Evelyn closed her eyes as the warmth of the fire washed over her tired limbs. She was exhausted; between clearing away encampment after encampment of red templars and Tevinter mages to the sleepless nights - the burden of what she was trying to accomplish was beginning to wear her down. She stole a glance at her companions. Blackwall sat ever silent as he slowly sipped from a mug of ale. Cole stared into the fire as he faded in and out of visibility; thankfully silent from his habitual voicing of everyone's hidden thoughts. Solas was staring at her reproachfully; no doubt due to the many times he had been called upon to heal her after yet another close call during their battles. This was not the group she would normally have chosen but she had not trusted herself to travel with Cassandra so soon after almost ravaging the woman that night in the chapel and seeing Varric only further reminded her of the seeker's secret smile when she had confirmed the she had very much liked the dwarf's latest chapter. Evelyn was being reckless and she knew it, but there was little she could do to stop it at this point. She wanted, no, she needed to burn through the thoughts and desires that stole sleep away from her. Her goal at the beginning of each day in this frozen wasteland was to exhaust herself past the point of thought so that FINALLY a dreamless sleep would be granted. It had been a week and her goal had yet to be met. When her eyes closed and she allowed her consciousness to drift into the fade it she was doomed to be either haunted by dreams of failure and the deaths of those she held dear, or to be driven mad with longing as her mind offered her glimpses of warm hazel eyes and fire lit olive skin, the heady smell of awakened arousal and the accented sounds of panted need. The Inquisitor shook her head to clear her mind of the traitorous thoughts and stood up from the fire, announcing that she would see her companions in the morning. Evelyn quickly ducked into her tent, laid down on the bedroll and stared at the canvas ceiling willing sleep to come once more and wondering what nightmares she would face tonight.
Cassandra growled as she sliced her sword through the air towards Iron Bull. The qunari's strength was punishing as he knocked her blow away and slammed his war hammer against her shield. The seeker grunted as she steadied herself from the impact of the blow and launched her next attack. They had been sparring for what seemed like hours and the Captain of the Chargers was showing no signs of fatigue. Cassandra grit her teeth, cursing her body's weakness as another blow almost sent her sprawling. She shook the sweat from her eyes and started to advance once more when an arrow split the ground next to her feet. The seeker jumped back eyes darting for the green soldier who would dare shoot so close to her. She found only Leliana standing on the battlements, her face hidden by the cowl of her office and her bow in hand. Cassandra glared up at the spymaster, turning as Iron Bull declared their sparring match a draw and watching dumbfounded as he walked away. She turned back to Leliana, fully intended on giving the former bard a piece of her mind only to find that she too had vanished. Cassandra snatched the arrow from the ground and snapped it in half as a silent rage racked her from within. She whirled around as she felt the ghost of a hand brush her arm and found herself face to face with her former counterpart.
Leliana watched as the murderous rage faded to ill concealed annoyance as the dark haired warrior huffed, "What do you want?" Leliana remained silent, offering the seeker her latest report from Emprise du Lion. She watched with interest as the former Right hand ripped apart the wax seal and scowling eyes darted across the parchment, hurriedly reading every word as a low sound of frustration hummed in her throat before exploding into words.
"Damn her!"
Leliana lifted her brows at the spat curse that escaped Cassandra's lips, surprised by the venom in those two words. Clearly the seeker was not pleased with their Inquisitor but try as she might, the spymaster had heard of no argument between the two of them. In fact when she had last seen them in each other's company there had been a highly charged current of sexual tension – strong enough that Leliana had felt compelled to lead Josephine away from the couple to allow nature to finally take its course. Though judging by the state of things, if Leliana had to harbor a guess she would have to say that the issue at hand had to do more with what had not happened than what had.
"Did something happen between the two of you?"
Cassandra cut her eyes at the redhead and glared suspiciously. It was rare to find a subject that the infamous Nightingale did not already possess some knowledge of. In a way it warmed her that she and Trevelyan had, thus far, been successful in keeping their meetings secret. It was not as though Leliana was completely unaware of the turn in nature their relationship had taken but Cassandra was loath to discuss such private affairs with the master of spies – even if the former bard had known her longer than anyone else in the Inquisition. Cassandra grimaced and offered the report back to the rogue as she shook her head.
"It is nothing. I merely resent being left behind to do nothing more than wait until I am summoned again."
Leliana hid her smile at the blasé excuse and tilted her head, her eyebrow quirked to let the frowning seeker know she was not buying such a flimsy excuse. When it was clear her subtlety was getting her nowhere, Leliana sighed and folded her arms over her chest, fixing the raven-haired warrior with a stern look.
"Cassandra let's not pretend that you and I haven't known each other for years. I know it takes more than being left behind to cause you to curse like a common soldier." She gentled her voice slightly as she saw a flash of annoyance cross the seeker's face. "Especially when that person happens to be someone you care for."
