Chapter Twelve

By the Fire

Cullen woke to a heavy knocking. He cracked his eyes open, surprised to see that the room was dimly lit, stars still peeking through the hole in the roof.

How early is it? Cullen wondered as he dragged himself up and pushed the covers back. He glanced down; Valina stirred beside him but did not wake. He brushed strands of dark hair from her forehead and she snuggled further into the covers with a sigh.

The knocking began again in earnest, drawing Cullen out of his thoughts. His legs were unsteady as he placed his feet on the cold floorboards and he stumbled toward the end of the bed. He dragged on a pair of pants, shaking sleep from his mind.

'I'm coming,' he called as he approached the ladder, his voice harsh. When he reached the floor of his office he cleared his throat, scrubbing his hands over his face to try and wipe the remnants of sleep from his eyes.

Cullen opened the door and Josephine stifled her surprised gasp. The crockery on the tray she carried shuddered and tea nearly spilt from the teapot, threatening to soak the letter folded beside it.

'Oh, Commander, I am sorry,' she said, glancing sideways, apparently caught off guard by his state of undress, though a smile did light her lips, 'I did not mean to wake you.'

'No need to apologise,' he said hurriedly, 'but, may I ask why you're knocking on my quarters so early?' He glanced outside. 'The sun isn't even up yet.'

'I received a letter from a concerned businessman in Sahrnia.'

'And?' Cullen asked, rubbing his face again, unable to mask his tired frustration.

'He is an old acquaintance of the Voclain family, and a very wealthy man with access to mining resources, among other things. Amira contacted him about allying with the Inquisition. He has agreed to do so… on one condition.'

Another entitled Orlesian noble who thinks to make the Inquisition their personal army for a few resources. Does no one realise that we're fighting a war?

Cullen sighed. 'And what is his condition?'

'He requested we investigate a particularly organised group of bandits who have been stirring up tension in the region.'

'Send out a scout then.'

'We have, Commander.'

'And?'

'We have not heard back from them. Leliana is concerned; they should have returned two days ago.'

'That is concerning,' Cullen admitted, 'Sahrina is not far from here, and the weather has been calm. They can't have been delayed so long without significant cause. A day, at most would be reasonable.'

'It may be nothing,' Josephine said, 'but the Inquisitor is not due to return for two days. Perhaps you and Valina could investigate in the meantime?' She offered him the tray, the teapot steaming temptingly. 'As soon as possible. This morning, even.'

Cullen stifled his sigh, accepting the tray. 'Have horses and provisions prepared. We'll be down as soon as possible.'

'Of course, Commander,' Josephine said, dragging her eyes away from him again as she turned on her heel. Cullen closed the door behind himself, juggling the tray with one hand. He placed the tray on the small service elevator that Amira had designed for them after insisting there was no better place to have a morning cup of tea than in bed. Cullen could not argue with her as he climbed to the loft level. He untied the rope from the wall, hoisting the tray up, the pulley squeaking softly.

Valina stirred in the bed, propping herself up on her elbow. 'Is that tea I smell, Amatus?' she asked, voice husky with sleep.

Cullen smiled as he collected the tray. 'It is, my love.'

She frowned as he walked towards her. 'Why are you wearing pants?' she asked, 'I thought I declared this a no clothes zone.'

Cullen laughed. 'I didn't want to answer the door naked,' he said as he sat on the bed, placing the tray carefully on the soft surface, 'Josephine may not have appreciated it, either.'

Valina reached eagerly for a cup. 'Oh, she would have, she's just a decent enough person that she would pretend not to enjoy the view.'

Cullen glanced sideways at her, and Valina winked. He too reached for a cup, warmth radiating through the crockery. He leant back against the bedhead, the heat of the tea quickly spreading through him after a few sips.

'So, what did Josie want, if not to ogle you?'

Cullen glanced at her again and she traced the tip of her tongue along the edge of the teacup. His eyes lingered on her for a moment before he absently picked up the letter, passing it to her. 'It appears we have a mission.'

Valina arched a dark eyebrow. 'I thought I would be training soldiers for the foreseeable future?'

Cullen shrugged. 'Apparently, this is more pressing.'

Valina looked at the cracked wax seal. 'Marquis D'or,' she said, noting the crest, 'mother said she had contacted him.'

'You know him?' Cullen asked, watching as she opened the letter one-handed, refusing to relinquish her cup even as she shuffled closer so they could both read the missive.

