Lady Cassandra Trevelyan smiles to herself when she hears the sound of laughter coming from the pair that she knows are not far behind her, on their horses navigating the trail through the mountains. It was wonderful to hear the two people she cared about most getting along. Even if they were being unbearably loud about it. They'd come so close to being friends and each time something had caused a rift between them, but she knew life would certainly be much easier and better for all of them if they were friends. The Inquisition had enough people against them without in-fighting and she knew that together Lord Trevelyan and Ser Rutherford were a good team.
"I think you should let me do it.." The Commander laughs receiving a laugh from the Inquisitor, their voices echoing through the trees and being trapped by the canopy that hangs above their heads. "My skill in field medicine is second to none." He adds making Cassandra raise her eyebrows slightly wondering what they could be talking about that is tickling them both so much. It moves her thoughts away from the ache in her hands and legs for a moment, so she is glad of the distraction their laughter gives her.
"I think you'd need to run that idea past Lady Pentaghast. Every part of me belongs to her now and I think you'd need her permission." Lord Trevelyan begins, gaining her attention fully when she hears him say her name. "But I don't think that's a very good idea." The Inquisitor replies, a smile in his voice she notices.
The Seeker tightens her hold on her reigns as she lowers her eyes to the ground, checking that her mount is keeping a steady pace and stepping carefully between the fallen branches and layers of snow that have been building up at the side of the path and covering their route since they've been away. Cassandra shivers slightly, noticing that the wet and damp weather they had been travelling in further down the mountain, has now been replaced by deep snow. She takes hold of the edge of her hood between her fingers, drawing it across her chin to keep the cold from her neck hoping to save every bit of body heat she can. A quiet hush that only icy and freezing conditions can bring has surrounded the Inquisitor and his party, a hush that is being disturbed by their rambunctious laughter and conversation. She tries to listen past their noise and focus on the rhythmic sound of hoofs and boots crunching into the ground beneath them. She sees that the snow is fresh and untouched and as her horse places its feet into the snow, the first tracks are being made.
"Not after the terrible job you did with my sutures. I'm going to be left with some awful scars because of you." Lord Trevelyan chuckles. "As much as I appreciate the kind offer of you removing my arm, I'll pass." The Inquisitor continues making Cassandra sigh at his words.
If Ashton believed the worst of his scars had come from Cullen patching him up, he still had no idea that it had been The Commander of his armies that had injured him so badly in the first place.
"Why are you talking about such grim things?" She asks pulling her cloak tighter around her body and glancing over her shoulder at them, fixing her eyes on the pair as they follow her closely. "Don't you think we've had enough violence for our whole lifetime?" She asks seeing them both grin at her and shrug from beneath their hoods.
Cassandra sighs again making them laugh, she'd changed her mind, maybe it was easier when they didn't speak to each other and she could enjoy the awkward silences and death stares. They all knew they weren't even close to seeing their share of violence and battles.
"Besides, I'm rather attached to my arm.." The Inquisitor hisses as he leans closer to Ser Rutherford, making sure he whispers loudly enough so that they can all hear him, ignoring her question.
Cassandra tries to hide her smile listening to his terrible joke and laughs when she sees that his words are drawing another loud laugh from the Commander. She is sure she feels a ripple of his amusement through their bond noticing how nice it is to not be getting waves of jealousy from her best friend. The Seeker watches Ser Rutherford rub his hands against his arms trying to warm himself up, glad to see she wasn't the only one that was suffering.
"Don't encourage him." Lady Pentaghast smiles as she turns away from the pair and directs her attention back to their path.
Cassandra lifts her head and lets a warm puff of her breath into the air, the cloud forming in front of her mouth as she tries to keep her teeth from chattering. She was feeling the cold creeping into her body the further they travelled into the mountains and knew as they got later into the day the temperature would drop even more. Her body hurt from the riding they had been doing all day and she knew listening to them was the only thing keeping her from slipping into sleep. How she longed to be wrapped in Lord Trevelyan's arms rather than making such slow progress.
"Maker I am cold." Cullen huffs receiving a positive noise from Lord Trevelyan, agreeing with him. "I thought I hated being rained on." He adds. "But this is worse.." The Seeker hears him fidgeting behind her on his horse, clapping his gloved hands together trying to get the blood moving through them again.
"Lady Pentaghast doesn't appreciate my humour." The Inquisitor whispers, again loud enough so he knows she will hear it. Cassandra looks over her shoulder at him again seeing him smirk at her from beneath his hood, his breath clouding in front of his face.
"I'd appreciate it more, my Lord Inquisitor if one of you took the lead for a while so I could rest and concentrate on warming up." Lady Pentaghast replies giving them both her sweetest smile.
