This is part 1 of my Inquisitor's written story! (I have no idea when the next part will be posted, as I have not yet begun writing it.)
But I hope you enjoy it, and please leave me some nice reviews! :)
The video form can be found on youtube on my channel, Rosen Pavus! There is also a music video I made with scenes from the game of Rosen and Dorian, as well as Dorian's father. I'm quite proud of it, so I hope you enjoy it as well! :)
~Rosen Pavus~
Manaveris Dracona
Tevene to English translation: Long live the Dragons
Rosen was climbing one of the many stairways in Skyhold. Specifically the one leading up from Solos's round study, as he was on his way to the library to locate Dorian Pavus. His breathing was slightly irregular, and his palms were damp with sweat where his hands hung limply by his sides. Rosen was clearly feeling unwell, but he was hopeful the impending conversation would lead to a defining moment between them. Desperate for it, even.
When he finally stood before the one who held his heart Rosen noted the look of surprise on the other man's face in response to his disheveled appearance as Dorian turned around in reaction to the soft sounds of his approach. Not a surprising reaction, considering Rosen took great joy in maintaining his physical body and his chosen colors of embellishments.
"Dorian, I need to talk to you, please," Rosen requested quietly. He gazed at the human mage with obvious longing in his eyes.
He knew exactly what Dorian was seeing being this close to him. Rosen's eyes were a dark shade of blue, soul-deep with red rings around the blue pupils.
"Oh?" Dorian replied in a clearly teasing manner. Though there was also a look of seriousness in his gorgeous, smoky grey eyes. "I am, as you say down south, all ears."
He must have sensed that these moments in time had the potential to change everything between them.
"Would you accompany me to my quarters? This is important. For both of us. I want no distractions, interruptions or eavesdroppers lurking about while I say what I need to. What is in my heart."
"Very well, Inquisitor. Lead the way."
He inclined his head toward Dorian briefly before the two of them left the library to head down the stairway and through Solas's study, then into the great hall with it's massive, mounted golden lion statues.
They passed the Inquisitor's chantry-style throne with the Andraste in red-gold flames statue behind it on the way to the door to Rosen's quarters on the left wall. The door was directly across from the matching thick, dark-brown wood door that led to the undercroft before he spoke again.
"Please, Dorian, call me Rosen."
"Call you what?.." Dorian inquired, clearly thinking he had misheard.
Rosen opened and then closed the first of the two doors between the hall and the Inquisitor's quarters when Dorian followed him through the doorway. This instantly shut out the noise of the rest of the world. For a time at least.
"Rosen," he repeated, shutting the second door now and heading up yet more stairs. "It is my name, though none here know it. It is not that I am ashamed of it, merely that no one has asked. Also, humans can sometimes be strange about names."
He headed into his large one-room quarters finally, noting Dorian's look of interest as he saw them for the first time. The gorgeous man's lingering gaze on Rosen's bed caused him to visibly shiver, though Dorian did not see it absorbed as he was with studying the rest of the room.
"Surely you must be joking," Dorian stated, turning to look at him while placing his hands on his muscular hips. "The entire time you have been with us, not one person has asked after your name?"
"They have not." Rosen sat down in one of a pair of comfortable wooden chairs with light blue, thickly-padded cushions by the fireplace, basking in the warm red and gold flames dancing over the large round logs. He then gestured with his elegant, slender fingered left hand for Dorian to take the second chair to Rosen's left.
"So, your name is Rosen. Not Inquisitor," Dorian spoke, his deep voice gently teasing him.
"Yes, not Inquisitor," Rosen replied, his sky-blue painted lips curving into a smile in response.
"Is there any meaning behind it?" he asked while moving to sit beside Rosen.
"It is the masculine form of Rose. When I was young my father called me his rose petal. Before I reached my adulthood and took to the wilds, rarely returning to visit. He was aware of my nature before I was."
"And he did not drown you? I'm shocked." There was an understandable bitterness in Dorian's voice, and Rosen did not take the comment personally.
"My people are more accepting of personal differences than the other races. And much more accepting than Tiventer."
"Clearly."
"Yes. Everyone has their place, and is valued, for who they are and what they can do for our people, regardless of their differences. My father and family love me, though I have not seen them in years."
"Why have you visited him, and your other family, so rarely, may I ask?" Dorian inquired politely, though with obvious pain in his eyes. "If they truly love you as you say?"
"I have not dwelled within my childhood home long-term for many years now, Dorian. I visit when I am near the area, but I have been on a quest. It is what I was doing before I ended up in all of this mess. But I had to at least try to help. It is in my nature to always try to help others. To do good to the best of my abilities."
"I have noticed that self-destructive behavior in you, yes," Dorian replied dryly, a slight smirk curving his lips.
"Yes, well.. When I heard Justinia calling out for help, I had to answer. Even though I did not know her. Then, the next thing I knew, I was bound in a jail with Cassandra looming over me with that threatening look she gets on her face. Liliana was there as well."
"Terrifying, I'm sure."
"I know you are joking, Dorian, but I was frightened. Even though I could not fully remember why. I still do not. I have never really been a part of the larger world outside my own small piece of it. It is unnerving to me. Having been so sheltered before my quest, and now being so abruptly thrust to center stage in this game that is far from playful in it's vast scale and potential for the ruin of all. I mean to make my people proud of me. I know I appear confident to others, but while I am managing to hold it all together somehow, I am beginning to fall apart, Dorian. The stress is.. a nightmare."
"I can imagine," Dorian stated. His expression became compassionate as he continued to speak. "You know I bucked off the expectations which were placed upon me. The expectations placed upon your shoulders are much heavier. Most of the people here don't have the experience or skill to see it. I have both. The stress is wearing on you, Rosen. It isn't good for you at all."
"I know it well," he replied softly. Rosen's blue eyes filled with tiredness as he dropped his mask fully now while looking over at Dorian. "But we have gotten way off-topic. I did not ask you here to talk about this. I need to clarify the things I said about myself during the confrontation with your father. It has been bothering me, a lot."
"Oh, joy! Let's revisit that, shall we?" Dorian said sarcastically. Then he became serious again. "I really don't think it's any of my business, Rosen."
"But that is where you are wrong."
"Wrong? Me? Perish the thought."
"It is bound to happen occasionally, Dorian," Rosen stated gently. "Even to someone as amazing as you are." His tired expression eased as he smiled at the other man with clear amusement.
"You think I'm amazing?" Dorian inquired. His grin in return was slightly cocky, but his light, smoky grey eyes were genuinely curious.
"I would not have said it if I did not mean it," Rosen confirmed with another gentle smile. "But I need you to focus now, Dorian, please."
"Oh, very well. That mockery of a conversation with my father. What, specifically, do you feel you need to clarify about yourself, Rosen?"
"I.. Do you remember when I said I was not a stranger to the desire which can be between two men?"
"Vividly, yes."
"My experience with it is personal, but not physical. My father's mate, the man who gave him me and my siblings. I am like him. I grew up watching them, witnessing their bond, their love, and longing for the same with my own mate. You have the right to know these things about me, Dorian Pavus, because you are my fated mate."
"I- I am?" Dorian inquired, his expression changing to a rare look of shock at the information. "How could you know that? Is it a dalish thing? Are males having children a hidden dalish thing?"
