Lady Pentaghast grips the piece of parchment tightly in her hands as she walks, following the gravel path that has been carved through the lush lawns of the Trevelyan estate towards the front gates. She ignores the sound of the stones crunching beneath her boots as she walks, too busy re-reading the letter that has been left for her, trying to understand exactly what it was supposed to mean. The Seeker lifts her head for a moment enjoying the warm sun on her face, she was happy to take advantage of it as long as she could before they returned to the mountains and the snow she was sure will have gripped Skyhold in their absence. Cassandra had woken early that morning hoping to spend a few hours in that blissful place between wake and sleep, dosing in Lord Trevelyan's arms and pretending for a few hours more that they weren't going to have to be leaving for Skyhold soon and the long journey that they had ahead of them. They both wanted to get home and they both knew that they couldn't ignore the dangers they faced as The Seeker and The Inquisitor for much longer, but it had been nice to spend a small amount of time pretending they were just like any other noble couple that could enjoy some peace and each other.
The Seeker places her hand on the tall metal gate, wrapping her fingers around the cool bars and pulling it open enough to slide through making sure to close it tightly behind her with a loud clang of metal on metal. She gives a small smile to the guards that stand vigilantly at the entrance to the interior of the estate as they all stand to attention at the sight of her. Cassandra spots that they are joined by two of The Commander's soldiers that have been positioned to protect the Trevelyan's and their very important guest, The Inquisitor. They were currently safe in Ostwick and had managed to remain almost entirely unnoticed on their visit, but the sight of the soldiers reminded her of the danger. Her lover had many friends but many more foes.
"Good morning, Lady Pentaghast." One of the Inquisition Soldiers announces with a bow of his head in her direction, trying to show her both respect for her position in the Inquisition and at Lord Trevelyan's side. Cassandra sees his smile widen when she looks at him returning his nod, clearly happy that she has noticed him.
"Good morning.." The Seeker replies trailing off into a question of his name, she had tried so hard to remember the names of everyone that had joined the Inquisition but unlike The Inquisitor and The Commander, she was finding it difficult to memorise them all as their ranks swelled. "Forgive me, I don't recall your name?" Cassandra adds knowing he would understand and forgive her ignorance.
She could reel off a list of the names of all of the tradesman, requisition agents and skilled workers at Skyhold but the military was Cullen's domain. She could tell by the way that he fidgets slightly more than the others and the way that he holds himself; he must be one of the newer arrivals into their army. She takes in his appearance for a moment; he looks just old enough to be away from home and can't have been away for very long. His complexion is still smooth and lacks the weathered and always sun or wind burnt ruddiness that the rest of the Inquisition members posses. She had lost count of the number of balms and lotions she had handed out to try and protect them all from the unforgiving weather and elements.
"Inquisition Recruit Ramsey, My Lady." The recruit beams again that she has even taken the time to question his name, Cassandra watches him bow his head again as he informs her of his name and rank.
She watches his fellow soldier giving him a nudge as if telling him he should be keeping his mouth closed and not be speaking too much to The Seeker. Cassandra knew they still whispered about her and still called her an Ice Queen, but they respected her and they knew that she had worked hard to earn her place.
"Where is your Commander?" The Seeker asks glancing around wondering where her best friend might be, the note she had received hadn't been very specific of his location but she wondered if his men would know more than she did. "Have you seen him this morning?" Cassandra asks again looking back to Recruit Ramsey.
"Yes, Lady Seeker." The newest recruit nods with enthusiasm. "Commander Rutherford and Lord Trevelyan were at the Stables early this morning. They seemed to be very busy and excited. I believe they are still there." Ramsey smiles with a positive nod ignoring the mumbles coming from his new friends that he is supposed to be seen and not heard. "She asked me a question.." The young recruit hisses at his fellow soldiers. "My Lady." He adds looking sheepish that he has called her she so unashamedly in front of her and forgotten his manners.
"I hope you aren't bothering Lady Pentaghast, Ramsey." Cassandra hears Cullen's voice calling behind her before she sees him, she smiles lightly when she hears the sound of his boots as he approaches her.
She had managed to smooth things out with Lord Trevelyan the previous day and felt happy knowing that he wasn't angry with her and that they could forgive each other, what did worry her however was how Lord Trevelyan was going to react to the Commander of his army. He'd been quick to forgive her but she wasn't so sure his forgiveness would extend to Cullen and that any meeting between them would be a good idea. Ramsey's statement that the two had been anywhere near each other concerned her, even more so because they'd been excited. She'd almost expected there to be a dual for her honour.
"N-N-No, Commander." Recruit Ramsey stammers, quickly clicking the heels of his boots together to stand to attention. The Seeker watches the others do the same when their Commander moves to join them, she feels him at her side noticing their eyes all fixing on him. "Lady Pentaghast was just.." He adds receiving another dig in his ribs to shut him up.
"Lady Pentaghast was asking about your whereabouts, Commander." The Seeker continues the recruits sentence as she turns to glance at Cullen feeling his warm amber eyes meet hers, his attention removed from his soldiers and completely to her.
She lets herself take in a quick inspection of her friend; no visible signs of a scuffle with the Inquisitor, his light blonde hair perfectly in place and his usual smile plastered on his face meant that things might be less volatile than she had imagined.
"Recruit Ramsey was being so kind as to let me know where I might find you." Cassandra watches a smile tug at the corner of her friend's mouth as he examines her in return.
