"And what of this one?"
Cassandra relaxed against the warm body behind her and shivered at the soft caress that traced one of the longer scars across her abdomen. She furrowed her brow slightly as she struggled to remember just which skirmish had given her that particular token. There had been far too many of them over the years and some had been marred by additional injury; especially in the small places that were left vulnerable by the joints in her armor. The seeker let her eyes drift shut as the pleasant caress was repeated, smiling as her mind provided the answer to the teasing question, "Dragon claw."
Evelyn felt her lips twitch in response as she nuzzled the fine hairs at the back of the seeker's neck. It was easy to forget, in the aftermath of their first night together, that this woman was not only beautiful but deadly and had actually killed dragons. The Inquisitor couldn't resist the urge to tease the warrior and chuckled softly as she leaned forward to whisper in Cassandra ear.
"Do I finally get to hear the story of how you became the Hero of Orlais?"
She smiled at the grunt her words elicited and kissed a smooth warm cheek before nibbling at the sensitive lobe of the seeker's ear. "Just kidding."
Evelyn stole a glance towards one of the forge's few windows and felt her previous joy slowly begin to ebb away. Already the sky was lightening and outside she could her the din as the keep began to stir. It would only be a matter of time before the smiths reported to their morning duties below them. As the Inquisitor she was sure a few simple words would be more than enough to ensure that they were left uninterrupted but Evelyn doubted the action would be one Cassandra would approve of and so she resigned herself to enjoying what little alone time they had left. As if sensing her sadness, Evelyn felt Cassandra turn slightly in her arms and was surprised to feel the warm press of the seeker's lips to her own.
Cassandra let herself get lost in the taste of her new lover's lips, searing the feeling of them to memory. She would not delude herself into thinking that time alone together would be an often occurrence. There was far too much at stake for either of them to give in their wants and desires but for now, the seeker would take what she could and give as much as she dared.
Evelyn felt the low hum of want stirring with every stroke of Cassandra's tongue against her own and pulled away from the temptation to go further. Instead she pulled the seeker close and kissed the deep scar on her cheek, seeking to distract the warrior and herself with more questions.
"And was this from the same dragon?"
Cassandra shook her head; her earlier light mood sinking slowly as dark memories assailed her thoughts. She pulled away from the rogue's touch and gave a thin smile of assurance as she reached up to trace the jagged flesh.
"I'm afraid I cannot pinpoint exactly how I earned this one. There was too much confusion when the Sacred Temple exploded. Between the onslaught of demons and the shower of jagged rocks it would be hard to point the finger of blame at anyone besides myself."
She paused at the look of confusion that crossed the aristocratic features in front of her before ruefully continuing.
"I was... grieving and in a rage. I never felt the blow; indeed until Leliana pointed it out I was unaware I had even been injured. By that time what few mages we still had were needed for more serious endeavors than to protect my personal vanity. So I let it heal on its own, without the aid of magic. A testament if you will to my failure in allowing my anger to take control"
Cassandra frowned slightly as those soft fingertips traced the wound once more and shrugged away as she rolled to her feet to stretch her limbs. She cast a furtive look towards the redheaded leader; secretly pleased by the look of rapt attention her motions had drawn. Smiling slightly, she turned to dig through the pile of clothing that had been shed the night before. Cassandra heard the rustle of movement behind her and was unsurprised when warm hands curved over her hips yanking her back down to the bedroll. She let herself be overpowered and enjoyed the warm press of naked flesh against her own. The seeker barely heard the huskily groaned word "minx" escape the Inquisitor's mouth before feeling it crash against hers continuing the slow deep dance abandoned earlier as the sounds of the awakening keep masked the soft sighs and moans that spilled from both their lips.
Evelyn walked towards the War Room. She had made it back to her quarters just in time to change and receive this latest summons to attend council. She was having a hard time keeping the bounce from her step and the smile from her face every time her mind wandered backwards to the events over the last few hours. Evelyn paused as her journey took her across the battlements and looked down to see the seeker inside her familiar training circle, sword flashing in the sunlight as she brought it down against the three new recruits. She found herself leaning over to watch the smooth transition from form to form as the seeker instructed the fresh soldiers on basic maneuvers.
"Cassandra truly is a force to be reckoned with. I am glad she is on our side."
The deep voice startled Evelyn and she whipped her head around to see Cullen flashing a rare smile at her. Normally the warrior's face was taut with hidden pain and his serious demeanor rarely afforded the rest of the world a glimpse at his lighter side. Evelyn found herself smiling back. It was good to see the man smile again; the last time she had seen this had been when she'd interrupted a game of chess between him and Leliana – a game he, surprisingly, had won.
"Shall we walk together Inquisitor? I have a feeling our paths lie in the same direction."
Evelyn looked at the tall blond, hesitating for just a moment before nodding as she slipped an arm through his offered one. Her voice teasing as she questioned the rare display of chivalry.