"No. My people are related to the dalish, but our race came first. I am not an elf. I know because of who my people are. It is in us to know our soul's mate at first sight," Rosen explained. He reached across the small distance between their chairs with his left have to touch Dorian's right briefly. "I love you, Dorian. This is not merely a brief spark of desire for physical solace, though I do wish for physical solace with you. For us both. No, this is more. Much more. This is a burning need for you, just you. It is running through my every vein like liquid fire. I crave you, Dorian. I want to be with you, around you, always. Just seeing you makes me feel so happy that I get lightheaded and dizzy. Like I might fall to my knees before you. Being away from you.. It hurts me. Physically, emotionally. My soul aches for you, to have you at my side, always. These are but the first signs when one of my people has found their forever heart."
"`Only the first?" Dorian teased him. But he returned the touch of his hand as he spoke, linking his fingers with Rosen's gently. "What are the rest?"
"My body.. it is readying itself to go into heat for you," Rosen explained. His lightly bit his own bottom lip between his top and bottom teeth, shivering visibly in response to Dorian's touch. "It has been for a while. I have been using special herbs to slow it, but they will only hold the physical weakness at bay for so long. Regardless of the timing, to have finally found you has made me so happy. I would not change it for anything. I have been longing for you for centuries, Dorian."
"Centuries?" Dorian repeated, his alluring voice revealing his surprise. "How old are you, Rosen? If it is not impolite of me to ask?"
"Not at all," Rosen replied with another smile. "You are my mate, Dorian. You may ask me anything. Though I must request that you do not reveal anything to others I tell you when we are alone. In most cases it is not personal, but I must protect my family, and my people. This must come before friendships. I also need your word you will not tell them about my hatching day, not yet. They will all likely wish to do something for me to celebrate, and now is not the time. When I am under stress, the threat from Corypheus, as well as my approaching heat. Well, now would be the worst possible time."
"You have my word about not revealing anything about your people, or the details of our private life, without your consent," Dorian promised him. "And I do understand about putting a hold on any celebrations. But when this is over, and Corypheus lies dead at your feet, all bets are off. Agreed?"
"Agreed. They shall all wish to fuss over me, I am sure. I promise to allow them their enjoyment." Then Rosen sighed, his expression becoming tired and pained once more as he spoke. "It will soon be my one-thousandth hatching day, Dorian. My people, and through us our mates, are immortal, unless we are killed. And that is difficult to accomplish. Or we can choose to pass into the realm of the Maker and Andraste by going to sleep and just not waking up. We have, for the most part, remained separate from this world due to the need for secrecy. We help, mostly through our close kin by matings, but we do not often engage directly with it's people. One of the exceptions is when a dragon reaches the age, and maturity, when they are ready to travel in search of their fated mate, to eventually create a new home and a family with them. This is also how we aquire new safe places for our people. Skyhold is an ideal location to provide freedom from the scrutiny of society for us. I greatly look forward to informing my family and race of our bonding, and to when we are prepared to receive our first visitors."
"I- I see. I believe I would like to meet your family, Rosen. But, one thousand? And immortal?"
"Yes, my darling mate," Rosen replied seriously. "We shall have a long and happy life together, I promise." His tone then lightened as he teased Dorian, "I am an old man, long dead really, by the human marking of time. But by the standards of my people, I am just now entering my prime."
"Seriously? Well, regardless, I greatly look forward to our long and happy life together."
"As do I, my love. I am very happy here, Dorian, despite the heavy expectations placed upon me. I have made friends. True friends. Cassandra, who originally threatened my life. Bull, who has the strength of spirit of a dragon. Krem, who inspires me with his courage. Sera, who makes me feel like the naughty dragonling I have not been in hundreds of years. Varric, who makes me laugh with his stories. Morrigan, who is as close to a magical match to me as is possible for a mortal to be. Her son, whose curiosity and kindness do him, and his mother, great credit. Cole, who makes me so proud of him when he learn new things about being human. And you, Dorian. My mate. Who causes me to yearn for you in every way possible. I love you. I love everything about you."
"I am flattered, truly," Dorian told him. "And I rarely mean that. I.. like you, too. I have since the moment I first saw you."
"I remember it vividly. You- You truly love me in return?"
"Yes, Rosen, I do. I promise."
"Then I need you to do something for me, Dorian, please. For us."
"Of course. I will do anything you request of me, Amatus."
"I need to spend some time alone with you. I.. am not practiced at this sort of thing," Rosen stated with amusement clearly directed at himself. "I need to spend some time alone with you, in my bed. Would you please place a sign on the outer door stating that we are not to be disturbed and lock the inner one? I only need to know if, Maker forbid, Corypheus decides to pay Skyhold a visit."
"It will be as you desire."
"Thank you, Dorian. I will take the reverser for my heat-suppressing herbs and await your return. Please do not be too concerned by my appearance. I suspect my heat shall happen quickly. I will need you to assist me through it. If you do not, I will become very ill. I trust you to take care with me. My body is innocent, my love, and has been for hundreds of years. And with the heat my need for you shall be so great any possible pain will not register as it would otherwise."
"I promise I shall be careful, Rosen. I would never wish to harm you in any way."
"I am glad. I feel the same about you. Mating with me will bond us, for life. Because of what I am. It is irreversible. So you need to be sure, Dorian. And I need you to be sure."
"I understand, Rosen," Dorian assured him. "And I consent to it. I am sure, Amatus. Whatever the Maker chose to forge our souls from, it is the same. I can feel it. We belong together. We are each other."
"Oh, Dorian.." Rosen breathed, squeezing Dorian's fingers gently with his. Tears of happiness gathered in his deep blue eyes. "I feel the same, Kadan."
"Kadan?" Dorian inquired, returning the finger squeeze just as gently.
"It is quinlet," Rosen replied, his fair cheeks blushing a light pink as he smiled at Dorian shyly. "The language of the qunari. It means, 'my heart'."
"I like it," Dorian said. He then reached out with his free hand to brush his fingers gently over Rosen's right cheek. "I have never seen you blush before, Inquisitor. But you look beautiful, Rosen. Enchanting."
"Thank you, Dorian," Rosen replied. His blush spread further down to his long, elegant neck in response to his touch and compliments. "I love you, my mate."
"And I adore you. I could not possibly adore you more."
"Mmm," Rosen hummed happily, tilting his head to press his face more firmly into Dorian's touch where the mage now cupped his cheek. "I am going to reveal my name to the others now. They deserve to know it for their kindnesses toward me. Things which they were not required to give me simply because they joined the inquisition. I am most grateful to all of them for it. I am aware they do not realize it, but they have all helped me to learn and grow as a person. In so many ways. I never wish to forget how much they all mean to me, Dorian."
"I understand," Dorian replied seriously. "These experiences have meant much to me as well. Leaving Tiventer, however painful, was absolutely the right choice. It led me to you. To my love, and my future. Our future."
"Yes, my love," Rosen agreed with another smile, his deep blue eyes full of affection. "I know it was hard, but it was also the best choice you could have made. For yourself, for your safety. And for us, for our future."
When Dorian returned to their chambers after magically creating the 'do not disturb' sign and locking the inner door as the Inquisitor has requested, he was visibly shocked by the other male's appearance despite his warning.
