The news of the Inquisitor's arrival in the courtyard spread swiftly among the inhabitants of Skyhold. Cullen had received word of the ambush on their return, and he found himself unable to bear even a moment longer without seeing her, without confirming that she was unharmed. His mind was clouded, everything else hazy in the turmoil of his thoughts.
And then, through the haze of worry, he saw her.
Ellana stood amidst her companions, her armor battered and bloodied, but her spirit unbroken. She was alive. The weight that had been pressing on his chest lifted, replaced with a surge of emotions that threatened to overwhelm him.
Without a second thought, Cullen hurried towards her, his steps quick and purposeful. As he reached her, he couldn't contain the swell of emotions that surged within him – relief, fear, and a deep, undeniable affection that he had been trying to deny for far too long.
Ellana turned to him, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of weariness and determination. "Cullen..."
He couldn't find the words to express the tumultuous storm of feelings within him. Instead, he pulled her into a fierce embrace, his arms wrapping around her as if he could shield her from all harm.
She stiffened for a moment, perhaps surprised by his intensity, but then she relaxed into his embrace, her own arms wrapping around him in return. Cullen buried his face in her hair, breathing in the scent of battle and survival, and he held her as if he'd never let go.
When they finally pulled back, their eyes met, and Cullen's heart swelled. The fear of losing her had unlocked something within him, something he had been suppressing for far too long. He took her hand, his grip firm yet gentle, and led her away from the crowd towards the familiar path that led to his quarters. The silent understanding between them needed no words.
The journey to his quarters was marked by the racing of their hearts, the unspoken connection that had grown between them. As they entered his quarters, the weight of their emotions hung in the air, the tension building until it could no longer be contained. Cullen's gaze held Ellanas, a mixture of yearning and vulnerability in his eyes.
And then, unable to resist the pull any longer, he closed the distance between them, his lips meeting hers in a kiss that conveyed all the emotions he had been holding back. It was a kiss filled with longing, relief, and the fervent passion that had simmered beneath the surface for too long.
As their lips met, the world around them faded into insignificance, leaving only the intensity of their shared emotions. Cullen's hands cupped her face, his touch both tender and passionate, and he poured all his feelings into that single, unforgettable kiss. It was a kiss that spoke of unspoken confessions, of desires laid bare, and of the promise of something deeper.
When they finally pulled away, their breaths were ragged, their foreheads resting against each other. Cullen's voice was a hoarse whisper, laden with emotion. "Ellana, I can't-".
She frowned at his words, "what do you mean Cullen?".
He took a deep breath, gathering his courage. "I can't lose you. I know our cause is vital, and I'm honored to serve as your commander. But, Ellena, can you see me as something more? Or is our banter just that—playful teasing?"
His vulnerability was palpable, and he met her gaze with a mixture of hope and apprehension. "I don't have grand promises to offer. But my heart, though quietly beating, belongs only to you. You've awakened something within me, something I never anticipated. I want to be more than your commander. I want to be someone you lean on, someone you trust. I want to be there for you, in every possible way."
She reached out, her fingers grazing his cheek in a tender touch. Her answer a soft, genuine smile that spoke volumes. "Cullen, you already are."
In that moment, Cullen's shyness seemed to melt away, replaced by an intensity that left no room for doubt. He cupped her face in his hands, his gaze locked onto her lips before meeting her eyes again. This kiss was a revelation—a melding of souls that spoke volumes more than any words ever could. The rain outside may have persisted, but within those four walls, a different kind of storm raged—a storm of passion, desire, and a love that had been quietly waiting for its chance to ignite.
As they broke the kiss, their foreheads touching, Cullen had transformed into a quiet confidence that held her captivated. No more words were needed.