"You seem to be in high spirits. Tell me, do you know why we have been summoned to the War Room? Has Corypheus seen the light of the Maker at last and surrendered in awe of our overwhelming power?"
Cullen chuckled at the sarcastic humor. He had not spent much time around the woman they had elected to lead their cause but he could appreciate her light hearted approach to the world shaking threats she faced from all sides. Despite all the tragedy she had undergone, she appeared to be unaffected by it and the sight of her smiling bolstered his spirits. He felt her eyes on him, her look questioning and he blushed when he realized he was staring. Clearing his throat he looked away and addressed her earlier inquiry.
"I know only that it has something to do with Winter Palace and concern over what happened at Suledin."
He paused and stole a look at the rogue beside him. Curious, he asked the question that had been on his mind since reading the short report they had received from Solas. "So what did happen at Suledin Inquisitor? It is unlike you to retreat from a battle."
Evelyn felt her lips tighten as annoyance washed over her at the speculation she was sure the council had over her actions. She wondered if they were more concerned with the idea that she had endangered the lives of her companions or that she had retreated and risked the cause's reputation. She pulled her arm away from the commander's and moved away from the previously welcome warmth of his side. Evelyn paused, deciding against her initial angry reaction, when she realized that they were in the corridor that led to the War Room and turned to fix the pale blond with a sharp look.
"I made a choice; one I will only explain once."
She did not wait for a response and grimaced as her entrance to the room was met with a combination of soft-spoken inquiry and high pitched worry – Josephine and Leliana both speaking at once. Evelyn heard the door shut quietly behind her and watched as Cullen moved over to take his place at the table; his eyes still showing a hint of concern and something else she wasn't sure she wanted to identify or deal with at the moment. She sighed as she listened to the spymaster read her the riot act about endangering the lives of those who served her; it was going to be a long morning indeed.
Cassandra tapped her fingers against the table of the tavern as she failed, once again, to adequately comprehend the last few sentences of the book she was trying to read. Her mind continued to wander and the words of the smutty literature failed in comparison to the very real passion she had experienced the night before. She had not seen Evelyn since the rogue had snuck from her rooms that morning. A veiled inquiry into her whereabouts had revealed that she was currently in a council meeting and had been all morning. Cassandra had taken a chance and left the redhead a note in her rooms to meet her at the Herald's Rest, but that had been hours ago and she'd yet to see any sign of her. Snorting in annoyance at the unwelcome flood of disappointment, the seeker drained the last dregs of ale in her mug and stood up; closing her book in disgust. She felt a whisper of movement behind her and stiffened as a gloved hand touched her own.
"I am guessing that patience is not one of your innumerable virtues seeker?"
Cassandra turned to see the flash of white teeth in the shadows of the 2nd floor and scowled at the increased beating of her heart that had nothing to do with surprise. Instead she moved her hand away and leaned back against one of the wooden posts, arms crossing, her voice neutral as she replied to the teasing remark. "Your supposition would be correct Inquisitor."
Evelyn grinned and stepped forward into the light, keeping her hood in place as her eyes raked slowly over the seeker's form. She had been watching Cassandra for a little while, although that had not been her intent when she climbed the stairs of the Herald's Rest. Her hooded cloak had ensured her anonymity in moving about the crowded tavern – an anonymity she was grateful for. After a long day of making plans, listening to arguments from her advisors and deciding upon the best course of action for Leliana's spies and Cullen's forces – Evelyn found herself peopled out. The only exception she was willing to make was for the woman in front of her. Slowly she reached out again and brushed her fingertips along the length of Cassandra's arm, her voice entreating softly.
"Let's take that walk along the battlements."
Cassandra quirked an eyebrow at the request; it was no warmer this evening than it had been weeks ago when she had first made that suggestion but her curiosity won over her desire to stay away from the freezing temperatures. She nodded once and moved away from the wooden pole, "I will get my cloak and meet you there."
Evelyn smiled and offered the seeker the vestment she had spoken of, noting the hint of annoyance that flashed across her sharp features. No doubt when they were away from prying ears Evelyn would get to hear the warrior's irritation at having her belongings gone through in her absence but for the moment the seeker seemed content to take the proffered cloak without further argument. The Inquisitor swung around to the other side of the stairs and moved upwards to the third floor where she had found another entrance to the battlements whist walking the keep's perimeter. She paused to listen for the heavy clunk of armored footsteps that indicated Cassandra was not far behind before continuing out into the blistering cold.