Cassandra glared back into the bright blue eyes that stared so intently at her. It was too late to deny her feelings, having already admitted such to the spymaster weeks earlier but she would be damned if she gave this clever woman any other ammunition against her for the near future. Her pride would not let her complain of the childish hurt she had felt at being left behind by someone she so desperately wanted to be near to nor how badly she worried what the reckless woman would get into without Cassandra there to protect her. The night they had spent in the chapel was seared into her memory. Every glimpse of the Inquisition's leader only further led her mind to travel down the multitude paths of "what ifs". What if she had pulled Evelyn's lips back against her own that night, what if she had unlaced the ties of her breeches to remove the barrier of cloth that had lay between her and the hot talented mouth that had stoked the flames of her need to painful heights, what if – what if – what if. The paths were endless and every one of them ended with her breathlessly crying out the rogue's name as she surrendered herself to the desire that raged within. If Cassandra could turn back the hands of time she would have followed at least one of those imagined paths. There was little she regretted in life but allowing the Inquisitor to stop had definitely made that small list. She wanted nothing more than to correct that mistake but it seemed as though Evelyn divinely knew of her intent and had placed every barrier she could that would keep the two of them from being alone in the same room. And now she had just taken off to a frozen wasteland full of red templars and Tevinter mages with a rag tag grouping of their companions that would be in no way helpful in any sort of battle she would face.
Leliana watched the seeker's body language as she allowed the woman her private thoughts. It was rare to see Cassandra mired in such conflicting emotions. Leliana could tell that the warrior needed to say something, to vent her frustrations in more ways than on the practice field but she would not push her any harder; a cornered Cassandra was a deadly one. Instead she looked down at the message the seeker had torn open to read and saw immediately what had caused her fierce reaction.
Sister Nightingale
I, unfortunately, do not have much to report besides that this land is swarming with Templars, Trolls and Tevinters. Every day has been an uphill struggle but we remain victorious. (it is a good thing I thought to bring Solas – without his talent for healing I doubt we would have made it this far) The red Lyrium infecting both groups seems to be stronger here than any we have yet encountered and I cannot say exactly when we will return but I will ensure that it is before our engagement at the Winter Palace.
As to who will be attending the ball with me I have decided that the Inquisition should display its very best and will therefore require that Josephine, Cullen, Seeker Pentaghast and yourself be in attendance along with Dorian, Varric, and Vivienne. I am also in agreement that we should show solidarity in our forces by wearing a similar garb – I trust you and Josephine to handle that side of it.
I shall report again as soon as we retake the Suledin Keep.
Inquisitor Trevelyan
The mention of danger alone would have riled the seeker's righteous anger but calling everyone by name but Cassandra seemed almost a deliberate slap although Leliana could not see how the Inquisitor would have known that the spymaster would share her report with said seeker. Leliana lowered the report only to have it snatched away again and ripped in two. She watched as Cassandra stormed away, unsheathing her sword and taking the head off of the nearest practice dummy. The spymaster winced and shook her head; perhaps the Inquisitor, for once, was actually safer away from Skyhold.
Evelyn rested her head against the frozen wall that hid her from, what she hoped, was the last troll's view. The creature's already natural strength seemed augmented by the diet of red lyrium that had been forced upon it. It was only by the grace of either its stupidity or small beady eyes that the boulders it had flung in the party's direction had not had a direct hit. The closest escape thus far had been Blackwall and he was still favoring the recently shattered arm as a result. She felt a gentle hand touch her shoulder and turned to face her elven apostate.
"We cannot take this keep Inquisitor."
Evelyn scowled and stubbornly shook her head, "Yes we can. We are almost to the top of the keep. This has to be the last gathering of their forces." She saw the elf gaze upwards sharply and then back at her.
"No. You are wrong, we have not faced the worst this castle has to offer."
Evelyn gazed back at the same spot the mage had and saw nothing out of the ordinary. She looked back at Solas, scowling in confusion. "What is it you think you see?"
"There is a demon here."
Evelyn chuckled haughtily as she shrugged away the elf's worry. "We have fought and killed demons before. How is this one any different?"
Solas cocked his head slightly, studied the woman chosen to lead. She had been reckless throughout this campaign and while that in and of itself was not out of the ordinary he had rarely seen her fight with such abandon. The circles under her eyes had deepened as well. He shook his head and stared at the top of the keep again. He could feel a nameless power drawing him to that place and the veil of the Fade seemed almost non-existent here. Already he had witnessed the ghosts of battles past walking freely among its crumbling walls and listened to the jumbled of confused thoughts that poured from them as they walked once again among the living. He looked back at the Inquisitor, "You have not faced a demon like this. He is more powerful and the veil is thin here. We will face more than just him once we reach the top. The warrior is injured and Cole is not far behind him. Would you face such danger with just you and I Inquisitor? Would you risk everything because you cannot bear to retreat?"