Rosen had consumed the herbs to reverse the heat-slowing ones after undressing himself. He had then gotten into his bed and beneath the pure white sheet and fluffy comforter. His beautiful face was paler now and visibly sweaty, his body trembling under Dorian's dark-eyed gaze.
"Maker's breath, Rosen!" Dorian cursed, moving closer as his hands shifted anxiously at his sides. He clearly wished to touch Rosen, to comfort him, but was concerned about hurting him with that same touch. "You look like you're in agony. What can I do, Amatus?"
"It is the mating fever, my love," Rosen panted in explanation. His deep blue eyes were dilated with his need, his long pure white lashes fluttering rapidly. "My body readies itself for you. This will not stop until we are one and are Bonded by both of us finding release while you are within me. Please, Dorian. I need you!"
Dorian nodded, beginning to quickly undress himself. He tossed his clothes over a light wood rocking chair nearby and placed his boots beneath it before drawing back the covers, intending to join Rosen in the bed.
Instead, though, he froze in response to the sight before his eyes. Rosen's naked body may have been shaking and sweaty, but it was also pleasingly slender, well-muscled for his body type, and beautiful with it's cream-toned, silky-looking skin that beckoned his palms and fingers to touch it's unblemished perfection.
"Rosen.." Dorian groaned in his low voice. He was clearly entranced by what he saw. "You are so beautiful.."
"As are you, Dorian," Rosen whispered. His elegant, long-fingered hands trembled as he lifted them up from his sides, reaching out to Dorian with clear entreaty. "The Maker knew we were meant to be. I am so grateful He finally brought us together, my mate."
Rosen's deep blue eyes were full of a yearning so fierce it was painful to look upon, but Dorian refused to look away from his soon-to-be-lover, his love. He did not want to miss a second of their first time with each other. Rosen's first time ever.
"Yes, Rosen," Dorian agreed while finally joining him in his bed. He pulled the covers up over them both, receiving a look of clear appreciation and approval from the other male. "I am yours. I always have been, though I did not know it. And you are mine. It was worth all the conflict and pain I have been through in my life to be with you, Amatus, here, in these beautiful moments in time. When I think now of what my father could have cost me, cost us, I can't.."
"Shh, Dorian," Rosen tried to soothe him. His voice was soft, and his expression was understanding, but also firm. "That is all over now, my Dorian. My darling. You won, and he has lost you. Your father.. I do not hate him. I can not, for the Maker chose to use him, and your mother, for a reason to create you for me. But he has no place in our bed. It is for us alone to share."
"You are right, Rosen. I apologize," Dorian said sincerely. His expression changed to one of astonishment as he continued to speak. "But for you to not be angry with him.. Your immense compacity for love and understanding continues to astound me, Amatus."
"Understanding, yes," Rosen agreed as Dorian enfolded him into his embrace. The touch of his mate caused his shaking to instantly still and his sweating to stop. "I understand his feelings, if not his motives, about what he did, and tried to do, to you. Though, of course, I do not agree with them in any way. That does not mean I am not angry with him. Rather, I am furious. But when you have lived as long as I have, you get well-practiced at controlling your emotions."
"I can see how that would be true, Amatus."
"Yes. I also simply chose not to allow my anger about his actions to consume my thoughts, because that would give him power over me. And through me, power over you. I will not allow that to happen to you ever again, Dorian. From the moment I first saw you I knew you were my mate. Mine to love. Mine to protect. I take that honor, an honor given to me by the Maker, very seriously. While I am here, and I always shall be, nothing and no one will ever harm you."
"I- I appreciate the sentiment, Rosen," Dorian stated, clearly surprised by his intensity. "But sometimes things happen which can't be prevented."
"True. Some things can not be prevented. But your enhanced magical abilities, strength and healing after our Bonding will make it more difficult for something like that to occur. As will having me at your side. As for love, no. Not for him. His mistakes are many. It is not my place to judge him, however. It is the place of the Maker and Andraste."
"Yes, Rosen. I agree."
"There are many people who have mistaken my vast compacity for understanding, and for love, as blindness to the weaknesses in others. But I am fully aware. Everyone has fade rifts inside themselves. Areas of pain and loss, of tears in the soul. Emotional wounds that fester. It can be difficult to keep the emotional and mental demons at bay. They can, and do, escape and hurt others, whether that was the person's intention or not. Sometimes with hurtful words, other times with violence. I try to help people scrape their wounds clean so they can heal and be happy. Like Cole does, if in a different way. His own way. Which is as it should be."
"Yes. Cole is fascinating and should be allowed to flourish into who he truly is. Not what others would make him into. We can help him with that."
"That is my wish as well, Dorian. I am quite fond of him. In the way one loves and wishes to guide a young child. Cole may appear to be a young man, but he is not. Not yet."
"So you wish us to be his parents? His family?"
"Yes, if you are agreeable. I know it is asking a lot of a new relationship."
"I am."
"Thank you, my mate."
"Of course. I like the boy, too. He is very gifted magically, and intelligent. Once he learns more of this world, he will do well."
"I agree. But we must return to the subject of your father for just a little longer. I need to explain that if I had not been more concerned with assisting you to confront and heal some of your own demons, I would have verbally torn your father apart for every hurt he has inflicted upon you with his hard-headed and heavy-handed arrogance."
"Ha! I would have paid much coin to see that!"
"No, Dorian," Rosen replied, his tone turning gentle once more. His deep blue eyes softened as he looked up at him with an even more serious expression. "I must control myself, and the things I speak, so I do not hurt others. Being so much older, and more powerful than most people, I must be careful. It is so much easier for me to inflict serious hurt. If I had allowed myself to unleash my full wrath upon your father instead of focusing my attention on comforting you, there could have been only one completely undesirable consequence."
"What undesirable consequence, Amatus?" Dorian inquired. His expression turned serious as well in response to Rosen's grave tone of voice.
"He would have killed himself in front of us."
"What?" Dorian said, gaping at him with shock. His smoky grey eyes had gone wide with his disbelief. "The arrogant Magister Pavus would never.."
"He would have, Kadan. My people, our voices can easily overcome most others. It is not to be taken lightly, and we always do our best not to abuse that power. I did not tell you this to distress you, and I am sorry that I clearly have. But you need to understand the gravity of the consequences if I were to lose control of my voice or my magic. And why I can not allow that to happen in any way. My self-control when it comes to these things must be absolute. Always."
"I understand that now, Rosen." Dorian reached out with his left hand to stroke his palm over Rosen's short, deep auburn hair and the right side of his face tenderly for a brief moment. "And we are soul mates. So it is better that I know the truth, the whole truth, about you. Regardless of any distress it could cause me. Honesty must be at the core of any relationship in order for it to truly thrive. That is what I want for us, Amatus. So I must ask you, when you say your people, who, exactly, do you mean?"
"..Dragons, my love," Rosen answered his inquiry after a brief moment of silence. It was obvious he was concerned about Dorian's reaction to his statement. "I am a dragon. We, my clan, take on created identities of elven mages in order to disguise our true natures. It is, sadly, necessary for our safety. Dragon hunters are many, and aggressive. More so now than ever in our long history because of the use of our body parts as spell components, clothes and armor, and trophies."
"What? But.. you- We killed a dragon, Rosen. How could you possibly have participated in that killing if you are one?"
