The Inquisitor's Choice, Chapter Two

Dorian clasped his hands around his knee, listening to the soft singing rising in the cold, mountain air. He sighed softly, closing his eyes as he bowed his head. The past hours had been stressful. He had seen the dragon and that monster corner Ashik and had seen Haven buried beneath an avalanche of snow. He had felt quite certain their herald had died, yet the man wandered upon the camp in the Frostback Mountains, bruised, beaten, and nearly frost bitten. The people had determined he was a miracle, something Dorian could understand well; but he knew that Ashik did not see it that way. In fact, it had only seemed to strengthen his resolve against being seen as a religious symbol. He unclasped his hands and then rubbed them together, realizing he had lost all feeling in his fingers. As he was rubbing them briskly together, he saw Solas and Ashik walk back into camp, although Ashik had an unhappy expression upon his face. Dorian watched him settle upon one of the cots, rubbing his face with a hand in exhaustion.

Rising to his feet, he went to one of the fires where he took some heated brandy from one of the mages and returned to Ashik, settling beside him on the cot. Ashik started in surprise at the motion, looking around. Dorian handed him the brandy. "You look like you need this."

"Do I look that bad?" he asked with a laugh, taking the brandy gratefully.

"Let's just say you're not your usual, delicious self." Ashik paused in drinking from the brandy. Dorian saw him smile briefly over the tankard before he drank deeply. Even though he did not know the herald as well as others might – or as long as they might – he had felt a strike of fear course through him at the possibility that he had sacrificed himself for them. He had long resigned himself to thinking him dead after leaving Haven and had been unusually quiet while walking with the rest of the camp, mourning the loss of his friend. At the core of it, he considered the herald a closer friend than most. While he was harboring a rather strong attraction to him, he respected Ashik for his treatment of not only the mages, but of himself. A Tevinter was rarely accepted in the south and even though he had faced nothing but censure from those here, he had somehow managed to maintain his bright attitude. Ashik's flirting and witty demeanor had only boosted his confidence and made him more inclined towards such a personality. It was the first time since coming to the south that he had not felt homesick.

"Should I thank the Maker or Andraste that I'm alive?" Ashik asked him, setting the empty tankard on the ground and sighing, leaning back. "Or was it just a combination of luck and skill?"

"You certainly took a lot of damage from that fall, so it's hard to say. Most men would be dead by now."

"Mmm...So, I'm not average?"

"If you were, I wouldn't be talking to you." Ashik chuckled. "But seriously, whether it's divine providence or just good karma, everyone seems to think you're their miracle to save them from this...Corypheus."

"Yes, so I've been told."

"Not your cup of tea?"

"If I were a miracle, Dorian, I would have been able to save Haven...I would have been able to stop Corypheus then, but I didn't. I don't have the power to do that. I'm actually very weak." He bowed his head, stretching his left hand out that held the anchor. "The only thing that makes me different from you or Cassandra or anyone else is this mark. I'm not sure if that was luck, given what Corypheus has said. Sounds like I was in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Dorian gazed at him and then looked down at his hand. Very carefully, he took his hand in his, folding it between his own. Ashik turned his head to look at him curiously. "Or at the right place at the right time," he corrected softly. "Who knows what he would have done if he had succeeded. You prevented that and have been able to heal the Fade with this. Even if you're not a miracle or sent by Andraste, it doesn't mean you can't stop Corypheus. And right now, that's the most important thing. The people won't remember that, but you will."

"Religious fanatics, every one of them," Ashik sighed, shaking his head. "But they're my religious fanatics, so I guess it can't be too bad." He smiled and covered Dorian's hands with his other one. "Thank you." He stood up, leaving Dorian on the cot as he moved over to where Cullen, Leliana, and Cassandra were standing. Dorian watched him for a long moment and then clasped his hands together, frowning to himself.

I can't tell...if this is a good feeling to have or not...

X

Dorian spotted the Warden leaning against the battlements and shielded his eyes to gaze up at him. He had been poking fun at the Warden ever since Cassandra had deferred her duties of traveling with them to him. Skyhold was an impressive fortress and she had claimed that she would need to work with Cullen and the others to prepare it for any attack. She was a diligent worker and, as Ashik often teased, took everything quite seriously. Blackwall added a new dynamic to their party and while Dorian did tend to get a bit annoyed with their arguments at times (just as he was sure Blackwalll did), he rather enjoyed the bickering. It kept things lively. Solas was not as inclined to rise to the bait as Dorian, although he was becoming increasingly more sarcastic, Dorian had noted.