She'd been setting their pace and guiding them on their path for the last few hours and knew she could do with a few minutes where she could happily doze in her seat and not have to watch for hidden dangers.
"I'm going to circle back and check on my men." The Commander announces making her turn to look at her friend again. "Then I will take the lead for a while." He adds giving her a nod and smile. Cassandra returns his nod, grateful for his offer.
She laughs lightly when she watches him reach his hand up to push a low hanging branch higher so the Inquisitor can duck under it without hitting his head, managing to free some of the snow onto himself and Lord Trevelyan as he does so. She watches The Inquisitor shove The Commander in the arm trying to unbalance him in his seat in retaliation.
The Seeker lowers her hands to take hold of the front of her saddle as she twists again, allowing herself to watch The Commander pull his horseback and away from the Inquisitor's so that he can check on his men at the back of their entourage. Although they had brought a much smaller force with them than usual, they still had several carts of supplies and soldiers accompanying them. Cassandra watches him turn the animal on the spot, before quickly moving away from them.
"We'll be home soon." The Inquisitor's voice meets her as she hears him kick his horse gently to move in line with hers, his mount matching the slow pace of hers as they ride side-by-side. "We can't be more than an hour away now. Although everything looks very different covered in the snow.." He adds when she watches him gather his reigns in one hand and start stretching his fingers, shaking his hand showing it is still troubling him and hurting.
"Not soon enough.." Cassandra laughs watching him open and closes his gloved fist. The injury on his hand was deep but his mark had been causing him more pain and she knew it wasn't just in his palm anymore. "Is it hurting you?" Lady Pentaghast asks, fixing her eyes onto his face when she sees him wince. She gives him a small smile trying to offer him some comfort when he settles his eyes into hers and nods lightly beneath his hood.
"I'm fine, love." Lord Trevelyan tightens the grip on his reigns in his other hand before holding it out to her. "It's just the cold.." He adds as she tries to hide a yawn behind her hand and ignore her heavy eyelids. "But we should stop, you need to rest.." The Inquisitor begins. The Seeker watches him glancing around them wondering if there is a safe place they could stop to rest for a while.
"We need to keep going." Cassandra smiles at his constant concern for her; a concern she wasn't always sure was necessary but she did appreciate. "Just keep me awake and keep me company." She adds when he turns his attention to her again, taking hold of her hand in his squeezing it as gently as he can through their gloves.
"I need to warm you up." Lord Trevelyan mumbles when he begins rubbing his hands over hers trying to give her some of his warmth. The Seeker watches him reach behind his saddle for his water pouch, unhooking it and holding it out to her. "When did you last eat?" He asks nodding towards the water wanting her to take it from him. Cassandra takes the water with a smile trying to appease him; she carefully unscrews the cap and takes a small sip from the cold water.
"When did you?" The Seeker asks seeing him laugh and shake his head that she was trying to be dismissive of his fussing over her. She knew that he was about to bring his favourite argument into why she should be taking better care of herself, she was carrying their child after all.
"You need to keep your energy up." The Inquisitor begins "Here.." He mumbles again beginning to fumble inside his saddlebag, looking for something he has hidden in the very bottom of the satchel. He removes his hand pulling out a small item that has carefully been wrapped in greased paper, holding it up to show her.
"Chocolate?" Cassandra smiles when she sees a proud smile stretch onto her Husband's face. He knew how much she couldn't resist chocolate and even after a long journey, a difficult few weeks and some hard times between them, her love had remembered to stash something nice for her in his bag. "I knew there was a reason I liked you." The Seeker laughs making him chuckle.
"Always happy to help, Lady Pentaghast." The Inquisitor smirks as he unwraps the chocolate between his fingers, she watches him snap some pieces off of the larger slab. He holds it out to her on his open palm inviting her to take some. "Those people that don't think I'm a good enough husband material for you. I know how to keep my wife happy." He laughs, his eyes fixed on her when she takes some from him. Cassandra smiles at him when she watches him lift his portion of the dark chocolate to his mouth and between his lips. "That's pretty good.." Lord Trevelyan mumbles, nodding his head she notices him lick the side of his mouth with the tip of his tongue not wanting to waste any.
"You do make me very happy." Lady Pentaghast smiles at him in agreement, taking another piece until his palm is empty and they sit in silence for a moment enjoying the sweet treat. She watches as The Inquisitor tugs his reigns until their horses are walking as close as they can shoulder to shoulder so he can reach her without having to lean too far. "Come here.." She sighs reaching her hand up to his face, wiping her finger against a spot she is sure she seems some chocolate.
"We were talking about my hand.." The Inquisitor mumbles making Cassandra nod lightly, she had heard the end of their conversation and their friend's solution.