Rosen sighed, his blue eyes darkening with remembered pain as he looked up at Dorian from where he lay in his Tiventer mage's arms. "We did. And it gave me no pleasure to harm that poor, hurting and confused child. That hatchling. It also took everything, all the strength and restraint in me to ignore Bull's hurtful, uninformed comments about him. But the hatchling was also hurting innocent people. This is against our code of honor as dragons, and can not be allowed to continue when it occurs. These dragons are not like me, Dorian. They can not be reasoned with. I tried, but their minds can not be reached in the way of dragons. They are cut off from us due to corruption from the hole in the sky and the fade rifts. And they will not stop harming others because of their own pain. Dragons can have emotional fade rifts, too. Powerful ones. Especially if the dragon is old. Time and hurts can weigh heavily. I did the only thing I could to relieve his suffering. I wish I could say to you he will be the last dragon we face, but it is not likely, Kadan. And, as much as it hurts me to do so, I must do the same as before. This new bloodline of dragons has been corrupted by the fade rifts before their hatchings. I have been making reports to my people, and none of the true dragons are having hatchlings until I can close the hole in the sky and the rifts. It is not worth the risk to the hatchlings, who are the future of our race. These corrupted dragons are a threat to the secrecy and safety of my entire race. To my safety, our safety. I have been tasked with sending all of these dragons and their hatchlings back to the Maker. He and Andraste will care for them the way I and my people can not. And, perhaps, they will be reborn someday as true dragons. Not these fade-rift-corrupted creatures. That is what I hope for them, whether I am here to see it or not."
"Oh, Rosen.." Dorian responded quietly. His beloved voice was low and rough at the thought of what must be the other man's intense, soul-deep pain. "I am so sorry. This must be hurting you so much. More than all of us."
"Yes, Dorian, it hurts. I would never lie to you about that. Or about anything else. Not ever. But it is my duty to protect my people by healing the consequences of Corypheus's arrogance. I believe that to be only one of the reasons why Andraste and the Maker chose me for this. Why they arranged events to place me in Corypheus's path. My genuine desire to help this world, and all it's people. That is a true dragon trait. Because this immense undertaking requires me to be front and center, I must be all the more careful to not be seen taking my dragon form. I have been using the undercroft when the need becomes too great. It is off-limits to most people, and it is a large enough cave I can fit in it comfortably. That makes it perfect for my needs. But I do miss flying very dearly. It is like breathing for a dragon. To not be able to fly for the sake of secrecy causes me to only feel half alive. It is painful to me. When all of this is over, when the people are safe and have returned home to their lives and families, I shall fly out through that waterfall and into the light. I will feel the cold mountain air beneath my wings, feel the warm sun on my scales. I shall soar above Skyhold and roar my joyful claim to the world. I wish for you to see that, Dorian. To experience it with me. You will be the first human outside of my clan to see me in my true form. I wish for you to climb up on my back, to fly with me. I have never allowed a rider upon my back, just as I have never allowed anyone into my bed. Both are considered sacred in dragon society and are reserved solely for our mates. ..Though any offspring, hatchlings, we shall create together are welcome at times. At least until they reach the age of maturity for dragons."
"I will be honored to go on that flight with you, Rosen," Dorian agreed. There was genuine awe in his smoky grey eyes at the thought of it. Then his expression changed once more, turning serious again as he inquired with confusion, "Offspring?.. But we are both men. I just saw that plainly for myself. Not that I was ever in doubt about it. And you said earlier that your father's mate is male. But how can this be? How could we?.."
"Yes, Kadan," Rosen answered him. His amusement was clear, his sky-blue painted lips curving into a smile in response to Dorian's observation. "I am male. But a submissive male dragon. I am physically and mentally capable of physically claiming you, Dorian. But submissive male dragons generally prefer the receiving position in the roles of lovemaking. I can give you sons, and daughters, to carry on your legacy and family line, as well as my own."
"Ha! It would almost be worth paying a visit to Tiventer to see the look on my father and mother's faces when we'd show up at their home to inform him my male mate is with-child. I would never endanger you or our future children like that, of course. But the thought is immensely amusing to me."
"It is to me as well," Rosen said, his soft laughter like tinkling metal windchimes. "Even dragons are not above such amusements. As long as no one is truly hurt by them. But once we conceive, I will not travel far. It is well the time nears to rid this world of Corypheus. All I want is to be with you in times of peace."
"I wish for the same," Dorian replied. His facial expression shifted, his lips curving into his familiar and beautiful smile. "Nothing shall bring me more joy, Amatus. Will our mating result in hatchlings?"
"No, Dorian," Rosen explained to him with a return smile. "But I am glad that you are eager. I have always longed for hatchlings of my own. My body is ready to mate with you, just not to conceive. Not yet. After my hatching day."
"It takes a thousand years before a true dragon can procreate?" Dorian asked him with clear shock.
"Yes, Kadan. These fade-corrupted dragons are different. They grow at an unnatural pace because of that corruption. We must focus on dealing with them and their hatchlings after Corypheus is gone."
"When you say 'we', what do you mean? You want the inquisition to kill them?"
"No, my love. This does not involve the inquisition. It is my duty on behalf of my people, and my clutch. Clutch Lavellen. And you, if you agree to assist me. After all, once we mate, I shall become a part of house Pavus. And you shall become a part of clutch Lavellen. Some of our friends may wish to assist us, too. Once it is safe to explain the situation to those I have chosen as my inner circle. Those I know for certain are trustworthy. I can not risk exposing my people to this world. Though, generally speaking, we can not usually be found. Unless we wish to be. We should speak to them together as soon as Corypheus is defeated. Cassandra, Cole, Bull and Krem. Morrigan and her son. Varric. They are my inner circle."
"Of course I will assist you, Rosen," Dorian promised him. "I am honored you would ask me to do so." He then lowered his head down to press his lips to Rosen's forehead, causing his dragon-in-human-form to tremble against him in response to the tender gesture. "So they are the ones you trust."
"Without reservation, yes. An experienced dragon can sense these things. They are worthy to know my people's secrets." Rosen's deep blue eyes met Dorian's smoky grey pair as his human mage gazed at him curiously. "The stakes are too high for me to involve anyone in this I can not fully trust."
"What about Josephine?" Dorian inquired. His expression changed to surprise when Rosen's body tensed against his.
"No, Dorian," Rosen explained to him honestly while still gazing into his beloved's eyes. "Josephine is the perfect ambassador for the inquisition, but I wish her no closer to me than that role requires. She is a good person, a kind woman. And I would wish her to be a close friend but for one thing."
"And what is that, Amatus?"
"She desires me," Rosen stated simply.
"What?!" Dorian growled, clearly displeased in reaction to his explanation. "How do you know? I have not picked up on it."
"You are very observant, my love, it is true. But Josephine is very discrete. She so rarely shows what she is truly feeling, and rarer still does she speak of it aloud. However, nothing gets past the nose of a dragon, Dorian. I can smell it."
"You mean?.."
"Her interest, yes."
"That is.. disturbing," Dorian stated mildly. The look in his eyes was far from calm, however. "She can not have you, Rosen. You are mine. Or shall be very soon."