The softly whispered words chilled her faster than the atmosphere and she looked back at Blackwall and Cole, both of whom were winded and struggling to remain standing. She turned back to Solas, the truth of their situation in direct conflict with her own pride. She had never retreated from a battle – even against overwhelming odds she had somehow found a way to pull through. That was before she had decided to shoulder the overwhelming responsibility she had now. That was before she held other's lives in her hands, before the whole of Thedas depended on the tear in her left hand. She knew if she ordered it that Blackwall, Cole and even a disapproving Solas would fight with her to the end but that did not mean they would win. The face of the seeker she had left behind flashed before her eyes and Evelyn knew at that moment what she would not risk. She would not risk never seeing her again even though the sight of Cassandra had been what caused her to flee and take on a mission she was not prepared for. The rogue shook her head and signaled her companions to back away she caught the look of relief in the Warden's eyes and heard Cole muttering softly beneath his breath, though whose thoughts he spoke aloud she was unsure. They walked in silence past the bodies of fallen foes and Evelyn saw the confused relief on Scout Harding's face as Evelyn gestured to the camp ordering them all to pack up and prepare for Skyhold..
Cassandra startled awake at the soft knock at her door. She groggily wiped her eyes, inwardly cursing the interruption as she rolled to her feet. The warrior stilled as the soft click of the door being shut echoed softly in the noiseless din of the forge and she heard the soft whisper of a voice asking if she were there. The seeker frowned. There were very few who would dare to disturb her slumber and of those few only two were adept enough at picking locks and walking silently.
"Leliana?"
Cassandra called out, hoping that it was the spymaster and not the only other woman who would dare to break into her rooms. Her hope was shattered by the soft chuckle that responded and the seeker glared at the dark corner from which the sound had come.
"If our spymaster has been visiting you at night I fear we will not have one for much longer seeker."
Cassandra ignored the light hearted jest as she watched the Herald of Andraste leave the shadows and despite her resolve to not feel anything but anger for her leader she could not help the hard clench of her stomach at the sight of the younger woman. She looked exhausted. Her face was littered with small cuts and large circles, which had not been there when she had left, shadowed the skin under her eyes. Seeking to aggravate the other woman, the seeker leaned against the railing and looked down with a snide scowl.
"Even as skilled as you are Inquisitor you would be no match for Leliana."
Evelyn stopped her slow climb up the stairs and stared up at the warrior, surprised by the comment. She tilted her head to the side considering the likelihood that Leliana would have romanced the seeker while she was away. Confident in the spymaster's love for her Warden and Cassandra's honest nature, she tossed the thought away lightly as she smirked up at the frowning woman. "So… should I be trying to kill her now or shall I wait till I have properly said hello to you?" The rogue felt her face fall when her jest failed to get even the twitch of a lip from the angry seeker.
Cassandra scarcely heard the woman as she seethed to think that had she been included in this latest mission none would have touched the noble. She turned away as the footsteps grew closer, refusing to look the rogue in the eyes, even though she wanted nothing more than to do just that. She heard the soft whisper of movement and stiffened as she felt slim arms draping over her shoulders and the warm press of the Inquisitor's body as it leaned against hers. The former Right Hand closed her eyes as soft lips brushed the outer shell of her ear and whispered breath tickled her cheek.
"I missed you Cass."
The whispered words stung instead of soothed and Cassandra twisted away from the light embrace to glare at the woman who had uttered them. The anger that had taken days to meditate away came back in a flash of red and Cassandra stood, glaring down at the leader of the Inquisition.
"You missed me your Worship". Evelyn winced as the seeker spat out the honorific title her tone mocking as she continued, her voice rising with each word. "How nice for you but I don't want to hear that right now. I want to know why you left without saying anything. I want to know why I am good enough for you to want to fornicate with and not good enough to have by your side in battle. I want to know why you REFUSED to even write my very name in your report to Leliana!"
The rogue flinched as the spymaster's name once again echoed throughout the empty forge and she looked into the storm of anger that burned bright in Cassandra's eyes. She wanted to feel contrite but the lack of sleep had shortened her considerable patience and Evelyn found herself standing toe to toe with the formidable warrior her voice hissing in response.
"For fucks sake Cassandra where should I begin? I left because I couldn't endure to be in your presence for anything longer than a moment. Because a moment is all it took for me to remember the taste of you beneath my lips and by the Maker I want to taste you again! I didn't take you with me because I knew I would not be able to keep my hands off of you long enough to reach our destination nor keep my mind on the battle at hand. I didn't write your name because sod it all… just the sight and sound of it… of you… you are driving me mad!"