'Yes, though I'm not sure I would even number him among my acquaintances. I have met him in person a number of times, but it's been many years since I last saw him,' she said her attention turning to the letter.

Dear Inquisitor,

I was delighted to hear from Marquise Voclain recently. At her request, I am willing to commit my vast resources to the Inquisition. Unfortunately, I have some pressing matters to attend to which currently permit my full commitment to your honourable cause.

Sahrina is being besieged by bandits. At first, I thought them the usual sort, taking advantage of the chaos that the sky rifts are causing, but now I am not so sure. I have sent out some of my personal guards to investigate their fortress, a decrepit and long abandoned estate a few miles from my own, but none have returned. I hoped that, when your scouts arrived, the matter would be swiftly dealt with. Alas, they too appear to have been captured or killed by these ruffians.

Please send your finest men to investigate this matter. Once it is resolved and Sahrina is safe again I will be at your beck and call.

Yours,

Marquis Benet D'or.

Cullen glanced up from the letter. 'I hope Josephine isn't sending us into another trap.'

'At least this time we will know,' Valina said, 'it may have been many years since I last saw him, but I have good recall for faces.'

'When did you meet him?'

'When I was fourteen. He was in his early twenties then. I was quite enamoured,' she admitted, 'I think if our age difference hadn't been so great, my parents would have considered him as a potential suitor. Combining our families certainly would have made for us a formidable trade power, if not unstoppable. Not that it would have worked out, what with me being a rogue and a mercenary.'

Cullen bristled at the idea of this unknown man as a suitor, but as quickly as jealousy surged through him he squashed the irrational idea, reminding himself that Valina sat naked beside him.

Absolutely ravishing, and completely mine.

'I suppose we best deal with it quickly, then,' Cullen said, placing his tea cup on the tray and preparing to rise from the bed.

Slender fingers gripped his wrist tightly.

'You, Ser Rutherford, won't be going anywhere just yet,' Valina said, 'if I am to spend the day travelling, I'll need more than a cup of tea to wake me up. I'm sure Master Dennet will need more time to prepare the horses. Another hour, surely…'

Duty tugged at Cullen's mind, but the wicked glint in her eyes scattered his thoughts.

Just a little longer, he thought, allowing Valina to draw him back to the bed.

The sun had barely risen when Amira rushed down the stairs from her quarters, hiking her dress higher to avoid tripping. A small crowd had gathered at the main gate. Amira strained higher, standing on her toes to see above the heads, catching sight of glossy, dark hair. She dashed forward, grasping Valina's wrist before her daughter could mount the massive horse.

'Valina, I'm so glad I caught you,' Amira said, a little breathless as she gathered Valina's hands in her own. She folded the small package in her daughter's palm.

'What is this?' Valina asked.

'The piece you asked me to craft.'

Valina glanced down. She unfolded the protective cloth eagerly, a smile lighting her lips when she laid her eyes upon the contents. She threw her arms around Amira, whispering her thanks.

When Amira managed to extract herself from her daughter's tight embrace, she picked up the leather cord and quickly tied it around Valina's neck. Valina tucked the necklace beneath her shirt.

'Thank you,' Valina said, 'I'm sorry I didn't let you know we're leaving. We were only told this morning.'

'Where are you going?'

'Sahrina, to see Marquis D'or.'

'He replied to my letter?'

'Yes, but there's a problem in the region that he wants the Inquisition to investigate first before he commits resources to us.'

Amira arched a delicate auburn eyebrow. 'Problem?'

'Bandits. Nothing serious. We won't be long.'

'Why do you have to go?'

Valina sighed, though she was not surprised by her mother's concern. 'Scouts were sent to investigate, but they haven't returned. They were due back days ago. Josie and Leliana are worried, and rightly so. It's not ideal, but without the Inquisitor here, it's better that Cullen and I go, just in case. They don't want to send inexperienced soldiers if there is a real threat. I certainly wouldn't.'

Amira pulled Valina into a tight hug. 'Be safe.'

Valina hugged back. 'I will.'

'Oh!' Amira said, drawing back from the embrace to reach into the small pouch tied at her waist, 'I have a surprise for you.'

She unfolded the cloth, revealing a beautiful, intricately carved serpentstone pin engraved with a raven; the tip entwined with dragon bone, making a sharp but strong point. She lifted the pin from her hand, attaching it to Valina's coat. 'Another good luck charm,' she said with a smile, 'I trust that you can take care of yourself, but you can't blame a mother for worrying.'

