Chapter 19
This chapter contains smut and smexy times. It's very explicit and NSFW, so if you're reading it, make sure it isn't in a public place, lol! Smexy times start after the fourth break.
Wanted to write in Bull's quest, but got carried away because…Cullen! :P
Thanks for all your comments, they are the best! MANY thanks to the ever lovely LadyDarksbane who helps me through the insanity of this fic and back!
Feel free to drop a comment, I love reading what you think! :D
…
Winter was already upon them by the time they got back from Halamshiral, but Skyhold rarely had snowfalls despite it being in the mountains. Solas said it had to do with the magic of the place. That suited her just fine. The trees still rustled around her on her walks and the skies were always a beautiful shade of light blue that made her spirits soar, even in the darkest of times.
She realized she loved this place. Her home. She never suspected she would call another place home in her lifetime. But here she was, and the feeling of home grew until she felt happy and comfortable and protected. She felt like Skyhold belonged to her and she belonged to it and couldn't imagine a life without it.
Not anymore.
She went up the stairs to the battlements and took in the scenery before her. The tents camped below Skyhold were now so numerous, it was beginning to look more like a village. She smiled and turned, making her way towards the door that led to Cullen's office.
They dined together every evening and saw each other during meetings, but had grown even closer. Beatrix now knew that she loved him more – even more than it was possible to love someone else. She would not hesitate to lay down her life if it would save his.
She stopped short in front of his door, frowning slightly and wondering why the thought of dying to save him even entered her mind in the first place. After a few moments she shook her head and shrugged, knocking twice and letting herself in.
Cullen had been sitting at his desk, pouring over a parchment, but leapt to his feet once she entered and closed the door behind her. Grinning, he quickly made his way over to pull her into an embrace. He kissed the crown of her head and gave her a squeeze as he held her.
"Just wanted to see you before the meeting," Beatrix murmured as she snuggled into him despite his armor.
"Mmmm," was Cullen's reply as he took in her scent – soft vanilla with a lemony burst – and pulled her away slightly to look into her eyes. "How are you today? Sleep well?"
"Yes. I'm worried you didn't though. Cullen, you have to get proper rest, my love," Beatrix chided softly as her concerned eyes looked deeply into his.
"I'm trying," he offered as a reply. Then he captured her lips in a kiss, which made Beatrix forget about everything else.
They came up for air and she stood on the tips of her toes to reach his ear. "I think I'm ready, my love."
Cullen held her at arms' length and looked at her closely. "Are you sure…you want to take that step?"
Beatrix nodded her eyes twinkling.
"I – um…I wondered about… well. I just didn't know if…" the Commander stammered, blushing all the way to his ears. "I don't want to – um – force you into doing anything you don't want to do!"
Beatrix laughed and it was the sweetest sound he'd heard in a while. He gave her a lopsided grin, his mouth curling slightly on one side – the side with the scar.
"There's a meeting in ten minutes. Would you mind if you accompanied me, Commander?"
"Not at all, my Lady." He offered his arm, which she took gracefully, and his smile turned into a boyish grin.
Together in more ways than one, they walked out of the office, closing the door softly behind them.
…
The meeting went on smoothly. The first thing Beatrix wanted to do was help Bull with the Qunari at the Storm Coast. Leliana then brought up reports from her scouts that told them Corypheus was investigating Elvhen Temples and ancient Elven Ruins. There was concern over this because nobody knew what he was planning. After some deliberation, Leliana assured Beatrix that she would have her scouts keep closer watch and the meeting was adjourned.
Beatrix gave Cullen a smile and left the room, aiming to go speak to Bull about the Qunari mission to the Storm Coast. Along the way, she stopped at the door leading to the garden. She knew Morrigan had been given quarters overlooking the garden, so she decided to visit the mage, if only to see how she was fitting in and if she needed anything.
She found Morrigan in the garden, talking to a boy who looked like he was about ten years old. Beatrix knew all the children in Skyhold personally so she was very intrigued as she reached them.
"You're the Inquisitor," the boy stated in a matter-of-fact voice as he smiled up at Beatrix.
"And you are someone I don't know," replied Beatrix with a playful grin.
"Kieran, don't bother the Inquisitor," Morrigan said in a soft voice. "You still have things to study, little man."
"But mother, look! Look at her hand! Do you see it?" the boy asked in awe.
"I do see it, indeed," Morrigan smiled. "Now off to your studies."
Kieran smiled and look up at Beatrix, then he turned and headed for his room.
