who put on a white jacket and light blue belt.

I spoke louder, "If you are here to spectate, you will sit along the edges of the mat like so." I knelt with my knees apart and hands on my knees – back straight. "The purpose of this is to keep you out of the way while giving you an optimal view. I know some of you have tried to take this class with Solona and Alim – and scoffed at it when you heard the first lesson. Today, I will be teaching – mostly I will focus on Cullen as a new student. When 4 o'clock comes around, I will ask that you all leave so I may move on to more difficult forms with Solona and Alim – to advance their training. The exceptions to this are Irving and Greagoir."

People nodded – they were just happy to watch. Some stood in the doorway since they weren't able to come in and watch.

I turned to my students once everyone was calmed down, "Show me Lesson one!"

In unison, all three of them bowed to me, "Yes Sensei!"

I bowed back. "Cullen – recite to me the purpose of lesson one."

He opened his mouth and spoke without the slightest hesitation – in here; we were master and pupil, not lovers. I nodded, "Just so – Solona, What is my Lesson Two?"

"Always respect life – just because you can harm someone does not mean you should, Sensei. You teach us to defend – ourselves and those weaker than us – not to hurt. This art is not one that is meant for true combat, but it can help if it is needed."

"Alim – Lesson three?"

"Don't bully – you teach us that we are here to better ourselves, not become superior to others. There is always someone better than us in something, so don't think we are better than anyone else just because we can do one thing they can't."

I nodded, "Solona – What are the five basic principles of Tai Chi?"

She looked surprised but said, "Number One: Relax and Sink. Number two, move from the waist. Number three, Separate full and empty. Number four: Straight Spine. Number Five: Fair Ladies Wrist."

I nodded, "Explain number five – Cullen."

He nodded and said, "Find a ward off between each posture – swimming on land."

I smiled, "Alim, explain number one."

"There is motion in stillness and stillness in motion. The foot should be flat, like standing on tofu, sinking into the ground with the whole foot, not just the edges – but yet you must treat your Center like an egg easily cracked."

"Stop there, we are not giving a full lesson to them. These five principles are fairly straightforward. Your center is near your waist – this is why you must move from the waist or you will be forever off balance. To have a have alignment with your body – this is why you must keep your spine straight. Full and empty – your hips are one in the same, move them together; your body is one, not many parts masquerading as one. Learn to see this, and you gain better control. Like a pulley, use your arms and legs as one – one goes up, the other goes down. You should move like a graceful Halla in the forest, a fish through the water or a panther even. Alim – why do we put such focus on Tai Chi?"

He didn't even flinch – he knew I was purposely 'making an example' of him by asking so many questions in front of people due to the rumors. "It relaxes the body, releases stress, improves balance, helps heart quality, and increases magic control while decreasing Demonic chances of possession."

There was a ripple of whispers. I snapped, "No talking without permission in my Dojo! Alim, what does Tai Chi mean?"

He bit his lip and said, "Supreme Ultimate is the definition of Tai Chi – this is because it offers true harmony between body and spirit."

I nodded, "Very good. Solona, you and Alim will practice together today – he needs help on some of the purple forms."

She gave me a nod and turned to Alim. They bowed and began working while I looked at Cullen, "Now for you – this form is…"

When 4 o'clock came around everyone thought that Alim was in trouble when they saw how brutal Solona was getting in how strict she was with his teaching – in truth, that's just how she taught. Cullen had, in fact showed me he was ready for a white belt.

After a full 8-form demonstration – twice – I presented it to him at 4 o'clock as people were about to leave, "You are no longer a beginner, Cullen – you have accomplished White Belt."

He took off the light blue at his waist and replaced it with the white. I smiled. Once everyone else was gone, Greagoir said, "Those were… slow movements."

I nodded, "When you get good at the movements, you can speed them up – not generally recommended, but possible. Solona, Downward Punch."

She demonstrated calmly and smoothly, not a movement wasted. I nodded, "Form 48."

She again did so smoothly. Her movements were graceful and almost looked as a dance. When that was done, I tossed her a blunted sabre and said, "Now – show me you're ready for a brown belt." We began.

Cullen looked surprised, "There are weapons in this?"

Alim flinched, "Only when you get to Brown Belt – it's called Two Person Sabre and there's one called long-sword form at first. She won't let us look at the metal swords until we complete the forms with wood ones that are balanced the same as the real ones. She tests us – like she tested you for your white belt. The metal swords are for tests only, though – otherwise it's wooden."

"Wait – this is a test?" Irving asked. Alim, who guessed his concern, said, "The blades are blunted in case of failure. Solona has to match every move perfectly for it to be a pass – Cullen got the 8-form perfect both times she made him do it, or he wouldn't have passed. If he makes it to red belt, he'll have to get the sabre form perfect with a wood blade 6 times before she'll allow the test – and he'd have to pass it twice. This is Solonas' second test. If she passes today, she gets a brown belt and black jacket."

"She said black jackets are for masters?" Greagoir asked.

"It also shows that Solona would be able to teach up to red belt. Brown and black belt have five – technically six – levels each and you get a stripe on your belt to show that you finished the previous tier. No stipe would show Solona completed Two Person Sabre. 1 stripe is Wind Chasing Fan; so on so forth. But as of Brown Belt, she becomes and advanced pupil."

We finished then – going slow only took about two minutes, tops. I nodded to Solona, "Good job – you've passed. The Black Jackets and Brown belts are in that closet – here's the Key. Remember…"

"No stripe." She nodded happily. I smiled, "Good girl."

I walked over to Alim, "Are you ready for your purple belt test?"

He shook his head, "No – I don't think I am, Sensei."

I smiled widely, "Humility is a good sign. With this advancement from Solona, you two are qualified to be a true class if you wish. Because you have an advanced teacher here at all times. But the two of you are only allowed to be teachers when you are not students – do you understand?"

