Note: Just ah... would like to point out the change in rating. Please consider it and proceed accordingly.
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"Get them down to the cellars!"
Isabeau barked commands as she helped maintain order and guided the wave of panicked civilians through the massive gates of Skyhold. In the near distance, as scores of wounded and terrified people flooded into the stronghold, wicked flashes of green lightning cracked and thundered. A breach had opened at the keep's very doorstep, Cullen and Isabeau commanding their forces to fortify the front facing walls, Isabeau insisting on being vanguard. She intended on making good use of the bridge's choke point against the demons.
"That's the last of them, Inquisitor."
"Seal the gates and damn well hold it should I fall. My team and I will use the sally-port to get in position; I want a squad of men placed to defend it and platoons lined and at the ready for my signal. Do not have me lose my only retreat, lieutenant."
"As you command, Eminence!"
She nodded gravely at him before she sprinted into the yard, joining Cassandra by a stack of crates, the comrades assisting each other with their armor. Cullen appeared soon after, clad in full-plate, his ferocious helm tucked under his arm as he pulled Isabeau to the side.
"You come back from that bridge, do you understand?"
Isabeau met his gaze fiercely, the adrenaline palpable as she and Cullen clasped each other's forearms tightly. He swallowed thickly before pulling his helm over his head and striding to the safer confines of the fortress, he, Josephine and other advisors commanding from within. Isabeau took a steadying breath and made for where Bull, Sera and Varric stood waiting. As she approached them, she looked up and around to verify positions, noting Dorian, Vivienne and Solas strategically dotted in higher but well fortified places.
Rain hell from above with a sufficient vantage point to lifeguard. Okay... get moving.
Cassandra had departed with Leliana to assist the rearguard and act as a last stand defense for the civilians if necessary. As her group made their way through the sally-port, Isabeau saw Ser Keran amongst the entrance's guards, squeezing his hand in support before the heavy door closed behind her.
Varric and Sera took their positions in the corners of the gate's archway, each offered cover behind huge lit braziers. Bull nodded grimly at Isabeau.
"You ready?"
"Always."
The two drew their weapons and paced down the length of the bridge, the horde of the Fade spawn now visible over the crest of the path and rapidly approaching. Isabeau's legs pumped faster as she and Bull careened towards the horde, crashing into the wave that was a group of behemoths, sending the enemies scattering. Bull's hammer swung and devastated the crystalline enemies before him, Isabeau bashing and slicing at any exposed flesh that remained on her own foes. Around them enemies fell, arrows dropping an assortment of terror and sloth demons that encroached too closely as she and Bull unleashed mayhem. They were still within the Keep's range, some enemies falling from arrows just as Isabeau made to attack them; her and Bull advancing steadily as they mangled everything in their way forward.
"Boss!" Bull suddenly barked as he yanked her to him and she pressed her shield flat to his back, his strength's momentum fluidly rolling her across his shoulders, Isabeau kicking out as she landed and taking an advancing corpse's jaw off with her steel toed boots. The Quinari always watched her flank as his hammer sent its targets flying; Isabeau finding herself marvelling at how well they danced together.
Another wave of the monsters came at them, magical attacks now being unleashed by the Arcane Horror's. Isabeau leapt and rolled as she dodged a bolt of lightning, agile in the light-plate she wore for increased mobility. She brought up her shield just as a Horror made to slash at her, bashing at its face as she brought up her sword hand's gauntlet, impaling its skull as a blade shot out from her wrist. Isabeau retracted the conveniently located blade, very pleased with Varric's latest improvements.
As she took in the carnage around her, she noticed Sera and Varric had moved up, advancing forward as they pushed more enemies back. She turned and thrust her sword in the air to signal more troops to the bridge, archers on the parapets splitting their targets with suppressive and covering fire respectively. As the battle's rhythm beat on, Isabeau found herself amongst fewer demons and more of her own troops as they steadily trickled from the Keep in advancement. Like a well-oiled sword, her platoons of shields, spears and bows moved in a widening V formation, cutting through the assailants as they made their way to the tear in the Veil. Layers of shields finally encircled Isabeau's position as she extended her hand and screamed in triumph as she closed the breach.
Immediately Isabeau collapsed to the ground in exhaustion, her mark always leaving her drained for a time after its use. With a surprising gentleness, Bull reached down and steadied her on her feet as the men around them cheered, Isabeau managing to beam with pride at how well they had fought. She made a promise to herself then and there regarding her next steps upon arriving back at the Keep.
Once steadier on her feet, Bull released Isabeau and they helped with gathering wounded or dead, carts for their retrieval beginning to roll down the bridge. As Isabeau took in the casualties around her, though less than she feared, she still shivered at the sheer chance of her being at Skyhold when it happened. They were resupplying before making the long trip to hear Gaspard de Chalons' terms, the Orlesian Civil War having worsened so dramatically, she had been kept near its Capital for several weeks. She and Cullen had finally found an opportunity to connect when the bird arrived from their scouts, Leliana immediately interrupting their liaison with the warning.