"Yes, Dorian, I am yours," Rosen assured him. His soft voice was soothing as he spoke. He wrapped his slender arms around Dorian's firm, muscular shoulders now to bring his mage into a closer embrace. "I have always been yours. For a thousand years my soul has been waiting for yours. Josi can not have me because I am yours. I am also not a dominant male dragon. Only a dominant male dragon, or dominant female dragon, would have a fated female mate. I am a submissive male dragon. It was always going to be a male fated mate for me. It was always going to be you for me, Dorian. I swear it to you, my only love."
"I.. I see now, Rosen. I apologize for my reaction."
"Do not worry, my darling. Your possessiveness does not offend me. Submissive dragons actually appreciate a possessive mate. So long as any situations which may occur because of it do not escalate to violence. Though there are, obviously, circumstances when that outcome may be unavoidable. Dragons, all true dragons, only wish to help, never to hurt. But your possessive words, and actions, are how I know, other than you telling me directly, that I am loved and valued as your fated mate."
"I understand now. Thank you for explaining it to me, Amatus."
"Of course. If you have any questions, just ask me and I will answer," Rosen promised him with a smile. His tone then turned serious as he continued to speak. "But for now, if we could put our verbal bonding on hold for something more.. primal, my body would appreciate it. Your touch soothes me, but it still hurts, Dorian. I need you inside me. And I need to give you my claiming bite as we find release together. The bite is traditionally placed where the neck and shoulder meet. The mark of my fangs will be permanent, though. So do you perhaps have another preference, my love?"
"You- You wish to bite me, Rosen?" Dorian asked him, clearly surprised by the request.
"Yes, Dorian. The claiming bite is so other true dragons will know of our Bond. It is sacred, and always respected. The mark is an official announcement to my people that I have found and claimed my fated mate, and he me. It is also protection for you. No true dragon shall harm you in any way, Dorian. They will, if fact, defend you against anything. We are your people now. Your true family."
Dorian smiled at his declaration. The expression lit up his beautiful face, his smoky grey eyes filling with moisture, happiness and joy. "I.. It will be good to have a family. A true family. A family that will defend me and accept me for who I am. That will not place judgments upon me for who I am."
"No, our people, our family, will not judge you, Kadan," Rosen assured him. "Dragons do not judge as humans and the other races do. We teach, guide and love. They will likely tease you, and me. But out of love, not judgment. And I know from experience, because of my own teasing dragon nature, that you are fully capable of handling yourself by teasing right back."
"I certainly am," Dorian replied. His lips curved into his now familiar pleased-with-himself smirk that Rosen thought of as adorable. Then he inquired seriously, "Will it hurt, Amatus? The bite, I mean."
"Yes," Rosen answered his mate's inquiry. He inclined his head toward Dorian slightly, reassuring him, "But not for long, I promise. I have yet to experience the mating bite myself, of course. Not having met you until now. But my father told me the bite, or rather it's after effect, is a physical release."
"Being bitten by a dragon in their human form is like having sexual release?" he asked, clearly shocked by the comparison.
"Being bitten by your dragon, yes. Bitten by me. Dragons are possessive creatures, my love, when it comes to our mates. It is as much a part of our natures as our desire to help, teach and guide. My bite shall always cause your release. It is powerful, and never to be done without the mate's consent. Only the mark of the claiming bite is permanent, though. And true dragons can sense where it is located because of the bonding magic the mark gives off. That is why I asked where you would prefer it to be on your body."
"Well, considering I have never been traditional, preferring the company of men as I do and being from aberrant-phobic Tiventer.. You are fully aware that I generally reject tradition when it unfairly restricts personal needs. Most especially ones of romantic and sexual desires. Would it be possible for you to place the mating bite over my heart, Amatus?"
"Yes, Kadan," Rosen replied. He smiled with pleasure at his request. "It will not harm you, and a Bonding bite mark over the heart of one's mate is considered extremely intimate in dragon circles."
"That was my intent," Dorian drawled in his low, sensual tone. "Do you have oil? I will get it for us."
"I do have oil, yes." Rosen blushed pink again in response to the intimate direction Dorian had taken their conversation so suddenly. "For the purpose of self-pleasure. But we shall not require it. My body is ready for you, Dorian. Though, some stretching would be appreciated, as it will be my first time."
"Of course. I would not hurt you for the world, Rosen," Dorian promised him firmly. He then inquired, "When you say your body is ready for me?.."
"I am slick for you, Kadan," he explained further, blushing darker from speaking so specifically about the topic. "Submissive male dragons, when aroused by their mate, become slick for him. Oil is not required."
"Hmm.." Dorian hummed softly. He smiled down at Rosen while slipping his right hand beneath the fluffy white comforter and silky white sheet which covered their naked bodies and between Rosen's legs. "How very.. convienent, Amatus."
Dorian's talented, very capable fingers began to ready his sweet dragon for their first joining carefully. His extremely intimate touch caused Rosen to tremble beneath him. A soft cry like the coo of a dove escaped Rosen's throat as he arched his back and shuddered hard with an intense longing for more.
"Y-Yes, it is," Rosen panted. He tilted his head back onto his silky pillow, his dark auburn hair gleaming as it contrasted with all the white beautifully. This bared the collum of his alabaster throat in a clear show of trust which caused Dorian to shudder. "D-Dorian, I.. I want to remove my glamour. So you may see the real me while we make love. Please?"
"Of course you can, Rosen," Dorian replied, smiling down at him tenderly. "I am honored you trust me enough to do so. But what do you mean by 'the real you'? We surely can not mate with you in your dragon form."
"No. Of course not, Dorian. You are not physically compatible with my dragon form. I was speaking of this form, which is as much mine as my other one. This is the form which makes it easier for me to keep my true nature undetected. I simply have to glamour some of the more obvious signs of what I am. But I wish for you to know it all, everything about me. Just as I wish to learn all there is to know about you."
"I would like that, Amatus," Dorian replied. His longing and gentle emotions were clear in his smoky grey eyes as they gazed down into his. "You are already so beautiful, Rosen. But something is telling me there is so much more I can not see. Is the firey red ring around your pupils a sign that you are a dragon?"
"Yes. All true dragons have them."
The air around Rosen blurred for a moment and when it cleared Dorian's eyes widened in response to the vision before him. Rosen was still beautiful, and recognizable. Still Rosen. But now, an alluring soul-deep beauty was there which the glamour had hidden. The same beauty which Dorian had sensed was there all along. The inner beauty which drew him, his heart and soul, to Rosen above all others.
And the physical differences revealed were stunning. Rosen's hair was a pure and radiant, nearly blinding white, matching his long white lashes. Dorian carefully withdrew his interest-damp fingers from Rosen's warm body reluctantly, wishing to observe him once more without the glamour.
He drew the fluffy white comforter and silk sheet down off of them both, shoving the coverings to the bottom of the bed. Rosen shivered without the sources of warmth as Dorian, too, drew back. But he did not protest, knowing what his mate's intentions were. He simply lay still under Dorian's familiar, tremble-inducing gaze with a smile as his human mage looked at his unglamoured form with an intense awe.
Removing the glamour had revealed more than just the true color of Rosen's hair. Gorgeous swirling patterns made up of small, gleaming white scales enhanced the silken alabaster skin of the dragon-in-human-form in places. His left hip, elegant right ankle and his right breast.
