Chapter Nine

Back to Haven


It would take 3 days at a more relaxed pace to get to Haven from Skyhold. I managed to get Cullen to snuggle with me – how did I do that? Well… it was easy since he worried about me freezing.

I'd told him before that I don't feel cold – that didn't mean that my body didn't instinctively react to the cold though. He took one look at the goose flesh on my arms and insisted that he keep me warm since his mantle was so warm and we only had two tents anyway.

He didn't like the idea of me sharing with Solas and he didn't feel comfortable with the 'apostate' as a tent buddy. It was easy enough knowing all of that to get Cullen to share a tent with me.

The first night was a little awkward – he wasn't quite sure how to react to sharing a space with a woman for a whole night.

I had made him lay down and just curled into him. His heartbeat had been so erratic and he was flushed. I stayed awake until I felt him fall asleep.

When I woke up the next morning, he was already awake and just holding me close. His hand was stroking my hair lightly and when he realized I was awake he flushed and started to pull away.

"No… please don't stop… I liked that," I whispered. He looked startled but nodded and went back to holding me.

"… Are we really going to get married?" He asked. I hummed, "Only if you want to. I'm certainly all for it – you were always my favorite. I'm aware we haven't known each other very long – but I've made choices just as big in less time. I suppose it helps me that I know your character well already – but that won't help you; so this needs to be your choice."

"Well… that's comforting." He seemed to relax. I chuckled, "It helps that I told Fergus we were simply moving fast and may need a cover if we decided to get married soon. I gave no solid words about it at all."

He looked amused, "One step ahead of me, it seems – a good Admiral. We should be getting up and ready."

I sighed, "I suppose – Solas will already be awake anyway and that means I can't try and seduce you."

He went bright red, "Y-you…"

"Come now, Commander – I know you can tease me as well as I've been teasing you… it might be interesting to see."

"Makers' Breath – We really have only known each other for just under two weeks. 9 days isn't exactly a lot of time…"

I moved to straddle him; my hair hanging down the left side of my body as I smirked down at him, "You knew Neria far less time before you started crushing on her, right?"

He groaned – and I could feel his arousal through his leather pants. He nodded, "You're… right of course… Makers' Breath; I do want you, Celeste. I just don't want to lose something special because we rushed things…"

My lip twitched and I sat up – the movement causing his breath to catch and his hands to fist in his mantle; which had been used as blanket last night.

I smirked, "You'd only lose me if you told me you didn't want me anymore, Cullen – see, I was more than serious when I told you that while I've never believed in 'Love at First Sight' before; I certainly believe it now. I don't do things lightly – but I always trust my instincts. My instincts are screaming at me to make you mine. I'm not good at relationships – I've never been in one and never had the inclination to before. No one has ever gotten past a first date – and I will admit that most didn't want that second date anyway after meeting me. So – having said that – if you want me, then I'm yours. But if you don't then you need to say so; I'll back off at once. I am well aware that most wouldn't care for my looks – take Jackson as an example."

He growled and sat up – one arm coming around me and the other moving to hold him up – as he said, "Jackson had no right to say such things. You are his commanding officer and a Princess… though that would be another reason for… as a Princess you deserve better…"

"I grew up as an orphan. People looked at Orphans as no better than street rats. So, having you would be more than enough for me – even if you were still living on that farm in Honnleath. For me, it's about personality – not looks, skills or what you can give me. When we spar, you don't hold back – you trust that I can take care of myself and that… I like that."

I felt him twitch beneath me as I shifted my weight so I could put my hair up. He groaned, "This… why do I get the feeling you are purposely torturing me at the moment?"

I smirked, "Because you're smart. As I was saying; I grew up without nice things so I can live without them. I had a nice house in the mountains when I made Admiral – but I didn't stay in it often since I was usually in the Country's Capitol. I mostly used my money on nice food – when I learned that I don't gain weight the same way I don't lose it… all bets were off and I indulged in the food. I collected books, nail polish and pillows of all things. I'm a woman of simple pleasures."

He looked amused, "… You collected Pillows?"

I smirked, "I like being comfy – and when I don't have such a nice chest to lie on…"

He flushed, "I think I walked into that one."