After Solas met up with her on the battlefield and healed her wounds, Isabeau determinedly trudged back up to the keep, her muscles still twitching and burning from their exertion. As she entered the gates and came into the crowded courtyard, a roar of cheers exploded around her, she in turn thanking and congratulating her people as she made her way into the interior chambers. When she pushed open the doors to her war room, her eyes immediately found Cullen's, his shining with pride as she approached the collection of advisors and diplomats.
"It is done. Ser Cullen, would you join me in my solar? I would like to debrief you on your forces current standing."
He nodded in assent and followed her out, any curiosities her other diplomats or advisor's felt about a private debriefing going unmentioned. Once in the solitude of her solar, Isabeau reached behind her and slid the bolt on the lock home. Cullen turned at the sound, grunting slightly when Isabeau leapt into his arms, her legs tightly wrapping around his hips as she hungrily kissed him. He returned the kiss in kind, his hands yanking at and unlatching her various pieces of armor. As the last of the metal and leather hit the floor, Isabeau slid down him and back to her feet, lifting her arms for Cullen as he pulled her bodice and chemise over her head.
Isabeau hurriedly unbuckled Cullen's plate, not so much as blinking when the heavy pieces clattered loudly to the floor stone. Her hands shook as she worked at his chest piece, his lips agonizingly distracting as he nibbled and kissed at her exposed neck and shoulders. When he finally mirrored her in nothing but breeches and smalls, Isabeau shoved him onto a chaise, straddling his groin to grind against him.
"I-Isabeau..." he grunted as his hands came to grasp her hips wantonly, their mouths entwining heatedly before she leaned back and started to tug at the laces of his breeches. A large, rough hand slid up her abdomen to grasp at her breast band, Cullen loosening the smalls until it fell from her ribs. When the pair finished stripping down and Isabeau climbed back into his lap, their kisses slowed a fraction as she rubbed herself slowly against him. Cullen groaned loudly when she guided him to her, her wetness enveloping him. The chaise creaked with their combined weight as the couple started to rock, limbs entangled as they sated their lust.
Cullen's lips found the dip where Isabeau's neck connected to her shoulder, the stunning woman gasping in delight when he gently nipped. Her hands raked through his hair and down his broad back as he caught a bouncing teat in his mouth. They both cried out as his hips began to rock more deeply, desire-filled whispers of sweet nothings peppering their sounds of ecstasy. Cullen must have felt his end nearing, his panting heavier against Isabeau's chest as she bounced in his lap, his hips starting to pound faster into her. When she cried out and clenched repeatedly around him, his restraint abruptly collapsed, awash with rapture as Isabeau clung to him.
With a great exhale of breath, Cullen stretched out as far as he could on the chaise, still blessedly within Isabeau as they cooled from the lusty adrenaline rush. They stared at each other through hooded eyes, Isabeau slowly kissing him before pulling away to stand, both wincing at the feel of their sensitive disconnection.
"Maker..." Cullen breathed aloud as Isabeau made her way to the wash basin to freshen up from her sweat-inducing day. When done, she pulled on Cullen's discarded tunic, padding back over to her still recovering Marshall. She took his hand, leading them into her bedchambers to fall upon her soft mattress. Isabeau tilted her head back and gazed at the night sky through the tall windows.
"You... have honored me with your dedication, Cullen," she began softly as she turned her head to the side, her hand coming to rub her thumb at the stubble of his jaw. "The disciplined and skilled forces you have shaped and given me were... something to behold this close to home."
A naughty but contented smile twitched at his lips before he leaned forward to kiss her again, "Had I known it would lead to such... rigorous debriefings, I would have doubled my efforts."
"I think I got a little wet on the field."
Cullen chuckled at her vulgarity and pulled her into his arms, tucking her head under his chin. "Noted."
"Do you think we should head back?" Isabeau asked as she sat up from the bed. Cullen smirked at his tunic draped about her smaller frame before rising to retrieve his breeches.
"I think so, yes," he said as he pushed each leg through and tightened the laces. "I... would like it if I could return later, should you also accept?"
Isabeau smiled as she nodded. When they finished dressing, she caught Cullen's arm as he made to leave. "This..." she began but was silenced as Cullen crushed his lips to hers again.
"No explanation is necessary, Inquisitor," he growled alluringly after he broke the kiss, perking his eyebrows suggestively upwards as he gave her bum a solid squeeze.
Isabeau smiled at his cockiness, chuckling as she watched him make his way towards the war room while she headed for the yard. The remainder of much of her evening and night was spent assisting the healers with the wounded and personally seeing to thank as many of her men as she could. It was approaching dawn when the pyres for the dead were complete and lit, an exhausted Isabeau near collapsed to the floor of her bed chamber once she arrived.
"You've had more dramatic entrances," Cullen quipped as he looked up from the book he read in her bed.
"Listen, handsome..." Isabeau drawled as she began to strip down to nothing but her chemise, "I'll not have you spoil our victory with your lip." She crawled into the bed and tucked herself under Cullen's raised and waiting arm, his biceps tightening around her shoulders as he held her close. The book flopped forward into his lap as he leaned to kiss her gently.