After a few tries, Dorian found himself up to where Blackwall was standing and when he opened the door, the Warden turned and twisted his mouth in distaste. "Just here for mountain air," Dorian cheerfully told him.

"I'm sure. What do you want, Dorian?"

"Alright, alright, what's this nonsense I hear of you asking questions at the tavern about me and the Inquisitor?"

Blackwall frowned. "Just following up on some rumors, that's it. I hear you've been warming up to him. Don't you think you've got something better to do than change someone's sexuality?" Dorian snorted at that. While at Skyhold, Dorian was given ample time to experiment on Ashik and determine such things. Apparently such experiments had not gone unnoticed. Now that the Inquisition had become a more solidified entity within Thedas, it was no surprise that people would begin to get anxious over any possible relationships the Inquisitor might have with others. Dorian had never done anything explicit such as kissing Ashik, but he had gotten into the habit of doing small touches that could be deemed inappropriate by others. Ashik, however, had continued his shameless flirting with Scout Harding and the random merchants that arrived in Skyhold. It was giving others the impression of being a careless Inquisitor interested in flattering the women around the fortress, but Dorian was beginning to believe it was just for show to shield his actual interests.

"Me existing is enough to change someone's sexuality, Blackwall," Dorian told him with a mock pained sigh. "It's hard to be near me. Better watch yourself."

"I'm sure I'll survive," was the sardonic response. "Don't think I haven't noticed you and Iron Bull's conversations. Thought he was only into red heads, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised."

Dorian looked faintly disgusted. While it was true that Iron Bull had been making passes at him and while lying with a Qunari would be an interesting adventure, his attentions had been too focused upon the Inquisitor to give that much thought, something Iron Bull ruthlessly teased him about. "From what I hear, he and Leliana have been having constant fights because she keeps threatening to kill him in his sleep and he keeps begging for her to cut him a little and tie him down." This, actually, was quite true. Leliana, upon hearing that Dorian was on good terms with Iron Bull, had sent a message with him to stop sending crude messages to her or else she would castrate him. The message had only excited Iron Bull, rather than threaten him.

"Hmm."

Leliana is quite the popular girl around here, Dorian noted, catching the interest that lit Blackwall's eyes briefly.

"Anyway," Blackwall said, stirring from his thoughts, "is there anything else you wanted or should I go find somewhere else to find some peace?"

"No need!" Dorian replied with an elegant shrug of his shoulders. "I'm leaving."

He left the Warden on the battlements and found his way back down to the main hall. As he had walked through it, he had wondered where the Inquisitor might be at that time of day. He rather enjoyed accidentally bumping into him and exchanging light-hearted flirting. There was nothing quite so enjoyable as those encounters, especially in secluded areas where he could brush his fingers against him a bit. Really, though, it was more of a torture for Dorian than anything else. Solas made it clear that he was aware of Dorian's lustful intentions, often making cryptic remarks about hunger and other such things. Last time, he had said to Dorian, "It can be difficult when you are denied a treat." It was beginning to grate on his nerves and he was sure Solas was doing it to get back at him for his comments upon his drab apostate clothes.

"...not my place to get involved in this," Dorian could hear Ashik's voice as he entered the main hall. He shut the door behind him and looked around, spotting the Inquisitor standing next to Mother Giselle, a frown upon his lips. While Mother Giselle was respected for her knowledge, Ashik was often seen getting into disputes with her; however, she often apologized and accepted his opinion rather than argue further upon it. Dorian knew, however, that she was not quite as gentle with others as she was with the Inquisitor, having been on the other end of her temper.

"I will give this to you, Inquisitor," Mother Giselle told him, handing him a sleeve of paper. "I would like for you to reconsider. It may be best for the young man's sake...even if you would not like him to return to Tevinter."

Oh? Talking about me, are you, you clucking hen? Dorian wondered, stepping a bit closer to them, glad that he could stay hidden among the few renovating projects.