The truth was none of them had any more information about the mark or its power. They knew it had been getting progressively stronger and that it was capable of destruction just as much as it was closing rifts. Lady Pentaghast also knew how much pain it always caused him but he didn't share that with the others often.
"I don't think Cullen's idea is a good one either." The Seeker huffs, she didn't want to talk about anything that would bring him more pain.
She knew they were going to have to find answers but they had no idea who would give them. As soon as their fight was over and the rifts had been sealed, as soon as peace had been restored in Thedas and Corypheaus had been defeated they would find answers. Could he live with the mark or would its power consume him? Surely it would never come down to taking his arm or his life.
"I think it's killing me." Lord Trevelyan whispers, lowering his tone as if he doesn't want to even give a voice the thoughts he is having. "As much as I am willing to do anything to fight this. I don't want to die, Cass." Lady Pentaghast looks into his face again seeing him give her a weak smile. "I want to live. I need to live." He nods confidently.
"Don't say those things." The Seeker mumbles, she reaches for his hand again bringing it close to her trying to chase the thoughts away. She smooths her fingers over the back of his hand hoping he can feel it through the soft leather of his gloves, his favourite pair that Leliana had, had made for him for his Birthday.
"We have to be realistic. We don't know how much time I have left." Lord Trevelyan lowers his eyes to their hands and then back to her. She didn't see the look of a man that was voicing his fears staring back at her, but the look of a man that was declaring his bravery and his want to never give up.
"Someone will know what this is and what we must do. When the rifts are sealed we will deal with the mark." Cassandra gives him a smile seeing him nod at her words. "Maybe Daniel can help us. We will ask him to help us find a way." She adds seeing his brow furrow as if he is contemplating what she is saying.
His brother was a powerful Blood Mage and surely he would be able to help them as he had done with the vial. They hadn't shared all they could about the mark with him but he'd seen it tear open a rift.
"We could ask him to come to Skyhold, maybe he could study it?" Lord Trevelyan adds, a small smile at the edge of his mouth. "He must know.." He adds as Cassandra sees him brighten at the idea of having the darkness removed from his palm. Maybe Daniel was the answer to all of this. Maybe his brother would give him the chance to live.
"In a few years, this will all just seem like a bad dream.." Lady Pentaghast tries to give him the best positive smile she can and stamp down the fear she had every time she thought about the mark. Every time she had to think about a life without Lord Trevelyan it tore her in two. "But we have to fight this Lord Trevelyan, you must promise me you won't give up."
"I promise. As soon as we are home." The Inquisitor begins. "I'll send for him." He adds dropping his hand from hers and bringing it to brush against her cheek. "I'll never leave you." Lord Trevelyan slips his hand onto the back of her neck drawing her closer to him.
"I know," Cassandra whispers fixing her eyes on his, the beautiful pools of brown that always brought her so much comfort and always communicated so much to her. "I won't give up on you." The Seeker sighs placing her own hand on his cheek, she watches his scar lift as he grins. She leans towards him letting her lips press gently against his, enjoying the warmth from his mouth.
"Together until the end. Whenever that might be." The Inquisitor mumbles between kisses as he wraps his arm around her again pulling her into a hug. Cassandra wraps her arm around him burying her head into his shoulder for a moment. She hoped the end would be a very long time from now.
"Can I hope that the end never comes?" The Seeker whispers, pressing her cheek into the scratchy fabric of his cloak. "We can find an enchanted stream? A magical pond? Anything that will give us an eternal life together.." Cassandra smiles when she feels him laugh beneath her cheek and the warm sound of his happiness.
"How about a mystical puddle?" He asks making her giggle. A mystical puddle would do and they would drink every drop of the dirty water if they had to, she was sure. "Our soldiers will find something and then we will be together forever. There could be more Sacred Ashes out there and all kinds of things we haven't yet discovered." He adds as she sits back to take a look at him.
"If anyone can find it, it's you, Ashton." The Seeker sees him beam when he hears her confidence in him.
She doubted such a thing existed but there was no harm in dreaming, as long as he didn't set out on a wild goose chase for such a sacred object or place. Cassandra fights back a yawn again as she lets her eyes travel over the edge of the trail, trying to not be so distracted by him when she was supposed to be leading them home.
"Why don't you lean on me for a while Cass?" Lord Trevelyan whispers holding his arm open to her, inviting her to relax against him.
Cassandra hesitates for a moment until he motions for her again, she is about to give in to her exhaustion and let herself rest when hears the sound of an approaching horse behind them making him turn to find the source of the noise. He holds his hand out to her again that she happily takes as they both see The Commander riding back towards them.
"Are you two holding hands?" Lady Pentaghast hears Ser Rutherford's voice from behind them, a teasing edge to his word.
She smiles bashfully at Lord Trevelyan when she realises that they have probably been gazing at each other and not paying much attention to the road. Cassandra peeks over her shoulder, watching her friend as he kicks his horse to catch up them again.