"You've just met my son, Inquisitor. Never where I want him to be. I assure you that he will not interrupt my work with you in any way."
Beatrix's eyebrows shot up. "I never knew you had a son."
Morrigan smiled at this. "Yes, what is this horrible apostate doing? Very unwise to have a child at this time and age."
"I didn't mean it that way," Beatrix shook her head.
"I know you did not," Morrigan replied. "Shall we sit somewhere, Inquisitor? I have some information I wish to discuss with you.
"Of course!" Beatrix said as they reached the benches in the circular stone gazebo that sat in one of the corners of the garden.
"Tarasyl'an Te'las," Morrigan said in a low voice as she looked around the place reverently. "It is said that the Elves who built this place did it to commune with the gods. The place that holds the sky."
"You know Elvish?" Beatrix asked.
"I studied it in my travels, yes. But we are here to discuss how to bring Corypheus down and not about me."
"Will your son's father be joining us?" Beatrix blurted out, all at once realizing she was going too far.
"We must focus on Corypheus, yes? I can answer all other questions once he has been successfully spotted. Once we have an idea of what he is doing visiting the Ancient Elven ruins."
"You know this? How?" Beatrix asked, her eyes widening slightly.
"I have my ways, Inquisitor. What matters is that I know and that what I know is at your disposal. Therefore, I must inform you that I have a package coming to Skyhold that should be arriving during the week. Once it is here, we can talk about everything else. I will answer all your questions without pause."
"Even the personal ones?" Beatrix grinned unable to resist teasing Morrigan.
"Morrigan's eyes narrowed slightly and then she surprised Beatrix with a chuckle. "I suppose I set myself up for that one. Yes, Inquisitor. I will answer most of your questions if it pleases you."
"This package that is arriving…" Beatrix started to say, and Morrigan held a hand up, interrupting her.
"It is an artifact. An Ancient Elven artifact," Morrigan stated. "I cannot say more until you see it and realize why it is important."
"I won't be here during the week as I have to do a favor for one of my friends at the Storm Coast, but I'll speak to you as soon as we return," Beatrix promised and smiled at Morrigan. She liked this apostate mage. She didn't know why, but she did.
Morrigan's smile was warm as were her eyes. "I shall look forward to your return, then."
…
After she had talked to Bull about the alliance with the Qunari, Beatrix paused a moment to ask for a bowl of stew before she left. Her stomach was growling and she knew the noon meal was already over and done with at the main hall. She didn't particularly like the stew made at the tavern much, but she had glimpsed at Cabot's wife in the inner room bustling about and that meant good cooking.
"Hello, Cabot. Any rumors?" Beatrix smiled at the dwarven barkeeper.
His reaction was sarcastic, just as she thought it would be. "Tevinter mages getting along with Qunari mercenaries, Inquisitor. And not just getting along, if you get my meaning."
"Ah, yes, a most curious combination, don't you think?"
The dwarf, who rarely smiled, offered her one. "Let me guess, you are here for my wife's stew? Hardly anyone comes here to eat mine. Just my drinks."
"I already had my share of drinking, thanks," Beatrix chuckled. "I would like some of your ale, though."
"Frida!" the dwarf called out in a very loud voice as he poured a mug of ale for Beatrix. "The Inquisitor wants some of your stew!"
"Ancestors save me! I heard you the first time, you nug humper!" the cute dwarven woman complained as she came out to say hello to Beatrix with a smile on her face. Beatrix smiled back at her and she nodded. "I'll put in some extra vegetables, just the way you like it, Inquisitor."
She bustled back into the inner room and Beatrix's stomach growled.
"You won't have to wait long, she's already cooked it," Cabot stated.
His wife came back out, her rosy cheeks now red from the fire. "Here you go, Inquisitor. Piping hot! And some bread from the kitchens to go with it!"
"Thank you, Frida," Beatrix grinned as she immediately began to eat, humming her approval at the tasty meal. She felt warm and satisfied when she was done, and waved goodbye with a smile, leaving the tavern in haste.
On her way to the main hall of the keep, she was met with a most curious scene. Solas was walking angrily down the steps and Cole was following him nervously. Obviously, Cole was clearly asking for something and Solas was avoiding him as he continued to walk, only to stop short when Cole materialized directly in front of the elven mage.
"Please, Solas! You like demons!" Cole exclaimed in a whiney voice.
"I do enjoy the company of spirits, but – " Solas managed to say before Beatrix interrupted.
