A few days had passed since Eostre had last been at Skyhold and Cullen was taking the separate hard, much harder than usual.
From what he understood, Eostre along with Dorian, Iron Bull and Sera had gone out to scout the Hinterlands, on the report from some scouts about a Dragon. He had received little word as, by all accounts, there was no news coming back.
Cullen set out a sigh of anguish, trying his best to focus on his work but to no avail. He couldn't help but be overcome with thoughts that Eostre might be badly hurt or even killed. He snarled in frustration and decided to go for a walk.
Leaving his office, he couldn't help but overhear raised voices from below. Intrigued, he made his way down to the courtyard to see what all the fuss was about.
"He's nothing more than a demon. As Eostre isn't here, maybe it is time we get rid of him!" Argued Vivienne who had let her distrust of Cole be known to any who would hear it.
"He is a spirit; he wants to help. Besides, Eostre has already said he can stay. I doubt she would be best pleased to come back only to discover we have sent him away." Stated Solas. He had started to become tired of the entire charade.
"Eossie likes having me around. I help." Cole spoke with hopefulness in his voice,
"Quiet you." Snapped Vivienne, a look of disgust on her face at the notion that Cole even spoke to her.
All voices hushed when they saw Cullen approach. A determined grin appeared on Vivienne's face. If anyone could convince Eostre to get rid of Cole, it would the one who currently had her ear and her heart.
"Commander Cullen, how simply darling to see you. You are just the person I need to help me with a little problem." If there was anything Cullen hated more, it was being condescended too, especially by those of a Noble standing.
Cullen folded his arms, "I'm not going to try to convince the Inquisitor to get rid of Cole. You all have heard what she has said. Besides, I believe she is rather fond of Cole. What is it that the Inquisitor lets you call her?"
"Eossie," smiled Cole, if not somewhat perplexed that Cullen was defending him. "Her brothers call her Eossie."
"There you are. And now the matter is settled. Cole is staying, and that is final. There will be no more discussions on the matter, not with the Inquisitor, not with each other," stated Cullen defiantly, leaving a defeated Vivienne to murmur "as you wish Commander," before almost storming off.
Solas was quite relieved by Cullen's resolve and take on the issue. Naturally, like all those in Skyhold, he was aware of the kiss between Cullen and Eostre, and of the strong feelings they harboured for each other but had yet to speak of.
"Thank you, Commander, it is nice to have someone other than myself and Eostre continuously battling to have people see Cole for what he is. And what he isn't. Even if that person is not solely convinced."
"Yes, well," Cullen rubbed the back of his neck, "the Inquisitor has been through enough without having to deal with petty squabbles. Especially when it is well known that she is very attached to Cole."
Solas bowed and took his leave, returning to his quarters. This left Cole and Cullen in an awkward silence. Clearing this throat, Cullen began "I think I should be going."
"She's alive. And she's okay. She has a few injuries. She also misses you a lot." Cullen smiled inwardly. "And it also doesn't hurt to have someone who can send progress reports now and again." Just as Cullen was about to leave, he heard a rallying cry. Concerned it was an attack, he rushed to the front gates where a crowd had gathered.
Manoeuvring his way to the front, he was greeted by Iron Bull, carried Eostre on his shoulders, with Dorian and Sera by his sides. They were all covered in horrendous amounts of blood and honestly, they stank something foul.
"WE JUST SLEW A FUCKING DRAGON!" Screamed Iron Bull, prompting Eostre to raise her arms in celebration. Behind them came a small band of soldiers, carrying aloft the head of the Fereldan Frostback, with another band behind, carrying skinned remnants.
The crowd broke out into a raucous cheer upon seeing the head, yet Cullen's heart fluttered upon seeing that Eostre was back and safe once more. Iron Bull delicately placed Eostre on the ground, holding her gently by the arm as she tried to get her balance.
"YOU BEST BELIEVE THAT THIS WOMAN, THE HERALD OF ANDRASTE, THE INQUISITOR LED US TO VICTORY AGAIN A FUCKING DRAGON!"
Iron Bull's words riled up the crowd into even more of a frenzy. Sensing that Eostre was not so good on her feet, Iron Bull lifted her into his arms and carried her up the stairs, with the crowd and Cullen following behind.
"DRINKS ARE ON THE IRON FUCKING BULL! ONCE I'VE BEEN HOSED DOWN!" Iron Bull was insanely giddy, and his loins were on absolute fire. Holding Eostre in his arms was doing very little to quell the feeling within him, but he could tell that she was not for him, mainly by the way that she hadn't take her eyes off Cullen since she returned.
Standing at the bottom of the stairs, he once again put Eostre down to stand on her feet but again, she was not stable. Two nearby soldiers came to her aid and proceeded to carry her up the stairs into the Great Hall, then further into her chambers where she could rinse off the blood.
"Maker, your woman is handy with a blade. And quick too. One minute she's standing next to you, another minute and she's halfway across the field stabbing a dragon in its kneecaps." Sera remarked to Cullen. She was incredibly impressed with finally being able to stand shoulder to shoulder with Eostre in battle.
"Oh, I heard she was good," Cullen replied, only half paying attention but having to cover his ears at Sera's screeching response. "GOOD? GOOD!? MAKER, SHE'S WASTED ON YOU! SHE'S BLOODY FANTASTIC!" Sera walked off in a hump, murmuring the words Cullen and Arse-biscuit.
Dorian, not to be left out, tapped Cullen on the shoulder. "I believe this is the part where you make your way up to her chamber and assist her with bathing. I believe she'll have incredibly sore muscles and might appreciate strong Templar arms."
Cullen squinted at Dorian who just laughed in return, making his way to his quarters for a well-deserved bath. But Cullen couldn't resist the chance to sneak away and lose himself in Eostre for a few hours.