"What I want has nothing to do with this," Ashik said in obvious frustration. "You're asking me to deceive him for someone I don't even know! And you wonder why I distrust the Chantry so much." She sighed, exasperated by his reaction.

"I do not believe it is deceit if it is with good intentions. But I leave it in your hands, Inquisitor, it is up to you. Please read the letter and make your decision then." She inclined her head and then left him, leaving towards the courtyard. Ashik opened his mouth as if to call something to her and then closed it, releasing a disgusted sound. Dorian watched him open the letter, propping his hand on his hip as he read through it. After he had finished it, he closed it, tapping it on his chin thoughtfully. Even when he was in a bad mood, Dorian found him to be an attractive sight to watch.

"Too much happening around you, Inquisitor?" Dorian drawled, approaching him. Ashik glanced at him through the corner of his eye, not answering immediately.

"Something like that. Do you have a moment, Dorian?"

"What else would I have, stuck in this fortress with nothing but mountains surrounding me?"

"Fair point." He gestured towards a far door near the throne and Dorian, interested in why Ashik felt the need to be alone for the discussion, followed him towards his quarters. He was certain that even more rumors were going to float around and suspected that Josephine was going to scold the Inquisitor later for assisting the inspiration of such rumors. After Dorian had stepped inside the quarters, Ashik shut the door behind him and stepped in after him. "I've just received this letter from Mother Giselle."

"Something fun, I hope?"

"Not according to your definition, no." He handed the letter to Dorian, who took it, glad to sate his curiosity. There had been a million ideas running through his head of what the letter could have contained, but a missive from his father was certainly not one of them. He read through it once, then twice in case he had missed everything. Once he was finished with his second read through, he tucked the letter into his pocket. He could feel Ashik's eyes on his face, watching him carefully. "I'm willing to spare some time for this, if you feel it's worth it."

"Oh, I don't think it's worth it," Dorian said frankly, "but I can't help but wonder what this is all about...whether it's an intended kidnapping, possible murder, or just plain idiocy. Do you mind, though?" He looked to the Inquisitor, feeling strange relying on someone to face his father with him. He did not like to feel indebted to anyone, yet he was unsure of what was to happen at the tavern in Redcliffe, where his father had arranged for him to be met by a retainer. The idea of returning to Tevinter in such a way was unsettling. Once, he might have embraced the thought of returning to his homeland. Now, however, it made a strange, homesick feeling enter his stomach, as though he was leaving his real home.

"Of course not." Ashik leaned his shoulder against the wall. "It's not up to me though, Dorian. This is your battle to face. I'll be there for you if there's going to be a bloody fight we need to get through, but the rest is up to you."

"My knight in shining armor."

"I do what I can," he responded, a corner of his mouth tilting upward.

I seem to have taken this flirting a little farther than I intended, Dorian thought, feeling an uncomfortable stirring in his chest, a pressure that pressed in upon him. He had not even been to bed with the man yet, let alone determined if he was interested in men, yet he seemed to be falling for him already. He almost sighed aloud. I wish I wasn't looking forward to every moment alone with him when I know it's going to end up the same way it always does. I hate having hope...only to be disappointed.

X

Dorian turned from the book he was perusing, hearing a knock on his door. He had been rather antisocial since returning from Redcliffe and since he had gone ahead of the Inquisitor, he was unsure of when Ashik had even returned. He considered ignoring the door and then decided against it. It had been several days since he had been in this mood. It was time to return to the real world. After all, he could not lose his focus on Corypheus simply because of a personal problem. Suspecting it was one of the annoying servants or perhaps Iron Bull to drag him out to go drinking again, he unlocked the door and was about to tell the Qunari off when he saw that it was, in fact, the Inquisitor standing at his door. Rather than saying anything, he simply stepped aside, allowing him to step inside, shutting the door behind him. Ashik had never visited him in his quarters before.

"Are you okay?" Ashik asked him, standing near to him, his brow creased in worry.