"Well, you found me." The Commander smirks as Cassandra watches him fold his arms over his chest "And for what do I owe this visit on this beautiful day?" He asks her trying to keep an innocent and questioning look on his face that makes her frown, he knew exactly why she was looking for him.
"Maybe we could go somewhere private?" The Seeker sees him nod slowly and glance back to his Soldiers that are still stood as straight and as still as they can, trying to make their Commander happy.
Lady Pentaghast had known lots of Commanders, Seekers, Templars, Knight Commanders and lots of men that demanded respect over others in her time and career, but she had only ever met two that seemed to do it so naturally and easily. One of them was of course Lord Trevelyan, who even with his lack of confidence as a leader had a way with people that made them want to follow him. The other stood at her side and she could completely understand why they called him The Lion, he was strong and powerful even when dressed down in his shirt and breeches.
"Of course Lady Pentaghast." Cullen smiles at her again "At ease, men." Ser Rutherford commands, looking back to the guards that Cassandra watches relax slightly at his orders. "Be sure to keep your tongue in check, recruit." Cullen adds looking at Ramsey who just nods silently,
Cassandra feels herself smile when she hears The Lion's gentle tone with the young man. Lady Pentaghast knew he was just being kind and enthusiastic trying to speak to her, she didn't believe in any kind of divide between the Inquisition's inner circle and the army but she did know they had to have a chain of command in the military to encourage respect and keep order. The Seeker had been trained all her life to follow commands and she knew sometimes, having someone in charge was necessary.
"Where is Ash?" Cassandra whispers him feeling him place his hand on her back trying to guide her away from his Soldiers, she has no doubt they will be adding anything she says too loudly to the list of things they will discuss with the others when they get back to Skyhold. She knew their soldiers were loyal but they enjoyed gossiping as much as everyone else did in their fortress "I haven't seen him all morning.." The Seeker sighs as she steps quickly to keep up with Cullen at her side. "I woke up and he wasn't with me." She adds looking to the Commander who just shrugs. She watches him lift his hands to brush some unseen dirt from the front of his shirt, avoiding her eyes.
"I haven't seen him." Cullen mumbles as he bites his bottom lip; she'd never noticed what a terrible liar he was before and was sure this was why he always lost at Wicked Grace. "Not since last night at Dinner." Ser Rutherford adds settling his eyes on her giving her a sly smile.
"Do not lie." Cassandra huffs making Cullen laugh. "Your soldiers told me he was with you this morning, so where is he and why did he leave me this note? It says here he was going to find you.." Lady Pentaghast continues waving the piece of parchment at her friend. "What is going on?"
"How would I know, I didn't write it". The Commander winces slightly when she smacks the note and the hand that she holds it with, into his chest. He laughs again knowing how much it winds Cassandra up when he is difficult. "I'm not his keeper." Cullen adds rubbing his hand against the spot on his chest as he snatches the parchment from her hand, turning to give her a grin. "What does it say?" He mumbles holding the letter up to his face so he can read it. "The Inquisitor really does have the worst penmanship. What does that word even say? He really should work on this," Cullen mumbles squinting at the page.
"It says he needed to speak to you and that I need to do what you ask of me." The Seeker sighs watching her friend's eyes travel over the untidy handwriting of Lord Trevelyan, another smile creeping on to his face. She knew he was trying to rile her. "Where is he?" Cassandra asks again removing the letter from his hands between her fingertips.
"I'm afraid I'm not allowed to share that information with you." The Commander gives her an innocent smile again making her huff, he and Lord Trevelyan were up to no good and it bothered her. She had been so concerned that they would be at each other's throats this morning but instead, they were co-conspirators against her. "But, the idea of you doing as I ask, is very appealing." Cullen laughs gently pushing her with his shoulder causing her path to waver as they walk.
"At least tell me he is well? Not angry with me?" Cassandra asks suddenly wondering if something had upset her Inquisitor further, she couldn't think of any other reason that he would be missing from their bed. She feels Cullen wrap his arm around her shoulders trying to give her a moment of comfort to soothe her worries.
"He's fine and not angry with you, Seeker. You'll see him soon enough." The Commander pulls her tighter against his side. "He did come and see me this morning and we did have the chance to talk things through.." Cullen begins with a nod as Cassandra watches him drop his eyes to their feet that are now stepping in time with each other.
"Really?" The Seeker asks trying to keep the surprise from her voice, she was glad to hear that the pair had spoken and hoped that their friendship could be saved. Life would be much easier if the two most important men in her life got along and could have a more harmonious relationship. "Is he angry with you?" Cassandra asks feeling him place his hand on her shoulder.
"Have I told you how lovely you look this morning?" Cullen catches her eyes with his again, beaming at her with his usual warmth in his face. Cassandra feels her cheeks begin to redden at his words so gives him another shove again to stop his complimenting her. "You can tell me I look handsome too if you'd like.." He adds making her tut at his avoidance of her questions.
"You look very handsome." Cassandra sees an even larger smile tug at his mouth at her words, she feels him squeeze her tighter beneath his palm. "Your hair in particular.." Lady Pentaghast laughs waving her hand towards his golden locks receiving a sigh from her friend when he realises she is mocking him. "If you won't answer my questions, at least tell me what you both discussed?"
"I apologised and explained that what happened was my fault. I took advantage of the situation and your sadness. I should have never agreed and I wasn't being a very good friend to either of you by letting my feelings get out of hand." He adds turning his head to look at her. It hadn't been his fault at all, yes he had agreed to her plan but it had hurt him to do so. It had been her that had led him on and returned his kiss.