Evelyn grabbed the loose tunic in front of her and pushed the taller woman against the wall, trapping the seeker in a punishing kiss. She slid a hand up to tangle in the mess of short locks as she anchored her other to the curve of Cassandra's hip. Holding the warrior tightly to her body, she pushed her tongue past parted lips, groaning as she registered the very taste that had been haunting her for days. She felt the seeker reciprocate as strong hands framed her face, angling for a better fit as pliant lips pushed against her own. Evelyn growled as their teeth clashed and their tongues slid together. She yanked the warrior's head back attacking the long line of her exposed throat; her teeth marking the sensitive flesh even as she reached up cupping an unbound breast. Her fingers sliding over a rigid nipple as Cassandra hissed her name. Evelyn felt herself shoved backwards and she faltered as her feet tripped over the edge of the thick bedding that covered a small portion of the floor. She looked up, her body tensed to spring back into action and froze as she registered the heated look in her seeker's eyes. The rogue watched in awe as the woman in front of her slowly gripped the bottom of the wrinkled tunic and pulled it upwards… higher and higher until the fabric hid that burning gaze from the Inquisitor's eyes. It was only then that Evelyn let her eyes gaze lower and felt the aching pulse of desire immediately intensify.
The light from the forge below gave warm skin a warmer glow and Evelyn let her eyes rove over a part of the warrior she had certainly touched but never seen. Maker but Cassandra was beautiful... perfection.
Cassandra felt her cheeks flush as she watched the Inquisitor's flashing eyes journey over the newly exposed parts of her body. She reveled in the hungry look that sharpened the aristocratic features of the noble's face and let her hands drift lower down her body to tug at the laces of her breeches. She stopped as a soft calloused hand covered her own and gasped as she felt the crisp material of Evelyn's tunic brush against her sensitized flesh.
"Cass…."
Her name was breathed with a reverence she had only ever heard one time before. It was a plea, a question, a warning and a prayer all at the same time. She looked into the fathomless depths of green and let her lips curl into a slow smile as she shook off the halting hand and slowly yanked the laces free, letting the loose material pool at her ankles as she reached forward to yank the smaller woman against her.
"Don't…I want this Evelyn… I want you."
Evelyn groaned as she felt those full breasts pressing against her own and shuddered as that husky whisper threatened to wash past her defenses. She resisted, pulling her body away from the delicious press of the seeker's and shook her head.
"Not like this. Not here…"
The words died in her throat, replaced by a ragged gasp as Cassandra leaned forward and nibbled along the line of her jaw. Her rich voice humming in Evelyn's ears.
"Neither of us can think or function with this pressing need between us. I won't lose you because you refuse to let go this foolish notion of courting me."
Cassandra paused and raised her head up to look her commander in the eyes as she whispered, "I still want all those things Evelyn.. but they can wait. This cannot… not anymore."
The sound of her name being purred in that honeyed tone was more than the Inquisitor could bear. Her restraint broke and she tilted her head up pressing her lips to Cassandra's once more, flicking her tongue past swollen lips to set a teasing pace. She let her hands drift slowly down warm smooth skin, resting on the curves of the seeker's hips as she pulled the warrior closer. This was not her imagined seduction. The candles she had been gathering would remain in her rooms unlit. There was no music save for the constant hum of the forge below. No scattered petals from the flowers she'd had yet to buy and there would be no poetry spoken. Still… there would be a night where she would give the seeker exactly what her heart craved but tonight the needs of their bodies were going to win out.
Evelyn angled the seeker down, her lips never leaving the other woman's as she stretched out beside her on the cold fabric of the bedroll. Their legs tangled as the kiss deepened and Evelyn let her fingertips slowly dance up the seeker's side to cup a full breast. The soft weight filled her palm and she swallowed the low moan that escaped the warrior's lips as her thumb brushed slowly back and forth across its hardened peak.
Cassandra pulled away from the Inquisitor's lips, gasping as the other woman pressed open mouth kisses along the edge of her jaw. Each brush of that calloused thumb sent a spike of pleasure up the seeker's spine as desire pooled further between her legs. She felt a whisper of breath against the lobe of her ear and groaned as sharp teeth grazed the sensitive flesh drawing it into liquid heat. Cassandra arched closer to the rogue's knee that rested so tantalizingly close to where she needed more friction, more pressure – anything to ease the throbbing ache at the apex of her thighs. She let herself roll back as Evelyn stretched above her and Cassandra gasped softly as her lover gently gave her the friction she had sought even as the talented mouth trailed a heated path down her neck and over her collarbone to claim the hardened peak she had been teasing earlier as her other hand deftly touched the other.
