The Inquisitor's Choice, Chapter Six

"Maker's breath, ambassador, you cannot be serious about this!"

Dorian paused after shutting the door behind him, hearing the exclamation even from his vantage point at the front of the hall. His eyebrows rose slightly and he, along with others in the hall, peered up to the throne where the Inquisitor was facing an obstinate Josephine. I'm getting the feeling of déjà vu...didn't something like this happen at Haven? Looking around, he found Varric settled by the fireplace near the door he had just exited, watching the scene with an amused expression. "What are they arguing about this time?" Dorian inquired, moving to stand beside Varric's chair, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Oh, just watch and see," Varric drawled. "I have a feeling the Inquisitor is going to cave on this one. Josephine's being particularly stubborn."

"I understand your distaste for this, Inquisitor but – " Josephine coughed and closed her eyes, turning her head. "Excuse me, there is...an odor..."

"Of course there is an odor," Ashik grumbled. "You've brought in a box with Florianne's body in it. What did you expect?"

"Inquisitor, it is a simple enough task! Simply judge her remains so that Orlais may dispense with the treaties she has and her properties. It is simply political and it will take you but a moment."

For a moment, Dorian thought that Ashik was going to continue arguing and had a wistful feeling that he should have made a bet with Varric. When the Inquisitor simply raised his hands and tossed them down in disgust, he quickly felt grateful he had not made another unwise bet against the dwarf. Ashik threw himself into the throne unceremoniously, propping his elbow upon the arm and settling his chin in his hand. "You would think," Ashik said moodily, "my part in this Orlais fiasco would have been settled after I killed her. Keep this up and I'll have to go around playing gravedigger on top of everything else."

Ignoring him, Josephine said, "Just deliver your judgment, Inquisitor."

"Very well." Ashik straightened, making a steeple with his fingers as he considered the box seriously. "Grand Duchess Florianne, I hereby order you into community service for the Orlais theatre for your crimes. Your skull shall represent the evils of all evils. Your body shall be sent to the university for anatomical diagrams and research. While I'm at it, I also judge the box. The box shall serve as an end table for orphans everywhere, serving orphanages all across Orlais to atone for its dastardly deeds against the empire and – "

"That," Josephine cut in acidly, "is quite enough. You've made your point, Inquisitor."

"Are you sure?" He narrowed his eyes into a shrewd stare. "I've got quite a few more thoughts on judging inanimate objects, if you'd collect them for me for judgment." She sighed, shaking her head and stalking off towards her office. Ashik smirked to himself, apparently satisfied at annoying the ambassador, and rose from the throne, instructing the guards to carry Florianne's remains and get rid of them.

"I knew there was a reason I decided to stay with the Inquisition," Varric snickered to Dorian. Ashik was following the guards, moving down the length of the main hall when he spotted the men near the fireplace. He veered slightly, approaching them. "Inquisitor! Glad to see you've got all your shit figured out for once."

"Happy to see I could be a form of entertainment for you, Varric," Ashik said.

"It's always fun to see you and Josephine at each other. For her being a diplomat, you sure ruffle her feathers easy."

"I'd say it's a gift."

"It's too bad the following generations at Skyhold won't get to know the true Inquisitor," Dorian said, tapping his chin with a curled finger. "Instead, they'll only think that you were the most dull and boring hero in history, doing the same thing that all heroes do."

"Not if they read my version of it," Varric assured him. "I'll write a good, long book about how the Inquisitor went out of his way to be an ass to everyone."

"Ah! Much better!" Dorian chuckled. "It will sell millions and everyone will know of his snide remarks and cheeky answers to his advisors."

"Make sure not to exaggerate too much, though," Ashik said. "After all, I don't really go out of my way to be like that. I just do it."

"Good point," Varric conceded. "While you're here, though, did you get that note I sent you?"

"About Valammar? I did. I can't help but notice that Bianca's not around anymore?"

"No, she said she'd go ahead, meet us there when we were ready. She didn't want to bring too much attention to herself. Can't say I don't blame her."

"That little dwarf girl?" Dorian spoke up, raising an eyebrow. "I saw her down at the tavern with Dagna a few days ago. The two of them were trying to get me to volunteer to perform a special dance for them because they wanted to confirm something they were arguing about. Mentioned something about a bite on my chest. What the hell was that about?"