"Cullen.." The Seeker sighs wrapping her arm around his middle, squeezing his waist beneath her hand. "You've always been a good friend. You've always tried to do what's best for me." Cassandra hoped that Lord Trevelyan had accepted Ser Rutherford's apology and that they would be able to return to a more peaceful time between the three of them.
She knew how difficult it was for her friend to see her with Lord Trevelyan but she also knew she needed him in her life. Cullen had been there long before The Inquisitor and was too important to her wellbeing to even consider the hurt she would feel without him. The Commander had been at her side since the beginning of their fight, he had supported and encouraged her as she planned to reopen the Inquisition. His love and friendship had been unwavering and unconditional.
"I'm glad you told him and that he forgave you. He would have been idiotic to throw what you have away. He's a lucky man and I'm sorry that I've ever caused upset." The Commander gives her a small smile that she returns. "I meant it when I said you are my best friend and I'm not going anywhere. I swore I'd protect you and Lord Trevelyan. I also swore I'd protect your baby. So far I've not done a good job of protecting any of you. Especially The Inquisitor." Cullen whispers making Cassandra swallow hard, he had nearly killed her lover once and not to mention damaged his hand.
"We have a chance to move on and make things right." The Seeker nods feeling him drop his hand to her shoulder blade, directing her down another of the path through the grounds. Cassandra frowns slightly trying to decide where she is being taken, she had spent the last few days walking and exploring the grounds but was still unable to get her bearings. "Daniel said we are lucky to have each other. All three of us I mean."
She sees Cullen nod in agreement at her words and mull over what she has said, she watches him glance into the distance as if checking that they are still on the correct path and that they are walking in the right direction. Cassandra follows the line of his eyes across the estate, feeling him give her a more positive push on her back with his hand to keep her walking.
"Where exactly are you taking me, Commander?" The Seeker asks looking around her, being caught up for a moment in the bright blooms and flowers that are thriving all around them in the gardens. "I thought Ashton was at the stables?" She adds glancing over her shoulder when she sees they are walking in the opposite direction of the stables where she knows their horses are being currently housed.
"He was," Cullen smirks making Cassandra narrow her eyes at him. "The night you.." The Seeker hears his voice trail off and into an uncomfortable cough; people were not keen to voice the last part of that sentence around her. "That night, you asked me if I trusted you and I told you I did. So trust me Cassandra and you will see him soon."
"Fine." Lady Pentaghast huffs, giving in to the fact that she isn't going to be getting any more information out of her friend. They walk in silence for a moment, Cassandra letting him enjoy some time without her questions and his lack of answers for her.
"Talking of Daniel, he said we might feel different now." Cassandra feels herself flinch at his sudden words as Cullen stops in his tracks, causing her to pause too. She watches him turn completely to face her, bringing both of his hands up to rest on her shoulders. "Do you feeling anything because of the bond?" He asks when she feels him fix his eyes on her and begin searching her face for the answer she knows he would like to hear.
"Because of the bond?" The Seeker whispers suddenly feeling vulnerable and exposed, she felt uncomfortable that he was even asking the question. "What am I supposed to feel?" Cassandra sighs when he moves his hands to her cheeks, bringing his face closer so he can inspect her.
"Anything. Probably nothing." Cullen smiles making Cassandra feel more at ease that he wasn't being as serious as he had appeared. "You said you felt Ashton and that you felt something. Don't you feel anything now with me?" He asks as The Seeker watches him reach into the neck of his shirt and draw out the vial of their blood that he wears around his neck.
"I'm sorry Cullen." Lady Pentaghast gives him a reassuring smile as she drops her eyes to the vial, watching their blood swirl in a beautiful slow dance. "I don't feel any different. Maybe it was The Inquisitor's mark and the dark magic that made me feel something with him. The vial was desperate to be close to him and maybe it was that and my feelings heightened." She adds watching him nod in defeat.
Lady Pentaghast watches him drop his hands from her face and nod, he places his hands on his hips again as he dips his head in the direction they'd been walking to show that he is ready to continue and won't ask any more questions, even though she knew he would. Even before the bond had been placed upon them she had always felt connected to The Inquisitor, but in a way that she always knew what he was thinking and that they could communicate without words. She knew that was a bond of two souls and her body and mind reaching out to him, knowing he was what completed her.
Cassandra's bond to Lord Trevelyan was natural and created by love, not any false bond caused by magic dark or otherwise. The Life and Blood Bond had been different entirely, she had been certain she had been able to feel his every move. She was sure that she would have been able to pick him out from a large crowd and locate him in the dark when he was under the influence of the vial. When she had been bound to her lover it had felt dangerous, like her senses were warning her of where he was to protect her from him.
"I feel different," Cullen whispers, holding out his arm motioning for her to step closer to him. He smiles when she moves to link her arm through his letting them continue on their path. "I feel.. It's hard to explain." He sighs making Cassandra bite her bottom lip and direct her eyes straight ahead of her. "It feels like the feelings I had for you have changed. It feels like the feelings I have for you are much clearer now." He adds making Cassandra frown, he had only feelings of complete adoration and love last time they had spoken.
"What do you mean?" The Seeker asks hoping he doesn't see her frown as she fights down a feeling she wouldn't let surface, she refused to be disappointed at the thought of losing Cullen's love.
"I know I love you, but it's not the same as it was. Before my thoughts were always of you and my love for you. I would lay awake at night desperate to be with you, but now.." The Commander shakes his head trying to voice his feelings. "It feels like I must protect you above all else. It feels like I don't have to think about you anymore because I can feel you. Like there is this constant warmth in my chest that I know is you." Cullen huffs again making her smile when she sees the pink hint of embarrassment creeping into his ears, she watches him place his palm against his heart showing her the place that he feels her residing because of the vial.