When he rolled over at Dorian's silent direction a line of perfect white scales was revealed extending from beneath his white hair at the nape of his neck and down along the path of his spine. The scales ended just above the enticing cleft between his plump buttocks, drawing Dorian's eyes like a moth to flame. The slender fingers of Rosen's hands were tipped with deceptively delicate-looking, retractable silvery white claws, as were his toes.
"Oh, Rosen.." Dorian actually growled. His smoky grey eyes darkened to steel with his pleasure at what he saw. "Maker, you are so beautiful. Stunning."
Rosen blushed pink once more, opening his arms to Dorian once again. He noticeably retracted his sharp claws as the Tiventer-born mage came back into his close embrace. "I need you inside me now, Dorian. I can not wait any longer. The pain and emptiness are.. unbearable."
"Shh, Amatus. I have you," Dorian promised him, his strong voice husky and deep with his passion. "Open your sweet thighs for me, Rosen. Let me in, please."
"Always," Rosen moaned softly. He did as his mate had requested of him with a hard shudder of need so intense it hurt. "Dorian.."
"Rosen.." Dorian murmured, pulling the coverings back up over them both as he rose above Rosen. He then positioned himself with his left hand before slowly and carefully beginning to enter him. "Maker, you are so hot inside. It- you feel so right."
"Yes, my mate," Rosen gasped out. "Dragon's fire. Even in this form, it is very present and intense." His needy body opened for Dorian easily despite his innocence. "Dorian.. Ahhh! Please do not stop, Kadan!"
"Never, Rosen," Dorian growled again. He stilled once he was fully inside Rosen to give him time to adjust to his presence.
Dorian's voice softened then, changing to a tone of clear reverence as he began to speak, moving his muscular hips once more at the same time. He pulled back, then thrust forward, his smooth movements syncing perfectly with those of Rosen's welcoming body. "On aching branch do blossoms grow, the wind a hallowed breath. It carries the scent of honeysuckle, sweet as the lover's kiss.."
When Dorian's voice trailed off, his intense pleasure stilling his tongue, Rosen's took it's place reciting the infamous love poem. "It brings the promise of more tomorrows, of sighs and whispered bliss. His lips on mine speak words not voiced, a prayer, which travels down my spine like flames that shatter night."
Dorian groaned in reaction to the soft and breathless tones of Rosen's voice, visibly shaking as he moved above him. His movements quickened and he regained control of himself, joining his voice with his beloved's for the last, and most romantic verse. "His eyes reflect the heaven's stars, the Maker's light. My body opens, filled and blessed, my spirit there. Not merely housed in flesh, but brought to life."
Rosen shuddered hard beneath Dorian once more, gasping sharply on a ragged breath, "Dorian, I- I am going to.."
"As am I," Dorian replied. His smoky grey eyes were fixed on Rosen's deep blue ones with a flattering intensity as their bodies moved together as one. "Rosen! Find your release with me, Amatus!"
Rosen cried out with his release as his body obeyed his mate's urgency, keenly feeling Dorian join him where he had now stilled deep within him. He reluctantly released his tight hold around Dorian's shoulders so he could partially sit up by gently guiding Dorian to do the same. Rosen pair of dainty-looking, gleaming fangs had descended from his upper jaw, and he hissed softly to gain Dorian's attention, wanting to give him some warning.
He then buried their sharpness deep into the dark-toned, enticing flesh over Dorian's beloved heart. Dorian gasped in response, his mouth hanging partially open as he shuddered hard because of the intense pleasure the bond-bite gave. His smoky grey eyes widened with his shock as he released again instantly inside Rosen.
Rosen carefully withdrew his fangs from the flesh of his mate, licking the small wounds to seal them. He smiled with contentment and pride at finally seeing his claiming mark on Dorian's chest.
Dorian groaned as he slipped out of Rosen's body, both of them shaking as they shifted to lie on their sides facing each other. They moved close again to reenter their mutual embrace even though their bodies were no longer connected so intimately.
"I would have asked how you know the Carmenum Di Amatus," Dorian said with amusement in his eyes and voice. "But since I now know you are a dragon of such advanced years, I also know you simply must have done a lot of reading in your life."
"I have done a lot of reading, yes, my mate," Rosen agreed. His soft voice was still slightly breathless as he spoke. "My personal copy is in the drawer there. Black leather-bound, silver inlaid lettering. I enjoy learning very much. I know the histories of all the cultures of this world. I speak many languages as well. Tevene, quinlet, elven and dwarven. Demon. Common, of course. Nug."
"You can speak nug?" Dorian asked in surprise. "Actually hold a conversation with them?"
"Yes. It is whistles, grunts and clicks, of course. But being able to properly convey the emotion you wish to express within the noise is the tricky part."
"I can imagine. Why is it that I feel I know you so well when we just met not long ago? When we just came together officially?"
Rosen smiled, tenderness in his deep blue eyes as he gazed at Dorian while explaining softly, "I am glad you know me so well, Kadan. It is true we have not known each other long by human standards. Even less by dragon. Part of it is our mate bond, though you did not know of it consciously before today. But more of it is you, my love. You pay attention to the things which matter, Dorian, and disregard the superfluous. You know me, know my heart. And I am so grateful for it. You are truly the mate of my mind, body, heart and soul. I love you."
"I love you, too, Amatus," Dorian replied. His expression was tender as well as he lifted up his right hand once more to caress Rosen's left cheek with his fingers and thumb. Somehow, over the past months, you have become such an important part of my world. The most important part. I may not be able to explain it, but I also feel I do not need to. It feels very freeing, very right. We are right."
"Yes, we are," Rosen agreed with another smile, leaning into his mate's touch with obvious contentment. "But I think that is enough seriousness for now, my darling. We need to get cleaned up. Then we shall get into my hidden stash of Dalish wine and peaches together. I believe the Inquisition shall survive an hour or so more of my absence while I lie here and celebrate with my mate in our bed."
"Yes, it very likely shall," Dorian agreed in his gently teasing tone. He smiled at him in return, then continued more seriously, "..Our bed? Does that mean you wish us to dwell here together? In the Inquisitor's official quarters?"
"It does, yes. We belong together, Dorian. These are our quarters. The fact that it is also the Inquisitor's quarters is irrelevant."
"I doubt many of the people would agree with your statement."
"I have no intention of asking them to agree with it," Rosen replied flatly. He clearly wished Dorian to know how serious he was about this point. "I am a servant of the people, true. I am here to assist them, but I am not their slave. A dragon is never a slave. When we inform the Inquisition's inner circle about us, and word of it spreads as it will, those who disapprove are welcome to leave Skyhold. I shall not hold it against them, but neither will I tolerate animosity of any kind toward my mate, our hatchlings or myself. I am long past the age of caring about how most others see me. It is how I see me that truly matters. How the Maker sees me. How you and our hatchlings see me. This is my castle, and it will be our home, long after the Inquisition has been disbanded. After it is no longer needed, of course. The people are free because of us, but no one has the freedom to disrespect us here."
"I see. I understand, Rosen. And I agree. I would never wish you, or our future children, to be subjected to the ignorance of some people and their foolish attitudes towards those who are not like them. And I have had enough of it personally to last me for the rest of my life."
"Yes, Dorian. I know, my beloved. That is yet another reason why any kind of intolerance shall be unwelcome at Skyhold. And why the rules shall be strictly enforced. Skyhold will be a place of peace. Of love. You deserve every happiness I can obtain for you. As do our future hatchlings."