"Oh, uh..." Varric glanced at the Inquisitor somewhat sheepishly. Ashik simply raised his eyebrows slightly, as interested as Dorian in hearing his answer. Dorian had gathered a few ideas in his head and suspected that Varric had been gossiping to the other dwarves about his relationship with the Inquisitor. Knowing Varric, Dorian suspected there had been a great deal of embellishing in the story. "Just something they've heard around Skyhold, nothing more." Ashik stifled a laugh as Varric shifted under the intent gaze of the Tevinter.

"Apparently," Ashik said to Dorian, smiling, "the on-dit is that I'm a fierce lover that loves to bite and you like it rough from me."

"Really?" Dorian glanced at Varric, who had a rueful little smile forming on his lips.

"I have to ask," Varric said, peering up at Ashik curiously. "Just what damn fool was dumb enough to tell you about that?"

"I was checking in on Cabot and he said there were some interesting rumors going on about me, so I harassed him until he talked. It can be useful to use your power as the Inquisitor every once in awhile. He's a hard man to break."

"Andraste's ass...a bartender is supposed to be hard to break! Especially in a small area like this, where things can get tracked down easy."

Ashik laughed. "Feeling guilty for spreading your fanciful lies around, Varric?"

"Oh, I don't know if it's all that fanciful," Dorian commented. "I don't mind it a little rough and I'm sure I can get you to bite me if I tease you enough."

"Nobody said I had a problem with it. I'd just like to enjoy the act before all of Skyhold thinks I've already taken part in it."

"I understand that feeling well! If I'm going to have Dagna ask me if I need a salve for my bite mark, I'd like to have at least actually gotten bitten by the Inquisitor at some point."

"See, look, I've helped you get ideas the next time you're in the bedroom," Varric said in a satisfied tone. "You can't complain about that."

"I don't think either of us was complaining."

"It's a nice change from what I'm used to. I've started having to run whenever I see the Seeker. I wish you had been interested in her, Inquisitor," he added, glancing at Ashik. "Maybe she would be more easy-going if she were getting bitten."

"Let's be honest, now, Varric," Ashik said dryly, "she would be biting me if that were the case."

X

It ended up being a sluggish start to the morning, not only for Dorian, but for the Inquisitor, as well. Dorian raised himself upon his elbow, blinking around blearily for a moment. The sun was already streaming into the quarters from the balcony windows. He heard a mumble beneath him and glanced down to see Ashik turn his head into the pillow, throwing his arm over his face. A devilish smirk lit his features and he leaned down, running a hand over the Inquisitor's back, kissing his neck and shoulder. "Didn't you have a war meeting this morning?" he murmured, suckling on his earlobe, his hand massaging his firm butt beneath the blanket.

"They can wait," he muttered groggily, rolling onto his side, turning his head and opening an eye that turned to Dorian. "I'd much rather stay in bed with you all day."

"Trust me, amatus, I would want nothing more than every day to be like that." Dorian leaned over, kissing him, his hand reaching forward, circling his shift. The Inquisitor uttered a groan against his lips as he grew hard at Dorian's ministrations. Just as Dorian was about to pull the blankets off, the door banged open, startling Ashik.

"Cassandra!" Josephine sputtered, slapping her hands over her face upon perceiving the two men naked in bed. "We should have knocked! L-Lord Trevelyan, we are most sorry..."

"I'm not!" Cassandra snapped. She had been the one to slam the door open and stood in the middle of the room unashamedly, her hands on her hips, glaring down at the pair disapprovingly. Behind her, Leliana had stepped in and was leaning against the wall, staring at the men with an appreciative smile upon her lips. "Drinking all night with Iron Bull, Varric, and Dorian, stumbling into your quarters, the whole lot of you nearly waking up all of Skyhold, and now sleeping in late to miss a war meeting! Is this what the leader of the Inquisition is degraded to? Is this your idea of responsibility?"

"Maker's breath, Cassandra, if you wanted to see me naked, couldn't you have gone about this a little differently?" Ashik said, scowling up at her. In spite of the jest, it was clear he was actually quite flustered. Dorian, unbothered by the intrusion, propped his head up with his hand, amused by the group. Ashik had sat up, bunching part of the blanket around his midsection, likely to hide the arousal Dorian had inspired just a moment ago.

"I certainly would not come when Dorian is naked, if that's what I wanted," she informed him tartly. "This is most unbecoming behavior of the Inquisitor! You should be acting more responsibly – more appropriate and befitting of a leader!"