"Should we not?" Cassandra laughs turning her gaze back to The Inquisitor who keeps his horse steady beside hers, she sees him fix his eyes on her in return and give her a small smile. The Inquisitor leans forward in his saddle slightly trying to get comfortable.
"My wife has been feeling the cold." Lord Trevelyan replies with a smirk, she feels him squeeze her gloved hand through his equally covered one. "I'm making sure to keep her warm." The Seeker sees a smile tug at the corner of her Husband's mouth when she drops her eyes to their hands. Yes they were holding hands and she didn't care how public their affection was, she was enjoying every moment of being at his side.
"He's a very considerate Husband." Lady Pentaghast laughs seeing how much he appears to enjoy hearing her call him that when she sees a large smile tug at the corner of his mouth. "Very considerate of all of my needs." Cassandra giggles when The Inquisitor drops her hand and wraps his arm around her body drawing her closer to him. "I'll fall.." The Seeker laughs suddenly feeling unsteady in her saddle until she feels him tighten his hold on her and guide her beneath his arm.
"I won't let you fall." Lord Trevelyan whispers when she leans back into his shoulder, letting him support her weight. The Seeker turns her body towards him trying to warm herself in his embrace and wrap herself in the edges of his cloak. "I've got you.." He adds with a chuckle when she yawns again. "Get some rest." She feels him bend his head to press his mouth against the top of her head through the fabric of her hood. Cassandra turns her head from its place on his shoulder to see that Cullen is watching them and has seen their exchange.
"It's very sweet that's all.." The Commander begins scrunching his face in pretend disgust making The Inquisitor and The Seeker laugh at his actions. "I've got to admit the feelings of happiness Cassandra has been radiating for the last few minutes have been making me nauseous." Cullen laughs making Cassandra snort at him and the Inquisitor laugh. He was going to have to get used to those feelings because she planned on spending the rest of her days as a very happy woman.
"Count yourself lucky my blood was removed from that vial.." Lord Trevelyan smirks to himself as The Seeker watches him gather his reigns in his hand again, she sees him turn to his friend giving Cullen a confident smile. "If you had the intensity of my feelings in there you wouldn't be able to understand them anyway." The Inquisitor laughs, she feels him place his hand against her hip and squeezing her beneath his palm.
"Is that right?" The Commander snorts with a smile. "I don't think I've once heard you talk about your feelings Ashton, you certainly have never spoken for hours without interruption about how much you love Lady Pentaghast."
"Maybe I should try harder to voice my feelings from now on. I am a Trevelyan after all and we are known to care more deeply and love more intensely and passionately than most. Of course, you stuffy military types wouldn't understand that, right Cullen?" Lord Trevelyan laughs making Cassandra freeze at his words wondering if their mild jesting and riling of each other might be getting too personal.
"Okay, that's enough.." Lady Pentaghast replies sitting up from her Husband's embrace and giving him and warning with her eyes that she didn't think it was a good idea for them to be pushing each other. She turns to the Commander pointing her finger at him. "Both of you." She adds seeing Cullen give her an innocent smile. "No fighting. No arguing, no competitions or name-calling. We are nearly home and think you should change the subject now and concentrate on the road." The Seeker adds seeing The Inquisitor shrug and smile at her to show he won't let Cullen get to him.
The three ride in silence for a while, Lady Pentaghast feeling like she has successfully defused the situation and that they are going to behave themselves. She had no idea if they were ever going to be able to stop competing against each other, always trying to outdo one another. A little friendly competition and rivalry never hurt anyone, but she could imagine them taking it too far and one or both of them getting hurt. Cassandra sighs when The Inquisitor leans towards her again, he places his hand on her shoulder offering her some silent comfort.
"So maybe if you two could tone down the sap.." Ser Rutherford suddenly continues, ignoring Cassandra's warning and making The Seeker and the Inquisitor jump at his sudden announcement.
Cassandra glances at their friend and sees that he is making a gesture that their actions are making him sick as he lets out a loud laugh. She rolls her eyes wondering what she ever did to be surrounded by such comedians.
"Not going to happen." The Inquisitor laughs. "I know it may be difficult for you to comprehend mine and Lady Pentaghast's relationship, a loving and mature relationship built on love from both sides.."
"Mature?" Cullen scoffs as The Seeker looks at him, shaking her head telling him to stop and keep his mouth shut. "Really..You, mature?" The Commander lets out a loud 'Ha' as he turns to smirk at Lord Trevelyan.
"If you two don't stop squabbling." Lady Pentaghast huffs. "I'll make both of you ride alone so I don't have to listen to it anymore." Cassandra glares at them both for a moment.