Valina hugged her mother a final time then turned to mount her horse. 'I'll be back in a few days,' she said.

Amira smiled up at her daughter. 'I know.'

Valina paused, searching for words. 'I'm not ready to see him, but tell dad...'

'I will.'

Valina nodded. She glanced back to check that Cullen was ready, then coaxed her horse into a slow walk toward the gates.

As Cullen rode forward, Amira caught his gaze. He thought she would threaten him, as she had at the Voclain estate, but when her icy blue eyes met his, he found a softer request.

Stay safe.

He was used to reading the words in his sister's letters, but to see it in Amira's eyes – the eyes of his love's mother – hammered the message home. He gave a low nod, a silent promise to keep Valina safe and to allow her to keep him safe in return.

Sahrina Region

Orlais

Valina and Cullen made the most of their early start, riding through the day. They stopped for breaks every few hours to rest the horses and stretch. When they reached the outskirts of Sharina, night was falling fast. They made camp concealed inside a quiet cave with a high ceiling, far away enough from the town that no one would accidentally stumble upon their supplies.

Although Cullen was not keen on the idea of sleeping in the enclosed space – they had a tent, after all, which he could leave open ended and reach out to touch the grass – but Valina pointed at the dark clouds thundering rolling in over the mountains and coaxed him inside. He was relieved to find it much larger than he had envisioned. There was even room to tie the horses off in the large mouth of the cave, keeping them out of the storm.

Cullen set up a bed and fed the horses while Valina left to gather firewood. As she felled a few smaller trees, she glanced up at the darkening sky, watching as the clouds rolled closer. She worked quickly, calling on Cullen to help her carry the wood undercover before the approaching rain arrived.

Together they prepared the nug Valina had hunted towards the end of their journey, setting it to roast above the fire. While it roasted, Cullen stripped his armour and Valina traded her custom coat for the warmth of a fur-lined cloak.

Valina glanced to the entrance of the cave as the first droplets of rain sounded on the stone. It came in light drops at first, splashing sweetly over leaves, but soon a storm clashed above the mountains. Outside the cave, torrents of water flowed down the surrounding rocks but the outward slope of the cave entrance protected the camp from being inundated.

Valina placed both of the stew pots under the downpour. 'At least we won't have to go hunting for water,' she said, returning to the fire. She paused beside it, turning the roasting nug-meat on the spit. Satisfied, she wrapped the cloak around herself, snuggling into the warm fur.

Cullen grasped her hips, dragging her down onto the mat with a gasp. He pulled her back tight against his chest, his arms wrapping around her waist. She leant back into his embrace, enjoying the comfort she found in his arms, his head resting on her shoulder, his stubbled cheek grazing across her cheek before he placed a soft kiss on her skin.

The wind roared outside but, beside the fire, they were warm.

Valina turned, half facing Cullen, her knees resting on his leg. 'I have something to show you,' she said, pulling the sides of the cloak apart. She glanced up, seeing gold flare in his gaze. She made a show of unlacing the top of her tunic, revealing the soft swell of her breasts, but she paused, earning a frustrated intake of breath from her eager commander. She hooked the fine leather cord with her finger, drawing the necklace from beneath her shirt. She held it before Cullen.

He took the token in his hand, his gloved thumb rubbing absently over the familiar coin. 'Is that…?' A delicate silverite frame surrounded the edge, holding it in place without damaging the token. He met her gaze. 'How?'

Valina smiled as he placed it back in her hand. 'Mother made it for me,' she said as she traced her finger over the emblem fondly, 'I was terrified I would lose it. I thought there was no better place to wear it than close to my heart.'

Cullen stared down at her, emotions swirling in his tawny eyes. The sound of the fire crackling beside them the storm that raged outside seemed mute as he held her gaze, the serpentstone sparking in the flickering light. He cupped her face in his hand, drawing her to his lips. His kiss that morning had been full of fire, claiming her body with every delightful nip and caress; now it was tender, and the warmth of his love filled her soul.

He pressed his forehead to hers. 'Thank you,' he whispered.

'For what?'

'For keeping it safe,' he said, a smile dancing on his lips.

She placed a soft kiss on his nose. 'I love you, too.'