"Yes. But so do you, Rosen."
"I am very happy, my love. Deliriously happy. I have you. The soul mate I have been longing for nearly a thousand years. And very soon Corypheus shall be eliminated. Then we will be able to settle down and have hatchlings together here. And I have my inner circle of our friends."
"I am glad you are happy," Dorian stated sincerely. He continued his fingertip caresses down from Rosen's cheek to the elegant lines of his strong neck muscles, lightly pressing his lips to the smooth and enticing alabaster skin.
"Mmm.." Rosen hummed. The tender kiss from his mate caused him to visibly shiver, his deep blue eyes becoming well-pleasured slits in reaction as his eyelids lowered to half-mast. "I am. But it will be an immense relief to tell our friends about myself after Corypheus is no longer a threat. It has been.. painful to have to keep the truth silent between us. Though not nearly as painful as it was to keep it from you, my mate."
"I understand, Amatus. I am glad you will soon be able to tell them. Keeping the truth from the ones we love, no matter the reason why, is never easy. It was a relief to finally tell you my truth, Rosen. I had been very.. nervous about doing so. When you told me part of your truth was the same as mine.. I had never been so happy in my life before that day. What has occurred today has now eclipsed that experience for me. It almost does not feel real. Maker, I pray it is real."
"It is real, Dorian. I promise you," Rosen stated firmly. He then moved his white-haired head closer to kiss the man he loved for a reluctantly brief moment. "I shall allow nothing to separate us, or our family. And only a great fool would attempt to defy a dragon. It is rare such a foolish attempt would not end in death for the original aggressor."
"That statement is more reassuring than it likely should be," Dorian admitted before returning the kiss with one of his own.
"Be reassured, my love," Rosen said when the longer kiss also ended reluctantly. He smiled as he told him truthfully, "No one will harm you here. If they attempt it, they shall die. You are finally safe. Free to be you. And you are wonderful, Dorian."
"Thank you, Rosen," Dorian replied softly. His light, smoky grey eyes shone suddenly with moisture, and his voice was rough with his strong emotional response to Rosen's reassurance and compliments about his character. "Truly. Your words mean much to me. They mean everything. You mean everything to me, Amatus. I love you."
"I love you as well, Dorian Pavus. You are my world, my heart and my soul."
"As you are mine, Rosen."
They kissed once more, with obvious affection and tenderness, before Rosen spoke again. "I wish for us to assist Cole in learning more about this world and the people in it. To show him that not everything is pain. That there is aching joy, and light and love, Dorian. I wish for him to know love, even if it is only the love of parents. It is possible he might choose a lover, someday in the future. Once he knows what it means. But for now what he needs is us. A family."
"Yes, he does. How many children are we likely to create together, Amatus?"
"A normal laying would be anywhere from five to ten eggs. Because it will be my first, however, three is more likely."
"Three children?" Dorian blinked rapidly, his tone clearly shocked. "And possibly ten when we are ready for more? We shall need all the help we can get from those we can trust."
"Yes, Kadan." Amusement was clear in Rosen's deep blue eyes as he smiled at his beloved mate. "Thankfully we already have a trustworthy support system in place. Let us get cleaned up and then I will get the dalish peaches and wine."
"That sounds like a good choice, Amatus."
"Yes. Dorian?"
"What is it, Rosen?"
"If this ever feels like it is too much for you, tell me, please. It is in a dragon's nature to move quickly once the mating is completed. Because we are naturally possessive of our mate, and also because, for many of us, it takes hundreds of years to find them. So that when we do find them we are fully capable of caring for them, providing for them. And, in the case of submissive dragons and alpha females, so we are nearly ready for hatchlings to continue both the dragon bloodlines and the bloodlines of our mates. But if you ever need me to ease up with the changes our mating has created in our lives, just tell me, my love. I am very practiced at controlling myself. I am sure you now understand why that is, and I would never wish to hurt you in any way."
"Thank you, Rosen. I appreciate that, and I promise I will request a breather if I require it."
They smiled at each other before getting out of their bed and cleaning themselves up at Rosen's nearby white marble washbasin on top of the tall, brown wood dresser to the right while standing side by side.
Then Rosen made a series of quick, graceful movements with his slender hands to clean the soft white linens and remake the bed after their mating. He then moved around the bed to the left to retrieve a bottle of dalish wine and his white crystal bowl of fresh dalish peaches from the small storage alcove near the stairs which led up to their quarters.
"You make magic look so effortless," Dorian stated, admiration and fascination clear in his eyes. Dorian carefully took the wine from Rosen so he could climb back into their bed while holding the bowl of peaches. Dorian then joined him there once he was settled in.
"Magic usually is nearly effortless for dragons," Rosen explained with a smile while setting the bowl of peaches down on the mattress in front of them. "Because magic is so much more deeply a part of us than the other races. It is what allows us to shift to our dragon forms. The older the dragon, the stronger their magic. Only a task requiring a massive expenditure of magic would require assistance from another dragon."
"Massive expenditure of magic," Dorian mused, gazing back at him with a smile and an arched brow. "Like closing a hole in the sky."
"Yes. Subtly arranging dragon assistance is a possibility, should the need arise."
"Good to know, Amatus."
Dorian opened the bottle of dalish wine, which was created by using a type of edible elven flower with a delicate flavor which was slightly sugary. It complemented the sweet dalish peaches perfectly as they shared the treats between them.
"I know you usually prefer something stronger," Rosen said with another smile. He took a sip of the wine from his white crystal glass in his right hand, followed by a bite of the large peach he held in his left hand. Rosen licked the sticky, delicious juice from his lips before it had a chance to run down to his elegant chin. "But I can not drink that type of alcohol. It is not safe for a dragon. I could potentially lose control of my abilities, and the consequences could be deadly. It is part of why I only had one drink with Bull after we slayed the fade-corrupted dragon, and not a full tankard, either."
"This is fine, Rosen," Dorian told him. "Honestly, it tastes good. Strong alcohol is for blocking out painful memories from my past. Wine is for celebrating good memories. We have a lot of them to celebrate together today, Amatus."
"Yes, my love. We do indeed."
The two men leaned in closer to each other, sharing a deep and tender kiss which tasted of peaches, flowers, and of course each other. When the kiss naturally ended after long moments of warm pleasure they shifted positions to lean against each other in the bed while they ate, drank, and continued to talk and get to know each other more.
"So," Dorian spoke, taking another swallow of wine before beginning his new train of thought, "I know you very likely wish for no more seriousness for now, but I have a question."
"Of course," Rosen replied with a smile and emotion-soft deep blue eyes. "You may always ask me anything. And, while I do wish us to be able to have fun and just enjoy each other, which we clearly can, our relationship is as serious as any relationship ever could be. This pleases me greatly. To know where we stand. To know that you love and trust me as much as I do you. It means everything to me, to us."
"I know exactly what you mean, Rosen," Dorian stated with a return smile. "I feel the same. But what I wish to ask right now, Amatus, is about your bloodline. Mostly out of curiosity. Likely some vanity as well. You already know I am from a highborn Tiventer bloodline. What is your.. what do dragons call it?"