"What's going on here exactly?" Beatrix asked curiously.
"He likes demons, but he won't bind me!" Cole exclaimed in a panicked voice.
Beatrix eyebrows shot up. "Bind you? Why would you want Solas to bind you?"
"So that the warden mages do not bind me to them, like they did at Adamant! Walls around what I want, blocking, bleeding, making me a monster! You wouldn't want me to hurt people, please, I don't want to hurt people again!"
It took some time before both Beatrix and Solas could calm Cole down a little. Solas suddenly remembered that there were amulets used in Rivain by hedge mages there to help Cole keep free of any binding ritual. Beatrix told Cole and Solas that she would use the Inquisition resources to find that amulet.
She walked off heading up the stairs that led her into the main keep, turning right to go speak to Leliana. Not only would she ask her about the amulet, but she would seek her advice on another matter as well. Both the Spymaster and Beatrix had slowly become friends and she visited the Spymaster frequently whenever she was in Skyhold.
The rookery was full of squawking ravens, which were the birds that were used to send and receive important missives. Leliana stood in front of her desk, reading a parchment, but she looked up and smiled when she saw Beatrix standing right in front of her.
"Inquisitor," she greeted her with a smile. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"Hello, Leliana," Beatrix smiled back. "I'll need some of your scouts to find a certain amulet for me. One that will protect Cole against any binding attempt. Do you know of what I speak?"
Leliana nodded. "The Amulet of the Unbound. It is not as difficult to find as you think. I'll send some of my scouts directly to Rivain to obtain one."
"That's a relief. Usually things are extremely hard to get," Beatrix grinned.
Leliana chuckled and nodded. "Anything else, Beatrix?"
"Actually, yes. I've been taking an infusion to…well, I wanted to avoid…ah!" Beatrix stammered.
"To avoid pregnancy?" Leliana chuckled.
"How did you…" Beatrix began, but was interrupted by Leliana.
"You blushed deeply, possibly thinking of the Commander. And the stammering helped, too," Leliana laughed.
Beatrix's laughter soon joined the Spymaster's. "Yes, well, I've been taking an infusion made of Witherstalk sap and ground carrot seeds."
"Have you been taking it every day?" Leliana inquired.
"Yes," Beatrix nodded. "I started after my last menses. It tastes terrible, but I hear it's effective?"
Leliana chuckled. "Yes, Inquisitor. It's very effective. I have used it a lot in the past. I do not need it for now, so I can also have the person who provides me with the Witherstalk to start sending me some regularly for your needs?"
"I'd appreciate that immensely, Leliana," Beatrix smiled, relief lacing her words. "What I have should last and I could possibly get some more, but I'm not heading anywhere near the desert areas this week."
"You'll be securing the alliance with the Qunari, then?" Leliana asked.
"Yes. I'll be heading off with Bull, Dorian and Cassandra the day after tomorrow. I still haven't spoken to Dorian and Cassandra about it, though."
"I can send a runner to inform them, Beatrix," Leliana offered. "You just go rest and relax, and wait for your dinner guest."
Beatrix laughed at that. She gave Leliana a brief hug, which the Spymaster returned warmly, and turned around to head down the stairs and across the main hall to her quarters.
…
Freshly bathed and out of his armor, Cullen knocked on the door leading to the Inquisitor's private quarters that evening. He felt rather giddy, much like a small child opening a Satinalia gift. He tried to get a grip on himself, but at that moment, Beatrix opened the door and Cullen's jaw nearly hit the floor.
She was wearing a transparent silken robe that covered her from the neck all the way down to her feet. He could clearly see her bare breasts and his breath hitched when he realized she wasn't wearing any smalls either. He walked inside closing the door behind him and took her into his arms immediately afterwards, leaning down to capture her lips.
Their kiss was so passionate and intense, Beatrix hummed. Cullen broke the kiss, only to have his lips trail down her cheek then jaw, nipping at her ear lobe gently.
"You are so beautiful," he murmured as she trembled briefly in his arms. His hands traveled up and down her back, gently touching, one of them settling at the nape of her neck, fingers threading through her black silken hair. "I love you so much."
Without prior warning, he suddenly picked her up and carried her directly to her huge bed, where he continued to kiss and caress her tenderly. His hands roamed her slender form, his mouth slowly descending to her collarbone, kissing and nipping gently along the way. He paused only to look up at her, slowly untying her robe, giving her enough time to stop him. But Beatrix only gave a brief nod, and arched her body towards his touch, which was all the encouragement he needed. Beatrix herself helped him remove the garment, bearing her body to him at last.