"We aren't squabbling. Lord Trevelyan knows he's no match for me at anything. He has lost every time he's ever come up against me after all." Cullen sighs matter-of-factly watching to see if his words are having any effect on the Inquisitor.
"That's it.." The Inquisitor laughs, carefully untangling himself from Cassandra and making sure she is steady in her saddle. "Last one back to Skyhold unloads the carts and sleeps in the stables."
"Challenge accepted." The Commander chuckles in return, quickly grasping his reigns in both of his hands and gathering his horse beneath him. "I hope you enjoy losing, Brother." Cullen shouts.
"I hope you enjoy your night in the hay." Lord Trevelyan huffs, spurring his mount with the heel of his boot.
The Seeker sighs and places her hand over her eyes when she hears the pair kick their horses into action, both of them gripping their reigns tightly and continuing their ascent up the mountain at a much greater speed than they had previously been moving at. Cassandra lowers her hand slowly to see the shapes of Lord Trevelyan and Ser Rutherford disappear into the gloom of the trees ahead of them, the sound of them both shouting encouragement at their mounts all she is left with as they get further and further away.
"Ridiculous." Cassandra mutters under her breath looking around her and then over her shoulder to check that she hasn't been completely left on her own and that the soldiers are still following not far behind. She wraps her cloak around her body again wondering if she should go after them, suddenly feeling anxious that they shouldn't be riding at such speeds on such uncertain paths. Just as she is about to kick her horse on she hears the sound of a horse being ridden and thundering down the track towards her again.
"How long do you think until he notices I'm not there?" The Inquisitor shouts a grin stretched across his face as he reaches her. She sees that he is slightly flushed from the wind and he takes a gulp of air as he laughs.
"You are both ridiculous." Lady Pentaghast huffs trying to not let his always infectious smile get to her so she lowers her eyes. She did think they were both ridiculous and she didn't appreciate being left on her own. "This road is dangerous.."
"I just wanted to give Cullen the satisfaction of beating me at something for a change.." Lord Trevelyan laughs his reply as he tugs a reign to bring his horse alongside hers again, as he tries to catch his breath. She watches him gently stroke his fingers into his mare's neck, giving her a soft pat for her efforts. "He can gloat for a few days if he likes." He adds dipping his head to try and find her eyes, making her smile.
"And what do you gain by sending him away like that? Other than getting to sleep in the stables." Lady Pentaghast smirks when she sees her husband shrug, his brown eyes full of mischief on hers. He reaches his arm out to her placing his hand on her waist.
"Well, we get to be alone.." Lord Trevelyan begins before nodding towards the accompaniment behind them. "Almost alone" He laughs. "We've spent weeks almost always having eyes on us, I'm looking forward to being back in our quarters. Just you and me." Cassandra bites at her bottom lip at his words, they didn't get a lot of time alone and she was looking forward to closing their door and getting some solace.
"Aren't you worried you'll be cold sleeping outside with the horses?" The Seeker giggles when she hears Lord Trevelyan snort. She wasn't sure how alone they would ever be again with Cullen tuned into her feelings and emotions.
"I'm not sleeping outside.." The Inquisitor sighs, he lifts his other hand to her face using it to direct her towards his. "I'm going to spend tonight and every night with you, in our bed.." He continues pressing a gentle kiss against her mouth. "Being very, very considerate of your needs." Cassandra feels a smile tug at the corner of her lips.
Lady Pentaghast smiles against his skin when she hears a throaty groan escape her husband's mouth and the feel of his fingertips pressing into her hips. She continues to press kisses under his jaw trying to catch her breath until she hears him sigh and relax beneath her. They'd arrived at Skyhold at such a late hour that there had been no one to greet them at the gates but the guards and a very smug-looking Commander Cullen. The rest of the Inquisition and their friends having retired to their beds hours ago meant they weren't disturbed during their quick meal before they could excuse themselves to their tower.
The Seeker sits up from her position of straddling Lord Trevelyan's hips and slides her hands over his flushed chest that rises and falls beneath her palms as he tries to steady his breathing. She feels him place his hands on her back when he fixes his eyes on her, the warmth of his palms only adding to the warmth she is being bathed in from the large fire that has been built in their fireplace. The fire crackles quietly as it burns, its pops and snaps merging with the sound of The Inquisitor keeping his word about being considerate to her every need.
"A perfect homecoming.." The Inquisitor pants making The Seeker nod in agreement, always perfect when he was involved. She rests her hand at the base of his neck, her fingers tracing the edges of a dark purple mark that looks very much like the shape of her mouth.
"How could it be anything but perfect?" Cassandra giggles as she leans over him, letting him wrap his arms protectively around her so that she can rest her head into his neck. "I think that's my favourite sound." The Seeker whispers against his skin, she pulls out of his arms so she can sit up straight on top of him again. She glances over her shoulder and into the fire, she'd enjoyed watching how it had cast their shadows against the wall of their quarters.