"We can only teach when you are not here, Sensei."

I patted his head and looked at Cullen, "Hit the showers, Rutherford – you too, Surana." The both booked it to the shower room – something I had installed. And only white belts and up could use it. I had made an exception yesterday because of what I'd planned after dinner for Cullen. He liked the showers – they all did.

When Solona bounded over I said, "Hit the showers, Lona."

She looked at the door where the men had gone so I said, "Other shower, Lona."

She laughed and headed in the opposite direction. I explained, "Washing up rooms – Men over there, woman through that door. That's where they change and clean up after a session."

"This was… enlightening. Perhaps I will begin attending your class once in a while," Greagoir said. I shrugged, "Tai Chi can add years to your life – because of the benefits to your body, mind and spirit. Most people gain an average of at least 5 years."

He rolled his eyes, "Not that I need that – but this has been interesting."

"I noticed another benefit when training Cullen today – his Lyrium is working better within him. I get the feeling it's helping to refine that special… whatever you call it that Templars have. His abilities may end up stronger and magic may do less to him."

Greagoirs' eyes widened, "That's something to test, certainly. He'd be an outstanding Knight-Commander one day at that point."

I nodded seriously, "And if, Gaia forbid, he chooses to 'kick the habit' and go civilian, I think… he may not have problems with it like other Templars."

Greagoirs' breath caught, "You think he may be able to quit Lyrium and not go mad."

"Oh I already knew he could, but I was more saying that he might not have as hard a time with it. I didn't expect these benefits, Greagoir – there are no Templars in my homelands and mages don't practice Tai Chi. I didn't know that it would help magic and Templars, I didn't know it would lower possession chances. I didn't know."

He smiled widely, "This Tai Chi might be the greatest discovery for both mages and Templars since Lyrium, Valeria."

I was happy about that. I was glad I could help even in a small way. Irving said, "I agree – perhaps we should add more people to the classes…"

"To be fair, I can't train too many at one time – I'm limiting it to five per class; Five for me to train and if they chose to do so, five for Lona and Lee. And they have full power in choice of who to train, because some people will try to be assholes about it."

Irving nodded, "That's a fair request Greagoir."

Greagoir looked sour but nodded, "That's… fine. They can choose."

"Choose what?" Alim asked as he and Cullen approached – Cullen was back in his pirate gear. My eye raked over him appreciatively before I answered, "If you and Solona do decide to teach classes, you get to pick 4 students – there are no more than 5 to a class and since Cullen is a White Jacket, he'd be a student already."

Alim nodded, "That's fair – I know three people who wanted to learn that are… bullies. They would use the forms to pick on people so I refuse to teach them outright. If Solona – who would be the Sensei in your absence – decided to host class, we'd be sure to pick carefully."

"You can't exclude people just because they're Templars though, Lee. You have to pick 2 Templars and 2 Mages as the students that fill the roster. That's still more mages that Templars. Be sure they won't do something stupid like try to teach others when they don't know enough – we won't be responsible if they do and end up hurt."

Solonas' voice cut in, "I won't be teaching classes – not to anyone but Cullen since he's a peer in your classes. I don't feel confident in my abilities to make people not try to share. The Templars especially would attempt to teach each other as they learn – I've seen it happen and I will not facilitate it."

I nodded, "There you have it Greagoir – I already have four students."

"You have three," Greagoir pouted. "Anders is still my student whenever he is here, Greagoir."

"But while he isn't you have a vacancy." He argued.

"And when he is, what am I supposed to do? Kick out the newer student in his favor or push him to the side? That's what you're hoping for right? That I'll take a different student so that I stop being on Anders' side all the time?"

Greagoir looked away. Cullen pulled me to his side, "Knight-Commander, if you push this issue, she'll end up taking another mage student instead of a Templar like you're trying to push for."

I nodded firmly, "I'll take Wynne and say fuck the Templars – the benefits are better when I teach mages anyway!"

Cullen looked confused, "There are Templar specific benefits?"

I nodded, "The… special drink you all get is more refined in you at the moment – you could, in theory, use stronger abilities, be more effective as a Templar and even stop taking the drink with no ill effects."

His eyes widened – he had been warned extensively what Lyrium could do if he stopped taking it; after he started taking it of course, so he was already addicted. It was cruel of them to do, but it was effective.

Alim said, "I'm confused – what special drink?"

Solona shook her head, "Probably the Templar secret that gives them their abilities. We're just apprentices Alim – we don't get to know that."

"Fine – just one other student then; but make it a Templar."

I smirked, "Sure – Becca seems a good choice."

He groaned – he hadn't specified who and Becca didn't much care for others.

Irving looked amused – Becca was a Mage Supporter after so long seeing how they were treated by her fellow Templars. She was also overly honorable if that was a thing – if I could get her word that she wouldn't attempt to teach others until a certain point, she would brush off all attempts to get her to do so; even from Greagoir.

He sighed, "Fine – Becca it is. At least I know she'll agree and I'll have a hunter approved Templar with stronger abilities."

Hunter Approved meant that they could go 'hunting' mages. I would have chosen Irminric Eremon – Alfstannas' brother who would go after Jowan – but he would have done anything Greagoir asked.

I smiled, "Lona, Lee – keep our guests occupied. Cullen I need your help in the shower room. Seriously, just a bit of help – those pants are damn near impossible to get into when I'm fresh from a shower." I defended when I saw the looks on everyones' faces.

After I had a quick shower, I had Cullen help me into my pants while I used my fire element to heat my hair just enough to dry it before re-doing my makeup and getting the rest of my clothes on while Cullen eyed me. I smirked at him, "Just think, we share a room now…"

He groaned.