"There, ah, isn't anything wrong with having a bit of fun once in a while, Cassandra," Cullen said from behind, hiding his smirk behind his hand. When she whirled around to face him, he had his face averted, likely to keep from looking at the two men in their state of disarray. "The Inquisitor is usually quite good at being on time. One day can't hurt."

"Don't try and protect him!" She whirled around again and stomped up to the bed. Ashik clutched more protectively than ever at the blanket, staring up at her suspiciously. Without even looking at him, she threw the blanket off of Dorian and then pointed to where clothes had been tossed onto the floor. "Get dressed and get out! I'm tired of your influence on the Inquisitor, magister!" Josephine had taken that moment to unshield her eyes and her jaw dropped in shock at seeing Dorian rise from the bed, stark naked. Her face went blood red and she dug her fists into her face, as though to beat the image out of her head.

"Altus," he corrected her, exasperated, as he pulled on his breeches. "I'm an altus, not a magister. I am not part of the Magisterium. You would think those here in the south wouldn't use those so interchangeably."

"I think the Inquisitor is feeling a little uncomfortable with all these people in his quarters," Leliana noted with a smile. "Considering he's naked."

"No, of course not," Ashik sarcastically drawled. "I'm used to having this many people come in when I have no clothes on."

"If you were a Templar," Cullen said in an amused tone, "I wouldn't question that. But after you've had a, ah...strenuous night? Somehow I doubt that, Inquisitor."

"His advisors don't seem to have a problem with this," Dorian told Cassandra, taking his time in dressing. "You should be a bit more like them."

"Don't make me throw you off the battlements, Dorian," she growled. "I'm this close to doing it, to hell with what the Inquisitor says!"

"Let's not do that," Ashik suggested. "And while we're at it, can you all just...leave...so I can get dressed? I'm starting to feel a breeze come in. Not exactly comfortable if you're a guy."

"I agree," Cullen said, coughing. "Let's go. We'll meet you when you're ready." Leliana guided Josephine out of the quarters and Cullen waited patiently for Cassandra. When she made no move to leave, he sighed and strode across the room, grasping her arm and forcibly pulling her along. She exclaimed in surprise, stumbling after him. Cullen pulled the door close, smiling as he said, "Take your time." The door shut closed behind him, leaving the men to stare at the door. Dorian's gaze shifted to Ashik, who still had the blanket bunched around him protectively.

"I don't think I've ever had this much fun in the morning with a man before," Dorian said to him. "Shall we do this some more?"

"I need a better lock on my door," was all the latter male said, releasing the blanket and sighing, falling back on the bed. He pushed a hand through his hair, closing his eyes. "I thought Cassandra was going to dress me herself and throw me out my own quarters."

"Now, that would have been a funny story to circulate through Skyhold. I think I'll say that it happened anyway, see what she does, see where people take it. I bet everyone will start whispering you're sleeping with her by the end of today."

"Spare me. I had to deal with that when I first joined the Inquisition, all thanks to Varric and Blackwell's misinterpretations."

Dorian chuckled at that and then rounded the bed, still not completely dressed. "I bet I know something that will make this morning end a little better." He knelt in front of him, sliding his hands up his thighs, pushing beneath the blanket. He found the Inquisitor's length and found him ready to be pleased. He moved his hand up and down his length, feeling him grow hard in his hand. He pushed the blanket away and raised himself slightly to push the length into his mouth, sucking gently upon the head, his tongue swirling around it. Ashik groaned, reaching down and dragging his fingers through his hair.

"I'm not sure we really have time for this, Dorian," he gasped.

Dorian drew away slightly, licking his lips. "Make time." His tongue shot out, licking the sides of his shaft and moving down to the base before he came back up again, sinking him deep in his mouth, nearly gagging himself. He felt Ashik shudder beneath him, felt his hips rise slightly. His lips closed more firmly around his flesh as his moved up and down rhythmically. He could feel him pulse inside his mouth and could hear Ashik's breath grow ragged. When he spilled himself inside his mouth, a sense of satisfaction washed over Dorian. There was nothing quite so enjoyable as knowing one was skilled enough to bring their lover to that peak. "Tonight," Dorian murmured, moving above him and assaulting Ashik's neck, "you're mine again."

The Inquisitor laughed shakily. "I'd best get that lock installed by then otherwise Cassandra will be after our heads again."

"Not just the one on our shoulders, either, I'd bet."