"Yeah – you walked into that one. Look; I won't push you – I will never push you in that regard – but if you want me… I'm here."

I moved off his lap and pulled on my shirt – having slept in a sports bra, of course. I was thrown off guard when he moved to grab me and kiss me.

Damn – was this an alternate Thedas where he was more… aggressive? I moaned against his lips.

When he pulled away, he said, "Makers' Breath – how is it that with you… I find myself moving so fast? We hardly know each other but… I can't seem to help myself where you're concerned."

I coughed, "If it's any consolation, we already know I'm the same way."

"That is… very true. I suppose we will see how things go then. You are going to the Hinterlands for a time so we will see if you being away for longer than a few days causes these feelings to change. I think we will know by then…"

He pulled on his chest-piece as Solas' voice called out, "I have prepared breakfast, Lethallan."

"We'll be out in just a moment; thank you." I called back. Cullen cupped my cheek, "Are you agreeable to that idea?"

I nodded, "I am – they say absence makes the heart grow fonder… I guess we will see if that is true, won't we?"

He chuckled and we headed out of the tent.


Over the course of the day, Solas teased the ever-loving shit out of me… in Elvhen so Cullen didn't understand a word of it. The old wolf was far more devious than one might expect. The good news was that this meant I learned more Elvhen since I picked up on context fairly easily with what I already knew.

That night; we were sharing a tent again – of course – and he couldn't seem to calm down. His heart rate was rapid as he held me.

I hummed, "You know – some people say it may just be best to get it out of your system…"

His heart rate increased and he stammered, "W-what do you mean?"

"We could see – quite easily – if this is just lust. If we sleep together and the feelings cool down then we'd know…"

"And if the feelings… heat up?" he asked – he sounded a little strangled. I smirked, "Then it isn't simple lust. Lust will usually fall away after being sated."

"I hope you'll pardon my saying so but your former world seems far simpler." He was holding me rather tightly. I gave a chuckle, "Oh it is – there are far fewer taboo topics, many people in the country I was raised in never pick up a weapon in their life because of us dedicated soldiers who take the fight to the 'enemies', and things are mass produced so there is enough for everyone. I will grant that the orphans and homeless people don't think the country is all that great – since they don't always see those benefits. I grew up in rags while eating scraps. Growing up like that will change how you view the good things when you do have them…"

"I know what you mean – I wasn't an orphan, no, but I… I did see how mages were treated. I am ashamed to admit my part in that and seeing some of our Mage allies in such awe over getting 'simple' things like a good cut of meat at the tavern…"

"When did you start seeing the horror in Kirkwall – rather than turning a blind eye to it?"

"After the Qunari Uprising – when many of the mages died refusing to defend their lives for fear of the Right of Tranquility being the answer to their use of magic. It horrified me to think… they just gave up – that the circle was so bad that they died rather than fight back. Even the Qunari Mages would have fought attackers with no fear of repercussions."

I snorted, "Saarebas know they will die the moment they are outside their leash for any length of time. They are authorized to defend their leads – and when their leads say do this they do the thing. They are brainwashed, their lips sewn shut and they are told that they are dangerous. Meredith would have loved to use the Qun way for mages. Do you know that the word for their Mages – Saarebas – means Dangerous Thing?"

"I did not know that…"

"But back to the original topic – we could just have sex and see if things cool down." I looked up at him with a sly grin.

He groaned, "I-I… I don't think I could. I mean… it is one thing when I'm paying for a night – but I couldn't just… I couldn't do that to a woman I could care for."

I flushed, "Then I'll say no more about it…"

"Did I make you uncomfortable?" he asked softly. I shook my head, "No – but even if you had that would only be fair. I'm sure I've made you more than uncomfortable. Actually, I found it rather… sweet – that your reasoning was that you could care for me. I just want you to know that if you change your mind… well – I'm not going anywhere."

He relaxed beneath me.


Returning to Haven was a dull affair – I hadn't teased Cullen again since that night. I think he noticed the change; he wasn't stupid. But he'd made his stance clear and I wasn't going to jeopardize our relationship for a night in the hay stack.

Blake came rushing up, "Explain, Admiral."

I glared, "Tone, Blake – you know better."