Evelyn groaned when strong fingers tangled in her hair, holding her fast as Cassandra arched and rocked beneath her. She swirled her tongue around the tight bud in her mouth, alternating between suction and flicking the sensitized flesh as small whimpers of need escaped the stoic warrior. Her teeth against the taut nipple as the rogue released it and kissed her way to its twin, offering it the same treatment as she ignored the pounding of lust in her ears. Her body ached to be touched, to feel all of that dusky warm skin beneath her own but she was helpless to stop touching and tasting the woman under her. She simply could not get enough. Evelyn closed her eyes as her lips tugged at the mocha colored peak, humming with pleasure. Suddenly she felt a strong thigh pressing against her aching center and gasped as she felt the seeker shift beneath her; quickly finding their positions reversed as she looked up into Cassandra's dark eyes.
Cassandra shuddered as she looked down at the fully clothed rogue, the coil of tension within her tightening as she recognized the need in the bright green eyes mirrored her own. Seeking to duplicate the woman's actions, Cassandra leaned down, tasting of parted lips as her hand slowly unbuttoned the rough spun tunic that separated them. More than ever she wanted to feel the warm press of flesh on flesh and feel pride in the knowledge that she could make her lover moan her name. She snaked her tongue slowly around the Inquisitors as her fingertips brushed lightly from warm pale flesh to the swash of cloth that bound part the rogue's shapely assets. Cassandra chucked softly at the frustrated growl that escaped the redhead's lips as she nuzzled her mouth against her neck. She let her tongue trace slow patterns against that soft skin as she hesitantly cupped the cloth-covered mound of flesh before pushing the cloth higher. She raised her head, letting her eyes rove over the newly exposed flesh, curious to how such a sight would affect her.
The seeker let her fingertips brush back and forth over the pale skin beneath her; fascinated by the contrast in their skin tones and the way her light touches caused the darker skin around the nipple to pucker and tighten. The sight was intensely erotic, almost as much as the sounds that escaped Evelyn when Cassandra leaned down and swept her tongue over the tightened flesh; pressing her own thighs together and groaning as she realized just how badly she wanted more. She looked up as the Inquisitor arched beneath her and shuddered as the piercing green eyes snapped back to hers, a ragged voice she hardly recognized whispered her name breaking the silence. The sight of this confident cocky woman pleading for her touch, writhing beneath her when she complied somehow seemed to increase the ache within and Cassandra dipped her head to taste the Inquisitor once more.
Evelyn gasped as the seeker captured her nipple once again, her eyes rolling back as the former Right Hand applied that slow suction once again. Her eyes drifted shut as that warm mouth alternated between breasts and tangled her fingers in the short onyx locks once more. She felt the brush of fingertips as they trailed over the flat planes of her stomach and shivered as they traced along the freshly healed scars; evidence of her latest bout of recklessness. Evelyn mourned the loss of that hesitant touch as those teasing fingertips left her skin; fleetingly wondering where they had gone before a gasp was torn from her throat as she felt Cassandra slowly unbuckling the leather belt at her waist. She stilled the motion as she sat up and dragged the seeker's lips back up to hers.
Strong muscled thighs pressed against the outside of her own as the warrior straddled her hips; strong hands cradling her face angling it upwards as the seeker captured her in another deep kiss. Electric shocks raced down her spine as stiffened tips brushed and pressed against her as teeth nibble lightly at her lips before the press and twirl of an agile tongue licked within her mouth. Evelyn let her hands slide down over generously curved hips to cup the defined muscles behind the seeker that never failed to draw her gaze when clad in the skintight leather that forever adorned the warrior. The responding gasp above her freed the rogue to employ her mouth in other ways and she took full advantage as she kissed her way down Cassandra's arched neck. She paused to taste the pulse that hammered beneath that dusky skin, teeth scraping as she suckled at the sensitive spot even as her fingertips curled inward from behind, teasing the damped smalls – the last barrier between her and the rest of her seeker.
"Evelyn."
Her name rang out above her and she raised her head to see Cassandra staring at her, chest rising and falling with every shallow pant. The normally light hazel eyes black with need and Evelyn reached behind her, slipping one of her many knives free of its sheath. Never breaking her gaze on the beautiful Navarran's face, the rogue slid the cold blade between heated flesh and soaked cloth; jerking upwards effortlessly parting the fabric. She tore the remaining material away with the blade and wrapped an arm around the seeker's waist as her free hand traced the quivering muscles on the inside of the warrior's right thigh.
Cassandra felt the breath hitch in her throat at the controlled violent way her undergarments had been eliminated and released a shuddering gasp as warm fingertips ghosted closer and closer to the now painful throb of need between her open thighs.
"Maker please..."
She flushed when she realized that she had never begged with Regalyan but he had never made her burn like this either. Cassandra shook her head to banish the unwanted thought, feeling the hand against her shift and jerked her hips as a single digit slowly slipped between her folds; teasing testing, dipping deeper with every slow stroke. It wasn't close to being enough… too shallow, too slow, and the seeker growled softly as she rolled her hips wordlessly signaling for more.