"You aren't making sense. How can you feel me?" Cassandra bites her bottom lip again, she wasn't sure if him saying he could feel her with him at all times was such a good thing or a progression in the right direction of their relationship. "I don't feel anything different," Lady Pentaghast sighs, trying to convince herself more than him.
In truth, she did feel different. She had felt it from the moment she had set eyes on him when she'd woken up. Every time he was close or touched her she could feel her nerves tingle as if the blood that was rushing around her body belonged to him. It did feel like he too was a warmth at her very core that she hadn't been able to put her finger on before.
"It feels like this blood has bound us to protect each other, to always be a support for each other as friends and to love each other as fiercely as lovers would but I know we are not destined to be together. I look at you and before I had felt hurt, jealous and longing, but now I just feel this radiating heat of happiness. A need to take care of you and see you happy." Cullen pauses for a moment when he watches her nod, Cassandra almost felt like she was taking part in a break up of a relationship she didn't even know she'd been in. The Seeker knew she should be happy that he finally understood they would never be together. "Annabelle said.." The Commander begins, shutting his mouth when Cassandra looks up at him and narrows her eyes.
"Annabelle?" Lady Pentaghast laughs flatly; clearly, they had all been spending too much time with the blonde Lady Trevelyan while she had been sleeping off her death.
Cassandra sighs, she couldn't let her feelings for Annabelle stay the way they were. She had been trying to be kind and she had obviously been trying to make up for everything that had happened.
"Yes, Annabelle." Cullen laughs. "She's a very nice person.." He adds trailing off when he sees that Cassandra does not look impressed at his words. "What I'm trying to say is that I do care for you and I do love you, but I'm not going to continue to be a problem for you. I know you love Lord Trevelyan and I want you to be happy together." The Seeker blinks a few times trying to remove the tears that are beginning to form, she felt stupid for crying and didn't even know why she was. She loved the Inquisitor and hearing that she was no longer causing pain to Cullen should make her happy. She had made her choice and that was Lord Trevelyan. "But I guess if you don't feel anything." He sighs again. "I must be imagining it."
"I feel it too.." Cassandra whispers feeling him stop at her side again when her words reach him. "The warmth in my chest.." Lady Pentaghast adds taking hold of his hand when he turns to face her again; she lifts it placing it over her heart and her hand over his. "I can feel you here and somehow I know I'm going to be able to feel everything that you are, from now on. It feels strange." Cassandra sighs seeing him smile lightly; she knew her friend wouldn't have any complaints about their new bond but she couldn't let him think it was all from his side.
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Cullen asks, his eyes searching hers for answers as to why she'd kept it from him. "It does at first." The Commander adds giving her another reassuring smile, looking glad that the feelings were mutual. "When I first felt you it scared me. I felt pain and feelings that I couldn't link to myself, then when you started to get better it felt wonderful." Cullen adds watching Cassandra nod again. "As soon as Daniel told me that we would be sharing our feelings I knew that they were coming from you and that I didn't have to be worried about it anymore. It is just another way for us to take care of each other." Cassandra sighs lightly at his words.
"I struggle with my feelings." Cassandra huffs making her friend laugh that makes her smile when she hears it. "I struggle to take care of my feelings and Ashton's feelings, and now I have yours too?" She adds giving him a look to show she is only teasing him.
"I think you should be more concerned with the feelings from you, I am going to have to deal with. You can be quite moody." Cullen laughs receiving a shove from The Seeker. "He said it won't be everything and not all of the time. It varies between bonds and the strength of the feelings that we are both having. He said he thinks we could probably learn to direct the feelings to each other if we practised and focused. It could come in handy if we are ever in trouble." Cassandra tries to fight back a giggle when she sees Cullen screw his face up as if he is concentrating very hard on sending something to her.
"Nothing.." Cassandra laughs watching him redden with the effort, she places her hands on his cheeks making him stop trying to force feelings to her. "I don't know if I like the idea of you feeling everything I am.. Some things are private." Lady Pentaghast whispers dropping her eyes from Cullen when she feels her face redden slightly.
"You can keep those feelings to yourself." The Commander chuckles again when she is sure he has seen her blush, she wasn't shy about her relationship with Lord Trevelyan but she didn't think Cullen needed to be as involved as that or being able to tell every time she was with the Inquisitor. "Try directing something at me now. Think of something that makes you happy." Cassandra feels him take hold of her hand again continuing their walk through the grounds, almost forgetting that she had been so interested in where they were going and where Lord Trevelyan was.
"Like?" Lady Pentaghast shrugs trying to think of all the things that make her happy. She glances at The Commander who fixes his amber eyes on her again waiting for her to think of something. "Lots of things make me happy. The Inquisition, good friends, dry boots, my warm bed." Cassandra adds making him smirk at the list of her happy things. "Chocolate, sunny days, freshly oiled armour, and a good book in front of the fire. " The Seeker smiles when she hears his loud laugh.
"Those are all good things." Cullen nods "But I think for it to work it has to be the thing that makes you happier than anything else. It can't just be things that you like, it has to be something so brilliant it fills your whole body with happiness." The Commander adds making The Seeker sigh. That was a big ask to place on just one item, maybe she did just have lots of things that she liked rather than lots of things that she loved.
