Hello readers! I'm sorry the third chapter was a little short, but I hope you enjoyed it nonetheless! Cullen went after Nadia and found her in a state of depression, despair, and defeat as she failed to find a way to save her parents. She still searched through the night, but as she will soon find out, it was to no avail. Will Cullen keep her grounded in the days to come? Will she go back to Skyhold? Will she make a future with Cullen and will she say yes when he asks her to marry him, presenting her with the ring passed down through her family for nearly eight generations? Keep reading to find out what Nadia Cousland's future holds for her. I hope you enjoy this next chapter! ~ladyinquisitor93
The next morning, while Nadia went to check on her parents, Cullen sat with Fergus, Alistair, and Elissa in the study.
"So, are you going to ask her?" Elissa asked Cullen, smirking.
"What?" Cullen asked, looking up at her.
"Are you going to ask her to marry you?"
Fergus and Alistair perked up when they heard her say that. "What's this about a proposal?" Fergus asked.
Cullen blushed and cleared his throat. "Well, I uh-" He looked up as Nadia came into the room again, her face ashen and tears streaming down her cheeks. "Nadia, what is it?" he asked, standing.
Nadia looked up at her family and the man she loved. "They're... gone..." she said, her voice hushed. "They, um... must have passed sometime during the night..."
Cullen looked at her. "Nadia..."
"Nadia, we'll give you some time." Fergus said, standing. "I'll see to it that preparations are made."
Nadia nodded and thanked him. "El, I think you should... say goodbye..." she said, looking at her cousin.
The queen nodded and offered her a hug. Nadia shook her head.
"I need to get some fresh air." she said, then left the study to go out into the estate gardens.
"Cullen, go after her? We'll take of things here, but she needs you right now." Elissa said, trying to remain strong. Helene and Thomas had been there for her and Fergus after their mother and father had been killed by Arl Howe's men. They meant a lot them both.
Cullen nodded and went after Nadia. Alistair looked at Elissa and asked if she was OK.
"I will be fine, love, but I'm worried about Nadia. She doesn't have darkspawn to take her grief out on like I did when I lost my Mother and Father. I just hope Cullen can help her through this like you helped me." she said, kissing her husband.
"So do I, my dear." Alistair said, pulling Elissa into a hug. "So do I."
Cullen hurried after Nadia, but she disappeared. "Nadia, where are you?" He searched all over the gardens, but couldn't find her. He stopped a gardener and asked if he had seen Nadia.
"No, but if she's upset, then she probably went to the fountain. That's where she would always go as a child. Just follow this path and take a right when you reach the archway." the gardener said.
"Thank you, ser." Cullen said, then followed the path and turned right at the archway. He followed the new path until it rounded into a small courtyard covered in ivy and Arbor's Blessing. He looked around at the lush greenery of the courtyard, amazed something that looked so overgrown but was well kept could exist in Highever with such temperatures. Decorating the lush greenery was hundreds of white Andraste's Grace and in the center of the courtyard was a large fountain, granite stone figures of dragons and griffons decorating the three tiers while water spewed out of each opening. In the water danced dozens of Black Lotus flowers. And sitting in the back of the courtyard under the large willow tree overhanging the courtyard, was Nadia.
"There you are!" he said, going over to her.
Nadia looked up at him for a moment, then back down at her feet and remained silent.
Cullen sat next to her on the bench and just stayed there silent with her, knowing she'd speak when she was ready.
After what seemed like an hour, Nadia sighed and looked up at the fountain. "I feel so lost, Cullen..." She finally said.
Cullen looked at her. "It's natural to seem like that during times like these."
Nadia had cried her fill of tears when she first found her parents, their bodies entwined and cold. She knew they must have died some time in the night after she left to let them get their rest. She felt like she had no more tears to shed. "Nothing I did to try and heal them worked. There was nothing in the library that I could find to even figure out what was killing them, nor anything that could help them. I feel like I've failed them..."
Cullen put a hand on her arm, rubbing his finger along the smooth fabric of her sleeve. "Nadia, you didn't fail them. You did what you could to try and save them and when it didn't work, you stayed by their side until the end."
"At least they died in each other's arms..." Nadia said. "It helps me remember that they were at least happy before the Maker asked them to his side."
"Come here." Cullen said, offering to wrap his arm around her.