"I know what you mean, Dorian," Rosen replied with clear amusement in his voice and eyes. "My rank in our clan is as high as any true dragon can attain. My rank, however, has nothing to do with my bloodline. Though, I am descended from a highly respected, old family. One of the oldest, traced back to those from before the creation of the other races. But I earned my position in the eyes of my people because of my ability to think quickly and clearly in crisis situations. To always act to help others to the best of my abilities. And my honest and genuine compassion for others. Dragons do not have kings or queens, or even just one leader over all dragons. We have advisors, called princes and princesses, and a dragon council, who all discuss and make decisions together on what will best serve the Maker's people. Not only dragons, but all races. And the world which we all share. I was a Prince, but now that we have mated, I am a High Prince. A High dragon, as the other races would say. Ready to settle down with you, my mate, and nearly ready to give life. This elevation in rank will give my opinions more weight than the younger, yet unmated princes and princesses, but not enough to upset the balance of power on the council. It will not prevent the council from agreeing with a younger, unmated dragon if it was decided by vote that their ideas were more suitable to the situation. We are joint rulers. Or more like caretakers. In dragon society, attempting to use one's position to manipulate others in any way, for your own aims or ambitions, or any other reason, is considered a very serious offense, Dorian. Always resulting in the loss of position entirely. However, a dragon who committed this crime would not be exiled, shunned, or treated with anything less than loving compassion by other dragons. They would have clearly committed a grievous mistake, and would never again be able to obtain any position of serious power. But they would still be one of us, still be loved and valued. We care for the entire world, Kadan. To fail one of our own in need would be unacceptable. Unthinkable."
"Sweet Maker, Rosen.." Dorian exclaimed. His light, gorgeous smoky grey eyes widened in response to the flood of information about dragon politics. "All of that sounds wonderful, but also too good to possibly be true. Would not the dragon who had lost their rank or position on the council be angry? Would they not be bitter over it?"
"No, my beloved," Rosen answered him with a reassuring smile. "Though I do understand why you think that might be so. It just does not happen in dragon society. There are other, more likely reasons why this loss of position could happen to a dragon. All of them requiring understanding and compassion from other dragons, not mistreatment. A young dragon, regardless of their level of talent, might not be able to handle the weight of the stress that being in a position of power can bring. In this case, the dragon's dismissal would be a relief to them. Also in this case, it does not mean they could not gain a position when they were older. If it was what they wished. Or they could choose to search for their true talents to help the people in some other way. Perhaps by creating art, music or books. Beauty and knowledge, and those capable of creating them, are highly valued in dragon society. At the other end of the dragon scales, a dragon of highly advanced years could become ill. The illness could be physical, though that is rare for a dragon. Or the illness could be mental. If the illness is mental, and harmful enough that it interferes with their ability to offer sound advice to the council on the serious matters we discuss. Well, then they would inform the council that they were stepping down in order to heal and reorganize their life so they can serve the people in some other way they are better able to handle. It would be the most honorable thing to do, and dragons are taught from the moment they break out of their shell to always attempt to take the most honorable path to the best of our abilities."
"Maker's breath, Amatus! How can you possibly have the patience to handle dealing with what must seem to you to be petty scawbles of the people you are trying to help? When your own people are so advanced as a society? It must surely be immensely frustrating."
"It can be, Kadan," Rosen admitted, his voice soft and gentle. "But it is easier for me than it would be for a younger dragon, one less than five hundred years. Because I have more experience and patience. And we must remember we can not expect the same level of self-awareness, or the intimate understanding of the natural world which dragons have to be achievable by any of the other races. Not even the dalish elves, which are older than any race but my own. Not yet. These things take time and patience to learn, Dorian. A lot of time. Hundreds of thousands of years. Far longer than any of the other races have existed."
"I see."
"Yes. We were so happy as a race the day we discovered the dalish, and all the other races as they came into being by the Maker's hand. Because it meant we were not alone in the world any longer. We were even happier when we discovered we could find fated mates among them all."
"I can see how that would be so."
Rosen inclined his head before continuing, "We respect the other races as fellow sentient beings, worthy of our guidance and attention. And, when the person is right for a dragon, or intimate love. But a dragon never expects a person from the other races, unless they are a dragon's fated mate, to act with the level of understanding dragons have. We are always joyful when we occasionally meet those who do, like Morrigan. Or who will with some guidance, like Cole. When we find them, we bring them into our close family if our mate agrees."
"Like me with Cole."
"Yes, my love. If the mate does not agree to it, or in the case of a young dragon yet without a mate and hatchlings, the dragon would bring the person to the attention of an older dragon. One with an already established mating and family they believed would be more suitable to assist the person to learn our ways. The prophet Andraste was one of those rare people, Dorian. The Maker chose her to be his bride, and when she was murdered for her faith, for her belief in the deity she loved, she ascended into the heavens to rule by his side. He and Andraste watch over our world, and, though it is rare, we receive messages from them about larger ways than even we can see to assist this world and it's people."
"Andraste's ass!" Dorian cursed, then immediately apologized for it. 'I am sorry, Amatus. Your people can receive messages from the Maker and his bride? From the gods?"
"Yes, Dorian," Rosen replied. He did not comment on his mate's language. His expression became more serious as he continued to speak. "The elven gods as well. Solas is more than he seems to be. Much more. Though he is not aware that I am aware of it. I am also aware you know enough to know not to repeat most of these things I reveal to you outside of this room. Our quarters are shielded by my dragon magic. But the seriousness of these things, the need for secrecy, makes it my duty as a dragon to confirm what I already know about you. That I can trust you. That we can trust you."
"I know. You can trust me, Rosen. I swear it."
"Thank you for that, Dorian. And you must continue to behave around Solas as you have been. The way you would around any older elf of high intelligence. It is important he not know that we know, for now at least. He does not know about me, though he very likely can sense my.. otherness. It needs to remain that way, until I can discover if he is worthy of the trust of me and my race. A title like the Dread Wolf should cause any rational, thinking being to pause and consider what kind of being they are dealing with."
"The Dread Wolf? Maker's breath! I do understand, yes, Rosen," Dorian stated, promising him again, "I shall repeat nothing of what is shared between us in this room without your verbal permission."
"Thank you, Dorian," Rosen replied. He leaned closer into his bonded mate's space where they now lay facing each other once more on their bed. He then placed a gentle and reluctantly brief kiss to Dorian's beautiful mouth. Rosen smiled against his lips before he drew back and licked his own, receiving as his reward the intoxicating taste of Dorian mixed with the sweet dalish peaches and wine. "I know it, but it means a lot to me to hear you say it."
Dorian smiled at him, his eyes full of tender affection as Rosen magically floated the bottle of wine and bowl of fresh peaches from between them to the top of the darkwood dresser near the washbasin carefully. Then Dorian's expression turned naughty when he looked away from the bowl and bottle back to Rosen. "Would you like me to inquisit you again, Inquisitor?"
Rosen laughed at his mate's hilariously-phrased question, the sound soft and musical, like tinkling bells. But his beautiful, deep blue eyes with their intriguing, red outer circle had dilated visibly, so Dorian knew he was interested. "You are wicked, Kadan! But, yes, I would. I would more than like it, Dorian."
"I thought you might, Amatus."
Dorian took Rosen back into his arms, shifting his dragon onto his back once more as he rose above him and claimed his mouth in a deep, heart-and-soul melting kiss.