"The fire?" The Inquisitor asks raising an eyebrow and tilting his head slightly in question. Cassandra watches him tuck his arm behind his head so he can get a better look at her, his other hand coming to rest on her waist as he takes another lungful of air.
"No.." She shakes her head lightly seeing a smile at his mouth and the red in his cheeks as he waits for her answer. Lady Pentaghast strokes her fingers through the light sprinkling of hair on his chest, the tips of each one following the lines of his muscles. "Listen.." Cassandra whispers, placing a finger over his lips to stop him talking.
"I don't hear anything." Lord Trevelyan mumbles the best he can with her trying to keep him quiet. She nods her head in agreement, she didn't hear anything either except the sound of their breathing and the crackling of the fire. Otherwise, everything was quiet and everything was well.
"Exactly." Lady Pentaghast whispers as she leans forward again, removing her finger from his mouth and pressing her bare chest against his. She lets him wrap his arms around her body, her hands resting either side of his head keeping her balanced on top of his body. She feels him shift beneath her when she presses her lips against his before he moves to tangle his fingers in her hair so he can deepen their kiss.
"Ignore it.." Lord Trevelyan huffs when she breaks their kiss, sure she has heard a knock on their door. The Seeker sits up again, her hands on his chest for leverage. "They'll go away." He adds leaning up to draw her back to him again with his hands sliding down her back and his demanding mouth on her throat.
"Maybe you should see who it is." Cassandra whispers, using every bit of willpower she has to bat his hands away from her before they got too caught up in each other again and don't find out who was bothering them. As much as she wanted to pretend they hadn't heard it, her curious side wanted him to get out of bed for her and find out.
"Seriously? Now?" The Inquisitor asks with a frustrated huff when she nods her head. The Seeker glances over to the direction of the stairway to their door when there is another louder banging from the other side. "Skyhold better be on fire.." Lord Trevelyan grumbles making her laugh. "Fine, I'll go and look." The Inquisitor sighs.
Lady Pentaghast looks down into his face giving him a grateful smile that only makes him grumble further, she quickly places her hands on his cheeks directing his mouth to hers again giving him something to send him on his way and to stop him pouting. She feels him smile beneath her lips when she starts peppering kisses all over his face trying to stop him being grumpy about the situation, she'd make this very brief interruption up to him. Cassandra giggles when he wraps his arms tightly around her again, lifting her from his lap and rolling her over onto her back. He quickly moves to rest between her legs and places a hand either side of her head so that she can't move.
"I'll be right there!" Lord Trevelyan shouts over his shoulder before The Seeker feels his eyes on her again, she slips her hands onto his back as he dips his head to press his mouth against her throat.
Cassandra fights back a groan of her own when he slides his hands slowly down her sides and crushes his mouth against hers. She moves her hands to his shoulders giving him a gentle push, if he didn't go now she would never let him leave their bed. She reluctantly untangles herself from his arms as he moves off of her and to the edge of their bed. Lord Trevelyan takes a handful of their sheets in his hands, pulling it towards her attempting to keep her warm.
"Maybe you should take a blade.." The Seeker blurts out, immediately realising how ridiculous that must sound. They had definitely spent too much time with danger all around them and she had spent too long with the Seekers to ever feel there might not be a threat. She watches Lord Trevelyan look over his shoulder at her and smirk.
"I'm sure someone trying to attack us.." The Inquisitor begins as he places his bare feet onto the cold stone floor. "Probably wouldn't knock first." He adds as he stands, he turns to face her again as he begins looking for something to wear. His eyes travelling over the floor next to the bed and then past it to the other side, she smiles when she sees him wondering where his clothes are. "I'm coming!" Lord Trevelyan shouts when the banging on the door continues. Cassandra watches Ashton stretch his arms above his head as he continues looking for his clothes, ducking his head to look under their bed.
"Top of the stairs, Inquisitor." The Seeker giggles and points, spotting the trail of discarded clothing leading into their room. He follows the direction of her finger before looking back to her with a grin of thanks.
Cassandra wriggles back onto their bed so she can sit with her back pressed against their carved wooden headboard, pulling the sheets up around her body to keep the chill away and in case anyone did decide to burst into their room. She watches Lord Trevelyan pad slowly across the room towards their staircase and the waiting visitor, she sees him pick up his breeches as he walks. She can't help but smile when she lets her eyes wander over his naked form, his injuries had almost completely healed and other than a slight stiffness she could see he was carrying in his back and legs, most likely from the long days on horseback, he looked back to his usual self.