Nadia leaned in and rested her cheek on his chest. "What do I do now..?"
"Fergus is going to take care of the arrangements. For now, all you can do is grieve in your own way and wait for things to get better."
Nadia looked up at him. "You're always there for me, Cullen. Thank you."
Cullen managed a smile and kissed her forehead. "That's what I'm here for."
"Can we stay like this for awhile?" Nadia asked.
Cullen nodded. "Sure."
The thunder cracked overhead and the rain began again, but Cullen didn't care. Nadia needed him and that was all that mattered.
The funeral came a few days after the passing of Thomas and Helene Cousland. Nadia wore a hooded black dress made of Highever Weave and lined with fennec fur. Her soft brown hair was tied and hung over her shoulder, large curls hanging loosely. Cullen had been given a black formal tunic and trousers with a black cloak to match. He stood with Nadia and her family, listening to the eulogy Fergus gave of her parents. Once the eulogy was done, the cleric said a farewell prayer, asking the Maker to take the kind souls of Thomas and Helene Cousland and guide them safely to his side. The funeral came to a close and Nadia stood with Cullen, watching as her parents were buried in the family cemetery. The guests and attendees of the funeral offered their condolences and Nadia could only nod. Cullen stayed with her, by her side, through it all and tried to offer her the support she needed.
But that was nearly two months ago. Cullen had sent word to Skyhold of what happened and told Matthew that Nadia needed more time. He waited for Nadia to get back to her old self, and finally after a few weeks, she was beginning to perk up again. She was finally moving forward and getting through her grief. One day, Nadia asked Cullen to go for a walk through the gardens with her. Cullen obliged her, offering her his arm and walking with her through the hedges, topiary, and flower beds.
"Cullen, I think I'm finally ready to go back to Skyhold." Nadia said, looking up at the sky. The rain had finally ceased and the sky was beginning to clear.
Cullen smiled. "I am glad to hear it. When would you like to leave?"
Nadia shrugged. "I don't know. Perhaps at the end of the week? That's what, four days' time?"
Cullen nodded. "Very well. We shall head home in four days."
"Home..." Nadia said, looking down.
"Nadia, are you alright?" Cullen asked.
"I miss Mother and Father, but yes. I think I'm alright now." she replied, glancing over at him.
Cullen smiled and got an idea. 'There won't be a better time for this.' he thought to himself. "Come with me." he said, leading Nadia towards the fountain courtyard.
"Cullen, what are we doing over here?" Nadia asked, confused.
"When I first came here, I found you in a state of despair. I know this is where you would come whenever you were upset, that this place cheered you up. I'd like to make a truly happy memory here with you today." Cullen said. 'It's now or never, Cullen.'
"Cullen?"
"Nadia, we have known each other for years. I know that I made a mess of things when we were young and you know I regret it to this day. But Andraste as my guide and the Maker as my witness, I swear to you that I will make it my mission to make you happy until the I die. You are my world, my everything. The sight of you, the song that is your voice, the beauty of your magik and the work you do to help the Inquisition is enough to make my heart race, my head spin." Cullen started. He took her hands in his and looked at her. "I love you with all that I am and all that I have. When I spoke with your parents, your mother gave me this." He took out the small velvet box that he kept in his pocket since the day Helene gave it to him. He opened the box and revealed to Nadia the silverite ring with the Nevarrite stone. "I told them how much I love you, how much I want to make you my wife, and they gave me- gave us- their blessing."
Nadia put a hand to her mouth. "Cullen, I don't know what to say..."
Cullen dropped to one knee. "Nadia Tamara Cousland, will you do the greatest honor of marrying me?"
Nadia felt tears in her eyes. 'Is this real? Am I finally at this point in my life?' She let the tears fall down her cheeks and she smiled. "Yes."
Cullen smiled and took the ring from the box, sliding it onto her finger. Nadia looked at the ring for a moment, laughing to herself before she looked up at Cullen and pulled him in for a kiss.
"It's so beautiful, Cullen." Nadia said when she pulled back. She looked down at the ring, smiling.
"Your mother said it's been in your family for eight generations. She wanted me to present this to you as an engagement ring."
Nadia kissed him again. "What are we to do about the wedding?"
Cullen chuckled. "I thought we could have it at Skyhold and invite your family to join us."
"I'd like that." Nadia smiled. "Nadia Rutherford... I like the sound of that."