He flushed but stood his ground, "You never get sick – not with anything mild anyway. Last time I was told you were sick; it was Pneumonia. So…"

Cullen hissed – pneumonia was deadly here for anyone that got it without a mage healer nearby; and he knew there were no mages on Earth. Solas already knew about it – I'd mentioned Pneumonia back at Skyhold. Gods' Blood – these people needed to update their medical knowledge and they would if I had any say in the matter.

"It was Magic Depletion. My abilities to sense and control elements that I came out of the Fade with are magic. It isn't my magic, but it is magic nonetheless. I used too much energy and… well, that made me sick. Have you discovered any abilities in yourself? Max got the mark, I got the elements and Lana got the ability to augment her arrows with Magic – Solas and I talked it over. We can't figure you out though."

He scoffed, "Me? That's easy – look over there." He was pointing to an area. I looked and froze.

Solas sputtered a small laugh before whispering, "Ghilan'nain – Mother of Halla. He can call the Halla."

It was true – we had a paddock full of beautiful white Halla. The paddock wasn't even closed off, either. The Halla stayed because they wanted to.

I rubbed at my neck and looked to Solas, "Will he be able to call horses too, do you think?"

"There is little doubt – if something could be used as a mount, I would say that his presence would act as a beacon and calming force to them. Horses, Dracolisk, Halla or even a Bog Unicorn would act much the same around him."

Cullen said, "How did these abilities come about, anyway?"

I spoke, "We played with toys in the Fade, it seems. Maxwells' is the most unique – his ability to seal rifts will likely grow into him being able to open rifts, call on the fade or use the damn thing like a night-light. Blake can call mounts – so he likely touched a toy belonging to a very old mage from Arlathan that dealt with mounts. My power stems from a creationist who could summon the elements. Ellana got power modeled after an archer. If anyone else walked in the Fade then who knows what they may get? We already took these powers so anyone else would have to contend with others until all the most powerful gifts are taken. This is 4 of a potential nine powers that I'm aware of."

"You know how you got the abilities?" Lelianas' voice was smooth. I didn't jump – though she did startle me by coming up behind me. I nodded, "Not that it makes a lick of difference – Maxwell got his in a different manner than Blake, Lana or I did. Blake played with a ball belonging to a specific woman from Arlathan. Lana also played with a ball but belonging to a different woman. The one I likely tripped over belonged to a man who loved to craft things. For all I know, the ball brushed against my ankle and I didn't even know. Having read this report before… I never would have picked up a ball that I wasn't sure about."

We all made our way toward my house. Blake said, "Oh and I would?"

"Honey – you know I love you… but you'd pick a hornet just because it had a pretty color."

Leliana giggled lightly as Blake sputtered, "I would be angry with you… but you're right. I would totally pick up something just because it looks out of the ordinary…"

Solas smirked, "And now you can calm Halla with your presence."

Varrics' voice cut in, "Daisy would have loved that."

I smiled as everyone else began piling in.

Leliana changed the subject, "I got a… interesting letter for you, Inquisitor. It is from your Lord Brother."

I smirked at Cullen, "He works fast, doesn't he?"

Cullen was flushed and rubbed the back of his neck, "I-I… Makers' Breath; yes he does."

Cassandra looked confused, "What is going on?"

"Cullen and I have been moving rather swiftly in our courtship and have decided we need a cover as to why that might be – so I sent word to Fergus to cook up fake betrothal papers with a loophole we can exploit if things don't work out. See, Cullens' family lost everything during the Blight, so they certainly wouldn't have those papers – and Mia was young enough; and has a bit of memory loss so…"

"In other words, you two are betrothed now?" Maxwell sniggered.

I nodded, "Yes – since Cullen gave his permission to allow it… I suppose the papers aren't so faked after all. What loophole did he put, Leli?"

"None – it simply says that it may be broken by either party if they do not wish to follow through. That was standard practice in Cousland betrothal papers because the family was known for allowing their children more freedom than most noble families. As far back as when they were just Banns even. No loophole was needed for this. The question is, do we spread the word of your engagement or do we let people believe you are merely courting?"

I shrugged and looked at Cullen who blurted, "Engaged!"

I smirked, "You really don't want to be pursued by Orlesian Nobles, do you? That's okay – I think this just gives me an advantage."