Once Dorian completed dressing, he left the Inquisitor then, knowing that there was only so long he could delay him before Cassandra's ire was provoked again. Even though he could have gone without flashing his goods to a room full of people, he had to admit that provoking Cassandra never did get old. He wondered what had set her off this time. While she was rash and often acted in such a manner, she was not prone to storming into quarters trying to drag lovers out by their ears. He had to remind himself that, had the Inquisitor been bisexual, Cassandra would have most likely been his rival for Ashik's attention.

For the majority of the day, Dorian poured over the tome that the Inquisition had provided for him from Tevinter. With as remarkable of a force as they were, he was pleased that they were able to procure such objects with little to no difficulty. In the beginning, set up in a little town for pilgrimages, it was hard to conceive the Inquisition in such lavish settings with such power over Thedas.

Dorian paused in his perusal of the tome, turning his head slightly to gaze out the window. He was settled comfortably in his alcove in the library, his leg crossed over the other with the tome propped up against his knee. It was hard to conceive any of this while in Haven, Dorian realized. When I decided to stay with the Inquisition, it just seemed the right thing to do, to stop the Venatori. I hadn't even thought of being with Ashik then...it never even occurred to me to approach him that way until later. A smile touched his lips at the thought, a memory drifting to his mind.

"How fascinating! This is just the type of magic Alexius and I had been developing," Dorian remarked, standing in the middle of the cell, looking around wonderingly. They had just taken care of the two guards that had come charging in upon hearing them and were standing in the shallow pool of water. The herald was searching through a chest as Dorian wandered the cell. "I wonder how he got it to work...?"

"Well, I'm glad you're enjoying yourself," Ashik said, straightening.

"You're not?"

"Thrown into a time warp by a mad magister, not knowing what in Andraste's name is going on, and stuck with a man I barely know? I don't think I could even dream of a better time to be having." He turned away from the chest and sloshed towards Dorian, glancing around. "I don't suppose you have any better idea to where we are or a plan, do you? This shit's all a little new to me."

"New to the herald of Andraste?"

"I was nothing but a Free Marches noble before the Conclave, you know," Ashik reminded him. "The most I had to deal with was some whispering at a ball, fighting with family about the Chantry – very simple stuff. Time magic, rifts – you'd be lucky if I even tried to understand half of what's going on around me."

"Thankfully, I'm here to discern all of that for you," Dorian said gallantly. "It does appear that we're in Redcliffe Castle, but in a different part of it. The more important question is when we got teleported. This place looks like a disaster...and all this red lyrium. Maker's breath, how it's spread! If this is the type of future Alexius wanted, I'll be amazed if Felix is even still alive."

"Do you trust him?" Ashik asked curiously, moving towards the cell door and removing his lock picks, working on the lock.

Dorian watched him interestedly, impressed by his abilities in spite of his noble blood. "Alexius cares about Felix more than he does his own life. I think he's a fool for joining the Venatori for this, but I do trust his intentions. He would do anything for Felix, even if it meant sacrificing the entire world."

"Then perhaps he can be reasoned with once we return to our own time." Ashik pushed open the cell door and stood up, smiling in satisfaction. "There."

"That's quite the set you've got there," Dorian commented, nodding to the lock pick set he was storing away. "A coming of age present from your parents?"

"Let's just say there were some skills nobles in the Free Marches thought would be useful that nobles here would dismiss."

"Excellent!" Dorian laughed. "You're quite full of surprises, Trevelyan! And here I was expecting a herald quite like the heroes in the tales. Dumb, sweet, and rather boring."

Ashik sighed. "Sometimes I wish I were a bit more inclined to being compliant and sweet-natured. As it is, I piss everyone off and I argue with my advisors almost daily. Usually over my nap schedule. Cassandra never seems willing to abide by it."

"There's a hole in the sky and the herald is more concerned over his naps," Dorian said slowly. "Yes, that does sound like something to dispute over. If we ever get back, I'll do a petition in your favor – 'Let the herald have his naps!' Sounds good, doesn't it? Not sure how far I'll get, being a Tevinter, but maybe I can get help."

"Ask Varric, he's perfect for that sort of thing."

Dorian was roused from his memory by his own snicker. Even after being violently tossed into the future by Tevinter time magic, Ashik had still possessed his impeccable humor to make light of the situation. As soon as he first joined the Inqusition, Dorian could tell that it unnerved some of the others. At times, Solas seemed to be forced out of his solemnity by chuckling at the attitude and even Cassandra would be forced into exasperated amusement. No matter how much the others might pretend otherwise, it was obvious that his quick wit and ability to charm through sarcasm was viewed as an asset rather than anything else.