"As do I." Cullen replied, pulling her in for another kiss.
"Nadia, let me just-"
"Elissa, stop fussing about it, my hair is fine!" Nadia said, playfully swatting her cousin's hand away.
The Queen of Ferelden put her hands on her hips and pouted. "You have to look your best for Cullen, Dewdrop. Your hair needs a few more adjustments and then it'll be fine!"
Nadia said and sat back down, surrendering her hair to her cousin's care. She sat quietly, touching the soft, elegant silk of her wedding gown and smiled.
"Let me see..." the seamstress said, putting a finger to her lips in thought. She looked Nadia up and down, smiling. "I know just the thing, my dear." she added, her Orlesian accent coming through.
Nadia stood still while the lady measured her and made notes. She glanced over at Elissa and Leliana- both who knew each other from their travels together as they fought to end the Blight years ago- and rolled her eyes at how giddy they looked.
"What?" Elissa said.
"You should be more understanding, Nadia." Leliana said. "It is not often we get to see someone wed. In fact, the last wedding I attended was Elissa's when she and Alistair married. Oh, it was most spectacular!" Leliana had taken some time to herself, away from being the Divine, just to see Nadia get her dress.
"We need to do something just like that for Nadia, Leliana." Elissa said, tapping her circlet for dramatic effect. "We should do something bigger, even. Make it more grand that my own wedding!"
"Now, now, El..." Nadia said, giggling. "I can't go having my wedding be bigger or better than that of the Queen of Ferelden's. That'd just be wrong!"
"Only the best for my dear, sweet cousin. Dewdrop, do you have any ideas of what you want your dress to look like?"
"Well, I don't want anything too extravagant. Nothing like the Orlesians have- no offense intended, good lady." She said, looking at the seamstress apologetically.
"Oh, fear not, dear girl. No offense was taken. I myself agree with you. Sometimes our dresses are far too fancy and I find that I enjoy the simpler, elegant styles. In fact, I know just what to do." She went to her desk and grabbed a charcoal stick and a sketch pad. "Come, come! Let me show you!"
Nadia, Elissa, and Leliana gathered around the seamstress as watched as she effortlessly drew out what she saw in her mind and they all smiled. It was a simple and elegant looking dress- as Nadia wanted. The seamstress said it would be white with a lacy collar. The sleeves would hang off the shoulder- only slightly, though- and stretch down to just past the elbows at a three quarter length. The rest of the gown from the bust to the hem would be decorated with a subtle but beautiful silver filigree pattern and the gown would hang down to the ground, pooling around her.
"I love it..." Nadia said when the seamstress presented it to her. "It's beautiful..."
The seamstress beamed at her. "I think our finest Orlesian silk would be suited for something like this. It will still have that Orlesian flare, but it will have a combined look like you find often in Ferelden. I can start immediately, if you should like. When is the wedding?"
Nadia looked at her. "It's in three weeks. That won't be a problem, will it?"
"Of course not. I will have it to you in two weeks time and I shall bring it to Skyhold myself." The seamstress declared. "I must see how it looks on you and make any final touches before your big day!"
Nadia smiled and hugged the woman. "Thank you so very much, Lady Genevieve. I can't wait until it's ready."
"Your fiancée is a very lucky man, Lady Nadia. I look forward to seeing his face when he sees you in this dress."
"As do we." Leliana said, smiling.
Nadia looked at the sketch again and smiled. It was going to be a perfect dress for a perfect day. She couldn't be happier.
"Nadia, are you alright?"
Nadia came out of her memory of the day she saw the sketch of her dress and nodded. "Yes, I was just thinking."
"Well, you can stop that and take a look in the mirror." Elissa said, smiling.
Nadia stood and went to the mirror, gaping at the image staring back at her. She saw a beautiful young woman in a beautiful white silk wedding gown with silver filigree patterns and a lacy collar, her hair curled and piled high on her head with small pieces hanging loosely, a set of Nevarrite drop earrings and drop necklace- made to match the engagement ring on her left hand. Her eyes had been colored with a soft black kohl liner and a silver powder on her eyelids, her cheeks had been given a little bit of blush, and her lips had been colored a slightly darker peony pink.
"So... What do you think?" Elissa said, waiting eagerly for an answer.
"I... can't believe... that's really me..." Nadia said, her voice hushed in disbelief.