"Why are we here?" Cassandra asks suddenly realising that they have stopped and have now reached the Trevelyan Chapel in the grounds of the family estate. She lets her eyes travel over the small stone building before looking back to Cullen with a frown. "We should get back to the house.." She adds watching the Commander drop his eyes from hers.
"I'm following orders, Lady Pentaghast." The Commander replies as he bows his head slightly and holds his arm out motioning to the chapel. "Lord Trevelyan requests the pleasure of your company this morning," Cullen adds when she looks back to the Chapel feeling confused as to why she has been brought there and where her Lord Trevelyan is.
"But why here?" The Seeker frowns again feeling the words struggle to leave her lips. "Cullen, what is going on?" She asks watching her friend just shrug. "What are you both up to?" Cassandra huffs watching him approach her again before she can say another word she is engulfed by Cullen's arms as he pulls her in for a tight hug.
"I know he is what makes you happier than anything else." The Commander whispers when she finally gives in to his embrace and wraps her arms around him in return. "There is nothing wrong with letting yourself be happy and you deserve to be together," Cullen adds squeezing her tightly. "So the correct answer to my question, what makes you happier than anything is?" He laughs beneath her.
"Ashton," Cassandra whispers in return feeling him let go of her, she sees him nod at her answer and give her a small smile that tugs at the edge of his lips. He was right, Lord Trevelyan was what made her happier than anything else and they hadn't always put themselves or their relationship first. They had a lot of pressure placed on them both and it had made things difficult for them, but she loved him and she knew that he loved her.
"I don't need to be bound to you to know how much you love him." Cassandra watches her friend nod and smiles at her again. "You are lucky to have found each other. He is lucky to have you and he does know that. Ashton wants to show you what you mean to him and he has a surprise for you." Cullen adds glancing towards the chapel and back to her face.
"But that still doesn't tell me where he is or why we are here?" She sighs as Cullen places his hands on her shoulders and directs her body towards the small wooden door.
"I told you. Our great leader asked me to bring you here and I am following the Inquisitor's orders." Cullen laughs as she feels him push her forward with one hand in the centre of her back. "Now, don't keep him waiting. He doesn't like to be kept waiting when he has made a request. As his most trusted advisor, you especially should know he likes to do things his way." Cassandra feels the colour drain from her face, she had no idea what she was going to be faced with.
"I hate surprises." Cassandra huffs watching her friend approach her again, she sees him pull at the end of a scarf that she had failed to notice tucked into his pocket. Cullen holds it up in front of her face smiling at her. "No way, Cullen." She hisses watching him frown at her reaction. "I do not do blindfolds.." She adds batting his hand away.
"He requested a blindfold." The Commander laughs making Cassandra snort, she'd never known him to be so willing to follow Lord Trevelyan's ridiculous orders before.
She smiles lightly when she thinks of some of the things her lover had requested the Commander of his armies do when they had first become the Inquisition. Luckily for Cullen, he wasn't so prone to falling for the Inquisitor's pranks anymore.
"Since when did you follow his orders so completely?" Lady Pentaghast fixes her eyes on Ser Rutherford, showing him that she has no intention of having the scarf placed over her eyes.
"Since I concluded that my life might be easier and better for listening to Ashton, once in a while.." Cullen laughs making The Seeker smile at his words, she knew the men were worlds apart and often struggled to find common ground. "Fine, no blindfold." Cullen sighs when he sees her frown again. "But I'm going to need to cover your eyes or he won't be very happy."
"Fine.." Cassandra sighs as she gives him a nod, deciding he isn't going to reveal what he has been asked to do or go any further until she agrees to at least play along to some extent.
Lady Pentaghast looks into her friends face for a moment more noticing the warm smile that he offers her trying to reassure her, she returns his smile before dropping her eyes to her boots. Whatever they had planned for her, had better be worth the worry that she was currently feeling. Cassandra closes her eyes tightly when she feels Cullen move behind her again, she notices the warmth of his palms as he places one hand at her waist and the other over her eyes. She knew the Commander was probably loving every moment of knowing something she didn't, she could almost feel his enjoyment of the situation radiating from him.
"I hate surprises, Cullen." Cassandra sighs again to herself more than him when she senses him reaching past her to open the door of the chapel while trying to keep his other hand securely over her eyes.
She lets him push her further forward with his body, directing her feet with his own until she knows he is guiding her through the small wooden door. Cassandra feels the panic begin to build again threatening to make her retreat out of the chapel as fast as her legs can carry her. She feels Cullen's hand rest on her waist, trying to comfort her by giving her a reassuring squeeze. She knew he must have felt her begin to panic and begin to push back against him to try and escape his hold.
"Its okay, Cass." Lady Pentaghast feels Cullen's breath at her ear as he whispers to her, noticing that her body has become less cooperative with his trying to lead her into the building. "He's waiting for you." He adds making her swallow hard and try and dismiss her fear. Lord Trevelyan loved her and she knew he wouldn't purposely put her into a situation that would bring her distress or harm.
"Ash?" Cassandra hears his name squeak from somewhere deep in her throat, not loud enough she thinks to be heard by anyone but herself and Cullen.
The Seeker feels her friend direct her further forward and down what she can only assume is the central aisle of the small stone building, her unsure feet scuffing against the stone floor of the chapel as she shuffles with each step. The Seeker lifts her arms, holding her hands out in front of her trying to feel for anything in the dark that might stop her from falling and feeling so unsure of her footing. Lady Pentaghast holds her breath for a moment trying to train her ears to her surroundings, hoping that any sound might give away what is happening and why there is so much secrecy.