Evelyn leaned forward; her lips brushing feather light kisses along the edge of the seeker's slackened jaw, whispering achingly as she added another digit and pushed her thumb closer to the hidden bundle of nerves nestled in soaked flesh.
"You're mine."
Cassandra gasped as one became two and moaned as the rogue deftly parted her further, burying deeper inside with each stroke. She thought she heard that soft voice whisper something but Cassandra's mind could not make out the words as she arched towards the pleasure that spiraled ever upward. She leaned back, resting her weight on her hands as the Inquisitor's mouth lowered to claim the neglected peak of her breast and Cassandra rolled her hips as the fingers within her stiffened and curled upwards pressing and sending lights exploding behind closed eyelids.
Evelyn sucked the rigid flesh between her lips hard as the moans began to escape more freely from the warrior above her. Softly at first but spiraling higher as that toned body bucked towards her touch, riding her fingers - the pace increasing incrementally as release drew closer. She raised her head, wanting to see the moment in which Cassandra lost control. Evelyn tightened her grip around the warrior's waist tilting her further back as she drove deeper, twisting her curled fingers slightly as her thumb flicked upwards against the hardened nerve center. Once and then again; her third stroke breaking the coil of tension in the seeker and a deep shudder echoed through her as green eyes watched Cassandra come undone.
Cassandra arched her back crying out as wave after wave of pleasure rocketed through her body. She fell back against the bedroll faintly aware of the press of another body against hers as light kisses and soft words fanned over her shoulder, neck and face. It felt as though she were floating through a half wakened dream, her body barely aware of reality. Cassandra felt strong fingers lacing with hers, holding her hands captive to the ground as the light kisses from before began to travel lower searing every inch of her sweat dampened skin. She gasped as she felt the flick of a tongue circle her navel the fog of her release lifting as she raised her head to see the flash of that familiar crooked smile before the redhead dipped lower. Cassandra frowned slightly, no… surely not… not so soon after… Thought vanished as she felt warm breath against her inner thigh and she gasped as that same clever tongue danced between her folds and dragged upwards.
Evelyn smirked as the seeker's hips lifted sharply her hoarse cry echoing in the empty forge before settling into her task. She flicked her tongue deep and then shallow, alternating pressure and placement; her ears listening carefully for every catch in Cassandra's breath, every whimper every cry. Evelyn sought to draw the moment out as she shifted closer and closer to the rigid bundle of flesh her fingers had found. Every stroke of her tongue brought forth a new flood of wetness and she drank deep a taste she would burn into her memory for the nights when they would be unable to share in this. Evelyn felt the seeker's grip tighten in hers as the muscles pressing against the sides of her head quivered and shook. She moved higher – a part of her wanting to further draw out the tease until the proud warrior begged for release but the throbbing ache within reminded her that she had yet to address her own insistent need. She shelved the thought for another day and pressed the flat of her tongue against the seeker's clit before curling it upward; joining it with the same fingers as before.
Cassandra shook as each flick pushed her higher, each slow lick holding her on edge as deft fingers undulated deep inside. Her body jerked, back bowed as soft lips closed around that where attention was most needed and the gently applied suction sent her falling once more into that pulsating release as darkness clouded her vision and the lights behind her eyes exploded once more. She came to slowly as gentle hands caressed her slowly and a teasing voice penetrated the haze in her mind.
"Welcome back."
Cassandra felt her lips curve in an indulgent smile at the familiar arrogance and she turned to face the redheaded rogue as she leaned forward pressing her lips to the other woman's. She tasted herself on Evelyn's tongue as she quickly reversed their positions, flipping the slender woman on her back; her thigh insinuating itself between the slender muscled legs, chuckling softly as she registered that the rogue was still half dressed. She leaned back and let her fingertips dance over the trim waist to play with the ties of the Herald's breeches, enjoying the way the redhead stiffened and breathed her name softly. Cassandra bit her lip and stopped as a niggling self-doubt reasserted itself into her consciousness. She looked up into the bright gaze that regarded her with a mixture of need and curiosity.
"What is it?"
Cassandra released a shaky breath as the husky whisper sent a chill up her spine and shook her head as she leaned down and brushed her lips softly against the Inquisitors, hoping that the nervousness did not show in her voice.
"After being given so much, I feel it only fair to return the sentiment yet…" She paused and looked back into that hungry gaze. "I'm not sure how…"
Evelyn smiled slowly as she leaned forward gently pressing her lips against the raven haired woman; teasing her until the kiss naturally deepened. She pulled back, smiling a little at the small pout that shaped the seeker's lips and shook her head.
"We don't have to rush Cassandra… I won't deny that I want to feel your hands on me… I want whatever you are willing to give but I don't want to force things between us…"
Evelyn stopped as a single finger was pressed against her lips. She was surprised to see the determination sharpen the angular features and the stubborn scowl she knew all too well.