Elissa smiled, coming to stand beside her. She looked into the mirror and saw herself- her crimson hair curled and pinned back with a dragon bone clip, cascading down her gold and bronze colored dress. "Nadia, you're beautiful. Hell, accepting any punishment for saying this, you're more beautiful than Andraste herself as she is described in the tales. Cullen could die and go to the Maker's side right now just at the sight of you."
Nadia blushed- deepening the color that was already there- and giggled. "Cousin, that's blasphemy. And besides, if Cullen were to die on me, then I'd be left alone and he promised Mother and Father he'd take care of me. He breaks that promise you know they will come back to haunt him."
Elissa laughed at that. "Well, regardless, your mother and father would be proud to see you today. I'm sure they're watching you from above- as are all of our ancestors, our friends, and comrades who've joined the Maker."
Nadia hugged her cousin and smiled. "Thanks, El."
"Of course, Dewdrop. Now, Lady Genevieve has one last thing for you." the queen said, looking at the seamstress as she joined them with a bouquet.
"This bouquet has Andraste's Grace, Crystal Grace, and Dawn Lotus. I hope you like it?" Genevieve said, presenting her with the bouquet.
"Oh, Lady Genevieve, it's wonderful!" Nadia said, taking the bouquet. She hugged the seamstress and smiled. "Thank you so much for all that you have done!"
"You are most welcome, my dear. You are stunning in that dress, simply marvelous."
Nadia smiled and looked up as a knock came from the door of her room and Fergus came into the room.
"Are you ready Na-" he stopped short when he saw his little cousin in her wedding dress on her big day. "Maker, look at you! You look simply marvelous!" he said, coming to her side. "Your mother and father would be so proud of you, Nadia. Cullen is indeed a very lucky man."
Nadia smiled. "We are ready, Fergus, to answer your unfinished question. Is everything all set?"
"Yes, I need to check on Cullen and make sure that he's ready as well and then the bell will toll when the wedding begins." Fergus said, nodding. He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "My word, Nadia, you have grown into such a lovely young woman."
Nadia smiled. "Thank you, cousin, now go before the bell tolls."
Fergus gave her a small bow and quickly left the room.
"Well, now we just wait, right?" Nadia asked, looking at Elissa.
"Before you go, Nadia, I have something for you as well." a sultry voice came from the doorway.
Nadia looked up at smiled when she saw Morrigan- one of the mages who had accompanied Elissa on her travels and aided her in defeating the Blight.
"Lady Morrigan! Good to see you!" Nadia said.
"Well, this is a surprise." Elissa said, smirking. "I didn't think weddings were your forte."
"They normally are not, however, Nadia is a dear friend to me and I wished to support her in her union to Cullen." Morrigan replied, accepting the rather awkward hug Elissa offered.
Before the defeat of the Archdemon, Morrigan had slept with Alistair. This produced a child and when Elissa slew the Archdemon, its soul transferred to the unborn child in Morrigan's womb. Alistair was never supposed to see the child- ever- but when things had settled down and Corypheus was defeated, Alistair and Elissa had come to Skyhold to visit Matthew and Nadia. That was when Morrigan introduced her son to his father. Since then, even though Elissa was the one who had convinced Alistair of during the ritual- as Morrigan called it- Kieran had grown close to her and his father. He saw Elissa as a second mother, much to Morrigan and Alistair's surprise. Even still, things remained a bit tense and awkward between Morrigan and Elissa, though they remained friends after all those years.
"You said you had something for Nadia?" Elissa asked, standing back.
"Indeed." Morrigan said and presented Nadia with a dragon shaped hair pin. "This hair pin has been in my possession for quite some time. I had found it with a decorative mirror I was took from a caravan as a child, but when my mother smashed the mirror and told me I was foolish for treasuring things such as that, I hid this pin and kept it away from her for years. It is made of dragon bone, decorated with lazurite and veridium. It has some magikal properties to it, enhancing your power over ice and electricity much as the stones would when forged into a staff blade. I want you to have it."
"Morrigan, it's beautiful." Nadia said.
"Allow me." Morrigan said, offering to put the pin into her hair. "Let this represent our friendship and let it aid you and protect you should you ever need to use your battle magik."