Cassandra grit her teeth as a blast of cold air slammed into her as she exited the warm tavern. Maker's breath it was freezing atop the keep! She wrapped pulled the cloak tighter and narrowed her eyes as she scanned the narrow battlements; noting the fresh footprints but seeing nothing else to indicate in which direction Evelyn had gone. The seeker seethed in exasperation, mentally cursing all rogue class warriors as she tracked the impetuous woman. Cassandra followed the footprints to one of the far corners of the keep that overlooked the Frostback Mountains and faced the rising moon. It was a corner she rarely visited in the daylight and this was the first time she had seen it awash in the light of the moon. The scene was breathtaking and for a moment Cassandra forgot her annoyance at what had appeared to be random senseless chase. She startled as she felt a gloved hand slip into her own and looked over to see the flushed face of her quarry.
"I thought you might appreciate the view." Evelyn paused and flashed the darker woman a sly grin before continuing with an exaggerated wink, "I know I do."
Cassandra rolled her eyes; knowing full well that the Inquisitor was not referring to the magnificent scene before them but her face warmed under the compliment and the earnest gaze that was being bestowed upon her. Choosing to ignore the praise the seeker stepped forward and leaned against the tall wall, fixing the rogue with a small smile.
"Surely this same view is the same from your balcony… is there a reason we are freezing out here instead of warm inside?"
The Inquisitor immediately shot the seeker a smirk and replied, "Is that your way of telling me that you'd rather we meet in my room this time?"
Evelyn chuckled softly as the seeker flashed her a glare and moved closer to the warrior as she tucked her hands into her pockets to keep from drawing the taller woman near. She had chosen to show Cassandra this view in hopes of allowing the two of them to talk without the temptation of warm lodgings and each other. The Inquisitor wanted nothing more than to take the Nevarran to her bed, a real bed this time and spend her time in ways last night's fog of lust had not allowed but her memory of the scathing words spoken before they had fallen into each other's arms had come back to her during the day long meeting and Evelyn felt more was needing to be said.
"I thought it a better place to hold a conversation than my warm private quarters."
The rogue felt her next breath hitch as the seeker's hands curved around her hips, drawing their bodies close as warm breath and lips caressed her cheek.
"Unless conversation is not what is wanted."
Evelyn shivered and not from the cold as that husked tone washed over her. She licked her lips, her stomach tightening as those same lips nibbled at the skin beneath her ear. She exhaled slowly and breathed, "And what is it that is wanted in conversation's stead?"
Cassandra crossed her arms behind the rogue's waist, surprised to feel the whispers of laughter tickling the back of her throat. From that first glance in the tavern the seeker had felt a sharp pang with the realization that she had missed her friend and the softest touch of the Herald's hand had reminded her of the sleep she had lost but certainly not missed. Cassandra felt her temperature rising slowly as she raised her head and tasted the Inquisitor once more; breaking the contact to whisper an answer to the last question spoke.
"Just you."
Evelyn slowly slid the tip of her tongue over the scarred skin of the seeker's abdomen, lightly tracing the defined muscles beneath. Her lips curved in a slow smile as she felt them unconsciously twitching beneath her touch. The Inquisitor watched as the warrior leaned her head back, skin glowing in the firelight. She loved the way Cassandra glowed after making love; the way her entire body seemed to relax and stretch lithely beneath her own. The taste of that dusky skin was intoxicating. They had barely made it to her quarters before tearing into one another and scattered throughout her chambers were pieces of armor, leather and under garments. Evelyn had not expected such enthusiasm from the normally introverted warrior but she reveled in it. She lowered her mouth, dragging her teeth from the firm abs to the jutting bone of the seeker's hip, shivering as a soft groan broke the silence.
Cassandra fixed the rogue with a hooded gaze and watched as the talented mouth teased lower down her body, refusing to shifts its attention to soothe the ache its wandering had reawakened. Another low sweep of that warm tongue brought the seeker sitting up with a growl as she rolled the younger woman onto her back, pinning her with both her body and her stare.
"It's not nice to tease."
Evelyn smiled at the growled words and leaned her head up to nip at the mocking frown that adorned the seeker's face. She grinned as her head was pressed back down under the fierce assault of her lover's kiss and arched her body under the calloused palms that slid down her torso to cup her breasts. She wriggled impatiently as the pressure from Cassandra's lips lightened and those same hands teased circle around the taut peaks that ached for more. She grinned and brought her knee up to tap against the warrior's rear.
"Now who is teasing?"
Cassandra scoffed and rolled to her side, surprised when Evelyn followed her to rest her head on her shoulder. The seeker felt her lips quirk as she circled her arm protectively around the rogue, holding her close. She could feel the tendrils of exhaustion creeping into her limbs as she surveyed how low the moon hung in the night sky. Neither of them had slept in two days, buoyed by a fire between them that had yet to go out. The inferno of need had abated though and she found it nice to lie beside the other woman and just simply be.
"The Winter Ball is next week."