"I'm here." Lord Trevelyan answers a hint of a smile in his voice Cassandra notices, suddenly wishing that she didn't have The Commanders hand over her eyes and she could see his face. "I've been waiting for you.." He adds when she is sure she hears the sound of her lover's boots moving somewhere ahead of her.
The warmth of Cullen's hand moving to the centre of her back draws her attention away from the location of her Inquisitor for an instant when she stops her in her tracks.
"What is happening?" Lady Pentaghast huffs hearing Ser Rutherford chuckle lightly behind her at her annoyance. "Can you at least let me open my eyes?" She asks raising her voice slightly hoping to reach Lord Trevelyan. She hears the sound of him tutting and more scraping of his boots moving across the floor towards her.
"Thank you, Cullen." Lord Trevelyan smiles towards the man behind her. "I appreciate you bringing her here.." He adds as she feels the Commander remove his hand from her back and she is sure she feels The Inquisitor step closer to her. "Do you promise to keep your eyes closed, Lady Pentaghast?" She notices the warmth of his voice in front of her so instinctively reaches out to place her hands on him, her fingertips lightly brush against what she knows is the front of his shirt.
"I promise." The Seeker sighs when she feels Ser Rutherford remove his hand from its place covering her eyes. Cassandra squeezes her eyes closed tightly hoping to show Lord Trevelyan that she is agreeing to his requests and isn't trying to peak. "What is so important that you had to kidnap me? Did you not think I'd come here without help?" The Seeker smiles hoping her lover can see it, she hears Cullen move away from her but that he doesn't leave the family chapel.
Cassandra feels a small but distinctive wash of sadness build in her chest as she hears her friend retreating from her and knows he is feeling it in his own heart.
"This could be the most important day of our lives, Cass." Cassandra hears the smile tug at the corner of his mouth as he says this, making her smile further and shake her head. She still had no idea what he was planning but she notices that he begins moving around the chapel again as if he is looking for something. "This time at Ostwick has made me realise two things.." Lord Trevelyan adds, his voice suddenly in front of her again.
"What are they?" Lady Pentaghast mumbles, jumping slightly when she feels Lord Trevelyan step closer to her and place his hand over her eyes to check she isn't trying to look. "Stop." Cassandra laughs batting his hand away from her face but taking hold of it tightly in hers so he can't move away from her. She feels him squeeze her hand in his as he steps closer to her again.
"Open your eyes." He whispers making Lady Pentaghast begin to open her eyes slowly, unsure what she is going to be seeing. Cassandra blinks a couple of times trying to get her eyes adjusted to the dark of the chapel compared to the bright light of outside. "Better?" The Inquisitor asks as she focuses her eyes on him, her beautiful brown-eyed love smiles back at her. She takes in the sight of him, he looks himself and looks happy to see her.
"Now that I can see you are okay, much.." Lady Pentaghast huffs trying to convince him that she is more upset than she is with his kidnapping attempt. As soon as she sees the smile at his mouth she can't help but mirror it. "Why are we.." Cassandra begins questioning him until he cuts her off by drawing her into his arms and wrapping them tightly around her body. The Seeker lets herself relax into his arms forgetting for a moment that she still had no idea what he had been scheming with their friend and focusing on the comfort of her love.
"Put him down will you?" The Commander coughs trying to break them apart. "Just get to the bit where you tell her why she is here before she gets angry." Cullen chuckles making Lord Trevelyan laugh and remove his arms from around her waist.
Cassandra looks over her shoulder to their Commander, she sees him nod his head and smile before dropping his eyes to the floor again as if he feels he is intruding on something he shouldn't be.
"The first I've realised since we've been here is that I never did this properly.." The Inquisitor begins when she feels him gently move his hands to cup her face, he traces the line of her scar with his thumb, his eyes fixed on hers. She watches him lift her hand to his mouth to press a kiss against her knuckles.
"What are you doing?" Cassandra laughs as she watches her handsome rogue slowly lower himself down onto one knee, keeping her hand clutched tightly in his as he does.
She lets herself take in her surroundings of the small stone building, her eyes trailing over the brightly coloured glass windows. She notices that candles have been lit to add to the multi-coloured slices of sunlight that create shapes and patterns on the walls and floor.
"I'm asking you to marry me Cassandra, but this time I'm doing it properly." Lord Trevelyan smiles up at her, she sees him glance past her to The Commander that is still stood not far from them, and then back to her face. "I took so long to do it the first time.." He adds as she sees him bite nervously at his bottom lip. "I never did this properly. Not the way you deserve." He sighs making her smile and lower her eyes to the floor.
"But we are already engaged." Cassandra laughs reaching her hand out to place against his cheek, he strokes the skin beneath her fingers for a moment watching him nod. "You don't think I need an outdated tradition of you asking me from one knee to make me happy, do you?" The Seeker gives him a reassuring smile when he looks up at her again, they had never done things traditionally and she wasn't sure why he was so certain he had to start now.
"But it has made me realise that I offered you nothing more than words and a sweeping gesture.." Lord Trevelyan sighs again. "Being without you is not something I can even think about. I can't ever be without you again and I can't ever come close to losing you, as I did." The Inquisitor mumbles as if he is suddenly unable to find the right words, something Cassandra is sure he doesn't usually have any trouble with.
"I feel the same." The Seeker interrupts trying to give him a moment to regain his words, she smiles when she watches him move his weight on his knee as if it is uncomfortable kneeling on the stone for so long.