Nadia looked at the dragon pin in the mirror, seeing it nestled in on the right side of her hair. She smiled and turned back to Morrigan, hugging her. "Thank you, Morrigan. I will treasure it always."
"Stop pacing, Cullen, you'll wear a hole through the floor." Matthew said, chuckling as he leaned against the wall in Cullen's office.
"He's just nervous. I find it rather adorable that our little Commander is so flustered on his big day." Dorian added, crossing his legs and staring at Cullen with a big smile.
Cullen ignored them and looked in the mirror that had been set up for him in his office, sighing. He had discussed with Nadia that he had been unable to find anything that suited him for the wedding, so she suggested her just wear the usual- his armor, pauldrons, and such. He insisted that it would be unacceptable, so he asked Lady Genevieve to come up with something for him- having already spoke with her shortly before she met with Nadia to design the dress. Lady Genevieve had come up with a simple formal attire consisting of a white tunic, trousers, and boots. He wore white bear fur pauldrons over a white dragon hide cloak and he fiddled with a few things, here and there, then started to pace again as he had done sixty-five times now.
"Relax, Commander. You look dashing!" Dorian, said, assuring him.
"I just don't want to look a fool in front of Nadia." Cullen said, stopping to look at the mage.
"Cullen, if Dorian says you look dashing, then you do. I mean, it's Dorian after all." Matthew said, laughing. "This man has more fashion sense than an Orlesian noblewoman in the height of spring fashion."
Cullen rubbed his neck and sighed. "I hope today goes well."
"It'll be fine, Cullen." Fergus said, coming into the office. "Nadia is ready to go, now are you?"
"Yes."
The bell tolled and all of the guests began to make their way to the garden. Cullen stood with the cleric that was to wed he and Nadia and waited patiently. The music began when the guests were seated and the honored guests came down the stairs from the keep and into the garden, taking their places at the alter. Fergus, Alistair, and Elissa stood on the left side while Branson, Rosalie, and Mia stood on the right side with Cullen. Cassandra sat with her children next to Branson, Rosalie, and Mia's spouses and children. Josephine was joined by the Divine, Leliana- as well as the clerics who had accompanied her from Val Royeaux- and Morrigan, Varric sat with Dorian, Tom- otherwise known as Blackwall- Sera, Cole, and the Iron Bull. Vivienne hadn't accepted or denied the invitation, but Nadia could have cared less; she didn't much care for the enchantress. The music picked up and everyone turned to look as Matthew Trevelyan, the Inquisitor, walked down the stairs and into the garden with Nadia Cousland, cousin to the Queen of Ferelden and the Teyrn of Highever and resident healer of Skyhold, at his arm.
Cullen stared in awe at the sight before him. He saw a beautiful young woman in a beautiful white silk wedding gown with silver filigree patterns and a lacy collar, her soft brown hair curled and piled high on her head with small pieces hanging loosely, a set of Nevarrite drop earrings and drop necklace- made to match the engagement ring on her left hand, and a bouquet of Andraste's Grace, Crystal Grace, and Dawn Lotus in her right hand. Her eyes had been colored with a soft black kohl liner and a silver powder on her eyelids, her cheeks had been given a little bit of blush, and her lips had been colored a slightly darker peony pink. Nadia moved as if she were floating, the train of her dress pooling behind her and dancing along the soft grass as if it were light as a feather.
Matthew led Nadia between the rows of seats and to the alter. He turned to her and smiled. "I never thought I'd see the day that our little Dewdrop would grow up into such a beautiful young woman." He leaned down and kissed her forehead. "In all the years I've known you, I don't think I could have been prouder of you than I am now. I know you parents would feel the same and I only wish that they could see you now."
Nadia smiled and hugged him. "Thank you, Matthew."
Matthew smiled and stepped back, joining Cassandra and his children.
Cullen was blushing brighter than Nadia- with or without the makeup- and he offered her his hand. Taking it, Nadia carefully stepped up onto the alter and looked at him.
"Maker, you look gorgeous." Cullen said, taking in the beauty before him.
Nadia smiled. "You look rather handsome yourself."
"Are you both ready?" the cleric asked.
They both looked at her and nodded. "Of course, Mother Giselle. Please begin." Nadia said, smiling at the old woman.
Mother Giselle began to recite the marriage rites from the Chant of Light, offering up a prayer to the Maker. She asked that he guide them and that he bless them as they took the next steps towards a new journey. After few more verses of the Chant, Mother Giselle asked them to recite their vows to each other, starting with Nadia.
