Chapter Twenty-Four
The journey back to Kirkwall was uneventful. It was late, so she decided to go home, have supper and get some sleep. She was certain that in her absence, the list of things that needed her attention would be numerous. She wanted to get a good night's rest before tackling them.
She bid the First Enchanter and Grand Cleric good evening, then turned to Cullen, "And what about you? Will you join me for dinner this evening, or do you think the Gallows cannot possibly wait another minute for you?"
Cullen chuckled, "I'm quite certain that Ser Everett is capable of whatever may arise. I'd love to have dinner with you, my dear." He smiled at her and offered his arm. She took it and they walked to her estate together.
Arriving at her door, Evelyn pulled out her key and unlocked it. She made the offhand comment, "I suppose you'll need one of these as well."
Cullen furrowed his brow, "Actually, I think we need to talk about that."
"Oh?...", she said, opening the door.
As they entered her estate, they were promptly greeted by Bodahn. He was happy to see the two of them and started preparing dinner promptly.
Once he was out of the room, Cullen continued, "If you want to make me a key for your estate, then certainly, but...I don't think we should live here once we're married."
Evelyn blinked at him, "And did you want me to give up my family's property and move to the Gallows?"
Cullen rolled his eyes, "Of course not."
"Then, what are you talking about?"
"Evelyn, I'm sure you're aware that traditionally the ruler of Kirkwall lives in the keep. There's an entire home that you've never taken advantage of just sitting there. I was thinking we could put it to use as ours."
She considered what he was saying, "I hadn't accepted it because I didn't need it. I don't even know if anyone's been in it since the former Viscount was murdered. It seemed almost like an intrusion to claim it as mine. Is my home not good enough for you?"
Cullen crossed his arms and thought about how best he wanted to approach this obviously delicate subject, "It's not that. I'd live with you in a cave, if I had to...you should know that," he took a deep breath and continued, "I want a place that's uniquely ours. You have so many...memories...here. I understand that it has been in your family and it can continue to be, but I want a place where we can build new memories together. That's all I'm asking."
Evelyn loved her house because it had been in her family for generations. She always wondered if the walls could talk, what stories could they share? She had never stopped to consider that some of those stories may not want to be told.
She nodded, "Alright, then. I'll get with Bran on it tomorrow and find out what needs to be done." Then she laughed at the thought, "As a matter of fact, I'm quite sure that when he finds out he has a wedding to attend to and an entire house to prepare and furnish, it'll make his day."
Cullen smiled and hugged her, "Thank you, my love."
Bodahn came back in and announced that their meal was ready. After dining, Cullen bid them farewell and departed to the gallows for the evening. She made her way upstairs and started unpacking, all of her luggage having been brought up previously. Afterwards, she took a nice hot bath and got ready for bed.
Same as the night before, she pulled out the gold locket from her luggage and sat on her bed. She opened it. The drop inside glowed very faintly, and it pointed southwest. Evelyn sighed. Orlais made the most sense; it was where the White Spire and the Divine were, after all. Maybe it was being here in the bedroom they used to share, with him gone from Kirkwall and no longer a boat ride away (not that she ever visited him to begin with, but just knowing that she could must've offered some comfort), because for the first time in a very long time, she realized how much she missed him. Maybe Cullen was right. There were far too many memories here for her to simply cast them aside and start over again. She needed to wipe the slate clean.
She sighed, putting the locket in the drawer next to her bed, then finally drifted to sleep.