Dorian laughed slightly. "Do you need to ask? How often do I hole myself up in my quarters?" He sighed in a defeated fashion. "My father is a good man...I know this. He has a good heart, but he does not always make the right choices. He raised me well...up until a point. I failed him and he's never gotten over that. I never got to thank you...It pissed me off at first, but I'm glad you made me listen to what he had to say. It made me remember who he was, rather than what he became." Dorian stepped further into the room, stopping at the desk and fiddling with the quill. He had been grateful for Ashik's steady mind at that moment. When his father had stepped into the empty tavern, he had immediately gone into a rage and had unleashed all the pent up fury at him. Ashik had calmed him, had quietly suggested to listen to what he said before they left. At the time, it had felt like a betrayal, as if Ashik had chosen his father's side, but later he realized he was only attempting to appease his father, to try and balance the situation. No matter what Ashik said, he made a fine Inquisitor.

"Everyone makes mistakes...some are just worse than others."

"I know." Dorian looked up from the quill. "Was it like this with your family, too? Or, rather, is it like this?"

"Ah, no." Ashik rubbed his chin absent-mindedly, his face darkening. "My family and I have a mutual hatred for each other. At least your father still cares for you. I've done nothing but rant against the Chantry, fought with my family every step of the way against the Chantry. As far as I can see, it's an institution that sows hatred and dissent rather than what it was established as. They don't see it that way, though. They love their dirty politics and they love their religion. Everything about them disgusts me and nothing about me pleases them."

Dorian considered him, inwardly debating with himself. Right now would be the perfect time to outright ask him whether he was interested in men or not. He had never needed physical comfort as much he did right then. Seeing his father had reminded him of what he was supposed to be and why he was still alone in the world. Hearing Ashik speak of his family so vehemently made him feel as though he had found a kindred spirit; two nobles, rejected by their families for speaking against corruption. So few had been willing to accept him, let alone any men. He knew that if Ashik had no interest in him, he would likely not find any other man so accepting of him. Surely, however, he could not have misinterpreted so much flirting? Oh, fuck it, he decided. He pushed away from the desk, moving towards Ashik. He had half expected the man to give him a blindly innocent look, like a deer caught in a hunter's path. Instead, as he reached for his waist, Ashik reached up and pulled his mouth to his. Dorian was pleasantly surprised and a little triumphant. The feeling was engulfed by desire as their mouths met and Dorian had the sensation of a starving man finally being fed. He pulled the Inquisitor closer, grabbing his butt and pulling him up against his arousal. Ashik uttered a soft moan, giving Dorian the opportunity for his tongue to glide in, tasting him, reveling in the feeling of his tongue touching his.

"I see you like the danger of fire, Inquisitor," Dorian rasped when he drew away before kissing him again. He had no idea how experienced this man was, whether he had even been with a man before, and he knew he was taking it far, far too fast. Yet Ashik was giving and receiving just as greedily, kissing and touching him, his fingers gliding over the muscles of Dorian's shoulders and back, keeping their aroused bodies flush.

"I don't think I'd mind if I got burned."

"Oh, you are delightful." Dorian pushed his hand through his hair and kissed him a bit more savagely. Ashik bit down upon his lip, causing him to utter a groan. "And a tease, I see." He kept him locked in his arms and whenever he tried to slip away, likely to put some distance before they went aflame from the heat of their bodies, Dorian held him fast. After the passion stopped roaring through his head quite so loudly and he had regained some of his senses, he allowed the Inquisitor to ease from him, holding his waist, loathe to remove his hands from him. He released him and smiled, forcing himself to not grab him possessively again. He followed him to the door and leaned against the doorframe, saying, "I have but one question for you before you go."

"Oh? What is it?"

"About Scout Harding..."

Ashik gave him a blank look before comprehension dawned upon his features. His emerald eyes lit up in amusement as he laughed. "It's not easy to be interested in men, even in the south. And especially not if you're from the Free Marches. I felt it was best if I made it seem otherwise. Just in case I misinterpreted you."

"Seems I was the one doing the misinterpretations." Dorian pushed off from the doorframe and pulled him in for a kiss again. I could do this for days. "And what about now?" he murmured against his lips. "What will you do now? They'll think a Tevinter has used blood magic on you."

"Oh, it might be fun," Ashik said dismissively. "Another opportunity to piss Cassandra off, I'm sure."

"In this case, I think you're more likely to piss off Blackwall."

TBC

A/N: Thanks for the favorites/follows - I would like to know how people like the story, however, whether they think I'm keeping Dorian in character, how the writing is, etc. Please leave a review with some feedback!