"Does the lady find that kind of lip more agreeable?"
Isabeau blew out a breath.
"Makers breath, I have awoken the beast. Go figure, the stoic templar facade melts away to reveal a lecherous lion..."
Cullen looked ill amused.
"Oh, I only jest, luv," She moaned as she rolled to her opposite side and sank deeper into the mattress, her exhaustion rapidly catching up to her as she listened to Cullen's steady breathing in her ear. She must have dozed off for when she awoke next; Cullen was inside of her again, this time his pace slow and rolling. Light was now streaming from the windows and across the naked pair laying on their sides, Cullen's hips sensually grinding into her backside. One hand cupped a pert cheek in hand, his fingers delectably spreading her as Isabeau moaned her approval. She twisted her neck to catch his lips in hers.
"Good morrow," he breathed into her lips as they brushed in erotic proximity. Isabeau could only smile in bliss as she submitted herself to Cullen, carnally crying out with each thrust into her. She absently wondered at Cullen's exponential rise in boldness just as his cock hit a particularly sweet angle, her thoughts broken and lost as she came. Her Knight's release followed shortly after.
Rolling onto her back, Isabeau gave a great stretch as she smiled sleepily at Cullen's flushed features. He grasped her hand in his and kissed it.
"I hope that was accepta- "
Isabeau tested her own boldness and reached down suddenly to cup him in her hand, "'No explanation necessary', Ser."
Somehow Cullen flushed the reddest she'd ever seen him be, Isabeau releasing him, secretly glad to see that under the bravado, was still the reserved templar she'd grown so fond of. Knowing she was privy to such a private side of Cullen flushed her with affection; she kissed him hungrily in gratitude of their morning activities before dragging herself in a fit of light chuckles from the comfortable bed.
"Of course it was acceptable, Cullen," she soothed before flashing him a flippant grin, "Near death experiences, huh? Great for a frame of reference."
"You could say that," he conceded.
"I have a meeting with Solas," she explained as she tossed her soiled clothes into a basket, pausing to stretch out tender muscles. "I plan on discussing my, ah... affliction with him but I need a change of clothes first."
"Good luck."
"Yeah," She sighed as she lazily stripped and approached her wardrobe. As she stood hidden behind its open door and dressed, she heard Cullen call for her. She popped her head from the other side of the door, raising an eyebrow questioningly.
"A victory feast is being prepared for tonight... I ah, took the liberty of arranging your attire."
"Is it made of plate?"
"Silk."
Isabeau teasingly shrugged, "A pity."
Cullen's snort echoed out into the solar behind her. She poured herself a cup of steaming Antivan coffee and returned to the bedchambers, washing her face quickly. Once dry, she left again, picking up her now comfortably warm coffee and meandering to Solas' cabinet. She knocked gently on the half open door, the elf's pleasant voice beckoning her in.
"How do you fare this morning, Inquisitor?"
"A bit stiff, but I've been worse," she answered, sitting down in the chair across him at the writing desk. She perked her eyebrows as she sipped at her coffee, her fingers tapping nervously on the chairs arm while Solas smiled at her. She cleared her throat, placing her cup down.
"So... here's the thing: We have discussed much and more of my memories and experiences in the Fade. Because of you, I have a gained both knowledge and strength from something that likely would have ruined me."
Solas' smile turned bemused, "Lady Trevelyan?"
"I trust you Solas... but I have not been completely truthful with you," Isabeau began, watching as the Elvhen's face grew more concerned, "The... singing? What we've been able to corroborate between the known cases of Red exposure? I've always heard it... It was what led me out of the Breach... and I don't know what that means."
Swiftly, Solas rose from his desk and strode for his chamber's door, closing it firmly. He sat back down then before her, tenting his fingertips as he pondered Isabeau's admission.
"Led you out of the Fade, you said? Could be significant; from what we have determined, the appearance of this 'singing' largely acts to its victim's detriment."
"You think it... helped me?"
"I didn't say that, but it is curious. Though, I should think if it were red lyrium exposure your hand would look quite different. I'm not convinced it's the cause."
Isabeau released a shallow breath of relief.
"That being said, the average time frame I've established so far leaves that prognosis a little... premature," Solas cautioned as he leaned back in his seat, watching Isabeau frown into her coffee. "I myself have not noticed any radical or alarming changes to your psyche," He paused and smiled knowingly at her, "Well, relatively speaking..."
She rubbed at her heated face furiously, huffing in agitation, "Solas. On. Task. Please."
He chuckled throatily at her temper and opened his arms wide, "Isabeau, I'm not one to promise a flying Halla; until we determine who or what is changing or tainting our world's Lyrium, you'll achieve nothing but angst pursuing this right now. For now, a calmer mind is the advice I can give."
Right, so exactly what I've been trying to do.
"Solas, this legitimately frightens me."
His large but slender hand cupped her own, "You have a key of the Fade fused to your very hand, you daft girl. Don't let it frighten you; let it be the part of you that it already is... and perhaps the tune will change?"