"I, Nadia Tamara Cousland, take thee, Cullen Stanton Rutherford, to be my husband. To cherish, to hold, to love and care for. With Andraste as my guide and the Maker as my witness, I vow to never lead you astray, to never leave your side. I vow to always protect you and give you all that I have, all that I am."
"And I, Cullen Stanton Rutherford, take thee, Nadia Tamara Cousland, to be my wife. To cherish, to hold, to love and care for. With Andraste as my guide and the Maker as my witness, I vow to never lead you astray, to never leave your side. I vow to always protect you and give you all that I have, all that I am."
"If there are no objections to the union of these two wandering souls, then I pronounce Cullen and Nadia: man and wife." Mother Giselle said. She looked at Cullen and smiled. "You may kiss your bride."
Cullen didn't need to be told twice. He pulled Nadia in for a kiss, pressing his lips firmly against hers, his arms encircling her waist. Nadia returned his kiss, throwing her arms around his neck. She giggled through their kiss as Cullen lifted her in his arms, spinning her around as their guests cheered. When he set her down again, he pressed his forehead to hers and closed his eyes.
"I can't believe we finally did it." he whispered.
Nadia smiled and kissed him. "But we did, love."
Cullen smiled and looked up as they were greeted by their guests, each congratulating them before ushering them into the great hall of the keep where the festivities were really about to begin.
Nadia looked around and the great hall indeed looked splendid. It was done in a style that mirrored Ferelden, Orlais, and that of the Inquisition all wrapped together, candles lit everywhere, the tables topped with royal blue, lavender, and white table runners and laden with such a feast that they would have been able to feed all of Thedas with. A table had been set up in front of the throne of the Inquisitor, facing another table- both of which had been set up for Nadia, Cullen, and their honored guests.
"They really went all out." Cullen said, marveling at the great hall.
"Well, Elissa did say she wanted to make this bigger than her own wedding." Nadia said, giggling.
"And is it?"
Nadia's smile grew. "Almost."
Cullen chuckled. "It's quite the celebration, that's for certain."
"Only the best for my dear cousin." Elissa said, joining them.
"Maker, El, do you realize this is better than our wedding?" Alistair said, staring at the decorations for the great hall.
"Oh, now Alistair, don't go and get pouty." Elissa said, teasing her husband. "We can have celebrations like this whenever we wanted to, but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Nadia and Cullen. They deserve the best we can give them."
"You're right. Well, congratulations on your marriage, you two." Alistair replied, beaming at the newly weds.
"Thank you, your majesty." Cullen said, bowing his head.
"Nadia, there you are!" Josephine exclaimed as she joined them. "There are some good friends of mine from Val Royeaux that are dying to meet you!"
Before Nadia could say a word, she had been dragged away from Cullen with an expression of "Maker, please save me!" upon her face. Cullen chuckled, imagining it must have been the same look he had on his face the night Nadia saved him from his "admirers" at the Winter Palace. He himself was then dragged away by his brother who had taken a great liking to Matthew and their companions.
It was definitely going to be a long, festive night.
Hours went by as the celebration continued. Somehow, Nadia had managed to escape Josephine and her friends, grabbing something to eat along her escape route, and found Cullen in time for their first dance together as husband and wife. When the dance was over, it was time for cake and more drinks. Cullen and Nadia cut their first piece together, his hand holding hers, and when the cake piece was placed on the plate, Nadia took a bit of frosting and put a dab of it on Cullen's nose. She giggled as he did the same back to her. They laughed with their guests and took a cloth napkin, wiping away the frosting. The cake itself was delicious, a yellow cake with a decadent chocolate mousse filling and covered with white frosting decorated with flowers and a silver filigree pattern.
After quite some time, while everyone was eating cake and drinking to their hearts' contents, Cullen saw Nadia slip away, going through the hall that led to the stables. He excused himself and followed after her.
Nadia hummed to herself as went up the stairs to the battlements above the stables and looked out over the wall at the vast mountain range surrounding Skyhold. A chilly breeze blew gently through the fortress and she wrapped her arms around herself.
"You catch a cold up here dressed like this." Cullen said as he came up behind her and wrapped his cloak around her.
"Thank you, Cullen." she said, looking back at him.