Leliana giggled, "I was wrong – you are worse than Elissa! She was never so forward."

I winked, "Raised in a world where everyone is having sex with everyone… I picked up a few things from the men under my command. I just never had a chance to put it in action before."

Maxwell snorted, "So… you two are engaged now… you realize this means that you two have to share the cabin, right?"

Cullen froze – he hadn't considered that. I decided to help him out, "No we don't – even when people are betrothed then why would they need to share a cabin? Most don't even meet until the wedding so step off, Trevelyan."

Max smirked, "Just trying to help you get laid, Admiral."

"Don't need help there – we're moving at our pace, not yours."

Leliana lifted an eyebrow – but it was Blake that said, "Admiral… honey, you need to get laid. If I had that fine piece, you can bet I would be outrageously flirty…"

"Yeah – we know. I told Cullen all about you Blake; because I don't want him misunderstanding if he finds us snuggled up together."

Cullen snorted; Varric lifted both hands, "Woah – you two are a thing? I though…"

"No – I'm bi, but predominantly into men. Lessie and I once talked about being a thing; but we know ourselves too well – we'd kill each other if there was no one between us to focus our attentions on. We're just too alike; it would never work. Now if she could just convenience Cullen to let me join them… that might be fun."

"That would cause a scandal if it got out." I pointed out.

Josie nodded vigorously. Maxwell shook his head, "Not with Lord Cousland adopting Blake – people will think you simply have a close relationship with your family and that Blake is looking out for you in terms of your betrothal or eventual marriage."

Leliana said, "People will usually go for the better gossip, yes; but there are some things they will not say without definitive proof – and family… relations are one of those things. Adopted or not, people will instinctively shy away from the idea."

"Cool – talk to Cullen and see what he thinks about it while I'm in the field, Blake… but if he says no then you can step right off."

Blake saluted, "I'll make a plank to walk, Admiral."

I smirked, "Good boy. Next order of buissness would be us departing for the Hinterlands, right?"

Leliana shook her head, "No – it would be how to go about spreading your betrothal."

"We were thinking that we could say I've been betrothed since birth to Cullen – and nothing was ever mentioned because I disappeared. When I returned, Fergus had no intention of telling me about it until he saw that I was making eyes at the Commander. A funny coincidence – perhaps it was fate? It would be the love story of the season if things worked out. Feel free to put a romantic spin on it – he fell for me in more ways than one on the sparring mats or something. Tell everyone he got me a diamond ring to respect the marital traditions in my home land or something. Put such a romantic spin on it that people will see us as fated lovers – star-crossed through foreign lands and finally coming together. I want our names on the lips of even the most rigid Tevinter Magister. Blake, you're a hopeless romantic – help Leli and Josie come up with Romeo and Juliet style stories to spread about us… minus the suicide. I don't know – I tripped on the battle field and he caught me and it was love at first sight… something."

Josie hummed, "That could work – having the love story of the century unfold before our eyes; coincidence or fate – it could work."

Leliana hummed, "We can certainly spread several versions of the story too – so people will be more intrigued."

Cullen was flushed, "Er… who were Romeo and Juliet?"

"Er… a tragic play about two warring houses – the Capulets' and the Montagues. Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet fell in love at first sight at a ball; only to later find out they were from warring houses. They married in secret, but Romeo got into an illegal duel of honor and killed Juliets' cousin when he wouldn't relent. Romeo is then banished from the city by the prince, so Juliet fakes her death to be with her husband… the letter from the priest telling Romeo that it was faked was delayed and so Romeo never received it in time – only hearing his beloved was dead, he rushed back to the city in the dead of night and broke into her crypt. He drank poison while lying beside her. When Juliet awoke to find him, she killed herself in her grief. When the two were then found, the houses – realizing their folly – put aside their war and embraced as family."

"Makers' Breath – that is… dark," Cullen muttered.

Leliana hummed, "It is the type of play the Orlesians might like – scandal, love and such…"

Blake snorted, "The whole thing took place over one week. They met one day, married the next, and the following day, Romeo kills Tybalt in the duel. It's supposed to be some kind of metaphor about tragic love, I'm sure – but those kids were like… 15 and 17. It's an outdated play and kind of stupid…"

"So why do you keep a copy of it, Blake?"