"Stop banging." Lord Trevelyan huffs when another round of hammering of fists can be heard, Cassandra was sure whoever it was would end up coming through the door if they kept at it. The Seeker watches her love step into his breeches and quickly pull them up his legs as he begins down the stairs into the complete darkness.
Lady Pentaghast watches him disappear from view and the banging on the door go quiet. She tries to listen for any clues but the gentle crackling from the fire masks any other sounds until she hears the sound of the metal lock being pulled aside and the heavy wooden door opened. Cassandra wraps the sheet closer to her body suddenly wondering why anyone would be so insistent at this late hour unless there was an emergency.
"Ash, who is it?" The Seeker calls out, a sudden wave of worry washing over her when she doesn't hear The Inquisitor's reply. Maybe someone had stormed their way into Skyhold and had found their door locked. Maybe Lord Trevelyan had been taken from their doorway when she'd asked him to answer it and was being dragged down the hall by some unknown attacker. She had to help him. She quickly moves towards the edge of the bed, reaching for her tunic that has been left on the bottom of it. "Inquisitor?" Cassandra calls again trying to keep the wobble of worry from her voice.
Lady Pentaghast pulls the tunic on over her head, quickly forcing her arms into it too and climbing off of the bed. She shivers lightly when her own bare feet come into contact with the stone. Cassandra glances over to the wooden racks that house their weapons and then to the fireplace trying to decide where her nearest blade or offensive object might be. Deciding a metal fire poker was the closest she scrambles towards the fireplace, grabbing hold of it from its place on the hearth. The Seeker rushes towards the top of the stairs, lifting it above her head ready to attack the person that she believes has kidnapped her husband.
"Woah Woah Woah.." The Commander laughs holding his hands up to defend himself when he notices the poker. "You almost got me with that thing." Cullen laughs again as The Seeker lets out a sigh of relief when she sees The Commander is walking up the stairs towards her with a perfectly safe Inquisitor trudging along behind him.
"Maker.." Cassandra sighs lowering the poker, sure if it had been a minute longer she should have wrapped the metal around his head and caused a lot of damage to her friend. Cullen and Lord Trevelyan glance at each other, looking surprised to see her and confused as to why she is waving a deadly weapon. "I thought you were an attacker." The Seeker huffs as The Inquisitor reaches past Cullen and to take the poker from her, she notices the questioning smile he gives her when he has disarmed her.
"Why would an attacker knock on the door?" The Commander asks receiving a chuckle from Lord Trevelyan, Cassandra sees him mouth 'That's what I said' to him and shake his head. "Why did it take so long for you to answer?" Cullen asks looking over his shoulder at Lord Trevelyan. The Seeker retreats into their bedroom realising that Cullen had no intention of leaving yet and they still had no understanding of why they have been so rudely interrupted.
"It's the middle of the night." The Inquisitor replies with his best fake yawn, she sees him bring his fist up to his eyes and begins rubbing them as if he has been asleep. Cassandra smiles to herself at his action, her husband was adorable when he wanted to be. "We were sleeping.." He adds making Cullen snort.
Cassandra notices Ser Rutherford's eyes travelling around their bedroom, she knew he wouldn't be able to see much in the gloom with the only light coming from the fire. The Seeker suddenly wishes that she had spent a few moments collecting together their clothes that they have abandoned and tidying up, but she wasn't to know that they were going to be having visitors at such a late hour. She smiles when she watches Lord Trevelyan move to stand behind her, she feels him place his hands on her hips as he presses a gentle kiss against the side of her head. He clearly wasn't as concerned about Cullen's visit because she watches him walk away from her and over to the fireplace to return the poker.
"Of course you were." The Commander replies turning his attention to Lady Pentaghast, she feels his eyes on her and is certain he is inspecting her tunic and her lack of clothing when he sees that she is watching Lord Trevelyan.
She had no doubt she had been sending wave after wave of love and lust through the bond for the last few hours. The Seeker quickly returns her eyes on Cullen making him lower his. His visit was either very conveniently timed or he did have something important to tell them.
"Couldn't this wait until the morning?" Cassandra asks him drawing his eyes back to hers again when he hears her question. The Seeker glances to Lord Trevelyan again who has returned to them and stands with his hands crossed over his chest.
"No, it can't wait." Ser Rutherford begins, Lady Pentaghast watches him lift his hand to his face as he pinches the bridge of his nose. "I am sorry to just burst in here like this, but it's important." Cullen continues looking to Lord Trevelyan who just nods. Cassandra wonders if he has been woken for this important matter by the way that he has dressed down to his shirt and breeches, his usually well-groomed hair slightly out of place from sleep.
"What's wrong Cullen?" Lord Trevelyan unfolds his arms and steps closer to The Commander. "What has happened?" He adds patting him on the arm to get him to speak.