"My pleasure." he replied, kissing her cheek. "What are you doing out here, if I may ask?"
"It was beginning to be too much for me, all the laughing and drinking, clinking of mugs and plates. Too many people for my taste all stuffed into one space."
Cullen smirked at that. "I quite agree. It is nice out tonight, though. The snow looks beautiful with the moonlight reflecting off of it. Just as you are."
Nadia smiled and turned to face him. She nuzzled into his chest, feeling his warmth encircle her as he wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. "I love you, Cullen."
"And I love you." he replied, smiling. He felt her shiver and looked down at her. "Would you like to retire for the night?"
"Only if you join me."
"Of course." He offered her his arm and led her down to her room. Since they had decided to get married, Cullen had moved into the large suite with Nadia. It was better than his attic room above his office, which he did occasionally sleep in still when there were long nights.
He opened the door for Nadia and let her go in first, closing the door behind him and locking it. He looked around at the room, smiling at the dozens of texts lining her shelves and his grin growing into a smirk as he rolled his eyes, watching Nadia light the fire in the hearth with a simple fire spell.
"What?"
"You little sneak. You lit the fire with magik before I could prepare it. That's cheating you know." He replied, playfully.
Nadia shrugged and smiled. "Rules were never established and I never get to start the fire, so I suppose this win goes in my favor?"
"Just this once." Cullen said, coming over to her and putting his hands on her hips. He leaned down to kiss her and lingered there for a moment before pulling back. "Maker, I must be the luckiest man in the world to have such a lovely, gorgeous, intelligent woman as my wife."
"You flatter me, good sir." Nadia teased.
Cullen smiled and leaned down to kiss her again. "A lady like you deserves all the flattery in the world. Besides, you know I speak true." He sat down on the bed and started to pull off his boots, but Nadia offered to do it for him. She set them aside and began to unbuckle his belt and remove his cloak. She set them aside as Cullen watched her move with grace around the room, the hem of her dress still dancing as if it were as light as a feather. She moved to the window and pulled the curtains closed.
"Nadia, come here." Cullen said, reaching out a hand to her.
Nadia smiled and went to his side. Cullen took her hand and pulled her onto the bed next to him. He gazed at her, taking in every detail as if he would never see her again. He traced her face, running his fingers along her jaw, her forehead, her cheeks, her lips. He smiled softly at her and tucked away a strand of hair that had fallen loose.
"You are so beautiful..." he said, kissing her lightly.
Nadia smiled and touched his cheek. He seemed weary and stressed, like he had been holding back his emotions and desires for so long that they were finally ready to be released.
"Are you happy?" he asked her.
"Of course I am happy, Cullen. I couldn't be happier than I am in this moment. I love you and nothing will ever change that." she replied and moved her hand to his chest. "My heart is yours to keep as long as you wish it."
"Then I shall never give it back." he replied with a smile and kissed her. He pressed his lips down firmly on hers and ran a hand up her gown and along her leg.
The two immersed themselves in the kiss for a moment before Nadia stood, took off her shoes, and turned around.
"Could you help me out of this? It's a bit hard on my own." she asked Cullen and he nodded as he stood, going about gently undoing the back of her gown so as not to snag the delicate fabric on anything.
Nadia grasped the fabrics before they could slide down her body and pulled it gently over her head, setting it on the armchair near her armoire. Cullen gaped at her half-naked body. He never truly realized how slender she was, how soft her skin looked. Nadia was a little shy about showing her whole body to him, so she wrapped her arms around herself, as if to hide from him as she stood in naught but white underclothes. He took in the sight of her slightly tanned skin as it contrasted to her snow white underclothes. They were snow white with a silver lace on the bottom half and with silver eyelets and a silver tie keeping the bustier top she wore around her chest closed. He smiled and went to her, feeling her soft skin as he gently moved her arms away.
"You do not need to hide from me, Nadia." He said.
"I know, but we've never seen each other like this before. I mean I've seen you topless, but this is new for me." She said blushing.
"It's alright, love." Cullen assured her, kissing her.