He flushed, "Because… Ugh – you're such a bitch."

I smirked and plopped myself onto the bed and made Cullen sit with me, "Blake – sweetheart – you know I love you; and as someone who loves you, it is my job to keep your ego from becoming too big."

"Yeah and my job is to pull your head from your arse when it gets stuck there," he pouted.

Solas barked a laugh – startling Varric who promptly stared at the elf. I grinned, "Leliana – the spies that happen to enjoy the color yellow more than should be proper… leave them. I've had a talk with their leader and he has agreed to pull them from our ranks slowly so as not to cause a commotion."

She sighed, "You won't tell me who sent them?"

"Nah – he's a friend… sort of. Just know that I've already taken care of it," I smiled. She nodded, "That's good…"

"Now… Cullen, here's the biggest question – do we set a date now or later?" I teased. He flushed, "We can get to that later…"

I shrugged, "Okay – and on the topic of sharing the cabin…?"

"O-oh… er… I mean… if it would… help…"

"Relax – I'm not expecting you to fall into bed with me. I just needed to know if I was going to make a second bedroom – an extension."

"I mean – it couldn't hurt. If he shares your Cabin then people will believe the betrothal and love story more readily… add two rooms though; one for me," Blake gave a cheeky grin. I rolled my eyes.

Cullen coughed in amusement, "Right… I… yes, I will share the cabin with you – both of you if you choose to give Blake a room too."

"Why wouldn't I give Blake a room? He's like… me in the body of a man."

"But isn't he bi and you're straight?" Max pointed out.

Blake started laughing so hard that he ended up falling to the floor. I smirked and snuggled into Cullen, "Who said I was completely straight?"

Good thing I was laying across his lap – Cullen went rock hard at my words. Leliana hummed, "That is fair – we simply assumed due to how fast you took to Cullen."

"Assumptions… Blake – what do they say about the word Assume?" a delighted chuckled dripped from my lips.

"They make an 'Ass' of 'U' and 'Me', Ser – Ass-U-Me." Blake saluted with a wink. Solas was smirking too.

Leliana giggled, "That is clever indeed. So you like women too, Celeste?"

"A bit – like Blake; I predominantly like men. Now are we going talk about the trip to the Hinterlands?"

Cullen coughed, "You said something about a diamond ring – just… real quick…"

Blake answered for me, "Ring exchange – which I'm sure she's already told you about and we know is a tradition in Orlais and Antiva – is a big thing on Earth. The man proposes with a gold ring that has diamonds on it for the engagement before getting a matching 'plain' band for the marriage. The woman also gives the man a matching band during the wedding ceremony. The ring for before is to show that the woman is engaged. Usually, the more ornate the ring is, the better because it shows that the man is wealthy enough to care for her. Celeste…"

"I like simple things – I'd take a plain ring or one with just a little gem on it. I don't even like diamonds. I'm more into colorful things like purple or red or pink or something. Besides, my fingers are thin and long – ornate rings would be like a target for aliens to descend from the sky and land there."

Cullen bit his lip and coughed, "Er… would you… wear a ring if I got you one?"

"Yes," I said before turning my attention back to the group, "Hinterlands?"

I could see the slight flush on Cass' cheek and Leliana was smirking.

"No, no – now we need to design this ring! If we are going to make it the love story of the Century…" Leliana smirked.

I took a deep breath and snapped my fingers. Blake jumped into action – startling everyone else as he muttered to himself and drew using the colored pencils and paper I had on my desk… what? Blake and I shared a love for drawing and it had come in handy many times in our tours.

Cullen was glancing at me curiously. Blake shoved the paper in my hand and I hummed looking it over. The ring he had drawn was a thin silver band that looked like a rose vine with a silver blooming rose as the centerpiece. It had a sapphire in the middle and nestled in the petals were smaller rubies. He had drawn it from several angles.

I glanced at Cullen who reached out and gently took the paper, "This is… I've drawn this before."

Everyone went silent. I was stunned, "This was the ring I designed when Blake asked me about my dream wedding a few decades ago – back when I was 14 in Thedas time… 10 years ago in that case…"

"I drew this one at about the same time, yes – it er… it came to me in a dream and wouldn't stop pestering me so I got it down on paper. I was still back at Kinlock. I'm afraid my journal from that time had many such drawings of this ring and dress styles and… I thought I would go crazy."

