A/N: So I might have had a bit too much fun with the fluffiness on this one... A special thank you to Sesh who helped me brainstorm a few bad ideas. Good times.
2.
No vows of chastity.
Granted the question had been forward, even for her, but he had answered her respectfully, his cheeks coloring ever so slightly as she held his gaze. She had already known the answer, but upending the commander's poised disposition had the most delicious results. His eyes had crinkled slightly as he attempted unsuccessfully to hide his embarrassment. Most men in his position would have brushed her off or declared the grandeur of their virility, but not him. He maintained his professionalism and consideration of her while still giving her only a taste of her goal.
Sybilla sighed as she leaned on the war table as she attempted to study the spread of their forces. He was a former Templar and their discipline was legendary, but damned if she wasn't intrigued by that. The fact that the commander was easy on the eyes wasn't lost on her either, but as she toyed with the idea of approaching him again, she felt a familiar presence by her side.
"Oh, I didn't think to find you in here, Herald." His smooth baritone washed over her like a warm breeze, the sensation quickly replaced with surprise of her own.
"Oh," she stuttered clumsily. "I was just working through the logistics for our foray into the Fallow Mire. Quartermaster Threnn informed me that the scout's supplies are already en route and they should be able to set up the forward base earlier than first thought. I just need to fletch a few more arrows first and we'll be on our way."
"So soon - I mean, that's good." Cullen coughed softly into his gloved hand. "The sooner we're able to get to our men the better."
"Agreed." She held his eyes a moment longer before turning back to the map as it seemed to grow suddenly warm in the room.
"Our forces in the Hinterlands are reporting fewer skirmishes every week. Refugees are fed and protected. There is still the occasional engagement with our soldiers, as is to be expected, but you were instrumental in calming the region, Herald."
"I'm not the Herald." She met his eyes once more, her tone a bit more strained than she intended. "I'm just Sybilla. And there were many who were instrumental in taming the Hinterlands – well, as tamed as it can get, I suppose."
He chuckled at that and joined her at the war table. "You're modesty will serve you well."
"Modesty," she balked. "I don't think I've ever been accused of that, Commander."
"A compliment then." The commander glanced up and caught her gaze again. "And it's Cullen."
o O o
The ground crunched beneath her feet as Sybilla dismounted, giving her horse a solid pat on his flank before handing him off to the stable hand. Andraste's tits but she reeked of horse. And sweat. And more horse. The ride from Therinfal Redoubt had been long and taxing, the weather holding the majority of the way, but Sybilla wasn't sure that was a boon at all. A little rain might have been nice, maybe done a little something for the smell. If anything, at least it would have been worth the dismal cloud cover that hung heavy over them the last leg of their return trek. No such luck, however, but instead of contemplating her mild interest in Ferelden weather patterns, she attempted to analyze the latest mission's events, idly staring as the stable hand brushed down her horse.
"You've returned."
Sybilla froze. How had she not heard Cullen's approach? "Yes, we've just arrived."
"Ah. And the mission was successful?"
"Yes." And I also smell of feet and old livestock. "I'll have the report written up shortly, but the remains of the Templar order have joined under our banner."
"The remains? I'm not sure I –"
"There were complications." Sybilla frowned, brows creasing slightly as she recalled stash of red lyrium and corrupted Order's betrayal. "In short, they were left leaderless and without purpose. Conscripting them into the Inquisition gave them both."
"You conscripted them! What –"
She held up her hand to forestall further protest. She wasn't in the mood to argue with him. Perhaps the potency of her stench would make him rethink his line of questioning. "I thought of you when I offered them the choice."
He opened his mouth to speak, but shut it with a snap, contemplating her instead.
"Who better to command a group of former Templars betrayed by their commanders, disenchanted with an order that no longer holds to its ideals?" Sybilla paused as she studied his reaction, the way his brows furrowed, the steady rise and fall of his chest, the way the muscle in his nicely defined jaw twitched. Maker, had he always been standing so close? "They chose the Inquisition as you did."
He nodded slowly, his frown deepening as if the reality of the Templar Order's dissolution a left a bitter taste in his mouth. "I see. Thank you."
Sybilla studied him only a moment longer before feeling intrusive, turning back to idly watch her horse once more. Surprise struck her when Cullen shifted alongside her, turning his gaze to the horse as well who currently had his head in a feed bag. It was an odd, but not unpleasant feeling, to relax against the fencing as the horse munched on his oats. Companionable even.
"He seems a fine steed."
"Who, Stumpy?" Sybilla snorted a laugh. She hated horses, or rather their smell, and damn it all if that stupid horse didn't prance about like the king of the castle. The least she could do was give him the most ridiculous name she could think of. That'll teach him to try and buck her off. It had certainly worked so far.
"Stumpy?" Cullen shot her a sideways glance. "Do I want to know?"
Sybilla shrugged. "It was either that or Bob. Percy was on the short list as well."
"Why not just go all the way and call him Fluffy?"
"Now you've gone and done it, Cullen." A wicked grin curled her lips. "I'll be sure to send Threnn a requisition for the new horse blankets to be embroidered with Fluffy's magnificent new moniker."
A sigh escaped his lips and he shook his head in resignation. "I live to serve, Sybilla."