"Blood Bond or not, I know we are meant to be together and I want to spend the rest of my days at your side." Lord Trevelyan continues making her sigh. "I love you more than anything in this world and I promise I will spend every day trying to make you as happy as you make me. Nothing will ever divide us again and I promise I will never let anything happen to you again. You are my everything Lady Pentaghast and I would so love for you to marry me.."
Cassandra feels the lump forming in her throat when she sees him give her a small smile, he always managed to floor her with the way he so easily voiced what she meant to him. The Seeker blinks and diverts her eyes from him trying to keep him from seeing the tears that are forming, feeling suddenly overwhelmed. She glances to her side where she is sure she hears Cullen fidgeting and restless behind her, having to be witnessing Lord Trevelyan's words and actions.
Lady Pentaghast closes her eyes for a moment trying to ignore the nagging feeling of jealousy that she can feel in her chest, the feeling clearly radiating from Ser Rutherford and being sent to her through their bond. Her friend had lied about his feelings changing and was trying to remove himself from standing in the way of her and the Inquisitor. Cassandra pushes the feelings from The Commander down, she wasn't going to let the feelings he was currently flooding her with make her resolve waver. She wanted to marry Lord Trevelyan and nothing would change that, she smiles and turns her eyes to Lord Trevelyan again.
"Of course I will marry you." Cassandra laughs as Lord Trevelyan springs up from his position on the floor to wrap his arms around her again, almost knocking her back with the force behind his body. Lady Pentaghast giggles when the Inquisitor lifts her off of her feet. She slips her arms around him letting him hold her, his happiness at her reply clear and making her laugh at his reaction. "I love you." The Seeker sighs, resting her forehead against his as he lowers her back to her feet not releasing his hold on her.
"Maybe I should give you a moment." The Commander announces from the darkness behind them. "This is between you, I shouldn't be here." Cassandra hears him falter for a second; she didn't like knowing he was uncomfortable.
"We both owe you a lot Cullen, we want you to be here." Lord Trevelyan replies looking past The Seeker and into the spot she can feel their friend standing. "You saved me and you saved Cass. We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you." The Inquisitor continues, Cassandra notices that Cullen doesn't immediately reply but hopes that the words have comforted him. The Inquisitor was right, he had saved them both multiple times and he had sacrificed himself for them both.
"Thank you." Ser Rutherford whispers.
"So, the second thing I've realised since we've been here is that life is too short to not be married. We need to get married my Lady and I think we should do it today." The Inquisitor smiles returning his attention to her, she feels his eyes on her face trying to gauge her reaction to his request.
Cassandra bites at her bottom lip for a moment trying to decide if he is trying to rile her or is being serious, she places her hands on his face letting the tips of both thumbs trace the line of his lips that he lets tug into a smile.
"Today?" Lady Pentaghast sees him nod as she focuses on his eyes seeing that there is no joking or teasing behind his words.
Cassandra is sure she hears another uncomfortable fidget from Cullen behind them and suddenly wishes that he had given them some privacy. She smiles when her lover tilts his head into the palm of her hand, enjoying her warm touch on his face as he kisses the skin beneath his lips. He moves his hands to rest at her waist.
"I can't bear to go another day not having you as my wife Cass. We don't know what the future is going to bring and we don't know what might happen to us tomorrow. If anything was to happen to me.." Lord Trevelyan begins, his words rushing from his mouth making her see how heavy it weighs on his mind and how a large of a worry it is for him that something might happen to him.
"Nothing will happen to you". Cassandra hears herself raise her voice louder than she had intended and reply with a huff, she didn't need to hear him saying the things that she worried about every day. She watches Lord Trevelyan give her a weak smile and drop his eyes from her, he was scared and she could see it in him.
"I need to know that you are safe and have the security of my name. I need to know that you and our baby will be okay. If I died.." The Inquisitor continues, his voice almost a whisper.
Cassandra feels a wave of anger wash over her at his words, how dare he stand in front of her and talk about dying. Everyone that she had ever loved had been taken from her and she refused for him to be the same.
"You aren't going to die.." The Seeker hisses feeling him drop his hands from her waist and make a move as if he is going to step away from her. "Ashton," Cassandra adds grabbing his hands in hers so he can't walk away, her actions gaining her his eyes back onto hers.
"You don't know that.." He whispers giving her the best smile he can muster, Cassandra nods at his words seeing that look of worry she so often saw in his eyes. "Look what happened to my Brother.." He adds frowning for a moment when she sees him thinking about Henry and everything that has happened. They'd almost been parted forever and she knew he was trying to bind them forever, in the best way that he knew how.
"We are going to live very long and very happy lives together. What happened to Henry won't happen to you." Lady Pentaghast whispers smiling lightly when he wraps his arms around her again, she lets him rest his cheek against hers as she strokes his shoulders trying to comfort him. "We will grow old together surrounded by our children." She adds feeling him nod. "Nothing will take you from me. Not even the mark." Cassandra feels him sigh at the mention of his hand, the one thing neither of them had any idea how to free him of or to protect him from.
"I want the world to know that nothing can break us." Lord Trevelyan rests his chin into her shoulder as she places a hand on the back of his neck, her fingers stroking the hair at the back of his head.
"I thought you wanted us to be guarded about our relationship? You said yourself, anyone that stands against us could use our relationship as a weakness.." Cassandra lowers her voice again when his own hands move to her hips holding her against his body "I know in my heart if anyone was to use you to hurt me." She begins before deciding it might be best not to voice exactly what she would or wouldn't do.