Solas laughed hard – Varric finally commented, "Chuckles – something to share with the class?"

"On the way back, I did confirm that they share a link in the Fade. This is too funny. I thought the link might be new – something they forged when she arrived here."

I stuck my tongue out, "You're just jealous that I like him better, Da'Fen."

Ellana sniggered, "Little Wolf?"

I shrugged, "He's got those pinchable cheeks."

Cullen flushed, "A-actually… when that… when the thing with the tower happened…"

He began to tug a chain from beneath his armor. Blake cooed but I waved him off wondering if this was really happening. The ring came into view – my ring. He pulled it off the chain and passed it to me.

I heard Josie swoon – Cass caught her with a red face. Varric said, "I can certainly work with this."

I shook as I slid the ring onto my left ring finger – it was a perfect fit. Blake cursed, "You get all the good luck, Skipper."

I threw my arms around Cullen and kissed him – I didn't care about our audience. He didn't hold back either. When we pulled apart, he said, "I'm taking it as a sign… when you get back from the Hinterlands with the Mother… we will formally announce our engagement."

I nodded, "I agree. This is… more than I could ever have hoped for." Though I had thought for a moment that he was going to say he would marry me.

"Where in the fade did you get a Sapphire, Rubies and White Steel for that, Commander?" Cassandra asked.

"I-I… there had been a chunk of White Steel in the storeroom back at Kinlock. The Rubies were previously inlaid in a necklace that got damaged and I… liberated during the clean-up… and the Sapphire was a gift from Greagoir when he saw what I working on. He told me that if the Templars ever lost my interest, I could be a jeweler when I showed him the final product. As you can see… I do have the two matching pieces you spoke of." Cullen motioned to the two other rings on the chain.

"Wait – Curly… you not only drew them… you forged them yourself?" Varric asked.

Cullen coughed, "They felt… personal; I wasn't going to let the smith butcher the attempt. It took me four tries at the forge to get the main ring just right. And I… I had a notion to name the set 'Beauty and the Beast' for some reason."

That caused Blake to launch into the tale of Belle and Prince Adam. Cullen was completely flushed. When the tale ended, Max asked, "Do you still have the journal, Cullen? We could pull it all together – dress and all."

I shook my head, "It's been 10 year…"

"I do. The er… it felt too precious to toss away. And the more things befell Kirkwall… the more I looked over that journal with a sense of longing. So… yes, I still have the journal. I swear I wrote out recipes, drew out floral arrangements and dresses, and even er… drew a venue. It was my best kept secret… until Serah Hawke found the blasted thing."

"That's what he kept teasing you about; your future wedding?" Varric looked exasperated at the moment.

I sighed, "No way am I getting married without that son of bitch – invite him Varric. Cass – not a word to Varric; Hawke couldn't have saved the Divine. I want Hawke and Fenris at my wedding. Get him here and promise him that he won't be bothered much to play hero. He can sit at the side and relax while Max, Lana and I save the world… for the moment. We would have needed him eventually anyway."

Cass looked pissed. Varric gave me a salute, "As you say, Waves."

"He knew," Cass fumed.

"What did you expect, Seeker? You kidnapped him and I know you stuck a dagger in a book while it was in his lap. What did you really expect to happen? He gave you enough truth and enough fake lies for you to think you knew when he was lying so that he could just pass it off as that he really didn't know. He's a professional liar – 70% of the words that come out of his mouth are lies, Cassandra. Varric – how'd you get Bianca?"

"Won her off a card game with Paragon Branka; she was such a sore looser too – ran off to the Deep Roads and no one ever saw her again." he said without missing beat and not looking up from the papers he was now writing.

"Why did you name her Bianca?" Blake smirked, knowing what I was doing.

"Mirabelle was taken, Sticker," Varric – again – didn't miss a beat.

"See, Cass? He's a compulsive liar – neither of those replies were true; they just sounded true. Bianca is the one story Varric will never tell; and I already know the story, so I won't make him."

That was when I realized, "Sticker?"

"I have sticky fingers, Lessie – you know that." Blake gave me a charming grin. I hummed, "Uh-huh… what did Varric catch you stealing?"