Nadia smiled and took a deep breath to calm her nerves as she began to undo the ties of his trousers and remove his tunic, taking them and placing them next to her dress. She turned and saw that Cullen wore light gray underclothes at his waist as well. Cullen kissed her as he started to pull the tie loose and remove her underclothes. Nadia slid her fingers into the hem of his underclothes, gently pulling them down and letting them slide down his legs to the floor. Cullen stepped out of his underclothes and led her to the bed again, pulling back the covers. They slid underneath and lay next to each other, feeling the warmth of their naked bodies. Cullen felt even more enchanted by the beauty of her than he had been when he first met the mage and he kissed her. Nadia returned his kiss and their kisses became more passionate with each one. Cullen ran his hands all over her body, her soft skin arousing him. He ran his hands up and down her arms, her sides, her legs. He rubbed her pussy and kissed her breasts, making her gasp and moan. Nadia had never felt such pleasure and felt as if her whole body was going to burst into flames. She kissed Cullen over and over, pushing him onto his back and straddling him. Cullen grunted with the force she used, but he kind of liked it. He let her straddle him, arousing him even more. Nadia bent over and kissed him more, pressing her breasts against his muscular chest.
"Cullen, before this goes further, I just wanted to tell you that I've saved myself for you all these years. I had always hoped you would be my first and my only."
Cullen blushed and nodded. "As have I."
Nadia giggled lightly and kissed him, feeling the bulge of his cock pressing against her pussy.
Cullen ran his hands up her arms and down her sides to her hips, returning her kiss and grunting a little when Nadia slid his cock inside of her. She winced in pain as she felt her virginity breaking, but began to rock her hips back and forth. Cullen could feel every muscle moving through his hands as she got past the pains. Nadia put her hands on his chest and moved her hips slowly at first, but the more pleasure they both felt, the faster Cullen seemed to urge her to move. She moved her hips faster and faster, then went in circles up and down his cock, making Cullen moan. She looked down at him and smiled. He was enjoying this as much as she was. He pulled her down for a kiss or two, but then they both felt themselves reaching their climaxes. Nadia sat up and rocked her hips faster and faster until she felt herself cumming as Cullen came inside of her. She panted, feeling as though the pleasure may be too much for her to handle, but then, Cullen rolled her over onto her back and took his turn.
Cullen rocked his hips back and forth, his cock still hard and his appetite for sexual attention not yet satisfied. As a Templar, he never took the time to explore this with Nadia or anyone else, never even considered it. He had been waiting years to lay with a woman- always dreaming it would be Nadia- and now it was happening. He rested his arms on either side of Nadia as she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him closer. He kissed her and moved his hips faster, penetrating her pussy harder. Nadia gasped and moaned, which only seemed to arouse Cullen more, despite cumming once already. Faster and harder he moved his hips, his cock sliding in and out of her pussy. He began to reach his climax again, which surprised him, so he went as fast and hard as he could until he felt his seed explode into her womb again.
Their bodies quivering, they each rested their heads against the other's shoulder as they waited for their orgasms to cease. They panted and listened to each other's hearts as they pounded against their chests. Hours seemed to have passed, the night getting well past midnight. Cullen looked at Nadia and smiled, kissing her before he pulled out of her.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
Nadia nodded, knowing he meant about the pain earlier. "Yes."
"Good."
Nadia smiled and looked over at Cullen as he lay on his back, trying to slow his breathing. "You've got quite the sword there, Commander." she said, playfully using the euphemism.
"I what?" He started, but then realized what she was hinting at and blushed. He cleared his throat and looked at the ceiling of her canopy bed. "Maker's breath, Nadia..."
"It's a compliment, love." Nadia said, rolling on to her side and kissing his chest.
"I know... You sound like Varric trying to describe something like this in one of his stories." Cullen said, chuckling.
"Perish the thought!" Nadia said, sitting up. "Varric is a dear friend to us both, but I would not stoop so low as that."
Cullen smirked and looked at her as she sat there, her large breasts seeming to pop out. "Well, then good thing I have you. Now come here."
Nadia settled in on his chest and smiled as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "I love you, Cullen Rutherford. You know that right?"
"And I love you, Nadia Rutherford." he replied with a smile.
"Nadia Tamara Rutherford..." she said, thinking on the name she now carried. "I really do like the sound of that."
"As do I, love."
Nadia looked up at her husband and smiled, kissing him gently. Cullen returned her kiss and they lay there in each other's arms, listening to each other's hearts beating and their breathing slowing. It did not take long for them to fall asleep, but they were content to after a night of truly finding love in each other body, mind, and soul.