The sentence surprised her and Cassandra turned to look at the woman in her arms. She frowned as her mind rebelled at the thought of being forced to attend yet another meaningless Orlesian ball. She'd had to attend more than her fair share over the years as the Right Hand. It was always the same; meandering noblemen pretending to fawn over "Lady Pentaghast" all the while talking behind their hands on her uniform (she refused to wear a gown) and how she had escaped a good marriage. Cassandra grimaced as she thought of the event and turned to face the Inquisitor, enjoying the luxury of a large bed to do so.
"Is this something you are looking forward to?"
Evelyn shook her head and sighed, "No. I have never cared for the "Game" but every argument I have presented against our attendance has been pushed aside by the fact that Celene's life is in danger and we can ill afford to lose Orlais to confusion of purpose and civil war." She caught the upturned eyebrow the seeker shot her and shrugged, "Leliana's words not mine, obviously."
Cassandra considered the statement and nodded. She could hear the spymaster's logic in the argument but it did little to soothe her dislike for having to appear at the event. Why they couldn't just tell Celene that her life was in danger was beyond her. She studied the rogue, her lips twitching in amusement as her mind provided an image of the naked woman wrapped in Orlesian silk and adorned with an equally over the top mask.
"So what sort of Orlesian attire are they having you wear? I am sure Josephine and Leliana enjoyed torturing you with the dress fitting."
Evelyn found herself chuckling at the wry tone the question was delivered in. She drew the seeker closer and nuzzled the warm flesh of her neck before answering. "As it turns out I look far better wrapped in Nevarran that I ever did with anything from Orlais," she paused and smirked as she watched the tell tale flush color the seeker's cheeks. "But for the purpose of the ball we are all going in dress uniforms, including our dear ambassador and spymaster."
Cassandra frowned. She had a hard time imagining either Josephine or Leliana attending a ball in nothing but the finest fashion. She flashed the smirking Herald of Andraste a puzzled look before investigating the previous statement further.
"And they actually agreed to this?"
Evelyn nodded and wriggled closer to the warmth of her seeker as the chill of the night began settle over the room. "For the better part of the month we have been arguing that point into the ground. I refused to be dressed up and paraded around the palace and since Josephine wants us all to match she had little recourse but to design a "military uniform" for everyone. She did get back at me with one minor detail though. The uniform is red and is going to clash horribly with my hair."
Evelyn paused and let her eyes skim over the woman in her arms before grinning slowly. "You, on the other hand, are going to look incredible and I, for one, am going to be horribly jealous if anyone else dares to look your way."
She punctuated her words by bringing the seeker's hand to her lips to kiss the back lightly. Laughing when Cassandra rolled her eyes and tugged her hand away, trying not to look as pleased as she obviously was.
"I fear you should prepare for the worst then. This isn't the first ball I've been forced to attend and even full armor does not dissuade the fools who wish to vie for my hand."
The Inquisitor grimaced at the mental image of the seeker surrounded by suitors; an image made worse by her imagining said suitors dancing with the seeker across the ballroom floor. She frowned at the thought and tightened her grip on the warrior's side.
"Then I suppose I should ask you to save me a dance now before your card is full."
Cassandra shook her head as she stifled a yawn. "I don't dance."
Evelyn studied the angular face in the dying hearth light, her head tilting to the side as she contemplated the statement. "Surely you had to endure those lessons as well?" When the seeker failed to respond, Evelyn found herself smiling as she continued. "You don't know how to do you?"
Cassandra snorted and glared at the younger woman. "I know how to dance. I simply choose not to."
The Inquisitor grinned at the chance to further bait the seeker, something she was coming to enjoy more and more as they spent time together. "Prove it then. Dance with me at the ball."
Cassandra frowned, her imagination running wild as she envisioned how ridiculous two women in military dress would look dancing amidst a sea of gowns that symbolized a wasteful society built on pettiness and greed. She scowled and tilted her chin up as she rejected the idea.
"No. Our presence has been requested there in an effort to save the Empress and solidify support for our most worthy cause - not to provide the world a good laugh at our expense."
Evelyn felt her temper flare and she pulled away from the warm circle of Cassandra's arms to look askance at the seeker. "And what is so funny about the idea of you and I dancing?"
Cassandra bristled at the tone and fired back. "You don't think the idea of two women dancing in military uniforms would draw unwanted attention?"
The inquisitor scoffed, "Not in Orlais."
The seeker conceded the truth of the statement but refused to back down. She turned on her side to glare at the rogue. "That may be true but it does not change the fact that I will not be dancing; not with you, not with anybody."
The redhead growled in her throat at the hardheadedness her idea had been met with. She huffed, "Are all seeker's this stubborn?"
Cassandra chuckled softly as she shrugged. "Only the very best," she replied smoothly and dared to tug the smaller woman closer. "Now can we try to sleep?"
Evelyn pouted childishly and let herself be drawn into the seeker's warm embrace. They could continue this conversation at a later time.