She knew in her heart she would do anything for him, no matter what the cost. The Seeker sighs when he goes quiet and doesn't immediately reply, maybe he didn't like the idea that she would so easily cast aside her responsibilities. Maybe he thought she was weaker than he'd believed.
"You would always be my priority too." The Inquisitor finally replies making her smile when he removes his head from her shoulder and fixes his eyes on her again.
Cassandra watches as he nods at his realisation that she is his weakness as much as he is hers. She places her hands on his shoulders letting them slide down to his chest, letting her fingers slip under the collar of his shirt.
"Then we are safe, Inquisitor." Cassandra laughs when she sees him nod again and a smile tugs at his mouth. No matter how weak they felt individually, they could be strong together.
"Does that make me a bad leader because I would throw away everything we've achieved to protect you? Does that make me a failure as an Inquisitor because I would always put you above all else?" The Seeker shakes her head lightly and watches him drop his eyes to her fingers that she absentmindedly trails on the edge of the cotton at his chest. "Does it?" He asks her again making her look back into his face.
"Maybe." Cassandra laughs quietly; it probably did make him a very bad Inquisitor if that was how he felt. She didn't care; she knew he was the right one to lead them and she knew he was the best person for the job. "But, where you would fail as an Inquisitor you would succeed as a Husband."
"Then let me be your husband. Let me show you I won't ever let you down. No one needs to know but us. And the Chantry Mother." Lord Trevelyan laughs making her shake her head, she figured he had probably lined someone up to carry out the ceremony if she agreed to marry him.
But, maybe this is how they wanted it to be, they had always discussed that their marriage was about them being together and no one else's business. She had to admit that the thought of becoming his wife made her head spin and her heart want to burst out of her chest with happiness. She knew she had to question him and make sure he wasn't suggesting it for her sake. In truth, nothing would make her happier.
"And The Commander?" Cassandra asks searching her Inquisitor's face, he was serious about this and very serious about them getting married in secret.
Maybe having no one else know until the danger was over would make it something special for them. Something they could share behind closed doors, as Husband and Wife. The Seeker sighs to herself when she realises why Cullen had been asked to bring her to the Chapel all along, he had a role to play in their wedding and no matter what his feelings were for her, he had agreed to it. Lady Pentaghast wondered if this family had dealt with enough secrets, but maybe this one would be forgiven of them. Maybe this was a better secret.
"And Cullen has agreed to be our witness if you would like him to be. We can continue to plan our wedding and invite everyone to Skyhold but right now. I just want it to be us." Lord Trevelyan bites at his bottom lip letting his eyes examine her again, she could see that he was starting to wonder if she was as willing to his idea as he thought she would be.
Cassandra drops her hands in front of her letting him take hold of them again, she feels him begin anxiously rubbing at the skin beneath his thumbs. She knew she shouldn't keep him waiting but maybe he deserved to sweat for a while after kidnapping her.
"Are you sure you do not mind Cullen?" Cassandra finally speaks, glancing over her shoulder to where she knows he is still standing as quietly and as statue-like as a man in the military can. "I'm sorry if he talked you into another of his elaborate schemes.." She adds when she sees him step closer to them again, she watches the bright sun from the painted windows bath him in rainbow light.
"I'd be honoured to stand with you both and see you Wed." Ser Rutherford smiles with a nod of his head, not taking his eyes off of her as he moves to their side. "I was happy to be a part of this scheme if I get to see you so happy." Cullen gives her another light smile before turning his attention to the Inquisitor. She lets her eyes travel over his face when his attention is turned away from her. She would never be able to repay him for all that he had done for her.
"Do you have the rings?" Lord Trevelyan whispers towards the Commander of his army drawing Cassandra's attention back to her lover. She watches as Cullen nods slowly and begins patting his pockets with his hands as if he is looking for where he has placed them when he has located them he looks back at her and smiles.
"You were so certain I would say yes?" Cassandra laughs as she watches The Commander reach into his pocket and pluck the rings from the safe place he has been keeping them.
"Cass, I love you and this is the one thing in my life I've ever been certain about. I know that I want us to be husband and wife and I know that you love me as much as I love you.." The Inquisitor begins as he holds his hand out to Cullen. Cassandra watches her friend reach out his closed fist towards Lord Trevelyan's waiting hand. She notices that he pauses for a moment longer than he should before dropping the rings into her loves waiting palm.
"Thank you, Cullen." The Seeker whispers as she watches him nod again at her thanks but he returns his attention to Lord Trevelyan who pats him on the shoulder in a friendly gesture. Cassandra opens her mouth to say something more to the Commander but he just shakes his head and gives her a reassuring smile that he is fine.
"I also know that I don't want to waste any more time without you. I want to be able to know no matter what happens or where we go, I will be able to come home to you." The Inquisitor getting attention back to him, she feels him place his hand on her cheek turning her chin towards him.
"Well, I agree." Lady Pentaghast smiles when she sees the grin begin to appear on his face. "Oh don't look so pleased with yourself.." She laughs as he just shrugs at her words, of course, he was pleased with himself and he had known she would want this as much as he did. "But, not because I want the security of your name and you must know some part of me thinks this is just another of your crazy ideas, but.."
"But?" Lord Trevelyan asks, his head tilting slightly in question.
"But I know above all else that I love you and don't want to spend a moment longer not being your wife." Cassandra sighs as she throws her arms around his neck in an embrace that he doesn't get much say in or turn down.
She feels him place a hand on her lower back holding her tightly against him. No matter where they went or how long they had to be apart, they knew they would always be able to go home and would be waiting for each other.