All the others snapped to look at Blake who said, "A sticky bun – what else?"

I sighed, "And you didn't get me one?"

"You weren't here…" he pouted.

Cullen coughed, "I'm confused."

"Sticky fingers means thief – it's as though things just stick to their fingers." I shrugged.

"Also called the '5-finger discount' or 'free-ninety-nine'; Lessie and I grew up as orphans and thus… we grew up stealing to survive. We usually only stole things from a place that wouldn't have noticed a few missing food items or such. We turned our lives around, but… old habits die hard. I still see food left unattended and I just… can't stand seeing food wasted."

"Blake and I share a love for food. I love good food so much that I learned how to cook to satisfy that. So… do we talk about the Hinterlands now, or did you want to go so far as to plan our wedding night, Leliana?"

Cullen sputtered and said, "Makers' Breath, Celeste."

"What? Knowing Leliana that was exactly the next thing she'd say to try and embarrass me."

Leli shrugged, "You know me perhaps a bit too well. As you know, it has only been nearly two weeks – we… still haven't received the report from Scout Harding yet."

I frowned, "Really? Huh – she's always on the ball. The fighting between mages and Templars must be worse than I anticipated. Still, everyone in this room that isn't Blake or an Advisor better be packed at ready to go the moment we get that report. Blake has so kindly procured Halla for us to ride to the Hinterlands to take care of Master Dennet so that's what we're going to do."

"I gotta earn my keep somehow, Skipper. If calling in mounts helps… then hello Halla and goodbye worn out leather boots." Blake gave me a charming grin.

Max spoke, "So back to the wedding night thing…"

"I'm thinking about putting a few books I read to good use – right now, I'm thinking about making you get on your knees and beg Cullen for a pardon before I commandeer you for training tomorrow, Max."

Max blinked, "Aw come on, Admiral… it's harmless teasing!"

I hummed, "Is it – oh, then forgive me…" I stood and I saw Blake pale and hide behind Leliana. I reached up to pat Maxs' cheek and said, "If teasing is harmless… then I suppose a strip tease would be considered harmless too?"

The room stilled as Max shifted uncomfortably, "W-well… I mean… depending on circumstance…"

"And if it depends on circumstance… then why are you using the worst possible time to tease the Commander? If you fuck up my chances of getting that man to be mine, then you won't have to worry about the enemies against us, Max – I'll train you so well that an assassin wouldn't be able to sneak up on you in your sleep; because one eye will always be open." My voice was sweet, I was smiling… but my eyes flashed dangerously.

Max shuddered, "Ma'am… yes ma'am…" his voice wobbled. Varric coughed, "That did not go where I thought it would when you mentioned stripping Waves."

I smirked and released the poor man, "Don't forget – if Blake hides behind someone as dangerous as Leliana then that means you done fucked up. Blake knows how I get. I happen to really care for Cullen – and I will not have anything getting in my way of pursuing him… not even Andrastes' Herald. Ma Fen, did you do what I asked?"

Solas chuckled, "I did, Admiral. My friend offers thanks for your suggestion on the clothes."

I nodded, "Good… now, I'm kinda hungry – Blake… we are making Hamburgers. Go get the needed supplies… and take Max with you – I might be tempted to give him a lesson in swimming otherwise."

Blake lunged forward to grab Maxwells' arm and dragged him out of the cabin saying, "You don't want to know what that means – just follow me… you're safer that way. A word of advice…"

I sighed and turned to one of the empty walls and began working on making one new bedroom and a kitchen. Cullen looked confused, "Only one bedroom?"

"Blake can cuddle with me most days that I'm here… or you can – but I'm going to be out in the field often, so there's no point in making a third bedroom."

"Your thing with Blake – are you sure there are no feelings between you two, Waves?" Varric was smirking.

I gave him an amused look, "Ask Blake what he'd like to do to me in bed… seriously ask him that when he gets back."

So while I got the kitchen set up, Varric did ask. I heard Blake snort, "I'd either suffocate her with a pillow or cuddle with her. If you're asking sex just… no – not unless we get the commander there first. Look – we've said it before; Lessie and I will kill one another before making it to the point where we strip naked and do the tango."