Looking at her reverently for a few moments, he leaned forward to kiss her deeply before his warm calloused hands cupped her ivory breasts tenderly. Beatrix mewled with pleasure as his long calloused fingers teased her nipples into full aching hardness.
When Beatrix gasped, Cullen thought it was the sweetest sound he'd ever heard. He focused on making her feel pleasure, his own erection nearly forgotten in his purpose. Each sigh and moan from her lips gave Cullen the encouragement he needed to continue with his ministrations. He suckled a nipple, while he fondled the other one, hearing her moan his name, which elicited a hum from his lips. Her body arched up to him and he smiled as she observed him through half-closed eyes.
He continued to suckle her breasts and she cried out his name. Unable to stay still, she slipped her hands under the vest and tunic he wore underneath. Cullen rapidly shrugged both off, one at a time, then started kissing and tasting the valley between her breasts. Her fingers now ghosted up his chest and he let out a moan as he felt her hands on his face and threading through his hair. He focused on kissing her, his tongue sweeping against her lips to gain entrance. As their tongues met, he let out a moan, eliciting a shiver of excitement from her.
Panting heavily they broke apart, staring into each other's eyes. He leaned his forehead against hers, and gave her a lopsided grin, as his hands continued their exploration.
"I love you," he whispered, his lips moving down her cheek and tracing her jaw, stopping at her ear.
"You need to take everything off…" she then let out a moan that sent his spirit soaring. Very quickly, he got up off the bed, his breeches and boots off in the least time possible. Standing in his smalls, he quickly pulled them off and stood before her.
Her eyes widened slightly at his thick erection, hands reaching up to it as she sat up. Cullen stood still, but when she touched him, he let out a moan, closing his eyes briefly. He felt her hand timidly wrap itself around and he hissed, opening his eyes and gazing straight into hers, while pulling her hand away with difficulty.
"I won't last if you continue doing that, love," he whispered as he approached her, taking her in his arms and kissing her lovingly.
His hands caressed her back and pushed her closer against him, his cock brushed against her thigh and he hummed as he kissed her. Very slowly his hands traveled the curves of her body, and together they leaned back onto the pillows as his hand now travelled down the across the flat of her stomach, the bend of her hip, trailing his fingers to the inside of her thighs until they found their goal. He lingered there, touching and teasing until Beatrix was arching into his touch, shamelessly letting her cries slip from her lips as her fingernails raked the length of his back.
He kissed her twin peaks, suckling first one breast and then the other, as his finger slipped into her, hearing the sharp intake of her breath and stopping until she had grown accustomed to it. Then he slowly kissed down her body, nipping gently until his mouth reached her thighs. Kissing each one, he looked at her.
She was lying back against the pillows, one of her hands on one, twisting it. Her eyes were shut and she was breathing heavily, moaning softly under her breath. Her cheeks were bright red, and her lips swollen and red. At that moment she opened her eyes and met his, and he smiled. One of his hands now parted her folds and the other one held her in place as he started to lick, suckling on her nub from time to time as she arched herself up to him.
"Culllllllennnn!" she cried out, panting and moaning. He smiled as he doubled his efforts, feeling her stiffen, knowing that she was very close.
"Come for me, my love," he crooned, then continued to suckle and lick. In mere moments, he was lapping up her juices and reveling in the taste of her. His cock throbbed as he quickly moved up and kissed her passionately. She responded in kind, then dropped back heavily on top of the pillows.
But Cullen was not done.
Very gently he started to kiss her again. Whispering that he loved her, she looked up at him, smiling and kissing him back. Her arms went up his chest and he responded by deepening the kiss. Their tongues danced as his hands found her breasts. Very gently he tweaked her nipples, feeling her respond to his touch with a moan. He broke the kiss, focusing on her neck, then on her breasts again. Soon she was arching up at him, begging for more. Her hands entangled themselves in his hair and he felt his self-control slip a little. Pausing to catch his breath he positioned himself above her, looking deeply into her eyes. She opened her legs under him, her eyes so dilated they were black.
Beatrix quivered as his length throbbed against her. He took himself in hand and guided his cock to her entrance, still looking at her . "I love you," he whispered. "I will always love you…"
He pushed his way inside slowly and she gave a cry which he silenced with a passionate kiss. His mouth devoured hers, while his hands excited her, introducing her into the world of sensuous pleasure. She surrendered herself to him completely and he felt it.