"No. I want to try."
Evelyn's eyes widened as soft lips pressed firmly to hers once more and gasped as calloused hands possessively cupped her breasts, thumbs slowly circling the sensitive skin as the warm press of the seeker's tongue pushed past her lips to tangle with her own. She felt herself pressed back against the bedroll and whimpered as the seeker bit down on her bottom lip, tugging it as this thumbs shifted flicking against the hardened peaks. Evelyn panted softly as Cassandra's mouth trailed lower - that accented voice whispering huskily in-between the scraping of teeth and the open mouth kisses that teased a burning path over the Inquisitor's flushed skin. She struggled to understand the broken mumble of the words, but her mind drew a blank as a hot mouth enveloped the stiffened peak of her nipple - the slow steady suction drawing a ragged moan from her parted lips. Her earlier need had not been completely forgotten and now raged like wildfire beneath her skin. Evelyn thrust her hand down between their bodies and jerked the laces of her pants free, desperate to rid herself from the last barrier between them.
Cassandra felt an iron grip circle her wrist and stiffened as her hand was brought lower to press between rough cloth and warm skin; against the impossible heat that swelled between the Inquisitor's thighs. Her eyes widened as her fingers registered soaked cloth, awed that one such as herself could have such a pronounced effect. Fascinated she looked up to see Evelyn's burning gaze watching her as the seeker slowly pushed aside the offending fabric and brushed her fingertips over dampened curls.
Evelyn gasped as her body pulsed hard beneath that first questioning touch. A low moan escaped her as a single fingertip pressed forward to trace between her folds. She could feel the tense muscles of her stomach clench as her thighs quivered and wondered briefly if it were possible for the Seeker to send her over the edge with so light a touch. Dark hazel eyes looked at her hesitantly, silently asking permission and Evelyn released the wrist she had been clenching and pressed the flat of her hand against the seeker's urging her forward.
Cassandra swallowed as the firm touch pressed her deeper. The clenching heat was familiar and yet it was so different from all the times the seeker had sought to break the tension within her own body. She withdrew slowly, gasping as the movement drew forth even more of that slick wetness and pushed in again, this time angling the drag of her retreat upwards to elicit another low moan from the rogue.
Evelyn could take the slow torture no more. She sat up her hips jerking in protest as the seeker slipped from inside her and yanked her breeches and smalls down and off her legs in a fluid motion; flinging them to the side as she yanked Cassandra towards her. Their lips meeting violently once more as Evelyn grabbed the seeker's wrist and pulled it towards the apex of her thighs her voice ragged as those fingers entered her with more surety.
"Maker yes."
Cassandra pressed two fingers deep and curled them up slightly; her mind casting about for all the ways she had always brought herself pleasure. It had not occurred to her till just now that such techniques would surely work on the woman beneath her and with that realization came a new confidence. A confidence that was quickly stoked by the breathless moans and whimpers escaping the rogue with every movement. Every thrust brought an arch to that slender frame and Cassandra inched her thumb higher, circling and seeking the sensitive ridge of nerves she knew was close by.
Evelyn shook as each touch of those long fingers pushed her closer and closer to that edge; the aggravating slow pace holding her there as she gasped and thrashed - wordlessly begging the former Right Hand for more; her mouth falling open as the warrior answered her plea; adding a third even as that teasing thumb found its mark. She fell back, her head turning from side to side as the pace slowed even further, fingers undulating within as Cassandra's thumb circled lightly around her throbbing center. Her hands twitched as she gripped the material of the bedroll beneath her, her breathing ragged as she raced towards the finish she had been denying herself for months. Time seemed to slow with each withdraw and speed forward with every advance until nothing else existed but that methodical motion driving her higher and higher as Evelyn clung to the sheets completely at the mercy of the seeker.
Cassandra studied the Inquisitor, utterly transfixed on the sight of the noble writhing beneath her touch as the seeker prolonged the inevitable. She leaned forward and slowly flicked the tip of her tongue across the abandoned peak of Evelyn's breast in time with the circle of her thumb. Repeating the process as the rogue's moans began to come faster, holding longer until the scrape of her teeth across that sensitive bud broke the Herald's tentative control. Cassandra gasped in surprise as her name echoed against the walls of the forge; velvet heat clenched tightly against her still moving fingers and liquid spilled forth from between her lover's thighs. Watching Evelyn come undone was more beautiful than anything Cassandra had yet witnessed and to know that she was the cause - that she could do this - made her heart swell with emotions she did not want to acknowledge yet could scarcely deny.
Evelyn groaned softly at the loss of the seeker as the warrior slowly slid her fingers free and was surprised to feel strong arms circle her gently as supple lips nuzzled her own. It was almost too hard to open her eyes but Evelyn managed, intending to offer up a witty remark on the seeker's surprising prowess but she stopped when she looked into the dark hazel eyes that stared back at her. It was a look that begged for affirmation, that shone with unspoken emotion as well as a desire to know that everything was all right. Evelyn opened her mouth and then closed it again as she cupped the seeker's cheek, gently tracing the distinctive scar.