"This is going to be sound.. Impossible.." Ser Rutherford whispers making Cassandra frown. "You have to believe what I am going to tell you, no matter how crazy you may think it sounds." Cullen continues, an anxious look suddenly appearing on his face she notices.
"It's okay Cull.." Cassandra whispers, reaching to place a comforting hand on his shoulder trying to get him to relax. She sees him taking a deep breath to compose himself. "We've seen plenty of things that should be impossible.. Tell us." She adds seeing him nod. He begins patting his own pockets trying to locate something that he has been carrying on him, he reaches into the front side of his breeches pulling out a piece of parchment.
"I was in my tower.." The Commander begins holding the parchment up in front of him, his eyes fixed on The Seeker. "There was a bright flash.. Brighter than any magic or lightning I've ever seen." Cullen puffs and pauses for a moment, she sees him shake his head as if he's beginning to doubt his own sanity.
"We didn't see anything.." The Inquisitor sighs, Cassandra looks at him wondering if he's about to dismiss the bright flash as part of a very vivid dream the Commander must have been having after a long and tiring few weeks.
"You aren't listening Ashton.." Cullen whispers turning to his friend. "The flash was in my tower, not outside. It felt like the whole floor was going to open up. But there was no sound.." Cassandra sees the blonde man carefully open the parchment with his fingers that she now notices are shaking. Had he been taking lyrium again?
"What is that?" The Seeker asks nodding towards a scrap of parchment.
"This was left behind on my floor. Whatever caused that flash, left this note for me." Cullen puffs and pauses again. Cassandra sees a fight going on in his face and behind his eyes, he wasn't sure that he should be there or that he should be showing them the parchment. "Or rather this was left for you Cass.." He finally adds making her lift her brow in surprise.
"For Cassandra?" The Inquisitor asks reaching for the parchment, trying to snatch it away from The Commander. Cullen quickly pulls his hand away so that the note is out of Lord Trevelyan's reach. Cullen holds his other hand up as if blocking Ashton.
"I think Lady Pentaghast needs to decide who gets to read this.." Cullen whispers, diverting his eyes away from The Inquisitor and to The Seeker. She sees the familiar look of concern for her in his amber eyes and as she does an overwhelming wave of his worry for her forces its way through their bond. "If you are in any trouble Lady Pentaghast, I want you to tell me.." He adds making her frown further.
"Lady Pentaghast is fine.." Lord Trevelyan huffs, Cassandra, noticing that he is starting to sound irritated. Not only that they had had their silence shattered by Cullen but that he was now making accusations about her welfare.
"I am fine. Everything is fine." Lady Pentaghast sighs. "If I was in any trouble I would tell you and I would tell The Inquisitor." She adds with a nod trying to convince her friend who she notices doesn't look very happy with her response.
Cassandra looks to The Inquisitor who just nods, she knew her husband would only want to read it because he was concerned for her safety and wellbeing. They knew they didn't have secrets between them but she also knew he would respect her decision and privacy, if she did decide to keep the parchment and whatever its contents were, to herself. Lady Pentaghast holds her hand out to Cullen, laying her palm flat for him to place the parchment there. He had already read it because it looks like it has been opened and closed several times while he decided what to do with it and its contents.
"Okay.." The Seeker sighs as he lays the note flat onto her palm; she closes her hand around it for a moment as she looks to The Commander. He gives her a nod as if he is trying to offer her some support. "Ashton.." Cassandra whispers, immediately feeling comfort when he hears her ask for him and steps closer to her side.
"I think you should read it alone." Cullen begins until Cassandra shakes her head at him.
"We don't have secrets.." Lady Pentaghast mumbles as she opens the parchment with her own shaky fingers. She didn't know why she was suddenly so scared of a piece of paper.
Cullen had been troubled by whatever he had read. The Seeker takes a deep breath, a small smile at the edge of her mouth when she feels Lord Trevelyan wrap his arms gently around her waist. He presses his mouth against her shoulder as she lifts the parchment higher so that she can make out the words that have been written in dark black ink. She lets her eyes carefully take in every letter, mouthing the words as she reads them trying to process it.
Cassandra,
Do NOT Trust The Inquisitor.
"Who wrote this?" Lord Trevelyan mumbles, reading the parchment over her shoulder. Cassandra feels the blood begin to drain from her face when she rereads the note again, and again. The same message every time she does.
The Seeker lets out a breath that she is sure she'd been holding since she first read the words. The Inquisitor reaches for the parchment, taking it carefully from her as she watches him from the corner of her eye, turning it over in his hands hoping for more answers. Lady Pentaghast brings her hands up to her face suddenly feeling faint; it wasn't the message of the letter that troubled her so much but the hand that had written it.
"It's my handwriting.." Cassandra whispers as she suddenly feels both sets of eyes on her.
To Be Continued..