It was strange that Dorian had not seen the possibilities then. Then again, Ashik was the herald of Andraste and Dorian had not considered he might become a close friend to the herald. He had assumed he would be left in Haven or sent out to do little things that were related to the Venatori; he certainly had never expected to be treated like an equal, nor had he expected Ashik to take as much of an interest in him as he had begun to take in the man himself. He could not complain, of course. This had been, by far, the most exciting and thrilling part of his life. Even after Corypheus, Dorian could not imagine a world with Ashik would be less than exciting.

A soft clearing of the throat alerted Dorian to the fact that someone else had approached the alcove. Turning from the window, Dorian blinked to see Mother Giselle standing nearby, her gaze fixed upon him. "If you have a moment, young man, I would like a word," she said to him.

"I have all the moments in the world, as you can see," he answered, spreading a hand out to indicate the serene library settings. He snapped the tome closed and set it aside, rising to his feet. "What did you need?"

"I wanted to inquire as to your intentions towards the Inquisitor."

"My intentions?" he repeated, crossing his arms, his brows arching down in an irritated expression. "Pray, what have you heard of my intentions, Mother? Or are you just putting your nose into matters where it does not belong?"

"It is not my place to tell you or the Inquisitor what relationship to be in, but I feel that your association with him may damage his reputation and in turn, the Inquisition's. The rumors that I have heard are ones that I'm sure you can guess at yourself. You are Tevinter, you are a magister, and it is clear to everyone that you may hold a certain amount of influence over the Inquisitor." She clasped her hands in front of her and rocked backwards on her feet slightly. "I also have heard that he's used his influence to regain a certain family birthright amulet in Val Royeaux for you. Many of those here in Skyhold have been talking of it."

"Kaffas!" Dorian swore. "I knew that's how it would be viewed."

"Then do you deny it?"

"Completely. He did that of his own volition."

"But he would not have done so without your presence. Do not try to play this game with me, young man." Dorian glared at her, but said nothing. He knew that she was right. While Mother Giselle's meddling was not one he enjoyed, she had a point and her worry was well-founded. He would certainly not bring it up to Ashik for debate, as he knew he was far too eager to go against the Chantry clerics. Nonetheless, it annoyed him to have her approach him simply to lecture him. His pleasant mood from that morning's bedroom action was going south rather quickly. "If your intentions towards the Inquisitor are genuine, there is no reason for you to fear my questions."

"Fear has nothing to do with it, you pesky hen!" Dorian snapped. "The only reason you have for suspecting me of exerting influence on him is because I'm from Tevinter."

"What the people know of magisters – "

"Is only the scary tales that people spread to make us out as evil incarnate," he interrupted dismissively. He turned from her, dropping his arms, placing his hands on his waist as he glowered out the window. "And I suppose you didn't approach the Inquisitor about this, did you? Too afraid that he would tell you to mind your own business?"

"The Inquisitor clearly cares a great deal for you," she slowly answered, "and I would not wish to insult him. He is an intelligent man, but he also has a warm heart. He forgives and accepts where others would not. He feels for those in lower positions in Thedas and he loves his companions and those in the Inquisition intensely. If you are truly with him simply to offer happiness, then I have no place in judging you. I have misjudged before. But if you are doing this for other reasons...to use him and his influence...I should warn you that there are others besides me that will take care of you."

"If I wanted to use his influence," he coldly stated, turning around, "I would find other ways of using it than having him pick up a trinket of mine. For example, I would have had you thrown out of Skyhold for being such a righteous busy-body!"

She smiled faintly. "You make a valid point, Lord Pavus. Very well. I see I was in the wrong for speaking with you thusly. I apologize." Dorian shook his head, settling back into his chair as she turned around. She paused, glancing back at him. "You are lucky, then, that the Inquisitor chose you over any of the others. I had hoped...when I first joined the Inquisition's cause, I had thought he and Lady Pentaghast might..."

"You and everyone else, I would expect," he said in a thoroughly disgruntled tone.

"It is good to find happiness in these times," she said, at last turning from him. "I am glad that he has been able to find some, with all the weight of Thedas resting upon him. That is a hard thing to do."

TBC