He thrust in and out of her, slowly at first so that she became accustomed to his length. But as soon as she began to move with him, he gasped and quickened the pace. She whimpered and panted while Cullen realized that she was moving even more easily. Opening his eyes he found hers, and continued to thrust deeply, until he was moaning her name and she was crying out his.
He could not hold on any longer, but he knew he didn't have to. Giving a cry, Beatrix clenched around him, her needs becoming his own. Together they had climbed upwards, and when he heard her cry out he followed her over the edge as he spilled himself deep inside her. Ripples of rapture shuddered through them as they clung together, savoring the delight of their mutual release.
"My love," he panted, catching his breath as he slowly withdrew and lay back on the pillows, pulling her gently on top of his chest. "I love you so much."
"I love you, too," she breathed back, settling comfortably on his chest, hearing his heart thumping wildly still.
"Was…I mean, um…were you in a lot of pain?" he asked hesitantly as soon as he could speak, his hands absent mindedly playing with the locks of her hair.
"Only a little at the beginning," was her reply. He could see her blush and smiled, kissing the crown of her head. "I, um…really liked it."
"Did you?" Cullen asked, feeling quite pleased at her admission.
"Yes," she laughed nervously, then gazed up at him, her eyes shining like twin stars.
He captured her mouth in a chaste kiss. "I've never felt this way about anyone before. You complete my life in more ways than one. I will never stop thanking the Maker for you."
Her stomach growled hungrily and she giggled, a hand flying to her mouth. Cullen laughed.
"I suppose we should have some of the dinner we completely ignored, hmm?"
"I'll bring the plates," Beatrix said moving to get up, but Cullen stopped her.
"No, you rest here. I'll bring the plates and table over. Let me pamper you a little, love."
…
The following morning, Beatrix woke up and found that Cullen was not by her side. Sitting up in bed she looked around the room. Then she heard some humming and singing and she smiled. Cullen was taking a bath.
She walked to the ladder that led up to the bathing room and found him lying in the water of the large tub, feet sticking out over the edges. Stifling her giggles with her hand, she crept up to him, but stopped suddenly when he spoke.
"I heard you already, love."
Beatrix pouted as she walked up to him. His eyes widened and a smirk appeared on his face. She hadn't even bothered to put on her robe and was standing in front of him completely naked. He felt himself harden as he took in her breasts and waist, his eyes lingering briefly on her mound, then he crooked a finger gesturing at her to come over.
Beatrix slipped into the large tub, and water sloshed over the edges as she straddled him, feeling his cock against her as she leaned forward kissing him passionately. He hummed in approval, his hands caressing her, touching her buttocks as she took him in hand.
"Love," Cullen whispered putting his hand over hers and showing her how to stroke him. Laying back as far as he could, he opened his eyes and watched her as she stroked him.
The water sloshed out of the tub even more when he pulled her against the hard planes of his chest and she moaned into his lips as she bucked against him, causing him to cry out her name.
"I think we should…move to the bed, unless you want your room to flood, love," Cullen said between kisses.
Reluctantly she complied and followed him out of the tub. Wrapping a towel around her he grabbed another one and they went down the ladder, sitting in front of the fire to dry faster.
"I'll be more careful, I…ah," Cullen started to speak as he took her in his arms and she settled on his lap.
"Careful?" she asked, looking at him curiously.
"I…shouldn't have spilled myself inside you, I'm sorry," he said all in one breath, rubbing his neck uncomfortably.
"Oh!" she said then grinned as she looked up at him. "I'm taking something, Cullen."
"You are?" he sounded surprised, but she chuckled when she replied.
"I knew what to take. Things like this are discussed among women, my love."
"Well, then, not to say that I…that is I do…I mean," Cullen ended his verbal tirade with a long sigh.
"Oh, I do want to have children someday, of course," Beatrix laughed, her eyes twinkling. "Your children. But I don't want to have to fight Corypheus while I'm with child."
"No, that…that wouldn't be wise at all," he said, pulling her close to him.
"Mmhmmm," she said as she nestled in his arms, then looked up at him.
He felt his heart soaring to the heavens at her look. A look that spoke plainly of a family and a home. Of waking up next to her every day of his life. A look that said she was his.
"Love me forever?" she asked.
"Forever and more," he replied immediately, kissing her softly, content to have her in his arms – just as she was meant to be.
…