Alistair

Alistair had waited with the Inquisitor as the party started getting into full swing. He had been searching the hall for Lainey, but no sign of her. That is until Ambassador Montilyet brought her over. Lainey looked stunning, her hair slightly curled, crystal tassel earrings dangling above her shoulders, a dark blue one shoulder dress with a lighter blue hem and an elegant filigree embroidered design along the fabric. The dress was slit up the sides, coming just to her mid thighs. He couldn't help but take in the image of her dainty, toned legs peeking out from under her dress with each step she took. He even noticed that she wore a pair of simple dark blue heels to match, a very accentuating color against her tanned skin. Her makeup was soft and subtle with a silver eye shadow and a soft gloss on her lips that deepened their natural color. He felt his cheeks burn just from looking at her.

He didn't even mind that she was on Cullen's arm at all. He knew that they were best friends and knew there was nothing between them. When Cullen suggested Lainey and he share a dance, his heart began to race.

"Alistair, would you like to join me for a dance?"

He simply nodded and offered her his arm, letting her lead him to the dance floor. As they took the stances for the dance, Lainey looked up at him and blushed. "You look rather handsome tonight, Alistair."

Alistair smiled and found his words. "You look exquisite tonight, yourself, Lainey."

They danced around in circles, falling into step with each other. A few songs played, then Lainey looked up at him. "I have your answer." She said.

Alistair felt hopeful and searched her eyes. "And?"

"My answer is yes."

Alistair couldn't help but smile. "You will?"

She nodded.

"That's wonderful! Have you told the others?"

"Cullen knows, so I suspect he'll tell Eddie and the others."

Alistair couldn't help but smile. "You don't know how much this means to me, Lainey. I am truly grateful you agreed."

Lainey giggled. "It's my pleasure, Alistair. Besides, it does give us more time together, does it not?"

Alistair nodded. "Indeed it does."

Alistair and Lainey danced through the whole night, then took a walk like they had the first night they met. As they walked and enjoyed the silence outside and the cool summer breeze, Alistair led Lainey to what had become both of their favourite spot and stopped. "Lainey, I know what the Inquisition means to you. Will you be alright leaving them here?"

Lainey looked at him, offering him a warm smile. "I was worried, to be honest, but Cullen talked with me a bit before we joined the party and he assured me they would be fine without me."

"You and Cullen are really close."

"He's my best friend. He's always been there for me, always protected me. Even when I attacked him the first time I had ever met him, not once did he draw his sword. He only used his Templar techniques to restrain me and protect me from Cassandra and the others."

Alistair chuckled. "He is quite the remarkable man. I'm almost jealous of him."

"Why would you be jealous, Alistair?"

Alistair looked down at her. Her brilliant blue eyes sparkled in the moonlight. He took a deep breath and decided to do something he had wanted to for awhile. Leaning down, he pressed his lips gently to hers. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her in closer. When he pulled back, Lainey was so flustered her tanned skin looked like roasted rosehips. He smiled, feeling a blush at his own cheeks. "That's why. You intrigue me, Lainey. You're so extraordinary. I want to get to know you better than I have these last few weeks. That's part of why I asked you to come back with me. I want to spend more time with you, I want to play a bigger part in your life. But only if you'll let me."

Lainey just stared up at him, her fingers touching her lips. For a moment, he thought he had screwed everything up. He had really grown to care for Lainey in the few weeks he had been in Skyhold and he wanted to have more time with her. She was unlike any other woman he had ever met.

"Maker, I'm sorry, Lainey. I am being too presumptuous. I will take my leave for tonight."

He started to turn away after giving her a small bow, feeling embarrassed, until Lainey grabbed his hand and pulled him back toward her. She touched his cheek with her hand and leaned up to return his kiss.

"Alistair, you are never the presumptuous type." She said when she pulled back. "I've come to really care for you. That's part of what made me agree to your request." She offered him a smile. "You don't need to leave just because you show your feelings." She kissed him again and rested her forehead against his. "I rather like a man who isn't afraid to show what he feels or express what he thinks. It's part of your charm."

Alistair watched as she stepped back and bowed.

"I should go get my things ready for the journey to Denerim. I will see you in the morning."

Alistair smiled as she clasped her hands in front of her like she always does when she's flustered or embarrassed. She had a slight skip to her step and seeing that made him chuckle. 'Maker, Eamon and Teagan will have a field day when we return...'