Valina pulled away reluctantly, only long enough to take the roasted meat off the fire. She laid the meat out on sturdy camp ware and took a small loaf of bread from their pack of provisions.

She passed Cullen one of the plates then joined him on the mat again, automatically arching her legs over his, allowing her to be closer to him. They ate together, enjoying the warmth of their company, and when they had finished their meal Cullen retrieved one of the pots from the rain, putting it over the fire to boil.

The smell of sweet tea filled the cave as it steeped.

Valina clutched her cup tightly, drinking deeply of the strong tea, enjoying the smooth earthy flavours.

'It's been so long since I've enjoyed such good tea, I travelled so much before I attended the ball in Val Royeaux. I had only just got home when Leliana's scout started heavy-breathing at me,' she said, inhaling deeply over her mug, 'I admit that if I had not stayed in the Inquisition for you, I certainly would have stayed for the vast selection of tea.'

'I thought you were bored?'

'I was,' she said with a shrug, 'if the Inquisition hadn't searched for me, I'd probably be off hunting down a bounty, or doing some other predictable job.'

'You've done a lot of that while in the Inquisition.'

'And much more,' she said, glancing up with a mischievous smile, 'and, as I said, I did in part join because of you.'

'Even after all that has happened, I struggle to believe that.'

Valina sighed, a little frustrated at his self-depreciating tone. 'Cullen, I won't lie; no matter what happened at the ball, I would certainly have tried to seduce you, but you have to understand something.'

'I'm listening.'

She met Cullen's gaze, seeing nothing but sincerity within the tawny depths. How do I say this? she wondered, probing her mind for the right words.

'As soon as I started to… develop… suitors from families all over Orlais and Ferelden were attempting to court me, despite the relative obscurity we lived in. Mother and Father even met with a noble from the Free Marches. People were fascinated with my family because of my parents' marriage and the scandal it caused, and, as the sole child born from their marriage, I bore a great deal of the near fanatical interest people seemed to have about our lives.'

'That can't have been easy.'

'Not particularly, but I am nothing if not headstrong, thanks to my mother. But it wasn't just curiosity that drew the suitors. My family had been known for its wealth for generations, so there was a heavy expectation that my hand would also entail a significant inheritance. I said earlier that my parents didn't consider Marquis D'or as a potential suitor because of our age difference, and while that is true, I didn't tell you the whole story,' she admitted.

'You can tell me anything, Valina,' Cullen prompted as he wrapped his arm around her waist, 'just as I can tell you.'

Valina sighed. 'The reality is that my parents had to turn Marquis D'or down on multiple occasions leading up to my eighteenth birthday. Even after that, he was persistent. As much as my parents wanted me to marry someone appropriate, as does any parent, they also wanted that choice to be mine. After all the hostility they dealt with from my grandfather, they never wanted me to feel pressured to accept the proposal of someone I did not love,' she said, glancing up at him, 'and although I found Benet handsome, I was young and eager to use the skills I had learned, and not particularly impressed with his proclamations of affection considering I had at that point spent not more than a few hours in his presence. So, I left. I certainly had some fulfilling relationships and friendships when I didn't use my last name, but I still drew attention. You don't see a lot of Tevinter blood wandering around in Ferelden these days, you know?'

'Dorian has mentioned that, though he is a mage, so he does draw a little more attention.'

'Trust me, the tan and the dark hair draws enough on its own, especially around drunks,' Valina said with a wry smile, 'I'm not bragging when I say you're one of only a few people who I've been interested in that didn't throw themselves at me, even though I could tell that you found me attractive when you approached me in the ballroom–'

'I wanted to learn more about your moti–'

'Nice try handsome, but I do have to remind you that you're an open book to me, and I've heard Leliana and Josie's versions; they paint a very different picture.'

Cullen glanced down, twisting his fingers in the fabric of her tunic. 'I can hardly be blamed for wanting to dance with you. You are the most beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on.'

Valina cupped his cheek, a bright smile on her lips. 'And you are the most handsome man I've had the fortune of meeting, especially when you blush,' she said, 'but even though you were attracted to me, and I to you, deeper down I could see a curiosity within you. You wanted to know me. That has been a rare experience for me. People always have an agenda, and among mercenaries, that's usually to take a prize fuck, to steal something, or to kill. There isn't really a middle ground.'