"I love you."
Evelyn froze in surprise at the words and flushed as she realized that they had come from her. She had meant to say "amazing" or "thank you" not the three words that had beat into her skull with every throb of her body. She felt her cheeks burn and looked away - horrified by her actions. Evelyn could feel the stiffening of the warrior's body and felt a hand cupping her chin to force her eyes back in the very direction she did not wish them to go - but she acceded to that gently persuasion and found her lips covered in a slow sweet kiss that ended far sooner than she would have liked.
"Do you?"
The softness of the question was almost lost in humming fires of the forge below and Evelyn closed her eyes, cursing her lust addled brain as she breathed her response, knowing it was too late to go back now. Surely such a declaration would not scare such a passionate woman, not after all they had just shared. She raised her eyes in defiance of her previous statement daring the seeker to reject her. "Yes."
Cassandra shivered as that single word reverberated in her mind. She sat up slightly resting her weight on her arm as she lost herself in the intense green gaze, surprised when the silence was broken by that soft cultured voice once more.
"Say something, say anything… say I didn't just ruin it all by speaking so freely."
Cassandra shook her head and looked down as she caressed the Inquisitor's soft skin, watching her fingers trace random patterns across the paleness of Evelyn's abdomen before answering. "I would not give so freely of myself to someone I didn't care for." She watched as a hand covered her own and looked up as the Inquisitor prodded gently, "just care for?" Cassandra felt her lips curve into a slow smile as she leaned forward and pressed a tender kiss against the slightly frowning pink lips before whispering.
"In the end they will say one of two things about me. That I stood at the Inquisitor's side, her friend and lover. That it was meant to be." Evelyn found herself smiling back as her mind imagined how horrified her family would be when they found out she had taken a female lover so openly. She grinned, her tone flirtatious as she prodded the Navarran on. "Or?" Cassandra nodded, "or they will say that I was led from the path of faith by the wiles of a madwoman." Evelyn chuckled softly as she leaned forward letting her lips brush the seekers. She slid her fingertips over old scars and playfully whispered, "And what do you say?" Cassandra shivered as the soft touch of lips and wandering hands slowly began to reawaken the needs she'd thought had been sated. Ignoring the new tendrils of warmth spreading through her limbs she leveled the rogue with a serious look.
"I believe that you are the Herald of Andraste even though you yourself do not think so. I believe the Maker saved you for a reason that even you do not understand. Beyond this I know only that you are capable of anything and that knowledge frightens me." She paused as her lips were caught in a slow building kiss that ended all too soon as a husky voice intoned, "I cannot imagine you ever being frightened Cassandra." The warrior smiled, flushed by the compliment and threaded her hand through the silken red locks as she pulled the Inquisitor's lips against her neck, "Yet when I see you staring down the demons that pour through the rifts in the Fade it is so."
Evelyn nipped the soft skin beneath her lips and pulled back, ignoring the desire to continue. There was something that needed to be said before they sought another path to pleasure. She cupped the seeker's face and rubbed her thumb over her bottom lip. "I do not face them alone. I have you Cassandra."
She gasped softly, surprised when the warrior rose to her knees, looping a leg easily over her waist as her face was cupped in warm battle roughened hands. The press of their lips was hardly soft this time, all playfulness and teasing gone replaced by possessive need. Evelyn moaned into the dominating mouth and gently gripped the curve of the seeker's hips pulling their bodies closer, groaning when Cassandra pulled away, her voice harsh as she pushed the Evelyn's shoulders back against the floor.
"I will not let Corypheus win. I will not let him take you from me."
She arched into the hand that possessively claimed her breast as the seeker's lips moved in a deliberate path downwards. Evelyn gasped as Cassandra pressed her hips down, their cores brushing together momentarily as the seeker shifted lower, her mouth replacing were her hand had been. The hesitancy from before was gone and Evelyn felt her thighs nudged apart as the seeker shifted her position once more. She watched as onyx locks moved lower and whimpered as her stomach clenched - muscles quivering with every press of the warrior's lips. The Inquisitor bucked in surprise at she felt the warm flick of a tongue over her naval; tracing lower as a new ache throbbed to life making its presence known. Evelyn looked on in disbelief as strong hands pushed her thighs further apart, broad shoulders settling between them before a flash of dark eyes met her own.
"I love you too Evelyn."
The shock of the returned affection was short lived as the Inquisitor felt the first sweep of a bold tongue darting within. She fell back on the floor, eyes tightly shut, her body arching in pleasure as she let the seeker's actions reaffirm her words and take her towards the next peak.