'I think I know what you mean, to some degree at least,' he said, glancing away sheepishly, one hand rubbing at the back of his neck, 'the sheer number of letters Josephine has been fielding since the ball asking if I'm… available. I never thought of myself as a prize before. I still don't, despite the letters…'

'Clearly, I haven't corrupted you enough yet, Amatus. You are still so innocent.'

'I hardly think–'

'I don't call you 'handsome' lightly. People are captivated by you, Cullen. You walk with a predatory grace that makes knees weak and hearts stammer. I've seen more than one server in the Herald's Rest nearly walk into a post or trip over a chair because she can't draw her eyes away from you, and then there's Dorian, Malakar and Iron Bull–'

Cullen clenched his jaw if only to prevent it from falling off at the words. 'You can't be serious.'

'Think of mabaris salivating over a juicy piece of meat, and you'll know what Dorian and Malakar looked like when you chopped some wood shirtless at camp on our return trip from my estate. As for Bull, he's suggested more than once that we should have a threesome, but I'm not too keen on sharing you.'

His ears turned red at the words. 'Maker's breath…'

Valina smiled mischievously. 'It's exhausting, isn't it?'

His blush deepened. 'Indeed it is.'

Valina placed her empty cup on the ground beside her, turning to face Cullen fully. 'You know well that I'm not shy in any respect, and I've always been honest with you about the partners I have taken...'

'You have,' he prompted, sensing she wanted to say more.

'I chose them specifically because they did not expect me to tell them my full name, nor did they expect more than an exchange of pleasure, but when I met you... for the first time I could have a meaningful conversation with someone who knows who I am without underlying tension, without eyes constantly undressing me, without them expecting me to conform to their expectations. This has unfortunately been especially true of men. Every conversation I have had with a man that I even vaguely considered as potential suitors became a battle of wills. They wanted to own me. I cannot even count on my hands the number who insisted that, if I was to become their wife, I would never pick up a blade again, or dirty the beautiful dresses they promised me.' She sneered. 'As if I were a kept pet.'

'They didn't care about what you wanted?'

'No. To be honest, I expected the same from you. I thought you would never want to hear about my life, but you wanted to hear the stories, wanted to hear about even the most boring jobs.'

'Why wouldn't I? Your adventures have shaped you into the woman you are now.'

She smiled at him, but a sadness tinged her eyes. 'Not many nobles, especially Orlesian nobles, want a woman with violence in her past, and they especially don't want a woman with spirit.'

Cullen grasped her waist, drawing her onto her knees so that he could take her into his embrace. 'They have no idea what they're missing out on,' he growled, gold flecks in his gaze as he lowered his lips to her neck, 'the things you have shown me, the strength I have found in your embrace…'

'I am glad that they did not want to see who I truly am, Amatus,' she said, fingers entwining in the soft waves of his hair, 'every moment I spent with you in those early weeks at Skyhold, I enjoyed. I enjoy your friendship. I know I was forward with you, Cullen, and I'm sorry that I made you uncomfortable. My behaviour was just as bad as some of the men I have dealt with, but I really did appreciate your friendship most of all and–'

Cullen placed a finger on her lips, her eyes going wide at the gesture.

'You don't have to apologise, Valina. As much as I may not have shown it, I did enjoy your advances.' He glanced down, his blush returning as he remembered the moments they shared, the tension that hummed between them as they flirted. 'I was just... I should have known better, but I didn't think you would accept me if you knew about the lyrium. It's why it took me so long to admit...' His thumb traced her cheek softly. 'Maker's breath, I fell hard for you.'

Valina held his hand against her cheek, leaning into his touch. 'And I you.'

She placed her hand on his chest, coaxing Cullen to lay back on the mat. She settled beside him, the fur-lined cloak spreading over them as she rose onto her elbow, claiming his lips, her kiss lingering. He wrapped her tight in his arms and she lay her head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

As much as he wanted to make love to her in that moment, they were both exhausted after the long day of travel. He held her tight against his side, revelling in the warmth of her embrace as he listened to her sing softly in Tevene, her voice echoing in the cave until sleep claimed her.

Cullen carefully reached for the blankets above his head, careful not to disturb her. He unclasped the cloak, letting it fall freely over them, then draped the blankets over the top. The fire crackled softly beside them, the embers burning down to ash, sending shadows dancing around the room. He brushed a few stray strands of hair from her cheek, and she snuggled closer to his side.

In a cave, on a thin mat that was little better than the stone beneath them, with the storm billowing outside, Cullen decided that there was no better place to be.